FOKTHE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY /VT^^f^^^ ~^t^ c2^<.c:^^^^i tirSj-Ou^rr I Plate I. The Topography of a Bird. From RidgAvay's Nomenclature of Colors, 1886. MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE A List of all the Bird Species knoun to occur in the State together ivith an outline of their Classification and an account of the Life History of Each Species, ivith special reference to its Relation to Agriculture. With Seventy Fxill-page Plates and One Hundred and Fifty-two Text Figures 50 V<. BY WALTER BRADFORD BARROWS, S. B. Professor of Zoology and Physiology and Curator of the General Museum SPECIAL BULLETIN OF THE ^ ' DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE .MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE PL^BLISHED BY THE MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 1912 Jr LANSING, MICHIGAN WYNKOOP HALLENBECK CRAWFORD COMPANY STATE PRINTERS, 1912 PREFACE. The last general work on Michigan birds was prepared by Professor A. J. Cook and published in 1893 as Bulletin 94 of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. It professed to be little more than a list of the birds of the state, with some indication of distribution and abundance, but without descriptions of plumage and with only occasional reference to habits. Limited as was its scope it was a welcome contribution to our bird literature, and since the supply was exhausted, in 1900, requests for another bulletin have been received in ever increasing numbers. The present work has been prepared in response to a demand not only for an authoritative list of Michigan birds but for such additional infor- mation about each species as would be useful and interesting. Perhaps it is too much to hope that this demand will be fully satisfied by the present volume, but an examination of its pages will show that an attempt has been made to give the main facts in the Ufe histor}- of each bird found in the state, although in many cases the material has been so abundant that much was necessarily omitted, and the remainder closely condensed. The primary aim has been to put this information in such form as to make it readily intelligible to the average citizen; not too technical to be readily understood by the layman, nor so elementary as to suggest the nature- study primer. With the hope that the book might appeal to the student and teacher, as well as to the nature lover and general reader, careful descriptions of all species have been incorporated and artificial keys are provided so that any person with a freshly killed bird, or a prepared specimen in hand, may be able to trace it out and "classify" it just as some of us learned to name flowers in the days when such work was beUeved to be a necessary part of any course in botany. iVIost of these keys have been tested for several years with college classes, and while far from perfect they wdll be found "workable" in most cases. They differ from other similar keys in the greater use made of measure- ments, and the lesser dependence placed on mere color, which varies greatly in some species with age, season and sex. Those interested in the use of these keys will find suggestions and explanations on pages 12 to 20 of the introduction. It seemed eminently proper in a book of this kind, originating in, and pubUshed by, an Agricultural College, that special attention should be given to those species which directly affect the farmer's interests, which help in the struggle against insect enemies, or which at certain times and places may themselves levy tribute on his orchards and fields. Xo one section of the book has been given up to this subject but the facts have been stated in connection with the life history of each species treated, and the relative prominence given to the matter in any case thus serves as a rough iv PREFACE. indication of the amount of good and harm to be charged to the account of each bird. The great importance of wild birds to the agriculturist may be readily conceded. Nevertheless it seems very desirable, at this time, that we should recognize the fact that all the wild things of our country, birds, mammals, insects, plants, have a right to protection, preservation, recogni- tion, entirely independent of their economic status, us'ng that worcl to indicate merely the amount of good or harm in dollars and cents which can be attributed to them. The fox, the crow, the kingfisher, the muskrat, may or may not, in the long run, be "more beneficial than harmful," yet each in its own way has a scientific, an ipsthetic, a human value, which cannot be estimated in dollars and cents and which should forever protect him from extreme persecution, and above all from final extinction. Aside from the slips and errors which are inevitable in such a book, and for which the writer hopes but does not expect forgiveness, two points might seem to call for apology; first, the absence of colored plates, and second, the great length of some of the biographies. In explanation of the first defect it is perhaps sufficient to say that it is not the writer's fault, but merely a necessary economy. Such colored plates as can be obtained cheaply are lamentably poor, and the preparation of new and really good portraits, either from mounted specimens or from good paintings, involves an expense Avhich at present is prohibitive. The writer alone is responsible for the length of biographies, such as those of the Passenger Pigeon, the Crow, certain hawks, blackbirds, wood- peckers, thrushes, etc The main excuse lies in the economic importance of these species which seems to warrant somewhat extended discussion, especially in the case of those which directly affect the farmei' and fruit grower. And this perhaps may be still further justified by the fact that for the past twenty-five years the writer has been a constant student of the complex relations of birds, insects and crops, and was for many years employed as a speciaHst in charge of such investigations under the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Work was begun upon the present volume about ten years ago, but the constant pressure of college duties, increasing heavily from year to year, made it impossible to give much time to the matter during the academic year. Only those who have actually undertaken a similar task as a side issue of regular professional work can appreciate the labor in- volved, or understand the delays, disappointments and vexations ex- perienced. The entire work was typewritten for publication in 1907, but owing to circumstances beyond the writer's control its printing was not authorized until the autumn of 1911. In the meantime it was largely rewritten, and brought up to date. A comparison with Professor Cook's bulletin (second edition, 1893) will show that his list contained 336 species or subspecies as against 326 in the present work. This does not mean, however, that but ten species have been dropped from the list. The present state list lacks thirty birds included by Professor Cook, but contains twenty birds which that bulletin did not mention. The following lists enumerate the subtractions and additions respectively. The number in parentheses preceding each name is the serial number borne by that species in the list as published. The species which were included in Cook's Birds of Michigan (1893), but are not retained in the present list are: PREFACE. (1) Western Grebe (73) (6) Black-throated Loon (74) (8) Puffin (84) (9) Ancient Murrelet (87) (10) Black Guillemot (89) (11) Murre (112) (12) Razor-billed Auk (132) (21) Laughing Gull (158) (25) Gull-billed Tern (175) (31) Roseate Tern (182) (33) Sooty Tern (229) (35) Anhinga (244) (36) Common Cormorant (253) (60) Harlecjuin Duck (256) (68) Greater Snow Goose (292) White-cheeked Goose Cackling Goose Louisiana Heron Yellow Crowned Night Heron Little Brown Crane Curlew Sandpiper Belted Piping Plover GjTfalcon Carolina Parocjuet American Three-toed Woodpecker Smith's Longspur Oregon Junco Varied Bimting; Nonpareil Simimer Tanager Yellow-throated Warbler. The reasons for excluding the above forms are given in detail in the Hypothetical List (Appendix 2), pages 736-757. In addition it should be noted that the bird formerly listed as Traill's Flycatcher is now recognized as a distinct subspecies, the Alder Fly- catcher; the smaller Michigan Shrike is considered a new subspecies, the Migrant Shrike; while the Northern Parula Warbler instead of the typical Parula Warbler, is the form found here. The species in the present list of the birds of the state which were not included in Professor Cook's list of 1893 are: Northern Hairy Woodpecker Say's Phoebe Hoyt's Horned Lark Thick-billed Redwing Greenland Redpoll Hoary Redpoll LeConte's Sparrow Harris' Sparrow Grinnell's Waterthrush Carolina Chickadee The hypothetical list, forming Appendix 2 of the present volume, con- tains sixty-two additional species which at one time or another have been attributed to Michigan but about which there is more or less doubt. Probably the larger part of them have never occurred in the state, and never will occur. Some of the others, however, doubtless will be found sooner or later, either as regular visitors in small numbers and to restricted areas, or possibly in larger numbers at long intervals. Almost any eastern American species may occur accidentally, and the same may be said of western forms wdiich have a wide range in migration. Even European species may appear at long intervals, not simply such as have been im- ported purposely, and have escaped from captivity, but birds which nest in the far north of Europe or Asia, and have strayed to Greenland, Iceland or Alaska and been swept southward with the great tide of autumnal migrants. Interesting as such occurrences are to the student of geograph- ical distribution, the small number of individual birds concerned gives the matter little or no economic importance. In the preparation of the following pages published material has been drawn upon freely whenever it seemed advisable, but special effort has also been made to get new and unpublished information, and in all cases it has been the intention to eive full credit for matter so obtained. At (6) Brunnich's Murre (165) (9) Parasitic Jaeger (180) (26) Gannet (189) (29) Brown Pelican (199) (36) European Widgeon (211) (67) W^ood Ibis (212) (70) Cory's Bittern (224) (74) Little Blue Heron (227) (83) Purple Gallinule (288) (123) Canada Ruffed Grouse (314) vi PREFACE. one time or another the writer has visited five of Upper Peninsula counties, and all but seven or eight of those in the Lower Peninsula, making personal notes of the birds observed in the field and searching out local collections and local authorities, in order to get every scrap of information obtainable. All the public museums of the state, most of the college museums, and scores of private collections have been visited and critically inspected, and it has been possible in this way to eliminate a number of "records" based on specimens which had been wrongly identified, and also to secure much additional evidence as to the distribution of rare or little known birds. Every possible assistance has been given by owners and custodians of such collections, and in some cases the records of years have been searched in order to furnish the information asked. Only the hearty cooperation of the ornithologists and bird lovers of the state has made it possible to collect the material for the present volume, and I desire to acknowledge with sincere gratitude the unselfish help thus received from scientists, teachers, students and citizens generally through- out the commonwealth. A list of contributors will be found in Appendix 6, which probably includes most of those who have furnished lists, records, •dates, specimens, pictures, cuts, notes, observations, addres.ses, etc., but in gathering notes through so many years it is inevitable, though most regrettable, that some names should be overlooked. While it may seem unfair to discriminate among these generous con- tributors, it nevertheless is simple justice to mention a few to whom special recognition is due. One of the foremost of these was the late Dr. Morris Gibbs, of Kalamazoo, a valued friend and correspondent from 1894 until his death in 1908. Though physically debarred from field work for the last twenty years of his life, he was to the end a constant student of bird- life, always enthusiastic in everything which stimulated popular interest in his favorite science. Dr. Gibbs generously placed at my disposition all his early field records and manuscript notes, many of them of special value as relating largely to collections of birds and eggs obtained from him by the college before my connection with the institution, and forming part of the Agricultural College collection. I am also deeply indebted to almost every former member of the Mich- igan Ornithological Club, among whom may be mentioned in particular Norman A. Wood, B. H. Swales, P. A. Taverner, L. Whitnev Watkins, A. B. Covert, J. Claire Wood, Newell A. Eddy. E. E. Brewster,^ Percy Selous (deceased), Jerome Trombley, O. B. Warren, Dr. Robert H. Wolcott, Dr. W. H. Dunham, Dr. Leon J. Cole. Thomas L. Hankinson, and many others. To Mr. P. A. Taverner I am indebted not only for hundreds of field notes on Michigan birds, but for the original drawings or actual elec- trotypes from which thirteen of the full page plates and fifty-eight of the text figures have been made, the latter including almost all the detail drawings of heads, bills, wings, feet and tails used in the keys and else- where. The plates and figures of nests are mainly from the beautiful photographs made b}- Thos. L. Hankinson, while a student at the Agri- cultural College, years ago. ^ly associate. Professor J. J. Mj'ers of the Zoological Department, patiently photographed numberless museum specimens, from which nine plates and twenty-one text figures were selected, besides rendering efficient aid in many other ways. Other plates and figures were kindly furnished by the Division of Biological Survey of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, the National Committee of Audubon Societies, Bird_Lorc, and the owners, authors and pulilishers of several PREFACE. vii standard ornithological works, especially D. Appleton & Co., Dana Estes & Co., Little Brown & Co., Houghton, Mifflin & Co., and a few others, credit being given for each illustration as used. Special mention should be made of Plate I (Frontispiece), the Topography of a Bird, from Ridg- way's Nomenclature of Colors (1886), by special permission of the author, and of Plate 70, the Hermit Thrush, presented by the artist, Mr. W. F. Jackson, of ]\Iayfield, Michigan. I am under special obligation to Dr. Robert Ridgway and Dr. C. W. Richmond of the U. S. National Museum, and to Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Dr. A. K. Fisher, Dr. T. S. Palmer, H. W. Henshaw, and other members of the Bureau of Biological Survey of the U. S. Department of Agri- culture, for the examination of specimens, the verification of references, and many critical notes and suggestions. In addition, the Biological Survey kindly allowed the use of all its migration schedules from Mich- igan observers, together with the reports of lighthouse keepers at all Mich- igan lights. The artificial ke^'s, already alluded to, are mainh' original, at least in their present form, but in constructing them use has been made of similar keys in various publications, particularly Ridgway's Manual, Coues' Ke}', and Chapman's Handbook. The technical clescriptions also are original for the most part, having been written with specimens in hand, but of course after comparison with the best published descriptions available. In the case of a species not properly represented in our own collections the description given by Ridgway has usually been copied verbatim (between quotation marks), or, in a few instances the original describer has been quoted in the same way. The measurements given in the technical descriptions are usualh* from Ridgway's Manual of North American Birds (1887), and the same is true for the measurements of eggs. Dr. Ridgway's permission to do this is greatfully acknowledged. CONTENTS. Pages Preface iii Table of Contents ; ix List of Illustrations xi Introduction 1-31 Artificial Key to Larger Groups 33-34 Life Histories of Michigan Birds, Part 1, Water Birds 3.5-219 Order I. Pygopodes (Grebes, Loons, etc.) 35-47 Order II. Longipennes (Gulls and Terns) 47-64 Order IV. Steganopodes (Cormorants, Pelicans, etc.) 65-70 Order V. Anseres (Ducks, Geese, Swans) 70-123 Order VH. Herodiones (Herons, Bitterns, etc.) 124-147 Order VIII. Paludicolte (Cranes and Rails) 148-164 Order IX. Limicolse (Snipe, Plover, etc.) 165-219 Life Histories of Michigan Birds, Part 2, Land Birds 220-729 Order X. Gallinaj (Grouse, Quail, etc.) 220-237 Order XI. Columba; (Doves, Pigeons) 238-253 Order XII. Raptores (Hawks, Owls, etc.) 254-334 Order XIV. Coccyges (Cuckoos and Kingfishers) 337-344 Order XV. Pici (Woodpeckers) 345-372 Order XVI. Macrochires (Swifts, Hummingbirds, etc.) 373-388 Order XVII. Passeres (19 families, including Flycatchers, Orioles, Finches, Sparrows, Swallows, Vireos, Wood-warblers, Wrens, Creepers, Thrushes, etc.) 389-729 Appendix 1. Additions and Corrections 733-735 Appendix 2. Hypothetical List— Doubtful Species 736-757 Appendix 3. Bibliography. List of Works relating to Michigan Birds 758-776 Appendix 4. Glossary of Technical Terms 777-783 Appendix 5. Outline of Classification of North American Birds 784-786 Appendix 6. List of Contributors 787-791 Index 793 ILLUSTRATIONS. PLATES. I. Topography of a bird (Robin) Frontispiece II. Brunnich's Murre g- III. Lesser Bluebill ■ ^^ IV. Lesser Snow Goose ^29 V. Bittern 131 VI. Bittern, nest and eggs j3-r VII. Great Blue Heron, head ^ -y VIII. Sora Rail 172 IX. Woodcock on nest ■jv::^, s' 197 X. Bartramian Sandpiper (I pland Plover) .^^^ XL Spotted Sandpiper ; • 205 XII. Hudsonian Curlew oji XIII. Golden Plover, fall plumage %^^ XIV. Prairie Chicken, nest 033 XV. Passenger Pigeon, male :;^3 XVI. Passenger Pigeon, female ••■•■■• ^-IS XVII. Passenler Pi|eon and Mourning Dove, to show relative size -g XVIII. Sharp-shinned Hawk, adult --.^ XIX. Red-tailed Hawk, adult %~^ XX. Red-shouldered Hawk, adult -^q XXI. Broad-winged Hawk, young -g_ XXII. Golden Eagle ,•;••; 993 XXIII. Sparrow Hawk, male and female -^^ XXIV. Short-eared Owl 3Qy XXV. Barred Owl 3II XXVI. Great Gray Owl 3 1 - XXVII. Richardson's Owl 3iy XXVIII. Acadian Owl o.^l XXIX. Screech Owl 395 XXX. Great Horned Owl, adult o^y XXXI. Great Horned Owl, young gg^ XXXII. Yellow-billed Cuckoo '.^--. XXXIII. Black-backed Tliree-toed ^A oodpecker ^^J XXXIV. Sapsucker 357 XXXV. Sapsucker • ogj XXXVI. Pileated AVoodpecker; Log-cock ^^g XXXVIl. Flicker, male 375 XXXVIII. Whip-poor-will. 379 XXXIX. Xighthawk 3§3 XL. Chimney Swift .••••.••, 1 385 XLI. Ruby-throated Hummingbird on nest ^^^ XLII. Kingbird 43I XLIII. Bobolink, male and female ^^^ XLIV. Cowbird, male ^4- XLV. Meadowlark 4-7 XLVI. Bronzed Grackle ^gg XLVII. Vesper Sparrow 49- XLVIII. Henslow's Sparrow -q1 XLIX. White-crowned Sparrow -q^ L. Chipping Sparrow --fg LI. Song and Swamp Sparrow i ILLUSTRATIONS. Page LI I. Song Sparrow, nest anil eggs 519 LIII. Chewink T 527 LIV. Kose-l)i('asted Gro-sbeak. male in spring 533 LV. Barn Swallow 547 LVI. Migrant Shrike 562 LVII. Re.l-eve.l \'ireo 567 LVIII. Cai)e .\lay ^^'arbler, male 593 LIX. Yellow Warbler, male 595 LX. Myrtle Warbler, male 600 LXI. Kirtland's Warbler 619 LXII. Maryland Yellowthroat, male 639 LXIII. Yellow-breasted Chat 643 LXIV. Titlark 654 LXV. Brown Thrasher 663 LXVI. Brown Thrasher, nest 665 LXVII. White-breasted Nuthatch 685 LXVIII. Red-breasted Nuthatch 689 LXIX. Wood Thrush 709 LXX. Hermit Thrush 719 FIGURES. Page 1. Pied-billed Grebe 38 2. Pied-billed Grebe, nest 40 3. Pied-billed Grebe, foot 35, 39 4. Loon 41 5. Brunnich's Murre, foot 43 6. Herring Gull, foot 53 7. Arctic Tern, head 62 8. Double-crested Cormorant, head 67 9. Double-crested Cormorant, foot 67 10. Red-breasted Merganser, head 75 11. Hooded Merganser, head 76 12. Mallard 77 13. Mallard, wing 78 14. Mallard, bill 71 15. Mallard, foot 71 16. Gadwall 80 17. Baldpate. head 82 18. Pintail, male 87 19. Wood Duck 88 20. Wood Duck, head 89 21. Red-head, foot 72 22. Ring-necked Duck 97 23. Whistler, head 98 24. Barrow's Goldeneye, head 100 25. Bufflehead, head 101 26. Old Squaw 102 27. White-winged Scoter, head 107 28. Surf Scoter, head 108 29. Ruddy Duck 109 30. Canada Goose, head 117 31. Glcssv Ibis 125 32. Least Bittern 133 33. Cory's Bittern 135 34. Le.sser Egret 141 35. Green Heron 144 36. Green Heron, head 124, 144 37. Green Heron, foot 124, 145 38. Green Heron, nest 146 39. Sandhill Crane 149 40. Sandhill Crane, head 151 41. King Rail, foot 153 42. Virginia Rail 154 ILLUSTRATIONS. xiii Page 43. Yellow Rail 159 44. Florida Gallinule 162 45. Florida Gallinule, nest and eggs 163 46. Coot, nest and eggs 164 47. Wilson's Phalarope, foot 167 48. Woodcock on nest 175 49. Woodcock, primaries 171, 177 50. Woodcock, nest and eggs 176 51. Wilson's Snipe 178 52. Wilson's Snipe, wing from below 179 53. Grass Snipe . . '. ". 183 54. Yellowlegs, leg and foot 192 55. Solitary Sandj^iper 194 56. Golden Plover, foot 210 57. Killdeer 213 58. Ring-necked Plover, head 215 59. Turnstone 218 60. Quail, head of male 221 61. Ruffed Grouse, foot 220 62. Ruffed Grouse, foot in summer and winter 226 63. Prairie Chicken, head 230 64. Mourning Dove, bill 34, 252 65. Mournine; Dove, head 252 66. Mourning Dove, tail 253 67. Turkey Buzzard, head of adult 255 68. Turkey Buzzard, young 256 69. Marsh Hawk, nest and eggs 262 70. Cooper's Hawk 267 71. Cooper's Hawk, leg and foot 257, 268 72. Red-tailed Hawk, bill 258, 273 73. Red-shouldered Hawk, wing-tip 258 74. Golden Eagle, foot 284 75. Sparrow Hawk, bill ^ 259, 292 76. Osprey; Fish Hawk 295 77. Barn Owl, head 298 78. Barn Owl, yoimg 299 79. Long-eared Owl, voung 302 80. Great Gray Owl, head 313 81. Screech Owl, young 323 82. Snowy Owl, foot 332 83. Hawk Owl 333 84. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, outer tail feathers 337 85. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, nest 339 86. Black-billed Cuckoo, tail from below 340 87. Kingfisher, head and breast 342 88. Kingfisher, foot 342 89. Downy Woodpecker 348 90. Red-headed Woodpecker, foot 364 91 . Rod-hellied Woodpecker, head 366 92. Chinniev Swift, tail 373, 381 93. Kingbird, hill 389, 395 94. Great Crested Flycatcher, tail 396 95. Least Flycatcher 406 96. Prairie Ilorned Lark, head 390, 408 97. Prairie Horned Lark, foot 390, 409 98. Bluejay, head 413 99. Raven and Crow, heads 417 100. Red-winged Blackbird, atlult male 440 lOL Red-winged Blackbird, young 441 102. Red-winiTcd Blackbird, foot 390, 439 103. Red-winged Blackbird, tail 442 104. Meailowlark, wing 443 105. Baltimore Oriole 450 106. Baltimore Oriole, liill 391, 451 107. Rusty Blackl)ird, head 453 xiv ILLUSTRATIONS. Page 108. Riistv Blackbird, wing 390, 454 109. Bronzed Grackle, foot 455 110. Eveninc: Grosbeak 464 111. Red Crossbill, bill 389, 470 112. Redpoll 475 113. Goldfinch 477 114. English Sparrow, male 480 1 15. Lark Sparrow, head 499 116. Junco; Snowbird 513 117. Song Sparrow, head and breast 517 118. Fox Sparrow 524 119. Fox Sparrow 525 120. Chewink, bill 120 121. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, female, head and body 532 122. Scarlet Tanager, bill 390, 540 123. Purple Martin, tail 390, 542 124. Barn Swallow, tail 546 125. Tree Swallow 550 126. Tree Swallow, head 550 127. Bank Swallow, tail 551 128. Cedar-bird 556 129. Cedar-bird, head and bill 389, 558 130. Migrant Shrike, bill 389, 563 131. Migrant Shrike, tail 564 132. Red-eyed Vireo, head 389, 565 133. Red-eyed Vireo on nest 566 134. Solitary Vireo, head 573 135. Black and White Warbler, head 579 136. Magnolia Warbler, head and breast 605 137. Chestnut-sided Warbler, head 608 138. Bay-breasted Warbler, head 138 139. Black-throated Green Warbler, head 617 140. Prairie Warbler, head 626 141. Ovenbird 141 142. Ovenbird and Redstart, bills 143. Redstart 652 144. Catbird 658 145. Brown Thrasher, primaries 391, 661 146. House W>en 672 147. White-breasted Nuthatch, primaries 390 148. Tufted Titmouse, head 693 149. Hudsonian Chickadee 699 150. Golden-crowned Kinglet, head 702 151. Hermit Thrush, primaries 391, 718 152. Hermit Thrush and Bluebird, bills 722 INTRODUCTION. TOPOGRAPHY. The State of Michigan, properly speaking, Hes between 82^ and 90^ degrees west longitude and 41° 45' and 47° 25' north latitude. Isle Royal in Lake Superior, however, belonging to Keweenaw County, extends northward consideraljly beyond the 48th parallel. The state thus measures about 430 miles from north to south and 390 miles from east to west, and its area is about 57,480 square miles, of which the Lower Peninsula contains about 41,000 and the Upper Peninsula 16,000 miles. Geographically, Michigan is one of the most interesting states in the union for bird study, stretching from the southern prairies to the great evergreen forests of the north, and touching as it does all the Great Lakes except Ontario, with a coast line on these lakes exceeding sixteen hundred miles. It includes almost every variety of surface found in the eastern United States, with the exception of salt marshes and lofty mountains. The average elevation of the entire state is 840 feet above sea level, that of the Lower Peninsula 854 feet, slightly exceeding the average, its highest point being just south of Cadillac in Osceola County, where the land reaches 1,710 feet. Eighty-four per cent of the Lower Peninsula, however, is below one thousand feet and all but a small fraction of one per cent of the remainder is between one thousand and fifteen hundred feet, all of which lies north of 44 degrees. The highest point in the Upper Penin- sula, Mt. Whitney in the so-called Porcupine Mountains of Ontonagon County, is 2,023 feet. When it is remembered that the surface of Lake Erie is 572 feet above sea level, Lake JNlichigan 581 feet, and Lake Superior 602 feet, it will be seen that most of the state is of very moderate relief. As already stated, however, this surface is greatly diversified. There are hundreds of miles of sandy beaches and pebbly shores, often associated with some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Along the shore of Lake Superior picturesque sandstone cliffs rise hundreds of feet sheer from the ice-cold water. Great marshes are found here and there; thousands of lakes are scattered among the ]:)roa(l savannas of the south and the wooded wilder- nesses of the north, and a dozen goodly rivers and innumerable smaller streams gather the abundant rainfall and carry it sooner or later to the Great Lakes. CLIMATE. Many years ago Alexander Winchell wrote as follows of the climate of Michigan: "The sinuosities of the several isothermal lines will demonstrate at a glance the peculiar character of the climate of Michigan and the fact that both in summer and winter, it is better adapted to the interests of agriculture and horticulture, and probably also to the comfort and licalth of its citizens, than the climate of any other northwestern state. The marked peculiarity of the chmate of Michigan in these respects is attributable to the influence 2 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. of the great lakes by which the state is nearly surrounded. It has long been known that considerable bodies of water exert a local influence in modifying climate and especially in averting frosts, but it has never been suspected that Lake IMichigan, for instance, impresses upon the climatic character of a broad region an influence truly comparable with that exerted by the great ocean." Some years later in an important article on the plant life of the state,* we find the following statement probably written by Erwin F. Smith: "The climate of the Lower Peninsula is not as severe as that of the Upper, nor so even, but is subject to frequent, sudden, and extreme changes of temperature — as great a variation during the winter season as 53° Fahr. in less than 24 hours having been recorded. Such rapid changes more or less affect vegetation, especially the tender branches of cultivated trees, which are sometimes seriously injured. In one or two instances a like effect on our forest trees has been noticed. The annual range of temperature is about 116°, and the annual mean 46°. Of rainfall, including what falls in form of snow, we have, yearly, about thirty inches. Our snowfall is much less, for the same latitude, than that of New York and England. In the center of the peninsula, we seldom have more than a few inches at a time." DISTRIBUTION OF PLANT LIFE. The general distribution of plant life in the state thirty or forty years ago can hardly be better described than in the words of the authors already quoted, C. F. Wheeler and Erwin F. Smith.* It should be remembered that at that date the lumbering interests of Michigan had recently passed their maximum of development, but there were still immense areas of noble pine forests left. "The proximity of the Great Lakes exerts a marked influence in equalizing the temperature, and the effects are marked upon our flora. "Trees like Liriodendron Tulipifera (tulip tree), Asimina triloba (paw- paw), Cercis Canadensis (red-bud), Gleditschia triacanthos (honey locust), Cornus florida (flowering clogwood), Nyssa multiflora (sour gum), and Morus rubra (mulberry), which belong to Ohio and Central Illinois, have crept northward, favored by the mild influence of the lake winds, through the central and western part of the Lower Peninsula, often beyond the middle, and the same is true of smaller and less noticeable plants. "As might be expected from the uniform surface of the peninsula, the flora is much alike throughout. Probably three-fourths of our species are common to all sections, though by no means equally distributed ; some being very abundant in one district and rare in another at no great distance. In most cases such change is due to soil rather than to difference in elevation, temperature, or atmospheric moisture. "The Lower Peninsula is covered with a deep drift of alternating sands, clays, and gravels, and the flora of any section depends chiefly on which of these happens to lie uppermost. With reference to its flora, the peninsula may roughly be divided into two great divisions— the hardwood and the softwood lands; one representing the Appalachian flora, and the other the Canadian. "The hardwood country lies south of latitude 43°, and consists of very fertile sand, clay, or loam, mostly cleared of the original forest, and largely cultivated. Wheeler and Smith, Michiean Flora, An. Rep. (Mich.) State Hort. Soc., 1880, pp. 428 et. seq. INTRODUCTION. 3 "The sandy or stony drift of many river valleys in this section supports a heavy growth of oak, frequently interspersed with walnut and hickory, while the margins of the streams, and the neighboring swamps, aliound in soft maples, swamp and chestnut oak, white and black ash, elm, hackberry, sycamore, butternut, and similar trees. Willows, dogwoods, viburnums, and buttonbush, are common shrubs in the swamps; and hazel, hawthorn, wild cherry and plum, June berry, witch-hazel, etc., are abundant on the dryer ground. "On the uplands, and away from streams, clay, loam, and a pecuhar black muck soil supersede the sands and gravels of the valleys. The prevailing timber here is beech and maple and oak forest in about equal proportions. Beech and maple generally grow together, forming magnificent forests of great extent. The best wheat farms are usually found on uplands, near streams, where the oak timber gradually shades into beech and maple. Plains of fertile sand covered with a low or scattering growth of oak (oak openings) are frequent, and always very desirable for farming purposes. "Marshes densely covered with tamarack are common in this part of the state, and nourish in their thick shade such plants as Drosera rotundifolia, Sarracenia purpurea, Rhus venenata, Ribes rubrum, Chiogenes hispidula, Salix Candida, Smilacina trifolia, Pogonia ophioglossoides and Calopogon pulchellus. Arbor- vitae, red cedar and black spruce are comparatively rare. "A similar tract of soil and timber occurs in the upper end of the peninsula, north of a line drawn from Thunder Bay west to the head of Grand Traverse Bay. This is commonly known as the 'Traverse Region,' and' has a" flora much hke that we have just described, with the exception that some of the southern species disappear, and northern ones begin to take their place, or if found growing further south, here first become frequent. Deep forests of hemlock and yellow birch (B. lutea) mixed with a fine, tall growth of striped maple (A. Pennsylvanicum) are frequent, having underneath a tangled growth of Taxus baccata, var. Canadensis, and under all a carpet of Lycopodium annotinum. Alternating with these are sandy plains covered with a dense growth of Vacciniums, yielding a great abundance of fruit. Sugar maples and basswood are also abundant in this region, and reach an immense size. In fact, it would be difficult to find finer groves of maple in any part of the state. "The pine country proper lies between the two tracts we have described, and embraces about 15,000 square miles. It is composed largely of sand hills and plains, either scantily furnished with vegetation, or densely covered with pine forest. Argillaceous tracts wooded with beech and maple also occur, like oases in a desert; and swamps abound, with the usual lowland timber. Forests of hemlock spruce are frequent, and there are occasional ridges of oak. Birch (B. lutea) also begins to be a common forest tree, and attains a large size. The usual timber of the barrens is Jack Pine (P. Banksiana). Climatic and other influences have combined to produce groves composed entirely of this species of large size and of great beauty, for, instead of being 'a straggling shrub, or low tree' (Gray), it rises, often 50-60 feet, straight and symmetrical. All through this region Pinus strobus (white pine) is the prevailing species and furnishes most of the lumber, but P. resinosa (red pine) is frequent as far south as Clare county, and occurs sparingly in the northern part of Isabella county, which appears to be its southern hmit. "Such is the general character of the sylva down'to'about latitude 43°, but in the western part of the state, owing perhaps to moister climate, or to favorable soil, hemlock spruce is more abundant, and reaches much farther 4 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. south, nearly or quite to the Indiana line, and the same is true of white pine. "One seldom beholds a drearier sight than a dead and deserted lumber region. The valuable trees were all felled years ago, and the lumberman moved on to fresh spoils, leaving behind an inextricably confused mass of tree tops, broken logs, and uprooted trunks. Blackberry canes spring up everywhere, forming a tangled thicket, and a few scattering poplars, birches, and cherries serve for arboreal life, above which tower the dead pines, bleached in the weather and blackened by fire, destitute of limbs, and looking at a distance not unlike the masts of some great harbor. Thousands of such acres, repellant alike to botanist and settler, can be seen in any of our northern counties. "In certain districts considerable beech is found associated with the pine. The soil of such tracts is usually of better quality, and can be rendered pro- ductive without much labor. It may be noted that in such cases the pine also grows thriftier and makes better lumber." DISTRIBUTION OF ANIMAL LIFE. According to Dr. C. Hart Merriam, our highest authority on geographical distribution of life in America, Michigan contains large areas of three of the main hfe zones of the eastern United States; namely, the Upper Austral or Carolinian Zone, the Transition or Alleghanian Zone, and the lower Boreal or Canadian Zone. "The Carolinian faunal area occupies the larger part of the Middle States, except the mountains, covering southeastern South Dakota, * * * nearly the whole of Iowa, * * * Illinois, Indiana, Ohio * * * ^j^^j large areas in New York, Michigan and Southern Ontario. On the Atlantic coast it reaches from near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay to southern Con- necticut, and sends narrow arms up the valleys of the Connecticut and Hudson rivers. A little farther west another slender arm is sent northward, following the east shore of Lake Michigan nearly or quite to Grand Traverse Bay. These arms, like nearly all narrow northward prolongations of southern zones, do not carry the complete faunas and floras of the areas to which they belong, but lack certain species from the start and become more and more dilute to the northward till it is hard to say where they really end. Their northern boundaries, therefore, must be drawn arbitrarily or must be based on the presence or absence of particular species rather than the usual association of species. "Counting from the north, the Carolinian area is that in which the sassafras, tulip tree, hackberry, sycamore, sweet gum, rose magnolia, red bud, per- simmon, and short-leaf pine first make their appearance, together with the opossum, gray fox, fox squirrel, cardinal bird, Carolina wren, tufted tit, gnatcatcher, summer tanager, and yellow-breasted chat. Chestnuts, hickory nuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts grow wild in abundance. The area is of very great agricultural importance." (Merriam. Life Zones and Crop Zones of the U. S., Biol. Survey, Bull. 10, 1898, pp. 30-31.) According to the same author "The Canadian zone comprises the southern part of the great ti-anscontinental coniferous forest of Canada, the northern parts of Maine, New Hampshire, and Michigan * * * and the greater part of the high mountains of the United States and Mexico * * * Among the many characteristic mammals and birds of the Canadian zone are the lynx, marten, porcupine, northern red and pine squirrels, varying and snowshoe rabbits, star-nose, Brewer's and Gibbs' moles, water shrew, INTRODUCTION. 5 voles and long-tailed shrews of various species, northern jumping mice * * * white-throated sparrow, Blackburnian and yellow-rumped warblers, olive-backed thrush, three-toed woodpeckers, spruce grouse, crossbills, and Canada jays. Counting from the north this zone is the first of any agri- cultural importance. Wild berries — as currants, huckleberries, blackberries and cranberries — grow in profusion, and the beechnut (in the east) is an important food of the native birds and mammals. (Ibid. pp. 19-20.) "The Transition zone is the transcontinental belt in which Boreal and Austral elements overlap * * The zone as a whole is characterized by comparatively few distinctive animals and plants, but rather by the occur- rence together of southern species which here find their northern limit and northern species which here find their southern limit. It may be sub-divided into three faunal areas * * * The eastern humid or Alleghanian area comprises the greater part of New England, southeastern Ontario, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, eastern North Dakota, northeastern South Dakota, and the Alleghanies from Pennsylvania to Georgia. * * * In the Alleghanian faunal area the chestnut, walnut, oaks and hickories of the South meet and overlap the beech, birch, hemlock and sugar maple of the North; the Southern mole and cotton-tail rabbit meet the Northern star-nosed and Brewer's moles and varying hare, and the Southern bobwhite, Baltimore oriole, bluebird, catbird, chewink, thrasher and wood thrush live in or near the haunts of the bobolink, solitary vireo, and the hermit and Wilson's thrushes. Several native nuts, of which the beechnut, butternut, chestnut, hazelnut, hickory nut and walnut are most important, grow wdld in this belt. Of these the chestnut, hickory nut and walnut come in from the South (Carolinian area) and do not extend much beyond the southern or warmer parts of the Alleghanian area." (Ibid. pp. 20-21). Dr. Merriam's map accompanying the paper just cited assigns the entire Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the Canadian zone, together with all that part of the Lower Peninsula lying north and east of a line drawn from Traverse City on Great Traverse Bay to Point Au Gres at the mouth of Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. The Carohnian zone includes the two southernmost tiers of counties in the Lower Peninsula and all those counties bordering Lake Michigan on the east as far north as Great Traverse Bay (20 counties in all). The remainder of the Lower Peninsula, covering about 30 counties, is assigned to the Transition zone. This arrangement gives about tw^o-fifths of the state to the Canadian, two-fifths to the Transition or Alleghanian, and one- fifth to the Carolinian, an apportionment to which we cannot entirely agree. In our opinion little or no error would be made if the entire state, Upper Peninsula as well as Lower, were assigned to the Transition. With the possible exception of Isle Royal and Keweenaw Point no part of the state sustains a purely Boreal (or Canadian) fauna or flora, and it seems equally certain from the data at hand that even the southernmost counties are not purely Carolinian. Of course since the Transition is characterized by the mingling of the forms belonging to the two zones lying on either side, it becomes necessary to draw two dividing lines instead of one. Near the southern boundary of the Transition Carolinian forms should predominate, while near the northern boundary Canadian forms should prevail. At first sight it would seem perfectly simple to formulate a rule by which the boundaries of the Transition might be surely defined. INIoving southward in the Canadian zone that spot in which the first Carolinian species is encountered would give one point 6 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. in the boundary between Canadian and Transition. Other points similarly determined would give, when connected, the actual boundary line. In the same way theoretically the boundary between Carolinian and Transition could be determined. Practically, however, the matter is far from simple. It is not easy to decide exactly what species really belong to the Canadian or the Carohnian and hence can be used as test species. Birds are less useful than mammals or plants for this purpose, since they move so freely and rapidly and are so hkely to wander or to be carried accidentally far outside their proper habitat. And it often happens that a species which in one part of the country, say the East, may be perfectly characteristic of a certain faunal area will be a very unsafe index a few hundred miles farther west. ^ Take for example the species which Dr. Merriam names as characteristic of the Carolinian. Among these the sassafras, the fox squirrel and the gnat- catcher are found throughout the greater part of the Lower Peninsula, while the summer tanager does not occur at all — not even in the southernmost counties. On the other hand the porcupine and varying hare, both Canadian forms, were found, until very recently at least, in practically every county in the state, not infrequently side by side with the opossum and the Cardinal. The Carolina Wren, Mockingbird, Yellow-breasted Chat and Tufted Tit occur sparingly, perhaps accidentally, over a wide area in the Lower Penin- sula, but seem to be nowhere common. In the present state of our knowledge, or rather of our ignorance, we hesitate to accept Merriam's faunal map, yet are not prepared to offer a substitute. The indications, however*, all point toward a decided lessening of the Michigan areas assigned by him to the Canadian and Carolinian, with a corresponding increase in the size of the AUeghanian or Transition. BIRD LIFE IN MICHIGAN. In view of the facts just set forth it seems hardly wise to attempt an enumeration of the bird species found in each of the faunal areas represented in the state. Instead it may be worth while to take a rapid survey of some of the different regions of the state with brief lists of the commoner or more characteristic species found in each. It must be distinctly understood that the mere naming of a species as an inhabitant of any one region does not by any means imply that it may not occur elsewhere frequently or regularly. It should be noted also that when species are named as common residents of any region it is meant as a rule that they are found there during the nesting season, that it is in a sense their home. In this connection reference should be made to a later page in which the subject of migration is briefly discussed. In talcing up the matter of bird distribution in Michigan, it will be con- venient to consider the bird life of five different regions, namely : 1. The Prairie Region of the South. 2. The Great Marsh Regions of the southeastern border. 3. The Pine Forest Region. 4. The Plains Region, or "Jack Pine Plains." 5. The Hardwood Forest Region. The Prairie Region of southern Michigan is really little more than an extension northward of the prairies of the adjoining states of Indiana and lUinois. Probably it was always devoid of pine forests, at least that has been its condition for the last few centuries, and it is now but lightly forested at best, and with many large stretches of nearly level land. Characteristic INTRODUCTION. 7 birds of the open country are the Prairie Chicken, Meadowlark, Killdeer, Mourning Dove, Marsh Hawk, Turkey Buzzard, Prairie Horned Lark, Lark Sparrow, Bobohnk, and formerly the Bartramian Sandpiper or Upland Plover. Along the tree-fringed streams are found the Bronzed Grackle and Red- winged Blackbird, Red-headed Woodpecker and Flicker, and less often the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Orchard Oriole, and Prothonotary and Sycamore Warblers. The knolls and ridges here and there harbor the Quail or Bobwhite, the Tufted Tit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and an occasional Chat, Cardinal, Mocldngbird and Carolina Wren. The Great Marsh Region consists really of at least three separate regions, viz. : The extensive marshes bordering the lower Detroit River and western end of Lake Erie, the delta of the St. Clair River in Lake St. Clair, and the great marshes along the southeast shore of Saginaw Bay. Of course there are other marshes, and some large ones, for example at the mouths of the Kalamazoo and Muskegon rivers, but most of them are small compared with those first named. Characteristic birds of the great marshes during the nesting season are the Pied-billed Grebe, Mallard Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Coot, Gallinule, Bittern, Least Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Black Tern, King Rail, Marsh Hawk, Long-billed Marsh Wren and Red- winged Blackbird. During migration waterfowl in great variety visit these marshes to feed and rest, and here are located some of the most famous ducking grounds in the middle west. The Pine Forest Region proper is characterized by the presence in variable quantity of the white pine and the red or Norway pine, and is mainly sandy land lying north of the 43d parallel, though the original southern limit of the merchantable white pine was an irregular curved line, beginning in the southwest corner of the state in Van Buren county, extending northeastward to the northern part of Gratiot county, and thence east through Saginaw, Genesee, Lapeer and St. Clair counties to Port Huron. Throughout the region north of this hne the white pines and the red pines were always dis- tributed irregularly, the largest white pines scattered among the hardwoods, and the unmixed tracts of this magnificent tree found on the sandy uplands drained by the great streams, the Saginaw, Muskegon, Manistee, Au Sable and Thunder Bay rivers. The region just outlined as the Pine Region scarcely merits that name at present, since merchantable pine has been almost completely removed. The precise area of standing pine timber left in the state today is difficult to estimate, since cutting is going on constantly and the small amounts left are being reduced every day. It is doubtless safe to say that very few tracts exceeding eighty acres are still left in this entire area, and even eighty-acre tracts are decidedly infrequent. Owing to the fact that much other timber was intermixed with the pine in most places and that some of the hardwood timber has not yet been touched, part of the region included under the above title might now be properly transferred to some other, while the greater part of the former pine region, at least in the Lower Peninsula, would at present come under the head of "Cut-over Lands," and much of this in turn unfortunately is also "Burnt-over Land." Throughout the entire Pine Region there were great stretches of hardwood forest here and there and more frequently swamps largely made up of the white cedar or arbor vitae, tamarack, hemlock, balsam fir, and spruce. Hemlocks also occur- red regularly among the pines and hardwoods scattei-cd more or less thickly and often reaching gigantic size. Where these hemlocks stood among the hardwoods and there was little underbrush they have commonly been killed 8 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. by the ground fires which have hcked up the leaves and other rubbish, leaving the large hardwoods uninjured but burning the resinous butts of the hemlock? deeply enough to destroy them. Owing to the admixture of these species, and especially to the fact that much of the white pine region as interrupted and interlaced with tracts of Jack pine, to be mentioned later, it seems best to limit the term Pine Region to those parts which originally were forested mainly with the white pine or with this and the Norway pine. What may have been the original bird life of these great pine forests is somewhat uncer- tain. Study of the few large tracts left gives us some hints, but the varia- tions in elevation, geographical position, and local conditions make the generalizations based on these instances somewhat unsafe. It is matter of common knowledge that the deep forest never holds the abundant bird life that is found along its edges or in the more hghtly timbered openings. All life seems to be more or less repressed and smothered so that reptiles, mam- mals, and even insects, as well as birds, seem to have suffered somewhat the same effect as the shrubby and herbaceous vegetation which dwindles or dies out almost entirely in the deep shade of the pine. Characteristic birds of the real pine forest are comparatively few. Among them may be mentioned the woodpeckers, particularly the Pileated, Hairy and Three-toed, the two species of Nuthatch, the Black-capped Chickadee, Brown Creeper and Winter Wren, the Crow, Blue Jay and Canada Jay, the Wood Pewee and Olive-sided Flycatcher, the Red-shouldered and Sharp- shinned Hawks, the Great Horned, Long-eared, Barred, and Screech Owls, the Red Cross! )ill and Pine Finch, the Hermit Thrush and in some places the Olive-back, and several species of Warbler, the most constant being the Pine, the Black-throated Green, the Blackburnian and the Black and White. The Jack Pine Plains, or the Plains Region, forms a vast, irregular area lying mainly within the pine region just described but consisting of those sandy and rather sterile plains which lie farther from the water courses and are characterized by the abundance of the almost worthless Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana), several oaks collectively known as scrub oaks, certain poplars or aspens, the low willow (Sahx humilis), the pin cherry, chokecherry and service berry or shadbush (Amelanchier). The sweet-fern (Comptonia), winter- green (Gaultheria), various blueberries (Vaccinium), and the eagle fern (Pteridium aquilinum) are equally characteristic among the undergrowth, and in favorable places the ground may be matted with the Bear Berry (Arctostaphylos) or overgrown with trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens). Twenty-one counties in this region aggregate more than two million acres of the plains lands, Oscoda county in the northeast alone holding 204,000 acres, and Newaygo county at the southwest 194,000 acres. The summer bird population of these plains is as characteristic as their plant life, and includes not less than fifty species, those most frequently met with, roughly in order of abundance, being: Vesper Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Robin, Bluebird, Chewink, Nighthawk, House Wren, Kingbird, Cedarbird, Wood Pewee, Flicker, Brown Thrasher, Catbird, Chickadee, Bluejay, Red-eyed Vireo, Junco, Indigo Bird, Sparrow Hawk, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hairy Woodpecker, Black-billed Cuckoo, Gold- finch, Cowbird and Hermit Thrush. Particular interest is given to the region by the fact that Kirtland's Warbler, the rarest of North American warblers, has been found nesting on the Jack Pine plains of two counties, Oscoda and Crawford, and nowhere else in the world, though it is a foregone conclusion that it will be found eventually in INTRODUCTION. 9 neighboring counties, if not in similar regions in the Upper Peninsula and in Wisconsin. The borders of the rivers and smaller sti'eams which dissect the plains furnish other common species, such as the Kingfisher, Bank Swallow, Great Blue Heron, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Crested Flycatcher, Song Sparrow and Phoebe, while the included or adjacent swamps of arbor vitae (white cedar), balsam-fir, spruce, hemlock and white pine harbor scores of other birds, the most abundant and universal being half a dozen kinds of hawks and owls, three or four species of woodpeckers, including the Black-backed Three-toed, a dozen species of warblers (Canadian, ]\Iagnolia, Black and White, Parula, Yellow-rumped, Blackburnian, Yellow, Marjdand Yellow- throat, Nashville, Mourning, Small-billed Waterthrush, Black-throated Green), several flycatchers and thrushes, the Winter Wren, and commonest of all, the White-throated Sparrow. It is a singular fact that the Jack Pine Plains proper have no single species of warbler which is at all characteristic, with the exception of the rare Kirtland, of whose distribution as yet we know so little. True, in certain spots, where conditions are especially favorable, where the Jack Pines themselves form goodly groves of medium height, or where oaks and maples indicate better soil or more moisture, we find the Oven-bird, the Black-throated Green Warbler and the Black and White, while an occasional Chestnut-sided, Yellow, or Redstart may be found almost anywhere; as a rule, however, the typical Jack Pine Plains are marked by the complete absence of warblers. The Hardwood Forest Region in the upper half of the Lower Peninsula still includes hundreds of thousands of acres of hardwood lands, on which there is a heavy growth of noble beech and maple, intermixed with birch, basswood and other broad-leaved trees, and formerly with scattered white pines and hemlocks of large size, now mostly cut Ijy the lumberman. These woods, for the most part, are on high or at least fairly well-drained land, not to be mistaken for the swamp lands with their much inferior covering of elm, ash, birch, cottonwood, tamarack, red maple and other softwood trees. These grand hardwood forests are the summer homes of many birds not seen elsewhere, though of course they shelter also species of general distribution. Among the more characteristic forms may be mentioned, again in ap- proximate order of abundance: Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, White- breasted Nuthatch, Chickadee, Wood Pewee, Hermit and Wood Thrushes, Red-eyed and Solitary Vireos, Sapsucker, Crow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Ovenbird, Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue and Black and White Warblers, Redstart, Red-shouldered, Broad-winged and Cooper's Hawks, Winter Wren, and Pileated Woodpecker. Burnt-over lands, of which there are millions of acres in the state, vary much in their bird-life according to the nature of the original forest, whether largely pine or hardwood, and especially the length of time which has elapsed since the burning. The most desolate are the pine regions originally lumbered and then burned, where the sandy soil has had most of the humus eaten out by the fire and there is not enough body left to sustain a good second growth. Such an area comes to be lightly covered with bluel)erry and blackberry bushes, aspen or poplar, and one or more species of small willow, while the visible remnants of the primeval forest, soon disappear. One ma.v ride for hours through these desolate solitudes and see hardly more than a dozen species of birds, the commonest being the Vesper Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Chewink, 10 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Nighthawk, Kingbird and Cowbird. If the fire-swept district had not been previously lumbered, or the fire had spread slowly, killing but not consuming, the myriads of bleached or blackened trunks attract numerous woodpeckers and their holes later furnish congenial homes for Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, House Wrens and Sparrow Hawks. Where the original timber was largely hardwood, indicating good soil, a thrifty second growth follows axe or fire and unless repeatedly fire-swept a new tangle of broad-leaved shrubs and trees is rapidly built up, where we find an abundant bird-life in which the Junco, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Indigo Bird, Goldfinch, Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow and Chestnut-sided, Maryland Yellowthroat and Mourning Warblers are added to the forms already mentioned. The deep woods, whether swamp or upland, never shelter the wealth of bird life found in partly cleared or well cultivated districts. Stream-borders, lake margins, or other openings in the forest always teem with bird and insect life, for here a greater variety of conditions is found and larger numbers of birds seek the sunlight and shade, food supply and shelter which insure, so far as wild nature can, the welfare of their young. RECENT CHANGES IN THE BIRD LIFE OF THE STATE. ' There is a general and probably a correct impression that birds as a whole are much less abundant in the eastern United States today than they were a half century ago, and this doubtless is as true in Michigan as elsewhere. It is further believed that such changes in Michigan have been specially marked because of the removal of so much timber in recent years. Unquestionably the deforesting of the northern parts of the Lower Peninsula has made noteworthy changes in the birds of the region and such changes are still in progress and doubtless will continue, since the axe is commonly followed by fire, and that again by more or less complete reforestation or by the cultivated fields of the farmer and fruit grower. Moreover the draining of many of our extensive swamps and marshes has altered in a marked degree the character of large portions of the state and has changed correspondingly the conditions under which the birds of these regions live. For example, when a dense pine forest is completely removed certain species formerly abundant in the woods disappear completely, some remain for a time, although in diminished numbers, and others seem to be but slightly affected or may even increase noticeably. At the same time a considerable number of new forms appear, species partial to open fields or bushy plains and never found in the dense forest. In attempting to recognize and explain the changes in bird population which have taken place during the last century, we are met at the outset by the lack of accurate knowledge as to the conditions at the beginning of that period. We know with more or less certainty what species could be found here and there in the wilderness, or about the cultivated areas of the pioneers; but even at the present day careful estimates of the number of individuals of any one species inhabiting a given area are not common and formerly such a census was rarely if ever attempted. Even at the present time the casual observer, or even the local observer whose experience has been limited to a small field, is certain to be deceived by appearances and is apt to believe that the yearly fluctuations in the number of birds observed indicate great increase or decrease in the total numbers in the entire country. No mistake is more common among people who are bird lovers but 'not bird students than the behef that some particular spot with which they are famihar is INTRODUCTION. 11 particularly rich in bird life, while some adjoining and similar region is almost devoid of it. Usually a little inquiry shows that the first region has been visited during the period of migration either in spring or fall, while the other has been seen only during midsummer or in winter. Any careful observer who has lived for years in a region outside the great bird highways must have noted the almost complete absence of certain species one year and their reappearance subsequently in normal or even in extraordinary numbers. We have not time here to discuss the causes of such variations, but we are doubtless safe in saying that each has a simple and satisfactory explanation, although this may not be the same in every case. The im- portant thing for us to note is that the facts on which estimates of bird population can be based are few and unsatisfactory and we are very likely to be misled and to reach conclusions which prove eventually far from the truth. In seeking to obtain an approximation to the truth in regard to increase or decrease dependence has been placed largely upon the writer's personal experiences, in Michigan and elsewhere, but all sources of information which seem trustworthy and pertinent have been freely utilized. In certain cases there can be no question as to a great decrease in numbers in recent years. For example, the Passenger Pigeon and the Wild Turkey have become absolutely extinct, while the Sandhill Crane and the Northern Raven have dwindled from abundant species almost to the verge of extinction. On the other hand, it would seem, from recent records, that the Barn Owl, the Cardinal, Henslow's Sparrow, Baird's Sandpiper, and a few other species had increased decidedly in the last few decades. In the case of rare species, however, a very large element of error is likely to creep in. We must not forget that in such cases the number of birds taken or recorded will be directly proportional to the number of good observers in the field; and there can be no question that the number of such observers has increased very largely in recent years. Hence we may fairly suppose that if a somewhat rare species — rare enough to be worthy of record whenever seen — were to remain prac- tically stationary as to abundance, it would nevertheless be reported much more frequently now than formerly, and unless on our guard we should be misled as to its actual numbers. On the other hand it seems highly probable that the Robin, for example, has largely increased in Michigan as the forests have been removed, the marshes drained, and cultivated fields, meadow land, pasture, and orchard have taken their place. This bird, however, being fairly common everywhere receives little attention in the bird journals, and the matter of its abundance is seldom discussed, unless as happens occa- sionally, it becomes a decided nuisance to the fruit grower. An instance of a different character is seen in the Red-winged Blackbird. The draining of immense areas has materially reduced the breeding grounds of this species, while at the same time the great increase in the cultivated areas surrounding the nesting places which are left has tended to distribute the harm done so that complaints of damage are now of comparatively infrequent occurrence. It seems reasonably safe to say that there has been a noticeable decrease in the numbers of this species, yet undoubtedly there are regions in which the harm done is as great now as at any previous time. In addition to the Passenger Pigeon and Wild Turkey, already exter- minated, there are at least eight other species which have decreased so noticeably during the last few decades as to be now on the verge of extinction at least in Michigan. These are the Greater Egret, the Sandhill Crane, the Knot, the Bartramian Sandpiper or Upland- Plover, the' Hudsonian Curlew, the Prairie Chicken, the Pileated Woodpecker and the Northern Raven. 12 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. A few years ago we might have inckided in this Hst the Wood Duck and the Woodcock, both of which had become very scarce and were beheved to be in imminent danger of extinction; fortunately, however, these two birds seem to be no longer decreasing, and there is reason to hope that they may again become fairly common. Of course there are scores of other species which have decreased greatly, and some of them may be exterminated eventually before those just named. Almost every so-called game bird and water fowl is far less abundant than formerly, and nothing but a general recognition of the danger and wise legislation coupled with hearty and universal support can prevent their final extinction in the not distant future. The eight birds just named, however, at present seem to be those in greatest danger. The supposed causes of their decrease are discussed at length in connection with the life history of each species, so that we need not go into details here. It may be well to note, however, that five separate, yet more or less connected factors, have been operative in affecting the numbers of our birds; namely, the gun, the axe, fire, the drain, the plow. Of these by far the most important agent for decrease has been the gun, and its influence is steadily increasing. Axe, fire and plow form a trio of destructive and reconstructive agents which perhaps are now near the maximum of their combined power, though the sound of the axe has been growing steadily fainter for twenty years past. The drain and the plow are still powerfully affecting our bird fauna, un- questionably lessening the number of species, but just as surely increasing the total bird population through the increased food supply and better protection during the nesting season. With the exception of the Pileated Woodpecker, whose decrease depends directly on the removal of the forest, probably no one of the eight species now in danger has reached its present condition through the action of any single factor among those named. The Greater Egret, never common, has decreased steadily with other members of its family as the swamps have been drained and the use of the gun become more common. The Sandhill Crane has been a favorite mark for the rifle, its flesh forms palatable food, and its nesting grounds have been lessened through drainage. The disappearance of the Knot and Curlew is not fully explained, but is partly, though not en- tirely, due to the gun; neither species, however, nests within our limits and doubtless some factor operative on. the nesting ground is largely responsible for the decrease. The Upland Plover has been rigorously followed as a game bird, but the cultivation of the prairies and pastures in Avhich it loves to nest is partly responsible for its steadily failing numbers. Much the same causes have aided the disappearance of the Prairie Chicken, although the drain, the plow and fire have all been operative. The case of the Raven is unique. It certainly retires before advancing civilization, but precisely for what reason we are unable to say. The territory which seems to become untenable for the Raven is at once fully and safely occupied by the Crow, a near relative and of similar habits. Of late years, especially in the Upper Peninsula, the remaining Ravens have been largely killed by poison intended primarily for wolves. HOW TO STUDY BIRDS. The study of birds, hke any other study, has two main objects, first, to acquire additional knowledge of facts; second, to increase the power of gaining knowledge. The lover of birds wishes to increase his knowledge of them, INTRODUCTION. 13 desires to know more birds at sight and to learn more facts with regard to those already known. This simple aim may be partly realized through the simplest sort of study, commonly known as nature study, in which the student, most often but not necessarily a child, learns to look for and find and study certain natural objects which have been previously pointed out to him, or better still described to him in such a way that with due dil- igence he may find and recognize them. No branch of science offers greater possibilities for nature study than ornithology, yet as ordinarily taught and studied this kind of nature study is not a science and never can become one. The great danger lies in the frequent mistakes which beginners in bird study are sure to make and the fact that these mistakes often go un- corrected through lack of knowledge on the part of guide or teacher. The scientific ornithologist on the other hand must deal with facts about which there is a minimum of doubt. Conclusions based upon the observa- tions of inexperienced people are always open to serious question. The scientific bird student must first of all handle actual birds; since, unfortunate as it may seem to many nature lovers, accurate, absolute and full knowledge of birds can be obtained only by studying them alive, by killing and pre- paring them for preservation, and by studying and comparing specimens so preserved. As Dr. Elliot Coues, one of America's foremost scientists, truly said forty years ago, "Life, even bird life, is too sacred a thing to be needlessly or thoughtlessly sacrificed." Yet countless facts of the utmost importance in the scientific study of birds can be obtained only through the sacrifice of bird life, and an ornithologist who aspires to be an authority upon his science must ruthlessly suppress his natural feelings in this respect and must procure and make use of such material as is absolutely necessary without regard to what are often described as the humane sentiments. This does not mean that any untrained boy has the right to take his gun into the field and kill birds indiscriminately or even freely under the impression that his intention to preserve some as specimens and to study such specimens later justify the action. On the contrary the right to collect birds freely for scientific purposes should be carefully restricted to such persons as can give evidence of a serious purpose to use to advantage the specimens so taken. The Michigan law covering this point is clear and strong. A moment's thought will convince any one that the student who searches the woods carefully for a bird which he has never seen, who follows up each unknown call or song, watches with care each doubtful and illusive form which suggests the bird desired, and finally, perhaps after hundreds of dis- appointments, kills a specimen of the much coveted species and measures, preserves and labels it for his own collection, has gained a knowledge of the appearance, habits, notes, size and structure of this species which could be obtained in no other possible way. Not only has he gained all this knowledge with regard to this particular specimen, but in doing so he has exercised, consciously or unconsciously, his powers of observation, comparison and discrimination with regard to scores of other birds, so that his experience has been broadened and his power and judgment very materially strengthened. It may seem to some that essentially the same result could be obtained if our student were accompanied to the woods by an instructor who should call his attention to the note of the bird sought, point it out and comment on its peculiarities and after watching the specimen carefully, perhaps through a field glass, record his observations and allow the bircl to depart unharmed. Such a method of study unquestionably has its advantages, especially for the bird, but except in the case of a limited number of species, 14 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. a certain degree of doubt must inevitably attach to such a method of identi- fication, and perliaps the most unfortunate result of this method of teaching lies in the belief which gradually grows up in the pupil's mind that he can identify birds just as well by eye and ear as the professional with his gun. At the present time current literature abounds in more or less accurate and beautiful description of birds and bird life, and much of this material has not only high literary merit but considerable scientific value. Never- theless the trained ornithologist rarely reads such an article without detecting here and there evidences of ignorance or at least inaccuracy, which though not always glaring are nevertheless much to be regretted. It is perfectly true that an average keen-eyed boy or girl can readily learn to know most of the commoner kinds of birds in his vicinity without the use of the gun, pro- vided he have the instruction of a competent teacher and in addition have access to a suitable collection of specimens. But it is equally certain that no boy so taught, or for that matter any older person, can ever learn to know all the birds of his vicinity or even all the plumages of the common species, male and female, old and young, spring and autumn, through any such method of teaching. Hence careful ornithologists throughout the country have been led more and more to lay down the rule that the "record" of any species for a given locahty should rest upon an actual specimen taken in that locality and either preserved for the examination of any one interested or at least examined and identified by a competent authority before being destroyed. Our state hsts, as well as out local hsts, contain too many records of rare birds which do not come up to these requirements. True, there are cases in which the most fleeting glimpse of a bird is sufficient for its identification by a good observer, yet the best of us make mistakes, just as the best marksman has his "off days," and it is a good rule not to accept as a true record the mere observation of even the best ornithologist, unsupported by a specimen, unless at least there is no improbability in the occurrence of the bircl at such a time and place. In the following pages will be found many descriptions of size, plumage, notes and habits, which it is hoped will help observers to recognize and identify to their own satisfaction many species of birds with which at present they are unfamiliar. It is to be hoped that identification secured in this way will lead to further study and closer attention, so that gradually a love of such knowledge may grow up in the observer and contribute throughout his existence to the joy of life in the open and a fuller knowledge of the glories of nature which surround him. Yet it should be distinctly under- stood that the technical descriptions in this work, and especially the artificial keys for the determination of birds, are intended mainly, if not entirely, for use with specimens in hand. A "guess" as to the length of a bird or any of its parts, an "impression" as to the size, location, and intensity of color markings may sometimes serve the same purpose as a careful examintion of a specimen in hand, but this is by no means the rule and esiDecially with beginners is almost unsupposable. It is possible doubtless to make a field key by means of which a good observer (meaning a person with good eyes, good sense, and some field experience) may identify a considerable number of birds at gun-shot range, or even at a greater distance, but no attempt has been made in this book to prepare such field keys, the writer's experience with a large number of students, old and young, during the past twenty-five years having convinced him that such keys, without considerable preliminary training, have very little value. INTRODUCTION. 15 Scattered through the following pages will be found numerous so-called keys for the separation of suborders, famiUes, and species, and a Httle exami- nation of these will show that the plan upon which they are constructed is based upon the presence or absence of certain characters or sets of characters, so that the student with specimen in hand simply needs to determine first which one of two statements fits the specimen in hand, his decision in this case leading to the comparison of two other statements, and so, step by step, he is led to recognize in his specimen the existence of certain definite peculiari- ties and eventually reaches a conclusion applicable only to a single order, family or species, as the case may be, and that the one represented by the bird in hand. Having thus located the order, suborder or family to which his specimen belongs he turns to the section describing the members of that group and there finds another key which in the same way will lead to a smaller group and this in turn to the species. Probably the beginner will be struck at once by the fact that some characters which he has supposed quite important are rarely selected, while others which may seem trivial are very largely used. Thus, for example, color or color pattern is used much less frequently than size or the proportions of various parts. This naturally leads to a discussion of the facts which make it possible to arrange these artificial keys. At the outset it should be made clear that all the individual birds belong- ing to the same species are essentially alike in size, proportions and color, after suitable allowance has been made for sex, age and season. A bird is said to be adult when it is old enough to breed, and in most cases this point is reached after a single year's growth. But such a breeding bird is not necessarily mature in the scientific sense, as shown by the fact that its plumage may change repeatedly and for several years before its color pattern and the colors themselves become permanent. This is seen clearly in the Bald Eagle, which does not get the pure white head and tail until at least three years of age, sometimes doubtless not before the fourth year, though yearling birds are believed to nest as a rule. Essentially the same thing is true of many other birds of prey, as well as of many water birds. These cases nevertheless are exceptional and most of our smaller birds become practically mature in a single year, though it seems certain that they may improve somewhat in appearance for several successive years. This is noticeable in such birds as tanagers, grosbeaks, bluebirds, and others in which the males are brightly colored. There is much variation in the perfection and brilliancy of plumage among these males, some retaining considerable areas of the dress charac- teristic of immaturity, while others, apparently the most robust and vigorous, exhibit the characteristic plumage in the highest degree of perfection. Possi- bly, or even probably, these variations are not entirely due to difference in age, yet it seems fairly certain that this is the most universal factor. As regards size, however, there is little or no change after the first year (except in a very few cases), and as a rule young birds old enough to fly and care for themselves are as large as their parents. For example, young robins or bluejays two weeks after leaving the nest have practically the same measure- ments (however, not the same weight) as their parents. Every observant person, however, knows perfectly well that the young robin of this age is still heavily spotted on breast and back, in this respect entirely unlike its parents, while the young bluejay of the same age resembles its parents much more closely, the differences lying not so much in color or pattern, as in the lax and fluffy texture of the plumage, the decidedly shorter crest, and a certain dullness and lack of brilliance about the colors themselves. 16 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. The matter of size cannot be too strongly insisted upon. In the common mind the small hawk or duck or swallow is merely a young individual of the same kind as the larger ones about it, yet in nine cases out of ten this assump- tion is entirely wrong. Sportsmen talk constantly and confidently of very large woodcock or partridges or ducks, their idea of size being based upon weight. It is perfectly true that a woodcock or duck when fat and in what is called good condition will weigh from one-third to one-half more than the same bird when thin. Yet the measurements of total length, expanse of wings, single wing, and tail will remain absolutely the same whether the bird be thin or fat. Of course there is often a wide difference in size, as well as in weight, between the male and female of the same species, and certain birds, for example grouse and ducks attain their full size much more slowly than the average small bird, such as the sparrow or thrush. In the case of the latter birds the ability to fly is acquired only when almost full grown, and as stated before they become as large as their parents within two weeks after leaving the nest. A certain amount of variation nevertheless does exist among birds even when those of the same age and sex are considered. This is known as "in- dividual variation " and is usually confined within narrow and pretty definite limits. As a rule such variation does not exceed ten per cent of the average. Thus if the average length of a bird is six inches the extremes would be from about 5.7 to 6.3, and the same rule would apply to measurements of wings, tail, beak and feet. The total length of a bird can be obtained accurately only from the bird itself before it has been skinned, or as we say "in the flesh." It is taken by laying the bird upon its back upon a table, taking the beak in one hand and the feet in the other and stretching the specimen hard enough to take all the curves out of the neck and back. While in this position the distance between tip of bill and tip of tail gives the measurement known as total length. Another measurement often taken from the fresh specimen is known as "extent of wings" or spread of wings. This is found by first thoroughly relaxing both wings by opening and closing the joints, and especially the shoulder joint, after which the bird is placed upon its back and with one hand holding each wing by the carpal or wrist joint the wings are spread as far as possible and at right angles to the body. While in this position the distance from wing tip to wing tip is called extent of wings or spread of wings. Obviously the two measurements just described can be taken only from the fresh specimen and only an approximation can be made from the dried skin or the mounted bird. Careful collectors are supposed to take both these measurements and record them on the label tied to each skin, but for various reasons, largely lack of time, this is not always done. Hence the measurements on which the student must depend are those which are practically the same in the skin as in the fresh bird. It is found that little change takes place in the length of bill, feet,, wings, or tail in drying, and hence measurements of these parts are more commonly used and give better satisfaction. Four measurements are con- stantly used in the keys and descriptions in this work and it is important therefore that the student should understand exactly how these are taken. First, length of wing or simply "wing." This is obtained from the closed wing by slipping a scale beneath the wing, placing one end of the scale exactly at the tip of the wing and marking the point reached by the shoulder or main bend of the wing in front. A better way, especially for small birds, is to use a pair of compasses, but the measurement should always be taken from below, being in fact the chord of the curved wing. The figure INTRODUCTION. 17 of the snipe's wing (Figure 52) illustrates this; the greatest distance which can be measured on this cut is the length of the wing. Second, length of tail or "tail." This is practically the length of the longest tail feather, but since the tail feathers are embedded in the muscle and other tissues of the "pope's- nose " it is necessary to add a little to the actual visible length of the longest tail feather. Hence it is customary to feel for the root of the tail, place one leg of the compasses in the center of the pope's-nose, and extend the other leg of the compasses to the end of the longest feather, the distance thus obtained being the length of the tail. Third, length of bill. Usually this means the same as length of culmen, the culmen being the profile or upper outline of the bill, and its length is obtained with the comjiasses by taking the distance in a straight line from the tip of the bill to the point where the ridge of the upper mandible meets the feathers of the forehead. This is really the chord of the culmen. In long-billed birds like snipe and sandpipers, which have little gape, this measurement is very nearly the same as the length of the bill, but in sparrows, hawks, swallows and a host of other birds, the measurement from the tip of the bill to the corner of the mouth would be very different from the length of culmen obtained as above Fourth, length of tarsus or simply "tarsus." The tarsus of course is the shank, or what is loosely spoken of as the leg, and the measurement sought is the distance from the heel joint (wrongly called the knee) to the junction between the shank and the foot proper. This measurement should always be taken with the compasses and on the front of the shank, one point being placed at the junction between the upper leg, or tibia, and the shank, or tarsus, while the other point should reach the suture or crease which separates the shank from the root of the toes. When the legs are long and naked this measure- ment can be taken quickly and accurately ; if the legs are more or less feathered the measurement becomes somewhat less definite, but on the whole the length of tarsus is one of the most important data used in bird identification. Ref- erence to the various figures of bill, foot and wings, scattered through the text, will make still more clear the preceding directions. Of course other measurements are frequently called for, some of those in most general use being the length of the toes, either with or without the claws or nails, and it is probably safe to caution the beginner not to confound the toes with the claws. The claw^ or nail forms the terminal segment of each toe, and its length is of course a totally different thing from that of the entire toe. A bird's foot as a rule has four toes and these are most often arranged with three pointing forward and one backward, the latter consequently being called the "hind toe." It is also spoken of as the "first toe," while the front toes are numbered respectively 2, 3 and 4, number 2 being the inner toe, number 3 the middle toe and number 4 the outer toe. In most birds which run freely on the ground and seldom use the feet for grasping a perch or other object, the hind toe is apt to be somewhat elevated above the level of the front toes and it may be quite short or even entirely wanting. In some other birds two toes point forward and two backward, this arrangement being known as yoke-toed, and as a rule it is the outer or fourth toe which is turned backward, although there are cases in which the inner or second toe takes this position. The nomenclature of the wings, including the primaries, secondaries, tertiaries, greater, middle and lesser coverts, etc., etc., will be best learned by referring to Plate I and the various text figures. It should be noted, however, that the primaries are always nine or ten and are numbered from the tip or free border of the wing toward the bod}^ number one being the 3 18 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. outermost primary and mimber nine or ten, as the case may be, that primary which is followed directly by the first secondary. When the statement is encountered "second or third primary longest" it must be understood that the actual length of the entire primary is not meant, but merely that in the folded or partly opened wing the tip of the second or third primary extends beyond the tips of any of the others. It is not practicable in this place to anticipate and explain all the difficulties which the beginner will experience in attempting to use the artificial keys, but enough has been said to enable him to make a beginning, and with constant reference to the figures and glossary, and especially with the exercise of good sense and fair judgment one should learn very quickly to use these keys successfully. At the risk of being tedious, it should be repeated once more that no measurement should ever be guessed at; the compasses and a measuring rule should invariably be at hand and only in the most obvious cases should their use be omitted. AN EXAMPLE OF THE USE OF THE KEYS. Suppose we have in hand a freshly killed specimen of one of our small fresh- water ducks. Starting with the Artificial Key to the Larger Groups (page 33) we find the first line, prefaced by a single capital A, to read, ''Distinctly web-footed. — B, BB, BBB." Examination of the bird's foot shows that it is a typical swimming foot, the three front toes being connected with mem- brane or web. If in any doubt we should look for the alternative under the heading AA, which appears farther down the page and is found at a glance because it begins at exactly the same distance from the margin as the line A. But AA reads, "Imperfectly or not at all web-footed," which evidently does not answer for our bird. So we come back to line A and consider the references following it, B, BB, BBB. The three lines beginning with B all relate to the hind toe, and as our bird has a hind toe which is not connected with the front toes by a web it evidently agrees with BB. This in turn is followed by the references E and EE, and on reading the lines so headed and examining our specimen we find the condition described under E, namely the "cutting edges of the bill with comb-like ridges." The reference follow- ing this line takes us to the Order Anseres, Ducks, Geese and Swans, where another key awaits us. The short neck, dark color and small size debar our specimen from the group of swans, and its comparatively short legs and long toes exclude it from the geese and confirm our belief that it belongs with the ducks. The key to the species of ducks looks somewhat formidable, but it should be remembered that we need only consider one or two points at a time. The short, broad bill, with its strainer-like plates sends us at once to AA, and then to decide between C and CC. Here a little investigation may be necessary, but a glance at the cut of the Ruddy Duck will show that it is quite unlike our specimen and we select CC as the right path. In order to determine now whether D or DD is applicable to the case in point the student should compare figures 15 and 21 and then carefully examine the hind toe of the specimen. The result points clearly to D and places this bird among the "River and Pond Ducks," with the references E and EE to be considered. Although evidently not a very large duck, it is not safe to assume that it belongs under E without actual measurement. With a pair of compasses the exact distance from the front edge of the shoulder (in the closed wing) to the tip of the longest primary must be determined, and since this proves INTRODUCTION. 19 to be less than 8^ inches we are justified in calhng the duck a teal (F or'FF). The light blue shoulders are quite distinctive and our specimen may be labeled Blue- winged Teal, provisionally. It remains to turn to the full description of this species on a following page, confirm our diagnosis, and try to decide whether this individual is male or female, adult or immature. As a second example of the use of the artificial key let us take the common Blue Jay. Starting with the Key to the Larger Groups, we find that our specimen agrees successively with the following fines: AA. Not at all web-footed. GG. Tibia feathered down to heel joint ("knee"). QQ. Upper mandible without cere or soft membrane at base. TT. Three toes in front. VV. Nail of middle toe not pectinate. WW. Tail feathers not spine-tipped. XX. Birds more than four inches long. YY. Hind toe and claw more than half as long as middle toe and claw. — Passeres. This shows that our specimen belongs in the order Passeres or Perching Birds, and we turn to the key to the members of that group. Here we find a Key to Families, and following the same plan as with the previous key we decide that our bird agrees successively with the lines: 2. Upper mandible imperfectly or not at all hooked, toothed, or notched at tip. CC. Tips of folded wings not reaching to tips of middle tail feathers. EE. Tail not tipped with bright yellow. FF. First primary about one-half the length of the longest. N. Tail feathers with soft, rounded tips. 00. Wing 5 inches or more. Family Corvidae. Under this heading, we find a Key to Species which gives us in regular order: AA. Smaller birds, wing less than 10 inches, plumage not all black. CC. Tail moderate (about 6 inches), somewhat rounded at tip. (This refers not to the tips of the individual tail feathers, but to the outline of the whole end of tail.) D. Head with a conspicuous crest; plumage largely blue — Blue Jay. Turning now to the full description of this species, and noting the measurements of total length, wing, tail and bill, it is easy to confirm the identification. Incidentally it may be noted that in spite of the fact that the Blue Jay is conspicuously blue, the question of color is en- countered but twice in the passage through the keys, once in the key to the families ("tail not tipped with yellow"), and again at the end of the key to species, where "plumage largely blue" is the final characteristic which marks the Blue Jay, although even here it is a secondary consideration since the " conspicuous crest " is of first importance. Of course it would be possible to make an artificial key using color as the most important feature, which would lead us more directly to the'^Blue Jay, but it would be a very diflficult matter to make such a key equally good for the many other species which 20 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. would have to be considered, for there are at least eighteen other ]\lichigan birds, belonging to twelve different families, which have more or less blue in their plumage, and several of them (Kingfisher, Blue Heron, Tufted Tit) are also conspicuously crested. Moreover, questions of color are often very difficult ones, the average individual being unable to discriminate shades nicely, or at least to name them accurately. Color, therefore, has been kept out of the artificial keys so far as practicable, and the aim has been to select characters for consideration which are clear, definite and readily recognized, so that the student can tell at a glance whether the specimen before him possesses that character or not. Technical terms will be found defined in the glossary near the end of the volume, and most of the important structures used in classification are illustrated by text figures, a list of which follows the table of contents at the beginning of the book. MIGRATION. The Century Dictionary defines migration as follows: "The act of mi- grating; change of residence or habitat; removal or transit from one locality or latitude to another, especially at a distance." In further explanation the same authority adds, "Migration seems to be determined, primarily and chiefly, by conditions of food supply, but this does not fully account for the apparently needless extent and the wonderful periodicity of the movement, nor for the fact that individuals sometimes return to exactly the same spot to breed again after passing the winter perhaps thousands of miles away." The term migration as applied to birds is familiar to every one, and the fact that many of our birds desert us each autumn and return in the spring is so familiar that even the most unobservant can scarcely have failed to note it. The more careful student will have seen, however, that not all our birds leave us in fall, and possibly he may have guessed also that those which return in the spring are but a fraction of those which withdrew the previous year. In all the life-histories in the present w^ork reference will be found to the character of residence, and in those species which migrate regularly an attempt is made to give approximately the dates of arrival and departure. It must be remembered, however, that Michigan covers a long distance from north to south (more than 400 miles) and that dates will vary much with latitude and other conditions. It seems wise therefore to devote a few pages here to a consideration of the facts of bird migration in general as well as in our own state. Considering merely the condition of residence we may divide our birds into four groups: First, residents or permanent residents, those which are with us all the year. Second, summer residents, or summer visitors, those which nest with us. Third, transients, or birds of passage. Fourth, winter visitors or winter residents.* Not a few of our common birds are residents in one part of the state and only summer visitors or even transients in anothci', Avhile other species come regularly or occasionally into the northern parts of the state in the winter but never reach the southern counties. The Snow Bird or Junco and the White-throated Sparrow are transients in the southern half of the state, but summer residents in the northern half; while the Meadowlark and Mourn- * Much of what follows on tliis subject is taken verbatim from the autlior's paper entitled "Fact and Fancy in 15ird Migration." Eighth Rep. Mich. Acad. Science, 1906 (1907), pp. 13-25. INTRODUCTION. 