^ «->

FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

(If

NATURAL HISTORY

^,x \ .»!

>>'"

'i*aA?^c

• H»tMrt«ecaiiv

MEADOW LARK.

SlURNEllAAUGNtllinn)

y]

- '^ NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY OF ILLINOIS,

State Laboratory of Natural History,

S. A. FORBES, Director.

THE

ORNITHOLOGY

OF ILLINOIS.

PART I, DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE,

By ROBERT RIDGWAY.

PART II, ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY,

By S. a. FORBES.

VOLUME I

Published by Authority of the State Legislature.

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.:
H. W. BoKKEB, Pkintek and Binder.

1889.

GENERAL INTRODUCTION.

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

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 zoology 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
coordination by which the inumerable 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 o£ the State ot Illinois, 1885, p. 23, sec. 3.

iv (MCNKKAI. IN TltiiKI criOS.

— linvc Ix'fii sIihIm'iI rxti'ii.sivi'ly. niiil rcfcpciH-c lias lii-cii liinl at
I'Vfi-y slfp hi till- ii(M"(is (if I 111' |iiililir sclmols aiitl tin- lii^rlnT in-
stitutions nf li'ainin^.

Ill llir iiii'|iaiiiti<>n of till' Niiliiiiii's of tliis n']iort i1 will In-
oni- main linal ol>ii(t to furnish tlic inalorials for a full and
aiTiiralc piitiii-f of the iiativi; |ilanl anil animal lifr of Illinois
as it aitiialiv I'xists in our (ii'Ms. womls. ami wati'i-s, ami to
liiin^i' most |ii'oniiii('iitly into virw lliosi- jiaits of tin- suhjiMt
wliirli liavi' a )iiMuliar educational oi- I'conomic valin'. ICsjiccial-
l_v \\i' liavf lioiii'il to furnisli in this si-rii's a solid ami piTnia-
iii-nt basis for llii' si inly and l('acliin<i- of tin- natiiial liistory of
tliis Stall' ami of its diflVrcnt scitions. Iliiis o|prniiij:' to tin'
simli'iit and llii' IrailiiT tlic way to a familiar know li'il;;i> of llif
lifi' of liis ni'i^liboriiuod in all lin' ri'lalioiis likriy to iia\i' any
im]iortaiit l)oafiii(j,'on |io])ulari'iliirat ion of on thu fi'i'iK'i'alwi'lftin'.

Classilicatioii and dcsi riiilion iiiiisl furnish the fouiidiit ion of
Huch a work; luit to thcsi' will hr added iici-onnts of hahils. of
life history, and of i-t'lations to natiiri' in di'tail and at lar<i-t'.
as full as till' stale of oni- knowIed{j;e and llie funds at our dis-
|iosal will |>i'rmit.

'{'he volume lii'ii' |ui'senti'il is due to the generous and disin-
ti'l-i'sli'd laliois of l)r. KohiTl liidu'way, foiiiicilx of M I . ( 'ariin'!.
Illinois, — an ornit holojiisl w hose lonj; and emineiil ser\ iie in I he
Sinitiisdiiiuii institution and the Kiiited Stales National Museiiiii
seems only to Inrve intensified his interest in the |(roinotion of
the study (jf liis ftivorite seieine in his native Stall'.

Tlie teehnieal .and l)iolos'i«'td I'fU't (to lie tinislii'd in N'olume
II.) will he followid in tliat volume by a second paii ilevoled to
a full and detailed disriissiun of the lelalioiis of oiii- liinis to
nalnrc at lari^c. and es]ii'ii;il!\ tu man. W'iiili' the si'iiind |i;iil
will be based ii|ion the |)ri'rci|iii!.;. til wliirh it will form a eeii-

OENBRAL INTRODUCTION. V

eral and economic appendix, it will be so constructed as to
make it a practically independent manual of our economic or-
nithology,— using this tei'm in its broadest sense.

The long delay in the publication of Volume I. has been due
partly to the pressure of other duties and to lack of ofBce
assistance, but chiefly to the destruction by fire in the printing
office, in February, 1887, of an entire edition of the volume
and of the plates and cuts from which it was printed.

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 fi'ontispiece, — all being printed from
copies of cuts loaned to the Laboratory by the Smithsonian
Institution.

S. A.*FORBES,

Director of Laboratory.
Champaign, June 30, 1889.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

GENERAL INTKODUCTION iii

PREFACE 3

INTRODUCTION 7

I. Physical Featukes of the State 7

The Lake Shore District 10

The Prairies 13

The Southern Bottom Lands 17

Climate 19

II. Chakactekistic Features of the Avifauna of the State 2i

Position with regard to Faunal Provinces or Districts 30

Migrations 31

Bibliogkaphy 36

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS 43

Analysis of Higher Groups 44

Order Passeres— The Passerine Birds 47

Family Turdida; (The Thrushes), 40.— Family Sylviidfe (The Warblers). 72.— Family
Paridai (The Titmice and Nuthatches). 78.— Family Certhiidie (The Creepers),
8B.— Family Troglodytidai (The Wrens and Mockiiig-Tlu-ushes), 88.— Family
Motacillidfe (The Wagtails and Pipits), 100.— Family MniotiltidEe (The American
Warblers), 113.— Family Vireonid* (The Vireos), 170.— Family Laniida> (The
Shrikes), 102.— Family Ampelida (The Waxwings), 198.— Family Hirundinidse
(The Swallows), 203.— Family Tanagridffi (The Tanagers), 214.— Family Fiingil-
lidije (The Finches), 319.— Family Icteridfc (The American Orioles), 305.— Family
Corvida? (The Crows and Jays), 329.— Family Alaudida; (The Larks), 336.
—Family Tyrannidee (The Tyrant Flycatchers), 341.

Order Macrochikes— The Goatsuckers, Swifts, and Hummingbu'ds 368

Family Trochilidai (The Hummingbirds), 350.— Family Mioropodidaj (The Swifts),
363.— Family Caprimulgidte (The Goatsuckers), 366.

Order Pici— The Woodpeckers, etc 371

Family Picidai (The Woodpeckers), 371.

Order Coccyges- The Cuckoos, etc 389

Family AlcedinidEe (The Kingfishers), 380.— Family Cuculidae (The Cuckoos), 302.

Order Psittaci— The Parrots, etc 396

Family Psittacida; (The Parrots), 396.

VIII roNTKNTH.

I'AUK

Ordxr Ai-<;iPITKE«-Tli.' lllr.l- <•! Tfy :»;>

8ulK>rd<T BtrlB«'*— Nwliiriuil llnptorfU (C)wl«), IWt-Faiiilly Klrlirldn- (Tin- lliirn
OwIhI. lOO.-Famlly IlulioiiiiUf (Thi- OwIh). 1(0.— 8iil>i>nl<T Fiili;oni'K— Diurnal
UaptoD'K, 0>.— FhiiiIIv KHk'oiiUlii' <Kul<'oii.s, KKck. HurrhTH. HnwkH.aiid Kiieli'H),
4*.— KiibiinliT Haivorhuraplil— Til" AiuiTlemi Vulluros. IS*.— Family Catliitr-
llclw (Till- AiiiiTli-an Vulturi,'H). <88,

(InliT CoLUMli^-Tli'' ri«>'on»nr Duvi>» 494

Fanilly ColunibMir (Tliu IMirvoiiH). 494.

PART I.

A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE

OF THE

Birds of Illinois

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 lOinois, he had
many misgivings as to his abihty 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 Ilhnois, 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 brilHant and promising career in the wilds
of Alaska ; (2) from Cook county, by Mr. E. W. Nelson, of Chicago,
and (3) 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, Mr.^ by 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 Pdchland 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

I BIRDS OP ILLINOIS.

or partially devoted to a continuation of investigations at the same
place. The summer of lHt>;'> was passud at Olney, Uiebland county,
wliL-re several birds not observed at Mount Carmel were discovered ;
while subsequent visits to the same place, including several trips
to the neit^hborinR 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 ;
80 that, with help from so many sources, together with various
local lists, and other publications' on the birds of Illinois, 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 Ilistor;/ 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.

' A pnrthil lilhllocraphy o( Illlnoln ornltholORy Is (fiven on pnjres 36-A2.

•Tho (iiitlior at llrst Intomled to (tivo an Appendix ineliulliii; descriptions of species
which may In time lio fouml within the liorders of the State, to aid the collector or Inves-
tigator In identifying any species which may not appear in tho cataioRue proper; hut tho
idea had to bo abandoned on account of the noceHsity of llmitlDK the number of pases of
this work.

' A History of North American Birds, by 8. P. Baird, T. M. Brewer and B. Rideway.
Land Birds. Illiislrated by (il colored plates and 5'.i:i wood cuts. (Volume I, pp. l-.txvlll.
l-.W. 1-vi, plates 1-xxvi. Volume II. ;t p. II. pp. l-.WO. i-vl, plates ixvll-lvl. Volume III. 3 p.
II. pp. l-5ii0, 1 1., l-.xxvlii. plates lvli-l.\iv.i Boston: Little. Brown and Company, 1874.

" .Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative ZooloKy nt Harvard ColleKe. Vol. XII,
Tho Water Birds of North America, by 8. F. Baird. T. M. Brewer and R. Ilidnway. Issued
in continuation of the publications of the OcolOKical Survey of California. J. D. Whitney.
State OooloBlst. (Volume I, pp. l-xl, l-5:t7. Vol. 11, pp. l-Kfi). iBoston: 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.
July 2, 1885.

*A vernacular synonymy of North American birds was at cue time contemplated by
Mr. Earnest IngersoU, wife, in the Bulletin of the Nultall Ornithological Club, Vol. VIII,
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. Physical features of the State.

General. The total length of the State of Illinois is 378 miles,
the extremes of latitude being 36'^ 59' and 42° 30', while the maxi-
mum breadth is 210 miles. The great length of the State from
north to south gives it a climatic range of 5h degrees, which exceeds
that of any other State except Calif oniia. The topography of Illi-
nois is so simple, however, that any decided differences of climate
or temperature must necessarily result from diifereuce of latitude
or season, there being no mountains sufficiently elevated to produce
any perceptible modification in this respect.

"Illinois 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 S. W. direction the principal rivers
have their courses to the Mississippi. The lowest section of this
plane is also the extreme S. angle of the State, and is only 840 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 S. end of the
State, from Grand Tower, on the Mississippi to Shawneetown on
the Ohio, constituting the fruit region of southern Illinois." {Ameri-
can Cyclopedia.)

The highest point within the State is said to be near the north-
ern border, between Preeport 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 340 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 uf bills with an elevation of 50(1 to more than (JlKJ feet above
the surrounding country, or a total altitude approximating 1,000
feet above sea-level, the lowlands along the norllnrn 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 blulTs that bound
the American Bottom, near Kaskaskia, and stretches northwardly
through the State toward Lake Michigan. A noble limestone bluff
breaks olT, almost at right anglos 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 800 feet high. Another
line of river blulfs commences opposite the mouth of the Missouri,

and reaches the mouth of the Illinois. Opposite Portage des Sioux,
these lihiffs 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 fa9ades 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, Washnigton, 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. V-

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 theii- 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 Coniferce 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
ajiiericana) in McHenry, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties, Juni-
perus sabina, var. procumbens, in Cook county, and the yew {Taxus
baccata, var. canaderuis) in Winnebago and Ogle counties ; the only
other one occurring in more than two counties being the arbor-vitae
{Thvja occidentalis), which has been found in Peoria, Cook and Kane
counties. Of the numerous southern and eastern species of Coniferce,
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 {Chamacyparis spihceroidea) in Gal-
latin county, and the yellow pine {Pimis 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 far as 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 virginiana) and common juniper {J. communis).

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

10 Binos OF ILLINOIS.

As to dicotyledonous trees, it may be said that while only 3 species
(t e., wild red cherry, l'runu» pennsiih-ariira; cork elm, Ulmus raef-
mosa, uud paper or canoe birch, BttuUi papi/racea,) are confined to
the northern portion of the State, at least 33 species are restricted
mainly to the southern half, the following coniprisint; the latter
list: Cucumber tree {MitijiitilUi acuminata), umiirella tree (M. um-
brella), tulip tree (Llriodemlron tulipifera)* , deciduous holly {lUx
tlec'ulua). Indian cherry {lihamuus caroiiniana), black locust (liohinia
pseudacdcia), water locust (Gliditschia moni)gpcrmii)\, Chicasaw plum
{Prunus chicasa), Washinpton thorn {CraUegus cordata), tree haw-
thorn {('rat(f(jiis arhorcscens) , narrow-leafed cral>-apple (Fyrax tiiiiiun-
ti/ulla), sweet gum {Lupi'idamhar styracijlua), Hercules' club {Aralia
sjnnosa), tupelo gum (Xyssa unijlora), farklebeiTy (Vaccinium arbor-
eum), southern buckthorn (Bitmcrta lycioidcs), southern iron-wood (li.
lamtri'mosa), silver bell tree (llalcsia tctraptcra), western catalpa
(Catiilpa speeiosa), "privet" (Forcsticra acinninata), wiuped elm
{Ulmus alata), water elm {Planera aquatica), Mississippi hackberry
(Ccltis missisitippicnsis), water liickory (Carya tnjiiaticd), small shell-
bark (C. microcarpa), overcup oak {Qiicrrus lyruta), Spanish oak
(Q. falcata), willow-oak {Q. phvlhs), chinquapin {Castatiea pumila),
i)lack alder (Alnuii scrrulata), yellow pine {I'iitus viilis), white cedar
{Cliam((cy])(iris splucroidea), and bald cypress {Tujrodium distichum).

The decidedly "Austroriparian" fades presented by the vegetation
of the southern counties (north to Wabash and St. Clair) is further
illustrated by the parasitic mistletoe (I'lioradi'iidron /larcxccns), the
arborescent grass, forest-reed, or switch-cane (Aruiidinaria teda),
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. Nklson.;) "The region
about tin: 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 comiiaratively short distance,
and the great Lake upon the north, northeastern Illinois forms a
kind of "four corners" where the avian-faunie of four regions inter-
grade. To the proximity of Lake Michigan we are indebted for a

• North to Vprmlllon iflde Trofesgor Forber, iii episl.)

f North to Illinois River bottons, nenrtho mouth of that stream (Forbes).

: In Bulletin of the Esisex Institute (Halem, Moss.), Vol. VIII, 1876, pp. 90-!)2.

INTRODUCTION. 11

number of more or less strictly maritime species, among the most
important of which are, during summer, Ammodromas caudacutus,
jEgialitis melcdas and Anas obscura, and, during the migrations,
Strepsilds 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 torqtiatus,
Harelda glacialis, the three species of CEdemia, Somaieria moUissima,
S. spectabilis, Stercorarius potnatorhinus, Larus glaucus, L. letiropterus,
L. mariims, and Rissa tridactyla.

"As would be expected, the southern species occur only in sum-
mer, with the exception of Lophophancs bicolor, which is found only
in winter. The principal southern species are : Mimus polyglottus,
Parus carolinensis, Thryothorus ludovicianus, T. bewicki, Protonotaria
citrea, Dendrceca var. albilora, D. c.cendea, Oporornis formosus, Icteria
virens, Myiodioctes mitratus, Pyranga (estiva, CoUario var. Ivdoviciana,
Cardiiialis virginianus, Centurus carolinus, Nauclerus forficatus, Rhi-
nogryj>lms aura, Tantalus loculator, Gallimda martinica, Porzana
jamaicensis. Sterna rcgia and iS'. antdlarum.

"We also have, either as residents or transient visitants, the fol-
lowing western species : Myiadestes towiisendi, Vireo belli (breeds),
Hesperiphona vespertina, Plectrophanes pictus, Ammodromus lecontei,
Zonotrichia var. intermedia, Z. coronata, Z. querula, Spisella pallida
(breeds), Eremophila var. leucolcema (breeds), Sturnella var. neglecta
(breeds), Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. Pica var. hudsonica, Chordeiles
var. henryi (breeds), Buteo var. calurus (breeds?), B. swainsoni
(breeds?) Tringa bairdii, Steganopus ivilsoni (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

I'-i UUiDH OJ? ILLINOIS.

species during the breeding season. Although birds are exceedingly
nuoiurous hero during the uiigrutions, 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 iii
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 topot,'nipliical peculiarities. Cook
county is mainly prairie land, interspersed with ridges and groves
of timber, the former of which generally extend jjaraliel 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 lake, patches of juniper. Lake county has much more
woodland, and is more hilly or rolling than Cook county. Extend-
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 (JiDiiperiin commiiitU).
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
ridges 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 i)irds 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 wooded States
along the upper Mississippi in immense numbers, where they swerve
toward the heavily wooded region of the noi'thern lake region, where

INTRODUCTION. 13

they find extensive breeding grounds. This change in the direction
of their migration causes them to move diagonally across the
northern half of Illinois 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 havoc 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 Eichland 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, Eichland 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, etc., backed by young oak and hickory trees, showed
plainly the encroachment of the woodland. Herds of horses and

14 BIRDS OF UlilNOIU.

cattle scattered about over the prairfe, and two or tliree nt-:it farm
houaeH, witb their atteiidaut orchiirdH and cullivated ground, made
U8 realize that we were yet within the bounds of comfortable civil-
ization ; otlu-rwise, the landscape jirosented 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 tlie Baltimore Orioles whistled their mellow riute-
like notes, ncoompanied by soft, contented warble and joyous rarol
of the Warliiing and lied-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 mcdly of varied
notes, the singer leaping in restless ecstacy from branch to branch,
with drooping wings and spread tail, or Hitting 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 Mimna,
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 line and sweet,
though plaintive, song of the little Field Sparrow, the pleasant notes
of the Cliewink, 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 Yireo —
attracted our attention and, of course, our interest. In the more
open woods marking the border of tlie timber the several woodland
species were noticed; there the Vermilion Tanager or Summer l!ed-
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.

INTEODCCTION. 15

On the open prairie, comparative quiet reigned. The most
numerous bird there was "Dick Cissel" (Spisa aviericana), who
monopolized the iron-weeds, uttering his rude but agreeable ditty
with such regularity and persistence that the general stillness seemed
scarcely 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 praticola) — coming apparently from nowhere, but
in reality from a little speck floating far up in the blue sky, — and
the sweet "peek — you caii'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

IG BIRDS OP IIXINOIS.

the height from which it had descended. When two or more passed
one another at ojjpoaite angles— as frequently hajjpened— the sight
was heautiful 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 live miles square, having for its
centre the portion of the prairie whore we made our investigations.
Of this grand total, only twenty-five were water-birds, the remainder
of one hundri'd and fifteen species of laud-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, 1883— exactly
twelve years after the lirst 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 revmiiied oiili/ KtU
acres vol under fence. With this insignificant exception, the entire
area was covered by thriving farms, with their neat cottages, capa-
cious barns, lields of com 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 ICO acres — a common grazing ground for the
herds of the neighborhood— Dick Cissels, Ilenslow'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 (Olocoris); but —
shades of Audubon !— equally numerous were the detestable and de-
tested European House Sparrow, already ineradicably established.
We searched in vain for Bell's Yireo, 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 hmite
of Illinois.

INTEODUCTION. 17

The Southern Bottom Lands. As a typical example of a lo-
cality i^resenting 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 exiilorations 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 Eiver, 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 Eiver 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 {Popnlus 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 (Ilex verticillata), tall stems of Amorpha fruticosa,
and occasional crooked, thorny trees of the water locust (Glediischia
nwnosperma). 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 {Nymphcea tuberosa).

The southern cypress {Taxodium 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-
vening 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 {Fraodnus americana), sweet

gums {Liquidamhar styracijiua) , water oaks {Quercus palustris) and
—2

IB BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

otber moisture-loving trees, and attain an average height of about
100 feet. Good-sized l)ircheH, lietula n'ujra (and leiita'), 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 uoniploti'ly 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 growtli, em-
bracing altogctlier more than fifty species of trees, among which
oaks (11 species) and hickories (5 species) predominate, although
the sweet gum, black gum {Nyssa sylcatica), box-elder {Xrgundo
aceroidcn), white elm (Ulmits americnna), honey-locust (Glnlitsrhia
triacaiithos), coffee-bean (G ymnodadus canadensis), black walnut (Juy-
lans nigra), hackberries {Oellis cccidentalis and mississippiensis),
tulip tree {Liriodoidnm tidipifera), and other species are (or were)
also abundant; there are also a few beeches (Fayns fcrrnyinea), and
black cherries (Prunus serotina), besides occasional specimens of the
beautiful C(it(dpa 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 {Ccrvis canndcmfix), dog-wood
{Cormis jloridti), pawpaw {Asimina triloba), and mulberry {Morii.i
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 lurbaceous growth— grasses,
sedges, ferns, flags, balsam-plants {Impatunit ftdra and pallidu), car-
dinal flower {Lobelia eardinalis), etc., 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 quinqucforui), cross-
vine {Biynonia capreolata), trumpet-flower {Tecoma radicans), pipe-
vine {Arintoloehia tomentosa) and others, not forgetting the far too
abundant poison vine (Bhus to.rieodendron). The switch-cane {Arun-
dinaria iecta) occasionally chiefly monopolizes the soil, and the
scouring rush (Kquisetum liyemale) 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 jnitrata 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 caroUii-
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 ILUNOIS.

With regard to this snbject we cannot, in the present work, enter
into detail, liiit must be content with presenting a few diita 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 187"2 and 1K81)
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 quantity of the rainfall.
Illinois comes chiefly if not entirely within "Type IV" pf 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 Porllund to ]Vash'ui<iton," 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. Comparath-c viean annual temperature and rainfall.
Chicago.— hat. 41^52' alt. G60.92 feet.

Mean annual temperature (8 years) 49"1.

Total annual rainfall (8 year8( 8r).27 inches.

Boston.— hat. 42 21', alt. 142.19 feet.

Mean annual temperature (9 years) 48''4.

Total annual rainfall (9 years) 50.82 inches.

Lidianapolis, Ind.— hat. 89^47', alt. 746.58 feet.

Mean annual temperature (1 year) - • .53"3.

Total annual rainfall (8 years) 45.22 inches.

Philadelphia, Pfl.— Lat. :31' r>7, alt. 52.42 feet.

Mean annual temperature (9 years) 5;V1.

Total annual rainfaU (8 year8( 42.93 inches.

•Compiled from the Annual Reports ot the Chief Signal Offlce. C. S. Army, 1871-1880.

INTKODUCTION.

21

Cincinnati, 07iio.— Lat. 39-6', alt. 620.42 feet.

Mean annual temperature (8 years) 5o°3.

Total annual rainfall (8 years) 42.39 inches.

Baltimore, Md.—Lat. 39=28', alt. 45.19 feet.

Mean annual temperature (8 years) 5o'5.

Total annual rainfall (8 years) 42.46 feet.

St. Louis, Mo.— Lat. 38^37', alt. 567.67 feet.

Mean annual temperature (8 years) 55=5.

Total annual rainfall (8 years) « 39.67 inches.

Washington, D. C— Lat. 38=53', alt. 105.56 feet.

Mean annual temperature (9 years) 55°1.

Total annual rainfull (9 years) 42.73 inches.

n. Comparative mean monthly and annual temperature and rainfall
at Cairo, Illinois, flat. 37°0', alt. 3?7.35 ft. J and Norfolk, Virginia
Clat. 36^51', alt. 54.50 ft.) , for 10 -years.

Maximum Mean Annual Temperature for 10 Years.

it

P o

P

a

?3

>

9

c
•<

(R
C

CD

a

o
p

O

o
cr

o
<

B

b

a

a.

B

>

a
a

Bg

o o

■<

•<

.

i

c

at

ji

cr

a

Cairo

187S39.8

1 1
44.7 57.8 64.3

68 1

7.S P

S2.7 81,2

70 fi

•W 0

50 1

3.<i '^

59 62

Norfolk

1876 47 7

45.0 iA ."i.Vi S

65.7

"S 1

81 7 7S 9 «<) 7

56.8

49.4

:«.6

58.92

Minimu7n Mean Annual Temperature for 10 Years.

Cairo 1875 28.3 32.9 44.8 54.8

Norfolk 1872 35.0 37. 0j39. 0 57.0

65. S
68.0

74.2178.9 ~3.6!67.5l.W.2f45.9 45-6 55.62
76. 0 81. 0;79. 0 72.6158. 9,46. 2 36. 8 57.20

I I I I I I I

Average Mean Annual Temperature for 8 Years.

Cairo

57 9

Norfolk

Mean Annnal Rainfallfo

• iO Year

S.

P

a-

c
-I

g

2^

c

B
©

c

>

a
in
c

03

m
a

•a

1

cr

C

o

o

a*

?

o

B
c

0)

O

o
a

a

3
cr
o

1^
o

Cairo

Norfolk

2. 973. no
■J.5ut3.(l,i

4.39
4.21

4.31
3 98

3.80,4.64
3 2714 0-2

3.33
5.36

2.88
6 36

2.51 18. 02
4 9l'3 fi9

4.06 3.42
3 83 4 3ii

42.83
50 54

*The comparative rainfall of the two localities, as given in the report of the Clilef

Signal OfBcer for 1880, is as follows:—

Cairo. 8 years. (1S71-79) 45.09 inches.

Norfolk ., 53.83

22

DtHDB OF ILLINOIS.

Observations tukon at West Saleui, Eilwanls Co., UlinoiB, (lat.
38"' 30', lonf,'. SS ), for 1 years, f;ive almost exactly the same total
precipitation for the year as that which, according to the above
table, has been ascertained for Cairo, the difference amounting to
only .(>0 of an inch. The monthly means are considerably dif-
ferent, however, as the following will show. In this tabic 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:—

Ch

•0l»

>

B

cl <:,

>

IE

O

5P!

tl

K

=

o

C

C

-1

c

3

2.

*<

s

:

i

•a
o
R

o

IS

<
a,

3

®

B

p

1

»«a

•-I

•1

er

a

^

o
n

n

Wflfit Kdlrtm, 4 years

1 1 1
2.8r.:t.4T2.n4 3.«t4.!ifl4.50

4. Si

3 42

2.83

1.74

4.09 4 13

42.2;i

Nftw Hurmony. IJ yeuiB

•J. 77 2.01;*. 40 3. 641 3. 76 4. lO

1 1

3.U

n.m

3.87

2.25

3.21 3 W

38.75

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

•a

«9

00

c
B
S

■-I

i

s

10.34
10. Wi

12.77

io.:ri

8.66
933

10.46

New Huriuon>*. I2yeiirs

8.37

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.

Minimum (1859) 41 02

New Harmony. — Maximum (1855) 48.11 "

Minimum (185(.)) 23.18 "

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 lias kuully favored me with the
following data:

Mean monthly temperature and total precipitation, for the year
187G. (Three obervations daily, viz., at 7 A. M., 2 P. M., and 9
P. M., local time.)

INTEODUCTION.

23

Precipita-
tion.

Mean
temperat're

9 35

2.71
5.04
3.33
1.7rt
b.-H
1.68
3.81
2.f)3
1.74
2.10
1.95

42.1°

February -

39 6

411,6

April .

6(i.l

May

(IS.l

74 0

July

80,1

August . . ,...-.

7li,2

(17. 3

Of lober

54.9

November

41.0

23.4

42.39 iu.

55.3''

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 :

June 0,38

July 2.05

August 1-29

Beptfimber 5.35

October 2.33

November 1.97

December 7,59

January 3.81

February 1.48

March 0,95

April 1,69

May 2,75

June 3.59

Tot^lfor the year 35.23 inches.

Maximum precipitation during 24 hours in 1883 4.40 inches.

Maximum precipitation during 24 hours from June 16,

1884, to June 15, 1885 2.09 inches.

Maximum temperature for summer of 1884 +98°

1885 +98

Minimum temperature for winter of 1883-4 — 25°

1884-5 —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). Rack Idand:
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 mehes (July 26, 1878).

24

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

II. Characteristic Features of the Avikalxa of the State.

General Remarks. Observntiou-s iu many sections of the State
from which wo 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 hnrc been

ohscrv

Hon of the State, many of them

rcgith

1.

Meruliv mieratoriu.

3t.

11^

Sialiiislalis.

35.

3.

UpKuliis satrapa.

36.

4.

Parus bicolor.

37.

5.

Parus atricaplllus.

38.

11.

SItta carollnensls.

3.1.

7.

Sitta canadonBis.

■Id.

8.

Tliryothonis liniovloianua.

41.

».

TrogloUytos hyemalis.

42.

10.

Antlius ponsllvanious.

43.

u.

Lanius ludovieanus.

44.

VI.

Ampolls codrorum.

45.

i:i.

CarpoJaou3 purpureus.

46.

14.

Lo.'cia minor.

47.

15.

Lo.\la leucoptern.

48.

16.

Acaothlb lltmriu.

49.

17.

Spinu8 tiistis.

50.

18.

Calcarlus lapponlcus.

51.

19.

Zouotrlehia albicollis.

52.

3).

Splzulla moutleola.

53.

21.

Junco hyemalis.

64.

22.

Cai'dlDalis eardinalia.

55.

23.

Sturnolla maena.

6i;.

•HI

. Hturnella noclei'ta.

57.

25.

Oorvua Blnuatiis.

68.

26.

Corvus americaiins.

59.

27.

Cyanoclttaerislata.

6").

28.

Otocoris alpestrla.

61.

2!!.

Otoeorls alpestris praticolo.

62.

»0.

Dryobatos villosiis.

6:t.

31,

Dryobates pubescons.

64.

32.

Sphyraptcus varius.

C5.

33.

Ceophlouus piloatus.

66.

•ed in Winter over the greater por-

ir Winter residents.

Melaoorpes caroliDus.
Melanerpes crythroeuphalus.
Colaptes auratus.
Aslo wllsonianus.
Aslo acclpitrinus.
Nyctala aeadica.
Mp(ta.soops a.sio.
Bubo virelnianus.
Syrnium nobulosuin.
Falco pereerinus.
Fnlco oolumbarlus.
Falco sparvorlu8.
Circus hudsonlus.
Aocipitor atricaplllus.
Acclplter oooperi.
Accipltorivelox.
Buteo borealis.
Butco lineatus.
Butoo pennsylranicus.
Archibuteo sancti-jobannls.
Aquila ohrysaitos.
HaliiBOtus leucoccphalus.
Ectoplstos mlBratorla,
Melea^ris eallopavo.
Bonasa umbellus.
Tympanuchus pinnatua.
Ooliniis vlrcinianus.
Ardea hurodlim.
Olor buccinator.
Olor columblanus.
Chen byporboreua.
Chen cojruloscens.
AnserKumboli.

INTRODUCTION.

25

67.

Branta canadensis.

68.

Branta hutehinsii.

69.

Anas boschas.

70.

Anas obseura.

71.

Auas strepera.

72.

Daflla acuta.

73.

Anas amerioana.

74.

Auas diseors.

75.

Anas earolinensis.

76.

Aythyavallisneria.

77.

Aythya americana.

78.

Glauoionetta islandica.

79.

Glauoionetta amerioana.

80. Charitonetta albeola.

81. Histrionicus hiistrionieus,

82. Clangula hyemalis.

83. Oidemia perspieillata.

84. Merganser amerieanus.

85. Merganser serrator.

86. Lophodytes eueullatus.

87. Larus argentatus.

88. Larus delawarensis.

89. Colymbus holboelli.

90. Urinator imber.

91. Urinator lumme.

B. Species which have been observed in Winter only in the Southern
portion of the State, (latitude of Mount Carmel, or furtlier 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° 30', 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.

Molotlirus ater.

Xanthoeephalus xanthoeephalus.

Agelaius plioeniceus.

Seolecopliagus carolinus.

(Seolecophagus eyanocephalus.)

Quisealus sneus.!

Sayornis phcebe.

Ceryle alcyon.

Stris pratineola.

Pandion earolinensis.

Catliartes aura.

Catharista atrata.

Zenaidura macroura.

Nyetieorax naevius.

Botaurus lentiginosus,

iEgialitis vooiterus.

Piiilohela minor.

Gallinago delicata.

Eallus elegans.

Rallus virginianus.

Porzana Carolina.

Porzana noveboraeensis.

Porzana jamaicensis.

Gallinula galeata.

Fuliea americana.

Spatula clypeata.

Aix sponsa.

Ayttiya marila.

* See Bibliography, p. 42.

tProfessor Forbes writes me that "Mr. Garman has shot this species a little past the
middle of winter near Normal," (McLean county).

;Has been known to winter at Normal [fide Professor Forbes).

1.

Turdus pallasi.

28.

la

. Turdus swainsoni.

29.

2.

Mimus polyglottos.

30.

3.

Galeoscoptes earolinensis.

31.

4.

Harporhynchus rufus.

32.

5.

Regulus calendula.t

83.

6?,

. Parus earolinensis.

34.

7.

Certhia americana.

35.

8.

Thryothorus bewickii.

36.

9.

Cistothorus palustris.

37.

10.

Cistothorus stellaris.

38.

11.

Dendroiea coronata.

39.

12.

Dendroica pinus.

40?.

13.

Dendroiea palmarum.

41.

14.

Seiurus noveboraeensis.

42.

15.

PoocEEtes gramineus.

43.

16.

Ammodramus savanna.

44.

17.

.\mmodramus passerinus.

45.

18.

Ammodramus henslowi.

46.

19.

Ammodramus leeontei.

47.

20.

Zonotrichia leucophyrs.

48.

21.

Spizellasooialis.

49.

22.

Spizella pusilla.

50.

23.

Melospiza fasciata.

51.

24.

Melospiza georgiana.

52.

25.

Melospiza lincolni.

53.

26.

Passerelia iliaea.

54,

27.

Pipilo erythrophthalmua.

55.

20

bIKl>S Of ILLINOIS.

M. Aytliyu iilllula. 60. (Htoroorarius lonKlciiuduaJ

.'.". Aythyai'ollurln. 61. ColyiiihuH aurltuB.

M. Krismaturu rubido. Ki, Col>mbUHcull(orDicus.

!>'■>. I'buluvrocorujc dilopbus. Si. Podllymbus podlceps.

Note.— The lotorroKalion mark pretlxeO to bodik of the above Hpeelcs. Impllus doubt
iiM to wbolliKr Iboy uro restricted, us wliiler roBldcni.s, to the Houthern portion of ibe
Mtiito. Upe>'lo8 uucloaed In parenthesis may be considered as accidental. beluK baaed on
u sinRlo known occurrence.

C. Sprcics occurring in
hut not yet observed as far

1. (Myudcstes townsendU

2. (Slalin urctlcu.)

3. (Purus liudxonicus.)

4. Lanlus borenlis.

6. Ampi'lls Kurrultis.

6. Coccothraustes vespertinaa.

7. Plnleola enuclcator.

8. AcnnthlM cxilipos.

9. Aeanlhis rostratus.

10. riectrophenax nivalis.

11. Calearlus plctus.

Vi. iRhynohophanes maccownl.)

1.1. (Plea huilsonlca.)

14. Plcoides arcllcus.

15. Ulula clnoreii.

III. Nyctala riebardsonl.

Note.— Species In parenthesis

Winter in the Northern portion of the State,
South as Mount Carmcl, are the following:

17. Bubo subarcUcus.

18. Hurula I'aparoch.

19. (LiiKopus liieopus.)
'2(1. SomatPrla dresserl.

21. Homaterla spnctabiiis.

22. OidoDiia amerlcana.

23. Oidemia velvellna.
U. liissa tridaetylu.

25. Larus elauous.

26. Larus leucopterus.

27. Laiufl miirinus.

28. Xoma sublricl.

29. Sterna tsohPBrava.

30. btercorarlus pomarinus.

31. Orinator arctlcus.

may be considered as aocidentaL

D. Summer residents of General Distribution.

1. Turdus mustollnus.

2. Merula ralcratoria.

3. Mlmus polyKlottos. S.

4. Galcoseoptes carolinensls.
6. Hurporhynchus rufus.

6. Slalin »iiM».

7. Pollojitila c.-pruloa, 8.

8. Parus carolinensls, 8.

9. Bitta carolinensls.

10. Thryothorus ludoviclanus, 8.

11. Thryothorus bewlckli, S.

12. Troglodytes acdon.

13. Cislothorus palustrls.
H. Clstothorus stollaris.

15. Mnlolilta varla. 8.

16. Protonotaria oitrea.

17. Holmitherus vertulvorus, 8.

18. Helminthophila pinus, 8.

19. Compsothlypls amerlcana.
2«. Dendrolca n^stlvo.

21, Uonilrolca cairulea. 3.

22. Dendrolca albilora. 8.

23. Dendrolca pinus.

24, Dendrolca discolor.

25. BeiuruR aurocapillus.

26. Beiurus motacilla, 8.

27. Geothlypls formosa, 8.

28. Geothlypls trichas.

29. leterla virens.

:<U. Bylvania mitrata. 8,

31. Setoiihocu ruticilla.

32. Vireo olivaceus.

33. Vireo Bilvus.

34. Vireo llnvifrons.

35. Vireo noveboracensis.

36. Vlroo bellll.

37. Lnuius ludovicianus.

38. Ampelis cedrorum.

39. ProKiif subis.

411. Petrochelldon lunlfrons.

41. C'helklon erythrOKik-ter.

42. Tacliycineta bloolor.
4:i. Clivicola rlparia.

44. Biulnidopteryx serriponnis.

45. Piraneuerythromolos,

46. Piranea rubra, B.

47. Bpiuus tristis.

48. Ammodramus savanna, N.

liJTBODUCTION.

27

. Circus hudsonius.
Aecipiter eooperl.
Aecipiter fuseus.
Buteo borealis.
Buteo lineatus.
Buleo swainsoni.
Buteo pennsylvanicus.
HaliseetQs leueoeephalus.
Cathartes aura, S.
Eetopistes migratoria.
Zenaidura macroura.
Meleagris gallopavo.
Bonasa umbellus.
TyrapaDuchu4 pinnatus.
Colinus virginianus.
Ardea herodias.
Ardea vireseens.
Nyctieorax nsevius.
Botaurus lentiginosus.
Botaurus exilis.
^gialitis voeiferus.
iEgialitis melodus. ff.
Philohela minor.
Totanus solitarius.
Actitis maeularius.
Sympliemia semipalmata.
Bartramia longieauda.
Numenius longirostris, N.
Plialaropus tricolor. N.
Kecurvii'ostra amerioana.
Himantopus mexicanus.
Eallu.s elegans.
Rallus virginianus, N.
Porzana Carolina. N.
Porzana noveboracensis.
Porzana jamaicensis.
Gallinula galeata.
Fulica americana.
Grus americana, N.
(irus mexicana.
Branta canadensis.
Anas boschas.
Anas discors, N.
Aix sponsa.
Erismatura rubida.
Lophodytes cucullatus.
Phalacrocorax dilophus.
Sterna forsteri.

Hydrochelidon surinamensis, N.
Podilymbus podiceps.

Note.— The initial S. following a name indicates that the species is more abundant
southward; "N," on the other hand, implies that the species so distinguished belongs
chiefly to the northern portion of the State.

49.

PoocEBtes gramineus, N.

99a,

50.

Ammodramus passerinus.

100.

51.

Ammodramus henslowi.

101.

52.

Chondestes grammaca.

102.

53.

Spizella soeialis.

103.

51.

Spizellapusilla.

104.

55.

Pipilo erythrophthalmus.

105.

56.

Cardinalis cardinalis S.

106.

57.

Passerina cyanea.

107.

58.

Spiza americana.

108.

59.

Molothrus ater.

109.

60.

Agelaius phcenieeus.

110.

61.

Sturnella magna.

111.

02.

Icterus galbula.

112.

63.

Icterus spurius. S.

113.

64.

Quiscalus a^neus.

114.

65.

Corvus sinuatus.

115.

66.

Corvus amerieanus.

116.

67.

Cyanocitta ci-istata.

117.

68.

Otoeoris pratieola.

118.

69.

Tyrannus tyrannus.

119.

70.

Myiarehus crinitus.

120.

71.

Sayornis phoebe.

121.

72.

Contopus Tirens.

122.

73.

Empidonax trailli.

123.

74.

Empidonax aeadicus.

124.

75.

Trochilus colubris.

125.

76.

Chsetura pelagica.

126.

77.

Antrostomus voeiferus.

127.

78.

Chordeiles virginianus.

128.

79.

Dryobates villosus.

129.

80.

Dryobates pubescens.

130.

81.

Ceophloeus pileatus.

131.

82.

Melanerpes carolinus, S.

132.

83.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus.

133.

84.

Colaptes auratus.

134,

85.

Ceryle alcyon.

135.

86.

Coceyzus amerieanus.

130,

87.

Cocoyzus erythrophthalmus.

137.

88.

Conurus earolinensis.

138.

89.

Strix pratincola, S.

139.

90.

Asio wilsonianus.

140.

91.

Syrnium nebulosum.

141.

92.

Megascops asio.

142.

93.

Bubo virginianus.

143.

94.

Faleo peregrinus.

144.

95.

Falco columbarius.

145.

96.

Falco sparverius.

l46.

97.

Pandion earoUnensis.

147.

98.

Elanoides forfioatus, S.

148.

99.

lotinia mississippiensis, S.

•28

mr.PB OF ILLINOIS.

E. Sumimr res'ulcnl>i awjined

utason to the Nurthern portion of

I. Turdus fusceseoDS.

i TurdurtBWiiliisonl.

:i. Piiriis HtrU-ii|>lUus.

4. Sltta oiinndf>nslB.

r«. Holmin(hoi>lilla chryBoptertt.

I'l. Qolmlntliophila riitlinipilliu

7. Dondroli'ii peonsylvuhica.

8. Dendroicit vIrenB.

!>. Kciuriis novoborHcensls.

1<|. OoolhlypiH phllailt'lphla.

II. Sylviiniii caniidi'nsls.

IL'. Vlreo iihiladelptiicus.

i:i. Curpodncus purpiiroua. ^

H. Ammodriimus nol!<i>iii.

Ii'i. Zonotrieliiu nlbicolU^.

HI. Spizolla pallida.

17. MoloBplza fafclata.

18. Mclospizaseoreiana.
in. Molo.splzalincoliii.

20. Habia ludnvloiaua.

21. Dollchonv.x oryzivorus.
ii. Xaiitliocephalu.s xanllioeephnUis.

NoTE.-Tlie iucorroKation murk Implies
species Is really so restricted.

inainly, so far as known, duriiiy that

the Stale.

23. Bturnolla mii«rna.

21. EmpidoDnx minimus,

as. AbIo aoctpltrlnuB?

'X. Nyutala acadioa.

27. C'lrouii liudHonius,

28. A(iiilla i"hrys»'t08?

29. Pedloca-los cnmpe»trl».
SO. J^elalitlH raeloduB?

31. GalllnuRO dellcata.

32. TolanuB molaiioloucus.
3S. Totanii!- fluvipus.

34. Anas obneura.

35. Anas streperiu

36. Ana'* amprii-ana.

37. Dallla aciiliu

33. Spatula clypeata.
SSI. Anas carolinoDsIs,
4(1. Aythya afflnls.

41. Aythya collaris.

42. Sterna hirundo.

43. Colymbus aurltiis.

44. XTrluator Imber.

donbt OS to whether the brccdlne ranee of tho

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

1. Hellnnia swalneonl.

2. Peuca>a bachmani.

3. Gulraca coorulea.

4. Antrostomus oarolloensis.

5. Campi^philus principalis.

6. Cathuristu atrata.

7. Tantalus loculator.

8. Ardea eftretta. •

9. Ardea candUilsslma.

10. Ardea ctpruloa.

11. Ardea rufa.

12. Nyctlcora.x violaceus.

13. Anhineaanhinua.

G. Summer i-isitants to Southern portion of the Slate, but not ascer-
tained to breed within our limits.

1. Pa.s8erlna ciris. (Mt. Carmol, .lune. 1871.)

2. Elanus loiieurus. (.Mt. Carmel, summer. 18<5<?)

3. Asturlna pliiitialiu (Richland Co., AuRust. 1871.)

4. Bnteo harlanl. (Warsaw, Hancor-k Co., March, 1879.)

5. Ouara alba. (.Mt. Carmel. May, ISiil, and at other times.)
G. PIcRadls autumnalls.

7. Ajaja ujaja. (MissL-islppi bottom, about IStiO; said to have been common.)

8. Ardea occidentalis. (Mt. Carmel. September. IS7il).

9. Pelecanus fuscuB. (Warsaw. Hancock Co.. October 1S73.)
Ifl. Phalacrocorox mexicanus. (Cairo: summer.)

• "Abundant all summer on tho Illinois lllver as far north as Peoria."
Fiirbes, in epist.)

(Professor

INTRODUCTION.

29

H. Irregtdar or casual Vis-ltants from the JVestcrn Province.

1. Sialia arctica. (Winter.)

Myadestes townsendi. (Winter.)
Rhynohophanes maeeowni. (Winter.)
Zonotriehia querula. (Spring and
fall.)

Junoo oresonus. (Fall.)
Seolecophagus eyanoeephalus. (Win-
ter.)

7. Pica hudsoniea. (Winter.)

8. Sayoruis sayi. (Season not linown.;

9. Bubo subaretieus.

10. Faleo mexieanus. (Pall.)

11. Buteo krideri. (Summer.*)

12. Buteo calurus. (Spring.)

13. Archibuteo t'errugineus. (Pall.)

14. Anas eyanoptera.

I. Regular Residents or Visitants tvhich intnidc from the Westward.
a. Observed only in Summer.

1. Vireobellii. (Breeding.)

2. Spizella pallida. (Breeding.)

3. Xanthocephalus xanthoeephalus. (Breeding.)

4. Chordeiles henryi. (Breeding?)

b. Observed only in Winter, or during migration.

5. Coceothr-iuBtes vespertinuf.

6. Ammodramus leeontel. (Breeding?)

7. Colymbus californious.

c. Observed irrespective of season.

8. Chondestes grammaea. (Breeding.)

9. Sturnella negleeta. (Breeding.)

10. Buteo swainsoni. (Breeding.)

11. PediooEBtes oampestris. (Breeding.)

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

1. Sialia arctica. W.

2. Myadestes townsendi. W.

3. Parus hudsonieus. N.

4. Junco oregonus. N.
.1. Passerina ciris. S.

G. Pioa hud?oniea. N.

7. Sayornis sayi. W.

8. Buteo calurus. W.

9. Buteo krideri. N. W.

10. Buteo harlani. S.

11. Asturnia plaglata. S.

12. Ardea oecidentalig. S.

13. Pelecanus fuseus. S.

14. Phalaoroooras mexieanus. 8.

* Probably breeding.

30 IIIRDS OK ILLINOIS.

K. S/iecies foruurly occuriitij hut ixmnihly but now to be found in
the State.

I. Plea hudftonica. 4. Lnuopim Ihropud.

'J. Campi'phllus princlpniis. S. Ajiiju iijigii.

3. CoDiirus carollnvnsii).

Position with regard to Faunal Provinces or Districts. —
Illinois lies far within the Efistt'in, or .\tliiiitic, Province, and were
it not for the prairies its fiiuna would probably not possess the
slightest tincturing of western forms. The State is also wholly em-
braced within the "Carolinian I-'auna" of Mr. Alkn ;* l)ut the southern
portion possesses so many of the elements characterizing the "Louisi-
anian Fauna" (or "Austroriparian Province" of Professor Copef), tliat
it shouhl probai)ly be referred to the latter district — and has, in fact,
been so referred by Mr. Allen, Professor Cope and otlier 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 tlnm along the Atlantic coast itself. The writer has been
able to obtain but a single example of Pipilo eri/throphtluilmus
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 Sphi/rapicus varius showing an indication of a
red nuchal bar, and in this case also the feature is less developed
than in one from the District of Columbia. Among more than one
hundred Flickers shot in Wabash and Kichland counties, only one
showed the slightest variation toward the western type (C. mexi-
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 excejition, the
only one, in fact, being the case of Geotlilypis trichas, the Illinois
form of which seems to be the western race, G. trichas occid^ntalis,
Brewst., which, however, apparently replaces the true G. triclias every-
where west of the AUeghauies.

*8oo liulletlD of the Museum of Comparative ZooloKjr, CambrUlee. Mass., Vol. It.. No
3. pp. .■»:)-3'.i5.

t See Bulletin of the United States National .Museum, No. I, isrr,. pp. C7-71.

•The speolnion In question Is, however, almost exactly matched by one from MarlD
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 (*)
winter.

*I. Anas boschas January

*i. Ectopistes migratoria

*'i. Daflla acuta

*4. Branta (canadensis

*5. Merganser amerieanus "

♦C. Spatula clypeata

*7. Aythya americana. "

*8. Anas carolinensis February

*9. Anas americana "

10. Seiurus motacilla

*n. Aix sponsa "

•12, Anas diseors "

13. Grus mexicana March

14. Grus americana

*15. Cliaritonetta albeola "

16. Phalacrocorax floridauub

17. Charadrius dominicus

18. Spizella socialis

19. Tringa maculata

20. Taehycineta bicolor

21. Progne subis

*22. Harporhynohus rufus

23. Bartramia longicauda

24. Regulus calendula Vpril

25. Mniotilta varia

26. Chelidon erythrogastra

27. Polioptila ecerulea

28. Chaetura pelagica

29. Numenius longirostris

30. Stelgidopterys serripennis.

31. Dendroica albilora '.

33. Petroehelidon lunifrons

33. Dendroica asstiva

34. Vireo noveboracensis

35. Tyrannus tyranuus

sometimes remaining all

15.

15 -Feb

20.

20-Feb

20.

20.

25.

1.

18-28.
20.
25.
28.

1—4.

6.

1.

1—7.
12.

13-19;
15.
15—24;

25.
1.14.

remains until Sept. 20.

20—28;
21-26.
28.

1—9.

1-15.

2—5.

2—10;

3-11;

4.

8-12;

9—18;
10-20;
14-22.
15.
15-21;

remains until
remains until

remains until
remains until

remains until
remains until
remains until

Sept. 20.
Sept. 8.

Sept. 20.
Oct. 20.

Oct. 17.
Sept. 13.
Sept. 20.

remains until Sept. 9.

32

BinPS OF ILLINOIS.

•36.

S7.
•38.

:i9.

40.

4L

«.

43.

44.

4&.

46.

47.

48.

49.
•.V).

5L

£2.

53.

&4.

55.

£6.

57.

58.

59.

60.

6\.

62.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

n.

12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

Dondrolca palmnriim April 16—23; remains until Oct. IS,

AntroHtomiirt vorlforuB " 17.

Oul«08COptoH niirollnoDHls " 18— 24: rPmnlus until OcLK.

Icterus Biilliulii " 19-22; ri-muluH ur.tll Sept. 14.

Ictvru« gpurliiH '■ 19-25.

PaBserlnitoyuDou " 19; rumuliiH uulll Oct. 15.

VIreo llavlfron* " 19; romuliis until OcL 15,

Empi'lonox triUIII " 19.

Empldonn.T acadicus " 19.

Mylarchus crinluis " 19-26; remains until Sept. 10.

Tiirtlus mnsti'llnus " 19— 21; remains until Oct. —,

Vireo plilladi'ipliica " 20.

Plranga urylliromclii.s " 20—23; remainn until Sept. —.

PiranKa rubra . " 20— 29; rcmahiH until Sept. 27.

Gootlilypl»trlclia» " 20—30; remains until Sept. 16.

Bplza aiui>rlcuna " 22—30.

VIrco olivacoui* " 22; remains until Oct. 15.

Protonotarlacitrca " 23.

Icteria vlrens " 23— May 4.

Dondroica pennsylvanlcas " 26.

Geothlypis formosa " 28; remains until Oct. IS.

Dollchonyx oryzlvorus " 29— May 7.

Coccyzus amorlcanus " 29— May 14.

Cbordolles virBinlanus May 2—8,

Dendrolcn tiBrina " 3.

Contopus virons " 6—7; remains until Oct. 15.

Ilabia ludovlclana " 6; remains until Oct.

Autumnal Airivalg.

SphyraplcHs varius September 15-29.

Ampolls cedrorum* " 18.

Junco liyomalls " 26— Oct.21.

Certhia umericana " 29— Nov. 2.

Dendrolcacoronata October 1—4.

SItta canadensis " 2.

Kegulus satrapa " 2.

Melosplza Keorelana " 8.

Zonotrlchia alblcollls " 9—10.

Carpodacus purpureas " 20— Nov.8.

Zonolrlclilaleucophrys "■ 15.

Spizella montlcola " 20— Nov. 1.

Loxla minor " 22.

Passerella iliaca " 27.

Anlbus punsilvanlcus November 15.

Troglodytes liypmalls " 3— Deo.25.

Aauila chry»a'"'tos September 8.

Melosplza fasclata ....i October 15.

Calcarlus lappoulcus " 20.

• Since ascertained to bo also a summer roslduul, tliougli much more numerous in
winter.

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.)

Species.

DatB of
leiiflng.

Date of
flowering.

Red Maple (Acei- ruhrum)

Silver Maple [Acer dasycarpum)

Sugar Maple {Acer saccharinum)

Shell-bark Hickory iCarya alba)

Kedbud {Cercis canadensis)

Wild Cherry (.Primus serotina)

Flowering Dogwood [Gornus ftorida)

White Ash {Fraxinus americana)

Tulip Poplar [Liriodendron tulipifera)

Peach (.Fersica vulgaris)

Apple (Pyrus malus)

White Oak {Quercus alia)

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

American Elm (Ulmus americana)

Wild Columbine lAguilegia canadensis)

Spring Beauty (.Claytoniavirninica)

Dogs-tooth Violet {Erythroniumamericanum).

Orane's-blU [Geranium maeulatum)

Liverwort (Hepatica triloba)

Blue Flag [Iris versicolor)

May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Blackberry {Rubus villosus)

Elder iSambucus canadensis)

Blood-root (Sanguinaria canadens ts)

April

12.
12.
15.
13.
20....
5....
20.

April i.

" 20.

•• 13.

•• 13.

•• 19.

April

April

March

April

March

April

March 20*.
April 8..

April 10.
■• 25.

April 12

April 12..
■' 20..

April 12..
March 30t.

April 12t.

March 31 §

April 14..

* In 1876, flowered February 1.
tin 187{i, flowered February 15.
1 In 1876. flowered March 2.
§In 1876, flowered March 2.

-S

34

BIBDS OF ILUNOIS.

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

Species.

Date of
leallDK.

Date of
flowviiDK.

fianunculus abortivnf

Capselta bursa-ijastoris

Pear (/'i/nix cotiimunis)

Apple l/'u''"" "i<i'"»i

White Oak (Viif reus a(i)a)

Currant (RiTies rubnim)

Bloclcberry (fittbus villosus)

Elder (SamfiHCUs cauadeusisi

Blood-root (SartQiiiuaria canadtitisis).

Lilac (Surinoa vulgaris)

Dandelion {Taraxacum dens-leonis) ..
White Elm (CVmu.i americana)

March 1

" 1....

April 1....

March 30 ...

April -H ...

March ffi....
" »0....

April 2....

March lu....

April l3....

April 20-21*
April 2«t ..

April 13.

April 13: ..

May lOi ..

June 15

April 2....

April 30....

April 13...
March 25....

For purpose of comparison, I give below the earliest and latest
recorded dates of arrival for a number of species at Mt. Carinel,
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. Ilenshaw 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 rlpo July 30. tFiult rlpo July in. t Fnilt ripe June 10. ! Fruit ripe July l.

'Cook. W. W., and Wldman, Otto.-BIrd Miirratlon I In the I Mississippi Valley. I

I By I W. W. Cook and Otto Wldmann. I I Uoad before the I lildeway Ornitholoelcal

Club, I Novembers. ISSt. I I Published In the "American Field" I Vol. X.\, No. 22. to

Vol. XXI, No. 3. I Published In pamphlet form with the followlni; title on cover: The I

Ridgway OmltholoBlonl Club. | ot I Chlcaeo. Illinois, U. 8. A, I | Bulletin No. 1. 1

Bird Miitratlon in the Mississippi Valley j By I W. W. Cooke and Otto Wldmann I I

Published by | Tho American Fulld. I December, 1883. 8 vo., pp, 37, the contents as fol-
lows: "Parti, Introduction. I I (W. W. Cooke.)" Pp.3, 4. "Part II. | I Gen-
eral Notes and Weather Report from St. Louis, I Mo„ beRinnlne with January 1, 1883. I

I 0. Wldmann." I Pp. 5-13. "Part III. I j General Notes on Birds and Weather

at JelTorson, I Wisconsin, in the SprinK of 1883. | I W. W. Cooke." Pp, U-18. "Part

IV. I I Notes on each species of Bird observed at St. Louis, | Missouri, and Jeffer-
son, Wisconsin, during the I Sprlni; Mieraion of ISS'J. | | Pp. 19-37.

INTRODUCTION.

35

00~

o

00 5=

1. Antrostomus vocif ems

2. Compsothlypis amerleana.

3. Geothlypis triohas

4. Vireo olivaceus

5. Vireo noveboraoensis

6. Empidonax minimus

7. Turdus mustelinus

8. Sylvania mitrata

9. Seiurus aurocapillus

10. Tyrannus tyrannus

11. Vireo gilvus

12. Vireo flavifrons

13. Dendroica vigorsii

14. Dendroica albilora

15. Dendroica Eestiva

16. Dendroica cserulea

17. Dendroica palmarum

18. Dendroica virens

19. HelminthopUla pinus

20. Sylvania canadensis

21. Passerina cyanea

22. Cliondestes grammaca

23. Piranga erythromelas

24. Pirangarubra

25. CliEetura pelagica

26. Myiarchus crinitus

27. Galeoscoptes earolinensis.

28. Turdus alicise

29. Turdus fusceseens

30. Icteria virens

31. Troehilus colubris

32. Helmitlieros vermivorus...,

33. Dendroica penusylvaniea...

34. Spiza americana ,

April 17....
April 20-30.

15.

April 19-21.

