Southern Illinois Bird Man |

In “Wandering Through Winter,” the
last of four books about the seasons in|
the continental United States, Edwin Way
Teale tells of coming to Mount Carmel,

: |Ill., where he recalled the career of the
great ornithologist Robert Ridgway (1850-|
1929). With the permission of Teale’s pub- .
Nsher, Dodd, Mead, we reprint the follow-
ing excerpt from the concluding volume 4

) of a distinguished series. j

ory

BY EDWIN WAY TEALE

HE SON of a pioneer druggist, the
Tiss of 10 children, Robert Ridgway
was born at Mount Carmel two days
before the Fourth of July in 1850. When
he was only 4 years old he made his first
drawing of a bird. ak
By the time he
was 10, he had as-
sembled a private
museum of nests
and eggs and was
producing accu-
rately colored
paintings of the na-
tive birds. In his
effort to record the
exact hues of the
feathers, he ground
pigments and com- eS
bined them with Teale
gum water of his own manufacture in a
back room of his father’s drug store. .. .
One summer, when the water of the
Wabash was abnormally low, the cargo
of a sunken river steamer, the Kate
Sarchet, was salvaged near Mount Carmel.
It included a rusty rifle. To provide the
young ornithologist with a collecting gun
of his own, Ridgway’s father had the barrel
bored out and the weapon transformed into
a percussion-cap, muzzle-loading shotgun.

By following a formula found in an old|

book, Ridgway mixed together chlorate of
potash, yellow prussiate of potash, and
white sugar to manufacture his own gun-
power.

| Knowing nothing of taxidermy or of pre-
paring bird skins, he had no way of pre-
! serving the specimens jhe collected except
| by painting pictures of them. When he
was 14, bright-colored songbirds such as he
had never seen before appeared in num-
bers one winter around Mount Carmel.
He named them the “‘roseate grosbeaks.”
Their identity remained a mystery for
months. A neighbor suggested he send his
painting to the commissioner of patents
in Washington. The commissioner, who

ing over to Spencer Fullerton Baird, then
beginning his brilliant career at the Smith-
sonian Institution. Baird identified the bird
as a purple finch. He suggested that young
| Ridgway send him drawings of any other
| birds that puzzled him. Thus began the
most important correspondence of Ridg-
way’s life.

~

ESS THAN three years later, when he

was still not quite 17, he returned
home one March day, after climbing to
the nest of a red-tailed hawk, and found
2 letter from Washington awaiting him.
Baird offered him the position of zoologist
on a United States expedition being sent
to explore the 40th parallel from the east-
ern slope of the Sierra Nevada, in Cali-
| fornia, to the eastern slope of the Rockies,
in Colorado. Thus, about the middle of
April, 1867, Ridgway broke home ties.
Driving with his parents to Olney, some
50 miles to the north, he boarded the first
train he had ever ridden on.

knew nothing about birds, turned the draw- |

forest, the wood-burning engine stopped to
load on fuel stacked beside the rails. The
: Parallel Expedition, led by the noted
government geologist Clarence King, em- |
barked from New York in a side-wheel
steamer bound for Panama. A similar
craft carried the party up the Pacific coast
to San Francisco. There the group headed
inland for two years of scientific explora-
tion.

When this exploration ended, Ridgway
returned to Washington to illustrate and
prepare scientific descriptions for the mon-
umental five-volume treatise on North
American birds being written by Baird
and Dr. Thomas M. Brewer of Boston. At
the age of 24, he was appointed curator
of birds at the Smithsonian Institution.
Only two other museums in America at
that time had salaried officials in charge
of a department of birds. For several
years young Ridgway lived in one of the
red-brick towers of the Smithsonian build-
ing and during more than half a century,
until his death in 1929, he remained a
member of the scientific staff of this
world-famous institution.

UIET AND UNASSUMING, he turned

out a vast body of valuable work. He
published more than 13,000 pages of ma-
terial on birds. Two genera, 23 species,
and 10 subspecies of birds were named for
him. He was one of the founders of the
American Ornithologists’ union. Between
1901 and 1919, eight volumes of his Birds
of North and Middle America appeared
under the imprint of the Smithsonian In-
stitution. This was his magnum opus... .

When, as a boy beside the Wabash, Ridg-
way began studying birds, he imagined
that he was the only person in America,
perhaps in the whole world, engaged in
such pursuits. In a history of the United
States he had come across references to
Wilson, Audubon, Bonaparte, and Nuttall.
But they all were no longer living. He
concluded that all ornithologists belonged
to a past period. . . . The only natural
history books he possessed were Oliver
Goldsmith’s Animated Nature and Sam-
uel G. Goodrich’s The Animal Kingdom
Illustrated. In contrast, I found when I
visited the local library the young natural-
ist in Mount Carmel today has more than
a score of excellent bird books at his dis-
posal....

During all the years that Robert Ridg-
way worked in Washington, far from the
Illinois country of his boyhood, he said he
felt he was in prison. The sensitive, living
man inside the shell of his reputation was,
he once confessed, ‘“‘homesick for 45
years.” In 1918, he could stand it no
longer. He returned to Olney, where he
had boarded the train that originally car-
ried him away. There, with his wife, he
settled down at a pleasant, elm-shaded
home on the south side of town. Arrange-
ments had been made for him to continue
his Smithsonian work in these congenial
surroundings.

(©1957, 1965, by Edwin Way Teale]

NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY OF ILLINOIS
STATE LABORATORY OF NATURAL HISTORY

STEPHEN A. FORBES, DIRECTOR

eine

SN EAOLOGY

Sr ieiNOs

DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE
BY ROBERT RIDGWAY

Tombstone of Robert Riagway

Bird Harerr r e7aey, LIljwors,

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

This volume is the first to appear of a series on the zodlogy
and cryptogamic botany of the State of Illinois, author-
ized and provided for by the Thirty-fourth General Assembly.*

The series is intended to summarize the facts relating to the
natural history of Illinois which have been accumulated by
general investigations made in the districts of which the State
forms a part, by the studies of local naturalists, and by the
operations of the State Laboratory of Natural History.

The work of this institution has been especially directed, dur-
ing the past twelve years, to the supply of the more important
deficiencies remaining in our knowledge of the zodlogy and
botany of the State. Neglecting the flowering plants and the
classification and description of birds and mammals,—already
fairly well studied for this region,—we have paid particular at-
tention, so far as descriptive work is concerned, to the lower
plants, to reptiles, amphibians, and fishes, and to insects and
aquatic invertebrates. Still greater prominence has been given
to a general research on the system of actions and reactions
occurring within the assemblage of living forms native to
Illinois, with a view to exhibiting the laws of interaction and
coérdination by which the innumerable host and vast variety of
the plants and animals of our region are held together as a
definitely organized, living whole.

As an item of this research the economic relations of the

most important groups,—especially of birds, fishes, and insects,

*Laws of the State of Illinois, 1885, p. 28, sec. 3.

iv GENERAL INTRODUCTION,

—have been studied extensively, and reference has been had at
every step to the needs of the public schools and the higher in-
stitutions of learning.

In the preparation of the volumes of this report it will be
our main final object to furnish the materials for a full and
accurate picture of the native plant and animal life of Illinois
as it actually exists in our fields, woods, and waters, and to
bring most prominently into view those parts of the subject
which have a peculiar educational or economic value. Especial-
ly we have hoped to furnish in this series a solid and perma-
nent basis for the study and teaching of the natural history of
this State and of its different sections, thus opening to the
student and the teacher the way to a familiar knowledge of the
life of his neighborhood in all the relations likely to have any
important bearing on popular education or on the general welfare.

Classification and description must furnish the foundation of
such a work; but to these will be added accounts of habits, of
life history, and of relations to nature in detail and at large,
as full as the state of our knowledge and the funds at our dis-
posal will permit.

The volume here presented is due to the generous and disin-
terested labors of Dr. Robert Ridgway, formerly of Mt. Carmel,
Illinois,—an ornithologist whose long and eminent service in the
Smithsonian Institution and the United States National Museum
seems only to have intensified his interest in the promoticn of

the study of his favorite science in his native State.
* * * * * + * * * * *
To the characteristic generosity of the honored and lamented

Dr. Spencer F. Baird, we owe the illustrations of this volume,

with the exception of the frontispiece,—all being printed from

GENERAL INTRODUCTION, v

copies of cuts loaned to the Laboratory by the Smithsonian
Institution.
S. A. FORBES,
Director of Laboratory.
CHAMPAIGN, June 30, 1889.

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

http://www.archive.org/details/ornithologyofill01 rid

CONTENTS.

PAGE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION. .......cccccccccccccscccessccccccvccscees canSnscetasoeosianbescite iii
RESET GA Claro mmntanta snissicisicalecisiele mecisinaalocice’e visielcietrctnciclsisisisrele sielslorsiecielcreisislolsles Sern evientenineicenterisis 3
JIS TU 01D) DIGIUILOIS oonaace noocceonddco ood cocbARdesnenecodssodosuousdocaacocdoondsadd gaanceagaoR bos 7
PePHYRIOAD ERATURES OF THE STADE s1/<s scl: c sislocsiaiciscsisinsisjoes ¢/csiee'e a/elele.slsiarcicin'sleinje'eiele 7h
The Lake Shore District 10

TURG: TERETE bo seoqncnontacase gang cocoLMndoosHocd bdosoC coe canoSe SqnucoGoHOneSoDooCDandes 13

The Southern Bottom Lands 17
RINSTIHLO ont caelelciabion ler ania sac einer nalciaeie eisai ec canton seisiciarsisteiiciatcici-icta\eleiplo(elaleieie cles sieiaieie/eib[nislelsya 19

II. CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF THE AVIFAUNA OF THE STATE..........00 000000 24
Position with regard to Faunal Provinces or Districts .................0ee cee eee 30
PTAC serene steatctine soncinnrstsalceynscieicisinsivis steals asia lsieisiesle’e's\e's slaiete'e[s'ele'sisisisinisieis's)s's//s1ncein'a 31

TET OGRAP EY aetteetecueslcan seilecinei siestiseniseicinis sidered seaismeciceniclie csietsieslovsiscrcieis oieieib/cie sie 36
LATA RIR(S) OS! TOLT ELIS IOUS ban conacobenbanaLcndacaono bass coocanpcbodadses coppdccobodpoocenercacopoodae 43
ANALYSIS OF HIGHER GROUPS 44
Order PAssERES—The Passerine Birds 47

Family Turdide (The Thrushes), 49.—Family Sylviide (The Warblers), 72.—Family
-Paride (The Titmice and Nuthatches), 78.—Family Certhiidw (The Creepers),
86.—Family Troglodytidea (The Wrens and Mocking-Thrushes), 88.—Family
Motacillide (The Wagtails and Pipits), 109—Family Mniotiltide (The American
Warblers), 113—Family Vireonide (The Vireos), 179.—Family Laniidw (The
Shrikes), 192—Family Ampelidw# (The Waxwings), 198.—Family Hirundinidz
(The Swallows), 203.—Family Tanagridw# (The Tanagers), 214.—Family F:ingil-
lide (The Finches), 219.—Family Icteride# (The American Orioles), 305.—Family
Corvide (The Crows and Jays), 329.—Family Alaudide (The Larks), 336.
—Family Tyrannide (The Tyrant Flycatchers), 341.

Order Macrocutres—The Goatsuckers, Swifts, and Hummingbirds............ aSqigo0n05 353
Family Trochilide# (The Hummingbirds), 359.—Family Micropodidw (The Swifts),
363.—Family Caprimulgidew (The Goatsuckers), 366.

Order Pror—The WOOdpeCkKers, Ot6...........-.ccccscsnncvecerecccecoscsecccccccccocssesce ooo: zi!
Family Picide (The Woodpeckers), 371.

Order! GOGGYGES—Te CuGkOGs. OfGr.cccccrcecscccndcuselsocssusissccoceucscsssaseesisscnesossls 339
Family Aleedinid# (The Kingfishers), 389.—Family Cuculide (The Cuckoos), 392.

Order Pstrraci—The Parrots, ete....... SCO LRDROGE OOO Ue oneTOcod aos Eb cSuUbUonasecpoeane bad

Family Psittacide (The Parrots), 396.

Vili CONTENTS.

Order AcorrreEs—The Birds OL Preyn iis. .cccccccs-rtescuccccsessusesadcaessvin Scone secneia 309
Suborder Striges—Nocturnal Raptores (Owls), 399—Family Strigide# (The Barn
Owls), 400.—Family Bubonide (The Owls), 403—Suborder Faleones—Diurnal
Raptores, 426.—Family Falconide (Falcons, Kites, Harriers, Hawks,and Eagles),
#26.—Suborder Sarcorhamphi—The American Vultures, 488.—Family Cathar-
tidw# (The American Vultures), 488.

Order COLUMBZ—The Pigeons Or DOVES ..00cccccccccccrcccccccscccccccccscssccccccesccccass 494
Family Columbidz (The Pigeons), 494.

Peek LT:

A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE

OF THE

Preps OF lL NOTS.

BY ROBERT RIDGWAY.

PREFACE.

When, at Prof. Forbes’s request, the writer consented to under-
take the preparation of a work on the birds of Illinois, he had
many misgivings as to his ability to perform the task within the alloted
time; but by persistent labor during hours not required for other
engagements, difficulties have been surmounted and the volume
completed.

Were it not for the generous and cordial permission of the Direc-
tor of the National Musuem to make use of the collections of that
establishment in the preparation of this work, the undertaking
would have been impossible to the author. The National Museum
contains thousands of specimens of birds from Illinois, contributed
by various naturalists now or formerly residing in the State, and
to these free access has been granted. Among the principal col-
lections are the following: (1) From Cook county and the south-
ern portion of the State (chiefly Union county), by the lamented
Robert Kennicott—Illinois’ first and most gifted naturalist, who
sadly ended a short but brilliant and promising career in the wilds
of Alaska; (2) from Cook county, by Mr. H. W. Nelson, of Chicago,
and (8) many interesting specimens from the same region by Mr.
H. K. Coale, also of Chicago; (4) contributions of rare and inter-
esting specimens from Warsaw, Hancock county, b) Mr. Chas. K.
Worthen ; (5) a fine collection made at Mount Carmel, Wabash county,
by my deceased young friend, Mr. Samuel Turner, and presented
to the National Museum by his brother, Mr. Lucien M. Turner,
now of the U. S. Signal Service; (6) occasional interesting speci-
mens from Dr. J. Schneck, of Mount Carmel, and (7) specimens col-
lected by the writer in Wabash and Richland counties, but chiefly
in the vicinity of Mount Carmel.

The author is autoptically familiar only with the bird-fauna of
the southeastern portion of the State. At Mount Carmel, his native
place, observations were made almost continuously from about 1860
to 1867, while one month of each succeeding year has been mainly

4 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

or partially devoted to a continuation of investigations at the same
place. The summer of 1865 was passed at Olney, Richland county,
where several birds not observed at Mount Carmel were discovered ;
while subsequent visits to the same place, including several trips
to the neighboring prairies, have further increased his knowledge of
the bird-life of that locality.

Without the aid furnished by the collections above referred to,
and the assistance kindly rendered by several gentlemen who have
been making a special study of the birds of their respective neigh-
borhoods, this catalogue would of necessity have been a purely
local one. Mr. H. K. Coale, of Chicago, has most generously placed
his note-books, full of valuable records, at the author’s disposal,
while Mr. Chas. K. Worthen has contributed many important notes ;
so that, with help from so many sources, together with various
local lists, and other publications! on the birds of Llinois, it has
been possible to prepare a tolerably full list of the birds of the
State at large. Much remains to be done, however, especially in
the western and extreme southern counties, which are certain to
produce important and perhaps unlooked for additions.*

The author has endeavored to make the work as original as the
circumstances would allow; but on account of the limited time
allotted for its completion (one year), and being mainly occupied
with other duties, he has found it necessary to draw, to a certain
extent, upon previous publications. Thus, for the land-birds, many
of the generic diagnoses have been taken from the History of North
American Birds,! while for the water-birds the descriptions have
been copied from The Water Birds of North America. In every
case, however, matter which is not original with the present work
is enclosed in quotation marks, and the source whence obtained
explicitly stated. It may further be explained that the author has
the permission of the publishers to make extracts, at his discretion.

14 partial bibliography of Illinois ornithology is given on pages 36-42.

*The author at first intended to give an Appendix including descriptions of species
which may in time be found within the borders of the State, to aid the collector or inves-
tigator in identifying any species which may not appear in the catalogue proper; but the
idea had to be abandoned on account of the necessity of limiting the number of pages of
es Re of North American Birds, by 8. F. Baird, T. M. Brewer and R. Ridgway.
Land Birds. Illustrated by 64 colored plates and 593 wood cuts. (Volume lI, pp. i-xxviii,
1-596, i-vi. plates i-xxvi. Volume II, 3 p. ll. pp. 1-590, i-vi, plates xxvii-lvi. Volume III, 3p.
ll. pp. 1-560, LL, i-xxviii, plates lvii-lxiv.) Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1874.

2 Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy at Harvard College. Vol. XII.
The Water Birds of North America, by 8. F. Baird, T. M. Brewer and R. Ridgway. Issued
in continuation of the publications of the Geological Survey of California. J.D. Whitney,

State Geologist (Volume I, pp. i-xi, 1-537. Vol. Il, pp. 1-552). Boston: Little, Brown and
Company, 1884

PREFACE. 5

An original feature of the work—the vernacular synonymy*—
will enable the reader to more readily identify, by reference to the
index, any bird whose local name is known to him but whose
scientific name he has not learned. The biographies are necessarily
short, but it has been endeavored to mention the more prominent
characteristics of each species.

For all faults of omission or commission, the author begs the
indulgence of the generous reader. It has been with him so truly
a “labor of love” that no effort has been spared to make the work
as complete as the circumstances would allow; and it is hoped that
it may prove in some degree useful to those who are engaged in
the study of our birds.

SMITHSONIAN InsTITUTION, WasHINGToN, D. C,
Jony 2, 1885.

*A vernacular synonymy of North American birds was at one time contemplated by
Mr. Ernest Ingersoll, who, in the Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. VIL,
April, 1883, pp. 72-78, called attention to the desirability of such a work, and gave a very
interesting list of the numerous local names of the Colaptes auratus, Mr, Ingersoll’s
plan, however, was unfortunately never carried out; but it is to be hoped that may
eventually be consummated

INTRODUCTION.

I. PuysicAL FEATURES OF THE STATE.

General, The total length of the State of Illinois is 878 miles,
the extremes of latitude being 36° 59’ and 42° 80’, while the maxi-
mum breadth is 210 miles. The great length of the State from
north to south gives it a climatic range of 5} degrees, which exceeds
that of any other State except California. The topography of Illi-
nois is so simple, however, that any decided differences of climate
or temperature must necessarily result from difference of latitude
or season, there being no mountains sufticiently elevated to produce
any perceptible modification in this respect.

“Tllinois occupies the lower part of that inclined plane of which
Lake Michigan and both its shores are the higher sections. Down
this plane in a very nearly 8. W. direction the principal rivers
have their courses to the Mississippi. The lowest section of this
plane is also the extreme 8. angle of the State, and is only 340 ft.
above the Gulf of Mexico. The greatest elevation of the country
is 1,150 ft., and the mean elevation about 550 ft., above tide water.
Next to Louisiana and Delaware, indeed, Illinois is the most level
State of the Union. A small tract in the N. W. corner of the
State around Galena is hilly and somewhat broken, and there are
bluffs on the Mississipi and Illinois rivers; but by far the greater
portion of the surface consists of vast level or gently undulating
prairies. A low mountain ridge extends across the 8. end of the
State, from Grand Tower, on the Mississippi to Shawneetown on
the Ohio, constituting the fruit region of southern Lllinois.” (Ameri-
can Cyclopedia.)

The highest point within the State is said to be near the north-
ern border, between Freeport and Galena, where the so-called “mounds”
are 1,100 to 1,150 feet above sea-level, though only 200 to 250 feet
above the surrounding country. The lowest part of the State is,
of course, the river-bed at Cairo, where the elevation above mean
tide in the Gulf of Mexico is 840 feet. The general surface in the
southern is much more varied or broken than that of the central

8 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

and northern portions, there being a bold, almost mountainous,
range of hills with an elevation of 500 to more than 600 feet above
the surrounding country, or a total altitude approximating 1,000
feet above sea-level, the lowlands along the northern side of the
range averaging only about 55 feet above the river at Cairo.
(Worthen’s Geology of Illinois, Vol. I., pages 3 and 4.)

Continuations of this range extend, with occasional breaks or in-
terruptions, to the northward, along the western border of the
State. ‘A range of heights commences at the bluffs that bound
the American Bottom, near Kaskaskia, and stretches northwardly
through the State toward Lake Michigan. A noble limestone bluff
breaks off, almost at right angles to this chain, and stretches along
the margin of the American Bottom to the point nearly opposite
the Missouri. This bluff has, in many places, a regular front of
perpendicular limestone, not unfrequently 300 feet high. Another
line of river bluffs commences opposite the mouth of the Missouri,
and reaches the mouth of the Illinois. Opposite Portage des Sioux,
these bluffs shoot up into detached points and pinnacles, which,
with the hoary color of the rocks, have, at a distance, the appear-
ance of the ancient spires and towers of a town.” (“Illinois in
1837 & 8; a sketch descriptive of the country,” etc. Philadelphia:
S. Augustus Mitchel, 1838.) ‘Along the banks of the Upper Mis-
sissippi there stretch for hundreds of miles the ruined facades of
stately castles and magnificent temples, built by Nature’s hand.
Seamed and scarred are they, too, as if by the lightning, and here
and there appear ghastly rents and yawning chasms half concealed
by vines sweeping from every ledge, and shrubs rooted in every
crevice. One should see them in the beauty of the morning, as
cool, silent and dark; with the dew heavy on rock and shrub, and
trembling vine; mild convolvuli, full-blossomed and rejoicing in the
shadow, swinging gaily from every projecting rock. And all through
the autumn, while the oaks and maples and the vines, in russet
and scarlet and gold, hold their death together, and with the clus-
tering masses of golden-rod and purple asters, mock the cedars and
hemlocks in their dress of sombre green.” (M. L. W., in The
Pastime, Washington, D. C. Vol. II, No. 5, May, 1884.)

There is probably no better index or key to the distribution of
birds in any country than that afforded by the character of the
vegetation; should this vary essentially within a given area, a cor-
responding difference in the bird-life is a certainty. The author may,
therefore, be excused for going somewhat into detail on this subject.

INTRODUCTION. 9

The two extremes of the State present vast differences in the
character of their vegetation, as might be expected from climata-
logical considerations alone; but some of the most conspicuous
dissimilarities arise from causes quite independent of climate. The
southern third is for the most part heavily wooded, the northern
and central portions mostly prairie. At least, this was the normal
or original condition of things before the planting of orchards and
shade trees in the prairie districts, and the clearing of forests in
the wooded sections changed somewhat their relative proportions.
The change thus wrought has been in some respects very great;
but it is asserted (and certainly with truth as regards some sec-
tions) that the conversion, by Nature’s own hand—though through
the agency of civilized man by the stoppage of prairie fires—of
what were prairies fifty years ago into what are forests at the present
time, has very nearly, if not quite, balanced the extent of deforestation.

The northern Conifere are scarcely represented in the sylva of the
State, only six (out of ten species found in the Northern States)
occurring altogether, and nearly all of these solely in the northern
tier of counties, and there locally. Thus, of the pines, Pinus banks-
iana (gray pine) occurs in Cook and Ogle counties*, and P. strobus
(white pine) in Cook, Winnebago, and Ogle counties; the larch (Larix
americana) in McHenry, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties, Juni-
perus sabina, var. procumbens, im Cook county, and the yew (Taxus
baceata, var. canadensis) in Winnebago and Ogle counties; the only
other one occurring in more than two counties being the arbor-vite
(Thuja occidentalis), which has been found in Peoria, Cook and Kane
counties. Of the numerous southern and eastern species of Conifere,
only four, or possibly five, occur in Illinois, as follows: The bald cy-
‘press (Taxodium distichum) in the inundated lands of the southern
part of the State; the white cedar (Chamecyparis spheroidea) in Gal-
latin county, and the yellow pine (Pinus mitis) on the rugged south-
ern hills. It is supposed that a fifth species, the Jersey scrub pine
(Pinus inops), probably occurs with the last species, since it is very
abundant on the “knobs” of southern Indiana. Two species of gen-
eral distribution, so faras the country at large is concerned, occur both
in the northern and southern portions, though they are more or less
local, and wanting, too, for the greater part of the State. These are the
red cedar (Juniperus viryiniana) and common juniper (J. communis).

* Probably in Lee county also (ide Professor Forbes, in epist.)

10 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

As to dicotyledonous trees, it may be said that while only 8 species
(i. e., wild red cherry, Prunus pennsylvanica; cork elm, Ulmus_ race-
mosa, and paper or canoe birch, Betula papyracea,) are confined to
the northern portion of the State, at least 33 species are restricted
mainly to the southern half, the following comprising the latter
list: Cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata), umbrella tree (M. wm-
brella), tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)*, deciduous holly (Ilex
decidua), Indian cherry (Rhamnus caroliniana), black locust (Robinia
pseudacacia), water locust (Gleditschia monosperma)t, Chicasaw plum
(Prunus chivasa), Washington thorn (Crategus cordata), tree haw-
thorn (Crategus arborescens), narrow-leafed crab-apple (Pyrus augus-
tifolia), sweet gum (Liquidambar styracijlua), Hercules’ club (Aralia
spinosa), tupelo gum (Nyssa uniflora), farkleberry (Vaccinium arbor-
eum), southern buckthorn (Bumelia lycioides), southern iron-wood (B.
lanuginosa), silver bell tree (Halesia tetraptera), western catalpa
(Catalpa speciosa), “privet” (Forestiera acuminata), winged elm
(Ulmus alata), water elm (Planera aquatica), Mississippi hackberry
(Celtis mississippiensis), water hickory (Carya aquatica), small shell-
bark (C. microcarpa), overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), Spanish oak
(Q. falcata), willow-oak (Q. phellos), chinquapin (Castanea pumila),
black alder (Alnus serrulata), yellow pine (Pinus mitis), white cedar
(Chamecyparis spheroidea), and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum).

The decidedly ‘‘Austroriparian’”’ facies presented by the vegetation
of the southern counties (north to Wabash and St. Clair) is further
illustrated by the parasitic mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens), the
arborescent grass, forest-reed, or switch-cane (Arundinaria tecta),
and the large number of vines, besides the great luxuriance of vege-
tation generally. It will be best to treat of each section (so far as
the writer possesses the knowledge to do so), under a separate
heading, rather than to enter here into further details.

The Lake Shore District (by E. W. Netson.{) “The region
about the southern end of Lake Michigan, in Illinois, presents an
unusually fertile field for the ornithologist. Situated, as it is, mid-
way between the wooded region of the East and the treeless plains
of the West, with the warm river bottoms of the South, rich in
southern species, extending within a comparatively short distance,
and the great Lake upon the north, northeastern Illinois forms a
kind of “four corners” where the avian-faune of four regions inter-
srade. To the proximity of Lake Michigan we are indebted for a

* North to Vermilion (fide Professor Forbes in epist.)
+ North to Illinois River bottons, near the mouth of that stream (Forbes).
t In Bulletin of the Essex Institute (Salem, Mass.), Vol. VIII, 1876, pp. 90-92,

INTRODUOTION. 11

number of more or less strictly maritime species, among the most
important of which are, during summer, Ammodromus caudacutus,
Aigialitis melodus and Anas obscura, and, during the migrations,
Strepsilas interpres, Tringa bonapartei, T’. maritima, T. canuta, Cali-
dris arenaria, with all the common water-birds, with very few
exceptions, found upon the coast at that season. In winter the list
is larger, during which season are found Histrionicus torquatus,
Harelda glacialis, the three species of Gvdemia, Somateria mollissima,
S. spectabilis, Stercorarius pomatorhinus, Larus glaucus, L. lewcopterus,
L. marinus, and Rissa tridactyla.

“As would be expected, the southern species occur only in sum-
mer, with the exception of Lophophanes bicolor, which is found only
in winter. The principal southern species are: Mimus polyglottus,
Parus carolinensis, Thryothorus ludovicianus, T. bewicki, Protonotaria
citrea, Dendreca var. albilora, D. cerulea, Oporornis formosus, Icteria
virens, Myiodioctes mitratus,.Pyranga estiva, Collurio var. ludoviciana,
Cardinalis virginianus, Centurus carolinus, Nauclerus forficatus, Rhi-
nogryphus aura, Tantalus loculator, Gallinula martinica, Porzana
jamaicensis, Sterna regia and S. antillarum.

“We also have, either as residents or transient visitants, the fol-
lowing western species: Myiadestes townsendi, Vireo belli (breeds),
Hesperiphona vespertina, Plectrophanes pictus, Ammodromus lecontei,
Zonotrichia var. intermedia, Z. coronata, Z. querula, Spizella pallida
(breeds), EHremophila var. leucolema (breeds), Sturnella var. neglecta
(breeds), Scolecophagus cyanocephalus, Pica yar. hudsonica, Chordeiles
var. henryi (breeds), Buteo yar. calurus (breeds?), B. swainsoni
(breeds?) Tringa bairdii, Steganopus wilsoni (breeds), and numerous
others less strictly western.

“Not only is the influence of the Lake upon the fauna shown by
the occurrence of numerous species of birds, attracted by the pres-
ence of a large body of water with its congenial surroundings, but
the influence of the Lake upon the climate and the vegetation in
its immediate vicinity has a marked influence upon the list of sum-
mer residents.

“As is well known, the country bordering upon the great lakes
possesses an average lower temperature during summer, and a
higher temperature during the winter, than the surrounding dis-
tricts. This has a decided effect upon the movements and distri-
bution of the birds in the vicinity of these large bodies of water.

“This influence is seen in a retardation, often of a week or more,
in the spring migration, and in the scarcity of small woodland

12 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

species during the breeding season. Although birds are exceedingly
numerous here during the migrations, and the number of species
found during the summer compares favorably with the number found
at the same season in other localities having the same latitude, they
are represented by decidedly few individuals. This fact is especially
noticeable after one has passed a day in the marshes of the vicinity,
where the abundance of numerous marsh and water birds, both in
species and individuals, would lead one to suppose the woods were
equally favored.

“The limits of the field discussed in this paper embrace two
counties, Cook county upon the south, and Lake county upon the
north. Each possesses certain topographical peculiarities. Cook
county is mainly prairie land, interspersed with ridges and groves
of timber, the former of which generally extend parallel to the lake
shore. Near the southeastern portion of the county the surface of
the prairie is but slightly above the level of the lake. Through this
county flows the Calumet river, along which are extensive marshes,
which form a favorite haunt for various waterfowl. Along the lake
shore, in northwestern Indiana, extending thence slightly into.
Illinois, is the Pinery, a peculiar, sandy, barren tract of land partly
covered by a sparse growth of pines and deciduous underbrush, with,
near the Jake, patches of juniper. Lake county has much more
woodland, and is more hilly or rolling than Cook county. HExtend-
ing along the lake shore, from the northern border of the State
nearly the entire length of this county, is a tract quite similar to
the Pinery before described, except that here the sandhills near the
lake are nearly covered with the junipers (Juniperus .communis).
Throughout this county are scattered a large number of small
lakes, many of which have a marshy border and are much fre-
quented by waterfowl, both during the migrations and the breeding
season.

“The woods near Lake Michigan, in both these counties, are upon
vidges extending parallel to the lake shore, which are separated by
belts of prairie. These ridges form convenient highways for the
woodland species during the migrations. The water birds either
follow the lake shore or the river courses. The migrations of the
latter are almost directly north and south, but with the woodland
species it is quite different. They follow the heavily wooded river
bottoms from the south, and approach the sparsely wceoded States
along the upper Mississippi in immense numbers, where they swerve
toward the heavily wooded region of the northern lake region, where

INTRODUCTION. 13

they find extensive breeding grounds. This change in the direction
of thelr migration causes them to move diagonally across the
northern half of Iilinois toward the northeast. To this we are in-
debted for the vast numbers of migrants found along the lake in
this vicinity. Weary from their flight up the Mississippi and Illinois
rivers, they halt along the inviting ridges bordering along the lake.
After a short rest they resume their northward way, striking boldly
across the lake towards their summer homes in northern Michigan
and beyond. I have many times stood upon a wooded bluff on the
lake shore and seen flock after flock of warblers and other small
birds pass out of sight over the lake.

“The fall migration is less uniform, the birds straggling along in
such a manner that it is difficult to trace any movement except a
general inclination to the south. A severe storm upon the lake
during the spring migration works sad havoe among the birds, for
when a fog arises they become bewildered and perish by thousands,
and large numbers are washed ashore. An instance of this kind
occurred the last of May, 1876, when I counted over two hundred
birds, representing over fifty species, in walking about a mile along
the lake shore.”

The Prairies. The author’s personal acquaintance with the
prairies, their vegetation and their fauna, is very limited. In his
section of the State, there is no open or uncultivated prairie nearer
to Mount Carmel than 25 miles, the nearest one being Allison’s
Prairie, opposite the city of Vincennes, Indiana.

In Jasper and Richland counties, prairies of considerable size
occur. They are offshoots or arms of the Grand Prairie, although
each particular arm or ‘“‘bay” has its own distinctive name. A few
miles west of Olney, Richland county, lies Fox Prairie; and to the
southeast of this (the wooded bottoms of the Fox River and _tribu-
taries intervening) is Sugar Creek prairie. These two are the only
prairies which the writer has explored ornithologically.

The first visit to Fox Prairie was made on the 8th of June, 1871,
the writer and his companions arriving a little before noon. A
rolling plain spread before us, the farther side bounded by timber,
while the prairie itself was free from tree or brush, except where
some intersecting stream was followed by a narrow line of thickets,
interspersed with occasional fair-sized and gracefully formed elms;
or along the edge, where the jungle of sumac, thorn-bushes, wild
plum, hazel, etce., backed by young oak and hickory trees, showed
plainly the encroachment of the woodland. Herds of horses and

14 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

cattle scattered about over the prairie, and two or three neat farm
houses, with their attendant orchards and cultivated ground, made
us realize that we were yet within the bounds of comfortable civil-
ization; otherwise, the landscape presented much of its primitive
aspect. The day was a delightful one; for, although the heat
ranged above 80°, the fresh prairie breeze tempered it to a delight-
ful mildness. Resting upon the cool, green-sward in the shade of a
large elm in the hollow, our ears were delighted by such a chorus
of bird-songs as we have heard nowhere else. Among the leafy
arches overhead the Baltimore Orioles whistled their mellow flute-
like notes, accompanied by soft, contented warble and joyous carol
of the Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos; the birds of the meadow were
chanting on every hand their several ditties, while the breeze wafted
to us the songs of various woodland species. In the scrubby jungle
a Mocking-bird fairly filled the air with his rich medly of varied
notes, the singer leaping in restless ecstacy from branch to branch,
with drooping wings and spread tail, or flitting from tree to tree as
he sang. A Brown Thrasher poured forth a ceaseless accompani-
ment as he sat perched sedately upon the summit of a small vine-
canopied tree—a contrast in bearing to the restive, sportive Mimus,
his rival in vigor, and superior in sweetness, of song. Several
Yellow-breasted Chats interpolated their loud cat-calls, vehement
whistlings, and croaking notes. ‘These three, loudest of the song-
sters, well nigh drowned the voices of the smaller birds; but in the
brief intervals—‘‘between the acts’—were heard the fine and sweet,
though plaintive, song of the little Field Sparrow, the pleasant notes
of the Chewink, the rich whistlings of the Cardinal, and the clear,
proud call of Bob White. Upon proceeding to the thickets and
thus interrupting the louder songsters, the wondrously strong and
vehement notes of the ‘‘Chickty-beaver Bird” or White-eyed Vireo
greeted us from the tangled copse, and soon a song we had never
heard before—the gabbling, sputtering harangue of Bell’s Vireo—
attracted our attention and, of course, our interest. In the more
open woods marking the border of the timber the several woodland
species were noticed; there the Vermilion Tanager or Summer Red-
bird warbled his Robin-like but fine and well-sustained song, the
Blue-jays chuckled and screamed as they prowled among the
branches, and gaudy Red-headed Woodpeckers flaunted their tri-
colored livery as they sported about the trunks or occasional dead
tree-tops.

INTRODUCTION. 15

On the open prairie, comparative quiet reigned. The most
numerous bird there was ‘‘Dick Cissel” (Spiza americana), who
monopolized the iron-weeds, uttering his rude but agreeable ditty
with such regularity and persistence that the general stillness seemed
searcely broken; hardly less numerous Henslow’s Buntings were like-
wise perched upon the weed-stalks, and their weak but emphatic
se-wick sounded almost like a faint attempt at imitation of Dick
Cissel’s song. The grasshopper-like wiry trill of the Yellow-winged
Sparrow; the meandering, wavering warble of the Prairie Lark
(Otocoris alpestris pyraticola)—coming apparently from nowhere, but
in reality from a little speck floating far up in the blue sky,—and
the sweet ‘‘peek—you can’t see me” of the Meadow-lark, completed
the list of songs heard on the open prairie. Many kinds of birds
besides those already described were seen, but to name them all
would require too much space. We should not, however, omit to
mention the elegant Swallow-tailed Kites, which now and then
wheeled into view as they circled over the prairie, or their cousins
and companions, the Mississippi Kites, soaring above them through
the transparent atmosphere; nor must we forget a pair of croaking
ravens who, after circling about for a short time over the border of
the woods, flew away to the heavy timber in the Fox River bottoms.

Early in the following August we paid a second visit to the same
spot, and found a material change in its aspect. A season of
universal drought having passed, the prairie, which before was com-
paratively brown and sober in its coloring, was bedecked with
flowers of varied hue. The Mocking-birds, Brown Thrashers, Chats,
and most of the other songsters, were silent, but the shrill screech
of a large species of Cicada repeatedly startled us as we brushed
against the weeds, while numerous grasshoppers were far more noisy
than the birds. As we came well out on the prairie, however, a
beautiful and unlooked-for sight appeared; in short, we were com-
pletely transfixed by the to us novel spectacle of numerous exquisitely
graceful Swallow-tailed Kites floating about on bouyant wing, now
gliding to the right or left, then sweeping in broad circles, and
approaching so near that several were easily shot. Soaring lightly
above them were many Mississippi Kites, of which one would now
and then close its wings and plunge downward, as if to strike the
very earth, but instantly checking the velocity of its fall by sudden
spreading of the wings, would then shoot upward again almost to

16 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the height from which it had descended. When two or more passed
one another at opposite angles—as frequently happened—the sight
was beautiful in the extreme.

The total number of species observed during these two trips,
within the bounds of the prairie itself, numbered about ninety-five
on each occasion; while the surrounding woodlands, cultivated
grounds and river bottoms added so many more, that a total of
about one hundred and forty species were ascertained to, in all
probability, breed upon an area five miles square, having for its
centre the portion of the prairie where we made our investigations.
Of this grand total, only twenty-five were water-birds, the remainder
of one hundred and fifteen species of land-birds being, perhaps, as
large a number of regular summer residents as any locality of equal
extent in North America can boast.

A third visit to this prairie was made early in June, 1853—exactly
twelve years after the first trip. ‘The change which had taken place
in the interval was almost beyond belief. Instead of an absolutely
open prairie some six miles broad by ten in extreme length, covered
with its original characteristic vegetation, there remained only 160
acres not under fence. With this insignificant exception, the entire
area was covered by thriving farms, with their neat cottages, capa-
cious barns, fields of corn and wheat, and even extensive orchards
of peach and apple trees. The transformation was complete; and
it was only by certain ineffacable landmarks that we were able to
identify the locality of our former visits. As a consequence, we
searched in vain for the characteristic prairie birds. Upon the
unenclosed tract of i60 acres—a common grazing ground for the
herds of the neighborhood—Dick Cissels, Henslow’s Buntings, Yellow-
winged Sparrows, and the Meadow-larks were abundant as ever;
and running in the road, now wallowing in the dust, then alighting
upon a fence stake, were plenty of Prairie Larks (Otocoris); but—
shades of Audubon!—equally numerous were the detestable and de-
tested Huropean House Sparrow, already ineradicably established.
We searched in vain for Bell’s Vireo, for all the thickets had been de-
stroyed. Neither was a solitary kite, of either species, to be seen. We
left our beautiful prairie with sad heart, disgusted with the change
(however beneficent to humanity) which civilization had wrought.

The same is the history of all the smaller prairies in many por-
tions of the State; and it will probably not be many years before
a prairie in its primitive condition cannot be found within the limits
of Illinois.

INTRODUCTION. 17

The Southern Bottom Lands. As a typical example of a lo-
eality presenting the characteristic features of the southern bottom-
lands, I shall select, for special description, the “Cypress Swamps” of
Knox county, Indiana, which, to the writer, have been the scene
both of many fruitful explorations and delightful memories,

The series of ponds which, together with their connecting “sloughs,”
constitute the so-called cypress swamps, are situated on the point
of land known as “The Neck,” a sort of peninsula between the mouth
of White River, on the south and east, and the Wabash, on the
west. The most southerly of these ponds lies about two miles to
the northeast of Mount Carmel, in a direct line; and interspersed
through the forest, at distances from one another of from a hun-
dred yards or less to perhaps a quarter of a mile, are other ponds,
varying in their shape, extent and character. ‘Those best known
are designated as the “Cypress,” “ Forked,” “ Beaver-dam,” and
“Washburne’s” ponds, the latter being the largest. They all drain,
by connecting swamps, into White river, a short distance above the
mouth of the latter stream, through a crooked ditch, known as the
“White River slough,” deeply cut through the alluvial soil and
everywhere overshadowed by dense forest.

Some of these ponds are mostly open, but others are filled with
willow trees (Salix nigra), averaging perhaps 50 feet, but occasion-
ally growing more than 70 feet, in height, but of slender form;
while even the open ponds have a bordering fringe of these trees,
occasionally mixed with swamp cottonwood (Populus heterophylla).
In the swampy tracts between the ponds grow dense and tangled
thickets of button-bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), clumps of black
alder or water holly (//ew decidua _ tall stems of Amorpha fruticosa,
and occasional crooked, thorny trees of the water locust (Glediischia
monosperma). The open portions of the ponds are in summer
choked with a rank growth of various aquatic plants, the “spatter-
dock” (Nuphar advena) prevailing, but giving way in deeper water
to the beautiful western pond lily (Nymphea tuberosa).

The southern cypress (Zaxodium distichum)—here almost at its
northern limit—formerly grew in abundance and attained magnifi-
cent proportions about the borders of the ponds and in the inter-
yening swamps, as well as along the main “slough,” but at present
few fine trees are to be seen. Nowhere do they now form the ex-
clusive or even prevailing growth, but are scattered singly or in
groups among tall sycamores, ashes (Fraxinus americana), sweet
gums (iiguadomebar styraciflua), water oaks (Quercus palustris) and

18 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

other moisture-loving trees, and attain an average height of about
100 feet. Good-sized birches, Betula nigra (and lenta?), also grow
along the margins of the ponds. It should be added that these
ponds are nowhere very deep, and that they consequently sometimes
become completely dry in seasons of extreme drought.

The surroundings of these ponds consist of continuous magnificent
forest (now deprived of many of its finest trees and no doubt doomed
to early destruction), comprising everywhere a mixed growth, em-
bracing altogether more than fifty species of trees, among which
oaks (11 species) and hickories (5 species) predominate, although
the sweet gum, black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), box-elder (Negundo
aceroides), white elm (Ulmus americana), honey-locust (Gleditschia
triacanthos), coffee-bean (Gymnocladus canadensis), black walnut (Jug-
lans nigra), hackberries (Celtis occidentalis and mississippiensis),
tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), and other species are (or were)
also abundant; there are also a few beeches (Fagus ferruginea), and
black cherries (Prunus serotina), besides occasional specimens of the
beautiful Catalpa speciosa. ‘These woods are very open, it being
comparatively easy, in many places, to drive through them with a
light wagon. There is almost no shrubby undergrowth, the usual
underwoods consisting of red-bud (Cercis canadensis), dog-wood
(Cornus florida), pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and mulberry (Morus
rubra) here attaining the stature of good-sized trees. ‘The unob-
structed sunlight, which, directly or by reflection and diffusion,
freely permeates all portions of these beautiful forests, promotes the
development of a luxuriant and varied herbaceous growth—grasses,
sedges, ferns, flags, balsam-plants (Impatiens fulva and pallida), car-
dinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), ete., according to locality, and others
far too numerous to mention; even the decaying logs are covered
with weeds, thus presenting the appearance of miniature gardens.
Other characteristic features are the abundance and luxuriance of
climbing plants, embracing no less than four (probably five) species
of wild grape, the Virginia creeper (Ampelopsis quinquefolia), cross-
vine (Bignonia capreolata), trumpet-flower (Tecoma radicans), pipe-
vine (Aristolochia tomentosa) and others, not forgetting the far too
abundant poison vine (Rhus toxicodendron). The switch-cane (Arun-
dinaria tecta) occasionally chiefly monopolizes the soil, and the
scouring rush (Hquisetum hyemale) sometimes constitutes the exclu-
sive growth, but only in a few places of limited extent.

It is because of this abundance of sunlight and exuberance of
vegetation, that these woods surpass all others in abundance of

INTRODUCTION. 19

bird-life, and therefore afford the richest field for the ornithologist.
The willows are the chosen home of the Prothonotary Warbler
(Protonotaria citrea); the undergrowth, of the Hooded and Blue-
winged Yellow Warblers (Sylvania mitrata and Helminthophila pinus);
ducks and other aquatic species have a secure home in the shelter
of the water-lilies; herons build their nests in the lofty tops, and
turkey buzzards hide their young in the hollow bases, of the gigantic
sycamores. Thirty years or more ago, Parakeets (Conurus carolin-
ensis) disturbed the solitude or drowned the voices of the songsters
by their piercingly shrill screeching notes, but they have long
since vanished, never to return. The turkey still lingers, how-
ever, but must surely disappear when its shelter shall have passed
away.

Climate. The climatic conditions of Eastern North America
are remarkably uniform, as might be expected from the exceeding
simplicity of its topographical features. The Alleghany mountains,
although sufficiently elevated to carry on their summits many
Canadian types, both of plants and animals, quite to the southern
limits of the range, in northern Georgia and Alabama, yet form
so slight a barrier that a very large majority of the species in both
the animal and vegetable kingdoms are common to the Atlantic
seaboard and the Mississippi Valley. In fact, diversity of flora in
the two regions is usually due chiefly to local causes—character of
soil and geological formation—it being a common circumstance to
find localities along the Atlantic coast and in the interior which
more resemble one another in their vegetation than do contiguous
localities in either district.

It is a well known fact, however, that in the interior of large
continents the climate reaches greater extremes of temperature than
in the same latitudes along the seacoast; and this principle applies
to the districts here under consideration, though to a very slight
extent. From the meteorological records of the United States Signal
Office, we are able to deduce the information that, as a rule, in
cases where the mean annual temperature is essentially the same
at places of corresponding latitude on the Atlantic coast and in the
Mississippi Valley, the annual range is greater in the latter; that
is, the maximum heat of summer and minimum cold of winter excel
those of the former. The rainfall also, as a rule, is somewhat
heavier along the coast. There are many exceptions, however, to
these rules, and instances can be found where, according to the
records, they are reversed.

20 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

With regard to this subject we cannot, in the present work, enter
into detail, but must be content with presenting a few data by way
of illustration of the above remarks.

In the “Tables and Results of the Precipitation, in Rain and Snow
in the United States,” collected and published (in 1872 and 1881)
by the Smithsonian Institution, Professor Charles A. Schott, the
compiler, recognizes (pp. 127—183 of first edition, 197-203 of second
edition), ten geographical areas, each of which is characterized by
marked peculiarities in the distribution and quaniity of the rainfall.
Illinois comes chiefly if not entirely within “Type IV” of these
regions, including the Ohio Valley, which is characterized as follows:
“One principal maximum, and one principal minimum; the former
early in June, the latter early in February. Range, moderate.”
This region is to be compared, in the illustration of our subject,
with “Type I. Atlantic seacoast from Portland to Washington,” which
has ‘Three nearly equal maxima, about the middle of May, August
and December, and one principal minimum about the beginning of
February ;” “the range between the extreme monthly values ....
small,” .... and “the August maximum .... generally the highest.”

These are, however, mere technical differences, only appreciable
to, or recognizable by, the meteorologist.

With the following data* we shall dismiss this subject :—

I. Comparative mean annual temperature and rainfall.

Chivago.—Lat. 41°52’ alt. 660.92 feet.

Mean annual temperature (8 years)............+.---- 49°1.
Total annualerainiall (8\syears Geese ele iesteoeicte rs 35.27 inches.
Boston.—Lat. 42°21’, alt. 142.19 feet.

Mean annual temperature (9 years)...........---.005- 48°4,
Totalvannualeraintalla (Os years) eae ele er eretertereiter 50.82 inches.
Indianapolis, Ind.—Lat. 39°47’, alt. 745.58 feet.

Mean annual temperature (1 year).............---.--- 53°3.

Motal annualsraintalll (Siyears) = rerrceensercltere riers echelon 45,22 inches.
Philadelphia, Pa.—Lat. 39°57, alt. 52.42 feet.

Mean annual temperature (9 years)............-+.---- 58°.

Total annual rainfall (8 years(......,--.---0-c+-+--+== 42,.93 inches.

* Compiled from the Annual Reports of the Chief Signal Office, U. 8. Army, 1871-1880

IN'TRODUCTION. 21

Cincinnati, Ohio.—Lat. 39°6’, alt. 620.42 feet.

Mean annual temperature (8 years).............000.0-- Bows
Moimleannoaleraintally (Smyecars)n kn sa secs sececmae eee 42.39 inches.
Baltimore, Md,—Lat. 89°28’, alt. 45.19 feet.

Mean annual temperature (8 years)...... Metis eteyesnve eee 55°5.
Total annual rainfall (8 years)......... Bsc arr EMER SEE 42.46 feet.
St. Louis, Mo.—Lat. 38°87’, alt. 567.67 feet.

Mean annual temperature (8 years) ......... Se en Honos
Roraleannualeramtalle(Smyears)cs so. cece os ern ws so ne: 39.67 inches.
Washington, D. C.—Lat. 38°53’, alt. 165.56 feet.

Mean annual temperature (9 years)......... A Seobab aca irl
Total annual rainfull (9 years)..... Soon CaGU Rene metas 42.73 inches.

Il. Comparative mean monthly and annual temperature and rainfall
at Cairo, Illinois, (lat. 87°0', alt. 377.35 fi.) and Norfolk, Virginia
(lat. 86°51’, alt. 54.50 ft.), for 10 years.

Maximwn Mean Annual Temperature for 10 Years.

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eeelole(S|elelsl(Fieioiai P| &
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Zhai tet |) tee Way |e Onis pak | MS er a te) =
SONS | ee SS. Se tS se SIiB/B] Be
Ss 5 [le RNB WA es Pee om
SAS Ee PB BRR We eels || xa a) aS
Pale |e SR We Ike Le ls a
BIRO se. ecoaete csesseseneeecee™s /1878]39..8)44.7 57.8]64.3]68. 173 9|82.7|81.2/70.6)59 0|50.1]83.2| 59.62
INOLIOM. «sac s260/ cece scases “112 /1876/47.7|45.0 46 .5|55.3|65.7/78.1|81-7/78.2/69.7|56.8/49.4/33.6] 58.92
Pam
Minimum Mean Annual Temperature for 10 Years.

(Calrorec, eter dcis scacen 1875)28.3)32.9]44.8 54.5{6s.slz.2 78.9/73.6/67.5|55.2/45.9|45 6| 55.62
Wortolkss-sicssdcgsesonsc pane 1872)35.0|87.0/39-0 B76 0}76-0)81.0}79.v/72.6/58.9146.2}90.8) 87.20
Average Mean Annual Temperature for 8 Years.

(0) Wee s-s-eeenocscio ssesone-een FIC OC SR CER OSSD COCECE Oe SOROS SAC 36 SS SSCL OHS AOS EEE COS COE OnnnG 57.9
TI@ HGH 0. ee ennocconucciog Hoo naNeSScosb LO S46 Sc Ode aHOCnouoe- na Gang OBEE Seg Seca oBEeBoneocoroe 58.7
Mean Annnal Rainfall for 10 Years.

al wy ala wa
els/elelelsle/elele/zig! 3
Se Ee Reh Sey etal ey hes ee cy |e Py
hl ee |) ren) @ oN SRSA se ate} fe
tM |) Sill ae ee lB SS iN
¢ PUM sia tn ees a |B 7
Steal e : Sess tee eile PB
BY BALE @i]: |8|s] :
. . "4 . . . .
Oairo a. 5 sb sos svesuescseaseste =: 2. 50/4.39/4. alge 0/4 6413.83)2 gsla.5i(3 o2|4.06/s.42| 42.83
Norfolic 222 252ide 22 bccn seecessctcs 3.50/3.05]4 2118. re 7/4025} 6. $6]4.91)8.69 885/4.35 50.54

*The comparative rainfall of the two localities, as givenin the report of the Chief
Signal Officer for i880, is as follows:—

WRISO PSV ORES IG = io) eaeale-eancisesssleiclsanmabsinacission cceniessana=aes dels dassec= masse

45.09 inches.
Norfolk ,, Fit en COO TEER SE BEC EO TEED OO EEE EOC Le DEER Eee eer naer reed 53.83 Bu

22. BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Observations taken at West Salem, Edwards Co., Illinois, (lat.
38° 30’, long. 88°), for 4 years, give almost exactly the same total
precipitation for the year as that which, aecording to the above
table, has been ascertained for Cairo, the difference amounting to
only .60 of an inch. The monthly means are considerably dif-
ferent, however, as the following will show. In this table are also
included the results of observations at New Harmony, Posey Co.,
Indiana, (lat. 38° .08’, long. 87° 50’), for 12 years—both being com-
piled from the Smithsonian tables of precipitation, above referred
to :—

a] ey a} a m

Belial ae Leila eae | Mest heat cau eco [ese eset

Py ARSE PEE PES Pee WS SST IS SENS | Sh 2

(oy |) @ sigilcf2ilele ox

& s py: . D > E B ‘

| eee |e (een see c P

ees | . : : pep laces || ata ||hee :

= : : 2 Wee EEN ELI eg

a 5 A . ‘ ie

|

West Salem, 4 years..............., |2.86/3.47 2,043.80 4.50l4.sol4 85/3 .42/2.83)1.74/4.09)4.13) 42.23
New Harmony, 12 years............ 2.77/2.51 BSa0)S 50.8. 76}4.09,8:11 3.19]3.87]2.25/3.21/3.09] 38.7

The rainfall is apportioned to the different seasons, as follows :—

sujadg
“JemIMINg
pen (i §
*-JOVUTM

12.77
10.39

10.34

Wost:Salom aly arse anseseee=setecedescctee cenit sasaes
10.66

INOW Harmony 1ZyVearsics snes pocces cece teed eec ene eenen

The maximum and minimum mean annual rainfalls, during the
years of observation, at the above mentioned localities was as follows:

West Salem.—Maximum (1858).............. ...... 51.00 inches.
Minimums (859) meeeret creer reetee AN ODaemece
New Harmony.—Maximum (1855)..................- ASPslil imc
Minimumie (S56) areca cee meee 237i Sic

Meteorological observations have been taken regularly at Mount
Carmel during the past few years by Mr. James Pool, recently ap-
pointed U. S. Signal Observer, who has kindly favored me with the
following data:

Mean monthly temperature and total precipitation, for the year
1876. (Three obervations daily, viz., at 7 A. M., 2 P. M., and 9
P. M., local time.)

INTRODUCTION. 23

Precipita- Mean
tion. temperat’re
JUSTIN 6 sense sas omit nce US DID SE D0- Bono Ce See CE-Rdeos a See eno seoEEDec 9 35 42.1°
RGD MARV ween eee oe oaninn caecnnosesticdee cca wesaseseecccesccnaget scence 2.71 39.6
arch..... 5.04 40.6
April 3.33 56.1
ays. 1.79 65.1
June.. 6.24 74.0
July ... 1.68 80.1
EAST COTRY | oe osm ae cer SOS REECE SECEDE IEC HSS SHORES IgE SEO aE EEE CosS 3.81 76.2
RTE SY baie ences Sue Soe c Ee eB On SS Sc CRD Ce Oo one BoD So a eaSe 2.63 67.3
October ah 1.74 54.9
IS OU GLID EE? 25 -Ron ae EOE cE SOC EE EEO CODE DSO BENDS GUE GER EE ECE RCE Ee aeeeere 2.10 41.0
RAR Donen een seer ee cer a anere nce cn cemnnesascncccecrscaccce eres cee 1.95 23.4
PEDERI EOCIDACRLIO Ne cee ee ate aneeciines seciesesset anes === <een 42.39 in.

eA MANUAL TOMPOLALULO. suse seccesencccecscceneecess ceransasedna|=aaennoceneone 8°

The largest rainfall in 24 hours during 1876 was 2.60 inches. The
maximum heat for the year was 97°, and greatest degree of cold
during the winter 1876-7 was 0° (zero).

Rainfall during the year commencing June 16, 1884, was as
follows :

0.38

2.05

1.29

5.35

2.33

1.97

7.59

3.81

1.48

0.95

1.69

2.75

3.59

Motalton Une eatecessasoe seen neces neat sean acer asecesciss 35.23 inches.
Maximum precipitation during 24 hours in 1883........ 4.40 inches,
Maximum precipitation durmg 24 hours from June 16,

TUstsVE ina): diebaxe), aay, keto Gikce O USOC EAC OCRn OOS ae ree lon 2.09 inches.
Maximum temperature for summer of 1884................... +98°
fs f¢ “ USSHW IE eyes ctare citer e ethers: +98
Minimum temperature for winter of 1883-4......... ......... —25°
oC se ef S84 Dek eee eiteacisce cer —15°

The following are a few of the unusually heavy rainfalls~ for
localities in Illinois as recorded in the report of the Chief Signal
Officer for 1880:

Louisville: 2 inches in 5 hours (Jan. 2, 1880), 5 inches in 2 hours
(July 1, 1878). Peoria: 3.94 inches (May 8, 1880). Rock Island:
3.74 inches (June 1, 1880). Cairo: 3 inches in 90 minutes (June
27, 1879). Elmira: 3.29 inches in 1 hour 55 minutes (August 19,
1878.) Chicago: 4.14 inches (July 26, 1878).

24 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.
II. Cuaraorsristic Features oF THE AVIFAUNA OF THE STATE.

General Remarks. Observations in many sections of the State
from which we as yet have no data, and also more extended inves-
tigations in those sections already explored, are necessary before
we can have an accurate knowledge of the distribution of the spe-
cies within our limits. At present we know the subject merely in
outline, and what we assume to know is undoubtedly subject to
greater or less modification—according to the species involved—in
the light of future information. The following tables are, therefore,
to be considered as provisional, and as expressing merely the
author’s present knowledge of the subject, based in part on his own
explorations, but to a greater extent on the published records of
other observers.

A. Species which have been observed in Winter over the greater por-
tion of the State, many of them regular Winter residents.

. Merula migratoria. 31. Melanerpes carolinus.
2. Sialia sialis. 35. Melanerpes erythrocephalus,
3. Regulus satrapa, 36. Colaptes auratus.

4. Parus bicolor. 37. Asio wilsonianus.

5. Parus atricapillus. 38. Asio accipitrinus.

6. Sitta carolinensis. 39. Nyctala acadica.

7. Sitta canadensis. 4). Megascops asio.

8. Thryothorus ludovicianus, 41. Bubo virginianus.

9, Troglodytes hyemalis. 42. Syrnium nebulosum.
10. Anthus pensilvanicus. 43. Falco peregrinus.
11. Lanius ludovicanus. 44. Faleo columbarius.
12. Ampelis cedrorum. 45. Falco sparverius.
13. Carpodacus purpureus. 46. Circus hudsonius.
14. Loxia minor. 47. Accipiter atricapillus,
15. Loxialeucoptera. 48. Accipiter cooperi.
16. Acanthis linaria. 49. Accipiter-velox.

17. Spinus tristis. 50. Buteo borealis.
18. Calearius lapponicus. 51. Buteo lineatus.
19. Zonotrichia albicollis, 52. Buteo pennsylvanicus.
20. Spizella monticola. 53. Archibuteo sancti-johannis.
21. Junco hyemalis. 54. Aquila chrys@tos.
22. Cardinalis cardinalis. 55. Haliwetus leucocephalus.
23. Sturnella magna. 55. Ectopistes migratoria.
24?. Sturnella neglecta. 57. Meleagris gallopavo.
25. Corvus sinuatus. 58. Bonasa umbellus.
26. Oorvus americanus. 59. Tympanuchus pinnatus,
27. Cyanocitta cristata. 60. Colinus virginianus,
28. Otocoris alpestris. 61. Ardea herodias,

29. Otocoris alpestris praticola. 62. Olor buecinator.
30. Dryobates villosus. 63. Olor columbianus.
31. Dryobates pubescens, 64, Chen hyperboreus,
32. Sphyrapicus varius. 65. Chen cosrulescens.

33. Oeophlceus pileatus. 66. Anser gambeli.

INTRODUCTION. 25
67. Branta canadensis, 80. Charitonetta albeola.
68. Branta hutchinsii. 81. Histrionicus histrionicus,
69. Anas boschas. 2. Clangula hyemalis.
70. Anas obscura. 3. Oidemia perspicillata.
71. Anas strepera. 84. Merganser americanus,
72. Dafila acuta, 85. Merganser serrator.
73. Anas americana. 86. Lophodytes cucullatus,
74. Anas discors. 7. Larus argentatus.
75. Anas carolinensis. 88. Larus delawarensis.
76. Aythya vallisneria. 89. Colymbus holboelli.
77, Aythya americana. 90. Urinator imber.
78. Glaucionetta islandica, 91. Urinator lumme.

79. Glaucionetta americana.

B. Species which have been observed in Winter only in the Southern
portion of the State, (latitude of Mount Carmel, or further South).

The following list is based in part upon the observations of Mr.
Cyrus W. Butler, ‘‘during the month of December and January, ”in
the vicinity of Anna, Union Co., lat. 37° 80’, as recorded by Mr.
W. W. Cooke, in Forest and Stream for Jan. 1 and 8, 1885,* but
chiefly on the author’s observations at Mount Carmel, about one
degree farther northward.

1. Turdus pallasi. 28. Molothrus ater.
la. Turdus swainsoni. 29. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus,
2. Mimus polyglottos. 30. Agelaius phoeniceus.
3. Galeoscoptes carolinensis, 81. Scolecophagus ecarolinus.
4. Harporhynchus rufus. 2. (Scolecophagus cyanocephalus.)
5. Regulus calendula.t 83. Quiscalus #neus.t
6?. Parus carolinensis. 34. Sayornis phasbe.
7. Certhia americana. 35. Ceryle aleyon.
8. Thryothorus bewickit. 36. Strix pratincola.
9. Cistothorus palustris. 37. Pandion carolinensis,
10. Cistothorus stellaris. 38. Cathartes aura.
ll. Dendroica coronata, 39. Catharista atrata.
12. Dendroica pinus. 40?. Zenaidura macroura,
13. Dendroica palmarum. 4l. Nycticorax néevius.
14. Seiurus noveboracensis. 42. Botaurus lentiginosus,
15. Poocewtes gramineus. 43. JEgialitis vociferus,
16. Ammodramus savanna. 44. Philohela minor.
17. Ammodramus passerinus. 45. Gallinago delicata.
18. Ammodramus henslowi. 46. Rallus elegans.
19. Ammodramus lecontei. 47. Rallus virginianus.
20. Zonotrichia leucophrys, 48. Porzana carolina.
21. Spizella socialis. 49. Porzana noveboracensis,
2. Spizella pusilla. 50. Porzana jamaicensis.
23. Melospiza fasciata. 51. Gallinula galeata.
24. Melospiza georgiana, 2. Fulica americana.
25. Melospiza lincolni. 53. Spatula clypeata,
26. Passerelia iliaca. 54, Aix sponsa.
27. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. 55. Aythya marila,

* See Bibliography, p. 42.
+Professor Forbes writes me that ‘‘Mr. Garman has shot this species a little past the

middle of winter near Normal,” (McLean county).
tHas been known to winter at Normal (fide Professor Forbes).

26 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

56. Aythya affinis,

57. Aythya collaris.

58. Erismatura rubida.

59. Phalacrocorax dilophus,

60.
61.
62.
63.

Notr.—The interrogation mark prefixed to
as to whether they are restricted, as winter residents, to the southern portion of the
State. Species enclosed in parenthesis may be considered as accidental, being based on

a single known occurrence.

(Stercorarius longicaudus,)
Colymbus auritus,
Colymbus californicus.
Podilymbus podiceps.

some of the above species, implies doubt

C. Species occurring in Winter in the Northern portion of the State,
but not yet observed as far South as Mount Carmel, are the following:

1. (Myadestes townsendi.)

2. (Sialia arctica.)

3. (Parus hudsonicus.)

4. Lanius borealis.

5. Ampelis garrulus.

6. Coccothraustes vespertinus,
7. Pinicola enucleator.

8. Acanthis exilipes.

9, Acanthis rostratus.

10. Plectrophenax nivalis.

11. Calearius pictus.

12. (Rhynchophanes maccowni.)
13. (Pica hudsonica.)

14. Picoides arcticus.

15. Ulula cinerea.

16, Nyctala richardsoni.

Bubo subarcticus.
Surnia caparoch.
(Lagopus lagopus.)
Somateria dresseri.
Somateria spectabilis.
Oidemia americana.
Oidemia velvetina.
Rissa tridactyla.
Larus glaucus.

Larus leucopterus.
Larus marinus.

Xema sabinei.

Sterna tschegrava.
Stercorarius pomarinus,
Urinator arcticus.

NortE.—Species in parenthesis may be considered as accidental

D. Summer residents of General Distribution.

1. Turdus mustelinus.

2. Merula migratoria.

3. Mimus polyglottos. 8.

4, Galeoscoptes carolinensis.
5. Harporhynchus rufus.

6. Sialia sialis.

7. Polioptila cewrulea, 8.

8. Parus carolinensis, 8.

9. Sitta carolinensis.

10. Thryothorus ludovicianus, 8S,
ll. Thryothorus bewickii, 8.
12. Troglodytes aédon.

13. Cistothorus palustris.

14. Cistothorus stellaris.

15. Mniotilta varia, 8.

16. Protonotaria citrea.

17. Helmitherus vermivorus, 8.
18. Helminthophila pinus, 8.
19. Compsothlypis americana.
20. Dendroica estiva.

21, Dendroica ccerulea, 8.

22. Dendroica albilora, 8.

23. Dendroica pinus.

24, Dendroica discolor,

25.
26.

27.

Seiurus aurocapillus,
Seiurus motacilla, 8.
Geothlypis formosa, 8.
Geothlypis trichas.
Icteria virens.

Sylvania mitrata, 8.
Setophaga ruticilla,
Vireo olivaceus.

Vireo gilvus.

Vireo flavifrons.

Vireo noveboracensis,
Vireo bellii.

Lanius ludovicianus,
Ampelis cedrorum.
Progne subis.
Petrochelidon lunifrons.
Chelidon erythrogaster.
Tachycineta bicolor.
Clivicola riparia.
Stelgidopteryx serripennis,
Piranga erythromelas.
Piranga rubra, 8.
Spinus tristis.
Ammodramus savanna, N.

INTRODUCTION. 27

49. Pooewtes gramineus, N. 99a, Circus hudsonius.

50. Ammodramus passerinus, 100. Aceipiter coopert,

51. Ammodramus henslowi. 101. Accipiter fuscus,

52. Chondestes grammaca. 102. Buteo borealis.

53. Spizella socialis. 103. Buteo lineatus.

54. Spizella pusilla. 104. Buteo swainsoni.

55. Pipilo erythrophthalmus, 105. Buteo pennsylvyanicus.
56, Cardinalis cardinalis 8. 106. Halizwetus leucocephalus,
57. Passerina cyanea. 107. Cathartes aura, 8.

58. Spiza americana. 108. Eetopistes migratoria.
59. Molothrus ater. 109. Zenaidura macroura.

60. Agelaius phceniceus. 110. Meleagris gallopavo.

61. Sturnella magna. lll. Bonasa umbellus.

62. Icterus galbula. 112. Tympanuchud pinratus,
63. Icterus spurius, 8. 113. Colinus virginianus.

64. Quiscalus zneus. 114. Ardea herodias.

65. Corvus sinuatus. 115. Ardea virescens.

66. Corvus americanus. 1l6. Nycticorax nzvius.

67. Cyanocitta cristata. 117. Botaurus lentiginosus.
68. Otocoris praticola. 118. Botaurus exilis.

69. Tyrannus tyrannus. 119. Aigialitis vociferus.

70. Myiarchus crinitus. 120. Aigialitis melodus, N.

71. Sayornis phoebe. 121. Philohela minor.

72. Contopus virens. 122. Totanus solitarius.

73. Empidonax trailli. 123. Actitis macularius.

74. Empidonax acadicus, 124. Symphemia semipalmata.
75. Trochilus colubris. 125. Bartramia longicauda.
76. Cheetura pelagica. 126. Numenius longirostris, N.
77. Antrostomus vociferus. 127. Phalaropus tricolor, N.
78. Chordeiles virginianus. 128. Recurvirostra americana,
79. Dryobates villosus. 129. Himantopus mexicanus.
80. Dryobates pubescens. 130. Rallus elegans.

81. Ceophlceus pileatus. 131. Rallus virginianus, N.

82. Melanerpes carolinus, 8. 132. Porzana carolina, N.

83. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. 133. Porzana noveboracensis,
84, Colaptes auratus. 134, Porzana jamaicensis.

85. Ceryle alcyon. 135. Gallinula galeata.

86. Coceyzus americanus. 136. Fulica americana,

87. Coceyzus erythrophthalmus, 137. Grus americana, N.

88. Conurus carolinensis. 138. Grus mexicana.

89. Strix pratincola, 8. 139. Branta canadensis,

90. Asio wilsonianus. 140. Anas boschas.

91. Syrnium nebulosum, 141. Anas discors, N.

92. Megascops asio. 142. Aix sponsa.

93. Bubo virginianus. 143.. Erismatura rubida.

94, Falco peregrinus. 144. Lophodytes cucullatus.
95, Falco columbarius. 145. Phalacrocorax dilophus,
96. Falco sparverius. 146. Sterna forsteri.

97. Pandion carolinensis, 147. Hydrochelidon surinamensis, N.
98. Klanoides forficatus, 8. 148. Podilymbus podiceps.

99. Ictinia mississippiensis, 8.

Nore.—The initial 8. following a name indicates that the speciesis more abundant
southward; “N,” onthe other hand, implies that the species so distinguished belongs
chiefly to the northern portion of the State,

28 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

E. Swmmer residents confined mainly, so far as known, during that
season to the Northern portion of the State.

. Turdus fusecescens. 23. Sturnella magna.

2. Turdus swainsoni. 24. Empidonax minimus,

3. Parus atricapillus. 25. Asio accipitrinus?

4. Sitta canadensis. 26. Nyctala acadica.

5. Helminthophila chrysoptera. 27. Cireus hudsonius.

6. Helminthophila ruficapilla. 28. Aquila chrysawtos?

7. Dendroica pennsylvanica. 29. Pediocwtes campestris,

8. Dendroica virens. 30. Aigialitis melodus?

9. Seiurus noveboracensis. 31. Gallinago delicata.
10. Geothlypis philadelphia, 32. Totanus melanoleucus,
ll. Sylvania canadensis. 33. Totanus flavipes.

12. Vireo philadelphicus. 34. Anas obscura.

13. Carpodacus purpureus, 35. Anas strepera.

14. Ammodramus nelsoni. 36. Anas americana,
15. Zonotrichia albicollis. 37. Dafila acuta.

16. Spizella pallida. 38. Spatula clypeata.
17. Melospiza fasciata. 39. Anas carolinensis,
18. Melospiza georgiana. 40, Aythya affinis.

19. Melospiza lincolni. 4]. Aythya collaris.
20. Habia ludoviciana. 42. Sterna hirundo.

21. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. 43. Colymbus auritus.
2. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. 44. Urinator imber.

Notg.—The interrogation mark implies donbt as to whether the breeding range of the
species is really so restricted.

F. Summer residents which, so far as known, are conjined mainly
to the Southern portion of the State.

1. Helinaia swainsoni. 8 Ardea egretta. *

2. Peuecw#a bachmani. 9. Ardea candidissima,
3. Guiraca ceerulea. i0. Ardea ceerulea.

4, Antrostomus caroliaensis. ll. Ardea rufa.

5. Campephilus principalis, 12. Nycticorax violaceus,
6. Catharista atrata. 13. Anhinga anhinga.

7. Tantalus loculator.

G. Summer visitants to Southern portion of the State, but not ascer-
tained to breed within our limits.

Passerina ciris. (Mt. Carmel, June, 1871.)

Elanus leucurus. (Mt. Carmel, summer, 1863?)

Asturina plagiata. (Richland Co., August, 1871.)

Buteo harlani. (Warsaw, Hancock Co., March, 1879.)

Guara alba. (Mt. Carmel, May, 1881, and at other times.)

Plegadis autumnalis.

Ajaja ajaja. (Mississippi bottom, about 1860; said to have been common.)
Ardea occidentalis. (Mt. Carmel, September, 1876).

Pelecanus fuscus. (Warsaw, Hancock Co., October 1873.)

Phalacrocorax mexicanus. (Cairo; summer.)

fs

None

2

e

*“Abundant all summer on the Illinois River as far north as Peoria.” (Professor
Forbes, in epist.)

INTRODUCTION. 29

H. Irregular or casual Visitants from the Western Province.

1. Sialia arctica. (Winter) 7. Pica hudsonica. (Winter.)
2. Myadestes townsendi. (Winter.) 8 Sayornis sayl. (Season not known.)
3 Rhynchophanes maccowni. (Winter.) 9. Bubo subarcticus.
4. Zonotrichia querula. (Spring and 10, Faleo mexicanus. (Fall.)
fall.) ll. Buteo krideri. (Summer.*)
5. Juneo oregonus. (Fall) 12. Buteo calurus. (Spring.)
6. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. (Win- 13. Archibuteo ferrugineus. (Fall.)
ter.) 14. Anas cyanoptera.
I. Regular Residents or Visitants which intrude from the Westward.
a. Observed only in Summer.
1. Vireo bellii. (Breeding.)
2. Spizella pallida. (Breeding.)
8. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. (Breeding.)
4. Chordeiles henryi. (Breeding?)

b. Observed only in Winter, or during migration.

5. Coeccothraustes vespertinus.
6. Ammodramus lecontei. (Breeding?)
7. Colymbus ecalifornicus.

c. Observed irrespective of season.

8. Chondestes grammaca. (Breeding.)
9. Sturnella neglecta. (Breeding.)
19, Buteo swainsoni. (Breeding.)
ll. Pediocwtes campestris. (Breeding.)

J. Stragglers and doubtful species, the former including those of
which not more than one specimen has been taken or observed.

1. Sialia arctica. W. 8. Buteo calurus. W.

2. Myadestes tewnsendi. W. 9. Buteo krideri. N. W.

5. Parus hudsonicus. N. 10. Buteo harlani. 8.

4. Juneo oregonus. N. ll. Asturnia plagiata. 8.

5. Passerina ciris. 8. 12. Ardea occidentalis. 8S.

6. Picea hudsonica. N. 13. Pelecanusfuseus. 8S.

7, Sayornis sayi. W. 14. Phalacrocorax mexicanus. §,

* Probably breeding.

380 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

K. Species formerly occurring but possibly now to be found in
the State.
1. Pica hudsonica. 4, Lagopus lagopus.

2. Campephilus principalis. 5. Ajaja ajaja.
3. Conurus carolinensis.

Position with regard to Faunal Provinces or Districts.—
Illinois lies far within the Eastern, or Atlantic, Province, and were
it not for the prairies its fauna would probably not possess the
slightest tincturing of western forms. The State is also wholly em-
braced within the ‘‘Carolinian Fauna” of Mr. Allen ;* but the southern
portion possesses so many of the elements characterizing the ‘‘Louisi-
anian Fauna” (or “Austroriparian Province” of Professor Copet), that
it should probably be referred to the latter district—and has, in fact,
been so referred by Mr. Allen, Professor Cope and other writers.

With regard to so-called geographical variation Illinois likewise
belongs strictly to the Eastern or Atlantic Province, none of the
resident or summer-resident species showing any tendency toward
the representative forms which belong to the Western Province,
except very rarely, or sporadically, and apparently not more fre-
quently than along the Atlantic coast itself. The writer has been
able to obtain but a single example of Pipilo erythrophthalmus
showing white spots on wing-coverts or scapulars, and this ex-
ample has these markings less distinct than have two specimens
obtained at Washington, D. C. He has been able to secure but
one specimen of Sphyrapicus varius showing an indication of a
red nuchal bar, and in this ease also the feature is less developed
than in one from the District of Columbia. Among more than one
hundred Flickers shot in Wabash and Richland counties, only one
showed the slightest variation toward the western type (C. mezi-
canus), in a very slight tinge of red at the end of the black mous-
tache, much less, indeed, than in some specimens from Pennsylva-
nia, the District of Columbia, and Florida.* The same observation may
be made with respect to other species, with scarcely an exception, the
only one, in fact, being the case of Geothlypis trichas, the Llinois
form of which seems to be the western race, G. trichas occidentalis,
Brewst., which, however, apparently replaces the true G. trichas every-
where west of the Alleghanies.

*See Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy, Cambridge, Mass., Vol. II,. No
3, pp. 393-395.

+See Bulletin of the United States National Museum, No. 1, 1875, pp. 67-71.

*The specimenin question is, however, almost exactly matched by one from Marin
Co., California, (coast, north of San Francisco).

INTRODUCTION, 31

In the southern portion of the State, there is observable in some
species a marked tendency to the characters of extreme southern
races, in smaller size and darker coloration, and, in some species,
larger bill. This tendency is especially noticeable in the quails
(Colinus virginianus) from the bottom-lands of the lower Wabash,
some specimens of which are so much like the Florida form (C. vir-
ginianus floridanus) that they have been referred to that race.

Migrations.—Data for the elucidation of this subject are un-
fortunately very meagre. While residing at Mount Carmel, the
author made careful record of the dates of arrival and departure of
many species during the years 1863-66, inclusive, the results of
which are herewith given :—

Spring Arrivals.

Species marked with an asterisk (*) sometimes remaining all
winter.

BinmeATL AS DOSGHAS -cocisanacaisie sere ces|sso= sos January 15,

*2. Ectopistes migratoria. .. aes * 15—Feb. 25,

See Allen RGUCA wenccoceeeriniecencscaesaca-lece ra 20.

PAS UBTANUACANAGONSIS! fh oceces-sessccersnenene s° 20—Feb. 14,

*5. Merganser americanus..............--... ne 20,

*6: Spatula clypeata ......-...25..00----cecenn oo 20.

*7, Aythya americana......... oe es 25.

aS ANGS CATOUNGENSIS:.. .-..vcsuccrccawceinscis se February 1.

eo ePAMAS AM OMIGRNE . .--sesmacceae se seaescnn =a Sm 18—28.

10. Seiurus motacilla...... 9 * 20.
SLL AGX SDONSAl icc. sicie- ans e= sn = ay 25.
Sy AN ASK CINCOLS <cdaciscicesmuisec sc aecisssictslewssicle as 28.

IS IGTUS MOXICANA,...\ccn-ccasous case cea eceees Mareh 1-4.

14-)\Grus americana: =::......--0.ssscseee--=--2- So 6.
5 Onaritonetta aAlbeOla: ..s.ccc-cecence-sss5. 1

16. Phalacrocorax floridanus ae 1-7.

17. Charadrius dominicus .. Pie 12.

18. Spizella socialis ......... fa stoi Ale 13—19; remains until Sept. 20.
AOE rin Ga MACuiBts secceaseoteseceisiec tacit xis 15.

20. Tachycineta bicolor..... SI Me 15—24; remains until Sept. 20.
2S IPTORNG SUIS. ccnscecssiscesamcesersscccsoes me 20—28; remains until Sept. 8.
Oo Harporhynenus TUiUS ...2c\ecesieses-nsce es Re 21—26.

23. Bartramia longicauda .................... 3 28.

24. Regulus calendula ......................--April 1—9.

25. Mniotilta varia............. POOOnCE ele ae 1-1.

26. Chelidon erythrogastra..............---. o 2-5.

27. Polioptilaccerulea......... sf 2—10; remains until Sept. 20.
28. Chetura pelagica ......... es 3—11; remains until Oct. 20,
29. Numenius longirostris...... aE 4.

30. Stelgidopteryx serripennis............... ss 8—12; remains until Oct. 17.
Sl. Dendroica albilora.. << .< 5.6. ce. c0c occnnnae 3S 9—18; remains until Sept. 13.
32. Petrochelidon lunifrons ........ ......... ss 10—20; remains until Sept. 20.
$3. Dendroica @stiva..........---cec-ccccceces oe 14—22.

34. Vireo noveboracensis..............-...... fa 15.

35. Tyrannus tyrannus..........,, Sonoran 8 15—21; remains until Sept. 9.

r

=> wr

ae

Pa)

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Dendroica palmarum ......-... ace eee April 16—23; remains until Oct. 15,
Antrostomus vociferus................0065 + 17.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis. ............... a 18—24; remains until Oct. 5.
[Teterus! ealbuleisce on. scecccsenmecncenacian one 19—22; remains urtil Sept. 14.
Fotervs | SDUOrIUG ce cece se tewanecacseteseacas a 19—25,
Passering cyanea................---ceeee es Ad 19; remains until Oct. 15.
Wireo navitronesnscea tne. scseneace oe eee a 19; remains until Oct. 15,
Mmpidonax traillivme-ce-<s.scescncseescess i 19.
Empidonax acadicus...............--.0005 3 19.
Mylarcnusicrinituses.sces-sa<cuncoeecaene? aon 19 —26; remains until Sept. 10.
Wordussmustelinusessscccte soe vesiasist ere f 19—21; remains until Oct. —
Vireo philadelphica......................- ss 20.
Piranga erythromelas ..........---....... te 20—23; remains until Sept. —
Pirangarubra. ...........-- Se is 20—29; remains until Sept. 27.
Geothlypisitrichasics2: 5.22.00: s2-24.4-2=- Me 20—30; remains until Sept. 16.
Spiza americana.............2-..----....6. ap 22—30.
Wirea ollvaceus ests. -cmccsenseseeee ee oe 22; remains until Oct. 15.
‘Protonotariavaltramls. 22s ccnsconee cisco ciean oye 23.
Toteri aiviFOnsi..<ccccensta se scence cee te eceee! mes 23—May 4.
Dendroica pennsylvanicas.... ........... . 26.
Geothlypis formosa.........-..... Semen oe 28; remains until Oct. 15,
Dolichonyx oryzivorus ........ -.-..--.-- ra 23—May 7.
Coccyzus americanus.............-..-...- mi 29—May 14.
Chordeiles virginianus ............. .. May 2—8,
Dendroica teria ics. sss- = see ea esos an 3.
GontOpus) VInens)- passes ese cate eek sets ve 6—7; remains until Oct. 15,
Habia ludoviciana.... aie 6; remains until Oct.
Autumnal Arrivals.

Sphyrapicusvarius)...<ccasssce-s-sc-sesmel September b—29,

Ampelis cedrorum* .. Hs 18.

Junco hyemalis.......... é RR 26—Oct. 21.

Certhia americana. .... oe 29—Nov. 2.

Dendroica coronata.. October 14,

Sitta canadensis.... ns oe 2.

Regulus satrapa...-. fe 2.

Melospiza georgiana... oh 8.

Zonotrichia albicollis......-............+-+ Pu 9—10.

Carpodacus purpureus .... oe 20—Nov. 8.

Zonotrichia leucophrys..-..- Ss 1b.

Spizella monticola ....-....--......-------- ct 20—Nov. 1.

Loxia minor = 22.

Passerella iliaca..............-----:- See ut 27.

Anthus pensilvanicus.....-.-.--.......-.-- November 15,

Troglodytes hyemailis........... ....------ os 3—Dec. 25.

Aquila chrysaétos...........-.....- ..September 8.

Melospiza fasciata .........................October 15.

Calcarius lapponicus...-..... Mie sldsiscistenestie se 20,

* Since ascertained to be

winter.

also a summer resident, though much more

numerous in

INTRODUCTION. 33

To show the relation between the return of birds from the
South and the vernal change of vegetation, I give the following dates
of the leafing and flowering of certain plants at Mt. Carmel, as noted
in the spring of 1872, by Dr. J. Schneck. It should be remarked,
however, that the season was much later than usual. (See’ foot-
note below.)

Date of Date of

Species. leafing. flowering.

EMRE CA CET TALON) cach cacsdscinecceo ces dcr cnsacsclosts ~--~|ADHI 12....|March 20*...
Silver Maple (Acer dasycarpum) .........0.ssesessccecteccscnnccceens rlaee. ADDL Same
Suger Maple (Acerisaccharinum)! .cscssencsccevcssccccsaccccccccosce eel) ABs dal Ceeawaccaasce
Shell-bark Hickory (Carya alba) ...... 2.22222 --2.00e een nee eee eeneeeee eunil Sears | Setmacmarsta ters
GU DUAL ET OLS CONOGENSTS) \acanenno ts seenaencn-os-escieroaeeeeeeedoes oo) 92022-2| April 102%,
Wildi@herry (Prunus senotina)\._-~.c-ccscccenu.ccretoocaovessse—scoas He beer OD Sas
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)..... Seu 20 cer canes eose nies
White Ash (Fraxinus americana)......- April 12...
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)......2-222-20000 00 eeeeee eee Aprile 4 os aeoweatee ste,
BEACHIChET SICA VULG AT 1S) oo-ceeceesec caresses sosnaaseacwin-nevanss=cuseee OCS PAN Nea dL APL se
AIO CETUS IA LUS) ccs sacnecnarconwerloncenccoecestwecpvctecncceetacs Bose SH AGa0 MES:
WHIEELO A a (OMErCUS LUG) seeks scenniciate aos ecs vsacictcewcececebonce me a OG ad ee ea ae
MACHU MIMO M UU ATES)) — 2-0 ncnsacsaessccene aes aaa Sseslemejeoteiaessaeas = Ce abs cVeaile abs ae
AMBYICAN ENT (UNIS AMETCANE)| eccrier van v'ene'-ccnseccnanaece ses soss|enevseaseeces: March 30t...
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) ....22..eceeeseee eens eeeeee ADL 20 el eeerccsesaeeus
Spring Beauty (Claytonia viryinica) .......-..--..-------e0---------- pele Or = |A DTH ots er
Dogs-tooth Violet (Lrythronium americanum). ........-..-2+..-+--- SS) PQDT | Cee cc aeee ssid
Crane’s-bill (Geranium macilatum.........---0.-2ceneeeeeen re eee es SO pete E |< Seee ase cesuiee
Nil ven WOK (LED AVEC AUMULOU A) ie taco ntaaeetancenen enciies ce aaacinan et aciad lnexnesieis cecine s March 318..
Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)......--..-- April 13

May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum)..- March 30.

BIACKDOMN A (2LOUS ULLOSUS)\orare anaes ac ereae ees sores ncwselestieins ais April 10...

PNET SAMUUCUE CONAGEISIS) <vise ea cae sees ese came cielencaseroeesianaees | MUALCHI BU, (dels) -ntcceciaveeasa-
Blood-root (Sanguinaria canadensts).......-.2---eee-eeeeeee-ceenee April 12 .../April 14.--.

* In 1876, flowered February 1.
+In 1876, flowered February 15,
1 In 1876, flowered March 2.
§ In 1876, flowered March 2,

34 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

The date of flowering of additional species, in 1876, was noted by
Dr. Schneck, as follows:

Date of Date of

Species. leafing. | flowering.

Ranunculus adortivus ......------cceennceees ces ewes eee eeeesasneenenss March 1....

Capsella bursa-pastoris Gene Lees | ames esa
Pear (Pyrtis communis) ..-..-----2----- 2000 ceceeecennnescceees conene April 1..../April 20-24*
Apple (Pyrws malus)......-.c----2 00000 ceenecececennsnnnnessesescecesss March 30..../April 20t ..
White: Oak (Qitamaws!a10d)) cone aese- oe occrcsse nos norenenssda~aeeelea= == Apri :24 nivc| sacerccscceees
Currant (Ribes rubrum) ....--- .---------ceees conenen nace ee esececonns: March 28..../April 13% ..
Blackberry (Rubus villosus) .....-.....0.000-----ecencseccerenecccen=- co o0bos.| Mays l0Siee
Elder (Sambucus canadensis)......--------------- ---|April 2....)JJune 15....
Blood-root (Sanguinaria canadensi. Seat aaaseens | MATCH Ops. | ATLL anes
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) ......--2-00.-cececcece cee seeeeesecenneseeee---\ADril 13....JApril 30....
Dandelion (Taraxacum dens-leonis) ...---- Senne sans 0D ROO seacdOOE [conSebosiecsas: April 13....
White Elm (Ulmus americana) ......22-.20-20--eeeeeeeeeeeenee sees [April 13....|March 25....

For purpose of comparison, I give below the earliest and latest
recorded dates of arrival for a nuinber of species at Mt. Carmel,
Illinois; Wheatland, Indiana; St. Louis, Missouri, and Washington,
D. C.,—localities in nearly the same latitude. For the latter, I am
indebted to Mr. H. W. Henshaw and Mr. Wm. Palmer, of Wash-
ington, who have kindly given me their records; the data for St.
Louis, I have compiled from Mr. Otto Widman’s “General Notes
and Weather Report from St. Louis,” published in Bulletin No. 1
of the Ridgway Ornithological Club, of Chicago,’ which abound
with valuable data pertaining to the subject of bird-migration in
the Mississippi Valley.

* Fruit ripe July 30. +FruitripeJuly 10. tFruitripeJunel0. § Fruit ripe July 1.

1Cook, W. W., and Widman, Otto.—Bird Migration | in the | Mississippi Valley. |
| By | W. W. Cook and Otto Widmann. | | Read before the | Ridgway Ornithological
Club, | November 8, 1883. | | Published in the ‘American Field” | Vol. XX, No. 22, to
Vol. XXI, No. 3.| Published in pamphlet form with the following title on cover: The|
Ridgway Ornithological Club, | of | Chicago, Lllinois, U. 8. A. | | Bulletin No. 1. |
Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley | By | W. W. Cooke and Otto Widmann | |
Published by | The American Feild, | December, 1883. 8 vo., pp. 37, the contents as fol-
lows: “PartI. Introduction. | | (W. W. Cooke.)" Pp.3,4. “Part II. | | Gen-
eral Notes and Weather Report from St. Louis, | Mo., beginning with January 1, 1883. |
| O. Widmann.” | Pp. 5-13. ‘‘Part IIL. | | General Notes on Birds and Weather
at Jefferson, | Wisconsin, in the Spring of 1883. | | W. W, Cooke.” Pp. 14-18 “Part
LV. | | Notes on each species of Bird observed at St. Louis, | Missouri, and Jeffer-
son, Wisconsin, during the | Spring Migraion of 1883. | | Pp. 19-37.

INTRODUCTION. 35

a

c: ela ee ae

ee ae 5 ve

fe a |e |

is >a Ley

is i 5 Ae

iF is = :2

a g 12
1, Antrostomus vociferus....../April17....... .|April 15......... April 1..!April18—May 11
2. Compsothlypis americana..|.-.-.....-.-...... O91 16-18 5.6254 seal 7a| MayiG-19esee see
3. Geothlypis trichas AYA E20-G0eeenee eee STS ee sees ‘© 17.|April 22—May 1.
4. Vireo olivaceus... WO PPR seeceocr OO EAS See] oSymtO5.ecaseesaccessee see
5. Vireo noveboracensis ..-.-... ON Teer gace CO SEE ‘* 14./April 18-28......
6. Empidonax minimus ........]----.-............ Bee ly (ae 8 Sena May 5.../April 20—May 2
7. Turdus mustelinus........--. April 19-21... .. SS) SATIEB cee. April 19.|April 28—May 2
SauNylVANig MItrAtA.nc.cccrcsses|mcecseasnwmcesscs)) ty [2Desecne- Paylite fl |e eee a
9. Seiurus aurocapillus ........1.-....-........... ** 16-20. ....| ** 17./April 20—May 7
10. Tyrannus tyrannus....---.-. April 18-21...... 9) 216-19. 2-2 mee S| Maya weeeatome pee
Ty VWabttopall\anstcoessosseeee cece] SeoccoocoocoEeecce lace ether lear SSRN cae ctarceoccess
12. Vireo flavifrons .........-...- Aprilpigeeesssee Ge eeatosseed Sellen |eeacanctacsiewaeece
18. Dendroica vigorsil ...:. ..-..|---.--...+......5. ~ ‘* 21.|Mar. 15—May 12
14. Dendroica albilora........-.. April 9-18....... as CO YN We Ee pce Ae
15. Dendroica estiva,............ So WA O8 3 ae ‘* 18./April ee :
16. Dendroica cwrulea .......--.]----------..-+---- + oN). ere k
17. Dendroica palmarum......-. April 16-23...... Apr. 18—(May2.)} ‘‘ 13./April Fi. As
18. Dendroica virens ............|------.00-e-ences ** 18—(May3.)|.......... May 7—11...
19. Helminthophila pinuS. ......].-..--------....-. April 18-23.....- ADT Tes Ae ee
20. Sylvania canadensis ........]------..----------| ‘* 18-80...... May 14*.|May 14—15......
21. Passerina cyanea.........-.. Aprils ee eo. $e 18-30 ecsee April 21./May 9—12.......
22, Chondestes grammaca......|.....-.----------- oi 18-31. ES She
23. Piranga erythromelas....... Port sid
24, Pirangarubra............+..-
95. Cheetura pelagica............ 4 ene has.
26. Myiarchus crinitus........-.. eR od
27. Galeoscoptes carolinensis.. i aie an eel
28. Turdus alicia .......... .... May 12..
29. Turdus fuscescens ....-..-..|......---.---.---- ..|May 14..
30. Icteria virens ..-........-.---. .|May 2-24
31. Trochilus colubris..........-].. SPN IEE
32. Helmitheros vermivorus....|.--........000---- Apr. 244—(May 8.)|........../May ale
33. Dendroica pennsylvanica...)April 26, ........ ‘* 24—(May 3.)/April 27./May 10-I1.......
34. Spiza americana............. 22-30. 220s April 24-26..... Doaee Alc lwaceis cctesete omattente

36

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

= i a

a: 2 aE

BO S aor

on S ao

Se BD ER

12 real

is 5 iB

i & : :o

Ais ;

: % 4
35. Icterus galbula .......--.-.-- een [2 e.~. Bees Apr. 4—(May 4) ‘* 19.|April 29—Miay 4
36. Geothlypis formosa........-- Sar Ey ae oo owt April 20-80*.....|May 2...)......-2c-ccceene
37. Setophaga ruticilla..........|......---.....---- OE ececeaee April 17.|April 20—May 2
38. Habia ludoviciana ...-....--- |May 8 ......-.-.- So 20-05 iene Se Neb Seoscheceecescncce
39. Coccyzus americanus....... April29—May14| ‘‘ 25......... |May 16..|.......--..-..-.--
40. Ammodramus passerinus...|...........--..--- Cent. i asaeae lApril DG ele Screen cne
41. Contopus virens ............./ May 6-7......... «* %—May 2 May 5...|...........-

|
42, Icterus spurius .:............ 19(-29).....|April 18.)May 1-8.........
43. Dendroica castanea 1 S0— Ma yilOs| MAY: S:c-|sncccccisccomcoes se
44, Dendroica maculosa.........|.....-...---se00-- \May 2-5.......-.. Sooner lnteceskene caste
45. Dendroica cerulescens .....|...........------- or a-Grosn satan ‘* 3.../April 29—May 7
46, Chordeiles virginianus.....- |May 2-8......... jApril 24—May2.| ‘** 15..|May 11-15.......
47. Dendroica blackburnia.....|..-...-.-.---.---- UMVaty) S-S)iccsuetrc|uaeeeecce May 111-6.......
48. Helminthophila peregrina..|...........-.----- COTE fceeanccr| Tye) WPA Pa nocecencececen
49. Helminthophila chrysopteral.......-......---- POD GR EAL Snace May aie lat ee eee eee
50. Dolichonyx oryzivoras ..... April 29—May 7.|. ‘* 5.. soaks o- 2. ..|May 11-1522. 2e-
51. Geothlypis philadelphia ....)..............---- 2 Gis lity aceeecsster at
52. Helminthophila ruficapilla .|.................- o “OP Real aecoseades
53. Dendroica tigrina........... May 3........... a Nye
|
54. Vireo philadelphicus...... .. April 29. s BVA IMME Roeseeeceesacecene
55, Dendroica stilata.......-----|-s----- fa May 2...,May 11-28.......
BIBLIOGRAPHY.

nois most interesting to the agriculturist.
Soc., I., 1853, p. 559-565.

The following bibliography is far from complete, but embraces
titles of all the publications which have been actually consulted by
the writer.

1853-54.

Le Baron, Dr. Wu.—Observations upon some of the birds of Illi-

< Trans. Ill. State Agri.
‘A general notice of the common birds of

the State, of considerable popular and economic interest.]

INTRODUCTION, 37

1855.

Pratren, Henry.—Catalogue of the birds of [southern] Illinois
{Wayne and Kdwards counties]. <Trans. Ill. State Agri. Soc., I.
(for 1853-54), p. 598-609. [184 species.]

Kennicorr, Roserr.—Catalogue of the animals observed in Cook
county, Illinois. [Birds.] <Trans. Ill. State Agric. Soc., I. (for
1853-54), pp. 580-589. [187 species.]

Kennicort, R.—Species observed in the middle and southern por-
tions of the State which are not given in Mr. Pratten’s catalogue
of the birds of Southern Illinois. <Zvrans. Ill. State Agric. Soc., I.
(for 1853-54), pp. 589-591.

1856.

Kennicort, R.—Notes of the Occurrence of Plotus anhinga and
Tantalus loculator in Southern Illinois. <Pr. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist.,
V., 1856, p. 391.

1857.

Brenvewt, F.—Vogel der Umgegend Peorias in Illinois. <Giebel’s

Zeitsch. fiir Naturw., 1857, p. 420. [Not seen by me.]
18538.

Cassin, Joun.—Remarks on Falco polyagrus. <Proc. Acad. Nat.
Sci. Phila. 1858, p. 1. [Specimens obtained near Rock Island,
Illinois.]

1859-60.
Hover, R. H.—Birds of Llinois. <T'rans. Ill. State Agric. Soc.,
IV., 1859-60, pp. 605-613. [A nominal list of 247 species.]
1862.

Hotper, R. H.—Catalogue of the birds of Illinois, (2nd ed.)
<Trans. Ill. Nat. Hist. Soc., I. 1862, pp. 77. [Not seen; ‘‘enumer-
ates 248 species.”]

1868.

Auten, J. A.—[{Some remarks upon the birds of Iowa and Illinois,
read by the secretary of the Society.] <Pr. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist.,
XII., 1868, p. 85. [Not seen.]

38 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Auten, J. A.—Notes on birds observed in Northern Illinois, in
June, 1867. <Mem. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., I., 1868, pp. 502-522.
{94 species.]

1872.

Ripeway, Ropert.—New birds in Southern Illinois. <Am. Nat.,
July, 1872, pp. 480-431. [Vireo bellii, Peucea estivalis, (=P. estivalis
bachmani) Cyanospiza (=Passerina) ciris, Asturnia plagiata and Falco
polyagrus added to the fauna of the State (Fox Prairie, Richland
county).|

1873.
Ripeway, Roprert.—The Prairie Birds of Southern Illinois. <Am.

Nat., VII., April, 1873, pp. 197-203. [Based on observations made
on Fox Prairie, Richland county, in June and August, 1871.]

1874.

Ripeway Rosert.—Catalogue of the birds ascertained to occur in
Illinois. <Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist., N. Y., X., January, 1874, pp. 864—
394. [A list of 311 species, with range of each within the State
approximately indicated.]

Rmeway, Ropert.—The Lower Wabash Valley, considered in its
relation to the Faunal Districts of the Eastern Region of North
America; with a synopsis of its Avian Fauna. <Pr. Boston Soc.
Nat. Hist., XVI., February 18, 1874, pp. 304-882.

“GENERAL SUMMARY.”

(“Found-irrespective of S6ason: =. <5 oon .~ cme scecic cen s cee canecencensaemrcsie cers eoenenecenaat)
Found only in summer ..........--.......-..- ee aoe
Found only in winter......-..- 47
Found only in spring and fall..-.......... 71

Total numberof BNeClOs ss 2 hoe en neers one ovat seaneccsnns tslecescase one ooptamer 288
Numberiof soecies breeding, sb0ut2.. so.sceseccooss sauseccecemie=eneseneaneee eee eee 155
Numberof species wintering about.ten. ceacanssosoeedocnciaccareica seseemers tee seecneaeees 155")

Coves, K.—Birds of Illinois. <Field and Stream (Chicago), May
2, 1874. [A review of Ridgway’s ‘Catalogue of the Birds ascer-
tained to occur in Illinois,’ in Ann. Lyc. N. Y., January, 1874,
pp. 364-394.]

INTRODUCTION, 189

1876.

Netson, E. W.—Additions to the Avi-fauna of Illinois, with notes
on other species of Illinois birds. <Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, I., No.
2 July, 1876, pp. 39-44. [The species added are, Myiadestes town-
sendi, Waukegan, December 16, 1876; Coturniculus lecontei, Riverdale,
May 13, 1875; Ammodromus caudacutus var. nelsoni, Calumet Lake,
&e., June, September, November; Chordeiles popetue var. henryi,
Waukegan, July, 1875; Buteo borealis var. calurus, near Chicago,
April, 1873; Ardea rufa, near Cairo, August, 1875.]

Neutson, E. W.—Notes upon birds observed in Southern TIllinois,
between July 17, and September 4, 1875. <Bull. Essex Inst., IX.,
1875, pp. 32-65. [Includes lists of the species observed at the fol-
lowing localities: Mt. Carmel and vicinity, July 17—September 4 (pp.
32-46; 113 species); Fox Prarie, Richland county, (pp. 47-50; 64
species); Cairo and vicinity, August 17-31 (pp. 50-61; 79 species) ;
vicinity of Anna, Union county (pp. 61-4; 88 species). Total num-
ber of species observed at the four localities, 133. Cf. Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, III., January, 1878, p. 36, for review by J. A. Allen.]

Netson, EH. W.—Birds of Northeastern Illinois. <Bull. Essex
Inst., VIII., December, 1876, pp. 90-155. [816 species and 12 addi-
tional “races ;” 180 species breed (?); 24 occur in summer, but are
not known to breed; 69 occur only during migrations ; 76 are winter
visitants and residents. A list is given of 16 species “not given
in the preceding list,” but which are known to occur in Illinois,
making a total of 332 species, exclusive of geographical races,
which are known to occur in the State. Cf. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club,
II., July, 1877, pp. 68, 69, for review by W. Brewster.]

Jones, Wu. L.—April Birds in Illinois. <VForest and Stream,
Aug. 8, 1876, p. 418. (Dates of arrival of several species, at Leb-
anon, St. Clair county.]

1877.

Jones, W. L.—Arrivals of birds [at Lebanon, Illinois.] | < Field
and Forest, III., No. 1, July, 1877, pp. 17, 18.

Coatr, H. K.—Junco oregonus in Illinois. <Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club.
Il., July, 1877, p. 82. [Near Chicago, October 14, 1875; one speci-
men.]

40 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“Ww. B.” (Brewster, Wrmuiram].—Nelson’s “Birds of Northeastern
Illinois.” <Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Il, July, 1877, pp. 68, 69.
{Synopsis of Nelson’s paper in Bull. Essex Inst., 1876.)

Coaux, Henry K.—MacCown’s Longspur in Illinois. <Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, April, 1877, p. 52. (Champaign, Ill, Jan. 15; 3
specimens. |

“J. A. A.” ([Auuen, J. A.J—Birds of Southern Illinois. < Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, IIL., Jan., 1878, p. 86. [Review of Nelson’s Cata-
logue in Bull. Essex Inst., [X., 1876.]

1878.

Rieway, Rosert.—Notes on Birds observed at Mt. Carmel, South-
ern Illinois, in the spring of 1878. <Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol.
lII., No. 4, Oct., 1878, pp. 162-166. ['I'wenty-five species mentioned,
of which two, Helinaia swainsoni (?) and Ibis (=Guara) alba were
new to the fauna of the State.]

1879.

Rmeway, Ropert.—On a new species of Peucea from Southern
Illinois and Central Texas. < Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, October, 1879,
pp. 218-222. (P. illinoensis,=P. estivalis bachmani.]

1880.

Ripeway, Rosert.—On six species of Birds new to the Fauna of
Iihnois, with notes on other rare Illinois Birds. <Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, V., January, 1880, pp. 80-82. [Zonotrichia querula, Buteo harlani,
Ajaja ajaja, Pelecanus fuscus, Phalacrocorax mexicanus, Stercorarius buf-
foni (=longicaudus), Coturniculus (=Ammodramus) lecontei, Ammodra-
mus caudacutus nelsoni, Hlanoides forficatus, Protonotaria citrea, Opo-
rornis formosa, Ibis (=Guara) alba, Larus franklini.]

Ruweway, Rosert.—The Northern Waxwing (Ampelis garrulus) in
Southern Illinois. <Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Y., April, 1880, p. 118.
[A fine specimen shot by Prof. Forbes, at Villa Ridge, Pulaski Co.,
December 18, 1879.]

Wipmann, Orro.—Notes on Birds of St. Louis, Mo. <Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, July, 1880, 191. [Relates in great part to birds in Mlli-
nois, immediately opposite St. Louis.,

INTRODUCTION. Al

1881.

Horrer, Junrus.—The Harlequin Duck and the Glossy and Wood
Tbises in Southern Illinois. <Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, VI., April, 1881,
p. 124.

1880-85.

Neuruine, H.—Beitriige zur Ornis des nérdlichen Illinois. <Jour.
fir Orn., (October, 1880, pp. 408—41; April, 1881, pp. 196-208;
October, 1881, pp. 405-116; January, 1883, pp. 84-97; July, 1883,
pp. 255-257; April, 1885, pp. 142-151. [283 species.]

1883.

Strumperc, C. W.—Notes from Galesburg, Ill. <Ornithologist
and Oologist, Vol. VII., No. 1, January, 1883, p. 8. [Interesting
notes on seven species.]

Ripeway, Rosert.—On Leconte’s Bunting (Coturniculus lecontei)
and other Birds observed in Southeastern Illinois. <Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, VIII., January, 1883, p. 58. [C. lecontet found in great
abundance on Sugar Creek Prairie, Richland Co., lll., October 27, 28,
1882. C. henslowi was also found, though less abundant, and some
specimens of Peucea illinoensis (=P. estiwalis bachmani) were seen.]

Hancock, JosrpH L.—Parkman’s Wren in Illinois. <Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, Vol. VIII,, July, 1883, p. 179. [A specimen captured
near Chicago, May 7, 1883. ‘The second record of its occurrence
in Ihnois.}

Coate, H. K.—The Willow Thrush and Holbéll’s Linnet in Illi-
nois. < Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. VIII., Oct., 1888, p. 239. [A
specimen of Hylocichla (=Turdus) fuscescens salicicola shot in Chi-
cago, Sept. 16, 1877, and a specimen of Avgiothus linaria holboelli,
(=Acanthis linaria rostrata) Noy. 2, 1878.]

Monpt, A. H.—Oological and Ornithological. <Ornithologist and
Oologist, Vol. VIII., No. 2, Feb., 1888, pp. 9,10. [Interesting notes
on 18 species found breeding at Fairbury (Livingston Co.), [linois.]

Cooxe, W. W.—Mississippi Valley Migration. <Ornithologist and
Oologist, VIII., No. 12, Dec., 1883, pp. 89-91. [Dates of arrival for
the following species, with various remarks, the notes pertaining to
several Illinois stations: Olive-backed Thrush, Catbird, Ruby-
crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, House
Wren, Red-eyed Vireo, White-bellied Swallow, and Scarlet Tanager.]

42, BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

1884.

Cooxe, W. W.—Migration in the Mississippi Valley. <Ornitho-
logist and Oologist, [X., No. 9, September, 1884, pp. 105-108. [Extensive
notes on the following species: American Robin, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, and Cliff Swallow.] No. 10, October, 1884, pp. 117-118.
‘Notes on the following: Cape May Warbler, Snow Bunting, Lap-
land Longspur, Smith’s Longspur, Chestnut-collared Longspur (not
in Illinois), and McCown’s Long pur.]

(W. S. C.!—Notes from Peoria, Ill. <Young Oologist, Vol. I,
No. 8, July, 1884, p. 43. [Brief notes on nests of six species.]

Cooxr, W. W.—Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley. Winter
Birds of Southern Illinois. <Forest and Stream, Vol. XXIII., No.
23, Jan. 1, 1885, pp. 444, 445; No. 24, Jan. 8, 1885, pp. 463, 464.
[An annotated list of 141 species.]

Coatr, H. K.—A New Bird for Illinois. <The Auk, Vol. IL., Jan.
1885, pp. 109, 110. (Buteo borealis krideri, taken at Half Day, Ih-
nois, July 25, 1876; the specimen now in the collection of the U.
S. National Museum.]

1885.

Dickinson, J. E.—{[Note announcing capture of a specimen of
Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni at Rockford, Winnebago Co., Illinois,
Oct. 15, 1884. Snowy Owls and Northern Waxwings also mentioned.)
<Ornithologist and Oologist, March, 1885, p. 47.

“Kinney.”—Notes from Northern Illinois. <Young Oologist, Vol.
Il., No. 2, June, 1885, p. 27. [Interesting notes on Ruby-throated
Hummingbird, Crossbill, ‘English’ Sparrow, and Rose-breasted
Grosbeak. Locality, Lena, Stephenson Co.]

Pino oe BELT NOTS.

In the following catalogue are included only those species which
undoubtedly occur at the present time, and those of whose for-
mer occurrence there exists reliable evidence. In strict accuracy,
Campephilus principalis, Conurus carolinensis, and Ajaja ajaja
might with propriety be excluded from the regular list and in-
cluded in a special category. I have decided to retain them, how-
ever, for the reason that any doubt which may now exist concern-
ing their present or very recent occurrence can be supported by
merely negative evidence, based upon extremely meager data; while
my experience relating to other southern species, resulting from a
personal, though by no means thorough, exploration of localities
more than 100 miles north of Cairo, leads me to expect interesting
discoveries (some of them perhaps unanticipated), from careful ob-
servations in some of the more secluded portions of the extreme
southern counties of the State. It is not at all impossible that
in these fastnesses, the above mentioned species may still exist.

The classification and nomenclature followed in the present work
are those adopted by the special committee of the American Or-
nithologists’ Union, and used in the official check-list of the Union,
now being printed. As to the classification, however, I have re-
versed the sequence of families and higher groups, preferring to
commence, as has been customary, with the hrushes.

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

ANALYSIS OF HIGHER GROUPS.

Rectrices present.

Nostrils not tubular.
c.! Hind toe, if present, not connected with the anterior ones by a
membrane.
d) Bill without fringed or serrate tomia.
e. Anterior toes not webbed, or else legs excessively length-
ened.
f Lower part of tibia feathered, or else toes united for
most of their length.
g.1 Bill not hooked, or else without cere.
h. Hind toe, if present, incumbent.
i... No web between bases of anterior toes.
j. Toes 3 or 4 anteriorly.
k2 Anterior toes cleft to the base, or
else not united beyond first pha-
lanx.
i! Secondaries more than 6.

m. Middle toe considerably
longer than the lateral
ones.

n. Base of bill without
cere.

o. Posterior half of
tarsus undivided,
or if divided the
segments distinet
from those on an-
terior portion.

Passeres (Oscines).

o.2 Posterior half of
tarsus reticulate,
or else anterior
covering wrap-
ping entirely
around the outer
and _ posterior
sides to a groove
on the inner
side..Passeres (Clamatores),

n2 Base of bill consisting
of a soft, swollen

m. Middle toe not longer than

one or the other of the

onter ones................
Macrochires (Cypseli).
12 Secondaries 6.......Macrochires (Trochili).

k2 Anterior toes connected at base for

more than their basal phalanx....
Coceyges (Alcyones).

j2 Toes 2 anteriorly.

k2 Bill strongly hooked............---...

Psittaci (North American species).

ANALYSIS OF HIGHER GROUPS. 45

k.2 Bill not strongly hooked.
i. Reetrices rigid, acuminate..............Pici.
12 Rectrices neither rigid nor acu-
minate.
m.' Inner hind toe 5-jointed.
Coccyges (Trogones).
m.' Inner hind toe 2-jointed,
Coceyges (Cuculi).
1.2. With webs between bases of anterior toes.
j Gape excessively broad and deeply cleft.
Wings greatly elongated................
Macrochires (Caprimulgi).
gj. Gape normal. Wings short, concave...
Gallinz (Penelopes).

hi Hind toe elevated .2<....s22-Zs-es.e.0eiss Galline (Phasiani).
g.2 Bill strongly hooked, with a distinct cere at base.
ise P GOR AMARONE. «coc -css see tsce sso. Psittaci (erotic species).

ht Toes 3in front, or else outer toe reversible.
i.) Hind toe incumbent.
j. Eyes directed forward. Outer toe re-
Versible ..2 2.2.22 Seo eteccese: Accipitres (Striges).
j2 Eyes lateral. Outer toe not reversible
(except Pandion)... Accipitres (Falcones).
4.2 Hind toe short, elevated...Accipitres (Sarcorhamphi).
f2 Lower part of tibia not feathered near joint, or else bill
lengthened and grooved.
g.' Hind toe, if present, elevated, or else claws ex-
tremely lengthened.
hi Whole head feathered, or else size small (length
less than Lfoot)) ce: o-sccene tect enees acess scece~ os Limicola.
h.2 Part of head naked. Size large (more than 3
feet long). 2. .e..cece cen eeceeeeseeees-Faludicoles (Gres).
02 Hind toe incumbent, and claws never extremely
lengthened.
ho Loral and orbital regions fully feathered........ F
Paludicole (Ralli).
h.2 Loral or orbital regions, or both, naked.
i. Inner edge of middle claw pectinated.......
Herodiones (Herodii).
i... Inner edge of middle claw not pectinated.
j. Sides of maxilla without trace of lateral
@TOOVE......-.--.---.---..-...Herodiones (Ciconie).
j2 Sides of maxilla with distinct lateral
ZTOOVO ..... 202. - 20s eeeeee-eee--Herodiones (Ibides).
e.2 Anterior toes distinetly webbed.
Jf Legs inserted underneath the equilibrium, the body

being horizontal when in standing position.........Longipennes.
f2 Legs inserted far backward, the body being more or
less erect when in a standing position........ Pygopodes (Cepphi).

d* Bill with distinctly fringed or toothed tomia.
e.. Legs extremely lengthened; bill bent abruptly downward

Ginde@ irs 6 GE ercosconeceg-cpcodecseosarescceonosuoceeeodedd Odontoglossz.
e2 Legs short or but moderately lengthened; bill not bent
downwardsvimimid@le cos; o0n'sacvsciiccvacscesseceecuuecaces sas Anseres.
ec. Hind toe connected with the inner one by a web..... - -Steganopodes.
GAB Nostrilsiiubulanc-tconcna a asset ee reac enc ccn an cases ot cenavees euecedeten Tubinares,

a” Rectrices entirely absent Pyzopodes (Podicipedes).

ORDER PASSERES—THE PASSERINE BIRDS. 47

Ornprr PASSERES.—Tnue Passerine Birps.

CHARACTERS.—Three toes in front and one behind; the latter well-developed and on a
level with the rest. Bill without a cere, and never distinetly hooked.* Primaries 9 or 10;
secondaries 9; rectrices usually 12, rarely 10 or 14. Wing-coverts arranged in three series
or tracts, as follows: 1) a well-defined lesser-covert area, the numerous small feathers of
which are arranged in several rows, the feathers alternately in more or less squamate
fashion; (2) the middle coverts, which form a single row, the feathers of which overlap one
another with their inner webs, or the reverse of all the other feathers of the wing; (3) the
greater coverts, which overlie the basal portion of the secondaries, but covering less than
the basal half of the latter.

The Order Passeres includes the vast assemblage of so-called “Perch-
ing Birds,” which comprises by far the larger part of known species.
The majority of them are of small size, but there are many excep-
tions to this rule, the Raven and other large Corvide being true
Passeres.

The Passeres include two rather distinct major groups, which may
be distinguished as follows :—

Oscines. Tarsus compressed posteriorly, with comparatively sharp hinder edge; or
else, hind claw longer than its digit, and straight.
Clamatores. Tarsus cylindrical, the hind claw shorter than its digit and distinctly
arched.

ANALYSIS OF FAMILIES OF PASSERES,

A, Oscines,

a. Posterior half of tarsus compressed, with two lateral plates uniting in a
comparatively sharp edge, and for the most part undivided.
b'. Primaries obviously 10, or else tip of bill hooked.
cl. Tarsi “booted,” i. e. the anterior plates undivided for the greater
portion of their length.
d\, With distinct rictal bristles. Rectrices normally developed.
Nostril oval.
el. Larger (wing more than 3.00 inches). Young distinctly spot-
GOO ye vatenn cn esis sommarenscac snus cosas oaecesasdawsnaewasaaseccnnees Turdide.
e?. Smaller (wing less than 3.00 inches). Young not spotted.....
Sylviide (Sylviine, Reguline).
d. Without rictal bristles. Rectrices much abreviated. Nostrils
JOP? sinned elt gonor Coe Desence rte 5 Suen Caco nse “Peco eens scence! Cinclide.
c?_ Tarsi not booted, but anterior plates divided for the greater portion
of their length into more or less distinct segments, or “scutella ”
Ga Silstrone ive HOORCOteancascasisasondaas=aroncenewateneteseise seaneace mee Laniide.

*An exception to this is found in the Family Zaniid@, in which the maxilla is con-
=pienously uncinate, with a pronounced notch and well developed tooth behind it. All
the other characters of this family, however, are distinctly Passerine.

48 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

d. Bill not strongly hooked.
el. Tarsus longer than middle toe with claw, or the bill elongat-
ed, not depressed, narrower at base than length of culmen.

J). Bill moderately hooked at tip........-....ssseeseeeee qceecce Vireonide .
J?. Billnot distinetly hooked at tip.
g). Tail-feathers stiff, pointed at tip..............--.-......- Certhiide.

g*. Tail-feathers normal.
i}. Nasal feathers directed forward.
@. Smaller (wing less than 4.00 inches).

fj}. Bill notched, subulate........-. Sylviide (Polioptiling}.
fj. Bill without notch, more or less conoid .....-.. Paride.
#. Larger (wing more than 4.00 inches)............-..- Corvide.

h?. Nasal feathers erect or inclined backward.
@. Bill elongate-conical, culmen straight. First
primary minute, not reaching to tip of coverts.
Sturnide.
#4. Bill not conical, culmen more or less curved.
First primary well developed, extending be-

yond tips of coverts..........---------.------ Troglodytide .
e?. Tarsus not longer than middle toe with claw. Bill short, de-
pressed, width at base exceeding length of gonys..........-. Ampelidz-

b?. Primaries apparently only 9, the tip of the bill not hooked.
c!. Bill very short, very broad at base and deeply cleft, the gape more
than twice as long as the culmen. Outer primary more than twice
as long as the nner Osticoer. sneer ee ae eee eee ee Hirundinide.
c}. Bill variously formed, but gape never twice as long as culmen, etc.
Outer primary less than twice as long as the innermost.
d\, Bill decurved and very acute at tip.................----- Cerebide (Verthiola).
d. Bill not decurved.
e}, Bill not conoid; angle of gonys not forward of the nostril.
yj). Tertials elongated, reaching nearly to tip of longest
primaries. Hind claw nearly as long as, or longer
thane its; digitee ces vcess sedate soee a eee a a eelean eos Motacillide.
b2. Tertials not elongated, falling far short of tips of longest
primaries. Hind claw much shorter than its digit...Mniotiltide.
e*. Bill conoid; if slender, the angle of the gonys forward of the
nostril.
J}. Bill notched, and with bristles at gape-
g!. Nostril exposed, rounded anteriorly, and without dis-
tinct opercuium. Base of tomia notforming a distinct
ONBIO ...... one nn eee eccccee ne women ederenanerescennnnctes ee Tanagride .
g?. Nostril concealed by feathers, or pointed anteriorly
and overhung by a distinct operculum, or base of
tomia forming a distinct angle .........--..------------Fringillide
y?. Bill without notch, and without bristles at gape....-..-.... Icteride.
a?. Posterior half of tarsus not compressed, but rounded and divided into dis-
tinct segments, or “scutell,” like the anterior half.........----..0+----00e+ . Alaudide .

B. Clamatores.

a’. Inner toe entirely free at the base from the middle one. Posterior face of

tarsus not reticulate.......-.--------eeeeene cence nnn ones etter ene eneneccnnnne Tyrannide.
a2. Inner toe with basal phalanx united to that of middletoe. Posterior face

Of tarsus reticulate.........sneceece ee eneecee cee ceecte ce canmneeenmaatereceeennen Cotingid

TURDIDH—THE THRUSHES. 49

Fammy TURDID A.—Tue Tuarvsuss.

CHARACTERS.—Bill slender, usually distinctly notched, and with distinct rictal bristles.
farsi booted; i.e., the anterior covering undivided for the greater part of its length.
Young, distinctly spotted.

All the North American Turdide have the wing more than three
inches long, and may thus be readily distinguished from members
of the most nearly related family, the Sylviide.

The American Turdide include two strongly marked sub-families,
which may be distinguished as follows :—

Turdine. Gonys more than one third as long as the commissure,
Myadestine Gonys less than one third as long as the commissure,

Supramiry TURDIN2#.—Tnae True THrusues.

ANALYSIS oF GENERA,

a.) Wing less than five times as long as tarsus.
b2 First primary not reaching beyond tips of primary coverts. Tail with-
out rufous patch at base.
ce. Tarsus not longer than middle toe witb claw................------ Hesperocichla,
e2 Tarsus decidedly longer than middle toe with claw.
d.\ Second quill shorter than fourth. Tail without white at base.
e.1 Tail less than three times as long as the tarsus...... Turdus (Hylocichla).
e.2 Tail more than three times as long as the tarsus..................Merula-
d2 Second quill not shorter than fourth. Tail white at base ...........Saxicola.
b.2 First primary reaching beyond tips of primary coverts. Tail with
PULOUSIDRECH At VASO wesc asec cle tesceacias sw avieeislecm access oeoscc. atonooed Cyanecula.
a” Wing more than five times as long as the tarsus scmoactocecpsced fbr.

Of the above genera, only Twrdus, Merula, and Sialia are, so far
as known, represented in the Illinois fauna. The typical species of
Turdus are exclusively Old World, a single one (7. iliacus Linn.)
occurring accidentally in Greenland. All the American species belong
to a very strongly marked subgenus, or perhaps genus, Hylocichla,
which differs from Turdus proper in the much more lengthened tar-
sus, and other characters.

—4

50 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Genus TURDUS Lixyzus.
Suncenus Hylocichla Baird.

Hylocichla Barry, Review Am. B., 1., 1864, 12. Type, Turdus mustelinus GMEL.

Tue essential characters of the subgenus Hylocichla consist in the
much lengthened tarsus, proportionally shortened tail, and small
size. The group comprises the small North American ‘‘Wood
Thrushes,” which are closely connected on the one side with
Catharus, by their lengthened tarsi, and with T'urdus by the shape
of the wing. The bill is shorter, more depressed, and broader at
base than in typical Turdus, so much so that the species have fre-
quently been described under Muscicapa.

It is not at all improbable that naturalists may ultimately con-
clude to consider the group as of generic rank, as has already been
done in some instances.

As to their general appearance when seen in the forest, the
Hylocichle, with the exception of the Wood Thrush, which is
conspicuously larger and more rich in color than its congeners,
are much alike in their general appearance and in their habits.
As has been truly said by a discriminating observer,* their
general resemblance to one another is so close “that none but ex-
perts can distinguish them, though, upon a close examination the
characteristics of each are found to be marked with sufficient dis-
tinctness to leave no doubt of their identification. In the field all
three [2. e. fuscescens, swainsonti, and pallasii] have the same outline
from beak to tail, the same russet coloring above and the same duli
white breasts, more or less spotted; but lay examples of each side
by side and it will be proven that the Tawny was correctly named,
for his russet plumes have a reddish tint in marked contrast with
the greenish shade of the Olive-backed, while the Hermit is distin-
guished by his tawny tail which changes to olive above the rump.
But the actions of these birds are more nearly identical than either
form or color, for whether seen hopping along the ground or perched
upon a tree, feeding or flying, it is impossible to detect any differ-
ence in them.”

*Mr. Montague Chamberlain, in the Canadian Sportsman and Naturalist, Vol, III.,
No.1, January, 1883, pp. 201-203,

with brown or dusky.

TURDIDZ—THE THRUSHES.

Key to the species of Eastern North America.

streaked with yellowish fylvous.

a, Sides distinctly spotted, as well as the breast; culmen,.70 or more, and
wing usually more than 4.25.

a’,

1. T. mustelinus, Above cinnamon-brown, brighter and more rufous
on the crown, more olive on the tail; beneath, including the sidss,
white, the breast and sides marked with roundish or inversely cordate
spots Of black. Wing 4.10-4.50, tail 3.00-3.30, culmen .70-,75, tarsus
1.20-1.30, middle toe .70-.75.

Sides uniform grayish or brownish, without distinet spots; jugulum. ete.,

more or less tinged with buff. Culmen .60 or less, and wing usually less than

41.25,

Second primary shorter than fifth, the fourth longest. Tail and upper

coverts rufous, in decided contrast with the olive of the back, ete. A
distinct buff orbital ring.
2. T. aonalasochke pallasii. Jugulum with very large triangular spots of
dusky. Wing 3.40-3.90 (3.64), tail 2.55-3.15 (2.82), culmen .50-.60 (.54), tarsus
1.15-1.30 (1.19), middle toe .65-.75 (.70).

Second primary much longer than fifth, the third longest. Tail and

upper coverts, not noticeably different in color from the other upper
parts.

A distinct buff orbital ring.

3. T.vustulatus swainsonii, Above uniform olive, of variable shade,
the outer surface of the wings (and sometimes the tail also), very
slightly browner, or less olive, than the back. Jugulum bright buff
with rather large triangular spots of dusky. Wing 3.80-4.10 (3.95), tail
2.80-3.10 (2.95), Culmen .50-.55 (.52), tarsus 1.05-1.18 (1.10), middle toe .63-
-72 (.69).

c?, No trace of light orbital ring.

4. T.alicie, Very similar to H. ustulatus swainsonii, but buff of jug-
ulum, ete., usually very much paler, and buff orbital ring wholiy ab-
sent, the whole side of the head nearly uniform grayish.

a alicia. Wing 3.75-4.40 (average 4.07), tail 2.95-3.40 (3.09), culmen
.45-.58 (.55), tarsus 1.12-1,30 (1.18), middle toe .60-.75 (.68).
p bicknelli. Wing 3.40-3.80 (average 3.65), tail 2.60-2.70 (2°75), culmen
39-.52 (51), tarsus 1.10-1.25 (1.13), middle toe .65-.70 (.63).
Bill more slender, and colors usually darker.
5. T. fuscescens. Above uniform fulyous-brown or tawny, jugulum
ereamy buff, marked with small cuneate spots or streaks of brown,
somewhat darker than the crown. Two races, as follows:
@ fuscescens. Abovelightfulvous-brown, ortawny;jugulum creamy
buff with narrow cuneate markings of brown, scarcely
darker in tint than the upper parts. Wing 3.75-4.15 (3.90),
tail 2.70-3.30 (2.96), culmen .52-.60 (.55), tarsus 1.05,-125 (1.15),
middle toe .65-.72 (.69). (The prevalent eastern form.)
p salicicolus. Above russet-olive, jugulum very pale buff, with
cuneate markings of dark brown. Wing 3.80-4.25 (4.02),
tail 2.95-3.40(3.20), culmen .55-.60 (.57), tarsus 1.15-1.28 (1.17),
middle toe .65-.75 .69). (Rare straggler from the Rocky
Mountains).

51

Common CHARACTERS.—Above plain brown; beneath white, more or less spotted
Young, with the upper parts, includiag wing-coverts, spotted and

52 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Turdus mustelinus (Gmel.)

WOOD THRUSH.

Popular synonyms.—Bell Thrush; Bell Bird; Wood Robin; Grive des Bois and
Merle tanné (Canadian French).

Turdus mustelinus GMEL. 8. N. i, 1788, 817.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 343.—Aup. Orn. Biog. i,
1832, 372; v, 1839, 446, pl. 73; B. Am. iii, 1841, 24, pl. 144.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 212; Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, No. 148; Review, 1864, 13.—CovgEs, Key, 1872, 72; Check List, 1873, No.
3; 2d ed. 1882, No. 6; B. N. W. 1874, 2.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 7, pl. 1, Fig. 1.

Turdus (Hylocichla) mustelinus Couks, B. Col. Val. 1878, 28.

Hylocichla mustelina Ripew. Proce. U.S. Nat. Mus. iii, 1880, 166; Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 1.

Turdus melodus Wits. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 35, pl. 2, Fig. 1.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces in summer, breeding throughout.
In winter, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, and Bermudas.

Sp. Cu. Above bright tawny cinnamon-brown, more rufescent anteriorly, more gray-
ish posteriorly; auriculars streaked white and dusky. Lower parts white, the breast and
sides with large blackish spots.

Adultin summer: Above cinnamon-brown, becoming bright tawny rufous on the
head, the color clearer and somewhat lighter on the cervix; wings less reddish than the
back, rump still more olivaceous, and tail decidedly grayish brown. A pure white orbital
ring; lores grayish white, more gray immediately in front of the eye; auriculars dusky,
distinctly streaked with whitish. A white malar stripe, curving upward beneath the au-
riculars, the anterior portion speckled with dusky. Ertire lower parts white, usually
somewhat tinged with buff on the breast; sides of throat bounded by a stripe of aggre-
gated blavkish cuneate streaks; jugulum marked with distinct cuneate or deltoid, the
breast and sides with larger, broader, inversely cordate, spots of black; abdomen and
erissum immaculate; throat with very few minute spots, or entirely immaculate. Bill
dark horn-color, the basal half of the mandible paler; iris dark brown; tarsi and toes
pale brown. Wing 4-10—4.50; tail, 3.00—3.30; culmen, .70—.75; tarsus, 1.20—1.30; middle
toe, .70—.75.

Adult in winter: Similar, but jugulum more decidedly tinged with buff.

Young, first plumage: Similar to the adult, but feathers of the pileum and back with
paler (ochraceous) shaft-streaks; middle wing-coverts with terminal triangular spots of
ochraceous, the greater coverts narrowly tipped with the same; spots on breast, ete., less
sharply defined.

Specimens of this species vary considerably in the intensity of the
color of the upper surface, the variation involving both the rufous of
the anterior and the grayish brown of the posterior portions. Beneath,
the jugulum is occasionally without any buff tinge whatever, while
in some spring specimens this color is quite as evident as in most
autumnal or winter examples. The spots on the breast and sides
also vary much in size and exact shape, being larger and more
rounded in some, smaller and narrower in others; in some speci-
mens they are deep black, in others decidedly brownish. Extreme
variations, however, in this respect, appear to be purely individual,
and not at all dependent on locality.

TURDIDZ—THE THRUSHES. 53

Although a common species throughout the temperate portions of
eastern North America, the Wood Thrush cannot be said to be a
well-known bird in the same sense as the Robin, Catbird, or other
more familiar species; but to every inhabitant of rural districts
his song, at least, is known, since it is of such a character that no
one with the slightest appreciation of harmony can fail to be im-
pressed by it.

The song of the Wood Thrush is of a richer, more melodious tone
than, perhaps, that of any other North American bird; and, did it
possess continuity, would be incomparable. It is one of the few
birds which the Mocking-bird cannot imitate—he cannot even ap-
proach the liquid metallic melody of the Wood Thrush’s tones.
Yet, just as the hearer becomes an attentive listener the beauti-
ful notes cease with disappointing abruptness.

The favorite haunts of the Wood Thrush are damp woodlands and
shaded dells, but he has on a few occasions been known to take up
his abode in wooded parks within large cities. It is not often,
however, that he is to be met with away from the wild-wood, where,
however, he is by no means shy.

The nest of this species is usually built upon a horizontal branch
of a low tree, usually from six to ten—rarely fifteen—feet from the
ground. It is a firm, compact structure, with much mud in its
composition. The eggs are from three to five, but usually four, in
number, and are of a uniform greenish blue color, thus, as does
also the nest, closely resembling those of the Robin, except in
size, being considerably smaller.

Turdus fuscescens Steph.

WILSON’S THRUSH,

Popular synonyms.—Tawny Thrush; Veery.

Turdus mustelinus Wiis. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 98, pl. 43, flg. 3 (nee GMEL.),

Turdus fuscescens StrpH. Shaw’s Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 182,—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 214;
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 151; Review, 1864, 17.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,
9, pl. i, fig. 5.-Cougs, Key, 1872, 73; Check List, 1873, No. 6; ed. 2, 1881, No.7; B. N.
W., 1874, 5; B. Col. Val. 1878, 39.

Hylocichla fuscescens Ripew. Proce, U. 8. Nat. iil, 1880, 166; Nom. N. Am., 1881, No. 2.

Turdus wilsoni BonaP. Jour. Phila. Ac. iy, 1824. 34.—AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 362, pl. 164;
Synop. 1839, 90; B. Am. iii, 1841, 27, pl. 145.

Merula minor Sw. & Rica. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 179, pl. 36.

Turdus brunneus BREWER, Jour. Bost. Soc. vi, 1852, 304.

Haz. Eastern United States and British Provinces; wintering in the Southern States
and in Cuba, and breeding in the northern portions ofits range. (Replaced in the Rocky
Mountains by the allied race T. fuscescens salicicolus).

54 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Sr, Cu. Above uniform, rather light fulvous brown, varying in precise shade; no
trace of a lighter orbital-ring, the sides of the head being nearly uniform grayish, as in
T. aliciw. Jugulum and posterior portion of throat creamy buif, with cuneate spots of
brown, usually a little darker than the color of the crown, these markings narrower and
more distinct anteriorly; chin and upper part of throat, nearly white, immaculate, but
bordered along each side by a longitudinal series of brown streaks. sometimes blended
into asingle stripe, below an ill-defined whitish or buffy malar stripe; lores pale grayish
ov grayish white; auriculars darker and more brownish. Sides of breast, sides, and
fianks, light brownish gray, the sides of the breast sometimes faintly spctted with a
deeper shade, but frequently uniform; tibia grayish white in front, brown on posterior
side; rest of lower parts pure white. Bill dusky, the basal half of the mandible paler;
iris dark brown; tarsi pale brown (in skin), toes darker. Wing 3.75-4.15 (3.95); tail 2.70-3.30
(3.02); tarsus 1.05-1.25 (1.15); middle toe .65-.72 (.69); culmen (exposed portion) .52-.60 (.56).*

In summer, the colors paler; in fall and winter, the brown above brighter, the buff of
jugulum deeper, and spots darker.

“First plumage: female. Above bright reddish-buff, deepest on back and rump;
feathers of pileum, nape, back, and wing-coverts margined with dark brown, confining
the lighter color to somewhat indefinitely defined central drop-shaped spots. Lores and
jine from lower mandible along sides of throat, dark sooty-brown; throat, sides and
abdomen pale brownish-yellow with indistinct transverse bands of brown: breast deep
buff, each feather edged broadly with dull sooty-brown; anal region dirty white. In my
collection, taken in Cambridge, Mass., July 23, 1874." (BREwsT«R, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club,
January, 1878, p. 18.)

Specimens vary a great deal in the precise shade of brown on
the upper parts, which, however, is always decidedly more fulvous
or tawny than in any other species, while there is also much varia-
tion in the depth of the buff color and the distinctness of the spots
or streaks on the jugulum and sides of throat; the latter are occa-
sionally, but rarely (as in No. 63058 ¢, Massachusetts, and 2145 4,
Pennsylvania), very small and no darker in color than the upper
parts.

Wilson’s Thrush is a common enough bird of the northern United
States, but south of the parallel of 40° it is known only as a
migrant, or winter resident, and on the Alleghanies, where, at the
proper altitude it spends the summer. According to Dr. Brewer
(Hist. N. Am. B., I, p. 10) “it is timid, distrustful, and retiring;
delighting in shady ravines, the edges of thick, close woods, and
occasionally the more retired parts of gardens.”

The song of this Thrush is so very delicate and wiry that the
hearer must be near by to catch all the subtle quavers and trills
which are its characteristics. Dr. Brewer says it ‘is quaint, but
not unmusical; variable in its character, changing from a prolonged
and monotonous whistle to quick and almost shrill notes at the
close. Their melody is not unfrequently prolonged until quite late
in the evening, and, in consequence, in some portions of Massa-

*Extreme and average measurements of 16 adults.

TURDIDH—THE THRUSHES. 5:

chusetts these birds are distinguished by the name of Nightingale,—
a distinction due rather to the season than to the high quality of
their song.”

This estimate of the song of the Tawny Thrush is shared by Mr.
Chamberlain, who says (1. c.) that “the Veery displays the least
musical ability yet his simple strain is exceedingly pleasant to the
ear and his beautiful voice exhibits most strongly that peculier
resonant metallic tone which is characteristic of the genus.”

The nest is placed on or near the ground, resting on a thick mat
of dry leaves, and is without mud in its composition. The eggs
are four or five in number, of a bluish green color, usually immacu-
late, but in very rare cases finely speckled with brown.

Mr. H. K. Coale’s notes regarding this species as observed by him
in the vicinity of Chicago, are to the effect that it is a rather com-
mon migrant, but not often seen, on account of its shyness, and
that it is generally found in clearings, in company with Towhee
Buntings.

Turdus fuscescens salicicolus (Ridew.)

WILLOW TERUSEH.

Popniar syncnym.—Rocky Mountain Veery.

Turdus fuscescens Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 922, 927 (Ft. Bridger, Wyoming).—ALLEN,
Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 155, 173 (Mts. of Colorado).—Ripew. Bull. Essex Inst. 1873,
172 (Salt Lake Valley, Utah); Bull. Essex Inst. 1873, 179 (Colorado); ib. 1875, 385 (Provo
R., Utah); Orn. 40th Paral. 1874, 398 (valleys of Bear, Provo, and Weber R's, Utah;
breeding).—HensHaw, Ann. Lye. N. Y. xi, 1874 (Utah); Kep. Wheeler's Exp, 1874,
39, 56, 71 (do.); Zool. Wheeler’s Exp. 1875, 148 (Denver & Ft. Garland, Colorado;
breeding).—CougEs, B. N. W. 1874, 5 (part).

Turdus (Hylocichla) fuscescens Couss, B. Col. Val. 1878, 39 (part).

Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola Ripcw. Pr. U.S. Nat. Mus. vol. 4, Apr. 10, 1882, 374.

Turdus fuscescens salicicolus Cougks, 2d Key, 1834, 246.

Haz. Rocky Mountain region, west to the Salt Lake Valley; wintering In eastern
Mexico (and southward?). Accidental fall straggler to Illinois (Chicago, Sept. 16, 1877, H.
K. Coale.

Cu.—Similar to 7. fuscescens, but averaging decidedly larger, the upper parts much
less tawny, and the jugulum less distinetly buff. Wing 3.80-4.25 (4.02); tail 2.95-3.40 (3.20);
culmen .55-.60 (.57); tarsus 1.15-1.28 (1.17); middle toe .65-.75 (.69).*

Adult in spring: Above uniform russet-olive (much asin 7. ustulalus); jugulum and
lower part of throat pale buff, as in wstulatus, much lighter than in /wscescens, the mark-
ings, however, small and narrow as inthe latter. Sides of head dull grayish, without
trace of lighter orbital ring; sides of breast, sides, and flanks ash-gray (rather deeper
than in fuscescens), the breast very faintly or not at all spotted with darker.

* Extreme and average measurements of 11 adults.

56 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Adult in fall and winter: Above darker, more umber, brown; jugulum and lower part
and sides of throat deeper buff, with much darker spots.

The general appearance of this bird at first glance is more that
of T. ustulatus than true 7’. fuscescens, the upper parts and anterior
lower parts being quite similarly colored. A close examination, how-
eyer, immediately reveals radical differences, the most important of
which is the total absence of any light orbital ring, which is always
present, and very distinct, in wstulatus. The wings and tail, instead
of being appreciably more rufescent than the back and rump are,
on the other hand, less so; the buff of the jugulum gives way very
abruptly to the ash-gray on the sides of the breast, and the spots
end quite as abruptly, the breast being plain ash-gray laterally, and
white medially, with very indistinct spots of grayish between the
white and the gray. In wstulatus the sides are decidedly brown, with
very distinct transverse spots of a darker shade of the same color
entirely across the breast. Another excellent character consists in
the color of the axillars and lining of the wing, which are lght
grayish in the present bird, and deep brownish buff in ustulatus.

The differences from typical fuscescens of the Atlantic States, as
indicated in the above diagnosis, are exceedingly constant.

A specimen from Chicago, Ill., in the collection of H. K. Coale,
of that city, (No. 1568, Coll. H. K. C., Sept. 16), is referable to
this race, and is evidently a fall straggler from the Rocky Mountain
district. It is even more olive above than most specimens from
that region, having almost exactly the same shade of color as a fall
specimen of 7’. swainsonii from Massachusetts, the latter, however,
an unusually brown example. ‘The entire absence of any light or-
bital ring, the narrow, almost linear, streaks of the jugulum, and
the peculiar proportions, however, refer it at once to fuscescens.

This form was named salicicolus on account of its marked predi-
lection for willow thickets, to which, along the streams in the val-
leys and lower cafions of the Rocky Mountain region, it is chiefly
confined during the breeding season.

The Willow Thrush is a purely accidental visitor to the country
east of the Mississippi River, its occurrence in Illinois resting upon
the capture of a single specimen in Chicago, by Mr. Henry K. Coale,
September 16, 1877, as noted above. (See “ Nuttall Bulletin,” Oct.,
1883, p. 239.)

TURDIDEZ—THE THRUSHES. 57

This strongly marked race is decidedly distinct from its eastern
representative in both habits and song, the latter being far finer.

Turdus alicie Baird.

GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH.

Popular synonym. Alice’s Thrush. >

Turdus alicie Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 217; ed. 1861, pl. 81. flg.2; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
154; Review, 1864,21.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, ii, pl, i. flg. 3.
Turdus swainsoni var. alicie Cougs, Key, 1872, 73; Check List, 1873, No. 5a.
Turdus swainsonii b. alicie Cougs B. N. W. 1874, 4; B. Col. Val. 1878, 35.
Turdus ustulatus alicie Cougs, 2nd Check List, 1882, No. 12.
Hylocichia alicia Ripaw. Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. iii. 1880, 166; Nom. N. Am. B, 1880,
No. 3.

Has. Arctic and subarctic Americain summer, from Labrador to Alaska (Pacific
coast); passing through the eastern United States during migrations, and wintering in
Central America, south to Colombia; eastern Siberia.

Sp. Cu. Above uniform greenish olive-brown; no trace of light orbital ring. Beneath
white usually more or less tinged with buff on the jugulum, the sides uniform olive-gray.
Jugulum with lower parts and sides of throat marked with rather small triangular spots
of dusky. Wing, 3.85-4.40 (4.18); tail, 2.85-3.25 (3.05); culmen, .50-.58 (.54); tarsus, 1.15-1.25
(1.19); middle toe, .65-.72 (.69).*

Adult in Spring. Above uniform greenish olive-brown, the tail and outer portion of
wings sometimes appreciably browner, or less greenish; sides of head nearly uniform
dull grayish, the auriculars faintly streaked with white. Malar region and lower parts
in general, white, the entire sides uniform olive-gray, and the jugulum usually (but not
always) more or less tinged with light buff; jugulum, with lower part and sides of throat,
marked with rather small but very distinct deltoid spots of dusky, these markings more
cuneate anteriorly, and forming a nearly continuous submalar stripe along each side of
throat, the extreme posterior spots decidediy transverse; breast marked with transverse
spots of olive-gray, like the color of the sides. Billblack, the basal half of the mandible
pale colored (dull flesh-color in life); interior of mouth bright yellow; tarsi and toes pale
brown or horn-color, the toes usually darker.

Adult in fall and winter. Similar, but usually more greenish olive, and the buff tinge
on jugulum more distinct.

Turdus alicié is apparently a very near ally of T. fuscescens, with
which it agrees much more closely in measurements and in pattern
of coloration, than with TJ’. ustulatus swainsonit with which it has
usually been compared, and, by many confused, though needlessly
so. From the latter it may be invariably distinguished by the en-
tire absence of a light orbital ring, the whole side of the head being
nearly uniform grayish, as in fuscescens. The spots on the jugulum
average decidedly smaller; the jugulum and malar region are much
less distinctly buff; the sides much grayer, ete. Some specimens
of alicie and swainsonii are identical in the color of the upper parts,

*Extreme and average measurements of 38 adults.

58 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

but a large majority of the former species are decidedly darker and
less brown, appearing on actual comparison almost gray in con-
trast.

There is the usual range of individual variation in this species,
affecting not only the color but the proportions also; but I
have been unable to discover any variation with locality, although
specimens from the far North, being in midsummer dress, are paler
and grayer than specimens from the United States obtained in
spring or autumn, and therefore in fresher plumage.

First described in 1858 from specimens obtained at West North-
field, Llinois, by Miss Alice Kennicott, and near Cairo by her
brother, the lamented Robert Kennicott, this species remained for
several years rare in collections and its distribution comparatively
unknown; but at the present time its habits and range are known
perhaps as exactly as those of any of its congeners. Everywhere
within the United States the typical form is merely a migrant,
although a small southern race passes the summer on the higher
mountains of the extreme northeastern portions of the country;
but of the latter it may be best to treat specially under its appro-
priate heading. (See T’. alicie bicknelli, page 59).

The breeeding range of the Gray-cheeked Thrush includes a vast
extent of territory, from the bleak regions of Labrador to the shores
of the Arctic Ocean and westward to the coasts of Behring’s Sea,
including those of the Asiatic as well as the American side.

In its general habits, this species much resembles its congeners,
being, perhaps, most like TJ. wstulatus swainsonii, although its rela-
tionship to J’. fuscescens are in some respects equally close. The
eggs are spotted, like those of the Olive-backed Thrush, however,
and not plain colored as are usually, but not invariably, those of the
Tawny. ‘The notes are said to be quite distinctive, the song being
most like that of the Hermit Thrush, ‘‘but differs in being its
exact inverse,” beginning with its highest and concluding with its
lowest notes, instead of the reverse.

TURDIDA—THEH THKUSHES. 69

Turdus alicize bicknelli (Ridgw.)

BICKNELL’S THRUSH.

Hylocichla alicie bicknelli Ripaw. Pr. U. 8. Nat. Mus. Vol. 4, Apr. 10, 1882, 377.—B1cK-
NELL, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, July, 1882, pp. 152-159 (habits).—BRrawstErR, ib. Jan., 1883,
pp. 12-17 (critical).

Turdus alicie bicknelli Cougs, 2d Key, 1884, 248.

Has. Higher mountains of the northeastern United States, from the Catskills and
Adironducks, in New York, to the White mountains of New Hampshire; breeding from an
elevation of 4,000 feet upward. Straggler to Lllinois (Warsaw, May 24, 1884; Chas.K. Worthen).

Suspsp. cHar. Similar to Turdus alicie Baird, but much smaller and (usually) with
the bill more slender. Wing, 3.40-3.80 (3.65); tail, 2.60-2.90 (2.75); culmen, .50-.52 (.51); tarsus,
1,10-1.25 (1.13); middle toe, .65-.70 (.68).

The seven specimens upon which this new race is based are uniformly very much
Smaller than true 7. alicie@, with slenderer bills, and present also certain slight but rather
indefinite peculiarities of coloration. After avery careful comparison, however, I am un-
able to find any constant color-differences which can be expressed in a diagnosis. Some
specimens, notably the two males from Slide Mountain (where Mr. Bicknell found the
present bird breeding in company with 7. wstulatus swainsoviiand T. aonalaschke pallasii,
and haying very distinctive habits and notes as compared with the two species in question),
have the upper parts much browner than ir alicie, with the wings and tail appreciably
more reddish. In fact, the general aspect of the upper parts approaches more closely
that of 7. uwstulatus, but the shade is much darker and less fulvous, while, as in typical
alicia, thera is no trace of a lighter orbital ring. The billis much more slender than in
most specimens of the larger form, while in several examples it is of a very peculiar
shape, being much depressed basally, with the middle portion of the culmen somewhat
eoncave. I[n fact, the billin these specimens is much like that of the Nightingale (Lus-
cinia philomela) in shape, but with even a more prominent angle at the base of the gorys,
and still more depressed at the base. The extreme form of the bill, in this respect, as ex-
hibited in No. 653 (coll. E. P. B.), suggests very strongly that of a Dipper, or Water Ouzel
(Cinclus) in miniature.

This newly discovered race, was first obtained on the Catskill
Mountains by Mr. Eugene P. Bicknell, to whose kindness I am in-
debted for the privilege of describing it. Mr. Bicknell found it
breeding on Slide Mountain, at an elevation of 4,000 feet, and made
careful observations on its habits, which were recorded in the ‘‘Nut-
tall Bulletin” for July, 1882, pp. 152-159.

A single specimen was obtained at Warsaw, Illinois, on the 24th
of May, 1884, by Mr. Chas. K. Worthen, thus considerably extend-
ing its known range and adding it to the fauna of this State.

60 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Turdus ustulatus swainsonii ((ab.)

OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH.

Popular synonyms.—Swainson’s Thrush; Swamp Robin (New England).

Turdus swainsonii CABAN. Faun, Per. 1845-46, 187.—Barep, B. N. Am. 1858, 216; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 153; Review, 1864, 19.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 72; Check List, 1872, No. 5;
B. N. W. 1874, 4; B. Col. Val. 1878, 34.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 14, pl. i, Ag. 4.

Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni Riwew. Proce. U. 8. Nat. Mus. iii., 1880, 166; Nom. N. Am.
B. 1881, No. 4a.

Turdus ustulatus swainsoni CovEs, 2d Key, 1884, 248.

Has. Eastern North America, including the Rocky Mountain district, west to the
border of the Great Basin; breeding in the British Provinces and far southward in
the Rocky Mountains; wintering in southern Union States,* Central America and
various parts of South America (Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, ete.).

Sp. CH. Adult. Above uniform olive-brown, more grayish in some examples;
a very distinct orbital ring of buff; supraloral stripe, malar region, chin, throat, and jug-
ulum, light buff, usually deepest toward sides of head and neck. Jugulumthickly marked
with very broad triangular spots of dusky brown (much darker than the color of the
crown), these markings more cuneate anteriorly, and continued along sides of the throat
in aseries of longitudinal dashes, usually blended into a more or less continuous sub-
malar stripe, narrower and unbroken anteriorly; chin and upper part of throat immacu-
late; sides of breast, sides, and flanks, olivaceous-gray; rest of lower parts pure white;
breast marked with distinct transverse spots of deep brownish gray; tibiw light brownish
gray. Axillars and lining of wing deep grayish fulvous, mixed with ochraceous. Bill
dusky, basal half of mandible pale (dull flesh-color in life); interior of mouth rich yellow
(in life); iris dark brown; tarsi and toes pale brownish, the latter darker. Length, 7.—7.50;
extent of wings, 11.50—12.25; wing, 3.80—4 10 (3.96); tail, 2.80—3.10 (2.95); culmen, .50—.55
(.52); tarsus; 1.05—1.18 (1.10); middle toe, .65—.72 (.69).t

“First plumage: Male. Above much darker than adult, each feather, excepting on
rump and tail-coverts, with a tear-shaped spot of rich buff; beneath like adult, but rather
more darkly and thickly spotted on the breast, and with narrow terminal bands of dull
black on the feathers of the lower breast and sides. From a specimen in my collection
shot at Upton, Me., August 4, 1874." (BREWSTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Jan., 1878, p. 18.)

Among a large series of specimens there is much variation in the
precise shade of color of the upper parts, some being much grayer
than others. As a rule, examples from the Rocky Mountains are
appreciably grayer than those from the Kast, and in the case of
two or three the difference is very decided; but after a careful com-
parison I find that that the difference is not sufficiently constant to
warrant varietal distinction, especially since the measurements of
the two series coincide very closely.}

* The only record the author has seen is that of Mr. W. W. Cooke, in the Ornithologist
and Oologist, for December, 1883, p. 89, to the effect that this species has been found win-
tering in the Mississippi bottom, Illinois.

+ Extreme and average measurements of 14 examples.

t A series including 5 males and 2 females from the Eastern States and Rocky Moun-
tains average as follows:

| Wing. | Tail. |C’lmen)Tarsus/M. toe.
Eastern specimens.... 3.96 2.92 52 1.12 .69} Seven specimens measured.
Western oy Shce 3.96 2.98 -52 1.09 69 is i as

TURDIDE—THE THRUSHES. 61

A specimen said to be from San Francisco (No. 39468; F. Bisch-
off) agrees exactly with eastern specimens. There may be an
error in the locality, or it may be an accidental straggler.* Three
specimens from the Yukon region in Alaska (50146, Kamen-
sichta, May 81, W. H. Dall; 73227, Ft. Yukon, June 22, L.
M. Turner; and 81106, Anvik, lower Yukon, May or June, HE. W.
Nelson), are more grayish, like Rocky Mountain examples.

Extralimital specimens are from Tehuantepec, Guatemala, Costa
Rica, and Ecuador (55335, Archidona, Rio Napo; Orton). They agree
entirely with North American specimens.

The Olive-backed Thrush, or “Swamp Robin” as it is familiarly
known in New England, is another of the species which in most
parts of the United States where it is found occurs simply as a
migrant. It breeds from northern New England north well into the
more southern parts of the region inhabited by TJ’. alicie, both
species often breeding in the same localities and yet each retaining
its special characteristics of habits and notes—a fact sufficient to
at once dispose of any theory of their representing races of one
species. In the higher mountains, this species breeds far southward,
Wilson having found its nest and eggs on the high lands of north-
ern Georgia, while in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado Mr. Hen-
shaw found it abundant, in May, in the vicinity of Fort Garland.

The song of this species, according to the writer’s experience in
the mountains of Utah, is simple and brief, but very sweet, though
less so than that of either T. fuscescens salicicolus or T. aonalaschke.

Mr. H. K. Coale informs me that several specimens shot in May,
1883, were about a dead cow, where they had probably been at-
tracted by the supply of maggots. ;

The nest of the Olive-backed Thrush is usually built in bushes
or low trees, near or along the banks of streams. Those found
by the writer in the mountains of Utaht were in willows overhanging
or growing very near to the banks of a mountain brook at heights
varying from three to ten, but usually about seven, feet from the
ground. In no instance were there more than four eggs in a nest.
The composition of the nest of this species (as built in New Bruns-
wick) is thus described by Mr. Chamberlain:{ ‘‘In a specimen of
this nest before me coarse grass is the predominating material in

* The “make” of this skin is precisely that of specimens prepared by the same col-
lector at Peoria, Illinois.

+ Ornithology of the 40th Parallel, pp- 397, 398.

t Canadian Sportsman and Naturalist, Jan., 1883, p. 20.

62 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the external parts, but in the walls twigs of spruce, bits of lichens
and dried leaves are mixed with the grass and all are woven into
a solid mass, very firm and strong. The lining is formed by a layer
of fine grass interwoven with pieces of a black, vine-like root, all
neatly laid; over these, at the bottom, is a layer of skeleton leaves.
The measurements are: Depth, inside, 1% inches; width at mouth,
23 inches; outside, the diameter is irregular, varying from 4) to 5
inches. Mr. J. W. Banks tells me that of some fifty nests of the
Olive-backed Thrush that he has examined all were lined with skele-
ton leaves; but Mr. Harold Gilbert found one in 1878 that was
lined with moose hair. This nest was built in a garden, in the
suburbs of St. John, within twenty feet of the house and but an
arm’s-length from one of the main walks. The moose hair was
furnished by a tame animal kept on the grounds.”

Turdus aonalaschke pallasii (Cab.)

HERMIT THRUSH.

Popular synonyms.—Eastern Hermit Thrush; Rufous-tailed Thrush; Swamp Robin,
or Ground Swamp Robin (New England); Solitary Thrush.

Turdus solitarius (not of Linn.) Wits. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 95 (not pl. 43, fig. 2, which=
swainsoni).—AvD. Synop. 1839, 91; B. Am. iii, 1841, 29, pl. 146.

Merula solitaria Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 184, ol. “35” (=37).

Turdus minor (not of Gu.) Nutr. Man. i. 1832, 346.—Aub. Orn. Piog. i. 1882, 303, pl. 58.

Turdus pallasii CABAN. Wiegm. Archiv. 1847, i. 205.—Bainp, B. N. Am. 1858, 212; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 149; Review, 1864, 14.—Covuss, Key, 1872, 72; Check List, 1873, No. 4;
B. N. W. 1874, 2; B. Col. Val. 1878, 20.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1874, 18, pl. i, fig. 6.

Turdus aonalaschke pallasi Raw. Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. Vol. iii, March 22, 1880, 1.

Hylocichla unalasce pallast Rew. Proce. U. 8. Nat. Mus. iii, 1880, 166. Nom. N. Am. B.
1880, No. 5b.

Turdus unalasce nanus CovuEs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 10.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States and win-
tering in the more southern States, or from about the parallel of 40° to the Gulf coast.
Represented in western North America by the allied races auduboni (Rocky Mountain
district) and aonalaschke (Pacifie coast).

8p.Cx. Second primary shorter than fifth. Tail much more reddish than back.
Wing, 3.40-3.90 (3.64): tail, 2.55-3.15 (2.88); culmen, .50-.60 (.54); tarsus, 1.15-1.30 (1.19); middls
toe, .65-.75 (.70).*

* Extreme and average measurements of 24adults. The average of 32 adults meas-
ured by Mr. Henshaw (cf. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club) is slightly different, being, wing, 3.61; tail,
2.87; culmen, .53; tarsus,1.15. Though the sexes are not constantly different in dimen-
sions, the gis usually alittle the smaller, as the following averages of 16 males and 8
females will show:

or ———— —

| Wing. | Tail. |Culmen.| Tarsus. ee
EE ——_———————E———_———
MalOStccc- cccscccesessetenscasweccenea>sescuncces 3.71 3.00 55 1.21 .70
Wemales).... ss ctennccoccccccncn= Decne ese eeeeas 3.57 2.77 53 1.17 -70

TURDIDH—THE THRUSHES. 638

Adult in spring and early summer. Above uniform olive-brown, changing to dull
cinnamon-rufous on the tail, the upper tail-coverts of an intermediate tint; outer portion
of the wings more rusty than the back, but much less rufous than the tail. A very
distinct orbital ring of pale buff; auriculars and suborbital region dull grayish brown, in-
distinctly streaked with paler. Lower parts dull white, purer onthe abdomen, the jugu
lum usually faintly tinged with buff; jugulum marked with large deltoid spots of dark
brown or blackish, the more posterior of these spots broader and less pointed, the ante-
rior ones more cuneate; sides of the neck with cuneate streaks of dark brown or blackish,
narrower and more linear anteriorly, where they form a well defined stripe or “bridle”
along each side of the throat; malar region dull white, indistinctly speckled or streaked
with brown; breast with distinct roundish or somewhat saggitate spots of deep grayish
brown; sides and flanks light grayish olive-brown, axillars and lining of wing pale dull
ochraceous; tibia olive-brown.

Adultin falland winter. Similar, but above much browner (almost umber on the
back), the tail deeper rufous, the jugulum more distinctly tinged with buff, and the sides
browner olive.

“First plumage: female. Remiges and rectrices as in adult, but darker and duller;
rump and tail-coverts bright rusty-yellow; rest of upper parts, including wing-coverts
dark reddish brown, each feather with a central tear-shaped spot of golden-yellow; en-
tire under parts rich buff, fading to soiled white on abdomen and anal region; each
feather on jugulum and breast broadly tipped with dull black, so broadly, indeed, that
this color covers nearly four-fifths of the parts where it occurs; rest of under parts, with
exception of abdomen and erissum, which with the central region of the throat are im-
maculate, crossed transversely with lnes of dull black. Froma specimen in my collec-
tion shct at Upton, Me., June 20, 1873. This bird was very young,—scarcely able to fly,
ir. fact, —yet the color of the rectrices is sufficiently characteristic to separate it at once
from the corresponding stage of 7. swainsoni, which it otherwise closely resembles.
Another specimen of apparently nearly the same age, taken at Rye Beach, N. H., July 25,
1872, differs in haying a decided reddish or rusty wash over the entire plumage, and by
the spots onthe breast being brownish instead of black.” (BRewsTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Ciub, Jan., 1878, p. 17.)

Specimens vary a good deal in the precise shade of color on the
upper parts, the relative blackness of the spots on the jugulum, the
distinctness of the buff tinge to the latter region, and other minor
details. In the spring or early summer plumage the color of the
back is much that of 7. ustulatus swainsonii, but is browner, or with
less of an olive cast. In winter the back and crown are sometimes
decidedly reddish brown, some specimens, (as Nos. 7591, Washing-
ton. D. C. and 54823, Enterprise, Florida, Feb. 1), being in fact
even more rufescent than the Rockv Mountain form of 7’, fuscescens.
The spots on the jugulum vary in form from decidedly cuneate to
broadly deltoid, and in color from dark grayish brown to black.

An excellent treatise on the several geographical races of this
species by Mr. H. W. Henshaw may be found in the “Nuttall Bul-
letin,” for July, 1879, pp. 184-139.

The Hermit Thrush is a species.of more general distribution than
any other of the small thrushes, being found entirely across the
continent and north to the arctic regions. It is not quite the same
bird, however, in all parts of its range, the Rocky Mountain region

64 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

being occupied by a larger, grayer, race, while in the Pacific coast
district a dwarf race takes its place. These two geographical forms
being sufficiently distinct to rank as subspecies they need not be
mentioned further here.

The “Ground Swamp Robin,” as this species is known in parts of
New England in contradistinction from its relative, the Olive-backed
ed Thrush, (called ‘‘“Swamp Robin”) breeds from Massachusetts north-
ward, and passes the winter from the Middle States, or from about the
parallel of 40° to the Gulf coast. It has been found common in winter in
vicinity of Washington, D. C., during the severest weather, the mercury
registering —16°. Most of the habits of this species are very similar to
those of its congeners. Its song is said by Dr. Brewer to be “very
fine, having many of the characteristics of that of the Wood Thrush.
It is as sweet, has the same tinkling sounds, as of a bell, but is
neither so powerful nor so prolonged, and rises more rapidly in its
intonations. It begins with low, sweet notes, and ends abruptly
with its highest, sharp ringing notes.”

Genus Merula Leaca.

Merula Leacn, Syst. Cat. Mamm. and Birds, 1816, p. 20. Type, Turdus merula Linn.

Gen. CHAR. Tail about four-fifths as long as the wing, and more than three times as
long as the tarsus, slightly rounded; tarsus a little longer than commissure, exceeding
middle toe and claw by less than the length of the latter; 3d, 4th, and 5th quills longest,
the 2d about equal to the 6th, never much longer or shorter. 3dto6th quills with outer
webs sinuated. Outstretched feet not reaching beyond the middle of the tail. Plumage
variable, but never distinctly spotted beneath, exceptin young. Sexes sometimes very
different in plumage.

The above characters apply equally well to the type species, /.
merula (the European Blackbird) and the North American repre-
sentative congener, M. migratoria. The former, however, has the
tail a little longer, proportionally, has the bill decidedly narrower
at the base, and has the plumage uniform black in the male, gray-
ish brown in the female.

North America possesses only two species of this genus, the com-
mon so-called Robin (M. migratoria) and the M. confinis (Baird) of
Lower California, the latter being very distinct.

TURDIDE—THE THRUSHES. 65

Merula migratoria (Linn.)

AMERICAN ROBIN,

Popular synonyms—Robin; Robin Red-breast; Migratory Thrush; Robin Thrush;
Red-breasted Thrush; American or Carolina Fieldfare.

Turdus migratorius Linn. 8. N. i, 1766, 292.—Wutson, Am. Orn. i, 1808, 35, pL. 2, fig. 2.—
Nutr. Man. i, 1882, 338.—AupD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1844, 190, v, 1839, 442, pl. 131; Bynop.
1839, 89; B. Am. iii, 1841, 14, pl. 142.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 218; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 155; Review, 1864, 28.—Cours, Key, 1872, 71; Check List, 1873, No. 1; 2d ed.
1882, No. 1; B. N. W. 1874, i, 228; B. Col. Val. 1878, 8—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.i,
1874, 25, pl. 2, fig. 3.

Merula migratoria Sw. & Ricw. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 17%6.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No.7.

Has. Breeding throughout northern and eastern North America, but more sparingly
in the Southern States. Replaced in the western United States and high table-lands of
Mexico by the allied race M. migratoria propinqua.

Sp. Cu. Adult ¢ in summer: Head deep black, with the lower eyelid, part of the
upper eyelid, and a supra-loral streak, pure white; chin pure white, the throat streaked
with the same, Upper parts grayish slate-color, the scapulars and interscapulars show-
ing darker centers, these usually most conspicuous anteriorly; wing-coverts also darker
centrally but this mostly concealed; primaries, primary-coverts, and alule, black,
narrowly but distinctly edged with ash-gray. Tail unifonm slate-black, the two outer
feathers with inner webs distinctly tipped with white, Jugulum, breast, entire sides,
upper part of abdomen, axillars, and lining of the wing, uniform deep rufous or reddish
ochraceous (varying much in shade in different individuals); posterior part of abdomen
and femoral region pure white; anal region and crissum white, mixed with plumbeous,
this mostly beneath the surface. Bill, bright yellow, tipped with dusky; iris brown; tarsi
and toes brownish black or dark horn-color—sometimes deep black. Total length 10.-11;
extent 15.50-17.; wing, 8.10-5,40; tail, 4.10-4.50; culmen, 85-.92; tarsus, 1.30-1.40; middle toe,
-82-.95.*

Adult?in summer: Usually alittle paler and dullerin color than the male, but not
always distinguishable. Bill less purely yellow; dimensions about the same.

Adult in winter: Upper parts decidedly tinged with olive; rufous feathers of the
lower parts distinctly bordered with white, producing a scaly appearance. Bill mostly
blackish, the yellow confined chiefly to the lower mandible.

Young in first winter: Differing from the autumnal or winter adult in much paler
colors; head grayish, the pileum searcely or not at all darker than the back, the upper
parts being uniform dull gray; breast, ete., reddish ochraceous, much mixed with white
posteriorly, the jugulum tinged with ashy. A more or less distinct supra-auricular streak
of white.

Young in first plumage: Pileum and side of head dull blackish, with an indistinct dull
whitish superciliary streak between; the lower eyelid also whitish. Upper parts dull
brownish gray, the scapulars and interscapulars variegated with blackish terminal bars
and whitish shaft-streaks; lesser and middle wing-coverts also marked with pale shaft-
streaks. A whitish malar-stripe, bordered below by a blackish stripe along each side of
throat; chin and throat white, immaculate, or with only very faint scattered specks.
Breast, sides and abdomen, pale rufous or ochraceous, thickly spotted with black; lining
of wings uniform ochraceous or pale rufous; posterior lower parts chiefly whitish.

*Extreme measurement of 9 adult males,

—5

66 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Among a large series of specimens, such as that contained in the
U. S. National Museum, there- is of course, a very considerable
range of individual variation, but the extremes of normal variation
are included in the general terms of the above diagnoses. The
deepest-colored specimen in the series is an adult male obtained at
Laurel, Maryland, April 3, 1879, (No. 82,539; H. Marshall). In this the
dorsal feathers are all black, but distinctly bordered with slate-gray.
All the wing feathers are decidedly black centrally, this showing
very conspicuously on the tertials, while the primaries, with their
coyerts and alule are deep slate-back, narrowly, but very sharply
edged with pale gray. The black of the head is very intense, while
the black streaks on the throat, are much broader than the white
ones. The lower parts are of a very rich, bright, uniform rufous.
The bill, in the fresh specimen, was. a pure, rich, golden-yellow,
with the extreme tip black. This specimen I do not consider to be
at all abnormal in the respects indicated, however, but believe
that it represents merely the most perfect plumage of the fully
adult male.

The palest colored individual is a female from the District of Colum-
bia, obtained October 15 (No. 59,304; D. W. Prentiss), and in the plu-
mage described above as that of the young in first autumn. The
entire upper parts are a uniform ash-gray (slightly tinged with olive
anteriorly), the feathers of the pileum darker centrally. The entire
throat is white, very narrowly streaked with dusky. The breast and
sides pale rufous, or bright reddish ochraceous, strongly shaded
with ash-gray across the jugulum, and posteriorly broken into large
spots by the broad white borders to the feathers.

The habits of the American Robin are too well known to require
particular description. With many characteristics which of them-
selves should endear him to every lover of birds, he possesses cer-
tain bad qualities which have made him enemies. Seeking the so-
ciety of man, he “‘outwears his welcome” by pilfering cherries and
other small fruits with most provoking industry and pertinacity;
and though a persistent singer during early morn, he delivers his
sweet carol in a vacillating manner and quite spoils its effect by
the interspersion of harsh, squeaky notes, while as the ‘‘evening
shades deepen” his sharp complaining chirps annoy us by their too
frequent repetition; and the twilight seems to make him all the more
vociferous. However, ‘with all his faults, we love him still.”
No American orchard would be complete without its pair of Robins,

TURDIDA—THE THRUSHES. 67

and his absence would create a void in the ranks of our birds,
which would be felt by every one who cherishes memories of his
boyhood days.

Genus SIALIA Swainson.

Sialia Swainson, Zool. Jour. iii, Sept. 1827, 173. Type, Motacilla sialis Linn.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill short, stout, broader than high at the base, than compressed;
slightly notched at tip. Rictus with short bristles. Tarsi not longer than the middle toe.
Claws considerably curved. Wings much longer than the tail; the first primary spuri-
ous, not one fourth the longest. Tail moderate; slightly forked. Eggs plain blue. Nest
in holes,

“The species of this genus are all well marked, and adult males
are easily distinguishable. In all, blue forms a prominent feature.
Three well-marked species are known, with a fourth less distinct.
The females are duller in color than the males. The young are
spotted and streaked with white.” (IHist. N. Am. B.)

Common CHaractEers. Adult male bright blue above, beneath cinnamon and white (S.
sialis), blue and chestnut (S. mexicana), or blue and white (9. arctica); adult female with
the blue above confined to the wings, rump, and tail, the upper parts being grayish, the
lower parts paler and duller than in the male (in 9. arctica, breast, ete., grayish drab).
Young, with the grayish or dusky upper parts spotted or streaked with whitish. and
the whitish lower parts squamately spotted with dusky.

a. Breast and sides chestnut or cinnamon.