21 ing Dove are only summer visitors in most of the state, but permanent resi- dents in the southernmost counties. For present purposes we may almost disregard the so-called permanent residents, merely remarking that although several species, including Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Creepers, Grouse, and Owls, may be w^ell represented throughout the year in any given locality, we have little proof that the individuals representing these species are the same, and there is every reason to believe that, wdth a few exceptions, every species of jMichigan bird is more or less migratory in some part of its range. Apparently the Ruffed Grouse and the Prairie Chicken are stationary in Michigan wherever found, yet we know positively that in IMinnesota, Iowa, and other trans-Mississippi states this last named species makes a well marked though not very extensive southward migration in autumn, returning north- ward, however, so gradually and quietly that it attracts Httle attention. In attempting to study migration as it occurs in this country the solitary observer works at a great disadvantage. Even in the most favorable location and with the best equipment in the way of education and time, such an observer can do little more than record the observed facts and trust that the opportunity may come sooner or later when he or some one else may combine his observations with thousands of others and in this way accomplish some- thing definite toward the solution of what must be considered one of the greatest mysteries of nature. In 1896 the great British naturalist, Alfred Newton, said of bird migration, " We are here brought face to face with the greatest mystery which the whole animal kingdom presents, a mystery which attracted the attention of the earliest writers and can in its chief point be no more explained by the modern man of science than by the simple minded savage, or the poet or prophet of antiquity. The flow and ebb of the mighty feathered wave has been sung by poets and reasoned of by philosophers, has given rise to proverbs and entered into popular superstitions, and yet we may say of it still that our ignorance is immense." Fifteen years have added much to the total of our knowledge of birds, yet the gain in that time has come also through subtraction, for we have been compelled to unlearn much that was once considered fixed and sure. The attempt today to sift the known from the unknown in this matter is a task of such gigantic proportions that any scientist may well hesitate before the undertaking. It is scarcely possible to exaggerate the mystery, super- stition and absurd speculation which has been thrown about this subject. Educated writers within the last hundred j^ears have seriously advanced the theory that birds leave the earth entirely during winter and migrate to the moon, also that swallows and some other species plunge into lakes and streams and pass the winter buried like frogs beneath the mud. Hardly less absurd are the claims that migrating birds are guided by an instinct or by some unknown sense which enables them to travel safely and securely both day and night over thousands of miles of land and sea and to arrive at last with unerring certainty at the end of a journey, every step of which was foreseen from the first. No doubt many species make long journeys safely and rapidl3^ but we now know that a heavy percentage of loss of life goes with every movement. Undoubtedly certain individual birds find their way back to their birth place after a trip of hundreds of miles and an absence of many months; but it is more than likely that where one individual succeeds in doing this many more fail. Thanks to patient investigation and careful exploration we now know pretty accurately where most of our migrants spend their winters, and we have nuich relial^lc infoi'mation as to the general routes by which 22 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. some of them go and return, and even the approximate time occupied by the species in making the trip, but no sane man pretends to say how long it takes any individual bird to travel from the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Winni- peg,— or even from the Ohio River to the Saginaw Valley. Formerly well-known scientific men spoke rather confidently of certain birds as migrating only by day and of others which journeyed only at night; possibly there may be a few species which can still be placed in one or the other category, but the number is dwindling every year. The old argument — that because a peculiarly marked robin had nested for three consecutive summers in the same tree, therefore all robins regularly return to the places of their birth; or that because certain sparrows and warblers were killed by flying against light-houses, therefore these kinds migrated only at night; such reasoning— if it can be so called — has given place largely to better logic and the student of today is beginning to demand absolute proof of many of the statements which were accepted as established facts fifty years ago. A good example of the summer resident is found in the Purple Martin which usually arrives in southern Michigan from the 1st to the 20th of April, nests during May and June, and again moves out of the state before the middle of September, thus spending only five of the twelve months with us. In 1884 the northward movement of these birds was noted from the time they entered the Mississippi Valley, the last of February, until a few arrived at Oak Point, Manitoba, on May 23. The distance from New Orleans to Oak Point is about 1,440 miles and apparently about ninety days were consumed in making the trip, an average of but sixteen miles a day. However, Prof. W. W. Cooke, who collected the data, was convinced that the forward move- ment was confined to twelve days (he says nights), which would make the average about 120 miles per day for the twelve days of travel.* This is a bird of such swift and powerful flight that it is perfectly possible for it to speed northward 150 to 200 miles with a warm southerly wind and yet retrace its course the next day in case the weather becomes inhospitable. It seems reluctant to retreat, however, and too frequently the early Martins which are caught by severe cold weather die from starvation. Their food consists almost entirely of insects caught on the wing, and when the temper- ature drops anywhere near the freezing point very few insects continue to fly. A few benumbed stone-flies may be picked from twigs and grass-tips, but not enough to supply heat and strength for these muscular and active birds. The Martin spends the winter entirely south of the United States, some lingering in Mexico and the West Indies, but more pushing far south into Central or even South America. Again we have birds like the Longspurs, the Pipits, Rusty Grackles, and White-crowned Sparrows, Yellowlegs and Ring-neck Plover, Canada Geese, and many ducks, which are strictly birds of passage, or what we prefer to call transients, seen only for a few days or weeks in spring as they pass from their winter quarters in the south to their nesting grounds beyond our northern confines, and again for a few days in fall on their return journey accompanied by the young just reared. Yet another group of transients, better called winter visitors, should be mentioned which come to us in autumn or winter from the north and after spending a longer or shorter time with us again withdraw polewards; such are the Snowy Owl, Great Northern Shrike, the Pine Grosbeak and two kinds of Crossbills, together with Redpolls, Snow *Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley, Bui. 2, Div. Econ. Ornith., U. S. Dept. Agr. 1888, pp. 224-225. INTRODUCTION. 23 Buntings, and the much less common Evening Grosbeak and Bohemian Waxwing. We may study the main features of migration to best advantage among those species in which the whole body of individuals swings northward and southward periodically and for long distances, at least 20° to 25° of latitude or 1,200 to 1,500 miles. Among these are representatives of the most diverse orders and families with many peculiar and exceptional cases, j^et much general agreement as to the main facts. Some go openly, in immense flocks, by day and in fair weather, as the swallows, sandpipers and crows; others, like the cuckoos, flycatchers and rails, are commonly believed to go singly and at night, and they drop away so stealthily, even mysteriously, that this supposition seems justified. Many waterbirds, geese, ducks, and others, seem to wait for storms of wind or rain and to delight in making their long flights in or just before tempestuous weather. One of the older and seemingly well-grounded beliefs was that many of the smaller and presumably weaker migrants travelled entirely at night, partly to avoid the attacks of hawks and partly that they might rest and feed by day. The fact that multitudes of such birds do travel at night is undeniable, and perhaps the most marvelous demonstration of this is the discovery (first announced in October, 1880, by W. E. D. Scott) that this migration could be watched easily with a telescope trained on the face of the full moon within a few hours of the horizon. Yet the fact seems to have been very generally overlooked that night flying does not preclude day flying, and that millions of small birds might pass over our heads at midday and in fair weather, and yet be just as invisible as at midnight, provided they flew at the heights claimed for the nocturnal migrants. Similarly, the fact that birds appear by thousands about lighthouses and electric lights during cloudy and foggy nights carries not the slightest proof that the same species do not travel just as freely by day. As a matter of fact we know that almost all the species killed at lighthouses do make long flights by day under favor- able conditions, and an examination of all the accessible evidence leads me to assert that most birds do not fly at night to avoid enemies or escape observation, but merely to take advantage of favorable conditions as yet but partially understood. Telescopic observations at night have shown many small birds flying at heights of from one to three miles, and even at a height of a mile most of the same birds would be entirely invisible to the unaided eye in a clear sky at noon. Moreover, telescopic observations by day — the telescope trained on the sun — have shown in at least two cases birds flying at great heights, far above the reach of our unaided eyesight, and in one of these cases the birds were migrating southward in enormous numbers. Different observers of nocturnal migration, using different instruments under similar conditions (that is ahvays against the face of the full moon) have recorded birds migrating at heights estimated all the way from 600 feet to 15,100 feet, and moving at all speeds from nearly stationary up to 134 miles per hour, with an average of sixty-seven miles per hour for small birds of ordinary powers of flight. I have not the least desire to belittle the discoveries of these pioneer observers, or to cast any reflection on their honesty of purpose or the accuracy of their records, yet I am free to say that until we have very many more observations in corroboration of these I cannot but doubt that any of our birds, large or small, at any height or under any circumstances, attains a speed even approximating 100 miles an hour. At a height of little more than three miles the density of the atmosphere is only half that at the sea- 24 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. level, hence its resistance to the passage of a bird at that height would be lessened one-half. It does not follow, however, that therefore a bird at a height of three and one-half miles can fly at double its speed at the surface without increased effort. A moment's thought will' show how preposterous is such a claim. The very tenuity of the air, which lessens by one-half the resistance to the forward motion of the bird, must lessen in exactly the same proportion the supporting power of the air and its resistance to the wing- strokes, which alone give the bird headway. We may dismiss as absurd the claim that birds may double their speed by flying in rarified air. After careful search I have been unable to find a single instance in which the speed of any bird has been shown by actual measurement to i-each over 100 miles per hour. There are plenty of guesses, a few bold but unsupported assertions, and a number of more or less probable estimates. The figures furnished by pigeon fanciers give us some idea of the possi- bilities of the homing pigeon, so often miscalled the ''carrier pigeon." These records of course give only the average speeds, but these are certainly sug- gestive. The greatest velocity of which I find mention is eighty miles an hour, at which rate a homing pigeon is said to have covered 114 miles in 1892. I am vmable, however, to verify this statement. Another, and more likely record, is seventy-one miles an hour for a distance of eighty-two miles, while the average velocities of the winners in a large number of contests do not exceed forty miles an hour. In 1883 the best time made in eighteen races was 208 miles at the rate of fifty-five miles per hour. Over longer dis- tances the velocity is very much less, and in the longest flight of which I can find a record, that of a pigeon which flew from Pensacola, Florida, to Fall River, Mass., fifteen and one-half days were consumed in covering the 1,183 miles, the average speed being seventy-six miles per day. In experiments tried with swallows in France it is claimed that one swallow flew 160 English miles in ninety minutes, giving a velocity of 107 miles an hour, but this record is open to serious question. Wild geese, and especially wild ducks, have been credited with a speed of nearly 100 miles an hour, yet in two cases where it was possible to measure the speed of flocks passing a given point, it was found that the geese flew at the rate of but 44.3 miles per hour, and the ducks at approximately forty- eight miles per hour, and in neither case did the height exceed 1,000 feet. These measurements were made at the Blue Hill JMeteorological Observatory at Milton, Mass., by trained observers with the instruments used daily in determining the velocity of clouds.* In 1893 Dr. Hubert L. Clark noted two Buffle-head ducks flying along the Potomac River parallel with a train on which he was a passenger. The train was found to have a speed of about thirty-seven miles an hour, and the ducks were unable to keep up with it. Heinrich Gatke's statement that the Golden Plover flies at the rate of over 200 miles an hour is based on data which he misunderstood or misrepresented. He states positively that the Golden Plover migrates in autumn from Labrador to Brazil, over the Atlantic in one iininterrwpted flight of 3,000 miles! He further assumes (without explanation) that fifteen hours is the longest time any bird could remain on the wing without food, and hence that the above flight of 3,000 miles is made in fifteen hours, at an average speed of "212 geographical miles an hour, "f He does not explain exactly why this speed is 212 miles instead of precisely 200 miles per hour, as we should figure it, but we need not quibble about a paltry dozen miles in the case of birds moving ♦Science, New Series, V, pp. 26, 585-5S6. tHelieoland as an Ornitliological Observatory, Edinburgh, 1895. INTRODUCTION. . 25 with such meteoric swiftness. There is absolutley no proof that any of these plover- pass from Labrador to Brazil at one flight, nor do we know even ap- proximately the time taken for the trip as performed. Presumably they do make flights of 300 to 400 miles without rest, since they are often seen passing Bermuda without resting, and have prohabhj flown continuously since leaving the North American coast; yet should they tire there is no reason whatever why they should not rest upon the sea at any time except during storm, and it is well known that in case of heavy storms thousands of them do alight on the Massachusetts coast, as well as on Bermuda, w^hile the species lingers regularly for weeks on some of the West Indian Islands. Doubtless one reason why migrating birds fly at great heights in fair weather is because it is easier. So long as the breeze is in the right direction they utilize it to the full, but if compelled by circumstances to face a wind they find it far easier to fly near the surface where they can take advantage of such eddies and counter currents as may appear, and where at all events the velocity of the wind will be less than at higher levels. Another and possibly the strongest reason for flying at great elevations lies in the fact that the view thus obtained is of paramount importance to the migrant. At a height of two miles a bird in clear weather commands a view of an area nearly 200 miles in diameter, so that under favorable conditions, it might cross any of our great lakes, or even reach South America by way of the West Indies without ever being out of sight of land. Should the weather become unfavorable, however, after a start has been made, the little travellers must make the best of a bad matter and meet the emergency as best they may. Were they gifted with the extraordinary powers popularly assigned them they would rarely or never be caught and overwhelmed as they so often are. Were they able to fly even seventy-five miles an hour, they could flit to safety on the first appearance of bad weather, well knowing that a few hours of clear weather would enable them to recover all the ground lost. In spite of the general belief that birds are able to foretell meteorological changes and forestall dangerous storms, the weather is very largely responsible for the terrijjle destruction which thins their ranks and brings death to so large a proportion of our bird population every year. In the winter of 1894-95 most unfavorable conditions in the south nearly annihilated the Bluebird and so far reduced the number of Robins reared in this section of the north that their normal numbers were not regained for at least six years. It is clear that, on the average, as many birds die each year as are born, else the individuals of any species would increase in numbers year by year until they became intolerably abundant. As it is, some species increase for a time and then their numbers fall away again. There is a constant oscilla- tion in numbers with occasional decrease to such a point that recovery becomes impossible, and the species becomes extinct. Ordinary minor oscillations may occupy but a few years, but more often apparently one or more decades may be required for the completion of such a cycle. We have no time to go into the causes of mortality among birds, but it is evident that a very large percentage of the young and inexperienced birds which start south in autumn never return to their birthplace — probably having perished from the dangers of the trip. As a rule the southward journey is made — or at least might be made — with compai'ative safety. There is no need of great haste, food is abundant and the travellers are moving always toward regions of increasing warmth and superabundant food. On the northward trip on the contrary, the birds often are leaving safety and abund- 26 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. ance behind them, are pushing continually into colder and hungrier regions, and are Hkely at any moment to be met with climatic conditions that test their strength and endurance to the utmost and often exact the extreme penalty of death. Take an instance in illustration of this statement. April 2, 1881, Mr. A. M. Frazar was a passenger on a sailing vessel about thirty miles off the mouths of the Mississippi, with a moderate east wind blowing and no land birds in sight. Suddenly, about noon, the wind changed to the north and increased to a gale, and within an hour birds of many species appeared, singly and in small flocks, having come down from far overhead to escape the force of the wind. All were flying toward the land, directly to windward, and in the teeth of the growing storm. "Within a few hours," says Mr. Frazar, "it had become a serious matter with them, as they could make scarcely any progress. As long as they were in the trough of the sea the wind had little effect on them, but as soon as they reached the crest of a wave it would catch them up and in an instant they were blown hundreds of yards back or else into the water and drowned. * * * j^ -^vas sad indeed to see them struggling along by the side of the vessel in trying to pass ahead of her, for as soon as they were clear of the bows they were invariably blown back into the water and drowned. Most of those which came aboard (considerably over a hundred) were washed into the sea again."* Twenty- three different species were identified, including warblers, finches, flycatchers, and a single swallow, hawk, dove and turnstone. Probably these were all migrants which had nearly crossed the Gulf of Mexico from the Peninsula of Yucatan, only to be swallowed up by the angry sea when almost within sight of their goal. Another observer describes the disaster caused to birds on Lake Michigan by a violent storm in September, 1879, as follows: "The eastern shore of Lake Michigan was strewn with dead birds. I took pains to count those on a certain number of yards, and estimated that if the eastern shore was alike through all its length, over a half a million birds were lying dead on that side of the lake alone. It is more than likely that nearly as many more were on the west. It was a strange and pitiful sight." There were wrens, creepers, kinglets, robins, kingbirds, warblers, sparrows, finches, woodpeckers, and even a few blue jays and kingfishers. Here apparently temperature played no part, but wind and heavy rain bafliled the little migrants whichever way they turned, and finally beat them down into the relentless waves. Still another example of the dangers run by birds in migration is found in the record of a disaster on the eastern shore of Lake Huron in the autumn of 1906.t On the 19th of October, 1908, Mv. W. E. Saunders of London, Ontario, received word from a correspondent at Forest that he had spent the previous day on the Lake Huron shore near Port Franks and had observed hundreds of bii'ds on the shore dead, cast up by the waves. He estimated five thousand dead birds to the mile and on the 21st Mr. Saunders visited the region and examined the beach southward from Grand Bend. His account of the disaster is given in his own words: "After covering several miles and seeing only a few dead birds, I came at length to the region of death. At first the birds were not very close together, but eventually became so plentiful that in one place I put my foot on four, and saw as many as a dozen in four or five feet. I began a census at once, which I continued until the lengthening shadows warned me to hurry on to the river so as to cross in dayhght, but in the two or three hours spent in the count I recorded 1,845 *Bul. Nutt. Orn. Club. VI, 1881. 250-251. t A Migration Disaster in Western Ontario. Tlie Auk, XXIV, 1907. 108-110. INTRODUCTION. 27 dead birds, representing twenty-six different species. After consuming all the time I could spare in this work, I walked over two miles or so of beach, where the birds were more common than on the shore where the count was taken; this brought me within half a mile of the mouth of the Sable river and I then crossed it and turned my steps inland to a railway station. * * * After my return I wrote to various persons near the lake shore. * * * It appears that from below Grand Bend the birds were very numerous until beyond Stony Point, but toward Kettle Point they diminished and were not plentiful again until Blue Point, beyond which they were 'laying six deep in one place.' * * * -phe northeastern section, of which I covered perhaps two miles, would have approximately one thousand birds to the mile, and the whole section might be perhaps ten miles; the western section was probably thickly covered, but the length is unknown, possibly three miles, or perhaps even ten." The weather conditions which resulted in this tragedy are thus described by Mr. Saunders: "The early days of October. 1906, were warm and damp, but on the sixth came a north wind which carried the night temperature down to nearly freezing. Near there it stayed with little variation until the tenth, and on the tenth the north wind brought snow through the western part of Ontario. At London there was only two or three inches, which vanished early next day; and the thermometer fell to only 32 degrees on the night of the 10th, and to 28 on the 11th, but ten miles west there was five inches of snow at 5 p. m. October 10, and towards Lake Huron, at the south- east corner, between Goderich and Sarnia, the snow attained a depth of nearly a foot and a half, and the temperature dropped considerably lower than at London. On that night, apparently, there must have been a heavy migration of birds across Lake Huron, and the cold and snow combined overcame many of them, so that they fell in the lake and were drowned." It should be noted that in all probabihty the destruction of these birds took place on the night of October 10-11, and that this is an exceptionally early date for severe cold and heavy snow. Among the birds overtaken by this disaster, the species most strongly represented appear to have been the Winter Wren, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Junco, and Golden-crested Kinglet. Mr. Saunders counted 417 Juncos in the total of 1,845 birds alluded to. We have no time to discuss the alleged power of birds to divine coming storms, nor can we enter into a consideration of such instincts as should save them from disasters like those just described. I have tried to show already that they possess no such extraordinary powers of flight as are ascribed to them by popular writers, and had we the time, it might be shown, I believe, that at least for a very large part of their migratory flight they do not follow fixed paths, nor do they retrace their footsteps — or better, wing-beats — through memory. That certain great natural highways exist, I have no doubt, but certainly part of the throngs of birds which use them do so not because they have ever used them before, or even because their ancestors used them, but because the same forces which led to their use then are still operative and because these routes are the easiest and best paths to the regions desired. Natural highways, recognized as such by all well informed bird-students, are the valleys of rivers having a general north and south trend, especially the larger rivers. Famous examples of such highways are seen in the Mississippi and the Red River of the north which combine to form a path along which millions of birds pass annually between Louisiana and Manitoba, 28 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. while other miUions diverge into the larger tributary valleys, such as the Arkansas, IMissouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Shorter but equally popular valleys are those of the Connecticut, the Hudson, the Potomac, the Susque- hanna and the Genessee, every one of which is noted for its throngs of mi- grants both spring and fall. The larger Michigan rivers all trend rather east and west than north and south anci perhaps for that reason no one of them seems to have acquired fame as a migration route. True the Detroit and St. Clair rivers form a famous route for waterfowl, and it is no uncommon thing for ducks, geese, swans and gulls to pass Detroit in large numbers, flock often following flock in seemingly endless procession. Yet apparently Detroit is avoided by the greater throngs of land birds, the main stream of migrants passing some twenty miles east of the city, and one branch of this stream entering the state at Port Huron and flowing northward along the Huron shore, across the mouth of Saginaw Bay and eventually across the head of Lake Huron and the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula, into the relatively unknown regions of northern Ontario. Doubtless most Michigan migrants arriving from the south enter the state directly from Ohio or Indiana, and according to the generally accepted theories many of them, if from the far south, have come up the Mississippi valley to the mouth of the Ohio River, followed this valley to the northeast and as- cended some one of the tributary valleys from the north, — the Wabash, Miami, Scioto, etc., to the sources of these streams, and then ])y the Maumee, San- dusky and Huron rivers to Lake Erie or to the Ohio-Michigan line. Birds arriving on the Lake Erie shore at or east of Sandusky are known to cross the western end of Lake Erie by a route which takes them over Kelly and Pelee islands, as stepping stones, to Point Pelee in Ontario, a long, sandy, partly wooded point which stretches out nearly ten miles into Lake Erie. Continuing this journey northward from the point part of the migrants pass up the eastern shore of Lake Huron (Georgian Bay), while the remainder, as already noted, proceed directly north to the southern end of Lake Huron, crossing then into IMichigan territory and proceeding northward along the western shore of Lake Huron. Possibly the Wabash Valley column may supply most of the migrants which enter southwestern ]Michigan, while those which use the Miami and Scioto valleys reach southeastern Michigan, or cross Lake Erie by the Pelee route, but it must be remembered that by no means all migrants follow river valleys, and especially in regions like the Indiana-Ohio-]\Iichigan area, where the country is comparatively flat and everywhere well watered, there is every reason to beheve that little use is made of the streams in directing the birds northward. It should also be clearly understood that there is certainly a well marked migration, both northward and southward, through Ohio and Indiana which is entirely independent of the ]\Iississippi and Ohio valleys, the birds coming directly over the mountains from the South Atlantic and Gulf states to the Ohio valley, and very possibly completing their northward movement without any reference to the direction of water courses. It has been commonly assumed that land birds would prefer not to cross large bodies of water if they can be conveniently avoided, but while this may be true of birds migrating by day, it is certainly not true of all nocturnal migrants, and the records of birds killed at hghthouses, both along the sea- coast and on the Great Lakes, makes it pretty clear that very many species are quite indifferent as to whether their course lies over land or watei". We INTRODUCTION. 29 know that hawks, swallows, and some other day-migrants seem reluctant to venture out onto sea or lake, and prefer to "coast alongshore" in the direc- tion which takes them most nearly where they wish to go ; but this may very likely result from the fact that these birds must feed more or less as they travel, and it demands no extraordinary intelligence to foresee the scarcity of food if they pass out over the sea or any large body of water. Just how far birds follow "blind instinct" (whatever that may be) in these trips and how far they act as intelligent beings is a moot question at present. One might suppose, after studying the map of the Great Lake region, that birds passing northward from the Lower Peninsula of Michigan would endeavor to cross into the Upper Peninsula at or near the Straits of Mackinac, but so far as we can learn birds are no more numerous during migration at that point than any other, and the fact that thousands of birds are killed annually at Spectacle Reef Light at the head of Lake Huron, quite a ch stance east of the Straits, would seem to show that the migrants — at least at night — take a direct north and south course without regard to the amount of land or water to be crossed. SOME USEFUL BOOKS OF REFERENCE. (A) Large works to be found in most libraries. L Baird, Brewer & Ridgwav. History of North American Birds. Land Birds, Vols. 1, 2^^ 3. Water Birds, Vols. 1, 2. Little, Brown & Co. 2. Robert Riclgway. Birds of North and Middle America. Bull. 50, U. S. National Museum, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4 (5 in press). No life histories. 3. Elliott Coues. Key to North American Birds, 2 vols. Dana Estes & Co., Boston, 1905, 5th ed. ($10.00). 4. Capt. Chas. Bendire. Life Histories of North American Birds, 2 vols. : Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, Vol. 28, 1892, and Vol. 32, 1895. Land Birds from Raptores to Icter- idfB, with many fine colored plates of eggs. 5. Henry Nehrling. Our Native Birds of Song and Beauty. 2 large vols., 36 colored plates. Geo. Brumder, Milwaukee, 1893. 6. Howard Elon Eaton. Birds of New York. Memoir 12, N. Y. State Museum, Vol. 1, 1909 (Vol. 2 in press). About 50 colored plates in Vol. 1. (B) Smaller works, some of which every bird student should own. 7. Robert Ridgway. Key to North American Birds. J. B. Lippin- cott, 1 vol. 8. Frank M. Chapman. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America. Sixth (or later) edition, 1904. D. Appleton & Co., New York, $3.00. 9. Frank M. Chapman. Warblers of North America. D. Appleton & Co., With 24 colored plates. $3.00 net. 10. Frank M. Chapman. Bird Life. D. Appleton & Co., 1903, 75 colored plates. (Popular edition $2.00.) 11. Frank M. Chapman. Bird studies with a Camera. D. Apple- ton & Co., 1903. No colors. $1.75. 12. Ralph Hoffman. Guide to the birds of New England and Eastern New York. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1904. $2.00. 30 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. 13. Lynds Jones. The Birds of Ohio. Ohio State Academy of Science. Special Papers No. 6, 1903. No illustrations. 14. W. L. Dawson. Birds of Ohio. Wheaton Publishing Co., Columbus, Ohio, 1903. $6.00 and upward. Many tri- color photographic plates. 15. Amos W. Butler. Birds of Indiana. From 22nd Rep. Dept. Geol. & Nat. Resources of Indiana, 1897. 16. Kumlien & Hollister. Birds of Wisconsin. Bull. Wis. Nat. Hist. Soc, vol. 3, Nos. 1, 2, 3 (1903). (Milwaukee Public Museum.) 17. Frank M. Woodruff. Birds of the Chicago Area. Bull. 6, Nat. Hist. Survey. Chicago Acad. Sci., 1907. 18. Herbert K. Job. Among the Water-fowl. Doubleday, Page & Co., N. Y., 1903. 19. Florence Merriam Bailey. Birds of Village and Field. Houghton Mifflin & Co., 1898, 300 illustrations, $2.00. 20. Florence Merriam Bailey. Birds Through an Opera Glass. Houghton Mifflin and Co. $.75. 21. Chester A. Reed. Bird Guide, Part I. Water Birds, Game Birds and Birds of Prey. Worcester, Mass. 50 and 75 cents. 22. Chester A. Reed. Bird" Guide, Part II. Land Birds, 1909. $.75 and $1.00. 23. J. H. Langille. Our Birds in their Haunts. S. E. Cassino & Co., Boston, 1884. Out of print. 24. W. W. Cooke. Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley. Bull. 2, Division of Economic Ornithology, U. S. Dept. Agr., 1888, 25. Florence Merriam Bailey. Handbook of Birds of the Western United States. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1902. 33 plates and 600 cuts, $3.50. 26. Montague Chamberlain. Popular Handbook of the Ornithology of Eastern North America. By Thomas Nuttall. Little, FBrown & Co., 2nd edition, 1896. 2 vols, 27. Weed and Dearborn. Birds in their Relations to Man. J. B. Lippincott Co., 1903. 28. Edward H. Forbush. Useful Birds and their Protection. Mass. State Board of Agriculture, Boston, 1907. 29. D. Lange. Our Native Birds, How to Protect them and Attract them to our Homes. Macmillan Co., New York, 1899. $1.00. 30. Gilbert H. Trafton. Methods of Attracting Birds. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1911. 31. Biological Survey, U, S. Department of Agriculture. Various bulletins and reports on birds. Washington, D. C, 1885 to date, 32. The Auk, A quarterly journal of ornithology, and the official organ of the American Ornithologists' Union. Annual sub- scriptions $3.00. Jonathan D wight, Jr., Treasurer, 134 West 71st St., N. Y. City. 33. Bird Lore. A bi-monthly journal devoted to birds, and the official organ of the American Audubon Societies. Published by the Macmillan Co., Crescent and Mulberry Sts,, Harris- burg, Pa, Annual subscription $1.00, INTRODUCTION. 31 34. The Wilson Bulletin. Official organ of the Wilson Ornitholog- ical Club. W. F. Henninger, Treasurer, New Bremen, Ohio. Annual subscription $1.00. 35. Bulletin of the Michigan Ornithological Club. Vols. 1 (1897) to VI (1905), with some omissions. Publication discontinued in 1905. 36. A. O. U. Check List of North American Birds. (Check Bist prepared for the American Ornithologists' Union) Third Edition, 1910. Price, $2.50. Address Jonathan Dwight, Jr., 134 W. 71st St., N. Y. City. ARTIFICIAL KEY TO THE LARGER GROUPS. A. Distinctly web-footed.— B, BB, 15BB. B. No hind toe, 3 front toes fully webbed. — G, CC. C. Wings long; tail well developed. — Kittiwake Gull, Family Laiida;, page 50. GC. Wings short, tail soft, short and hardly visible. — Family 3, Alcida), Auks and Murres, page 43. BB. Hind toe present and connected by web to inner toe; nostrils small or wanting. Order IV, Steganopodes, Totipalmate Swimmers, page 65. BBB. Hind toe present; not connected with front toes. — E, EE. E. Gutting edges of bill with teeth or comb-like ridges. — Order V, Anseres, Ducks, Geese and Swans, page 70. EE. Gutting edges of bill without teeth or comb-like ridges. — F. FF, FFF. F. Legs short, shank (tarsus) compressed hke knife-blade; feet placed far back; no visible tail. — Families 2 and 3, Colymbidae and Gaviidffi, Grebes and Loons, pages 36 and 40. FF. Legs short, shank not noticeably compressed; legs midway in body: tail well developed. — Order II, Longipennes, Gulls and Terns, page 47. FFF. Legs very long and slender, bill slender, recurved at tip.— Avocet, Family 25, Recurvirostridse, page 169. AA. Imperfectly or not at all web-footed. — G, GG. G. Tibia more or less bare above heel ("knee"). — H, HH. H. Lores naked (sometimes part of head also). — I, II, III. I. Bill straight and sharp, middle claw pectinate (with a comb). — Family 20, Ardeida^, Herons, page 127. II. Bill straight, not very sharp, middle claw not pectinate. — Family 21, Gruidse, Granes, page 148. III. Bill decurved, not sharp; middle claw not pectinate.— Family 18, Ibididse, Ibises, page 124. HH. Lores, and rest of head, feathered or bristly. — J, JJ. J. Large, length 3 feet or more.— Family 21, Gruida?, Granes (young), page 148. JJ. Small, length less than 2 feet.— K, KK. K. Legs very short; tarsus about one half as long as middle toe. — Family 45, Alcedinida?, Kingfishers, page 341. KK. Legs long, tarsus little if any shorter than middle toe. — L, LL. L. Feet large and clumsy-looking, the middle toe equal to or longer than the tarsus.— Family 23, Rallidir, Rails, page 152. LL. Feet and legs slender, the middle toe barely equal to tarsus, often much shorter.— M, MM. M. Tarsus scutellate in front (with a single row of transverse plates). (Fig 54).— N, NN. 5 34 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. N. Bill slender, weak, mostly longer than head. — O, 00. O. Toes with webbed margins or lobed flaps. — Family 24, Phalaropodidae, Phalaropes, page 165. 00. Toes without marginal webs or lobes. — Family 26, Scolopacidse, Snipe, etc., page 171. NN. Bill stout, spike-like, about as long as head. — Turnstone and Red Phalarope, pages 217 and 165. MM. Tarsus reticulate (Fig. 56).— P, PP. P. Bill long, very slender, more or less upcurved. — Family 25, Recurvirostridse, Stilt, page 170. PP. Bill short, stout, straight. — Family 27, Charadriida, Plover, page 208. GG. Tibia feathered down to heel joint ("knee"). — Q. QQ. Q. Upper mandible with a cere, or with a soft swollen membrane (Fig. 64) at base. — R, RR. _ R. Bill strongly hooked.— S, SS. ;^ S. Plumage bright green or green and yellow. — Fig. 64. Riii of Family 42, Psittacidffi, Paroquet. (Appendix.) Mourning Dove. SS. Plumage not green nor green and yellow. — Order XII, Raptores, Birds of Prey, page 254. RR. Bill not hooked. — Order XI, Columbse, Doves and Pigeons, page 238. QQ. Upper mandible without a cere, or soft swollen membrane at base. — T, TT. T. Only two toes in front.— U, UU. U. Tail long, of soft feathers. — Family 43, Cuculidse, Cuckoos, page 337. UU. Tail medium, of stiff, pointed feathers. — Order XV, Pici, Wood- peckers, page 345. TT. Three toes in front.— V, VV. V. Nail of middle toe pectinate (with a comb on inner edge).— Family 47, Caprimulgidse, Goatsuckers, page 373. VV. Nail of middle toe not pectinate. — W, WW. W. Each tail feather tipped with a spine. — Family 48, Micropodida3, Swifts, page 381. WW. Tail feathers not spine-tipped. — X, XX. X. Very small birds, less than 4 inches long. — Family 49, Trochil- idse, Hummingbirds, page 387. XX. More than 4 inches long.— Y, YY. Y. Hind toe and claw not more than half as long as middle toe and claw. — Z, ZZ. Z. Bill much longer than head.— Woodcock (Family Scolo- pacidse), page 172. ZZ. Bill shorter than head. — Order X, Gallinse, Grouse, Part- ridges, etc., page 220. YY. Hind toe and claw much more than half as long as middle toe and claw. — Order XVII, Passeres, Perching Birds, page 389. LIFE HISTORIES OF MICHIGAN BIRDS.— PART I. WATER BIRDS. Order I. PYGOPODES.*— Diving Birds. KEY TO FAMILIES. A. Tail-feathers wanting; toes conspicuously lobed (Fig. 3) the nails of the anterior toes very broad and flat.— Family 1, Colymbidse, Grebes, page 36. AA. Tail-feathers present but short. — B, BB. B.Toes four, hind toe present. — Family 2, Gaviida — Loons, page 40. BB. Toes three, hind toe wanting. — Family 3, Alcida — Auks and Murres, page 43. Fig. 3. Foot of Grebe. *The classiflcation and nomenclature adopted are those of the third edition, 1910, of the Check-list of North American Birds prepared for tlie American Ornithologists' Union, and the number in paren- theses following the scientific name is the species number used in the second edition of that checli-list (1895). The number preceding each species name is the serial number of the present list. For an outline of the classification used those interested may consult Appendix No. 5 near the end of the volume. 36 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Family 1. COL YMBID.E.— Grebes. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Wing more than 5 inches (and less than 9). — B, BB. B. Wing more than 7 inches. — C, CC. C. Culmen 2^ inches or more. — -Western Grebe. (Appendix.) CC. Culmen less than 2^ inches. — Holboell's Grebe. No. 1. BB. Wing less than 6 inches.— D, DD. D. Bill compressed, deeper than wide at base. — Horned Grebe. No. 2. DD. Bill depressed, wider than deep atbase. — Eared Grebe. (Appendix.) AA. Wing 5 inches or less. — Pied-billed Grebe. No. 3. 1. HolboeU's Grebe. Colymbus holboelli (Rcinh.). (2) Synonyms: Red-necked Grebe. — Podicops holbellii, Reinli., 1853. — Podiceps grei.segena of many authors. — Podiceps greisegena var. holboelli, Coues, 1872. Largest of the so-called "Hell-divers," intermediate in size between the common Grebes and the Loon. To be identified positively only by exact measurements in comparison with detailed description. Distribution. — North America at large, including Greenland, also eastern Siberia and southwest to Japan. Breeds in 'high latitudes, migrating south in winter. This grebe has been taken in Michigan at widely separated places, but less than a dozen times in all so far as known. The following are the records known to us: One taken at Hillsdale, in the spring of 1890, by Prof. Frank Smith, now in museum of Hillsdale College; one in the collec- tion of B. J. Savage, Monroe, an autumn specimen taken about 1901; one picked up frozen March 12, 1900, at Greenville, Montcalm county, mounted by the late Percy Selous and now in the museum of Agricultural College; one in collection of C. J. Davis, Lansing, taken at Pine Lake, Ingham county, in autumn, exact date not known (This is the specimen recorded in Cook's "Birds of Michigan" as the Western Grebe, J^chmophorus occidentalis) ; another taken at same place (Pine Lake) by T. L. Hankinson, October 30, 1897; one shot at Capac, St. Clair county, February 15, 1904 (Swales) ; one in high school collection at Sault Ste. Marie, collected there (1901?) by Stewart Ten Eyck; one mounted specimen in the Barron col- lection at Niles, without data; one said to have been taken at Mitchell's Bay, St. Clair Flats (Saunders). This Grebe is said to be a spring and fall visitor on the Detroit River, by Mcllwraith; observed by Boies about IMud Lake on the east side of Neebish Island, St. Mary's River, in summer of 1893; said to be a rare migrant in Delta county (Van Winkle); and a common migrant in the fall at Ann Arbor (Covert). The above records indicate practically all that we know of this species. It comes to us from the north in the autumn, some individuals doubtless remain on the unfrozen waters of the state through the winter, and it re- tires northward be3^ond our limits on the approach of warm weather; the records are too few to give us any idea of its actual migration movements. There is no reason to suppose that it nests anywhere in the state. At Leech Lake, Minn., where a small colony was found nesting in June, 1903, WATER BIRDS. 37 by Mr. E. S. Currier (Auk, Vol. XXI, pp. 31-32), the nests were on muskrat liouses in deep water. Sets of 4, 5 and 7 eggs were found on June 10. Its food doubtless consists, like that of all other members of the family, entirely of aquatic animals, mainly fish. The name "Red-necked Grebe" is not particularly appropriate to the bird as we see it, since the red neck belongs to the breeding season and specimens taken within our limits rarely show more than traces of the red throat. There is no unciuestionable record of the Western Grelie, A^]chmophorus occidentalis, in Michigan. See Appendix. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult in breeding phuiiage has top of head, back of neck and most of back black, deepest on head, duller on back. Sides of head, upper throat and belly, pure white. Front and sides of neck reddish brown (rufous). In winter the adult is brownish black above, white or grayish white below, and the red neck is paler and duller. Young birds are similar but have no reddish brown on the neck. Iris red. Sexes alike. Length 18 to 20 inches; wing, 7.25 to 8; culmen, 1.G5 to 2.40. 2. Horned Grebe. Colymbus auritus Linn. (3) Synonyms: Hell-diver, Water-witch. — Colymbus auritus, Linn., 1758, and of most authors. One of the two small Hell-Divers which are common on our lakes and streams, and recognizable ordinarily by its slender, pointed, uniformly dark bill. Distribution. — ^Northern Hemisphere. Breeds from the northern United States northward. In Michigan the bird is universally distributed during spring and fall, and not infrequently spends the winter if suitable open water can be found. The question of its nesting within our limits apparently remains to be settled. It is by no means improbable that it nests in small numbers in the northern part of the state, but there is no unquestionable record. The older lists state positively that the species nested in abundance at St. Clair Flats and along the Detroit River, but no exact records are given and in recent years careful search has failed to show any nesting birds in those regions. Mcllwraith states that it breeds "in all suitable places throughout Ontario, notably at St. Clair Flats." (Birds of Ontario p. 27), This, however, does not accord with recent experience and Mr. Wm. Saunders of Toronto states in a recent letter to Mr. B. H. Swales that he finds no evidence that the species has ever bred at St. Clair Flats. Undoubtedly single specimens of this bird occur in different parts of the state during summer, but these in all probability are barren birds or "pensioners," that is, birds wounded or partially disabled during the shooting season and not able to go north with the rest of their kind. It is not impossible that such individuals sometimes mate and nest, but such instances must i)c few. We saw a single adult on a small stream, the Sucker, at Grand Mai-ais, Alger county, Michigan, on the south shore of Lake Superior, July 8, 1903, and the bird might well nest in that region if anywhere in the state. It reappears in numbers very early in autumn, by mid-August at least, and remains on the Detroit River at least through the first week in .May. It is known to nest al)undantly in the Hudson Bay region, as well as in northern iMinnesota, North Dakota and Manitoba. It builds a somewhat bulky nest of more or less decomposed vegetable matter, grasses, 38 MICHIGAN BIRD jLIFE. rushes, etc., and although the nest is usually anchored to surrounding vegetation it not infrequently floats about more or less and is said to be sometimes attached in such a way that it can rise and sink as the level of the water changes. It lays from three to five eggs, which are white, more or less stained by the fermenting herbage of the nest, and average 1.78 by 1.20 inches. This grebe frequently avoids the sportsman's shot by diving at the flash of the gun, but is much less successful since nitro-powder came into general use. It also has the power, in common with other members of the family, of sinking slowly beneath the surface until only the head, or even the bill remains above, and it is able to remain entirely submerged for at least several minutes; exact determination of the length of time should be made by some one who has good opportunity for observation. The food is mainly fish, but aquatic insects are frequently found in its stomach. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. The adult in breeding plumage has the top of the head, back of neck and the chin brownish black to sooty black, deepest on the crown; there is a prominent ruff or hood about the back of the head consisting of elongated feathers, about half buff or cinnamon, the re- mainder brownish black; the front and sides of the neck and the sides of the chest are chestnut, remainder of the lower parts silky white, back and rump slaty black. The secondaries are mostly white and very conspicuous in flight; there is no evident tail. Bill slender, black, tipped with yellow; iris red. Sexes alike. Winter plumage mainly grayish black above and pure white below with no trace of buff or chestnut and little indication of the hood or ruff. The slender bill and larger amount of white in the wings are the characters most readily separating it from the Pied-bill Grebe in the same plumage. Length, 12.50 to 15.25 inches; wing, 5.75. 3. Pied-billed Grebe. Podilymbus podiceps (Linn.). (6) Synonyms: Dabchick, Dipper, Water-witch, Hell-diver, Die-dapper or Dive-dapper, Carolina Grebe. — Colymbus podiceps, Linn., 1758. — Podiceps carolinensis, Lath., 1790, and most of the earlier American writers. Figures 1,2,3. Fig. 1. Pied-billed Grebe. From Niittairs Ornithology (Chamberlain). LitUe, Browi WATER BIRDS. 39 The most common of the divers and readily separated from the pre- ceding species by its much thicker bill, which in summer is light colored, encircled by a black band, which however is lost in winter. Distribution. — British Provinces southward to Brazil, Argentine Repubhc and Chili, including the West Indies and Bermuda; breeding nearly through- out its range. In Michigan very generally distributed and absent only during the winter months. We have no record of the occurrence of this species in December, January or February, but it has been taken every other month in the year. It nests abundantly in every suitable place in the state, from the Ohio- Indiana line to Lake Superior, building a floating nest similar to that of the Horned Grebe, and laying from five to eight white eggs which average 1.72 by 1.99 inches. We have sets of 5, 6 and 7 eggs taken on different lakes in Barry county. May 29, 1885, May 31, 1888, and June 4, 1888. During the nesting season the birds keep more closely to the marshes and the rank vegetation along the borders of streams and ponds, where they are less likely to be seen. Sometimes many jiairs will be found nesting in small and isolated marshes where their presence would hardly be suspected. No doubt the heat of the decaying vegetation of the nest aids ma- terially in hatching the eggs, and the mother usually covers the eggs with some such material when leaving the nest voluntarily. The young take to the water immediately upon hatching, and when a nest with one or two stained eggs is found, search in the vicinity, or a little patient watching, will usually reveal three or four newly hatched young close by. This bird is seldom seen on the wing, since it seems always to prefer to escape by diving. It undoubtedly migrates by night, and one is recorded as killed on Spectacle Reef pig.s. Footof Pied-biii- Light, Lake Huron, the night of September 9, 1904. ed Grebe. (Original.) TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. The adult in breeding plumage has the chin and upper throat velvet black sharply de- fined from the clear gray of the front and sides of the neck; crown, nape and back of neck brownish black to clear black. Rest of upper parts brownish gray; under parts mixed silver white and gray more or less spotted with black on the chest. The bill is light colored with a conspicuous black band encircling it near the middle. The inner webs of the secon- daries are largely white. Iris brown; sexes alike. In winter the bill is yellowish without any trace of the black band and the throat is wliitish without trace of black. Rest of mider parts are silky white or grayish white and the upper parts slaty black or brownish black. In this plumage the bird closely resembles the Horned Grebe of the same season; compare description under that species. Lengtli, 12 to 15 inches; wing, 4.50 to 5. 40 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Fig. 2. iNt'st. and Eggs of Pied-billed Grebe. From photograph by Thos. L. Hankinson. Family 2. GAVIID^.— Loons. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Tarsus shorter than middle toe without claw. — B, BB. B. Depth of bill at base .90 inch or more. — Common Loon. No. 4. BB. Depth of bill at base .80 inch or less. — Black-throated Loon. (Ap- pendix.) AA. Tarsus longer than middle toe with claw. — Red-throated Loon. No. 5. 4. Loon. Gavia immer (Brunn). (7) Synonyms: Great Nortlicrn Diver, Walloon, Ring-necked Loon, Black -billed Loon, Guinea Duck, Greenhead. — Colynibus imnier, Briinnich, 1764. — Colymbiis imber, Gunn., 1761. — Urinator imber, Stejn., 1885. — Colymbus torquatus and Colynibus glacialis of most of the older writers. Figure 4- Readily recognized by its large size, and, in summer, by its green head, checkered black and white back, and white under parts. Largest of our divers. Distribution. — Northern part of Northern Hemisphere. In North America breeds from the northern tier of states northward; ranges in winter south to the Gulf of Mexico and lower California. ^^In Michigan most abundant during migration, but generally distributed, so^that there is hardly a stream or pond on which Loons are not seen each season. Formerly it nested abundantly on most of the ponds and lakes of the state, even to the southernmost border, but of late years it is much WATER BIRDS. 41 less common in summer in the more thickly settled parts of the state, al- though it probably nests occasionally in every county. Toward the north it nests in undiminished numbers and during the migrations is so abundant in some places as to be a serious annoyance to the fishermen in whose nets it is often entangled and drowned. Mr. W. A. Oldfield of Port Sanilac, has sent us specimens of this species and the Horned Grebe taken in herring nets at that place; and the late Dr. J. W. Velie of St. Joseph told us that it was often caught in the nets there, particularly in the spring. The nest is commonly a hollow in the top of a heap of matted water plants of various kinds, sometimes on the mainland, more often on small islands in inland lakes, most often of all on the top of a muskrat house at the edge of a pond or in some large flooded marsh. ^=^ ^ ^ - Fig. 4. Loon. From Nuttall's Ornithology (Chamberlain). Little, Brown & Co. The eggs are invariably two, olive-brown more or less spotted with darker brown and black. They average 3.52 by 2.27 inches. In the south- ern part of the state the eggs are often laid the first week in May, but eggs are also found as late as the last week in June. Dr. Dunham writes that in Kalkaska county he has taken the eggs as early as May 12. The bird feeds entirely on fish, dives at the flash of the gun, and after it has been shot at a few times becomes extremely wary and makes long trips under water often putting only the bill above the surface in order to breath. It is said to carry its young on its back during flight from one pond to another, or from the nesting pond to the open lake, but this statement needs confirmation. Dr. Gibbs states that he has seen the old one carry- ing the young on its back when swimming in the lake. The call of the Loon is loud but not unmusical; as commonly heard, however, at night and often in stormy weather, it has something peculiarly weird and uncanny about it. 42 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Largest of our divers, from 2^ to 3 feet long, but with rather small wings measuring about 4^ feet from tip to tip. Bill from 3 to 4 inches long, straight, sharp pointed and black. Feet webbed, the shanks (tarsi) compressed to a knife edge, and the toes and nails flattened to make the most effective paddle among birds. To increase their efficiency the legs are placed far back, almost at the root of the tail. The plumage is thick, silky, compact and ducklike. Adults in summer have the head and neck greenish or purplish black with a cres- cent-like white patch on the upper throat in front and a similar white patch forming a col- lar lower down which nearly or quite encircles the neck behind but does not quite meet in front. Both these white patches are streaked with black. Sides of breast streaked with black and white; back and upper surface of wings glossy black, thickly and sharply checked and spotted with white, the spots largest and squarest in the middle of the back, smaller and rounder in front and behind. Eyes red. The male is considerably larger than the female, but the sexes are alike in color. In winter both are plain brownish black or dark brown above, darkest on back of neck and top of head, and grayer on the back; below they are pure white from bill to tail, the lines between the upper and under parts not being very sharp but more or less gray or brown intervening. The downy young are plain brown or gray above and white below. Length, 28 to 36 inches; wing, 13 to 15.25; culmen, 2.75 to 3.50. 5. Red-throated Loon. Gavia stellata {Pontop.). (11) Synonyms: Red-throated Diver. — Colymbus stellatus, Pontoppidan, 1763. — Colymbus lumme, Gunn., 1761. — Urinator lummc, Stejn., 1882, A. O. U. Checklist, 1895. — Colymbus septentrionalis of most authors. Likely to be taken for the young of the common Loon, or even for the adult Loon in winter plumage, although it is decidedly smaller. Can hardly be identified except with the bird in the hand. Distribution. — Northern part of Northern Hemisphere, migrating south- ward in winter nearly across the United States. In Michigan found only in winter, or at least from late fall until spring; and it seems to be much more frequently seen in spring than in fall. It frequents the Great Lakes and the larger ponds and streams, but is very much less often seen than the common Loon. Ordinarily it is in the winter plumage and there is no indication of the red throat, but occasionally some of the birds obtain their adult plumage, or something approaching it, before going north in the spring. The late Dr. J. W. Velie, of St. Joseph, wrote: "Eight or ten specimens were brought in by fishermen in May, 1904, taken from nets set in shallow water off shore at this place. Five or six of these were brought in on the same day and among them were two specimens in almost perfect breeding plumage with the red throat fully colored. Although this species is common here every spring, this is the first time I have ever found it with the red throat." There is no reason to suppose that this diver ever nests in Michigan. Its normal nesting grounds are in the far north, and its eggs closely resemble those of the common Loon, but are much smaller, averaging 2.82 by 1.76 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Similar to the preceding species; but decidedly smaller. Adult in summer (never seen in Michigan) with the entire upper parts dark brownish black or slaty black, thickly marked with small, oval white spots; the back of the neck black streaked with white. Front of neck with a large triangular patch of rich chestnut; rest of imder parts white. The winter plumage is similar, but the dark upper parts are duller, the red throat-patch mostly or entirely wanting, and the tliroat, breast and belly white. The wings and back often show traces of the oval white spots, and this, with the smaller size, serves to separate it readily from the common Loon in winter plumage. Measurements: Length, 24 to 27 inches; wing, 10 to 11.50; culmen, 2.00 to 2.25; tarsus, 2.75. WATER BIRDS. 43 Family 3. ALCID^E. — Auks and Murres. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Wing more than 7 inches. — B, BB. B. Gonys less than 1 inch (av. .83). — Briinnich's Murre. No. 6. BB. Gonys more than 1 inch (av. 1.14). — Common Murre (Appendix). AA. Wins less than 6 inches. — Little Auk. No. 7. 6. Brunnich's Murre. Uria lomvia lomvia (Linn.). (31) Synonyms: Thick-billed Murre, Thick-billed Guillemot, Briirmich's Guillemot. — Alca lomvia, Linn., 1758.— Uria lomvia, Bryant, 1861, A. O. U. Checklist, 1895. Plate II. A sea-bird of odd appearance with short legs, webbed feet with only three toes, and thick, soft, duck-like plumage, slate above and white below. Distribution.— Coasts and islands of north Atlantic and eastern Arctic Oceans; south (in winter) to the lakes of northern New York and the coast of New Jersey. Breeding from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward. This straggler from the north was first recorded from Michigan by the writer (Auk, XII, 387, Oct., 1895), the occasion being the capture of a specimen in a dying condition at Green- ville, Montcalm county, December 13, 1894. The specimen was brought alive to the late Percy Selous, who made a water- color sketch of the bird and sent it to us for identification. Subsequently Mr. Selous presented the nicely mounted speci- Fig. 5. Foot of Bnmnidrs Murre. men to the Agricultural College, and it is (Original.) now in our museum. Specimens are frequently taken in the fall and winter along the Atlantic coast as far south as New York, and they have been recorded occasionally from inland lakes many miles from salt water. They occurred in large numbers at Quebec, Canada, from November 15, 1893, to January 8, 1894, (Auk, Vol. XI, 175), but the above specimen, so far as known, is the first to be recorded from any part of the Great Lake region. No other specimen was taken during the winter of 1894-95 so far as we can learn, but in December, 1896, a remarkable flight of these birds occurred on lakes Ontario and Erie, and many specimens were taken in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Ontario. Probably a score or more were taken in Michigan waters, but the following are the only ones of which we have record : One taken on Detroit River December 19, 1896, now in the high school collection at Sault Ste. Marie; one adult male shot from a flock near Gibraltcr, Wayne county, Michigan, December 26, 1896, originally recorded as Uria troile (Bull. M. O. C. I., p. 10); this specimen now in the museum of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; two specimens killed at St. Clair Flats, and first recorded by W. A. Davidson as "Black Guillemots" (Bull. M. 0. C. I., p. 8 and Ibid. I, 24); in addition to these Mr. Swales states that there are mounted birds at Ecorse and Trenton, Michigan, taken in December, 1896. lie also states that during this flight "Some 44 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. ton or twelve birds were taken on the Detroit River." Mr. Purdy, of Plymouth, Michigan, says that one was taken alive at Walled Lake, Oakland County, by some fishermen and given to William Stark of Northville, who kept it alive in his store where he (Mr. Purdy) saw and identified it. The bird afterward died and was thrown away. A similar invasion occurred in Dec, 1907, and numerous specimens were taken about Lake St. Clair and in the vicinity of Detroit between Dec. 1st and 10th. The causes for the southward migration of these sea-birds, and especially for their appearance so far inland are entirely unknown. Mr. James H. Fleming of Toronto has been collecting data in regard to the " Great Flight " of 1895-96, and I am informed through Mr. P. A. Taverner that so far as known the stomach of every bird captured was entirely empty and the birds were all much emaciated and enfeebled, so much so that many of the specimens were readily captured by hand. In the vicinity of Toronto scores, perhaps hundreds, were found and there is reason to believe that the birds came south from the Arctic regions by thousands and that they could not, or at least did not, find suitable food to keep them alive. This bird breeds on the Magdalene Islands, Gulf of St. Lawrence and northward, laying a single heavily spotted egg on the bare rock of the cliff. The eggs average 3.21 by 2.01 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. In winter upper parts dusky or slate-colored, the secondaries alone tipped with white. Below, pure white from chin to tail, including most of the sides of the head and neck, but in young birds the white throat is more or less washed with dusky. A distinct groove or furrow in the plumage behind the eye. Length, 14.50 to 18.50; wing, 7.45 to 8.80 inches; culmen, 1.40 to L50; tarsus, 1.40 to 1.55. 7. Little Auk. Alle alle (Lirin.). (34) Synonyms: Dovekie, Sea-dove. — Alca alle, Linn., 1758. — Alle alle, Stejn., 1885, and most subsequent authors. Smallest of the family and resembling a miniature of Briinnich's Murre, but of decidedly smaller size and proportionately smaller bill. Distribution. — Coasts and islands of the northern Atlantic and eastern Arctic oceans; in North America south in winter to New Jersey; breeds in high northern latitudes. This is an Arctic species confined as a rule to the sea and found inland as a rule only when driven there by severe storms. There seems to be but one record for Michigan, that by the late W. H. Collins of Detroit, whose record (0. & O. Vol. VII, p. Ill, 1882) is as follows. "I received a fine specimen of the sea dove killed here on Detroit River by one of our market hunters. It was swimming among his decoy ducks. It proved to be a young female." In corroboration of this record Mr. Covert Avrites me that he saw the specimen and received the full history of its capture from Mr. Collins, and has no reason to doubt the record. The specimen itself may possibly be in existence still, but we have not been able to locate it. The species migrates southward along the Atlantic coast with some regularity every winter and specimens are often taken along the coast of Maine and Massachusetts, not infrequently in fresh water ponds ten to fifty miles from the seashore. There is a record also of a specimen taken on Lake Ontario two miles from Toronto on November 18, 1901 (Auk, Vol. XIX, p. 94). Plate II. Brunnich's Murre. From photograph of mounted specimen. WATER BIRDS. 47 This species nests only in high latitudes, mainly or entirely within the Arctic Circle, and its eggs are laid singly on islands and often on the bare rocks of cliffs overhanging the sea. The eggs average 1.90 by 1.29 inches, and are greenish white in color. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. The adult in summer has the head and neck all around, together with upper parts, blue- black, more glossy above, duller and more brownish on the throat, chest and sides of head. Scapulars white-edged and secondaries tipped with white. Under parts, except throat and chest, pure white. In winter the brownish black disappears from the throat and neck leaving the entire under parts pure white, and this color often extends over the sides of the head and along the sides of the neck until it nearly meets on the back of neck. Length, 7.25 to 9.15 inches; wing, 4.50 to 4.75; culmen, .50. Order II. LONGIPENNES.— Long-winged Swimmers. KEY TO FAMILIES. A. Covering of upper mandible of three distinct pieces, hook, side-piece, and cere-like piece; two middle tail feathers projecting beyond the rest. — Family 4, Stercorariidae.- — Skuas and Jaegers (Gull-chasers), page 47. A A. Covering of upper mandible of a single piece; middle tail-feathers not projecting beyond the rest. — Family 5, Laridse — Gulls and Terns, page 49. Family 4. STERCORARIID.E.— Gull-chasers. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Projecting middle tail-feathers broad at tip. — Pomarine Jaeger. No. 8. AA. Projecting middle tail-feathers narrow at tip. — Parasitic Jaeger. No. 9. 8. Pomarine Jaeger. Stercorarius pomarinus (Temm.). (36) Synonyms: Jaeger Gull, Gull-chaser, Gull-hunter. — Larus pomarinus and Lestris pomarinus, Temm., 1815. — Stercorarius pomarinus of most recent authors. Most likely to be recognized, if at all, through its habit of chasing other sea-birds, somewhat in the manner of a hawk, although it seldom kills the bird it pursues, being content usually to compel it to drop or disgorge the prey which it has just captured. Distribution. — Seas and inland waters of northern portions of the North- ern Hemisphere; south in winter to Africa, Australia and probably South America. This is another sea-bird of wide distribution, but unlike the Auks it is by no means restricted to salt water. Nevertheless it is seldom seen and still more seldom captured on the Great Lakes. The only record for Mich- igan which we have been able to verify is that of a specimen taken on the Detroit River May 30, 1879, by R. Sanlier, and recorded by the late W. H. Colhns in the Oologist for 1879, p. 24. This specimen is now in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass., and bears the following label: 48 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. "Female. Detroit River, May 30, 1879. Killed by R. Sanlier. It was chasing Black Terns near Fighting Island." The name appears in several lists of birds of the state, and there can be little doubt that the species occurs with some regularity on Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron. Mr. E. W. Nelson states that he is "certain that this species is a rare visitant to Lake Michigan during severe winters" (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. I, p. 41). Dr. Brayton (Trans. Ind. Hort. Hoc. 1879 p. 150) says "A rare winter visitant to Lake Michigan. October 9, 1876, in company with my friend Mr. E. W. Nelson * * * we saw a fine specimen of this bird flying along the lake shore near the state (Indiana) hne." As already stated the bird preys upon other birds, robbing their nests of eggs and young or chasing the old birds and compelling them to give up the food they have taken. The above record for Detroit River, May 30, shows that the bird lingers late in these latitudes, but it nests invariably far north, and its nesting habits are but imperfectly known. It lays two or three olive green to olive brown eggs more or less spotted with darker brown and black. The eggs average 2.35 by 1.63 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. A web-footed, gull-like seabird, with bill more strongly hooked than in the ordinary- gulls) and with the two middle tail-feathers projecting beyond the rest. These two feathers are nearly as broad as the rest, rounded at tip, and from 7 to 10 inches long. The adult often has the upper parts, except the nape, dark slate, and this color extends over the sides of the head. All the lower parts from bill to tail are white or yellow- ish white, and this is also the color of the nape. Some adults, however, are almost entirely slate-colored above and below, often appearing dull black; the greater number are inter- mediate between these two extremes. Immature birds are similar to adults, but are always thickly barred with dark brown below and rusty or yellowish white above. Length, 20 to 23 inches; wing, 13.50 to 14; culmen, 1.45 to 1.75. 9. Parasitic Jaeger. Stercorarius parasiticus (Linn.). (37) Synonyms: Richardson's Jaeger; Teaser; Boatswain; Marlinspike. — Larus parasiticus, Linn., 1758. — Lestris parasitica. 111., 1811. — Lestris richardsoni, Nutt., 1834, Aud., 1835, — Stercorarius parasiticus of most recent authors. This bird is very similar to the Pomarine Jicger in general appearance but is smaller and has the two middle tail-feathers narrow and pointed, as well as elongated, which is readily seen when the bird is in full chase after a gull or tern which is dodging and twisting in the attempt to escape. Distribution. — Northern part of the Northern Hemisphere, southward to North Africa and South America. Breeds in high northern districts, and winters from New York and California southward to Brazil. Like the preceding species this a decidedly uncommon bird in Michigan. While it probably occurs regularly in spring and fall we know of but two unquestionable records. A specimen was killed at Otter Lake, Lapeer county, Sept. 28, 1897, and mounted by Robert P. Stark of that place, from whom it was obtained for the museum of the Agricultural College, where it now is. This is an immature bird, probably a bird of the year, and the sex was not determined. Another specimen was taken at Point Mouville, Detroit River, Nov. 27, 1903. It was found by Mr. Covert at a tax- idermist's shop in Detroit, and identified by himself and Mr. B. H. Swales. It is now in the collection of the Detroit Museum of Art (Bull. Mich. Orn. WATER BIRDS. 49 Club, Vol. IV, 1903, p. 94). Dr. Gibbs informs us that W. H. Collins of Detroit in a letter which he has, says "Two specimens taken on Detroit River, fall of 1876, and now in collection of Dr. Jasper, Columbus, Ohio. One taken in October, 1883, in dark plumage." We have recently (Nov. 2, 1905) examined a nice specimen of this species in the Barron collection at Niles. It is an immature bird in a plumage intermediate between the light and dark phase and the middle tail-feathers but an inch longer than the rest. Although without any label it was probably taken in that vicinity. In habits this bird does not differ much from the preceding, but is decidedly more common on the Atlantic coast, and is probably more a bird of the coast than of the open sea. It nests far north of our Hmits, laying eggs similar to those of the Pomarine Jaeger and averaging 2.30 by 1.64 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Most of the head, neck and under parts wliite or yellowish white, the top of head and the lores brown; the rest of the upper parts dark slate. Occasionally an adult is found which is brownish black or very dark slate all over. Yoimg birds (full grown) are mostly brownish, variously streaked and barred with whitish or buff, the streaking most noticeable on head and neck, the barring on back, breast and belly. Length, 15.50 to 21 inches; wing, 11. 80 to 13.50; longest tail-feathers 4.90 to 6.25; culmen, 1.15 to 1.40. Family 5. LARID^.— Gulls and Terns. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Outer tail-feathers longest (tail more or less forked). — C, CC, CCC. C. Large; wing more than 13 inches. — D, DD. D. Largest; bill thick; tail forked less than two inches, hind head not crested. — Caspian Tern. No. 19. DD. Smaller; bill more slender; tail forked 3 inches or more; hind head crested. ^ — Royal Tern. No. 20. CC. Medium; wing 9 to 12 inches.— E, EE. E. Outer tail-feathers much narrowed at tip. — F, FF, FFF. F. Outer web of outer tail-feather darker than inner web. — G, GO. G. Bill red with black tip (in summer). — Common Tern. No. 22. GG. Bill all red (in summer). — Arctic Tern. No. 23. FF. Inner web of outer tail-feather darker than outer wel); bill red, black-tipped. — Forster's Tern. No. 21. FFF. Both webs of outer tail-feather white; breast wliite or rose-tinted. — Roseate Tern. (Appendix.) EE. Outer tail-feathers not narrowed at tip. — Sabine's Gull. No. 18. CCC. Small; wing less than 9 inches.— H, HH. H. Back and upper sui'face of wings and tail slate-color or dark grav; bill black.— Black Tern. No. 25. HH. Back and upper surface of wings pale peai'l-gray; bill yellow, black-tipped. — Least Tern. No. 24. 7 50 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. A A. Tail feathers all of equal length (tail square or slightly rounded). — I, II. I. Large; wing more than 13 inches. — J, J J. J. Primaries wholly white, or pale gray with white tips. — K, KK. K. Wing over 16^ inches; tail over 7 inches. — Glaucous Gull. No. 11. KK. Wing not over 16^ inches; tail less than 7 inches. ^ — Iceland Gull. No. 12. JJ. Primaries wholly dark, or boldly marked with black and white. — L, LL. L. Back ("mantle") dark slate; wing over llh inches. — Black- backed Gull. No. 13. LL. Back ("mantle") pale pearl-gray.— M, MM. M. Wing more than 16 inches. — Herring Gull. No. 14. MM. Wing less than 16 inches.— Ring-billed Gull. No. 15. II. Small; wing not more than 13 inches. ^ — N, NN. N. Hind toe rudimentary or wanting. — Kittiwake. No. 10. NN. Hind toe perfect but small. — O, 00. O. Mantle dark (deep plumbeous or slate color). — P, PP. P. Wing 12 to 13 inches. — Laughing Gull. (Appendix.) PP. Wing 11 to 12 inches.— Frankhn's Gull. No. 16. 00. Mantle light (pale pearl gray) wing 10 to 11 inches. — Bonaparte's Gull. No. 17. 10. Kittiwake. Rissa tridactyla tridactyla (Linn.). (40) Synonyms: Common Kittiwake. — Larus tridactylus, Linn., 1758. — Rissa tridactyla, A. O. U. Check-list, 1895, and most authors. A rather small gull readily recognizable by the absence or extremely rudimentary condition of the hind toe, which never bears a nail and is usually altogether lacking. In addition the bird has brown or black feet and a pale yellow or greenish yellow bill and the outer four primaries have the tips entirely black. Distribution. — Arctic regions, south in eastern North America, in winter to the Great Lakes and the middle states. Although the Kittiwake has been included in several of the earlier lists of Michigan birds, there has always been some doubt as to its right to the place. Doubtless the similarity of this bird, particularly when immature, to the young of Bonaparte's Gull is responsible for many of the so-called "records." The Kittiwake is essentially a coast species, and although it occurs regularly along the St. Lawrence, on Lake Ontario, and even on the Niagara River, it certainly is of infrequent occurrence to the west of this point. We have but two records which are at all satisfactory, the first by Mr. Stewart E. White, who states that it is rare on Mackinac Island, but that a few accompany the large gulls in their migrations (Auk, Vol. X, 1893, p. 222); the other by Major A. H. Boies, who says "Occasionally seen about Mud Lake (St. Mary's River) in the fall of 1893-94" (Birds of Neebish Island, Bull. Mich. Orn. Club, Vol. I, p. 18). We have in the college museum a specimen of the Kittiwake (No. 8293) which came to us with Major Boies' collection, and which he says was surely killed on or near Neebish Island, but he is unable to give any additional data. Stockwell says: "Frequent in winter on Lake Huron and common around the Straits of Mackinac " (Forest & Stream, Vol. VIII, p. 38). This WATER BIRDS. 51 is at variance with the experience of recent collectors. The record by Covert of a specimen taken at Ann Arbor April 9, 1875 (Forest & Stream, Vol. VII, p. 164) seems doubtful, the specimen not having been located. According to Mcllwraith, this species is very common at the approach of winter, around the west end of Lake Ontario (Birds of Ontario, 1894, p. 43), and J. H. Fleming records the capture of several about Toronto, Ont., in November, 1899 (Auk, Vol. 17, 1900, p. 177). It is not included in Kumlien & Hollister's List of the Birds of Wisconsin, since not one un- questionable record for that state can be found. In its habits it does not differ much from Bonaparte's Gull, except that as already noted, it seems partial to salt water, and it appears invariably to select rocky islands or cliffs for nesting purposes. It breeds abundantly on some of the rocky islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and northward, building a somewhat bulky nest of sea weeds, grasses and similar material and laying 3 to 5 eggs which are greenish, grayish or brownish white, spotted with brown and gray and average 2.26 by 1.61 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. A medium-sized, nearly white gull, with three toes on each foot (all other gulls have four), and with the tail slightly emarginate or cut out. The adult in summer is pure wlaite except that the mantle is bluish-gray and the ends of the four outer wing feathers are jet black, the outer feather having most black and the inner least. The fifth feather is white at tip, then black for a space, then white again; the remaining primaries white. Legs and feet brownish black, bill pale yellow or greenish yellow. In winter the old birds are similar but have the back of the head and neck gray instead of white. Young birds are like winter adults but with an additional black patch across the back of the neck, and the tip of tail usually with a black band. Length 16 to 16.70 inches; wing about 12.25; culmen 1.40 to 1.50. 11. Glaucous Gull. Larus hyperboreus Gunn. (42) Synonyms: Burgomaster, Ice Gull. — Larus hyperboreus, Gunnerus, 1767. — Larus glaucus, Brunn., 1764, and most authors. Not to be discriminated with certainty from the Herring Gull under ordinary circumstances; but larger and without any black on the primaries. Distribution. — Arctic regions; south in winter in North America to the Great Lakes and Long Island. This, one of the two largest gulls occurring on the Great Lakes, is by no means common and is rarely taken. In fact, although it undoubtedly occurs regularly during the colder half of the year, we have been unable to find a Michigan specimen in any collection, or even an unimpeachable record. Covert in his manuscript list states that there have been several authentic captures, but does not give any data. Kumlien & Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 9) state that there are in the Milwaukee Public Museum three specimens procured there January 8, 12, and 14, 1895. In Butler's "Birds of Indiana," 1897, p. 570 it is stated that "Mr. J. W. Byrkit informs me of its occurrence near Michigan City [close to the Mich- igan line.] Mr. F. M. Woodruff has a beautiful specimen in whitepl umage that he killed at Millers, Ind., Oct. 8, 1897." If the last statement is correct it proves that the species does not wait for cold weather before coming south, and presumably may be looked for on the Great Lakes at any time except during the actual nesting season. It nests in Iceland, Greenland, and Arctic America, generally laying two heavily spotted eggs which average 3.13 by 2.14 inches. In its habits it resembles the Herring Gull closely, but is said to be more domineering and rapacious, often eating the young of other sea-birds and sometimes even attacking sitting birds and killing and devouring them. 52 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. One of the largest gulls found within our limits. The tail always even, that is, neither rounded nor forked, the head always white in the summer adult. Primaries pale pearl- gray, becoming pure white at tip. Mantle pale pearl-gray. Some specimens are pure white all over. In winter the adult is very similar, but the head and back of neck are marked with more or less light brownish. Immature birds as large as the adults never have the pure white plumage, but are more or less mottled with reddish-brown, sometimes almost uniformly dark brown below, and the mantle also dark brown. The bird can usually be told in any plumage by its size and the absence of any clear black in any part of the plumage. Length, 20 to 32 inches; wing, 16.75 to 18.75; tail, 7.40 to 8.50; culmen, 2.30 to 2.70. 12. Iceland GuU. Larus leucopterus Faber. (43) Synonyms: White-winged Gull. — Larus leucopterus of most authors. Not distinguishable from the preceding species except by careful measure- ment. Distribution. — Arctic regions, south in winter to Massachusetts and the Great Lakes, occasionally much farther south. This bird is precisely like the Glaucous Gull in plumage, habits, and dis- tribution, differing only in size, the present species averaging decidedly smaller than the Glaucous Gull. Its nesting habits and eggs are also similar, except that the eggs are smaller, averaging 2.79 by 1.89 inches. The impression seems to prevail that this bird is less rare than the Glaucous Gull on the Great Lakes, and several authorities state this as a fact. Kum- lien and Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903) call it a regular winter visitant on Lake Michigan, but by no means common, although occurring more frequently than the Glaucous. Nelson (Bull. N. O. C. Vol. I, p. 41) says "A regular winter visitant on Lake Michigan." Dr. Brayton also says it is a "not uncommon winter resident on Lake Michigan." The only absolute record which we have is that of a specimen collected at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich, in 1901, by Mr. John Graham, and now in the High School collection at that place. A photograph and measurements furnished by Mr. W. P. Melville confirm this identification. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Almost exactly like the Glaucous Gull in everything but size; the bill, however, is not as heavy, and particularly not as deep. Its average depth at the deepest part being only about .02 of an inch, while tliat of the Glaucous Gull at the same point is from .80 to 1.00 inch. Length, 24 to 26 inches; wing, 14.75 to 16.50; tail, 6.00 to 0.70; culmen, 1.60 to 1.70. 13. Black-backed Gull. Larus marinus Lirm. (47) Synonyms: Great Black-backed Gull, Saddle-back, Coffin-carrier. — Larus marinus of most authors. — Larus maximus, Leach. Largest of our gulls, or at least one of the two largest, the adult always recognizable by the black back which gives it the name; the immature bird, however, may be confounded easily with the young of the other species and can be identified only by the expert. Distribution. — The coasts of the North Atlantic; south in winter to Long Island and Italy. A rare bird in Michigan waters, but undoubtedly occurs once in a while, although captures must be very rare. "One was shot on the Detroit River in March, 1904, and mounted by C. Campion of Detroit" (B. H. Swales, MS. List of Birds of S. E. Michigan, 1904). Specimens have been recorded from Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana; and it has been reported in Michigan WATER BIRDS. 53 waters by several good observers. S. E. White reports seeing it at Grand Rapids, March 28, 1890, and calls it a very rare migrant at Mackinac Island. Covert reports it at St. Clair Flats April 9, 1875; and the late Dr. J. W. Velie informed us that he had taken it personally at Chicago, 111., and had seen it at St. Joseph, Berrien county, Mich., "several times in winter and spring within the past ten years. There is no possibility of mistaking the species when seen near at hand.'' While within our limits its habits are like those of the other large gulls, although it is said to be more wary than any other species. It nests in the far north and its eggs are similar to those of the Glaucous Gull, and average 3.05 by 2.12 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Mantle dark slate; primaries mostly black with white tips or white spots near the tips; rest of the bird pure white. This is the adult in summer plumage. In winter the adult is quite similar, but the head and neck are more or less streaked with dusky brown. The immature bird, as large as the adult, is usually not dark colored all over, sometimes dark brown mottled with rusty or whitish, sometimes much lighter beneath and with the throat nearly unspotted. The primaries and tail are blackish-brown, the primaries tipped with white and the tail with a whitish bar near the end. Length, 28 to 31 inches; wing, 17.60 to 19.50; culmen, 2.40 to 2.60. 14. Herring Gull. Larus argentatus Pont. (51) Synonyms: Common Gull, Harbor Gull, Sea Gull, Lake Gull. — Larus argentatus of most authors until 1862. — -Larus smithsonianus, Coues, 1862. — Larus argentatus var. smithsonianus, Coues, 1874, and most subsequent authors. Known commonly by its large size, white plumage with pearl gray mantle, and wing tips largely black. Distribution. — Northern Hemisphere, south in winter to the Azores, Cuba, and lower California; breeding from Maine, northern New York, the Great Lakes and Minne- sota northward. Commonest of the large gulls 'and the one usually seen about lake ports and harbors everywhere during the colder half of the year. Formerly it nested abund- antly at many places on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, but has been driven from most of its [south- ern nesting grounds and is now restricted to a few favorable localities in the northern parts of these lakes and along the shores and islands of Lake Superior. It builds a bulky nest of grasses, weeds, twigs, and other rubbish, often lined with moss, and lays three or four heavily spotted eggs which average 2.85 by 2.01 inches. Its favorite nesting place is some small island remote from the mainland or more or less inaccessible for one reason or another. In regions where it has been much persecuted it has been known to place its nests on the branches or tops of ever-green trees, but we have never known them to be so placed in the Great Lake region. The young leave the nest within a few days after they are hatched, but very likely return to the nest at night. They take to the water long before they can fly, and although they swim beauti- ^^f;^- cuu^redu^ed' fully make no attempt to dive. (Original.) 54 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. The first eggs are laid early in June, but often the nests are robbed continuously so that fresh eggs are often found until late in July. Probably not all the individuals nest during the first year and this may account for the numbers of dark colored birds which linger about the shores and harbors far south of any known nesting places. The regular southward migration begins by the middle of August, and although the greater number spend the winter farther south, many remain all winter in the open water of the southern parts of the lakes. Indeed probably a few linger all winter wherever there is open water, at least as far north as the Straits of Mackinac and the rapids of the Sault Ste. Marie. During migration the birds frequently visit inland lakes and streams and probably there is not a county in the state where they do not appear occasionally wheeling slowly over ponds and streams in search of fish or other food. Formerly the eggs were collected in large numbers by the Indians and fishermen, and were commonly sold for food in the markets of Escanaba and some other large lake ports. Mr. Ed. Van Winkle, Van's Harbor, Mich., states that it still (1905) "Breeds abundantly on middle and south Gull Islands as well as on Gravel Gull Island at the entrance to Green Bay in Delta county, Mich. It is no uncommon thing for the egg poachers on some of their trips to carry away 2,000 to 3,000 of their eggs." It is hoped that this is altogether a thing of the past. The present law protects all gulls, as non-game birds, and a heavy penalty may be imposed for kilhng them or disturbing their nests or TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult in summer with the head wholly white and the tail even. Mantle delicate pearl- gray; primaries black and white, usually white-tipped with a black sub-terminal space. Lower mandible often with a red or yellow spot but never with a black one. Winter plumage similar, but the head and neck streaked with brownish or gray. Immature very variously marked, sometimes almost uniform chocolate brown all over, sometimes mottled with brown, white and pearl-gray in variable amounts. A black tail-bar frequently occurs, but other specimens lack it altogether. Length, 22.50 to 26.00 inches; wing, 16.25 to 17.50, culmen 1.95 to 2.50. 15. Ring-billed Gull. Larus delawarensis Ord. (54) Synonyms: Common Gull, Lake Gull (confused with the Herring Gull). — Larus delawar- ensis, Ord, 1815, and many others. — Larus zonorhynchus, Rich., 1831, Nutt., 1834, Aud., 1835, and a few others. In full plumage this bird may be distinguished from any other gull of our waters by its yellowish bill with a distinct band of black encircling it. In any other plumage, however, it is so similar to several others species, particularly to the Herring Gull, that it is not likely to be recognized except by the expert. It is decidedly smaller than the Herring Gull, but unless the two are seen in company this fact is not apparent. Distribution. — North America at large; south in winter to Cuba and Mexico. Next to the Herring Gull this species undoubtedly is the most common of the larger gulls, but it is abundant only during the migrations, or in the southern part of the state during winter. Probably it formerly nested on some of the islands in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, but we have no reason to suppose that it does so at present. Major Boies states that it breeds abundantly on islands to the east of Neebish Island in the St. Mary's River (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club, I, 18), and Mr. Butler informs us that he was WATER BIRDS. 55 told that it nested on the Beaver Islands near Petoskey, Michigan, and abundantly on Gull Island, near Escanaba (Birds of Incl., p. 573). This may have been true at that time (1896, 1897), but in 1904 none were to be found nesting on the Beaver Islands, and careful inquiry failed to reveal any evidence that they had nested there in recent years. It is possible that some still nest on the Gull Islands near Escanaba, but even this is doubtful. Kumlien & Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 10) state that it formerly bred on Spider and Strawberry Islands, Green Bay, from which locahties eggs were taken in 1879, 1881, and 1882. Mr. J. H. Langille says that it breeds by thousands on one of the Western Islands on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, Ontario, near Parry Sound. He states that the nests are placed on the ground, often so close together as almost to touch each other, and the nests as well as the eggs closely resemble those of the Herring Gull except that they are much smaller (Our Birds in their Haunts, 1884, p. 428). This species is similar in general habits to the Herring Gull, but appears to be less given to the society of man, since it is not so often seen about our harbors; it also seems to visit the smaller streams and ponds much less frequently than its larger relative. The eggs are similar to those of the Herring Gull, but smaller, averaging 2.39 by 1.71 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Head white and tail square in summer adult. Mantle pale pearl-gray; six outer primaries mostly black, with white tips or white spots near the tip; bill greenish-yellow crossed by a band of black near the tip, the black usually deepest on lower mandible. The winter adult is similar except that the head and neck are commonly streaked with dusky. The immature bird of the first year has the upper parts mottled with dusky brown and pearl-blue; the wing coverts quite dark with lighter margins, the primaries entirely black and the secon- daries mostly so; tail with a broad band of black near the tip, the tip itself white. Length, 18 to 20 inches; wing, 13.60 to 15.75; culmen, 1.55 to 1.75. 16. Franklin's Gull. Laras franklini Bich. (59) Synonyms: Franklin's Rosy Gull. — Larus franklini, Rich., 1831, and most authors. — Chroicocephalus franklini, Lawr., Coues, and some others. A small nearly white gull with a black head; very similar to Bonaparte's Gull, but in adult plumage with the bill bright red instead of black. It is, however, very frequently confused with the latter species. Distribution. — Interior of North America, chiefly west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky jMountains; breeds from Iowa northward; south in winter through Mexico and Central America to Peru. Franklin's Gull, as shown by the above paragraph, is a western bird which should not occur in numbers on Lake Michigan, yet there are numer- ous records for the western side of the lake and it has been taken more than once near Chicago. We do not know of a Michigan specimen in any museum, nor is there an unquestionable record, yet it seems proper to include the species here, since it is practically certain that it does occur during migra- tions, at least in the western half of the Upper Peninsula. G. A. Stockwell ("Archer", Forest & Stream VIII, No. 23, p. 380) says: "Common in northern Wisconsin and adjoining parts of Michigan; is migratory." Kum- lien & Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 10) say "Not common, but of regular occurrence in the eastern })art of the state as a fall migrant from September until the small lakes and rivers are closed by ice." Butler states (Birds 56 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. of Indiana, 1897, p. 574) that it has been occasionally seen by Mr. J. W. Byrkit at Michigan City, Ind. (less than ten miles from the Michigan line). The bird is so similar in size, pattern of coloration, and general habits to the much more abundant Bonaparte's Gull that it might be easily over- looked, and doubtless this has happened many times. It nests abundantly in parts of Iowa and Minnesota, building substantial nests on rafts of floating vegetation, and lays three or four heavily spotted eggs similar to those of Bonaparte's Gull and averaging 1.95 by 1.34 inches. (See article by Dr. T. S. Roberts, Auk VII, 1890, 272). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Tarsus not longer than the middle toe and claw. Adult in summer with the head leaden- black with a white spot on each eyeUd. Mantle deep plumbeous; primaries bluish-gray all broadly tipped with white, and five outer ones with black sub-terminal spaces. Rest of plumage white, or rose-tinted in the breeding season. Bill bright red with a dark sub- terminal band. Winter plumage of the adult similar to the summer plumage, but the head nearly white with only a few dark touches about the eyes and on the nape; bill and feet with little trace of red. The immature young has the under parts white, the mantle mixed gray, brown and blue, and the head similar to that of the winter adult; the outer five primaries commonly wholly black. Length, 13.50 to 15 inches; wing, 11.25; culmen, 1.30. 17. Bonaparte's Gull. Lams Philadelphia (Ord). (60) Synonyms: Bonaparte's Rosy Gull, Black-headed Gull. — Sterna Philadelphia, Ord, 1815. — Larus bonapartei. Rich., 1831, Nutt., 1834, Aud., 1839. — Chroecocephalus Phila- delphia, Lawr., 1858, and many others. A small white gull with pearl blue mantle and head entirely black all over except small white spots one above and one below each eye; the bill black. This is the adult bird in spring and can hardly be confounded with anything else. Distribution. — Whole of North America, breeding mostly north of the United States. Not yet recorded from south of the United States, though reported from the Bermudas. This is the smallest gull, in fact the only small gull which is at all common in Michigan waters. So far as we know at present it is a migrant only, retiring south of our boundaries during winter and passing entirely north of our limits in summer. There seems to be much uncertainty about the nesting of this bird. Several writers state that formerly it nested abundantly in all suitable localities along the lakes (Covert 1894-95); but it seems certain that the species does not breed now at St. Clair Flats, although it is said to have done so formerly, "laying its eggs on old logs with no signs of a nest." (Collins, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, V, 1880, p. 62). Dr. R. H. Wolcott writes that in the summer of 1893 it was very common all summer on Lake St. Clair, and many were shot by members of the Michigan Fish Commis- sion in order to obtain parasites. Major Boies states that it is common on the St. Mary's River in summer and breeds on or near Neebish Island. He found perfectly fresh eggs in June on a small island on the west side of Neebish (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club, I, 18). It has been said also to nest in numbers on some of the islands in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but the record is not entirely satisfactory. In Kumlien & Hollister's "Birds of Wisconsin" p. 10, we read "In 1880 a few were said to breed on Chambers Island, Green Bay, and we saw on some small islands in Big Bay de Noquet, Michigan, a number of nests like pigeons' nests on the flat branches of low coniferous WATER BIRDS. 57 trees that without question had been used by these birds. Many full plum- aged birds were seen and numbers of young, but only one so young as to be still unable to fly." The birds are commonly seen in flocks and usually breed in colonies, many pairs using the same region, commonly an. island. The usual nesting place of this bird is in the far north, where it builds its nest early in June, usually on the horizontal branches of spruce trees and from five to twenty feet from the ground. The nests are made of twigs, grasses and evergreen leaves, and the eggs are almost invariably three. These are olive green to olive gray, marked with small brown spots, and average 1.95 by 1.34 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult in summer with the bill deep black, head dark slate, and mantle pale pearl -gray; feet orange red. Three outer primaries mostly white, but with large black tips; rest of primaries pearl-gray tipped with white, the fifth and sixth with subterminal black spaces. Rest of plumage pure white, or rose-tinted in the breeding season. In winter plumage the adult has the black of the head mostly replaced by white, only the crown and hind part of head being mottled with grayish-black and white, and a slaty patch on the side of the head; the feet flesh colored. Immature bird of the first year similar to the winter adult, but with more dark coloring on the head; first primary with about half the inner web black, second or third with outer webs wholly black, and tail with a broad sub-terminal dark bar. Length, 12 to 14 inches; wing, 10.25; culmen, 1.20. 