April 18-21.
April 19....

April 9-18. .
' 14-22.

April 16-23.

April 19.

April 20-23.
•' 20-29.
■• 3-11..
•' 19-26.
•• 18-24.

April 15....

•• 10-18.

" 18-18.,

•' 16-21..

•' 16-18..

" 17

" 171-8..

April23-May 4.

April 26....
■ 22-30.

• 16-20
' 16-19

• 17-24
' 17....
' 17-19

■ 17....

■ 17-18,

■ 17-25.
Apr. 18-(May2.)

" 18-(May3.)

April 18-23

' 18-30

• 18-30

• 18-21

' 18-30

' 18-23

' 18.)

' 18-19

' 19-20

' 20

' 21-25*

' 2226-

' 24-25

Apr. 24-(May 8.)

" 24-(May3.)

April 24-26

April 1..

•' 17.

'• 17.

'■ 25.

" 14.

May 5...
April 19 .

• 17.

• 17.
' 18.
' 18.
' 17.

• 21
' 12.

• 18

■ 17

■ 13

AprillS— Mayll

May 6-13

April 22— May 1.

April 18-28

April 20— May 2
April 28-May 2

April 20 -May 7
May 3

April 17
May 14*
April 21
* 3.,

27
26.

May 14..
April 23,
May 11..

Auril 27.
• 21.

Mar. 15-May 12

April 28— May 5

April 15...
May 7—11.

May 14-15.
May 9—12. .

May 11-13.

April 30..
May 12...
May 14 ..
May 2-24.

May 7-14 .

May 10-11.

80

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

So

o

as

a
o

35.
%.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
4S.
4(i.
47.
48.
4!).
.10.

51.
52.
53.
54.
55.

Ictoru!) salbiila " l»-22.

Qeothlypls foruiosa " "JS

Setophiiea ruli<HI!a

Hublaludovlclitnu Muy 8

Coocyzus amerioanus I April 29-May H

Vmmodnimns pas.seriQUS

Contopus virens May 6-7 .

Icterus spurius " 19-25..

Dondroica castunea

UoDtlroluu mnculosQ

Deodrolcn c.-crulescens

Cliordollos viriiinianus May 2-8.

Dondrok'a blaekburuiHS. .
Helminlhophlla peregrina
Helminthophlla ohryeoptera

Dollehony.\ oryzlvorua

Geothlypis pbiladolphia —
HolmlnthophlU ruUcapllla .

Doiulroloa tigrlna May 3.

Vireo phlladelphicus April 20..

Sendrolca striata.

Apr.24-{May4.) •' 19. April JS-Miiy 4

April 20-30' May 2...I

'• p April 17.'April 20— May 2

■• •)0-25 ■■ 2.'

25 May 16..

26 April 26.

20-May 2 May 5.

19(-29) JAprll IS.JMny 1-8.

I

Apr. 3n-May in.

May 2-5

•• a-6

Aprll24-May2.
May 3-8

• 3-7 ,

• 5 ,

April29-May7.

Mays...
•• S...
" 3...
■• 15 .

April 29-May 7

May 11-15

Muy 111-6

•• 6....

" 6....

■• 6-9..

" 9....

•• W..

.\prll25.
May 2...

16.

2..

April 21 .
May 2

May U-15.

May 11-28.

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

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

1853-54.

Le Bauon, Dr. Wm. — Observations ujion some of the birds of Illi-
nois most interesting to the agriculturist. < Trans. III. State Agri.
Soc, I., 1853, p. 559-565. [A general notice of the common birds of
the State, of considerable popular uud economic interest.]

INTRODUCTION. 37

1855.

Pkatten, Henry. — Catalogue of the birds of [Bouthem] Illinois
[Wayne and Edwards counties]. <Trans. III. State Agri. Soc, I.
(for 1853-54), p. 698-609. [184 species.]

Kennicott, Eobert. — Catalogue of the animals observed in Cook
county, Illinois. [Birds.] <Trans. III. State Agrlc. Soc, I. (for
1853-54), pp. 580-589. [187 species.]

Kennicott, E. — 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. <Trans. III. State Agrlc. Soc., I.
(for 1853-54), pp. 589-591.

1856.

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

1857.

Brendel, F. — Vogel der Umgegend Peorias in Illinois. <Giehel's
Zcitsch. fur Naturw., 1857, p. 420. [Not seen by me.]

1858.

Cassin, John. — Piemarks on Falco polyagrus. <Proc. Acad. Nat.
Sci. Phila. 1858, p. 1. [Specimens obtained near Eock Island,
Illinois.]

1869-60.

Holder, R. H. — Birds of Illinois. < Trans. III. State Agric. Soc,
IV., 1859-GO, pp. 605-613. [A nominal list of 247 species.]

1862.

Holder, E. H.— Catalogue of the birds of Illinois, (2nd ed.)
<Trans. III. Nat. Hist. Soc, I. 1862, pp. 77. [Not seen; "enumer-
ates 248 species."]

1868.
Allen, J. A. — [Some remarks upon the birds of Iowa and Illinois,
read by the secretary of the Society.] <Pr. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist.,
XII., 1863, p. 85. [Not seen.]

88 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Allen, J. A. — Notes on birds observed in Northern Illinois, in
June, 1807. <Mim. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., I., lH<;s. pp. 502 52-1.
[9i species.]

1872.

l^DtiWAY, Robert. — New birds in Houtbern Illinois. <A)ii. Nat.,
July, IHT'i, pp. J:iO-431. [Virco beUii, I'cxu-aa <rstiniliii, ( = P. rtstitalui
bachmani) Cyanospiza {=Pasgerina) ciris, Asturiiia pLiyiata and Falco
poUjagrus added to the fauna of the State (Fox Prairie, Richland
county).]

1873.

RiDflWAY, RonEUT. — The Prairie Birds of Southern Illinois. <Am.
Nat., VII., April, 1873, pp. I'.t7-2i)3. [Based on observations made
on Fox Prairie, iliohhiud county, in June and August, 1871. j

187-1.

RiDowAY Robert. — Catalogue of the birds ascertained to occur in
Illinois. <Ann. Lifc. Nat. Hist., N. Y., X., January, 1871, pp. 3(i4-
391. [A list of 311 species, with range of eacii within the State
approximately indicated.]

RiDGWAY, Robert. — 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. </-*;•. Boston Soc.
Nat. Hist., XVI., February 18, 1874, pp. 3n.l-332.

"OKNEKAL SUMMAllY."

["Found Irrespective of season 77

FounJ only In summer 92

youud only in winter '. 47

Found only in spring iind fall 71

Total number of species 288

Number or species breedinc. about 155

Number of species wintering, about I55"l

CouES, E. — 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. Lye. N. Y., January, 1874,
pp. 364-394.]

INTRODUCTION. 39

1876.

Nelson, 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 ; Gottmiiculus lecontei, Riverdale,
May 13, 1875 ; Ammodromus caudacutus var. nelsoni, Calumet Lake,
&c., June, September, November; Chordeiles popehie var. heiiryi,
Waukegan, July, 1875 ; Bideo borealis var. calurus, near Chicago,
April, 1873; Ardea nifa, near Cairo, August, 1875.]

Nelson, E. W. — Notes upon birds observed in Southern Illinois,
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 Prairie, 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; 83 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.]

Nelson, E. 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, Wm. L. — April Birds in Illinois. <Forest and Stream,
Aug. 3, 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.

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

40 BIRDS OP ILLINOIS.

"\V. B." [Brewster, William].— Nelson's "Birds of Northeastern
Illinois." <Iiull. \iitl. Orn. Cliih, II, July, 1877. pp. (is, C'.l.
.Synopsis of Nelson's paper iu Hull. Kssfx Iit»t., ]H7ti.]

CoALE, Hknry K. — MiicCown's Loiigspur in Illinois. <Jinll.
Xiiti. (ini. Clitl), April, 1877, p. 52. [Champaign, 111., .lau. 15; »
spt'cimens.]

"J. A. A." [.■Vllkn, .1. A.] — Birds of Southern Illinois. <lhiU.
Xult. Orn. Club, III., .Jan., 1878, p. HC). [Review of Nelson's Cata-
logue in Bull. Essex Inst., IX., 1876.]

1878.

KiDGWAY, l^inKUT.— Notes on Birds observed at Mt. Carniel, South-
ern Illinois, in the spring of 1878. <BnU. Knit. Orn. Club, Vol.
III., No. 4, Oct., 1878, pp. 102-l()f). [Twenty-five species mentioned,
of which two, lleimaia swainsoni (?) and Ibis (=Guara) alba were
new to the fauna of the State.]

1879.

Pi:nowAY, Robert. — On a new species of Priuuea from Southern
Illinois and Central Texas. <Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, October, 1879,
pp. '218-222. [P. illinocnsis,=P. <estivaUs bachmani.]

1880.

RiDGWAY, Robert. — On six species of Birds new to the Fauna of
lUinois, with notes on other rare Illinois Birds. <Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, v., January, 1880, pp. 30-32. [Zonotrirhia iiucntla, Buleo luirhini,
Ajaja ajaja, Pclecanus fuscus, Plialacrocora.v mcricauuH, Stercorarius buf-
foni {=^longicaudus), Coturniculus ( = Am mod ram us) Iccontei, Ammodra-
mu.'< raudacutus nehoni, Elanoidvn forjicatu.i, Frolonutaria c'ltrea, Opo-
Tornis formosa, Ibis {=Guara) alba, Larus franklinl.]

RiDGWAY, Robert. — The Northern Waxwijig (AmpeHs t/arrulus) in
Southern Illinois. <Bull. Nutt. Oni. Club, V., April, 1880, p. 118.
[A tine specimen shot by Prof. Forbes, at Villa Ridge, Pulaski Co.,
December 18, 1879.]

WiDMANN, Otto. — Notes on Birds of St. Louis, Mo. <Bull. Xutt.
Orn. Club, July, 1880, 191. [Relates in great part to birds iu Illi-
nois, immediately opposite St. Louis.j

INTRODUCTION. 41

1881.

HuRTER, Julius.— The Harlequin Duck and the Glossy and Wood
Ibises in Southern Illinois. <Bidl. Nutt. Orn. Club, VI., April, 1881,
p. 124.

1880-85.

Nehrling, H. — Beitrage zur Ornis des nordliehen Illinois. <Jmir.
fur Orn., (October, 1880, pp. 408—41; April, 1881, pp. 196-203;
October, 1881, pp. 405-116; January, 1883, pp. 84-97; July, 1883,
pp. 255-257; April, 1885, pp. 142-151. [233 species.]

1883.

Strumberg, C. W. — Notes from Galesburg, 111. < Ornithologist
and Oologist, Vol. VIII., No. 1, January, 1883, p. 8. [Interesting
notes on seven species.]

PiiDGWAY, Robert. — On Leconte's Bunting {Cotumindm lecontei)
and other Birds observed in Southeastern Illinois. <Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, VIII., January, 1883, p. 58. [C lecontei found in great
abundance on Sugar Creek Prairie, Eichland Co., 111., October 27, 28,
1882. C. Iienslowi was also found, though less abundant, and some
specimens of Peuccea illinoensis (=P. <sestivalis hachniMii) were seen.]

Hancock, Joseph 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 Illinois.]

CoALE, H. K.— The Willow Thrush and HolboU's Linnet in lUi-
nois. <Btdl. Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. VIII., Oct., 1883, p. 239. [A
specimen of Hylocichla {=-Turdus) fuscescens salicicola shot in Chi-
cago, Sept. 16, 1877, and a specimen of ^^giothus linaria holboclli,
(=Acanthis linaria rostrata) Nov. 2, 1878.]

MuNDT, A. H. — Oological and Ornithological. < Ornithologist and
Oologist, Vol. VIII., No. 2, Feb., 1883, pp. 9, 10. [Interesting notes
on 18 species found breeding at Fairbury (Livingston Co.), Illinois.]

CooKE, 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, Euby-
crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, House
Wren, lied-eyed Vireo, White-bellied Swallow, and Scarlet Tanager.]

42 BIRDS OK ILLINOIS.

1884.

Cooke, W. W. — Migration in the Mississipjii Vnlloy. <Ornitlio-
loyixl and Oohnj'tut, IX., No. St, Keptciuljer, 1HH4, pp. 1(I."-1(I8. [HxtenKive
notes on the following species: American Kohin, Yellow-rum ped
Warbler, and Cliff Swallow.] No. Id. October. 1881. pp. 117-118.
Notes on the following: Cape May Warbler, Snow Hunting, Lap-
land Longspur, Smith's Longspur, Chestnut-collared Longspur (not
in Illinois), and McCown's Longspur.]

[W. S. C.J— Notes from Peoria, 111. <■ Vouiui Oolof/ist, Vol. 1,
No. 3, July, 1884, p. 43. [Brief notes on nests of six species.!

Cooke, W. W. — Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley. Winter
Birds of Southern Illinois. <Forcst and Stream, Vol. XXIII., No.
•23, Jan. 1, 18S.5, pp. 441, 44.';; No. -24, Jan. 8, 188o, p)). ir,3, W\.
An annotated list of 141 species.]

CoALE, H. K. — A New Bird for Illinois. <The Auk, Vol. II., Jan.
1885, pp. 109, 110. [Buteo horcalis kridcri, taken at Half Day, Dli-
nois, July 2.5, IHTfi; the specimen now in the collection of the U.
S. National Museum.]

1885.

Dickinson, J. E. — [Note announcing capture of a specimen of
Nyctala tcngmalmi richardnoni at-Eockford, W^innebago Co., Illinois,
Oct. 15, 1884. Snowy Owls and Northern Waxwings also mentioned.]
<i Ornithologist and Oologist, March, 1885, p. 47.

"Kinney." — Notes from Northern Illinois. <1'oi/h(/ Oologist, Vol.
II., No. 2, June, 1885, p. 27. [Interesting notes on Ruby-throated
Hummingbird, Crossbill, "English" Sparrow, and Kose-breasted
Grosbeak. Locality, Lena, Stephenson Co.]

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

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 carolincnsis, 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 expei'ience 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 Thrushes.

H UlRDS OF ILLINOIS.

ANALYSIS OF HIGHER GROUPS.

Rootricos iirosoiit.

6.' Nostrils not tubular.

c' Uiiiil tfjo, if present, not connected with the nnlerior oiioh by a
nienibrane.
J.' BiU without frinced or somite tomia.

«.' Anterior toos not webbed, or else legs oxccsslvely lentrth-
cnod.
/.' liower part of tibia feathered, or else toos united for
most of tliuir leiitrth.
p.' Bill not hooked, or else witlioiit core,
/i.' Hind too, it present, incumbent.

«.' No web between bases of anterior toes.
J.' Toes 3 or 1 anteriorly.

*.' Anterior toes cleft to the base, or
else not united beyond llrst |>ha-
Innx.
t' Secondaries more than il.

m.' Middle too considerably
lonsor than the lateral
ones.
n.< hose of bill without
coro.
o.> Posterior half of
t.irsus undivided,
or if divided the
semnentsdislinet
fromllio.seonan-
terior i)orlion.

Fasserea (Oscines).

O.' rostcrior half of

tArsus reticulate,

or else anterior

covering wrap-

p i n K entirely

nn>iind the outer

a n d posterior

sides to a croove

on the inner

side. .Fassores iClamatoren).

n.' Base of bill consistinu

of a .soft, swollen

coro .Colamb».

tn,« Middle toe not longer llian
one or the other of the

' outoroncs

Hacrochires (^p.ic/0.

(.' SocondariesS Hacrochires (7Vor/i/fi).

J'.' Anterior toes connected at ba.se for

more than their basal phalanx

Coccyges (Alcuones).
iJ Toes a anteriorly.

A'.' Bill strongly hooked

Fsittaci (\nrth American species).

ANALYSIS OF HIGHER GROUPS. 45

fc.2 Bill not strongly hooked.

U Beotriees rigid, aeiiminate Picl.

J.S Beotriees neitiier rigid nor acu-
minate.
m.' Inner hind toe 5-jointed.

Coccygea (Trogones).
m.> Inner hind toe 2-jointi.'d,

Coccyges (CucuU).
i.2 With webs between bases of anterior toes.
j'.' Gape excessively broad and deeply cleft.

Wings greatly elongated

Macrochires (Capi-hnulgi).
j.' Gape normal. Wings short, concave...

Gallinse {Penelopes).

/i.2 Hind toe elevated Gallinae (.Phasiani).

g.' Bill strongly hooked, with a distinct cere at base.

ft.' Toes2in front Psittaci {exotic species).

A.2 Toes 3 in front, or else outer toe reversible,
i.' Hind toe incumbent.

y.i Eyes directed forward. Outer toe re-
versible A.ccipittes (Sti-iges).

].' Eyes latetal. Outer toe not reversible

(except Pandion) Accipitres (Fahones).

i.' Hind toe short, elevated... Accipitres (Sarcorhamphi).
/.- Lower part of tibia not feathered near joint, or else bill
lengthened and grooved,
ff.i Hind toe, if present, elevated, or else claws ex-
tremely lengthened,
ft.i' Whole head feathered, or else size small (length

less thanlfoot) Limicolae.

7i.2 Part of head naked. Size large (more than 3

feet long) Paludicolae (G^-ues).

g.- Hind toe incumbent, and claws never extremely
lengthened.

ft.' Loral and orbital regions fully feathered

Paludicolae (Ralli).
ft.2 Loral or orbital regions, or both, naked.

»'.' Inner edge of middle claw pectinated

Herodiones {Herodii).
i.' Inner edge of middle claw not pectinated.
J.' Sides of maxilla without trace of lateral

groove Herodiones (Ciconim).

j.' Sides of maxilla with distinct lateral

groove Herodiones Ubides).

e." Anterior toes distinctly webbed.

/.' Legs inserted underneath the equilibrium, the body

being horizontal when in standing position Longipemies,

/.' Legs inserted far backward, the body being more or

less erect when in a standing position Pygopodes (Cepphi).

d." Bill mth distinctly fringed or toothed tomia.

p.' Legs extremely lengthened: bill bent abruptly downward

at the middle Odontoglossae.

e.'' Legs short or but moderately lengthened; 'bill not bent

downwards in middle Anseres.

c' Hind toe connected with the inner one by a web Steganopodes.

b.- Nostrils tubular Tubinares,

a.- Bectriees entirely absent Pygopodes (Podicipedes).

OEDEE PASSERES — THE PASSEEINE BIRDS. 47

Order PASSERES.— The Passerine Birds.

Chaeacteks.— Three toes in front and one behind; the latter well-developed and on a
level with the rest. Bill without a cere, and never distinctly hooked.* Primaries 9 or 10;
secondaries 9; reotriees usually la, 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 Gorvidce 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 or Families op 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.
6'. Primaries obviously 10, or else tip of bill hooked.

c'. 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.
e'. Larger (wing more than 3.01) inches). Young distinctly spot-
ted TurdidsB.

e^. Smaller (wingless than 3.00 inches). Young not spotted

Sylviidae (Sylviince, Begtdinx).
d'. Without rictal bristles. Rectrices much abreviated. Nostrils

linear Cinclidse .

e'. Tarsi not booted, but anterior plates divided for the greater portion
of their length into more or less distinct segments, or "scutellse "
di. Bill strongly hooked Laniidse.

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

48 BIKDS OF ILLINOIS.

(P. Bill not stroncly hooked.

t'. Tarsux lonuor thiin middle toe with claw, or the bill eioDKBt*
ed. not deprossod. oarruwor nt biutu tbun length of culmoD.

/'. Bill modurutnly hooltod ut tip Vireonidee

p. Bill not distinctly hooked at tip.

9'. Tall-fcnthers stifT, pointed ut tip Certliiida.

B'. Tail-feuther« normal.

A'. Nasal feathers directed forward.

i'. Smaller (wing les.s than i.VO Inches).

j'. Bl'l notched. Bul>ulate Sylviiia (PoUoplilinir).

p. Bill without notch, more or less conoid Paridtr

P. Larjrer iwintr more than 4.oii Inches) Corridse.

A'. Nasal feathers erect or inclined backward.

»'. Bill eloncate-conical, culmon straight. First
primary minute, not reocbine to tip of covertA.

Stomids.
i*. Bill not conical, culmen more or less cur\'od.
First primary well developed, extending be-
yond tips of coverts TroglodytidiB.

e'. Tarsus not loncer than middle toe with claw . Bill short, de-
pressed, width at base cvceedhiK lencth of Konys Ampelids

b'. Primarlos apparently only 9, the lip of the bill not hooked.

e'. Bill very short, very broad at base and deeply deft, the cape more
than twice as lone as the culmen. Outer primary more than twice

as lone as (he Innermost Hinmdinida.

I-'. Bill variously formed, but gape never twice as lone as culmen, etc.
Outer primary lo.ss than twice as long as the innermost.

d'. Bill decurved and very acute at lip .CeerebidsB {Certhiola) .

df. Bill not decurved.

e'. Bill not conoid; angle of Konys not forward of the nostril.

p. Tertials elouKatod, reachinK nearly to tip of longest
priniarins. Hind claw nearly as long as, or louger

than, its digit Motacillids.

6'. Terlial.s not elongated, falling far short of tips of longest

primaries. Hind claw much shorter than Its digit. ..Hniotiltidce,
«'. Bill conoid; if slender, the angle of Iho gonys forward of the
nostril.
/'. Bill notched, and with bristles at gape.

O'. Nostril exposed, rounded anteriorly, and without dis-
tinct operculum. Ba-soof tomia not forming a distinct

angle Tanagridte

Q*. Nostril concealed by feathers, or pointed anteriorly
and overhung by a distinct operculum, or base of

tomia forming a distinct angle FringUlidte

p. Bill without notcli, and witlioul bristles at gape Icteridae.

a'. Posterior half of tarsus not compressed, but rounded and divided into dis-
tinct segments, or "sculella>." like the anterior half Alaudidee.

B. Clamatores.

«'. Inner toe entirely free at the base from Iho middle one. Posterior face of

tarsus not reticulate Tyrannidte.

a". Inner too with basal phalanx united to that of middle toe. Posterior face

of tarsus reticulate Cotingidae.

TURDIDa; — THE THRUSHES. 49

Family TURDID^.— The Thrushes.

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

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

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

Turdinae. Gonys more than one third as long as the commissure.
Myadestinas Gonys less than one third as long as the commissure.

Subfamily TURDIN^.— The True Thrushes.

Analysis of GENERA.

o.' Wing less than five times as long as tarsus.

&.= First primary not reaching beyond tips o£ primary coverts. Tail with-
out rufous patch at base.

c.> Tarsus not longer than middle toe with claw Hesperocichla.

C.2 Tarsus decidedly longer than middle toe with claw.

d.' Second quill shorter than fourth. Tail without white at base.

e.' Tail less than three times as long as the tarsus Turdus iRi/locichla).

e." Tail more than three times as long as the tarsus Merula.

d.- Second quill not shorter than fourth. Tail white at base Saxicola.

6.2 First primary reaching beyond tips of primary coverts. Tail with

rufous patch at base Cyanecula.

a.- Wing more than five times as long as the tarsus Sialia.

Of the above genera, only Turdus, Mci-ula, and Sialia are, so far
as known, represented in the Illinois fauna. The typical species of
Turdus are exclusively Old World, a single one (T. 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.

5u uikd8 of illinois.

Genus TUEIDUS Lin.njjus.
Subgenus Hylocichla Biiird.

Bvlociihla Gaiiio. Uovluw Am. B.. 1., 1*4. U. Typo, Tardus mua'.elinut GuHU

The 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 tlieir lengthened tarsi, and with Tnrdus hy the shape
of the wing. The bill is shorter, more (lci)ressed, and broader at
base than in typical Tnrdus, so much so that the 6])ecies have fre-
quently been described under Mtisckapa.

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
Hylocichla?, 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 arc found to be marked with sulheient dis-
tinctness to leave no doubt of their identification. In the field all
three [i. c.fuscescens, swainsojiii, and pallasii] have the same outline
from beak to tail, the same russet coloring above and the same dull
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 Hying, it is impossible to detect any differ-
ence in them."

*Mr. Moiita«rue Chamberlain, In the Canadian Sportsman and yaturalitt. Vol. ill..
Ho. 1, JanuaiT. 1883. pp. I!01-ai3.

TURDID^ — THE THEUSHES. 51

Key to the species of Eastern North America.

Common Chakactehs.— Above plain brown: beneath white, more or less spotted
with brown or dusky. Young, with the upper parts, including wing-coverts, spotted and
streaked with yellowish fulvous.

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

1. T. mustelinus. Above cinnamon-brown, brighter and more rufous
on the crown, more olive on the tail; beneath, including the sides,
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 .<«-.75, tarsus
1.20-1.30, middle toe .70-.75.

a-. Sides uniform grayish or brownish, without distinct spots; jugulum. etc.,
more or less tinged with buff. Culmen .60 or less, and wing usually less than
4.25.

6', Second primary shorter than fltth, the fourth longest. Tail and upper

coverts rufous, in decided contrast with the olive of the back, etc. A

distinct buff orbital ring.

2. T. aonalaschkae pallasii. Jugulum with very large triangularspots 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).

V^. Second primary much longer than fifth, the third longest. Tail and
upper coverts, not noticeably different in color from the other upper
parts.

c'. A distinct buff orbital ring,

3. T.ustulatus 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 lar^e triangular spots of dusky. 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).

c^. No trace of light orbital ring.

4. T. aliciae. Very similar to 3. ustulatxis swainsonii, but buff of jug-
ulum. etc., usually very much paler, and buff orbital ring wholly ab-
sent, the whole side of the head nearly uniform grayish.

a aliciae. 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).

/3 bicknelli. Wing 3.40-3.80 (average 3.65), tail 2.60-2.70 (2-75), culmen
.59-.52 (.51), tarsus 1.10-1.25 (1.13), middle toe .65-.70 (.68).
Bill more slender, and colors usually darker.
6. T. fuscescens. Above uniform fulvous-brown or tawny, jugulum
creamy buff, marked with small cuneate spots or streaks of brown,
somewhat darker than the crown. Two races, as follows:
a fuscescens . Above light fulvous-brown, or tawny: 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.)

^ 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 Boeky
Mountains).

5'A BIHDB OF ILLINOIS.

Tiirdus mustelinus (Gmol.)

WOOD THRUSH.

Popular 8ynonym«.-I5oll TbrusU: Bell liird; Wood Robin: Orlve des BoIr nnd
Morlo luiiiiD (Cunadiun Frenchi.

Turdiix iHKs/^diiK.i Omei,. S. N. 1, 1788. 817.— NuTT. Mnn. 1, 1832. 313. -AuD. Orn. BloB. I,
\Ki-2. sn: V, ISItn. HG. pi. 73: B. Am. 111. IU\.-M. pi. U4.-BAIBD. B.'N. Am. 1818. 21i: Cttt.
N. Am. B. 1K39, No. US: Kovlew. \im. IH.-Couek. Key. ISTi, Ti: Chock Ll»l. iwn. No.
3: 2d od. 1882. No. C: B. N. W. 1874, 2.-B. B. & U. Hist. N. Am. B. I, 1871, 7. pi. 1. Kle. 1.

Titrdim {Hi/locirhla) niustelimia CouES. B. Col. Val. 1S78, 28.

Ilylociehla mnstrUua ItiDOW. Proc. U. S. Nut. Miis. ill, ISSO. 166: Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 1.

Turdus melodus WiLS. Am. Orn. i, 1808, :t5. pi. 2. FIk. 1.

run. F.anteni United ytatas and British Provinces la summer, brooding throughout.
In winter. Mexico, (iiiatemala, Cuba, and Bermuda!).

8p. Cii. .\bovo bricht tawny clnnamon-tirown. more rufescent anteriorly, more (trajr-
Ish posteriorly; aurlculars streaked white and dusky. Lower parts white, the breast and
sides with lareo blackish spots.

Adult in stuiiiner: Above cinnamon-brown, becoming bright tawny rufous on the
head, the color clearer and somewhat lighter ou the eorvl.t; wings loss reddish than the
back, nimp still more olivaceous, and tail decidedly grayish brown. A pure wliite orbital
ring: lores grayish white, more gray Immediately In (ront of the eye; aurlculars dusky,
distinctly streaked with whitish. A white malar stripe, curving upward beneath the au-
rlculars. the anterior portion speckled with dusky. Entire lower parts white, usually
somewhat tinged with buff on the breast; sides of throat bounded by a stripe of aggre-
gated blackish cuncate streaks; jugulum marked with distinct cuneate or deltoid, the
breast and sides with larger, broader. Inversely corJate, spots of black : abdomen and
crissum iinmnculate: thront 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
pule brown. Wing 4.10— 1.50; tail, 3. 00-3.. ■«): culmen, .70— .75: tarsu.s, 1.20— 1.30; middle
toe, .70— .75.

Adult in tci'iter: Similar, but jugulum more decidedly tinged with bull.

Yoima.fii-.it plumage: Similar to the adult, but feathers of the plleum nnd back with
paler (ochracuous) shaft-streaks; middle wing-coverts with terminal triangular spots of
ochraceou". the greater coverts narrowly tipped with the same; spots on breast, etc., less
sharply defined.

Specimens of this species vary considerably in the intensity of the
color of the upper surface, the variation involving Imtb 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 sjjecimens this color is quite as evident as in most
autiininal or winter exiimples. The spots on the breast and sides
also vary much in size and exact shape, being larger :ind 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.

TUBDID^ — 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 Eobin, 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
grotind. 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 Eobin, except in
size, being considerably smaller.

Turdvis fuscescens Steph.

WILSON'S THRUSH,

Popular synonyms.— Tawny Thrush; Veery.

Turdun mustelinus WrLS. Am. Orn. v, 18ia, 98, pi. 43, fig. 3 (nee Gmee.).

Tardus fiifsceaceiis Steph. Shaw's Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 18'?.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1S53, 214;^

Cat. N.Am. B. 1859, No. 151; Review, 1864, 17.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,

9, pi. i,flg. 5.— CouES, 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 Bidgw. Proe. U. S. Nat. iii, ISSit, 1()6: Norn. N. Am., 1881, No. 2.
Tardus wUsnni. Bonap. Jour. Phila. Ac. iv. 1824. 34.— AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 362, pi. 164;

Synop. 1839, 90; B. Am. iii. 1811, 27, pi. 145.
Merula minor Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 179, pi. 36.
Tardas hrunneus Bkewer, Jour. Best. Soc. vi, 1852, 304.

Hab. Eastern United States and British Provinoes; wintering in the Southern States
and in Cuba, aud breeding in the northern portions of its range. (Replaced in the Rocky
Mountains by the allied race T. fuscescens salicicolus).

51 BIRDS OF IU.IMOIS.

Sr. Cb. Above UDlform, rutlier lielit (uIvoub brown, varylDB in preclBO t>hu<le: no
trace ot u IlKbtor orbitul-rlni;. tliu bidos of the bead boluK uearly uulfurm m'avlHb, a» in
T.alicia: Jueulum and posttirior iiortlon of tliroiit crcaiuv bufT, wlili uunuuttt 8pc>t» of
brown, usiiuUy ii llttli- darker tban tbu color of the crown, thcpe murkiiiKs narrower and
more di^itluct antoriurly: cbin and upper part of throat, nearly white, iiumuculuto, but
bordered alunu oaeb side by a longitudinal series of brown HtroakH.bomeliujvs blended
Into a Hinelo stripe, below an lll-dellned whitt.sb or bulTy malar stripe: lores pale eruylsb
or Krayisli white; auriculars darker and more brownish. Bides of breast, sides, and
flanks. Ilicht brownish gray, the sides of the breast sooiotlines faintly spotted with a
deeper shade, but fretiuently uniform; tlbliu grayish white in front, brown on posterior
side: rest of lower parts pure white. ISill du.'^ky, the basal half of the mandible paler;
iris dark brown: tarsi pale brown (in skin), toes darker. Wing '■•."5-4.15 H.MI; tall J.7i>-3.3i>
(3.«); tarsus 1.05-1.25 (1.15); middle toe .ti5-.72 (.69); culmeo icxposed portion) .5i-.W (.5«).*

In sutnmer, the colors paler: in fall and winter, the brown above brlehter, the bull of
juuulum deeper, and spots darker.

'First tilmnaoe: female. Above brieht rcddish-bulT. deepest on back and rump;
feathers of pileum, nape, back, and wlnc-covorts mareined with dark brown, conllnInK
the lighter color to somewhat Indefinitely doflned central drop-shaped spots. Lores and
line from lower mandible alontt sides of throat, dark sooty-brown: throat, sides and
abdomen pale brownish-yellow with indistinct transverse bands of brown: breast deep
bulT, each feather edged broadly with dull sooty-brown; anal reKlon dirty white. In my
collection, taken lu Cumbridne, Mass., July 23, isii.' (Bbewsteji. 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 bull" color and the disliuctucss of the spots
or streaks on the jugulum and sides of throat ; the latter are occa-
sionally, but rarely (as in No. G30u8 3, Massachusetts, and 2115 5,
Pennsylvania), very small and no darker in color than the upper
parts.

^Yil8on'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 AUeghanies, where, at the
proper altitude it spends the summer. According to Dr. Brewer
{Hht. N. Am. B., I, p. 10; "it is timid, distrustful, and retiring;
delighting in shady ravines, the edges of tliick, 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 unfrcquently prolonged until quite late
in the evening, and, in consequence, in some portions of Massa-

'Extreme and average measurements of IG adults.

TUEDID^ — THE THRUSHES. 55

ehusetts these birds are distinguished by the name of Nightingale, —
a distinction due rather to the season than to the high quahty of
their song."

This estimate of the song of the Tawny Thrush is shared by Mr.
Chamberhxin, who says (L 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 Eidgw.

WILLOW THRUSH,

Popular synonyms.— Rocky Mountain Veery.

Turdus fuscescens Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 922, 927 (Ft. Bridger, Wyoming).— Allen.
Bull. M. C. Z. iii. 1872, 155, 173 (Mts. of Colorado).— Bidgw. Bull. Essex Inst. 1873,
172 (Salt Lake Valley, Utah); Bull. Essex Inst. 1873,179 (Colorado); (6. 1875, 35(Provo
B.,Utah); Orn. 40th Paral. 1874,398 (valleys of Bear, Provo, and Weber B's, Utah;
breeding).— Henshaw, Ann. Lye. N. Y. xi, 1874 (Utah); Hep. Wheeler's Exp. 1874,
39, 56, 71 (do.); Zool. Wheeler's Exp. 1875, 148 (Denver & Ft. Garland, Colorado;
breeding).- CouES, B. N. W. 1874, 5 (part).

Turdus [Ilulocichla] fuscescens CouES. B. Col. Val. 1878, 39 (part).

Sylocichla fuscescens salicicola Bidgw. Pr. U. 8. Nat. Mus. vol. 4, Apr. 10, 1882, 374.

Turdus fuscescens salicicolus CouEs, 2d Key, 1884, 246.

Hab. Rooky 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.

Ch.— Similar to T./«scesce«.s, but averaging decidedly larger, the upper parts much
less tawny,andthe jugulum less distinctly buff. Wing 3.80-4.25 (4.02); tail2. 95-3. 40 (3.20);
culmen .55-. 60 (.57n tarsus 1.15-1.28 (1.17); middle toe .65-. 75 (.69).*

Adult in spring: Above uniform russet-oUve, (much as in T.ustulatus): jugulum and
lower part of throat pale buff, as in ustulatus, much lighter than in fuscescens, the mark-
ings, however, small and narrow as in the 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.

5b UUIDS OF ILLINOIS.

Adull iu fall and iriii/cr: Abovo dnrkor. more umbur, browD; iuiiulum and lower part
and Hldus of tbroiit doopur bufT. with mui'b durkor »pot8.

The general appearance of this bird at iirst glance is more that
of T. uxtiiliitiis than true T. fttgcescens, the upper parts and anterior
lower parts heing quite similarly colored. A close examination, how-
ever, immediately reveals radical difTereuces, the most important of
which 18 the total absence of any light orbital ring, which is always
present, and very distinct, in ttitulatm. The wings and tail, instead
of being appreciably more rufescent than the back and rump are,
on the other hand, less so ; the buflf of the jugulum gives way very
abruptly to the ash-gray on the sides of the l)reast, and the spots
end (juite 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 mtuhtlus 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 light
grayish in the present bird, and deep brownish bulT in usttilaliis.

The dill'erences from typical fuscesccns of the Atlantic States, as
indicated in the above diagnosis, are exceedingly constant.

A specimen from Chicago, 111., in the collection of H. K. Coale,
of that city, (No. 15(J8, Coll. II. K. C, Sept. IG), 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 T. 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 fusccsctiis.

This form was named salicicolu^ on account of its marked predi-
lection for willow thickets, to which, along the streams in the val-
leys and lower canons 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. 23i}.)

TURDID^ — 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 aliciae Baird.

GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH.

Popular synonyms. Alice's Thrush.

Turdus alicia;. Bated, B. N. Am. 1858, 217; ed. 18(11, pi. 81. fig. 2; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.

134; Review, 1864.21.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, ii, pi, i. flg. .3.
Tardus swainsoni var. aliciw CouES, Key, 1872, 7.S; Cheek List, 1S7S, No. 5a.
Tardus swaiasouii b. aliciie C:UEs B. N. W. 1874, 4; B. Col. Tal. 1878, 35.
Turdus ustulatus alicice CouES. 2nd Check: List, 1882, No. 12.

Eylocicldaalickc BiDG-w.Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. ill. 1880,160; Nom. N. Am. B. 1880,
No. 3.
Hab. Arctic and subarctic America in summer, from Labrador to Alaska (Pacific
coastj; passing through the eastern United States during migrations, and wintering in
Central America, south to Colombia; eastern Siberia.

Sp. Ch. 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.
Jugulumwith lower parts and sides of throat marked with rather small triangular spots
ot dusky. Wing, 3.S5-4.40 (4.18); tail, 2.85-3.25 (3.05); culmen, .50-58 (.54); tarsus, 1.15-1.25
(I.IU); middle toe, .63- .72 (.09).*

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 ot dusky, these markings more
cuueate anteriorly, and forming a nearly continuous submalar stripe along each side of
throat, the extreme posterior spots decidedly transverse; breast marked with transverse
spots of olive-gray, like the color of the sides. Bill black, 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.

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

Turdus alic'uE is apparently a very near ally of T. fuscesccns, with
which it agrees much more closely in measurements and in pattern
of coloration, than with T. ustulatus swainsonii 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, etc. Some specimens
of alicia and swaiiisoiiii are identical in the color of the upper parts,

*Extreme and average measurements of 38 adults.

58 UIRDS OK ILLINOIS.

but a large majority of the former species are decidedly darker itnd
less brown, appearing on actual comparisou almost gray m con-
ti'ast.

There is the usual range of individual variation in this species,
affecting not only the color but the proportions also ; hut I
have been uualile to discover any variation with locality, althun^'h
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.

rirst described in 1858 from specimens obtained at West North-
field, Illinois, 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 especially under its appro-
priate heading. (See T. alic'ue hichiieUi, page o'.»).

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 T. itstuldtus swainsniiii, although its rela-
tionship to T. fuscescens are in some respects equally close. The
eggs ai-e 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 he quite diirtinetive, 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.

TURDID^— THE THRUSHES. 59

Turdus aliciaB bicknelli (Eidgw.)

BICKNELL'S THKUSH.

Uulocichla alicia; bicknelli RiDGw. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. Vol. 4, Apr. 10. 1882, 377.— BiCK-
NELL, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, July, 188i, pp. 152-159 (habits).— Brewsiee, ib. Jan.. 1883,
pp. 12-17 (critical).
Turdus aliclai bicknelli CouES, 2d Key, 1884, 248.

Hab. Higher mountains of the northeastern United States, from the Catslcilla and
Adirondacks. In New York, to the White mountains of New Hampshire; breeding from an
elevation of 4.0DU feet upward. StragglertoIUinoisi Warsaw, May 24, 1884; Chas.K. Wortheu).

SuBSP. CHAE. Similar to T«c(Z«s alicim Baird, but much smaller and (usually) with
the bill more slender.- Wing, 3.40-3.80 (3.05); tail, 2.00-2.90(2.75); culmen, .50-.52 (.51); tarsus.
1.10-1.25 (1.13); middle toe, .65-.70 (.08).

The seven specimens upon which this new race is based are uniformly very much
.smaller than true T. alicia; with slenderer bills, and present also certain slight butrather
indefinite peculiarities of coloration. After a very 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. Biekneli found the
present bird breeding in company with T.vstulatusswainsoniia,ndT.aonalaschkcepallasii,
and having very distinctive habits and notes as compared with the two species in question),
have the upper parts much browner than in alicia: with the wings and tail appreciably
more reddish. In fact, tlie general aspect of the upper parts approaches more closely
that of T. ustulatus, but the shade is much darker and less fulvous, while, as in typical
aliciiB, there is no trace of a lighter orbital ring. The bill is 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
concave. In fact, the bill in these specimens is much like that of the Nightingale (Lus-
cinia Philomela) in shape, butwith even a more prominent angle at the base of the gonys,
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
(Cmcius) in miniature.

This newly discovered race, was first obtained on the Catskill
Mountains by Mr. Eugene P. Biekneli, to whose kindness I am in-
debted for the privilege of describing it. Mr. Biekneli 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-
tail 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.

GO

mUDS OK ILLINOIS.

Turdus ustiilatus swainsonii ^Cab.)

OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH.

Popular synonyms.— Swuliisiiu'ii Thrush; Bwiimp Itobin (Now KiiKlan'l).

Tunlun .■iiniinnnhii Cahan. Fiiun. Por. I8i.'.-4fi. 1S7.— Uaibd, B. N. All), ltr.8. 216; Cut. N.
Am. 15. IHJ'i, No. IM; Hovlew, IHIH, I'J.-Coukh, Key, IliTJ. T': Chock I.l«t. IHTJ. No. S:
B. N. W. I«;i. 4; B. Col. Val. 1K7S. ;H.-B. B. * It.. HUI. N. Am. B. I. 1KT4. U. pi. 1. Ili{. t.

JIulociclila iistiiliila swaitisoni RiDuw. Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. Ill , l-Wi, Hit: Norn. N. Am.
B. IWI. No. In.

TurdiiK nntnlaliis mcainsoni Coueb, 2(1 Koy, 1884,248.

Has. Eiistorn North America. includlDK thu Iloek)r Hountnin dlKtrlct. woKt to the
border of thi> Orent Basin: broedinK in the British Province.') ami far Houlhward in
the Rocky Mountains: winterinx in moulhoro Union Statu!',* Central America and
various parl.s of South America (Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, etc.).

8r. Cii. Adult. Above uniform olive-brown, more eraylsh in acme oxampleB;
a very di.^tinct orbital riuK of bulT; supralorul Rtripu. malar rcclon, chin. Ihroat. and juk-
ulum. liKhl liulT. UHually deepest toward sides of head and neck. Jueulum thickly marked
with very broad triangular spots of dusky brown (much darker than the color of the
crown), these marklncs more cunente anteriorly, and continued alonir sides of the throat
In a series of loneitudinal dashes, usually blended into u more or less continuous sub-
malar stripe, narrower and unbroken anteriorly: chin and upper part of throat immacu-
hito: sides of breast, side.s. and flanks, oIlvuceous-Kray; rest of lower parts pure while:
breast marked with distinct transverse spots of deep brownish cray; tibia' lluht brownish
«ray. A.\illar8 and lining of wiuK deep drayish fulvous, ml.xed with ochracoous. Kill
ilusky, brts;il half of mandible pale (dull llesli-color in life): interior of mouth rich yellow
(in life); iris dark brown; tarsi and toes pale brownish, the latter darker. Loneth, 7.— 7 ia;
extent of wines. 11.5(1— 12.25: wine, 3.8()-4 1" (3.9G); tail, 2.8(»-3.10(2.!l5): culmen, .50— .55
(.52): tarsus, 1 (15-1.18(1.10): middle toe. .(!5-.?2 (.69).t

"First iiUiinaoi'- Male. Above" much darker than adult, each feothor, exceptine on
rump and tail-coverts, with a tear-shaped spot of rich bulT; 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.. Aueust 4, 1874." (Buewsteb, Bull. Nutt. Oru. Club. .Tan., 1878, p. 18.)

Among a large series of specimeus there is miicii variation in the
precise shacie of color of the upper parts, some heing much grayer
than others. As a rule, examples from the Eocky Mountains are
appreciahly grayer than those from the East, and in the case of
two or tlireo the difference is very decided; but after a careful com-
parison I find that that the ditfcrt'iico is not sullicieutly constant to
warrant varietal distinction, especially since the measurements of
the two series coincide very closely. I

•The only record the author has seen Is that of Mr. W. W. Cooke, in the Ontiihnlo'jist
ami Oi'lnoi."!. for Oecember. 18sl. p. .s.i, to the effect that this species has been found win-
terinein (ho Mississippi bottom, Illiuois,

t E.\treme and averace measurements of 14 examples.

1 A series includine 5 males and 2 females from the Eastern States and Rocky Moun-
tains averaee us follows:

Wine. Tall. C'lmen Tarsus M. toe

Eastern specimens.
Western

3%
.S.M

2 92

.52
.52

1.12
1.09

.(i9
.139

Seven specimens measured.

TDEDID^ — THE THRUSHES. 61

A specimen said to be from San Francisco (No. 39i68 ; F. Bisch-
off) agrees exactly with eastern specimens. There may be an
error in the locahty, or it may be an accidental straggler.* Three
specimens from the Yukon region in Alaska (50146, Kamen-
sichta, May 31, W. H. Dall; 73227, Ft. Yukon, June 22, L.
M. Turner; and 81106, Anvik, lower Yukon, May or June, E. W.
Nelson), are more grayish, like Kocky Mountain examples.

Extralimital specimens are from Tehuantepec, Guatemala, Costa
Eica, and Ecuador (55335, Arehidona, Eio 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 occiirs simply as a
migrant. It breeds from northern New England north well into the
more southern parts of the region inhabited by T. alicicE, 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 Eocky 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 ihountains of Utah, is simple and brief, but very sweet, though
less so than that of either T. fuscescens saUcicolus or T. aonalaschkce.

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 : t "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.

t Ornithology of the 4lith Parallel, pp. 397, 39S.

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

62

BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the extenial parts, but in the walls twigs of spruce, bits of lichens
and (Irietl leaves are mixed with the grass and all are woven into
a solid mass, very firm and strong. The lining is formed by a luj-cr
of line grass interwoven with pieces of a black, vine-like root, nil
neatly laid ; over these, at the bottom, is a layer of skeleton leaves.
The moasunments are: Depth, inside, II inches; width at mouth,
'2:| inches ; outside, the diameter is irregular, varying from lA 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 (iilbert found one in 187.S 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 aonalaschksD pallasii (Cab.)

HERMIT THRUSH.

Popular synonyms.— Eastern neriuit Tliriisli: IJufous-talled Thrush ; Swamp Robin,
or Gruuiul Swiimp liobln (Now EiikIiiikJi: Solitiiry Thrush.

Turdus soUlarius (not of Lisx.) WiLS. Am. Orn. v. 1812, 95 (not pi. 43, Og. 2, whlch=

jtirain.iom').— AUD. Synop. IX)!). 'M: 1). Am. iii, IWI. 29. pi. H6.
Mernla soUlaria Sw. & UicH. F. li. A. II, 1831. 184, p1. ";«" (=,37).

Turdus minor (not of Gm.) Nutt. Miin. 1. 1832, 34«.-AuD. Orn. Blog. I. 1832, ,3(8, pi. 58.
Turdus pallasii Caban. Wlegm. Archlv. 1847. 1. 205.— Baird. B. N. Am. IS58. 212; Tat. N.

Am. B. 1&59. No. 149; Review, 18ii4, 14,— COUES, Key, 1872, 72; Cheek LUt. 1873. No. 4;

B, N. W. 1874, 2: B. Col. Val. 1878, 2«,-B. B, & U, Hist. N, Am. B. 1. 1874, IS, pi, 1. (Ik. 6.
Turdus aonalaschka: pallasi, BiDow. Proo. U. 8. Nat. Mus. Vol. ill, Mureh 22, IsSii, 1,
Hi/hcichta unalasca: pallasi BiDOW. Proo. U. 8, Nat. Mus. ill, 1880, Itifi. Norn. N. Am. B,

1880, No. Sb.
Tttrdua unalasar nanus CouES, 2d Check List, 1882, No. 10.

Had. Eastern North America, brcedinc chiefly north of the United States ami win-
terine in the more southern States, or from about the parallel of 4fl' to the Gulf const.
Represented In western North America by the allied races audnboni (Rocky Mountain
district) and uonalasclikw (Pacific const).

Sv. Cii. Second primary shorter than fifth. Tail much mora reddish than back.
Wing. 3.40-3.90 (3. (>t): tail. 2.55-3.15 (2.88): culmen, M-M(.Si): tarsus. 1.15-1. 30 (1.19); middle
toe, .65-. 75 (.70).*

• Extreme and avorace measurements of 21 adults. The average of 32 adults meas-
ured by Mr. Henshaw(r/. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club) is slightly dKTeront, being, wing, 3.t;i; tail,
2.87; culmon, .53; tardus, 1.15. Though the sexes are not constantly dilTi>runt In dimen-
sions, the .Is usually a little the smiillor. as the following averages of 16 males and 8
females will show:

Wing.

Tall.

Culmen.' Tarsus.

1

Middle
too.

Males

3.71
3.57

3.00
2.77

.55
.5»

1.21
1.17

70

TUKDID^ — THE THRUSHES. 63

Adult in spring and early summer. Above uniform olive-brown, changing to dull
einnamon-rutous on the tail, the upper tail-eoverts of an intermediate tint; outer portion
of tlie wings more rusty than the back, but much less rufous than the tail. A very
distinct orbital ring of palo buff; aurioulars and suborbital region dull grayish brown, in-
distinctly streaked with paler. Lower parts dull white, purer on the 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 cuueate; sides of the neck with cuneate streaks of dark brown or blackish,
narrower and more Unear anteriorly, where they form a well defined stripe or "bridle"
along eaeh side of the tlu-oat: 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; tibiae olive-brown.

Adult in fall and 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.

"Fu-st plumage: female. Eemiges 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-flfths of the parts where it occurs; rest of under parts, with
exception of abdomen and crissum. which with the central region of the throat are im-
maculate, crossed transversely with lines of dull black. From a specimen in my collec-
tion shot at Upton, Me., June 20, 1873. This bird was very young.— scarcely able to fly.
infact,— yet the color of the rectrices is suliiciently characteristic to separate it at once
from the corresponding stage of 7'. svainsoni, which it otherwise closely resembles.
Another specimen of apparently nearly the same age. taken at Rye Beach, N. H., July 25,
1872, differs in having a decided reddish or rusty wash over the entire plumage, and by
the spots on the breast being brownish instead of blaek." (Bkewster, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club. 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 T. 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 Rockey Mountain form of T. fascescens.
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. 134-139.

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
bu-d, however, in all parts of its range, the Eocky Mountain region

64

BLBOS UF UXINOIS.

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

The "Oroinul Swaiup Kobin," as this species is known in parts of
New Eiighmd in contradistinction from its relative, the Olive-backed
ed Thrush, (called "Swamp Eobin") breeds from Massachnsetts north-
ward, and passes the winter from the Middle States, or from about the
parallel of KT to the Gulf coast. It has been found common in winter in
vicinity of Washington, D. C, during the severest weather, the mercury
registering -1C°. Most of the habits of this species arc very similar to
those of its congeners. Its song is said by Dr. Brewer to be "very
line, 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 Meriila Leach.

Menila LBAcn, Syst. Cat. Miunm. and Birds. ISIC. p. 20. Type. Turrinn merttla Linn.

Gen. CiiAii. Tail about four-llfths n8 lone as the wine and more than throe times as
lone as the tarsus. sliBhtly roiindod; tarsus a little lontior thtin commissure. oxcocillnB
middle too and <daw by U'ss than the lencth of the latter; 3d. 4th, and r>th quills loncest.
the 'Jd about equal to the Cth, never much loneer or shorter. 3d to nth quIUs with outer
widjs sinuated. Outstretched feet not reachinK beyond the middle of the tail. Plumaeo
variable, but never distinctly spotted beneath, except In young. Sexes sometimes very
dilTerent in plumace.

The above characters apply equally well to the type species, M.
memla (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 (.1/. mhjmlorin) and the 3/. coiijinis (Baird) of
Lower California, the latter being very distinct.

TUEDID^ — THE THRUSHES. 65

Merula migratoria (Linn.)

AMERICAN ROBIN.

Popular synonyms— Eobin; Eobin Red-breast; Mijjratory Thrush; Eobin Thrush;
Red-breasted Thrush; American or Carolina Fieldfare.

Turdux migratorius Linn. S. N. i, 1766, 292.— Wilson, Am. Orn. i, 1808. 35, pL 2, flg. 2.—

NUTT. Man. i. 1832. 338.- AUD. Orn. BiOK. ii, 1834, 190, v, 1839, U2, pi. 131; Synop.

18.39. 89: B. Am. iii, 1841, 14, pi. 142.— Baikd. B. N. Am. 1853, 218; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859.

No. 155; Review, 1864, 28.— CouEs, Key, 1872, 71; Check List, 1873, No. 1: 2d ed.

1882. No. 1; B. N. W. 1874, 1, 228; B. Col. Tal. 1878, 8.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i,

1874, 25, pi. 2, fig. 3.
Mei-ula migratoria Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 176.— Ridgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,

No. 7.

Hab. Breeding throughout northern and eastern Norlh 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. Ch. Adult f, 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-eoverts also darker
centrally but this mostly concealed; primaries, primary-coverts, and alulffi, black,
narrowly but distinctly edged with ash-gray. Tail uniform slate-black, the two outer
feathers with inner webs distinctly tipped with white, Jugulum, breast, entire sides,
upper part of abdomen, axiflars. 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 lo.-ii;
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 a little paler and duller in 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 scarcely or not at all darker than the back, the upper
parts being uniform dull gray; breast, etc., reddish ochraceous, much mixed with white
posteriorly, the jugulum tinged with ashy. A more or less distinct supra-auricular streak
of white.

Toung 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

G6 BIRDS OK ILLINOIS.

Among a Inr^'c scries of Bpcoimons, bucIi as tliat contained in the
U. B. Katiiiual Mubcuiu, tliire is of course, a very eouhiderable
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 achilt male olitained 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
coverts and alulie 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 fuUy
adult male.

The palest colored individual is a female from the District of Colum-
bia, obtained October 15 (No. 59,30 J ; D. W. Prentiss), and in the i)lu-
mage described above as that of the young in first autumn. The
entire npper 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 redchsh ochraceous, strongly shaded
with ash-gi'ay across the jugulum, and posteriorly broken into large
spots by the broad white borders to the feathers.

The habits of the American Kobin 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 deli\er8 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 I'cpetition; and the twilight seems to make him all the more
vociferous. However, "with all his faults, we love hira still."
No American orchard would be complete without its pan- of Robins,

TURDID^ — 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, ZooI. Jour, iii, Sept. 18'i7, 173. Type, MotaciUa 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 forlied. 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." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

Common Chakacteks. Adult male bright blue above, beneath cinnamon and white (S.
sialis), blue and chestnut (S. niexicana), or blue and white {S. 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 S. arctica, breast, etc., grayish drab).
Young, with the grayish or dusliy upper parts spotted or streaked with whitish, and
the whitish lower parts squamately spotted with dusky.

qI. Breast and sides chestnut or cinnamon.

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

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

6°. Breast and sides turquoise-blue.

3. S, arctica. Upper parts rich azure-blue; belly white. Bal). Western U. S., 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 akeady been recorded
as occurring in the State, while the third {S. mexicana) is said to
have 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.

G8 UIRDB OF ILUNOIS.

Sialia sialis ^Liuu.)

BLDEBIRD.

Fopolu syaonym.— Eastern BlueLiird.

MotaciUa sialis Linn. 8. N. ed. 10. i. 17M. VT,; ed. 12, 1. 176C. S36.
t>uliia sialis L\TH. InJ. Orn. 11. 17J0, 5i!.— WiLs. Am. Orn. I. 180S. M, pi. 3, (Ik. S.
Ampflis sialis Nutt. Man. I. MiU, Ui.

Sialia sialis Haldem. TreRo'.-* GeoR. Peun. 1813. 77.— Baibd. B. N. Am. 18S8. 22.': Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 158; Review, Idftl, 62.— CouKS, Key, 1872. 70; Cheek IA»U 1873, No. IG:
2d ed. I8S2. No. 27: B. N, W. 1871. 13: B. Col. Val. 1S78. 77.-B. B. i R. Hint. N. Am. B.
1. 1874. 62, III. 5. lie 3.-RIDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 18S1. No. 22.
Sialia wilsonii Swains. ZoOl. Jour. 111. 1827. 173.- Sw. Si Kicu. F. B. A. II. 1831, 210.

Hab. Eastern North America, west to the eastern base or the Rockr Mountains, north
to British Provinces. Breeds throughout Its normal ranite, and winter." in most portions
of the eastern U. 8. Resident in BermudiL

"Bp. Chab. Entire upper parts, int'ludini; winifs and tall, continuous and uniform
azure-blue: the cheeks of a duller tint of the same. Beneath reddish brown; the abdo-
men, anal reRion, and under tail-coverts white. Bill and feet black. Shafts of the quills
and tail feathers black. LonRth. 6.75: winR. 4.oo; lull. 2!«l.

"Yuiinf}. Male.s of the yeardull brown on head, buck, and lesser coverts; streaked,
except on head, with white. Throat and fore pari of breast streaked with white. Tertlals
edeed with brown. Rest of coloration somewhat like adult.'

So well known are the liahits of the common, familiar Bluebird,
that little need be said here on the subject. Partially miKratory
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. Few birds in the whole world possess as many attractive
features as the Bluebird. With the confiding familiarity of the
European Robin Redbreast {Kritlutcim ruJivcula), it is adorned with
a pluniiige 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 tboy 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, Coale, MS,)

TUKDID^ — THK THEUfeHES. 69

Sialia arctica (Swains.)

MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD.

Popular synonyms.— Arctic Bluebird; Rocky Mountain Bluebird.

Erythaca [Sialia] arctica Sw. & Rich. F. E. A. ii, 1831, 209, pi. 39.
SialiM. arctica NuTi. Man. ii, 183-1, 573; ed. 2, i, 1840, 514.— AUD. Synop. 1839, 84; B. Am. ii,
1841, 176, pi. 1:36.— Bated, B. N. Am, 1858, 224; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 160; Rev-ew, 1864.
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, pi. 5, flg. 4.— Ridgw. Nom.
N. Am. B. ISSl. No. 24.
Sylvia arctica AuD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839. 38, pi. 393.

Hab. Western mountain districts of North America, north to lat. 64'n°, south nearly, or
Quite, to the Mexican boundary, at high elevations.

"Sp. Chak. 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 som'Himes a
narrow front whitish; elsewhere replaced by brown. Length. 6.25; wing. 4.36; tail, 3.00.
'1875.)

"Toung. Male birds are streaked with white, as in S. 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 isabeUa-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 Eocky 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. mexieana) 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.

Subfamily MYADESTIN.ffi.— The Solitaires.

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

(t» uiitns or ILLINOIS.

Ptilo<ii»i;ig. Its true relntionship, however, is decidedly witli the
Turdidie, to which its hooted tarsi, its haLits, the spotted plumajju
of its younj;, and many otlier characters ally it clu.sc-ly.
The ouly North American geuus is the following:

Genos MYADESTES Swainson.

ituadeslea Bwaikson. Jard. Nat. Library, xlll., Flycatchers, "1838." 1S2. Type. .V.
gfniharhis 8w,

"Gen. Chab. Occipital reatliers full and soft PlamaKO rather loose. IJlll weak,
mnch depressed. Commlssuro neiirly straicht. Hind toe loricer than inner liUural. TofS
deeply cleft. Closed wlnis externally with an exposed lieht baml across the base of tlie
Quills, and another nearer the end, separated by a darker one. Toil somewhat ^aduatod
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 pecuUar to islands
of the West Indies." (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Myadestes townscndi (.Vud.)

TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIHE.

Popular synonyms.— Townsend's Flycatcher, or Flycatchlng Thrush; Townsond's.
PtlloKonys.

Ptilogoni/s loinifendi AuD. Orn. Biosr. v, 1819. 200, pi. 419, lie. 2; Synop. 1839, 46; B. Am. 1.
1840, 243, pi. CO.— NOTT. Man. 2d ed. t, 18«0,361.

Myadestes (oioi.'Jenc/ii Caban. Wleprm. Archlv. 1847. 1., 208.— BArRD, B.N.Am. 1858, 321:
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 2.'io; Uoviow. IsiW, 429.-CouEs, Key, is?-', 117; Chock List.
1873. No. 121; 2d od. 1882, No. ItW; B. N. W. 1874. 93; B. Col. Val. lh7C, 44.-B. B. & K
Hist. N. Am. B. I. 1874. 106. pi. 18. tigs. 3,4.— BiDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 25.

Hab. Western Mountain districts of the United States, from the Me.xIcan boundary to
British Columbia. (Accidental straKirler to northern Illinois.)

"Sp. Chab. Tall rather deeply forked. Exposed portion of spurious quill less than
one third that of the second: fourth 'lulll lonsest: second u little lonuer than thosLxlh.
Head not oroslod. Qenonil color brownish ash, paler beneath: under winc-coverts white.
Quills with u brownish yellow bar at the base of both webs, mostly concealed, but show-
InK a little below the Kreater coverts and uluijc: this succeeded by a bar ofdu^ky, and
next to it another of brownish yellow across the outer webs of the central cmills 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
rlnc round the eye. Length, 8 inohes; wing. l.-IO; tall, ;'.S5. (8.2:14.)

"Young birds have a large triangular pale-ocliraceous 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.)

TURDIDiE — THE THBUSHES. 71

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 tbat it was eat-
ing the seeds of the common black thorn-apple {Cratagus 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 {Tv.rdus musicus) of Europe.

72 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Famtt.t SYLVITD^.-Tite Warhlf.rb.

CnARACTRRS. There is very little by which to distinguish the
birds of this Family from the Turdidio, beyond the very much smaller
size and the unspotted plumage of the young. Of the so-called
subfamilies here recognized, the PolioptiUme 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.

The so-called subfamilies may be distinguished as follows :

d.' Wines loDKer tban the nearly even or emaiRinate tail. Anterior tarsal
envelope conllniious for the Krenter part of its extent. No white on t^ill.

6.' Nostrils oxposetl. Scutelln! distinct on inner side of tarsus Sylviinee

h.' Nostrils concealed by feathers. Tarsal envelope without appreciable

scutellii' BegalinsB

n.» Wines not longer than the cradiiated tail. Anterior tarsal envelope dis-
tinctly scutellate. Tail with white terminal spots and edgings Polioptilinae

Subfamily POLIOPTILIN^.— The Gnatcatchers.
Genus POLIOPTILA Sclater.

PoUoplila ScLATEB Tr. Zool. 8oe. 1855, U. Type, Motacilla canitea Linn.

Chab. Bill slender, attenuated, but depressed at the base: nearly as long as the head,
distinctly notched at the tip, and provided with moderate rietui bristles. Nostrils rather
eloncated, not concealed, but anterior to the frontal feathers. Tarsi ionccr than the
middle toe, distinctly scutellate; the toes email, the hinder one scarcely longer than the
lateral; its cl.-vw scarcely longer than the middle. Outer lateral too longer than the inner.
First primary about one-tliird the longest; second euual 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.)

SYLVIIDiE — THE WARBLERS. 73

Polioptila cserulea (Linn.)

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER.

Popular synonyms.— Blue Wren; Long-tailed Blue Wren; Eastern Gnatoateher.

Motacilla ccerulea Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i. 1766, 337.
Sulvania cwrulea Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1S4II, 337.
CuUcivora cwrulea Aud. B. Am, i, 1840, 244, pi. 70.
Polioptila ccerulea ScL. v. Z. S. 1855, 11.— B.iiKD, B. N. Am. 1858, 380; Cat. N. Am. B.

1859, No. 282; Review, 1864, 74.-CouEs, Key, 1872; Cheek List, 1873, No. 23; 2d ed.

1882, N0..36; B. N. W. 1874, 17; B. Col. Val. 1878, lOl.-B. B. & R. Hist. N. A. B. i, 1874.

78, pi. 6, flg. 5.— BiDGW. Norn. N. Am. B., 1881, No. 27.

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

"Sp. Chak. 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 load-color on the sides. First aud second tail feathers white
except at the extreme base, which is black, the color extending obliriuely 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; tall, 2.25. (Skin.)" {Hist. Jf.
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 uttering hi.s wheezy,
squeaky notes. During the breeding season the male has a very
varied song of considerable power but lacking in 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
inverted 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.

74 lilBOB OK ILLINOIS.

This species is one of fhe earliest to arrive in spring, making its
appearnnco at Ut. Cnrmel early in April, the 2n(l and lOlh of tbnt
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. lie 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 hne. At St. Louis,
Mr. Coale found it very common and nesting on May 22, 1883.

Subfamily REGULINiE.— The Kinglkts.

Gencs REGULUS Cu\ter.

lif cuius Cut. Lecjons d'Annt. Comp. 1799-18(10, tnbl. li. Type. Molacilla regulus Lnm.

CoW?ii/;io Cab. Jour. Orn. i, 1853.8). Typo. ^fotacH^a calendula Linn.

"Gen. Char. Bill slender, much shorter tlinn the head, depressed at base, bnt becom-
iiiK rapidly compressed; modoratoly notched at tip. Culmen straicht to near the tip,
then Kontly curved. Commissure straieht; Bonys convex. Rictus well provided with
bristles; nostrils covered by a sinclo bristly feather directed forwards (not distinct In
calendula). Tarsi elongated, excoedinc considerably the middle toe, and without seu-
tolla). Lateral toes about eiiual; hind toe with the claw, lonc^r than the middle one by
about halt the claw. Claws all much curved. First primary about one third as loncas
the longest; second niual to fifth or sixth. Tail shorter than the wings, moderately
forked.tho feathers acuminate. Colors olive-green above, whitish beneath. Size very
small." aiisl. K Am. B.)

(Common Chakactebs. Above olive-greenish, brighter on rump and edges of second-
aries and roctrices; 80i!0ndarics with a broad black basal bar. Beneath dull whitish.
.Vn^p 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 land adult female
of 7i. calendula) without any markings or bright colors on head.

a' Crown with a broad black stripe on each side.

1. E, satrapa. Forehead smoky whitish; crown-patch bicolored In the male— Intense

orange centrally, with a yellow border— uniform yellow In the female.

2. K. ouvieri. Forehead and a stripe across lores and behind the eye, black; crown-

patch uniform red in the male.

a' Crown without black .stripes. ,

3. E. calendula. Crown with a central patch of vermllion-red in the aldult male, thi?

usually al^scnt, or when pro-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 chielly during the spring and fall miguations,
but wintering to some extent in the southern portions. The second
species {R. cuvicri) was discovered many years ago, on the banks of

SYLVIID^ — 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-
ia microcephala). Blue Mountain Warbler {Dendroica moiitana), etc.
But since two other species (Centonyx halrdii and Cotimiiculus Iccontci)
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 K.inglet.

Eegulus satrapa LIcht.

GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET.

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

Sylvia regulus WiLS. Am. Orn. i. 1808, 126, pi. 8, flg. 2 (not of Linn.)

Regulus cristatus Nutt. Man. i. 1832, 420.— AuD. Orn. Biog. ii. 1834, 476, pi. 185 (not of

Koch).
Regulua satrapa Licht. Verz. Doubl. 1823, No. 410.— AuD. Synop. 1839, 82; B. Am. ii. 1841,

165, pi. 132.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 227; Gat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 162; Review, 1864, 65.

— CoUES, 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, pi. 5, flg. 8.— Ridgw. Norn. N.

Am. B. 1881, No. 33.

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

"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, a line overthe eye and a space
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 auills. succeeded by a broad dusky one. Under parts dull whitish. Length under
four inches; wing, 2.23; tail, 1.80. Female without the orange-red central patch. Young
birds without the colored crown." (Rint. 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 ot 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." (Bkewstee, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, June, 1878, 19.)

76 HIRUS OK ILLINOIS.

The delifiite little Golden-crowned Kinjjilet — smaller even than the
Ruby-crown — ib known in IJlinois. and indeed in all portions of the
United States, except the northern coniferous woods and siuiihir
forests of the higher mountains, only as a winter visitant or resi-
dent, lie 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 exliilianiting inllnence. Then the little
Gold-crests may be seen in woods or parks in scattered 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 tlian these dainty
little creatures and none certainly more lovely. They come aliout
the intruder as if utterly unmindful of his jiresence, often so near
that the sparkle of the little black eye, the Hash of the glowmg
orange crown, and every detail of bis pretty plumage can be
plainly seen.

In its northern summer home, the (iuld-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. Coiile, it is a "very common migrant" in Cook
county. "Ever active and uttering a tc-t:c, tze-tze as they Hy into
every nook and corner of the foliage of trees."

Regulus calendula iMim.)

ROBY-CROWNED KINGLET.

Popular synonyms.— Ruby-crowned Wren.

MotaciUa cuUiutiilit LlNN. N. N. od. 12. i. ITrt;. ;H7.
Si/li'ia i-aleniluin Lath. Ind. Orn. II. I7K0. .1l!l.— WiLs. Am. Orn. 1. 1S08. Sf. pi. S. lie. ».
/fpOH/Hji (■a/i>»</ii'(( LiciiT. Vorz. Doiilil. 1S2S.— Ni'TT. Man. 1. 1«J, 415.— Ai'D. Orn. Bloc.
11. ISM, 5W, pi. 195: Synop. lSi!>. St: B. Am. 11 ISU, lt!8, pi. i:«.— lUutD, B. N. Am. \X<»..
226; Cut. N. Am. B. \X,9, No. liJI; Uuvlow. IStM. 6ti.— CoUES, Key. 18Ti 78: Clit-ck List.
1873. No. i;i: LM ed. 1S.S2, No. ;«: B. N. W. 1S71. 15; B. Col. Viil. 1S78, 9J.-B. B. & I!. Hist.
N. Am. B. 1. 187«, 75. pi. 5, llR. 9.-KiD0\v. Nom. N. Am. B. IWl, .No. W.
Hab. The whole of North Amoricn, breodlncclilelly north of the United States, bill
south to Colorado, lit least. In the Rocky Mountains: wintering in the more southern United
States, and thenco to Mexico and Gautemala. (Accidental in Europe and Greenland.)

SYLVIID^ — THE •WARBLERS. 77

"Sp. Chak. Above dark greenish-olive, passing into briglit 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-oov-
erts, and the exterior of the inner tertials white. Male. Crown with a large concealed
patch of scarlet feathers, which are white at the base. Female and yotma without the
red on the crown. Length, 4.50, wing. 2.33; tail, 1.85.

"This species of Regidus 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 Euby-crowned Kinglet is scarcely 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. JBrewer 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 Euby-crowned Wren and those of the Canary, the latter be-
ing as much inferior in tenderness and softness as they are super-
ior iu volume.

78 JIIKDS OF ILLINOIS.

Fajhly PARID^. — Tirr, Titmice and Nuthatctteb.

CnARACTEns. Bill more or less conical, without notch, the nasal
feathers directed forward and usually concealing the nostrils. Size
small (wing less than four inches long). Tarsi distinctly scutellate.

The above characters are drawn up to include Chdrntra, whose
claim to a place in the Family ParidsB is a matter of serious doubt.
Sitta, although appearing so very distinct from the typical Paridie
is yet so closily connected through Paliearctic forms of the latter
(as Parus varhis of Japan) that there can be no doubt of its belong-
ing to the same family.

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

a.' Bill stout, much shorter than head. Tall about as lone as tho wing, or
longer. Hallux shorter than miilille too.
!(.' Nostrils coneoaloJ by foiithors. Tarsus with anterior covorlnK scu-
tellate on outer siile Parinte.

!).' Nostrils exposed. Tarsus with anterior covorinR fused on outer sidcChamsBinae.
a.' Bill slender, as lone us the head. Tail much shorter than the winK. Hallux

lODser than middle toe Sittinee.

Subfamily PARIN.S1.— The Titmice.

This subfamily, as above characterized, includes three North
American Genera, which may be defined as follows: —

a'. Bill with either the culmon or gonys decidedly convex. Nostrils wholly
eoncoalod. Plumaco very lax.

&•. Tail about equal to ornot much longer than wine, rounded Paras.

c'. Head not crested (Subgenus I'nnis,)

c'. Head crested (Subgenus Loiihoiihanea.)

V. Tail much longer than wing, graduated Psaltriparas.

a''. Bin with both eulmen and gonys nearly straight, the tip acute. Nostrils

partly exiiosod. Plumage rather compact Anripams.

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

Genus PARUS Linn.eus.
Subgenus Lophophaues Kacp.

Lophophanes Kaup. Eutw Gesch. Euro|i. Thier. IS£i. Type. I'arns crislattm Linn.

IttKolophux Cabanis. Mas. Heln. 1850. 1S'>1. 91. Typo, Panm bicnior LlNN.

"Gen. Char. Crown with a conspicuous crest. Bill conical: both upper and lower
outlines convex. Wings grailuatod: llrst aulU very short. Tail moderately long and
rounded. Nests In hollow trees; eggs white with Une rod dottlngs." (Ifisi. Jf. Atn. B.)

PAKID^ — 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 synonyms.— Black-fronted Titmouse.
jPa™.s bicoloi- Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 340.— WiLS. Am. Orn. 1. 1808. 137, pi. 8, flg. 5.—

AUD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 199, pi. 39; Synop. 18-39, 78; B. Am. ii. 1841, 143, pi. 125.-NUTT.

Man. i, 1832, 230.
Lophophanes hicolor Bonap. Consp. i, 1850, 228.— Bated, B. N. Am. 1858, 384; Cat. N. Am.

B. 1859, No. 285; Review, 1864, 78.— CouES. Key, 1872, 80; Cheek List, 1873, No. 27;

2d ed. 1682. No. 40; B. N. W. 1874. 19: B. Col. Val. 1878, 113.— B. B. & B., Hist. N. Am. B.

i. 1874, 87, pi. 6, flg. I.— RiDGW, Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 36.

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

"Sp. Chak. Above ashy; a black frontiil band. Beneath dull whitish; sides brownish
chestnut, o' more or less intensity. Feathers of the 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 a little 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 olivaceous.
Forehead dark sooty-brown. The feathers of the upper part of the head and crest ob-
scurely streaked with hghter brown. Under parts of head and body, sides of head, in-
eluding aurioulars, 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 includ-
ing the tuft of bristly feathers over the nostrils, excepting the tips of those in contact
with the bill, which ai-e 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
I he 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. Eoving 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-
fmalis), Carolina Chickadees, Nuthatches (Sitta caroUnensis), Blue-
jays, and other familiar species, glean their portion from the refuse

MO BIBDS of ILLINOIS.

of the table — bread-crumbs, bits of meat, or indeed anytbiiig eat-
able. The notes of this species in their general character resemble
those of the Chickadees, but are much louder and more vehement.
In sprinjj; tho male has a very pleasant call, consisting of a rei)eti-
tion of the syllables pito, pito, pito 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 Linnaeus.

7'ari/s I.ixs. S. N. ed. 10. 1.1758,189; ed 12, 1. lTC6.34(i. Type, by climinnUon. P. major Linn.

"Gen. Chab. Head not crested. Body and head full. Tail moderately lonR. and
.<>llKlitly rovindod. Bill conical, not very stout; the upper nud under outlines very Kently
anil slightly convex. Tarsus but little longer than middle too. Head and neck Keucnilly
black or brown, with sides white. Nest in holes. Eges white, sprinkled with red." (IJisl.
N.Am.B.)

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

Common Chahacters. Above plain eraylsh, with or without distinct whitish edcinKS
on Inriter wing feathers; beneath whitish, the sides tineed with ochreous. fulvous, or ru-
fous; entire pileum, chin, and throat, black, or brownish, the sides of the bead whitish.
Sexes alike, and youne similar in plumaee to the adult.

a'. Crown and throat deep black.

1. P. atricapillns. Tail about c<iual to the wine (rarely a very little shorter, usually

lonscr); cri'uterwinc-cjvertsand tertials very conspicuously eoced with whitish;
black of the throat much broken posteriorly by white tips to the feathers. Winit
2.iJ0-2.75 (2.t;t). tail 2.50-2.75 (2.6.3). tarsus, .W-.70 (CO). Uab. Northern portion of the
State; very rare winter visitant to southern half.

2. F.'carolinensis. Tail decidedly .shorter than wing: wing-coverts and tertials with-

out distinct whitisli edges; black of throat with abruptly defined posterior border.
Wln« 2.I0-2.C0 (2.11), tail 2.10-2.50 (2.19), tarsus .Si-.CS (.<>1). Hah. 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; siilcsof neck ash-

gray, the cheeks paler. Inclining to white anteriorly; throat sooty blackish; sides
dull rusty. Ifab. Rare winter visitant to extreme northern part of State.

Parvis atricapillus Liuu.

CHICKADEE.

Popular synonyms. Black-capped Titmouse or Chlcadee; Eastern Chickadee; Kortbern
Chickadee.

I'arus atricapillus LlNN. S. N. ed. 12. 1, 17fiC. .Sll.-Wll.s. Am. Orn. 1, 1808. 131. pi. 8. llg. 4.—
8w. & Rich. F. B. A. ii. 1831, 220.— Aud. Orn. Biog. Iv. 1««. pi. 35.1. fig. 3; Synop. 1839.
79; B. Am. II. 1811, 110, pi. 12G.— Baikd. B. N. Am. IS3S. {RiO; Cat. N, Am. B. 18,-.9. No.
290; Review. W>i, 80.-CoUES, Key. 1872, 81; Check List, isrt. No. 31; 2d ed. 18S2, No.
«; B. N. W. 1874, 20.-B. B. & B. Hist N. Am. B. i, 1874, 9C, pi, vil, flg. l.-RiDOW.
Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, No. il.

PARID^ — THE TITMICE AND NUTHATCHES. 81

Hab. Northeastern North America, or from northern United States east of the"
Great Plains and northward; winter visitant south to abont40''oralittle further. (Eeplaced
intheEoelcy Mountain district and Great Plains and thence northward to Alaska b7
the more slender, lighter colored race, septentrionalis Harris.)

Sp. Char. 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 reetrices. 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 specimens:) Wing, 2.55-2.60 (2.58); tail, 2.50-2.60 (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 39th
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.

Farus carolinensis AnD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 471, pi. 160; B. Am. ii, 1311, 152, pi. 127.—
Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858. 392; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 293; Eeview, 1861, 81.— CouES,
2d CheckList, 1882, No. 47; 2d Key, 1884, 206.— B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. 1, 1871, 102,
pi. 7, fig. 3.— RiDGW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 42.

Paras atricapillus var. carolinensis Coues, Key, 1872, 81; Cheek List, 1873, No. 316.

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

"Sp. Char. Second ciuill appreciably longer than secondaries. Tail very little rounded
Length about 4.50 inches; wing less than 2.50; tail, 2.40.* Back brownish ash. Head
above, and throat, black, separated on sides of head by white. Beneath white; brownish
white on sides. 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).

—6

82 Dinns ok Illinois.

relative areas oecnpicd 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-i)ud 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 {,'k'aninR 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, etc., from the contents.

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

Parus hudsonicus Forst.

HDDSONIAN CHICKADEE.

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

Parus hudsonicus FoRST. Phllos. Trans. Ixill, ITTJ.SSt.-HJO.— AUD. Orn. Biog. ii. IKM.
543, pi. 19<; B. Am. ii, 1S1I,155, pi. 12S.-BAIitD, B. N. Am. 1858,395; Cut. N. Am. B. ISSS,
No. 29C: Review, l»(M,S2.-CouE8, Key, 1S7l', 81; C'beci: List, 1S73. No. :«; 2d cd.
1882, No. 49.— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. I. 1874, 105, pi. 7. flg. 7.-RiD<tw. Nom. N. Am,
B, 1881. No, 45,
Hab. Nortliorn North America, south to extreme northern border of the United States,
except on tlie Pacillc; coast, where replaced from Sitka south (andiprobably farther north-
ward) by /'. rn/c.'.cpn.s Towns,

"8p. Chab. Above yillowlsh olivaceous brown; top of head purer brown, not very dif-
ferent in tint. Chin and throat dark sooty-brown. Sides of head white. Benejith white;
sides and anal recion licht brownish chestnut. No whitish on wings or tail. Tail nearly
even, or sllRhtly emarglnate and rounded. Lateral feathers about .2i> shortest Length
about 5 inches; wing, 2.40; tail, 2.66."* (Uist. X. Atn. 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 9;5 of his list) that Dr. J. W.
Velie took a single specimen at Eock 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, 188'2.

•Five specimens from Maine, Nova Scotia, and Labrador, measure as follows: Wing,
2.50-2.65 (average, 2.52); tail. 2.40-2.70; tarsus. .62-70.

PARID^ — THE TITMICE AND NUTHATCHES. 83

Subfamily SITTING. — The Nuthatches,

The SittincB 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 Linn^us.

Sitta LiKNains, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, i, 175S, p. 115. Type, S. europcea Linn.

"Gen. Chak. Bill subulate, acutely pointed, eompi-essed, about as long as the head;
culmen and commissure nearly straight; gonys convex and ascending; nostrils covered
by a tuft ot bristles directed forward. Tarsi stout, scutellate, about equal to the middle
toe, much shorter than the hinder, the claw of which is halt 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 primary one third (or less) the third, or longest. Iris
brown. Nest in holes of trees. Eggs white, spotted with reddish." (Hist. N. Am. B.)

Species.

Common Chakacteks. 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
black 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, ^fale.^/f ith entire pileum and cervix glossy black ;/(»maZe with pileum
dusky plumbeous, the cervix black.

2. S. canadensis. Wing less than 3 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. S. pusilla. Pileum light brown, down to the eyes, the lores and postoeular stripe

somewhat darker; a conspicuous cervical spot of white; lower parts buffy.
Young with the crown grayish, the wing-coverts edged with light fulvous.
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.

64 BIRDS OF nxiNois.

Sitta carolinensis Lath.

WHITE-BELLIED l.OTHATCH.

Popular Bynonyms.— Tomtit; Blue SupHucker.
Stlla inr..//ii^;..ii» Lath. Ind. Orn. I. 1790, 26-.'.-\Vil8. Am. Orn. I. Vm. 10, pi. 2. Ilg.
3.— NuTT. Miin. I.1S«, .Vtl.— Aui). Orn. BIok. 11. ^K». -W: v. IKW. 4-1, pi. ISi; Synop.
ISB, 107: B. Am. iv, 1812, 17a, pi. 247.— Baibd, B. N. Am. 18M. aU: Cat. N. Am. B.
1859. No. 277: lloviow, 18*4, 8C.-CoUE«. Key, I8?J, 83; Cheek Ll8l. 11(73, No. ;«: 2il
ed. 1882, No. 57; B.N. W. 1874. 24.-B. B. 4 B. Hist. N. Am. B. I. 1874, 114, pi. «.
IlKs. 1,2.-Rn)«\v, Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 51.

Hab. Eiistern United States nnd Britl.'*!! Provinces. (Replaced in western United
States by the more slender billed, duller colored form, S. carolineniu aculeata.)

Thi,s 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 30 feet from
the ground). A week later the tree was cut down, but the young
had Uown. This was at \\'heAtland, Indiana, but there is no doubt
that the species breeds equally early in corresponding latitudes in
Illinois.

Sitta canadensis Linn.

EED-BELLIED NUTHATCH.

Popular synonym.— Canada Xiitha'cli.

Sida eanaileimix LiNN. S. N. ed. 12, i. I7fi6, 177.— NuTT. Man. 1, 1832, T>S3: 2d ed. I.
1840, C97.— AUD. Orn. BioR. il, I8:tl, 24. pi. 105; synop. IW.i, Itu; B. Am.lv. 1812, 179,
pi. 248.-BAII1D, B. N. Am. 18.')8. 37i;; Cat. N. Am. B, 185'.i. No. 279: Uuvlew. ISiil, 87.
CoUEs, Key. 1872, 83; Check List. 1873. No. 39: 2d ed. 1SS2, No. 59: B. N. W. 1874,
25; B. Col. Val. 1S7S. i:!(!.-B. B. & K. Hist. N. A. B. 1, 1874, 118, pi. 8. Ilg. 7.-I!ii)(iW,
Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 52.

Sitta earia, Bartii. Trav. 1791,289 bis.— Wn,a. Am. Orn. i, 1S08, 40. pi. 2. llj:, 4.

Hab Northern North America, to the limit of timber; breedinit chlnlly north of the
United States (except In elevated mountain regions); Eastern United States cblcOy 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 Eiclihind coun-
ties. During winter it is semi-gregarious, roving in scattered troops

PAKID^ — THE TITMICE AND NUTHATCHES. 85

throngh 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-
oline iisis).

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. Eice 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 would
otherwise have been unnoticed."

86 JIUIUS OF 1LL1.N018.

FASfTiA CERTHIIDJE.— The CRKEPKnR.

CiiARACTERs. Bill gloDdor And urcliud: hind too lonKOr than middle toe, the claw
lengthened and stronKly arched. Tull lenirthened, graduated, the feathers atltt und
iicumlnate at tipB.

The above brief diagnosis is sufficient to characterize the family
Certhiidie 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 qi^ite circumpolar, thoutjh modified into more or less
distinct geographical races in different parts of its habitat.

Genus CERTHIA Lixn;t:us.

Certhia LtKN.EUB, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. 1758, 112. Type. C. /amiliaria LiNN.

"Qen. Chad. Plumage soft and loose. Bill as lone as head, not notched. comproRsed;
all Its lateral outlines decurved. Nostrils not overhune by fealhers, linear, with an In-
cumbent thickened scale, as in Troglodyle.i. No rictal bristles, and the loral an^I frontal
feathers smooth, without bristly shafts. Tarsus scutellate anteriorly, shorter ihan mid-
dle toe, which nKain is shorter than hind toe. All claws very long, much cuivod and
compressed; outer lateral toe much the longer; basal joint of middle too entirely adher-
ent to adjacent ones. WlnKS rather pointed, about equal to thi< tail, the feathers of which
are much pointed, with si ilToned shaft.x. Primaries ten; first less than half the second.
Nest In holes of trees; eggs white, sprinkled with reddish." ilfist. 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 amei'icana (Bonap.)

BROWNnCREEPER.

Fopolar synonyms,— American Tree Creeper.

Certhia ritiniliai-i.i Wit.s. Am. Orn. I. WtS. Vii. pi. 7. Ilg. 1.— Nittt. Man. I. ISC, SSB.—
AUD. Orn. lilog. v. IS3!i. l.')S. pi. 415: Synop. IS)!). 7:!; B. Am. ii, 1S41, 109, pi. ll.'i.-CoUEs,
Key. 1872, 84; Check List, 1S73. No. 42; 2d ed. 1882, No. 62; Ii. N. W. ls;4. 215, 230; B, Col.
Vol. 1878, 145.

CEETHIID^ — 1HE CEEEPEES. 87

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

1875, 347.
Certhia famiUaris rv/a KiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 55.
Certhia americana BoN-AP. Comp. List, 1838, 11.— Nutt. Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 701.— Baird, B.

N. Am. 1858.372; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 275; Review. 1864, 89.
Certhia fmniliaris B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 125, pi. 8, flg. 11.

Hab. Nortlierii and eastern North America, breeding from northern border of United
States northward. (Represented in the KoeJi7 Mountain region by the grayer race mon-
tana, and along the Pacifle coast by the rusty colored occide.ntalis.)

"Sp. Chab. 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 paler yellowish-brown. Wings with a transverse barof pale reddish
white across both webs. Length, 5.50; wing, 2M; tail, 2.90.

"Tonng. 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 leBs 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 BUlDd or ILUNOU.

Family TROGLODYTIDiE].— Tiie Wrens axp Mockixg-

TUKLSIIKS.

Chabactehs. Anterior covorinK of tursuB distinctly scutellute. Dill slender, some-
times luiiulituDudiiud luoruorless arched, the eulmcn more or lets convex. WIdk rounded
with the Urst (juill well developed, projectlDS beyond the tips of the prlmary-covcrta.

Although the Mockiug-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 (MivtUla) by
themselves.

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

TroglodytinsB. No rictal bristles. Inner toe united to the middle by at least half of

Us ba^iil phiilanx. Wine less than 3. 50 Inches.
MiminsE. Rictal bristles well developed. Inner toe wholly separated at the base from

the middle toe. Wine more than 3.50 inches.

Subfamily Troglodytidae.— The Wuens.

"Chab. Itictal bristles wanting: the loral feathers with brIsUy points; the frontal
feathers generally not reaching to nostrils. Nostrils variable. exposed or not covered by
feathers, and generally overhune by a scale-like membrane. BUI usually without notch
(except in some Middle American genera). Wings much rounded, about enual to tail,
which Is graduated. Primaries ten, the first generally about half the second. Basal joint
of middle too 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 TroijluiUit'uUe 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
aflinities of the family, however, appear to be to the Turdithe, and
one of the best characters for separating the two families appears
to exist in the structure of the feet.

TEOGLODYTID^ — THE WKENS AND MOCKING- THBUSHES. 89

"In the Turdidte 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 Troglodytiche, on the contrary,
the inner toe is united by half its basal joint 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, etc., furnish points of
distinction." {Hist. N.' Am. B.)

In several genera which unquestionably belong to this family,
{Salpinctes, Cavipylorhynchus, etc.) the postero-lateral plates of the
tarsal envelope are divided, much as in the Larks and tracheophone
Passeres {Dendrocolaptidce and Formicariidce), and with the Larks,
are the only members ol 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 Alaudidce alone), is hardly warranted by
the facts in the case.

North American Genera and Subgenera of Troglodytinse.

Wing more than 3.00 inches Campylorhynclms.

Wing less than 3.00 inches,
b'. Outer toe much longer than the inner.

c'. Culmen equal to tarsus, depressed at base Catherpes.

C-. Culmen shorter than tarsus, compressed at base Salpinctes.

b-. Outer toe not distinctly longer than the inner.

c'. Tail moderately graduated, or rounded, the tips of the lower coverts
falling far short of the ends of the lateral reetrices.
d,' Gonys concave, the maxilla decidedly, though gently, deeurved

at tip 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 deeurved at tip Troglodytes.

e^. Culmen decidedly curved, the bill stouter. Tail nearly or

quite as long as wins (Subgenus Troglodytes).

e". Culmen straight, the bill subulate. Tail much shorter than

wing (Subgenus Anorthoura).

90 UUDB or ILLINOIS.

o*. Tiill iniioli crniluuted, the lowur ooverU roochlnK to tips of lateral

ruetrloos Cift«thonu).

<i'. Kill muob Hborter IbuQ head, 8tout, tboKOoys stralKbt

'Subiconus C'utothorut).
d}. Bill oenrljr as loot; as tbe bead, slender, tbe eonys i-llBhtly cod-

cuvo (Siibceuug Tfhnalodvtn).

Genus THRYOTHORUS Vieillot.

Thryolhontt Vibtllot. Analyse, 1816. 45. Typo, TroQloiluten artmdinaeeut Vnmj..,=

Sylvia tudoviciana Lath.
ThtT/omaufis 8cL. Cat. Am. B. 1881. £!. Type, Troglodtiteii hnwickii AUD.

"Gek. Chab. Bill compressed, ratber slender: beight about one fourth tbe lenetb
above, Culmen nnd commissure eently curved throuRhout; eoiiys struieht; tip very
obsolotcly notched. Nostrils In the lower cdmi of anterior extremity of thi- nasal Broovo
narrowly elliptical. overhuuB by u stllT scule-like roof of tbe thickened membrane of
tbe upper part of the nasal eroove, tbe creseentlo edge rounded. The septum of nostrils
Imperforate: the posterior part of the nasal cavity with a short septum projectinc Info It
parallel with the central, not perpendicular as In Mifiocprcuhis. Winifi- and tail about
eaual. the latter moderately rounded; the Urst primary more than half the second, about
half the loncest. Tarsi rather short, scarcely exceedirtK middle toe. Anterior scutellic
distinct, rest of each side of tarsi in a continuous plate. Lateral toes equal." (//isl. .V.
Am. B.)

Our species may be distinguished as follows:

a'. Tail feathers rufous, barred with black. Lower parts more or less ochra-

ceous. Tall much shorter than wini: T. ludovicianaa.

a-. Tall feathers (except middle pair) blackish, with pale eray terminal
bloCcbes. Lower parts pale grayish. Tail about equal to wing in length.

T. bewickii.

Subgenus Thryothorus Vikillot.
Thryothorus ludoviciamxs (Lath.)

CAROLINA WREN.
Popular synonyms.— Great Carolina Wren: Mocking Wren; Largo Wood Wren.

Si/li'in luiioriciaua Lath. Ind. Orn. 11. liOO, M8.

Troglodiites biduricianns LirHT. Verz. Uoubl. 1823, 35.— NuTT. Man. I, 1S52. 429.- Auu.

Orn. Blog. i, IS."!!, ;M, pi. 78: Synop. 183!>. 74; B. Am. 11, 1811. 116. pi. 117.
Thri/othoru.i ludoi-iciarms BoNAP. Comp. List. 1S«. II.— Baiud. B. N. Am. IffiS. Si'.I; Cat.

N. Am. B. 1859. No. 265: Review. 1864, rif.-CouEs. Key, 1872. »«: Chock List, 187:(, No.

47: 2d ed. 18V2, No. OS; B. N. W. 1S74. •£>: B. Col. Val. 1878. 168.-3. B. & R. Hist. X. Am.

B. 1, 1874, 142, pi. 9, llg. I.— BiDow. Nom. Am. B. ISSl, No. 60.
Motacilla caroUniana Babtii.— CcrfAia caroliniana WiLS. \m. Orn. 11.1810. 61. pi. 12. Dg.6,

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

"Sr. Chab. Exposed portion of the bill shorter than the bead. Above reddish brown,
most vivid on the rump. A whitish streak over the eye, bordered above with dark brown.
Throat whitish; rest of under parts palo yollow-rustv. darkest towards the under tail-
coverts, which are conspicuously barred with bliick. Exposed surface of the wings and
tall ilncluding the upper coverts) barred throughout with brown, the outer edges of tall
feathers and Quills showing series of alternating whiti.°h and dusky spots. Legs tlesh-
colored. Length, 6 inches; wing, 2.60; tail, 2.45." (Ilisl. }i. Am. B.)

TROGLODYTID^ — THE WRENS AND MOCKING-THRUSHES. 91

An adult 3 from Brookville, Indiana (No. 386, coll. A. W. Butler; Feb. 10.1881), has the
sides and flanks distinctly barred, as in a Wheatland specimen, while the upper part
of the breast is marked, entirely across, with rather scattered and small, though very
distinct, dusky specks. The chin and upper part ol the throat are dull white, as are also
the lower breast and upper abiomen, centrally, but the jugulum, sides, and flanks are
oehraceous, the flanks even tinged with rufous. The measurements are, wing 3.40, tail
2.20, eulmen .6S, 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 — wiUy-ivmj' idlhj-ioay' willy-ivay' — 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. Eidgway, 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 BUW6 or ILLlNOld.

Subgenus Thryomanes Sclater.
Tliryothorus bowickii i^Aud.)

BEWICK'S WREN.

Popular synonyms.— LoDK-talloil Hou.so Wren; Lone-tailed Wron.

Trofjlodulen bewickii AuD. Orn. BIOB. 1. lSil.96.pl. 18; Bynop. 1S». 74; B. Am. 11.1841.

lit), pi. 118.— NUTT. Man. I. ItOJ. 4.'il; Sd ed. I, 1S»0. 489.
Tltruothonts heu-Ukii Baikd, B. N. Am. isss. aCI {Thriothoru*); Cat. N. Am. B. 1W9.
No. 26?: Roviow, 1861. lii.— OouES. Key. 187i. 8^: Chock LUt, 1873. No. 48: 2d od. ISKi.
No. 71; B. N. W. 1874. ;il: B. Col. Vul. 1878. 1U9.-B. B. & B. HiBt. N. Am. ». I. 1874,
145. pi. 9. llK. 3.
Thniomanes lieiricki RiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 61.

Hab. Eastorn United States, chiilly west o( the Allechiinlos. In the Interior, north to
Minnepota; oaKt%vurd. north to Now JerHoy. Very irrettulurlydiPtrlhiited.beinK apparently
unknown In many looalilies within the limits of Its eeneral ranee. Nut recorded from
moat portions of the Atlantic coast. Migratory in the northern purt.s of Its ranso.

"Sp. Chab. Above dark rufous-brown: rump and middle tail-f«athor8 sometimes a
little paler, and very slishtly tluKed with Kniy, and together with the exposed surface of
secondaries distinctly barred with dusky. Beneath soiled plumbeous-whitish; llanks
brown. Crissum banded; ground color of quills ani^ tail feathers brownish black.
Loneth, S.ai; wine, 2.25; tall, 2.50. Length from nostril. 39; along gape, 7U.'" (i/i/if. 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 aedoti) occurs, Bewick's Wren is far the more numerous
of the two. In Wabash county, the writer has never seen nor even
heard a T. aedon; and in Richland county, whure tliu latter was not
uncommon T. bewickii was extremely abundant, nesting in all sorts
of places about barns, stables and other buildings, while the former
was chiefly if not entirely conlined 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

•Elifht adults measure as follows: Wing, 2.05-2.25; tall, 2.10-2.40; oulmen, .50-.55; tarsus,
.63-.75.

TROGLODTTID^ — THE WEENS AND MOCKING-THRDSHES. 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 j^lit, 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 T. ludovicianus or T. aedon, but nothing can 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 cavity 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 the State, as follows :

"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 OJ^INOIS.

Genus TROGLODYTES Yieiixot.

TroQlotluiff ViKlLLOT, 0I». Am. Sept. II, 1807. hi. Typo. 7". ardun ViElLL.

AnorthoHra Rknnie. MontuKU'A Orn. DicL 1831. Tj-po, ilotacMa troQlodytrs LjNS.
Tlio characters of this genua am sufflolently Imlloatod In the synopsis on page 89.
They como very dose to those of TZ/ri/ol/iori/n. Iho nofctrlls, esppcliiUy bclnc llm-arand
ovorhiinK by a scale. In this respect both ililTer from Thryoiihiluf of Middle America.
The bill is shorter or not lonRur than the head; straluht. slender, and without notch. The
tail is uradunted, and shorter than the much rounded wings, the feathers narrow. The
IlKht superciliary lino of Thruottiorus Is almost entirely wantine In the North American
species.
Our two species may be thus (listinguisliod:

a'. Bill rather stout, with decidedly convex culmen. Tail nearly or quite as
lone as wine Beneath Drownlsh white, the crlssum and Hanks burred
with dusky and rusty T. aedon.

a'. Bill slender, the culmeti nearly stralKht. Tall decidedly shorter than wing.
Beneath pale brown, whole abdomen, sides. Hanks and crlssum barred
with dusky . T. hyemaUs.

Subgenus Troglodytes Vieillot.
Troglodytes aedon Vieill.

HOUSE WEEN,
a. aedon. House Wren.

Popular synonyms.— Short-tailed House Wren: Wood Wren.
MdUuilla domeslica Babte. Trav. nui, liill tnomen nudum).
Sulvia dumeslica WiLs. Am. Orn. I, ISWS, rjS. pi. 8, Db. 3.
'Iroglodylea domeslica CouEs.Pr. Phila. Ac. ISi.l.liSl.
Troglodytes domeslicus CouES, ad Check List, 1S8.', No. "i.
Troglodytes aedon Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. li. 18U7, 5J, pi. 107.— Ai'D. Orn. BioK. I, l..'7 ; v, .(70,
pi. 83; Synop. 1839,7.5: B. Am. 11, 1811, 12o. pi, lao.— N L-rr. Man. 1, id ed. 1810, 475.
— Baiku, B. N. Am. 1858, 3i;7: Cat. N. Am. 15. ISS!', No. 270; Ueview, 18G4, 138.- CouES.
Key 1872. 8f.; Check List, 1873, No. 40; B. N. W. 1871, :t2.-B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. 1.
1874, MO, pi. 0. Hk. 5.— RiDGW. Nora. N. Am. B. 1S81, No. (3.
Troglodytes fulvxis NuTT. Man. I, 1812, 422.

Troglodytes americanus AuD. Orn. Biog. 11, 1834, 4.52, pi. 170; Synon. 75; B. Am. 11, I2;t, |il,
llO.-BAinu, B. N. Am. 3t>8: Cat. N. Am. B. 180, 2^2. Review, IS'd, 141.
Had. Eastern United States and British Provinces; In the former, chiefly northward
and eastward? (In southern Illinois chledy replaced by Thryotliorua bewickii.)

b. parkmanii. Parkman's Wren.
Popular synonyms.— Western Wood Wren; We.storn House Wren.
Triiglodutes i,arl,-i)ianii AfD. B. Am. 11. 1811. 133, pi. 122.-Nutt. Man. 2d ed. I, 1840,

483.— Baird, B. N. Am. 1S:>8, 3(;7: Cat. N. Am. B. 1850, No. 271: Review. 18i;j. 110.
Troglodytes aedon var. parkniaiini CoUES, Key. 1872, 87; Check List. 18r.l. No. 49o; B. N.

W. 1874, 32.-B. B. & U.. Hist. N. Am. H. I, 1S7(, l.W.
Troglodytes aedon parkmantii RiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. Caa.
Troglodytes domeaticus parhnani CouEs, B. Col. Val. 1878. 171; 2d Check List, 1882.
No. 76.

TROGLODYTID^— THE WEENS AND MOCKING-THEUSHES. 95

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

"Sp. Chae. Tail and winss about equal. Bill shorter than the head. Above reddish
brown, darker towards the head, brighter on the rump. Thefeathers 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. 4.90; wing, 2.08; tail. 2.00." (.Eist. N. Am. B.)

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

HotJSE Wken {T.aedon). Above decidedly rusty on the rump and tail, the back umber-
brown, a,xi.(i usually not distinctly barred (frequently entirely uniform); in winter,
deep reddish umber-brown above, with only the wings and tail distinctly barred.
Wins, 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).

Paekman's Ween [T. 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). In winter, above dull brown (deeper than in sum-
mer), the back still distinctly barred. Wing, 2.— 2.25(2.09); tail, 1.85-2.13 (1. 98); cul-
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 Eichland, 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

% BIRDS OK ILLINOIS.

wooded localities, expepting 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 tinil)er-line on lofty mountains,
lie was there everywhere the same quick, saucy little fellow, and in
the spring and summer an incessant and voluble 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 mcniurandum book the other day, I came
across the following notes made in IHCtt;, concerning the nesting of
the House Wren. I was sick at the time, and watched the whole
proceeding, from the laying of the first stii-k 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.

"Nest begun April loth

"Nest completed and first egg laid April '27th

"Last egg laid May 3d

"Began inculiation May 4th

"Hatching completed May 18th

"Young began to Hy May '27th

"Young left the nest June 1st

"Total time occupied 47 days."

Subgenus Auorthoura Rennie.
Troglodytes hyemalis Vitill.

WINTER WREN.

Popular synonyms— Biinty Wren; Little Lor Wren.

SuloiM iToolndulm WrLfl. Am. Orn. i. isns, l:». pi. S. fie. 6 (not of Lixx.).
Annrlhnra troglodutes CouES, Key. IS72. 87.
Trog'Mdule.t hueouiU.i ViEii.i-. Nouv. Diet. N. H. x.xxlv, 1819, ."i».— Sw. i Ricn. F. B. A.

11. 18:il. ;il8.— AUD. Orn. BIok. iv. 18«. 4Si). pi, 3(i0; Synop. lK:i'.),76; B. Am. 11. 1841, 128,

pi, 121.— NuTT. Man. 'Jd od. 1. 1840. 481.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 369: Cat. N. Am. 185!>.

No. 27;t: Review. 1864, 144.
Troglodvtfs europirus NlTTT. Man. 1, 1832. 427 (not of Leach).

AnnrUaira trnglndules var. Iiyi'niali.t Cot'es. Key. 1672, ,151; Check List, 1873, No. 50.
TyogUtdulff parruliis var. hufnialin B. B. & R. Hist N. Am. B. I, 1874, 155, pi. 9, Uc 9.
Anorthura Iroolodulfn Uwrnnlix Bmow. Nom. N. Am. B. l&ll, No. 65,— CouES, 2d Cbecli

List, 1882, No. 76 ChiertuxiU.')

TKOGLODTTID^ — THE WEENS AND MOCKING-THEUSHES. 97

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

"Sp. Chae. Bill very straight, slender, and conical; shorter than the head. Tail con-
siderably shorter than the wing-;, which reach to its middle. Upper parts reddish brown;
becoming brighter to tho rump and tail; everywhere, except on the head arid upper part
ot the back, with transverse bars ot dusky and ot lighter. Scapulars and wing-coverts
with spots of white. Beneath pale reddish brown, barred on the posterior halt ot
the body with dusky and whitish, and spotted with white more anteriorly; outer web ot
primaries similarly spotted with pale brownish white. An indistinct pale line over the
eye. Length, about 4 inches; wing, 1.66; tail, 1.26." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

"First Plumage: male. Remiges, rectrices, etc., 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 ot under parts with a bar ot dark brown. From a
specimen in my collection taken at Upton, Me., August 4, 1874." (Bbewsteb, 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, hke 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 Cabanis.

Cistothorus Cabanis, Mus. Heln. i, 1850, 77. Type, Troglodytes stellai is Lioht.
Telmatodytes Cabanis. Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 78. Type, Thryothorus arundinaceus
YiEnAj.,=Certhia palustris WrLS.)

"Gen. Char. Bill about as long as the head or much shorter, much compressed, not
notched, gently deeurved from the middle; the gonys slightly concave 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 leathers ot 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.

—7

98 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS,

" A. Cistothonu. Bill half lenetb of bead. No white aaperclllarr streak.
Hi-iid iind rump and back streaked with white. Tail duaky, barred

witli brown (J. ttellarit.

*■ B. Telmatodytes. Bill Icntttb of bead. A wbitu superciliary s-trlpo. Buck
alone streaked with white. Tail feathers black, burred with whitish .

C. paluntrit.'
—aiul. N. Am. B.)

Subgenus Cistothorus Calianis.
Cistothorus stellaris (Licht.)

SHORT-BILLED MAKSH WREN.

Trnglndi/lf slellnris "Licht." Nal'.m. Voc. Deutschl. ill. l*Cf, 724.

Oislothorns slell 'ris Cad. -Mhs. Heln. I, l&'.o, TT.-Baibd, B. N. \m. 18SS. 305; Cat. N.Am.

B. 1850, No. 2'»: Review. \Wi. UC— Coues, Key. 1872. 88; Check List. 187.;. No. ra: 2d

ed. 18*;. No. 81: B. N. \V. 1X74, ;)«: B. Col. Vul. 1878. 18c). -B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. 1.

1874. 159, pi. '.I. fls. 7.— RiDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 6».
Troolnrlytes hrei^iroHlrh NuTT. Man. I, ISM, 42(i; 2d ed. 1. 1840, 49a.— AuD. Orn. BloK. II,

1834, 127; Synop. 18:<li, 77; B. Am. il, 18-11, 1.18. pi. 124.

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

"Sp. Char. Bill very short, scarcely half the lenKth of the head. Wins and tall about
equal. Hinder part of the crown and the scapular and interscapular rcKlon of the back
and rump almost black, streaked with white. Tail dusky, the feathers barred throURhout
with brown (the color crayish on the under surface). Beneath white, the sides, upper
part of breast, and under tall-coverts reddish, brown. LenKth, 4.60; wInB, 1.75; tail, 1.75."
ilJisl. X Am. B.)

"Autumnal plumage: young male. Above similar to adult, but darker, especially on
nape and plleum. Throat'and abdomen ilBht bull; breast, sides, anal recion, and crl-»sum
rusty-brown, paler and with white tippiuKS to the feathers anteriorly. From a specimen
In my collection shot at Cambridge, Mass., September 19, 1870." (Biiewsteb, Bull, Nutt.
Orn. Club, January, 1878. 22.)

The Short-billed Marsh Wren occurs throughout Illinois, 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 distril)ution 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. J3efore 1 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-

TEOGLODYTIDa; — THE WRENS AND MOCKING-THRUSHES. 99

right grass- or sedge-steros, and is of globular form, with the entrance
a small hole in the side. The eggs, however, aj-e 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. Ills.)

Cerihia palustris Wels. Am. Orn. ii. 1810, 58, pi. 12, fig. 4.

Troglodytes palustris Bonap. Jour. Phila. Ac. iv, 1824, 30.— Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. ii.18.31,

319.-AUD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 500, pi. 100: Synop. 1839, 77; B. Am. ii, 1841, 135, pi. 123.

— NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 4.39; 2d ed. i, 1840, 496.
Cistothorus palustris Bated, B. N. Am. 1838, 364; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 268; Review

1864, 147.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B.. i, 1874, 161, pi. 9, flg. 6.
Telmatodytes pahistris CouES, Key, 1872,87; Cheek List, 1873, No. 51; 2d ed. 1882, No.

79; B. N. W. 1874, 34; B. Col. Val. 1878, 178 (part).-RiDGW, Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, No.

67.

Hae. 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 pa?!/f/ico?a, Baird.)

"Sp. Chae. 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." (Eist. 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 BIUDS OF ILLINOIS.

The song of this species resembles Bomewhut that of the rioiise
Wren, but is mucb 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. IG'l). The nests ,
I have seen have almost invarialily been placed in the middle of
tail 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 Bed-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 ^Lirsh
Wren {Telmatodytes paUtstris). 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 1 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

TKOGLODYTID^ — 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. * * * jjjg fligjit is short, and every motion
is exceedingly quick and nervous.

'■In the tall bleached sedges 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 Miminse — The Mockiiig-Thnishes.

The principal characters of this so-called subfamily, have already
been given on page 88. The group is probably entitled to family
rank, tlie differences from the true Wrens being very marked. The
MimiHif have usually been placed in the subfamily TuniKhr, imt
they a]ipear to be even less closely related to the 'I'liruslies than to
the Wrens.

As has been stated in "Historj' of North American 13irds" (Vol. I.,
p. 31), the MimbicB "have a somewhat thrush-like appearance, but
(except in Oroscoptcs) 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 scutelL-e on the anterior face of the tarsus.
The loral feathers are soft iind 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 ari eminent degree. All are peculiar to the
New World, and the species are much less vagrant than those of
the Turdiiiie, — those of the United States scarcely going beyond its
northern boundary ; others, again, restricted to small ishmds in the
West Indies, or in the Pacific Ocean."

Analysis of NORTH AMERICAN GENERA.

a.' Tall shorter tlifin wini;. nearly even Oroscoptea.

n.' Tnll longor than wIdb much rounded.

i.' IJill equal to or longer than hoad Harporbynchus.

c' Taraus shorter than culinen. Tail HxceeUinc wine by more than

lencthof tarsus (Subgenus IJarporhunchus).

c.» Tarsus longer than culmen. Tall excoedlng wing by less than length

of tarsus (Subgenus Metkriopterus).

b.' Bill muub shorter than head.

c' Tarsus exueeding middle toe and flaw 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 scutellio very distinct. Qonys straight or oven slightly

concave. Much white on wings and tail Mimua.

d.' Tarsal seutelliB very indistinct, sometimes nearly obsolete.

Oonys slightly convex. No white on wings or tail Oaleoscoptea .

TKOGLODYTID^ — THE WEENS AND MOCKING-THRDSHES. 103

Genus HARPORHYNCHUS Cabanis. •

Barporhynchus Cabanis, Arehiv f. Nature. 1848, 1. 98. Type, Earpes redwivus Gamb.
Metliriopterus Keich. Av. Syst. Nat. 1850, pi. iv. Type, Turdus rufus Llnn.

"Gen. Chae; Bill from forehead as long as, or mueli 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 seutellate 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 eulmen; 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 eulmen; gonvs 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. crissaUs Henry, while to Methri-
opterus may be referred the following: M. rufus (Linn.), M. longirostris
(Lafr.), M. ocellatus (Scl.), M. cinereus (Xant.), M. bendirci (Coues),
M. palmeri Kidgw., and M. curvirostris (Swains.). This arrangement,
I am aware, removes M. palmeri much further from H. lecontei
than Mr. Brewster, (c/. 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, I 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 ditfereuce is of course far greater between
the two latter.

104 Bni:>s of iluxois.

Harporhynchus rufus (Linn.)

BROWN THRASHER.

Popular synonyms.— French MockliiK binl: Sundy Moc-klne-bipl; forrUBlnoDH Mocklni;-

blrd: Fox-colori>il Mockinc-blrU: Thriishor.
Ttiidim ni/iif Linn. S. N. ed. 10. I. 1758. 16?; i-d. 12. 1. ITtiii, i'.O.— Wn-B. Am. Orn. U. ISlO.St.
pi. 14.— AUD. Orn. Bioc. li. IStl. IW; v. ISffl. 441. pi. 116.
Oi-fuheua rufun Sw. i Hicii. 1". B. .\. 11. 1S!1, IKS.-AUD. Synop. 1839,88: B. Am. lil. ISII,

9. pi. 141.
Barpoihu'ieliHS ru/its Caiian. Miis. lleln. i, 1850, 82.— Baibd, B. N. Am. 1858. 3>1: Cut N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 261; Kevlow. 1S6I. 44.— CouES. Kpy. I8T2.7.i: CtiiH'k List, isni. No. 10:
2d ed. 1882. No. 17: B. N. W. 1S74. 9: Col. Val. 1K78. 61.-B. B. A: II. Hint. N. Am. B. I.
1874. 37, pi. 3. Ilg. 1.— RiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. i;t.
Haj>. Eastern North America, west to the Rocky Mounluius and North to the British
Proviuco.'i: winters in tho Southern V, S.

"8p. Char. E.xposed portion of the bill shorter than the head. Outline of lower man-
dible straiKht. Above light cinnamon-redu beneath pule rufous-whIte with loncitudinal
streaks ot dark brown, e.xceplini: on tho chin, throat, middle of tho belly, and under tall-
coverts. These spots untoriorly are reddish brown in their terminal portion. Tho inner
surface of tho wInK and the inner edces of the primaries are finnamon: the concealed
portion of the iiuills othi-rwise Is dark brown. The median and creator winc-coverts
become blaokish brown towards the end. followed by white, produoine two conspicuous
bands. The tail feathers are all rufous, the e.\ternal ones obscurely tipped with whitish,
the shafts of the same color with tho vanes. Length, 11.15; wIbk, 4.15; tall, 5.2«: tarsus,
1.30."' (lli.il.X.Am.n.)

Though not a very familiar bird— preferring rather hedges and
thickets by the wayside — the ]5ro\vn 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 inhiibits. 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
continuity and ])k'asing expression. It is said to strongly resemble,
particularly in modulation, the melody of the Song Thrush [Tunlas
mmicus), perhaps the finest of European songsters. In power it at
least equals, and in sweetness excels, the much praised porforiuance
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: WinR,
4.10-4.25 (averiiee, 4.21): tall. 6.05-5.45 (average, 5.20); culmen, .95-1.00 (aver.ige. .99); tarsus,
1.28-1.40 (uveraKO, 1.36). Females averoee somewhat smaller.

TROGLODYTID^ — THE WRENS AND M0CKING-THEUSHE8. 105

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

Genus MIMUS Boie.