1. §. sialis. Throat cinnamon, like the breast; belly white; upper parts cobalt-blue.
Hab. Eastern North America.

2. §, mexicana, Throat deep blue; belly grayish blue; upper parts rich smalt-blue,
the back usually with achestnut patch. Hab. Western U.S., chiefly in the val-
leys.

6%. Breast and sides turquoise-blue.

3. §S. arctica, Upper parts rich azure-blue; belly white. Hab. Western U.8., chiefly

on the higher mountains, and northward to the interior of British America,

The three known species of this genus are included in the above
synopsis for the reason that two of them have already been recorded
as occurring in the State, while the third (S. mexicana) is said to
haye been taken in Iowa, and may therefore possibly, like other
western species, occasionally straggle to Illinois.

The females of the three species differ from one another in much
the same characters as those which distinguish the males, though the
colors being much duller the differences are far less striking.

68 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Sialia sialis (Linn.)

BLUEBIRD.

Popular synonym.—Eastern Bluebird.

Motacilla sialis Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i. 1758, 187; ed. 12, i. 1766, 336,
Sylvia sialis Laru. Ind. Orn. ii. 1790, 522.—Wuins. Am. Orn. i. 1898, 56, pl. 3, flg. 3.
Ampelis sialis Nutr. Man. i. 1832, 444.
Sialia sialis HALDEM. Trego’s Geog. Penn. 1843, 77.—Bargp, B. N. Am. 1858, 222; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 158; Review, 1864, 62.—Cours, Key, 1872, 76; Check List, 1873, No. 16;
2d ed. 1882, No. 27; B. N. W. 1874, 13; B. Col. Val. 1878, 77.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.
i. 1874, 62, pl. 5, fig. 3—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 22.
Sialia wilsonit Swatys. Zool. Jour. iii. 1827, 173.—Sw. & Riou. F. B. A. ii. 1831, 210.

Has. Eastern North America, west to the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, north
to British Provinces. Breeds throughout its normal range, and winters in most portions
of the eastern U. 8. Resident in Bermuda.

“Sp. Cuan. Entire upper parts, including wings and tail, continuous and uniform
azure-blue; the cheeks of a duller tint of the same. Beneath reddish brown; the abdo-
men, anal region, and under tail-coverts white. Bill and feet black. Shafts of the quills
and tail feathers black. Length, 6.75; wing, 4.00; tail, 2.90.

“Young. Males of the year dull brown on head, back, and lesser coverts; streaked,
except on head, with white. Throat and fore part of breast streaked with white. Tertials
edged with brown. Rest of coloration somewhat like adult.”

So well known are the habits of the common, familiar Bluebird,
that little need be said here on the subject. Partially migratory
almost everywhere, it may be occasionally seen in winter even in
the most northern States, but probably nowhere north of the paral-
lel of 40° can it be looked for with any certainty at this season of
the year. Hew birds in the whole world possess as many attractive
features as the Bluebird. With the confiding familiarity of the
European Robin Redbreast (Hrithacus rubecula), it is adorned with
a plumage of tropical beauty and is endowed with a voice of pecu-
liar tenderness. By an English writer residing in Bermuda, he is
styled ‘‘the loveliest of birds . . . . . with the blue of a
Bermuda sky upon his back, and on his breast the tint of its rosy
dawn.”

“Common summer resident, nesting in boxes put up for their ac-
commodation. The English sparrows attack and chase away the
Bluebirds, and many that nested in the city have gone into the
suburbs and now nest in hollow trees or holes in fence posts. In
August they frequent stump fields and cleared woods, in flocks and
families. The males sing at this time, but in a weird, far-away
tone. Once found a nest built between the stalks of a geranium
plant in a large flower urn. Arrived March 6, 1879, but in warm
seasons are as early as February 20.” (H. K. Coats, MS.)

TURDIDH—THE THRUSHES. 69

Sialia arctica (Swains.)

MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD.
Popular synonyms.—Arctie Bluebird; Rocky Mountain Bluebird.

Erythaca (Sialia) arctica Sw. & Ricu. F, B. A. ii, 1831, 209, pl. 39.

Sialia arctica Nutt. Man. ii, 1834, 573; ed. 2, i, 1840, 514.—Aupb. Synop. 1839, 84; B. Am. ij,
1841, 176, pl. 136.—Batrp, B. N. Am, 1858, 224; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 160; Review, 1804,
64.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 76; Check List, 1873, No. 18; 2d ed. 1882, No. 29; B. N. W. 1874,
14; B. Col. Val. 1878, 82.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. A. B. i, 1874, 67, pl. 5, fig. 4—Ripaw. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 24.

Sylvia arctica Aup. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 38, pl. 393,

Has. Western mountain districts of North America, north to lat. 614°, south nearly, or
quite, to the Mexican boundary, at high elevations.

“Sp. CHar. Greenish azure-blue above and below, brightest above; the belly and
under tail-coverts white; the latter tinged with blue at the ends. Female showing blue
only on the rump, wings, and tail; a white ring round the eye; the lores and sometimes a
aad front whitish; elsewhere replaced by brown. Length, 6.25; wing, 4.36; tail, 3.00,

eroding: Male birds are streaked with white, as in 8. sialis, on the characteristic
ground of the adult.

“As already stated, the blue of this species is greener than in
sialis. The females are distinguished from those of the other spe-
cies by the greener blue, entire absence of rufous, and longer wings.

“In autumn and winter the blue of the male is much soiled by
umber-brown edges to the feathers, this most conspicuous on the
breast, where the blue is sometimes almost concealed; the plumage
of the female, too, at this season is different from that of spring,
the anterior lower parts being soft isabella-color, much less grayish
than in spring.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The only claim of this species to a place in the Illinois fauna
rests on the single record, by Mr. Nelson (Pr. Essex Inst. viii. 1876,
p. 95) of the capture of a specimen opposite Dubuque, Iowa.

The home of the Arctic or Rocky Mountain Bluebird is the
mountainous region of western North America, especially the ranges
of the interior, and thence northward through the more elevated
portions of British America to a high latitude. As the Californian
Bluebird (S. mexicana) is essentially a bird of the lower valleys, so
is the present species emphatically a bird of the mountains, its
visits to the lower portions of the country being mainly during
winter.

Supramiry MYADESTIN As.—Tue Sonrrarrzs.

The birds of this subfamily have usually been placed with the
Ampelid#, in a group including also the genera Phainopepla and

70 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Ptilogonys. Its true relationship, however, is decidedly with the
Turdide, to which its booted tarsi, its habits, the spotted plumage
of its young, and many other characters ally it closely.

The only North American genus is the following:

Genus MYADESTES Swarson.

Myadestes Swanson, Jard. Nat. Library, xiii, Flycatchers, “1838,” 132. Type, M.
genibarbis Sw,

“GEN. CHar. Occipital feathers full and soft. Plumage rather loose. Bill weak,
much depressed. Commissure nearly straight. Hind toelongerthaninner lateral, Toes
deeply cleft. Closed wing externally with an exposed light band across the buse of the
quills, and another nearer the end, separated by a darkerone, Tail somewhat graduated
on the sides.

“Of the ten or more described species of the genus, only one be-
longs to the limits of the United States, although several others oc-
cupy adjacent territory in Mexico. Several are peculiar to islands
of the West Indies.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Myadestes townsendii (Aud.)

TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE.

Popular synonyms.—Townsend’s Flycatcher, or Flycatching Thrush; Townsend’s.
Ptilogonys.
Ptiliogonys townsendii AuD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 206, pl. 419, fig. 2; Synop. 1839, 46; B. Am. 1,
1840, 243, pL. 69.—Nurr. Man. 2d ed. I, 1840, 301.

Myadestes townsendi CaBan, Wiegm. Archiv. 1847, i., 208.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 321;
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 235; Review, 1856, 429.—Coums, Key, 1872, 117; Check List,
1873, No. 121; 2d ed. 1882, No. 169; B. N. W. 1874, 93; B. Col. Val. 1878, 44.—B. B. & R
Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1874, 406, pl. 18, gs. 3,4.—Rrpaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 25.

Has. Western Mountain districts of the United States, from the Mexican boundary to
British Columbia. (Accidental straggler to northern Illinois.)

“Sp. CHar. Tail rather deeply forked. Exposed portion of spurious quill less than
one third that of the second; fourth quill longest; second a little longer than the sixth.
Head not erested. General color brownish ash, paler beneath; under wing-coverts white.
Quills with a brownish yellow bar at the base of both webs, mostly concealed, but show-
ing a little below the greater coverts and alulw; this succeeded by a bar of dusky, and
next to it another of brownish yellow across the outer webs of the central quills only.
Tertials tipped with white. Tail feathers dark brown; the middle ones more like the
back; the lateral with the outer web and tip, the second with the tip only, white. A white
ring roundthe eye. Length, 8 inches; wing, 4.50; tail, 2.85. (8,234.)

“Young birds have a large triangular pale-ochraceous light spot
on the end of each feather (rather paler below), bounded externally
by a narrow border of blackish; the quill and tail feathers as in
adult.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

TURDIDH—THE THRUSHES. (il

Illinois is far from the normal habitat of this interesting bird,
whose true home is the mountainous regions of the Far West. A
single specimen, however, was shot at Waukegan, by Mr. Charles
Douglas, on the 16th of December, 1875. Mr. Nelson informs us
that it was ‘‘found in a sheltered ravine, extending a short distance
into the bluff, bordering the lake shore near the above-named place,
and showed no alarm when approached. Nothing peculiar was observ-
ed concerning its habits except that its movements were very
sprightly.” Mr. Douglas has recently written me that it was eat-
ing the seeds of the common black thorn-apple (Crategus tomentosa),
and that it was quite silent.

Townsend’s Solitaire is, from all accounts, a charming songster—
the finest, perhaps, among North American birds. Dr. Newberry
describes its song as clear, full and melodious, and, although not
greatly varied, the notes are all particularly clear and sweet, with
strains of pure gushing melody that were both spontaneous and ins-
piring. Dr. Cooper says that its song can be compared with noth-
ing uttered by any other bird he has ever heard in the United
States; and that it excels that of the Mockingbird in sweetness,
while it is entirely original. Mr. J. K. Lord, who heard them sing-
ing in November, at Fort Colville, Washington Terr., describes their
song, as heard on that occasion, as resembling that of the Song
Thrush (Turdus musicus) of Europe.

72 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Famity SYLVIID24.—Tue WARBLERS.

CHARACTERS. There is very little by which to distinguish the birds of this Family from
the Turdide, beyond the very much smaller size and the unspotted plumage of the young.
Of the so-called subfamilies here recognized, the Polioptiline are without much question
out of place, though it is very uncertain where they do belong. For the convenience of
the student, however, we place them here in accordance with the arrangement adopted by
the American Ornithologists’ Union.

American Ornithologists’ Union.

The so-called subfamilies may be distinguished as follows:

a.) Wings longer than the nearly even or emarginate tail. Anterior tarsal

envelope continuous for the greater part of its extent. No white on ta‘l.
b.. Nostrils exposed. Scutell distinct on inner side of tarsus................ Sylviine

b.2 Nostrils concealed by feathers. Tarsal envelope without appreciable
GROSS aoe ocssagos dc anos acodountion sannod oSencodeoctoSu ccoonbcecdisecnsdoatisosaned Reguline

a2, Wings not longer than the graduated tail. Anterior tarsal envelope dis-
tinctly scutellate. Tail with white terminal spots and edgings......... Polioptiline

Susramity POLIOPTILIN At.—Tur Gnatcatcuers.
Genus POLIOPTILA Scuater.

Polioptila ScuaTER Pr. Zodl. Soc. 1855, 11. Type, Motacilla cewrulea LINN.

Cuar. Bill slender, attenuated, but depressed at the base; nearly as long as the head,
distinetly notched at the tip, and provided with moderate rictal bristles. Nostrils rather
elongated, not concealed, but anterior to the frontal feathers. Tarsi longer than the
middle toe, distinctly seutellate; the toes small, the hinder one scarcely longer than the
lateral; its claw scarcely longer than the middle. Outer lateral toe longer than the inner.
First primary about one-third the longest; second equal to the seventh. Tail a little
longer than the wings, moderately graduated; the feathers rounded. Nest felted and
covered with moss or lichens. Eggs greenish white, spotted with purplish brown.

“The species all lead-color above; white beneath, and to a greater
or less extent on the exterior of the tail, the rest of which is black.
Very diminutive in size (but little over four inches long).” (Hist.
N. Am. B.)

SYLVIIDZ—THE WARBLERS, 73

Polioptila cserulea (Linn.)

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER,.

Popular synonyms.—Blue Wren; Long-tailed Blue Wren; Hastern Gnateatcher.

Motacilla cewrulea Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 337,

Sylvania cerulea Nutr. Man, 2d ed. i, 1840, 337.

OCulicivora cerulea AuD. B. Am, i, 1840, 244, pl. 70.

Polioptila cerulea Scu. P. Z. 8. 1855, 11.—Batnp, B. N. Am. 1858, 380; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 282; Review, 1864, 74.—Cougs, Key, 1872; Cheek List, 1873, No. 23; 2d ed.
1882, No.36; B.N. W. 1874, 17; B. Col. Val. 1878, 101.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. A. B. i, 1874,
78, pl. 6, fig. 5.—Rmpeaw. Nom. N, Am. B., 1881, No. 27.

Hazs. United States, chiefly south of 40°; wintering in extreme southern States, Cuba,
Mexico, and Guatemala.

“Sp. CHar. Above grayish blue, gradually becoming bright blue on the crown. A
narrow frontal band of black extending backwards over the eye. Under parts and lores
bluish white tinged with lead-color on the sides. First and second tail feathers white
except atthe extreme base, which is black, the color extending obliquely forward on
the inner web; third and fourth black, with white tip, very slight on the latter; fifth and
sixth entirely black. Upper tail-coverts blackish plumbeous. Quills edged externally
with pale bluish gray, which is much broader and nearly white on the tertials. Female
without any black on the head. Length, 4.30; wing, 2.15; tail, 2.25. (Skin.)” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

This active little bird inhabits chiefly open high woods, often along
streams, where he may be seen skipping and darting about among
the topmost branches, his long tail elevated and jerking in wren-
like fashion,—always moving about and ever utterimg his wheezy,
squeaky notes. During the breeding season the male has a very
varied song of considerable power but lacking im sweetness, and
uttered in an erratic manner, portions of it suggesting a weak
imitation of the Catbird’s medley.

The nest of this species is one of the gems of bird architecture.
It is a very compact mass of soft felted materials, elaborately and
artistically ornamented on the outside with gray and glaucous
lichens, the deep interior cavity cosily lined with softest down and
feathers. The shape varies from that of a deep cup to that of an
inyerted cone, the opening being always at the top. This elegant
structure is securely fastened—either saddled to or woven about—a
horizontal limb, usually near the top of a tree, but, especially if
the tree be a very tall one, sometimes on one of the lower branches.
Often it is attached to a limb of nearly the same diameter as
itself, thus appearing as a knot or other excrescence.

5
74 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

This species is one of the earliest to arrive in spring, making its
appearance at Mt. Carmel early in April, the 2nd and 10th of that
month being the earliest and latest dates recorded by the writer.
In Cook county, Mr. Coale says that it is a “rather common
migrant,” but that it was really common only in the spring of 1875,
when several were shot in Hyde Park. He had not found it breed-
ing, however, though it was found doing so by Mr. G. F. Clingman
at Whiting Station, Indiana, near the Illinois line. At St. Louis,
Mr. Coale found it very common and nesting on May 22, 1883.

Susramiry REGULIN Ai.—Tue Kinecterts,

Genus REGULUS Cuvier.

Regulus Cuy. Legons d’Anat. Comp. 1799-1800, tabl. ii. Type, Motacilla r2gulus LINN.
Corthylio CaB. Jour, Orn. i, 1853,83. Type, Motacilla calendula LINN.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill slender, much shorter than the head, depressed at base, but becom-
ing rapidly compressed; moderately notched at tip. Culmen straight to near the tip,
then gently curved. Commissure straight; gonys convex. Rictus well provided with
bristles; nostrils covered by asingle bristly feather directed forwards (not distinct in
calendula). Tarsi elongated, exceeding considerably the middle toe, and without seu-
tella. Lateral toes about equal; hind toe with the claw, longer than the middle one by
about half the claw. Claws all much curved. First primary about one third as longas
the longest; second equal to fifth or sixth. Tail shorter than the wings, moderately
forked,the feathers acuminate. Colors olive-green above, whitish beneath. Size very
small,” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Common CHARACTERS. Above olive-greenish, brighter on rump and edges of second-
aries and rectrices; secondaries with a broad black basal bar. Beneath dull whitish.
Male with a brightly colored crown-patch of red, orange, or yellow, with black stripes
in some species, in which the female has a yellow crown-patch. Young (and adult female
of R. calendula) without any markings or bright colors on head.

a Crown with a broad black stripe on each side,

1. R.satrapa. Forehead smoky whitish; crown-patch bicolored in the male—intense
orange centrally, with a yellow border—uniform yellow in the female.

2. BR. cuvieri. Forehead and a stripe across lores and behind the eye, black; crown-
patch uniform red in the male.

a? Crown without black stripes.

3. BR. calendula, Crown with a central patch of vermilion-red in the aldult male, this
usually absent, or when pre-ent much reduced in size, in the female.

The first and third species whose characters are given above are
very abundant birds in all parts of the State—the first throughout
the winter, the other chiefly during the spring and fall migrations,
but wintering to some extent in the southern portions. The second
species (R. cuvieri) was discovered many years ago, on the banks of

SYLVIIDE—THE WARBLERS. 75

the Schuylkill River, in Pennsylvania, by Audubon, and is at pres-
ent known only by the description and illustration given in the
works of its discoverer. It is one of several species belonging to the
same category, among which may be mentioned the Carbonated
Warbler (Perissoglossa carbonata), Small-headed Flycatcher (Sylvan-
ta microcephala), Blue Mountain Warbler (Dendroica montana), etc.
But since two other species (Centrony« bacrdt/ andCoturniculus lecontet)
until within a few years past included in the same list are now
well-known birds, it is quite possible that a few years hence, when
the number of intelligent observers has increased, we may know
more of Cuvier’s Kinglet,

Regulus satrapa Licht.

GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET.

Popular synonyms. — Golden-crested Kinglet; Golden-crowned Wren; American
Golden-crowned Wren, or Kinglet; American Golden-crest.

Sylvia regulus Wis. Am. Orn. i. 1808, 126, pl. 8, fig. 2 (not of Linn.)

Regulus cristatus Nutr. Man. i. 1832, 420.—AupD. Orn. Biog. ii. 1834, 476, pl. 185 (not of
Koch).

Regulus satrapa Licut. Verz. Doubl. 1823, No. 410.—AupD. Synop. 1839, 82; B. Am. ii. 1841,
165, pl. 132.—Barep, B. N. Am. 1858, 227; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 162; Review, 1864, 65.
—Cougs, Key, 1872, 78; Check List, 1873, No. 22; 2d ed. 1882, No. 34;, B. N. W. 1874, 16;
B. Col. Val. 1878, 96.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. A. B. i. 1874, 73, pl. 5, fig. 8—Ripew. Nom. N.
Am. B. 1881, No. 33.

Has. Whole of North America, breeding mostly northward of and wintering chiefly
within the United States; in winter extending also far into Mexico, on the elevated table-
‘ands.

“Sp. CHAR. Above olive-green, brightest on the outer edges of the wing and tail feathers,
and tinged with brownish gray towards the head. Forehead, aline overthe eye and aspace
beneath it, white. Exterior of the crown before and laterally black, embracing a central
patch of orange-red, encircled by gamboge yellow. A dusky space around the eye.
Wing-coverts with two yellowish-white bands, the posterior covering a similar band on
the quills, succeeded by a broad dusky one. Under parts dull whitish. Length under
four inches; wing, 2.25; tail, 1.80. Female without the orange-red central patch. Young
birds without the colored crown.” (Hist. N. Am, B,)

“First plumage: female. Pileum (including forehead) dark smoky-brown; line over
the eye entirely cut off at its anterior corner by the junction of the dusky lores with the
brown of the forehead; tertiaries broadly tipped with white; breast strongly washed with
pale fawn-color; otherwise like adult. From a specimen in my collection taken at Upton,
Me., August 25, 1874, A young male taken August 25, 1873, is in every way similar. A good
series of specimens of various ages shot during August and the early part of September
illustrate well the transitional stages. First the brown of the pileum darkens into two
black stripes, while the line over the eye broadens to meet its external margin. Next,
two lines of yellow feathers appear inside and parallel with the black ones, while the
orange of the central space (of the male) is produced last.” (BREwsTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, June, 1878, 19.)

rp
10 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

The delicate little Golden-crowned Kinglet—smaller even than the
Ruby-crown—is known in Illinois, and indeed in all portions of the
United States, except the northern coniferous woods and similar
forests of the higher mountains, only as a winter visitant or resi-
dent. He is most often seen during clear frosty mornings in mid-
winter, and seems particularly in his element when the trees are
decked with an icy covering of sleet—when the woods appear like
fairy land, and the pure crisp air instills fresh vigor to those who
sally forth to enjoy its exhiliarating influence. Then the little
Gold-crests may be seen in woods or parks in seattered troops, nim-
bly hunting among the crystal branches, now hanging in Titmouse
fashion, then dropping to another limb, and carelessly hopping
about, apparently not feeling the contact of the ice with their tiny
feet. At such times none of our birds are tamer than these dainty
little creatures and none certainly more lovely. They come about
the intruder as if utterly unmindful of his presence, often so near
that the sparkle of the little black eye, the flash of the glowing
orange crown, and every detail of his pretty plumage can be
plainly seen.

In its northern summer home, the Gold-crest is said to have an
agreeable though delicate song, far inferior, however, to that of the
Ruby-crown. In winter, its usual note is a delicate wiry chirp, im-
possible to express in writing, but nearly if not quite undistinguisha-
ble from the ordinary note of the Brown Creeper.

According to Mr. Coale, it is a “‘very common migrant” in Cook
county. ‘Ever active and uttering a te-tze, tze-tze as they fly into
every nook and corner of the foliage of trees.”

Regulus calendula (Linn.)
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET,

Popular synonym. — Ruby-crowned Wren.
Motacilla calendula Lyn. N. N. ed. 12, i. 1766, 337.
Sylvia calendula LATH. Ind. Orn. ii. 1780, 549.—Wtis. Am. Orn. i. 1808, 83, pl. 5, fig. 3.
Regulus calendula Licut. Verz. Doubl. 1823.—NuTr. Man. i. 1832, 415.—Aub. Orn. Biog.
ii. 1834, 546, pl. 195; Synop. 1839, 83; B. Am. ii. 1841, 168, pl. 133.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858,
226: Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 161; Review, 1864, 66.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 78; Check List,
1873, No. 21; 2d ed. 1882, No. 34; B. N. W. 1874, 15; B. Col. Val. 1878, 92.—B. B. & R. Hist.
N. Am. B. i, 1874, 75, pl. 5, fig. 9.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 30.
Has. The whole of North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States, but

south to Colorado, at least, in the Rocky Mountains; wintering in the more southern United
States, and thence to Mexico and Gautemala. (Accidental in Europe and Greenland.)

SYLV.IDAA—THE WARBLERS. rus

“Sp. Cuan. Above dark greenish-olive, passing into bright olive green on the rump
and outer edges of the wings and tail. The under parts are grayish white tinged with
pale olive yellow, especially behind. A ring round the eye, two bands on tne wing-cov-
erts, and the exterior of the inner tertials white. Male. Crown with alarge concealed
patch of searlet feathers, which are white at the base. Female and young without the
red on the crown. Length, 4.50, wing, 2.33; tail, 1.85.

“This species of Regulus appears to lack the small feather which
in satrapa overlies and conceals the nostrils, which was probably
the reason with Cabanis and Blyth for placing it in a different
genus. There is no other very apparent difference of form, how-
ever, although this furnishes a good character for distinguishing
between young specimens of the two species.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The diminutive Ruby-crowned Kinglet is searcely known in the
United States except as a transient visitor in spring and fall, mak-
ing himself more conspicuous in the former season, when the fruit-
trees are decked with blossoms, among which he may be seen en-
gaged in the occupation of snatching from the half opened buds and
the unfolding leaves the minute insects which constitute his food.
His summer home is among the northern coniferous forests, and he
winters in the milder regions of the more southern States.

The song of this bird is comparatively powerful for so small a
creature, and is remarkable for its softness and sweet expression.
It consists of an inexpressibly delicate and musical warble, aston-
ishingly protracted at times, and most beautifully varied by softly
rising and falling cadences, and the most tender whistlings imagina-
ble. Dr. Brewer says that its notes are ‘clear, resonant, and high,
and constitute a prolonged series, varying from the lowest tones to
the highest, and terminating with the latter. It may be heard at
quite a distance, and in some respects bears more resemblance to
the song of the English Sky-lark than to that of the Canary, to
which Mr. Audubon compares it.” We have never heard the Sky-
lark sing; but there is certainly no resemblance between the notes
of the Ruby-crowned Wren and those of the Canary, the latter be-
ing as much inferior in tenderness and softness as they are super-
ior in yolume.

7& BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Famiry PARID@.—Tuae Tirmice anp NurHarcuus.

, CHARACTERS. Bill more or less conical, without notch, the nasal feathers directed for-
ward and usually concealing the nostrils. S ze small (wing less than four inches long.)
Tarsi distinctly scutellate.

The above characters are drawn up to mehtie Chamea, whose
claim to a place in the Family Paride is a matter of serious doubt.
Sitta, although appearing so very distinct from the typical Paride
is yet so closely connected through Palearctic forms of the latter
(as Parus varius of Japan) that there can be no doubt of its belong-
ing to the same family.

The North American subfamilies, including Chamea, may be de-
fined as follows :—

a.’ Bill stout, much shorter than head. Tail about as long as the wing, or
longer. Hallux shorter than middle toe.
vb. Nostrils concealed by feathers. Tarsus with anterior covering scu-
tellate on outer side . PORN O0 SRO ASIC ASIN n a0 CHER DoCS ECON IOS Ee ee .-Parine.
b.2 Nostrils exposed. eee sus pith mines covering fused on outer Hits lonemteune!
a.2 Billslender, aslongas the head. Tailmuchshorter than the wing. Hallux
longer thansmiddletoe)ssescencsonesssesenn ee ce amsmenesesceneanees Soosteespcecoce Sittine -

Supramiry PARINAi.—The Titmice.
This subfamily, as above characterized, includes three North
American Genera, which may be defined as follows:—

a’, Bill with either the culmen or gonys decidedly convex. Nostrils wholly
eoncealed. Plumage very lax.

v1. Tail about equal to or not much longer than wing, rounded ....... ...... Parus.
Cl Headinoticrastede--cnsacmecnceaesmnneeecassenasaaca as wectaseames (Subgenus Parus.)
c?, Head crested “5 .. (Subgenus Lophophanes.)
b*. Tail much longer than wing, | graduated bo dodSncepeeeeetotecenstesoqsscoca Psaltriparus.
a*, Bill with both culmen and gonys nearly straight, the tip acute. Nostrils
partly exposed. Plumage rather compact. ........-..0-ce--eeenee +sseee----Auriparus.

The genera Psaltriparus and Auriparus, as well as the subfamily
Chameine (the latter including the single genus Chamea), are extra-
limital, belonging to the southwestern portions of the United States.

Genus PARUS Liny2ts.
Supcenus Lophophanes Kavp.

Lophophanes Kaup, Eutw. Gesch. Europ. Thier. 1829. Type, Parus cristatus Linn.

Beolophus CaBants, Mus. Hein. 1850, 1351, 91. Type, Parus bicolor LINN.

“Gen. CHAR. Crown with a conspicuous crest. Bill conical; both upper and lower
outlines convex. Wings graduated; first quill very short. ‘T'ail moderately long and
rounded. Nests in hollow trees; eggs white with fine red dottings.” (His/. N. Am. B.)

PARIDAZ—THE TITMICE AND NUTHATCHES. 79

This subgenus scarcely differs from Parus except in the possession
of a well developed pointed crest. But one species occurs east of
the Rocky Mountains, except in Texas, where a Mexican species,
P. atricristatus is found. In Western Texas to Arizona occurs
another Mexican species, P. wollweberi, while in California and other
parts of the Western Province P. inornatus is found.

Parus bicolor Linn.

TUFTED TITMOUSE,

Popular synonym, —Black-fronted Titmouse.

Parus bicolor Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 340—Wiis. Am. Orn. i. 1808, 137, pl. 8, fig. 5.—
Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 199, pl. 39; Synop. 1839, 78; B. Am. ii. 1841, 143, pl. 125.—Nurr.
Man. i, 1832, 236.

Lophophanes bieolor Bonap. Consp. i, 1850, 228.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 384; Cat. N. Am.
B. 1859, No. 285; Review, 1864, 78.—Covurs, Key, 1872, 80; Check List, 1873, No. 27;
2d ed. 1882, No. 40; B. N. W. 1874, 19: B. Col. Val. 1878, 113.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B.
i, 1874, 87, pl. 6, fig. 1.—Ripew, Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 36.

Has. Eastern United States, west to Nebraska and eastern Texas, north to the Con-
necticut Valley; resident and breeding throughout.

“Sp. Coan. Above ashy; a black frontal band. Beneath dull whitish; sides brownish
chestnut, of more or lessintensity. Feathers ofthe crown elongated into a flattened crest,
which extends back as far as the occiput. Bill conical; lower edge of upper mandible
nearly straight at the base. Fourth and fifth quills equal; third alittle shorter than seventh;
second rather shorter than the secondaries, Tail nearly even, the outer feather about
-20 of an inch shorter than the longest. Upper parts ash-color, with a tinge of olivyaceous.
Forehead dark sooty-brown. The feathers of the upper part of the head and crest ob-
securely streaked with lighter brown. Under parts of head and body, sides of head, in-
cluding auriculars, and a narrow space above the eye, dirty yellowish white, tinged with
brown; purest on the side of head, the white very distinct in the loral region, and ineclud-
ing the tuft of bristly feathers over the nostrils, excepting the tips of those in contact
with the bill, which are blackish. The sides of the body and the under tail-coverts are
tinged with yellowish brown. The quills and tail feathers are edged with the color of
ihe back, without any whitish. Bill black. Feet lead-color.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Length, about 6.25 inches; extent, 9.25; wing, 3.05—3.45.

Perhaps no bird is more abundant in wooded districts of
the southern half of the State, than this species; and this ap-
plies equally to all parts of the year. Roving in restless noisy
troops through the woods, scolding at every intruder and calling to
one another in harsh tones, they are often, on this account, very
annoying to the collector or the hunter. During winter they become
very familiar, approaching with confidence the immediate vicinity
of dwellings (which, indeed, they seem inclined to shun only during
the breeding season), and, in company with Snowbirds (Junco hy-
emalis), Carolina Chickadees, Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis), Blue-
jays, and other familiar species, glean their portion from the refuse

80 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

of the table—bread-crumbs, bits of meat, or indeed anything eat-
able. The notes of this species in their general character resemble
those of the Chickadees, but are much louder and more vehement,
In spring the male has a very pleasant call, consisting of a repeti-
tion of the syllables péto, péto, péto in a very clear and rather
sweet whistling tone. The nest is built in cavities of trees, like
that of other species of the family.

Subgenus Parus Linneus,

Parus ann. 8. N. ed. 10, 1.1758, 189; ed 12, i. 1766,340. Type, by elimination, P. major Linn.

“Gen. CHAR. Head not crested. Body and head full. Tail moderately long, and
slightly rounded. Bill conical, not very stout; the upper and under outlines very gently
and slightly convex. Tarsus but little longer than middle toe. Head and neck generally
black or brown, with sides white. Nestin holes. Eggs white, sprinkled with red.” (Hist.
N. Am. B.)

The species of this subgenus which occur in Illinois, may be dis-
tinguished as follows:

Common CHaracters. Above plain grayish, with or without distinct whitish edgings
on larger wing feathers; beneath whitish, the sides tinged with ochreous, fulvous, or ru-
fous; entire pileum, chin, and throat, black, or brownish, the sides of the head whitish.
Sexes alike, and young similar in plumage to the adult.

a, Crown and throat deep black.

1. P. atricapillus. Tail about equal to the wing (rarely a very little shorter, usually
longer); greater wing-coverts and tertials very conspicuously eaged with whitish;
black of the throat much broken posteriorly by white tips to the feathers. Wing
2.50-2.75 (2.63), tail 2.50-2.75 (2.63), tarsus, .65-.70 (.69). Hab. Northern portion of the
State; very rare winter visitant to southern half.

2. P. carolinensis. Tail decidedly shorter than wing: wing-coverts and tertials with-
out distinet whitish edges; black of throat with abruptly defined posterior border.
Wing 2.40-2.60 (2.44), tail 2.10-2.50 (2.19), tarsus .55-.65 (.61). Hab. Southern half or
more of the State, resident wherever found.

a?, Crown and throat brownish, the latter darkest.

3. P. hudsonicus. Crown hair-brown, back slightly more olivaceous; sides of neck ash-
gray, the cheeks paler, inclining to white anteriorly; throat sooty blackish; sides
dullrusty. Hab. Rare winter visitant to extreme northern part of State,

Parus atricapillus Linn.

CHICKADEE,

Popular synonyms. Black-capped Titmouse or Chicadee; Eastern Chickadee; Northern
Chickadee.

Parus atricapillus Lryn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 341.—Wiis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 134, pl. 8. flg. 4.—

Sw. & Riou. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 226.—Aup. Orn. Biog. iv. 1838, pl. 353, flg. 3; Synop. 1839,

79; B. Am. li. 1841, 146, pl. 126—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 390; Cat. N, Am. B. 1859, No.

290; Review, 1864, 80.—Coves, Key, 1872, 81; Check List, 1873, No. 31; 2d ed. 1882, No.

44; B. N. W. 1874, 20.—B. B. & BR. Hist. N. Am. B.i, 1874, 96, pl, vii, fg. 1—Rmew.
Nom. N. Am. B. 1831, No. 41.

PARIDJE—THE TITMICE AND NUTHATCHES. 81

Has. Northeastern North America, or from northern United States east of the
Great Plains and northward; winter visitant south to about 40° or alittle further. (Replaced
inthe Rocky Mountain district and Great Plains and thence northward to Alaska by
the more slender, lighter colored race, sep/entrionalis Harris.)

Sp. Cuan. Adult: Entire pileum and cervix glossy black; chin, throat, and malar
region black, this broken posteriorly by whitish tips to the feathers; sides of head and neck
white. Upper parts ash gray, more or less tinged with yellowish; wings blackish, the
feathers edged with light ashy, the greater coverts and tertials broadly edged with white.
Tail dusky, the feathers edged with ashy, inclining to white on lateral rectrices. Median
lower parts (from jugulum back) white, lateral portions buff. Bill black; feet bluish
plumbeous, iris dark brown. Young; Very similar to the adult, but black of pileum and
cervix without gloss, that of the throat more sooty, buff of sides less distinct, and plumage
of looser texture.

Male (7 specimens): Wing, 2.60-2.75 (average, 2.66); tail, 2.60-2.75 (2.63); tarsus, .65-.70 (.69(.
Female (3 specimoens:) Wing, 2.55-2.60 (2.58); tail, 2.50-2.¢0 (2.57), tarsus, .68-.70 (.69).

This familiar and active little bird is almost confined to the north-
ern half of the State, making its appearance south of the 89th
parallel, so far as the writer’s knowledge and observation are con-
cerned, only at rare or at least very irregular intervals during the
coldest weather. Its habits are too well known to require descrip-
tion here.

Parus carolinensis Aud.

CAROLINA CHICKADEE,

Popular synonyms.—Carolina Titmouse; Southern Chickadee.

Parus carolinensis Aup. Orn. Biog.- ii, 1834, 474, pl. 160; B. Am. ii, 1841, 152, pl. 127.—
Barep, Bb. N. Am. 1858, 392; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 293; Review, 1864, 81.—CovEs,
2d Check List, 1882, No. 47; 2d Key, 1884, 265.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 102,
pl. 7, filg.3.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 42.

Parus atricapillus var. carolinensis Coues, Key, 1872, 81; Check List, 1873, No. 31d.

Has. Southern half of Eastern United States, north to or beyond 40°, west to eastern
Texas and Indian Territory. (Resident throughout its range.)

“Sp. CHar. Second quill appreciably longer than secondaries. Tail very little rounded
Length about 4.50 inches; wing less than 250; tail, 2.40.* Back brownish ash. Head
above, and throat, black, separated on sides of head by white. Beneath white; brownish
white onsides. Outer tail feathers, primaries, and secondaries, not edged with white.”

This species, which is the more common one in Illinois (except
the extreme northern counties) may readily be distinguished from
P. atricapillus by the more extensive and more “‘solid” black on the
throat; by the absence of distinct white edgings to the wing and
tail feathers, and by the different proportionate length of the wing
and tail. (See synoptical table.)

This pretty, active and familiar little bird occurs throughout the
State, but is most common in the southern half, where it is the
representative of the northern Black-cap (P. atricapillus). The

*In fourteen adults, the wing measures 2.40-2.60, the average being 2.46; tail 2,10-2.50
(average, 2.15); tarsus, .55-.65 (average, .60).

82 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

relative areas occupied by these two species are, however, by no
means well made out, but it is probable that the larger portion of
the State is occupied by the present species, to the exclusion of the other.

Woods, especially those of bottom-lands, are the favorite resort of
this species; and in summer it may always be found wherever there
are plum thickets or many red-bud trees, since in the soft wood of
dead trees of these kinds it is able to excavate with ease a hole for
its nest. As a rule, however, it selects a cavity already made, as
the deserted hole of the Downy Woodpecker, a knot-hole, or a
hollow fence rail. In winter it is very familiar, keeping much about
door-yards and orchards, even in towns, and gleaning its daily food
from the ‘‘back steps,’ where the table cloth is shaken, and where
it may often be seen perched on the edge of the garbage pail,
pecking bits of meat, etce., from the contents.

The notes of this species are decidedly louder than those of the
Black-cap, and his spring song of chick’-a-dee, chick’-a-dee, chick'-a-
dee, uttered in a very clear and sweet whistling tone, is very pleasing.

Parus hudsonicus Forst.

HUDSONIAN CHICKADEE.

Popular synonyms. Hudsonian Titmouse; Hudson's Bay Titmouse, or Chickadee.

Parus hudsonicus Forst. Philos. Trans. |xiii, 1772,383,430.—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1854,
543, pl. 194; B. Am. ii, 1841, 155, pl. 128.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858,395; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 296; Review, 1864,82.—Cours, Key, 1872, 81; Check List, 1873, No. 33; 2d ed.
1882, No. 49.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1874, 105, pl. 7, fig. 7.—Rmpew. Nom. N. Am.
B, 1881, No. 45.

Has. Northern North America, south to extreme northern border of the United States,
except on the Pacific coast, where replaced from Sitka south (and probably farther north-
ward) by P. rufescens Towns.

“Sp. CHAR. Above yellowish olivaceous brown; top of head purer brown, not very dif-
ferentin tint. Chin and throat dark sooty-brown. Sides of head white. Beneath white;
sides and anal region light brownish chestnut. No whitish on wings or tail. Tail nearly
even, or slightly emarginate and rounded. Lateral feathers about .20 shortest. Length
about 5 inches; wing, 2.40; tail, 2.66."* (Hist. VN. Am. B.)

This species can only be considered the merest straggler to
the extreme northern portion of the State. The author has never
met with it alive, and therefore knows nothing of its habits from
personal observation.

Mr. Nelson informs us (see page 95 of his list) that Dr. J. W.
Velie took a single specimen at Rock Island, but at what date it
is not stated, and I learn from Mr. Coale’s memoranda, that Dr.
Hoy obtained one at Racine, Wisconsin, in January, 1882.

* Five specimens from Maine, Nova Scotia, and Labrador, measure as follows: Wing,
2.50-2.55 (average, 2.52); tail, 2.40-2.70: tarsus, .62-.70.

PARIDAX—THE TITMICE AND NUTHATCHES, 83

Supramity SITTIN A.—Txe Norwatcues.

The Sittine include a single American genus, Sitta, which is
represented by numerous species in Europe and Asia. The allied
genus Sittella belongs to Australia.

Genus SITTA Linnaeus.

Sitta Linnzus, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, i, 1758, p. 115. Type, S. ewrop@a LINN,

“Gen. CHAR. Bill subulate, acutely pointed, compressed, about as long as the head;
culmen and commissure nearly straight; gonys convex and ascending; nostrils covered
by a tuft of bristles directed forward. Tarsi stout, scutellate, about equal to the middle
toe, much shorter than the hinder, the claw of which is half the total length. Outer lat-
eral toe much longer than inner, and nearly equal to the middle. Tail very short, broad,
and nearly even; the feathers soft and truncate. Wings reaching nearly to the end of the
tail, long and acute, the first prinvary one third (or less) the third, or longest. Iris
brown. Nestin holes of trees. Eggs white, spotted with reddish.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Species.

Common CHARAcTERS. Above plain bluish gray, the crown different in color (black,
plumbeous, or light brown); tail and wings varied, more or less (the wings slightly), with
b'ack and white; beneath chiefly plain whitish, rusty, or dull buffy.

a! Crown glossy black in the male, plumbeous in the female; abroad white superciliary
stripe.

1. §S. carolinensis. Wing more than 3.30. Whole side of head and most of lower parts
pure white, the lower tail coverts spotted with chestnut-rufous; tertials marked
with black. Male with entire pileum and cervix glossy black; female with pileum
dusky plumbeous, the cervix black.

2. S.canadensis. Wing less than3 inches. Side of head with a broad black stripe;
lower parts, except throat, light rusty, or ochraceous; tertials plain grayish.
Male with pileum and cervix glossy black, female with the same parts dark
plumbeous.

a Crown light brown. Sexes alike.

3. §, pusilla, Pileum light brown, down to the eyes, the lores and postocular stripe
somewhat darker; a conspicuous cervical spot of white; lower parts buffy.
Young with the crown grayish, the wing-coverts edged with light fulyous.
Wing about 2. 60.

The Brown-headed Nuthatch (S. pusilla), is a species belonging to
the Southern States, where it is abundant from Louisiana and
Florida to lower Maryland. It has been taken in the vicinity of
St. Louis, Missouri, and also in Michigan and Ohio; therefore, its
presence in the southern part of Illinois, especially among the pine
woods which there occur in certain localities, is to be anticipated.

84 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Sitta carolinensis Lath.

WHITE-BELLIED WUTHATCH,

Popular synonyms.—Tomtit; Blue Sapsucker.

Sitta carolinensis Latu. Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 262.—Wiis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 10, pl. 2, fig.
3.—Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 581—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 299; v, 1839, 473, pl. 152; Synop.
1239, 167: B. Am. iv, 1842, 175, pl. 247.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 374; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 277; Review, 1864, 86.—CourEs, Key, 1872, 88; Check List, 1873, No. 38; 2d
ed. 1882, No. 57; B. N. W. 1874, 24.—B. Bb. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 114, pl. 8,
figs. 1,2—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 51.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces. (Replaced in western United
States by the more slender billed, duller colored torm, S. carolinensis aculeata.)

This well-known bird is abundant throughout the State, and is a
permanent resident everywhere except perhaps in the extreme
northern counties. In the South it breeds very early, the writer
having observed, on April 19, 1883, a female feeding well-feathered
young in a knot-hole of a small white-oak tree (about 80 feet from
the ground). A week later the tree was cut down, but the young
had flown. This was at Wheatland, Indiana, but there is no doubt
that the species breeds equally early in corresponding latitudes in
Ulnois.

Sitta canadensis Linn,

RED-BELLIED NUTHATCH,

Popular synonym.—Canada Nuthatch.

Sitta canadensis Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 177.—NurrT. Man. 1, 1832, 583; 2d ed. i,
1840, 697.—AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 24, pl. 105; synop. 1839, 167; B. Am. iv, 1842, 179,
pl. 2448.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 376; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 279; Review, 1864, 87.
Cours, Key, 1872, 883; Check List, 1873, No. 39; 2d ed. 1882, No. 59: B. N. W. 1874,
25; B. Col. Val. 1878, 136.—13. B. & R. Hist. N. A. B. i, 1874, 118, pl. 8, fig. 7—Ripew.
Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 52.

Sitta varia, BARTR. Tray. 1791, 289 bis.—Wins. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 40, pl. 2, fig. 4.

Has Northern North America, to the limit of timber; breeding chiefly north of the
United States (except in elevated mountain regions); Eastern United States chiefly in
winter.

While this species breeds sparingly in the extreme northern coun-
ties of the State, it is only a winter visitor to the southern portion.
Indeed, its appearance there is both infrequent and irregular; at
least this is the writer’s experience in Wabash and Richland coun-
ties. During winter it is semi-gregarious, roving in scattered troops

PARIDA—THE TITMICE AND NUTHATCHES. 85

through the woods, and making its presence known, when it cannot
be seen, by its penny-trumpet toot, toot,—a very peculiar note,
totally different from that of its larger white-bellied relative (S. car-
olinensis).

Mr. Nelson makes the following reference to this species in his
list of the birds of northeastern Illinois:

“A rare summer resident. I found a pair near Chicago with full
grown young the first of July, and Mr. Rice observed a pair feeding
unfledged young the last of April, 1874, at Evanston. The excava-
tion containing the nest was in a tree, standing on one of the
principal streets of the town. It was about twenty feet from the
ground. The young were thrusting their heads out of the hole and
clamoring for food, thus attracting his attention when they woul”
otherwise have been unnoticed.”

86 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Fanny CERTHIID 2.—Tue Creepers.

Cuaracters. Bill slender and arched; hind toe longer than middle toe, the claw
lengthened and strongly arched. Tail lengthened, graduated, the feathers stiff and
acuminate at tips.

The above brief diagnosis is sufficient to characterize the family
Certhiide if we exclude from it the European genus Tichodroma,
which differs in short, even tail, with feathers broad and rounded
at ends, and in other characters. As thus restricted, the family
includes only one genus, Certhia, the single North American species
of which is quite cireumpolar, though modified into more or less
distinct geographical races in different parts of its habitat.

Genus CERTHIA Liyyxvs.

Certhia Linnzvs, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. 1758, 112. Type, C. familiaris LINN.

“GEN. CHAR. Plumage soft and loose. Bill as long as head, not notched, compressed;
allits lateral outlines decurved. Nostrils not overhung by feathers, linear, with an in-
cumbent thickened scale, asin Troglodytes. No rictal bristles, and the loral and frontal
feathers smoota, without bristly shafts. Tarsus scutellate anteriorly, shorter than mid-
dle toe, which again is shorter than hind toe. All claws very long, much curved and
compressed; outer lateral toe much the longer; basal joint of middle toe entirely adher-
ent to adjacent ones. Wings rather pointed. about equal to the tail, the feathers of which
are much pointed, with stiffened shafts. Primaries ten; first less than half the second.
Nest in holes of trees; eggs white, sprinkled with reddish.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The genus Certhia is readily distinguished by the decurved, com-
pressed bill; absence of notch and bristles; exposed linear nostrils
with incumbent scales; connate middle toe, very long claws, short
tarsi, pointed and stiffened tail feathers, etc.

Certhia familiaris americana (Bonap.)

BROWNICREEPER,

Popular synonym. — American Tree Creeper.

Verthia familiaris Wrus. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 122, pl. 7, fig. 1—Nurt. Man. i, 1832, 585.—
Aub. Orn. Biog. y. 1839, 158, pl. 415; Synop. 1839, 72; B. Am. ii, 1841, 109, pl. 115.—CovuEs,
Key, 1872, 84; Check List, 1873, No. 42; 2d ed. 1882, No. 62; B. N. W. 1874, 26, 230; B, Col.
Vail. 1878, 145.

CERTHIIDH—THE CREEPERS. 87

Certhia rufa BaRrTR. Trav. Fla. 1791, 289 bis (nomen nudum).—Coves, Pr. Phil. Se

1875, 347.

Certhia familiaris rufa Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 55.

Certhia americana BonaP. Comp. List, 1838, 11.—Nurr. Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 701.—Batrp, B.
N. Am. 1858, 372; Cat. N. Am. B, 1859, No. 275; Review. 1864, 89.

Certhia familiaris B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 125, pl. 8, fig. 11.

Has. Northern and eastern North America, breeding from northern border of United
States northward. (Represented in the Rocky Mountain region by the grayer race mon-
tana, and along the Pacific coast by the rusty colored occidentalis.)

“Sp. CHar. Bill about the length of the head. Above dark brown, with a slightly
rufous shade, each feather streaked centrally, but not abruptly, with whitish; rump
rusty. Beneath almost silky white; the under tail-coverts with a faint rusty tinge. A
white streak over the eye; the ear-coverts streaked with whitish. Tail feathers brown
centrally, the edges paleryellowish-brown. Wings with atransverse bar of pale reddish
white across both webs. Length, 5.50; wing, 2.60; tail, 2.90.

“Young. Resembling the adult, but streaks above indistinct, and the feathers there
tipped indistinctly with blackish; the rufons restricted to the upper tail-coverts, Breast
and jugulum with very minute blackish wavings or indistinct bars.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This very inconspicuous little bird is probably known to few
besides the special student of ornithology and the collector. He is
a tiny brown-streaked fellow, who may occasionally be seen during
the colder parts of the year, nimbly creeping up the trunks of trees,
ascending in more or less of a spiral, and when the first limbs are
reached flying to the foot of another tree and repeating the per-
formance. If too closely approached he manages to keep on the
side opposite the observer, and should the latter attempt to go around
he moves also—keeping the tree always between.

The nest is normally placed behind loose plates of semi-detached
bark, on the trunk of a tree, and is composed chiefly of the fine
inner bark of trees. It is so situated that the overhanging bark
forms a shelter from the rain, and the loose and irregular char-
acter of the mass of strips and fibers in which the small nest is
hollowed out, so effectually conceals it from the hungry or curious
eye, that it has rarely been seen,

88 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

Famny TROGLODYTID@®.—Tue Wrens anp Mocrtna-

THRUSHES.

CHaracTers. Anterior covering of tarsus distinctly scutellate. Bill slender, some-
times lenghtened and more or less arched, the culmen more or less convex. Wing rounded
with the first quill well developed, projecting beyond the tips of the primary-coverts.

Although the Mocking-Thrushes present several strongly marked
characters not shared by the true Wrens, we are compelled for the
present to place them in the same family. There can be little
doubt, however, that they should constitute a family (Mimide) by
themselves.

The two so-called subfamilies may be distinguished by the fol-
lowing characters :—

Troglodytine. No rictal bristles. Inner toe united to the middle by at least half of
its basal phalanx. Wing less than 3. 50 inches.

Mimine. Rictal bristles well developed. Inner toe wholly separated at the base from
the middle toe. Wing more than 3.50 inches.

Subfamily Troglodytinz.—Txsr Wrens.

“CHar. Rictal bristles wanting; the loral feathers with bristly points; the frontal
feathers generally not reaching to nostrils. Nostrils variable, axposed or not covered by
feathers, and generally overhung by ascale-like membrane. Bill usually without notch
(except in some Middle American genera). Wings much rounded, about equal to tail,
which is graduated. Primaries ten, the first generally about half the second. Basal joint
of middle toe usually united to half the basal joint of inner, and the whole of that of the
outer, or more. Lateral toes about equal, or the outer a little the longer. Tarsi scutellate.

“The impossibility of defining any large group of animals, so as
to separate it stringently and abruptly from all others, is well un-
derstood among naturalists; and the T’roglodytide form no exception
to the rule. Some bear so close a resemblance to the Mocking-
Thrushes as to have been combined with them; while others again
exhibit a close approximation to other subfamilies. The general
affinities of the family, however, appear to be to the Turdide, and
one of the best characters for separating the two families appears
to exist in the structure of the feet.

TROGLODYTIDE—THE WRENS AND MOCKING-THRUSHES. 89

“In the Turdide the basal joint of the outer lateral toe is united
to the middle toe, sometimes only a part of it; and the inner toe
is cleft almost to its very base, so as to be opposable to the hind
toe, separate from the others. In the Vroglodytide, on the contrary,
the inner toe is united by half its basal jomt to the middle toe,
sometimes by the whole of this joint; and the second joint of the
outer enters wholly or partially into this union, instead of the basal
joint only. In addition to this character, the open, exposed nos-
trils, the usually lengthened bill, the generally equal lateral toes,
the short rounded wings, the graduated tail, ete., furnish points of
distinction.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

In several genera which unquestionably belong to this family,
(Salpinctes, Campylorhynchus, etc.) the postero-lateral plates of the
tarsal envelope are divided, much as in the Larks and tracheophone
Passeres (Dendrocolaptide and Formicariide), and with the Larks,
are the only members of the Oscines which have these plates thus
divided. It will therefore be seen that Sundevall’s primary division
of the Oscines into two groups based upon this character—‘Lamini
plantares,” to include those which have these plates undivided (as-
sumed by the author in question to include all oscinine families ex-
cept the Larks), and ‘‘ Scutiplantares,” to include those with these
plates divided (including the Alawdide alone), is hardly warranted by
the facts in the case.

4

North American Genera and, Subgenera of Troglodytine.

a. Wing more than 3.00 inches ......... oad saceieisisners a(bjeisisisviseisie a asela saemiee Campylorhynchus.,
a,?, Wing less than 3.00 inches.
b}. Outer toe much longer than the inner.
cl, Culmen equal to tarsus, depressed at base ....... --Catherpes,
c*, Culmen shorter than tarsus, compressed at base ..........----.+00---- Salpinctes.
b?, Outer toe not distinctly longer than the inner.
ec}, Tail moderately graduated, or rounded, the tips of the lower coverts
falling far short of the ends of the lateral rectrices.
d,. Gonys concave, the maxilla decidedly, though gently, decurved

AT fa aaa eenoacosoogbod hooncar aoc acon CUD SEEDS SOHEe TA SAEEOOG Thryothorus.
e!, Tail much shorter than wing. Bill stouter, the culmen mod-
erately compressed at base...........-.-..... (Subgenus Thryothorus).
e*, Tail equal to or longer than wing. Bill slender, the culmen
much compressed at base ............---..--. (Subgenus Thryomanes).
d*. Gonys straight, the maxilla scarcely decurved at tip............ Troglodytes.
e', Culmen decidedly curved, the bill stouter. Tail nearly or
Quite BS lONG/ BS! WING ec<ccecc=ccscclecccecesens (Subgenus Troglodytes).

e*, Culmen straight, the bill subulate. Tail much shorter than
WAP secuns vane eeasasioeensoneacneascesesessnic eccnas (Subgenus Anorthoura).

90 BIRDS OF iLLINOIs.

e%, Tail much graduated, the lower coyerts reaching to tips of lateral
TOOUVIGGS = ook cs coe wah Sueceaee eeceecep ence anceledecas seal an ane «+-eeee+ Cistothorus).

d', Bill much shorter than head, stout, the gonys straight............
‘Subgenus Cistothorus).

d:. Bill nearly as long as the head, slender, the gonys slightly con-
Cayve..... SS Spe ccos5 AREA cose eo eevee. --eees (SUDGenUS Telmatodytes).

Genus THRYOTHORUS Vie1t1ort.

Thryothorus VrEt.ot, Analyse, 1816, 45. Type, Troglodytes arundinaceus VIEILL.,=
Sylvia ludoviciana LaTu.
Thryomanes Scu. Cat. Am. B. 1861, 22. Type, Troglodytes bewickit AuD.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill compressed, rather slender; height about one fourth the length
above, Culmen and commissure gently curved throughout; gonys straight; tip very
obsoletely notched. Nostrils in the lower edge of anterior extremity of the nasal groove
narrowly elliptical, overhung by a stiff scale-like roof of the thickened membrane of
the upper part of the nasal groove, the crescentic edge rounded. The septum of nostrils
imperforate; the posterior part of the nasal cavity with a short septum projecting into it
parallel with the central, not perpendicular asin Microcerculus. Wings and tail about
equal, the latter moderately rounded; the first primary more than half the second, about
half the longest. Tarsi rather short, scarcely exceeding middle toe. Anterior scutelle
distinct, rest of each side of tarsi ina continuous plate. Lateral toes equal.” (Hist. ¥.
am. B.)

Our species may be distinguished as follows:

al, Tail feathers rufous, barred with black. Lower parts more or less ochra-
ceous. Tail much shorter than wind........--....---.---00----2 eee eee ..-T. ludovicianus.
a, Tail feathers (except middle pair) blackish, with pale gray terminal
blotches. Lower parts pale grayish. Tail about equal to wing in length.
T. bewickii.

Suscenus Thryothorus Vrem1or.

Thryothorus ludovicianus (Lath.)

CAROLINA WREN.

Popular synonyms.—Great Carolina Wren; Mocking Wren; Largs Wood Wren.

Sylvia ludoviciana LatH. Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 548.

Troglodytes lidovicianus Licut. Verz. Voubl. 1828, 35.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 429.—AupD.
Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 399, pl. 78; Synop. 1839, 74; B. Am. ii, 1841, 116, pl. 117.

Thryothorus ludovicianus Bonap. Comp. List, 1838, 11.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 361; Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, No. 265; Review, 1864, 123.—Cours, Key, 1872, 86; Check List, 1873, No.
47; 2d ed. 1882, No. 68; B. N. W. 1874, 29; B. Col. Val. 1878, 168.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am.
B. i, 1874, 142, pl. 9, fig. 1.—Rrmpew. Nom. Am. B. 1881, No. 60.

Motacilla caroliniana BARTR.—Certhia caroliniana Wis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 61, pl. 12, fig. 5.

Has. Eastern United States, chiefly south of 40°; resident throughout.

“Sp, CHar. Exposed portion of the bill shorter than the head. Above reddish brown,
most vivid on therump. A whitish streak over the eye, bordered above with dark brown.
Yhroat whitish; rest of under parts pale yellow-rusty, darkest towards the under tail-
coverts, which are conspicuously barred with black. Exposed surface of the wings and
tail (neluding the upper coverts) barred throughout with brown, the outer edges of tail
feathers and quills showing series of alternating whitish and dusky spots. Legs fiesh-
colored. Length, 6inches; wing, 2-60; tail, 2.45.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

TROGLODYTIDH—THE WRENS AND MOCKING-THRUSHES. 91

An adult ¢from Brookville, Indiana (No. 386, coll. A. W. Butler; Feb. 10,1881), has the
sides and flanks distinetly barred, as in a Wheatland specimen, while the upper part
of the breast is marked, entirely across, with rather seattered and small, though very
distinct, dusky specks. The chin and upper part of the throat are dull white, as are also
the lower breast and upper abiomen, centrally; but the jugulum, sides, and flanks are
ochraceous, the flanks even tinged with rufous. The measurements are, wing 2.40, tail
2.20, culmen .65, tarsus .85.

In southern Illinois this bird is exceedingly abundant, frequenting
chiefly the woods along streams, and rarely found about dwellings,
although he occasionally visits the vicinity of farm houses and even
the outskirts of towns; but he seldom if ever fixes his habitation in
close proximity to the abodes of man. His nest is built in hollow
stumps or logs, or knotholes, in the woods, and is exceedingly diffi-
cult to find. His notes are varied, and are all characterized by
great power—almost, in fact, disproportionate to the size of the
bird, even for one of this family. His clear whistling song, although
rather monotonous, is sweet and of unexcelled power, being quite as
loud as the strongest notes of the Mocking-bird or Brown Thrasher
—in fact they are probably more so, and can be heard for a greater
distance.

On clear, cold days in midwinter, when the earth is snow-clad,
and the air is still and crisp, there may be heard, from the edge
of the woods, perhaps half a mile away, an exceedingly loud cheer-
ful whistling song—willy-way'’ willy-way’ willy-way’—repeated at
short intervals, and resembling somewhat in accent the whistle of
the Cardinal Grosbeak, but far louder, and altogether a finer per-
formance. This is the song of the Carolina Wren. Some have
called him the Mocking Wren; but I have never heard one sing
any song but his own, and hundreds of times has his characteristic
melody greeted my ears.

The Carolina Wren is a very prolific bird, raising regularly two,
and not unfrequently three broods during the season, and hatching
on an average five young each brood.

Mr. Nelson records in his paper (page 34), a double nest of this
species found by Mr. John L. Ridgway, at Mount Carmel, ‘which
was obtained by him in the bottoms. The two nests were of about
equal size and composed principally of moss and grass. The con-
tiguous sides were slightly united. Both nests were constructed the
same season, and when found one side contained half fledged young.”

92 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Subgenus Thryomanes Sclater.

Thryothorus bewickii (Aud.)
BEWICK’S WREN.

Popular synonyms.—Long-tailed House Wren; Long-tailed Wren.

Troglodytes bewickii AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831. 96. pl. 18; Synop. 1839, 74; B. Am. ii, 1841,
120, pl. 118.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 434; 2d ed. i, 1840, 489.
Thryothorus bewickii Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 363 (Thriothorus); Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 267; Review, 1864, 126.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 86; Check List, 1873, No. 48; 2d ed. 1882,
No. 71; B. N. W. 1874, 31; B. Col. Val. 1878, 169.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,
145, pl. 9, fig. 3.
Thryomanes bewicki Rrpcw. Nom. N. Am. B. 188], No. 61.

Has. Eastern United States, chiefly west of the Alleghanies. Inthe interior, north to
Minnesota; eastward, north to New Jersey. Very irregularly distributed, being apparently
unknown in many localities within the limits of its general range. Not recorded from
most portions of the Atlantic coast. Migratory in the northern parts of its range.

“Sp. Cuar. Above dark rufous-brown; rump and middle tail-feathers sometimes a
little paler, and very slightly tinged with gray, and together with the exposed surface of
secondaries distinctly barred with dusky. Beneath soiled plumbeous-whitish; flanks
brown. Crissum banded; ground color of quills and tail feathers brownish black.
Length, 5.50; wing, 2.25; tail, 2.50. Length from nostril, 39; along gape, 70."* (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

In most parts of southern Illinois, this is the ‘‘House Wren” par
excellence; and even in localities where the true House Wren
(Troglodytes aedon) occurs, Bewick’s Wren is far the more numerous
of the two. In Wabash county, the writer has never seen nor even
heard a J’. aedon; and in Richland county, where the latter was not
uncommon 7’. bewickii was extremely abundant, nesting in all sorts
of places about barns, stables and other buildings, while the former
was chiefly if not entirely confined to the orchards, where it nested
in hollow apple-trees. This was almost invariably the case where
both species were found upon the same premises.

No bird more deserves the protection of man than Bewick’s Wren.
He does not need man’s encouragement, for he comes of his own
accord and installs himself as a member of the community,
wherever it suits his taste. He is found about the cow-shed
and barn along with the Pewee and Barn Swallow; he investi-
gates the pig-sty; then explores the garden fence, and finally mounts
to the roof and pours forth one of the sweetest songs that ever was

*Eight adults measure as follows: Wing, 2.05-2.25; tail, 2.10-2.40; culmen, .50-.55; tarsus,

-62-.75.

TROGLODYTIDH—THE WRENS AND MOCKING—THRUSHES. 93

heard. Not a voluble gabble, like the House Wren’s merry rounde-
lay, but a fine, clear, bold song, uttered as the singer sits with head
thrown back and long tail pendent,—a song which may be heard a
quarter of a mile or more, and in comparison with which the faint
chant of the Song Sparrow sinks into insignificance. The ordinary
note is a soft low plit, uttered as the bird hops about, its long tail
carried erect or even leaning forward, and jerked to one side at
short intervals. In its movements it is altogether more deliberate
than either 7’. ludevicianus or T’. aedon, but nothing ean excel it in
quickness when it is pursued.

The nest of Bewick’s Wren is placed in all sorts of odd places.
Usually it is in a mortise-hole of a beam or joist, or some well-
concealed corner. One was beneath the board covering of an ash-
hopper; another, in a joint of stovepipe which lay horizontally
across two joists in the garret of a.smoke-house; a third was behind
the weather-boarding of an ice-house, while a fourth was in the
bottom of the conical portion of a quail-net that had been hung up
against the inner side of a buggy shed. None of these nests would
have been found had not the bird been seen to enter.

The nest is generally very bulky, though its size is regulated by
that of the cayity in which it is placed. Its materials consist of
sticks, straw, coarse feathers, fine chips, etc., matted together with
spiders’ webs, and lined with tow and soft feathers of barnyard
fowls. The eggs are usually seven to nine in number, but occa-
sionally more,* and are white, rather sparsely speckled round the
larger end with brown.

Mr. Nelson records the breeding of this species in the extreme
northern part of tho State, as fcllows:

“A pair of these birds appeared in a vacant lot in Chicago the
first of June, 1876, and taking possession of a convenient corner in
the roof of an arbor proceeded to raise their young. At intervals
through the day the male would mount to the top of some house,
or the topmost twig of a tree in the vicinity, and sing for an hour
or more. The family suddenly left about the middle of July.”

*Mrs. Mary A. Turner, of Mt. Carmel, sent to the National Museum a nest of this species
containing eleven eggs.

94 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Genus TROGLODYTES Virennor.

Troglodytes Vir1Luot, Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807,52. Type, T. aedon VIEILL.
Anorthoura RENNIE, Montagu’s Orn. Diet. 1831. Type, Motacilla troglodytes LINN.

The characters of this genus are sufficiently indicated in the synopsis on page 89.
They come very close to those of Thryothorus, the nostrils, especially being linear and
overhung by aseale. Inthis respect both differ from Thryophilus of Middle America.
The bill is shorter or not longer than the head; straight, slender, and without notch. The
tail is graduated, and shorter than the much rounded wings, the feathers narrow. The
light superciliary line of Thryothorus is almost entirely wanting in the North American
species.

Our two species may be thus distinguished :

a, Billrather stout, with decidedly convex culmen. Tail nearly or quite as
long as wing. Beneath brownish white. the crissum and flanks barred
withidusky. ANG TuUSty;.c8: .cocs-cescesmaccue==ncdesstavricncncasessare Soeeiscuncsnase de @ENONe
a?, Billslender, the culmen nearlystraight. Tail decidedly shorter than wing.
Beneath pale brown, whole abdomen, sides, flanks and crissum barred
with dusky ................ Cas ercorarcocdeccosee dassacssos Satposagescnonesenat T. hyemalis-

Subgenus Troglodytes Vieillot.
Troglodytes aedon Vieill.

HOUSE WREN.

a. aedon. House Wren.

Popular synonyms.—Short-tailed House Wren; Wood Wren.

Motacilla domestica BARTR. Trav. 1791, 291 (nomen nudum).
Sylvia domestica Wis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 129, pl. 8, fig. 3.
‘Lroglodytes domestica Cours, Pr. Phila. Ac. 1875, 351.
Troglodyles domesticus CovEs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 74,

Troglodyles aedon Viet. Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 52, pl. 107.—Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 427; v, 470,
pl. 838; Synop. 1839, 75; B. Am. ii, 1841, 125, pl, 120.—Nurr. Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 475.
—Batkrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 307; Cat. N. Am. B. 185%, No. 270; Review, 1864, 138.- Cougs,
Key 1872, 86; Check List, 1873, No. 49; B. N. W. 1874, 32.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i,
1874, 149, pl. 9, ig. 5.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 63.

Troglodytes fulous Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 422.

Troglodyles americanus AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 452, pl. 179; Synop. 75; B. Am. ii, 123, pl,
119.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 368; Cat. N. Am. B. 180, 272. Review, 1804, 141.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces; in the former, chiefly northward
and eastward? (In southern Illinois chiefly replaced by Thryothorus bewickit.)

b. parkmanii. Parkman’s Wren.
Popular synonyms.—Western Wood Wren; Western House Wren.

Troglodytes parkmanii Aub. B. Am. ii, 1841, 133, pl. 122—NurTrT. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840,
483.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 367; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 271; Review. 1854, 140.

Troglodytes aedon var. parkmanni Cougs, Key, 1872, 87; Check List, 1873, No. 49a; B. N.
W. 1874, 32.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 153.

Troglodytes aedon parkmanni Rrocw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 63a.

Troglodytes domesticus parkmani Cougs, B. Col. Val. 1878, 171; 2d Cheek List, 1882.
No. 75.

TROGLODYTIDA;3—THE WRENS AND MOCKING-THRUSHES, 95

Has. Western United States, east to the border of the wooded region. (Occasionally
straggling to Lllinois.)

“Sp. CHar. Tail and wings about equal. Bill shorter than the head. Above reddish
brown, darker towards the head, brighter ontherump. The feathers everywhere, except
on the head and neck, barred with dusky; obscurely so on the back, and still less on the
rump. All the tail feathers barred from the base; the contrast more vivid on the exterior
ones. Beneath pale fulvous-white, tinged with light brownish across the breast: the pos-
terior parts rather dark brown, obscurely banded. Under tail-coverts whitish, with
dusky bars. An indistinct line over the eye, eyelids, and loral region whitish. Cheeks
brown, streaked with whitish. Length, 4.9); wing, 2.08; tail, 2.00." (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Two races of the House Wren occur in Illinois which may be
distinguished as follows:

House WREN (7.aedon). Above decidedly rusty on the rump and tail, the back umber-
brown, and usually not distinetly barred (frequently entirely uniform); in winter,
deep reddish umber-brown above, with only the wings and tail distinctly barred.
Wing, 1.90—2.15 (2.02; tail, 1.72—2.08 (1.85); culmen, .46—.52 (.49); bill from nostril, .32—
.37 (.34); tarsus, .60—.70 (.65); middle toe, .45—.54 (.50).

PARKMAN’S WREN (7. aedon parkmanii). Above rather grayish brown, the rump and
tail slightly more rusty, and the back and rump generally very distinctly barred
with dusky (very rarely plain). Jn winter, above dull brown (deeper than in sum-
mer), the back still distinetly barred. Wing, 2.—2.25 (2.09); tail, 1.85—2.12 (1.98); eul-
men, .45—.55 (.49); bill from nostril. .30—.40 (.35); tarsus, .60:—70 (.66); middle toe,
-47—.54 (.50),

The two races are by no means well defined, except in extreme
cases, but there is an appreciable average difference, as above de-
tailed, distinguishing eastern and western specimens; nor are their
relative abundance and distribution within the State well made out.

Although a bird of very wide geographical range, the House Wren
is, for some reason or another, very rare in many parts of southern
Illinois. Indeed, during the writer’s residence in Wabash county,
he never even heard the note of an individual of this species, its
place being taken entirely by Bewick’s Wren. In the neighboring
county of Richland, however, the House Wren is not uncommon in
some localities, but the other species still largely preponderates in
numbers; and the same is the case in Knox county, Indiana, in all
localities where the writer has been able to make observations. To
the northward, the present species gradually increases in abundance,
until finally, in the northern counties of the State the proportional
representation of the two is reversed.

Although having had many opportunities of studying the House
Wren in the Atlantic States, where it is a very abundant bird, the
writer became most familiar with him in the Far West, where all

96 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

wooded localities, excepting coniferous forests, were his chosen abode,
and where he was equally at home in the cottonwoods of the river
valleys, or the aspens just below the timber-line on lofty mountains.
He was there everywhere the same quick, saucy little fellow, and in
the spring and summer an incesstnt and yoluble songster.

The following very interesting notes regarding the length of time
required for the bringing forth of a brood of this species, were com-
municated to Professor Baird by Col. S. T. Walker, of Milton,
Florida:

“In looking over an old memorandum book the other day, I came
across the following notes made in 1866, concerning the nesting of
the House Wren. I was sick at the time, and watched the whole
proceeding, from the laying of the first stick to the conclusion.
The nest was placed in one of the pigeon-holes of my desk, and
the birds effected an entrance to the room through sundry cracks
in the log cabin.

SON GHb DOT: way fie meses weer apagratecsise ferata storets sosooowsysall iain
“Nest completed and first egg eae nuisietsveyjeroats weane anes April 27th
STaBt elo Maids crac vce elactenittece tence RoR rosea May 3d
SERENA eGR Soon onadbooobononododsboddce ack May 4th
“Hatchingscomplctedea ar naeetian eemerrentencnincerert May 18th
‘Vioung Pega Loz tlygee A.\eistsesioreuareiseincie oes acre ae May 27th
“Young left the nest............. a deccveyass wloelinyslsiere meets June Ist
“Total timeioccupieds ..\accaeeimecanctcleccienee ete nee atdaysen

Subgenus Anorthoura Rennie.

Troglodytes hiemalis Vieill.

WINTER WREN.

Popular synonyms.—Bunty Wren; Little Log Wren.

Sylvia troglodytes Wis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 139, pl. 8, fig. 6 (not of Lryn.).
Anorthura troglodytes Cougs, Key, 1572, 87.
Troglodytes hiemalis Viet. Nouy. Dict. N. H. xxxiv, 1819, 514.—Sw. & Rion. F. B. A,
{i, 1831, 318.—Aup. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 430, pl, 360; Synop. 1839, 76; B. Am. ii. 1841, 128,
pl, 121.—Norr. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 481—Bairp, B. N. Am. 1858, 369; Cat. N. Am. 1859,
No. 273; Review, 1864, 144.
Troglodytes europ@us Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 427 (not of LEAcH).
Anorthura troglodytes var. hyemalis Cours, Key, 1872, 351; Check List, 1873, No. 50.
Troglodyltes parvulus var. hyemalis B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 155, pl, 9, fig. 9.
Anorthura troglodytes huemalis Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 65.—Covugs, 2d Check
List, 1882, No. 76 Chiemalis.”)

TROGLODYTIDZ—THE WRENS AND MOCKING-THRUSHES. 97

Has. North America east of the Rocky Mountains, breeding chiefly north of the
United States; south in winter nearly or quite to the Gulf coast.

“Sp. CHar. Bill very straight, slender, and conical; shorter than the head. Tuil eon-
siderably shorter than the wings, which reach toits middle. Upper partsreddish brown;
becoming brighter to the rump and tail; everywhere, except on the head and upper part
of the back, with transverse bars of dusky and of lighter. Scapulars and wing-coverts
with spots of white. Beneath pale reddish brown, barred on the posterior half of
the body with dusky and whitish, and spotted with white more anteriorly; outer web of
primaries similarly spotted with pale brownish white. Anindistinet pale line over the
eye. Length, about 4 inches; wing, 1.66; tail, 1.26." (Hist, N. Am, B.)

“First Plumage: male. Remiges, rectrices, ete., as in adult; rest Of upper parts dark
reddish brown, becoming more dusky anteriorly; no trace of bars except on wings and
tail. Beneath dull smoky brown, with a strong ferruginous suffusion on sides, anal
region, and crissum; every feather of under parts with abar of dark brown. Froma
specimen in my collection taken at Upton, Me., August 4, 1874.” (BREWSTER, Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, Jan., 1878, p. 22.)

This little bird visits Illinois only at the approach of cold
weather, and leaves with the advent of spring. He frequents chiefly
the woods, more especially in bottom lands, where he may be seen
about old logs, hopping nimbly in and out among the knot-holes and
other hollow places, then flitting, ike a brown butterfly,‘ to another
place of refuge on the too near approach of an intruder. Occasion-
ally he may be seen about wood-piles or lumber-yards within towns,
but he is never on the same degree of intimacy with man as the
House Wren, partaking, in his sylvan proclivities, more of the
nature of his larger and brighter-colored relative, the Carolina

Wren.

Genus CISTOTHORUS Carants.

Cistothorus CABANtIS, Mus. Hein. i, 1850,77. Type, Troglodytes stellar is LicHt.
Telmatodytes CABANIS, Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 78. Type, Thryothorus arundinaceus
VIEILL.,=Certhia palustris Wis.)

“Gren. CHAR. Bill about as long as the head or much shorter, much compressed, not
notched, gently decurved from the middle; the gonys slightly eoneave or straight. Toes
reaching to the end of the tail. Tarsus longer than the middle toe. Hind toe longer than
the lateral, shorter than the middle. Lateral toes about equal. Hind toe longer than or
equal to its digit. Wings rather longer than the tail, all the feathers of which are much
graduated; the lateral only two thirds the middle. The feathers narrow. Back black,
conspicuously streaked with white.

“Of this genus there are two sections, Cistothorus proper and Tel-
matodytes, the diagnoses of which have already been given. The
two North American species present the feature, unique among our
Wrens, of white streaks on the back.

—T

98 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

** A. Cistothorus. Bill half length of head. No white superciliary streak.
Head and rump and back streaked with white. Tail dusky, barred
WIT DOW eacnss ass ewnemmos aneaensameceo yes an caan eee perere eee ees ern C. stellaris.
** B. Telmatodytes. Bill length of head. A white superciliary stripe. Back
alone streaked with white. Tail feathers black, barred with whitish.
C. palustris.”
—(Hist. N. Am. B.)

Subgenus Cistothorus Cabanis.

Cistothorus stellaris (Licht.)

SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN,.

Troglodytes stellaris “Licut.” Naum. Vog. Deutsch. iii, 1823, 724.

Cistothorus stellvris Cas. Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 77.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 365; Cat.N. Am.
B. 1859, No. 269; Review, 1864, 146.—CovueEs, Key, 1872, 88; Check List, 1875, No. 52; 2d
ed. 1882, No. 81; B. N. W. 1874, 36; B. Col. Val. 1878, 180.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i,
1874, 159, pl. 9, fig. 7.—RipGw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 68.

Troglodytes brevirostris Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 426; 2d ed. i, 1840, 493.—AupD. Orn. Biog. ii,
1834, 427; Synop. 1839, 77; B. Am. ii, 1841, 138, pl. 124.

Has. Eastern United States, north to Massachusetts and Manitoba, west to the Great
Plains and even to Utah; winters in the Southern States.

“Sp. Coan. Bill very short, scarcely half the length of the head. Wing and tail about
equal. Hinder part of the crown and the scapular and interscapular region of the back
and rump almost black, streaked with white. Tail dusky, the feathers barred throughout
with brown (the color grayish on the under surface). Beneath white, the sides, upper
part of breast, and under tail-coverts reddish brown. Length, 4.50; wing, 1.75; tail, 1.75.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.) S

“Autumnal plumage: young male. Above similar to adult, but darker, especially on
nape and pileum. Throatiand abdomen light buff; breast, sides, anal region, and crissum
rusty-brown, paler and with white tippings to the feathers anteriorly. From a specimen
in my collection shot at Cambridge, Mass., September 19, 1870." (BREWSTER, Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, January, 1878, 22.)

The Short-billed Marsh Wren occurs throughout Llinois, but only
in certain favored localities. Mr. Nelson, in his catalogue of the
birds of Cook and adjoining counties (p. 94), writes of it as follows:

“Rather common summer resident and generally distributed in
suitable places. Breeds last of May. I think the distribution of
this species is much more general than is supposed. Owing to the
character of the locality in which they are found, and to their shy-
ness, the chances are that they will be overlooked. Before I learned
their habits I passed repeatedly through places where I afterwards
found they were quite common.”

Its favorite resorts are said. to be wet meadows, where the grass
and sedges grow tall and rank, and in prairie sloughs. The nest,
like that of its long-billed relative (C. palustris), is fastened to up-

TROGLODYTIDA:—THE WRENS AND MOCKING-THRUSHES,. 99

right grass- or sedge-stems, and is of globular form, with the entrance
a small hole in the side. The eggs, however, are pure white, with-
out markings, instead of deep chocolate-brown, or densely speckled
with the same on a lighter ground.

Subgenus Telmatodytes Cabanis.

Cistothorus palustris (Wils.)

LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN,

Popular synonyms.—Grass Wren; Stink-bird (N. E. Ils.)

Certhia palustris Wis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 58, pl. 12, fig. 4.

Troglodytes palustris Bonap. Jour. Phila. Ac. iv, 1824, 30.—Sw. & Ricn. F. B. A. ii, 1831,
319.—AupD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 500, pl. 100: Synop. 1839, 77; B. Am. ii, 1841, 135, pl. 123.
—Nurtt. Man. i, 1832, 439; 2d ed. i, 1840, 496.

Cistothorus palustris Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 364; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 268; Review
1864, 147.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B., i, 1874, 161, pl. 9, fig. 6.

Telmatodytes palustris Cours, Key, 1872, 87; Check List, 1873, No. 51; 2d ed. 1882, No.
79; B. N. W. 1874, 34; B. Col. Val. 1878, 178 (part).—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No.
67.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding nearly throughout its range, and wintering in
the Southern States; accidental in Greenland. (Replaced in the West by the race or sub-
species paludicola, Baird.)

“Sp. Coan. Bill about as long as head. Tail and wing nearly equal. Upper parts of a
dull reddish brown, except on the crown, interscapular region, outer surface of tertials,
and tail feathers, which are almost black; the first with a median patch like the ground
color; the second with short streaks of white, extending round on the sides of the neck;
the third indented with brown; the fourth barred with whitish, decreasing in amount
from the outer feather, which is marked from the base, to the fifth, where it is confined to
the tips; the two middle feathers above like the back. and barred throughout with dusky.
Beneath rather pure white, the sides and under tail-coverts of a lighter shade of brown
than the back; a white streak over the eye. Length, 5.50; wing, 2.08; tail, 2.00." (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

The Long-billed Marsh Wren is an abundant bird in suitable
localities, which consist of marshes or swamps grown up with rank
sedges and grasses, to the upright stems of which its curious nest
is attached. The species occurs throughout the State, and some-
times winters in the extreme southern portion. Although usually
fastening the nest to upright sedge- or reed-stalks, the writer has
found several that were built in small willow trees, at heights vary-
ing from six to fifteen feet above high tide. This was in the
marshes of the Potomac river, near the foot of Analostan Island,
opposite Washington, D. C., where the species is excessively abun-
dant.

100 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

The song of this species resembles somewhat that of the House
Wren, but is much less agreeable, having a peculiar sputtering or
scolding character.

Mr. Nelson, in his list of the birds of northeastern Illinois, refers
to the Long-billed Marsh Wren as follows:

“Abundant summer resident in marshy localities. Arrives the
first of May, nests the last of this month to the first of August. I
have seen hundreds of the nests of this species, but have yet to see
one attached to a bush in the manner described in Baird, Brewer
and Ridgway’s ‘North American Birds’ (Vol. 1, p. 162). The nests
I have seen have almost invariably been placed in the middle of
tall bulrushes, or wild rice, growing upon a more or less submerged
marsh, and are supported about two feet above the surface, by
being firmly attached to several of the surrounding stalks, some-
thing in the manner of the attachment of the Red-winged Black-
bird’s nest. The structure of the nests agrees with the description
in the above-named work, with the exception of mud never being
used in nests I have examined. While the female is incubating, the
male is almost constantly employed upon the construction of several
unfinished nests, until often a pair may boast the possession of a
dozen unoccupied tenements. The supernumerary nests are less
substantial structures than the one occupied, and are built indif-
ferently of the living or dead grass leaves, the latter being almost
exclusively used in the structure occupied.”

“In the sedges and cat-tails, which border the placid current as
it approaches the lake,” writes the author of “Our Birds in their
Haunts,” “are the breeding haunts of quite a group of birds which
frequent the water and the vicinity in this locality. As one glides
along these waters in a light skiff, on a fine June morning, admiring
the trees, shrubs, vines and wild flowers which adorn the graceful
curves of the bluff on either side, from out the sedges and cat-tails
there comes the sharp metallic twitter of the Long-billed Marsh
Wren (Telmatodytes palustris). You strain your eyes to get a glimpse
of the utterer of these weird notes, but he is completely concealed
in the tall, thick growths, and dodges about so mysteriously that
you can scarcely keep the direction of the sounds. There! Now he
is in plain sight, clinging sidewise to that huge cat-tail overtopped
by its candle-shaped blossom. What a wee bit of a bird he is,
seeming scarcely larger than the end of one’s thumb, though, from
the tip of the bill to the extremity of the tail, he measures some
five inches or more; but the head is so thrown up, and the tail so

TROGLODYTIDZ—THE WRENS AND MOCKING—THRUSHES. 101

thrust forward, that he assumes almost the shape of an irregular
ring or triangle, and so quite deceives one as to the length of his
slender body. * a * His flight is short, and every motion
is exceedingly quick and nervous.

“In the tall bleached selges of the previous year, this Wren is
very easily seen in May or early in June. Then he is especially
lively, hanging sidewise to the smooth perpendicular culms, or
grasping two opposite ones, one in each wiry foot, his legs stretched
apart in a horizontal line; or tossing himself up several feet into
the air, with head and tail up, he will drop down, with a light and
graceful flutter, making his very best attempt at a song as he thus
describes an abrupt curve., That song begins with a rather harsh
screeping note, followed by a rattling twitter, and ends in a note
very much like that with which it began.

“Pulling the boat somewhat into the sedges, we wade among them
half way to the knees in water. Here is the nest! About the size
of a common cocoanut, it is woven and interlaced by the dried and
discolored leaves of the sedges and marsh-grass, intermixed with
vegetable down, and sometimes with an abundance of green moss,
so as to make the walls quite thick and firm, and is lined with
finer materials—perhaps the down from a vacated Duck’s nest in
the neighborhood, or the feathers of a Coot devoured by the Marsh
Hawk; it has a hole in the side, so beset with down as almost to
close it up—the artistic structure being hung to the green or dried
sedges or marsh-grass only a few inches, or sometimes three or four
feet from the water. ‘These nests are often found in large numbers
in the same locality, the greater part of them being unoccupied.”

102 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Subfamily Miminee.—Tue Mockinc-Tarusies,

The principal characters of this so-called subfamily, have already
been given on page 88. ‘The group is probably entitled to family
rank, the differences from the true Wrens being very marked. The
Mimine have usually been placed in the subfamily Twurdide, but
they appear to be even less closely related to the Thrushes than to
the Wrens.

As has been stated in “History of North American Birds” (Vol. L.,
p. 31), the Mimine “have a somewhat thrush-like appearance, but
(except in Oroscoptes) with longer, much more graduated, and
broader tail; short, concave wings, about equal to or shorter than
the tail, usually lengthened, sometimes decurved bill without notch,
and strongly marked scutelle on the anterior face of the tarsus.
The loral feathers are soft and not ending in bristly points. The
colors are dull shades of brown, gray or plumbeous. Most of the
species, in addition to a melodious native song, possess the power
of imitating the notes of other birds; sometimes, as in the Amer-
ican Mocking-bird, to an eminent degree. All are peculiar to the
New World, and the species are much less vagrant than those of
the T'wrdine,—those of the United States scarcely going beyond its
northern boundary; others, again, restricted to small islands in the
West Indies, or in the Pacific Ocean.”

ANALYSIS OF NORTH AMERICAN GENERA.

a.) Tail shorter than wing, nearly CVeN...............sennensceeccceesceceeeeesses--Oroscoptes.
a? Tail longer than wing much rounded.
vb. Gillequal to or longer than head ................-----..--.-.-..+.-+----Harporhynehus.
ce. Tarsus shorter than culmen. Tail exceeding wing by more than
Len gthtoWtarsis |e. saceserceccesst essa ek dneseeeees (Subgenus Harporhynchus).
e2 Tarsus longer than culmen. Tail exceeding wing by less than length
Of taraus, 62-22. cunecsddncpsseue cacdeuesaaveenact ates an (Subgenus Methriopterus).

b.2 Bill mueh shorter than head.

c Tarsus exceeding middle toe and claw by more than the length of the
latter. Commissure longer than middle toe and claw...............-. Mimodes.

c” Tarsus exceeding middle toe and claw by less than the length of the

latter. Commissure shorter than middle toe and claw.

d. Tarsal scutelle@ very distinct. Gonys straight or even slightly
conc:ve. Much white on wings and tail ..............-cc-eeeeccsecees Mimus.

d2 Tarsal scutella very indistinet, sometimes nearly obsolete.
Gonys slightly convex. No white on wings or tail ............ Galeoscoptes.

TROGLODYTIDE—THE WRENS AND MOCKING-THRUSHES. 103

Grenus HARPORHYNCHUS Caranis.

Harporhynchus CaBants, Archiv f. Naturg. 1848, 1.98. Type, Harpes redivivus GAMB.
Methriopterus Reicu. Av. Syst. Nat. 1850, pl.iv. Type, Turdus rufus Linn.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill from forehead as long as, or much longer than the head; becoming
more and more decurved in both jaws as lengthened. No indication of a notch. Rictus
with the bristles extending beyond the nostrils. Tarsus long and stout, appreciably ex-
ceeding the middle toe and claw, strongly scutellate anteriorly. Wings considerably
shorter than tail, much rounded; the first quill more than half the second; fourth or fifth
longest, Tail large, much graduated; the feathers firm.

“The species of this genus are all of large size, in fact, embrac-
ing the largest of the American slender-billed oscinine birds. All the
species differ in structure, varying especially in the length of the
bill, as above stated.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The genus, as defined above, is divisible into two well-defined
sections, for convenience here termed subgenera (although they are
possibly of generic rank), which may be characterized as follows:

1. Harporhynchus. Tarsus much shorter than culmen; gonys equal to or longer than
middle toe, without claw; tail exceeding the wing by much more than the length of the
tarsus. Lower parts wholly immaculate.

2. Methriopterus. Tarsus longer than the culmen; gonys much shorter than the
middle toe. without claw; tail exceeding the wing by much less than the length of the
tarsus. Lower parts more or less distinctly spotted or streaked.

To Harporhynchus, as thus restricted, belong only H. redivivus
(Gamb.), H. lecontei (Lawr.) and H. crissalis Henry, while to Methri-
opterus may be referred the following: M. rufus (Linn.), M. longirostris
(Lafr.), M. ocellatus (Sel.), M. cinereus (Xant.), M. bendirei (Coues),
M. palmeri Ridgw., and M. curvirostris (Swains.). This arrangement,
I am aware, removes M. palmeri much further from H. lecontei
than Mr. Brewster, (cf. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vi, Apr. 1881,
p. 67) has suggested should be its position; but after a very
careful comparison of all the species, 1 am convinced that the
two birds have in fact nothing in common beyond a general super-
ficial resemblance in coloration. In fact, these two species, which
exhibit the nearest approach in the two genera, may be as certainly
distinguished by the characters given above as may H., redivivus
and H. rufus, although the difference is of course far greater between
the two latter.

104 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Harporhynchus rufus (Linn.)

BROWN THRASHER,
Popular synonyms.—French Mocking-bird; Sandy Mocking-bird; ferruginous Mocking-
bird; Fox-colored Mocking-bird; Thrasher.
Turdus rufus Lixn, 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 169; ed. 12, i, 1766, 293.—Wiis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810,83,
pl. 4.—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 102; v, 1859, 441, pl. 116.
Orepheus rufus Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 189.—AuD. Synop. 1839, 88; B. Am. iii, 1841,
9, pl. 141.
Harporhynchus rufus CABAN. Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 82.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 353; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 261; Reviow, 1861, 44.—Covurs, Key, 1872, 75; Check List, 1873. No. 10;
2d ed. 1882, No. 17; B. N. W. 1874, 9; Col. Val. 1878, 61.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.i,
1874, 37, pl. 3, fig. 1.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 13,
Has. Eastern North America, west to the Rocky Mountains and North to the British
Provinces; winters in the Southern U. 8.

“Sp. CHar. Exposed portion of the bill shorter than the head. Outline of lower man-
dible straight. Above light cinnamon-red; beneath pale rufous-white with longitudinal
streaks of dark brown, excepting on the chin, throat. middle of the belly, and under tail-
eoverts. These spots anteriorly are reddish brown in their terminal portion. The inner
surface of the wing and the inner edges of the primaries are cinnamon; the concealed
portion of the quills otherwise is dark brown. The median and greater wing-coverts
become blackish brown towards the end, followed by white, producing two conspicuous
bands. The tail feathers are all rufous, the external ones obscurely tipped with whitish,
the shafts of the same color with the vanes. Length, 11.15; wing, 4.15; tail, 5.20; tarsus,
1.30."* (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Though not a very familiar bird—preferring rather hedges and
thickets by the wayside—the Brown Thrasher is nevertheless well
known from his eminent abilities as a songster, in which respect
he has no superior and few rivals in those portions of the country
which he inhabits. Besides thickets and hedge-rows, he frequents
also open places where there are isolated thorny trees, in which to
hide his nest, and where, while his mate is sitting, he mounts to
the summit of a tree and, remaining in a fixed position, sometimes
for hours together, cheers her, and indeed all listeners, with his
sweet and powerful song. The song of this species is conspicuous
for its vigor, while it is rendered more attractive by reason of its
coutinuity and pleasing expression. It is said to strongly resemble,
particularly in modulation, the melody of the Song Thrush (Turdus
musicus), perhaps the finest of European songsters. In power it at
least equals, and in sweetness excels, the much praised performance
of the Mocking-bird, but it lacks the inimitable variety of the latter.
Perched aloft on a bare twig, his head thrown proudly up, and tail
pendent, he pours forth an untiring succession of pleasant notes,

* Six adult males from the region east of the Mississippi measure as follows: Wing,
4.10+4.25 (average, 4.21); tail, 5.05-5.45 (average, 5.20); culmen, .95-1.00 (average, .99); tarsus,
1,28-1.40 (average, 1.36), Females average somewhat smaller.

TROGLODYTIDH—THE WRENS AND MOCKING-THRUSHES. 105

extremely varied, but almost constantly uttered in pairs, producing
by the latter peculiarity a song unmistakably individual in char-
acter.

Genus MIMUS Bore.

Mimus Bote, Isis, Oct. 1826, 972. Type, Turdus polyglottos LINN.

“Gen. CHAR. Billnot much more than half the length of the head: gently decurved
from the base, notched at tip; commissure curved. Gonys straight, or slightly concave.
Rictal bristles quite well developed. Wings rather shorter than the tail. First primary
about equal to, or rather more than half, the second; third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly
equal, sixth scarcely shorter. Tail considerably graduated; the feathers stiff, rather
narrow, especially the outer webs, lateral feathers about three quarters of an inch the
shorter, in the type. Tarsi longer than middle toe and claw by rather less than an addi-
tional claw; tarsi conspicuously and strongly scutellate; broad plates seven.

“Of this genus there are many species in America, although but
one occurs within the limits of the United States.

“The single North American species M. polyglottus is ashy brown
above, white beneath; wings and tail black, the former much varied
with white.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Mimus polyglottos (Linn.)

MOCKING-BIRD.
Popular synonym.—Southern Mocking-bird.

Turdus polyglotios Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 169; ed. 12, i, 1766, 293.
Turdus polyglottus Gmeu. 8. N. i, 1788, 812.—Wuis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 14, pl. 10, flg. 1.—Aupb.
Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 108, pl. 21.—Nurtr. Man. i, 1832, 320.
Mimus polyglottus Bonap. Comp. Geog. List, 1837, 17—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 344; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 253; Review, 1864, 48.—Cours, Key, 1872, 74; Check List, 1873, No. 8
2d ed. 1882, No. 15; B. N. W. 1874, 8; B. Col. Val. 1878, 53.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i,
1874, 49, pl. 3, fig. 4—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 11.
Orpheus polyglottus Swans. Zool. Jour. iii, 1827, 167.—Aup. Synop. 1839, 87; B. Am. ii,
1841, 187, pl. 138.

Has. United States, chiefly south of 40°, but occasionally to, or even across, the north-
ern border (west of the Mississippi, breeding as far north as Ft. Fetterman, Wyoming
Terr.); Mexico, and Greater Antilles. (Resident throughout its range.)

“Sp. Car. Third and fourth quills longest; second about equal to eighth; the first half
ormore than half the second. ‘Tail considerably graduated. /bove ashy brown, the
feathers very obsoletely darker centrally, and towards the light plumbeous downy basal
portion (scarcely appreciable, except when the feathers are lifted). The under parts are
white, with a faint brownish tinge, except on the chin, and with a shade of ash acrossthe
breast. There is a pale superciliary stripe, but the lores are dusky. The wings and tail
are dark brown, nearly black, except the lesser wing-coverts, which are like the back;
the middle and greater tipped with white, forming two bands; the basal portion of the
primaries white; most extended on the inner primaries. The outer tail-feather is white,
sometimes a little mottled; the second is mostly white, except on the outer web and
towards the base; the third with a white spot on the end; the rest, except the middle,
very slightly or not at all tipped with white. The bill and legs are black. Length, 9.56:
wing, 4.50; tail, 5.00.

“Young. Similar, but distinctly spotted with dusky on the breast, and obsoleteiy on the
back.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

106 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

So well known are the habits and other characteristics of the
Mocking-bird that nearly all that could be written here would be
but a repetition of what has been previously published. In Illinois,
as in many other States, its distribution is very irregular, its absence
from certain localities apparently in every way suited to its require-
ments being very difficult to account for. Thus, while one or two
pairs breed in the outskirts of Mount Carmel nearly every season,
it is nowhere in that vicinity a common bird. Thirty miles further
north, however, in the neighborhood of Olney, where the country is
more open, I have found it almost abundant, on one occasion six
males having been seen and heard singing along the roadside dur-
ing a three miles drive from the town.

Mr. H. K. Coale informs me that he saw a Mocking-bird in
Starke county, Indiana, 60 miles southeast of Chicago, January Ist,
1884; that Mr. Green Smith had met with it at Kensington Station,
Ilnois, and that several have been observed in the parks and door-
yards of Chicago. In the extreme southern portion of the State the
species is abundant in suitable localities, and is resident through
the year.

While without a rival in variety of notes and unequalled in bril-
ancy of song, the Mocking-bird can scarcely be considered our
finest singer. Remarkable as are his powers of imitation, he cannot
reproduce the metallic harmony of the smaller Thrushes (Hylocichle),
and perhaps not even the trill of the Canary. To our mind, the
Brown Thrasher has a sweeter song, and one equally vigorous; but
there is a bold brilliancy to the vocal performance of Mimus that
is peculiarly his own, and which makes him chief of songsters.

Genus GALEOSCOPTES Canzants.

Galeoscoples CABANTIS, Mus. Hein. I, 1850, 82. Type, Muscicapa carolinensis LINN.

“Gren. CHAR. Bill shorter than the head, rather broad at base. Rictal bristles moder-
ately developed, reaching to the nostrils. Wings alittle shorter than the tail, rounded;
secondaries well developed; fourth and fifth quillslongest; third and sixth a little shorter;
first and ninth about equal, and about the length of secondaries; first quill more than
half the second, about half the third. Tail graduated; lateral feather about .70 shorter
than the middle. Tarsi longer than middle toe and claw by about an additional half-
claw; scutellate anteriorly, more or less distinctly in different specimens; scutell@ about
seven.

“The conspicuous naked membranous border round the eye of some Thrushes, with
the bare space behind it, not appreciable.

“There is little difference in form between the single species of
Galeoscoptes and Mimus polyglottus, beyond the less degree of defini-

TROGLODYTIDA—THE WRENS AND MOCKING—THRUSHES. 107

tion of the tarsal plates; and but for the difference in coloration
(uniform plumbeous, instead of gray aboye and white beneath), we
would hardly be inclined to distinguish the two generically.

“The single species known is lead-colored, with black cap, and
chestnut-red under tail-coverts.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.)

CATBIRD.

Popular synonym.—English Mocking-bird (Virginia).
Muscicapa carolinensis Lun. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 328.
Orpheus carolinensis AupD. Synop. 1539, 88; B. Am. ii, 1841, 195, pl, 149.
Mimus carolinensis “Qray” Sou. P. Z. 8. 1856, 294.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 346; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 254.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 74; Check List, 1873, No. 9; 2d ed. 1881, No. 16.
B. N. W. 1874, 8; B. Col. Val. 1878, 5t.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis CABAN. Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 82.—Batrp, Review, 1864, 54.—B. B.
& R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 52, pl. 3, fig. 5.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 12.
Turdus lividis Wrus. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 90, pl. 14, fig. 3.
Turdus felivox Viet. Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 10, pl. 67.
Orpheus felivox Sw. & Ricw. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 192.

Has, Eastern North America, north to about lat. 54° in the interior; west to, and in-
eluding, the Rocky Mountains, and along the northern boundary extending to Oregon
and Washington Terr. Winters from the Southern States south to Panama; Cuba;
Bermudas.

Sp. CHar. Adult: Uniform plumbeous-slate, lighter below; pileum dull black, or
brownish black, abruptly defined laterally, but anteriorly and posteriorly gradually
blending into the dark grayish or slaty of the forehead and nape—the former often with a
smoky brown tinge. Tail uniform slate-black, the under surface of the lateral reetrices
with the outer web and tip of inner web sometimes grayish, the inner web occasionally
indistinctly barred with the same. Crissum chestnut, the feathers slaty beneath the sur-
face. Bill jet black; iris deep brown; legs and feet black, the soles of the toes olive-
yellowish. Young: Similar to the adult, but blackish of pileum less distinct, and lacking
sharp definition laterally, lower parts very faintly mottled, transversely, with darker, and
slightly tinged with brownish (as are also the upper parts), the ecrissum dull light rusty
brownish.

Male: Total length, about 8.70-9.00 inches; extent, 11.00-11.50; wing, 3.45-3.75; tail, 3.70-
4.25; culmen, .65-.75; tarsus, 1.05-1.15. Female, averaging a little smaller.

The Catbird and its habits are too well known to require extended
mention in this work. Like a candidate for political honors, he is
a rascal and reprobate of the “first water” to some, but the pink
of perfection to others. He is, indeed, a bird of varied qualities,
which show in different lights, according to the personal predilec-
tions or prejudices of the individual who is expressing an opinion
respecting his merits or demerits.

One of our most familiar birds, and one which should rank in our
affections along with the Bluebird and Robin, is the Catbird. But
unfortunately he is the subject of very general prejudice, not merely

108 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

on account of his undeniable propensity to steal cherries, but also
because many persons dislike the cat-like notes which he utters on
certain occasions. But if he is to be condemned to persecution on
account of these failings, we must also consider that he is little
if any worse than the Robin or the Mocking-bird and when we
enlist our thoughts in his favor, and consider his confident famili-
arity, his trim, graceful form, neat dress, bright, easy manners,
and interesting song, we may readily forgive all his short-comings.
Though distinguished by his song, which, notwithstanding its frequent
interruption by imitations, is eminently original in style, it is, how-
ever, his manners which commend him most to our notice. ‘There
is scarcely an orchard in the land, from the Atlantic coast to the
western base of the Rocky Mountains, and from the Gulf of Mexico
to the British Provinces, which is not enlivened by the presence of
one or more pairs of Catbirds; and very incomplete an American
orchard would seem without them. At all hours of the day his
cheerful song may be heard from among the green boughs of an
apple-tree; and when the heat of the midday sun tells him that a
bath would be refreshing, he comes and splashes in the wash-basin
at the back-door in the most perfect civilized style. Then, when
we return his familiarity and intrude upon his own household,
we cannot but admire the courage with which he remonstrates and
defends his home.

The song of the Catbird is one which, though vigorous and pleas-
ing, is not universally admired. It has sufficient vigor, for he
is untiring in his efforts to please; it has strength enough, for
he is ever ambitious to make his voice conspicuous in the morn-
ing chorus; and we occasionally catch snatches of soft and sweet
notes, or he even now and then manages to execute some very
brilliant passage. But should the latter be the case, he seems him-
self astonished, though evidently well pleased, for he pauses as if
waiting for and expecting applause. In his performance there is
too much deliberation, and the general effect is that he is merely
practicing, during which he at times gets tired of his own voice,
and substitutes other sounds which he has heard. These he imitates
with tolerable success, but the sounds which he most affects, as the
squeal of a young pig, the squeaking of a hinge, or the squall of a
cat, are harsh interruptions to a song which might otherwise be
pleasing.

MOTACILLIDAX—THE WAGTAILS AND PIPITS. 109

Fammy MOTACILLIDZ.—Tue Waaratrs anv Pirrts.

“CHAR. Bill slender, conical, nearly as high as wide at the base, with slight noteh at
tip; the culmen slightly concave above the anterior extremity of the nostrils; short bristles
at gape, which. however, do not extend forward to nostrils. Loral feathers soft and dense,
but with bristly points; nasal groove filled with naked membrane, with the elongated
nostrils in lower edge; the frontal feathers coming upto the aperture, but not directed
forward nor overhanging it- Wings lengthened and sharp-pointed; the primaries nine
(without spurious first), of which the first three to five, considerably longer than the suc-
ceeding, form the tip; the exterior secondaries generally much emarginated at the ends;
the inner secondaries (so-called tertials) nearly equal to the longest primaries. The tail
rather narrow, emarginate. Tarsi lengthened, scutellate anteriorly only, the hind claw
usually very long, acute, and but slightly curved (exespt in Molacilla). Inner toe cleft al-
most to the very base, outer adherent for basal joint only.”

“The combination of naked nostrils, notched bill, and nine primaries, with the tarsi
scutellate anteriorly only, will at once distinguish the Anthine of this family from the
Alaudide, which they closely resemble in coloration, habits, and lengthened hind claw.
The lengthened, siightly curved hind claw, much pointed wings, emarginated secondaries,
—the inner ones nearly as long as the primaries,—distinguish the family from the Sy/vi-
colide,* with which, also, it has near relationships.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

A single genus, Anthus, with a rather strongly characterized sub.
genus, Neocorys, occurs within the United States.

Genus ANTHUS Becustemw.

Anthus Becust. Gem. Naturg. Deutschl. 1802. Type, Alauda spinoletta LINN.
Neocorys Scu. P. Z. 8. 1857, 5. Type, Alauda spragueii AUD.

Gen. Cuan. Billslender, about half as long as the head, the culmen somewhat depressed
or coneave in the middle portion, or toward the base, the tip decurved and distinctly
notched; rictus not distinctly notched. Tarsi distinctly scutellate, longer than the middle
toe; hind toe about as long as the lateral toes, its claw very long and slender (as long as
or longer than its digit), but decidedly curved. Wing much longer than the tail, the rela-
tive length of the primaries variable (according to the species), but first equal to the fourth,
or longer, the fourth very much longer than the fifth; tertials much elongated, the longest
never much shorter than the longest primaries, often longer. Tail emarginate or double-
rounded, the intermediw#, however, always shorter than the lateral rectrices. Colors
never bright, but usually different shades of brown or grayish, more or less distinctly
streaked.

In their external appearance, the Titlarks, or Pipits, resemble
very closely the true Larks, especially the typical genus, Alauda.
The species average nearly the same in size, but are of more slender
build, have the same brownish, streaked coloration, and also have
the tertials and hind claw greatly developed. ‘The analogy extends

*i. e, Mniotiltide.

110 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

still further; for not only are the general habits nearly identical,
but the appearance of the eggs, structure and situation of the nest,
and general characteristics of song are quite the same. These te-
leological resemblances, however, are no indication of relationship;
on the other hand, the two families are quite far removed from one
another in the great assemblage of Passerine birds. It is unneces-
sary to allude to the differences here, since they have been suf-
ficiently elucidated on page 48.

The two North American species of this genus which may be
properly mentioned in the present connection differ as follows:

a First andfourth primaries decidedly or appreciably shorter than second and third;
hind toe (with claw) shorter than tarsus; outstretched feet falling considerably
short of end of tail. Lateral tail-feathers with inner webs partly dusky. (Anthus).

1. A. pensilvanicus. Legs and feet always deep brown or dusky. In summer, above
nearly uniform grayish brown; beneath deep pinkish buff, the jugulum more or
less streaked with dusky (rarely nearly immaculate). In winter, above olive-
brown, the pileum and back indistinetly streaked with darker; beneath ochreous-
buff, the jugulum broadly streaked with dusky. Wing about 3.15-3.30, tail 2.40-2.60,
eculmen .42-.50, tarsus .80-.90.

a? First primary as long as or longer than second; hind toe (with claw) longer than tar-
sus; outstretched feet reaching nearly or quite to end of tail. Lateral tail-feathers
with inner webs wholly white (for exposed portion). (Neocorys.)

2. A.spragueii. Bill, legs, and feet pale-colored, the maxilla, only,dusky. In summer,
above broadly streaked with light buff-grayish and brownish dusky; lower parts
dull buffy white, more strongly tinged with buff across jugulum, where narrowly
streaked with dusky. Jn winter, beneath much deeper buff, the jugular streaks
broader; upper parts with the pale streaks more decidedly buff. Young, with
upper parts more broadly streaked with blackish, the feathers, especially on
back, bordered terminally with white. Wing, about 3.20-3.40; tail, 2.35-2.60; cul-
men, .45; tarsus, .90.

The A. spraguett has usually been placed in a so-called genus
Neocorys, Sclater; but the variations in the details of external form
are so numerous among the many species of the genus Anthus, in
its comprehensive sense, that the recognition of generic value in
the differences which exist between A. pensilvanicus and A. spraqueit
would necessitate the adoption of many more genera than most
systematists would care to allow. In short, there are so many
species which, in their varying details of structure, seem to bridge
over so completely these really unimportant differences that, with my
present knowledge, I would not feel justified in separating them.

: MOTACILLIDAXA—THE WAGTAILS AND PIPITS. 111

Subgenus Anthus Bechstein.
Anthus pensilvanicus (Lath.)

AMERICAN PIPIT.

Popular synonyms.—American Titlark; Pennsylvanian Pipit; Louisiana Pipit.

Alauda pensilvanica LATH. Syn. Suppl. i, 1787, 287.

Anthus pensylvanicus THIENEMANN, Rhea, ii, 13847, 171.

Alauda ludoviciana GM. 38. N. i, pt. ii, 1788, 793.

Anthus ludovicianus Licut. Verz. Donbl. 1823, 37,—AupD. Synop. 1839, 94; B. Am. iii,

1841, 40, pl. 150.—Nurr. Man. 2d ed. 1840, 517.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 232; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 165; Review, 1864, 153.—Couks, Key, 1872, 90; Check List, 1873, No. 55;
2d ed. 1832, No. 89; B. N. W. 1874, 49; B. Cok Val. 1878, 193.—B. B, & R. Hist. N. Am.
B. i, 1874, 171, pl. 10, fig. 3.—Rrpa@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 71.

Alauda rufa Wis, Am. Orn. v, 1812, 89, pl. 42, fig. 4.

Anthus spinoletia Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 450.

Anthus aquaticus Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 231, pl. 44.—Aup. Orn. Biog. i, (name on

pl. 10).
Anthus pipiens Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 408; v, 1849, 449, pl. 80.

Has. Whole of North America, but breeding only north of the United States, except on
summits of the higher western mountains, where breeding south to Colorado, at least;
south, in winter to Guatemala and Bermudas, but apparently not to West Indies.

“Sp. Cuan. (Female, in spring.) Above olive-brown, each feather slightly darker
towards the central portion; beneath pale dull buff, or yellowish brown, with a maxillary
series of dark brown spots and streaks across the breast and along sides. Ring round
the eye, and superciliary stripe, yellowish. Central tail-feathers like the back, others
dark blackish brown; the external one white, except at the base within; a white spot at
the end of the second. Primaries edged with whitish, other quills with pale brownish.
Length, 6.50; wing, 3.45; tail, 2.95.”

In Illinois, the ‘Litlark is known only asa spring and fali migrant,
or, in the southern portions, an occasional winter resident. appearing
irregularly in small flocks, which frequent wet grassy places, vhere
they move upon the ground with a graceful gliding walk, tilting the
body and wagging the tail at each step, much in the manner of a
Seiuwrus. It is very restless, the flocks seldom remaining long at
one place, but soon taking wing, they flit to another spot, or in
graceful sweeps pass and repass over a particular place before alight-
ing. During the author’s sojourn in western Nevada, in the winter
of 1867-68, the Titlark was perhaps the most abundant of the winter
residents there. This was particularly the case at the Truckee
Meadows, where, in November, they came in immense flocks and
spread over the soggy fields. They remained during the moder-
ately cold weather for the greater portion of the winter, occasionally
congregating by thousands about the haystacks and corrals. They
were equally abundant at Carson City, particularly in the vicinity

112 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

of the warm springs, where the high temperature of the water kept
the meadow soft and comparatively green, even during the coldest
weather. In April, just before their departure for the North, they
were observed in their more highly-colored spring plumage.

The Titlark breeds abundantly in the barren regions of the far
north, from Labrador to Alaska, and on the bleak summits of the
Rocky Mountains as far south at least as Colorado, The nest is
built on the ground, and the eggs are so densely speckled with
chocolate-brown as to sometimes appear uniformly of this color.

MNIOTILTIDE—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 113

Fanny MNIOTILTID2A¢.—Tue Amertcan Warsiers.

The extensive and yaried family of Mniotiltide, or “Warblers,”
constitutes a most attractive element of the North American Ornis.
Next to the Fringillide, it is more numerously represented than
any other, while it is even more characteristic, all the species being
purely American, while the I’ringillide are, as a family, cosmopoli-
tan. With a few exceptions they are eminently migratory birds, the
great bulk of them passing rapidly across the United States in
spring, on the way to their northern breeding grounds, and in fall to
their winter residence within the tropics; consequently, they are
known to few except the close observer of bird-life, though in season
they literally swarm where their insect food is most plentiful—
always where the green leaves are, whether in lofty tree-top, vine-
embowered coppice, or budding orchard. When the apple trees
bloom, the warblers revel among the flowers, vieing in activity
and in number with the bees; now probing the recesses of a_blos-
som for an insect which has effected lodgment there, then darting
to another, where, poised daintily upon a slender twig, or suspended
from it, he explores hastily but carefully for another morsel. Every
movement is the personification of nervous activity, as if the time
for their journey was short; and, indeed, such appears to be the
case, for two or three days at most suffice some species in a single
locality ; a day spent in gleaning through the woods and orchards
of one neighborhood, with occasional brief siestas among the leafy
bowers, then the following night in continuous flight toward its
northern destination, is probably the history of every individual of
the moving throng.

No group of birds more deserves the epithet of ‘‘pretty” than the
warblers: ‘Tanagers are splendid; Humming-birds are refulgent;
other kinds are brilliant, gaudy or magnificent, but warblers alone
are pretty in the proper and full sense of that term. One of the
finest (Dendroica maculosa) is decked in richest yellow, deepest black,
purest white and softest blue-gray, in elegant pattern and _har-
monious contrast; in another (D. blackburnie) the intense cadmium-
orange Tron glows like a burning coal, so strong is the contrast

114 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

with the jet-black upper parts; another (D. virens) has a coal-black
throat, sharply defined against the pure gamboge-yellow cheeks, the
back bright olive-green, the lower parts white. One of the most
striking in appearance is the Hooded, or Mitred Warbler (Sylvania
mitrata) the plumage of which is rich yellow beneath, olive-green
above, the head jet-black except on the sides, where it is rich
yellow, the same as the lower parts; the plumage is still further
varied by white patches on the inner webs of the tail feathers,
which show distinctly when the tail is spread. Without going into
further detail, it may be remarked that a peculiar shade of olive-
green, which has on this account been well termed ‘‘warbler-green,”
is the usual color of the upper parts in the birds of this family,
some species which are otherwise colored in the adult stage having
this tint more or less developed in the autumnal plumage of the
young.

As natural an arrangement, consistent with convenience of analysis,
of the genera of this extensive family as the author is at present
able to present, is the following. The groups here recognized are
fairly well defined, but are hardly entitled to the rank of sub-
families.

a'—Bill cylindrical (cometimes even somewhat compressed), not abruptly bent at tip
and without very distinct notch; rictal bristles weak, sometimes even (apparently)
quite obsolete.
vl, Size small (total length under 6.50 inches); bill slender and nearly cylindrical, the
outlines nearly straight.

1. Mniotiltee (Wood Warblers). Feet comparatively weak, not reaching, when
outstretched, near to the end of the tail. Wing ratber lengthened and point-
ed, considerably longer than the nearly even or slightly emarginated tail.
Chiefly arboreal.

2. Geothlypee (Ground Warblers). Feet strong, reaching when outstretched
nearly or quite to the end of the tail. Wing rather rounded, usually shorter
(never decidedly longer) than the rounded or slightly graduated tail. Terres-
trial.

b%. Size very large (total length more than 7.00 inches); bill stout, compressed, high,
the culmen much curved.

3. Icterie (Vhat-Warbler.). Bill without notch or rictal bristles; wing much
rounded, decidedly shorter than the rather lengthened tuil.

a?—Bill decidedly depressed (quite Flycatcher-like), the tip abruptly bent and distinetly
notched, rictal bristles strongly developed.

4. Setophagee (Flycatching Warblers).

ANALYSis OF GENERA,

a. Muniotiltex.

1. Middle toe, with claw, longer than tarsus.
Bill much compressed for terminal half, the lateral outlines decidedly

concave; culmen and gonys decidediy convex; commissure moderately
concave. Rictal bristles very inconspicuous; notch just perceptible..... Mniotilta.

MNIOTILTIDA—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 115

2. Middle toe, with claw, not longer than tarsus.
Bill without a distinet notch, or lacking it entirely; rictal bristles want-
ing, or very minute; culmen and gonys nearly straight; bill only very
moderately compressed.
a. Middle toe and claw about equal to tarsus.
Bill not acute; culmen and gonys decidedly convex; notch just per-
ceptible; bristles apparent .........--. eee e ences none rence ern eee enenes, Protonotaria.
Bill moderately acute, robust; no notch; culmen straight, its base
elevated and slightly arched; bristles not apparent .......---------------. Helinaia.
Bill moderately acute; robust; no notch; culmen convex, its base
not elevated; bristles apparent .........---.00.------eeeeeeeeeeeeee ------Helmitheros.
b. Middle toe and claw considerably shorter than tarsus.
Bill very acute, its outlines nearly straight; notch not perceptible;
bristles not apparent... .. 2.222.222. - 222 een ene nee eee neon ce pone eeee es Helminthophila.
Bill very acute, its outlines nearly straight; notch just perceptible;
pristlospstrOng wate cseeesetee sec ceaconsee eae esc sess -ciccancaseceea=sessleie Compsothlypis-
Bill distinctly notched; rictal bristles strong; outlines generally
slightly curved...... Saban nee daw cnceeabaiarsiecisunbusctca wcdsuewicebascneibeecie's Dendroica.

b. Geothlypez.
3. Wings pointed, longer than nearly even tail.

Above olive-brown; beneath white with dark streaks ......-..... ------- Seiurus.

Above olive-green; beneath yellow without streaks .......-.--..---0.+ Oporornis.
4. Wings rounded, shorter than the graduated tail.

Colors asin) OPOLOrnsts << <0. oeccecseceeereccssaccenmecr ccs aasessceesses Geothlypis.

ce. Icteriez.

6. Characters as given above; outer toe completely separated from the middle
one; upper mandible decidedly deeper than the lower.
Color above uniform oliye-green or olive-gray; beneath rich yellow
foranterion halt) white DOStOLIOL Yn csensecsenccee ance cuss deaccesscsecanemeels or Ictoria.

d. Setophagee.

6. Bill decidedly “Tyrannine.” Tail fan-shaped, equal to or longer than wing,
decidedly rounded. Colors mainly black, orange-red, and white in the
male, grayish, yellow, and whitein the female.......-.........-..+.0.---- Setophaga
7. Bill much less depressed, and with less strongly developed rictal bristles.
Tail shorter and narrower (shorter than the wing), nearly even. Colors,
plain olive-green or gray above, yellow beneath, with more or less of
black about the head in the malo (sometimes in the female also)............ Sylvania.

It is possible that of the above the Icteriee should properly rank
as a subfamily; but some tropical genera (e. g. Granatellus of Middle
and South America and Zerefistrés of Cuba) appear to connect the
only genus, Icteria, with the genus Geothlypis, through certain trop-
ical species of the latter which have much stouter and more arched
bills than the North American species. The connection between
Dendroica and Seiurus is very nearly made in a West Indian species
of the former (D. plumbea Lawr.) and the Antillean genus Catharo-
peza; the genera Seiwrus and Oporornis differ more in coloration than
anything else, while the differences in form between the type of the
latter genus and that of Gcothlypis are reduced to almost nil by the

116 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

intermediate species, G. philadelphia and G. macgillivrayi. The
Dendrowe pass by almost a gradual transition through Perissoglossa
very close to Helminthophila, while the latter genus stands not far
from the allied genera Helmitheros, Helinaia and Protonotaria.
No positive distinctions of habits obtain between members of the
several groups as a whole; thus, the typical species of Helmintho-
phila, those also of Sylvania and, the “Oporornis” formosa inhabit pre-
cisely the same localities, keeping near, and nesting on or near, the
ground, and are therefore true ‘‘Ground Warblers” so far as habits
are concerned. Some species of Dendroica (e.g. D. vigorsii and D.
dominica) are “creepers,” thus showing an analogy, at least, to
Mniotilta. One species of this same genus (D. palmarum), walks
gracefully upon the ground, with a delicate mincing step, and un-
dulating wagging of the tail, much like the species of Seiwrus, but
still more like a Titlark (Anthus) ; some of them combine these yari-
ous characteristics, to a greater or less degree, while others possess
none of them to a pronounced extent. It will thus be seen, that
while a classification of the family based upon technical characters
is difficult, an arrangement by artificial considerations is infinitely
more so.

Genus MNIOTILTA Viettnor.

Mniotilta Vietor, Analyse, 1816, 45. Type, Motacilla varia LINN.

Gen. Cuar. Bill rather long, compressed, shorter than the head, with very short rictal
bristles and a shallow notch. Wings considerably longer than the tail, which is slightly
rounded; first quill shorter than second and (usually) a little shorter than the third also.
Tarsi rather short; toes long, middle one equal to the tarsus; hind toe nearly as long, the
claw considerably shorter than its digit. Oolor white, streaked with black. Nest on
ground; eggs white, blotched with red.

This genus differs from other Mniotiltee chiefly in the elongation
of the toes, especially the hinder one, by means of which the species
is enabled to move up and down the trunks of trees, like the true
Creepers (Certhiide). But one species is known. This has, at all
stages, the crown black, divided by a broad white medial stripe;
the upper parts black, varied by two white wing-bands, the outer
edges of the tertials and of upper tail-coverts, a superciliary
stripe and more or less of the lower parts, also white. The adult
male has the throat more or less mixed with black (sometimes
almost uniformly of this color), and sides streaked with the
same; the young male is similar, but with the throat immaculate

MNIOTILTID/E—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 117

white. The female is not very different, except that the white mark-
ings are more or less soiled with brownish, the black is less intense,
and the streaks on the sides indistinct.

Two races have been recognized, only one of which has been detect-
ed in Illinois (or indeed in any locality west of the Alleghanies), the
typical form being restricted to the Atlantic coast and the West
Indies,

Mniotilta varia (Linn.)

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER.

Popular synonyms.—Black-and-white Creeper; Black-and-white Creeping Warbler;
Striped Creeper.

a. varia.

Motacilla varia Linn, 8. N. ed. 12, 1, 1766, 333.
Sylvia varia LatH.—Nvtt. Man. i, 1882, 384.
Certhia varia VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 69.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 452, pl. 99.
Mniolilta varia VrEtuu. Analyse, 1816, 45.—AUD. Synop. 1839, 71; B. Am. ii, 1841, 105, pl.
114.—Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 702.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 235; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 167; Review, 1864, 167,—Couss, Key, 1872, 92; Check List, 1873, No. 57; 2d ed. 1882,
No. 91; B. N. W. 1874, 45; B. Col. Val. 1878, 204.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 180,
pl. 10, fig. 6 —Rmpew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 74.
Certhia maculata Wius. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 22, pl. 19, tig. 3.
Mniotilta varia var. longirostris Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, p. xxxi, No. 167.

b. borealis,

Mniotilta varia Auct. (all western references).

Mniotilta borealis Nutr. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 705.

Mniotilta varia borealis Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 74a.—Couss, 2d Check List,
1882, No. 92.

Haz. Eastern North America, west to eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, north to
the fur countries; breeding throughout its range; in winter, both coasts of Mexico (north
to Mazatlan) and Central America to Colombia, and throughout Greater Antilles.

Sp. CHar. Adult male: Above rather glossy blue-black, relieved by a broad medial crown-
stripe of white, two white bands on the wing (formed by tips of middle and greater coy-
erts), and white outer edges of tectials and of upper tail-coverts. Lores and auriculars
black, separated from black stripes on sides of crown by abroad white superciliary stripe.
Broad malar stripe and most of lower parts white; the sides broadly streaked with black,
and the chin and throat more or less mixed with black—almost solid black in high-
plumaged specimens. A large white spot on inner webs of two outer tail feathers, near
end, and all the rectrices edged externally with bluish gray. Bill wholly deep black in
summer, brownish black in winter; iris brown; legs and feet black (at least in summer).
Total length about 5.25 inches, extent 8.75, wing (average) 2.80, tail 2.10, culmen .44, tarsus
63, middle toe .52. Young male firstaulwmn: Similar to the adult, but whole throat immac-
ulate white. Bill brownish black, the basal portion of the mandible lilaceous-white; feet
dull olive, the claws olive-yellowish. Adult female: Similar to the male, but colors duller—
the black less intense, and the white parts tinged with brownish; throat immaculate white.
Size slightly less. Young, firstplwmage: Similarin general appearance to the adult female,
but markings, especially the two stripes of the pileum and the streaks beneath, much less

118 BIRDS OF JLLINOIS.

sharply defined; the streaks of the breast indistinet grayish-dusky, suffused with pale
fulyous, those of the back more strongly tinged with rusty. The two stripes onthe
pileum dull grayish-dusky, instead of deep black.

There is a slight average difference in proportions between birds of this species from
the Atlantic coast district and those from the country westward of the Alleghanies, but
the difference is searcely sufficient to warrant their separation as races. The average
measurements of specimens from the two regions are as follows:

Atlantic coast specimens (true M. varia). Male: Wing, 2.72-2.88 (average 2.78); tail, 1.92-2.20

(2.07); culmen, .45~-.50 (.48); bill from nostril, .32-.40 (.37); tarsus, .60-.68 (.05); middle

toe, .50-.58 (.54). Memale: 2.70; 2.-2.05 (2.02); -45-.48 (.46); .36-.38 (.37); -68-.70 (.69); 50.

Mississippi Valley specimens (M. varia borealis). Male: Wing, 2.70-2.90 (2.80); tail, 2.-2.24

2.09); culmen, .40-.48 (.44); bill from nostril, .30-.38 (.32); tarsus, .62-.65 (.63); middle

toe, .49-.58 (.52). Hemale: 2.60-2.75 (2.65); 1.92-2. (1.96); .40-.45 (42); -32; .66; .50-.56 (.53)

The above figures are based upon the careful measurement of 9 adult males and 2

adult females from each region, and, while they show that the difference is not abso-

lutely constant, they show that the eastern bird averages decidedly larger (except in

length of wing and tail), the difference being especially noticeable in the greater length

of bill and feet.

The longer-billed form winters in Florida and the West Indies, the other in Mexico.

This sprightly and pretty little bird is very common in dry woods,
where it may be seen ascending or descending the trunks of trees
in the manner of a creeper or nuthatch. Its nest is built upon the
ground, imbedded among dry leaves, and as a rule so artfully con-
cealed as to be discovered only by accident.

Genus PROTONOTARIA Barren.

Protonotaria Barr, Birds N. Am. 1858, 239. Type, Motacilla citrea Bopp.

Gen. Coan. Bill longer than the middle toe and claw, distinctly notched, all the out-
lines nearly straight. Wings much longer than the rather short, rounded tail. Tarsus
decidedly longer than the middle toe and claw. Lower tail-coverts reaching nearly to
the end of the tail (on account of the shortness of the latter).

This genus is most closely related to the genera Helinaia and
Helmitheros, especially the former, but may be immediately distin-
guished by the distinctly notched bill, and brilliant colors, there
being in the latter respect much resemblance to the Helminthophile,
particularly H. pinus. The single known species is one of the largest,
and in some respects the finest, of the warblers, and is very peculiar
in its habits, frequenting wooded swamps or the willow-grown bor-
ders of ponds in the bottom lands, and nesting in holes of stumps
or dead trees, like the Titmice.

MNIOTILTIDZ—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 119

Protonotaria citrea (Bodd.)

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER,

Popular synonyms.—Golden Swamp Warbler; Willow Warbler.

Motacilla citrea Bovp. Tabl. P. E. 1783, 44 (based on Pl. Enl, 704, flg. 2).
Protonotaria citrea Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 239; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 169; Review,
1864, 173.—Cours, Key, 1872, 93; Check List, 1873, No. 59; 2d ed. 1883, No. 95; B. N. W.
1874, 47; B. Col. Val. 1878, 210.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 184, pl. 10, fig. 8.
Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 75.
Motacilla protonotarius GmM.—Sylvia protonotarius Lata.—Wits. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 72,
pl. 24, fig. 3.—Nurr. Man. i, 1882, 410.—Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 22; v, 1839, 460, pl. 3.
Helinaia protonotarius AuD. Synop. 1839, 67; B. Am. ii, 1841, 89, pl. 106,
Motacilla auricollis GMEL.—Sylvia auricollis LatH.—Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 380.

Sylvicola auricollis Nurr. Man. 2d ed. 1840, 431.

Has. Eastern United States, chiefly in the Mississippi Valley, where breeding abun-
dantly in willow swamps, north to at least 40°in Illinois and immediately contiguous
States. Straggling northward (blown by storms) to Maine and New Brunswick. Winters
in Cuba, Yucatan, and southward to Panama,

Sp.Cu. Back olive-green; wings, rump and tail, plain bluish gray, or plumbeous;
head and lower parts yellow, the latter white posteriorly; inner webs of tail feathers
(except middle pair) white tipped with dusky. Adult male in spring: Entire head and neck,
and lower parts, except crissum, rich mellow gamboge yellow, varying to cadmium-
yellow; top of head sometimes touched or tinted with cadmium-orange, occasionally
tinged or washed with olive-green, but often pure yellow. Bill uniform deep black; iris
brown; legs and feet dark plumbeous. Adult male in fall and winter: Similar, but yellow
lighter, or less inclining to cadmium, the top of the head always (?) overlaid by a wash
of olive-green. Adult female: Similar to the duller colored males, but yellow appre-
ciably less pure, the pileum always olive-greenish, and gray of wings, ete., less bluish.

Total length, about 5.40; wing, 2.90; tail, 2.25,

Wherever there are swamps surrounded by woods and bordered
by willow trees, and especially if the growth of the latter be ex-
tensive, this beautiful bird is almost sure to occur. In the southern
half of the state it is, in such localities, one of the most abundant
birds.

In a letter dated July 9, 1884, Mr. H. K. Coale, of Chicago, in-
forms me that on May llth a few Prothonotary Warblers were found
in the woods along the Kankakee River, in Stark county, Indiana,
about sixty miles southeast of Chicago. On the 18th, a dozen or
more were seen, and on the 25th, having by that time ‘learned
their clear sharp note, repeated four or five times on the same
pitch,’ he could hear them all along the timber; but as he looked
for them near the water’s edge in the ‘‘pucker brush” he did not
see many. By carefully following the call of the male he discover-

ed that the birds kept in the tops of the small trees, often flying

120 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

across the river in pairs and alighting well up. On June Ist he
had no trouble in seeing them and procuring specimens. They
were occupied around the dead stumps, about ten feet from the
ground. On the 8th of June he gave his attention to hunting for
their nests, and found several. Young were found flying about
June 15th. Mr. Coale says that ‘the Prothonotary Warbler is the
most abundant summer resident of this locality, excepting perhaps
the White-bellied Swallow and Redstart. Probably from forty to
sixty pairs of the two former species were breeding within a dis-
tance of two miles.” He regards the Kankakee as the northern
limit of the breeding range of the species. He notes it as having
been seen or taken in Cook county, however, near Chicago, in May
1883.

Genus HELINAIA Avpvuson.

Helinaia Aup. Synopsis, 1839, 66. Type, Sylvia swainsonii AUD.

GEN. cH.*—Bill nearly as long as the head, somewhat compressed, especially toward
the culmen, which is elevated basally where it extends backward, as a rather prominent
ridge well between the frontal apices.

This genus much resembles Helmitheros in general appearance,
but differs in having a considerably longer and more compressed
bill, the ridge of which is compressed, elevated, and appears to
extend backwards on the forehead, as well as to be in a straight
line with the upper part of the head. The wings are longer, the
tail forked, not rounded; the feathers narrower and more pointed ;
the tarsi shorter. In form it is still nearer Protonotaria, but the bill
is quite different in shape, while the coloration is widely diverse.

The single species is perhaps the plainest colored of American
Warblers, being uniform olive-brown above (the head more rufous)
and dingy yellowish-white below.

Mr. Brewster remarks as follows concerning the relationships of
this genus:

™“Caak. Bill long, robust at base, tapering to asharp point, smooth or slightly notched
at tip; the culmen slightly curved, its ridge compressed, elevated, and extending well
back on the forehead, resembling in this, as in some other respects, the bill of the Meadow
Lark (Sturnella). Wings long, rather rounded, the first quill always shorter than the
second and third, which are about equal. Tarsus stout, slightly longer than the middle
toe. Feet large, flesh-colored. Hminently terrestrial.” BRrezWsTER, Auk, Jan. 1885, p. 76.)

MNIOTILTIDA2—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 121

“The place which Helinaia should occupy in systematic lists is a
somewhat puzzling question. Its long wings, large, flesh colored
feet, and slugsish terrestrial habits indicate an affinity with Oporornis;
its acute, compressed bill and short tarsi a perhaps stronger one
with Helmitherus. In many respects it seems to form a connecting
link between these two genera, with Helmitherus extending the
change towards Helminthophila. Baird apparently held some such
view in 1858, for he placed Helmitherus (in which he included
Helinaia) between Icteria and Helminthophila, and Oporornis imme-
diately before Icteria. Subsequently he separated Helminthophila
still further from Oporornis by the intervention of the additional
genera Perissoglossa, Dendroica and Seiurus, and later authorities
have widened the gap still more. Leaving out of consideration the
Cerebide, a troublesome family which seems to grade insensibly
into the Sylvicolide through such genera as Helminthophila and
Perissoglossa, our North American Sylvicolide might be very naturally
arranged as follows: 1, Mniotilta; 2, Dendraca (including FPerisso-
glossa and Peucedramus as sub-genera); 8, Protonotaria; 4, Parula;
5, Helminthophila; 6, Helmitherus; 7, Helinaia; 8, Seiurus; 9, Oporornis ;
10, Geothlypis; 11, Icteria; 12, Myiodioctes; 13, Setophuga; 14, Car-
dellina; 15, Ergaticus; 16, Basileuterus. The Cerebide, however
cannot be thus conveniently ignored, and the general subject is far
too important and comprehensive to be discussed within the limits
of the present paper.” (Brewster, Auk, Jan., 1885, p. 79.)

Helinaia swainson Aud,

SWAINSON’S WARBLER,

Popular synonym.—Swainson’s Swamp Warbler.

Sylvia swainsonii AUD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1831, 563, pl. 198.
Helinaia swainsonti AuD. Synop. 1839, 66; B. Am. ii, 1841, 83, pl. 104,
Helonea swainsoni Ripew. Nom. N.jAm. B. 1881. No. 76.
Helmitherus swainsoni Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 252; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 179; Review,
1864, 180.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 93; Check List, 1873, No. 61; B. Col. Val. 1878, 212.—B. B.
& Rk. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 190, pl. 10, fig. 9; iii, 1874, 504.
Helmintherus swainsoni Cougs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 97.

Haz. “Austroriparian Province,” or Gulf States from South Carolina, Georgia and
Florida to eastern Texas (Rice Co.); north, in Mississippi Valley to southern Illinois and
southwestern Indiana? Cuba; Jamaica.

“Sp. CHar. (Adult ¢, breeding plumage, No. 8974, Coll. W. B., Charleston, South Caro-
lina, May 1, 1884.) Crown and nape reddish brown; remainder of upper parts, including
the sides of neck, clear olive, the wings, tail, and upper tail-coverts tinged with reddish

122 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

brown; under parts creamy white with a lemon-yellow tinge, most pronounced on the
breast and abdomen faintest on the throat and crissum; sides of body brownish olive;
sides of breast olivaceous ashy, extending completely across the breast in a broad but
rather indistinct band of pale, nebulous spots; throat, abdomen and crissum immaculate;
a dusky stripe starting at the lores (which are nearly black) passes backward along the
side of the head intersecting the eye and separating a conspicuous, brownish white su-
perciliary stripe from the region below the eye, which is dappled with a reddish brown on
a creamy white ground. There is also a short, yellowish, concealed median stripe on the
forehead. Iris hazel; legs and feet flesh-color (notes taken from freshly killed specimens).

“Dimensions.—L. 5.65; @x., 9.00; wing, 2.82; tail, 2.03; tar, .74; culmen from base, .70; from
feathers, .61; from nostril, .42; depth of bill at ant. cor. of nostril, .18; width at same point,
13, Sexes indistinguishable.

“Juv., first plumage.—(s No. 224, A. T. W., Charleston, June 9, 1884.) Wings and tail
essentially as in the adult; abdomen dirty white; rest of plumage, including the crown,
nape, back, rump, throat, breast, sides of head, neck and body, and the wing-coverts,
nearly uniform dull cinnamon brown, without bands, spots or any other markings what-
ever, even on the head. Another specimen from the same brood, but apparently older,
has the lores distinctly black, the light space on the abdomen nearly obscured by a brow-
nish tipping on many of the feathers, and the general coloring lighter, approaching choc-
olate-brown in places.

“The above-described plumage is very odd and striking. In general coloring the
bird seems to most nearly resemble the young of Oporornis formosus.* It differsso wide-
ly from the adult H. swainsoni that no one would suspect their identity were it not for the
bill, which in the smallest specimen before me shows all the essential characteristics of
the genus.

“Juv. fall piumage.—(t No. 354, A. T. W., Charleston, Aug. 25, 1884.) Entire upper parts
rich olive strongly tinged with reddish brown, the crown scarcely deeper colored than
the back, the wings a trifle redder; loral stripe blackish; superciliary stripe tinged with
yellow; under parts strongly yellowish. Otherwise like the adult.

“Variations.—Among the adult and fall-plumaged young before me there is much va-
riation in the size and shape of the bill, as well as In general coloration. Some examples
have the upper and lower outlines of the bill nearly if not quite straight; in others the cul-
men is strongly curved, the gonys often with an appreciable angle. Again some speci-
mens have the bill decidedly notched at the tip, although in the majority itis plain. Asa
rule ‘but not invariably) young birds seem to have a shorter, slenderer and straighter bill
than do the adults.

“The color variations range between two extremes. In one the crown, wings, and
tail are bright reddish brown—almost redcish chestnut on the secondaries—in decided
contrast with the back, which is deep brownish olive; the underparts strongly yellowish.
In the other the wings and tail are concolor with the back, which is of a plain grayish
olive; the crown dull reddish brown; the under parts creamy white scarcely, if at all, yel-
lowish. That these variations are not sexual is evident, for the richest-colored birdin
the whole series is a female (No. 137, A. T. W., May 10,) and several of the dullest, males;
that they are not connected with age is equally certain, for among the young birds still
bearing traces of first plumage both types occur. As arule, however, in autumn they are
more aptto be yellow beneath than are breeding birds, but in none of the specimens

*As described by Mr. Ridgway, Bull. N. O.C., Vol. III, No. 2, April, 1868, p. 60. I have
no specimens for comparison.

MNIOTILTIDA—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 123

which I have seen is the yellow deeper than in a male taken May 5 (No. 9015, W. B). Adults
in autumn are positively indistinguishable from breeding birds. Young in full autumnal
dress may be generally, if not invariably, recognized by the darker color of the bill and
the much more uniform coloration of the upper parts, the crown Insome specimens being
almost concolor with the back, wings, and tail, a condition never seen in spring birds.

“In markings the variations are trifling. The nebulous spotting on the breast is indis-
tinct in many birds, and with afew barely appreciable, the ashy being practically con-
fined to the sides, and the remainder of the upper parts immaculate. The yellow of the
median stripe on the forehead is usually restricted to the bases of the feathers, but in a
few specimens it extends to their tips, forming a conspicuous marking. In others again
itis wholly wanting.” (BrEwsTER, Auk, January, 1885, p. 76-79.)

Further than the account given by Audubon, little was known
until quite recently concerning the life-history of this hird. Kven
now its distribution is very imperfectly made out, but in all proba-
bility its range includes the lower South Atlantic States, the Gulf
States and the lower Mississippi Valley in general, or from South
Carolina and Florida to eastern Texas,* and north in tha interior
to southern Illinois and Indiana—everywhere in swampy districts
only.

Genus HELMITHERUS Rarinesque.

Helmitheros RAFINESQUE, Jour. de Phys. vol. 88, 1819, 417. Type, Motacilla vermivora
Gmeu.—Helmintherus Yon Franrzius, Jour fur Orn. 1869, 293.—Helminthotherus
Sav. & Gopm. Biol. Centr. Am. i. 1880, 112.

GEN. CHAR. Bill large and stout, compressed, nearly or quite as long as the head.
Culmen very slightly curved; gonys straight; no notch in the bill; rictal bristles wanting.
Tarsi short, but little, if any, longer than the middle toe and claw. Tail considerably
shorter than the wings, rather rounded. Wings rather long, the first quill a little shorter
than the second and third.

This genus comes near Helinaia, but differs in several important
respects, which will be found detailed under that genus. The single
species is very plainly colored, being uniform olive-green above and
buff below, the head deep buff, relieved by two black stripes on the

crown and a streak of the same behind the eye.

*See Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vol. vi., January, 1881. p. 55. (Navarro county.)

124 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Helmitherus vermivorus (Gmel.)

WORM-EATING WARBLER.
Popular synonym,—Worm-eating Swamp Warbler.

Motaci la vermivora Gm. 8. N. i. 1788, 951 (based on Edw. pl. 305).

Sylvia vermivora Lata.—Wits. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 74, pl. 24, fig. 4.—NuttT. Man. 1, 1832,
409.—Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 177; v, 1839, 460, pl. 34.

Helinaia vermivora Aup. Synop. 1839, 66; B. Am. ii, 1841, 86, pl, 105.

He miitherus vermivorus Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 252; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 178; Re-
view, 1864, 179.—Covugs, Key, 1872. 93; Check List, 1873, No. 60; 2d ed. 1882, No. 96
(“Helmimtherus”); B. N. W. 1874, 48; B. Col. Val. 1878, 211.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B
i, 1874, 187, pl. 10, fig. 10.

Helmintherus vermiworus VON FRANTZIvS, Jour. fur Orn. 1869, 293.

Helminthoth2rus vermivorus Sauy. & Gop. Biol. Centr. Am. i. 1880, 112.—Rrmpaw. Nom.
N. Am. B, 3881, No. 77.

Has. Eastern United States, chiefly south of 40°; north regularly to Connecticut Val-
ley, casually to Maine; west to border of Great Plains. Wintering in Florida, Cuba, Ja-
maiea, Yucatan, and Central America, south to Veragua. ‘

Sp. CHAR. Adult (sexes alike): Head buff, with abroad black stripe on each side of
the crown (from nostrils to occiput), and a narrower black stripe behind the eye, along
upper edge of the auriculars, continued, more or less distinctly, at the anterior angle of
the eye. Upper parts plain olive-green. Lower parts buff, paler on chin, throat, abdo-
men, and crissum, where sometimes almost white. Upper mandible dark brown, the
lower paler; iris dark brown; legs and feet pale brown in dried skins, pale brownish
flesh-color in life. Wing, 2.65-2.90; tail, 1.90-2.20; culmen, .60-65; tarsus, about .70. (Female
averaging smaller than the male.)

Young, first plumage: Head, neck, and lower parts deep buff, the black stripes of the
adult merely indicated by indistinct stripes of dull brown; back, seapulars, rump, and
wing-coverts dull light brown, tinged with cinnamon, the greater coverts passing into
deep buff terminally. Remiges and rectrices olive-green, as in the adult.

The buff of head-stripes, ete., is deeper in autumnal specimens.

Few of our Warblers are less conspicuous than the present species.
Dull of color, retiring in disposition, and unusuaily shy (according
to the writer’s experience), with no distinctive notes, he may easily
pass unnoticed, or if seen, unidentified. Mxcept for the absence of
streaks on his breast (and this deficiency only a full front view
would reveal), he would readily pass to the less careful observer for
a Golden-crowned Thrush, so common in the same localities. His
song so closely resembles that of the Chipping Sparrow that it is
sometimes difficult for the most eritical listener to distinguish it.

The Worm-eating Warbler usually frequents thick woods, preferably
the sides of ravines, where it keeps among the undergrowth, and
builds its nest on the ground, imbedded in dry leaves, and hidden
by a bunch of sprouts, a few fern-fronds, or other similar objects.

In suitable localities in southern Illinois, the Worm-eating War-
bler is a common species; but in the northern portion of the State
it appears to be very rare, Mr. Nelson, noting only a single speci-
men, taken at Waukegan, May 21, 1876.

MNIOTILTID®—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS, 125

Genus HELMINTHOPHILA Rineway.

Helminthophaga CaBan. Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 20. Type, Sylvia ruficapilla Wixs. (Not of
Brcust. 1802.)
Helminthophila Ripew. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vii, 1882, 53. Same type.

Gen. Cuar. Bill rather elongated (but shorter than the head), somewhat conical, very
acute, the outlines nearly straight, but sometimes slightly decurved at the tip; no trace
of notch at the tip, nor of bristles at the base. Wings long and pointed (decidedly longer
than the moderately developed tail); the first quill nearly, sometimes quite, the longest.
Tail nearly even, or slightly emarginate. Tarsi appreciably longer than the middle toe
and claw.

The species are all of small size, being, with the exception of
Compsothlypis, the smallest of the family. Most of them are brightly
colored, at least one of them (II. chrysoptera) being one of the prettiest
birds of the entire family. Including three somewhat doubtful forms,
believed to be hybrids, eleven species are known, of which the fol-
lowing occur east of the Mississippi:

a!, Wing varied with white or yellow.
b'. Wing with a large yellow patch covering both rows of coverts.

1. H.chrysoptera, Forehead and both rows of wing-coverts yellow; upper parts
bluish gray, lower parts white medially, bluish gray laterally. ¢: Lores,
auriculars, and whole throat black. ¢: Lores, auriculars, and throat dull
gray; yellow of forehead tinged with olive.

2. H. leucobronchialis. Similar to chrysoplera, but whole throat pure white, even
beneath the surface of the feathers; black on side of head limited to a narrow
loral and postocular streak; breast often tinged with yellow—sometimes
bright yellow; sides usually but slightly or not at all tinged with grayish.

623. Wing with two white bands, formed by the tips of middle and greater coverts.

‘3. H. lawrencei. Head and lower parts bright yellow, relieved by broad black
stripe coveriig lores and auriculars and black throat, as in H. chrysoptera,
the 2 probably with these black markings dusky olive; upper parts olive-
green, the wings and tail bluish gray, the former with two white bands.

4. H. pinus. Similar to H. lawrencei, but whole throat bright yellow, like other
lower parts, and black on side of head reduced to a narrow streak, as in H.
leucobronchialis. ¢ similar to the ¢, but rather duller, the yellow of forehead
less pure, and streak through eye dusky instead of black.

a’, Wing unvaried.
b2. Two outer tail feathers with a large white patch near end of inner webs.

5. H. bachmani. Above plain olive-green, forehead and lower parts yellow. ¢:
Whole throat black; crown gray, bordered anteriorly by a black bar. %
Throat dusky olive; crown dull grayish olive, the black bar obsolete.

b2, Inner webs of tail feathers without white spots.

6, H.ruficapilla, Above olive-green, the head grayish, with a whitish orbital ring;
lower parts yellow. ¢: Crown with a concealed patch of chestnut. 9: Simi-
lar to the ¢, but colors duller, the chestnut crown-patch less distinct (some-
times obsolete).

7. H.celata. Above olive-green, beneath pale grayish yellow; crown with a con-
cealed patch of orange-rufous, this less distinct in the female and quite obso-
lete in the young.

126 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

8H. peregrina, Adult #: Above olive-green, the head and neck ash-gray,
without colored crown-patch, but with a narrow dusky streak through the
eye; lower parts white. Adults: Bimilar, but gray of head tinged with
greenish, and white of lower parts soiled with yellowish olive, espeeially on
sides. Young: Head and neck olive-green, like other upper parts; lower
parts strongly tinged with olive-yellowish, the lower tall-coverts, however,
always pure white.

9. H. cincinnatiensis, Above olive-green, the forehead yellow, and crown blotched
with black; rest of head, with whole lower parts, yellow, the side of head
marked by a broad loral and suborbital patch of black.

Helninthophila pinus (Linn )
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER,

Popular synonyms.—Blue-winged Yellow Warbler; Blue-winged Swamp Warbler.
Certhia pinus Linn. 8. N. ed. 12,1, 1766, 187.
Helminthophaga pinus Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 254; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 180; Review,
1864, 174.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 94; Check List, 1873, No. 62; 2d ed. 1882, No. 98; B. N. W.
1874, 49; B. Col. Val. 1878, 214.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 195, pl. 11, fig. 1.—
Rew. Nom. N. Am. 1881, N. 79.
Helminthophila pinus Ripew. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vii, 1882, 53.
Sylvia solitaria Wiis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 109, pl. 15, fig. 4.—Nurt. Man. i, 1832, 410.—Aup.
Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 102, pl. 20.
Helinaia solitaria AuD. Synop. 1839, 69; B. Am. ii, 1841, 98, pl. 111,

Has. Eastern United States, chiefly south of 40° and west of the Alleghanies; north,
frregularly to Massachusetts and Michigan, and west to border of the Great Plains. In
winter, eastern Mexico and Guatemala.

Sp. Cuan. Adult ¢: Forehead, fore part of crown, cheeks, and entire lower parts (ex-
cept crissum), pure gamboge-yellow, most intense on forehead; ecrissum and lining of
wing white, usually more or lesstinged with yellow. Occiput, cervix, back, scapulars, and
rump, plain olive-green, brightest on the rump, where more tinged with yellow; wings
and tail bluish gray, the former crossed by two white bands, formed by tips of middle
and greater coverts; two outer tail feathers with most of the inner web white, the third
with about the terminal half white. Lores and a narrow postocular streak, deep black.
Bill wholly deep black; iris brown; legs and feet dull plumbeous, more or less tinged
with yellowish, especially on soles of toes. Jn autumn, similar, but yellow of forehead
more or less obscured by olive-green; maxilla dark plumbeous or brownish black, its
edge, with mandible, dull flesh color, or purplish brown, the latter with a blackish stripe
along each side. Aduli?: Similar to the ¢, but colors appreciably duller.

Total length, 4.65-5.; extent, 7.-7.50; wing, about 2.40-2.50,; tail, 2.-2.10; culmen, 50;
tarsus, .70.

In half-cleared fields which have grown up to sprouts, and in rich
open woods in the bottom-lands, where the switch-cane forms a con-
siderable proportion of the undergrowth, the Blue-winged Yellow
Warbler is one of the characteristic birds. The male is a persistent
singer during the breeding season, and thus betrays his presence to
the collector, who finds this of all species one of the easiest to pro-
eure. His song is very rude, however, resembling more that of the
Yellow-winged Sparrow than any other bird whose song I have
heard. The nest is built on the ground, among upright stalks, rest-
ing on a thick foundation of dry leaves.

MNiOTILTIDAH—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 127

Helminthophila chrysoptera (Linn.)

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER.
Popular synonyms.—Blue Golden-winged Warbler; Golden-winged Swamp Warbler.
Motacilla chrysonptera Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1768, 333.
Sylvia chrysopltera Lata.—Wixs. Am. Orn. il, 1810, 113, pl. 15, flg.5.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832,
411.—Auvp. Orn. Biog. y. 1839, 154, pl. 414.
Telinaia chrysoptera Aup. Synop. 1839, 67; B. Am. ii, 1841, 91, pl. 107.
Helminthophaga chrysoptera Can. Mus. Hein. i, 1859, 20.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 255;
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 181; Review, 1864, 175.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 94; Check List, 1873,
No. 63; 2d ed. 1882, No. 102; B. N. W. 1874, 49; B. Col. Val. 1878, 216.—B. B. & R. Hist. N.
Am. B. i, 1874, 192, pl. 11, flg. 2.—Rrpa@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 81.
Helminthophila chrysoptera Ripaw. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vii, 1882, 53.

Has. Eastern United States (chiefly north of 40° in summer) and Canada. Winters in
Cuba, Central America and extreme northern portion of South America (Colombia).

Sp.CHar. Adult é: Forehead and fore part of crown rich gamboge-yellow; occiput,
cervix, and other upper parts uniform bluish gray, relieved by alarge patch of light gam-
boge-yellow covering both rows of wing-coverts; secondaries (including tertials) some-
times edged with olive-green; inner webs of three outer tail feathers marked with a large
white patch, that on the exterior feather occupying the greater portion of the terminal
two thirds. Lores, orbits, and auriculars deep black; below this, a pure white malar
stripe, and aboye the auriculars a more or less distinct white streak, extending anteriorly
to above the eye; chin, throat, and jugulum solid black, with a rounded posterior outline.
Remaining lower parts pure white medially, bluish gray along sides. Bill deep black;
iris bruwn. Jn aulwmn, similar, but black feathers of throat very narrowly margined with
white, the yellow of forehead and blue-gray of back tinged with olive-green. Adults:
Similar to the 4, but black of throat and auriculars replaced by dusky grayish, the yellow
of forehead obseured by olive-green, and back usually tinged with the same.

Total length about 5 inches; wing 2 45-2.65; tail 1.90-2.25; culmen about .50; tarsus .70.

The southern limits of this species during the breeding season
are not known with certainty. The writer is certain of having seen
one or two individuals during a visit to Fox Prairie, in Richland
county, in June, 1871, but whether they were breeding there he has
no evidence further than the circumstance that all other species of
the neighborhood were then nesting, while all which were unques-
tionably migrating had passed north at least two weeks before.* It
has been found breeding abundantly in Stark county, Indiana, by
Mr. H. K. Coale, who sends me the following interesting communi-
cation concerning his discovery:

‘Hach season reveals new and interesting facts in the study of
the birds. On May 11th, 1884, in a woods on the Kankakee river,
in Starke county, Indiana, I found the Golden-winged Warbler quite
common. Five were shot and three others seen—all males, which
were singing. Some were flushed from the ground and flew up to
the nearest small tree, where they sat motionless next the trunk.

* Since the above was written, found breeding by the writer (in June, 1885) along the
southern edge of Calhoun Prairie, in Richland county.

128 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

The locality was a moist situation, overgrown with young trees and
bushes. Their short lisping note, repeated four times, was easily
distinguished.”

The Golden-winged Warbler is a common species during the spring
migration in Wabash county, Illinois, and in adjacent counties of
Indiana, and it is hardly, if at all, less rare in fall.

Helminthophila ruficapilla (Wils.)
TASHVILLE WARBLER.

Sylvia ruficapilla Wis. Am, Orn. iii, 1811, 120, pl. 27, fig. 3.—Aub. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 450, pl.
89.

Helminthophagaruficapilla Barry, B. N. Am. 1858, 256; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 183; Review,
1864, 175.—Covgs, Key, 1872, 94; Check List, 1873, No. 67; 2d ed. 1882, No. 106; B. N. W.
1874,50; B. Col. Val. 1878, 224.—B. B. &R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 196, pl. 11, fig. 7.—
Rivew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 85.

Helminthophila ruficapilla Ripaw. Bull Nutt. Orn. Club, vii. 1882, 54.

Sylvia rubricapilla Wits. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 15 (index).—Nurr. Man. i, 1882, 412.

Helinaia rubricapilla AuD. Synop. 1839, 70; B. Am. ii. 1841, 103, pl. 113.

Has. Nearly the whole of North America, but rather irregularly distributed in the
West; breeding on higher mountain ranges within the United States (south in the Sierra
Nevada to at least 38°)*, but chiefiy northward (south to Massachusetts). Winters chiefly
in Mexico. Casual in Greenland.

“Sp. Cuan. Head and neck above and on sides ash-gray, the crown with a patch of
concealed dark brownish-orange hidden by ashy tips to the feathers. Upper parts olive-
green, brightest onthe rump. Under parts generally, with the edge of the wing, deep
yellow; the anal region paler; the sides tinged with olive. A broad yellowish white
ring round the eye; the lores yellowish; no superciliary stripe. The inner edges of the
tail-feathers margined with dull white. female similar, but duller; the under parts paler
and with more white; but little trace of the red of the crown. Length, 4.65; wing. 2.42;
tail, 2.05.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

“First plumage: Female. Remiges, rectrices, etc., as in adult. Two conspicuous wing-
bands of bright buff. Pileum and nape light ashy, tinged with fulvous. Back ashy, just
touched with green; rump bright olive-green. Supra-orbital line, ring around eye, and
the throat, bright buff. Lores, maxillary line, and auriculars pale ashy. Breast and cris-
sum gamboge-yellow, each feather tipped with whitish, producing a somewhat hoary ap-
pearance. Abdomen pale yellow; sides dull cinnamon, with a shade of ashy. Froma
specimen in my collection taken at Upton, Me., August 14, 1873. A full series of specimens
illustrates well the progressive stages. The fall plumage in very quickly acquired by
young of this species.” (BrewstTeER, Bull Nutt. Orn. Club, Apr. 1878, p. 57.)

The Nashville Warbler is a rather common bird during the migrat-
ing seasons, and breeds in the extreme northern counties of the
State. In its general habits this species is much like the other
members of the genus, living among the undergrowth in open woods
or among bushes in cleared places, and building its nest upon the
ground. ‘he song is said to resemble that of the Chestnut-sided

* The western bird is now recognized asa distinct race, H. ruficapilla gutluralis Ridgw.
(Hist. N. Am. B. i, p. 191.)

MNIOTILYID—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 129

and Summer Yellow Warblers (Dendroica pennsylvanica and D. estiva),
and is therefore very different from that of its Blue-winged Yellow
and Golden-winged congeners.

Helminthophila celata (Say)

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.

Sylvia celata Say, Long's Exp. i, 1823, 169.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832,413.—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834,
449.

Vermivora celata Nutr. Man. 2d ed. 1840, 473.

Helinaia celata (part) AuD. Synop. 1839,69; B. Am. ii, 1841, 100.

Helminthophaga celata (part) Barro, B. N. Am. 1858, 257; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 184; Re-
view, 1864, 176.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 95; Check List, 1878, No. 68; 2d ed. 1882, No. 107; B.N. W.
1874,52; B. Col. Val. 1878. 226.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.i, 1874, 202, pl. 11, fig. 5.—
Rimpew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 86.

Helminthophila celata Ripaw. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vii, 1882, 54.

Has. Interior of North Ameriza, breeding in the Rocky Mountain region and north-
ward to the Yukon region of Alaska; in winter migrating through the Mississippi Valley
and westward to the Great Basin; very rare, during migrations, in Atlantic States. Winter-
ing along southern border of United States andin Mexico. (Replaced along Pacific coast,
from the Alaskan peninsula southward, by a brighter-colored race, H. celata lutescens, and
inthe South Atlantic States by the dark-colored H. celata obscura; the latter possibly
breeding in the higher Alleghanies.

“Sp. CHar. Above grayish olive-green, rather brighter ontherump. Beneath en-
tirely greenish yellowish-white, except alittle whitish about the anus; the sides tinged
with grayish olivaceous. A concealed patch of pale orange-rufous on the crown, hid-
den by the grayish tips to the feathers. Eyelids and an obscure supereiliary line yellow-
ish white, a dusky obscure streak through the eye. Inner webs of tail feathers broadly
edged with white. Female with little or none of the orange on the crown, and the white
edgings to inner webs of tail feathers. Young lacking the orange entirely, and with two
fulvous-whitish bands on the wing. Length, 4.70: wing, 2.25; tail, 2.00."*

During the seasons of migration, this species is occasionally com-
mon, but some years appears to be very rare if not wanting alto-
gether. It possesses no special characteristic of habits or song, in
which respects it resembles the other members of the genus. The
writer found it a very abundant species during autumn in the
mountains of Nevada and Utah, and a rather common bird in the
higher woods of the Wahsatch Mountains, where it was breeding.
Its summer home extends far northward, even to the shores of the
Arctic seas, and it breeds abundantly throughout the Yukon Valley
in Alaska, quite to the shores of Norton Sound, and thence east-
ward to the McKenzie River district, from which region numerous
nests have been received at the National Museum.

* Average of five adult males: wing, 2.50; tail, 2.04; culmen, .41; tarsus, .42.
Average of two adult females: wing, 2.34; tail, 1.98; culmen, .40; tarsus, .64.

—9

_ 180 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Helminthophila peregrina (Wils.)
TENNESSEE WARBLER,

Sylvia peregrina Wiis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 83, pl. 25, fig. 2.—Nurr. Man. 1, 1832, 412.—Aup.
Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 307, pl. 154.

Sylvicola(Vermivora) peregrina Sw. & Ricw. Faun. Bor. Am. ii, 1831, 221, pl. 42.

Vermivora peregrina Nutr. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 469.

Helinaia peregrina AuD. Synop. 1839, 68; B. Am. ii, 1841, 96, pl. 110.

Heiminthophaga peregrina CAB.—BAtrD, B. N. Am. 1858, 258; Cat. N. Am. A. 1859, No. 185;
Review, 1865, 178.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 95; Check List, 1873, No. 69; 2d ed. 1882, No. 109;
B_N. W. 1874, 53; B. Col. Val. 1878, 230.—B. B. & R Hist. N. Am. B. 1. 1874, 205, pl.
11, figs. 10,11.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 87.

Helminthophila peregrina Ripew. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Cl. vii, 1882. 54.

Has. Eastern North America, west to eastern base of Rocky Mountains (El Paso Uo.,
Colorado, Sept. 1, 1873; C. E. Aiken); breeding from northern border of United States to
the Arctic regions; winters in Cuba and Middle America and south to Colombia.

“Sp.CHar. Top and sides of the head and neck ash-gray; rest of upper parts olive-
green, brightest on the rump. Beneath dull white, faintly tinged in places, especially on
the sides, with yellowish-olive. Wyelids and a stripe over the eye whitish; a dusky line
from the eye to the bill. Outer tail-feather with a white spot along the inner edge near
the tip. Female with the ash of the head less conspicuous; the under parts more tinged
with olive-yellow. Length, 4.50; wing, 2.75; tail, 1.85.

“Autumnal specimens and young birds are sometimes so strongly tinged with green-
ish yellow as to be scarcely distinguishable from H. celata. The wing is, however,
always longer, and the obscure whithish patch on the inner edge of the exterior tail-
feather, near its tip, is almost always appreciable. In celata this edge is very narrowly
and uniformly margined with whitish.

“A young bird of the year, from Fort Simpson (27, 228), has two distinct greenish white
bands on the wings, and the forehead and cheeks greenish yellow. A corresponding age
of H. celata has the wing-bands more reddish brown, the wings shorter, and no white
patch on the outer tail-feather.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Autumnal specimens usually have the primaries narrowly but distinctly tipped with
white, and occasionally show traces of white tips to the greater wing-coverts.

Like the Orange-crowned Warbler, the Tennessee Warbler is a
bird of extreme northern distribution during the breeding season;
but, while the former is chiefly western during its migrations the
latter is exclusively eastern, the base of the Rocky Mountains being
the western limit of its range. It is very abundant in Illinois dur-
ing its migrations, both in spring and fall; indeed, it seems to be
far more numerous west of the Alleghanies than eastward of that
range, in which respect it is like the Philadelphia Vireo and several
other migratory birds, which can scarcely be considered as more
than stragglers in the Atlantic States. Like the Orange-crowned

MNIOTILTIDA—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 131

Warbler, this species breeds abundantly in the extreme north, being
particularly numerous in the McKenzie River district; but it is ap-
parently wanting to the Alaskan fauna. ‘The southern portion of
its breeding range includes the northern shores of the Great Lakes
and a considerable portion of New England, including parts of
Massachusetts. Its nest, like that of other species of its genus, is
built on the ground. The song is said to resemble that of the
Nashville Warbler, except that it is shriller.

Genus COMPSOTHLYPIS Carsanis.

Parula BonaP. Geog. & Comp. List, 1838, 20. Type, Paruws americanus Linn. (Not
Parulus Sprx, 1824.)
Compsothlypis CABANIS, Mus. Helin. i, 1850,20. (Same type.)

“Gen. CHAR. In the species of this genus the bill is conical and acute; the culmen
very gently curved from the base; the commissure slightly concave. The notch when
visible is further from the tip than in Dendroica, but usually is either obsolete or entirely
wanting. Bristles weak. The tarsi are longer than the middle toe. ‘The tail is nearly
even, and considerably shorter than the wing. Color, blue above, with a triangular patch
of green on the back; anterior lower parts yellow.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Compsothlypis americana (Linn.)

PARULA WARBLER,

Popular synonyms.—Particolored Warbler; Blue Yellow-backed Warbler,

Parus americanus Lrxn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 190.
Sylvia americana AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 78, pl. 15.
Sylvicola americana AuD. Synop, 1839, 59; B. Am. ii, 1841, 57, pl. 91.
Parula americana Bonar. Comp. List, 1838, 20.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 238; Cat. N. Am.
B. 1859, No. 168; Review, 1865, 169.—CougEs, Key, 1872, 92; Check List, 1873, No. 58: 2d
ed. 1882, No. 93; B. N. W. 1874, 46; B. Col. Val. 1878, 208.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i,
1874, 208, pl. 10, fig. 7.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 88.
Compsothlypis americana CaB. Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 20.
Sylvia pusilla Wis. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 17, pl. 28, fig. 3.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces, breeding throughout, or from Gulf
coast northward; in winter, most of the West Indies, Mexico, and Guatemala; also in
Florida (and along Gulf coast). West to eastern base of Rocky Mountains (El Paso Co.,
Colorado, May; C. E. Aiken).

Sp. Coar. Two bands on the wing-coverts, and spots on inner webs of two or three
outer tail-feathers, just before the end, white; breast yellow; back greenish; abdomen
and crissum white. Adult: Above grayish blue, with a triangular patch of olive-green
on the back; throat and breast yellow, with more or less of dusky, and sometimes also of
orange-rufous, across the jugulum. Adult ¢: Similar, but colors duller, the blue above
obscured with a greenish wash and the yellow beneath paler and more soiled.

First plumage: male. Kemiges, rectrices, ete., as in the adult. Pileum, cervix, rump
and upper tail-coverts dull gray tinged with olive anteriorly and with blue posteriorly

132 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the back with more or less of an indistinct patch of olive-green; throat and eyelids gray-
ish white, abdomen, anal region, and crissum pure white; jugulum and sides of breast
pale ash-gray. Fromtwo specimens obtained at Mt. Carmel, IIl., July 17, 1871. Both of
these show a large patch of bright gamboge-yellow on the breast, these feathers de-
noting the commencement of the adult plumage. One of them also has the chin and
an indistinct supraloral line tinged with yellow.

“Autumnal males are browner on the chin, yellower on the throat and jugulum.
Head tinged with greenish; secondaries edged with greenish yellow. Autumnal females
are light greenish olive above, dirty white beneath.

“In very brightly colored spring males, there is frequently (as in 58,335, Philadelphia)
a well-defined, broad blackish band across the jugulum, anterior to an equally distinct
and rather broader one across the breast, of a brown tint, spotted with black. while the
sides are much spotted with chestnut-brown; the blue above is very pure, and the green
patch on the back very sharply defined.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This pretty little warbler is abundant durmg the migrations, and
is also not uncommon in swampy forests during summer, when it
inhabits chiefly those woods where the long gray lichens (Usnea)
are abundant on the trunks and branches of the trees. In these
long beard-like tufts it constructs its nest, which is so artfully con-
cealed that only the actions of the owners can reveal its location.

Genus DENDROICA Gaay.

Dendroica Gray, List of Gen. and Subg. B.2d ed. Appendix, 1842,8. Type, Motacilla cor-
onata LINN.

The essential characters of this genus, as here enlarged, have
been given on page 115. ‘Therefore, we will in this place give the
differential characters of the two so-called subgenera, fuller diag-
noses of which will be found under their separate headings:

Dendroica.—Bill not acute, the gonys convex, the notch distinct. Tongue not lacerate
or fringed at tip.

Perissoglossa.—Bill very acute, the gonys slightly concave near tip, the notch obsolete
or very indistinct. Tongue forked and deeply lacerate at tip.

Subgenus Perissoglossa Baird.

Perissoglossa BAtRD, Rey. Am. Birds, 1864, 181. Type, Molacilla tigrina GM.

“Gen. CHAR. Form of Dendroica, but bill slender, acute, with very indistinct notch; the
eommissure gently arched or curved frum the base; the gonys also straight, or even

MNIOTILTIDH—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 133

slightly concave. Tongue lengthened, narrow, deeply bifid (for one third), and deeply
lacerated or fringed externally at the end; the edge along the median portion folded
over on the upper surface, but not adherent.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The curvature of the bill in Perissoglossa tigrina is quite peculiar
among the Mniotiltide with notched bills, with the single exception
of Helminthophila bachmani.

It seems likely that the Helinaia carbonata of Audubon belongs
here, as it appears very closely allied to the type of this subgenus.
The two species differ, however, as follows :—

Common CuHaracters. Male. Top of head black. Above olive, becoming yellowish on
rump. Head, neck, and lower parts bright yellow, becoming whitish posteriorly, Dorsal
feathers with black centres; breast and sides streaked with black. A black streak through
the eye.

P. tigrina, Large white patches on inner webs of tail feathers.
Sides of head and middle of throat tinged with chestnut. One large white patch
on wing. covering both rows of coverts. Outer web of lateral tail-feather blackish.
P. carbonata, No white patches on tail feathers.
No chestnut about head. Two bands on the wing, the anterior one white, the
posterior yellow. Outer web of lateral tail-feather whitish.

Dendroica tigrina (Gmel.)

CAPE MAY WARBLER.

Motacilla tigrina Guet. S. N. i, 1788, 985 (based on Epwarps, pl. 257).
Dendroica tigrina Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 286; Cat. N. Am, B. 1859, No. 206.—Cougs, Key,
1872, 102; Check List, 1873 No. 85; 2d ed. 1882, No. 126; B. Col. Val. 1878, 245.
Perissoglossa tigrina Barry, Review, 1865, 181.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 212,
pl. 12, flgs. 1,.2—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 90.
Sylvia mari:ima Wis. Am. Orn. Vi, 1812, 99, pl. 54, flg. 3—AuD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 156, pl.
414.—Nurt. Man. i, 1832, 371.
Sylvicola maritima JARD.—AUD. Synop. 1839, 56; B. Am. ii, 1841, 44, pl. 85.—Nurr. Man.
2d ed. i, 1840, 424.

Has. Eastern North America, north to Hudson’s Bay and Lake Winnipeg; breeding
ehiefly north of the United States and wintering in the West Indies, where resident in
Jamaica.

“Sp. Coar. Bill very acute, conical and decidedly curved. Bill and feet black. Upper
part of head dull black, some of the feathers faintly margined with light yellowish brown.
Collar searcely meeting behind, rump and under parts generally rich yellow. Throat, fore-
part of breast, and sides streaked with black. Abdomen and lower tail-coverts pale yel-
low, brighter about the vent. Ear-coverts light reddish-chestnut. Back part of a yellow
line from nostrils over the eye of this same color: chin and throat tinged also withit. A
black line from commissure through the eye, and running into the chestnut of the ear-
coverts. Back, shoulders, edges of the wing and tail, yellowish olive; the former spotted
with dusky. One row of small coverts, and outer bases cf the secondary coverts, form a
large patch of white, tinged with pale yellow. Tertials rather broadly edged with brown-
ish white. Quills and taildark brown, the three outer feathers of the latter largely marked
with white on the inner web; edge of the outer web of the outer feathers white, more per-
ceptible towards the base. Leneth, 5.25; wing, 2.84; tail, 2.15.