18. Sabine's Gull. Xema sabini (Sab.). (62) Synonyms: _ Fork-tailed Gull.— Larus sabini, Sabine, 1819, Nutt., 1834, Aud., 1835. — Xema sabini of most recent authors. Likely to be mistaken for Bonaparte's or Franklin's Gull, but the adult always separable by the somewhat forked tail and the slate black head and neck bounded below by a narrow black ring. Distribution. — Arctic regions; in North America south in winter to New York, the Great Lakes, and Great Salt Lake; casual in Kansas, Bahama, and on coast of Peru. The claim of Sabine's Gull to a place in the fauna of Michigan rests mainly on the statement of Covert that one specimen, a female, was secured on the Huron River, Ann Arbor, November 17, 1880 (Birds of Washtenaw County, 1881). This specimen is said to have been killed by Mr. James Bowyer, but cannot be located now. A male was taken on Delavan Lake, Wisconsin, October 7, 1900 (Auk, XVIII, 392); two were taken on the Mississippi River near Burlington, Iowa, October 16, 1891, and October 12, 1894 (Auk, XVI, 86). Mr. E. W. Nelson states that on April 1, 1873 while collecting along the shore of Lake ■Michigan in Illinois "I shot a specimen in breeding plumage, but it fell just beyond my reach and a gale off shore soon drifted it out of sight." (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, I, 41). These are the only records for Michigan and its vicinity which are known to us. This gull nests in the far north, in Alaska, Siberia, and Greenland, and probably along most of the shores and islands of the Arctic Ocean. Its nest is placed on the ground, commonly in the moss of the tundra, and the eggs are three or four, olive or olive green spotted with dark brown, and averaging L78 bv 1.26 inches. 58 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. "Tail forked; legs and feet black. Summer adult: Head and upper neck uniform plumbeous, bordered below by a black collar; mantle deep bluish-gray; quills (primaries) black, the five innermost ones varied with white and plumbeous; rest of plumage white; bill black tipped witli yellowish. Winter adult: Similar, but head and neck white except ear coverts and back of head and neck, which are dull, dusky plumbeous. Young : Mantle brownisli gray, each feather darker subterminally, and margined at tip with pale fulvous or buffy; tail white, with a broad black band near end, this again narrowly tipped with white; upper tail coverts and entire lower parts white." (Ridgway). Length, 13 to 14 inches; wing, 10.10 to 11.15; tail, 4.50 to 5 (forked for about .60 to 1.00); culmen, 1; tarsus 1.25. 19. Caspian Tern. Sterna caspia (Pall.). (64) Synonyms: Imperial Tern. — Sterna caspia, Pall., 1770, Lawr., Baird, Coues, Ridgw. Readily separated from any but the Royal Tern by its large size, and from the Royal Tern by its slightly forked tail. Distribution. — Nearly cosmopolitan; in North America breeding south- ward to Virginia, Lake Michigan, Texas, Nevada, and California. This beautiful tern is far from common in Michigan waters. A few are seen spring and fall on lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan, and colonies of the birds have long been known to nest on certain islands belonging to Delta county, Michigan, lying in the entrance from Lake Michigan to Green Bay, and also on certain of the Beaver Islands, belonging to Charlevoix county, Michigan. At both these places the birds have been persecuted from time immemorial by fishermen and Indians who use their eggs as well as those of other terns and gulls for food, and unless better protection is afforded, the extinction of the colonies cannot be long post- poned. The nests are placed on gravelly or shingly islands, are usually pebble-lined, and the two or three eggs (rarely four) are very variable in ground color, ranging from grayish white to pale olive, and more or less thickly spotted with brown and black, the spots commonly small and distinct. The eggs average 2.66 by L77 inches. Doubtless nesting begins in May, but owing to the relentless persecution of the eggers few young are hatched until late in June, and the writer found fresh eggs and newly hatched young on the Beaver Islands July 11, 1904, In Michigan at least the Caspian Tern seems always to nest in com- munities, several hundred pairs nesting on the same island. Its flight is remarkably strong, and it has the appearance of being very short-tailed. Its note is a very harsh "squawk" entirely different from that of any sea- bird of our acquaintance; once heard it can scarcely be mistaken after- ward. Like all other terns this bird feeds mainly, if not entirely, on fish which it secures by plunging headlong into the water in the manner of the Kingfisher and Fish Hawk, oftentimes going completely out of sight beneath the water. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Whole top of head from bill to occiput, extending below the eyes, jet-black; remainder of head and neck, together with breast and entire under parts, snowy-white; mantle pearl- gray. Primaries mostly gray with darker tips, the area extending farther toward the base on the inner web than on the outer, the shafts pure white. Bill coral-red with a more or less dusky tip. Feet and legs black. After the nesting season is over the black of the crown becomes flecked with white and in winter the amount of white increases until the top of the head is streaked black and white. The young in the first winter are pale grayish above with some dusky spots on the back and inner secondaries; the top of head mixed WATER BIRDS. 59 black and white or gray; each tail feather with a dusky spot near the end; under parts entirely wliite. Length, 19 to 23 inches; wing, 15 to 17.50; tail, 5.30 to 6.75 (forked for .75 to 1.60 inches); culmen, 2.48 to 3.10. 20. Royal Tern. Sterna maxima Bodd. (65) Synonyms: Cayenne Tern. — Sterna maxima, Boddaert, 1783. — Sterna cayana, Lath.» 1790, Nutt., 1834, Aud., 1835.— Sterna regia, Gamb., 1848, Cones, 1872, Baird, 1859. Similar in size and general appearance to the Caspian Tern, but separable at gunshot range by the length of the deeply forked tail. The present species is slightly smaller than the Caspian; it also has an occipital crest, and the inner webs of the primaries are black only next the shaft, the re- mainder being pure white, while in the Caspian Tern these webs are entirely gray or slate colored. Distribution. — Tropical America, and warmer parts of North Anerica, casually northward to Massachusetts, the Great Lakes and California. West coast of Africa north to Tangiers. As shown by the distribution quoted above, this species is much more southern than the Caspian, and we should not expect to find it in Michigan waters except as a straggler. Its right to a place in our fauna rests mainly upon the statement of Mr. Stewart E. White, who says that during his stay on Mackinac Island in the summers of 1889, 1890 and 1891, he examined several specimens, but that it appeared to be more rare than the Caspian Tern (Auk X, 1893, 222). There is a doubtful record of this bird for Milwaukee, Wis., and it has been recorded by one or two observers as seen during migration; but identification under such circumstances is question- able. There is a mounted specimen of an adult in the Barron collection at Niles, without any label, which may have been taken in that vicinity as the present owners claim that all the specimens are local. This species nests only at the south, the best known resorts being the Tortugas, off the coast of Florida, certain islands along the Texas coast, and a few islands along the Atlantic shore even as far north as Virginia. The eggs are very similar to those of the Caspian Tern, and average 2.61 by 1.78 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult in nesting season: Entire top of head, including the occiput, deep black, the occipital feathers lengthened and pointed forming a distinct crest; back and upper surface of wings pale pearl-gray, the upper tail-coverts and tail almost white; under parts pure white. Outer primaries with the inner web slate-colored or black next the shaft, the remainder of the inner web pure white, the line of division very sharp. Bill orange; feet black. Immediately after nesting the forehead and crown become white, only the occipital crest remaining clear black. In winter the plumage is similar, but even the occipital crest becomes mixed with white, and the orange bill becomes paler. Young birds are somewhat like winter adults, but are more or less mottled with brown above, the crest hardly visible, the tail-feathers with grayish brown or dusky tips. Length, 18 to 21 inches; wing, 14 to 15; tail, 6 to 8 (forked about one-half); culmen, 2.40 to 2.75. 21. Forster's Tern. Sterna forsteri Nutt. (69) Synonyms: HaveU's Tern (Audubon's name for the immature bird). — Sterna forsteri, Nutt., 1834, and most subsequent writers. — Sterna havelli, Aud., 1839. Not to be distinguished from either the Common Tern or the Arctic Tern except with specimens in hand. 60 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Distribution. — North America generally, breeding from Manitoba soutliward to Virginia, Illinois, Texas, and California; in winter southward to Brazil. According to several writers this should be one of the common terns of Michigan, but as a matter of fact, there are remarkably few actual records. It was reported by most of the earlier writers to breed commonly at St. Clair Flats, and according to Swales (1904), there is little doubt it does nest there, although he has never taken it. We have a single specimen in the Agricultural College collection which was taken on Long Lake, Kalamazoo county, May 24, 1884, by Dr. Gibbs. B. H. Swales has a spec- imen taken on the lower Detroit River, Sept. 10,1890, by J. Claire Wood, (Auk, XXIV, 1907, 137). In his Birds of Indiana (p. 576) Butler states that it is the most common tern on Lake Michigan during the fall. In Kumlien & Hollister's "Birds of Wisconsin," p. 12, it is said to be a common migrant during the first two or three weeks of May and again from September until the middle of August; and still later on Lake Michigan. There is little doubt that the Detroit and St. Clair rivers mark the eastern boundary of the range of this species; while it occurs in much greater abundance in the Mississippi Valley. Unlike the Common and Arctic Terns this species prefers to nest in marshes instead of on sand or gravel, and its nests are often built on floating vegetation or on ridges of refuse w^ashed up by the waves. Its eggs are similar to those of the Common Tern and equally variable in color and markings. They average 1.78 by 1.23 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. So similar to the Common Tern in corresponding seasonal dress as to be separated with difficulty and then only with specimens in hand. The two species have precisely the same measurements except that the tail of Forster's Tern will average about an inch longer. Two points alone can be depended upon for separating them: In Forster's Tern the breast and belly are pure white and the inner web of the outer tail feather is always darker than the outer web, which is entirely white. In the Common Tern the breast and belly are pearl gray and the outer web of the outer tail feather is dark, while the inner web is white. These two differences in coloration are constant summer and winter. In other respects winter specimens of these two terns are almost precisely alike and the same may be said of the young of the year. Length, 14 to 15 inches; wing, 9.50 to 10.30; tail, 5 to 7,70 (forked for 2.30 to 5 inclics); culmen, 1.50 to 1.65. 22. Common Tern. Sterna hinindo Linn. (70) Synonyms: Sea Swallow, Mackerel (iull, Wilson's Tern, Lake Erie (iull. — Sterna hirundo, Linn., 1758, Wils., 1813, Nutt., 1834, And., 1838.— Sterna wilsoni, Honap., 1838, Baird, 1859. In full plumage may be distinguished by its red bill with the terminal third black, breast and belly light gray, and outer web of outer tail-feather dark, the inner web being white. Distribution. — Greater part of Northern Hemisphere and Africa. In North America chiefly cast of the Plains, breeding from the Arctic coast, somewhat irregularly, to Florida, Texas, and Arizona; and wintering northward to Virginia. Also coast of Lower California. The commonest tern in Michigan waters, frequenting the shores and islands of the Great Lakes, as well as all the principal streams and interior lakes, and likely to appear on any pond or pool during migrations. It is absent from our waters only during the severest part of the winter and is one of the attractive features of the water about our summer resorts. Formerly it was much more numerous than at present, but the craze for WATER BIRDS. Gl bird plumage for millinery purposes well nigh exterminated the terns, thousands being killed on their nesting grounds, so that for a time the species was threatened with extinction. During the past ten years some legal protection has been secured for them and the cultivation of popular sentiment by the Audubon societies and their friends has lessened the destruction for such purposes. In common with other birds which nest in colonies the eggs are used as food by fishermen, Indians and other more or less irresponsible persons, and the wasteful methods emploj^ed not only prevent increase, but in many instances have driven the birds away from their favorite nesting grounds. Formerly it was not an uncommon thing for parties to visit an island and break every egg which could be found, going thoroughly over the surface and taking pains not to omit a single nest. On a second visit a day or two later any eggs found were sure to be fresh and were collected and carried away. This method, however, so often resulted in the desertion of the island by the terns that it has become customary on the first visit merely to collect all the eggs of the colony into a few large heaps without breaking any eggs or otherwise disturbing the nests. The birds then continue to lay in the same nests and often a supply of fresh eggs is obtained in this way for a month or six weeks. The present law makes such action as this punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, and it is hoped that strict enforcement of the law may be obtained. The terns feed mainly on fish and perhaps are not of any great economic importance, but they are among the most graceful birds in the world and their beauty of plumage, sprightly actions and entire lack of harmful qualities commend them to the public at large, as well as to the bird lover. This species differs much in its nesting habits according to circumstances. It loves to lay its eggs in little hollows in the clear sand, but it frequentl}- lays them among the coarser pebbles without a vestige of nesting material, while in other places it makes a hollow in the sand or gravel and lines it with grass, weed-stalks or "sea-wrack." As a rule it avoids inland marshes and prefers to nest on open sandy islands rather than among the rushes and sedges. At St. Clair Flats Langille states that it most often lays its eggs on the tops of old musk-rat houses. The eggs are commonly three, very variable in ground color, which ranges from buffy-white to greenish- olive, covered sometimes thinly, sometimes very thickly, with dots, spots, and blotches of various shades of brown, sometimes even black. The eggs average 1.57 by 1.17 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult in breeding plumage: Entire upper half of head from bill to occiput black; sides of head and throat pure white; rest of under parts very pale gray, often almost white; mantle pearl gray; primaries deep gray with the inner half of the inner web pure white except near the tips; outer primary with outer web black, other primaries with outer webs like mantle; outer tail feather with outer web dark gray, inner web white; the remaining tail feathers with inner web paler gray, the central pair entirely white. Bill red with black tip; feet orange-red. The winter adult is similar except that most of the black of the head is replaced by white or gray; often the crown alone shows black, the forehead and sides of the liead being entirely white. Young: So similar to those of several other species that only the expert can separate them, and for this purpose reference should be had to the detailed descriptions of Baird, Ridgvvay, or Coues. Length, 13 to 16 inches; wing, 9.75 to 11.75; tail, 5 to 7 inches, so deeply forked that the inner feathers are at least 3 inches shorter than the outer; culmen, 1.25 to 1.50. 62 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. 23. Arctic Tern. Sterna paradisaea Brunn. (71) Synonyms: Sea Swallow, Common Tern.— Sterna macroura, Namn., 1819, Lawr., 1858, Baird, 1859, Coues, 1872, etc.— Sterna arctica, Temm., 1820, Nutt., 1834, Aud., 1835. Figure 7. The adult in summer may be known by its entirely red bill, but in other respects is so like the Common Tern that it cannot be separated except by careful examination. Distribution.^ — Northern Hemisphere; in North America breeding from Massachusetts to the Arctic regions, and wintering southward to Virginia and California. This is the most northern member of the genus and is known to nest in the Arctic regions almost as far toward the pole as man has gone. It has been recorded from regions both sides of Michigan, and there is no reason why it should not occur here in some numbers during migrations. It is so similar, however, to the Common Tern that it is very readily overlooked. Fig. 7. Arctic Tern. Natural size. From Coues' Key to North American Birds, 5th ed. Dana Estes & Co. The sole record for the state so far as we know is that of Mr. A. B. Covert of Ann Arbor, who states that he "secured a male bird at Monroe, Mich., April 9, 1875." Kumlien & Hollister in the "Birds of Wisconsin" (page 13) say "A somewhat irregular migrant, at times fairly common, and again quite the opposite. We have taken it nesting in Green Bay, 1879, and in June, 1891 procured a set of eggs, the parent shot over the nest, at Lake Koshkonong." On the New England coast where the bird nests abundantly, it does not differ in habits from the Common Tern except that it seems to be unusually fond of its own society and is seldom found mingling with other species of terns. The nest and eggs are indistinguishable from those of the Common Tern. WATER BIRDS. 63 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Strikingly like *Forster's Tern, except in two respects. The breast and belly are light gray as in the Common Tern and the outer web of the outer tail feather is darker than the inner web, in this respect also resembling the Common Tern. On the other hand the Arctic Tern has a decidedly longer tail, which averages 7§ inches, and the bill is all red with no black on the tip (both the Common and Forster's Tern have dusky tipped bills). The adults and young of tlie year are with difficulty separable from corresponding })lumages of the other three species. Length, 14 to 17 inches; wing, 10 to 10.75; tail, 6.50 to 8.50 (forked for 4 or 5 inches); culmen, 1.08 to 1.40. 24. Least Tern. Sterna antillarum {Lesso?}). (74) Synonyms: Little Tern, Minute Tern, Sea Swallow. — Sternula antillarum, Less., 1847.— Sterna minuta, Wils., 1813, Aud., 1838, and others.— Sterna frenata, Gamb., 1848, Lawr., 1858, Baird, 1859.^Sterna superciliaris, Coues, 1872. Recognizable by its small size, yellow bill and feet, and deeply forked tail. In size and general coloration it resembles the Black Tern in im- mature or winter plumage, but the latter always has black bill and feet and the short tail is but slightly forked. Distribution. — Northern South America, northward to California, Minnesota, and New England, and casually to Labrador, breeding nearly throughout its range. This dainty little seabird is almost or quite unknown in jNlichigan at the present time, but there is some reason to beheve that it once occurred regularly although in small numbers. It is included in Dr. Miles' List of 1860 on the authority of Prof. Fox who is said to have taken a specimen at Grosse Isle, Detroit River. There is also a mounted specimen in the University of IMichigan Museum at Ann Arbor, labeled "Michigan" which may have been taken in that vicinity. In the MS. notes of A. B. Covert there is a record of a male taken at Sanclshore Lake, Ann Arbor, May 4, 1873, as well as "three specimens (two males and one female) taken at Bayport, Huron county, October 13, 1878." None of these specimens can be located, however, and it is not impossible that they were in reality fall specimens of the Black Tern, which has been mistaken repeatedly for the present species. The Barron collection at Niles was said to contain a specimen of the Least Tern, but a personal examination by the writer in November, 1905 failed to reveal any such specimen, although a single Black Tern in fall plumage, and without label, was found. A skin of an adult male in breeding plumage, from the Gunn collection, is now in the Kent Scientific Museum in Grand Rapids, but bears on the label (apparently the collector's label) "Short-tailed Tern, Warsaw, 111." The Albion record credited to 0. B. Warren by Cook proves to be erroneous. It formerly nested sparingly about some of the small lakes in northern Indiana, and possibly may do so still. Dr. Wheaton reported it as of irregular occurrence along the Lake Erie shore in Ohio, and there arc several old records for southern Ontario. This species has disappeared almost completely during the last thirty years from places in southern New Eng- land, where it was once abundant, but within the past few years a few pairs have reappeared here and there, and possibly, if well protected, it may reestablish itself in the Lake Region. Its habits are similar to those of the Common and Arctic Terns, with which it frequently associates, and it prefers to nest on sandy or pebbly islands where its three or four eggs are laid in a little hollow scooped in the 64 MICHKIAN BIRD LIFE. sand, with little or no nesting material. The eggs arc white, huffy-white or buff, variously spotted with gray, brown and purplish, and average 1.28 by .91 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. The adult in summer seems almost a miniature of the Common Tern, having nearly the same proportions, with the same slender, forked tail, and the same general pattern of col- oration. Closer comparison, however, shows that the present species has the forehead and a short extension backward over the eye pure white, the lores and crown black, mantle and upper surface of tail pearl-gray, and under parts entirely white. Tlie bill is yellow, usually tipped with black, and the feet are orange. In winter most of the black of the head is replaced with gray or white, only the occiput^remaining black; the yellow bill and feet also may become duller or paler, but never black. The young of the year besides having shorter outer tail feathers (which are common to all young terns), has the upper parts more or less spotted and mottled with buff and black, and the tail feathers similarly blotched near the ends. Length of adult, 9 inches; wing, 6.75 to 7.00; tail, 3.50 (forked for at least 1\ inches); cul- men, LIO. 25. Black Tern. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis {Gmel.). (77) Synonyms: Short-tailed Tern, Sterna siu-inamensis, Gmel., 1789. — Hydrochelidon surinamensis, Bonap., 1856. — H. plumbea, Lawr., 1858. — Sterna plumbea, Wils., 1813. Sterna nigra, Sw. & Rich., 1831, Nutt., 1834, Aud., 1835. — Hydrochelidon lariformis suri- namensis, Ridgw., 1881. Readily distinguished by its small size, black body, and black bill. The tail also is much less forked than in the other common terns, which has given it the name Short-tailed Tern. Distribution. — Temperate and tropical America. From Alaska and the fur countries to Brazil and Chili, breeding from the middle United States west of the Alleghanies northward. An abundant bird during the summer in all suital^le places, at least throughout the Lower Peninsula. It seems to prefer the marshy edges of rivers and lakes, or the marshes themselves, provided they have open pools here and there. It breeds abundantly along the Detroit River and St. Clair Flats, the St. Clair River, Saginaw Bay and numerous points in the interior of the state. It arrives from the south early in May and remains until after the first of September (Swales). Doubtless in some seasons it comes earlier and remains much later. It nests in large or small communities, placing its two or three eggs on mats or windrows of floating vegetation, or sometimes on a floating plank or log; the nest usually is only a hollow in the vegetation, although sometimes the materials appear to be slightly arranged. The eggs are similar to those of the other terns, but commonly more heavily spotted, the ground color being pale olive. Eggs average 1.35 by .98 inches. The young and adults after the nesting season lose much of their dark color, and when seen at a little distance may be readily mis- taken for the Least Tern, especially by one who has never seen the latter species in life. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Tlie Black Tern in adult plumage can hardly be confounded wifii any other l)ird, l)eing so dark all over as to appear sooty-black at a little distance. Winter adults and yoimg, however, show much white, but can always be separated from the Least Tern by the black bill and feet and the comparatively short and slightly forked tail. The adult in summer is entirely black or dark slate-color except the under ta,il-coverts which are white, and WATER BIRDS. 66 the under surface of the wings and tail which are very light slate. Usually the head, neck and breast are sooty-black, the remainder of the upper parts being slate-color; the bill and feet black. In winter the adult has the forehead, nape and most of the under parts pure ^yhite; the crown, occiput and auricular region mixed black or slaty and white; the back, wings and tail pearl-gray. The young of the year are similar to winter adults, but always have more or less brownish on the upper parts and are rather gray than clear white on the sides below. Length of adult 9.00 to 10.25 inches; wing, 8.25; tail, 3.75 (forked .90 inch); culmen, 1.10. Order IV. STEGANOPODES. Totipalmate Swimmers. KEY TO FAMILIES. A. Bill without visible nostrils but distinctly hooked at tip. B, BB. B. Tail deeply forked. Family 14, Fregatidse, Frigate Birds (not found in Michigan). BB. Tail not forked. C, CC. C. Bill less than five inches long. Family 12, Phalacrocoraci- dse, Cormorants. Page 66. CC. Bill more than ten inches long. Family 13, Pelecanidse Pel- icans. Page 68. AA. Bill not distinctly hooked at tip. D, DD. D. With small but distinct nostrils. Family 9, Phaethontidse, Tropic Birds (not found in Michigan). DD. Without visible nostrils. E, EE. E. Tail fan-shaped, rounded; neck very long and slender. Family 11, Anhingidse, Snake Birds (Tropical birds of doubtful occurrence in Michigan. See Appendix). EE. Tail cuneate or wedge-shaped ; neck short and thick. Family 10, Sulidae, Gannets. Page 65. Family 10. SULID^. Gannets. 26. Sula bassana (Linn.) Gannet. (117) Synonyms: Common Gannet, Soland Goose, Solon Goose. — Pelecanus bassanus, Linn., 1758. — Sula bassana, Briss., Nutt., Aud., and authors generally. — Sula americana, Bonap., 1838. — Pelecanus maculatus, Gmel., 1788 (young). The four-toed, fully webbed feet, wedge-shaped tail and large size form a combination which is characteristic, the shape of the tail and the pointed bill without a hooked tip separating it perfectly from the pelicans and cormorants with which it might otherwise be confounded. Distribution. — "Coasts of the North Atlantic. Breeds on Bird Rock and Bonaventure Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and on islets off the British Islands. Winters from North Carolina coast south to Gulf of Mexico, and on coasts of North Africa, Maderia, and the Canaries; occurs off eastern United States in migration; casual north to Greenland; acci- dental in Indiana and Ontario." (A. 0. U. Check-list, 3d edition). The Gannet is a North Atlantic seabird depending for its food solely on fish and rarely found at any distance from the coast. In America it is most abundant in and about the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where doubtless 66 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. some individuals remain tliroughout the year, although the majority move southward during the winter, at which season they are not un- common along the Maine coast and even somewhat farther south. Inland records at any season are rare and there are but one or two records (and these not perfectly authenticated) for the Great Lakes. It is therefore with much pleasure that we are able to record the capture in Michigan of a fine specimen of this bird and its preservation in the University Museum at Ann Arbor. This bird, an immature female in the white-spotted brown plumage, was shot October 19, 1911, by Mr. J. P. Case, on a small lake in Hamburg township a few miles north of Ann Arbor. Mr. Norman A. Wood of Ann Arbor, to whom we are indebted for the record, states that when first observed the gannet appeared to be asleep, since it was resting with the head hidden beneath the wing in the manner of a domestic goose. Evidently it was weak from lack of food if not from fruitless wandering. Gannets nest always in communities, and build bulky nests of seaweeds on ledges and shelves of almost inaccessible rocks. The largest and best known nesting grounds in this country are on the Bird Rocks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but the species formerly nested on one or more islets off the coast of Maine. Only a single egg is laid, which is at first pure white with a thick chalk-like shell which soon becomes soiled and stained by the feet of the bird and the materials of the nest. The egg measures about 3 by 1.92 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. " Lower jaw (i. e. malar region), together with sides of chin and throat, densely feathered. Legs and feet blackish. Adult: White, the remiges (wing-feathers) dusky brown, the head and neck above washed with buff. Young: Dusky, everywhere streaked or speckled with white. Length 30 — 40.50 inches; wing about 19.50; tail 10, culmen 4. (Ridgway.) Family 12. PHALACROCORACID^.— Cormorants. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Tail of 14 feathers. — Common Cormorant. (Appendix.) AA. Tail of 12 feathers. — Double-crested Cormorant. No. 27. 27. Double-crested Cormorant. Phalacrocorax auritus auritus (Less.). (120) Synonyms: Cormorant, Shag, Water Turkey. — Carbo auritus, Lesson, 1831. — Pelecanus (Carbo) dilophus, Sw. & Rich., 1831. — Graculus dilophus. Gray, 1849. — Phalacrocorax diplohus, Nutt., 1834,* Aud., 1835, Ridgw., 1881, Coues, 1882. Figures 8 and 9. Readily recognized from its size, black color, duck-like legs and feet (but with the four toes all connected by webs), long neck, very small head with bill hooked like a hawk's, and entire lack of nostrils. Distribution. — Eastern North America, breeding from the Bay of Fundy, the Great Lakes, Minnesota and Dakota northward; south in winter to the southern states. WATER BIRDS. 67 Fig. S. Double-crested Cormorant. Reduced. (Original.) This bird seems to be generally distributed over the state during the migrations, but is nowhere common. Most writers and observers state that it is a rare migrant, but speci- mens have been taken in almost every county in the state, and probably there are few sheets of water of any size within our limits which are not visited by this bird occasionally. The following records will give some idea of its migration: Saginaw River, May 29, 1896 (Eddy) ; Oakland County, May 3, 1902 (Swales); Mouth of Huron River, April 12, 1875 (Covert) ; Sault Ste. Marie, ]\Iay 6, 1901 (Melville) ; Oakland County, October 6, 1904 (Swales); St. Mary's River, September 26 (year?) (Boies); Tuscola County, October 12, 1898 (Eddy); Wyandotte, October 25, 1904 (Barrows); Cadillac, November 13, 1897 (Selous). There are also records without dates from Lansing, Kalamazoo, Muskegon County, and Monroe. Undoubtedly more specimens are noticed in fall than in spring because many more people are in the field during the fall shooting, and also because there are actually more birds in the fall, the young of the year being added to those which went north in the spring. The distribution as given above would indicate that possibly the species nests about the Great Lakes, but I know of no breeding record for Michigan, and the nearest point of which I find, a recent record is Shoal Lake in Northern IMinnesota. Ac- cording to Mr. Chas. Dury it nested at St. Mary's Reservoir, western Ohio, 25 or 30 years ago. The nests are placed sometimes on rocky ledges, some- times on low bushes, sometimes on trees, prefer- ably dead ones. They are built of sticks, roots, and twigs, and the eggs, from two to five, are greenish white with a more or less chalky shell. They average 2.52 by 1.59 inches. The bird is so seldom seen that few have ob- served it in life, and no one appears to be familiar with its habits in Michigan. It dives easily and constantly and remains for a long time under water, in this respect resembling the loons and grebes. It is also frequently mistaken for a duck, but the length of the neck should prevent an error of this kind. The fact that it frequently alights on dead trees, the points of high rocks, or even on the tops of boat houses and other buildings about the water is a point likely to attract attention at once and prevent its being mistaken for a duck. The bird is like most other Steganopodes in having no external nostrils; breathing when adult entirely through the mouth. This is true of all species of cormorant so far as known, and F. A. Lucas states (Auk XIV, 87) that "Probably the external nostrils close about the time the young cormorants take the water and begin to feed themselves." Fig. 9. Foot of Double-crested Cormorant. (Original.) 68 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. The adult in breeding plumage differs from the winter adult mainly in the clear black and more glossy plumage and the presence on each side of the head of a tuft of narrow, slender, black feathers. The winter adult has the entire under parts black, as also the rump, tail, and head and neck all around; the back and upper surface of the wings light brown, each feather margined with black; bare skin of the gular pouch orange in summer, yellowish at other times. The tail has but twelve feathers. Immature birds have no glossy black at all, but are gray, brownish-gray or brown, darker above and lighter below, but always known by the peculiar, hooked bill, fully webbed feet and long stiff tail with twelve feathers. Length of adult 29 to 34 inches; wing, 12 to 13; tail, 6 to 6.50; bill, 2 to 2.50. Family L3. PELECANID.E.— Pelicans. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Twenty-four tail-feathers; lower jaw feathered, plumage of body en- tirely white or with yellow on chest. — White Pelican. No. 28. AA. Twenty-two tail feathers, lower jaw naked, plumage of body mixed brown, gray and white. — Brown Pelican. No. 29. 28. White Pelican. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gmcl. (125) Synonyms: Common Pelican (of the north). — Pelecanus trachyrhynchos. Lath., 1790. —P. onocrotalus, Bonap., Nutt. — P. americanus, Aud. A nearly white bird with black wing-tips and an expanse of eight or ten feet can hardly be mistaken for anything else; and when this is coupled with the possession of fully webbed feet and a bill at least a foot long with leathery pouch below the bill there is no possibility of mistake. Distribution. — Temperate North America, north in the interior to about latitude 61°, south in winter to western Mexico and Guatemala; now rare or accidental in the northeastern states; abundant in the interior and along the Gulf coast; common on the coast of California. This bird is httle more than a straggler in Michigan, yet there are many authentic records, and the bird is such a large and remarkable one that when captured the specimens have been preserved in most cases. It is a well known species in the Mississippi Valley and the lakes of the Great Plains region, and nests abundantly, and usually in colonies, in Manitoba and other parts of British North America. There is no record of its nesting in Michigan nor any likelihood that it has ever done so. It most often occurs here in pairs or small squads, seldom more than four or five being seen together. The following are the records I have collected: Clam Lake, Wexford county, April, 1892 (Covert); Whitmore Lake, Washtenaw county, October 4, 1878, and Lake Wade, July, 1879 (Covert); Sarnia Bay, opposite Port Huron, no date (Hazel wood) ; Detroit River, July, 1902 (Swales); Detour, Chippewa county, fall of 1894, and another in Hay Lake, St. Mary's River, earlier in the same year (Boies) ; two specimens in the Broas collection at Belding, without data, but probably taken in that vicinity (Barrows); Monroe, about 1882, mounted by B. J. Savage of Monroe (Savage was with the man who shot it and says it was one of four which were seen and followed fi'om place to place for several hours) (Bar- rows); three killed in the vicinity of Marquette, and mounted by F. H. W. Bailey of that city, the last one killed near Baraga in the spring of WATER BIRDS. 69 1903 (Barrows); one killed at Dorr, Allegan county, September 1892 (0. & 0. XVII, 143); one killed at Tecumseh, Lenawee county in 1882 (L. W. Watkins); one specimen in Agricultural College ^luseum without data, perhaps the specimen recorded by Cook (page 31) as from Berrien county; two killed in Hillsdale county and mounted for a storekeeper at Hillsdale (Hankinson); two shot in St. Joseph county and now in the collection of Adolph Beerstecker (Gibbs, list of 1879); one killed near Port Huron about September 26, 1877 (F. & S.); one seen and shot at on Keweenaw Point "a few years since" (Kneeland, 1856-57); two shot October 31, 1905, by Ira J. Boughton, on Indian Lake, near Pentoga, Iron county. The nest is bulky and placed on the ground, being "only a heap of earth and gravel raked into a pile about six or eight inches high and about twenty inches broad on the top, which is only very slightly hollowed" (Ridgway). The eggs are two or three, white chalky, and more or less stained. They average. 3.34 by 2.22 inches. The period of incubation is stated by Bendire to be about twenty-nine days; at least that was all the time taken by a hen to hatch pelican eggs placed under her. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. The largest of our water birds except the swans, and recognizable by its black and white plumage, its huge bill, a foot or more long, with its great pouch of elastic skin below. The sexes are alike in color, mainly pure white; the flight feathers (primaries and most of second- aries) jet-black; bill and pouch reddish; feet red in summer, yellow in winter. In breeding plumage there is a drooping crest "of white or pale yellow feathers from the back of the head, the chest and lesser wing coverts are pale yellow, and there is a bony wart-like knob or ridge near the middle of the upper mandible. This knob and the occipital crest are shed after the breeding season. Young birds lack the black wing feathers, but have a little brown or gray in the wings and on the head; otlierwise they are wliite. Length of adult, 4^ to 6 feet; spread of wings, 8 to 10 feet; wing, about 2 feet; bill 12 to 15 inches. 29. Brown Pelican. Pelecanus occidentalis Linn. (126) Synonyms: Common Pelican (of Florida). — Pelecanus onocrotalus occidentalis, Linn., 1766. — Pelecanus fuscus, of most authors. Readily distinguished from the White Pelican by the prevaiUng colors, the naked lower mandible, and 22 tail feathers instead of 24. Distribution. — ^Atlantic coast of tropical and subtropical America, north on the Atlantic coast to North Carolina; accidental in Illinois and Michigan. According to Dr. Morris Gibbs of Kalamazoo, the late W. H. CoUins of Detroit wrote him "A specimen taken near Romeo, Michigan in the spring of 1882." Probably this record was considered too doubtful for insertion in Cook's "Birds of Michigan," but we arc able now to add two more records which establish the species as a very rare visitor to the state. Dr. J. W. Vehe of St. Joseph, Michigan states that "an adult in good plumage was shot at St. Joseph, Michigan, June 7, 1904, and was brought to me in the flesh; I examined, measured, and fully identified it. I have seen thousands of these birds alive, and have shot and skinned numerous specimens in Florida, and there is no possibility of a mistake in this identi- fication. It was not a bird which had escaped from some zoological garden, or at least it showed no signs whatever of recent confinement. The gunners who killed it refused to sell, but took it away and I have been unable to trace the specimen." Dr. Vclie also states that "On September 8, 1904, 70 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Dr. Crowell of St. Joseph, Michigan saw two Brown PeHcans at the mouth of the St. Joseph River. They passed quite close to him on the wing and he had a good opportunity to note their pecuharities. He has spent several winters in Florida and is perfectly familiar with the species there, and is confident that there is no mistake in the identification." I can add nothing to the record of this species in Michigan. In general habits it is much like the White Pelican, but appears to be much less of a wanderer. It nests in large colonies along the Florida shores and the Gulf coast, and lays two or three eggs which are similar to those of the White Pelican, but smaller, averaging 3.01 by 1.95 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. "Nuptial plumage: Head, and feathers bordering base of gular pouch, all roimd, white, the top of the former sometimes straw yellowish; rest of neck rich velvety reddish brown, varying from light reddish chestnut to seal-skin brown, or nearly black; upper part of hind neck with a more or less distinct crest of chestnut; upper parts silvery gray, the feathers of back, rump, lesser wing-coverts, etc., edged with dark brown, producing a striped or streaked appearance; lower parts dark brownish gray, the sides, etc., streaked with silvery white. Winter adult: Similar, but whole head and neck white, except for a straw yellow tinge on the former and on the lower part of the fore neck. Young: Head and neck light brownish gray, somewhat mottled with paler tips to the feathers; back, wing-coverts, etc., dull brown, the feathers tipped with pale fulvous; lower parts white, tinged with brownish gray laterally and posteriorly." (Ridgway). Length, 4 to 4J feet; wing, 18.50 to 21 inches; culmen, 9.40 to 12.20. Order V. ANSERES. — Swans, Ducks and Geese. Family 15. ANATID^. A. Neck very long, at least as long as the body; tarsus reticulate. Large, entirely white birds. Swans. AA. Neck shorter than the body. Ducks and Geese. B, BB. B. Legs comparatively long and toes short (shank or tarsus longer than the middle toe without its nail) ; tarsus reticulate. Geese. BB. Legs comparatively short and toes long (shank or tarsus shorter than middle toes without its nail); tarsus scutellate in front (Fig. 15). Ducks. DUCKS. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Bill long and narrow (seldom more than J inch wide at narrowest part never ^ inch wide), edges of both mandibles with saw-like teeth. Saw-bill Ducks. B, BB. (Fig. 10). B. Teeth long, sharp-pointed, inclined backward; bill long (2 inches or more) wing over 8 inches. Goosander and Red-breasted Mer- ganser. Nos. 30, 31. BB. Teeth short, blunt, not inclined backward; bill short (much less than 2 inches) ; wing under 8 inches. Hooded Merganser. No. 32. WATER BIRDS. 71 Fig. 14. Bill of Mallard showing lamellae. (Original) Blue-winged Teal. AA. Bill short and broad (never less than ^ inch wide at narrowest place) , edges of mandibles with strainer-like plates (Fig. 14) instead of saw- like teeth. C, CC. C. Tail of narrow, stiff feathers, only its very base hidden by the extremely short upper tail coverts. Ruddy Duck. No. 57. CC. Tail of ordinary type with broad soft feathers well covered at base by upper tail coverts. D, DD. D. Hind toe without a distinct flap or lobe (Fig. 15). River and Pond Ducks. E, EE. E. Small, wing less than 8^ inches (Teal). F, FF. F. Shoulder (lesser wing-coverts) light blue. No. 39. FF. Shoulder (lesser-wing coverts) grav. Green-winged Teal. No. 38. EE. Large, wing more than 8^ inches. G, GG. G. Feathers of hind head lengthened to form a drooping occipital crest, much longer in the male; tail long, all its feathers very broad. Wood Duck (male). No. 42. GG. No occipital crest. H, HH. H. Middle tail-feathers elongated and much narrowed at the tip. Pintail (male). No. 41. HH. Middle tail-feathers not noticeably lengthened or narrowed. I, II. I. Bill spatulate or spoon-shaped, nearly twice as broad near the tip as at base. Shoveller. No. 40. II. Bill not spatulate, about as wide at base as at tip. J, JJ. J. Wing conspicuously glossed with metallic blue, green, bronze, the tips of primaries me- tallic blue-green on inner webs, milk-white on outer webs. Wood Duck (female andyoung male). No. 42. JJ. Wings without metallic gloss, or with metallic colors confined to the middle of wing (region of speculum). K, KK. K. Speculum metallic in whole or part. L, LL. L. Speculum bordered in front with a black bar. M, MM. MMM. M. A white bar in front of the black one. Mallard. No. 33. MM. A large white patch in front of the black bar. Baldpate. (Male and some females). No. 37. MMM. No white anywhere on wing. Black Duck. No. 34. LL. Speculum bordered in front by a chestnut bar. Pintail. (Female and young). No. 41. , Fig. 15. Foot of Mallard purple or showing hind toe with- out flap. 72 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. KK. Speculum without metallic colors. N, NN. N. Speculum gray or greenish-gray with a narrow white bar (border) behind. Baldpate. (Fe- male). No. 37. NN. Speculum with anterior half velvet black, posterior half pure white. Gadwall. No. 35. DD.Hind toe with a distinct flap or lobe. (Fig. 21.) O, 00. O. Feathers extending forward along sides or top of bill until nearly or quite even with hind margin of nos- tril. P, PP. P. Wing more than 10 inches Inno- n CiCi Fig. 21. Foot of Redhead, showing liind long, ^j, y^yci. _ ^^^ ^,ijj^ j^^p_ Q. A conspicuous white bar (speculum) on wing. — White- winged Scoter. No. 55. QQ. No white wing-bar. R, RR. R. Feathering on sides of bill extending forward nearly or quite even with hind border of nostril. Eider. No. 52. RR. Feathering on sides of bill not extending for- ward nearly as far as hind border of nostril. King Eider. No. 53. PP. Wing less than 10 inches. S, SS. S. Bird mainly black or brownish black, large, wing more than 9 inches. Surf Scoter. No. 56. SS. Bird largely white, medium size, wing less than 9 inches. Old Squaw. No. 51. 00. Feathers at sides or top of bill not reaching nearly to nostril. T, TT. T. Wing under 7 inches, a, aa. a. With a conspicuous white wing-bar. Butter-ball; Bufflehead. No. 50. aa.'^With no white in the wing. Ruddy Duck. No. 57. TT. Wing over 7 inches. U, UU, UUU. U. Speculum wanting (i. e. black or brown like rest of wing), b, bb. b. Entire plumage black (male) or grayish brown (female) without any white on head or wings. Black Scoter. No. 54. bb. Plumage largely white, the head and neck always with white patches. Old Squaw. No. 51. UU. Speculum gray or bluish gray. V, VV. V. Wing 8 inches or less. Ring-necked Duck. No. 47. VV. Wing Sj inches or more, c, cc. c. Head and neck reddish brown. W, WW. W. Forehead and chin blackish. Canvas- back (male). No. 44. WW. Forehead and chin red like the rest of head. Redhead (male). No. 43. cc. Head and neck without anv reddish brown. X, XX. WATER BIRDS. 73 X. Back grayish brown more or less cross- lined or pencilled with white. Canvas- back (female). No. 44. XX. Back grayish brown without cross- lines or pencilUngs of white. Red- head (female). No. 43. UUU. Speculum pure white. Y, YY. Y. Head mainly black, with blue, violet or green re- flections, d, dd. d. A conspicuous white spot on each side of head, e, ee. e. White spot round or oval. Whistler (male). No. 48. ee. White spot more or less triangular (Fig. 24) Barrow's Goldeneve. (male). No. 49. dd. No white on head, f, ff. f. Black of head glossed with green, flanks pure white without cross- Hnes. Greater Blue-bill (male). No. 45. ff. Black of head glossed with purple, flanks distinctly cross-lined with dusky. Lesser Bluebill (male). No. 46. YY. Head and neck mainly brown, g, gg. g. A white face or ''mask" formed by feathers about base of upper mandible, h, hh. h. Larger birds. Greater Bluebill (fe- male). No. 45. hh. Smaller birds. Lesser Bluebill (fe- male). No. 46. gg. No white face or mask, but a more or less distinct white ring or collar around lower neck, separating the brown of the neck from the gray chest, i, ii. i. White collar narrower. Barrow's Goldeneye (female). No. 49. ii. White collar broader. Whistler, (fe- male). No. 48. 30. Goosander. Mergus americanus (Cass.). (129) Synonyms: American Merganser, Shelldrakc, Fish Duck, Big Sawbill, Big Slielldrakc, Greater Merganser, Buff -breasted Shelldrakc. — Mergus merganser, Wilson, 1S14, and most writers. — Mergus americanus, Cass., 1853, Baird, 1858. — Merganser americanus A O U. Check-list, 1895. > ■ ■ In full plumage the male is at once recognized by its dark green head and neck, with short, bushy occipital crest, and under parts white more or less shaded with salmon. The largest of the three species of "saw- billed ducks. " Distribution. — North America generally, bi-ccding south in the United States to Pennsylvania and the mountains of Colorado and California. Bermuda. 74 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Generally distributed throughout the state and not at all uncommon during the migi-ations. Well known to sportsmen who generally despise the "fish ducks," considering them unfit for food. This bird occurs spring and fall on all the waters of the state, the smaller ponds and streams as well as the shores of the Great Lakes. It nests, at least occasionally, from the Saginaw Valley northward, and Dr. Gibbs states that he has found it once with a brood of young in Kent county. Mr. Edward Arnold informs me that in ]\Iay, 1905 he found a nest with fourteen eggs at Saginaw Bay, Michigan. Mr. O. B. Warren states that in Marquette county it nests on isolated lakes near Palmer, Major Boies says it breeds on the St. Mary's River at Neebish and elsewhere. S. E. White states that it is not uncommon as a summer resident on Round Island about a mile from Mackinac Island. Mr. Norman A. Wood and others found it breeding along the Lake Superior shore in Ontonagon county and at Isle Royale in the summer of 1894. Mr. Ed Van Winkle says it is abundant and breeds in Delta county. While a majority of the birds go farther south to spend the winter, undoubtedly a few remain wherever open water is found, and Mr. Amos Butler states that on southern Lake Michigan it is one of the commonest ducks during the winter months (Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 591). The bird feeds very largely on fish and has been accused of serious injury to food fishes, particularly to trout. It is very doubtful, however, whether it eats many trout, and we know positively that the bird is very fond of crayfish, in which most of our Michigan streams abound. It dives easily and swims with great rapidity below the water. The nest of this duck is usually placed in hollow trees, or holes in cliffs, although Audubon describes it as on the ground among rushes. In one instance, at least, it was found nesting in a little cave in the edge of a rocky cliff on the shore of Saginaw^ Bay, and it is probable that it frequently nests in this manner. The eggs vary from ten to sixteen, or possibly more, are buffy white, and average 2.63 by 1.82 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Nostrils near middle of bill. The adult male has the head and upper neck greenish- black, the hind head short-crested; lower neck, breast, and belly white or pinkisli-white (pale salmon); back black, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail ashy-gray, wing-coverts with a large white patch crossed by a black bar. The adult female and the young have the chin and upper throat white, rest of head and neck brown or grayish-brown; imder parts white. Length of adult male 25 to 27 inches; wing, 10.50 to 11.25; culmen, 1.90 to 2.20. Length of female 21 to 24 inches; wing, 9.60 to 9.75; culmen, 1.80 to 2.00. 31. Red-breasted Merganser. Mergus serrator (Linn.). (130) Synonyms: Red-breasted Goosander, Red-breasted Shelldrake, Fish Duck, Common Saw-bill. — Mergus or Merganser serrator of most authors. Figure 10. The adult male in full plumage is known by the black streaks on the lower neck and sides of chest, and by the long, thin, green occipital crest which is unlike that of either other species of Sawbill. The female has a similar crest which is brown, giving the bird a close resemblance to the female Goosander, which, however, is decidedly larger. WATER BIRDS. 75 Distribution. — Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere; south in winter throughout the United States. Most of what has been said about the preceding species applies also to this, but tlie Red-breasted Shelldrake in most parts of the state does not seem to be as common at any season as the Goosander. Like the latter it is found on ponds and streams in the interior as well as on the Great Lakes,' and it also feeds mainly on fish and crayfish and dives in the same manner as other members of the genus. Like the Goosander it fre- quently winters in southern and middle Michigan and this fact makes it difficult to fix accurate- ly the time of arrival and depar- ture of the migrants. Probably the largest numbers move northward rig. lO. Red-breasted Merganser. „„„i , ;„ A,,,.;i „^J +1,^ „^v.;»,„ ,^; From Hoffman's Guide to the Birds of New England early m April and the sprmg mi- and Eastern New York. (Houghton, Miffiin & Co.) gration is completed by the first of May. Most of the southward migration takes place in October. Even in the Upper Peninsula, however, some linger until December, and Mr. Thomas B. Wyman, of Negaunee, Marquette county, says that it is frequent there along open streams in winter. In its nesting habits it differs somewhat from the Goosander since, so far as known, it invariably nests on the ground, sometimes under a log or stump, but often under the low spreading branches of an evergreen or even a thick clump of bushes or weeds. So far as I can learn it has not been found nesting in the southern parts of the state, but its eggs have been taken from Saginaw Bay northward; at Mackinac Island and Round Island (S. E. White); near Cross Village, Emmet county and on Beaver Islands (Chas. L. Cass), and near Van's Harbor, Delta county (Van Winkle). At Grand Island, ]\Iunising Bay, Lake Superior, Mr. E. A. Doolittle saw a female and seven young but a few days out of the shell, July 6, 1906, and a few days later a combined flock of three broods. The nests are made of moss, grass and weed stalks, usually heavily lined with down. The eggs are ten or more, cream-colored, and average 2.57 by L59 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Nostrils near base of bill. Adult male: The whole head and throat dull greenish black, the color strongest on top of the head, duller on the throat; a white collar below the blapk, below which there is a broad cinnamon-brown band interrupted by black streaks extending over the upper breast and lower neck. Rest of under parts white, the sides and flanks barred with narrow wa^-y lines of black; the tips of most of the secondaries and the greater coverts white. Rest of upper parts black, more or less barred with white on the rump. Adult female: No black on the head, which is mostly reddish-brown, darker on top and with the chin and upper throat much paler or even pure white; the under parts from lower neck to tail white, the sides washed or barred with ashy-gray; the upper parts darker ashy- gray; the wings darker and the primaries nearly black; speculum white. The young when fully grown resemble the female but are duller. Length of adult 20 to 25 inches; wing, 8^ to 9 inches; culmen about 2.50; bill from nostril to tip, about 1.75. In any plumage this species can be separated from the Goosander by the position of the nostril, which in the present species is nuich nearer the base of the bill than in the Goosander. 76 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. 32. Hooded Merganser. Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn.). (131) Synonyms: Hooded Sheldrake, Summer Slieldrake, Little Fish Duck, Little Saw-bill. — Mergus cucullatus, Linn., 1758, and most of the older writers. — Lophodytes cucullatus of more recent authors. Figure 11. Comparison with the figure of the head will identify the male at once, and the female is sufficiently similar. The "saw-bill" and the small size would also separate it from the other fish ducks with which alone it could be confounded. Distribution. — North America generally, south to Mexico and Cuba, breeding nearly throughout its range. Casual in Europe. A common migrant throughout the state, and probably breeds much more generally than is suspected. It doubtless nests along most of the streams of the Lower Peninsula, as well as in the northern parts of the state. We have records of eggs or young from Alcona county, Oscoda county, Iosco county, Kent county, Chippewa county, Kalkaska county, and Calhoun county. Wherever it is found in midsummer it may be fairly assumed to be nesting, al- though as with most ducks the males leave the females after incubation has begun and wander more or less, sometimes alone, more often in com- pany with other males. The bird nests invariably in the hollow of a tree, often at a consider- able height from the ground, and the nest consists of grasses and down from the breast of'^the mother. The j,jg „ h^^^^^ Merganser. eggs, six to ten in number, are pure (From Bailey's Handbook of Birds of the Western white, sometimes nest-stained, and united States. (Hougiuon, Mitfiin & Co.) are rounded oval, sometimes almost globular. They average 2.09 by 1.75 inches. In habits this species is similar to other fish ducks, but is more partial to the smaller and more rapid streams where it is believed, probably with more or less reason, to feecl on the j^oung of various fishes, including bass and trout. It often remains through the winter wherever open running water furnishes a supply of food. It dives and swims beneath the water with the utmost ease, and its quick motions either in the water or on the wing make it a difficult bird to shoot. Its flesh is much more palatable than that of the other mergansers, being often entirely free from fishy taste. This fact gives color to the statements of some writers that it feeds largely on vegetable food, a question which we have had no oppor- tunity to investigate. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. In the adult male the larger part of the head and the whole of the neck and throat are deep black, but there is a very long crest of pure white feathers tipped with black, which WATER BIRDS. 77 can be erected so as to form a complete semicircle making the most conspicious crest worn by any of our ducks. The back is mainly black, the tertiaries and scapulars sharply streaked with pure white. The under parts from lower neck to tail are pure white; the sides and flanks finely barred with black or dark brown on a pale rufous groimd. Just in front of the shoulders the black of the back extends downward on the sides of the upper breast forming two conspicuous black horns or points, which however, do not meet in front. These points are bordered in front and behind by a few narrow black and white bars. The wings are dusky; the speculum white. The adult female has tlie black of the head and neck replaced by reddish-brown of varying depth, with the upper throat white, and with only a small crest which is usually distinctly cinnamon. The lower breast and belly are white; the sides ashy, and the back brownish-black. The fully grown young resemble the female, but have no crest. Total length of adult, 17 to 19 inches; wing, 7.50 to 7.90; culmcn, 1.50. 33. Mallard. Anas platyrhynchos Limi. (132) Synonyms: Conunon Wild Duck; Green-head (male); Gray Duck and Gray Mallard (female). — Anas boschas, Linn., 1766, and of most authors. Figures 12 and 13. In full plumage known at once by its resemblance to the ordinary barn- yard duck which is simply the domesticated form of the wild bird. The blue-green or purple speculum, bordered along both edges by black and white, marks the bird in any plumage. Distribution. — Northern parts of Northern Hemisphere; in America south to Panama and Cuba, breeding southward to southern United States; less common in the east. This duck is too well known to need any extended description, being probably the most abundant species of duck found in this state. It is one of the best table birds among the water fowl, and ^ f) ^ ^ '/ is hunted therefore with appropriate ardor. The Mallard reaches southern Michigan in spring from the first to the 15th of March, the average date being not far from the 10th, and it passes northward as rap- idly as the lakes and streams open, affording a safe food supply. In autumn the southward movement begins certainly as early as September 1, although the period of greatest abundance is nearer October 1, and the birds often linger at favor- able places until early No- vember, in fact until the first ice forms of this species, but since it sometimes Fig. 12. MalUucl. From Baird, Brewer & Ridgway's Water Birds of North America. (Little, Brown & Co.) . We have no winter records winters in numbers in north- ern Ohio,' Indiana, and even in southern Wisconsin, it is not improbable that it sometimes does so in southern Michigan. This is a typical marsh or shallow water duck, getting its food by "dab- bling" and wading, or frequently by walking about on the shore. It 78 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. does not dive for its food, and in fact even when wounded seldom attempts to escape by diving. It often visits stubble fields and meadows at long distances from water, going out to feed late in the afternoon and returning early in the morning, sometimes affording good "pass shooting" at such times. It is hunted most commonly by the use of decoys, either living domesticated mallards or wooden imitations, anchored near a blind, the gunner sometimes using a duck call as an additional attraction. In many places where clubs or private individuals have shooting grounds which can be protected the Mallards and some other ducks are regularly baited with grain strewed in the shallow water. Wild rice is also extensively planted for the same purpose. It formerly bred in suitable places everywhere in the state, nesting on the ground in or near marshes, or on islands in marshy ponds. Persecu- tion has driven it away from many localities where it formerly nested in abund- ance and it is now known in many parts of the state mainly as a migrant. It breeds rather early, and most eggs probably are laid in May, the duck- lings being most commonly seen in early June. The nests are hollows in the ground lined with grass and other dry vegetable matter with a good deal of gray down from the bird's breast. The eggs range from eight to fifteen, are greenish or grayish buff, and average 2.32 by 1.67 inches. The mother is said to be very brave in defence of the eggs or young, not only trying to decoy the intruder away but in some cases threatening or even attacking man or dog. Fig. 13. Wing of mallard, to show speculum. (Original.) TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. In the adult male the head and neck are rich green, bordered below by a white collar, with clear chestnut below the white. The speculum is metallic blue or purple bordered all around by black, and with a white bar outside the black both in front and behind. The under parts are grayish white vermiculated with black, and the under tail-coverts are deep black in strong contrast. The adult female is a totally different looking bird, the only strong similarity to the male being in the wings where the speculum is nearly the same. The remainder of the plumage is brown and black in streaks and mottlings, darker above and lighter below. The adult male frequently has several of the upper tail-coverts curled upward, but tliis is by no means always the case. Bill greenish; legs and feet, reddish-orange. The drake cannot be confounded with any other; the female and young might be taken for those of the dusky duck or black duck. Length of adult, 22 to 25 inches; wing, 10 to 12; culmen, 2 to 2.40. 34. Black Duck. Anas rubripes Brewst. (133) Synonyms: Black Mallard, Dusky Duck, Dusky Mallard, Red-legged Duck. — Anas obscura rubripes, Brewster, 1902. — Anas obscura, Gmel., 1788, and of most authors. It may be recognized by its general brownish black color, violet speculum tipped with black but without the white bands characteristic of the Mallard wing. WATER BIRDS. 79 Distribution. — Eastern North America, west to the Mississippi Valley, north to Labrador, breeding southward to the northern parts of the United States. The Black Duck is similar in appearance and voice to the common Mallard, for the female of which it is sometimes mistaken. It is not uncommon throughout the state during the migrations, and doubtless formerly bred in suitable places everywhere. It arrives from the south from three weeks to a month later than the Mallard, an average date for the southern counties being not far from April 10th. On the other hand its autumnal movement southward does not begin until late in September, and numbers linger until after most of the Mallards have gone. According to Swales it is occasionally found at St. Clair Flats in winter, although very likely these birds may prove to belong to the more northern form, the Red-legged Duck. At present it seems to be only a migrant in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula, but breeds sparingly throughout the remainder of the state. It is found commonly in large flocks, flies and feeds much after dark, and is considered just as good eating as the Mallard. The nest is placed on the ground not far from the water, built of grasses and similar coarse materials, and more or less heavily lined with down. The eggs are grayish white to greenish buff, and average 2.43 by 1.75 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Resembles the Mallard in size and general appearance and might readily be mistaken for the female or young of the year of that species. The sexes, however, are alike, and in any plumage the Dusky Duck is always darker and less streaked than the Mallard. The general color is a rich dark brown, the feathers usually with lighter edgings. The lower back and rump are sometimes glossy black, but elsewhere the plumage is seldom darker than a clear brownish-black. The head is deep brownish-black on top more or less mixed with narrow streaks of ashy or brownish; tlie sides of the head, the throat, and the neck all around are buffy white finely streaked with fuscous. The distinguishing mark of the species is the speculum, which is deeper blue or violet-purple than in the Mallard, bordered in front and behind by black, sometimes with a narrow white bar behind the black, but none on the front edge. Bill greenish-black to olive-green; legs and feet brownish or sometimes tinged with reddish. Length, 21 to 24.50 inches; wing, 10.50 to 11.50; culmen, 2 to 2.35. In the northern form, separated as a subspecies by Brewster in 1902 under the name Red-legged Black Duck, the tarsi and toes are bright red and the bill yellow, while such individuals average somewhat larger than those reared farther south. According to Mr. Brewster the Red- legged form does not appear in New England as a rule before the middle of October, his earliest record with a single exception being. October 8. He is careful, however, to make it clear that by no means all the black ducks which nest north of the United States belong to the Red-legged form, Mr. C. F. Batchelder having collected many examples of the smaller bird in Newfoundland in June and July. The colors of the bill and feet change very quickly after death so that in museum specimens or dried skins the colors of these parts in the two forms are not noticeably different. Mr. Brewster, however, states that the two birds "are sufficiently unlike in respect to size and proportions, as well as in coloring, to be distinguished, under favorable conditions, at more than gunshot distance when flying, and when freshly killed and placed side by side they may be separated at a glance. The larger bird usually has the entire bill (excepting the nail) yellow, varying from chrome to canary or sulphur yellow, the legs and toes bright red, varying from 80 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. light scarlet to deep orange, the dark feathers of the pileum and nape conspicuously margined with gray or fulvous and the throat (as well as sometimes the chin, also) profusely spotted or streaked with blackish. All the dark markings on the checks, throat and neck are broader, blacker and more sharply defined [than in the southern form] and they often take the form of coarse, rounded spots which are seldom if ever present on the head or neck of the smaller bird. In typical examples [of the smaller form] the bill is greenish black, dusky olive, or olive green, the legs are .olivaceous brown with, at most, only a tinge of reddish, the pileum and nape are nearly or quite uniformly dark, the throat and chin immaculate, the markings on the neck and sides of the head fine, linear, and dusky rather than blackish." (Auk, Vol. 19, 1902, pp. 184, 185). 35. Gadwall. Chaulelasmus streperus (Linn.). (135) Synonyms: Gray Duck, Gray Widgeon. — Anas strepera, Linn., 1758. — Chaulelasmus streperus of most authors. Figure 16 The male is easily recognized by its chestnut middle wing-coverts and the white speculum bordered in front by black. The female has the same speculum, but usually no chestnut on the wings and can hardly be identi- fied by the novice. Distribution. — Nearly cosmopolitan. In North America breeds chiefly within the United States. This seems to be one of the rarer ducks in Michigan; it has been taken here and there throughout the state, but is nowhere common. In southern Michigan Purdy has taken one at Plym- outh; Swales reports an adult female killed on Monroe Marshes Octo- ber 26, 1906, and a young male and female at the same place about November 13; Warren records it as rare at Albion and oc- ^ ^ casional at St. Joseph. ^ S^^;) Most of the older lists ^y'J -" have it, but it is omit- ' ted by Cabot (1850). , I have no record for - it for Ingham or the adjoining counties and it must be rare here. We have no record of its nesting in the state yet there is no reason why it should not do so occasionally, and it probably does. Mr. A. C. Bent (Auk, XVIII, 334-35) says that in North Dakota, where the species is fairly abundant, it nests always on dry ground, but not far from the water. From Baird, Bre\\er & Ridgwaj's Water Birds of North America. Little Brown & Co. WATER BIRDS. 81 The nest is merely a hollow in the ground padded with grass and weed stems and profusely lined with dark gray down around the eggs. These are dull creamy white, whiter and less creamy than the Baldpate's, also shorter and rounder. Mr. Bent found from seven to eleven eggs in a set, and seven nests with eggs were found July 15, 1901. The eggs average 2.09 by 1.57 inches. In its general habits it resembles the Mallard, frequenting the smaller streams, the edges of ponds and rivers, and the sloughs and pools of marshes, where it feeds on grasses and the leaves of various water plants, as well as on their roots and bulbs, and probably also on snails and other small animals, including insects. It never dives for its food, but secures it by "tilting" or "standing on its head" in shallow water, or by wading along the shore or waddling about on dry land. On the prairie sloughs of the northwest where it is more abundant, it flies in moderate or small flocks, but with us it is found singly or in squads of three or four, single Gadwalls being most often seen in company with Pintails or Baldpates. We have no data on its migration in Michigan, but the records for neighboring states indicate that it is likely to reach us from the south during the latter half of March, passing northward during April and returning in October. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. A large duck, similar in general appearance to the Mallard and Black Duck, but slightly- smaller. The adult male has the^top of the head brown or brownish-white thickly streaked and spotted with black, the top of the head with the ground color brownest and the streaks nearly wanting; the sides of the head similar but paler. The lower neck all around and the breast black, each feather with a white border and a ring or crescent of white which gives the plumage a peculiar and unmistakable appearance. The belly is pale gray or white, with the under tail-coverts"velvet black in sharp contrast. The upper parts are brownish-slate, the rump and upper tail-coverts black. The lesser-wing-coverts are chestnut-brown, a distinctive feature; speculum pure white with a broad velvet black patch in front. The adult female has the head and throat similar to those parts in the male, but the breast and sides buffy spotted with black and with the peculiar scale-like markings less distinct than in the other sex; the lesser wing-coverts also commonly lack the chestnut. Length of male, 19.25 to 21.75 inches; wing, 10.25 to 11, culmen, 1.60 to 1.75. Female: Length about 18 inches, wing, 10 to 10.25, culmen 1.55 to 1.65. 36. European Widgeon. Mareca penelope TAnn. (136) Synonyms: Widgeon. — Anas penelope, Linn., 1758. The male in adult plumage resembles the American Widgeon or Baldpate except that most of the head and neck are rich reddish brown, the chin and throat blackish. It is not likely that the two species would be dis- criminated at gun shot range. Distribution. — Northern parts of the Old World. In North America breeds on the Aleutian Islands, and occurs frequently in the eastern United States and occasionally in California. Perhaps a dozen specimens have been recorded in the eastern United States in the last twenty years, and of these four at least have been taken in Michigan. There is a nice mounted specimen in the collection of the Monroe Marsh Club, Monroe, Michigan, killed there by Robert Lawrence of New York City, probably about 1898. The writer examined this speci- men in March, 1905. Mr. Harold Herrick records one (Auk, XIX, 284) taken at Monroe, March 27, 1902 by William B. Boulton. He also states that another male in good plumage was taken in April, 1900, and a third 11 82 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. in April 1892. Mr. Herrick believes that females are also taken occasion- ally, but owing to their close resemblance to the female of the Baldpate they are not recognized. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. The adult male agrees with the Baldpate in having the "forehead and fore part of crown, posterior half of middle wing-covert region, and belly, plain white; speculum nietallic green anteriorly, velvety black posteriorly; crop plain vinaceous; sides, flanks scapulars, and back, delicately waved with dusky upon a paler ground; under tail-coverts ])lain black." In addition the adult male in winter and spring has " Head and upper neck plain rufous, the forehead varying from white to ochraceous; crop antl sides of breast vinaceous; sides, flanks, and whole back white, waved with blackish" (Ridgway). Fe- males, males after the breeding season, and young of both sexes are likely to be mistaken for similar sexes and ages of the Baldpate, and can be positively identified only by the expert who has proper material for comparison. Length, 18 to 20 inches; wing, 10 to 11; culmen, 1.35 to 1.45. 37. Baldpate. Mareca americana (Gmel.). (137) Synonyms: Widgeon, American Widgeon, Green-headed Widgeon, Bald Widgeon, Poacher. — Anas americana, Gmel., 1789, and many authors. — Mareca americana, Steph., 1824, and authors generally. Figure 17. Adult male recognizable most easily by the large amount of white on the wings (most of the coverts), the green speculum bordered behind by velvet black, and the broad patch of metallic green on the side of the head behind the eye. Distribution. — North America, from the Arctic Ocean south, in winter to Guatemala and Cuba. Breeds chiefly north of the United States, and west of the Mississippi. Apparently not a common duck in this state. It is found sparingly during migration, but we find no evidence that it nosts lipro. l^vol^al^ly it never winters within our limits, but arrives from the south late in March and passes north of our boundaries during April, returning late in Septem- ber and lingering until Novem- ber, or even December. It is usually found in small flocks, a dozen or less, but associates freely with other species and has earned the name of Poacher by its habit of keeping with the Canvasbacks and Redheads when they are feeding in deep Fig. n. Baldpate. water and stealing from them a From Bailey-s Handbook of Birds of the Western . , , , , p ,^ United States. (Houghton, Mifflin & Co.) considerable part of the succu- lent grasses, waterweeds and roots which they bring to the surface. It is j)articularly wary and suspicious, and much disliked by gunners because it not only protects itself but gives the alarm to less watchful ducks of other species. It does not decoy readily, docs not dive except when wounded, and when travelling usually flies in "company front" instead of single file. WATER BIRDS. 83 Some of the earlier lists gave it as nesting, but this probably is a mistake. It is known to breed throughout most of northern British America, even to the Arctic Circle, but the southernmost point where it now nests abund- antly seems to be the Devil's Lake region of North Dakota. According to A. C. Bent (Auk, XVIII, 335-36) it is a late breeder there, very few eggs being found before June 1. On June 15 he found twelve nests in a single half hour. All were placed on dry ground, in slight hollows, lined with grasses, w^eeds and an abundance of gray down, with which the eggs are completely covered when the mother leaves the nest. The eggs are from eight to twelve and vary from almost white to deep cream color. They average 2.06 by 1.48 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male in full plumage with the forehead and crown pure white or creamy white, the sides of the head above and back of the eye glossy green, this color extending to and including the nape. Ordinarily both the white of the crown and the green of the head are more or less spotted and streaked, the former with black, the latter with white. The remainder of the head and neck is gray due to rather coarse spotting and streaking with black on the white ground color. The upper breast and sides are pinkisli-brown (" vinace- ous") without streaks or spots, but the feathers often with ashy edgings. Lower breast and belly pure white; under tail-coverts velvet black in sharp contrast. Back, scapulars and rump finely barred (vermiculated) with black and slate or buff, some of the scapulars with black shaft streaks. The speculiun shows a narrow green area surroimded by dull black, with a large white patch in front. The shoulders (lesser wing-coverts) are pale ashy-brown; the tertiaries lanceolate, much lengthened, the outer webs glossy black margined with pure white. The female is difficult to describe, but may commonly be recognized by the combination of a finely streaked head and neck with pinkish-brown breast and sides and the lanceolate, streaked tertiaries. She does not ordinarily show any trace of green about the head, or of pure white on forehead and crown. Length 18 to 22 inches, wing 10.25 to 11, culmen 1.30 to 1.50. 38. Green- winged Teal. Nettion carolinense (Gmel). (139) Synonyms: Green-wing, Winter Teal, Red-headed Teal. — Anas carolinensis, Gmel., 1789. — Querquedula carolinensis, Steph., 1824. — Nettion carolinensis of most recent authors. The bright cinnamon head with a large metalhc green patch on each side is characteristic of the adult male. In any plumage the small size separates it from everything but the Blue-winged Teal, and the absence of the pale blue shoulder excludes that. Distribution. — North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States, and migrating south to Honduras and Cuba. The Green-winged Teal at present is not a common bird in any part of the state. It occurs sparingly in early spring (March 15 to April 30), and lingers in the fall at least until ice begins to form (Nov. 20 to Dec. 15). We have little reason to believe that it nests within our limits now, although it probably did so sparingly in years gone by. IMajor Boies records it as nesting on Neebish Island between 1892 and 1894. Its normal breeding grounds are well to the north of JNIichigan. The nest is placed on the ground, not necessarily close to water, and the eggs vary in number from eight to eighteen. They are white or buffy white, and average 1.75 by 1.28 inches. Except while nesting the birds are commonly seen in compact flocks, often of large size. They feed freely on seeds, grasses and other vegetable matter, but also eat insects and other animal food. Where they have 84 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. been much disturbed they feed freely at night, resting during the day on open stretches of water where they are comparatively safe. They dive readily when necessity requires it, but seldom in search of food, the larger part of their food being found in shallow water, along shore or on the marshes and mud flats. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male with chin dusky or black, a large patch of metallic green on each side of head including the eye and extending back to the nape where the two patches join and the feathers are elongated into a crest; rest of head, upper throat, and neck bright cinnamon brown. Sides and upper back finely vermiculated with black and white; breast pinkish- brown (vinaceous) spotted with black ; a conspicuous white bar or crescent on the side of the breast just in front of the bend of the wing; under tail-coverts buffy white at the sides, black in the middle. Speculum metallic green and velvet black in about equal parts, margined in front with clear pale brown and behind with pure white. Adult female similar only as to wings. The rest of the bird mainly slaty brown above, many of the feathers with ashy margins, the brown darkest on top of the head; the breast and sides buffy white, each feather with a large spot of brown; tlie chin, belly, and lower tail-coverts, white and unspotted; sides of breast and neck finely streaked with dusky-brown on a nearly white ground color. Yoimg of the year resemble the female. Length 12.50 to 15 inches; wing 6.25 to 7.40; culmen 1.40 to 1.(30. 39. Blue-winged Teal. Querquedula discors {Linn.). (140) Synonyms: Blue-wing, Summer Teal. — Anas discors, Linn., 1766. — Cyanopterus discors, Eyt., 1838. — Pterocyanea discors, Bonap., 1856. — Querquedula discors of authors generally. The adult male is instantly recognized by the large pure white crescent (like a new moon) on each side of the head iDetween the eye and bill; adults of either sex have most of the shoulder (lesser wing-coverts and scapulars) light blue; the small size separates it from anything but the Green- winged Teal. Distribution. — North America in general, but chiefly eastward; north to Alaska, and south to the West Indies, Lower California, and northern South America. Casual in California. Breeds from Kansas and southern IlUnois northward. Probably the Blue-winged Teal is the most abundant summer duck found in Michigan and formerly it bred commonly all over the state. It still breeds in suitable localities, but much less frequently than formerly. It is later in arriving in spring than most of our ducks, seldom reaching the southern counties before the first of April, while it is one of the earliest of all to move southward in autumn, the movement beginning by Septem ber 1 and being practically competed during that month. Its abundance, the ease with which it decoys, and its good table qualities insure constant persecution during the open season. While with us it shows a marked preference for marshes, grassy ponds and sluggish streams, and is particularly partial to regions where wild rice (Zizania) grows. It is rarely seen singly or in pairs, but almost always in flocks of a dozen or more, sometimes more than fifty being found together. It is neither shy nor suspicious and hence is more frequently bagged by the amateur than any other duck. The nest, placed on the ground in meadows or prairies, is formed of grass and lined with down. The eggs are from eight to twelve, white or buffy white, and average 1.84 by 1.134 inches. Our nesting records are Hillsdale (Munson); moutli of Kalamazoo WATER BIRDS. 85 River (S. E. White) ; Chandler's Marsh, Ingham county, (numerous records) ; Ann Arbor (Covert); Monroe county, eggs taken June 15, 1890 (Trombley); St. Clair Flats (Swales) ; Neebish Island, St. Mary's River (Boies) ; Wayne county, (Purdy). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male with chin, face, and crown brownish-black, darkest on the crown; a con- spicuous crescent of pure white on each side of head in front of the eye, the upper horn ending directly above the eye, the lower horn nearly meeting its fellow on the throat; rest of the head and most of the neck clear bluish ash with a purplish gloss; lower neck and entire breast, sides and belly pinkish brown, each feather with a distinct rounded spot; upper back ashy-brown, each feather margined with buffy-white; scapulars brownish- black with sharp shaft-stripes of light buff; lower back and rump ashy-brown, unspotted; lower tail-coverts velvet-black in sharp contrast with the spotted belly; a large white patch on each side of the base of the tail. Speculum green, bordered in front by a white bar; entire shoulder in front of this bar light blue. Female similar as to the wings, but specidum merely greenish with only a narrow line of white in front; chin and upper throat buffy-white, unspotted; remainder of under parts buffy or brownish-white everywhere, the feathers streaked or spotted with brown or black; crown dark brown with a few pale streaks; scapulars, back, rump and upper tail-coverts brownish black, each feather dis- tinctly edged with buffy-white. Length 14.50 to 16 inches; wing 7 to 7.50; culmen 1.40 to 1.65. The male in late summer and the young of the year resemble the adult female except that the adult male always shows the characteristic speculum. 40. Shoveller. Spatula clypeata (Linn.). (142) Synonyms: Spoon-bill, Red-breasted Shoveller, Blue-winged Shoveller, Shovel-bill. — Anas clypeata, Linn., 1758. — Spatula clypeata, Boie, 1822, and most recent authors. Adults of either sex may be known at once by the size and light blue wing-coverts; the much smaller Blue- winged Teal being the only species with a similar shoulder. The blue is gray-blue or wanting in young birds. The spoon-like bill of course is distinctive at any age. Distribution. — Northern Hemisphere. In North America breeding from Alaska to Texas; not abundant on the Atlantic coast north of the Carolinas. Contrary to what might be inferred from the books this is nowhere a common duck in Michigan. Our reports come mainly from the St. Clair Flats and Saginaw Bay, but it has been noted here and there all over the state. According to Swales, in southeastern Michigan it is a fairly common migrant, has been taken at Plymouth, Wayne county, by Purdy, and Morden and Saunders say "It may breed at the Flats" (Swales). We have records from Kalamazoo county, Ingham county, Kent county, and St. Clair county, in addition to those already given, but I do not find a single definite nesting record, although several observers state that "It is a summer resident," and Langille says the nest is "rarely found" at St. Clair Flats (Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat. Hist. V, 1877, 36). According to A. C. Bent (Auk, XIX, 3, 4) it is one of the commonest ducks in North Dakota, nesting abundantly. The nest is a slight hollow in the ground scantily lined with down, and the eggs are similar to those of the JMallard and Pintail, very pale olive buff or greenish gray. The nests are often placed away from water on the open prairie, and sets are seldom complete before June 15. The eggs average 2.12 by 1.48 inches. It may be looked for in spring from about the first of April until the second week in May, and its southward flight begins about September 1 and may last until the middle or end of October. It frequents the same feeding grounds as the Mallard and uses to great 86 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. advantage its large bill with its highly developed lamella), by means of which it sifts out of the mud and water any and everything eatable. Its flesh is said to be of the very best. According to D. G. Elliot "When about the marshes, or moving over the inland lakes and coasting along the shores, the Spoonbill is readily recognized by its flight, which is more like that of a teal, although much less swift, and is performed in an irregular, hesitating kind of way, as if the bird was uncertain just where to go. * * * It is not particularly timid, and will often come boldly up to decoys. * * * j have seldom heard it utter any sound, though occasionally it gives forth a few feeble quacks, but it is usually very silent." TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male with head and neck all around dull metaUic-green with purplish reflections, the chin, forehead and crown likely to be more brownish and with less metallic color; entire breast, base of neck and scapulars snowy-white, the inner scapulars and back brown- ish-black; rump black; entire belly rich chestnut; under tail-coverts velvet black separated from the chestnut belly by a band of finely barred black and white feathers; a large patch of white near root of tail on each side bordered posteriorly by a patch of metalUc-green; speculum rich metallic-green bordered in front by a broad white band; entire shoulders clear pale blue. Adult female similar to the male only as regards the wings, and in these the colors are not so strong. Upper parts grayish brown variously mottled and streaked; under parts brownish-white, the neck streaked and the breast and belly spotted with brown. The young of the year are similar to the adult females, but the pale blue of the shoulders is duller or altogether wanting and the specukun has little or no green. Length 17 to 21 inches; wing 9 to 10; culmen 2.60 to 2.90; width at end 1.10 to 1.20. where it is nearly twice as wide as at the nostrils. 41. Pintail. Dafila acuta (Linn.). (143) Synonyms: Spring-tail, Sprig-tail, Spike-tail, Sharp-tail, Pigeon-tail. — Anas acuta, Linn., 1758. — Dafila caudacuta, Steph., 1824. — Dafila acuta, Gray, 1844, and most recent authors. The long middle tail-feathers are characteristic of the adult male and the cinnamon wing-bar is a distinctive mark in any plumage. Distribution. — Northern Hemisphere. In North America breeds from the northern parts of the United States northward, and migrates south to Panama and Cuba. A rather common migrant in Michigan and one of the earliest ducks to come north in the spring (southern Michigan March 15 to 20; returning southward August 20 to last of October). P. A. Taverner writes ''Saunders records it breeding on the St. Clair Flats, but I can find no verification beyond his record published in 1882." Swales (MS. list 1904) says of southeastern Michigan "A common migrant spring and fall, March and April, again October and November. Purdy has seen it at Plymouth. Saunders writes me that he has taken a nest at Rondeau, Lake Erie, and has seen the birds in summer at St. Clair Flats one year, hence the inference in Macoun and Mcllwraith that they breed there. I have never heard of this bird being seen after ]\Iay first." Positive proof of the nesting of this species within our limits was obtained by Norman A. Wood during the past summer (1911), at the Charity Islands, near the mouth of Saginaw Bay. ]\Ir. Wood took two young Pintails still unable to fly, and one of the light-keepers on the island remembered see- ing the parent bird in early summer and searching for the nest in vain. WATER BIRDS. 87 "The normal nesting grounds of this species are in the far north, and it is known to breed from northern Minnesota to the Arctic Circle. "In North Dakota it is an early breeder, beginning to lay early in May; proba- bly the majority of the broods are hatched by the first week in June. The female is strongly devoted to the young, trying to decoy the intruder away. It nests anywhere, often a half mile from water; the nest poorly concealed, often in plain sight, a deep hollow in the ground, lined with straw, stubble and a little down. Eggs eight to ten, much like the Mallard's, but smaller and more glossy, pale olive green or olive buff." (A. C. Bent, Auk XIX, 5-6). Ridgway gives the average size of the eggs as 2.21 by 1.47 inches. Fig. 18. Pintail— Male. From Baird, Brewer & Ridgway's Water Birds of North America. (Little, Brown & Co.) On the water as well as on the wing the Pintail is easily recognized by its long neck. According to D. G. Elliot it has three common notes; a mellow whistle, a hoarse, guttural quack, and a rolling note similar to that uttered by the Lesser Scaup. He adds "As a diver the Sprigtail is only a partial success. It can go under water, though it cannot stay long, but it skulks wdth great skill, stretching out the neck to the fullest extent and laying it and the head flat upon the surface. At a little distance, unless there is a complete calm, it is very difficult to be seen when it assumes such a position." TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male in full plumage with top of head very dark brown, sometimes nearly black; sides of head and throat clear brown, with a greenish gloss posteriorly. The brown of the crown passes into jet black on the occiput, nape and upper hind neck, where it forms a narrow stripe passing down the back of the neck, becoming grayer and finally blending with the vermiculated back. On the hind head and upper neck this stripe is bordered on each side by pure white, whicli is an extension of the white of the lower neck, breast and belly. The back and sides are beautifully vermiculated with narrow black and white wavy lines; the tertiaries and some of the scapulars are elongated and lanceolate, and have broad black shaft stripes in sharp contrast with the clear as of the rest of the vanes. The speculum is green, edged posteriorly with pure white and in front by a bar of cinnamon- brown (distinctive). The under tail-coverts are velvet black in strong contrast with the white belly, and tlie middle tail-feathers are often very much elongated and taper to sharp points. The female is much smaller than the male, never has the clear brown and pure white head markings, nor the finely barred back and sides; she is usually a brown- 88 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. streaked or gray-streaked, inconspicuous looking duck, but may generally be recognized by the elongated, sharp middle tail feathers which do not occur in any of our other ducks. Length of male 2G to 30 inches; wing 10.25 to n.20; middle tail feathers 7.25 to 9.50; culmen 1.85 to 2.15. Length of female 21 to 23.50; wing 9.G0 to 10.10; middle tail feathers 4.50 to 5; culmen 1.80 to 2.10. 42. Wood Duck. Aix sponsa {Linn.). (144) . Synonyms: Summer Duck, Acorn Duck, Wood Widgeon (Conn.). — Anas sponsa, Linn., 1758. — Aix sponsa, Boie, 1826, and most authors. Figures 19 and 20. In any plumage the long tail of soft, broad feathers is characteristic, and some of the wing feathers (primaries and secondaries) show a metallic sheen and frosted edgings or tips. Distribution. — Temperate North America, breeding throughout its range. Cuba. Fig. 19. Wood Duck— Male. From Nuttall's Ornithology. (Little, Brown & Co.) This doubtless is the most beautiful of American ducks, and the male in full plumage is probably without a superior in any part of the world. Unfortunately it is one of the species which appears to l)e rapidly decreas- ing in numbers throughout the state, and probably throughout the country at large. Twenty years ago it was one of the most abundant ducks in the state and nested commonly in the hollow trees bordering most of our streams and ponds. Its present status is best shown perhaps by a few notes from observers in different parts of the state. O. B. Warren, Marquette county, 1898, says "Uncommon; when it occurs it stays to breed." Hazelwood, Port Huron, 1904, "Very common years ago." Swales, southeastern Michigan, 1904, "Now a rare bird but was formerly a common migrant and fairly abundant summer resident. A few pairs WATER BIRDS. 89 are said to breed still on the inland lakes in Oakland county. I have seen two or three near Waterford in August. At the Flats it is occasionally taken in April and October, and also in the marshes near Monroe and Pt. Mouille." P. A. Taverner, Macomb county "Once common, now rare; one bird, male, taken this fall on the Flats." Boies, Neebish Island, 1891-93, "People on the island tell me that they have found their nests often during the summer, but I saw neither. They were plenty in the fall, however." Purdy, Plymouth, 1904, "Formerly quite common, but now very rare. It used to breed here, but now rarely visits our ponds and streams." Dunham, Kalkaska county, 1904, "Rather rare; a few breed along the Manistee River." Swales, St. Clair county, 1904, "Very rare now; once a common summer resident." Van Winkle, Delta county, 1905, "Quite common, breeds. It reaches the southern counties during the latter part of March, and moves southward again during September and October, the latest dates being about November first. Fig. 20. Wood Duck. — Male. From photograph of mounted bird. (Original.) The nest is always placed in the natural hollow of a tree, which may be living or dead, and the entrance is often forty or fifty feet above the ground. Mr. Covert states that 19 eggs were taken from a nest at Bass Lake, Wash- tenaw county, April 30, 1897, by Dean C. Worcester and F. G. Bournes. This species seems to be an early nester and it is probable that the above date represents about the average time for the completion of the set. The number of eggs, however, seems abnormal, the usual number being from eight to fifteen. The nest often contains much down, and the eggs are white or buffy white and average 2.08 by 1.58 inches. This duck is a general feeder, but is particularly fond of acorns, and spends much of its time in October along wooded streams and about the margins of ponds where these can be had. Wliile sometimes found in the open lake and in large ponds it is far more frequently seen along the smaller streams which wind slowly between heavily wooded banks, especially if there is much oak timber in the vicinity. It does not, however, disdain the ordinary food of other ducks, and is frequently found in the 90 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. wild rice swamps and grassy marshes with Mallards, Teal, and other marsh- loving speQies. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Head mainly metallic green and purple above and pure white below, with a long, full occipital crest of the same colors. Chin and throat pure white extending upward and backward in two pairs of crescents, the anterior ending back of the eyes, the posterior nearly meeting on the back of neck beneath crest. A narrow white Hne on either side, starting from the forehead, runs backward over the eye and to tip of crest, while a broader white Une starts behind the eye and also terminates in the crest. A black collar separates the white throat from the chest, which is rich purplish chestnut, marked with triangular white spots, very small in front but increasing in size toward the breast and belly, which are white and unspotted. A vertical white bar on each side of the breast, bordered behind by a velvet black bar of equal or greater width. Sides and flanks finely cross-lined with black on a yellowish gromid color, the hindmost flank feathers beautifully banded with crescent-like bars of black and white. Upper parts, including wings and tail greenish-black or brownish-black, with metallic reflections of green, purple and bronze; speculum metallic blue-green with a white bar behind; primaries frosted with wliite on outer edge and tipped with metallic blue-green. Sides of base of tail purplish chestnut. Adult female: Similar as to wings and tail but without crest and lacking the purplish chestnut of lower parts and the cross-lined flanks. The chin and belly are white as also a ring around the eye and stripe behind it. Rest of head and neck gray; chest mottled and streaked with yellowish-white and brown. Yomig resembling the female at first, but the young males soon showing signs of the characteristic throat-patch and crest. Length of male 19 to 20.50 inches; wing 9 to 9.50; culmen 1.40. Female slightly smaller. 43. Redhead. Marila americana (Eyton). (146) Synonyms: Pochard, American Pochard, Raft Duck. — Anas ferina, Wils., 1814. — Fuligula ferina, Bonap., 1828. — Aythyaferina var. americana, Allen, 1872. — Aethyia americana, B. B. and R., 1884. — Fuligula americana, Eyton, 1838. The adult male can be confounded with nothing but the Canvasback, from which it is easily separated by the shape of the bill and the clear red head without any black. The "canvas" pattern of the back more- over, is made of black and white cross lines of about equal width, while in the Canvasback the light lines are wider than the black ones. The females and young of the year are not readily separated except by the characters of the bill. Distribution. — North America, breeding from California, southern Michigan(?), and Maine northward. The Redhead is well known to sportsmen throughout the state, but is abundant only during the migrations, and then mainly near the Great Lakes, and particularly along the east side of the state. It does occur sometimes on the smaller inland lakes, but, barring the accident of heavy storms, its movements are governed largely by the abundance of food. It is hunted extensively along Saginaw Bay, St. Clair Flats, Detroit River, and the Monroe Marshes on Lake Erie, the latter point being one of the most famous shooting grounds for Redheads and Canvasbacks in the entire west. The birds are now shot mainly from blinds and over decoys, less often from boats which float or sneak among the flocks. The Redhead is a deep water species, rarely found along the margins of ponds or streams, but usually gathering in large flocks or "rafts" on the open lakes at a distance from shore, where it is constantly diving for vegetable food on which it subsists almost entirely. It travels in v-shaped flocks like geese, and flies with great rapidity, but the common statement that its speed reaches 100 miles per hour is certainly a gross exaggeration. It is safe to say that no species of duck when migrating flies more than WATER BIRDS. 91 50 or 60 miles per hour — most species hardly more than 40 miles. Its flesh is held in high esteem, and after feeding for a time on ''wild celery" the bird is considered almost equal to the Canvasback under similar circum- stances. When in poor condition neither species is as good as the Mallard. This species is an early migrant ins pring, arriving in southern counties from March 15 to 25 and lingering through April. Most of the birds have gone north from the region of Detroit by the first of May, and they do not come south in any numbers until late October; the best shooting occurring during November and December. Probably a few spend the winter about the mouth of the Detroit River, or more rarely on Lake St. Clair, but formerly the Redhead nested occasionally within our Hmits. In 1879 or 1880 the late W. H. Collins found two nests at St. Clair Flats, one containing seven and the other eight eggs (Bull. Nuttall Club, V. 61, 62). J. H. Langille also reported the Redhead as nesting commonly at St. Clair Flats at about the same time, and described the young as "olive green with the cheeks and under parts bright yellow (Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat. Hist. V, 1879, 34, 35). It seems probable that an occasional pair even nowadays nests in the same region, as Mr. Swales in a recent letter states that he is "assured that a pair nested in the Dickinson Marshes (St. Clair Flats) in the summer of 1901." In Wisconsin, according to Kumlien and Hollister, "even at present a few pairs are said to nest annually in the large marshes about Lake Koshkonong (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 21). In North Dakota where the species breeds abundantly, Mr. A. C. Bent states that the nest is well made of flags and reeds and lined with white down. It is usually surrounded by water and is placed among growing flags, its rim being seldom as much as a foot above the water. Fresh eggs were found abundantly between the first and middle of June and the sets varied from 6 to 22, the latter being an extraordinary number, but believed to be the product of a single bird. The next highest number was sixteen and the average number between ten and fourteen. Mr. Bent states that the Redhead seems to be particularly careless about laying its eggs in other ducks' nests. He found one of its eggs in a Ruddy Duck's nest, and in three cases found from three to four of its eggs in nests of a Canvas- back, but never found the eggs of any other species in the Redhead's nests (Auk, XIX, 8-9). The eggs are olive buff or greenish buff, with a very smooth and ex- tremely hard shell, and average 2.42 by 1.73 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Head and neck all round bright reddish-brown, often glossed with purple; lower neck, upper back and upper breast velvet black; rest of back, scapulars, sides and flanks wavy cross-lined with black and white (canvas-pattern), the lines being of about equal width. 'Most of breast and belly white, the latter grayer posteriorly; rump and upper and under tail-coverts deep black; speculum gray or bluish gray, some of the inner secondaries tipped with white. Adult female: Without any red on head or neck, or any wavy pencilling anywhere. Mainly grayish brown, darker above, lighter below, the chin and throat alone white. Wing nearly the same as in male. Length (sexes nearly alike), 17 to 21 inches; wing 8.50 to 9.25; culmen 2.05 to 2.25. 92 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. 44. Canvasback. Marila valisneria (Wilson). (147) Synonyms: White-back. — Anas valisineria, Wils., 1814. — Fuligula vallisneria, Steph., 1824. — Aythya vallisneria, Boie, 1826, and many others. — Aethyia vallisneria, Ridgw., 1881. The adult male can be confused only with the male Redhead, but is always blackish about the face, chin and crown. In common with the Redhead and Ringneck the adults of both sexes have the pale bluish-gray speculum. For other distinctions see remarks under Redhead. Distribution. — Nearly all of North America, breeding from the north- western states northward to Alaska. This duck is seen almost invariably in flocks, these gathering often into large companies of many hundred individuals. Like the Redhead this species in Michigan is more common along the Great Lakes than on the ponds and streams of the interior, yet it occurs sparingly in the latter situations. It is one of the earliest ducks to arrive in the spring, appearing usually as soon as the ice goes out, commonly early in March, sometimes even in the last week of February. In the fall it reappears in October and in places where food conditions are favorable may remain until late December. Its favorite food, the "eel-grass" or so-called Avild celery (Vallisneria spiralis) has been planted in several places during recent years and attracts many kinds of ducks. It gives a peculiarly rich flavor to the flesh, and "celeryfed Canvasbacks" are the best of fine eating. As a matter of fact, other ducks which feed on the same plant are nearly or quite as good and it is doubtful if even the expert can discriminate between Canvasback and Redhead, or even Bluebill, if he had no other guide than his palate. Formerly the birds were slaughtered by all sorts of abominable devices, including night floating, punt guns, sail-boats and steam launches, as well as by the more legitimate methods of decoys. At present they are sometimes obtained by "sneaking" or drifting down upon flocks in the open water in a boat more or less concealed by rushes, bushes, and similar disguises, but the greater number are shot from blinds or hiding places over painted wooden decoys. Possibly this species once nested in small numbers at St. Clair Flats (Langille, 1879) but we can find no proof that it did so, and certainly at the present time it is altogether unlikely that it nests anywhere within our limits. Its proper breeding grounds are far north, in Manitoba, the Saskatchewan Valley, and Great Slave Lake. Probably the most southern nesting locality is in the northern part of North Dakota, where (in Steele county) Mr. A. C. Bent found a few nests in 1901. These were placed in tall grass, entirely surrounded by water, and were made of grass, dead flags and reeds, and sparingly hned with gray down. Three nests, found June 7 or 8, contained eight, eleven, and eight eggs respectively, one of them containing also four eggs of the Redhead, one three of the Redhead, and the other one of the Ruddy Duck. The Canvasback's eggs are readily distinguished from those of any other species, being a rich grayish olive or greenish drab, of a darker shade than any of the others (Auk, XIX, 11, 12). The eggs measure 2.48 by 1.76 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Chin, face, and top of head black or blackish shading gradually into rich reddish brown of the rest of the head and neck; chest, upper back and upper breast deep black; back, scapulars, sides and flanks beautifully cross-lined or " vermiculated" with WATER BIRDS. 93 black and white, the white lines being about twice as wide as tlie black ones, the result being a very light canvas pattern (whence the name " Wliite-back ") ; rump and upper and under tail-coverts black; lower breast and belly white, the latter grayish posteriorly. Speculum bluish gray, some of the secondaries white-tipped, two or three of the inner ones black-edged. Adult female: Head, neck and upper breast cinnamon or umber brown, the throat and face lighter and more rusty; back, sides and flanks grayish brown, usually more or less cross-lined with white; rest of imder parts white or grayish white. Length 20 to 23.50 inches; wing 8.75 to 9.25; culmen 2.10 to 2.50. 45. Greater Bluebill. Marila marila (Linn.). (148) Synonyms: Big Bluebill, Blackhead, Broadbill, Greater Scaup, Raft Duck, Flocking- fowl, Shuffler. — Anas marila, Linn., 1761. — Fuligula marila, Steph., 1824. — Fulix marila, Bd., 1858, B. B. & R., 1884. The adult male is known by its size, dull blue bill, uniform greenish- black head and neck, with black nape, and pure white speculum tipped with black. The female is similar, but browner, and has a conspicuous white face or "mask." Distribution. — North America, breeding far north. South in winter to Guatemala. This bird is usually confounded with the Lesser Bluebill from which it can be discriminated only wdth difficulty. It is probable that nine- tenths of the records for Bluebills relate to the Lesser Bluebill and not to the present species, which is much less common, more northern in its distribution, and probably the species which most often remains in^ the open waters about the state during the winter. In most respects it is impossible to discriminate between the two species and I know of nothing peculiar in the habits of the Greater Bluebill which requires mention. The only record of its nesting in JNIichigan is by the late W. H. Collins, who found one nest containing three eggs in the summer of 1879. _ "The nest was built in a tuft of flags, and composed of rushes and wild rice lined with some down and feathers. It was resting in the water and held in place by the tuft of flags in which it was built. I killed the female." (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, V. 62). Mr. A. C. Bent states that "The American (Greater) Scaup Duck probably breeds sparingly in North Dakota, but I have no evidence to prove it, and I am inclined to think that if it occurs there at all it is extremely rare." (Auk, XIX, 1902, 165). The eggs are pale buffy olive gray, and average'2.54 by 1.71 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. So similar to the following species, the Lesser Bluebill, that except in two or three par- ticulars the same description would answer for both. The most important difference is in the size, the present species being decidedly larger, and this is particularly noticeable in the width of the bill which ranges from .85 to 1.05 inch, the average being .97, while in the Lesser Bluebill the greatest width ranges from .80 to .95 inch, the average bemg .89. In the male of the Greater Bluebill the black of tlie iicad and neck always (?) shows a greenisli gloss, and the flanks are pure white without any cross-lines or spots, while the Lesser Bluebill has a purplish gloss on head and neck aiul the flanks distinctly cross-lined with dusky. The females of the two species probably are separable only by the measure- ments. Length 18 to 20 inches; wing 8.25 to 9; culmen 1.85 to 2.20. 94 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. 46. Lesser Blue-bill. Marila affinis (Eyt.). (149) Synonyms: Little Scaup Duck, Little Blackhead, Raft Duck, Flocking Fowl, Shuffler. — Fuligula affinis, Eyt., 1838.— Fulix affinis, Baird, 1858, B. B. & R., 1884. Plate III. Not distinguishable from the preceding at gunshot range, nor with the bird in hand except after careful examination. The principal difference lies in the measurements. Distribution. — North America in general, breeding chiefly north of the United States, migrating south to Guatemala and the West Indies. The Lesser Bluebill is mainly migratory in Michigan, and probably one of the most abundant migratory ducks of the state, occurring in suitable places everywhere, inland as well as on the Great Lakes. It is always found in large flocks, which gather in great companies in open water and on its feeding grounds, whence it gets the name of "Raft Duck and Flock- ing Fowl." It gets most of its living by diving and is fond of the same food as the Redhead and Canvasback with which it associates more or less. It is much less suspicious than either of these birds, comes readily to the decoys, and is therefore one of the good table ducks most often bagged by the gunner. It appears in spring as soon as the melting of the ice permits, indeed in some years numbers undoubtedly remain in favorable localities throughout the winter. The great majority pass north as soon as navigation opens and nest far north of our boundaries. Nevertheless a few undoubtedly nest each year within our limits. Mr. Newell A. Eddy of Bay City states that he is satisfied that it breeds in the marshes at the mouth of the Saginaw River; the late W. H. Collins found many of these birds, wdth the Greater Bluebill, at St. Clair Flats in the summer of 1879, but did not find any nests, believing that he was too early for them, although one nest of the Greater Bluebill was found (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, V, 62). Mr. Swales (letter, October, 1904) says "I have seen this species several times at the Flats in June, July and August. The past summer a flock of some 15 to 18 birds remained all of June and July near Bryant's on the Snibora. This flock consisted of both males and females and they Avere wary and apparently in excellent condition. I have no doubt that they bred on the Dickinson Island marshes, protected. A number of the residents tell me that a few pairs still breed in the isolated parts and in the marsh near the mouth of the Clinton River, Lake St. Clair." In North Dakota Mr. Bent found the nest to be "A hollow scooped in the ground profusely lined with dark, almost black down mingled with a little dry grass and occasionally a white feather. They are late breeders, a major- ity of the eggs laid during the second week in June or later." He found as many as fifteen eggs in one nest, but the average was from ten to twelve. He states that the eggs are "rich olive buff, and the lightest types approach somewhat the darkest types of the Mallard's eggs, and the darkest types are rich dark buff or deep coffee-colored. The nests were all on dry ground, but never more than fifty yards from water." (Auk, XIX, 265-66). As with many other species the male Bluebills flock by themselves after the females begin to sit. The eggs average 2.25 by 1.58 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Bill light grayish blue, with a black nail; head, neck, chest and upper back black, the head generally with a ptirplish gloss; most of breast, belly, and sides pure Plate III. Lesser Bluebill. From photograph of mounted specimen. (Original.) WATER BIRDS. 97 white, the belly grayish posteriorily and the sides and flanks distinctly waved with dnsky; back and scapulars with numerous zig-zig cross lines of black and\vhite; wings black, the speculum pure white tipped wath black; rump and upper and imder tail-coverts black. Adult female: Wings and speculum much as in male, but wings browner; head, neck and upper back brown; a conspicuous area of white feathers about the base of the upper man- dible (but not on the chin) ; breast grayish or grayish-brown, whiter on the belly, browner on the sides; back and scapulars brownish; rump and upper tail-coverts brownish-black, under tail-coverts grayish-brown. Length 15 to 16.50 inches; wing 7.50 to 8.25; culmen 1.5S_to 1.90; greatest width of bill .80 to .95. 47. Ring-necked Duck. Marila collaris (Donov.). (150) Synonyms: Ring-necked Scaup. Ring-neck, Ring-bill, Ring-billed Blackhead, Marsh Blue-bill (?). — Anas collaris, Donovan, 1809. — Fuligula collaris, Bonap., 1842. — Fuligula rufitorques, Nutt., 1834, Aud., 1835.— Fulix collaris, Baird, 1858, B. B. & R., 1884. Figure 22. Most resembles the Lesser Bluebill, from which it may be known by the dark bill with light cross-bar beyond the middle, the white chin mark- ing, and the speculum, which is bluish-gray, never white. The adult male always shows the chestnut collar, but females and immature males lack this. Distribution. — North America, breeding far north and migrating south to Guatemala and the West Indies. In many ways this bird resembles the Bluebill and Redhead to which it is closely related, but in habits it differs in at least two respects: It is usually foiuid singly or in pairs, rarely if ever in large compact flocks; also, it seems to prefer inland waters, ponds, and marshy streams rather than the larger open waters so much frequented by its relatives. Naturally it may be supposed that its food is decidedly different, but I am not aware that this has been proved. It dives easily and stays under water a long time, and there is no reason why it should not feed precisely as does the Bluebill. It arrives from the south somewhat later than the Blue))ill, pr()]:)ably most often between March 20 and April 10, in the southern counties. In the fall it goes south in September and October. It is not known to nest within our limits, but is one of the commonest nesting ducks throughout northern Minnesota, and is not uncommon in North Dakota. Mr. Job found a nest June 14, 1898, in the Turtle Moun- tains, with twelve buffy eggs nearly fresh (Auk, XIX, 1G6). The eggs in color are like those of the Bluebill, and average 2.23 by 1.57 inches. This sj^ccies seems to be much less common in Michigan than any other 13 Fig. 22. Ring-necked Duck. )in Baiid, Brewer & Ridgway's Water Birds of North .America. (Little, Brown & Co.) 98 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. member of the genus. Mr. Swales states (Birds of S. E. ]\lich., 1904) "I know little of this bird and have not met with it personally at the Flats or on Detroit River, or seen it in any of the ducker's cabins. Purdy says 'taken at Plymouth as a migrant.' " According to Chas. L. Cass this species remained at Hillsdale, Michigan, until November 26, 1894. Mr. L. Whitney Watkins has a specimen taken in Jackson county, April 18, 1894, and there are two specimens, male and female, in the Agricultural College collection taken at Greenville, Montcalm county. According to the late Percy Selous "in June, 1896, a pair of Ring-necked Ducks spent weeks on Baldwin Lake (near Greenville), and probably were nesting." Most of the public and private collections in the state have specimens of this duck, lout it is certainly never common. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Head, neck, chest and back black, the chin with a snow-white triangular patch, and the lower neck encircled by a chestnut ring; the head and neck glossed with purplish, and the feathers of the occiput usually elongated, forming a dense, bushy, more or less erect crest. Lower breast and belly white; flanks finely cross-lined with white and dusky; rump and upper and under tail-coverts black. Speculum blue-gray, some- times very narrowly white-tipped. The black scapulars are sometimes minutely sprinkled with white. Bill black, bordered by white at the base, and crossed near the tip by a bluish-white band. Adult female: Similar only as to the speculum and wings. Head, neck, breast and back grajdsh-brown, deepest on the crown and neck, whitening to gray or soiled white about the base of the bill and on chin and throat; rump brownish-black; lower breast and belly soiled whitish; hinder part of belly grayish-brown like breast; under tail-coverts gray. Length 15.50 to 18 incnes; wing 7 to 8 culmen 1.75 to 2. 48. Whistler. Clangula clangula americana Bonap. (151) Synonyms: Golden-eye, American Golden-eye, Whistle-wing, Spirit Duck, Garrot. — Clangula americana, Bonap., 1838. — ^Anas clangula, Linn., 1766, part. — Glaucion clangula, Kaup. — Clangula glaucion.'Bonap. — Bucephala clangula, Coues, 1872. Figure 23. A large, handsome, black and white duck with a green-black head and a rounded spot of pure white on each side betw^een eye and bill. The female has brown instead of black head, and other dark parts slaty gray instead of black; no white cheek spot. Distribution. — North America, breeding from Maine and the British Provinces north- ward; in winter south to Cuba and Mexico. The Whistler or Golden-eye is one of the best known ducks in the state, yet appar- ently is nowhere very abundant. It does not spend the summer within our limits, and is late in arriving from the north, few coming before the first of November. Unless driven south by heavy ice some 3f them stay all winter. Even at Sault Ste. Marie, where the river remains open on account of the swift current, Mr. W. Fip. 23. Whistler. From BaUey's P. Melville says that they are found all x^nTted^sutL'^'cHVuUton^MiffliS winter. Butler states that on southern Lake & Co.) Michigan this is the common winter duck, WATER BIRDS. 99 staying all winter (Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 621). Swales (Birds of S. E. Michigan, 1904), says "A common migrant and winter resident, late October and late April. It is the common winter duck in Detroit waters, frequenting the open channels cut by the ferry and car boats. Becomes more abundant in spring." It seldom occurs in large flocks, the maximum being a dozen or fifteen individuals. Oftener it is seen singly or in little squads of two to five. It is a shy bird, usually being the first species to take alarm in a mixed flock. The whistling noise made by the wings is characteristic, and of course has given it its name. It dives most expertly and often avoids the shot by diving at the flash of the gun, whence the name Spirit Duck. Our only nesting record for the state appears to be Major Boies' state- ment that it breeds about Neebish Island in the St. Mary's River (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club I, 1897, 18). At Umbagog, Me., Mr. WilHam Brewster found it breeding, and gives a full account in the Auk, Vol. XVII, 1900, 207. The bird nests always in a hollow tree, often entering through a hole from 10 to 30 or 40 feet above the nest. "This is lined with down and the eggs vary from 5 to 15, oftenest 8 or 10. Two females often lay in the same nest, and often several eggs of the Hooded Merganser are laid with them." The eggs average 2.38 by 1.71 inches. It feeds freely on shell-fish, and along the sea coast is considered hardly fit for food, but in the Great Lake region its flesh is commonly well flavored and it doubtless feeds much on vegetable matter. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male:_ Bill black, iris golden yellow; head and upper neck glossy black with greenish reflections and a large, rounded, snow-white spot between the base of bill and eye (Fig. 23); lower neck, breast, belly and sides pure white; hinder part of flanks and sides of tail brownish-black; back, rump and upper tail-coverts black; scapulars black with broad white stripes; wing mainly black with a large white patch on secondaries and coverts. Adult female without any trace of the white cheek spot, the head and neck brown instead of black; the chest gray, separated from the brown neck by a whitish ring; the rest of the bird much Hke male, but with less white on wings and none at all on scapulars, and the back slaty instead of clear black. Length of male 18.50 to 23 inches; wing 9 to 9.30; culmen about 1.65. Female about 16.50; wing 7.90 to 8.30; culmen about 1.30. 49. Barrow's Golden-eye. Clangula islandica (Gmelin). (152) Synonyms: Rocky Mountain Golden-eye. — Anas islandica, Gmelin, 1789. — Clangula Barrovii, Sw. & Rich., 1831. — Fuligula Barrovii, Nutt., 1834. — Bucephala islandica, Baird, 1858. — Clangula islandica, Bonap., 1842. Figure 2^. Extremely like the common Golden-eye, the males practically alike ex- cept in the shape of the white cheek spot; the females almost identical. Distribution. — Northern North America, south in winter to New York, Illinois and Utah; breeding from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward, and south in the Rocky Mountains to Colorado; Greenland and Iceland. Accidental in Europe. The evidence for this species as a Michigan bird is not voluminous. A careful search of the museums and private collections of the state failed for a long time to reveal a single specimen of undoubted i\Iichigan origin. Finally Mr. E. R. Kalmbach, of Grand Rapids, sent us the 100 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. skin of a female taken March 22, 1907, by Mr. Bernard DeBries, on Black Lake, Ottawa county. To remove all possible cloul)t this specimen was referred to the U. S. National Museum, at Washington, 1). C, and the identification confirmed by Dr. C. W. Richmond. So far as we know this is still the only unquestionable Michigan specimen on record. Specimens have been taken in Wisconsin, Ontario, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, and there can be no doubt that the bird occurs once in a while in Michigan waters in winter. Nelson states (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, I, 41) that it occurs on Lake Michigan in winter. Stockwell (F. & S. VIII, 380) says "Common on St. Clair Flats and Sarnia Bay, Michigan, in winter." This certainly is not true now what- ever may have been the case twenty years ago. In a letter dated December 15, 1906, Mr. B. H. Swales of Detroit states that he has good reason to believe that a bird of this species was taken on the De- troit River about April 1, 1905, and mounted by Mr. Campion of that city. The latter described the bird accurately and sketched the crescentic white spot on the side of the head which is so different fi'om the circular or oval spot of the common Whistler. The statement in Cook's Birds of Michigan (1893, 2nd edition, p. 43) as to the capture of a specimen at Hillsdale in 1892, proves to be an error. Prof. Frank Smith, now of Illinois University, who mounted the specimen, states that it was a female of the common Golden-eye. The statement on the same page attributed to N. A. Eddy of Bay City is also incorrect, Mr. Eddy himself having informed me that he has never taken this species in Michigan waters. There is an adult female of Barrow's Golden-eye in the Kent Scientific Museum at Grand Rapids, but its origin is entirely unknown. Kumlien & Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 24) say "Large numbers of Golden-eyes remain on Lake Michigan during winter, and no doubt this species [Barrow's] is of regular occurrence with them. It was reported from Racine in 1860 by Dr. Hoy; one specimen was sent to Thure Kumlien from Edgerton in 1877, and one was shot by L. Kumlien No- vember 14, 1896, on Lake Koshkonong." Its nesting habits are similar to those of the Whistler, but it does not nest within our limits. The eggs are dull pea-green, or pale grayish pea- green, and average 2.47 by 1.77 inches. Fig. 24. Barrow's Goldeneye. From Coues' Key to North American Birds, 5th ed. (Dana Estes & Co.) TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Bill black, feet orange yellow. Similar in general to the male Whistler, but the white spot on the side of the head larger, somewhat crescent-shaped, and rounded triangular in outline, the broad base near the corner of the mouth and the apex well above the eye. The conspicuous white wing patch is crossed by a broad black bar, which is not found in the common Whistler. The female is described by Ridgway as having the "brown of head (usually a deep sepia or purplish snuflf-brown) descending to the middle WATER BIRDS. 101 of neck all round; gray of chest broader and usually deeper, and white collar narrower than in the same sex of dangula." Length of male 21 to 23 inches; wing 9 to 9.40; bill from tijj to frontal angle 1.65 to 1.80; depth at base .95 to 1.10. Female: Wing 8.25 to 8.75; bill from tip to frontal angle 1.40 to 1.70; depth at base .80 to .95. 50. Bufflehead. Charitonetta albeola (Linn.). (153) Synonyms: Butter-ball, Butter Duck, Spirit Duck, Dipper. — Anas albeola, Linn., 1758.— Fuligula albeola, Bp., 1828, Nutt., 1834, And., 1838.— Clangula albeola, Steph., 1824, and authors generally. — Bucephala albeola, Baird, 1858, and some others. Figure 25. The small size, general black and white plumage, puffed head of velvet black with purple and green reflections, and pure white cheeks and occiput make the male unmistakable; the female is smaller and browner, lacking entirely the clear or metallic black and snowy white of the male, except that there is a broad white wing-bar. Distribution. — North America; south in winter to Cuba and Mexico. Breeds from Maine and Montana northward through the Fur Countries and Alaska. This well known and beautiful little duck is an abundant migrant through- out the state, some often remain all winter in favorable places, and it is pos- sible that a few nest within our limits. In 1893 Dr. R. H. Wolcott wrote "Com- mon every winter on the rapids at Grand Rapids, fished for by factory hands along the banks with hook and line." Swales (Birds of S. E. Mich., 1904) says "In fall I have seen it as early as September 6, but it is October before the main body arrives. It re- mains until early December if not later. Generally reappears in the latter part of of March, remaining until late April; oc- casional birds remain well into May." Purdy, at Plymouth, says "One of the Fig.25. BuffleiR-ad— Male. most common ducks during migration. From Bailey's Handbook of Birds of the West- arriving from April 1 to 15, depending ^^ United states. (Houghton. Mifllin& Co.) on weather." Saunders mentions that a few pairs breed at St. Clair Flats (Mcllwraith's Birds of Ontario, 1894, p. 84). The species is similar in its habits to the Whistler, being restless, in- quisitive but shy, but so abundant that it is killed in large numbers. In fall and winter it is usually extremely fat, and probably it is this fact which has given it the names Butter-ball and Butter Duck. It is never seen in large flocks, and docs not fly in the " wedge formation " used by so many ducks; as Lynds Jones remarks it "flies in bunches, not flocks." Like the Whistler it nests in hollow trees and its eggs are dull light buff, averaging 1.98 by 1.46 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION, lit male: Head and nc wedgt Adult male: Head and neck changeable metallic bluc-grcen-i)uri)Ie except for a large edgc-sliapcil patch of pure wliito on each side of the lieaxl which lias it« apex below the 102 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. eye and spreads backward covering the whole hinder half of the head; feathers of hind head and neck thick, bushy and elongated, whence the name Bufflehead. Back, wings, and tail mostly black or slaty black, the wing with a large white patch formed by the wing-coverts, secondaries and outer scapulars. Entire under parts from neck to tail, pure white, sometimes washed with grayish on the hinder belly and under tail-coverts and a few of the posterior fiank feathers sharply edged with jet black. Bill black, feet and legs yellow. Adult female: Upper parts brownish black, deepest on head and rump; under parts white, washed with gray on chest, sides and flanks; speculum and part of the greater coverts white, as also a patch on the side of head below and behind the eye. Bill and feet black. Length of male 14.25 to 15.25 inches; wing 6.75 to 6.90; culmen 1.10 to 1.15. Length of female 12.25 to 13.50; wing 5.90 to 6; culmen .95 to 1. 51. Old-squaw. Harelda hyemalis (Linn.). (154) Synonyms: Old-wife, Long-tailed Duck, Sou'-southerly, Coween, or Cowheen, Cockawee, Squealing Duck, Winter Duck. — Anas hyemalis, Linn., 1758. — Anas glacialis, Wils., 1814. — Harelda glacialis, Steph., 1824, and many authors. — Fuligula glacialis, Aud. Figure 26. The male is known from any other duck by its striking black and white plumage, comparatively short neck, and very long middle tail-feathers. Distribution. — -Northern Hemisphere; in North America south to the Potomac and the Ohio (more rarely to Florida and Texas), and California; breeds far northward. This duck is by no means uncommon during cold weather on the Great Lakes and is found with more or less regularity on many of the smaller inland lakes and streams. The fact that it winters regularly wherever open water can be found has given it the name of Winter Duck, a name Fig. 26. Old Squaw. From Baird, Brewer & Ridgway's Water Birds of Nortli America. (Little, Brown & Co.) more generally applied to this than to any other one of the several species which stay with us through the winter. It is most often found in fair sized flocks and these frequently unite into bands of several hundred in favorable localities. It is extremely noisy and the constant gabbling undoubtedly has earned it the names of Old-squaw and Old-wife. Like its relatives it feeds largely on fish and dives to considerable depths in order to secure them. The late Dr. J. W. Velie told me that this was the regular winter duck on Lake Michigan off shore from St. Joseph, being fairly WATER BIRDS. 103 abundant some years while only a few were seen during other winters. Several observers mention the fact that it is often caught in the gill nets set in deep water for lake trout and whitefish. One fisherman at St. Joseph told me most positively that he had seen it caught repeatedly in nets set at a depth of 30 fathoms (180 feet). Butler (Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 625) says "The depth to which they dive may be known by the fact that they are often caught in that vicinity (ofif Michigan City) in abundance in gill nets in 20 or 30 fathoms of water. They usually pass north in February or early March, and the latest record I have is one given by Mr. Stewart E. White, Grand Rapids, Mich- igan, where he observed three April 3, 1891. They are taken occasionally on the Grand River near Lansing, as well as on the smaller lakes in that vicinity. We also have records from Greenville (Jan. 31, 1899), Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and several other inland points; and it is reported from nearly every point along the shores of the Great Lakes. It is late in coming from the north, although it often appears toward the end of October. W. P. Melville states that in the winter of 1897-98 large numbers starved to death at Sault Ste. Marie, owing to the fact that the open water was frozen by the intense cold. Ordinarily the species spends the winter in the rapids of the St. Mary's River at that place. This is one of the species recorded as killed on Spectacle Reef Lighthouse in Lake Huron, February 25, 1885. It nests in the Arctic regions, abundantly on the shores and islands of Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, and even as far south as Labrador. The nests are of grass and weeds, and lined with down, and the eggs vary from dull pea-green to light olive-buff, and average 2.05 by 1.49 inches. Although a handsome species the Old-squaw is not a favorite with gunners, mainly because its flesh is tough and usually ill-flavored, but also because it is a difficult bird to hit while flying (on account of its great speed) and even more difficult to shoot while swimming, since it dives at the flash of the gun and swims long distances under water. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male in winter: Entire top of head and back of neck, chin, throat, upper chest and back all round, pure white; sides of head smoky-gray, sides of neck black above brown below; lower chest and upper breast clear black; lower breast, belly, imder tail-coverts and outer tail feathers pure white; sides and flanks pearl-gray; back, rump, upper tail- coverts and four middle tail feathers black or brownish-black; scapulars bluish-white; wing mainly black, part of the secondaries brown. Bill black, crossed by an orange band; legs and feet black, iris yellow. Adult female in winter: Similar, but head, neck and entire under parts mainly white, the chest only grayish, and top of head dusky; upper parts dark brown, the scapulars bordered with lighter and gray-tipped. Length of male 20.75 to 23 inches; wing 8.50 to 9; middle tail-feathers 8 to 8.50; culmen 1.10. Length of female 15 to 16 inches, the middle tail-feathers not lengthened. 52. Eider Duck. Somateria dresseri Sharpc. (160) Synonyms: American Eider, Common Eider, Big Sea Duck, Shoal Duck. — Anas moUissima, Wils. — Fuligula mollissima, Nutt., Aud. — Somateria moUissima, Bonap., Baird, Coues. Separable from everything except the King Eider by its large size and the peculiarities of the bill and head. Distribution. — Atlantic coast of North America, from Maine to Labrador; south in winter to Delaware and west to the Great Lakes. i04 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. This bird must be considered an extremely rare winter visitor to the Great Lakes. Dr. Gibbs says that W. H. Collins of Detroit wrote him in 1883 that he had one specimen in his collection (a young male showing white traces), taken on the Detroit River in December, 1882. Kumlien and Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 25) say "Lake Michigan in winter, rare. Recorded at Racine in winter of 1875 by Hoy. Two specimens were also taken at Milwaukee, and were preserved in the Public Museum. A female was shot on Lake Koshkonong (Wisconsin) in November, 1891." E. W. Nelson states (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, I, 41) that an immature specimen was shot near Chicago in December, 1874, and was in his collection. Dr. H. B. Bannister of Evanston, told him that he had seen other specimens taken near that place. Mcllwraith records two specimens from Ontario, one taken near Hamilton and the other near Toronto (Birds of Ontario, 1874, p. 89). This is a true salt water species, and its occurrence in the Great Lake region must be considered as rather unusual. It is abundant along the New England coast during winter and gathers in great flocks on the shoals about the Island of Nantucket, Mass. It formerly nested on the coast of New Brunswick and the neighboring islands on the coast of Maine, laying five to ten (?) eggs in a large grassy nest on the ground. The nest is heavily lined with down from the breast of the bird, and this is the eider-down of commerce. The eggs vary from grayish pea-green to olive-buff and average 2.97 by 2.01 inches. When the first egg is laid there is but little down in the nest, but more is added every day, so that long before the eggs hatch they are deeply embedded in the down, often entirely covered by it. In arctic and sub-arctic regions where the various species of eider nest in great colonies, the eider-down is systematically gathered, each nest being robbed at least twice and sometimes a third time, although care is used commonly not to persecute the birds so far as to compel abandonment of the nesting grounds. All the eiders dive with great ease and are able to remain below the surface for a long time. They feed mainly, if not entirely, on aquatic animals, such as crabs, barnacles, clams, mussels, snails and fish, and as a natural consequence their flesh has an unpleasant, fishy flavor which does not commend it to the average palate. Eiders are heavy, robust, hardy birds, delighting in icy waters and not infrequently found riding the waves of the open sea far out of sight of land. Many of them linger in the far north through the entire winter, frequenting the open seas about southern Greenland and in Hudson Bay. In flying they keep near the surface of the water; travelling in long lines, single file, and alternately flapping their wings and sailing. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Entire top of head, from forehead to nape, clear bluish black, extending below the eyes, divided on the occiput and nape by a narrow stripe of cream color, and bordered on the sides and nape by rich pea-green which covers the sides and back of neck like a hood. Remainder of head and neck all round, together with back, scapulars, tertia- ries, wing-coverts and sides of rump, pure white; lower throat, chest and upper breast pale buff or rich cream color, sharply bounded below by the deep velvety black of the entire lower parts; flight feathers (primaries), rump, upper tail-coverts and tail also clear black. Bill pale yellow; legs and feet light green; iris brown. Adult female: Without any white or green; above brownish-black; barred with yellowish-brown or rusty; breast and sides similar, the belly being mostly without bars; head and neck light brown or buff streaked witli brownish-black. Length 20 to 20 inches; wing 11 to 12; culmen about 2.25. In both male and female the feathering of the sides of the head (lores) extends forward as far as (but below) the hinder end of the nostril. WATER BIRDS. 105 53. King Eider. Somateria spectabilis (Linn.). (162) Synonyms: Anas spectabilis, Linn., 1758. — Fuligiila spectabilis, Bp., Nutt., Aud. — Somateria spectabilis of authors generally. The large v-shaped black mark on the throat usually separates the adult male of this species from the Common Eider; females and young can be separated by careful comparison with named specimens, or with good descriptions, the outline of the feathering at the base of the upper mandible being distinctive. Distribution. — Northern parts of Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic regions; in North America south casually in winter to Georgia and the Great Lakes. Like the preceding species this is a rare winter visitor to the waters of the Great Lakes bordering Michigan. The actual records are few. There are two specimens, male and female, in the Kent Scientific Museum (Cat. Nos. 20342, 20343), labeled as collected at Grand Rapids by Thomas Harmer, but without other data. Dr. Gibbs quotes from a letter from W. H. ColHns of Detroit: "Several specimens taken in young and female plumage. One specimen in Smithsonian Institution identified by Pro- fessor Baird, and one specimen in my own collection taken at St. Clair Flats, 1874." Kumhen & Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 26) say "Al- though this species occurs only as a rare winter resident on Lake Michigan, there are more authentic records than of the Common Eider. Has been taken at Racine, and there is now a specimen in the Milwaukee Public Museum, taken at Milwaukee many years ago." Mr. E. W. Nelson (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, I, 41) says: "An adult female taken at Chillicothe on the Illinois River, in the winter of 1874, has been sent to the National ]\Iuseum by W. H. Collins of Detroit, Mich." It seems likely that the last named specimen is the same as one of those noted above by Dr. Gibbs. ]\lcllwraith states that specimens have been seen occasionally in winter near Hamilton and Toronto, usually in immature dress, so that they could be identified only by capture. He adds, however, that "On the 25th of November, 1889, Mr. Cross reports having obtained a fine male in summer plumage, which was shot on Toronto Bay." (Birds of Ontario, 1894, p. 90.) Like the preceding this species occurs in small flocks during the coldest weather and its habits are very much like those of the Common Eider. It also has the same breeding range, and its nest and eggs are similar. As a rule the eiders lay only five or six eggs in a set, and when more are found it doubtless is due to the use of the same nest by more than one female. The hardy nature of these birds and their ability to dive to great depths for their food, enables them to winter with comfort in the open sea or lake wherever the water is not too deep for them to feed. It seems possible that both species of eider may occur with some frequency in winter on the Upper Lakes, but that their presence is seldom detected because navigation of these waters is so generally suspended at this season. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Similar in color pattern to the preceding species (S. dresseri), but with the head bluish-gray; with less green on the side, the base of the much expanded upper mandible narrowly bordered by black feathers. There is a v-shaped black mark on the upper throat, and the scapulars and tcrtiaries are entirely black. The bill is largely orange, as also the legs and feet; iris l)iiglit yellow. The female and young closely resemble those of the Common Eider, but the fcatliering of the side of head (lores) extends but slightly forward toward the nostril, while in the Connnon Eider the feathering extends lOG MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. forward below the hinder end of the nostril. Slightly smaller than the Common Eider, the wing measuring 10.50 to 11.25 inches. 54. Black Scoter. Oidemia americana Sw. (163) Synonyms: American Scoter, Black Coot, Black Sea-coot. — Anas nigra, Wils. — Fuligula americana, Nutt., Aud. — .-Edemia americana, Coues, 1872, Ridgw., 1881. Known by the swollen bill, uniform dark color, and absence of white spots on head or wings at any age. Distribution. — Coasts and large inland waters of northern North America, breeds in Labrador and the northern interior; south in winter to New Jersey, the Great Lakes, Colorado and California. This bird undoubtedly occurs more frequently on the Great Lakes than most people suppose, but as a rule gunners do not discriminate between the females and young of the three species of scoter, hence many of the records are indefinite. Probably, however, this is the least common of the three. Mr, Newell A. Eddy of Bay City obtained a specimen in the market at Bay City, October 26, 1883. Butler in his birds of Indiana does not mention the species, which is odd, since the bird is known to occur regularly on Lake Michigan. Kumlien & Hollister say "Rather common winter resident on Lake Michigan. Less common in the interior, occuriing principally as a migrant in late fall" (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 26). It should be looked for in Michigan waters from late October until the following May, but it is most likely to occur in November and April. It feeds largely on shellfish of various kinds, and its flesh is coarse and fishy. It breeds far north, laying white or buffy eggs in a down-lined nest on the ground. The eggs average 2.55 by 1.80 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Featliering of the forehead extending forward on the bill about as far as that of tl;e sides of the head (lores), and not much beyond the corner of the mouth. Adult male with basal half of bill orange or yellow, the base much swollen, the terminal half black. Entire plumage, including lining of wing, black, without any white patches on head or wings; legs and feet black. Adult female: Grayish brown all over, darker above, lighter below; the bill without the swollen knob at base; the legs, feet and bill plain blackish. Length 17 to 21.50 inches; wing 8.75 to 9.50; culmen 1.65 to 1.80. 55. White-winged Scoter. Oidemia deglandi Bonap. (165) Synonyms: White-winged Coot, White-winged Sea Coot, Velvet Duck, Velvet Scoter, Lake Huron Scoter. — Anas fusca, Wils., 1814. — Fuligula fusca, Bonap., Nutt., Aud. — Oidemia bimaculata, Baird, 1858. — Melanetta velvetina, Baird, Ridgw. and others. Figure 27. Known in any plumage by the swollen bill, uniform black or dusky color and white speculum. Adults show a distinct white spot on the side of the head, below the eye in the male, behind the eye in the female. Distribution. — Northern North America, breeding in Labrador and the Fur Countries; south in winter to Chesapeake Bay, southern Illinois, and San Quentin Bay, Lower Cahfornia. Undoubtedly this is the commonest scoter of the Great Lake region, occurring regularly on Lakes Huron and Michigan in winter, although WATER BIRDS. 107 the larger number probably winter farther south. The bird is not confined to the Great Lakes, but visits the smaller inland waters, and has been taken at various interior points throughout the state. Our record of specimens includes the following locahties: St. Clair Flats, St. Clair Co., Sault Ste. Marie, and Neebish Island, Chippewa Co., Pine Lake, Ingham Co., Heisterman's Island and Bay City, Bay ^%ll^ b'IS^^K ^^ToFS'-^f Co., and Point ]\Iouille Marsh, Monroe Co., the western united states. (Houghton, (November 11, 1904). It is found usually ^ifflm & co.) in flocks of varying size and according to Kumlien & Hollister it is "At times exceedingly abundant on Lake Michigan, vast flocks being met with at long distances from land. It is often taken in fishermen's nets in deep water far from shore" (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 26). Like the preceding, this species nests in the far north, but is not quite so boreal. We have no record of its nesting within our limits, yet it is not impossible that it may do so. It breeds abundantly in Labrador, Alaska, and much of the intervening territory. Mr. A. C. Bent gives the following facts in regard to its nesting in North Dakota (the Devils Lake region) : "The nests were on islands among rosebushes, well hidden, being hollows scooped in the ground, the eggs always thickly covered with rubbish when left. New nests have no down, but it is added when the set is complete. In North Dakota it was the latest of our ducks to breed, few eggs were laid before the last week in June. June 27, 1898, Mr. Job found eight nests containing eggs varying in number from 1 to 14, and all fresh. The eggs are pale salmon buff or flesh-color. They average 2.68 by 1.83 inches" (Auk, XIX, 170-171). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Feathering of sides of head (lores) extending forward on the bill much farther than the corner of the mouth. Wing always with a white speculum. Adult male: Sides and tip of bill orange-yellow in life, the middle line white, the rest black. Legs and feet red; iris white. Entire plumage deep black except for a conspicuous white speculum and a small curved white spot below and behind the eye. Adult female : Similar, but brownish or grayish-black, grayest below; the speculum white as in the male, but the white on side of head never a single, sharply defined, curved spot, but usually appearing as two rather diffuse white patches, one between eye and bill, the other some distance behind the eye. Bill blackish; feet and legs dark flesh-color to brownish black; iris dark brown. Length 19.75 to 23 inches; wing 10.65 to 11.40; culmen 1.40 to 1.70. 56. Surf Scoter. Oidemia perspicillata (Linn.). (166) Synonyms: Surf Duck, Surf Coot, Skunk-head Coot, Skunk-top. — Anas perspicillata, Linn., 1758.— Fuligula perspicillata, Aud.— Pelionctta perspicillata, Reich., Baird, Ridgw. Figure 28. The male is known at once by its swollen bill, and uniform black plumage except for a large white spot on the top of the head and another on the nape, whence the name "Skunkhead"; the female is similar, but with no white on the top or nape, but a "thumb-mark" of white at base of bill on each side. No white on wings at any age. Distribution. — Coasts and larger inland waters of northern _ North America; in winter south to Florida, the Ohio River, and San Quentin Bay, Lower California. Accidental in Europe. 108 MICllICiAN BIRD LIFE. This duck is pro])ably not as common in our waters as the preceding, but owing to its conspicuous marl-cings it is more generally recognized and hence more often recorded. Like the others it is a bird of late fall, winter and early spring, but not so likely to remain through the winter as the White-winged Scoter. Mr. N. A. Eddy calls it less common in fall migration on Saginaw Bay. Major Boies secured one which was killed on the St. Mary's River near Neebish Island about the middle of October; one was killed at St. Clair Flats October 13, 1904, by W. H. Marquette, and mounted in Detroit (Swales); J. Claire Wood re- ports a female from Detroit River November 10, 1903; E. W. Nelson says it is common on Lake Michigan and adjacent waters (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, I, 41). Kumlien & Hollister say "Not rare on Lake IMichigan in winter, and usually found on all the larger inland lakes in late fall. Seldom taken in the spring, most of the specimens being young or immature birds" (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 26). Like the other scoters this species feeds mainly on shellfish and spends much of its time in diving for this food. Its flesh is rank and fishy in consequence. It nests well to the northward, and we have no reason to suppose that it ever breeds within our limits. The nest and eggs are similar to those of the other scoters, and the eggs, which are pale buff or pale creamy buff, average 2.47, by 1.70 inches. From Hoffman's Guide to the Birds of New England and Eastern New York. (Houghton, Mifflin & Co.) TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Feathers of the head extending much farther forward than those of the lores; sides of the upper mandible swollen at the base and naked. Adult male entirely black except for a squarish white patch on the crown between the eyes and a much larger triangular white patch on the nape; wings without any white; bill in life conspicuously colored with black, red, and white; iris white. Adult female mainly dusky gray or grayish-brown, somewhat paler on the belly, and usually with an indistinct whitish patch near the corner of the mouth; the bill not much swollen at the base and uniformly dark colored. Young in first winter similar to adult female, but the sides of the head with two indistinct white patches, one near the base of the bill, the other below and behind the eye. Length of male 20 to 22 inches; wing 9.25 to 9.75; culmen 1.30_to l.GO. Length of female 18 to 19 inches. 57. Ruddy Duck. Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmel.). (167) Synonyms: Spine-tail Duck, Fool Duck, Deaf Duck, Shot-pouch, Bull-neck, Rook, Roody, Dipper, etc. — Anas jamaicensis, Gm., 1789.— Anas rubida, Wils. — Fuligula rubida, Sw. & Rich., 1831, Aud., 1838. — Erismatura rubida, Bp., 1838, and most later authors. Figure 29. The small size, short, thick neck and extremely short upper tail-coverts, leaving the tail-feathers exposed almost to their roots, are points which WATER BIRDS. 109 serve to identify this species in any plumage. When swimming its habit of carrying. the tail erect, almost like a hen, often aids in its recognition. Distribution. — North America in general, south to the West Indies and through Central America to Columbia; bi'eeds throughout much of its North American range and south to Guatemala. The Ruddy Duck is one of the best known of the smaller ducks, its familiarity, its numbers, and the manner in which it avoids the sportsman by diving, having made it familiar even to the youngest Nimrod, and it Fig. 29. Ruddy Duck. From photograph of mounted specimen. (Original.) has received more or less appropriate and distinctive names in all parts of the country. Trumbull in his "Names and Portraits of Birds" lists sixty-seven common synonyms for it, and doubtless there are others in common use which that writer did not happen upon. This little duck comes to us in large numbers from the north in October, passes southward before the lakes freeze over, and returns to us again in A])ril. While here it frequents ponds, streams and large and small lakes wherever suitable food is to be found. It is largely vegetarian in its diet and secures most of its food by diving. It is one of the species most often seen on protected ponds, particularly in parks and on reservoirs, where it doubtless does a large amount of good by eating the seeds and bulbs of water i)lants which might otherwise decay and pollute the water. I once took from the crop and stomach of a single Ruddy Duck at Middletown, Connecticut, 22,000 seeds of I a species of pondwecd {Naias) which at that time was growing in great abundance in the city reservoir, where the bird was shot. Much difference of opinion exists as to the table quality of this duck, many writers averring that its flesh is coarse, tough and fishy. My own experience is just the reverse of tliis, and I have found the bird in autumn uniformly tender and well flavored. The birds scatter some- what in feeding, and, as they are commonly found in flocks of con- siderable size, some are always on the surface serving as sentinels while the others are feeding below. In fliglit they keep well together in compact 110 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. bunches and fly with great rapidity. Having once found a good feeding ground they are loatli to leave it and will return day after day in spite of continued persecution. They are not easy birds to kill and the name "Shot-pouch" in common use in some parts of the country probably suggests the large number of shot which they can carry away. The only description of the nesting of this species in Michigan waters which we have been able to find is that given by Langille in his account of the bird Hfe of St. Clair Flats. It must be borne in mind that these Flats lie partly in Michigan territory and partly in Ontario, and we have no means of knowing the exact region in which the observations were made. Con- ditions, however, are nearly identical on the two sides, so that it makes little difference. His account is as follows: "Not infrequent in this locality is the nest of the Ruddy Duck, the birds being quite common about the channels. The nests are generally very slight, often scarcely more than a matting together of the tops of the marsh grass over the water with a few additional grasses woven in; sometimes, however, the nest is well made of fine grasses, especially if incubation be advanced; sometimes it is but a slight placing of debris in a decayed cavity of a floating log. the arrangement being so imperfect that the eggs may roll out. These eggs are peculiar enough for a duck. Larger than those of the larger ducks, nearly white and somewhat granu- lated, they might easily pass for the eggs of some of the smaller wild geese; especially as the duck can scarcely ever be caught on the nest, but stealthily dives from it like a grebe, before the hunter can detect it. These eggs may be found as late as July" (Rev. J. H. Langille, Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat. Sci., Vol. 5, 1877, p. 36). In Michigan the Ruddy Duck is almost universally distributed during migration, but probably does not often nest within our limits. The late W. H. Collins reported taking its eggs, presumably at St. Clair Flats, and Mcllwraith says that he has seen it there in summer and has been told that a few pairs breed there every season (Birds of Ontario, 1894, p. 94.). E. W. Nelson found it breeding in Ilhnois (Birds of N. E. IlHnois, p. 143). In North Dakota, according to A. C. Bent, it nests in "deep water sloughs," always in reeds, over water and surrounded by water, much like the Redhead and Canvas-back. He found the female the shyest of all the ducks, never flushed from the nest or seen near it, and showing no anxiety for its welfare. It is a late breeder, all the nests found during the second week in June being incomplete or with fresh eggs. The eggs, six to ten in number, are extremely large for the bird, rounded, pure dull white, with a finely granula- ted or roughened shell. They average 2.42 by 1.80 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male in full plumage: Entire upper parts of head and nape black; cheeks, chin and under tail-coverts pure white; front and sides of neck, back, rump, upper tail-coverts, scapulars, chest, sides and flanks, bright chestnut; remainder of under parts silver-white to silver-gray; tail black; wings brownish gray without white bars or colored speculum; bill in life light blue, feet and legs blackish; iris brown. Adult female without any chest- nut; the black of the male replaced by brown, and the pure white of the cheeks and chin by grayish-white or grayish-brown; the under tail-coverts pure white; tail brownish- black; most of upper parts brownish-gray, the under parts grayish or brownish white, often strongly tinged with rusty. Young of the year are similar to the adult female, but often show various mixtures, and young males frequently have chestnut feathers on head, neck and back. Length about 13.50 to IG inches; wing 5.75 to G; culmen about 1.50 to l.GO. WATER BIRDS. Ill GEESE. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Head and part of neck pure white. B, BB. B. Wing-tips (primaries) black, rest of plumage pure white. Snow Goose (adult). No. 58. BB. Wing-tips not black, most of plumage grayish brown, wing- coverts bluish-gray. Blue- winged Goose (adult). No. 59. AA. Head and neck mainly black. C, CC. C. A white "cravat" extending across upper throat from cheek to cheek. Canada Goose and Hutchins' Goose. Nos. 61, 62, CC. No white cravat, but sides of neck spotted with white. Brant. No. 63. AAA. Head and neck mainly brownish or grayish. D, DD. D. Face (i. e. forehead and feathers about base of bill) white; breast or belly usually with black patches. White-fronted Goose (adult). No. 60. DD. Head without white. E, EE, EEE. E. Rump white (general plumage grayish). Snow Goose (immature). No. 58. EE. Rump slaty brown. White-fronted Goose (immature). No. 60. EEE. Rump grayish. Blue-winged Goose (immature). No. 59. 58. Lesser Snow Goose. Chen hyperboreus hyperboreus {Pall.). (169) Synonyms : Snow Goose, Common Snow Goose, White Brant, Wavey, Common Wavey. — .\nser hyperboreus, Pallas, 1769, Nutt., Aud., Baird and others. — Anas hyperboreus, Gm., Wils.— Chen albatus, Elliot, 1869.— Chen hyperboreus, Boie, 1822, Ridgw., 18S1, Coues, 1882. — Chen hyperboreus albatus, Ridgw., 1880. Plate IV. The adult at a little distance appears to be snow-white all over; in reality it is so except for the outer wing feathers (primaries), which are black, and the bill and feet, which are dull red. The young are grayish all over, more or less striped with dusky above. Distribution. — Pacific coast to the Mississippi Valley, breeding in Alaska, and probably the entire Hudson Bay region; south in winter to southern Illinois and southern California; casually to New England. The Lesser Snow Goose is with difficulty separable from its sub-species the Greater Snow Goose (nivalis), both of which have been reported from Michigan and other parts of the Great Lake region repeatedly. The adults of both are almost precisely alike in everything except size. The present species, the Lesser Snow Goose, averages decidedly smaller than the sub- species nivalis, and in addition the bill in the latter bird is said to be "con- stantly longer and relatively more slender than that of the western bird, hyperboreus" (Bishop). The geographical range of the two species is widely different, for, according to Dr. L. B. Bishop, the Greater Snow Goose breeds only in Eastern Greenland and is confined chiefly in winter to the 112 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. coast of North Carolina, while the Lesser Snow Goose breeds from the Hudson Bay region westward and in winter is found mainly if not entirely in the interior. We have numerous records of Snow Geese in Michigan, sometimes under the name of hyperboreus, sometimes nivalis, and occasionally with no indication as to the species or subspecies. It seems likely that without exception all these records refer to the Lesser Snow Goose, Chen hyperboreus, unless possibly specimens of the totally different Blue-winged Goose have sometimes been mistaken for young Snow Geese. The older records_ of Snow Geese from the state certainly are not rehable in so far as this question is concerned. The only satisfactory evidence at our disposition consists of the few specimens still accessible known to have been taken within our hmits or very near them. Of these there seem to be in all less than a dozen, but without exception these prove to be Lesser Snow Geese. These, so far as I am able to record them, are as follows: One taken at St. Clair Flats No- vember 5, 1905 by a local sportsman and recorded by Swales and Taverner as the Lesser Snow Goose, after careful measurement and examination of a sketch of the bird by J. H. Fleming and Dr. Louis B. Bishop; one specimen, an immature female in dusky plumage, taken October 27, 1905 on Point Pelee near Leamington, Ontario; an immature specimen in the Barron collection at Niles, identified by the writer, and probably taken in the vicinity of Niles, although without data (Possibly this is one of the two specimens recorded by D. D. Hughes as shot from a flock of five in Calhoun county November 4, 1867; he states that both of these were mounted for his collection) ; an adult specimen in full plumage received from A. H. Boies of Hudson, who states that it was killed in Hillsdale county, Novem- ber 28, 1890. In addition to these positive records there are numerous records of the occurrence of Snow Geese in various parts of the state. Dr. Gibbs states "I have shot Snow Geese in Kalamazoo county, but am not able now to say which species, and the specimens are not available." O. B. Warren says "Occasionally seen in Marquette county during the fall migrations, one was taken in 1895." Mr. L. Whitney Watkins states that a flock of one hundred and fifty was seen at Manchester, near the boundary between Washtenaw and Jackson counties, April 2, 1894. Major Boies states that Snow Geese are "said on good authority to frequent the w^aters of Hay Lake and Monosco Bay, St. Mary's River." Snow Geese are also reported as not uncommon in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Ontario, but in most cases the records seem to be no more satisfactory as regards the sub- species than those of our own state. Mr. P. A. Taverner quotes Mr. J. H. Fleming of Toronto as saying that he has found only specimens of the Lesser Snow Goose in the collections which he has examined in Ontario. On the other hand W. W. Cooke states that both forms of the Snow Goose occur during the winter season in the lower Mississippi Valley. "It seems probable that in this district the Mississippi River is the approximate dividing line between the two forms, to the westward C. hyperborea being the more common, and to the eastward C. nivalis. Both forms winter as far north as southern Illinois, and the Lesser Snow Goose is abundant in winter in Louisiana and Texas. * * * jt winters sparingly in southern Colorado, more commonly in Utah, abundantly in Nevada, and along the Pacific coast." (U. S. Dep't of Agriculture, Biological Survey, Bull. No. 26, 1906, p. 66). Under the head of the Greater Snow Goose Mr. Cooke states "There is ^ 15 Plate IV. Lesser Snow CJoose. Immature. From drawing by P. A. Taverner. (Original.) WATER BIRDS. 115 no sharply defined line in the Mississippi Valley between the winter ranges of the Greater and Lesser forms. In general the Greater Snow Goose is the more common east of the Mississippi River and winters from southern Illinois to the Gulf" (Ibid, p. 68). As seen in Michigan Snow Geese usually occur in small flocks of ten to forty individuals, flying at a considerable height and usually in an irregular flock, seldom in a straight line or the v-shaped flock so characteristic of the Canada Goose. When they alight to rest they sometimes select open water in some of the inland lakes or the larger rivers, but they also frequently alight in open fields, when, however, it is difficult to approach them and hence specimens are seldom obtained. Like all geese they get a large part of their food from the dry land, eating grass and other herbage freely in the manner of the domestic geese. Un- doubtedly Snow Geese are far less common at present than a few decades ago, and from present indications the last of them will be seen within a very few years. The Lesser Snow Goose is known to nest in Alaska and its eggs are described as two to six in number, dirty white, and measuring 3.13 by 2.12 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Primaries and primary coverts black or brownish-black; rest of the plumage pure white except that the feathers of head and neck (and occasionally the breast also) are often stained rusty red at their tips by contact with iron-bearing waters or mud. Bill in life light purplish and with a whitish tip or "nail," the deep gaping space along its sides black. Legs and feet usually purphsh red. Sexes ahke. Immature birds are mainly gray, paler and less marked below, darker and distinctly streaked above, particularly on the scapulars and tertiaries, the feathers of most of the upper parts with wliitish edges, and the rump, upper tail-coverts and tail commonly pure white; imder parts grayish or soiled white, becoming clear white on the belly and imder tail-coverts. Length 23 to 28 inches; wing 14.50 to 17; culmen 1.95 to 2.30; tarsus 2.80 to 3.25. 59. Blue-winged Goose. Chen coerulescens {Linn.). (169.1) Synonyms: Blue Goose, Blue Snow Goose, Blue Wavey, Wliite-headed Goose, Bald- headed Brant, Brant. — Anas caerulescens, Linn., 1758. — Anser coerulescens, VieilL, 1823.— Chen coerulescens, Ridgw., 1880. The adult is known at once by its white head and neck in strong contrast with the gray-brown body. The young of the year can be separated from young Snow Geese only by careful comparison with descriptions, although the wings resemble those of the adult and the white chin appears to be distinctive. Distribution. — Interior of North America, breeding on eastern shores of Hudson Bay and migrating south, in winter, through Mississippi Valley to Gulf Coast; occasional on Atlantic Coast. While this bird is far from common in Michigan it appears to be more often seen and taken than any other member of the genus. It occurs only during migration, or possibly in winter, and of course does not nest anywhere within our limits. The following are our records: The late W. H. Collins states that two specimens were taken at St. Clair Flats (Gibbs Manuscript). Mr. N. A. Eddy of Bay City, has a fine male in his collection, taken October 30, 1885, one of a dozen or more which he found in the Bay City markets, said to have been killed on a lake on the Mackinac Division of the Michigan Central, a little north of Bay City, where a large flock was surrounded at 116 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. night and killed by sticks! There is a fine, full plumaged adult in the collection of the Marsli Club at Monroe, Michigan, killed there. Mr. B. H. Swales says that one was shot by Mr. A. Ralph, November 16, 1888 on Lake St. Clair, near the mouth of the Thames, and is preserved in London, Ontario (MS. List, 1904). We have an adult mounted specimen (No. 6560) in the college museum, taken on Loon Lake, Greenville, Michigan, April 30, 1895, and another specimen (No. 3574) immature, which probably is local but unfortunately has no record. There are also two, one adult and one immature, in the Kent Scientific Museum, Grand Rapids, but without data. Taverner records one killed at St. Clair Flats early in April 1909. These geese are similar in habits in the main to the Canada Goose, but are said to migrate by night, as well as by day, and to fly in less regular flocks, seldom in the characteristic v-shaped flocks so common with that species. The nest and eggs are unknown. In common with the snow geese they are known to sportsmen and gunners generally under the name of "Brant," the adult of the former being generally called White Brant, while the young of that species and both old and young of the present species are confounded under the common name of Black Brant. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Entire head and neck all round pure white; chest and base of neck brownish black, the feathers edged with ashy; breast, sides, back, scapulars and tertiaries brownish edged with ashy, the inner scapulars and tertiaries edged with white and with somewhat darker shaft stripes; belly and under tail-coverts white; back, rump, and upper tail- coverts bluish gray to nearly white; wings with the primaries slaty blue to black, tlie secondaries mainly black, the coverts blue gray; tail pale brownish gray, each feather tipped and margined with white. Bill purplish red, the gaping fissure along the sides black; legs and feet purplish red; iris brown. Sexes alike. Iinmature: Described by Ridgway as "similar to the adult, but head and neck miiform deep grayish brown, only the chin being white." A specimen in our collection (No. 3574), however, has the back, wings and tail almost like those of the adult, but the head, neck and scapulars brownish gray with a bluish cast, darkest on back of the neck; the breast and most of the under parts light slaty blue with a brownish cast; the chin white. Length 2G.50 to 30 inches; wing 15 to 17; culmen 2.10 to 2.30; tarsus 3 to 3.30. 60. White-fronted Goose. Anser albifrons gambeli (IlariL). (171a) Synonyms: American White-fronted Goose, Prairie Brant, Speckled-belly, Speckled Brant. — Anser gambclli, Hartlaub, 1852. — Anser albifrons, Bonap., 1828, Nutt., Aud. and others. — Anser albifrons var. gambeli, Coues, 1872, The adult is known at once by its pure white face or "mask" (whence the name "White-fronted") in strong contrast with the dark gray-brown of the rest of the head and neck. Distribution. — North America (rare on the Atlantic Coast), breeding far northward; in winter south to Cape St. Lucas, Mexico and Cuba. This is an extremely rare bird in the state and probably can be classed only as a straggler. Mcllwraith states that he has a bird in his collection taken at St. Clair Flats (Birds of Ontario, 1894, p. 97), and Mr. J. H. Fleming, of Toronto, Ontario, writes under date of March 8, 1906 "There is in the collection of Toronto University a mounted White-fronted Goose, taken by the late Dr. Garnier of Lucknow, Ont., probably at Mitchell's Bay, Lake St. Clair." In the Barron collection at Niles, Michigan, I found an adult in good i)lumage, marked "Brant," but without any locality label. In all probability, however, it was local. It occurs WATER BIRDS. 117 in some of the older lists (Kneeland, 1857), and vStockwell states that it is "common in Michigan" (Forest and Stream, VIII, 23, 380). The bird is not now common anywhere in the Great Lake region, in fact in most places it appears to be only accidental. Kumlien & HoUister say "Formerly an exceedingly abundant spring and fall migrant, but of late years not at all plenty. Frequents the large prairie corn-fields " (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 28). It breeds in the far north, building a nest on the ground, of grass, weeds, etc., Hned with down. The eggs are six or seven, greenish-yellow, and average 3.16 by 2.07 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. "Adult: Fore part of head, all round, to about half way across lores and forehead, white; rest of head grayish brown (darkest next the white) as are also the neck and upper parts, the latter varied by distinct grayish tips to the feathers; lower parts grayish white, blotched or irregularly spotted with black; anal region, crissum and tail-coverts white; greater wing-coverts ash-gray tipped with white; secondaries blackish edged with white; upper and under tail-coverts white; tail dusky, tipped with white; bill light colored (yellow- ish or orange in life) with white nail; feet light colored (orange or reddish in life). Young: Similar to adult, but fore part of head dusky instead of white, lower parts without black markings, and nail of bill dusky. Length 27 to 30 inches, wing 14.25 to 17.50; culmen 1.80 to 2.35, depth of upper mandible at base .90 to 1.20, width .85 to 1.05, tarsus 2.60 to 3.20." (Ridgway). 61. Canada Goose. Branta canadensis canadensis (Linn.). (172) Synonyms: Wild Goose, Common Wild Goose, Big Gray Goose, Honker. — ^Anas canadensis, Linn., 1758. — Anser canadensis, Boie, Baird, Ridgw., and others. Vieill., Nutt., Aud. — Bernicla canadensis, Figure 30. Known from any but Hutchins' Goose by its black head and neck and white "cravat," from this form by its greater size, the weight rang- ing from eight to twelve pounds. Distribution. — Temperate North America, breeding in the north- ern United States and British Prov- inces; south in winter to Mexico. This is the Common Goose or Wild Goose of the country and is familiar to even the most unobservant from the fact that it passes northward in the spring and southward in the fall in large noisy flocks which fly ordinarily in the shape of a V, the two sides of which are seldom equal. It is usually stated that an old gander always serves as the leader and pilots the flock on their semi- annual pilgrimages. This may be true, but it is certain that different members of the flock act as leaders at different times, and it is not likely that any one individual is invariably responsible for the direction of the flock. Fig. 30. Canada Goose. From photograph of mounted specimen. (Original.) 118 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. The knowledge which most people have of this species is limited to these occasional glimpses as the birds pass overhead. Only in favor- able localities do they alight, and then their stay is commonly of short duration. During foggy weather or heavy storms they occasionally take refuge in some small pond or river, but ordinarily they alight only on one of the Great Lakes where they are fairly safe from approach. Of course in certain places they stop to feed, frequenting stubble fields or corn fields, but unless the conditions are unusually favorable their visits to these places are made only in the morning or just at evening, and they return to the open water when their hunger is satisfied, or sooner if they are seriously disturbed. Probably a few spend the winter within our limits, since flocks are occasionally seen passing over even in January and Febru- ary. Formerly they doubtless nested more or less commonly all over the state, and it is not impossible that single pairs may do so still in favorable places. Dr. Atkins states that in August, 1883, a small flock passed over his house in Locke, Ingham Co., and Major Boies states that he thinks they breed sparingly in the neighborhood of Monosco Bay and Hay Lake, St. Mary's River, and he saw old birds in midsummer on Hay Lake. Kumhen and Hollister state that in Wisconsin "Fifty years ago it was a common breeder in almost any swamp or large marsh, or on the prairie sloughs. At present only scattered pairs nest as far south as the southern third of the state." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 28). Butler says "They still breed in some numbers in the Kankakee region and less frequently in other favorable localities. They evidently begin nesting between April 15 and May 1, as nests with the full complement of eggs are usually found from the first to the third week in May" (Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 637). The Canada Goose commonly passes through Michigan during March and April and again in October and November, mostly in the latter month. The average date of first arrival for five years was March 5, at Petersburg, Monroe Co., and March 13 at Battle Creek, while the average date for 19 years at various points in southern Michigan was March 14, and the earliest arrival was February 13, 1890, at Petersburg. In the same region the average date of last appearance in autumn is November 7, and the latest date November 25, 1890. Mr. B. H. Swales says "This bird ahghts on Lake St. Clair in large flocks in April, but is wild and seldom shot. A large flock was seen feeding in a meadow at Lake St. Clair Flats, April 30, 1905 — a late record." According to A. C. Bent "In North Dakota, in the Devils Lake region, the Canada Goose nests on islands in the larger lakes and sloughs. It is a very early breeder, the eggs being laid early in May and young generally out by June 1. The nest is a bulky mass of dead flags placed on the ground and very little hollowed" (Auk, XIX, 173-174). The eggs average 3.55 by 2.27 inches; they are white or greenish white, and usually five or six constitute a set. The young are readily domesticated, but at least for several generations it is necessary to clip their wings spring and fall lest they join some of the flocks of their kindred passing over during migration. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Entire head and neck black except for a white "cravat" formed by two con- spicuous cheek patches, whicli usually unite on the throat; rarely an imperfect white ring about the lower neck; upper parts mainly brown, all the feathers with light grayish tips; rump and part of upper tail-coverts clear black, but the shorter coverts pure white, WATER BIRDS. 119 forming a conspicuous cross-bar; under parts light brownish-gray, becoming lighter on the belly and pure white on the under tail-coverts; wings, tail, bill, legs and feet clear black; iris brown. Sexes alike. Young: Very similar to the adults, but the black less pure and the white of cheeks and throat more or less mixed with dark feathers. Length 35 to 43 inches; wing, 15.G0 to 21; culmen 1.55 to 2.70; tarsus 2.45 to 3.70. 62. Hutchins' Goose, Branta canadensis hutchinsii (Rich.). (172a) Synonyms: Goose-brant, Little Canada Goose, Little Wild Goose, Small Gray Goose. — Anser hutcliinsii. Rich., 1831. — Bernicla hutcliinsi, Woodh., 1853, Baird, 1858. Precisely like the Canada Goose in everything but size, the present species being from 25 to 34 inches long, the wing 16 inches or less, and the weight often not more than 3 or 4 pounds, and rarely exceeding 6 pounds, while the Canada Goose averages 8 or 9 pounds and often reaches 12 or even more. Distribution. — North America, breeding in the Arctic regions, and migrating south in winter chiefly through the western United States and the Mississippi Valley; northeastern Asia. The claim of this bird to a place in the Michigan fauna appears to rest mainly on the statement of the late W. H. Collins, who in a letter to Dr. Gibbs stated that he "had it, taken at St. Clair Flats." It was also reported from Michigan by Stockwell (Forest & Stream, VIII, 23, 380). It is a fair presumption that the species does occur here occasionally, since it has been taken in practically all the surrounding territory. Sportsmen who have the opportunity to examine freshly killed Canada Geese would confer a favor if they would weigh and measure any unusually small specimens and send the notes to us with the address if possible of the owner of the specimens. The specimen noted by Prof. Cook (Birds of Michigan, 2d ed. 1893, p. 47) as in Moseley's list of IMichigan birds in the Kent Scientific Institute at Grand Rapids, proves to have no locality on the label, and may or may not have been taken in the state; it is, however, only a small specimen of canadensis, not hutchinsii. Hutchins' Goose nests much farther north than the Canada Goose, along the lower Mackenzie Valley and on the shores and islands of the Arctic Ocean. Its nest resembles that of the Canada Goose, and is usually placed on the ground, although sometimes the old nest of a Fish Hawk, or some other large bird, in a tree, is used. The eggs are commonly four to six, white or buffy white, and average 3.18 by 2.10 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. In color and proportions of parts precisely like the Canada Goose, but averaging decidedly smaller. Length 25 to 34 inches; wing 14.75 to 17.75; culmen 1.20 to 1.90; tarsus 2.25 to 3.20. 63. Brant. Branta bernicla glaucogastra Brchm. (173a) Synonyms: Conunon Brant, Black Brant, Eastern Brant, Brant-goose, White-bellied Brant. — Bernicla glaucogastcr Brehm., 1831. — Branta bernicla, Bann., 1870. — Anser bernicla, Nutt., Aud. ^Bernicla brenta, Steph., 1824, Bd., Ridgw., Coues. Distinguished from any other goose by the entirely black head and neck with merely a small patch of white streaks or flecks on each side of the upper neck. 120 MICHIGAN JUllD LIFE. Distribution. — Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere; in North America chiefly on the Atlantic coast; rare in the interior, or away from salt water. This bird is properly a bird of the seashore and its occurrence inland is always to be looked upon as accidental. According to some of the early writers "the Brant" was at one time not an uncommon migrant across the western end of Lake Erie and along the Detroit and St. Clair rivers. jNIajor Boies states that formerly it was no uncommon thing to see several flocks of this species passing up the Detroit River in spring, flying at a considerable height and rarely stopping to feed or rest; even during the spring of 1904 he states that he saw one or two flocks. Steere (1880) says it is a transient; Stockwell says "One shot on Sarnia Bay, two on the St. Clair Flats, and two on Torch Lake, all in Michigan" (Forest & Stream, VIII, 380). We are constrained to believe that all the foregoing notes on "brant" refer to the immature and dark colored Snow Geese and Blue- winged Geese, which are generally known as "Brant" or "Black Brant" among sportsmen throughout Michigan. Mr. O. B. Warren's record of the specimen taken in Calhoun county in 1884 (Cook, Birds of Michigan, 1893, 2d ed. 47), comes in the same category, for the Albion Museum specimen (personally examined by the writer) proves to be an immature Blue-winged Goose. There are, however, two specimens of genuine Brant in the collec- tion of the Monroe Marsh Club, taken many years ago on the Monroe marshes, but the exact date is not known. The taxidermist (Mr. Sauvage) who assures me that he mounted them, says that they were killed between 22 and 25 years ago, that is, between 1877 and 1880. They were examined by the writer in March, 1905, and are typical specimens, one, however, in immature plumage. It is possible, but not probable, that these are the birds recorded by Robt. B. Lawrence (Forest & Stream, Vol. 32, p. 316) as follows: "On November 8, 1888, John Boyse, a local gunner, killed at Monroe, Mich., a pair of Brant which .were sent on to New York to be mounted by John Wallace. The said Brant were examined by Mr. George N. Lawrence and pronounced to be the common eastern species, Branta bernicla." It seems likely that this gives us two authentic records for the state, at least eight years apart, each record relating to two specimens, but all four from the same limited region. Mcllwraith records the Brant for Ontario some- what doubtfully, stating that "it seems partial to the seacoast" and "I liave only seen it once, flying past out of range" (Birds of Ontario, 1894, p. 101). This species is similar in many ways to the other members of the genus, and ])uilds a similar nest on the ground, of grass, w^eedstalks, or moss, lined with down. It breeds only within the Arctic Circle, and the eggs, usually four, are white or buffy white and average 2.92 by 2.02 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Bill, feet, and claws black; iris brown. Head and neck all round, and a little of fore part of body, glossy-black, well defined against color of breast; on each side of neck a small patch of white streaks; frequently also white touches on eyelids and chin. Breast light ashy-gray, beginning abruptly from the black, fading on belly and crissum into white, shaded along sides of body. Upper parts brownish-gray; feathers of dorsal region with paler gray tips; rump darker; upper tail-coverts white. Tail-feathers, wing-feathers, and primary coverts blackish; inner primaries whitish toward base. Young: Similar; general cast of plumage browner, with more pronoimced white edging on the wing-coverts, and tips of secondaries quite white; less distinction between colors of breast and belly; back of WATER BIRDS. 121 head and neck rather brownish-dusky, and the patch of wliite streaks on side of neck light or wanting. Length 24 inches; extent 48; wing 13; tail 4.50; bill 1.33; tarsus 2.25; middle toe and claw about the same. SWANS. KEY TO SPECIES. A. A yellow spot near base of bill, in front of eye; tail-feathers 20. Whistling Swan. No. 64. AA. No yellow spot on bill; tail-feathers 24. Trumpeter Swan. No. 65. 64. Whistling Swan. Olor columbianus {Ord). (180) Synonyms: Swan, Common Swan, Wild Swan. — Anas columbianus, Ord, 1815. — Cygnus americanus, Sharpl., 1830, Aud., Baird and others. — Olor cohunbianus, Stejn., 1882. Recognized on sight from its resemblance to the domesticated swan of our parks and gardens; to be confounded with no other bird except the following species, from which, if adult, it may be known by the yellow spot on each side of the base of the bill; the Trumpeter Swan has entirely black bill and lores. Distribution. — The whole of North America, breeding far north. Com- mander Islands, Kamchatka; accidental in Scotland. This beautiful bird is so conspicuous that it rarely escapes notice when migrating or resting by day. Although it is so wary as to be seldom shot, it is seen frequently during migration, both spring and fall, and is well known to gunners and lake men throughout the state. Single birds or small squads occasionally ahght during bad weather in ponds and streams in various parts of the state, but it occurs most regularly on the Great Lakes, par- ticularly on Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit and St. Clair rivers. From the fact that it is such a difficult bird to shoot most specimens killed are preserved, hence we find specimens in nearly every museum or collection of any size in the state, and doubtless it has been taken in every county. According to Swales (MS. list 1904) " It is a common migrant in southeastern Michigan from March 2 to April 15, and October 26 to November. Large flocks occasionally aUght on Lake St. Clair in fall, and commonly do so during the spring. Generally these are wild and wary and keep out in the lake." At Monroe, Michigan, Mr. B. J. Sauvage states that it is seen flying over nearly every spring and sometimes in the fall. At Petersburg, Monroe county, Mr. Trombley records 30 seen flying north April 2, 1894. JNIajor Boies says it is "occasional in the spring and fall at Neebish Island, St. Mary's River." Mr. F. H. Chapin, in a letter dated January 4, 1905, says "A Whistling Swan in my collection weighed 15 pounds when alive. One year ago last November one was shot at Long Lake, Portage township, Kalamazoo county, which weighed 23 pounds. Possibly this was a Trumpeter, but I never saw the ])ir(l. Swans are seen on this lake every November but are rarely taken." Early in March, 1910, large flocks of swans gathered in Lake St. Clair, and on the 12th several were killed by gunners who were ignorant or care- less of the law. Four of these swans were subsequently confiscated by the 122 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. state game warden, Charles S. Pierce, who Idndly gave two to the Agricul- tural College and two to the University of Michigan, and they are now on exhibition in the museums of these institutions. Kumlien and HoUister say "During late fall, just before the larger lakes freeze over, this species is not at all rare in suitable localities" (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 31). Butler says " Formerly when these birds were more abundant they migrated in flocks of 20 or 30, and sometimes as many as 50, high in the air, in two converging lines like a flock of Canada Geese. It is said that there is not the noticeable movement of the wings as with geese, yet when travehng at their ordinary gait, with the wind in their favor, it is estimated that they travel at least 100 miles an hour" (Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 640-641). This estimate of their speed is doubtless much too high, probably 50 miles an hour would be nearer the truth. It was this species of swan which was killed in large numbers at Niagara Falls about the middle of March, 1908, as noted in the newspapers and de- scribed in greater detail in some of the scientific journals. Large flocks alighted in the Niagara River above the falls and on two or three different days numbers were swept over the brink into the seething water and grind- ing ice below and were either killed outright or were so crippled as to be easily captured by hunters on the watch for them. On March 15 not less than 100 swans were thus killed (Auk, XXV, 1908, 306-309.) The Whisthng Swan breeds in the Arctic or Sub-Arctic regions, the nest being a mere heap of vegetable rubbish on the ground; the eggs, 2 to 5, are white or buffy- white, averaging 4.19 by 2.72 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Hinder end of nostril nearer to the tip of the bill than to the corner of the eye, that is, usually nearer to the tip of the bill than the base, tail-feathers 20. Adult: Entire plumage pure white, the bill and feet black, a distinct yellowish spot on or near the base of the upper mandible; iris brown. Young: Ashy or brownish ashy, the bill largely flesh color and the feet grayish or whitish. Length about 4^ feet; wing 21 to 22 inches; culmen 3.80 to 4.20; tarsus 4 to 4.32. 65. Trumpeter Swan. Olor buccinator (Rich.). (181) Synonyms: Cygnus buccinator, Rich., 1831, Nutt., Aud., and authors generally. May be separated from the preceding, which it resembles, by three points, viz., much larger size; bill and lores entirely black in adult; nostrils placed midway between tip of bill and eye, or nearer the eye. In the Whisthng Swan, according to Ridgway, the nostril is nearer to the tip of the bill than to the eye, and this point holds good at any age after the young are able to fly. According to Eaton the Whistling Swan is distinguished from the Trumpeter Swan by its smaller size, 20 instead of 24 tail-feathers, yellow or yellowish spot on the side of the bill, and particularly by the different shape and dimensions of the bill (Birds of New York, Vol. 1, 1909, pp. 236-237). The difference in the bills most easily recognized is the fact that in the Trumpeter Swan the sides of the upper mandible are approximately parallel from base almost to tip, while in the Whistling Swan the bilHs somewhat spatulate, that is, narrower in the middle than towards the tip. There are also anatomical differences, particularly in the manner in which the windpipe (trachea) is coiled or convoluted in the breast bone or sternum. This point, however, can be determined only by dissection. Eaton claims WATER BIRDS. 123 that the relative position of nostril and eye in the two species is not diagnostic. Distribution. — Chiefly the interior of North America, from the Gulf coast to the Fur Countries, breeding from Iowa and the Dakotas northward; west to the Pacific coast; rare or casual on the Atlantic. The Trumpeter Swan is a decidedly rare bird in Michigan; in fact it probably can be regarded only as a straggler. In his manuscript list of the Birds of S. E. Michigan (1904) Mr. B. H. Swales says "I can add no record to that of Dr. Gamier, who shot one at Mitchell's Bay, St. Clair Flats. Mr. Saunders writes me that he has no record of this bird, and has never seen the above specimen." Dr. Gibbs states that W. H. Collins of Detroit wrote him that he "had several specimens, one taken in 1880." I have not been able personally to verify these records, and since the two swans are readily confused they must be accepted with some caution. Major Boies states that it is "More rare than the Whistling Swan, but occasional in spring and fall on St. Mary's river." There is an adult male now in the National Museum at Washington (No. 70317) which was taken at St. Clair Flats, Michigan, November 20, 1875 (Stejneger, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. V, 1882, 218). Mr. J. H. Fleming of Toronto, who kindly called my attention to the above record, also states that he has examined a supposed male Trumpeter, taken at Grassy Point, Lake St. Clair, Nov. 30, 1887, and now in a local collection at Toronto, which proves to be a Whistling Swan. KumHen and Hollister say "Surely a very rare bird in Wisconsin at the present day, and it is not certain that it could at any time during the past sixty years be called common " (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 31). Mr. Albert Lane, Madison, Minn., says "Not common in Minnesota; seven specimens noted. The heaviest ever examined weighed 16 pounds and was fat; one fine adult male weighed 15 pounds" (Auk, XIII, 78). Mr. Butler tells of one shot at Valparaiso, Indiana, February 22, 1894, which weighed 24| pounds and measured 50 inches in length and 83 inches between the extended wing tips. He says this specimen is now in the collection of Mr. Ruthven Deane, Chicago. (Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 642). In general habits this species does not seem to differ much from the preceding, but it breeds farther south, although apparently some individuals nest as far north as any of the Whistling Swans. The nest and eggs are similar to those of the latter species, but the eggs are larger, averaging 4.46 by 2.92 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Hinder end of nostril nearer to the tip of the bill than to the corner of the eye, that is usually nearer the tip than the base of the bill, tail-feathers 24. Adult: Entirely white, as in the preeeding'species, but the legs, feet and bill entirely black, the latter and the lores without any trace of yellow. Young: Similar to that of the Whistling Swan, but without yellow on bill or lores. Length 5 to 5^ feet; wing 21 to 27^ inches; culmcn 4.30 to 4.70; tarsus 4.54 to 4.94. 