Mimiis Boie, Isis, Oct. 1826, 972. Type, Turdus polyglottos Linn.

"Gen. Chae. Bill not much more than half the length of the head; gently deaurved
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 seutellate; 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.

Turdiis polyglotios Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 169; ed. 12, i, 1766, 293.

Turdus polyglottus Gmel. S. N. i, 1788, 812.— WiLS. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 14, pi. 10, flg. 1.— AuD.
Orn. Biog. i. 1S31, 108, pi. 21.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 320.
Mimus polyglottus BoNAP. Comp. Geog. List, 1837, 17— Baied, B. N.Am. 1858.34); Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 253; Review. 1864. 48.— CouES, Key, 1872, 74; Check List, 1873, No. 8;
2d ed. 18S2, No. 15; B. N. W. 1874. 8; B. Col. Val. 1878. 53.— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. i,
1874, 49, pi. 3. flg. 4.— RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 18S1, No. 11.
Orpheus polyglottus Svi^iss. Zool. Jour, iii, 1827, 167.— Aud. Synop. 1839, 87; B. Am. ii,
1841, 187. pi. 138.

Hab. 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. Chae. Third and fourth quills longest; second about equal to eighth; the first half
or more than half the second. Tail considerably graduated. Above 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 across the
breast. There is a pale superciliary stripe, but the lores are dusjiiy. The wings and tail
ai'e 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, 9.50;
wing, 4.50; tail, 5.00.

"Young. Similar, but distinctly spotted with dusky on the breast, and obsoletely on the
back." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

106 BinDS OF ILLINOIS.

So well known are the habits and other characteristics of the
Mockiiig-ljinl that noarly all that could he written iiere would he
hut a repetition of what has been previously published. In Illinois,
as in many other States, its distriliution 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 Oliiey, 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 1st,
1884; that ^Ir. (heen Smith had met with it at Kensington Station,
Illinois, 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-
liancy 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 (HylocichUe),
and perhaps not even the trill of the Canary. To our mind, the
Brown Tbraslier has a sweeter song, and one equally vigorous ; but
there is a bold brilliancy to the vocal performance of Miinus that
is peculiarly his own, and which makes him chief of songsters.

Genis GALEOSCOPTES Cabanis.

OaldoscoDtes Cabanis, Mu9. Holn. I, ISTiii. k;. Type, Miiscicapa cnroUneiifis Linn.

"Gen. Chab. Bill shorter than the heuU. rather broad at base. Rietal bristles moiler-
ately developeil, reachinR to the nostrils. Wings a little shorter than the tail, rounded;
secondaries well developed: fourth and llfth (mills longest; third and sixth a little shorlor;
llrst and ninth about eciual, and about the length of secondaries; first <iulll more than
half the second, about half the third. Tail craduated; lateral feather about .70 shorter
than the middle. Tarsi longer than middle too and claw by about an additional half-
claw; scutollute anteriorly, more or less distinctly In didereut specimens; scutellic about
seven.

■yrhe 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
Galcuscoptes and Mimtts pohjglottus, beyond the less degree of defini-

TE0GL0DYT1D.E — THE WRENS AND MOCKING-THEUSHES. 107

tion of the tarsal plates; and but for the difference in coloration
(uniform plumbeous, instead of gray above 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 Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 328.
Orpheus carolinensis AuD. Synop. H3fl, 88; B. Am. ii, 1841, 195, pi, 140.
Mimus carolinensis "Geay" Scl. P. Z. 8. 1856, 1294.— Baikd. B. N. .4m. 1858, 316; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1359, No. 254.— Coues, Key, 1872, 74; Check List, 1873, No. 9; 2d ed. 1881, No. 16.
B. N. W. 1874, 8; B. Col. Val.,1878, 56.
Galeoscoptes caroline7isis Caban. Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 82.— Baird, Review, 1864, 54.— B. B.
& R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1374, 52, pi. 3. flg. 5.— Ridgw. Nom, N. Am. B. 1881, ^o. 12.
Turdus lividis Wils. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 90, pi. 14, flg. 3.
Tardus felipoi Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 10, pi. 67.
Urpheus felivox Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 192.

Hab, Eastern North'Amerjca, north to about lat. 54° in the interior; west to, and in-
cluding, the Rocky Mountains, and along the northera boundary estendiug to Oregon
and Washington Terr. Winters from the Southeru States south to Panama; Cuba;
Bermudas.

Sp. Chae. 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. Crissuni 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. Youiig: 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 crissum dull light rusty
brownish.

ilal^: 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 Eobin, is the Catbird. But
unfortunately he is the subject of very general prejudice, not merely

108 BIRDS OF ILUNOIB.

on account of bis undeniable propensity to steal cberries, but also
because many persons dislike the cat-like notes which he utters on
certain occasions. But if be is to be condemned to persecution on
account of these failings, we must also consider that be is little
if any worse than the Kobin 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 Roi-ky Mountains, and from the (iulf of Mexico
to the British Provinces, which is not enlivened by the i)resence 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 splasbe^ in the wash-basin
at the back-door in the most perfect civilized style. Then, when
we return his familiarity and intrude ujjou his own household,
we cannot but admire the courage with wliit-h 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.

MOTACILLID^— THE WAGTAILS AND PJPlTa. 109

FAmLY MOTACILLIDJE.— The Wagtails and Pipits.

"Chae. Bill slender, conieal, nearly as high as wide at the base, with slight notch 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 up to 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 Ave, 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 (except in Motacilla). 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 Anthince of this family from the
ji;a((did(E. which they closely resemble in coloration, habits, and lengthened hind claw.
The lengthened, slightly curved hind claw, much pointed wings, emarginated secondaries,
—the inner ones nearly as long as the primaries,— distinguish the famMy from the Sylvl-
colidce* 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 Bechstein.

Anthus Bechst. Gem. Naturg. Deutschl. 1802. Type. Alauda spinoletta Linn.
Neocorys ScL. P. Z. S. 1857. 5. Type, Alauda spragueil AUD.

Gen. Chae. Bill slender, about half as long as the head, the culmen somewhat depressed
or concave 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 eQiial 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 intermediiE, 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. Mniotiltldffi.

110 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

still further; for not only are the giMieral hnbits nearly identical,
but the appearance of the eggs, Btructure and situation of the nest,
and general characteristics of song are quite the same. These te-
leological resemhlanccs, ho'.vc-ver, are no indication of relationship;
on the other hand, the two families are (juite 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 :

n' First and fourth primnrios dooidedly or appreci.ibly shorter than ern'ond and third;
hind toe (with claw) shorter than tarsus; outstretched feet falllni; considerablf
short of end of tall. Lateral tail-feathers with Inner webs partly dusky. (Antliui)).

1. A. pensilvanicus. Legs and foot always deep brown or dusky. In summer, above

nearly uniform grayish brown; beneath deep pinkish bulT, the jueulum moro or
less streaked with dusky irarely nearly immaculate). In winter, above olive-
brown, the pileuni and back Indistinctly streaked with darker; beneatli ochreous-
bufl. the jnculum broadly streaked with dusky. Wing about 3.15-3.3ii, lall2.40-2.G0.
culmen .■l2-..';o, tarsus .SO-.W).
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 tall. Lateral tail-feathers
with Inner webs wholly while (for e.\posed portion). (.Vro<on/.«.)

2. A. sprajueii. Bill, leg^. and feet pale-colored, themaxilla. only, dusky. In summrr,

above broadly streaked with light bufT-grayish and brownish dusky; lower parts
dull biilTy white, more strongly tinged with bulT across juguliim, where narrowly
streaked with dusky. In irinlrr, beneath much deeper buIT. the jugular streaks
broader; upper parts with the pale streaks more decidedly buff. I'mmj. with
upper parts moro 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. spragueii has usually been placed in a so-called genus
Neocor;/s, Sclater ; but the variations in the details of external form
are so numerous among the many species of the genus Authm, in
its comprehensive sense, that the recognition of generic value in
the differences which exist between .1. pciifiilriiitiriiK and .1. S]n<i<iuc'ti
would necessitate the adoption of many more genera than most
systcraatists w'ould care to allow. In short, there are so many
species which, in their varying details of structure, seem to bridge
over so completely these ideally unimportant differences that, with my
present knowledge, I would not feel justified in separating them.

MOTACILLID^ — THE WAGTAILS AND PIPITS, 111

Subgenus Anthus Bechstein.
Anthus pensilvanicTis (Lath.)

AMERICAN PIPIT.

Popular synonyms.— American Titlark; Pennsylvaniau Pipit; Louisiana Pipit.

Alauda pensilvanica Lath. Syn. Suppl. i, 1787, aS?.
Anthus pensylvanicus Thienemann, Rhea, ii, 1847, 171.
Alauda ludoviciana Gm. 8. N. i, pt. ii, 1788, 793.
Anthus ludovicianus LicHT. Verz. Doubl. 1823, 37.— AuD. Synop. 1839, 94; B. Am. iii,

1841, 40, pi. 150.— NuTT. IVIan. 2d ed. 1810, 517.-Baird. B. N. Am. 1858. 232; Cat. N.

Am. B. 1859, No. 165; Review, 1864, 153.— (JouEi?, Key, 1872, 90; Ciieck List, 1873, No. 65;

2d ed. 1882, No. 89; B. N. W. 1874, 40; B. Col. V,il. H7S, 193.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am.

B. i, 1874, 171, pi. 10, fig. 3.— RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 71.
Alauda rufa WiLS. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 89, pi. 42, flg. 4.
Anthus spinoletta NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 450.

Anthus aguaticus 8w. & RICH. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 231, pi. 44.— AuD. Orn. Biog. i, (name on
pi. 10).
Anthus pipiens AuD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1832, 408; v, 1839, 449, pi. 80.

Hab. Whole of North America, but breeding only north of the United States, except on
summits ot 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. Chak. {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 ot 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 Titlark is known only as a spring and fall migrant,
or, in the southern portions, an occasional winter resident appearing
irregularly in small flocks, which frequent wet grassy placps, where
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
Seiurus. 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 tbe warm springs, where the high temperntiiro 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 i)leak 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.

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 113

Family MNIOTILTID^.— The American Warblers.

The extensive and varied family of Mniotiltidce, or "Warblers,"
constitutes a most attractive element of the North American Ornis.
Next to the Fringillidce, it is more numerously represented than
any other, while it is even more characteristic, all the species being
purely American, while the FringUUda 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 {Dendrohca macidosa) is decked in richest yellow, deepest black,
purest white and softest blue gray, in elegant pattern and har-
monious contrast; in another (f>. blackburnite) the intense cadmium-
orange throat glows like a burning coal, so strong is the contrast

114 BIRDS OF ILUNOIS.

with the jet-black upper parts ; another (D. rirenii) 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 (Si/lriinia
viitrata) 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 Ite 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 tiie 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.

o"— Bill cylindrical (sometimes even somewhat compressed), not abrui>tly bont at tip
and wliliout very distinct notch; rictal bristles weak, sometimes even (appurcntly)
quite obsolete.
b>. tilzo small itotal lenetli under 6.60 Inches); bill slender and nearly cylindrical, the
outlines nearly straleht.

1. Mniotilteee {yVood W'arhlerf:). Feet comparatively weak, not reachine. when

outstrutL'hod, near to the end ot the tail. Wins rutber lenKthenod and lolnt-
ed. couskicrably longer than the nearly even or slightly emarelnutcd tail.
ChiiHy arboreal.

2. Geothlypese (iJround Warblers). Feet stronK, reachine whi-n outstretched

nearly or (lulte to the end o( the tall. Wine rather rounded, usually shorter
(never decidedly louRer) 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. loterieae ('.Via(-lVnri(cr. ). Bill without notch or rlcial brisUes; wing much

ruuiulud, decidedly shorter than the rather lengthened tall,
a'— Bill decidedly depressed (quite Flycatcher-like), the Up abruptly bent and distinctly
notched, riclal bristles strongly developed.
i. Setophageee {Fiucalching Warblers).

Analysis of Genera.

a. Hniotilteee.

1. Middle toe. with claw, longer than tarsus.

Bill much compressed for terminal halt, the lateral outlines decidedly
concave; culnien aud eonys decidedly convex; commissure moderately
concave. Ilictal bristles very luconsplcuous; notch just perceptible Hniotilta.

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AMEKICAN WAKBLEKS. 115

2. Middle toe, with claw, not longer than tarsus.

Bill without a distinct notch, or lacking it entirely; rictal bristles want-
ing, or very minute; culmen and gonys nearly straight; bill only very
moderately compressed.
o. Middle toe and claw about equal to tarsus.

Bill not acute; culmen and gonys decidedly convex; notch just per-
ceptible; bristles apparent 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 Helmitheros.

6. Middle toe and claw considerably shorter than tarsus.

Bill very acute, its outlines nearly straight; notch not perceptible;

bristles not apparent Helminthophila.

Bill very acute, its outlines nearly straight; notch just perceptible;

bristles strong Compsothlypis.

Bill distinctly notched; rictal bristles strong; outlines generally
slightly curved Dendxoica.

b. Geothlypeae.

3. Wings pointed, longer than nearly even tail.

Above olive-brown; beneath white with dark streaks Seiurus.

Above olive-green; beneath yellow without streaks Oporornis.

4. Wings rounded, shorter than the graduated tail.

Colors as in Oporornis Geothlypis.

c. Icterieae.

5. Characters as given above; outer toe completely separated from the middle

one; upper mandible decidedly deeper than the lower.

Color above uniform olive-ereen or olive-gray; beneath rich yellow
for anterior half, white posteriorly Icteria.

d. Setophageae,

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 white in the female Setoplia<^a

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 male (sometimes in the female also) Sylvania.

It is possible that of the above the Icteriece should properly rank
as a subfamily; but some tropical genera (e. g. Graiiatellus of Middle
and South America and Terretristis 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
Deiidroica and Sclurus is very nearly made in a West Indian species
of the former (D. phimbea Lawr.) and the Antillean genus Cathnro-
yeza; the genera Seiurus and Oporornis differ more in coloration than
anything else, while the differences in form between the type of the
latter genus and that of Geotlilypis are reduced to almost nil by the

IIG BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

intermediate species, G. pInUuielphia and G. macglllifrayi. The
Dendroicie pass by almost a gradual transition through Per'umoglossa
very close to IlehmnthophUa, whiK- the latter genus stands not far
from the allied {,'Poera UdmUherox, llclinata and I'rotowitaria.
No positive distinctions of habits obtain between members of the
several groups as a whole; thus, the typical species of Ifelmiiitho-
phila, those also of Siilraina and, the " Oporornis" formosa inhabit pre-
cisely the same localities, keeping near, and nesting on or near, the
ground, and are therefore true "Ground Wariilers" so far as habits
are concerned. Some species of Dcnilnnca (<•. g. D. i-ifiorg'n and D.
(lomiiiira) are "creepers," thus showing an analogy, at least, to
Mniotilta. One species of this same genus (D. palmantm), walks
gracefully upon the grouud, with a delicate mincing step, and un-
dulating wagging of the tail, much like the species of Sciurus, but
still more like a Titlark {Aitthiis) ; some of them combine these vari-
ous characteristics, to a greater or less degi'ee, 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 dillicult, an arrangement by artilicial considerations is infinitely
more so.

Genus MNIOTILTA Vieillot.

MnioliUa Vikillot. Analyse. 1810, 4.<. Type, ytotaciUa varia LisJf.

Gbn. Chab. Bill rather long, comprossod, shorter than the hond. with very short rlctal
bristles and a shallow notch. Wings considerably longer than the tail, which Is slishtly
rounded; llrst aiilll shorter than second and (usually) a little shorter than the third also.
Tarsi rather short; toes long, middle one equal to the tarsus; hind too nnarly a-s lonu. the
claw considerably shorter than its digit. Color white, streaked with black. Nest on
ground; eggs white, blotched with red.

This genus differs from other Mniotiltcfe 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 {Certhiidte). 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 while wiug-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 tuhdt
iiialc 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

MNIOTILTIDS; — THE AMERICAN WAEIiLEES. Il7

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 i-aees have been recognized, only one of which has been detect-
ed in Ilhnois (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,

MotaciUa varia Linn. S. N. ed. 12. i, 1766. 333.
Sylvia varia Lath.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 384.

Gerthia varia Vielll. Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 69.— AtJD. Orn. Biog. J, 1832, 452, pi. 90.
Mniotilta varia Vieill, Analyse, 1816. 45.— Aod. Syuop. 1839; 71; B. Am. ii, 1811, 105, pi.
114.— Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i. 1840, 702. -Bated, B. N. Am. 1858, 235; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 167; Review, 1864. 167.— Coues, Key, 1872, 92; Check List, 1873, No. 57; 2d ed. 18S2,
No. 91; B. N. W. 1874, 45; B. Col. Val. 1878, 204.-B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874. ISO,
pi. 10, flg. 6.— RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 74.
Certhia maculata WiLS. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 22, pi. 19, llg. 3.
Mniotilta varia var. longirostris Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, p. xxxi, No. 167.

b. borealis.

Mniotilta varia AncT. (all western references).
Mniotilta borealis Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1810, 705.

Mniotilta varia borealis Ribgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 74a.— CouES, 2d Check List,
1882, No. 92.

Hab. Eastern North America, west to eastern base of the Eoeky 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. Chak. Adult male: Above rather glossy blue-black, relieved by a broad medial crown-
stripe ol white, two white bands on the wing (formed by tips of middle and greater cov-
erts), and white outer edges of tertials and ol upper tail-coverts. Lores and auriculars
black, separated from black stripes on sides of crown by a broad 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 ol 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,middletoe .52. Tottvg male first aulninn: Similarto the adult, but whole throat immac-
ulate white. Bill brownish black, the basal portion of the mandible lilaceous-white; feet
dull oUve, 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, flrstplumage: Similar in general appearance to the adult female,
but markings, especially the two stripes of the pileum and the streaks beneath, much less

118 Binns OP Illinois.

shiirplirdoaDeil: tho streaks of tbu bruast ludlHtiDi't eraylsb-duBkv. KulTuitud with piilo
fulvou.s. tlio«o of the buck morn stroiiuly tluKod Willi niety. Tlio two HtrliK-K on tin'
piloum dull Kruylnh-duBky, lu»it.'ad of deup black.

There in a »lli;hl averaeu difference in proportlonB between birde of this Bpccles from
the Atlantic coost district and those from the country westward of the Alleebunles. but
the difference Is scarcely suRlcient to warrant their separation us races. The uvormte
meosuremeDts of specimens from the two regions are as follows:

Atlantic coa$t specimens (true .1/. farm). Male: Wine. ■.i.";i-2.88 laveroxe 2.78); tail. I.»i-2.2«
U.07); culmen. .45-.S0(.«i; bill from nohlrll. .sa-.-to (.ajj; tarsus. .GO-.iB (.oji; middle
toe. .50-. M (.64). /Vma/c: 2.70; 2.-2.(15 (J. U.'); .45-.<8 (.46); .;)0-.38 (.;i7): .68-.7U (.at); .10.
Mississippi Vailey specimens IM. varia Itorealis). Male: Wins. 2. 70-2.90(2.80); tail, 2.-2.24
(2.09); culmen, .40-.48 (.44); bill from nostril, .o0-.3S (.32i: tarsus, .ti2-.t)5 (.63); middlu
toe, .49-. 58 (.02). Female: 2.«0-2.75 (2.65); 1.92-2.0.96): .40-. 45 (.42): .Si: .66; .50 .56 (.53)
The above fleuros are based upon the careful mea.sur<-ment of 9 adult males und2
adult females Irom each reclon, and. while they show that the difference is not abso-
lutely conslaut. they show that the eastern bird averages decidedly larger (except in
length of wlug and tall), the difference buiui; especially noticeable in the greiiter length
of bill aud feet.

The loneor-bUled form winters In Florida and the West Indies, the other in Mexico.

This sprightly and pretty Httle bird is very common in dry woods,
where it may be seen ascending or descending tlie 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.

Gends PROTONOTARIA Baird.

Protonotaria Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 239. Typo, Motacilla citrea BoDD.

Gen. Char. Bill lonefr than the middle toe and claw, distinctly notched, all the out-
lines nearly Htrulnht. Wines much longer than the rather short, rounded tall. Tarsus
decidedly longer than the middle toe and claw. Lower tail-coverts reaching nearly to
the end of the tuil (on account of the shortness of the latter).

This genus is most closely related to the genera Ilrlinaia aud
Jhlmilhcros, 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 Jldminthophila;,
particularly H. piniis. 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.

MNIOTILTID^— THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 119

Protonotaria citrea (Bodd.)

PROTHONOTART WARBLER.

Popular synonyms.— Golden Swamp Warbler; Willow Warbler.

MotaciUa citrea Bodd. Tahl. P. E. 17S3, 44 (based on PI. Enl. 704, flg. 21.
Protonotaria citrea Baied, B. N. Am. 1858. 239; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 169; Review,
18f?4. 173.— CouES. Key. 1872, 93; Cheek 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, pi. 10, fig. 8.
EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 75.
MotaciUa protonotarius Gm.— Sylvia protonotarius Lath.— WiLS. Am. Orn. iii. 1811. 72,
pi. 24. Hg. 3.— NUTT. Man. i. 1832, 410.— AuD. Orn. Biog. i. 1832, 22; v, 1839, 460, pi. 3.
Helinaia protonotarius AuD. Synop. 1839, 67; B. Am. ii. 1841, 89, pi. 106.
MotaciUa auricoUis GjiIEIj.— Sylvia auricollis Lath.— NuTT. Man. i. 1832, 380.
Sylvicola auricollis Nutt. Man. 2d ed. 1840, 431.

Hab. Eastern United States, chiefly in the Mi.'ssissippi 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. Ch. 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, etc.. 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. Iv. Coale, of Chicago, in-
forms me that on May 11th a few Prothonotary Warblers were found
in the woods along the Kankakee Eiver, 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 BIKDS OF ILLINOIS.

across the river in pairs and alitilitini^ will up. On June Ist be
bad 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 tlying about
June 16th. Mr. Coule says that "the Prothonotary Warbler is the
most abundant summer resident of this locality, excepting perhaps
the White-bellied Swallow and Kedstart. 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.

Genos HELINAIA Auddbon.

Helinaia AuD. Synopsis. IxRi, lio. Type. Sylt^ia sirainnonii Aid.

Gen. <h.'— Bill nearly as lonj; as the head, somewhat compressed, especially toward
the c'ulmen, which is elevated biLsally where it extends backward, as a rather promiDcnt
ridge well between the frontal apices.

This genus much resembles Ilelinitheros 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 Protoiiotdria, but the bill
is quite different in shape, while the coloration is widely diverse.

The single species is perhaps the plainest colored of American
Warl)lerH, l)eing uniform olive-brown above (the head more rufous)
and dingy yellowish-white below.

Mr. Brewster remarks as follows conceniing the relationships of
this genus :

•"Char. Bill lone, robust at base, taporins to a sharp point, smooth or sllchtly notched
at tip; the eulmen slichlly curved, its ruico oompresst'd, elevated, and extendinc well
back on the forehead, resemblinB in this, a- in some other respects, the bill of the Meadow
Lark iSlnmella), Wings lonit. rather rounded, the first quill always shorter than the
second and third, which are about equal. Tarsus stout, siiehtly lonuerthan the middle
toe. Feet large, flesh-oolored. Jitninentlu lerresiriaW Bbewstku, Auk, Jan. lsS5, p. 76.)

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AMEEICAN WAEELEBS. 121

"The place which Helinaia should occupy in systematic lists is a
somewhat puzzHn;? question. Its long wings, large, flesh colored
feet, and sluggish terrestrial habits indicate an affinity with Oporornis;
its acute, compressed bill and short tarsi a perhaps stronger one
with Helinitherus. In many respects it seems to form a connecting
link between these two genera, with Helmilherus 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 Seiuras, and later authorities
have widened the gap still more. Leaving out of consideration the
Caerebidse, a troublesome family which seems to grade insensibly
into the Sylvicolidse through such genera as Helminthophila and
Perissoglossa, our North American Sylvicolidae might be very naturally
arranged as follows : 1, Mniotilta; 2, Dendroeca (including Ferisso-
glossa and Peiicedramus as sub-genera) ; 3, Protonotaria; 4, Panda;
5, Helminthophila; 6, Helmitherus; 7, Helinaia; 8, Seiurus; 9, Oporornis;
10, Geothlypis; 11, Icteria; 12, Myiodioctes ; 13, Setophaga; 14, Car-
dellina; 15, Ergaticiis; 16, Basileuterus. The Cserebidse, 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 WAEBLER.

Popular synonym.— Swainsou's Swamp Warbler.

Sylvia swaiyisonii Aud. Orn. Biog. ii, 183J, ECS, pi. 198.
Helinaia swainisonii AuD. Synop. 1833, IX; B. Am. ii, 1841, 83, pi. 101.
HelonKjea swainsoni Ridgw. Nom. N..Am. B. 1881. No. "d.
Helmillierus swainsoni Baikd. B. N. Am. IS38, 252; Cat. N. Am. B. 1850, No. 179; Review,

1864, 180.— CoUES, Key, 1873, 93; Cheek List, 1873, No. 01; B. Col. Val. 1878, 212.— B. B.

& R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874. 190, pi. 10, flg. 9; iii, 1874, 504.
Beliniatheras suiaiitsoni CouES, 2d Check List, 188.', No. 97.

Hab. "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 t, breeding plumage, No. 8974, Coll. W. B., Charleston, South Caro-
lina, May 1, 1881.) Crown and nape reddish brown; remainder of upper parts, including
the sides ol' neck, clear olive, the wings, tail, aud upper tail-eoverts tinged with reddish

1'22 BIRDS OF ILUNOIS.

brown: unilor iiartucrettmjr wliitu wllli a lemon-yellow Uneo, mont pronounced on the
bn-ast nnd iiliilumfn f.ilnt«Kt on ilio tbr'^at und crlssum: «I«1"k of huily brownlHti olive;
Kliles of breast ollviioeouK usby, eztenillne completely ucfohr the breiist In h broiiJ but
ruiher ioUlstluct bund of pale, nebulouH spots: throiit. abdomen and crUsum Immaculate:
iidUHky stripe starlini: ut the loref* (wblcb are nearly black i passes backward along the
slilu of the head IntorsectlnK the eye and separatlns a conspicuous, brownish white su-
perciliary stripe from the roBion below the eye. which Is dappled with u reddish brown on
a creamy white K'ound, There Ix also u short, yellowish, concealed niedUn stripe on the
for«'head. Iris hazel: Iocs and feet (losh-color (notes taken from freshly killed specimens),
'liiiiii'nHiona.—L.&.CS; ex.. 9.1HI: wine J.S'J: tall. 2.113: tar, .74: culmen fiom base, .7it: from
feathers, .61 : from nostril. A2; depth of bill at ant cor. of nostril, .18: width at same poiot.
.Vi. Sexes indistinKuishable.

"jHr.. first plumage— a No. 224, A. T, W., Charleston, June 9. 18S4.) Wings and tail
essentially as In the adult; abdomen dirty white; rest of plumage, including the crown,
nape, buck. 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 plumngu Is very odd and striking. In general coloring the
bird seems to most nearly resemble the young of Oporornis /ofmusus .' It differs so wide-
ly from the adult // .stcuia.'toni 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 piuma<ie.—{s Ho. Sit. k.T. W.Charleston, Aug. 23. 1S84.) Entire upper parts
rich olive strongly tinged with reddish brown, the crown scarcely deeper colored than
the back, the wings a trillo redder; loral stripe blackish; superciliary stripe tinged with
yellow; under parts strongly yellowish. Otherwise like the adult.

"Farind'oni.— Among the adult and fall-plumaged young before me there Is much va-
riation in the size and shape of the bill, as well a.s 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 it is plain. As a
rule ibut not invariably) young birds seem to have a shorter, slenderer and struighter Mil
than do the adults.

"The color variations range between two extremes. In one the crown, wings, and
tail are bright reddish brown— almost reddish 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 tall are concolor with the back, wlilch is of a plain grayish
olive; the crown dull reddish brown: the under parts creamy white scarcely. If at all, yel-
lowish. That those variations are not sexual is evident, tor the richest-colored bird In
the whole scries is a female (No. 1H7, A. T. W.. May lo.i and several of the dullest, males:
that they are not connected with age is eiiuaJly certain, for among the young birds still
bearing traces of first plumage both types occur. As a rule, however. In autumn they are
more apt to be yellow beneath than are breeding birds, but in none of the specimens

•As described by Mr. Ridgway. Bull. N. O. C. Vol. Ill, No. 3, April, 18(». p, 80. I have
no specimens for comparison.

MNIOTILTID^ — 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, it not invariably, recognized by the darker color of the bill and
the much more uniform coloration of the upper parts, the crown in some specimens being
almost eoncolor 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 eon-
flued to the sides, and the remainder of the upper parts immaeulrite. 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
it is wholly wanting." (Beewstek, Auk, January, 18S5, p. 76-79.)

Further than the account given by Audubon, little was known
until quite recently concerning the life-history of th'.s bird. Even
now its distribution is very imperfectly made out, but ^n 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 ths interior
to southern Illinois and Indiana — everywhere in swampy districts
only.

Genus HELMITHEROS Eafinesque.

Selmiiheros Rafinesque. Jour, de Phys. vol. 83. 1819, 4'?. Type, Motacilla vermioora

GiiEL.—IIi-lmintherus VoN Pe.intzius, Jour fiir Orn. 1869, •^SS.—Helminlhotli.erus

Salv. & G0D.M Biol. Centr. Am.i. 1880,113.

Gen. Chak. Bill large and stout, compressed, nearly or quite as long as the head.

Culmen very slitthtly curved; gonys straight; no notch in the bill; rietal bristles wanting.

Tarsi short, but little, it 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 Heliiiaia, 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.)

1"24 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Helraithoros vormivoriis (Gmel.)

WOKM-EATINO WARBLEE.
Popular sTuonym.— Worm-eatliic Swump Warblur.

Mnltici la rrmihuira Gm. 8. N. i. ITSK, 951 (based on Eilw. pi. 3051.

Hulcia rcniiirora Lath.— WiLS. Am. Orn. 111. 1S|1,74. pi. lU. flg. 4.— Nurr. Man. I. 1832,
•III9.-AUD. Orn. BIob. 1. 1X3J. 177: v, ist9. 4(iO. pi. ;tl.

Jlelinaia ivniiit'ora Ald. Synop. ItCJll, (M; It. Am. 11. IH4I, SC, pi. 105.

He.millienin vermivonia Baihd, B. N. Am. 1«S. ;aJ: Cat. N. Am. B. KW. No. ITS; Re-
view. I8«;4. 179.-L'OUES. Key. 1S72. 93; Check List, lg7;i. No. GO: :!(! oj. 1882. No. 96
rHilmrdh^rus"): B. N. W. 1874. 48: B. Col. Val. 1878. 21I.-B. B. \ K. IIIaL N. Am. B.
1. 1874. iS^, pi. 10, IlK. 10.

Jlelmiiitheruf, vermivonis voN Frantzius. Jour, fur Orn. IHi.'.i. itw.

Uelmintholhtnis vennirorus 8alv. & CioDM. Biol. Contr. Am. i. ISSO, 112.— RiBow. Nom.
N. Am. B. 188!, No. 77.

Hab. EuLSlern United States, chiefly south of 40°; north rocularly to Connecticut Val-
ley, oasuuiiy to Maine; west to border of Great Plains. Wlnterlue lu Florida, Cuba, Ja-
maica, Yucatan, and Central America, south to VeriiKUii.

8r. Chab. Adult [sexes alike): Head bulT, with a broad bla<;k stripe on each side of
the crown (from nostrils to occiput), and a narrower black stripe bebiud the eye, along
upper edee of the aurlculars, continued, more or less distinctly, at the anterior anele ot
the eye. Upper part.s plain olive-ereen. Lower parts butl, paler on chin, throat, abdo-
men, and crissum, where sometimes almost white. Upper mandible dark brown, the
lower paler; iris dark brown; lojts and feet pale brown In dried skins, pale brownish
flesh-uolor in life. Wine. 2. 05-2. W; tail, 1.90-2.20; culmen, .60-65; tarsus, about .70. (Female
averaclnK smaller than the male.)

Yuung, first iihnitage: Head, neck, and lower parts deep buff, the black stripes of the
adult merely indicated by indi.<!tinct stripes of dull brown; back, scapulars, rump, and
wing-coverts dull lidht brown, tinced with cinnamon, the Krealer coverts passing into
deep buff terminally. Kemiges and rectrlcos olive-green, as In the adult.

The buff of head-stripes, etc., is deeper in autumnal specimens.

Few of our Warblers are less conspicuous than the present species.
Dull of color, retiring in disposition, and unusually shy (according
to the writer's experience), with no distinctive notes, he may easily
pass unnoticed, or if seen, unidentified. Except 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 Ri)arrow that it is
sometimes difiicult for the most critical 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, iiul)edded in dry leaves, and hidden
by a bunch of sprouts, a few fern-fronds, or other similar objects.

Ill suitalile 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 WAEELEES. 125

Genus HELMINTHOPHILA PaDGWAT.

Eelminthophaaa Caban. Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 2(1. Type, Sylvia ruflcapilla WrLa. (Not of

Bechst. 1803.)
Belrainthophila Bidgw. Bull. Nutt. Orn. CI. vii, 188'3, 53. Same type.

Gen. Chae. 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 ot 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 (//. 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.

6'. Wing with a large yellow patch covering both rows ot coverts.

1. H. chrysoptera. Forehead and both rows ot wing-coverts yellow; upper parts

bluish gray, lower parts white medially, bluish gray laterally, t: Lores,
auriculars, and whole throat black. 9: Lores, aurieulars, and throat dull
gray; yellow of forehead tinged with olive.

2. H. leucobronchialis. Similar to chrysoptera, but whole throat pure white, even

beneath the surface ot 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.
bK 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 coveri ig lores and auriculars and black throat, as in IT. chrysoptera,
the s 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 II. lawrencei, but whole throat bright yellow, like other

lower parts, and black on side of head reduced to a narrow streak, as in H.
leucolironchialis. ? similar to the t, but rather duller, the yellow of forehead
less pure, and streak through eye dusky instead ol black,
a'. Wing unvaried.

b-. Two outer tall 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. s:
Throat dusky olive; crown dull grayish olive, the black bar obsolete.
6^ 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, i: Crown with a concealed patch of chestnut. «: Simi-
lar to the i, 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 BIItDS OF ILLINOIS.

8. H. pere^rina. Adult >: Above olive-green, the bond and neck u^h-ffmy,

without colored crown-pati'h. but whli n narrow duhkjr ulruuk Ihroueli the
eye: lower purtH wliltu. Adult t: Biiullur, but sruy of head tlneed with
Kroeoish. and white of lower part« Rolled with yi-|lowlsh olive, eBpoelully on
Bidea. i'lmng: Head anil neck oIlve-Kreon. Ilko othoi upper parte: lower
parU Htrontrly tluged with ollve-yullowlsb, the lower tull-coTerts, however,
ahviiys pure white;

9. H. cincinoatieDsis. Above olive-ereoD, the forehead yellow, and crown blotched

with black; rest of hoad. with whole lower parts, yellow, the side of bead
marked by a broad loral and Huborbltal patch of black.

Helminthophila pinus (Liun,)

BLD£-WINO£D WARBLER.

Popular synonyms.— Bhio-wincpd Yellow Warbler; Blue-wlniced Swamp Warbler.
Cerlhia piuiix LiNS. S. N. ed. 12. 1. i;i;6. 1S7.
Uelntinllwplittga pinus Bairu. B. N. Am. 185X. i'll; Cat. N. Am. B. 1M9, No. IKO; Review,
18&4, 1(4.— CoUES, Key, 187J. 94; Check List, isrs. No. 6J; 2d ed. 1S82, No. 98: B N. \V.
1874. 49; B. Col. Val. 1878. 2U.-B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am, B, 1, 1874, 195. pi. 11. llu. 1.-
BiDow. Nom. N. Am. 1881, N. 79,
Belmiiilliophila pinu.i UiDow, Bull. Nutt. Orn. CI. vli. 18S2. 51,
Sj/Zu.a sWirarin Wn,8. Am. Orn. 11, 1810, 109. pi. 15, fls. 4.-Nutt. Man, 1, 1832,410.— AuD.
Orn. BloR. i. 18:12. 102. pi. 20.
JTeiUnaia solilaria AUD. Synop, 18:19, 69; B. Am. II, 1841, 93, pi. 111.

Hab. Eastern United States, chiefly south of 40° and west of the Allodhanioa; north,
irregularly to Ma.isachusetts and Michigan, and west to border of the Ureal Plains. In
winter, eastern Mexico and Ouaiemala.

Sp. Chab. Adult i: Forehead, fore part of crown, cheeks, and entire lower parts (ex-
cept crissum), pure Kamboeo-yol ow. most intense on forehead; crissum and llnineof
wlnK white, usually more or lesstinReil with yellow. Occiput, cervix, bafk.scapulirs. and
rump, pi iln olive-ercen, brichtest on the rump, where more ilneed with yellow; wines
and tail blul-h (jray, the former crossed by two white bands, formed by tips of middle
and Krealer 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; lees and feet dull plumbeous, more or lesstinRed
with yellowish, espocialiy on soles of toes. In nutumn, similar, but yellow of forehead
more or less obscured by ollve-creou; maxilla dark iiluml>eous or brownish bliick, Its
edKe, with mandible, dull flesh color, or purplish brown, the latter with a blackish stripe
along each side. Adult ,: Similar to the t, but colors appreciably duller.

Total length, 4.t)5-5.; extent, 7.-7.50; wing, about 2.40-2.50,; tail, 2. -2.10: culmon, .50;
tarsuB, .70.

In half-cleared fields wliieh have grown up to sprouts, and in rich
open woods iu the bottom-lands, where the switcii-eane 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-
cure. 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.

MNIOTILTIDiE — THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 127

Helminthophila chrysoptera (Liun.)

GOLDEN- WINGED WARBLER.

Popnlar synonyms.— Blue Golden-winged Warbler: Golden-winged Sw.amp Warbler.

Motacilla chrysoptera LiNN. S. N. ed. 12, i. 1766. 333.
5j/iOTa c/ir2/soi)tera Lath.— WiLS. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 113, pi. 15. fig. 5.— Nutt. Man. 1, 1832,

411.— AUD. Orn. Biog. v. 18.39, 154, pi. 414.
Eelinaia chrysoptera AUD. Synop. 183'J, 67; B. Am. ii, 1841. 91, pi. 107.
Relminthophaga chrysoptera Cab. Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 20.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 255;

Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 181; Review, 1864. 175.— Codes, Key, 1872, 94; Check List, 1873,

No. 63; 2d ed. 1832. No. 102; B. N. W. 1874, 49; B. Col. Val. 1878. 216.-B. B. &R. Hist. N.

Am. B. i, 1874, 192, pi. 11, flg. 2.— RmGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 81.
HelminthophUa chrusoptera Ridgwj»Bu11. Nutt. Orn. CI. vii. 1882, 53.

Hab. Eastern United States (chiefly north of 40° in summer) and Canada. Winters in
Cuba. Central America and extreme northern portion of South Amsrioa (Colombia).

Sp. Char. Adult i: 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 wilh 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 above the auriculars a more or less distinct white streak, extending anteriorly
to above the eye; chin, throat, and jugulum sohd black, with a rounded posterior outline.
Remaining lower parts pure white medially, bluish gray along sides. Bill deep black;
iris bruwn. In autumn, similar, but black feathers of throat very narrowly margined with
white, the yellow of forehead and blue-gray of back tinged with olive-green. Adult t:
Similar to the «, but black of throat and auriculars replaced by dusky grayish, the yellow
of forehead obscured 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; oulmen auout .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:

"Each 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-wiDged Warbler quite
common. Five were shot and three others seen — all males, which
were singing. Some were flushed from the ground and fiew 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 Rjchland county.

128 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

The locality was a moiBt 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.)

(ASHVILLE WARBLER.
•
Svlvia ruficapWa WlLS. Am. Orn. iii. ISH. 12(>. pi. 27. llg. S.-AuD. Orn. Blo(t. I. ISH. «.V>. pi.
89.
Helminthophagaruflcapilla IUikd, 15. N. Am. l&iS.Kr,; Cut. N. Am. B. 18jn,.No. 183: Review.
18M. 175.— CouES. Key. 1S72. HI; Chock List. IHT'.t. No. 67: 2J cd. iss;. No. li»!: B. N. W.
1874.50; B. Col. Val. 1878. £;i.-B. B. &:R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874. 1%. pl. 11. flg. 7.-
RiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 85.
Uelmiiilhophila rujicapilla BcDow. Bull Nutt. Orn. Club. vll. 1882. 54.
Sulfia nihricapiUa WiLs. Am. Orn. vl. 1812, 15 (index). -Ni-tt. Mnn. 1. 1882. 412.
Bflinaia rubricapilla AuD. Synop. I8:». 70: B. 4m. li. 1811. 103. rl. 113.
Hab. Nearly the whole of North America, but ruthcr irrcKuiarly distributed in the
West: breedinc on hiKher mountain ransos within the United StateH (south In the Slerru
Novadii to at least 38";'. but chieOy northward (south to Massachusetts). Wlntorii chiefly
in Mexico. Casual iu Greenland.

"Sp. Char. Head and neck above and on sides osh-eray, the crown with n patch of
concealed dark brownlsh-oranKe bidden by ashy tips to the feathers. Upper parts ollve-
(treon, brlKhtest on I he rump. Under parts cenerally. with the edjte of the wine, deep
yellow: tho anal recion paler: the sides tinged with olive. A broad yellowish while
rInK round the eye: the lores yellowish: no superciliary stripe. The inner edKCs of the
tail-fealhers marcined 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; wine. 2.42;
tail. 2.i«." (Ilisl. y. A m. B.)

"First plumage: Female. Remiges. roctrlces. etc., as in adult Twoconspicnous wing-
bands of bright buff, nieura and nape light ashy, tinged with fulvous. Back ashy, just
touched with green; rump brighl olive-groon. Supra-orbital line, ring around eye, and
the throat, bright bulT. Lores, maxillary lino, and iinrlculars pale ashy. Breast and cris-
sum gambogo-yellow, each feather tipped with whitish, producing a somewhat hoary ap-
pearancu. Abdomen pale yellow; sides dull cinnamon, with a shade of ashv. From a
spocimen in my collection taken at Upton. Mo., August 14. 1H73. A full series of specimens
illustrates widl tho progressive stages. Tho fall plumage in very aulokly acnulred by
young of this species." (Brewster, Bull Nutt. Orn. Club. Apr. 18;8. 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 geneial 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 l>uilding its nest upon the
ground. The song is said to resemble that of the Chestnut-sided

• The western bird is now recognized as a distinct race, II. ruficapilla gutluralia Ridgw.
Illisl. N. Am. 1! I, p. 19I.J

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AMERICAN WAKBLERS. 129

and Summer Yellow Warblers (Dendroica pennsylvanica and D. astiva),
and is therefore very different from that of its Blue-winged Yellow
and Golden-winged congeners.

Helminthophila celata (Say).

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.

Sylvia ceTaf a SA.Y,ljOJie's Exp. i, 1823,169.— Nutt. Man. i, 1833, 413.— AUD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834,
449.

Vermivora celata Nutt. Man. 2d ed. 1840,473.

ITeKnaia celata (part) AuD. Synop. 1839.69; B. Am. ii. 1841, 100.

Selminthovhaga celata (part) Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858,257; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 184; Re-
view, 1864,176.— CouES, Key, 1872,95; Check List, 1873, 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, pi. 11, flg. 5.—
BiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 86.

Helminthophila celata RtDGW. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vii, 1882, 54.

Hae. Interior of North Amerisa, breeding in the Rocky Mountain region and north-
ward to the Yukon region of Alaska; in wiuter 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 and in Mexico. (Replaced along Pacific coast,
from the Alaskan peninsula southward, by a brighter-colored race, E. celata lutescens, and
in the South Atlantic States by the dark-colored E. celata obscura; the latter possibly
breeding in the higher AUeghanies.

"Sp. Chak. Above grayish olive-green, rather brighter on the rump. Beneath en-
tirely greenish yellowish-white, except a little 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 superciliary 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 MeKenzie 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, 1.93! culmen, .40; tarsus, .64.

—9

13U BIRDB Of ILLINOIS.

Helminthophila pcregrrina (Wils.)

TENNESSEE WARBLEB.

Syltria pn-eorina Wiu. Am. Orn. HI, 1811, 83. pi. 2S, flu. 2.— NcTT. Man. 1. 1832. 412.-AUD.
Orn. Bloe. II. 18:m. 307, pi. IM.
St/tvicola ( IVmiirora) fierpgrina 8w. i Uicn. Faun. Bor. Am. li, 1831. 2JI. pi. «2.
rcmiirora peregritia NuTT. Man. 2(1 od. I, Wu. 4C9.
Ifelinnia peregrina AuD. Hynop. IStO, (S; 15. Am. 11, 1841, %, pL 110.
HelmiHtliop/iaga peregriiia Cad.— Baird, B. N. Am. 1858. 358; Cat. N. Am. A. 1859. No. 1815:

Revlow, 1865. 178.— CouES. Key, 18r2, !)5; Check List. 1873. No. 69; 2d od. 1882, No. 109;

B. N. W. 1874,5;): B. Col. Val. 1878. 2:10. -B. B. & H Hist. N. Am. B. 1. 1874, 205, pi.

11, riKS. 10, ll.-KiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 87.
Helminthophila peregrina Rirow. Bull. Nutt. Orn. CI. vU, 1882.64.

Has. Eastern North America, west to eastern base of Rocky Mountains (El Paso Co.,
Colorado, Sept. 1, 1873: C. E. Alkon); breedincfrom northern border ot Uiilti-d Btatos to
the Arctic rettlons; winters in Cuba and Middle America and south to Colombia.

"Sp. Cdab. Top and sides of the head and neck ash-sruy: rest of upper parts ollve-
Kreen. brigihtest on the rump. Beneath dull white, faintly tinned in places, especially on
the sides, with yellowisu-olive. Kyelids and a stripe over the eye whitl.'<h: a dusky line
from the eye to the bill. Outer tail-feather with a white spot along the Inner edee near
the tip. Female with the ash of the head less conspicuous; the under parts more tlneed
with olive-yellow. Length, 4.50; wine. 2.75: tail, 1.85.

"Autumnal specimens and youuB birds are sometimes so stronKly tlnRed with Kreen-
Ish yellow as to be scarcely disllncuishable from I], celala. The wlnu is, however,
always loncer. and the obscure whithlsh patch on the Inner edge of the exterior lall-
fealhcr. near its tip, Is almost always appreciable. In celata this odue Is very narrowly
and uniformly mareined with whitish.

"A young bird of the year, from Fort Simpson (27.'22S), has two distinct groenish white
bands on the wings, and the forehead and cheeks greenish yellow. A corresponding age
of //. celala has the wing-bands more reddish brown, the wlnss 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 while 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 chiully 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, hoth in spring and fall ; indeed, it seems to be
far more numerous west of the Alleghanics 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

MNIOTILTIDffl — 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 Cabanis.

Farula BoNAP. Geog. & Comp. List, 1838,20. Type, Parus americanus Linn. fNot

Parulus Spis, I824J
Uomvsothlypis Cabanis, Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 20. (Same type.)

"Gen. Chae. In tlie species of this genus the bill is conical and acute; the eulmen
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." iSist. If. Am. B.)

Compsothlypis amerieana (Linn.)

PARUIA WAKBLEK.

Popular synonyms.— Particolored Warbler; Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.

Farus americanus Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 190.,
Sylvia amerieana AUD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 78, pi. 15.
Sylvicola amerieana AuD. Synop, 1839, 59; B. Am. ii, 1811, 57, pi. 91.

Parula amerieana Bonap. Comp. List, 1838, 20.— Baekd, B. N. Am. 1858. 238; Cat. N. Am.
B. 1859, No. 1()8; Review, 1865, 169.— CouEs, Key, 1872, 92; Cheek 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, pi. 10, fig. 7.— RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 88.
Compsothlypis amerieana. Cab. Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 20.
Sylvia pusilla WrLS. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 17, pi. 28, tig. 3.

Hae. 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. Chae. 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. ^rf2«Z< i: 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 s: 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, etc., as in the adult. Pileum, cervix, rump
and upper tail-ooverts dull gray tinged with olive anteriorly and with blue posteriorly

V,i2 BIRDS OF ILLINOIB.

the hack witli moro or lens of an indlfitlnet patch of ollvo-irreen; throat and eyelids in'ny-
l»h white, abdomen, anal rcclon. und orl»»um pure white; jueulum and Hides of breast
palo ash-Bray. From two Hpeclmenw obtained at ML Curmcl, III., July 17. 1871. Both of
these show a larjte patoh of briuht camboKo-yellow on the breast, these feathers de-
notine the oommenci'nient of the adult plumase. One of them also has the chin and
an liidlsilnot supraloral lino tineed with yellow.

"Autumnal males are browner on the chin, yellower on the throat and jueulum.
Head tinced with (jreenlsh; secondaries edged with ereonish yellow. Autamnal females
are lleht greenish olive above, dirty white beneath.

"In very brlchtly colored spring males, there Is freauontly (as In M.XB. rhiladflpbia)
a well-dellned. broad blackish band across the juftulum. anterior to irnoiiually distinct
and rather broader one across the breast, of a brown tint, siiotted with black, while the
sides are much Bpottod with chestnut-brown: the blue above is very pure, and the sreen
patch on the back very sharply doflnod." tTIist. ,V. Am. B.)

This pretty little warbler is abundant during the migrations, and
is also not uncommon in swampy forests during Rummcr, when it
inhabits cliiclly those woods where the long gray lichens {Uxnea)
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.

Gencs DENDROICA Gray.

Dendroica Obay, List of Gen. and Subg. B,2d ed. Appendix, 1842.8. Type.^WofaciVfa 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 eonys convex, the notch distinct. Toneue uot lacerate

or fringed at tip.
Perissoglossa.— Bill very ,icute, the gonys slightly concave near tip, the notch ob.solote

or very indistinct. Tongue forked and deeply lacerate at tip.

Subgenus Perissoglossa Raird.

Perissoglosna Baibd. Rev. Am. BIrd.a, ISM. 181. Type, Motacilla tigrina Osr.
"Okn.Ciiau. Form of Dendrnicn, but bill slender, acute, with very Indistinct notch; the
commissure gently arched or curved from the base; the gonys also straight, or oven

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AMEEICAN WARBLERS. 133

slightly concave. Tongue lengthened, narrow, deeply bifld (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," iHist. S. Am. B.) ;

The curvature of the bill in Perissoglossa tigrina is quite peculiar
among the Mniotiltidce with notched bills, with the single exception
of Helminthophila bachmani.

It seems likely that the Helinaia carhoriata of Audubon belongs
here, as it appears very closely allied to the type of this subgenus.
The two species differ, however, as follows : —

Common Chabactees. 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 ot tail leathers.

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 Gmel. 8. N. i, 1788. 985 (based on Edwards, pi. 257).
Dendroica tigrina Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 286; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 206.— CoUES, Key,

1872, 102; Check List, 1873 No. 85; 2d ed. 18.82, No. 126; B. Col. Val. 1878, 245.
Perissoglossa tigrina Baikd, Review, 1865, 181.— B, B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 212,
pi. 12, flgs. 1.2— EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 18S1, No. 90.
Sylvia mariUma WrLS. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 99, pi. 54, fig. 3.— AuD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839. 156, pi.
414.— NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 371.
SyUicola maritima Jaed.— AuD. Synop. 1839, 56; B. Am. ii, 1841, 44, pi. 85.— Nutt. Man.
2d ed. i. 1840, 424.

Ha:b. Eastern North America, north to Hudson's Bay and Lake Winnipeg; breeding
chiefly north of the United States and wintering in the West Indies, where resident in
Jamaica.

"Sp. Chak. 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 scarcely 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 with it. 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 ot small coverts, and outer bases ol the secondary coverts, form a
large patch of white, tinged with pale yellow. Tertials rather broadly edged with brown-
ish white. Quills and tail dark 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. Length, 5.25; wing, 2.84; tail, 2.15.

134 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

"Female. Above ollvacoous-sfih, most yollowUh on rump: no bliiok nor ohostnut on
hoHil. WIr.c-oovurtM InconHplPUousljr <>(1>;ih1 with irbitiHb. Tall Hpots vorr IneonHplciiouB
BeniJAth ilull white tinguJ with yollowioh on the brouat, and KtroakeU om In tlia mulu, but
with dusky (jniylfib InKtoad of bl«<'k." {Hitt. N. Am. li.)

"First iiluiiuKjr: femalf. UomlKuH, roctrlcoR. and primary oovorts as In adult, riloum.
nupo, rump, and upper tall-covort» dark slaty-brown, the back with an IndlHtlnct patch
of olIvo-Broon. Eyelids, throat, juiruluiu. and sides of breast dark slato: abdomen, anal
reelon, and crissum solli'd white, tlnced with dull yiiUow. From a Hpeclnien In my collec-
tion shot at Upton. Me.. Aueust ai. 1S74. This bird exhibits a few Irregular patches and
Isolalud feathers of dull yellow on the breast and throat, forerunners of the fall plumase."
(BiiKWSTEn, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club Apr. IS^. p. 60.)

"Tbechestnut about the head 111 adult males varies In amount with the Individual;
Bometlmos (as In ai.(kCl, May. Moose Factory, Hudson's Bay Territory) there Is an oblone
spot of chesluul lu the middle of the crown, but generally this Is absent. Very frcnuontly
the chestnut tlnsos the throat. All variations In these respects appear, however, to bo
Individual, and not dependent at all on locality. West Indian specimens appear to be
ab.solutely Identical with those from North America.

"Autumnal specimens are browner, the chestnut markings much obscured.* iBiaL X.
Am. B.)

This was until within comparatively a few years a rare bird,
whose habits were by no means well known. It passes through Illi-
nois during its migrations, but does not, so far as known, remain
to breed, although in the mountainous portions of Hayti and Jamaica
and perliaps 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
80 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 llflds in company with DeiKbara jnilmarum, from which it is,
with ditliculty, distinguished at gunshot, so closely alike are their
habits and movements at this season."

MNIOTILTID^ — ^THE AMERICAN WARBLER8. 135

Subgenus Dendroica Gray.

Dendroica Gray, Genera Birds, Appendix, 1842,8. Type, Motacilla coronata Linn.

"Gen. Chae. Bill conical, attenuated, depressed at the base, where it is however
scarcely broader than high, compressed from the middle. Culmen straight tor 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.si long, 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 sUghtly rounded and
emarginate."

"Colors. Tail always with a white or yellow spot; its ground color never clear olive-
green; in v. (Estiva edged internally with yellow.

"Eggs usually with a white or a bluish white ground, marked with purplish brown and
obscure lilac; in some, mingled with varying shades of sienua-brown. Nest, so far as
known, in bushes and trees, except Z>. pabnarum, 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 httle variation in the bill, wings, etc., 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." {Hiit. N.
Am. B.)

The difference in manners between certain members of this genus
is remarkable ; thus, the D. j^'^l^'^'^'''^'™ 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. t%orsii 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-
ever, 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 distinct edging of yellow.

1. D. aestiva. i: Gamboge-yellow, more olive-green above, the breast and sides
streaked with chestnut-red. i: Duller, lacking distinct red streaks below..
Young: Dull olive-green above, plain pale yellow, or greenish bufly white, below.

13G BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

B. Inner wob» of lutarul tall-foutborH wtUi piitoli or distinct odelne of while.

0. WIqk without llt;bt markings, oxcopt a white spot at base of primaries (somottmes
obmiletu In i).

2. D. dsmlesceiu. s: Above plain dark dull blue; sides of head and neck, throat, and
oldesi, black; boIlT white, c: Above dull Krajrlsb green, below dull pale ereeniHb
buff.

b. WliiK Willi one or two distinct bunds across coverts.

3. D. virena. :: Above bright olive-green: wing with two white bands: sides of head
gamboge-yellow; chia, throat, jugulum and sides of breast, deep black; belly
white. .: Similar, but black of throat, etc.. broken by admixture of yellow and
whitish. Yuiing in /all and iciiiter: Throat, etc.. mostly pale yellowish.

4. D, striata. Crissum pure white at all stago.t and Heusons. !: Plleum uniform
deep black: upper parts grayish, streaked with black, the wings with two white
bands; lower parts pure while, the sides of the throat with a series of blended
black streaks, uultlDg on chin, i: Above dull olive-green, everywhere streaked
with black: beneath whitish, more or less tinged anteriorly with greenish bulT.tho
sides (and sometimes sides of throat) streaked with dusky. Vourig in fall and
winter: Above olive-green, more or less streaked, especially on hack, with dusky;
beneath iiaie olive-yellowish, the crittsurn, hotrrrer, aliraua pure leMle.

5. D. castanea. Crissum always pale creamy bufT. l: Oruwn, throat and entire
sides chestnut, darkest on the llrst: above grayish, streaked with black, the wing
with two white bands: sides of neck and wiiole belly pale liuff, or bully white, t:
Somewhat similar, but chestnut wanting, or merely indicated, the crown streaked
like the back. Yotino in fall and winter: Similar to corresponding stage of
striata, but crissum pule bufT, the upper tall-coverts and tall tinged with bluish
gray: flanks sometimes (In males chiellyl tinged with chestnut

6. D. peonsylvanica. Wing-bands sulphur-yellow; throat pure white; crown yellow
or grass-green: uuriculurs white or light gray, i: Sides, continuously, rich chest-
nut, connecting anteriorly with a black cheek-patch; crown bright yellow; back
streaked with black and greenish yellow. .: Similar to the '.but duller, i'ouna
in fall and winter: Above nearly plain bright olive-green, iucUuIing whole top of
head; side of head ash-gray: lower parts plain white, more grayish laterally,
where sometimes tinged with chestnut on the flanks.