184 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“Female. Above olivaceous-ash, most yellowish on rump; no black nor chestnut on
head. Wing-coverts inconspicuously edged with whitish. Tail spots very inconspicuous
Beneath dull white tinged with yellowish on the breast, and streaked as in the male, but
with dusky grayish instead of black.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

“First plumage: female. Remiges, rectrices, and primary coyerts as in adult. Pileum,
nape, rump, and upper tail-coverts dark slaty-brown, the back with an indistinct patch
of olive-green. Eyelids, throat, jugulum, and sides of breast dark slate: abdomen, anal
region, and crissum soiled white, tinged with dull yellow. From a specimen in my collec-
tion shot at Upton, Me., August 21, 1874. This bird exhibits a few irregular patches and
isolated feathers of dull yellow on the breast and throat, forerunners of the fall plumage.”
(BREWSTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club Apr. 1878, p. 60.)

“The chestnut about the head in adult males varies in amount with the individual;
sometimes (as in 20,633, May, Moose Factory, Hudson's Bay Territory) there is an oblong
spot of chestnut in the middle of the crown, but generally this isabsent. Very frequently
the chestnut tinges the throat. All variations in these respects appear, however, to be
individual, and not dependent at all on locality. West Indian specimens appear to be
absolutely identical with those from North America.

“Autumnal specimens are browner, the chestnut markings much obscured.” (Hist. NV.
Am. B.)

This was until within comparatively a few years a rare bird,
whose habits were by no means well known. It passes through Lli-
nois during its migrations, but does not, so far as known, remain
to breed, although in the mountainous portions of Hayti and Jamaica
and perhaps others of the Greater Antilles, it is a permanent resi-
dent; thus having a very peculiar distribution, like the Yellow
rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) and possibly other members
of the family.

With the exception of two, which were taken in an orchard (when
the apple-trees were in bloom), all the specimens of this species
secured by the writer were shot from tall tree-tops, the height being
so great that it was impossible to identify the species. It therefore
seems likely that most examples evade the collector by keeping in
the tree-tops at such an elevation that they cannot be distinguished
from other Warblers.

Mr. Nelson (page 99 of his catalogue) says of this species in
northeastern Illinois:

“Very common migrant. May 7th to 25th, and September 5th to
20th. In spring, found almost exclusively in the tops of the trees;
in autumn found in large numbers along roadsides, borders of woods
and fields in company with Dendraca palmarum, from which it is,
with difficulty, distinguished at gunshot, so closely alike are their
habits and movements at this season.”

MNIOTILTIDE—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 185

Subgenus Dendroica Gray.

Dendroica Gray, Genera Birds, Appendix, 1842,8. Type, Motacilla coronata LINN.

“Gen. CHar. Bill conical, attenuated, depressed at the base, where it is however
searcely broader than high, compressed from the middle. Culmen straight for the basal
half, then rather rapidly curving, the lower edge of upper mandible also concave. Gonys
slightly convex and ascending. A distinct notch near the end of the bill. Bristles,
though short, generally quite distinct at the base of the bill. Tar-ilong, decidedly,
longer than the middle toe, which is longer than the hinder one; the claws rather small
and much curved; the hind claw nearly as long as its digit. The wings long and pointed
the second quill usually a very little longer than the first. The tail slightly rounded and
emarginate.”

“Colors. Tail always with a white or yellow spot; its ground color never clear olive-
green; in D. estiva edged internally with yellow.

“Hogs usually with a white or a bluish white ground, marked with purplish brown and
obscure lilac; in some, mingled with varying shades of sienna-brown. Nest, so far as
known, in bushes and trees, except D. palmarum, which is on the ground.

“The genus Dendroica is one of the most extensive as to species
of any in North America, and scarcely admits of any subdivision.
There is a little variation.in the bill, wings, ete., the chief peculiar-
ities being in D. castanea and pennsylvanica, in which the bill is
broader, and more depressed, with longer bristles; in D. striata,
where the bill is narrow with scarcely any bristles; and in D. pal-
marum and kirtlandi, where the wings are very short, scarcely longer
than the tail. D. palmarum has the tarsus unusually long. The
colors in all are strongly marked, and the species are among the
most beautiful of all belonging to our fauna, and are the most con-
spicuous for their numbers and in their migrations.” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

The difference in manners between certain members of this genus
is remarkable; thus, the D. palmarum is very terrestrial in its
habits, walking upon the ground with the ease and grace of a Tit-
lark (Anthus), and, like these birds, it has a wagging motion of the
tail. On the other hand, the D. dominica and D. vigorsti are “Creep-
ers” almost to the same extent as is the Mniotilta varia; creeping not
only along the branches of trees, but the cornices and lattices of build-
ings, with the facility of a Nuthatch (Sitta). Both these species, how-
eyer, may often be seen hopping among the foliage of the trees,
now and then snapping an insect on the wing, in the manner of
others of the family.

Synopsis of Species.

A. Inner webs of lateral tail-feathers with a patch or distinet edging of yellow.
1. D. estiva. ¢: Gamboge-yellow, more olive-green above, the breast and sides
streaked with chestnut-red. ¢: Duller, lacking distinct red streaks below.
Young: Dull oliye-green above, plain pale yellow, or greenish buffy white. below.

136

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

B. Inner webs of lateral tail-feathers with patch or distinet edging of white.

a.

Wing without light markings, except a white spot at base of primaries ‘sometimes
obsolete in 9).

D. cwerulescens. ¢: Above plain dark dull blue; sides of head and neck, throat, and
sides, black; belly white. ¢: Above dull grayish green, below dull pale greenish
buff.

Wing with one or two distinct bands across coverts.

D. virens. ¢: Above bright olive-green; wing with two white bands; sides of head
gamboge-yellow; chin, throat, jugulum and sides of breast, deep black; belly
white. ¢: Similar, but black of throat, ete., broken by admixture of yellow and
whitish. Young in fall and winter: Throat, etc., mostly pale yellowish.

D. striata. Crissum pure white at all stages and seasons. ¢: Pileum uniform
deep black; upper parts grayish, streaked with black, the wings with two white
bands; lower parts pure white, the sides of the throat with a series of blended
black streaks, uniting en chin. ¢: Above dull olive-green, everywhere streaked
with black; beneath whitish, more or less tinged anteriorly with greenish buff, the
sides (and sometimes sides of throat) streaked with dusky. Young in fall and
winter: Above olive-green, more or less streaked, especially on back, with dusky;
beneath pale olive-yellowish, the crisswm, however, always pure white.

D. castanea, Crissum always pale creamy buff. ¢: Crown, throat and entire
sides chestnut, darkest on the first; above grayish, streaked with black, the wing
with two white bands; sides of neck and whole belly pale buff, or buffy white. ¢:
Somewhat similar, but chestnut wanting, or merely indicated, the crown streaked
like the back. Young in fall and winter: Similar to corresponding stage of
striata, but crissum pale buff, the upper tail-coverts and tail tinged with bluish
gray; flanks sometimes (in males chiefly) tinged with chesinnt.

D. pennsylvanica, Wing-bands sulphur-yellow; throat pure white; crown yellow
or grass-green; auriculars white or light gray. é: Sides, continuously, rich chest-
nut, connecting anteriorly with a black cheek-patch; crown bright yellow; back
streaked with black and greenish yellow. ¢: Similar tothe ¢, but duller. Yowng
in fall and winter: Above nearly plain bright olive-green, including whole top of
head; side of head ash-gray; lower parts plain white, more grayish laterally,
wheres sometimes tinged with chestnut on the flanks.

D. cerulea. ¢: Above fine grayish blue, with black streaks on back and along sides
of crown; wing-bands pure white; lower parts pure white, interrupted by a gray-
ish blue jugular band or collar. ¢: Above grayish green, glossed with blue;
beneath light greenish buff, without jugular collar. Young é: Similar to adult ¢,
but whiter beneath, and upper parts more glossed with blue.

D. blackburnia. Crown with a more or less distinct central spot of orange or yel-
lowish. ¢: Spot on crown, superciliary stripe (widening on sides of neck), suborb-
ital spot, with whole chin, throatand jugulum, rich cadmium-orange, most intense
on throat; other markings about head, with prevailing color of upper parts, deep
black, relieved by a large pure white wing-patch, covering both rows of coverts;
breast and belly yellowish white, the sides streaked with black. ¢: Similar in
pattern, but black replaced by streaked black and grayish olive, the orange of
throat, ete., much paler.

D. maculosa. White tail-spots on the middle portion of the inner webs, and on all
the feathers except the intermediw. ¢: Crown bluish gray; lores, auriculars, and
back, black; rump and lower parts rich gamboge-yellow, the jugulum and sides
broadly striped with deep black; eyelids, postocular streak, wing-patch (covering
both rows of coverts), and crissum, white. ¢: Similar to the ¢, but duller, the back
mixed with olive-green, the wing-patch dissolved into two distinct bands. Young
in Jalland winter: Above olive, becoming grayish on the head and greenish on the
back; throat pale grayish; no streaks across jugulum.

D. coronata. Crown with a central spot of yellow, and sides of breast, also lower
part of rump, with apatch of the same; throat and other lower parts white, or
whitish. ¢; Above bluish gray, streaked with black, the wing with two white

MNIOTILTIDA—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 137

bands; sides of head black, with a supraloral and postocular streak of white;
breast, especially next the yellow patches, heavily spotted or blotched with black.
¢: Similar to the ¢, but much duller, less bluish above, the streaks on breast much
narrower. Autumnal and winter plumage (adult and young): Upper parts brown-
ish, and white of lower parts obscured by a wash of the same; streaks on breast
indistinct or obsolete, and yellow patches much reduced in size. Young, first
plumage: No yellow, except sometimes on rump; whole plumage thickly streaked
above and below, with dusky and grayish white.

Ml. D.dominica., Adult (sexes alike): Above bluish gray, the back without streaks;
superciliary stripe and sides of neck white, the former sometimes yellow ante-
riorly; lores and cheeks black, this extending downward to sides of throat in a
triangular patch; whole throat clear yellow; rest of lower parts white, the sides
streaked with black. Young: Similar, but upper parts tinged with brownish, white
of lower parts soiled with the same, yellow of throat duller. and markings of head
less sharply defined.

2. D. vigorsii. Wing-bands duli gray or grayish white. é: Above olive-green, the wings
and tail grayish; beneath yellow, the sides indistinctly streaked with olive; the
anal region and crissum (sometimns belly also) white. 9: Above dull olive-gray,
sometimes tinged with olive-green; beneath pale grayish, fading into white pos-
teriorly, the breast usually tinged with yellow. Young, first plumage: Nearly like
the adult ?, and wholly unstreaked.

13. D., montana, Similar to pinuws, but forehead, superciliary stripe, auriculars, and
anal region yellow, and breast streaked with dusky.

14. D. discolor. ¢: Above olive-green, the back spotted with reddish chestnut; lower
parts rich gamboge- yellow, the sides broadly streaked with black; wings with only
one distinct band, this a pale yellow one across tips of middle coverts. ¢: Similar
but somewhat duller.

s. Wing without any dis‘inct bands or other markings.

15. D.palmarum. Above olive-brown, beneath yellowish. Adult with the crown
chestnut. :

a. palmarum. Yellow of lower parts confined chiefly to throat and crissum,
the belly whitish, or only slightly tinged with yellow; jugulum narrowly
streaked with dusky; back dull olive-brown.

b. hypochrysea. Lower parts wholly yellow; sides of breast broadly streaked
with reddish chestnut; back greenish olive.

16. D. kirtlandi. Adult (sexes alike): Above bluish gray, the crown streaked, and the
back spotted with black; lower parts pale sulphur-yellow, sides tinged with gray-
ish and streaked with black, the jugulum sometimes finely and sparsely dotted
with the same; side of head blackish, the eyelids white.

Dendroica xstiva (Gmel.)

YELLOW WARBLER,

Popular synonyms.—Summer Yellow-bird; Wild Canary; Yellow-poll Warbler.

Molacilla estiva GMEL. 8. N. i, 1788, 996.

Sylvia estiva LatH.—AvD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 476, pl. 95.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 370.

Sylvicola estiva Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1851, 211.—AupD. Synop. 1839, 58; B. Am. ii, 1841,
50, pl. 88.—Nurr. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 417,

Dendroica estiva BAarrD, B. N. Am. 1858, 282; Cat. N. Am. B. 1857, No. 203; Review, 1865,
195.—Couks, Key, 1872, 97; Check List, 1873, No. 76; 2d ed. 1882, No. 111; B. N. W. 1874,
54, 232; B. Col. Val. 1878, 252.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B, i, 1874, 222, pl. 14, fig 1.—
Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 93.

188 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Sylvia citrinella Wiis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 111, pl. 15, fig. 5.
Sylvia childreni Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 180, pl. 85.—Nutr. Man. {, 1832, 370.
Sylvia rathbonia AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 333, pl. 65.

Sylvicola rathbonii AuD. Synop. 1839, 58; B. Am. ii, 1841, 53, pl. 89.

Has. The whole of North America (to the limit of willow growth), breeding through-
out its range. In winter, the whole of Middle America and northern South America
(Trinidad, Tobago, Colombia, ete.), but not in West Indies, where replaced by allied
species.

8p. CHar. Adult ¢: Head (except occiput) and entire lower parts pure rich gamboge-
yellow, the forehead and crown less pure—often obscured by an olive-green wash, more
rarely intensified by an orange tinge; breast and sides broadly streaked with rich chest-
nut-rufous. Upper parts olive-green, the back sometimes narrowly streaked with dark
chestnut, the lower rump and upper tail-coverts more tinged with yellow. Wing feathers
blackish dusky centrally, but all margined, more or less broadly with olive-green or yel-
low, the middle coverts broadly tipped, the greater coverts and tertials broadly edged
with nearly pure yellow. Tail feathers dusky, the inner webs of all mostly pure yel-
low. Bill black; iris brown; legs and feet olive-brownish.

No bird of North America has so extensive a range, or 80
general a distribution, as the Summer Yellow-bird, who appears
equally at home in the subtropical lands along the Gulf coast, and
the shores of the Arctic Ocean; while it is no less numerous in
the parched valleys of California and Arizona than in the humid
districts of the Atlantic watershed. One of the most abundant of
our summer birds, it is also one of the most familiar, inhabiting,
as it does, the shade trees along the streets and in the parks of
the largest cities, and the orchards of the rural districts. Few
of our birds are more attractive in plumage or song. In some large
poplars on the opposite side of the street from my residence in Wash-
ington, a pair of these birds took up their abode, the male singing
through the season during certain hours, with great regularity. On
May 14, his morning rehearsal began at 4:15 o'clock, and continued
till near 8 o'clock; in the evening he began at 7:30 o'clock, and
continued until shortly after dusk.

The nest of this species is frequently built in an apple-tree, and is
a very neat, compact, cup-shaped structure, composed of plant-fibres,
slender strips of bark, etc., cosily lined with soft feathers. When
the Cowbird drops its egg into its nest, it very ingeniously covers it
over with a layer of the nest material, and raises the walls to a suffi-
cient height, thus building a new nest upon the old one, and com-
pletely incarcerating the parasitic egg—even though one or more of
her own be inclosed with it. Three-storied nests of this species or
with two layings of parasitic eggs thus incarcerated have been found.

MNIOTILTIDE—THE AMERICAN WARBLEBS. 139

Dendroica ceerulescens (Linn.)

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER,

Popular synonyms.—Canadian Warbler; Pine Swamp Warbler.

Motacilla canadensis Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 336 (not of p. 334, which=D. coronata!)
Sylvia canadensis Wius. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 115, pl. 15, fig. 7.—NutTr. Man. i, 1832, 398.—
Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 309, pls. 148, 155.
Sylvicola canadensis RicH.—AvuD. Synop. 1839, 61; B. Am. ii, 1841, 63, pl. 95.
Dendroica canadensis Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 271; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 193.
Motacilla cerulescens GMEL. S. N. i, 1788, 960.
Dendroica cerulescens BATRD Review, 1865, 186.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 254,
pl. 12, figs. 10,12.—Covurs, Key, 1872, 99; Check List, 1873, No. 76; 2nd ed. 1882, No.
117; B. N. W. 1874, 45; B. Col. Val. 1878, 241.—RipGw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 94.
Sylvia sphagnosa Bonap. Jour. Phila. Ac. iv, 1824, 199 (= ).—NoTtT. Man. i, 1852, 406.—
AupD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 279.
Sylvia pusilla Wis. Am. Orn. vy, 1812, 100, pl. 43, fig. 4 (— 9; not of vol. iv, p. 17, pl. 28, fig.
3, which=Compsothlypis americana),

Has. Eastern North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States, but also in
New England, south to Connecticut and New York; wintering in southern Florida, Ba-
hamas and Greater Antilles.

Sp.CHar. Adulté: Above uniform dull grayish blue, including outer edges of quills
and tail feathers. A narrow trontal line, entire side of head and neck, chin and throat,
uniform deep black, this color extending back along the sides to the tail; rest of lower
parts, including axillars and lining of the wing, pure white. Wings and tail black (outer
edge of feathers grayish blue); the former relieved by a more or less extensive patch of
white at base of primariss, the latter with a white patch near end of inner web of each
feather except the middle pair. Adult ¢ in fall and winter: Similar to spring and sum-
mer plumage, but black feathers of throat margined ‘with white, and back washed, more
or less, with olive-green. Adult 2: Dull grayish olive-green above, dull light greenish
buff below, inclining to white on the belly; sides of head dusky olive, the eyelids and a
more or less distinct superciliary streak whitish; white patch at base of primaries
reduced in size, sometimes quite obsolete; white tail-spots also smaller than in the ¢.

“First plumage, ¢. Remiges and rectrices as in autumnal males, the former slightly
palerin color. Rest of upper parts, including the wing-coverts, dark olive-brown; sides
of head very dark brown; lores black; throat, jugulum, lower eyelids, and a very con-
spicuous supra-orbital line, pale buff; breast and sides ashy, tinged with olive. Abdo-
men, anal region, and crissum strong sulphur-yellow. White spot on base of primaries
fully developed.” (Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1878, p. 57.)

“First plumage, %. Remiges and rectrices as in autumnal female. Rest of upper parts,
including wing-coverts and sides of head, light olive-brown. Lores dull black. Super-
ciliary line, both eyelids, throat, jugulum, abdominal and anal regions, with crissum, light
buff. Breast and sides olive, tinged with buff. Spot on base of primaries dirty-white.
From two specimens, ¢ and 9, in my collection, shot with parents at Upton, Me., August 11,
1873. The male above described shows a few black feathers on one side of the throat.
Several adult females in my collection, taken bothin spring and fall, lack the white wing-
patch altogether. Others have it but faintly indicated.” (BREwstTER, I. ¢.)

The Black-throated Blue Warbler is one of the many species which
merely pass hurriedly through our State on the way to their sum-
mer home in the great northern woods, and back again to their

140 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

tropical winter quarters. It possesses nothing specially distinctive
in its habits, either during the breeding season or when migrating,
and, compared with some other species, may be considered as one
of the least abundant of its family, although common enough some
seasons,

Dendroica coronata (Linn.)

MYRTLE WARBLER,

Popular synonyms Myrtle Bird; Yellow-rump Warbler; Yellow-crowned Wood Warbler.

Motacilla coronata Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 333.

Sylvia coronata LATH.—W1s. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 138, pl. 17, fig. 4.—NuTv. Man. i, 1832, 361.
—Auvup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 503. pl. 153.

Sylwicola coronata Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 216.—Aup. Synop. 1839, 51; B. Am. fi, 1841,
23, pL 76.—Nurt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 411.

Dendroica coronata Gray, List Gen. B. App. 1842,8.—Barep. B. N. Am. 1858, 278; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 194; Review, 1865, 187. —B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 227, pl. 12,
figs. 9, 12.

Dendreca coronata Scu.—CovgEs, Key, 1872, 100; Check List, 1873, No. 78; 2d ed. 1882, No.
119; B. N. W. 1874,57; B. Col. Val. 1878, 278.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 95.

Has. Whole of North America, but chiefly east of Rocky Mountains; very rare, and
perhaps merely straggling during migrations, in western portions, although sometimes
not uncommon in California. Breeds from northern New England northwards, and per-
haps southward along higher Alleghanies. Resident in Jamaica; winters in greater por-
tion of Eastern U. 8. (regularly north to about 40°), and also in Mexico, Guatemala and
the Greater Antilles.

“Sp. CHar. Above bluish-ash, streaked with black. Under parts white. The fore-
part of breast and the sides black, the feathers mostly edged narrowly with white.
Crown, rump, and sides of breast yellow. Cheeks and lores black. The eyelids anda
superciliary stripe, two bands on the wing and spots on the outer three tail feathers
white. Female of duller plumage and browner above. Length, 5.65; wing, 3.00; tail, 2.50,

“Autumnal and winter birds are very much duller and more obscurely colored, the
upper parts of an umber cast with the streaks almost obsolete; the black of the breast
wanting or but just indicated, and the yellow patch on crown almost concealed by the
brown tips to the feathers, and those on side of breast quite dull.

“A spring male (52,283) from Washington is remarkablein having the adjoining series
of feathers down the middle of the back with their inner webs broadly edged with yellow.
In this respect it differs from all others that we have noticed.” (Hist. V. Am. B.)

In the southern portion of the State (north at least to the line of
the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad), this species is usually an abun-
dant winter resident. It may often be seen in midwinter, when
the ground is covered with snow, in the door-yards along with Snow-
birds (Junco hyemalis), Tree Sparrows, and other familiar species,

MNIOTILTIDH—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 141

gleaning bread crumbs from the door-steps, or hunting for spiders
or other insect tidbits im the nooks of the garden fence or the
crevices in the bark of trees; and at evening, flying in considerable
companies, to the sheltering branches of the thickest tree tops (pre-
ferably evergreens), where they pass the night. Not unfrequently,
however, they roost in odd nooks and crannies about the buildings,
or even in holes in the straw- or hay-stacks, in the barn-yard. A
favorite food of this species are the berries of the Poison-vine (Rhus
toxicodendron), and during the early part of winter large numbers of
them may be seen wherever vines of this species are abundant.

During the winter season the plumage of this bird is dull and
unattractive, the sexes being scarcely distinguishable by color; but
as spring advances, the male assumes a parti-colored livery of black,
slate-blue, white and yellow, which renders him one of the most
striking among the feathered rivals of the bees which hum among the
blooming apple-trees. At this season, too, the male has an attractive
song, somewhat like that of the Summer Yellow-bird, but more of a
warble and sweeter in tone.

According to Mr. Mclarlane, of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the
Yellow-rumped Warbler reaches the high northern latitudes, near
the Arctic coast, late in May, and leaves that region in September.
He states that it nests in moderate abundance at Anderson River,
and that, although in a few instances the nest was placed on the
ground, it generally built four or five feet up in a low spruce tree.

A nest found at Parsboro’ Nova Scotia, is thus described by Dr.
Brewer (Hist. N. Am. B. Vol. I., p. 228):

“The nest was built on a horizontal branch, the smaller twigs of
which were so interlaced as to admit of its being built upon them,
though their extremities were interwoven into its rim. The nest
was small for the bird, being only two inches in depth and four and
a half in diameter. The cavity is one and a half inches deep and
two and a half wide. Its base and external portions consist of fine,
light, dry stalks of wild grasses, and slender twigs and roots. Of
the last the firm, strong rim of the nest is exclusively woven.
Within, the nest is composed of soft, fine grasses, downy feathers,
and the fine hair of the smaller mammals.”

142 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Dendroica maculosa (Linn.)
MAGNOLIA WARBLER,
Popular synonym.—Black and Yellow Warbler.
Molacilla maculosa Gm. 8. N. i, 1788, 984.
Sylvia maculosa LatH.—AUD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 260; ii, 1834, 145; v, 1839, 458, pls. 50, 1283.—
Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 370.
Sylvicola maculosa Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 213, pl. 40.—Aup. Synop. 1839, 61; B. Am.
ii, 1841, 65, pl. 96.
Dendroica maculosa BatrpD, B. N. Am. 1858, 284; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 204; Review,
1865, 206.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 232, pl. 14, fig. 2.
Dendreca maculosa Scu.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 102; Check List, 1873, No. 84; 2d ed. 1882, No.
125; B. N. W. 1874, 62; B. Col. Val. 1878, 290.—Ripe@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 97.
Sylvia magnolia Wis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 63, pl. 23.

Has. Eastern North America, west to eastern base of Rocky Mountains; breeds from
northern New England northward, and winters in Bahamas, Cuba (rare), eastern Mexico,
and Central America to Panama.

“Sp. CHar. Male in spring. Bill dark bluish black, rather ligbter beneath. Tail dusky.
Top of head light grayish‘blue. Front, lores, cheeks, and a stripe under the eye, black,
running into a large triangular patch on the back between the wings, which is also black.
Eyelids and a stripe from the eye along the side of head white. Upper tail-coverts black,
someofthe feathers tipped with grayish. Abdomen and lower tail-coverts white. Rump and
under parts, except as described, yellow. Lower throat, breast, and sides streaked with
black; the streaks closer on the lower throat and fore breast. Lesser wing-coverts, and
edges of the wing and tail, bluish gray, the former spotted with black. Quills and tail
almost black; the latter with a square patch of white on the inner webs of all the taii
feathers (but the two inner) beyond the middle of the tail. Two white bands across the
wings (sometimes coalesced into one) formed by the middle and secondary coverts. Part
of the edge of the inner webs of the quills white. Feathers margining the black patch on
the back behind and on the sides tinged with greenish. Length,5 inches; wing, 2-50; tail,
2.25. Autumnal males differ in absence of black of back, front, sides of head, and to a
considerable degree beneath, and in much less white on the wings, and head.

“Femalein spring. Similar, but all the colors duller. Black of the back restricted to a
central triangular patch.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Magnolia Warbler, probably the most showy of the Dendroice,
is an abundant species during its migrations, but does not breed
within the limits of the State. It is one of the most agile of its
tribe, its quick and restless movements being more like those of the
Redstart than those of its nearest kindred. The tail is carried
somewhat elevated and widely expanded, to display the broad white
band across the middle portion of the inner webs of the feathers,
which, together with the bold contrasts of black, yellow, and blue-
gray of the plumage, render it both conspicuous and beautiful.

Dendroica cerulea (Linn.)

CERULEAN WARBLER.
Popular synonyms.—Blue Warbler; White-throated Blue Warbler; Azure Warbler.
Sylvia cerulea Wris, Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 141, pl. 17, fig. 5.
Sylvicola cerulea Ricu.—Aup. Synop. 1839, 56; B. Am. ii, 1841, 45, pl. 86.
Dendroica cerulea Barep, B. N. Am. 1858, 280; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 201; Review, 1865,
191.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 235, pl. 13, figs. 10, 11.

MNIOTILTIDAX—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 148

Dendreca cerulea Scu.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 99; Check List, 1872, No. 77; 2d ed. 1882, No.
118; B. N. W. 1874, 56, 283; B. Col. Val. 1878, 267.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 98.
Sylvia rara Wits. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 119, pl. 27, fig. 2.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 393.—Aup. Orn
Biog. i, 1832, 258, pl. 49.
Sylvia azurea StepH. Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 653.—Nutr. Man. i. 1832, 407—Aup. Orn.
Biog. i, 1882, 255, pl. 48.

Has, Eastern United States, but chiefly westof the Alleghanies; north to Canada West
and (casually) Connecticut. Breeds very abundantly throughout the heavily wooded dis-
tricts of the Mississippi Valley. Winters in Central America and Northern South America;
Cuba.

“Sp, CHAR. Male. Above bright blue, darkest on the crown, tinged with ash on the
rump; middle of back, scapulars, upper tail-coverts, and sides of the crown, streaked
with black. Beneath white; a collar across the breast, and streaks on the sides, dusky
blue. Lores, and a line through and behind the eye (where it is bordered above by whit-
ish), dusky-blue; paler on the cheeks. Two white bands on the wings. All the tail
feathers except the innermost with a white patch on theinner webnearthe end. Female,
greenish blue above, brightest on the crown; beneath white, tinged with greenish yellow,
obsoletely streaked on the sides; eyelids and a superciliary line greenish white. Length,
4.25; wing, 2.65; tail, 1.90.

“The autumnal adult plumage of both sexes is, in every respect, exactly like the
spring dress. Young males in late summer are very similar to adult females, but are
purer white below, and less uniform greenish blue above, the dark stripes on sides of the
crown and black centres to scapulars being quite conspicuous; the young female, at the
same season, is similar in pattern to the adult, but is dull green above, without any tinge
of blue, and light buffy yellow below.

“There is considerable variation in adult males, especially in the width of the pectoral
collar; one (No. 60,877, Mt. Carmel, Wabash Co., Ill., Aug. 9) has this entirely interrupted.
In this individual there is no trace of a whitish supra-auricular streak; while others from
the same locality, and obtained at the same date, have the band across the jugulum con-
tinuous, and a quite distinct white streak over the ear-coverts.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This pretty little warbler is by far the most abundant of the
summer-resident members of the family in Illinois. It frequents
chiefly if not exclusively the tall timber of creek and river bottoms,
where it keeps much among the tree-tops rarely descending to the
undergrowth, and then perhaps only to search for material for its
nest.

“Tt is a bird of the woods, everywhere associated with the beeuti-
ful tall forests of the more northern counties of Western New York,
sometimes found in the open woods of pasture-lands, and quite
partial to hardwood trees. In its flitting motions in search of in-
sect-prey, and in the jerking curves of its more prolonged flight, as
also in structure, it is a genuine Wood Warbler, and keeps, for the
most part, to what Thoreau calls “the upper story” of its sylvan
domain. Its song, which is frequent, and may be heard for some
distance, may be imitated by the syllables rheet, rheet, rheet, rheet,
ridi, idi, e-e-e-e-e-e-e; beginning with several soft, warbling notes,
and ending in a rather prolonged but quite musical squeak. The
latter and more rapid part of the strain, which is given in the up-
ward slide, approaches an insect quality of tone which is more or

144 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

less peculiar to all true Warblers. This song is so common here
as to be a universal characteristic of our tall forests. The bird is
shy when started from the nest, and has the sharp chipping alarm-
note common to the family. The nest is saddled on a horizontal
limb of considerable size, some distance from the tree, and some
forty or fifty feet from the ground. Small, and very neatly and
compactly built.” (Rev. J. H. Langille, in Ornithologist and Oolo-
gist, Dec. 1882, p. 19:.) '

In History of North American Birds, Vol. IIL., page 505, Dr. Brewer
describes a nest of this species, as follows:

“A nest, containing one egg, of the Cerulean Warbler, was ob-
tained in June, 1873, by Frank §. Booth, the son of James Booth,
Ksq., the well known taxidermist of Drummondville, Ontario, near
Niagara Falls. The nest was built in a large oak-tree at the height
of fifty feet or more from the ground. It was placed horizontally
on the upper surface of a slender limb, between two small twigs,
and the branch on which it was thus saddled was only an inch and
a half in thickness. Being nine feet from the trunk of the tree, it
was secured with great difficulty. The nest is a rather slender
fabric, somewhat similar to the nest of the Redstart, and quite small
for the bird. It has a diameter of 23 inches, and is 14 inches in
depth. Its cavity is 2 inches wide at the rim, and linch in depth.
The nest chiefly consists of a strong rim firmly woven of strips of
fine bark, stems of grasses, and fine pine needles, bound round with
flaxen fibres of plants and wool. Around the base a few bits of
hornets’ nests, mosses, and lichens are loosely fastened. The nest
within is furnished with fine stems and needles, and the flooring is
very thin and slight. The ege is somewhat similar in its general
appearance to that of D. estiva, but 1s smaller and with a ground-
color of a different shade of greenish white. It is oblong-oval in
shape, and measures .70 of an inch in length by .50 in breadth.
lt is thinly marked over the greater portion of its surface with
minute dottings of reddish brown. A ring of confluent blotches of
purple and reddish brown surrounds the larger end.”

In the extreme northern part of the State, the Cerulean Warbler
is, according to Mr. Nelson, ‘‘a regular but rare migrant. May 12th
to 20th, and the first of September. Prefers high woods. Very
abundant in the southern half of the State. Rare summer resident
here, but near Detroit, Michigan, I am informed it is one of the
common species at this season.”

MNIOTILTIDE—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS, 145

Dendroica pennsylvanica (Linn.)
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER.

Motacilla pennsylvanica Linn. 8S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 333,
Sylvia pennsylvanica Wis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 99, pl. 14, fig. 5.
Dendroica pennsylvanica Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858,279; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 200; Review,
1865, 191.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i,1874,245, pl. 13, figs. 7,8.
Dendreca pennsylvanica Scu. & SaLy.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 101; Check List, 1873, No. 83;
2d ed. 1882, No. 124; B. N. W. 1874,62; B. Col. Val. 1878,244—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 99.
Motacilla icterocephala Linn. 8. N. ed. 12,i, 1766, 354,

Sylvia icterocephala LatH.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832,306, pl. 59.—NutTT. Man. i, 1832, 380.

Sylvicola icterocephala RicH.—AUD. Synop. 1839,54; B. Am. ii,1841,35, pl. 81.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding from northern United States northward into
British America. Winters in southern Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and thence to
Panama; Bahamas.

“Sp, CHar. Male. Upper parts streaked with black and pale bluish gray, which be-
comes nearly white on the forepart of the back; the middle of the back glossed with
greenish yellow. The crown is continuous yellow, bordered by a frontal and superciliary
band,and behind by asquare spot of white. Loral region blauck,sending off aline over
the eye, and another belowit. Ear-coverts and lower eyelid and entire under parts pure
white; a purplish chestnut stripe starting on each side in a line with the black mustache,
and extending back tothe thighs. Wing- and tail-feathers dark brown, edged with bluish
gray,except the secondaries and tertials, which are bordered with light yellowish green.
The shoulders with two greenish white bands. Three outer tail-feathers with white
patches near the end of the inner webs.

“Female like the male, except that the upper parts are yellowish green, streaked with
black; the black mustache scarcely appreciable. Length, 5.00; wing, 2.50; tail,2.20.

“The young in autumn is very different from either male or
female in spring. ‘The entire upper parts are of a continuous light
olive-green; the under parts white; the sides of the head, neck,
and breast ash-gray, shading insensibly into and tinging the white
of the chin and throat. No black streaks are visible above or on
the cheeks, and the eye is surrounded by a continuous ring of
white, not seen in spring. In this plumage it has frequently been
considered as a distinct species.

“The male in this plumage may usually be distinguished from
the female by possessing a trace, or a distinct stripe, of chestnut
on the flanks, the young female at least lacking it.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Perhaps the prettiest of our Warblers, this elegant little bird is
usually, especially during the fall migration, one of the most abund-
ant. It breeds in the northern portion of the State, but how far
southward is not known. In June, 1871, the writer saw a pair in
the scrubby woods bordering Fox Prairie, in Richland county, at a
time when all the summer residents were nesting; but they may

146 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

have been merely belated migrants. Mr. T. H. Douglas, of Wauke-
gan, writes me that he saw a pair of Chestnut-sided Warblers at
that place on the 31st of July, and that “as the male had a worm
in his mouth they evidently had young.”

This species has a very pretty song, resembling somewhat that
of the summer Yellowbird (D. e@stiva), but “less of a whistle and
somewhat louder.” ‘The nest is built in bushes, along the edge of
a thicket or low woods, and resembles in its materials that of other
species of the genus, while the eggs also are lacking in distinctive
characteristics.

Dendroica castanea (Wils.)

BAY-BREASTED WARBLER.

Popular synonym. Autumnal Warbler.
Sylvia castanea Wis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810,97, pl. 14, fig. 4—Nourr. Man. i,1832,382.—Aup. Orn.
Biog. i, 1832, 358, pl. 69.
Sylvicola castanea RicH.—AvD. Synop. 1839,53; B. Am. ii, 1841, 34, pl. 80.
Dendroica castanea Batrp,B. N. Am. 1858, 276; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 197; Review,
1865.189.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i,1874, 251, pl. 13, figs. 4,5.
Dendreca castanea Lawn.—Covues, Key, 1872,101; Check List, 18738, No. 82; 2d ed. 1882,
No. 123; B. N. W. 1874, 61; B. Col. Val. 1878, 243.—Rmpew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 100.
Sylvia autumnalis Wis. Am. Orn. iii,1811, 65, pl. 23, fig. 3—Nurr. Man. i,1832,390.—AubD.
Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 449, pl. 88.

Has. Eastern North America, north to Hudson's Bay, west to edge of Great Plains;
breeding from northern New England northward. Winters in Central America and
northern South America (Colombia).

“Sp. Cuan. Male. Crown dark reddish chestnut; forehead and cheeks, including a
space above the eye, black; a patch of buff-yellow behind the cheeks. Rest of upper
parts bluish gray streaked with black, the edges of the interscapulars tinged with yel-
lowish, of the scapulars with olivaceous. Primaries and tail-feathers edged externally
with bluish gray, the extreme outer ones with white; the secondaries edged with oliva-
ceous. Two bands on the wing and the edges of the tertials white. The under parts are
whitish with a tinge of buff; the chin, throat, forepart of breast, and the sides, chestnut-
brown, lighter than the crown. Two outer tail-feathers witha patch of white on the inner
web near the end; the others edged internally with the same. Female with the upper
parts olive,streaked throughout with black,and an occasional tinge of chestnut on the
erown. Lower parts with traces of chestnut, but no stripes. Length of male,5.00; wing,
3.05; tail,2.40.

“The females and immature males of this species differ much
from the spring males, and are often confounded with other species,
especially with D. striata. A careful comparison of an extensive series
of immature specimens of the two species shows that in castanea
the under parts are seldom washed uniformly on the throat and breast
with yellowish green, but while this may be seen on the sides of the
neck and breast, or even across the latter, the chin and throat are

MNIOTILTIDE—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 147

nearly white, the sides tinged with dirty brown, even if the (gener-
ally present) trace of chestnut be wanting on the sides. There is a
buff tinge to the under tail-coverts; the quills are abruptly margined
with white, and there are no traces (however obsolete) of streaks on
the breast. In D. striata the under parts are quite uniformly washed
with greenish yellow nearly as far back as the vent, the sides of the
breast and sometimes of the belly with obsolete streaks; no trace
of the uniform dirty reddish brown on the sides; the under tail-
coverts are pure white. The quills are only gradually paler towards
the inner edge, instead of being rather abruptly white.” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

Comparatively little is known of the habits of this species. It
passes by in spring and fall, being sometimes abundant at both sea-
sons, but does not tarry long. It breeds in the dense coniferous
forests of the north, from the shores of Lake Superior to northern
Maine. In general habits, at all times, it closely resembles other
species of the genus.

In Oxford county, Maine, says Mr. Maynard*, ‘these birds are
found in all the wooded sections of this region, where they frequent
the tops of tall trees. The first part of the song is like that of the
Black-poll Warbler, but it has a terminal warble similar to that of
the Redstart, to which it bears a striking resemblance, with the ex-
ception that it is given with less energy. This species seems to be
confined during the building season to the region just north of the
White Mountains range.”

Dendroica striata (Forst.)

BLACK-POLL WARBLER.

Muscicapa striata Forst. Philos. Trans, lvii, 1772, 406, 428.

Sylvia striata LarH.—WIxs. Am. Orn. iv,1811, 40,pl. 30, fig. 3; vi, 1812,101, pl. 54, flg. 2.—
Nort. Man. i, 1832,383.—AupD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1884, 201, pl. 133,

Sylvicola striata Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1831,218.—Aub. Synop. 1839, 53; B. Am, ii, 1841,
28, pl. 78.

Dendroica striata BAIRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 280; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 202: Review, 1865,
192.—_B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 248, pl. 13, fig. 9.

Dendreca striata BuAKtst. Ibis, 1863, 62.—CovEs, Key. 1872,100; Check List, 1873, No. 81;
2d ed. 1882, No. 122; B. N. W. 1874, 60; B. Col. Val. 1878, 288 —Ripe@w. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 101.

Has. Insummer, northern North America, breeding from northern New England
and coast of Labrador to the coast of Alaska (as far south as Fort Kenai) and shores of
the Arctic Ocean; migrating through eastern United States; wintering in Cuba (rare) and
parts of South America (Colombia and Chili ?).

* Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. xiv, Oct. 18, 1871, pp. 10,11.

148 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“Sp, CHAR. Male. Crown, nape, andupper half of the head black; the lower half,
including the ear-coverts, white, the separating line passing through the middle of the
eye. Rest of upper parts grayish ash, tinged with brown, and conspicuously streaked
with black. Wing and tail-feathers brown, edged externally (except the inner tail-
feathers) with dull olive-green. Two conspicuous bars of white on the wing-coverts,
the tertials edged with the same. Under parts white, with a narrow line on each side of
the throat from the chin to the sides of the neck, where it runs into a close patch of black
streaks continuing along the breast and sides to the root of the tail. Outer two tail-
feathers with an oblique patch on the inner web near the end; the others edged inter-
nally white. Female similar, except that the upper parts are olivaceous. and, even on the
erown, streaked with black; the white on the sides and across the breast tinged with
yellowish; aring of the same round the eye cut by a dusky line throughit. Length of
male, 5.75; wing, 3.00; tail, 2.25." (Hist. NV. Am. B.)

The autumnal dress is very different from that of spring. The
upper parts are light olive-green, indistinctly streaked with dusky ;
beneath greenish yellow, obsoletely streaked on the breast and
sides; the under tail-coverts, only, pure white, a yellowish ring
round the eye, and a superciliary one of the same color. In this
dress it is very easily confounded with the autumnal D. castanea.
The differences, as far as tangible, will be found detailed under the
head of the latter species.

“The young bird in its first dress is also quite different, again,
from the autumnal-plumaged birds. The upper parts are hoary-
grayish, the lower white; each feather of the whole body, except
lower tail-coverts, with a terminal bar or transverse spot of black-
ish, those on the upper parts approaching the base of the feathers
along the shaft. Wings and tail much as in the autumnal plu-
mage.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Except the Yellow-crowned Warbler, (D. coronata) and the Summer
Yellowbird (D. estiva), the Black-poll Warbler goes further north
than any other species of the genus, its breeding range extending
from the desolate plains of northern Labrador to the shores of the
Arctic Ocean and coast of Norton Sound. It is usually an abundant
species in the Atlantic States during its migrations, and in spring
is the latest of the migrants.

Dendroica blackburniz (Gmel.)

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER,

Popular synonyms, Orange-throated Warbler; Hemlock Warbler.

Motacilla blackburnie GMEL. 8. N. i, 1788, 977.
Sylvia blackburnie Lata—Wius. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 64, pl. 23, fig. 3—NuTT. Man. il,
1831,379.—A UD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 208; v, 1839, 73, pl. 135, 399.
Sylvicola blackburnie JaRnD.—AUD. Synop. 1839, 37; B, Am. ii. 1841, 48, pl. 87.

MNIOTILTIDA—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 149

Dendroica blackburnie Barrp. B. N. Am. 1858, 274; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 196; Re-
view, 1865, 189.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 237, pl. 13, figs, 2, 3.

Dendreca blackburnie Scu.—CoveEs, Key, 1872, 100; Check List, 1873, No. 80; 2d ed.
1882, No. 121 (“‘blackburne”); B. N. W. 1874,59; B. Col. Val. 1878,284.—Rrmpaw. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 102.

Sylvia parus Wis. Am. Orn. v,1812, 114, pl. 44, fig. 3.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 392.—AuD. Orn,

Biog. ii, 1834, 205, pl. 134.

Sylvicola parus BonaPp.—AvD. Synop. 1839,55; B. Am. ii, 1841, 40, pl. 83.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding from northern United States northward to
British Provinces; straggling westward to Utah and New Mexico. Winters in eastern
Mexico and south to Colombia and Ecuador; Bahamas; Greenland?

“Sp. CHAR. Upper parts nearly uniform black, with awhitish scapular stripe and a
large white patch in the middle of the wing-coverts. An oblong patch in the middle of
the crown, and the entire side of the head and neck (including a superciliary stripe from
the nostrils), the chin, throat, and forepart of the breast, bright orange-red. A black
stripe from the commissure passing around the lower half of the eye,and including the
ear-covyerts; with, however,an orange crescent in it,just below the eye, the extreme lid
being black. Rest of under parts white,strongly tinged with yellowish orange on the
breast and belly,and streaked with black on the sides. Outer three tail-feathers white,
the shafts and tips dark brown; the fourth and fifth spotted much with white; the other
tail-feathers and quills almost black. Female similar; the colors duller; the feathers of
the upper parts with olivaceous edges. Length,5.50; wing,2.83; tail, 2.25.

“Autumnal males resemble the females. They have two white
bands instead of one; the black stripes on the sides are larger;
under parts yellowish; the throat yellowish, passing into purer
yellow behind.

“Autumnal young birds have the same pattern of coloration, but
the dark portions are dull grayish umber, with the streaks very
obsolete, and the light parts dull buffy-white, tinged with yellow on
the jugulum; there is neither clear black, bright yellow, nor pure
white on the plumage, except the latter on the wing-bands and tail-
patches.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Few of our birds are more beautiful than the full-plumaged male
of this lovely bird, whose glowing orange throat renders it a con-
spicuous object among the budding and blossoming branches. The
species is migratory in Illinois, passing through in spring and fall,
its summer home being chiefly, if not wholly, to the northward of
our State, while it passes the winter in Central America and north-
ern South America. The Blackburnian Warbler breeds in the
northern portion of New York, and in portions of Massachusetts,
and thence northward to the British Provinces, frequenting the
coniferous forests, and building its nest in bushes or small trees a
few feet above the ground,

150 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

Dendroica dominica albilora Baird.

SYCAMORE WARBLER.
Popular synonyms. White-cheeked Warbler; White-browed Yellow-throated Warbler.

All quotations for localities west of the Allegha-

Dendroica or Dendrecasuperciliosa. : i :
J nies and in middle America.

Sylvia or Sylvicola pensilis.
Dendroica dominica var. albilora Batrp, Rrpew. Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 606.—Cours, Check
List, 1878, No. 88a.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 241, pl. 14, fig. 7.
Dendreca dominica albilora Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 103a,
Has. Mississippi Valley in summer, north to the Great Lakes, east to West Virginia,
and west to eastern Kansas; winters in Mexico (both coasts), Guatemala and Honduras,

Dendroica or Dendreca dominica.

Sp. CHar. Adult (sexes alike). Above ash-gray, without streaks, the forehead or
sides of crown, or both,black. Wings blackish,the middle and greater coverts broadly
tipped with white and edged with ash-gray; remiges edged with ash-gray. Tail dusky,
the feathers edged with ash-gray,the inner webs of three outer rectrices with a large
white patch covering the terminal portion—on the lateral feathers occupying nearly half
of the web. A white superciliary stripe, sometimes tinged with yellow anteriorly; a
erescentic spot beneath eye, and large space on side of neck immediately behind auricu-
lars,also white. Lores and auriculars deep black, this continued down each side of the
throat, but on sides of breast broken into stripes which extend along sides to the flanks.
Chin,throat, and jugulum bright gamboge-yellow,the first white anteriorly. Rest of
lower parts except as described, white. Bill deep black; iris brown; legs and feet
brownish. Wing about 2.50-2.65; tail, 2.00-2.25; exposed culmen, .45-.48; tarsus, .65-.70.

The plumage of the adult in fall and early winter differs from
the spring livery, as described above, only in haying the ash-gray,
and also the white of the abdomen, slightly tinged with brownish.
The young in first autumn are essentially similar to autumnal
adults, but have the brownish wash or discoloration more distinct,
and the markings consequently less sharply defined.

The Sycamore Warbler is a common summer resident in the
bottom-lands, where, according to the writer’s experience, it lives
chiefly in the large sycamore trees along or near water courses.
On this account it is a difficult bird to obtain during the breeding
season, the male usually keeping in the topmost branches of the
tallest trees, out of gunshot, and often, practically, out of sight,
although his presence is betrayed by his loud, very unwarbler-like
song. The song of this species is so much like that of the Indigo
Bird that it requires a practiced ear to distinguish them; the tone
is remarkably similar, but there is a difference in the modulation
which after one becomes thoroughly acquainted with it renders it
distinguishable. In its motions, this warbler partakes much of the
character of a creeper, often ascending or descending trunks of trees
or following their branches, much in the manner of a Mniotilta.

MNIOTILTIDA—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 151

The first specimen which the writer ever saw was creeping about
the eaves and cornices of a frame dwelling house in the center of
the town of Mt. Carmel. Very often, however, it could not be dis-
tinguished from other warblers, so far as its actions were concerned.

Mr. Nelson (page 35 of his list) makes the following record of his
experience with this species at Mt. Carmel:

“First noted August 80, when they were found to be abundant in
a group of elm trees on the river bank near town. During the
succeeding three days they were plentiful, and thirty-six specimens
were taken and many more seen. After September 2 not a speci-
men was to be found, though diligent search was made. While
here they showed great preference for the elm trees before men-
tioned, none being found elsewhere. They uttered the faint ‘‘cheep”
common to most warblers, and one was heard delivermg a low
song from the top of a tall elm. The notes were so low that even
when standing under the same tree the song could only be distin-
guished by careful listening.”

The distribution of this species is not yet well made out; it prob-
ably occurs, however, in all parts of the State where there are
suitable localities; i. e., densely timbered creek or river bottoms,
where large sycamore trees are abundant. Dr. R. M. W. Gibbs
informs me (in letter) that he took a specimen at Kalamazoo,
Michigan, (lat. 40°25) on May 5, 1877, and another in the fall;
and, though probably erroneously, that it probably goes farther
north to breed.

Mr. Nelson records it as being in Cook county a very rare
summer visitant from the south. Prof. D. 8. Jordan, of Indianap-
olis, Indiana, writes that this species is a common summer resi-
dent in that vicinity, and that he has trustworthy information of
its rather common occurrence, in summer, in the vicinity of Detroit,
Michigan.

Dendroica virens (Gmel.)
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER,

Motacilla virens GmEt. 8. N. i, 1788, 985.

Sylvia virens LatH.—Wixs. Am. Orn. iv, 1810,127, pl. 17, fig. 3—Nutr. Man. 1, 1882, 376.
—AupD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1888, 70, pl. 399.

Sylvicola virens RicH.—AvuD. Synop. 1839,55; B. Am. ii,1841, 42, pl. 84

Dendroica virens Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 267; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 189; Review, 1865,
182.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 261, pl. 12, fig. 4.

Dendreca virens 8cu.—CoveEs, Key, 1872,97; Check List, 1873, No. 71; 2d ed. 1882, No, 112;
B. N. W. 1874, 54; B. Col. Val. 1878,240.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 107,

152 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Has. Eastern United States and Canada, breeding from higher mountains of Middle
States and New England northward; straggling occasionally to Greenland or even to
Eur pe (Heligoland); winters in Cuba and Middle America. south to Panama.

“Sp. Coan. Male. Upper'parts, exclusive of wing and tail, clear yellow olive-green,
the feathers of the back with hidden streaks of black. Forehead and sides of head and
neck, including a superciliary stripe, bright yellow. A dusky olive line from the bill,
through the eye, and another belowit. Chin, throat, and forepart of the breast, extend-
ing some distance along on the sides, continuous black; rest of under parts white, tinged
with yellow on the breast and flanks. Wings and tail feathers dark brown, edged with
bluish gray; two white bands on the wing; the greater part of the three outer tail-
feathers white. Female similar, but duller; the throat yellow; the black of breast much
concealed by white edges; the sides streaked with black. Length, 5inches; wing, 2.58;
tail. 2.30.

“The autumnal male has the black of throat and breast obscured
by whitish tips. Females are yellowish white beneath, tinged with
grayish towards the tail.” (Hist N. Am. B.)

“First plumage. Male. Remigesand rectrices asin adult; greater and median wing-
coverts just tipped with soiled white, forming two very narrow, indistinct wing-bands.
Rest of upper parts dark slaty-brown, each feather of the back edged with bright green-
ish. Superciliary stripes (just meeting in a narrow line on the forehead), eyelids, maxil-
lary line, and chin, bright yellow. Sides of head dark slate; under parts soiled white,
each feather on the breast and sides witha terminal spot of black; on the throat and
jugulum, these spots become large blotches of dark slate, the feathers being just tipped
and edged with light yellow. (Froma specimen in my collection shot at Cambridge,
Mass, July 30,1875.) Like most of the previously described young Warblers, this bird has
a narrow central line of yellow feathers extending down the throat and jugulum to the
breast.” (BREWSTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Apr. 1878,57.)

Little need be said of this bird further than that it is one of the
army of migrants passing hurriedly through in spring to its breed-
ing grounds in the northern coniferous forests and in fall on the
way to its tropical winter home. It is a beautiful bird, one of the
most elegant of its family, and is at times extremely abundant.

Dendroica vigorsii (Aud.)
PINE WARBLER.

Popular synonym. Pine Creeping Warbler.
Sylvia pinus Wis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 25, pl. 19, fig. 4.—Nurr. Man. 1, 1832,387.—Aup. Orn.
Biog. ii, 1834, 232, pl. 111.

Sylvicola pinus JARD.—AUD. Synop. 1839,54; B. Am. ii, 1841, 37, pl. 82. :

Dendroica pinus BAIRD, B. N. Am. 1858,277: Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 198; Review, 1865,
190.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 268, pl. 13, fig. 6.

Dendreca pinus McILwRaitH, Proc. Essex. Inst. v, 1866, 86.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 104; Check
List,1873, No. 91; 2d ed. 1882, No. 134; B. N. W. 1874, 69; B. Col. Val. 1878, 251.—RiDew.
Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 111.

Sylvia vigorsii AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 153, pl. 30.

Vireo vigorsii Nutt. Man. i, 182,318.

Dendroica vigorsii Strsn. Auk. ii, Oct. 1885, 343,

MNIOTILTIDA—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 153

Has. Eastern United States, Canada and New Brunswick; west to Kansas and Minne-
sota, south only to Gulf States and Bahamas; breeds nearly throughout its range, and
winters chiefly south of 40°,

“Sp. CHAR. Spring male. Upper parts nearly uniform and clear olive-green, the feath-
ers of the crown with rather darker shafts. Under parts generally, except in the middle
of the belly behind, and under tail-coverts (which are white), bright gamboge yellow, with
obsolete streaks of dusky on the sides of the breast and body. Sides of head and neck
olive-green like the back, with a broad superciliary stripe; the eyelids and a spot beneath
the eye very obscurely yellow; wings and tail brown; the feathers edged with dirty
white, and two bands of the same across the coverts. Inner web of the first tail-feather
with nearly the terminal half, of the second with nearly the terminal third, dull incon-
spicuous white. Length, 5.50; wing,3.00; tail,2.40. (1, 356.)

“Spring female. Similar, but more grayish above, and almost grayish white, with a °
tinge of yellow beneath,instead of bright yellow. Young. Umber-brown above, and
dingy pale ashy beneath, with aslight yellowish tinge on the abdomen. Wing and tail
much as in the autumnal adult.

“Autumnal males are much like spring individuals, but the yellow
beneath is softer and somewhat richer, and the olive above oyer-
laid with a reddish umber tint.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

So far as the western portion of its habitat is concerned, the
name of Pine Creeping Warbler, as applied to this species is de-
cidedly a misnomer; for in the Mississippi Valley, where its breed-
ing range is probably pretty general, conifers of any species are
comparatively rare and exceedingly local. It has been found feeding
its young in the heavy timber of the Wabash bottomlands, near
Mount Carmel, but the writer has not been able to discover its
nest. It is apparently not uncommon there, though not so often
observed as birds of more conspicuous plumage or louder song. In
the East its nest is said to be ‘‘placed at a considerable height,
sometimes fifty feet or more from the ground, and is usually fast-
ened to the twigs of a small branch.”* The song of the Pine
Creeping Warbler is a low trill, somewhat like that of the Chipping
Sparrow or Worm-eating Warbler.

Although when in the trees the movements of this species recall
those of a Mniotilta, or, rather, the D. dominica, when on the ground
it progresses by a graceful gliding walk, much after the manner of
the Red-poll Warbler (D. palmarum).

* Hist. N. Am. B.i,pp. 269,270,

154 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Dendroica palmarum (Gmel.)

PALM WARBLER.
Popular synonyms. Wagtail Warbler; Titlark Warbler; Tip-up Warbler; Red-poll
Warbler.
Motacilla palmarum GMEL. S. N. i,1788,951.

Sylvia palmarum LaTH. et AUCT.

Sylvicola palmarum Ricx. et AvCT.

Dendroica palmarum (part) Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858,288; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 208;
Review, 1865,207.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 273, pl. 14, flg. 8.

Dendreca palmarum Scu.—Covgs, Key, 1872, 104 (part); Check List, 1873, No. 90 (part);
2d ed. 1882, No. 182: B. N. W. 174, 67 (part); B. Col. Val. 1879, 284 (excel. syn. part).—
Rivew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 113. ‘

Sylvicola petechia Sw. & Ricu, F. B. A. ii, 1831, 215, pl. 41—Aup. Synop. 1839,58; B. Am.
ii, 1841, 55, pl. 90.

Has. Interiorof eastern North America, north to Forts Simpson and Resolution, east
to western base of the Alleghanies, west to the lower Missouri and eastern Texas; breeds
chiefly north of the United States; winters in the Gulf States and Lower Mississippi Val-
ley, and also in the Greater Antilles. Ocecasionalin Atlantic States, where, however, as
well as northward to Labrador, chiefly replaced by the much brighter colored form,
hypochrysea.*

Sp. CHar. Adult male in spring (No. 83,024, U. 8. Nat. Mus. Mount Carmel, Illinois, April
22,1869.) Beneath yellowish white, tinged with yellow, the throat and crissum deepening
into gamboge; sides of the neck,sides, and entire breast, streaked with umber-brown,

tinged with rusty, the shafts of the feathers darker; a distinct superciliary stripe of
clear yellow. Pileum uniform rich chestnut, darker next the bill, where divided

medially by a short and indistinct streak of yellow. Upper parts in general olive-
gray, deepening into yellowish olive-green on the upper tail-coverts. Tail-feathers
dusky, edged externally with pale olive-yellowish, the two outer pairs with their inner
webs broadly tipped with white. Wings dusky,the remiges edged like the tail-feathers,
with yellowish olive-green; both rows of coverts tipped with pale grayish buff, forming
rather distinct indications of two bands. Wing, 2.55; tail, 2.30; bill, from nostril, .30;
tarsus, .80.

Most other males in the series before me are rather duller than
the one described. A specimen from Carlisle, Penn. (No. 152, U.S.
Nat. Mus., April 26, 1845, S. F. Baird,—presumably a male), differs
merely in the more indistinct character of the streaks along the sides,
those of the breast being almost obsolete. One of the brightest males
in the entire series is a specimen in Mr. Nelson’s collection (No. 2,072,
Waukegan, Ill., April 12, 1876). This, however, is scarcely different
from the one described, the only obvious difference being the some-
what brighter yellow on the breast, and the greater amount of chest-
nut in the streaks of the side of the breast. The palest male is also
a Waukegan specimen (No. 2,073, mus. E. W. Nelson, April 28,
1876), which has the posterior half of the superciliary stripe white
and the whole breast whitish, the pure yellow being thus restricted

to the throat and crissum.

*Dendreca palmarum hypochrysea Ripew. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, i, Novy. 1876, p. 85.

MNIOTILTIDE—THE AMERIOAN WARBLERS 155

Adult female in spring (No. 83,027, U.S. Nat. Mus., Mount Carmel, Dll., spring; 8.
Turner). Similar to the male, as described above, but pileum mixed chestnut and dark
umber-brown, distinctly streaked with dusky. Wing,2.35; tail,2.05; bill, from nostril, .28;
tarsus, .71.

A female from Calumet, Ill. (No. 83,029, U.S. Nat. Mus., May 12,
1875; E. W. Nelson), is considerably paler and duller, the lower parts
being whitish tinged with yellow on the throat and jugulum, only the
erissum continuous yellow; even the superciliary stripe is white from
the eye backward. The pileum is grayish olive, like the back, tinged
in one or two places with chestnut, and very indistinctly streaked.
The streaks on the sides are almost obsolete, but across the jugulum
they are quite well defined.

Many females, however, are quite as brightly colored as the
brightest males, the variation being chiefly individual and not sexual.

Adult (both sexes) in winter. Lower parts dirty whitish, the breast and sides with
narrow streaks of grayish brown; throat and superciliary stripe wholly dirty whitish;
yellow entirely confined to the crissum, excepta tinge on the abdomen, and along the

edge of the wing in some specimens; crown grayish umber, with but little, if any, tinge
of chestnut, and distinctly streaked with dusky.

This plumage is that of all late fall and winter specimens, whether
from far north or the West Indies. I have seen no specimens from
the latter region in the spring plumage.

During the spring migration this is one of the most abundant of
the Warblers, and for a brief season may be seen along the fences,
or the borders of fields, usually near or on the ground, walking in
a graceful, gliding manner, like an Anthus or Seiurus, the body
tilting and the tail oscillating at each step. For this reason it is
sometimes, and not inappropriately called Wag-tail Warbler. The
species probably does not breed anywhere within the limits of the
State, but goes far north to pass the summer. Mr. Kennicott found
a nest at Fort Resolution, in Arctic America. It was on the ground,
on a hummock, at the foot of a small spruce tree in a swamp.
When discovered (June 18), it contained five young.

Dendroica discolor (Vieill.)

PRAIRIE WARBLER.

Popular synonym. Chestnut-backed Yellow Warbler.

Sylvia discolor V1Et1u, Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 37, pl. 98.—NutTrT. Man. 1,1832, 394 (“294” by
error).—AUD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 76, pl. 14.
Sylvicola discolor JARD.—AUD. Synop. 1839,62; B. Am. ii, 1841,68, pl. 97.
Dendroica discolor Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858,290; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 210; Review,
1865,213.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 276, pl. 14. fig. 9.

156 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Dendreca discolor A. & E. NEwTon, Ibis, 1859, 144.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 108; Check List,
1873, No. 86; 2d ed. 1882, No. 127; B. N. W. 1874,68; B. Col. Val. 1878, 246.—Ripew. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 114.

Sylvia minuta Wits. Am. Orn. iii, 1811,87, pl. 85, fig. 4.

Has. Eastern United States, north to Massachusetts and northern Illinois, west to
Kansas: breeding nearly throughout its range, in suitable localities. Winters in Florida
(and other Gulf States ?) and in most of the West Indies.

“Sp. CHar. Spring male. Above uniform olive-green, the interscapular region with
chestnut-red centres to feathers. Under parts and sides of the head, including a broad
superciliary line from the nostrils to a little behind the eye, bright yellow, brightest an-
teriorly. A well-defined narrow stripe from the commissure of the mouth through the
eye, and another from the same point curving gently below it, also a series of streaks on
each side of the body, extending from the throat to the flanks, black. Quills and tail-
feathers brown, edged with white; the terminal half of the inner web of the first and
second tail-feathers white. Two yellowish bands on the wings. Female similar, but
duller. The dorsalstreaks indistinct. Length, 4.86; wing, 2.25; tail. 2.10.

“First plumage of the young not seen.

“Autumnal specimens have the plumage more blended, but the
markings not changed. A young male in autumnal dress is wholly
brownish olive-green above, the whole wing uniform; the forehead
ashy, the markings about the head rather obsolete, the chestnut
spots on the back and the black ones on the sides nearly concealed.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

The so-called Prairie Warbler (and a less appropriate name has
rarely been bestowed!), is one of the few species which appear to
be more numerous eastward of the Alleghanies than to the west-
ward of that range. It is abundant along the Atlantic coast, from
Florida to Massachusetts, where it frequents open places, such as
neglected fields and pastures, more or less grown up to bushes or
young trees, its favorite haunts being localities where young cedars
(Juniperus virginiana) are pretty thickly scattered about. Like all
other warblers, it visits the orchards when the trees are in blossom,
and it was in a blooming apple tree that the only specimen ever
shot by the writer at Mount Carmel was killed.

The nest of this species is thus described by Dr. Brewer, in His-
tory of North American Birds (Vol. I., p. 278):

“Several nests of this Warbler have been obtained by Mr. Welch
in Lynn. One was built on a wild rose, only a few feet from the
ground. It is a snug, compact, and elaborately woven structure,
having a height and a diameter of about two and a half inches.
The cavity is two inches wide and one and a half deep. The ma-
terials of which the outer parts are woven are chiefly the soft inner
bark of small shrubs, mingled with dry rose-leaves, bits of vegeta-
bles, wood, woody fibres, decayed stems of plants, spiders’ webs,

MNIOTILTIDE—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 157

ete. The whole is bound together like a web by cotton-like fibres
of a vegetable origin. The upper rim of this nest is a marked
feature, being a strongly interlaced weaving of vegetable roots and
strips of bark. The lining of the nest is composed of fine vegetable
fibres and a few horse-hairs. This nest, in its general mode of con-
struction, resembles all that I have seen; only in others the ma-
terials vary—in some, dead and decayed leaves, in others, remains
of old cocoons, and in others, the pappus of composite plants, being
more prominent than the fine strips of bark. The nests are usually
within four feet of the ground. The eggs vary from three to five,
and even six.”

Genus SEIURUS Swarnson.

Seiurus Swarnson, ZoOl. Jour. iii, 1827,171. Type, Motacilla aurocapilla Linn.

“Grn. CHAR. Bill rather compressed, with a distinct notch. Gonysascending. Rictal
bristles very short. Wings moderate (about three quarters of an inch longer than the
tail); first quill scarcely shorter than the second. Tail slightly rounded, feathers acumi-
nate. Tarsi about as long as the skull, considerably exceeding the middle toe. Under
tail-coverts reaching within about half an inch of the end of the tail. Color above oliva-
ceous; beneath whitish, thickly streaked on the breast and sides; wings and tail immacu-
late. Nests on the ground,often arched or sheltered by position or dry leaves. Eggs
white, marked with red, brown,and purple.”

“This genus is decidedly sylvicoline in general appearance, although
the spots on the breast resemble somewhat those of the Thrushes.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

Key to the Species.

A. Crown orange-rufous centrally, bordered on each side by ablackish stripe; no white
superciliary str pe.

1. §. aurocapillus, Above brownisholive-green. Young: Abovefulvous brown, with
indistinct dusky shaft-streaks on the back; wing-coverts tipped with light ful-
yous, lower parts light fulvous, with dusky shaft-streaks, except on abdomen and
crissum,

B. Crown uniform with the back,and bordered on each side by a distinct white super-
ciliary stripe.

2. §. motacilla, Throat and crissum immaculate, or else the former only minutely
speckled; lower parts creamy white, the flanks and crissum deeper buff; super-
ciliary stripe white. Wing,3.20-3.25; tail, 2.20-2.35; bill from nostril, .40-.45.

3. §. noveboracensis, Throat always more or less speckled, and crissum with dis-
tinct, though mostly concealed, streaks; lower parts pale sulphur-yellow, or yel-
lowish white, not deeper on flanks or crissum; superciliary stripe light fulyous.

Q@, noveboracensis. Wing,3.-3.10; tail,2.25-2.40; bill from nostril, .35-.38,

fp. notabilis. Wing,3.05-3.25; tail,2.25-2.50; bill from nostril, .40-.50,

158 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Seiurus aurocapillus (Linn.)
OVEN BIRD.
Popular synonyms. Golden-crowned Thrush; Wood Wagtail; Land Kick-up (Jamaica);

Golden-crowned Accentor.

Motacilla aurocapilla Linn. 8. N. ed. 12,i,1766, 334.

Turdus aurocapillus LatH.—WIxs. Am. Orn. iii, 1810, 88, pl. 14, fig. 2.—NuTr. Man. i, 1832,
355; 2d ed. i,1840,404.—Aupb. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 253; v, 1839, 447, pl. 143.

Seiuvrus aurocapillus Swatns.—Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 27.—AupD. Synop. 1839, 93:
B. Am. iii, 1841,35, pl. 148.—Barrep, B. N. Am. 1858, 260; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 186; Re-
view, 1865, 214, 266.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 105; Check List, 1873, No. 92; B. N. W. 1874, 70.—
B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 280, pl. 14, fig. 11.

Siurus aurocapillus Moore.—Coves, B. Col. Val. 1878, 298; 2d Check List, 1882, No. 135.—
Rivew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 115.

Has. Eastern North America, north to Hudson’s Bay Terr. and Alaska, west to Rocky
Mountains, breeding nearly throughoutits range. In winter, Florida, Bermudas, all of
West Indies, Mexico (both coasts), and Central America, south at least to Costa Rica.

“Sp. CHar. Above uniform olive-green, with atinge of yellow. Crown with two nar-
row streaks of black from the bill enclosing a median and much broader one of brownish
orange. beneath white; the breast, sides of the body, and maxillary line, streaked with
black. The female and young of the year are not appreciably different. Length, 6.00;
wing, 3.00; tail, 2.40.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

First plumage. Remiges, rectrices, ete., as in the adult. Rest of upper parts dull
fulvous-brown; the crown without stripes; all the feathers very indistinctly darker
centrally; lower parts paler, more buffy, fulvous, growing gradually white toward the
crissum, the buffy portions (breast and sides), with very fine indistinct streaks of dusky.
(From a specimen obtained near Washington, D. C.)

The golden-crowned Thrush or Oven Bird is one of the most
generally distributed and numerous birds of Eastern North Amer-
ica. It is almost certain to be found in any piece of wood-
land, if not too wet, and its frequently repeated song, which is not
musical or otherwise particularly attractive, but very sharp, clear,
and emphatic, is often, particularly during noonday in midsum-
mer, the only bird-note to be heard. It lives much upon the ground,
where it may be seen walking gracefully over the dead leaves or
upon an old log, making occasional halts during which its body is
tilted daintily up and down, much in the manner of the Water-
thrushes (S. motacilla and noveboracensis), but more like the Ken-
tucky Warbler, often to be seen in the same localities. Its ordi-
nary note is a rather faint but sharp chip, prolonged into a chatter
when one is chased by another. The usual song is very clear and
penetrating, but not musical, and is well expressed by John Bur-
roughs, in ‘‘Wake Robin,” as sounding like the words ‘‘teacher,
teacher, TEACHER, TEACHER, TEACHER! —the accent on the first
syllable, and each word uttered with increased force and shrillness.”
But, as Mr. Burroughs truly says, “he has a far rarer song which

MNIOTILTIDH—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 159

he reserves for some nymph whom he meets in the air. Mounting
by easy flights to the top of the tallest tree, he launches into the
air with a sort of suspended, hovering flight, and bursts into a per-
fect ecstacy of song—clear, ringing, copious, rivalling the Goldfinch’s
in vivacity, and the Linnet’s in melody. This strain is one of the
rarest bits of bird-melody to be heard. Over the woods, hid from
view, the ecstatic singer warbles his finest strain. In the song you
instantly detect his relationship to the Water Wagtail (Seiwrus nove-
boracensis)—erroneously called Water Thrush—whose song is like-
wise a sudden burst, full and ringing, and with a tone of youthful
joyousness in it, as if the bird had just had some unexpected good
fortune. For nearly two years this strain of the pretty warbler was
little more than a disembodied voice to me, and I was puzzled by
it as Thoreau was by his mysterious Night-Warbler, which, by the
way, I suspect was no new bird at all, but one he was otherwise
familar with. The little bird himself seems disposed to keep the
matter a secret, and improves every opportunity to repeat before
you his shrill, accelerating lay, as if this were quite enough, and
all he laid claim to. Still, I trust I am betraying no confidence in
making the matter public here. I think this is preéminently his
love-song, as I hear it oftenest about the mating season. I have
caught half-suppressed bursts of it from two males chasing each
other with fearful speed through the forest.”

According to Dr. Brewer (Hist. N. Am. B. Vol. I., p. 282), ‘“‘the
oven bird always nests on the ground, and generally constructs
nests with arched or domed roofs, with an entrance on one side,
like the mouth of an oven, and hence its common name. This
arched covering is not, however, universal. For a site this species
usually selects the wooded slope of a hill, and the nests are usually
sunk in the ground. When placed under the shelter of a projecting
root, or in a thick clump of bushes, the nest has no other cover
than a few loose leaves resting on, but forming no part of it.

“A nest from Racine, Wis., obtained by Dr. Hoy, is a fine typi-
cal specimen of the domed nests of this species. The roof is very
perfect, and the whole presents the appearance of two shallow nests
united at the rim, and leaving only a small opening at one side.
This nest was five inches in diameter from front to back, six inches
from side to side, and four inches high. The opening was two and
a quarter inches wide, one and three quarters high. The cavity
was two inches deep below the brim. At the entrance the roof re-
cedes about an inch, obviously to allow of a freer entrance and exit

160 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

from the nest. Externally this nest is made of wood-mosses,
lichens, and dry leaves, with a few stems and broken fragments of
plants. The entrance is strongly built of stout twigs, and its upper
portion is composed of a strong framework of fine twigs, roots, stems,
mosses, dry plants, ete., all firmly interwoven and lined with finer
materials of the same.”

Seiurus motacilla (Vieill.)

LOUISIANA WATER-THRUSH.

Popular synonyms, Large-billed Water-thrush; Water Wagtail; WagtalL

Turdus motacilla Vier. Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807,9, pl. 65.
Siurus motacilla Coves, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, ii, 1877,33; B. Col. Val. 1878, 299; 2d Check
List, 1882, No. 138.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 117.
Turdus ludovicianus AupD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 99, pl. 19.
Seiurus ludovicianus BONAP.—BAtRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 262; ed. 1860,pl. 80, fig. 2; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 188; Review, 1865, 217.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 106; Check List, 1873, No. 94;
B. N. W. 1874,72.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 287, pl. 14, fig. 13.

Has. Eastern United States, north to Michigan and (rarely) Massachusetts, west to
Kansas, Indian Territory and Texas; breeding north to Connecticut and lower Hudson
River Valley,southern Michigan,ete., but chiefly west ofthe Alleghanies. Winters in
eastern Mexico, Guatemala, and south to Veragua, also in Cuba and Jamaica.

“Sp. CHar. Bill longerthanthe skull. Upper parts olive-brown with a shade of green-
ish. A conspicuous white superciliary line from the bill to the nape,involving the upper
lid, with a brown one from the bill through the eye, widening behind. Under parts white,
with a very faint shade of pale buff behind, especially on the tail-covers. A dusky max-
illary line; the forepart of breast and sides of body with arrow-shaped streaks of the
same color. Chin, throat, belly,and under tail-coverts, usually immaculate. Length, 6.33,
wing, 3.25; tail,2.40; bill, from rictus, .75. Sexes similar. Young not seen.

“Autumnal specimens have a more or less strong wash of ochra-
ceous over the flanks and crissum, and the brown above rather
darker and less grayish than in spring birds.

“This species is very similar to S. noveboracensis, although readily
distinguishable by the characters given in the diagnoses.” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

The Large-billed or Louisiana Water-thrush, is an abundant
bird in all swampy wooded locations throughout the State, although
much less numerous in the extreme northern than in the more
southern counties. From Mount Carmel southward it occasionally
remains during mild winters, and even in cold and backward
springs sometimes makes its appearance long before leaves and
blossoms begin to unfold. Its favorite resorts are the borders of
creeks and larger streams, and the margins of swamps or ponds in
the woods, and it is always to be found in those places most fre-
quented by the Prothonotary Warbler, nests of the two being some-

MNIOTILTIDH—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 161

times placed within a few yards of one another. It is usually seen
upon the wet ground or wading in the shallow water, its body in
a horizontal position or even more elevated posteriorly, but contin-
ually tilting up and down, and when moving about it progresses by
a graceful gliding walk. If it fancies itself observed, it runs slyly
beneath the brush- or drift-wood overhanging the shore; and if
alarmed, flies up suddenly with a sharp and startling chatter.

Audubon describes the song of this species as fully equal to that
of the nightingale, its notes as powerful and mellow, and at times
as varied. This may be true of the ecstatic love-song, heard on
rare occasions, and uttered as the singer floats in perfect abandon
of joy, with spread tail and fluttermg wings; but it can hardly be
true of the ordinary song, which, although rich, sweet, and pene-
trating, and almost startling in the first impressions it creates, is
soon finished, and the pleasing effect somewhat transient.

It cannot be denied, however, that its song is one of the richest
to be heard in our forests.

Seiurus noveboracensis (Gmel.)

WATER-THRUSH.

Popular synonyms. Small-billed Water-thrush; Water Wagtail; Water Kick-up; Bessy
Kick-up and River Pink (Jamaica); Aquatic Accentor; New York Aquatic Thrush.

Motacilla nevia Bopp. Tabl. P. E. 1783, 47 (based on PI. Enl. 752,flg. ). (Not of p. 35!)

Siurus nevius Coves, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, ii, 1877, 32; B. Col. Val. 1878, 299; 2d Check

List, 1882, No. 136.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 116.
Motacilla noveboracensis GMEL. 8. N. i, 1788, 958.
Turdus (Seiurus) noveboracensis NuTT. Man. i, 1882, 353.
Seiurus noveboracensis BONAP.—AUD. Synop. 1839, 93; B. Am. iii, 1841,87, pl. 49 (part).—
Barry, B. Am. 1858, 261; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 187; Review, 1865, 215.—Couss, Key,
1872, 106; Check List, 1873, No. 93; B. N. W. 1874, 71.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.i,
1874, 283, pl. 14, fig. 12.
Turdus aquaticus Wiis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 66, pl. 23, fig. 5—Aup. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 284,
pl. 423, fig. 7.

Seiurus aquaticus Sw. & Riou. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 229, pl. 43.

Has. Eastern North America, chiefly east of the Mississippi, north to the Arctic
coast, breeding from northern border of United States northward. Winters in more
southern United States, all of middle America (both coasts), northern South America,
and all of West Indies. Accidental in Greenland.

“Sp. CHAR. Bill, from rictus, about the length of the skull. Above olive-brown, with
a shade of green; beneath pale sulphur-yellow, brightest on the abdomen. Region
about the base of the lower mandible, and a superciliary line from the base of the bill to
the nape, brownish yellow. A dusky line from the bill through the eye; chin and throat
finely spotted. All the remaining under parts and sides of the body, except the abdomen
and including the under tail-coverts, conspicuously and thickly streaked with oliva-
ceous brown, almost black on the breast. Length.6.15; wing,3.12; tail,2.40. Bill, from rie-
tus, .64. Sexes similar.

—l1

162 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“A very young bird (22,619, Fort Simpson, August 10) is very
different from the adult in coloration. The upper parts are fuligi-
nous black, each feather with a broad terminal bar of pale ochra-
ceous, wing-coverts tipped with the same, forming two distinct
bands; streaks below as in the adult, but broader and less sharply
defined.” (Hist N. Am. B.)

The summer home of the Water-thrush is in the more northern
portions of the continent, its breeding range embracing the whole
of arctic and subarctic America, from the western portions of Alaska
to the region about Hudson’s Bay, and southward to the northern
border of the United States. In Illinois the species is known as a
migrant, passing slowly through in spring and fall, though in the
extreme southern portion a few pass the winter, especially if the
season be mild. At Mount Carmel it sometimes became common in
the latter half of August, and in spring usually remained until
after the Louisiana Water-thrush had begun nesting.

Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis (Grinnell)
GRINNELL'S WATER-THRUSH.

Popular synonym. Wyoming Water-thrush.
Siurus nevius notabilis “GRINNELL, MS.” Ripew. Proce. U. S. Nat. Mus. ii, March 27,
1880,12; Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 1léa.—Covgs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 187.

Has. Rocky Mountain district east, as a more or less common straggler, to Illinois
and Indiana. Occasional on Pacific coast.

Sp. CHar. Similar to S. noveboracensis, but larger, and much less brown above. Wing,
3.20-3.25: tail, 2.25-2.50; bill, from nostril, .40-.50; depth at base, .25; tarsus,.80-.90; middle
toe, .55-.60. Above dark grayish brown, the feathers of the pileum with indistinctly
darker centres. Beneath yellowish white, the throat thickly spotted, and the breast and
sides heavily streaked with blackish dusky; asuperciliary stripe of pale fulvous; a
dusky stripe along upper edge of the auriculars. Lores crossed by a distinct streak of
black. Centre of the abdomen immaculate; lower tail-coverts with central streaks of
grayish dusky; lining of the wing smoky gray. Bill brownish black, the mandible grow-
ing lighter brown basally. Feet horn-color.

The plumage of the type specimen of this bird is in all respects,
so far as I can see, quite identical with that of ordinary darker
plumaged specimens of S. noveboracensis, such as occur more com-
monly west of the Alleghanies, except that the superciliary stripe
does not extend so far back and the streaks on the breast are
broader; the former character may be merely apparent, however,
and owing to the “make-up” of the skin.

An adult male collected by G. H. Ragsdale, at Gainesville, Texas,
Sept. 11, 1880, and consequently in autumnal plumage, differs con-
spicuously from fall specimens of typical noveboracensis in the much

MNIOTILTIDAX—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 1638

purer white lower parts, which, though faintly tinged with pale buffy-
yellow, are whiter even than in S. motacilla, but without a trace of
the creamy tinge always observable in the latter, especially on the
flanks and crissum. ‘The upper parts are also decidedly less olive
than in true noveboracensis. This example measures: Wing, 3.20;
tail, 2.45; bill, from nostril, .42; tarsus, .90; middle toe, .55. The bill
is quite appreciably stouter than in true noveboracensis. The super-
ciliary stripe and suborbital spot are pale fawn-buff throughout.

A specimen from Tucson, Arizona (May 4, mus. W. Brewster), is
similar in color to the type of notabilis, except that the streaks below
are decidedly narrower, the spots on the throat much smaller, and
the upper parts lighter and grayer. ‘The tarsi are more slender,
and the tail and bill much shorter. The measurements are as fol-
lows: Wing, 3.20; tail, 2.25; culmen, .52; bill, from nostril, .40;
tarsus, .80; middle toe, .60.

Examples collected by me in Richland and Wabash counties,
Illinois, and in Knox county, Indiana (near Wheatland), are very
typical of this race.

Grnus GEOTHLYPIS Cazanis.

We follow the ruling of the Committee of the American Orni-
thologists’ Union on Classification and Nomenclature in uniting
under one heading the current genera Geothlypis and Oporornis, the
differential characters of which are expressed in the analytical table
on page 115. Under its own heading will be found a fuller diagno-
sis of each subgenus, and a key to the species.

SuscEenus Oporornis Bairp.

Oporornis BarrD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 246. Type, Sylvia agilis WILs.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill sylvicoline, rather compressed; distinctly notched at tip; rictal
bristles very much reduced. Wings elongated, pointed, much longer than the tail; the
first quill nearly or quite the longest. Tail very slightly rounded; tail feathers acumi-
nate, pointed; the under coverts reaching to within less than half an inch of their tip.
Tarsi elongated, longer than the head; claws large, the hinder one as long as its digit,
and longer than the lateral toes. Above olive-green; beneath yellow; tail and wings
immaculate. Legs yellow.

“This group of American Warblers is very distinct from any
other. The typical species is quite similar in color to Geothlypis
philadelphia, but is at once to be distinguished by much longer

164 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

wings, more even tail, and larger toes and claws. It is also very
similar to Seiurus, differing chiefly in the longer wings, larger claws,
and absence of spots beneath.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Common CHaracters. Above plain olive-green, beneath plain yellow (except on throat
and jugulum, in O. agilis alone).

1. 0. agilis, Adult male: Head, neck and jugulum ash-gray, lighter on the throat and
tinged with olive on the crown; a distinct white orbital ring. Adult female: Throat
and jugulum light smoky gray, upper head and nape olive, like the back, and yellow
of lower parts paler and duller. Young in first autumn: Similar to the female, but
throat and jugulum still duller and more or less tinged with dull yellowish.

2. 0. formosa, Adult male: Crown black, the feathers tipped with ash-gray: lores and
triangular patch on auriculars black; broad superciliary stripe, spot on lower eyelid,
and entire lower parts rich yellow. Adult female: Similar to the male, but rather
duller. Young: Like the adult female, but still duller, the black patches concealed
or replaced by dusky smoky olive.

Geothlypis agilis (Wils.)
CONNECTICUT WARBLER.

Popular synonym. Gray-headed Warbler.
Sylvia agilis Wiis. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 64, pl. 39, fig. 4—AupD. Orn. Biog. li, 1834, 227, pl. 138.
Trichas agilis Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 463.
Sylvicola agilis JARD.—AUD. Synop. 1839, 63; B. Am. ii, 1841, 71, pl. 99.
Oporornis agilis BAtRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 246; ed. 1860, pl. 79, fig. 2; Cat. N. Am. B, 1859,
No. 174; Review, 1865, 218.—Covugs, Key, 1872,106; Check List, 1873, No. 95; 2d ed. 1882,
No. 139; B. Col. Val. 1878, 308.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 290, pl. 15, figs. 1, 2.—
Rivew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 118,
Trichas tephrocotis Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 462.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces, migrating northward in spring
chiefly through the Mississippi Valley, and returning southward in autumn through the
Atlantic States. Winter residence unknown, but probably in Gulf States, there being no
extralimital record. Breeds in Manitoba, and probably elsewhere in the interior of
British America.

“Sp, CHAR. Springmale. Upperparts and sides of the body uniform olive-green, very
slightly tinged with ash on the crown. Sides of the head ash, tinged with dusky beneath
the eye. (Entire head sometimes ash.) Chin andthroat grayish ash, gradually becoming
darker to the upper part of the breast, where it becomes tinged with dark ash. Sides of
the neck, breast, and body, olive, like the back; rest of underparts light yellow. A broad
continuous white ring round the eye. Wings and tailfeathers olive (especially the latter),
without any trace of bars or spots. Bill brown above. Feet yellow. Length, 6 inches;
wing, 3.00; tail, 2.25. Female. The olive green reaching to the bill, and covering sides
of head; throat and jugulum pale ashy buff. Young notseen. Nestling unknown.

“Autumnal specimens nearly uniform olive above; the throat
tinged with brownish so as to obscure the ash.

«4 specimen in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, killed
by Mr. Krider, has the darker ash of the jugulum of a decided
sooty tinge.

“A peculiarity in the history of this species is shown in the fact
that it is quite abundant in Illinois, Wisconsin, etc., in the spring,

MNIOTILTIDAX—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 165

and very rare in the autumn; precisely the reverse being the case
near the Atlantic border, where only two or three spring specimens
have been announced as captured by collectors. It is possible that
they go north in spring, along the valley of the Mississippi, and
return in autumn through the Atlantic States.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Connecticut Warbler is a common species durmg the migra-
tions, but is almost wholly confined to bushy swamps or their vi-
cinity, and therefore easily overlooked. When found in the woods
in the vicinity of swamps it usually seeks refuge in the latter if pur-
sued. Mr. Nelson gives us the following information pertaining to this
species as observed by him in the northeastern corner of the State* :—

“A rather common migrant; May 15th to 27th, and September
1st to October Ist. The species occurs in about equal numbers in
spring and fall. Near Waukegan, the last of May, 1876, these birds
were found frequenting a dense swampy thicket on the border of a
wood, in company with Geothlypis philadelphia and two species of
Seiurus. They kept close to the ground and were quite difficult to
shoot, as they would dart into the thicket upon the slightest alarm.
Their habits in this locality were so nearly like those of G. phila-
delphia, that, until actually in hand, it was not an easy matter to
distinguish them. While confined to the house by illness, the 26th
and 27th of May, Mr. Jencks had the pleasure of becoming still
better acquainted with their habits. His attention was first drawn
to them by hearing a loud ringing song entirely new to him. Going
to the door he saw the author of the song, upon one of the lower
branches of a small pine tree close to the house. The specimen
was soon in his possession and proved to be this species. After-
wards, during this and the following day, he heard the song repeat-
edly, and obtained other specimens of the bird. Their note he de-
scribes as being a trifle harsh, but pleasant to the ear. It is de-
livered with force, in a clear ringing manner, slightly resembling
- that of G. trichas. Their habits and movements while about the
pine trees—within twenty yards of the house—closely resembled those
of S. aurocapillus, with which they were associated.”

Until very recently, the nest and eggs of this species, or even the
portion of country where it bred, were unknown. All the informa-
tion that we have in the matter is from Mr. Ernest E. T. Seton,
of Carberry, Manitoba, in the Auk, for April, 1884, pages 192 and 193,
to which the reader is referred.

* See pages 100 and 101 of his “List of the Birds of Northeastern Illinois.”

166 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Geothlypis formosa (Wils.)

KENTUCKY WARBLER.

Sylvia formosa Wits. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 85, pl. 25, flg. 3—Aup. Orn. Biog. 1, 1831, 196, pl. 38}
—Nott. Man. i, 1832, 399.

Myiodioctes formosa AuD. Synop. 1839,50; B. Am. ii,1841,19, pl. 74.

Oporornis formosus Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858,247; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 175; Review,
1865,218.—Covgs, Key, 1872, 106; Check List, 1873, No. 96; 2d ed. 1882, No. 140; B. N. W.
1874,73; B. Col. Val. 1878, 309.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 293, pl. 15, fig. 3.—
Rmew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 119.

Has. Eastern United States, chiefly west to the Alleghanies; north to Connecticut Val-
ley, southern New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin; west to Kansas, Indian Territory,
Texas, ete.; breeds throughout its United States range. Winters in Mexico and Central
America, south to Panama; Cuba.

“Sp. CHar. Adult male. Upper partsand sides dark olive-green. Crownand sides of
the head, including a triangular patch from behind the eye down the side of the neck,
black, the feathers of the crown narrowly lunulated at tips with dark ash. A line from
nostrils over the eye and encircling it (except anteriorly), with the entire under parts,
bright yellow. No white on the tail. Female similar, with less black on the head.
Length, 5inches; wing, 2.95; tail, 2.25.

“The adults in autumn are exactly the same asin spring.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Firstplumage. Remiges,rectrices, primary coverts, and alul@ asin the adult. Pileum
and back dullraw-umber brown, tinged with rusty on the back and seapulars; throat,
jugulum, breast, and sides pale grayish fulyous, the abdomen and crissum paler and
slightly tinged with yellow. No markings of any sort about the head.

The beautiful Kentucky Warbler is one of the most abundant of
birds in the rich woods of southern Dlinois. As far north as
Wabash, Lawrence, and Richland counties, it is even more abundant
than the Golden-crowned Thrush, though the two usually inhabit
different locations, the latter preferring, as a rule, the dryer upland
woods, while the present species is most abundant in the rich woods
of the bottom-lands. In its manners it is almost a counterpart of
the Golden-crowned Thrush, but is altogether a more conspicuous
bird, both on account of its brilliant plumage and the fact that it
is more active, the males being, during the breeding season, very
pugnacious, and continually chasing one another about the woods.
It lives altogether near the ground; making its artfully concealed
nest among the low herbage and feeding in the undergrowth, the
male uttering his pretty song from some old log or low bush. His
song recalls that of the Cardinal, but is much weaker; and the
ordinary note is a soft pchip, somewhat like the common call of the
Pewee (Sayornis phebe.) Considering its great abundance, the nest
of this species is extraordinarily difficult to find; at least this has
been the writer’s experience, and he has come to the conclusion that

‘ 1
‘ ‘

MNIOTILTIDE—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 167

the female must slyly leave the nest at the approach of the intruder
and run beneath the herbage until a considerable distance from the
nest, when joined by her mate, the pair by their evident anxiety
mislead the collector as to its location. However this may be,
the writer has never found a nest of this species except by acci-
dent, although he has repeatedly searched every square foot of
ground within a radius of many yards of the spot where a pair
showed most uneasiness at his presence.

Supcznus Geothlypis Carants.

Geothlypis CaBANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1847, i, 316,349.—Ip. Schomburgk's Reise,
Guiana, 1848,

“GEN. CHAR. Bill sylvicoline, rather depressed, and distinctly notched; rictal bristles
very short or wanting. Wings short,rounded,scarcely longer than the tail; the first quill
shorter than the fourth. Taillong; much rounded or graduated. Legs stout; tarsi elon-
gated, as long as the head. Olive-green above,belly yellow. Tail-feathers immaculate.
Legs yellow.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

CoMMON CHARACTERS. Above plain olive-greenish, beneath plain yellowish (except
on throat and jugulum,in G@. philadelphia and its western representative, G. macgilli-
vray).

1. G. trichas. Adult male: Forehead, lores,and auriculars black, bordered behind by
light ash-gray or grayish white, (sometimes tinged with yellowish); lower parts
bright yellow, the abdomen usually dull whitish. Adult female: Forehead and
auriculars olive-brown, like rest of upper parts, the former usually tinged with
reddish brown; no gray or whitish on head, and lower parts less distinctly yel-
low. Young, first plumage: Above uniform olive-brown, beneath deep buff, or
light ochraceous,

2. G, philadelphia. Adult male: Head and neck plumbeous, with more or less of a
black patch on the jugulum; eyelids blackish. Adult female: Head smoky gray,
tinged with olive; the throat pale yellowish gray; eyelids,and an indistinct post-
ocular bar dull whitish or pale dingy yellowish.®

Geothlypis trichas (Linn.)

A. trichas—MARYLA D “ELLOW-THROAT.

Popular synonyms. Black-masked Ground Warbler; Black-cheeked Yellow-throat;
Black-spectacled Warbler; Brier Wren; Yellow Brier Wren.

Turdus trichas Linn. 8. N. ed. 12,i,1766, 292,
Sylvia trichas LAtH.—NvuTtT. Man. i, 1832, 401.—AupD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832,120; v, 1839, 463,
pl. 23,
Geothlypis trichas CaBan. M. H. i, 1850, 16.—Bartrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 241; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 170; Review, 1865, 220.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 107; Check List, 1873, No. 97; 2d
ed. 1882, No. 141; B. N. W. 1874,74; B. Col. Val. 1878, 309.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.i,
1874, 297, pl. 15, flgs. 7,8.—Ripe@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 122.

*The western representative of this species, G. macgillivrayi, is very similar, but
differs in proportions, the tail being decidedly longer. The male is without a solid black
patch on the jugulum, and the eyelids are distinctly white, in very marked contrast with
the velvety-black lores.

168 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Sylvia marylandica Wiis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 88, pl. 6, fig. 1; ii, 1809, 163, pl. 18, fig. 4.
Trichas marylandica Nurv. Man. ed. 2,i, 1840, 453.—AUD. Synop. 1839, 65; B. Am. ii, 1841,
78, pl. 102.
Sylvia roscoe Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 124, pl. 24.
Trichas roscoe Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 457.

B. occidentalis-WESTERN YELLOW-THROAT.

Popular synonyms. (Same as for the Eastern form.)
Geothlypis trichas AucT.—(Western references.)
Geothlypis trichas occidentalis BREwst. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, viil, July, 1883. p. 159.

Has. The true G. trichas chiefly east of the Alleghanies, or at least east of the low-
land portions of the Mississippi Valley. G. trichas occidentalis from the Mississippi
Valley to the Pacific Coast.

Sp. CHar. Adult male. Above olive-green, becoming browner on the nape. Fore-
head, lores, orbits, auriculars,and malar region deep black; this bordered posteriorly by
light ash-gray or grayish white. Chin, throat, jugulum, and breast, rich gamboge-yel-
low. Abdomen, sides and flanks, dull yellowish white in true G. trichas, yellow in occi-
dentalis. Adult female. Much duller in color than the male, without black, gray, or
white on head, which is mostly dull brownish, the pileum or auriculars, or both, some-
times tinged with reddish. Yellow of throat,etc.,much duller thanin the male. Young.
Jirst plumage. Somewhat like the adult female, but still duller in color. Lower parts
dull olivaceous, anteriorly, tinged with yellow on throat, the posterior portions pale
dull buff. Young, in first fall. Lower parts entirely light dull buff.

Wing (of male),2.00-2.40; tail, 1.80-2.40.

We have not formally separated the two races indicated in the
above synonymy and description, for the reason that at present we
are not sure of their exact limits. Occidentalis is evidently the pre-
vailing form in Illinois and Indiana, much the larger number of
specimens having the larger size and more extensively yellow lower
parts of the western form. Still there is much variation in this
latter character, and it may be that both forms occur.

This merry little denizen of the briar-patches is one of the most
conspicuous members of the family to which he belongs, being both
abundant and familiar, and furthermore decked with such a marked
plumage that he cannot fail to attract notice. The broad, velvety
black spectacles contrast handsomely with the bright yellow of his
throat and the whitish line above them, giving him a very wise
look, as he peers at one through the briars or weed-stalks; and his
pretty song of witchity—witchity'—witchity,, uttered from the top of
a rose bush or among the brambles, is to be heard throughout the
day. Its nest is usually built between upright weed-stalks or coarse
grass- or sedge-stems, in the damper portions of a meadow, and is
deeply cup-shaped, the opening being at the top. The eggs vary in
number from four to six, and before being blown are of a delicate
pinkish white, the larger end marked by a ring of specks and ‘‘pen-
lines” of different shades of brown.

MNIOTILTIDAX—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS, 169

Geothlypis philadelphia (Wils.)

MOURNING WARBLER,
Popular synonym. Black-throated Ground Warbler.

Sylvia philadelphia Wis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 101, pl. 14, fig. 6 Nutr. Man. 1,1832,404.—AuD.

Orn. Biog. v,1839, 78.

Trichas philadelphia JARD.—AUD. Synop. 1839, 65; B. Am. ii, 1841, 76, pl. 101.—NutTvT. Man.
2d ed. i, 1840, 459.

Geothlypis philadelphia BatrD,B. N. Am. 1858, 243; ed. 1860, pl. 79, fig. 3; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 172; Review, 1865, 226.—Covugss, Key, 1872, 107; Check List, 1878, No. 98; 2d
ed. 1882, No. 142; B. N. W. 1874, 75; B. Col. Val. 1878, 313.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.
i,1874,301, pl. 15, fig. 6—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 120.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding from northern United States (New England
to Minnesota and eastern Dakota), northward; more rare in Atlantic States. Winters in
southeastern Mexico and Costa Rica,and thence south to Colombia (no Guatemalan or
West Indian record). Casual in Greenland.

“Sp. CHar. Wings but little longer than the tail, reaching but little beyond its base.
Adult male. Head and neck all round, with throat and forepart of breast, ash-gray, paler
beneath. The feathers of the chin, throat,and fore breast in reality black, but with nar-
row ashy margins more or less concealing the black,except on the breast. Lores and
region round the eye dusky, without any trace ofa pale ring. Upper parts and sides of
the body clear olive-green; the under parts bright yellow. Tail-feathers uniform olive;
first primary, with the outer half of the outer web nearly white. Female with the gray of
the crown glossed with olive; the chin and throat paler centrally, and tinged with fulyous;
a dull whitish ring round the eye. Length,5.50; wing, 2.45; tail, 2.25.

“Specimens vary in the amount of black on the jugulum, and
the purity of the ash of the throat. The species is often confounded
with Oporornis agilis, to which the resemblance is quite close. They
may, howeyer, be distinguished by the much longer and more pointed
wings, and more even tail, shorter legs, etc., of agilis. The white
ring round the eye in the female philadelphia increases the difficulty
of separation.

“The adult male in autumn is scarcely different from the spring
bird, there bemg merely a faint olive-tinge to the ash on top of the
head, and the black jugular patch more restricted, being more con-
cealed by the ashy borders to the feathers; the yellow beneath
somewhat deeper.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

In the Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club (Cambridge,
Mass., April, 1878, p. 61) Mr. Brewster gives the following descrip-
tion of the immature stages of this species, taken from examples
in his unrivaled collection of eastern birds:

“First plumage. Female. Remiges,rectrices,etc.,as inadult. Rest of upper parts,
with wing-coverts and sides of head, dull reddish brown, becoming almost cinnamon on
the back, and tinged strongly with ashy on the pileum. Entire under parts light reddish
brown,most pronounced on the abdominal and anal regions, becoming lighter on the
throat,and darker, with a strong olive suffusion, on the breast andsides. Noappreciable

170 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

maxillary or supra-orbital stripes. (From aspecimenin my collection shotat Upton, Me.,
August 11,1876. This bird was very young; in fact barely able to fly. A slight doubt exists
in my mind as to its identity, for I did not actually see the parent birds feed it, though
both were in the immediate vicinity and exhibited much solicitude. This specimen is
separable from the corresponding stage of G@. trichas by the ashy cast of the pileum and
the absence of brownish on the sides.)

“Autumnal plumage. Young male. Entire upper parts olive-green, the feathers of
the pileum and nape being just tipped with this color and showing plainly the ashy
underneath when disarranged. Sides of head, with broad bands extending down each
side of the throat and nearly meeting across the jugulum, ash, washed with greenish
olive. Sides,with a broad connected band across anal region and breast, dull olive-
green. Rest of under parts, with central areas of throat and jugulum, very clear rich
yellow, intensifying into a spot of orange on the breast. In two specimens (both males)
a yellow tipping of the feathers on the jugulum nearly conceals much black underneath,
which becomes conspicuous when the plumage is slightly disarranged.

“Autumnal plumage. Young female. Similar to the male, but with a more olive cast
to the green of the dorsal aspect, less ashy on head,and the spot on the breast of richer,
deeper color,and broader diffusion. The young of both sexes in autumnal plumage
have the upper and lower eye-lids conspicuous fulvous yellow. In one specimen (male,
taken August 21) the eye-lids are dirty white. (From sevenspecimens—two females, five
males—in my collection, shot at Upton, Me., August, i874.) Irrespective of generic charac-
ters,the young of G. philadelphia are at once distinguishable from those of Oporornis
agilis in corresponding stages by the total absence of ashy on the central regions of the
throat, jugulum,and breast. So marked is the difference that obtains in this respect, that
Iam easily able to separate the two species, when lying side by side, at a distance of
fifteen or twenty feet.”

During the spring migration, I have found this bird to be very
common, on one or two occasions; and I have also obtained speci-
mens in the fall. Early in May, 1881, they were abundant near
Wheatland, Indiana, most of them being observed about brush-piles
in a clearing and along fences in the immediate vicinity. In the early
part of June, 1871, I saw a pair in a thicket along the border of
Fox Prairie in Kichland county, and presumed at the time that
they were breeding there, but the individuals in question may have
been merely late migrants.

Genus ICTERIA Virnntor.

Icteria ViEt1orT, Ois. Am. Sept. 1,1807,iii, 8. Type, Muscicapa viridis GME. = Turdus
virens LINN.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill broad at base,but contracting rapidly and becoming attenuated
when viewed from above; high at the base (higher than broad opposite the nostrils) ; the
culmen and commissure much curved from base,the gonys straight. Upper jaw deeper
than the lower; bill without notch or rictal bristles. Nostrils circular, edged above with
membrane, the feathers close to their borders. Wings shorter than tail, considerably
rounded; first quill rather shorter than the sixth. Tail moderately graduated; the
feathers rounded but narrow. Middle toe without claw, about two-thirds the length of
tarsus, which has the scutell# fused externally in part into one plate.

MNIOTILTIDE—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 171

“The precise systematic position of the genus Jcteria is a matter
of much contrariety of opinion among ornithologists; but we have
little hesitation in including it among the Sylvicolide. It has been
most frequently assigned to the Vireonide, but differs essentially in
the deeply cleft inner toe (not half united as mm Vireo), the partially
booted tarsi, the lengthened middle toe, the slightly curved claws,
the entire absence of notch or hook in the bill, and the short,
rounded wing with only nine primaries. The wing of Vireo, when
much rounded, has ten primaries,—nine only being met with when
the wing is very long and pointed.

“Of this genus only one species is known, although two races are
recognized by naturalists, differing in the length of the tail.” (Hist.
N. Am. B.)

Icteria virens (Linn.)

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT,

Popular synonym. Yellow Mockingbird.

Turdus virens Linn. 8. N. ed. 10,i,1758,171.
Icteria virens BAIrD, Review, 1865, 228.—Cours, Key, 1872,108; Check List, 1873, No. 100;
2d ed. 1882, No. 144; B. N. W. 1874, 77; B. Col. Val. 1878, 320.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am.
B. i, 1874,307, pl. 15, flg. 12.—Rimpaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 123.
Muscicapa viridis GMEL. 8. N. i,1788, 936.
Icteria viridis BONAP.—NvTT. Man. i, 1832, 299; 2d ed. i, 1840, 339.—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii,
1834,223; v, 1839, 435, pl. 137; B. Am. iv, 1842, 160, pl. 244—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 248;
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 176.
Pipra poly¢lotta Wiis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 90, pl. 6, fig. 1.

Has. Eastern United States, north to the Connecticut Valley and Great Lakes; west
to the border of the Great Plains; winters in Eastern Mexico and Guatemala.

“Sp. CHar. Third and fourth quills longest; second and fifth little shorter: first
nearly equal to the sixth. Tail graduated. Upper parts uniform olive-green; under
parts, including the inside of wing, gamboge-yellow as far as nearly half-way from the
point of the bill to the tip of the tail; rest of under parts white, tinged with brown on
the sides; the outer side of the tibiw plumbeous; aslight tinge of orange across the
breast. Forehead and sides of the head ash, the lores and region below the eye black-
ish. A white stripe from the nostrils over the eye and involving the upper eyelid; a
patch on the lower lid, and a short stripe from the side of the lower mandible, and run-
ning to a point opposite the hinder border of the eye, white. Bill black; feet brown.
Female like the male,but smaller; the markings indistinet; the lower mandible not
pure black. Length, 7.40; wing, 3.25; tail, 3.30. Nest in thickets, near the ground. Eggs
white, spotted with reddish.”

“Both sexes in winter apparently have the base of lower mandi-
ble light-colored, the olive more brown, the sides and crissum with
a strong ochraceous tinge.” It is this plumage that has been recog-
nized as I, velasquezi.

172 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

First plumage. Remiges, rectrices, etc., as in the adult. Head superiorly and
laterally, uniform grayish olive, with a barely appreciable whitish supraloral line and
orbital ring,and without black markings. Whole throat pale ash-gray (almost white on
the chin), stained laterally and anteriorly with yellow; entire breast gamboge-yellow,
obscured with olivaceous gray across the jugulum (probably entire gray at at first, the
yellow feathers being probably the beginning of the first moult), Abdomen white;
flanks and crissum pale buff.

In most parts of Illinois the Yellow-breasted Chat is an abundant
bird in suitable localities. These consist of the borders of thickets,
briar-patches, or wherever there is a low, dense growth of bushes—
the thornier and more impenetrable the better. Probably none of
our birds except the Mockingbird itself possess a greater variety of
notes than this loquacious species, on which account it is not unfre-
quently known as the ‘‘Yellow Mockingbird.” All its notes appear
to be original, however, although some of them suggest very strongly
those of other creatures. Thus, one of them resembles closely the
barking of a pup; another, the mewing of a cat; and a third, the
whistling sound produced by a duck’s wings when flying, only much
louder. This last is the sound most frequently heard, and may be
recognized at a distance of a quarter of a mile, or more, the other
notes being interludes between repetitions of the whistling song.
The latter can be very perfectly imitated by a good whistler, and
the bird thereby brought instantly to the spot, where he dodges in
and out among the bushes, uttering constantly, if the whistling be
repeated, a deep-toned, emphatic tac, or hollow, resonant meow.
During the height of the breeding season the male becomes exceed-
ingly animated and tuneful, ascending, by short flights and jumps,
from branch to branch, to the top of a small tree, singing vocif-
erously all the while—and then launching into the air, dangling its
legs and flirting his tail, descends, by odd jerks, to the thicket.

The notes of this species are heard regularly durmg moonlight
nights, throughout the breeding season.

The nest is built in a thicket, usually in a thorny bush or thick
vine. It is bulky, composed exteriorly of dry leaves, strips of loose
grape-vine bark and similar materials, and lined with fine grasses
and fibrous roots. The eggs are three to five m number, glossy
white, thickly spotted with various shades of rich, reddish brown
and lilac. ;

The species appears to be rather rare in the extreme northern
portion of the State; but Mr. Douglas informs me that he has
taken its eggs a few miles north of Waukegan, while Mr. Coale records
in his notes one specimen from Chicago.

MNIOTILTIDH—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 1738

Mr. Nelson says that the Yellow-breasted Chat is a “a regular but
not common summer resident” in Cook county, arriving May 1 to
10, and departing the last of August.

Genus SYLVANIA Nourratt.

Sylvania Nuvv. Man. Land B. 1832,290. Type by elimination Muscicapa selbii AUD.,=
Motacilla mitrata GMEL.

Wilsonia Bonap. Geog. and Comp. List, 1838,28. Same type.

Myiodioctes AuD. Synop. 1839, 48. Same type.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill broad, depressed; the lateral outlines a little concave; the bristles
reaching down not quite half-way from nostrils to tip. Culmen and commissure nearly
straight to near the tip. Nostrils oval, with membrane above. Wings pointed, rather
longer than the nearly even but slightly rounded tail; first quill shorter than the fourth,
much longer than the fifth; the second and third quills longest. Tarsi rather lengthened
the scutellar divisions rather indistinct; the middle toe without claw, about three fifths
the tarsus.

“This genus is distinguished from Setophaga mainly by stouter
feet and longer toes; shorter and more even tail, narrower bill, etc.
The species are decidedly muscicapine in general appearance, as
shown by the depressed bill with bristly rictus. The type, M. mi-
tratus, is very similar in character of bill to Dendroica castanea, but
the wings are much shorter; the tail longer and more graduated;
the legs and hind toe longer, and the first primary shorter than
the fourth (.15 of an inch less than the longest), not almost equal
to the longest. ‘lhe species are plain olive or plumbeous above,
and yellow beneath. They may be grouped as follows:” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

A Inner webs of tail-feathers with white patches.

1. 8, mitrata. Above plain olive-green, beneath pure yellow. Adult male: Head,
neck, and jugulum deep black, the forehead and auriculars gamboge-yellow.
Adult female: Black head-markings of the male usually merely indicated, some-
times absent, and rarely so extensive or deeply black asin that sex. Young: No
black whatever about the head.

2. §.microcephala, Above olive-green, beneath pale yellowish; wing with two white
bands.

B Inner webs of tail-feathers without any white markings:

3. §, pusilla, Above plain olive-green, beneath continuous yellow. Adult male:
Crown with a patch of glossy blue-black. Adult female: Similar to the male, but
black crown-patch usually less distinct, sometimes nearly obsolete. Young: No
trace of black on crown; otherwise, like the adult female.

4. §. canadensis. Above plumbeous gray, beneath yellow, the crissum white; a yel-
low orbitalring. Adult male: Forehead, crown and jugulum, spotted with black.
Adult female: Similar to the male, but black spots of head, ete., much less dis-
tinct. Young in first autumn: Similar to the adult female, but black markings
wanting; those of the jugulum, however, indicated by deltoid or cuneate streaks
of olive-grayish or dusky; yellow supraloral bar obsolete.

174 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

Sylvania mitrata (GueEt.)

HOODED WARBLER,
Popular synonyms. Plack-headed Warbler; Hooded Flycatching Warbler; Mitred
Warbler; Selby’s Warbler.
Motacilla mitrata GMEL. S. N. i, 1788, 977.

Sylvia mitrata Lara.—Nutt. Man. i,1832,373.—Aupb. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 68, pl. 60.

Wilsonia mitrata Be. Comp. List. 1888, 23.—Ripew. Proe. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1880, 173, No. 124.

Sylvania mitrata Nutr. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 333.

Myiodioctes mitratus AuD. Synop. 1839,48; B. Am. ii, 1841, 12, pl. 71 (“mitrata”).—Batrp,

B. N. Am. 1858, 292; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 211; Review, 1865,289.—CovuEs, Key, 1872,
109; Check List 1878, No. 101; 2d ed. 1882, No. 146; B. N. W. 1874, 78; B. Col. Val. 1878,
324.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,314, pl. 15, figs. 10,11.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B.
1851, No. 124.

Sylvia cucullata Wiis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 101, pl. 26, fig. 3.

Muscicapa selbyii AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 46, pl. 9.

Muscicapa selbii Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 296.

Has. Eastern United States, north to Connecticut and Hudson River Valleys, west-
ern New York, and Michigan; breeding throughout its summer range; casual to
Massachusetts; west to Kansas. Winters in Cuba, Jamaica, eastern Mexico, and Central
America, south to Panama; Bermudas.

“Sp. CHar. Male. Bill black; feet pale yellow. Head and neck all round and fore-
part of the breast black. A broad patch on the forehead extending round on the entire
cheeks and ear-coverts, with the under parts bright yellow. Upper parts and sides of
the body olive-green. Greater portion of inner web of outer three tail-feathers white.

“Female similar, but without the black; the crown like the back*; the forehead yel-

lowish; the sides of the head yellow, tinged with olive on the lores and ear-coverts,
Throat bright yellow.

“Length, 5.00; wing,2.75; tail,2.55. (Skin.)” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

‘Mr. C. Hart Merriam, in his late ‘Review of the Birds of Con-
necticut” (pp. 25 and 29), rectifies an error in the recent descriptions
of the females of this species. I wish to add my testimony to his
conclusions, “that the female bird, like the male, is several years—
at least three—in attaiming its full plumage; and that the two
sexes, when fully adult, can only be distinguished by the fact that,
in the female, the throat, though strongly tinged with black, is
never pure black as in the male.” Long ago I discovered these
facts, as the bird is an abundantly breeding summer resident here,
where I have taken several of their nests in a single walk. With
a large series of specimens before me, I can fully endorse Mr.
Merriam’s views. The females of the second summer are entirely
without any black upon the head, and I have frequently found them
sitting upon their eggs im this condition. Males of the same age
show very evident traces of black. Only in extreme examples does

* See, however, Mr. Mearns’s note. given below.

MNIOTILTIDA3—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 175

the black on the hood and throat of the female approach the purity
of those parts in the male.” (EH. A. Muarns, in Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, ii, pp. 72, 72.)

In all rich damp woods, both in Illinois and Indiana, I have
found the beautiful Hooded Warbler a more or less common species.
In the woods of Knox and Gibson counties, Indiana, immediately
opposite Mount Carmel, it is particularly abundant, so much so,
in fact, as to be one of the most characteristic species.

Sylvania pusilla (Wils.)

WILSON’S WARBLER.

Popular synonyms. Green Black-capped Flycatcher or Flycatching Warbler; Wilson's
Black-cap; Black-capped Yellow Warbler.
Muscicapa pusilla Wis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 103.
Wilsonia pusilla Bonar. Comp. List, 1838,23.—Ripew. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1880, 173, No.
125,
Sylvania pusilla Nurr. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 335.
Myiodioctes pusillus Sct.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 293; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 213;
Review, 1865, 240.—CovgEs, Key, 1872,109; Check List, 1878, No. 102; 2d ed. 1882, No.
147; B. N. W. 1874, 79, 232; B. Col. Val. 1878, 326.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,
$17, pl. 16, figs. 3,4—Ripa@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, i, No. 125.
Sylvia wilsonii Bonar. Jour. Phil. Ac. iv, 1824, 179.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 438,
Muscicapa wilsonii Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 148, pl. 124.
Myiodioctes wilsonit AUD. Synop. 1839,50; B. Am. ii, 1841, 28, pl. 75.

Has. All of North America except Pacific coast, where replaced by a brighter colored
(and otherwise different) race, var. pileolata*; breeding from extreme northern border
of United States (?) northward to Hudson’s Bay and Alaska, where reaching to the coast
of Bering’s Sea,and across to eastern Siberia. Wintersin eastern Mexico, Guatemala,
and south to Chiriqui.

Sp. CHAR. Forehead,line over and around the eye,and under parts generally, bright
yellow. Upper parts olive-green; a square patch on the crown lustrous black. Sides of
body and cheeks tinged with olive. No white on wings or tail. Female similar, the black
ofthe crown duller,or sometimes replaced by olive-green. Length, 4.75; wing, 2.25;
tail, 2.30.

This little bird is found in Illinois only during its migrations, and,
like other species, varies greatly in numbers in different years,
being scarcely to be found some seasons and abundant at others.
It is, however, an inconspicuous species, and may readily pass un-
noticed. Its summer home is in the colder regions of the far North,

where it breeds from Labrador to Alaska, and north to the limit of
tree growth.

*See Hist. N. Am. B.1,p. 319.

176 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Sylvania canadensis (Linn.)

CANADIAN WARBLER.

Popular synonyms. Canada Flycatcher; Necklaced Warbler; Bonaparte’s Warbler;
Canadian Flycatching Warbler.

Muscicapa canadensis Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i,1766,327.—Wis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 100, pl. 26,
fig. 2.—Avup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 17, pl. 103.
Myiodioctes canadensis AupD. Synop. 1839, 49; B. Am. ii, 1841, 14, pl. 72.—Barrp, B. N. Am.
1858,294; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 214; Review, 1865, 239.—Covugs, Key, 1872,109; Check
List, 1873, No. 103; 2d ed. 1882, No. 149; B. N. W. 1874,80; B. Col. Val. 1878, 323.—B. B. &
R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,320, pl. 16, fig. 6 -Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 127.
Sylvia pardalina Bonap. Jour. Phil. Ac. iv,1824,179.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832,372.
Muscicapa bonapartii AupD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1831, 27, pl. 5 (= young).
Setophaga bonapartii Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 225, pl. 47.
Myiodioctes bonapartii AuD. Synop. 1839, 49; B. Am. ii,1841,17, pl. 73.—Batrp,B. N. Am.
1858, 295; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 215.
Sylvania bonapartii Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i,1840,332.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding from northern border of United States (in-
eluding higher portion of Middle States), northward. Winters in Mexico, Central
America,and northern South America to Ecuador.

“Sp. CHaR. Upper part bluish ash; a ring around the eye, with a line running to the
nostrils,and the whole under part (except the tail-coverts, which are white), bright yel-
low. Centres of the feathers in the anterior half of the crown, the cheeks, continuous
with a line on the side of the neck to the breast, and a series of spots across the forepart
of the breast,black. Tail-feathers unspotted. Female similar, with the black of the
head and breast less distinct. In the young obsolete. Length,5.34; wing, 2.67; tail, 2.50.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

“First plumage. Female. Remiges,rectrices,ete., similar to the adults. Rest of the
upper parts, including wing-coverts and sides of head, uniform deep dull cinnamon; the
greater coverts tipped with fulvous. Throat, breast, and sides very light cinnamon,
tinged with olive. Analand abdominal regions pale sulphur-yellow. No conspicuous
spots, stripes, or markings anywhere. (Krom a specimen in my collection shot at Upton,
Me., August 4,1874. This bird was so young as to be scarcely able to fly,and with the rest
of the brood, was attended by the female parent.)

“Adult in autumn. Male, Similar to adult in spring, but with the yellow of the under
parts much more intense,and the black spotting on the breast slightly clouded by the
yellow tipping of the overlapping feathers. (Froma specimeninmy collection shot at
Upton, Me., August 29, 1874.) ;

“Young in autumn. Male. Pileum and back greenish olive; nape and rump bluish
ash, slightly tinged with olive. Centres of a few feathers on the forehead and cheeks,
with a continuous line along the side of the neck to the breast, dusky-black. A broad
band of very small spots (each one not more than one quarter of the size of those ex-
hibitedin the adult plumage) across the upper part of the breast black. Otherwise
similar to the adult.” (BREWsTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Apr. 1878, pp. 60,61.)

This handsome species is rather a common migrant, being in
fact, sometimes one of the most abundant members of the family.
It has not yet been detected as a summer resident of any part of our
State, but, since it is said to breed “in New York and Massachu-
setts, and in the region north of latitude 42°” (Brewer), it very
likely does so in the extreme northern portion of Illinois.

MNIOTILTIDA—THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 177

The fully adult male is a very handsome and conspicuous bird,
though far less so than his relative, the Hooded Warbler; and his
song is one of the prettiest that we know of, having some resem-
blance to that of the Water-thrush.

“In Vermont,” says Mr. Charles S. Paine*, “the Canada Fly-
catcher is a common summer visitant, and is first seen about the
18th of May. They do not spread themselves over the woods, lke
most of our small fly-catching birds, but keep near the borders,
where there is a low growth of bushes, and where they may be
heard throughout the day, singing their regular chant. A few
pairs may occasionally be found in the same neighborhood. At
other times only a single pair can be found in quite a wide extent
of territory of similar character. They build their nests, as well
as I can judge, about the first of June, as the young are hatched
out and on the wing about the last of that month, or the first of
July. I have never found a nest, but I think they are built on
the ground. They are silent after the first of July, and are rarely
to be seen after that period.”

Nests found at Lynn, Mass., by Mr. Geo. O. Welch, were built
in tussocks of meadow-grass, in swampy woods or logs; they were
constructed of pine needles, strips of loose grape-vine bark, dry
leaves, ete., and lined with fibrous dry roots. The eggs were five
in number, clear white, marked with a wreath of spots of various
shades of rich brown, purple, and violet.

Genus SETOPHAGA Swarson.

Setophaga Swarnson, Zool. Jour. iii, Dec. 1827,360. Type,Muscicapa rutacilla LINN.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill much depressed, the lateral outlines straight toward tip. Bristles
reach half-way from nostril to tip. Culmen almost straight to near the tip; commissure
very slightly curved. Nostrils oval, with membrane above them. Wings rather longer
than tail, pointed; second, third, and fourth quills nearly equal; first intermediate be-
tween fourth and fifth. Tail rather long, rather rounded; the feathers broad,and widen-
ing at ends, the outer web narrow. ‘Tarsi with scutellar divisions indistinct externally.
Legs slender; toes short, inner cleft nearly to base of first joint, outer with first joint
adherent; middle toe without claw, not quite half the tarsus.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.)
AMERICAN REDSTART,
Popular synonyms, Black-and-red Warbler; Fan-tail Warbler, or Flycatcher; Yellow-
tailed Warbler or Flycatcher,
Motacilla ruticilla Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 186.
Muscicapa ruticilla Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 326.—Wis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 103, pl. 6, fig.
6; v, 119, pl. 45, fig. 2—Aupb. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 202; v, 1859, 428, pl. 40; Synop. 1889, 44;
B. Am. i, 1840, 240, pl. 68.

*In Hist. N. Am. B.i, pp. 320, 321.

178 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Muscicapa (Sylvania) ruticilla Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 291.

Setophaga ruticilla Sw.—Barep, B. N. Am. 1858, 297; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 217; Re-
view, 1865, 256.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 110; Check List, 1873, No. 104; 2d ed. 1882, No. 152;
B. N. W. 1874, 81, 232; B. Col. Val. 1878, 337.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 322. pl.
16, figs. 1, 5.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 128.

Has. Eastern North America, west regularly to and including the Rocky Mountains,
to the borders of the Great Basin, straggling to the Pacific coast; breeds throughout its
summer range, which extends from the Gulf States north to Ft. Simpson and Hudson's
Bay. Winters in West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, to
Ecuador.

“Sp. Cuar. Male. Prevailing color black. <A central line on the breast, the abdomen
and under tail-coverts white; some feathers in the latter strongly tinged with dark
brown. Bases of all the quills except the inner and outer, and basal half of all the tail-
feathers except the middle ones, a patch on each side of the breast, and the axillary re-
gion, orange-red, of a vermilion shade onthe breast. Female with the black replaced by
olive-green above, by brownish white beneath, the red replaced by yellow; the head
tinged with ash; a grayish white lore and ring round the eye. Length, 5.25; wing, 2.50;
tail, 2.45.

“The young male in early autumn greatly resembles in plumage
the adult female, but has the upper tail-coverts and tail deep black,
sharply contrasted with the olive of the rump, instead of having
the upper tail-coverts olive, the tail simply dusky; in addition the
back is more greenish olive, and the abdomen and crissum pure
white. The male does not obtain the perfect adult plumage until
about the third year.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Although so very abundant as to be, like the Red-eyed Vireo,
a nuisance to the collector who has to shoot his warblers at ran-
dom in the tall tree-tops, the Redstart is by no means a well
known bird to the general observer. This arises from the fact that
it inhabits almost exclusively thick woodlands, where it usually
keeps well up in the trees. None of the numerous family of war-
blers are more active than the present species, which is continually
on the move, darting first this way, then that after msects, which
it snaps up in the air in the manner of a true flycatcher. Aft all
times the long, broad tail is spread out like a fan, showing, in the
female, a broad pale yellow band—her only ornament—and in the
male enhancing the striking appearance caused by his handsome
black and salmon-red livery. Its notes, particularly the song, bear
a rather close resemblance to those of the Summer Yellowbird, but
are weaker and less attractive. The nest is a compact, cup-shaped
structure, usually placed on a horizontal branch, but supported by
upright twigs, at heights varymg from eight or ten to fifty feet
from the ground. Its material consists of vegetable fibres, etc.,
closely interwoven, and lined with softer materials. The eggs are
usually four in number, and very similar in color and markings to
those of the Summer Yellowbird.

VIREONIDAX—THE VIREOS, 179

Famity VIREONIDA1.—Tue Vireos.

“The essential features of this family appear to consist in the
combination of the dentirostral bill, notched in both mandibles;
the ten primaries (except Vireosylvia), of which the outer is usually
from one fourth to one half the second; the rather short, nearly
even tail, with narrow feathers, and the great amount of adhesion
of the anterior toes,—the whole basal joint of the middle being
generally united on both sides to the adjacent joints, and decidedly
shorter than the basal of inner or two basal of outer. ‘The outer
lateral toe is generally appreciably longer than the inner, reaching
considerably beyond the base of the middle claw. The tarsi are
always distinctly scutellate anteriorly. The young are never spotted,
or streaked as in the Thrushes; nor, indeed, do the adults exhibit
such markings.

“The Vireonide are peculiar to the New World, and are widely
distributed, although but one genus belongs to the United States.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

Genus VIREO Vrem1or.

Vireo VIEILL, Ois. Am. Sept. i,1807,83. Type, Muscicapa noveboracensis GMEL.

“No great violence will be done by considering all the American
Vireos as belonging to one genus, divisible into three subgenera, as,
however different the extremes of the series may be from each
other, the gradation is quite complete.

“The North American species take a wide range during their
southern winter migration, only paralleled in this respect by the
Sylvicolide; they do not visit the West Indies, save as very rare
stragglers to Cuba (V. olivaceus, solitarius, flavifrons, and novebora-
censis). ‘They all have a melodious song, and, so far as known,

180 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

make a deep nest, suspended by its upper edge between the forks
of a horizontal twig. The eggs are white, generally with a few red-
dish or brown blotches.

“Quite a number are characterized by haying the eyes white,
red, or yellow.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Analysis of Subgenera.

Vireosylva. Bill compressed, narrow; culmen and commissure straight, the tip ab-
ruptly curved (or,if thi: is not the case, there i- no trace of light bands on the wing; see
section “b”). Superciliary stripe continued back to the occiput. No trace of light bands
onthe wing. No conspicuous ring round the eye.

Lanivireo, Bill compresse !,stout; culmen arched from the base, commissure curved.
Superciliary stripe stoppi g at posterior angle of the eye and curving under it, enclosing

the eye in a conspicuous orbital ring, interrupted only infront. Two conspicuous white
bands on the wing.

Vireo, Bill stout, scarcely compressed, sub-cylindrical. First primary not spurious
or, if so, not acute,

Supcenus Vireosylva Bonaparte. :

Vireosylva Bonap. Comp. List, 1838,26. Type, Muscicapa olivacea Linn.

SuspGEN. Coan. “Wings long and pointed, one third or one fourth longer than the
nearly even or slightly rounded tail. First quill very small (less than one third the
second),sometimes apparently wanting. Second quill longer than the seventh, much
longer than the secondaries. Tarsi short (scarcely extending .60 of an inch) ; toes rather
long. Body slender and elongated. Bill slender, narrow, straight; the culmen straight

for its basal half, the commissure quite straight; light horn-color, paler beneath. Feet
we ik.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Common CHARACTERS. Above plain olive, without distinct wing markings, the pileum
more grayish, contrasting more orless strongly with the color of the back; a more or
less distinct superciliary stripe of whitish,and beneathita rather ndistinct dusky streak
before and behind the eye. Lower parts whitish, the crissum and axillars, and some-
times flanks, yellowish.

A. First primary rudimentary, usually concealed.*

*In very rare instances V. olivacea has a well-developed spurious primary, as witness
the following, by Mr, Batchelder, in the “Nuttall Bulletin,” vol. ii, pp. 97,98: “On Septem-
ber 3, 1877, at Bar Harbor, Me.,Is ot a Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) which is curiously
abnormal in haying well-developed spurious first primaries, which measure 1.16 inches
in length, the wing measuring 3.15inches. Through the kindness of Mr. J. A. Allen, I
have examined the Vireos of this species in the collection of the Museum of Comparative
Zoodlogy,and find in a series of about seventy specimens four more eases of the same
variation. They are as follows: No. 23,281 (Coll. M. C. Z.,from Coalburgh, W. Va.,) with
spurious primaries on both wings, measuring 1.17 inches (wing 2.23); No. 23,274 (Coll. M.
C. Z., same locality), with a spurious primary only on the left wing, measuring 1.10 inches
(wing 2.92.) No. 4,185 (Coll. M. C. Z., from Newtonville, Mass.), with spurious primaries on
both wings, measuring 1.09 inches (wing 3.02); and No. 4,793 (Coll. M. C. Z.,same locality),
with a spurious primary on the left wing, measuring 1.15 inches, the wing measuring 3.21.
It may be well to say that they are not the first primary coverts,but are true spurious
primaries, lying in the same plane as the other primaries, and differing from the spurious
primaries of other species of this family only in being somewhatsmaller. This variation
seems particularly interesting from the fact thatthe presence or absence of aspurious
primary has been to some extent taken as a basis of classification in this family.”

VIREONIDE—THE VIREOS. 181

a. Pileum bordered along each side by a dusky line. Wing more than 3 inches.

1. V. olivacea, Above olive-green, the pileum slate-gray; beneath white medially
the sides olive-greenish; crissum scarcely tinged with yellow; inner edges of
quills white.

2. V. flavoviridis.* Above yellowish olive-green, the pileum ash-gray; beneath

white medially, bright greenish olive-yellow laterally, the crissum, lining of

wings, and inner edges of quills light yellow.
b. Pileum without dusky border; wing less than three inches.

8. V. philadelphica, Above grayish green the pileum gray; beneath sulphur-yel-

low, more whitish on the chin and abdomen.

B. First primary well developed, and exposed (.50 of an inch, or more,long). Wing
less than 3 inches.
4. V. gilva. Above olive-gray, the crown not conspicuously different; beneath
whitish, the sides tinged with dull buffy.
a gilva. Wing, 2.65-2.90; tail, 2.20-2.50; bill from nostril, .30-.35. Eastern
United States.

Bp swainsoni. Wing, 2.70-3.00; tail, 2.20-2.60; bill from nostril, .25-.28. Bill
more depressed, and colors grayer, with less of a buffy cast on sides, etc.
Western United States,

Vireo olivaceus (Linn.)

RED-EYED VIREO.
Popular synonyms. Red-eyed Greenlet; Red-eyed Flycatcher.

Muscicapa olivacea Linn. 8S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 327 (part).—Waus. Am. Orn. fi, 1810, 55, pl. 10,
fig. 3.
Vireo olivaceous Virtwu.—Nvrtt. Man. i, 1832, 312.—AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 287, pl. 150;
Synop. 1839, 162; B. Am. iv, 1842, 155, pl. 243.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 331; Cat. N. Am.
B, 1859, No. 240.—Cours, Key, 1872, 120; Check List, 1873, No. 122; 2d ed. 1882, No. 170;
B. N. W. 1874, 96; B. Col. Val. 1878, 495.

Vireosylva olivacea Br.—Vireosylvia olivacea Batrp, Review, 1866, 333.—B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 363, pl. 17, fig. 2.

Has. Eastern North America, north to “Fur Countries;” west to Rocky Mountains, or
even beyond, especially along northern border of United States; winters from Florida
and Cuba to Trinidad and Colombia, but not in West Indies, except Cuba; accidental in
Greenland and even in England.

“Sp. Cuan. (No. 1,418 male, Carlisle, Penn., May, 1844.) Upper parts olive-green. Top
of head, from bill to nape, ash-color. A white line from nostrils above and beyond the
eye, bordered above by a dusky line forming the edge of the ashy cap, and below bya
similar, perhaps paler, loral and post-ocular cheek-stripe. Beneath, including tibia,
white, with perhaps a tinge of olivaceous ash across the breast; the sides of the neck
like the back; sides of the body with a faint wash of olive. Axillars and crissum faintly

* This is a Central American and Mexican species, reaching its normal northern limit
in the lower Rio Grande valley in Texas. Ithas been taken. however, on the Canadian
shore of the Lower St. Lawrence, and may possibly occur as a straggler in Illinois.

182 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

tinged with sulphur-yellow; lining of wings and its edge, the latter especially. nearly
white. Quills blackish brown, edged externally, except at ends of primaries, with olive;
internally with white. Tail-feathers lighter brown, edged externally like the back, in-
ternally with pale olivaceous white. Bill dusky above, pale below; tarsi plumbeous;
irisred. Length, 6.33; extent of wings, 10.25; wing, 3.33; tail, 2.50,

“Female similar, but duller in plumage.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Taking the country at large, the Red-eyed Vireo is perhaps the
most abundant woodland species. It is the béte noir of the collec-
tor, who, during the “warbler season” daily, and much to his disgust,
sacrifices a greater or less number of individuals; indeed it is a
common saying that a “a Red-eyed Vireo can make himself look
and act like any sort of warbler.” It is probable that we have not
a more beneficial bird than this species, noxious and destructive in-
sects of numerous kinds constituting his principal food. Seeking
for these is his constant occupation, as he hops along a branch,
now peering into some crevice of the bark or nook among the foli-
age, even uttering his pretty song during the interval between swal-
lowing the last worm and finding the next. “The tender and
pathetic utterances of this Vireo, uttered with so much apparent
animation, to judge from their sound, are in striking contrast to
the apparent imdifference or unconsciousness of the little vocalist
who, while thus delighting the ear of the listener, seems to be all
the while bent on procuring its daily supply of food, which it pur-
sues with unabated ardor. (Brewen.)

“This Vireo,’ says Dr. Brewer,* “builds the pensile nest of its
race, suspending it from the fork of two or more twigs of a forest
tree, at various heights of from five to fifty feet from the ground.
It is cup-hke in shape, and always dependent from small twigs,
around which its upper edges are firmly bound. Externally it is
woven of various materials, fine strips of bark, the hempen fibres
of vegetables, and webs of spiders and various caterpillars. These
are compactly pressed and woven, and, as some suppose, aggluti-
nated by the saliva of the builder. Sometimes the unmanageable
materials give to the outside of the nest a rude and unfinished ap-
pearance, at others they are evenly and smoothly wrought. They
are very strong, uninjured by the storms of winter, and are often
made use of by other birds, by mice, and even by the same bird a
second season.”

* Hist, N. Am, B. 1, p. 365,

VIREONIDH—THE VIREOS. 183

Vireo philadelphicus (Cass.)

PHILADELPHIA VIREO,

Popular synonyms, Philadelphia Greenlet; Brotherly-love Vireo.

Vireosylvia philadelphica Cass. Proc. Phil. Ac. 1851,153, pl. 10, fig. 2.—Batrp, Review, 1866,
340.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 367, pl. 17, fig. 4—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B.

1882, No. 138.

Vireo philadelphicus Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 335; ed. 1860, pl. 78, fig. 3; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 244.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 120; Check List, 1873, No. 124; 2d ed. 1882, No. 173; B.
N. W. 1874, 97; B. Col. Val. 1878, 492.

Has. Eastern North America, chiefly west of the Alleghanies, north to “Fur Coun-
tries;” breeding chiefly north of the United States, and wintering in Central America
(Guatemala to Costa Rica). Not recorded from Mexico or West Indies.

“Sp. CHar. (No. 20,643 male.) Above dark olive-green, tinged with plumbeous ash, ex-
cept on the rump; top of head and nape purer plumbeous ash, not edged with dusky, the
line of demarcation indistinct. Beneath ightsulphur-yellow, paler and almost white on
chin and middle of abdomen; sides more olivaceous. A whitish stripe from bill ove-
eye, as also a patch beneath itand the eyelids. A dusky loral and post-ocular spot.
Quills and reectrices brown,edged externally with olive, internally with whitish; the
larger coverts with paler outer edges. Bill blackish, paler plumbeous below. Legs
plumbeous. Spurious outer or first quil! (seen in gilvuws) wanting; the outer about equal
to fifth; third longest; second and fourth not much shorter. Total length, 4.80; wing,

2.65; tail, 2.25.

“Specimens vary somewhat in purity of tints, and especially in
intensity of yellow of under parts, which color is deeper in autumnal
skins.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Philadelphia Vireo is a common, or in some seasons abun-
dant, migrant, but owing to its plain colors may very easily be over-
looked, or mistaken for some species of warbler. It is probable
that this species breeds in the northern portion of the State; at
least this probability is strongly suggested by the following state-
ment, quoted from Mr. Nelson’s list (pp. 102, 103):

“A common migrant; May 15th and 25th, and September 5th to
25th. While passing in the spring these birds frequent either wil-
low thickets or high woods. They were so numerous near Wauke-
gan about the 20th of May, 1876, that a dozen specimens might
have been obtained in an hour. The first of July, 1874, I found
two pairs of these birds in a dense willow thicket bordering Mazon
Creek, about sizty miles south of Chicago. Upon my approach the
birds showed great anxiety, uttermg a short complaining cry, and
coming within a few feet of me. That they had young in the

184 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

vicinity I was sure, but owing to the character of the covert they
were not found. Specimens of this species may invariably—as far
as my experience goes—be separated from those of V. gilvus by the
greater intensity of yellow on the former, as well as by the quill
characters.”

Vireo gilvus (Vieill.)
WARBLING VIREO.

Popular synonyms. Warbling Greenlet, or Flycatcher.
Muscicapa gilva Vier. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 65, pl. 34.
Vireo gilvuus Bp.—Nvutt. Man. i, 1832,309.—A up. Orn. Biog. 1i,1834, 114, pl. 118; Synop.
1839, 161; B. Am. iv, 1842, 149, pl. 241.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 385; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 245.—Covegs, Key, 1872,120; Check List, 1873, No. 125; 2d ed. 1882, No. 174; B. N. W.
1874,97; B. Col. Val. 1878, 501.
Vireosylvia gilva Cass.—Batrp, Review, 1866, 342.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 368,
pl. 17, fig. 3—Ripew. Nom, N. Am. B. 1881, No. 139.
Muscicapa melodia Wis. Am. Orn. v,1812,85, pl. 42, fig. 3.

Has. Eastern North America, north to Fort Garry; winter habitat unknown, but
probably Gulf States, there being no extra-limital record. In the Western United States
replaced by aslightly grayer, smaller-billed race, the V. swansoni of Barry (B. N. Am.
1858, 336, in text), of identical habits.

“Sp. CHar. (No.1,017female.) Above olive-green, strongly glossed with ashy, the
head and nape above more distinctly ashy, but without decided line of demarcation
behind, and without dusky edge; rump pure olive. Stripe from nostrils over eye to
nape, eyelids, and space below eye, creamy white. A rather dusky postocular and
loral spot, the latter not extending to the bill. Under parts white, with tinge of greenish
yellow (occasionally of creamy fulvous or buff), especially on breast; sides more oliva-
ceous. Crissum and axillars scarcely more yellowish. Quills and rectrices wood-brown,
edged internally with whitish, externally with olivaceous, except perhaps on longer
primaries. Edge of wing white. Larger wing-coverts grayish brown, with paler edges,
and no trace of olivaceous. Bill horn-color above, paler below.

“First quill very short or spurious; second about equal to, generally rather longer

than, sixth; third longest; fourth, then fifth a little shorter.
“Fresh specimen: Total leneth, 5.33; expanse of wings,8.35; wing from carpal joint,
2.85. Prepared specimen: Total length, 4.80; wing, 2.75; tail,2.25. Sexes alike. Iris brown.”

This charming little bird is abundant in all cultivated portions of
the country, and even where the population is sparse and the
forests extensive, it is more or less common along the margins of
streams and edges of the woods. It is particularly numerous among
the large silver-maples and associate trees which droop their grace-
ful foliage over the banks of the larger streams, while in-all towns
haying abundance of shade trees along the streets it is one of the
commoner and more familiar species.

The Warbling Vireo was a special favorite of Dr. Thomas M.
Brewer, who gives the following pleasing account of it in History of
North American Birds (Vol. I., p. 869) :

VIREONIDE—THE VIREOS. 185

“This Vireo, more than any other of its genus, if not exclusively,
is to a large extent a resident of villages, towns, and even cities.
It is by far the sweetest singer that ventures within thew crowded
streets and public squares,—although Mr. Cassin gives his prefer-
ence to the notes of the Red-eyed,—and the melody of its song is
exquisitely soft and beautiful. It is chiefly to be found among the
tall trees, in the vicinity of dwellings, where it seems to delight to
stay, and from their highest tops to suspend its pensile nest. It is
especially abundant among the elms of Boston Common, where at
almost any hour of the day, from early in the month of May until
long after summer has gone, may be heard the prolonged notes of
this, one of the sweetest and most constant of our singers. Its —
voice is not powerful, but its melody is flute-like and tender.
Throughout the last of May, and in June and July, their charming
song may be heard amid the din of the city, from earliest dawn till
nightfall, and rarely ceases even in the noontide heat, when all
other birds are silent. It is ever in motion, while thus singing;
and its sweetest notes are given forth as it moves among the tree-
tops in search of insects. It is not only one of our most constant
singers, but it remains musical almost until its departure for the
South in October.”

To our mind, the song of this species is characterized more by
its air of happy contentment than by any other special quality, and
we have never heard one whose song sounded at all “flute-like;”
yet it is, withal a very pretty and agreeable performance.

Sugeenus Lanivireo Barrp.

Lanivireo Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 329 (s. g.); Review, May 21, 1866, 326, 345. Type, Vireo
flavifrons VIEILL.

“SUBGEN. CHAR. Body stout, head broad. Bill short and stout, broad at the base,
the culmen curved from the base, the commissure considerably arched. Bill blue-black.
Feet stout. Type, V. favifrons.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This genus includes a group of two species, one of which is ex-
clusively eastern, while the other extends entirely across the con-
tinent, though differentiated into several strongly marked races in
separate parts of its habitat. The two species occurring in the
Atlantic Proymce may be distinguished as follows:

Common CHARACTERS. Orbital ring and supraloral streak, yellow or white; two
broad white bands across wing. Upper parts olive-greenish, the wings and tail bluish.

186 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

1. L. flavifrons, Anterior half olive-green above, pale lemon-yellow below; posterior
half plumbeous above, white below. First primary rudimentary, concealed.

2. L. solitarius. Head plumbeous, with white orbital ring and supraloral streak;
lower parts pure white, the sides yellowish olive, and crissum tinged with sul-
phur- yellow.

Vireo flavifrons (Vieill.)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO.

Popular synonym. Yellow-throated Greenlet.
Vireo flavifrons Virtuu. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 8, pl. 54.—NuTr. Man. 1, 1832, 302.—AuD.
Orn. Biog. ii, 1834 119, pl. 119; Synop. 1839 160; B. Am. iv, 1842. 141, pl. 238.—Barrp,B.
N. Am. 1858, 341; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 252.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 121; Check List, 1873,
No. 126; 2d ed. 1882, No. 176.—B. N. W. 1874, 99; B. Col. Val. 1878, 493.
Vireosylvia flavifrons BAtRp, Review, 1866, 346 (s. g. Lanivireo).
Lanivireo flavifrons LAwRk. 1868.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 879, pl. 17, fig. 3.—
Rivew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 140.

Muscicapa sylvicola Wiis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 117, pl. 7, fig. 3.

Has. Eastern North America, north to Canada, west to edge of Great Plains; breed-
ing nearly throughoutits range, and wintering in Florida, Cuba, eastern Mexico, and
Central America to Colombia.

“Sp. CHat. (No. 28390.) Head and neck above and on sides, with interscapular re-
gion, bright olive-green. Lower back, rump, tail, and wing-coverts ashy. Wings brown
with two white bands across the coverts, the outer edges of inner secondaries, and
inner edges of all the quills, with inside of wing white. Outer primaries edged with
gray, the inner with olive. Tail-feathers brown, entirely encircled by a narrow edge of
white. Under parts to middle of body, aline from nostrils over eye, eyelids, and patch
beneath the eye (bordered behind by the olive of neck) bright gamboge-yellow; rest of
under parts white, the flanks faintly glossed with ashy. Lores dusky. Bill and legs
plumbeous black.

“No spurious primary evident; second quill longest; first a little shorter than third.

“Length, 5.80; wing, 3.00; tail, 2.00; difference of longest and innermost quills, .90;
tarsus, .73.

“Autumnal birds, perhaps more especially the young, are more
glossed with olivaceous, which invades the ashy portions, and tinges
the white.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

In some respects the Yellow-throated Vireo is the most remark-
able of all the species of the family which occur within the United
States. It is decidedly the finest songster of all those which reach
the Northern States, has the loudest notes of admonition and re-
proof, and is the handsomest in plumage. So far as the writer’s
experience with it is concerned, he has found it only in the woods,
and mostly in the luxuriant forests of the bottom-lands, where it
may be regarded as the most abundant species of its family. This
experience accords with that of Audubon and Wilson; but the habits
of birds vary greatly with locality, and in other portions of the
country, notably in New England, it is said to be a very familiar
species, delighting in the companionship of man.

VIREONIDM—THE VIREOS, 187

Vireo solitarius (Wils.)

BLUE-HEADED VIREO.
Popular synonyms. Solitary Greenlet, or Vireo; Blue-headed Greenlet.
Muscicapa solitaria Wiis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 43, pl. 17, fig. 6.
Vireo solitarius VIEL. 1817.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 147, pl. 28; Synop. 1839, 160; B. Am.
iv, 1842, 144, pl. 239.—Nuvr. Man. i, 1832, 305.—Bartrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 340; Cat. N. Am.
B. 1859, No. 250.—Covgs, Key, 1872, 121; Cheek List, 1873, No. 127; 2d ed. 1882, No. 177;
B. N. W. 1874, 99; B. Col. Val. 1878, 507.
Vireosylvia solitaria Barrp, Review, 1866, 347 (s. g. Lanivireo).
Lanivireo solitarius ALLEN, 1869.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 373, pl. 17, fig. 8.—
Riwew. Nom. N. Am. B. No. 141.

Has. Eastern North America, north to ‘Fur Countries;” breeding from northern
border of United States northward, and wintering in Cuba, eastern Mexico, and Guate-
mala.

“Sp. CHar. (No. 300 male.) Above olive-green, including upper tail-coverts; the top
and sides of head and nape ashy plumbeous; sides of the neck plumbeous olive. Broad
line from nostrils to and around eye, involving the whole lower eyelid, white. A loral
line involving the edge of the eyelid, and a space beneath the eye, dusky plambeous.
Beneath white; the sides yellow, overlaid with olive, this color not extending anterior to
the breast. Axillars and base of crissum pale sulphur-yellow, the long feathers of the
latter much paler or nearly white. Wings with two bands and outer edges of innermost
secondaries olivaceous white; the quills dark brown, edged externally with olive-green,
internally with white; tail-feathers similarly marked, except that the lateral feather is
edged externally also with white, the central without internal border. Bill and legs

blackish plumbeous. Iris brown.
“First quill spurious, rather more than one fifth the second, which is intermediate

between the fifth and sixth; third longest.
“Fresh specimen: Total length, 5.40; expanse of wing, 9.00 Prepared specimen:
Total length, 5.25; wing, 2.95; tail, 2.35.

“Spring specimens show sometimes a gloss of plumbeous on the
back, obscuring the olive, the contrast of colors being greater in the
autumnal and young birds. Sometimes the crissum appears nearly
white. The length of the spurious primary varies considerably,
from .45 to .75 of an inch.

“Jn autumn the colors are similar, but slightly duller and less
sharply defined, while the back is considerably tinged with ashy.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

The solitary Vireo passes through Illinois only during its spring
and fall migrations; at least there seems to be no record of its
breeding anywhere in the State, but it may do so in the extreme
northern portion. Its known range during the nesting season extends
from eastern Massachusetts and the region along the northern bor-
der of the Great Lakes northward nearly to the limit of tree growth.

“Mr. Burroughs describes the love-notes of these birds as being
inexpressibly sweet and tender in both sexes. The song of the male,

188 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

as I have heard it, bears no resemblance to that of any other
Vireo. It is a prolonged and very peculiar ditty, repeated at fre-
quent intervals and always identical. It begins with a lively and
pleasant warble, of a gradually ascending scale, which at a certain
pitch suddenly breaks down into a falsetto note. The song then
rises again in a single high note, and ceases.

“Mr. Nuttall found a nest of this species suspended from the
forked twig of a wild crab-tree, about ten feet from the ground.
The chief materials were dead and withered grasses, with some cob-
webs agglutinated together, externally partially covered with a few
shreds of hypnum, assimilating it to the branch on which it hung,
intermingled with a few white paper-like capsules of the spiders’
nests, and lined with a few blades of grass and slender root-fibres.”
(BREWER.)

SupcEenvus Vireo Vier1ot.

Vireo V1EILu. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 88. Type, Muscicapa noveboracensis GMEL.

“SUBGEN. CHak. Wings short and rounded, a little longer than the tail, equal to it,
orshorter. First primary distinct and large, from two fifths to half or more the length of
the second, shorter or not longer than the eighth.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The two species of this subgenus which are known to occur in
Illinois may be distinguished by the following characters:

1. V. noveboracensis. Two distinct white bands on wing. Lores dusky, bordered
above by a yellow streak; a yellow orbital ring. Above olive-green, the nape
usually ashy; lower parts white, the sides greenish yellow. Iris white, in adults.

2. V. bellii, Only one white band on wing, and this indistinct. Lores and orbital
ring white, the former with a dusky streak. Above grayish olive, more greenish
posteriorly; beneath buffy white, the sides and crissum tinged with sulphur-yellow.

Vireo noveboracensis (Gmel.)

WHITE-EYED VIREO.
Popular synonyms. White-eyed Greenlet; Little Green Hanging-bird; Chickty-beaver.

Muscicapa noveboracensis GMEL. S. N. i, 1788, 947.
Vireo noveboracensis BP. 1824.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 328, pl. 63; Synop. 1839, 161; B.
Am. iv, 1842, 146, pl. 240.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 306.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 328; Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, No. 248; Review, 1866, 354.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 122; Check List, 1873,
No. 129; 2d ed. 1882, No. 181; B. N. W. 1874, 100; B. Col. Val. 1878, 520.—B. B. & R. Hist.
N. Am. B. i, 1874, 385, pl. 17, fig. 4—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 143.
Vireo cantatrix Wiis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 266, pl. 18, fig. 6.

Haz. Eastern United States, west toedge of Great Plains; winters in Gulf States,
Cuba, Bermudas (resident), and eastern Mexico, south to Guatemala,

VIREONIDE—THE VIREOS. 189

“Sp. Cuan. (No. 10,193 male, Illinois.) First primary about half the length of second,
which is longer than secondaries, and about equal to the eighth; the fourth longest;
third and fifth little shorter.

“Above bright olive-green; sides of neck,and a gloss on its upper surface ashy. The
middle concealed portion of feathers of lower back and rump pale sulphur-yellowish.
Beneath white; the chin and lower cheeks with a greyish tinge; the sides of breast and
body, with axiliars and base of crissum (more faintly), bright yellow; the inner wing-
ecoverts and rest of crissum much paler,almost white. A broad y llow line from nostrils
to and continuous with a yellow ring :ound the eye, which is encircled exteriorly by
olivaceous; a dusky loral, but no postocular spot. Wings with two covert-bands and
innermost secondaries externally, broadly yellowish white; rest of quills edged exter-
nally with olive, except the two outer and tips of other primaries, which are grayish.
Rectrices edged externally with olive, except outermost, which is bordered by grayish.
All the long quills bordered internally by whitish. Bill blue-black, paler on the edges;
legs dark plumbeous. Iris white. Total length, 4.90; wing, 2.40; tail, 2.20.

“Specimens vary slightly in a greater amount of ashy on the
head, and less brilliancy of the yellow of head and sides. Some-
times there is a decided ashy shade in the white of throat and jugu-
lum, which again has a very faint tings of yellowish.” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

The White-eyed Vireo—popularly known usually as the “Little Green
Hanging-bird,” or “Chickty-beaver,” is an abundant species in
suitable localities, which comprise hazel thickets, blackberry patches,
bushy swamps, etc., where its presence is made known by its vocif-
erous notes, which in loudness appear out of all proportion to the
size of the little creature which produces them. These notes
are remarkable for their oddity as well as for their strength.
In Bermuda they are interpreted as “ginger-beer,—quick,” while in
Illinois the writer has heard them translated by boys into “chick'ty-
beaver,—lim ber, stick, with special emphasis on the first syllable of
each word.

The White-eyed Vireo is an exceedingly unsuspecting bird, ‘“per-
mitting a near approach, and when whistled to will often stop and
eye you with marked curiosity, and even approach a little nearer,
as if to obtain a better view, entirely unconscious of any danger.
This is not so, however, when they have a nest. On this occasion
they exhibit great uneasiness when their nest is visited, approach-
ing very near to the intruder, looking down upon him with marked
expressions of uneasiness, and scolding all the while with great
earnestness, and with a hoarse mewing that is very peculiar.”
(BREWER.)

The nests of this species are elegant specimens of bird architecture.
They are deeply pensile, composed of soft mosses, lichens, and other
substances, and suspended from the forks of a twig, usually at a height

190 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

of three to five feet from the ground. A characteristic one described
by Dr. Brewer was ‘‘composed of a singular medley of various
materials, among which may be noticed broken fragments of dry
leaves, bits of decayed wood and bark, coarse blades of grass, vari-
ous vegetable fibres, lichens, fragments of insects, mosses, straws,
stems, etc. These are all wrapped round and firmly bound together
with strong hempen fibres of vegetables. Within this outer envelope
in an inner nest, made of the finer stems of grasses and dry
needles of the white pine, firmly interwoven.” The height and
diameter were each about three inches, and the cavity about two
inches deep.

Vireo bellii (Aud.)

BELL'S VIREO.
Popular synonym. Bell's Greenlet.
Vireo bellii AuD. B. Am. vii, 1844, 333. pl. 485.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, $87; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 246; Review, 1866, 358 —CoveEs, Key, 1872, 123; Check List, 1873, No. 131; 2d
ed. 1882, No. 183; B. N. W. 1874, 101; B. Col. Val. 1878, 526—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.
i, 1874, 389, pl. 17, fig. 15.—Rmpew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1381, No. 145.

Has. Great Plains of the United States, north to Minnesota, east to Illinois (prairie
districts), south (in winter) to southern Mexico (Tehauntepec). Arizona, in autumn.

Sp. CHar. (No. 1,926.) Above olive-green, brightest on the rump; tinged anteriorly
with ashy; the top and sides of head ashy, in faint contrast. Aline from nostrils to eye
(scarcely beyond it), and eyelids very pale y llowish white; lores dusky. Under parts,
including inner wing-coverts, and edge of wing, creamy white; the sides, axillars, and
erissum pale yellow, sides of lower neck and of breast glossed with olivaceous, faintest
on the longer feathers of the latter. Two rather narrow bands on the wing-coverts, and
the outer edges of innermost secondaries white; the other quills edged with faded oliva-
ceous. Inner edges of quills whitish. Tail feathers brown, edged externally with olive;
internally fadinginto paler brown, Median portion of rump feathers concealed with
pale yellowish. Bill horn-color above, pale below. Legs plumbeous. “Iris brown.”

“First quill spurious; not quite half the second, which is about equal to the eighth;
third and fourth quills longest; fifth scarcely shorter. Tail nearly even, or a little
rounded, the feathers narrow.

“Total length, 4.20; wing, 2.18; tail. 1.90; tarsus, .75.

“The above description is taken from a type specimen received
from Mr. Audubon, and represents the average spring plumage.
Autumnal skins are rather brighter, and there is occasionally an
ochraceous tinge on the white of the under parts.

“This species at first sight appears like a miniature of V. gilvus,
the head being almost exactly similar. The back is, however, much
brighter olive, the sides and crissum deeper yellow. The superciliary
light stripe is shorter. The white markings of the wings are want-
ing in gilvus. The wing, tail, and feet are entirely different in their
proportions.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

VIREONIDE—THE YVIREOS. 191

In its habits this species is nearly a counterpart of the White-
eyed Vireo, inhabiting, like that species, dense thickets or brier
patches. In Illinois it is confined to the prairie districts, and is
almost everywhere a much less common bird than V. noveboracensis.
The writer first met with it on Fox Prairie, in Richland county, on
the 8th of June, 1871, being first apprised of its presence by its
very curious notes. Mr. Nelson found it in the same locality four
years later, but in 1883 the writer was unable to discover any of
the species during several weeks’ search in the same place and
adjacent localities, all the thickets which it formerly inhabited hay-
ing given way to cultivated fields. Mr. Nelson’s experience coincided
in the main with that of the writer, except that he found the spe-
cies so shy that only two were shot, while the writer had no difficulty
in shooting several, but was unable to find or secure them, owing
to the tangled briery growth in which they fell. Mr. Nelson says :*

“Rather common in the dense patches of bushes on the prairie.
The males would appear on the top of a tall bush and utter a
queer song entirely peculiar, but so shy were they that at the first
alarm they would disappear. Although repeated efforts were made
to obtain specimens during the week we were there, only two were
shot.”

He subsequently (June 23, 1875) obtained a single specimen near
Chicago. (See Bull. Essex Inst. Vol. VIII., 1876, p. 103.)

* Bull. Essex Inst. ix, 1877, p. 48

192 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Faminy LANIID2.—Tnhe Snrires.

“CHAR. Bill very powerful, strong, and much compressed, the tip abruptly hooked,
deeply notched, and with a prominent tooth behind the notch; both mandibles distinctly
notched, the upper with a distinct tooth behind, the lower with the point bent up. Tarsi
longer than the middle toe, strongly scutellate. Primaries ten; first primary half the
second, or shorter (occasionally wanting). Wings short, rounded; tail long and much
graduated. Sides of tarsi with the plates divided on the outside.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Of this family only a single genus is known in North America.

Genus LANIUS Linnzvs.

Lanius Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 93. Type, Z. collurio Linn.

“Gen. CHAR. Feathers of forehead stiffened; base of bill, including nostrils, covered
by bristly feathers directed forward. Bill shorter than the head, much compressed, and
very powerful. Culmen decurved from base, the mandible abruptly bent down ina
powerful hook with an acute lobe near the tip. Tip of lower mandible bent upwards ina
hook; the gonys very convex. Rictus with long bristles. Legs stout; the tarsi rather
short, and longer than the middle toe; the lateral equal; the claws all very sharp and
much curyed. Wings rounded; the first primary about half the second, which is equal

to the sixth or seventh. Tail longer than the wings, much graduated, the feathers
broad.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Our two species may be distinguished by the following characters:

CoMMON CHARACTERS. Above plain gray (brownish in young of ZL. borealis) beneath
whitish, with or without darker waved lines or bars; side of head marked with a broad
black band, covering lores and auriculars; wing, and tail black, the former with a white
patch at base of primaries, the latter with outer feathers chiefly white.

1. L. borealis, Wing more than 4.50inches; tarsusless than linch. A white ecres-
centie spot on lower eyelid; lower parts always more or less waved with dusky.
Adult: Above fine light bluish-gray, the seapulars and upper tail-coverts nearly
white. Young: Dull brownish, beneath brownish white waved with dusky; black
auricular band indistinct.

2. L, ludovicianus, Wing lessthan 4.50 inches; tarsus more thanlinch. No white on
lower eyelid; lower parts waved with dusky only in young.

a ludovicianus. Above deep plumbeous, the upper tail-coverts scarcely or not
at all lighter than the back; axillars plumbeous, the jugulum and sides
strongly tinged with the same.

f. excubitorides. Above fine light bluish-gray, the upper tail-coverts more or

less distinctly paler (sometimes nearly pure white), the jugulum and sides
searcely tinged with grayish.

LANIIDE—THE SHRIKES, 193

Lanius borealis Vieill.

NORTHERN SHRIKE.

Popular synonyms. Great American Shrike; Great Northern Shrike or Butcher Bird;
White Whiskey-jack (Fur Countries).

Lanius borealis Vreru. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 90, pl. 50.—Sw. & Ricn. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 11,
pl. 33.—Aup. Synop. 1839, 157; B. Am. iv, 1842, 130, pl. 236—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 148.—CovEs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 186; B. Col. Val. 1878, 558.
Collyrio borealis Barry, B. N. Am. 1858, 324; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 236.
Collurio borealis Barrp, Review, 1866, 440.—Couzs, Key, 1872, 125; Check List, 1873,
No. 134; B. N. W. 1874, 101.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 415, pl. 19, figs. 1, 2.

Has. Northern North America, south, in winter, to about 35°; breeding north of the
United States, and in higher mountain districts of the latter.

Sp. CHar. Adult in breeding season. Above light ash-gray, becoming gradually
white on forehead, over eyes, on tips of longer secapulars, and on upper tail-coverts,
the latter, however, tinged with gray. Lores and auriculars black. Wings black, the
secondaries and shorter primaries narrowly tipped with grayish white, the primaries
with a white patch at the base. Lower parts grayish white, the jugulum, breast, and
sides transversely waved or vermiculated with dusky gray. Tail black, the outer web of
lateral feather and ends of all except middle pair white. Bill entirely black; feet black;
iris brown. Adultin winter. Similar, but lores grayish white, and mandible whitish at
base. Young. Above grayish brown, tinged, more or less with rusty, the longer scapu-
lars and upper tail-coverts paler; black of lores and auriculars indistinct or obsolete;
wing-coverts edged and tipped with rusty or buff; spotat base of primaries much re-
stricted, or obsolete. Lower parts brownish white, everywhere distinctly vermiculated

with dusky.
Total length, about 10°3 inches, extent 144%. Wing about 4.50.

Although it has been recorded as breeding in the northern portion
of Illinois, there can now be no doubt that all such records refer
to the Loggerhead (L. ludovicianus), and not to the present species,
which is probably only a winter visitor, and a rare one at that,
beyond the middle portion of the State. The summer habitat of
the Great Northern Shrike, as may be inferred from its name, in-
cludes the more northern portions of the continent, as far north as
the limits of tree growth, and across from ocean to ocean. It is
said also to breed in mountainous regions of the United States, but
we have little reliable information on this point.

The general habits of this species partake of those of others of
its family. “Its bold audacity and perseverance are quite remark-
able, and are often displayed, in the fall, in the manner in which
it will enter an apartment through an open window and attack a
Canary, even in the presence of members of the family. It rarely
fails, if it gains access to the cage, to destroy its inmates before
the latter can be rescued by the intervention of those present, and
only by great promptness in sheltering the cage. In one instance
the writer was sitting at a closed window, reading, with a Canary
hanging above him. Suddenly there was a severe blow struck at

194 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the pane of glass near the cage, and the frightened Canary uttered
cries of alarm, and fell to the bottom of its cage. The cause was
soon explained. A Shrike had dashed upon the bird, unconscious
of the intervening glass, and was stretched upon the snow under
the window, stunned by the blow. He revived when taken up, and
lived several days, was sullen, but tame, and utterly devoid of fear.
He refused raw meat, but eagerly tore in pieces and devoured small
birds when given to him. His tameness and indifference to our
presence may have been occasioned by stupor arising from his
injury. In another case a Shrike made a similar attack, but escaped
unharmed, and though he remained about the house several days,
was too wary to allow himself to be decoyed withm gunshot.”
(BREWER.)

Lanius ludovicianus (Linn.)

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE.

Popular synonyms. Louisiana Shrike; Carolina Shrike; Southern Butcher Bird; “Mock-
ing Bird;” Common American Shrike.

a, ludovicianus,

Lanius ludovicianus Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 134.—AuD. Orn. Blog. 1, 1831 300, pl. 37; B.
Am. iv, 1842, 135, pl. 237.—Covurs, B. Col. Val. 1878, 561; 2d Check List, 1882, No. 187.
—Rimew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 149.

Collyrio ludovicianus Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 325; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 237.
Collurio ludovicianus Barrp, Review, 1866, 443.—B. B. & Rt. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 418,
pl. 19, fig. 4—Covss, B. N. W. 1874, 253,
Lanius carolinensis Wiis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 57, pl. 22 fig. 5.

b. excubitorides.—White-rumped Shrike.

Lanius excubitorides SwAINs. & Ricu. Faun. Bor. Am. ii. 1831, 115, pl. 34.
Collyrio excubitoroides Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 527; ed. 1860, pl. 75, fig. 2; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 238.
Collurio excubitoroides Batrp, Review, 1866, 445.
Collurio ludovicianus var. excubitoroides Cougs, Key, 1872, 125; Check List 1873, No.
135a; B. N. W. 1874, 162.
Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides Covss, B. Col. Val. 1878, 561; 2d Check List, 1882,
No. 188; 2d Key, 1884, 338.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1884, No. 149a.
Lanius mexicanus BREHM, J. f. O. 1854, 145, 148.

Has. Whole of temperate North America, including Mexico, but in many portions of
the Eastern Province very local. The so-called LZ. excubitorides mainly restricted to the
arid interior regions, from the Saskatchewan plains to the table-lands of Mexico, includ-
ing Lower California.

Sp. CHaR. Adult. Above ash-gray, usually somewhat paler—occasionally white—on
the upper tail-coverts, the tips of the longer and outermost scapulars distinctly white.
Wings and tail black; secondaries tipped with white, and primaries with a white patch at
the base; ends of tail-feathers, except middle pair, white, the outer rectrices sometimes
almost wholly white. ‘Lores, orbits,and auriculars deep black. Lower parts entirely
white, the sides sometimes tinged with grayish. Bill and feet black, at all seasons; iris
brown. Young. Above brownish gray, vermiculated, except on middle of back. with

LANIIDHJ—THE SHRIKES. 195

dusky, and tinged, more or less, with buff. Middle and greater wing-coverts, tipped with
grayish buff, enclosing a curved dusky line; secondaries tipped with pale buff. Breast
and sides pale buff or light grayish, vermiculated with dusky grayish. Black on side of
head replaced by grayish dusky, with less sharply defined outlines.

Total length, about 9 inches; extent, 12.50; wing, about 3.75-4.10; tail, about 4.00.

Although the so-called “White-rumped Shrike” has usually been
recognized as a well-marked race, it is found, when very large series
of specimens are carefully compared, to rest upon a rather unstable
basis. ‘The ascribed characters are good enough if they were con-
stant, which they are not; and about all that we can at present
admit is a decided tendency m specimens from the arid interior
regions to be lighter in color than those from the more humid dis-
tricts on either side. The opposite extreme is seen in specimens
from Florida, which are very dark, but probably hardly separable
as a race.

Specimens of this species from Illinois have been referred to ex-
cubitorides; but, while some specimens approach the latter, none
that I have seen are typical of that style. Regarding this matter,
Mr. Nelson makes the following observations in his catalogue of
the birds of the northeastern portion of the State (Bull. Hssex Inst.
Vol. VIII., 1876, p. 104):

“A small series of shrikes from the northern and southern ex-
tremes of the State have been submitted to my friend, Mr. J. A.
Allen, who replies as follows: ‘They all belong decidedly to var.
ludovicianus, though somewhat lighter than Florida specimens, with
smaller bills, ete. There is a slight approach in some of them to
excubitorides, but the resemblance to Florida specimens is far greater
than to specimens from the West—Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, ete.
During the past two years I have examined a large number of
shrikes from northern Illinois, and have found them, in nearly all
cases, to be much nearer ludovicianus than excubitorides.* Specimens
obtamed in the Wabash Valley and other parts of southern Illinois,
exhibit the same characteristics in about equal proportion, as far
as the number of specimens seen would permit me to judge.”

In all portions of the State of Illinois that are not too thickly
wooded, the Loggerhead Shrike is a more or less common species.
It is partial to those more open localities where there are hedge-
rows or plenty of low thorny trees, preferably the honey-locust
(Gleditschia triacanthos), wild crab-apple, or trees of like character.

* An example collected at Mt. Carmel, January 5, 1886, by Master Jesse J. Turner, and

by him presented to the National Museum, is decidedly the darkest in color of any of the
numerous specimens in the National collection, including those from Florida,

196 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

These seem indispensable to its presence for the reason that the
slender, sharp-pointed thorns are required for impaling its prey, and
the matted impenetrable covert for the concealment or protection of
its nests.

Notwithstanding the fact that this species occasionally kills and
devours small birds, it is of great benefit to the farmer from the
fact that it destroys large numbers of grasshoppers and field mice.
The habit of impaling its victims on thorns is one common to the
whole family of Shrikes, and also one that has not been satisfac-
torily explained; for it seems that objects so impaled are seldom
touched by the bird afterward. It has been suggested that the
bird improves every opportunity to procure food, and when not
needing it impales it to provide for an emergency; and that when
fresh food is readily obtainable it is preferred. This may be the
true explanation, but we think a more plausible one mey be found.

In the protection of its young, no bird displays greater courage
or more affectionate solicitude for its offsprmg. I have repeatedly,
when I had climbed to a nest containing young, had the parent
birds alight within my reach and retreat only when I had attempted
to grasp them; all the while they were greatly excited with anger,
and were the opportunity given to do so without being seen would
actually bite my hand. During such occasions they keep up a
peculiar crackling sound, mingled with a sonorous qua a-a, qua a-a.

The notes of this species are exceedingly varied; so much so, in
fact, that it is confounded by many people with the Mockingbird,
although this is perhaps as much on account of the general simi-
larity of their plumage as from any other reason. Some of the
notes are soft and musical, but most of them are harsh, that most
frequently heard resembling the creaking of an ungreased wheel-
barrow or rusty gate-hinge. It is supposed that it imitates the notes
of the smaller birds in order to entice them within its reach.

When taken from the nest and reared in captivity, the Logger-
head Shrike makes a most affectionate and teresting pet. It be-
comes so perfectly tame as not to require the restraint of a cage,
but will follow its keeper about the fields, and seeks his companion-
ship with all the intelligent devotion of a dog.

While watching for its prey, the Shrike occupies a prominent
perch, as the summit of a small tree in the midst of a field or
common, sitting ‘“‘bolt upright,” and scanning carefully the surround-
ings in every direction. Its flight is very peculiar; on leaving the

LANIIDA—THE SHRIKES. 197

perch it sinks nearly to the ground, describing a curve as it descends
and passing but a few feet above the surface, ascends in the same
manner to the object on which it next alights. The flight is per-
formed in an undulating manner, the bird sustaining itself a short
time by a rapid fluttering of the wings, and sinking as this motion
is temporarily suspended. While flying, the white patch on the
wing is very conspicuous.

The very bulky nests of this species are usually placed in thorny
trees or in those having a dense canopy of vines. At Mount Carmel,
however, I have frequently found them in apple trees. They are
composed largely of wool and feathers. When built in young trees
of the honey locust, where it is an absolute impossibility to reach
them by climbing, they are often poked from their position out of
spite, by the “small boy” with poles or fence-rails.