124 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Order VII. HERODIONES. Herons, Ibises. Storks. KEY TO FAMILIES. A. Bill straight, sharp pointed (Fig. 36). Claw of middle toe pectinate (with a comb on inner edge, Fig. 37b). Family 20, Ardeidae. Herons, Bitterns, etc. Page 127. AA. Bill distinctly curved, the tip rather blunt. Claw of middle toe not pectinate. B, BB. B. Bill slender, curved throughout, the upper mandible with a distinct groove from nostril nearly to tip. Family 18, Ibididic. Ibises. Page 124. BB. Bill very thick at base, only curved toward the tip. Upper mandible without groove. Family 19, Ciconiida?. Storks. Only one Michigan species, the Wood Ibis. Page 126. Fig. 37. Foot of Heron, a. Scutellate tarsus, b. Pectinate claw. Family 18. IBIDID.E. Ibises. (Only one Michigan species, the Glossy Il)is.) 66. Glossy Ibis. Plegadis autumnalis (Linn.). (186) Synonym.s: Ibis, C.roeu Il)is, P>ay Ihi.s, IMack Ciii-lew. — Tringa autumnalis, Linn.. 1762.— Ibis falcinellus, Vicill., Bonap., Aud., Nutt.— Plegailis faleincllus, Ridgw., 1881, Figure 31. Its large size, chestnut and dark iridescent plumage, and decurved bill five inches or more in length, render the species unmistakable. At a little distance the living bird appears to be glossy black. WATER BIRDS. 125 Distribution. — Warmer parts of Eastern Hemisphere, West Indies, and southern portions of eastern United States, wandering northward to New England and Illinois. In America only locally abundant and of irregular distribution. In Michigan this species can be considered only as a very rare straggler. One was killed October 6, 1884 on a marsh near the shore of Saginaw Bay, just west of Bay City. Mr. Newell A. Eddy, who got the specimen for his own collection says it is "a young bird, without doubt, of the year, wanting on the head entirely and to a considerable degree on the back the beautiful gloss and purple reflec- tions of the adult bird" (0. & O. X, p. 9). This specimen, according to Moseley, was at one time in the Kent Scientific Institute at Grand Rap- ids, but I have failed ^to identify it. In Novem- ber, 1905, I examined this collection carefully and found two specimens of the Glossy Ibis; one a poorly mounted, imma- ture specimen marked "Grand Rapids, " and catalogued as No. 20189, but without other data; the other the skin of a male in full plumage (Catalogue No. 22018) which prob- ably came from the Gunn collection, but was without any data whatever. Possibly the mounted specimen is the one taken near Bay City in 1884; certainly there is no record of an additional capture at or near Grand Rapids. According to Covert (MS. list 1894-95), the late D. D. Hughes recorded another specimen taken at Marshall, Michigan. These cases are the only ones known to me of the occurrence of this species in the state. There are two records for Wisconsin, one for Ohio (Lake county, 1850), and one or more for Illinois, but apparently none for Indiana. At Heron Lake, Minn., it is said to occur singly or in pairs nearly every fall, and at least once has been found nesting (Nidiologist, II, 116). ]\lcllwraith also records the capture of two specimens near Hamilton, Out., in 1857 (Birds of Ontario, 1894, 105). It is a wanderer from the tropics, where it breeds in swamps, building a nest of the stems of marsh vegetation placed on reeds or low bushes, and laying usually three dark blue unspotted eggs, averaging 2.05 by 1.41 inches. In regions where it is al)un(laiit it is one of the most striking features. of bird life. It is found usually in flocks, sometimes of many hundreds, which wade about fearlessly in the shallow water or through the open marshes, their dark metallic plumage glistening in the sunlight, and their quick motions and wheeling flight making a bird picture of unusual beauty. Fig. 31. Olossy Ibis. From' Baird, [Brewer and (Ridgway's Water Birds 'of North America. (Little, Brown & Co.) 126 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Feathers about base of bill blackish (lores naked); rest of head and neck, lesser wing-coverts and entire under parts, rich dark chestnut; upper parts, except lesser wing- coverts, dark purplish-green with strong metallic reflections. Bill, feet and legs dark greenish-brown, or black; iris brown. Bare skin between bill and eye dark blue. Sexes alike. Length 22 to 25 inches; wing 10.20 to 11.85; culmen 4.30 to 5.35; tarsus 2.90 to 4.30. Family 19. CICONIID.F. Storks and Wood Ibises. 67. Wood Ibis. Mycteria americana Linn. (188) Synonyms: Wood Stork, Wood Pelican (Catesby). — Tantalus loculator, Linn., 1758, and authors generally. Its stork-like appearance, bare head and neck, and strongly contrasted black and white plumage are distinctive. Distribution. — Southern United States, from the Ohio Valley, Colorado, Utah, southeastern California, etc., south to Argentine Republic; casually northward to Pennsylvania and New York. This bird must be regarded as a mere straggler to Michigan from the south. Our only positive record is furnished by Mr. P. A. Taverner, of Detroit, who found a freshly mounted specimen in a taxidermist's shop in July, 1910, and on investigation discovered that it was killed at Monroe, Michigan, June 19, 1910. It was an immature bird, and the sex was not determined. The only other Michigan report comes from Mr. John Hazelwood, of Port Huron, who writes: "I saw and shot at a specimen of the Wood Ibis at this place recently. I have shot this species in Texas and Florida, and a man that has once killed a Wood Ibis could always tell one again, especially if he was within 225 feet from it, which I was when I fired two shots at it. But the bird got away, hit quite hard with No. 1 shot. A large white bird with black wing-tips and black tail, is easy to tell. This bird was following in the flight line of migratory birds, and from this place it flew across the river into Canada, going southeast as far as the eye could see." Mr. Hazelwood does not know the exact date of this occurrence, but it was during the fall migration, probably in August. The Wood Ibis has been taken several times in Wisconsin, also singly in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. According to E. W. Nelson it was "very abundant in the vicinity of Mound City, 111., on the Ohio River, and at Cape Girardeau on the Mississippi, the last of August, 1875. One was taken near Cleveland, Ohio, in 1879" (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, I, 43). Mr. John Hurter states that it was "abundant through August at a small lake in Marion Co., 111., in 1879, but all disappeared about Sept. 5. Counted fifty at one time" (Ibid., VI, 124). The Wood Ibis breeds regularly in the Gulf States, and, hke some other water birds, wanders north after the breeding season. The nest is of sticks, placed high up in trees, and the eggs are two to three, white and chalky, with pale spots or stains of brownish; they average 2.74 by 1.80 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: "Head and neck bare; primaries, secondaries, and tail glossy greenish-black, rest of plumage white. Immature: Head more or less feathered; head and neck grayish- WATER BIRDS. 127 broTvn, blacker on the nape; rest of pkunage as in the adult, but more or less marked with grayish; wings and tail less greenish" (Chapman). Sexes alike. Length 35 to 45 inches; wing 17.60 to 19.50; ciilmen 6.10 to 7.30; tarsus 7.00 to 8.50. Family 20, ARDEID/E. Herons, Bitterns, Etc. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Large; wing 14 inches or more, culmen over 4 inches. B, BB. B. Plumage entirely white. Greater Egret. No. 72. BB. Plumage slaty blue or grayish blue above. Great Blue Heron. No. 71. A A. Medium; wing 6^ to 13 inches, culmen 2 to 3| inches. C, CC. C. Plumage largely or entirely white. D, DD, DDD. D. Entirely white, legs black, feet yellow. Snowy Heron; Lesser Egret. No. 73. DD. Mainly white, but primaries tipped with slaty blue, and often scattered patches of slaty blue elsewhere. Little Blue Heron (immature). No. 74. DDD. Entire under parts white, crown and back dark green or greenish black. Night Heron (adult). No. 76. CC. Plumage with little white — at least on the upper parts. E, EE. E. Larger; wing 9 inches or more. F, FF. F. Plumage mainly slaty blue with maroon-colored head and neck. Little Blue Heron (adult). No. 74. FF. Plumage streaked above and below with brown, buff, black and whitish. G, GG. G. Tail with 12 feathers. Black-crowned Night Heron (immature). No. 76. GG. Tail with only 10 feathers. Bittern. No. 68. EE. Smaller; wing 8 inches or less. Green Heron. No. 75. AAA. Small; wing less than 6 inches, culmen less than 2 inches. H, HH. H. Under parts buff or buffy-white streaked with darker. Least Bittern. No. 69. HH. Under parts chestnut or rufous. Cory's Bittern. No. 70. 68. Bittern. Botaurus lentiginosus {Montag.). (190) Synonyms: American Bittern, Stake Driver, Thunder-pump, Poke, Marsh Hen, Indian Hen, Bog Bull.— Ardea lentiginosa, Mont., 1813, Nutt., Aud. — Ardea minor, Wils., 1814. — Botaurus minor, Coues, 1872. Plates V and VL The combination of the brown, buff and black plumage with green legs, yellow eyes and the size of a hen is generally sufficient to identify tins bird. Distribution. — Temperate North America, south to Guatemala, Cuba, Jamaica, and Bermuda; occasional in the British Islands. One of the most abundant of our waders, and well known to every gunner who hunts snipe or ducks. Unfortunately the bird is large enough to tempt most juvenile shooters, and so thousands of these harmless and picturesque 128 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. birds are killed every year for no useful purpose whatever. Unlike many of our herons it neither roosts, nests, nor feeds in flocks, but is seen singly, or at most in pairs, during its stay with us. Arriving from the south as soon as the frost is out of the ground, sometimes even earlier, and lingering at least occasionally until the marshes freeze up again, it is well known to every observant citizen who travels much over Michigan roads. Its voice is unique, the names "Thunder-pump "and " Stake-driver " being attempts to indicate two of its commoner notes. These notes are often called 'M^ooming" which is the term regularly applied to the note of the European Bittern, but the term seems hardly applicable to the call of our bird. Good descriptions of the notes themselves and of the contortions of the bird while uttering them may be found in several of our standard works, one of the best descriptions probably by Bradford Torrey. This bird's plumage offers one of the best illustrations we have of protective coloration, the brown, black and buff-streaked plumage har- monizing so perfectly with the dead or dying marsh vegetation among which it is found spring and fall, that the bird is wellnigh invisible even when standing fully exposed. Moreover the bird takes advantage of its color and puts itself in such attitudes as will favor the illusion, one of its favorite positions being erect with legs, body, neck and bill all in the same line, the bill pointing directly to the sky. It often assumes this postiion in alighting and will sometimes retain it for several minutes, when it will suddenly relax, taking the ordinary appearance of a heron, and proceeding to look for its food. The nest is made of grass, weed-stalks, twigs, etc., and placed on the ground, among reeds, flags or bushes, and usually in marshy places; the eggs three to five are "pale olive drab, or pale Isabella color, averaging 1.88 by 1.43 inches" (Ridgway). According to some writers the nest is placed commonly on Inishes and at a height of several feet from the ground, but we have never seen or heard of a nest so placed. Its food is of the most varied character, including animal matter of almost every description, but no seeds, berries or other vegetable materials. We have taken from its stomach fish, frogs, mice, snakes, tadpoles, crayfish, snails, and a great variety of aquatic insects, while Prof. Aughey of Nebraska has recorded one from Grand Island, Nebraska, killed in September, 1873, which had 16 grasshoppers in its stomach. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Forehead and crown broAvn, darkest in front, where it is mixed with blackisli; chin white or creamy-white, divided by a narrow median brown stripe; side of neck with a conspicuous patch of glossy black, dull or slaty in some cases and bordered above by clear buff; under parts from neck to tail pale buff with broad streaks of light brown, each streak minutely mottled with darker brown or black; back and scai)ulars heavily mottled with l)uff, brown and black, tlie l)tiff jn-edominating; primaries light bluish slate, tipped with brown, their shafts black. WiW mostly yellow, the culmcii dusky; legs and feet pale green; iris l)right yellow. Sexes alike, and young quite similar, but autunmal specimens darker, l)rowner, and more richly colored, spring si)ecimcns liaviiig a ])aler bleached appearance. Length 24 to 34 inches; wing 9.S0 to 12; culmen 'I.FA) to :i.2(); tarsus 3.10 to 3.85. Plate V. Bittern. From drawing by P. A. Taverner. (Original.) 17 Plate VI. Nest and Eggs of Bittern. From photograph by Thos. L.' Hankinson. (Original.) WATER BIRDS. 138 69. Least Bittern. Ixobrychus exilis (Gmel). (191) Synonyms: Dwarf Bittern, Little Bittern, Least Heron. — Ardea exilis, Gmel., 1789' Wils., Nutt., Aud. and otliers. — Ardetta exilis, Gmidl., Baird, Ridgw., Cones, and most recent authors. Figure 32. Known from all but the next (which is extremely rare) by its diminutive size — a veritable pigmy among the herons, its body hardly heavier than that of a Robin. Distribution. — Temperate North America, north to the British Provinces and south to the West Indies and Brazil. Less common west of the Rocky Mountains; on the Pacific coast north to northern California. This tiny bittern or heron is really an abundant bird in all suitable places in the state, but owing to its small size, peculiar haunts, and pro- tective coloration, it is seldom seen unless sought for especi- ally. It frequents the wetter marshes, particularly those covered in large part with heavy growths of cattails, wild rice, and reeds (Phragmites). Occasionally it is found in meadows which are not ac- tually flooded, or in the fringe of brush and water plants bordering a quiet stream, but those are excep- tional cases and it is never numerous in such places. Even where it is abundant the explorer who goes floundering and crashing through the thick flags is not likely to see it unless he stumbles upon the nest, or by accident frightens the bird so thoroughly as to compel it to take flight. Or- dinarily when threatened the bird selects a favorable place, grasps a twig or flag stem, stretches head, body and legs into one straight line, and re- mains immovable — and practi- cally invisible — until the dan- ger is past. The nest is a slight platform or shallow saucer of twigs, sedges and grasses, in a tussock or low bush, or on a mat of broken down flags, always Fig. 32. Least Bittern. From Bull. Mich. Ornith. Club. (By courtesy of V Taverner.) 134 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. over or near the water. The eggs, three to six (usually four), are bluish- white or pale blue, unspotted, closely resembling those of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and averaging 1.20 by .93 inches. This species when disturbed rises with a good deal of awkward flapping, much like most other herons, but makes fair speed when once under way. Apparently it migrates mostly by night, and it is one of the birds often killed by flying against wire fences, telephone and telegraph wires. We do not know that its food differs much from that of the other herons. In suitable places Least Bitterns are extraordinarily abundant, but the numbers vary much in the same locality from year to year. On Chandler's Marsh, Ingham county, we have known two collectors working together to find more than 20 nests containing eggs, and nearly as many empty ones, during a day's search. According to Dr. R. H. Wolcott many false nests or "roosts" are constructed in the vicinity of the one in which the eggs are laid. In the southern half of the state most of the eggs are laid between June first and 15th, and we have no reason to suppose that more than one brood is reared in a season. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Top of head, back, scapulars and tail deep greenish-black; the scapulars margined on the outer edge by a pale buff stripe; sides of head and neck buff, deepening to chestnut along the black cap and down the back of the neck; a brownish black patch on each side of the breast in front of the bend of the wing; entire under parts from bill to tail whitish or very pale buff, many of the feathers with narrow dark brown shaft-lines, and a darker stripe down the middle of the neck and chest; lesser wing coverts and some of the others light buff, but the greater coverts, tertiaries, and outer vanes of most of the secondaries, rich chestnut; primaries dark slate color. Bill brown along the ridge, yellow along the cutting edges; legs and feet greenish-yellow; iris bright yellow. Adult female: Similar, but top of head dark brown instead of black, back and scapulars lighter brown, the buffy stripe much wider than in male; the under parts darker buff and more heavily streaked with brown. Immature: Similar to the adult female, but most of the back feathers buff-tipped. Length 12 to 14 inches; wing 4..30 to 5.25; culmen 1.60 to 1.90; tarsus 1.50 to 1.75. 70. Cory's Bittern. Ixobrychus neoxenus (Cory). (191.1) Synonyms: Cory's Least Bittern, Cory's Dwarf Bittern. — Ardetta neoxena, Cory, 1886, and most subsequent authors. Figure 33. Precisely like the preceding in size and proportions, and very similar in color, but with much more chestnut, the entire under parts being of this color, more or less mixed or shaded with black. Distribution. — Originally discovered in Florida, in the Everglades, where all the earlier specimens were taken. Subsequently 16 specimens were taken near Toronto, Ont., one was taken in Wisconsin, one in Ohio, and at least two in Michigan. The first Michigan specimen was taken at Manchester, Augusts, 1894, by L. Whitney ^Watkins (Auk, XII, 77), the second by Jesse Craven, at St. Clair Flats, May 14, 1904. Very hkely the distribution of this species will prove to be the same as that of the preceding, and several ornithologists have suggested that Cory's Bittern may prove to be simply a color phase of the Least Bittern. Almost nothing is known as yet in regard to ^the habits^^of this bird, but what there is agrees closely with what we know of the other species. WATER BIRDS. 135 The nest has been found but twice, once by J. F. Menge, at Lake FHrt, near Fort Thompson, Florida, June 8, 1890, containing four young birds (Auk, VIII, 309); and once at Toronto, Ont., Canada, June 15, 1898, where Mr. George Pierce, while collecting in Ashbridge's marsh, took a female from her nest. This was simply a mass of last year's reeds and contained one egg. The female, which was killed, contained another fully developed egg which agreed perfectly in size and color with the one found in the nest. Mr. James H. Flem- ing of Toronto, who examined the eggs, states that their color is much darker than average eggs of A. exilis, though he has seen a single set as dark (Auk, XVIII, 106). The eggs found in the nest measured 1.30 by 1.00 inch. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Crown, back of neck, inter-scapulars, rump, tail, bend of wing, and under tail- coverts, glossy black; front of neck, abdomen, sides, and flanks, chestnut more or less mixed or shaded with smoky black, especially on the sides and flanks; primaries slate-color without light tips; outer secondaries gray without reddish tips, inner secondaries black ; median wing-coverts chestnut, greater wing-coverts blackish-gray, the inner ones with chest- nut tips; no buffy margin on the outer edge of scapulars. Adult female: Similar to atlult male, but the crown dull blackish instead of glossy black, and the back brownish- black witliout gloss. Young birds appear to be similar to adults of the same sex, but many of the dark feathers may be light edged or tipped. Length and other measurements practically the same as tho.se of the Least Bittern. Fig. 33. Cory's Bittern. From Bull. Mich. Ornith. Club. (By courtesy of P. Taverner) 71. Great Blue Heron. Ardea herodias herodias lAnn. (194) Synonyms: Common Blue Heron, Blue Crane, Crane. — Ardca horoilias, Linn., 1758, and most authors. Plate VII. Largest of our herons, but not to be confused with the Sandhill Crane (Compare Fig. 40 and Plate 7). The latter has a comparatively blunt bill, partly bald head always without long plumes, and the plumage rather 136 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE brownish or grayish; the Blue Heron on the contrary has a bill as sharp as a dagger, the head always well feathered and usually with elongated occipital plumes, while the general tone of the plumage is always bluish. Distribution. — North America from the Arctic regions southward to the West Indies and northern South America. Bermudas; Galapagos. The largest and probably, all things considered, the most frequently seen of any of our herons. While it feeds largely at night and is most active at morning and evening, yet it fishes more or less all through the day, and may be seen quietly watching or slowly walking along the edges of pond or stream at almost any time. It is rather wary and hard to ap- proach, but quickly learns to avoid dangerous places and to know those where it is safe. Its height enables it to look over the tops of the tallest grass and it seldom becomes so absorbed in its pursuit of fish or frogs as to allow the hunter to come within shooting distance, unless indeed the murderer is armed with a rifle. The Blue Heron feeds mainly on fish and frogs, but also eats immense numbers of crayfish, small snakes, salamanders, insects (among them grasshoppers), meadow mice, and almost anything of an animal nature. So far as we know it never eats vegetable substances of any kind. It breeds almost always in communities, placing its bulky nest of sticks and twigs on the highest branches of swamp trees, often selecting those which are dead. Sometimes several nests are placed on the same tree, and frequently 150 to 200 nests may be seen in a single heronry. The same place is resorted to year after year unless the birds are seriously disturbed. Probably every county in the state has, or recently has had, one or more of these heronries, but as the timber has been cut off and the swamps and marshes have been drained the birds have been driven from their nesting places until they are now found only in the more favorable spots. They are still far from rare however, and the location of more than twenty flourishing heronries of this species is known to us at present. The eggs are commonly three to five, bluish green, unspotted, and average 2.50 by 1.50 inches. The same nests are repaired and used year after year, and the eggs are laid rather early, in Kalamazoo county by the middle of April, and probably by the first of May in the northern part of the state. This species arrives from the south from the middle to the end of March and remains usually through October, while single individuals linger occasionally much later. One was killed in the streets of Lansing by a poHceman, December 23, 1897. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult in breeding plumage: Forehead, crown, chin, and most of sides of head pure white; a lieavy black stripe over each eye, uniting in a black drooping crest on the occiput where the longest feathers reach a length of 8 or 9 inches; upper parts, including most of wing-coverts and secondaries, light slaty blue; most of back feathers (scapulars and inter- scapulars) elongated into bluish or creamy-white slender tips; throat and breast grayish- white, or brownish-wliite, heavily streaked with black, the feathers of the lower neck with elongated narrow wliite or buffy tips; a large deep black patch, with some white, on each side of the breast; belly pure black with some white streaks; under tail-coverts pure wliite; thighs (tibia;) and bend of wing clicstnut; primaries black. Bill yellow, darker on culmen; iris yellow; legs and feet black. After the breeding season the occipital plumes are shed and the plumage becomes duller and grayer. Sexes alike. Immatiu-e: No long plumes; no white on the head, the entire crown being blackish; chestnut markings paler or wanting; upper parts dull gray, often rusty; under parts streaked with ashy and blackish. Length 42 to 50 inches; wing 17.90 to 19.85; culmen 4.30 to 6.25; tarsus 6 to 8. Plate VII. Great Blue Heron. From photograph of mounted specimen. (Original.) WATER BIRDS. 139 72, Greater Egret. Herodias egretta (GmeL). (196) Synonyms: Great White Egret, American Egret, Wliite Egret, (sometimes erroneously WWte Heron or Great White Heron). — Ardea egretta, Gmel., 1788, Wils., Nutt., Aud., and others. — Herodias egretta, Gray, 1849, Baird, 1858, Coues, 1882. The large size and pure white color are distinctive. Distribution.- — Temperate and tropical America, from New Jersey, Minne- sota and Oregon south to Patagonia; casually on the Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia. This large and beautiful bird is by no means common in any part of the state, but its snow white plumage, large size, and the fact that it frequents open marshes and mud flats makes it likely that a large part of the few individuals which occur in the state are seen and reported if not actually killed. As mentioned later it is possible that the species formerly bred or may do so now occasionally in the southern part of the state, but its normal nesting grounds are farther south and nine-tenths of the Michigan records for the species are in July, August, and early September. Occasionally several species of herons wander considerably north of their breeding grounds after the nesting season, and this habit is well marked in the case of the Greater Egret. Our records for the state are as follows: One shot at St. Clair Flats about 1886, and in possession of a Frenchman living on the Cana- dian Flats (Swales). "Three or four have been shot near Plymouth during my recollection; one of these is now in my possession. All were taken during the months of July and August" (Purdy). A specimen in the Broas collection said to have been taken in the vicinity of Belding; now in the Agricultural College Museum. A specimen in the collection of the Monroe Marsh Club, taken at least twenty years ago and mounted by Sauvage. The latter thinks that he stuffed this specimen in 1882. Ex- amined March 1, 1905 (Barrows). Mr. James Gunsolus, the present Keeper of the Monroe Marsh Club, says that he has never seen this species in the ten years or more of his connection with the club. A specimen taken on Saline River, Washtenaw county, August 15, 1877, one of four seen (Covert). A male taken July 12, 1886, near Ann Arbor, and another (female) taken July 22, 1888 in the same region, both by Covert. A specimen taken April 14, 1877 in Kalamazoo county, and in the collection of G. B. Sudworth (Gibbs). Another specimen, shot by William Glover on the Kalamazoo River, July 9, 1886, and now in the collection of the Michigan Agricultural College (Barrows). Dr. Gibbs writes "Every few years I hear of a number of these birds being seen about Kalamazoo. They are never numerous at any time, and I have not in my life seen half a dozen individuals all told." A specimen taken September 10, 1881, near Saline, IMich. and mounted by Norman A. Wood of Ann Arbor. Mr. Jason Nichols of Lansing saw four "White Herons" in that vicinity in the summer of 1883 and they probably belong to this species. There are two mounted specimens in the Barron collection at Niles, without data, but probably local. We have been told of specimens believed to be Greater Egrets, seen or taken, in five or six other places in the state, but have not been able to verify the statements. According to Amos Butler, this species formerly bred in some numbers in the Kankakee Marshes in northern Indiana (Proc. Ind. Acad. Sci. for 1897). In his Birds of Indiana Mr. Butler has the following: "Breeds in some numbers locally in the northern part of the state (Indiana), and the lower Wabash Valley, in situations similar 140 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. to those occupied by the Great Blue Heron, and generally associating in the same colony with them. For many years they have been known to breed in Knox and Gibson counties. We know that it still breeds in some, and did very recently in all, of at least six or eight of the counties in northern Indiana; also that it is very rarely indeed observed in its northward migra- tions before breeding time. This indicates that these herons migrate by night. Mr. McBride says that at the heronries at Golden Lake, Steuben county [which borders Michigan], for several years, he often saw a few of these among the many Great Blue Herons, and while satisfied they nested, he could not determine which nest was theirs. Mr. Woodruff says "Mr. Chas. Eldridge found this bird breeding at Kouts, Porter county, Illinois, May 1885, and took a large number of their eggs. He found their nests in the same trees with those of the Great Blue Heron. He adds that he visited the heronries in June, 1896, and did not see a single specimen of the White Egret" (Birds of Indiana, 1897, 660). According to Kumlien and Hollister the Greater Egret was a common bird on the larger marshes and swamps bordering the inland lakes and rivers of Wisconsin 25 to 50 years ago. "Of late years, thanks to bar- barous plume hunters, it is rare, so rare at the present time that three or four individuals only visit Lake Koshkonong each year where hundreds were found thirty years ago during August and September. Young un- able to fly were taken from a colony in a tamarack swamp near Jeffer- son in July 1863. It was found breeding with a large colony of Great Blue Herons to the westward of Two Rivers in June, 1880, also reported as nesting near Waukesha in 1866" (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 35). I can add nothing personally to the life history of this species in Michigan. We know that its food is similar to that of the Great Blue Heron; that it nests in trees, building bulky nests of sticks, and laying three to five blue eggs, rather darker than those of the Great Blue Heron, and averaging 2.28 by 1.60 inches. Southward, where the species formerly was very abundant and nested in large colonies, known as "rookeries" or "heronries," there was great variation in the position of the nests; sometimes these were placed in the tops of lofty trees, even 100 to 150 feet above the ground, at other times on low mangroves not six feet above the water, while other nests occupied intermediate positions (Baird, Brewer and Ridgway). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult in breeding plumage: Entire plumage snowy white; a train or large bundle of long, dissected plumes falls from the middle of the back, their tips almost or quite touching the groimd when the bird stands erect. Legs and feet black; bill yellow or greenish yellow. After the breeding season the long aigrette plumes are lost, but other- wise there is little change in the plumage. The young resemble the adults except for the absence of the long plumes. Length 37 to 41 inches; wing 14.10 to 16.80; culmen 4.20 to 4.90; tarsus 5.50 to 6.80. WATER BIRDS. 141 73. Lesser Egret. Egretta candidissima candidissima (GmeL). (1Q7) Synonyms: Little Egret, Sno\vy Egret, Common Egret, Snowy Heron, Little White Heron. — Ardea candidissima, GmeL, 1789, Wils., Nutt., And., and others. Garzetta can- didissima, Bonap., 1855, Baird, Ridgw., Coues and most recent authors. Figure 34. Known by its small size, pure white color, and in the breeding season by the pecuHar plumes known as ''aigrettes." Distribution.— Temperate and tropical America, from Long Island and Oregon south to the Argentine Republic and Chili, casually to Nova Scotia and southern British Columbia. This species is much rarer in Michigan than the preceding. In fact its presence here must be considered merely accidental. Formerly it may have occurred regularly in the southern tier of countieg, but there is little to indicate that such was the case. There are a few good records for the state. Mr. Norman A. Wood of Ann Arbor has a mounted specimen in his collection which he informs us was taken about four miles from Ann Arbor, on the Huron River, April 20, 1895. Ac- cording to marginal notes in Mr. A. B. Covert's copy of Cook's "Birds of Michigan," he (Mr. Covert) took a specimen near Ann Arbor in June 1895, and "an adult male in full plumage, Aug. 17, 1874." He has also recorded the capture of a specimen at Ann Arbor, April 9, 1872 (Forest & Stream, VII, 10, 147). In his manuscript list (1894-95) however, he states that all specimens taken in the state so far as he knows have occurred in the month of August. Dr. Gibbs states that "A specimen was collected in Kalamazoo county, August 6, 1877, and is in the collection^of G. B. Sudworth. The species is not mentioned in the lists of Boies, Trombley, Miles, Steere, Hughes, Sager, Cabot or Stockwell." Mr.' Amos Butler states that "It is a not common migrant and summer resident in the southern part of the state; breeding locally in the lower Wabash Valle3^ Mr. Ridgway saj^s that it bred in Knox and Gibson counties, and J. A. Balmer says that although they varied in numbers from year to year they were quite constant summer residents in Knox county. In 1890 they were common about Swans Pond. This so far as known is their most northern breeding ground. After breeding they roam over the country, soon extending their journeys, as may be gathered by reported occurrences, into Michigan, Ontario, and Manitoba" (Birds of Indiana, 1897, 662). Kumlien & Hollister say "A rare and irregular visitor from the south during August and September. Of late years very rare. We have never been able to trace a capture of From Bird Fig. 34 Lore. Lesser Egret. ;. (Courtesy of Frank M. Chapman.) 142 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. the Snowy Heron north of Milwaukee, Madison, and LaCrosse" (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 35). This bird is said to migrate by day as well as by night, and it usually travels in compact flocks, often of fifty or even one hundred individuals. In Florida, where it formerly nested in abundance in low trees, it laid three or four eggs, which are similar in color to those of the other herons, but possibly a Httle greener. The eggs average 1.68 by 1.34 inches. The history of the persecution of this bird in the Gulf states is very sad reading. Formerly one of the most abundant of water birds it has been followed from place to place and driven from the more accessible nesting places into the most impenetrable swamps, until at present it is with difficulty that an undisturbed heronry of this species can be found. While the plume hunter is directly responsible for this, the demands of fashion stand back of it all, and the lax legislation which has permitted the slaughter must of course bear its share of the blame. The "aigrettes" or plumes so much sought after are found in perfection only during the nesting season, and in order to obtain them the parent birds are shot and their backs skinned at their nesting places, leaving the young to perish miserably from starvation. Anyone wishing to learn the extent and details of this abominable business should read Educational Leaflet No. 7 of the National Committee of Audubon Societies, and the annual reports of Mr. William Dutcher, the Chairman of this National Committee. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult in breeding plumage: Entirely white; a train of aigrette plumes growing from the middle of the back (interscapulars), their recurved tips extending about even with the tip of the tail, sometimes a little beyond; legs black, feet bright yellow in strong con- trast; bill black, more or less yellow about the base. After the breeding season the long plumes are shed, but there is no other change. The young resemble the adults except in the long plumes. Length 20 to 27.25 inches; wing 8.20 to 10.50; culmen 2.08 to 3.75; tarsus 3.15 to 4.50. 74. Little Blue Heron. Florida caerulea Linn. (200) Synonyms: Blue Egret. — Ardea caerulea, Linn., 1758, Wils., Nutt., Aud. — Florida caerulea, Baird, 1858, and most recent authors. Recognizable always by the size and peculiar coloration; often the young are mostly white, but the tips of the primaries are always slaty blue, and the legs and feet greenish yellow in the young, so that they could hardly be confused with the Lesser Egret, which they resemble closely in size and proportions. Distribution. — Eastern United States, from New Jersey, Illinois and Kansas, southward through Central America and the West Indies to Guiana and Colombia; casually north on the Atlantic cost to Massachusetts and Maine. This must be considered merely a straggler in ]\Iichigan and we have only a single unquestionable record, that of a full plumaged bird in the dark phase killed near Detroit May 2, 1882, by Mr. William S. Smith, 140 Grand River Ave., who has the mounted specimen in his possession still.* Dr. Gibbs states (MS. notes) that Dr. Atkins took a specimen in Ingham *Auk XXVI, 1909, 83. WATER BIRDS. 143 cotinty, but Dr. Gibbs did not personally verify this statement, and I have been unable to get any confirmation of it. The statement appears not to have been published by Dr. Atkins, but occurred in a letter or manuscript which is not now to be found. In Covert's manuscript list of 1894-95 we find the statement "One specimen obtained at Geddes [near Ann Arbor], in May, 1876, by the late Dr. Joshua Jones of Chicago, 111., formerly of Ann Arbor. That specimen is still (1895) in what remains of his collection at Ann Arbor." We have been unable to verify this record. Four specimens were taken at or near Aylmer, Ont., an inland town nine miles north of Lake Erie, in the summer of 1901 (Auk, XIX, 94), and there are several records for the species in Ohio (Auk, XVIII, 392) and Wisconsin (Kumlien and HoUister, p. 36). It was formerly abundant along the lower Wabash Valley in Indiana, where it remained all summer and nested (Butler, Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 664). In Florida and the Gulf States, where it is an abundant species, it is said to feed mostly by day, to be always found in flocks, and to nest in com- munities, placing the nest of sticks on bushes or low trees in or very near the water. The eggs are three or four, blue, unspotted, and average 1.73 by 1.28 inches. The immature birds, white or largely white, are often mistaken for White Egrets, and from the fact that these are commonly found associated with the blue adult birds, although flocks of either color are also found by themselves, the adult birds are often called Blue Egrets. But these birds never develop the slender and beautiful "aigrette" plumes, and con- sequently are not in demand by the plume hunter. As a result the species is still fairly abundant over large areas in the south where the Egrets have been almost entirely exterminated. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. "Adult with scapular and jugular plumes elongated, narrowly lanceolate, compact- webbed; occipital plumes slender, only a few of them much elongated. Color of adult usually uniform dark slate blue, with maroon-colored head and neck, but not unfrequently 'pied' with white, or even almost wliolly white, with bluish tips to longer quills. Young usually pure white, with longer quills (primaries) tipped witli slate-blue. "Length 20 to 29.50 inches; wing 9 to 10.60; culmen 2.70 to 3.30; tarsus 3.15 to 4." (Ridgway) 75. Green Heron. Butorides virescens virescens Linn. (201) Synonyms: Green Bittern, Little Green Heron, Poke, Fly-up-the-creek. — Ardea virescens, Linn., 1758, Wils., Nutt., Aud., and others. — Butorides virescens, Bonap., 1855, Baird, Ridgw., Coues and most recent authors. Figures 35, 36, 37, 38. The measurements and general green color of the l)ack and wings serve to separate this heron from any other. It is smaller than any other member of the family except the Least liittern and Cory's liittcrn. Distribution. — Temperate North America, from Ontario and Oregon southward to Columbia, Venezuela, and the West Indies. Ikn-muda. This perhaps is the best known of the smaller herons in Southern jMich- igan, but it does not seem to extend far northward. It is abundant in 144 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. s^> suitable places as far north as Port Huron, Owosso, Ionia and Grand Rapids, but north of this latitude it becomes in- frequent or unknown. Mr. Newell A. Eddy states that it has not been taken in Bay county so far as he knows. Dr. Dunham took a single specimen in Kalkaska county, May 2, 1898, but says it is not common there. Kneeland records it for Keweenaw Point in his list of 1859, and Major Boies reported a single one seen on the St. Mary's River (Hay Lake), in Chippewa county, but these are the only reports from the Upper Peninsula. The Green Heron enters the state from the south about the first of May, the exact date varying about a week either way according to season and locality. Nesting begins before the middle of May, and from the fact that occupied nests are occasionally found in July it seems hkely that a second brood is reared sometimes. It gets its common name of " Fly-up-the-creek " from its abundance along the wooded shores of our slow streams and the manner in which it ^^1 Fig. 35. Green Heron. From Baird, Brewer and Ridgway's Water Birds of North America. (Little, Brown & Co.) Fig. 36. Green Heron. Head, showing occipital crest and naked lores. (Original.) will keep ahead of a boat, making short flights of 50 to 100 yards each time the boat gets too near, and after such a flight usually alighting in a tree or bush. Unlike most of our herons it does not seem to be at all social, and is never found feeding in flocks, but is seen singly or more frequently in pairs. I once saw five individuals along the shores of a muddy pond of a couple of acres, but this was exceptional. It is rather crepuscular in its habits, feeding and flying mostly at morning and evening, but fre- quently heard during moonlight nights, and often abroad all day during WATER BIRDS. 145 cloudy and rainy weather. Its loud and unmusical squawk suggests at the same time the croak of the bull-frog and the call of a young crow. The nest is carelessly built of twigs and small sticks, usually placed from eight to thirty feet from the ground and not necessarily close to water; we have known it to be built in orchard trees and shade trees at least a quarter of a mile from water, although it is more often found in the low trees and swampy thickets which directly border streams and ponds. The eggs are three to six, blue, un- spotted, and average 1.50 by 1.14 inches. Ordinarily the nests are widely scattered, but more rarely a small colony of three to six pairs may be found. Dr. Morris Gibbs visited five nests of this kind found "in willow bushes near a creek, from 4 to 10 feet from the ground" in Kalamazoo Co., in May, 1878. The food is varied, but in addition to the usual fish and frogs it eats large numbers of insects, not always aqua- tic. One taken at New Haven, Conn., "had the stomach filled principally with little salt-marsh minnows, and in addition contained an eel, some kind of a water bug, several grasshop- pers and two spiders " (Buck, Nidiologist, III, 37). One killed at Boone- ville, N. Y., had the stomach "filled with grasshoppers." Fig. 37. Foot of Green Heron. Showing partly bare tibia and pectinate middle claw. (Original.) TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Entire top of head dark lustrous green, blackish in front; back and upper surface of wings and tail green of nearly the same shade as top of head, the elongated, narrow interscapulars often with a bluish-white gloss and the slender shafts pure white; most of the wing-coverts narrowly margined with yellowish-white; chin and upper throat white, scarcely streaked; median line of middle and lower throat striped brown and white; entire sides of head and neck rich dark chestnut with a purplish gloss at the back; remainder of under parts smoky-gray; primaries slaty-blue; iris yellow; bill brownish-black above, greenish-white below; legs and feet green. Sexes alike. Young somewhat like the adult but with little clear chestnut or green; everywhere streaked with light and dark, and the wing-coverts with much broader light edgings than in the adult. Length 15.50 to 22.50 inches; wing 6.30 to 8.00; culmen 2 to 2.55; tarsus 1.75 to 2.15. 19 146 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Fit,', -i^- N<'st of (Jrocn Heron. 1 pliotoKiapli by Tlio.s. I,, llankiiisoii. 76. Black-crowned Night Heron. Nycticorax nycticorax naevius {lio(hl). (202) Synonyms: Night Heron, Quawk, Squawk. — Ardea najvia, Bodd., 1783. — Botaurus nu'viiis Briss., 17()0. — Nyctiardca grisea var. najvia, Allen, 1872. — Nyctiardca gardeni, Baird, 18r)8. When adult never to l)e mistaken for anything else, the green-black crown and back, white underparts, thread-like occipital plumes, and brilliant red eyes, forming a unique combination. The immature bird, gray-streaked and with yellow eyes, might be mistaken for the common J^ittern which has about the same size and general appearance, but the tints of the Bittern are much browner and the plumage never shows the white"^spots"^and streaks of the Night Heron. Distribution. — America, from Ontario and Manitolxa southward to the I'^alkland Islands, including part of the West Indies. I'^Tliis odd and beautiful heron seems to be nowhere common in Michigan. It has been taken here and there throughout the lower half of the Lower l'(!ninsula, but always singly and at long intervals. Most of the specimens taken are young birds and found in late summer and early autumn. Ac- cording to Swales (Birds of S. E. Mich., 1904) "It is now a rare bird and seldom recorded. * * * In 1904, May 5, one was taken at St. Clair Flats, and on July 16 I saw'one near the River Rouge." Langille says that formerly it was "constantly seen at^the Flats in summer, sometimes in large flocks, and no doubt bred in woods'not far'away" (Bulb Buffalo Soc. Nat. Sci. 1877, 89). Mr. T. L. Hankinson found it by no means uncommon WATER BIRDS. 147 about Walnut Lake, Oakland county, during the early summer of 1906, but no evidence of nesting was obtained. We have no record of its breeding in the state. Boies states that "it is reported as breeding on islands in St. Mary's River, but I did not see one during my three seasons on the river" (Birds of Neebish Island). The report to which Major Boies refers is probably that given in Cook's Birds of Michigan by Hon. Chase S. Osborn of Sault Ste. Marie, but further inquiry has shown that the heronry on Espanore Island is tenanted only by the Great Blue Heron, and we have no reason to suppose that any colony of the Night Heron will be found so far north. It is rather remarkable that no colonies have been located in the state, but such appears to be the fact. The species breeds ordinarily in large communities, often as many as 500 or 600 pairs nesting within the compass of a few acres. Usually it places its nests in low trees, but in Wisconsin it has been found nesting more than once on or near the ground in marshes. Nelson states that under such circumstances the nests are placed among the wild rice, but Kumlien and Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 86) state that they have always found the nest placed among the cane (Phragmites). When placed in trees the nest is composed almost entirely of sticks and twigs. The eggs are commonly three or four, clear blue, unspotted, and average 2.01 by 1.47 inches. The species feeds singly, and mostly at night, and its food does not seem to differ materially from that of other herons. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Forehead pure white, entire top of head, including the occiput, dark bottle green, almost black; entire back and scapulars of the same color, perhaps a little greener, the upper surface of wings and tail uniform pearl-gray in strong contrast. From the long feathers of the occiput arises a slender, tliread-like plume less than one-eighth of an inch wide and six inches or more in length, made of two or three pure white feathers laid one within the other; chin, throat, and entire under parts pure white; sides and back of neck shaded with ashy gray, as are also tlie sides of the breast and body. Bill mostly black; iris bright red; legs and feet yellow or greenish-yelk)W. Sexes alike. Young of the year entirely different; above, light grayish or buffy-brown, each feather with a tri- angular streak or spot of whitish; below jjrctty evenly streaked with liglit brown and white in nearly equal amounts, the chin and ui)j)cr throat mainly white with few streaks. Iris yellow; bill and feet nearly as in adult. Length 23 to 26 inclies; wing 11 to 12.80; culmen 2.80 to 3.10; tarsus 3.10 to 3.40. 148 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Order VIII. PALUDICOLiE. Marsh-dwellers. Family 21. GRUID^. Cranes. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Tarsus 11 inches or more, plumage mostly white. Whooping Crane. No. 77. AA. Tarsus 10 inches or less, plumage mostly slaty gray or brown. Sandhill Crane. No. 78. 77. Whooping Crane. Grus americana (Linn.). (204) Synonyms: Ardea americana, Linn., 1758, Wils., 1814. — Grus americana of most subsequent authors. The adult may be known at sight by its great size (decidedly larger than the Sandhill) and the pure white plumage with the exception of the black wing-feathers. Distribution. — Interior of North America, from the fur countries to Florida, Texas and Mexico, and from Ohio to Colorado. Formerly on the Atlantic coast, at least casually, to New England. This magnificent bird is now one of the rarest of our water birds east of the Mississippi River. Formerly it was not uncommon throughout the entire Great Lake region, and was seen singly or sometimes in small flocks by itself, occasionally associated with the Sandhill Crane. Its striking plumage and great size made it conspicuous wherever it appeared, and although well known it probably was never really abundant. So far as we can learn there are no recent records for Michigan which are unquestionable. According to Covert (MS. List 1894-95) one was taken at Geddesburg, Washtenaw County, Mich., June 8, 1877. In Covert's copy of Coues Key a marginal note says "Three specimens, Brighton, Mich., April, 1882, Chas. Gushing." Mr. Covert tells me that he remembers the fact of their capture, but nothing more. We have not been able to find a Michigan specimen of this bird in any collection. The record by L. W. Watkins of Manchester (Cook's Birds of Michigan, 1893, 2d ed. 52) doubtless relates to the Greater Egret, which is large enough to be mistaken at a little distance for the Whooping Crane. There is a record of one taken at Camden, Ontario, September 27, 1871 (Mcllwraith, Birds of Ont., 1894, 116). In Indiana, according to Butler it is " A rare migrant; formerly more common. It has been known to breed in Central Illinois (Nelson), and clear Lake, Iowa (Cooke), and doubt- less did so in Indiana. Mr. L. P. Myers says that in Lake county it is ex- ceedingly rare. It was a summer resident, but the draining of the Kankakee marshes has driven it away. Mr. Timothy H. Ball also writes of their former occurrence in Lake county, that they were common, but not so abundant as the Sandhill Crane" (Birds of Ind., 1897,669). Kumlien and Hollister say "Thirty or forty years ago it was not rare to see'a few among the enormous flocks of Sandhill Cranes during the October migrations, WATER BIRDS. 149 and even flocks composed entirely of this species. Of late years adults are exceedinaly rare, and the last record we have of a Wisconsin capture is October, 1878, when a fine old bird was shot in Green county, and sent to Thure Kumlien. Newspaper and other reports of flocks of ' White Cranes ' and of specimens shot in various parts of the state of late years, refer to the Greater Egret and not to this species" (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 36). The nesting habits are similar to those of the Sandhill Crane, the nest a rude structure of weeds and vegetable refuse on the ground, and the two eggs olive or olive buff spotted with brown and gray, and averaging 4.04 by 2.50 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Plumage entirely white, except the outer wing-feathers (primaries) whicli are black; top of head, lores and cheeks naked, usually reddish, and with a few scattered black "hairs." Sexes alike. Young of the year, similar, but many feathers with yellowish brown tips, often giving a rusty tinge to the entire plumage; the whole head feathered. Length 50 to 54 inches; wing 22 to 25; culmen 5.35 to 5.80; tarsus 11 to 12. 78. Sandhill Crane. Grus mexicana (Mull). (206) Synonyms: Brown Crane, Upland Crane, Field Crane. — Ardea mexicana, Miill., 1776 — Grus pratensis, Bartr., 1791. — Grus fusca (part) Vieill., 1817. — Grus canadensis, Nutt., 1834, Baird, 1858, Coues, 1872, Ridgw., 1881. Figures 39 and 40. Comparison of the figures of the head of this species and that of the Great Blue Heron will enable the student to separate the two at a glance. The large size and general „^^ _^ proportions make'it impos- sible to confound the bird with anything else but the Blue Heron, and from this species it can be readily separated by the bald head and the gray or brown plumage, which is never blue at any age. Distribution. — Southern half of North America; now rare near the Atlantic coast, except in Georgia and Florida. Now that the Wild Tur- key is extinct the Sandhill Crane probably is the heaviest wild bird found in the state, unless pos- sibly the Whistling Swan sometimes equals it. It is a decidedly larger bird in every way than the Blue Heron, with which it f, f 1 1 1 F'S- 39- Sandhill Crane, is Olicn COntOUnclCCl ana ^^.^^ ^^.^^^ Brewer and Ridgway's Water Birds of North its weight IS at least double America. (Little. Brown & Co.) 150 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. that of the heron. Although it belongs with the waders, and is often found in wet places, it has little in common with the herons and frequents upland pastures and plowed fields as well as grain fields in preference to marshes and swamps. Its food is decidedly unlike that of the herons, since during a large part of the year it feeds extensively on vegetable food, eating roots, bul])s, grains, berries, etc. as well as insects, frogs, lizards, snakes and mice. It is said to be especially fond of corn, which is taken from the shock, and in Nebraska Prof. Aughey found it feeding freely on grass- hoppers. Occasionally it may prey upon fish, but this certainly is not a common food, and we do not know of an instance which has been observed. While it migrates by night as well as by day it feeds mainly if not entirely during the day, in which respect again it is unlike most herons. Its flesh is excellent for the table, and it is hunted accordingly wherever it occurs. Naturally watchful and suspicious it has become still more so through persecution, until in most parts of the state at the present time it can be approached only with the greatest difficulty and must be shot with the rifle if at all. In flight it carries the neck and legs stretched out to their full extent in line with the body, and squads or flocks are often seen flying in single file like ducks or geese. Its note is not easily described, but once heard is not soon forgotten. One writer likens it to the sound of a coarse cow-bell, another to the rattling of blocks and tackle on shipboard when getting up sail; still another says it resembles the creaking of a gate or windmill, while I never hear the note without thinking of the sound produced in trying to get water out of a wooden pump which has run down and been long out of use. When heard at a distance of a mile or more the notes are not unmusical, but at shorter distances they lose all charm for the sensitive ear. The nesting habits are very variable in different parts of its range. In Michigan, so far as we can learn, the nest is invariably placed flat on the ground in rather open and extensive marshes, but usually on some small island or ridge of slightly higher ground where there is no danger of inunda- tion. The nest itself consists of weed stalks, grasses and similar rubbish, not very deeply hollowed, and rather carelessly lined with grass. The eggs are invariably two, and are spotted and blotched with reddish brown or gray on an olive or pale buff ground. They average 3.98 by 2.44 inches. In Michigan this species is now far from common. Twenty-five years ago it probably nested in almost every part of the state, and even ten years ago it was seen spring and fall passing north and south in small flocks in most parts of the state. Dr. Atkins of Locke, Ingham county, noted its arrival at that place in spring for 27 consecutive years. His earliest date was February 19, 1857, and the latest April 12, 1864. On 21 springs it appeared in March, and on 16 of these it first appeared between the 15th and the 31st. He found the nest with nearly fresh eggs on June 8, 1879. Until within eight or ten years the species has nested every season near the Agricultural College, and the eggs or young have been taken frequently. Since 1900 the nest has not been found here so far as I know, although a few of the birds have been seen passing northward in the spring. One or more pairs spent the summer of 1910 at Chandler's Marsh, just north of the College, and undoubtedly nested in the vicinity. They were not noted during the summer of 1911, but a squad of 4 or 5 fed there regularly during most of October. Major Boies states that he noted but two of these birds during his stay WATER BIRDS. 151 of two years on Neebish Island in the St. Mary's River. Mr. L. Whitney Watkins beUeves that they still nest in parts of Jackson and Washtenaw counties, and ]\Ir. Edward Arnold of Battle Creek has known of their nesting recently in several places in the southern part of the state. W. P. Melville states that he saw three adults and took a young one in the down on the plains south of Newberry (Upper Peninsula), Luce county, in 1903; Mr. Newell A. Eddy of Bay City reports seeing eleven on the marshes near Seney, Schoolcraft county, September 25, 1895, and was informed by residents that they occurred there every fall. Single specimens are taken here and there through the state occasionally now, but it seems certain that its numbers are decreasing steadily, and before many years in all probability it will desert the state altogether, seeking nesting places farther north and west where it can find greater security. Fig. 40. Head of Sandhill Crane. From photograph of mounted specimen. The nesting date given above by Dr. Atkins would seem to be unusually late in view of the fact that Trombley records two fresh eggs taken in Mon- roe county, April 23, 1885, and L. J. Cole took two newly hatched young on Chandler's Marsh, Ingham county in May, 1898. Several writers state that the bird is an early nester, and we should infer that ordinarily the eggs were laid the last of April or first of May. Covert, however, records a nest found near Ann Arbor June" 2, 1870^ (Forest and Stream, VII, 10, 147), and we find among the notes'of the late Percy Selous a record of a nest and two eggs at Burgess Lake^ near Greenville, Montcalm county, June 30, 1894. 152 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Mr. L. Whitney Watkins, of Manchester, has in his collection the skin of a Sandhill Crane which weighed 12^ pounds. It is one of two which were killed at Fay's Lake, Jackson county, about 3 a. m., August 29, 1893, while "roosting" in water eight inches deep on a bar in the lake. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Head, crown, and sides of head to level of eyes, naked or thinly covered with small "hairs" (really minute feathers); chin, cheeks, and auricular region, pure white; rest of head and neck bluish gray, becoming browner on lower neck; rest of upper surface, including wings and tail, brownish gray, each feather margined or^ tipped with dull white, or, on the wing-coverts, with rusty-brown ; under parts clear gray to brownish gray, mottled with whitish, each feather having a wide margin of grayish-white; primaries slaty-black with pure white shafts; tail-feathers ashy brown to nearly black. Bill and feet black; iris yellow. Sexes alike. Immature: Similar, but much browner, the upper parts, and especially the upper surface of wings, often mainly rusty-brown; reddish margins on many of the feathers all over the body. Length 40 to 48 inches; wing 21 to 22.50; culmen 5.15 to 6; tarsus 9.90 to 10.65. Family 23. RALLID^E. Rails. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Forehead with a bony or membranous plate or shield. B, BB, B. Toes with conspicuous lobes or flaps. Coot. No. 85, BB. Toes without lobes or flaps. C, CC. C. Plumage mostly slate color, flanks with at least a few distinct white streaks. Florida Gallinule. No. 84. CC. Plumage mostly bluish-purple and olive-green, no white streaks on flanks. Purple Gallinule. No. 83. AA. Forehead without trace of plate or shield. D, DD. D. Bill (culmen) more than an inch long. E, EE. E. Bill two inches or more, wing about six inches. King Rail. No. 79. EE. Bill less than two inches, wing less than four and one half inches. Virginia Rail. No. 80. DD. Bill less than an inch long. F, FF. F. Bill f inch or more, wing 4 inches or more. Sora; Carolina Rail. No. 81. FF. Bill less than f inch; wing less than 4 inches. Yellow Rail. No. 82. 79. King Rail. Rallus elegans And. (208) Synonyms: Fresh-water Marsh Hen, Red-breasted Rail. — Rallus elegans, Aud., 1834' and most authors. — Rallus crepitans, Wils., 1813 (but not of others). Figure 4^. The cinnamon breast, barred flanks, and red eye are common to this species and the Virginia Rail, the latter, however, being very much smaller. Compare the measurements. Distribution. — Fresh-water marshes of the eastern United States, north WATER BIRDS. 153 to the Middle States, northern lUinois, Wisconsin and Kansas, casually to Massachusetts, Maine and Ontario. In Michigan this species is confined apparently to the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, although it may occur as a straggler somewhat farther north. We have speci- mens taken near Sagi- naw Bay, and it has been found breeding at Grand Rapids. It is a common nester at St. Clair Flats, and is fairly abundant in the neigh- borhood of the Agricul- _. _ ^ ,^^. ^ ., ,^ . . ,^ , 1 ri II T 1, Fig. 41. Foot of King Rail. (Original) tural College, Ingham county, although far less common than either the Virginia Rail or the Sora. Like all the rails it is shy, secretive, and rarely seen unless specially looked for. Most of the specimens taken are killed in the fall while hunting quail or woodcock with a dog, and at such times the rails are often found on dry ground adjacent to marshes. It seems to migrate entirely by night and ordinarily is rather quiet during the day, probably Hke most of the rails feeding principally morning and evening, but more or less all through the night. i?he nest is placed usually in long marsh-grass, but little elevated above the ground, and is made of grasses and weeds like most rail nests. The eggs vary in number from 6 to 16 and are commonly about 10. They are buffy or cream white rather heavily spotted and specked with red brown, and average 1.63 by 1.22 inches. They are most often found in southern Michigan from the middle of May to the middle of June. According to B. H. Swales "Some breed at Grassy Island, Detroit River, just below Detroit, but they are much more abundant at St. Clair Flats. A nest found July 9, 1896, contained 9 eggs of the King Rail, 8 eggs of the Virginia Rail, and one of the Sora. The bird seen to leave the nest was a King Rail " (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club, I, 32). Undoubtedly the bird is much more common than it seems, yet Lower Michigan forms the northern limit of its breeding range and it certainly is one of the less common rails. Most of our correspondents call it rare, but along the eastern side of the state, from Monroe county to Saginaw Bay, it must be considered far from rare. Its food is much like that of the Virginia Rail and consists of a mixture of animal and vegetable substances. According to Kumlien & Hollister " It occurs in much higher and dryer situations than any of the other rails, and often frequents stubble fields when not too far away froni the marsh. We have found the esophagus hterally crammed with oats, and in the latter part of summer and early fall the birds subsist largely on grasshoppers" (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 38). Prof. Aughey examined seven stomachs taken in Nebraska in August and October, 1874, and May 1875, and found locusts in every stomach, the number varying from 17 to 48. Each stomach contained also other insects and seeds (1st Rep. U. S. Entom. Com.. App. 2, p. 56). Owing to its nocturnal movements the dates of arrival and departure are somewhat uncertain, but it probably reaches Michigan early in May and leaves for the south during October, although individuals may linger until early November (Detroit, Nov. 5, 1905, Swales). 154 MICHIGAN BIRD" LIFE. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Head and neck above olive brown; the back, including upper surface of wings and tail, a lighter shade of the same color, heavily streaked with umber brown and black; sides of head and neck reddish brown or cinnamon, this color continuing over the whole of the breast, which is unspotted; a white streak from the base of the bill above the eye, and a white spot below the eye; chin and upjjer throat pure white; sides and flanks black or brownish black conspicuously barred with pure white; belly nearly white; primaries dark brown, their coverts bright rufous; edge of wing white. Sexes alike. Immature: Similar. Downy young, uniform glossy black. Length 17 to 19 inches; wing 5.90 to 6.80; culmen 2.12 to 2..'J0. 80. Virginia RaiL Rallus virginianus Jjinn. (212) Synonyms: Little Red-breasted Rail. — Rallus virginianus of autliors generally. — Rallus limicola, Vieill., 1823. Figure 1^2. Very similar to the King Rail in everything but size, the present species being very much smaller. Distribution: North America, from the British Provinces south to Guatemala and Cuba. Fig. 42. Virgin )riginal.) Unhke the King Rail this species is found over the entire state and probably nests wherever found. It is, however, much more abundant in the southern half of the state than farther north, and probably in most parts of the Upper Peninsula it should be considered rather uncommon. S. E. White calls it rare on iNIaclcinac Island; Major Boies saw only a few on Neebish Island, St. Mary's River, in the summer of 1893; and one was WATER BIRDS. 155 killed at Spectacle Reef Light, Northern Lake Huron, May 14, 1886. Throughout the Lower Peninsula it occurs generally wherever the conditions are suitable, but apparently it varies greatly in abundance in different places, and also at the same place in different years. In most places it seems to be less common than the Sora, but occasionally the reverse is true. It frequents wetter ground than the King Rail, and I do not remember ever to have flushed one in a dry field. The nest is commonly built among reeds, rushes, or cattails, and sometimes is only a slight platform of dead leaves and grass, while at other times it is a deeply hollowed and compact nest around which the growing vegetation has formed a complete screen and sometimes even a complete roof. The eggs, 6 to 10 in number, are creamy or buffy white rather sparsely spotted with brown. They average 1.24 by .94 inches. The food is a mixture of animal and vegetable substances, insects, worms, small Crustacea, etc., forming the major part during the summer, but varied more or less with fruits, seeds, and grains whenever available. The bird swims easily, but seldom takes to the open water, preferring to run about on floating vegetation or jump from tussock to tussock while feeding, and seldom taking wing, at least during the day, unless surprised. The flight is feeble and fluttering at first, the heavy legs and feet dangling for a considerable distance, but when the bird has gained good headway the feet are stretched out behind, in the manner of herons, and the bird flies steadily and with considerable speed. It migrates entirely by night, and is one of the species frequently killed by flying against telephone and telegraph wires and wire fences. It is also frequently picked up under electric light towers, where, in company with scores of other migrants, it has met death during thick weather. This bird is frequently killed by snipe shooters and is considered fair eating, although inferior to Wilson's Snipe. William Brewster speaks of the notes of the Virginia Rail heard in May and June, as "a succession of grunting sounds not unlike those of a hungry pig. Although by no means loud, they have a penetrating quahty which makes them carry to a considerable distance." TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Head and neck above brownish-black, faintly spotted with light brown; back, rump, and upper tail-coverts, black, streaked and spotted with pale brown; sides of head bluish ash; a whitish line from bill to upper eye-lid, and edge of lower eye-lid white; chin pure white; front of neck and breast cinnamon-brown, paler along the middle of the breast; sides and flanks black with narrow white bars; lesser wing-coverts bright chestnut; edge of wing white; under tail-coverts mixed black and white. Bill dark above, greenish- yellow below; legs and feet greenish; iris red. Sexes alike. Downy young, uniform coal black. Length 8.12 to 10.50 inches; wing 3.90 to 4.25; culmen.1.45 to 1.60. 81. Sora Rail. Porzana Carolina (Linn.). (214) Synonyms: Carolina Rail, Common Rail, Rail-bird, Ortolan. — Rallus carolinus, Linn., 1758, And., 1835. — Ortygometra Carolina, Bonap., 1838, Aud., 1839. — Porzana Carolina of most recent authors. Plate VIII. Adult: Readily known by the short, chicken-like bill, black face and throat, and barred flanks. The short bill separates it from any other common rail. 156 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Distribution. — Temperate North America, breeding chiefly northward, but less commonly on the Pacific coast. Casually north to south Greenland. South to the West Indies and northern South America. All things considered this is our commonest Michigan rail, nesting abundantly in suitable places all over the state, and frequenting almost all wet places except the overflowed woodlands which have neither underbrush nor grass. Their favorite haunts are the extensive marshes of cattails, wild rice, reeds and sedges, but a pair or two can almost always be found in any small cat-hole in the pasture or woods, and they frequently are found along the ditches and swales which border the highway, even when there are no large marshes within sight. In general habits they are similar to the Virginia Rail, but in most places are more abundant and they also appear to be less shy and suspicious; at all events they are more often seen by the sportsman and the average pedestrian. They are decidedly noisy, their loud and not unmusical notes being one of the characteristic sounds of our marshes, most noticeable at evening, though often heard all night long. If one hides among the reeds, or merely sits quietly in his boat in a favorable spot, he is very likely to see one or more of these birds tripping lightly over the lily-pads or other floating vegetation, picking up insects, snails, or floating seeds, and occa- sionally fluttering up among the stems to catch an insect or reach a spray of wild rice. Mr. Chapman speaks of their ordinary note as a "clear whistled ker-wee, now and then interrupted by a high-voiced rolling whmny which, like a call of alarm, is taken up and repeated by different birds all over the marsh. They seem so absorbed by their musical devotions that even when calling continuously it requires endless patience and keen eyes to see the dull colored, motionless forms in places where one would not suppose there was sufficient growth to conceal them" (Handbook, 1904, p. 143). The nest is similar to that of the other rails, sometimes well built, some- times very carelessly, almost always, however, in vegetation which is growing directly in the water. The eggs vary from 6 to 15, and are buffy white of a much deeper shade than those of the Virginia Rail, and usually more thickly and heavily spotted with brown and purple. They average 1.32 by .95 inches. This bird is commonly shot by sportsmen and is considered good eating. After it has become fat on wild rice at the south it is much sought after and is the "ortolan" of the Washington and Baltimore markets. The name is an absurd one, having been transferred to this bird from the Bob- olink, which is now called Rice-bird in the same localities. The true Ortolan (Emberiza hortulana) is a European sparrow or finch about the size of our Bobolink and much prized as food in southern Europe. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adiilt: Face and median line of crown black; rest of upper parts olive brown, spotted witli pure black, and streaked and dotted with white; sides of head and neck bluish ash, this color covering all the lower neck and the forepart of the breast; auricular region brown like the back; chin and median line of throat black; lower breast and belly nearly white, faintly barred with dusky; sides and flanks distinctly barred with black and white; sides of breast shaded with olive, more or less dotted with white; under tail-coverts white, washed with rufous. Bill bright yellow, feet green. Sexes alike. Immature: Similar, but lores and stripe over the eye brownish, the bluish ash of head, neck and breast replaced by light grayish brown. Downy, young, clear black with a tuft of orange colored bristly feathers on the breast. Length 7.85 to 9.75 inches; wing 4.15 to 4.30; culmen .75 to .90. Plate VIII. Sora Rail. From drawing by P. A. Taverner. (Original.) WATER BIRDS. 159 82. Yellow Rail. Coturnicops noveboracensis (Gmel.). (215) Synonyms: Little Yellow Rail, Yellow Crake. — Fulica noveboracensis, Gmel., 1789. — Ortygometra noveboracensis, Steph., 1824. — Rallus noveboracensis, Bonap., Aud., Nutt. — Porzana noveboracensis, Cassin, 1858, and most subsequent writers. Figure 43. The small size, general yellowness, and sharp white cross-bars on the feathers of the back are distinguishing marks. Distribution. — Chiefly eastern North America, north to Nova Scotia, Hudson Bay, etc., less commonly west to Nevada and California. No extra limital records except for Cuba and Bermuda. Fig. 43. Yellow Rail. From Bird Lore. (Courtesy of Frank M. Chapman.) This little rail is one of the rarest of the family in Michigan and specimens are far from common in our museums. Mr. A. B. Covert states that nine specimens were shot at Ann Arbor, Sept. 13, 1877 by one hunter, a single specimen now preserved in the University Museum being the only one saved. One or two were taken in muskrat traps at Vicksburg, Michigan, by D. Corwin of that place; one was taken near Kalamazoo City, October 19, 1890, and is now in the University of Michigan collection at Ann Arbor (Gibbs, Oologist, Nov. 1890) ; another specimen was picked up mutilated and too much decomposed for preservation, in the center of Kalamazoo City, about the middle of September, 1900. This specimen was doubtless killed by flying against the telephone wires (Dr. M. Gibbs, The Bittern, Grand Rapids, 1901, p. 4). Dr. Gibbs also records another specimen taken in autumn (date not specified) near Kalamazoo, by Wm. O'Byrne 160 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club, II, 1898, 7); and there is a mounted specimen in the Barron collection at Niles, which was examined by the writer in Novem- ber, 1905. This specimen has no label, but undoubtedly was taken in the vicinity. There are two specimens in the Museum of Hope College, Holland, Ottawa Co., taken by Mr. Arthur G. Baumgartel in that immediate vicinity, April 21 and 28, 1896. Mr. Baumgartel also states, in a letter dated September 13, 1907, that a third specimen was killed but Avas lost in the mud. Still another Yellow Rail was taken alive, but injured, on the university campus at Ann Arbor, Sept. 30, 1908, and was mounted for the museum by Norman A. Wood. One other record is that of a female caught by a dog, Mar. 25, 1908, just north of the city limits of Detroit, and now in the collection of P. A. Taverner (Auk, XXV, 1908,^327). Jerome Trombley, Petersburg, Mich., has a set of four eggs, which in size and coloration meet perfectly the requirements for this species, and which were taken May 29, 1894, in the township of Ida, Monroe county, Mich. Mr. Trombley did not take the eggs himself, but his collector described the bird which was flushed from the nest, and his description tallied well with that of the Yellow Rail. The situation was in a large cranberry marsh, and the nest was fastened to the tops of the long marsh- grass, the bottom resting on, or just reaching the water. It was composed entirely of marsh grass. Mr. Trombley says " From the size and appearance of both the bird and eggs the evidence is fairly conclusive, although it is not absolutely certain that the bird was a Yellow Rail." This species has been taken somewhat frequently in Ontario, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, according to Kumlien and Hollister, ''This little Rail is not nearly so rare as generally supposed, though by no means common. We have authentic records for Racine, Milwaukee, Elm Grove, Delavan, Janesville, Milton, etc., and even breed- ing records as far north as Brown county (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 39). Butler says "Those who have met with the Yellow Rail agree that it is the dryer marshes, or wet prairies or meadows, that it prefers; the more decidedly marshy ground is frequented by the larger rails" (Birds of In- diana, 1897, 678). According to Ridgway, the "eggs are six or more, creamy-buff, densely sprinkled and speckled on the larger end with rusty brown. They average 1.12 by .83 inches." The species, though widely distributed over the United States, appears not to be common anywhere. It is even more difficult to find and to flush than the Virginia Rail, and specimens are rarely found without the aid of a good dog. Few people have studied the bird enough to recognize its note when heard, and so it is not likely to be detected except by syste- matic and prolonged search in favorable localities. Of course one may be found accidentally, but this is most likely to happen in the case of some sportsman who does not appreciate the importance of the find and makes no record of it. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Head, neck and breast brownish yellow, unmarked; ground color of upper parts the same, but heavily streaked with black and crossed with numerous narrow bars of[ white; flanks brownish black, barred with white; secondaries white; under tail-coverts light brown. Sexes alike. Length 6 to 7.75 inches; wing 3 to 3.60; culmen .50 to .60; tarsus .95 to 1.00. WATER BIRDS. 161 83. Purple Gallinule. lonornis martinicus {Linn.). (218) Synonyms: Sultana (Jamaica). — Fulica martinica, Linn., 1766. — Gallinnla martinica, Lath., Aud., Nutt., Baird. — Gallinula porphyrio, Wils., 1824. — Porphyrio americanus, Swains., 1837. — lonornis martinica, Reich., 1853, Ridgw., 1881, Coues, 1882. The light blue wings, dark blue head, neck, and breast, green-tipped red bill, and yellow legs, form a combination which makes the adult un- mistakable. The young might be confused with those of the Common Gallinule. Distribution. — South Atlantic and Gulf States, casually northward to Maine, New York, Wisconsin, etc.; south through the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America to Brazil. There are but three or four records for this species in Michigan, so far as we know, and none is entirely satisfactory. Stockwell says "Accidental visitor in Michigan" (Forest & Stream, VIIT, 361); Covert has a marginal note in his copy of Coues Key to the effect that a male was taken at Ann Arbor, August 12, 1879, but he does not remember any of the particulars of this capture, and the specimen cannot be located; ]Mr. B. H. Swales, of Detroit, Avrites under date of December 15, 1906 "There is a record that Dr. J. H. Garner of Lucknow, Ont., saw a Purple Gallinule at St. Clair Flats about ten years ago (about 1883) that was killed by some boys and examined by him but not preserved" (Biol. Rev. of Ont., Jan. 1894, p. 11). Campion (of Detroit) also says that he has mounted one specimen of the Purple Gallinule "from the Flats." There are several records for Ontario, the most recent being that by A. B. Klugh, who states that one was taken in Wellington Co., Ontario, near Guelph, about 1894 (Ont. Nat. Sci. Bull. I, 3). In view of the abundance of the Florida or Common Gallinule, and the further fact that that bird is hardly known at all to the average sportsman, it seems likely that the newspaper reports and occasional notes in sporting magazines refer to the Common Gallinule rather than to the present species, especially as the Common Gallinule in full plumage always shows more or less purple gloss which would tend to deceive the amateur. The bird is abundant in Florida and the Gulf States where it associates with the Common Gallinule and s^ems to have much the same habits. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. "Adult: Head, neck, and lower parts slaty bluish purple, darker on the belly and thighs; lower tail-coverts white; upper parts bright olive-green, changing to bright verditer blue toward the purple of the lower ])arts; wings brighter green than black, shaded with bright verditer blue; frontal sliicld dusky or bluish; bill bright red, tipped with yellow. Young: Above light brown, tinged witli greenish on wings; beneatli pale fulvous or buffy, the belly whitish; bill dull yellowish, and frontal shield much smaller than in adult. Length 12.50 to 14.00 inches; wing 7.00 to 7.50; culmen (including frontal shield) L85 to 1.95; tarsus 2.25 to 2.50; middle toe 2.25 to 2.35." (Ridgway). 84. Florida Gallinule. Gallinula galeata (Lichi.). (219) Synonyms: (iallinule, Conuiion (lallinulc, Water Hen, Mud Hen (St. Clair Flats and Detroit River), Red-billed Mud Hen.— Cre.x galeata, Licht., 1818.— Gallinula galeata of authors generally. — Gallinula chloropus, Bonap., 1828, Aud.; 1835. Figures 44 c^'^d J^B. Readily known by the general slate color, with the white under tail- coverts and a few white stripes along the sides. The red bill and the green 21 162 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. legs, changing to bright red close to the body, separate it at once from the Coot, which is also called Mud-hen, but which has a white bill and green legs without any red near the body. Distribution. — Temperate and Tropical America, from Canada to Brazil and Chili. The Gallinule, under the name of Mud-hen, is commonly confounded with the Coot, which is equally or more abundant in Michigan. The GalHnule occurs in suitable places throughout the en- tire Lower Peninsula, but seems to be most abundant in its southern half. It is plentiful in the Monroe county marshes, along the Detroit River, St. Clair Flats, about Saginaw Bay near the mouth of the river, as well as at Chandler's Marsh, Ingham county, and elsewhere in the in- terior of the state. Its notes, flight, and general appearance are so similar to those of the Coot that considerable care is needed to discriminate between them, and many of the the records of ''Mud-hens" probably really refer to this species. It nests wherever found, and in some localities is extraordinarily abundant during the nesting season. The nest is commonly placed among the cat- tails or reeds, in standing water, or on small islands in very wet marshes, and the eggs are laid from the first of June to the middle of July. These vary in number from eight to fifteen, and are buffy-white to clear buff, spotted rather scantily with dark brown. They average 1.74 by 1.19 inches. This is one of our most graceful water birds, a fact which no one would suspect from examination of the distorted specimens usually seen on museum shelves. The food consists largely of insects, most of which are aquatic, but it also includes many other forms, and Prof. Aughey examined a gallinule killed at Beatrice, Nebr. in September 1872, which had eaten seven grass- hoppers, 29 other insects, and some seeds and other vegetable matter. Fig. 44. Florida Gallinule. From Baird, Brewer and Ridgway's Water Birds of North America. (Little,' Brown & Co.) TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Head and neck all around dark slaty blue, almost black; breast and belly- similar but paler; upper parts, including wings and tail, similar, but brownish on in- ner secondaries and rump; several conspicuous white streaks on tlie flanks; most of the imder tail-coverts pure white; only the central coverts clear black. Tip of bill yellow, remainder, including the frontal plate, bright red; legs and feet greenish, the half inch next the feathers orange. Sexes alike. Immature: Similar, but imder parts gray or nearly white; frontal plate much smaller, and no red on bill or legs. Length 12 to 14.50 inches; wing 6.85 to 7.25; tip of bill to back edge of frontal shield 1.70 to 1.85; tarsus 2.10 to 2.30. WATER BIRDS. 163 Fig. 45. Nest of Florida Gallinule. From photograph by Thomas L. Hankinson. 85. Coot. Fulica americana Gmcl. (221) Synonyms: Mud Hen, White-billed Mud Hen, Crow Duck, Blue Peter. — Fulica atra, Wils., 1825. — Fulica americana, Gmel., 1789, and of authors generally. Figure 46. The scalloped membrane or web along the sides of the toes is distinctive, but even when swimming the bird may be known from the Gallinule, its nearest relative, by the milk-white bill and the white patch, apparently across the wing-tip, formed by the white tips of the secondaries. Distribution. — North America, from Greenland and Alaska southward to the West Indies and Veragua. An abundant bird during the migrations, on all the waters of the state, and breeding in all but the southern counties, possibly in all. According to Swales (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club, I, 31) it nests abundantly on Grassy Island in the Detroit River, just below Detroit. It also nests in numbers at St. Clair Flats, according to the same authority. Dr. Gibbs states that he has never found it nesting in Kalamazoo county, although the Gallinule nests there commonly. Cole and Hankinson found it nesting abundantly on Chandler's Marsh, Ingham county, and it nests commonly in all suitable places northward to Lake Superior. While it resembles the Gallinule much in all its habits, it frequents more open water than that bird, swimming most of the time, and apparently not attempting to run rapidly through the weeds and coarse vegetation, preferring to spend most of its time where it can swim. It is quicker to take wing, flies better and farther, and has a characteristic way of "patter- ing" over the water when taking wing, apparently trying to run on the surface while flapping vigorously, the wings themselves beating the water 1G4 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. at first. While swimming it has a peculiar pecking motion of the head and neck, a sort of exaggerated form of the bobbing of a hen in walking. The nest is a heap of vegetable rubbish, sometimes placed well up among the reeds and deeply hollowed, sometimes but little raised above the surface of the water: occasionally almost floating like that of the Grebe. Langille found the floating tyj^e of nest invariably about Dickinson Island, St. Clair Flats. The eggs, from eight to sixteen or even more, are creamy or grayish white, thickly and rather evenly speckled with black, brown, and gray, averaging 1.91 by 1.32 inches. They are distinguishable at a glance from the much more buffy eggs of the Gallinule. During the migrations, and especially in the fall, the Coots collect in large flocks, sometimes of hundreds, and mingle more or less with various ducks. They are much less shy than ducks as a rule, and as they seldom or never dive, and rise apparently with much difficulty from the water, they are readily killed even by the most inexperienced gunner. The flesh is palatable, but not of the first quality. Coots are rather omnivorous, Fif?. 46. Nest and Eggs of Coot. From photograph by Thomas L. Hankiiisoii. eating grain, seeds, bulbs, snails, insects, tadpoles, and almost anything animal or vegetable which is available. In one case they were observed to tear off the feathers from a freshly killed duck and eat away a considerable portion of the breast (Taylor, Nidiologist, II, 56). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Color in jjeneral precisely like that of the Florida Gallinule, but secondaries broadly tipped with white, and no white streaks on the flanks; the head and neck are often nearly black, and tlie slate color of the back and breast is purer and with very little brown gloss. Bill milky-white; frontal shield brown; iris red; legs yellowish-green to greenish-slate. Sexes alike. Young similar to adult, but frontal shield very small or lack- ing, and under parts largely white. Length 13 to 16 inches; wing 7.25 to 7.60; culmen, to end of frontal shield, nearly 2; tarsus 2 to 2.20. WATER BIRDS. 165 Order IX. LHIICOL.E. Shore Birds. Family 24. PHALAROPODID.E. Phalaropes. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Front toes with marginal webs, but the membrane not scalloped (Fig. 47); bill longer than head, very slender. Wilson's Phalarope. No. 88. AA. Front toes with lobed or scalloped webs. B, BB. B. Bill about as long as head, very slender, cylindrical. Northern Phalarope. No. 87. BB. Bill about as long as head, rather stout, flattened. Red Phalarope. No. 86. 86. Red Phalarope. Phalaropus fulicarius (Linn.). (222) Synonyms: Gray Phalarope, Sea-snipe. — Tringa fulicaria, Linn., 1766.- — Plialaropu fulicarius, Bonap., Nutt., Aud., Baird. — Crymophilus fulicarius, A. O. U. Check-list 1895, and most subsequent authors. The snipe-like form, but rather short, stout bill and scalloped web border- ing the toes, serve to identify this species in any plumage. Distribution. — Northern parts of Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic regions and migrating south in winter; in the United States south to the middle states, Ohio Valley, and Cape St. Lucas; chiefly maritime. When migrating this is a bird of the open water, usually the sea, where it feeds and rests in flocks, swimming as gracefully and safely as a duck, and found along the shore only when driven in by storms. In Michigan it is one of the rarest of the waders and has been noted only a few times. It is credited to Michigan by Stockwell (Forest & Stream, VIII, 22, 361). According to Mcllwraith Dr. Gamier saw a flock of six at Mitchell's Bay, near St. Clair, in the fall of 1880 and secured one of them (Birds of Ontario, 1894, 125). One was taken October 24, 1888, on Lake Erie at the mouth of the River Raisin, Monroe, JNIich., and recorded by Mr. Robt. B. Lawrence (Auk, VII, 1890, 204). A second specimen taken at Monroe, October 15, 1894, by Mr. Lawrence, was kindly presented to the Michigan Agricultural College; it settled among the duck decoys of the Monroe Marsh Club and was alone when shot. Kumlien & HoUister state that "Small flocks may be met on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior in autumn, and occasionally straggling individuals wander to the larger inland lakes. Four specimens, one adult female and three young of the year, were taken on Lake Koshkonong September 3, 1891. We have but a single state record for the early part of the season, a solitary female killed by Tliure Kumlien on Lake Koshkonong June 4, 1877" (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, 41). This species nests in Arctic regions, laying three or four pale brown, heavily spotted eggs in a moss-lined hollow on the ground. The eggs aver- age 1.24 by .86 inches. Eifrig found this a very common species about Fuller! on and Southampton, in Northwestern Hudson Bay, laying the eggs, 166 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. without nesting material, in depressions of the sand or moss, often in lichens, about the fresh water ponds (Auk, XXII, 238). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Bill sandpiper-like, about as long as the head, flattened and somewhat widened near the end, the tip acute; legs slender and snipe-like, but toes margined with lobed flaps. Adult, during fall migration: Entire under parts, with most of head and neck, pure white; top of head, nape, back of neck, and ring around eye, slaty black; rest of upper parts clear pearl-^ray; the primaries and tertiaries black or slaty-black; wing with a con- spicuous white wing-bar, formed by the tips of the greater coverts. Immatvu-e, at same season: Similar, except that a few blackish feathers may be scattered over the back, and the tertiaries are margined with white or rusty. Length 7.50 to 8.75 inches; wing 5.25 to 5.50; culmen .80 to .95; tarsus .80 to .85. Adults in summer have the entire lower parts deep purplish cinnamon, and the forepart of the head as well as the top dark slate- color; it is doubtful, however, if specimens in this plumage ever occur in Michigan. 87. Northern Phalarope. Lobipes lobatus (Linn.). (223) Synonyms: Red-necked Phalarope. — Tringa lobata, Linn., 1758. — T. hyperborea, Linn., 1766. — Phalaropus hyperboreus, Nutt., Aud., Cass., Baird. — Phalaropus lobatus, Ridgw., 1887, A. O. U. Check-list, 1895, and most subsequent authors. Known by its similarity to the preceding (including of course the pecu- liarly fringed toes), but rather smaller, and the bill very slender, cyHndrical and sharp, although about the same length. Distribution. — Northern portions of Northern Hemisphere, breeding in Arctic latitudes; south in winter to the tropics. This is another marine species which is hardly more than a straggler in Michigan. Dr. Gibbs states that D. D. Hughes, in his manuscript Orni- thology of Michigan, says that there is "A specimen in Mr. Barron's collec- tion at Niles; also one in the Hobson collection at Detroit, and said to be not rare on Detroit River in spring." We have not been able to verify any of these statements, and the only phalarope in the Barron collection in November 1905 proved to be Wilson's. Covert in his manuscript list. 1894-95, says there are but two authentic records of its capture; probably referring to the ones just cited. Mcll wraith quotes Saunders' record of "One found dead at Mitchell's Bay 1882" (Birds of Ont., 1894, 127). A skin in the Kent Scientific Museum at Grand Rapids proves to have been collected in Freeborn Co., Minn., August 29, 1878. I do not know of an actual Michigan specimen preserved anywhere. Kumlien and Hollister state that this species is "Much more common than the Red Phalarope. * * * Noted on Lakes Michigan and Superior in September and October, and a regular spring and fall migrant on Lake Koshkonong, though more often taken in fall than in spring" (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 41). In its habits the Northern Phalarope is quite similar to the Red Phalarope, migrating in flocks, usually over the ocean, at a distance from land. It feeds on small Crustacea and other marine animals found at the surface, and it swims and dives with the greatest ease. It nests far north, laying its eggs in a hollow on the ground, and they closely resemble those of the other phalaropes, being pale olive-buff, thickly spotted with dark brown, and averaging 1.20 by .82 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Bill very slender and almost cylindrical, hardly longer than the head; legs and feet very slender, the toes partly webbed, the edges of the webs and the sides of the toes being scalloped or lobed. Adult, during migration : ^ Under parts entirely white, as also the WATER BIRDS. 16? forehead, line over the eye, and the sides of the neck; top of head gray, more or less streaked with dusky; a blackish spot in front of the eye and more or less dusky and gray behind and below the eye; upper parts gray or bluish gray. Young, during fall migration: Similar, but more streaked above, the feathers of back mostly margined with buffy, the middle wing-coverts bordered with white or yellowish white. Length 7 to 8 inches; wing 4 to 4.45; culmen .80 to .90; tarsus .75 to .80. In summer the sides of the neck and a con- siderable part of the upper breast are reddish brown, more conspicuous in the female than in the male; if is doubtful, however, if this species is ever seen in this plumage in Michigan. 