7. D. oaerolea. t: Above line grayish blue, with black streaks on back and along sides
of crown: wlug-bands pure white; lower parts pure white, interrupted by a gray-
ish blue jugular band or collar, t; Above grayish green, glossed with blue;
beneath light greenish bulT, without jugular collar. Vouno i: Similar to adult <,
but whiter beneath, and upper parts more glossed with blue.

8. D. blackburniae. Crown with a more or less distinct central spot of orange or yel-
lowish. S- Spot on crowu, superciliary stripe (widening on sides of neck), suborb-
ital spot, with whole chin, throat and jugulum, rich cadmium-orange, most Intense
on throat: other markings about head, with prevailing color of upper parts, deep
black, reliovod by a large pure white wing-patch, covering both rows of coverts;
breast and l>elly yellowish white, the sides streaked with black, s: Similar In
pattern, but black replaced by streaked black and grayish oUve, the orange of
throat, etc., much paler.

9. D. maculosa. White tail-spots on the middle portion of the Inner webs, and on all
the feathers except the Intermediie. .!: Crown bluish gray: lores, auriculars, and
buck, black: rump and lower parts rich gamboge-yellow, the juguhim and sides
broadly striped with deep black; eyelids, postoculjir streak, wing-patch (covering
both rows of coverts), and crissum, wliile. '.: Similar to the I. but duller, the back
mixed with ollvo-green. the wing-patch dissolved into two distinct bands. }'oun|7
in Jail and winter: Above olive, becoming grayish on the head and greenish on the
bock; throat pale grayish; no streaks across jugulum.

10. D. coronata. Crown with a central spot of yellow, and sides of breast, also lower
part of rump, with a patch of the same; throat and other lower parts white, or
whitish, s; Above bluish gray, streaked with black, the wing with two white

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AMERICAN WAEBLEKS. 137

bands; sides of head black, with a supraloral and postocular strealc of white;
breast, especially next the yellow patches, heavily spotted or blotched with black.
!: Similar to the i, but much duller, less bluish above, the streaks on breast much
narrower. Autuvmal and winter plumane {adult and young): Upper parts brown-
ish, aud 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.

11. 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.

12. D. vigorsii. Wing-bands dull gray orgrayish white. J: Above olive-green, the wings
and tail grayish; beneath yellow, the sides indistinctly streaked with olive; the
anal region and crissum (sometinins belly also) white, s: 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 2, a?td lohoUu unstreaked,

13. D, montana. Similar to pinus, but forehead, superciliary stripe, auriculars, and
anal region yellow, and breast streaked with dusky.

U. D. discolor, i: 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,
c. Wing without any distinct 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.

6. 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, aud 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 sestiva (Gmel.)

YELLOW WARBLEK.

Popular synonyms.— Summer Yellow-bird; Wild Canary; Yellow-poll Warbler.

MolaciUa cesliva Gmel. S. N. i, 1788. 990.
Stjlvia (estiva Lath.— Aud. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 476, pi. 95.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832. 370.
Sylvicola aistiva 8w. & Rich. F. B. A. ii. 1831, 211.— Aud. Synop. 1839, 5S; B. Am. ii, 1841,

50, pi. 38. -Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840, 417.
Dendroica (Estiva Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 282; Cat. N. Am. B. 1S57, No. 203; Review, 1865,

195.— CouES. Key, 1872, 97: Check List, 1873, No. 70; 2d ed. 1882. No. HI; B. N. W. 1874,

54, 232; B. Col. Val. 1878. 252.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 222, pi. 14. fig. 1.—

EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 93.

138 niRDs OF iLi.ivore.

Svhia cih-inelta Vfn-a. Am. Orn. II, 1810. Ill, pi. K. tig. S.
Svlria chiUlrPni AUD. Orn. BIor. 1. 1831. IHO. pi. SI.— NuTT. Man. 1. 183^ S79.
Sylvia rathhonia .\UD. Orn. Bloc I. ISIl. :£«, pi. ffl.
Svlricola ratliboiiii AUD. Byuop. ISO, M; B. Am. li, 1811, S3, pi. 89.

Hab. The whole of North America (to thn limit of wlllaw eron-tbi, broedlni; Ihroueh-
out lt« raniro- In winter, the whole of Middle Amerloa and northern South America
(Trinidad. Tobaco, Colombia, etc.), but not In West Indies, where replaced bir allied
spoelea.

8r. CiiAn. Adull ;: Head (except occiput) and entire lower parts pnre rich eambnge-
yellow. the forehead and crown less pure— often obsour^d by an olive-Breen wash, more
rarely Intensined by an orange tinee; breast and sides broa<lly streaked with rich chest-
uut-rufous. Upper parts olive-Kreen, the back sometimes narrowly streiike<l with dark
chestnut, the lower rump and upper tall-covtrls more tinted with yellow. Wine feathers
blackish dusky centrally, but all mareiuod. more or less uroadly with olive-ereen or yel-
low, the middle coverts broadly tipped, the creater coverts and tertlals broadly edeed
with nearly pure yellow. Tall feathers dusky, the inner webs of all mostly pure yel-
low. Bill black: Iris brown; lees and feet olive-bruwnlsh.

No bird of North America has so extensive a range, or so
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, inhal)iting,
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 :80 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-fil)re8,
slender strips of bark, etc., cosily lined with soft feathers, When
the Cowbird drops its egg into its nest, it very iiigcuiously 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.

WNIOTrLTID^ — THE AMEEICAN WAEELEB8. 139

Dendroica caerulescens (Linn.)

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARSLER.

Popular synonyms.— Canadian Warbler; Pine Swamp Warbler.

MotaciUa canadensis LiNN. S. N. ed. 13, i, 1766, 336 (not of p. 334, which=Z). coronata!)
Sylvia canadensis Wlls. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 115, pi. 15, flg. 7.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 393.—

AUD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 309. pis. 148.155.
Syhicola canadensis Rich.— Add. Synop. 1839, 61; B. Am. ii, 1841, 63. pi. 95.
Dendroica canadensis Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858.271; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 193.
MotaciUa cmrulescens Gmel. S. N. i, 1788, 960.
Dendroica ccerulescens Baied Review, 1865, 186.— B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 254,
pi. 12. flgs. 10. 12.— COUES, Key, 1873, 99; Check List, 1873, No. 76; 2nd ed. 1882, No.
117: B. N. W. 1874, 45; B. Col. Val. 1878, 241.— RiBGW. Norn. N. Am. B. 18S1, No. 94.
Sylvia sphagnosa BoNAP. Jour. Phila. Ac. iv, 1824, 199 (= 5^- Ndtt. Man. i, 1832, 406.—

AUD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 279.
Sylvia pusilla WiLS. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 100, pi. 43, flg. 4 (— ?; not of vol. iv, p. 17. pi. 28, flg.
3, wliieh=C'ompsoi7Uj/pis americana),

Hab. 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. Chak. Adult 1: Above uniform dull grayish blue, including outer edges of quills
and tail feathers. A narrow frontal 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 primaries, the latter with a white patch near end of inner web of each
feather except the middle pair. Adult £ in fall a^id 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 s: 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 i.

"First plumage, t. Bemiges and rectriees as in autumnal males, the former slightly
paler in 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 erissum strong sulphur-yellow. White spot on base of primaries
fully developed." (Bkewstee, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1878, p. 57.)

"First plumage, ?. Bemiges and rectriees 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 erissum, light
buff. Breast and sides olive, tinged with buff. Spot on base of primaries dirty-white.
From two specimens, i and s, 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 ooUeetion, taken both in spring and fall, lack the white wing-
pateh altogether. Others have it but faintly indicated." (Bbewsteb, 1. c.)

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

110 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

tropical winter quarters. It possesses nothing specially distimtive
in its habits, either during the breeding season or when mi>,'rating,
and, compared with some other species, may be considered as one
of the least abundant of its family, althouyh common enough some
seasons.

Dendroica coronata (Linn.)

MYRTLE WARBLER.

Popular Synonyms Myrtle Bird; Yellow-rump Warbler; Yellow-crowned Wood Warbler.

Mulavilla coronata LiNN. 8. N. ed. Vi, I. I76S.:CK.
Hytria coronata Lath.— W1L8. Am. Orn. il. 1810. KB, pi. IT.flg. 4.— Nl'tt. Man. 1. 1S3J, aoi.

— AuD.Orn. Biotf. Ii.l834.ai3. pi. 153.
Sulvicola coronata Sw. & Ricn. F. B. A. 11,1831. 216. -AUD. Synop. ISB, 51: B. Am. 11,1841,

23, pL 76.-NDTT. Man. 2d ed. 1. ISIO.411.
Dendroica coronata Giiiv, List Oon. B. App. 1812.8.— Baibd. B. N. Am. l»viS.2;8; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859. No. 194; Review. 18«5. 187. -B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. I. KU. in. pi. 12.
Acs. 9. 12.
Dendraca coronata ScL.— CouES, Key. 1872. luo; Cheek List. lS7.t. No. 78; 2d ed. 18S2. No.

ll'J; B. N. W. 1874,57; B. Col. Val. 1878,278. -Boiow. Nom. N. .Am. B. issi, No. 35.
Had. Whole of North Ameiicn, but ohielly east of Rocky Mountains; very rare, and
perhaps merely straKt'llnc durinc inierations. In western portions, althoufih sometimes
not uncommon in California. Breeds from northern New Eueland northwards, and per-
haps southward alone higher Aiiegbanios. Resident In Jamaica; winters in greater por-
tion of Eastern U. S. (regularly north to about 4U'), and also in Mexico, Guatemala and
the Greater Antilles.

"Sp. Chak. Above blulsh-ash, ttroaked 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 and a
superciliary stripe, two bands on the wing and spots on the outer three tail feathers
white. I'nnalc of duller plumage and browner above. Length, S.W; wing, 3.00; tiiil. 2 50.

"Autumnal and winter birds are very much duller and more obscurely colored, the
upper parts of an umber east 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 (.'i2,J83) from Washington Is remarkable In having the adjoining series
of feathers down the middieof the back with their inner webs broadly edged with yellow.
In this respect it differs from all others that we have noticed." {Ilisl. X. 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 {Jiiiico liycmalis), Tree Sparrows, and other familiar species,

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AJIERICAN WARBLERS. 141

gleaning bread crumbs from the door-steps, or hunting for spiders
or other insect tidbits in 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 tha 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 (Rlnis
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. McFarlane, 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 line,
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."

112 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Dendroica maculosa (Linn.)

UAONOLIA WARBLEB.
Fopnlar Bjmonjnn.— Block and Yellow Warblor.

ilotiu-illn miiruliisa Om. 8. N. 1. 17S8. 9M.
Svlvia marulota Lath— AUD. Orn. Bloe. 1. 1S31. 360; II. 1834. 145; v. 1839. 4S8. pis. BO. 123,—

NuTT. Man. 1. 183'J.370.
Sulri'ola maculosa S\v. & BicH. F. B. A. II. 1831. 213. pi. 40.— AuD. Bynop. 1839. 61: B. Am.

11, 1841.65. pi. 90.
Dendroica inaculnsa Baiiip. B. N. Am. IffiS. 2M: Cot. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 204; Review,

1865, 206.-B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. 1. 1874. Za. pi. U. flK. 2.
Dmdrieca marulota ScL.— Coueb. Key. 1872. 102; Clieek List. 1S73, No. 84: 2J ed. 1882. No.
12'>: B. N. W. 1874, 62: B. Col. Val. 1878. 290.-RlDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 97.
Sulria mnai'olia Wn-s. Am. Orn. 111. 1811, 63. pi. 23.

Hab. Eastern North America, west to eastern base of Rocky Mountains: breeds from
northern Now Entiland northward, and winters In Bahamas, Cuba (rare), eastern Mexico,
and Central America to I'unamo.

"Sr. Char, ^f<^le in sprimj. Bill dark bluish black, rather lighter beneath. Tail dunky.
Top of head llitht (jrayish blue. Front, lores, cheeks, and a stripe under the eye, l)iuck.
running into a large triauKular patch on the back between the wines, which is also black.
Eyelids and a stripe from the eye alone the side of head white. Upper tail-coverts black,
Bomoof the feathers tipped with (jrayish. Abdomen and lower tall-coverts white. Rump and
under parts, except as described, yellow. Lower throat, breast, and sides streaked with
black: the .itreuks closer on the lower throat and fore breast. Lesser wlng-coverte. and
edeos of the wlnK and tail, bluish eray, the former spotted with black. Quills and tall
almost black: the latter with a square patch of white on the inner webs of all the tall
feathers (but the two Inner) beyond the middle of the tall. Two white bands across the
whiBs (sometimes coalesced Into one) formed by the middle and secondary coverts. Part
of the edge of the Inner webs of the quills white. Feathers marglnlnK the black patch on
the back behind and on the sides tinsed with greenish. L"nelli.5 inches; wing, 2 5"; 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.

"Ffmale in spring. Similar, but all the colors duller. Black of the back restricted to a
central triangular patch." (Hist. N. Am. IS.)

The Magnolia Warbler, probably the most showy of the Dcndwiae,
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 wcl)s 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 csenilea (Linn.)

CERULEAN WARBLER.

Popular synonyma.-Blue Warbler; White-throated Blue Warbler: Azure Warbler.

Svh-ia ciErulea WiLS. Am. Orn. 11. 1810, HI, pi. 17, flg. 5.
Sulvicolaea^tlea'Rlca.—KVD. Synop. is;f9. 56; B. Am. II. 1841, 45, pi. 86.
Dendroica cocrtilfa Baihd. B. N. Am. 1858. 280; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 201; Review, 1S66,
m,-B. B. & R. Hist N. Am. B. 1. 1874. 235. pi. 13. figs. 10. 11.

MNIOTILTIb^ — THE AMERICAN WARBLEES. 143

Dendreeca ccerulea Scl.— CouES, Key, 1872. 99: Cheek List, 1873, No. 77; 2d ed. 1882. No.
118; B. N. W. 1874, 56.333; B. Col. Val. 1878, 267.— Kidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1381, No. 98.

Sylvia rara WiLs. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 119, pi. 27, fig. 2.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 393.— Aud. Orn
Biog. i, 1832. 358, pi. 49.

Sylvia azurea Steph. Gen. Zool. x, 1817. 653.— Nutt. Man. i. 1832, 407.— Aud. Orn.
Biog. i, 1832, 255, pi. 48.

Hab. Eastern United States, but ctiiefly west of tlie 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. Chak. Male. Above bright blue, darliest 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 the innerweb near the end. Female,
greenish blue above, brightest on the crown; beneath white, tinged withgreenish 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.. 111., 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. A.)

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.

"It is a bird of the woods, everywhere associated with the beauti-
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 BUIDS OF ILLIKOIS.

less peculiar to all blue Warblers. This eong 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, spme distance from the tree, and some
forty or fifty feet from the prouiid. Small, and very neatly and
compactly built." (Kev. J. H. Langille, in Oniitltolor/isi and Oolo-
gist, Dec. 1882, p. 191.)

In History of North American Birds, Vol. III., page 50.'), Dr. Brewer
describes a nest of this species, as follows:

"A nest, containing one egg, of the Cterulean \yarbler, was ob-
tained in June, 1873, by Frank S. Booth, the son of James Booth,
Esq., the well known taxidermist of Drummondville, Ontario, near
Niagara Falls. The nest was built in a large oak-tree at the height
of fifty feet or more from the ground. It was placed horizontally
on the upper surface of a slender limb, between two small twigs,
and the branch on which it was thus saddled was only an inch and
a half in thickness. Being nine feet from the trunk of the tree, it
was secured with great difficulty. The nest is a rather slender
fabric, somewhat similar to the nest of the Eedstart, and quite small
for the bird. It has a diameter of 2| inches, and is IJ inches in
depth. Its cavity is 2 inches wide at the rim, and 1 inch 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 tine stems and needles, and the flooring is
very thin and slight. The egg is somewhat similar in its general
appearance to that of D. (dxtirn, but is 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.
It is thinly marked over the greater portion of its surface with
minute dottings of reddish brown. A ring of confluent blotches of
purple and reddish brown surrounds the larger end."

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 tirst of September. Prefers high woods. Very
abundant in the southern half of the State. Bare summer resident
here, but near Detroit, Michigiui, I am informed it is one of the
common species at this season."

MNIOTILTIDyE — THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 145

Dendroica pennsylvanica (Linn.)

CHESTNUT-SIDED WABBLEK.

Motacilla pennsyhanica Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766,333.
Sylvia pennsylvanica WiLs. Am. Oni. ii, 1810,99. pi. 14,flg. 5.
Dendroica pennsylvanica B aikd, B. N. Am. 1858,279 ; Cat, N. Am. B. 1859, No. 200; Review.

1865,191.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1874, 245, pi. 13,flgs. 7,8.
Dendrceca pennsylvanica SCL. & 8alv.— CoUBS, Key, 1872, 101; Clieoli List, 1873,No. 83;
2d ed. 1882,No. 124; B. N. W. 1874,62; B. Col. Val. 1878,244.— RiDOW. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 99.
Motacilla icterocephala Linn. S. N. ed. 12,1,1766,334.
Sylvia icterocephala Lath.— AuD. Orn. Biog. 1,1832,306, pi. 59.— N0TT. Man. 1,1832,380.
Syivicola icterocephala Rich.— AuD. Synop. 1839,54; B. Am. ii, 1841, 35, pi. 81.

Hab. Eastern North America, breeding from northern United States northward into
Britisli America. Winters in southern Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and thence to
Panama; Bahamas.

"Sp. Chae. Male. Upper parts streaked with black and palelbluish 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 supereiUary
band, and behind by a square spot of white. Loral region black, sending off a Une over
the eye, and another below it. 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 to the 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 Uke 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 entii-e upper parts are of a continuous light
ohve-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 thi'oat. 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 Praiiie, in Eicloland county, at a

time when all the summer residents were nesting; but they may
—10

14)) BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

hnve 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. eestiva), 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, .\utumnul WaililiT.

.s.v'iio rnslnui-a WlLS. Am. Orn. ii, 1810.9;. pi. 11. tic. l.-XfTT. .Mnii. i,liSC,382.-AlM>. Oiii.
Bios. i. 1832. 358.pl. 09.
Su'virola caslanva Rich.— .\uD. Synop. 1839..53; B. Am. Ii.ls41.34.pl. 80.
Dendroica castanea Baird.B. S. Am. 1H5S, 27C: Cat. X. Am. B. 1859, No. 197; Ri'vivw.

1865.189.-8. B. & R. Hist. X. Am. B. 1,1X74.251. pi. 13. (Iks. 4,5.
J)en(lr(Fca castanea Lawr.— CouES.Ki'v, 1X72,101: Chook List, 1(<73, Xo. 82; 2(1 ed. 1NS2,
No, 123; B. N. W. 1874, CI; B. Col. Val. 1«7«,243.— Ridciw. X<mi. X, Am. B. 1881. Xo. 100.
Suleitt aiitiimnali.i WlLS. .\m. Oin. iii.lsil.lw.pl. 23,nK. .3.— XfTT. Mini. i.l832.39il.— Al'D.
Orn. Blog. i,ls:t2,449.pl. 8s.
Hah. Enstorn North America, norlli to Hudson's Bay. M-ost to odgi' of Groat I'laliis;
liri'i'iiinK from northern No\v England nortlnvard. Winters in Central .\meriea and
northern South America (Colombia).

"Sp. Char. Male. Crown dark reddish chestnut; forehead and cheeks, ineludini; a
space above tho eye, black; a patch of bulT-yellow behind the cheeks. Rest of U|ipcr
parts Iduish uray streaked with black, the edpcs of the interscapulars tinged with yel-
lowish, of the scapulars with olivaceous, rrinmrics and tail-feathers odsed externally
with bluish cruy, the extreme outer ones with while; the secondnries edned with oliva-
ceous. Two bands on the wins iind the edces of the tertials while. The under parts are
whitish with a tince of bulT; the chin.throal, forepart of breast, and the siiies, chestnut-
brown, liitliler than the crown. Two outer tail-feathers withapatcli of wliitoon the inner
web near the end; the others edcod internally with the same. AVi/mfcwith the upper
parts ollvo. streaked throughout with black. and an occasional tluKO of oliestnut on the
crown. Lower parts with tracen of chestnut, but no stripes. Length of male, 5.00; wint;,
3.05; tail, 2.40.

"The ffinales and immature mules of this species differ much
from the spring males, and are often confounded with other species,
especially with D. struita. A careful comparison of an extensive series
of immature specimens of the two species shows that in raxtanea
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

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AMEBICAN 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, l)eing 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 Eedstart, 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 Mountauas range."

Dendroica striata (Forst.)

BLACK POLL WAEBLEE.

Muscicapa Fokst. Philos. Trans. Ivii. 1772,406.428.
Syli'ia striata Lath.— WrLS.' Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 40, pi. 30, flg. 3; vi, 1812,101, pi. 54, fig. 2.—

NUTT. Man. 1,1832,383.— AuD. Orn. Biog. 11,1834, 201, pi. 133.
Syli'icola striata Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. il, 1831,218.— Aud. Synop. 1839, 53; B. Am. 11,1841,

28, pi. 78.
Denrlroica striata Baied, 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, pi, 13,flg. 9.
Dendrceca striata Blakist. Ibis, 1863, 62.— Cohes, Key. 1872,100; Check Llst,1873,No. 81;

2d ed. 1882, No. 122; B. N. W. 1874, 60; B. Col. Val. 1878, 288.-Ridgw. Norn. N. Am. B.

1881, No. 101.

Hab. In summer, northern North America, breeding from northern New England
and coast of Labrador to the coast of Alaska (as far south as Fort Kenal) and sliores of
the Arctic Ocean; migrating through eastern United States; wintering in Cuba (rare) and
parts of South America (Colombia and Chili?).

* Proo. Boston Soc, Nat. Hist, xiv, Oct. 18, 1871,pp. 10,11,

148 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

"Sp. Cbah. Unit. Crown, nitpc, and upper half of the head black; the lower half.
Including the ciir-oovorto. white, the separntlng lino passlne throush the middle of the
eye. Best of upper parts eruyish ush. tlnc'd with brown, unji eonspiououHly streaked
with black. Wing and tuil-featliers bruwn. edged externally (except the inner t<Ul-
fcathers) with dull olive-green. Two eonoplcuous bars of white on, the wing-coverts,
the tertials edged with the »aine. Under parte white, with a narrow line on each hide of
the throat from the chlr. to the bides of the neck, where It runs Into a close patch of black"
streaks continuing along the breast and sides to the root of the talL Outer two tjill-
feathors with an obllquo patch on the inner web near the end; the others edged Inter-
nally white. Female similar, except that the upper parts are oUvoceous. and, even on the
crown, streaked with black; the white on the sides and across the breast tinged wltli
yellowish; a ring of the same round the'eye cut by a dusky line through it. Length of
male. B.75; wing, 3.00: tail. 2.25.' {.Hisl. N. Am. B.)

The autumnal dress is very dififerent from that of spring. The
upper parts are light ohve-green, indistinctly streaked with dusky ;
beneath greenish yellow, obsoletely streaked on the breast and
sides ; the under tail-covcrts, 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. ritstnitea.
The differences, as far as tangible, will be found detailed under the
head of the latter species.

"The young bn-d 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. connuita) and the Summer
Yellowbird (i>. (cstiva), 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 blackburniae (Gmel.)

BLACKBUENIAN WARBLER.

Popular »ynonym«. Orange-throated Warbler; Hemlock Warbler.

MuliuiUa l,lnikliiinii(v G.MEI,. S. N. i. 1788, 977.
.S>/i'io hlnrkhin-iiin- Lath— Wilb. .\m. Orn. 111.1811. 64. pi. 23,ng. 3.— XuTT. Man. ii.

1831,379.— AUD. Orn. Biog. 11, 1834. 208: v. 1839. 73.pl. 135.399.
Si/U'icola Hackburnia: Jabd.— AuD. Synop. 1S39. 37; B. Am. ii. 1841, 48, pi. 87.

MNIOTILTID.E — THE AMERICAN WAEBLEES. 149

Dendroica hlackburnice Bi-TRD. B. N. Am. 1858, 274; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 196; Ke-

view, 1865, 189.— B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 237, pi. 13, flgs, 2, 3.
Sendrwca btackbuniim Sol.— Coues, Key, 1872, 100; Check List, 1873, No. 80; 2d ed.

1882, No. 121 {■•hlackhnnui'"); B. N. W. 1874,59; B. Col. Yal. 1878. 284. -Bidgw. Nom.

N. Am. B. 1881, No. 102
Sylvia pariis WiLS. Am. Orn. v,1812, 114, pi. 44, flg. 3.— NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 392.— AuD. Orn.

Biog. ii,1834,205,pl. 134.
Syhncolaparus Bonap.— AUD. Synop. 1839,55; B. Am. ii,1841, 40,pl. 83.

Hab. EasternNorth 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. Chab. Upper parts nearly uniform black, with a whitish scapular stripe and a
large white patch in the middle of the wing-ooverts. 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-coverts; 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 histead 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 Hght 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 Ilhnois, 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.

liJO niRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Dendroica dominica albilora Btiinl.

SYCAMOB£ WABBLES.

Popular tTiionyins. Wblti'-checkvi] Wiirlili-r: Wlilti'-browcd Yi-llow-throated Warblpr.

Jtendntiva or Dentlvwca tlomiiiirn. )

Drndruha or Dfiidnira aiiperrilioHa. I All quotntlnnn for lopalltloB wpsi ..f tin- Allcithil-

„ , . o 1 • . •.• I nlt'nanU In mldJlu Anierloa.

Ntflria or Sl/lpirula penxilts. J

l)endruii-a duminii a vnr. alliiliira BA.I!in,RlU(iw. Am. Nat. vli. 1!<73. (KMJ.— C'OUEh. Clifck
List.l873,No. 8Ha.— B. B. Jfclt. Hlat. N. Am. It. i. 1X74,241, pi. U.llj:. 7.
DendriKca domiuiea alhilura RiDow. Num. N. Am. B. IK81,Nu. lUiti.

Hab. Missis.sippi Valley In Htimincr, north to the Oront Lakes, east to Wpst Viricinia.
and went til oasti-rn Kansa.x; winters In Mexim (both coastHl, Ciuatemala and H<indura.<i.

Sp. Char. Adult (m-xr.t nlUe). Almve ash-Rray. without .itreaks. the forehead or
sides of iriiwn. or botli.lilaik. Wln>rs l)lii''kisb.tlie miildle and greater eoverts limudly
tipped with white and edged with a.ih-iiray; remices eilj-eil with ash-cray. Tail dusky,
the feathers edijed with asli-cray.tbe inner webs of three outer reetriees with a lar»:e
white pateh enverinc the terminal portion— on the lateral feathers ooeupyinit nearly half
of the web. A white superciliary stripe, sometimes tinced with yellow anteriurly; a
crcseentie spot beneath eye, and large spaee on side of neek immediately behind uurieu-
lars, also white. Lores and auriculars deep blaek. this eimtinueil down eaeh side nf the
throat, but on sides of breast broken into stripes wliieh e.xtend aloni; sides to the Hanks.
Chin, throat, and junulum bright gamboKe-yellow.the llrst white anteriorly. Best of
lower iiarts exeeiit as deseribed, white. Bill deep blaek; iris brown; legs and feet
brownish. Wing about 2.50-2.65; tail, 2.00-2.25; exposed eulmcu, .45-.48; tarsus. .65-.(0.

The plumage of the adult in fall and early winter differs from
the spring livery, as described above, only in having 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, accordmg to the writer's experience, it lives
cliiefiy in the large sycamore trees along or near water courses.
On tliis 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 ofteu, practically, out of sight,
although liis 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
wliich after one becomes thoroughly acquainted with it renders it
distinguishable. In its motions, this warbler partakes mucli of (he
character of a creeper, often ascending or descending trunks of trees
or following their branches, much in the manner of a Mniotilta,

MNIOTILTID.E — THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 151

The first specimen which the wiiter ever saw was creeping about
the eaves and cornices of a frame dweUing 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 Hst) makes the following record of his
experience with this species at Mt. Carmel :

"First noted August 30, when they were found to be abundant in
a group of elm trees on the river bank near tovna. During the
succeeding three days they were plentiful, and thu'ty-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 dehvering 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. S. 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-THEOATED GREEN WAEBLEE.

MotaciUa virens Gmel. S. N. i, 1788. 985.
Sylvia virens Lath.— WiLS. Am. Orn. Iv, 1810,127, pi. 17. flg. 3.— Nutt. Mau. i, 1832. .370.

— AUD. Orn. Biog. iv,lS38,70,nl. 399.
Sylvicola virens KiCH.— AUD. Synop. 1839,55; B. Am. ii,1841, 42,pl. 84.
Dendraica virens Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 267; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 189; Review, 1865,

182.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1874, 261, pi. 12. flg. 4.
Dendrceca virens ScL.— CouES,Key,1872,97; Check List, 1873, No. 71; 2d ed. 1882, No. 112;

B, N. W. 1874,54; B. Col. Val. 1878.240.— Eidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 107,

!•")- BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Had. Kiirtti-rn ITnltod Stuli-s iiml t'linmla. brpoilliiK from lilulier mountniiiH of Hiildio
StiititsumI Ni'W Eiiirliuid n«rllin-iiril; HtniKuUni; ocfiiHiunully to Orocnliiiul or vvvn to
Europo (Hi-liuolniiil); wintcrH in CiiIiuuikI Miilillo AiiiorU'iu bouIIi to riinunui.

"8p. Chak. .Valr. r|ipfriHirt!<.o.\»-liiHlvi> of wiiiK mid lull, cloiir yvllow olivi'-ercpn
the foiitliiTs of till' l)ai'k with hi<ldi'ii Birciiks of lilai-k. Forchoiid tiiul 8ldi>n of lifud and
neck. InidiidlriK a HiiiMTcilhiry Htripi'. liritchl yellow. .\ diinky idlvo lliu- fniiii the bill.
throiiKh the eye. and another below It. Cliin. throat, and forepart of the breimt. extcnd-
Ing some di^tanee alontr on tin- ^iihs. eiinllnuoiiHbla>'k; rent of iimler parts white. tinKed
with yellow on the breast and flanks. WIukk and tail feathers ilark brown. e<lKeil with
bluish gray; two white bands on the winR; the creali-r part of thi' three outer tuil-
feuthers white. Fi-inali' similar, but duller; the throat yellow; the black of breast mueh
coueeuled by white edttes; the sides streaked with bluek. LeuKth, 5 Inehes; winK. 2.S8;
toil. 2.90.

"The autumnal male has the lihuk of llimat and breast obscured
by whitish tips. Females are yellowish white beneath, tuigetl with
grayish towards the fail." (Hist X. Am. B.)

"Fiml liluiiiage. Male. KemlKesand reetriees as in adult; greater and median wiug-
oovorts just tipped with soiled white. forminK two very narrow, indistinet winK-bands.
Best of upper parts dark slaty-brown, each feather of the back cdced with bright creen-
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 featlier on the breast and sides with a terminal spot of black; on the throat and
juguhim. these spots become large blotches of dark slate, the feathers being just tipped
and edgi'd with light yellow. (From a specimen in my collection shot at C'ambriilge.
Mass. July IW.IXT.I.) Like most of the previously described young Warblers, this bird hu»
a narrow central line of yellow feathers extending down the throat and jugulum to the
breast." (Bbewsteb. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club. Apr. 1878.57.)

Little need be said of this bu-d 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 ^.Vud.)

PINE WAHBLEB.

Popular synonym. Pine Creeping Warbler.

Si/lvia pinuK Wits. Am. Orn. iii, 1811. 25. pi. 19. fig. 4.— Xutt. Man. 1.1832.387.— AuD. Orn.

Blog. Ii.1834.232.pl. in.
.S'|/(i'i(o/n pinim Jard.— AuD. Synop. 1839.54: B. Am. ii. 1841. .■J7.pl. 82.
Dendroica Diiin.i Baikd. B. N. Am. 1858.277: Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 198; Review. 1865,

190.-B. B. & U. Hist. N. Am. B. 1. 1874. 2ti8.pl. 13. tig. 6.
De.udrvcca pin »s MclLWRAiTH. Proc. Essex. Inst. v. 186C. 86.— CouES. Key, 1872, 104; Check

Li8t.1873.No. 91; 2d ed. 1882.No. 134; B. N. W. 1874. 69; B. Col. Val. 1S78, 251.-niDOW.

Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 111.
Suh'ia vigorsii AuD. Orn. Biog. i. 1832. 153. pi. 30.
Vireo vigor.iii NuTT. Man. i. 1832.318.
Uendroivn rigoraii Stejs. Auk. 11. Oct. 1885,343.

MNIOTILTIDjE — THE AMEEICAN WAEBLERS. 153

Hab. 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. Chak. 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. Hides 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 Jemale. 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 a slight 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 over-
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 exceedmgly 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 bu'ds 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 tliis 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 Eed-poll Warbler (Z). x>almarum).

* Hist. N. Am. B. i.pp. 269,270,

l')4 BinDS OF nxiNois.

Dendroica palniarum iGiiul.l

FALM WA£BL£B.

Popular tynonymi. WiiKUiil Wiirbli-r: Titlark Wiirlili-r; Ti|p-u|i WiirliliT; lli'tl-|>oll
W«rl)li'r,

Miilnrilla pnhiiaiiim Gmel. H. N. i.I'St.Ml.
Si/lvin i)nl)i)aniiii Lath, ft Aiht.
Sylpiroltt pnliiinriim UlcH. ol Aut'T. •
Demlroira imlmnniii, (imrl) llAIliD. H. N. Am.. IK5X.28X: Cut. N. Am. B. Iffi9, No. aw;

KfVlfW. 18ffi.au7.-li. U. & 11. HiM. N. Am. 15. i. lK74.2nj.i.l. 14.lli.'. K.
Dendm'fa paliiiaruui ScL.— CoitES. Ki'y.lK72, ICMIpiirt): flu'i'k List. I»i3. No. 90 (part);

2»lo<l. 18S2, No. 132: B.N. W. 174. fi" (iiiirl): B. Col. Vftl. 1S79. 2s4 (cxol. syn. part).—

RiDOW. Norn. N. Am. li. ISxl. Xo. 113.
.Vi/friVo/n pi-li-chin 8w. Si Ricu. F. B. A. 11, 1831. 215. pi. 41.-AUD. Synop. 1839.58; B. Am.

11,1841. 55. pi. 90.

Hab. Inti'riorof eastern North Aimrica. norlli to Forts Sinip.fon aiul nesoliition.east
to western ba.se uf the AUechnnies, west to the lowiT Missouri anil eastern Texas: breeds
I'hielly north of the United States: winters in theOnlf States ami Lower Mississippi Val-
ley, and also In the Greater .Antilles. Ueeasional in .\tlantie States, when-, however, as
well as northward to Labrador, chiefly reidaced by the much brltjhtcr uolorod form,
livi'ochrysea.*

Sp. Char. Adult Hiafc ih s;)i-iii(;(No.83.021, U.S. Nat.Mus.MounfCnrmcl.Illlnols, April
22,1809.) Beneath yellowish white. tinKfd with yellow, the throat and erissum deepeniiiK
int<f KamboRe; sliles of the neek, sides, and fnlh'f hrrai*!, streaked with umber-brown,
tinned with rusty, the shafts of the feathers darki'r; a illslinet siiperelllary stripi- of
elear yellow, I'lleum uniform ri<'h ehostnut, darker next the bill, where divided
medially by a short and Indlstlnet streak of yellow. Uii|)er parts in eeneral oUvo-
(jray, deepeninu into yellowish olive-sreen on the upper lail-eoverts. Tail-feathers
dusky, edged externally with pale olive-yellowish, the two outer pairs with their inner
webs broadly tipped with white. Wlnifs dusky, the remiges edged like the tail-feathers,
with yellowish olive-green; both rows of eoverts tipped with pule grayish butT, forming
rather distinet indications of two bunds. 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 Carhsle, Peun. (Xo, 152, U, S.
Nat, Mus., April "26, 1845, S. F. Baird, — presumabl}' 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 (So. 2,072,
Waukegan, 111., 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,
1870), which has the posterior half of the superciliary stripe white
and the whole breast whitish, the pure yellow being thus restricted
to the throiit and erissum.

*Dendrceca palinariim hi/:iocliri/9ea KiDow. Bull. Nutt, Orn, Club, l.Nov, 187l>, p, 85,

MNIOTILTID^, — THE AMERICAN ■WAEBLEES, 155

Adult female in spring (No. 83,027, U. S. Nat. Mus., Mount Carmel, 111., spring; S.
Turner). Similar to the male, as described above, but pileum mixed chestnut and dark
umber-brown, dist>7ictl!/ streaked with dusky. Wing,2.35; tail, 2.05; bill.from nostril, .28;
tarsus, .71.

A female from Calumet, 111. (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
crissum continuous yellow ; even the superciliary stripe is white from
the eye backward. The pileum is grayish ohve, 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 sej:e,<') in wititer. Lower parts dirty whitish, the breast and sides with
narrow streaks of grayish brown; throat and superciliary stripe n-hoUy dirty inhitish;
yellow entirely confined to the crissum. except -A tinge on the abdomen, and along the
edge of the wing in some specimens : crown grayish umber, with but Uttle. 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 tliis 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, hke an Antluis 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 Pvesolution, 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 (Yieill.)

PEAIKIE WAEBLEE.

Popular synonym. Chestnut-backed Yellow Warbler.

Sylvia discolor Vif.ill. Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 37, pi. 98.— Nutt. Man. i.l832, 394 r294" by

error).— AuD. Orn. Biog. i.l831, 76, pi. 14.
Sylvicola discolor Jaed.— AuD. Synop. 1839.62; B. Am. ii. 1841, 68, pi. 97, .
Dendroica discolor Baikd, B. N, Am. 1858,290; Cat. N, Am. B. JS59, No. 210; Beview,

1865,213.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. 1,1874.276, pi, 14,flg. 9,

1»() BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Dmilrirca dinrolor A. & E. Newton. IMs. ISS. 144.-CotJE«. Key. 1872.108; Check List.

IKW.No. 80: ad ed. ISSi No. 127; B. N. W. Iti74.63; B. CoL VuL 1878. S4S.— RiDO V. Non>.

N. Am. B. 1881. No. lU.
Sulria mhiula \Vn,8. Am. Orn. HI. 1811.87. pi. 85. Mb. 4.

Hab. Eiinturii I'nltud Scutos. Qorth to Ma»8ni-'hU8>'ttji iind northern Illinois, west to
Knnwih; l>ri'<Mllni{ n.Nirly Ihrouuhout Its rnnue. In sultjible looalltics. Winters In Florida
(iind Dthir Oiilf Stiitos?! and In most of the West Indies.

"8p. I'HAK. Spring iniilf. AIjovc uniform olive-fc'reen. the interseiipulur reifion with
ehestniit-red eentre« to feuthers. luder purls niul sides of the heiid. ini-ludliiK « hroild
superellliiry Hue from the nostrils to n little liehhul the eye, lirlcht y.-llow. brightest iin-
torlorly. .\ well-dellned iinrrow stripe from the eommlssure of the mouth through Ibo
oye, and another froui the same point eurvinc gently below It. ulso a series of strciiks on
eaeh side of the body, extending from the throat to the flanks, bluek. QuiUsand Uill-
feathers brown, edged with white: the terminal half of the Inner web of the llrst and
second tail-feathers white. Two yellowish banils on the wings. /Viiia/c similar, but
duller. The dorsal streaks Indistinct. Length. 4.(i<J; wing, 2.25; tail. 2.1U.

"First plumage tif the young not seen.

"Autumnal specimens have the plumage more bleiuled, hut 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.'"
(Ilist.X. Am. B.)

The so-called Prau-ie 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 AUeghauies 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 bemg locahties where young cedars
(JuniperuB 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 Cannel 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 cliietly the soft inner
bark of small shiiibs, mingled with dry rose-leaves, bits of vegeta-
bles, wood, woody fibres, decayed stems of plants, spiders' webs,

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AMERICAN WAKBLEES. 157

etc. The whole is bound together hke a web by cotton-hke 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-hau-s. 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 SEIUE.US Swainson.

Seiurus Swainson, Zool. Jour, iii, 1827,171. Type, MotaciUa aurocapilla Litrs.

"Gen. Chae. Bill rather compressed, with a distinct notch. Gonys ascending. Rietal
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 byablackish stripe; no white

superciliary stripe.

1. S. aurooapiUus. Above brownish olive-green. I'oioiff.- Above fulvous brown, with
indistinct dusky shaft-streaks on the back; wing-coverts tipped with hght ful-
vous, lower parts light fulvous, with dusky shaft-streaks, except on abdomen and
orissum.

B. Crown uniform with the back, and bordered on each side by a distinct white super-

ciliary stripe.

2. S, motaoilla. Throat and erissum immaculate, or else the former only minutely
speckled; lower parts creamy white, the flanks and erissum deeper buff; super-
ciliary stripe white. Wing. 3.20-3.25; tail, 2.20-2.35; bill from nostril, .40-45. '

. 3. S. noveboracensis. Throat always more or less speckled, and erissum with dis-
tinct, though mostly concealed, streaks; lower parts pale sulphur-yellow, or yel-
lowish white, not deeper on flanks or erissum; superciliary stripe Ught fulvous.
a. novehoracensis. Wiug,3.-3.10; tail, 2.25-2.40; bill from nostril, .35-.38.
13. notahiUs. Wing,3 05-3.25; tail, 2.25-2.50; bill from nostril, .40-.50.

158 BIRDS OF ILUNOIti.

Seiurus aurocapillus (Linn.)

OVEN BIRD.

Popular tynonTms. Oi)ldeii-ori>wiio<l Tlinmli; Wooil WiiKUiil; I^ind KIrk-up (Jiimal<-a):
((■•lili'ri-iTMwni'U Aoi'(>nt<>r.

.Volarilln aiirocapiiln LiSS. K. N. I'll. I:i. I.l<i>ij.334.

TiirdHK aurocajnUun I.ATIl.— Wll.s. Am. Orii. III.1K10.88, |il. 14. He i— XUTT. Mnn. 1,1832,
3J5; 2il I'd. i,lW«,40<.-Al'D. Oni. Bloc. 11,1X34.21.1: v,l>CfJ,44;,|.l. 143.

Sfiiinm niiioraiiilliin Swains.— SW. A Ulcil. K. IJ. \. 11. 1S«. £!7.— .\l'D. Syiicp. 1839, 93:
B. Am. Ill, lH41,.'tt,pl. 148.— Haiki). n. X. Am. ItiM.aiO; I'lil. N. Am. H.lWH.S.i. IW; Re-
view.ISCJ, 214, l!iW.-CoifKH, Kry, 1X72, 1(1.1; ClH-ik List. IS73. No. 92; 11. N. \V. 1X74, 7il.-
11. U. & K. HiKt. N. Am. B. i.l874.28ll, |il. 14, lie 11.

Siiinis aiirvriiitilliis MooRE.— CouES.B. Col. Viil. 1878.298; 2il Clii'ck Ll.^l. I>«2, No. i;«i.-
RlDOW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881. No. ll.V

Hah. Eiistorn Nortli .\m<'rii'ii. norlli to Hiiil^oirH BayTrrr. iiml .\la.«kH. west to Rocky
Mouiiliiiiis, hri'odiiiK iii'iirly throiitthoiit Us rani;i'. In winter, Florida, Bermudas, all uf
West Iiidli's, Mexk'O (lioth coasts), and t'entral Amerlea, S"iutli at least to t'osta Biea,

"Sp. Cbad. Ahove uniform olive-creen. wltliatinijn of yellow. Crown with two nar-
row .streaks of Mark from the l>ill enelosinK a meilian ami miieh liroaderone of hrownlsh
oranee. Beneath white; the breast, sides of the hody. and maxillary line, streaked with
lilaek. The female and yonnB of the year are not appreciably dilTerent. Length, 6,00;
win>;. 3.01); tail. 2.4(1." {Hisl. y. Am. li.)

t'irnt pluiimoi: Ki-miKes, reetrices, etc., as in the adult. Best of upper imrls dull
fulvous-brown; the eroiru withnnl Klrii/fs; all the feathers very indistinetly ditrker
centrally; lower parts paler, more bulTy. fulvous, (jrowini,' uraUujilly white toward tho
erissum, the bulTy portions (breast and sides), with very Hue indistinct streaks of dusky.
(From a specimen obtained near Wnshineton, D. C.)

Till' goldoii-crowned Thrush or Oven Bii'd is one of the most
generally distributed and numerous birds of Eastern North Amer-
ica. It is almost certam 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 dtiriiit; noonday in midsum-
mer, the only bird-note to be heard. It lives much upon the ground,
where it may be seen walkin<i 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'. ntotaciUa and itovchorarciinis), 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 iuiotlur. The usual song is very cleiir and
penetrating, l)ut not musical, and is well expressed by John iJur-
rouglis, in "Wake llobin," as sounding like the words "teacher,
teacher, teacher, TEACHEP., TEACHER!— the accent on the first
syllable, and each word uttered with increased force and shrillness."
Jiut, as Mr. Burroughs tiiily says, "he has a far rarer song which

MNIOTILTIDiE — THE AMERICAN WAEBLEKS. 159

he reserves for some nymph whom he meets in the au-. 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, rivaUing the Goldfinch's
in \avaeity, 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 relationsliip to the Water Wagtail (Seitirus nove-
horacensis) — 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
httle 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
familiar 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 preeminently 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 thi-ough the forest."

Accordmg 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 Eacine, AVis., obtained by Dr. Hoy, is a tine 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 thi-ee 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

lt)0 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

from the nest. Externally this nest is made of wood- mosses,
lichens, and drj' leaves, with a few stems and hroken fragments of
plants. The entrance is strongly built of stout twigs, and its upper
])orlion is composed of a strong framework of line twigs, roots, stems,
mosses, dry plants, etc., all lirmly interwoven and hned with finer
materials of the same."

Seiurus motacilla (Vieill.)

LOUISIANA WATEK THBUSH.
Popular lynonTnu. Large-billed Wutur-llirusli; Wiiter Wagtail; WiiBiail.

Ti'rdii!' inottii-ilUi ViEILL. Ola. Am. Sept. ii. 1807.9, pi. 65.
Siuruf motacilla CouEs.Bull. Niitt. Orn. Club. 11. 1877.33; B. Col. Val. 1878.299; 2d Chock
List. 1882. No. 138.— KiDow. Nora. X. Am. IJ. Isxl.Xo. 117.
Tufdua liidovicianus XvD. Orn. Blot;. 1.1832.99. pi. 19.
Seinnis Indovicianiin Bonap.— Uaibb. B. N. Am. 18B8, 262; ed. 1860, pi. SCHb. 2; Cot, N.
Am. B. 1809, No. 188; Revli>\v.l8<«.217.— Coi-E8.Key.lST2.1()6; Check List. 1873. No. 91;
B. N. W. 1874.-2.-B. B. Jk K. Hist. N. Am. B. 1.1874.287.1.1. U.flg. 13.

H.\B. Eastern United States, north to Michigan and (rarely) Massifhusetts. west to
Kansas. Indian Territory and Texas; breeding north to Connecticut and lo>ver Hudson
Kiver Valley, southern Michigan, etc.. but chietly west of the .Mleghttnii's. Winters lu
eastern Mexico, Guatemala, and south to Veragua, also in Cuba and Jamaica.

"Sp. Chab. Bill longer than the 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 jialc bull behind, especially on the tail-covers. A dusky max-
illary line; the forepart of breast and siiles of body with arrow-shaped streaks of the
same color. Chin, throat, belly, and under tall-coverts, usually immaculate. Length, 6.33,
wlng.3.25; t«il.2.1»; bill, from rictus, ,76. Soxes similar. Young not seen.

"Autumnal specimens have a more or less strong wash of ochra-
ceous over the Hanks 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. X.
Am. B.)

The Large-billed or Louisiana Water-thrush, is an abundant
bh"d in all swampy wooded locations thi-oughout 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 fiuorite 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 ^Yarbler, nests of the two being some-

MNIOTILTID^ — 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 fluttering 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.)

WATEE-THEUSH.

Popular synonyms. Small-billed Water-thrush; Water Wagtail; Water Kick-up; Bossy
Kick-up and River Pink (Jamaica); Aquatic Accentor; New York Aquatic Thrush.

MotaciUa ncevia Bodd. Tabl. P. E. 1783,47 (based on PI. Enl. 752, fig. 1). (Not of p. 35!)
Siurus ncevius CouES, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, ii,1877. 32; B. Col. Val. 1878,299; 2d Check
List, 1882, No. 136.— Ridgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 116.
MotaciUa noveboracensis Gmel. S. N. i,1788, 958.
Turdus {Seiurus) novehoracensis Nutt. Man. i, 1832,353.

Seiurtis tioveboracensis Bonap.— AuD. Synop. 1839,93; B. Am. iii. 1841,37, pi. 49 (part).—
Baikd.B. Am. 1858,261; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 187; Revie\v,1865, 215.— CouEs, 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 WiLS. Am. Orn. iii. 1811, 66, p;. 23, fig. 5.— AuD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 284,
pi. 423, flg. 7.
Seiitrus aquaticus Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. ii,1831.22S, pi. 43.

Hae. 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 iu Greenland.

"Sp. Chak. 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 ric-
tus, .64. Sexes similar.
—11

162 BIRDS OF ILLIXOIS,

"A very young bird (22,619, Fort Simpson, August 10) is very
dififerent from the adult in coloration. The upper parts are fuligi-
nous black, each feather with a broad tenuinal 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).

GEINNELL'8 WATZB-THRUSH.

Popular BTnonyitt. Wyoming Water-thrush.

Siurua noeeiua nolabilis "Gkinxfxi,, MS." Ridgw. Proc. V. S. Nat. Mus. II. Muroh 27,
1880.12; Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. ll«a.— CouEs,2d Check Llst.l882.So. 137.

Hab. Bocky Mountain distrivt east, as a more or lesR common straseler. to Illinois
and Indiana. Occasional on Pacific coast,

Sp.Chab. Similarto .S. (loreioiocoi.ii.i.butlarcer.andmuch less brown aljove. Wine
3.20-3.2S: tail,2.2.''.-2.i0; bill, from nostril. .40-.5O: depth at base. .25; tarsus. .80-.90 ; middle
toe, .65-.60. Above dark erayish brown, the {eathere of the pileum with indlBlinctly
darker centres. Beneath yellowish white, the throat thickly spotted, and the breast and
skies heavily streaked with blackish dusky; a superciliary 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 tj'pe 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

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AMEKICAN WAEBLEES. 163

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; lill, 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 notabiUs, 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, 8.20 ; tail, 2.25 ; culmen, .62 ; bill, from nostril, .40 ;
tarsus, .80; middle toe, .60.

Examples collected by me in Kichland and Wabash counties,
Illinois, and in Knox county, Indiana (near Wheatland), are very
typical of this race.

Genus GEOTHLYPIS Cabanis.

We follow the ruHng 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.

Subgenus Oporornis Baird.

Oporornis Baied, Birds N. Am. 1858. 246. Type, Sylvia agilis WiLS.

"Gen. Chak. Bill sylvieoline, rather compi-essed; distinctly notched at tip; rictal
bristles very much reduced. Wings elongated, pointed, much longer than the tail; the
first auill nearly or quite the longest. Tail very sUghtly 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

I'll BinDS OF ILLIXOIS.

wings, more even tail, and larger toes and claws. It is also very
similar to Sciiirtts, differing chiefly in the longer wngs, larger claws,
and absence of spots beneath." (Hist. S. Am. li.)

Common rnARACTEiis. Aliovo plain olIvo-Rrcon, boneutlipltlu yellow (except on throat

iinU JiiRiiliim, In (J. agili> alone).

1. 0. Kgilii. Adiill mnlf: Head, neck iinil Jiicuhim ii»h-t;ray. Ilelitor on the thront un<l
tin«eil with olive on the rrown; a Jlstluet white orbital rlnc. Atlult frmale: Throat
and jiiKulum UkIiI smoky Krny, upper head and nape olive, like the hack, and yellow
of lower partH paler and duller. Yuuna hi fliti anhiuin: Similar to the female, liut
throat and jumiluni still duller and more or Ichh lineed with dull yellowish.

- 0. formosa. Ailull mnle: Crown Idaek. the feathern tipped with ash-Kray: lores und
Iriantiular patch nn auricnlars lihn-k; hroail Kupereiliary stripe. i4i)ot on hiwer eyelid,
and I'ntire lower partis rii'h yellow. Ailiill /mnilf: Slmihir to the male, liut rather
duller. I'oiiiifl; Like the adult female, but still duller, the black patcheB con<'enled
or replaced by dusky smoky olive.

Geothlypis agilis (Wils.)

CONNECTICUT WAKBLEH.

FoptUar synonTm. Gray-hended Wiirl.l. r.

iS>/i'io agitis Wii.s. Am. Orn. v. 181;;, 64. pi. Sn. fie. J.— .\VD. Orn. Bloc II, 1834, 2J7, pi. 138.
Trichas agilin NUTT. Man. id ed. i. 1840, 463.

Suli:icoJa aoilin Jabd.— Ari). Synop. ISffl. 63; B. Am. ii. 1841. 71. pi. 99.
Opororni.i aoilis Baikd, B. N. .\ni. 1858. 246; ed. 1860. pi. 79. Hk. 2; Cat. N. Am. B. IS.W.
No. 174; Hevlew. 186,^, 218.— CouES. Key, 1872,106: Check List. 1873, No, 95; 2d ed. 1882.
No. 139: B. Col. Vul. 1878. ."XW.-B. B. Jt U. Hisi. X. Am. B. I. 1874. 290. pi. 15. lies. 1. 2.-
KiDow. Noni. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 118.
Triclia.i tepliroculif NuiT. Man. 2<l ed. i, 1840. 462.

Had. Eastern United States and British Provinces, mierntine uorlhward in sprint;
cliielly thronch the Mississippi Valfey. and returniuK southward in autumn through the
AlliMitic' .states. Winter residence unknown, but probably in Gulf States, there beiiiK no
exlraliniitnl record. Breeds in Maniloba. and probably elsewhere in the interior of
British .Vmeriea.

. "Sp. Char. ><iiri)ig male. Upperpartsnndsidesoftheboily uniform olivc-creen. very
slightly tiueed with ash on the crown. Sides of the head ash. linked with ilusky beneath
the eye. lEulire head sometimes ash.) Chin and throat crayish ash. eradually becimine
darker to the upper [lart of the breast, where it becomes tiuKcd with dark ash, Shli^s of
the neck, breast, and body, olive, like the hack: rest of underpartslieht yellow. A broad
continuous white ring round the eye. Wings and tail feathers cdivi' (csiiecially Ihe latter),
without any traci> of bars or spots. Bill brown above. Feet yellow. Length. 6 inches:
wing. 3.0U: tail. 2.25. Fi'mali: The olive green reaching to the bill, and covering sides
of head: lluoal and Jugulum pale ashy bulT. Yoimo not seen. Nestling unknown.

"Autumnal specimens nearly uniform olive above; tlu' throat
tinged with lirowuish so as to ohsfuro tho iish.

"A spoeimoii in the collection of the I'hiladelphiii .Vendemy, killed
by Mr. KriiUr, has tln' 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,

MNIOTILTIDJE — 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 specinaens
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 during 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 loth to 27th, and September
1st to October 1st. 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 Geothlyjns 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 en^^rely 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-
hvered with force, in a clear ringing manner, slightly resembling
that of G. trichas. Their habits and movements while about the
pine trees — witliin 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 A%ik, 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."

IfiC BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Qeothlypis formosa (Wils.)

KENTUCKY WABBLES.

Sulrin formosa Wll.s. Am. Urn. lii.lXll.85.pl. aVllK. :'.— .\f D. Orn. UinK i KM I'". ii :«

— NuTT. Man. i.lSf2.3;i!l.
Muioiliorlen fonno.tn Aui). Syniip. 1SBI.50; 15. Am. ii.KHl.l'.i.pl. H.
Opnroritin fo/-iiio.«ii» Baiiiu. B. N. Am. I85X,247; Cat. N. Am. B. \K». No. 175; Kcviow,

18«5.21».-('ouES.K<y.lt(7i;.10fi: t'iK-ik List.lK;:i, No. %: M cd. isa. N». 140; B. K. W.

ISTJ.TJ: B. Col. Val. 1878. ■.W.-W. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. 1, IKTl. 2S3, pi. 15. flB- 3.-

IllDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 119.

II. IB. Enstorn United Slatos.cliii'lly wcattotbe Allcelinnics; north to ConnoctleutVul-
l.-y. soutliorn Now York, Mii'hieiin. and Wisconsin; wrsl tn Kansas. Indian Territory.
Texas, etc.; breeds throughout its United States rango. Winters in Mexieo and Central
Aniorlea, south to Panama; Cuba.

"8p. Chak. Adult inale. Uiipor parts and sides dark olive-green. Crown nnd sides of
the head.ineludinua trianKular pateh from behind the eye down the side of the neek,
blaek, the feathers of the erowu uarmvly lunulated at tips with dark ash. A line from
nostrils over the eye and eneirelinc it (e.\oept anteriorly), with the entire under parts,
bright yellow. No white on the tail. Female similar, with less blaek on the head.
Lent'lh. 5 inches; wIuk. 2.fl5; t«il.2.25.

"The adults In autumn are exactly the same ns in sprinR." {Ifial. X. Am. B.)
f'imt phimnge. Remises, rectrices. primary eoverts, and alula) as In the adult. Pileum
and back dull raw-umber brown, tiniiod with rusty on the back and scapulars; throat,
juculwm. breast, and sides pale grayish fulvous, the abdomen and erissum paler and
sliuhlly tinged with yellow. -Vo umrking.i of anu sort ahoiit the head.