198 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Fanny AMPELIDZ.—Tue Waxwines,

CuHar. Legs moderate. Nostrils elongated, linear, with the frontal feathers extending
close tothe edge and toanterior extremity, concealing them; these feathers short,
velvety and erect, with few bristles. Wings very long and pointed; outer or first pri-
mary so much reduced as to be almost inappreciable; the second nearly the longest.
Wing nearly twice the length of the short, narrow,even tail. Under coverts of tail
reaching almost to its tip. Secondary quills of fully adult birds with flat horny app-nd-
ages at end of shaft like red sealing-wax (exceptin A. japonica). Young birds streaked
beneath. Adults plain.

This family, as restricted, contains but a single genus, Ampelis.

The most obvious characters consist in the short, broad, and rather
depressed bill, with short, decidedly convex gonys and densely
feathered nasal fosse, and the wax-like appendages to the tips of
the secondary quills in the adult.

The family is usually enlarged, however, to include a so-called
subfamily, Ptilogonatine, which may be distinguished as follows:

ComMon CHARACTERS. Gape of mouth nearly straight. Metatarsal scutelle in three
series. Body plain beneath, in adults.

Ampeline, Wings very long and much pointed, longerthanthe shorteven tail. First
primary excessively rudimentary; the outermost about the longest. Gape without
bristles. Frontal feathers extending forward beyond the nostrils. Often with horny
appendages like red sealing-wax at end of shaft of secondaries.

Ptilogonatine. Win srounded,shorter than the graduated tail. First primary nearly
half the second. Gape well bristled. Frontal feathers falling short of the nostrils. No
red horny appendage to wing feathers.

Subpramity Ampeline.

Genus AMPELIS Linnzvs.

Ampelis Liyn. 8. N. ed. 12,1, 1766, 297. Type, A. garrulus LINN.

Gen. CHAak. Taileven,much shorterthan the wing. Crown with a well-developed,
soft, pointed crest. Other characters are as given above for th family Ampelide.

Only three species of this genus are known, one of them being
peculiar to North America, another restricted to Japan and adjacent

parts of northeastern Asia, the third of circumpolar distribution.
Thev are beautiful birds, characterized by exquisitely soft plumage

‘ ‘

AMPELIDE—THE WAXWINGS. 199

of subdued but harmoniously blended and contrasted colors, and are
besides of most graceful form. They may be distinguished as fol-
lows :

Common CHARACTERS. A lengthened crest of soft blended feathers. Colors, soft silky-
brownish becoming more vinaceous anteriorly, and ashy posteriorly above. A black
stripe on side of head, from nasal feathers across lores through the eye and behind it
beneath crest, and a patch of the same on chin, with a white streak between on side of
lower jaw.

A. Wing variegated. Lower tail-coverts rufous. Crest much developed. Forehead
and side of head bright purplish rufous. Black patch covering whole throat, and
sharply defined. No white line between black of lores, ete., and brown of forehead.
Inner webs of primaries tipped narrowly with white.
a, Terminal band of tail rose-red.
A, japonica.* Greater wing-coverts dull red. No yellowon tips of primaries.
Rufous of crissum stained with red. Hab. Japan and eastern Siberia.
6. Terminal band of tail rich yellow.
A. garrulus. Secondaries and primary coyverts tipped with white, forming two
broad short bands. Primaries with outer webs often tipped with yellow. Hab.
Arctie regions of both hemispheres; in winter, southinto northern United
States and along Rocky Mountains as far as Fort Massachusetts, New Mexico.
B. Wings unvariegated. Lower tail-coverts white. Crest moderately developed.
Forehead, ete., not different from crest. Chin, only, black, this fading gradually into
the brown of throat. A white line between black of lores, ete., and brown of forehead.
a. Terminal band of tail rich yellow.
A. cedrorum. Wings plain bluish-ashy. Hab. Whole of North America, from
52° N., south to Guatemala, Jamaica and Cuba in winter.

Ampelis garrulus Linn.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING.

Popular synenyms. Northern Chatterer or Waxwing; European Chatterer or Wax-
wing; Black-throated Waxwing; Waxen Chatterer.

Lanius garrulus Lryxn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 95.
Ampelis garrulus LInn.S.N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 297.—BatrD, B. N. Am. 1858, 307, 923; Cat. N. Am.
B. 1859, No. 232; Review, 1866, 405.—Couks, Key, 1872, 115; Check List, 1873, No. 118; 2d
ed. 1882, No. 166; B. N. W. 1874, 91; B. Col. Val. 1878, 459.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i,
1874,396 pl. 18, fig. 1.—Rmpaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 150.
Bombycilla garrula VIEILu. 1823.—Sw. & Rion. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 237.—Nurr. Man. ii, 1834,
579.—AuD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 462, pl. 363; Synop. 1889 165; B. Am. iv, 1842, 1865, pl. 215.

Has. Northern parts of Northern Hemisphere; in North America, breeding in the
northern coniferous forests, south to northern border of the United States, in Rocky
Mountains; in winter, south, more or less regularly to lat. 40°, irregularly, still farther
south. Not recorded from Pacific coast south of Alaska.

“Sp. CHar. Crest lengthened. Body generally soft, silky brownish-ashy, witha pur-
plish cast, the wing-coverts and scapulars more brownish, becoming more reddish
anteriorly and ashy posterior; the rump and upper tail-covert, as well as the second-
aries, being nearly pure ash. Anteriorly the color passes gradually into deep vinaceous
chestnut on the forehead to behind the eye and on the cheeks; abdomen yellowish white.
Lower tail-coverts deep chestnut. A stripe on side of the head, covering the lores and
nasal feathers (scarcely meeting across the forehead), involving the eye and continued
back toward the occiput and beneath the crest, with a large patch covering the chin and
throat, deep black; anarrow crescent on lower eyelid, and a short stripe between the black
of the throat and that of the chin at the base of the lower mandible, two very broad bars on

*Ampelis phenicopterum TEMM. PI. Col. ii, 1858, pl. 450,

200 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the wing, one across ends of primary coverts, and the other across ends of secondaries
(the first oceupying both webs, and the latter the outer), white. Primary coverts, pri-
maries, and tail slaty black, the latter growing gradually ashy basally. A broad band
across end of tail, and a longitudinal space along end of outer web of primaries, gam-
boge-yellow,—the marks on primaries, however, sometimes white. only stained with
yellow. Each of the secondaries with an expanded continuation of the shaft, in form of
flattened, very thin, somewhat elliptical appendages, of a bright vermilion-red resem-
bling red sealing-wax. Length, 7.40; wing, 4.50; tail, 3.00." (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The sexes are essentially alike in coloration, but younger birds
have little or no yellow on the wing, the markings being entirely
white, or yellowish white, and reduced in size; the yellow tip to
the tail is also narrower, and the “sealing-wax” appendages more or
less rudimentary, or even wanting altogether.

This exquisite bird is an abundant though very irregular winter
visitor to the extreme northern portion of the State, and even occa-
sionally wanders to the southern portion, Professor Forbes having
taken a specimen at Villa Ridge, Pulaski county, December 18, 1879.
(See Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. V., p. 118.)

In Cook county, Mr. Nelson says* that it is ‘‘an irregular but
occasionally abundant winter resident, especially along the lake.
Arrives in December, and sometimes remains until April. ‘The win-
ter of 1875-76 they were unusually numerous. In a letter dated
March 16, 1876, Mr. Charles Douglas, of Waukegan, describes an
‘Smmense”’ flock of these birds which he observed the day previous,
upon the lake shore near that town. ‘The birds were feeding upon
the juniper berries found there, and covered, according to Mr.
Douglas’s estimation, an area at least ten rods square. While feed-
ing, those in the rear were continually flymg and alighting in ad-
vance, thus keeping the flock moving so that it was difficult to
overtake them. A few days later the flock separated into numerous
smaller ones, and soon departed for the north.”

Ampelis cedrorum (Vieill.)

CEDAR WAXWING.
Popular synonyms. Carolina Wax-wing; Cedar-bird; Cedar-lark; Cherry-bird.

Bombycilla cedrorum Vrieru. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 88, pl. 57.
Ampelis cedrorum GRAY, 1849.—BatrD, B. N. Am. 1858, 319; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 233;

Review, 1866, 407.—Covgs, Key, 1872, 115; Check List. 1873, No. 119; 2d ed. 1882, No.
167; B. N. W. 1874, 93, 233; B. Col. Val. 1878, 470.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 401,
pl. 18, fig. 2—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 151.

Ampelis americana Wi1s. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 107, pl. 7, fig. 1.

Bombycilla carolinensis SrepH. Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 422.—AvuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 227, pl. 43;
Synop. 1839, 165; B. Am. iv, 1842, 169, pl. 246—NutTtT. Man. i, 1882, 248.

*Bull. Essex Inst. Vol. viii, 1876, p. 103.

AMPELIDE—THE WAXWINGS. 201

Has. Whole of temperate North America, south (in winter only?) to Guatemala,
Jamaica, and Cuba; breeds nearly throughout its summer range.

Sp. CHar. Crest moderate. General color soft vinaceous cinnamon, deepest anteri-
orly, more olivaceous on back, scapulars, and wing-coverts, passing into pure light ash
on the rump and upper tail-coverts, and into dingy yellow on flanksand abdomen. Lower
tail-coverts white. Whole of the wing posterior to the greater coverts slaty ash, almost
black along end of inner webs of primaries, the outer webs of which are narrowly edged
with hoary whitish. Tail slate, passing into black terminally, tipped with a broad, sharply
defined band of gamboge-yellow. A broad stripe of intense velvety-black on side of
head, starting from nostril, passing across lores, and involving the eye, continued from
it beneath the crest to the occiput; chin dull black, blending gradually into the brownish
of the throat. A narrow white line across the forehead and along the side of crown, be-
tween brown of crown and back lores, ete., a narrow crescent on lower eyelid, anda
stripe between black of lores and that of the throat, white. Fully adult male and female
with each secondary quill terminated by a bright red horny appendage to the shaft.
Younger birds with these very small and few in number, or entirely absent. Young.
In general appearance similar to the adult. Colors more grayish, with indistinct concealed
whitish streaks on nape and down back, these stripes becoming very conspicuous on
the sides and flanks and across breast. Noblack onchin. Rump grayish brown; ab-
domen and flanks dingy whitish. No appendages to secondaries, and the yellow band
across end of tail narrower than in adult.

Regarding alleged sexual differences of plumage in this species,
we quote the following from E. A. Mearns, in the “Nuttall Bulletin”
for April, 1878, p. 70: “I have been so struck by the great varia-
tion in different specimens of this species, in regard to the red
wax-like appendages, that I have taken particular pains to procure
a large series of specimens illustrating this difference. In this series
I can scarcely detect any sexual difference in that respect, except
that the particularly well-developed specimens are all males. In
the normal plumage the waxen appendages are confined to the tips
of the secondary remiges, but in my cabinet are several specimens
which have them affixed to the primaries, and in several instances
even to the rectrices; but they are usually small and few in num-
ber. One specimen has several of these attachments to the prima-
ries, which are nearly as well developed as those on the secondaries.
But the most remarkable specimen is a handsome male (No. 545, adult
male, April 11, 1875, Highland Falls, N. Y., E. A. M.), having these
ornaments attached, not only to each of the secondaries and three
of the primaries, but each of the rectrices is embellished by a well-
developed red appendage. Several other specimens have large red
tips to each of the rectrices; and one (No. 1,558, male, February
23, 1878, KE. A. M.) has jive of its primary remiges (5th to 9th)
tipped with yellow. Professor Baird* says: “A specimen from

* Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway, Birds N. Am. i, p. 401, 1874

202 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Guatemala (No. 50,455, male) is almost identical with examples
from the United States, but differs in haying a small spot of yel-
low at the tip of each primary; also there are red appendages on
the tip of a few tail-feathers, as well as the longest feathers of the
lower tail-coverts.”*

“While speaking of this species, it may be well to add that in
specimens taken in worn plumage, late in summer, the colors are
very much bleached, all of the colors bemg very much paler; the
white band across the forehead is very much broadened, and the
black of the chin much lightened. The top of the head and neck
has an ochraceous suffusion, and the cinnamon-color of the back
extends into, and partially subdues the ash of the rump.”

The elegant Cedar Waxwing is an abundant species throughout
the State, but it is so capricious in its movements that its presence
or absence appears to bear no relation to season or weather, the
question of food supply being probably the controlling influence in
its wanderings. Wherever there are ripe cherries (wild or cultivated),
cedar berries, or berries of the black gum (Nyssa multiflora) it is
sure to be present. Except during the breeding season they rove in
flocks, uttering, both while on the wing and when feeding, a very
simple and perfectly monotonous lisping note, which is apparently
their only utterance; for, although belonging to the Oscines, or so-
called “Singing Birds,” this species is perhaps the most silent of
all the Passeres.

During the spring of 1881, when the willow trees in a swamp
near Wheatland, Indiana, were infested with myriads of the larve
of a small beetle (Plagiodera lapponica), immense number of Cedar-
birds were present feeding exclusively on these insects. They are
said also to be very fond of the destructive canker worm. In short,
there can be no doubt that, although to a certain extent inimical to
the grower of small fruits, they partially if not fully pay for what
they take, in ridding his premises of insects which would otherwise
injure if not destroy his trees.

*Ttalics my own.

Popular synorym. Bell's Greenlet.

Vireo bellii AuD. B. Am. vii, 1844, 333. pl. 485.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 337; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 246; Review, 1866, 358.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 123; Check List, 1873, No. 131; 2d
ed. 1882, No. 183; B. N. W. 1874, 101; B. Col. Val. 1878, 526.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.
i, 1874, 389, pl. 17, fig. 13—Rrpew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 145.

HIRUNDINIDAX—THB SWALLOWS. 203

Famm.y HIRUNDINID2.—Tue Swatnows.

“CHAR. Bill short, triangular, very broad at base (nearly as wide as long) and much
depressed, narrowing rapidly to a compressed, notched tip; mouth opening nearly to the
eyes. Primaries nine, graduating rapidly less from the exterior one; tailfeathers twelve.
Feet weak; tarsi scutellate, shorter than middle toe and claw. Number of joints in toes
normal; basal joints of middle toe partially or entirely adherent to lateral toes. Wings
long, faleate. Tail forked. Eyes small. Plumage compact, usually lustrous. All the
American species with a white patch on the sides under the wing, and with the irides
hazel or brown.” (Hist. N. Am. Birds.)

The Hirundinide form a very well-marked group of birds, easily
distinguished from all others except the Cypselide (Swifts), to which
they exhibit a close resemblance in external appearance and habits,
but from which, apart from the internal structure, they differ rad-
ically in the possession of nine, instead of ten primaries; twelve,
instead of ten tail-feathers; scutellate tarsi, toes with normal num-
ber of joints (1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, exclusive of ungual
phalanges), instead of a different proportion; differently shaped
nostrils, and other minor characters.

The following synopsis, adapted from that in Hist. N. Am. B.
(Vol. I., pp. 326, 327), may serve to identify the North American genera.

Genera of North American Hirundinide.

A. Nostrils broadly oval, or circular; opening upwards and forward, and exposed;
without overhanging membrane.
a. Edge of wing smooth. Tarsus short, stout; equal to middle toe without
claw; feathered on the inner side above. Nostrils almost or entirely without
membrane.
Bill stout; culmen and commissure much curved. Frontal feathers with-
out bristles. Tail deeply forked. Color lustrous black; belly and crissum
BOIDG LIMES WiMee spasee asec eine cacictccsnae scvecleisis meee cm eacisite daicisielne sia sbiawcleesiesisics Progne,
Bill rather weaker; commissure and culmen nearly straight to near tip.
Frontal feathers bristly. Tail nearly even. Throat, rump, and crissum,
and usually forehead, rufous; belly white.................cseeceeeeeneees Petrochelidon,
b. Edge of wing in adult male armed with stiff recurved hooks. Bill larger
and more depressed. Tail emarginate only. Color uniform dull brown, the
GUID SEL W HCG ote eels =e licbmclniniee=einnciteclelnemclelcleis sevice deinel-tes]neinisisiv's cisis!=sisin'e Stelgidopteryx.
B. Nostrils lateral; bordered behind and inside, or overhung by membrane, the
outer edge of which is straight, and directed either parallel with axis of bill or di-
verging from it.
a. Tarsus short; about equal to middle toe without claw. Tibial joint feath-
ered; feathers extending along inside of upper end of tarsus.
Tarsus bare at lowerend, Lateral claws reaching only to base of middle.
Tail very deeply forked, much longerthan closed wings; lateral feathers
linear and vey narrow at end, twice the length of central. Upper parts

204 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

and pectoral collar steel-blue; front and throat, sometimes under parts,

rufous. Tail-feathers with white spots on inner WebS...........eeeee0e++ Chelidon.

Tail with shallow fork, not exceeding half an inch, shorter than closed

wings. Feathers broad. Color blue or green above, with or without

white rump; white beneath. Tail-feathers without spots........... Tachycineta,
Tarsus with a tuft of feathers at lower end. Lateral claws lengthened
reaching beyond base of middle claw.

Tail slightly forked. Color dull brown above; beneath white, with brown

pectoral COMA... cccceccsccetaves Riodeeriindasancetcinsceasinocincecesiace ...--Clivicola,

Genus PROGNE Born.

Progne Bork, Isis, 1826,971. Type, Hirwndo purpurea Linn.—H. subis Linn.

“Gen. CHAR. Body stout. Bill robust, lengthened; lower or commissural edge of
maxilla sinuated, decidedly convex for basal half, then as concaye to the tip, the lower
mandible falling within its chord. Nostrils superior, broadly open, and nearly circular,
without any adjacent membrane, the edges rounded. Legs stout. Tarsus equal to mid-
dle toe without claw; the joint feathered: lateral toes about equal; the basal joint of the
middle toe half free internally, rather less so externally. Claws strong, much curved.
Nest in hollow trees. Eggs white.

“The species of this genus are the most powerful and robust of
the Swallows. Some are glossy black, others whitish below.” (Hist.
N. Am. B.)

‘Progne subis (Linn.)

PURPLE MARTIN.

Popular synonyms, Martin; House Martin; Purple Swallow; American Martin; Violet
Swallow.
Hirundo subis Lrxn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 192.
Progne subis Batrp, Review, 1865, 274.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 320, pl. 16,
figs. 7, 10.—Covugs, B. Col. Val. 1878, 445; 2d Check List, 1882, No. 165.—Rrpew. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 152.
Hirundo purpurea Lryn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 344.—Wits. Am. Orn. vy, 1812. 58, pl. 39, figs. 2,
3.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 115, pl. 23; Synop. 1839, 37; B. Am. i, 1840, 170, pl. 45.
Progne purpurea Bore, 1826.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 314; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 231.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 114; Check List, 1873, No. 117; B. N. W. 1874, 91.

Has. Whole of temperate North America, wintering in Mexico (and southern United
States?) ; Bermudas; accidental in Europe.

Sp. CHAR. Adultmale. Entirely uniform lustrous steel-blue, with violet-blue re-
flections; the wings and tail black, slightly glossed with bluish. Adult female. Above
glossy blue-black, becoming hoary grayish on the forehead, and sometimes on the nape
also; throat and jugulum gray; rest of lower parts white, relieved by dusky shaft-streaks.
Young. Similar to the adult female, but above less glossy blackish, and the nape crossed
by amore distinct grayish collar. Wing, 5.50-6.20; tail, 3.20-3.80, forked for .80-1.00 inch.

The young male is several years in attaining the uniform glossy
violet-black plumage, the steel-blue feathers appearing in gradually
coalescing patches.

HIRUNDINIDA—THE SWALLOWS. 205

No bird of North America is more deserving of protection and of
encouragement to live about the habitations of man than the Purple
Martin. One pair of them will destroy more insects in a season
than all the English Sparrows in a township will kill in their life-
time. Besides, their notes are pleasing to the ear, and their actions
both when on the wing and when perching upon their boxes ex-
tremely interesting.

The ordinary notes themselves of this species are very agreeable
to say the least, and during the breeding season the male has a
continued and varied song of great beauty and considerable power ;
and it is as much on account of the sweetness of their notes as for
their familiarity and usefulness that these birds are such general
favorites. I have observed that in the wild woods, where these
handsome birds have not yet had opportunity to avail themselves
of man’s hospitality, they are as lovely and musical as when semi-
domesticated in our door-yards, and in all respects exactly the
same birds.

Grnus PETROCHELIDON Caranis.

Petrochelidon Cas. Mus. Hein, 1850, 47. Type, Hirundo melanogaster SWAINs., = P.
swainsoni Scu.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill stout and deep, somewhat asin Progne. Nostrils entirely superior
open, without overhanging membrane on the inner (or upper) side, but somewhat over-
hung by short bristles, seen also along base of inner mandible and on chin. Legs stout;
the tarsi short, not exceeding the middle toe exclusive of its claw; feathered all around
for basal third or fourth, though no feathers are inserted on the posterior face. Tail fall-
ing short of the closed wings, nearly square or slightly emarginate; the lateral feathers
broad to near the ends, and not attenuated.” (Hist. VN. Am. B.)

This genus, like Chelidon, is nearly cosmopolitan, at least two
species—P. arborea (Gounp) and P. ariel (Goutp)—belonging to
Australia, and two or more to tropical America.

Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say).

CLIFF SWALLOW.

Popular synonyms. Eave, or Square-tailed Eave, Swallow; Crescent Swallow; White-
fronted Swallow; Republican Swallow.

Hirundo lunifrons Say, Long’s Exp. ii, 1823, 47—Sw. & Ricw. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 331.—
Barep, B. N. Am. 1858, 309; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
Petrochelidon lunifrons LAwR. 1861.—Batrp, Review, 1865. 288.—Couns, Key, 1872, 114;
Check List, 1873, No. 114; 2d ed. 1882, No. 162; B. N. W. 1874, 88; B. Col. Val. 1878, 426,
(excel. syn. pt.).—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 334, pl. 16, fig. 13—Ripaw. Nom.

N. Am. B. 1881, No. 153.

206 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Hirundo fulva “Vie...” Aun. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 353, pl. 58 (nec Vieru.); B. Am. i, 1840,
177, pl. 47.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 603.

Has. Whole of temperate North America, north to Nova Scotia, Severn R., and
Alaska; winters in portions of Central and South America.

“Sp. Cuan. (No. 18,322, male.) Top of head glossy black, with greenish lustre; back
and scapulars similar, but rather duller, and somewhat streaked by the appearance of the
white sides of the feathers,—the bases of the feathers, however, being plumbeous. Chin
throat, and sides of head, chestnut-brown, this extending round on the nape as a dis-
tinct continuous collar, which is bounded posteriorly by dull grayish. The chestnut
darkest on the chin, with a rich purplish tinge. Rump above and on sides paler chestnut
(sometimes fading into whitish). Upper tail-coverts grayish brown, edged with paler,
lighter than the plain brown of the wings and tail. Forehead, for the length of the bill,
creamy white, somewhat lunate, or extending in an acute angle, a little over the eye; a
very narrow blackish frontlet; loral region dusky to the bill. A patch of glossy black in
the lower part of the breast, and afew black feathers in the extreme chin, the latter
sometimes scarcely »ppreciable. Under parts dull white, tinged with reddish gray on
the sides and inside of the wings. Feathers of crissum brownish gray, edged with
whitish, with a tinge of rufous anteriorly (sometimes almost inappreciable). Nest of
mud, lined; built against rocks or beams; opening sometimes circular, on the side;
sometimes open above; eggs spotted.

“Total length, 5.10; wing, 4.50; tail, 2.40, nearly even; difference of primary quills, 2.10;
Jength of bill from forehead, .38, from nostril, .25, along gape, .60, width, .50; tarsus, .48;
middle toe and claw, .72; claw alone, .22; hind toe and claw, .44; claw alone, .20.

“There is no difference between the sexes, but the young bird is
very different from the adult in the following particulars: the steel-
blue above is replaced by lustreless dusky-brown, the feathers (ex-
cept on head) being margined with a creamy tint; the neck merely
tinged with rufous; the throat has only a dusky suffusion, and the
chin is much mixed with white; the frontal patch is obsolete.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Eave Swallow, Mud Swallow, or Square-tailed Barn Swallow,
as this species is variously known in popular nomenclature is, locally,
an abundant bird. Wherever found it occurs in colonies, sometimes
comprising a hundred or more pairs, which take possession of the
under side of the eaves of some large building—usually a bar or
warehouse—attaching their gourd-shaped nests near together, so
closely, sometimes, that some are built upon other. When located
in towns or their immediate vicinity these colonies suffer much from
the persecution of boys who delight to “pelt” the nests with various
missiles, which recreation should be abridged by those haying the
authority, since it is an advantage to any community to have a
colony of these insectivorous birds in its neighborhood.

HIRUNDINIDE—THE SWALLOWS. 207

Grenus CHELIDON Forster.

Chelidon Forst. Synop. Cat. Brit. B. 1817,55. Type. Hirundo rustica LINN.

“Gen. Coan. Nostrils lateral. Tarsi short, not exceeding middle toe withoutits claw;
the upper joint covered with feathers, which extend a short distance along the inner face
oftarsus. Tail very deeply forked; the lateral feather much attenuated, twice as long as
the middle. Basal joint of middle toe free for terminal fourth on outside, for half on
inside. Nest partly of mud, and lined with feathers; eggs spotted.

In type, anin American species, the forehead and throat rufous; a black pectoral col-
lar; tail feathers with large light spots on inner webs.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This, the typical genus of the family, has numerous representa-
tives in the Old World, but in America is represented by a single
species, the ©. erythrogaster, or common Barn Swallow, which in-
habits the greater portion of both North and South America. The
various species are characterized, in addition to the characters of
form detailed above, by a distinctive coloration very different from
that of the otherwise closely related genera Tachycineta and Calli-
chelidon, but much resembling that of the species of Petrochelidon,
from which, however, other characters trenchantly separate them.
The allied American genera may be distinguished from Chelidon as
follows:

Tarsi slightly feathered on inner face at upper end; equalin length to middle toe
without claw.

Tail very deeply forked. Plumage beneath rufous, the throtal darker......Chelidon.

Tail slightly forked or emarginate, plumage beneath pure white.........Tachycineta.
Tarsi entirely naked, lengthened, equal to middle toe and half its claw.

Tail considerably forked. Plumage beneath pure white......... seveeeeeCallichelidon*.

Chelidon erythrogaster (Bodd.)

BARN SWALLOW.

Popular synonym. Rufous-bellied Swallow.

Hirundo erythrogaster Bopp. Tabl. P. E. 1783,45 (based on PI. Enl. 724, fig. 1).—Batrrp, Re-
view, 1865, 295.—Couss, B. Col. Val. 1878, 407 (erythrogastra); Ripaw. Nom. N. Am.
B. 1881, No. 154.
Ohelidon erythrogastra STEJNEGER, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. v, 1882,31.
Hirundo rufa GME. 8. N. i,1788,1018.—Nutrr. Man. i, 1832, 601. ;
Hirundo horreorum Barton, Frag. Nat. Hist. Penn. 1799, 17,—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 308; Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, No. 225; Review, 1865, 294.—Couss, Key, 1872, 113; Check List, 1873, No.
11; B. N. W. 1874,85.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 339, pl. 16, fig. 9.
Hirundo erythrogastra horreorum Covses, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 159.
Hirundo rustica “Linn.” Aub. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 413, pl. 173; Synop. 1839,35; B. Am. i,1840,
181, pl. 48 (nec LINN.)
Hirundo americana Wis. Am. Orn. i, 1812,34, pl. 38, figs. 1,2.

* 0. cyaneoviridis BRYANT; Barrp, Review, 303 (Bahamas),

208 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

Has. Whole of North America (including Greenland and Alaska), and parts of South
America; breeds throughout North America, including parts of Mexico; winters in tropi-
cal America, including West Indies.

“Sp, Cuan. Tail very deeply forked; outer feathers several inches longer than the
inner, very narrow towards the end. Above glossy blue, with concealed white in the mid-
dle of the back. Throat chestnut; rest of lower part reddish white, not conspicuously
different. A steel-blue collar on the upper part of the breast, interrupted in the middle.
Tail-feathers with a white spot nearthe middle,on the inner web. Female with the outer
tail-feather not quite solong. Length,6.90 inches; wing, 5.00; tail,4.50." (Hist. N. Am. B.)

In young birds, the frontal chestnut band is smaller and less dis-
tinct. The adult male is more deeply colored beneath than the
female.

The common Barn Swallow is so well known that any special
account of its habits in this work would be quite superfluous. Its
distribution is quite universal, its breeding range including almost
the whole continent of North America. In unsettled districts where
there are no buildings for its accommodation, it builds in cayes
or recesses among cliffs. Like all the Swallow tribe, the present
species is most beneficial to the farmer, and should be most care-
fully protected and encouraged.

Genus TACHYCINETA Casanis.

Tachycineta Cas. Mus. Hein. 1850, 48. Type Hirundo thalassina Sw.

“GrEN. CHAR. Nostrils lateral, overhung or bordered internally by incumbent mem-
brane. Tarsi with the tibial joint covered by overhanging feathers, adherent a short dis-
tance along inner face, about equalto middle toe without claw. Lateral toes equal.
Adhesion of basal joint of middle toe variable. Tail emarginate only,or slightly forked;
fork not exceeding half aninch in depth. Color blue or green above, with or without
metallic gloss; with or without white rump. Entirely white beneath. Nests usually in
holes of trees or rocks; eggs pure white, unspotted.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Of this section there are two North American species which
may be distinguished by the followmg characters, both being blue
or green above and white beneath:

1. T. bicolor, Throat feathers white to the base; auriculars wholly dusky. Adult:
Above, including the auriculars, rich metallic steel-blue, with green reflections.
Young: Above lustreless sooty-plumbeous.

2. T.thalassina, Throat feathers dusky grayish below the surface; auriculars mostly
whitish. Adult male: Above rich,soft (not metallic) dark green (sometimes
bronzed over with purple), with a violet collar across the nape; upper tail-coverts
mixed with rich violet-purple; sides of the rump witha white patch. Adult
female: Similar to the male, but duller; crown bronze-gray. Young: Similar to
that of bicolor, except as described above.

T. thalassina is a western species, the range of which extends
little if any east of the Rocky Mountains.

HIRUNDINIDE—THE SWALLOWS. 209

Tachycineta bicolor (Vieill.)

WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW.

Popular synonyms. Black and White Swallow; Green-blue Swallow; Tree Swallow.

Hirundo bicolor Vreruu. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 61, pl. 81.—AupD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 491, pl.
98; Synop. 1839, 35; B. Am. i, 1840, 175, pl. 44—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 605.—Batrp, B. N.
Am. 1858, 310; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 227; Review, 1865, 297.—B. B. & R. Hist, N. Am.
B. i, 1874, 344, pl. 16, fig. 8.
Tachycineta bicolor CABAN. 1850.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 113 Check List, 1873, No. 112; B.
N. W. 1874, 86; B. Col. Val. 1878, 413.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 155.
Tridoprocne bicolor CouEs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 160.
Hirundo viridis Wius. Am. Orn. vy, 1812, 49, pl. 38, fig. 2.

Has. Whole of temperate North America, breeding from table-lands of Mexico to
Alaska and Great Slave Lake; wintering in southern United States, Cuba, Mexico, and
Guatemala; Bermudas.

“Sp. CHar. Glossy metallic bluish green above; entirely white beneath. Female
dullerin color. Length, 6.25 inches; wing, 5.00; tail, 2.65.

“Young bird dull sooty gray above, much like that of H. thalassina; but may readily
be distinguished by the feathers of the throat being pure white to their roots, instead of
having the concealed bases grayish as in that species.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The White-bellied Swallow is an abundant species where there
are suitable places for the location of its nests. Some years ago
there were many large dead stumps standing im the water in a
stagnant pond connected with the Wabash River immediately above
the dam at the Grand Rapids, near Mount Carmel. This pond
consisted of ‘“‘back water” resulting from the building of the dam,
and the dead stumps were presumably the remnants of trees that
had been killed by flooding, since they grew so thickly as to leave
no doubt of their having once formed part of the adjacent forest.
These dead stumps and ‘“‘snags” were perforated by countless wood-
pecker holes, and in these the White-bellied Swallows had their
nests, as did also many pairs of Carolina Chickadees and Pro-
thonotary Warblers. ‘lhe Swallows were most numerous, however,
there being perhaps more than fifty pairs nesting there. In some
old elm trees, with dead tops, growing on the ‘“‘commons” at Mount
Carmel, there were also, formerly, several pairs nesting.

Regarding this species in Cook county, Mr. Nelson gives us the
following information on page 102 of his list:

“Common resident. Arrives in large numbers March 20th. The
first of May only residents remain. Departs in September. This
species still keeps its primitive habit of nesting in deserted wood-
peckers’ holes, hollow stumps, and similar places, generally close

—14

210 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

to some stream or body of water. Several times during the spring
I have seen these birds occupy martin houses for several weeks,
until the owners returned, when, after a desperate battle, they
would leave. Have never observed them about the town during the
breeding season.”

Genus CLIVICOLA Forster.

Clivicola Forster, Syn. Br. B. 1817, 55. Type, Hirundo riparia LiNn.
Cotile Bork, Isis, 1822, 550. Same type.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill small; nostrils lateral, overhung by a straight-edged membrane.
Tarsus about equal to middle toe without claw; feathered at upper end, especially on
inner face, and having also a small tuft of feathers attached to posterior edge near the
hind toe. Middle toe with basal joint adherent externally to near the end, half-way in-
ternally, the claws comparatively little curved, the lateral reaching beyond the base of
the middle. Tailslightly forked. Color dull lustreless brown above, in riparia white
beneath with gray pectoral band. Nests in holes in banks; eggs white.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Birds of the genus Clivicola resemble in general appearance and
habits those of the genus Stelgidopteryx, but may always be distin-
guished by the small tuft of feathers growing from the lower por-
tion of the posterior face of the tarsus. There are also other char-
acters, which, however, have been sufficiently mentioned on page 204.

Clivicola riparia (Linn.)

BANK SWALLOW.

Popular synonyms, Sand Martin; Sand Swallow.
Hirundo riparia Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 192.—Wins. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 46, pl. 38, fig. 4.—
Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 607.—Aupb. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 584, pl. 385; Synop. 1839, 36; B. Am.
i, 1840, 187, pl. 50.
Cotile riparia Botk, Isis, 1822, 550.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 157.—CovEs, 2d
Check List, 1882, No. 163.
Cotyle riparia Bork, 1826.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 313; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 229; Re-
view, 1865, 319.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 114; Check List, 1773, No. 115; B. N. W. 1874, 89; B.
Col. Val. 1878, 435.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 333, pl. 16, fig. 14.

Clivicola riparia STEJNEGER, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. 1882, 32.

Has. Northern Hemisphere in general: in America, south to Brazil, and throughout
West Indies, but breeding chiefly inthe United States and northward; winters chiefly
south of the United States.

“Sp. Char. Adult. Above grayish brown, somewhat fuliginous, with a tendency to
paler margins of the feathers. Beneath pure white, with a band across the breast and
the sides of the body like the back. Length, 4.75; wing, 4.00; tail, 2.00

“Young birds have less emarginate tails, and the feathers of back, rump, and wings
edged with whitish.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

HIRUNDINIDE—THE SWALLOWS. O11

A young specimen, full-fledged, in the collection of Mr. H. K.
Coale, of Chicago, is apparently referable to this species, but differs
quite markedly from any other example I have seen. The most
conspicuous feature is the decided and quite uniform buff tinge to
the whole throat, except along its posterior border, which calls to
mind several Central and South American species of Stelgidopteryx
(as S. ruficollis, S. wropygialis, etc.); the shade of the buff is lighter
however, while the rest of the plumage is altogether different. The
brownish gray pectoral band is wider and darker than usual, while
the upper parts are a shade or so darker than in the average.
Another very curious difference from the ordinary style of C. riparia
consists in the deep rufous-buff terminal margins of the wing-coverts,
tertials, upper tail-coverts, and feathers of the rump, these markings
being grayish or yellowish white in all other specimens I have seen.
The measurements are as follows: Wing, 3.60; tail, 2.00. It is
evidently not full grown. ‘The specimen was taken at Riverdale,
near Chicago, Illinois, July 4, 1877.

The distribution of the Bank Swallow within the limits of the
State may be said to be very general, and it is also one of the
most abundant species, occurring in colonies of greater or less ex-
tent wherever there are sand- or soft earth-banks in the vicinity of
water. It not unfrequently nests in the immediate vicinity of
colonies of the Rough-winged Swallow, and at Mount Carmel I have
found both species not only nesting in the same ravines, but appar-
ently mingling together in perfect harmony.

Genus STELGIDOPTERYX Batrp.

Stelgidopteryx BAtrp, Birds N. Am. 1858, 312. Type, Hirundo serripennis AUD.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill rather small; nostrils oval, superior, margined behind, but scarcely
laterally, by membrane, but not at all overhung; the axes of the outline converging.
Frontal feathers soft, and, like chin, without bristles. Tarsi equal to middle toe without
claw; the upper end covered with feathers all round, none at lower end. Basal joint of
middle toe adherent externally nearly to end; internally, searcely half. Lateral toes
about equal, their claws not reaching beyond base of middle claw. Tail slightly emargi-
nate; the feathers broad, and obliquely rounded at end. Edge of the wing rough to the
touch; the shafts of the fibrilla of outer web of outer primary prolonged and bent at
right angles into a short stiff hook. Nest (of S. serripennis) in holes in banks; eggs pure
white, unspotted.

“Color dull brown above.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

“The birds of this genus have usually been referred to Cotyle,
which, however, they resemble, only in color. ‘The nostrils are ex-

212 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

posed, instead of being overhung; the tarsus is bare below, not
feathered, and the lateral claws are considerably curved, and not
reaching beyond the base of the lateral, asin Cotyle. The structure
of the wing is very different.” (Batrp.)

The chief peculiarity of this genus consists in the remarkable
roughness of the edge of the wing, said to occur also in Psalidoprocne
Cazs., an African genus. This characterizes only the adult male and
older females, the young and many adult females having the web of
the outer primary soft, as in other swallows.

Stelgidopteryx serripennis (Aud.)

ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW.

Popular synonyms. Rough-winged Bank Swallow, or Sand Martin; Bridge Swallow.

Hirundo serripennis Aup. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 593; Synop. 1839, 37; B. Am. i, 1840, 193, pl. 51.
Cotyle serripennis Born, 1814.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 313; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 230.
Stelgidopteryx serripennis Barrp, Review, 1865, 314.—Covgs, Key, 1872, 114; Check List,

1873, No. 116; 2d ed. 1882, No. 164; B. N. W. 1874, 90; B. Col. Val. 1878, 438.—B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 350, pl. 16, fig. 12.—Rmpeaw. Nom. Am. B. 1881, No. 158.

Has. Whole of United States, except extreme northern border, and New England east
of the Connecticut Valley; northwest to British Columbia; wintering in Mexico and
Guatemala. :

“Sp. CHAR. (No. 32,269, male.) Above smoky brown, rather deeper on the head, perhaps
alittle paleronthe rump. Larger quills and tail-feathers dusky brown; the secondaries
and greater coverts sometimes lighter along their external edges. The under parts (for
about half the total length) from bill to and including breast, with the sides of body and
lining of wings, mouse-gray, rather lighter along the throat; the rest of under parts, in-
eluding crissum, white, the latter with the shafts sometimes dusky, and very rarely with
dusky blotches at the ends of the longer feathers.

“Young birds (as in 1,120) differ in a tinge of reddish fulvous on the upper parts; the
wing-coverts, secondaries, and inner primaries margined more or less broadly with a
brighter shade of the same. The gray of the under parts is also washed with this color,
especially on the chin and across the breast. The hooks of the edge of the wing have not
yet become developed.

“(No. 32,269, male, fresh specimen before being skinned.) Total length, 5.40; expanse of
wings, 12.20; wing from carpal joint, 4.50.

“(No. 32,269, male, prepared specimen.) Total length, 5.20; wing, 4.50; tail,2.25; depth of
fork, .15; difference of primaries, 2.28; length of bill from forehead, .40, from nostril, .24,
along gape, .56, width of gape, .43; tarsus, 45; middle toe and claw, .57; claw alone, .19;
hind toe and claw, .41; claw alone, .16.” (Hist. V. Am. B.)

In its general appearance as well as in habits, the Rough-winged
resembles so closely the Bank Swallow as to be not easily distin-
guished by the casual observer. It nests, like the latter species, in
holes dug into the banks of streams or ravines, usually, however,
in colonies by themselves, though not unfrequently mingling with

HIRUNDINIDE—THE SWALLOWS. 213

the other, pairs of the two sometimes occupying adjacent burrows.
The Rough-winged Swallow, however, sometimes nests in holes in
the abutment of bridges or even in cavities among the timbers,—a
habit which the Bank Swallow has not been observed to have ac-
quired.

By the careful observer the Rough-winged Swallow may be im-
mediately distinguished from the Sand Martin (C. riparia) by the
uniform ‘“‘mouse-gray” or grayish brown color of the under parts,
gradually passing into white on the under tail-coverts, the lower
surface of the Bank Swallow being pure white, with a distinct band
of grayish brown across the breast.

214 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Fammy TANAGRID2A..—Tnae Tanacers.

This beautiful group of birds, the essential characters of which
are given on page 48, is represented within the United States by only
five species, one of them being somewhat doubtful as a member of
our fauna; but in Tropical America, Tanagers form one of the prin-
cipal elements of a bird-fauna, which for variety has no parallel in
any other part of the world. It may interest the reader to know
that the five families of Neotropical birds which are represented by
the greatest number of species are absolutely peculiar to America,
these families being the Tanagers (T'anagride), Tyrant Flycatchers
(Tyrannide), Wood-hewers (Dendrocolaptide), Ant Thrushes (For-
micarude), and Humming-birds (Trochilide). None of these fami-
hes have even true representatives in any part of the Old World,
the Sun-birds (Nectaridiide), which some have considered as rep-
resenting the Humming-birds, belonging to even a different order
(Passeres). There are besides those named above, many families of
birds, remarkable for brilliant coloring or other characteristics,
which are absolutely peculiar to the Neotropical Region; prominent
examples being the Honey Creepers (Cerebide), Manakins (Pipride),
Cotingas (Cotingide), Puff-birds (Bucconide), Jacamars (Galbulide),
and Toucans (Ramphastide). In number of species the Humming-
birds take the first rank, with nearly 450 known species, while the
Tanagers follow soon after, with about 3880 species, or nearly as
many kinds as are included in the entire land-bird fauna of North
America! With such a multitudinous host ranged under two fami-
lies alone, the statement seems less remarkable that the grand
total of Tropical American birds is something like 4,000 species,
or about one third of all that are known!

In comparison with such boundless wealth of bird-life, the meagre
Ornis of our northern continent must seem a well-tilled, if not
worn-out, field; but notwithstanding its comparative sterility, and
long cultivation, by numerous devotees, there are more things yet
to be learned than can be discovered in the life-time of any man.

TANAGRIDE—THE TANAGERS. 215

The single genus of Tanagride, which properly finds a place in
this work, is one of the most typical of the whole family, and in-
cludes two of our most brillant songsters.

Genus PIRANGA Vierm1or.

Piranga Vietuu. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, iv. Type, Muscicapa rubra LINN.

Gen. CHAR. Bill sub-conical and rather cylindrical, the culmen moderately curved,
especially toward the tip; maxillary tomium distinctly notched near the tip, and often
with a more or less distinct tooth near the middle. Wings rather long (decidedly longer
than the tail); primaries nine, the four outer ones longest. Tail moderate, distinctly
emarginate; tarsus rather short (about equal to or but little longer than the culmen), the
middle toe shorter, or about equal to the length of the bill from the nostril to the tip.
Colors chiefly or partly bright red in the adult male, olive-greenish above and yellowish
below in the female.

The three species occurring in eastern North America (one of
them an accidental straggler from the West), may be distinguished
as follows:

A. Wings without distinct light bands or other markings; adult males with entire body
red.

1. P. rubra. Adult male: Vermilion-red, the wings and tail similar but, with other
upper parts, duller than the lower parts. Adult female: Ochraceous olive above,
ochraceous yellow beneath; sometimes tinged, both above and below, with dull
red. Young male: Like the female, but more or less patched with red, according
to age.

2. P. erythromelas, Adult male: Rich scarlet, with deep black wings and tail; the
former sometimes with red on the wing-coverts. Adult female: Above grayish
olive-green, beneath light greenish yellow. Young male: Similar to the female,
but (exceptin first plumage) with black wings and tail, the red appearing in
patches with advancing age.

B. Wings with two light yellowish bands.

3. BP. ludoviciana, Adult male: Back, wings, and tail black, the wings with two yel-
low bands; rest of plumage gamboge-yellow, the head red (varying from orange-
red to crimson). Adultfemale: Wings and tail dusky grayish, the wing-bands
less distinet; back grayish, or olive-green; lower parts greenish yellow; head
greenish above, yellowish beneath. Young male: Similar to female, but the wings
and tail darker, the rest of the plumage deeper yellowish, and head more or less
tinged with red.

Piranga erythromelas Vieill.
SCARLET TANAGER

Popular synonym. Black-winged Redbird.
Tanagra rubra Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 314 (nec. ed. 10, 1, 1758, 181).—Wr1us. Am. Orn. fi,
1810, 42, pl. 11, figs. 3, 4—NutvT. Man. i, 1832, 465.—AuD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 388, pl. 354.
figs. 3, 4.
Piranga rubra ViEILu. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, iv, pl. 1, fig. 12.

216 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Pyranga rubra Sw. & Rrox. F. B. A. ii,1831,273—Aup. Synop. 1839, 136; B. Am. iii, 1841,
226, pl. 209.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858,30; Cat. N. Am. B. 1869, No. 220.—Covugs, Key, 1872,
111; Check List, 1873, No. 107; 2d ed. 1882, No. 154; B. N. W. 1874,82; B. Col. Val. 1878,
350.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,435, pl. 20, figs. 7, 8 —Rrpew. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 161.
Piranga erythromelas Vie11u. Nouv. Dict. & Hist. Nat. xxviii, 1819, 293.

Has. Eastern United States, breeding chiefly northward; north to Lake Winnipeg, in
the interior; wintering in Cuba, Jamaica, Barbadoes, and the whole of Middle America
(except western Mexico), and south to Trinidad and Ecuador. ;

“Sp. CHar. Bill shorter than the head. Second quill longest; first and third a little
shorter. Tail moderately forked. Male. Whole head and body continuous, pure, intense
Scarlet, the feathers white beneath the surface,and grayish at the roots. Wings and tail,
with the scapulars,uniform intense black; the middle-covyerts sometimes partly red,
forming an interrupted band. Lining of wing white. A blackish tinge along sides of the
rump, concealed by wings. Bill pea-green; iris brown; tarsi and toes dull blue. Female.
Olive-green above, yellowish beneath. Wing and tail-feathers brown,edged with oliva-
eceous. Length,7.40; wing,4.00; tail, 3.00.”

“At least three years seem to be required for the assumption of
the perfect plumage of the male. In the first year the young male
is like the female, but has black wings and tail: in the fall red
feathers begin to make their appearance, and the followmg spring
the red predominates in patches.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

By far the most showy of our birds, the adult male of the Scarlet
Tanager is a most brilliant creature when seen among the bright
green foliage, which so effectively complements the glowimg scarlet
and velvety black of his plumage.

In the southern half of Illinois, the Scarlet Tanager, while not
an uncommon summer resident in some localities, is decidedly a
less abundant bird than his plainer but more musical relative, the
Summer Redbird. He is also much more retired in his habits,
preferring the high timber of the bottom lands to the upland woods,
and therefore not brought so much in contact with the abodes of men.

The song of this bird resembles somewhat that of the Robm in
its modulation, but is shriller in tone, more hurried, and enunciated
with a peculiar wavering style. The ordinary note, uttered by both
sexes, sounds like chip-a-raree, uttered with considerable emphasis
when the nest or young are disturbed.

The nest of the Scarlet Tanager is placed near the end of a hor-
izontal branch of a tree, usually an oak or hickory, twenty feet or
more from the ground, and is a very thin and shallow, though by
no means frail, structure, composed of wiry grasses, fine roots, etc.,
so loosely interwoven that the eggs may frequently be seen through
the interstices from below. The eggs are three to five in number,
light greenish blue, speckled, chiefly round the larger end, with
yarious shades of brown.

TANAGRIDE—THE TANAGERS, 217

Piranga rubra (Linn.)

SUMMER TANAGER,

Popular synonyms. Vermilion Tanager; Red Tanager; Red Bee-bird; Summer Redbird.

Fringilla rubra Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 181.
Muscicapa rubra Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 326.
Piranga rubra Vier. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, p. iv.
Tanagra estiva GMEL. 8S. N. i, 1788, 889.—Wius. Am. Orn. i, 95, pl. 6, flg. 3.—NuTr. Man. i,
1832, 469.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1881, 282; v, 1839, 518, pl. 44.
Pyranga estiva VIEILL. 1819.—A UD. Synop. 1839, 136; B. Am. iii, 1881, 222, pl. 208.—BartRrp,
B. N. Am. 1858; 301; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 221—Couns, Key, 1872, 111; Check List
1878, No. 108; 2d ed. 1882, No. 155; B. N. W. 1874, 82; B. Col. Val. 1878, 352.—B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 441, pl. 20, figs. 5, 6 (“var. @stiva”).—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 164.
Tanagra coccinea Bopp. Tabl. P. E. 1783, 46 (ex. Pl. Enl. 741).

Has. Eastern United States, northeast to Connecticut Valley, or, casually, even to
Nova Scotia, but abundant only south of 40°, breeding throughout its United States
range; wintering in middle America and northern South America, as far as Ecuador and
Peru; Cuba; Jamaica. (Replaced in southwestern United States and western Mexico by
P. rubra cooperi.)

Sp. CHar. Bill nearly as longas the head, without any median tooth. Tail nearly
even, or slightly rounded. Adult male. Rich vermilion-red, the upper parts duller and
darker. Bill (in fresh specimens), varying from light pinkish, more salmon-colored on
mandible and darker on culmen, to wax-yellow, the maxilla more olive, with darker cul-
men; iris brown; feet lilac-gray. Adult female. Yellowish olive above, light ochrey
yellow beneath. Bill, etc., as in the male, Total length, 7.45-7.95; extent, 11.50-12.25;
wing, 3.70-3.95; tail, 2.90-3.15.

The male requires several years to attain the full plumage, im-
mature individuals showing a mixture of red and yellow, in relative
proportions according to the age, Some females show more or less
of red, one (No. 82,216, U. 8. Nat. Mus.) shot at Wheatland, Indiana,
May 21, 1881, having the plumage more than one half red, the red
color being of greater extent, in fact, than on the male, which was
killed by the same shot! The tint of the red is very peculiar,
however, being of dull Chinese orange, instead of pure rosy ver-
milion, as in the male.

In at least the southern half of Illmois the Summer Redbird is
an abundant species in dry upland woods. It is moreover a very
familiar species, nesting habitually in trees along the roadside and
eyen in the midst of towns. For this reason it is much more fre-
quently seen than the Scarlet Tanager, of which it is supposed by
many people to be a variety or special plumage. Besides being a
more abundant and familiar species, its notes are much louder.
The ordinary one sounds like pa-chip.-it-tut-tut-tut, or, as Wilson ex-
presses it, chicky-chucky-chuck. The song resembles in its general

218 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

character, that of the Scarlet Tanager, but is far louder, better
sustained, and more musical. It equals in strength that of the
Robin, but is uttered more hurriedly, is more “wiry,” and much
more continued.

The food of this bird consists to a great extent of hornets, wasps,
and bees, on which account it is to a greater or less extent known
to farmers as the ‘Red Bee-bird.”’

The nest is usually placed near the extremity of a horizontal
branch of an oak tree (preferably a white or post oak), alongside
the edge of a wood, trees standmg by a roadside being frequently
selected. The height at which it is placed varies, usually from
twelve to twenty feet above the ground, although the writer found
one which was not more than four and a half feet, and another
which was nearly thirty feet up. Its average elevation is such that
a man standing upon the seat of a wagon could easily reach, either
with his hand or whip, the majority of them. The nest is a thin
and shallow but very firm structure, composed of loosely interwoven
wiry grass-stems, often with the seed panicles attached, and is so
thin that the eggs can almost always be seen by one standing
underneath the nest. The eggs are usually three in number, and
are similar in color and markings to those of the Scarlet Tanager,
but somewhat larger.

In the extreme northern portion of the State, according to Mr.
Nelson, it is ‘a rare summer yisitant,”’ there being ‘‘but few records
of its occurrence.”

At Mount Carmel the dates of arrival noted by me were April
20 to 29, and at Wheatland, Indiana, April 18 to 23. At
the latter place a specimen was seen October 10, 1882, which is the
latest date of its stay that I have recorded.

FRINGILLIDA—THE FINCHES. 219

Fammny FRINGILLID2.—Tae Fincues.

“CHAR. Primaries nine. Bill very short, abruptly conical, and robust. Commissure
strongly angulated at base of bill. Tarsi scutellate anteriorly, but the sides with two
undivided plates meeting behind along the median line, as a sharp posteriorridge. Eyes
hazel or brown, except in Pipilo where they are reddish or yellowish. Nest and eggs
yery variable as to character and situation.

“All the United States species may be provisionally divided into
four subfamilies (the European House-Sparrow forming a fifth),
briefly characterizable as follows:

“Coccothraustine. Bill variable, from enormously large to quite small; the base of the
upper mandible always provided with a close-pressed fringe of bristly feathers (more or
less conspicuous) concealing the nostrils. Wings very long and pointed, usually one
half to one third longer than the forked or emarginate tail. Tarsi short.

“Pyrgitine [=Passerinel. Bill robust, swollen, arched above, without distinct ridge.
Lower mandible at base narrower than upper. Nostrils covered; side of maxilla with
stiff appressed bristles. Tarsi short, not longer than middle toe. Tail shorter than
the somewhat pointed wings. Back streaked; under parts not streaked.

“Spizelline. Embracing all the plain-colored sparrow-like species marked with
longitudinal stripes. Bill conical, always rather small; both mandibles about equal.
Tarsi lengthened. Wings and tail variable. Lateral claws never reaching beyond the
base of the middle claw.

“Passerellineg, Sparrow-like species, with triangular spots beneath. Legs, toes,
and claws very stout; the lateral claws reaching nearly to the end of the middle ones.

“Spizine. Brightly colored species, usually without streaks. Bill usually very large
and much curved; lower mandible wider than the upper. Wings moderately long. Tail
variable.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Supramity COCCOTHRAUSTIN 2.—Tue Troe Fincuzs.

“CHar. Wings very longand mueh pointed; generally one third longer than the
more or less forked tail; first quill usually nearly as long as or longer than the second.
Tertiaries but little longer, or equal to the secondaries, and always much exceeded by
the primaries. Bill very variable in shape and size, the upper mandible, however, as
broad as the lower; nostrils rather more lateral than usual; and always more or less
concealed by a series of small bristly feathers applied along the base of the upper mandi-
ble; no bristles at the base of the bill. Feet short andrather week. Hind claw usually
considerably longer than the middle anterior one; sometimes nearly the same size.

220 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“In the preceding diagnosis I have combined a number of forms,
all agreeing in the length and acuteness of the wing, the bristly
feathers along the base of the bill, the absence of conspicuous
bristles on the sides of the mouth, and the shortness of the feet.
They are all strongly marked and brightly colored birds, and usu-
ally belong to the more northern regions.

“The bill is very variable, even in the same genus, and its shape
is to a considerable extent of specific rather than of generic im-
portance. The fringe of, short bristles along the base of the bill,
concealing the nostrils, is not appreciable in Plectrophanes [=Plectro-
phenax] (except in P. nivalis), but the other characteristics given
above are all present.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

GENERA.

A. Bill enormously large and stout; the lateral outline aslong as that of the skull. Cul-
men gently curved.

Colors greenish, yellow, and black.

Coccothraustes. First quill equal tothe second. Wings one half longer than the tail.
Lateral claws equal, reaching to the base of the middle claw. Claws much curved,
obtuse; hinder one but little longer than the middle.

B. Bill smaller, with the culmen more or less curved; the lateral outline not so long as
the skull. Wings about one third longer than the tail, or a little more; first quill shorter
than the second. Claws considerably curved and thickened; hinder most so, and almost
inappreciably longer or even shorter than the middle anterior one. Tarsus shorter than
the middle toes. Lateral toes unequal.

a. Colors plain gray and black, never streaked; breast red in the male of some species.

Pyrrhula., Bill excessively swollen; as broad and as high as long, not half length of
head; upperoutline much curved. Tail-coverts covering two thirds the tail, which
is nearly even; middle and hinder claws about equal.

b. Colors reddishin the male, plain grayish or streaked brown and white inthe female.

Pinicola. Bill moderately swollen; longer than high or broad, upper outlines much
curved; the tip hooked. Tail-coverts reaching over basal half of tail, which is nearly
even. Middle claw longer than the hind; outer lateral claw extending beyond base of
middle (reaching to itin Pyrrhula and Carpodacus). Female and young not streaked.
Carpodacus. Bill variable, always more or less curved and swollen; longer than high
or broad; the tip not hooked. Tail-coverts reaching over two thirds the tail, which is
decidedly forked. Middle and hind claw about equal. Female and young streaked.

ec. Colors black and and yellow in the male.

Spinus. Bill nearly straight. Hind claw stouter and more curved, but scarcely
longer than the middle anterior one. Outer lateral toe reaching a little beyond the
base of the middle claw; shorter than the hind toe. Wings longer and more pointed.
Tail quite deeply forked.

C. Hind claw considerably longer than the middle anterior one, with about the same
eurvature; claws attenuated towards the point, and acute. Lateral toes about equal.
Wings usually almost one half longer than the tail, which is deeply forked. Tarsus
shorter than middle toe.

FRINGILLIDEH—THE FINCHES, 221

a. Points of mandibles overlapping.

Loxia, Tarsus shorter than the middle toe. Bill much compressed, the mandibles
falcate, with the points crossing like the blades of scissors. Claws very large; lateral
extending beyond the base of the middle. Colors red or gray, streaked in young.

b. Points of mandibles not overlapping.

Acanthis, Tarsus equal to the middle toe, Bill very acutely conical; outlines and
commissure perfectly straight. Lateral toes reaching beyond the base of the middle
one. No ridge on the side of the lower mandible. Streaked; a crimson crown (except
in one species).

Leucosticte, Culmen slightly decurved; commissure alittle concave. Bill obtusely
conical; not sharp-pointed. A conspicuous ridge on the side of the lower mandible.
Claws large; the lateral not reaching beyond the base of the middle one. Colors red
and brown.

D. Hind claw much the largest; decidecly less curved than the middle anterior one.
Tarsus longer than the middle toe. Lateral toes equal; reaching about to the base of the
middle claw. Hind toe as long as or longer than the middle one. Bill very variable;
always more or less curved and blunted. Palate somewhat tuberculate; margins of lower
jaw much inflexed. Tail slightly emarginate or even. Wings one half longer than the
tail. First quill as long as the second.
Plectrophenax. Angle of gonys opposite middle of culmen, the gonys greatly ascend-
ing. Maxilla shallower than mandible. Middle toe and claw about equal to tarsus,
the claw reaching beyond that of the hallux. Secondaries mostly white.
Calcarius. Bill much asin Plectrophenazr. Middle toe and claw shorter than tarsus,
the claw not reaching as far as to the tip of the hind claw. No white on secondaries.
Rhynchophanes, Bill very stout, conical,the angle of the gonys decidedly posterior to
the middle of the bill, the maxilla equal in depth to the mandible,

Genus COCCOTHRAUSTES Brisson.

Coccothraustes Briss. Orn. iii, 1760,218. Type, Loxia coccothraustes LINN,

Subgenus Hesperiphona Bonaparte.

Hesperiphona Bonar. Comptes Rendus, xxxi, Sept. 1850, 424. Type, Fringilla vesper-
tina Coop.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill largest and stoutest of all the United States fringilline birds. Upper
mandible much vaulted; culmen nearly straight, but arched toward the tip; commissure
concave. Lower jaw very large, but not broader than the upper,nor extending back, as
in Guiraca; considerably lower than the upper jaw. Gonys unusually long. Feet short;
tarsus less than the middle toe; lateral toes nearly equal,and reaching to the base of the
middle claw. Claws much curved,stout and compressed. Wings very long and pointed,
reaching beyond the middle of the tail. Primaries much longer than the nearly equal
secondaries and tertials; outer two quills longest; the others rapidly graduated. Tail
slightly forked; scarcely more than two thirds the length of the wings, its coverts cover-
ing nearly three fourths ofits extent. Nest and eggs unknown.” (Hist. V. Am. B.)

Coccothraustes vespertinus (Coop.)

EVENING GROSBEAK.

Fringilla vespertina Cooper, Ann. Lyc.N. Y. i, 1825,220,—NuTvT. Man. i, 1832, 594.—Aup.
Orn. Biog. iv, 1839,515; v, 1839,235, pls. 373, 425.

2992, BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Coccothraustes vespertina Sw. & Riou. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 269, pl. 68.—A up. Synop. 1839, 134;
B. Am. iii, 1841, 217, pl. 207.

Hesperiphona vespertina Bonar. 1850.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 409; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 302.—Covgs, Key, 1872, 127; Check List, 1873, No. 136; 2d ed. 1882, No. 189; B. N. W.
1874, 105.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1875, 449, pl. 22, fig. 1—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 165.

Has. Western North American,south,in mountain districts, to elevated regions of
eastern Mexico; north to the Saskatchewan, and east, especially in winter, to the Great
Lakes; accidental in northern Atlantic States (New York, Ohio, ete.).

“ug

Sp. CHAR. Bill yellowish green,dusky at the base. Anterior half of the body dusky
yellowish olive,shading into yellow to the rump above, and the under tail-coverts below.
Outer scapulars,a broad frontal band continued on each side over the eye, axillaries, and
middle of under wing-coverts yellow. Feathers along the extreme base of the bill, the
crown, tibiw, wings, upper tail-coverts, and tail black; inner greater wing-coverts and
tertiaries white. Length,7.30; wing, 4.30; tail, 2.75.

“The female differs in having the head of a dull olivaceous brown, which color also
glosses the back. The yellow of the rump and other parts is replaced by a yellowish ash.
The upper tail-coverts are spotted with white. The white of the wingis much restricted.
There is an obscure blackish line on each side of the chin.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Young male, nearly adult. Generally similar to adult male, but tertials having inner
webs entirely dusky and grayish,the lower webs grayish next the shaft; inner greater
coverts pale yellow; deeper on edges; upper tail-coverts tipped with dingy yellow, and
inner webs of tail-feathers indistinctly tipped with grayish, passing into whitish termi-
nally. Back and jugulum mixed with feathers of an olivaceous yellow. (Male, Santa
Cruz, Cal., March, 1876; Coll. E. W. Nelson.)

This beautiful bird is a winter visitant to the more northern por-
tions of the State, its appearance being, however, very irregular,
as is that of the Bohemian Wax-wing (Ampelis garrulus). Mr. Nelson
says that it is “a winter visitant occuring at irregular intervals.
The winter of 1871 they were quite common throughout the northern
portion of the State. The following winter they were much rarer,
and since then but very few have been seen. Iam told that formerly
it was fo much more regular occurrence.” (Bull. Essex Inst., Vol.
VIII., 1876, p. 104.)

The most southern record for this State appears to be that by
Mr. O. P. Hay, in the “Nuttall Bulletin” for July, 1881, page 179,
which reads as follows:

“The Evening Grosbeak has for its habitat the region extending
from the Plains to the Pacific Ocean, and from Mexico into British
America. Toward the north it ranges further to the east; so that,
while it appears to be not uncommon about Lake Superior, it has
been reported as occurring in Ohio, New York, and Canada. In IIli-
nois it was observed at Freeport during the winter of 1870-71; and
at Waukegan during January, 1873. (Hist. N. A. Birds by Baird,
Brewer, and Ridgway.) Mr. Robt. Ridgway im his recently issued
‘Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois,’ states that it is ‘a winter visi-
tant to the extreme northern counties of the State’.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 993

“Tt will, therefore, be a matter of interest to ornithologists to
learn that this exquisite bird is sometimes found further south and
at a less advanced season of the year. About the year 1872, while
hunting during the fine autumn weather, in the woods about Eureka,
Illinois, I fell in with a flock of these Grosbeaks, and succeeded in
killing six of their number. They were feeding in the tree tops on
the seeds of the sugar maple, just then ripening, and were exces-
sively fat. They were very unsuspicious, and for a long time ap-
peared to be incapable of realizing the havoc that I was making in
their ranks, as they tarried in the neighbormg boughs and uttered
their call-notes to summon their missing companions. As the skins
of these birds afterward passed out of my hands, I can not now give
with certainty the year of their capture. Eureka is in Woodford
county, and one hundred and twenty miles nearly due south of
Freeport. It is about the same distance south of Waukegan.”

According to Mr. Thos. H. Douglas, of Waukegan (in letter dated
January 2, 1882), “these birds, when shot at, will fly into the nearest
large evergreens, where they sit perfectly still, and are very hard to be
seen, but after a few moments they begin to call and can easily be
discovered. I have repeatedly shot two or more out of the same
tree. They feed on the seeds of evergreens and sugar-maple buds.
Have known them to stay until May, when they ate the buds of
black ash and cottonwood. They were feeding on the latter in com-
pany with the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I think we will get some
this winter, as there are very few evergreens seeding north of us,
and what are, are mostly blind seeds. I had one slightly wounded
in a cage for several days in the green-house, where it got to be
very tame, and seemed to prefer hemp seed to any other kind,
although I tried it with about a dozen kinds of evergreen seeds.”

Genus PINICOLA Vie1n1or.

Pinicola Vier. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 4, pl. 1, fig. 13.

“CuHar. Bill short, nearly as high as long; upper outline much curved from the base;
the margins of the mandibles rounded; the commissure gently concave, and abruptly
deflexed at the tip; base of the upper mandible much concealed by the bristly feathers
covering the basal third. Tarsus rather shorter than the middle toe; lateral toes short,
. ut their long claws reach the base of the middle one, which is longer than the hind
elaw. Wings moderate; the first quill rather shorter than the second, third, and fourth.
Tail rather shorter than the wings; nearly even.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

224 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Pinicola enucleator (Linn.)

PINE GROSBEAK.

Loria enucleator Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 171.—Wits. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 80, pl. 5, fig. 2.
Corythus enucleator CUVIER.—AUD. Synop. 1889, 127; B. Am. iii, 1841, 179, pl. 199.
Pyrrhula enucleator BoNAP. 1828.—NutTrT. Man. i, 1832, 535.—Aup. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838,

414, pl. 358.

Pyrrhula (Corythus) enucleator Sw. & Riow. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 262, pl. 53.

Pinicola enucleator Cas. 1851.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 127; Check List, 1873, No, 137; 2d ed.
1882, No. 190; B. N. W. 1874, 104.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 453, pl. 21, figs. 1, 2.
Rmwew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 166.

Pinicola canadensis (‘““BREHM”) CABAN. Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 167 (ex. Corythus canadensis

BREHM).—BAIRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 410; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 304.

Has. Northern coniferous forests of Northern Hemisphere; in North America, breed-
ing far south (to at least 38°) in higher western mountains, and in winter migrating south
to or beyond 40°, in Eastern Province.

“Sp. Coan. Billand legs black. Male. General color light carmine-red or rose, not
continuous above, however, except on the head; the feathers showing brownish centres
on the back, where, too, the redis darker. Loral region, base of lower jaw all round, sides
(under the wing), abdomen, and posterior part of the body, with under tail-coverts, ashy,
whitest behind. Wing with two white bands across the tips of the greater and middle
coverts; the outer edges of the quills also white, broadest on the tertiaries, on secondaries
tinged with red. Female ashy, brownish above, tinged with greenish yellow beneath;
top of head, rump, and upper tail-coyerts brownish gamboge-yellow. Wings muchas in
the male. Length about 8.50; wing, 4.50; tail, 4.00. Young like female, but more ashy.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Pine Grosbeak—much the largest of the North American
Fringillide—is an irregular winter visitant to the more northern
portions of the State. Mr. Thos. H. Douglas, of Waukegan, writes
me, under date of January 2, 1884, that, having been informed of a
flock of “strange birds,” which had been seen eating high-bush
cranberries, he, the next day saw from his room a small flock
flying by, which proved to be this species. He adds: “They are
more shy than the Evening Grosbeak, as a shot will generally scare
them out of sight.”

Genus CARPODACUS Kavp.

Carpodacus KAuP, Entw. Europ. Thierw. 1829, 161. Type, Loxia erythrina PALL.

“CHar. Bill short, stout, vaulted; the culmen decurved towards the end; the com-
missure nearly straight to the slightly decurved end. A slight development of bristly
feathers along the sides of the bill, concealing the nostrils. Tarsus shorter than the
middle toe; lateral claws reaching to the base of the middle one. Claw of hind toe much
curved, smaller than the middle one, and rather less than the digital portion. Wings
long and pointed, reaching to the middle of the tail, which is considerably shorter than
the wing, and moderately forked. Colorsred, orred and brown. Female. With thered
replaced by brown.” (Hist, N, Am. B.)

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 295

While the western portions of North America possess three species
of this genus (C. frontalis, the familiar House Finch, of the Valley
portions, C. purpureus californicus, or California Purple Finch, of
the Pacific coast, and C. cassini, Cassin’s Purple Finch, of the
higher mountains), but a single species occurs in the eastern por-
tions of the continent. This, the common Purple Finch (C. pur-
pureus), occurs within the United States chiefly in winter and early
spring, the greater part of its breeding range being located beyond
our northern boundary.

Carpodacus purpureus (Gmel.)

PURPLE FINCH.
Popular synonyms. Purple Linnet; Purple Grosbeak; Strawberry Bird (Connecticut);
Rosy Linnet; Roseate Grosbeak or Finch.
Fringilla purpurea GMEL. 8. N. i, 1788, 923.—W1s. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 119, pl. 7, fig. 4; v, 1812,
87, pl. 43, fig. 3—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 24; v, 1889, 500, pl. 4—-NuTvT. Man. i, 1832, 529.
Erythrospiza purpurea BoNAP. 1838.—AuD. B. Am. iii, 1841, 170, pl. 196.
Carpodacus purpureus GRAY.—BAIRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 412; Cat. N. Am. B, 1859, No. 305.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 128; Check List, 1873, No. 189; 2d ed. 1882, No. 194; B. N. W. 1874, 106.—
B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 465, pl. 21, figs. 10, 11.—Rip@w. Nom. N. A. B. 1881,
No. 168.

Has. Eastern temperate North America, but breeding chiefly north of the United
States; in winter, south to Gulf coast.

“Sp. CHAR. Second quill longest; first shorter than third,—considerably longer than
the fourth. Body crimson, palest on the rump and breast, darkest across the middle of
back and wing-coverts, where the feathers have dusky centres. The red extends below
eontinuously to the lower part of the breast, and in spots to the tibia. The belly and
under tail-coverts white, streaked faintly with brown, exceptin the very middle. Edges
of wings and tail-feathers brownish red; lesser coverts like the back. Two reddish bands
across the wings (over the ends of the middle and greater coverts). Lores dull grayish.
Length, 6.25 inches; wing, 3.34; tail, 2.50; bill above, .46. Female. Olivaceous brown
above; brighter on the rump. Beneath white; all the feathers everywhere streaked with
brown, except on the middle of the belly and under coverts. A superciliary light stripe.”

Although best known as a spring migrant, when the flocks are
rendered conspicuous by reason of their musical warblings, the
Purple Finch is a winter resident in the more southern portions of
the State. The writer first made its acquaintance at Mount Carmel,
in mid-winter, under circumstances of delightful memory. The
ground was covered with snow,—the weather clear and bright, but
cold. Crossing a field in the outskirts of the town, and approaching
the line of tall, dead ‘‘rag-weeds” (Ambrosia trifida) which grew
thickly in the fence corners, a straggling flock of birds was startled,
flew a short distance, und again alighted on the tall weed-stalks,
uttering as they flew a musical, metallic chink, chink. The beautiful

—15

226 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

crimson color of the adult males, heightened by contrast with the
snow, was a great surprise to the writer, then a boy of thirteen,
and excited intense mterest in this, to him, new bird. On subse-
quent occasions during the same winter, they were found under like
circumstances, and also in “sycamore” or buttonwood trees, feeding
on the small seeds contained within the “balls” of this tree.

The Purple Finch may possibly breed in the extreme northern
portion of the State, but has not yet been recorded, so far as the
writer 1s aware, as doing so.

From History of North American Birds (Vol. I., pp. 468, 464) we
quote the following paragraphs, by Dr. 'T. M. Brewer, pertaining to
the breeding habits of this species:

“The Purple Finch, or, as it is generally known in New England,
the Linnet, is one of our sweetest, best, and most constant song-
sters, and is often trapped and sold as a cage bird. They soon
become accustomed and partially reconciled to their confinement,
but sing only during a small part of the year. When one of these
birds, confined in a cage, is hung outside the house, in the country,
he is sure to draw around him quite a number of his species, and
this furnishes the dealer a ready means of capturing them.

“The song of the Purple Finch resembles that of the Canary, and
though less varied and powerful, is softer, sweeter, and more touch-
ing and pleasing. The notes of this species may be heard from
the last of May until late in September, and in the long summer
evening are often continued until it is quite dark. Their song has
all the beauty and pathos of the Warbling Vireo, and greatly
resembles it, but is more powerful and full in tone. It is a very
interesting sight to watch one of these little performers in the
midst of his song. He appears perfectly absorbed in his work,—
his form is dilated, his crest is erected, his throat expands, and he
seems to be utterly unconscious of all around him. But let an
intruder of his own race appear within a few feet of the singer, and
the song instantly ceases, and in a violent fit of indignation he
chases him away.’’

Genus LOXIA Linnzus.

Lozia Linn=vs, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 1758, 171. Type, Loxia curvirostra LINN.

“Gen. CHAR. Mandibles much elongated, compressed and attenuated; greatly
curved or falcate, the points crossing or overlapping to a greater or less degree. Tarsi
very short; claws all very long, the lateral extending beyond the middle of the central;
hind claw longer than its digit. Wings very long and pointed, reaching beyond the
middle of the narrow, forked tail. Colors reddish in the male.

FRINGILLIDAX—THE FINCHES. 227

“The elongated, compressed, faleate-curved, and overlapping man-
dibles readily characterize this genus among birds. This feature,
however, only belongs to grown specimens, the young having a
straight bill as in other Finches.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The two North American species of this genus may be very readily
distinguished by the uniformly brownish wings of L. minor, and
the conspicuous white spots or bands on the greater and middle
wing-coverts in L. leucoptera,—these differences characterizing both
sexes, at all ages.

Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm).

AMERICAN CROSSBILL,

Popular synonym. American Red Crossbill.
Lovia curvirostra Forst. Phil. Trans. )xii, 1772, 402 (nee LINN).—NutTT. Man. i, 1832, 583.—
Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 559; v. 1839, 511, pl. 197; Synop. 1839, 128; B. Am. iii, 1841, 186,
pl. 200.
Curvirostra americana Wits. Am. Orn. iy, 1811, 44, pl. 31, figs. 1,2.—Barrp, B. N. Am.
1858, 426; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 318.
Lovia curvirostra var. americana Cougs, Key, 1872, 351; Check List, 1873, No. —; B.
N. W. 1874, 109.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, pl. 28, figs. 1, 4.
Loria curvirostra americana Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 172.—Covusgs, 2d Check
List, 1882, No. 199.
Curvirostra minor BREHM, Naum. 1853, 193.
Loxia curvirostra minor Ripew. Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. viii, 1885, 354.

Has. Temperate North America, breeding from northern border of United States
north to portions of Alaska, and on higher mountain ranges south to Pennsylvania, East-
ern Tennessee, ete. (In Rocky Mountains and other higher western ranges replaced in
summer by the much larger L. curvirostra mexicana.) South to Virginia, Tennessee, ete.

“Sp. Coan. Old male dull red (the shade differingin the specimen, sometimes brick-
red, sometimes vermilion, etc.) ; darkest across the back; wings and tail dark blackish-
brown. Young male yellowish. Female dull greenish-olive above, each feather with a
dusky center; rump and crown bright greenish yellow. Yowng olive above; whitish be-
neath, conspicuously streaked above and below with blackish. Male about 6 inches;
wing. 3.30; tail, 2.25.” (Hist. NV. Am. B.)

Perhaps no birds are more erratic in their movements than the
Crossbills; and this observation applies no less to their habits dur-
ing the breeding season than at other times. They appear and
disappear from a given locality in the most unexpected manner, and
it probably cannot be said of any district that any species of this
genus is a constant inhabitant during any portion of the year. In
Illinois, the present species is an irregular visitant throughout the
State, being of course more rare and uncertain in the southern than
in the northern portion.

228 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Having had few opportunities for observing the habits of this spe-
cies, we quote the following from History of North American Birds
(Vol. I., pp. 487, 488), written by Dr. Thos. M. Brewer:

“The Crossbills are extremely gentle and social, are easily ap-
proached, caught in traps, and even knocked down with sticks.
Their food is chiefly the seeds of the Conifere, and also those of
plants. Audubon’s statement that they destroy apples merely to
secure the seeds is hardly accurate. They are extravagantly fond
of this fruit, and prefer the flesh to its seeds. Their flight is undu-
lating, somewhat in the manner of the Goldfinch, firm, swift and
often protracted. As they fly, they always keep up the utterance
of their loud, clear call-notes. They move readily on the ground,
up or down the trunks and limbs of trees, and stand as readily
with their heads downward as upright.

“So far as is known, these Crossbills breed in mid-winter, or
very early in the spring, when the weather is the most inclement.
The nest and eggs of this species were procured by Mr. Charles S.
Paine, in East Randolph, Vt., early in the month of March. The
nest was built in an upper branch of an elm,—which, of course,
was leafless,—the ground was covered with snow, and the weather
severe. The birds were very tame and fearless, refusing to leave
their eggs, and had to be several times taken off by the hand.
After its nest had been taken, and Mr. Paine was descending with
it in his hand, the female again resumed her place upon it, to pro-
tect the eggs from the biting frost. The eggs were four in number
and measured .85 by .58 of an inch. They have a greenish white
ground, and are beautifully blotched, marbled, and dotted with vari-
ous shades of lilac and purplish brown.”

{Further interesting information on the breeding habits of this
species may be found in the “Nuttall Bulletin’ for January, 1880,
pp. 7-11, and 50, 51; and in the ‘“Ornithologist and Odlogist” for
December, 1880, pp. 78, 79, is a record of the capture of speci-
mens at Rugby, Tennessee, July 27 and August 7, 1880.]

Loxia leucoptera (Gmel.)

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.

Lozia leucoptera Gmeu. 8. N. i, 1788, 844.—NutTr. Man. i, 1852, 540.—AupD. Orn. Biog. iv,
1883, 467, pl. 364; Synop. 1839; B. Am. iii, 1841, 190, pl. 201.—B. B. and R. Hist. N. Am.
B. i, 1874, 488, pl. 28, figs. 2,3.—Covurs, Check List, 1873, No. 142; 2d ed. 1882, No. 198;
B. N. W. 1874, 110.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 175.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 229

Curvirostra leucoptera Wis. Am. Orn. iy, 1811, 48, pl. 31, fig. 3—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858,
427; Cat. N. Am. B, 1859, No. 319.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 129.
Loria atrata yon HoMEYER, J. f. O. 1879. 179.

Has. Northern North America, breeding from northern New England and northern
Rocky Mountain districts northward. (Said by!:AupUBON to breedin mountainous por-
tions of Pennsylvania.) In winter, south to or beyond 39°,in some seasons. No Pacific
coast record south of Alaska; accidental in Greenland and in Europe.

Sp. Cuan. Bill greatly compressed, and acute towards the point. Male carmine-red,
tinged with dusky across the back; the sides of the body under the wings streaked with
brown; from the middle of belly to the tail-coverts whitish, the latter streaked with
brown. Scapulars, wings, and tail black; two broad bands on the wings across the ends
of greater and median coverts; white spots on the end of theinner tertiaries. Female
brownish, tinged with olive-green in places; feathers of the back and crown with dusky
centres; rump brownish yellow. Length about 6.25; wing, 3.50; tail, 2.60.

The white bands on the wings distinguish this species from the
preceding, although there are some other differences in form of bill,
feet, wing, etc. There is less variation in form and color among
specimens than in the preceding. The American White-winged
Crossbill differs from its European analogue, L. bifasciata, in the
more slender body and bill, and in having the body pomegranate-
red, with blackish back, instead of cinnabar-red, as in curvirostra
and minor. Bonaparte and Schlegel quote the American species
as occurring in the Himalaya Mountains, and perhaps Japan, but
throw doubts on the supposed European localities.

In the Journal fiir Ornithologie for 1879, p. 179, von Homeyer
describes as a new species (“Loxia atrata”) what appears to be a
yariation of L. leucoptera; but the circumstance that the supposed
species is based on two specimens “exactly alike” suggests the pos-
sibility of the form in question proving eventually to be perhaps a
local race of L. leucoptera. A free translation of the original descrip-
tion, in German, is as follows:

“Somewhat smaller than L. leucoptera, but with about the same
length of wing, the tail at least 10 mm. shorter. Distinguished by
its coloration. The red in ground tone is nearest that of the
‘Hakengimpel’ [Pinicola enucleator], but everywhere darker, and
saturated, as it were, with black, this color extending indefinitely
both on the back as well as on the middle of the belly to the breast,
as also on the lower tail-coverts. The feet are even darker colored
than in leucoptera. The wing-bands are unaffected for the most
part, although not quite so broad. This is especially seen in the
first or terminal band, which begins, scarcely visible, at the edge of

230 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the wing, and remains very inconsiderable to the middle, then
quickly expands to a great rounded spot. The extent of the second
band is everywhere much more limited than in leucoptera.

“This is decidedly not a melanism, as is shown, not alone by the
character of the coloration, but by the occurrence of two old males
exactly alike.

“My two birds came from North America.”

The same general remarks found under Loxia americana will apply
equally well to the present species. The White-winged Crossbill is,
however, decidedly a more northern bird so far as its summer
habitat is concerned, breeding abundantly in the subarctic portions
of the continent from northern Labrador and the western shores of
Cumberland Gulf to Alaska, or quite to the northward of the breed-
ing range of L. americana.

Mr. Thos. H. Douglas, of Waukegan, sends me, under date of
November 17, 1883, the followmg exceedingly interesting note on
this species :

“Last winter we were visited by several flocks of Loxia leucoptera
and a few of L. americana. The former were in a stained condition
of plumage. They stayed around piles of pine and spruce cones we
had gotten the seeds out of. They came about the first of February,
and some stayed as late as April 1. One of the americana and two
leucoptera were here until the latter part of April. Although these
two species got along well together when out of doors (would pick
seeds out of the same cone), when in captivity (as we had them
several times) the former would not let the latter feed, and killed
some by picking them on the head. They were very easily caught.
We captured several with our hands, and a great many in a com-
mon flour-sieve fastened to a pole about six feet long. They would
eat out of our hands in a few minutes after being caught. A num-
ber were kept in confinement here. I have four—three males and
one female. I think there are several more in town. Both sexes
sing (the female in a lower voice) in a low and sweet but discon-
nected tone. Since moulting, the males have had an olive-green
plumage, without any show of red.”

January 2, 1884, he writes me as follows:

“My crossbills are still alive and flourishing, I will try and mate
them the coming spring. I have three males and one female. The
latter got out of the cage while it was hanging out of doors in the

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 231

summer and came back the next day and allowed itself to be taken
by hand. The males since moulting are about the color of Den-
droica e@stiva.”

In the spring of 1839, Mr. Jillson, of Hudson, Mass., sent Dr.
Brewer a pair of these birds which he had captured the preceding
autumn. ‘They were very tame, and were exceedingly interesting
little pets. Their movements in the cage were like those of caged
parrots in every respect, except that they were far more easy and
rapid. They clung to the sides and upper wires of the cage with
their feet, hung down from them, and seemed to enjoy the practice
of walking with their head downward. They were in full song, and
both the male and female were quite good singers. Their songs
were irregular and varied, but sweet and musical. They ate almost
every kind of food, but were especially eager for slices of raw apples.
An occasional larch cone was also a great treat tothem. Although
while they lived they were continually bickering over their food,
yet when the female was accidently choked by a bit of egg shell
her mate was inconsolable, ceased to sing, refused his food, and died
of grief in a very few days.

Genus ACANTHIS Becustem.

Acanthis Brecust. Orn. Tasch. Deutsch. 1803, 125. Type, Fringilla linaria Linn.

Afigiothus CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 161. Type, Fringilla linaria Linn.

“Sp. CHar. Bill very short, conical, acutely pointed, the outlines sometimes con-
cave; the commissure straight; the base of the upper mandible and the nostrils con-
cealed by stiff appressed bristly feathers; middle of the mandible having several ridges
parallel with the culmen. Inner lateral toe rather the longer, its claw reaching the
middle of the middle claw; the hind toe rather longer, its claw longer than the digital
portion. Wings very long, reaching the middle of the tail; second quilla little longer
than the first and third. Tail deeply forked.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Species and Races.

Common CHaracters, Adult. Above streaked with dusky upon a brownish, or
brown and whitish, ground; wing-coverts tipped with whitish or pale brown. Beneath
whitish, usually streaked on the sides with dusky. Anindistinct, lighter superciliary
stripe. Crown crimson (except in A. brewsteri.) Male. Breast more or less tinged with
rose-pink. Female. Breastnot tinged with pinkish. Yowng. Without any pink on breast.
A. Crown of adult with a patch of crimson. Chin with a dusky spot.

1. A.hornemannii, Bill very short, the depth at the base nearly equal to or greater
than its length. Rump wholly white, or with white largely prevailing. Breast in
adult male delicate peach-blossom pink. Lower tail-coverts with white shafts.
a. Bill very stout, rather obtuse, the depth through the base about equal to length

ofculmen. Wing, 3.25 or more; tail, 2.700rmore. Hab. Greenland; northern
Labrador (Ungaya) in winter .......... cercccccscccssecsssccsreseeeA. LOFPNEMANNII.

282 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

b. Bill more slender, very acute, the depth through base less than depth of cul-
men. Wing, 3.10 or less; tail, 2.600r less. Hab. Arctic America, except Green-
land; south, in winter to northern U. S............ «+++ A. hornemannii exilipes.

2. A.linaria, Bill more slender, the depth through the base much less than length
ofculmen. Rump heavily streaked with dusky, the latter usually largely preyail-
ing. Breast in adult male intense rose-pink. Lower tail-coverts with dusky

shafts.
a. Wing, 3.00 or less, tail, 2.50 or less. Hab. Arctic and subarctic America, except
Greenland; iniwinter'to U.S oi. vccccrcccnsacas) covessenens Walsaveumeccacae A, linaria.

bv. Wing usually more than 3.00 inches; tail, 2.60 or more. Bill much larger and
stouter, less acute at tip. Hab. Greenlandsouth in winter tonorthern border
Oh Usb ccacneennclesticicnesasenencesccrgauaists=slaapnaevetcsemean A, linaria rostrata.

B. Adult without red patch on crown, or dusky spot on chin.

3. A. brewsteri. Above olive-brown, streaked with dusky, the rump tinged with sul-
phur-yellow. Below whitish, tinged on jugulum with fulvous yellow, the sides
and crissum streaked with dusky. Wings with two pale fulvous bands. Wing,
8.00; tail, 2.50. Hab. Massachussettsin winter. (Only one specimen known.)

Acanthis hornemannii exilipes (Coues).

HOARY RED-POLL.

Popular synonyms. Coues’ Redpoll, or Linnet; White-rumped Redpoll.

Fringilla borealis AuD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 87, pl. 400 (nec VIEILL).
Linaria borealis Aub. B. Am. iii, 1841, 120, pl. 178 (nec TEM™M).

AAgiothus exilipes Cours, Proc. Phil. Ac. 1861, 385; 1869, 187; 2d Check List, 1882, No. 210,
Agiothus linaria var. exilipes Cougs, Key, 1872, 131; Check List, 1875, No. 146 b.
AXigiothus canescens var. exilipes B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 493, pl. 22 fig. 2.
Aiyviothus canescens exilipes RrpGw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 178 a.

Acan'his hornemannii exilipes STEINEGER, ‘The Auk,” i, 1884, 152.

Has. Arctic America (except Greenland) migrating southward in winter to northern
Illinois, Massachusetts, ete.

Sp. CHar. Adult male in summer. General color white, this immaculate on rump
and lower parts (the sides occasionally streaked, however); the jugulum and sides of
breast delicate peach-blossom pink, the rump often tinged with the same. Crown crim-
son. Occiput, nape, back, and scapulars, grayish brown, streaked with whitish and
dusky. Billdusky. Adult male in winter. Similar, but plumage more or less suftused
with fulvous, and the bill yellow, with dusky culmen and gonys. Adult female. Similar
to the male, but without the pink on the breast, ete. Wing, about 2.75-3.00; tail, 2.35-2.50.

The Lesser White-rumped Redpoll is a very rare winter visitant
to the extreme northern portion of the State. I have seen speci-
mens in the collection of Mr. E. W. Nelson, that were collected in
the vicinity of Chicago, but I am unable to give dates of their
capture. The National Museum likewise possesses specimens from
Mount Carroll, collected by Dr. H. Shimer. This species breeds
abundantly throughout the subarctic districts, from northern Labra-
dor to western Alaska, whence numerous specimens both of the bird
itself and its nest and eggs have been sent to the National Museum ;
but we have not, as yet, any account of its distinctive habits.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES, 233

Acanthis linaria (Linn.)

REDPOLL.
Popular synonyms. Common Redpoll; Dusky Redpoll; Snowbird; Redpoll Linnet.

Fringilla linaria Linn, 8S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 182; ed. 12, i, 1766, 822.—Wans. Am. Orn. iv, 1811,
41, pl. 30, fig. 4; ix, 1814, 126—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 512.—Aupb. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 523, pl.
875.
igiothus linaria Cas. Mus. Hein. 1851, 161.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 428; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 320.—Covuss, Key, 1872, 180; Check List, 1873, No. 146; 2d ed. 1882, No. 207; B.
N. W. 1874, 114.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 493, pl. 22, figs. 3, 5.—Ripew. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 179.
Acanthis linaria Bon. & Scuu. Monog. Lox. 1850, pl. 52.
Linaria minor Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 267,—AupD. Synop. 1839, 114; B. Am. iii, 1841,
122, pl. 179.
Myiothus fuscescens Cougs, Proce. Phil. Ac. 1861, 222.
Agiothus linaria var. fuscescens CouEs, Key, 1872, 131.

E Has. Northern North America, (except Greenland) south, in winter, to about lat. 40°
(occasionally farther) ; breeds chiefly, if not entirely, north of the United States. Inhabits,
also, northern portions of the Old World.

Sp. CHar. Adults in spring and winter. Ground color of the occiput, nape, scapulars,
and interscapulars, brownish white, each feather with medial streak of dusky brown;
rump and upper tail-coverts white, with the streaks in sharper contrast. Wings clear
brownish dusky, with two conspicuous white bands, formed by tips of middle and second-
ary coverts; tertials broadly, and secondaries narrowly, edged with white,—this broader
oninner webs. A narrow frontal band (tinged with brownish), an obscure superciliary
stripe, and the lower parts in general, white; sides streaked with dusky, and lower tail-
coverts each with a medial streak of the same. On the forehead and vertex a somewhat
quadrate patch of intense carmine. Nasal plumules, lores, and a small, somewhat quad-
rate, gular spot, dark silky brown. Bill yellow, the culmen and gonys black.

Male. Throat, jugulum, and breast, rosy carmine (extending upward over the malar
region, and backward over the sides almost to the flanks); rump tinged with the same.

Female. No red except on the crown, where its tint is less intense; dusky gular spot
larger, extending farther on to the throat.

Adult in breeding (midsummer) plumage (=‘42. fuscescens” Covuks). The pattern
the same as above, but the dark tint intensifled and spread so as to almost entirely
obliterate any lighter markings, except the streaks on the rump; the wing-bands, as well
as the dorsal streaks, obsolete; streaks on the sides broader; frontal band dusky, like the
occiput. Red tints slightly intensifled. Bill wholly dusky.

Male. Throat, jugulum, breast, and tinge on sides and rump, rosy carmine.

Female. Without red on the breast.

Young, first plumage. Whole head, neck, and breast streaked, and without trace of
red.

Dimensions. Male. Wing, 2.80; tail, 2.30-2.35; bill, .35-.36X.20.-25; tarsus, .53-.55;
middle toe, .30-33. Female. Wing, 2.70-2.80; tail, 2.30-2.35; bill, .82-.35x.23-.25; tarsus,
.52-.55; middle toe, .32-.34,

The plumage of this species is quite different in summer and in
winter. In the latter season the plumage is softer and more lax,
and the markings better defined, though in autumn with a consid-
erable ochraceous suffusion. In spring the colors are purer, and the

934 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

markings more sharply defined; in the breeding season the plumage
assumes a burnt appearance, the dark tints intensify and spread,
so that sometimes the upper parts appear almost uniformly dusky ;
the bill appears larger than im winter, in consequence of the less
development, or wearing away, of its basal tufts. In this dusky
summer condition it becomes the 4%. fuscescens of Coues. In the
series of over two hundred examples examined, all midsummer
specimens are in the plumage of fuscescens, while the latter is not
seen in any autumnal, winter, or spring birds.

This pretty little bird is a common and regular winter visitor in
the northern portions of the State, but its occurrence in the south-
ern portions is so rare that the writer has seen it but on one oc-
casion at Mount Carmel. It appeaxs in flocks, which feed upon
the seeds of various herbaceous plants, and is very unsuspicious.
Its breeding range includes the whole region from Labrador to
Alaska, with an undetermined southern limit, which, however, prob-
ably nowhere approaches very near to the northern boundary of
the United States.

According to Dr. Brewer, “their migration southward in winter is
evidently caused more by want of food than by the state of the
temperature. They remain in high northern regions in the most
inclement weather, and often appear among us in seasons not re-
markably cold, and remain until late in the spring.”

Acanthis linaria rostrata (Coues).

GREATER REDPOLL.

Popular synonym. Greenland Dusky Redpoll.
Hgiothus rostratus Cougs, Proc. Phil. Ac. 1861, 378.

Acanthis linaria rostrata STEJNEGER, Auk, i, 1884, 153.

Agiothus linarius, var. holbolli B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 493 (part).

Aigiothus linaria holbolli Riwew. Nom. Am. B. 1881, No. 179 a.

Xgiothus linaria holboelli BrewstT. Bull. N. O. C. 1883, 95 (critical).

Linaria brunnesdens VON HoMEYER, J. f. O. 1879, 184 (part?).

CHAR. Similar to A linaria (vera) in plumage (usually, however, more heavily
streaked on the sides, ete.), but all the dimensions decidedly greater. Wing, 3.00-3.30;
tail, 2.60-2.70; culmen, .41-.47; depth of bill at base, .25-.30; tarsus, .65-.70; middle toe,
35-40,

This large race of A. linaria is the Greenland representative of
the species, though it is by no means confined to that country. It
is, however, there, the prevailing if not the only form, while on the

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 285

continent it occurs chiefly in winter, though occasional summer
specimens from very high latitudes appear to be scarcely smaller
than Greenland samples.

Mr. H. K. Coale has taken this bird near Chicago, and has kindly
sent me for examination the specimens which he secured.

Genus SPINUS Kocs.

Spinus Kocu, Bayr. Zool. 1816, 233. Type, Fringilla spinus LINN.
Chrysomitris Borg, Isis, 1828, 322 (same type).

“Gen. CHAR. Bill rather acutely conic, the tip not very sharp; the culmen slightly con-
vex at the tip; the commissure gently curved. Nostrils concealed. Obsolete ridges on
the upper mandible. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe; outer toe rather the longer,
reaching to the base of the middle one. Claw of hind toe shorter than the digital portion.
Wings and tail as in 4giothus.

“The colors are generally yellow, with black on the crown, throat, back, wings and
tail, varied sometimes with white.

“The females want the bright markings of the male.”

“This genus differs from A?giothus [=Acanthis] m a less acute and
more curved bill, a much less development of the bristly feathers at
the base of the bill, the claw of the hind toe shorter than its digital
portion, the claws shorter and less curved and attenuated, and the
outer lateral toes not extending beyond the base of the middle
claw.”—(Hist. N. Am. B.)

The species occurrmg in the eastern United States (one of them
probably as a purely accidental straggler) are the following:

A. Inner webs of tail feathers with a white patch.
1. §S.tristis. Adult male in summer: Rich lemon yellow, with black forehead,
wings, and tail; tail-coverts, band across wing, and outer wing-markings, white.
Adult female: Wings and tail as in the male, but duller; upper parts olive, tinged
with lemon-yellow; lower parts pale yellowish, or sometimes grayish white,
tinged with yellow anteriorly; no black on head. Adu!t male in winter: Similar
to summer female, but more brownish.

B. Inner webs of tail feathers without white patch, but with yellow bases.

2. §. pinus, Adult (sexes alike): Above grayish or brownish, below dull white, every-
where streaked with dusky; bases of secondaries and tail-feathers sulphur- yellow.
Young: Similar, but with a fulvous suffusion, especially on tips of wing-coverts;
yellow of remiges and rectrices usually more exposed.

3. S.notatus. Adult male: Entire head,neck,and jugulum, with wings and tail,
black; a pateh of rich yellow on bases of remiges and rectrices; upper parts
greenish olive-yellow, clouded with dusky on the back; beneath rich oil-yellow.
Adult female: Head and neck olive above and yellow beneath, like the body;
wings and tail less intensely black than the male.

236 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Spinus tristis (Linn.)
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.

Popular synonyms. Yellow-bird; Lettuce-bird; Salad-bird; Thistle-bird; Black-winged
Yellow-bird; Black-capped Yellow-bird.

Fringilla tristis Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i,1758, 181; ed. 12, i, 1766 3$20.—Wiis. Am. Orn. i, 1808,
20, pl. 1, fig. 2—Avup. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 172; v, 510, pl. 33.—Nurr. Man. i, 1882, 507.
Carduelis tristis Bp. 1825.—AuD. Synop. 1839, 116; B. Am. iii, 1841, 129, pl. 181.
Chrysomitris tristis Bp. 1838.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 421; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 313.
CovEs, Key, 1872, 181; Check List, 1873, No. 149; B. N. W. 1874, 116.—B. B. & R. Hist.

N. Am. B. i, 1874, 471, pl. 22 figs. 7,8.
Astragalinus tristis Cas. Mus. Hein. 1851, 159.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 181.

—CovEs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 213.
Spinus tristis StEIN. Auk, i, 1884, 362.

Has. Whole of temperate North America, breeding nearly throughout its range.

“Sp. CHar. Male. Bright gamboge-yellow; crown, wings, and tail black. Lesser
wing-coverts, band across the end of greater ones, ends of secondaries and tertiaries,
inner margins of tail-feathers, upper and under tail-coverts and tibia white. Length,
5.25 inches; wing, 3.00. Female. Yellowish gray above; greenish yellow below. No
black on forehead. Wing and tail muchasin the male. Young. Reddish olive above;
fulvyous yellow below, two broad bands across coverts and broad edges to last half of

secondaries pale rufous.
“In winter the yellow is replaced by a yellowish brown; the black of the crown want-

ing, that of wings and tail browner. The throat is generally yellowish; the under parts
ashy brown passing behind into white.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Found abundantly throughout temperate North America, familiar
im habits, and conspicuous in plumage, it is no wonder that the
American Goldfinch is one of our best known birds. Known famil-
iarly as Yellow-bird, Lettuce-bird, or Garden-bird, he is present
with us at all seasons of the year, although there are many times
when none are to be seen. In the fall the male loses his beautiful
lemon-yellow plumage and assumes a sombre garb like that of the
female, which he wears until the succeeding spring, when the rich
colors of summer are resumed very gradually, the change commenc-
ing in April and continuing until the summer is at hand, before all
traces of the winter dress are lost. The Goldfinch is one of the
latest of our birds to commence breeding, it being usually after the
first of July, in the more eastern States,* before their nests are con-
structed; and some broods of young first leave their nest in Sep-
tember. This late breeding, as Dr. Brewer suggests, is probably due
to the scarcity of proper food for the young during the early part
of summer.

* At Sacramento, California, however, I found this species breeding very abundantly

during the month of June, nests with fresh eggs being taken from the 6th to the 28th of
the month.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 237

“The Goldfinch is to a large extent gregarious and nomadic in
its habits, and only for a short portion of the year do these birds
separate into pairs for the purposes of reproduction. During at
least three fourths of the year they associate in small flocks, and
wander about in an irregular and uncertain manner in quest of
their food. They are resident throughout the year in New England
and also throughout the greater portion of the country, their pres-
ence or absence being regulated to a large extent by the abundance,
scarcity, or absence of their favorite kinds of food. In the winter,
the seeds of the taller weeds are their principal means of subsist-
ence. In the summer, the seeds of the thistle and other plants
and weeds are sought out by these interesting and busy gleaners.
They are abundant in gardens, and as a general thing do very
little harm, and a vast amount of benefit in the destruction of the
seeds of troublesome weeds. As, however, they do not always dis-
eriminate between seeds that are troublesome and those that are
desirable, the Goldfinches are unwelcome visitors to the farmers
who seek to raise their own seeds of the lettuce, turnip, and other
similar vegetables. They are also very fond of the seeds of the
sunflower.” (BREWER.)

The notes of the American Goldfinch are for the most part re-
markably sweet, partaking somewhat of the nature of the tweet of
a canary bird, but more tender; and the song is no mean perform-
ance. The latter more nearly resembles that of the Indigo Bunting
than that of any other American species, but is more irregular,
less harsh, and interrupted by interpolations of the ordinary call-
notes.

The following interesting notes on the nest and eggs of the Amer-
ican Goldfinch were kindly prepared for this work, at my request,
by Mr. Hugh M. Smith, of Washington, D. C.:

‘Mach of eleven nests in my collection, from Virginia, is similar
to the others in structure, being composed of thin strips of grape-
vine bark and weed fibre, fine grass, catkins, and thread, with a few
leaves occasionally worked in; these are very neatly and compactly
woven together. The interior is lined with thistle-down and some-
times a few feathers. The nest is cup-shaped; but inasmuch ag
the situation of the nest in a tree or shrub is variable, the shape,
depending more or less on its resting place, is consequently some-
what modified. Some nests—probably the greatest number—are
lodged in the upright crotch of a tree; some are pendant between
two forking limbs; while others are saddled on a horizontal bough.

238 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Orchards appear to be the favorite breeding localities of the Gold-
finches. Young trees are preferred to old ones, the foliage of the
former being denser, and offering greater concealment to the nest.
The average size of a number of nests is three inches in diameter
by one and a quarter inches in depth.

“The peculiar feature connected with the nidification of the
Goldfinch is the late date at which the nests are constructed and
the eggs deposited. The earliest date at which the eggs accompany-
ing the above-mentioned nests were taken, was July 27, the latest
August 31, the eggs in both instances being newly laid, and proba-
bly the full set. As late as the first week in September I have seen
nests with incomplete sets. It was impossible to ascertain with
accuracy when the nests were built, but the time can be surmised
from the dates given for the eggs. For three successive years the
nests and eggs of the Goldfinch were systematically searched for in
the same neighborhood; no full nests, however, were ever found
prior to the 27th of July, as above stated. ‘This may meet the ob-
jection that might be made, that had the eggs been sought for,
they would probably have been discovered sooner. From three to
six eggs are laid; four or five is the usual number. They are blu-
ish white, with a delicate rosy tinge when fresh.”

Spinus pinus (Wils.)
PINE SISKIN.

Popular synonyms. Pine Linnet; Pine Goldfinch.
Fringilla pinus Wis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 183, pl. 17, fig. 1—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 511.—AvupD.
Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 455; v, 509, pl. 180.

Linaria pinus Aub. Synop. 1839, 117; B. Am. ili, 1841, 125, pl. 180.

Chrysomitris pinus BP. 1838.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 425; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 317.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 131; Check List, 1873, No. 148; 2d ed. 1888, No. 212; B. N. W. 1874,
115.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 480, pl. 22, fig. 16.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 185.

Spinus pinus STEIN. Auk. i, 1884, 362.

Has. Cold-temperate North America, breeding south to coast of Massachusetts, the
Hudson Valley and along the Rocky Mountains to southern Mexico. (Southern breeding
limit in Alleghanies undetermined.) In winter migrating, irregularly, over greater por-
tion of United States.

“Sp, CHAR. ‘Tail deeply forked. Above brownish olive. Beneath whitish, every
feather streaked distinctly with dusky. Concealed bases of tail-feathers and quills,
together with their inner edges, sulphur-yellow. Outer edges of quills and tail feathers
yellowish green. Two brownish white bands on the wing. Length, 4.75; wing, 3.00; tail,
2.20. Sexes alike. Young similar, but the white below tinged with yellow, the upper
parts with reddish brown, and there are two pale ochraceous bands on the wing.” (Hist.

N. Am. B.)
In autumn and winter a reddish brown tinge overspreads the upper parts.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 289

The Pine Goldfinch, or Pine Siskin, inhabits during summer the
northern coniferous forests, but in winter visits the milder climates
of the United States, its migration extending to the northern dis-
tricts of the Gulf States, if not to the shores of the Gulf itself. Its
appearance in a given locality is irregular and uncertain, to about
the same degree as that of the Purple Finch. In spring, large
flocks may be seen feeding upon the tender buds of apple, elm, and
other trees, either alone or m company with the Purple Finch.

The nest of the Pine Goldfinch, as observed at Sing Sing, New
York, is thus described by Dr. A. K. Fisher, in the ‘Nuttall Bul-
letin” for July, 1883, pp. 180, 181:

“On May 25 I secured the nest. It was situated about two feet
from the top of the tree, and about twenty-four from the ground.
It contained four nearly fresh eggs. The nest proper, or outside
part, is a frail affair, the lmmg making up the bulk of the nest.
The outer part is made up of fine twigs from the Norway spruce,
loosely placed together, a few rootlets and pieces of string being
interwoven. The lining is very compact, made up of hemp-like
material, horse-hairs, bits of thread, feathers, rootlets, and like
substances. The nest measures eight centimeters in breadth by five
centimeters in depth. The ground work of the eggs is of a light
blue-green, the spots, which are numerous and somewhat confluent
on the larger end, are of a light brown-lilac color. A few large and
solitary spots of dark brown are dispersed sparmgly over the
greater part of the egg, diminishing in size towards the smaller end.
One egg was unfortunately broken; the others measure as follows:
124x16 mm. 123x16}mm, 12x17mm.”

Genus PLECTROPHENAX Sresnecer.

Plectrophanes Kaur. Entw. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 138 (nec MeyYER, 1815). Type, Emberiza
nivalis LINN.
Plectrophenaz StEIN. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. v, 1882, 33. Same type.

GEN. CHAR. Bill conical; the lower mandible higher than the upper, the sides of
both mandibles guarded by a closely applied brush of stiffened bristly feathers directed
forwards, and on the upper jaw concealing the nostrils; the outlines of the bill nearly
straight or slightly curved; the lower jaw considerably broader at the base than the
upper, and wider than the gonysislong. Tarsi considerably longer than the middle toe;
the lateral toes nearly equal (the inner claw largest), and reaching to the base of the
middle claw. The hinder claw very long, moderately curved and acute, considerably
longer than its toe; the toe and claw together reaching to the middle of the middle
claw, or beyondits tip. Wings very long and much pointed, reaching nearly to the end
of the tail; the first quill longest; the others rapidly graduated; the tertiaries a little
longer than the secondaries. Tail moderate, about two thirds as long as the wings;
nearly even, or slightly emarginated.

240 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

The two known species of this genus are essentially boreal, one of
them, so far as known, being confined to the vicinity of Bering
Sea, while the other is quite cireumpolar. They are ground birds,
collecting in large flocks, in autumn and winter, on tundra and
plains, one of the species passing far to the southward. The re-
cently discovered P. hyperboreus,* is distinguished by its much whiter
coloration, only the tips of the quill-feathers and small spots near
the end of the middle tail-feathers beg black in the adult male.

Plectrophenax nivalis (Linn.)
SNOWFLAKE.

Popular synonyms, White Snowbird; Snow Bunting.
Emberiza nivalis Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 176; ed. 12, i, 1766 308.—Wius. Am. Orn. fii, 1811,
86, pl. 21, fig. 2—Nut?. Man. i, 1832, 458.—A up. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834,515; v, 496, pl. 189.
Plectrophanes nivalis MEYER.—AuD. Synop. 1839,99; B. Am. iii, 1841, 55, pl. 155.—Barrp,
B. N. Am. 1858, 432; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 325.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 133; Check List,
1873, No. 152; 2d ed. 1882, No. 219; B. N. W. 1874, 118.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,
512, pl. 24, fig. 2.—Ripa@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 186.
Plectrophenac nivalis STEIN. Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. 1882, 33.

Has. Northern North America, south in winter, to northern United States (very
irregularly beyond 40°, but quoted from Georgia, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Kansas,
ete.). Also found throughout the arctic and subarctic portions of the Old World.

“Sp. CHAR. Male. Colors, in spring plumage, entirely black and white. Middle of
back between scapulars, terminal half of primaries and tertiaries, and two innermost tail-
feathers, black; elsewhere pure white. Legs black at all seasons. In winter dress, white
beneath; the head and rump yellowish brown, as also some blotches on the side of the
breast; middle of back brown, streaked with black; white on wings and tail much more
restricted. Length about 6.75; wings, 4.35; tail, 3.05; first quilllongest. Female. Spring,
continuous white beneath only; above entirely streaked,the feathers haying blackish
centres and whitish edges; the black streaks predominate on the back and crown.
Young. Light gray above, with obsolete dusky streaks on the back; throat and jugulum
paler gray,—the latter with obsolete streaks; rest of lower parts dull white. Wing-
coverts, secondaries and tail-feathers broadly edged with light ochraceous brown.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

Although the “White Snowbird” or “Snowflake” is said to be an
abundant winter resident of the northern portion of the State, it is
so very rare in the more southern districts that the writer has seen
there but a single specimen, the locality being Mount Carmel, and
the date forgotten, but sometime during the early part of 1864 or

1865.
Mr. Nelson’s notes on its occurrence in northeastern Illinois (Bull.

Essex Inst., Vol. VIII., 1876, p. 105) are as follows:

*See Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. vii, 1884, 68.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 241

“An abundant winter resident. Arrives in flocks, the first of
November, and remains until about the middle of March. The 5th
of March, 1875, I saw a flock of these birds in a tree in Chicago.
The males were chanting a very low and somewhat broken, but very
pleasant, song, bearing considerable resemblance to that of Spizella
monticola. This and the following species, [Calcarius lapponicus],
as well as other winter residents, appear a week or more earlier in
the fall, and depart later in the spring, in the vicinity of the lake,
than in any other parts of the State in the same latitude.”

The Snow Bunting breeds throughout the Arctic regions of both
continents, the National Museum possessing nests from the most
northern point of Alaska (Poimt Barrow) and from Labrador, as
well as from various intermediate localities.

Genus CALCARIUS Becustem.

Calearius BEcust. Orn. Tasch. Deutsch. 1803, 130, Type, Fringilla lapponica Linn.

GEN. CHAR. Bill small, the gonys very short, with its angle opposite the middle of
the culmen; maxilla equal to or exceeding the mandible in depth, the depth of the bill
not exceeding the length of the gonys. Middle toe, with claw, shorter than tarsus, the
middle claw falling short of that of the hallux. Tail longer than the distance from the
carpal joint to the tips of the tertials (except in C. ornatus).

The three species of this genus differ considerably in the details
of form, but it is probable that these differences are of no more
than specific value. Thus C. ornatus differs from both C. pictus
and C. lapponicus in having the tail much shorter than the distance
from the carpal joint of the wing to the end of the tertials, in
which respect it agrees with Rhynchophanes mccownii, but this is
apparently owing more to the greater development of the second-
aries than to a really reduced length of the tail. In the form of
the bill, however, it agrees very closely with C. pictus, which, as
does also that of C. ornatus, differs from that of C. lapponicus in
being more slender and pointed.

The species may be distinguished by the following characters:

ComMoN CHARACTERS. Above brown, spotted with black. Male with the crown and
other parts of the head black.

A. Outer tail-feathers dusky at the base.

1. C.lapponicus. Lower parts dull whitish. Adult male in summer: Head and jugu-
lum black, witha broad white supra-auricular stripe; nape bright chestnut-rufous;
lesser wing-coverts grayish; middle coverts dusky. Jn winter: Similar, but
throat whitish, jugular patch badly detined, head much tinged with ochraceous,
and rufous of nape obscured by grayish. Adult female in summer: Head mostly
dull buffy, the crown with two broad lateral stripes of broad dusky streaks, the

-~-16

242, BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

ear-coverts tipped with a dusky bar; a dusky patch on each side of throat and in-
dication of one on the jugulum; nape faintly rufous, streaked with black. In win-
ter: Similar, but more suffused with brownish. Young: Head, neck, jugulum.
and upper parts yellowish fulvous, streaked with black; crownand wings strongly
tinged with rufous.

2. C. pictus. Lower parts deep buff. Adult male in summer: Head black, with lores,
centre of ear-coverts, a maxillary anda supra-auricular stripe, white; throat, nape,
and entire lower parts deep burf; lesser wing-coverts black, with the last row
white. Jn winter: The wing and lower parts similar, but the head without well-
defined black, and the white replaced by buff. Adult female: Similar to male in
winter plumage, but jugulum streaked with dusky, and lesser wing-coverts
grayish.

B. Base of outer tail-feathers white.

3. C.ornatus. Two outer tail-feathers white to the extreme base, and third with base
white. Adultmale: Nape chestnut-rufous; belly black. Jn summer: Top of
head, jugulum, and belly deep black, the latter sometimes tinged with rufous;
nape uniform deep chestnut-rufous; all markings sharply contrasted. Jn winter:
Top of head streaked with black and fulvous, the rufous of nape and black of lower
parts overlaid and nearly concealed by light grayish fulvous tips of feathers,
Adult female: Entirely light dull buff, the upper parts broadly, and sometimes
the breast narrowly, streaked with dusky. Young: Above blackish, the feathers
bordered with dull whitish; wings dull brownish fulvous; throat white, faintly
spotted with dusky; rest of lower part pale dull buff, the breast streaked with

dusky.

Calcarius lapponicus (Linn.)

LAPLAND LONGSPUR.

Popular synonym. Brown Snowbird.
Fringilla lapponica Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 317.
Emberiza lapponica Niwss.—Nvtt. Man. i, 1832, 463.—A uD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 473, pl. 365.
Emberiza (Plectrophanes) lapponica Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1841, 248, pl. 48,
Plectrophanes lapponicus SELBY.—AuUD. Synop. 1839, 98; B. Am. iii, 1841, 50, pl. 152.—
BatrD, B. N. Am. 1858, 433; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 326.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 138; Check
List, 1873, No. 153; 2d ed. 1882, No. 220; B. N. W. 1874, 120.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.
i, 1874, 515, pl. 24, fig. 7.
Centrophanes lapponicus KAUP, 1829.—R1pGw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 187.
Calearius lapponicus STEIN. Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. 1882, 33.

Has. Northern North America, breeding in arctic and subarctic districts, in winter
migrating very irregularly, south to or beyond 40° (South Carolina, Kentucky, southern
Illinois, northern Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, etc.); very rare in Middle Province, and
not recorded from Pacifie Province.

“Sp. CHar. Male. Head all round,and neck, black, extending on the jugulumina
erescentice patch; a broad line from above and behind the eye,sides of neck,a patch in
the black of hind head, and whole under parts, white; the sides of body streaked broadly
with black. A broad half-collar of chestnut on back of neck, separated from the hood
narrowly, and from the auriculars and throat broadly, by the white stripe from the eye.
Above brownish black, the feathers sharply edged with brownish yellow. Outer tail-
feathers white, except the basal portion of inner web, andashaft streak at end; next
feather with a white streak in end,rest black. Legs black; bill yellow, tipped with black.
In winter plumage the black and other markings overlaid by rusty and fulvous; beneath
whitish. Female with the black feathers of head edged with yellowish rusty; the
throat white, bordered on the sides and behind by blackish; feathers edged with grayish
white, the rufous of nape obscure,and streaked with blackish. Length of male, 6.25;

wing, 3.90; tail, 2.80.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 248,

“Autumnal specimens, of both sexes, differ in having the pattern
of coloration obscured by ochraceous borders to the feathers, and a
general rusty cast to the plumage.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This species occurs throughout the State in winter. During
severe weather I have seen large flocks at Mount Carmel, flitting
in a restless manner over the snow, uttering all the while a peculiar
rattling chirrup; and on other occasions, I have observed indi-
viduals mixed in with flocks of Shore Larks.

The Lapland Longspur, like the Snow Bunting, breeds in the
arctic regions of both continents. The male is said to be a sweet
songster, often singing while on the wing.

Calcarius pictus (Swa'ns.)

SMITH’S LONGSPUR.

Popular synonyms. Painted Longspur; Smith’s Bunting.
Emberiza (Plectrophanes) picta Sw. & Riou. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 250, pl. 49.
Emberiza picta AuD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 91, pl. 400.
Plectrophanes pictus BP. 1838.—AuD. Synop, 1839, 99; B. Am. iii, 1841, 52, pl. 153.—Barrp,
B. N. Am. 1858, 434; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 327.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 134; Check List,
1873, No. 134; B. N. W. 1874, 121.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 518, pl. 24, figs. 4, 5.
Centrophanes pictus CAB. 1851.—R1pGw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 188.
Calearius pictus STEIN. Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. 1882, 33.
Emberiza smithii Aup. B. Am. vii, 1844, 387, pl. 487.
Has. Great interior plains of North America, breeding from the Yukon, Mackenzie
River, and Slave Lake districts for an undetermined distance southward, and migrating
in winter to the prairies of the Mississippi Valley and as far south as northwestern Texas

“Sp.Cuar. Male. Spring. Top and sides of head black. A line from bill over the
eye, lores, lower and posterior border of the black cheeks, ears, (encircled by black), and
a small patch in the nape, white. Entire under parts, and extending round neck to nape
(where it bounds abruptly the black of head), buff or light cinnamon-yellow; the under
tail-coverts paler; the inside of wings, white. Feathers of upper surface black, edged
with yellowish gray; shoulders or lesser coverts and the greater, black; middle white,
forming aconspicuous patch. Quills edged externally with white, this involving the
whole outer web of outermost primary. Whole of outer and most of second tail-feathers
white. Bill dusky; lower mandible and legs yellowish. Length, 5.50; wing, 3.50; tail, 2.75;
bill, .45.

“Female. The murkings of male faintly indicated, but the black and buff wanting.
Head above brown, streaked centrally with paler. A narrow dark line on each side the
throat, and brownish streaks across the jugulum, andalong sides of body. Traces visible
of the white marks of the head. Bill and feet as in the male.”

“This species is quite similar in form to P. lapponicus, although
with slenderer bill, and perhaps longer hind claw. While the
colors of adult males are very different, the females have a decided
resemblance; they may, however, be distinguished in all stages by

244 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the black or dusky legs of lapponicus and the yellow of pictus, and
perhaps by the more dusky upper mandibles of the latter.” (Hist.
N. Am. B.) f

Like the Lapland Longspur, this species is only a winter visitor
to llnois. It is by no means so generally distributed as that
species, its migrations being almost wholly confined to the open
prairie districts.

“Mr. Audubon, in company with Mr. Harris and Mr. Bell, ob-
tained specimens of these birds near Edwardsville, and described
them as a new species [Plectrophanes smithii]. Mr. Bell states, in
regard to these birds, that he found them very abundant on the low
prairie near a lake, a few miles from Edwardsville. They were
generally in large flocks, and when once on the ground they began
to separate. They ran very nimbly, in a manner resembling that
of the Grass Finch, and when they arose, which they rarely did
unless they were nearly approached, they uttered a sharp click,
repeated several times in quick succession, and moved with an easy
undulating motion for a short distance and then alighted very sud-
denly, seeming to fall perpendicularly several feet to the ground.
They preferred the roots where the grass was shortest. When in
the air they flew in circles, to and fro, for a few minutes, and then
alighted, keeping up a constant chirping or call, somewhat like that
of the Red-Poll.” (Brewer.)

Mr. Nelson records the following regarding his observations on
this species in the northwestern portions of the State:

“Common migrant. March 30, 1875, near Calumet Lake, I found
a flock containing about seventy-five individuals of this species.
Their habits are quite similar to those of P. lapponicus while upon
the ground, except that while the latter species preferred the wet
portions of the prairie, the former were found only about the higher
portions. When flushed they invariably uttered a sharp clicking
note, rapidly repeated several times. When driven from their feed-
ing place by my approach, they would rise, in a loose flock, and ~
after wheeling about a few times start off in a direct line, gradually
rising higher until they disappeared. After a short time their
peculiar note would be heard, and darting down from a considerable
height they would alight near the place from which they were
driven. Although the flocks of P. pictus and P. lapponicus often be-
came mingled while flying over the prairie, I did not see them
alight together.”

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 245

The breeding range of this species is much more restricted than
that of C. lapponicus, being confined to the interior of Arctic Amer-
ica, chiefly in the basin of Mackenzie and Anderson rivers, including
the region about the Great Bear and Great Slave lakes. In fact, it
is emphatically a bird of the great interior valleys of the continent,
between the Rocky Mountains on the one side and the Atlantic
forest region on the other.

Genus RHYNCHOPHANES Barren.

Rhynchophanes Barry, Birds N. Am. 1858, 432. Type, Plectrophanes mecownii LAwR.

Gen. CHAR. Bill stout, conical, the gonys longer than the hind toe, with its angle con-
siderably posterior to the middle ofthe bill. Maxilla equal tothe mandiblein depth;
mandibular tomium forming a decided angle at the base. Middle toe, with claw, shorter
than tarsus, the claw reaching beyond that of the hallux. Taildecidedly shorter than the
distance from the carpal joint of the wing to the tips of the tertials.

In the form of the bill of this well-marked genus there is nothing
to indicate its near affinity to the genera Plectrophenax and Calca-
rius; but in other parts of its organization it evidently approaches
much nearer to these forms than any other. The bill is wonderfully
similar to that of Calamospiza, the only conspicuous difference being
its considerably narrower form,—particularly the mandible, as com-
pared with the maxilla. The lateral, as well as the vertical, out-
lines are very nearly the same, even to the well-marked angle at
the base of the mandibular tomium. In other characters, how-
ever, the two genera are so different as to warrant their assignment
to distinct groups, or subfamilies.

The genus Rhynchophanes contains a single species, peculiar to
the interior of North America.

Rhynchophanes mccownii (Lawr.)

McCOWN’S LONGSPUR,

Popular synonym. McCown’s Bunting.

Plectrophanes mecownii Lawrk. Ann. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1851, 122—Barrp, B. N. Am. 437; Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, No. 330.—Couss, Key, 1872,134; Check List, 1873, No. 156; B. N. W. 1874,
124.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 523, pl. 24, fig. 1.

Rhynchephanes mecowni BatRp.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 190.

Has. Great Plains of the United States, breeding northward (in Dakota, Wyoming,
ete.) and migrating south in winter through Colorado, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, and
Arizona, to northern Mexico; occasional winter visitor to prairies of Illinois.

246 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“Sp. Coan. Male in spring. Top of head, abroad stripe each side the throat from
lower mandible, and a broad crescent on jugulum, black; side of head including lores
and band above the eye, throat, and under parts, ashy white; ear-coverts bordered above
and behind by blackish, running out at the maxillary stripe. Breast just behind the
black crescent and sides, showing dark bases of feathers. Upper parts ashy, tinged with
yellowish on the mandible, and streaked with dusky; least soon nape andrump. Lesser
wing-coverts ashy; median, chestnut-brown, with blackish bases sometimes evident;
the quills all bordered broadly externally with whitish, becoming more ashy on second-
aries. Tail-feathers white except at the concealed bases and the ends, which have a
transverse (not oblique) tip of blackish; the outermost white to the end; the two central
like the back. Bill dark plumbeous; legs blackish. In winter, the markings more or
less obscured; the bill and legs more yellowish.

“Female lacks the black markings, which, however, are indicated obsoletely as in
other Plectrophanes: there is no trace of chestnut on the wings, nor the streaks on the
breast. Length, 5.50; wing, 3.60; tail, 2.50; bill, .46.

“This species varies considerably in markings, but is readily rec-
ognized among other Plectrophanes in all stages by short hind toe,
very stout bill, and the transverse dark bar at the end of all tail-
feathers except the inner and outer. (Hist. N. Am. B.)

McCown’s Longspur is one of several very peculiar birds which
together characterize the avi-fauna of the Great Plains of North
America, its more prominent associates in this distinction being the
Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys), Chestnut-collared Longspur
(Calcarius ornatus), Baird’s Bunting (Centronyx bairdii), Clay-colored
Sparrow (Spizella pallida), Leconte’s Sparrow (Coturniculus lecontet),
and Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula). These, together with the
subject of the present article, and a few species not named, char-
acterize a Campestrian Province, which, so far as its avian fauna is
concerned, is even more distinct from the Middle Province than is
the Pacific Proyvince.*

McCown’s Longspur is an abundant species during summer on the
great plains of Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, to the northward
and southward of which its breeding range extends for an undeter-
mined distance. In winter it migrates south to the prairies and
plains of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, as well as to the table-
lands of Mexico. In Illinois it is, so far as known, merely a strag-
gler during its migrations, or in winter, three specimens having been
taken in January, 1877, at Champaign, Champaign county, as an,
nounced by Mr. H. K. Coale in the ‘Nuttall Bulletin” for Apmil,
1877, p. 52.

*Writers on the z00-geographical divisions of North America have almost all divided -
the continent into three “Provinces;” viz., an Eastern, a Middle, anda Pacific. These
divisions seem to me untenable, however, and I would allow only two primary longitudi-
na} divisions; an Eastern and a Western, the latter with three subdivisions, which may

pe termed, respectively, the Pacific, the Rocky Mountain (or Middle), and the Campes-
trian districts.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES, 247

Susramity PASSERINZE.

“The introduction into the United States at so many distant
points, of the European House Sparrow (Pyrgita domestica) renders
it necessary to introduce it with any work treating of the birds of
North America, although totally different in so many features from
our own native forms. He ee In some respects
similar to certain Coccothraustine, in the short tarsi and covered
nostrils, the wings are shorter and more rounded, the sides of the
bill with stiff bristles, ete. The much longer, more vaulted bill,
weaker feet, and covered nostrils, distinguish it from Spizelline.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

Genus PASSER Brisson.

Passer BR1sson, Orn. iii, 1760, 72. Type, Fringilla domesi.c1 LINN.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill robust, swollen, without any distinct ridge; upper and under outlines
eurvyed; margins inflexed; palate vaulted, without any knob; nostrils covered by sparse,
short, incumbent feathers; side of bill with stiff, appressed bristles. Tarsi short and
stout, about equal to or shorter than the middle toes; claws short, stout, and considerably
eurved. Wings longer than tail; somewhat pointed. Tail nearly even, emarginated, and
slightly rounded.” (Hist. V. Am. B.)

Passer domesticus (Linn.,

EUROPEAN HOUSE-SPARROW.
Popular synonyms. English Sparrow; European Sparrow; House Sparrow.

Fringilla domestica Linn. 8. N. ed. 10,i, 1758, 183; ed. 12,i, 1766, 323.

Passer domesticus SCHAEFF. Mus. Or. 1789, 24.—CovugEs, Key, 1872, 146; 2d ed. 1884, 344;

Check List, 1873, No. 187; 2d ed. 1882, No. 192.
Pyrgita domestica Cuv. Rég. An. 2d ed. i, 1729, 439.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,
525, pl. 23, fig. 12.

Has. Whole of Palearctic Region. Introducedinto and naturalized in North America
Australia, and other countries.

“Sp.CHar. Male. Above chestnut-brown; the interscapular feathers streaked with
black on inner webs; the top of head and nape, lower back, rump, and tail-coverts, plain
ashy; narrow frontal line, lores, chin, throat, and jugulum black; rest of under parts
grayish, nearly white along median region. A broad chestnut-brown stripe from behind
eye, running into the chestnut of back; cheeks and sides of neck white; outside of closed
wing, pale chestnut-brown, with a broad white band on the middle coverts, and behind
showing the brown quills; the lesser coverts dark chestnut, like the head stripe. Tail
dark brown, edged with pale chestnut. Bill black; feet reddish; iris brown.

“Female. Duller of color, and lacking the black of face and throat; breast and abdomen
reddish ash; cheeks ashy; a yellow-ochre band above and behind the eyes, and across
the wings. Head and neck above brownish ash; body abovereddish ash, streaked longi-
tudinally with black.

“Maleinwinter. The colors generally less distinct. Length, 6.00; wing, 2.85; tail,
2.50; tarsus, .70; middle toe and claw, .60.

248 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“The House Sparrow of Europe has been introduced into so many
parts of the United States as to render it probable that at no dis-
tant day it will have become one of our most familiar species.
Brought over to the New World within a comparatively few years,
it has commenced to multiply about the larger cities, especially in
the environs of New York, as also about Portland, Boston, Newark,
and Philadelphia ) - x One thousand birds were
let loose in the public squares of Philadelphia in the spring of
1869.” (Hist. N. Am. B., 1874.)

Concerning this unmitigated pest we have little to say, further
than to bewail the misfortune of its introduction, and to plead for
its extermination. It is in every respect a first-class nuisance, to
be classed along with the house-rat and other noxious vermin.

Supramiry SPIZELLIN2.—Tue American Sparrows.

CuHar. Bill variable, usually almost straight; sometimes curved. Commissure gen-
erally nearly straight, or slightly concave. Upper mandible wider than lower. Nostrils
exposed. Wings moderate; the outer primaries not much rounded. Tail variable. Feet
large; tarsi mostly longer than the middle toe.

The species are usually small, and of dull color, though frequently
handsomely marked. Nearly all are streaked on the back and
crown, often on the belly. None of the United States species have
any red, blue, or orange, and the yellow, when present, is as a
superciliary streak, or on the elbow edge of the wing.

In the arrangement of this subfamily, as of the others belonging
to the Fringillide, we do not profess to give anything like a natural
system, but merely an attempt at a convenient artificial scheme by
which the determination of the genera may be facilitated.

A, Tail small and short, considerably or decidedly shorter than the wings, owing either
to the elongation of the wing or the shortening of the tail. Lateral toes shorter than
the middle without the claws. Species streaked above and below. (Ammodramez.)
Ammodramus, Tarsus not longer than middle toe, with claw. No white outer tail-

feathers.

a. Subgenus Ammodramus. Bill slender, the depth at the base less than half
the culmen. Tail graduated, the feathers acute. Outstretched feet reaching
to or beyond tip of tail.

b. Subgenus Coturniculus. Bill stouter, the depth at base more than half the
culmen (except in C.lecontei). Tail graduated or double-rounded, the feathers
narrow and acute. Outstretched feet falling short of tip of tail.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 249

d. Subgenus Centronyr. Tail deeply emarginate,two and a half times as long as
the tarsus, the feathers narrow and attenuated,as in Coturniculus. Hind claw
nearly or quite as long as its digit.

e. Subgenus Passerculus. Tail slightly emarginate, three times as long as the
tarsus, the feathers broad and scarcely attenuate, though acute at tips. Hind
claw shorter than its digit.

Poocetes. Tarsus longer than middle toe, with claw. Outer tail-feathers partly white.

B. Tail longer and broader; nearly or quite as long as, sometimes a very little longer
than, the wings, which are rather lengthened. The primaries considerably longer
than the secondaries. None of the species streaked beneath, when adult, and only the
back and crown, or back alone, streaked above. (Spizellez.)

a. Tail rounded or slightly graduated.

Chondestes. Tail considerably graduated. Lateral toes considerably shorter than
the middle toe, without its claw. Wings very long,decidedly longer than the
tail, reaching the middle of the tail. First quill longest. Head broadly striped
with chestnut. Back streaked. White beneath. A white blotch on the end of
the tail-feathers.

Zonotrichia. Tailrounded. Wings moderate, about as long as the tail, reaching
about over the basal fourth of the tail; first quill less than the second to
fourth. Feet large. Head striped with black and white or with brown and
ochraceous. Back streaked.

Junco. Tail very nearly equal to the wings, slightly double-rounded. Outer
toe rather longer than inner, reaching the middle claw. No streaks anywhere
except in young; black or ash-color above; belly white; with or withouta
rufous back and sides. Outer tail-feathers white.

Amphispiza. Tail lengthened, rounded or slightly graduated; the feathers unusu-
ally broad to the end. Billslender. Wings about as long as the tail, reaching
but little beyond its external base. Tertials broad, and, with the secondaries,
rather lengthened. Second to fifth quills nearly equal,and longest. Tail black.
Ashy brown aboye; white beneath. Sides of head with stripes of black or
grayish and white.

b. Tail decidedly forked; a little shorter than the wing, sometimes a little longer.

Spizella. Size rather small. Wingslong. Lower mandible largest. Uniform be-
neath, or with a pectoral spot or the chin black.

C., Taillengthened and graduated; decidedly longer than the wings, which are very
short, scarcely extending beyond the external base of the tail. Feet reaching but
little beyond the middle of the tail. Species all streaked above; streaked or nearly
unicolor beneath. No white on wings or tail. Outer lateral toe the longer. First
quill not the shortest of the primaries. (Melospizex.)

Melospiza. Culmen and commissure nearly straight. Claws stout; hinder one as
large as its digit. Tail-feathers rather broad. Body streaked beneath (except
in M. georgiana).

Peucea. Culmen and commissure curved. Claws weak; hinder one not much
curved, decidedly shorter than its digit. Tail-feathers narrow. Without
streaks beneath, excepting a narrow submaxillary stripe.

D, Tailrather short,and much graduated; longer than the wings; the midrib more
median. Culmencurved. Tarsus considerably longer than middle toe. Outer toe
longer. But little difference in the length of the quills; the outer ones much
rounded; even the second quill is shorter than any other primary except the first,
(Embernagree.)

Embernagra, Color, plain olive-green above.

250 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Genus AMMODRAMUS Swamson.
Suncenus Ammodramus.

Ammodramus Swarnson, Zool. Jour. iii, 1827, 48. Type, Oriolus caudacutus GMEL.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill very long, slender, and attenuated, considerably curved towards
the tip above. The gonys straight. A decided lobe in middle of cutting edge of upper
bill. The legs and toes are very long and reach considerably beyond the tip of the short
tail. The tarsus is about equal to the elongated middle toe; the lateral toes equal, their
claws falling considerably short of the base of the middle one; the hind claw equal to
the lateral one. Wings short, reaching only to the base of the tail; much rounded; the
secondaries and tertials equal,and not much shorter than the primaries. The tailis
rather shorter than the wings, and graduated laterally; each feather stiffened, lanceolate,
and acute.

“Color. Streaked above and across the breast; very faintly on the sides.

“The essential characters consist in the slender and elongated
bill; the long legs reaching considerably beyond the tail, with the
lateral claws falling considerably short of the middle one; and the
very short rounded wings, rather longer than the cuneate tail, with
its stiffened and lanceolate feathers.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Only one of the three known species of this genus has been taken
in Illinois. In view, however, of the possible occurrence of a second
(A. maritimus), its characters, together with those of the other, are
given in the following synopsis:

ComMon CHaracTeRs. Above olivaceous or ashy, the crown washed with brown
laterally, the dorsal feathers darker centrally; beneath white,tinged across the jugulum
with ochraceous or ashy; jugulum streaked; a dusky “bridle” on each side of the throat,
above it a malar stripe of ochraceous or white.

1. A.caudacutus, Adult: Above mixed olive,gray, and brown; the outer webs of
back feathers edged with olivish gray or whitish,and often with darker streaks;
crown usually with a brown suffusion, and streaked with black laterally. Super-
ciliary stripe, maxillary stripe,and whole jugulum, ochraceous, the latter more or
less streaked; abdomen unstreaked white; edge of wing light yellow. Young:
Above fulvous brown and ochraceous, streaked with black; crown mostly black,
with a median stripe of fulvous streaks. Beneath entirely ochraceous, the sides of
the jugulum streaked.

Q@. caudacutus. Wing, 2.20-2.40; tail,2.15-2.40; bill, .30-.35. Atlantic seacoast, from
Florida to Maine.

Bp. nelsoni. Wing,2.10; tail,2.05; bill, .30. Bill more slender; colors much deeper,
and markings much better defined. Fresh water marshes of United States,
chiefly in Mississippi Valley.

2 A.maritimus. Above olivaceous gray, with ashy gloss on the back; beneath gray-
ish white, very indistinctly streaked on the jugulum and sides of breast with
grayish; edge of wing,and supraloral stripe gamboge-yellow. Wing, 2.30-2.65;
tail, 2.35-2.65,

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES, 251

Ammodramus caudacutus nelsoni (Allen).

NELSON’S SPARROW.

Popular synonym. Nelson's Sharp-tailed Finch.

Ammodromus caudacutus var. nelsoni ALLEN, Proc. Boston Soe. xvii, March, 1875, 93.—
NeExson, Bull. Essex Inst. viii, 1876, 107,152; Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, July, 1876 40.
Ammodromus caudacutus nelsoni Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 20la.—Cougs, 2d
Check List, 1882, No. 241; 2d Key, 1884, 368,

Has. Mississippi Valley (Calumet marshes, and vicinity of Warsaw, Illinois; eastern
Kansas, ete.); salt marshes of Atlantic coast during migrations.

Sp. CHar. Adu/t. Pileum bluish gray or olive-gray medially, umber-brown laterally,
the lateral stripes more or less streaked with black. A broad superciliary stripe deep
ochraceous, connected behind the auriculars with a broad maxillary stripe of the same
color. Auriculars grayish, with a dusky line along upper edge, connecting with a dis-
tinct black streak beneath hinder part of the ochraceous superciliary stripe. Scapulars
and interscapulars bright olive-brown, the outer webs broadly edged with grayish white,
separated from the brown by ablackish line. Tertials dusky, bordered with rusty whitish
or pale rusty. Rump uniform olive-brown. Iectrices light raw-umber-brown, darker
along shafts. Chin, throat, breast, sides, flanks, and crissum ochraceous, the jugulum,
breast, sides, and flanks streaked with dusky. Wing, 2.20-2.30; tail, 1.95-2.10.

This inland race differs from the coast form principally in its
somewhat smaller size (the bill especially) and brighter coloration,
the colors bemg richer and the markings more sharply contrasted.

So little is known either of its habits or distribution, that all
the information we have to offer is the following, from Mr. Nelson’s
list of the birds of northwestern Illinois. (Bull. Essex Inst., Vol.
VIII., 1876, p. 107):

“First obtamed September 17, 1874, in the Calumet Marsh, where
it was abundant at the time. The 12th of June, 1875, I saw sev-
eral of these birds in the dense grass bordering Calumet Lake, where
they were undoubtedly breeding. The 1st of October, 1875, I again
found them abundant on the Calumet Marsh, and also found them
numerous in the wild rice bordering Grass Lake, Lake county, Illi-
nois, the 10th of November the same year. Prof. 8S. A. Forbes has
taken them on the Illinois River durmg the migrations, and Dr.
Hoy has obtained a single specimen at Racine. From the numbers
which visit us in the fall, they must breed in abundance north of this
State. They are difficult to obtain, as they take refuge in the dense
marsh grass upon the first alarm. Occasionally one mounts a tall
reed and utters a short, unmusical song, slightly resembling that
of the Swamp Sparrow (M. palustris).”

252 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Surcenus Coturniculus Bonaparte.

Coturniculus Bonar. Geog. and Comp. List, 1838,32. Type, Fringilla passerina Wis.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill very large and stout (exceptin C. lecontei); the under mandible
broader, but lower than the upper, which is decidedly convex at the basal portion of its
upper outline. Legs moderate, apparently not reaching to the end of the tail. The tarsus
appreciably longer than the middle toe; the lateral toes equal, and with their claws falling
decidedly short of the middle claw; the hind toe intermediate between the two. The
wings are short and rounded, reaching to the base of the tail; the tertiaries almost as
long as the primaries; not much difference in length in the primaries, although the outer
three or four are slightly graduated. The tail is short and narrow, shorter than the wing
(except in (@. lecontei), graduated laterally, but slightly emarginate; the feathers all
lanceolate and acute, but not stiffened, as in Ammodramus.

“This genus agrees with Passerculus in the short and narrow tail.
The wings are much shorter, and more rounded; the feet shorter,
especially the middle toe, which is not as long as the tarsus. The
tail-feathers are more lanceolate. The bill is much longer, and
more swollen at the base.

“The essential characters 2 - consist in the swollen con-
vex bill; the short toes, compared with the tarsus; the short and
rounded wings; and the very small, narrow, slightly graduated tail,
with its lanceolate, acute feathers (except in the South American
C. manimbe).

“In some respects there is a resemblance to Ammodramus, in
which, however, the bill is very much more slender; the wings are
shorter, and more rounded; the tail feathers much stiffer, and even
more lanceolate; the toes extending beyond the tip of the tail; the
middle toe rather longer than the tarsus, instead of considerably
shorter.”

“Q, lecontei has the same general form, but a much smaller bill.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

The three North American species differ very strikingly from one
another in form, and may be readily distinguished by proportions
alone, as follows:

a. Tail much shorter than the wing, double-rounded. Primaries extending beyond
the tips of the largest tertials for about .40 of an inch.
1. C. passerinus. Bill stout, the culmen slightly depressed in the middle portion.
Wing about 2.50; tail, 1.90; culmen, .50; depth of bill, .25; tarsus, .80.
b. Tail about equal to, or even longerthan the wing, graduated. Primaries extending
very little beyond tips of longest tertials.
2. C.henslowi. Bill very stout, the culmen not depressed in the middle. Wing
about 2.15; tail, 2.10; culmen, .50; depth of bill .30; tarsus, .70.
3. C.lecontei. Bill very small and slender, the culmen depressed in the middle
portion. Wing about 2.10; tail, 2.30; culmen, .45; depth of bill, .20; tarsus, .65.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. | 253

By coloration, they may be distinguished as follows:

Common CHARACTERS. Crown and back streaked with black upon an ashy, olive, or
chestnut ground; beneath whitish, tinged across the breast with ochraceous or ashy,
plain, or with blackish streaks on the breast. A light superciliary stripe.

A. A dusky streak on each side of the light malar stripe.

1. C, henslowi. Bill very robust, .28-.32 from nostril and .25-.28 deep at base. Adult:
Head grayish ochraceous, lighter beneath; a stripe of black streaks on each side
of the crown; also a post-auricular black streak, andaless distinet black streak
on each side of the lighter malar stripe; breast streaked with black.

B. No dusky streak on either side of light malar stripe.

2. C.lecontei. Bill very narrow (much asin Ammodramus caudacutus), .25-.30 from
nostril and .20 deep at base. Adult: Head fine buff, the auriculars, lores, and pos-
terior two thirds of the middle stripe on the crown, grayish white; a black stripe
on each side of crown; sides (but not breast) streaked with black. Young: above
ochraceous, with broad streaks of black on the back; medial stripe of crown en-
tirely buff; beneath white, the jugulum buffy, narrowly streaked with dusky.

3. C.passerinus. Bill robust, .28-.82 from nostril, and .25-.30 deep. Adult: Head,
throat, jugulum, and sides ochraceous buff; edge of wing gamboge-yellow; a yel-
low spot above the lore; no streaks on jugulum onsides. Crown chestnut-brown
or black, divided bya medial, narrower stripe of buff orpale gray. Young: Super-
ciliary and middle crown stripes pale grayish; beneath pale buify; the jugulum
streaked with dusky; no distinct yellow on lore or edge of wing.

Ammodramus savannarum passerinus (Wils.)

GRASSHOPPER SPARROW.

Popular synonyms. Yellow-winged Sparrow; Grass-bird; Ground-bird; Grasshopper-
bird.

Fringilla passerina Wis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 76, pl. 26, fig. 5.—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 180;
v, 1839, 497, pl. 130.
Emberiza passerina AuD. Synop. 1839, 103; B. Am. iii, 1842, 73, pl. 162.
Coturniculus passerinus BoNAP. 1838.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 450; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 338.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 137; Check List, 1873, No. 162; 2d ed. 1882, No. 234; B. N.
W. 1874, 131.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 553, pl. 25, fig. 4. -Ripa@w. Nom. N. Am,
B. 1881, No. 198.
Fringilla savannarum GMEL.—NvTT. Man. i, 1832, 494; 2d ed. i, 1840,570,

Has. Eastern United States, breeding throughout, but wintering in Southern States,
Cuba, Porto Rico, eastern Mexico, and south to Costa Rica.

“Sp. CHark. Feathers of the upper parts brownish rufous or chestnut-brown, mar-
gined narrowly and abruptly with ash-color; reddest on the lower part of the back and
rump; the feathers all abruptly black in the central portion; this color visible on the
interscapular region, where the rufous is more restricted. Crown blackish, with a cen-
tral and superciliary stripe of yéllowish tinged with brown, brightest in front of the eye.
Bend of the wing bright yellow, lesser coverts tinged with greenish yellow. Quills and
tail-feathers edged with whitish; tertiaries much variegated. Lower parts brownish
yellow or buff, nearly white on the middle of the belly, darkest on the jugulum. The
feathers of the upper breast and sides of the body with obsoletely darker centres, these
sometimes wanting. Sides of breast against bend of wing with a few black streaks,
usually concealed. Length about 5 inches; wing, 2.40; tail, 2.00.

“The young of this species has the jugulum and sides of the
breast streaked with black, much more distinct than in the adult,

254 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

and exhibiting a slight resemblance to C. henslowi. The upper parts
are less varied.

“Specimens from the Far West have the bill more slender, the
reddish of the back considerably paler, the dark markings of the
back restricted, the light stripe on the head with scarcely any yel-
low, a decided spot in front of the eye quite yellow, and little or no
ochraceous on the breast.

“The young bird, with streaked jugulum, may be most readily
distinguished from C. henslowi by the grayer plumage without any
shade of chestnut or greenish yellow, the sparseness of streaks on
the side, the absence of the two mandibular dusky stripes, and the
broad dusky centres of the middle tail-feathers.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This little bird is abundant in all cultivated portions of the State,
as well as on the open prairie. To the rural population it is known
as the ‘‘Grass-bird,” ‘‘Ground-bird,” or “Grasshopper-bird,” the lat-
ter appellation being derived from its grasshopper-like song, which
it utters from the end of a fence-stake, the top of a tall weed-stalk,
or as it sits upon the summit of a haycock in the meadow. The
greater portion of its time is passed in the grass, in which it runs
from the intruder, unseen, like a mouse; or, if pressed too closely,
rises suddenly and flies a greater or less distance in a zigzag man-
ner, exceedingly provoking to the collector, who finds it a difficult
mark to hit.

Ammodramus henslowii (Aud.)

HENSLOW’S SPARROW.

Popular synonym. Henslow’s Bunting.

Emberiza henslowi AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 360; v, 1839, 498, pl. 77; Synop. 1839, 104; B. Am.
iii, 1841, 75, pl. 163.
Fringilla henslowi Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 571.
Coturniculus henslowi Br. 1838.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 451; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 339.
—Covugs, Key, 1872, 137; Check List, 1873, No. 163; 2d ed. 1882, No. 236; B. N. W. 1874,
133 (“‘henslowii"’).—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 550, pl. 25, fig. 5—Rmpew. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 199.

Has. Eastern United States, breeding north to Massachusetts, northern Dlinois, etc.;
winters in Southern States. West to Loup Fork of the Platte.

“Sp. Coan. Upper parts yellowish brown, the hood, neck, and upper parts of back
tinged with greenish yellow. Interscapular feathers dark brown, suffused externally
with bright brownish red; each feather with grayish borders. Tertiaries, ramp and tail-
feathers abruptly dark chestnut-brown, darkest centrally, paler externally, and narrowly
margined with gray. Crown with a broad, black-spotted stripe on each side; these spots
continued down to the back. Two narrow black mandibular stripes and one postocular
on each side of the head, and an obscure black crescent or spot behind the auriculars.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 255

Under parts light brownish yellow,paler on the throat and abdomen. The jugulum,
apper part of the breast,and the sides of the body conspicuously streaked with black.
Edge of wing yellow. A strong tinge of pale chestnut on the wings and tail. The median
tail-feathers and upper coverts chestnut or rufous brown, with sharply defined shaft-
streaks of black. Length, 5.25; wing,2.15; tail,2.15.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This species is related to C. passerinus, but readily distinguished
by the well-marked streaks on breast and sides, the greenish yellow,
not chestnut-brown, of head and nape, and the two mandibular
dusky stripes. The middle tail-feathers are reddish with only a very
narrow sharply defined median shaft-streak of black, mstead of
having the greater portion of the centre dusky with scalloped edges.

Henslow’s Sparrow is an exceedingly common or even abundant
species in Illinois, but is much more local than its relative, the
Yellow-winged Sparrow. The writer first met with it on Fox Prarie,
Richland county, m June, 1871, having his attention attracted to it
by its peculiar note. It was very abundant, the males being perched.
on tall weed-stalks, uttermg incessantly their rude and feeble, but
emphatic “song” sounding like pillut, or se wick, the head being
thrown back and the tail inclining forward underneath the bird, in
the manner of C. passerinus. Twelve years later it was exceedingly
numerous on the small remaining patch of open prairie (160 acres
in extent) in the same locality, and also in a similar bit of prairie
of equal extent which marked the last vestige of the once exten-
sive but since populous and well-cultivated Sugar Creek Prairie,
several miles to the southeast.

These birds le very close, allowing themselves to be almost trod-
den on before flying; and, notwithstanding a very large number of
females were shot which had evidently been startled from their
nests, only one nest could be found. They had probably run some
distance through the grass before flying, thus rendering search
fruitless.

Mr. Nelson states that in Cook county it is a rather common
resident on the prairies, arriving May 12 to 20, and leaving the
first of September. In Richland county the writer found it exceed-
ingly numerous during the latter part of October, 1882, in company
with smaller numbers of C. lecontei, inhabiting the dead grass in
the damper portions of the meadows. Mr. H. K. Coale writes me
that he found it to be a common summer resident in a certain
piece of wet prairie overgrown with bushes at Toleston, Lake county,
Indiana.

256 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

During the summer of 1879, the writer found this species to be
very common in Fairfax county, Virginia, about five miles from
Washington. Walking along the road at dusk, a few stars having
already made their appearance, he was surprised to hear the pe-
culiar note which he had last heard on Fox Prairie, eight years
previously. Soon numbers were heard on every hand, the locality
being a rather narrow valley between low hills, the lower ground
being chiefly damp meadow-land. Returning a few days after with
a friend, several of the birds were secured. A nest found in this
locality the followmg summer is thus described by Mr. P. L. Jouy,
of Washington, in the ‘Nuttall Bulletin” for January, 1881, pp.
57, 58:

“Nest rather rude and irregularly shaped, composed externally of
coarse grass, lined with exceedingly fine grass-tops circularly dis-
posed and well finished, but without any horse-hair; no other ma-
terial than grass was used in its construction. The nest is about
four inches in diameter, about two inches in heighth, and two inches
inside diameter; it was placed in the centre of a large clump of
wild clover (Trifolium agrarium), and rested directly on the ground
without any appearance of a cavity. The clover had grown up
about a foot or more in height and completely surrounded the nest,
which was only discovered by parting it. The female was secured
as she flew from the nest. The eggs, four in number, are much
blotched and speckled all over with a mixture of madder-brown and
sepia, the color becoming more confluent on the larger end; there
are also a few dashes and dots of very dark sepia, almost black,
scattered among the spots. One of the eggs has a number of large
blotches of a lighter tint than the spots scattered all over it so as
to almost form a ground tint for the spots. The ground color is a
delicate greenish white. The measurements, in hundredths of inches,
are as follows: .75x.60, .75x.58, .75x.56, .75x.60. The eggs,
taken June 3, contained large embryos within four or five days of
hatching. As I took full-fledged young last year on the 12th of
July, they undoubtedly raise two broods in a season.

“The above described nest and eggs were taken in the locality
where Mr. Ridgway found the birds last year (see this Bulletin,
Vol. IV., p. 288), near Falls Church, Fairfax Co., Va. They are
more or less common in all suitable places, probably a dozen pairs
breeding in this and the adjoining meadows.

“Since writing the above, two fully-fledged young birds have been
taken (June 6) in the same place. The birds have been also seen

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 257

and heard singing at Ball’s Cross Roads, in Virginia, about two
miles nearer the District than the other locality. Besides the char-
acteristic note of see-wick, they haye quite a song, which may fairly
be represented by the syllables sis-7-1-rit-srit-srit, with the accent on
the first and last parts. This song is often uttered while the bird
takes a short flight upward; it then drops down again into the
tangled weeds and grasses, where it is almost impossible to follow
it.”

Ammodramus leconteii (Aud.)

LECONTE’S SPARROW.
Popular synonyms, Leconte’s Bunting; Yellow Sparrow (Manitoba).

Emberiza leconteii AuD. B. Am. viii, 1843, 338, pl. 488.

Coturniculus lecontii Br. 1850.—Bartrp, B. N. Am. 1858 481; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 340.—
Cougs, Key, 1872,1387; Check List, 1873, No. 164; 2d ed. 1882, No. 237.—B. N. W. 1874,
135.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 552, pl. 25, fig. 6.—Rip@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No. 200.

Has. Eastern portion of the Great Plains of the United States, from Manitoba (in sum-

mer) to central Texas (in winter). In winter migrating through the prairie districts of
the Mississippi Valley to South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida.

Sp. Coan. Billmuch more slender than @. henslowi. First quill longest, the rest
diminished rapidly. Tail emarginate and rounded, with the feathers acute. Upper parts
light yellowish red, streaked with brownish black; the margins of the feathers and scapu-
lars pale yellowish white. Tail-feathers dusky,margined with light yellowish. Lower
parts, with the cheeks anda broad band over the eyes, fine buff. Medial line yellowish
anteriorly, nearly white behind. The buff extending to the femorals and along the sides,
streaked with brownish black. Throat,neck,and upper parts of the breast, without any
streaks, and plain buff.

Adult male (No. 65,815, U. 8. Nat. Mus.). Ground-color of the head white, tinged with
buff on the maxillzw,and with ash on the auriculars; crown with two broad black stripes,
separated by a narrow medial one of whitish; nuchal feathers bright rufous, edged with
ashy white, and shafted with black; dorsal feathers black, broadly edged exteriorly with
white, and interiorly narrowly skirted withrufous. Beneath entirely white, tinged on the
throat with buff, and streaked on the sides—from the breast to the flanks—with black.
Length, 5.00; extent,7.10; wing, 2.10; tail, 2.00; culmen, .42; tarsus, .68. (August 19; plumage
much worn and faded.)

Adult female (No. 65,814, U. 8. Nat. Mus.). Resembling the male, but, being in less
abraded plumage, the colors more pronounced. The bandis deep buff (just as in Ammo-
dramus caudacutus), the auriculars and lores distinctly grayish white, and the medial
stripe of the crown ashy white, except the anterior third, which is buff. On the lower
parts, the whole lower side of the head, and the entire breast, sides, flanks, and tibi:e, are
deep buff, the sides sharply streaked wi h black. The abdomen, anal region and crissum
are pure white,in marked contrast. Length,5.00; extent,7.00; wing, 2.00; tail, 2.10; culmen,
.45; tarsus, .70.

Young. Ground-color above dull buff, below white; the pattern of the old birds seen
in the markings, which, however, are pure black, allreddish and brown tints being absent
—except on the wings and tail, which are nearly as in the adult.

In its unspotted breast, the rufous feathers of the hind-neck, the
absence of submalar stripes, and apparently in the markings of the
wings, it is most like C. passerinus. Although the middle tail-feathers

u

258 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

have the narrow stripe of C. henslowi, the bill is much smaller, as
stated by Audubon, than in the others, and is distinctly bluish.
The vertical stripe is deep buff anteriorly, instead of buff through-
out, and the superciliary stripe is continuously buff, instead of
yellow anterior to, and ashy behind, the eye. In the comparative
length of wing and tail, it is most nearly related to henslowi, but
the bill is very much narrower than in either.

This elegant little sparrow is, in some localities at least, an abund-
ant migrant in Illinois. In the latter part of October, 1882, I found
it numerous in meadows on Sugar Creek Prairie, Richland county,
In company with C. henslowi, but preferring the rank grass near
streams. It resembled the latter species in its actions, being diffi-
cult to flush and flying in a very zigzag manner, but was readily
distinguished by its more slender build and conspicuously lighter or
more ochraceous coloration. But few specimens have as yet been
taken in the northeastern portion of the State. Mr. Nelson, in his
catalogue, mentions it as follows:

“A rare migrant. I obtained a fine specimen May 13, 1875, at
Riverdale, Ilmois, and by my notes I see that a second specimen
was observed the 21st of the same month near where the first was
obtained. The specimen in my possession was flushed from a small
depression in the prairie near the Calumet river, where the moisture
had caused an early growth of coarse grass, about three inches in
height. After darting off in an erratic course a few rods, it sud-
denly turned, and alighting ran rapidly through the grass, from
which it was with difficulty started again and secured.”

Mr. Chas. K. Worthen, of Warsaw, writes me as follows concern-
ing this species:

“T have taken in the last two years, on the prairie here, some
twenty specimens; have taken them both in fall and spring, as well
as during the summer, and am satisfied they breed here, though I
have not been able to find their nests or eggs. I have found them
on low swampy prairies in the Mississippi bottoms, and on dry
bluffs; but generally in swampy or marshy ground.” (See “Nuttall
Bulletin,” January, 1880, p. 32.)

Suspcenus Passerculus Bonaparte.

Passerculus BoNAP. Comp. List Birds, 1838 33. Type, Fringilla savanna WILs.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill moderately conical; the lower mandible smaller; both outlines
nearly straight. Tarsus about equal to the middle toe. Lateral toes about equal. their

FRINGILLIDAX—THE FINCHES. 259

elaws falling far short of the middle one. Hind toe much longer than the lateral ones,
reaching as far as the middle of the middle claw; its claws moderately curved. Wings
urusually long, reaching to the middle of the tail,and almost to the end of the upper cov-
verts. The tertials nearly or quite as long as the primaries; the first primary longest.
Tbe tail is quite short, considerably shorter than the wings; as long as from the carpal
joint to the end of the secondaries. It is emarginate, and slightly rounded; the feathers
pointed and narrow.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The essential characters of this genus lie in the elongated wings
(longer than the tail), the tertials equal to the primaries, the first
quill almost longest. The legs are long, the outstretched toes reach-
ing to the end of the tail; the lateral toes considerable shorter than
the middle, which is not much longer than the hinder. ‘The tail is
short, narrow, and emarginate; the feathers acute.

Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna (Wils.)

SAVANNA SPARROW.

Popular synonyms. Grass Bird; Ground Bird.
Fringilla savanna Wius. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 55, pl. 22, fig. 2; iv, 181], 72, pl. 34, fig. 4.—-Nurr.
Man. i, 1832, 489.—A up. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 63; v, 1839, 516, pl. 109.
Emberiza savanna Br. 1888.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 442; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 332.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 185; Check List 1873, No. 159; B. N. W. 1874, 127.—B. B. & R. Hist. N.
Am. B.i, 1874, 534, pl. 24, fig. 8.
Passerculus sandwichensis savanna Rrpaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 193 a.—CovuEs,
2d Check List, 1882, No. 227.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding chiefly north of, and wintering south of, the
parallel of 40°; Cuba. (The typical race of this species inhabits the north Pacific coast,
from Vancouver Island to Unlashka. Itis similar in colors to savanna, but is decidedly
larger. In other parts of western North America, including Alaska, with the exception
of the coast district, the smaller, paler, and more slender-billed P. sandwichensis alau-
dinus replaces both the other forms.)

“Sp. Cuan. Feathers of the upper parts generally with a central streak of blackish
brown; the feathers of the back with a slight rufous suffusion laterally; the feathers
edged with gray, which is lightest on the scapulars, and forms there two gray stripes.
Crown with a broad median stripe of yellowish gray. A superciliary stripe from the bill
to the back of the head, eyelids and edge of the elbow, yellow, paler behind. A yellowish
white mandibular stripe curving behind the ear-coverts, and margined above and below
by brown. The lower margin is a series of thickly crowded spots on the sides of the
throat, which are also found on the sides of the neck, across the upper part of the breast
and on the sides of the body; a dusky line back of the eye, making three on the side of
tbo head (including the two mandibular). A few faint spots on the throatand chin. Rest

260 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

of under parts white. Length, 5.50; wing, 2.70; tail, 2.10. Young. Ground-colorof the
upper parts (except wings and tail) light ochraceous, more brownish on top of head,
upper part of back,and on upper tail-coverts, the streaks blacker and more conspicuouge
than in the adult. Beneath with an ochraceous tinge anteriorly, the streaks broader and
deeper black than in the adult, though less sharply defined. The infra-maxillary streak
expanded into a broad, blackish elongated blotch.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Savanna Sparrow is one of those inconspicuous little birds
which hide in the grass or run stealthily along the fences or fur-
rows, having nothing special in their appearance or habits to attract
particular attention. It is a very abundant species, at suitable
seasons, throughout the eastern portions of North America, breed-
ing in the more northern states and northward, and wintering in
the more southern portions of the Union. In portions of [lnois
the species is, to a greater or less extent, a permanent resident.
At least, the writer has in summer taken its nest and eggs, and
in midwinter shot specimens of the bird itself, at Mount Carmel.
It was, however, very rare there in summer, and, except in mild
seasons, by no meais common in winter, being chiefly observed as
a spring and fall migiant.

The general habits of the Savanna Sparrow are very similar to
those of the Vesper Sparrow,—like the latter, SEINE meadows
and nesting on the ground.

Genus POOCZETES Barrp.

Poocetes BARD, Birds N. Am. 1858. 447. Type, Fringilla graminea GMEL.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill rather large; upper outline slightly decurved towards the end,
lower straight; commissure slightly concave. Tarsus about equal to the middle toe;
outer toe a little longer than the inner, its claw reaching to the concealed base of the
middle claw; hind toe reaching to the middle of the middle claw. Wings usually long,
reaching to the middle of the tail as far as the coverts, and pointed; the primaries con-
siderably longer than the secondaries, which are not much surpassed by the tertiaries;
second and third quills longest; first little shorter, about equal to the fourth, shorter than
the tail; the outer tail-feathers scarcely shorter; the feathers rather stiff; each one acu-
minate and sharply pointed; the feathers broad nearly to the end, when they are obliquely
truncate. Streaked with brown above everywhere; beneath, on the breast and sides.
The lateral tail-feather is white. Shoulder chestnut-brown.”

“The essential characters of the genus consist in the long an&
pointed wings longer than the tail and without long tertials; and
the rather stiff forked tail, with its acute feathers.” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 261

Pooceetes gramineus (Gmel.)

VESPER SPARROW.

Popular synonyms. Bay-winged Bunting; Grass Finch.

Fringilla graminea GMEx. S. N. i, 1788, 922.—Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 473; v, 1839, 502, pl. 94.—
Norv. Man. i, 1832, 182, 482.
Emberiza graminea Wius. Am. Orn. iy, 1811, 51, pl. 31, fig. 5.—AupD. Synop. 1839, 102; B.
Am. iii, 1841, 65, pl. 153.
Poocetes gramineus Batrp,B. N. Am. 1858, 447; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 337.—CovugEs,
Key, 1872, 136; Check List, 1873, No. 161; 2d ed. 1882, No. 282; B. N. W. 1874, 129 (Powcetes).
—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 545.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 197.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces, north to the Saskatchewan,in the
interior; breeding chiefly north of 38° and wintering chiefly south of the same latitude,
within the United States. (Replaced in the Western Province by P. gramineus confinis,
distinguished by paler colors with narrower streaks, more slender bill, etc.)

“Sp. CHar. Tailfeathers rather acute. Above light yellowish brown; the feathers
everywhere streaked abruptly with dark brown, even on the sides of the neck, which are
paler. Beneath yellowish (sometimes reddish) white; on the jugulum and sides of neck
and body streaked with brown. A faint light superciliary and maxillary stripe; the
latter margined above and below with dark brown; the upper stripe continued around
the ear-coverts, which are'darker than the brown color elsewhere. Wings with the
shoulder light chestnut-brown,and with two dull whitish bands along the ends of the
coverts; the outer edge of the secondaries also is white. Exposed portion of outer tail-
feather and edge and tip of the second, white. Length, about 6.25; wing, 3.10; tail, 2.50;
bill, .38 from frontal feathers to point, by .33 in depth at base; tarsus, .72. Bill yellow,
dusky above; legs yellow. (Measurements of No. 10,147, male, Washington, D. C.)”

This plainly colored bird is found throughout the State, in suit-
able localities, as a summer resident, and an occasional winter
resident in the southern portion. Except in the more northern
counties, however, it is abundant only during the migrations, the
majority of them passing to the northward to breed. It inhabits
during summer open grassy places, especially meadows, and but
for its exceedingly sweet song would scarcely be noticed, so unob-
trusive is it in its habits and appearance. The song of this species
is thus described by Mr. John Burroughs, in his charming book
called ““Wake Robin”:

“Have you heard the song of the Field-Sparrow?” he asks. “If
you have lived in a pastoral country, with broad upland pastures,
you could hardly have missed him. Wilson, I believe, calls him
the Grass-Finch, and was evidently unacquainted with his powers
of song. The two white lateral quills of his tail, and his habit of
running and skulking a few yards in advance of you as you walk
through the fields, are sufficient to identify him. Not in meadows
or orchards, but in high, breezy pasture-grounds, will you look for

262 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

him. His song is most noticeable after sundown, when other birds
are silent, for which reason he has been aptly called the Vesper
Sparrow. The farmer following his team from the field at dusk
catches his sweetest strain. His song is not so brisk and varied as
that of the Song Sparrow, being softer and wilder, sweeter and more
plaintive. Add the best parts of the lay of the latter to the sweet
vibrating chant of the Wood Sparrow (Spizella pusilla), and you
have the evening hymn of the Vesper-bird—the poet of the plain
unadorned pastures. Go to those broad, smooth, up-lying fields,
where the cattle and sheep are grazing, and sit down on one of the
warm, clean stones, and listen to this song. On every side, near
and remote, from out the short grass which the herds are cropping,
the strain rises. Two or three long, silver notes of rest and peace,
ending in some subdued trills or quavers, constitute each separate
song. Often you will catch only one of the bars, the breeze haying
blown the minor part away. Such unambitious, unconscious
melody! It is one of the most characteristic sounds in Nature.
The grass, the stones, the stubble, the furrow, the quiet herds, and
the warm twilight among the hills, are all subtilely expressed in
this song; this is what they are at least capable of.”

Grnus CHONDESTES Swarson.

Chondestes SWAINSON, Phil. Mag. i, 1827,435. Type, Chondestes strigatus Sw.,=Frin-

gilla grammaca SAY.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill swollen; both outlines gently curved; the lower mandible as high
as the upper; the commissure angulated at the base,and then slightly sinuated. Lower
mandible rather narrower at the base than the length of the gonys; broader than the
upper. Tarsi moderate, about equal to the middle toe; lateral toes equal and very short,
reaching but little beyond the middle of the penultimate joint of the middle toe, and
falling considerably short of the base of middle claw. Wings long, pointed, reaching
nearly to the middle of the tail; the tertials not longer than the secondaries; the first
quill shorter than the second and third, which are equal. The tail is moderately long,
considerably graduated, the feathers rather narrow,and elliptically rounded at the end.

“Streaked on the back. Head with well defined large stripes. Beneath white, witha
pectoral spot. Only one species recognized.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Chondestes grammacus (Say).

LARK SPARROW.
Popular synonyms, Lark Finch; Potato Bird (“Farmers about Saint Louis”; Coatr).

Fringilla grammaca Say, Long's Exp. i, 1823, 139.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 480.—AuD. Orn.
Biog. v, 1889, 17, pl. 390.

‘

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 263

Chondestes grammaca BP. 1838.—BArRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 456, (part); Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 344, (part).—Covurs, Key, 1872, 146, (part); Check List, 1873, No. 186 (part); 2d ed.
1882, No. 281 (part), (““grammica”); B. N. W. 1874, 159 (part).—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am.
B. i, 1874, 562, pl. 31, fig. 1—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 204.

Emberiza grammaca AUD. Synop. 1839, 101; B. Am. iii, 1841, 63, pl. 158.

Has. Mississippi Valley, north to Iowa, Wisconsin, and southern Michigan, east,
regularly to Indiana, western Kentucky, ete., occasionally to Ohio, and casually to Massa-
chusetts and the District of Columbia; west to eastern portion of the Great Plains; south
to eastern Texas.

“Sp, Guar. Hood chestnut, tinged with black towards the forehead, and with a
median stripe and superciliary stripe of dirty whitish. Rest of upper parts pale grayish
olive, the interseapular region alone streaked with dark brown. Beneath white, a round
spot on the upper part of the breast, a broad maxillary stripe cutting off a white stripe
above, and ashort line from the bill to the eye, continued faintly behind it, black. A
white crescent under the eye, bordered below by black and behind by chestnut, on the
ear-coverts. Tail-feathers dark brown, the outermost edged externally and with more
than terminal third white, with transverse outline; the white decreasing to the next to
innermost, tipped broadly with white. Length, 6inches; wing, 3.30.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The colors of the female are slightly duller than in the male,
the chestnut less bright, the black not so mtense; the pattern,
however, is the same.

The young bird has the breast and throat with a good many
spots of dark brown instead of the smegle large one on the breast.
The other markings are more indistinct.

This handsomely marked bunting (for it is not a true sparrow,
_nor a finch) is found abundantly in all suitable localities, its favor-
ite resort bemg fertile prairies and meadows adjoining strips or
groves of timber. In Illinois it evinces a special fondness for corn-
fields, in which it builds its nest at the foot of the stalks, while
the male sings from the fence or the top of a small tree by the
roadside.

It has been a matter of surprise to us that writers who have de-
scribed the habits of western birds have not mentioned more par-
ticularly the vocal capabilities of this bird, which in sprightliness
and continuity of song has few, if any, rivals among the North
American Fringillide. Words entirely fail to describe its song,
which, among the oak groves- of California, as well as on the
prairies of Illinois, is pre-eminent for the qualities above mentioned.
As the bird perches upon the summit of a small tree, a fence post,
er a telegraph wire, his notes may be heard throughout the day—
in the morning before those of any other, and late in the evening
when all else but this unweary songster are silent; indeed, often
have we been awakened at midnight by a sudden outburst of silvery
warblings from one of this species. This song is composed of
a series of chants, each syllable rich, loud, and clear, interspersed

264 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

with emotional trills. At the beginning the song reminds one some-
what of that of the Indigo Bird (Passerina cyanea), but the notes
are louder and more metallic, and their delivery more vigorous.
Though seemingly hurried, it is one continued gush of sprightly
music ; now gay, now melodious, and then tender beyond description,—
the very expression of emotion. At intervals the singer falters, as
if exhausted by exertion, and his voice becomes scarcely audible;
but suddenly reviving in his joy, it is resumed in all its vigor, until
he appears to be really overcome by the effort.