88. Wilson's Phalarope. Steganopus tricolor Vieill. (224) Synonyms: Summer Phalarope. — Phalaropus lobatus, Wils., 1825. — Phalaropus Wilsoni, Sab., 1823, Nutt., Aud., Cass., Baird. — Steganopus Wilsoni, Coues, Ridgw. — Steganopus tricolor, Vieill., 1819. — Phalaropus tricolor, A. O. U. Check-list, 1895. Figure 47. The combination of a snipe-like form and action, with the thick elastic plumage of a duck and the web-margined toes, is common to the three species of phalarope, but the present species is distinguished easily by its superior size, the absence of lobes in the toe webs, and especially by the slender bill from an inch to an inch and a quarter long. Distribution. — Temperate North America, chiefly the interior, breeding from northern IlUnois and Utah northward to the Saskatchewan region; south in winter to Brazil and Patagonia. This bird, both in structure and habits, is more snipe-like or sandpiper- like than either of the others. Confined almost entirely to fresh water lakes and marshes it is less often seen swimming on the open lake, more often found wading in the marshy pools or swimming there in small flocks. According to Nelson "The charming grace of movement exhibited • at such times, combined with their tasteful elegance of attire, form one of the most pleasing sights one could witness, as they swim buoyantly from side to side of the pool, gracefully nodding their heads; now pausing an instant to arrange a feather or to daintily gather some fragment of food, and now floating idly about, wafted by the slight breeze which at intervals ripples the surface of the water. A more common, but scarcely less pleasing sight is presented when, unconscious of observation, they walk sedately along the border of the water, never departing from their usual easy grace of movement" (Bull. Nutt. Club, II, 41). The same writer states that the male commonly prepares the nest and attends to the whole duty of incubation, but the female remains in the vicinity and evidently helps care for the young, although the females disappear about the middle of July, before the males and young. The nest is said to be a shallow depression in the soft earth, which is usually lined with a thin layer of fragments of old grass blades, upon which the eggs, numbering from three to four, are deposited about the last of May or first of June. Owing to the low situations in which the nests are placed the first set of eggs is often destroyed by a heavy fall of rain, causing the water to rise so as to submerge the nest. In this case Wilson's Phalar- (Original.) l68 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. the second set, numbering two or three, are often deposited in a depression scratched in the ground, as at first, but with no sign of any lining. Ac- cidents of this kind cause tlie second set of eggs to be deposited sometimes as late as the last of June (Nelson). These notes relate to northeastern Illinois, where in suitable places the species is actually abundant, not exceeded in numbers, saj^s Mr. Nelson, by even the ever-present Spotted Sandpiper. Wilson's Phalarope is far from common in Michigan. Dr. Gibbs and two companions shot five in Kalamazoo county from a flock of fifteen or twenty, May 21, 1878, and Dr. Gibbs states that another man shot a single specimen September 8 of the same year. There is a specimen in the collec- tion of C. J. Davis, Lansing, taken at Chandler's Marsh, Ingham county, probably about 1892 or 1893, and T. L. Hankinson took a pair at Chandler's Marsh June 21, 1897, and was sure they were breeding. Mr. Saunders records one killed at Mitchell's Bay, St. Clair Flats in May 1882 (Mcllwraith, Birds of Ont., 1894, 128); and J. Claire Wood (letter, July 28, 1905) says "In June, 1900, my brother saw one specimen at St. Clair Flats, and Jesse Craven saw a pair there under circumstances that convinced him they were breeding." May 9, 1906 Mr. J. Claire Wood saw a pair of these phalaropes in Ecorse township, Wayne County, and on May 12, Mr. P A. Taverner took a female in full plumage near the same place (Auk, XXIII, 1906, 335). Mr. A. B. Covert records the taking of a male and female on the Huron River, near Ann Arbor, April 19, 1887 (Marginal note Coues Key). The same collector has also recorded a nest with both parent birds secured at Portage Lake, 26 miles north of Ann Arbor, July 2, 1875 (Forest & Stream, VI, 25, 402). Mr. Stewart E. White says it is uncommon at Grand Rapids (MS. List 1885). It is also included in Kneeland's List of the Birds of Keweenaw Point, 1859, a doubtful record. The above records indicate that although the species is widely distributed in Michigan it is nowhere common. The eggs are described as cream buff or grayish buff, heavily spotted with dark brown or black; they average 1.28 by .90 inches. The food of all the phalaropes seems to consist entirely of animal forms, and mainly of minute mollusca, Crustacea, and aquatic insects. The present species, however, does not confine itself to aquatic forms, but eats a great variety of insects, including many terrestrial species. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Bill decidedly longer than the head, very slender, almost cylindrical; legs slender, toes slightly webbed at base, with a narrow marginal web along each toe, but without scallops or lobes. Adult female in summer: Entire top of head bluish-gray, whitening on the nape and hind neck and becoming darker blue-gray on the middle of the back; a black stripe through the eye, expanding into a large black patch on the side of the neck and continued as a broad chestnut stripe along the side of the neck to the middle of the back; chin and upper throat white, as also the breast and tlic belly; the middle of the tiiroat more or less washed with rufous and pale chestnut; sides and flanks grayisii; rump and upper tail-coverts white, sometimes buffy tinted; wings brownish gray, the outer ]irimaries with white shafts; tail-feathers largely white, broadly margined with gray. The adult male in summer is smaller and much less conspicuous, lacking almost entirely the strongly contrasted pearl-gray, chestnut, and black, and being simply grayish above and white below. In any plumage, however, the bird is recognizable by the details of bill and feet. Length of female 9.40 to 10 inches; wing 5.20 to 5.30; culmen L30 to L35; tarsus L30 to L35. Length of adult male 8.25 to 9 inches; wing 4.75 to 4.80; culmen L25; tarsus L20 to 1.25. WATER BIRDS. Family 25. RECURVIROSTRID.E. Stilts and Avocets. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Front toe fully webbed, hind toe present. Avocet. No. 89. AA. Front toes slightly webbed, no hind toe. Stilt. No. 90. 89. Avocet. Recurvirostra americana Gmel. (225) Synonyms: American Avocet. — Recurvirostra occidentalis, Vig., 1829. — Recurvirostras americana of most authors. Recognized at once by the sharp, slender, snipe-like bill turned up toward the tip very decidedly. It can be mistaken for no other bird, except possibly for the Black-necked Stilt, but the latter species has the bill slightly or not at all turned upward, and has the back of the neck clear black while the Avocet has the neck cinnamon or white. Distribution. — Temperate North America, north to the Saskatchewan and Great Slave Lake; in winter south to Guatemala and the West Indies. Rare in the eastern United States. One of our very rare waders, and apparently much less common now than formerly. " W. H. Collins records one specimen taken at St. Clair Flats in 1874, and preserved in the collection of the Audubon Club, in the Museum of the Detroit Scientific Association" (Gibbs, American Field, Nov. 10, 1894). Mr. B. H. Swales writes me from Detroit (May 28, 1906) "There is an Avocet at Campion's which Collins mounted, and it may be the same bird that he is understood to have taken at the Flats. Campion tells me that when he came here he secured a lot of Collins' birds and that there was a list with data, but this was destroyed." According to Moseley there is, or was, a specimen in the Kent Scientific Institute at Grand Rapids, and Dr. R. H. Wolcott writes that the specimen was collected in that immediate vicinity. In November, 1905, I found a mounted specimen of the Avocet in the Kent Scientific iMuseum, bearing the catalogue number 20220, but with absolutely no data from which its origin could be traced. There are several records for Toronto, Ont., a number for Wisconsin (Kumlien and Hollister p. 42), and it has been taken in Indiana, Ohio, and Ilhnois (Butler's Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 695). It is not known to nest in Michigan, and occurs probably only during the northward migration in May and the southward migration is September and October. It is an abundant species about the alkaUne lakes of the Great l^asin region of the west, and occurs frequently of late years in the irrigated regions of Arizona and southern California. It may nest anywhere in the United States. The nest is placed on the ground; the eggs are three or four, pale olive or bufTy olive, thickly spotted with l)rown and black, and averaging 1.93 by 1.35 inches. In habits the Avocet much resembles the Yellow-legs, frequenting sand bars, mud flats and the shallow margins of lakes and streams, where it feeds like a sandpiper on the minute animal life of the shores, or wades about in the water gleaning aquatic insects, crustaceans and other forms from the bottom. Profes.sor Aughey found many locusts in the stomachs of two taken in Sarpy county, Nebraska, in Sei)temlier 1874, and one taken in Richardson county, Nebraska in September 1873, had 71 insects of various kinds in its stomach (1st Rep. U. S. Entom. Com. App. 2, p. 50). 170 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. A hind toe present, but very small; the three front toes fully webbed. Rump, upper tail-coverts, and entire under parts pure white, as are also the middle of the back, the outer scapulars, about half the secondaries, and the terminal half of the greater wing- coverts; the rest of' the wings, the inner scapulars, and a stripe on each side of back, brownish-black; tail ashy. In summer the adult has most of the head and the entire neck and upper breast pale cinnamon; in winter these parts are pure white, or bluish or grayish- white. Yoimg birds resemble winter adults, but the primaries are tipped with whitish, the back more or less mottled with brownish or buff, and the back of neck washed with rusty. Length 15.50 to 18.75 inches;' wing 8.50 to 9; culmen 3.40 to 3.65; tarsus 3.70 to 3.80 (Ridgway). 90. Stilt. Himantopus mexicanus (Mull). (226) Synonyms: Black-necked Stilt, Lawyer. — Charadrius mexicanus Miill., 1776. — Him- antopus nigricoUis, Vieill., Nutt., Aud., Baird.^ — Recurvirostra himantopus, Wilson, 1813. Known at once by the extremely long legs, pure white under parts and black back, the back of the neck also clear black. Distribution. — Temperate North America, from the Northern United States southward to the West Indies, northward to Brazil and Peru. Rare in the eastern United States except in Florida. An extremely rare bird in Michigan; and I know of no Michigan specimen in any collection. It is included in Stockwell's list of Michigan birds (Forest & Stream, VIII, 22, 361), but no specific instance of its occurrence is given. Covert (marginal notes in Coues Key) records a specimen from Sand Shore Lake, Ann Arbor, October 14, 1880; and D. D. Hughes (MS. Orn. of Mich.) says that "a Mr. Metcalf, of Grand Rapids, Kent county, secured a specimen near there, and has seen others on two occasions" (Gibbs). While looking over specimens in the store of F. R. Vigeant at Sault Ste. Marie, July 10, 1903, Mr. Vigeant told me that he killed a pair of Black- necked Stilts on the shore near St. Ignace, on the Straits of Mackinac, "several years ago,'.' and that he afterwards sold them, mounted to a gentleman in Ohio, whose address he gave me. A letter to that address was returned unclaimed, and I was unable to trace the specimens. In Wisconsin, according to Kumlien and HoUister, "this species is a very rare straggler, the only record being that of Dr. Hoy, who states that he met a small flock near Racine in April, 1847. The single specimen preserved in his collection was probably taken at this time" (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 42). In Ohio, according to Lynds Jones (Birds of Ohio, 1903, 65) there are some old records by Dr. Wheaton and Dr. Langdon, but nothing since 1879. Butler, in his Birds of Indiana, 1897, does not mention the species at all. The Stilt is a bird of the west and south, where it is not uncommon, being particularly abundant about the alkaline lakes and pools of the Great Basin, where it is often seen in company with the Avocet. It breeds, at least occasionally, in the Gulf States and Mexico, and the eggs are olive or drab, spotted and blotched with very dark brown, and averaging 1.79 by 1.23 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. No hind toe; a small web between outer and middle toes only. Plumage clear black (or slaty black in female) and pure white, in large, sharply defined areas. Adult male: Top of head,' back of neck, back, scapulars' and wings, continuous"decp black, sometimes with a greenish cast; forehead, rump, upper tail-coverts, and entire under parts from chin to tail, pure white; tail ashy; iris red; legs and feet rose-color or crimson. Female; WATER BIRDS. 171 Similar, but the glossy black replaced by dull black or brownish slate. Young: Like adult female, but all the dark areas more or less mottled by grey or buffy edgings of feathers. Length 13.50 to 15.50 inches; wing 8.50 to 9; culmen 2.50; tarsus 4. Family 26. SCOLOPACID Ji]. Snipe, Sandpipers, Etc. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Bill (culmen) two inches or over. B. BB. B. Wing less than six inches. C, CC. C. Three outer primaries much narrower than rest (Fig. 49); tibia feathered to heel ioint ("knee"). Woodcock. No. 91. CC. Outer primaries not narrow: lower end of tibia bare. D, DD. D. Tail with a rust-red bar near end; rump and upper tail- coverts without white. Wilson's Snipe. No. 92. DD. Tail without a rust-red bar; rump and upper tail-coverts largely white. Red-breasted Snipe. No. 93. BB. Wing more than seven inches. E, EE. E. Bill straight or with slight upward curve. F, FF. F. Bill more than 2.75 inches. G, GG. G. Bill 3.50 inches or more. Marbled Godwit. No. 103. GG. Bill less than 3.50 inches. Hudsonian Godwit. No. 104. FF. Bill less than 2.75 inches. H, HH. H. Basal half of primaries white, forming a large white patch on the wing. Willet. (Appendix) HH. No white patch on wing. Greater Yellowlegs. No 105. EE. Bill curved decidedly downward. I, II. I. Crown with a median light stripe between two broad dusky ones. Hudsonian Curlew. No. 112. II. Crown without median light stripe. J JJ. J. Bill (culmen) 2.50 inches, or less. Eskimo Curlew. No. 113. J J. Bill from 3 to 8.50 inches. Sickle-billed Curlew. No. 111. AA. Bill (culmen) less than 2 inches long. K, KK. K. Wing more than 6 inches. L, LL, LLL. L. Rump without any white. Bartramian Sandpiper. No. 108. LL. Rump pure white without bars or streaks. Lesser Yellowlegs. No. 106. LLL. Rump white, barred with dusky. Knot. No. 95. KK. Wing less than 6 inches. M, MM. M. Bill more than an inch long. N, NN. N. Tarsus more than 1.50. O, 00. O. Wing 5 inches or over. Stilt Sandpiper. No. 94. 00. Wing less than 5 inches. Red-backed Sandpiper. No. 100. 172 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. NN. Tarsus less than 1.50. P, PP. P. Tail with cross-bars. Solitary Sandpiper. No. 107. PP. Tail without cross-bars. Q, QQ. Q. Bill straight. R, RR. R. Upper parts purplish-black without rusty. Purple Sandpiper. (Appendix) RR. Upper parts mottled with black, whitish and rusty. Grass Snipe. No. 96. QQ. Bill curved downward toward tip. Curlew Sandpiper. (Appendix) MM. Bill one inch or less. S, SS. S. Only three toes, hind toe lacking. Sanderling. No. 102. SS. Hind toe present. T, TT. T. Wing over 4 inches. U, UU. U. Upper tail-coverts white. White-rumped Sand- piper. No. 97. UU. Upper tail-coverts not white. V, VV. V. Wing more than 5 inches, inner webs of primaries speckled with blackish. Buff- breasted Sandpiper. No. 109. VV. Wing less than 5 inches. W, WW. W. Outer tail-feathers with spots or bars. Spotted Sandpiper. No. 110. WW. Outer tail feathers without spots or bars. Baird's Sandpiper. No. 98. TT. Wing 4 inches or less. X, XX. X. No webs between the toes. Least Sandpiper. No. 99. XX. Distinct (but small) webs between the toes. Semipalmated Sandpiper (and possibly Western Sandpiper). No. 101. 91. Woodcock. Philohela minor (Gmcl). (228) Synonyms: Wood Snipe, Bog-sucker, Timber-doodle. — Scolopax minor, Gmel., 1788, Wils., 1812, Aud., 1835. — Philohela minor of most authors. Plate IX, Figures 48, 49, 50. Distinguishing marks are the long, grooved bill, short legs feathered to the heel ("knee"), very large eyes, and top of head barred with buff and black. The scythe-shaped or falcate tips of the three outer primaries are distinctive. Distribution. — Eastern North America, north to the British Provinces, west to Dakota, Kansas, etc.; breeding throughout its range. This beautiful bird, justly celebrated for its table qualities, was formerly an abundant resident of the entire state, being fairly plentiful in all suitable localities, which of course are wooded or brushy swamps, since this species is practically confined to wet woodlands and the thickets bordering streams. In autumn it is occasionally found in cornfields and often about the edges of fairly dry woods, but usually where the ground is soft enough for probing with the whole length of the bill. This method of feeding is almost unique, for the long bill is forced into the ground up to the feathers in search of Plato IX. Woodcock on Nest. From photoRiaph by II(>gnpr. (Courtesy of G. .\lan Al)l)ott.) WATER BIRDS. 175 worms and possibly other animal food and its structure is such that the mandibles may be separated near the tip without withdrawing the bill. The holes thus left in the soft ground, and known to the sportsman as "borings," are infallible indications of the neighborhood of the bird, but since it feeds mainly by night and hides closely by day, a good dog is absolutely necessary for successful shooting. There is no reason to suppose that the Woodcock gets all its food by probing or "boring"; in fact there is abundant evidence to the contrary. The structure of the bill allows the bird to pick up food from the surface with ease and precision, and the examination of stomachs proves that the diet is quite varied. Although earthworms are consumed in large Fig. 48. Woodcock on Nest. Photograph from life. (Courtesy of Gerard Alan Abbott.) numbers, various other worms are also eaten, and soft-bodied insect larvae, especially those of subterranean habits, are constantly devoured. Dr. B. H. Warren, of West Chester., Pa. records beetles, larvae, and a single spider, as taken from stomachs, and one killed in November, had eaten nothing but small seeds (Birds of Pa., 1888, p. 80). Professor Aughey found locusts in several Woodcock taken in Nebraska, and although other insects usually formed the larger part of the food, one taken in Otoe county in September 1876, had 32 locusts in its stomach, "besides a large number of other insects" (1st Rep. U. S. Entom. Com. App. 2, p. 51). It has an interesting habit of "towering," that is, of rising to a con- siderable height by spiral flight, at either morning or evening twilight, uttering a peculiar scries of notes meanwhile, and then pitching back to 176 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. the earth again with great velocity and ahghting close to the point from which it started. The Woodcock has decreased in numbers very seriously within the past twenty years, and for a time was believed to be on the verge of extinction. Even at the present time it seems to be entirely absent from large sections of country where it was formerly abundant, and although believed to be again increasing in numbers it is nowhere so common as formerly. It arrives from the south almost as soon as the ground is free from snow, very frequently before the last snow storm of winter. Probably in the southern counties a few always arrive before the middle of March, and the greater part of the local birds by April first. Since the Woodcock nests freely ^^I^k.^AT*^ hE.i Fig. 50. Nest and Eggs of Woodcock. From photograph. (Courtesy of Gerard Alan Abbott.) in the northernmost parts of the state, however, and since these regions are often covered with ice and snow until the last of April, or even the first of May, many migrants may be found in the southern half of the state all through April. The southward movement begins in early September and continues through October, but after the middle of the latter month very few are found. In Southern Michigan the first eggs are almost always laid in April. The nest is simply a hollow among the dry leaves, and the eggs commonly four in number, beautifully spotted and mottled with various shades of brown, and averaging 1.51 by 1.14 inches. Nests with eggs are found from the first week in April until well into May, but these later sets are probably second layings, the first having been destroyed by bad weather WATER BIRDS. 177 or by some of the numerous enemies which beset ground-nesting birds. Miss Harriet H. Wright, of Saginaw, states that she examined two nests in that vicinity, May 14, 1906, one of which contained three young, and the other four eggs. The female is a very close sitter, seldom leaving the nest until almost trodden on, and occasionally she will allow herself to be lifted from the nest by the hand, sometimes even .'%;'' scrambling back as soon as released. f -^^ The extent to which Woodcock some- times suffer from bad weather during ^ig. 49. woodcock's wing-tip. migration is well shown by an account "^'"^ given by Arthur T. Wayne of a cold wave and gale on the coast of South CaroHna between December 27, 1892 and January 2, 1893. He states that at Mt. Pleasant, S. C. 2,000 Woodcock were killed on one day and 10,000 in six days, l^etween the above dates (Auk, X, 204). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Forehead and crown ashy gray, with an indistinct median black stripe; occiput and nape clear black, with three or four narrow cross-bars of deep biiff or rufous; entire back, scapulars and rump black, mottled and barred with rufous, but many feathers broadly edged or tipped with clear bluish-gray; side of hcA-d ashy to buffy-w^hite, with a black line from base of bill to eye; a similar black stripe across the ear-coverts; chin white; sides of neck brownish ash; throat, breast and belly buffy or pale cinnamon, deepening on the sides and flanks; breast and throat indistinctly barred with rufous; primaries slate-colored; secondaries and most of wing-coverts barred with black and buff; tail-feathers mainly clear black, the tips abruptly ashy above, silvery white below. Sexes alike. Length 10.50 to 11.75 inches; wing 4.80 to 5.70; culmen 2.50 to 3; tarsus 1.25. 92. Wilson's Snipe. Gallinago delicata (Ord). (230) Synonyms: Common Snipe, Jack-snipe, American Snipe, Bog-snipe, English Snipe, Snipe. — Scolopax Wilsoni, Temm., Nutt., Aud., and others. — Gallinago wilsoni, Bonap., Cass., Baird, Coues. — Scolopax drummondi, Sw. and Rich. Figures 51, 52. The distinctive marks are the long slender bill, about 2h inches, the comparatively short legs, the upper parts striped with brown and tan, and the under parts more or less streaked, spotted and barred. Distribution. — North and middle America, breeding from the northern United States northward; south in winter to the West Indies and northern South America. This is another sportsman's bird, but, unlike the Woodcock, it is found mainly in the open marshes, never in woods or even in thickets along streams. Like the Woodcock, however, it is rarely or never seen upon the ground, l)eing invisible until flushed, when it rises with a sharp call or ''scaipe" and flies away with great rapidity and often in a zigzag course. W^hen first flushed it is likely to keep near the grass, but after flying a hundred yards or less it is apt to rise to a considerable height, circling about for several minutes and finally pitching downward and alighting not far from its starting point. It is never found in flocks, for although a dozen may be found in the compass of an acre they usually rise singly, circle independently, and alight separately. It is most abundant Hi)ring and fall, arrives from the south as soon as the 23 178 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. frost is out of the bogs, and returns again from the north in September, Ungering until November. Snipe shooting is notoriously uncertain, bogs which are alive with them one day being almost deserted the next, and marshes which afford good shooting one season being almost worthless the next year. Although the larger number pass farther north to breed, a few always remain in middle Michigan for this purpose, and probably there are few counties, even in the southern part of the state, in which Wilson's Snipe does not nest occasionally. We have single records of nesting from Jackson county (Watkins), Washtenaw county (Purdy, Covert); several records from Kalamazoo county (Gibbs, Syke), and the vicinity of Lansing (J. E. Nichols, W. B. Barrows). We have an egg in the Agricultural Fig. 51. Wilson's Snipe. Photograph from mounted specimen. (Original.) College collection taken near Lansing by a friend of Mr. Jason E. Nichols, whose dog, while hunting Snipe late in the spring, flushed a female from her nest and broke all but one of the four eggs. During some summers Wilson's Snipe are fairly common on Chandler's Marsh, Ingham county, during June and July, and unquestionably nest there in some numbers. In -other years not an individual is to be found there between June first and the middle of August. During the late spring (undoubtedly while mating) the bird has a habit of "bleating," which consists of rising to a considerable height and then pitching downward obliquely toward the ground with great rapidity, making a peculiar sound with the wings, and probably also at the same time with the voice. The same individual will repeat this action half a dozen times in succession, and often several birds may be within hearing at the same Fig. 52. Wing of Wilson's Snipe. Seen from below, sliowing barred axillaries. (Original.) WATER BIRDS. ' 179 lime. The male alone is supposed to indulge in this pastime, but I am not aware that this is anything better than an inference. The food is obtained largely by probing in the wet ground in the man- ner of the Woodcock, but apparently this species prefers wetter ground than the Woodcock, at all events the holes or "borings" are seldom visible, even in places where Snipe are breeding regularly. But the bird also eats large numbers of insects and other invertebrates for which it does not probe. In eleven stomachs of this species examined by Professor Aughey of Nebraska, there were found 678 insects. 412 of which were locusts (1st Rep. U. S. Entom. Com., App. 2, p. 51). Neither of the common names, English Snipe nor Jack Snipe, is strictly correct. The first is a com- _ _ plete misnomer, since our species is distinctly American; the other is applied with equal frequency to the Pectoral Sand- piper or Grass Snipe, which it ^''^^^^^'^^^^f/'jY'^-^J^iL'^-Vi!] slightly reseml)les. ,^*^^A^^ ^^ The nest is invariably placed on the ground, in wet places, and consists merely of a hollow among the herbage, only slightly lined with grasses and leaves. The eggs, usually four, are olive gray or olive brown, heavily spotted with deep brown and purplish gray and average 1.55 by 1.09 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Top of head black, with a median stripe of bufTy white, and a similar one from nostril over eye to nape; a dusky bar from bill to eye; chin white and unspotted in spring, buffy brown, more or less streaked, in autumn; neck all around, and upper breast, buffy brown, streaked with dark brown or black; upper parts brownish black or black, the scapulars and interscapulars edged with creamy white in spring, rufous in autimin, most of the back speckled or barred with rufous or buff; lower breast and belly white; sides and axillars narrowly barred with black and white; tail barred with black and rufous, tips of feathers often white. Sexes alike and seasonal changes not great, though the autumn dress is much redder or browner. Length 10 to 12 inches; wing 4.90 to 5.60; cuhnen 2.50 to 2.70. 93. Red-breasted Snipe. Macrorhamphus griseus griseus {Gmel.). (231) Synonyms: Dowitcher (Deutscher), Brown-back, Grey Snipe, Gray-back. — Scolopax grisea, Gmel., — Scolopax noveboracensis, Wils., Aud., and others. Known by its general resemblance to Wilson's Snipe, but the lower back and rump white, mostly unspotted, and the under parts mainly cinnamon or buffy brown. Distribution. — Eastern North America, breeding far north; south in winter to the West Indies and Brazil. This is a bird of the shore, not of the bog; moreover it is usually found in flocks, running about in plain sight on the open mud or sand, in all which it is entirely unlike Wilson's Snipe. This does not seem to be a common species in Michigan. Dr. Gibbs saw a small flock in Kalamazoo county. May 21, 1888; Major Boies says it is occasionally seen in Hillsdale and Lenawee counties, and that he observed a few in the spring on the shores of the west side of Neebish Island (1892-1894). One was killed by J. Claire Wood on a mud flat 180 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. bordering the River Rouge, Wayne county, October 7, 1890, when a small number were seen (Swales, MS. List, 1904). One was taken by the writer at Chandler's Marsh, Ingham county, August 26, 1897 and a second specimen at East Lansing, August 14, 1908. These two skins were sent to the U. S. National Museum and the identifi- cation confirmed by Dr. C. W. Richmond. Mr. P. A. Taverner has two specimens in his collection taken in Wayne county, one on August 26, 1905, and the other, July 14, 1906. The former was doubtfully referred by Ridgway to the western form, M. scolopaceus, but the latter was identified as true griseus. More recently both specimens have been ex- amined by other experts, and compared with better specimens, and it seems probable that both belong to the eastern subspecies, griseus. This subspecies so closely resembles the western form (Western Red- breasted Snipe), that it is impossible to separate the two except with speci- mens in hand. Michigan seems to be on the dividing line, since both sub- species have been taken near Chicago, although the present form is more common (Woodruff, Auk, XIII, 180). In Wisconsin, according to Kumlien and Hollister, the eastern form was formerly a common migrant, but is now exceedingly rare. There are in the Milwaukee Public Museum two speci- mens from Lake Koshkonong, taken in August 1886 (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, 43).* The eggs are four, laid in a hollow in moss or grass, usually without any lining. They are greenish olive to gray, spotted rather coarsely with umber brown, and average 1.65 by 1.13 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Top of head, scapulars, interscapulars and upper surface of wings, brownish black or black, more or less streaked or margined with buffy-brown; back of neck ashy brown, dimly streaked; middle of back pure white, unspotted; rump white, with rounded black spots; upper tail-coverts and tail evenly and narrowly barred with l)lack and white, about ten black bars on each tail-feather; chin and belly buffy or soiled whitish; rest of under parts washed or tinted with brownish buff, obscurely streaked witli dusky on the sides and under tail-coverts; axillars barred black and white, the bars chevron-shaped, primaries black, the outer one with a white shaft. Length 10 to 11; wing 5.25 to 5.90; culmen 2 to 2.55 inches. 94. Stilt Sandpiper. Micropalama himantopus (Bonap.). (233) Synonyms: Long-legged Sandpiper, Frost-snipe. Tringa himantopus, Bonap., 1826, Nutt., 1834. — Micropalama himantopus, Cass., 1858, Baird, Coucs, Ridgw., A. O. U. Check-list, 1895. The long, slightly recurved bill, somewhat widened toward the tip, and the unusually long shanks (tarsi) are peculiar to this species and will identify it in any plumage. Distribution. — Eastern North America, breeding north of United States, and migrating in winter to Bermuda, West Indies and Central and South America. Occurs only as a migrant in Michigan, and that not commonly. Probably a few pass through the state every season, but they are rarely detected. According to Dr. Gibbs "D. D. Hughes in his MS. Ornithology of Mich., says that Sid Van Horn shot and mounted a fine young specimen taken at a pond in Calhoun county." The species is mentioned in Miles' list, 1860, but is omitted by Sager, Cabot, Boies and Trombley. Covert states that it is a *For further notes on the Western Red-breasted Snipe see Appendix. WATER BIRDS. 181 rare migrant in all parts of the state, more being killed during August than at any other time. Three specimens were taken at Ann Arbor, May 4, 1877, and a specimen taken in August 1892 is preserved in the University of Michigan museum (MS. list 1894-95). There are two mounted specimens in the Kent Scientific Museum at Grand Rapids, under the single catalogue number 20313. According to the record one of them is from Grand Rapids, the other from Toronto, Ont., and both collected by Thos. Harmer. Ac- cording to E. W. Nelson (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, II, 68) it is a migrant along Lake Michigan in Cook and Lake counties. 111. It has been taken in Indiana and Ohio, and was formerly not uncommon in Wisconsin, although now very irregular (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, page 44). It nests within the Arctic Circle, and the four eggs are said to be "pale grayish buff, or grayish buffy white, boldly spotted with vandyke brown and purplish gray, and average 1.42 by 1.00 inches." (Ridgway). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Hind toe present, bill longer than head, about equal to tarsus, the latter always more than one and one-half inches long, and less than one and three-quarters inches. Adult in summer: Back and scapulars mostly black, mixed with some gray and buff; upper tail- coverts white, with dusky bars and streaks; top of head streaked with dusky and pure white; ear-coverts and sides of occiput light rust-reel; a dark streak from corner of mouth to eye; rest of head and neck whitish, streaked with dusky; under parts grayish-white, barred with dusky. Adult in winter: Upper parts uniform ash or gray, the tail-coverts white, more or less streaked and barred; upper breast, sides of neck, and lower tail-coverts streaked with gray; rest of lower parts white, as is also a streak over the eye. Yoimg: Similar, but browner and bufiier, the rump white, unspotted, the luider parts washed with buff, sometimes streaked with dusky. Length 7.50 to 9.25 inches; wing 5 to 5.30; culmen 1.55 to 1.75; tarsus 1.55 to 1.70. 95. Knot. Tringa canutus Linn. (234). Synonyms: Robin Snipe, Red-breasted Sandpiper, Red-breast, Beach Robin, Gray- back. — Tringa canutus, Linn., 1758, Cass., Baird, Coues, A. O. U. Check-list, 1895. — Tringa cinerea, Brunn., Gmel., Wils., Nutt. — Tringa islandica, Aud., 1838. Adults may be known by the cinnamon or brick-red under parts, which give them the names Robin Snipe and Beach Robin (Carolinas) ; immature birds are gray above and nearly white below, but the size and proportions are distinctive. Largest of our beach sandpipers. Distribution. — Nearly cosmopolitan. Breeds in high northern latitudes, but visits the southern hemisphere during its migrations. One of the rare beach birds now, but much more common formerly. It is one of those species which was extraordinarily al)undant on the Atlantic coast thirty years ago but which has decreased to such an extent at present as to be considerecl one of the less common migrants. We have few positive records for Michigan. Covert states that one was picked up dead on the Shore of Dead Lake, Washtenaw county, in October, 1876 (Birds of Washtenaw county, 1878); and J. Claire Wood reports one killed near Port Austin, Huron county, September 4, 1899 (Auk, XVII, 391). We recently examined a specimen, apparently a "yearling" which was taken at^Benton Harbor, Berrien county, June 23, 1904, by Russell Hawkins, of Grand Rapids, and is now in his collection. He states that there were about twenty in the flock, and that he killed two, one of which spoiled before he could prepare the skin. The date is unusually late, but the bird 182 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. was in immature dress and probably the entire flock was composed of non- breeding birds. Another specimen of the Knot was found in the Kent Scientific Museum (No. 20215), said to have been collected by Thomas Harmer, but without other data. We have two well mounted specimens in the Agricultural College Museum, taken by Albert Hirzel, at Forestville, Sanilac county, June 20, 1903; Norman A. Wood saw two and secured one on Charity Island, Saginaw Bay, September 1, 1910, and A. G. Ruthven took three at Oak Point, south shore of Saginaw Bay, August 20-21, 1908 (Rep. Mich. Geol. and Biol. Surv., Pub. 4, Biol. Ser. 2, 1910, p. 280). The Knot is mentioned in Steere's list of 1880, and also in Stockwell's list (Forest and Stream, VII, 22, 361). It is omitted from the Usts of Sager, Cabot, Miles, Hughes, Trombley, and Boies. E. W. Nelson states that it formerly occurred in migration along the shore of Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois (Bull. Nutt. Club, II, 1877, p. 68). In Wisconsin it is said to have been a common migrant thirty years ago, in May and June, and more sparingly in autumn; of late years decidedly rare at any season (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 45). It has been taken also occasionally in Ontario and Ohio, but is never common. In habits it is a typical sandpiper, preferring the sandy beach to all other localities, though it often visits the salt marsh, and the shores of ponds and creeks at a little distance inland. It is always a sociable species and formerly was invariably seen in flocks, sometimes of large size. These flew with great rapidity, usually following the outline of the beach only a few yards from shore and often directly over the breakers. In feeding the Knot runs swiftly along the beach, following the receding waves to pick up the minute animals left stranded, and avoiding the returning waves with great agility and skill. It nests in the far north — within the Arctic Circle. Only a single egg is known, and that was taken near Ft. Conger, in latitude 81° 44' north, by Lieut. A. W. Greely. It is light pea-green, closely spotted with brown in small specks about the size of a pin head (Auk, II, 1885, 313). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Wing more than six inches long; bill rather longer than head. Adult in svimmer: Light gray above, more or less mottled with blackish and tinged with rusty; rump and upper tail-coverts white, with numerous narrow blackish bars; under parts uniform light reddish or cinnamon, palest on the belly; flanks and under tail-coverts often barred or streaked with gray; a whitish stripe over the eye, often tinged with cinnamon. Adult in winter: Similar, but upper parts plain gray, with few darker markings, except the rump and upper tail-coverts, which are as in summer; imder parts white or grayish white, the neck, breast and sides barred or streaked with dusky, and with little or no trace of the cinnamon. Young similar to winter adult, but scapulars and back feathers edged with pure white, with a sub-edging of black; the top of head and back of neck narrowly striped with dusky. Length 10 to 11 inches; wing 6.50; cuhnen 1.30 to 1.40; tarsus about 1 25. 96. Grass Snipe. Pisobia maculata (Vieill.). (239) Synonyms: Pectoral Sandpiper, Jack Snipe, Grass-bird, Meadow-snipe. — Tringa maculata, Vieill , 1819, Cass., Baird., A. O. U. Check-list, 1895.— Actodromas maculata, Coues, 18G1, Ridgw., 1881. — Tringa pectoralis, Say, Nutt., Aud. Figure 53. Known by its moderate size, gray-brown back, black rump and upper tail-coverts, thickly streaked chest and throat, white chin and belly, and bill not over IJ inches. WATER BIRDS. 183 Distribution. — The whole of North America, the West Indies, and the greater part of South America. Breeds in the Arctic regions. Of frequent occurrence in Europe. This is the bird most often called Jack Snipe, a name also given to Wilson's Snipe. The present species, though often known under the name of Grass Snipe, is not entirely confined to grassy places, but frequents the / margins of muddy pools and is occasionally found on the sandy /f _ ^--.--^-!j==:5£^tv,i shores of ponds and streams. It is ^'[^^^^^^^iksM'^'^^^^^'^'^'lh an abundant migrant throughout the T^^^^^^^^^^l^rX^S^ V'-'/'f state, and is one of the best known ^^^-^^^^^-^ ~"" - ^ of the shore birds which occur "' />- regularly. Ordinarily it is seen in -■_ squads of six to thirty, around grassy "'^ pools in marshes or meadow lands. • ^_:: On August 19, 1897, near Lansing, ^^--^^=SE^^^ the writer saw at least 300 Grass Snipe about a temporary pool in a Fig. 53. Grass Snipe. cornfield, associated with YellowlegS, From Baird, Brewer and^RidgwaysW^ater Birds Killdeer, Solitary Sandpipers, and a of North America. (Little, Brown & Co.) few Wilson's Snipe. It seems to be more abundant always in fall than in spring, but occasionally it appears in some numbers in May. When scattered about in grassy meadows it often lies close and flushes almost as suddenly as Wilson's Snipe, and in the fall of the year it is considered good eating. There is no reason to suppose that it ever nests within our limits. It passes northward usually before the first of June, and nests only in the far north, where it lays three or four grayish buff or olive green eggs, heavily blotched with vandyke brown and purplish gray, which average 1.44 by 1.02 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Top of head, back and scapulars mainly black and brown, each feather mostly black with a wide margin of brown or buff; neck all around, and most of throat and upper breast, ashy-gray, thickly and rather sharply streaked with black; chin, upper throat, and abdomen white or buffy wlnte; sides (under wings) somewhat streaked with brown; axillars white, unmarked; rump and upper tail-coverts black or brownish black. Autumn specimens are browner, spring specimens grayer; little or no sexual difference in color, but females larger than males. Length 8 to 9.50 inches; wing 5 to 5.50; culmen 1.10 to 1.20. 97. White-rumped Sandpiper. Pisobia fuscicollis (VieilL). (240) Synonyms: Bonaparte's Sandpiper. — Trianga fuscicollis, Vieill., 1819, Coues, 1874, A. O. U. Check-list, 1895. — Tringa bonapartei., Schleg., Cass., Baird. — Tringa Schinzii, Bonap., Nutt., Aud. Characterized by its moderate size (wing about five inches), and white upper tail-coverts, unspotted or with very few spots indeed. Distribution. — Eastern North America, breeding in the high north. In winter, the West Indies, Central and South America, south to the Falkland Islands. Occasional in Europe. This is one of our less common sandpipers, yet it doubtless occurs regularly during migrations, although in small numbers. Dr. Gibbs states that specimens were killed in Kalamazoo county during 1878 and 1879, by B. 184 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. F. Syke and others; he also states that it has been taken at Petoskey. Jas. B. Purely states that at Plymouth, Mich., he has seen it but two or three times, and then as a migrant. B. H. Swales (MS. List of Birds of S. E. Mich., 1904) says "I have no records. It is not rare around Lake Erie in Monroe county, according to Trombley." On July 29, 1897, the writer took a specimen at Chandler's Marsh, north of the Agricultural College, but it was so badly mutilated and so fat that it was not preserved; subsequently (Aug. 18, 1897) several specimens were seen at a pool within the city limits of Lansing. Mr. P. A. Taverner of Detroit, found six specimens at a little mudhole in Ecorse township, Wayne county, on June 2, 1906, and took three of them (Auk, XXIII, 1906, 335). In its general haJjits it resembles closely the Grass Snipe, or Pectoral Sandpiper, Avith which it often associates. About the southern end of Lake Michigan it was formerly more abundant than at present. Nelson says: "Rather uncommon migrant (in northern lUinois). June 9, 1876 I obtained one specimen and saw c^uite a number of others upon the lake shore near Waukegan. Mr. R. P. Clark informs me that he has taken it late in autumn upon the lake shore near Chicago " (Bull. Essex Inst. Vol. VIII, 1876, p. 127). It has also been taken in Ohio, Ontario, and Wisconsin, but seems to be nowhere abundant. It nests in Arctic regions in June and July, laying four eggs in a mere hollow in the ground, with scarcely any lining. The eggs are reddish drab, spotted with dark brown and black, and average 1.37 by .94 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Upper parts buff or brownish-gray, mottled and streaked with black, much as in the preceding species, but the rump dusky and the upper tail-coverts pure white, or with a few arrow-marks of dusky; chin and upper throat white; lower neck and breast, as well as sides, spotted and streaked with dusky. In autumn the plumage shows more rusty coloration, especially above, and immature (young of the year) birds often have white or buff tips on the scapulars and interscapulars. Length 6.75 to 8 inches; wing 4.90 to 5; culmen .90 to 1. 98. Baird's Sandpiper. Pisobia bairdi (Coues). (241) Synonyms: Actodromas bairdii, Coues, 1861, Ridgw., 1881. — Tringa bairdii, A. O. U. Check-list, 1895. Most closely resembles the White-rumped Sandpiper, with which it was confused for many years, and for which it is often mistaken even now. Baird's Sandpiper has brownish-black instead of white upper tail-coverts, and autumn specimens are lighter below than the White-rumped Sandpiper, and have a buffy tint on the breast, but, except for the white tail-coverts, very careful examination would be needed to discriminate the two species. Distribution. — Nearly the whole of North and South America, but chiefly the interior of North and the western portions of South America, south to Chili and Patagonia. Breeds in Alasks and on the Barren Grounds. Rare along the Atlantic coast, and not yet recorded from the Pacific coast of the United States. This bird, which normally inhabits the interior-region to the west of Mich- igan, appears to be not uncommon in the neighborhood of the Great Lakes during the migrations, although for a considerable time it was regarded as one of the rarest of our sandpipers. According to B. H. Swales (MS. List of Birds of S. E. Mich., 1904) the first state record was made by J. C. WATER BIRDS. 185 Wood, who obtained specimens in August, 1890, near the River Rouge. Mr. Newell A. Eddy of Bay City, took two specimens on Saginaw Bay, Sept. 11, 1891, four more Sept. 1, 1893, and several others Sept. 23, 1893. One of those taken in 1893 was examined, and the identification verified, by Dr. T. S. Palmer, of the Biological Survey, Washington, D. C, and the writer also examined two of Mr. Eddy's specimens in November, 1904. Mr. A. B. Covert took a specimen near Ann Arbor, August 15, 1893; Leon J. Cole took one on the Lake Michigan shore, in Ottawa County, August 20, 1895, and several more were taken at the same place August 24 to 26, 1896, by L. J. Cole, T. L. Hankinson, and W. E. MulUken. Two of these latter specimens are now in the collection of the Agricultural College, and one (No. 24387) in the Kent Scientific Museum, Grand Rapids. There is another specimen of Baird's Sandpiper in the same collection, which was taken in Charlevoix county, September 6, 1879, and Mr. Leon J. Cole informs us that on the back of the original label was written " T. bonapartii," and if ever reported in any list or otherwise it was as the White-rumped Sandpiper. Mr. R. H. Wolcott states that he found Baird's Sandpiper along the river at Grand Rapids at the end of August, 1897, and F. H. Chapin states that he has seen it in Emmet, Cheboygan and Charlevoix counties in August and September. Five individuals were seen on the Charity Islands, Saginaw Bay, two on August 23 and three on August 24, 1910 (N. A. Wood, Wilson liulletin, XXIII, No. 2, 1911, 90). J. Claire Wood says it is "common in July and August near Detroit, Wayne county" (Auk, XVII, 390). On the other hand, according to Swales (MS. List of Birds of St. Clair county, 1904), there is no authentic record for St. Clair county. In its habits it does not seem to differ much from its near relative the White-rumped Sandpiper, and the descriptions of its notes, food, and nesting habits are more or less confused with those of the latter species. It nests far north, and lays four light buff eggs, thickly spotted with brown, averaging 1.30 by .93 inches. Professor Aughey examined the stomachs of five specimens taken in Nebraska in October, 1873, 1874, and found locusts in three stomachs and numerous other insects in all (1st Rept. U. S. Entom. Com., Appendix II, 52). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Wing between 4.50 and 5 inches; median upper tail-coverts brownish black, the lateral coverts much lighter. Ground color of entire upper parts i)ale grayish brown, often with a buffy tint, always more or less streaked or spotted with dark brown or blackish, the markings darkest and sharpest on top of head and interscapulars, lightest and most diffuse on back of neck; chin and most of mider parts pure wliite or buffy white, tiie throat and chest alone darker buff and sometimes indistinctly streaked with dark brown or blackish. In winter the adult is less distinctly streaked above, and little or not at all below, wliile young birds are distinctly streaked with brown or blackish on the chest and tliroat, ami the scapulars, interscapulars, tertiaries and most of the wing coverts arc sharply edged or tipped with pure white. Length 7 to 7.fiO inches; wing 4.00 to 4.85; culmen .90 to 1; tarsus 1. 99. Least Sandpiper. Pisobia minutilla {Vicill.). (242) Synonyms: Sand-peep, Little Sand-peep, Peep. — Tringa minutilla, Vieill., 1S19.— Actodromas minutilla, Bonap., ISoG, Ridg^v., 188L — Tringa pu.silla, Wils., Sw. and Rich., Aud.— Tringa wilsonii, Nutt., 1834, Baird, 1859. Recognizable by its small size (wing less than four inches), toes witliout webs at base, and rump and median upper tail-coverts black. 186 MICHIGAN^BIRD LIFE. Distribution. — The whole of North and South America, breeding north of United States. Accidental in Europe. This is one of the commonest of the sandpipers and occurs regularly in spring and fall in suitable places, both on the lake shores and in the interior, usually in squads of 3 to 10, or more rarely in flocks of 20 to 50. On the Atlantic coast flocks of 200 to 500 are not uncommon in favorite feeding places, but I have never heard of its occurrence in large flocks in Michigan. It passes northward in May and June, the great majority during the former month, but a few remain until after the first of June, sometimes even until the 10th or 15th of the month. It reappears in July, always as early as the 20th, sometimes by the 10th, and is usually abundant through August, while some may remain until October. While with us it frequents sandy and muddy shores, and particularly the muddy pools in marshes, sloughs, and fields almost anywhere. The temporary ponds formed by the heavy thunder showers of August are commonly well patronized by this species, often accompanied by the Semipalmated Sandpiper and the Grass Snipe, together with several larger species. Usually it is very unsuspicious and especially when in small squads will feed unconcernedly at a distance of four or five yards from the observer. It eats vast numbers of minute aquatic animals, but also feeds largely on insects, including injurious locusts. We have no reason to believe that it ever nests within our limits, and the argument sometimes advanced, that it could not leave here the first week in June, proceed northward to Arctic regions and rear its young and be back again by the middle of July, is based on an entire misconception of the facts. The great majority of the birds go northward before the first of June, and doubtless those which go north first are the ones which return earliest in July; on the other hand those which linger until the middle of June may not return to us with their young before the last of August, which allows plenty of time for nesting. It is a well known fact, moreover, that not all the individuals of a species nest every season, and it is entirely possible that some of those we see in midsummer are not breeding birds. Nevertheless Mr. E. W. Nelson found this species nesting along the Calumet River in northeastern Illinois, on the 5th of June, 1875, and another observer found several of them near Waukegan, Illinois, the first of July, 1875, and is certain that they nested in the vicinity (Bull. Essex Inst., VIII, 1876, 127). Its usual breeding grounds are far north of the United States, where it nests on the ground, laying three or four pale buffy or brownish eggs, thickly spotted with brown and purplish, and averaging 1.15 by .83 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Smallest of our sandpipers, about six inches long and not heavier than an English Sparrow. Upper parts mostly black, the feathers edged or streaked with buff or brown; central upper tail-coverts black, unspotted; lateral upper tail-coverts white; chest and part of throat white or grayish white, thickly streaked with brownish black; chin and rest of under parts, including under-tail coverts, pure white. Autumn adults have the chin grayish or spotted and the upper parts more rusty than in spring, while young of the year have an ashy pectoral band, with tlie dark streaks more or less indistinct or wanting, and many of the scapulars and interscapulars margined with pure white. Length 5 to 6.75 inches; wing 3.50 to 3.75; culmen .75 to .92. WATER BIRDS. l8? 100. Red-backed Sandpiper. Pelidna alpina sakhalina (Vieill.). (243a) Synonyms: Black-bellied Sandpiper, Red-backed Dunlin, American Dunlin, Black- heart Plover (Ontario). — -Tringa alpina, Wils., Nutt., Aud.— Tringa alpina var. americana, Baird, 1859, Coues, 1872.— Tringa alpina pacifica, Coues, 1861, A. O. U. Check-list, 1895. A medium sized sandpiper (wing about 4f inches), known in' any plumage by the rather long bill (about H inches) bent slightly downward, like a curlew's, for the terminal third. Distribution. — North America in general, breeding far north. Eastern Asia. This is one of the scarcely common, but regular, migrants, and apparently pretty evenly distributed throughout the state. It is sometimes seen in small flocks, but more often singly or in squads of 3 to 5, not infrequently in flocks of other species. It was taken by F. L. Washburn at Ann Arbor, May 14, 1888; P. A. Taverner found about a dozen on Sarnia Bay, May 26, 1901; Hubert L. Clark saw one on the shore of Long Lake, Brookfield, May 24, 1904; A. W. Blain, Jr., killed one at St. Clair Flats, November 20, 1904; Newell A. Eddy finds it not uncommon on Saginaw Bay, and took several specimens October 3, 1890, and a male October 5, 1891; Dr. Gibbs records two taken at Austin's Lake, Kalamazoo county. May 25, 1878, by Geo. B. Sudworth, and several seen and one killed at Humphry's Lake, May 31, 1883; Purdy took one specimen at Plymouth in the spring of 1891, and Swales states that it is occasionally reported at St. Clair Flats by J. Claire Wood, and on St. Clair River. Major Boies says that it is frequently seen on the south and east shores of Neebish Island, St. Mary's River, in the fall (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club I, 1897, 20). We have three specimens in the Agricultural College Museum, taken at Forestville, Sanilac county by Albert Hirzel; and Norman A. Wood reports a flock of about twenty at Oak Point, south shore of Saginaw Bay, August 20, 1908 (Rep. Mich. Geol. and Biol. Surv., 1910, Pub. 4, Biol. Ser. 2, p. 291). W. A. Oldfield recorded the nesting of this bird at Port Sanilac, Sanilac county, where he took a nest, three eggs and parent bird (Cook, Birds of Mich., 2d ed., 59). This record has been questioned, and at first sight seems very improbable, since the species usually nests in Arctic and sub- Arctic regions; but when we remember how many northern waders Nelson and others found nesting in northeastern Illinois, it is scarcely wise to condemn Oldfield's record as untrustworthy. Unfortunately the bird taken with the eggs was never examined by a recognized ornithologist, and both bird and eggs were destroyed by the burning of Mr. Oldfield's house, when he lost his entire collection. As with most other sandpipers, the eggs are laid on the ground, in an im- perfectly lined nest, and are three or four in number, buffy or brownish, spotted with dark brown. They average 1.43 by 1.01 inches. Formerly this species seems to have been more abundant in the Great Lake region, and as late as May, 1899, according to Kumlien and Hollister "53 individuals were killed by the discharge of a double-barreled shot-gun" (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, 47). This bird is less suspicious than many of the sandpipers, and being large enough to serve as food is frequently killed in considerable numbers. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Wing between 4.25 and 4.75 inches, median upper tail-covcrts dark like the back, bill distinctly longer than the head, gently curved downward. Adult in spring and summer: i88 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Top of head, back, scapulars, tertiaries, lesser wing-coverts and median upper tail-coverts, bright reddish-brown or rusty, each feather with a black streak or spot; lower breast and belly with a more or less extensive black patch, sometimes with a few whitish feathers intermixed; chin, breast and sides, pure white or pale grayish-white with a very few narrow black shaft stripes; sides of head, neck all round, and chest clear grayish-white, more or less distinctly streaked with dusky, the breast spots often arrow-shaped. Adult in winter: plain ash-gray above, without streaks or spots except some indistinct dusky shaft stripes; median upper tail-coverts blackish, the lateral ones nearly white; forehead, chin and most of under parts pure white or grayish white, the throat and chest more or less distinctly streaked with darker ash; no trace of the abdominal black patch. Young: Similar to winter adult, but feathers of back more or less margined with rusty or buff and tipped with white. Length 7.60 to 8.75 inches; wing 4.30 to 4.75; culmen 1.15 to 1.40; tarsus .85 to 1. 101. Semipalmated Sandpiper. Ereunetes pusillus {Linn.). (246) Synonyms: Peep, Sand-peep, Little Peep. — Tringa pusilla, Linn., 1766. — Tringa semipalmata, Wils., Sw. and Rich., Aud. — Ereuntes pusillus of most authors. Very similar in coloration to the Least Sandpiper and of about the same size (wing less than four inches), though the rump is ashy instead of black; it can always be separated from the Least Sandpiper, however, by the fact that the toes are plainly webbed at base. Distribution. — Eastern North America, breeding north of the United States; south in winter to the West Indies and South America. A common bird in migration, appearing and disappearing at about the same times as the Least Sandpiper, with which it is often associated. It frequents the same localities and has in all respects essentially similar habits excepting that the Semipalmated Sandpiper has never been found nesting within the United States. Butler states that in Indiana it is generally uncommon, but usually more numerous in spring than the Least Sandpiper (Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 715). In Wisconsin it is quite abundant during migrations, and according to Kumlien and Hollister "so many are summer residents that one usually gets the impression that it nests. Evidence of breeding is however entirely lacking, although specimens shot on Lake Koshkonong June 16, 1897, contained ova the size of medium hazelnuts and were in full breeding plumage." (Birds of Wisconsin 1903, 47). E. W. Nelson also found it in northeastern Illinois where he says that it is "a very abundant migrant and many remain through the summer. From repeated dissec- tions I am confident these are barren birds and, as Mr. Maynard suggests, probably young of the preceding year." (Bull. Essex Inst. VIII, 1876, 126-127). It nests commonly in Labrador and the Hudson Bay region, laying three or four dull grayish-buff eggs, spotted with dark brown and purplish gray, and averaging 1.21 by .85 inches (Ridgway). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Upper parts mottled black and gray, the central upper tail-coverts alone being clear black or brownish black; marginal upper tail-coverts white; lower parts pure wliite except for a pectoral band of ashy gray, more or less streaked with dusky or black, the streaks most distinct and numerous in summer birds, indistinct or wanting in winter and in young of the year; the latter also show some rusty, buffy or white edgings on the feathers of the back. The bill is about the same length as that of the Least Sandpiper, but much broader in proportion. Length 5.25 to 6.75 inches; wing 3.65 to 4; culmen .68 to .92. WATER BIRDS. 189 102. Sanderling. Calidris leucophaea (Pallas). (248) Synonyms: Beach Bird, Surf Snipe, White Snipe. — Tringa leucophsea. Pall., 1764. — Tringa arenaria, Linn., 1766. — Calidris arenaria of most authors. The only Beach Bird of its size with but three toes — the hind toe lacking. It is also probably the palest or whitest of the sandpipers, young birds and adults in the fall being pure white below, and white, speckled thinly with darker, above. In flight the compact flocks, light bodies, dark wings, and conspicuous white wing-bars, are good recognition marks. Distribution. — Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding in the Arctic and sub- Arctic regions, migrating, in America, south to Chili and Patagonia. This seems to be a rather common species along the shores of the Great Lakes during migration, but is seldom met with in the interior. Dr. Gibbs states that so far as he knows it has never been taken in Kalamazoo county. Mr. Newell A. Eddy has found it abundant some years on the shores of Saginaw Bay. He took a dozen or more October 3, 1890, and found it abundant again Sept. 26, 1896. Leon J. Cole calls it an abundant fall migrant along the shore of Lake Michigan at Grand Haven, and JNIajor Boies observed it on the east shore of Neebish Island in the spring of 1893. The only record which I have been able to find for any point not on the shore of the Great Lakes is a record of four seen at Ann Arbor, August 26, 1899, by Chas. L. Cass. A very late record is that of a male taken by Hirzel at Forestville, Sanilac county, November 24, 1903, and now in the Agricultural College Museum. This is a typical beach species and is usually seen feeding at the very edge of the water, following the retreating waves and picking up particles of food, in Michigan mainly insects, left by the water. It rarely visits the upper parts of the beach, and still more rarely, if at all, the grassy or muddy ponds inland. In flight the members of the flock keep close together, yet always preserve about the same distance, and they act practically like a single bird, all rising and falling, turning to right or left, Avheeling or alight- ing with the utmost uniformity and precision. Ordinarily they are one of the least suspicious of the shore birds and may be approached very closely while feeding. They nest only in the far north and their eggs have been taken only a few times. The nest is placed on the ground and sometimes at a considerable distance from the water, which is surprising in a species which ordinarily loves to have its feet wet all the time. The eggs are three or four, light olive-brown, spotted and speckled with darker, and average 1.41 by .91 inches. According to Elliot "its food consists of minute mollusca, Crustacea, worms, insects, and in the far north it has been observed to eat the buds of saxifrage" (North Am. Shore Birds, 1895, 102, 103). TECHNIC.VL DESCRIPTION. Toes throe in fronf , no trace of a hind toe. Bill about as long as licad, slender, straight black. Adult in sununcr: Upper parts pale rusty with numerous black spots and many featliers tipped witli white; imder parts mainly white, the throat and breast washed with rusty and finely speckled and lined witli blackish; a conspicuous white wing-band formed by tips of greater coverts; basal parts of inner primaries also wliite, tlic outer webs and tips of all blackish, the sliafts wliitc. Ailult in s]iring: Top of head, occiput, back and scapulars, black, coarsely mottled with grayish white, often some feathers showing rusty edgings; Ijack of neck grayish white, more or less striped with pale brown; entire under parts spotless white, the throat and chest often shaded lightly with pale rust-red. Some 190 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. late migrants arc quite ruddy on the chest, while others show liardly a trace of rusty above or below. Length 7 to 8.75 inches; wing 4.70 to 5; cuhnen .95 to 1; tarsus .90 to L05. 103. Marbled Godwit. Limosa fedoa (Linn.). (249) Synonyms: Great Marbled Godwit, Great Godwit, Red Curlew, Brant Bird, Red Marlin, Brown Marlin, Spike-bill. — Scolopax fedoa, Linn., 1758. — Scolopax marmorata, Lath., 1790.— Limosa fedoa, Ord, Aud., Nutt., and most recent authors. A snipe-like bird of large size (wing about nine inches), known from its relatives by the long bill (3 J inches or over) which has a distinct upward curve all the way from base to tip. and by the cinnamon color of the lining of the wings. Distribution. — North America; breeding in the interior (from Iowa and Nebraska, northward to Manitoba and the Saskatchewan), migrating in winter to Guatemala, Yucatan, and Cuba. This is a rare species in Michigan at the present time, but seems to have been less so formerly. Covert records the capture of a female on Clam Lake, Cadillac, May 3, 1881 (Marginal notes in Coues Key), and Hazelwood states that it is "less common in September on the Michigan shore of Lake Huron near Port Huron" (MS. List, 1904). L. Whitney Watkins has a specimen in his collection, marked "Monroe Flats, 1881," which was obtained from a taxidermist at Manchester, Michigan many years ago. A mounted specimen in the Kent Scientific Museum (No. 20063) is marked "D. D. Hughes, Grand Rapids," but bears no date. It seems to be in autumnal pfumage. There is also a nicely mounted adult in the Barron collection at Niles, but without data. The Marbled Godwit is said to be decidedly rare in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio at present. It was formerly an abundant bird of the prairie regions west of the Mississippi, but of late years seems to be found in numbers only about the alkali lakes and large bodies of shallow water in the far west. According to Kumlien and Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, 48) "Mr. H. Nehrling gives it as breeding in the Northern Peninsula of Michigan," but I am not able to verify this statement. It is said to nest most commonly in Manitoba and the Saskatchewan region, but it also nests in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Nebraska, and other western states. The nest is placed on the ground, and the eggs are pale olive to light grayish buff, rather sparsely spotted with dark brown and dull purplish gray, and average 2.27 by 1.60 inches. Professor Aughey found it feeding freely on locusts in Nebraska in 1867 and 1874, but says that it never feeds exclusively on them; he found from 30 to 45 other insects in each of the stomachs examined (1st Rep. U. S. Entom. Com. Appendix 2, p. 53). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Tail and its upper coverts cinnamon or buff, barred with black or brown; axillars and under wing-coverts also cinnamon. Chin white; rest of underparts buffy white to pale cinnamon, streaked on the throat, and more or less thickly barred on breast and sides with brown or brownish black; entire top of head and back and sides of neck brown, streaked with ashy or buffy white; rest of upper parts brown, the feathers variously spotted, barred, edged or tipped with buffy white or cinnamon; wings mainly brownish black, the outer primaries bufi'y on the inner webs and with white or buffy shafts; basal half of bill flesh - colored, the remainder brown or black; legs and feet dark slate. Adults are more heavily barred below than the yomig, which often are entirely without dark markings on breast, sides and belly. Apparently there is little or no difference in the sexes. Length 16.50 to 20.50 inches; wing 8.50 to 9; culmen 3.50 to 5; tarsus 2.50 to 3. WATER BIRDS. 191 104. Hudsonian Godwit. Limosa haemastica (Linn.). (251) Synonyms: Black-tailed Godwit, White-rump, Black-tailed Marlin. — Scolopax haema- stica, Linn., 1758. — Limosa hudsonica, Sw. and Rich., Nutt., Aud., and other authors, Limosa haemastica of more recent writers. Similar to the preceding but somewhat smaller, and with the rump and upper tail-coverts pure white, unspotted. This mark, together with the slender, nearly straight, but slightly up-curved bill, should identify the bird in any plumage. Distribution. — Eastern North America and the whole of middle and South America. Breeds only in the far north. Not common anywhere in the United States, probably less abundant than the Marbled Godwit. It is also more northern in its summer distribu- tion, nesting in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, for example, on the Barren Grounds of British America, in the Anderson River region, etc. In Mich- igan it occurs only as a very rare migrant and records are very few at best. According to Dr. Gibbs, the late D. D. Hughes had a specimen taken in Calhoun county in April, 1868. There is one (an adult in spring plumage) in the Barron collection at Niles, without data, but probably taken there. Mcllwraith states that he has seen it in spring at St. Clair Flats, and also on the shore of Hamilton Bay (Ontario), where the specimen in his collec- tion was obtained (Birds of Ontario, 1894, 149). Trombley records it from the shore of Lake Erie, near Monroe (Swales SIS. List, 1904). It seems to be rare in neighboring states, although specimens have been recorded from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The latest instance of its nearby capture is a male taken at Point Pelee, Ont., north shore of Lake Erie, May 13, 1905, by P. A. Taverner. It nests on the ground, laying four deep olive eggs, sometimes unmarked, but oftener spotted or mottled with darker brown, and averaging 2.20 by 1.42 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Tail black, with white base and tip, the tail-coverts with a broad white band. Summer adult: Head and neck pale chestnut, streaked with dusky; lower parts deeper chestnut, barred with dusky; back, etc., blackish, irregularly varied with buffy. Winter plumage: Back, etc. plain, dull brownish gray; head, neck and lower parts dull whitish or pale grayish buffy, shaded with brownish gray anteriorily. Young: Back, etc. dull brownish gray, each feather marked with a submarginal dusky crescent and margined terminally with buffy, the belly whitish and chest more grayish. Length 14 to 16.75 inches; wing 8.10 to 8.60; culmen 2.85 to 3.45; tarsus 2.25 to 2.50 (Ridgway). 105. Greater Yellowlegs. Tetanus melanoleucus (Gnicl). (254) Synonyms: Big Yellowlegs, Winter Yellowlegs, Tell-tail, Stone Snipe. — Scolopax melanoleuca, Gmel., 1789. — Gambetta melanoleuca, Bonap., 1856. — Tetanus vociferus, Vieill., 1816. — Totanus melanoleucus of recent authors. Figure 54- The combination of the slender, straight bill about 2} inches in length, long yellow legs, and nearly white rump, always speckled more or less, is peculiar to this species. Distribution. — America in general, breeding from Iowa and northeastern Illinois, etc. northward, and migrating south to Chili and Argentine RepubUc. 192 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. This and the Lesser Yellowlegs are two of the best known waders in the state. They are often found associated in large flocks on their feeding grounds, but when alarmed commonly gather in flocks by themselves as they take flight. Their fa- vorite resorts for feed- ing are grassy or muddy pools, and they often collect in Fig. 54. Leg and Foot of Yellowlegs. large numbers on sand-spits and sand-bars where they rest, preen their feathers, and feed listlessly here and there in shallow water. They are favorite birds with the gunner, who shoots them from a blind, attracting them to his decoys by means of the whistle, which they answer all too readily. Their ordinary call is a clear, mellow whistle, which can be heard at a great distance (at least a mile in favorable weather), and is written by Chapman as "When, wheu-wheu-wheu-wheu, when, wheu- wheu." When answering the whistle, or when induced to return by the cries of their wounded or deserted comrades, they have a habit of floating quietly on extended wings for many seconds at a time, making a tempting mark for the gunner. They fly in rather compact flocks and often as they turn, their lower backs or rumps look pure white although really spotted with black. This species is supposed to linger longer at the north than the Lesser Yellowlegs, and hence is called Winter Yellowlegs. As a matter of fact there seems to be little difference in the movements of the two species. They appear in Michigan in April, linger until the last of INIay, return again from the north in July, often by the middle, and remain through August, September, and occasionally well into October. It must not be supposed that any single bird or flock remains for any great length of time in the same place, but flocks linger a few days in a spot, pass on to the south and are replaced by others of their kind. Probably the heaviest flights occur during the first half of May and through the month of August. It nests mainly north of the United States, but has been known to breed in northeastern Illinois (Nelson, Bull. Essex Inst. VIII, 128-129) and in southern Wisconsin (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, 49); however, there is no record of its breeding in Michigan. The nest is placed on the ground, in or near a marsh; the eggs are three or four, brownish buff, irregularly spotted with dark brown, and average 1.79 by 1.28 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Bill stniight or slightly curved upward, the nasal groove extending less than half way to tip. Adult in summer: Upper parts mainly black or Inowiiish-black and white, the white in streaks on head and neck, in l)ars and spots on hack, sc;ipulars and wing-coverts; rump and upper tail-coverts white or nearly so, with a few spots and bars of brown or black. Under parts mainly pure wliite, heavily spotted on lower throat and breast with black, the sides and flanks barred with black; tail barred with brown or black and white; primaries blackish, the outer one with a white shaft. Adult in winter: Similar but much lighter col- ored above; the head and neck mainly ashy gray, streaked with pale brown, the back, etc., olive brown, the edges of the feathers with alternate dusky and white spots; the lower throat, chest, sides of breast, and flanks more or less streaked and spotted with brown and ashy, but without distinct rounded black spots. Bill black or greenish black, legs and feet yellow. Length 12 to 15 inches; wing 7.50 to 7.75; culmen 2.20 to 2.30; tarsus 2.50 to 2.75. The early spring migrants are variously intermediate in plumage between the winter WATER BIRDS. 193 and summer dress, but those which linger until June assume the nearly perfect breeding plumage. Autumn specimens are also more or less intermediate, but the winter plumage predominates. 106. Lesser Yellowlegs. Totanus flavipes (Gmel.). (255) Synonyms: Yellowlegs, Summer Yellowlegs, Little Yellowlegs, Little Tell-tale, Yellow- shanks. — Scolopax flavipes, Gmel., 1789. — Gambetta flavipes, Bonap., 1856. — ^Totanus fla^dpes, Vieill., and authors generally. Known by its close resemblance to the preceding, and its smaller size. It has the same nearly straight bill, less than 1| inches long, also the same yellow legs, and the white rump slightly barred with black. Distribution. — America in general, breeding in the cold temperate and subarctic districts, and migrating south in winter to southern South Am- erica. Less common in w^estern than in eastern North America. In Michigan this bird has practically the same habits and distribution as the Greater Yellowlegs, which it so closely resembles, and with which it is commonly found. Its notes are practically the same, its feeding habits identical, and it answers the whistle, comes to the decoys, and behaves in every way precisely like its larger relative. The main difference observable is that the Lesser Yellowlegs is commonly much more abundant than the Greater Yellowlegs, being seen frequently in flocks of 100 or 200 individuals, while the Greater Yellowlegs is seen lay dozens or scores. In many locahties it Hngers until the first or even the second week in June, and by the middle of July flocks begin to return from the north. ]\Ir. Swales noted the first migrants at Detroit on July 9, 1905, and ]\Ir. J. Claire Wood says they were back July 1, 1906. Our latest fall record at Lansing is October 28, 1906, when a flock of eleven was found wading and swimming in a pool near the College. Its nesting range seems to be precisely the same as for the Greater Yellowlegs, and like that species it has been found nesting in northern Illinois and in Wisconsin, but not in Michigan. The eggs are buff, distinctly spotted with dark brown and purplish gray, and average 1.73 by 1.14 inches. Its food consists mainly of the smaller forms of animal life which abound in shallow waters, including large numbers of insects and insect larvre. In Nebraska Professor Aughey found locusts in five stomachs taken in October 1874, as well as large numbers of other insects. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Bill straight or very slightly curved upward, and nasal groove extending more than half way to tip. Colors of plumage, bill, and legs essentially the same as in the Greater Yellowlegs, the summer and winter dress varying also in the same way. Length 9.50 to 11 inches; wing 6.10 to 6.65; culmen 1.30 to 1.55; tarsus 2 to 2.15. 107. Solitary Sandpiper. Helodromas solitarius solitarius (Wilson). (256) Synonyms: Big Sandpiper, Tip-up, Teeterer. — Tringa solitaria, Wils., 1813. — Totanus solitarius, Aud., 1839, Coues, 1872. — Rhyacophilus solitarius, Cass, in Baird, 1858. — Totanus chloropygias, Vieill., 1816, Nutt., 1834. Figure 55. Slightly larger than the common Tip-up or Spotted Sandpiper, for which it is likely to be mistaken; but it is always darker above (sometimes quite 25 194 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. black), never spotted below (though the chest may be clouded or in- distinctly streaked in the fall), and the bill is black, slender, perfectly straight, and always a little over an inch long. Distribution. — -North America, breeding occasionally in the northern United States, more commonly northward, and migrating southward as far as the Argentine Repubhc and Peru. Unlike most of our sandpipers this bird is essentially sohtary in its habits and is never seen in compact flocks. Four or five may be found feeding on the edge of the same pool, and once or twice I have seen a score or more in the compass of an acre, but scattered among hundreds of other waders, thrown together by a common interest in the unusually good feeding ground. While the Solitary Sandpiper frequents all the places in which the other sandpipers are found, it evinces a special preference for pools in the woods, and for marshy places which have become overgrown more or less with thick- Fig. 55. Solitary Sandpiper. From photograph of mounted specimen. (Original.) ets and brush. Not infrequently it is found about the mossy, leaf-choked, branch-strewn puddles in the deep swamps, where the big trees shut out the sky above, and the Large-billed Waterthrush keeps it company among the decaying stumps and half submerged roots. When flushed it usually flies with unexpected swiftness, rises at a sharp angle to a height of several hundred feet, and then flies wildly for a moment or two, and often returns and alights near the place from which it started. Almost invariably it utters a sharp whistle of three or four notes as it rises, not particularly loud, but high-pitched, penetrating, and very characteristic. While feeding it runs about and bobs its head and tail somewhat like a common Tip-up, but the movements are much more abrupt and jerky, and there is far less of the graceful swinging motion so prettily shown by that bird. WATER BIRDS. 195 Often when standing quietly otherwise it will jerk its head and body stiffly upward and back again, precisely as if moved by a hiccough. It reaches southern ^Michigan the last week in April or the first in May, disappears by the first of June, returns from the north during the latter half of July and soon moves southward, although stragglers linger into or even through September. During the fall of 1906 this species was com- mon at Lansing all through September, and 6 or 8 were seen October 3. In the northern half of the state a few remain all summer, and it is very likely that an occasional pair may nest even in the southern counties. Singularly enough its nesting habits remain totally unknown, and al- though several collectors claim to have taken the eggs, there is no unques- tionable specimen in any museum or private collection so far as we know. An egg is said to have been taken from a nest on the ground, at Lake Bomaseen, Vt., by Jenness Richardson, May 28, 1878 (Bull. Nutt. Club, III, 1878, 197); Dr. C. K. Clarke claims to have found a nest and eggs on Simcoe Island, Lake Ontario, June 10, 1898 (Auk, XV, 328, 329) ; and more recently Walter Raine records the taking of three sets of eggs in northern Alberta, one set in the summer of 1903, the other two in 1904, by Evan Thomson, one of his collectors (Oologist, XXI, 1904, pp. 165-167). The eggs from Alberta were taken from olcl nests of the Cedar Waxwing and the Robin, placed in trees several feet above the ground; the Vermont and Simcoe Island eggs were from nests on the ground. For one reason or another no one of these records is entirely satisfactory and it remains for some reliable ornithologist to clear up the mystery surrounding the nesting of this species. There is a growing belief that it always nests in trees, using the deserted nest of some other bird, a habit unknown in any American Sandpiper, but said to be the rule with the European Green Sandpiper, H. ochropus, which very closely resembles our bird. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Bill slender, straight, black, longer than the head; legs and feet greenish black. Advilt in summer: Olive-brown above, with a greenish cast, dotted or speckled with white; lower throat, chest, and sides of breast streaked with dusky; rest of imder parts pure white; axillars barred with black and white; middle tail-feathers like the back, but spotted with white along the margins; other tail-feathers with about five narrow bars of black, the interspaces and tips white; primaries black with a purplish gloss, none of the shafts white on the upper side. Adult in winter: Similar, but with fewer white markings above, and the dusky streaks of throat and chest less distinct; a dark loral stri])e, bordered above by a short white stripe. Young: Grayer about the head and nock, the top of head, back, and scapulars, thickly marked with dots of rusty or buff. Length 7.50 to 8.(30 inches; wing 5 to 5.40; culmen 1.15 to 1.30; tarsus 1.25 to 1.90. 108. Bartramian Sandpiper. Bartramia longicauda (Bechst.). (261) Synonyms: liartram's Tattler, T pland Plover, Field Plover, Prairie Pigeon. Prairie Plover.— Tringa longicauda, Bechst., 1812.— Tringa Bartramia, Wils., Aud., Nutt.— Totanus Bartramius, Temm. — Actiturus Bartramius, Bonap. Plate X. The bill is too short for the ideal sandpiper and too long and slender for a plover. The lengthened tail, and the outer primary sharply barred with black and white are good recognition marks. Distribution.— North America, mainly east of the Rocky Mountains, 196 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. north to Nova Scotia and Alaska, breeding throughout most of its North American range: migrating in winter southward as far as Brazil, Peru (and Argentina (W. 13. B.). Occasional in Europe. This beautiful bird is one of the species which was formerly abundant throughout the state, but has become distressingly scarce within the last twenty years. Even ten years ago it was fairly common in suitable places throughout the Lower Peninsula, but at present we know of but few places where it breeds, and its voice during migrations is now seldom heard. In the eastern states it frequents upland fields and hilly pasture lands by preference, and usually, if not always, nests in such places; but in Michigan, it frequently nests in wet grounds, although the nest itself is usually placed on one of the dryer spots. We have seen the birds nesting in two instances in good snipe-bogs where the mud was ankle deep and dry spots few and far between. Probably it still nests in favorable localities throughout the state, but only in small numbers. As it is one of the early fall migrants, most of the birds leaving for the south before the middle of September, one would naturally suppose that it would have increased in numbers during the protection afforded by the game law which did not allow the shooting of Snipe, Woodcock or shore birds until October. So far as we can learn, however, there has been no increase in numbers and it has continued to decrease in most localities. At Plymouth, Michigan, Mr. Jas. B. Purdy states that it was formerly unknown, but has appeared and increased in numbers recently though still far from abundant. It is an exceptionally good table bird and a favorite with amateur sports- men, though it is very shy as a rule and does not decoy readily. Its mellow, plover-like call when migrating is well known and characteristic, but it has another and entirely different note when nesting, which Dr. Gibbs accurately describes as "much like the twitter of the tree frog." The nest is placed on the ground, and the eggs are buffy white, spotted with brown and purplish gray, and average 1.79 by 1.30 inches. They are commonly l^id during the latter half of May, but occasionally sets are found in June, and it is possible that second broods are sometimes reared. This is one of the few North American birds which extends its migration to southern South America, being often extraordinarily abundant on the pampas of Argentina in November, December, and January. Both at that time and during our northern summer it feeds extensively upon grass- hoppers and is one of the species which forms a natural check upon this scourge in some places. It is doubtful whether it is abundant enough in Michigan now to do much good in this way, but during the "grasshopper years" in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska the Upland Plover or "Prairie Pigeon " was reported in scores of places as being one of the most important enemies of the grasshopper or Rocky Mountain locust. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Top of head brownish black with an indistinct median stripe of buff; chin and upper throat white, rest of head and neck light brown or buff, streaked with dark brown or blackish; back, scapulars and wing-coverts, mottled black, brown and buff, most of the feathers black centrally, then brown, and with yellowish edges; rump and upper tail- coverts glossy black, without bars or spots; outer primary sharply barred with black and white, its shaft pure white; middle tail-feathers olive, barred with black, the others barred with light buff and black, tipped with white and conspicuously spotted with black near the ends; under parts pale buffy, fading to nearly pure white on belly and under tail-coverts, the lower neck sharply streaked with tear-shaped spots of black, wdiich become arrow- ^^ 'ilm !"i i'^^^ . M k I 'v' fv^^^^^ ^^^ i M s^sSHi^H^ -X ^ 1 ^^^^ Hi n Plate X. Bartramian Sandpiper. Courtesy of National Committee of Audubon Societies. WATER BIRDS. l99 heads on the chest, brace-shaped on the breast and plain bars on the sides, the belly and under tail-coverts unmarked. Upper mandible and tip of lower black, rest of bill yellow; legs and feet gray or greenish gray. Sexes alike. Young: Similar to adult, but more yellowish or buffy, and the dark markings below fewer and less distinct. Length 11 to 12.75 inches; wing 6.50 to 7; culmen 1.10 to 1.15; tarsus 1.90 to 2.05. ni09. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Tryngites subruficollis (Vieill.). (262) Synonyms: Tringa subruficollis, Vieill., 1819. — Tryngites rufescens of most authors. A small sandpiper with much the form and habits of the preceding species, but not easily described for recognition by the novice. Reference to the detailed description will be necessary, and careful examination of the measurements and proportions. Distribution. — North America, especially in the interior; breeds in the Yukon district and the interior of British America, northward to the Arctic coast; South America in winter as far as Uruguay and Peru. Of frequent occurrence in EurojDe. This is a rare sandpiper in Michigan and very few specimens have been taken. Dr. Gibbs states that on September 17, 1875, he secured a pair, the only ones he ever saw. They were taken while hunting for Golden Plover on the Big Marsh one and one-half miles north of Kalamazoo. He further states that on September 14, 1882, B. F. Syke, of Kalamazoo, secured three specimens of this species and preserved one for his collection. There were but three in the flock; they were found on Grand Prairie, Kalamazoo county, and were very shy. There is a Buff-breasted Sandpiper (No. 20315) in the Kent Scientific Museum, Grand Rapids, but it was taken at Toronto, Ontario. The above are the only records for the state of which I know, but Stock- well includes this species in his hst of Michigan birds (Forest & Stream, VIII, 361). According to Kumlien & Holhster, it is one of the rarest shore birds in that state (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, 51). It is also rare ordinarily in Indiana and lUinois, but in August 1874, Dr. A. K. Fisher found hundreds of them on the dry prairie at Maywood, Cook county Ilhnois, only ten miles from Chicago, and shot numbers of them (Cooke, Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley, 1888, p. 97). There are also records for Ohio and Ontario, but the species is nowhere common. It breeds in the far north, the Saskatchewan Plains and the Barren Grounds being favorite resorts. The eggs are buffy white, boldly spotted with dark bronze and purplish, and average 1.53 by 1.04 inches. There is a record by Mcllwraith (Birds of Ont., 1894, 156) of the nesting of this species at Dunville, Ontario, June 10, 1879, but it has transpired recently that this was a mistake and that the nest and eggs recorded really belonged to Wilson's Phalarope (Macoun, Cat. Canadian Birds, Part III, 1904, 732). ^^ TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. No trace of webs between the front toes; bill barely as long as the head, or even shorter. "Upper parts dull grayish buff or brownish, varied with blackish; lower parts buff, streaked or speckled on chest with dusky; axillars white; under ])rimary coverts and inner webs of quills [primaries] beautifully mottled or speckled with dusky on a wliitisli groimd. Adult: Feathers of back, etc., blackish centrally, and without whitish borders. Young: Feathers of back, etc. distinctly bordered with whitisli, tlie black and brown less sharply contrasted; mottHng on inner webs of quills, and imder primary coverts, mucli more minute and delicate than in adult. Length 7 to 8.90 inclics; wing 5.10 to 5.50; culmen .75 to .80; tarsus 1.15 to 1.30" (Ridgway). 200 MICaiGAN BIRD LIFE 110. Spotted Sandpiper. Actitis macularia (Linn.). (263) Synonyms: Sandj^eep, Sand-snipe, River-snipe, Tip-up, Teeterer, Teeter-tail, Peet- weet. Peep. — Tringa macularia, Linn., 1766. — Totanus macularius, Temm., 1815. — Tringoides macularius, Gray, 1849, and many others. — Actitis macularia, Naum., 1836, A. O. U. Check-list, 1895, and most recent authors. Plate XI. The adult is recognizable as the only 'sandpiper whose under parts are thickly marked with clean cut round spots or "polka-dots" of dark brown or black on a nearly white ground color. In addition, the hving bird is always bobbing and balancing as it sit or runs, and when in flight always shows conspicuous white bars on the wings. Distribution. — North and South America, from Alaska south to southern Brazil. Breeds throughout temperate North America, less commonly on the Pacific coast. Occasional in Europe. This is the common Sandpiper or Tip-up of streams and ponds during the summer, and is almost universally distributed, from the southern border to Lake Superior. It never occurs in flocks, always singly, in pairs, or at most in little family parties of five or six, the young then distinguish- able by the unspotted breast. It is a late comer in spring, seldom arriving before the first of May, sometimes not until the middle of the month; and rarely remains after the middle of September. It is oftenest seen along the edges of small ponds and streams, but occurs also along the sandy beaches of the Great Lakes, and about the httle mud-holes and ditches in upland pastures far from any large body of water. It nests almost anywhere on the ground; not always near the water, but in pasture, wheatfield, sand-bank, or in the wrack along the shore. The nest is often well built, but at other times is hardly more than a hollow scraped in the ground, with a few grass stems between the eggs and the soil. Eggs are rarely found, even in the southern counties, before the third week in May, and the larger number appear to be laid between the first and fifteenth of June. Mr. E. A. DooHttle records three nests of four eggs each, found June 28, July 2, and July 5, 1906, on Grand Island, Lake Superior. He considered these to be second sets, but if so it would not indicate second broods but only that the first set of eggs had been lost by accident and the birds had made a second trial. Possibly no part of the hfe history of our common birds has been so much neglected as this question of second broods, and careful studies in this direction would well repay the investigator. The eggs are almost invariably four in number, seldom three or five, and are buffy or soiled white, spotted and speckled with brown and black. They average 1.25 by .90 inches. The characteristic note of the bird is usually written "pect-weet" and when the bird is alarmed or is calhng anxiously to its mate or young it sounds like p'weet'-p'weet'-p'weet'. When followed along the shore the bird flies ahead 30 to 50 yards at a time, and almost always prefers to fly out over the water rather than over the sand. After being followed some Uttle distance it is Ukely to turn back, making a larger loop than usual, and return to that part of the shore from which it was first driven. It often alights on stumps, fence-posts and rails, as well as on boulders and small rocks; and wherever it may be it keeps up the constant balancing, teetering motion, which is by no means confined to this species, yet is carried to such an extreme as to have given the bird several of its vernacular names. Plate XI. Spotted Sandpiper. From Coues' Key to North American Birds. (Courtesy of^Dana Estcs & Co.) WATER BIRDS. 203 The Spotted Sandpiper feeds until late in the evening, and possibly is more or less nocturnal, since its notes are frequently heard at night when it cannot be migrating. Its food consists largely, if not entirely, of animal matter, including small aquatic forms of every kind, but it also eats insects of various sorts, and according to S. E. White, at Mackinac Island, it was observed to feed on "stone spiders." Aughey found it feeding freely on locusts in Nebraska in May, 1895, six stomachs containing an aggregate of 91 of these injurious insects. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Bill about as long as head, stout, sliglitly deciu-ved, largely yellow toward the base, tlie tip and culmen blackish; legs and feet greenish brown. Adult in summer: Entire upper parts grayish or greenish brown, usually with a brassy luster, the head and neck more or less streaked and the back and scapulars spotted and barred with black; a dusky loral streak (continued back of the eye) bordered above by a whitish stripe; imder parts nearly pure white, rather thickly dotted with rounded black or dark brown spots, smallest on chin and throat, largest on breast and sides; middle tail-feathers olive brown like the back, sometimes barred with black, lateral feathers barred with black and white, and with broad white tips; wing with two conspicuous white bands, one formed by the white tips of the secondaries, the other by the inner webs of most of the primaries and the basal half of all the secondaries. Adult in autumn: Without any spots below, and with few or no black bars above, but sides of breast shaded with gray. Young: Similar to autumn adult, and unspotted below, but with narrow bars of buff and dusky on tips of many upper tail- coverts, scapulars and wing-coverts. Length 7 to 8 inches; wing 4.05 to 4.60; culmen .90 to 1.0.5; tarsus .90 to 1.05. ill. Sickle-billed Curlew. Numenius americanus 5ec/is/. (264) Synonyms: Sickle-bill, Long-billed Curlew. Big Curlew, Hen Curlew. — Numenius longirostris, Wils., 1814, and authors generally. — Numenius rufus, Vieill. — Nimienius occidentalis, Woodh. Known at a glance by its strongly down-curved bill, from five to eight inches long, and its mottled brown and gray plumage. The only other bird with a similarly curved bill of this length is the Glossy Ibis, which is readily separable by its metallic green, bronze, and chestnut plumage. Distribution. — Temperate North America, migrating south to Guatemala, Cuba and Jamacia. Breeds in the South Atlantic States, and in the interior through most of its north American range. Doubtless this species was once fairly common in the prairie regions of southern Michigan before the country was thoroughly cultivated. Recent records for the Great Lake region are few and far between, and I am unable to find a single instance of its nesting within our limits, although we find the statement in Baird, Brewer and Ridgway's "Water Birds"' (Vol. I, 1884, 314). "It is now known that they probably breed in all or nearly all the western states north of Ohio and west of Lake P^rie." A. B. Covert records the capture of a male in Washtenaw county, Septem- ber 12, 1872, and another specimen taken near Ann Arbor "about "September 15, 1877." According to Norman A. Wood this last specimen is mounted and now in the collection of the University of Michigan. A mounted specimen, without any label, in the collection of the St. Clary's Academy, Monroe, iMichigan, is said to have been collected in that vicinity, and to have come from the collection of Father Kilroy. :\Ir. Ed. Van Winkle, of Van's Harbor, Delta county, says that he has taken specimens there but that they are rare. The above constitute our only records for the species, although ac- cording to Dr. Gibbs one instance of its capture was cited by D. D. 204 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Hughes in his manuscript Ornithology of Michigan, but without exact time or place. It is also mentioned by Stockwell (Forest and Stream, VIII, 22, 361). According to Butler "It is a rare migrant (in Indiana), formerly more numerous, and perhaps occasionally breeding in the northern part of the state" (Birds of Indiana, 1897, 732). It was formerly abundant in Illinois, and in Wisconsin, but has become rare of late years in both states. Nelson says that a few nested on the Calumet marshes in northern IlUnois in the spring of 1873 (Bull. Essex Inst., VIII, 1876, 130). Mcllwraith calls it an irregular visitor in western Ontario. It nests on the ground, laying three or four eggs, which are grayish buff or buffy brown, spotted with darker brown, and averaging 2.59 by 1.81 inches. The nests are sometimes placed along the shore, sometimes on dry ground at a considerable distance from water; in the interior usually on the dryer parts of the prairies. The nest is a mere hollow in the ground, scantily lined with grasses. The food is varied, but includes a large proportion of insects, as well as berries, seeds, and various crustaceans and other aquatic animals. In Nebraska Professor Aughey examined ten stomachs between 1868 and 1876, and eight of them contained Rocky Mountain locusts, the number varying from 51 to 70 in a stomach (1st Rep. U. S. Entom. Com., Appendix 2, 55). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Bill five to eight inches long, strongly decurved; top of head streaked with buffy and black without any median light stripe; back cinnamon or grayish barred transversely with blackish; secondaries and inner vanes of primaries rufous or cinnamon; under parts varying from buffy brown to reddish brown or cinnamon; the neck and sides of breast more or less streaked or barred with blackish, the axillaries plain ciimamon or rufous with few or no black bars. Bill blackish, the base of the lower mandible flesh-color; legs bluish gray. Length 20 to 26 inches; wing 10 to 12; culmen 5 to 8.50; tarsus 2.25 to 3.50. Sexes alike and little seasonal change in plumage. The bill varies immensely with age, being only 2.50 to 3 inches long in young of the year and reaching a length of 5 or 6 inches the following season. 