The beautiful Kentucky Warbler is one of the most abundant of
birds in the rich woods of southern Illinois. As far north as
Wabash, Lawi-ence, 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-cro\\Tied 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 anotlier 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 jtchip, somewhat like the common call of the
Pewee (Sayornis phcfhe.) 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

MNIOTILTID/'E — THE AMEEICAN WARBLERS. 167

the female must slyly leave the nest at the approach of the intnider
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 -^yithin a radius of many yards of the spot where a pair
showed most uneasiness at his presence.

Subgenus Geothlypis Cabanis.

(reof/iiy/Ji'sCAEANis, Wiegmaun's Archiv. 1847, i, 316,349.— Id. Schomburgk's Beise,
Guiana, 1848.

"Gen. Char. Bill sylviooline. rather depressed, and distinctly notched; rietal bristles
very short or wanting. Wings short, rounded, scarcely longer than the tail ; the first quill
shorter than the fourth. Tail long; much rounded or graduated. Legs stout; tarsi elon-
gated, as long as the head. Olive-green above, belly yellow. Tail-feathers immaculate.
Legs yellow." (ffist. N. Am. B.)

Common Chakacteks. Above plain olive-greenish, beneath plain yellowish (except
on throat and jugulum, in G. Philadelphia and its western representative, G.macgilli-
vrayi).

1. G. triohas. 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 olire-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.-MAEYLAND YELLOW-THEOAT.

Popular synonyms. Black-masked Ground Warbler; Blaek-cheeked Yellow-throat;
Black-spectacled Warbler; Brier Wren; Yellow Brier Wren.

Turdus trichas'Ln^N. S. N. ed. 12,1,1766,293.
Sylvia trichas Lath.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832,401.— A UD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832,120; v, 1839, 463,

pi. 23.
Geothlypis trichas Caban. M. H. i, 1850, 16.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 241; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859. No. 170; Review, 1865, 220.— CouEs, 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. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. i,
1874,297,pl. 15, figs. 7,8.— EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,No. 122.

*The western representative of this species, G. macgillii-rayi, is-very similar, hut
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-blaek lores.

KW BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Suleia marutaiidira WlLB. Am. Orii. i.lN0g.t<8.pl. Cfle. 1: il. 1S09, 1(R.|>I. lH,ne. 4.

TiirhaH marulanilii-a NUTT. Mull. cd. 2. 1.1840,443. -Auii. Syuop. IK8.65: B. Am. II.1H4L
7X, pi. 102.
Suhin roKcor AuD. Orn. Hliic i. lKi2.124.pl. 24.

Trie/to* roBCoe Nutt. Miin. 2<l oil. I. lWii.4".

B. oooidentalis. WISTERN YELLOW THBOAT.
Popular synonyms. Sihik' as fiTilK' r.ii.m< rii fiTin.)
Geollilupif Irivhnii AucT.— (WostiTn refiTi-uees.)
Ueothlypis trichaa ovcidenlalin Ubewht. Bull. Nutt, Orn. Club. vlil.July, IHS.p. IK*.

Had. Tho truo II. trichaa cliinfly cast of tlio AIU'kIihiiIcs. or at leiiKt ciwt of the li>w-

laud portlona of the UisslHSippi Valley. U. trichnu i>,r,il,-i,tnHs fr ili.- MiHsJM8lj)pl

Valley to tho Piiolflcr Cou8t.

RP. Cbar. Adiilt mall'. Aliovu olIVf-Krecn. bcc oiimit.' Iirowmr ■n \iu- impi'. Forc-
hiMid. lores, urblts.aiirlculars.uiul malur rcKiim deep blai-k ; this bordt-rcd postiTiorly by
lieht ash-Kray or grayish whiti'. Chin, throat, jUKulum, and breast, rich eaniboei--yol-
hiw. .\b<l<>ini'n. sidi's and flanks, dull yidlowish whitf in true fi. trirlian. yellow In orci-
denlatis. Ailiill feninif. Mueh dulli'r in eolor than the male, without black, irniy. or
white on head.whieh is mostly dull brownish, the pileum or aurii-ulars. or both, some-
times tinned with reddish. Ycdlow of throat, etc., mueli duller than in the male. I'oiiiio.
first i>}ini\age. Somewhat like th<> adult female, but still duller in color. Lower parts
dull olivaceous, anteriorly, linked with yellow on throat, the posterior portions pali>
dull liufT. Young, in first fall. Lower parts entirely lieht dull buff.

Wins (of male), 2.00-2. 40; tail,l.SW-2.40.

We have not formally se])arated the two races mdicated iu the
above synonymy and description, for the reason that at present we
are not sure of their exact hmits. 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 foi-m. Still there is much variation in this
latter character, and it may be that both forms occur.

This merry httle denizen of the briar-patches is one of the most
conspicuous members of the family to which he belongs, being both
abundant and famihar, 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 hue above them, giving him a vei7 wise
look, as he peers at one through the briars or weed-stalks ; and his
pretty song of wltchiti/ — icitcliity — iritchity', 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.

MNIOTILTID^ — THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 169

Geothlypis Philadelphia (Wils.)

MOURNING WAEBLEE.
Popular synonym. Blaek-throated Ground Warbler.

Sylvia Philadelphia Wils. Am. Orn. ii, 1810,101, pi. U.flg. u.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 404. —AuD .
Orn. Biog. v,1839,78.
Trichas Philadelphia J a-rd.—Avd. Synop. 1839,65; B. Am. ii, 1841, 76, pi. 101,— Nutt. Man.

2d ed. 1,1840,459,
Geothlypis Philadelphia Baird.B. N. Am, 1858,2(3; ed. 18G0,pl. 79,flg. 3; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859. No. 172; Review. 1805, 226.— CouES, Key. 1872. 107; Check List. 1873, No. 98; 2d
ed. 1882, No. 142; B. N. W. 1874, 75; B. Col. Val. 1878, 313.-B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B.
i, 1874,301, pi. 15.flg. 6.— RlDGW. Nom, N, Am, B, 1881.No. 120.

Hab. 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. Chab. 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 tore 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 of a 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 halt 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 fulvous ;
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, however, 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 being 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 Cluh (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,i'ectrices,ete,,as in adult. Best 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 plleum. 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 and sides. No appreciable

170 BtBDS OF ILLINOIS.

iiijiMllary nr ouprn-firMtiil Btrlpos. (FromaR|>i>i'[ni<'n In my I'oUfotliin sliotat t'ploo.Ho..
Aiii;ii-.t 11,1871'.. Tills liliil was viTV Vi'iint:: In fact barely alile tu fly. .K sllclil il'Hil't pxIsUi
In my mind as to Its liji-ntity, for I iliil n<>t actually sec tlic parent MnlH feed it. tli<>ni;li
liiitli »-cri> In tlio imnicdiatv vicinity and exhibited niuvli Bollcitude. TIdit Hpeclmun Is
R'parablo from tho corrcKpondliiB staeo of >J. Irirhan by the oshy enut of tho plloum and
tllP nbsrncc of brownisli on the sldcH.)

"Afttunnial phimafff^. Voutto mali'. Entire uppor part« ollvc-ifrccn. th«* f«»athcr8 of
the pileiim and nape beinc; JiiBt tipped with this c(j|or and showinic iilalnly the lutby
underneath when dlsarranueil. Sides of lieail. with broad bands extenillne down I'aeh
side of the throat and nearly mei'tini: across the jintuliini. ash. washed with creenlsh
ollvo. Sides, with a broad connected band across anal reirlon ami breast, dull ollve-
(ireen. Rest of under parts, with central areas of throat and ju^ulum, very clear rich
yellow, IntenslfylnB Into a spot of orange on the breast In two spe(dmi-ns (both males)
a yellow tlpplnt; of the feathers on the jiiKulum nearly conceals much black underneath,
which becomes conspicuous when the plumage Is sli|,'htly disarrauKcd.

"Aiitiniitial phiniage. young feiiinlf. Similar to the niaU-,but with a morn olive cast
to tho Kreen of the dorsal aspect, less ashy on head, and the spot ou the breast of richer,
deeper eMor,and broader difTusion. The younu of both sexes In autumnal plumage
have tho upper and lower oyv-\iii»cniiai)>ciioiis fnlrnii.i ;/c//< ir. In one specimen 'male,
taken AuKUst'il) the eye-lids are dirlu irhile. (From seven Bpeclmens— two females,flve
males— in my eoUoetion.shot at Upton, Me., AuRUSt. !*;■(.) Irrespective of Kcnerle charac-
ters.the young of W. ph ilnil pi ph ia ixTd at onve distinguishable from those of Opornrni»
agilia in eorrespondlng 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
I am easily able to separate the two spcclos, 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 pah- 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 Yieillot.

Iclerin Vieii.i.ot, Ois. .\ni. Sept. I.lsOT.ili, S5. Type. J/ii.ioicnpn firiilin Gmel. —Tiirdiia

"Gen. CiiAit. Bill broad at base, liut contracting rapidly and becoming attenuated
when viewed from above; high at the base (higher than broad opposite the nostrils) : the
culnien and commissure much curved from base, the gonys straight. Upper jaw deeper
than the lower; bill without notch or rictal bristles. Nostrils elrcular.edged above with
membranc.the feathers close to their borders. Wings shorter than tail, considerably
rounded; first iiuill rather shorter than the sixth. Tall moderately graduated; the
feolhcrs rounded but narrow. Middle toe without claw, about two-thirds the length of
tarsus, which has the scutellie fused externally In part into one plate.

MNIOTILTID.E — THE A5IEEICAN WAEBLEES. 171

"The precise systematic position of the genus Icteria is a matter
of much contrariety of opinion among ornithologists ; but we have
httle hesitation in including it among the Sylvicolidce. It has been
most frequently assigned to the Vireonidce, but differs essentially in
the deeply cleft inner toe (not half united as in 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 mng is very long and pointed.

"Of this genus only one species is known, although two races are
recognized by naturahsts, differing in the length of the tail." {Hist.
N. Am. B.)

Icteria virens (Linn.)

YELLOW-BEEASTED CHAT,

Popular synonym. Yellow Mockingbird.

Turdus virens Linn. S. N. ed. 10,1.1758,171.
Icteria virens Bai-rj), Eeview.lSGS, 228.— CouES, Key. 1872,108; Cheek List, 1873, No. 100;
2d ed. 1882. No. 144; B. N. W. 1874, 77; B. Col. Val. 1878. 320.-B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am.
B. i,1874,307,pl. 15. fig. 12.— EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 12.3.
Muscicapa viridls Gmel. S. N. i. 1788, 936.
Icteria viridis BoNAP.— Nutt. Man. i. 1832, 299; 2d ed. i, 1840. a39.— AuD. Orn. Biog. ii,
1834,223; v, 1839. 433. pi. 137; B. Am. iv. 1842, 160. pi. 244.-BAIED, B. N. Am. 1858, 248;
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 176.
Fiprapolyplotta WiLS. Am. Orn. i, 1808,90,pl. 6, fig. 1.

Hab. 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. Chae. Third and fourth quills longest; second and fltth 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 tibia? plumbeous; a slight 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.
J^eniaZp like the male.but smaller; the markings indistinct; 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 hght-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 phitiiaor. Rciniecfi. re(><rlL-eH. et<-., iip In tlu' mlull. Hcnil suporlnrly uiiJ
latonilly, uniform eniyisli ollvu, with a Imn-ly a|i|>r<'i'iiil>li' wliitiHii sui>nili>nil lino iinii
urbitnl rlutc.anil trithout black markiitfjA. WIhiIc ttir'^at palf a.>tii-(;ray 'almost whiti* on
the oliiu). staini'd IntLTally and anteriorly with yellow: entiru hroimt i;aniboi>>--yi-llow,
obsi'uri'd with ollvjircous gray across the jUKulum (probably •■ntire eniy at at Unit, tbo
yellow feathorB b.-ini: probably the boKlnnlnc of the llrst muult). Abdomen while:
flanks and crisaum pale bulT.

In most parts of Illinois the Yellow-breasted Chat is an ahundant
bii-d in suitable locahties. These consist of the bordere of thickets,
briar-patches, or wherever there is a low, dense growth of bushes —
the thornier and more impenetrable the better. Probablj- none of
our birds except the Mockingbird itself possess a greater variety of
notes than tliis loquacious species, on wliich 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 Hying, 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 repetitious of the whistling song.
The latter can be very perfectly imitated by a good whistler, and
the bu'd 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 tuc, 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 launcliing into the air, danghng its
legs and flirtmg his tail, descends, by odd jerks, to the thicket.

The notes of this species are heard regularly during 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 tine grasses
and hbrous roots. Tlie eggs are three to live in number, glossy
wliite, thickly spotted witli various shades of rich, reddish brown
and hlac.

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
iu his notes one specimen from Chcago,

MNIOTILTID33 — THE AJIEEICAN WARBLERS. 173

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 Nuttall.

Sylvania Nutt. Man. Land B. 1832,290. Type by elimination Muscicapa selbii AuD.,=
Motacilla mitrata Gmel.

Wilsonia Bonap. Geog. and Comp. List, 1838,23. Same type.

Myiodioctes Aud. Synop. 1S39,4S. Same type.

"Gen. Chab. 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. The species are plain ohve or plumbeous above,
and yellow beneath. They may be grouped as iollows:" {Hist. N.
Am. B.)

A Inner webs of tail-feathers with white patches.

1. S. mitrata. Above plain olive-green, beneath pure yellow. Adult male: Head,
neck, aud jugulum deep black, the forehead and aurieulars gamboge-yeUow.
Adult fmiale: Black head-markings of the male usually merely indicated, some-
times absent, and rarely so extensive or deeply black as in that sex. Young: No
black whatever about the head.

2. S. miorooephala. Above olive-green, beneath pale yellowish; wing with two white
liands.

B Inner webs of tail-feathers without any white markings:

3. S. pusilla. Above plain olive-green, beneath continuous yellow. Adult malt:
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. S. canadensis. Above plumbeous gray, beneath yellow, the crissum white ; a yel-
low orbital ring. Adult male: Forehead, crown and jugulum, spotted with black.
Adult female: Similar to the male, but black spots of head, etc., 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 BIB06 OF ILLINOIS.

Sylvania mitrata (Gxiel.)

HOODED WARBLER

Popular STUonynu. Blnck-hcmlvd WarbliT; HooUvd FlycotchloB Warbler; Milroil
Warblrr; Sijlby's WnrbliT.
Molacilla milratn Gmel. 8. X. i,178»,977.
Sulria milrala Lath.— XuTT. Man. I,1832,373.-AUD. Orn. Blog. li,1S34,68,pl. 60.
Wihonia miliala Bp. Comp. List. 1838, 23.— Bipow. Proc. U. S. Sat. Mus. 1880. 173. No. 124.
Suleania mitrata NuTT. Man. 2d ed. I. 1840,333.

Myiodioclea mitraliis AVD. Synop. 1839,48: ]i. Km. II, 1841,12, pi. 71 r/nid-riMl.—BAlBD.
B, N, Am. 1858,292; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,Xo. 211: Ruvlrw. 1865,2a9.-CouE9. Key, 18?.',
109; Clicck List 1873,Xo. 101; 2d ed. 1882, No. 146; B. X. W. 1874, 78: B. Col. Vul. 1878.
324.— B. B. & B. Hist. X. Am. B. 1, 1874, 314, pi. 15,tlt{s. 10,ll.-BiDO\v, Xom. X. Am. B.
1881. No. 124.
Si/lcia cucullata WlLS. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 101, pi. 2fi,ne. 3.
Muscicnpa aeWi/ii Al'D. Orn. Bioc. i, 1831, 46, pi. 9.
iluscicapa seWii XuTT. Man. I, 1S32, 2%.

Has. Eastern United States, north to Connecticut and Hudson Bivor 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.

"8p. Chab. Hale. 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 Rides of
the body oUve-grcen. Greater portion of inner web of outer three tail-feathers white.

"/'emn((> 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.)" {Hhl. X. Aii\. n.)

"Mr C. Hart Merriam, in his late "Ecview of the Biids of Con-
necticut" (pp. 25 and 29), rectifies an error iu the recent descriptions
of the females of this species. I wish to add my testimony to his
conclusions, "that the female bu'd, like the male, is several years —
at least three — in attaining 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 jnire black as m the male." Long ago I discovered these
facts, as the bu-d 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 in this condition. Males of the same age
show vei7 evident traces of black. Only in extreme examples does

• See, however. Mr. Mearns's note, given below.

MNIOTILTID.E — THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 175

the black on the hood and throat of the female approach the purity
of those parts in the male." (E. A. Mearns, in Bull. Nult. Orn.
Cluh, 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 WASBLEK,

Popular synonyms. Green Black-capped Flycatcher or Flycatehing Warbler; Wilson's
Black-cap; Black-capped Yellow Warbler.

Musclcapa pusilla^fiLs. Km. Oru. iii. 1811, 103.
Wilsonia puslUa'Bo-siLP. Comp. List,1838,23.—BiDGW.Proc.U. S.Nat. Miis. 1880,173,No.

125.
SyUania pusilla'UvTT. Man. 2d ed. 1,1840,335.
Myiodioctes pusiUus ?,CJ..—'Bki-RD, B. N. Am. 1858, 293; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 213;

Beview,1865,240.— CouES, Key, 1872,109; Check List, 1873, No. 102; 2d ed. 1882, No.

1-17; B. N. W. 1874, 79, 232; B. Col. Yal. 1878, 326. -B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,

317, pi. 16,flgs. 3.4.— EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. i, No. 125.
Sylnia wUsonWBos^.v. Jour. Phil. Ac. iv, 1824, 179.— NuiT. Han. i, 1832,438.
Mitscicapa loilsonii AuD. Orn. Biog. ii,1834,148,pl. 124.
Myiodioctes wilsonii AUD. Synop. 1839,50; B. Am. 11,1841,23, pi. 75.

Hab. All of North America except Pacific coast, where replaced by a brighter colored
(and otherwise different) race. \a.r. pileolata*; breeding from extreme northern border
ot United States (?) northward to Hudson's Bay and Alaska, where reaching to the coast
ol Bering's Sea, and across to eastern Siberia. Winters in eastern Mexico. Guatemala,
and south to Chiriciui.

Sp. Chak. 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 tall. Female similar, the black
of the crown duller, or sometimes replaced by olive-green. Length, 4.75; wing, 2.25;
tail, 2.30.

This little bird is found in nhnois 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. i, p. 319.

ITG BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Sylvania canadensis (Linn.)

CANADIAN WASBLER.

Fopnlir sTDonyinf. Ciinuilu Flycatcher; Neckluceil Warliler; BunapHrte'g WurWer:
Caiiudluu FlyL'UtehinK WurMer.
Miitcicapa canadriiait LiSN. 8. N. cil. 12, I.UM.aS?.— WtLS. Am. Orn. ill, 1811, 100. pi. 26,
flg.2.-AUD. Orn. BIdb. ii.lSM.K.i.l. luS.
Muii)(liocte» cannrli-imiii AuD. Synup. 1)09. 41t: 13. Am. ii.l841.U,pL;2.— Ba.ird, B. X. .\in.
1858,291; Cut. X. Am. B. 18i9. Xo. 2U: Rcvi..w.lS«S.339.-t'oDEs,Ki" y, 1S72,109; Clii-ck
Ll8t,1873,No. UH; 2d oil. ISt'.Xi). 14!l: B. X. W. 1874,8"; B. Col. Vtil. 1878, 323.-H. B. i
It. Hi«t. N. Am. B. 1.1874.320, pi. 16, He. 6.— KiDiiw. N'om. X. Am. B. 1881. X". 127.
Sl/lfin iiardalina BoNAP. Jour. Pliil. .Kv. iv.l824,i;9.— XuTT. Miiu. l.lKt2.:t72.
Mufcicniia Imuaitarlii \vn. Orn. Bio){. il.l>C11.27,pl. 5 - youiiK .
Sftuiilingn honnpnrlii Sw. Ik HirH. F. B. A. ii.l»tl.22.'..pl. 47.
MuiodiorlPf honaiinilii Aui>. .SyiKip. 1839. 4!t; B. Am. ii.l841.17,pl. rj. — It.miD.H. N, X\k.

1858.295; Cat N. Am. B. 18r.l<.Xi.. 21,'i.
Su'lrntiia bonaparlii NuTT. Man. 2il ihI. i.l84ii.:i:t2.

Hab. Enstorn North Amcrlcu, lin'ctlinK friim nurtliLTn bordor of United BtiitcH (in-
fhulinj; higher portion of Middle Stales), northward. Winters in Mexico, Central
America. and nortliern South America to Kcuailor.

"Sp. Char. I'pper part bluish asii ; a riuK around the eye. with a line runninR to tlio
no»tril».and tin- wliole undi'r part (excejit the tjiil-coverl.s. which are white), brixht yel-
low. Centres of the feathers in the anterior half of the crown, the cheeks, continuous
with a lin(^ on the side of the neck to the bri'ast.aud a series of spots across the forepart
of the breast, black. Tail-feathers unspotted. Fetiialf similar, with the black of the
head and breast less distinct. In the i/uiuiv obsolete. Length. 5.34: wint:. 2.Ij7; tail, 2,60."
(//<.«<. X. Am. Ji.)

"Fiml ptiiiiiage. Feinalp. Itemiges.rectrices, etc. .similar to the adults. Rest of the
upper parts. ineludini; winn-covi'rts and sides of head, uniform deep dull cinnamon; the
urealer coverts tipped with fulvous. Throat, breast, and sides very lit:hl cinnamon,
tinged with olive. Anal and abdominal regions pale sulphur- yellow. No conspicuous
si)ots,»tripes,or markings anywhere. (From a specimen in my collection shot at I'pton.
Me., Augu.st J, 1874. This bird was so young as to be scarcely able to Hy. and with the rest
of the brood, was attended by the female parent.)

"Adult in aiituinu. Mali-, Similar to adult in spring, but with llie yidlow of the under
parts much more iutense, and the black spotting on the breast slightly clouded by the
yellow lipping of the overlapping feathers. (From n specimen in my collection shot at
Upton. Me., August 29.1874.)

" yoiiiiu ill iiiiliiiiiii, Male. Pileuin and back greenish olive; uape and rump bluish
ash. slightly tinged with olive. Centres of a lew /eatlu'r.i on the forehead and cheeks,
with a continuons line along the side of the neck to the breast, dusky-black. Abroad
band of very small siiols (each one not more than one (luarter of the size of those ex-
hibited in llic adult plumage) across the upper part of the breast black. Otherwise
similar to llie adult." iliHE\vsrEii.//i(/,'. .\iill. Orn. rdif,. .\pr. 1878. pp. (iii.id.)

'i'liis liauilsomo spiL-ius is riitlier a common migrant, beiiio in
fact, sometimes ouu of the most iibiiudant mfmbeis of the family.
It has not yet been detected as a summer resident of iiny part of our
State, but, since it is said to breed "in New York and Massachu-
setts, and in the region north of hititude ii'-'" (Brkwkh), it very
hkely does so in the extreme northern portion of Illinois.

MNIOTlLTIDiE — 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, like
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 buih 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. 0. 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, etc., 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 Swainson.

Setopftaffa SwAiNsoN, Zool. Jour, iii, Dec. 1827,360. Type Muscicapa j'tifaciHa Linn.

"Gen. Chak. Bill much depressed, the lateral outlines straight toward tip. Bristles
reach halt- 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 seutellar 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 KEDSTAKT.

Popular synonyms. Black-and-red Warbler; Fan-tail Warbler, or Flycatcher; Yellow-
tailed Warbler or Flycat<'her.
MotaciUa ruticilla LiNN. S. N. eri. Vi. i, 1758. ISIi.
Mv.scicapa ruticilla LiNS. S. N. ed. V2. i, 1766, 326.— WiLS. Am. Orn. i, 1808. 103, pi. 6, fig.
6; V. 119, pi. 45. fig. 2.— Aud. Orn. Biog. i. 1831, 202; v, 1839. 128, pi. 40; Syuop. 1839, 44;
B. Am. i, 1840, 240, pi. 68.

*lnmst. N.Am. B.i, pp. 320.321.

. —12

178 BIEDS OF ILLINOIS.

Miisflcnpn ISyhantn) ntlicltla Ki-tt. Mivn. 1. ISK. 231.

Sriophnga nitirilla Sw.— Baihk. B. X. Am. 185*. a«": Cut. X. .\iii. B. ISM. No. Ui;; B''-
vli;w, INCT., 2M.-COUES. Ki'y. Is7-.' 110; Clifok List. I»;3. Xo. UM; 2d ed. 1882. Xo. 152:
B. X. \V. Wi. 81. 2»2: B. Col. Vnl. 1878 S37.-B. B. i R. Hist. X. Am. B. 1. 1874. 32! pi.
16, BgB. 1. 5.-KrDow. Xora. X. Am. B. 1881. No. 128.

Hab. EaBtern Xofth Aini-rli'a. west regulnrly to and inrludlng the Rocky Mountains,
to the borders of tho Grciit Biisln. strueeline to the Paclllc coast; breeds throughout Its
summer rnnfte. which extends from the Gulf States north to Ft. Simpson and Hudson's
Bay. Winters In West Indies Mexico. Central America, and northern Soulli America, to
Ecuador.

"Sp. Char. .V<ilf. Prevalllnjr color black. A central line on the breast, the abdomen
aiui under tall-coverts white; some feathers in the latter stronsly tlnced with dark
lirowii. Ba.ws of all the iiulUs 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-
eion. oranRe-red. of a vermilion shade on tlie breast. Ffmah with the bhu'k replaced by
olIve-Breen above, by brownish white beneath, the red replaced by yellow; the head
tineed with ash; a grayish white lore and ring round the eye. Length B.35; 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,
shnrply contrasted with the olive of the nimp. instead 'of having
the upper tail-covei-ts 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." (Ilixt. X. Am. B.)

Although so very abundant as to be, hke 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 u)) in the treeJs. 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 insects, which
it snaps up in the air in the manner of a tnie flycatcher. At all
times the long, broad tail is spread out like a fan, showmg, in the
female, a broad pale yellow band — her only ornament — and in the
male enhancing the striking appearance caused by his handsome
lilack and salmon-red livery. Its notes, particularly the song, bear
a rather close resemblance to those of the Summer Yellowbird, Init
are weaker and less attractive. The nest is a compact, cup-shaped
stnicturo, usually placed on a horizontal branch, but sui)portcd by
ujiriglit twigs, at heights varying from eight or ten to lifty feet
from the ground. Its material consists of vegetable iibres, 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 Yellowbii-d.

VIEEONID^ — THE VIREOS. 179

Fajiily VIRBONID^.— The Vieeos.

"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 markuigs.

"The Vireonidte 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 Vieillot.

Vireo Vieill.Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807. S3. Type, Muscicaun tiocehoracvusis 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
Sylvkol'uhe; they do not visit the West Indies, save as very rare
stragglers to Cuba (T^ olivaccus, solitarius, Jiarifrons, and novcbora-
censis). They all have a melodious song, and, so far as known.

180 BIKDS or ILLIXOIS.

make a deep nest, suspended by its upper edge between the forks
of a horizoutnl twig. The eggs are white, generally with a few rod-
dish or brown blotches.

"Quite a number are characterized by having the eyes white,
red, or yellow." (Hint. X. Am. B.)

Analysis of Subgenera.

Vireosylva. Bill 'ompn'ttsod. narrow; culmcn nnd comnilssuto Btralch'. tho Up ab-
riiptly 1 iirvcd (or.lf till is not tlio ciisc.tliero I uo trace of llglit ban 8 on the wlim; ee
(•(■cilon "ti"). Kupurollluiy stripe i- ntlnued back to the occiput. No trace o( lliclit bands
on tlie wing. No conspl uous ring round tlic eye.

Lanivireo. Billcompressc , stout; culmoii nrcliod from the base. commlBsure curved.
SupiTciliary stripe stoppi gat posterior angle of the eye andcur\inB under It.cDcloslnK
the eye hi u conspicuous orbital ring, Inierrupted only In front. Two conspicuous whito
band- on the wing.

Vireo. Bill stout, scarcely compressed, sub-cyllndrlcal. First primary not spurious
or, If so, not ucuto.

Subgenus Vireosylva Bonaparte,

Vireoti/t<-'a Bosap. Comp. LI t,183S,26. Typo,.VM«ci'copo oUvacea Llss.

SuBOEX. Chab. "Wings long and pointed, one third or ono fourth longer Ih n the
nearly even or slightly rounded tail. First aulU very small loss than one third the
second), sometimes apparently wanting. Second auiU longer than the seventh, much
longer than the secon'larlos. Tarsi short (scarcely extending .60 of an Inchl : toes rather
long. Body Blender and elongated. Bill slender, narrow, straight; the culmen straight
for Its basal half, the commissure quite straight; light horn-color, palor beneath. Foot
wo k." {Hist. X.Am.B.)

Common CHAnACXEns. Above plain olive, without distinct wing markings, the plleum
more grayish, contrasting more or less strongly with the color of the back; a more or
less distinct superciliary stripe of whitish, and beneath It a rather ndistinct dusky streak
before and behind the eye. Lower piirts whitish, the cris um and axillar.'^, and some-
times Hanks, 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. Batcheldor,in the "Nuttall Bulletin." vol. 11, pp. 97.98: "On Septem-
ber a, 1877, at Bar Harbor, Me., Is ot a Red-eyed Vireo {Vireo olifacrhn] which is curiously
abnormal In having wcll-dovelopid spurious first primaries, which measure 1.16 inches
In length, the wing measuring 3.15 inches. Through the kindness of Mr. J. A. .\llcn, I
have examined the Vircos of this species in thee llectlon of the Museum of Comparative
Zoology.and lind In a series of about seventy specimens four more cases of the same
variation. They are os f Hows: No. 23,281 ;Coll. M. C. Z.,(rom Coalburgh, W. Va..Mvith
spurious primaries on both wings, measuring 1.17 Inches (wing 2.23' : No. 2;).274 (Coll. M.
C Z., same locality', with a spurious primary only on the left wing, lueasuring l.I" inches
(wing 2.92.) No. 1,185 (Coll. M. C. Z.. from NcwtonvlUe.Mass.). with spurious primaries on
loth wings, measuring l.(i9 inches (wing 3.02) ; and No. 1,793 ;Coll. M. C. Z.,same locality),
with a spurious prinmry on the left wing, measuring 1.15 Inches, the wing mejisurlng:<.21.
It may be well to say that they are not the first primary coverts. but are true spurious
primaries, lying In the same idane as the other primaries, and dilTiM'ing from the spurious
primaries of other species of this fiinilly cmly in being somewhat smaller. This variation
seems particularly Interesting from the fact that the presence or absence of a spurious
primary has been to some extent taken as a basis of cln.ssitlcation In this family."

VIEEONID.E — THE VIREOS. 181

a. PilPum bordered along each side by a dusky line. Wing more than 3 inches.

1. V. oUvacea. Above olive-green, the pileum slate-gray; beneath white medially
the sides olive-greenish; erissum scarcely tinged with yellow; inner edges of
.rjuills white.

2. V. flavoviridis.* Above yellowish olive-green, the pileum ash-gray: beneath
white medially, bright greenisli olive-yellow laterally, the erissum. lining of
wings, and inner edges of nuills light yellow.

b. Pileum without dusky border; wing less than three inches.

3. 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. ^Iva. Above olive-gray, the crown not conspicuously different; beneath
whitish, the sides tinged with dull buffy.

a gUva. Wing, 2.65-2.90; tail, 2.20-2.50; bill from nostril, .30-.3.5. Eastern
United States.

/3 steainsoni. 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 east on sides, etc.
Western United States.

Vireo olivaceus (Linn.

BED-EYED VIEEO.

Popular synonyms. Eed-eyed Greenlet; Pied-eyed Flycatcher.

Jfuscicapa olivacea LiNN. S. N. ed. 12. i. 1766. 327 [part).— WiLS. Am. Orn. ii, 1810. .55. pi. 10
flg.3.
Vireo olivaceous Viexll.— Nutt. Man. i. 1832. 312.— Aud. Orn. Biog. ii. 18:34. 287, pi. 150;
Synop. 1839, 162; B. Am. iv, 1842, 155, pi. 243.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 331; Cat. N. Am.
B. 1859, No. 210.— CouES. Key. 1872, 120; Check List. 1873, No. 122; 2d ed. 1882, No. 170;
B. N. W. 1874, 96; B. Col. Val. 1878, 495.

Vireoaylva olivacea HF.— Vireosylvia olivacea Baied, Review, 1866. 333.— B. B. & R.
Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 363. pi. 17. fig. 2.

Hab. 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. Chae. (No. 1,418 male, Carlisle, Penn.. May. 1844.) Upper parts olive-green. Top
of head from bill to nape, ash-eolor. 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 by a
similar, perhaps paler, loral and post-ocular cheek-stripe. Beneath, including tibije,
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 erissum faintly

* This is a Central American and Mexican species, reaching its normal northern limit
In the lower Rio Grande valley in Texas. It has been taken however, on the Canadian
shore of the Lower St. Lawrence, and may possibly occur as a straggler in Illinois.

182 BITtDS OF ILLnfOIS.

llmrcil with s>il|ilnir-y"'lliiw: linineof winufanU Its oilj;'". tlio liHtpr cRpci-lully nearly
whltr. (Jullls lilarklsh liniwn. ciliji-d I'Xtfrnnlly. cxocpt iit rnd» of prlniarU'X. with ollvf;
ilitiTiially witli wlilH". Tail-fcatlicTB HkIiIit lirowii. iMltfil oxtomally like Ih.' liaok. In-
Ifriially with pali- nllvaccims wlilli'. Dill ihmky al>ovi>. pale below: tarsi pliiniheoiiH;
IrlH riMl. LeiiKtli, ti.Xi; cxtfiif of wines. 1(1.25: wing. 3.33; fall. 2.50.
"Feinnlr r.liiillar. liut iluUiT In pliimace." [Hist. -Y. .!»«. /?.)

Taking the country at large, the Red-eyed Vireo is perhaps the
most abundant woodland species. It is the hfte noir of the collec-
tor, who, during the "warhlcr season" daily, an<l much to his disgust,
sacrilices a greater or less number of indiviiluals; indeed it is a
common saying that a "a Red-eyed Vii-eo 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. Seekuig
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 indifference or unconsciousness of the httle vocahst
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. (Brewer.)

"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 live 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."

•Hint. X. Am.S. 1, p. 305.

VIEEONID.E — THE VIREOS. 183

Vireo philadelphicus (Cass.)

PHILADELPHIA VIKEO,
Popular synonyms. Philadelphia Greenlet; Bi-otherly-love Vireo.

Vireosylvia pltHadclph ica Cass. Proe. Phil. Ao. 1851.1.5.3. pi. 10, fig. 2.— B.iiBD. Review. 18G6.
340. -B. B. & E. Hi-st. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 367, pi. 17, flg. 4.— RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B.
1882, No. 138.
Vireo philadelphicus Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858. 335; ed. 1860, pi. 78, flg. 3; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859. No. 244.-CouES.Key. 1872. 120; Cheek List, 1873. No. 124; 2d ed. 1882, No. 173; B.
N. W. 1874, 97; B. Col. Yal. 1878, 492.

Hab. 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. Chae. (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 Ight sulphur- yellow, paler and almost white on
chiu and middle of abdomen; sides more olivaceous. A whitish stripe fro n bill ove
eye. as also a patch beneath it and the eyelids. A dusky loral and post-ocular spot.
Quills and reetrices 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 auill (seen in gih-us) wanting; the outer a))out eaual
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 owmg 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 stp.te-
ment, quoted from Mr. Nelson's list (pp. 102, 103) :

"A common migrant ; May loth 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, uttering a short complaining cry, and
coming within a few feet of me, That they had young in the

184 DinpS OF ILLINOIS.

vicinity I wns sure, Imt owint; to the clmracter of the covert they
were not found. Specimens of this species may invarial)ly — as far
as my experience goes — be separated from those of V. ffilrus by the
greater intensity of yellow on the former, as well as by the quill
characters."

Vireo gilvus (Vieill.)

WARBLING VIREO.

Popular Bynonyms. Wa lilliiK (in'oiilcl, or Flyoiitclii'r.

Miisviiaiia gilvn ViEII.L. Ois. Am. S.'pt. i.lMiT.ffi. 1>I. 'M.

ri)->'ooi7i'i(.v Ifp.-XUTT. Mnn. i. IW.'.miit.-AL'D. Orii. llioi:. ii.lKU. Ul. pi. llx: Sym.p.
WRi.lfil: li. Am. lv,lSI2.1l9. pi. •.•41.-UA1RD, It. N. Am. IxiS.ltCi; (jil. X. Am. I(. I^'.'.l.
No. 2«.-roUEH. K.'y.lWilJ"; thick List.l)(7:i. No. 125; '.M imI. !)«!. No. 174: II. N. W.
l«74.'.i;: B. Col. Viil. 1»7«,501.
Vheo^Ulria gilra Cash.-Baiiid. Hfviow,18ti«.;M2.-ll. B. & li. Hi.«t. N. Am. B. I.I874.:ua,
111. 17. Ok. :t.-UiiKiw. Nom. N. Am. B. iml.No. 139.
Mitsi-iiaiia iiifloilia WiLs. Am. Orn. v.lH12,8rj, pi. 42, lie ;(.

IlAii. Eastern North Amcrii-a. north to Fort Oarry: wintrr habitat unknown, but
probably Gulf Smti'S. then- beinc no I'.xira-Umltal rci'onl. in the Western I'nlted Stales
replaeeil by a sliiihtly (trayer, smaller-billed raee. the V. siransoni ofBAlBDdi. N. .\m.
1858,:t3l>. in text), of identical habits.

"Sp. CHAn. (No. 1,017 female.) Above olive-Broen. stronjtly nlossed with ashy, the
head and nape above more distinctly ashy, but wllhou' deeided line of demnrcnlon
behind, and without dusky edge; rump pure olive. Stripe from nostrlla over eye to
nape, eyelids, and space below eye. creamy white, k rather dusky poatocular and
loral spot, the latter not extendlnu to the bill. Under parts white, with tinge of creenish
yellow (occasionally of creamy fulvous or buff), especially on breast: sides more oliva-
ceous. Crissum and axlllars scarcely more yellowish. Quills and rectrices wood-brown,
edged internally with whitish, extern lly with olivaceous, except perhaps on longer
primaries. Edge of wing white. Larger wing-covcrls grayish brown, with paler edges.
and no trace of olivaceous. BUI horn-color above, paler below.

"First auUl very short or spurious: second about eiiual to. generally rather longer
than, sixth; third longest; fourth. then fth a little shorter.

"Fresh specimen: Total lenet i,6.33: expanse of wings, 8 S5; wing from carpal Joint.
2.85. Prepared specimen; Total length. 4.80; wlng,2.75: tall, 2.23. Sexes alike. Iris brown.'

This charming little bird is abundant in all cultivated portions of
the countiy, 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 particnbirly 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
having 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
yorlh Amerirnn Birds (Vol. I., p. 369) ;

ViREONID^ — THE VIEEOS. 185

"This Yireo, more than any other of its genus, if not exclusively,
is to a large extent a resident of A-Hlages, towns, and even cities.
It is by far the sweetest singer that ventures within theii- crowded
streets and public squares, — although Mr. Cassin gives his prefer-
ence to the notes of the Eed-eyed, — and the melody of its song is
exquisitely soft and beautiful. It is cluefly 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 untn
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 fiute-hke 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 aU
other birds are silent. It is ever m 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.

Subgenus Lanivireo Baird.

Lanirireo Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 329 (s. g.) ; Review, May 21, 18G6, 326, 345. Type, Tireo
flarifrons Vieill.

"SuEGEN. Chae. Body 3tout, head broad. Bill short and stout, broad at the base,
the oulmen curved from the base, the commissure considerably arched. Bill blue-black.
Feet stout. Tj^e. V. ftavifrons." [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 Province may be distinguished as follows :

Common Cuaeactees. Orbital ring and supraloral streak, yellow or white; two
broad white bands across wing. Upper parts olive-greenish, the wings and tail bluish,

180 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

1. L. flavifroni. Anli-rlor Imlf olivt-Krcfii almvt-, pole Icmon-yrllow below: poBtciior
lijiir pliinilx'ciUH aliuvc, whlU" bolow. First prlniiiry rudlini'iitary. oonct-alcil.

-. L. lolitarins. ili-nd plumbeoUH, with white (•rliital rint; and biiiiralonil Hirenk:
liiwiT parts pure white, tbo sldoB yellowish olive, and erlssum tinged with sul-
phur-yellow.

Vireo flavifrons (Vieill.)

YELLOW THROATED VIREO.

Popular aynonym. Yellow-tliruatml Ureenlrt.

Vino rltiri/ii, 11.1 \IEU.L. Ois. Am. Sept. 1. I8U7. 85. pi. M.— Nl'TT. Man. 1. I«H. :Wi-Aup.

Orn. HioK. ii. KM. 119. |il. 119: Synop. 1839 1«0: B. Am. iv lfll2 141. pi. at>t.-lt.»ilil).«.

N. Am. 1S.W, »(I: Cat. N. Am. B. IWS. Xo. 252.-CouE8. Key. IKTJ. IJl: Cli.'.k Llsl.llCT,

No. I2ii: 2d ed. IStl. No. 170.-B. N. W. IXH. •C.I; B. Col. Val. l!f78. iW.
Virennuli'io /loi'i/i'""" Baiud. Review, IwKi, 'M6 (s. K. I.anirirfit).
J.nhirhto )lar<frt>na Lawk. 1«6K.— B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1S74. ;IT9. pi. 17. Il«. 3.—

BiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1S81, No. 140.
Miiacivapa »ylrirola WiLS, Am. Orn. i. 1808, 117. pi. 7, llg, 3.

Had. Eastern North Amerioa. north to Canada, west to edge of Great Plains: breed-
ing nearly throuchout its range luid wintering in Florida, Cuba, eastern Me.xieo, and
Central America to Colombia.

"Sp. Chab. (No. 28.390.) Head and neek above and on sides, witli interseapuhir re-
gion, bright olive-green. Lower back, rump, tail, ami wing-coverts ashy. Wings brown
with two white bands across tlie coverts, the outer edges of Inner secondarii'S. ami
inner edges of all the (lUiUs. with inside of wing white. Outer primaries eilged with
gray, the inner with olive. Tail-feathers Itrown, entindy encircled by a narrow eilge of
white. Under parts to middle of body, a line from nostrils over eye. eyeliiis. ami patch
beneath the eye (bordered behind by the olive of neck) bright gamboge-yellow: rest of
under parts white, the Hanks faintly glossed with ashy. Lores dusky. Bill and logs
plumbeous black.

"No spurious primary evident: second quill longest: first a little shorter than third.

"Length. 6.80; wing, . 3.00; tail 2.00; dilTerence of longest and Innermost aullls, .9«;
tarsus, ,73.

"Auluninnl birds, perhfips more especially the young, are more
glossed with ohvaceous, which invades the ashy portions, and tinges
the white." (FlUt. 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 .\udubon 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,

VIREONID.E— THE VIEEOS. 187

Vireo solitarius (Wils.)

BLUE-HEADED VIEEO.

Popular synonyms. Solitary Greenlet, or Vireo; Blue-headed Greenlet.

Muscicapa soUtaria WrLS. Am. Orn. ii, 1810. 43, pi. 17, fig. 6.

Vireo .lolitarius Yieill. 1817.— Aud. Orn. Biog. i. 1831. 147, pi. 28; Synop. 1839, 160; B.Am.

iv, 1842, 144, pi. 239.— NUTT. Man. i, 1832. 305.— Baied. B. N. Am. 1858. 310; Cat. N. Am.

B. 1859, No. 250.— CoUES. Key, 1872. 121; Checli List, 1873, No. 127; 2a ed. 1882, No. 177;

B. N. W. 1874, 99; B. Col. Val. 1878, 507.
Vireosylvia soUtaria Baikd. Keview, 186G, 347 (s. g. Lniiivireo).
Lanivireo solitarius Allen. 1869.— B. B. &E. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 373, pi. 17. fig. 8.—

BiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. No. 141.

Hab. 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. Ch.ae. (No. 300 male.) Above olive-green, including upper tail-coverts; the top
and sides of head and nape ashy plumbeous; sides of tlie neelc 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, duslcy plumbeous.
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 witli olive-green,
internally with white; tail-leathers 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 filth 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.

"In 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 Bong of the male,

188 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

as I have heard it, bears uo resemblance to that of any other
Vireo. It is a prolonged and very peculiar ditty, repeated at fre-
quent intervale 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 hypn\ini, assimilating it to the l)ranch on which it hung,
intermingled with a few white paper-like capsules of the spiders'
nests, and lined with a few blades of gi-ass and slender root-libres."
(Brewer.)

ScBGENu's Vireo Vieillot.

Viri-o ViEii-i.. Ois. Am. Sipt. i. 1807, 83. Typo, Miiscicapa noveborarensif CfMEL.

"tfUBOEN. Chak. Wings short and roundcii. a little longer tlinn the tail, eiiiml to it.
or shorter. First primary dislinet and large, from two llfths to half or more the length of
the second, shorter or not longer than the eighth." l/Iist. X. Am. D )

The two species of this subgenus which are known to occur in
Illinois may be distinguished by the follow'ing characters :

1. V. noveboraoensis. Two distinet white hands on wing. Lores diislcy. bordered
above liy a yellow streak; a yellow orbital ring. Above olive-green, the nape
usually ashy; lower parts white, the sides greenish yellow. Iris while, 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 crlssum tinged with sulphur-yellow.

Vireo noveboracensis (Gmel.)

WHITE EYED VIREO,
Popular synonTins. White-eyed Greenlet; Little Green Hanging-bird; Chlekty-beaver.

Miiacicapa iiurchofacpnsis Omel. S. N. 1, 1788. 947.

Vireo itoffhoraceiiain Bp. 1824.— Aud. Orn. Blog. 1. 1831, 328. pi. 63; Synop. 1839. 101; B.
Am. iv, 1842, 141!. pi. 240.-XUTT. Man. 1. 1.S32. .306.— Baird, B. N. Am. 1858 328; Cat.
N. Am. B. 18i». No. 248; Review. ISOO, 3i4.-CouES. Key, 1872. 122: Cheek List. 1873.
No. 129; 2d ed. 1882. Xo. 181; B. X. W. 1874. 100; B. Col. Val. 1878. 520.-B. B. & It. Hist.
N. Am. B. 1. 1874. 385. pi. 17. fig. 4.-RiDOW. Xom. X. Am. B. 1881. Xo. 14.%
Vireo cantalrix WiLS. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 266, pi. 18. Rg. 6.
Hab. Eastern United States, west to edge of Great Plains; winters In Gulf States,
Cuba. Bermudas (resident), and eastern Mcxieo, south to Guatemala.

VIEEONID^ — THE VIRE08. 189

"Sp. Chab. (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 loneest;
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-
coverts 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; aduskyloral, but no postocular spot. Wings with two covert-bands and
innermost secondaries extenally, broadly yellowish white; rest of quills edged exter-
nally with olive, except the two outer and tips of other primaries, which are grayish.
Kectrices 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, wliich 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."
(Bkbwee.)

The nests of this species are elegant specimens of bird architecture.
They are deeply pensile, composed of soft mosses, hchens, 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 giass, 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. Witliin this outer envelope
in an inner nest, made of the finer stems of grasses and dry
needles of the white pine, lirmly interwoven." The height and
diameter were each about tluee inches, and the cavity about two
inches deep.

Vireo bellii (Aud.)

BELL'S VIREO.
Popular aynonjrm. Bell's Gn'onlot.

Viieo hflUi AVD. B. Km. vli,1844,3;!3. pi. 480.— B.vuiu. B. X. Am. I608. :(3T; Cut. X. Am. B.

1859. Xo. '^46; Review. 18(J«.358.-CoUE8, Key. 1872, 123; Check List 1873. Xo, 131; 'Jd

ed. 1882. Xo. 183: B. N. AV. 1874. 101; B. Col. Vnl. 1878.526.-B. B. & It. Hist. X. Am. B.

1.1874,389. pi. 17, flg. 13.— KiDow. Xom. X, Am. B. 1881. Xo. 145.

Hab. Great Plains of the United States, north to Minnesota, east to Illinois (pralrlo

districts), south (in winter) to southern Mexico (Tehauntepec). Arizona, in autumn.

Sp. Char. (Xo. 1,92I!.) Above olive-creen.ljrightost on the rump; tinged anteriorly
with ashy: tlie \o\i and sides of head asliy, in faint contrast. A line from nostrils to eye
(scarcely beyiMul it), and eyelids vciy pale y- llowish white: lores dusky. Under parts.
IncludinB inner winK-coverts. and Lulge of wxng. creamy white: the sides, axillars, and
crissum pale yellow, sides of lower neck and of breast (flossed with olivaceous, fuintest
on the liingor feathers of the latter. Two rather narrow bands on the wing-coverts, and
the outoredgesof innermost secondaries white: the other auills edged with faded oliva-
ceous. Inner edges of quills whilisli. Tail feathers brown, edged externally with olive:
internally fading into paler brown. Median portion of rump feathers conceali'd with
pale yellowish. Hill horn-color above, pale below. Legs plumbeous. "Iris brown."

"First uuiU spurious: not ciuite half the scH'ond. which is about equal to the eighth;
third and tourtli (luiils longest: Ufth scarcely shorter. Tail nearly even, or a little
rounded, llie feadiers narrow.

"Total leiiglli.4.2<>: wing,'2.1S; tall.l.9l>: tarsus, .7.V

"The iiliovc description is taken from a type specimen received
from Mr. Audubon, iiml rei)resents the average spring plumage.
Autuniniil skins ,aro rather lirighter, and tlu-re is occasionally an
ochraceous tinge on the white of the under parts.

"This species at first sight appears like a miniature of V. iiilrux,
the head being almost exactly similar. The back is, however, much
lirighter olive, the sides and crissum deeper yellow. The superciliary
light stripe is shorter. The white markings of the wings are want-
ing in ii'dnts. The wing, taU, and feet are entirely different in their
proportions." (//^^■^ .V. Am. B.)

VIREONID^ — THE VIREOS. 191

In its habits this species is nearly a counterpart of the White-
eyed Vireo, inhabiting, hke that species, dense thickets or brier
patches. In Ilhnois 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 Eichland 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 locahties, all the thickets which it formerly inhabited hav-
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 wliich they fell. Mr. Nelson says:*

"Eather common in the dense patches of bushes on the prairie.
The males would appear on the top of a tftll bush and utter a
queer song entirely peculiar, but so shy were they that at the first
alarm they would disappear. Although repeated efiorts 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.

102 BIRDS OF ILUNOIB.

Family LANIID^.— The Shrikes.

"Chab. Bill very powerful. BtronK. and mueh compresficd. the tip abruptly booked,
deeply notehed. nml with ii prominent tooth behind the notch: both miindibles dlntinetly
uotehed. the upper with ii dlstlnet tooth behind the lower with the point bent up. TiirsI
loncer thiin the middle toe, strouKly seutelhitc. Primaries ten: flr«t primiiry half the
soeoud, or shorter (oeeasionally wantlnB). WinRS short, rounded: tail Iouk and much
eraduuted. Sides of tarsi with the plates divided on the outside." {Hinl. \. Atn. B )

Of this family only a single genus is known in North America.

Genus LANITJS Lixn-eus.

Laniiia Lisx. 8. N. ed. 10, 1, 1758. 93. Type L. coHurio LiSN.

"Gex. Chab. Feathers of forehead stilTened; base of bill, including nostrils, oovered
by bristly feathers directed forward. Bill shorter than the head, much compressed, and
very powerful. Culmen deeurved from base, the mandible abruptly bent down in a
powerful hook with an acute lobe near the tip. Tip of lower mandible bent upwards in a
hool;: the gonys very convex. Rictus with long bristles. Legs stout; the tarsi rather
sliort, and longer than the middle toe; the lateral eaual; the claws all very sharp and
much curved. Wings rounded; the first primary about half the second, which is eoual
to the sixth or seventh. Tail longer than the wings, much graduated, the feathers
broad." Ulial. y. Am. B.)

Our two species may be distinguished by the following characters :

Common Cuasactebs. Above plain gran (brownish In young of L. boreatis) beneath
whillsh. with or without darker waved lines or bars: side of head marked with a broad
biai-k band, covering lores and uurlculars; wing, and tall black, the former with a white
patch at base- ..f primaries, the latter with outer feathers chiefly white.

1. L. borealiB. Wing more than 4.50 inches; tarsus less than 1 inch. .\ white cres-
renlic spot on lower eyelid; lower parts always more or less waved with dusky.
Ailiilt: Above line light bluish-gray, the scapulars and upper tHll-coverts nearly
white. Voiina: Dull brownish, beneath brownish white waved with dusky; black
auricular band indistinct.

2. L. ludovioianus. Wing less than 4.50 Inches: tarsus more than 1 inch. No white on
l.iwer 1 ycliil; lower parts waved with dusky only in young.

a liiilfiririaniiii. 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.
ti, ri-riibiloriiles. Above flne light bluish-gray, the upper tail-eoverts more or

less distinctly paler (sometimes nearly pure white), the jugulum and sides

scarcely tingeil with grayish.

LANIID^ — THE SHRIKES. 193

Lanius borealis Yieill.

NOETHEEN SHEIKE.

Popular synonyms. Great American Shrike; Great Northern Shrike or Butcher Bird;
White Whiskey-jack (Fur Countries).

Lanius borealis ViEiLL. Ois. Am. Sept. i. 1807, 90 pi. 50.— Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. ii. 1831, 111,
pi. 33.— AUD. Synop. 1839. 157; B. Am. iv, 1842, 130 pi, 236,— Bidgw. Nom, N. Am, B.
1881. No. 148.— CouES. 2d Cheek List. 1882. No. 186; B. Col. Val. 1878. 558.

CoUyrio borealis Baied. B, N, Am. 1858. 324; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 236.

Collurio borealis Baikd, Review. 1866, 440,— CouES, Key, 1872, 125; Cheek Li.st, 1873,
No, 134; B, N. W. 1874, 101,— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1874, 415 pi. 19, flgs, 1, 2,

HiB. Northern North America, south, in winter, to about 35°; breeding north of the
United States, and in higher mountain districts of the latter.

Sp. Chak. Adult in breeding season. Above light ash-gray, becoming gradually
white on forehead, over eyes, on tips ot longer scapulars, and on upper tail-coverts,
the latter, however, tinged with gray. Lores and aiu'ieulars 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 aU except middle pair white. Bill entirely black; feet black;
iris brown. Adult in 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 ot lores and auriculars indistinct or obsolete;
wing-coverts edged and tipped with rusty or buff; spot at base of primaries much re-
stricted, or obsolete. Lower parts brownish white, everywhere distinctly vermiculated
with dusky.

Total length, about lO'i inches, extent 14^g, Wing about 4.50,

Although it has been recorded as breeding in the northern portion
of Ilhnois, 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 mnter 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 hmits 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 infonnation 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, reaching, with a Canary

hanging above him. Suddenly there was a severe blow sti-uck at
—13

194 BIBDS OF ILLINOIS.

the pane of glass near the cage, and the frightened Canaiy uttered
cries of alarm, and fell to tiic liottoni 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 arismg 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 within gunshot."
(Brewee.)

Lanius ludovicianus (Linn.)

LOGGERHEAD SHBIEE.
Popular (ynonyms. Louisiana Slulk-'; C'liruliuu Slirike; Southern Butcher Bird; "Slock-
ing Bird;" Oommon American Slirllie.

n. ludovioianat.

Lauiiis ludovUianus LiXN. S. N. cil. V2. i. ITBii. 134.-AVD. Orn. Blog. i. 1831 300, pi. 37; B.
Am. iv. 1842. 135, pi. 'iSi.-CovEB. B. Col. Vol. 1878, 861 ; 2d Check List, 1882. No. 187.
— BiDOW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 149.
CoUyrio luduricianiis Baird. B. N. Am. 1S58, .S2;: Cat. X. Am. B. 1859. No. 337.
CoUurio ludovicianus Baiiid. Revi.-w. ISCU. 443.-B. B. & R. Hist. X. Am. B. I. 1874. 418.
pi. 19. ng. 4.— CoUES. B. N. W. 1X74. 233.
Lniiiu.i caiolitiensis WlLS. Am. Oni. ill. 1811. 57. |>1. 22 ll(,'. 5.

b. exoubitorides.— White-rumpeil Sliriko.

Xani'ii.i excuhiloride.s Swain'k. <!k Rich. Faun. Bor. Am. ii. 1831 115, pi. 34.
CoUurio excuhitoroides Baibd. B. N. Am. 1858. 527: ed. isno. pi. 75. fig. 2; Cat. X. Am. B.

1859. No. 238.
CoUurio ej-ciibitoroides Baird, Review. 1886. 445.
CoUurio ludoririanus var. exrubiloroidea CouEs. Key. 1872. 125; Check List 1873, No.

1.150 ; B. N. W. 1874, 102.
Lauiua ludoricintius I'xculiitoriden Covsa.B. Co\.\a.\. 1878.661: 2d Check List. 1882,
No. 188: 2d Key. 18tH. 338.-Ridow. Num. N. Am. B. 1884. Xo. 149(i.
J.aiiiun mericaiiun Bbebm, J. f. O. 18.>4. 145. 148.