The range of this species is probably pretty general within the
State except in those districts over which forests still largely pre-
vail. In Cook county, according to Mr. Nelson, (Bull. Essex. Inst.
Vol. VIII., 1876, p. 107), it is ‘“a common summer resident. Arrives
the last of April or first of May, nesting the last of this month;
departs August 25th to September 10th. Frequents barren fields
and borders of prairies containing a sparse growth of small trees
and rank weeds. Its nest is generally placed at the foot of some
rank weed in a bare piece of ground. My observations regarding
the song and general habits of the species, coincide with those of
Mr. Ridgway as given in North American Birds (Vol. I., p. 561).”

The memoranda of Mr. H. K. Coale, relating to this species,
which he has kindly allowed me to quote here, are as follows:

“This is a rather rare summer resident. About once a year I run
across a stray pair on a burnt prairie or by the road. In July,
1883, saw one on a bare piece of land near woods, and watched
him for half an hour or more; was quite unsuspicious and kept
about the same place picking at the weed seeds. In St. Clair
county I saw one pair; it is there called ‘‘potato bird”; people say
that few survive the Paris green which they eat with the potato
bugs.”

Genus ZONOTRICHIA Swarson.

Zonotrichia Swatns. Fauna Bor.-Am. ii, 1831, 493. Type, Emberiza leucophrys Forst.

“Gen. CHAR. Body rather stout. Bill conical, slightly notched, somewhat compress-
ed, excavated inside; the lower mandible rather lowerthan the upper; gonys slightly
convex; commissure nearly straight. Feet stout; tarsus rather longer than middle toe;
the lateral toes very nearly equal. Hind toe longer than the lateral ones; the claws of
the latter just reaching to base of middle one. Inner claw contained twice in its toe
proper; claws all slender and considerably curved. Wings moderate, not reaching to the
middle of the tail, but beyond the rump; secondaries and tertials equal and considerably
less than longest primaries; second and third quills longest, first about equal to the
fifth, much longer than tertials. Tail rather long, moderately rounded; the feathers not

very broad.
“Back streaked. Rump and under parts immaculate, exceptin young. Head black,

or with white streaks, entirely different from the back.

FRINGILLIDH—THE FINCHES. 265

“This genus embraces some of the most beautiful of American
Sparrows, all of the largest size in their subfamily.

“All the species properly belonging to this genus are North Amer-
ican; several South American species have, however, been assigned
to it; but they are none of them strictly congeneric with those
given below.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Several Neotropical Fringillide have been referred to Zonotrichia,
but none of them are strictly congeneric with the North American
species, which together constitute a very distinctly circumscribed
group. Z. quinquestriata Sou. & Sauy. and Z. mystacalis Hart. are
apparently referable to Amphispiza Cours, of which the Hmberiza
bilineata Casstn is typical, though they may possibly constitute a
generic or subgeneric group by themselves; while Z. pileata (Bovp.),
a species distributed extensively over Central and South America,

comes nearer the genus Pyrgisoma.
This species of Zonotrichia (as properly restricted) may be distin-
guished as follows:

A. No yellow supraloral spot, and throat not abruptly white.
a. Crown black, without lighter median stripe, but sometimes squamated with pale
or dull whitish.

1. Z.querula, Adult: Crown, lores, chin, and throat, uniform deep black; beneath
pure white, the sides striped with black; sides of head gray; back light gray-
ish brown, streaked with brownish black. Young, first winter: Crown black,
the feathers bordered with pale grayish brown, producing a scaled appearance;
throat white, bordered on each side with a dusky streak; a blackish patch, or
cluster of spots, on the jugulum; sides of head and neck buffy.

6. Crown black or brown, divided by a white, buff or yellowish stripe.
§ Median stripe of crown white (in adult) or buff (in young).

2. Z.leucophrys. Lores black or brown. Adult: Head-stripes black (one on each
side of crown and one behind the eye) and white (one on middle of crown and
one over the ear-coverts). Back light ash-gray, streaked with chestnut-brown;
edge of wing white, breast clear light ash-gray. Young, first winter: Head-
stripes chestnut-brown and dull buff; otherwise similartoadult. Yowng, first
plumage: Crown dusky blackish on sides, the middle whitish streaked with
dusky; throat and breast more or less streaked with dusky.

8. Z.gambeli.* Pattern of coloration exactly as in leucophrys, except that the
lores are grayish white, or (in young) grayish buff, confluent with the light
superciliary stripe. Median stripe of crown grayish white, much narrower
than lateral black stripes; back olive-brownish, streaked with brownish black;
edge of wing yellowish; whole throat, foreneck, etc., dingy gray.

4. Z. intermedia. Similar to Z. gambeli, but median stripe of crown pure white,
wide as or wider than black lateralstripes; back ashy, streaked with chesnut-
brown; edge of wing white; throat,.ete., paleashy. (Colors exactly as in leu-
cophrys, except as to the lores, which are grayish white instead of black.)

*Confined to the Pacific Coast.

266 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

§§ Forehead and fore part of crown yellow centrally.

5. Z.coronata. Middle of crown, anteriorly, bright greenish yellow (in adult) or
olive-yellow (in young). Adult: Pileum black laterally, the median portion yel-
low anteriorly, and ash-gray posteriorly. Plumage otherwise exactly as in Z.
gambeli. Young, in first winter: No distinct stripes on crown, which is dull
olive-yellowish, obscured by grayish brown, and streaked with dusky; the
streaks more distinct posteriorly, and sometimes forming an ill-deflned stripe
on the side; otherwise, like the adult.

B. A yellow supraloral spot; throat abruptly white.

6. Z. albicollis. Adult: Two broad stripes on the crown, and a narrow one behind
the eye, black; a white stripe in middle of crown, and one over ear-coverts, the
latter becoming bright yellow over lores; ear-coverts and jugulum deep ash;
back rusty brown, streaked with black. Young, first winter: Similar to adult,
but head-stripes rusty dusky-brown and pale rusty buff, the yellow over the
lores, and the white throat-patch, less distinct. Young, first plumage: Crown
uniform snuff-brown, with a narrow whitish middle stripe; superciliary stripe
dirty whitish, with no yellow over lores; jugulum streaked with dusky. Throat
not abruptly white.

Zonotrichia querula (Nutt.)

HARRIS’S SPARROW.

Popular synonym. Mourning Finch.

Fringilla querula Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840. 558.
Zonotrichia querula GAMB. 1847.—BateD, B. N. Am. 1858, 462; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 348.
—Covurs, Key, 1872,145; Check List. 1873, No. 185; 2d ed. 1882, No. 280; B. N. W. 1874,
157.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 577, pl. 26, figs. 4,7—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B.

1881, No. 205.
Fringilla harrisii AuD. B. Am. vii, 1843, 331, 484.
Fringilla comata Max. Reise Nord-Am. ii, 1841, 352.

Has. Eastern border of the Great Plains,from northern Minnesota and Dakota (in
summer) to central and eastern Texas (in winter). East, irregularly (?) to Wisconsin, Ili-
nois, lowa, and Missouri.

“Sp, CHAR. Hood and nape, sides of head anterior to and including the eyes, chin,
throat, and afew spotsin the middle of the upper part of the breast and on its sides,
black. Sides of head and neck ash-gray, with the trace of a narrow crescent back of the
ear-coverts. Interscapular region of back, with the feathers reddish brown, streaked
with dark brown. Breast and belly clear white. Sides of body light brownish, streaked.
Two narrow white bands across the greater and middle coverts. Length about 7 inches;

wing, 3.40; tail, 3.65,

“The bill of this species appears to be yellowish red. More imma-
ture specimens vary in having the black of the head more re-
stricted, the nape and sides of the head to the bill pale reddish
brown, lighter on the latter region. Others have the feathers of the
anterior portion of the hood edged with whitish. In all there is
generally a trace of black anterior to the eye.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Considering the length of time it has been known (more than 40
years), comparatively little has been learned regarding the habits of this

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 267

species. Its nest and eggs are to this date (June, 1886) unknown,
as is also its exact range during the breeding season.

The only specimens of this species known to the writer as having
been taken in Illinois were those recorded in the “Nuttall Bulletin”
for January, 1880, pp. 30, 31, one of which was obtained at Bloom-
ington, in the spring of 1877, the other at Normal, on the 14th of
November, 1879, both by Mr. W. H. Garman. Several examples
have been taken in southern Wisconsin, near the Illinois line, one
of which, shot at Racine, by Dr. Hoy, was mentioned by Mr. Nel-
son in his list, while three others, reported to me by Mr. H. K.
Coale, were collected at LaCrosse, October 3, 1883.

Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forst.)

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.

Emberiza leucophrys Forst. Philos. Trans. xii, 1772, 382, 403, 426.—Wuis. Am. Orn. tv,
1811, 49, pl. 31, fig. 4.

Fringilla leucophrys BP. 1828.—Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 479.—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 88;
vy, 1839, 515, pl. 144; Synop. 1839, 121; B. Am. iii, 1841, 157, pl. 192.

Fringilla (Zonotrichia) leucophrys Sw. & Rich. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 255.

Zonotrichia leucophrys BP. 1838.—BAtRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 458; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
345.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 144; Check List, 1873, No. 183; 2d ed. 1882, No. 276; B. N. W. 1874,
154.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,566, pl. 25, figs. 9, 10.—RipaGw. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 206.

Has. Breeding from northern Labrador to the Rocky Mountains, and south to at
least latitude 48° on the Sierra Nevada in California and the higher ranges of Colorado.
In winter, most of the eastern United States, wintering chiefly south of 38°; also, portions
of Mexico, including Cape St. Lucas.

“Sp. CHAR. Head, above, upper half of loral region from the bill, and a narrow line
through and behind the eye to the occiput, black; a longitudinal patch in the middle of
the crown, and a short line from above the anterior corner of the eye, the two confluent
on the occiput, white. Sides of the head, forepart of breast, and lower neck all round,
pale ash, lightest beneath, and shading insensibly into the whitish of the belly and chin;
sides of the belly and under tail-coverts tinged with yellowish brown. Interscapular
region streaked broadly with dark chestnut-brownish. Edges of the tertiaries brownish
chestnut. Two white bands on the wing.

Female. Similar but smaller; immature birds in first winter, with the black and white
stripes on the crown replaced by dark chestnut-brown and brownish yellow. Length,
7.10 inches; wing, 3.25. Young of the year thickly streaked with dusky on the breast.
The lateral stripes of the crown dull brown, the median one streaked whitish.” ia

“The white of the crown separates two black stripes on either
side, rather narrower than itself. The black line behind the eye is
continued anterior to it into the black at the base of the bill. The
lower eyelid is white. There are some obscure cloudings of darker

268 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

on the neck aboye. The rump is immaculate. No white on the
tail except very obscure tips. ‘The white on the wings crosses the
ends of the middle and greater coverts.” (JTist. N. Am. B.)

This fine sparrow is usually an abundant migrant in the north-
ern portions of the State, and a more or less common winter resi-
dent in the southern parts. At Mount Carmel it was often abundant
throughout the winter, frequenting, during the coldest weather, the
door-yards and gardens, in company with Snowbirds (Junco hyemalis),
Tree Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Yellow-rump Warblers,
and other familiar species. Its clear, but rather subdued, whistling
song was often heard just before its departure for the north.
This song much resembles that of the White-throated Sparrow, but
is less monotonous and rather more plaintive.

“Among the birds that tarry briefly with us in the spring on
their way to Canada and beyond,” writes Mr. John Burroughs, in
Scribner’s, “there is none that I behold with so much pleasure as
the White-crowned Sparrow. I have an eye out for him all
through April and the first week in May. He is the rarest and
most beautiful of the Sparrow kind. He is crowned as some hero
or victor in the games. He is usually in company with his con-
gener, the White-throated Sparrow, but seldom more than in the
proportion of one to twenty of the latter. Contrasted with this
bird, he looks like its more fortunate brother, upon whom some
special distinction has been conferred, and who is, from the egg,
of finer make and quality. His sparrow color, of ashen gray and
brown, is very clear and bright, and his form graceful. His whole
expression, however, culminates in a regular manner in his crown.
The various tints of the bird are brought to a focus here and in-
tensified, the lighter ones becoming white and the deeper ones
nearly black. There is the suggestion of a crest also, from a habit
this bird has of slightly elevating this part of its plumage, as if
to make more conspicuous its pretty markings. They are great
scratchers, and will often remain several minutes scratching in one
place like a hen. Yet, unlike the hen and like all hoppers, they
scratch with both feet at once, which is by no means the best way
to scratch.”

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 269

Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmel.)

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.
Popular synonyms. Peabody Bird (New England); Yellow-browed Sparrow.

Fringilla albicollis Gmeu. 8. N. i, 1788,926.—Wins. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 51, pl. 22, fig. 2.
Zonotrichia albicollis Sw. 1837.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 463; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 349.
—Covgs, Key, 1872, 144, fig. 88; Check List, 1873, No. 182,2d ed. 1882, No. 275; B. N. W.
1874, 151.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 574, pl. 26, fig. 10.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 209.
Fringilla pennsylvanica LAatu. Ind. Orn. 1790, 444.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 42, pl. 8;
Synop. 1839, 121; B. Am. iii, 1841, 153, pl. 191.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding from northern United States north to the ‘Fur
Countries.” Winters in the United States, chiefly south of 40°,and west to the borders of
the Great Plains; accidental west to Utah and Oregon; also,in England.

“Sp. CHar. Two black stripes on the crown, separated by a median one of white. A
broad superciliary stripe from the base of the mandible to the occiput, yellow as far as
the middle of the eye, and white behind this. A broad black streak on the side of the
head from behind the eye. Chin white, abruptly defined against the dark ash of the
sides of the head and upper part of the breast, fading into white on the belly,and mar-
gined by a narrow black maxillary line. Edge of wing and axillaries yellow. Back
and edges of secondaries rufous brown, the former streaked with dark brown. Two
narrow white bands across the wing-coverts. Length, 7inches; wing, 3.10; tail, 3.20,
Young of the year not in the collection.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Few birds, if any, are more abundant or more generally distrib-
uted than is the present species, during the winter, throughout the
more eastern United States. From the eastern border of the Great
Plains to the Atlantic coast it is decidedly the most numerous of
the Fringillide,—every hedge-row, brier-patch, brush-pile or similar
place being frequented by dozens or scores of individuals. During
the day these occupy themselves silently in gleaning for food among
the dead leaves, but at the approach of dusk congregate more
closely together, and before seeking their “roost,” in the thicker
growths of a swamp, in brush-piles, ete., become quite noisy, calling
to one another with a sharp, penetrating, almost metallic chirp,
which is peculiarly in accord with a cold, drear winter evening. In
the spring, before their departure for the north, the males occa-
sionally whistle their monotonous but exceeding clear and plaintive
chant, sounding like pe-pe-pe body, pe body, pe body,—on which account
the species has in parts of New England received the name of
“Peabody Bird.”

Genus SPIZELLA Bonaparte.

Spizella Bonap. Geog. and Comp. List, 1838, 33. Type, Fringilla canadensis LAtu.,’
=F. monticola GMEL,

“Gen. CHAR. Bill conical, the outlines slightly curved; the lower mandible decidedly

larger than the upper; the commissure gently sinuated; the roof of the mouth not

270 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

knobbed. Feet slender; tarsus rather longer than the middle toe; the hinder toe a little
longer than the outer lateral, which slightly exceeds the inner; the outer claw
reaching the base of the middle one, and halfas longasits toe. Claws moderately curved.
Tertiaries and secondaries nearly equal; wing somewhat pointed, reaching not quite
to the middle of the tail. First quill a little shorter than the second and equal to the fifth;
third longest. Tailrather long, moderately forked, and divaricated at the tip; the feathers
rathernarrow. Back streaked; rumpand beneathimmaculate. Young streaked beneath.

“This genus differs from Zonotrichia principally in the smaller
size, and longer and forked instead of rounded tail.

“Birds of the year of this genus are very difficult to distinguish,
eyen by size, except in monticola. The more immature birds are also
very closely related. In these the entire absence of streaks on a
plumbeous head point to atrigularis; the same character in a red-
dish cap, and a reddish upper mandible, to pusilla; a dusky loral
spot, with dark streaks, and generally a rufous shade on top of head,
to socialis. S. breweri, with a streaked head, lacks the dusky lore
and chestnut shade of feathers. S. pallida generally has a median
light stripe in the cap, and a dusky mandibular line.” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

With a single exception, all the known species of this genus are
North American, though one of them (S. atrigularis) barely comes
within our borders in Arizona and southern California. The single
purely extralimital species is S. pinetorum Sauvin, of the Guatemalan
highlands. It is closely related to S. socialis, but is evidently distinct.

Leaving out S. atrigularis and S. wortheni,* the species inhab-
iting the United States may be characterized as follows:

Common CHAkaAcTERS. Back brownish, sharply streaked with black; rump plain
grayish; wings with two light bands; lower parts unstreaked, except in young.

A. Crown rufous in adults.
a. Maxilla black, the mandible yellow; a dusky spot on the jugulum.

1. §.monticola, Adult: Crown and outer webs of scapulars and tertials, bright
rufous; two distinct white bands on the wing; sides of head and neck ash-gray,
lighter on throat; a pale gray superciliary stripe, whitish anteriorly; a rufous
postocular stripe; a dusky spot in middle of the jugulum.

b. Bill wholly black or reddish brown.

2. §. pusilla, Bill wholly light reddish brown. Crown dull rufous; back dull
rufous, the feathers edged with grayish and streaked centrally with black;
outer edges of tertials pale grayish brown; sides of head pale ash-gray, with a
dull rufous streak behind the eye; wing with two indistinct bands. Young:
Crown and back dull grayish brown, without rufous; breast narrowly and in-
distinctly streaked with dusky.

3. §.socialis. Bill wholly black in adults; dullreddish brown in young. Crown
bright rufous, becoming black anteriorly; a whitish superciliary stripe; a
blackish streak behind the eye; ear-coverts, sides of neck and rump, ash-gray.
Young: Crown and back brown, broadly streaked with black; breast and sides
thickly streaked with dusky.

* Spizella wortheni Ripew. Proce. U. 8. Nat. Mus. vii, Aug. 22, 1884, 259. Silver City,
New Mexico. (Dedicated to Mr. Chas. K. Worthen, of Warsaw, Illinois.)

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 271

B Crown grayish brown, streaked with black, at all ages.

4. §. pallida, Adult: Crown streaked black and brown, divided by a distinct
stripe of light brownish gray; nape ash-gray; ear-coverts light brownish,
edged above and below bya dusky streak; distinct maxillary and superciliary
stripes of brownish white, the former bordered underneath by a dusky bridle;
beneath continuous white. the breast and sides faintly shaded with grayish
brown. Young: Head more tinged with fulvous,and the markings less dis-
tinct; breast streaked with dusky.

5. S.breweri. Adult: Crown pale grayish brown, streaked with black, and with-
out middle stripe; nape and back similar; no distinct superciliary or maxillary
stripe,and ear-coverts but slightly darker than adjoining portions. Young:
Similar, but breast streaked with dusky.

Spizella monticola (Gmel.)

TREE SPARROW.
Popular synonyms, Canadian Sparrow; Winter Chippy.

Fringilla monticola GMEL. 8. N. i, 1788, 912.

Spizella monticola Barry, B. N. Am. 1858, 472; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 357.—Cougs, Key,
1872, 142; Check List, 1873, No. 177; 2d ed. 1882, No. 268; B. N. W. 1874, 146.—B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 3, pl. 27, fig. 5.

Fringilla canadensis LatTuH. Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 434.—NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 495.—Aup. Orn.
Biog. ii, 1834, 511; v, 1839, 504, pl. 188.

Emberiza canadensis Sw. & Ricu. 1831—Avup. Synop. 1839, 105; B, Am. iii, 1841, 83,
pl. 166.

Fringilla arborea Wits. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 12, pl. 16, fig. 3.
Spizella montana “(ForstT.)” RipGw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 210.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding (so far as known) wholly north of the United
States (Labrador, Hudson's Bay Terr.,and thence nearly or quite to the Arctic coast),
wintering chiefly within the United States. (In western North America represented by
the paler colored S. monticola ochracea BREWSTER, which breeds in Alaska, and mi-
grates in winter to the Western States and Territories.)

Sp. CHAR. Mandible yellow, maxilla black. Pileum rich rufous,also a distinct post-
ocular stripe; sides of head light ash-gray, including a broad superciliary stripe, the
latter nearly white anteriorly. Nape mixed ashy and rufous. Back rusty ochraceous,
streaked with rufous and black. Wings rusty, the feathers blackish centrally; both rows
of wing-coverts broadly tipped with pure white, forming two distinct bands; tertials
bordered with white toward ends. Rump uniform grayish olive. Tail dark grayish
brown, feathers edged with paler. Lower parts whitish, tinted with ashy anteriorly,
sides and flanks tinged with ochraceous, sides of breast tinged with rufous,and middle
of jugulum with a dusky spot. Total length, 6.25-6.50 inches; extent, 9.25-9.50; wing,
about 2.80-3.10; tail, 2.80-3.00,

This pretty little sparrow is one of our most common and familiar
winter residents, occurring everywhere throughout the State, and in
the sheltered bushy swamps in the more southern counties con-
gregating in immense numbers. It comes familiarly about the door-
yards and gardens, gleaning from the snow in company with Snow-
birds (Junco hyemalis) and other winter residents. During the
warmer days of winter, or even if the weather be cold though
clear, the rich medley of soft jingling notes uttered by a number of

272. BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

individuals of this species is not excelled for sweetness by any
bird notes, while during the love season, says Dr. Brewer, “the
Tree Sparrow is quite a fine musician, its song resembling that of
the Canary, but finer, sweeter, and not so loud.” According to Mr.
Brewster, “their song is a loud, clear and powerful chant, starting
with two high notes, then falling rapidly, and ending with a low,
sweet warble.” After mentioning the fact that this species is, in
northeastern Illinois, an “abundant winter resident about thickets
and in marshes,” and that it “arrives the 15th of October and departs
the Ist of April,” Mr. Nelson, in his list (p. 108) thus appropriately
describes their song:

“The first of March they collect in large flocks and are very
musical. Often a large portion of the flock will unite in song
which, although it may be more than equaled later in the season,
yet, coming as it does between winter and spring, and so touch-
ingly plaintive, one involuntarily stops to listen with a peculiar
feeling of pleasure.”

Spizella socialis (Wils.)

CHIPPING SPARROW.
Popular synonyms. Chippy; Chip-bird; Hair-bird.
Fringilla socialis Ws. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 127, pl. 16, fig. 5.—NuTvT. Man. i, 1832, 497.—AUD.
Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 21; v, 1839, 517, pl. 104.
Emberiza socialis AuD. Synop. 1839, 105; B. Am. iii, 1841, 80, pl. 165.
Spizella socialis Bp. 1838.—Bammp, B. N. Am. 1858, 473; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 359.—
Coves, Key, 1872,142; Check List, 1873, No. 178; B. N. W. 1874, 148.—B. B. & R. Hist.
N. Am. B. ii, 1874,7, pl. 27, fig. 1.
Spizella domestica “(BaRTR.)” CovuEs, Proc. Phil. Ac. 2d Check List, 1882, No. 269.—
Rivew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 211.

Has. Eastern North America, north to the “Fur Countries,” wintering in Southern
States, Cuba,and eastern Mexico. In the western United States and the greater part of
Mexico, replaced by the slightly but constantly different S. socialis arizona.

“Sp. CHAR. Rump,back of neck, and sides of head and neck,ashy. Interscapular
region with black streaks, margined with pale rufous. Crown continuous and uniform
ehestnut. Forehead black,separated in the middle by white. A white streak over the
eye to nape,and a black one from the base of the bill through and behind theeye. Lores
dusky. Upper parts unspotted whitish, tinged with ashy on the sides and across the
upper breast. Tail-feathers and primaries edged with paler, not white. Two narrow
white bands across the wing-coverts. Bill black. Length, 5.75; wing, nearly 3.00; tail,
2.50 (or less).

“Young. Immature birds and frequently the adult females with the cap streaked with
blackish lines, the chestnut sometimes nearly or quite wanting. Birds of the year
streaked beneath and on rump.

“The color of bill varies; sometimes entirely black throughout, sometimes very light
(but never reddish as in 8. pusilla), with all intermediate stages. There is usually, how-
ever, a dusky tinge in the upper bill, wanting in pusilla, and the lores are almost always
more or less dusky in all stages of plumage.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 273

So well known is the common Chipping Sparrow, Chip-bird, or
Chippy, that a particular account of its habits is hardly necessary
here. Perhaps the most familiar and confiding of all our birds, it
is at the same time one of the most beneficial; and, so far as we
are aware, possesses not a single objectionable trait. Says Dr.
Brewer (Hist. N. Am. B., Vol. I., pp. 9, 10):

«The tameness and sociability of this bird surpass that of any
of the birds I have ever met with in New England, and are only
equaled by similar traits manifested by the Snowbird (J. hyemalis)
in Pictou. Those that live about our dwellings in rural situations,
and have been treated kindly, visit our doorsteps, and even enter
the houses, with the greatest familiarity and trust. They will learn
to distinguish their friends, alight at their feet, call for their accus-
tomed food, and pick it up when thrown to them, without the
slightest signs of fear. One pair which, summer after summer, had
built their nest in a fir-tree near my door, became so accustomed
to be fed that they would clamor for their food if they were any
morning forgotten. One of these birds, the female, from coming
down to the ground to be fed with crumbs, soon learned to take
them on the flat branch of the fir near her nest, and at last to
feed from my hand, and afterwards from that of other members of
the family. Her mate, all the while, was comparatively shy and
distrustful, and could not be induced to receive his food from us,
or to eat in our presence.”

Spizella pallida (Swains.)
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW.

Emberiza pallida Swatss. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 251.
Spizella pallida Br. 1838.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 474; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 360.—
CovEs, Key, 1872, 143; Check List, 1873, No. 180; 2d ed. 1882, No. 272; B. N. W. 1874, 148.—
B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 11, pl. 27, fig. 3—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No.
212.
Emberiza shattuckii Aup. B. Am. vii, 1843, 347, pl. 493,

Has. Great Plains, from the Saskatchewan to Texas, and (in winter) along the
southern border to Arizona and Cape St. Lucas, west to base of Rocky Mountains, east
to prairies of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. (Norr. The ‘‘Emberiza pallida” of Audu-
bon’s works is not this species, but S. breweri, Cass., which replaces S. pallida from
the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast. The two species are closely allied, but quite
distinct.)

“Sp. Cuan. Smaller than S. socialis. Back and sides of hind neck ashy. Prevailing
color above pale brownish yellow, with a tinge of grayish. The feathers of back and
crown streaked conspicuously with blackish. Crown with a median pale ashy anda
lateral or superciliary ashy white stripe. Beneath whitish, tinged with brown on the

—18

274 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

breast and sides, and an indistinct narrow brown streak on the edge of the chin, cutting
off a light stripe above it. Ear-coverts brownish yellow, margined above and below by
dark brown, making three dark stripes on the face. Bill reddish, dusky towards tip.
Legs yellow. Length, 4.75; wing, 2.55.

“The ashy collar is quite conspicuous, and streaked above with
brown. The rump is immaculate. The streaks on the feathers of
the crown almost form continuous lines, about six in number. The
brown line above the ear-coverts is a postocular one. That on
the side of the chin forms the lower border of a white maxillary
stripe which widens and curves around behind the ear-coverts,
fading into the ashy of the neck. The wing feathers are all mar-
gined with paler, and there is an indication of two light bands
across the ends of the coverts.

“The young of this species is thickly streaked beneath, over the
throat, breast, and belly, with brown, giving to it an entirely differ-
ent appearance from the adult. The streaks in the upper parts,
too, are darker and more conspicuous. The margins of the feathers
are rather more rusty.

“This species is readily distinguishable from the other American
Spizellas, except S. brewert (which see), in the dark streaks and
median ashy stripe on the crown, the paler tints, the dark line on
the side of the chin, etc.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Clay-colored Sparrow is one of that group of species to which
we have previously alluded (see page 246) as characterizing a Cam-
pestrian Province. Its range is closely coimeident with that of
Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Baird’s and Leconte’s Sparrows,
Harris’s Finch, McCown’s and Chestnut-collared Longspurs, and
Lark Bunting,—being the Great Plains, in their whole extent, from
the Valley of the Saskatchewan southwards, and to the eastward
extending sparingly into the prairie districts along the eastern side
of the Mississippi river. In Illinois, the present species is known
with certainty to occur only in the more northern portions of the
State, although it no doubt inhabits the prairie districts well south-
ward, especially in the more western counties. Mr. Nelson records
it as “a rare summer resident about the borders of prairies,” in
Cook county, and adds that ‘specimens are in Mr. Holden’s col-
lection taken near Chicago.”

In its habits this species is said to closely resemble the Chipping
Sparrow, especially in its confiding familiarity, and its song is. said
to be very similar to that of S. socialis. The nest and eggs of the
two species are hardly distinguishable.

FRINGILLIDA—THE FINCHES 275

Spizella pusilla (Wils.)
FIELD SPARROW.

Popular synonyms. Field Chippy, or Chip-bird; Red-billed Chippy.
Motacillajuncorum Gxt. 8. N. i, 1788, 952 (based on Little Brown Sparrow of CATESBY).
Fringilla juncorum Nort. Man. i, 1882, 499; ed. 1840, i, 577.
Fringilla pusilla Wits. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 121, pl. 16, fig. 2—Avup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 229,
pl. 139.
Emberiza pusilla AuD. Synop. 1839, 104; B. Am. iii, 1841,77, pl. 164.
Spizella pusilla BP. 1838.— Barr, B. N. Am. 1858, 473; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 338.—CouEs,
Key, 1872, 143; Check List, 1873,No. 179; B. N. W. 1874, 148.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B,
ii, 1874,5, pl. 27, fig. 2—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 214.
Spizella agrestis “(BARTR.)” Cougs, 2d Check List, 1872, No. 271.

Has. Eastern United States, breeding throughout (except in Gulf States?) and win-
tering chiefly south of 38°.

Se. CHAR. Bill brownish red. Crown continuous rufous, witha faint indication ofan
ashy central stripe,and ashy nuchal collar. Back somewhat similar, with shaft-streaks
of blackish. Sides of head and neck (including a superciliary stripe) ashy. Ear-coverts
rufous. Beneath white, tinged with yellowish anteriorly, the sides of the breast with a
rufous patch. ‘Tail-feathers and quills faintly edged with white. Two whitish bands
across the wing-coyerts. Autumnal specimens morerufous. Length about 5.75; wing, 2.34.

“This species is about the size of S. socialis, but is more rufous
above; lacks the black forehead and eye stripe; has chestnut ears,
instead of ash; has the bill red, instead of black; lacks the clear
ash of the rump; has a longer tail, ete. It is more like monticola,
but is much smaller; lacks the spot on the breast, and the pre-
dominance of white on the wings, etc. The young have the breast
and sides streaked, and the crown slightly so.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Although equally common with the Chipping Sparrow, and in many
localities even more abundant, the little Field Sparrow is far less
known on account of its more secluded habits. Instead of seeking
the society of man it almost wholly avoids the towns and seems in-
separably attached to the rural districts. It is by no means timid
or retiring, however, but prefers the country because only there
can it find those localities which are essential to its presence.

The Field Sparrow inhabits all sorts of bushy localities, such as
hazel and blackberry thickets, old fields grown up to weeds and
sprouts, the borders of prairies, etc. Its nest is built either on the
ground or not higher than two or three feet above it, and the eggs
are very different in color from those of the Chipping Sparrow,
being greenish or bluish white, thickly speckled with reddish brown.
Frequently the nest is built in gooseberry or currant bushes in a
farm-house garden, but oftener a more secluded spot is chosen.

276 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

While conceding that this species is “a very varied and fine
singer,” Dr. Brewer (Hist. N. Am. B. Vol. IL., p. 6) says “its notes are
not very powerful, and cannot be heard any distance.” This has
not been the writer’s experience, however, his observations leading
him to quite the contrary opinion. Im Illinois, Indiana, Maryland,
and Virginia, where he has listened to its song on countless occa-
sions, he has always regarded the song of the Field Sparrow as
being particularly characterized by its power, being certainly far
louder and capable of being heard at a much greater distance, than
that of the Song Sparrow (Melospiza fasciata) or Vesper Sparrow
(Poocetes gramineus) or any others of the smaller species of this
family. The Field Sparrow’s song is further characterized by
its plaintiveness, and were it not for this quality would rank
among the very finest bird songs which can be heard in our fields.
Sometimes a particularly gifted male will repeat twice or three
times the usual song, without faltering between, and then the per-
formance becomes truly fine.

Genus JUNCO Wacter.

Junco WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 526. Type, Fringilla cinerea Sw.

Gen. CHAR. Bill small, conical; culmen curved at the tip; the lower jaw quite as high
asthe upper. Tarsus longer than the middle toe; outer toe longer than the inner, barely
reaching as far as the middle of the latter; extended toes reaching about to the middle of
the tail. Wings rather short; reaching over the basal fourth of the exposed surface of
the tail; primaries, however, considerably longer than the secondaries and tertials, which
are nearly equal. The second quill longest, the third to fifth successively but little
shorter; first longer than sixth, much exceeding secondaries. Tail moderate, a little
shorter than the wings; slightly emarginate and rounded. Feathers rather narrow; oval
at the end. No streaks on the head or body; color above uniform on the head, back, or
rump, separately or on all together. Belly white; outer tail-feathers white. Young birds
streaked above and below.

“The essential characters of this genus are the middle toe rather
shorter than the short tarsus; the lateral toes slightly unequal, the
outer reaching the base of the middle claw; the tail a little shorter
than the wings, slightly emarginate. In Junco cinereus the claws
are longer; the lower mandible a little lower than the upper.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

The genus is numerously represented in the western portions of
the continent, where no less than nine species occur (one of them,
J. hyemalis, as a straggler, and two—J. insularis, of Guadalupe L.,
and J. bairdi, of Lower California—not coming within the United

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. Q77

States). In Eastern North America only two species occur, and one
of these (J. oregonus) merely as a straggler. Both belong to the
Illinois fauna, and may be distinguished as follows:

1. J. hyemalis. Plain blackish gray, or slate-gray the belly and lateral tail-feathers
white. (Abundant winter resident.)

2. J. oregonus. Head,neck,and jugulum, black; back brownish; rump, only,slate-gray;
sides light pinkish brown; belly and lateral tail-feathers white,as in J. hyemalis.

Of the western species, J. aikeni is larger than J. hyemalis, and
usually has distinct white wing-bands; the sides ash-gray, and the
bill light pinkish. J. annectens has the head, neck, jugulum, and
upper parts ash-gray (back more brownish), the sides pinkish;
bill light pinkish. J. caniceps resembles J. annectens, but has the
back bright rufous and the sides ashy, like the breast. J. dorsalis
resembles J. caniceps, but has the upper mandible black, the lower
yellow, and the lower parts grayish white. J. cinereus is allied to
dorsalis, and like that species has the iris bright yellow (in other
species, excepting J. dorsalis, the eye is dark brown or claret color),
but has the rufous of the back extended over the wing-coverts and
tertials. Hach species, or race, has likewise distinctive proportions
and a separate breeding range.

Junco hyemalis (Linn.)

SLATE-COLORED JUNCO.

Popular synonyms. Black Snowbird; Common Snowbird; Slate-colored Snowbird;
Gray Snowbird; Eastern Snowbird.

Fringilla hyemalis Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 183.—A up. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 72; v, 505, pl. 13.
Niphea hyemalis AuD. Synop. 1839,106; B. Am. iii, 1841, 88, pl 167.
Junco hyemalis Scu. 1857.—Barrp,B. N. Am. 1858, 468; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 354.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 141; Check List, 1873, No. 174; 2d ed. 1882, No. 261 (“hiemalis”);
B.N. W. 1874, 141.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 580, pl. 26, fig. 5.—-Rmpaw. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 217.
Fringilla hudsonia Forst. Philos. Trans. |xii, 1772, 428,—Wr1s. Index, vi, 1812, p xiii.
Fringilla nivalis Wiis. Am. Orn. iii, 1810, 129, pl. 16, flg. 6—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 491.
Has. Northern North America, breeding from northern New England to Alaska
(Yukon district); in winter,whole of eastern United States, and straggling westward
(Colorado, Utah, Arizona, etc.).

“Sp. CHAR. Everywhere of a grayish or dark ashy black, deepest anteriorly; the mid-
dle of the breast behind and of the belly, the under tail-coverts, and first and second ex-
ternal tail-feathers, white; the third tail-feather white, margined with black. Length,
6.25; wing, about 3.00. In winter washed with brownish. Young streaked above and below.

“The wing is rounded; the second quill longest; the third, fourth,
and fifth, successively, a little shorter; the first longer than the
sixth. Tail slightly rounded, and a little emarginate. In the full

278 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

spring dress there is no trace of any second color on the back, ex-
cept an exceedingly faint and scarcely appreciable wash of dull
brownish over the whole upper parts. The markings of the third
tail-feather vary somewhat in specimens. Sometimes the whole tip
is margined with brown; sometimes the white extends to the end;
sometimes both webs are margined with brown; sometimes the outer
is white entirely; sometimes the brownish wash on the back is more
distinct.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Some specimens have more or less distinct white wing-bands.

While the Snowbird is known to every one as a common and
familar winter resident, there are few people but to whom its
coming and going is a mystery; and the question is often asked,
“What becomes of the Snowbirds in summer, and where do they
breed?” The summer home of this interesting species includes
the colder region of the far North from northern Maine and
the more eastern British Provinces to Alaska, north to the Arctic
“barren grounds,” and along the higher portions of the Alleghanies
for an undetermined distance southward.*

“About Calais [Maine], and in all the islands of the Bay of
Fundy, and throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia,” Dr.
Brewer “found this by far the most common and familiar species,
especially at Pictou, where it abounded in the gardens, in repeated
instances coming within the out-buildings to build its nests. In a
woodshed connected with the dwelling of Mr. Dawson, my attention
was called to the nests of several of these birds, built within reach
of the hand, and in places where the family were passing and re-
passing throughout the day * * * On my ride from Hal-
ifax to Pictou, they reminded me of the common Spizella socialis,
but were, if anything, more fearless and confiding, coming into the
room where the family were at their meals, and only flying away
when they had secured a crumb of sufficient size.”

In all probability the Snowbird does not breed, even occasionally,
anywhere within the limits of the State of Illinois; nevertheless,
individuals may in extremely rare instances be found several weeks
after others have departed for the North, these having probably re-
ceived some injury which retards, if it does not altogether prevent,

*On the bigh mountains of western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and northern
Georgia, an allied race, or perhaps distinct species,is resident. This has recently (in “The
Auk,” vol iii, Jan. 1886, p. 108) been described by Mr. Brewster,as J. hyemalis carolinensis,

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. ; 279

their migration. Professor Forbes informs me of such an instance
which came under his own observation, as follows:

“While on a recent trip to southern Illinois, I astonished myself
by shooting, June 9, one mile from the Ohio river, near Elizabeth-
town, in Hardin county, an adult specimen of the Common Snow-
bird (Junco hyemalis). I killed the bird from a tree in the edge of
a wood. I neither heard nor saw another of the species there.”
(See “Nuttall Bulletin,” July, 1881, p. 180.)

Junco hyemalis oregonus (‘l'owns.)

OREGON JUNCO.

Popular synonyms. Black-headed Snowbird; Oregon Snowbird.
Fringilia oregona Towns. Jour. Phil. Ac. vii, 1837, 188.—Aup. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 68, pl. 398,
Niphea oregona AuD. Synop. 1839, 107; B. Am. iii, 1841, 91, pl. 168.
Junco oregonus Sct. 1857.—Bartrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 466; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 352.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 141; Check List, 1878, No. 175; 2d ed. 1882, No. 263; B.N. W. 1874, 142.
B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.i, 1874, 584, pl. 26, fig. 2—Ripa@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No. 218.
Has. Pacific coast of North America, breeding from higher mountains of southern
California north to Sitka; in winter throughout the western United States, and even
straggling to the Atlantic States (Kansas, Illinois, ete.)

In its habits and notes this bird is so completely a counterpart
of the common eastern Snowbird (J. hyemalis) that the writer is
unable to discover, from the accounts of writers or from his own
experience, any peculiarities whatsoever. It is, however, very differ-
ent in its plumage, as may be seen from the description given
above, and the comparative diagnoses on page 277.

Genus PEUCZ®A Avpupon.

Peucea Aum. Synop. 1839,112. Type Fringilla bachmanii AuD.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill moderate. Upper outline and commissure decidedly curved. Legs
and feet, with the claws,small; the tarsus about equal to the middle toe; the lateral toes
equal, their claws falling considerably short of the middle one; the hind toe reaching
about to the middle of the latter. The outstretched feet reach rather beyond the middle
of the tail. The wing is very short, reaching only to the base of the tail; the longest ter-
tials do not exceed the secondaries, while both are not much short of the primaries; the
outer three or four quills are graduated. The tailis considerably longer than the wings;
it is much graduated laterally; the feathers, though long, are peculiarly narrow, linear,
and elliptically rounded at the ends.

“Color beneath plain whitish or brownish, with a more or less distinct dusky line
each side of the chin. Above with broad obsolete brown streaks or blotches, Crown
uniform, or the feathers edged with lighter.” (Hist. VN. Am. B.)

280 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Only one species of this southern genus is known to occur in
Illinois. Another however, may be expected, at least as a straggler,
and for this reason the comparative characters of the two are given
here.

1. P. estivalis, Adult: Above reddish brown, streaked with gray, and usually spotted
on the back with black; beneath dull buffy, whitish on the belly. Middle tail-feathers
without distinct bars.

a. estivalis. Crown streaked with blackish, and black streaks on back always
very distinct. Hab. Florida and lower Georgia.

Bp. bachmanii. Crown without black streaks, and black streaks on back frequently
obsolete: general coloration much more “sandy” above, and clearer, or less
dingy, buff below. Hab. North and South Carolina, west to eastern Texas, north
to southern Illinois and Indiana.

2. P. cassinii Above brownish gray,spotted with grayish brown and black, but with no
rusty; lower parts nearly uniform brownish white or pale brownish gray. Middle
tail-feathers very distinctly barred with dusky. Hab. Southwestern U. 8.,north to
Kansas.

Peuceea estivalis bachmanii (Aud.)

BACHMAN’S SPARROW.

Popular synonyms. Illinois Sparrow; Oak-wood Sparrow; Bachman’s Finch.

Peucea estivalis Ripew. Am. Nat., July 1872, 430 (Wabash Co., Illinois); Ann. N. Y.
Lye. x, Jan. 1874,373 (do.); Proce. Boston Soe. xvi, Feb. 18, 1874, 308, 326 (do., summer
resid.); Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iii, Oct. 1878, 164 (“‘extremely local and quite rare”).—
NELSON, Bull. Essex. Inst., ix, 1877, 36,49 (Mt. Carmel, Wabash Co., and Fox Prairie,
Richland Co., Illinois).

Peucea illinoénsis Rew. Bull. Nutt. Orn Club, Oct. 1879, 219 (southern Illinois to
central Texas).

Peucea estivalis illinoénsis Rripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 226a.—CovgEs, 2d Check

List, 1882, No. 252.

Peucea estivalis bachmani Brewst. Auk, ii, Jan. 1885, 106.

Has. Open woods, old fields, ete., in semi-prairie districts of the lower Mississippi
Valley and Gulf States; north in summer to Richland, Lawrence, and Wabash counties,
Tllinois; Knox and Monroe counties,* Indiana; and Nelson county, Kentucky; east to
Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Alabama, and the Carolinas; southwest to ‘““Lower Cross
Timbers” and “Post Oak Woods” of Cook county, Texas.

Sp. Cuan. Adult. Above sandy ferruginous, indistinctly streaked with lightash-gray,
these streaks broadest on the back and middle line of the crown; interscapulars some-
times marked with narrow central streaks of black. Outer surface of the wings light fer-
ruginous, the greater coverts less reddish and edged with paler; tertials dusky brown,
bordered terminally with pale reddish ashy; outer surface of the secondaries ferruginous.
Tail uniform grayish brown, the edges of the feathers more ashy. Sides of the head and
neck, throat, jugulum, and entire sides, deep dingy buff, this color most distinct across

*In a letter dated April 27, 184, Professor David 8S. Jordan, President of the Indiana
State University, writes me as follows: “It may perhaps interest you to know that two
specimens of Peucea estivalis illinoensis have been taken at Bloomington (April 24).
They were shot in a brush hear.”

FRINGILLIDAX—THE FINCHES. 281

the breast, paler on the throat and chin; a postocular streak of ferruginous along the
upper edge of the auriculars; sides of the neck streaked with ferruginous; an indistinct
dusky streak on each side of the throat,along the lower edge of the malar region; abdo-
men dull white; crissum creamy buff; edge of the wing, from the carpal to the carpo-
phailangeal joint, bright yellow. Bill pale horn-color, the maxilla darker; iris brown;

legs and feet pale brown.
Total length,about 6.00; wing, 2.25-2.60 (2.51); tail, 2.40-2.95 (2.69); bill, from nostril to
tip, .30-.33; depth through base, .27-.30 (.29); tarsus, .70-.82 (.77); middle toe, .55-.60 (.59). *

Compared with typical P. estivalis, in corresponding plumage, the
differences of coloration are at once apparent. The upper parts are
much paler, and more “sandy” in hue, and the black mesial streaks
which in estivalis mark all the feathers (except those of the nape
and wings) are either entirely wanting, or confined to the inter-
scapular region; the breast and sides are very distinctly ochra-
ceous buff, these parts in estivalis being dull buffy grayish. The
proportions are very nearly the same in the two species, but bach-
manit has a longer wing and a thicker bill, the average of five speci-
mens, compared with six of estivalis, beng 2.51 and 0.29 respec-
tively, against 2.40 and 0.26. P. arizone is so different as scarcely
to need comparison, having, like e@stivalis, the whole crown streaked
with black; the general hue of the upper parts more of a hair-
brown, and the lower parts nearly uniform pale buffy grayish, the
abdomen not conspicuously lighter. It is also larger, measuring,
wing 2.60, and tail 2.85.

While little is really known regarding the distribution of this
species in Illinois, it probably occurs locally—that is, in suitable
localities—throughout that portion of the State lying south of the
parallel of 39°; and perhaps it extends still further north. It is
emphatically a bird of open oak woods, where large white and post
oaks prevail, with grass land immediately adjoining, or where the
intervals between the trees consist of sward rather than under-
growth; but neglected fields, grown up to weeds, and in which old
dead trees are left standing, are also its favorite haunt.

Bachman’s Sparrow first came under my observation early in
June, 1871, when several were seen and others heard, about half-
way between Mount Carmel and Olney, the former in Wabash, the
latter in Richland county, Illinois.

*These measurements represent the extremes and averages of ten adults,

282 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

After leaving this locality the species was lost sight of until the
11th of August following, upon our return to Mount Carmel. At
the latter place it was found to be rather rare in certain places
just outside the town limits, the localities frequented being invari-
ably neglected weedy fields in which scattered dead trees were stand-
ing. Unlike most birds, this species sang with the greatest vigor,
and frequently during the sultry midday, when the sky was bright-
est and the heat intense—the thermometer ranging from 90° to 108°
in the shade. The song, while reminding one somewhat of the
plaintive chant of the Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla), was far sweeter
and altogether louder; the modulation, as nearly as can be expressed
in words, resembling the syllables thééééééé-thut, lut, lut, lut, the first
being a rich silvery trill, pitched in a high musical key, the other
syllables also metallic, but abrupt, and lower in tone.

In July and August, 1875, several specimens of this species were
collected by Messrs. E. W. Nelson and F. T. Jencks in the vicinity
of Mount Carmel and on Fox Prairie, the latter in Richland county,
about thirty-five miles to the northward of Mount Carmel. Mr.
Nelson thus records his observations (Bull. Essex Inst., Vol. IX., p.
38) :

“Rather common. Those obtained were found about the fences or
brush piles in half-cleared fields. They were shy and quite difficult
to secure from their habit of diving into the nearest shelter when
alarmed, or skulking, wren-like, along the fences, dodging from rail
to rail. One was observed singing from a fence stake, but seeing
the intruder it stopped abruptly and darted into a patch of weeds.”

Genus MELOSPIZA Barren.

Melospiza Barked, Birds N. Am. 1858, 478. Type, Fringilla melodia Wits., F. fasciata
GMEL.

“Gen. CHar. Body stout. Bill conical, very obsoletely notched, or smooth; somewhat
compressed. Lower mandible not so deepas the upper. Commissure nearly straight.
Gonys alittle curved. Feet stout,not stretching beyond the tail; tarsus a little longer
than the middle toe; outer toe a litle longer than the inner; its claws not quite reaching
to the base of the middle one. Hind toe appreciably longer than the middle one. Wings
quite short and rounded, scarcely reaching beyond the base of the tail; the tertials con-
siderably longer than the secondaries; the quills considerably graduated; the fourth
longest; the first not longer than the tertials, and almost the shortest of the primaries.
Tail moderately long,rather longer from coccyx than the wings,and considerably gradu-
ated; the feathers oval at the tips,and not stiffened. Crown and back similar in color,
and streaked; beneath thickly streaked,except in M. georgiana. Tail immaculate.
Usually nest on ground; nests strongly woven of grasses and fibrous stems; eggs marked
with rusty brown and purple on a ground ofa clay color.”

FRINGILLIDEH—THE FINCHES. 283

“This genus differs from Zonotrichia in the shorter, more gradu-
ated tail, rather longer hind toe, much more rounded wing, which
is shorter; the tertiaries longer; the first quill almost the shortest,
and not longer than the tertials. The under parts are spotted; the
crown streaked, and like the back.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The three species which occur in eastern North America (one of
them peculiar to the Atlantic side) may be distinguished by the
following characters :

A. Breast and sides distinctly streaked, at all ages.
a. Maxillary stripe and jugulum white, like other lower parts, the streaks on breast
broad, cuneate.
1. M. fasciata. Above rusty grayish, streaked with brown and black. Wing about
2.70; tail nearly 3.00.
b. Maxillary stripe and jugulum buff, the other lower parts chiefly white; streaks
on jugulum linear.
2. M.lincolni. Above olive-brown, streaked with black. Wing 2.60, or less; tail
2.50, or less.*
B. Breast and sides without streaks, except in young (first plumage).
3. M. georgiana, Breast and sides of head ashy; wings chestnut-rufous; back
olive-brown, broadly streaked or spotted with black, Jn breeding plumage,
crown (of both sexes) bright chestnut.

Melospiza fasciata (Gmel.)

Fringilla fasciata GMEL. 8S. N. i, 1788, 922.
Melospiza fasciata Scor?, Am. Nat. x, 1876, 18.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 231.—
Cougs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 244.
Fringilla melodia Wis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810,125, pl. 16, fig. 4—Aupb. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 126;
vy, 507, pl. 25; Synop. 1839, 120; B. Am. iii, 1841, 147, pl. 189.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 486.
Melospiza melodia Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 477; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 227.—Covugs,
Key, 1872, 139; Check List, 1873, No. 146; B. N. W. 1874,138.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.
ii, 1874, 19, pl. 27, fig. 6.

Haz. Eastern United States and British Provinces, west to, and including, the Great
Plains; wintering from about 50° to the Gulf coast, breeding in northern States and
along the Atlantic sea-board. (In western portions of the continent, represented by
numerous local or geographical races.)

“Sp. CHar. General tint of upper parts rufous and distinctly streaked with rufous-
brown, dark brown and ashy-gray. The crown isrufous, with asuperciliary and median
stripe of dull gray, the former lighter; nearly white anteriorly, where it sometimes has
a faint shade of yellow, principally in autumn; each feather of the crown with a narrow
streak of black, forming about six narrow lines. Interscapulars black in the center, then
rufous, then pale grayish on the margin, these three colors on each feather very sharply
contrasted. Rump grayer than upper tail-coverts, both with obsolete dark streaks,
There is a whitish maxillary stripe, bordered above and below by one of dark rufous
brown, and with another from behind the eye. The under parts are white; the jugulum
and sides of body streaked with clear dark brown, sometimes with a rufous suffusion.
On the middle of the breast these marks are rather aggregated so as to form aspot. No
distinct white on tail or wings. Length of male, 6.50; wing, 2.58; tail, 2.00. Bill paje
brown above; yellowish at base beneath. Legs yellowish,

* In western specimens the tail is sometimes half an inch longer.

284 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“Specimens vary somewhat in having the streaks across the
breast more or less sparse, the spot more or less distinct. In au-
tumn the colors are more blended, the light maxillary stripe tinged
with yellowish, the edges of the dusky streaks strongly suffused
with brownish rufous.

“The young bird has the upper parts paler, the streaks more
distinct; the lines on the head scarcely appreciable. The under
parts are yellowish; the streaks narrower and more sharply defined
dark brown.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

While the Song Sparrow breeds in the extreme northern part of
Illinois, it is known in the more southern portions only as a winter
resident. This is somewhat remarkable, since along the Atlantic
coast it is one of the most abundant summer residents throughout
Maryland and Virginia, in the same latitudes as southern [linois.
The writer has elsewhere (Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. XVI.,
1874, p. 9) called attention to this fact, as follows:

“In southern Iowa, according to Mr. Trippe (Proc. Boston Soc.
Nat. Hist., Oct., 1872, p. 287), the Song Sparrow is ‘abundant in
spring and fall, but not observed to breed. Shy and retiring, a
complete contrast to the eastern Song Sparrow.’ In southern [lh-
nois this is also the case, the species being there a winter sojourner,
abundant, but very retiring, inhabiting almost solely the bushy
swamps in the bottom-lands, and unknown as a song bird. The same
are also probably its habits throughout [linois and the adjacent
districts. This is a remarkable instance of variation in habits with
longitude of one geographical race, since in the Atlantic States it
breeds abundantly, as far south at least as the parallel of 38°, and
is besides one of the most familiar of the native birds.”

As far north at least as Wabash, Lawrence, and Richland coun-
ties, in this State, the Song Sparrow makes its appearance in the
fall along with the White-throated and Swamp Sparrows, and re-
mains all winter in company with these and other species, depart-
ing with them in the spring. I have there heard its song but on
two or three occasions, and then only in the spring, just before
they took their departure.*

The song of this bird, although sufficiently fine to attract atten-
tion, is by no means equal to that of many other species of its

* Since the above was written, Mr. J. A. Balmer, of Paris, Edgar county, has informed
me that the Song Sparrow is a not uncommon summer resident of that vicinity, and has
sent a nest and eggs, obtained in his garden, to prove the correctness of his identification.

FRINGILLIDH—THE FINCHES. 285

family. But this Sparrow is so abundant and so familiar in its
habits, that it is better known than most others; it is also very
liberal with the supply of music it gives us; and these facts, taken
together, undoubtedly have more to do with its popularity than has
the quality of its song. ;

Melospiza lincolnii (Aud.)

LINCOLN’S SPARROW.

Popular synonyms, Lincoln's Finch; Lincoln’s Song Sparrow.

Fringilla incolnii Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834,539, pl. 193.—NutT. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 569.
Peucea lincolnii AuD. Synop. 1839, 113; B. Am. iii, 1841, 116, pl. 177.
Melospiza lincolnii Batrp,B. N. Am. 1858, 482; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 368.—CovuEs, Key,
1872, 138; Check List, 1873, No. 167; 2d ed. 1882, No. 242; B. N. W. 1874, 135.—B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874,31,pl. 27, fig. 13.—Rip@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 234.

Has. Northern North America and higher mountains of western United States,
breeding,at high elevations, nearly to the Mexican boundary; thence northward to
Alaska (Yukon district) and Labrador, besides various intermediate points; winters in
Southern States, Mexico, and Guatemala. (NotE. The distribution of this bird corre-
sponds very closely, at all seasons, with that of Zonotrichia leucophrys. Inthe Yukon
and McKenzie River districts, however, instead of the latter it is associated with the Z.
intermedia,—otherwise their respective distribution is quite identical.)

“Sp. Cuar. General aspect above, that of M. melodia, but paler and less reddish.
Crown dull chestnut, with a median and lateral or superciliary ash-colored stripe; each
feather above streaked centrally with black. Back with narrow streaks of black. Be-
neath white, with maxillary stripe curving round behind the ear-coverts; a well-defined
band across the breast,extending down the sides, and the under tail-coverts, of brownish
yellow. The maxillary stripe margined above and below with lines of black spots anda
dusky line behind the eye. The throat, upper part of breast, and sides of the body, with
streaks of black,smallestin the middle of theformer. The pectoral bands are some-
times paler. Billabovedusky; base of lower jawand legs yellowish. Length,5.60; wing,
2.60. (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Instead of being the rare bird that it is commonly supposed to
be, Lincoln’s Sparrow is at times almost as numerous as the
Swamp Sparrow; and the fact that it associates freely with the
latter species, which it closely resembles in habits and general
appearance, may in a measure account for its supposed scarcity.
In the southern portion of the State a greater or less number
usually pass the winter in company with M. georgiana, in the dense
brushwood and rank dead herbage of swamps and marshes, in the

286 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

bottom-lands. In the northern parts, however, according to Mr.
Nelson, it is migratory. Mr. Nelson’s remarks concerning it are
as follows:

“Common during the migrations, from May 8th to 20th, and
September 20th to October 15th. Have seen several specimens
during the breeding season, and the last of May, 1875, as I was
walking through a patch of weeds, a female started from a few
feet in advance of me, while my attention was attracted in another
direction, and ran off with half-spread wings. It was shot, and
showed unmistakable sign of incubation, but a protracted search
failed to reveal the nest. Specimens were taken in July, 1875, near
Waukegan, by Mr. Rice.”

Melospiza georgiana (Lath.)

SWAMP SPARROW.

Popular synonyms. Swamp Song Sparrow; Spotted Swamp Sparrow.

Fringilla georgiana LATH. Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 460.— Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 502; 2d ed. i, 1840, 588.
(s. g. Ammodromus).
Melospiza georgiana Ripew. Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. viii, 1885, 355.
Fringilla palustris Wms. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 49, pl. 22, fig. 1—AupD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831,331;
v, 1889, 508, pl. 64.
Ammodromus pa'ustris AUD. Synop. 1839, 111; B. Am. iii, 1841, 110, pl. 175.
Melospiza palustris Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 483; Cat. N. Am. B, 1859, No. 369.—CovEs,
Key, 1872,138; Check List, 1873,No. 168; 2d ed. 1882, No. 243; B. N. W. 1874, 137.—B. B. &
R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 34, pl. 28, figs. 1,2.—Rrpew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 233.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces, north, occasionally, to Labrador
and Newfoundland; west, casually, to Utah; breeding from northern border of United
States northward, and wintering chiefly south of 38°.

“Sp. Coan. Middle of crown uniform chestnut; forehead black; superciliary streak,
sides of head and back,and sides of neck,ash. A brown stripe behind theeye. Back
with broad streaks of black, which are edged with rusty yellow. Beneath whitish,
tinged with ashy anteriorly, especially across the breast, and washed with yellowish
brown on the sides. A few obsolete streaks across the breast, which become distinct on
its sides. Wings and tail strongly tinged with rufous; the tertials black, the rufous edg-
ings changing abruptly to white towards the end. Length,5.75; wing,2.40. Female with
the crown scarcely reddish, streaked with black,and divided bya light line. Young con-
spicuously streaked beneath the head; above nearly uniform blackish.

“In autumn the male of this species has the feathers of the crown
each with a black streak, and the centre of the crown with an in-
distinct light s‘ripe, materially changing its appearance. The fore-
head is usually more or less streaked with black.” (Hist.. N.
Am. B.)

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 287

In southern I#inois the Swamp Sparrow congregates in immense
numbers—perhaps exceeding those of any other species—in the
sheltered swamps of the bottom-lands. It breeds in the northern
portion of the State, but how far southward its breeding range
extends is as yet undetermined. Mr. Nelson records it as being, in
Cook county, “an abundant summer resident, far outnumbering
M. melodia, although to one who has not frequently visited its
favorite marshes at all seasons, this would seem improbable. Arrives
the last of March and departs the last of October.”

The habits of this species are in a great measure similar to those
of the Song Sparrow, although it is much less familiar than the
last-named species, preferring secluded swamps and marshes rather
than parks, gardens, and door-yards. In History of North American
Birds (Vol. IL., pp. 85, 86), Dr. Brewer thus describes its song:

“Except in regard to their song, Wilson’s account of their habits,
so far as it goes, is quite accurate, although this bird really does
have quite a respectable song, and one that improves as the season
advances. At first it is only a succession or repetition of a few
monotonous, trilling notes, which might easily be mistaken for the
song of the Field Sparrow, or even confounded with the feebler
chant of the socialis, although not so raised as the former, and is
much more sprightly and pleasing than the other. Still later its
music improves, and more effort is made. Like the Song Sparrow,
it mounts some low twig, expands its tail-feathers, and gives forth
a very sprightly trill, that echoes through the swampy thicket with
an effect which, once noticed and identified with the performer, is
not likely to be ever mistaken. Nuttall calls this song loud, sweet,
and plaintive. It is to my ear more sprightly than pathetic, and
has a peculiarly ventriloquistic effect, as if the performer were at
a much greater distance than he really is.”

Supramiry PASSERELLIN Z&.

CHar. Toes and claws very stout; the lateral claws reaching beyond the middle of
the middle one; all very slightly curved.

“Bill conical, the outlines straight; both mandibles equal; wings
long, longer than the even tail, or slightly rounded, reaching nearly
to the middle of its exposed portion. Hind claw longer than its
digit; the toe nearly as long as the middle toe; tarsus longer than

288 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the middle toe. Brown above, either uniformly so or faintly
streaked; triangular spots below.

“This section embraces a single North American genus, chiefly
characterized by the remarkable elongation of the lateral claws, ag
well as by the peculiar shape and large size of all the claws; the
lateral, especially, are so much lengthened as to extend nearly as
far as the middle. The only approach to this, as far as I recol-
lect, among United States Conirostres, is in Pipilo megalonyx, and
Xanthocephalus icterocephalus. (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Genus PASSERELLA Swanson,

Passerella SWAInson, Class. Birds, ii, 1837, 288. Type, Fringilla iliaca MERREM.

“Gren. CHAR. Body stout. Bill conical, not notched, the outlines straight; the two
jaws of equal depth; roof of upper mandible deeply excavated, and vaulted; not knobbed.
Tarsus scarcely longer than the middle toe; outer toe little longer than the inner its claw
reaching to the middle of the central one. Hind toe about equal to the inner lateral; the
claws all long,and moderately curved only; the posterior rather longer than the middle,
and equal toits toe. Wings long, pointed, reaching to the middle of the tail; the tertials
scarcely longer than secondaries; second and third quills longest; first equal to the fifth.
Tail very nearly even,scarcely longer than the wing. Inner claw contained scarcely one
and a half times in its toe proper.

“Color. Rufous or slaty; obsoletely streaked or uniform above; thickly spotted with
triangular blotches beneath.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

A single species of this genus belongs to North America. It is
represented in the West by P. schistacea, Batrp, in the Rocky
Mountains and west to the Sierra Nevada; by P. megarhyncha,
Batrp, in the southern portion of the Pacific coast ranges, and by
P. unalaschcensis (GmMreu.) along the more northern portion of the
Pacific Coast. All these forms intergrade either with one another or
with P. iliaca, but whether these intergradations are due to hybridism
or bear the more important significance which has been assigned
to them, future knowledge alone can decide.

Passerella iliaca (Merrem).

FOX SPARROW.

Popular synonyms. Fox-colored Sparrow; Rufous Sparrow,
Fringilla iliaca MERREM, Beit. Gesch. Vog. ii, 1786-87, 49, pl. 10.—NutTT. Man. f, 1832, 514.—
AupD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 58; v, 1839, 512, pl. 108; Synop. 1839,119; B. Am. iii, 1841, 189,
pl. 185,

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 989

Passerella iliaca Sw. 1837.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 488; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 374.—
Cougs, Key, 1872,147; Check List, 1874, No. 188; 2d ed. 1882, No. 282; B. N. W. 1874, 160.
—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 59, pl. 78, fig. 2—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No. 235.
Fringilla ferruginea GMEL. 8S. N. i, 1788, 921.
Fringilla rufa Wrus. Am. Orn. ii, 1811, 53, pl. 22, fig. 4.
Haz. Northern North America, including Alaska (except coast from Kodiak east-
ward); breeding in arctic and subaretie districts,and southeastward to mouth of the St.
Lawrence; in winter eastern United States, chiefly south of 40°.

“Sp, CHar. General aspect of upper parts foxy red, the ground-color and the sides
of neck being ashy; the interscapular feathers each with a large blotch of fox-red; this
color glossing the top of head and nape, sometimes faintly, sometimes more distinctly;
the rump unmarked; the upper coverts and surface of the tail continuous fox-red. Two
narrow white bands on the wing. Beneath, with under tail-coverts and axillars, clear
white; the sides of head and of throat, the jugulum, breast,and sides of body, conspicu-
ously and sharply blotched with fox-red; more triangular across breast, more linear
and darker on sides. Sometimes the entire head above is continuously reddish. First
quill rather less than fifth. Hind toe about equal toits claw. Length, 7.50; wing, 3.50;
tail, 2.90; tarsus, .87; middle toe, without claw. .67; hind claw, .35.” (Hist, N. Am. B.)

In summer, the ash is more predominant above; in winter, it is
overlaid more or less by a wash of rufous, as described above.

Young, first plumage (="P. obscura” VERRILL). ‘‘Color above rufous brown, becom-
ing bright rufous on the rump and exposed portion of the tail, but a shade darker than
in P.iliaca; head uniform brown, with aslight tinge of ash; feathers of the back cen-
tred with a streak of darker brown. Wings nearly the same color as the back, with no
white bands; outer webs of the quills rufous, inner webs dark brown; secondary coverts
rufous, with dark brown centres; primary coverts uniform brown. Beneath dull white,
with the throat and breast thickly covered with elongated triangular spots and streaks
of dark reddish brown; sides streaked with rufous brown; middle of abdomen witha
few small triangular spots of dark brown; under tail-coverts brownish white, with a few
small spots of bright rufous; the tibia dark brown. The auriculars are tinged with red-
dish brown. Bristles at the base of the bill are numerous, extending over the nostrils.
Tail rather long, broad, and nearly even. Third quill longest; second and fourth equal,
and but slightly shorter; first intermediate between the fifth and sixth, and one fourth
of an inch shorter than the third.

“Length, 6.75; extent of wings, 10.75; wing,3.35; tarsus,1 inch.”

This stage is stated to be ‘‘darkerinall parts; the feathers of the back are rufous
brown, centred with darker, instead of ash centred with brownish red; the two white
bands onthe wing are wanting; the breast and throat are thickly streaked with elon-
gated spots of dark reddish brown, while in P. iliaca the spots are less numerous,
shorter and broader,and bright rufous, and the central part of the throat is nearly free
from spots; the under tail-coverts are brownish white, with rufous spots, instead of
nearly pure white.”

This fine Sparrow, distinguished, as its name indicates, by its
bright rufous coloring, is a winter resident in the southern and a
migrant in the northern portions of the State. It inhabits the
densest thickets where, in company with the Chewink, Cardinal,
and other species, it passes much of its time on the ground,
scratching among the dead leaves for its food. Its breeding
range is essentially identical with that of the Snowbird (Junco
seca Those who have heard his song in his summer home

290 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

pronounce it a very fine performance. Snatches of this song may
be occasionally heard in the spring before the northward exodus,
and his notes at this season certainly are remarkable for their
richness. In History of North American Birds (Vol. IL, p. 52),
Dr. Brewer thus describes the full song: ‘In the spring the male
becomes quite musical, and is one of our sweetest and most re-
markable singers. His voice is loud, clear, and melodious; his notes
full, rich, and varied; and his song is unequaled by any of this
family that I have ever heard.

Supramity SPIZINZ&

Cuar. Bill variable, always large, much arched, and with the culmen considerably
eurved; sometimes of enormous size, and with a greater development backward of the
lower jaw, whichis always appreciably, sometimes considerably, broader behind than
the upper jaw at its base; nostrils exposed. ‘Tailrather variable. Bill generally black,
light blue, orred. Wings shorter thanin the first group. Gape almost always much
more strongly bristled. Few of the species sparrow-like or plain in their appearance;
usually blue, red, or black and white; except in one or two instances the sexes very dif-
ferent in color.

“The preceding diagnosis is intended to embrace the brightly col-
ored passerine birds of North America, different in general appear-
ance from the common Sparrows. It is difficult to draw the line
with perfect strictness, so as to separate the species from those of
the preceding group, but the bill is always more curved, as well as
larger, and the colors are brighter. They resemble quite closely, at
a superficial glance, the Coccothraustine, but may be readily distin-
guished by the absence of the projecting tufts surrounding the base of
the upper mandible, shorter, more rounded wings, and longer tarsi.

“The genera may be most conveniently arranged as follows:

(Hist. N. Am. B.)

A. Wings decidedly longer than the tail. Eggs plain blue or white,.unspotted.

a. Feet very stout, reaching nearly to the end of the tail. Species terrestrial.

Calamospiza. Bill moderate, the commissure with a deep angle posteriorly and
prominent lobe behind it; anteriorly nearly straight; commissure of lower man-
dible with a prominent angle. Outer toe longer than the inner, both nearly as
long as the posterior. Outerfourprimaries about equal, and abruptly longer than
the rest. Tertials nearly equal to primaries. ‘Tail-feathers broad at tips. Color
black with white spot on wing in male, brownish streaks in female. Neston or
near ground; eggs plain pale blue.
Spiza. Bill weaker, the commissure with a more shallow angle, and much less
prominent sinuation behind it; anteriorly distinctly sinuated. Outer toe shorter
than inner, both much shorter than the posterior one. First primary longest, the
rest successively shorter. Tertials but little longer than secondaries. Tail-
feathers attenuated at tips. Color: back brown streaked with black; throat
white; jugulum yellow or ashy; with or without black spot on fore neck. A yel-
low or white superciliary stripe. Nest on or near ground; eggs plain pale blue.

b. Feet weaker, scarcely reaching beyond lower tail-coverts; species arboreal,

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 291

a. Size large (wing more than 8.50 inches)

Habia. Upper mandible much swollen laterally. Colors: no blue; upper parts
conspicuously different from the lower. Wings and tail with white patches; axil-
lars and lining of wing yellow orred. Female streaked. Nest ina tree or bush;
eggs greenish, thickly spotted.

Guiraca. Upper mandible flat laterally. Colors: Male deep blue, with two rufous
bands on wings; no white patches on wings or tail; axillars and lining of wing
blue; female olive-brown without streaks. Nest in a bush; eggs plain bluish
white.

b. Size very small (wing less than 8.00 inches).

Passerina. Similar in form to Gwiraca,, but culmen more curved, mandible more
shallow, the angle and sinuations of the commissure less conspicuous. Color:
Males more or less blue, without any bands on wing (except in C. amena, in
which they are white); female olive-brownish. Nest inabush; eggs plain bluish
white (except in 0. ciris, in which they have reddish spots).

B. Wing and tail about equal. The smallest of American Conirostres. Nestin bushes.

Eggs white, spotted.

Sporophila, Bill very short and broad, scarcely longer than high, not compressed;
eulmen greatly curved. Color chiefly black and white, or brown and gray.
Enetheia. Bill more triangular, decidedly longer than deep, much compressed;
eulmen only slightly curved, or perfectly straight. Colors dull olive-green and
blackish, with or without yellow about the head.

C. Wing much shorter than the tail.

a. Headecrested. Prevailing colorred. Bill red, orange, yellow, or whitish.
Pyrrhuloxia, Bill pyrrhuline, very short, and with the culmen greatly convex;
shorter than high. Hind claw less thanits digit; not much larger than the mid-
dle anterior one. Tarsus equal to the middle toe. Nest in bush or low tree; eggs
white, spotted with lilac and olive.

Cardinalis, Bill coccothraustine, very large; culmen very slightly convex. Wing:
more rounded. Feet as in the last, except that the tarsus is longer than the mid-
dle.toe. Nest in bush or low tree; eggs white, spotted with lilac and olive.

b. Head not crested. Colors black, brown, or olive, without red. Bill dusky, or

bluish.
Pipilo, Bill moderate; culmen and commissure curved. Hind claw very large
and strong; longer than its digit. Tarsus less than the middle toe. Neston
ground orin low bush; eggs white sprinkled with red, or pale blue with black
dots and lines around larger end.

Genus PIPILO Viem.1or.

Pipilo Viretmuor, Analyse, 1816, 32. Type, Fringilla erythropthalma Linn.

“GrEN. CHAR. Bill rather stout; the culmen gently curved, the gonys nearly straight,
the commissure gently concave, with a decided notch near the end; the lower jaw not
so deep as the upper; not as wide as the gonys is long, but wider than the base of the
upper mandible. Feet large, the tarsus as long as ora little longer than the middle toe;
the outer lateral toe a little the longer, and reaching alittle beyond the base of the middle
claw. The hind claw about equal to its toe; the two together about equal to the outer toe.
Claws all stout, compressed, and moderately curved; in some western specimens the
claws much larger. Wings reaching about to the end of the upper tail-coverts; shortand
rounded, though the primaries are considerably longer than the nearly equal secondaries
and tertials; the outer four quills are graduated,—the first considerably shorter than the
second, and about as long as the secondaries. Tail considerably longer than the wings,
moderately graduated externally; the feathers rather broad, most rounded off on the
inner webs at the end. The colors vary; the upper parts are generally uniform black or
brown, sometimes olive; the under white or brown; no central streaks on the feathers,
The hood sometimes differently colored.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

292 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

As in the case of Passerella, this genus has a single eastern rep-
resentative, with several western congeneric, if not conspecific,
forms. Pipilo, however, reaches its maximum development in Mex-
ico, where are special species not found elsewhere. One of these
Mexican species (P. maculatus, Swatys.) passes by gradual transi-
tion into P. arcticus, Swatns., on the eastern slope of the Rocky
Mountains, and P. megalonyx, Batrp, on the western side of the same
range. The latter gradually blends into P. oregonus, Bry, in the
northern coast range of California, and the excessively - humid,
densely wooded Pacific water-shed to the northward. An approach
to an intergradation between P. arcticus and the eastern P. erythroph-
thalmus was first noted by Professor Baird, in “Birds of North
America,” p. 5138, where mention is made of a specimen from Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas, which had “a few white spots on the scapu-
lars only, the wing-coverts without them, exhibiting an approach to
P. arcticus.” On this basis the conspecific relation of the two forms
has been argued by at least one author; but the circumstance that
two examples of similar character (one of them even more dis-
tinetly spotted than the Fort Leavenworth specimen) have been
obtained in the vicinity of Washington, D. C., shows how slow we
should be to base so important a conclusion upon a fact of this
character, however suggestive it may be. Many mistakes of the
kind haye been made by thus assuming intergradation without
sufficient evidence to support the assumption.

Pipilo erythrophthalmus (Linn.)

TOWHEE.

Popular synonyms. Jaree; Chewink; Towink; Ground Robin; Turkey Sparrow.

Fringilla erythrophthalma Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i,1766,318—Nutr. Man. i, 1882,515.—AUuD.
Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 150; v, 1839, 511, pl. 29.
Emberiza erythrophthalma GME. 8. N. i, 1788, 874.—Wiis. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 90, pl. 53.
Pipilo erythrophthalma VIEILu1. Gal. Ois. i, 1824, 109, pl. 80.—AUD. Synop. 1889, 124; B.
Am. iii, 1841, 167, pl. 195.—Barrp, B. N. Am, 1858,512; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 391.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 151; Check List, 1873, No. 204; 2d ed. 1882, No. 301; B. N. W. 1874,173.—
B. B.& R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874,106, 109, pl. 31, figs. 2,3.—RmpGw. Nom. N. Am. B,
1881, No. 237.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces. west to Minnesota, eastern Kan-
sas, and eastern Texas, resident south of 40°. (In Floridareplaced by P. erythrophthalmus
alleni, a smaller race, with white of wings and tail more restricted, and eyes yellowish
or white instead of bright red.)

“Sp, CHAR. Upper parts generally, head and neck all round, and upper part of the
breast, glossy black, abruptly defined against the pure white which extends to the anus,
but is bounded on the sides and under the wings by light chestnut, which is sometimes

FRINGILLIDAX—THE FINCHES. 293

streaked externally with black. Feathers of throat white in the middle. Under tail-
eoverts similar to sides, but paler. Edges of outer six primaries with white at the base
and onthe middle of the outer web. Inner two tertiaries also edged externally with
white. Tail feathers black; outer web of the first, with the ends of the first to the third,
white, decreasing from the exterior one. Outermost quill usually shorter than ninth, or
even than secondaries; fourth quill longest, fifth searcely shorter. Iris red; said to be
sometimes paler, or even white, in winter. Length,8.75; wing, 3.75; tail, 4.10, Bill black;
legs flesh-color. Female with black replaced by a rather rufous brown.”

“The tail feathers are only moderately graduated on the sides;
the outer about .40 of an inch shorter than the middle. The outer
tail-feather has the terminal half white, the outline transverse; the
white of the second is about half as long as that of the first; of
the third half that of the second. The chestnut of the sides reaches
forward to the back of the neck, and is visible when the wings are
closed.

“A young bird has the prevailing color reddish olive above, spotted
with lighter; beneath brownish white, streaked thickly with brown.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

Next to the splendid Cardinal, the Chewink is decidedly the finest
of our terrestrial Fringillide, and in some respects is, perhaps, the
most attractive of all. Without brilliant or gaudy coloring, his
plumage is yet handsome by reason of its bold contrasts. His notes
possess a peculiar charm, and notwithstanding his abode is in the
thickets of the wildwood and the remote corners of the farm, no
bird is more confiding in the presence of man.

The distribution of this species within the State is very general,
thickets only being a condition of its presence. In the southern
portion it is a permanent resident, but northward it departs in
winter.

“Thickets, bushy pastures and barren tracts on the higher grounds
are the favorite resorts of this species. It comes early, reaching the
Middle States in April. The bottom poles of an old rail fence,
among the briars by the woods, is very likely to be its thorough-
fare; and at all times it keeps for the most part on or near the
ground. Sit down quietly in the thicket, and you will hear its
sharp rustle, as it scratches among the dry leaves,—this hen-like
scratching, probably in search of food, being one of its marked
characteristics of habit. As it flits from bush to bush, never flying
far nor high, you can hear the whir-r-r-r of its short, rounded,
concave wings, and as it opens its long, fan-like tail with a jerking
motion, the white markings contrast strongly with the jet-black
figure. It hops, and sidles, and dodges about, in and out through

294 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the brush-piles, the brambles, and the thicket, with a nervous,
sparrow-like movement, its tail being often thrown up, after the
manner of the Chat or Wren. Frequently it calls out chewink, or
towhee, with a sharp and somewhat prolonged aspirate on the sec-
ond syllable, thus rendering either of these words, which have
become its common names, very distinctly; but in order to get the
exact effect, the words must be pronounced just so,—with just such
an emphasis and intonation.” (“Our Birds in their Haunts,” pp.
577, 578.)

Genus CARDINALIS Bonaparte.

Cardinalis BONAPARTE, P. Z. 8. 1837, 11. Type, Loxia cardinalis LINN.

“Grn. CHAR. Bill enormously large; culmen very slightly curved, commissure sinu-
ated; lower jaw broader than the length of the gonys, considerably wider than the upper
jaw, about as deep as the latter. Tarsi longer than middle toe; outer toe rather the
longer, reaching a little beyond the base of the middle one; hind toe not solong. Wings
moderate, reaching over the basal third of the exposed part of the tail. Four outer quills,
graduated; the firstequal tothe secondaries. Tail long, decidedly longer than the wings,
considerably graduated; feathers broad, truncated a little obliquely at the end, the cor-
ners rounded. Color red [in adult male]. Head crested. a

“The essential characters of this genus are the crested head;
very large and thick bill, extending far back on the forehead, and
only moderately curved above; tarsus longer than middle toe; much
graduated wings, the first primary equal to the secondary quills;
the long tail exceeding the wings, broad and much graduated at
the end.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Only one species in eastern North America, and none in the
west, except along the southern border, where two geographical races,
C. cardinalis superbus, Ripew., and C. igneus, Barrp, occurin Arizona
and at Cape St. Lucas respectively. In eastern Mexico C. virginia-
nus coccineus, Ripew., replaces C. cardinalis proper and C. superbus,
the latter, however, being the only form in western Mexico. A second
species, C. carneus, Luss., belongs to the western coast of Central
America (Acapuleo to Realejo), while a third, C. pheniceus, GouLp,
is found in northern South America.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES, 295

Cardinalis cardinalis (Linn.)

CARDINAL.

Popular synonyms. Redbird; Crested Redbird; Top-knot Redbird; Cardinal Grosbeek;
Cardinal Redbird; Corn-cracker;: Virginian Redbird; Virginia Nightingale.
Lozia cardinalis Linn. 8. N.ed. 10, i, 1758, 172; ed. 12, i, 1766,300.—Wixs. Am. Orn. ii, 1810,

38, pl. 6, figs. 1,2.
Fringilla cardinalis Br. 1828.—Nurv. Man. i,1832,519.—AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 336, pl. 159.
Pitylus cardinalis Aup. Synop. 1839, 131; B. Am. iii, 1841, 198, pl. 203.
Cardinalis virginianus Bp. List, 1838, 35.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858,509; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 390.—Covgs, Key, 1872,151; Check List, 1874, No. 203; 2d ed. 1882, No. 299; B. N.
W. 1874,172.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 100, pl. 30, flgs. 6,7,—Ripaw. Nom. N.
Am. B. 1881, No. 242.

Has. Eastern United States, chiefly south of 40°, but occasionally in New York, Con-
necticut, Massachusetts, etc.; west to Nebraska, Kansas, Indian Territory, and Texas.
Resident wherever found.

Sp.CHar. Adult male. Uniform vermilion-red, pure beneath, darker and more
brownish above. Lores, anterior portion of malar region, chin, and throat, black, this
color meeting across forehead at base of culmen. Bill bright vermilion; iris brown;
feet horn-color. Adult female. Bill, eyes, and feetasinthe male. Red of head and
body replaced by olive-gray above, and grayish buff or pale fulvous below, the crest,
sometimes also the breast, tinged with red. Black of throat, etc., replaced by grayish.
Young. Billdusky. Plumage much as in the adult female, but browner.

Male. Totallength, 8.75-9.25 inches; extent, 11.10-12.25; wing, 3.75-4.05; tail, 4.10-4.65;
culmen,.75; depth of bill at base, .58-.65.

Female. Total length, 8.25-8.45; extent, 11.25-11.50; wing, 3.40-3.80; tail, 3.85~4.40.

The Cardinal Grosbeak is truly one of the glories of our bird-
fauna, being unapproachable in the combination of proud bearing
and gaudy coloring, and unexcelled in certain qualities of song.
Many writers have pronounced his song monotonous, but these
have certainly not heard him at his best. The verdict is undoubt-
edly a just one when applied to many that we have heard; but
there is probably more individual variation in quality of song in
this bird than in any other. We have listened with peculiar pleas-
ure to some whose vocal performance was characterized by a clear-
ness and mellow richness of tone, a tender and passionate expres-
sion, and persistent vigor, that together were wholly unique. Even
the females are good singers, though, as a rule, inferior to the
males, and it is extremely probable that the impressions which
some writers have received were derived from the songs of birds of
this sex.

In the southern portion of the State, few birds are more abund-
ant, it being a common thing in some localities to hear several
males singing in earnest rivalry; and the writer has at one time

296 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

seen three males and two females near together, picking up corn
which had been dropped upon a railroad track from a passing
train. Except possibly in the extreme northern portion of the
State it is a permanent resident, being apparently not affected in
the least by changes in the weather.

Genus HABIA ReicHenpacH.

Habia Retcu. Syst. Av. June 1, 1850, pl. xxviii. Type Guiraca melanocephala SwAIns.
Hedymeles CaABAN. Mus. Hein. i, 1851,153. Type Loria ludoviciana Linn.
Zamelodia Cougs, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, April, 1880,98. Same type.

“Gen. CHar. Bill very large,much swollen; lower mandible scarcely deeper than
the upper; feet almost coccothraustine; tarsi and toes very short, the claws stronger and
much curved, though blunt. First four primaries longest, and nearly equal, abruptly
larger than the fifth. Tail broad, perfectly square. Colors: Black, white and red, or
black, cinnamon, yellow, and white, on the male; the females brownish, streaked, with
the axillars and lining of the yellow.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The only known species of this genus are North American and
may be distinguished as follows:

Common CHARACTERS. Males. Headand upperparts (except rump) deep black. Two
broad bands across coverts, a large patch on base of primaries, and terminal half of inner
webs of tail-feathers, pure white. Breast carmine or cinnamon; axillars and lining of
wing carmine or gamboge. Females. Black replaced by ochraceous brown; other parts
more streaked.

H. ludoviciana. Rump and lower parts white; lining of wing, and patch on breast,
rosy carmine. Nonuchalcollar. Female. Lining of wing saffron-yellow; breast
with numerous streaks. Hab. Eastern Province of North America, south, in
winter, to Ecuador.

H. melanocephala. Rump and lower parts cinnamon; lining of wing and middle of
abdomen gamboge-yellow. A nuchal collar of cinnamon. Female. Lining of
wing lemon-yellow; breast without streaks; abdomen tinged with lemon-yellow.

Habia ludoviciana (Linn.)

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

Popular synonyms. Rosc-breasted Song Grosbeak; Red-breasted Grosbeak; Potato-
bug Bird.
Loria ludoviciana Lin. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 306.—Wrus. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 135, pl. 17, fig. 2.
Fringilla ludoviciana Bp.—Notr. Man. i, 1832, 527.—AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 166; v, 1839.
513, pl. 127.
Guiraca ludoviciana Sw. 1837.—Batmp, B. N. Am. 1858, 497; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 380.
Goniaphea ludoviciana *“*Bowpr1rcH” Cougs, Key, 1872, 148; Check List, 1874, No. 193;
B. N. W. 1874, 166.
Coccoborus ludovicianus AUD. Synop. 1839, 133; B. Am. iii, 1841, 209, pl. 205.
Hedymeles ludovicianus CABAN. 1851.—B. B. & RK. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 70, pl. 30, figs. 4, 5.
Zamelodia ludoviciana Cours, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vy, April, 1880, 98; 2d Check List,
1882, No. 289.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 244.
Lozia rosea Wis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 135.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 297

Has. Eastern temperate North America, breeding from about 40° (approximately)
north to Labrador and the Saskatchewan; winters in Cuba, eastern Mexico, Central
America, and northern South America, as far as Ecuador.

“Sp. Coan. Upper parts generally, with head and neck all round, glossy black. A
broad crescent across the upper part of the breast,extending narrowly down to the belly,
axillaries, and under wing-coverts, carmine. Rest of under parts,rump,and upper tail-
coverts, middle wing-coverts, spots on the tertiaries and inner great wing-coverts, basal
half of primaries and secondaries, and a large patch on the ends of the inner webs of the
outer three tail-feathers, pure white. Length, 8.50 inches; wing, 4.15.

“Female without the white of quills, tail,and rump, and without any black or red.
Above yellowish brown streaked with darker; head with a central stripe above, anda
superciliary on each side, white. Beneath dirty white, streaked with brown on the breast
and sides. Under wing-coverts and axillars saffron-yellow.

“In the male the black feathers of the back and sides of the neck have a subterminal
white bar. There are a few black spots on the sides of the breast just below the red.

“The young male of the year is like the female, except in having the axillaries, under
wing-coverts, and a trace of a patch on the breast, light rose-red.

“The depth of the carmine tint on the under parts varies a good deal in different speci-
mens, but it is always of the same rosy hue.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

As may be conjectured from its name, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak
is a lovely bird, the fully adult male being decked with a tricolored
plumage of deepest black, purest white, and richest rose-red. In
the southern portion of the State the species is transient, passing
rather hurriedly through in spring and fall; but in the northern
portions (perhaps more than the northern half), it is a summer
resident. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is even more remarkable for
its beautiful song than for its richness of plumage, and is therefore,
and also on account of other qualities which commend it, highly
prized as a cage-bird. Says Dr. Brewer :*

“Dr. Hoy, of Racine, supplies some interesting information in
regard to the habits and nesting of this species. On the 15th of
June, within six miles of that city, he found seven nests, all within
a space of not over five acres, and he was assured that each year
they resort to the same locality and nest thus socially. Six of
these nests were in thorn-trees, all within six to ten feet from the
ground, and all were in the central portion of the top. Three of
the four parent birds sitting on the nests were males, and this he
was told was usually the case. When a nest was disturbed, all the
neighboring Grosbeaks gathered around and appeared equally inter-
ested. Both nest and eggs so closely resemble those of the Tanagers
that it is difficult to distinguish them. Their position is, however,
usually different, the Grosbeaks generally nesting in the central por-
tion of a small tree, the Tanagers being placed on a horizontal
limb.”

*Hist. N. Am. B. vol. fi, pp. 72,73.

298 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Nor is the Rose-breasted Grosbeak purely an ornamental bird.
On the other hand he is one of the most useful that we have as a
destroyer of noxious insects. In many parts of the Mississippi
Valley he is known as the ‘‘Potato-bug Bird,” from the fact that he
is particularly fond of that most disastrous pest of the farmer.

Genus GUIRACA Swarmson.

Guiraca Swarnson, Zool. Jour. iii, Nov. 1827,350. Type, Loria cerulea LINN.

“Grn. CHAR. Bill very large, nearly as high as long; the culmen slightly curved
with a rather sharp ridge; the commissure conspicuously angulated just below the nos-
tril, the posterior leg of the angle nearly as long as the anterior, both nearly straight.
Lower jaw deeper than the upper, and extending much behind the forehead; the width
greater than the length of the gonys,considerably wider than the upper jaw. A promi-
nent knob inthe roof of the mouth. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe; the outer toe a
little longer, reaching not quite to the base of the middle claw; hind toe rather longer
than to this base. Wings long, reaching to the middle of the tail; the secondaries and
tertials nearly equal; the second quill longest; the first less than the fourth. Tail very
nearly even, shorter than the wings.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Guiraca ceerulea (Linn.)

BLUE GROSBEAK.

Lozxia cerulea Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758,175; ed. 12, i,1766, 306.—Wrns. Am. Orn. iii, 1811,78,

pl. 24, fig. 6.

Guiraca cerulea SWAIns. 1827.—Barep, B. N. Am. 1858, 499; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 382.
—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 77, pl. 29, figs. 4,5.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B, 1881,
No. 246.—Covugs, 2d Check List, 1882, No* 291.

Fringilla cerulea ‘“‘Iuu.” Licur. Preis-Verz. 1823,22.—AupD. Synop. 1839, 132.

Goniaphia cerulea Scu. 1856.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 149; Check List, 1874, No. 195; B. N. W.
1874, 169.

Haz. Southern United States, from Atlantic to Pacific (very local, and irregularly dis-
tributed); north to Kansas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut (occasionally) or even
to Maine and Canada (accidentally).

“Sp. CHAR. Brilliant blue; darker across the middle of the back. Space around base
of bill and lores, with tail-feathers, black. Two bands on the wing across the tips of the
middle and secondary coverts, with outer edges of tertiaries,reddish brown, or perhaps
chestnut. Feathers on the posterior portion of the under surface tipped narrowly with
grayish white. Length, 7.25; wing, 3.50; tail, 2.80.

“Female yellowish brown above, brownish yellow beneath; darkest across the breast.
Wing-coverts and tertials broadly edged with brownish yellow. Sometimes a faint
trace of blue on the tail. The young resembles the female.

“Males from the Pacific coast region (California, Colima, etc.)
have tails considerably longer than eastern specimens, while those
from California are of a much lighter and less purplish blue, the
difference being much the same as between .Sialia sialis and S.
azured.

FRINGILLIDHX—THE FINCHES. 299

“Autumnal and winter males have the feathers generally, espe-
cially on the back and breast, tipped with light brown, obscuring
somewhat the blue, though producing a beautiful appearance.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

So far as we know from the published records, and according to
the author’s experience, the Blue Grosbeak would appear to be a
rare bird in Illinois, even in the southern part of the State. This,
considering the fact that it is not uncommon in other portions of
the country in the same latitudes, both along the Atlantic coast and
in the interior, as well as in California, is inexplicable, unless to be
accounted for by the supposition that it has been overlooked by
collectors or that it may be not uncommon in portions of the State
where no ornithological investigations have been made. That both
explanations are in a measure correct is extremely probable; for not
only is the Blue Grosbeak a very local bird, but it is also, not-
withstanding its size, a very inconspicuous one. Unless seen under
the most favorable circumstances the adult male does not appear
to be blue, but of an ill-defined dusky color, and may easily be
mistaken for a Cow Blackbird (Molothrus ater) unless most carefully
watched; besides, they usually sit motionless, in a watchful attitude,
for a considerable length of time, and thus easily escape observation.

The Blue Grosbeak frequents much the same localities as those
selected by the Indigo Bird and Field Sparrow, viz., the thickets of
shrubs, briers and tall weeds lining a stream flowing across a
meadow or bordering a field, or the similar growth which has sprung
up in an old clearmg. The usual note is a strong harsh ptchick,
and the song of the male a very beautiful, though rather feeble, warble,
somewhat like that of the Purple Finch, but bearing a slight resem-
blance also to that of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The nest and eggs
are like a larger “edition” of those of the Indigo Bird. At least two
broods are raised during a season, the writer having found a brood of
young, just beginning to fly, on the 13th of September, in Fairfax
county, Virginia, where the species was somewhat common.

Genus PASSERINA Vier1or.

Passerina VrEIuuo7, Analyse, 1816, 30. Type, Tanagra cyanea LINN.
Cyanospiza BAtRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 500. Same Type.

“Grn. CHAR. Bill deep at the base, compressed; the upper outline considerably
eurved; the commissure rather concave, with an obtuse, shallow lobe in the middle.
Gonys slightly curved. Feet moderate; tarsus about equal to middle toe; the outer
lateral toe barely longer than the inner, its claws falling short of the base of the middle;
hind toe about equal to the middle without claw. Claws all much curved, acute. Wings

800 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

long and pointed, reaching nearly to the middle of the tail; the second and third quills
longest. Tail appreciably shorter than the wings; rather narrow, very nearly even.

“The species of this genus are all of very small size, and of showy plumage, usually
blue, red, or green, in well-defined areas. The females plain olivaceous or brownish;
paler beneath.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The four species of this genus which have been known to occur
in the Eastern Proyince of the United States may be distinguished
by the following characters:

A. Wing with two light bands.

1. P.amena. Male: Head, neck, and upper parts verditer-blue, duller on the back;
breast cinnamon-rufous, the other lower parts white. Memale: Above grayish
brown, the rump tinged with blue; beneath fulyous-white, the breast more buffy.

B. Wing without light bands.

2. P.cyanea, Male: Uniform rich greenish cobalt-blue, the head more ultramarine
orsmalt blue. Female: Above dull brown; below brownish white, the breast
with indistinct darker streaks.

3. P. versicolor. Cutting edge of upper mandible very concave, and culmen much
arched. Male: Bluish purple, the ramp und forehead purplish blue, eyelids and
occiput dullred. Female: Above grayish brown, beneath brownish white.

4. P.ciris. Male: Eyelids and lower parts vermilion-red; rest of head purplish
blue; back bright yellowish green; rump dull red. Female: Dull grass-green
above, olivaceous yellow beneath. (Young male similar.)

Passerina cyanea (Linn.)

INDIGO BUNTING.

Popular synonyms. Indigo Bird; Green Bird; Blue Linnet; Green Linnet.

Tanagra cyanea LINN. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 315.

Fringilla cyanea Wiis. Am. Orn. i, 1810, 100, pl. 6, fig. 5—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 473.—AuD.
Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 377; v, 1839, 503, pl. 74. ;

Passerina cyanea ViErLu. Nom. Dict. xxv, 1817, 7; 2d Check List, 1882, No. 295.—Ripew.
Nom. N, Am. B. 1881, No. 248.

Spiza cyanea BP. 1838.—AuD. Synop. 1839, 109; B. Am. iii, 1841, 96, pl. 170.

Cyanospiza cyanea BAIRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 505; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 387—Covuss,
Key, 1872, 150; Check List, 1874, No. 199; B. N. W. 1874, 171.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am.
B. ii, 1874, 82, pl. 30, figs. 13, 17.

Has. Eastern United States, north to Maine and Canada, west to the edge of the
Great Plains; winters in Central America and Cuba.

“Sp. CHar. Male. Blue, tinged with ultramarine on the head, throat, and middle of
breast; elsewhere with verdigris-green. Lores and anterior angle of chin velvet-black.
Wing-feathers brown, edged externally with dull bluish brown. Female. Brown above;
whitish, obscurely streaked or blotched with brownish yellow, beneath; tinged with
blue on shoulders, edges of larger feathers, and on rump. Immature males similar,
variously blotehed with blue. Very young birds streaked beneath. Length, about 5.75
inches; wing nearly 3.00.

“In this species, which may be considered the type of the genus,
the tail is shghtly emarginate; the second quill is longest, the first
shorter than the fourth.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 301

This exquisite little bird, so inappropriately named Indigo Bird—
for the blue color of the male is not at all like the color of
indigo, but on the contrary is the richest cerulean-blue, shading
into ultramarine,—is one of our most abundant and most generally
distributed summer residents. It is an associate of the Field Spar-
row, Maryland Yellow-throat, Yellow-breasted Chat, and other birds
which frequent thickets about the borders of fields, and its sprightly
and vigorous, though somewhat harsh song is heard throughout the
sultry days of summer, as the singer occupies a prominent position
on the summit of a tree, or, as is frequently the case, on a tele-
graph wire along a railroad.

Passerina ciris (Linn.)
PAINTED BUNTING.

Popular synonyms. Painted Finch; Nonpareil.
Emberiza ciris Linn. 8.N. ed. 10, i, 1758. 177; ed. 12,1, 1766, 313.
Fringilla ciris Wis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 68, pl. 24, figs. 1,2—AupD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1832, 279;

vy, 517, pl. 53.
Passerina ciris ViEtwu. Gal. Ois. i, 1824, 81, pl. 66.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No,

251.—CouEs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 292.
Spiza ciris AUD. Synop. 1839,108; B. Am. iii, 1841, 93, pl. 169.
Cyanospiza ciris BAtRD, B. N. Am. 1858,503; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 384.—Cougs, Key,
1872, 149; Check List 1874, No. 196.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 87, pl. 29,
figs. 7,8.

Has. Southern Atlantic and Gulf States, north to South Carolina and southern
Illinois, west to Arizona; south in winter to Panama.

“Sp.CHar. Male. Head and neck all around ultramarine blue, excepting a narrow
stripe from the chin to the breast, which, with the under parts generally, the eyelids,and
the rump (which is tinged with purplish), are vermilion-red. Edges of chin, loralregion,
greater wing-coverts,inner tertiary,and interscapular region,green; the middle of the
latter glossed with yellow. Tail-feathers, lesser wing-coverts, and outer webs of quills,
purplish blue. Length about 5.50 inches; wing, 2.70.

“Female, Clear dark green above; yellowish beneath. Young, like female.

“Tail very slightly emarginated and rounded; second, third, and
fourth quills equal; first rather shorter than the fifth.

“The female is readily distinguishable from that of P. cyanea by
the green instead of the dull brown of the back, and the yellow of
the under parts.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The plumage of the Nonpareil, although brilliant, can scarcely be
called beautiful, since there is an entire lack of harmony in his
tints. The name Painted Bunting is therefore peculiarly appropriate,

802 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the juxtaposition of noncomplimentary colors—green, blue, and red
—strongly suggesting the inartistic “daubing” of a juvenile would-
be artist.

So far as the records are concerned, this species claims a place
in the Illinois fauna, from the circumstance that a female was
seen by the writer on June 10, 1871, close by the roadside, in
Wabash county, and under circumstances which allow of no doubt as
to correct identification. The date and also the character of the
locality suggest the possibility, if not probability, that a pair were
breeding in that vicinity. It will doubtless yet be found breeding
in the more southern portions of the State.

The eggs of this species are very different from those of the
Indigo Bird, being heavily spotted round the larger end with reddish
brown.

Genus SPIZA Bonaparte.

Spiza BonAP. Jour. Phil. Ac. iv, pt. i, Aug. 1824,45.—Type, Emberiza americana GMEL.
Euspiza BONAP. Saggio, 1832,141. Same type.
Euspina CABAN. Mus. Hein. i, May, 1851, 1338. Same type.

“Gen. Cuan. Bill large and strong,swollen, and without any ridges; the lower man-
dible nearly as high as the upper; as broad at the base as the length of the gonys, and
considerably broader than the upper mandible; the edges much inflexed, and shutting
much within the upper mandible; the commissure considerably angulated at the base,
then decidedly sinuated. The tarsus barely equal to the middle toe; the lateral toes
nearly equal, not reaching to the base ofthe middle claw; the hind toe about equal to the
middle one without its claw. The wings long and acute, reaching nearly to the middle
of the tail; the tertials decidedly longer than the secondaries, but much shorter than the
primaries; first quill longest, the others regularly graduated. Tail considerably shorter
than the wings, though moderately long; nearly even, although slightly emarginate; .
the outer feathers scarcely shorter. Middle of back only striped; beneath without
streaks.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This genus comes nearest to Calamospiza, but has shorter tertials,
more slender bill, weaker and more curved claws, etc. It is entirely
peculiar to North America,* and contains, so far as known, only
two species, one of which is so very rare that but a single specimen
has ever been obtained.

*An Old World Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala Scop.) has been referred to Euspiza,

even by some of the leading European authorities; butit is not only generically distinct,
but a member of quite a different group of the Family.

FRINGILLIDE—THE FINCHES. 803

SPECIES.

§. americana, Top and side of head light slate, or ash-gray; forehead tinged with
greenish yellow. Asuperciliary stripe, a malar spot, side of breast, and middle line of
breast and belly, yellow. Chin white, throat black, shoulders chestnut. Female with
the black of the throat replaced by a crescent of spots. Hab. Eastern Province of United
States; south in winter to New Granada.

S. townsendi. Body throughout (including the jugulum), dark ash, tinged with brown-
ish on the back and wings. Superciliary and malar stripes, chin, throat, and middle of
belly, white. A submalar line anda pectoral crescent of black spots. No chestnut on
shoulders. Hab. Chester county, Pennsylvania,

Spiza americana (Linn.)
DICK CISSEL,

Popular synonyms. Black-throated Bunting; Little Field Lark; Little Meadowlark.
Emberiza americana GMEL. 8. N. i,1788,871.—Wis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 411; iii, 1811, 86, pl.3.
fig. 2—Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 461.—AupD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 579, pl. 384; Synop. 1839, 101;
B. Am. iii, 1841, 58, pl. 156.
Euspiza americana BP. 1838.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 494; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 378.
—CouEs, Key, 1872, 148; Check List, 1874, No. 191; B. N. W. 1874, 165; B. B. & R. Hist.
N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 65, pl. 28, figs. 11,12.

Spiza americana Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. No. 254.—Covzs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 287.

Has. Eastern United States in summer, north to Connecticut and Massachusetts
(rarely); west to the Great Plains, and, during migration, to Arizona. Winters within the
Tropics, as far south as Colombia.

“Sp. Coan. Male. Sides of the head, and sides and back of the neck ash; crown
tinged with yellowish green and faintly streaked with dusky. A superciliary and short
maxillary line, middle of the breast, axillaries, and edge of the wing yellow. Chin, loral
region, patch on side of throat, belly,and under tail-coverts white. A black patch on the
throat diminishing to the breast, and endingin a spot on the upper part of the belly.
Wing-coverts chestnut. Interscapular region streaked with black; rest of back im-
maculate. Length, about 6.70; wing, 3.50.

“Female with the markings less distinctly indicated; the black of the breast re-
placed by a black maxillary line and streaked collar in the yellow of the upper part of
the breast.

“Among adult males, scarcely two individuals exactly alike can
be found. In some the black of the throat is continued in blotches
down the middle of the breast, while in others it is restricted to a
spot immediately under the head. These variations are not at all
dependent upon any difference of habitat, for specimens from
remote regions from each other may be found as nearly alike as
any from the same locality.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

While some other birds are equally numerous, there are few that
announce their presence as persistently as this species. All day
long, in spring and summer, the males, sometimes to the number
of a dozen or more for each meadow of considerable extent, perch

804 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

upon the summits of tall weed-stalks or fence-stakes, at short
intervals crying out: “See, see,—Dick, Dick-Cissel, Cissel;” therefore
“Dick Cissel” is well known to every farmer’s boy as well as to
all who visit the country during the season of clover-blooms and
wild roses, when “Dame Nature” is in her most joyous mood.

Perhaps the prevalent popular name of this species is “Little
Field Lark” or “Little Meadow Lark,” a name suggested by his
yellow breast and black jugular spot, which recall strongly the
similar markings of the Sturnella, and also the fact that the two
frequent similar localities. The name “Black-throated Bunting”
is probably never heard except from those who have learned it
from the books.

The location of the nest varies much with locality, though
probably not more than in the case of many other species. At
Mount Carmel, all that I found were in clover fields, and built
upon or very close to the ground. In Richland county they were
almost invariably built in small clumps of coarse weeds, at a height
of about a foot above the ground. In Wisconsin, however, accord-
ing to Dr. Brewer (Hist. N. Am. B. Vol. II., p. 68), Dr. P. R. Hoy,
of Racine has never found a nest within one foot of the ground,
some of them being as elevated as six feet. Of nineteen nests dis-
covered by Dr. Hoy during one season, “ten were built in goose-
berry bushes, four on thorn bushes, three among blackberry bushes,
one on a raspberry bush, and one on a wild rose.”

ICTERIDE—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 805

Fammy ICTERID24.—Tuae American OrRI0LEs.

_ “CHAR. Primaries nine. Tarsi scutellate anteriorly; plated behind. Bill long,
generally equal to the head or longer, straight, or gently curved, conical, without any
notch, the commissure bending downwards at an obtuse angle atthe base. Gonys
generally more than half the culmen, no bristles about the base of bill. Basal joint of
the middle toe free on the inner side; united half-way on the outer. Tail rather long, i
rounded. Legs short.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This family is one of those eminently characteristic of the New
World, all the species being peculiar to America. It is of course
most numerously represented within the Tropics.

Three “subfamilies” have been defined, but their limits are purely
arbitrary, it being in some cases difficult to decide whether a species
belongs to the genus Icterus or Agelaius, each typical, respectively,
of the so-called “Icterine” and “Agelaine.” These artificial sections
are thus defined in History of North American Birds (Vol. IL.,
page 147:

Agelaine. Bill shorter than, or about equal to, the head; thick, conical, both mandi-
bles about equal in depth; the outlines all more or less straight, the bill not decurved at
tip. Tail rather short, nearly even or slightly rounded. Legs longer than the head,
adapted for walking; claws moderately curved.

Icterinz, Bill rather slender, about as long as the head; either straight or decurved.
Lower mandible less thick than the upper; the commissure not sinuated. ‘Tarsi not
longer than the head, nor than middle toe; legs adapted for perching. Claws much
curved.

Quiscaline, Tail lengthened, considerably or excessively graduated. Bill as long as,
or longer than, the head; the culmen curved towards the end, the tip bent down, the
cutting edges inflexed, the commissure sinuated. Legs longer than the head, fitted for
walking.

The North American genera may be thus arranged under their re-
spective “subfamily” headings :

Subfamily Agelaine.

A. Billshorter than the head. Feathers of head and nostrils as in B.
1. Dolichonyx. Tailfeathers with rigid stiffened acuminate points. Middle toe
very long, exceeding the head.
2. Molothrus, Tail with the feathers simple; middle toe shorter than the tarsus or
head.
B. Billas long asthe head. Feathers of crown soft. Nostrils covered by a scale which
is directed more or less downwards.

806 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

8. Agelaius, First quill shorter than the second and third. Outer lateral claws
scarcely reaching to the base of middle; claws moderate.
4. Xanthocephalus, First quill longest Outer lateral claw reaching nearly to the
tip of the middle. Toes and claws all much elongated.
C. Billas long as, orlonger than, the head. Feathers of crown with the shafts pro-
longed into stiffened bristles. Nostrils covered by a scale which stands out more or less
horizontally.
5. Sturnella, Tailfeathers acute. Middle toe equal to the tarsus,

Subfamily Icterine.

6. Icterus. Bill slender, acute, sometimes slightly decurved, about as long as, ora
little shorter than, the head. Nostrilsasin Agelaius. Tail rounded or graduated
about as long as, or slightly longer than, the wing.*

Subfamily Quiscaline.

7. Scolecophagus, Tail shorter than the wings; nearly even. Bill shorter than the

head.
8 Quiscalus. Taillongerthan the wings; muchgraduated. Billas long as, orlonger

than, the head.

The three so-called subfamilies represent, superficially, three Old
World families; viz.: The Agelaine may be said to correspond to
the Starlings (Stwrnide), and have been called the American Star-
lings; the Icterine may likewise be compared with the Orioles
(Oriolide), and in fact currently, though very improperly, bear the
same name. For want of a more distinctive term, that of American
Orioles is perhaps defensible, the name “Hang-nests,” while very
appropriate for the Icterine, lacking sufficiently exclusive pertinence
to make it preferable. The Quiscaline are very appropriately called
Crow-Blackbirds, but they have been termed Grakles by many
authors, on account of a supposed resemblance to the true Grakles,
or Minos, (Graculide) of Southern Asia.

Some of the Agelaine (notably the genera Dolichonyx and Moloth-
rus) present a very close resemblance to certain Fringillide in their
general form, especially in the shortness and conical shape of the
bill. They may, however, be readily separated by the family char-
acters, aS given on page 43.

All of the genera characterized in the above synopsis belong to
the Illinois fauna, no others oecurring in North America.

* Decidedly shorter than the wing in the subgenus Yphantes, to which the Baltimore
and Bullock’s Orioles (J, galbula and J. bullocki) belong.

ICTERIDAX—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 3807

Grnus DOLICHONY=X Swainson.

Dolichonyz Swarnson, Zool. Journ. iii, 1827, 351. Type, Emberiza oryzivora LINN.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill,short, stout, conical, little more than half the head; the commissure
slightly sinuated; the culmen nearly straight. Middle toe considerably longer than the
tarsus (which is about as long as the head); the inner lateral toe longest, but not reach-
ing the base of the middle claw. Wingslong; first quill longer. Tail-feathers acumi-
nately pointed at the tip, with the shaft stiffened and rigid, as in the Woodpeckers.

“The peculiar characteristic of this genus is found in the rigid
acuminate tail-feathers and the very long middle toe, by means of
which it is enabled to grasp the vertical stems of reeds or other
slender plants.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

A peculiarity in the plumage of the only known species is that
while the adult male in spring is deep black varied with buff nape
and whitish scapulars and rump, this livery is changed at the end
of the breeding season for a sober one of streaked yellowish, like
that worn by the female throughout the year.

Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linn.)

BOBOLINK.

Popular synonyms, Bob Lincoln; Skunk Blackbird (Northern States); Reed Bird, Orto-
lan (Atlantic coastin Autumn); Rice Bird (South Carolina and Georgia); Butter
Bird (Jamaica).

Emberiza oryzivora Linn. 8. N. ed. 10,i, 1758, 179; ed. 12, i, 1766, 311.—Wius, Am. Orn. ii,
1810, 48, pl. 12, figs. 1,2.

Dolichonysx oryzivorus Swatn’s Zool. Jour. iii, 1827,351.—Aupb. Synop. 1839, 138; B. Am.
iv, 1842, 10, pl. 211.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 522; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 399.—Covugs,
Key, 1872, 154; Check List, 1874, No. 210; B. N. W. 1874, 178; 2d Check List, 1882, No.
312.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 149, pl. 32, figs. 4,5.—Ripa@w. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 257.

Icterus agripennis Bonar. Obs. Wilson, 1824, No. 87.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832,185.—AupD. Orn.
Biog. i, 1881, 283; v, 1839, 486, pl. 54.

Has. Eastern North America,north to the Saskatchewan (lat. 60°), west to or even be-
yond the Rocky Mountains (Ruby Valley, Nevada, and Salt Lake Valley, Utah,in Septem-
ber); in winter, south through Middle America, West Indies, and South America, to
Bolivia, Argentine Republic, and Paraguay; Galapagos.

“Sp. Coan. General color of male in spring, black; the nape, brownish cream-color;
a patch on the side of the breast, the scapulars, and rump, white, shading into light ash
on the upper tail-coverts and the back below the interscapular region. The outer pri-
maries sharply margined with yellowish white; the tertials less abruptly; the tail-
feathers margined at the tips with pale brownish ash. In autumn totally different, re-
sembling the female.

“Female, yellowish beneath; two stripes on the top of the head,and the upper parts
throughout, except the back of the neck and rump, and including all the wing feathers
generally, dark brown,all edged with brownish yellow, which becomes whiter near the
tips of the quills. The sides sparsely streaked with dark brown, and a similar stripe
behind the eye. There is a superciliary and a median band of yellow on the head:
Length of male,7.70; wing,3.83; tail,3.15.” (Hist. N. Am. B. vol. ii, 149.) '

808 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

In History of North American Birds (Vol. IL., pp. 150, 151), Dr.
Brewer thus describes the habits and song of this species:

“In the earliest approaches of spring, in Louisiana, when small
flocks of male Bobolinks made their first appearance, they are said
by Mr. Audubon, to sing in concert; and their song thus given is
at once exceedingly novel, interesting, and striking. Uttered with a
volubility that even borders upon the burlesque and the ludicrous,
the whole effect is greatly heightened by the singular and striking
manner in which first one singer and then another, one following
the other, until all have joined their voices, take up the note and
strike in, after the leader has set the example and given the signal.
In this manner sometimes a party of thirty or forty Bobolinks will
begin, one after the other, until the whole unite in producing an
extraordinary medley, to which no pen can do justice, but which is
described as very pleasant to listen to. All at once the music ceases
with a suddenness not less striking and extraordinary. These con-
certs are repeated from time to time, usually as often as the flock
alights. * * * In New England the Bobolink treats us to no
such concerts as those described by Audubon, where many voices
join in creating their peculiar, jingling melody. When they first ap-
pear, usually after the middle of May, they are in small parties,
composed of either sex, absorbed in their courtships and overflow-
ing with song. When two or three male Bobolinks, decked out in
their gayest spring apparel, are paying their attentions to the same
drab-colored female, contrasting so strikingly in her sober brown
dress, their performances are quite entertaining, each male endeay-
oring to out-sing the other. The female appears coy and retiring,
keeping closely to the ground, but always attended by the several
aspirants for her affection. After a contest, often quite exciting,
the rivalries are adjusted, the rejected suitors are driven off by their
more fortunate competitor, and the happy pair begin to put in order -
anew home. It isin their love-quarrels that their song appears to
the greatest advantage. They pour out incessantly their strains of
quaint but charming music, now on the ground, now on the wing,
now on the top of a fence, a low bush, or the swaying stalk of a
plant that bends with their weight. The great length of their song,
the immense number of short and variable notes of which it is com-
posed, the volubility and confused rapidity with which they are
poured forth, the eccentric breaks, in the midst of which we detect
the words “bob-o-link” so distinctly enunciated, unite to form a

ICTERIDE—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 809

general result to which we can find no parallel in any of the musical
performances of our other song-birds. It is at once a unique and
a charming production. Nuttall speaks of their song as monotonous,
which is neither true nor consistent with his own description of it.
To other ears they seem ever wonderfully full of variety, pathos and
beauty.

“The young, in due time, assume the development of mature
birds, and all wear the sober plumage of the mother. And now
there also appears a surprising change in the appearance of our
gayly attired musician. His showy plumage of contrasting white
and black, so conspicuous and striking, changes with almost instant
rapidity into brown and drab, until he is no longer distinguishable,
either by plumage or note, from his mate or young.”

One would suppose that the terrible slaughter carried into the
ranks of this species during its autumnal migration would materially
ciminish its numbers. That this has been the result is a fact which
has been noted by many persons resident in those portions of the
country where the Bobolink is a familiar summer sojourner.

The Bobolink breeds only in the northern part of Illinois, where,
according to Mr. Coale, itis an abundant summer resident. In the
middle and southern portions of the State it is transient only,
merely passing hurriedly through in spring and fall, but so different
in plumage and habits during the two seasons that probably few
persons suspect their being the same bird.

Genus MOLOTHRUS Swanson.

Molothrus Swatnson, F. Bor.-Am. ii, 1831, 277. Type, Fringilla pecoris Gm.,=Oriolus
ater Bopp.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill short, stout, about two thirds the length of head; the commissure
straight, culmen and gonys slightly curved,convex, the former broad, rounded, convex,
and running back on the headina point. Lateral toes nearly equal,reaching the base of
the middle one, which is shorter than the tarsus; claws rather small. Tail nearly even:
wings long, pointed, the first quill longest. As far as known,the species make no nest,
but deposit the eggs in the nests of other, usually smaller, birds.

“The genus Molothrus has the bill intermediate between Dolichonyx
and Agelaius. It has the culmen unusually broad between the nos-
trils, and it extends back some distance into the forehead. The
difference in the structure of the feet from Dolichonyx is very great.

“Species of Molothrus resemble some of the Fringillide more than
most of the typical Icteride. The bill is, however, different, the tip

810 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

being without notch; the culmen running back farther on the fore-
head, the nostrils being situated fully one third or more of the total
length from its posterior extremity. ‘The entire absence of notch
in the bill and of bristles along the rictus are strong features. The
nostrils are perfectly free from any overhanging feathers or bristles.
The pointed wings, with the first quill longest, or nearly equal to
second, and the tail with its broad rounded feathers, shorter than
the wings, are additional features to be specially noted. (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

Molothrus ater (Bodd.)

COWBIRD.

Popular synonyms, Cow Blackbird; Cow-pen Bunting; Lazy Bird (Connecticut); Clod-
hopper.

Oriolus ater Bopp. Tabl. P. E. 1783, 37.

Molothrus ater GRAY, 1870.—Ridgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 258.—Covss, 2d Check List,
No. 313,

Fringilla pecoris GmEt. 8. N. i, 1788,910 (female).

Emberiza pecoris Wis. Am. Orn. ii,1810,145, pl. 18, figs. 1,2,3.

Icterus pecoris Bp. 1824.—Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 178.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 493; v, 1839, 233,
400, pls. 99, 424.

Molothrus pecoris Sw. & Ricu. F. B. A. ii, 1831,277,—Aup. Synop. 1839, 139; B. Am. iv,
1842, 16, pl. 212—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 524; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 400.—Covugs,
Key, 1872, 155; Check List 1874, No, 211; B. N. W. 1874, 180.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am.
B. ii, 1874,154, pl. 32, figs. 6,7.

Fringilla ambigua Nutt. Man. i, 1832,484 (= young).

Haz. Temperate North America (except Pacifle Coast?), north to about 68°; breeds
chiefly north of 35°, and winters mainly south of the same parallel, down to southern
border of the United States.

“Sp. CHAR. Second quill longest; first scarcely shorter. Tail nearly even, or very
slightly rounded. Male with the head,neck,and anterior half of the breast light choco-
late brown, rather lighter above; rest of body lustrous black, with a violet-purple gloss
next to the brown, of steel-blue on the back,and of green elsewhere. Female light oliva-
ceous brown all over, lighter on the head and beneath. Billand feet black. Length, 8
inches; wing, 4.42; tail, 3.40.

“The young bird of the year is brown above, brownish white be-
neath: the throat immaculate. A maxillary stripe and obscure
streaks thickly crowded across the whole breast and sides. ‘There is
a faint indication of a paler superciliary stripe. The feathers of the
upper parts are all margined with paler. There are also indications
of light bands on the wings. These markings are all obscure, but
perfectly appreciable, and their existence in adult birds of any species
may be considered as embryonic, and showing an inferiority in de-
gree to the species with the under parts perfectly plain.” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

ICTERIDA—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 811

The Cowbird is a common species throughout the State. It is
resident southward, but only a summer sojourner in the northern
portions. It is at all seasons gregarious, associating in small flocks,
which follow the furrow made by the ploughman or keep company
with the cattle, often alighting upon their backs. The Cowbird
builds no nest, but lays its eggs surreptitiously in the nests of other
birds. In this it evinces no preference, except that a species smaller
than itself is usually selected, and never one very much its superior
in size; usually a very much smaller bird is thus imposed on. It
makes no attempt, however, to select a species whose eggs more or
less resemble its own, but drops its eggs indiscriminately in nests
whose owners lay white eggs, plain blue eggs, or speckled eggs. The
number of these parasitic eggs which may be found in one nest
varies from one to five, and it may be that, in some cases at least, all
are deposited by one bird, although it is equally probable that
sometimes the eggs of two or more individuals are dropped in the
same nest. It is interesting to watch the female when she is
searching for a nest in which to deposit the egg she is about to
lay. She hunts stealthily through the woods, usually among the
undergrowth, and when a nest is discovered, patiently awaits from
a conyenient hiding place the temporary absence of the parent, when
the nest is stealthily and hastily inspected, and if found suitable she
takes possession and deposits her egg, when she departs as quietly
as she came. The male Cowbird is polygamous, and becomes
quite amorous during the breeding season, parading before the
females with spread wings and tail, now and then swelling up until
he seems ready to burst; but the looked-for catastrophe is prevented
by the emission of a ridiculous squeaking song, when he subsides to
his original proportions.

Genus XKANTHOCEPHALUS Bonaparte.

Aanthocephalus BonaP. Conspectus, i, 1850, 431. Type, Icterus icterocephalus BonaP.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill conical, the length about twice the height; the outlines nearly
straight. Claws all very long; much curved; the inner lateral the longest, reaching
beyond the middle of the middle claw. Tail narrow, nearly even, the outer web scarcely
widening to the end. Wings long, much longer than the tail; the first quill longest.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

This genus differs from Agelaiws in much longer and more curved
claws, and in haying first or second quill longest, instead of the
longest being the second, third, or fourth.

312 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

There is even a greater discrepancy in size between the sexes, the
female being scarcely more than half the bulk of the male. The
latter is black, with the head, neck, and jugulum yellow.

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonap.)

YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD.

Icterus xanthocephalus Br. Jour. Phil. Ac. v, 1826, 222.—AuD. Biog. vy. 1839, 6, pl. 388.
Agelaius ranthocephalus Sw. & Ricu, F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 281.—AupD. Synop. 1839, 240; B.
Am. iv, 1842, 24, pl. 213.
Agelaius longipes Sw. Philo. Mag. i, 1827, 436.
Icterus perspicillatus WAGU. Isis, 1829, 758.
Icterus icterocephalus Br. Am. Orn. i, 1885, 27, pl. 3.—NuTr. Man. i, 1832, 176; 2d ed. 1840, 187.
Xanthocephalus icterocephalus Barrp, B. N. Am, 1858,531; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
404.—CouEs, Key, 1872,156; Check List, 1874,No. 213; 2d ed. 1882,No. 319; B. N. W.
1874, 188.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 167, pl. 32, fig. 9. pl. 33, fig. 9.—Ripew.
Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 260.

Has. Western North America, regularly to Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, ete.,
(casually) to Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida and Cuba, north to the Saskatche-
wan, and south into Mexico. Accidental in Greenland.

Sp. CHAR. Adult malein summer. Head, neck, and jugulum yellow, varying from
a lemon to arich orange shade—very rarely to a pinkish saffron hue; primary coverts
and lower greater wing-coverts white; rest of plumage uniform dull black, the lower
portion of the tibie and the feathers immediately surrounding the anus yellow; lores,
eyelids and feathers bordering the base of the bill, also black. Adult male in winter.
Similar, but top of the head and nape washed with dusky. Totallength about 105¢-11%
inches; extent 17-18%; wing 5.65-5.80; tail 4.50-4.85; culmen .90; tarsus 1.30; middle toe 1.05,
Adult female. Brownish dusky, the throat and jugulum dull yellow, the middle of the
breast mixed with whitish. Total length about 9 inches; extent14%; wing 4.40-4.65; tail
4.50-4.70. Young male in first winter. Similar to the adult female, but larger and deeper
eolored. Young, first plumage. General color light isabella-brown, or dull brownish
buff, the wings and tail dusky.

The Yellow-headed Blackbird appears to be confined to the prairie
districts of the northern portion of the State; at least there seems to
be no record of its occurrence elsewhere. The writer thought he
once heard its note at Mt. Carmel, but was unable to discover the
bird, and may have been mistaken; and he was never able to find
it on the prairies of Richland county, in marshy situation where
the Red-wings were abundant. In Cook county, Mr. Nelson says
(page 111 of his list) that it is a “very common resident in large
marshes. Arrives the first of May. Commences nesting the last of
this month. Owing to the restricted localities inhabited by this bird,
it is very slightly known among farmers; even those living next the
marshes, generally think it an uncommon bird. My observations
regarding the actions of the males during incubation do not agree
with those of Dr. Coues (“Birds of the Northwest,” p. 190). The only
difference between the habits of the male and female is the slightly

ICTERIDE—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 813

additional shyness of the former. Their nests vary endlessly in
size, from four to twelve inches in depth, although the latter size
is rather uncommon.”

Mr. Coale informs me that colonies nest in rushes in the Calumet
marshes, that they are bold and interesting, and that he has seen
adults on the ground along country roads, some distance from water.

Genus AGELAIUS Virmtor.

Agelaius VIEILLoT, Analyse, 1816,33. Type, Oriolus pheniceus LINN.

. “Gen. CHAR. First quill shorter than second; claws short; the outer lateral scarcely
reaching the base of the middle. Culmen depressed at base, parting the frontal feathers;
length equal to that of the head, shorterthan tarsus. Both mandibles of equalthickness
and acute at tip, the edges much curved, the culmen, gonys, and commissure nearly
straight or slightly sinuated;.the length of bill about twice its height. Tail moderate,
rounded, or very slightly graduated. Wings pointed, reaching to end of lower tail-cov-
erts. Colors black with red shoulders in North American species. One West Indian
with orange-buff. Females streaked except in two West Indian species.

“The nostrils are small, oblong, overhung by a membranous scale.
The bill is higher than broad at the base. There is no division
between the anterior tarsal scutelle and the single plate on the out-
side of the tarsus.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This genus is represented in eastern North America by a single
species, the common Red-winged Blackbird (A phaeniceus).

Agelaius phcoeniceus (Linn.)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIED.

Popular synonyms, Red-winged Starling or Blackbird; Red-and-buff-shouldered Black-
bird; Red-shouldered Blackbird; Swamp Blackbird,

Oriolus pheniceus Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 161.

Agelaius pheniceus ViEILu. Analyse, 1816.—AuUD. Synop. 1839,141; B. Am. iv, 1842, 31, 216.
—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 526; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 401—Covgs, Key, 1872, 156;
Check List, 1874, No. 212; 2d ed. 1882, No. 316; B. N. W. 1874, 186, (part).—B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 159, pl. 33, figs. 1, 2,3—Rimpew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 261.

Icterus pheniceus “Daup.” Licut. 1823.—NutTtT. Man. i, 1832, 169.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i,
1831, 348; Vv, 1839, 487, pl. 67.

Sturnus predatorius Wixs. Am. Orn. iv, 1811,30, pl. 30, fig. 1.

Has. Temperate North America, more rare on Pacific coast, where represented by
an allied species, A. gubernator WaGL.; north to the “Fur Countries,” south, in winter to
Costa Rica, but wintering, more or less regularly, north to 35° or further. Bahamas, but
not in Cuba, where represented by A. assimilis. Accidental in England.

Sp. CHar. Adult male. Uniform deep black, the lesser wing-coverts brilliant scarlet,
the middle wing-coverts buif or ochraceous. Bill and feet deep black, iris brown. Total
length (fresh), about 9.00-9.50 inches; extent, 14.50-15.75. Adult female. Above dusky
grayish brown, the feathers narrowly edged with light grayish, rusty, etc.; beneath

814 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

white, broadly streaked with dusky, the chin, and throat. sometimes sides of head also,
usually more or less tinged with buff or pink. Lesser wing-coverts sometimes dark brown
red. Total length (fresh), 7.45-8.25; extent, 12.15-13.00. ‘First plumage, female. Above
dark seal-brown; every feather of the crown, nape and interscapular region, with the
greater and middle wing-coverts, primaries, secondaries, and tertiaries, edged and tipped
with brownish fulvous. Beneath light yellowish-brown, thickly and broadly streaked
everywhere with dull black. Sides of throat and head, including a considerable space
around the eye, bare skin (of a brownish orange color in the dried specimen), with a few
scattering pin-feathers. (Froma specimen in my collection obtained at Cambridge,
Mass., June 24, 1872.) Males in first plumage, before me, differ but little from the indivi-
dual above described. All have the bare spaces on the sides of the throat, although these
are feathered before the first moult is begun. A male in transitional dress (collected at
Ipswich, Mass., July 15,1874), with the head fu!ly feathered, has the throat dull brownish
yellow, with a strong tinge of the same color on the breast. The wing and tail-feathers
are renewed during the first moult.

“Autumnal plumage: young male. Crown dark brown, with a faint rusty edging
upon each feather; nape brownish yellow, with a rusty tinge, finely spotted with a dark
brown; interscapular region, and a broad outer edging upon the secondaries and tertia-
ries,deep dull reddish-brown, each feather having a broad V-shaped mark of dull black.
Rump glossy black,every feather edged with fulvous ashy; shoulder dull red with black
spotting; middle coverts fulvous; greater coverts tipped with the same color. Super-
ciliary stripe brownish yellow. A space anterior toand beneath the eye dusky black.
Entire under parts black, each feather upon the abdomen edged broadly with pale ashy,
elsewhere with yellowish brown. The light edging of the feathers gives the under parts
a conspicuously scutellate appearance. (Froma specimen in my collection taken at
Cambridge, Mass., October 6,1776.) This plumage (although not to my knowledge pre-
viously described by writers) is the characteristic one of the young in autumn. Iam un-
able to state if the adult male retains his uniform black coloring atallseasons. A re-
markable variation from the typical plumage is afforded by a fine adult male in my
cabinet, which has a broad crescentic patch of pale yellow tinged with rose-color upon
the breast. Nor is this specimen unique, for I have seen several others with a similar
but less conspicuous mark. It probably represents an exceptionally high condition or
phase of ornamentation, like the commoner one of searlet or yellow wing-markings, in
the Searlet Tanager (Pyranga rubra). Very old females of A. phaniceus have the throat
a delicate peach-color; illustrated by several specimens in my cabinet from Nantucket
and Ipswitch, Mass.” (BREWSTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Oct., 1878, p. 175.) ;

The common Red-winged Blackbird is one of our most abundant
and best known birds. Every marsh and open swamp is inhabited
by numbers in the spring and summer, while in autumn they col-
lect in large flocks, sometimes of such extent as to cause serious
damage to the farmer’s grain stacks. In the extreme southern por-
tion of the State they sometimes winter, congregating in large flocks,
from which they daily sally forth to forage over the surrounding country.
Even during the spring and summer the Redwings are gregarious,
for they breed in communities, hundreds of pairs sometimes nesting
in one marsh. The males are polygamous, each haying under his
protection from two to three or four demure looking females, hardly
half his size, and dressed in homely garb, who attend quietly and
assiduously to their domestic duties, while their lord and master

ICTERIDE—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 815

mounts guard upon some prominent perch near by, and cheers them
with his song. This song, while in a measure harsh, has yet a
peculiar metallic resonance which renders it not unpleasant; and
when the songs of many individuals are blended the resulting chorus
is decidedly musical. The normal, or usual, song sounds like con’-
cur-ee’, but there are many variations from this modulation. When
singing, the male bends forward his body, swells his plumage, and
by some peculiar adjustment of the wings brings his scarlet epaulettes
into striking prominence; and when he sallies from his perch to
make the regular round of inspection over his harem these splendid
decorations flash forth with rich brilliancy, no doubt to the admira-
tion of the faithful creatures for whom the display is intended.

The nest of the Red-winged Blackbird is very variously situated,
but it is always in or in very close proximity to a swamp or marsh.
It is placed either among rank grasses or sedges, rushes, or other
marsh plants, or in bushes growing in the water; and on one oc-
casion the writer found a colony which had built their nests in “sage
bushes” (Artemisia tridentata) growing in and about a shallow alka-
line pond, on Antelope Island, in the Great Salt Lake. The most
noteworthy departure from the usual situation, however, known to
the author, was that of a nest built ina small elm tree standing in
the middle of a moderately dry meadow, and placed ata height of
about fifteen feet from the ground.

Genus STURNELLA Vretttor.

Sturnella Vremu.ot, Analyse, 1816, 34. Type, Alauda magna LINN.

“Gen. CHAR. Body thick, stout; legs large, toes reaching beyond the tail. Tail short,
even, with narrow acuminate feathers. Bill slender, elongated; length about three
times the height; commissure straight from the basal angle. Culmen flattened basally,
extending backwards and parting the frontal feathers; longer than the head, but shorter
than tarsus. Nostrils linear, covered by an incumbent membranous scale. Inner lateral
toe longer than the outer, but not reaching to basal joint of middle, whichis equal to
the tarsus. Hind claw nearly twice as long asthe middle. Feathers of head stiffened
and bristly; the shafts of those above extended into a black seta. Tertials nearly equal
to the primaries. Feathersaboveall transversely banded. Beneath yellow, with a black
pectoral crescent.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Two quite distinct though very similar species of Stwrnella are
found in Illinois, one of them belonging exclusively to the eastern
and the other to the western portions of the United States, but
occurring together in the prairie districts of the Mississippi Valley,
especially west of the Mississippi River.

316 - BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

These may be distinguished by the following characters :

1. §.magna. Yellow of throat confined strictly between the maxillw. Lateral stripes
of the crown with black predominating; upper parts with much black,and with the dark
bars of the tertials and middle tail-feathers usually connected along the middle line of
the feathers. Hab. Eastern United States to the border of the Great Plains.

2. §. neglecta, Yellow of the throat extending over the maxillx nearly or quite to the
angle of the mouth. Lateral crown stripes streaked with black and grayish in nerrly
equal amount; upper parts with less black, the dark bars of the tertials and middle tail-
feathers not connected. Hab, Western United States and western Mexico, east to the
prairie districts of the Mississippi Valley.

It is sometimes rather difficult to distinguish specimens of these
two species; but the most casual observer of birds may readily dis-
tinguish them in life by their totally different notes—probably no
two species of any genus of birds being more distinct in this respect.

Sturnella magna (Linn.)

MEADOWLARK.

Popular synonyms. Fieldlark; Old Field Lark.
Alauda magna Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 167.—Was. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 20, pl. 19.
Sturnella magna Barry, B. N. Am. 1858, 535; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 406.—Covugs, Key,
1872, 157; 2d ed. 1884, 406; Check List, 1874, No. 214; 2d ed. 1882, No. 320; B. N. W. 1874,
190 (part).—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 174, pl. 34, flg. 2.—Ripew. Nom. N.
Am. B. 1881, No. 263.
Sturnus ludovicianus Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 290.—NutTrT. Man. i, 1832, 147.—AuD. Orn.
Biog. ii, 1834,216; v, 1889, 492, pl. 136.
Sturnella ludoviciana Sw. 1831.—Aup. Synop. 1839, 148; B. Am. iv,1842,70,pl. 223.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces (north to about 53° in the interior),
west to the edge of the Great Plains; winters chiefly south of 38°. Accidental in England.

“Sp. CHAR. The feathers above dark brown, margined with brownish white, and with
a terminal blotch of pale reddish brown. Exposed portions of wings and tail with dark
brown bars, which on the middle tail-feathers are confluent along the shaft. Beneath
yellow, with a black pectoral crescent, the yellow not extending on the side of the
maxilla; sides, crissum,and tibi# pale reddish brown,streaked with blackish. A light
median and superciliary stripe, the latter yellow anterior to the eye; ablack line behind.
Female smaller and duller. Yowng with pectoral crescent replaced by streaks; the yel-
low of under surface replaced more or less by ochraceous or pale fulyous. Length, 10.60;
wing, 5.00; tail, 3.70; bill above, 1.35." (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Adult male. Wing, 4.50-5.00; tail,3.50-3.85; culmen,1.20-1.50; bill from nostril, .75-.95;
tarsus, 1.35-1.60; middle toe,1.10-1.30.

Adult female. Wing about 4.20, tail 3.00.

Four adult males from Mount Carmel measured, when fresh, as
follows: Total length, 9.75-10.50; extent, 15.00-15.75.

In a work whose acknowledged aim is to give information to the
interested reader, it seems almost presumptuous on the part of the
author to offer any remarks on the habits of so well-known a bird

ICTERIDE—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 317

as the common Meadowlark; for perhaps the majority of those who
may read this book are as familiar with this bird as the author, and
doubtless many are even more intimately acquainted with him.
Suffice it to say, therefore, that while not one single charge has been
laid at his door, so far as the author is aware, the Meadowlark is a
very general fayorite among lovers of birds, on account of his pleas-
ing song, bright plumage, and pretty ways. His sweet, tender song
is one of the finest to be heard in our rural districts, and is charac-
terized by a delicacy of tone remarkable in a large bird. It is
usually interpreted by the country folks as intimating that “laziness
will kill you” (accent on the penultimate syllable), while others imag-
ine it to say: peek—you can’t see me,—a very appropriate translation,
we think, in the case of a bird which, like the present, plays at
“hide and seek” with us in the meadows. Apropos of the song of
this bird, it has been said that on the prairies of Illinois a de-
cided change from the song of the bird of the Atlantic States may
be noticed, the variation being in the direction of the more power-
ful, melodious, and varied song of S. neglecta. But the writer has
been unable to detect the slightest difference, and his experience is
similar to that of others who have had the opportunity to compare
the songs of meadowlarks in the two regions. SS. neglecta itself
occurs more or less plentifully on the prairies of the northern, cen-
tral, and western portions of the State; and as this bird varies
greatly in the character of its song with different individuals (though
it is always very distinct from that of S. magna), it is probable that
the author to whose statement we have referred heard in reality in-
ferior songsters (probably younger birds) of the western species, and
not S. magna.

Sturnella neglecta (Aud.)
WESTERN MEADOWLARK.

Popular synonym. Western Fieldlark.
Sturnella neglecta AuD. B. Am. vii, 1843, 339, pl. 487.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 587; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 407.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 264.
Sturnella magna var. neglecta Cours, Key, 1872, 187; Check List, 1874, No. 2l4a,—
B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 176, pl. 34, fig. 1.
Sturnella magna, b. neglecta CousEs, B. N. W. 1874, 190.
Sturnella magna neglecta Cougs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 322.

Has. Western United States, east to the prairie districts of the Mississippi Valley,
as far as central and northern Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, etc.; south to western Texas
and western Mexico, as far as Colima.

318 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“Sp. CHAR. Feathers above dark brown, margined with brownish white, with a ter-
minal blotch of pale, reddish brown. Exposed portions of wings and tail with trans-
verse bands, which, in the latter, are completely isolated from each other, narrow and
linear. Beneath yellow, with a black pectoral crescent. The yellow of the throat ex-
tending on the sides of the maxilla. Sides, erissum, and tibiw very pale reddish brown,
or nearly white, streaked with blackish. Head with a light median and superciliary
stripe, the latter yellow infront of the eye; a blackish line behindit. The transverse
bars on the feathers above (less so on the tail) with a tendency to become confluent near
the exterior margin. Length,10 inches; wing.5.25; tail,3.25; bill,1.25.”" (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Adult male. Wing, 4.40-5.10; tail, 3.30-3.50; culmen, 1.18-1.40; bill, from nostril, .85-.90;
tarsus, 1.30-1.45; middle toe, 1.10-1.15.

Adult female. Wing, 4.35-4.45; tail, 3.05-3.10; bill, from nostril, .80-.85; tarsus, 1.25-1.35;
middle toe, 1.05-1.10,

Adult males shot by the writer in Nevada, measured, when fresh,
as follows: Total length, 9.75-10.25; extent, 16.00-17.00; maxilla and
tip of mandible, black; basal two thirds of the mandible, and pos-
terior three fourths of the maxillary tomium, pure pale blue; iris,
brown; legs and feet uniform, delicate, pale, ashy lilaceous.

According to Mr. E. W. Nelson (Bull. Essex Inst. Vol. VIII., 1876,
p. ili), the Western Meadowlark is “a regular but rather rare sum-
mer resident upon prairies” in the northeastern portion of the State,
and he conjectures that it “is probably a common summer resident
upon the prairies in the western portion.” He records “a fine speci-
men” in the collection of Mr. A. W. Brayton, “taken near Chicago the
last of May, 1876,” and among Mr. H. K. Coale’s notes I find an
entry reading “Englewood, May, 1876,” which, however, may possibly
refer to the same specimen. On the prairies of Richland county I
have, on a few occasions, heard its unmistakable song, but have never
been able to obtain a specimen.

Grnus ICTERUS Brisson.

Icterus Briss. Orn. ii, 1760, 85. Type (by elimination), Oriolus icterus LINN.

Pendulinus Vietuu. Analyse, 1816, 13. Type, Oriolus spurius LINN.

Yphantes ViEtLu. Analyse, 1816, 33. Type, Oriolus baltimore Linn. (Coracias galbula)
Linn.

“GEN. CHAR. Bill slender, elongated, as long as the head, generally a little decurved,
and very acute. Tarsi not longer than the middle toe, nor than the head; claws short,
much curved; outer lateral toe a little longer than the inner, reaching a little beyond
base of middle toe. Feet adapted for perching. Tail rounded or graduated. Prevailing
colors yellow or orange, and black.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The two species occurring within the field of this work belong to
two rather distinct subgenera, which may be defined as follows:

1. Yphantes. Bill rather stout, conical, the outlines very straight; tail slightly
rounded, much shorter than the wing.
2. Pendulinus. Bill slender, decurved at the tip; tail graduated, about as long as the

wing.

ICTERIDE—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 819

The species (including a western one, which may reasonably be
expected to occur as a strageler) are characterized as follows:

A. Tail much shorter than the wing, nearly even; bill with with straight outlines,
Males orange and black, the females much duller. (Subgenus Yphantes.)

1. I. galbula, Adult male. Head and neck all round, back, wings, and part of tail,
deep black, the wing-feathers edged with white; rest of plumage usually rich ead-
mium-orange, but varying from yellowish orange to intense reddish orange.
Adult female. Above olive, usually more or less mixed with blackish; beneath dull
orange, the throat usually mixed with black (whole head and neck sometimes
broken blackish); tail yellowish olive. Young like the adult female, but without
black on throat.

2. I, bullocki, Adult male. Crown, nape, back, wings,and part of tail, deep black; a
narrow stripe through the eye and a broad one on the throat, also black; a large
white patch covering greater wing-coverts; rump dull orange; superciliary
stripe, with lower parts orange, varying from Indian-yellow toa rich reddish ead-
mium hue. Adult female and young male in second year. Above brownish gray
the back usually spotted with blackish; beneath brownish white, yellowish ante-
riorly—sometimes wholly yellowish—the throat often with more or less of an indi-
cation of a dusky stripe; tail yellowish olive.

B. Tail about equal to the wings, graduated; bill slender, decurved at the tip. Adult
male; chestnut and black. (Subgenus Pendulinus.)

3. I. spurius. Adult male. Head, neck, jugulum, back, wings and tail, deep black;
rump, lesser and middle wing-coverts, and lower parts, rich chestnut. Adult
female. Above olive-green, beneath greenish yellow. Young male insecond year.
Similar to adult female, but throat black. Young, first plumage. Much like the
adult female.

Icterus galbula (Linn.)

BALTIMORE ORIOLE.

Popular synonyms. Hanging Bird; Hang-nest; Golden Oriole; Golden Robin; English
Robin; Fire Bird; Pea Bird.
Coracias galbula Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 107.

Icterus galbula Cougs, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v,1880,98; 2d Check List, 1882, No. 326; 2
Key, 1884, 408.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 271.

Oriolus baltimore Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1866, 162.—Wr1us. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 23, pl. 1, fig. 3;
vi, 88, pl. 53, fig. 4.

Icterus baltimore DAuD. 1800.—NuttT. Man. i, 1832, 152—Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 66; v,
1839, 278, pls. 12,423; Synop. 1839, 143; B. Am. iv, 1842, 37, pl. 217—Barrp, B. N. Am.
1858, 548; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 415.—Cours, Key, 1872, 158; Check List, 1874,
No. 216; B. N. W. 1874, 193.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 195, pl. 35, fig. 5.

Has. Temperate eastern North America, west to the eastern base of the Rocky
Mountains, breeding chiefly north of 35°. In winter, eastern Mexico and Central Amer-
ica to Colombia; Cuba.

Sp. Cuan. Adult male. Head and neck all round, jugulum (especially the median
portion), back, wings, two middle tail-feathers, and middle portion of other rectrices,
deep black. Lesser wing-coverts, rump, lower parts, and greater portion of tail, rich
pure cadmium-orange. Feathers of wings edged with white. Bill fine light blue, the
upper half of the maxilla black; irisbrown; legs and feet plumbeous blue. Adu/t female.
Above olive, mixed with dull greenish orange, the erown more or less mixed with black,
and the back inclining to gray. Wings dusky, with two white bands. ‘Tail golden olive.
Lower parts dull orange, the abdomen inclining to whitish. Throat usually mixed with
black. Young. Similar to the adult female, but without any black about head. Wing,
3.55-3.80; tail,3,.10-3.35; bill, from nostril, .48-.50,

820 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

The plumage of the female varies much more than that of the
male. Occasionally there is almost as much black (excepting on the
tail) as in the male, but it is much duller and more or less broken.

A young bird is soft, dull orange beneath, palest on the throat,
and tinged along the sides with olive; above olive, with an orange
cast on the rump and tail, the latter being without any black;
centres of dorsal feathers blackish; wings blackish, with two broad
white bands across coverts, and broad edges of white to the tertials.

Excepting only the Scarlet Tanager, the Baltimore Oriole is the
most brilliant of our birds; and it is also one of the most attractive
on account of the melody of its voice and the familiarity of its habits.
It is a more or less common summer resident throughout the State,
arriving, in the southern portion, during the third week in April and
remaining till the latter part of September.

“The Baltimore Oriole,’ writes Dr. Brewer,* “is one of the most
common birds nearly throughout New England. Gay and brilliant
in plumage, interesting and lively in manners and habits, and a vo-
ealist of rare power, with pathos, beauty, and variety in his notes,
the bird has been, and would still be, a great favorite, but for its
transgressions among the pea-vines of our gardens. He makes his
appearance with exemplary punctuality, seeming regardless of the
prematureness or tardiness of the season. Rarely does the 10th of
May pass without the sound of his welcome notes, and rarely, if ever
does he come sooner.

“Their period of song is not a long one, but soon terminates, as
family cares increase and the tender broods require an undivided
attention. Early in July this Oriole ceases to favor the world with
those remarkable notes that seldom fail to attract attention by their
peculiarity, and to excite admiration by their rich and full-toned
melody.”

Icterus spurius (Linn.)
ORCHARD ORIOLE.

Popular synonyms. Brown Oriole; Chestnut-colored Oriole,

Orioles spurius Linn. 8. N. ed. 12,1, 1766, 162.

Icterus spurius BP. 1827.—NvutTT. Man. i, 1832, 165.—AupD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 221; v, 1839,
485, pl. 42; Synop. 1839, 144; B. Am. iv, 1842, 46, pl. 219—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 547: Cat.
N.Am. B. 1859, No. 414.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 158; 2d ed. 1884,407; Check List, 1873, No. 213;
2d ed. 1882, No. 324; B. N. W. 1874, 192.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 190, pl. 34,
figs. 4,5,6—Ripew.Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 270.

* Hist. N. Am. B., vol. ii, p. 197.

ICTERIDEH—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 821

Oriolus mutatus Wits. Am. Orn. i, 1808, pl. 4, figs. 1-4.
Xanthornus affinis Lawr. Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1851,113,
Icterus spurius var. affinis Cours, Key, 1872, 158.
Icterus spurius b affinis Cours, B. N. W. 1874, 193.

Has. Eastern United States, west to the edge of the Great Plains (occasionally to the
Rocky Mountains), north, rarely, to Canada, breeding as far south as the Rio Grande. In
winter,south through eastern Mexico and Central America (both sides) to Colombia;
Cuba.

“Sp. Cuan. Bill slender, attenuated, considerably decurved; tail moderately gradu-
ated. Male, three years. Head and neck allround, wings, and interscapular region of
back, with tail-feathers, black. Rest of under parts, lower part of back to tail, and lesser
upper wing-coverts, with the lower ones, brownish chestnut. A narrow line across the
wing, and the extreme outer edges of quills, white. Female. Uniform greenish yellow
beneath, olivaceous above, and browner in the middle of the back; two white bands on
the wings. Young male of two years like the female, but with a broad black patch from
the bill to the upper part of the breast, this color extending along the base of the bill so
as to involve the eye and all anterior to it to the base of the bill, somewhat as in J. eueul-
latus. Length of Pennsylvania male specimen, 7.25; wing, 3.25.” (Hist. VN. Am. B.)

In the southern half, at least, of Illmois the Orchard Oriole is
far more numerous than the Baltimore; and though much less
splendid in coloring is still a handsome bird, besides being an
excellent songster, his notes having an ecstatic character quite the
reverse of the mournful lament of his larger and more brilliantly
colored cousin. The more prominent characteristics of the species
are thus described by Dr. Brewer :

“The Orchard Oriole is an active, sprightly, and very lively
species, and possesses a very peculiar and somewhat remarkable song.
Its notes are very rapidly enunciated, and are both hurried and
energetic. Some writers speak of the song as confused, but this
attribute is not in the utterance of the song, the musician mani-
festing anything but confusion in the rapid and distinct enunciation
of his gushing notes. These may be too quick in their utterance
for the listener to follow, but they are wonderful both for their
rapidity and their harmony. His performance consists of shrill and
lively notes, uttered with an apparent air of great agitation, and
they are quite as distinct and agreeable, though neither so full nor
so rich, as are those of the more celebrated Golden Robin.

“In the Central States, from New York to North Carolina, these
birds are not only very abundant, but very generally diffused.
Hardly an orchard or a garden of any size can be found without
them. ‘lhey seem to prefer apple trees for their abode, and for the
construction of their nests. These structures, though essentially
different, are, in their style of architecture, quite as curiously
wrought and ingenious as those of the Baltimore. They are sus-

822 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

pended from small twigs, often atthe very extremity of the branches.
In Pennsylvania they are usually formed externally of a peculiar
kind of long, tough, and flexible grass. This material is woven
through and through in a very wonderful manner, and with as much
neatness and intricacy as if actually sewed with a needle. They
are hemispherical in shape, open at the top, and generally about
four inches in breadth, and three deep. The cavity has a depth and
a width of about two inches.”

Genus SCOLECOPHAGUS Swarmson.

Scolecophagus SWAINSON, F. Bor.-Am. ii, 1831,494. Type, Oriolus ferrugineus GMELIN.

“GeEn. CHAR. Bill shorter than the head, rather slender, the edges inflexed as in Quis-
calus. which it otherwise greatly resembles; the commissure sinuated. Culmen rounded,
but not flattened. Tarsi longer than the middle toe. Tail even, or slightly rounded.

“The above characteristics will readily distinguish this genus from
its allies. The form is much like that of Agelaius. The bill, how-
ever, is more attenuated, the culmen curved and slightly sinuated.
The bend at the base of the commissure is shorter. The culmen is
angular at the base posterior to the nostrils, instead of being much
flattened, and does not extend so far behind. The two North Ameri-
can species may be distinguished as follows:

Ҥ. ferrugineus. Bill slender; height at base not.4the total length. Color of male
black, with faint purple reflection over whole body; wings, tail, and abdomen glossed
slightly with green. Autumnal specimens with feathers broadly edged with castaneous
rusty. Female brownish dusky-slate, without gloss; no trace of light superciliary stripe.

“S. cyanocephalus. Bill stout; height at base nearly .5 the totallength. Color black,
with green reflection over whole body. Head only glossed with purple. Autumnal speci-
mens, feathers edged very indistinctly with umber-brown. Female dusky brown, witha
soft gloss; a decided light superciliary stripe.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Scolecophagus carolinus (Miull.)

RUSTY BLACKBIRD.
Popular synonym. Rusty Grackle.

Turdus carolinus Mau. Syst. Nat. Suppl. 1776, 146.

Scolecophagus carolinus Ripew. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1885, 356.

Oriolus ferrugineus GMEL. 8. N. i,1788,393.

Gracula ferruginea Wis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 41, pl. 21,flg. 3.

Quiscalus ferrugineus Bp. 1824.—NuttT. Man. i, 1852, 199.—AvupD. Orn. Biog. 11,1834, 325;
vy, 1839, 483, pl. 147; Synop. 1839, 146; B. Am. iv, 65, pl. 222.

Scolecophagus ferrugineus Sw. & Ricu. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 286.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858,
551; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 417.—Covegs, Key, 1872, 159; 2d ed. 1884, 411; Check List,
1874, No. 221; 2d ed. 1882, No. 331; B. N. W.1874, 198.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874,
203, pl. 35, fig. 4—RipGw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 273.

Has. Eastern and northern North America, breeding from Maine to Labrador and
Alaska, and wintering in the eastern United States, chiefly south of 38°.

ICTERIDE—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 323

“Sp. Coan. Billslender; shorter than the head; about equal to the hind too; its
height not quite two fifths the totallength. Wing nearly an inch longer than the tail;
second quill longest; first a little shorter than the fourth. Tail slightly graduated; the
lateral feathers about a quarter of an inch shortest. General color black, with purple
reflections; the wings, under tail-coverts, and hinder part of the belly, glossed with
green. In autumn the feathers largely edged with ferruginous or brownish, so as to
change the appearance entirely. Spring female dull, opaque plumbeous or ashy black;
the wings and tail sometimes with a green lustre. Young like autumnal birds. Length
of male, 9.50; wing, 4.75; tail, 4.00. Female smaller.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

It is only during the colder months that this blackbird makes its
appearance in Illinois. Perhaps the greater number pass beyond
the limits of our State in midwinter, but the writer has seen small
flocks in December and January in the bottom lands near Mount
Carmel. In early spring they become quite numerous in swampy
forests, congregating mostly about the borders of ponds or the
banks of streams. Their peculiar squeaking but not unmusical
song, which may be heard just before their departure for the North,
somewhat resembles that of the Bronzed Grackle (Quiscalus e@neus)
but is much less harsh and uttered in a higher key. Occasionally,
especially during cold weather, small flocks frequent the barn-yards,
for the purpose of gathering the grain which has become scattered
about during the feeding of the stock.

Scolecophagus cyanocephalus (Wazgl.)

BREWER’S BLACKBIRD,

Popular synonyms. Violet-headed or Blue-headed Blackbird; Corral Bird.

Psarocolius cynocephalus WAGu. Isis, 1829, 758.
Scolecophagus cyanocephalus CAs. 1851.—BArrRp, B. N. Am. 1858, 552; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 332.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 160; 2d ed. 1884, 411; Check List, 1874, No. 222; 2d ed.
1882, No. 332; B. N. W. 199.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 206, pl. 35, fig. 3.
—Rivew. Nom. N. Am. B.1881, No. 274.
Quiscalus breweri AuD. B. Am. viii, 1843, 345, pl. 492.

Has. Western United States, eastern Minnesota, eastern Kansas, and, occasionally,
the States along the eastern side of the Mississippi, breeding abundantly as far to the
northeast as the vicinity of Pembina, on the Red River of the North. Winters from 40°,
or perhaps further north, south into Mexico.

“Sp. Cuar. Billstout, quisealine, the commissure scarcely sinuated; shorter than
the head and the hind toe; the height half the length of culmen. Wing nearly an inch
longer than the tail; the second quill longest; the first about equalto the third. Tail
rounded and moderately graduated; the lateral feathers about .35 of an inch shorter.
General color of male black, with lustrous green reflections everywhere except on the
head and neck, which are glossed with purplish violet. Female much duller, of a light
brownish anteriorly; a very faint superciliary stripe. Length about 10 inches; wing,5.30;
tail, 4.40,

“Autumnal specimens do not exhibit the broad rusty edges of
feathers seen in S. ferrugineus.

824 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“The females and immature males differ from the adult males
inmuch the same points as S. ferrugineus except that the “rusty”
markings are less prominent and more grayish. The differences
generally between the two species are very appreciable. Thus, in
S. cyanocephalus, the bill, though of the same length, is much
higher and broader at the base, as well as more linear in its upper
outline; the point, too, is less decurved. The size is every way
larger. The purplish gloss, which in ferrugineus is found on most
of the body except the wings and tail, is here confined to the head
and neck, the rest of the body being of a richly lustrous and
strongly marked green, more distinct than that on the wings and
tail of ferrugineus. In one specimen only, from Santa Rosalia,
Mexico, is there a trace of purple on some of the wing and tail
feathers.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This species can scarcely be considered as more than a straggler
to Illinois. At least the writer is unable to cite many records of
its occurrence, while he has himself seen but a single specimen, a
female shot at Mount Carmel in December, 1866, and now in the col-
lection of the National Museum, at Washington.

Genus QUISCALUS Viemor.

Quiscalus VrerLuoT, Analyse, 1816,36. Type Gracula quiscala Linn.
Megaquiscalus Cass. Proce. Phil. Ac. Sci. March, 1866, 409. Type Quiscalus major VIEILL,
Holoquiscalus Cass. t. ¢. p. 404. Type Gracula barita LInn.

“Sp. CHAR. Billas long as the head, the culmen slightly curved, the gonys almost
straight; the edges of the bill inflected and rounded; the commissure quite strongly sin-
uated. Outlines of tarsal scutelle well defined on the sides; tail long, boat-shaped, or
eapable of folding so that the two sides can almost be brought together upward, the
feathers conspicuously and decidedly graduated, their inner webs longer than the outer.
Color black.

“The excessive graduation of the long tail, with the perfectly
black color, at once distinguishes this genus from any other in the
United States. Two types may be distinguished: one, Quwiscalus, in
which the females are much like the males, although a little smaller
and perhaps with rather less lustre; the other, Megaquiscalus, much
larger, with tail more graduated, the females considerably smaller,
and of a brown or rusty color. The Quiscali are all from North
America or the West Indies (including Trinidad); the Megaquiscali
are Mexican and Gulf species entirely; while a third group, the
Holoquiscali, is West Indian.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

IcCTERIDAX—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 825

The genus Quiscalus in its most restricted sense, meludes but
two species, one of them with two geographical races, all of which are
confined to eastern North America. Certain authors profess to be
unable to distinguish the three forms which were first indicated
by Professor Baird in 1858, and eleven years afterward clearly
characterized by me in the “Proceedings” of the Philadelphia Acad-
emy for 1869, pp. 183-135. The fact nevertheless is evident to any
one who will take the trouble to carefully examine large series of
specimens (the larger the series the more positive do the differences
become) that on the eastern side of the Alleghenies is found, almost
exclusively, a form which may instantly be distinguished from that
occurring, to the complete exclusion of the coast race, on the western
side of the range in question. The coast race or species extends
north to the southeastern corner of New York, and along the coast
of southern New England, but becomes rare in eastern Massachusetts,
beyond which point it has not been traced. To the south it extends
in its typical form to northern Florida, but in the southern portion of
the latter State it becomes, by gradual transition, smaller, with a
larger bill, and somewhat different coloration. The Florida bird
constitutes a local race, for which the name Q. quiscula agleus Barrp
is available, the more northern bird being the true Q. quiscula
(Linn.) Throughout the country between the Alleghenies and Rocky
Mountains, and northward to Hudson’s Bay and Labrador, as well
as throughout the greater part of New England and also the Middle
States west of the mountains, @. quiscula is wholly replaced by
a bird of similar size and form but totally different coloration.
This is the @. enews, mihi. I have usually ranked it as a race of
Q. quiscula; but the circumstance that among very large series of
both forms (amounting to several hundred specimens) I have never
seen one which I could not immediately refer to one or the other,
very strongly suggests their specific distinctness, as I had at first
claimed for them. A fact equally significant of the correctness
of this view is that typical specimens of @. eneus haye occasionally
been taken, as undoubted stragglers, within the region inhabited
by Q. quiscula, but at the same time no intermediate specimens
appear eyer to have been found. In accordance, therefore, with
definite and consistent principles for my guidance in the applica-
tion of the fact of intergradation as the test of conspecific relation
between closely related forms, Iam compelled to recognize Q. eneus
as a distinct species until intergradation with Q. quiscula shall haye
been proven.

826 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

The following comparative diagnoses, which include also both
forms of the eastern species, show, briefly, the differential character
of @. eneus and @. quiscula. It should be especially noted that the
color of the head and neck is of no importance whatever as a diagnos-
tic character, but that the coloration of the back and lower parts is
the decisive test.

1. Q. wneus. Entire body, above and below, uniform and unvarying brassy olive, or
olivaceous bronze. Wings gradually shading into bronzy reddish purple, the
primaries and tail more purplish violet. Head, neck, and jugulum rich metallic
brassy green, steel-blue, violet, or purple, always very abruptly and sharply de-
fined against the totally different color of the back and breast.

2. Q.quiscnla, Plumage of the body varying from dark dull metallic slate-green to
violet or purple, never perfectly uniform, and usually broken by transverse bars
of different metallic tints—golden green, steel-blue, bronze, or purple, according
to the individual. Tail and wings bluish or greenish.

a. quiscula. Head, neck and jugulum yarying from brassy green to steel-blue,
violet, or purplish bronze, the color (whatever it may be) rarely abruptly de-
fined posteriorly. Body usually with purplish predominating. Male. Wing
5.50-5.90; tail 5.20-6.20; bill, from nostril, .88-1.00. Hab. Atlantic coast, from
northern Florida to Massachusetts.

b. agleus. Head, neck, and jugulum usually purplish violet (more bluish an-
teriorly), and usually sharply defined posteriorly. Body usually dark metallic
bronze-green.

Male. Wing 5.10-5.50; tail 5.05-5.60; bill, from nostril, .90-1.05. Hab. Southern
Florida.

Quiscalus quiscula zeneus Ridgw.*

BRONZED GRACKLE.
Popular synonym. Western Crow Blackbird.

Quiscalus versicolor AUD. B. Am. iv, 1842, 58, pl. 221 (description and account of habits
refers in part to Q. quiscula).—BAtrD, B. N. Am. 1858,555 (part; western specimens).
Quiscalus @neus Ripew. Proc. Phil. Ac. Sci. 1869, 134,
Quiscalus purpureus var. eneus B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 218.
Quiscalus purpureus @neus Rew. Nom, N. Am. B. 1881, No. 278b.—Covugs, 2d Check
List, 1882, No. 337.

Has. Interior of North America, from Mississippi Valley to the Rocky Mountains,
and north to the Saskatchewan, Hudson's Bay Territory. and Labrador, thence south to
Massachusetts, northern New York, ete.; merely casual or occasional east of the Alle-
ghenies south of New York, being replaced along the Atlantic seaboard by Q. quiscula.

Sugsp. CHAR. Entire body, above and below, uniform and unvarying brassy olive,
or olive-bronze. Wings gradually shading into bronze-purple, the primaries and tail
more violet-purple. Head, neck, and jugulum metallic brassy green, steel-blue, violet
or purple (according to the individual), always very abruptly defined against the very
different color of the back and breast.

Adult male. Totallength (fresh), 13.00; extent, 17.75; wing (skins), 5.55-6.75; tail, 5.50-
6.20; bill, from nostril, .88-.90. Bill and feet deep black; iris yellowish white.

Adult female. Total length (fresh), 11.25-11.50; extent, 16.00-16.50; wing (in skins), 5.00-
5.05; tail, 4.80-4.90; bill, from nostril, .70-.75. Plumage much duller than in the male, the
metallic colors less brilliant.

Young. Uniform grayish dusky, without metallic tints. Iris pale brown.

*“A.O. U. Check List;” Quiscalus eneus, according to the author's views.

\ ‘
\ ‘

ICTERIDE—THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 827

This fine but unpopular bird is very common throughout the
State, and, like the Blue Jay, is in many places one of the most
familiar of birds, nesting in the groves or shade trees within towns,
evineing little fear of man. In the fall they congregate in large
numbers, which keep together during the winter, and in the spring
when these large companies break up they do not disband entirely,
but separate into colonies of greater or less extent, the different
pairs of which build their nests in as close proximity to one another
as suitable places for their location will permit. In their choice of
a location for the nest they are by no means particular, any place
where it can be securely attached answering the purpose equally
well; and it is by no means unusual to see in the same tree sey-
eral nests, some saddled on horizontal branches, others built in a
large fork, and others again in holes, either natural or those made
by the Flicker. On a small island, near Mount Carmel, densely
covered with a growth of young willows of twenty to thirty feet in
height, but very slender, the writer once found a colony numbering
upwards of seventy nests, all attached to the willow trees and sup-
ported against the trunks by small twigs. In the immediate vicinity,
along the river bank, were many other nests, most of them built
inside of holes in the large dead trees or in stumps.

The Crow Blackbird is quite as omnivorous as the Crow or Blue
Jay, and whenever opportunity offers will not hesitate to attack and
eat smaller birds, especially defenseless young. But his own off-
spring are sometimes destroyed by carnivorous enemies, the writer
having once seen, in the locality mentioned above, a Fox Squirrel
(Sciurus ludovicianus Custis) emerge from a hole in a large dead
tree with a young blackbird in its mouth. The squirrel was attacked
by a number of the blackbirds, who were greatly excited, but it
paid no attention to their demonstrations, and, after descending,
scampered off into the woods with its prey.

The general habits of the Bronzed Grackle are in all respects
identical with those of the Purple Grackle (Q. quiscula), unless it
may be that it is more apt to build its nest in holes of trees than
the latter species. We do not think, however, that they really
differ in this respect, but believe that @Q. quiscula will prob-
ably be found to avail itself of such nesting sites when they
are to be found in the localities which they frequent. Certain it is
that Q. eneus builds its nests in exactly such situations as are sup-
posed to be usually chosen by Q. quiscula wheneyer no holes are

$28 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

available for the purpose. From an almost equal familiarity with
the two birds, we are able to say that their notes differ decidedly,
especially those of the male during the breeding season, the “song”
of the western bird being very much louder and more musical, or
metallic, than that of its eastern relative.

CORVIDH—THE CROWS AND JAYS. 829

Famny CORVID2s.—Tue Crows and Jays.

“CuHak. Primaries ten; the first short, generally about half as long as the second (or
a little more); the outer four sinuated on the inneredge. The nasal foss@ and nostrils
usually more or less concealed by narrow, stiffened bristles (or bristly feathers), with
short appressed lateral branches extending to the very tip, all directed forwards (these
bristles occasionally wanting). Tarsi scutellate anteriorly, the sides undivided (except
sometimes below) and separated from the anterior plates by a narrow naked strip, some-
times filled up with small scales. Basal joint of middle toe united about equally to the
lateral, generally for about half the length. Bill generally notched.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Corvide constitutes a very strongly marked family or group
of the Oscines, the principal character being the separation of the
lateral and anterior scutelle of the tarsus by a narrow interval
which is devoid of smaller scales, the conspicuous nasal tufts (these
absent in afew genera) and the absence of an angle at the base of
the commissure, which is invariably present in the Icteride and
Lringillide. Some of the genera resemble gigantic Titmice—Cyano-
citta corresponding to the genus Lophophanes and Perisoreus to Parus.
The resemblance is, however, apparently a purely superficial one,
there being many important differences. Thus, “the feathers at the
base of the bill in the Jays, are bristly throughout, with lateral
branches reaching to the very tip. In Paride these feathers are
inclined to be broader, with the shaft projecting considerably beyond
the basal portion, or the lateral branches are confined to the basal
portion and extended forwards. There is no naked line of separa-
tion between the scutelle on the outer side of tarsi. The basal
joint of the middle toe is united almost or quite to the end to the
lateral instead of half-way. The first primary is usually less than
half the second, instead of rather more; the fourth and fifth pri-
maries nearly equal and longest, instead of the fifth beg longer
than the fourth.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Two so-called sub-families of typical Corvid@ are recognized, but
they are not very well characterized, on account of the evidence of
numerous intermediate forms. Taking the North American members
of the family there is, however, no difficulty in recognizing the two
sub-families, which may be defined as follows

330 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Corvine. Billaslongasthe head. Tail short,nearly even; wings long and pointed,
longer than tail, and nearly reaching its tip; projecting beyond the under tail-coverts,
which reach the middle of tail. Tip of wing formed by the third, fourth, and fifth quills,
which are longest. Tarsi usually with a row of small scutell@ on each side.

Garruline. Bill usually shorter than head. Tail lengthened, rounded, and gener-
ally longer than the wings, which are short, rounded and extend scarcely beyond the
lower tail-coverts; these not reaching the middle of the tail. Tip of wing formed by the
fourth, fifth, and sixth quills, which are longest. Tarsi usually with a row of small
scutelle on the inner side only.

Susrammny CORVIN_2t.—Tue Crows.

Cuan. Wings long and pointed, longer than the tail, and, when closed, reaching
nearly to its tip, extending beyond the under tail-coverts, the third, fourth, and fifth
quills forming the tip of the wing.

The following diagnoses may serve to distinguish the three genera
of North American Corvine:

A. (Corvee). Bill compressed, much higher than broad; its tip compressed.
Size large (i. e. over 13 inches long), color black, or mainly black.
Color black throughout; bill much compressed, the culmen much
arched, and the gonys convex; nasal bristles strong - - - Corvus.

B. (Nucifragee.) Bill cylindrical, scarcely or not at all higher than broad;
its tip depressed. Size small (i. e. less than 15 inches long). Color uniform
blue or with ashy on body, and black wings and tail.
Color ashy, with wings and tail mainly black. Culmen convex, gonys
slightly concave. Nostrils covered by short nasal tuft - - Picicorvus.
Color uniform blue,bright on the head; the throat streaked with
whitish. Culmen straight; gonysslightly convex. Nostrils completely
exposed; no nasal tufts - - - - - - - Gymnokitta.

Only the first of the above genera has representatives in eastern
North America, the other two being distinctly western.

Genus CORVUS Liyvyzvs.

Corvus Linnzvus, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, i, 1758, 105. Type, Corvus corax LINN.

“Gen. CHAR. The nasal feathers lengthened, reaching to or beyond the middle of the
bill. Nostrils large,circular, overhung behind by membrane, the edges rounded else-
where. Rictus without bristles. Bill nearly as long asthe tarsus, very stout; much
higher than broad at the base, culmen much arched. Wings reaching nearly or quite to
the tip of the tail, the outer four primaries sinuated internally. Tarsi longer than the
middle toe, with a series of small seales on the middle of each side separating the an-
terior seutellate portion from the posterior continuous plates. Sides of the head occa-
sionally with nearly naked patches. Tail graduated or rounded.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The following species occur in eastern North America:

A. Feathers of the throat elongated, narrow,and with very distinct outlines. (Ravens.)

1. C. corax sinuatus, Feathers of the neck and breast dull gray beneath the surface.
Wing more than 16 inches, tail 9.50 or more.

2. C.cryptolencus. Feathers of the neck and breast pure white beneath the surface.

Wing less than 15 inches; tail less than 9.