112. Hudsonian Curlew. Numenius hudsonicus Lath. (265) Synonyms: Jack Curlew, Jack, Short-billed Curlew, Striped-head. — Numenius hudson- icus. Lath., 1790, and authors generally. Plate XII. Known by the strongly decurved bill, which, however, is only from three to four inches in length, together with the buffy and brown striped and spotted plumage which is similar in all the curlews. Distribution. — All of North and South America, including the West Indies; breeds in the high north, and winters chiefly south of the United States. This is the least rare of our curlews, yet it is by no means a common bird at present. W^hen it occurs at all it is likely to be found in flocks of considerable size, but it also associates freely with the Golden and Black- bellied plovers, and a single curlew is not infrequently seen in a large flock of plover. B. H. Swales says "One record. On May 25, 1902, I met with a flock of fully 200 birds at St. Clair Flats. My companion, C. H. AHce, secured one male, which is mounted and in his possession. This flock was commented on by several of the resident gunners as the only curlews they had ever seen" (MS. List, Birds of S. E. Michigan, 1904). There is a Plate XII. Hudsoniaii Cuiiuw. From drawing by P. A. Taverner. (Original.) WATER BIRDS. 207 diountecl specimen in the collection of the Michigan Agricultural College, obtained from Mr. Peter Lepp, Saginaw, Mich., which he says was taken in the fall of 1896, just outside Saginaw City. It was "leading a flock of Golden Plover" and the only bird of the kind in the flock. We have a second specimen taken by Albert Hirzel, at Forestville, Sanilac county, April 23, 1906. There is also a mounted specimen (No. 20261) in the Kent Scientific Museum, Grand Rapids, marked as local, but without other data. In Indiana, according to Butler, it is much rarer than the Long-billed Curlew. In Wisconsin, according to Kumlien and Hollister, "it has certainly been decidedly rare during the past thirty years, even in migra- tions, and we have not seen a single specimen for twelve years " (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, 52). The species nests only in the far north, and its eggs are pale olive, spotted with brown, and average 2.27 by 1.57 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Top of head brownish black, with a median stripe of buffy or grayish white; a similar but broader light stripe from bill over eye to nape, bounded below by a dusky loral and post-ocular stripe; chin and upper throat white or whitish, without markings; rest of throat, neck and breast grayish or buffy^white thickly streaked with brownish black, the sides, flanks and under tail-coverts barred with the same; belly mostly imspotted; back and scapulars brownish black, spotted with buffy white, the wing-coverts similar but the lighter color predominating; primaries sharply barred on inner webs with buffy white and dusky; the axillaries buffy or cinnamon, sharply barred with blackish; upper mandible brown, lower mandible yellowish, especially toward base. Sexes alike, and seasonal changes slight; young of year hardly different from adults. Length 16.50 to 18 inches; wing 9 to 10.25; culmen 3 to 4; tarsus 2.25 to 2.30. 113. Eskimo Curlew. Numenius borealis (Forst.). (266) Synonyms: Little Curlew. — Scolopax borealis, Forst., 1772. — Nmnenius brevirostris, Licht., 1823.^ — Nimienius borealis, Lath., 1790, and authors generally. Known by its close resemblance to the Hudsonian Curlew, but the strongly decurved bill is still shorter, averaging only 2j inches; the general tone of the plumage is also more reddish. Distribution. — Eastern North America, breeding in the Arctic regions, and migrating south throughout South America. Formerly this curlew was more abundant and better known than either of the others. It appeared in large flocks during migration, and frequented dry fields and such situations as are preferred by Golden Plover. It was much hunted for its flesh, which was considered superior to that of the other curlews. Up to about 1890 it probably occurred with more or less regularity both spring and fall, and there are several well attested records of its capture. According to Gibbs (MS. List) B. F. Syke secured a female on the north marsh at Kalamazoo, October 28, 1879. It was the only one seen. In a letter to Dr. Gibbs the late W. H. Collins of Detroit said "It is quite common in Detroit markets spring and fall. Two specimens taken at St. Clair Flats in the spring of 1883; have had a number." In northeastern Lal:)rador, where this species formerly collected in immense numbers in the late summer and early fall, they almost totally disappeared in 1894, and have been very rare ever since. Up to 1894, they had remained in large numbers in spite of the persecution to wliich they were subjected (Bigelow, Auk, XIX, 1902, 29). At present the species seems to be on the verge of extinction, possibly the last one has 208 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. been killed already. The last specimen taken, so far as we know, was killed at Hog Island, Hancock county, Maine, Sep. 2, 1909 (O. W. Knight, Auk, XXVII, 1910, 79). The food of all the curlews consists partly of animal matter and partly of vegetable material, and the present species is known to feed freely on locusts, grasshoppers, crickets, and a large variety of other insects, as well as on various seeds, grains and berries. It formerly visited Labrador after the breeding season, largely to feast on the crow-berry or curlew- berry (Empetrum nigrum), and some other abundant berries before starting on its long journey southward. This is another of the species which formerly reached southern Argentina and even Patagonia on its southward migration. The writer saw it in flocks of hundreds on the Argentine Pampas in January and February, 1880 and 1881. It formerly bred in large numbers on the Barren Grounds, within the Arctic Circle, laying three or four spotted eggs in a poorly lined hollow in the ground. The eggs average 2.04 by 1.43 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION, Top of head uniformly streaked with brownish black and grayish or buffy white, without any median light stripe; an indistinct light stripe from bill over eye; remainder of head and neck buffy white, narrowly streaked with dusky or brownish black, the markings becoming arrow-shaped or v-shaped on the lower throat and breast, the sides and flanks with larger bars of the same color. Inner webs of primaries uniform brownish without bars. Length 12.60 to 14.50 inches; wing 8 to 8.50; culmen 2.25 to 2.50; tarsus 1.70 to 1 80. Family 27. CHARADRIID^. Plover. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Large, wing over 6 inches, bill nearly or quite 1 inch. B, BB. B. Three-toed, hind toe lacking. C, CC. C. Wing not over 6| inches; neck encircled by a broad white ring with a black ring below it. Killdeer. No. 116. CC. Wing more than 6f inches; neck without rings. Golden Plover. No. 115. BB, Four-toed, hind toe short but distinct. Black-bellied Plover. No. 114. AA. Small, wing not over 5 inches; a complete white ring around neck, with a dark collar below it. E, EE. E. General color of upper parts (back, etc.) pale gray or even grayish white. Piping Plover. No. 118. EE. General color of upper parts dark brownish gray. Ringneck. No. 117. 114. Black-bellied Plover. Squatarola squatarola (Lmn.). (270) Synonyms: Gray Plover, Beetle-head, Black-breast, Four-toed Plover. — Tringa squatarola, Linn., 1758, T. helvetica, 17G6.— Squatarola helvetica, Cuv., 1817, and authors generally. — Charadrius helveticus, Licht., Nutt., Aud. — Charadrius_apricarius, Wils. Likely to be confounded in any plumage with the Golden Plover which it closely resembles. With specimens in hand, however, they can be WATER BIRDS. 209 -instantly separated by examination of the feet, since the present species has a distinct hind toe in addition to the three front toes, while the Golden Plover lacks the hind toe altogether. In spring the black breast and belly have given it the name of Black-breast, while the general gray color in the fall is sufficient reason for the name Gray Plover. Of course the Golden Plover is in very similar dress at corresponding seasons, but the Golden Plover, as its name implies, shows many dots and markings of yellow in the gray upper parts, especially on the top and back of the head and the lower back. Distribution. — Nearly cosmopolitan, but chiefly in the Northern Hemis- phere, breeding far north, and migrating south in winter, in America, to the West Indies, Brazil, and Colombia. In Michigan this is not an uncommon species during the fall migration, but there are few records for spring. Dr. Gibbs states that the late D. D. Hughes took a single specimen in spring (presumably in Calhoun county) many years ago, and Mr. Albert Hirzel, of Forestville, Sanilac county, took an adult male there May 2, 1905, which is now in the Agricultural College museum. The earhest record in the fall is that of a specimen taken near Greenville, Michigan, August 10, 1893, and another August 16, 1897, by the late Percy Selous. A few have been taken in September (Sept. 26, Bay county, N. A. Eddy), but the majority are found in Octo- ber (Oct. 5, Bay City, Oct. 29, Kalamazoo, Oct. 5, Ann Arbor, and Oct. 1895, Greenville). Mr. N. A. Eddy found one in the market at Bay City, November 25, 1893, an unusually late record. Norman A, Wood found this species fairly common on the Charity Islands, at the mouth of Saginaw Bay, from Aug. 20 to Sep. 10, 1910. Among the earliest to come from the north were five adults in almost per- fect spring plumage (under parts black), while after Sep. 26, only young birds, in the gray plumage, were seen. Some of these remained until Oct. 7, but the Hght-keeper said he shot some on Nov. 21, 1909. (Wilson Bul- letin, XXIII, 1911, 91). The bird sometimes associates with the Golden Plover, but is often seen in small flocks by itself. It has much the same habits as the Golden Plove'-, but seems more inclined to frequent the lake shores and wet places generally, while the latter bird is more often seen on the dryer uplands. Both species feed largely on seeds, berries, grasshoppers and other insects, and their flesh is much better after a season of such diet, while a ranker and even a fishy taste may result from their feeding along the shore or on fresh water mud flats. This species breeds in the far north, laying three or four "light buffy olive eggs, spotted with brown and black, and averaging 2.04 by 1.43 inches" (Ridgway). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. ,.' Toes three in front, one behind, the latter short but distinct. Bill shorter than head, stout, acute, black. Adult in late spring and summer: Brownish black or dusky above, darkest on crown and lower back, everywhere speckled or barred with white; lower parts mainly clear black, including tlie sides of Iiead above the eyes, and the sides of the neck to the middle line; only the sides of breast, the anal region, under tail-coverts, and thighs white; black of the throat and neck sharply divided from the ^ray of the upper parts by a white stripe along the sides of the neck, whicli gradually shaclcs into the gray; rump and upper tail-coverts mostly white with a few dark bars; tail with numerous black and white bars; axillarics plain black. Adult in autumn and winter: Upper parts much as in summer, but lower parts without trace of black, the lower neck and sides of breast alone streaked or mottled witli brownish or grayish ash, the rest of under parts nearly pure white, 27 210 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. but the axillars always black. Young: Similar to adult in winter, but upper parts more or less speckled with buffy or pale yellow. Iris dark brown, bill, legs and feet, black Length 10.50 to 12 inches; wing 7.50; culmen 1.10; tarsus 1.95. 115. Golden Plover. Charadrius dominicus dominicus (M»/Z.). (272) Synonyms: American Golden Plover, Bull-head, Golden-back, Black-breast, Field Plover, Prairie Pigeon.— Charadrius pluvialis, Wils., 1813, Sw. & Rich., Aud., Nutt.— C. virginicus, Liclit., Cass., Baird. — C. fulvus var. virginicus, Coues, 1872. Plate XIII and Figure 56. In fall plumage similar to the preceding, but the upper parts usually show numerous spots of dull yellow or buffy white which gives it the name Golden Plover. Of course the absence of the hind toe will always separate it from the Black-belhed Plover. Distribution. — Arctic America, except coast of Bering Sea, migrating southward throughout North and South America to Patagonia. This bird is better known to sportsmen than most other shore birds owing to the fact that it is found in high dry regions, as well as along the shores and marshes. It is commonly seen in large flocks from September to November, but the larger number -^ appear during the latter half of September and Hnger for a month or more. These appear to be mainly young of the year, and they are in the gray plumage characteristic of the young birds. It seems certain that the old birds pass south in August and early September, and that a large part of them travel along the sea coast, or even over the open sea, past Bermuda and the Lesser Antilles, to the north coast of South America. On the return trip in spring the great majority, young or old, travel west of the Mississippi River, and it is exceptional to meet with the species in spring anywhere in the eastern states. This is true also of Michigan, and although several ob- servers have reported it as seen in spring, I have not been able to find a spring specimen in any collection in the state, and it seems likely that these reports may be in- correct. It has been reported in the fall from nearly every point in the Lower Peninsula where we have correspondents, and it formerly was abundant about Fig. 56. Foot of Goi- Saginaw Bay and along the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers, ;?e™cuiatrta??uT'"^ as well as on the west side of the state, and at several points in the interior, including Ingham and Kalamazoo counties. Sometimes the flocks are very large, several hundred or even a thousand birds feeding and flying together. They are apt to be wary and hard to approach, and gunners often use a horse, or a horse and wagon, for ap- proaching them. They are always good eating, and especially so in autumn when they have fed for a few weeks on seeds, berries, and insects, at a distance from salt water. They are very swift in their flight, and when in migration flock after flock will pass over the most attractive country without ahghting. Although they undoubtedly migrate at times by night, great flights have been seen by day, and on the plains of southern w : -I Plate XIII. Golden Plover. Fall plumage. From drawing by P. A. Taverner. (Original.) WATER BIRDS. 213 South America the writer has sometimes seen flocks pass in rapid succession for many hours at a time. Although they extend their migrations to all parts of the southern hemisphere, even to Australia and Patagonia, they are not known to nest anywhere except in Arctic regions, the American form nesting largely in Alaska and British America to the northwest of Hudson Bay. Three or four eggs are laid in a slight hollow in the ground. They are buff, grayish olive, or brownish, and spotted with brownish black. They average 2.07 by 1.40 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Similar in all its plumages to the Black -bellied Plover, except in three respects, viz.: The hind toe is always absent, the axillars are pale smoky gray instead of clear black, and the upper parts are always distinctly spotted with buffy or pale yellow. This latter pattern is seen also in the young Black-belly, but the yellow spots then are fewer and duller. Length 9.50 to 10.80 inches; wing 6.80 to 7.40; culmen .80 to 1; tarsus 1.55 to 1.82. 116. Killdeer. Oxyechus voc'ferus {Linn.). (273) Synonyms: Noisy Plover. — Charadrius vociferus Linn., 1758, Wils., Nutt., Aud. — Aegilitis vociferus, Bonap., Cass., Baird, Coues. — Oxyechus vociferus, Reich., 1853, Ridgw., 1881. — Charadrius torquatus, Linn., 1766. Figure 57. Unique among our plover in having two black bands across the upper breast, and the rump and upper tail-coverts bright cinnamon brown. Distribution — Temperate North America, breeding north to New- foundland and Manitoba, migrating to the West Indies and Central and northern South America. Bermuda. The Killdeer is too well known to merit any extended notice. It spends the entire warmer half of the year with us, arriving from the south as soon as any considerable amount of bare ground appears in the spring, and lingering in autumn until the first snow falls. Probably the greater number arrive during the last of March and first of April and depart toward the end of September, but consider- able numbers come earlier and stay later. The Killdeer frequents wet and dry places alike, but it shows a decided preference for newly plowed fields and especially for the edges of the shallow muddy pools which abound everywhere throughout the state. It is one of the noisiest of the shore birds, and in Coues new Key we find the name Noisy Plover given as one of its synonyms. Though not exactly a gregarious bird, it is seldom found alone, being most often seen in little companies of two to eight, except during the nesting season when it is found only in pairs. Fig. 57. Killdeer. From Baird, Brewer and Ridgway's Water Birds of North America. (Little, Brown «fe Co.) 214 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. The nest is a mere hollow in a cornfield, pasture, or almost any open field and usually there is little in the way of lining for the nest, merely a few grass blades or weed-stalks, or sometimes only a few smooth pebbles. Commonly the eggs are three or four, surprisingly large for the size of the bird, and dull buffy white, thickly spotted with black. They measure 1.47 by 1.04 inches. This bird has an exasperating habit of signaling the approach of a stranger, or indeed of any individual which it chooses to consider an in- truder. Often it will fly half a mile with loud outcries to meet and scold the sportsman who is trying to get within shot of a flock of ducks, and it will follow a man or a dog from one field to another during the nesting season, calling attention to the enemy by its loud outcries. If the nest be approached the bird redoubles its complaints, and if the young or eggs are discovered will throw itself on the ground before the intruder and feign lameness or serious injury in the attempt to draw him away. Both young and old have the habit of squatting and remaining quiet under certain circumstances, but they are much more hkely to rush into danger than to tr}^ to avoid it. The Killdeer is not considered a good table bird, and the few which are killed by gunners are shot commonly in anger or merely for the sake of practice in wing shooting. From the fact that the eggs are found in May or June (occasionally even in April in southern Michigan), and often again late in July, it seems probable that this species rears two broods, but it is exposed to so many dangers, and in particular it persists so obstinately in nesting in fields which are soon to be plowed, that the nests found in July may indicate only second or third attempts to rear a brood. After the nesting season Killdeers frequently collect in flocks of twelve to thirty and frequent the edges of ponds and streams, sometimes associa- ting with other shore birds. Although most abundant in cultivated districts, the species is fairly well distributed over the entire state and no doubt nests in every part of the state where conditions are at all favorable. The Killdeer is a voracious insect eater and is particularly valuable to the farmer on account of its fondness for grasshoppers and for the insects of cultivated land. It eats some seeds it is true, but we have never heard a complaint of injury to wheat or any other grain, and it doubtless confines its seed eating largely to grass seeds and weed seeds. Aughey took as many as 49 locusts from a single Killdeer's stomach in Nebraska, and the average in six stomachs was 44. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Bill shorter than head, straight, stout; forehead, chin, and broad ring round upper neck, pure white; below the white collar is a black band, broadest in front, very- narrow at the back where it is sometimes incomplete; below this is a white crescent across the chest, bouiuled below by a broad black band across the breast; rest of under parts l^ure white; a black l^ar across front of crown, and a blackish stripe from base of bill across side of head, bounding tlie white collar above; a white stripe back of the eye, usually ending in buff; top of iiead and middle of back brownish gray, the feathers often tipped with rusty; lower back, rumj) and vipper tail-coverts light buff to deep rust-red ; tail long, much graduated, the middle feathers blackish, tipped with brown, the outer feathers white or buffy white at base, with sub-terminal black spaces and broad white tips; a conspicuous white wing-bar, and both primaries and secondaries with large white patches. Iris brown, eye-lids bright orange-red, bill black, feet and legs yellowish. Sexes alike, and little seasonable change in plumage, but young birds in the fall show numerous rusty-edged feathers on the back and wings. Length 10 to 11.25 inches; wing 6.20 to 6.75; tail 3.60 to 4.10; culmen .70 to .90; tarsus 1.40 to 1.55. h WATER BIRDS. 215 117. Ring-necked Plover, i^gialitis semipalmata (Bonap.). (274) Synonyms: Semipalmated Plover, Ring-neck, Ring Plover, Beach Bird. — Charadrius semipalmatus, Bonap., 1825. — ^gialitis semipalmatus, Cab., 1856, and authors generally. — ^Tringa hiaticula, Wils. Figure 58. A small plover readily known by its grayish brown back and the com- plete white collar above a similar black one of about the same width. Distribution. — Arctic and Subarctic America, migrating south throughout tropical America, as far as Brazil, Peru and the Galapagos. A common bird of the lake shores in spring and again in late summer, and regularly, though less often, seen along the shores of streams and about mud flats in the interior of the state. It arrives from the south during May, lingers until after -^ the first of June (sometimes until after the middle) . ^^ '^ \ goes north to breed, and is back again by the middle ^ ^^ of July, remaining here and there through August and September. Sometimes it is seen in pairs or even singly, but usually it appears in small flocks of six to thirty individuals, and these feed and fly together, seemingly unwilhng to be separated even for . ° ' ° -^ ° ^ Fig. 5S. KiiiK-in-tkcil a moment. Plover. From Bailey's Unlike most of our plover this species seems to be un- ^|^fJJo°^.f aioughton! happy away from water, and I do not remember ever Mifflin & Co. to have met with it except along the water's edge. It associates commonly with sandpipers and other shore birds and we have found it in Ingham county almost always with the Least Sandpiper and the Semipalmated. In Nebraska, however, it must frequent the prairies as well as the margins of ponds and streams, for Professor Aughey found it feeding freely on the Rocky Mountain locust in 1865, 1874 and 1875, and every stomach examined in those years contained large numbers of these locusts, with comparatively few other insects; the average number of locusts in each stomach was fifty-three (1st Rep. U. S. Entom. Com., App. 2, p. 49). There is no hkelihood at all that it ever nests within our limits, and it is not possible that the birds which leave us late in June are the same which return by the middle of July; on the contrary, it is probable that those which return to us earliest are the ones which went north early in May, while those which linger with us until June do not reappear until September. This, however, is mainly conjecture. It nests in the far north, and a nest described by Eifrig (Auk, XXII, 1905, 239) was found at Fullerton, on Hudson Bay, July 1, 1904, and was a mere hollow in the sand without any lining whatever. It contained four eggs which were "light brown with a slight green tinge and numerous roundish blackish umber and lilac spots and dots." According to Ridgway the eggs measure about 1.26 by .94 inches. TECHNICAL D KSCRI PTI OX. Adult male in summer: Forehead white, bordered beliinil by a black bar across the crown; remainder of crown, occiput, and nape grayish brown; chin, throat, ring round neck, and most of under parts pure wliite; a black band across the upper breast, extcndmg back- ward almost around the neck, but seldom complete; back and upper surface of wmgs and 216 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. tail grayish brown; primaries blackish on tlie outer webs and at tips, but with white shafts; outer pair of tail-feathers entirely white, next two or three pairs white at base and tip, with a blackish sub-terminal bar, middle feathers like tlic back, but blackening at tip. Bill black at tip, orange at base; legs yellowish. Female: Similar, but most of the black areas duller or browner. In winter plumage all the black is replaced by grayish brown, but this is darker than the remaining areas, so that the pattern of coloration is similar. Length 6.50 to 7.50 inches; wing 4.65 to 5; culmen .48 to .55; tarsus .95 to 1.05. 118. Piping Plover. iEgialitis meloda (On/). (277) Synonyms: Pale Ring-neck, White Ring-neck, Belted Pi{)ing Plover, Western Piping Plover. — Charadrius melodus, Ord., 1824, Bonap., Nutt., Aud.^ — Aegialitis melodus, Cass., Baird, Coues, Ridgw. — Acgialites melodus circumcinctus, Ridgw., 1881. With a close general resemblance to the Ring-necked Plover, this bird may be known at once by the pale brownish gray tint of the upper parts and the black or dark collar which sometimes completely encircles the neck (var. circumcincta) , but usually is broken in front (typical meloda). Distribution. — Eastern North America. Breeds locally from southern Saskatchewan, southern Ontario, Magdalen Islands and Nova Scotia south to Central Nebraska, northwestern Indiana, Lake Erie, New Jersey and Virginia. This little plover is found everywhere along the shores of the Great Lakes during summer, and probably breeds wherever conditions are suitable. In 1874 Ridgway described a variety of this species which he named circumcincta, in which the black collar was continuous across the chest instead of being interrupted there by white as in the common form. This new variety was said to be ''chiefly restricted to the Missouri River region," but was found later to occur more or less regularly throughout the Great Lake Region and less often in the eastern states. The form was recognized by the American Ornithologists' Union, under the name ^giahtis meloda circumcincta, the Belted Piping Plover, and has figured as a distinct sub- species for the last thirty years. Recently, however, sufficient evidence has accumulated to make it clear that the two supposed forms intergrade completely and occupy practically the same territory, so that the belted form is no longer considered a distinct sub-species and the last check-list of the American Ornithologists' Union (1910) recognizes only the Piping Plover, as above. The typical form {meloda) is common along the north shore of Lake Erie, and has been found breeding in some numbers at Point Pelee, near the western end of that lake (Birds of Ontario, 1894, 165). According to Covert it is fairly common during migrations in Monroe county, and nests at the Monroe ]\Iarshes (probably along the beach of Lake Erie). The writer found two specimens on Little Traverse Bay, Emmet county, early in July, 1904, and a female, evidently with eggs or young, was found on Big Beaver Island, Lake Michigan, a few days later. We have records of the so- called Belted Piping Plover (supported by specimens) from Ottawa county, April 23 and 24, 1897, and April 25, 1896, and there are records for the Indi- ana shore of Lake Michigan, and for the Illinois and Wisconsin shores of the same lake. We have also a typical specimen taken at Port Sanilac on the Huron shore, April 15, 1897, by W. A. Oldfield. According to Nelson "It is a very common summer resident along the lake shore [of Lake Michigan in Illinois], breeding on the flat pebbly beach between the sand dunes and shore. Arrives the middle of April and proceeds at once to breeding. Some thirty pairs were breeding along the beach at this place (Waukegan) April WATER BIRDS. 217 24, 1876, within a space of two miles, and I afterwards found the birds as numerous at several points along the shore. Every effort was made to discover their nests, without success. The first of July the year previous, Dr. Velie obtained young but a very few days old at this same locality, showing that there is a considerable variation in the time of breeding" (Bull. Essex Inst. VIII, 1876, 123). Our notes are too meager to give much idea of its times of departure, but a specimen in the College Museum taken near Forestville, Sanilac county, Nov. 24, 1903, would indicate that stragglers at least remain until ice forms. Unlike the Ring-necked Plover this bird is seldom seen in flocks or even in squads, being usually solitary or in pairs, although little family parties of five or six are not uncommon in late summer. It is also more closely restricted to the shores of the large lakes, and we have no record of its occurrence in the interior of the state. Its food is probably similar to that of the Ring-neck, and consists largely of the larvae of aquatic insects, with some Crustacea, spiders and worms. In Nebraska Professor Aughey found it feeding entirely on insects, a large part of which were locusts. The nest is a mere hollow in the sand, and the eggs are three or four in number, pale buffy, rather sparingly speckled with black and purplish gray and average 1.27 by .96 inches. Taverner and Swales found this species nesting on the north shore of Lake Erie during the first week of June, 1905, and state that the birds have the habit of making scores of decoy or false nests, which they often occupy, but in which eggs are never laid. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult in summer: A black bar across the crown from eye to eye, and a collar of black on the sides of the chest and lower neck, sometimes complete on the back of neck but often interrupted by white in the middle line of the chest; a white collar encircles the neck above the black, and is continuous in front with the white throat, chin, and forehead; tlie entire remaining under parts pure white; upper parts from crown to tail uniform pale drab gray or smoke-gray, sometimes pale enough to be called ashy white, and interrupted only by the white collar on the nape and the accompanying black feathers behind it; tail-feathers largely white at base and tip, all except the outer pair (which are pure white) with a sub- terminal blackish bar or spot; a conspicuous white wing-bar, and much of the inner webs of the primaries white, their outer webs and tips dusky or black. Bill black at tij), yellow at base; legs and feet reddish yellow. Sexes almost or quite alike. Adult in winter: Similar, except that the black is replaced with gray like that of the back or a little darker. Young: Similar to winter adults, but witii yellowish or wliite edgings on feathers of the upper parts. Length 6.25 to 7.50 inclies; wing 4.50 to 4. SO; culmen .45 to .50; tarsus .85 to 1. Family 28. APHRIZID^. Surf Birds and Turnstones. Only a single Michigan representative, the Turnstone. 119. Turnstone. Arenaria interpres morinella (Linn.). (283a) Synonyms: Ruddy Turnstone, Calico-back, Rcd-lcggcd Plover.— Tringa morinella, Linn., 17GG, Wils., 1813. — Strepsilas interpres, lUiger, JSll, and authors generally. Figure 69. Known by the plover-like bill, white throat, and the checkered or calico pattern, in black, white and rufous, of most of the upper parts. In full plumage the legs are red or distinctly reddish. 218 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Fig. 59. Turnstone. From Baird, Brewer and Ridgway's Water Birds of North America. (Little, Brown & Co.) Distribution. — Arctic America, from the Mackenzie River eastward; southward in migration, chiefly coastwise, to Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. Normally a bird of the sea shore this species occurs regularly, though usually in small numbers, along the shores of the Great Lakes, and probably in rare instances inland. Major Boies says: "I killed a number of these birds in the fall of 1894, on the eastern shore of Neebish Island, St. Mary's River [two specimens in College Museum]; also saw them quite plentiful on Crescent Key, on the west side. I found them quite agreeable eating as they were quite fat" (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club, I, 1897, 20). Mr. Newell A. Eddy states that he found the Turnstone common at the mouth of the Saginaw River on May 30, 1900, "where it occurred in flocks as well as singly." He took a male, which is now in his collection, and says he could easily have taken many more. According to Dr. Gibbs a specimen was taken by Mr. Corwin at Austin's Lake, Kalamazoo county. May 20, 1878. He also states that since that time others have been shot in Kalamazoo county, and it does not appear to be a very rare migrant. We have recently obtained for the college col- lection two specimens in nearly perfect breeding plumage taken near For- estville, Sanilac county, June 3, 1904, by Mr. Albert Hirzel. Mr. N. A. Wood, with the biological survey party, found the Turnstone rather common as a migrant along the shore of Huron county, from Aug. 20 to 27, 1908. Again in 1910, with the Mershon expedition, the species was found in small numbers on the Charity Islands, Saginaw Bay, from Aug. 6 to 24. Mr. B. H. Swales records a flock of 30 seen at Grosse Isle, Wayne county. May 29, 1910 (Auk XXVII, 1910, 452). Mcllwraith states that at Hamilton Beach, Ontario, ''It is a regular visitor in spring and fall, but there are seldom more than two or three found together. Young and old are observed together in September and hnger till the end of that month, when they move farther south " (Birds of Ontario, 1894, p. 168). In Kumlien and Hollister's Birds of Wisconsin (page 55) the Turnstone is said to be not uncommon as a migrant especially in spring. "Small numbers remain about Lake Koshkonong well into June, and a few, in exceptional j^'ears, remained all summer, but there was no evidence that they bred. We have seen these birds about Ontonagon, Michigan, in the latter part of July, and Green Bay late in June; still they unques- tionably breed only far north of us." Butler states that "except along Lake Michigan it is almost unknown. There are but two records from the interior of the state" (Birds of Indiana, 1897, 745). In northeastern Illinois, according to Nelson, "it is a common migrant along Lake Michigan. Arrives May 15, in full breeding plumage and is found until the first week in June. Returns early in August, still in breeding plumage, which is ex- changed for that of winter during the last of the month. Departs about the 20th of September. While here they are generall}' found in company WATER BIRDS. 219 with flocks of the smaller species of sandpipers" (Bull. Essex Inst. VIII, 1876,123). This is strictly a shore bird, spending its time on beaches and flats con- stantly wet by the waves, and probing in the sand and among the pebbles for the minute forms of animal Hfe on which it mainly subsists. It nests at the far north, on the ground, close to the beach, where it lays from two to four light olive eggs, speckled with brown, and averaging 1.58 by 1.13 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Bill shorter than head, straight, stout, spike-like; toes without trace of connecting webs. Adult: Entire top of head, nape and hind neck, grayish white more or less streaked with brownish black; loral region, chin, and upper throat white, without streaks or spots; a black patch or streak above and in front of eye, joining another below the eye, this in turn con- tinuous with the black of breast and sides of neck, which forms a large breast patch and almost or quite encircles the middle of the neck as a black collar; lower breast and remainder of under parts pure white; back, scapulars and wing-coverts marbled or mottled with black and rufous or chestnut, some of the feathers with whitish edges; rump and long upper tail-coverts pure white, shorter coverts black; tail-feathers with basal half and narrow tips white, the rest black; primaries brownish black, with white shafts; greater wing-coverts white-tipped; bill black; legs orange-red. Young: Similar, but with little or no chestnut or rufous above, and with much more buff and whitish. Sexes alike. Length 9 to 9.90 inches; wing about 6; culmen .80 to .90; tarsus 1. 220 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. LIFE HISTORIES OF MICHIGAN BIRDS.— PART 2. LAND BIRDS. Order X. GALLING. Fowl-like Birds. KEY TO FAMILIES. A. Tarsus (shank) unfeathered. B, BB. B. Head naked or merely bristly; forehead with a median fleshy horn or "finger." Family 33. Meleagridte. Turkeys. BB. Head mostly feathered, without fleshy horn or finger. C, CC. C. Large birds; wing 8 inches or more; tarsus (shank) of male always with a spur. — Family Phasianidse. Old World Pheasants. CC. Small birds; wing less than 6 inches; tarsus of male without spur. Family 31. Odontophoridae. Quail or Bob white. AA. Tarsus feathered at least half way from "knee" to foot (Fig. 61). Family 32. Tetraonidse. Grouse, Ptarmigan, etc. Fig. CI. Ruffed Grouse. Family 31. ODONTOPHORIDAE. Quail or Bob white. Only a single species, the common Quail or Bob-white, is native to Mich- igan. Several other quails, from the Pacific states and the southwest, are found occasionally in captivity in a half-domesticated state. Those most often seen thus are the California Quail and Gambel's Quail, conspicuous for the beautiful crest of recurved feathers. 120. Quail. Colinus virginianus virginianus {Linn.). (289) Synonyms: Bob-white, Virginia Partridge. — Tetrao virginianus, Linn., 1758. — Perdix virginiana, Lath., Wils., Aud., and others. — Ortyx virginiana, Jard., and many recent authors. Figure 60. So well known as hardly to need description, but the small size, white throat, and mottled brown, black and white plumage will readily separate it from the only birds with which it could be confounded. LAND BIRDS. 221 -• Distribution. — Eastern United States and southern Ontario, from southern Maine to the South Atlantic and Gulf States; west to central South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and eastern Texas. Breeds throughout its range. In Michigan the Quail is abundant only in the southern half of the state, although it occurs at favorable points over the entire Lower Peninsula. The sole record for the Upper Peninsula is that by Dr. S. Kneeland, who reported it as not uncommon on Keweenaw Point, the most northern point of the state, in 1856-57. His record is as follows: "This is another of the birds that follow man in his agricul- tural movements. A few years since Quails were unknown in the Upper Peninsula; now they are not uncommon on the Point; as yet they have not been seen on Portage Lake As more attention is paid to agriculture for the support of the mining population, the Fig. 60. Bob-white. Male. Quail will doubtless be common in the fields " From Hoffmann's Guide. (Hoiigh- (Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. VI, 1859, p. 237). '°"' '"^^'^ ^ ^°-^ There are records for practically every county in the Lower Peninsula, but it has been winter killed almost everywhere except in the extreme south, and even there the severe winters have more than once nearly exterminated it. Kneeland's statement as to the increase of this species with the extension of agriculture, although not verified on Keweenaw Point, seems to have ample confirmation in the Lower Peninsula, in the northern portion of which this bird apparently was unknown until after 1850. It was unknown at South Frankfort, Benzie county, until the summer of 1891, when a pair bred on the farm of Mr. W. G. Voorheis, and soon spread over the surrounding country. Mr. H. A. Danville, Jr., of Copemish, Manistee county, writes (Dec. 22, 1906): "The Quail was never seen in this county (Manistee) until about 1890. From that time until 1903 they became more numerous, but the severe winter of 1903-1904 almost destroyed them, and I have not seen one in the last three years, but a neighbor saw a flock about a mile from my place this week." During the nesting season it is found in pairs, mostly in the open ground, and the male is a conspicuous figure as he sits on the top of a fence-post or stump and repeats his clear call of "bob- white" or "more wet" for half an hour at a time. The nest is generally well concealed in brush or long grass, sometimes even approached by a covered arbor or tunnel through the grass., but more often exposed in at least one direction. It is deeply hollowed, well lined with fine grass, and may contain anywhere from ten to twenty-four white, unspotted eggs, which average 1.19 by .94 inches. The female sits very close, but both birds take part in incubation and accompany the young after they are hatched. From this time on they are always found in families or "coveys" and the male is less often heard calling from the fence-posts, having plenty of other work to do. Not infrequently a second brood is reared, but in most cases this seems to be due to a failure of the first brood. However, young less than half grown are frequently seen in September, and nests with fresh eggs have been found occasionally in August and September. Ordinarily the eggs are laid from May 20 to June 10. 222 MlCllIOAN I5IR1) IJFE. This is one of the famous game birds, but it is much to be regretted that some other bird cannot be substituted and the Quail be preserved for his service as an insect eater. We have few species more valuable to the farmer. It does absolutely no damage to any crop, but on the other hand consumes immense quantities of harmful insects during the warmer half of the year, and at other times gorges himself with seeds of the weeds which are among the farmer's worst foes. It seems to be particularly fond of span-worms or inch-worms, as well as of grasshoppers, and it is one of the few species which habitually eat the chinch-bug, that scourge of the wheat field from southern Michigan southward. For a full discussion of this subject the reader is referred to Dr. Sylvester Judd's paper on The Economic Value of Bob-white (Year book U. S. Dep't Agr. 1903, 193-204). If the farmer had a httle more foresight he would keep his acres well stocked with these birds, feeding them about his barns and straw-stacks during severe winters, and posting his land to prevent shooting without permission. Under such conditions he could get all the benefit to be derived from the presence of the bird during the summer, and might still give his friends good shooting in the fall, or even rent the shooting privilege under certain restrictions, as is sometimes done in other parts of the country. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male in .summer: Forehead, line over and behind the eye, and entire chin and upper throat pure white, this throat patch bordered everywhere with clear black which forms a crescent on the chest and throat, the horns of the crescent formed by a stripe on each side from bill below eye; top of head mixed black and brown, the nape and back of neck similar, but sharply streaked and spotted with white; interscapulars and sides of chest pinkish brown, more or less barred with black; scapulars and tertiaries rufous or chestnut, heavily barred and spotted with black, the inner edges of tertiaries broadly margined with creamy or pure white; rump streaked with black; tail bluish ash, sprinkled with black and white; breast and belly pale cinnamon to dull white, the chest and breast with numerous V-shaped or brace-shaped black spots and bars; sides of breast and flanks rufous or chestrmt, more or less streaked with l)lack and white. Female: Similar, but the white head and throat markings replaced l)y clear buff. In autumn and winter both sexes show less pure black and white, and more rufous and buff, the inner edges of the tertiaries being then pure buff instead of white. Length 9.50 to 10.75 inches; wing 4.30 to 4.70; tail 2.40 to 2.90; culmen .55 to .65; tar- sus 1.20 to 1.50. Family 32. TETRAONID.E. Grouse, Ptarmigan, Etc. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Tarsus entirely feathered. B, BB. B. Toes also feathered. Willow Ptarmigan. No. 124. BB. Toes naked. C, CC. C. A bunch of long narrow, stiff feathers on each side of neck (Fig. 63). Prairie Chicken. No. 125. CC. No bunches of stiff feathers on sides of neck. D, DD. D. Wing less than 7 inches; outer web of primaries without white spots. Spruce Partridge. No. 121. ])I). Wing over 8 inches; outer web of primaries with white spots. Sharp-tailed Grouse. No. 126. AA. Lower half of tarsus bare. Ruffed Grouse and Canada Ruffed Grouse. Nos. 122, 123. LAND BIRDS. 223 121. Spruce Partridge. Canachites canadensis canace (Linn.) (298c) Synonyms: Spruce Hen, Spruce Grouse, Canadian Spruce Grouse, Canada Grouse, Spotted Grouse, Fool Hen. — Tetrao canace, Linn., 1766.- — Tetrao canadensis, of many authors. — Canace canadensis, Reich., 185 L — Canace canadensis var. canadensis, B. B. & R., 1875. The black chin and black tail tipped with buff are characteristic marks of the adult male. The female is mottled black and white below, black finely barred with buff above. Distribution. — Northern Minnesota and Michigan, northern New York, northern New England, New Brunswick and the Canadian zone of southern and eastern Canada. This was once a common bird throughout the pine regions of Michigan, but even in those areas was restricted almost entirely to the spruce and cedar swamps. It was formerly abundant throughout the Upper Peninsula and in all the high lands about the sources of the Manistee, Muskegon, and AuSable rivers, and is still found sparingly in these places. Just how far southward it ever extended is difficult to say. There is a mounted specimen in the collection of the Agricultural College, labeled "North Michigan," but under the corresponding number in the museum catalogue the entry reads: "Lansing, 1874." As the original name has been erased and the name of the Spruce Partridge written over it, there is good reason to suppose that the numbers on two specimens have been transposed. Nevertheless, as the porcupine was formerly common about Lansing, and the northern hare abundant in the same county, it is not impossible that the Spruce Grouse also occurred. The most southern point in the state at which it now occurs, so far as can be learned, is Roscommon county, where a few may still be found in the deeper swamps. Captain Bendire states that "at times during the winter, it is partially migratory; probably due more to lack of suitable food than to cold" (Life Histories, I, p. 51). In most cases it breeds wherever it is found. In 1894, Major Boies found a few on Neebish Island, and was told that it was abundant on the mainland on both sides of the St. Mary's River (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club, I, 1897, 20). Mr. O. B. Warren states that it was formerly abundant in Marquette county, but in 1898 had become uncommon owing to the changed conditions. He predicts its speedy extermination unless better protected. In 1905, F. H. Chapin reported it as common in spruce timber in Mackinac, Alger, and Luce counties, all in the Upper Peninsula, and in Emmet county (Lower Peninsula) as well. Mr. Ed. Van Winkle states that it was common in Delta county fifteen years ago but is now growing rare, while Mr. Thomas B. Wyman, of Negaunee, says that in suit- able places in Marquette, Alger and Luce counties it is still common (Dec. 1905) in spruce thickets, frequenting lower and moister lands than the Ruffed Grouse. Mr. W. M. Wolfe reports seeing a single female near Beulah, Benzie county, in the summer of 1906. ■ The accounts of different observers vary widely as to the habits of the bird. As a rule, it is said to be far from wary, in many cases almost stupidly tame; but of late years it seems to have learned something from persecu- tion, for some observers call it more timid than the Ruffed Grouse in the same regions. It nests on the ground and lays from eight to fifteen huffy eggs, speckled and spotted with deep brown, and averaging 1.71 by 1.22 inches. The flesh of the Spruce Partridge is said to be much inferior to that of 224 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. the Ruffed Grouse, and always bitter in winter, presumably from the spruce and tamarack buds which form a large part of its food. It is likel3^ however, that during a large part of the year it feeds on seeds, berries, leaves, insects, and buds other than those of the spruce and tamarack, and that its flesh at such times is well flavored. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Tail-feathers sixteen. Adult male: Forehead black with a small white spot on either side; bare skin above the eye bright red; rest of head and back of neck ashy gray, barred with black; back, scapulars and wing-coverts similar, but the general tone brownish gray; tail black rather broadly tipped with light rusty; chin and upper throat mainly black, bordered more or less completely by a circle or necklace of white s^jots; lower neck and breast black, most of the feathers with broad white tips, but a solid black patch of some size on the chest, and another on the middle of the lower breast; sides and flanks mixed gray, brown and black, with long white shaft streaks on many feathers. Female entirely different: Upper parts closely barred with pale rusty and black, many feathers with narrow white tips; tail similarly barred with black and rufous, with a broad terminal band of rusty; under parts buff or white, sharply barred with black, buff predominating on the chest and black and white on the belly. Length 14.70 to 16.20 inches; wing 6.50 to 7.35; tail 5 to 5.75. 122. Ruffed Grouse. Bonasa umbellus umbellus {Linn.). (300) Synonyms: Partridge, Pheasant, Grouse. — Tetrao umbellus, Linn., 1766, Wils., Aud., Bonap., Nutt. — Bonasa umbellus, Steph., Baird, Elliot and others. Figures 61 and 62. The tuft of broad, square-tipped black feathers on either side of the neck, and the long fan-like, gray-tipped tail, with its broad sub-terminal band of black or dark brown, are characteristic of both sexes; the neck ruffs of the male, however, are larger and glossy, while those of the female are browner or duller and without gloss. Distribution. — Eastern United States, and southern Canada, west to Minnesota, south in the mountains to Northern Georgia, Mississippi, and Kansas. The Ruffed Grouse, or common Partridge, is generally distributed over the entire state, although it becomes yearly less common in the cultivated districts. The bird is naturally unsuspicious and far from wdld, but constant persecution has rendered it very timid throughout most of the state. In the wilder portions of the Lower Peninsula, and in much of the Upper Pe- ninsula, it still retains much of its unsuspicious nature, and when flushed, either by man or dog, it goes but a short distance and often, if not usually, alights in a tree, where it sits in full sight apparently quite unconcerned. Its food consists largely of buds and leaves, and it is particularly fond of the buds of hazel, birch, poplar, and apple, and instances are known where apple trees standing close to the woods have been nearly stripped of their buds during the winter. While the ground is bare of snow the bird feeds largely on berries and seeds, and eats insects freely when they are obtainable. Dr. A. K. Fisher, of the United States Department of Agriculture, states that Ruffed Grouse are very fond of grasshoppers and crickets, and that it is rare to find a stomach or crop that does not contain their remains during seasons when these insects are plentiful. He also states that "beech nuts, chestnuts, and acorns of the chestnut oak and white oak are common articles of food. In the fall the foUage of plants often forms LAND BIRDS. 225 a large part of their food, those of clover, strawberry, buttercup, winter- green, and partridge-berry predominating" (Bendire, Life Histories of North American Birds, Vol. I, p. 63). Ordinaril}^ the Partridge roosts in trees, the covey separating somewhat so that not more than two or three birds roost in any one tree. They commonly select dense evergreens and perch in the thickest parts wdiere they are well screened. In severe weather, after a considerable depth of snow has accumulated, they frequently plunge into the snow toward night and pass the entire night completely below the surface. It is com- monly believed that many are killed each winter through this habit, the snow freezing at the surface during the night, forming a crust so hard that the bird is unable to break through in the morning; but while this may happen occasionally it is not likely that many birds are thus killed. One remarkable thing in connection with the life of this bird is the fact that during the winter the toes become fringed with a growth of horny scales or plates which serve to support it while walking on the snow. These are shed again in the spring, being molted precisely like the feathers (See Fig. 62). The drumming of the Ruffed Grouse is one of the remarkable sounds of the woods, and although most commonly heard during the mating season, is continued with little interruption until snow falls, and is resumed again in earliest spring. The sound is produced by the male bird beating the air with its wings, and some observers believe that he strikes the wings together over the back, others that most of the sound is produced by the blows of the wings upon the bird's sides, while still others think that a hollow log is necessary for the production of the resonant tones. It seems probable, however, that the blows of the wings upon the air alone are sufficient to produce the sound, and the performance is believed to be the call or invita- tion of the male bird to the female. The nest is placed on the ground, often, but by no means always, at the foot of a tree or beside a log. It is merely a hollow lined with dry leaves, and the sitting bird is usually in plain sight except for the protective color- ation which her own plumage affords. The eggs vary in number from eight to twelve, occasionally more, but more than fourteen is an unusual number. Captain Bendire states that he has one reliable record of a nest with twenty- three eggs, but that the average is about eleven. The eggs are nearly white, varying from pure white to buffy, and are often entirely unspotted, although others are more or less sprinkled with fine dots of reddish Ijrown which are rarely large enough to be called spots. The eggs average 1.58 by 1.19 inches. The young run as soon as hatched and when suddenly alarmed are very skilful in hiding. At such times the old bird almost always feigns lameness or injury in order to draw the enemy away, but if this fails she has l:)een known to fly boldly at a man or dog, sometimes even driving the latter away. The male is said to forsake the female as soon as the eggs are laid and apparently takes no part in caring for the young, but when these are well grown the males join the coveys and remain with them until the following spring. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Tail-feathers eighteen; feathers of crown somewhat elongated, forming a small crc.<;t; neck with a dark ruff formed by a tuft of broad black or brownish black feathers on eitiior side. Adult male: Top of head with many narrow cross-bars of black, rusty brown and sometimes white; rest of upper parts mottled rusty-brown and whitish, the scapulars, 29 226 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. interscapulars, inner secondaries and wing-coverts usually edged or tipped with buffy white and often witla large spots of black; each feather of lower back, rump and upper tail-coverts with a lance-shaped or heart-shaped shaft spot of grayish white; neck ruffs clear sooty black, with greenish or purplish metallic gloss at the tip; tail rusty brown to clear gray, crossed at regular distances by 6 to 9 narrow black bars, followed by a broad sub-terminal black or brownish black band, and tipped by speckled gray or grayish white. Chin and upper throat clear buff, the lower feathers more or less tipped with dusky; re- mainder of under parts white, grayish white, or bufTy white with numerous cross-bars of deep buff, brown or black, these bars strongest and darkest on sides and flanks, often obscure on breast and belly. Female: Similar, but somewhat smaller; the ruff smaller, duller and more brownish, the dark bars below less distinct. Iris hazel, bill dark brown, feet dark horn-color. Length 15.50 to 19 inches; wing 7 to 7.50; tail 5.50 to 7. Fig. G2. Foot of Ruffed Grouse, in summer and in winter (at riglit). Reprinted from Cliapman's Bird Life, by courtesy of D. Appleton & Co. 123. Canada Ruffed Grouse. Bonasa umbellus togata (Linn.). (300a) Synonyms: Northern Ruffed Grouse, Canadian Ruffed Grouse, Spruce-woods Ruffled Grouse (not Spruce Grouse). — Tetrao togatus, Linn., 1766. Separable from the common Ruffed Grouse by its somewhat larger size, decidedly grayer upper parts and tail, and the heavier, more distinct dark bars of the under parts. It also as a rule shows more black on the upper surface and a decided absence of rufous on the same areas; typical examples, however, can scarcely be named without comparison, even by experts. Distribution. — The spruce forests of northern New England, northern New York, and the British Provinces, west to Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, north to James Bay. The occurrence of this subspecies in Michigan has been a matter of doubt ever since its description by Ridgway in 1885. Various writers have stated more or less positively that it was found in the colder parts of the state, but in most cases specimens have not been examined by competent authorities. Even now we do not feel sure that typical togata is found anywhere in the state, although it seems highly probable that birds from the spruce forests of the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula may prove to belong to this race. It is included in Mr. Wood's list of birds observed in the Por- cupine Mountains, Ontonagon county (Ecology of Northern Michigan. 1906, p. 114), and Mr. Wood writes me that the specimens collected by the party at that time (summer of 1904) were identified as togata by ■ LAND BIRDS. 227 Mr. H. C. Oberholser, of Washington. He is also positive that other specimens in the University of Michigan Museum, viz., one from Delta county, two from Iosco county, and one from Houghton county, belong to the same subspecies. Mr. Frothingham also records this subspecies from the Michigan Forest Reserve in Roscommon county, where, however, he believes that both forms are found. On the other hand, Mr. William Brewster, who has examined most of the specimens in the Agricultural College collection, states that a specimen from Kalamazoo county and another from Ionia county are typical umhellus, and that, as he has equally good representatives of this form from Cadillac, Wexford county (the highest ground in the Lower Peninsula), and from Oden, Emmet county (the northernmost county in the Lower Peninsula), he should "infer that all the grouse of the Lower Peninsula are likely to be umhellus." He writes further "if I were forced to name your other three skins, from the Upper Peninsula, I should call them togata, but two of them are females (it is always more difficult to determine birds of this sex), and the third is cer- tainly not a typical togata. To that form the Chippewa county female affords a rather nearer approach than does the other female (from Marquette county). I should not care to definitely refer these three birds to togata, but I am inclined to think they are nearer to that subspecies than to umhellus" (Letter, March 18, 1907.) The Chippewa county specimen referred to was taken near Eckerman by Hon. Chase S. Osborn, October 26, 1906, and a second specimen, also a female, almost identical in plumage, was taken at the same time and sent to me, but was so badly mangled that I did not send the fragmentary skin to Mr. Brewster. At my request Mr. (now Governor) Osborn, who collected these specimens, examined and reported upon all the partridges killed by his party at Deerfoot Lodge, near Eckerman, in November and December 1906. He writes that out of 81 partridges taken by himself and his friends the proportion of gray- tailed birds to brown-tailed birds was about four to one, or possibly greater. Several red-tailed ones were noted. Of course the gray tail is by no means confined to togata, yet no distinctly rufous-tailed bird can be considered typical togata. As at present understood the Canadian Ruffed Grouse is a bird of the spruce swamps of the northernmost portions of the eastern United States, but it unquestionably intergrades with the typical umhellus so as to form a complete series of almost imperceptible gradations. Until we have numerous specimens from all parts of the Upper Peninsula, as well as from the northeastern counties of the Lower Peninsula, I do not feel safe in attempting to outline the distribution of the typical Canadian form in Michigan. However, it would seem perfectly safe to say that specimens of typical uinhellus can be found anywhere in the Lower Peninsula and almost anywhere in the Upper Peninsula, while specimens of typical togata will hardly be found in the Lower Peninsula and certainly not south of the Saginaw-Grand Valley. It would seem that the Ruffed Grouse of Wisconsin are in very similar case. Mr. Brewster states that "although the Wisconsin and Michigan grouse that he has examined are darker and grayer than those from New England, they appear to be nearer umhellus than to true togata, which almost invariably has the entire throat barred transversely with dusky markings, a feature not found in our birds" (Kumlicn and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, p. 56). The condition in Minnesota seems to be similar. Dr. Thomas S. Roberts, 228 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. of Minneapolis, has sent us an analysis of nine specimens of Bonasa from various parts of the state, which he sums up as follows: "The confusion is extreme, and if there is any object whatever in recognizing the two 'va- rieties' the only conclusion which can be arrived at for Minnesota is that this region is on the borderland between the two forms, with no distinctly differentiated individuals, but with the togata element preponderating throughout the state, reaching, as might be supposed, its most marked de- velopment toward the Canadian boundary. It is probably true, as no little evidence goes to show, that individuals of the same brood show wide varia- tion, including, indications of both varieties. I cannot see that any good purpose is subserved by recognizing these different color phases'^ (Letter, June 5, 1909). So far as we can learn the two forms of Ruffed Grouse in question do not differ materially in habits, although the fact that the Canadian Ruffed Grouse is partial to spruce swamps will doubtless be found to imply some- what different food from that of the more southern bird.* TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Similar to the ordinary Ruffed Grouse, but "Darker, with brown markings on lower parts very conspicuous, everywhere exposed, and bordered by very distinct clusky bars; bars on flanks very dark brown, or brownish black. Upper parts with more or less of gray, often mostly grayish, the tail usually gray (sometimes tinged with ochraceous) " (Ridgway) 124. Willow Ptarmigan. Lagopus lagopus lagopus {Linn.). (301) Synonyms: Ptarmigan, Common Ptarmigan, Willow Grouse, White Grouse, Snow Grouse. — Tetrao lagopus, Linn., 1758. — Lagopus albus, Aud., 1839, and authors generally. Known in any plumage by the white outer half of wing (primaries and secondaries) ; in winter the whole plumage pure white except the tail, which is black. Distribution. — Arctic regions; in America south to Sitka and the British Provinces. Breeding range restricted to the arctic and sub-arctic regions, mainly north of 55° north latitude. Accidental in New England. Although we do not know of a Michigan specimen of this bird in any collection, I am satisfied that it formerly occurred regularly in winter on Keweenaw Point, and probably at other Michigan points on the south shore of Lake Superior. According to Dr. Gibbs, Henry Schoolcraft, in a lecture delivered in 1834, mentions this species as taken at Sault Ste. Marie. Stockwell also states that it "is found in limited numbers upon the mountains of the Upper Peninsula" (Forest and Stream, VIII, 241). Both Dr. Gibbs and A. B. Covert state that Rev. P]. H. Day, whom they knew at Cadillac, Michigan, but who formerly lived as a missionary among the Indians on Keweenaw Point, informed them that these "Snow Grouse" or Ptarmigan frequently appeared in large numbers during severe weather and were often killed and used as food. Mr. Covert states that he has talked with lumbermen, hunters, and others who had no special ornitholog- ical knowledge, but who vouched for its occurrence around lumber camps in the Upper Peninsula in winter, giving accurate descriptions. They described it as very tame, sometimes fed by the cooks around the doors *The Gray Ruffed Grouse, (/?. u. umhdloidcs) has been attributed to Alichigan once or twice by- sportsmen and writers on popular natural history, but we have no reason to believe that this western subspecies is ever found here. In all probability gray-tailed birds intermediate between umbellus and togata have given rise to these reports. True vnibelloides is confined to the Rocky Mountain region and probably does not range east of Manitoba. LAND BIRDS. 229 of their shanties. One woman whose husband was the superintendent of a lumber camp described it as "a large white dove with legs like those of a Brahma chicken." Mcllwraith states that ''C. J. Bampton, Registrar of the District of Algoma, mentions the Willow Ptarmigan as a rare winter visitor at Sault Ste. Marie. Their southern migrations depend to some extent on the peculiarities of the season, but usually they are common winter visitors throughout Manitoba and the northwest" (Birds of Ontario, 1894, 176). In Kumlien and Hollister's "Birds of Wisconsin," page 57, we read: "Ex- ceedingly rare straggler from the north. Two specimens captured in a trap at Racine in December, 1846, by Dr. P. R. Hoy. It is certain that the Ptarmigan occurs as a rare winter visitor in the Northern Peninsula of Michigan, and formerly at least reached Wisconsin during the severest weather." Dr. S. Kneeland says: "White Ptarmigan, Lagopus mutus? Leach. There is a White Grouse in this region, but whether it is the L. mutus, alhiis, or leucurus, I cannot positively say" (Birds of Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., VI, 1859, 237). In view of the above facts it seems perfectly clear that the Willow Ptarmigan formerly appeared, at least occasionally, at several of the north- ernmost points in the state. Its natural habitat is far to the north, but during the winter it collects in large "packs" and moves southward, often several hundred miles, and doubtless under certain conditions these migra- tions are extended so far that some individuals enter our territory. According to L. M. Turner, it is abundant in the Anderson River region of Arctic America, where it nests on the ground, laying, early in June, from 7 to 11 eggs, which are cream-color to buff, heavily and thickly marked with brown. The period of incubation is about 17 days. According to Bendire its principal food is buds and leaves of l)irch and willow, together with berries and insects. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTIOX. Adult in winter: Plumage entirely snow white except the tail and usually the shafts of the outer ])rimaries, which are black. All the tail-feathers are deep black, narrowly tipped with jiure white, and the white upper tail-coverts completely conceal the black wiien the tail is closed. Bill black; iris brown; tarsi and toes heavily covered with fine hair-like feathers; even the nails white in midwinter. In summer plumage [never seen in Michigan] the male has the upper parts barred with brown and black; the head, neck, and most of lower parts deej) cinnamon-rufous, uniform on throat, fore-neck and chest, barred with black on sides, flanks and midcr tail-coverts; primaries and outermost wing- coverts white. The female in summer has the ])rimaries and outer wing-coverts white as in the male, but lacks the deep cinnamon-rufous of head, neck and lower parts, being coarsely and irregularly barred and spotted with l)utT and black above, and with black and buffy white below (Hidgway). Length 1 i to 17 inches; wing 7 to 7.r)0; (ail about 5. 125. Prairie Chicken. Tympanuchus americanus americanus (AV/c/?.). (305) Hynonyms: Prairie Hen, Pinnated Grouse. — Cupidonia americana, Reich., isr)2. — Cupidonia cupido, Baird, 1858. — Cupidonia cupido var. cupido, B. li. & R., 187"). Plate XIV and Figure 63, A much heavier bird than the Ruffed Grouse, with much sliorter tail (only four inches), and with a tuft of al)()ut sixteen long, narrow foathei'S on each side of the neck ovoilying a patch of bare, rod or yellow skin. It 230 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. resembles the Sharp-tailed Grouse in a general way, but the latter lacks the neck tufts, has the middle tail-feathers decidedly longer than the rest (about an inch), and the breast spotted with V-shaped black marks instead of barred regularly with black and white. Distribution. — Prairies of the Mississippi Valley; south to Louisiana and Texas, east to Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario; west throu-gh eastern portions of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Indian Territory; north to Manitoba; general tendency to extension of range westward and contraction eastward; migration north and south in Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri. Formerly the Prairie Chicken seems to have been abundant over a large part of the southern half of the state, and if it were afforded good protection from the so-called sports- men during the fall no doubt it would still be a common bird. It is well known that this species is not necessarily driven out by civilization, in fact up to a certain point it increases in numbers with the cultivation of the country. It prefers prairie lands and ordi- narily nests in such ground, and of course when all suitable nesting places are destroyed by plowing the bird cannot be expected to remain. However, there are large tracts of undrained or poorly drained open country in southern Michigan in which the Prairie Chickens have nested in considerable numbers until within a very few years, and doubtless in most counties south of the Saginaw Valley at least a few pairs linger yet. The species was common in Ingham county, near the college, until 1898 or 1899, but apparently none have nested in the old haunts since 1900. I am informed, however, that there are still (1911) some in the southeastern part oflthe county. Mr. John Hazelwood, of Port Huron, writes: "I saw a flock of thirteen, at four different times, quite close to Capac, St. Clair county, in 1899." In 1876 they were abundant in parts of Washtenaw county, and a few were still found about Brighton in 1886. Then apparently they became extinct there for many years, but reappeared in 1908 and now seem to be on the increase in Wash- tenaw county (N. A. Wood, Auk, XXVII, 1910, 131). Some are still found in southern Jackson county (Watkins, 1906), and Hon. Chas. H. Chapman, then State Game and Fish Warden, sent me reports from one of his deputies who had found Prairie Chickens in some numbers in parts of Eaton and Calhoun counties in November, 1906. We also have recent reports of their presence in some numbers at several different places in Kalamazoo county. A nest of twelve eggs was taken in Kalamazoo county June 5, 1892 (Westnedge). At Petersburg, Monroe county, Jerome Fig. 63. Prairie Chicken. From photograph of mounted specimen. (Original.) Plate XIV. Nest and Eggs of Prairie Chicken. From photograph by Thomas L. Ilankinson. (Original.) LAND BIRDS. 233 Trombley stated that it was nearly or quite extinct in 1906. Probably it exists in greatest numbers at the present time in those counties of the three southern tiers, in which the swales and undrained marshes of the original prairie region have been best protected from fire. Frequent fires and the incessant persecution of gunners have completed the extermination in scores of places where the b'rd was once abundant. The call of the male during the mating season is one of the most re- markable among bird notes. It is variously known as "booming," "crow- ing" and "tooting," but no one of these terms gives any fair idea of the notes, which combine the sweetness and clearness of a bell with the re- sonance of a drum. Probably they could be most closely imitated with a pure-toned cornet, at least this is the case with those we have heard here in Ingham county. But other observers describe the sounds as quite different. Thus Judge Caton speaks of "the proud cock* * * * pouring out a booming noise, almost a hoarse roar, only more subdued, which may be heard for at least two miles in the still morning. This heavy booming sound is by no means harsh or unpleasant; on the contrary it is soft and even harmonious. If heavier than the deep key notes of a large organ, it is much softer, though vastly more powerful." Doubtless the distance at which the Ijird is heard has much to do with the impression produced, and we have found it extremely difficult to locate the bird by the sound, so much so that the power of ventriloquism often ascribed to this species seems to be quite warranted. When "booming" the male inflates the naked air sacs on the sides of the neck, until they look, as Judge Caton says, "like two ripe oranges." So far as we can learn no southward migration of this species in the late fall or winter has ever been noticed in this state, although it is a well known fact that such a migration occurred formerly with great regularity in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska, and to a lesser extent in Wisconsin and Illinois. During these migrations flocks of several hundred individuals, sometimes a thousand or more, have been noted, but they were always wild and difficult of approach, and when alarmed made flights of several miles without pausing. In Iowa at least it has been shown that these migrating birds are chiefly, if not entirely, females, the males remaining all winter at the north (Cooke, Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley, 1888, 105). The Prairie Chicken nests invariably on the ground and lays from ten to fifteen eggs which vary from "pale cream to vi^aceous and olive-buff, as well as light brown and clay color, usually faintly but regularly spotted with fine i)in-points of reddish brown" (Bendire, Life Histories, Vol. I, p. 92). The eggs are generally laid early in May, but have been found occasionally in July and August. Normally but one brood is reared in a season, and the period of incubation is said to be from three to four weeks. Our illustration (Plate XIV) is from a nest of fourteen eggs found at Chandler's Marsh, Ingham county. May 31, 1897, by L. J. Cole. The eggs average 1.66 by 1.24 inches. Its food consists very largely of insects so long as these arc ol)tainable, and not infrequently grasshoppers form almost the sole food for weeks at a time. Various grains and seeds are also eaten freely, and during the colder half of the year, buds, l^crries and leaves are freely taken. Since tlie bird never injures grain ci'ops in any way, and destroj's myriads of harmful insects, its preservation and increase would seem to commend themselves to the farmer, who should encourage their presence whenever possible, 234 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. especially by feeding with grain in severe winter weather, and by cooperating with the sportsman and game warden in enforcing the law. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Tail of eighteen feathers, tarsus feathered to base of toes; side of neck with a tuft of narrow, elongate feathers, largely black, but more or less striped or margined with bufT. Upper parts barred and checkered with black, buff and gray, the tojj of head showing most black and the feathers of crown somewhat elongated to form a crest; chin, upper throat and most of sides of head buffy white; a brown stripe from bill below eye, and a conspicuous dark patch half an inch lower; under parts from throat to tail regularly barred with brown or black and buff or buffy white, the buff deepest on lower neck and chest, the dark bars blackest on sides and flanks; tail-feathers brownish black, narrowly tipped with pure white, and barred with buff in the female, but without bars in the male (except sometimes on middle pair). The female also has the neck tufts much shorter than the male, and is somewhat smaller throughout, but otherwise there is little difference be- tween the sexes. Length of male 18 to 19 inches; wing 8.60 to 9.40; tail 4 to 4.30. Length of female 17.50; wing 8.60 to 8.75; tail 3.60 to 4. 126. Sharp-tailed Grouse. Pedioecetes phasianellus phasianellus (Linn.). (308) Synonyms: Spike-tail, Pin-tail, Prairie Chicken, Blackfoot, Northern Sharp-tailed Grouse. — Tetrao phasianellus, Linn., 1758, Forst., 1772, Gmel., Lath, and others. — PedicBcetes kennicotti, Suckley, 1861. — Ped. phasianellus var. phasianellus, B. B. & R., 1875. Scarcely to be confounded with any other grouse except the true Prairie Chicken, from which it differs as noted under that species. Distribution. — Central Alaska and northwestern British Columbia east through central Keewatin to central western Ungava, and south to Lake Superior and the Parry Sound district Ontario; casual east to Saguenay River, Quebec. (A. O. U. Check-Hst, 1910.) Considerable uncertainty has existed with regard to the occurrence of this species within our limits, but the question has been set at rest by the recent expeditions (1904, 1905) from the University of Michigan to Isle Royale* in Lake Superior, w'here this bird was found to be resident and breeding in some numbers. According to Mr. Norman A. Wood, who was in charge of the party which visited Isle Royale in the summer of 1904, "A family of this species was seen at close range by Mr. Ruthven, near Siskowit Bay, Isle Royale, August 29, 1904. The residents told me that the 'Prairie Chicken' hved at Siskowit Bay throughout the year. The large clearing (about 500 acres) about the old mines seems to furnish the favorable conditions for them." Three specimens taken on Isle Royale in the summer of 1905 were sub- mitted to the Division of Biological Survey of the U. S. Department of Agriculture at Washington, and were identified by H. C. Oberholzer as the typical northern form, Pedicecetes phasianellus phasianellus. This of course is just what would be expected, since Isle Royale Hes only eighteen miles from the north shore of Lake Superior. Mr. Peet, who accompanied the 1905 expedition, made the following notes on this species: Found at Rock Harbor and Siskowit Bay by our party and was reported at Wash- ington Harbor by the residents, who called it a pheasant. On July 25 a female accompanied by three young, about half grown, was found in a *Isle Royale belongs to Keweenaw county, Michigan. LAND BIRDS. 235 clearing on a small rock ridge near Benson Brook. Mr. Kneutson, of Park Place, reported July 20, that the Grouse nested regularly at his clearing and that several broods of young had recently been seen there. He also said that during the previous fall he had found them very plentiful and tame at the clearing at McCargoe Cove. The Malone boys at Menagerie Light House reported these birds to be quite common breeders at the clearing when the old town stood near the head of Siskowit Bay (Max M. Peet, Adams' Rep. Mich. Geol. Surv. 1908, p. 347). It is worthy of remark that both A. B. Covert and Dr. Morris Gibbs long ago stated their belief that this species occurred, at least as a winter visitor, in parts of the Upper Peninsula. Dr. Gibbs has the following statement in his notes written many years ago: "The Rev. E. H. Day, pastor of the M. E. church at Cadillac, informs Mr. A. B. Covert and me that this species is not rare in the Northern Peninsula. He lived on the meat of this bird some time while an Indian missionary a good many years ago [probably on Keweenaw Point]." In Forest and Stream (Vol. VIII, 241) G. A. Stockwell says, alluding to this species, "An occasional visitor to Lower Michigan; more frequent in the Upper Peninsula; variety colum- bianus is confined to the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and is extremely rare." The latter part of Stockwell's statement remains unexplained. So far as can be learned no specimen of the Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse has ever been taken in any part of Michigan. It is possible that the ordinary prairie form of the Sharp-tail (P. phas. campestris) may have occurred at one time over a part of the Lower Peninsula, but that, as this bird, unlike the Prairie Chicken, retires rapidly before civilization, it has now become extinct. McUwraith (Birds of Ontario, 1894, 180) says: "The Sharp- tail is abundant near Winnipeg, from which point it has reached the Hamilton market. It is also reported by Mr. Bampton as being found at Sault Ste. Marie (Canada)." Doubtless reference is made here to the northern form, the same found on Isle Royale. In habits the Sharp-tail is not very unlike the Prairie Chicken, but it is less often found in entirely open ground, preferring the edges of the forest and particularly the brush slopes of an uneven country. The nest is placed on the ground; the eggs, six to twelve, "varying from olive-buffy to deep brown, often plain, but usually more or less speckled with dark brown, and averaging 1.70 by 1.23 inches" (Ridgway). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Tarsus featliered to base of toes; tail of eighteen feathers, tlie middle pair in tlie male projectinji an inch or more beyond the rest; no elongated feather tufts on sides of neck. General distribution of colors much as in the Prairie Chicken, inckKling the Hglit huffy chin, throat and cheeks, with the dark stripe beneath the eye and the blackisli patch below the cheek; under parts, however, whitish or very pale buffy, with numerous v-shaped dusky spots on breast, sides and flanks, but no distinct bars except on a narrow belt at base of neck, and sometimes on the flanks; lower breast and belly mostly pure white and unspotted; upper parts mottled black, buff and white, the wing-coverts with ninnerous large round or oval white spots, and the scapulars usually with sharp white shaft-streaks; tail-feathers mostly whitish, only the two middle pairs mottled and barreil with black, rusty and white. Female similar, but smaller, the middle tail-featiiers much shorter. The above description will answer equally well for the typical Siiarp-tailed Grouse (P. p. phasinnellus) of the interior of British America, and the Prairie Sharp-tail (P. p. campestris) of the plains of the United States. The latter, according to Ridg^vay, is light-colored, " the general tone of the upper parts buffy, and grayish or light brownish of various shades always predominating over black markings, the white markings on scapulars and wings not conspicuously contrasted with the general color." On the other hand, the northern form P. p. phasiancUns, "is very dark colored, with black or dusky largely predominating on upper parts, the white scapular streaks and wing spots showing in strong relief." 23G MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Family 33. MELEAGRID^. Turkeys. Only a single Michigan species, the Wild Turkey, formerly abundant in the southern half of the state, now exterminated. 127. Wild Turkey. Meleagris gallopavo silvestris, Vieill. (310a) Synonyms: American Turkey, I'^ustern Turkey, Northern Turkey. — Meleagris gallopavo, Linn., 1758, and most of the older American writers. — Meleagris americana, Bartram, 179L — Meleagris silvestris, Vieill., 1817. — Gallopavo sylvestris, Catesby, 1730, Leconte, 1857. — Meleagris fera, Vieill., 1824. So similar to the domesticated turkey that no description is needed, yet a single tail-feather will show from which bird it was taken. In the domesticated turkey the rump feathers as well as the tail-feathers are always tipped with white; in the Wild Turkey these feathers are tipped invariably with rich chestnut brown. Distribution.— United States from Chesapeake Bay to the Gulf coast, and west to the Plains, along wooded river valleys; formerly north to southern Maine, southern Ontario, and up the Missouri River to North Dakota. Formerly an abundant bird at least as far north as the Saginaw Valley, there is every reason to believe that at present the species is extinct in Michigan. Up to 1875 it was fairly common over a large part of the state, but during the next five years it decreased with extraordinary rapidity, and before 1890 had become so uncommon as to be considered a very rare bird almost everywhere. Mr. W. B. Mershon, of Saginaw, in a letter dated July 18, 1905, says: "The last one I killed, as near as I can figure, was about 18 years ago. It was at a point about three miles south and west of Reece (in Saginaw Co.?), and weighed 23-| pounds, the most magnificent specimen of a turkey gobbler I have ever seen. I have it nicely mounted and in my collection at my office. There were five in the bunch. For a few years after this I heard of turkeys still being in the dense swamp around Akron, Tuscola county. This is a point just beyond Fairgrove, on the S. T. & H., and I have no doubt they did exist in that locality longer than in any part of Michigan, but I do not believe there has been a genuine Wild Turkey left in Michigan in the last six or seven years. ' ' From an article by Mr. F. S. Shuver, we quote the following: ''Quite common in Van Buren county until 1880. A few have continued to breed in Arlington township, and 14 or 15 were shot in the winter of 1893-94. Several more were killed in the winter of 1895-96, and a few were seen during the winter of 1896-97. A gobbler shot in January, 1897, was the last one I have heard of" (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club, Apr. 1898). Mr. Covert furnishes a record of a male killed in Tuscola county, October 12, 1874, and a female near Ann Arbor, November 19, 1876. In 1904 Mr. B. H. Swales stated that it was then extinct in the southeastern part of the state (Birds of S. E. Michigan). Mr. Newell A. Eddy tells me that in 1883, and for at least three years later. Wild Turkeys were sold frequently in the Bay City markets and doubtless were taken in the immediate vicinity. Mr. John Hazelwood writes that he frequently shot turkeys within a mile of the city of Port Huron "many years ago, but there is not one left in this county now" (1904). Dr. Robt. H. Wolcott states that it was numerous near Grand Rapids up to the middle eighties, and reported as late as 1897 from Hudson- LAND BIRDS. 237 ville and Jenisonville (MS. List, 1904), Mr. Purdy says that at Plymouth, Wayne county, he has heard of none since 1888. We have a specimen in the Agricultural College Museum, taken in Clinton county, a few miles north of the College, in November 1871, and Dr. Atkins recorded a specimen seen at Locke, Ingham county, December 20, 1882, and again January 17, 1884. Mr. C. J. Davis, of Lansing has in his collec- tion a fine gobbler killed near Pine Lake, Ingham county, about December 18, 1884. This bird weighed 21J pounds and was one of a pair killed at the same time and place. Mr. Davis believes these to be the last killed in this county. Mr. J. Foster, of Pompeii, informs me that the turkey was formerly found in some numbers in Isabella county. He has hunted in every part of the Lower Peninsula but has never heard of or seen any sign of this species north of that county. Mr. F. H. Chapin, of Kalamazoo, writes that in the winter of 1888 he followed a Wild Turkey for some distance in Cooper township, Kalamazoo county, but it escaped by flying across the river. He also states that in the fall of 1892 or 1893 he was informed by reliable parties that there was a small flock in jMartin township, Allegan county, in a swamp bordering the Gunn River, and on jNIarch 6, 1892, he flushed one in a swamp near Almena, Van Buren county, and saw. it disappear over the treetops. Farmers in the vicinity informed him that there was quite a large flock in the swamp. It should be noted that in several parts of the state the domesticated turkey has run wild and is by many regarded as the true Wild Turkey. Such birds fly nearly as well as wild birds and are almost as hard to shoot. They may be readily distinguished, however, by the markings of the tail- feathers and the upper tail-coverts, which are always white-tipped in the domesticated form and chestnut in the wild bird. The turkey nests on the ground, laying ten to eighteen eggs, which are light buff, thickly speckled or sprinkled with brown, and averaging 2.55 by 1.79 inches. We have a single egg in the College ^Museum, numbered 4977, and collected by Wilham Kedzie, in Lansing township, but the date is not known. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male:" Head,' with its bristly bare skin, fleshy apiicndaiie, wattles,' etc. red, blue and white, as in the domestic turkey; a large tuft of coarse l)lack l)ristles hangmg from the center of the upper breast; general plumage dark brown, with lich metallic lustre, showing burnished bronze, copper, blued steel, or gold, according to the angle at which the light strikes it; most of the feathers of the under parts, and especially those of the wing-coverts, lower back and rump, tipped with velvet black; upper tail-coverts tipped with chestnut; primaries and secondaries slate-colored, barretl with white, the white bars broadest and most conspicuous on the secondaries; tail brown, narrowly barred witii black, with a broad subterminal black band and tipped conspicuously witli brigiit reddish brown or chestnut. Adult female : Similar but much smaller, iluller, and browner, tlie metallic reflections largely wanting and no trace of the "beard" on the chest. Length of male 48 to 50 inches; whig 21; tail 18.50; weight IG to 10 iiounds. Family PHASIANID/E. Pheasants. This is the old-world family to which belong the bai'uyard fowl, iioacock golden and silver pheasants, and nearly a hundred other species. It is represented in Michigan only by one or two species lecently introduced and as yet 'doubtfully established. The commonest form is the Pmg- necked or Japanese Pheasant, but the closely related I'lnglish Pliea.sant may have been liberated in a few places. 238 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Order XL COLUMB^. Pigeons and Doves. Family 35. COLUMBIDJi]. Pigeons. KEY TO SPECIES. A. Larger. Tail-feathers twelve; sides of neck without black spot. Passenger Pigeon. No. 128. A A. Smaller. Tail-feathers fourteen; a small but distinct black spot on each side of the neck. Mourning Dove. No. 129. 128. Passenger Pigeon. Ectopistes migratorius (Lf;m.). (315) Synonyms: Wild Pigeon, Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Red-breasted Pigeon, Blue-headed Pigeon, incorrectly Carrier Pigeon. — Columba migratoria, Linn., 1766, Gm., Forst., Wils., Aud. — Ectopistes migratoria, Swains., 1827, and authors generally. — Columba canadensis, Linn. — Columba Americana, Kalm. Plates XV XVI, XVII. The dove-like form and long, pointed tail will separate this species from any of our birds except the Mourning Dove, and from this it may be known at once (with the bird in hand) by its large size, the total absence of the small black spot on each side of the neck, and the possession of but twelve tail-feathers instead of fourteen. At a distance of fifty yards, however, none of these points serves, and I doubt that any one could surely dis- criminate the two species unless they were seen together, or some other bird whose identity was known were close at hand for comparison of size. The slate-blue head and ruddy breast of the adult male are very different from those of the Mourning Dove, but females and immature birds do not possess these marks. Distribution. — Formerly eastern North America, from Hudson Bay southward, and west to the Great Plains, straggling thence to Nevada and Washington. Breeding range mainly restricted to portions of Canada and northern border of the United States as far west as Manitoba and the Dakotas. Now probably extinct. Formerly the Wild Pigeon was one of the best known birds of the state, appearing in immense flocks nearly every spring and almost invariably in autumn in all parts of the state. Where "mast" was abundant small numbers lingered until snow came, and a few frequently remained in the southern counties through mild winters. The great invasions, however, by hundreds of thousands or even millions, usually took place suddenly in April, and the birds began nesting early in May. This species was always partial to hardwood growths, and a large "nesting" or "roost," as it was often called, was almost always located in or near an extensive area of hardwood timber where food was abundant. When a nesting tract had been selected, however, the pigeons used trees of every kind — beech maple, birch, oak tamarack, cedar (arbor vitse), hemlock, pine, etc., and scores, or even a hundred nests were placed in a Plate XV. Passenger Pigeon. Adult Male. Photograph from life. Courtesy of American Field. LAND BIRDS. 241 single tree, sometimes only a few feet above one's head, but more often at heights of twelve to fifty feet. The nests were merely flat platforms of twigs loosely put together, small and scarcely hollowed, while no attempt at concealment was made. Here a single egg was laid and usually this was incubated and hatched alone. In some cases two eggs were found in a nest, and a few observers claim that a second egg was usually laid soon after the first one hatched, the heat of the young bird helping to incubate the second egg. Nevertheless most authorities believe that but one egg was laid by each bird, the cases in which two eggs were found in a nest being explained on the supposition that two females used the same nest. Much uncertainty as to the period of incubation seems to exist, different writers allowing from 13 to 24 days. The majority state that the period is 18 to 20 days, and this is the time given by Bendire (Life Histories, Part I, 1892, p. 138). On the other hand, David Whittaker of Milwaukee, who had a flock in confinement for many years, states that the period of incubation is "fourteen days almost to a day, and if the egg is not hatched then the birds desert it." Mr. Whittaker also states that he has never known any of his birds to incubate more than a single egg at a time, although each female laid on an average three or four eggs each season, and some laid as many as 7 or 8 (Auk, XIII, 1896, 234-237). The eggs, scarcely separ- al)le from those of the domesticated dove, are white, unspotted, elliptical, and measure 1.47 by 1.02 inches. Studies of the large breeding places of the Pigeon show that at least in Michigan nesting began frequently by the middle of April and lasted normally until late in June or even into July; thus, the period of incubation being less than three weeks, and the young remaining in the nest only about two weeks, it seems evident that many of the birds, if not all, must have reared at least two broods. Many of the netters claim that the old birds pushed the 3"oung out of the nests before they were able to fly and at once deserted them leaving them to get what food they could from the ground for a few daj's. until they learned how to fly and were able to shift for themselves. They were said to be extremely fat when pushed out of the nest and this prevented them from starving during the interval. Meanwhile the parent birds were said to move away to a distance of twenty to fifty miles and at once construct a new nest where another squal) was reared. However this may be, it has been repeatedly observed that for many weeks after a nesting was founded it continued to grow in extent, spreading more or less in all direc- tions, but usually becoming an elongated area, from two to four miles in width and often twelve to twenty miles in length, sometimes even larger. The nests themselves were mere platfoi-ms of twigs and small sticks, carelessly interwoven and so fragile as to be easily dislodged or shaken to pieces. In many cases the single egg was distinctly visible from below, through the bottom of the nest. Apparently both sexes took part in the construction of the nest, but in the case of birds which have been watched in captivity the female has been seen to arrange the material brought by the male. After the eggs were laid the birds took turns in brooding and the greatest uniformity is said to have prevailed in this respect throughout the entire colony. Thus several different ol:)servors agree that the males re- mained on the nest from nine or ten o'clock in the morning until about two in the aftei-noon when their j)laces were taken by the females, who sat through the niglit and until about nine o'clock the next morning. The females thus 31 242 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. fed mostly during the forenoon and the males early in the morning and again late in the afternoon. According to one observer " the sitting bird does not leave the nest until the bill of its incoming mate nearly touches its tail, the former slipping off as the latter takes its place." The males all returned from feeding at about the same time and the females went off to feed as soon as they were relieved from the duties of incubation. Thus there were two periods of great activity about the nesting place, one between nine and ten in the morning and the other between two and three in the afternoon. Of course there was also a general return of all the males just at nightfall and a similar general departure in the early morning when these birds went out again to feed. It is stated by many writers that the male bird fed the female while on the nest, and this seems not improbable, as they were frequently seen putting their bills into each others mouths much in the manner in which they feed the young. As with most other species of pigeons the young were fed entirely by disgorging the contents of the crop, the food having been softened for a time in the crop of the parent before the young were fed. The food during a large part of the year was almost entirely of a vegetable nature, consisting principally of acorns, beech nuts, corn, wheat, rye, oats, buckwheat and the seeds of various wild grasses and weeds. But during the nesting season, and probably to a considerable extent at other times, the Pigeon fed largely upon animal substances, and particularly, if we can credit numerous observers, upon angleworms and various grubs and soft-bodied insects which are to be found in moist places. A few writers state that the Pigeon was fond of roots or tubers of various kinds, and that it scratched and dug for these with great energy, frequenting for this purpose the softer grounds about the edges of swamps and marshes. It seems likely, however, that a large part of the food obtained under such conditions was the animal food already alluded to. Pigeons are said to have been remarkably fond of salt, or rather of the mud which is impregnated with the saline matter from salt springs. In every region where Pigeons have been netted or trapped in any way use seems to have been made of this fact, and so-called "salt beds" have been prepared for the purpose of attracting them. The method varied with different trappers, and the particular formula used was often guarded as a secret of great importance. The process, however, always involved the clearing of a patch of soft rich ground from all grass, weeds and brush, and this was thoroughly moistened with brine, and frequently grain of various kinds was scattered upon it and rolled or tramped in. after which a second treatment with salt, or in some cases with saltpeter or sulphur, was given; in other cases anise seed or anise seed oil was spread upon the bed. In this way Pigeons were baited in large numbers, and after they had become accustomed to the spot a net was so arranged that it could be sprung over the bed and a large number of Pigeons captured at once. In other cases neither salt nor anise was used in order to attract the birds, but merely wheat, corn, or other grain. One Pennsylvania netter, with whom the writer talked, stated that after the young were hatched the old birds refused to eat grain and he secured several thousand Pigeons by baiting them with angleworms which he dug for the purjDOse in large quantities. Pigeon netting was a recognized trade or pursuit in the early history of the country and thousands of persons engaged in it whenever the con- ditions were favorable. Aside from the baiting already described "stool LAND BIRDS. 