Hab. Whole of temperate North .\nieriea. ineluding Me.xieo. Iiut in many portions of
the Eastern Priivinee very Im'al. The so-ealled /..I'xruhilnrides mainly restricted to the
arid inli'rior renions. fnim 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 lougiT and outermost scapulars distinctly white.
Wings and tail bhick: secondaries tipped with while. and primaries with a white patch at
the base; ends of tail-feathers, except miildle pair, white, the outer rectriees sometimes
almost wholly white. Lores, orbits, and auriculars deep black. Lower parts entirely
white, the sides someUmes tingi'd with grayish. Bill and feet black, at all seasons: iris
brown. Young. Above brownish gray, verraiculatod, except on middle of book, with

LANIIDffi — 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 "Wliite-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 in 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-
cubitoricles; but, wliile 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. Essex Inst.
Vol. VIII., 1876, p. 104) :

"A small series of shrikes from the noiihern and southern ex-
tremes of the State have been submitted to my friend, Mr. J. A.
AUen, who replies as follows : ' They all belong decidedly to var.
ludovicianus, though somewhat lighter than Florida specimens, with
smaller bills, etc. There is a shght approach in some of them to
excuhitorides, but the resemblance to Florida specimens is far greater
than to specimens from the West — Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, etc.
During the past two years I have examined a large number of
shrikes from northern Ilhnois, and have found them, in nearly aU
cases, to be much nearer ludovicianus than excuhitorides* Specimens
obtained 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 locahties where there are hedge-
rows or plenty of low thorny trees, preferably the honey-locust
{Gleditschia triacanthos), wild crab-apple, or trees of hke 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
nu merous 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 thonis 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 hal)it 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 pro\ide 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 may be found.

In the protection of its young, no bird displays greater courage
or more affectionate sohcitude for its offspr.ng. 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 opportunitv 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 Mockingl)ird,
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 interesting pet. It be-
comes so perfectly tnme as not to require the restramt of a cage,
but will follow its keeper about the fields, and seeks his companion-
ship with all the intelhgent 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 "l)olt upright," and scanning carefully the surround-
ings in every direction. Its tlight is very pecuhar; on leaving the

LANIID^E — 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 ahghts. The flight is per-
formed in an undulating manner, the bird sustaining itself a short
time by a rapid fluttermg 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 theii' position out of
spite, by the "small boy" with poles or fence-rails.

198 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Family AMPELID-ffi.— Tiik Waxwixgs,

t'HAit. Logs moderate. Nostrils oloiieatotl. linoiir, with the frontal funtht-rs pxtendinff
close to the eilRi' nml to uiiti-rlor rxtromity. oonoi-alliKt tlipni; tliuso fcatliors short,
vclvpty iiiKl uri'i-t. with few bristles. Wlnus very luiiK mid jioliited; outer or first prl-
miiry so inueli rc-duecd as to lie almost inaiiprecialile: the second nearly the longest.
Wing nearly twice the length of the short, narrow.even tall. Under coverts of tail
reaching almost to its tip. Secondary auills of fully adult Ijirds witli rial horny nrip-nd-
agesat end of sliaft like rod sealing- wax (o.\eept in .1. jitiiitnira). Young Ijirds streaked
benouth. Adults |j|iiin. •

This family, as restricted, contains but a single genus, AmpcHs.

The most obvious ebaracters consist in the short, broad, and rather
depressed bill, with short, decidedly convex gonys and densely
feathered nasal fossaj, and the wax-like appendages to the tips of
the secondary quills in the adult.

The family is usually enlarged, liowever, to include a so-called
subfamily, Ptilogonatinse, which may be distinguished as follows :

Common C'hahacters. Gape of mouth nearly straight. Metatarsal scutolhc in three
series. Body plain beneath, in adults.

Ampelinee. Wings very long and much pointed, longer than the short even tall. First
primary excessively rudimentary: tlie outermost about the longest. Gape without
bristles. Frontal feathers extending forward beyond the nost ils. Often with horny
appendages like red sealing-wax at end of shaft of secondaries.

Ftilogonatinee. Win a rounded, shorter than the graduated tall. First primary nearly
half the second. Gape well bristled. Frontal feathers falling short of the nostrils. No
red horny appendage to wing feathers.

Subfamily Ampelinee.
Genus AMPELIS Lixn.eus.

AmppUs LiSN. S. N. od. 12,i.l7(i(i.297» Typc,.4. 9nn-iilii!> LiNS.

Oev. CHAlt. Tail even, much shorter than the wing. Crown with a well-developed,
soft. pointed crest. Other eliaracters are as given above fur th family AiniirUilir.

Only three species of this genus are known, one of them being
pecuhar to North America, another restricted to Japan and adjacent
parts of northeastern Asia, the third of circumpolar distribution.
They are beautiful birds, characterized by exquisitely soft plumage

AMPELID^— THE -WAXWINGS. 199

of subdued but hannoniously blended and contrasted colors, and are
besides of most graceful form. They may be distinguished as fol-
lows:

Common Chakacteks. A lengthened crest of soft blended feathers. Colors, soft silky-
brownish becoming more vinaeeous 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, etc., 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 yellow on tips lof primaries.
Rufous of crissum stained with red. Hah. Japan and eastern Siberia.

6. Terminal band of tail rich yellow.

A. garrulus. Secondaries and primary coverts tipped with white, forming two
broad short bands. Primaries with outer webs often tipped with yellow. Hah.
Arctic regions of both hemispheres: in winter, south into 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, etc., not different from crest. Chin, only, black, this fading gradually into
the brown of throat, A white line between black of lores, etc., and brown of forehead.

a. Terminal band of tail rich yellow.

A. oedrorum. Wings plain bluish- ashy. Hah. Whole of North America, from
52° N., south to Guatemala, Jamaica and Cuba in winter.

Ampelis garrulus Linn.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING.
Popular synonyms. Northern Chatterer or Waxwing; European Chatterer or Wax-
wing; Black-throated Waxwing; Waxen Chatterer.

Lattius garrulus Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758,95,

Ampelis garrulus Linn, S, N, ed. 12, i, 1766, 297.— B aied. B. N. Am. 1858, 307, 923 ; Cat. N. Am.
B. 1859,No. 232; Review, 1866,405,— CouES, Key. 1872, 115; Cheek List,1873,No. 118: 2d
ed. 1882, No, 166; B. N, W. 1874, 91; B. Col. Val. 1878,459.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. 1.
1874,396. pi, 18,flg. 1.— EiDGW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 150.
Bombycilla garrula Yieill. 182.3.-SW. & Rich. F. B. A. ii,1831, 237,— Nutt. Man. ii,1834,
579.— AUD. Orn.Biog. iv, 1838, 462, pi. 363; Synop. 1839, 165; B. Am. iv,1842, 1865, pi, 245.

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 Paeiflo coast south of Alaska.

"Sp. Chae. Crest lengthened. Body generally soft, silky brownish-ashy, with a pur-
plish cast, the wing-coverts and scapulars more brownish, becoming more reddish
anteriorly and ashy posteriorly; the rump and upper tail-covert, as well as the second-
aries, being nearly pure ash. Anteriorly the color passes gradually into deep vinaeeous
che.stnut 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 ; a narrow 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 phcenicopterum Temm. PI. Col. ii, 1838, pi, 450.

200 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

till' u'lnK.nrii' uiTiiH.t i'iuIh of iiriiimry riivertw. iiml tlir oIIut in'rnc!* iiuli- <•< hi-romliirlcK
(llio llrnt I"-!-!!!!)-!!)!; lii'tli wi'liB. iinil llii< latU>r tlic uiili'r). tt'liiti-. rrlmary i-'ivfrth. iirl-
miirii-8. iiml tiiil Kliity liliii-k. tlif liiltiT urowliie Bradiiiilly iixliy IxiHally. A bmail liiiiul
niTMNK I'liil of tail, ami a loiiKitiiiliiial H|ia"i' alniiK enil of mitor web ■>{ i>rimari>-b. earn-
lKijri'-y<'ll<>w.— Ill'' niark» on prtinarli-H. ImwrviT, Bomi'lliiK'n white only Hiulncd with
yellow. Eai'h of thi' Heronilarli'H with an expanded r'onllnuallon of the Hhaft. In form ul
flattened, very Ihin, Honiewliul elliiilleal aiipendacoci.or a hrlRht vermlllon-rcil ruaem-
hline red»eullnu-wa.\. LenKth, ;.4ii; winB. 4.a»: tall, 3.00." {Hitl. X. Am. B.)

The sexes are essentially alike in coloration, Imt younger birds
have little or no yellow on the wing, the marking's ht-ing entirely
white, or yellowish white, and reduced in size ; the yellow tip to
the tail is also narrower, and the "seahng-wax" appendages more or
less rudimentary, or even wanting altogether.

This exquisite bird is an alnindant 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 Kidge, Pulaski county, December 18, 187!>.
(See BnU. Xult. Om. CInh, Vol. V., p. 118.)

In Cook county, Mr. Nelson says* that it is "an irregular Imt
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, 187G, Mr. Charles Douglas, of \Vaukcgan, describes an
"immense" flock of these birds which he observed the day previous,
upon the lake shore near that town. The birds were feeding upon
the juniper bei-ries 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 flying 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."

Ainpelis cedrorum (Vieill.)

CEDAB WAXWINO.
Popular synonyniB. Carolina Wax-win^': ('.•.lar-Mnl: Cednr-lark: Cherry-hlrd.
BomhyciUa cfflronnn VlEILI^ Ols. .\m. Sept. 1,1807.88. pi. r.T.
Ampflis rflrornin GnAY. 184ft. -Baibd. B. N. .\m. 1858. 313: Cat. N. Am. B. 18S9.N"... 233;

Review. IWKi. 4"7.-CouEs, Key, 187:!. 11.'.; Cheek List 187.1. Xo. 119; 2d ed. 1882. Xo.

Ifi7; B. N. W. 1874, M. ■£«: B. Col. Viil. 1x78. 470. -B. B. & R. Hi«(. X. Am. B. 1,1874, 401,

pi. 18. flii. 2.— Rtixnv. Xom. N. Am. B. 1881. Xo. 151.
Amprlis atnericaiin WiLS. Am. Orn. 1,1808,107, pi. 7.11k. 1.
JIomliurillarai-oliiiiii.ii.1 Stkph. Gen. Zool. X.1817.422.-AL'D. Orn. Blo(t. I. 1831. 227, pl.43!

Synop. 1839. 1G5; B. Am. Iv. 1842.169, pi. 24G.-XUTT. Man. 1, 1SK,248.

•Bull. E9S0.T Inst, Vol. vlll.l87fi.p. 103.

AMPELID^ — THE WAXWINGS. 201

Hab. Whole of temperate North America, south (in winter only?) to Guatemala,
Jamaica, and Cuba; breeds nearly throughout its summer range.

Sp. Chah. 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 flanks and abdomen. Lower
tail-coverts white. Whole of the wing posterior to the greater eoverts 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, etc., a narrow crescent on lower eyelid, and a
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. No black on chin. 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.

Eegarding alleged sexual differences of plumage in tliis species,
we quote the following from E. A. Mearns, in the "Nuttall Bulletin"
for April, 1878, p. 70 : "I hare 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 embelhshed by a well-
developed red appendage. Several other specimens have lai-ge red
tips to each of the rectrices ; and one (No. 1,558, male, February
23, 1878, E. A. M.) has five 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 ILLIK0I8.

Guatemala (No. 50,455, male) is almost identical with examples
from the United States, but differs in having 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
loivcr 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 being very much paler; the
white baitd 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 (Xyssa multijlora) it is
sure to be present. Except during the breeding season they rove in
flocks, utteiiug, 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 Oncines, 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 larvae
of a small beetle (I'lanindcra lii}>])oiiica), immense number of Cedar-
bii"ds were present feeding e^xclusively 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.

• Italics my own.

HIRUNDINID^ — THE SWALLOTVS. 203

Family HIRXTNDINIDJE.— The Swallows-

"Chab. 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; tail feathers twelve.
Feet weak; tarsi seutellate. shorter than middle toe and claw. Number of joints in toes
noi-mal; basal joints of middle toe partially or entirely adherent to lateral toes. Wings
long, falcate. 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." (Kist. N. Am. Birds.)

The Hirundinidce form a very well-marked group of birds, easily
distinguished from all others except the Cypselida (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 ; seutellate 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 oj I\ortli American Hirundinidce,

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
elaw; 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 erissum

sometimes white Progne.

Bill rather weaker; commissure and eulmen nearly straight to near tip.
Frontal feathers bristly. Tail nearly even. Throat, rump, and erissum,

and usually forehead, rufous; belly white Petroohelidon.

6. Edge of wing in adult male armed with stiff recurved hooks. Bill larger
and more depressed. Tail emarginate only. Color uniform dull brown, the
erissum white 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 lower end. Lateral claws reaching only to base of middle.
Tail very deeply forked, much longer than closed wings; lateral feathers
linear and vey narrow at end, twice the length of central. Upper parts

204 niRDB OF ILLINOIS.

1111(1 poploral ••••liar »t<tl-lilui-; rrtnit ami llimal. Kimii-tlniL-s uinlor iiiirts,

mroiiH. Tall-fiwitlicrs wltli wliltf »pi>t»on IiiihtwcIih Chelidon.

Tall witli hlialliiw fork, ni^t fxrci'illiiB halt an Ini-li. slmrtcr tliiui i-loKod
wliiKs. K<'alliiTR l>roail. Colnr lilui- or urci-ii iibnvi'. with or wlthmit
wliltf riiMit«; whlti' lii>ii>'ath. Tall-fiMitlicrswIthmit s|ii>t8 TsohycineU.

Tiirsiis with a tuft of fi-jithiTsi at luwiT onil. Latcnil olaws h'liifthi'ii'il

ri'ai'hiiiK iM'yi.ml liasi- iif nilililli' rlaw.

Tall rtlinlilly fnrkf'il. Color dull tirown above; beneath white, with brown
IiiM'tonilcolhir Clivioola.

Gents PROGNE Boie.

Progitf noiE. Isls. 18-JC,971. Typo. Uinmdo i»iri)ui-i-a LiSN.- //. siihin Linn.

"Gen. Chab. Body stout. Bill robust, loncthened; lower or commissural edco of
maxilla slnuati'il. di'rldodly convex for basal half, then as iMincave to the tip, the lower
nianilibli' fallinK within Its chord. Nostrils superior, broailly open, and nearly circular,
witliout any adjacent membrane, the edces rounded. Lens stout. Tarsus equal to mid-
dli' toi' \vilhout claw; the joint feathered: lateral toes about equal: the basal Jcdnt of the
middle toe half frei- 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.)

PUEPLE MARTIN.

Popular synonyms. .Martin; House Mnrlin; Purple Swallow; American Martin; Violet

Swallow.

Jlinihih, sKhis I.INN. S. N. cd. 10, i. 17.VS. IW.
7V«(7/ic.«»'.i.sBAIRD. Uevlew, Wii, 274.— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. I. l.<(74. 32(1, pi. 16,
figs. 7. in.— COUES, B. Col. Val. liff.S. 445; 2d Check List. 1*(2. No. 105.- BiDOW, N.mi.
N. Am. B. 1N.S1, No. l.V.'.
JJiniiiilu niin,ii,i-a Linn. S. N. cd. 12. i. 17mi, :t44.-Wii.s. Am. Orn. v. 1812. 58. pi. 39. llgs. 2,
3.— AtJD. Orn. Biog. i. 1S31, lir., pi. 2:1; Synop. 1S», :J7; B. Am. 1, 1840. 170, pi. tt.
Pmfine Durixirfa Boie, 1!(26.— Baied. B. N. Am. liWi, ni4; Cat. N. Am. B. ISM. No. 331.—
CoUES. Key. 1872, IIJ; Check List. 1S73. No. 117: B. N. W. 1874. 91.

Had. Whole of temperate North America, wintering in Mexico (and southern United
States?); Bermudas; accidental in Europe.

Sp. Cbab. Aihill nialf. 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, luid sometimes on the nape
also; throat and Jugulum gray; rest of lower parts white, relieved by dusky shaft-streaks,
Yoiiug. Similar to the adult female, but above less glossy blackish, and the nape crossed
by a more distinct grayish collar. Wing. B.60-6.20; 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.

HIRUNDINIDJE — THE SWALLOWS. 206

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 famiharity 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.

Genus PETROCHBLIDON Cabanis.

Petrochelidon Gab. Mus.B.ein. 1850,47. Tyxie, Hirundo melanogaster Swains., =- P.
swainsoni ScL.

"Gen, Chak. Bill stout and deep, somewhat as in 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 sliort, not exceeding the middle toe exclusive of its claw; feathered all around
for basal third or fourth, though no feathers are inserted on tlie posterior face. Tail fall-
ing short of the closed wings, nearly square or slightly emarginate; the lateral featliers
broad to near the ends, and not attenuated," {Sist, N. Am. B.)

This genus, like Chelidon, is nearly cosmopolitan, at least two
species — P. arborea (Gould) and P. ariel (Gould) — belonging to
Australia, and two or more to tropical America.

Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say).

CLIIT SWALLOW.

Popular synonyms. Eave, or Square-tailed Eave, Swallow; Crescent Swallow; White-
fronted Swallow-; Republican Swallow.

Hi.rundo lunifrons Sat, Long's Exp. ii. 1823, 47.— Sw, & Rich. F. B. A. ii. 18.31, 331,—
Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 309; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 226.
Petrochelidon luroifrons Lawe. 1861.— Baied, Review, 1865. 288.— CouEs, 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, pi. 16, Rg- 13.— Ridgw. Norn.
N. Am. B. 1881, No, 153,

•20G BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Ilii-undofulea "ViElLl.." AUD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1831.353, pi. 58 (iicp ViElLL.); B. Am. I. IMO.
1~, 1)1. 47.-.Sl'TT. Mull. 1, 183;;, OO.

H.VD. Whole of temporato North AniiTloii, north to Novu Scotia, Severn B.. und
Alaska: winters in portions of Ceutrul nml South .\nierlou.

"Sp. Chab, (No. 18.322, male.) Top of head elossy blnelc. with KTCCnish lustre: buet
and scapulars similar, but rather duller, and somewhat streaked by the appearanoe of the
white sides of the feathers.— the bases of the feathers, however, being plumbeous. Chin
throat, and sides of head, chestnut-brown, this extendine round on the nnpe as a <lls-
tlnet continuous collar, which Is bounded posteriorly by dull criiylsh. The chestnut
darkest on the chin, with a rich purplish tince. Rump above and on sides paler eheslnut
(sometimes fading Into whitish). Upper tall-coverts erayish brown, edscd with paler,
lluhter than the phiin brown of the wintts nml tali. Forehead, for the leneth i>f the bill,
creamy white, somewhat lunate, or e.xtendini; in an acute anele, a little over the eye; a
very narrow blackish frontlet: lorul reRion dusky to the bill. A patch of Klossy black In
the lower part of the breast, and a few black feathers in the extreme chin, the latter
sometimes scarcely appreciable. Undi:r parts dull white. tinKcd with reddish Kruy <in
the sides and inside of the wings. Feathers of crissum brownish Bray, edged with
whitish, with a tinee of rufous anteriorly (sometimes almost inappreciable). Nest of
mud, lined; built iiKainst rocks or beams; opening sometimes circular, on the side;
sometimes open above; eggs spotted.

"Total length. 5.10: wing. -1.50: tall. iJO. nearly even: difference of primary uuUls. 2.10;
length of bill from forehead, .38. from nostril .25. along gape, .60. width, .50; tarsus. .48;
middle toe and claw. .72: claw alone, .'12,; hind toe and claw, .44; claw alone, .20.

"There is no ditference between the sexes, Imt the young hird is
vei7 different from the .ailult in the following particulars : the steel-
blue above is replaced by lustreless dusky- brown, the feathers (ex-
cept ou head) being margined with a creamy tint ; the neck merely
tinged with rufous; the throat has only a dusky suflfusion, and the
chin is much mixed with white ; the frontal patch is obsolete."
(//(x^ .V. Am. li.)

The Eave Swallow, Mud Swallow, or S(juare-tailed i5arn Swallow,
as this species is variously known in popular nonu'nchituiv is, locally,
an abundant bird. Wherever found it occurs in colonies, sometimes
comprising a hundnd or more pairs, wliich take possession of the
under side of the eaves of some large building — usually a barn 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 sutler much from
the persecution of boys who delight to "pelt" the nests with various
missiles, which recreation should be abridged by those having the
authority, since it is an advantage to any community to have a
colony of these insectivorous bh-ds in its neighborhood.

HIRUNDINIDjE — THE SWALLOWS. 207

Genus CHELIDON Foester.

Chelidon Foest. Synop. Cat. Brit. B. 1817,55. Type. Hirundo rustica Linn,

"Gen. Chae. Nostrils lateral. Tarsi short, not exceeding middle toe without its claw;
the upper joint covered with feathers, which extend a short distance along the inner lace
ot tarsus. 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, an in 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 H. 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 ;. equal in 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 C'alUchelidon*.

Chelidon erythrogaster (Bodd.)

BAEN SWALLOW.
Popular synonym, Kufous-bellied Swallow.

Hirundo erythrogaster Bo-DD.Tahl. P. E. 1783,45 (based on PI. Enl. 724,fig.l).—BAiKD, Re-
view,1865,295.— CouES.B. Col. Yal. 1878, 407 (erythrogastra); RiDGW. Nom. N, Am.
B. 1881, No. 154.
Chelidon erythrogastra Stejnegek, Proc. II. S. Nat. Mus. v, 1882,31.
Hirundo rufa Gmel. S. N. i,1788,101S.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832.601.

Hirundo /lOcreorM;;/ BAKTON.Frag. Nat. Hist. Penn. 1799,17.— Baied. B. N. Am. 1858,308; Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, No. 225; Review. 1865. 294.— CouES, Key, 1872, 113; Check List. 1873,No.
Ill: B. N. W. 1874,85,— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. 1,1874,339, pi. 16, flg. 9.
Hirundo erythrogastra horreorum CouES,2d Check List, 1882,No. 159.
Hirundo rustica "Linn." Aud. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 413, pi. 173; Synop. 1839,.35; B. Am. i,1840,
181, pi, 48. (nee Linn.)
Hirundo americana WiLS. Am. Orn. 1,1812,34, pi. 38. flgs. 1,2.

- * 0. cyaneoviridis Betant; Baied, Review, 303 (Bahamas).

208 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Had. WIidIi- "f N'urtli AmiTlou (IndinllnB Or>>''nlJiiuI iinil Aluska'. iiml parts of Houth
AiiK-rli-a; bri'i'tln throiiKlioiit North America. In.-liulliiKpartB of M';xloo; wlnli-rs in tropi-
cal America. IncliullnB West Indies.

"Sp. Chah. Tail very deeply forked; outer feathers »eveml Inches lonsor than ihe
inner, very narrow towards the end. .\liove nlo»»y liliie. with eonccaled white In Ihe mlil-
dle of tht> back. Throat ehcHlnut: rest of lower part reddish white, not conspicuously
ilifTerent. \ steel-blue coUar on the upper part of the breast. Interrupted In the middle.
Tall-feathers with a white spot nearthe middle, on the innerweb. Female with the outer
tail-feather not quite so loner. Length, 6.90 Inches; wlnK,5.UU; tail.4.So.' [Hint. -V. Atn. H.)

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 Bam Swallow is so well knovMi that any special
account of its habits in tliis 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 caves
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 Cabanis.

Taclii/cineta Cad. Mus. Helu. ISM. -18. Type Hirnndo thalafniun Sw.

"Gen. Chab. Nostrils lateral, overhung or bordered intemnlly by Incumbent mem-
brane. Tarsi with the tibial joint covered by overhanging feathers, adherent a short dis-
tance along inner face, about equal to middle toe without claw. Lateral toes equal.
Adhesion of basal joint of middle toe variable. Tail omarginate only. or slightly forked;
fork not exceeding half an iuch 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." {Biat. X. Am. B.)

Of tliis section there are two North American species which
may be distinguished by the following characters, both being blue
or green above and white beneath :

1. T. bioolor. Throat feathers white to the base; aurlculars wholly dusky. Adult:
Above. Including the aurlculars. rich metallic steel-blue, with green reflections.
YoKtig: Above lustreless sooty-plumbeous.

2. T. thalasaina. Throat feathers dusky grayish below the surface; aurlculars mostly
wliiti^h. Aihill iiinli': Above rich. soft {not uietnllic) dark green (somellnies
bronzed ovi-r with purple), with a violet collar across thi' nape; upper tail-coverts
mixed with rich violct-purple: sides of the rump with a white patch. Ailiilt
frtiinlf: Binillar to the male, hut duller; crown bronze-gray. Ymiuo: Similar to
that of hirnlnr, except as described above.

T. thdlitiisiiiii is a western species, tlie riiiige of wliicli extends
little if any east of the Rocky Mountains.

HIRtJNDINID^ — THE SWALLOWS. 209

Tachycineta bicolor (Vieill.)

WHITE BELLIED SWALLOW.

Popular synonyms. Black and White Swallow; Gi-peii-blue Swallow; Tree Swallow.

Hirundo bicoJor Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 61, pi. 31.— Aud. Orn. Biog. i, 1831. 491, pi.

98; Synop. 1839, 3S;B. Am. i, 1840. 175, pi. 46.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 605.— Baikd. B. N,

Am. 1858, 310; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 227; Review, 1865, 297.— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am.

B. i, 1874. 344, pi. 16, flg. 8.

Tactiyciueta bicoloi- CA^Bxy. 1S50.— Coves. Key, 1872, 113 Check Li.st, 1873, No. 112; B.

N. W. 1874, 86; B. Col. Val. 1878. 413.— RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 155.
Iridoprocne hicolor CouES, 2d Cheek List, 1882, No. 160,
Hirundo viridis VfTLS. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 49, pi. 38, fig, 2.

Hab. Whole of temperate North America, breeding from table-lauds of Mexico to
Alaska and Great Slave Lake; wintering in southern United States. Cuba. Mexico, and
Guatemala; Bermudas.

"Sp. Chak. Glossy metalUc bluish green above; entirely white beneath. Female
duller in color. Length, 6.25 inches; wing, .5.00; tail, 2.65.

"Young bird dull sooty gray above, much like that of if. Ihalassina; 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 SwaUow 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 in the water in a
stagnant pond connected with the Wabash Eiver 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-beUied SwaUows had their
nests, as did also many pau-s of Carolina Chickadees and Pro-
thonotary Warblers. The 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, aud 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 obsened them about the town during the
breeding season."

Genus CLIVICOLA Forster.

Clivicola FoBSTEB. Syn. Br. B. 1817. 55. Typo, Hirundo riparia Lixx.
Colilf BoiE, Isls. IfCii, 550. Stime type.

"Gen. Cbab. Bill small; nostrils latornl. ovcrhunft by u straiKht-cdeod niembrnnp.
Tarsus about equal to midJle toe without claw: feathereil at upper end. espec'lally on
Inner faee. and liavliiK 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 rcachInK beyond the base of
the middle. Tail slightly forked. Color dull lustreless brown above, in ri/mrio white
beneath with gray pectoral bond. Nests in holes in banks; eggs white." (Wi»f. X.Am. B.)

Birds of the genus Clivicola resemble in general appearance and
habits those of the genus Sielriidoptcryr, 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, wliich, however, have been sufficiently mentioned on page 204.

Clivicola riparia (Linn.)

BANK SWALLOW.

Popular BTnonyms. Sand Martin; Sand Swallow,

Hirundo riparia Linn. 8, N, ed. 10. 1, 1758, 192,— WiLS. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 46, pi. 38, fig, i.—
NUTT, Man. 1, 1832, 607.-AUD, Orn, Biog. iv, 1838, 584, pi. 385; Synop. 1839. 36; B. Am.
i, 1840, 187, pi. 50.

Co(i(c cipn i-ia BoiE, Isis, 1822, 550.— RiDOW. Nom. N, .\m, B, 1881. No. 157.— CoCES, 2d
Check List, 1882. No. 163.

Coti/le riparia BoiE, 1826.— Baied. B. X. Am. 1858, 313; Cat. N. Am, B, 1859, No, 229; Re-
view. 1865. .S19.— CouES, Key, 1x72, 114; Check List, 1773, No. 115; B. N. W, 1874, 89; B.
Col. Val. 187S, 435, -B. B. & U. Hist. X. Am, B. i, 1874, 333, pi. 16, (Ig, 14.

Clificota riparia Stejneoeb, Proc. V. S. Nat. Mus. 1882, 32.

Hab. Northern Hemisphere In general: in America, south to Brazil, and throughout
West Indies, but breeding chiefly in the I'nlted States and northward; winters chleHy
south of the United States.

"Sp. Char, Adult. Above grayish brown, somewhat fuliginous, with n tendency to
puler margins of the feathers. Beneath pure white, with a band ai-ross the breast and
the sides of 'he body like the back. Length, 4.75; wing. 4.00; lull. 2.00

"Young birds have less emarglnate tails, and the feathers of back, ninip, and wings
edged with whitish." (Hint. X .1 m. «,)

HIRfNDINID.E— THE SWALLOWS. 211

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. uropygialis, 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 : Wmg, 3.60 ; tail, 2.00. It is
evidently not full grown. The specimen was taken at Eiverdale,
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 Kough- winged Swallow, and at Mount Carmel I have
found both species not only nesting in the same rapines, but appar-
ently mingling together in perfect harmony.

Genus STELGIDOPTERYX Baied.

stelgidopteryx Baibd, Birds N. Am. 1858, 312. Type, Hirundo serripennis AUD.

"Gen. Chae. 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, Uke 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, scarcely haU. Lateral toes
about equal, their claws not reaching beyond base of middle claw. Tail slightly emargi-
nate; the feathers broad, and obliauely rounded at end. Edge of the wing rough to the
touch; the shafts of the flbrillEe 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. y. Am. B.)

"The birds of this genus have usually been referred to Colyle,
which, however, they resemble, only in color. The nostrils are ex-

212 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

posed, instead of being overliung ; the tarsus is bare below, not
feathered, and the lateral claws are considerably cur\ed, and not
reacliing beyond the base of the lateral, as in Cotyle. The structure
of the wing is very diflFerent." (Baird.)

The cliief peculiarity of this genus consists in the remarkable
roughness of the ecge of the wing, said to occur also in Pmilidopronie
Cab., an African genus. This characterizes only the adult male and
older females, tiie young and many adult females having the web of
the outer primary soft, as in other swallows.

Stelgidopteryx serripennis (And.)

HOUGH WINGED SWALLOW.

Popular aynonjrms. llMiitjli-wingod Bank Swallow, or Sand Martin; Bridge Swallow.

Hirundo gei-iipenuiii AuD. Orn. Biog. iv. 1838.593: Synop. 1839. 37; B. Am.i. 1840. 19:). pi. T,l.

Cotyle serripennis BoiE. 1814.— Baird. B. N. Am. 1858. 313; Cat. X. Am. B. 1859 No. 230.

Stelgidopleru-r serripeunis Baird. Rovli-w. 1865.314.— C'oi'Es. Kfy. ix?.'. 114; Clicok LiHt,

1873. No. 116; 2d cd. 1882. Xo. 1G4; B. N. W. 1874. 90; B. Col. Val. 1878. 438.-B. B. & R.

Hist N. Am. B. i, 1874. 350, pi. 16. Hg. 12.— Ridgw. Noin. Am. B. 1881, No. 158.

Had. Whole of United States, oxeept extri'me northern border, and New England ea,st
of the Conneetiout Valley; northwest to British Columbia; wintering in Mexieo and
Guatemala.

"8p. Chak. (No. 32,269. male.) .\bove smoky brown, rather deeper on the head, perhaps
a little paler on the rump. Larger nuills and tail-feathers dusky brown; the seeondarlea
and greater eoverts sometimes lighter along their <'.\tenwil edges. The under parts (for
about half the total li'ngth) from Mil to and ineUiding breast, with the sides i>f body ami
lining of wings, mouse-gray, rather lighter along the throat: the ri'st of under parts. In-
elnding erissum. white, the latter with the shafts sometimes dusky, ami very rariJy with
dusky blotehes at the ends of thi' longer fi'ulhers.

"Young birds (as in 1.120) dilTer in a tinge ot reddish fulvous on the upper parts; the
wlng-eoverts, seeondaries. 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 eolor,
especially on the ehin and aeross the breast. The hooks of the edge of the wing have not
yot beeome developed.

"(No. ;t2.2ti!». male, fresh speeinien before being skinned.) Total length. 5.40; i-xpanse of
wings. 12.2tl; wing from earpal joint. 4.50.

"(No. 32.269. male, prepared spi'idmen.) Total length. 5.20; wing. 4.50: tail, 2.25; depth ot
fork. .15; dllTerenee of primaries. 2.28; length of bill from forehead. .40. from nostril. .24,
along gape, .56. width of gape, .4:1: tarsus, 45: miildle toe and elaw. .57; elaw alone, .19;
hind toe and elaw, .41; elaw alone. .16." {Ilisl. -V. .1 m. /(.)

In its general appearance as well as in habits, the Kough-wiiiged
resembles so closely the Bank Swallow as to be not easily distin-
guished by the casual observer. It nests, like the latter species, ui
holes dug into the banks of streams or ravines, usually, however,
in colonies l)y themselves, though not unfrequently mingling with

HIRUNDINID^ — THE S-WALLOWS. 213

the other, pairs of the two sometimes occupying adjacent burrows.
The Eough-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 Eough-winged Swallow may be im-
mediately distinguished from the Sand Martin fC. rijjariaj 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 Binns or Illinois.

Family TANAGRID^.— The Tasagers.

This beautiful gi-oup 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 live families of Neotropical birds which are represented by
the greatest number of species are ahsoluteli/ peculiar to Amerira,
these families being the Tanagers {Tanagridie), Tyrant Flycatchera
(Tyrainiidte), Wood-hewers {Deiulrocohiptiihe), Ant Thrushes (Far-
mirariid/e), and Humming-birds (TrochUi<he). None of these fami-
hes have even true representatives in any part of the Old World,
the Sun-birds {Xvrtaridiith/'), which some have considered as rep-
reseutmg the Humming-birds, belonging to even a different order
{Passeres). There are besides those named above, many famihes of
birds, remarkable for brilliant coloring or other characteristics,
which are absolutely peculiar to the Neotropical Region ; prominent
examples being the Honey Creepers {Cfcrdndce), Manakins (I'ipridte),
Cotingas {Cotinci'ida), Pufif-birds [Bucconidte), Jacamars {Galhulidit),
and Toucans (Ramphastida:). In number of species the Humming-
birds take the first rank, with nearly 450 known species, while the
Tanagers follow soon after, with about 880 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
Ovni» 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 anv man.

TANAGRID.E — THE TANAGERS. 215

The single genus of Tanagridse, 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 brilliant songsters.

Genus PIRANGA Vieillot.

Piranga Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, iv. Type, Muscicapa ruhra Linn.

Gen. Chak. Bill sub-eonieal and rather cylindrical, the culmen moderately curved,
especially toward the tip ; maxillary tomium distinctly notched near the tip, and often
^yith 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, oUve-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. AduJt female: Ochraceous olive above,
oehraceous yellow beneath t 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 (except in first plumage) with black wings and tail, the red appearing in
patches with advancing age.

B. Wings with two light yellowish bands.

3. P. ludovioiana. Adult «)aZe: Back, wings, and tail black, the wings with two yel-
low bauds; rest of plumage gamboge-yellow, the head red (vai-ying from orange-
red to crimson). Adult female: Wings and tail dusky grayish, the wing-bands
less distinct; 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.)

SCAELET TANA6EE.

Popular synonym. Black-winged Eedbird.

Tanagra ruhra Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 314 {iiec. ed. 10, i, 1758, 181).— WlLS. Am. Orn. il.
1810, 42, pi. 11, flgs. 3, 4.— NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 465.— AuD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 388, pi. 354.
figs. 3, 4,
Piranga rubra Vieell. Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, iv, pi. 1, flg. 12.

210 BinDS OF ILLINOIS.

J'uiiingn ruhni Sw. A: Itlill. V. 11. A. ii.ls..l.L';:i.-.\i!i>. Sni.ip. IK». IM; H. Am. Hi. IMI.
-.iSi.l.l. LiiW. ItAiUD.Il. N. An>. lH.',n.;iu: (.'at. X. Am. 1). IWJM.Xo. £».-CofE8. Ki-y. IWJ,
111: (.li.-.k Li«t.IK7.I.N.). 1(17: M id. 11SS>. Nil. IM: «. N. W. 1X74.82: IJ. fol. Viil. IKTit,
:iw.-lt. II. & K. Hist. N. Am. 15. i, 1K74. W5. i>\. 30. IIkh. 7. tL-BlDiiw. Nmii. N. Am. B.
Itai.No. 161.
Piranga erulhromrlag VlEIIX. Nuuv. Dl<-t. & HIhL Niit. xxvill.l81!>.'J!n.

Had. EiistiTii I'nltod Stiili'K.liri'i'illiiK I'lilnfly mirtliwiird: ncirtli tn ljik>' Winnlppfc. In
till' iii(rrii>r: wiiili'iint: In ("Ink. Jiiniaii'ii. Ititrliiuliii'-i, ami tin- wliolu uf MiiUlli- AmiTlva
(i?.\ri>iit western Mexieu). ami south t<i Trinidad and Eeuailor.

"8p. CUAR. liill >ilii>rter than the head. Beeond q\iill loneeHt; llrst and third a little
shorter. Tall moderately foriced. Mitlr. Wholi' liea<l and lio<ly eontlniioiis.imre, intense
si'arlet.the feathiTs white lieneath the surfai'i'.anrl Krayisli at the roots. Winus ami tail,
with the seapuljirs, uniform intensi- lilaelc; the middle-eoverts HometimeH partly red.
rormini; an interrnpti'd hand. Liniau of wini; white. A lilaekisli tinue aloni: sides of thi<
ruinp.eoneealed liy winKS. Bill pea-urei-u: iris hrown: tarsi and toes dull hlue. Ffiiialr.
Oiivi'-irreen ahovi'. yellowish beneath. Wini; and tail-feathers lirown. edged with oliva-
ceous. Length, 7.40: wine,4.00; tail, 3.(10."

"At least thi-ee years seem to lie requireil for the assumption of
the perfect plumage of the male. In the first year the youn^; male
is hke the female, but has black wings and tail : in the fall red
feathers bi-^'iii to make their appearance, and the following spring
the red i)redominates in patches." (Hist. X. 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 bri^dit
green foliage, which so effectively complements the glowing scarU't
and velvety black of his plumage.

In the southern half uf Illhiois, 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 liedbird. He is also much more retu'ed in his habits,
preferring the high timber of the liottom lands to the upland woods,
and therefore not brought so much in contact with the abodes of men.

The song of tliis bird resembles somewhat that of the Robin in
its modulation, but is shriller in tone, more hurried, and enunciated
with a peeuhar 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 tlu' gn^mmi, and is a very thin and shallow, though liy
no means frail, structure, compos(.'d of wiry grasses, fine roots, etc.,
so loosely interwoven that the eggs may freijuently 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
various shades of brown.

TANAGRID^ — THE TANAGEES. 217

Piranga rubra (Linn.)

SUMMER TANAGEB.

Popular synonyms. Termilion Taiiager; RedTanager; Ked Bee-bird; Summer Redbird.

Friiigilla rubra LiNN. S. N. ed. 10. i. 1758. 181.
Miiscicapa rubra Linn. S. N. ed. 12. i. 1766, 326.
Piranga rubra Vikill. Oi.s. Am. Sept. i. 1807. p. iv.
Tanagra (estlea Gmel. S. N. i. 1788, 889.— WiLS. Am. Orn. i, 95. pi. 6, fig. .3.— NUTT. Mau. i,
1«32, 469.— AUD. Orn. Biog. i. 1831, 232; v, 1839. 518. pi. 44.
Pyranga (estira Vielll. 1819.— Aud. Synop. 1839. 136; B. Am. iii, 1831, 222, pi. 208.— Baied,
B. N. Am. 1858; 301; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 221.— CouEs. Key. 1872, 111; Cheek List
1873, 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, pi. 20. figs. 5, 6 ("var. ffs(ira").— RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 164.
Tanagra crccinea BoBD. Tabl. P. E. 1783. 46 (ex. PI. Enl. 741).

Hab. Eastern United States, nortlieast to Conneetieut Valley, or, casually, even to
Nova Seotia. but abundant only south of 40". breeding tliroughnut its United States
range; wintering in middle America and northern South Amerioa, as tar as Ecuador and
Peru; Cuba; Jamaica. (Replaced in southwestern United States and western Mexico by
P. rubra cooperi.)

Sp. Chak. Bill nearly as long as the liead. 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. Ailnlt 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 inclivicluals sho\ving 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. S. Nat. Mus.) shot at Wheatland, Indiana,
May 21, 1881, having the plumage more than one half red, the red
color being of gi-eater extent, m 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 Illinois the Summer Eedbird is
an abundant species in dry upland woods. It is moreover a very
familiar species, nesting habitually in trees along the roadside and
even m the midst of towns. For this reason it is much more fre-
quently seen than the Scarlet Tanager, of wliich 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-tid, or, as Wilson ex-
presses it, chicky-chucky-chnck. The song resembles in its general

218 Dinns of Illinois.

character, that of the Scarlet Tanager, hut is far loU(k-r, hotter
Bustamed, aiid more musicah It equals in strength that of the
Rohm, but is uttered more hurriedly, is more "w-irj'," and much
more continued.

The food of this hii-d consists to a gi-eat extent of hornets, wasps,
and bees, on wliich account it is to a gi-eater or less extent knowni
to fanners 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 standing by a roadside being frequently
selected. The height at which it is placed varies, usually from
twelve to twenty feet altove the ground, although the writer found
one wliich 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 vei"y firm stmcture, 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 noi-them portion of the State, according to Mr.
Nelson, it is "a rare summer visitant," there being "but few records
of its occurrence."

At Mount Carmel the dates of arrival noted by me were .\pril
20 to 29, and at Wlieatland, 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.

FRINGILLIDS; — THE PINCHES. 219

Family FRINGILLIDiE.— The Finches.

"Chae. Primaries nine. Bill very short, abruptly eonieal. and robust. Commissure
strongly angulated at base of bill. Tarsi seutellate anteriorly, but the sides %yith two
undivided plates meeting behind along the median line, as a sharp posterior ridge. Eyes
hazel or brown, except in P(piio where they are reddish or yellowish. Nes-t and eggs
very 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 eharacterizable as follows :

"Cocoothraustinse. 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.

"Pyrgitinae [=Passerin8e], 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.

"Spizellinae. 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.

"Pasaerellinae. 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.

"Spizinee. 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. X. Am. B.)

Subfamily COCCOTHRATJSTIN^.— The True Finches.

"Chae. Wings very long and much 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 biU. Feet short and rather 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,
nil nsreeinn in the length and acuteness of the wing, the bristly
feiitlierH along the base of the bill, the absence of consjiicuous
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 specilic rather than of generic im-
portance. The fringe of short bristles along the base of the bill,
concealing the nostrils, is not appreciable in Plcclruphciiies [ Plectro-
pluiKLv] (except in P. niv(ilis), but the other characteristics given
above are all present." (HiKt. X. Am. H.)

Genera.

A. Bill I'liormously Itirge andntout; the lateral outline as long as that ot tlu' skull. Ciil-
inc'ii ({I'litly curved.

Colon* fji-ffiiiAh. uftlotn.and hlark.

CoooothrausteB. First (lulU cciunl to the seconil. 'WinKs om- half loiiRer than the tnll.
Latiiiil .laws iMiual, reaching to the base of the middle chiw. Claws mu'li eurved,
obtuse; hinder one but little louKer than the inidille.

B. Bill smaller, wilh the eulmen more or less curved: the lateral outline not so lonK as
the skull. Wlnu-s about one third longer than the tall, or a little more: llrst ciuill shorter
tliHii tlie second. Claws eonslderobly eurved and thickened; hinder most .so. and almost
Inaiipreciably longer or evon shorter than the mlddl(> anterior one. Tarsus shorter than
the middle toes. Lateral toes unequal.

a. Coloi'n plain oi'ay anil hlavk, nfvi'r atrfakt'ti; hrfa:tt t'ffl in tltt* male of noute species.

Pyrrhula. Bill excessively swollen: as broad and as high as long, not half length of
head: upper outline much curved. Tail-coverts covering two thirds the tail, whiidi
is nearly even; middle and hinder ulaws abotft equal.

h. i'lilnr:* rfildintt in thf mah', pfain grayish or streak-fd hrofrn and trliit*' in the femalv.

Pinioola. Bill moderately swollen: longer than high or broail. upper outlines much
eurved: the tip hooked. Tail-coverts reaching over basal half of tail, which Is nearly
even. Middle claw longer thnn the hind; outer lateral claw (Extending beyond base of
niiildlc Reaching to it in I'urrlmla and Cnri/odncnii). Female and yonnunoi streaked.
Carpodaous. Bill variable, always more or less eurved and swollen; longer than high
or broad; the tip not hooked. Tali-coverts rcaidiing overtwo thirds the tail, which Is
decidedly forked. Middle and hind claw about enual. Female and i/onno streaked.

e. Colom hlack and and yelloir in the male.

Spinas. Bill nearly straight. Hind claw stouter and more curved, but scarcely
longer than the middle anterior one. Outer lateral toe reaching a little beyonil the
base of the middle claw: shorter than tlie hind toe. Whigs longer and more pointed.
Tall auite deeply forked.

C. Hind claw considerably longer than the middle anterior one. witli about the same
eurvat\u-e: claws attenuated towards the point, and acute. Lateral toes about equal.
Wings usually almost one half longer than the tall, which Is deeply forked. Tarsus
shorter than middle toe.

FEINGILLIDiE — 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.

i>. Points of mandibles not overlapping.

Aoanthis. 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 cro^n (except
in one species).

Leuoosticte. Culmcn slightly decurved; commissure a little concave. Bill obtusely

conical; not sharp-pointed. A.eonspicuous 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; decidedly 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.

Pleotrophenax. ' 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 as in P/pc(ro;)/te)iaj-. Middle toe and claw shorter than tarsus,
tlie claw not reaching as far as to the tip of the hind claw. No white on secondaries.
Ehynohophanes, 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 Bkisson.

Coccoth.ratistes Bkiss. Orn. iii. 1760, 218. Type, Loxia coccothraustes LrNN.

Subgenus Hesperiphona Bonaparte.

Hesperiphona Bonap. Comptes Eendus, xxxi, Sept. 185U, 424. Type, Fringilla vesper-
tina Coop.

"Gen. Chak. 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 (;«i)-aca; 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 of its extent. Nest and eggs unknown." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

Coccothraustes vespertinus (Coop.)

EVENING GROSBEAK.

Fringilla vespertina Cooper Ann. Lye. N. Y. i, 182.5,220.— Nutt. Man. i, 1&32, 594.— AuD.
Orn. Biog. iv, 1839,515; v. 1839,235, pis. 373,425.

222 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

iJoccolhraHflfit rmpi-rthia 8w. Jt tltCH. F. B. A. ll.Ktl.aiiW.pl. ixt.— Ai'D. Synop. Ixaci.KU;

B. Am. 111,1841. il7,pl. 307.
Iferpn-lphoiia icdpcrriiia BOSAP. 18i0.— Baibd.B. X. Am. 18S8, 409: Cut. X. Am. B. IKK*.

No. 3«2.-CouEB.Key.lS7J,127: Check Llst,I873.Xo. 136; 2d c<l. li«2.Xo. li®: B. X. \V.

1874.105.-B. B. & R. Hist. X. Am. B. I.1ST5.419. pi. 22.rii;. 1.— RiDOW. Xom. X. Am. B.

1881, Xo. 165.

Had. Western Xortli .\merk-an, south. In mountain districts, to elevated regions of
easti'rn Mvxloo; north to the Saskntchowan, and east, especially In winter, tt) the Great
Lakes; accidental in northern Atlantic States (Xew York. Ohio. etc.',.

"Sp. Cbar. Bin yellowish green. dusky nt the base. Anterior half of the body dusky
yellowish olive, shading into yellow to the rump above, and the under tuil-coverts below.
Outer scapulars, a broad fron al band continued on each side over the eye,axlllarles,and
middle of uuder wlng-coverts yellow. Feathers alimi; the extreme base of the bill, the
crown, tibia-, wings, upper tuil-coverts. and tall bl.n-k; Inner greater wing-eoverts and
tortlaries white. Length. 7.;W; wing.J.ai; tail 2.75.

"The female difters in having the head of a dull olivaceous brown, which color also
glosses the back. The yellow of the rump and other parts is r-placed by a yfllowish ash.
The upper tail-coverts are spotted with white. The white of the wing Ls much restricted.
There is an obscure blackish line on each side of the chin." {Hist. X. Am. /?.!

I'oiiiig male, nearlu adult. Generally similar to adult male, but tertlals having Inner
webs entirely dusky and grnyi.sh, 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. iMale. Santa
Cruz, Cal., March. 1876; Coll. E. W. Xelson.)

This beautiful bird is a winter ^^8itant to the more northern por-
tions of the State, its appearance being, however, very irregular,
as is that of the Bohemian Wax-wing (Amjxlis g<irrti}n>i). Mr. Nelson
says that it is "a winter visitant occuring at irregular intenals.
The winter of 1871 they M'ere quite common throughout the northern
poiiiou of the State. The following winter they were much rarer,
and since then but very few have been seen, I am 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. 0. 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
.\infrica. 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, uiul Canada. In Illi-
nois it was observed at Freeport during the wintir of lH7fl-71 ; and
at Waukegan during January, 1873. (Hist. X. .1. liinl.t by Baird,
Brewer, and Ridgway.) Mr. Kobt. Kidgway in his recently issued
'Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois,' states that it is 'a whiter visi-
tant to the extreme northern counties of the State'.

FEINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 223

"It 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 neighboring 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 Eose-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 Vieillot.

Pinicola Tieili. Ois. Am. Sept. 1, 1807, 4, pi. I, flg. 13.

"Chak. Bill short, nearly as high as long; upper outline mueh curved from the base;
the margins of the mandibles roujided; the commissure gently concave, and abruptly
deflexedat 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,
but their long claws reach the base of the middle one, whicli is longer than the hind
claw. 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.)

•22i BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Pinicola enucleator (Linn.)

PINE GROSBEAK.

I.i>yia iiiiiclintoi- Lin's. S. X. i-il. In. i, lliK. i;i. -WiLs. Am. Orn. I. IW*. Ml, pi. 5. fl|{. 2.
lovylhii» euuc'.enlor CuviEli.— .\f D. Synop. 1839. 127; 15. Am. ill. IMl. 179. pi. 199.
Pyii-Uiila eiiuclralur Bonap. isat.— Xutt. Man. I. ISti, .135.— Al'D. Orn. Bloe. Iv. 1N38.

iU. III. 358.
Punhiih iroi-ytliuii) ruii,-l>-alor SW. & Kicil. F. B. A. II. 1831. X2. pl. M.
J'iiiirola cHiii'/fnforC'AB. IWl.— C'oUEs, K>'y, 1K72. 127; Clu-rk Lint. It(73. No. 1!I7: M rul.
IHK!, No. 19(1; B. N. W. 1S74. HU.-B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1«74. 4^. pl. 21. 11b». 1. 2.
UiDiiW. Num. N. Am. B. ISXl. No. IWi.
J'iiiiiolii lajiniliimis ("BliEHM") Cadan. Mus. Hi'in. i. l»(il. 167 (I'X. I'nrullnis cniiailfiitiii
BbehsO.-Baibd. B. N. Am. 1858. 410; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 3W.
Hac. Niirtln'i-n ronifiTou» lorost.s of Nortliorn Hi-mlsplnTi;; in North Annrira. Iin-oil-
inK far south U" at least 38°) iu liit;hvr woslfrn niimntains. an<l in wintrr niiKratinc .-oiith
to or beyond 4«°. in Eastern Provlnee.

"Sp. Chab. Bill and k'BS lilaelv. .l/ii'r. General eolor li^ht oarniine-red or roso. not
continuous aliiive, however, e.xcept on the head; the feathers sliowlni; brownish centres
on the baek. where, too. t hi- rod is darker. Lural recion, lias4Mif lowi'r jaw all mund, sides
(under the winU;. al>di>nn'n, anil posterior part of the body, with under tail-eoverts. ashy,
whitest beldnd. WiuK with two white bands aeross the tips of the creator and middle
eoverts; the outer edues of llie aulllsalso white, broadest on the tertiaries, on seeondaries
tinned with reil. Finuilf ashy, brownisli abovc\ tinned with creenish yellow beneath;
lop uf lu'ud, rump, and u|iper tail-eeverts brownish ifamboiie-yellow. Wings mueh as in
the malv. Lenglli abi.ut s.Sii; wine. 4..'i<i: tail. 4.tKl. Yomi^i like feniule, but more lushy."
(Hist. N. Am. U.)

The Pine Grosbeak — much the largest of the North American
Frinsilliilii' — i« an irreguhir winter visitant to tlie more iiorthcni
portions of the State. Mr. Thos. H. Douglas, of Wimkegan, writes
me, under date of January '2, 1884, that, having been informed of a
Hock of "strange birds," which had been seen eating high-bush
cranberries, he, the next day saw from his room a small llock
Hying by, which proved to be this species. He adds: "They are
more shy tluin tiic Evening Grosbeak, as a shot will generally scare
them out of sight."

Gknis CARPODACUS Kaip.

Carpoilavim Kaup, Entw. Europ. Thierw. l82a. nil. Type. I.ojria rrullirhin Palu

"Chab. Bill short, stout, vaulted; the eulmen deeurved towards t lie end; tlieeom-
missure nearly straight to the sliKhtlydeeurved end. A sliRht development of bri.stly
feathers aliiiiu the sides of the bill, eoneealiuK the nostrils. Tarsus shorter than the
middle tcie; lateral elaws reaehint.' to the base of the middle one. Claw of hind toe mindi
eurved. smaller than till' niiildle one. and rather less than the diisital portion. WinRS
lonK and pyinted. leaehiiik' to tin' middle of the tail, whieh Is eonsiderably shorter than
the wiinj. and moderately forked. Colors red, or red and brown. Fetiiali: With the red
replaeed by brown." [Ilisl. .V. .li;i. I{.)

FEINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 225

While the western portions of North America possess thi-ee species
of this genus [C. frontalis, the famihar House Finch, of the Valley
portions, C. purpureus calij'ornicus, 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 gi-eater 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);
Kosy Linnet; Roseate Grosbeali or Finch.

. Fringilla purpurea Gmel. S. N. 1. 1788, 923.— Was. Am. Oru. i, 1808. 119, pi. 7. fig. 4; v, 1812,
87, pi. 43, flg. 3.— AUD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 24; v, 1839, 500, pi. 4.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 529.

Erythrospiza purpurea Bonap. 1838.— .^ud. B. Am. iii, 1841, 170, pi. 196.

Carpodacus purpureus Gkat.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 412; Cat. N. Am. B, 1859, No. 305.—
CouES, Key, 1872, 128; Clieeli List, 1873, No. 139; 2(1 ed. 1882, No. 194; B. N. W. 1874, 106.-
B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 465, pi. 21, figs. 10, 11.— Ridgw. Nom. N. A. B. 1881.
No. 168.

Hab. Eastern temperate North America, but breeding chiefly north of the United
States; in winter, south to Gulf coast,

"Sp. Chae. Second quill longest; first shorter than third,— considerably longer than
the fourth. Body crimson, palest on the rump and breast, darliest across tlie middle of
baclc and wing-coverts, where the feathers have dusky centres. The red extends below
continuously to the lower part of the breast, and in spots to the tiblas. The belly and
under tail-coverts white, streaked faintly with brown, except in 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 kno%vn as a spring migrant, when the flocks are
rendered conspicuous by reason of their musical warblings, the
Purple Fmch is a winter resident in the more southern portions of
the State. The writer fii-st made its acquaintance at Mount • Carmel,
in mid-winter, under cu'cumstances of delightful memory. The
ground was covered with snow, — ^the weather clear and bright, but
cold. Crossing a field in the outsku-ts of the town, and approacliing
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 Aveed-stalks,
uttering as they flew a musical, metallic chink, chink. The beautiful
—15

226 BIRDS OF ILLIN'018.

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 interest 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 northera
portion of the State, but has not? yet been recorded, so far as the
writer is aware, as doing so.

From Ulxtitrij of North American Birds (Vol. I., pp. 4G3, 464) we
quote the following paragraphs, by Dr. T. M. Brewer, pertaining to
the breeding habits of this species :

"The Pui-ple Finch, or, as it is generally kno\\Ti 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
bu-ds, confined in a cage, is hung outside the bouse, in the counti-y,
he is sure to draw around liim quite a number of his species, and
this furnishes the dealer a ready means of capturmg 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, liis crest is erected, his throat expands, and he
seems to be utterly unconscious of all around liim. 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 Lixnjei-s.

Lnria LiNSSUS, Syst. Nnt cd. 10. 1758. 171. Type. Loria cnrrirOKtra LiKS.

"Gen. Chab. Mantilblcs muoh olonKnted, pomprosscd and iittLMiimtod; (rroiitly
curved or falcntp. the points proRsiiiK or oviTliipiiinc to ii (;r<'at<-r or loss dcKrci'. Tarsi
very short; rlaws all very lonK. tlio lateral extiiidiiic beyonil llie middle of the eontnil;
hind plaw lonRer than its dicit. Wines very lonR and pointed, reaehInK beyond Uie
middle of the narrow, forked tall. Colors reddish in the male.

FEINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 227

"The elongated, compressed, falcate-curved, and overlapping man-
dibles readily characterize tliis 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).

AMEBICAir CBOSSEILL.
Popular ajnoriym. American Red Crossbill.

Loxia curvirostra FoEST. Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 402 {nee Linn).— Nutt. Man. i,]832, 583.—

AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 559; v. 1839, 511, pi. 197; Synop. 1839, 128; B. Am. iii, 1841, 186,

pi. 200.
Curvirostra amerieana Wils. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 44, pi. 31, flgs. 1,2.— Baied, B. N. Am.

1858, 426; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 318.
Loxia curvirostra var. amerieana CouES, Key, 1872, 351; Check List, 1873, No. ; B.