CORVIDH—THE CROWS AND JAYS. 831

B. Feathers of the throat normal; i. e., short, broad, and blended. (Crovs.)

3. C. americanus. Plumage glossed with purplish violet, but this hardly perceptible
on head and neck. Wing 12inches or more; tail? or more; culmen 1.80 or more;
tarsus 2 or more.

C. ossifragus. Plumage glossed with violet-blue, more greenish on head,neck and
lower parts, the gloss very perceptible throughout. Wings less than 11 inches;
tail about 6.50; culmen 1.55; tarsus, 1.65.

4

Corvus corax sinatus (Wagl.)

AMERICAN RAVEN.
Corvus earnivorus “BARtTR.” Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 560; ed. 1860, pl. 21; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 423.

Corvus coraz var. carnivorus B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 283, 234, pl. 37, fig. 6.

Corvus coraz carnivorus Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 280.

Corvus corax Wiis. Am. Orn. ix, 1825, 136, pl. 75, fig. 3. Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 202.—Aup.

Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 476, pl. 101; Synop. 1839, 150; B. Am. iv, 1843, 78, pl. 224.—Cougs, Key,
1872, 162; Check List, 1874, No. 226; 2d ed. 1882, No. 338; B. N. W. 1874, 204,

Corvus sinuatus WAGL. Isis, 1829, 748.

Corvus cacalote WaAGt. Isis. 1831, 527—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 563; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
Nos. 423, 424.

Sp. Coan. Adult. Tail graduated; feathers of throat lanceolate, those of neck, jugu-
lum, and fore part of back gray—at bases. Entire plumage glossy black, the upper parts,
especially wings and tail, with rich purplish reflections. Bill and feet black; iris brown.
Total length (fresh), 25 to 27 inches; extent, 49 to 51; wing (in skins), about 17; tail, 10.

The Raven is a very local and nowhere abundant bird in Illinois.
The writer has seen it only in the bottoms of Big Creek and about
the borders of Fox Prairie, in Richland County, where, up to 1871 at
least, one or two pairs might be seen at almost any time, usually soar-
ing in circles over the timber. It was never observed in the vicinity
of Mount Carmel, nor have I ever been able to hear of its oc-
currence anywhere in that portion of the State except in the locali-
ties mentioned. According to Mr. Nelson it was “formerly a not
uncommon resident” in the northeastern portion of the State, but
“now [1876] occurs only in winter and is rare.” Mr. Nelson further
remarks: ‘‘Frequents the sand hills along the lake shore from the
last of October until spring. The first of November, 1875, I saw
several specimens near Waukegan, where they were repeatedly seen
flying along the lake shore, and in winter they unite in small flocks
and move from place to place.”

Corvus americanus Aud.

COMMON CROW.
Popular synonyms, American Crow; Tom Crow (Nevada).

Corvus corone WILs. Am. Orn. iv, 1814, 79, pl. 25, fig. 3 (nee Lryn.)—Sw. & Ricu. F. B.-
A. ii, 1831, 291_—NutTtT. Man. i, 1832, 209,

Corvus americanus Aup. Orn. Biog. ii,1834,817; v,1839,477, pl. 156; Synop. 1859, 156; B.
Am. iv, 1842, 87, pl. 225.—NutTr. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 221.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858,566; Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, No. 426.—Covuss, Key, 1872, 162; Check List, 1873, No. 228: B. N. W.
1874, 206.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 233, 234, pl. 37, fig. 5.

832 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Corvus frugivorus “BARTR.” Cougs, Pr. Phil. Acad. 1875, 346; 2d Check List, 1882, No.
340.—Ripew. Nom. Am. B. 1881, No. 282.

Has. Whole of temperate North America, except northwest coast; south to northern
Mexico. Rare in the interior western districts.

Sp. CHar. Tail slightly rounded. Feathers of throat short, blended, those of neck,
ete., dusky grayish at bases. Adult. Deep black, with violet gloss, the latter fainter on
lower parts. Bill and feet deep black; iris brown. Young. Dull,lusterless black. Total
length (fresh specimens), 18.50-19.50; extent, 37.00-38.50; wing (in skins), about 13.00-13.50;
tail. 8.00.

During the breeding season, when the plumage becomes worn or
“weather-beaten,” there is much less gloss to the plumage. “All
specimens shot at this season do not exhibit this peculiarity, and
some show it in a more marked degree than others. These speci-
mens are characterized by the entire absence of the violet gloss on
the wings and tail, those parts being of a lustreless, purplish brown
color. Some specimens have the concealed bases of the feathers
of a fine, violet-glossed black, and the residue of a rich bronze hue.”
(Mearns, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. II, 1878, p. 71.)

So well known a bird as the Common Crow needs no special
biography in a work like this. His general habits are as familiar
to every one, as are his appearance and voice. ‘There are never-
theless some traits of his character which are hardly appreciated
to the extent that they should be, and it is exceedingly probable
that he is a much more useful member of bird society than he is
given credit for.

Supramiry GARRULINZ.—Tue Jays.

“CHar. Wings short, rounded; not longer or much shorter than the tail, which is
graduated, sometimes excessively so. Wings reaching not much beyond the lower tail-
coverts. Bristly feathers at base of bill variable. Bill nearly as long as the head, or
shorter. Tarsi longer than the bill or than the middle toe. Outer lateral claws rather
shorter than the inner. (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The following genera belong to North America, there being two others (Psilorhinus
and Yanthoura) which barely come within our borders across the lower Rio Grande,
A. Tail very long and much graduated; first primary very narrow, faleate.

Pica, Head without crest; wings and tail metallic green and bluish.
B. Tail about as long as the wings, rounded; first primary not falcate,
a. Head conspicuously crested.
Cyanocitta. Wings and tail blue, barred with black.
b. Head without crest.
Aphelocoma, Above blue,the back (in North American species) more or less gray-

CORVIDE—THE CROWS AND JAYS. 8338

ish, the wings and tail not barred; beneath light grayish or dull whitish (in some Mex-
ican species wholly blue underneath),

Perisoreus. Plumage exceedingly lax and “fluffy.” Bill very small, scarcely half the
length of the head. Color mainly dull grayish.

Genus PICA Brisson.

Pica Brisson, Ornithologia, 1760, ii, 35. Type, Corvus pica LINN.

“Gren. CHAR. Tail very long, forming much more than the total length; the feathers
much graduated; the lateral scarcely more than half the middle. First primary faleate,
curved, and attenuated. Bill about as high as broad at the base, the culmen and gonys
much eurved, and about equal; the bristly feathers reaching nearly to the middle of the
bill. Nostrils nearly circular. Tarsi very long; middle toe scarcely more than two
thirds the length. A patch of naked skin beneath and behind the eye.

“The peculiar characteristic of this genus, in addition to the very
long graduated tail, lies in the attenuated, falcate first primary.
Calocitta, which has an equally long or longer tail, has the first
primary as in the Jays generally (besides having the nostrils ex-
posed).” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The American Magpie (P. pica hudsonica) belongs to a circum-
polar species (P. pica) which in the various parts of its range is
differentiated into more or less strongly marked geographical races.
Many ornithologists do not admit the subspecific distinctness of the
American bird, and the differences from the European (typical) form
are indeed slight in some specimens, though easily recognized in the
majority.

A probably distinct species (P. nuttalli), confined to California,
differs in having the bill and bare suborbital space bright yellow
instead of black.

Pica pica hudsonica (Sab.)

BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE,

Popular synonym. American Magpie.

Corvus pica Wiis. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 75, pl. 35, flg. 2 (mec Linn.)—Sw. & Rion. F. B.-A. ii,
1831, 292.—Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 219.—AupD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 408, pl. 357.
Corvus hudsonicus SABink, App. Franklin's Voy. 1823, 25, 671.
Pica hudsonica BP. 1838.—BAtrD, B. N. Am. 1858, 576; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 432.
Pica melanoleuca var. hudsonica Cours, Key, 1872, 164; Check List, 1873, No. 233; B.
N. W. 1874, 211.
Pica caudata var. hudsonica ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zo6Ol. iii, 1872, 178.—B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1871, 265, 266, pl. 38, fig. 1.
Pica rustica p hudsonica Riwew. Field & Forest, June, 1877, 218.
Pica rustica hudsonica Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 286.—Covusgs, 2d Check List,
1882, No. 347.
Pica melanoleuca AUD. Synop. 1839, 157; B. Am. iv, 1842, 99, pl. 227.

834 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Se. CHar. Bill and naked suborbital skin black. Head, neck, breast, interscapulars,
lining of wing, tail-coverts, and tibiw, deep black, the pileum usually giossed with
bronze-greenish. Lower parts (except as described), scapulars, and inner webs of pri-
muries, pure white. Wings metallic greenish blue; tail rich metallic green, passing,
near tips, through bronze and reddish violet into violet-blue. Total length (fresh speci-
mens), 17.50-21.75; extent, 21.25-25.00; wing (in skins), 8.00-8.50; tail, 12.00-13.50. Feet deep
black; iris brown, with bluish gray outer ring.

The occurrence of the Black-billed Magpie at present anywhere in
Illinois is extremely doubtful. There is no recent record of its having
been taken or even seen within the limits of the State, and its claim
to a place in our fauna rests solely on Mr. Kennicott’s statement that
it is (or was at the time his list was published) a rare winter visitant
to the extreme northern counties.

The nest of the Magpie is a very bulky and somewhat remarkable
structure, composed exteriorly of sticks of various sizes, forming a
spherical mass, the upper portion of which forms a canopy to the
nest proper, the entrance being through one side. The eggs are
usually six in number, but often as many as nine, and are of a pale
olive or grayish white color, thickly speckled with olive-brown.

Grnus CYANOCITTA Srrickuanp.

Cyanocitta Strick. Ann. Nat. Hist. xv, 1845, 261. Type, Corvus cristatus LINN.
Cyanurus “SWAINSON,” Barep, B. N. Am. 1858.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 264,
271, et AucT. (nec SWAINS.)

“Gren. CHAR. Head crested. Wings and tail blue, with transverse black bars; head
and back of same color. Bill rather slender, somewhat broader than high at the base;
culmen about equal to the head. Nostrils large, nearly circular, concealed by bristles.
Tail about as long as the wings, lengthened, graduated. Hind claw large, longer than
its digit.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Two widely distinct species of this well-marked genus belong to
North America, one of them being peculiar to the Eastern Province,
the other restricted to the mountainous portions of the Western
Province, and south through Mexico to Guatemala and Honduras.
The latter is divided into several geographical races, as follows:
(1) C. coronata (vera), Honduras, Guatemala, and southern Mexico;
(2) C. coronata diademata, central Mexico ; (8) C. coronata macrolopha,
Rocky Mountains of the United States; (4) C. coronata annectens,
northern Rocky Mountains; (5) C. coronata stelleri, northwest
coast, from the northern Coast Range of California to Sitka;
(6) C. coronata frontalis, Sierra Nevada range. These races are
very distinct when typical examples are compared; so much g0,
in fact, that were not true intergradation evident they would be
considered separate species. They are all characterized in “History

CORVIDA—THE CROWS AND JAYS. 835

of North American Birds,” Vol. Il. page 272, to which the reader is
referred for furthur information.

Cyanocitta cristata (Linn.)

BLUE JAY.

Corvus eristatus Linn. 8. N. ed. 10,i,1758,106; ed. 12,i,1766,157.—Wis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 11,
pl. 1, fig. 1.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832,224.—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 11, v, 1839, 475, pl. 102.
Garrulus cristatus VIEL. 1817.—Sw. & Ricu. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 293.—A ub. B. Am. iv, 1842,

110, pl. 231.
Cyanurus cristatus BAtRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 580; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 434.—Cougs, Key,
1872, 165; Check List, 1874, No. 234; B. N. W. 1874, 204.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii,

271,373, pl. 42, fig. 2.
Cyanocitta cristatus Strick. Am. Nat. Hist. 1845, 261.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,

No. 289.—Cougs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 349,

Has. Whole of eastern North America, north to 56° in the interior, west to the border
of the Great Plains; resident and breeding throughout.

“Sp. Cuar. Crest about one third longer than the bill. Tailmuch graduated. Gen-
eral colorabove light purplish blue; wings and tail-feathers ultramarine blue; the second-
aries and tertials, the greater wing-coverts, and the exposed surface of the tail, sharply
blended with black and broadly tipped with white,except on the central tail-feathers.
Beneath white; tinged with purplish blue onthe throat, and with bluish brown on the
sides. A black crescent onthe fore part of the breast, the horns passing forward and
connecting with ahalf-color onthe back of the neck. A narrow frontal line and loral
region black; feathers on the base of the bill blue, like the crown. Female rather duller
in color, and a little smaller. Length, 12.25; wing, 5.65; tail, 5.75.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Few of our birds are more numerous, and none, certainly, are
better known than the Blue Jay. With us he has none of the shy-
ness which characterizes him in the more eastern States, but makes
himself at home in the door-yards and orchards, building his nest
in the apple trees, in shade trees along the streets, or even among
the vines trained up the sides of houses; and, with greater or less
regularity, especially in winter, obtains a not inconsiderable portion
of his or her daily food from the immediate vicinity of the kitchen
door.

At Olney, Richland County, a Blue Jay’s nest was, in the spring
of 1865, found inside an old unused barn in the middle of the
town, placed on a sill against the weatherboarding, in the upper part
of the building.

336 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Famity ALAUDIDZ.—Tue Largs.

“Cuar. First primary very short or wanting. Tarsi scutellate anteriorly and pos-
teriorly, with the plates nearly of corresponding position and number. Hind claw very
long and nearly straight. Bill short, conical, frontal feathers extending along side of the
bill; the nostrils concealed by a tuft of bristly feathers directed forward. Tertials greatly
elongate beyond the secondaries.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Alaudide are preéminently a Palearctic family, being numer-
ously represented throughout Europe and central Asia, and with many
members in the more open portion of the African continent. Amer-
ica possesses a single species, and that of circumpolar distribution.

“The most characteristic feature of the Larks among other oscinine
families is seen in the scutellation of the tarsus. The anterior
half of this is covered by divided scales lapping around on the
sides, but instead of the two plates which go on each side of the
posterior half and unite ultimately behind as an acute ridge, there
is but one, which laps round on the sides, and is divided into scales
like the anterior ones, but alternating with them. The posterior
edge of the tarsus is as obtuse as the anterior, instead of being very
acute. There is a deep separating groove on the inner side of the
tarsus; and there may be really but one plate divided transversely,
the edges meeting at this place.

“In the elongated hind claw and lengthened tertials, general style
of coloration, mode of life, and manner of nesting, there is decided
approximation in the Alaudide to the Anthine, of the family Mo-
tacillide; but in these the posterior edge of the tarsus is sharp and
undivided transversely, the toes more deeply cleft, the bill more
slender, etc.—their relations being rather nearer to the Sylvicolide
than the present family.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Genus OTOCORIS Bonaparte.

Eremophila Born, Isis, 1828, $22. Type, Alauda alpestris Linn. (Nee Eremophilus
Humes. 1805.)

Otocoris BonaP. Fauna Ital. Uccelli. Introd. 1839, (not paged).

Gen. CHAR. No spurious primary; bill small, scarcely higher than broad; nostrils
circular (the nasal fosse oblique), concealed by a dense tuft of feathers. Adult with a
narrow tuft of feathers on each side of the crown (most developed in the male), Colors
of the adult pinkish gray or brownish above, with more or less distinct streaks on the
back; a black cheek patch and pectoral crescent (indistinct in the female).

ALAUDIDH—THE LARKS. 837

This being the only American genus of Larks, there is no need
in the present connection, for comparison with aHied genera. There
is only one American species, so far as known. This one (0. alpes-
tris) inhabits all the more open portions of the continent, breeding
from the table-lands of southern Mexico to the shores of the Arctic
Ocean, and from the region of the Great Lakes (western New York,
Ohio, etc.) to the Pacific. In the various faunal districts of this
extensive area, it is divided into a number of well-marked geographi-
cal races, which have been distinguished by Mr. H. W. Henshaw
(“‘Auk,” I. p. 263) as follows :*

“0. alpestris. Size large; wing, 4.44; tail,3.02; tarsus, .61; bill,.50. (Average of 19 males.)
Nape,lesser wing-coverts, rump, ete., deep vinaceous. Habitat, northeastern North
America, Labrador, Greenland.

“0. alpestris praticola. Sizesmaller; wing,4.17; tail,2.93; tarsus, .83; bill,.46. (Average
of19 males.) Nape, lesser wing-coverts, rump, etc,, pale vinaceous; back dead gray,in
contrast; whole aspect generally paler thanin true alpestris. Habitat, Upper Mississippi
Valley and region of Great Lakes.

“0. alpestris leucolema, Size about as in alpestris; wing 4.39; tail, 2.96; tarsus, .89; bill,
.9. (Average of 12 males.) Chief character, paler; nape, lesser wing-coverts, rump, ete.,
very pale vinaceous; back gray, in contrast. Throat white or with but faint trace of yel-
low. Colors are still paler in fall; occasionally at this season there is some yellow on
the throat. Habitat, British America and Alaska; western United States only in winter.

“0. alpestris arenicola, Size smaller than lewcolema; wing, 4.27; tail,3.35; tarsus, .84;
bill,.48. (Average of 16 males.) The colorssimilar tothe last, but throat always decidedly
yellow. Fall specimens are brighter, with more yellow on the throat and forehead.
Habitat, Great Basin of United States and Rocky Mountains,

“0. alpestris giraudi. Wing,3.78; tail, 2.57; tarsus, .80; bill, .43. (Average of 9 males.)
General color above brownish gray; streaks of back very indistinet; yellow of throat
bright; breast usually pale yellow. Habitat eastern and southeastern Texas.

“0. alpestris chrysolema. Wing 3.98; tail,2.91; tarsus,.83; bill,.46, (Average of 4males.)
Much deeper in color than arenicola. Nape, etc., deep pinkish rufous; throat deep yel-
low, but breast always white. Habitat, Mexico, possibly across the border into southern
Arizona and New Mexico.

“0, alpestrisrubea, Wing,3.51; tail,2.71; tarsus, .77; bill, .45. (Average of 11 males.)
General color above, deep cinnamon or ferruginous; throat bright yellow; streaks on
dorsum nearly obsolete. Habitat, California.

“0. alpestris strigata. Wing,3.99; tail,2.75; tarsus, .76; bill,.44. (Average of 2 males.)
Coloration above very dark; much less cinnamon than in either rubea or chrysolema;
back distinctly striped with dusky; breast usually yellow. In some fall specimens the
yellow overspreads the entire under parts. Habitat, coast region of Washington Terri-
tory and Oregon.”

*The color descriptions are based on males in breeding plumage,

—22

338 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Otocoris alpestris (Linn.)

SHORE LARK.

Popular synonyms, Snow Lark; Snowbird; Prairie Lark; Skylark; American Skylark;
Horned Lark.

Alauda alpestris Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 166.
Otocoris alpestris Bp. Fauna Ital. Ucc. Introd. 1839 (not paged).—HENsHAW, Auk,
July, 1884, 257, 263.
Eremophila alpestris Bors, Isis. 1828,322.—Covers, Key, 1872,89; Check List, 1874, No. 53;
2d Check List, 1982, No. 82; 2d Key, 1884, 281 (part).—Ripa@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No. 300 (part).
Eremophila alpestris var. alpestris B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 143.
Eremophila alpestris a. alpestris Cours, B. N. W. 1874, 37.
Alauda cornuta Wis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 87 (in text).—Sw. & Ricu. F. B.-A. ii, 181,121.
Eremophila cornuta Borg, Isis, 1828, 322.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 403; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 302.

This larger, darker colored form of the Shore Lark is an irregu-
lar winter visitant, sometimes, however, occurring in large flocks.
Its habits are identical with those of the resident race.

Otocoris alpestris praticola (Hensh.)

PRAIRIE LARK.

Popular synonyms. (Same as those of alpestris proper.)

Eremophila alpestris AUcT., ex-parte (nec Bore).
Otocoris alpestris praticola HENSHAW, Auk, i. No. 3, July, 1884,364.

Has. Mississippi Valley and region of the Great Lakes, breeding, and resident, east
to western New York.

Supsp. CHar. Adult male in spring (No. 90763, U. S. Nat. Mus., Richland Co., Ill.,
May 16, 1883; R. Ridgway): Posterior portion of crown, occiput, nape, sides of neck and
breast, lesser wing-coverts,and shorter upper tail-coverts, light vinaceous; back,scapu-
lars,and rump, grayish brown, the feathers with darker centres, becoming darker and
much more distinct on the rump; middle wing-coverts light vinaceous terminally,
brownish gray basally. Wings (except as described) grayish brown, the feathers with
paler edges; outer primary with outer web chiefly white. Middle pair of tail-feathers
light brown (paler on edges), the central portion (longitudinally) much darker, approach-
ing dusky; remaining tail-feathers uniform black, the outer pair with exterior web
broadly edged with white. Longer upper tail-coverts light brown, edged with whitish
and marked with a broad lanceolate streak of dusky. Forehead (for about .15 of an inch)
yellowish white, this continued back in a broad superciliary stripe of nearly pure
white; fore part of crown (for about .35 of an inch) deep black, continued lateraHy back
to and including the ear-like tufts; lores, suborbital region, and broad patch on cheeks
(with convex posterior outline) deep black; jugular crescent also deep black, this extend-
ing to the lower part of throat; chin and throat pale straw-yellow, gradually fading into
white on sides of foreneck; anterior half of ear-coverts white, posterior half drab-gray,
each portion forming a crescent-shaped patch. Lower parts posterior to the jugular
erescent pure white, the sides of the breast light vinaceous, the sides similar but browner
and indistinctly streaked with darker. Upper mandible plumbeous black, lower bluish
plumbeous; iris deep brown; legsandfeet brownish black. Wing,4.30; tail,2.85; culmen,
47; tarsus, .85.

ALAUDIDE— THE LARKS. 839
s

Adult male in winter (No. 95583, Gainesville, Texas, Feb. 12, 1884; G. H. Ragsdale):
Similar to the spring plumage, but darker, with the vinaceous somewhat obscured by
grayish brown, the black by pale tips to the feathers, and yellow of throat slightly
deeper. Wing, 4.20; tail, 3.00; culmen, .43; tarsus, .85.

Adult female in spring (No. 90760, Richland Co., Ill., May 25, 1884; R. Ridgway): Above
grayish brown, the pileum narrowly and distinctly, the dorsal region broadly and less
sharpWy, streaked with dusky; nape, lesser wing-coverts, and shorter upper tail-coverts
dull light vinaceous, the first very indistinctly streaked. A narrow frontlet and broad
superciliary stripe (the latter very sharply defined above) dull white; lores, suborbital
region, and triangular patch on cheeks, dull brownish black, without sharp definition
posteriorly; auriculars drab, the anterior half lighter; chin and throat white, the former
faintly tinged with yellowish; jugulum crossed by a distinct band of black, narrower and
less intense in color than in the male; rest of lower parts white, tinged with pale brown-
ish on breast, the sides (especially of breast} pale isabella~brownish, the flanks indis-
tinctly streaked with darker. Wing, 3.85; tail, 2.50; culmen, .45; tarsus, .80.

Adult female in winter (No. 85417, Mt. Carmel, Ill., Dec. 20, 1874; 8. Turner): Differing
from the summer plumage in being browner, and with the streaks on the pileum less
distinct, the whitish frontlet obsolete, and the superciliary stripe less sharply defined;
the lores, suborbital region, and cheeks dull brownish, like the auriculars, the latter with
an indistinctly lighter central spot; chin and throat dull buffy white, with a tinge of
straw-yellow, changing to clearer buffy white on sides of foreneck; jugulum with an in-
distinct blackish patch, the feathers broadly bordered with dull whitish. Whole breast
and sides light isabella-color, indistinctly streaked with darker; abdomen and crissum
white. Wing, 3.75; tail, 2.45; culmen, .40; tarsus, .80.

Young, first plumage (male, No. 90761, May 29, and female, No. 90792, May 16, Richland
Co., Iil.; R. Ridgway): Above brownish black, the wings brownish; back dotted with
sharply defined deltoid and rhomboid specks of white; pileum with similar but much
more minute markings, and rump also varied in the same manner, but spots rather more
transverse than on the back. Lesser and middle wing-coverts brownish black, broadly
tipped with buffy white; greater coverts dusky, edged with isabella-brown, and narrowly
tipped with pale buff; prevailing color of closed remiges isabella-brown, the tertials,
however, darker brown, bordered with buff, this bordered internally with a dusky sub-
margin. Lower parts dull white, the jugulum, sides of breast, and sides, dull isabella-
buff, spotted or clouded with dusky.

Measurements: wing, 4.30; tail, 3.08; tarsus, .80; bill, .45 (largest of 16 males).

Measurements: wing, 4.10; tail, 2.80; tarsus, .78; bill, .45 (smallest of 16 females).

“The first indications of a departure from the type of the true
alpestris are to be noticed in the region to the south and west of
the Great Lakes, especially in Illinois. The birds of this region
are to be distinguished as a race from alpestris proper by smaller
size and by paler colors. Specimens in the breeding plumage are
at hand from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Illinois,
Indiana, Missouri, and eastern Kansas. Those from Michigan are
paler than any of the others, and suggest an approach to the leu-
colema type.

_ “In connection with this race, it is of interest to note that it ap-
pears to be gradually extending its range and to be encroaching on
a territory which by reason of recent deforestation has been made
to approach the conditions this prairie-loving species seeks. Thus
Dr. C. H. Merriam writes that it has made its appearance in Lewis

340 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

county, New York, within a very few years, and appears to be
gaining a foothold there. The number of specimens of this form
before me is very large, and while they show it to be a well-marked
race, especially when extremes of either form are compared, they
also prove that on the one hand it intergrades with alpestris and
on the other with leuwcolema, according as the respective regions in-
habited by these forms are approached. Certain specimens also
from Kansas more than hint that, as we go westward, it passes into
arenicola of the plains. A winter specimen of this form from Texas
indicates the extent of its dispersion at this season.” (Hensuaw, I. c.)

This common but by no means well-known bird is a constant resi-
dent throughout the State, except in the wooded districts, although
the same individuals probably nowhere remain the year round in any
one locality. It is mostly confined to the prairie portions, but has
spread to all the cultivated districts, and there is no doubt that its
range has greatly extended of late years as the country has become
more cleared of forest and a greater area brought under cultivation,

TYRANNIDE—THE TYRANT FLYCATCHERS, 341

Famnty TYRANNIDAS.—Tue Tyrant FiycatcHers.

- CHARACTERS. “Primaries ten. Bill in typical forms broad, triangular, much de-
pressed, abruptly decurved and notched at tip, with long bristles along gape. Tarsi with
scutelle extending around the outer face of tarsus from the front to back; sometimes
divided on the outer side. Bill with culmen nearly as long as the head, or shorter;
straight to near the tip, then suddenly bent down into a conspicuous hook, with a notch
behind it; tip of lower jaw also notehed. Commissure straight to near the notch; gonys
slightly convex. Nostrils oval and rounded, in the anterior extremity of the nasal groove,
and more or less concealed by long bristles which extend from the posterior angle of the
jaws along the base of the bill, becoming smaller, but reaching nearly to the median line
uf the forehead. These bristles with lateral branches at the base. Similar bristles are
mixed in the loral feathers and margin the chin. Tarsi short, generally less than middle
toe, completely enveloped by a series of large scales, which meet near the posterior edge
of the inner side, and are separated either by naked skin or by arow of small scales.
Sometimes a second series of rather large plates is seen onthe posterior face of the
tarsus; these, however, usually on the upper extremity only. Basal joint of middle toe
united almost throughout to that of the outer toe, but more than half free on the inner
side; outer lateral toe rather the longer. Wings and tail variable; first quill always
more than three fourths the second. The outer primaries sometimes attenuated near
the tip.

“The primary characters given above will serve to distinguish
the North American Tyrannide from their allies; the essential fea-
tures consisting in the peculiarity of the scales of the tarsus and
the ten primaries. In the Sylvicolide there are species as truly
“flycatching,” and with a depressed bristly bill, but the nine (not
ten) primaries, and the restriction of the scales to the anterior
face of the tarsus, mstead of extending entirely round the outer
side, will readily separate them.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The following analysis of genera is taken from “History of North
American Birds” (Vol. II, pp. 307, 308), those belonging exclusively
to the southwestern border of the United States being omitted.

TYRANNI, Size large: colors generally brilliant; crown with a brighter colored
erest, usually concealed; outer primaries abruptly contracted or attenuated near the tip;
upper seales of tarsus usually continuing round on the outside and behind. Nest in
trees, very bulky, containing much downy material; eggs white or pinkish, with ovate
dots of rich brown, of various shades.

Milvulus. Tail exceedingly forked and lengthened; more than twice as long
as the wings.

Tyrannus, Tail moderate, nearly even or slightly forked; less than the wings,

342 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

TYRANNULI. Size generally small; colors usually plain; crown without any colored
crest concealed by the tips of the feathers; primaries normal; scales of the upper part of
the tarsus usually continuing only to the middle of the outer face,and a second series
opposite to them behind.

1. Tail lengthened; about equal to the wings, which reach scarcely to the middle.

Myiarchus. Tarsus equal to the middle toe, which is decidedly longer than the
hinder one. Tail even or rounded. Throat pale ash, rest of lower parts yellow
generally, the primaries edged with rufous, and inner webs of tail-feathers with
more or less of the same color. Nest ina cavity of a tree, of loose material;
eggs whitish, with intricate tangled lines and streaks of dark brown, the gen-
eral effect salmon-color.
Sayornis, Tarsus rather longer than the middle toe, which is scarcely longer
than the hind toe. Tail slightly forked. Bill very narrow. No light orbital
ring,nor distinct bands on wings; both mandibles black. Nest attached to
rocks or parts of buildings, very compact and bulky, containing much mud in
its composition; eggs pure white, immaculate, or with very minute sparse
dots near larger end.

®, Tail decidedly shorter than the wings, which reach beyond its middle. Tarsus

shorter than the middle toe.

Contopus. Hind toe much longer than the lateral. Tail considerably forked.
Wings long, pointed; much longer than the tail, reaching beyond the middle of
the latter; first quill about equal to the fourth. Bill broad. Color olive-gray,
and white, sometimes with a yellowish tinge beneath, Lower mandible pale
eolored. Nest saucer-shaped, compact, and very small, saddled very securely
upon a thick branch; eggs cream-colored, with a zone of lilac and rich brown
blotches round the large end.

3. Tail shorter than the wings, as in the last. Tarsus considerably longer than

the middle toe; hind toe much longer than thelateral. Tailnearly even, some-

times slightly rounded, but little shorter than the wings; first primary much

shorter than the fourth.
Empidonax. Head moderately crested; tailabouteven. Bristles of bill reach-
ing about half way totip. Legs stout. A conspicuous light orbital ring, and
distinct band, on the wing. More or less tinged with sulphur-yellow on lower
parts. Nest variously constructed, deeply cup-shaped, compact or loose, en-
tirely of either grassy or fibrous and downy material, and fixed to slender
twigs or lodged in a crotch between thick branches; eggs white, immaculate,
or with blotches of brown round larger end.

Genus TYRANNUS Covter.

Tyrannus Cuvier, Legons Anat. Comp. 1799, abl. li. Type, Lanius tyrannus Linn.

Gen. CHAR. Tyrant-birds of large medium, or rather small size, with strong, conical
bills,strongly bristled rictus, even, emarginated, or slightly rounded tail,and the ends of
the outer primaries abruptly narrowed. Crown witha concealed colored crest (red,
orange, or yellow); plumage without streaks or bars.

The above brief diagnosis, although imperfect, will suffice to dis-
tinguish the members of Tyrannus from those of allied genera.
Milvulus agrees in the attenuation of the outer primaries, the colored
crest, and many other features, but the tail is excessively forked,
the lateral feathers twice, or more, as long as the middle pair.
Pitangus is also quite similar in many respects, but has the bill

TYRANNIDE—THE TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 343

more elongated, less depressed, the outlines straighter, while there
are various other differences. Upon the whole, the genus may be
considered quite a natural group.

The species vary among themselves not only in colors, but in
other respects also, each one having its own peculiarities of external
form, so that were all identical in coloration they could even then be
readily distinguished. Attempts have been made to subdivide the
genus, but all have proved unsatisfactory. There is, truly, a vast dif-
ference in size and form between the robust, almost gigantic, 7’. magni-
rostris, and the little T. awrantio-atrocristatus; but as other species are
variously intermediate, it seems best to consider the variations of
form and size in this genus as of mainly specific importance.

The single eastern species and two western ones which may be
expected to occur in Illinois differ from one another as follows:

A. Lower parts white, upper parts blackish.

1. T. tyrannus. Wings black, feathers margined with white. Tail black, sharply
tipped with white.

B. Lower parts yellow, ashy anteriorly; upper parts ashy olive.

2. TT. verticalis. Wings brownish dusky, feathers indistinctly edged with paler.
Tail deep black, the outer webs of lateral feathers pure white, in abrupt contrast.
Throat and jugulum pale ashy-gray.

8. T. vociferans. Wings light brownish gray, the feathers with paler edges. Tail
dull black, the tip dull grayish, as are also the outer webs of the lateral feathers.
Throat and jugulum deep slate-gray.

Tyrannus tyrannus (Linn.)

KINGBIRD.

Popular synonyms. Bee Bird; Bee Martin.

Lanius tyrannus Linn. S. N. ed. i, 1758,94; ed. 12,1, 1766, 136,
Muscicapa tyrannus Wis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 66, pl. 13, flg. 1.—Nutr. Man. 1, 1832, 265.—
Aun. Orn. Biog. i, 1840, 453; v, 1842, 420, pl. 79; Synop. 1839,40; B. Am. i, 1839, 204, pl.56.
Tyrannus tyrannus JorD. Man. Vert. ed. 4, 1884, 96.
Lanius tyrannus, var. y. carolinensis GMEL. 8. N. i,1788,302.
Tyrannus carolinensis TemMM. Tabl. Meth. 1836, 24.—Batrp. B. N. Am. 1858, 171; Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, No. 124.—Covuss, Key, 1872,169; Check List, 1874, No. 242; 2d ed. 1882,
No. 368; B. N. W. 1874, 235.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 316, pl. 43, fig. 4.—
Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 304.

Has. Eastern North America, north to 57° in the interior, west, regularly, to and in-
eluding the Rocky Mountains, and irregularly to the Pacific coast, especially along
northern boundary of the United States; in winter, the whole of Middle America, and
south to Peru and Bolivia; Cuba and Bahamas.

“Sp. CHar. Adult. Above black, becoming plumbeous on the back, scapulars, and
rump; large wing-coverts and remiges edged with whitish; upper tail-coverts bordered
with white, and tail broadly tipped with the same. Below pure white, strongly shaded
with ash-gray across the jugulum. Middle of the crown with aconcealed patch of bright
orange-red. Young. Above dusky brownish-slate, the wing-coverts bordered with pale

844 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

fulvous, the remiges with dull whitish; upper tail-coverts bordered with pale rusty; tail
tipped with pale fulvyous, or brownish white. Beneath as in the adult, but jugulum
tinged with pale fulvous. No colored patch on vertex.

Wing, 4.45-4.75; tail,3.40-3.75; bill, from nostril, .50-.57, depth at base, .24-.27; width, .37-
-40; tarsus, .70-.78; middle toe, .55-.60.

The Bee Bird or Bee Martin is a very common bird throughout
the State, and its general habits are well known. It is a summer resi-
dent, arriving in April and departing early in September.

“No one of our common birds,” says Dr. Brewer, “possesses
more strongly marked characteristics of manners and habits than
this species. Its pugnacious disposition during the breeding-season,
the audacious boldness with which it will attack any bird larger
than itself, the persistent tenacity with which it will continue these
attacks, and the reckless courage with which it will maintain its
unequal warfare, are well-known peculiarities of this interesting and
peculiar species. Its name, Kingbird, is given it on the supposition
that it is superior to all other birds in these contests. My own
observations lead me to the conclusion that writers have somewhat
exaggerated the quarrelsome disposition of this bird. I have never,
or very rarely, known it to molest or attack any other birds than
those which its own instinct prompts it to drive away in self-defense,
such as Hawks, Owls, Eagles, Crows, Jays, Cuckoos and Grakles.
These it will always attack and drive off to quite a distance from
their nests Nothing can be more striking than the intrepidity with
which one of these birds will pounce upon and harass birds vastly
larger and more powerful than itself. The Kingbird is always prompt
to perceive the approach of one of these enemies, and always rushes
out to meet it. Mounting in the air high aboye, it pounces down
upon its back, upon which it will even rest, furiously pecking at the
exposed flanks of its victim, and only leaving it to descend again and
again with the same unrelenting animosity. In these encounters it
always comes off conqueror.”

Genus MYIARCHUS Carzanis.

Mytarohus OaBAnts, Tschudi’s Fauna Peruana, 184~46, 152. Type, Muscicapa feroz
GMEA.
“Gen. CHark. Tarsus equal to orlonger than the middle toe, wich is decidedly longer
than the hindone. Bill wider at base than half the culmen. Tail broad, long, even, or
slightly rounded, about equal to the wings, which scarcely reach to the middle of the tail;

TYRANNIDE—THE TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 845

the first primary shorter than the sixth. Head with elongated lanceolate distinct feath-
ers. Above brownish olive, throat ash, belly yellow. Tail and wing feathers varied
with rufous. (Hist. N. Am. B.) :

This genus is one of the most strongly marked in the entire
family. This species are of exceptionally irritable, pugnacious dis-
position, continually quarreling among themselves, and during the
breeding-season, attacking all larger birds which approach the vi-
cinity of the nest. The latter is placed within holes in trees, and
the eggs are remarkable for the fine and intricate pencilings of
various rich shades of brown upon acreamy ground. In fact they
are among the most striking in their color and markings of all
bird’s eggs.

A single species (M. crinitus) inhabits eastern North America,
another (M. cinerascens) replacing it in the west.

Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.)
CRESTED FLYCATCHER.

Popular synonyms. Great Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; Great crested Flycatcher.

Muscicapa crinita Linn. 8. N. ed. 12,i,1766,325.—Winis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810,75, pl. 13, fig. 2.—
Nort. Man. i,1832,271.—AupD.Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 176; v, 1889, 423, pl. 129; Synop. 1839, 40;
B. Am. i, 1840, 209, pl. 57.

Tyrannus crinitus Sw. 1826.—Nutr. Man.2d ed. 1840, 302.

Myiarchus crinitus Cas. 1855.—Bartrp, B. N. Am. 1858,128; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 130.
—Couns, Key, 1872,171; Check List, 1874, No. 247; 2d ed. 1882, No. 373; B. N. W. 1874,
238.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874,334,pl. 43, fig. 3.—Rmpaw. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 312.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces, but rare northeastward beyond
the Connecticut valley; west to the edge of the Great Plains. In winter, Guatemala,and
south to Costa Rica; Cuba?

“Sp. CHar. Head with a depressed crest. Third quill longest; fourth and second
successively but little shorter; first alittle longer than seventh; much shorter than
sixth. Tail decidedly rounded or even graduated; the lateral feathers about .25 of an inch
shorter. Upper parts dull greenish olive, with the feathers of the crown and to some
extent of the back showing their brown centres; upper tail-coverts turning to pale
rusty brown. Some feathers at the base of the bill,lores,sides of the head as high as
the upper eyelid,sides of the neck,throat,and forepart of the breast, bluish ashy; the
rest of the lower parts, including axillaries and lower wing-coverts, bright sulphur-yel-
low. A pale ring round the eye. Sides of the breast and body tinged with olivaceous.
The wings brown; the first and second rows of coverts, with the secondary and tertial
quills,margined externally with dull white, or on the latter slightly tinged with oliva-
ceous yellow. Primaries margined externally for more than half their length from the
base with ferruginous; greater portion of the inner webs of all the quills very pale fer-
ruginous. The two middle tail-feathers light brown, shafts paler; the rest have the
outer web and a narrow line on the inner sides of the shaft brown, pale olivaceous on the
outer edge; the remainder ferruginous to the very tip. Outer web of exterior feather
dull brownish yellow. Feet black. Billdark brown above and at the tip below; paler
towards the base. Length, 8.75; wing, 4.25; tail, 4.10; tarsus, .85.”

346 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“The young is hardly appreciably different, having merely the wing-
coverts tinged with rusty at the ends.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This bird, while probably more numerous than the Kingbird, at
least in the more heavily wooded districts, is by no means so well
known. It is essentially a woodland species, being commonest in
the wildest parts of the forest, where its shrill, querulous, whistling
notes are in accord with the surroundings. It is by no means con-
fined to such localities, however, but frequently takes up its abode
in orchards, even in the midst of towns, and occasionally becomes
rather a familiar bird. At Mount Carmel several pairs nested every
summer inside the town limits, and one pair raised a brood in a
nest which was built in a window corner of the county jail, a brick
building, which stood in the very centre of the town. The usual posi-
tion, however, of the nest of this species is a hole in a tree, either
a natural cavity or a deserted Woodpecker’s hole. The nest, as arule,
is composed of a very miscellaneous assortment of materials, such
as dried grasses, feathers, hair, etc., to which is usually added one
or more cast-off snake skins, perhaps for ornament. The eggs are
probably more remarkable for their coloring and marking than those
of any other North American bird, being “scratched” over with lines
of rich purple and brown on a buffy or cream-colored ground.

While rarely attacking birds of large size, the Great Crested Fly-
catcher is a tyrant among the smaller species, charging with great
impetuosity upon every one which comes in the immediate vicinity of
the nesting place.

Genus SAYORNIS Bonaparte.

Sayornis BonapP. Coll. Delattre, 1854,87. Type, Tyrannula nigricans Swatns.
Aulanax CABANIS, Journal fur Orn. 1856,1. Same type.

“Gen. CHAR. Head with a blended depressed moderate crest. Tarsus decidedly
longer than middle toe, which is scarcely longer than the hind toe. Bill rather narrow;
width of base about halfthe culmen. Tail, broad, long,slightly forked; equal to the
wings, which are moderately pointed,and reach to the middle of the tail. First primary
shorter than sixth.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This genus agrees with Myiarchus in the length of the broad tail,
but has a longer tarsus and a different style of coloration.

The three North American species, although very distinct in col-
oration, agree closely in habits. They are all familiar birds, fond of
the society of man, taking up their abode about the barn-yard, and
placing their nests underneath the carriage-shed or any suitable
place about the farm buildings.

TYRANNIDE—THE TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 347

One species (S. nigricans) is confined to the Pacific coast and the
southern border, and thence south into Mexico. Another (S. saya)
has a very extensive distribution over the western portions of the con-
tinent, and has even been once taken in Illinois. Our list therefore
includes two of the three species, which may be distinguished as
follows :

A. Belly white or sulphur-yellowish.
1. §. phoebe, Above grayish olive, the head much darker; beneath dull white or
sulphur-yellowish, the sides of the breast grayish.

B. Belly tawny ochraceous
2. §.saya. Above brownish gray, the tail black; throat and breast grayish, rest of
lower parts tawny ochraceous.

Sayornis phoebe (Lath.)

PHEBE.

Popular synonyms. Pewee; Barn Pewee or Phosbe; Bridge Pewee or Phoebe; Pewit
Flycatcher.

Muscicapa fusca GMEL. S. N. i, 1788, 93 (nec BopD. 1783).—AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 122;
v, 18389, 424, pl. 120; Synop. 1839, 43; B. Am. i, 1840, 223, pl. 63.
Tyrannus fuscus Nutr. Man. ed. 2, i, 1840, 312.
Sayornis fuscus Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 184; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 135.—Covugs,
Key, 1872, 172; Check List, 1874, No. 252; 2d ed. 1882, No. 379; B. N. W. 1874, 241.—B.
B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 343, pl. 45, flg. 2.—Rrip@w. Nom. 1881, No. 315.
Muscicapa atra GMEL. 8. N. i, 1788, 946 (nee MULL. 1776).—Nutr. Man. i, 1882, 278.
Muscicapa phebe Latu. Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 489.
Sayornis phebe Stesn. Auk. ii, Jan. 1885, 51.
Muscicapa nunicola Wiis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 78, pl. 13, fig. 4.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces, west to the edge of the Great
Plains; winters in more southern United States (north to about 38°), and eastern Mexico
south to Vera Cruz; Cuba.

“Sp. CHar. Sides of breast and upper parts dull olive-brown, fading slightly towards
the tail. Top and sides of head dark brown. A few dull white feathers on the eyelids,
Lower parts dull yellowish white, mixed with brown on the chin, and in some individ-
uals across the breast. Quills brown, the outer primaries, secondaries, and tertials
edged with dull white. In some individuals the greater coverts faintly edged with dull
white. Tail brown; outer edge of lateral feathers dull white; outer edges of the rest
like the back. Tibiw# brown. Billand feet black. Bill slender, edges nearly straight.
Tail rather broad and slightly forked. Third quill longest; second and fourth nearly
equal; the first shorter than sixth Length, 7inches; wing, 3.42; tail, 3.30.

“Tn autumn, and occasionally in early spring, the colors are much
clearer and brighter. Whole lower parts sometimes bright sulphur-
yellow; above, greenish olive; top and sides of the head tinged with
sooty. In the young of the year the colors are much duller; all the
wing-coverts broadly tipped with light ferruginous, as also the ex-
treme ends of the wing and tail-feathers. The brown is prevalent

348 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

on the whole throat and breast; the hind part of the back, rump, and
tail strongly ferruginous.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Pewee or Phoebe is one of that charming coterie of the
feathered tribe who cheer the abode of man with their presence.
Less numerous than the Chipping Sparrow, the Catbird, the Barn
Swallow, or even the Bluebird, there are still few farm-yards with-
out a pair of Pewees, who do the farmer much service by lessening
the number of flies about the barn, and by calling him to his work in
the morning with their cheery notes.

Says Dr. Brewer: “This species is attracted both to the vicinity
of water and to the neighborhood of dwellings, probably for the
same reason—the abundance of insects in either situation. They
are a familiar, confiding, and gentle bird, attached to localities, and
returning to them year after year. They build in sheltered situa-
tions, as under a bridge, under a projecting rock, in the porches of
houses, and in similar situations. I have known them to build on
a small shelf in the porch of a dwelling; against the wall of a rail-
road station, within reach of the passengers; and under a projecting
window-sill, im full view of the family, entirely unmoved by the
presence of the latter at meal time.”

Sayornis saya (Bonap.)

SAY’S PHBE.

Popular synonyms. Say’s Pewee; Say’s Flycatcher; Rocky Mountain Pewee.

Muscicapa saya Be. Am. Orn. i, 1825, 20, pl. 2, fig. 2.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 277.—AupD.
Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 428, pl. 359; Synop. 1839, 41; B. Am. i, 1840, 217, pl. 39.

Tyrannus saya Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 311.

Sayornis sayus BArrD, B. N. Am. 1858, 185; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 136.—CovuEs, Key,
1872, 172; Check List, 1874, No. 250; 2d ed. 1882, No. 377, (“sayi”); B. N. W. 1874, 240.
—B.B. &R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 347, pl. 45, fig. 3.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 316, ("sayi”)

Has. Western North America from the Great Plains to the Pacific, north, in the in-
terior, to latitude 60°; straggling east to Michigan, Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. In
winter, south to Vera Cruz, Mexico.

“Sp. CHarR. Above and onthe sides of the head, neck, and breast, grayish brown,
darker on the crown; region about the eye dusky. The chin, throat, and upper part of
the breast similar to the back, but rather lighter and tinged with the color of the rest of
the lower parts, which are pale cinnamon. Under wing-coverts pale rusty white. The
wings of a rather deeper tint than the back, with the exterior vanes and tips of the quills
darker. Edges of the greater and secondary coverts, of the outer vane of the outer
primary, and of the secondaries and tertials, dull white. The upper tail-coverts and tail
nearly black. Edge of outer vane of exterior tail-feather white. Bill dark brown,
rather paler beneath ‘The feet brown. Second, third, and fourth quills nearly equal;
fifth nearly equal to sixth; sixth much shorter than the fifth. Tail broad, emarginate.
Tarsi with a posterior row of scales. Length, 7 inches; wing, 4.30; tail, 3.35.

TYRANNIDE—THE TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 349

“The young of the year have the upper parts slightly tinged with
ferruginous; two broad (ferruginous) bands on the wings formed
by the tips of the first and second coyerts. ‘The quills and tail
rather darker than in adult specimen.

“Autumnal specimens are simply more deeply colored than spring
examples, the plumage softer and more blended.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

According to Mr. Nelson (Bull. Hssex Inst. Vol. VIII., 1876, p. 113),
“Two specimens of this species are registered in the catalogue of
birds in the Museum of the Northwestern University, at Evanston,
from ‘West Northfield, Illinois, collected by R. Kennicott.’ These
specimens are not in the collection at present. Dr. Hoy has also
taken it in Wisconsin.”

Genus CONTOPUS Capranis.

Contopus CaBANts, Journ. fur Ornith. iii, Nov. 1885, 479. Type Muscicapa virens LINN.

“GEN. CHAR. Tarsus very short, but stout; less than the middle toe and scarcely
longer than the hinder; considerably less than the culmen. Bill quite broad at the base;
wider than the culmen. Tail moderately forked. Wings very short and much pointed,
reaching beyond the middle of tail; the first primary about equal to the fourth. All the
primaries slender and rather acute, but not attenuated. Head moderately crested.
Color olive above, pale yellowish beneath, with a darker patch on the sides of the breast.
Under tail-coverts streaked in most species. A tuft of cottony white feathers on each
side of the rump (concealed in most species).

“This genus is pre-eminently characterized among North Amer-
ican Flycatchers by the very short tarsi and the long and much
pointed wings.

“In most other genera as Sayornis, Myiarchus and Empidonax, a
trace of cottony tuft may be discovered by careful search on the
flanks; but in the present genus, there is, in addition, the tufts on
the rump, not found in the others.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Of the four known North American species only two have not been
recorded from the region east of the Mississippi River. One of
them (C. pertinax Cas.) occurs only along the southern border in
Arizona, and therefore cannot reasonably be expected ; another, how-
ever (C. richardsonti Swatys.), is of very general distribution through-
out the west, and may very possibly sometimes stray east of the
Missouri River. This species is therefore included in the synopsis
along with the two which properly belong there.

A. Size large (wing 3.90 or more); side of rump with a conspicuous tuft of white cot-
tony feathers.
1. C. borealis, Above brownish slaty darker on the head; beneath white medially,
dark grayish, in marked contrast, laterally. Wing, 3.90-4.50; tail, 2.90-3.50. °

850 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

B. Size small (wing 3.60 or less); sides of ramp without conspicuous cottony tuft.

2. C. virens, Above olive-slaty, the head darker; sides olive-grayish, this color al-
most meeting across the breast; throat and abdomen whitish. Wing, 3.30-3.40;
tail, 2.80-3.00.

8. C. richardsonii. Colors of (. virens, but breast uniform grayish, and upper parts
with less of an olive tinge. Wing, 3.25-3.60; tail, 2.80-3.20.

Contopus borealis (Swains.)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.

Tyrannus borealis Sw. F*B.-A. ii, 1831, 141, pl. 35.
Contopus borealis Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 188; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 137.—CovEs,
Key, 1872, 173; Check List, 1874, No. 253; 2d ed. 1882, No. 380; B. N. W. 1874,243.—B. B. &
R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 353, pl. 44, fig. 1.—Rmpew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1831, No. 318.
Muscicapa inornata “Coop. & Nurr.,.” Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 285.
Muscicapa cooperi NutTT. Man. i, 1832, 282.—AupD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 422; pl. 174; Synop.
1839, 41; B. Am. i, 1840, 212, pl. 58.

Tyrannus cooperi BP. 1838.—Nurr. Man. 2d ed, i, 1840, 298.

Has. Whole of temperate North America, but colder regions only in summer, breed-
ing from northern border of the United States northward, farther south on higher moun-
tain ranges, especially westward; also breeding in more elevated districts of Mexico,
and migrating south as far as Veragua.

“Sp. CHar. Wings long, much pointed; the second quill longest; the first longer
than the third. Taildeeply forked. Tarsishort. The upper parts ashy brown, showing
darker brown centres of the feathers; this is eminently the case on the top of the head;
the sides of the head and neck, of the breast and body, resembling the back, but with the
edges of the feathers tinged with gray, leavinga darker central streak. The chin, throat,
narrow line down the middle of the breast and body, abdomen, and lower tail-coverts
white or sometimes with a faint tinge of yellow. The lower tail-coverts somewhat
streaked with brown inthe centre. Oneach side of the rump, generally concealed by
the wings, is an elongated bunch of white silky feathers. The wings and tail very dark
brown, the former with the edges of the secondaries and tertials edged with dull white.
The lower wing-coverts and axillaries grayish brown. The tips of the primaries and
tail-feathers rather paler. Feet and upper mandible black, lower mandible brown. The
young of the year similar, but the color duller; edges of wing-feathers dull rusty instead
of grayish white. The feet light brown. Length,7.50; wing, 4.33; tail, 3.30; tarsus,.60.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Olive-sided Flycatcher is confined almost exclusively to the
northern coniferous forests, including their southern extension along
the higher mountain ranges, the principal of which it follows through
Mexico and Guatemala. Regarding its occurrence in Illinois, the
only knowledge we have is Mr. Nelson’s note (Bull. Essex Inst. VIII.
1876, p. 118), to the following effect :

“Not an uncommon migrant, from May 15th to 25th and the last
of September and the first of October. I have taken one specimen as

late as June 2d. It may breed.”

TYRANNIDE—THE TYRANT FLYCATCHERS,. 851

Contopus virens (Linn.)

¢
WOOD PEWEE.

Muscicapa virens Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 327.—NuttT. Man. 1, 1832, 285.—Aup. Orn.
Biog. ii, 1834, 93; v, 1839, 425, pl. 115; Synop. 1839, 42; B. Am. i, 1840, 231, pl. 64.
Tyrannus virens Nutr. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 316.
Contopus virens CAB. 1855.—BarrpD, B. N. Am. 1858, 190; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 139.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 173; Check List, 1874, No. 255; 2d ed. 1882, No. 382; B. N. W. 1874,
245.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 357, pl. 44, flg.3.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B.

1881, No. 320.
Muscicapa rapax Wits. Am. Orn. ii, 1811, 81, pl. 13, fig. 5.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces, west to edge of the Great Plains,
breeding throughout. In winter, eastern Mexico,and Central America, south to Guate-
mala. (Said by AUDUBON to winter in Louisiana and Florida,but this statementis un-
confirmed by later observers.)

“Sp. CHar. The second quill longest; the third a little shorter; the first shorter than
the fourth. The latter nearly .40 longer than the fifth. The primaries more than an inch
longer than the secondaries, The upper parts, sides of the head, neck, and breast, dark
olivaceous brown, the latter rather paler, the head darker. A narrow white ring round
the eye. The lower parts pale yellowish, deepest on the abdomen; across the breast
tinged with ash. The pale ash sometimes occupies the whole of the breast, and even
oceasionally extends tothe chin. Itisalsosometimes glossed with olivaceous. The
wings and tail dark brown; generally deeper than in S. fuscus. Two narrow bands across
the wing, the outer edge of the first primary and the secondaries and tertials, dull white.
The edge of the tail-feathers like the back; the outer one scarcely lighter. Upper man-
dible black; the lower yellow, but brown at the tip. Length,6.15; wing,3.50; tail,3.05.

“A large series shows considerable variations; autumnal speci-
mens have a more appreciable tinge of yellow on the lower parts,
while summer individuals are more grayish.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Modest and retiring in its habits, plain in dress, and quiet in man-
ner, this little bird, although one of the most abundant species, is
by no means well known. If noticed at all, it is generally con-
founded with the common Pewee (Sayornis phabe); but a little ob-
servation is sufficient to show how very distinct they are. The
Wood Pewee will sit almost motionless for many minutes, in an
erect position, on some dead twig or other prominent perch, pa-
tiently watching for its insect prey. While is position is appar-
ently so fixed, however, its eyes are constantly on the alert, and
close watching will show that the bird now and then turns its head
as its glance follows the course of some distant insect, while anon
the feathers of the crown are raised, so as to form a sort of blunt
pyramidal crest. This sentinel-lke attitude of the Contopus is in
marked contrast to the restless motion of Sayornis, who, even if
perched, keeps its tail constantly in motion, while the bird itself
seldom remains long in a fixed position. The notes of the two

852 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

species are as different as their habits, those of the Wood Pewee
being peculiarly plaintive,—a sort of wailing p-e-e-e-e-i, wee, the first
syllable emphasized and long drawn out, and the tone a clear, plain-
tive wiry whistle, strikingly different from the cheerful, emphatic
notes of the true Pewee. Says Dr. Brewer (Hist. N. Am. B., Vol.
II., p. 358) :

“This species, like all its family, is a very expert catcher of in-
sects, even the most minute, and has a wonderful quick percep-
tion of their near presence, even when the light of day has nearly
gone and in the deep gloom of the thick woods. It takes its station
at the end of a low dead limb, from which it darts out in quest of
insects, sometimes for a single individual, which it seizes with a
peculiar snap of its bill; and, frequently meeting imsect after insect,
it keeps up a constant snapping sound as it passes on, and finally
returns to its post to resume its watch. During this watch it occa-
sionally is heard to twitter, with a quivering movement of the wings
and tail, and more rarely to enunciate a louder but still feeble call-
note, sounding like ‘péé-e.’”

The nest of this species, which is always ‘‘saddled” and securely
attached to a rather stout branch, usually lichen-covered, is one of
the most elegant examples of bird architecture. From beneath, it
usually so much resembles a natural protuberance of a branch, or
knotty excrescence, that but for its betrayal by the owner it would
seldom be discovered. It is a very compact saucer-shaped structure,
with thick walls, and the whole exterior is a beautiful ‘“‘mosaic” of
green, gray, and glaucous lichens. The eggs themselves are ex-
tremely handsome, having a rich but delicate cream-colored ground,
and ornamented by a ‘‘wreath” round the larger end of rich mad-
der-brown, purple, and hlac spots.

Genus EMPIDONAX Carzanis.

Empidonax CaBANIS, Journal fur Ornithologie, iii, Noy. 1855, 480. Type, Tyrannula

pusilla SWAINs.

“Gen. CHAR. Tarsus lengthened, considerably longer than the bill, and exceeding the
middle toe, which is decidedly longer than the hind toe. Bill variable. Tail very slightly
forked, even, or rounded; alittle shorter only than the wings, which are considerably
rounded; the first primary much shorter than the fourth. Head moderately crested.
Color olivaceous above, yellowish beneath; throat generally gray.

“The lengthened tarsi, the short toes, the short and rounded wings, and the plain dull
olivaceous of the plumage, readily distinguish the species of this genus from any other
North American Flycatchers. The upper plates of the tarsiin a good many species do
not encircle the outside, but meet there a row on the posterior face.” (Hist. V. Am. B.)

TYRANNIDH—TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 353

The following species occur, more or less abundantly, throughout
the State :

A. Tail emarginated.
1. E. flaviventris, Above olive-green, beneath light greenish yellow, shaded with
olive across the breast. Wing,2.45-2.75; tail,2.30-2.55,
2. E. minimus, Above olive-gray, beneath whitish, slightly shaded with gray across
the breast. Wing-bands grayish white. Wing,2.25-2.65; tail,2.25-2.50; bill, from
nostril, .28-.30; width at base, .22-.25. .

B. Tail even or slightly rounded.

3. E. pusillus traillii, Above brownish olive, or grayish olive-brown, beneath white,
the sides of the breast strongly shaded with the color of the back, the flanks and
erissum tinged with sulphur-yellow. Wing-bands dull grayish, or brownish gray.
Wing, 2.60-2.90; tail, 2.45-2.75.

4, E, acadicus. Above grayish green, or greenish gray, beneath white, shaded with
olive on sides of breast. Wing-bands buffy white, or pale buff. Young trans-
versely motiled above. Wing, 2.80-3.15; tail, 2.50-2.85,

Empidonax flaviventris Baird.

YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER.

Tyrannula flaviventris WM. M. & S. F. Barry, Pr. Phil. Ac. i, 1843, 288,
Muscicapa flaviventris Aup. B. Am. vii, 1844, 341, pl. 490.
Empidonaz flaviventris Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 198; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 144.—CovEs
Key, 1872, 175; Check List, 1874, No. 259; 2d ed. 1882, No. 388; B. N. W. 1874, 255.—B. 'B.
& R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 378, pl. 44, fig. 12—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 322.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding from northern border of United States
northward (for an undetermined distance); in winter, eastern Mexico, and south to
Colombia. Accidentalin Greenland. (Replaced in western United States by an allied,
but apparently distinct species, the Z. difficilis Barrp.)

“Sp. Cuar. Second, third and fourth quills nearly equal; first intermediate between
fifth and sixth. Tail nearly even, slightly rounded. Tarsilong. Above bright olive-
green (back very similar to that of Vireo noveboracensis); crown rather darker. A
broad yellow ring around the eye. The sides of the head, neck, breast and body, anda
band across the breast, like the back, but lighter; the rest of the lower parts bright
greenish sulphur-yellow; no white or ashy anywhere on the body. Quills dark brown;
two bands on the wing formed by the tips of the middle and secondary coverts, the outer
edge of the first primary and of the secondaries and tertials pale yellow, or greenish yel-
low. The tail-feathers brown, with the exterior edges like the back. The bill dark
brown above, yellow beneath. The feet black. In the autumn the colors are purer, the
yellow is deeper, and the markings on the wings of an ochrey tint. Length, 5.15; wing,
2.83; tail, 2.45.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

“First plumage: male. Above uniform yellowish olive. Beneath dull yellow, witha
brownish cast, tinged strongly with olive upon the throat, breast and sides. Wing-
bands brownish yellow. Altogether very similar to the adult. From aspecimenin my
collection shot at Upton, Me, August 4, 1874.” (BREWSTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Oct.
1876, p. 178.)

—23

854 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

This inconspicuous bird is known in Illinois only as a migrant,
but it may possibly breed in the extreme northern portion of the
State, since it has been found by Dr. Hoy to be a summer resident
in the vicinity of Racine, Wisconsin. In its habits it is essentially
similar to other species of the genus, though in the position and
composition of its nest it differs from all except its western repre-
sentative, H. difficilis Baird. The nest is bulky, made largely of
moss and soft materials, and is placed often in some cavity of an
old log or stump, near the ground. ‘The eggs, like those of LH.
acadicus and £. traillii, are spotted.

Empidonax minimus Baird.

LEAST FLYCATCHER.

Muscicapa acadica “Gm.” Nutt. Man. i, 1882, 288 (nee Gmel.),
Tyrannula minima WM. M. & 8. F. Barry, Pr. Phil. Academy, {, 1843, 284.
Muscicapa minima AupD. B. N. Am. vii, 1844, 343, pl. 491.
Empidonax minimus Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 195; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 142.—Covgs,
Key, 1872, 175; Check List, 1874, No. 258; 2d ed. 1882, No. 377; B. N. W. 1874, 254.—B. B.
& R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 372, pl. 44, figs. 10.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 326.

Has. Eastern North America, breeding from northern border of United States north
to subarctic districts; west regularly to border of Great Plains, irregularly to base of
Rocky Mountains. In winter, eastern Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.

“Sp. Coan. Second quill longest; third and fourth but little shorter; fifth a little less;
first intermediate between fifth and sixth. Tail even. Above olive-brown, darker on
the head, becoming paler on the rump and upper tail-coverts. The middle of the back
most strongly olivaceous. The nape (in some individuals) and sides of the head tinged
withash. Aring around the eye and some of the loral feathers white; the chin and
throat white. The sides of the throat and across the breast dull ash, the color on the
latter sometimes nearly obsolete; sides of the breast similar to the back, but of a lighter
tint; middle of the belly very pale yellowish white, turning to pale sulphur-yellow on
the sides of the belly, abdomen, and lower tail-coverts. Wings brown; two narrow white
bands on the wing, formed by the tips of the first and second coverts, succeeded by one
of brown. The edge of the first primary, and of the secondaries and tertials, white.
Tail rather lighter brown, edged externally like the back. Feathers narrow, not acumi-
nate, with the ends rather blunt. In autumn the white parts are strongly tinged with
yellow. Length, about5.00; wing, 2.65; tail,2.50. Young with ochraceous, instead of
grayish-white wing-bands.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

“First plumage: male. Similar to the adult, but with a stronger olive cast, anda
faintly indicated collar of ashy brownacrossthenape. Wing-bandslightreddish brown.
Beneath almost precisely similar to the adult, with perhaps a slightly stronger yellowish
cast upon the abdomen and crissum. Distinguishable from ZL. traillii and 2. acadicusin
corresponding stages by the decidedly paler and less yellowish under parts; especially
by the nearly clear ashy on the sides of the breast. Froma specimen in my collection
taken at Cambridge, Mass.. July 2, 1872. Other specimensin first plumage before me
differ little from the one above described, but autumnal specimens, singularly enough,
are much yellower below and more olivaceous above.” (BREWSTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, Oct. 1878, p. 178.)

This retiring little bird, like its congeners, has nothing in its habits
to bring it into general notice. It is therefore almost wholly un-

TYRANNIDAS—TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 855

known except to the ornithologist. In Illinois it is a summer resi-
dent in the northern portions and a migrant southward; but the
southern limit of its breeding range is at present unknown.

Empidonax pusillus traillii (Aud.)

TRAILL’S FLYCATCHER.

Muscicapa traillii Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 236; v, 1839, 426, pl. 45; Synop. 1839, 43; B. Am.
i, 1840, 234, pl. 65.
Tyrannus traillii Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 323.
Empidonaz traillii Barry, B. N. Am. 1858, 193; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 140.—CovEs,
Key, 1872, 175; Check List. 1874, No. 257; B. N. W. 1874, 252.
Empidonaz pusillus var. traillii B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 369, pl. 44, fig. 8.
Empidonarx pusillus traillii Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 325 a.—Covuss, 2d Check
List, 1882, No. 385.
Has. Eastern North America, breeding from Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and New Eng-
land northward (for an undetermined distance); wintering in eastern Middle America,
south to Colombia.

“Sp. Cuan. Third quill longest; second scarcely shorter than fourth; first shorter
than fifth, about .35 shorter than the longest. Primaries about .75 of aninch longer than
secondaries. Taileven. Upper parts dark olive-green; lighter under the wings, and
duller and more tinged with ash on nape and sides of the neck. Centre of the crown-
feathers brown. <A pale yellowish white ring (in some specimens altogether white)
round the eye. Loral feathers mixed with white. Chin and throat white; the breast
and sides of throat light ash tinged with olive, its intensity varying in individuals, the
former sometimes faintly tinged with olive. Sides of the breast much like the back.
Middle of the belly nearly white; sides of the belly, abdomen, and the lower tail-coverts,
sulphur-yellow. The quills and tail-feathers dark brown, as dark (if not more so) as
these parts in (. virens. Two olivaceous yellow-white bands on the wing, formed by
the tips of the first and second coverts, succeeded by a brown one; the edge of the first
primary and of secondaries and tertials a little lighter shade of the same. The outer
edge of the tail-feathers like the back; that of the lateral one rather lighter. Bill above
dark brown; dull brownish beneath. Length, nearly 6.00; wing, 2.90; tail, 2.60. Young
with the wing-bands ochraceous instead of grayish olive.

“This species is most closely related to H. minimus, but differs
in larger size and the proportions of quills. The middle of the back
is the same color in both, but instead of becoming lighter and tinged
with ash on the rump and upper tail-coverts, these parts very rarely
differ in color from the back. The markings on the wings, instead
of being dirty white, are decidedly olivaceous grayish. The yellow
of the lower parts is deeper. The tail-feathers are rather broad,
acuminate, and pointed; in minimus they are narrow and more
rounded, while the tail itself is emarginated, instead of square, as in
the present bird. The bill is larger and fuller. The legs are de-
cidedly shorter in proportion.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

356 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Although less numerous than the Acadian Flycatcher, at least in
the southern part of the State, Traill’s Flycatcher is not an un-
common summer resident. In general habits it so much resembles
the species named as to be undistinguishable except by the critical
observer. The two are often found in the same localities, but Traill’s
Flycatcher is of a more familiar disposition, and may often be found
in close proximity to dwellings, especially in orchards, while the
other is seldom seen in such places.

Empidonax acadicus (Gmel.)

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER.

Popular synonym. Green-crested Flycatcher.

Muscicapa acadica GMEL. S. N. i, 1788, 947.—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 256; v, 1839, 429,
pl. 144; Synop. 1839, 42; B. Am. i, 1840, 221, pl. 62.

Empidonax acadicus Barry, B. N. Am. 1858, 197; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 143.—Covgs,
Key, 1872, 174; List, 1874, No. 256; 2d ed. 1882, No. 384; B. N. W. 1874, 249.—B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874,374, pl. 44, fig. .—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 324.

Muscicapa querula “VIEILL.” Wis. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 77, pl. 13, fig. 3 (mec VIEILL.).

Has. Eastern United States, breeding nearly throughout, but rare in New England,
where searcely found beyond the Connecticut valley; north, in the interior, to Canada
West. In winter, Cuba and Yucatan, possibly Gulf States also.

“Sp. CHar. The second and third quills are longest, and about equal; the fourtha
little shorter; the first about equal to the fifth, and about .35 less than the longest. Tail
even. The upper parts, with sides of the head and neck, olive-green; the crown very
little if any darker. A yellowish white ring round the eye. Thesides of the body under
the wings like the back, but fainter olive; a tinge of the same across the breast; the
chin, throat, and middle of the belly white; the abdomen, lower tail and wing-coverts,
and sides of the body not covered by the wings, pale greenish yellow. Edges of the
first primary, secondaries and tertials margined with dull yellowish white, most broadly
onthe latter. Two transverse bands of pale yellowish (sometimes with an ochrey
tinge) across the wings, formed by the tips of the secondary and middle coverts, suc-
ceeded by abrown one. Taillight brown, margined externally like the back. Upper
mandible light brown above; pale yellow beneath. In autumn the lower parts are more
yellow. Length. 5.65; wings, 3.00; tail, 2.75. Young (60892, Mt. Carmel, Ill., August 11,
1870; R. Rip@way): Whole upper surface with indistinct transverse bars of pale och-
raceous; wing-markings light ochraceous.

This species is very similar to E. traillii, but the upper parts
are of a brighter and more uniform olive-green, much like that of
Vireo olivaceus. The feathers of the crown lack the darker centre.
There is less of the olivaceous ash across the breast. The bands
across the wing are light yellowish, instead of grayish olive. There
is much more yellow at the base of the lesser quills. The wings
are longer, both proportionally and absolutely. The primaries ex-

TYRANNIDA-—TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 857

ceed the secondaries by nearly an inch, instead of by only about
.70; the proportions of the quills are much the same.” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

This is probably the most numerous and generally distributed
species of the genus in the State. It occurs as a summer resident,
in all damp woodlands, but may easily pass unnoticed by the casual
observer.

858 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

OrpER MACROCHIRES.—Tue Goatsucxers, Swirts, AND Hum-
MINGBIRDS.

CHARACTERS. Wings much lengthened, with 10 primaries; tail-feathers, 10; gape very
wide and deeply cleft, or else, (i. e., Sub-order Trochili), billlong and slender, the tongue
extensile, and secondaries only six in number.

Following is an analysis of the Families which have usually been
assigned to this Order. It may be remarked that the Trochilide
possess very special characters which in the opinion of some system-
atists entitle them to rank as a distinct Order (Trochili). The
Trochilide and Micropodide being very much more nearly related
than either of these groups are to the Caprimulgide, it is obvious
that the so-called ‘Order Macrochires” is a decidedly artificial

group.

A. Secondaries more than 6; bill short, very broad at base, the gape deeply cleft; plu-
mage not metallic.

a. Middle toe much longer than lateral toes,its claw with inner edge pectinated;
gape distinctly bristled; plumage much spotted and otherwise varied, the feath-
ers soft, with downy or moth-like surface. (Sub-order Caprimulgi.)..Caprimulgide,

b. Middle toe not distinctly longer than lateral toes,its claws without pectinated

edge; gape without bristles; plumage plain and compact. (Suborder Cypseli.)
cropodide,

B. Secondaries only 6; bill long as head,or longer,slender, the gape not deeply cleft,
plumage more or less metallic; size diminutive. (Suborder Trochili.)..Trochilide,

YROCHILIDA—THE HUMMINGBIRDS. 859

Fammiy TROCHILID2.—Tue Humincsirps.

CHar. Size variable, but usually the smallest of birds. Bill subulate, but very vari-
able as to length; usually longer than the head, and generally straight, but occasionally
curved or eyen (in two genera) recurved. Feet exceedingly small and weak, the tarsus
not longer than the middle toe; claws well curved, sharp. Tail of ten feathers, exceed-
ingly variable as to shape. Wing Swift-like, with exceedingly short secondaries and
strongly developed primaries; the latter ten; of which the first is longest, exceptina
single genus (Aithurus); secondaries six. Plumage, variable, but usually adorned with
brilliant metallic tints, especially in the males.

The range of variation in the details of form, size, and other
attributes among the four hundred and fifty known species of this
remarkable family is something wonderful, and it is therefore diffi-
cult to frame a diagnosis which shall express in few words the
exclusive characters of the family as a whole. Many species are
no larger than a common “Bumble Bee,” but the largest is fully
equal to our Chimney Swift (Chetura pelagica) in size. One
species has the bill only a quarter of an inch in length, while in
another this member is developed to the enormous length of three
and a quarter to four and a quarter inches, or more than the com-
bined length of the head, neck, body, and tail of the bird itself. In
the genera Avocettula and Avocettinus the bill is recurved terminally ;
but in Hutozeres it has exactly a sickle-shape. The form and
relative development of the rectrices vary to such an extraordi-
nary degree that a whole chapter might be devoted to this topic
alone; but here it will suffice to refer to this part of the subject
briefly: In the genera Cynanthus and Sappho the lateral rectrices
are greatly lengthened, with broad and rounded ends; the rest
gradually shorter to the middle pair, which are only one fourth to
one fifth of the length of the outer pair. The tail is therefore deeply
forficate, and when spread is V-shaped. In the adult males the tail
feathers glow with the most brilliantly burnished metallic hues—green
blue and violet in Cynanthus, fiery red and crimson in Sappho—the
color varying with the species. In Steganwra and Discura the lateral
rectrices are greatly elongated, gradually narrowed toward the end

860 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

until the webs are almost or completely gone, and then suddenly ex-
panded into a broad paddle-shaped tip. In Heliactin the tail is
lengthened and greatly graduated, being, in fact, shaped very much
as in the common Mourning Dove (Zenaidura carolinensis) or Wild
Pigeon (Hctopistes migratoria). But the most wonderful form of all
is to be seen in the Loddigesia mirabilis, in which two of the rectrices
consist of simple bare shafts which extend for some three inches be-
yond the tips of the coverts, and bear at their ends a broad leaf-
shaped paddle more than an inch in length and nearly as much in
breadth. Other genera have the rectrices needle-shaped, club-shaped,
ete., while the majority have the tail composed of feathers not remark-
able for any peculiarity of form.

“The bill of the Hummingbird is awl-shaped or subulate; thin,
and sharp-pointed; straight or curved; sometimes as long as the
head, sometimes much longer. The mandibles are excavated to the
tip for the lodgment of the tongue, and form a tube by the close
apposition of their cutting edges. There is no indication of stiff,
bristly feathers at the base of the mouth. The tongue has some
resemblance to that of the Woodpeckers in the elongation of the
cornua backwards, so as to pass around the back of the skull, and
then anteriorly to the base of the bill. The tongue itself is of very
peculiar structure, consisting anteriorly of two hollow threads closed
at the ends and united behind. The food of the Hummingbirds
consists almost entirely of insects, which are captured by protrud-
ing the tongue in flowers of various shapes without opening the bill
very wide.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Hummingbirds, more than any other family, constitute the
most remarkable feature of the New World bird-life. They have
absolutely no representatives in any other part of the world, the
Swifts being the nearest relatives they have in other countries.

Hummingbirds abound most in mountainous countries, where
the configuration of the surface and productions of the soil are
most diversified within small areas. Their centre of abundance is
among the northern Andes, between the parallels of 10°, on each
side of the equator, from which region they gradually diminish
in numbers both to the northward and southward, but much more
rapidly toward the extensive lowlands of the eastern portion of the
continent. Their northern limit of abundance may be approx-
imately given as the Tropic of Cancer, beyond with but few of
forty-six or more Mexican species extend, while only thirteen
of them have been detected across the boundary line in the equally

TROCHILIDE—THE HUMMINGBIRDS. 861

mountainous portions of the southwestern United States, including
the semi-tropical Rio Grande valley. Small as this number may
appear, the southwestern portion of the Union may be considered
richly represented when compared with the vast valley of the Mis-
sissippi and the Atlantic water-shed—a region of unsurpassed fer-
tility and luxuriant vegetation, yet which throughout its whole extent,
even including the peninsula of Florida, possesses only a single
species. In this scarcity, compared with the western mountainous
regions, of representatives of a numerous family of birds, we see a
certain parallelism with the lowlands of eastern South America as
compared with the Andean highlands, only, on account of climatic
differences, the contrast is more marked.

We have therefore to consider but a single genus or species of
Hummingbird in the present work, none of the western species
coming sufficiently near to render their occurrence in the least prob-
able.

Genus TROCHILUS Linnzus.

Trochilus Linnzxus, Systema Natura, ed. 10, i, 1758, 119. Type (by elimination) T. colu-
bris Linn.

GEN. CHAR. Male with the metallic gorget of the throat nearly even allround. Tail
forked; the feathers lanceolate, acute, becoming gradually narrower from the central to
the exterior. Inner six primaries abruptly and considerably smaller than the outer
four, and with the inner web notched at the end.

The female has the outer tail-feathers somewhat lanceolate, as
in the male, though much broader. They are broad to the terminal
third, where they become rapidly pointed, the tip only somewhat
rounded; the sides of this attenuated portion (one or the other, or
both) broadly and concavely emarginated, which distinguishes them
from the females of Selasphorus and Calypte, im which the tail-
feathers are broadly linear to near the end, which is much rounder
and without any distinct concavity.

Trochilus colubris Linn.

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD.

Trochilus colubris Linn. §. N. ed. 10, i,1758, 120.—Wiis. Am. Orn. fi, 1810, 26, pl. 10, fless
3,4.—Nutt. Man. i, 1832. 588.—A uD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 248; v 1839,544, pl. 47; Synop. 1839,
170; B. Am. iv, 1842, 190, pl. 253—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 131; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
101.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 184; Check List, 1874, No. 275; 2d ed. 1882, No. 410; B. N. W.
1874, 271.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 448, pl. 48, fig. 2—Ripew. Nom. N. Am.
B. 1881, No. 335.

862 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Has. Eastern North America,north to 57° in the interior; in winter, Cuba, Bahamas,
eastern Mexico, and Central America, south to Veragua; also Bermudas.

“Sp, Cuan. Tailin the male deeply forked; the feathers all narrow lanceolate-acute.
In the female slightly rounded and emarginate; the feathers broader, though pointed.
Male, uniform metallic green above; a ruby-red gorget (blackish near the bill); with no
conspicuous ruff; a white collar on the jugulum; sides of body greenish; tail-feathers
uniformly brownish violet. Female, without the red on the throat; the tail rounded and
emarginate, the inner feathers shorter than the outer; the tail-feathers banded with
black, and the outer tipped with white; no rufous or cinnamon on the tail in either sex.
Length,3.25; wing,1.60; tail,1.25. Yowng males are like the females; the throat usually
spotted,sometimes with red; the tailis, in shape, more like that of the old male.” (Hist.
N. Am. B.)

Little need be said as to the habits of the well-known Humming-
bird. Its distribution is general over every portion of the State—or
indeed over every portion of the continent from the Great Plains
to the Atlantic coast and from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Arriving among us when spring has fairly come, and departing
just before the first autumnal frosts, these little birds traverse a
distance in their migrations that appears almost impossible to
creatures so minute, many individuals making their winter homes
as far south as Veragua, in the State of New Granada, immediate-
ly north of the Isthmus of Panama.

When captured, the Hummingbird becomes in a short time so
tame as to sit econfidingly on one’s finger and sip syrup (best made
of white sugar dissolved in warm water) from a saucer, but on ac-
count of its delicate organization and susceptibility to cold, attempts
to keep it in confinement during winter have failed. The late Mr.
John Gould, author and publisher of the most magnificently illus-
trated bird-books ever produced—probably the finest of them being
a monograph of the Hummingbirds-succeeded in taking several
specimens across the Atlantic to England; but they died almost
immediately after their arrival in that country.

MICROPODIDE—THE SWIFTS. 363

Famity MICROPODID.2.—Tne Swirts.

“CuHar. Bill very small, without notch, triangular, much broader than high; the cul-
men one sixth the gape. Anterior toes cleft to the base, each with three joints (in the
typical species), and covered with skin or feathers; the middle claw without any serra-
tions; the lateral toes nearly equal to the middle. Bill without bristles, but without
minute feathers extending along the under margin of the nostrils. Tail feathers ten.
Nostrils elongated, superior and very close together. Plumage compact. Primaries ten,
elongated, falcate.

The Micropodide (formerly Cypselide), or Swifts, “are Swallow-like
birds, generally of rather dull plumage and medium size. They
were formerly associated with the true Swallows on account of
their small, deeply cleft bill, wide gape, short feet, and long wings,
but are very different in all the essentials of structure, belonging,
indeed, to a very different order or suborder. The bill is much
smaller and shorter; the edges greatly inflected; the nostrils supe-
rior, instead of lateral, and without bristles. The wing is more
faleate, with ten primaries instead of nine. The tail has ten
feathers instead of twelve. The feet are weaker, without distinct
scutelle; the hind toe is more or less versatile, the anterior toes
frequently lack the normal number of joints, and there are other
features which clearly justify the wide separation here given espe-
cially the difference in the vocal organs. Strange as the statement
may appear, their nearest relatives are the Trochilide, or Hum-
mingbirds, notwithstanding the bills of the two are as opposite in
shape as can readily be conceived.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Swifts are as poorly represented in eastern North America
as the Hummingbirds, only a single species (the common Chimney
Swift, Chetura pelagica), occuring east of the Rocky Mountains.
The family is of cosmopolitan range, species occurring in nearly all
parts of the world.

Genus CHASTURA Srepuens.

LInn.

“Gen. Coan. Tail very short, scarcely more than two fifths the wings; slightly
rounded; the shafts stiffened and extending some beyond the feathers ina rigid spine.

364 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

First primary longest. Legs covered by the naked skin, without scutelle or feathers.
Tarsus longer than middle toe. Lateral toes equal, nearly as long as the middle. Hind
toe scarcely versatile, or quite posterior; including claw, less than the middle anterior
withoutit. Toes slender; claws moderate. Feathers of the base of the bill not extend-
ing beyond the beginning of the nostrils.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This genus has numerous representatives in tropical America,
while in the western United States, especially the Pacific coast,
occurs the C. vauxit (Towns.), a species allied to but quite distinct
from the C. pelagica.

Cheetura pelagica (Linn.)
CHIMNEY SWIFT.

Popular synonyms. Chimney Swallow; Chimney Sweep.

Hirundo pelagica Linn. 8S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 192.
Chetura pelagica B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 482, pl. 45, flg. 7.—Cours, B. N. W.
1874, 267.
Hirundo pelasgia Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 345.—Wiis. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 48, pl. 39, fig. 1.
Cypselus pelasgius Bp. 1828.—NuTt. Man. i, 1832, 609.—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1835, 329; v,
1839, 419, pl. 158.
Chetura pelasgia STEPH. 1825.—AupD. Synop. 1839, 33; B. Am. i, 1840, 104, pl. 44.—Barrp,
B. N. Am. 1855, 144; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 109.—Covgs, Key, 1872, 183; Check List,
1874, No. 271.
Chetura pelasgica Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 351.—Covsms, 2d Check List, 1882,
No. 405.
Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces. Winter quarters unknown.

Sp. Coar. Above dark sooty grayish, paler on rumpand upper tail-coverts, and with
a faint greenish gloss; wings darker than back. Beneath lighter sooty gray, the chin
and throat much paler. Bill black; iris brown; feet livid grayish. Total length, 5.25-5.40;
extent, 12.30; wing, 5.00-5.20; tail, 1.90-2.15.

This Swift, the only species inhabiting eastern North America,
is abundant throughout the country, and its general habits are so
well known as to make special mention of them in this connection
superfluous. One interesting fact connected with the Chimney
Swift may however be alluded to, viz., the circumstance that its
winter home is absolutely unknown to ornithologists. No specimens
taken at any locality south of the Gulf coast have been recorded,
while no one seems to have ever seen one anywhere in the
United States in winter. It has been asserted by some writers
that it passes the winter in a state of inanition or torpidity,
many hundreds or thousands of them hibernating together, like
bats, in hollow trees. But this statement requires verification.
Chimney Swifts are, however, exceedingly gregarious except when
nesting, it being a common sight, in nearly all parts of the coun-

MICROPODIDE—THE SWIFTS. 865

try to see at evening dense swarms, consisting of thousands of in-
dividuals, descending into unused chimneys, to roost during the
night. Indeed, so many thus congregate together within a compar-
atively limited space that they must certainly cling fast to one an-
other hike bees when “swarming.” The following description of a
“swallow tree” in the northern part of the State is clipped from
the Chicago Times:

“Among the attractions at Grand Lodge is a ‘swallow tree,’
which stands on the shore directly in front of the Island House.
The swallows commence to assemble about 7:30 p. m., forming a
circle around the top of the tree until three or four thousand have
arrived, and then rapidly disappear beneath the foliage. The tree
is a sycamore, is hollow its entire length, and has been inhabited
by swallows for nine successive years, the visitors not varying four
days in the date of their arrival; viz., from the twenty-fourth to
the twenty-ninth of April. They leave their resting place every
morning at sunrise, and take their final departure when frost
comes.”

Before the country became thickly settled, the “Chimney Swal-
low” nested habitually in hollow trees, especially sycamores, having
a large hollow trunk, opening, like a chimney, at the top. The
writer has found nests thus situated at Mount Carmel, and at the
same place discovered another glued to the inside of an outbuilding
built of upright planks.

866 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Fammy CAPRIMULGID2.—Tue GoatsvckErs.

CuHar. Bill very short; the gape enormously long and wide, opening to beneath or
behind the eyes. Culmen variable. Toes connected at base by a movable skin; second-
aries lengthened; plumage soft, sometimes very full and loose, as in the Owls.

The aboye brief diagnosis is sufficient to distinguish this family
from all others in North America, especially when taken in con-
nection with that given on page 358.

The North America genera are distinguished by the following
characters :

A. Gape with conspicuous bristles; tail even or rounded.
a. Tarsus feathered in front almost to the toes, and shorter than the middle toe.
First quill longer than the fourth.
1. Antrostomus. Tail rounded, shorter than the wing.
b. Tarsus entirely naked in front, and longer than the middle toe. First quill shorter
than the fourth.
2. Phalenoptilus. Tail even and much shorter than the wing. Plumage witha
peculiarly soft, velvety surface. Sexes with the tail not differently marked.
8. Nyctidromus. Tail rounded, long as the wing. Sexes with the tail very differ-
ently marked.
B. Gape without conspicuous bristles; tail emarginated or slightly forked.
4. Chordeiles,

Gexus ANTROSTOMUS Gott.

Antrostomus GOULD, Icones Avium, 1838. Type, Caprimulgus carolinensis Gm.

Gen. CHAR. Bill very small, with tubular nostrils, and the gape with long, stiff, some-
times pectinated bristles projecting beyond the end of the bill. Tarsi shorter than mid-
dle toe, chiefly feathered. ‘Tail broad, rounded; wings broad and rounded; first quill
shorter than third, but longer than the fourth; plumage soft and lax. Habits nocturnal.

The two North American species, both of which occur in Lllnois,
may be distinguished as follows:

A. Rictal bristles with lateral filaments. Wing more than 8 inches.

1. A.carolinensis. J/ale. Terminal half or third of inner webs of three outer tail-
feathers buffy whitish or ochraceous. Female. Outer tail-feathers without light
tips. :

B. BRictal bristles without lateral filaments. Wing less than 7 inches.

2. A.vociferus. Male. Tail-feathers (except middle pair) with terminal third of both

webs white. Female. Tail-feathers without white tips.

CAPRIMULGIDA—THE GOATSUCKERS. 867

Antrostomus carolinensis (Gmel.)

CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW.

Popular synonym. Dutch Whip-poor-will.

Caprimulgus carolinensis Guru. S. N. i, 1788,1028—Wuixs. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 95, pl. 54,
fig. 2—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 612.—AupD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 273; v, 1839, 401, pl. 52; Synop.
1839, 31; B. Am.i, 151, pl. 41.
Antrostomus carolinensis GouLD, Icones Avium.—Batrp, B.N. Am. 1858, 147; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 1838.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 180; Check List, 1874, No. 264; 2d ed. 1882,
No. 396; B. N. W. 1874, 263.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 410, pl. 46, fig. 1.—
Rmevw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 353.

Has. South Atlantic and Gulf States,and lower Mississippi Valley, north to southern
Illinois and Indiana; in winter, eastern Mexico and south to Costa Rica; Cuba?

Sp, OHar. Bristles of gape with lateral filaments. Above, finely mottled gray, ochra-
ceous, tawny, and black; the pileum with broad irregular streaks of black, the scapulars
with irregular blotches of the same; primaries dusky, spotted with ochraceous rufous.
Lower parts mixed tawny ochraceous and grayish, vermiculated and transversely barred
with dusky; the gular region and crissum with ochraceous prevailing. Male. Inner
webs of three outer tail-feathers with terminal third, or more, white (ochraceous on lower
surface). Female. Inner webs of outer rectrices without white. Wing, 8.70-8.90; tail,
6.26-6.30.

The Chuck-will’s-widow is essentially a southern bird, the extreme
northern limit of its range being the lower Wabash valley, where,
as far north as Mount Carmel it is, or at least was, not uncom-
mon. The writer has heard its easily recognized notes as far north
as the then (in 1865) heavily timbered Big Creek bottoms in Rich-
land County, about three miles south of the town of Olney. Its
habits are essentially the same as those of the Whip-poor-will, and
its notes are somewhat similar, but louder, and easily distinguished
after once being heard.

Antrostomus vociferus (Wils.)

WHIP-POOR- WILL.

Caprimulgus vociferus Wits. Am. Orn. vy, 1812, 71, pl. 41, figs. 1, 2, 3.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832,
614.—A uD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 443; v, 1889, 405, pl. 82; Synop. 1839, 82; B. Am. i, 1840, 155,
pl. 42.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 354.
Antrostomus vociferus BP. 1838.—BarrD, B. N. Am. 1858, 148; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
112.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 180; Check List, 1874, No. 265; 2d ed. 1882, No. 397; B. N. W.
1874, 260.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 413, pl. 46, fig. 2.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces, north to about 50° in the interior;
winters in Gulf States,and south through eastern Mexico to Guatemala. (Replaced in
Arizona and table-lands of Mexico by A. vociferus arizone Brewster.)

Sp. Coan. Bristles of gape without lateral fllaments. Above finely mottled gray,
brown and tawny, the gray prevailing on the pileum, which has a median series of black
longitudinal blotches, with narrower streaks on each side. Scapulars blotched with black;

868 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

primaries dusky,spotted with ochraceous rufous. Beneath,mottled grayish, brown,and
buff, vermiculated with black,the lower part of the throat crossed by a bar of white or
ochraceous. Adult male. Tail-feathers (except middle pair) with terminal third (ap-
proximately) of both webs white. Adult female. Tail without any white, but three outer
rectrices tipped with buff or ochraceous. Wing, 6.20-6.70; tail, 5.10-6.50.

Although so well known by its familiar nocturnal song, the Whip-
poor-will is a bird that comparatively few people have seen. This
is accounted for by its strictly nocturnal habits. Its flight, says Dr.
Brewer (Hist. N. Am. B. Vol. I., p. 415), “is noiseless to an incredible
degree,” and is by no means protracted. “They are usually very
shy, and are easily startled if approached. At night, as soon as the
twilight disappears, these birds issue from their retreats, and fly out
into more open spaces in quest of their favorite food. As many of
the nocturnal insects, moths, beetles, and others, are attracted about
dwellings by lights, the Whip-poor-will is frequently enticed, in
pursuit, into the same vicinity. For several successive seasons these
birds have appeared nearly every evening within my grounds, often
within a few feet of the house. They never suffer a very near ap-
proach, but fly as soon as they notice any movement. ‘hei pur-
suit of insects is somewhat different from that narrated of the pre-
ceding species, their flights bemg usually quite brief, without any
perceptible sailing, and more in the manner of Flycatchers. Their
song is given out at intervals throughout the night, until near the
dawn.

“The nocturnal habits of this bird have prevented a general or
accurate knowledge of its true character. Strange as it may seem,
in many parts of the country the Night-Hawk and the Whip-poor-
will are supposed to be one and the same bird, even by those not
ill-informed in other respects.”

Genus CHORDEILES Swaryson.

Chordeiles SWAINSON, Fauna Bor.-Amer. ii,1831,387. Type, Caprimulgus virginianus
GMEL.

Gen. CHAR. Bill small, the nostrils depressed; the gape with feeble, inconspicuous
bristles. Wings long, narrow, and pointed, the first quill nearly or quite equal to the
second. Tail rather narrow, slightly forked; plumage quite compact. Habits diurnal or
erepuscular.

Many species of this genus belong to America, although but two
that are well characterized enter into the fauna of the United States.

These are easily distinguished as follows:

1. C. virginianus, Outer webs of primaries without ochraceous spots; white patch
on primaries extending over five outer quills,anterior to their middle portion.

CAPRIMULGIDE—THE GOATSUCKERS. 369

2. C. texensis. Outer webs of primaries more or less spotted with rufous or ochrace-
ous; white patch on primaries extending over only four quills, and posterior to
their middle portion.

Chordeiles virginianus (Gmel.)

NIGHTHAWK.

Popular synonyms. Whip-poor-will; Bull Bat; Will-o’the-wisp (Connecticut).

Caprimulgus virginianus Gm. S. N. i, 1788, 1028 (part only).—Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 619; ii,
134, 609.—A UD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 273; v. 1839, 406, pl. 147.
Caprimulgus (Chordeiles) virginianus Sw. & Ricu. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 337.
Chordeiles virginianus Bp. 18388.—AuD.Synop. 1839, 32; B. Am. i, 1840, 259, pl. 43.—Covugs,
Key, 1872, 351; Check List, 1874, No. 267; 2d ed. 1882, No. 399; B. N. W. 1874, 263.
Caprimulgus popetue Viren. O. A. 8. i, 1807, 56. pl. 24 (female).
Chordeiles popetue Barry, B. N. Am. 1858, 151; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 114.—B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 401.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,No. 357.
Caprimulgus americanus Wiis. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 65, pl. 40, figs. 1,2.

Has. Eastern North America, north to Hudson's Bay; in winter, Bahamas, Cuba,
Jamaica, and eastern tropical America to Brazil.

Sp. Car. Male. Above greenish black, with but little mottling on the head and
back. Wing-coverts varied with grayish; scapulars with yellowish rufous. A nuchal
band of fine gray mottHhng behind whichis another coarser one of rufous spots. A white
V-shaped mark on the throat; behind this a collar of pale rufous blotches, and another
on the breast of grayish mottling. Under parts banded transversely with dull yellowish
or reddish white and brown. Wing quills quite uniformly brown. ‘The five outer pri-
maries with a white blotch (about half an inch long) midway between the tip and carpal
joint, not extending on the outer web of the outer quill. Tail witha terminal white patch
which does not reach the outer edge of the feathers. Female without the caudal white
patch, the white tail-bands more mottled, the white of the throat mixed with reddish.
Length of male, 9.50; wing, 8.20. (Hist. N. Am. B.)

First plumage. Above dull black, irregularly marbled everywhere with reddish
fawn-color and pale rusty. All the feathers are tipped, edged, and barred with the
lighter colors, the back appearing for the most part in subterminal spots or blotches.
The primaries (which are but just sprouting) are black, broadly tipped with pale rusty.
Under parts clothed thickly with fluffy, whitish down, beneath which on the breast and
sides, true feathers of a dull white barred with dark brown are beginning to appear.
(From a specimen in the cabinet of Mr. N. C. Brown, taken at Deering. Me., June 29, 1875.)
It seems probable that young of this species—and perhaps of the whole family, like those
of the Tetraonide and some others—pass through a state of plumage previous to the
usual primal one. The specimen above described is, strictly speaking, in process of
transition between the two, and still retains patches of the soft whitish down which must
have constituted its entire covering at an earlier period.” (BREWsTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, 1876, p. 178.)

Popularly confounded with the Whip-poor-will, the Nighthawk is
a bird of very different appearance and quite distinct habits. In-
stead of being strictly nocturnal it is hardly crepuscular, but may
often be seen flying about in broad daylight, though toward evening
is their favorite time of activity. Says Dr. Brewer:

“Ordinarily laying its eggs upon the bare ground, usually in some
open situation, the Night Hawk has become accustomed to nest on

—24

870 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the flat roof-tops of houses in cities, even in such densely populated
places as New York and Brooklyn. (See Louis A. Zerega, in Forest
and Stream, Vol. XVIII., No. 24, p. 467.)

Chordeiles virginianus henryi (Cass.)

WESTERN NIGHTHAWK.

Chordeiles henryi Cass. Illustr. B. Cal. Tex. &c. 1855, 239.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 153,
922; ed. 1860 17; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 115.

Chordeiles popetue var. henryi ALLEN.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 404, pl. 46,
fig. 4.

Chordeiles popetue henryi Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 337a.—2d_ Check List, 1882,
No. 400.

Chordeiles virginianus var. henryi Cougs, Key, 1872, 181—Check List, 1871, No. 267a.

Has. Western United States (except Pacific coast north of San Francisco?).

Suzssp. CHar. Similar to true C. virginianus, but much paler and grayer, often with
much buffy mottling.

This form, which is of occasional occurrence in Illinois, is in
habits and notes a counterpart of the ordinary eastern bird. In the
desert regions of the Great Basin the writer found it to be a com-
mon summer resident.

ORDER PIOI—THE WOODPECKERS, ETO, 871

OrpER PICI.—Tue Woopreckers, ETC.

Craracters. Bill straight, pointed or chisel-shaped at tip; tongue barbed at point
and extensile; feet zygodactyle; tail-feathers 12. but outer pair rudimentary and concealed.

Famiry PICID2#.—THE WoopreckeErs.

“Cuan. Outer toe turned backwards permanently, not versatile laterally, the basal
portion of the tongue capable of great protrusion.

“The preceding characters combined appear to express the essen-
tial character of the Picide. In addition, it may be stated that
the tongue itself is quite small, flat, and short, acute and horny,
usually armed along the edges with decurved hooks. The horns of
the hyoid apparatus are generally very long, and curve round the
back of the skull frequently to the base of the bill, playing in
a sheath, when the tongue is thrown forward out of the mouth to
transfix an insect.

“There are twelve tail-feathers, of which the outer is, however,
very small and rudimentary (lying concealed between the outer and
adjacent feathers), so that only ten are usually counted. The tail
is nearly even, or cuneate, never forked, the shafts very rigid in
the true Woodpeckers; soft in Picumnine and Jyngine. The outer
primary is generally very short, or spurious, but not wanting. The
bill is chisel- or wedge-shaped, with sharp angles and ridges and
straight culmen; sometimes the culmen is a little curved, in which
case it is smoother, and without ridges. The tarsi in the North
American forms are covered with large plates anteriorly, posteriorly
with small ones, usually more or less polygonal. The claws are
compressed, much curved, very strong and acute.

“The Picide are found all over the world with the exception of
Madagascar, Australia, the Moluccas, and Polynesia. America is
well provided with them, more than half of the described species
belonging to the New World.

“The subfamilies of the Picid@ may be most easily distinguished
as follows, although other characters could readily be given:

Picine, Tail-feathers pointed, and lanceolate at end; the shafts very
rigid, thickened, and elastic.

Picumning, Tail soft and short, about half the length of wing; the feath-
ers without stiffened shafts, rather narrow, linear, and rounded at end.

Jyngine. Tail soft and rather long, about three fourths the length of
wing; the feathers broad, and obtusely rounded at end.

872 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“Of these subfamilies the Picine alone occur north to Mexico.
The Jyngine, to which the well-known Wryneck of England (Jynz
torquilla) belongs, are exclusively Old World; the Picwmnine belong
principally to the tropical regions of America, although a few species
occur in Africa and India.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The North American Picine may for convenience of identification
be divided into the following groups :—

Dryobatew, Bill variable in length; the outlines above and below nearly
straight; the ends truncated; a prominent ridge on the side of the mandible
springing from the middle of the base, or a little below, and running out
either on the commissure, or extending parallel to and a little above it, to
the end, sometimes obliterated or confluent with the lateral bevel of the
bill. Nostrils considerably overhung by the lateral ridge, more or less
linear, and concealed by thick bushy tufts of feathers at the base of the bill
Outer posterior toe generally longer than the anterior.

Melanerpee. Billratherlong; the outlines, that of the culmen especially,
decidedly curved. The lateral ridge much nearest the culmen, and, though
quite distinct at the base, disappearing before coming to the lower edge of
the mandible; not overhanging the nostrils, which are broadly oval,
rounded anteriorly, and not concealed by the bristly feathers at the base,
Outer pair of toes nearly equal; the anterior rather longer.

Colaptee. Bill rather long, much depressed, and the upper outline much
eurved to the acutely pointed (not truncate) tip. The commissure con-
siderably curved. Bill without any ridges. The nostrils broadly oval and
much exposed, Anterior outer toe longest.

The preceding diagnoses will serve to distinguish the three groups
sufliciently for our present purposes; the bill being strongest in the
Dryobate@ and best fitted for cutting into trees by its more perfect
wedge-shape, with strengthening ridges, as well as by the lateral
beveling of both mandibles, which are nearly equal in thickness at
the base, and with their outlines nearly straight. The lateral ndge
is prominent, extending to the edge or end of the bill, and over-
hangs the nostrils, which are narrow and hidden. The Melanerpee and
the Colaptee have the upper mandible more curved (the commissure
likewise), the lower mandible smaller and weaker, the bill with
little or no lateral beveling. ‘The nostrils are broadly oval and
exposed. In the former, however, there is a distinct lateral ridge
visible for a short distance from the base of the bill; while in the
other there is no ridge at all, and the mandible is greatly curved.

In all the species of North American Woodpeckers, there is more
or less red on the head in the male, and frequently in the female.

PICIDE—THE WOODPECKERS. 873

The eggs of all are lustrous polished white, without any markings,
and laid in holes in trees, upon a bed of chips, no material being
carried in for the construction of the nest.

According to Mr. Brewster (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, October, 1878, p. 179, foot-note), “the
young of most, if not all, of the Woodpeckers, regularly moult the wing- and tail-feathers
with the rest of the first plumage. No exceptions to this rule occur among large series
of the common North American species examined, and it may probably be found to hold
good among all, excepting, perhaps,some highly specialized groups. Another peculiar
feature in the early development of the species most thoroughly investigated, and one
which is perhaps common to all the members of this family,is the fact that a certain
portion of the femalesin first plumage possess to a greater or less degree the adornments
which in more advanced stages are peculiar to the males alone and which are lost with
the first moult. Marked examples of this are afforded by young females of Colaptes
auratus, Picus pubescens, and others of which detailed descriptions are given in the
text.”

The genera with which we have to deal in this work may be dis-
tinguished as follows:

Section Dryobatee.

A. Posterior outer toe longer than the anterior one. (Fourth toe longer than third.)

a. Lateral ridge starting above the middle of the base of the bill, and extending to

the tip.
1. Campephilus. Lateral ridge above the middle of the lateral profile of the bill
when opposite the end of the nostrils, which are ovate,and rounded anteriorly.
Bill much depressed, very long; gonys very long. Posterior outer toe consider-
ably longer than the anterior. Primaries long,attenuated towards the tip.
Spurious quill nearly half the second. Shafts of four middle tail-feathers remark-
ably stout, of equal size,and abruptly very much larger than the others; two middle
tail-feathers narrower towards base than towards end.* A pointed occipital crest.
2. Dryobates. Lateral ridge in the middle of the lateral profile opposite the end of
nostrils, which are ovate and sharp-pointed anteriorly. Bill moderate, nearly as
broad as high. Outer hind toe moderately longer than the outerfore toe. Primaries
broad to the tip,and rounded. Spurious primary not one third the second quill.
8. Picoides, Lateral ridge below the middle of the profile, opposite the end of the
ovate acute nostrils, which it greatly overhangs. Bill greatly depressed; lower
mandible deeper than the upper. Inner hind toe wanting, leaving only three toes.
Tufts of nasal bristles very full and long.

b. Lateral ridge starting below the middle of the base of the bill, and running as a

distinct ridge into the edge of the commissure at aboutits middle; the terminal
half of the mandible rounded on the sides, although the truncate tip is distinctly
beveled laterally.
4. Sphyrapicus. Nostrils considerably overhung by the lateral ridge, very small,
linear. Gonys as long as the culmen from the nostrils. Tips of tail-feathers
elongated and linear, not cuneate. Wings very long; exposed portion of spurious
primary about one fourth that of second quill,

*A character common to all the members of the genus,and distinguishing them from
the species of every other; this peculiar form of the middle tail-feathers is caused princi-
pally by a folding of the webs downward,almost against each other. The under surface
of the shafts have a very deep groove their whole length, which is seen in no other genus.

374 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

B. Posterior outer toe considerably shorter than the anterior outer one. (Fourth toe
shorter than third.)
5. Ceophlenus, Billdepressed. Lateral ridge above the middle of the lateral pro-
file near the base. Nostrils elliptical, wide, and rounded anteriorly. Tail almost
asin Sphyrapicus, <A pointed occipital crest, asin Campephilus.

Section Melanerpec.
6. Melanerpes.

Back and wings banded transversely with black and white. Crown more or
less red; rest of head with under parts grayish, and with red or yellow tinge on
the middle of the abdomen, Rump white. (Subgenus Centurus.)

Upper parts uniform black, without bands, with or without a white rump;
variable beneath, but without transverse bands. (Subgenus Melanerpes.)

Section Colaptee.

7. Colaptes. Above brown, barred with black; a white spoton rump; lower parts,
posterior to black crescent on chest, vinaceous white or pale vinaceous, hand-
somely spotted with black; shafts of quills and tail-feathers bright yellow or red.

Genus CAMPEPHILUS Gray.

Campephilus Gray, List of Genera, 1840, 54. Type, Picus principalis Linn.

“Grn. CHAR. Bill considerably longer than the head, much depressed, or broader
than high at the base, becoming somewhat compressed near the middle and gradually
beveled off at the tip. Culmen very slightly curved, gonys as concave, the curve scarce-
ly appreciable; commissure straight. Culmen with a parallel ridge on each side, start-
ing a little above the centre of the basal outline of the bill, the ridge projecting outwards
and downwards, anda slight concavity between it and the acute ridge of the culmen.
Gonys considerably more than half the commissure. Nostrils oval, below the lateral
ridge near the base of the bill; concealed by the bristly feathers directed forward. Simi-
lar feathers are seen at the sides of the lower jaw and on the chin.

“Feet large; outer hind toe much longest; claw of inner fore toe reaching to middle of
outer fore claw; inner hind toe scarcely more than half the outer one; its claw reaching as
far as the base of the inner anterior claw, considerably more than half the outer anterior
toe. Tarsus rather shorter than theinnerfore toe. Tail long, cuneate; shafts of the four
middle feathers abruptly much larger than the others, and with a deep groove running
continuously along their under surface; webs of the two middle feathers deflected,
almost against each other, so that the feathers appear narrower at the base than termi-
nally. Wings long and pointed, the third, fourth, and fifth quills longest; sixth second-
ary longest, leaving six ‘tertials,’ instead of three or four as usual; primaries long, at-
tenuated. Color continuous black, relieved by white patches. Head with a pointed occi-
pital crest.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This genus embraces the largest of known Woodpeckers. The
largest species is C. imperialis Gounp, of western Mexico, which con-
siderably exceeds our Ivory-billed Woodpecker (C. principalis) in
size, having the bill three and a half inches long (measured from
the forehead) and the wing more than thirteen inches.

Campephilus principalis (Linn.)
IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER.

Popular synonyms. White-billed Woodpecker; White-billed Logeock.
Picus principalis Linn 8. N. ed. 12, 1766, 173.—Wis. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 20, pl. 39, fig. 6.
—Avp. Orn. Biog. i, 1882, 341; v, 1839, 525, pl. 66; B. Am. iv, 1842, 214, pl. 256.

PICIDH —THE WOODPECKERS. 875

Campephilus principalis GRAY, 1840.—BateD, B. N. Am. 1858, 83; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
72.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 192; Check List, 1874, No. 298; 2d ed. 1882, No. 431.—B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 496, pl. 49, figs. 1, 2—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 359.

Has. South Atlantic and Gulf States and lower Mississippi Valley, north to North
Carolina, southern Illinois, and southeastern Missouri, west to eastern Texas. (Accord-
ing to AUDUBON, formerly occurred accidentally as far north as Maryland, and regularly
in Kentucky, southern Indiana and up the Mississippi to the mouth of the Missouri.)

“Sp. CHar. Fourth and fifth quills equal; third a little shorter. Bill horn-white.
Body entirely of a glossy blue-black (glossed with green below); a white stripe begin-
ning half an inch posterior to the commissure, and passing down the sides of the neck,
and extending down each side of the back. Under wing-coverts, and the entire exposed
portion of the secondary quills, with ends of the inner primaries, bristles, and a short
stripe at the base of the bill, white. Crest scarlet, upper surface black. Length, 21.00;
wing, 10.00. Female similar, without any red on the head, and with two spots of white
on the end of the outer tail-feather.

“In the male the entire crown (with its elongated feathers) is
black. The scarlet commences just above the middle of the eye,
and, passing backwards a short distance, widens behind and bends
down as far as the level of the under edge of the lower jaw. The
feathers which spring from the back of the head are much elongated
above; considerably longer than those of the crown. In the speci-
mens before us the black feathers of the crest do not reach as far
back as the scarlet.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

There are no recent records of the occurrence of the Ivory-billed
Woodpecker in Illinois. There can be little doubt, however, that it
is still to be found in the heavily timbered counties of the extreme
southern portion of the State. Audubon states that in descending
the Ohio river he met with it near the confluence of that stream
with the Mississippi, and that he observed it along the latter as
far up as the mouth of the Missouri. The writer has a distinct
recollection of what he believes to have been this species in White
county, some forty miles south of Mount Carmel, but never ob-
served it in the vicinity of the latter place.

The flight of this magnificent Woodpecker is said to be totally
different from that of the Pileated, and on this account, when on
the wing it may readily be distinguished from that species. Its
manner of flight is similar to that of the Hairy Woodpecker, or by
deep undulations, while that of the Pileated is an unsteady some-
what laborious flapping in a straight horizontal line. “The transit
from tree to tree,” as Audubon observes, “is performed by a single
sweep, as if the bird had been swung in a curved line from one to
the other.” Its notes are also very different, sounding lke pait,

376 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

pait, pait, uttered in “a clear, loud, and rather plaintive tone,”
heard “sometimes to the distance of half a mile, and resembling
the false high note of a clarionet.”

Genus DRYOBATES Bor.

Picus (part), Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 112; ed. 12, i, 1766, 173, and of most authors.

Dendrocopos Kocu, Syst. Baier Zodl. i, 1816, 72. Type, by elimination, Picus major
Linn. (Nec Vrerwu. Analyse, 1816, p. 45.)

Dryobates Botz, Isis, 1826, 977. Type, Picus pubescens Linn.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill equal to the head, or a little longer; the lateral ridges conspicuous,
starting about the middle of the base of the bill; the basal elongated oval nostrils nearest
the commissure; the ridges of the culmen and gonys acute, and very nearly straight, or
slightly convex towards the tip; the bill but little broader than high at the base, beecom-
ing compressed considerably before the middle. Feet much as in Campephilus; the
outer posterior toe longest; the outer anterior about intermediate between it and the
inner anterior; the inner posterior reaching to the base of the claw of the inner anterior.
Tarsus about equal to the inner anterior toe; shorter than the two other long toes. Wings
rather long, reaching to the middle of the tail, rather rounded; the fourth and fifth quills
longest; the quills rather broad and rounded.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The species found in eastern North America may be distinguished
as follows:

A. Back longitudinally striped with white.
1. D.villosus. Outer tail-feathers without black bars. Wing, 4.25 or more.
2. D. pubescens, Outer tail-feathers barred with black. Wing less than 4.25.
B. Back transversely barred with white.
3. D. borealis, Auriculars entirely white; sides spotted with black. Wing, 4.60-4.75.

Dryobates villosus (Linn.)

HAIRY WOODPECKER.

Popular synonyms. Big Sapsucker; Big Guinea- Woodpecker.
Picus villosus Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1866, 175.—Wiis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 150, pl. 9.—Nurr.
Man. i, 1832,575.—Aupb. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 164, pl. 416; Synop. 1839,179; B. Am. iv, 1842,
244, pl. 262.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 84 (var. medius); Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 74.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 193; Check List, 1874, No. 298; 2d ed. 1882, No. 438; B. N. W. 1874,
279 (a. villosus, b. medius).—Ripew. Nom. N. Am.B. 1881, No. 360.
Picus villosus var. medius Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 84.
Picus villosus var. villosus B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 503, pl. 49, figs. 3, 4, 5.
Picus martine AvupD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 81, pl. 417; Synop, 1839, 178; B. Am. iv, 1812, 240. pl,
260 (= young!).
Picus rubricapillus Nuvr. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 685 (= martina).
Has. Eastern United States (except Gulf States) and more southern British Pro-
vinees. (Replaced in Gulf States by D. villosus auduboni, in northern British America
by D. villosus leucomelas, and in western North America by D. villosus harrist.)

Sp. Cuan. Above black, with a white band down the middle of the back. All the mid-
dle and larger wing-coverts and all the quills with conspicuous spots of white. Two white

PICIDH—THE WOODPECKERS. 377

stripes on each side of the head; the upper scarcely confluent behind, the lower not at
all so; two black stripes confluent with the black of the nape. Beneath white. Three
outer tail-feathers withthe exposed portions white. Length, 8.00-11.00; wing, 4.00-5.00;
bill, 1.00-1.25. Male, with a nuchal scarlet crescent (wanting in the female) covering the
white, generally continuous, but often interrupted in the middle. Immature birds of
either sex with more or less of the whole crown spotted with red or yellow, or both,
sometimes the red almost continuous.

Specimens from Mount Carmel measure, before skmning, as
follows :

Adult males. Total length, 8.75-9.00; extent, 14.75-15.25,
Adult females. Total length, 8.50-9.00; extent, 14.00-15.00.

Bill varying from slate-color to bluish horn-color; iris brown, varying to claret-
purple; feet ashy blue, olive-gray or slate-color.

This common and well-known species is a permanent resident
throughout the State. It is most numerous, however, in winter
though by no means rare, as a rule, durmg summer. It possesses
no characteristics worthy of special mention here.

The large northern form, D. villosus leucomelas, may occur as a
winter visitant to the extreme northern portion of the State.

In an article condemning the Yellow-bellied Woodpecker (Sphy-
rapicus varius) as a scourge to fruit and shade trees, published in
the Prairie Farmer for Jan.—, 1862, Dr. P. R. Hoy, of Racine,
Wisconsin, has the followmg good° words to say for the present
species :

“This species is not migratory but remains the entire year with
us. Cheerful and industrious, he is always on the lookout for those
worms that burrow in the substance of the wood, or under the bark
of trees—the larva of the Capricorn Beetles, the Buprestide, etc.
He is an expert at auscultation and percussion, and he is not in-
debted to Laennee for the art either. As he explores suspicious
localities with gentle taps, he quickly detects the evidences of un-
soundness, and is not slow to learn the cause. Worms is his hobby
—soon he chips an opening, and with his long, slender tongue,
armed with a barbed lance point, a capital tool, he soon extracts
the cause of the evil. While engaged “worming,” he continues to
utter his cheerful Plick, Plick, m a major key, as if conscious
that he 1s engaged in a good cause, and not ashamed to own it.
You can always tell where he is. A few ears of corn is about all
the pay he takes for his valuable work. Protect him, he is our
friend. May that gun ever hang fire that is directed against the
Hairy Woodpecker.”

378 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS. :

Dryobates pubescens (Linn.)

: DOWNY WOODPECKER.
Popular synonyms. Little Sapsucker; Little Guinea- Woodpecker.

Picus pubescens Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 175.—Wis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 153, pl. 9, fig. 4.—
Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 576.—AupD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 81; v, 1839, 589, pl. 112; Synop. 1839,
180; B. Am. iv, 249. pl. 2683.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 89; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 76.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 194; Check List, 1874, No. 299; 2d ed. 1882, No. 440; B. N. W. 1874,
282 (a. pubescens).—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 509, pl. 49, figs. 6, 7.—Ripew.
Nom. N. Am. B. 1381, No. 361.
Picus (Dendrocopus) pubescens Sw. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 307.
Picus (Dendrocopus) medianus Sw. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 308 (New Jersey).
Picus medianus Nutr. Man. ii, 1854, 601.
Picus (Dendrocopus) meridionalis Sw. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 308 (Georgia).

Has. Eastern and northern North America, resident throughout; northwest to Alas-
ka, including nearly the whole of that country, or from the Yukon Valley to Kodiak.
(Replaced in the western United States and British Columbia by D. pubescens gairdneri.)

“Sp. Cuan. A miniature of P. villosus. Above black, with a white band down the
back. Two white stripes on the side of the head; the lower of opposite sides always
separated behind, the upper sometimes confluent on the nape. Two stripes of black on
the side of the head, the lower not running into the forehead. Beneath white; all the
middle and greater coverts and all the quills with white spots, the larger coverts with
two series each; tertiaries or inner secondaries all banded with white. Two outer tail-
feathers white, with two bands of black atend; third white at tip and externally; crissum
sometimes spotted with black. Length about 6.25; wing, 3.75. Male with red terminat-
ing the white feathers on the nape. Young with whole top of head red.” (Hist. NV.
Am. B.)

This, the smallest of our woodpeckers, is almost a perfect minia-
ture of D. villosus, and is of very similar habits. It is rather more
numerous, however, especially in summer.

Genus PICOIDES LactpEpE.

Picoides LAc&P. Mem. Inst. 1801, 509. Type Picus tridactylus Linn.

“Gen. CHAR. Billaboutaslongas the head, very much depressed at the base; the
outlines nearly straight, the lateral ridge at its base much nearer the commissure than
the culmen, so as to bring the large, rather linear nostrils close to the edge of the com-
missure. The gonys very long, equal to the distance from the nostrils to the tip of the
bill. Feet with only three toes, the first or inner hinder one being wanting; the outer
lateral a little longer than the inner, but slightly exceeded by the hind toe, which is
about equal to the tarsus. Wings very long, reaching beyond the middle of the tail, the
tip of the first quill between those of sixthand seventh. Color black above, with a broad
patch of yellow on the crown*; white beneath, transversely banded on the sides. Quills,
put not wing-coverts, with round spots. Lateral tail-feathers white, without bands on

exposed portion, except in European species.

“The peculiarities of this genus consist in the absence of the
inner hind toe and the great depression of the bill.”
The two species represented in eastern North America, differ as

follows:

* Except in female.

PICIDA—THE WOODPECKERS. 379

Common CHARACTERS. The American species of Picoides agree in being black above
and white beneath; the crown with a yellow patch in the male; a white stripe behind the
eye and another from the loral region beneath the eye; the quills (but not the coverts)
spotted with white; the sides banded transversely with black. Four middle tail-
feathers wholly black.

1. P, arcticus, Dorsal region without white markings; no supraloral white stripe or
streak, nor nuchal band of white. Sides of the breast continuously black. Male.
Crown with a patch of yellow, varying from lemon, though gamboge, to orange,
and not surrounded by any whitish markings or suffusion. Female, Crown
lustrous black, without any yellow, and destitute of white streaks or other mark-
ings. Wing, 4.85-5.25; tail, 3.60-3.85; eulmen, 1.40-1.55.

2. P. americanus. Back barred or otherwise |varied with white; a white supraloral
streak and nuchal band. Male. Crown witha patch of yellow, surrounded or
margined with more orless of a whitish suffusion. Female. Crown streaked,
speckled, or suffused with whitish. Wing, 4.40-5.10; tail, 3.40-3.70; culmen, 1.10-1.25.

Picoides arcticus (Swains.)

ARCTIC THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS.
Popular synonym, Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker.

Picus tridactylus “‘Lryn.” Aub. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 198; v, 1839, 538, pl. 182—NurtT. Man. i,
1832, 578. (Not of Linn.)
Picus (Apternus) arcticus Sw. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 313, pl. 57.

Picus arcticus AuD. Synop. 1839, 182; B. Am. iv, 1842, 266, pl. 268—Nurr. Man. 2d ed. i,
1840, 69L.

Picoides arcticus GRAY, 1845.—Bartrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 98; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 82.
—CouEs, Key, 1872, 194; Check List, 1874, No. 300; 2d ed. 1882, No. 443; B. N. W. 1874,
284.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 580, pl. 50, fig. 1—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 367.

Has. Northern North America, south, in winter, tonorthern border of United States
(Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, northern Illinois, ete.); in the West, breeding south (to 40°
at least) in higher mountain ranges.

“Sp. CHar. Above entirely uniform glossy bluish black; a square patch on the mid-
dle of the crown saffron- yellow, and afew white spots on the outer edges of both webs of
the primary and secondary quills. Beneath white, on the sides of the whole body, axil-
lars, and inner wing-coverts banded transversely with black. Crissum white, with a few
spots anteriorly. A narrow concealed white line from the eyea short distance backwards,
and a white stripe from the extreme forehead (meeting anteriorly) under the eye, and
down the sides of the neck, bordered below by a narrow stripe of black. Bristly feathers
of the base of the bill brown; sometimes afew gray feathers intermixed. Exposed por-
tion of two outer tail-feathers (first and second) white; the third obliquely white at end,
tipped with black. Sometimes these feathers with a narrow black tip.” (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

This species differs from the other American three-toed Wood-
peckers chiefly in having the back entirely black. ‘he white line
from the eye is usually almost imperceptible, if not wanting entirely.
Specimens vary but little; one from Slave Lake has a longer bill
than usual, and the top of head more orange. ‘The size of the
crown patch varies; sometimes the frontal whitish is inappreciable.
None of the females before me have any white spots in the black
of head, as is always the case with those of P. americanus.

380 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

This northern bird is a rare winter visitor to the extreme northern
portion of the State. According to Mr. Nelson (page 115 of his
catalogue), “a specimen was shot from a telegraph pole in Chicago
a few years ago by Dr. Velie.” Mr. Nelson also states that it is a
common species in northern Wisconsin, ‘‘and before the pines along
the lake were destroyed, was probably a:regular winter visitant.”

Genus SPHYRAPICUS Barr.

Sphyrapicus Baten, Birds N. Am. 1858, 101. Type, Picus varius LINN.

“Gren. CHAR. Billasin Picus, but the lateral ridge, whichis very prominent, run-
ning out distinctly to the commissure at about the middle, beyond which the bill is
rounded without any angles atall. The culmen and gonys are very nearly straight, but
slightly convex, the bill tapering rapidly to a point; the lateral outline concave to very
near the slightly beveled tip. Outer pair of toes longest; the hinder exterior rather
longest; the inner posterior toe very short, less than the inner anterior without its claw.
Wings long and pointed; the third, excluding the spurious, longest. Tail-feathers very
broad, abruptly acuminate, with a very long linear tip. Tongue scarcely extensible.”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

This is a very strongly marked genus, of which but a single
species occurs east of the Rocky Mountains. In the West, however,
occur three others, one of which (S. thyroideus) is perhaps the most
beautiful of North American Woodpeckers, while it is further re-
markable on account of the great difference in color between the
sexes—a difference probably wholly exceptional in this family.

Sphyrapicus varius (Linn.)
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER.

Popular synonyms. Red-throated Sapsucker; Squealing or Whining Sapsucker.
Picus varius Lin. 8. N. ed. 12, i,1766,176.—Wins. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 147, pl. 9, fig. 2—Nurr.
Man. i,1882, 574.—AupD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 519; v, 1839, 537, pl. 190; Synop. 1839, 182; B.
Am. iv, 1842, 263, pl. 267,
Sphyrapicus varius Bate, B. N. Am. 1858, 103; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 85.—CouEs,
Key, 1872, 195; Check List, 1874, No. 302; 2d ed. 1882, No. 446; B. N. W. 1874, 285. (avarius.)
—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 539, pl. 51, figs. 1,2.—Rmpew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No. 369.
Has. Eastern North America, north to atleast 61°, in the interior, breeding from
northern United States northward. (Replaced in the Rocky Mountain district by S.
nuchalis, and along Pacific coast by S. ruler.)

PICIDE—THE WOODPECKERS. 881

“Sp. Car. Third quill longest; second alittle shorter; first between fourth and
fifth, considerably shorter. General color above black, much variegated with white.
Feathers of the back and rump brownish white, spotted with black. Crown crimson,
bordered by black on the side of the head and nape. A streak from above the eye, and a
broad stripe from the bristles of the bill, passing below the eye, and into the yellowish
of the belly, enclosing a black postocular one, and a stripe along the edges of the wing-
eoverts, white. A triangular broad patch of scarlet on the chin and throat, bordered on
each side by black stripes from the lower mandible, which meet behind and extend into
a large quadrate spot on the breast. Restof under parts yellowish white, or yellow,
streaked and banded on the sides with black. Inner web of inner tail-feather
white, spotted with black. Outer feathers black, edged and spotted with white. Quills
spotted with white. Length, 8.25; wing, about 4.75; tail, 3.30. Female with the red of
the throat replaced by white. Immature bird without black on the breast, or red on top
of the head, as in every intermediate stage to the perfect plumage.” (Hist. VN. Am. B.)

This bird, the true “Sapsucker,” is a winter resident in most
portions of Illinois, and though it may perhaps breed sparingly in
the extreme northern portion, I can find no record of its doing so.

Grenus CEOPHL@US Casnanis.

Hylatomus Barked, Birds N, Am. 1858, 107. Type Picus pileatus Linn. (Nee Hylotoma
LATREILLE, 1804,
Ceophleus CABAN, Jour. fur Orn. 1862, 176. Same type.

“Gen. CHAR. Billa little longer than the head; considerably depressed, or broader
than high at the base; shaped much asin Campephilus, except shorter, and without the
bristly feathers directed forwards at the base of the lower jaw. Gonys about half the
length of the commissure. Tarsus shorter than any toe, except the inner posterior.
Outer posterior toe shorter than the outer anterior, and a little longer than the inner
anterior. Inner posterior very short, not half the outer anterior; about half the inner
anterior one. Taillong, graduated; the long feathers much incurved at the tip. Wing
longer than the tail, reaching to the middle of the exposed surface of tail; considerably
graduated, though pointed; the fourth and fifth quills longest. Color uniform black.
Head with pointed occipital crest. A stripe from nasal tufts beneath the eye and down
side of neck, throat, lining of wing, and basal portion of under surface of quills, white;
some species with the abdomen and sides barred black and brownish white; others with
a white scapular stripe in addition. Male with whole crown and crest and maxillary
patch red; female with only the crest red.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This genus is similar in general appearance and size to Campeph-
ilus, but differs essentially in many respects; the differences being,
however, mostly those which distinguish all other Woodpeckers
from the species of Campephilus, which is unique in the peculiar
structure of the tail-feathers and in other characters, as detailed
under the head of that genus on page 374.

The single species belonging to North America has numerous rep-
resentatives within the tropics.

882 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Ceophlceus pileatus (Linn.)
PILEATED WOODPECKER.

Popular synonyms. Woodcock; Black Woodcock; Logeock; Black Logeock.

Picus pileatus Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 173.—Wiis. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 27, pl. 29, fig. 2—
Nutr. Man. i, 1:32, 537.—Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 74; v, 1839, 533, pl. 111.—B. Am. iv,
1842, 226, pl. 257.
Hylatemus pileatus Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 107; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 90.—CovEs,
Key, 1872, 192; Check List, 1874, No. 294; 2d ed. 1882, No. 432; B. N. W. 1874, 278; B. B.
& R. Hist. N. Am! B. ii, 1874,550, pl. 56, figs. 5,6.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 317.
Ceophleus pileatus CABANIS, Jour. fur Orn. 1862, 176.

Has. Whole of heavily timbered portions of North America, south to Florida, Texas,
New Mexico, and California; north to Nelson river and Fort Laird, or even to between
latitude 62° and 63°, in the interior.

“Sp. CHar. Fourth and fifth quills equal and longest; third intermediate between
sixth and seventh. Bill blue-black; more horn-color beneath. General color of body,
wings, and tail dull greenish black. A narrow white streak from just above the eye to
the occiput; a wider one from the nostril feathers (inclusive), under the eye and along
the side of the head and neck; sides of the breast (concealed by the wings), axillaries,
and under wing-coverts, and concealed bases of all the quills, with chin and beneath the
head, white, tinged with sulphur-yellow. Entire crown from the base of the bill toa
well-developed occipital crest, as also a patch on the ramus of the lower jaw, scarlet-red.
A few faint white crescents on the sides of the body and on the abdomen. Longer pri-
maries generally tipped with white. Length, about 18.00; wing, 9.50. Female without
the red on the cheek, and the anterior half of that on the top of the head replaced by
black.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

This noble bird, inferior only to the magnificent Ivory-bill (Campe-
philus principalis) among North American woodpeckers, occurs in
wooded districts throughout the State, being still abundant in the
more heayily timbered portions. It is very active and noisy, and
therefore as well as on account of its large size and striking colors,
is a conspicuous bird. Its blows upon dead trees sound more like
those of a woodman’s axe than the hammerings of other wood-
peckers, while its spread of wing and general bulk may be compared
to that of a crow; and, although a far less powerful bird than the
Ivory-bill, it is nevertheless sure to attract the attention, or even
excite the enthusiasm, of the ornithologist.

“The loud hammering of this large and vigorous bird on the
sonorous dried trees, compared with which the tapping of the
smaller species is but a weak noise, very soon becomes familar to
the ear of the woodman; and may designate the bird at a dis-
tance. The old adage, ‘a workman is known by his chips,’ certainly
affirms much for the industry of this bird. In his search for insects
for which he attacks the dead and dying trees, he will denude
great spaces of the trunk and larger branches in a short time,
heaping up the chips and strips of bark on the ground in an as-

PICIDA.—THE WOODPECKERS. 883

tonishing manner. Very useful, indeed, must this bird be in pre-
serving our primeval forests from the ravages of insects. Whether
one notes his strong, undulating flight, his elastic bounding and
springing along the trunks of the trees, the effective chiseling of his
powerful bill, or his sonorous cackling, one is particularly impressed
with the spirit and immense energy of the bird.” (Lanaruun.)

Grmnus MELANERPES Swarnson.

Suscenus Melanerpes.

Melanerpes Swats. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 316. Type, Picus erythrocephalus Linn.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linn.)
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.

Picus erythrocephalus Lin. S. N. ed. 12,i, 1766, 174—Wiis. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 142, pl. 9,
fig. 1—Nurvr. Man. i, 1832, 569.—Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 141, pl. 27; Synop. 1839, 184;
B. Am. iv, 1842, 274, pl. 271.
Melanerpes erythrocephalus SwAtns. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 316.—Bartep, B. N. Am. 1858, 113;
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 94—Couss, Key, 1872, 196; Check List, 1874, No. 309; 2d ed.
1882, No. 453; B. N. W. 1874, 290.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874,564, pl. 54, fig. 4.—
Rivew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, 375.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces, west to eastern base of Rocky
Mountains, south to Florida and Texas; breeds throughout; irregularly or locally mi-
gratory. Rare in most parts of New England.

Sp. CHar. Adult. Entire head, neck, and jugulum uniform rich crimson, bordered
below against white of breast, by a more or less distinct black line. Secondaries, rump,
upper tail-coverts, and lower parts white, the abdomen usually more or less tinged with
reddish. Back and scapulars glossy blue-black; wings, except secondaries, and tail
deep black. Bill bluish white, darkening into plumbeous terminally; iris brown (vary-
ing from umber to chestnut); feet greenish gray. Young. Head, neck, and jugulum
brownish gray, streaked with dusky. Back mixed black and grayish; secondaries with
one or more black bands near ends.

Total length (fresh specimens), 9.25-9.75; extent, 17.00-17.75; wing, (skins), 5.30-5.70;
tail, 3.60-3.75.

This splendid Woodpecker, to which belongs the honor of having
been the first bird to excite the latent enthusiasm of Alexander
Wilson, and determine him to be an ornithologist, is found through-
out the State. In the more heavily wooded portions it is decidedly
the most numerous member of the family. As a rule, it is, in the
vicinity of Mount Carmel at least, and presumably in similar
localities throughout the southern portion of the State, not only a
permanent resident but is even more abundant in winter than in
summer. Sometimes (probably very rarely), however, it makes a
complete migration which is very difficult to account for.

384 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Suncenus Centurus Swarnson.

Centurus Swatns. Classif. B. ii, 1837, 310. Type, Picus carolinus Linn.

Gen. CHAR. Bill about as long as the head, ora little longer, the length from the tip
to the nostril about equal to the tarsus, ora little greater; decidedly compressed anteri-
orly, but depressed at the extreme base; the lateral groove distinct for half the length of
the bill; culmen decidedly but gently curved from the base; gonys nearly straight, and
about half as long asthe culmen. Nostrils broad, elliptical, situated about midway be-
tween the culmen and tomium, and only partly concealed by the frontal tufts. Anterior
outer toe a little longer than the posterior, the inner anterior toe decidedly shorter, and
the inner hind toe only about half its length. Wings long and broad, third to fifth pri-
maries longest, the first equal to the sixth to the ninth. Tail about two thirds as long as
the wing, graduated, the feathers (except the outer) rather abruptly attenuated at ends.
Colors, banded with black and white, or yellow, above, with more or less of the pileum
scarlet in the male; below plain, the abdomen tinged with red, orange, or yellow in most
species.

While only one species of Centurus occurs in eastern North
America, two others are found along our southwestern border:
C. aurifrons in southern Texas, and C. uropygialis in southern New
Mexico and Arizona. Other species belong to Mexico, Central
America, Cuba, Hayti, and Jamaica.

Melanerpes carolinus (Linn.)

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER.

Popular synonyms. Carolina Woodpecker; Checkered Woodpecker; Wood Chuck;
Zebra Woodpecker.

Picus carolinus Linn. §. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 113; ed. 12, i, 1766, 174—Wiis. Am. Orn. i,
1808, 115, pl. 7, fig. 2—NutTtT. Man. i, 1832, 572.—Aup. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 169, pl. 415;
: Synop. 1839, 183; B. Am. iv, 1842, 270, pl. 270.
Centurus carolinus Bp. 1838.—Barrp,B. N. Am. 1858,109; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 91.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 196; Check List, 1874, No. 306; 2d ed. 1882, No. 450; B. N. W. 1874, 289.—
B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 289.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 372.
Melanerpes (Centurus) carolinus Ripew. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. Jan. 1874, 378.

Has. Eastern United States, rare northward, but occurring accidentally as far as
Massachusetts; west, sparingly, to eastern base of Rocky Mountains, and south to
Florida and eastern Texas (except Rio Grande Valley).

Sp. Coan. Adult male. Entire pileum and nape bright scarlet, deepest on the crown,
the forehead lighter, or more pinkish (sometimes approaching reddish white); rest of the
head and neck with lower parts, pale buff-grayish, lighter on the chin and throat; middle
of the abdomen pinkish red, the remainder of the lower parts sometimes tinged with the
same, especially on the breast and cheeks; tibiw# and crissum white, relieved by rather
sparse hastate marks of black. Back scapularsand upper part of rump broadly and dis-
tinctly barred with black and white, the two colors in about equal proportion, or the black
bars rather the wider; wings black, the coverts and secondaries barred with pure white;
primaries tipped with white,narrowly margined with the same beyond their emarginations
and blotched with white near the base; upper tail-coverts and lower part of rump white,re-
lieved by rather sparse irregularly hastate spots or bars of black, the coverts sometimes

PICIDE—THE WOODPECKERS. 885

nearly immaculate, Tail black; the inner webs of the intermedie chiefly white, crossed
with a greater or less number of broad black bars, or transverse spots, the outer webs
with a longitudinal stripe of white on the basal half; outer rectrices broadly barred at
the ends with dull white, and with spots of the same indenting the outer web; next pair
of feathers tipped with yellowish white. Adult female. Similar to the male, but red of
the crown replaced by deep ash-gray, lighter anteriorly; lower parts tinged with red
only on the abdomen, and cheeks with little if any red tinge. Young female. Whole
pileum dull brownish gray, transversely mottled with darker; nape dull light fulvous
red; back and seapulars barred with grayish white and grayish dusky, much less sharply
than in the adult; abdomen tinged with dull buff, but without red. Total length (fresh
specimens), .910% inches; extent, 155¢-17%4; wing (skins), 4.85-5.40; tail, 3.50-3.90; culmen,
1.00-1,20; tarsus, .80-.90. Bill (in life), slate-black, the basal portion of gonys sometimes
mixed with light ashy; iris varying from ferruginous to bright scarlet; naked orbital
spaces olivaceous ashy; legs and feet olivaceous. In the young, iris brown.

Among adult males of this species, the principal variation is in
the amount of red tinge on the lower parts. In most examples
from the Atlantic States and in many from the Mississippi Valley,
the reddish is entirely confined to the middle of the abdomen, while
on the head there is a mere tinge of it on the lores and cheeks.
Many western specimens, however, had the breast more or less
strongly tinged with purplish pink, while two now before me (No.
84817, Kansas City, Mo., May 14, 1864, and another from Mount
Carmel, Ill., May 28, 1878), have not only the lores and cheeks,
but the whole chin and upper throat also, bright salmon-color,
or saffron-pink. In these highly-colored specimens the forehead
is a bright saffron-red, while the Kansas City specimen above
alluded to has the red on the abdomen very intense, approach-
ing a saffron-secarlet. An adult female from southern [Illinois
(Mount Carmel, October 18, 1879), has the occiput red, like the
nape, while there are several red feathers in the middle of the
crown.

Next to the Red-head (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) this is probably
the most abundant Woodpecker in southern Illinois. It is also, per-
haps with the same exception, the most conspicuous and, instead of
being shy and retiring, as has been recorded of it by writers, it is
almost constantly to be seen in orchards and the vicinity of houses,
as well as in the depths of the forest. It is very fond of ripe
apples, and where very abundant thus makes itself somewhat of a
nuisance. Besides raiding the orchards it is also in winter a
frequent visitor to the corn crib, to which it easily gains ingress
between the logs and thus obtains an abundant supply of food. It

—25

886 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS. ;

is rather a noisy bird. its emphatic and not disagreeable notes of
chuck, chuck, chuck, or chow, chow, chow, being frequently repeated.

In contest with the Red-headed Woodpecker it is, so far as I
have observed, invariably vanquished.

In the northern portion of the state it is comparatively rare, and
also said to be only a summer resident. Mr. H. K. Coale informs
me that he saw a pair in Lincoln Park, Chicago, in July, and that
they were evidently breeding there, as he saw one of them come
out of a hole in the dead top of an oak tree.

Genus COLAPTES Swanson.

Colaptes SwWAINson, Zool. Jour. iii, Dec. 1827, 358. Type Cuculus auratus Linn.

“Grn. CHAR. Bill slender, depressed at the base, then compressed. Culmen much
eurved, gonys straight; both with acute ridges, and coming to quite a sharp point with
the commissure at the end; the bill consequently not truncate at theend. No ridges on
the bill. Nostrils basal, median, oval and exposed. Gonys very short; about half the
eulmen. Feet large, the anterior outer toe considerably longer than the posterior. Tail
long, exceeding the secondaries; the feathers suddenly acuminate, with elongated
points.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Excluding the C. chrysoides, Malh., which is confined to the ex-
treme southwestern portion of the Union, (Arizona and southern
California), the two remaining North American species of Colaptes
may be distinguished as follows:

Common CHARACTERS. Head and neck ashy or brown, unvaried except by a black or
red malar patch in the male, and sometimes, in both sexes, a searlet occipital patch.
Back and wings brown, banded transversely with black; rump and upper tail-coverts
white. Beneath whitish, with circular black spots, and bands on crissum; a black pec-
toral crescent. Shafts and under surfaces of quills and tail-feathers either yellow orred.

1. C. auratus. Under surface and shafts of wings and tail rich golden yellow. Ared

nuchal crescent. Throat pinkish, top of head ashy. Male with the ‘“‘moustaches”
glossy black. Has. Eastern North America.

2. C.mexicanus. Under surface and shafts of wings and tail pinkish red. Nored

nuchal crescent. Throat ash, top of head brownish. Male with the ““moustaches”
brightred. Has. Western North America.

Distinct as these two forms appear to be, they are yet ccnnected
by a series of intermediate specimens which have been a great
puzzle to ornithologists. This intermediate series is further con-
sidered under the head of C. hybridus on page 387.

PICIDA—THE WOODPECKERS, 387

Colaptes auratus (Linn.)

FLICKER,

Popular synonyms. Yellow-hammer; Yellow-shafted Flicker; Wake-up; High-holder,
or High-hole; Clape; Golden-winged Woodpecker; Pigeon Woodpecker.

Cuculus auratus Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 112.

Picus auratus Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 174.—Wims. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 45, pl. 3, fig. 1L—
Norv. Man. i, 1832, 561.—Avup. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 191; v, 1839, 540, pl. 37; Synop. 1839,
184; B. Am. iv, 1842, 282, pl. 273.

Colaptes auratus Sw. 1827.—Batrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 118; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 97.—
Cougs, Key, 1872,197; Check List, 1874, No. 312; 2d ed. 1882, No. 457; B. N. W. 1874, 292.—
B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 575, pl. 55, figs. 1,2.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No. 378,

Has. Eastern and northern North America, including all wooded parts of Alaska,
south to Sitka; south to Florida and eastern Texas, west to eage of Great Plains; casual
in California.

“Sp. Cuan. Shafts and under surfaces of wing- and tail-feathers gamboge-yellow.
Male with a black patch on each side of the cheek. Ared crescent onthe nape. Throat
and stripe beneath the eye pale lilac-brown. Back glossed with olivaceous green.
Female without the black cheek-patch.

“ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS. A crescentic patch on the breast and rounded spots on
the belly black. Back and wing-coverts with interrupted transverse bands of black.
Neck above and on the sides ashy. Beneath pale pinkish brown, tinged with yellow on
the abdomen, each feather with a heart-shaped spot of black near the end. Rump white.
Length, 12.50; wing, 6.00.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Wing, 5.50-6.40; tail, 4.50-4.90.

Specimens from Mt. Carmel measured, before skinning, as follows:

Adult males: Total length, 12.15-12.75; extent, 19.60-20.75.

Adult females: Total length, 12.00-12.25; extent, 19.25-19.75.

To so common and well-known a bird as the “Yellow-hammer”
or Flicker, we need here give but a brief notice. It is universally
distributed throughout the State, and is everywhere a permanent
resident.

Colaptes hybridus (Baird.)

HYBRID FLICKER,

Colaptes ayresii AuD. B. Am. vii, 1848, 348, pl. 494.

Colaptes hybridus Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 122; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 98a,
Colaptes auratus hybridus Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 378a, 11.

Colaptes aurato-mexicanus SUNDEV. Consp. Av. Picin. 1866, 72.

Has. Western United States, but chiefly the region of the upper Missouri, and thence
across the northern border’and south into California.

CuHar. Intermediate between C. auratus and C. mexicanus, the character of the two
species being mixed in various degrees, in different specimens. Typical combinations
are as follows:

888 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

a. With the shafts, ete., orange, or intermediate in tint between the yellow of auratus
and the red of mexicanus.

b. With the pure yellow shafts, ete., of awratus, combined with red “‘moustaches” of
mexicanus.

c. Similarto mexicanus, but having either the red occipital crescent or pinkish
throat of auratus.

d. Similar to mexicanus, but having the red ‘“‘moustaches” mixed with black feathers.

e. Similar to auratus, but with red or orange-colored feathers mixed in wing or
tail; or like mexicanus, but with yellow feathers in wing or tail.

ORDER COCCYGES—THE CUCKOOS, ETO, 889

OrpER COCCYGES.—Tue Cucxoos, Eto.

CHARACTERS. Bill variable in form, but never chisel-shaped at tip, the culmen
usually more or less curved; tongue not extensile nor barbed at tip; feet zygodactyle, or
else the middle and outer toes connected for at least half their length.

Famiry ALCEDINIDA).—Tue Kincrisuers.

“CHar. Head large, bill long,strong, straight, and sub-pyramidal, usually longer
than the head. Tongue very small. Wings short; legs small, the outer and middle toes
united to their middle. Toes with the usual number of joints (2, 8, 4, 5).

“The gape of the bill in the Kingfishers is large, reaching to be-
neath the eyes. The third primary is generally longest; the first
decidedly shorter; the secondaries vary from twelve to fifteen in
number, all nearly equal. The secondaries cover at least three
quarters of the wing. The tail is short, the feathers twelve in
number; they are rather narrow, the outer usually shorter. The
lower part of the tibia is bare, leaving the joint and the tarsus un-
covered. The tarsus is covered anteriorly with plates; behind, it
is shagreen-like or granulated. The hind toe is connected with the
inner, so as to form with it and the others a regular sole, which
extends unbroken beneath the middle and outer as far as the latter
are united. The inner toe is much shorter than the outer. The
claws are sharp; the middle expanded on its inner edge, but not
pectinated.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Grnus CERYLE Bor.

Ceryle Borm, Isis, 1828, 316. Type, Alcedo rudis Finn.

“Gen. CHAar. Bill long, straight, and strong, the culmen slightly advancing on the
forehead and sloping to the acute tip; the sides much compressed; the lateral margins
rather dilated at the base, and straight to the tip; the gonys longand ascending. Tail
rather long and broad. Tarsi short and stout.

“This genus is distinguished from typical Alcedo (confined to the
Old World) by the longer tail, an indented groove on each side the
culmen, inner toe much longer than the hinder instead of equal,
etc.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Only one species occurs in eastern North America, except in
southern Texas, where the C. cabanisi, of tropical distribution, is
found.

390 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Ceryle alcyon (Linn.)

BELTED KINGFISHER,
Popular synonym. Kingfisher.

Alcedo alcyon Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 180.—Wis. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 59.—AupD. Orn.
Biog. i, 1831, 394, pl. 77; Synop. 1839, 173; B. Am. iv, 1842, 205, pl. 255.—Nurr. Man. i,
1832, 594.

Ceryle alcyon Botn, 1828.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 158; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,No. 117.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 188; Check List, 1874, No. 286; 2d ed. 1882, No. 428; B. N. W. 1874,
372.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 392, pl. 45, flg.6.—Ripa@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No. 382.

Has. Whole of North America, south (in winter only ?) toIsthmus of Panama and

throughout West Indies.

Sp. CHar. Bluish plumbeous above, white beneath; nape with a white collar and
breast with a plumbeous or brownish band. Head with a double erectile crest of narrow
feathers. Adult male. Sides white, tinged with plumbeous. Adult female. Sides and
amore or less complete band across belly, rufous. Young. Similar to the adult, but
the male with the breast-band and color of sides tinged with rusty.

Total length (fresh specimens), 13.50-14.50; extent, 22.50-24.00; wing (skins), 9.10-9.50;
tail, 3.80-4.30.

The Belted Kingfisher is to be found wherever there are streams,
ponds, or lakes, affording a sufficient supply of its food. It is chiefly
a summer resident, but has been frequently observed during mild
winters in the southern counties.

“The Kingfisher,” says Dr. Brewer,* “is an eminently unsocial
species. It is never found other than in solitary pairs, and these
are very rarely seen together. They feed almost entirely upon fish,
which they capture by plunging into the water, and which they
always swallow whole on emerging from their bath. Undigested
portions of their food, such as scales, bones, etc., they have the
power of occasionally ejecting from their stomachs. They may
usually be noticed by the sides of streams, mill ponds and lakes
stationed on some convenient position that enables them to over-
look a deep place suitable for their purpose, and they rarely make
a plunge without accomplishing their object.”

“They nest in deep holes excavated by themselves in the sides
of streams, ponds or cliffs, not always in the immediate vicinity of
water. These excavations are often near their accustomed fishing
grounds, in some neighboring bank, usually not many feet from the
ground, always in dry gravel, and sufficiently high to be in no dan-
ger of inundation. They make their burrow with great industry and
rapidity, relieving one another from time to time, and working in-
cessantly until the result is satisfactorily accomplished. When dig-

*Hist. N. Am. B., Vol. II, pp. 394, 395.

1 '
‘

ALCEDINIDAA—THE KINGFISHERS. 391

‘

ging through a soft fine sand bank, their progress is surprising,
sometimes making a deep excavation in a single night. The pages
of “The American Naturalist”? contain several animated controver-
sies as to the depth, the shape, and the equipment of these passa-
ges. The result of the evidence thus given seems to be that the
holes the Kingfishers make are not less than four nor more than
fifteen feet in length; that some are perfectly straight, while some,
just before their termination, turn to the right, and others to the
left; and that all have, at or near the terminus, an enlarged space
in which the eggs are deposited. Here the eggs are usually laid on
the bare sand, there being very rarely, if ever, any attempt to con-
struct a nest. The use of hay, dry grass, and feathers, spoken of
by the older writers, does not appear to be confirmed by more re-
cent testimony. Yet it is quite possible that in certain situations,
the use of dry materials may be resorted to, to protect the eggs
from a too damp soil.”

892 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

Fammy CUCULIDZ.—Tue Cucxoos.

Cuar. Bill compressed, usually more or lesslengthened and with decurved culmen.
Rictal bristles few or none. Nostrils exposed, nonasal tufts. Tail long and soft, of eight
to twelye feathers. Toes in pairs, deeply cleft or not united, the outer anterior toe
usually versatile, but directed rather laterally than backward.

“The Cuculide form a strongly marked group of birds, easily dis-
tinguished among the Zygodactyli by the characters given above.
The outer toe is versatile, but in the American forms is more
lateral than posterior, in the skin standing sideways, or even an-
terior, more frequently than behind.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Of the several subfamilies which have been recognized by authors,
only three belong to eastern North America, and of these two are
mere stragglers from other regions. They may be characterized
as follows:

Coccyzine. Face covered with feathers; bill elongated, more or less cylin-

drical, straight or curved, ‘Tail of ten feathers.
Bill about the length of the head, or not longer; curved. Loral feathers

soft. Legs weak, tarsus shorter than the toes. Arboreal................ Coccyzus.
Bill longer than the head; straight. Loral feathers stiff, bristly. Tarsi
much longer than the toes. Terrestrial... .........cccseecccccccccccsccecs Geococcyz.

Crotophagine. Face naked; bill much compressed, with a sharp crest.
Tail of eightfeathers. Bill shorter than and nearly as high as the head. Crotophaga.

Only Coccyzus has a claim to special notice in this connection,
Crotophaga and Geococcyx being “extralimital” so far as this work
is concerned, although the latter approaches rather near, haying
been obtained in the western portion of the Indian Territory
(Kiowa Agency) and in Southwestern Kansas.

Genus COCCYZUS VIEILLOT.

Coccyzus VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816, 28. Type, Cueulus americanus LINN.

“Gren. CHAR. Head without crest; feathers about base of bill soft; nearly as long
as the head, decurved, slender, and attenuated towards theend. Nostrilslinear. Wings
lengthened, reaching the middle of the tail; the tertials short. ‘Tail of ten graduated
feathers. Feet weak; tarsi shorter than the middle toe.

CUCULIDE—THE CUCKOOS. 893

“The species of Coccyzus are readily distinguished from those of
Geococcyx by their arboreal habits, confining themselves mainly to
trees, instead of living habitually on the ground. The plumage is
soft, fine and compact.

“The American Cuckoos differ from the European (Cuculus) by
haying lengthened naked tarsi, instead of very short feathered ones.
The nostrils, too, are elongated instead of rounded. The habits of
the two are entirely different, the American species rearing their
young, instead of laying eggs in the nests of other birds, like the
European Cuckoo and the American Cowbird (Molothrus pecoris).”
(Hist. N. Am. B.)

The two species of Coccyzus which are entitled to notice here
may be distmguished by the following characters:

1. C.americanus., Tail feathers (except middle pair) black with broad white tips.
Inner webs of primaries mostly rufous. Mandible and bare orbits yellow.

2. C.erythrophthalmus, ‘Tail feathers grayish brown, with very narrow tips of dull
whitish. Inner webs of primaries rufous only in young. Mandible bluish (black-
ish in dried skins), bare orbits deep red in the adult (yellow in young).

Coccyzus americanus (Linn.)
YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.

Popular synonyms, Rain Crow; Wood Pigeon; Cow-cow.
Cuculus americanus Linn 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 170.

Coccyzus americanus Bp. 1825.—Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 551.—AupD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1832, 18; v,
1839, 520,pl. 2; Synop.1839, 187; B.Am.iv, 1842, 293, pl.275.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 190; Check
List, 1874, No. 291; 2d ed. 1882, No. 429; B. N. W. 1874, 275.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B
1881, No. 387.

Coccyzus americanus CAB. 1856.—Barrp, B. N. Am. 1858, 76; Cat. N. Am. B, 1859, No. 69.
—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 477, pl. 48, fig. 4.

Cuculus carolinensis Wis. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 13, pl. 28.

Has. United States in general, especially the Eastern Province (irregularly distrib-
uted in the Western), north to British Provinces; in winter, south through Mexico and
Central America as far as Costa Rica, and also many of the West India Islands. Acci-
dental in Europe.

“Sp. Cuan. Upper mandible and tip of lower, black; rest of lower mandible and cut-
ting edges of the upper, yellow. Upper parts of a metallic greenish olive, slightly
tinged with ash towards the bill; beneath white. Tail feathers (except the median,
which are like the back) black, tipped with white for about an inch on the outer feathers,
the external one with the outer edge almost entirely white. Quills orange-cinnamon;
the terminal portion anda gloss on the outer webs olive; iris brown. Length, 12.00;
wing, 5.95; tail, 6.35." (Hist. NV. Am. B.)

There is considerable variation in the amount of rufous in the
quills; sometimes this shows very distinctly externally, sometimes it

is entirely replaced by the bronzed olive of the back. A greater
amount of the rufous seems to characterize the more southern and

894 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Jamaica specimens, which also are smaller; northern specimens,
however, show similar variations. In the immature birds the under
surface of the tail-feathers is gray, not black, so that the contrast
with the white tips is very indistinct, as in erythrophthalmus, in
which, however, these light tips are much narrower, while the bill
is entirely black.

This bird, familiarly known as the Rain Crow, Wood Pigeon, or
Cow-cow, is a summer resident of all portions of the State, though
more abundant southward, its range being to some extent comple-
mentary to that of the black-billed species, which is more common
northward.

While habitually building its own nest, and caring for its young,
this species as well as C. erythrophthalmus occasionally not only
impose on one another, but also, though more rarely, upon other
birds. Of this fact there is much indisputable evidence on record.
It is also a well-known fact that in nests of both these species it
is not an uncommon thing to find not only eggs in different stages
of incubation but also young and freshly laid eggs in the same
nest. Colonel 8. T. Walker, of Milton, Florida, writes to Professor
Baird that he has found young birds in the nest just ready to fly,
others half fledged, and some just hatched, and at the same time
one or two fresh eggs. He is not sure whether other Cuckoos lay
in the same nest or whether the same bird continues to lay while
setting. From what he has seen, however, he is inclined to believe
that the latter is the case, and that “the old bird utilizes the warmth
of the young first hatched to contmue the incubation of eggs sub-
sequently laid.” ;

Regarding this pomt it may be stated that the parasitic habit of
the European Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is supposed to result from
the very slow development of the eggs in the oviduct, rendering it
practically impossible for themselves to attend to the meubation of
their eggs; and it may be suggested that the circumstances to which
Col. Walker alludes, and which have been noted by other observers,
arise from the same cause. Furthermore since, as stated above, it
is known also that both the American Cuckoos occasionally drop

CUCULIDH—THE CUCKOOS. 895

an egg in the nest of the other, or even in other birds’ nests, it is
not at all improbable that they may eventually become completely
parasitic, like their European cousins.

Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wiuls.)
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.

Cuculus erythrophthalmus Wits. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 16, pl. 27, fig. 2,
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus Bp. 1825.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 170, pl. 382; Synop. 1839, 187;
B. Am. iv, 1842, 300, pl. 276.—Cours, Key, 1872, 199; Check List, 1872, No. 290; 2d ed.
1882, No. 428; B. N. W. 1874, 274.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 388.
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus CaB. 1856.—BAtRD, B. N. Am. 1858, 77; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 70.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 484, pl. 48, fig. 5.
Coccyzus dominicus “Linn.” Nur. Man. i, 1882,556 (nee LINN.)

Has. Eastern North America, north to Labrador, west to Rocky Mountains; south
in winter, through eastern Mexico and Central America to the Amazon Valley; Cuba
(and Florida?) in winter. Accidental in Europe.

“Sp. Car. Billentirely black. Upper parts generally of a metallic greenish olive,
ashy towards the base of the bill; beneath pure white, with a brownish yellow tinge on
the throat. Inner webs of the quills tinged with cinnamon. Under surface of all the
tail-feathers hoary ash-gray. All, except the central on either side, suffused with
darker to the short, bluish white, and not well-defined tip. A naked red skin round the
eye. Length, about 12.00; wing, 5.00; tail, 6.50.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

“First plumage: female. Above lustrous plumbeous ashy, feathers upon the crown,
nape, and anterior part of the back, narrowly tipped with pale ashy; those of the inter-
seapular region and rump, together with the scapulars and upper tail-coverts, more
broadly so with ashy white. Outer edges of quills light rufous. Beneath delicate pearl-
gray, lightest on the abdomen, slightly tinged with pale brownish yellow on the throat
and breast. From a specimen in my collection shot in Lincoln, Mass., June 17, 1871.
Autumnal specimens (probably only the young birds) differ from spring adults in hay-
ing the naked skin around the eye yellow instead of red.” (BRrEWsTER, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, Oct. 1878, p. 178.)

Popularly confounded with the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, this species
closely resembles it in habits and in general appearance. They
may not frequently be found in the same localities, as evidence
of which it may be stated that the writer once found a nest of each
in adjoming trees in an apple orchard, near Mt. Carmel. In the
vicinity of the place just mentioned it is far rarer than the C,
americanus, occurring in about the proportion of one to twenty-five
of the latter; but to the northward it increases in numbers until
in the northern portion of the State, it is perhaps more common
than C. americanus.

396 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

Orpen PSITTACI.—Tue Parrots, ETO.

CuHar. Bill deep and strongly hooked, the upper mandible movable, as well as the
lower, and furnished at base with a distinct cere, or else the latter densely covered with
short feathers; feet zygodactyle.

Famiry PSITTACID2.—Tur Parrots.

“CuHar. Bill greatly hooked; the maxilla movable and with cere at the base. Nostrils
inthe base of the bill. Feetscansorial, covered with granulated scales.” (Hist, N. Am. B.)

Grnus CONURUS Kuz.

Conurus Kun, Consp. Psittac. 1820,4. Type Psittacus carolinensis Linn,

“Gen. CHAR. Taillong, conical, and pointed; bill stout; cheeks feathered, but in
some species leaving a naked ring round the eyes; cere feathered to the base of the bill.

“The preceding diagnosis, though not very full, will serve to in-
dicate the essential characteristics of the genus among the Middle
American forms with long pointed tails, the most prominent feature
consisting in the densely feathered, not naked, cheeks. But one
species belongs to the United States, though three others are found
in Mexico, and many more in South and Central America. A few
species occur in the West Indies.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Conurus carolinensis (Linn.)

CAROLINA PAROQUET.

Popular synonym. Illinois Paroquet.
Psittacus carolinensis Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 141.—Wis. Am. Orn. iil, 1811, 89, pl. 24,
fig. 1.—Nurr. Man. i, 1832,545.—AubD. Orn. Biog. v, 1882, 135, pl. 26.

Conurus carolinensis LEss. 1831.—BaAtRpD,B. N. Am. 1858,67; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 63.
—CouvgES, Key, 1872, 199; Check List, 1874, No. 315; 2d ed. 1882, No. 460; B. N. W. 1874,
296.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874,587,pl. 56, figs. 1,2—Ripa@w. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 392.

Centurus (error varolinensis) AUD. Synop. 1839, 189; B. Am. iv, 1842, 386, pl. 278.

Haz. Now confined to limited portians of Florida and the Gulf States, and portions
of the lower Mississippi Valley, north to Arkansas and Indian Territory—possibly to
southern Mississippi and extreme southern portion of Illinois. Formerly abundant
throughout the Mississippi Valley, east to the Alleghanies, north (extreme limits) to the
Great Lakes, west to Nebraska and even eastern Colorado.

Sp. CHar. Adult. Rich grass-green, varying to emerald in some lights, the lower
parts lighter and more yellowish green than the upper; tertials, tips of greater coverts,
and basal portion of primaries greenish yellow; primaries dark blue at tips. Forehead, lores
and cheeks, rich orange-red, or orange-chrome; rest of head, with upper part of neck‘

PSITTACIDE—THE PARROTS, ETO. 397

pure gamboge-yellow. Edge of wing tinged with orange. Bill creamy white; eyelids
whitish; iris blackish brown; feet whitish. Young. Similar, but no yellow on head or
neck, which are green, the forehead only, or forehead and lores, dull orange-red.

Wing, 7.20-7.60; tail, 6.40-7.10.

The avian-fauna of Illinois has lost no finer or more interesting
member than the present species, which is probably now every-
where extinct within our borders, though fifty years ago it was of
more or less common occurrence throughout the State. The Na-
tional Museum possesses a fine adult example from Illinois (Cat.
No. 12272), another from Michigan, and several from the Platte
River, in Nebraska; now, however, it appears to be quite extermi-
nated except in isolated and rapidly contracting areas in Florida,
and thence westward to the lower Mississippi Valley. Its present
northern limit in the interior is uncertain, but so far as known is
the eastern part of the Indian Territory and portions of Arkansas.
In the opinion of the best judges, twenty-five years hence the
species will exist only in museums and in literature.

An outline of its former distribution is thus given by Dr. Brewer,
in History of North American Birds, Vol. II., p. 580:

“In descending the Ohio in the month of February, Wilson met
the first flock of Parakeets at the mouth of the Little Scioto. He
was informed by an old inhabitant of Marietta that they were
sometimes, though rarely, seen there. He afterwards observed
flocks of them at the mouth of the Great and Little Miami, and
in the neighborhood of the numerous creeks which discharge them-
selves into the Ohio. At Big Bone Lick, near the mouth of the
Kentucky River, he met them in great numbers. They came
screaming through the woods, about an hour after sunrise, to drink
the salt water, of which, he says, they are remarkably fond.

“Audubon, writing in 1842, speaks of the Parakeets as then very
rapidly decreasing in number. In some regions, where twenty-five
years before they had been very plentiful, at that time scarcely
any were to be seen. At one period, he adds, they could be pro-
cured as far up the tributary waters of the Ohio as the Great
Kanawha, the Scioto, the head of the Miami, the mouth of the
Maumee at its junction with Lake Erie, and sometimes as far
northeast as Lake Ontario. At the time of his writing very few
were to be found higher than Cincinnati, and he estimated that
along the Mississippi there were not half the number that had ex-
isted there fifteen years before.”

898 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Were it not for its piercingly shrill screeching notes, this species
would be a great favorite as a cage bird, on account of its great
beauty and extreme docility; but its distracting, “ear-splitting”
notes render it extremely undesirable as a pet. The writer has
owned several, and therefore had the experience which warrants
the above statement.

The Carolina Parakeet breeds very readily in captivity if proper
arrangements are made for the purpose.

ORDER ACCIPITRES—TIHE BIRDS OF PREY, 899

OrvEr ACCIPITRES.—Tue Birps or Prey.

SusorpeErR STRIGES.—Nocrurnat Raptores (Owns).

Car. Eyes directed forward, and surrounded bya radiating system of feathers,
which is bounded, except anteriorly, by a ruff of stiff, compact-webbed, differently
formed, and somewhat recurved feathers; loral feathers antrorse, long and dense. Plum-
age very soft, lax, of a fine downy texture, the feathers destitute of an after-shaft. Oil-
gland without the usual circlet of feathers. Outer web of first primary with the points of
the barbs recurved. Feathers onthe sides of the forehead frequently elongated into
ear-like tufts. Tarsus usually, and toes frequently, feathered. Ear-opening usually
very large, sometimes provided with alappet. (isophagus destitute ofa dilated crop;
eceeca large. Maxillo-palatines thick and spongy, and encroaching upon the intervening
valley; basipterygoid processes always present. Outer toe reversible; posterior toe
only about half as long as the outer. Posterior margin of the sternum doubly indented;
clavicle weak and nearly cylindrieal, about equal in length to the sternum; anterior pro-
cess of the coracoid projected forward so as to meet the clavicle, beneath the basal pro-
cess of the scapula.

Eggs variable in shape, usually nearly spherical, always immaculate white.

The above diagnosis is sufficient to distinguish this order from
the most nearly related group, the Accipitres, or Diurnal Raptores.
There are also many important anatomical peculiarities, which it
is unnecessary to mention here. The Order comprises two well-
marked families, which may be distinguished as follows:

Strigide. Inner toe equal to the middle in length; inner edge of middle claw pectinated.
First quill longer than the third, all the quills with their inner web entire, or with-
out emarginations. Tailemarginated. Feathers of the posterior face of the tar-
sus recurved, or pointed upwards.

Bubonide. Inner toe decidedly shorter than the middle one; inner edge of middle claw
not pectinated. First quill shorter than the third; one or more of the outer quills
with inner webs emarginated. Tail more orlessrounded. Feathers of posterior
face of tarsus (when present) pointed downwards,

400 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

’

Fammy STRIGIDZ.—Tue Barn Owts.

CHAR. Inner toe equal to the middle in length; inner edge of middle claw pectinated.
First quill longer than the third; all the quills with theirinner web entire, or without
emargination. Tailemarginated, Feathers of the posterior face of the tarsus recurved,
or pointed upwards.

The family Strigide includes, so far as known, but two genera,
Striz and Phodilus. The former is cosmopolitan, haying species in
nearly all parts of the world, with the exception of the colder
regions. Phodilus is restricted to a limited portion of the Indian
region, and need not be further mentioned here,

Genus STRIX Linnzvs.

Striz Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 92. Type, Strix flammea Linn.
Aluco GERINI, Orn. Met. Dig. i, 1767, 88.

GrEN. CHar. Size medium. No ear-tufts; facial ruff entirely continuous, very con-
spicuous. Wing very long, the first or second quill longest, and all without emargina-
tion. Tail short, emarginated. Bill elongated, compressed, regularly curved; top of the
cere nearly equal to the culmen, straight, and somewhat depressed. Nostril open, oval,
nearly horizontal. Eyes very small. Tarsus nearly twice as long as the middle toe,
densely clothed with soft short feathers, those on the posterior face inclined upwards;
toes scantily bristled; claws extremely sharp and long, the middle one with its inner
edge pectinated. Ear-conch nearly as long as the height of the head, with an anterior
operculum which does not extend its full length; the two ears symmetrical?

Strix pratincola Bonap.

AMERICAN BARN OWL.
Popular synonyms, Monkey Owl; Monkey-faced Owl.

Strix flammea “Linn.” Wiis. Am. Orn. vi, 1812,57, pl. 50, flg. 2—Nurt. Man. 1, 1832, 139.—
Aup. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 403; v, 1839, 388, pl. 171.
Strix pratincola Br. Comp. Dist. 1838,7,—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 47.—Bargp,
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 47.
Striz flammea var. pratincola B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 13,
Aluco flammeus pratincola CovuEs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 461.
Strix americana Aun. Synop. 1899,25; B. Am. i, 1840, 127, pl. 34,
Strix flammea americana SCHLEG, 1862.
Strix flammea var. americana Cougs, Key, 1872, 201; Check List, 1873, No. 316,

STRIGIDE—THE BARN OWLS. 401

Strix fammea a. americana Cougs, B. N. W. 1874, 298.
Aluco flammeus americanus Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 394,

Has. United States generally, but more rare northward, and wantingin unwooded
districts; south through Mexico; north, occasionally, to Canada.

Sp. CHar. Usual plumage. Ground-color of the upper parts bright orange-ochra-
ceous; this overlaid in cloudings, on nearly the whole of the surface, with a delicate mot-
tling of blackish and white, the mottling continuous on the back and inner seapulars,and
on the ends of the primaries more faint, while along their edges it is more in the form of
fine dusky dots, thickly sprinkled. Each feather of the mottled surface (excepting the
secondaries and primaries) has a median dash of black, enclosing a roundish or cordate
spot of white near the end of the feather; on the secondaries and primaries the mottling
is condensed into indistinct tranverse bands, which are about four in number on the
former and five on the latter; primary coverts deeper orange-rufous than the other por-
tions, the mottling principally at theirends. Tail orange-ochraceous, finely mottled—
most densely terminally—with dusky, fading into whitish at the tip, and crossed by
about five distinet bands of mottled dusky. Face white, tinged with wine-red; an ante-
orbital spot of dark claret-brown, this narrowly surrounding the eye; facial circle,from
forehead down to the ears (behind which it is white for an inch or so) soft orange-ochra-
ceous, similar to the ground-color ofthe upper parts, the lower half (from ears across
the throat) deeper ochraceous, the tips of the feathers blackish, the latter sometimes
predominating. Lower parts snowy white, but this more or less overlaid with a tinge of
fine orange-ochraceous, lighter than the tint of the upper parts; and, excepting on the
jugulum, anal region, and crissum, with numerous minute but distinct specks of black;
under surface of wings delicate yellowish white, the lining sparsely sprinkled with
black dots; inner webs of primaries with tranverse bars of mottled dusky near their
ends.

Extreme plumages. Darkest (Male, No. 6,884, Tejon Valley, Cal.; Dr. Heermann):
There is no white whatever onthe plumage, the lower parts being continuous light
ochraceous; the tibia have numerous round spots of blackish. Lightest (No. 6,885,same
locality): Face and entire lower parts immaculate snow-white; facial circle white, with
the tips of the feathers orange; the secondaries, primaries, and tail show no bars, their
surface being uniformly and finely mottled.

Measurements. (Male, No. 6,884, Tejon Valley, Cal.; Dr. Heermann): Wing, 13.00;
tail, 5.70; culmen, .90; tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.25. Wing formula, 2, 1-3. Among the
very numerous specimens in the collection, there is notone marked female. The ex-
tremes of a large series are as follows: Wing, 12.50-14.00; tail, 5.70-7.50; culmen, .90-1.10;
tarsus, 2.55-3.00.

The American Barn Owl, although generally distributed and in
some localities common or even abundant, is by no means well
known to the general public. It is the bird which has figured so
often in the newspapers as the rare, remarkable, or anomalous
“Monkey-faced Owl”—‘“only two specimens known,” “Barnum offered
five hundred dollars for this one,” ete., with variations, according to
circumstances. It is rather a southern bird, bemg rarely, if ever,
found north of the Great Lakes, while it is probably common nowhere
north of the parallel of 40°, except perhaps in California.