245 ■pigeons" (that is, captive wild pigeons, blinded or hooded, and made to flutter or spread their wings by manipulation with a string attached to a movable perch) were used, and during the great migratory flights in spring and fall these stool pigeons and "flyers" were indispensable to the capture of any considerable number. They w^ere used for decoying the birds to the netting grounds just described, as well as to a dead tree, or a frame- work of poles arranged within easy gun shot of a bhnd, from which the gunner could rake the pigeons after they had ahghted. The literature of pigeon netting is so extensive that it is impossible to go into the matter here. Those who are interested in this subject, as well as in the methods which contributed largely to the extermination of the Pigeon, are referred to the excellent book by W. B. Mershon, of Saginaw, Mich., entitled "The Passenger Pigeon." (Outing PubHshing Co., New York, 1907.) Estimates of the number of pigeons nesting in any one place are ex- tremely variable. Not a few writers claim that from a billion to a billion and a half assembled at one place to nest. Other writers believe that not more than five to ten millions were found together, while still others are doubtful if more than one or two millions have ever nested at one time in the same region. Apparently the largest nesting of which we have definite knowledge was that which w^as located near Petoskey, Emmet county, in 1878, which has been frequently described as from twenty-eight to forty miles in length by three to ten miles in 'width. Within this region one writer states that at least 150,000 acres were included and that the nesting actually covered at least 100,000 acres. Since almost every tree had some nests, and as many as 110 nests have been counted in a single tree, it is possible to form some conception of the number of pigeons which reared their young at this place. It is stated that from this nesting the first shipment of birds was made on March 22, 1878, and the last upon August 12, during which time the war against the hapless birds was waged with varying intensity. "For many weeks the railroad shipments averaged fifty barrels of dead birds per day, thirty to forty dozen old birds and about fifty squabs being packed in a barrel. Allowing 500 birds to a barrel, and averaging the entire shipments for the season at 25 barrels per day we find the railroad shipments to have been 12,500 dead birds daily, or 1,500,000 for the summer. Of live birds there w^ere shipped 1,116 crates, six dozen per crate, or 80,352 birds. These were railroad shipments only and not including the cargoes by steamer from Petoskey, Cheboygan, Cross Village, and other lake ports, which were as many more" (H. B. Roney, American Field, Jan. 11, 1879). Squabs were considered special delicacies and were collected in immense numbers by jarring the smaller trees, felling the larger ones, or even by setting fire to the loose bark of the birches, which were favorite nesting trees. In addition to the thousands destroyed in this way, and the hundreds of thousands shij)ped yearly for food and for trap shooting, the Indians of Northern Michigan, as well as many of the white residents in the neighbor- hood of the roosts, collected immense numbers of adults and squabs and preserved them for winter use by salting or smoking and drying. Dr. Isaac Voorheis of Frankfort, Mich., told the writer personally that in 1880 or 1881, when there was a large nesting in Benzie county, he took, at one throw of the net, 109 dozen and 8 pigeons (1,816 birds), and that six catches of the net brought him $650. These birds were kept alive until a schooner load was obtained, when they were sent directly to Chicago 246 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. for trap shooting. Dr. Voorheis states that at one time he had so many- pigeons alive in crates that it took seven bushels of corn per day to feed them. This was the last nesting in that part of the state, so far as Dr. Voorheis knows, and it was broken up by a heavy fall of snow, at least eight inches, after most of the nests had eggs. All the old birds left in a body and never came back. In several other cases large nestings are said to have been broken up by heavy falls of snow, and in still others the entire hosts of pigeons abandoned the nesting grounds apparently as the result of the persecution to which they were subjected. During the years 1874 and 1876 there were immense nestings near Shelby, Oceana county, and, perhaps owing to the favorable location of the birds, larger numbers were shipped from these roosts than from any other recent roosts of which we have data. One dealer alone claims to have shipped 175,000 pigeons from the Shelby nesting during a single season, and states that in that year (1874) the shipments of birds from the Shelby nestings averaged about 100 barrels per day for more than thirty days. The disappearance of the Passenger Pigeon furnishes one of the most remarkable and interesting problems of which we have any record, both because of its suddenness and completeness. Up to about 1870 the bird was considered a veritable pest by the farmers of the state, and the only good obtained from it was the supply of food which it furnished from year to year. Up to that time no attempt to protect it by legislation had been made, and probably no one would have countenanced such an attempt. Even as late as 1878 Pigeons were extraordinarily abundant in all the upper counties of the Lower Peninsula, and according to several authorities not only did millions nest near Petoskey, Emmet county, that summer, but a nesting about half as large was located near Boyne Falls, Charlevoix county, and another "farther south, on the Manistee River, some 26 miles long by 5 average width, or 130 square miles, in which the birds hatched three times, and from which not a bird was caught, as it was an impene- trable swamp" (Quoted by Mershon, 1907, p. 94). For some time previous to this the Michigan game law included the Pigeon among the game birds, and certain sections nominally protected the birds while nesting, prohibiting the use of nets within certain distances of nesting grounds and also prohibiting the shooting of pigeons ^^ithin several miles. These sections, however, were seldom if ever enforced, owing to the difficulty of getting sufficient evidence to convict, as well as to the attitude of residents in the neighborhood, who were all interested in the business furnished by the Pigeons and unwilling to enforce a statute which was objectionable. Each nesting was bes'eged by an army of professional pigeoners, the total number of professionals often reaching 500 or even 800, while residents of the vicinity, and other amateurs, increased the number to a thousand or more. The business of pigeon catching was sometimes a very lucrative one, and even under unfavorable circumstances the local farmers and business men looked upon it as a boon which should be utilized to the full. In 1897 the legislature enacted a law prohibiting the killing of the Passenger Pigeon at any time of year, for a period of ten years, and in 1905 the Passenger Pigeon was removed from the class of game birds to that of non-game birds, so that its killing at the present time is illegal at any season. The prohibition, however, appears to have come too late. LAND BIRDS. 247 ■for there is every reason to fear that the species is totally extinct not only in Michigan but elsewhere. So far as we can learn, the last nestings of any importance in Northern Michigan occurred in 1880 and 1881. In 1880, according to Chief Simon Pokagon, there was a large nesting on the Platte River, Benzie county, and in 1881, according to Mr. S. S. Stevens of Cadillac, there was a nesting of moderate size, perhaps eight miles long a few miles west of Grand Traverse. In 1886 Mr. Stevens found a small flock, "of about fifty dozen pairs," nesting in a swamp near Lake City, Missaukee county, and this, so far as we can learn, is the last instance in which more than two or three pairs have been found nesting together. In 1888 Mr. William Brewster and Mr. Jonathan Dwight, Jr., of Cam- bridge, spent several weeks in Northern Michigan in the hope of studying a large nesting of the Wild Pigeon, but although thousands of pigeons appeared in the neighborhood of Cadillac late in April of that year, and a few pairs bred here and there in the surrounding woods, the greater number disappeared before the middle of May, and are not known to have returned. They were traced northward as far as Oden, Emmet county, and are presumed to have crossed the Straits of Mackinac and nested some- where in the Upper Peninsula, or even in the British possessions north of Lake Superior. Since that date (1888) no large flocks of Passenger Pigeons have been seen anywhere, and since 1890 the occurrence of single individuals or small squads has been considered worth recording in the scientific journals, on account of the rarity of the bird. A few individuals were taken here and there in the eastern United States in 1894, 1895 and 1896, but they were almost invariably single birds or pairs. In the summer of 1893 a careful observer (Vernon Bailey), at Elk River, Minnesota, stated that two or three flocks, of four to six birds each, were seen during the summer, and two pigeons were killed, but he had heard of no nests (McUwraith, Birds of Ontario, 1894, p. 185). Another observer reported a flock of 500 pigeons seen in Aitken county, Minnesota in the spring of 1894 (Auk, XII, 1895, 80). One was shot in the northeast corner of Delta county, Mich., October 1, 1895, by Dr. E. Copeland and one was taken at Delevan Wisconsin, September 8, 1896. The last specimen taken in the United States, so far as we can learn, was an immature bird shot September 14, 1898, at Chestnut Ridge, near Delray, W^ayne county, Mich., by Mr. P. H. Clements of Detroit. This bird was mounted by Campion of Detroit, and is now in the collection of Mr. J. H. Fleming of Toronto (Auk, XX, 1903, 66). Of course there have been scores of reports of the occurrence of pigeons during the last ten years, but in most cases investigation has shown them to be based upon the Mourning Dove or Carolina Dove, which is so similar in general appearance to the Passenger Pigeon that even the expert is likely to be mistaken unless the utmost care is exercised (Examine Plate XVII). It is barely possible that a few small flocks of Passenger Pigeons still exist and nest somewhere in the more remote sections of Michigan or the Dominion of Canada. It should be noted, however, that the reports of the abundance of the Passenger Pigeon in California and the far southwest are entirely erroneous, being based upon the presence there of an entirely different bird, the Band-tailed Pigeon (Columba fasciata) which is restricted to the western United States, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific. 248 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. As to the cause or causes of the disappearance of the I'assenger Pigeon tlie greatest diversity of opinion exists. Most naturaUsts agree that man's warfare upon the bird on its nesting grounds has l)een the prime cause of its extinction; but tliere are not wanting tliose wlio refuse to admit this, and it seems perfectly certain that other causes must have combined to effect the complete extermination. Some believe that the development of some unknown but deadly parasite was responsible for the death of the Pigeon host, and it is pointed out that the gregarious nature of the birds would favor the increase and spread of such a parasite, which might naturally })ass thi'ough a cycle which would culminate in the practical extermination of the Pigeon. There is, however, not a particle of direct evidence to support this theory. A similar theory ascribes the sudden disappearance to some unknown disease. The fact that during sudden and heavy storms, and particularly during foggy weather and snow storms, hundreds and perhaps thousands of l)igeons have been drowned in the waters of the Great Lakes gives color to the supposition that the last remaining bands of pigeons may possibly iuxve perished in this way. Unquestionably the clearing away of the great pine and hardwood forests of the north has been very largely responsible for the rapid decrease, since this removed their principal food supply of beech nuts, acorns and the seeds of various conifers, and these areas, recently cleared by the lumberman's axe, were almost invariably devastated soon after by fire, which in some cases swept over entire counties and left hundreds of square miles a barren wilderness. In the opinion of the writer the most probable cause of the disappearance of the pigeon lies in the fact that, through this clearing of the forests and the increasing persecution by man, the birds were driven from one place to another and gradually compelled to nest farther and farther to the north, and under conditions successively less and less favorable, so that eventually the larger part of the great flocks consisted of old birds, which, through stress of weather and persecution, abandoned their nesting places and failed to rear any considerable number of young. Under such conditions they would naturally become weaker, or at least less resistant, each year, and in the attempt to find nesting places in the far north they may have been overwhelmed by snow and ice during one or two of the unusually severe summers which occurred between 1882 and 1890. Many attempts have been made to domesticate the Wild Pigeon and the birds have proved hardy in captivity and have nested somewhat freely; yet no domesticated race has ever been established, and so far as can be learned not more than two individuals of this species are now living in any zoological garden or aviary in the world. Audu])on sent living specimens to a British nobleman, the Earl of Kirby, as early as 1830, and they lived and bred for many years, but seem to have died out eventually. Mr. David Whittaker of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, secured a pair of young Passenger Pigeons from northeastern Wisconsin in the fall of 1888, and in the course of eight j^ears succeeded in breeding from them a little flock of fifteen birds, six males and nine females. Many eggs were laid each year, but few of the young which were hatched could be reared, apparently for lack of proper food. This flock was divided, part of it going to Dr. C. O. \\'liitman of Chicago University, who in 1904 had ten birds, but thought they had been much weakened by inbreeding, as few of the eggs were fertile and the flock steadily decreased. The following year only four were left. Meanwhile the original Milwaukee flock had decreased in the same way, ^ s LAND BIRDS. 251 and in 1908 there were but seven left, six males and a single female, ap- parently barren. Since that time all the remaining birds of both flocks have died, with the possible exception of a female which Dr. Whitman sent to the Cincinnati Zoological Society in 1902, which was infertile in 1909 at the age of thirteen years. At that time the Cincinnati Society had a single male left, about twenty-four years old and not likely long to survive. For a history of the Milwaukee flock, with interesting details of the life of the pigeon in captivity, the reader is referred to Mr. Mershon's book already cited. The belief that the Passenger Pigeon was a bird of remarkable vitality, endurance, and powers of flight undoubtedly has a good foundation, but all these powers combined might prove useless against that dominating fear which compelled the bird to turn from the known dangers of civiliza- tion— the axe, the gun, and the forest fire, toward the inhospitable and semi-arctic regions of the far north. We may hope that a remnant of the great hordes which once swept over our state still exists somewhere and may eventually restock our forests, but it must be confessed that this is far more a hope than an expectation, and with each succeeding year this hope grows fainter. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Entire head, including sides and chin, together with back of neck, back, rump and most of upper surface of wings, clear plumbeous or bright slate-blue, the scapulars and tertiaries with a few large black spots, the lesser wing-coverts with similar but smaller ones; lower throat, breast, sides and belly, rich reddish brown, deepest on throat and chest, paler and more pinkish (vinaceous) on the sides and abdomen; sides of neck and base of neck behind with a rich, metallic, red-purple iridescence; anal region and under tail- coverts white; wings brownish black, several of the shorter primaries with broad bluish- white areas on the outer webs near the base, and a narrow white edging even to the tips; two middle tail-feathers entirely black, the rest slate blue at base, grading into pure white at tip, each feather with a broad black area and a bright brown "tliumb-mark" on the inner web near the base. Bill black; feet and iris red. Female: Similar as to wings and tail, which, however, are dull slate instead of black; black spots on the wing-coverts tending to form two or more bars; no clear slate blue anywhere, but head and neck mainly brownish- gray, the back and breast grayish-brown, and the sides of the neck glossed with metallic colors as in the male, but much more faintly. Young birds resemble the adult female somewhat, but most of the feathers above and below have distinct white margins, and the light borders on the wing-feathers are broader, giving a mottled appearance. Length of male 15 to 17.25 inches; wing 8 to 8.50; tail 8.20 to 8.75. Female and young somewhat smaller. 129. Mourning Dove. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis (Linn.). (316) Synonyms: Carolina Dove, Turtle Dove, Dove— Columba carolinensis, Linn., 1766, Wils., Aud., Nutt. and others. — Turtur carolinensis, Briss. — Ectopistes carolinensis, Rich. — Columl)a marginata, Linn., Wagl. — Ectopistes marginata, Gray. Plate XVII and Figures 64, 65, 66. Not likely to be mistaken for any other bird, with the exception of the Passenger Pigeon. It differs from the latter in its decidedly smaller size, in having fourteen tail-feathers instead of twelve, and in having a distinct blue-black spot on the side of the neck. Distribution. — Temperate North America; from southern Maine, southern Canada, and British Columbia, south to Panama and the West Indies, breeding tliroughout its North American range. 252 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. The Mourning Dove is an abundant resident of the southern half of the Lower Peninsula during the warmer two-thirds of the 3'ear, and in the southernmost counties a few frequently winter; indeed it is not an uncommon thing to see a few individuals as far north as Lansing at any time of the year when the ground is bare or nearly bare of snow. ^^^"^^ '^ A North of the Saginaw Valley the Mourning «L ^ Dove is much less common, although there are numerous records of its occurrence, even in the Upper Peninsula. Mr. Thos. B. Wyman has noted it three times at Munising, Alger county, and thinks he has seen it once or twice more when he failed \ to record the exact date. Mr. Ed. Van Winkle says it is not common in Delta fir. 65. Mourning Dove, county, but breeds there occasionallv. A ^''o"! photograph of mounted specimen, flock of ''wild pigeons" reported "^ from (Original.) Marquette in the summer of 1904, doubtless was a flock of Mourning Doves. It is one of the first birds to arrive in spring, coming at about the same time as the Bluebird, Robin, and Meadowlark, usually in advance of the Killdeer. It commonly arrives in pairs, but occasionally in small flocks of three to ten individuals, which soon separate and begin nesting. With us the nest is usually i)laced on the horizontal branch of a spreading tree, and not more than eight or ten feet from the ground. Frequently it is placed in a bush or a tangle of vines, at an elevation of but three or four feet, and instances are by no means uncommon in which the eggs are placed directly upon the ground with only the merest apology for a nest. In l)rairie regions farther south and west this is the common mode of nesting, while in New England the nest is almost invariably placed in trees. It is difficult to determine the number of broods, but in southern Michigan eggs may be found during every month from April to September inclusive, and there are reports of sets in October and November. (?) Doubtless two broods are always reared, and in case of disaster the bird may repeat the attempt several times. By the first of July small companies of doves may be found feeding in stubble fields and brushy pastures, and the size of these flocks increases until in September sometimes a hundred individuals or more will be found feeding in the same field, although when alarmed they seldom unite into one large flock, more often dividing into six to ten small companies. Later in the fall the flocks are smaller yet and when the birds finally move south they generally go in couples oi' small squads. Th's is one of our most useful birds, feeding ex- tensively on weed seeds and never, so far as we are aware, inflicting damage u])on any farm crop. It has Ijcen accused of injuring i)eas when ripening on the vines, but I do not know of a single well attested ^'^- ^"*- instance. On the other hand it frequently eats insects, ^'" °^ ^'^""""g i'"^^^- particularly grasshoppers, although it is always mainly vegetarian. Until recently this was considered a game bird and its destruction was allowed during the fall, but by act of the legislature of 1905 it was trans- ferred to the list of non-game birds, and its killing is now wisely prohibited at all seasons. LAND BIRDS. 253 ■ The ne.st is usually very slightly built, of a few twigs, weedstalks and straws, forming a nearly flat platform on which the two white, unspotted, elliptical eggs are laid. These measure 1.10 by .84 inches. A noteworthy performance of this bird at mating and nesting time seems to have been overlooked by its biographers. An individual leaves its perch on a tree, and, with vigor- ous and sometimes noisy flapping (the wings seeming to strike each other above the back), rises ol^Hquely to a height of a hundred feet or more, and then, on widely extended and motionless wings, glides back earthward in one or more sweeping curves. Usually the wings, during this gliding flight, are carried some- what below the plane of the body, in the manner of a soaring yellowlegs or sandpiper, and sometimes the bird makes a complete circle or spiral before again flapping its wings, which it does just before alighting. Occasionally a soaring dove glides downward in this way until within a yard or two of the ground, but more often it perches again at an elevation of twenty or thirty feet. While gliding rapidly dowaiward its resemblance to a small hawk is noticeable. This peculiar evolution is commonly repeated several times at intervals of two or three minutes, and appears to be a display flight for the benefit of its mate, the assumption being that only the male Dove soars. Although familiar with the Mourning Dove's habits in New England, Western New York, and elsewhere, we have never seen this peculiar flight except in Michigan. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Forehead, sides of head and neck, and lucnst, clcnr pinkish-buff, lightest and most buffy on forehead and sides of head, darkest .ind |iiiikcst on the breast; chin nearly pure white; sides of the lower neck glossed with ch;ingeal>le iiictallic violet or reddish purple; a small but distinct blue-black spot on each side "of the upper neck; crown and occiput clear bluish gray, becoming brownish on back, rump, upper tail-coverts, scapulars and wing-coverts; the inner wing-coverts and scapulars with distinct rounded black s[)ots; middle tail-feathers like the back, the others slaty blue at base, crossed by a broad black band, the terminal third or more white or bluish white. Adult female: Similar, but duller and browner, with little or no blue-gray on the head, or pinkish on the breast; the purplish area on the neck smaller and fainter; the black neck spots small and dull blackish. Young: Similar to adult female, but many of the feathers of the upper surface, neck and chest, with wliitish edgings or tips, the black neck spot and metallic gloss entirely wanting- Length 11 to 13 inches; wing 5.70 to 6.10; tail 5.70 to 6.50. Fig. 66. Tail of Mourning Dove. 254 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Order XII. RAPTORES. Birds of Prey. Members of this order are at once recognizable by a glance at the structure of the bill and feet, various though the modifications of these parts may be. The strongly hooked bill, provided with a cere, only occurs elsewhere among parrots, and there the feet are totally different, being "yoke-toed", as in cuckoos and woodpeckers, two toes pointing forward and two always back- ward, while in birds of prey either three toes point forward permanently, as in all the diurnal Raptores except the Osprey, or the outer toe is versatile, that is, may be turned in either direction, as in the Osprey and all owls. In any case the claws or talons are long, curved and sharp, and in all except the American Vultures they are extremely acute and flexibly jointed to the toes, so that the feet become powerful weapons for grasping, piercing and killing the living prey on which these birds mainly subsist. Three suborders are recognized, separable as follows: KEY TO SUBORDERS. A. Head and part of neck without feathers (Fig. 67). Suborder Sarcor- hamphi. American Vultures. Page 254. AA. Head well feathered. B, BB. B. Eyes placed at the sides of the head so that the two eyes never look in the same direction. Suborder Falcones. Diurnal Birds of Prey. Page 257. BB. Eyes directed forward so that both look in the same direction, surrounded by disks of radiating feathers, the so-called facial disks. Suborder Striges. Owls. Suborder SARCORHAMPHI. American Vultures. Family 36. CATHARTID^. Buzzards or Vultures. Only a single Michigan species, the Turkey Buzzard. The family (and suborder) is characterized by the naked head, perforate nostrils, short hind toe inserted a little above the level of the three front toes, and the somewhat blunt and not strongly curved claws. The whole structure of the foot is adapted rather for walking or standing than for grasping and killing as in most other Raptores. 130. Turkey Buzzard. Cathartes aura septentrionalis Wicd. (325) Synonyms: Turkey Vulture, ^'ultu^e, Buzzard, Carrion Crow. — Cathartes septen- trionalis, Wied., 1839. — Vultur aura, Linn., 1766, and the older authors generally. — Cathartes aura, lUig., 1811, and most recent writers. — Rhinogryphus aura, Ridgw., 1875. Figures 67 and 68. The large size, long, rounded tail, and head entirely naked or merely downy, serve to separate this bird from all others. Distribution. — Temperate North America, from New Jersey, Ohio Valley, LAND BIRDS. 255 Fig. 67. Turkey Buzzard. Adult. From photograph of mounted specimen. (Original.) Saskatchewan region and British Columbia, southward to Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. In Michigan the Turkey Buzzard is practically confined to the two southernmost tiers of counties, although it is found sparingly throughout two tiers farther north and wanders occasionally all over the state. Being a bird of re- markable powers of flight and by no means sensitive to cold, it is not surprising that single individuals often extend their wanderings even to the shores of Lake Superior. We have records from nearly all the counties in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, and reports of single specimens seen or taken in half a dozen localities farther north. At Port Huron, Mr. Hazel- wood states that he sees from one to five every spring. We have a specimen in the College collection, taken at Riley, Clin- ton Co. ; we examined a speci- men at Harrisville, Alcona Co., taken near that place; and a description of one killed near Benzonia, Benzie Co., was sent us several years ago. We also have a specimen taken at the Agricultural College, and Mr. C. J. Davis, of Lansing, has one in his collection, which was killed at Fowlerville, Livingston county. There is a specimen in the Broas Collection (now in the College Museum), taken in Ionia county, and it has been recorded several times from Kent county. Mr. Ed. Van Winkle, of Vans Harbor, writes that he has seen about a dozen specimens in Delta county (Upper Peninsula) during the past fifteen years; and Mr. Thomas B. Wyman, of Negaunee, Mich., writes that a specimen was seen there June 20, 1905, by Mr. E. A. Doolittle. of Painsville, Ohio, who knows the species well and could not be mistaken. Incidentally it may be noted that J. H. Fleming has recorded a specimen taken at Moose Factory, James Bay, in June 1898 (Auk, XX, 66). The nesting habits are somewhat pecuhar. The birds commonly nest in a hollow tree, the hollow of a fallen log., the arched cavity beneath a large stump, or a small cave or pocket in a ledge of rocks. Some times the eggs are laid in the hollow top of a sycamore stub fifty feet or more from the ground, but more often they are placed on or near the ground in some such place as just indicatecl. There are several well attested instances of nests found in ^Michigan, and probably in the counties bordering Indiana and Ohio considerable numbers nest every year. Jerome Trombloy states that a pair nests regularly in a hollow sycamore near the Raisin River at Petersburg, Monroe county, and that other pairs have nested in that vicinity. iNIay 30, 1903, a nest with two eggs was found in a swamp near Freedom, Washtenaw county, by Mr. John Uphaus, and the birds have nested in that vicinity regularly for several years. Mr. S. E. White and E. Durfee took two eggs at Douglas, Allegan county, in 1891. 25G MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. The eggs are always two, and are usually laid on the bare ground, or on the chips and rubbish accumulated at the bottom of the hollow in which they are found, without any sign of a nest. They measure 2.74 by 1.89 inches, and are usually buffy or greenish white, spotted and blotched with rich brown and purplish gray. The young are covered with white down, except the fore part of head, which is naked from the first. The food of the Turkey Buzzard is mainly carrion, but it also eats snakes, toads, and probably rats, mice, and occasionally young birds that chance to fall in its way. It does not, however, attack poultry or game birds, nor does it regularly search for and destroy the nests of other birds. On Fig. GS. Turkey Buzzard. Four weeks old. Photographed from life. From Bird Lore, by courtesy of Dr. Thomas H. Jackson. the whole it is a beneficial species and should be rigorously protected. On the wing it is one of the most graceful of birds and soars for hours at a time in fair weather, wheeling in endless circles high above the earth, always on the lookout for food. It is commonly believed to find its food through the sense of smell, but this has never been proved. It seems much more probable, from the evidence at hand, that it depends primarily upon sight, and the gathering of large numbers about some newly discovered food is due simply to the keen watch kept on each other, so that the motions of the discoverer are immediately noted by others at a distance, and when these stop circling and start toward the feast birds which are still farther away notice the unintentional signal and speed in the same direction. LAND BIRDS. 257 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Head and upper part of neck entirely bare or with only a few "bristles;" wings very long, when folded their tips reaching to or beyond the tip of tail. Tail much rounded. Adult: Nearly luiiform black, dull below, glossy above; the feathers of back, scapulars and wing-coverts more or less margined with grayish b^o^\^l. Bill white; iris brown; naked skin of head dull red; feet brownish black. Young: Similar, but bill blackish, head dusky, and general color of upper parts black, with less bro^vn on scapulars and wing-coverts. The young when just hatched, and for several weeks thereafter, is covered with pure white down except on the head which is largely naked. Length 26 to 32 inches; extent about 6 feet; wing 20 to 23 inches; tail 11 to 12; culmen 1. Suborder FALCONES. Diurnal Birds of Prey. This suborder includes all our birds of prey except the Turkey Buzzard and the owls, and under the scheme of classification recently (1910) adopted by the American Ornithologists' Union, is divisible into three families, viz., the Buteonidae, comprising a majority of all the species, the Falconidse or true falcons (four species), and the Pandionidse or ospreys, a single species. The latter, the Fish Hawk, is unique in the structure of its foot, which has the outer toe reversible, the lower surface of all the toes thickly studded with spicules, and the claws or talons strong, slender, much curved, extremely sharp, and all of the same length — adaptations for holding the slippery prey on which it lives. The other families, Buteonida; and Falconidse are defined with difficulty, the single point by which they can be diagnosed sharply being the anatomical structure of the shoulder, onh^ to be determined by dissection. It seems best therefore not to attempt to separate the three families here, but to give an artificial key for all the species of the suborder, as follows: KEY TO SPECIES. A. Fourth toe (outer toe) reversible, i. e. turning either to the front or back; claws of all the toes approximately the same length. Osprey or Fish-hawk. No. 148. AA. Fourth toe not reversible; claws of uneciual length, that of the hind toe usually longest, that of outer toe shortest. (Fig. 71.) B, BB. B. Very large birds, wings 20 inches or more. C, CC. C. Tarsus or shank feathered to base of toes. (Fig. 74). Golden Eagle. No. 143. CC. Lower third or half of tarsus without feathers. Bald Eagle. No. 144. BB. Not so large, wing from 6 to 18 inches. J), DD. D. Cutting edge of upper mandible toothed and notched (Fig. 75). E, EE. E. With two or more teeth and inter- vening notches on each side; general color bluish-gray, almost white on head; wing 10.30 to 12.30. Mississippi Kite. No. 133. 33 Fig. 71. 258 MICHIGAN HIRD LIFE. Fig. 72 KE. With but one distinct notch, separating the hooked tip of the mandible from a single sharj), tooth-like pro- jection just behind it. F, FF. F. Five outer primaries emarginate near tij). Sharp-shinned Hawk. No. 135. FF. Only one or two primaries emarginate. G, GG. G. Wing over 10 inches. Duck Hawk. No. 145. Possibly also the Gyrfalcon (Appendix). GG. Wing less than 10 inches. H, HH. H. Back and tail bright rust-red, usually with regular cross bars of black. Sparrow Hawk. No. 147. HH. Back and tail without any rust-red, usually slaty-blue or brownish black, the tail with a few (four or five) white cross-bars. Pigeon Hawk. No. 146. Possibly also Richardson's Falcon (Appendix). DD. Cutting edge of upper mandible not toothed and notched (Fig. 72). I, II. I. Small hawks, wing less than 12 inches. J, JJ. J. With only two outer primaries emarginate near tip. White-tailed Kite. No. 132. JJ. With more than two primaries emarginate. K, KK, KKK. K. With three emarginate primaries. Broad-winged Hawk. No. 141. KK. With four emarginate primaries (Fig. 73). Red-shouldered Hawk (small males). No. 139. KKK. With five emarginate primaries. L, LL. L. Tail nearly square at end, that is, tail-feathers all of about the same length. Sharp-shinned Hawk. No. 135. LL. Tail rounded at end, that is, middle feathers longest and each successive pair shorter, the outermost being the short- est. Coopers Hawk. No. 136. II. Larger hawks, wing 12 inches or more. M, MM. M. Tarsus feathered to base of toes. Rough- legged Hawk. No. 142. MM. Tarsus feathered only part way down. N, NN. N. Tail deeply forked. Swallow-tailed Fig 73 Kite. No. 131. NN. Tail not forked. O, 00. O. Upper tail-coverts pure white. Marsh Hawk. No. 134. LAND BIRDS. 259 Fig. 75. 00. Upper tail-coverts not white. P, PP. P. Tail white, unmarked or at most with an in- distinct dark bar toward the ti]). White- tailed Kite. No. 132. PP. Tail not Avhite. Q, QQ. Q. Only first three primaries emarginate on inner webs near tip. Swainson's Hawk. No. 140. QQ. First four primaries emarginate on inner webs. R, RR. R. Tail rust red, usually with a l)lack bar near tip. Red-tailed Hawk (adult). No. 138. Possibly also the Western Red-tail (Appendix). RR. Tail not red. S. SS. S. Tail blackish, crossed at regular distances by about five narrow white bars. Red-shouldered Hawk (adult). No. 139. SS. Tail crossed by seven or eight dai'k bars and an equal number of light ones. T, TT. T. The dark bars wider than the light ones; primaries with much rusty or bright buff basally. Red-shouldered Hawk (immature). No. 139. TT. The light bars wider than the dark ones; no buff or rusty on base of primaries. Red-tailed Hawk (immature). No. 138. QQQ. First five primaries emarginate on inner webs near tip. (ioshawk. No. 137. Family 37. lUTTEONID.F. Kites, Hawks and Eagles. 131. Swallow-tailed Kite. Elanoides forficatus (/.//;».). (327) Synonym.s: Swallow-tailed Hawk, Swallow-tail, Fork-tailed Kite, Snake Hawk. — Falco forficatus, Linn., 1758. — Milvus furcatus, Vieill., 1807. — Nauclerus furcatus, Vig., Swains., Bonap. and many others. — Nauclenis forficatns, Wils., And. A remarkable hawk, instantly recognizable at almost any distance by its resemblance to a gigantic Barn Swallow, the slender wings and deeply forked tail rendering it immistakable. Disti'ibution. — Ihiitcd States, especially in the interior, from the Carolinas and Minnesota southward throughout Central and South America; west- ward to the Great Plains. Casual eastward to southern New England and northward to Manitoba and Assinil)oia. This remai'kal)lc bird nuist l)e i-egardcd as merely a wanderer from the south which has been taken in Michigan perhaps half a dozen times in the last thirty years. 260 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. According to Mr. Norman A. Wood, there is a specimen now in the col- lection of Egbert Harper, at Saline, Washtenaw county, which was killed there September 15, 1880. A pair was shot June 19, 1882. in Monroe county, and the late W. H. ColUns took a specimen near Detroit in 1881. Possibly this is the same specimen recorded by Dr. Gibbs, who states that Mr. Collins wrote him: "One specimen taken seven miles from Detroit in the summer of 1878, now in the Museum of the Detroit Scientific Associa- tion." Mr. Edward Arnold took a specimen in Kalamazoo county, in 1897, and there have been several reports of birds believed to be of this species which were seen but not taken. Among these are records by G. A. Stockwell (Forest and Stream, XII, 9, 165), who says that it sometimes breeds in the southwestern part of the state; and a record by Dr. Atkins, who told Mr. Covert that he had seen it at Locke, Ingham county. It has been taken occasionally in Ontario, and there are records for Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The nest is placed near the top of a tall tree, frequently near the tip of a limb, and is built of small sticks and sometimes lined with moss and feathers. The eggs are commonly two or three, white or buffy white, boldly spotted with brown, and average 1.87 by 1.49 inches. The species nests commonly in the Gulf States and Texas, but may nest in almost any part of its regular range. There is no reason to suppose, however, that it ever nests in Michigan. Its food consists largely of snakes, lizards, tree-toads and frogs, but it also consumes myriads of large insects, particularly grasshoppers and locusts. In the southern states, where it is abundant, all observers agree that it rarely if ever touches birds or mammals. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Back, wings and tail clear black, sometimes with metallic reflections; rest of plumage pure white; bill blackish; feet grayish or flesh color. Young: Similar, but head and neck narrowly streaked with blackish, and most of the dark fliglit feathers edged and tipped with white. Length 19.50 to 25.50 inches; wing 15.40 to 17.70; outer tail- feathers 12.50 to 14.50. 132. White-tailed Kite. Elanus leucurus {VieiU.). (328) Synonyms: Black-shouldered Kite. — Milvus leucurus, VieiU. , 1818. — Elanus Icuciu'us of authors generally. — Falco dispar, Bonap. In general appearance resembles a small sea gull, for example, Bona- parte's, and when seen at a distance might easily be mistaken for one of those birds. In the hand, its pure white under parts, bluish gray back, and clear black shoulders, together with the white tail, mark it unmis- takably. Distribution. — Eastern United States from South CaroUna and southern Illinois to Texas and California, southward to Chili and Argentine Republic; casual in Michigan. Breeds regularly throughout its general distribution in the United States. The claim of this bird to a place in the Michigan fauna rests mainly on the statement of A. B. Covert, of Ann Arbor, who says he killed a specimen in September 1878, on the Honeycreek marshes four miles west of Ann Arbor, and that another was killed April 21, 1879, by C. H. IManley, in Livingston county. The latter specimen is said to be mounted and now in the possession of Capt. Manley. The first specimen was for a time in LAND BIRDS. 261 tlie possession of Mr. Herbert Randall of Ann Arbor, but we have not been able to examine either specimen. The record of a Grand Rapids specimen by Professor Cook was partly incorrect; Mr. Stew^art E. White, to whom the capture was credited, merely recorded seeing a specimen. He says: "Identified while on the wing, but I think his peculiar shape and color- ation leave slight room for doubt." Dr. Atkins, of Locke, reported it as "a rare summer resident," but there can be little doubt that this was a mistake. The bird is a southern species, nowhere common, and not likely to occur except as an extremely rare wanderer in southern Michigan. The nest is placed on trees, usually near the water, and the eggs, which average 1.71 by 1.31 inches, are "handsomely marbled or clouded with various shades of rich madder brown on a paler, sometimes whitish, ground" (Ridgway). Its food is similar to that of the Swallow-tailed Kite, and recent observers do not confirm Audubon's statement that it sometimes feeds on small birds. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Under parts pure white; upper parts bluish gray, bleaching to pure white on the head; a black spot in front of the eye; tail pure white; shoulders (lesser wing-coverts) deep black, rest of wing bluish white above, pure white below. Young: More or less rusty and brown-streaked above; tail crossed by an indistinct dark band near tip; wing- feathers tipped with white. Length 15.15_to 16.75 inches; wing 11.50 to 13.30; tail 5.90 to 7.40. 133. Mississippi Kite. Ictinia mississippiensis (Wils.). (329) Synonyms: Blue Kite. — Falco misisippiensis, Wils., 1811. — Faico plumbeus, Aud., 1831. — Ictinia plumbea, Bonap., Nutt. Known from other kites by its bluish-gray color, becoming lighter or nearly white on the head, and darkening almost to black on wings and tail. Distribution. — Southern United States, east of the Rocky Mountains: southward regularly from South Carolina on the coast, to Guatemala, and casually north to Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Iowa. The title of this bird to a place in the Michigan list appears to rest on a specimen said to have been taken in Cass county many years ago, and recorded in the manuscript list of the birds of the state by D. D. Hughes. This specimen is said to have been preserved, but we have been unable to get any trace of it. The species is mentioned also in Stockwell's Forest and Stream list where it is said to be "rare in Michigan." The Mississippi Kite, like several of its relatives, often occurs in flocks and is a tireless and graceful flyer. Its food consists "of insects such as the larger beetles, grasshoppers and locusts, lizards, small snakes, and frogs. It never has been known to molest birds or mammals" (A. K. Fisher). It nests in the tops of very tall trees, laying two or three nearly white eggs, sometimes faintly marked with pale Ijrown, and averaging 1.G3 l)v 1.32 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION, Adult: Uniform bluish-gray or lead color, becoming lighter on head and darker on wings and tail; inner webs of outer wing-feathers partly rufous. A bhickish spot in front of the eye. Iris red; legs and feet dull red. Young: Similar, but streaked and spotteil with brown below, and the tail with three or more narrow bands of gray or grayish white. Length 13 to 15.50 inches; wing 10.60 to 12..30; fail 6 to 7. 262 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. 134. Marsh Hawk. Circus hudsonius {Linn.). (331) Synonyms: Frog Hawk, ]5og-trotter, Harrier, M; ruinped Hawk. — Falco hudsonius, Linn., 1766. — Circ cyaneus var. hudsonius, Ridgw., 1872. Harrier, udsotiiuh' Mouse Hawk, White- Vieill., 1 SI 17. —Circus Figure 09. Recognizable in any plumage by the pure white upper tail-coverts which form a conspicuous mark in females and young birds, but not so noticeable in the adult male, which is largely bluish white. IMstribution. — North America in general; south to Panama and Cid^a. Breeds throughout its North American range. The Marsh Hawk is one of our commonest and best known birds, arriving from the south usually in March, often before the uplands are free from Fig. 69. Nest and Eggs of Marsh Hawk. From photograph by Thomas L. Ilankinson. snow and before the ice is gone from the marshes. It is commonly seen hunting back and forth over the low grounds, keeping generally within a few yards of the surface and rising above the trees only in passing from one marsh or field to another. Its food is varied, consisting of meadow-mice, ground squirrels, frogs, snakes, insects, and occasionally small birds, mainly blackbirds and the smaller ground-nesting species. According to Dr. Fisher " It is unquestion- ably one of the most l)eneficial of our hawks and its presence and increase should 1)6 encouraged in every possible way, no': only by protecting it by law but by disseminating a knowledge of the benefits it confers. It is l)robably the most active and determined foe of meadow-mice and ground squirrels, destroying greater numbers of these pests than any other species, and this fact alone should entitle it to protection even if it destroyed no other injui-ious animals." Out of 124 stomachs reported on by Dr. Fisher, LAND BIRDS. 263 7 contained poultry or game birds; 34, other birds; 57, mice; 22, other mammals; 7, reptiles; 2, frogs; and 14, insects. This hawk is peculiar in nesting always on the ground, where it builds a somewhat bulky nest, mainly of weed-stalks and grass, and lays from four to eight bluish- wdiite, unspotted eggs, the usual number being five or six. Occasionalhv the ground color is pure white and not infrequently there are a few pale brown spots. The eggs average 1.80 by 1.41 inches. The period of incubation is about four weeks. In spring these hawks are seen always in pairs, but after the young are able to fly they often hunt in fnmily parties, and later in the season gather into loose flocks of twenty to fifty individuals. Their call note is said to be "a peevish scream, not unlike that of the Red-tailed Hawk, though not so strong" (Bendire, Life Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 185). This is one of the birds most often killed ])y sportsmen, few of whom can resist the temptation of so fair a mark. This is much to be regretted, since the bird does almost no harm and renders incalculable service by the de- struction of mice and insects. In Nebraska Professor Aughey found it feeding freely on the Rocky Mountain locust during locust years, and the five stomachs which he examined showed an average of fifty locusts (1st Rep. U. 8. Entom. Com., App. 2, p. 43). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Face with an imperfect ruff, somewhat as in owls. Adult male: Mostly light bluish gray above, more or less streaked with white, the upper tail-coverts pure white; under parts nearly white, usually with a bluish tinge, and rather faintly streaked with grayish or buffy; wings tipped with blackish, forming an excellent field mark; tail bluish gray with six or more narrow dark bars, the sub-terminal bar being broad and very dark. Adult female: General color deep brown above, streaked with rusty; under parts buffy or whitish, streaked with brown; upper tail-coverts white as in male; tail brown with six or seven distinct blackish bars. Young: Similar to adult female but darker everywhere, and tail with only four dark bands. Length 19.50 to 24 inches; wing 12.90 to 16; tail S.SO to 10.50. 135. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Accipiter velox (TrZ/s.). (332) Synonyms: Pigeon Hawk, Sparrow Hawk, Birtl Hawk, Chicken Hawk, Bullet Hawk. — Falco velox, Wils., 1812. — Falco fuscus, Gmel., 1789. — Accipiter fuscus, Bonap., 1838, and authors generally. — Nisus fuscus, B. B. & R., 1875. Plate XVIII. Known by the small size, comparatively short wings and long tail, and especially l)y the slender legs and feet and the remarkably long toes. As with many hawks, adult plumage is not acquired for several years and the fully mature birds are entirely different in color and markings from younger ones. This species is not likely to be confounded with any other save the Cooper's Hawk, but the latter is commonly much lai'gor and the end of tail rounded instead of square. Distribution. — North America in genei'al; south to Panama. Breetls throughout its North American range. This little hawk is known in different })arts of the state by different names, as indicated above, l)ut it is most often called "S]ian-ow Hawk," a mime to which it has every natural right, since it feeds largely upon small birds; but unfoit unatcly the name "Sparrow Hawk" is the one given L'G4 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. in almost all our books of reference to the little falcon, or Kestrel, which is almost equally common, but which feeds much more commonly upon insects and mice than upon sparrows. The present species, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, is one of the few really injurious hawks which is common in Michigan. It prefers feathered game to anything else and creates havoc among the bird population of our fields and forests during its presence with us. During migration it is generally distributed over the state, but passes northward for the nesting season, so that it is seldom found in southern Michigan after the first of June. It nests usually in evergreen trees — pines, spruces, tamaracks, or cedars, building a rather compact nest of sticks and twigs and laying from two to five heavily blotched eggs, which average 1.47 by 1.16 inches. It has been reported nesting from many counties in the southern part of the state, but it seems tolerably certain that in most, if not all, these cases Cooper's Hawk was mistaken for the present species. We know of but two instances in which the eggs have been taken in the state, and for these we are indebted to Mr. Edward Arnold of Battle Creek He reports a nest with four eggs taken near Port Huron, St. Clair county, May 26, 1899, the nest being placed twelve feet up in a cedar tree. Another nest, with two eggs, was taken May 22, 1901, from a cedar tree, also in St. Clair county. While these are the only actual records of nesting known to us, the bird has been found during the nesting season at several points in the northern part of the state; by Major Boies on Neebish Island, St. Mary's River; by O. B. Warren in Marquette county, 1898; and by the writer at Gaylord, Otsego county, and Grayling, Crawford county, in June, 1902, and on Beaver Island, Charlevoix county, in Jul}^ 1904. While this species closely resembles Cooper's Hawk in flight, general appearance, and character of nesting, the eggs are heavily spotted, while those of Cooper's Hawk are never heavily spotted, and usually are plain bluish white without any spots at all. Among 159 stomachs reported upon by Dr. Fisher, 6 contained poultry or game birds; 99, other birds; 6, mice; 5, insects; and 52 were empty. It appears, therefore, that out of 107 stomachs which contained food 99 contained remains of wild birds while only 6 contained mice (Hawks and Owls of the U. S., 1892, 35-37). These figures should be compared with those relating to other hawks, and especially to the owls. The Sharp-shin is by no means a noisy hawk, except perhaps when its nest is threatened. At such times its shrill notes justify the description given by a farmer who said they were always "squealing" when he went near their nest. One writer says their call is a clear chee-up. chee-up, while another compares it to the cac, cac, cac of the Flicker, and says "it is exactly like that of the Cooper's Hawk, except perhaps a little shriller and not quite so loud" (Bendire, Life Hist. I. 188). This is one of the species which frequently migrates in large scattered flocks, especially in autumn. Mr. P. A. Taverner observed such a flight in the autumn of 1905 at Point Pelee, Ont., about 20 miles east of Detroit. He writes: "There were Sharp-shins everwhere — sweeping about through the woods, beating about just over the tree tops; higher, working up and down the line of trees along the shore [Lake Erie], and still farther up, as high as one could see them, were still hawks. Standing in a small open- ing in the brush where I could look out over a field I counted 25 and I judged there were but an average number for the day in sight then." This flight Plate XVIII. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Adult. Reprinted from Chapman's BirdLLife, by'courtesy ofjD. Appleton & Co. LAND BIRDS. 267 lasted several days and appears to take place late in August and early in September every year. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Uniform dark bluish gray or slate blue above, the feathers of the occiput pure white beneath the surface; under parts white, the throat narrowly streaked and the rest heavily barred with reddish brown; primaries blackish on outer webs, bluish white barred with black on inner webs, the five outer ones emarginate on the inner webs; tail colored like the back, but with about five blackish cross-bars, the tip narrowly white. Tail square or slightly emarginate at tip; bill black; legs and feet yellow; iris reddish brown. Length 10 to n.50 inches; wing 6.10 to 7.10; tail 5.80 to 6.10. Adult female: Similar in color to the male, but decidedly larger. Length 12.50 to 14 inches; wing 7.80 to 8.80; tail 6.60 to 8.20. Immature: Without any slate blue, the upper parts larownish, the feathers mostly edged with rufous and the tertiaries and scapulars with many partly concealed, large, white spots; under parts white, everywdiere streaked with pale brown, many feathers with sharp shaft lines of dark brown or blackish. 136, Cooper's Hawk. Accipiter cooperi (Bonap.). (333) Synonyms: Pigeon Hawk, Chicken Hawk, Quail Hawk, Blue Darter, Swift Hawk.- Falco cooperii, Bonap., 1828. — Accipiter cooperi, Gray, 1844, and authors generally.- Astur cooperi, Jard., DeKay, and some others. — Nisus cooperi, B. B. & R., 1875. Fig. 70. Cooper's Hawk, .\dult. •'roin Baini, Brewer & Rids^way's North American Binis Little, Brown t»i Co. Figures 70 and 71 . With nearly the same proportions as the Sharp-shinned Hawk, but averaging decidedly larger, with heavier legs and feet, and the tail rounded instead of square. In coloration the two arc very similar, and there is the same general diffci-ence l)etween adults and immature birds. Distribution. — North America from southern British America soutii to southern Mexico. Breeds throughout its range. Probably, all things considered, our most abundant hawk. It is found in all parts of the state, and in all seasons of the 3'ear, except during two or three of the coldest months. It nests everywhere throughout the state, 268 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. and abundantly in most sections, placing the nest in almost any kind of tree and at heights varying from a dozen feet to nearly one hundred. The nest is commonly composed of sticks of various sizes, and lined with twigs and scale-like pieces of bark. Rarely does the nest contain any soft lining, although tufts of down from the old bird are often found clinging to the nest and when visible from below are often taken as proof that the nest is injise. The period of incubation is about twenty-four days, and only a single brood is reared in a season. The eggs vary from two to six and are com- monly bluish white or greenish white and unspotted, but occasionally some or all the eggs of a set are distinctly though faintly marked with spots of brown or gray. They average 1.93 by 1.50 inches, and may be laid at any time from late April to mid June, though most frequently in May. This is the common "chicken hawk" of the farmers, and probably is responsible for most of the loss of small chickens. The bird has a habit of dashing suddenly among the poultry, picking up a small chicken in its claws, and carrying it away so quickly that it is commonly impossible to kill the robber. It is very likely to return the same day or the next and to repeat its visits indefinitely until killed. It also eats large numbers of wild birds, including some quail, young partridges and young waterfowl, and although it does some good by eating an occasional mouse or squirrel, it is nevertheless on the whole a decidedly injurious species. Out of 94 stomachs reported on by Dr. Fisher, 34 contained poultry or game birds; 52, other birds; 11, mammals; one, a frog; three, lizards; and two, insects. Under the present Michigan law this species and the Sharp-shin are the only hawks which may be killed legally at any time; and the law seems to be a wise one, most of our other hawks being highly beneficial, and the few which form exceptions (as the Goshawk and Duck Hawk) being so rare as to be of no importance. Unlike the buzzard hawks the Cooper's and Sharp-shin seldom wheel aloft on the lookout for food, but fly swiftly and silently from place to place, flapping the wings rapidly for a few seconds and then gliding noiselessly, always alert and watch- Left leg and %ot of Cooper's ful, and ever read}'' to drop like an arrow on some Hawk. (Original.) unsuspecting victim. Sometimes they alight for a few moments on the top of a dead tree, or on some other commanding perch, sitting quite stiff and upright, but soon taking wing again. They are among our most restless and active hawks, apparently endowed with a surplus of strength and energy and never content except when in action. Fig. 71. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult male: Top of head blackish or clear black, in strong contrast with the slate blue of the rest of the upper parts; feathers of occiput and nape pure white below the surface, the white showing when the feathers are ruffled; under parts white or nearly so, the cliin and throat lightly streaked, the breast, belly and sides heavily barred, with red- dish brown; primaries blackish on outer webs, the inner webs with broad and scanty bars of dusky and white; tail rounded, similar in color to back, and with four or five broad LAND BIRDS. . 269 blackish bars and a narrow terminal edging of white. Bill black; cere, feet and legs yellow; iris reddish brown to deep red. Length 14 to 17 inches; wing 8.85 to 9.40; tail 7.80 to 8.30; tarsus 2.30 to 2.60. Adult female: Similar to male, but duller, browner and decidedly larger. Length 18 to 20 inches; wing 10.10 to 11; tail 9 to 10.50; tarsus 2.60 to 2.85. Immature: Similar to corresponding ages of the Sharp-shinned Hawk, but of course larger. Most hawks require several years for attaining fully adult pkunage and almost any intermixture of young and adult plumage is possible. 137. Goshawk. Astur atricapillus atricapillus (TFtZs.). (334) Synonyms: American Goshawk, Blue Hen Hawk, Blue Darter, Partridge Hawk, Dove Hawk. — -Falco atricapillus, Wils., 1812. — Astur atricapillus, Bonap., 1838, Wils., Nutt., and others. — Astur palumbarius, Sw. & Rich. — Astiu- palumbarius var. atricapillus, B. B. & R., 1875. With nearly the proportions of the two preceding species, but much larger than the largest, and far more heavily built. The immature bird closely resembles the immature Cooper's Hawk in all but size, but . the adult, with the blue-gray upper parts and finely cross-barred gray and white underparts. is entirely unlike any other hawk. Distribution.— Northern and eastern North America, south in winter to the middle states and southern Rocky Mountain region; casually west to Oregon. Breeding range restricted to the Canadian fauna of the United States and northward. A magnificent but bloodthirsty bird with a particular fondness for game- birds, chickens, and doves, to which it is very destructive whenever it has a fair chance. Fortunately for the farmer it is seldom seen in Michigan excei^t in severe weather when his poultry are generally well housed. Under such circumstances the Goshawk chases the doves, and in spite of their great powers of flight not infrequently captures them. The great majority of specimens taken in the state are captured while trying to catch poultry or doves during severe cold weather. Under normal conditions the Goshawk feeds principally upon grouse and other game birds, with an occasional rabbit or squirrel. Sometimes it is fairly common in winter in the northern half of the state, and then several winters may pass without any being observed. On the whole it must be considered a decidedly uncommon species. A])out the middle of November, 1906, a large flight of Goshawks entered Michigan from the north and overspread the entire state. In the neighbor- hood of Detroit and especially in parts of western Ontario, they weie particularly abundant, and a score or more of specimens were taken. One was taken at Morenci, Lenawee county, November 19, and one near Benton Harbor, Berrien county, about the same time. Mr. C. E. McAlvey informs me that about November 25, 1906, while hunting near Manistee, he shot a Partridge or Ruffed Grouse, and before he could recover it a large Goshawk darted down and carried it off. At about the same time a fine specimen was killed near Copemish, Manistee county, by Mr. H. A. Danville, Jr. It is worthy of note that almost without exception the Goshawks of this flight seem to have been fully mature birds in the blue and white plumage, only a single immature bird having been taken. The entire time covered by this invasion did not exceed a month, and the birds disappeared as suddenly as they came. It probably nests in the state regularly, but in very small numl)ei's, and most of bur records are far from satisfactory. Mr. A. B. Covert visited a nest near Comers' Camp, Wexford county, about six miles northwest of 270 MICHIGAN RIRD LIFE. Cadillac, April 22, 1882, and obtained the old female with one young and one egg. None of these specimens can be located at present, and although Dr. Gibbs examined the young bird when alive, June 26, 1882, he was not able to identify it positively. The location is one of the highest in the Lower Peninsula (about 1700 feet) and the surroundings precisely what one would expect for the summer home of the Goshawk. Mr. S. E. White states (Birds of Mackinac Island, Auk, X, 1893, 223) that in 1889 two pairs of Goshawks could be seen about the island every day, but that he was unable to secure a specimen. In 1890 there was but one pair and the last pair had disappeared in 1891. There can be little doubt that these birds nested somewhere on the Island. At the Fontinalis Club, near Vanderbilt, Otsego County, the writer found a pair of mounted Goshawks, July 28, 1909, which had been killed "a year or two before" by Mr. I. F. Sellick, the caretaker of the club. Early in the summer these hawks began carrying off his poultry, even taking full grown fowls. Finally, in June or July, the boy who drove the cows was attacked by one of the birds, which struck him on the head repeatedly and so frightened him that he refused to pass the place again. Mr. Sellick visited the place and was himself attacked. He located the nest "in the top of a dead stub, perhaps 30 or 40 feet from the ground." No nest was visible, but " the hen bird — at least the smallest one " was sitting in the top of this stub and evidently had eggs or young there. He shot this bird, and later secured the other when it returned to the nest. The nest itself was not examined. Mr. Sellick is positive that birds of the same kind nest in this vicinity every summer. The Goshawk has been found nesting in the mountains of Pennsylvania and in southern New Hampshire, as well as in the Adirondack region of northern New York. We know of no reason why it should not nest regularly in elevated regions in Michigan where there is still plenty of timber. The eggs are two or three, nearly white, sometimes faintly marked with brown, and average 2.31 by 1.74 inches. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Adult: Bluish-gray or bluish-slate above, darkening to blackish or clear black on the head, where tlie feathers are snow-white beneath the surface; usually a broad white stripe above and beiiiiid the eye, bordered below by a stripe of slate-color or black; under parts white finely barred with gray, blue-gray or blackish, regularly on the flanks and thighs, irregularly elsewhere, and many of the feathers of throat and breast with narrow dark shaft streaks. Tail bluish-gray like the back, sometimes without any dark bars above, but usually showing four or five above, and these always conspicuous on the under side of tail. Bill and claws black; cere, legs and feet yellow; iris deep red. Innnature: CJrayish brown above, many feathers spotted, edged, or streaked with buff or white; lower ])arts buffy white, heavily streaked and spotted (but not barred) with brownish-black; tail grayish-brown with four or five dark cro.ssbands, and a narrow white terminal edging. Male: Length 22 inches; wing 12 to 13.25; tail 9.50 to 10.50; tarsus 2.70 to 3.05. Female: Length 24.50; wing 13. .50 to 14.25; tail 11.50 to 12.75; tarsus same as in male. 138. Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo borealis borealis (Gmel.). (337) Synonyms: Buzzard Hawk, Red-tailed iiuzzanl, Hen Hawk, Big Hen Hawk, Chicken Hawk, White-breasted Chicken Hawk, Eastern Redtail. — Falco borealis, Gmel., 1788, Wils., 1808, Nutt., 1840. — Buteo borealis, Vieill., 1819, and American authors generally. Plate XIX and Figure 72. When adult readily recognized by the large size and the general bright chestnut color of the tail with a narrow white tip and sometimes more or Plate XIX. Red-tailed Hawk. Adult. From ,V'»'//( Anicn'ran Fiiinui No. 1(3. Courtesy of Biological Survey, V. S. Dept. .Vsriculti LAND BIRDS. 273 less perfect black bar. The immature birds are readily confused with other species. Distribution. — Eastern North America, west to the Great Plains, north to about latitude 60°, south to eastern Mexico. Breeds throughout most of its range. This is one of the two most abundant buzzard hawks, commonly called Hen Hawks, often seen floating in circles or spirals far aloft, especially over the uplands. It seems to prefer open country, or at least regions not too heavily timbered, and its food consists almost entirely of meadow-mice, rats, ground squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional snake, frog, or fish. Like other hawks it sometimes gets into bad habits and may then visit the poultry yard many times in succession carrying away fowl after fowl unless trapped or shot. As a rule, however, it feeds almost entirely upon mammals p. ^.-, and must be considered an extremely beneficial bird. Bin of Red^taiifd Out of 473 stomachs reported upon by Dr. A. K. ^''''^■ Fisher, 54 contained poultry or game birds; 51, other birds; 278, mice; 131, other mammals; 37, batrachians or reptiles; 47, insects; 8, crayfish; 1, centipedes; and 13, offal. It is no uncommon thing to find the remains of 5 or 6 meadow-mice in a single stomach and in many localities during the fall and winter it feeds almost exclusively upon small rodents. While wheeling high in the air its common call-note is "kee-aah" as written by Captain Bendire. While perched, often on the top of some tall and conspicuous tree, it is usually silent. The nest is a bulky structure of sticks and twigs lined with smaller twigs and some bark, and usually a few feathers after the eggs are laid. It is placed high up in a large tree, sometimes in the thick woods but more often near the edges of wooded areas, or in single trees in the ojDen. The eggs in Michigan are commonly two or three in number, but occasionally four are found. They are laid earlier than those of the Red-shouldered Hawk, often as early as the last week in March, and usually before the^ middle of April. Of thirty-one nests found by the late R. B. Westnedge, in Kalamazoo county, ten contained eggs the last week in March, thii'teen between April first and 10th, seven during the rest of April, and only one in May (the 10th). The eggs vary much in color and markings, pei'haps one-fourth of them being dirty white and unspotted, while the remainder are spotted and blotched, sparsely or thickly, faintly or heavily, in endless variation. They average 2.38 by 1.81 inches. Tliis hawk is rarely if ever found in Michigan in winter, but arrives from the south very early, usually before the middle of March, and remains until mid-October or later. Fiequently it migrates southward in straggling flocks of considerable size, either wheeling in wide circles and drifting stead- ily southward, or alternately flapping and sailing, usually across the wind, and thus carried steadily to leeward. During fine weather in late autumn scores or even hundreds of Red-tails may be seen thus during a single day. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Four outer primaries notched on inner webs. Adult: Dark brown above, more or less mixed or mottled with gray and whitisii; under parts white or wliitish, usually wa.>^hed with bufi on the .sides of breast, only the belly streaked witli dark brown or blackisli; tail bright rust-red (rufous) above, usually with a distinct black bar near the end, the tip whitish; iris brown. Iiiunature: Similar, but the dark streaks on the belly so thick 35 274 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. as to form a broad zone or band of blackish, and the tail not rusty at all, but gray, crossed by about eight narrow blackish bands. Male: Length 19 to 22.50 inches; wing, 1:^.50 to 16.50; tail, 8.50 to 10. Female: Length 23 to"25 inches; wing, 15.25 to 17.75; tail, 9.50 to 10.50. 139. Red-shouldered Hawk. Buteo lineatus lineatus (GmcL). (339) Synonyins: Red-shouldered Buzzard, Hen Hawk, Big Chicken Hawk, Winter Hawk. — Falco lineatus, Gmel., 1788, Wils., 1808, And., 1831.— Buteo lineatus, .lard., 1832, Aud., 1839, and others. — Falco hyemalis, Gmel., 1789, Bona])., 1832. — Falco buteoides, Nutt., 18.32. Plate XX and Figure 73. Likely to be confounded only with the Red-tailed Hawk, and young birds of the two species can hardly be separated by the novice. The present species, however, always shows rusty-red shoulders (lesser wing- coverts), and the adult has a nearly black tail crossed by four or five distinct, narrow, pure white bars, and usually is tipped narrowly with white. The Red-shouldered Hawk is also more slightly built, the feet and legs in particular being more slender than those of the Red-tail. Distriljution. — Eastern North America to Manitoba and Nova Scotia; west to Texas and the Plains; south to the Gulf States and Mexico. Breeds throughout its range. The Red-shouldered Hawk is an abundant hawk in Michigan, frequenting every part of the state and found, at least occasionally, at all seasons of the year. The greater number move southward at the approach of cold weather, but many remain all winter, at least in the southern half of the state. In its general habits it resembles the Red-tail rather closel3s but is more partial to heavily wooded regions and less often seen at a distance from timber, or sitting motionless on the top of an isolated tree. This difference is correlated with its feeding habits, since the Red-shouldered Hawk is much more partial to the tree-loving squirrels, and more of its food comes from the woods than from the fields and meadows. It is commonly called a Hen Hawk, and most farmers believe that it is a constant menace to the poultry yard. Nevertheless this idea is absolutely without foundation. Dr. A. K. Fisher says that in all his field experience he has never seen one attack a fowl, nor has he found the remains of one in the stomachs of those examined, except that in severe weather, when the ground is covered with snow and when food is scarce, it will devour dead chickens which have licen thrown out from the yard, as well as other refuse found on the compost heaps or in the vicinity of slaughter-houses. Out of 206 stomachs reported on by Dr. Fisher, 3 contained some remains of poultry; 12, other birds; 102, mice; 40, other mammals; 20, reptiles; 39, batrachians; 92, insects; 16, spiders; 7, crayfish; 1, earthworms; and 3, fish. It will be seen from a careful examination of Dr. Fisher's report that the bird has a wide range in food and shows a decided preference for snakes and frogs, as well as a fondness for mice, grasshoppers, beetles, and various other insects. It does eat a few wild birds, but does not appear to be particularly injurious to game, although it occasionally picks up a quail. Like the Red-tailed Hawk it is an early nester, though probably not quite so early as that bird. The late R. B. Westnedge records 21 sets of eggs taken in Kalamazoo county, of which n\imber 16 sets (fresh eggs) Plate XX. Rcfl-shotildcrcd Hawk. Adult. Courtfsy of National Cominitttf of .Amlubon Societies. LAND BIRDS. 277 were taken between April 1st and 15th, one set April 21st, one April 18th, two on May 5th, and the latest one May 13th. The nests are similar to those of the^Red-tail and we know of no way in which they can be surely discriminated. The eggs, however, average smaller and are more heavily spotted, with a smaller proportion of entirely unspotted eggs. The usual number of eggs is three, but four are often found. The ground color varies from white to pale brownish and they are variously spotted and splashed with brown of different shades. They average 2.13 by 1.69 inches. It is difficult to discriminate between the call notes of this species and the Red-tail, and still more difficult to put the distinctions into words. Captain Bendire says "The note of early spring, especially in mating season, is 'kee-yooh, kee-yooh,' the last syllable drawn out," and Dr. Ralph says the call-note is "a loud whistle-like sound, resembling 'whee-ee-e,' with once in a while a 'ca-ac' added to or rather mixed with it" (Bendire, Life Histories, I, 222). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Four outer primaries distinctly notched (emarginate) on inner webs, the outer webs spotted with white or buff. Adult: Upper parts mottled with reddish brown and blackish, the feathers often with purplish reflections and sometimes tipped or margined with whitish; chin and throat white or whitish with a few narrow dark shaft-stripes; upper breast with similar streaks on a rusty ground, and more or less barred with white; lower breast, belly and sides regularly cross-barred with rusty and white, with a few longitudinal streaks of dark brown; under tail-coverts white and unspotted; shoulders (lesser wing-coverts) bright rust-red; tail black with about four narrow white cross bars, the white tip making a fifth bar; iris reddish brown. Immature: Upper parts similar, but with more numerous white edgings, the shoulders duller red; under parts creamy to buffy white with numerous rounded, tear- shaped or lance-shaped spots and streaks of brown, but with no trace of rusty and white bars; tail pale brown (often quite rusty on outer webs of feathers near the base) with a narrow white tip and about eight dark brown or blackish cross bars. Male: Length, 17.50 to 19.50 inches; wing, 11.25 to 13.50; tail, 8 to'9.50. Female: Length, 19 to 22 inches; wing, 13.35 to 14.25; tail, 9 to 10. 140. Swainson's Hawk. Buteo swainsoni (Bonap.). (342) Synonyms: Brown Hawk, Black Hawk, Hen Hawk. — Buteo swainsoni, Bonap., 1838, Coues, 1866. — Falco obsoletus, Gmel., 1789. — Buteo montanus, Nutt., 1833. The adult in normal plumage is likely to be mistaken for the immature Red-tail or possibly for the Red-shouldered Hawk, but it lacks the rufous wing-coverts, and has a broad pectoral band of gray, brown, or cinnamon, separating the white throat from the nearly white belly. The fact that this hawk has only three primaries emarginate (cut out) on the inner webs will separate it from either of the two hawks just named. Distribution. — Western Noi-th America from Wisconsin, Illinois, Arkansas and Texas to the Pacific and south to the Argentine Republic. Casual cast to Maine and Massachusetts. Breeds nearly throughout its range. Swainson's Hawk is a western bird which straggles eastward occasionally, specimens having been taken in many of the eastern states. It has been reported from Michigan a dozen times or more, but it seems probable that in most cases the birds so reported have been improperly identified; at all events in several instances specimens labelled and reported as Swainson's Hawk have been examined and proved to be Red-shouldered or Red-tailed Hawks. There are but two unquestionable records for the state, so far as we now know. The first is a specimen taken by Norman A. Wood, 27S MICIIKiAN HIRD LIFE. in Cheljoygan county, in October 1883, untl recorded in tiie Auk, Vol. XIV, 1897, p. 216. This specimen is now in the University Museum, Ann Arbor (Catal. No. 36062), and is an immature bird, in the black phase of plumage. The bird was not sexed when skinned, but its size would indicate a male. The second record is that of a specimen taken at Hessel, Mich., about 18 miles from Mackinaw City, October 13, 1908, and now in the collection of P. A. Taverner (Auk, XXVI, 1909, p. 83). Specimens were reported from Kent county, Mich., by C. W. Gunn, in November 1882, but examination of the Gunn collection, now in the Kent Scientific Museum at Grand Rapids, reveals but three specimens, marked B. swainsonii, two of which are from California and one from Kent county, but all are Red-tailed Hawks without question. We are convinced that the determinations in most cases have been based solely upon color and pattern of plumage without comparison with genuine specimens of swainsonii, and without an examination of the primaries to see whether three or four were emarginate. Several specimens were reported by W. A. Davidson, in January 1897, as killed in Wayne county; one was recorded by Dr. Miles as killed in Genesee county in the summer of 1859, probably the one mentioned by Stockwell in the Forest and Stream list. Covert reported it breeding in Washtenaw county, taking the female and eggs May 5, 1880. A. H. Boies informed Dr. Gibbs that he took a specimen at Hudson, Mich., about the first of November 1879. Mr. Covert also records a specimen taken by himself in Cadillac, August 16, 1882. Major Boies recorded a specimen taken on Neebish Island in October of either 1892, 1893, or 1894 (Bull. Mich. Orn. Club, I, 27). With the exception of the Kent county specimens in the Gunn collection, we have been unal3le to examine any of the birds mentioned above but have ascertained from inquiry that most of them were sold, exchanged, or given away, and so lost track of. It is by no means impossible that some of these were genuine Swainson's Hawks, but we feel no certainty that this was the case. Mcllwraith (Birds of Ontario, 1894, p. 204) records a young specimen observed at Hamilton in 1865, and another in the hands of a local taxider- mist in 1886 but these identifications are open to some question. In Wisconsin it is far from common. According to Kumlien and Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 64) it has been "noted only during the autumnal migrations, but probably occurs more frequently along the Mississippi River than in the eastern or central parts of the state." On the plains west of the Mississippi it is a common species and feeds principally on small mammals and insects, rarely attacking birds, and never poultr3^ It has been known to feed almost exclusively on grasshoppers for many days at a time, and when these insects are extraordinarily abundant the Swainson's Hawks gather in large numbers to feast upon them. This is one of the species also which frequently moves southward in large straggling flocks during the fall, although it seems probable that many, if not all, our common hawks frequently associate in flocks during migra- tion. The eggs are from two to four, their ground color greenish white to yellowish white, commonly spotted with different shades of brown and gray, but not often heavily marked. They average 2.23 by 1.73 inches. Plate XXI. Broad-winged Hawk. Young, 24 days old. From Bird Lore. Courtesy of Dr. Thomas H. Jackson. LAND BIRDS. 281 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. "Only three outer quills [primaries] with inner webs distinctly emarginated. Tail grayish brown, or brownish gray, sometimes with a hoary tinge, crossed by an indefinite number (about 9 or 10) of narrow dusky bands, which toward base of tail become gradually indistinct and finally obsolete. "Adult male, normal plumage: Above nearly miiform grayish brown; forehead, chin, and throat wliite, usually abruptly defined and forming a distinct patch; chest and upper part of breast usually plain rufous or cinnamon (rarely mixed or broken with whitish); rest of lower parts buffy whitish, sometimes immaculate, but usually more or less barred or spotted with brownish; length 19.50 to 20 inches; extent 48 to 50.50; weight 1^ to 2J poimds; wing 14.40 to 16; tail 8 to 9; culmen .80 to .90. Adult female, normal plumage: Similar to the male, but chest patch grayish brown instead of rufous or cinnamon; length 21 to 22 inches; extent 50.50 to 56; weight 2\ to 3| pounds; wing 14.75 to 17.25; tail 9 to 10; culmen .80 to .95. Melanistic phase, both sexes: Whole plumage imiform sooty brown, the under tail coverts sometimes spotted or barred with rusty or whitish. (In different individuals may be seen every possible intermediate condition of plumage be- tween this complete melanism and the light-colored normal plumage described above). Young: Tail as in adult; above blackish brown varied with bulTy or ochraceous; head, neck, and lower parts creamy bufT (deeper in younger, paler in older individuals), the lower parts usually more or less spotted with blackish, the head and neck streaked with same" (Ridgw'ay). 141. Broad-winged Hawk. Buteo platypterus (VicilL). (343) Synonyms: Broad-winged Buzzard. — Sparvius platypterus, Vieill., 1823. — Falco pennsylvanicus, Wils., 1812, Aud., 1831. — Buteo pennsylvanicus, Bonap., 1830, and many others. — Buteo latissimus, A. O. U. Check-list, 1889, and most subsequent authors. Plate XXL Decidedly smaller than any of the other buzzard hawks, the wing not more than 13^ inches. It resembles the immature Red-shouldered Hawk somewhat, but may always be known by the small size coupled with but three emarginate primaries. Distribution. — Eastern North America from New Brunswick and the Saskatchewan region to Texas, Mexico, and thence southward to Northern South America and the West Indies. Breeds throughout its United States range. In most parts of Michigan this is not an abundant bird, but it is more common in the northern half of the state, where it is a summer resident and breeds. It is so frequently confounded with the other Buteos that our reliable records are not very numerous, and it is jDossible that it nests much farther south than we now suppose. Mr. Edward Arnold of Battle Creek has a set of two eggs of this species taken in Kalamazoo county, May 24, 1875, by Dr. Morris Gibbs. The nest was in a black ash tree and said to have been about 100 feet from the ground. According to Dr. Gibbs the late Richard Westnedge of Kalamazoo, took several nests in Allegan county, in heavy woods along the Kalamazoo River, but after careful examination of Mr. Westnedge's catalogue of eggs, kindly sent me by his mother, I am unable to find any records for this species. The late Percy Selous found it at Greenville, Montcalm county, in June, and it doubtless nests there. We have found it nesting in Emmet county, near Harbor Springs, and it has also been recorded from the same region by Otto Widmann. S. E. White reported it from Mackinac Island, and Major Boies from Neebish Island, St. Mary's River. According to B. H. Swales it is an abundant migrant in southeastern Michigan and breeds there, at least occasionally. He took a nest of three eggs, together with the parent bird, near Highland 282 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. Piii'k, Wayne county, April 29, 1893. The nest was 55 feet up in a })eech tree. Mr. Swales also states that this species is fairly abundant in St. Clair county and is known to breed. In its general habits it somewhat resembles the other Buteos but its food consists more largely of insects and it is entirely free from suspicion of injury to the farmer. It eats mice, squirrels, ground squirrels, rats, shrews, wood mice, as well as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and the large, green, naked caterpillars which are the larvse of destructive moths. Out of 38 stomachs reported on by Dr. Fisher, 2 contained small birds; 15, mice; 13, other mammals; 11, reptiles; 13, batrachians; 30, insects; 2, earthworms; and 4, crayfish. The Broadwing nests always in trees, the nest being made ordinarily of sticks and lined with thin scales of dry bark, but not infrequently green leaves are added, possibly for protection during the absence of the parents. The eggs are commonly two or three, very rarely four, the ground color grayish white, spotted in variable degrees with brown or gray. They average 1.93 by 1.56 inches. This is another of our hawks which often migrates in flocks, and sometimes hundreds may be seen passing slowly northward in spring, or southward in fall, now flapping steadily, and again circling and drifting slowly in the desired direction. The autumn migration takes place mostly between the middle of September and the 10th of Otcober, and the birds return from the south early in April. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Only three outer primaries notched (emarginate) on the inner webs; wing never more than 13.50 inches long. Adult: Upper parts grayish brown to brownish black, darkest on interscapulars and crown, often with distinct pur])Hsh reflections; forehead and ciiin whitish, the latter some- times streaked with (hisky, sonu'times pure white; featliers of occiput pure white below the surface; imderparts redtlish l)rown, everywhere spotted or barred with white, most freely and regularly on the belly, flanks and thighs (tibise), least on the chest; sides of neck without white, but usually with a blackish patch from corner of mouth backward; tail brownish black to clear black above, with 2 to 4 distinct, wide cross-bars of white or grayish, and a narrow tip of the same shade; iris, cere and feet yellow. Immature: Upper parts almost precisely like those of the young Red-shouldered Hawk, but the shoulders not rusty, nor the outer webs of the primaries light-spotted; under parts pure white to buffy white, more or less heavily spotted and streaked with dark brown, but without bars except imperfect ones on flanks and thighs; chin and throat usually pure white, with few or no streaks; iris bright yellow; cere and feet greenish yellow. Male: Length, 13.25 to 15 inches; wing, 9.85 to 10.70; tail, 6.50 to 7. Female: Length, 16 to 18 inches; wing, 11 to 11.40; tail, 7 to 8. 142. Rough-legged Hawk. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (GmcL). (347a) Synonyms: American Rough-legged Hawk, Rough-legged Buzzard, Black Hawk, Mouse Hawk. — Falco sancti-johannis, Gmel., 1788. — Buteo sancti-johannis, Nutt., 1833. — Falco lagopus, Wils., 1808.— Buteo lagopus. Rich., 1831. Known from all the rest of our hawks by the feathered shank or tarsus, only the toes being naked. It is about the size of the Red-tailed Hawk, but a much lighter built bird, with more slender feet, weaker bill, and especially longer, more pointed wings. Its plumage is too variable for ready descrip- tion, but nearly black individuals are rather common, and in specimens not so coloi'cd a broad dark zone across the lower breast and belly is usual. LAND BIRDS. 283 ■ Distribution. — North America north of Mexico, breeding north of the United States (except in Alaska). This is a beautiful and valuable hawk, which is found with us only during the colder half of the year, passing beyond our northern boundary to nest. It arrives from the north usually in October or November and in favorable seasons and localities some may winter, l)ut the majority pass farther south after the streams and lakes freeze up. It returns in the spring with the disappearance of snow, and a few linger until the first week in May (Greenville, May 4, 1898, Selous). Dr. Atkins, of Locke, reported it as breeding there (O. & O. IX, 44), but this was certainly an error. No unquestionable instance of its nesting within the borders of the United States (except in Alaska) has been recorded, and the numerous reports of its nesting in Maine, Wisconsin, and Minnesota have all been discredited. A single credible record is that of a nest and two eggs found in Nelson county. North Dakota, June 7, 1901, by Mr. A. C. Bent (Auk, XVIII, 393); the bird, however, was not killed in this case, and although the collector of the eggs was positive of the identification, there is still room for question. It nests in Labrador on ledges, cliffs, etc., and in Alaska mainly in trees, 20 feet or more above the ground, but occasionally on banks, bluiTs and cliffs. It lays from two to five eggs (usually three or four) which are dingy white, sometimes plain, but oftener spotted and blotched with various shades of brown and gray in every conceivable degree and pattern. They average 2.31 by 1.74 inches. While with us in spring and fall this hawk frequents by preference open, low lying lands and marshes, where it perches on the tops of scattered trees watching for its prey, which consists almost entirely of meadow-mice, and frogs. In favorable situations, where such food is abundant, the birds sometimes gather in considerable numbers, so that sometimes 30 or 40 may be seen in the course of a week and a large number may be shot during the season. This has happened several times at the St. Clair Flats and in the marshes bordering Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River. The Rough-leg is irregular in its visits, some years appearing in considerable numbers and during other years none being seen. It does absolutely no harm to the farmer and should be rigidly protected. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. Entire leg feathered to base of toes; basal half or more of tail white or whitish, the remainder dark, four outer primaries emarginate on inner web. Normal Adult: Plimiage too variable for description, but the above points are sufficient if the specimen is in hand. In addition, there is usually a broad dark zone across the lower breast and belly, sometimes solid fuscous or black, sometimes made up of a more or less fused mass of spots, streaks and bars. The latter condition is said to characterize older birds, while the solid dark zone indicates immaturity. As a rule tiie vipper parts closely resemble those of the Red-tail, altliough the head and neck average lighter colored. A dark phase (melanistic) is not uncommon, in which the entire bird is black or ])lackish except the forehead, base of tail and inner webs of primaries, which are white. Inter- mediate stages are also common. Male: Length 19.50 to 22 inches; wing l').?") to Ki.SO; tail 9 to 10. Female: Length 21.50 to 23.50 inches; wing 16 to 18; tail 9 (o 11. 284 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. 143. Golden Eagle. Aquila chrysaetos {Linn.). (349) Synonyms: Brown Eagle, Gray Eagle, Black Eagle, Ring-tailed Eagle.- — ^Falco chrysaetos, Linn., 1758. — Falco canadensis, Linn., 1766. — Aquila canadensis, Wils., 1808. — Aquila chrysaetos, Sw. & Rich., 1831. — Aquila fulva, Nutt., 1833. — Aquila chry- saetus var. canadensis, B. B. & R., 1875. a rare bird anywhere Michigan as the Bald Plate XXII and Fiyure 74. Its size, the expanse of wings being about seven feet, prevents con- fusion with any other bird except the Bald Eagle, and the two may be separated in any plumage by examination of shanks or tarsi. In the Golden Eagle these are feathered to the base of the toes (Fig. 74), much as in the Rough-legged Hawk, while in the Bald Eagle the shanks are naked for some distance up the legs. Of course the adult Bald Eagle always has the pure white head and tail, which the Golden Eagle always lacks, but the immature birds resemble each other sufficiently to be readily confused. Distribution.^ — North America, south to Mexico, and northern parts of the Old World. Breeding range in the United States practically restricted to the mountainous parts of unsettled regions. While the Golden Eagle is generally considered it would seem to be fully as common in winter in Eagle. Probably it would not be true of all localities but neither bird is abundant anywhere and the Golden Eagle occurs here and there through the state almost every winter. Naturally it is entirely absent during the warmer half of the year and almost all our records for the state fall within the months December, January, and February. However, there are some records for November and March and a few for October. In at least three instances we have known Golden Eagles to be caught alive in the hands after becoming entangled in bushes and vines where evidently they had plunged after some quarry which they had failed to capture. In other cases specimens have been caught in steel traps while feeding on carrion during severe weather. This is contrary to their usual habits, since the Golden Eagle is much more particular than the Bald Eagle to have its food perfectly fresh. One which we ke{)t in captivity at the College for more than a year absolutely refused to eat tainted meat or any animal which had begun to decompose. The habitual food consists of partridges, quail, water fowl, rabbits, and occasionally squirrels and even smaller game. It does not seem to care for fish and is no more abundant along the lake shores than in the interior, except possibly that it follows the migration routes of water birds. It is not known to nest within our limits, the several reported instances for Fig. Right foot of (ioldtm Eagle (Original.) Plate XXII. Golden Eagle. Adult. From pholoKraph of mounted specimen. (Original.) LAND BIRDS. 287 Michigan beino; all referable to the Bald Eagle, with which the bird is constantly confounded. Most people, including many who should be better informed, consider any eagle which lacks the white head and tail a Golden Eagle, whereas the Bald Eagle does not acquire the white head and tail until the third or fourth year at least, yet probably nests when one year old, that is, during the second summer. Dr. R. H. Wolcott states that a nest believed to be that of a Golden Eagle was described to him in 1894, on the shore of Lake Huron, 40 miles east of Mackinac. Mr. Ed. Van Winkle of Van's Harbor, Delta county, Mich., was positive that the Golden Eagle nested in Delta county some ten or twelve years ago, but he was doubtless mistaken. Of course it is not impossible that the bird does sometimes nest among the cliffs along the south shore of Lake Superior, but we have absolutely no proof that such is the case. This is decidedly a mountain eagle and its nests are usually placed in almost inaccessible places on cliffs. It is known, however, to nest in trees occasionally, and in some regions (California and Oregon) most of the nests are so placed. Usually but two eggs are laid, though there are records of three. They are deposited very early in the season, in January or February in Arizona, from the 10th to the 20th of March in southern California, and from April 1st to April 10th in southern Oregon. We have no records of nests from the vicinity of IMichigan. The eggs are sometimes plain white, but oftener thickly spotted or blotched with brown or gray, various shades of brown predominating. They average 2.93 by 2.34 inches. The Golden Eagle sometimes attacks larger animals than hares and rabbits, and occasionally, on some of the western sheep ranches, it is quite destructive to young lambs. Probably also once in a while it attacks young fawns of the common deer, but the instances are rare. Major Bendire says of its note " The usual call-note is a shrill ' kee-kee-kee ' uttered in a high tone. It is often heard in the early spring before nidifica- tion commences. Another note not so frequently used — one of alarm — is 'kiah-kiah,' repeated a number of times." The Golden Eagle rears but one brood in a season, and the period of incubation is approximately four weeks. TECHXKAL DESCRIPTIOX. Atlult : (leneral color rich dark brown, lighter on tibiic anti tarsi, tlie feathers of tlie occiput and hind neck with separate, lanceolate tips (like the hackles of a rooster) which are yellower or more golden brown, whence the name of the eagle; tail white basally, only the terminal half or less clear black, sometimes with a lighter tip; cere and feet greenish yellow; bill dark horn color; iris brown. Immature: Similar to adult, but darker, especially above, the hackles less golden, and the tail white only at the very base, or with several imperfect grayish bars on its basal half. Male: Length '.iO to 35 inches; wing 23 to 24.70; tail 14 to L'). Female: Length 35 to 40 inches; wing 25 to 27; tail 15 to 16; extent of spread wings 7 to 7\ feet. 144. Bald Eagle. Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus (Linn.). (352) Synonyms: White-hea