Regarding its habits, it may be said that it is decidedly nocturnal,
like many other owls, and that it has a special predilection for

church towers and abandoned or little frequented buildings of
—26

402 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.
‘

various kinds. It is a most useful bird, destroying large numbers
of rats and mice, which are its principal food, and seldom, if ever,
molesting poultry, even domestic pigeons often nesting in its com-
pany without fear of molestation. Of this there is plenty of eyi-
dence on record, as for example the following, by Mr. R. T. Shep-
herd, of Monroe, Ohio, published in the Ornithologist and Odlogist
for October, 1884, p. 124.

“The Barn Owl is undoubtedly a very useful bird to the farmer,
having as it has, an almost unlimited penchant for rats and mice.
Two or three pairs of these birds would in the course of a year
destroy many hundreds of these pests that infest our barns and
grain sheds. I quote the following from Mr. Dury’s article on the
Barn Owl in the Cincinnati Natural History Journal: ‘On going
up into the tower of the ‘town hall’ of the village of Glendale,’
(where several of these owls were secured the past year,) ‘I was
astonished at the sight presented. The floor and ledges were
covered with the cast-up pellets of the birds. There were hundreds
of these pellets, and they must have contained the débris of several
thousand rats and mice.’ This is certainly evidence of the economic
value of these birds. Mr. Dury also states that he found them
living in harmony with the several pairs of tame pigeons which had
their quarters in the tower.”

BUBONIDZ—THE OWLS. 403

Famm.y BUBONIDZ.—Tue Owts.

The characters of this family having been given with sufficient
detail on page 399, they need not be repeated nor enlarged upon
here. The North American genera may be distinguished as follows:

A, External ear excessively large (extending almost entirely across the head) furnished
with an operculum or “‘flap” along the anterior margin, those of the opposite sides
very unlike in form; skull also in some genera very asymmetrical. (Asionine.)

a. Size medium to very large (wing 11.50 inches or more).

1. Asio. Size medium (wing 11.50-13.00 inches); cere large and arched, its length on
top exceeding the chord of the culmen; nostrils large, horizontally oval, open-
ing laterally; only one to two outer quills with inner webs emarginated; head
proportionally small, the ear-tufts variable as to development.

2. Syrnium. Size medium, or rather large (wing 12inches or more); cere on top
shorter than chord of culmen; nostril comparatively small, nearly circular; four
or five outer primaries with inner webs emarginated; head proportionally large,
with no indication whatever of ear-tufts. Toes partly or entirely naked. Eyes
moderately large, black, or dark brown.

3. Scotiaptex. Size very large (wing 16.00 or more); cere on top longer than chord
of culmen, the nostrils as in Syrniwm; six outer quills with inner webs emargi-
nated; head large, and without trace of ear-tufts. Toes densely clothed with
long hair-like feathers. Eyes small, yellow.

b. Size very small (wing less than 8 inches).

4. Nyctala, Cere on top decidedly shorter than chord of culmen; nostrils small,
vertically oval, opening in anterior edge of the inflated membrane; two outer
quills with inner webs emarginated; head proportionally very large, without
distinct ear-tufts.

B, External ear small, vertically oval, or nearly circular, without operculum, the two of
opposite sides not differing in size or contour; skullalways symmetrical. (Bubo-
nine.)

a. Nostrils opening in the anterior edge of the flat nasal membrane.
§ Tail even, or very slightly rounded, not more than half as long as the wing.

5. Megascops. Size small (wing less than8.00inches). Two to five quills with inner
webs emarginated, the second to the fifth longest. Bill weak, light-colored; iris
usually yellow (said to be brown in M. flammeolus). Ear-conch elliptical, about
one third the height of the head, with a slightly elevated fringed anterior mar-
gin. Ear-tufts usually well developed.

6. Bubo. Size large (wing 12.00 inches or more). Two or three outer quills with
inner webs emarginated, the third or fourth quills longest. Bill robust, black;
iris usually yellow (brown in B. mexicanus). Ear-conch as in Megascops, but
without the elevated anterior margin, and from one third to one half the height
of the skull. Ear-tufts well developed; lower tail-coverts not reaching end of
tail; toes covered with short feathers, the claws (and sometimes the terminal
scutell~) wholly exposed; bill not concealed by loral bristles.

404 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

7. Nyctea, Sizevery large (wing 15.00 inches or more). Four outer quills with inner
webs emarginated. Lower tail-coverts reaching end of tail; toes densely cov-
ered with long hair-like feathers which almost completely hide the claws; bill
nearly concealed by the loral feathers. Ear-tufts rudimentary. (Otherwise
similar to Bubo.)

§§ Tail much graduated, nearly as long as the wing.

8. Surnia. Size rather small(wing about9inches). Four outer quills with inner
webs emarginated, the third longest. Bill strong, yellow; iris bright yellow.
Ear-conch oval, simple, less than the diameter of the eye. No ear-tufts.

b. Nostril opening back from the anterior margin of the much inflated nasal mem-
brane; usually small and circular,
§ Tarsus little if any longer than the middle toe; first quill shorter than tenth.

9. Glaucidium. Size very small (wing less than 4.50 inches). Tarsus about equal
to the middle toe, densely feathered; tail much more than half the wing,
rounded; third or fourth quill longest, the outer four with inner webs emargi-
nated; bill pale colored; iris yellow.

10. Micrathene, Size very small (wing less than 4.50inches). Tarsus alittle longer
than middle toe, scantily haired; tail less than half the wing, even; fourth quill
longest, the outer four with inner webs emarginated; bill pale colored, iris
yellow.

§§ Tarsus more than twice as long asthe middle toe; first quill longer than
the sixth.

ll. Speotyto. Size moderately small (wing about 7.00inches). Tarsus closely feath-
ered in front nearly or quite to the toes, naked behind; tail less than half the
wing, slightly rounded; bill light colored; iris yellow.

Gernvus ASIO Brisson.

Asio Briss. Orn. i, 1760, 28. Type, Strix otus Linn.

Otus Cuv. Lec. Anat. Comp. 1799, tab. ii. Same type.

Brachyotus Gouup, P. Z. 8. 187,10. Type Strix brachyotus Forst.,=S. accipitrina

PALL.

Gen. Coan. Size medium. Ear-tufts well developed or rudimentary; head small;
eyes small. Cere much arched, its length more than the chord of the culmen. Bill
weak, compressed. Only the first, or first and second, outer primary with inner web
emarginated. Tail about half the wing, rounded. LEar-conch very large, about as long
as the height of the skull, with an anterior operculum, which extends its full length, and
bordered posteriorly by a raised membrance, the two ears asymmetrical.

The two North American species belong to distinct subgenera, as
follows :

A. Ear-tufts greatly developed. (Asio.)

1. A. wilsonianus, Above finely-vermiculated dusky brown and light grayish, the
former prevailing; lower parts whitish (buffy beneath the surface), marked with
transverse dusky bars, which are much broader than the mesial streaks. =

B. Ear-tufts rudimentary. (Brachyotus.)

2. A. accipitrinus. Ground-color (above and below) ochraceous, varying to buffy
whitish, striped, but not barred, with dark brown.

The subgenus Asio has but one other representative, as far as
known, in America. This is the A. stygius (Wacu.) of the tropical
regions (including Cuba), which differs from A. wilsonianus in much
darker color, perfectly naked toes, and attenuated tips to the outer
primaries. A. wilsonianus has a close ally in A. otus of the Pale-

BUBONIDE—THE OWLS. 405

arctic region, but is sufficiently distinct. Of the subgenus Brachyotus
there are two American species besides the nearly cosmopolitan
A. accipitrinus, namely, A. galapagoensis Gouup, confined to the
Galapagos Islands, and A. portoricensis Ripaw., peculiar to the
island of Porto Rico.

Asio wilsonianus (Less.)

AMERICAN LONG-EARED OWL,

Popular synonym. Lesser Horned Owl.

Striz otus Wis. Am. Orn. vii, 1812, 73, pl. 51, fig. 3 (mec Linn).—NuttT. Man. 1, 1832, 130.—
Aup. Orn. Biog. iv, 1835, 573, pl. 83.
Strix (Asio) otus Sw. & Riou. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 72.
Otus wilsonianus LEss. Traité, i, 1831,110.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 53.—BatrD,
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 51.
Otus vulgaris var. wilsonianus ALLEN, 1872.—CouEgs, Key, 1872, 204; Check List, 1873, No.
320.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 18.
Otus vulgaris b. wilsonianus CouEs, B. N. W. 1874, 304.
Asio wilsonianus Cougs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 472.
Otus vulgaris americanus SCHLEG. 1862. (Nec Strix americana GMEL.)'
Asio otus, subsp. a. Asio americanus SHARPE, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ii, 1875, 229,
Asio americanus Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 395.

Has. North America in general, north to the limit of forests, south to Mexican table-
lands.

Sp. Cuan. Adult. Upper surface transversely mottled with blackish brown and
grayish white, the former predominating, especially on the dorsal region; feathers of the
nape and wings ochraceous beneath the surface; lower scapulars with afew obsolete
spots of white on lower webs. Primary coverts dusky, with transverse series of dark
mottled grayish spots, these becoming somewhat ochraceous basally; ground color of
the primaries grayish, this especially prevalent on the inner quills; the basal third (or
less) of all ochraceous, this decreasing in extent on inner feathers, the grayish tint every-
where finely mottled transversely with dusky, but the ochraceous unvaried; primaries
crossed by a series of about seven quadrate blackish brown spots, these anteriorly about
as wide as the intervening yellowish or mottled grayish; the interval between the pri-
mary coverts and the first of these spots about .80 to 1.00 inch on the fourth quill, the
spots on the inner and outer feathers approaching the coverts, or even underlying them;
the inner primaries—or, in fact, the general exposed surface—with much narrower bars
of dusky. Ground color of the wings like the back, this growing paler on the outer
feathers, and becoming ochraceous basally, the tip approaching whitish; secondaries
crossed by nine or ten narrow bands of dusky.

Ear-tufts with the lateral portion of each web ochraceous, this becoming white, some-
what variegated with black, toward the end of the inner webs, on which the ochraceous
is broadest; median portion clear, unvariegated black. Forehead and postauricular disk
minutely speckled with blackish and white; facial circle continuous black, becoming
broken into a variegated collar across the throat. “Eyebrows” and lores grayish white;
eye surrounded with blackish, this broadest anteriorly above and below, the posterior
half being like the ear-coverts. Face plain ochraceous; chin and upper part of the throat
immaculate white. Ground-color below pale ochraceous, the exposed surface of the
feathers, however, white; breast with broad longitudinal blotches of clear dark brown;
each feather and sides and flanks marked with a median stripe, crossed by as broad,
or broader, transverse bars, of blackish brown; abdomen, tibial plumes, and legs plain
ochraceous, becoming nearly white on the lower part of tarsus and on the toes; tibial

406 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

plumes with afew sagittate marks of brownish; lower tail-coverts each with a median
sagittate mark of dusky, this continuing along the shaft, forking toward the base. Lining
of the wing plain pale ochraceous; inner primary coyerts blackish brown, forming a
conspicuous spot.

Wing, 11.50-12.00; tail, 6.00-6.20; culmen, .65; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, 1.15.

Young. Wings and tail as in the adult; other portions transversely banded with
blackish brown and grayish white, the latter prevailing anteriorly; eyebrows and loral
bristles entirely black; legs white.

Western specimens apparently average decidedly grayer than
eastern ones, some of the latter being very much darker than any
I have seen from the West.

The American Long-eared Owl is closely related to the European
A. otus, but seems sufficiently distinct. The latter has the upper
parts striped, instead of confusedly mottled, with dusky; the lower
parts ochraceous on the surface, relieved by ragged longitudinal
stripes (but not distinct bars), of dusky.

The Long-eared Owl is a species of very extensive distribution,
yet few of our owls are less generally known. This arises from its
strictly nocturnal habits and its predilection for special localities,
such as are not everywhere to be found. Its favorite haunts are
dense willow thickets, where it may be surprised taking its day-
time nap, standing bolt upright, with feathers closely pressed to
its body, and long ear-tufts erect, thus presenting a very comical
figure.

“The usual number of eggs laid by the Long-eared Owl on the
Pacific coast is five, although six in a set are by no means rare.
When fresh, the eggs are of a bright white color. They are about
equally rounded on both ends and rather globular in shape. They
average about 1.60 inches in length by 1.82 inches wide, and vary
considerably in size, but rarely in shape. ‘The Long-eared Owl
commences laying during the first week in April, and I believe that
they rear but a single brood in a season. ‘They will lay a second
and sometimes a third set after losing their first one, and will
occupy the same nest for several seasons, if not too often disturbed.
The eggs are hatched in about sixteen days, and the young for the
first two weeks are covered with a thick grayish down. Their food
consists principally of mice and the smaller rodents, and I doubt
if they are guilty of catching small birds.” (Capt. C. H. Bendire,
in Ornithologist and Odlogist.)

BUBONIDEA—THE OWLS. 407

Suseenus Brachyotus Goutp.

Asio accipitrinus (Pall.)

SHORT-EARED OWL.

Popular synonyms. Marsh Owl; Meadow Owl; Prairie Owl.

Striz accipitrina Pau. Reise. Russ. Reichs. i, 1771-76, 455.
Asio accipitrinus Newv. ed. Yarrell's Brit. B. i, 1872, 163.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 396.—CovgEs, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 473.
Strix brachyotus Forst. Phil. Trans. lxii, 1772, 384.—Wis. Am. Orn. iy, 1812, 64, pl. 33,
fig. 3—Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 132, AUD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 273, pl. 482.
Otus brachyotus Borg, 1822.—AuD. Synop. 1839, 28; B. Am. i, 1840, pl. 38.
Otus (Brachyotus) brachyotus B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874,22.
Striz palustris Becust. Nat. Deutschl. ii, 1791, 344.
Brachyotus palustris Bp. 1838.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 204; Check List, 1874, No. 321; B. N.
W. 1874, 306,
Brachyotus cassini BREWER, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. 1856, 321.—Cass. in Baird’s
B. N. Am. 1858, 54.—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 52.

Has. Nearly cosmopolitan; whole Northern Hemisphere, including Sandwich
Islands, and all of America, from Arctic coast to Cape Horn. (Replaced, however, in
Porto Rico and Galapagos by A. portoricensis and A. galapagoensis, respectively.)

Sp. Coan. Adult. Ground-color of the head, neck, back, scapulars, rump, and lower
parts, pale ochraceous; each feather (except on the rump) with a median longitudinal
stripe of blackish brown—this broadest on the scapulars; on the back, nape, occiput,and
jugulum, the two colors about equal; on the lower parts, the stripes grow narrower pos-
teriorly, those on the abdomen and sides being in the form of narrow lines. The flanks,
legs, anal region, and lower tail coverts are always perfectly immaculate; the legs most
deeply ochraceous, the lower tail-coverts nearly pure white. The rump has indistinct
erescentic marks of brownish. The wings are variegated with the general dusky and
ochraceous tints, but the markings are more irregular, the yellowish in form of indenta-
tions or confluent spots, approaching the shaftsfrom the edge—broadest on the outer
webs. Secondaries crossed by about five bands of ochraceous, the last terminal; pri-
mary coverts plain blackish brown, with one or two poorly defined transverse series of
ochraceous spots on the basal portion. Primaries ochraceous on the basal two thirds,
the terminal portion clear dark brown, the tips (broadly) pale brownish yellowish, this
becoming obsolete on the longest; the dusky extends toward the bases, in three to five
irregularly transverse series of quadrate spots on the outer webs, leaving, however, a
large basal area plain ochraceous, this somewhat more whitish anteriorly. The ground-
color of the tail is ochraceous, becoming whitish exteriorly and terminally, crossed by
five broad bands (about equaling the ochraceous, but becoming narrower toward outer
feathers) of blackish brown; on the middle feathers, the ochraceous spots enclose
smaller, central transverse spots of blackish; the terminal ochraceous band is broadest.
Eyebrows, lores, chin, and throat soiled white, the loral bristles with black shafts; face
dingy ochraceous white, feathers with darker shafts; eye broadly encircled with black.
Postorbital circle minutely speckled with pale ochraceous and blackish, except im-
mediately behind the ear, where for about aninch it is uniform dusky. Lining of the
wing immaculate delicate yellowish white; terminal half of under primary coverts clear
blackish brown; under surface of primaries plain delicate ochraceous white; ends and
one or two very broad anterior bands, dusky. Wing, 11.80-13.00; tail,5.80-6.10; culmen,
.60-.65; tarsus, 1.75; middle toe, 1.20,

408 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Probably no land bird has so extensive a range as the present
species, occurring as it does throughout all the grand divisions of
the earth’s surface, except Australia, and also on many of the
Polynesian islands. In America it is found everywhere in suitable
localities, from Alaska and Greenland to Cape Horn.

Notwithstanding the fact that this species has an almost cosmo-
politan range (the Australian region being almost the only part of
the world where it is wanting), and also that great variations are
noticeable in the plumage of the different individuals, 1 am con-
vinced of the futility of any attempt to separate, as races even,
the birds from different countries. In this connection the reader is
referred to Vol. IV., of the “Proceedings” of the U. 8. National
Museum, pp. 366-371, where the subject is treated in detail.

Tn Illinois the Short-eared Owl occurs in all open grassy situations,
either as a winter visitant or resident, and is particularly common
on the prairies. Mr. Nelson says (in Bull. Essex Inst. Vol. VIIL., p.
117,) the following of it as observed by him in the northeastern por-
tion of the State:

“The most abundant species of the family. Arrives from the
north in large numbers the first of November, and disperses through
the State. They are common everywhere, on prairies and marshes,
during the winter. Remain concealed in a bunch of grass or reeds
until about two o’clock p. m., when they commence flying low over
the ground in search of their prey. When approached, while stand-
ing on the ground, they crouch and try to escape observation, much
in the manner of the Burrowing Owl. They are very harmless, and
are easily tamed.”

Genus SYRNIUM Savieny.

Syrnium Savieny, Desc. de l'Egypte, 1809,298, et AucroruM. Type (by elimination), 9.
stridula Linn.,=S. aluco Linn.

Gen. CHAR. Size varying from medium to very large. Noear-tufts. Head very
large; the eyes comparatively small. Five outer primaries, with their inner webs sinu-
ated. Tarsiand upper portion of the toes densely clothed with hair-like feathers—the
toes, however, sometimes entirely naked. Tail considerably more than half as long as
the wing, decidedly rounded. Ear orifice very high, but not as high as the skull, and
furnished with an anterior operculum, which does not usually extend along the full
length; the two ears asymmetrical. Bill yellow.

BUBONIDA—THE OWLS. 409

Syrnium nebulosum (Forst.)

BARRED OWL.

Popular synonym. Hoot Owl.

Strix nebulosa Fors. Phil. Trans. lxii, 1772, 386, 424.—Wits. Am. Orn. fv, 1812, 61, pl. 33,
fig. 2—NurTv. Man. i,1832,133.—Aub. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 242; v,1839,386, pl. 44.—Ripew.
Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 397.—CovEs. 2d Check List, 1882, No. 476.

Syrnium nedulosum Botk, 1828.—Aup. Synop. 1839, 27; B. Am. i,1840, 132, pl. 36.—Cass.
in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 56.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.54.—CouEs, Key, 1872,
204; Check List, 1873, No. 323; B. N. W. 1874, 308 (b. nebulosum).—B. B. & R. Hist. N.
Am. B. iii, 1874, 29 (var. nebulosum).

Haz. Eastern North America, north to Hudson's Bay, south to Georgia and eastern
Texas, west to the edge of the Great Plains. (Replaced in Florida by 9. nebulosum
alleni, a race with perfectly naked toes and somewhat different coloration.)

Sp. Coan. Adult. Head, neck, breast, back, scapulars, and rump with broad regu-
lar transverse bars of ochraceous white and deep umber-brown, the latter color always
terminal; on the upper surface the brown somewhat exceeds the whitish in width, but
on the neck and breast the white rather predominates. The lower third of the breast is
somewhat differently marked from the upper portion, the brown bars being connected
along the shafts of the feathers, throwing the white into pairs of spots on opposite webs.
Each feather of the abdomen, sides, flanks, and lower tail-coverts has a broad median
longitudinal stripe of brown somewhat deeper in tint than the transverse bars on the
upper parts; the anal region is plain, more ochraceous, white; the legs have numerous,
but rather faint, transverse spots of brown. Ground-color of the wings and tail brown,
like the bars of the back; middle and secondary wing-coverts with roundish transverse
spots of nearly pure white on lower webs; lesser coyerts plain rich brown; secondaries
crossed by six bands of pale grayish brown, passing into paler on the edge of each
feather; primary coverts with four bands of darker ochraceous brown; primaries with
transverse series of quadrate pale brown spots on the outer webs (growing deeperin
tint on inner quills); on the longest are about eight. ‘Tail,like the wings, crossed with
six or seven sharply defined bands of pale brown, the last terminal. Face grayish white
with concentric semicircular bars of brown; eyebrows and lores with black shafts; a
nurrow crescent of black against anterior angle of the eye. Facial circle of blackish
brown and creamy white bars, the former prevailing along the anterior edge, the latter
more distinct posteriorly. and prevailing across the neck in front, where the brown
forms disconnected transverse spots. Bill deep wax- or dull chrome-yellow; iris brown-
ish black, the pupil appearing dull blue by contrast; scutelle of toes dull wax- yellow or
grayish yellow; soles of toes deep dull chrome-yellow; claws black, or dark horn-color
tipped with black.

Total length, 19.50-22.00 inches; extent, .44-.48; wing, 13.00-15.00; tail, about 9.00-10.00.

This is by far the most numerous species of owl in wooded por-
tions of the State. It is familiarly known as the “Hoot Owl” on
account of its well-known loud hooting call, generally interpreted as
“who—who, who, who—who, who, who, ar-r-r-r-e, you?” although some-
times translated as “who cooks for you all?” ‘This call is far louder
than the deeper bass hooting of the Great Horned Owl, and is also
more varied. Frequently it is preceded by a very loud, “blood-
curdling” shriek, causing the hair of the uninitiated to rise on his

410 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

head and his knees to tremble for fear that a panther is prowling
in the neighborhood. When several get together their nocturnal
concerts are very entertaining. One appears to tell some joke or
do something funny, at which the rest set up a hearty though
demoniacal he-he-he-he, hi-hi-hi-hi, ha-ha-ha-ha,—and the uncanny
company is boisterously hilarious for a few moments, when the
solitude of night again reigns supreme.

The Barred Owl is less strictly nocturnal than the Great Horned
Owl, Long-eared Owl, or Little Screech Owl, and may often be seen
flying about during dark or cloudy weather. In fact, its call may
often be heard in bright sunny days, and is then often the means
of the bird’s destruction, as perhaps no bird is more easily lured
by a good imitation of its note,—and that of the present species is
susceptible of very exact imitation.

Genus SCOTIAPTEX Swarson.

Scotiaptex Swarns. Classif. B. ii, 1837, 217. Type Strix cinerea GMEL.

Gen. CHAR. Size large, although the body is very small in proportion to the length
of the wing and tail. Head without ear-tufts. Six outer quills with inner webs emargi-
nated. Toes completely and densely covered by long hair-like feathers.

Scotiaptex cinereum (Gmel.)

GREAT GRAY OWL.

Popular synonyms, Great Cinereous Owl; Great Sooty Owl; Spectral Owl

Strix cinerea GMEL. 8. N. i, pt. i, 1788,291—Sw. & Rieu. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 77, pl. 31.—Nurr.

Man. i, 1832, 128.—AupD. Orn. Biog. iv, 188, 364, pl. 351—Covugs, 2d Check List, 1882,
No. 474,

Ulula cinerea Br. Consp. i. 1850, 53 (part).—_Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 399,

Syrnium cinereum Bp. 1838.—AuD. Synop. 1839, 26; B. Am. i, 1840, 130, pl. 35.—Cass in
Baird's B. N. Am. 1858,56.—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 33.—Covgs, Check List,
1873, App. p. 131; B. N. W. 1874, 307 (b. cinerewm).

Syrnium lapponicum var. cinereum Cougs, Key, 1872, 204; Check List, 1873, No. 322.

Syrnium (Scotiaptex) cinereum B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 30.

Haz. Northern North America, south,in winter, to northern United States, as far as
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, northern New York, northern Illinois, Minnesota, etc.;
breeding as far south as Canada (“Odlogist”, v, 1880, p. 54).

Sp. Cuan. Adult. Ground-color of the upper surface dark yandyke-brown, but this
relieved by a transverse mottling (on the edges of the feathers) of white, the median
portions of the feathers being scarcely variegated, causing an appearance of indistinct
longitudinal dark stripes these most conspicuous on the scapulars and back. The an-
terior portions above are more regularly barred transversely; the white bars interrupted
however, by the brown median stripe. Onthe rump and and upper tail-coverts the mot-
tling is more profuse, causing agrayish appearance, On the wing-coverts the outer webs

BUBONIDE—THE OWLS. 411

are most variegated by the white mottling. The alula and primary coverts have very
indistinct bands of paler; the secondaries are crossed by nine bands (last terminal, and
three concealed by eoverts) of pale grayish brown, inclining to white at the borders of the
spots; primaries crossed by nine transverse series of quadrate spots of mottled pale
brownish gray on the outer webs, those beyond the emargination obseure,—the termi-
nal crescentic bar distinct, however; upper secondaries and middle tail-feathers with
coarse transverse mottling, almost forming bars. Tail with about nine paler bands,
these merely marked off by parallel, nearly white bars, enclosing a plain grayish brown,
sometimes slightly mottled, space, just perceptibly darker than the ground-color;
basally the feathers become profusely mottled, so that the bands are confused; the
last band is terminal. Beneath, the ground-color is grayish white, each feather
of the neck, breast, and abdomen with a broad, longitudinal ragged stripe of
dark brown, like the ground-color of the upper parts; sides, flanks, crissum, and
lower tail-coyerts with regular transverse narrow bands; legs with finer, more irregular,
transverse bars of dusky. “Eyebrows,” lores and chin grayish white; a dusky space at
anterior angle of the eye; face grayish white, with distinct concentric semicircles of
blackish brown; facial circle dark brown, becoming white across the foreneck, where it
is divided medially by a spot of brownish black, covering the throat.
Wing, 16.00-18.00; tail, 11.00-13.00; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 1.50.

The Old World form of this species(cinerewm lapponicum) is much
paler in coloration, the lighter markings predominating. The under
side of the primaries shows a conspicuous patch of whitish, covering
the basal portion of these feathers, this patch being much reduced
in size or altogether wanting in the American race.

The Great Gray Owl is a northern bird of very rare or accidental
occurrence in Illinois. Itis given by Mr. Nelson (p. 117 of his list)
as a very rare winter visitant to Cook county, but outside of this
record we have no knowledge of its haying been taken or observed
anywhere in the State.

Genus NYCTALA Breum.

Nyctala Breum, Isis, 1828, 1271. Type, Strix tengma!/mi GMEL.

Gen. CHAR. Size small. Head very large, without ear-tufts; eyes moderate; iris
yellow. Two outer primaries with their inner webs distinctly emarginated. Tarsi and
toes densely, but closely feathered. Ear-conch very large, nearly as high as the skull,
with an anterior operculum; the two ears exceedingly asymmetrical, not only externally
but in their osteological structure. Fureula not anchylosed posteriorly, but joined by a_

membrane.

The North American species of this genus are two in number,
and may readily be distinguished from one another by the char-
acters given in the following comparative diagnosis. One of them

412, BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

is conspecific with the single Palearctic species, N. tengmalmi. A
third species, the N. harrisi Cassin, belongs to northern South
America (Colombia).

Com. CHAR. Adults. Above brown, more or less spotted with white; beneath white,
broadly striped with reddish brown. Young. Above uniform brown, the wings and tail,
however, marked with white, asin the adult. Face uniform dusky surmounted by con-
spicuous white “eyebrows.” Lower parts uniform brown anteriorly, and uniform bright
ochraceous posteriorly.

1. N. tengmalmi richardsoni, Wing, 7.20 inches or more; tail about 4.50; culmen, .60;

tarsus, 1.00; middle toe, .67. Bill yellow.

2. N.acadica, Wing, 5.25-5.50; tail, 2.60-3.00; culmen, .45-.50; tarsus, .80; middle toe,

-60-.65. Bill black,

Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni (Bp.)

RICHARDSON’S OWL.

Popular synonym. Sparrow Owl
Strix tengmalmi Sw. & Ricu. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 94, pl. 82, (rec GMEt.).—NutTrv. Man. {, 1832,
562.—AuD. Orn. Biog. iv, 559, pl. 380.
Ulula tengmalmi Aud. Synop. 1829, 24; B. Am. i, 1840, 122, pl. 82.
Nyctale richardsoni Bonar. Comp. List, 1838, 7.—Cass. in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 57.—
Bartrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 55.
Nyctale tengmalmi var. richardsoni Rwaw.—Couvugs, Key, 1872, 205; Check List, 1874,
No. 827; B. N. W. 1874, 313.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 40,
Nyctale tengmalmi richardsoni Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 400.—Covugs,2d Check
List, 1882, No. 482.
Has. Northern North America; south, in winter, to New England (New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, and Rhode Island), Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and Oregon.

Sp. CHar. Adult. Upper surface brownish olive or umber-brown. Forehead and
crown with numerous elliptical (longitudinal) marks of white, feathers everywhere with
large partly concealed spots of the same; these spots largest on the neck and scapulars
—on the latter of a roundish form, the outer webs of those next the wing being almost
wholly white, the edge only brown; onthe nape the spots form V-shaped marks, the spots
themselves being somewhat pointed; below this isa transverse, less distinct collar, of
more concealed spots; wing-coverts, toward the edge of the wing, with a few large,
nearly circular, white spots; secondaries with two transverse series of smaller white
spots, these crossing about the middle, remote from the end and base; outer feathers of
the alula with two white spots along the margin; primary coverts plain; primaries with
four or five transverse series of white spots; tail with the same number of narrow trans-
verse spots, forming interrupted bands, the spots not touching the shaft—the last spotnot
terminal. Facial circle much darker brown than the crown, and speckled with irregular
spots of white, these either median or upon only one web; across the throat the circle
becomes paler brown, without the white spotting. Eyebrows and face grayish white;
lores and eyelids blackish. Lower parts white, becoming pale ochraceous on the legs;
sides of the breast, sides, flanks, and lower tail-coverts with daubs of brown (slightly
lighter and more reddish than on the back), those of the breast somewhat transverse, but
the posterior ones decidedly longitudinal; front of tarsus clouded with brown. Wing,
about 7.20; tail, 4.50; culmen, .60; tarsus, 1.00; middle toe, .97.

BUBONIDE—THE OWLS. 413

Afemale from Alaska (No. 49,802, Nulato, April 28, 1866; W. H. Dall) is considerably
darker than the specimen described above; the occiput has numerous circular spots of
white, and the tarsi are more thickly spotted; no other differences, however, are appre-
ciable. Two specimens from Quebec (Nos. 17,064 and 17,065; Wm. Couper) are exactly
similar to the last, but the numerous white spots on the forehead are circular.

Young. Above uniform dark brown, the sides of the forehead, back to the eyes, and
a space beneath the eye to the base of the bill, white; lower parts, from breast back,
uniform fulvous or tawny ochraceous.

This species was included among the “probabilities” in my cata-
logue of 1881 -(p. 207), having been taken by Dr. Hoy near Racine,
Wisconsin, and being included in Mr. Allen’s catalogue of the birds
of Iowa. Its only claim, to date, to being a member of the Illinois
fauna is the following record, in the Ornithologist and Odlogist
(Pawtucket, R. I.) for March, 1885, p. 47, by J. H. Dickinson, of
Rockford, Winnebago county:

“Captured one Richardson’s Owl, October 15, 1884. He flew
against a store window and was slightly stunned.”

Nyctala acadica (Gmel.)

SAW-WHET OWL.

Popular synonyms. Acadian Owl; White-fronted Owl; Kirtland’s Owl.

Strix acadica Get. 8. N.i, pl. i, 1788, 296.—Nutt. Man. i, 1832,137.—AuD. Orn. Biog. ii,
1834, 567; v, 1839, 397, pl. 199.
Nyctale acadica Br. 1838.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 58.—Barrp,Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 56.—CovusEs, Key, 1872, 205; Check List, 1873, No. 328; 2d ed. 1882, No. 483; B.
N. W. 1874, 315.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 43—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 401.
Ulula acadica AupD. Synop. 1839, 24; B, Am. i, 1840, 123, pl. 33,
Striz albifrons SHaw, Nat. Mise. v, 1794, pl. 171.
Nyctale albitrons Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858,57.—Bartrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No, 57.
Strix passerina Wits. Am. Orn. iv, 1812, 66, pl. 34, fig. 1, (nec LINN.)
Nyctale kirtlandi Hoy. Proce. Phila. Acad. vi, 1852, 210.—Cass. Illustr. 1853, 63, pl. 11.

Has. Northern United States and British Provinces; south to about 40° (or a little
beyond) in Eastern Province, but in Western Province entirely across into Mexico, on
high mountain ranges, and south to Oaxaca.

Sp. CHar. Adult female (No. 120,044, Washington, D.C., Feb., 1859: C. Drexler). Upper
surface plain soft reddish olive, almost exactly as in WN. richardsoni; each feather of
forehead, anterior part of the crown, and the facial circle, marked with a short median
line of white; feathers of the neck white beneath the surface, forming a collar of blotches;
lower webs of scapulars white bordered with brown; wing-coverts with a few rounded
white spots; alula with the outer feathers broadly edged with white. Primary coverts
and secondaries perfectly plain; five outer primaries with semi-rounded white spots on
the outer webs, these decreasing toward the ends of the feathers, leaving but about four
series welldefined. Tail crossed by three widely separated narrow bands of white,
formed of spots not touching the shaft on either web; the last band is terminal. “Eye-
brow” and sides of the throat white; lores with a blackish suffusion, this more concen-
trated around the eye; face dirty white, feathers indistinctly edged with brownish, caus-
ing an indistinctly streaked appearance: the facial circle in its extension across the
throat converted into reddish umber spots. Lower parts, generally, silky white, becom-

414 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

ing fine ochraceous on the tibia and tarsi; sides of the breast like the back, but of a
more reddish or burnt-sienna tint; sides and flanks with longitudinal daubs of the same ;
chest, abdomen, lower tail-coverts, tarsi, andtibiw, immaculate. Wing formula, 4-3-5-1-8.
Wing, 5.40; tail,2.80; culmen, .50; tarsus,.80; middle toe, .60.

Seven specimens before me vary in length of wing from 5.25 to
5.80; tail 2.60 to 3.00 (female). The largest specimen is 12,053
(female, Fort Tejon, California: J. Xantus). This differs from the
specimen described, in whiter face, more conspicuous white streaks
on forehead, smaller, less numerous, red spots below, and in hay-
ing a fourth white band on the tail; this, however, is very imcon-
spicuous. ‘here are no authentic males before me, though only
two are marked as females; the extremes of the series probably
represent the sexual discrepancy in size.

Young male (No. 12,814, Racine, Wisconsin, July,1859; Dr. P. R. Hoy): Upper surface
eontinuous plain dark sepia-olive; face darker, approaching sooty blackish, perfectly
uniform; around the edge of the forehead, a few shaft-lines of white; scapulars with a
concealed spot of pale ochraceous on lower webs; lower feathers of wing-coverts with
afew white spots; outer feather of the alula scalloped with white; primary coverts per-
fectly plain; flve outer primaries with white spots on outer webs, these diminishing
toward the end of the feathers, leaving only two or three series well defined; tail darker
than the wings, with three narrow bands composed of white spots, these not touching
the shaft on either web. ‘Eyebrows’ immaculate white, lores more dusky; face and
eyelids dark sooty brown; sides of the chin white. Throat and whole breast like the
back, but the latter paler medially, becoming here more fulvous; rest of the lower parts
plain fulvous ochraceous, growing gradually paler posteriorly. Lining of the wing plain
dull white; under surface of primaries with dusky prevailing, but this crossed by bands
of large whitish spots; the three outer feathers, however, present a nearly uniform
dusky aspect, being varied only basally. Wing formula, 3, 4-2-5-6-7,1. Wing, 5.50; tail,
2.80; culmen. .45; tarsus. .80; middle toe, .65.

This handsome little owl is not an uncommon resident of the
more northern portions of the State and occasionally makes its
appearance during winter in the southern counties. According to
Mr. Nelson (p. 117 of his list), it is “not an uncommon species”
in Cook county, being ‘‘of frequent occurrence in Chicago, where,
upon some of the most frequented streets in the residence portion
of the town, over a dozen specimens have been taken within two
years.” Mr. H. K. Coale, of Chicago, informs me that he has ex-
amined or skinned thirty specimens in ten years.

BUBONIDE—THE OWLS. 415

Genus MEGASCOPS Kavp.

Scops Savien. Dese. de l'Egypte, 1809, 291. Type, Strix scops Linn. (Nec Brunn. 1772.)
Megascops Kaur, Isis, 1848, 765. Type, Strix asio LINN.

Gen. CHAR. Small owls with distinct ear-tufts, the tarsus more or less feathered
(usually completely feathered) the wings ample (more than twice the length of the short,
slightly rounded tail), the plumage exceedingly variegated with vermiculations, cross-
bars, and mottlings; toes naked or bristled—never completely feathered, except toward
the base.

The above brief diagnosis is sufficient to characterize this group.
In general aspect the species of this genus are miniatures of those
which belong to the genus Bubo, and are perhaps as nearly related
structurally to the latter as to any other members of the family.

All the American species have the outer webs of the scapulars
mostly light-colored (generally white, with a blackish terminal
border—rusty ochraceous in jflammeolus and the darker forms of
brasilianus), producing a more or less distinct stripe along each
side of the dorsal region; the feathers of the upper and lower parts
usually have blackish shaft-streaks, those beneath generally with
narrow transyerse bars; outer webs of the remiges with light-
colored spots, and the tail more or less (never sharply) banded.
Nearly all the species are, in some part of their range, dichromatic,
having a bright rufous phase, quite different from the “normal”
grayish plumage.

Megascops asio (Linn.)

SCREECH OWL.

Popular synonyms, Little Mottled Owl; Little Red OWL

Striz asio Lrxn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 132—Wits. Am. Orn. v, 1812,83, pl. 42, flg. L—AuD.
Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 486; v, 1839, 392, pl. 97.—NutrT. Man. i, 1882, 120.
Scops asio Br. 1838.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 51.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 49.—Covss, Key, 1872, 202; Check List, 1873, No. 318; 2d ed. 1882, No. 465; B. N. W.
1874, 303.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 49.—Rmpaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 402.
Bubo asio Vier. 1807.—Aup. Synop. 1839,29; B. Am. i, 1840, 147, pl. 40.
Strix nevia GMEt. 8. N. i, pt. i, 1788, 289.—Was. Am. Orn. iii, 1812, 16, pl. 19, fig. 1.

Has. Eastern United States and British Provinces, west to edge of the Great Plains.
(In Florida replaced by M. asio floridanus and in southern Texas by M. asio maccalli.)

a. Normal plumage.

Sp. Coan. Adult. Ground-color above brownish cinereous, palest on the head, purest
ashy on the wings, minutely mottled with fine zigzag transverse bars of black, each
feather with a median ragged stripe of the same along the shaft. Inner webs of ear-
tufts, outer webs of scapulars, and spots occupying most of the outer webs of the two or
three lower feathers of the middle and secondary wing-coverts, white, forming (except
on the first) conspicuous spots, those of the scapulars bordered with black. Secondaries
crossed with about seven regular paler bands, each enclosing a more irregular dusky

416 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

one; the ground-color, however, so mottled with grayish, and the pale bands with
dusky, that they are by no means sharply defined or conspicuous, though they are very
regular; alula and primary coverts more sharply barred with cream-colored spots, those
on the former nearly white; primaries with broad quadrate spots of creamy white on
outer webs, these forming from seven to eight transverse bands, the last of which is not
terminal. Tail more irregularly mottled than the wings, and crossed by seven to eight
narrow, indistinct, but continuous pale bands. Eyebrows white, the feathers bordered
with dusky; cheeks, ear-coverts, and lower throat dull white, with transverse bars of
blackish; chin immaculate; upper eyelid dark brown; facial circle black; neck and jugu-
lum like the cheeks, but more strongly barred, and with blackish along the shaft.
Ground-color of the lower parts white, each feather with a median stripe of black, this
throwing off distinct bars to the edge of the feathers; the median black is largest on
sides of the breast, where it expands into very large conspicuous spots, having a slight
rusty exterior suffusion; the abdomen medially, the anal region, and the lower tail-
coverts are almost unvaried white. Tibiz and tarsi dull white, much barred transversely
with blackish, or pale ochraceous, more sparsely barred with dark brownish. Lining of
the wing creamy white, varied only along the edge; light bars on under surface of pri-
maries very indistinct.

b. Rufescent plumage.

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

Young. Wings and tail as in adult; markings on head and body asin the young gray
bird, but white bars more reddish, and dark ones more brown.

Two adult males obtained at Mt. Carmel, Illinois, measured,
when fresh, as follows: Gray specimen. ‘Total length, 7.50 inches ;
extent, 19.50 inches. Rufous specimen (January 21, 1867): Total
length, 8.25 inches; extent, 21.50. Two adult females from the
same locality measured, respectively, 9 inches in length by 21.50
in extent, and 9 by 23 inches. The fresh colors of the soft parts
were as follows: Bill pea-green or pale greenish blue, sometimes
with a tinge of emerald-green; iris lemon-yellow; toes and basal
half of claws yellowish gray, the terminal portion of the claws
dusky.

BUBONIDE—THE OWLS. 417

The fact that in eastern North America this species is dichro-
matic, while in most parts of the West it presents a single phase
of plumage—the gray—is one of the most interesting problems in
North American ornithology. Scarcely less curious is the fact that
in different portions of the Eastern Province the two phases vary
in relative abundance. For example, during several years’ close
observation of birds in the vicinity of Mount Carmel, Illinois, I
saw but a single specimen in the gray plumage, while the number
of “red” specimens must have exceeded fifty. In the vicinity of
Washington, D. C., the proportion of the two phases is more nearly
equal, although the rufous style is perhaps the more common. In
the neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, about the same proportion
obtains, according to Dr. F. W. Langdon, who, in the Journal of
the Cincinnati Society of Natural History (Vol. V., pp. 52, 53),
states that of 56 specimens actually examined, 32 were rufous and
24 were gray.

The Screech Owl (as this species is almost universally known),
is, with the possible exception of the Barred Owl, much the most
abundant species of the family in Illinois, and is a constant resi-
dent wherever found.

We quote the following account of its habits, by Dr. T. M. Brewer,
from History of North American Birds, Vol. III., pp. 56, 57:

“The Mottled Owl is nocturnal in its habits, never appearing
abroad in the daylight except when driven out by the attacks of
hostile birds that have discovered it in its retreat. Its eyes cannot
endure the light, and it experiences great inconvenience from such
an exposure. During the day it hides in hollow trees, in dark
recesses in the forests, or in dark corners of barns, and comes out
from its retreat just before dark. During the night it utters a very
peculiar wailing cry, not unlike the half-whining, half-barking com-
plaints of a young puppy, alternating from high to low, intermingled
with deep guttural trills. These cries, which are sometimes pro-
longed until after midnight, usually elicit an answer from its mate
or companions, and would seem to be uttered as a call soliciting a
reply from some lost associate. Their flight is noiseless and gliding,
and they move in a manner so nearly silent as to be hardly per-
ceptible. They are excellent mousers, and swallow their food whole,
ejecting the indigestible parts, such as hair, bones, feathers, etc.”

—27

418 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Genus BUBO Cuvier.

Bubo Cuy. Reg. An. 1817, 331. Type, Strix bubo Linn.

Gen. CHAR. Size varying from medium to very large; head with well-developed ear-
tufts. Bill black; iris yellow, orange, or brown. Two or three outer quills with their
inner webs emarginated. Third or fourth quill longest. Bill very robust, the lower
mandible nearly truncated, and with a deep notch near the end; cere gradually ascend-
ing basally (not arched) or nearly straight, not equalto the culmen. Tail short, a little
more than half the wing, slightly rounded. Ear-conch small, simple, without opercu-
lum; the two ears symmetrical.

There is but one species of this genus, as restricted, in North
America. This, however, varies so much with locality that several
geographical races have been recognized, of which the following
appear pretty well characterized:

@, virginianus. Dark colored, usually with much ochraceous or tawny, the dark
markings broad and distinctly defined. Hab. Eastern North America, south to
Costa Rica.

f. subarcticus. Light colored, with buff instead of ochraceous, the dark markings
narrower and less distinct. Hab. Western United States and interior of British
America; east, occasionally, to Wisconsin and Illinois, south to central and west-
ern Mexico.

y- saturatus, Very dark colored, with the dark markings much broader than in vir-
ginianus. Hab. Northwest coast,from northern California to Sitka; Labrador.

6. arctious. Very light colored, the prevailing aspect white, the dark markings very
much reduced in extent. Hab. Interior of Arctic America.

These races are very strongly characterized in a majority of speci-
mens from any typical locality, but there is a very great amount of
individual variation in each. Only two of them (virginianus and
subarcticus) are known to occur in Illinois.

Bubo virginianus (Linn.)

GREAT HORNED OWL.

Popular synonyms, Cat Owl; Booby Owl.

Striz virginiana GME. 8. N.i, pt. i,1788,287.—Wris. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 52, pl. 50, fig. 1—

Nutr. Man. i, 1832,124.—Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1832,313; v, 1889, 393, pl. 61.

Strix (Bubo) virginianus Sw. & Riou. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 82.

Bubo virginianus Bp. 1838.—Aup. Synop. 1839, 29; B. Am. i, 1840, 143, pl. 39.—CAss. in
Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 49.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 48.—Cougs, Key, 1872,
202; Check List, 1873, No. 317; 2d ed. 1882, No. 462; B. N. W. 1874, 300 (a. virginianus;
excl. syn. pt.).—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 60, 62 (var. virginianus).—
Rivew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 405.

Bubo virginianus atlanticus Cass. Illustr. 1854, 178; in Baird’s B. N, Am. 1858, 49,

BUBONIDE—THE OWLS. 419

Has. Eastern North America, west to edge of Great Plains, south through eastern
Mexico to Costa Rica.

Sp. Coan. Adult male (No. 12,057, Philadelphia: C. Drexler). Bases of all the feathers
yellowish rufous, this partially exposed on the head above and nape, along the scapulars
on the rump, and sides of the breast. On the upper surface this is overlaid by a rather
coarse transverse mottling of brownish black upon a white ground, the former rather
predominating, particularly on the head and neck, where it forms broad ragged longitu-
dinal stripes (almost obliterating the transverse bars), becoming prevalent, or blended
anteriorly. The lowermost scapulars, and some of the lower feathers of the middle and
secondary wing-coverts, with inconspicuous transverse spots of white. On the second-
aries the mottling is finer, giving a grayish aspect, and crossed with eight sharply de-
fined, but inconspicuous, bands of mottled dusky; primary coverts with the ground
color very dark, and crossed with three or four bands of plain blackish, the last terminal
though fainter than the rest; ground-color of the primaries more yellowish, the mot-
tling more delicate; they are crossed by nine transverse series of quadrate dusky spots.
The ground-color of the tail is pale ochraceous (transversely mottled with dusky), be-
coming white at the tip, crossed by seven bands of mottled blackish, these about equal-
ing the light bands in width; on the middle feathers the bands are broken and confused
running obliquely, or in places longitudinally. Outer webs of ear-tufts pure black, inner
webs almost wholly ochraceous; eyebrows and lores white, the feathers with black
shafts; face dingy rufous; eye very narrowly encircled with whitish; acrescent of black
bordering the upper eyelid, and confluent with the black of the ear-tufts. Facial circle
continuous black, except across the foreneck; chin, throatand jugulum pure immaculate
white, to the roots of the feathers. Beneath, white prevails, but the yellowish rufous is
prevalent on the sides of the breast, and shows as the base color wherever the feathers are
disarranged. The sides of the breast, sides, and flanks have numerous sharply defined
narrow transverse bars of brownish black; anteriorly these are finer and more ragged,
coalescing so as to form conspicuous, somewhat longitudinal, black spots. On the
lower tail-coverts the bars are distant, though not less sharply defined. The abdomen,
medially, is scarcely maculate white. Legs and toes plain ochraceous white.

Wing formula, 2,3-4-1,5. Wing, 14.50; tail, 8.20; culmen, 1,10; tarsus, 2.00; middle
toe, 2.00.

Female (No. 12,065, Maryland: R. J. Pollard): General appearance same as the male.
Black blotches on head, above, and nape less conspicuous, the surface being mottled
like the back, ete.; primary coverts with three well-defined narrow pure black bands;
primaries with only six bands, these broader than in the male; secondaries with only
five bands; tail with but six dark bands, these very much narrower than the light ones.
Tibiw and tarsi with sparse transverse bars of dusky.

Wing formula, 3,2,41=5. Wing, 16.00; tail, 9.00; culmen, 1.20; tarsus, 2.20; middle
toe, 2.10.

Young (No. 12,062, Washington, D. C., May 20,1859: C. Drexler): Wings and tail as in
adult. Downy plumage of head and body ochraceous, with detached, rather distinct,
transverse bars of dusky.

Although much less numerous than the Barred Owl, this power-

ful and destructive species is much more plentiful than the farmer
or poultry raiser desires. As Dr. Brewer truly remarks (Hist. N.
'Am. B. Vol. III., p. 68), “It is one of the most destructive of the
-depredators upon the poultry-yard, far surpassing in this respect
“any of our hawks. All its mischief is done at night, when it is
almost impossible to detect and punish it. Whole plantations are
often thus stripped in a single season.

420 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

“Tts flight is rapid and graceful, and more like that of an eagle
than one of this family. It sails easily and in large circles. It is
nocturnal in its habits, and is very rarely seen abroad in the day,
and then only in cloudy weather or late in the afternoon. When
detected in its hiding-place by the Jay, Crow, or Kingbird, and
driven forth by their annoyances, it labors under great disadvan-
tages, and flies at random in a hesitating flight, until twilight
enables it to retaliate upon its tormentors. The hooting and noc-
turnal cries of the Great Horned Owl are a remarkable feature in
its habits. These are chiefly during its breeding season, especially
the peculiar loud and vociferous cries known as its hooting. At
times it will utter a single shriek, sounding like the yell of some
unearthly being, while again it barks incessantly like a dog, and
the resemblance is so natural as to provoke a rejoinder from its
canine prototype. Occasionally it utters sounds resembling the half-
choking cries of a person nearly strangled, and, attracted by the
watchfire of a camp, flies over it, shrieking a cry resembling waugh-
h-o-o. It is not surprismg that with all these combinations and
variations of unearthly cries, these birds should have been held in
awe by the aborigines, their cries being sufficiently fearful to startle
even the least timid.

“The mating of this bird appears to have little or no reference
to the season. A pair has been known to select a site for their
nest, and begin to construct a new one, or seize upon that of a
Red-tailed Hawk, and repair it, in September or October, keeping
in its vicinity through the winter, and making their presence known
by their continued hooting. Mr. Jillson found a female sitting on
two eggs in February, in. Hudson, Mass.; and Mr. William Street,
of Easthampton, in the spring of 1869, found one of their nests on
the 8d of March, the eggs in which had been incubated at least a
week. If one nest is broken up, the pair immediately seek another
and make a renewed attempt to raise a brood. ‘They rarely go
more than a mile from their usual abode, and then only for food.
Mr. Street’s observations have led him to conclude that they mate
about February 20, and deposit their eggs from the 25th to the
28th. They cease to hoot in the vicinity of their nest from the
time of their mating until their young have left them in June.
On the 19th of March, 1872, Mr. Street found two of their eggs
containing young nearly ready to hatch.”

BUBONIDA—THE OWLS. 421

Bubo virginianus subarcticus (Hoy).

WESTERN HORNED OWL,

Bubo subarcticus Hoy, Proc. Phila. Acad. vi. 1852, 211 (Wisconsin).
_Bubo virginianus subarcticus Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 405a.
Bubo virginianus var. arcticus (part) Cougs, Key, 1872, 202; Check List, 1873, No. 317a.—
B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 60, 64. [Not Strix (Bubo) arcticus Sw. & Ricu.]
Bubo virginianus oc. arcticus Cougs, B. N. W. 1874, 301 (excl. syn. pt.).
Bubo virginianus var. pacificus (part) Cass. Illustr. 1854, 178; in Baird’s B. N. Am.

1858, 49.
Bubo virginianus Avct. (all citations from western United States, and western and

central Mexico).

Has. Western United States, interior districts of British America, and table lands of
Mexico. (Replaced in western Oregon and Washington Territory, and northern coast
region of California, by the very dark-colored B. virginianus saturatus RipGw.)

Sp. Coan. Pattern of coloration precisely like that of var. virginianus, but the gen-
eral aspect much lighter and more grayish, caused by a greater prevalence of the lighter
tints, and contraction of dark pencilings. The ochraceous much lighter and less rufous.
Face soiled white instead of deep dingy rufous.

Male (No. 21,581, Camp Kootenay, Washington Territory, August 2,1860): Wing, 14.00;
tail, 8.60; culmen, 1.10; tarsus, 2.00. Tail and primaries each with the dark bands, nine in
number; legs and feet immaculate white. Wing formula, 3, 2=4-5-1,

Female (No. 10,5 4, Fort Tejon, California): Wing, 14.70; tail, 9.50; culmen,1.10; tar-
sus, 2.10; middle toe, 2.00. Tailandprimaries each with seven dark bands; legs trans-
versely barred with dusky. Wing formula, 3, 4, 2-5-1, 6.

The above description covers the average characters of a light
grayish race of the B. virginianus, which represents the other styles
in the whole of the western and interior regions of the continent.
Farther northward in the interior of the fur countries, the plumage
becomes lighter still, some Arctic specimens being almost as white
as the Snowy Owl.

The paler-colored race of the Great Horned Owl, like other
western and northern birds, sometimes strays to Illinois during its
winter migrations. There is a specimen from Pekin, Tazewell Co.,
in the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy at Cambridge, Mass., which
the writer had the opportunity of examining in 1872. Its habits are
of course essentially, if not exactly, the same as those of the typical
form.

4292, BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Genus NYCTEA SrepHens.

Nyctea StEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zodl. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 63. Type, Strix ermenia SHAW, =
S. scandiaca Linn.

Grn. CHAR. Size very large,the head comparatively small,and without obvious ear-
tufts. Loral feathers very long,almost concealing the bill, and hair-like feathers of the
toes nearly hiding the claws. Lower tail-coverts extending quite to the tip of the tail.
Color of adults pure white, relieved by more or less numerous bars of slate-color.

The genus Nyctea is closely related to Bubo, and has been united
with the latter as a subgenus. They seem to be sufficiently dis-
tinct, however, as the following differential characters may serve to
show:

Bubo, Two to three outer quills with theirinner webs emarginated. Ear-tufts well
developed; loral feathers not hiding the bill, and the claws and terminal scutelle of the
toes exposed. Lower tail-coverts not reaching the end of the tail.

Nyctea, Four outer quills with their inner webs emarginated. Ear-tufts rudimen-
tary; loral feathers hiding the bill,and claws and entire toes concealed by long hair-like
feathers. Lower tail-coverts reaching to the end of the tail.

Nyctea nyctea (Linn.)

SNOWY OWL.

Popular synonyms, Great White Owl; Snow Owl; Ermine Owl.

Strix nyctea Linn. 8S. N. ed. 10,i,1758, 93.—Wis. Am. Orn. iv,1812,53, pl. 32, fig. 1.—-Sw. &
Ricu. F. B.-A. ii, 1831,88.—Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 116—AubD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1834, 135; v, 1839,
pl. 121.
Surnia nyctea SELBY, 1833.—AuD. Synop. 1839,21; B. Am. i, 1840, 113, pl. 28.
Striz scandiaca Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 132.

Nyctea scandiaca Newt. ed. Yarrell’s Hist. Brit. B. ed. 4, iii, 1872, 187.—B. B. & R. Hist.
N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 61 (var. scandiaca)—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 406.—
Cougs, B. N. W. 1874,309; 2d Check List, 1882, No. 479.

Strix arctica BaRTR. Tray. 1791, 289 (Pennsylvania).
Nyctea scandiaca var. arctica B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 61,70.
Striz nivea THunB. Sv. Sk. Handling, 1798, 84.

Nyctea nivea GRAY, 1844.—Oass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 63.—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. B.

1859, No. 61.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 275; Check List 1874, No. 325.

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

Male (No. 12,059, Washington, D. C., December 4, 1858: C. Drexler): Across the top of
the head, and interspersed over the wings and scapulars, are small transversely cordate
spots of clear brownish black, these inclining to the form of regular transverse bars on
the secapulars; there is but one on each feather. The secondaries have mottled bars of
more dilute dusky; the primaries have spots of black at their ends; the tail has a single
series of irregular dusky spots crossing it near the end. Abdomen, sides, and flanks
with transverse crescentic bars of clear brownish black. Wing, 16.50; tail, 9.00; culmen,
1.00; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, 1.30. Wing formula, 3,2=4-5,1.

Female (No. 12,058, Washington, D. C., December4,1858): Head above and nape with
each feather blackish centrally, producing a conspicuously spotted appearance. Rest of
the plumage with regular, sharply defined transverse bars of clear brownish black;

BUBONIDE—THE OWLS. 423

those of the upper surface more ¢rescentic, those on the lower tail-coverts, narrower,
and more distant. Tail crossed by flve bands, composed of detached transverse spots.
Only the face, foreneck, middle of the breast, and feet, are immaculate; everywhere
else, excepting on the crissum, the dusky and white are in nearly equalamount. Wing,
18.00; tail, 9.80; culmen, 1.10. Wing formula, 3=4, 2-1=5.

Young (No. 36,434, Arctic America, August, 1863; MacFarlane): Only partially feathered,
Wings and tailas in the adult female described, but the blackish bars rather broader.
Down covering the head and body brownish or sooty slate, becoming paler on the legs.

It is only at irregular intervals, and usually during very severe
winters, that this arctic species becomes common in the United
States. Such a winter was that of 1876-77, when the Snowy Owl
was really abundant along the Atlantic seaboard, as far south as
Washington at least, and probably much farther.

Genus SURNIA Dvmert..

Surnia DumeERtIL. Zodl. Anal. 1806, 34. Type, Strix ulula LINN.

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

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

The two races of S. ulula may be distinguished as follows:

Common CHARACTERS. Above dark vandyke-brown, the head above dotted with
white, and the scapulars spotted with the same. Beneath transversely barred with
yandyke-brown and white, the bars regular, continuous, and sharply defined. Head and
neck with two lateral,, and one posterior median, stripes of brownish black, the space
between them with white prevailing. Bill and iris yellow. Wing about 9.00; tail, 6.80-7.00.

a. ulula. White spotting prevailing. Hab. Palearctic Region; occasional in

western Alaska.
B. caparoch, Brownspotting prevailing. Hab. Nearctic Region,

424 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Surnia ulula caparoch (Mill.)

AMERICAN HAWK OWL.

Popular synonyms. Hudsonian Hawk Owl, or Day Owl.

Striz funerea Linn. 8. N. ed. 12,i,1766,133 (part, but not of 1758).—Sw. & Rrow. F. B.-A. il,
1831,92.—NuTvT. Man. i, 1832, 115.—Avup. Orn. Biog. iv, 1834, 350, pl. 378.
Surnia funerea BP. 1838.—AuD. Synop. 1839, 21; B. Am. i, 1840, 112, pl. 27,—Ripaw. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 407.—Covgss, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 480.
Strix caparoch P. St. MutuEr, Suppl. 8. N. 1779, 69.
Surnia ulula caparoch STEJNEGER, The Auk, 1884, 363.
Strix hudsonia GMEt. 8. N. i, pt. i,1788, 295.—Wiis. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 64, pl. 50, fig. 6.
Surnia ulula var. hudsonia Coves, Key, 1872, 305; Check List, 1874, No. 326; B. N. W.
1874, 311.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 75.
Surnia ulula (Linn.) Cassin Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 64.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 62.

Has. Northern North America, south in winter to northern border of United States
(Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, northern Illinois, Massachusetts, etc).

Sp. Coan. Adult. Above rich dark vandyke-brown, darker anteriorly, less intense
and more grayish on tail. A narrow streak of brownish black originating over the mid-
dle of eye,and extending backward above the upper edge of the ear-coverts, where it
forms an elbow passing downward in a broad stripe over the ends of the ear-coverts;
confluent with this, at about the middle of the vertical stripe,is another of similar tint,
which passes more broadly down the side of the nape; between the last stripes (those
of opposite sides) is another or median one of less pure black, extending from the occi-
put down the nape. Every feather of the forehead, crown, and occiput with a central
ovate dot of white; those anterior more circular, on the occiput less numerous and more
linear. Between the lateral and posterior nuchal stripes the white prevails, the brown
forming irregular terminal and transverse or median spots; these grow more linear
toward the back. Interscapulars plain; posterior scapulars variegated with partially
concealed large transverse spots of white, the lower feathers with nearly the whole
outer webs white, their confluence causing a conspicuous elongated patch above the
wing. Rump with sparse,irregular, but generally transverse, spots of white; upper tail-
coverts with broader, more irregular bars of the same, these about equal to the brown in
width. Lower feathers of the middle and secondary wing-coverts each with an ovoid
spot of white on the outer web; secondaries crossed by about three transverse series of
longitudinally ovoid white spots (situated on the edge of the feather), and very narrowly
tipped with the same; primary coverts with one or two less continuous transverse
series of spots,these found only on the outer feathers; primaries with about seven
transverse series of white spots, these indistinct except on the five outer feathers, on
which those anterior to the emargination are most conspicuous; all the primaries are
very narrowly margined with white at the ends. Tail with seven or eight very narrow
bands of white, those on the middle feathers purely so,becoming obsolete exteriorly;
the lastis terminal. Eyebrows, lores,and face grayish white,the grayish appearance
caused by the blackish shafts of the feathers; that of the face continues (contracting
considerably) across the lower part of the throat, separating alarge space of dark brown,
which covers nearly the whole throat, from an indistinct collar of the same extending
across the jugulum—this collar uniting the lower ends of the auricular and cervical
dusky bands, the space between which is nearly clear white. Ground-color of the lower
parts white, but everywhere with numerous very regular transverse bars of deep brown,
of a tint more reddish than the back, the brown bars rather more than half as wide as the
white ones; across the upper part of the breast (beneath the dark gular collar) the white
invades very much and reduces the brown, forming a broad lighter belt across the jugu-
lum; below this the brown bars increase in width, their aggregation tending somewhat
to a suffusion, giving the white jugular belt better definition. On the legs and toes the
bars are narrower, more distant, and less regular.

BUBONIDM—THE OWLS. 425

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

Male (No. 49,908, Nulato, Alaska, April 21,1867; W. H. Dall): Wing formula, 3, 4-2, 5-6-1.
Wing,9.00; tail,7.00; culmen,.70; tarsus, (of another specimen; wanting in the present),
-90; middle toe, .82.

Female (No. 49,807, Nulato, April20; W. H. Dall): Wing formula, 3, 4-2-5-6-7-1. Wing,
9.00; tail, 6.80; culmen, .70; middle toe, .80.

There is only one valid record known to me of the occurrence of
this northern species in Illinois, viz., that by Mr. Nelson in his
list of the birds of the northeastern portion of the State (Bull.
Essex Inst. Vol. VIII., 1876, p. 117), where its capture in Kane
county, by Dr. J. W. Velie, the first of September, 1869, is noted.

426 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

SvuzorpeEr FALCONES.—Driurnat Raprores.

Famuy FALCONIDZZ.—Fatcons, Kires, Harriers, Hawss, anp
EAGLes.

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

The above characters are about the only readily observable points
in the external anatomy in which the Falcones differ strikingly
from the Striges and Sarcorhamphi, and may serve to distinguish
the birds of this family from those of the two others. The osteo-
logical characters, however, are more decided and important from
a taxonomic point of view, and serve to separate the Diurnal Rap-
tores as a well-defined suborder.

The number of subfamilies into which the family is divisible is an
open question. In North America, however, the following may be
distinguished :

A. Nasal bones almost completely ossified, the nostril being a small orifice, with
a conspicuous central bony tubercle; its form nearly or quite circular, or (in
Polyborus) linear and oblique, with its upper end the posterior one. Scapu-
lar process of the coracoid produced forward so as to meet the clavicle.
Inferior surface of the supramaxillary bone witha prominent median angular
ridge. Superciliary process of the lachrymal consisting of a single piece. Falconine.

B. Nasal bones very incompletely ossified, the nostril being a large, more or less
oval, opening, of oblique direction, its lower end being invariably the pos-
terior one; without bony tubercle, and never perfectly circular. Scapular
process of the eoracoid not produced forward so as to meet the clavicle.
Nasal bones incompletely ossified, the nostrils being very large, and without
bony rim or tubercle. Inferior surface of the supramaxillary bone without
amedian ridge. Superciliary process of the lachrymal variable.

a, Outer toe not reversible. Claws of unequal length, and not contracted in
width on under surface. Plumage with aftershafts..................5 Accipitrine.

b. Outer toe reversible. Claws all of equal length, and narrowed and
rounded on their under surface. Plumage without aftershafts......Pandionine,

FALCONIDAI—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 427

I am not fully satisfied of the advisability of according Pandion
the rank of a family but am rather inclined to look upon it as
constituting a subfamily of a family Buteonide. The reversible toe
and the peculiarly compact plumage, which are apparently its most
marked characters, are certainly teleological modifications, fitting
it perfectly for its piscatorial habits. In other characters, both
anatomical and external, it exhibits numerous points of analogy,
if not relationship, to the genera EHlanoides and LHlanus, and
it seems to me should be placed at least as near to these forms as
they are to any of the Buteonine genera.

SupramMiny FALCONINZE.

Cnar. (See page 426.)

The Falconine, as here recognized, include not only the true
Falcons (Falconee), but also three other groups, each of which is
peculiar to Middle and South America. They may be distinguished
as follows:

A. Posterior toe abbreviated, very much shorter than the lateral pair; tarsi and
toes covered with small hexagonal seales, larger in front.
a. Nostrils a small, round, or oblique opening, with a bony-rimmed margin

and central tubercle.

1. Superior tomium with a conspicuous tooth, and inferior tomium with
a corresponding notch. Superciliary process of the lachrymal elon-
gated, narrow, reaching nearly across the orbit. Posterior margin of
the sternum nearly even, with a pair of large oval foramina. One or
two outer primaries with inner webs emarginated near their tips.. Faleonee.

2. Tomia without tooth or notch. Superciliary process of the lachryml
abbreviated, reaching only half-way across the orbit. Posterior mar-
gin of the sternum with a pair of deep indentations. Three or more
outer primaries sinuated near the middle portion .................. Polyboree.

b. Nostrils a large opening without bony-rimmed margin or central tubercle.

3. Superciliary process of the lachrymal elongated, broad, extending
nearly across the orbit. Tomia without tooth or notch. Posterior
margin of the sternum asin Faleonew. Fourormore outer primaries
with inner webs sinuated near the middle portion...............] Micrasturee,

B. Posterior toe elongated, almost equal to the lateral pair. Tarsi and toes coy-
ered uniformly with thick, rough, imbricated scales.

4. Tomia withouttoothornotch. Nostrils asin Fa’conew and Polyboree.
Superciliary process of the lachrymal elongated, very broad, reach-
ing nearly across the orbit. Posterior margin of the sternum nearly
even, entire, and without foramina. Primaries asin Polyboree and
Micrasture@....... SyeboueOOCOCeD nanococccocecoococmendacdon cosnece Herpetotheree.

428 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Of the foregoing groups only two have representatives in North
America; the Falconee, with several members, and the Polyboree
with a single tropical species coming just within our border.

The Falconee are represented in North America by apparently a
single genus, Falco, although it may ultimately prove necessary to
raise one or more of the supposed subgeneric divisions to full

generic rank.

Genus FALCO Luvs.

CHar. Billstrong, its breadth at the base equalto or exceeding its length; upper
outline of the cere on a level with, or rather lower than, the base of the culmen; gonys
very convex, the chord of the curve about half that of the culmen. Maxillary tomium
with a very prominent “tooth,” and mandibular tomium with a corresponding deep
notch; the end of the mandible being truncated and the tip of the maxilla compressed
and produced into astrongly hooked tip. Nostrils small, circular, and with a conspicuous
central bony tubercle. Orbital region bare; projecting superciliary shield bare and
conspicuous, though not very prominent. Tail shorter than the wing, more or less
rounded, the feathers rather hard. Primaries very strong, elongated, never more than
two having their inner webs emarginated, the emargination angular and near the end of
the quill, Tarsus never witha single continuous row of transverse scutelle, either in
front or behind. Middle toe very long—never much shorter, and sometimes longer than

the tarsus.

The above diagnosis includes the essential characters of all the
true Falcons, which apparently constitute a single genus, with, how-
ever, a number of more or less strongly marked subgeneric divisions.
What are probably distinct genera of Falconine are Spizapteryz,
Kaup (South America), and Zerax Vicors (Indian). The latter in-
cludes the smallest of the Accipitres, some species being no larger
than the European House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).

The following groups of North American Falcons are pretty well
characterized, and some of them (especially Tinnwneulus) may be
entitled to generic rank:

A. Only the first primary with inner web emarginated. First or second quill longest,
the first longer than the fourth. Sexes essentially alikein coloration, but young
very diiferent from adults.

1. Hierofaleo. Tarsus longer than middle toe,and feathered far below the knee.
First quill shorter than the third. Size large to largest of the family.

2. Rhynchodon, Tarsus shorter than middle toe and scarcely feathered below the
knee. First quill equal to, or longer than, the third. Size large to medium.

B. Two outer primaries wlth inner webs emarginated. Second or third quill longest,

the first shorter than the fourth.
a. Basal joint of toes without transverse scutelle. Tarsus about equal to the mid-

dle toe.

FALCONIDAZ—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 429

3. Zsalon. Size small (wing never more than 9 inches). Sexes very different in
adult plumage, the young of both sexes resembling the adult female.
b. Basal joint of toes covered with transverse scutellw. Tarsus longer than middle
toe.

4, Tinnunculus. Size small (wing never more than 8 inches in the American

species). Sexes very different at all ages, but not differing according to age.*
Large transverse scutelle of feet interrupted at lower extremity of tarsus and
extreme base of toes. Tarsus much longer than middle toe. Bill small, the cere
on the top less than one fourth the culmen.
Rhynchofaleo. Size medium (wing more than 9 inches). Sexes alike in color,
and young not essentially different from adults. Large scutelle of feet unin-
terrupted at base of toes. Tarsus but little longer than middle toe. Bill very
robust, the cere on top about one third the culmen. (Tropical, north to Texas.)

5

Supcenus Hierofalco Cuvier.

Hierofalco Cuy. Reg. An. 1817, 312. Type, Falco candicans GMEL.,=F. islandus BRUNN.
Gennaia Kaur, Isis, 1847, 69. Type, Falco jugger GRAY.

Synopsis of North American Species.

1. F.gyrfaleo, Feathering of the tarsus extending around on to the posterior face,
where the narrow naked strip is nearly or quite concealed. Male. Wing, 13.00-15.80;
tail, 7.50-10.00. Female. Wing, 15.75-17.00; tail, 9.50-11.50. Colors extremely variable,
the extremes being bluish or brownish gray barred or striped with dusky on the
upper parts, and uniform dark sooty slate, with few or no light markings.

2. F.mexicanus. Feathering of the tarsus confined almost wholly to the anterior face,
the posterior face entirely naked. Male. Wing, 11.80-12.50; tail, 6.40-8.00. Female.
Wing, 13.25-14.30; tail, 8.00-9.00. Adult male. Above light brown, barred anteriorly
with pale fulvous and posteriorly with pale bluish gray; top of head grayish brown,
streaked with dusky. Adult female. Above brown, without distinct bars, but
feathers bordered with paler rusty brown. Young. Above brown, feathers distinctly
margined with light rusty; beneath creamy white, the axillars and broken flank-
patch dusky brown; chest, ete., streaked with dark brown,

Falco mexicanus Schleg.
PRAIRIE FALCON,

Popular synonym. American Lanner Falcon.
Faleo mericanus “Licut.” ScHuEG. Abh. Geb. Zool. 1841, 15.—Couns, Key, 1872, 213;
Check List, 1874, No. 342; 2d ed. 1882, No. 502.
Falco polyagrus (part) Cass. Proc. Phil. Acad. vi, 1854, 450; Illustr. B. Cal. ete. 1853, 88,
pl. 16 (light fig.); in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 12.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 10.
Falco lanarius var. polyagrus B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 125.
Hierofalco mexicanus polyagrus Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 412.
Has. Western United States and table-lands of Mexico; north to Washington Ter-
ritory and Dakota, east to Illinois (prairie districts), Indian Territory, ete.

*In the European Kestril (F. tinnunculus Linn.) and its Old World allies, the young
male is said to resemble the adult female in coloration.

480 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Sp. CHar. Adult male (No. 59,063, U. 8S. Nat. Mus., Wahsatch Mts., Utah, May 23, 1868:

L. E. Ricksecker). Above cinereous-drab, becoming gradually paler and more bluish
posteriorly, barred, indistinctly, everywhere with a more dusky tint, the shafts of all
the feathers blackish; anteriorly the darker shade predominates, while posteriorly the
bluish prevails; on the anterior portions the light bars are much restricted in width,
and of a more ochraceous tint. Tail plain, very pale, ashy drab, narrowly tipped with
reddish white, this changing to pale rusty on the middle pair; the concealed portion of
the feathers outside the shaft show obsolete or faint traces of darker bars, which on the
middle pair are apparently about elevenin number. On the inner webs the paler bars
become broader than the darker ones, and incline to ochraceous in tint, the lateral
feather being edged externally with this color. Primaries plain ashy drab, with a hoary
tinge, growing insensibly darker terminally, and with a slightly paler apical margin.
Head and neck above, dark umber-brown, with conspicuous shaft-streaks of black.
Lores and broad superciliary stripe (somewhat interrupted above the eyes) white, finely
and sparsely streaked, the two stripes confluent across the occiput; a broad heavy
“mustache” from the lores and rictus downward and obliquely backwards, across the
maxilla, and a wider posterior stripe, like the crown. Beneath continuous white, with
a faint ochraceous tinge on the abdomen and crissum; abdomen and sides of the breast
with a few scattered, small, ovate spots of vandyke-brown; sides transversely spotted
with vandyke-brown, the spots coalesced into a broken patch on the flanks; outside of
the tibia with transverse spots of the same. Axillars plain clear vandyke-brown, with
afew nearly obsolete rusty specks near their ends; lining of the wing clear white, the
feathers with central spaces of dusky brown, which toward the edge become aggregated
into a longitudinal patch; inner webs of the primaries with broad transverse spots of
white, which reach nearly to the shaft; they are about thirteen in number on the longest
quill. Feet yellow; base of the bill tinged with the same. Wing, 12.00; tail, 7.50; tarsus,
1.90; middle toe, 1.70,

Adult (?) female (No. 18,258, Fort Buchannan, New Mexico: Dr. Irwin): Above contin-
uous umber-drab, growing gradually lighter posteriorly, the tail being pale drab; no
transverse bars (except a few concealed ones on back and secondaries), but all the
feathers faintly bordered with paler rusty brown, these edgings on upper tail-coverts
almost white. Tail tipped with creamy white,and with many transverse spots or broad
bars of the same on inner webs, outer feather irregularly skirted with the same, and all
decidedly paler than the ground color along their edges. Head asin the male, but fore-
head white, and superciliary stripe more continuous. Breastand abdomen with longi-
tudinal lanceolate or cuneate streaks of dark vandyke-brown; patch of same on flanks,
more continuous than in the male; axillars unvariegated clear dark vandyke brown,
longest primary with eleven transverse spots of white; posterior outer face of tibia with
sagittate spots of dark brown. Wing, 14.25; tail, 8.00; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 2.00.

Young male (No. 82,207, South Fork of Platte, July 19, 1858: C. 8. MeCarthy): Above
darker umber than the last, each feather distinctly bordered terminally with rusty ochra-
ceous. Beneath with a deeper cream-colored tinge, streaks blacker; flank-patch more
conspicuous and uniform; axillars unvariegated dusky. Wing, 13.25; tail. 7.25.

Adult males. A specimen from Gilmer, Wyoming Territory,
(No. 60,176, U. S. Nat. Mus.: H. R. Durkee), is very similar
to the Wahsatch example described above, but being in more worm
plumage the markings are not so well defined. The bars are
entirely obsolete on the rump, where, however, the bluish ashy
is relieved by very sharp black shaft-streaks; on the exposed sur-
face of the closed tail, the tint is very pale brownish ash, and the
bars are almost completely obliterated. ‘The tints generally partake
of a dull ashy character, with little brown. It measures, wing,

FALCONIDA—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 431

11.80; tail, 7.50; culmen, .75; tarsus, 2.15; middle toe, 1.65. Cere,
base of both mandibles, eyebrow, bare orbital region, tarsi and toes,
clear yellow. |

Adult (2) females. A female obtained by Captain Bendire at
Camp Harney, Oregon, measured, when fresh, 18.50 inches in
length; wing, 18.25; tail, 8.00; weight 4 lbs. 12 oz. “Base of bill
and cere sky-blue; tarsi and toes light greenish yellow.”

Young males. A young male obtained by me November 29, 1867,
at Carson City, Nevada, measured as follows before being skinned:
Total length, 17 inches; extent, 87.75; wing, 12.25; tail, 7.50; weight
only 1} lbs. Bill, very fine bluish white, shadimg terminally into
bluish slate, the point black; cere, rictus, and bare orbital region,
greenish white; iris, vivid vandyke-brown; tarsi and toes pale yel-
lowish, with a tinge of verdigris-green.

This fine faleon is a mere straggler to Illinois, having been ob-
served on but few occasions. A specimen was obtained at Rock
Island, by Mr. I. D. Sargent, of Philadelphia, and by him pre-
sented to the Academy of Natural Sciences in that city, while it
has been observed on two occasions by the writer, once near Mount
Carmel and once in Lawrence county (near the town of Bridge-
port), both during the month of September, 1871.

Suseenus Rhynchodon Nirzscu.

Rhynchodon Nirzscu, Pterylog. 1840, 7,8 Type, Falco peregrinus LATH.

The essential characters of this subgenus having been given on
page 428, there is no necessity for their repetition here. There is
but one species in North America, the circumpolar L[. peregrinus, or
Peregrine Falcon.

Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.)

DUCK HAWK.
Popular synonyms, American Peregrine; Great-footed Falcon; Black-capped Falcon.
Falco peregrinus Wiis. Am. Orn. ix, 1814, 120, pl. 76—NutvT. Man. i, 1832, 53.—Aub. Orn.
Biog. i, 1832, 85; v, 1839, 365,pl. 16; Synop. 1839, 16; B. Am. i, 1840, 84, pl. 20.
Falco nevius GMEL. 8. N. i, pt. i; 1798, 271.
Falco peregrinus nevius Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 414.
Falco anatum Bonar. Comp. List, 1838, 4.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 7.—Barrp,

Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 5.
Falco communis var. anatum Ripew. in B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 128, 132.

Falco communis ¢. anatum Cougs, B. N. W. 1874, 341.

432 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Falco nigriceps Cass, Proc. Phil. Acad. vi, 1853; 450; Illust. B. Cat. ete. 1854, 87; in
Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 8; ed. 1860, pl. 11.—Barrp. Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 6.
Falco communis “GMEL.” Cougs, Key, 1872, 213; Check List, 1874, No. 343.

Has. Whole of America.

Sp. CHar. Adult male (No. 43,134, U.S. Nat. Mus., Fort Resolution, Brit. N. Am., June:
J. Lockhart). Upper parts dark bluish plumbeous, approaching black anteriorly, but on
rump and upper tail-coverts becoming bluish plumbeous ash. On the head and neck
the continuous plumbeous black covers all the former except the chin and throat, and
the back portion of the latter; an invasion or indentation of the white of lower parts up
behind the ear-coyerts separates the black of the cheeks from that of the neck, throwing
the former into a prominent angular patch; forehead and lores grayish. All the feathers
above (posterior to the nape) with transverse bars of plumbeous black, these most
sharply defined posteriorly, where the plumbeous is lightest. Tail black, more plum-
beous basally, very faintly paler at the tip, and showing ten or eleven transverse narrow
bands of plumbeous, these most distinct anteriorly; the bars are clearest oninner webs.
Alula, primary and secondary coverts, secondaries and primaries, uniform plumbeous
black, narrowly whitish on terminal margin, most observable on secondaries and inner
primaries. Lower parts white, tinged with delicate cream-color, this deepest on the
abdomen; sides and tibie tinged with bluish. Chin, throat and jugulum immaculate;
the breast, however, with faint longitudinal shaft-streaks of black; sides, flanks and
tibiz distinctly barred transversely with black, about four bars being on each feather;
on the lower tail-coverts they are narrower and more distant; on the abdomen the mark-
ings arein the form of circular spots; anal region barred transversely. Lining of the
wing (including all the under coverts) white tinged with blue, and barred like the sides;
under surface of primaries slaty, with elliptical spots or bars of creamy white on inner
webs, twelve on the longest. Wing formula, 2-1-3. Wing, 12.25; tail, 6.00; tarsus, 1.60;
middle toe, 1.85; outer, 1.40; inner, 1.20; posterior, .80; culmen, .80.

Adult female (No. 13,077, Liberty Co.. Georgia: Professor J. L. Leconte): Like the
male, but ochraceous tinge beneath deeper; no ashy wash; bands on the tail more
sharply defined, about ten dark ones being indicated; outer surface of primaries and
secondaries with bands apparent; tail distinctly tipped with ochraceous white. Inner
web of longest primary with thirteen more reddish transverse spots. White of neck
extending obliquely upward and forward toward the eye, giving the black cheek patch
more prominence. Markings beneath as inthe male. Wing formulathesame. Wing,
14.50; tail, 7.00; tarsus, 1.95; middle toe, 2.10; culmen, .95.

Young male (No. 53,193, Truckee River, Nevada, July 24, 1867; R. Ridgway): Above
plumbeous black, tail more slaty. Every feather broadly bordered terminally with dull
cinnamon; these crescentic bars becoming gradually broader posteriorly, narrower and
more obsolete on the head above. Tail distinctly tipped with pale cinnamon, the inner
webs of feathers with indistinct transverse spots on the same, these touching neither
the edge nor the shaft; scarcely apparent indications of corresponding spots on outer
webs. Region round the eye, and broad “moustache” across the cheeks, pure black, the
latter more conspicuous than in the older stages. being cut off posteriorly by the exten-
sion of the cream-color of the neck nearly to the eye. A broad stripe of pale ochraceous
running from above the ear-coverts back to the occiput, where the two stripes of oppo-
site sides nearly meet. Lower parts purplish cream-color, or rosy ochraceous white,
deepest posteriorly; jugulum, breast, sides, flanks, and tibiz with longitudinal stripes
of plumbeous black, these broadest on flanks and abdomen, and somewhat sagittate on
the tibiw; lower tail-coverts with distant transverse bars. Lining of the wing like the
sides, but the markings more transverse; inner web of longest primary with nine trans-
verse purplish ochre spots. Wing formula, 2-1-3. Wing, 12.50; tail, 7.00. Length, 16.50;
expanse, 39.25. Weight, 144lbs. Basal half of the bill pale bluish white, cere rather
darker; terminal half (rather abruptly) slate-color, the tip deepening into black; iris
very dark vivid vandyke-brown; naked orbital space pale bluish white, witha slight
greenish tint; tarsi and toes lemon-yellow, with a slight greenish cast; claws jet-black.

FALCONIDH—DIURNAL RAPTORES. . 433

It is extremely uncertain how many of the so-called “species”
of Peregrine Falcon which pass current should be referred to F.
peregrinus as geographical races, and it is equally doubtful how
many of the latter should be recognized. I have yet to see a
North American Peregrine which I could not distinguish readily
from European examples, the chest being usually either immaculate
or else very inconspicuously streaked in the American bird; but
European writers say that they have inspected American specimens
which had the breast as distinctly streaked as those from Hurope.
It is possible, however, that their remarks are based upon specimens
of F. pealet, which has the chest so heavily marked as to be
sometimes even spotted, and which differs so much from typical
peregrinus that it may eventually prove to be a distinct species,
though I am inclined to regard it as one of several geographical
races of a widely distributed parent stock, to which I would also
refer F’. cassint Sharpe, of the southern extremity of South America.

In the adult plumage the principal variation is in the extent and
disposition of the bars beneath. In most individuals they are reg-
ularly transverse only laterally and posteriorly, those on the belly
being somewhat broken into more irresular cordate spots, though
always transverse; in no American specimen that I have seen, are
they as continuously transverse as in a male (No. 18,804) from
Europe, which, however, in this respect, may form an exception to
most Kuropean examples.

Very old males (as 49,790, Fort Yukon; 27,188, Moose Factory,
(type of Elliott’s figure of F’. peregrinus, in Birds of America); and
42,997, Spanishtown, Jamaica) lack almost entirely the reddish tinge
beneath, and have the posterior portions strongly tinged with blue.

The fact that this noble bird breeds in hollow trees in various
parts of the Mississippi Valley is a comparatively recent discovery,
being first announced by Col. N. 8. Goss in the ‘Nuttall Bulletin”
for January, 1878.

In the spring of 1878, the writer found several pairs nesting in
sycamore trees in the neighborhood of Mt. Carmel. Three nests
were found in the immediate vicinity of the town. All were
placed in cavities in the top of very large sycamore trees, and
were inaccessible. One of these trees was felled, however, and
measurements with a tape-line showed the nest to have been eighty-

—28

434 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

nine feet from the ground, its location being a shallow cavity,
caused by the breaking off of the main limb, the upper part of
which projected over sufficiently to form a protection from the sun
and rain.

Suserenus Zésalon Kaur.
4lsalon Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 40. Type Falco «salon GMEL.

The species of this subgenus may be distinguished by the follow-
ing characters:

CoMMON CHARACTERS. Adult males plumbeous blue above, the feathers with dusky
shafts; tail more or less banded with black, and tipped with whitish. Beneath whitish,
buffy, or light rusty, striped with brownish. Adult females. Above brownish, with
darker shaft-streaks. Tail usually with flve to eight. more or less distinct, lighter bands
(all but the terminal one sometimes obsolete in F. suckleyi). Beneath whitish, buffy, or
ochraceous, striped with dusky or brownish. Yowng (both sexes). Similar to the adult
female, but colors softer, more blended.

A. Tail of adult male with six imperfect blackish bands, besides the subterminal broad
black zone. Adult female and young with about eight light bands, including the ter-
minal one.

(F. regulus, of Europe and Northern Asia.)

B. Tail of adult male with only three or four blackish bands, besides the broader sub-
terminal one. Adult female and young never with more than six light bands, inelud-
ing the terminal one.

1. F, richardsoni. Adult male. Above pearl-blue or pale ashy blue, the crown
more or less tinged with ochraceous. Tail crossed by five dark and six light
bands, the latter more orless mixed or clouded with white; outer webs of pri-
maries distinctly spotted with light bluish gray, the inner web of the longest
with eight white spots. ‘‘Mustache” obsolete, or but very slightly indicated.
Lower parts buff, or buffy white, the tibi and a nuchal collar more ochraceous.
Breast, etc., rather broadly striped with brownish. Wing, 7.70-8.60; tail, 5.00-6.00;
eulmen, .50-.60; tarsus, 1.42-1.55; middle toe, 1.20-1.30. Adult female. Above
earthy brown, more or less distinctly marked with transverse spots of a lighter
shade. Tail with six very distinct and perfectly continuous whitish bands;
secondaries distinctly banded with ochraceous, and outer webs of primaries
distinetly spotted with a lighter tint of the same. Beneath white or buffy, the
breast, ete., broadly striped with light brown. Wing, 8.50-9.00; tail,6.00-6.30; cul-
men, .55-.58; tarsus, 1.55-1.65; middle toe, 1.35-1.40; Young. Similar to the adult
female, but more decidedly buffy below, the upper parts more or less tinged
with rusty.

2. F. columbarius. Adult male. Above much darker plumbeous. Tail crossed by
not more than four dark or five light bands (including terminal one). Adult
Jemale and young. Very variable in color, but tail never with more than four
dark or five light bands, including the whitish tip.

Q@.columbarius. Adult female and young with distinct light spots on inner
webs of primaries, and the light bands on the tail more or less distinct.
Male: Wing,7.20-7.90; tail, 4.90-5.50; culmen,.48-.50; tarsus, 1.30-1.40; middle
toe,1.15. Female: Wing,8.00-8.55; tail,5.50-6.00; culmen,.55-.60; tarsus, 155-
1.60; middle toe, 1.35-1.40,

p. suckleyi. Adult female and young, without distinct spots on inner webs
of primaries, or light bands on tail (except the whitish tip), these
markings being sometimes wholly obsolete. General color much darker,
the lower parts even with dusky predominating. Male: Wing,7.35-7.70;
tail,5.25-5.60; culmen, .48-.50; tarsus, 1.30-1.45; middle toe,L.20. Female: Wing,
8.25-8.50; tail,5.70-5.80; culmen,.55-.60; tarsus,1.50-1.60; middle toe, 1.35-1.40,
(Adult male unknown!)

FALCONIDA;—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 4385

Falco columbarius (Linn.)

PIGEON HAWK.

Popular synonyms, American Merlin; Little Corporal (AuDUBON).

Falco columbarius Linn. 8. N. ed. 10,1, 1758, 90; ed. 12,i, 1766, 128.—Wrixs. Am. Orn. ii, 1810,
107, pl. 15, fig. 83—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 466; B. Am. i, 1839, 88, pl. 21; Synop. 1839, 16.—
Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 60.—CAss. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 9, (s. g. Hypotriorchis).—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 214; Check List, 1874, No. 344; 2d ed. 1882, No. 505; B. N. W. 1874, 345.

Hypotriorchis columbarius GRay, 1844.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 7.

Aisalon columbarius Kaup, Contr. Orn. 1850,54.—Rrpaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 417.

Falco (4salon) lithofalco var. columbarius B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 143, 144,
Falco temerarius AuD. Orn. Biog. i,1831, 381; B. Am. pls. 75,92.

Has. Whole of North America, migrating in winter over whole of Middle America
and northern South America (as far as Ecuador and Venezuela), and throughout West
Indies.

Sp. CHar. Adult male. Above cinereous, varying in shade, but generally ofa slaty
bluish cast; each feather with a distinct shaft-streak of black, these lines most conspicu-
ous onthehead above. ‘Tail with a very broad subterminal band of black, about one
inch in width; there are indications of three other bands, their continuity and distinct-
ness varying with the individual, but generally quite conspicuous, and each about half
the width of the subterminal one; the latteris succeeded by a terminal one of white,
about three sixteenths of an inch in width, sometimes broader; on the lateral feathers
the black bands are always conspicuous, being in the form of transverse oblong spots,
erossing the shaft, but less extended on the outer web, which is often immaculate ex-
cept at the end, the broad terminal band always extending to the edge of the feather.
Primaries dusky black, margined terminally more or less distinctly with whitish (some-
times fading on the edge only); on the inner web is a series of about eight transverse
oval spots of white, and generally corresponding to these are indications of bluish ashy
spots on the outer web. Beneath white, this purest on the throat, which is immaculate;
there is generally a more or less strong tinge of fulvous beneath, this always prevalent
on the tibiw, and ona distinct collar extending round the nape, interrupting the blue
above; the tibiw frequently incline to ochraceous rufous. Lateral portions of the head
with fine streaks of dusky, these thickest on the upper edge of the ear-coverts, leaving
a distinct whitish superciliary streak, those of opposite sides meeting on the forehead.
Breast, upper part of the abdomen, sides, and flanks, with longitudinal stripes of umber,
each with a shaft-streak of black; on the flanks their shape is modified, here taking the
form of spots running in chain-like series; tibia with narrower and darker streaks;
lower tail-coverts with narrow central streaks like those on the tibia, Frequently there
is a strong bluish shade on flanks and lower tail-coverts. sometimes replacing the brown
of the spots on the former, and clouding in a similar form the latter. Length about, 11.00;
extent, 23.75; wing, 7.20-7.90; tail, 4.90-5.50; culmen, .48-.50; tarsus, 1.30-1.40 ; middle toe, 1.15-1.25.

Adult female. Pattern of coloration asin the male, but the colors different. The
blue above replaced by dark umber-brown with a plumbeous cast, and showing more or
less distinct darker shaft-lines; those on the head above very broad, giving a streaked
appearance; white spots on inner webs of primaries more ochraceous than in the male,
Tail dark plumbeous brown, shading into blackish toward end, with five rather narrow
ochraceous or soiled white bars, the first of which is concealed by the upper coverts,
the last terminal. White beneath less tinged with reddish than in the male, the tibia
not different from the other portions; markings beneath as in the male. Total length,
about 12.50-13.25; extent, 20.50-22.00; wing, 8.00-8.55; tail, 5.50-6.00; culmen,.55-.60; tarsus,
1,55-1.60; middle toe, 1.35.

Young. Above plumbeous brown, tinged with fulvous on head, and more or less
washed with the same on the rump; frequently the feathers of the back, rump, scapu-

436 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

lars, and wings pass into a rusty tinge at theedge; this color is, however, always preva-
lent on the head, which is conspicuously streaked with dusky. Tail plumbeous dusky,
darker terminally, with five regular light bars; those towards the base ashy, as they ap-
proach the end becoming more ochraceous; these bars are more continuous and regular
than in the adult female, and are seen conspicuously on the middle feathers. Primaries
dusky, passing on edge (terminally) into lighter; spots on the inner webs broader than
in the female, and pinkish ochre; outer webs with less conspicuous corresponding spots
of the same. Beneath soft ochraceous, marked as in adult female, but stripes less
sharply defined; tibia not darker than abdomen.

This little Falcon, like the Peregrine, is resident, locally, through-
out the State, but is comparatively rare. Like its larger relative,
it nests in cavities of large trees in the forest, but where suitable
cliffs occur it also builds its nest among rocks.

“This Hawk,” says Dr. Brewer,* “is remarkable for its rapid
flight and its courage and enterprise in attacking birds as large or
even larger than itself, though generally it only preys upon smaller
birds, such as Grakles, Red-winged Blackbirds, Robins, and Pigeons.”

Suncenus Tinnunculus VIeILLoT.

Tinnunculus Vieux. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 39. Type Falco tinnunculus LINN.
Pecilornis Kaur, Nat. Syst. 1828, 108. Type Falco sparverius LINN.

Falco sparverius (Linn.)

AMERICAN SPARROW HAWK.
Popular synonyms. American Kestril; Little Rusty-crowned Falcon.

Falco sparverius Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 90; ed. 12, i, 1766, 128.—Wus. Am. Orn. ii, 1810,
117, pl. 16. fig. 1 (male), pl. 23, fig. 2 (female).—_Sw. & Ricu. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 31, pl. 24.
—Aup. B. Am. fol. ed. 1831, pl. 22; oct. ed. i, 1840, 90, pl. 22; Orn. Biog. ii, 1831, 246, pl.
142.—Nurt. Man, i, 1832, 58,—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 13, (s. g. Tinnunculus).
—CouEs, Key, 1871,15; Check List, 1874, No. 346; 2d ed. 1882, No. 508; B. N. W. 1874, 349.

Falco(Tinnunculus) sparverius B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 169 (var. sparverius).
Tinnunculus sparverius VIEILL. 1807.—BatrD, Cat. N. Am. B, 1859, No. 13.—Ripew. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 420.

Falco isabellinus Swarts. Anim. in Menag. 1879, 281 (Cayenne).

Falco (Tinnunculus) sparverius var. isabellinus B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iil, 1874,
167, 171.

Tinnunculus sparverius isabellinus Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B.1881,No. 420a,

Falco sparverius isabellinus Cours, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 509.

Sp. CHar. Adult male (No. 12,025, Washington, D. C.: W. Wallace). Forehead, lateral
and posterior regions of the crown, occiput, and wings, bluishash. Crown,nape, scapulars
interseapulars, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail, fine cinnamon-rufous; scapulars and
back barred with black, the bars broadest and most conspicuous posteriorly. Tail tipped
with white, and with a broad, sharply defined subterminal zone of black, about one inch
in width; lateral feather, with outer web and terminal half of inner ashy white, the later
with one or two distinct transverse spots of black anterior to the terminalone. Wing-

* Hist. N. Am. B. iii, pp. 150, 151.

FALCONIDE:—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 487

coverts with more or less conspicuous cordate spots of black, rather sparsely distributed;
basal two thirds of secondaries, and whole of primaries, deep black,—the latter whitish
around the terminal margin, and with nine transverse bands of white on inner web of
longest (second), the white rather exceeding the black, the points of which do not reach
the edge of the feather; lining of the wing white, with conspicuous cordate spots of
black. Front and superciliary region more hoary than the forehead, almost approach-
ing white. Whole lateral region of the head, with chin, throat, and lower parts, white;
the neck, breast, and sides, however, with a deep tinge of ochraceous, the tint hardly
approaching the depth of color seen on the nape. On the head there are (considering
both sides) seven black spots,—the first originating in front of the bare anteorbital space
(leaving the lores white), and extending in a stripe downward across the malar region,
forming a conspicuous “mustache;“ the second crosses the tips of the ear-coverts, in
the form of an oblong transverse spot; the third is smaller, situated as far behind the
last as this is posterior to the “mustache,” crossing the side of the neck. The lastis an
odd nuchal spot, separating the ash of the occiputfrom the rufous of the hind-neck,
Breast and sides with circular or cordate spots of pure black, these varying in size, but
generally larger on the sides. Other lower parts immaculate. Wing formula, 2=3-4, 1.
Wing, 7.10; tail, 4.50; tarsus, 1.32; middle toe, .98; culmen, .45.

Adult female (No. 10,751, Fort Bridger, Utah: C. Drexler). Blue above confined to the
head, which shows rufous patch asin the male; entire upper parts rufous, lighter and
less purplish than in the male, everywhere barred with black. Tail with twelve sharply
defined narrow bars of black, the subterminal broadest, and about \Ithree eights of an
inchin width. Longest primary with eleven transverse spaces of pale rufous, nearly
twice as wide asthe dusky ones, which scarcely touch the edge. Beneath yellowish
white, paler than in the male; breast and sides with rusty longitudinal spots. Head as
inthe male. Wing, 7.60; tail, 5.20; tarsus, 1.50; middle toe, .90; bill,.50. Wing formula,
2=3-+1.

Young male (No. 5,581, Medicine Bow Creek, Nebraska, August 7, 1856: W. 8. Wood.)
Exactly like the adult male, but with rufous darker, approaching to chestnut; spots be-
neath inclining to a tear-shaped form, and, though more numerous, not so well defined
asin the adult; also rufescent tinge beneath more general; blue of the wings with
searcely any spots; white terminal band of tail tinged with rufous. Sometimes the two
or three outer feathers are clouded with ash, and possess indication of bars, formed of
irregular black spots.

Young female (No. 40,520, Fort Rice, Dakota: 8. M. Rothhammer). Generally like the
adult, but with rufous above darker, approaching ferruginous; the bars everywhere
broader, and purer black; rufous vertical patch streaked centrally with black; spots be-
neath larger, darker, approaching reddish umber.

Variations. While perhaps a majority of specimens of this species
agree very nearly with those described above, there is nevertheless
a very wide range of individual variation, in each plumage. Speci-
mens from the eastern United States are apparently more variable
in their markings than western examples, and this is true of any
locality within that region. The extreme variation reached in this
portion of the continent is that plumage upon which Swainson
based his Falco isabellinus, which is characterized (1) by the uniform
dark plumbeous pileum, the usual rufous crown-spot being absent
or much reduced in size; (2) by the whole breast and jugulum, in
the adult male, being immaculate deep ochraceous or buff, the few
spots, should any be present, confined to the sides. ‘The females
of this style are much darker colored than those in the normal

438 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

plumage, and, like the males, usually lack the rufous crown-patch.

The Sparrow Hawk is the American representative of the Kestril
of Europe (Tinnunculus tinnunculus), a considerably larger but other-
wise very similar bird. The common note is peculiar, consisting of
a protracted, not unmusical chatter, difficult to describe, but when
once heard always to be recognized afterward. Neglected fields
with old dead trees are the favorite abode of the Sparrow Hawk,
for the lofty naked branches are a convenient and commanding
position from which to survey the surroundings, while the knot-
holes or deserted excavations of the larger woodpeckers afford cosy
and secure houses for their nests. Upon a lofty branch the Sparrow
Hawk may be seen resting or patiently ‘‘waiting for something to
turn up”; sitting quietly, in an upright position, sometimes for an
hour or more. Should a thoughtless mouse steal incautiously from
her nest for a ramble, the quick eye of its watchful enemy detects
it. He first dives from his perch and flies directly over the object
in view. Should the latter be quiet for a while, the hawk poises
itself in mid-air, its fan-like tail widely expanded, and its head
lowered, waiting for a favorable opportunity to descend upon its in-
tended victim. But the mouse is usually rather restless, running
first to one point, then, after a short halt, zigzagging off to another.
The hawk, however, follows every movement, shooting rapidly off
and hovering temporarily exactly to correspond with the movements
of the unsuspecting mouse. When thus engaged it is sure to attract
attention, and this characteristic of the species is doubtless familiar
to sportsmen as well as to all people used to country scenes. When
it alights, the Sparrow Hawk plunges upon the branch, closes its
wing with a neryous snap, and tilts its expanded tail up and down,
at the same time turning its head watchfully from side to side.

Instances have been known where this hawk deposited its eggs
in a deserted crow’s nest; but it is seldom that they expose them in
this manner. There is usually no nest, but the eggs are laid upon
the rubbish at the bottom of the hole.

The eggs are generally five in number, but range from three to
seven, the latter number, however, being but seldom found in one
nest. In shape they are nearly spherical, but little difference in size
and contour being observable in the two ends; their length ranges
from 1.32 to 1.48 inches, the average being about 1.38; and in
breadth they measure from 1.08 to 1.20 inches, with an average
diameter of 1.18. The ground color of the eggs varies from white

FALCONIDA3—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 439

to a rather deep buff or cream-color, which is relieved by a greater
or less amount of brown and reddish spotting; the spots are nearly
always small, and usually rather scattered, but sometimes they are
thickly sprinkled over the entire surface; the markings are generally
of several shades of rusty brown, but the tint varies from umber
to reddish chestnut.

Supramiry PANDIONIN Ai.—Tue Ospreys.

CxHar. Outer toe reversible. Claws very large and strongly curved, of equal length,
their under side narrowed and rounded. Plumage withoutaftershafts, that of the thighs
very close and compact, the feathers short.

The above characters separate the Ospreys from all other diurnal Accipitres. (See
page 426.) The subfamily includes asingle genus, Pandion, which occurs throughout
the temperate and tropical portions of the globe.

Genus PANDION Savieny.

Pandion Savien. Desc. de I’ Egypte, 1809, 272. Type Falco haliaétus LINN.

Gen. CHAR. Billinflated, the cere depressed below the arched culmen; end of bill
much developed, forming a strong, pendent hook. Anterior edge of nostril touching
edge of cere. Whole of tarsus and toes (except terminal joint) covered with rough,
somewhat imbricated, projecting scales. Outer toe versatile; all the claws of equal
length. In their shape, also, they are peculiar; they contract in thickness to their lower
side, where they are much narrower than on top, as well as perfectly smooth and round-
ed; the middle claw has the usual sharp lateral ridge, butit is not very distinct. All the
toes perfectly free. Tibizw not plumed, but covered compactly with short feathers, these
reaching down the front of the tarsus below the knee, and terminating inan angle. Pri-
mary coverts hard, stitf,and acuminate, almost as much so as the quill themselves; third
quill longest; first longer than fifth; second, third, and fourth sinuated on outer webs;
outer three deeply emarginated, the fourth sinuated on inner webs.

Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (Gmel.)

AMERICAN OSPREY.

Popular synonyms. Fish Eagle; Fish Hawk.

Falco carolinensis GMEL. 8.N. i, 1788, 263.
Pandion carolinensis AuD. B. Am. 1831,pl. 81; Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 415.—Cass. {n Baird’s
B. N. Am. 1858, 44.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 44.
Pandion haliaétus var. carolinensis Ripaw. 1870.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874,
185, 184.
Pandion haliaétus carolinensis Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 425.
Pandion haliaétus Aup. B. Am. i, 1840,64, pl. 15; Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 415.—Covuss, Key, 1872,
219; Check List. 1874, No, 360; 2d ed. 1882, No. 530; B. N. W. 1874, 367.

Has. Whole of North America, and south through West Indies and Middle America
to northern Brazil, Trinidad, and Panama. Represented in the Palearctic Region by
the true P. haliaétus (Linn.), and in the Australian Region by P. haliaétus leucocephalus
(Gould).

Sp. CHar. Young male (No. 17,227, San José, Lower California, December 15, 1859, J.
Xantus). Upper surface dark vandyke-brown, with a faint purplish cast; quills black.
Every feather with a conspicuous sharply defined terminal crescent of pure white, Tail

440 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

brownish drab, narrowly tipped with white, and crossed with seven (one concealed) reg-
ular bands of dusky; inner webs almost wholly white, the black bands sharply defined
and continuous; shafts entirely white. Ground color of the head, neck,and entire lower
parts pure white; a broad stripe from the eye back across upper edge of the ear-coverts to
the occiput brownish black; white head also sparsely streaked with blackish, these streaks
suffusing and predominating medially; nape faintly tinged with ochraceous, and sparsely
streaked. Breast with large cordate spots of brown, fainter than that of the back, a
median spot on each feather, the shaft black; rest of lower partsimmaculate. Lining of
the wing white, strongly tinged with ochraceous; the brown of the outer surface en-
eroaching broadly over the edge. Under primary coverts with broad transverse spots
or bars; under surface of primaries grayish white anterior to the emargination, irregu-
larly mottled with grayish; axillarsimmaculate. Wing formula, 2=3, 4-1,5. Wing, 20.00;
tail, 8.80; culmen, 1.35; tarsus, 1.10-2.15; middle toe, 1.90; outer,1.75; inner, 1.40; posterior,
1.15; posterior outer and inner claws of equal length, each measuring 1.20 (chord);
middle,1.15. ‘Iris yellow; feet greenish yellow.”

Adult male. Similar, but upper parts uniform dusky brown, and the breast very
slightly (often not at all) spotted.

Adult female (No. 290, Carlisle, Pa., April 17, 1841,S8. F. Baird). Similar to adult male
but breast rather more spotted. Wing formula, 3, 2-4-1, 5. Wing, 20.50; tail,9.15; culmen,
1.35; tarsus, 2.15; middle toe,1.70.

The specimens described are those having the breast most dis-
tinctly spotted. Many others have the breast immaculate, this
being the rule in the American bird, especially the adult male.
Specimens vary, in length of wing from 17.50 to 20.50. Contrary
to the usual rule in this family, the male appears to exceed the
female in size.

Measurements.
Sex. | Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. Tarsus. | Middle toe. | Specimens.
Male........ 19.00-20.50} = 10.00-10.50 1.35 2.25-2.40 1.80-1.85 5
Female..... 18.75-19.00 8.80- 9.50 1.25-1.35 2.00-2.25 1.70-1.80 4

Second and third quills longest; first shorter or longer than fifth.

The Fish Hawk is a common species on all the larger waters of
the State. It is a summer resident, though in the southern por-
tion individuals have occasionally been observed during mild winters.
From History of North American Birds, Vol. Il1., pp. 188, 189, we
quote the following respecting the habits of this species:

“T can find no instance on record where our Fish Hawk has been
known to molest any other bird or land animal, to feed on them,
though their swiftness of flight, and their strength of wing and
claws, would seem to render such attacks quite easy. On their
arrival the Fish Hawks are said to combine, and to wage a deter-
mined war upon the White-headed Hagles, often succeeding by their
numbers and courage in driving them temporarily from their haunts.

FALCONIDA—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 441

But they never attack them singly. The Fish Hawk nests almost
invariably on the tops of trees, and this habit has been noticed in
all parts of the country. It is not without exceptions, but these
are quite rare. The trees on which their nests are built are not
unfrequently killed by their excrement or the saline character of
their food and the materials of their nest. The bird is bold and
confiding, often constructing its nest near a frequented path, or
even upon a highway.

“The nests are usually composed externally of large sticks, often
piled to the height of five feet, with a diameter of three. In a nest
described by Wilson, he found, intermixed with a mass of sticks,
corn-stalks, sea-weed, wet turf, mullein-stalks, etc., the whole lined
with dry sea-grass (Zostera marina) and large enough to fill a cart
and be no inconsiderable load for a horse.

“They are yery devoted in their attentions to their mates, and
supply them with food while on the nest.

“In some localities the Fish Hawk nests in large communities
as many as three hundred pairs having been observed nesting on
one small island. When a new nest is to be constructed, the whole
community has been known to take part in its completion. They
are remarkably tolerant towards smaller birds, and permit the
Purple Grakle (Quiscalus purpureus) to construct its nests in the in-
terstices of their own. Wilson observed no less than four of these
nests thus clustered in a single Fish Hawk’s nest, with a fifth on
an adjoining branch.”

Susramity ACCIPITRIN 24.—Tue Kites, Hawks, anp Hacues.

CHAR. Outer toe not reversible, and claws graduated in size, with their under surface
grooved, or at least not contracted; bill without distinct teeth in connection with a small
circular nostril enclosing a distinct long tubercle. ,Other characters extremely variable.

The variations of form among the numerous members of this ex-
tensive subfamily are so great that it becomes a difficult matter to
diagnose it briefly. A fuller diagnosis may be found on page 426,
which, taken in connection with the one given above, should enable
the student to identify without difficulty a bird belonging to this
subfamily.

It is not claimed that the following arrangement is perfectly
natural, since it is intended expressly as a convenient artificial
analysis to facilitate identification of the North American genera.

442

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

A. Wing less than 18 inches; inner webs of not more than four or five outer quills dis-
tinctly emarginated.
a}, Lower half, or more, of tarsi naked.
v1. Front of tarsi without transverse scutella.

1. Elanoides. Tail excessively forked, the lateral rectrices more than twice
as long as the middle pair. Claws grooved beneath. Tarsi covered with
large, irregular scales.

Elanus. Tail double-rounded. Claws rounded on their under side. Tarsi

covered with minute roundish scales.

v%. Front of tarsi with transverse scutellx.
c}, Tail emarginate, and bill greatly hooked or else distinctly notched and
toothed.

3. Ictinia, Bill Falcon-like, with distinct, though not prominent, notch
and teeth. Feet small and robust, the claws not unusually elongated.

4. Rostrhamus. Bill very slender and greatly hooked, entirely devoid of
notch or tooth. Feet slender, the claws unusually lengthened. (Ex-
tralimital; tropical.)

e*, Tail truncate or rounded, or if emarginate the bill neither greatly hooked
nor distinctly notched.

d', Form slender, the head proportionally small, the legs slender, claws

9

“

very acute, and tail lengthened. Bill comparatively weak, com-
pressed, high through the base, the culmen much ascending
basally, and the cere decidedly arched.

Circus. Face surrounded bya “ruff” of stiffened, differently formed,
feathers, as inthe owls. Tarsus more than twice as longas the
middle toe. Wing very long, outer four primaries with inner webs
sinuated.

Accipiter. Face without ruff. Tarsus less than twice the length of
the middle toe. Wing short, very concave beneath, the outer quill
much bowed, the five outer with inner webs emarginated.

d*, Form short and heavy, the head larger, tail shorter, and legs more

10.

robust, with claws less acute. Bill stronger, less compressed,
lower through the base, the upper outline less ascending basally,
and cere less arched.

Parabuteo. Form heavy, the wings and tail moderately long, and
feet very robust; bill rather elongated, the commissural lobe
prominent, and the base of the culmen somewhat depressed.
Fourth quill longest; outer five with inner webscut. Lores naked,
and almost destitute of bristles. (Extralimital)

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

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

Buteo. Form of Parabuteo, but primaries longer and more pointed,
the fourth usually longest, and the outer three or four with inner
webs cut. Tail moderate, or rather short, nearly even, or slightly
rounded. ;

a*, Tarsus densely feathered to the base of the toes.

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

11.

FALCONIDE—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 443

B. Wing more than 20 inches; inner webs of outer six primaries distinctly emarginated.
al, Tarsus densely feathered, all round, to the base of the toes.

12. Aquila, Nostril narrowly oval, obliquely vertical. A very distinct web
between middle and outer toes. Feathers of the nape distinctly lanceo-
late.

a2, Tarsus with lower part naked.

bl. Tail short,much less than two thirds the pointed wing; feet moderately
robust, with upper half of tarsus featheredin front. Head crestless; feathers
of neck all round, distinctly lanceolate. No distinct web between middle
and outer toes
13. Haliwetus. Tail rounded, of 12rectrices. Upper outline of cere nearly

straight; nostrils with lower end rounded, opening rather abruptly in-
ward.

14. Thalassoaétus. Tail cuneate, of 14 rectrices. Upper outline of cere
much arched; nostrils with lower end pointed and beveled gradually to
the level of the cere. (Extralimital; Kamtschatkan—and Aleutian?)

b?. Tail long, truncated, two thirds or more the very broad, rounded wing.
Feet enormously robust, with nearly the whole tarsus naked. Head witha
broad erectile crest of lengthened broad and rounded feathers; feathers of
neck all round, broad and rounded. A moderately developed web between
middle and outer toes.

15. Thrasaétus. Secondaries greatly developed, both in length and breadth.
reaching to the end of primaries; fifth to seventh quills longest, the
outer seven with inner webs shallowly sinuated. Claws enormously
large and powerful, but rather obtuse, the inner and posterior ones
equal to their digits in length. (Extralimital; tropical.)

Genus ELANOIDES Vrem.tor.

Elanoides V1e1xuoT, Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xxiv, 1818, 101. Type, Falco forficatus LINN.
Nauclerus Auct. nec Vicors, 1825,

CHar. General external characters. Billrather small and narrow, intermediate be-
tween that of Pandion and Elanus; compressed anteriorly, and very broad at the base;
the terminal hook well produced, the tomia very regular; cere ascending; nostril
broadly oval, oblique; gonys nearly straight; tomium of the lower mandible very con-
vex. Lores densely feathered,the feathers bristle-like. Feet robust; tarsus a little
longer than the middle toe,covered with large, irregular, hexagonal scales; toes with
transverse scutelle nearly to the base; claws short, strong, abruptly flattened beneath,
the edges very sharp, the middle claw bent laterally, the inner side very convex, the pro-
jecting edge sharp and entire. No web between the toes. Primaries and rectrices ex-
cessively elongated and narrow, the former more than twice the length of the second-
aries. Outer tail-feathers about equal to the primaries,and more than twice as long ag
the middle pair.

Osteological characters.* Cranium very similar in contour and proportions to that
of Pandion, but presenting important modifications in minor details. Superciliary
process of the lachrymal distinct from the frontal, which is completely anchylosed with
the nasal; inner convoluted edge of the palatines scarcely produced downward; nasal
septum completely ossifled; pterygoid bone narrow, and of a uniform width throughout
its length. Sternum similar to that of Pandion, having; like it,a pair of indentations on
the posterior margin, and destitute of foramina; the clavicle, coracoids, and scapula are
also very similar.

Anatomical characters. “Palate flat with two longitudinal ridges; upper mandible
with a tuberculate median ridge, lower deeply concave; posterior aperture of the nares
oblongolinear, with the edges papillate. Tongue somewhat decurved, emarginate, and
finely papillate at the base, flat above,its tip narrow and acutely emarginate. Msopha-

* Of this genus we have seen only the skull and sternum.

444 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

gus of nearly uniform width, being destitute of crop, and thus resembling that of the
owls; its walls extremely thin; stomach very large, round, slightly compressed, its mus-
cular coat very thin,and composed of asingle series of fasciculi. Intestine short and
rather wide; pylorus with three knobs, duodenum forming aloop in the usual manner;
no ceca; rectum short, with a large globular dilatation.” —MACGILLIVRAY.
Pterylographical characters. “Inner branch on the jugular part distinct but short;
outer branch entirely free. Dorsal portion of the spinal tract usually long.”"* (N1rrzscH.)
Contour-feathers with aftershafts. Lumbar tract present. Remiges, 23. a

Apparently more nearly related to Pernis, Leptodon, Regerhinus,
and allied forms than to any other genera, the genus Elanoides yet
stands isolated from these by the absence of many characters com-
mon to them, and by the possession of features peculiarly its own.
In general external form, it approaches quite nearly the genus Mil-
vus, but when compared closely, the two are found to possess no
real affinities of structure. The same is true of its relationship to
Nauclerus riocouri, usually placed in the same genus, but which is
more intimately related to Ictinia, Elanus, and their affines.

The genus contains but a single species, the H. forficatus, which
is peculiar to America, belonging to the tropical and subtropical
portions on both sides of the equator. The species is noted for the
elegance of its form and the beauty of its plumage, as well as for
the unsurpassed easy gracefulness of its flight.

Elanoides forficatus (Linn.)

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE.

Popular synonyms, Swallow-tailed Hawk; Fish-tail Hawk; Snake Hawk; Fork-tail
Snake Hawk; Mackerel-tail Hawk; White-headed Swallow Kite.

Falco forficatus Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 89.

Nauclerus forficatus Ripew. 1870-—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 192.—Covgs, B. N.
W. 1874, 332.

Elanoides forficatus CovuEs, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil. 1875,345; 2d Check List, 1882,
No. 493.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 426,

Falco furcatus Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 129.—Wixs. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 70, pl. 51, figs. 1,3.—
Aup. B. Am. fol. ed. 1831, pl. 72; Orn. Biog. i, 1830. 368; v, 1839, 371.

Nauclerus furcatus Via. 1835.—AuD. B. Am. i, 1840, 78, pl. 18; Synop. 1839, 14.—Cass. in
Baird's B. N. Am. 1858,36.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 34.—CovugEs, Key, 1872, 211;
Check List, 1874, No. 337.

Has. Whole of tropical and subtropical America, except West Indies; north, casually
to Massachusetts and Michigan, more regularly to Maryland, Illinois, lowa, Minnesota,
etc. Much more numerous in the Mississippi Valley than east of the Alleghanies.

Sp. CuHar. Wing, 15.40-17.70; tail, 12.50-14.50; culmen, .70-.80; tarsus, 1.00-1.30;
middle toe, 1.00-1.20. Head, neck, entire lower parts (including lining of the wing and
basal half of the secondaries underneath),and band across the rump pure white. Back,

* NrrzscH gives the above characters of a group in which he includes Milvus regalis,
M. ater, and Elanoides forficatus.

FALCONIDH—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 445

wing, and tail plain polished blackish, with varying reflections; tertials white, with
blackish tips. Adult. The white of the head and neck immaculate; back, scapulars and
lesser wing-coverts with a soft reflection of dark purplish bronze, the other black por-
tions with a glaucous or chalky cast, with a green reflection in certain lights. Young.
Feathers of the head and neck with dusky shaft-streaks; the black above less glossy,
more brownish, a bottle-green reflection replacing the soft purplish bronze on the back
and shoulders; remiges, rectrices, and primary coverts with a narrow terminal border
of white.

There is little variation in the coloration of this beautiful species,
the only one presenting differences particularly noticeable bemg No.
56,099 (said to be from England), in which the black in its entire
extent is nearly uniform, and glossed with a uniform violaceous
slate. This appearance, however, is probably caused by the greater
age of the feathers.

The fresh colors of an adult male, shot at Mt. Carmel, Illinois,
August 1, 1870, were as follows:

“Bill deep black, the basal half of the lower mandible, the basal portion of the upper
beneath the cere, the cere, rictus, and naked eyelids, plumbeous blue; feet similar but
paler; claws grayish brown; iris very dark brown; interior of the mouth bright cobalt-
blue.” (No. 84,480, male, Mt. Carmel, Ill, Aug. 1,1870. Length, 22.75; extent, 50.80.)

In former years common throughout the State, and in some por-
tions even at times abundant, this, the most graceful of all the
birds of prey, is becoming scarcer every year. In the northeastern
portion of the State it was once common, according to Mr. Kenni-
cott, but at the time he wrote* (1854) it had become rare; while
in 1876, Mr. Nelson sayst that he can testify to its scarcity, “only
two or three instances of its occurrence within the last twenty
years having been ascertained.” It feeds with the greatest ease
while flymg, the food being held in the feet, which are reached
gently forward at the same moment the bird’s head is lowered to
tear a mouthful from the object that is being eaten.

Genus ELANUS Savieny.

Elanus Savien. Desc. del’ Egypte, 1809, 284. Type Falco melanopterus DAUD.,=F.
ceruleus DESF.

Gen. CHAR. Billrather small, very wide basally, much compressed anteriorly, the
tip well produced; lower mandible declinate, obliquely truncated, its tomium greatly
arched; superior tomium somewhat “bulged” laterally, and slightly sinuated; gonys
straight, or very slightly convex. Nostrils roundish, or oval and horizontal, in middle

* Illinois Agricultural Report, 1853-54.
+ Bull. Essex Inst., viii, 1876, p. 118.

446 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

of thecere. Feet small, but very robust; tarsus about equal to middle toe; outer toe
shorter than the inner, and about equal to the hallux; web between outer and middle
toe just apparent; claws small, but sharp, and well curved, the under surface rounded
and just perceptibly flattened; middle claw with the sharp protecting lateral ridge very
prominent. Tarsus and toes (except terminal joint of the latter) covered uniformly with
minute roundish scales. Wing long; second to third quill longest; first intermediate
between second and fourth. First quill with inner web emarginated, near the end;
second, sinuated. Tail double-rounded, more than one half the wing.

Elanus leucurus (Vieill.) d

WHITE-TAILED KITE.

Popular synonym. Black-shouldered Kite.

Milvus leucurus Vier. Nouv. Dict. xx, 1818. 556.
Elanus leucurus Br. 1838.—Cass. in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 36.—BAtrp, Cat. N, Am. B.
1859, No. 35.—CovuEs, Key, 1882, 211; Check List, 1874, No. 67.—B. B. & R. Hist. N.
Am. B. iii, 1874,197,198.
Falco dispar Tem. Pl. Col. i, 1825, pl. 319 (=juv.).—Aup. B. Am. 1838, pls. 351, 352;
Orn. Biog. iv, 1888, 367.
Elanus dispar Cuy. Reg. An. ed. 1829, i, 334.—NuTtT. Man. 1833,93—AupD. Synop. 1839,
13; B. Am. i, 1840, 70, pl. 16.
Elanus glaucus “(BAaRrtTR.)” CouEs, Proc. Phil. Acad. (ex Falco glaucus BARTR. Travels,
1791, 290); 2d Check List, 1882, No. 492.—RipGw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 427.

Has. The whole of continental tropical and subtropical America; south to Paraguay,
Argentine Republic, and Chili, north to southern United States (Texas to Florida and
South Carolina), Indian Territory, New Mexico, and California; occasional (breeding?) in
extreme southern portion of Illinois.

Sp. Coan. Adult. Upper surface, including occiput, nape, interscapulars, scapu-
lars, rump, upper tail-coverts, and wings (except lesser and middle coverts), soft, deli-
eate, rather light bluish cinereous, becoming gradually white on the anterior portion of
the head, above. Rest of the head, with the tail, lining of the wing, and entire lower
parts, pure white, sometimes withavery faint tinge of pale pearl-blue, laterally beneath;
two middle tail-feathers ashy, but much lighter than the rump; shafts of tail-feathers
black, except toward ends. Bristly loral feathers (forming ante-orbital spot, extending
narrowly above the eye), a very large patch on the shoulder, covering lesser and middle
wing-coverts, and large quadrate spot on under side of wing (on first row of primary
coverts), deep black. Under side of primaries deep cinereous (darker-than outer surface):
under surface of secondaries nearly white. Second quill longest; third scarcely shorter
(sometimes equal, or even longest); first longer than, or equal to the fourth. Tail
slightly emarginated, the longest feather (next to outer) being about .50 longer than the
middle, and .60 (or more) longer than the lateral, which is shortest.

Male. Wing,11.80-12.50; tail,7.30-7.60; culmen, .66-.80; tarsus,1.30-1.50; middle toe, 1.00-
1.15 (eight specimens).

Female. Wing,11.60-12.75; tail, 7.20-7.80; culmen,.70-.72; tarsus,1.25-1.40; middle toe,
1.10-1.20 (eight specimens).

Specimens not perfectly adult have the primary coverts, second-
aries, and inner primaries, slightly tipped with white.

Still younger individuals have these white tips broader, the tail
more’ ashy, and the upper parts with numerous feathers of dull
brown, tipped narrowly with white; the breast with sparse longitud-
inal touches of brownish.

FALCONIDAX—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 447

Young female (No. 48,826, Santiago, Chili, May,1866: Dr. Philippi). Occiput and nape
thickly marked with broad streaks of dusky, tinged with rusty; scapulars umber-brown,
tipped with rusty; all the feathers of the wings narrowly tipped with white; tail-feathers
with a subterminal irregular bar of dark ashy; breast tinged with rufous, and with badly
defined cuneate spots of deeper rusty. Wing, 12.25; tail, 7.50.

An adult female, obtained at San Francisco, California, Febru-
ary 11, 1868, had the “bill black, eyes orange-red, tarsi and toes
yellow.” ‘Total length 164 inches, extent 42 inches.

As to the occurrence of this species in Illinois, we have little infor-
mation, the only record being that of the writer’s previous lists,
based on a pair observed near the river at Mt. Carmel during the
summer of 1863 or 1864. It is very likely of not uncommon occur-
rence during summer in suitable places in the extreme southern
counties of the State.

Genus ICTINIA Viert1or.

Ictinia Vreruu. Analyse, 1816, 24. Type, Falco mississippiensis WILs.
Nertus Borg, Isis, 1828, 314. Type, Falco plumbeus GMEL.

GEN. CHAR. Form falcon-like; the neck short, shoulders broad, wings long and
pointed, the rectrices strong and stiff, claws strongly curved and acute, and general or-
ganization robust. Bill short and deep, “bulged” laterally, the terminal hook abruptly
compressed; tomia irregularly toothed and notched; gonys very convex, ascending ter-
minally. Cere narrow; nostril very small, roundish. Feet small but robust, the tarsus
about equal to the middle toe; outer toe decidedly longer than the inner, which is equal
to the hallux; web between it and the middle toe well developed; tarsus with a distinct
frontal series of broad transverse scutell#; claws short, but strongly curved, very sharp,
grooved beneath. Third quill longest; first of variable proportion with the rest; outer
two with inner webs sinuated. Taila little more than half the wing, emarginated, or
nearly even, the feathers broad, with nearly truncated, though rounded, ends.

Structurally, Ictinia seems to be most nearly related to Harpagus,
a tropical American genus, which, however, differs much in gen-
eral appearance, being of decidedly hawk-like aspect. The struc-
tural differences between the two genera may be tabulated as fol-
lows:

Ictinia, Tomial tooth simple. Tarsus nearly equal to, or but little longer than, the
middle toe; posterior toe equalto the outer. Wing very long, reaching to or beyond
end of the tail, the primaries greatly developed, almost twice the length of the second-
aries. Tail about one half the wing, even, or slightly emarginated.

Harpagus. Tomial tooth double. Tarsus about one and a half times the middle
toe; posterior toe decidedly shorter than the outer. Wing short, reaching only to about
the middle of the tail, the primaries only moderately developed, less than one and a half
times the secondaries, Tail nearly equal to wing, slightly rounded,

448 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Ictinia mississippiensis (Wils.)
MISSISSIPPI KITE.

Popular synonyms, Blue Kite; Blue Snake Hawk.

Faleo mississippiensis Wixs. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 80, pl. 25, fig. 1.
Ictinia mississippiensis Br. 1850.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 37.—Barrp, B. N.
Am. 1859, No. 36.—Covgs, Key, 1872, 211; Check List, 1874, No. 335.
Falco plumbeus “Gmeu.” AupD. B. Am. 1834, pl. 117; Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 108; v, 1839, 374 (nec
G™MEL.).
Ictinia plumbea Nutt. Man. i, 1833, 92 (nec VIEILL.)—AUD. Synop. 1839, 14; B. Am. i, 1840,
73, pl. 17.
Ictinia subcerulea “(BARTR.)” Cougs, Proc. Phil. Acad. (ex Falco subewruleus BARTR.
Tray. 1791, 290); 2d Check List, 1882, No. 491—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 428.

Has. More southern eastern United States; north, regularly, to South Carolina, and
southern Illinois,more rarely to lowa and Wisconsin, and casually to Pennsylvania;
south through eastern Mexico and Guatemala.

Sp. CHar. Adult male (No. 84,483, Fox Prairie, Richland Co., Ill., August 19, 1871).
Head, neck, secondaries, and entire lower parts plumbeous ash, becoming, by a gradual
transition, lighter on the head and secondaries, where the shade is pale cinereous; the
head anteriorly, and the tips of the secondaries being silvery white. Lores and eyelids
black. Rest of the plumage dark plumbeous, approaching plumbeous black on the lesser
wing-coverts, primaries and upper tail-coverts, the tail being nearly pure black. Pri-
maries with an indistinct narrow concealed stripe of chestnut-rufous on the outer webs,
and larger spots of the same on the inner webs; feathers of the head, neck, and lower
parts abruptly pure white beneath the surface, this showing in partly exposed spots on
the pectoral region and crissum. Scapulars also with large concealed white spots.
Shafts of primaries and tail-feathers black on both sides. Wing formula, 3, 2-4-5-6,1.
First primary angularly, the second concavely, emarginated. Tail emarginated, lateral
feather longest; depth of fork, .40. Wing, 11.75; tail, 6.80; culmen, .63; tarsus, 1.20; middle
toe, 1.15.

Adult female (Fox Prairie, Richland Co., Ill., August 19, 1871). Similar to the male, but
head and secondaries decidedly darker, hardly approaching light ash; scarcely any
trace of rufous on the primaries, none at all on outer webs; shafts of tail-feathers
white on under side. Wing,11.80; tail,7.25. Bill, cere, eyelids, and interior of mouth, deep
black; iris deep lake-red; rictus orange-red; tarsi and toes pinkish orange-red, lower
part of tarsus and large scutelle of toes dusky. (Notes from fresh specimens, the ones
above described.)

Immature male (transition plumage; No. 84,484, Fox Prairie, Richland Co., Ill.. August
21, 1871). Similar to the adult female, but the white spots on basal portion of pectoral
and crissal feathers distinctly exposed; secondaries not lighter than rest of the wing.
Tail-feathers with angular white spots extending quite across the inner webs, producing
three distinct transverse bands when viewed from below. Inner web of outer primary
mostly white anterior to the emargination. Wing, 10.50; tail, 6.25. Color of bill, etc., as
in the adult, but interior of mouth whitish, and the iris less pure carmine.

Immature female (Coll. Philadelphia Academy, Red Fork of the Arkansas, 1850; Dr.
Woodhouse). Similar to the last. Wing, 11.10; tail, 6.31.

Young female (first plumage; Coll. Philadelphia Academy, North Fork Canadian River,
September 19,1851: Dr. Woodhouse). Head,neck,and lower parts white, with a yellowish
tinge; the most perceptible on the tibia. Each feather with a median longitudinal ovate
spot of blackish brown, more reddish on the lower parts. The chin, throat, anda broad
superciliary stripe, are immaculate white. Lower tail-coverts each with a median acu-
minate spot of rusty, the shaft black. Upper parts brownish black; wing-coverts, scapu-
lars, and interscapulars, feathers of the rump, and the upper tail-cover, narrowly

FALCONIDA—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 449

bordered with ochraceous white, and with concealed quadrate spots of the same; pri-
mary coyerts, secondaries, and primaries sharply bordered terminally with pure white.
Tail black (faintly whitish at tip), with three (exposed) indistinct bands of a more slaty
tint; this changing to white on the inner webs, in the form of angular spots forming the
bands. Lining of the wing pale ochraceous, transversely spotted with rusty rufous;
under primary coverts with transverse spots of white. Wing,11.90; tail, 6.40.

Six adult males measured as follows: Wing, 10.16-11.85; tail,
6.00-8.80; culmen, .60-.65; tarsus, 1.85-1.55; middle toe, 1.00-1.10.

Five adult females: Wing, 11.380-12.30; tail, 6.50-8.00; culmen,
.60-.65 ; tarsus, 1.380-1.40; middle toe, 1.00-1.05.

This neat and spirited falcon-like Kite is not an uncommon bird
in some localities of the southern portion of the State. It is fre-
quently an associate of the Swallow-tail, which it rivals in the
gracefulness of its flight and even excels in swiftness. In August,
1871, it was very plentiful on Fox Prairie. It was usually observed
sailing about, far above the Swallow-tails, but now and then half
closing the wings and pitching nearly straight downward with the
velocity of an arrow, as if to strike the earth; but by a sudden ex-
tension of the wings instantly checking its rapid descent and re-
mounting, by a steep angle, almost to the height from which it
had started, the whole of the downward and upward courses un-
accompanied by a single motion of the wings. ‘This performance
was sufficiently startling when done by a single bird; but when
several plunged headlong simultaneously, their tracks crossing one
another at various angles, the effect was impressive to an extreme
degree.

jegarding his experience, in the vicinity of Cairo, Mr. Nelson
writes as follows (Bull. Hssex Inst., IX., 1877, p. 58):

“Their power of sight is truly wonderful. I saw them repeatedly
dart with unerring aim upon some luckless grasshopper, from an
elevation of at least one hundred yards.

“No less remarkable in their power of flight. I repeatedly saw them
dart down from a great height with such a velocity that it would
seem an impossibility for them to escape being dashed to pieces on
the ground, but instead, when within a few feet of the earth, they
would suddenly spread their wings and the reaction would lift them
with almost equal rapidity to about one half their former elevation.
They were so shy that it was impossible to get within gunshot of them.”

Audubon regards this species as remarkable for its devotion to
its young, and narrates that in one instance he saw the female bird
lift up and attempt to carry out of his reach one of her fledglings.
She carried it in her claws a distance of thirty-five yards or more.

— 29

450 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

He also describes their flight as graceful, vigorous, and protracted.
It feeds on the wing with great ease and dexterity. It rarely, if
ever, alights on the earth; and, when wounded, its movements on
the ground are very awkward. It is never known to attack birds
or quadrupeds of any kind, though it will pursue and annoy foxes
and crows, and drive them to seek shelter from its attacks. The
Mississippi Kite is said to be by no means a shy bird, and may be
easily approached when alight, yet it usually perches so high that
it is not always easy to shoot it. (BREWER.)

Genus CIRCUS LacépEpe.

Circus LACEPEDE, Mem. de I'Inst. iii, 1806, 506. Type Falco cyaneus Lrxn.

Grn. CHAR. Form very slender, the wings and tail very long, the head small, bill
weak, and feet slender. Face surrounded by a ruff of stiff, compact feathers, as in the
Owls. Claws strongly curved, very acute. Wings very long, the third or fourth quills
longest; first shorter than the sixth; outer three to flve with inner webs sinuated. Tail
very long, about two thirds the wing; rounded.

The relationships of this well-marked genus are to Accipiter on
the one hand, and Elanus on the other; nearest the former, though
it is not very intimately allied to either.

The species are quite numerous, numbering about twenty, of which
only three are American. North America possesses but one (C.
hudsonius, Linn.), and this with the C. cinereus, Vieill., of South
America, is closely related structurally to C. cyaneus of Europe,
but is sufficiently distinct.

The birds of this genus frequent open, generally marshy, locali-
ties, where they course over the meadows, moors, or marshes, with
a steady, gliding flight, seldom flapping, in pursuit of their food,
which consists mainly of mice, small birds, and reptiles. Their
assault upon their prey is sudden and determined, like the “Swift
Hawks,” or the species of Accipiter.

Circus hudsonius (Linn.)

MARSH HAWK.

Popular synonyms. American Harrier; Ring-tailed Harrier.

Falco hudsonius Lrxn. 8. N. ed. 12,i, 1766, 128.
Circus hudsonius Vrrru. 1807.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 88.—Barep, Cat. N.
Am. |B. 1859,.No. 88—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 430.
Circus cyaneus hudsonius ScHuEG. Mus. P.-B. Circi, 1862, 2—Covzs, 2dOheck List,
1882, No. 489,

FALCONIDZ—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 451

Circus cyaneus var. hudsonius Cougs, Key, 1872, 210; Check List, 1874, No. 333; B. N.
W. 1874, 327.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 214.
Falco uliginosus GMEL. 8. N. i, 1788, 278.—Wius. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 67, pl. 51, fig. 2.
Circus cyaneus? var? americanus Sw. & Rion. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 55, pl. 29.
Falco cyaneus “Linn.” AuD. B. Am. vi, 1843, pl. 356 (nec LINN.)
Circus cyaneus “Boir,” Nutr. Man. 1838, 109.—Aub. Synop. 1839, 19; B. Am. i, 1840, 105,
pl. 26.

Has. Tho whole of North America; south, in winter, to Panama, north to Hudson's
Bay Territory and Alaska; Cuba. Breeding throughout western United States (south to
Texas), and in Eastern States chiefly north of 40°.

Sp. Coan. Adult male (No. 10,764, Washington, D. C., December). Head, neck, breast,
and upper parts light cinereous, palest anteriorly whereit is uninterrupted or continuous;
occiput somewhat darker, with a transverse series of longitudinal dashes of white, some-
what tinged with reddish. Back, scapulars, and terminal third of secondaries, witha
dusky wash, the latter fading at tips; five outer primaries nearly black, somewhat hoary
on outer webs beyond their emargination; lesser wing-coverts faintly mottled with
paler, or with indistinct dusky spots. Upper tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Tail
bluish cinereous, mottled with white toward base; crossed near the end with a distinct
band of black, and with about five narrower, very obscurely indicated ones anterior to
this; tip beyond the subterminal zone fading terminally into whitish. Whole under side
of wing (except terminal third or more of primaries) pure white; immaculate, excepting
afew scattered transverse dusky spots on larger coverts. Rest of under parts pure
white everywhere, with rather sparse transverse cordate spots of rufous. Wing, 14.00;
tail, 9.20; tarsus, 2.80; middle toe, 1.30. Third and fourth quills equal, and longest;
second intermediate between fifth and sixth; first 5.81 inches shorter than longest.

Adult female (No. 16,758, Hudson's Bay Territory: Captain Blakiston). Umber-brown
above, feathers of the head and neck edged laterally with pale rufous; lores, and super-
ciliary and suborbital stripes dull yellowish white, leaving a dusky stripe between them,
running back from the posterior angle of the eye. Lesser wing-coverts spattered with
pale rufous, this irregularly bordering and indenting the feathers; feathers of the ramp
bordered with dull ferruginous. Tail deep umber, faintly fading at the tip, and crossed
by six or seven very regular, sharply defined, but obscure, bands of blackish; the alter-
nating light bars becoming paler and more rufous toward the edge of the tail, the lateral
feathers being almost wholly pale cream-color or ochraceous, darker terminally; this
tint is more or less prevalent on the inner webs of nearly all the feathers. Ear-coverts
dull dark rufous, indistinctly streaked with dark brown; the feathers of the facial disk
fine pale cream-color, each with a middle stripe of dark brown; throat and chin immacu-
late dirty white, like the superciliary and suborbital stripes. Beneath dull white, with
numerous broad longitudinal stripes of umber-brown; these broadest on the breast,
growing gradually smaller posteriorly. Under surface of primaries dull white, crossed
at wide intervals with dark brown irregular bars,of which there are five (besides the
terminal dark space) on the longest quill.

Young female (No. 15,585, Bridger’s Pass, Rocky Mountains, August: W. 8. Wood).
Upper parts very dark rich clove-brown, approaching sepia-black; feathers of the head
bordered with deep ferruginous, and lesser wing-coverts much spotted with the same,
the edges of the feathers being broadly of this color; secondaries and inner primaries
fading terminally into whitish; upper tail-coverts tinged with delicate cream-color (im-
maculate). Tail with four very broad bands of black, the intervening spaces being dark
umber on the two middle feathers, on the other fine cinnamon-ochre; the tip also
(broadly) of this color. Ear-coyerts uniform rich dark snuff-brown, feathers of satiny
texture; feathers of facial disk the same centrally, edged with fine deeprufous. Entire
lower parts deep reddish ochraceous or fulyous rufous, growing gradually paler pos-
teriorly; immaculate, with the exception of a few faint longitudinal stripes on the breast
and sides. Under side of wing as in the last, but much tinged with rufous.

452, BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

So far as I am able to judge from the large series of specimens
examined, there does not appear to be the slightest difference be-
tween eastern and western specimens, in any stage of plumage.

The American Harrier is quite distinct from the European C.
cyaneus, although the two species are much alike in some plumages.
The adult male of C. cyaneus is wholly destitute of the dusky sub-
terminal bar to the tail-feathers and secondaries, and lacks the
reddish markings on the lower parts, which, posterior to the jugu-
lum, are immaculate pure white. ‘The dimensions are also less
than those of C. hudsonius.

Measurements of C. hudsonius.

Sex. | Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. tiaate Toe.| Specimens.
Malesccccccese 12.90-13.85 9.00-9.90 -60-.70 2.85-2.90 1.20-1.30 36
Female .......} 13.00-16.00 8.80-10.50 70-.75 2.85-3.35 1.22-1.55 32

A young male, shot August 17, 1867, in the Truckee Valley,
Nevada, measured 18% inches in length by 42 in spread of wings.
The bill was deep black, more bluish basally; cere and rictus green-
ish gamboge-yellow, the former purer yellow on top; iris yellowish
gray; tarsi and toes rich orange-yellow, the claws jet-black.

Two young females obtained in August and December, 1867, on
the lower Truckee and on the shore of Pyramid Lake, Nevada,
measured 194-204 inches in length, and 433-44 in extent of wings.
The fresh colors were as above described, except that the specimen
obtained in December had the iris dull fulyous.

The Marsh Hawk is a bird of very extensive distribution, but at
the same time is by no means a well-known species except in those
portions of the country where it is most abundant. In Illinois it
may be observed at all seasons of the year, but, at least in the
southern portion of the State, it is decidedly most numerous in
winter.

“According to Audubon, the Marsh Hawk rarely pursues birds on
the wing, nor does it often carry its prey to any distance before it
alights and devours it. While engaged in feeding, it may be readily
approached, surprised, and shot. When wounded, it endeavors to
make off by long leaps; and when overtaken, it throws itself on the

FALCONIDAX—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 453

back and fights furiously. In the winter its notes while on the
wing are sharp, and are said to resemble the syllable pee-pee-pee.

‘Mr. Audubon has found this Hawk nesting not only in low lands
near the sea shore, but also in the barrens of Kentucky and on the
table lands of the Alleghanies, and once in the high covered pine-
barrens of Florida.

“After having paired, the Marsh Hawks invariably keep together,
and labor conjointly in the construction of the nest, in sitting upon
the eggs, and in feeding the young. ‘Iheir nests are variously con-
structed as to materials, usually chiefly of hay somewhat clumsily
wrought together into the form of a nest, but never very nicely
interwoven; occasionally, in more northern localities, they are lined
with feathers, in some cases with pine-needles and small twigs.”
(BREWER.)

Genus ACCIPITER Brisson.

Gen. CHAR. Four to five outer primaries withinner webs emarginated; third to
fifth quills longest; inner toe reaching scarcely beyond the first joint of the middle toe
or falling short of it.

Form slender, the tail long, the wing short and rounded, the feet slender, claws very
acute. Head comparatively small; the bill rather weak. Bill nearly as deep through the
base as the length of the culmen (chord), its upper outline decidedly ascending basally;
maxillary tomium with a prominent “festoon.” Nostril broadly ovate, obliquely hori-
zontal. Superciliary shield very prominent. Tarsus longer than the much lengthened
middle toe, the frontal and posterior series of transverse scutell~ very distinct and con-
tinuous (except in males of some of the smaller species, in which these scales are
“fused” into a continuous plate). Outer toe longer than the inner. Wing comparatively
short, much rounded, and very concave beneath; third to fifth quills longest, the first
usually shortest, and never longer than the sixth; outer three to five with inner webs
sinuated. Tail long (nearly equal to the wing), usually rounded, occasionally even, and
rarely slightly emarginated.

The above diagnosis is intended to cover the characters of this
genus in its most comprehensive sense. In North America there
are two strongly marked subgenera, which may be characterized as
follows :

Accipiter. Less than one third of the tarsus feathered in front, the feathering widely
separated behind; frontal seutell® uninterrupted at the digito-tarsaljoint. (Tarsal
scutelle fused into a continuous plate in adult males of the smaller species.)

Astur. More than one third (nearly one half) of the upper part of the tarsus feathered
in front, the feathering scarcely separated behind; frontal scutell# interrupted at the
digito-tarsal joint, where replaced by small scales. (Tarsal scutell# never fused.)
Size larger than typical Accipiter,

454 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

In South America is found a third subgenus which may be dis-
tinguished from typical Accipiter as follows:

Accipiter. Five outer primaries with inner webs emarginated;
fourth or fifth quill longest; inner toe not reaching middle of second
joint of middle toe.

Hieraspizias. Four outer primaries with inner webs emarginated ;
third or fourth quills longest; inner toe reaching to or beyond middle
of second joint of middle toe.

Suspeenus Accipiter Brisson.

Accipiter Briss. Orn. i, 1760, 10. Type Falco nisus Linn.

WNisus Cuy. Legons Anat. Comp. i, tabl. ois. 1799. Same type.

Cooperastur Br. Rey. et Mag. Zodl. 1854, 5388. Type Falco stanleyi AuD,=F.
cooperi Br.

The species of this subgenus are generally of small size and
slender form; but, with a graceful and apparently delicate structure
they combine remarkable strength and unsurpassed daring. They
differ from the species of Astur mainly in less robust organization.
The species are very numerous, and most plentiful within the tropi-
cal regions. The Old World possesses about thirty nominal species.
Tropical America has, so far as known, thirteen species, two of
which are peculiar to Cuba. (These the reader may find carefully
monographed in the Bulletin of the U. 8. Geological and Geograph-
ical Survey of the Territories, Vol. II., No. 2, pp. 91-129.)

The two North American species may be distinguished as follows:

Common CHARACTERS. Adults. Above bluish slate or plumbeous, the tail with
darker cross-bands and narrowly tipped with whitish; lower parts white, barred or
transversely spotted with pinkish rufous or light brownish, the crissum plain white.
Young. Above grayish brown, the feathers bordered, more or less distinctly, with
rusty, and scapulars with large white spots, mostly concealed, however; tail-bands
more distinct than in the adults, the spaces between them browner; lower parts white,
sometimes tinged with buff (especially in younger individuals), longitudinally striped
with brownish or dusky.

1. A. cooperi. Size large, the wing more than 8.50 inches. Tail decidedly rounded.
Male: Wing, 8.85-9.40; tail,7.80-8.30. Female: Wing, 10.00-11.00; tail, 10.00-10.50.

2. A. velox. Size smaller, the wing usually less than 8inches. ‘Tail even, or (in adult
males) slightly emarginated. Male: Wing,6.10-7.10; tail,5.80-6.10. Female: Wing,
7.80-8,80; tail, 6.60-8.20,

FALCONIDM—DIURNAL RAPTORES, 455

Accipiter cooperi Bonap.

COOPER'S HAWK.

Popular synonyms, Stanley's Hawk; Blue Chicken Hawk; Blue Hawk; Blue Quail Hawk;
Swift Hawk; Blue-backed Hawk; Blue Darter.

Falco cooperi Br. Ann. Lye. N. Y. ii, 1826, 433; Am. Orn. {, 1828, pl. 10, fig. 1.
Astur cooperi Bp. 1838.—AupD. B. Am. i, 1840, 98, pl.24.
Accipiter cooperi DEKAY, Zool. N. Y. ii, 1844,18, pl. 4, flg.5.—Cass, in Baird’s B.N. Am.
1858, 16.—Batrp. Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 15,16.—Couss, Key, 1872,112; Check List,
1874, No. 339; 2d ed. 1882, No. 495; B. N. W. 1874, 334.—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No, 431,
Nisus cooperi Scuuza. Rev. Acc. 1873, 73.—B. B. & R. iii, 1874, 230.
Falco stanleyi AUD. B. Am. 1831, pls. 36,141; Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 186.
Accipiter mezicanus Sw. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 45.—Cass, in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 17.—
Barep, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 16.
Nisus cooperi var. mexicanus B. B. & RK. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 231.

Has. Whole of the United States and table-lands of Mexico; north in summer to New
Brunswick, the Saskatchewan, and Washington Territory; south, in winter, to Costa
Rica and Veragua; breeding throughout its United States range.

Sp. CHar. Wing,8.70-11.00; tail, 7.80-10.50; culmen, 0.58-0.80; tarsus, 2.30-2.85; middle
toe, 1.45-1.85. Fourth or fifth quill longest; first equal to or shorter than tenth; outer
five with inner webs sinuated. Tailrounded. Tarsi usually distinctly scutellate.

Adult. Above slate-color, varying from a fine bluish to a brownish cast, the shafts of
the feathers black. Pileum plumbeous black, the occipital feathers snow-white be-
neath the surface; primaries plain brownish slate, their shafts clear brown. Tail nar-
rowly tipped with white, and crossed by four very regular, but sometimes not sharply
defined, bands of dusky, narrower than the slaty ones, the last broadest, the first nearly
obsolete, and concealed by the coverts, which are sometimes narrowly tipped with white.
Lower parts white and rufous, in transverse bars, the shafts of the feathers black, and
the rufous bars usually connected along the middle portion ofthe feathers; tibia more
deeply colored, the rnfous usually predominating; crissum immaculate white. Lining
of the wing white, irregularly spotted with deep rufous; inner webs of the primaries
with transverse bands of dusky and white anterior to their emargination and silvery
gray terminally, the dusky bands about sevenin number on the longest quill, the two
colors nearly equalin width. Male. Slate of the upper parts of a fine bluish cast; nape
and sides of the head bluish ashy, the sides of the breast usually tinged with the same.
Wing, 8.85-9.40; tail, 7.80-8.30; culmen, .60-.68; tarsus, 2.30-2.60; middle toe, 1.45-1.55.
(Eight specimens.) Female. Slate of the upper parts of a brownish cast, nape and sides
of the head dull rusty brownish, the sides of the breast without ashy tinge. Wing, 10.00-
10.80; tail, 9.00-9.40; culmen, .70-.80; tarsus, 2.65-2.85; middle toe, 1.60-1.85. (Five specimens.)
(Colors in life. Terminal half of bill deep black, basal half pale blue; cere greenish yel-
low; iris deep orange-red; tarsi and toes deep lemon-yellow; claws deep black.*)

Young. Above grayish brown, the feathers more or less bordered with rusty; the
seapulars and upper tail-coverts with concealed white spots; the occiput blackish, with
the bases of the feathers white, and the pileum and nape streaked with rusty. Tail gray-
ish brown, tipped with whitish, and crossed by four bands of brownish black or dusky.
Lower parts white, longitudinally striped with clear dusky brown, the shafts black.
(Colors in life. Iris varying from greenish white to chrome-yellow; bill blackish ter-
minally, pale blue basally; tarsi and toes varying from very pale greenish yellow to
lemon-yellow; claws slate- black.)

*Fresh colors of an adult male killed January 16,1867,at Mount Carmel, Illinois,
Length, 17 inches; extent, 30.50 inches.

456 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

The extent of individual variation in this species.though very considerable, is limited
by the terms of the above diagnosis.

This bold marauder is a common resident in all wooded portions
of the State. Its habits and more prominent characteristics cannot
be better described than in the following, by “J. M. W.” in the
Ornithologist and Odlogist for December, 1881, pp. 73, 74.

“Before transcribing my notes on the breeding habits of the viva-
cious little Sharp-shinned Hawk, we must pay our compliments to
its larger congener. Indeed through the season it forces itself upon
our notice in so many ways, and with such persistence, that we are
obliged to respect its prior claims. When we go into the leafless
woods, during the first week in April, for our earliest set of Buteos,
the Cooper’s Hawks are already paired and apparently ready to
begin housekeeping. ‘They feign alarm at our approach to the old
haunts, and following us, scold us well as we go from nest to nest.
But as usual with the sex when house-hunting, the females are
capricious and not easily suited. The old home, though in good
repair, is perhaps in a neighborhood where callers are too free, and
ample time must be taken to choose a new tenement.

“Then again about the twenty-fifth of April, when we once more
climb to our Buteos, hoping for a second clutch, we are surprised
to find the first egg of a Cooper which has taken possession of this
ready-furnished abode. The second week in May they are breeding
commonly, and by the first of June they are so abundant here as
to outnumber all the other Raptores. They will breed in old nests
in the same low situations in hemlocks and young pines as the
Sharp-shinned Hawk, but they frequent as well the tall deciduous
woods, and I have taken eggs from dizzy heights on outlying prongs,
away above the loftiest forks of the Buteos. Very rarely A. cooperi
selects a new and unused site, but as a rule old nests are used, and
often on a pile of rubbish in a crotch they will rear a very large
superstructure. If the forks of the tree go up a little way without
divergence, the pair will work for weeks and raise the nest three or
four feet until it is bulkier than the home of any of our local
rapacie except the Fishhawk. I know to-day where there are three
such old Cooper’s nests which are piled so high with brush that

FALCONIDZI—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 457

standing on a level with the bottom of the nests it is difficult for a
climber to reach inside. The males assist at intervals in bringing
sticks, and unite with their mates in scolding any witness of their
house-raising.

The fecundity of this Hawk, under the peculiar persuasion of the
odlogist, is not so great as its small congener’s, yet it will lay three
clutches each year in as many nests, if the first and second sets are
taken. Five eggs is the usual clutch, though I have seen four eggs
incubated many times, and have taken an extreme clutch of six.
The first egg laid is usually pale blue, the rest of the nest comple-
ment is lighter, and the eggs, as a whole, fade as incubation pro-
gresses. Two weeks are occupied in laying, and at the end of one
week’s incubation the eggs can be easily blown. Sets with mark-
ings are not rare; but the pigment is used sparingly, so as a rule
a fair series of these eggs present few changes and are unattractive.

Coopers are the most deadly scourge in country farm-yards.
While the Buteos give warning of their whereabouts by soaring far
overhead for hours, and sometimes days, before dropping among the
young poultry, the dreaded Accipiters, sailing very low, will sud-
denly start over a wall and be off with a chicken without notice.
The old domestic cocks and Guinea-fowl will see a Buteo when but
a speck in the sky, and on a too near approach to the earth of
the common enemy sound an alarm which sends all the timid ones
to cover. But even after repeated raids of the Cooper, his advance
is so unheralded, and his dash so quick, that he gets off scot free,
eyen though the farmer stands in his doorway with gun in hand.”

Accipiter velox (Wils.)

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.

Popular synonyms. Little Swift Hawk; Slate-colored Hawk; Bullet Hawk.

Falco fuscus GMEL. 8. N. i, 1788, 280, (not of Fapricrus, 1780).—NutrT. Man. i, 1833 87.
Accipiter fuscus BP. 1838.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858. 18.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 17.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 212; Check List, 1874, 338; 2d ed. 1882, No. 494; B. N.
W. 1874, 333.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No, 482.

458 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Astur fuscus Aup. B. Am. {, 1840, 100, pl. 25.

Nisus fuscus Kaup. 1850.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ili, 1874, 224
Falco velox Wiis. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 116, pl. 45, fig. 1.
Falco pennsylvanicus Wis. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, i, pl. 46, fig. 1.

Has. The whole of North America; south, in winter, to Panama and the Bahamas;
breeding nearly throughout the United States and northward.

Sp. Coan. Wing, 6.35-8.80; tail, 5.50-8.20; culmen, .35-.60; tarsus, 1.85-2.30; middle
toe, 1.10-1.55. Fourth and fifth quills longest, third nearly equal to sixth, outer five with
inner webs emarginated. Tail even or slightly emarginated.

Adult male. Above plumbeous, becoming gradually darker on the pileum, the feathers
with blackish shaft-streaks. Tail rather lighter,usually browner, (sometimes with a
narrow white terminal margin), crossed with four dusky bands. Occipital feathers pure
white beneath the surface, and scapulars with large concealed roundish spots of the
same, Lower parts mixed white and rufous, in transverse spots or bars, the rufous bars
usually connected along the middle of the feather, the shaft being conspicuously darker,
Throat and cheeks streaked but not barred. Crissum and anal region immaculate pure
white. Tibiw usually with the rufous predominating, rarely uniform rufous. Wing,
6.70-7.10; tail, 5.80-6.10; culmen, .38-.43; tarsus, 1.90-2.05; middle toe, 1.10-1.25,

Adult female. Similar to the male, but less bluish above,and the white of the lower
parts less pure. Wing, 7.80-8.80; tail, 6.60-8.20; culmen, .48-.60; tarsus, 2.00-225; middle
toe, 1.30-1.55.*

Young male. Above dark sepia, the feathers bordered terminally with rusty, those
of the nape widely edged with the same, or with fulvous whitish; feathers of the pileum
similarly but more narrowly edged with the same. Tail brownish gray, crossed by four
to five well-defined, continuous, narrow bands of blackish. Scapulars and upper tail
eoverts with concealed large spots of white, and occipital region white beneath the sur-
face. Beneath, white, with or without an ochraceous tinge, the anal region and crissum
immaculate, the throat streaked with dusky; the breast, abdomen, sides, and flanks with
broad stripes of dilute sepia, with darker shaft-streaks, these stripes sometimes dilating
on the sides into chain-like series of spots; tibiw with elliptical or tear-shaped stripes,
or variously shaped spots, of dilute sepia, on a white or palerusty ground. Wing.6.35-
6.95; tail, 5.50-6.30; culmen, .35-.40; tarsus, 1.85-2.05; middle toe, 1.05-1.25.

Young female. Exactly like the young male in markings andcolors. Wing, 7.75-8.60;
tail, 6.50-7.60; culmen, .45-.50; tarsus, 2.05-2.30; middle toe, 1.30-1.50.

Dr. Brewer gives us the following biography of this species, in
History of North American Birds, Vol. I11., pp. 227-229:

“Mr. Audubon regarded it as the very miniature of the Goshawk,
in its irregular, swift, vigorous, varied, and yet often undecided,
manner of flight, and on occasion greatly protracted. When in
search of its prey, it is said to pass over the country, now at a
moderate height, now close over the land, and with a surprising
swiftness. It advances by sudden dashes, and pounces upon the

*Fresh colors of an adult female (No. 8,450, U. S. Nat. Mus.) shot at Mount Carmel,TIll.,
October 22, 1869. Terminal two thirds of bill deep black; basal portion pale blue; interior
of mouth bright cobalt-blue, more purplish far back; cere, rictus, eyelids and naked
“eye-brow” oil-green; iris deep orange-red; tarsi and toes brownish lemon-yellow;
claws jet-black. Total length, 13 inches; extent, 84 inches.

FALCONIDAZ—DIURNAL RAPTORES, 459

object of its pursuit so suddenly as to render hopeless any attempt
to escape. It has frequently been known to seize and kill a bird
so large that it was unable to carry it, and had to drop to the
ground.

“In nearly every instance the nest of this Hawk has been con-
structed in trees. It is usually large in proportion to the size of
the bird, and its materials are somewhat elaborately put together ;
it is composed chiefly of large sticks and twigs, and the whole
platform is covered with a thin limmng of dry leaves, mosses, grass,
ete. Mr. John Krider, of Philadelphia, found a nest in New Jer-
sey, in the vicinity of that city, which was built on the edge of a
high rock.”

Suscenus Astur LackPEDE.
Astur LAcrP. Menag. Mus. Hist. Nat. 1815, 505. Type, Faleo palumbarius LINN.

Notwithstanding the vast difference in size between the typical
species of Astwr and those of Accipiter, the details of structure are
essentially the same, the greatest differences between them beimg
very nearly bridged over by species of intermediate size and struc-
ture.

North America possesses a single species of the subgenus Astur,
and this is a near relative of A. palwmbarius, but sufficiently dis-
tinct, having the plumage of the lower parts much more delicately
penciled and the color of the upper parts more bluish than in the
European species.

Accipiter atricapillus (Wils.)

AMERICAN GOSHAWK,

Popular synonyms, Blue Hen Hawk or Chicken Hawk.

Falco atricapillus Wits. Am. Orn. ii, 1808, 284, pl. 52, fig. 3.
Astur atricapillus Br. 1830.—NutTr. Man. 1833, 85.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 15.—
Barrep, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 14.—Covuss, Key, 1872, 22; Check List, 1874, No. 340;
2d ed. 1882, No. 496; B. N. W. 1874, 3388.—Ripa@w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 433,
Astur palumbarius var. atricapillus B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 237.
Falco palumbarius “Linn.”—AvupD. B. Am. pl, 141; Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 241 (nec LINN.).
Astur palumbarius AUD. Synop. 1839,18; B. Am. i, 1840, 95, pl.23.
Accipiter (Astur) palumbarius Sw. & Riou. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 39, pl. 26,

460 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Astur atricapillus var. striatulus (part) Ripew. in B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874,
238, 239, 240 (adult).

Has. Northern North America (except coast of Alaska, east and south of Kodiak);
south in winter across greater part of the United States (Pacifle coast excepted), breed-
ing chiefly north of the United States. (Represented in the Pacifle province by A.
atricapillus striatulus Ripew.)

Sp. Coan. Adult male (No. 44,940, Boston, Mass.: E. A. Samuels). Above continuous
bluish slate, shafts of the feathers inconspicuously black. Tail darker and less bluish,
tipped with white (about .25 of an inch wide) and crossed by flve broad, faintly defined
bars of blackish, these most distinct on inner webs; the first concealed by the upper
coverts, the second partially so; the last, or subterminal one, which is about twice as
broad as the rest, measuring about one inch in width. Primaries darker than the tail
(but not approaching black). Forehead, crown, occiput, and ear-coverts pure plumbeous
black, feathers snow-white beneath the surface, much exposed on the occiput; a broad
conspicuous supra-auricular stripe originating above the posterior angle of the eye,
running back over the ear-coverts to the occiput, pure white, with fine streaks of black;
lores and cheeks grayish white. Lower parts white; the whole surface (except throat
and lower tail-coverts) covered with numerous narrow transverse bars of slate; on the
breast these are much broken and irregular, forming fine transverse zigzags; pos-
teriorly they are more regular, and about .10 of an inch wide, the white a very little
more. Chin, throat, and cheeks without transverse bars, but with very sharp shaft-
lines of black; on breast, sides, and abdomen, a median longitudinal broad streak of
slate on each feather, the shaft black; on the tibiw, where the transverse bars are nar-
rower and more regular, the shaft-streaks are also finer; anal region finely barred;
lower tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Lining of the wing barred more coarsely
and irregularly than the breast; under surface of primaries with white prevailing, this
growing more silvery toward the ends; longest (fourth) with six oblique transverse
patches of slate, the outlines of which are much broken. Wing formula, 4,5,3-6-2, 1=10.
Wing, 13.00; tail, 9.50; tarsus, 3.70; naked portion, 1.35; middle toe, 2.00; inner, 1.21; outer,
1.37; posterior, 1.00.

Adult female (No. 12,239, Brooklyn,N. Y.: J. Ackhurst). Almost precisely similar to
the male. Slate above less bluish; bands on tail more distinct, five dark ones (about .75
of aninchin width) across the brownish slate; indistinct lighter bands indicated on
outer webs of primaries, corresponding with those on inner webs; lores more grayish
thanin male; bars beneath more regular; longitudinal streaks blacker and more sharply
defined. Wing,14.25; tail,11.25; tarsus, 1.60-2.20; middle toe, 1.95; inner, 1.40; outer, 1.45;
posterior, 1.30.

Young male (No. 26,920, Nova Scotia, June: J. G. Winton). Plumage very much vari-
egated. Head above, nape, and anterior portion of the back, ochraceous white, each
feather with a median stripe of brownish black, these becoming more tear-shaped onthe
nape. Scapulars, back, wing-coverts, rump, and upper tail-coverts umber-brown; the
feathers with lighter edges, and with large, more or less concealed spots of white, these
largest on the scapulars, where they occupy the basal and middle thirds of the feathers,
a band of brown narrower than the subterminal one separating the two areas; upper tail-
coyerts similarly marked, but white edges broader, forming conspicuous terminal
erescentic bars. Tail cinereous umber, with flve conspicuous bands of blackish brown,
the last of which is subterminal, and broader than the rest; tip of tail like the pale bands;
the bands are most sharply defined on the inner webs, being followed along the edges by
the white of the edge, which, frequently extending along the margin of the back, crosses
to the shaft,and is sometimes even apparent on the outer web; the lateral feather has
the inner web almost entirely white, this, however, more or less finely mottled with
grayish, the mottling becoming more dense toward the end of the feather; the bands also
cross more obliquely than on the middle feathers. Secondaries grayish brown, with
five indistinct, but quite apparent, dark bands; primaries marked as in the adult,

FALCONIDE—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 461

but much lighter. Beneath pure white, all the feathers, including lower tail-coverts.
with sharp, central, longitudinal streaks of clear dark brown, the shafts of the feathers
black; on the sides and tibia these streaks are expanded into a more acuminate, ellip-
tical form; the crissum only is immaculate, although the throat is only very sparsely
streaked; on the ear-coyerts the streaks are very fine and numerous, but uniformly
distributed.

Young female, second year? (No. 26,921, Nova Scotia: W. G. Winton). Head above,
nape,rump,and upper tail-coverts, with a deep ochraceous tinge; the character of
markings, however, as in the male. Bands on the tail more sharply defined, the narrow
white bar separating the black from the grayish bands more continuous and conspicu-
ous; lateral feathers more mottled; grayish tip of tail passing terminally into white.
Beneath with a faint ochraceous wash, this most apparent on the lining of the wings
and tibiw; streaks as in the male, but rather more numerous, the throat thickly streaked.

Young male, first year (No. 49,662, Calais, Me.: G. A. Boardman). Differs from No.
26,921 as follows: On the wings and upper tail-coverts the yellowish white spots are less
concealed, or, in fact, this forms the ground-color; secondary coverts ochraceous white.
with two very distinct transverse spots of dark brown, rather narrower than the white
spaces; tips of feathers broadly white; secondaries grayish brown, tipped with white,
more mottled with the same toward bases, and crossed by five bands of dark brown, the
first two of which are concealed by the coverts, the last quite a distance from the end of
the feathers; upper tail-coverts white, mottled on inner webs with brown, each with two
transverse broad bars, and a sub-terminal cordate spot of dark brown, the last not
touching the edge of the feather, and the anterior bars both concealed by the overlaying
feather. Tail grayish brown, tipped with white, and with six bands of blackish brown;
these bordered with white, as in the older stage. Markings beneath as in the older
stage, but those on the sides more cordate. Wing formula, 4, 5, 3-6-7-2-8-9, 1,10. Wing,
14.00; tail, 11.50.

Some of the examples upon which the supposed western race
“A, atricapillus var. striatulus,” of “History of North American Birds”
(Vol. III., pp. 288-240) was based, prove to be only very old birds
of the true A. atricapillus. They differ from the ordinary plumage
of the adult in the much finer pencilings of the plumage of the
lower parts, and more bluish cast to the upper parts.

This daring and powerful hawk is by no means common in IIli-
nois, where it makes its appearance only in winter. Mr. Nelson
(page 119 of his list) says of it as follows:

“Formerly a common winter resident; now very rare. Dr. A. L.
Marey, of Evanston, found them quite plentiful during the winter of
1870-71, and obtained specimens. The only time I ever saw the
bird alive, was the 3d of May, 1876, at Waukegan, when a fine
adult specimen passed slowly overhead and disappeared toward the
north.”

Genus ASTURINA Viem1or.

Asturina Vreu, Analyse, 1816, 24. Type Falco nitidus LatH.

Sp. CHar. Somewhat similar to Astwr, but of much heavier and more robust build;
tarsi longer and stouter, tail shorter and less rounded, wings longer, ete. Bill more
elongated than in Astwr, the cere longer, and the festoon on the commissure more de-
veloped; nostril oval, horizontal. Wings rather short, but less concave beneath than in

462 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Astur; third to fourth quill longest; first shorter than eighth or ninth; four outer quills
with theirinner webs sinuated; tail considerably shorter than the wing, slightly emar-
ginated, the lateral pair of feathers longest. Feet large and robust, when outstretched
reaching almost to the end of the tail; tarsi very robust compared to the toes, about one
and a half times as long as the middle toe, the frontal and posterior rows of transverse
secutelle very distinct and regular; outer toe longer than inner; claws strong, well
curved, but not very acute. Sexes alike in color; oldand young plumages very different.

This genus is peculiar to tropical America, and contains but two species, the A.
nitida (LaTH.) of South America and A. plagiata (LicHt.) of Middle America.

This genus Asturina is closely related to Leucopternis KaupP, but differs as follows:

Asturina. First quill longer than tenth. Tail even or emarginate, the lateral pair of
rectrices usually longest. Nostril decidedly horizontal. Young and adult ex-
ceedingly different in plumage.

Leucopternis. First quill shorter than tenth. Tail slightly rounded, the lateral pair of
feathers shortest. Nostrilnearly circular, rather vertical than horizontal. Young
and adult scarcely differing in plumage.

Asturina nitida plagiata (Licht.)
MEXICAN GOSHAWK.

Buteo plagiatus Licut. Nomencl. 1854. 3.
Asturina plagiata ScuurG. Mus. P. B. Asturine, 1862, 1.—Scn. & Saty. Ex. Orn. 1869,
179, pl. 90.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 218; Check List, 1874, No. 358; 2d ed. 1882, No. 527 (“plagata”)
Asturina nitida var. plagiata RipGw. 1873.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 246.
Asturina nitida plagiata Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 445.
Asturina nitida Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 35 (not Falco nitidus LAaTH.).—BAIRD,
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 38.

Has. Whole of Middle America, south to Panama, north to southwestern border of
United States; accidental (?) in southern Illinois (Richland Co., cf. Ripew. Am. Nat.
July 1872, p. 430).

Sp. CHAR. Adult male (No. 51,343, Mazatlan, Mexico: Ferd. Bischoff). Above deep
(rather dark) cinereous, becoming paler and finer on the head above, where the feathers
have the shafts (finely) black; wings with indistinct lighter bars; rump almost black.
Upper tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Tail pure black, tipped with pale grayish
brown (this passing terminally into white); about 14 inches from the tip is a continuous
band of white, half an inch in width; and a little over an inch anterior to this is another
narrower and less perfect one. Primaries approaching black at ends; the tips broadly
edged with dull white, as also the ends of secondaries. Head uniform fine delicate
ashy, becoming white on chin and throat, and approaching the same on the forehead;
shafts of feathers on head above, and neck, black; neck with indistinct paler transverse
bars, these most distinct on jugulum; the breast, abdomen, sides, flanks, axillars, and
tibiz are regularly barred transversely with cinereous and pure white, the bars of each
about equal, the white, however, gradually increasing, and the ashy bars narrowing
posteriorly, the tibia being finely barred; lower tail-coverts immaculate pure white.
Lining of the wing white, with very sparse, faint, transverse zigzag bars next the axil-
lars and on larger coverts; under surface of primaries white anterior to their emargina-
tion, beyond which they are more silvery, leaving about an inch of the terminal portion
black, the end of each, however, ashy; outer two quills crossed by narrow bars of ashy,
the rest with indications of the same, neartheshaft. Fourth quilllongest: tiird scarcely
shorter; second shorter than fifth; first intermediate between eighth and ninth. “Length
16.00; extent,38.00." Wing, 10.50; tail,7.00; tarsus,2.60; middle toe, 150.

FALCONIDAS—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 463

Adult female (No. 34,002, Mazatlan, June: Colonel Grayson). Cinereous, above darker,
the fascie of the wings hardly observable; frontand throat scarcely whitish; rump
almost pure black; second tail-band much broken and restricted. Ashy prevailing on
the jugulum, ashy bars beneath rather broader. Wings, 11.00; tail, 7.50; tarsus, 2.80;
middle toe, 1.70.

Young male (No. 35,060, Rio de Coahuyana, W. Mexico, October: J. Xantus). Above,
from bill to upper tail-coverts, dark bistre-brown, almost black; feathers of the head and
neck edged laterally with pinkish ochraceous,or sulphuret-of-manganese color; scapu-
lars with nearly whole outer webs of this color, they being blackish only along edges and
at ends; middle wing-coverts spotted with the same. Secondaries and primaries faintly
tipped with whitish; secondaries with indications of durker bands, and outer webs of
primaries with still more obscure ones; upper tail-coverts white, with sagittate specks
of black, one or two on each. Tail umber-brown (considerably lighter than the wings),
tipped with pinkish ash (this passing terminally into dull white) and crossed with six or
seven bands of black (these becoming gradually, but very considerably, narrower toward
the base). Beneath white, with vinaceous tinge (this deepest laterally); breast,abdomen,
and sides with large tear-shaped or cuneate spots of black; tibia with numerous trans-
verse bars of the same.

Young female. Similar to last, but the brown lighter, and more approaching umber.

In both sexes the iris is brown, bill and claws black, or bluish

black; cere, rictus, legs, and feet yellow.
Four other adults, with sex not indicated on labels, measure as

follows:

Wing, 10.00-11.70; tail, 6.80-8.00; culmen, .90-.95, tarsus, 2.65-2.80; middle toe, 1.50-1.65,

A specimen of this tropical species was seen by the writer on
Fox Prairie, in Richland Co., on the 19th of August, 1871.* It
several times came so near that its peculiar markings could be seen
with perfect distinctness, and the writer having previously handled
many stuffed specimens there cannot be the slightest doubt as to
the correctness of its identification.

*See American Naturalist, July, 1872, p. 430, and April, 1873, p. 20L

464

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Genus BUTEO Covier.

Buteo Cuv. Lec. Anat. Comp. i, 1800, tabl. ois. Type, Falco buteo Linn.
Craxirer GOULD, Voy. Beag. Birds, 1841,22. Type, Polyborus galapagoensis GOULD.
Tachytriorchis Kaur, Class. Saug. Vog. 1844, 143. Type, Falco plerocles TEMM.,=

Buteo albicaudatus ViEILu.

Poecilopternis Kaup. Isis, 1849, 329. Type, Falco pennsylvanicus Wus.
Buteola Bonap. Compt. Rend. xli, 1855, 651. Type, Buteo brachyurus VIEL.

Gen. Cuan. Formrobust and heavy, the wings long and rather pointed, the tail
moderate and rounded, the bill and feet strong. Bill intermediate between that of Astur
and that of Parabuteo. Wing long and rather pointed, the third to fifth quill longest, the
first shorter than eighth; three orfour withinner webs emarginated. Tail moderate,
slightly rounded.

A. Four outer primaries with inner webs emarginated.

a.

Tarsus more than twice as long as the middle toe.

1. B.lineatus. Tail always dusky,crossed by white or buffy narrow bands; outer
webs of primaries, anterior to their emarginations, more or less spotted with
white or ochraceous. Adult. Lower parts rufous (varying in intensity), more or
less barred or transversely spotted with white (breast sometimes nearly uniform
rufous). Tailand primaries slate-black, the former barred, the latter spotted on
outer webs with pure white; lesser wing-coverts dark rufous or chestnut. Young.
Lower parts dull whitish or buffy, longitudinally striped with dusky. Primaries
and tail brownish dusky, the former crossed by narrow bands of pale grayish
brown, buffy, or dull whitish, the latter spotted towards base with the same. Male.
Wing, 12.90-13.50; tail, 7.70-9.70; tarsus, 2.70-3.25. Female. Wing, 13.35-14.25; tail,
9.00-10.00; tarsus, 3.10-3,20.

Tarsus less than twice as long as middle toe. Form decidedly more robust.

2. B. borealis, Tail rufous in adult, brownish gray banded with black, in young;
outer webs of primaries without light spotting. Adult. Lower parts varying
from entirely white, with a few dusky markings on abdomen and flanks, to dusky,
with or without a rufous breast-patch. Tail rufous, usually with a single subter-
minal black bar, sometimes with indications of other bars, rarely without any
bar. Young. Lower parts white, more or less varied with dusky, especially across
abdomen, or almost wholly dusky (in some western specimens). Tail brownish
gray, crossed by about 9 narrow bands of blackish. Male. Wing, 13.50-16.50; tail,
8.50-10.00; tarsus, 2.40-3.20. Female. Wing, 15.25-17.75; tail, 9.50-10.50; tarsus, 3.15-3.40,
8. B.harlani. Similar in form to B. borealis, but lateral toes nearly equal, and
tibial plumes better developed, reaching to or beyond the base of the toes. Pre-
vailing color blackish, the bases of the feathers pure white. Adult. Tail con-
fusedly mottled with grayish, dusky and white, in variable relative amount, often
mixed with rufous, and crossed by asubterminal bar or narrow band of dusky.
Young. Tail crossed by 7-9 bands of grayish brown and dusky, the two colors
about equal in width. Male. Wing, 14.25-15.00; tail, 8.80-10.00; tarsus, 2.75-3.25. .
Female. Wing, 15.75-16.20; tail, 9.10-10.00; tarsus, 2.90-3.50.

B. Only three outer primaries with inner webs emarginated.

5. B.swainsoni, Size large (wing more than 12 inches), the tips of the closed wings
reaching nearly or quite to the end of the tail. Tail (of both adults and young)
grayish brown (sometimes with a hoary cast), crossed by 9 or more narrow
dusky bands, these less distinct basally. Upper parts nearly uniform dusky brown.
Normal plumage. Lower parts whitish (or light colored), with a distinctly defined
breast-patch, rufous in the male, brown in the female. Melanistic plumage.
Lower parts entirely dusky, or with dusky prevailing, with or without admix-
ture of rufous. Young. Above brownish black, with ochraceous edgings to feath-
ers; beneath fine ochraceous,more or less marked with tear-shaped spots of

FALCONIDH—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 465

brownish black. (Palest-colored specimens nearly or quite free from spots be-
neath; melanistic examples with dusky prevailing.) Male: Wing,13.70-15.25; tail,
7.00-9.00; tarsus, 2.10-2.65. Memale: Wing, 14.75-16.50; tail, 8.80-9.00; tarsus, 2.50-2.70.
5. B. latissimus. Size small (wing less than 12 inches), the tips of the closed
wings reaching only to the middle of the tail. Adult: Tail dusky, crossed by 2-4
broad bands of light brownish gray or brownish white, and narrowly tipped with
whitish. Upper parts nearly uniform dusky brown, darker on the back; lower
parts dull rufous brown varied by white spotting, the latter color prevailing pos-
teriorly. Young: Tail grayish brown, crossed by about 5-7 narrow bands of dusky
and tipped with whitish. Side of head and entire lower parts white or pale buff,
relieved by a more or less distinct dusky “mustache;” a dusky streak down
middle of throat, and various longitudinal markings of the same color on breast,
sides, ete. Male: Wing,9.85-10.70; tail, 6.50-7.00; tarsus, 2.15-2.80. Female: Wing,
11.00-11.40; tail,7.00-8.00; tarsus, 2.20-2.80,

Buteo borealis (Gmel.)

RED-TAILED HAWK.

a. borealis. Eastern Red-tailed Hawk,

Popular synonyms. Chicken Hawk; White-breasted Chicken Hawk; Common Chicken
Hawk or Hen Hawk.

Falco borealis GMEu. 8. N. i, 1788, 266.—Wins. Am. Orn. i, 1808, pl. 52, fig. 1.—Aup. B.
Am. i, 1831, pl. 51; Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 265.—NuttT. Man. ed. 2, i, 1840, 102.

Buteo borealis Vrerww. 1816.—Nutr. Man. i, 1832, 122.—Aup. Synop. 1839, 6; B. Am. i,
1840, 82, pl. 7.—Cass. in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 25.—Bartrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
23.—Covuss, Key, 1872, 216; Check List, 1874, No. 351; 2d ed. 1882, No. 516; B. N. W.
1874, 352.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 436.

Buteo borealis var. borealis B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 282.

Falco leverianus GMEL. 8. N. i,1788, 266 (=young).—WILs. Am. Orn. i, 1808, pl. 52, fig. 2.—
Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 265.

Has. Eastern North America to and including the Mississippi Valley; north to the
Fur Countries, south through eastern Mexico to Guatemala.

b. calurus. Western Red-tailed Hawk,

Popular synonym. Black Red-tail.
Buteo calurus Cass. Proce. Phil. Acad. vii, 1855, 281; in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 14; ib. ed.
1860, pl. 14.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 20.
Buteo borealis var. calurus Ripew. 1873.—B. LB. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 286.
Buteo borealis b. calurus Couss, B. N. W, 1874, 286.
Buteo borealis calurus Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 436b.—Cougs, 2d Check List,
1882, No. 517.
Buteo montanus “Nutt.” Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 26 (nec. NuTT.).—BarrD, Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, No. 24.

Has. Western North America, from Rocky Mountains to the Pacific; north to Sitka,
Alaska; south to southern Mexico.

c. krideri. Krider's Red-tailed Hawk,
Popular synonyms, White Red-tailed Hawk; White Hen Hawk or Chicken Hawk.

Buteo borealis var. krideri Hoops, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1873, 283, pl. 5 (= young).—B. B.
& R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 284.—Couns, Check List, 1874, No. 35le.
Buteo borealis d. krideri Cougs, B. N. W. 1874, 353.
Buteo borealis krideri Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 436.—Covugs, 2d Check List,
1882, No. 519.
—30

466 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Has. Eastern border of the Great Plains, from Minnesota to central Texas.

Sp. Cuar. Third to fifth quilllongest, the first always shorter than seventh (some-
time shortest); four outer quills with inner webs distinctly emarginated. Tarsus less
than twice as long as middle toe. Adult. Tail rufous, paler (sometimes whitish) at tip,
and usually, crossed by a subterminal narrow band of black, often with more or less dis-
tinct indications of other narrow bars. Upper parts blackish brown (sometimes much
mixed with white), nearly uniform on the back, elsewhere broken by more or less of
paler transverse barring and spotting. Occipital feathers pure white at the base, but
feathers of nape edged with dullrufous. Wings with indistinct lighter grayish brown
bands, the tips of the remiges distinctly paler. Lower parts varying from nearly pure
white, with few dark spots across the abdomen, to almost uniform blackish brown. Un-
der surface of primaries plain white anterior to theiremarginations. Young. Tail gray-
ish brown, crossed by 9 or10 narrow but usually sharply defined bands of blackish;
colors otherwise much as in the adults but with less rufous.

The above characters cover the extreme variations in the plum-
age of this species that have come under my notice. The species
varies not only to a great extent individually, but also geographi-
cally, a peculiar style of plumage prevailing in separate geographical
areas of the country. The followimg geographical races are fairly
well defined : ,

A. Never with dusky or rufous prevailing on lower parts; tail of adult usually with
only one continuous dusky bar, sometimes with none.

Q@. borealis. Upper parts with dark brownish largely prevailing; abdomen and
flank with conspicuous dusky spots. ‘Tail deep rufous, usually with a dis-
tinct subterminal bar of black.

p . krideri. Upper parts with much white spotting; lower parts almost wholly
white, with little or no dark spotting on abdomenand flanks. Tail light rufous,
usually without a subterminal bar,

B. Frequently w:t rufous or dusky prevailing on lower parts. Tailof adult frequently
with indications of numerous bars.

Y. calurus. Rarely but little darker than borealis; usually much darker, and not
unfrequently almost uniform blackish brown.

a. borealis,

Sp. CHar. Adult. Upper parts rich blackish brown, approaching black on the
back; scapulars and middle wing coverts edged and barred beneath the surface with
dull white, and tinged along edges with ochraceous. Wings generally of a paler shade
than the back; secondaries fading into nearly white at tips, and, with the greater coverts,
obscurely barred with darker; primaries nearly black, tips edged with pale brown,
this passing into whitish. Rump uniform blackish brown, the feathers obscurely bor-
dered withrusty. Uppertail-coverts ochraceous white, nearly pure terminally,and with
about two distinct transverse bars of deep rufous. Tail rich uniform lateritious rufous,
passing narrowly into white at the tip, and about an inch (or less) from the end crossed by
a narrow band of black. Head and neck with the feathers medially blackish brown, the
edges rusty rufous, causing a streaked appearance; the rufous prevailing on the sides of
the occiput, ear-coverts,and neck. The blackish almost uniform on the forehead and on
the cheeks, over which it forms a broad “mustache”; lores and sides of frontlet whitish.
Throat white, with broad stripes of pure slaty brown; lower parts in general ochraceous

FALCONIDM—DIURNAL RAPTORES, 467

' white; tibia and lower tail-coverts immaculate; across the abdomen and flanks (immedi-
ately in front of the tibiw)is a broad interrupted belt of longitudinal black blotches, those on
the abdomen tear-shaped, on the flanks largerand more irregular, throwing off bars toward
the edge of the feathers; whole pectoral area variegated only with a few shaft-streaks of
black (these growing broader laterally), and sometimes washed with rusty. Lining of
the wing ochraceous white, with sparse diamond-shaped spots of pale rufous, and shaft-
streaks of darker; under surface of primaries white anterior to their emargination,
beyond which they gradually deepen into black; the innermost ones are finely mottled
with slaty,and with imperfect transverse bars of the same.

Male. Wing, 13.50-16.50; tail, 8.50-10.00; culmen, .95-1.08; tarsus, 1.40-3.20; middle toe,
1.60-1.70. Weight, 2-3 lbs.

Female. Wing, 15.25-17.75; tail, 9.50-10.50; culmen, 1.00-1.15; tarsus, 3.15-3.40; middle
toe, 1.70-1.80. Weight, 34 lbs.

Young (No, 28,14, Philadelphia, J. Krider). Above similar to the adult, but lacking
entirely any rufous tinge, the scapulars and wing-coverts more variegated with whitish.
Tail light grayish brown (very much lighter than the rump), tinged,especially basally,
with rufous, narrowly tipped with white, and crossed with nine or ten narrow, curved
bands of black; upper tail-coverts white, with broad bars of black. Head as inthe adult,
but the rufous wanting, leaving the streaks black and white; forehead more broadly
white; chin and throat wholly white, the latter with a collar of dusky streaks across the
lower part; whole pectoral region entirely immaculate, pure white; abdominal band as
in the adult; tibia somewhat tinged with ochraceous, unvariegated.

In its typical form, B. borealis may usually be distinguished from
the lighter-colored examples of B. borealis calurus by having the
posterior lower parts (tibiz and lower tail-coverts) free from trans-
verse bars or other markings, and in the absence of transverse
bars on the tail anterior to the usual subterminal one. ‘These
differences are by no means absolutely constant, however, since,
while eastern specimens occasionally occur which have these parts
more or less distinctly barred, western specimens with the same
parts immaculate are sometimes found. Such, however, are in
either case exceptional.

Young birds from the eastern side of the continent occasionally
have the tibie more or less barred or spotted, but usually such
markings, if present, are either small or faint in color compared
with western specimens of corresponding age.

b. calurus.

Sussp. CHar. Adult. Similar to borealis, but darker, or with more rufous and
blackish in the plumage; tibiw usually distinctly barred with rufous, or else nearly
uniform rufous or dusky; throat usually with dusky prevailing, sometimes wholly of
this color. Tail frequently with more or less distinct indications of numerous blackish
bars. In melanistic tndividuals, which are not uncommon, the whole plumage nearly
uniform sooty black or dark brown, the breast, however, usually paler, sometimes rufous
or ferruginous. (Between this plumage and the lightest-colored individuals every pos-
sible intermediate coloration oceurs.) Young. Much darker than the corresponding
stage of borealis. In melanistic specimens, whole plumage blackish brown, varied only
with fulvous edgings to the feathers and concealed white spotting; the tail grayish
brown, with about nine broad black bars. In the lighter-colored individuals, the tibia
with very distinct—usually heavyy—transverse spots of dusky.

468 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Adult male (five specimens from Nevada, collected by the author). Total length, 21.50-
23.00 inches; extent, 49.00-53.00; weight, 2-3 pounds. Bill dull black terminally,
light bluish basally; cere and rictus greenish yellow; iris deep hazelin some specimens,
light yellow in others,in two specimens yellow on upper portion and brown below; legs
and feet light yellow; claws black.

Adult female (five specimens from Nevada, collected by the author). Total length,
25.00-24.00 inches; extent, 54.00-57.00; weight,3-4 pounds. Fresh colors asin the above-
mentioned males. (Iris Naples yellow in one very black melanistic individual, deep
hazel in a rufous-breasted melanistic specimen, and hazel in three light-colored ex-
amples.)*

The young bird of this western style is usually as different from
that of the eastern as is the adult, and the essential differences
are about the same,—i. e. darker colors, or a predominance, or
rather, increase in size, of the dark markings. The numerous heavy
transverse spots on the tibie constitute a marked feature of the
average young calurus, as compared with the almost, or sometimes
entirely, immaculate white of those in borealis.

ce. krideri.

Sugsp. CHar. Adult. Similar to borealis, but beneath continuous pure white, with-
out rufous tinge,and without distinct spots across the abdomen, or lacking them entirely;
above much lighter, the brown, light rufous, and white being about equal in amount.
Upper tail-coverts immaculate white; tail pale rufous, the shafts pure white, and the
webs mixed with white along their edges, its amount increasing toward the base; no
trace of a dusky subterminal bar, or else only indicated by badly defined spots.

“Young. Differing from that of var. borealis inthe immaculate, snowy white lower
parts, nearly equal extent of the white and dusky on the upper parts, and whitish cast of
the tail.

This fine bird, although far less numerous than the Red-
shouldered Hawk (B. lineatus) is yet very common in most por-
tions of the country. According to Mr. Horace A. King (in Orni-
thologist and Odlogist, Vol. IX., July, 1884, p. 81), “One of the com-
monest birds of prey to be found in northern Illinois, is the Red-
tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis). A person will meet with them in all
sorts of places, but they are most common in the vicinity of heavy
timber. In driving through the country one will see them perched
upon rail fences, trees by the way-side, sitting on the ground in
stubble or pasture fields, or soaring over fields in search of their
prey. When on one of his foraging expeditions, the Red-tail, on
sighting his prey, will remain at the same place inthe air by a
continual flapping of the wings, when at the proper time he will
dive swiftly and silently upon it.”

*The color of the iris in this species (any race) is very inconstant. In the fully adult
it may be either deep hazel, light hazel, light yellow,or partly brown and yellow; if the
latter, the yellow usually occupies the upper portion of the iris. In immature birds the

iris may be either clear light yellow, pale brown, or light grayish; the first, however, ap-
pears to be the usual color.

FALCONIDA—DIURNAL RAPTORES, 469

Two eggs of this species, unusually large and entirely free from
markings, were obtained by the writer at Mount Carmel, on the 6th
of March, 1867, and are now in the collection of the National
Museum at Washington. The nest was on the summit of a tall
black gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica), about ninety feet from the ground.

The claim of the western race of the Red-tailed Hawk rests on
the capture of a single specimen “near Chicago in April, 1873,” by
Mr. C. H. Smith, as recorded by Mr. Nelson in his list, p. 119.

The occurrence in Illinois of the very strongly marked race known
as Krider’s Red-tailed Hawk, is verified by a specimen presented to
the United States National Museum, by Mr. H. K. Coale, and ob-
tained July 25, 1876, on the bank of the Des Plaines River, about
34 miles northwest of Chicago.

Buteo harlani (Aud.)

y HARLAN’S HAWK.

Popular synonyms. Black Warrior; Harlan’s Buzzard.

Falco harlani Aub. B. Am. i, 1831, pl. 36; Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 441.

Buteo harlani Bp. 18388.—AupD. Synop. 1839,6; B. Am. i, 1840, 38, pl. 8.—Cass. in B. N.
Am. 1858, 24 (part; not desc. of supposed young, which=B. borealis calurus!).
—Barep,Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 22.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 216; Check List, 1874, No. 350;
2d ed. 1882, No. 515; B. N. W. 1874, 352.—B. B, & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 292.
—Rivew. Nom. N. Am, B. 1881, No. 438.

Buteo cooperi Cass. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil. 1856, 253.

Has. Southern portion of Mississippi Valley,from Louisiana and Texas, to southern
Tilinois and eastern Kansas; New Mexico; Pennsylvania? eastern Mexico? Guatemala.

a. Light phase,

Adult (No. 8,525,Santa Clara, California, October,1856: Dr. J.G. Cooper. Type of B.
cooperi Cass). Head,neck,and whole lower parts white; feathers of the head and neck
with median longitudinal streaks of black, the white prevailing on the occiput and super-
ciliary region, the black predominating over the cheeks, forming a ‘‘mustache”; throat
with fine lanceolate blackish streaks; sides of the breast with broader, more cuneate
markings of the same; flanks with narrow, lanceolate stripes, these extending sparsely
across the abdomen; tibizw, and lower tail-coverts immaculate, the inner face of the for-
mer, however, with faint specks. Upper plumage in general dark plumbeous brown,
inclining to black on the back; plumbeous clearest on primaries, which are uniformly of
this color, the inner ones inclining to fine cinereous. Scapulars and wing-coverts spat-
tered with white beneath the surface. Rump black; upper tail-coverts white tinged with
rufous, and with irregular distant transverse bars of blackish. Tail with light rufous
prevailing, but this broken up by longitudinal daubs and washes of cinereous, and
darker mottlings running longitudinally on both webs; basally the ground color ap-
proaches white; tip white, and a distinct, but very irregular, subterminal band of black,
into which the longitudinal mottlings melt; outer webs of lateral feathers entirely cinere-
ous, and without the black band. Under side of the wing white with a large black space
on the lining near the edge; under surface of primaries white anterior to their emargi-
nation, finely mottled with ashy, and with indistinct transverse bands terminally. Fourth
quill longest; third shorter than fifth; second equal to sixth; first equal to tenth. Wing,
15.75; tail, 9.10; tarsus, 3.25; middle toe, 1.70.

470 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Adult female? (No. 99,969, U. 8. Nat. Mus., Gainesville, Texas: G. H. Ragsdale), Head
and neck above white, each feather marked with a central guttate or acute-ovate spot of
dusky brown, the whole under surface of the plumage, however, pure white. Back and
scapulars mixed brownish gray, dusky brown, and white,in nearly equal proportion, the
whole underlying portion of the feathers white; lesser and middle wing-coverts nearly
uniform dusky brown, with a faint purplish gloss; greater coverts grayish brown, trans-
versely spotted, or irregularly barred, with dusky,the concealed basal portion white;
secondaries similar, but darker terminally, and narrowly tipped with white; primaries
grayish brown, darker toward ends,indistinetly mottled with darker or lighter, the
shorter quills with decidedly, though not abruptly, paler tips. Upper tail-coverts white,
marked with an irregular subterminal blotch of dusky brown (continued, irregularly,
along the shaft), the inner webs of some of them stained with ochraceous. Tail white,
the outer webs of all the feathers confusedly mottled, chiefly near the edges, with brown-
ish gray, these mottlings more coalesced, and also darkerin color, near the end of the
feathers, so as to suggest a poorly defined subterminal darker band; inner webs of all
the rectrices, also the shafts, entirely white. Head, neck, and entire lower parts white,
the first finely streaked laterally with dusky, the throat more broadly streaked, andfrom
the rictus backward a broad stripe of dusky, formed of coalesced guttate streaks or spots,
which at the lower part of the throat extend across, forming a narrow interrupted band;
sides of jugulum marked with guttate spots of dusky brown; flanks and lower part of
abdomen marked with guttate and lanceolate spots or streaks of very dark brown; front
and inner sides of tibia# sparsely and irregularly marked with clear grayish brown;
whole breast, anal region, and crissum, immaculate. Lining of wing white, sparsely
and irregularly spotted with dusky, thus forming a patch on the anterior under wing-
coyerts; under surface of primaries, anterior to their emargination, faintly, sparsely,
and irregularly mottled with grayish. Wing, 16.25; tail, 10.00; culmen, 1.10; tarsus,2.85,
the bare portion in front 1.75; middle toe, 1.75,

b. Dark phase.

Adult male (Lawrence, Kansas. October, 1871: in collection of Kansas University).
General color deep, almost carbonaceous, black, showing much exposed white on the
head, neck, and breast, all the feathers of which are snowy white beneath the surface,
the black being merely in the form of tear-shaped spots on the terminal portion of the
feather; chin, lores, and front pure white; upper partsin general, the posterior lower
parts, and the lining of the wing, with the black unbroken, butall the feathers—except
the under wing-coverts—more or less spotted with white beneath the surface, on a gray-
ish ground, these spots being usually arranged in pairs on each side of the shaft, on the
flanks; tail-coverts, above and below, spotted irregularly with bright rufous, in nearly
equal amount with the black and white. Alul#,primary coverts, and primaries, with
quadrate spots of plumbeous on their outer webs, forming transverse bands; under sur-
face of primaries plumbeous gray except at ends, but much broken by coarse marbling
of white, this prevailing anteriorly, where itis much confused, but posteriorly about
equal with the grayish, and exhibiting a tendency to form quadrate spots. Tail, withthe
ground color white, but this nearly hidden on the upper surface by a longitudinal mot-
tling of dark and light ashy, this growing more uniform terminally, where it becomes
slightly suffused with reddish and crossed by a subterminal, broad, but broken and
irregular, band of black, the tip again very narrowly grayish and reddish.

Wing formula, 4, 3,5-2,6; 1=10. Wing, 15.00; tail, 8.80; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 2.75; mid-
dle toe, 1.50; lateral toes equal. Plumage of flanks, tibia, and crissum remarkably
lengthened and lax, the latter reaching within two inches of the tip of the tail, and the
tibial plumes reaching to the base of the toes.

Adult female (No. 6,851, Rio Grande, lat. 32°: Dr. T. C. Henry, U. 8. A.). Whole plum-
age purplish black, or chocolate-black, with a purplish lustre; feathers everywhere pure
white at bases, this exposed, however, only on the occiput, or where the feathers are dis-
arranged. Forehead, lores,and chin white. Secondaries and primaries more brown than
other portions, crossed by distinct bands of black,—about six on the secondaries. Whole

FALCONIDE—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 471

lining of the wing and upper tail-coverts, continuous, unvariegated black. Onder sur-
face of the primaries ashy white, more slaty terminally; ends with distinct, and other
portions with indistinct, mottled bars of dusky. ‘Tail ashy brown on outer webs, white
on inner; both with a confused, rather longitudinal mottling of blackish; terminally,
there is a broad, nearly continuous subterminal band indicated by blotches, these mixed
very slightly with arufous tinge. Primariesinjured by shot, therefore proportions of
the quills cannot be determined. Wing,15.75; tail,9.10; culmen, 1.00; tarsus 2.90; middle
toe,1.60; outer,1.15; inner,1.15.

Young male (Gainesville, Texas, Nov. 16, 1876: G. H. Ragsdale*). Prevailing color
dark sooty brown, nearly black, the entire plumage white beneath the surface, showing
wherever the feathers are disarranged. Throat white, with afew streaks of sooty brown;
lores whitish. Scapulars and larger wing-coverts with large concealed bars and spots of
white; feathers of the rump, upper tail-coverts, flanks, tibia and crissum with indistinct
roundish spots of pale fulyous, pale grayish brown and dirty white, on the edges of the
feathers, the continuity of the dusky ground-color being thus broken. Remiges gray-
ish brown, with distinct bands of sooty black, with a purplish reflection, these bands
averaging about .50 of an inch in widtli, .60-.75 apart; on the secondaries they are three
in number, exclusive of those concealed by the greater coverts and the very indistinct
terminal one; rectrices similar to the remiges, but the black bars nearly equal in width
to the interspaces (both averaging about .45 of an inch in width), and seven in number on
the intermediate (not counting the nearly obsolete basal one); on the inner webs of the
intermediw these bars are less regular, those toward the end of the feathers being
decidedly zigzag and oblique; inner webs mottled with grayish next the shaft, white
toward the edge, the bars narrower and more conspicuous than on the outer webs.
Lining of the wing and axillars blackish dusky, irregularly spotted with white and pale
fulyous; inner webs of primaries white anterior to their emarginations, this white re-
lieved, however, by an irregular clouding and sprinkling of grayish.

Fourth quill longest; third and fifth, .835 of an inch shorter, and equal; second,1.60;
shorter than the fourth, and exceeding the sixth in length; first,4.25 shorter than the
fourth, and intermediate between the eighth and ninth,

Wing, 16.20; tail,10.00; culmen, .98; tarsus, 3.50; middle toe, 1.70; outer toe decidedly
longer than the inner.

The specimen last described calls to mind at first sight the young
of Buteo abbreviatus, on account of the numerous white spots which
show wherever the feathers are disarranged. It is, however, more
spotted below, and the general cast of the plumage is decidedly
more brownish; while the proportions are, of course, entirely differ-
ent. From melanistic young specimens of B. borealis, it differs in
the conspicuous white spotting alluded to, in the decidedly greater
width and distinctness of the black band of the remiges and rec-
trices, as well as the more hoary cast of the interspaces between
the latter—especially on the intermedia.

“This species, though smaller than the Red-tail, to which he re-
garded it as allied, Audubon thought greatly superior to it in flight
and daring. Its flight is described as rapid, greatly protracted,
and so powerful as to enable it to seize the prey with apparent
ease, or effect its escape from its stronger antagonist, the Red-tail,

* This specimen was, at last accounts, in the collection of Dr. R. M. W. Gibbs, of Kala-

mazoo, Mich. (Cf. The Naturalist ard Fancier, Grand Rapids, Mich., Vol. L, No. 8,
August, 1877,)

472, BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

which pursued it on all occasions. It had been seen to pounce
upon a fowl, kill it almost instantly, and afterward drag it along
the ground seyeral hundred yards. It was not seen to prey on
hares or squirrels, but seemed to evince a marked preference for
poultry, partridges, and the smaller species of wild duck. He saw
none of the young, but was told that they appeared to be of a
leaden gray color at a distance, and at the approach of winter be-
came as dark as their parents.” (Hist. N. Am. B. Vol. IIL., pp.
294, 295.)

A fine adult male of this rare species was taken by Mr. Chas.
K. Worthen, near Warsaw, Hancock county, in March, 1879. ‘I'wo
of them were seen at the time, flying up the Mississippi river,
apparently following the flight of water-fowl which were then com-
ing north in great numbers.”

Buteo lineatus (Gmel.)
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.

Popular synonyms, Hen Hawk; Chicken Hawk.
Falco lineatus GME. 8. N.i, 1788, 268.—Wins, Am. Orn. i, 1808, pl. 53, flg.3.—Aup. Orn.
Biog. i, 1831, 296,

Buteo lineatus JaRD. 1832.—AuUD. Synop. 1839, 7.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 28.—
Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No, 25.—Covugs, Key, 1872, 217; Check List, 1874, No. 352;
2d ed. 1882, No. 520; B. N. W. 1874, 354.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 275 (var.
lineatus).—Rmpaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 439.

Falco buteoides Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 100,

Haz. Eastern North America, from the British Provinces to Florida, and west to the
Great Plains; Texas and eastern Mexico to Orizaba. (Represented in California and
western Mexico by B. lineatus elegans.) Accidental in Scotland.

Sp. CHar. Adult male (No. 32,500, Washington, D. C., January). Head,neck, and in-
terscapulars deep rufous (above becoming darker posteriorly), each feather with a
median stripe of blackish brown. Throat and cheeks almost destitute of rufous tinge,
the ground being dull white,—the dusky forming an indistinct ‘“‘mustache,” and an
imperfect, obsolete collar (formed by confluent, or suffused streaks) across the throat.
Breast, sides, abdomen, and tibiew rather light rufous, becoming paler posteriorly; breast
with shaft-streaks of blackish; the rufous of sides of breast almost unvaried; abdomen,
sides, and middle of the breast, with transverse bars of ochraceous white; tibia uniform
pale ochraceous; anal region and lower tail-coverts, immaculate white. Lesser wing-
coverts chestnut rufous, feathers with black shaft streaks, these becoming larger pos-
teriorly; scapulars and middle wing-coverts edged broadly with rufous, and indistinctly
spotted on inner webs with white—this somewhat exposed; secondaries dark clear brown,
tipped and crossed with two (exposed) bands of white; primaries black, fading at tips in-
to dilute grayish brown, and with quadrate spots of white on outer webs. Rump uni-
form blackish brown; upper tail-coverts tipped and banded with black. Tail clear brown-
ish black, crossed with six sharply defined narrow bands of white, the last of which is
terminal, and the first two concealed by the upper coverts. Lining of the wing nearly
uniform pale rufous, with very sparse, deeper rufous, somewhat transverse spots;
under surface of primaries silvery white, crossed by broad bands, these where the white

FALCONIDA—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 473

is clearest being pale rufous, bordered with dusky, but as the white grows more silvery
_ they darken into black; the longest (fourth) has eight of these spots, including the sub-
terminal, very broad one. Fourth quill longest; fifth, just perceptibly shorter; third, a
‘ little shorter; second, considerably longer than sixth; first equal to ninth. Wing, 13.00;
tail, 8.50; tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.33,

Adult female (No. 11,991, Washington, D. C.: Dr. W. Wallace). Generally similar to the
male, but rufous more extended, this tinging the outer webs of secondaries and pri-
maries. On the under parts the rufous is rather deeper, and the tibiw are strongly
barred, and even the lower tail-coverts have obsolete spots of the same. Wing, 13.75;
tail,9.00; tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.50.

Young male (No. 1,210). Ground color of head, neck, and under parts white; feathers
of head and neck with median stripes of dark clear vandyke-brown, leaving a supercili-
ary space, and the ear-coverts scarcely striped; a blackish suffusion over cheeks, form-
ing a “mustache,” and large longitudinal spot of the same on middle of throat; breast,
abdomen, sides, and flanks, with rather sparse, irregularly sagittate spots of clear van-
dyke-brown, those on the sides of breast more longitudinal; tibia with a faint ochra-
ceous tinge, and with sparse,small, and irregular specks of brown; lower tail-coverts
with a very few distant isolated bars of the same. Upper parts generally, clear dark
vandyke-brown; interscapulars and wing-coverts edged (most broadly beneath the sur-
face) with pale rufous; middle wing-coverts with much white spotting on upper webs,
partially exposed; wing-coverts generally, and scapulars, narrowly bordered with white;
secondaries narrowly tipped with white, and crossed with about four (exposed) bands of
paler grayish brown; primaries inclining to black; faintly margined at ends with
whitish; outer webs anterior to the emargination, rufous white, with distant, narrow
bars of blackish.these widening on inner quills; upper tail-coverts white with trans-
verse spots of blackish. Tail dark vandyke-brown, narrowly tipped with white, and
crossed with numerous narrow bands of pale grayish brown, these obsolete towards the
base. Lining of the wing pale ochraceous, with afew irregularly cordate spots of dark
brown toward edge of wing; under surface of primaries mostly white, the dusky bars
not extending across the web, except on inner quills. Wing, 13.25; tail, 9.30; tarsus, 2.85;
middle toe, 1.40.

Young female (No. 11,994, Washington, D. C., January: C. Drexler). Almost precisely
similar; tibia# unspotted; light bands of the tail more sharply defined basally, and pale
mottled rufous, instead of pale ashy brown. Wing, 14.50; tail, 9.60; tarsus, 3.10; middle
toe, 1.45.

This is decidedly the most numerous of the larger hawks in most
portions of Illinois, especially in the timbered districts. It does
not differ much in its habits from other species, except that it is
a very noisy bird, its very loud but plaintive and not unmusical
ery of kee'-oe, kee'-oe, kee'-oe, being frequently heard, especially
during the breeding season, most often uttered as the bird sails in
broad circles high over the tree-tops. The food of the Red-
shouldered Hawk consists chiefly of frogs, reptiles, and field mice,
but it occasionally, like others of its tribe, makes a descent upon

the poultry-yard.

474 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Buteo swainsoni Bonap.

SWAINSON’S HAWK.

Popular synonym. Brown Hawk.

Buteo vulgarus Sw. & Ricu. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 41, pl. 27 (male ad.).—Aup. B. Am. 1, 1840, pl. 6.

Buteo swainsoni Br. Comp. List, 1838,3.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 19; ed. 1860, pl.
13 (female ad.).—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,No. 18.—Cours, Key, 1872, 217; Check
List, 1874, No. 354; 2d ed. 1882, No. 523; B. N. W. 1874, 355.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am.
B. iii, 1874, 263—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 442.

Buteo montanus Nutt. Man. ed. 1840, i, 112.

Buteo bairdii Hoy, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1853, 451 (= young).—Cass. Illustr. 1855, pl. 41; in
Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 21.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 19.

Buteo insignatus Cass. Illustr. 1854, 102, 198, pl. 41 (= melanistic phase); in Baird’s B.N.
Am. 1858, 23.—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 21.

Buteo oxypterus Cass. Proc. Phil. Acad. vii, 1855, 282 (= young); in Baird’s B. N. Am.
1858, 30; ib. ed. 1860, pl. 15, fig. 2—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 28.—Couzs, Key,
1872, 218.

Buteo swainsoni var. orypterus B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 266.

Has. Western North America, north to the Yukon and McKenzie River districts,
south to Central America (Guatemala and Costa Rica), east to the Mississippi Valley
(linois, Wisconsin, Arkansas, ete.); occasional visitant further eastward, especially
north of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence. Massachusetts (Brewster). Straggling (?)
over South America, as far as Patagonia, Argentine Republic, and Masafuera.

Sp. CHAR. Only three outer primaries withinner webs emarginated; third or fourth
(usually the third) quill longest; first shorter than the sixth (usually about equal to—
rarely shorter than—the seventh). Wing reaching nearly to the end of the tail; prima-
ries exceeding secondaries by about one third the length of the wing. Taileven. Trans-
verse scutelle on front of the tarsus, 913. Color: tail grayish brown, or grayish, some-
times with a hoary cast, usually passing narrowly into whitish at the tip, and crossed by
an indefinite number of very indistinct narrow bands of adarker shade. Colors of other
portions extremely variable. Adult. Nearly uniform dusky brown aboye, the frontlet,
concealed bases of occipital feathers, and the upper tail-coverts more or less mixed with
white; beneath sometimes pure white, with a broad patch of uniform brown or rufous
on the breast, and white throat-patch, but from this light extreme the lower parts vary
to uniform dusky chocolate or sooty brown, through intermediate shades of ochraceous
or rufous upon which ground deeper colored bars are visible on portions posterior to
the pectoral patch; very rarely the lower parts are irregularly spotted with brown, while
the pectoral patch is broken up into similar spotting by the admixture of more or less
of white. In the extreme melanistic condition the bird is uniformly blackish brown,
with white bars on the crissum. Young. Ochraceous and purplish black,in relative
quantities varying according to the individual; the ochraceous forms the ground color,
and usually predominates, but is sometimes much less in amount than the black; the
tail is the same as in the adult.

a. Normal phase,

Adult. Above continuous blackish brown, the feathers usually with somewhat paler
borders; outer scapulars and upper tail-coverts very rarely tinged with rufous—the latter
usually more or less barred with white or ashy; occipital feathers white beneath the sur-
face ; primaries plain brownish black, without trace of bars on outer webs. Throatand chin
more or less white, usually inform of a sharply defined patch; jugulum and breast brown,
generally plain, very rarely spotted with whitish, the tint varying from rufous (male)
to the color of the upper parts (female). Otherlowerparts varying from white to ochra-
ceous (rarely almost rufous), generally more or less barred, or spotted transversely, with

FALCONIDAX—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 475

dark brown or rufous—very rarely immaculate; crissum usually immaculate, but some-
times with faintand distant bars. Lining of the wing white, sometimes tinged with ochra-
ceous, often immaculate, but generally sparsely (never heavily) spotted with rufous or
brown. Under surface of the primaries cinereous (the outer two or three more whitish)
sometimes plain, sometimes indistinctly barred with darker. Male. Breast-patch rufous
with darker shaft-streaks. Female. Breast-patch dark grayish umber, or blackish
brown (like the back).

Young. Above brownish black, with a faint purplish lustre, the feathers all paler on
their borders; wing-coverts and scapulars more or less variegated with ochraceous or
whitish spotting, this usually very conspicuous on the longer scapulars; upper tail-
coyerts ochraceous or whitish (their inner webs more brownish), barred with dusky.
Tail asin adult. Ground color of the head, neck, and lower parts, ochraceous, varying in
shade from very deep cream-color to nearly white; the feathers of the head, neck,
anterior part of the back,and sides of the breast with median longitudinal tear-shaped
spots of brownish black; lower parts generally spotted, sometimes everywhere, with
black, and occasionally immaculate.

b. Melanistic phase.

Adult. Prevailing color plain blackish brown; the tibie,lining of the wings, and
sometimes the breast,inclining more or less torufous. Crissum usually white, some-
times immaculate, generally barred with rusty or blackish; occasionally with dusky and
whitish bars of equal width. No white on the throat, or else but little of it. Young.
Brownish black, variegated with ochraceous spotting, in amount varying with the indi-
vidual.

This, being a western species, here reaching the normal eastern
limit of its range, is one of the rarer species in Illinois. The writer
has never identified it with certainty anywhere in Wabash or ad-
joing counties; but Mr. Nelson found it breeding on Fox Prairie,
in Richland county, during the summer of 1875, and obtained speci-
mens.

In his list of the birds of northeastern Illinois (p. 119), Mr. Nel-
son records the following as to its occurrence in that portion of the
State :

“Of rather rare occurrence in this vicinity. Have only noted it
during the migrations. I obtained an immature specimen May 30,
1875, at Riverdale, [ll., and have since seen others. As this species |
breeds in southern [llinois it probably also breeds in the northern
portions of the State.”

476 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Buteo latissimus (Wils.)

BROAD-WINGED HAWKE.

Falco pennsylranicus Wiis. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 92, pl. 54, fig. 1 (not plate 46, fig. 1, which=
Accipiter velox, young).—AUD. B. Am. i, 1831, pl. 91; Orn. Biog. i, 1839, 461.—NuTvT.
Man. i, 1832, 105.

Buteo pennsylwanicus Bp. 1830.—Aup. Synop. 1839,7; B. Am. 1840, 43, pl. 10.—Cass. in
Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 29.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 27.—CovEs, Key, 1872,
217; Check List, 1874, No. 355; 2d ed. 1882, No. 524; B. N. W. 1874, 360.—B. B. & R. Hist.
N. Am. B. iii, 1874.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 443.
Falco latissimus Wis. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 92, pl. 54, fig. L
Buteo latissimus SHARPE, Cat, B. Br. Mus. i, 1874, 193.

Has. Eastern North America,north to Hudson’s Bay; eastern Middle America and’
south to Ecuador, Venezuela, and upper Amazon; Cuba (resident); and other West
India islands.

Sp. Cuar. Adult. Upper surface dark umber-brown, the feathers gradually paler
toward edges; on the back the feathers more uniformly dusky,causing a prevalent
blackish appearance. Rumpand upper tail-coverts blackish vandyke-brown, the latter
tipped with pure white,and with a concealed bar of the same, about the middle of each
feather. Tail dull black, with an indistinct terminal band of dull brown, this fading ter-
minally into whitish; across the middle of the taila broad band of dull light umber (in
some individuals approaching dull white) about three fourths of an inch in width; about
as far anterior to the main band as thisis from tip is another much narrower and less
distinct band of the same color, crossing just beyond the ends of the coverts, or con-
cealed by them. Primaries uniform brownish black, fading on the terminal edge into
pale brown. Head above,and broad but inconspicuous “mustache,” running from the
rictus downward across the cheek,dull black; the crown posteriorly, with the occiput
and nape, having the dull black mueh broken by lateral streaks of dull rufous on all the
feathers; this dull rufous tint prevails on the rest of the head and neck, as well as the
breast, leaving the lores and chin and lateral portion of the frontlet alone whitish; throat
streaked with blackish. Beneath dull brownish rufous, that of the breast almost unvarie-
gated; medially, however, are roundish spots of white on opposite webs,but these are
not confluent; posteriorly, these spots become gradually more numerous and more
transverse, forming on the flanks transverse bands,almost continuous; on the tibie the
white prevails, the rufous bars being more distant, and connected only by a brown shaft
line; lower tail-coverts with less numerous transverse spots of dullrufous. Lining of
the wing ochraceous white, with sparse, rather small, irregularly deltoid spots of dull
rufous; under surface of the primaries unvariegated white, as far as their emargination,
beyond which they are black. Fourth quill longest; third a little shorter; second inter-
mediate between fifth and sixth; first about equalto the ninth. Female (extremes No.
30.969. Brookline, Mass., and No. 30,895. Mirador, Mexico—the latter the larger): Wing,
11,00-11.30; tail,6.80-7.10; tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 1.30. Male (No. 32,309, Moose Factory,
Hudson's Bay Territory): Wing, 10.50; tail, 6.30; tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 1.20.

Young, first year (No. 11,984. Washington, D. C.). The blackish above is much
variegated, being broken by narrow rusty borders to the interscapulars, rump-feathers,
and lesser wing-coverts, broader and more ochraceous borders to scapulars and greater
wing-coverts, and partially concealed whitish spotting on the former. Upper tail-
eoverts white, with broad bars of blackish brown; secondaries and primaries edged ter-
minally with whitish. Tail dull umber-brown, growing darker terminally, narrowly
tipped with white, and crossed with six indistinct, narrow bands of dusky, the (con-
cealed) bases of all the feathers white. Superciliary region, cheeks, chin, throat, and
entire lower parts delicate pale ochraceous or whitish cream-color; a conspicuous
“mustache,” a median longitudinal series of streaks on the throat, large longitudinal
ovate spots on sides of breast, cordate spots on sides and flanks, and sagittate spots on
tibiw, clear blackish brown. The ochraceous deepest on the abdomen and crissum,
Wing beneath as in adult.

FALCONIDZ—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 477

Measurements.
| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. Tarsus. Middle toe. |Specimens.
MBG cccechs. 9.85-10.70 6.50-7.00 ndOvewe 2.15-2.80 1.20-1.38 11
Female..... 11. 00-11. 40 7.00-8.00 -70-.78 2.20-2.70 1.30-1.40 4

“‘Audubon characterizes this Hawk as spiritless, Inactive, and de-
ficient in courage, seldom chasing other birds of prey, but itself
frequently annoyed by the little Sparrow-Hawk, the Kingbird and
Martin. It only attacks birds of a weak nature, young chickens
and ducklings, and feeds on small animals and insects. It is
usually found singly, is easily approached, and when wounded
throws itself on its back, erects its top feathers, utters a hissing
sound, and attempts to defend itself with its talons.

“A nest of this bird, found by Mr. Audubon, is said to have been
about the size of that of the Crow, and to have been placed in the
larger branches of a tree, near the trunk. It was composed exter-
nally of dry sticks and briars; internally, of small roots, and lined
with numerous large feathers. The nest found by Professor Adams,
near Middlebury, Vt., was quite large, and was coarsely constructed
of sticks, and lined only with fibrous roots and fine grass. In this
instance the eggs were three. This is the more usual number,
though occasionally four or five are found.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Genus ARCHIBUTEO Bream.

Archibuteo BreuM, Isis, 1828, 1269. Type Falco lagopus GMEL.

‘ CHAR. Similar to Buteo, but bill and feet weaker, wings longer, and tarsi feathered
in front, to the toes. BiH small, compressed anteriorly, but very broad through the
gape; upper outline of the cere ascending basally; nostril broadly oval, nearly horizon-
tal. Tarsus densely feathered in front and on the sides down to the base of the toes;
naked behind, where covered with isregular scales. Tarsus more than twice as long as
the middle toe; basal half of the toes covered with small scales; outer toe longer than
the inner; claws long, strongly curved, acute. Feathering of the head and neck normal.
Wing very long; the third to fourth quill longest; first shorter than seventh; outer four
or five with inner webs deeply emarginated. Tail moderato, rounded. Plumage full
and soft.

The relationship of this well-marked genus appears to be nearest
to Buteo and Circus, with an approach to Circaétus in character of
the plumage, especially the wing.

The two North American species are exceedingly distinct and may
readily be separated by the following characters:

478

1.

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

A. lagopus sancti-johannis. Bill comparatively narrow at the base and compressed
terminally. Tarsus not more than3inches. Breast never immaculate white; no
rufous on upper parts or tibim. Adult: Tail with several bands. Light phase
with white prevailing, this much broken however, by dusky spotting, the spots
rather coalesced on pectoral region. Melanistic phase sometimes uniform coal-
black (more commonly dark brownish), with white lores, white under side of
quills, and light (grayish or white) narrow bands on tail, Young: Terminal half
(or less) of tail grayish brown, without bars, basal portion white (usually unvaried).
Light phase grayish brown above, with dusky streaks and fulvous or buffy edg-
ings; beneath ochraceous or buffy whitish, the belly and flanks usually dark
brownish; breast streaked with brown. Melanistic specimens blackish brown,
sometimes nearly uniform, but usually more or less streaked with fulvous edg-
ings to the feathers. Male: Wing, 15.75-16.80; tail, 9.00-10.00; tarsus, 2.75-2.80;
Female: Wing,16.15-18.00; tail, 9.00-11.00; tarsus, 2.80-3.00.

A. ferrugineus. Bill very broad, and somewhat depressed, at the base, the gape
almost “fissirostral.” Tarsus more than 3 inches. Breast usually immaculate
white (rufous in melanistic specimens); upper parts and tibie rich rufous in
adults. Adult, light phase: Upper parts and tibiae fine rufous, the former with
tear-shaped stripes, or spots, the latter with transverse bars of dusky. Tail white
washed with ashy, and more or less stained with light rufous. Melanistic phase:
Prevailing color deep chocolate-brown, more or less varied with rufous; tail as
in the light phase. Young, light phase: Above grayish brown, the feathers edged
with ochraceous or fulvous; tibia white, usually more or less barred with dusky;
tail white only on basal portion and on inner webs, the terminal half (or more)
grayish brown, usually with several more or less distinct darker bars. Male:
Wing, 15.90-17.00; tail, 9.50-10.50; tarsus, 3.10-3.45. Female: Wing, 17.00-18.80; tail,
10.50-11.00; tarsus, 3.20-3.40.

Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmel.)
AMERICAN ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK.

Popular synonyms. Black Rough-leg; Black Hawk.
Falco sancti-johannis GMEL. 8. N. i, 1788, 273.—AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1851, 381.
Buteo sancti-johannis Cuvv. 1817.—Nutv. Man. i, 1832, 98.
Archibuteo sancti-johannis GRAY, 1849.—Cass. in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 33.—BAIRpD,

Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 31.

Archibuteo lagopus var. sancti-johannis Cougs, Key, 1872, 218; Check List, 1874, No.

356; B. N. W. 1874,361.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 304.

Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis Rrpaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 447.—CovEs,

2d Check List, 1882, No. 525.

Falco lagopus Wis. Am. Orn. iv, 1821, pl. 33, fig. 1 (mee BRunn).—AUD.B. Am. 1831, pls.

166,422; Orn. Biog. ii, 1881, 277.

Buteo lagopus Sw. & Ricu. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 52, pl. 28.—Nutr. Man. 1832,97.—Aup. B. Am.

i, 1840, 46, pl. 1.

Archibuteo lagopus Br. 1850.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858,32.—Bargp, Cat. N. Am.

B. 1859, No. 30.

Falco niger Wis. Am. Orn. i, 1812, pl. 53, figs. 1,2.
Has. Whole of North America, breeding in arctic and subarctic districts. (The true
A. lagopus occurs in western Alaska.)

a. Normal plumage.

Sp. CHar. Adult male (No. 43,073, Fort Resolution, June: J. Lockhart). Ground
color of the upper parts dull umber-cinereous, this more rufous on the shoulders, and
dull white on nape, seapulars, inner secondaries, and upper tail-coverts; rump entirely
black, feathers bordered with whitish. Allthe feathers aboye with central oblong or
irregular spots of black, this color predominating on top of head, and forming trans-
verse bands across the wing-coverts and secondaries; upper tail-coverts pure white

FALCONID#—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 479

each marked with an exceedingly irregular transverse spot of black. ‘Tail white on
basal two thirds, and narrowly, but sharply tipped with the same; subterminal portion
pale mottled cinereous, with a very broad zone of black next the terminal white, and an-
terior to this three narrowed and more irregular bands of the same. Primaries blackish
cinereous, with indistinet darker bands. Ground color of head and lower parts dull
white; cheeks thickly streaked with black; ear-coverts and throat more sparsely
streaked; forehead and sub-orbital region plain whitish. Breast with large, longitudinal
but very irregular, oblong spots of dark brown, these largest and somewhat confluent
laterally; lower part of breast with much less numerous and less longitudinal spots;
tibie strongly tinged with rusty, and with tarsus, abdomen, crissum,and flanks having
irregular transverse spots of blackish brown; lower tail-coverts unvariegated. Lining
of wing white, with numerous spots of black, these becoming more rusty towards the
axillars; a large space of continuous clear black, covering the under primary coverts and
the coverts immediately anterior; under surface of primaries and secondaries pure
white, the former becoming black at ends, the latter ashy; no bars, except toward shafts
of the latter. Fourth quill longest; third equal to fifth; second intermediate between
fifth and sixth; firstequal to eighth. Wing,16.50; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.30;
bill/from base of cere,1.30; culmen, .9v.

Adult female (No. 28,156, Philadelphia, Pa.: J. Krider). Generally similar to the male.
On head and nape, however, the yellowish white predominates, the central black being
much reduced; on the other hand, there is less white on the upper parts, the dull cine-
reous drab being much more evenly spread; darker markings less conspicuous. Tail
white only at the base,the remaining portion being pale cinereous drab crossed with
four or five distinct, very regular bands of black, the tip being very broadly ashy. Flanks
with ground color light umber-drab, and marked with transverse bands of black. Lower
surface generally as in the male; tail-coverts with two or three blackish spots, apparently
out of place. Fourth quill longest; fifth much shorter than third; second intermediate
between fifth and sixth; first intermediate between seventh and eighth. Wing, 17.00;
tail, 9.00; tarsus, 2.40; middle toe, 1.30; bill from base of cere, 1.30; culmen, .85.

Young (No. 25,934, United States). Upper surface generally light umber, becoming
lighter on scapulars and middle wing-coverts, but showing nowhere any trace of spots
or bands; wings, scapulars, and back with blackish shaft-streaks, primaries approaching
black toward ends, becoming white basally; upper tail-coverts white, with a hastate
stripe of brown along shaft; tail, basal half white, terminal half plain drab, becoming
darker terminally, the tip narrowly white. Head,neck,and lower plumage in general,
white stained with ochraceous, this deepest on tibia and tarsi; head and neck streaked
with dark brown, ear-coverts almost immaculate; breast with oblong spots of clear
brown; flanks,abdomen,and anal region continuous uniform rich purplish vandyke-
brown, forming conspicuous transverse belt; tibia and tarsi scarcely varied, the few
markings longitudinal; lower tail-coverts immaculate. Under side of wing much asin
adult; black area, however, more extended; lining much tinged with rufous, and with
longitudinal streaks of dark brown.

b. Melanistic phase.

Adult male (No. 28,153, Philadelphia: J. Krider). General plumage blackish brown,
the head streaked by whitish edges of the feathers; wing-coverts, secondaries, pri-
maries, and tibial plumes paler terminally; tarsi mottled with whitish; upper and lower
tail-coverts tipped indistinctly with white. Tail narrowly tipped with dull white, and
with about five nearly obsolete pale ashy bands. Lining of wing black, spotted with
white near edge; whole under surface of the primaries pure white anterior to their
emargination, beyond which they are black. Third and fourth quills equal and longest;
second intermediate between fifth and sixth; first shorter than seventh. Wing, 16.00;
tail, 8.85; tarsus, 2.45; middle toe, 1.25.

Adult female (No. 12,008, Philadelphia: C. Drexler). Continuous pure coal-black;
forehead white; occiput same beneath surface. Tail paler at tip, and crossed with four
ill-defined though continuous bands of ashy white, the last of which is distant over two
and a half inches from the tip; lower tail-coverts with afew white spots. Whole lining

480 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

of wing glossy coal black; under surface of primaries, anterior to their emargination,
white mottled with ashy. Fourth and fifth quills equal and longest; third only a little
shorter; second a little longer than sixth; first intermediate between seventh and
eighth. Wing, 16.50; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.20.

Young. Similar, but the tail dusky, growing whitish toward the base, and without
any bars.

A very fine adult male, representing the very extreme of the
black phase, shot at Mount Carmel, Illinois, December 15, 1874,
measured 21.00 inches in length by 50.00 in extent of wings; bill
black, light blue basally, the lower mandible tinged with yellow;
cere and rictus rich chrome-yellow; eyebrow olivaceous; iris burnt
umber; toes rich chrome-yellow, the claws black.

This fine hawk is a winter resident in Illinois, but its abundance
varies greatly with different years. From Dr. Brewer’s account of
its habits we quote as follows :*

“Audubon never met with this species south of North Carolina
nor west of the Alleghanies. He regarded it as a sluggish bird,
confining itself to the meadows and low grounds bordering the rivers
and salt marshes, where its principal food appeared to be moles,
mice, and other small quadrupeds. He has never known it to at-
tack a duck on the wing, although it will occasionally pursue a
wounded one. Except when alarmed, it flies low and sedately, and
manifests none of the daring courage or vigor so conspicuous in most
hawks. They are also described as somewhat crepuscular in habit,
watching for their food long after sunset, and Mr. Richardson speaks
of their hunting for their prey ‘by the subdued daylight which il-
luminates even the midnight hours in the high parallels.’ For these
nocturnal hunts it is well fitted by the softness of its plumage, which
renders its flight noiseless, like that of the more nocturnal birds.”

In his list of the birds of Northeastern Lllinois, Mr. Nelson refers
to this species (pp. 119, 120) as follows: “Arrives in large num-
bers the first of October, and after remaining for a few weeks the ma-
jority pass further south for the winter. The last of February and
first of March they depart for the north. Exceedingly shy except
while migrating, and in consequence but few are shot. Mr. C.
H. Smith captured alive a fine specimen in the black plumage, in
the spring of 1874, and kept it until the early part of summer,
when the hot weather caused its death.”

For noble presence and piercing eye this bird has few equals
among our Falconide. The specimen above mentioned bore a
striking resemblance to a Golden Hagle.

* Hist. N. Am. B. iii, pp. 307-309.

FALCONIDH—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 481

Archibuteo ferrugineus (Licht.)

FERRUGINOUS ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKE.

Popular synonym. California Squirrel] Hawk.

Falco ferrugineus Licut. Abh. K. Akad. Berl. 1838, 429.
Archibuteo ferrugineus GRAY, 1844.—Cass. in Baird’s B. N. Am, 1858,34.—BAtrp, Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 32.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 218; Check List, 1874, No. 357; 2d ed. 1882,
No. 526; B. N. W. 1874, 363.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 300.—Ripeaw. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No: 448.

Has. Western United States, east to the Mississippi Valley and Texas; north to the
Saskatchewan, south to table-lands of Mexico.

Sp. Coan. Adult male (No. 41,719, Fort Whipple, Arizona, Dec. 2,1864: Dr. Coues).
Ground color of head and neck white; each feather with a median streak of black, these
growing broader posteriorly; and along the upper border of the ear-coverts so blended
as to form an indistinct stripe back from the eye. Entire lower parts (except tibie) and
whole under surface of the wing continuous pure white; breast with a faint tinge of deli-
eate ochraceous, tibiz and tarsi reddish white, tinged with or inclining to deep ferru-
ginous on upper portion, and with numerous transverse bars of darker ferruginous and
blackish; sides ofthe breast with a very few hair-like shaft-streaks of black; flanks witha
few distant, dark ferruginous bars; axillars with two or three cordate spots of ferru-
ginous near ends; feathers of the lining next the body, with blended, irregularly has-
tate spots of rufous; under primary coverts shading into cinereous on termina! half,and
with indistinct broadly hastate spots of a darker shade of the same; primaries slaty be-
yond their emargination, deepening gradually toward their tips. Back, scapulars, and
lesser and middle wing-coverts fine rufous, each feather with a broad median, longitud-
inal spot of brownish plumbeous-black, these on the back rather exceeding the
rufous; longer wing-coverts and secondaries ashy umber, with very indistinct transverse
bands of darker; primary coyerts more ashy, and more distinctly banded; primaries
fine chalky cinereous, this lightest on outer four; shafts pure white. Rump nearly uni-
form brownish black,—posterior feathers rufous with median black blotches; upper tail-
eoverts snowy white on outer webs, inner webs more rufous; a few concealed blackish
transverse spots. ‘Tail pale pearly ash, becoming white basally, and with a wash of
dilute rufous along the edge of outer webs; inner webs white, with anashy tinge thrown
in longitudinal washes; outer feathers nearly white, with faint pale ashy longitudinal
mottlings; shafts of tail-feathers pure white. Fourth quill longest; third but
little shorter; second very much shorter than fifth; first intermediate between seventh
and eighth. Wing, 16.75; tail, 9.20; tarsus, 2.95; middle toe,1.35. ‘Length, 22.50; extent,
54.50. Iris clear light yellow; cere, edges of commissure, and feet bright yellow; bill very
dark bluish horn; mouth, purplish flesh-color, livid bluish along edges.”

Young female (No. 41,720, Fort Whipple: Dr. Coues). Almost exactly like the male,
but black spots on rufous portions of upper parts much restricted, forming oblong spots
in the middle of each feather; ramp almost entirely rufous, variegated, however, with
black. Longitudinal lines on breast more distinct; transverse bars on flanks and ab-
domen more numerous; third and fourth quills equal and longest; second intermediate
between fifth and sixth; first equal to eighth. Wing,17.25; tail, 9.75; tarsus, 2.95; middle
toe,1.40. “Length, 23.25; extent,56.50. Iris light ochraceous brown.”

Young female (No. 6,883, Los Angeles, California: Dr. Heermann). General plumage
above grayish brown, interscapulars, scapulars, lesser and middle wing-coverts, and
feathers of head and neck, edged laterally with light rufous; secondaries passing broadly
into pale ashy at ends; primaries slaty brown with obscure darker bands; no appear-

—31

482 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

ance of these, however, on secondaries; rump entirely blackish brown; upper tail-
coverts wholly white. Tail hoary slate, basal third (or more) white, the junction of the
two colors irregular and broken; tip obscurely paler; feathers obscurely blackish along
edges, and with obsolete transverse spots of the same; white prevailing on inner webs.
Beneath entirely pure white, scarcely variegated; tibiz and tarsi with a few scattered
small transverse spots of blackish; flanks with larger, more cordate spots of the same.
(Breeds in this plumage.)

This magnificent hawk, which Dr. Coues justly styles the “hand-
somest of the North American Falconide,” is perhaps little more
than a straggler to Illinois. It has been seen by the writer only in
the far West, where the few observed were sailing majestically over-
head, describing broad circles, and resembling the Golden Eagle in
the manner of their flight. At such times it may be immediately
distinguished from A. sancti-johannis by the snowy white of its
lower plumage, which, as seen from below, is the predominating
color of the bird.

Genus AQUILA Brisson.
Aqutla Briss. Orn. {, 1760, 419. Type (by elimination), Falco chrysaétos Lrxn.

Gen. CHAR. Form robust and structure powerful; bearing and, general aspect of
Buteo and Archibuteo. Wing long, the primaries long and strong, with their emarg‘na-
tions very deep. Tail rather short, slightly rounded or wedge-shaped. Bill stronger
than in the preceding genera, its outlines nearly parallel, and the tip somewhat inclined
backward at the point; commissure with a more or less prominent festoon; nostril nar-
rowly oval, vertical; skin of the cere very hard and firm. Superciliary shield very prom-
inent. Feet very strong, the membrane between the outer and middle toes very much
developed; tarsus less than twice as long as the middle toe; outer toe equal to, or longer
than the inner; claws very long and strong, very much graduated in size; scutelle of
the toes small except on the terminal joint, where they form broad transverse plates;
tarsi densely feathered all round down to the base of the toes; tibial plumes well devel-
oped, loose-webbed, their ends reaching down to or beyond the base of the toes.
Feathers of hind neck and occiput lanceolate, acute, and distinct, forming a “cape” of
differently formed feathers. Third to fifth quill longest; first shorter than the seventh;
outer five or six with their inner webs deeply emarginated.

This genus is almost peculiar to the Old World, where about
seventeen so-called species are known, while America has no mem-
ber of the genus exclusively its own, the single North American
species being the same as the European one. Though the details
of external structure vary somewhat, and the size ranges from that
of Buteo latissimus to that of a sea-eagle (Halieetus), the generic
characters given in the aboye diagnosis apply equally well to all
the species.

FALCONIDA— DIURNAL RAPTORES. 483

Aquila chrysaetos (Linn.)
GOLDEN EAGLE.

Popular synonyms. Mountain Wagle; Ring-tailed Eagle; Black Eaglo.

Falco canadensis Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 88.
Aquila canadensis Wius. Am. Orn. i, 1808, pl. 55, fig. 1.—Cass. in Baird's B.N. Am. 1858,
41.—Batrp,Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 39.
Aquila chrysaétus var. canadensis RipGw. 1873.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 214.
Aquila chrysaétus canadensis Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 449.
Falco chrysetos Linn. 8. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 88.
Aquila chrysaétus Dumont. Dict. Sci. Nat. i, 1816, 339.—Aup. B. Am. i, 1840, 50, pl. 12;
Synop. 1839, 9.—Couss, Key, 1872, 219; Check List, 1874, No. 291; 2d ed. 1882, No. 429; B.
N. W.1874, 368.
Faleo fulvus “Linn.” Wiis. Am. Orn. vii, 1813, pl. 55, fig. 1.
Aquila fulua Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 62.

Has. Whole of North America, south to elevated regions of Mexico; breeding within
the United States chiefly in mountainous districts.

Sp. CHar. Adult male (No. 24,167, Fort Crook, California, December 25: D. F. Park-
inson). General plumage sooty blackish, this deepest on the head, throat, lower surface
in general, under surface of the wings, back, scapulars, shoulders, fecondaries, pri-
maries, and rump; middle and secondary wing-coverts, upper and under tail-coverts,
tarsi, and inside of tibiw, considerably paler, inclining to light umber. Lanceolate
feathers ot occiput and hind neck with exposed portions light fulvous, the shafts black;
dusky beneath the surface. Tail black, somewhat paler on basal half, and with about
three irregular, obsolete zigzag bands of pale brown (on two middle feathers ashy); no
concealed white on breast. Fifth quill longest; third and fourth intermediate between
fifth and sixth; second considerably shorter than sixth; first intermediate between
eighth and ninth. Length 31.60; extent,78.30. Wing, 24.50; tail, 13.40; culmen, 1.60; from
base of cere,2.15; tarsus,3.85; middle toe,2.40; hind claw (chord) 1.90.

Adult female (No. 12,006, Washington, D. C., March 7, 1869: C. Drexler). Almost exactly
like the male. Black covering forehead, ear-coverts, cheeks,chin, throat, foreneck,and
under parts generally (except the tarsi, inside and front of tibie, and lower tail-coverts
which are light fulvous, the tarsi palest); “mane” more tawny than in the male. The
lanceolate, pale, tawny feathers, which inthe male cover only the occiput and neck, in
the female extend forward over the top of the head, leaving the forehead only blackish.
Upper parts and tailasin the male. Fourth quill longest; third slightly shorter than
fifth; second intermediate between sixth and seventh; first intermediate between eighth
and ninth. Wing, 26.00; tail, 14.25; culmen, 1.70; tarsus, 3.80; middle toe, 2.70; hind claw,
2.15; inner toe,1.90; outer, 2.00; inner claw, 1.80; middle, 1.35; outer, 1.10.

Young male (No. 49,684, Camp Grant, near Tucson, Arizona, July 10,1867: Dr. E. Palmer).
Continuous deep sepia-black. with the purplish lustre; breast and scapulars with large
concealed spots of pure white; lanceolate feathers of the “mane” dull brown, not con-
spicuously different from the throat; under surface of primarfes showing much white
basally, most extended on inner feathers. Upper and under tail-coverts more brownish
than the rump, the basal portion white. Basal half, or more, of tail white (more ashy on
onter feathers), distinctly defined against the broad, pure black, terminal zone; tarsi dull
white, clouded with dilute brownish; feathers on inside of tibiw tipped with white.

Young female—older? (No. 9,124, Washington, D. C. December, 1856: B. Cross). Simi-
lar, but black more brown; “mane” asin adult; tarsi dull whitish brown; tail-coverts
deep umber-brown; tail as in young male, but terminal band narrower, the white occu-
pying nearly the basal two thirds. Wing, 25.70; tail 14.75; culmen,1.65; middle toe, 2.80;
hind claw, 2.20.

&

484 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

The following is from Mr. Nelson’s “List of the Birds of North-
eastern Illinois” (Bull. Essex Inst. VIII., 1876, p. 120).

“Not very uncommon durmg winter. Arrives in November and
departs early in spring. Formerly nested throughout the State.
Dr. Hoy records the breeding of a pair of these birds in a tree
near Racine in 1851. (Wis. Agr. Rep., 1852.) In December, 1874,
while hunting Prairie Chickens in a field a few miles south of Chi-
cago, my friend, Mr. T. Morris, was suddenly attacked with great
fury by a pair of these birds, they darting so close that had he
been prepared he could easily have touched the first one with his
gun. As it arose to renew the attack he fired a charge of number
six shot, and brought it down, dead. ‘The second one then darted
at him, and so rapidly that he did not fire until it had turned and
was soaring up, but so near that the charge passed through the
primaries in a body, disabling but not injuring the bird, which was
then captured alive. The cause of this attack was explained by
the proximity of a carcass upon which these birds had been feed-
ing. The craw of the dead eagle contained a eae quantity of
carrion, as I learned upon skinning it.”

Genus HALIZHETUS Savieny.

Haliwetus SAvieny, Desc. del’ Egypte, 1809, 254. Type, Falco albicilla Linn.

Gen. CHAR. Form robust, and organization powerful, asin Aquila; size large. Bill
very large, usually somewhat inflated, the chord of the arch of the culmen more than
twice the length of the cere on top; commissure with a more or less distinct festoon and
sinuation behindit. Nostril oval, obliquely vertical. Feet robust and strong, the tarsus
less than one and a half times the middle toe; tarsus feathered in front and on the sides
for about one half its length; front of the tarsus and top of the toes with an imper-
fectly continuous series of transverse scutelle, entirely interrupted in the region of the
digito-tarsal joint; the other portions covered with roundish, somewhat granular, scales,
these larger on the posterior face. Claws large, strongly curved, and more obtuse, and
less graduated in size, thanin Aquila. No distinct web between outer and middle toes.
Wing very large, the primaries well developed and strong; third to fifth quill longest;
first longer than the ninth; outer five to six with inner webs deeply emarginated. Tail
short and rounded, with twelve feathers. Feathers of the neck, all round, lanceolate.

North America possesses but two species of this very strongly
characterized genus, and one of these claims a place in our fauna
solely on account of its oecurrence in Greenland. The other is the
common Bald Eagle, the distribution of which includes the entire
continent with the exception of the tropical portions.

FALCONIDE—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 485

Halizetus leucocephalus (Linn.)

BALD EAGLE,

Popular synonyms. White-headed Eagle; Gray Eagle; American Sea Eagle; Bird of
Washington; Washington Eagle or Sea Eagle.

Falco leucocephalus Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 124.—Wins. Am, Orn. iv, 1811, 89,pl. 26.—
Aup. B. Am. 1831, 300, pl. 31; Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 160.
Haliaétus leucocephalus STEPH. 1826.—NuTtT. Man, i,1832, 72.—Aup.B.N. Am. i, 1840,
pl. 14; Synop. 1839, 10.—Cass. in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 43.—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 43.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 219; Check List, 1873, No. 362; 2d ed. 1882, No. 534; B.
N. W. 1874, 369.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 326—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 451. :
Falco ossifragus Wis. Am. Orn. vii, 1813, pl. 55, fig. 2 (= young).
Falco washingtonii AuD. Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 1, i, 1828,115; Orn. Biog. i, 1831,58; B. Am.
1851, pl. 11; ed. 1840, i, 53, pl. 13,
Falco washingtonianus Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 67.
Haliaétus washingtoni JanD. 1832.—AuD. Synop. 1839,10; B. Am. i, 1839, 53, pl. 13.

Has. Entire continent of North America, south to Mexico; northwest through the
Aleutian chain to Bering Island, Kamtschatka; breeding throughout.

Sp. CHar. Adult. Entire head and neck, upper and lower tail-coverts, and tail, im-
maculate pure white. Rest of the plumage brownish black, the feathers fading toward
the edges, these paler borders being most conspicuous on the upper surface. Primaries
uniform deep black. Bill, cere, superciliary shield, and feet, deep chrome-yellow; iris
Naples yellow. Male (No. 12,017, Philadelphia: C. Drexler): Wing, 22.00; tail, 10.50; eul-
men, 1.90; top of cere, .80; depth of bill, 1.30; tarsus, 3.00; middle toe, 2.60; outer, 2.00;
inner, 1.50; posterior, 1.30. Wing formula,3—4-5,2-6; 1=7. Female (No. 11,986. Philadel-
phia: C. Drexler): Wing,25.00; tail, 12.75; culmen, 2.20; top of cere, .80; tarsus, 3.10; mid-
dle toe, 2.85. Wing formula, 3=4,5-2-6-7-1, 8

Young, second year (?) (No. 58,977, Mount Carmel, Wabash county, Illinois, Decem-
ber, 1869: D. Ridgway). Head and neck brownish black, white beneath the surface, the
penicillate ones of the neck tipped with pale brown. Prevailing color of other portions
blackish brown inclining to umber on the dorsal region, wing-coverts, and lower parts;
all the feathers white at their roots,this much exposed on the lower parts, where the
brown forms tear-shaped terminal spots; axillars and lining of the wing white, each
feather of the latter region with a median lanceolate stripe of blackish brown. Primaries
and tail brownish black; inner webs of secondaries and tail-feathers spattered longitudi-
nally with creamy white. Bill and cere black; iris brown; feet yellow. Wing, 25.50; tail,
15.00; culmen, 2.10; tarsus, 3.10; middle toe, 2.60.

Young, first year (No. 41,595, eastern United States?). Whole plumage, nearly uni-
formly black, this very continuous above; beneath, the basal white is much exposed,
producing a somewhat spotted appearance. Primaries and tail deep black, the inner
webs of the latter sprinkled with cream color,

Young in down (Washington,D. C.) Downy covering uniform deep sooty gray; the
sprouting feathers on wings, etc., all brownish black.

The following measurements represent the average of the sexed
specimens which have been examined. It will be noticed that the
young of either sex exceed the adults in the length of the wing and
tail. Altogether more than sixty specimens have been inspected.

486 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Sex. | Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. Tarsus. | Middle toe.| Specimens.
Adult males...} 20.00-23.00) 11,00-13.00 1.85-2.00 2.65-3.40 2.35-2.65 10
Young males..| 23.50-25.00) 12,00-15.25 1,95-2.20 3.20-3.30 2.70-2.90 5
Adult females. 23.50-25.00] 12.50-13.50 1.90-2.20 3.40-3.60 2.55-2.80 7
Youngfemales| 25.50-26.00] 15.00-15.50 2.10-2. 20 3.25-3.70 2.55-3.10 2

A very fine adult female obtained at Mount Carmel, Illinois,
January 1, 1870, measured 84.50 inches in length and 85.00 inches
(7 feet 1 inch) in spread of wings; weight 12 pounds. Bill and
cere uniform wax-yellow, inclining to chrome; rictus and eyebrow
pale chrome-yellow; iris clear light Naples yellow; tarsi and toes
deep chrome-yellow, claws black.

A very large specimen in the collection of the Audubon Club, of
Chicago, measured 38 feet 62 inches in total length and 8 feet 14
inches in extent.

Along all the larger water-courses in our State the Bald Eagle is
a more or less common bird, and may be met with at all times of
the year.

“The White-headed Eagle,” writes Dr. Brewer,* “appears to be
equally well adapted by nature for the endurance of heat or cold,
and is apparently indifferent to either. Its residence is influenced
only by its abundance of food, especially that of fish; and it seems
to matter very little whether that plenty is procurable within the
Arctic circle or on the coast and rivers of Florida and Texas. In
places like the Falls of Niagara, where the stream is ever liable to
contribute the remains of animals destroyed by the descent of the
torrent, this eagle is especially abundant. Unscrupulous, greedy,
voracious, not select in its choice of food, and capable of providing
for itself when necessity compels, we find this not altogether
suitable emblem of our country now enacting the tyrant and robber
and plundering the Fishhawk of the fruits of its industry, now
sharing with the Raven and the Vulture the dead salmon of the
Columbia, and in other places diving for and catching its own fish.
The impetuosity and skill with which it pursues, overtakes, and
robs the Fishhawk, bearing off a fish it has just taken, must be
witnessed to be appreciated; and the swiftness with which the
Eagle can dart down upon and seize the booty, which the Hawk
has been compelled to let fall, before it reaches the water, is not

* Hist. N. Am. B. iii, p. 331.

FALCONIDH—DIURNAL RAPTORES. 487

the least wonderful feature of this striking performance. Un the
banks of the Columbia, where there are no Fishhawks to depend
upon, this bird finds an easy subsistence on the vast numbers of
dead and dying salmon which abound; and in Florida Mr. Allen
has observed it dive and catch its own fish. This is also confirmed
by the statements of other naturalists. Wilson also accuses this
EKagle of destroying great numbers of young pigs in the Southern
States, young lambs, and even sickly sheep; and in one instance
it attempted to carry off a child, which was only saved by its
dress giving way.”

488 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

SuporpeER SARCORHAMPHI.—Tue American VuLtTurEs.

Famiry CATHARTID2ZZ.—TuHe American VULTURES.

(Cathartide Gray, 1842. -Hux ry, P. Z. 8. 1867, p. 463. Cathartine Larr. 189. Sar-
corhamphide GRay, 1848. Gryphine ReicH. 1850.)

The Suborder Sarcorhamphi (briefly characterized on page 45) is
exactly equivalent to the Family Cathartide, the essential charac-
ters of which are as follows:

Cuak. Whole head,and sometimes the neck,naked; eyes prominent, and not shaded
by asuperciliary shield. Cere much elongated, much depressed anteriorly below the
very arched culmen; nostrils longitudinal, horizontal, the two confluent or perforate.
Middle toe very long, and the hind one much abbreviated. A web between the base of
the inner and middle toes.

The so-called family Vultuwride,* as long recognized, included all
the naked-headed carrion-feeding Raptores of both the Old World
and the New. ‘The later researches of science, however, have shown
the necessity of separating the Vultures of the latter continent from
those of the former, and ranking them as a distinct family, while
at the same time the Old World Vultures are found to be merely
modified Falconide, the resemblance between the Cathartide and
the vulture Falconide being merely a superficial one of analogy,
and not one of affinity. Scavengers of the countries they respec-
tively inhabit, they perform the same office in nature; therefore,
for adaptation to a similar mode of life their external characters
are correspondingly modified.

The Cathartide differ from the Vulturinet as to thew external
structure in the followmg particulars, the osteological structure
being entirely different in the two groups; the latter resembling the
Falconide in all the characters which separate the latter family
from the Cathartide.

* Established by Vigors in 1825.
+ From the Vulturine are excluded the genera Gypetos and Neophron, each of which
probably constitutes a subfamily by itself.

CATHARTIDHZ—THE AMERICAN VULTURES. 489

Cathartide, Nostrils horizontal, perforate; a well-developed web between the inner
and middle toes, at the base.

Vulturine, Nostrils vertical, not perforate; no trace of web between inner and
middle toes.

In habits, as before stated, the Cathartide resembles the vulturine
Falconide of the Old World. “They lack the strength and spirit of
typical Raptores, and rarely attack animals capable of offering re-
sistance; they are voracious and indiscriminate gormandizers of
carrion and animal refuse of all sorts,—efficient and almost indis-
pensable scavengers in the warm countries where they abound. They
are uncleanly in their mode of feeding; the nature of their food
renders them ill-scented, and when disturbed they eject the fetid
contents of the crop. Although not truly gregarious, they assemble
in multitudes where food is plenty, and some species breed in com-
munities. When gorged, they appear heavy and indisposed to ex-
ertion, usually passing the period of digestion motionless, in a list-
less attitude, with their wings half spread. But they spend most
of the time on the wing, circling high in the air; their flight is easy
and graceful in the extreme, and capable of being indefinitely pro-
tracted. On the ground, they habitually walk instead of progress-
ing by leaps. Possessing no vocal apparatus, the Vultures are
almost mute, emitting only a weak hissing sound.” (Covss.)

The Cathartide all belong to the tropical and warm-temperate
portions of the continent, only one species (Cathartes awra) extend-
ing its range as far as the border of the colder regions. The
famous Condor (Sarcorhamphus gryphus) of the Andes and the
equally large Californian species (Pseudogryphus californianus) are
amongst the largest birds of flight in the world, being exceeded in
size by none, and rivaled by but one or two of the Vultures of
the eastern hemisphere.

The two genera haying representatives in eastern North America
(both of them found in Illinois) may be readily distinguished by
the following characters :

1. Cathartes. Nostril occupying the whole of the nasal cavity, its anterior end
broadly rounded; cere decidedly arched on top, its upper and lower outlines
divergent basally; mandible much less deep than the maxilla; skin of neck with-
out corrugations, but that of the head usually with irregular papille in front of
eye and on crown (these wanting in the young). Wing long, the primaries reach-
ing to or beyond end of the rather long, much rounded, tail.

Catharista. Nostril occupying only the posterior half of the nasal fossa, its an-
terior end contracted and acute; cere depressed and not perceptibly arched, much
broader than deep, its upper and lower outlines parallel; maxilla and mandible
about equalin depth. Skin of neck transversely corrugated or wrinkled. Wing
short, the primaries scarcely reaching to the middle of the short, truncate or
slightly emarginated tail.

re

490 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

Genus CATHARTES Itu1cer.

Cathartes In~1G. Prodromus, 1811, 236. Type (by elimination), Vultur aura Linn.
Rhinogryphus Ripew. in Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 337,343. Same type.

GEN. CHAR. Size medium (about equal to Neophron), the wings and tail well de-
veloped, the remiges very long and large. Head and upper portion of the neck naked;
the skin smooth, or merely wrinkled; a semicircular patch of antrorse bristles before the
eye. Nostril very large, with .both ends broadly rounded, occupying the whole of the
nasal orifice. Cere contracted anteriorly, and as deep as broad; lower mandible not so
deep as the upper. Plumage beginning gradually on the neck, with broad, rounded,
normal feathers. Ends of primaries reaching beyond the end of the tail; third or fourth
quilllongest; outer flye with inner webs appreciably sinuated. Tail much rounded;
middle toe slightly longer than the tarsus. Sexes alike,

Cathartes aura (Linn.)

TURKEY BUZZARD.

Popular synonyms. Turkey Vulture; Buzzard.
Vultur aura Linn. 8.N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 122.—Wrns. Am. Orn. ix, 1814, 96, pl. 75, fig. 1.
Cathartes aura Incr1G. 1811.—Nutv. Man. i, 1832, 43.—AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1835, 296; v, 1839,
389, pl. 151; Synop. 1839, 3; B. Am. i, 1840.15 pl 2.—CAss. in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 4.
—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. L— Cougs, Key, 1872, 222; Check List, 1874, No. 365;
2d ed. 1882, No. 537; B. N. W. 1874, 379.—Ripew. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 454.
Rhinogryphus aura Ripew. in Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 344.

Has. Whole of tropical and temperate America, including West Indies; north to
southern New England, Ontario and the Saskatchewan, south to Chili, Patagonia, and
Falkland Islands. Resident south of 40°.

Sp. CHar. Length, about 27.00-30.00; extent of wings, about 6 feet; weight, 4-5 pounds.
Wing, 20.00-23.00; tail, 11.00-12.00; culmen, about 1.00; tarsus, 2.25-2.30; middle toe, 2.50;
outer, 1.55; inner, 1.25; posterior, .80. Iris brown; tarsi and toes dirty whitish, tinged with
yellow or flesh color.

Adult. Bill chalk-white; naked skin of the head and neck livid crimson, approach-
ing dilute carmine on the cere, and sometimes with whitish papille on the crown and
before the eye. General plumage dull black, this deepest and uniform on the lower
parts; upper parts with a violet lustre, changing to greenish posteriorly, all the feathers
of the dorsal region and the wing-coverts passing into light brownish on their borders.
Primaries and tail-feathers dull black, their shafts clear pale brown; sometimes nearly
white. Male (No. 12,015, Maryland: M. F. Force): Wing, 22.00; tail, 12.00; culmen, .95;
tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 2.50; outer, 1.55; inner, 1.25; posterior, .80. Female (No. 49,681,
Camp Grant, Arizona: Dr. E. Palmer): Wing,20.00; tail, 11.50.

Young. Bill,and naked skin of the head and neck,livid blackish, the occiput and
nape with more or less of whitish down; plumage more uniformly blackish, the brown-
ish borders above less distinct; the reflections of the plumage rather green than viola-
ceous,

The Turkey Buzzard is a very abundant bird in the southern
half of the State, and is a permanent resident at least as far north
as Mt. Carmel, though it is only during clear bright days that
specimens are seen in midwinter. In the extreme northern portion

CATHARTIDE—THE AMERICAN VULTURES. 491

of the State, however, it appears to be more or less rare. Mr.
Nelson, in his list of the birds of Cook county (Bull. Essex Inst.
VIII., 1876, p. 120) says:

“A very irregular and rare visitant in this vicinity. Sixty miles
south it is a common summer resident, yet I know of but very
few instances of its occurrence here. A specimen was captured,
after a snow storm, late in autumn, several years since at Wauke-
gan, by Mr. Charles Douglas.”

In the vicinity of Mt. Carmel it is very abundant, many pairs
breeding in hollow trees, mostly old sycamores, in the river bot-
toms, especially in the vicinity of the cypress swamps.

“The flight of the Turkey Buzzard,” says Dr. Brewer,* “is grace-
ful, dignified and easy. It sails with a steady, even motion, with
wings just above the horizontal position, with their tips slightly
raised. They rise from the ground with a single bound, give a few
flaps to their wings, and then proceed with their peculiar, soaring
flight. ‘They rise very high in the air, moving round in large cir-
cles. They are of gregarious habits, and usually associate in com-
panies of from ten to a much larger number. They feed upon all
lands of animal food, and are accused by Audubon of sucking eggs
and devouring the young of Herons and other birds. Yet in Trimi-
dad they were observed by Mr. E. C. Taylor associating with the
poultry, apparently upon the most amicable terms, and, although
surrounded with chickens of all sizes, they were never known to
molest them. Mr. Audubon also states that they devour birds of
their own species when dead. They are said to walk well on the
ground and on the roofs of houses, and associate and even roost
in company with the Black Vulture.”

Genus CATHARISTA Viert1ort.

Catharista V1IEmL. Analyse, 1816, 21. Type (by elimination)=Vultur urubu VIEL.
V. atratus BARTR.

GEN. CHAR. Size of Cathartes, but more robust, with shorter wings, and very differ-
ent flight. Wings with the remiges abbreviated, the primaries scarcely reaching to the
middle of the tail. Taileven, or faintly emarginated. Head and upper portion of the
neck naked, the feathers extending farther up behind than in front; naked skin of the
side of the neck transversely corrugated; no bristles before the eye. Nostril narrow,
occupying only about the posterior half of the nasal orifice, its anterior end contracted
andacute. Cere not contracted anteriorly, but the upper and lower outline parallel;
much depressed, or broader than deep. Plumage beginning gradually with normal, or
broad and rounded, feathers. Fourth or fifth quill longest; outer five with inner webs
sinuated. Tarsus longer than middle toe.

* Hist, N. Am. B. tii, pp. 347-349.

492, BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

This well-marked genus is composed of a single species, which is
confined to the tropical and warm-temperate portions of America.
The differences from the other Vultures, which this bird exhibits in
its habits and especially in its flight, are very striking, and furnish
additional characters distinctive of the genus.

Catharista atrata (Bartr.)

BLACK VULTURE,

Popular synonym. Carrion Crow.

Vultur atratus BartR. Trav. 1792, 289.
Cathartes atratus LEss. 1828.—AuD. Synop. 1839, 3; B. Am. i, 1840, 17, pl. 3—Cass. in
Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 5.—Bartrp, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 3.—Cougs, Key, 1872,
222; Check List, 1874, No. 366; B. N. W. 1874, 383.
Catharista atrata GRAY, 1869.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874,351—Ripew. Nom. N.
Am. B. 1881, No. 455.—Covuks, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 538.
Cathartes iota (“Mou.”) Bp. 1828. (nee Mol.).—Nurr. Man. i, 1832, 46.—Aub. Orn. Biog. iii,
1835, 35; v, 1839, 345, pl. 106.

Has. Whole of tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate America, including West
Indies; north, on Atlantic coast, regularly to North Carolina, casually to New Bruns-
wick; in the interior to southern Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and west of the Mississippi
to northern Dakota.

Sp. CHar. Form heavy; the wings and tail short, the latter square; the remiges and
rectrices very hard and stiff. Bill strong, the mandibles broader than deep, and of about
equal depth, the terminal hook well developed; upper and lower outlines of the cere
parallel, and nearly straight. Nostril narrow, its anterior end contracted and pointed.
Wing, 17.00-17.50; tail, 7.50-8.50; culmen, .90-.95; tarsus, 3.00; middle toe, 2.90; outer, 1.90;
inner, 1.50; posterior, .75.

Adult. Bill blackish the point horny white; naked skin of the head and upper part
of the neck blackish. Entire plumage continuous, perfectly uniform dull black; pri-
maries becoming grayish basally (more hoary whitish on their under surface), their
shafts pure white for their whole length.

For some unexplained reason, the Black Vulture is an uncommon
bird in most parts of Illinois. In fact, it does not seem to be
numerous anywhere, even in the extreme southern portion of the
State. Near Mt. Carmel the writer has met with it only in the
cypress swamp, where, during sprmg and summer, it was several
times seen, but always singly. In the same locality the Turkey
Buzzards could be counted by hundreds. It seems, however, to
be a very local species, and the country about Mt. Carmel may
be in some way unsuited to its habits. It is so conspicuously
different in appearance and manner from the Turkey Buzzard that
there is no chance of confounding the two; therefore, the species
cannot have been overlooked.

CATHARTIDH—THE AMERICAN VULTURES. 493

“Both in their mode of flight and in their movements upon the
ground this species differs materially from the Turkey Buzzard.
The latter walks steadily while on the ground, and when it mounts
does so by a single upward spring. The Black Vulture is ill at
ease on the ground, moves awkwardly, and when it essays to fly
upward takes several leaps in a shuffling side-long manner before
it can rise. Their flight is more labored, and is continued by flap-
ping several times, alternated with sailing a limited distance. Their
wings are held at right angles, and their feet protrude beyond their
tail-feathers. In all these respects the differences between the two
birds are very noticeable, and plainly mark the species.” (BREWER.)

494 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Orpen COLUMB2®.—Tue Prcrons or Doves.

CuHark. Basal part of the bill tumid and covered with a soft skin, in which are situated
the narrow, longitudinal nostrils, overhung by a valve-like seale or covering; terminal
portion of the bill hard; the culmen more or less strongly arched. Hind toe usually in-
cumbent, and front toes generally cleft to the extreme base. Plumage peculiarly dense,
the feathers without aftershafts, and very easily detached from the skin. Primaries ten;
secondaries, eleven to fifteen: rectrices, twelve to fourteen.

The number of families composing this order is at present some-
what uncertain. Whatever the number, however, America possesses
but one, the Columbide, or true Pigeons, whose characters are as
follows:

Famiry COLUMBIDZ.—Tue Piceons.

“Cuar. The basal portion of the bill covered by a soft skin, in which are situated the
nostrils, overhung by an incumbent fleshy valve, the apical portion hard and convex.
The hind toe on the same level with the rest; the anterior toes without membrane at
the base. Tarsi more or lessnaked; covered laterally and behind with hexagonal scales.

“The bill of the Columbide is always shorter than the head, thin-
nest in the middle; the basal half covered by a soft skin; the apical
portion of both jaws hard; the upper one very convex, blunt, and
broad at the tip, where it is also somewhat decurved. ‘There is a
long nasal groove, the posterior portion occupied by a cartilaginous
seale, covered by a soft cere-like skin. The nostrils constitute an
elongated slit in the lower border of the scale. The culmen is
always depressed and convex. ‘The bill is never notched in the true
Doves, though Didunculus shows well-defined serrations. The tongue
is small, soft, and somewhat fleshy.

COLUMBIDA—THE PIGEONS. 495

“The wing has ten primaries, and eleven or twelve, rarely fifteen,
secondaries; the latter broad, truncate, and of nearly equal length.
The tail is rounded or cuneate, never forked.

“The tarsus is usually short, rarely longer than the middle toe,
scutellate anteriorly, [except in Starnanas] and with hexagonal plates
laterally and behind; sometimes naked. An inter-digital membrane
is either wanting entirely, or else is very slightly indicated between
the middle and outer toes.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The two principal groups of American Colwmbide, which for con-
venience may be termed subfamilies, may be briefly distinguished
as follows:

Columbine, Tarsus shorter than tho lateral toes, feathered above.
Zenaidine, Tarsus longer than the lateral toes, entirely bare of feathers,

The North American genera (but two of which come within the
field of this work) are characterized as below, the extralimital
genera being in brackets:

Susramity Columbine.

CHAR. Tarsistout, short, with transverse scutelle anteriorly; feathered for the basal
third above, but notat all behind. Toes lengthened, the lateral decidedly longer than
the tarsus. Wings lengthened and pointed. Size large. Tail-feathers twelve.

0. Columba. Head large; tail short, broad, and rounded.]
2. Ectopistes. Head very small; tail much lengthened, cuneate.

Supraminy Zenaidinee.

Cuak. Tarsi stout, lengthened; always longer than the lateral toes, and entirely with-
out feathers; the tibial joint usually denuded. Tarsus sometimes with hexagonal scales
anteriorly. Tail-feathers sometimes fourteen.

a. Zenaidew. Size moderate. Wings lengthened, acute, the primaries much longer
than the secondaries. Tarsus scutellate anteriorly. A blackish spot beneath
the auriculars (except in Engyptila); tail-feathers tipped with white, and with,
a blackish subterminal bar. Sides of the neck with a metallic gloss.

(3. Engyptila, Outer primary abruptly attenuated terminally. Color plain grayish
brown aboye, lighter and (usually) more vinaceous below; under side of wing
mainly rufous.]

(4. Melopelia, Billlengthened, much depressed. A white patch on the wing; no black
spots on the scapulars; plumage ashy, lighter beneath. Tail of twelve feathers,
rounded.]

496 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

(5. Zenaida, Bill smaller, more compressed. No white patch on the wing; scapulars
with black spots. Above olivaceous, beneath vinaceous. Tail usually of twelve
feathers, rounded.)

6. Zenaidura. Similar to Zenaida, but tail of fourteen feathers, much more length-
ened, and graduated.

b. Chamepeliew. Size very small. Wings rounded, the primaries scarcely longer
than the tertials. Tarsus scutellate anteriorly. No blackish spot beneath the
auriculars; no metallic gloss on sides of the neck.

(7. Seardafella, Tail of twelve feathers, lengthened (much longer than wings), doubly
rounded, the lateral feathers much shorter; the three outer pairs with white ter-
minally.]

(8. Columbigallina, Tail of twelve feathers, short (much less than wings), simply
rounded, the lateral feathers only slightly shorter; outer feathers without white
terminally, or with only a slight edging. Wing-coverts with oblique black spots,
and body without transverse blackish bars.]

ec. Geotrygonee. Size moderate (generally a little larger than Zenaida); form robust.
or quail-like. Legs very stout; tarsi decidedly longer than the middle toe,
variously scaled anteriorly. Wings short, very broad, and much rounded, but
the primaries decidedly longer than the secondaries.

(9. Starnenas, Legs very stout; tarsi covered anteriorly with hexagonal scales;
crown blue; a black gular patch, bordered below by white.]

00. Geotrygon. Legs moderate; tarsi covered anteriorly with transverse scutella;
crown never blue, and throat without black patch or white markings.]

Genus ECTOPISTES Swanson.

Ectopistes Swatnson, Zo6l. Jour. iii, 1827,362. Type, Columba migratoria Linn.

“Geren. CHAR. Head very small. Bill short, black; culmen one third the rest of the
head; feathers of the chinrunning very far forward; gonys very short. Tarsivery short,
half covered anteriorly by feathers. Inner lateral claw much larger than outer, reaching
to the base of the middle one. Tail very long and excessively cuneate; about as long as
the wings. First primary longest. Black spots on scapulars; a black and a rufous spot
on inner webs of tail-feathers.

“This genus is readily distinguished from the other Columbine,
by the excessively lengthened and acute middle feathers. It for-
merly included the Columba carolinensis, but this, with more pro-
priety, has been erected into a different genus (Zenaidura), and will
be found in the next section.“ (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The E. migratorius, or common Wild Pigeon or Passenger Pigeon
of eastern North America, is slaty blue above, the wings and scap-
ulars more brownish and spotted with black; the inner webs of
the tail-feathers have each a rufous and a black spot. The male
has the whole head bluish plumbeous, the fore-neck and jugulum
rich cinnamon, passing into vinaceous on the breast, this gradually

COLUMBIDH—THE PIGEONS. 497

becoming paler posteriorly; the sides of the neck richly glossed
with metallic solferino-purple. The female has the head, foreneck,
and jugulum brownish ashy or drab, gradually lightening posteriorly.

Ectopistes migratorius (Linn.)

PASSENGER PIGEON,

Popular synonym. Wild Pigeon.

Columba migratoria Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 285.—Wins. Am. Orn. 1, 1808, 102, pl. 44,
fig. 1.—Noutt. Man. i, 1832, 629.—AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 319; v. 1839, 561, pl. 62.
Ectopistes migratoria Sw. Zool. Jour. iii, 1827, 355.—Aup. Synop. 1839, 174; B. Am. v,
1842, 26, pl. 285.—Bargp, B. N. Am. 1858, 600; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 448.—Cougs, Key,
1872, 225; Check List, 1874, No. 370; 2d ed. 1882, No. 543; B. N. W. 1874, 387.—B. B.& R.
Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 808, pl. 57, flg. 4—Ripaw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 459.

Has. Whole of temperate eastern North America, west to the Rocky Mountains; no
extralimital records, except Cuba and England (accidental). Stragglertof{Western Proy-
ince of United States (Nevada, eastern Oregon, ete.).

Sp. CHar. Adult male. Headand hind-neck bluish plumbeous, lighter on chin;
rump bluish plumbeous; back, scapulars, and tertials grayish brown or drab; wings
more plumbeous, the innermost coverts, with tertials and outer scapulars, spotted with
black. Tailshading from dusky on middle rectrices through gradually lighter slate and
ashy to white on lateral feathers; inner web of each feather (except middle pair) with a
transverse spot of black, preceded by another of rufous. Jugulum and breast rich vina-
ceous rufous, gradually changing to soft pinkish vinaceous on the sides. Crissum and
middle of abdomen white. Hind part and sides of neck with brilliant reflections of
metallic solferino-purple, changing to violet, green, golden, ete. Bill black, the cere
glaucous whitish, the rictus crimson; iris bright red; legs and feet lake-red. Adult
female. Head brownish gray, paler toward throat; jugulum and breast brownish gray
or drab, changing to paler brownish gray on sides; metallic reflections on neck less
brilliant. Young. Somewhat like the adult female, but the wing-coverts, scapulars,and
feathers of the head, neck, and jugulum tipped with whitish, causing a mottled appear-
ance; rusty margins of primaries more distinct, widely bordering the tips of the quills.
Bill black, the rictus pinkish; iris brown, with a narrow outer ring of carmine; feet pale
livid salmon-pink, the scutella more brownish; claws blackish.

Wing, 8.40-8.50; tail,8.20-8.60; culmen, .60.-65; tarsus,1.15; middle toe,1.15.

So much has been written about the extraordinary abundance, in
past years, of the Wild Pigeon, that the subject may seem thread-
bare. Still, it is so full of interest, that we quote the following
from History of North American Birds (Vol. IIL., pp. 871-874):

“Several writers, who haye witnessed the occasionally enormous
flights of these Pigeons, have given very full and graphic accounts
of their immense numbers that seem hardly credible to those who
have not seen them. Mr. Audubon relates that in 1818, on his way
from Henderson to Louisville, in crossing the barrens near Hardens-
burg, he observed these birds flyimg to the southwest in greater

—32

498 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

numbers than he had ever known before. He attempted to count
the different flocks as they successively passed, but after counting
one hundred and sixty-three in twenty-one minutes, he gave it up
as impracticable. As he journeyed on, their numbers seemed to
increase. The air seemed filled with Pigeons, and the light of noon-
day to be obscured as by an eclipse. Not a single bird alighted, as
the woods were destitute of mast, and all flew so high that he
failed to reach any with a rifle. He speaks of their aérial evolu-
tions as beautiful in the extreme, especially when a Hawk pressed
upon the rear of a flock. All at once, like a torrent, and with a
noise like that of thunder, they rushed together in a compact mass,
and darted forward in undulating lines, descending and sweeping
near the earth with marvellous velocity, then mounting almost per-
pendicularly in a vast column, wheeling and twisting so that their
continued lines seemed to resemble the coils of a gigantic serpent.
During the whole of his journey from Hardensburg to Louisville,
fifty-five miles, they contmued to pass in undiminished numbers,
and also did so during the three following -days. At times they
flew so low that multitudes were destroyed, and for many days the
entire population seemed to eat nothmg else but Pigeons.”

Genus ZENAIDURA Bonaparte.

Zenaidura BonaP. Consp. Avium, ii, 1854, 84. Type, Columba carolinensis LINN.

“Gen. CHAR. Bill weak, black; culmen from frontal feathers about one third the head
above. Tarsus not as long as middle toe and claw, but considerably longer than the
lateral ones; covered anteriorly by asingle series of scutelle. Inner lateral claw con-
siderably longer than outer, and reaching to the base of middle. Wings pointed; second
quill longest; first and third nearly equal. Tail very long, equalto the wings; exces-
sively graduated and cuneate, of fourteen feathers.” (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The fourteen tail-feathers render this genus very conspicuous
among the North American doves. It was formerly placed with the
Passenger Pigeon in Ectopistes, but has nothmg in common with it
but the lengthened tail, as it belongs to a different subfamily. At
present three species are known, one (Z. graysont Lawr.) being
peculiar to Socorro Island, well off the coast of western Mexico, the
other (Z. yucatanensis Lawr.) from the vicinity of Merida, in northern
Yucatan. The latter is possibly a hybrid between Z. carolinensis
and Zenaida amabilis, being exactly intermediate in form and color-
ation, while the type specimen still remains unique. (Cf. Hist. N.
Am. B. Vol. II1., p. 882, and ‘The Auk,” Vol. I., Jan. 1884, p. 96.)

COLUMBIDZ—THE PIGEONS, 499

Zenaidura macroura (Linn.)

MOURNING DOVE.

Popular synonyms. Turtle Dove; Americ n Turtle Dove; Common Dove; Carolina
Dove.
Columba macroura Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 164 (part).
Zenaidura macroura Ripew. Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. viii, 1885, 355.
Columba carolinensis Linn. 8. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 286.—Wiis. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 91, pl. 43,
fig. 1—Norr. Man. i, 1832, 626.—Aup. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 91; v, 1839, 555, pl. 17.
Ectopistes carolinensis RicH. 1837.—AuD. Synop. 1839, 195; B. Am. v, 1842, 36, pl. 286.
Zenaidura carolinensis BP. 1854.—BarrD, B. N. Am. 1858, 604; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
451.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 226; Check List, 1874, No. 371; 2d ed. 1882, No. 544; B. N. W.
1874, 389 (Zenedura).—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 383, pl. 58, flg. 2—Ripew.
Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 460,

Has. The whole of temperate North America to a little north of the United States
boundary (Ontario, ete.); south through Mexico and Central America to the Isthmus of
Panama, Cuba, Jamaica,and some other West Indian islands.

Sp. Coan. Adult male. Above grayish brown,the svapulars with roundish or oblong
spots of black; sides, and under surface of wings light grayish blue. Tail,except middle
pair, shading from white on outer web of lateral feathers to dark plumbeous on next to
middle pair, which are grayish brown; each rectrix crossed, just beyond the middle, by
a broad bar of black, after which the gray is considerably lighter than that anterior to
the spot. Occiput and nape light pearl-gray, with a glaucous tinge; rest of head pale
purplish cinnamon, inclining to whitish on the chin. Breast delicate pinkish vinaceous
changing to fine creamy buff on abdomen; ecrissum pale creamy buff. Sides of neck
richly glossed with metallic reddish purple, and just beneath the auriculars a spot of
glossy blue-black. Bill black, the cere bluish gray, and rictus lake-red; naked orbital
skin delicate pale blue, tinted with greenish; iris deep brown; feet lake-red, claws black.
Total length (fresh) 12.60-13.00; extent, 17.50-18.25; wing (skin), 5.80-6.10; tail, 6.00-6.50. Adult
Jemale., Similar to the male,but colors duller. Head light drab, whitish on chin, and
scarcely, if at all, bluish on occiput and nape; breast light drab, changing gradually to
creamy buff on the abdomen; metallic gloss on sides of neck fainter, and black spot be-
neath ears smaller and without blue gloss. Size a little smaller. Young. Somewhat
like the adult female, but much duller, more brownish, and with feathers of jugulum,
neck, and upper parts margined or tipped with paler.

The Mourning Dove is found throughout the State and is a per-
manent resident in most places, though less numerous and of un-
certain occurrence in winter. In the spring of 1883 all the speci-
mens shot at Wheatland, Indiana, had the ends of the toes frozen
off, showing that they had braved the almost unprecedented cold
of the precedmg winter. The species have even been known to
winter as far north as Canada; Mr. John J. Morley, of Windsor,
Ontario, informing Professor Baird (in epist.) that he had seen con-
siderable numbers near that place on the 6th of December, 1878,
and that he had on other occasions seen it “in various places,
from three to twelve at a time.”

500 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

In the northeastern portion of Illinois, it is according to Mr.
Nelson (Bull. Essex Inst. VIII., December, 1876, p. 121), “a very
common summer resident. ‘The majority arrive the last of March
and first of April, and depart by the middle of October. Straggling
parties are occasionally observed during the winter. In many
places this species becomes semi-domesticated, breeding in the trees
in the yard and showing but little fear when approached.”

ERRATA.

Page 5, line 2 from bottom, after that insert it.

Page 30, line 1, for but now read not now.

Page 70, line 17, for townsendi read townsendii; line 5from bottom, before .85 read 3.
Page 88, for Troglodytide read Troglodytine.

Page 99, lines 9 and 14 from bottom, for hyemalis read hiemalis.

Page 121, line 12 from bottom, for swainisonii read swainsoni.

Page 123, for Helmitheros read Helmitherus.

Page 133, line 20 from bottom, for mariima read maritima.

502

Acanthis, 221,231,

: brewsteri, 232.
hornemanni, 231.
hornemanni exilipes, 232.
linaria, 232, 233,
linaria rostrata, 232, 234,

Accentor, Aquatic, 161.
Golden-crowned, 158,
Accipiter, 442, 453, 454.
atricapillus, 459,
cooperi, 454, 455,
fuscus, 457,
mexicanus, 455,
palumbarius, 459,
velox, 454, 457, 476,
Accipitres, 45, 399.
Accipitrine, 426, 441,
giothus, 231.
canescens exilipes, 232,
exilipes, 232.
fuscescens, 233.
linaria, 233.
linaria, var. exilipes, 232.

linaria, var. fuscescens, 233,

linaria holbdolii, 234,
rostratus, 234.

ZEsalon, 428, 434,
columbarius, 435.

Agelaina, 305.

Agelaius, 306, 313,
assimilis, 313,
gubernator, 313,
longipes, 312.
pheeniceus, 313.
xanthocephalus, 312.

Ajaja ajaja, 43.

Alauda alpestris, 336, 338,
cornuta, 338,
ludoviciana, 111.
magna, 315, 316.
pensylvanica, l1L
rufa, 111.
spinoletta, 109,
spragueii, 109.

Alaudidie, 48, 336,

Alcedinida, 389,

Alcedo alcyon, 390,

- rudis, 389,

INDEX,

TIN DS xe

Aleyones, 44,
Aluco, 400,
flammeus americana, 401,
flammeus pratincola, 400,
Ammodramee, 248.
Ammodramus, 248, 250,
caudacutus, 250.

caudacutus nelsoni, 250, 251,

henslowi, 252, 253, 254.
lecontei, 252, 253, 257.
maritimus, 250.
passerinus palustris, 286.

sandwichensis savanna, 259.
savannarum passerinus, 252, 253,

Ampelide, 48, 198.

Ampeling, 198,

Ampelis, 198,
americana, 200,
cedrorum, 199, 200.
garrulus, 198, 199,
japonica, 199.
phoenicopterum, 199.
sialis, 68.

Amphispiza, 249, 265.

Anorthoura, 89, 94, 96,
troglodytes, 96.
troglodytes hyemalis, 96,

Anseres, 45.

Anthus, 101, 109.
aquaticus, 111.
ludovicianus, 111.
pensilvanicus, 110, 111,
pipiens, 111.
spinoletta, 111.
spragueii, 110.

Antrostomus, 366.
carolinensis, 366, 367,
vociferus, 366, 367.
vociferus arizone, 367,

Aphelocoma, 382.

Aquila, 443, 482,
canadensis, 483,
chrysaétos, 483.

chrysaétus canadensis, 483,

fulva, 483.
Archibuteo, 442, 477.

ferrugineus, 478, 481,

lagopus, 478,

INDEX.

Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis, 478.
sancti-johannis, 478,
Asio, 403, 404,
accipitrinus, 404, 407,
americanus, 405.
galapagoénsis, 405, 407.
otus, 404, 405, 406.
otus, swbsp. americanus, 405,
portoricensis, 405, 407,
stygius, 404.
wilsonianus, 404, 405,
Asionina, 403.
Astragalinus tristis, 236,
Astur, 453, 454, 459,
atricapillus, 459.
atricapillus striatulus, 460,
cooperi, 455.
fuscus, 458.
palumbarius, 459.
palumbarius var. atricapillus, 459.
Asturina, 442, 461, 462.
nitida, 462.
nitida plagiata, 462,
plagiata, 462,
Aulanax, 346,
Auriparus, 78,
Autumn arrivals, 32.
Avifauna of the State, Characteristic fea-
tures of the, 24
Avocettinus, 359,
Avocettula, 359,

Belophus, 78
Bee Bird, 343,

Red, 217.

Bell Bird, 52.
Bibliography, 36.

Bird of Washington, 485.
Birds of Prey,399.
Blackbird, Blue-headed, 323.

Brewer's, 323.

Cow, 310.

European, 64,

Red and buff shouldered, 313,

Red-shouldered, 313,

Red-winged, 313,

Rusty, 322.

Skunk, 307.

Swamp, 313.

Violet-headed, $23,

Western Crow, 326.

Yellow-headed, 312. \
Black-cap, Wilson's, 175,
Black Warrior, 469,
Bluebird, 68,

Arctic, 69.

Eastern, 68.

Mountain, 69,

Rocky Mountain, 69.
Bob Lincoln, 307,
Bobolink, 307.
Bombycilla carolinensis, 200,

eedrorum, 200,

garrula, 199,

503

Bottom Lands, The Southern, 17,

Brachyotus, 404, 407.
cassini, 407.
palustris, 407,

Bubo, 403, 418, 422.
asio, 415.
mexicanus, 403.
subarcticus, 421,
virginianus, 418, 421.
virginianus arcticus, 418, 421,
virginianus atlanticus, 418.
Virginianus var. pacificus, 421,
virginianus saturatus, 418, 421.
virginianus subarcticus, 418, 42L,

Bubonide, 399, 403,

Buboninae, 403,

Bull Bat, 369,

Bunting, Bay-winged, 261.
Black-throated, 303.
Cow-pen, 310.

Henslow’s, 24,
Indigo, 300.

Le Conte’s, 257,
McCown’s, 245,
Painted, 301.
Smith’s, 243.
Snow, 240.

Butcher Bird, Great Northern, 193,
Southern, 194.

Buteo, 442, 464,
abbreviatus, 471,
albicaudatus, 464,
bairdii, 474,
borealis, 464, 465, 466, 471.
borealis calurus, 465, 466, 467, 469,
borealis krideri, 465, 466, 463,
brachyurus, 464,
calurus, 465.
cooperi, 469.
harlani, 464, 469,
insignatus, 474,
lagopus, 478.
latissimus, 465, 476,
lineatus, 464, 472.
lineatus elegans, 472,
montanus, 465, 474,
oxypterus, 474,
pennsylvanicus, 476,
plagiatus, 462.
sancti-johannis, 478,
swainsoni, 464, 474.
swainsoni, var. oxypterus, 474
vulgaris, 474,

Buteola, 464.

Butler Bird,307,

Buzzard, 490.

Harlan’s, 469,
Turkey, 490,

Cerebida, 48.

Calamospiza, 290,

Oalearius, 221, 241,
lapponicus, 241, 242,

504

Calcarius ornatus, 42
pictus, 242, 243.
Callichelidon, 207.
cyaneoviridis, 207.
Calocitta, 33.
Campephilus, 373, 374.
imperialis, 374.
principalis, 43, 374,375.
Campylorhynchus, 89.
Canary, Wild, 137.
Caprimulgi, 45,358.
Caprimulgide, 358, 366.
Caprimulgus americanus, 369.
carolinensis, 366, 367.
popetue, 369.
virginianus, 368, 369.
(Chordeiles) virginianus, 569.
vociferus, 369.
Cardinal, 295.
Cardinalis, 291, 294.
eardinalis, 295.
virginianus, 295.
Carduelis tristis, 236,
Carpodacus, 220, 224.
cassini, 225,
frontalis, 225.
purpureus, 225.
purpureus ecalifornicus, 225.
Catbird, 107.
Catharista, 489, 491.
atrata, 492.
Cathartes, 489, 490.
atratus, 492,
aura, 490.
iota, 492.
Cathartida, 488, 489.
Cathartine, 488.
Catherpes, 89.
Cedar-bird, 200.
Cedar-lark, 200,
Centronyx, 249,
Centrophanes lapponicus, 242,
pictus, 243.
Centurus, 374, 384,
carolinensis, 396,
carolinus, 384.
Ceophleeus, 374, 381.
pileatus, 382.
Cepphi, 45.
Certhia, 86.
americana, 87.
earoliniana, 90.
familiaris, 86, 87.
familiaris americana, 86.
familiaris montana, 87.
familiaris occidentalis, 87.
familiaris rufa, 87.
maculata, 117.
palustris, 97, 99.
pinus, 126.
rufa, 87.
varia, 117.
Certhiida, 48, 86.
Certhiola, 48.

INDEX.

Ceryle, 389.
alcyon, 390.
cabanisi, 389,

Chetura, 363.
pelagica, 364,
vauxii, 364.

Chama, 78.

Chamaine, 78.

Chamepelies, 496.

Chat, Yellow-breasted, 171.

Chatterer, European, 199,
Northern, 199.
Waxen, 199.

Chelidon, 204, 207.
erythrogaster, 207,

Cherry-bird, 200,

Chewink, 292.

Chickadee, 80.
Black-capped, 80.
Carolina, 81.
Eastern, 80.
Hudsonian, 82.
Hudson's Bay, 82.
Northern, 80.
Southern, 81.

Chickty- beaver, 188.

Chimney Sweep, 364.

Chip-bird, 272.

Field, 275.

Chippy, 272.

Field, 278,
Red-billed, 275.
Winter, 271.

Chondestes, 249, 262.
grammacus, 262, 263,
strigatus, 262.

Chordeiles, 366, 367.
henryi,370.
popetue, 369.
popetue henryi,370,
texensis, 369.
virginianus, 368, 369,
virginianus henryi, 370.

Chrysomitris, 235.
pinus, 238.
tristis, 236.

Chuck-will’s widow, 367.

Ciconiz, 45.

Cinclide, 47.

Circus, 442, 450.
cinereus, 450.
cyaneus, 450, 451, 452.
eyaneus var. americanus, 45L
cyaneus hudsonius, 450, 451.
hudsonius, 450,

Cistothorus, 90, 97,98.
palustris, 98, 99.
stellatus, 98.

Clamatores, 44, 47, 48,

Clape, 387.

Climate, 19.

Clivicola, 204, 210,
riparia, 210.

Clodhopper, 310.

INDEX.

Coccoborus ludovicianus, 296.

Coccothraustes, 220, 221,
vespertinus, 221, 222,

Coccothraustina, 219,

Cocecyges, 44, 45, 389,

Coccyzina, 392.

Coccyzus, 392.
americanus, 393,
dominicus, 395.
erythrophthalmus, 393, 395.

Colapte, 372,374.

Colaptes, 374, 386,
aurato-mexicanus, 387.
auratus, 386, 387.
auratus hybridus, 387.
ayresii, 387.
chrysoides, 386.
hybridus, 387.
mexicanus, 386, 387,

Collurio borealis, 193.
excubitoroides, 194.
ludovicianus, 194.
ludovicianus var. excubitoroides, 194.

Columba, 495.
carolinensis, 498, 499,
macroura, 499.
migratoria, 496, 497,

Columba, 44, 494.

Columbide, 494,

Columbigallina, 496.

Columbine, 495.

Compsothlypis, 115, 131.
americana, 131, 139,

Contopus, 342, 49.
borealis, 349, 350.
pertinax, 349.
richardsoni.349, 350.
virens, 350, 351.

Conurus, 396.
carolinensis, 43, 396,

Cooperastur, 454.

Coracias galbula, 318, 319.

Corn-cracker, 295,

Corral Bird, 323,

Corthylio, 74.

Corvea, 330.

Corvida, 48, 329.

Corvine, 330.

Corvus, 330.
americanus, 331,
cacalote, 31.
carnivorus, 331,
corax, 330, 331,
corax carnivorus, 331.
corax sinuatus, 330, 331.
coronata, 334.
coronata annectens, 334.
coronata diademata, 334.
coronata frontalis, 334.
coronata macrolopha, 334.
coronata stelleri, 334,
corone, 331.
cristatus, 334, 335,
cryptoleucus, 330,

505

Corvus frugivorus, 332,
hudsonicus, 333.
ossifragus, 331.
pica, 333,

Sinuatus, 331.

Corythus canadensis, 224,
enucleator, 224.

Cotingide, 48.

Coturniculus, 248, 252,
henslowi, 254.
lecontii, 257.
manimbe, 252.
passerinus, 253,

Cotyle, 210.
riparia, 210.
serripennis, 212,

Cowbird, 310.

Cow- cow, 393.

Craxirex, 464,

Creepers, 86.

Creeper, American Tree, 86.
Black-and-white, 117.
Brown, 86.

Striped, 117.

Crossbill, American, 227.
American Red, 227.
White-winged, 228,

Crotophaga, 392.

Crotophagina, 392,

Crows, 330.

Crows and Jays, 329,

Crow. American, 33L
Carrion, 492.

Rain, 393.
Tom, 331,

Crucirostra minor, 227,

Cuckoos, 389, 392.

Cuckoo, Black-billed, 395,
European, 394.
Yellow-billed, 393.

Cuculi, 45.

Cuculide, 392.

Cuculus americanus, 392, 393,
auratus, 386, 387.
canorus, 394,
carolinensis,393. -
erythrophthalmus, 395,

Culicivora cerulea, 73.

Curvirostra americana, 227,
leucoptera, 229,

Cyanecula, 49.

Cyanocitta, 332, 334,
eristata, 335,

Cyanospiza, 299,
ciris, 301.
cyanea, 300,

Cyanurus, 334,
eristatus, 335,

Cynanthus, 359,

Cypseli, 44, 358.

Cypselus pelasgius, 364.

Darter, Blue, 455,

506

Dendrocopos, 376.

Dendroica, 115, 132, 135.
festiva, 135, 137.
blackburnia, 136, 148, 149,
cwrulea, 136, 142, 143.
cxrulescens, 136, 139.
canadensis, 139.
earbonata, 133.
castanea, 136, 146.
coronata, 136, 139, 140,
dominica, 137, 150.
dominica albilora, 150,
discolor, 137, 155, 156.
kirtlan di, 137.
montana, 137.
maculosa, 136, 142.
palmarum, 137, 154.

palmarum hypochrysea, 137, 154.

pennsylvanica, 136, 145.
pinus, 152.

striata, 136, 147,
superciliosa, 150,
tigrina, 133.

vigorsii, 137, 152.
virens, 136, 151.

Dick Cissel, 303.

Didunculus, 494.

Discura, 359.

Dolichonyx, 305, 307.
oryzivorus, 307.

Dove, American Turtle, 499,
Carolina, 499.
Common, 499.
Mourning, 499.

Turtle, 499.

Dry obatee, 372, 373.

Dryobates, 373, 376.
borealis, 376.
pubescens, 376, 378.
pubescens gairdneri, 378.
villosus, 376.
vi'losus auduboni, 376.
villosus harrisi, 376.
villr sus leucomelas, 376, 377.

Eazle, American Sea, 485.
Bald, 485.
Black, 483.
Fish, 439.
Golden, 483,
Gray, 485.
Mountain, 483.
Ring-tailed, 483,
Washington, 485,
Washington Sea, 485,
White-headed, 485.
Ectopistes, 495, 496.
carolinensis, 499.
migratorius, 496,497,
Elanoides, 442, 443.
forficatus, 444.
Elanus, 442, 445,
dispar, 446,

INDEX.

Elanus glaucus, 446.
leucurus, 446,
Emberiza amé¢ricana, 302, 303,
canadensis, 271.
ciris, 301.
erythrophthalma, 292.
graminea, 261.
grammaca, 263,
henslowi, 254.
lapponica, 242,
leconteii, 257.
leucophrys, 264, 267.
nivalis, 239, 240.
ory zivora, 307.
pallida, 273.
passerina, 253,
pecoris,310,
picta, 243,
pusilla, 275.
Savanna, 257.
shattucki, 273.
smithii, 243.
socialis, 272.
Embernagra, 249.
Embernagree, 249.
Empidonax, 342, 352,
acadicus, 353, 356.
difficilis, 353.
flaviventris, 353.
minimus, 353, 34.
pusillus trailli,353,355,
trailli,355,
Engyptila, 495.
Eremophila, 336.
alpestris, 338,
cornuta, 338.
Eremophilus, 336.
Erythaca (Sialia) arctica, 69.
Erythrospiza purpurea, 225
Euetheia, 291.
Euspina, 302.
Euspiza, 302,
americana, 303.
Eutoxeres, 359.

Falco, 428.
salon, 434,
albicilla, 484.
anatum, 431,
atricapillus, 459,
borealis, 465.
buteo, 464.
buteoides, 472.
canadensis, 483,
candicans, 429.
carolinensis, 439,
eassini, 433.
chrystos, 482, 483,
ceruleus, 445.
columbarius, 434, 435.
columbarius suckleyi, 434.
communis, 432.
communis anatum, 481,

INDEX. 507

Faleo cooperi, 454, 455.
eyaneus, 450, 451,
dispar, 446.
ferrugineus, 481.
forficatus, 443, 444,
fulvus, 483.
furcatus, 444,
fuscus, 457.
glaucus, 446.
gyrfalco, 429.
haliaétus, 439,
harlani, 469.
hudsonius, 450,
isabellinus, 436, 437.
islandus, 429.
jugger, 429.
lagopus, 477,478.
lanarius var. polyagrus, 429.
latissimus, 476.
leucocephalus, 485.
leverianus, 465,
lineatus, 472.

(Zsalon) lithofaleo var. columbarius,

435.

melanopterus, 445.

mexicanus, 429.

mississippiensis, 447, 448.

nevius, 431.

niger, 478.

nigriceps, 432.

nisus, 454.

nitidus, 461.

ossifragus, 485,

palumbarius, 459.

pealei, 433.

pennsylvanicus, 458, 464, 476,

peregrinus, 431.

peregrinus anatum, 431.

peregrinus ne&vius, 431.

plumbeus, 447, 448.

polyagrus, 429,

pterocles, 464,

regulus, 434,

richardsoni, 434.

sancti-johannis, 478.

sparverius, 436.

sparverius isabellinus, 436.

stanleyi, 454, 455,

subceruleus, 448,

temerarius, 435.

tinnunculus, 429, 436, 438,

uliginosus, 451.

velox, 458.

washingtonianus, 485.

washingtonii, 485, E
Falcons, Kites, Harriers, Hawks, and

Eagles, 426.

Falcon, American Lanner, 429,
Black-capped, 431.
Great-footed, 431.

Little Rusty-crowned, 436,

Prairie, 429.
Falconee, 427.
Falcones, 45, 426,

Falconida, 426.

Faleonine, 426, 427.

Faunal Provinces,30.

Features of the Avifauna of the State,

Characteristic, 24.

Features of the State, Physical,7.

Fieldfare, American, 65.
Carolina, 65,

Finches, 219,

Finches, True, 219.

Finch, Bachman’s, 280.
California Purple, 225.
Cassin’s Purple, 225,
Grass, 260.

House, 225.

Lark, 262.

Lincoln’s, 285.

Morning, 266.

Nelson’s Sharp-tailed, 251.
Painted, 301.

Purple, 225.

Roseate, 225.

Fire Bird, 319.

Flicker, 387.

Hybrid, 387.
Yellow-shafted, 387.

Flycatcher, Acadian, 356.
Canada, 176.

Crested, 345,
Fan-tail,177.

Great Crested, 345.

Great Yellow-bellied, 345.
Green Black-capped, 175.
Green-crested, 356.
Least, 354.
Olive-sided, 350.

Pewit, 347.

Red-eyed, 181.

Say’s, 348.
Townsend’s,70.

Traill’s, 355.

Tyrant, 341.
Warbling, 184.
Yellow-bellied, 353,
Yellow-tailed, 177.

Former Species, 30.

Fringilla albicollis, 269,
ambigua, 310.
arborea, 271.
bachmanii, 279,
borealis, 232.
cerulea, 298.
canadensis, 269, 271,
eardinalis, 295,
cinerea, 276,
ciris, 301.
comata, 266,
eyanea, 300.
domestica, 247,
erythrophthalma, 291, 292,
fasciata, 282, 283.
ferruginea, 289.
(Ammodromus) georgiana, 286.
graminea, 260, 261.

508

Fringilla grammaca, 262, 263,
harrisii, 266.
henslowi, 254.
hudsonia, 277.
hyemalis, 277.
iliaca, 288.
jJuncorum, 275.
lapponica, 241, 242.
leucophrys, 267.
linaria, 231, 233.
lincolnii, 285,
ludoviciana, 296.
melodia, 282, 283.
monticola, 269, 271,
nivalis, 277.
oregona, 279.
palustris, 286.
passerina, 252, 253.
pecoris, 309,310.
pennsylvanica, 269,
pinus, 238,
purpurea, 225,
pusilla, 275.
querula, 266,
rubra, 217,
rufa, 289.
Savanna, 258, 259,
Savannarum, 253,
socialis, 272.
spinus, 235,
tristis, 236,
vespertina, 221,

Fringillida, 48, 219.

Galeoscoptes, 102, 106,
carolinensis, 107,
Gallina, 45.
Garruline, 330, 332.
Garrulus cristatus, 335,
Gennaia, 429.
Geococcyx, 392, 393.
Geothlypea, 114, 115.
Geothlypis, 115, 163, 167.
agilis, 164.
formosa, 164, 166.
macgillivrayi, 167, 168.
philadelphia, 167, 169.
trichas, 167, 168.
trichas occidentalis, 168,
Geotrygon, 496.
Geotrygonewm, 496.
Glaucidium, 404,
Gnatcatchers, 72.
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 73.
Eastern, 73.
Goatsuckers, 366.
Goatsuckers, Swifts, and Hummingbirds,
358.
Golden-crest, American, 75.
Goldfinch, American, 236,
Pine, 238.
Goniaphea c@rulea, 298,
ludoviciana, 296.

INDEX.

Goshawk, American, 459.
Mexican, 462.

Grackle, Bronzed, 326,
Rusty, 322.

Gracula barita, $24,
ferruginea, 322.
quiscala, 324,

Grass-bird, 253, 259.

Grasshopper-bird, 253

Green Bird, 300,

Greenlet, Bell's, 190,
Blue-headed, 187,
Philadelphia, 183,
Red-eyed, 181,
Solitary, 187.
Warbling, 184,
White-eyed, 188.
Yellow-throated, 186,

Grive des Bois, 52.

Grosbeak, Blue, 296,
Cardinal, 295.
Evening, 221,

Pine, 224.

Purple, 225.
Red-breasted, 296.
Roseate, 225,
Rose-breasted, 296.
Rose-breasted Song, 296,

Ground-bird, 253, 259,

Grues, 45.

Gryphinag, 488,

Guinea-woodpecker, Big, 375,
Little, 378.

Guiraca, 291, 298,
cxrulea, 298.
ludoviciana, 296,
melanocephala, 296,

Gymnokitta, 330.

Habia, 291, 296.
ludoviciana, 296.
melanocephala, 296,

Hair-bird,272.

Halixetus, 443, 484.
leucocephalus, 485,
washingtoni, 485.

Hang Nest,319.

Hanging Bird, 319.
Little Green, 188,

Harpagus, 447.

Harpes redivivus, 108.

Harporhynchus, 102, 103,
rufus, 104.

Harrier, American, 450,
Ring-tailed, 450.

Hawk, American Rough-legged, 478,
American Sparrow, 436.
Black, 478.

Blue, 455.

Blue Chicken, 455,
Blue Hen, 459.
Blue Quail, 455.
Blue Snake, 448,

Hawk, Blue-backed, 455.
Broad-winged, 476,
Brown, 474.

Bullet, 457.

California Squirrel, 481,
Chicken, 459, 465, 472.
Common Chicken, 465,
Common Hen, 4to.
Cooper's, 455.

Duck, 431.

Eastern Red-tailed, 465.

Ferruginous Rough-legged, 481.

Fish, 439.
Fish-tail, 444.
Fork-tail Snake, 444.
Hen, 472.
Krider’s Red-tailed, 465,
Little Swift, 457.
Mackerel-tail, 444.
Marsh, 450.
Pigeon, 435.
Red-shouldered, 472.
Red-tailed, 465.
Sharp-shinned, 457.
Slate-colored, 457,
Snake, 444.
Stanley's, 455.
Swainson’s, 474.
Swallow-tailed, 444.
Swift, 455.
Western Red-tailed, 465.
White Hen, 465.
White Red-tailed, 465.
White-breasted Chicken, 465.
Hedymeles, 296.
ludovicianus, 296,
Heliactin, 360.
Helinaia, 115, 120.
celata, 129.
chrysoptera, 127,
peregrina, 130.
protonotarius, 119.
rubricapilla, 128.
solitaria, 126.
swainsonii, 121.
vermivora, 124.
Helminthophaga, 125.
celata, 129.
*chrysoptera, 127.
peregrina, 130.
pinus, 126.
ruficapilla, 128.
Helminthophila, 115, 125.
bachmani, 125.
celata, 125,129.
celata lutescens, 129,
celata obscura, 129.
ehrysoptera, 125, 127.
cincinnatiensis, 126,
lawrencei, 125.
leucobronchialis, 125,
peregrina, 126,130.
pinus, 125,126.
ruficapilla, 125, 128.

INDEX.

509

Helminthophila ruficapilla gutturalis, 128.

Helminthotherus, 123.

vermivorus, 124,
Helmitheros, 115, 123,

swainsoni, 121.

vermivorus, 124.
Helonza swainsoni, 121.
Herodii, 45.
Herodiones, 45.
Herpetotheres®, 427.
Hesperiphona, 221.

vespertina, 222,
Hesperocichla, 49.
Hieraspizias, 444.
Hierofalco, 428, 429.

mexicanus polyagrus, 429.
High-holder, 387.
High-hole, 387.
Hirundinida@, 48, 203.
Hirundo americana, 207.

bicolor, 209.

erythrogaster, 207.

erythrogastra horreorum, 207,

fulva, 206,

horreorum, 207,

lunifrons, 205.

melanogaster, 205,

pelagica, 363, 364.

purpurea, 204,

riparia, 210.

rufa, 207.

rustica, 207.

serripennis, 211, 212

subis, 204.

thalassina, 208.

viridis, 209.
Holoquiscalus, 324.
Hummingbirds, 359.
Hummingbird, Ruby-throated, 36,
Hylatomus,381.

pileatus, 382.
Hylocichla, 49,50.

alicie,57.

alicia bicknelli,59.

fuscescens, 53,55.

fuscescens salicicola,55.

mustelina, 52,

unalasc@ pallasi,62.

ustulata swainsoni, 60.
Hypotriorchis columbarius, 435,

Tbides, 45.
Icteria, 115, 170.
virens,171.
viridis, 171.
Icteride, 48,305,
Icterie®, 114, 115,
Icterin®, 305.
Icterus, 306,318,
agripennis, 307,
baltimore, 319.
bullocki,319,
galbula,319.

510 INDEX.

Icterus icterocephalus, 311,312, Lanius carolinensis, 194,
pecoris,310.! collurio, 192.
perspicillatus, 312. excubitorides, 194.
pheeniceus, 313. garrulus, 199.
spurius, 319,520. ludovicianus, 192, 194.
spurius var. affinis, 321. ludovicianus excubitorides, 192, 194.
xanthocephalus, 312. mexicanus, 194. ‘

Ietinia, 442, 447. tyrannus, 342,343.
mississippiensis, 448. tyrannus var. carolinensis, 343.
plumbea, 448. Lanivireo, 180, 185.
subcerulea, 448, flavifrons, 186,

Terax, 428. solitarius, 187.

Indigo Bird,300. Larks, 336.

Introduction,7. , Lark, Field, 316,

Introductory note, 43. Horned, 338.

Tridoprocne bicolor, 209. Little Field, 303.

Little Meadow, 303.

Jaree, 292. Meadow,316.

Jays, 382. Old Field, 316,

Jay, Blue, 335. Prairie, 338.

Junco, 249, 276. Shore, 338.
aikeni, 277. Snow, 338.
annectens, 277. Western Field, 317.
bairdi, 276. Western Meadow,3J7,
caniceps, 277. Lazy Bird,310.
cinereus, 276, 277, Lettuce-bird, 236.
dorsalis, 277. Leucopternis, 462.
hiemailis, 277. Leucosticte, 221.
hyemalis, 277. Limicole, 45.
hyemalis oregonus, 279. Linaria borealis, 232.
insularis, 276. brunnescens, 234.
oregonus, 277, 279. minor, 233.

Junco, Oregon, 279. pinus, 238.
Slate-colored, 277, Linnet, Blue, 300.

Jynginge, 371. Coues’, 282.

Jynx torquilla, 371. Green, 300.

Pine, 238.

Kestril, American, 436, Se on

. edpoll, 233.

j European, 429, 438. Rosy, 225.

mck ue Bessy, 161. Little Corporal, 435.
nd, 158. Loddigesia mirabilis, 360.
Water, 161. Logcock, 382

I z ogeock, 382.

Kingbird, 343. Black, 382.

Sai White-billed,374.

co ee Longipennes, 45.

Ue ue 1,39 i Longspur, Lapland, 242,
Kinglets,74. MoCown’s, 24.
Kinglet, American Golden-crowncd, 75. Painted 43

Golden-crested,75. SER

Golden-crowned, 75 SABE
rae Lophophanes, 78.

Ruby-crowned, 76. bi

A icolor,79.

Kites, Hawks, and Eagles, 441. Loxia, 221, 226

Kite, Black-shouldered, 446. Cay,

Blue, 448. ara
Mississippi 448, et cee
Geailowmtatled Aad cardinalis, 294, 295.
White-headed Swallow, 444 coceosbreusleoa
White-tailed, 446 na Buryiage aaa
Nar curvirostra americana, 227.
curvirostra mexicana, 227.

Lake Shore District, 10, curvirostra minor, 227.

Laniide, 47,192. enucleator, 224.

Lanius, 192. erythrina, 224.

borealis, 192, 193. leucoptera, 227, 228.

Loxia ludoviciana, 296,
rosea, 296,

Macrochires, 44, 45,358.

Magpie, 333.
American, 333,
Black-billed,333,

Martin, 204.
American, 204,
Bee, 343.

House, 204.

Purple, 204.
Rough-winged Sand, 212,
Sand, 210.

Megaquiscalus, 324.

Megascops, 403, 415.
asio, 415.
asio floridanus, 415.
asio maccalli, 415,
brasilianus,415.
flammeolus, 403, 415.

Melanerpe®, 372,374,

Melanerpes, 374,383.
aurifrons, 384.
carolinus, 384,
erythrocephalus, 3383,
uropygialis, 384,

Melopelia, 495.

Melospiza, 249, 282.
fasciata, 283.
georgiana, 283, 286,
lincolni, 283, 285,
melodia, 283.
palustris, 286,

Melospizee, 249.

Merle Tanné, 52.

Merlin, American, 435,

Merula, 49, 64.
confinis, 64.
merula, 64.
migratoria 65.
migratoria propinqua, 65,
minor, 53.
solitaria, 62.

Methriopterus, 102, 103,

Micrasturee, 427.

Micrathene, 404.

Micropodida@, 358, 363,

Migrations, 31.
dates of, 35.

Milvulus,341.

Milvus ater, 444.
leucurus, 446,
regalis, 444,

Mimine, 88, 102,

Mimodes, 102.

Mimus, 102, 105,
carolinensis, 107,
polyglottos, 105,

Mniotilta, 114, 116,
borealis, 117.
varia, 117.
varia borealis, 117.
varia var. longiros,ris, 117.

INDEX.

Mniotiltes, 114.
Mniotiltida, 48, 113.
Mocking-bird, 105, 194,
English, 107.
Ferruginous, 104,
Fox-colored, 104.
French, 104,
Sandy, 104.
Southern, 105,
Yellow, 171.
Molothrus, 305, 309,
ater, 310.
pecoris,310.
Motacilla e#stiva, 137.
auricollis, 119.
aurocapilla, 157, 158,
blackburnia, 148,
cerulea, 72, 73.
cerulescens, 139,
ealendula, 74, 76.
canadensis, 139,
caroliniana,90.
chrysoptera, 127.
citrea, 118,119.
coronata, 132, 135, 140,
domestica, 94.
icterocephala, 145.
juncorum, 275,
maculosa, 142.
mitrata, 173,174.
nevia, 161.
noveboracensis, 161,
palmarum, 154.
pennsylvanica, 145,
protonotarius, 119,
regulus, 74.
ruticilla, 177,
sialis, 67, 68.
tigrina, 132.
troglodytes, 94.
varia, 116, 117,
vermivora, 123, 124,
virens, 151.
Motacillida, 48, 109.
Muscicapa acadica, 354, 356,
atra, 347,
bonapartii, 176.
canadensis, 176.
carolinensis, 106, 107,
cooperi,350.
erinita, 345.
ferox, 344.
flaviventris, 353,
fusca, 347.
gilva, 184.
inornata,350,
melodia, 184,
minima,34.
noveboracensis, 179, 188,
nunicola, 347.
olivacea, 180,181,
phoebe, 347.
pusilla, 175.
querula, 356,

611

512

Muscieapa rapax, 351,
rubra, 215, 217.
ruticilla, 177,178,
saya, 348.
selbii, 173, 174.
solitaria, 187.
striata, 147.
sylvicola, 186,
trailli, 355.
tyrannus,343.
virens, 349,351,
viridis, 170, 171.
wilsonii, 175.

Myadestes, 70.
genibarbis, 70.
townsendi,70.

Myadestine, 49, 69.

Myiarchus, 342, 344.
cinerascens, 345.
crinitus, 345.

Myiodioctes, 173.
bonapartii, 176.
canadensis, 176.
formosa, 166.
mitratus, 174.
pusillus, 175.
wilsonii,175.

Myrtle Bird, 140.

Nauclerus, 443.
forficatus, 444.
furcatus, 444.

Neocorys, 109.

Nertus, 447.

Nighthawk, 369.
Western, 370.

Nightingale, Virginia, 295.

Niphcea hyemalis, 277.
oregona,279.

Nisus, 454.
cooperi, 455.

cooperi var. mexicanus, 455.

fuscus, 458.

Nonpareil, 301.

Nucifragee, 330.

Nuthatches, 8.

Nuthatch, Canada, 84,
Red-bellied, 84.
White-bellied, 84.

Nyctala, 403, 411.
acadica, 412, 413.
albifrons, 413.
harrisi, 412.
kirtlandi, 413.
richardsoni, 412.
tengmalmi richardsoni, 412.

Nyctea, 404, 422.
nivea, 422.
nyctea, 422,
scandiaca, 422.
scandiaca var. arctica, 422,

Nyctidromus,366,

INDEX.

Odontoglosse, 45,

Onychotes, 442.

Oporornis, 115, 163.
agilis, 164.
formosus, 166.

Orioles, American, 305,

Oriole, Baltimore,319.
Brown, 320.
Chestnut-colored,320,
Golden,319.
Orchard,320.

Oriolus ater, 309,310.
baltimore, 318,319,
caudaeutus, 250,
ferrugineus, 322,
icterus,318.
mutatus, 321.
pheeniceus, 313,
spurius,318, 320.

Oroscoptes, 102.

Orpheus carolinensis, 107,
felivox, 107.
polyglottus, 105,
rufus, 104,

Ortolan, 307,

Oscines, 44,47.

Ospreys, 439.
American, 439.

Otoeoris, 336.
alpestris, 337,338.
alpestris arenicola, 337.
alpestris chrysolama, 337,
alpestris giraudi, 337.
alpestris leucolama, 337.
alpestris patricola, 337, 338.
alpestris rubea, 337.
alpestris strigata, 337.

Otus, 404.
brachyotus, 407.
vulgaris wilsonianus, 405.

Oven Bird, 158.

Owls, 399.

Owl, Acadian, 413.
American Barn, 400.
American Hawk, 424.
American Long-eared, 405.
Barn, 400.

Barred, 409,

Booby, 418.

Cat, 418.

Day, 424.

Ermine, 422.

Great Cinereous, 410,
Great Gray,410.
Great Horned, 418.
Great Sooty, 410.
Great White, 422.
Hoot, 409.
Hudsonian Hawk, 424,
Kirtland’s, 413.

Little Mottled, 415,
Little Red, 415.
Marsh, 407.

Meadow, 407.

Owl, Monkey, 400.
Monkey-faced, 400.
Prairie, 407.
Richardson's, 412.
Saw- whet, 413.
Screech, 415.
Short-eared, 407,
Snow, 42.

Snowy, 422.

Sparrow, 412.
Spectral, 410.
Western Horned, 421
White-fronted, 413,

Paludicole, 45.

Pandion, 439.
carolinensis, 439.
haliaétus carolinensis, 439.
haliaétus leucocephalus, 439.

Pandioninag, 426, 439,

Parabuteo, 442.

Parid@, 48,78.

Parine,78.

Paroquet, Carolina, 396,
Tilinois, 396,

Parrots, 396.

Parula, 131.
americana, 131.

Parulus, 131.

Parus, 78, 80.
americanus, 131,
atricapillus, 80.
atricapillus, var. carolinensis, 8L
atricristatus, 89,
bicolor, 78, 79.
carolinensis, 80, 81.
eristatus, 78.
hudsonicus, 80, 82,
inornatus, 79.
major, 80.
rufescens, 82,
varius, 78.
wollweberi, 79.

Passer, 247.
domesticus, 247,

Passerculus, 249, 258.
sandwichensis alaudinus, 259,
sandwichensis savanna, 259,
savanna, 259,

Passerella, 288.

-iliaca, 288, 289,
megathyncha, 288,
obscura, 289.
schistacea, 288.
unalaschcensis, 288,

Passerelling, 219, 287.

Passeres, 44, 47.

Passerina, 291, 299,
amcena, 300.
ciris, 300, 301,
cyanea, 300.
versicolor, 300.

Passerin®, 219, 247.

Passerine Birds, 47,

—33

INDEX.

Pea bird, 319. ;
Peabody Bird, 269.
Pendulinus, 318, 319.
Penelopes, 45,

Peregrine, American, 431,
Perisoreus, 333.
Perissoglossa, 132.

tigrina, 133.
Petrochelidon, 203, 205,

arborea, 205,

ariel, 205.

lunifrons, 205.

swainsoni, 205,

Peucea, 49, 279.

ewstivalis, 280.

ewstivalis bachmanii, 280.

estivalis illinoénsis, 280.

cassini, 280.

illinoénsis, 280.

lincolnii, 285,

Pewee, 347.

Barn. 347.

Bridge, 347.

Rocky Mountain, 348,

Say’s, 348.

Wood, 351.
Phalenoptilus, 366.
Phasiani, 45.

Phodilus, 400.
Phoebe, 347.

Barn, 347.

Bridge, 347,

Say’s, 348.

Physical Features of the State,7.
Pica, 382, 333.

caudata, var. hudsonica, 333.

hudsonica, 333.

melanoleuca, 333.

melanoleuca, var. hudsonica, 333,

nuttalli, 333.

pica hudsonica, 333.

rustica hudsonica,333,
Pici, 45,371.
Picicorvus, 330.

Picide, 371.
Picine, 371, 372.
Picoides, 373, 378.

americanus, 379,

arcticus, 379.
Picumnina, 371.

Picus, 376.

arcticus,379.

(Apternus) arcticus, 379.

auratus, 387.

carolinus, 384.

erythrocephalus, 383.

major, 376.

martin, 376.

medianus, 378,

(Dendrocopus) meridionalis, 378,

pileatus, 381, 382.

principalis, 374.

pubescens, 376, 378.

rubricapillus, 376.

618

514

Picus tridactylus, 378, 379.
varius, 380.
villosus, 376.
villosus, var. medius,376.
Pigeons, 494.
Pigeons or Doves, 494.
Pigeon, Passenger, 497,
Wild, 497.
Wood,393.
Pinicola, 220, 223.
canadensis, 224,
enucleator, 224.
Pipilo, 291.
erythrophthalmus, 292.
Pipit, American, 111.
Louisiana, 111.
Pennsylvanian, 111.
Pipra polyglotta, 171.
Piranga, 215.
zstiva, 217.
erythromelas, 215, 216,
ludoviciana, 215.
rubra, 215, 216, 217.
rubra cooperi, 217.
Pitangus,342.
Pitylus cardinalis, 295.

Plants, dates of leafing and flowering, 33.

Plectrophanes, 239.
lapponicus, 242.
mecownii, 245.
nivalis, 240.
pictus, 243.

Plectrophenax, 221, 239.
hyperboreus, 0.
nivalis, 240.

Pozxcetes, 261.

Podicipedes, 45.

Pecilopternis, 464,

Peecilornis, 436.

Polioptila, 72.
cerulea,73.

Polioptilina, 48, 72.

Polybore@, 427, 428.

Polyborus galapagoénsis, 464.

Poocaxtes, 249, 260.
gramineus,261. |
gramineus confinis, 261.

Potato Bird, 262.

Potato-bug Bird, 296.

Prairies, The, 13.

Preface,3.

Progne, 203, 204.
purpurea, 24.
subis, 204.

Protonotaria, 115, 118.
citrea, 119.

Psaltriparus, 78.

Psarocolius cyanocephalus, 323.

Pseudogryphus californianus, 489.

Psittaci, 44, 45,396.

Psittacide, 396.

Psittacus carolinensis, 396,

Ptilogonatina, 198.

Ptilogonys townsendi, 70.

INDEX.

Ptilogonys, Townsend’s,70.
Pygopodes, 45.
Pyranga wstiva, 217.

rubra, 216.
Pyrgisoma, 265.
Pyrgita domestica, 247,
Pyrgitine, 219.
Pyrrhula, 220.

enucleator, 224,
Pyrrhuloxia, 291.

Quiscalina, 305.

Quiscalus, 306,324.
zeneus, 326.
agleus, 326.
breweri, 323.
ferrugineus, 322.
major, 324.
purpureus z#neus, 326,
quiscula, 326.
quiscula eneus, 326,
versicolor, 326.

Ralli,45.
Raptores, Diurnal, 399, 426,
Nocturnal,399.
Raven, American,331.
Redbird, 295.
Black-winged, 215,
Cardinal, 295.
Crested, 295.
Summer, 217.
Top-knot, 295.
Virginian, 295.
Redpoll, 233.
Common, 23.
Coues’, 232.
Dusky, 233.
Greater, 34.
Greenland Dusky, 34.
Hoary, 282.
White-rumped, 22.
Redstart, American, 177.
Red-tail, Black, 465.
Reed Bird, 307.
Reguline, 47, 72,74.
Regulus, 74.
calendula,74, 76.
eristatus,75.
cuvieri,74.
satrapa, 74,75.
Rhinogryphus, 490.
aura, 490.
Rhynchodon, 428, 431.
Rhynchofalco, 428.
Rhynchophanes, 221, 245."
mccownii, 245.
Rice Bird,307.
River Pink, 161.
Robin, 65.
American, 65.
Black, 478.
English,319.

!

Robin, Golden, 319. |
Ground, 292.
Ground Swamp, 62.
Swamp, 60, 62.
Wood, 52.

Robin Red-breast, 65.

Rostrhamus, 442.

Salad-bird, 236.

Salpinctes, 89.

Sappho, 359.

Sapsucker, Big, 376.
Blue, &.

Little, 378.
Red-throated, 380.
Squealing, 380.
Whining,380.
Yellow-bellied,380,

Sarcorhamphi, 45, 488.

Sarcorhamphida, 488.

Sarcorhamphus gryphus, 489.

Saxicola, 49.

Sayornis, 342,346,
fuscus, 347.
nigricans, 347.
phoebe, 347.
saya, 347,348.

Scardafella, 496.

Scolecophagus, 306, 322.
carolinus, 322.
cyanocephalus, 322, 323,
ferrugineus, 332.

Scops, 415.
asio, 415.

Scotiaptex, 403, 416,
cinereum, 410,

Seiurus, 115,157.
aquaticus, 161.
aurocapillus, 157,158.

; ludovicianus, 160,

+ motacilla, 157, 160.
nevius, 161.
nevius notabilis, 162.
noveboracensis, 157, 161.
noveboracensis notabilis, 157, 162.

Setophaga, 115,177.
bonapartii, 176,
ruticilla, 177, 178.

Setophages, 114,115.

Shrikes, 192.

Shrike, Carolina, 194.
Common American, 194.
Great American, 193.
Great Northern, 193,
Loggerhead, 194.
Louisiana, 194,
Northern, 193.
White-rumped, 194.

Sialia, 49, 67.
arctica, 67,69.
mexicana, 67,
sialis, 67, 68.
wilsoni,68.

Siskin, Pine, 238,

INDEX,

Sitta, 83.
canadensis, 83, 84.
carolinensis, 83, 84,
earolinensis aculeata, 84.
europaea, 83.
pusilla, 83,
varia, 84,

Sittinas, 78,83.

Siurus aurocapillus, 158.
motacilla, 160.
nevius, 161,

Skylark, 338,
American, 338,

Snowbird, 233, 338.
Black, 277.
Black-headed, 279,
Brown, 242.
Common, 277.
Eastern, 277.
Gray,277.

Oregon, 279.
Slate-colored, 277,

; White, 240.
Snowflake, 240.
Solitaires, 69.

Solitaire, Townsend's, 70.

Southern Bottom Lands, The, 17,

Sparrow, Bachman’s, 280.
Canadian, 271.
Clay-colored, 273.
Chipping, 272.
English, 247.
European, 247.
European House, 247
Field, 275.

Fox, 288.
Fox-colored, 288.
Grasshopper, 253.
Harris's. 266.
Henslow’s, 254.
House, 247.

Illinois, 280.

Lark, 262.
Leconte’s, 257,
Lincoln’s, 285.
Lincoln's Song, 285.
Nelson's, 251.
Oak-wood, 280.
Rufous, 288,
Savanna, 259.
Spotted Swamp, 286,
Swamp, 286.

Swamp Song, 286.
Tree, 271.

Turkey, 292,

Vesper, 261.
White-crowned, 267,
White-throated, 269.
Yellow, 257.
Yellow-browed, 269.
Yellow-winged, 253,

Speotyto, 404.

Sphyrapicus, 373, 380.
nuchalis, 380.

515

516

Sphyrapicus ruber,380,
thyroideus, 380,
varius, 380.

Spinus, 220, 235.
notatus, 235.
pinus, 235, 238.
tristis, 235, 236.

Spiza, 290,302.

americana, 303,

eiris, 301.

eyanea, 300.

socialis arizone, 272,
townsendi, 303,

Spizapteryx, 428.

Spizella, 249, 269.
agrestis, 275.
atrigularis, 270,
breweri, 271, 273.
domestica, 272,
montana, 271.
monticola, 270, 271.

monticola ochracea, 271.

pallida, 271, 273.
pinetorum, 270.
pusilla, 270, 275.
socialis, 270, 272,
wortheni, 270.
Spizellew, 249.
Spizellina, 219, 248,
Spizine, 219, 290,
Sporophila, 291.
Spring arrivals, 31.
Starling, Red-winged,313.
Starncenas, 493, 494,
Steganopodes, 45.
Steganura, 359.
Stelgidopteryx, 203,211,
serripennis, 212.
Stink Bird, 99.
Stragglers, 29.
Strawberry Bird, 225,
Striges, 45,399.
Strigide, 399, 400.
Strix, 400.
acadica, 413.
accipitrina, 404, 407,
albifrons, 413.
americana, 400, 405,
arctica, 422.
(Bubo) arcticus, 421,
asio, 415.
brachyotus, 404,407,
bubo, 418.
caparoch, 424,
cinerea, 410.
erminea, 422,
flammea, 400.

flammea americana, 400, 401.
flammea, var. pratincola, 400,

funerea, 424.
hudsonia, 424,
nevia, 415.
nebulosa, 409,
nivea, 422.

INDEX.

Strix nyctea, 422.
otus, 404, 405.
palustris, 407.
passerina, 413,
pratincola, 400,
scandiaca, 422.
scops, 415.
tengmalmi, 411, 412,
ulula, 423.
virginiana, 418,

Sturnella, 306,315.
ludoviciana, 316,
magna, 316.
magna neglecta, 317.
neglecta, 316,317.

Sturnida, 48.

Sturnus ludovicianus,316.
predatorius, 313.
Summer Residents, 26,
Northern, 28.
Southern, 28.

Summer Visitants, Southern, 2

Surnia, 404, 423.
funerea, 424,
nyctea, 422.
ulula, 423, 424,
ulula caparoch, 423, 424.
ulula,var. hudsonia, 424,
Swallow, Bank, 210.
Barn, 207.
Black-and- White, 209,
Bridge, 212.
Chimney, 364,
Cliff, 205.
Crescent, 205.
Eave, 205.
Green-blue, 209,
Purple, 204.
Republican, 205.
Rough- winged, 212.

Rough-winged Bank, 212,

Rufous-bellied, 207.
Sand, 210.
Square-tailed Eave, 205.
Tree, 209.
Violet, 204.
White-bellied, 209.
White-fronted, 205.
Swifts, 363.
Swift, Chimney,364.
Sylvania, 115,173.
bonapartii, 176.
canadensis, 173, 176.
coerulea, 73.
microcephala, 173.
mitrata, 173,174.
pusilla, 173,175.
pusilla pileolata, 175.
Sylvia estiva, 137.
agilis, 163, 164.
americana, 131.
arctica, 69.
auricollis, 119.
autumnalis, 146,

Sylvia azurea, 143.

blackburnie, 148.
cerulea, 142.
ealendula, 76.
canadensis, 139,
castanea, 146.
celata, 129.
childreni, 138.
chrysoptera, 127.
citrinella, 138.
coronata, 140.
cucullata, 174.
discolor, 155.
domestica, 94.
formosa, 166.
icterocephala, 145.
ludoviciana, 90.
maculosa, 142.
meegnolia, 142.
maritima, 133.
marylandica, 167.
minuta, 156.
mitrata, 174.
palmarum, 154,
pardalina, 176.
parus, 149.

pennsylvanica, 145.

pensilis, 150.
peregrina, 130.
philadelphia, 169.
pinus, 152.
protonotarius, 119.
pusilla, 131,139.
rara, 143.
rathbonia, 138,
regulus,75.
roscoe, 167.
rubricapilla, 128.
ruficapilla, 125,128.
sialis, 68.
solitaria, 126.
sphagnosa, 139.
striata, 147.
swainsonii, 120,121.
trichas, 167.
troglodytes, 96.
varia, 117.
vermivora, 124.
vigorsii, 152.
virens, 151.
wilsonii,175.

Sylvicola estiva, 13?,

agilis, 164.
americana, 131.
auricollis, 119.
blackburnia, 148,
cerulea, 142.
canadensis, 139,
castanea, 146.
coronata, 140.
discolor, 155.
icterocephala, 145,
maculosa, 142,
maritima, 13.

INDEX. 517

Sylvicola palmarum, 154.
parus, 149.
pensilis, 150.
(Vermivora) peregrina, 130,
petechia, 154,
pinus, 152.
rathbonii, 138,
striata, 147.
virens, 151.
Sylviide, 47, 48,72.
Sylviine, 17,72.
Syrnium, 403, 408.
aluco, 408.
cinereum, 410.
cinereum lapponicum, 411.
lapponicum var. cinereum, 410,
nebulosum, 409.
nebulosum alleni, 409.
stridula, 408.

Tachycineta, 204, 207, 208,
bicolor, 208, 209.
thalassina, 208.

Tachytriorchis, 464,

Tanagers, 214.

Tanager, Red, 217,
Scarlet, 215.
Summer. 217.
Vermilion, 217,

Tanagra estiva, 217.
coccinea, 217.
eyanea, 299,300.
rubra, 215.

Tanagride, 48, 214.

Telmatodytes, 90,97, 98,99.
palustris, 99.

Thalassoaétus, 443,

Thistle-bird, 236.

Thrasaétus, 443,

Thrasher, 104.

Brown, 104.
Thriothorus bewickii, 92,
Thrushes,49.

Mocking, 102.

True, 49.

Thrush, Alice’s, 57.

Bell, 52.

Bicknell’s,59.

Eastern Hermit, 62.

Flycatching, 70.

Golden-crowned, 158,

Gray-cheeked,57.

Hermit, 62.

Migratory, 65.

New York Aquatic, 161,

Olive-backed, 60.

Red-breasted, 65.

Robin, 65.

Rufous-tailed, 62.

Solitary, 62.

Swainson’s,60.

Tawny,53.

Willow, 55.

Wilson's, 53.

518

Thrush, Wood, 52.
Thryomanes,89, 90,92.
bewicki, 92.
Thryothorus, 89, 90.
arundinaceus, 97.
bewickii, 90,92.
ludovicianus, 90.
Tichodroma, 86.
Tinnunculus, 428, 436.
sparverius, 436.

sparverius isabellinus, 436,

Titlark, American, 111.
Titmice and Nuthatches,78.
Titmouse, Black-capped, 80.
Black-fronted,79.
Carolina,81,
Hudsonian, 82.
Hudson's Bay,82.
Tufted,79.
Tomtit, 4.
Towhee, 292.
Towink, 292.
Trichas agilis, 164.
mary landica, 167,
philadelphia, 169,
roscoe, 167.
tephrocotis, 164.
Trochili, 44,358.
Trochilide, 358, 359.
Trochilus colubris,36l.
Troglodytes, 89, 94.
aédon, 94,95.
aédon parkmanii,94.
americanus,%4.
arundinaceus, 90.
bewickii, 90, 92.
brevirostris, 98.
domesticus, 94.
domesticus parkmani,94.
europeus, 96.
fulvus, 94.
hiemalis, 94,96.
ludovicianus, 90.
palustris, 99.
parkmanii, 94,95.

parvulus var. hyemalis, 96.

stellaris, 97,98.

Troglodytide, 48, 88.
Troglodytine, 88, 89.
Trogones, 45.
Tubinares, 45.
Turdide, 47,49.
Turdine, 49.
Turdus, 49, 50.

aliciw, 51,57. °

alicie bicknelli,51,59.

aonalaschke@ auduboni,62.
aonalaschke pallasii, 51,62.

aquaticus, 161.
auroeapillus, 158.
brunneus, 53.
earolinus,322,
felivox, 107.
fuscescens, 51,53, 55.

INDEX,

Turdus fuscescens salicicolus, 51, 63, 55.

iliacus, 49.

lividis, 107.
ludovicianus, 160,
melodus,52.

merula, 64.
migratorius, 65,

minor, 62.

motacilla, 160.
mustelinus, 50, 51,52, 53.
(Seiurus) noveboracensis, 161.
pallasii, 62,
polyglottos, 105.

rufus, 103, 104.
solitarius, 62.
swainsonii, 6), 62.
swainsoni var. alicie,57.
trichas, 167.

unalasce nanus,62.
ustulatus alicie,57.
ustulatus swainsonil, 51,60.
virens, 170,171.
wilsoni,53.

Tyranni, 341.
Tyrannide, 48, 341.
Tyrannula flaviventris, 353,

minima, 354.
nigricans, 346.
pusilla, 352.

Tyrannuli,341.
Tyrannus, 341, 342,

aurantio-atrocristatus, 343,
borealis, 350,
carolinensis, 343.
cooperi, 350.
erinitus, 345.
fuscus, 347.
magnirostris, 43,
saya, 348.

trailli, 355.
tyrannus, 343.
verticalis, 343,
virens, dol.
vociferans, 343.

Ulula acadica, 413,

cinerea, 410.
tengmalmi,412.

Veery, 53.

Rocky Mountain, 55.

Vermivora celata, 129.

peregrina, 130,

Vireo, 179,180, 188.

belli, 188, 190.
cantatrix, 188.
flavifrons, 185,186.
flavoviridis, 181.

gilvus, 181, 134.

gilvus swainsoni, 181,
noveboracensis, 188.
olivaceus, 181.
philadelphicus, 181, 183,

Vireo solitarius, 186, 187.
swainsoni, 184,
vigorsii, 152.

Vireos, 179.

Vireo, Bell’s, 190.
Blue-headed, 187.
Brotherly-love, 183.
Philadelphia, 183.
Red-eyed, 181.
Solitary, 187.
Warbling, 184.
White-eyed, 188.
Yellow-throated, 186.

Vireonida, 48,179.

Vireosylva, 180.
gilva, 184.
flavifrons, 186,
olivacea, 181.
philadelphiea, 183.
solitaria, 187.

Vultur atratus, 491, 492.
aura, 490.
urubu, 491.

Vultures, American, 488,

Vulture, Black, 492.
Turkey, 490.

Vulturing, 488, 489.

Wagtails and Pipits, 10.

Wagtail, 160.

Water, 160, 161.

Wood, 158.
Wake-up, 387.
Warblers, 72.

American, 113.

Flycatching, 114,

Ground, 114.

Wood, 114.

Warbler, Autumnal, 146,
Azure, 142.
Bay-breasted, 146.
Black-and-red, 177.
Black-and-yellow, 142.
Black-and-white, 117.

Black-and-white Creeping, 117.

Black-masked Ground, 167,168.
Black-poll, 147.
Black-spectacled, 167,168.
Black-throated Blue, 139.
Black-throated Green, 151.
Black-throated Ground, 169.
Blue, 142.

Blue Golden- winged, 127.
Blue Yellow-backed, 131.
Blue-winged, 126.

Blue- winged Swamp, 126,
Blue-winged Yellow, 126.
Bonaparte’s, 176.

Canadian, 139,176.

Canadian Flycatching, 176.
Cape May, 133.

Cerulean, 142,

Chat,114.

Chestnut-backed Yellow, 155.

INDEX. 519

Warbler, Chestnut-sided, 145,
Connecticut, 164.
Fan-tail, 177.
Flycatching, 175.

Golden Swamp, 119.
Golden Winged, 127..
Golden-winged Swamp, 127.
Gray-headed, 164.
Hemlock, 148.

Hooded, 174.

Hooded Flyeatching, 174,
Kentucky, 166,
Magnolia, 142.

Mitred, 174.

Mourning, 169.

Myrtle, 140.

Nashville, 128.
Necklaced, 176.
Orange-crowned, 129,
Orange-throated, 148.
Palm, 14.
Particolored, 131.

Parula, 131,

Pine, 152.

Pine Creeping, 152.

Pine Swamp, 139.

Prairie, 155.
Prothonotary, 119.
Red-poll, 154.

Selby’s, 174.
Swainson’s, 121.
Swainson’s Swamp, 121.
Sycamore, 150.
Tennessee, 130.

Tip-up, 154.

Titlark, 154.

Wagtail,154.
White-browed Yellow-throated, 150.
White-cheeked, 150.
White-throated Blue, 142.
Willow, 119.

Wilson's, 175.
Worm-eating, 124.
Worm-eating Swamp, 124.
Yellow, 137. :
Yellow-crowned Wood, 140,
Yellow-poll, 137.
Yellow-rump, 140,
Yellow-tailed, 177,

Water Thrush, 161,
Grinnell’s, 162.
Large-billed, 160,
Louisiana, 160.
Small-billed, 161,
Wyoming, 162,

Waxwings, 198.

Waxwing, Black-throated, 199.
Bohemian, 199.
Carolina, 200.

Cedar, 200.

European, 199.

Northern, 199.
Western residents or regular visitants, 29.
Western visitants, irregular, 29.

520

Whip-poor-will, 367,369.
Dutch, 367.

Whiskey Jack, White, 193.

Will-o’-the-Wisp, 369.

Wilsonia, 173.
mitrata, 174.
pusilla, 175.

Winter Birds, 24,

Northern, 26.
Southern, 25.

Wood Chuck, 384,

Woodcock, 382.
Black, 382.

Woodpecker, Arctic Three-toed, 379.
Big Guinea, 376.
Black-backed Three-toed, 379.
Carolina, 334.

Checkered, 384.
Downy,378.
Golden-winged, 387,
Hairy, 376.
Ivory-billed, 374.
Little Guinea, 378,
Pigeon, 387.
Pileated, 382.
Red-bellied, 384,
Red-headed, 38.
White-billed, 374.

_ Zebra,384.

Wrens and Mocking Thrushes, 88.

Wren, American Golden-crowned,75.

Bewick’s, 92.

Blue, 73.

Brier, 167, 168,

Bunty, 96.
Carolina, 90.
Golden-crowned,75.
Grass, 99.

Great Carolina, 90.
House, 94.

Large Wood, 90.
Little Log, 96.
Long-billed Marsh, 99.
Long-tailed, 92.
Long-tailed Blue, 73.
Long-tailed House, 92.
Mocking, 9.

INDEX.

Wren, Parkman’s, 94.
Ruby-crowned, 76.
Short-billed Marsh, 98.
Short-tailed House, 94, t
Western House, 9.
Western Wood, 94.
Winter, 9.

Wood, 9.
Yellow Brier, 167, 168.

Wryneck, 372.

Xanthocephalus, 306, 311.
icterocephalus, 312.
xanthocephalus, 312,

Xanthomus affinis, 321.

Yellow-bird, 236.
Black-capped, 236.
Black-winged, 26.
Summer, 137.

Yellow-hammer, 387.

Yellow-throat, Black-cheeked, 167, 168.
Maryland, 167.
Western, 168.

Yphantes, 318, 319.

Zamelodia, 296.
ludoviciana, 298.
Zenaida, 496.
Zenaide®, 495.
Zenaidineg, 495.
Zenaidura, 496, 498.
carolinensis, 499,
graysoni, 498.
macroura, 499.
yucatanensis, 498,
Zonotrichia, 249, 264.
albicollis, 266, 269,
coronata, 266.
gambeli, 265.
intermedia, 265, 285,
leucophrys, 265, 267.
mystacalis, 265.
pileata, 265.
querula, 265, 266.
Quinquestriata, 265.

Turdus mustelinus,

Merula migratoria.

Sialia sialis.

Myadestes townsendii.

Polioptila cerulea, Regulus satrapa.

II

Parus atricapullus.

“ Thryomanes” bewickii.

Troglodytes aédon.

Mimus polyglottos.

Anthus pensilvanicus.

“ Neocorys”’ spraqueii.

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Helinaia swainsonii.

Helmitherus vermivorus.

Dendroica coronata,

Dendroica dominica.

Dendroica palmarum.,

Seiurus aurocapillus.

Sylvania mitrata,

Setophaga ruticilla.

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“ Vireosylvia’

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Petrochelidon lunifrons.

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Chelidon erythrogaster.

Piranga erythromelas.

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Stelgidopteryx serripennis.

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“ Hesperiphona” vespertina.

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Coccothraustes vulgaris.

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Carpodacus purpureus.

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Plectrophenax nivalis.

“ Astragalinus™ tristis.

Passer domesticus.

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Rhynchophanes mecownii.

Ammodramus caudacutus,

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Junco hyemalis Spizella monticota,

XI

Pipito fuscus.

Cardinalis cardinalis,

XII

Hatia ludoviciana,

Guiraca cerulea,

Dolichonyx oryzivorus.

Passerina cyanea.

Molothrus ater.

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XIV

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Otocoris alpestris.

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Antrostomus carolinensis.

Ceophleus pileatus.

XIX

Picodes arcticus.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus.

‘Centurus”’ carolinus.

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Colaptes auratus.

Ceryle alcyon.

Coccyzus americanus.

XXI

Strix pratincolo,

Conurus carolinensis.

“ Brachyotus” accipitrinus.

Asio wilsontanus.

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XXII

Nyctula acadica.

(Adult.)

| Nyctala acadica. (Young.)

XXIII

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Megascops asio.

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“Tinnunculus” sparverius. Pandion carolinensis.

XXXVI

Elanus leucurus. (Adult.\ Ictinia mississippiensis. (Adult.)

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XXVII

Circus hudsonius.

(Adult.)

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XXVIII

Asturina plagiata. (Adult.)

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Buteo swainsoni. (Aduit.) Buteo borealis. (Adult.)

XXIX

54338, 2

Archibuteo.
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Buteo swainsoni. (Young.)

Archibuteo ferrugineus.

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Aquila chrysaetos.

Archiduteo sancti-johannis.
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(Adult.)

Archibuteo sancli-johannis.
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Ectopistes migratorius.

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Halieetus leucocephalus. (Adult.)

Zenatdura macroura,

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Cathartes aura

Catnarista atrata.

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