N. W. 1874, 109.-B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, pi. 23, flgs. 1, 4.
Loxia curvirostra amerieana Eidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 172.— CouES, 2d Clieck

List, 1882, No. 199.
Curvirostra minor Beehm, Naum. 1853, 193.

Loxia curvirostra minor KiDGW. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. viii, 1885, 354.

Hab. 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, etc. (In Rocky Mountains and other higher western ranges replaced in
summer bythe much larger //. curvirostra mexicana.) South to Virginia, Tennessee, etc.

"Sp. Chab. Old male dull red (the shade differingln the specimen, sometimes brick-
red, sometimes vermilion, etc.) ; darkest across the back; wings and tail dark blaekish-
brown. Young male yellowish. J^efliaie dull greeniSh-olive above, each leather with a
dusky center; rump and crown bright greenish yellow. Young olive above; whitish be-
neath, conspicuously streaked above and below with blackish. Male about 6 inches;
wing. 3.30; tail, 2.25." [Hist. N. A7n. 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 \dsitant throughout the
State, being of course more rare and uncertain in the southern than
in the northern portion.

228 BIRDS OF ILLIKOIB.

Having had few opportunities for observing the habits of this spe-
cies, we quote the following from Hixtorii of Surth Amerirmi Birdg
(Vol. I., pp. 487, 488), written by Dr. Thos. M. Brewer:

"The Crossbills are extremelj* gentle ami social, are easily ap-
proached, caught in traps, and even knocked do^\•n with sticks.
Their food is chiefly the seeds of the Conifera, 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 doAvn the tninks 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 Eandolph, Yt., 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 agam resumed her place upon it, to pro-
tect the eggs from the biting frost. The eggs were four in number
and measured .85 by .53 of an inch. They have a greenish white
ground, and are beautifully blotched, marbled, and dotted with vari-
ous shades of hlac and piu-phsh 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 Oologist" for
December, 1880, pp. 78, 79, is a record of the capture of speci-
mens at Rugby, Tennessee, July 27 and August 7, 1880.1

Loxia leucoptera (Gmel.)

WHITE WINGED CROSSBILL.

J.oxia leurnpln-n Gmel. 8. N. i. 1788, W4.—Xi'TT. Mini. i. 1S52. 540— .\vn. Orn. Bing. iv.
1883. 467. pi. 364: Synop. 1S30; B. Am. ill. 1841. 190. pi. 201.-B. B. and B. Hist. N. Am.
B. i, 1874, 488. pi. 33, figs. 2. .3.-CouEa, Check List, 1873. No. 142; 2d od. 18S2, No. 198;
B. N. W. 1874, no.— BiDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. INSI, Nn. 175.

FEINGILLID.E — THE FINCHES. 229

Curvirostra leucoptera WHiS. Am. Orn. iv.lSll, 48, pi. 31. fig. 3.— Baekd, B. N. Am. 1858,
427: Cat. N. Am. B, 1859, No. 319.— CouES.Key, 1872, 129.
Lo'xia atrata von Homeyek, J. f. 0. 1879. 179.

Hae. Nortliem North America, breeding from nortliern New England and norttiern
Pioelcy Mountain districts nortliward. {Said bylAuDDBON to breed in" mountainous por-
tions of Peunsylvania.) In winter, south to or beyond 39°, in some seasons. No Pacific
coast record south of Alaslca; accidental in Greenland and in Europe.

Sp. Chae. 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 the inner 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 chifereuces m form of hill,
feet, wing, etc. There is less variation in fonn and color among
specimens than in the preceding. The American White-uinged
Crossbill differs from its European analogue, L. bifasciata, in the
more slender body and bill, and in havmg 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 fur Ornithologie for 1879, p. 179, von Homeyer
describes as a new species {"Loxia atrata") what appears to be a
variation of L. leucoptera; but the ch'cumstanee that the supposed
species is based on two specimens "exactly alike" suggests the pos-
sibihty 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 hack 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
pai-t, although not quite so broad. This is especially seen in the
fu-st or terminal band, which begins, scarcely visible, at the edge of

280 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

the wing, and remains very inconsiderable to the middle, then
qnickly expands to a great rounded spot. The extent of the second
band is everj-^vlicre much more limited than in Iciicojifvra.

"This is decidedly not a melanism, as is sho\ra, not alone by the
character of the coloration, but by the occurrence of two old males
exactly ahke.

"My two birds came from North America."

The same general remarks found under Loxia americana will apply
equally well to the present species. The Wiiitc-winged Crossbill is,
however, decidedly a more northern bii'd 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 following 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 tii'st 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 gi-eat 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 ohve-green
plumage, without any show of red."

January 2, 1884, he writes me as follows :

"My crossbills are still alive and flom'ishing, 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 <loors in the

FKINGILLID.E — 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 (estiva."

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
nttle 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 wii-es of the cage T\ith
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. Theii- songs
were u-regular and varied, but sweet and musical. They ate almost
every kind of food, but were especially eager for shoes of raw apples.
An occasional larch cone was also a great treat to them. Although
while they lived they were continually bickering over then- 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 Bechstein.

Acanthis Bechst. Orn. Taseh. Deutseh. 1803, 125. Type, Fringilla linaria Linn.

^Sgiothus Cabanis, Mus. Hein. 1851, 161. Type, Fringilla linaria Linn.

"Sp. Chak. Bill very short, conical, acutely pointed, the outlines sometimes eou-
eave; the commissure straight; the base ot the upper mandible and the nostrils con-
cealed by stiff appressed bristly feathers; middle of the mandible having several ridges
parallel with the eulmen. 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 quill a little longer
than the first and third. Tail deeply forked." [Hist. N. Am. B.)

Species and Races.

Common Chaeactees. 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. An indistinct, lighter superciliary
stripe. Crown crimson (except in *4. !;re«'ste?-i.) Male. Breast more or less tinged with
rose-pink. Female. Breastnot tinged with pinkish. Young. Without any pink on breast.
A. Crown of adult with a patch ot 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

of eulmen. Wing, 3.25 or more; tail, 2.70 or more. Bab. Greenland; northern

Labrador (Ungava) in winter A. hornemarinii.

232 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

b. Bill mori' hli'iKk-r. very iicuto. tlie ileiJth tlirougU base less than depth ot oul-
men. WinttJllO or less: tall. ifiOor less. Uah. Arctic Amerlea, except Oreen-

liiiul: south, in winter to northern U. 8 .1. hontfrnanuii niUufif.

■i. A. linaria. Bill more Blender, the depth through the base much less than lenKlh
of eulnien. Bump heavily streaked with dusky, the latter usually largely prevail-
ing. Breast in adult male intense rose-pink. Lower tull-coverts with dusky
shafts,
n. Wing, 3.00 or less, tall. 2.D0 or loss. Uah. Arctic and subarctic America, except

Greenland; in winter to U. 8 A. linaria.

h. Wing usually more than S.0() inches: tiiil. 2.60 or more. Bill much larger and
stouter, lessaeutoat lip. Uah. Ureenlund south in winter to northern border

of U. 8 -1. linaria ruHtrala.

B. A.lult wltlnmt red patch on crown, or dusky spot on chin.

:(. A. brewsteri. Above olive-brown, streaked with ilusky, the rump tinged with sul-
pluir-ycllow. Below whitish, tinged on juguluni with fulvous yidlow. the sides
and crissum streaked with dusky. Wings with Iwu pale fulvdus bands. Wing.
3.00; tail. ■J.SO. Ilah. Mussachussetts in winter. (Only one specimen known.)

Acanthis hornemannii exilipes (Coues).

HOABY RED POLL.

Popular Bynonyms. Coues' Redpoll, or Linnet; White-rumped Redpoll.

FriiioiUa horralin AtTD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839. 87, pi. 400 (iicr ViEtLL).

Linaria hori-alis AuD. B. Am. iii, 1841, 120, pi. 178 ("<-<■ Temm).
^Kgiothus eiilipi-n CouEs, Proc. Phil. Ac. 1801, ;185; ISftt. 187; 2d Cheek List, 1882. No. 210.

JEoiothun linaria vur. rj-ilii/es CouES, Key, 1872. K\: Check List. 187:1. No. 14C '/.

jEgiothuH canesctnn var. eiiliiJes B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1874. 4*!. pi. 22 llg. 2.

jUgiotltxia canescena exilipes RiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 178 a.
Acanthis liorneniannii exilipeii Stejneoeb, "The Auk," i, 1884. 152.

Had. Arctic America (except Greenland) migrating southward in winter to northern
Illinois, Massachusetts, etc.

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. Bill dusky. Adult male in irinter. Similar, but plumage more or less sunuscil
with fulvous, and the bill yellow, with dusky culmen and gonys. Adult female. Similar
to the male, but wfthout the pink on the breast, etc. Wing, about 2.75-3.00; tail, 2.35-2.50.

The Lesser White-i-umped Eedpoll 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. Sliimer. This species breeds
abundantly thi-oughout 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.

FRINGILLID.E — THE FINCHES. 233

AcantMs linaria (Linn.)

REDPOLL.

Popular synonjrms. Common Redpoll; Dusky Redpoll; Snowbird; Redpoll Linnet.

Friugilla linaria LiNN. S. N. ed. 10. i. 1758. 182; ed. 12. i. 1766, 322.— WlLS. Am. Orn. iv. 1811.
41, pi. 30, fig. 4; ix, 1814, 126.— NuTT. Man. i. 1832, 512.— AuD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1.838, 52:!, pi.
375.
^gioUms linaria Cab. Mils. Heiu.'l851. 161.— Baibd. B. N. Am. 1858, 428; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 320.— CouES, Key, 1872, W); 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, pi. 22, figs. 3, 5.— RrDGW. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 179.
Acanthis linaria BoN. & Schl. Monog. Lox. 1850, pi. 52.
Linaria minor Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. ii. 1831. 267.— AuD. Synop. 1839, 114; B. Am. iii, 1841,

122, pi. 179.
^g iothus fuscescens CouES, Proe. Phil. Ac. 1861. 222.
jSigiothus linaria \ar.fuscescens CouEs. Key, 1872, 131.

Hab. 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. Chae. Adults in spring and winter. Ground color of the occiput, nape, scapulars,
and interscapulars, brownish white, each feather with medial streak of du.sky brown;
rump and upper tail-coverts white, with the streaks in sharper contrast. Wings clear
brownish dusky, with two con.spicuous white bands, formed by tips of middle and second-
ary coverts; tertials broadly, and secondaries narrowly, edged with white,— this broader
on inner 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 ilanks) ; 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 lireeding [midsummer] plumage [="^iE. fuscescens" CouEs). The pattern
the same as above, but the dark tint intensified 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. Bed tints slightly intensified. Bill wholly dusky.

Male. Throat, jugulum, breast, and tinge on sides and rump, rosy carmine.

Female. Without red on the breast.

Toung, first pluma':e. 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, .:i2-.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 oehraeeous suffusion. In spring the colors are purer, and the

234 Binns of Illinois.

nmrkiiiKS more slmrjily defuu'd ; in the breedinf^ season the plumage
assumes a burnt appearance, the dark tints intensifj' and spreail,
so that sometimes the upper parts appear almost uniformly dusky ;
the bill api)ears larger than iu winter, in consequence of the less
development, or wearing away, of its basal tufts. In tliis dusky
summer condition it becomes the .£. fiiscescens of Coues. In the
series of over two hundred examples examined, all midsummer
specimens are in the plumage of fitsrcacois, while the latter is not
seen in any autumnal, winter, or spring birds.

This pretty httle bii*d is a common and regular winter visitor m
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 appears 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 undetei-mineil southern limit, which, however, prob-
ably nowhere approaches very near to the northern boundary of
the United States.

According to Dr. Brewer, "theii" 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 m seasons not re-
markably cold, iuul remain until late in the spring."

Acanthis linaria rostrata (Coues).

GREATER REDPOLL.

Popular synonym. Greenland Dusky Redpoll.

.■Koiolhiis loslraliis COUEH. Prop. Phil. Ac. 18C1, 378.

Acaulliis liuaria roslrata Stejneoer. .\uk, i. 1(«4. IM.

^Sgiolliua linariiia. var. hoWulli B. B. & R. Hist. X. Am. B. i. ISTJ. 493 [pnrt).

yEaiotUiia linaria holhiiUi RlDOW. Nom. Am. B. ISSl, No. 179 a.

yEgiolhus liuaria hoWoflli Brewst. Bull. N. O. C. 1S83. 95 (critii'iil).
Linaria briinnesdtns voN HoMEYEIi, J. f. O. 1879. 1*4 (part?).

C'BAil. Similar to A linaria (i-o-a) in plumage (usually, however, more heavily
streaked on the sides, ete.), but all the dimensions decidedly greater. Wing. lUKKtae;
tail. 2.CO-2.70; eulmen. .41-.47; depth of bill at hnsr, .•25-..'J(i; tarsus, .IKV-.70; middle toe,
.35-.40.

This large race of A. liuaria 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, whOe on the

FEINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 235

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 bu-d near Chicago, and has kindly
sent me for examination the specimens which he secured.

Genus SPINUS Koch.

Spinus Koch, Bayr. Zool. 1816, 233. Type, FringiUa spinus Linn.

Chrysomiiris BoiE, Isis, 1828, 322 (same type).

"Gen. Chae. Bill rather acutely eonie, the tip not very sharp ; the eulmeu slightly con-
vex at the tip ; the commissure gently curved. Nostrils concealed. Obsolete ridges ou
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 ^giothus.

"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 Mgiothus [=Acanthis] in 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 occurring 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 oUve, tinged
with lemon-yellow; lower parts pale yellowish, or sometimes grayish white,
tinged with yellow anteriorly; no black on head. Adult male in icinter: Similar
to summer female, but more brownish.

B. Inner webs of tail feathers without white patch, but with yellow bases.

2. S, pinus. Adult (sexes aUke): Above grayish or brownish, below dull white, every-
where streaked with dusky; basesot 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 patch 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 oUve above and yellow beneath, like the body;
wings and tail less intensely black than the male.

23G BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Spinus tristis (Linn.)

AMEBICAN QOLSnNCH.

Popular synonymB. Yellow-bird; Lfttuoe-blrd: Sulml-Lilrtl: Thlstle-blrJ; Bliiok-whiK''tl
Yollow-blril; Bliick-capped Yollow-blrd.

Friugilla Iri^tis LiNN. S. N. ed. 10. 1.1718. 181: od. 12. 1. 170G 32«.-Wil.8. Am. Orn. I. \»«.

•Ji. pi. 1. IIk. i-AuD. Orn. BIok. 1. ISU. 172; v. Mil. pi. 33.— Nutt. .Man. 1. \<f2. HI7.
Vardui'lis IrisliK Up. l&a.— AuD. Synup. 1S39. IKi; U. Am. lii 1H41. 129. pi. INl.
Chrusoiiiilris trislis Bp. 1838.— B.tiuu. B. N. Am. 1«M. 421; Cat. N. Am. B. 1»M». No. 3i:i.

CoUEH. Key. 18?J. 131; Clieek LiKt. 1S73. No. U9; B. N. W. 1x74. llti.-B. 1). & It. HlHt.

N. Am. B. I. 1874. 471. pi. 22 11».'H. 7.8.
Aslravalhiun Irislis Cab. Muh. Hi>1ii. 1851. l.'.9.-ltiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1S81. No. 181.

— CoUEH. 2d Check List. 1882, No. 21:1.
Si)iuu9 Iri.ilia Btkjn. Auk. 1. 1884. :it;2.

Hab. Wliole of tempemto North America, breeding nearly throughout its range.

•'8p. Chau. Ma'e. Bright Kaml)oKe-yellow; orown, wings, and tail lilack. Lesser
wing-eovert.s, band aiToss the end of greater ones, ends of secondaries and tertlarles,
inner margins of tail-feathers, upper and under tail-coverts and tibia white. Length,
5.25 inches; wing. 3.(10. Feinalf. Y'cllowisli gray above; greenish yellow below. No
biaek on forehead. Wing and tail much as in the male. Young. Keddlsh olive above;
fulvous yellow below, two broad bamls 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 bcliind intu white." ijfisl. X Am. H.)

Found abuatlantly throughout temperate North America, familiar
in habits, and conspicuous in pUimage, 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 ai'e resumed very gradually, the change commenc-
ing in April and continuing until the summer is at hand, before all
traces of the wintev 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 arc 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 inoper food ior the young during the early part
of summer.

♦ At Sacramento, California, liowevcr. 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,

FRINGILLID.E — 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 pau-s 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 thi'oughout the greater poi-tion 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 then- 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 destraction of the
seeds of troublesome weeds. As, however, they do not always dis-
criminate between seeds that are troublesome and those that are
desu-able, the Goldfinches are unwelcome visitors to the farmers
who seek to raise their owa 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 ticeet 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 ii-regular,
less harsh, and intermpted by interpolations of the ordinary caU-
notes.

The follo'ning 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. :

"Each of eleven nests in my collection, from Virginia, is similar
to the others in structure, being composed of thin strips of gi'ape-
vine bark and weed fibre, fme grass, catkins, and thread, ■\\ith a few
leaves occasionally worked in ; these are very neatly and compactly
woven together. The interior is hued mth tliistle-do\^'n and some-
times a few feathers. The nest is cup-shaped ; but inasmuch as
the situation of the nest in a tree or shi-ub 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 upi-ight crotch of a tree; some are pendant between
two forking Hmbs ; while others are saddled on a horizontal bough.

'las BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Orchards nppenr to be the favorite breeding locahties of the Gohl-
tiiu-hes. Young trees are preferred to old ones, the foliage of tlie
former being denser, and offering greater concealment to the nest.
The average size of a number of nests is thi-ee inches in diameter
by one and a quarter inches iii depth.

"The peculiar feature connected with the niditication of the
Goldfinch is the late date at which the nests are constructed and
the eggs deposited. The earliest date at wliich 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 sunnised
from the dates given for the eggs. For tliree 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 arc blu-
ish wliite, with a delicate I'osy tinge when fresh."

Spinus pinus (Wils.)

FINE SISKIN.

Popular synonyms. rincLinnot: Pine Goldfinch,

r>-ingillai)iiiiis WiLs. Am. Orn. il. 1810. 133, pi. 17. flg. 1.-Nittt. Miin. I. 1832. 511.-.\itd.
Orn. Biog. ii, IKM, «.; v, 6(I9, pi. 180.
Liuarin pinus AuD. Synop. 1839, 117; B. Am. Hi, 1811, 135, pi. 180.

CItrusomitris pinus Bp. 1838.— B.\IKI., B. X. Am. 18,M. 425; Cat. N. Am. B. 1889. No. 317.—
CouES. Key. 187-2, i;il ; Check List. 187,). Xo. 1-18; l!d (.-(I. 1883. Xo. ili: B. X. W. 1874,
11,'>.-B. B. & B. Hist. X. Am. B. i. 1874. 480. pi, 22. fljr. Iti.-KiDow. Xom. X. Am, B.
_ 1881, No. 185.
.^piiius piiiusfSTEia. \»]i. i, 1884, 382.

Has. Cold-tcmpcrati' Xorth America. brcodliiK t»outh to coast of Massachiisctt.i. the
lludsoii Valley and along the Koeky Moiiutnins to southern Mexico. iSouthern breedlnc
limit in AlledhaMios nndetermlncd.) In winter miRrating, irroRularly, over Bfentor por-
tion of United States.

"8p. Char. Tall deeply forked. Above brownish olive. Beneath whitish, every
feather streaked distinctly with dusky. Concealed bases of tail-feathers and cmills,
toKether with their inner edcos, sulphur-yellow. Outer edttes of quills and tail feathers
yellowish Kreen. Two brownish white bands on the wing. Longth. 4.75; wing, 3.00; tail.
2.20. Sexes alike. Young similar, but the white below tingeil with yellow, the upper
parts with reddish brown, and there are two pale ochraceons bands on the wing." {Ili.it.
X. Am. B.)

In autumn and winter u reddisli brown tinge overspreads the upper parts.

FEINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 239

The Pine Goldfinch, or Pine Siskin, inhabits during summer the
northern coniferous forests, but in -ninter 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 in 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 hning 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-hke
material, horse-hairs, bits of thread, feathers, rootlets, and hke
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 hght brown-lilac color. A few large and
solitary spots of dark brown are dispersed sparingly over the
greater part of the egg, diminishing in size towards the smaller end.
One egg was unfortunately broken ; the others measure as follows :
12^x16 mm. 12^xl6imm, 12 x 17mm."

Genus PLECTROPHENAX Stejneger.

Fleclrophanes Kaup. Entw. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 138 {nee Metek. 1815). Type, EmberUa

nivalis Linn.
Plectrophenax Stejn. Proe. U. S. Nat. Miis. v, 1882, 33. Same type.

Gen. Chae. Bill conical; the lower mandible higher than the upper, the sides of
both mandibles guarded by a closely applied brush ot stiffened bristly feathers directed
forwards, and on the upper jaw concealing the nostrils; the outlines of the bill nearly
straight or sUghtly curved; the lower jaw considerably broader at the base than the
upper, and wider than the gonys is long. Tarsi considerably longer than the middle toe;
the lateral toes nearly equal (the inner claw largest), and reaching to the base ot 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 beyond its 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 BIROS OF ILLINOIS.

The two knowTi species of this genus nre essentially boreal, one of
them, so far as knowi, being eonfined to the vieinity of Bering
Sea, while the other is quite circumpolar. 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. hyperhorens* 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 being black in the adult male.

Plectrophenax nivalis (Linn.)

SNOWFLAKE.

Popular 8ynonym«. W'hltc Snowbird; Snow Bunting.

Kinheriia nn-nlif LiNX. S. N. cd. 10. i. 1758, 176; ud. 12. i, 1766 308.— WlL8. Am. Orn. iii,1811,
86, rl. 21,flg. 2.-NUTT. Man. i. 1832, 458. -AuD. Orn. Biog. ii. 18»1.515: \.V>6. |il. 189.
Pleclrophaiie.1 iiifalia MEYER.— AuD. Synop. 1839,99; B. Xm. lii. 1841. 55.pl. I55.-BAIBD,
B. N. Am. 1858, 432; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 325.— CouEs. Key, 1872. 133; Choek Ll8l,
1873, No. 152; 2<i ed. 1882, No. 219; B. X. W. 1S74. 118.-B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. I, 1874.
612, pi. 24. fls- 2.— RiDow. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 186.
Plectrophenax tiiralis Stejn. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1882, 33.
Hab. Northern North America, south In winter, to northern United States (very
irregularly beyond 40°, but quoted from Georgia.Dlstrlct of Golumbia.Kentueky. Kansas,
etc.). Also found throughout the arctic and subarctic portions of the Old-World.

"Sp. Chab. Male. Colors, in spring plumage, entirely black and white. Middle of
back between scapulars, termlnul half of primiiries and tertiuries.and two Innermost tail-
feathers, black; elsewliero pure white. Legs black at all seasons. In winter dress, white
beneath; the head and rump yellowish brown, us also some ulotehes on the sliie of the
breast; middle of back brown, streaked with blaek; white on wings and tail much more
restricted. Length about 6.75; wings, 4.35; tall. .S.t^; first auiU longest. Feniah: Spring,
continuous white beneath only; above entirely streaked. the feathers having blaekisli
centres and whitish edges; the bhick streaks predominate on the back and crown.
YouHg. Light gray above, with obsolete dusky streaks on the back; throat and jugulum
paler gray.— the li\tter with obsolete streaks; rest of lower parts dull white. Wirig-
eoverts, secondaries and tall-feuthers broadly edged with light ochraceous brown."
i/rift.X. Am. B.)

Although the "Wliite 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 wTiter has seen
there but a single specimen, the locality Ix'ing Mount Carmel, and
the date forgotten, but sometime during the early part of 1864 or
18fi5.

Mr. Nelson's notes on its occurrence in northeastern Illinois {Hull.
Essex Inst., Vol. VIIL, 1876, p. 105) are as follows:

•See rroe. U. 8. Nat. Mus. vli,1884,«8.

FRINGILLIDffi — THE FINCHES. 241

"All abundant winter resident. Arrives in flocks, the fii-st 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 m Chicago.
The males were chanting a very low and somewhat broken, but very
pleasant, song, bearing considei'able resemblance to that of Spizclla
monticola. Tliis and the following species, [Calcarius laiyponicus],
as weU 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 possessmg nests from the most
northern point of Alaska (Point Barrow) and from Labrador, as
well as from various intermediate localities.

Genus CALCARIUS Bechstein.

Calcarius Bechst. Orn. Taseh. Deutsch. 1803, 130. Type, Fi-ingiUa lapponica Linn.

Gen. Chae. Bill small, the gonys very short, with its angle opposite the middle ot
the culmen; maxilla egual to or exceeding the mandible in depth, the depth ot the bill
not exceeding the length of the gonys. Middle toe, with claw, shorter than tarsus, the
middle claw falling short ot that ot the hallux. Tail longer than the distance from the
carpal joint to the tips ot 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
wliich 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 distmguished by the following characters :

Common Chaeactebs. 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. lapponicns. Lower parts dull whitish. Adult male in snmmer: Head and jugu-
lum black, with a broad white supra-auricular stripe; nape bright chestnut-rufous;
lesser wing-coverts grayish; middle coverts dusky. In whiter: Similar, but
throat whitish, jugular patch badly defined, head much tinged with ochraeeous,
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.

o(ir-i"OVcrlh lipped witli ii iliifky bar; a ilusky paloli on eaoli ^i<lt■ i.f lliruat and lii-
dk'utlon of niio on tlu' Jueulum: nape faintly riifoUK. 8trfHkcd \rllli Mai'k. In tri'ii-
ter: Stmllur. lull muru ttulTiixi'd with bniwnlHli. Yonno: Head. n>'i-k, jusuluni,
and uppvr parts yi'llowlnh fnlvouK, htrrakoil with hhiok; crownund wines BlroiiKly
linui'd with riifuuH.

'i. C. piotaa. Lowor purls deep buff. .1</i((( nin/c in »iinini«r.- Head bluok. with loroB,
uentre of ear-covprt», a maxillary and a supra-aurioular stripe, white ; throat, nape,
and entire lower parts deep biiiT: lesser winn-eoverls blaek, with the last row
white. In irinlfr: The wine and lower parts similar, but the head without well-
defined blaek, and the white replaced by buff. AiinU ffuiale: Similar to male in
winter plumaee, but jueulum streaked with dusky, and lesser wine-eoverts
eraylsh.
B. Base of outer tail-feathers white.

;t. C, ornatna. Two outer tail-feathers white to the e.xtremc base, ond third with base
white. Adult innle: Nape ehestnut-rufous; belly blaek. In siiiiinipr; Top of
head, jueulum, and belly deep blaek, the latter sometimes tineed with rufous;
nape uniform di'ep ehostnut-rufous; all markines sharply contrasted. In irinli-r:
Top of head streaked with blaek and fulvous, the rufous of nape anil blaek of lower
parts overlaid and nearly concealed by light erayish fulvous tips of feathers.
Adult female: Entirely lieht dull buIT, 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 bulT, the breast streaked with
dusky.

Calcarius lapponicus (Linn.)

LAPLAND LONOSFUB.
Popular aynonym. Brown Snowbird.
Fringilla lapponica Linn. S. N. ed. 12. i. 1766, ."n?.
Kmberiza lapponica Nn-ss.— NuTT. Man. i.lSK, 463.— .Vrn. Orn. Bioe. iv.KiS, 173, pi. ma,
Emherua {Plerlrophanen) lapponica Sw. & Run. F. B. A. ii,lSfI,il,s,pl.4H.
PlectropUanes lapponicus Selby.— AuD. Syuop. 1S)9. 9S; B.Am, ill, 1.%11, .'>0, pi. 152.—
Baibd, B. N. Am. 1858,433; Cat. N. Am. B. WW. No. 326.— CouES, Key, 1872, 133: Check
List. 1873. No. 153; 2d ed. 1882, No. 220; B. N. W. 1871. 12(i.-B. B, \- R. Hist. N. Am. B.
i,1874,515,pl. 24,fle. 7.
Cenlrophane.1 lapponicus Kaup,1829.— RiDow. Nom. N. .\m. B. 18S1. No. 187.
Calcarius lapponicus Stejn. Proe. U. 8. Nat. Mus, 1882,33.

Hab, Northern North America, breeding iu arctic and subarctic distriots, in winter
migratine very irreeularly, south to or beyond 4U° (South Carolina, Kentucky, southern
Illinois, northern Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, etc.); very rare in Middle I'rovinco, and
not recorded from Tacllle Province.

"8p. Chab. Male. Head all round, and neck, black, extending on the Jueulum in a
creBcentle patch; a broad line from above and behinil the eye, sides of neck, a patch in
the blaek of hind head, and whole under parts, white; the sides of body streaker! broadly
withbhick, .\ broaii 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 eyi-.
.\bove brownish black, the feathers sharply edeed with brownish yellow. Outer tail-
feathers white, except the hn.sal portion of inner web, and a shaft streak at end: next
fi'alher with a whlti> streak in end, rest black. Legs blaek; bill yellow, tipped with blaek.
In winter plumace the black and other markings overlaid by rusty and fulvous; bi-neath
whitish. Female with (he black featliers of head edgi'd with yellowish rusty: the
throat white, bordered on the sidi'S and behind by blackish; feathers edged with grayish
white.the rufous of nape obseure,and streaked with blackish. Length of male,r>.25;
wing, 3.90; tail, 2.80.

FRINGILLID^E — THE FINCHES. 243

"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, fhtting
in a restless manner over the snow, uttering all the while a peculiar
rattling chuTup; and on other occasions, I have observed mdi-
viduals mixed m with flocks of Shore Larks.

The Lapland Longspur, hke 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 (Swains.)

SMITH'S LONGSPUK.

Popular synonyms. Paintpd Longspur; Smith's Bunting.
Emberiza (Plectrophanes) picta Sw. &. EiCH. F. B. A. ii, 1831, 2oO, pi. 49.
Emberiza picta AuD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 91, pi. 400.

Plectrophanes pictus Bp. 1838.— Aud. Synop, 1839, 99; B. Am. iii, 1841, 52, pi. 153.— Baikd,
B. N. Am. 1858, 434; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 327.— CouES, Key, 1873, 134; Cheolc List,
1873, No. 134; B. N. W. 1874, 121.— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 518, pi. 24, flgs. 4, 5.
Centrophanes'pictus Cab. 1851.— Eidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 188.
Calcarius pictus Stejn. Proe. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1882, 33.
Emberiza smithii Aud. B. Am. vii, 1844, 337, pi. 487.

Hab. Great interior plains of North America, breeding from the Yulcon. Maelcenzie
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. Chak. 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 a conspicuous 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;
biU, .45.

"Female. The markings 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, and along sides of body. Traces visible
of the white marks of the head. BiU and feet as in the male."

"This species is quite similar in form to P. lapponicus, although
with slenderer bdl, and jjerhaps longer hind claw. Wliile 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 lilnck or duskj' legs of hipponinifi and tlu' yellow of jiirtus, and
perhaps by the more dnskV upper mandibles of the latter." iHiit.
X. Am. B.)

Like the Lapland Longspur, this species is only a winter visitor
to Illinois. 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 (Ud
unless they were nearly approached, they uttered a shai-p 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 prefened the roots where the gi-ass was shortest. When in
the air they flew in circles, to and fro, for a few minutes, and then
alighted, keeping up a constant chii-ping or call, somewhat like that
of the Eed-PoU." (Brewer.)

Mr. Nelson records the following regarding his obsenations 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 Ijy 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 wliieh they were
driven. Although the flocks of P. ]iirtns and /'. In pponicuK often be-
came mingled while flying over the prairie, I did not see them
alight together."

FRINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 245

The breeding range of this species is much more restricted than
that of C. laiyponicus, being confined to the interior of Arctic Amer-
ica, chiefly in the basin of Mackeiizie 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 Eocky Mountains on the one side and the Atlantic
forest region on the other.

Genus RHYNCHOPHANES Baied.

Shynchophanes Baied, Birds N. Am. 1858, 432. Type, PZec()-oj)?ianes mccownii Lawe.

Gen. Chae. Bill stout, conical, the gonys longer than the hind toe, with its angle con-
siderably posterior to the middle ot the bill. Maxilla equal to the mandible in 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. Tail decidedly shorter than the
distance from the carpal joint of the wing to the tips of the tertials.

In the form of the biU 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 Calmnospiza, 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 Avell-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.)

MoCOWN'S LONGSPUE.

Popular Bynonym. McCown's Bunting.

Plectrophanes mccownii Lawe. Ann. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1851, 122.— Baied, B. N. Am. 437; Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, >io. 3.30.— CouES, Key, 1872,134; Check List,1873,No. 156; B. N. W. 1874,
134.— B. B. Ik R. Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1874. 523. pi. 24. flg. 1.
Hhynchophane's j/iccoic/jt Baied.— EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 190.

Hae. Great Plains of the United States, breeding northward tin Dakota. Wyoming,
etc.) and migrating south in winter through Colorado, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, and
Arizona, to northern Mexico; occasional winter visitor to prairies of Illinois.

'iJ46 Bines OF n-LiNois.

"Sr. ('HAK. Mnir ill fiiriiiQ. Top of lii-inl, a l>ri<ii)l ntri|>f carli sldi- tli'> llirnat frnm
lower nianilllil<\ iind a liriiad orescent on JuBUliim. Mack: rIJp of head ini'liidlne lores
iind liaiiil hImivi- the eye. throat, and under |Mirt». ashy while; ear-ooverts bordered above
and behind by blaekish, runnhiK out at the maxillary stripe. liroast just behind the
black I'reseent and sides, showinK dark bases of feathers. Upper parts ashy, tinned with
yellowish on the mandible, and streaked with dusky: least so on nape and rump. Lesser
wlnt'-eoverts ashy; median, ehestnut-brown, with bla<-klsh bases sometimes evhient;
till' nullls all bordered broailly externally with wliltlsh.beeomlne more iwhy on second-
aries. Tail-feathers white except at the concealed bases and the ends, which have a
transverse (not oblhiue) tip of blackish; the outermost white to the end; the two central
like the back. liill dark plumbeous; lens blackish. In winter, the mark Iurb more or
less obscured; tin' bill and lees more yellowish.

"/■Vmo/p lacks the black markluKS. which, however, are Indicated obsoleloly as In
otiwr Plrclioiiliaiifg: there Is no trace of chestnut on the wlntcs, nor the streaks on the
breast. Leneth, 5.511; wInK. H-fiO; tail, 2.50; bill, AC

"This species varies considerably iu markiiit,'s, but i.s readily rec-
ognized among other Plectrophanes in all stages by short liind 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.)

McCo\\ii's Longspur is one of several very peculiar bu'ds which
together characterize the avi-fauna of the Great Plains of Noi-th
America, its more prominent associates in this distinction being the
Lark Bunting [CdUiinospiza 7nd(i>iorori/s), Chestnut-collared Longspur
(Calcarius ornatus), Baii'd's Bunting {Centronix bairdii), Clay-colored
Sparro\v {Sphella paUida), Leconte's Sparrow {Coturuicnlu/s Irmiitei),
and Harris's Sparrow (Zonotrichia (jucrida). These, together with the
subject of the present ai'ticle, 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 Province."

McCown's Longspur is an abundant species during summer on the
great plains of Dakota, Montana, and Wj'ominp, 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. Li Illmois it is, so far as Icnowu, 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 April,
1877, p. 52.

♦Writers on the zoo-Keographicnl divisions of North America have, almost all divided
the coutinout Into three 'Trovinces;" viz., an Eastern, n Middle, and a Pacifle. These
divisions seem to me untenable, however, and I would allow only two primary lonKltudi-
nal illvisions; an Eastern and a Western, the latter with three subdivisions, whiidi may
be termed, respectively, tile Piiclllc, the Uocky Mountain (or Middle), ami the Campes-
trian districts.

FRINGILLIDiE — THE FINCHES. 247

Subfamily PASSERINE.

"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. * * * j^ gome respects

similar to certain Coccothraustiiu?, in the short tarsi and covered
nostrils, the wings are shorter and more rounded, the sides of the
bill with stiff bristles, etc. The much longer, more vaulted bill,
weaker feet, and covered nostrils, distinguish it from Spizellina."
[Hist. N. Am. B.)

Genus PASSER Beisson.

Passer Beisson. Orn. iii, 1760, 72. Type. FringiUa domestica Linn.

"Geu. Chak. Bill robust, swollen, without any distinct ridge ; upper and under outlines
curved; margins inflexed; palate vaulted, without any knob; nostrils covered by sparse,
short, incumbent leathers; 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
curved. Wings longer than tail; somewhat pointed. Tail nearly even, emarginated.and
slightly rounded." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

Passer domesticus (Linn.)

EUROPEAN HOUSESPAEEOW.
Popular synonyms. English Sparrow; European Sparrow; House Sparrow.

Fringilla domestiea'Lisii. S. N. ed. 10. i. 1758. 183; ed. 12,1,1766.323.

Fasser domesticiis Schaeff. Mus. Or. 1789. 24.— CouES. Key. 1872, 146; 2d ed. 18*1. 341;
Check List. 1873. No. 187; 2d ed. 1882. No. 192.

Pyrgita domestica Cuv. E6g. An. 2d ed. i. 1729. 439.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874.
525,pl. 23,flg. 12.

Hab. Whole of Palfearctic Region. Introduced into and naturalized in North America
Australia, and other countries.

"Sp Chae. 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-browu, with a broad white baud on the middle coverts, and btehind
showing the brown ijuiUs ; 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 neek above brownish ash ; body above reddish ash, streaked longi-
tudinally with black.

"Male in lointer. 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 heen introduced into so many
parts of the United States as to render it probahle that at no dis-
tiint (hiy it will have beeoine one of our most familiar species.
Brought over to the New World within a compurativfly 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 rhiJadelphia • » • q^. thousand birds were

let loose in the public squares of Philadelphia in the spring of
18G0." (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.

SL'nF.\MiLY SPIZELLIN-ffi.— The American Sparkows.

Chau. Bill variiible. iisuiilly aliiiost striiiulit; somolimos ourvpil. Commissure con-
enilly noiirly striiinlit. or .slinlitly concnve. ri>P<>r mmnlilile wider than iowi-r. Nostrils
exposeil. WiiiKs moiicrato; tlio outor primaries not min'h roumlcd. Tail variable. Feet
larife; tarsi mostly lontfor than the midJle 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 sul)family, as of the others belonging
to the Friii(iUit(he, we do not profess to give anything like a natural
system, but merely an attempt at a convenient ai-tificial scheme by
which the detennination of the genera may be facilitated.

A. Tail small ami short, eousiiiernbly or iloeidedly shorter than thewinus. owiiic ellluT
to the elouKation of the wing or the shortening of the tail. Lnteral toes shorter tlian
thi' niiiMl.' without the elaws. Speeies streaked above and below. ;Aimnodrameee.)
Ammodramus. Tarsus not longer than middle toe. witli eluw. No white uuu-r tail-
feathers.

a. Suhgenus Ammodramus. Bill slender, the depth at the base less than half
the oulnien. Tail Rraduated. the feathers aeute. Outstretched feet reaehing
to or beyond tip of tall.

b. Subgenus Coturniculus. Bill stouter, the depth at base more than half the
oulmcn (c.xeept in C. lecontei). Tail graduated or double-rounded, the feathers
narrow and aeuto. Outstretched feet falling short of tip of tail.

FKINGILLID.E — THE FINCHES. 249

d. Subgenus Centronyx. 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 Passercnlns. 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.

Pooosetes. 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 erown, or back alone, streaked above. (Spizelleae,)

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.

Zonotriohia. Tail rounded. 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
ochraeeous. 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. Bill slender. Wings about as long as the tail, reaching
but little beyond its external base. Tertials broad, and, with the secondarie.s,
rather lengthened. Second to fifth quills nearly equal, and longest. Tail black.
Ashy brown above; white beneath. Sides of head with stripes of black or
grayish and white.

h. Tail decidedly forked; a little shorter than the wing, sometimes a Little longer.
Spizella. Size rather small. Wings long. Lower mandible largest. Uniform be-
neath, or with a pectoral spot or the chin black.

C. Tail lengthened 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
unioolor beneath. No white on wings or tail. Outer lateral toe the longer. First
quill not the shortest of the primaries. (Melospizese.)

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).

Peuoaea. 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. Tail rather short, and much graduated; longer than the wings; the midrib more
median. Culmen curved. 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.
(Embernagreee.)

Embernagra, Coloi-, plain olive-green above.

250 birds of illinois.

Genub AMMODRAMTJS Swaissox.
Subgenus Animodramus.

^mniodranitiK SWAresoN.Zool. Jour. ill. 1827, 348. Type. Oriolus caudaculu$ QilKl^
"Gen. Cbab. Bill vory long, slender, ami nttonuuled. uonslileriilily eurved lowiirds
the tip iibove. The Konys BtriilKlit. A dei'lded lobe In middle of i-ultInK edce of upper
bill. The legs (ind toes are very loiiK and reu4'h eonsiUernbly beyond the tip of the short
tall. The tarsus Is about equal to the idonuated middle too; the lateral toes eiiunl. their
claws rulUuK eonslderably short of the base of the middle one; the hind I'law eiiual to
the lateral one. WlnRS short. reaeliUiB only to the base of tin- tall; mueh rounded; tin-
secondaries and tiTtiuls etiual.and not much shorter than the primaries. The tall Is
rather shorter than the wlnus.and graduated laterally; eaeh feather stiffened, hmeeohite,
and acute.

"Color. Streaked above and across the breast; very faintly on the sides.

"The essential clmracters consist hi the slender and elongated
liiil; 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. X. 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
(.1. marU'imux), its characters, together with those of the other, are
given in the following synopsis :

Common Cbaractebs. Above ollvuceous or ashy, the crown washed with brown
laterally. the dorsal feathers darker centrally; beneath white, tinBCd across the jugulum
with oehraeeous or ashy; Jugulum streakcil; a dusky "bridle" on each side of the throat,
above it a iiialar stripe of oehraeeous or white.

1. A. caudaoutus. Atlull: Above mixed olive. gray, and brown: the outer webs of

back feathers edged with oUvish gray or whitish. and often with darker streaks:
crown usually with a brown suflusion.and streaked with black laterally. Supi'r-
eiliary striiie, maxillary striiie.and wiiule Jugulum, oehraeeous, the.latter more or
less streaked: abdomen unstreakcd white; edge of wing light yellow. Yoiina:
Above fulvous brown and oehraeeous, streaked with black; crown mostly black,
with a median stripe of fulvous streaks. Beneath entirely oehraeeous. the sides uf
the lugulum streaked.
a. caiidtuuliix. Wing, 2.20-2.40; tail, il5-i.4»: bill, .a«-.35. Atlantic seaconst, from

Florida to Maine.
d, iiehoiiL Wing.2.10: tall.io!); bill, .:iii. Bill more slender; colors much deeper.
• and markings much better defined. Fresh water marshes of United States,

eliielly in Mi8siSBipi)i Valley.

2. A. maritimua. 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 suprnloral stripe gamboge-yellow. Wing, 2.30-2.65:
tail.2.:i5-2.t».

FRINGILLID.E — THE FINCHES. 251

Ammodramus caudacutus nelsoni (Allen).

NELSON'S SPAKKOW.

Popular synonym. Nelson's Sharp-tailed Finch.

Ammodromnn caudacntus var. nelsoni Allen, Proo. Boston See. xvii. March. 1875. 93.—
Nelson.BuII. Essex Inst, viii, 1876, 107, 1,52: Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club. .July. 187C 40.
Ainmodroinus caudacutus nelsoni Eidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 201n.— CouES, 2(1

Cheek List, 1882, No. 241; 2(1 Key. 1884, 368.
Hab. Mississippi Valley (Calumet marshes, and vicinity of Warsaw, Illinois; eastern
Kansas, etc.) ; salt marshes of Atlantic coast during migrations.

Sp. Chab. Adult. Pileum bluish gray or olive-gray medially, umber-brown laterally,
the lateral stripe.s more or less streaked with black. A broad superciliary stripe deep
oehraceotis, connected behind the auriculars with abroad 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 a blackish line. Tertials dusky, bordered with rusty whitish
or pale rusty. Rump uniform olive-brown. Iteetrices 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 being richer and the markings more sharply contrasted.

So little is kno^vn either of its habits or cHstribution, that all
the information we have to offer is the following, from Mr. Nelson's
list of the bu'ds of northwestern Illinois. {Bull. Essex Inst., Vol.
VIII., 1876, p. 107) :

"First obtained 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 birdsTin the dense gi-ass 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. S. A. Forbes has
taken them on the Illinois River durmg the migrations, and Dr.
Hoy has obtained a single specimen at Racme. From the numbers
which ■vdsit 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 resembhng that
of the Swamp Sparrow {M. palustris)."

252 BIBDS OF ILUNOIB.

SrBOEKus Coturniculus Bonaparte.

Cotiiriiiriihis BONAP. OoOK. iluil C'oiii|i. Lint. WSS.yj. Type, Fi-iiigilla itamrriiin WlL«.

"Oen. Char. Bill vory larue iiml Mtout (exi-ept In V. lecontei): Ihts umliT miuiUll>l<'
broiiilrr. but lower tlmii tlif iiprn'r. whleli Is Jci'lilf'clly convex ot the basul portion of ll«
nppiT oulline. LeB.muoderiite.uppiiri'nIly not reuehlns to the end of the lull. The tiirwiis
appn'elably longer than thenildille toe: the lateral toes eciuul, and with their elaws falllni;
deeldedly short of the middle elaw; the hind toe Intermediate between the two. Tin-
wlngH are short and rounded, reaehlntj totheba.se nf the tall; the tertlurb-s almost a.t
long as the primaries: not mueh dllTereneeln length in the primaries, althouKh the outi-r
three or four are sllRhtly craduated. The tall is short and narrow, shorter than the wlni:
(except In V. lecontei). graduated laterally. but Blightly emargiuute: the feathers all
lanceolate and acute, but not stiffened, as in Atnmoilranitii).

"This genus agrees with Pttssercitlus 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 hill is much longer, and
more swollen at the hase.

"The essential characters • * consist in the swollen con-
vex hill; the short toes, comparcil with the tai-sus; the short and
rounded wings ; and the very small, narrow, slightly graduated tail,
with its lanceolate, acute feathers (except in the South American
C. VKiiilmhe).

"In some respects there is a resemblance to Ammodramux, in
which, however, the hill 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."

"C. lecontei has the same general foi-m, hut a much smaller bill."
{Hi^t. N. Am. B.)

The three North American species diifer very strikingly from one
another in form, and may he readily distinguished by proportions
alone, as follows :

a. Tall much shorter than the wing, double-rounded. Primaries extending beyond
the tips of the largest tcrtlals for about .40 of an inch.
1. C. pasBcrinus. Hill stout, the eulmen slightly depressed in the middle portion.

Wing al"iut i.'iO; tall. I.SW; eulmen. Mi; depth of bill, .23: tarsus, ,80.
I. Tall about emial to, or even longer than the wing, graduated. Primaries extending
very little beyond tips of longest tertials,
'.'. C. henslowi. Bill very stout, the eulmen not depressed In the middle. Wing

about il.'j; tail. 2.10: eulmen. .50; depth of bill .30; tarsus, ,70.
X C, lecontei. Bill very small and slender, the eulmen depressed in the middle

portion. Wing about 2.10; tail, 2.30; culmen,.«; depth of bill, .20; tarsus. ,65.

FRINGILLID.E — THE FINCHES. 253

By coloration, they may be distinguished as follows :

Common Chakacteks. 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, and a less distinct 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. leoontei. Bill very narrow (much as in -Inujiodcamus caudacutus), .25-30 Irom
nostril and .20 deep at base. Adult: Head fine buff, the aurieulars, 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-.32 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 on sides. Crown chestnut-brown
or black, divided by a medial, narrower stripe of buff or pale gray. Youiiff: Super-
ciliary and middle crown stripes pale grayish; beneath pale bully; the jugulum
streaked with dusky; no distinct yellow on lore or edge of wing.

Auuuodrainus savannarum passerinus (Wils.)

GBASSHOFFEB SFABROW.

Popular synonyms. Yellow- winged Sparrow; Grass-bird; Ground-bird; Grasshopper-
bird.

Fringilla passerina Wils. Am. Orn. iii,1811, 76,pl. 26, fig, 5.— Aud. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 180;
V, 1839, 497, pi, 130.
Eniberiza passerina AuD. Synop. 1839,103; B. Am. iii, 1842,73,pl. 162.
Coiurniculus passei-inus Bonap. 1838.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 450; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No, 338.— CouEs, Key, 1872, 137; Check List, 1873, No. 162; 2d ed. 1882, No. 2ai; B.N.
W. 1874, 131.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 553, pi. 25,flg. 4.— KiDGW. Nom. N. Am.
B. 1881. No. 198.
Fringilla savannarum Gmel.— NuiT. Man. i, 1832, 494; 2d ed. i, 1840,570.

Hab, Eastern United States, breeding throughout, but wintering in Southern States,
Cuba. Porto Bieo, eastern Mexico, and south to Costa Rica.

"Sp. Chae. Feathers of the upper parts brownish rufous or chestnut-brow'n, 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 yellowish 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 BIRDH OF ILLINOIS.

nntl oxliibitinp a slight resemblance to ('. luiiHloni. The upper parts
lire less varied.

"Specimens from the Tiir Wist have the bill more slender, the
reddish of the back considiraMy paler, the dark mnrkin^s of the
l.aik restricted, the light stripe un the head with scarcely any yel-
low, a decided spot in front of the eye quite yellow, and little or no
uchraceous on the breast.

"The young bird, with streaked jugulum, may be most readily
disthiguished from C. heitslowi 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. S. 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-hke 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
gi-eater 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 liit.

Ammodramus henslowii (And.)

HENSLOWS SPARROW.

Popular synonym. HiMislow's Bunting.

Eiahei-iia kt-nstowi AUD. Orn. Blog. i.lSll,3C.«: v.1839. 408, pi. 77; Synop. I(fl9. li'l; B. Am.
iil.lSll,75,pl. 163.
Friugilla heusloiti NliTT. Man. 2d oil. i, 18-10,571.

CotnniieulH!) Iiensloici Bp. ISW.— B.vibd, B. N. Am. 1858, 451; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 33n.

-COUEB. Key, 1872. i:t7; Chock List. 187:t, No. 163; 2(1 od. 1882. No. 236; B. N. W. 1874.

133 (••/(fii.i/oidi").— B. B. & 11. Hist. N. Am. B. i. 1874. .>W. pi. 2.i.llg. 5.— RiDow. Nom.

N. Am. B. 1S8I, No. 199.

Had. Eastern I'nitod Stntos, broodine north toMnssnchusetts, northern Illinois, cto.:

winters in Southern States. West to Loup Fork of the Platto.

"Sp. Ohab. I'pper parts yellowish hrown. the hood. nook, and uppor parts of daek
tingeil with greenish yellow. IntiTseapiilar feathers dark brown. sntTused I'xternaliy
with briglit brownish red: eaeh feather with grayish l>orders. Tortiaries. rump and lail-
feathers abruptly dark eliestnut-brown, darkest eentrally. paler externally. ami narrowly
margined witli gray. Crown with a liroad.ldaek-spotled stri|>e on eaeli side; these spots
continued down to the back. Two narrow black mandibular stripes and one postocuhir
on oach Bldo of the head, and an ob.scuro black crescent or spot behind the uuriculurs.

FKINGILLID.E — THE FINCHES. 255

Under parts light brownish yellow. paler on the throat and abdomen. The jugulum,
upper part of the breast, and the sides of the body eonspieuously 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. X. Am. S.)

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, instead 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,
Eichland county, in June, 1871, having his attention attracted to it
by its pecuhar note. It was very abundant, the males being perched
on tall weed-stalks, uttering incessantly their rude and feeble, but
emphatic "song" sounding like pil'lut, or se'icick, the head being
thro'mi back and the tail inclining forward underneath the bird, m
the manner of C. passerinus. Twelve years later it was exceedingly
numerous on the small remaining patch of open prauie (160 acres
in extent) in the same loeahty, 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 Prauie,
several mUes to the southwest.

These birds he 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 prauies, arriving May 12 to 20, and leaving the
first of September. In Eichland 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,
Inchana.

256 BIBDS or ILLINOIS.

During tlie summer of 1870, 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 suqjrised 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 gnnnxl
being eliietly damp meadow-land. Returning a few days after with
a friend, several of the birds were secured. A nest found in tliis
locality the following summer is thus described by Mr. P. L. Jiuiy,
of Washington, in the "Nuttall Bulletin" for .January, 18H1, jij).
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 glass was used in its constnictiou. 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 dii-ectly on the ground
without any appearance of a cavity. The clover had grown up
about a foot or more m height and completely surrounded the nest,
which was only discovered by painting it. The female was secui-ed
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 coniluent 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,
arc as follows: .75x.60, .75x.58, .75x.56, .75 x .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 l'2th of
.July, they undoubtedly raise two broods in a season.

"The above described nest and eggs were taken in the locahty
where Mr. Hidgway found the buds last year (see tliis Bulletin,
Vol. IV., p. 238), near Falls Church, Fairfax Co., Va. They are
more or less common in all suital)le places, probably a dozen ]>»irs
breeding in this and tlic adjoining meadows.

"Since writing the above, two fully-tledged young birds liave been
taken (June (i) in the same place. The birds have been also seen

FRINGILLIDa: — THE FINCHES, 257

and heard singing at Ball's Cross Eoads, in Virgiiaia, about two
miles nearer the District than the other locality. Besides the char-
acteristic note of see-wick, they have quite a song, which may faii'ly
be represented by the syllables si$-r-r-rit-srit-srlt, with the accent on
the first and last parts. This song is ol'ten uttered wliile the bhd
takes a short liight upward; it then drops down again into the
tangled weeds and grasses, where it is almost impossible to follow
it."

Ammodramus lecontei (Aud.)

LECONTE'S SPAKKOW.

Popular synonyms. Leeonte's Bunting; Yellow Sparrow (Manitoba).

Emheriza leconteii AuD. B. Am. viii, 1843,338. pi. 48S.
Coturnicxilus lecontii Bp. 1850.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858 481; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 310.—
CouES, Key, 1872, 137; Cheek List, 1873, No. 164; 2d ed. 1882, No. 237.— B. N. W. 1874.
135.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 552. pi. 25, flg. 6.— BiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No. 200.

Hab. Eastern portion of the Great Plains ot the United States, from Manitoba (in sum-
mer) to central Texas (in winter). In winter migrating through the prairie districts of
tlie Mississippi Valley to South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida.

Sp. Chak. Bill much more slender than C. henslowi. First auill longest, the rest
diminished rapidly. Tail emarginate and rounded, with the feathers acute. Upper parts
light yellowish red, streaked with brownish black; the margins ot the leathers and scapu-
lars pale yellowish white. Tail-leathers dusky, margined with light yellowish. Lower
parts, with the cheeks and a broad band over the eyes, fine buff. Medial line yellowish
anteriorly, nearly white behind. The buff extending to the lemorals 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. ()5,815,U. S. Nat. Mus.). Ground-color of the head white, tinged with
buff on the maxillie.and with ash on the auriculars; crown with two broad black stripes,
separated by a narroAV medial one of whitish; nuchal feathers bright rufous, edged with
ashy white, and shafted witli black; dorsal feathers black, broadly edged exteriorly with
white, and interiorly narrowly skirted with rufous. Beneath entirely white, tinged on the
throat with buff, and streaked on the sides— from the breast to the flanks— with black.
Length, .5.00; extent, 7.10; wing,2.10; tail, 2.00; culmen, .42; tarsus, .68. (August 19; plumage
much worn and faded.)

Adult female (No. 65,814, U. S. Nat. Mus.). Resembling the male, but, being in less
abraded plumage, the colors more pronounced. The band is 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 tibiie, are
deep buff, the sides sharply streaked wi h black. The abdomen, anal region and orissum
are pure white, in marked contrast. Length, 5.00; extent, 7.00; wing, 2.00; tail, 2.10; culmen,
.45; tarsus, .70.

Yotmg. Ground-color above dull buff, below white; the pattern of the old birds seen
in the markings, which, however, are pure black, all reddish 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 hke C. passer inm. Although the middle tail-feathers
-17

258 BIRP8 OF nxiNois.

hnvi' the narrow stripe of C. Iiriishwi, the bill is nmcli 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 hi Illinois. In the latter part of October, 1882, I found
it numerous in meadows on Sugar Creek Prairie, Richland county,
in company with C. hciisloni, ])ut preferring the rank grass near
streams. It resembled the latter species in its actions, being diffi-
cult to flush and flying in a vei^y zigzag manner, but was readily
distinguished by its more slender build and conspicuously lighter or
more ochi-aceous 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
Fiiverdale, Illinois, and by my notes I see that a second specimen
was obsened the 21st of the same month near where the fii'st 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 coai'se grass, about thi-ee 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 :

"I have taken in the last two years, on the prau-ie here, some
twenty specimens ; have taken them both m fall and spring, as well
as during the summer, and am satisfied they breed here, though I
have not been able to ihid their nests or eggs. I have founil them
on low swampy prairies in the Mississippi bottoms, and on dry
bluffs; but generally in swauijiy or marshy ground." (See "Nnttall
Bulletm," January, 1880, p. 32.)

SuBGENis Passerculus Bonaparte.

rassi-iTiiliis BoNAP. Corap. List Binls.lSB .13. Type, Friiigilla .larninia WiLs.

"Gen. Crab. Bill moderately conical; tlic lower mandible smaller; both outlines
nearly straieht. Tarsus about equal to the middle toe. Lateral toes about eiiual. their

FEINGILLIDiE — THE FINCHES. 259

claws falling far short of the middle one. Hind toe much longer than the lateral ones,
reaching as far as the middle of the middle elaw; its claws moderately curved. Wings
unusually 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.
The 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, wliich is not much longer than the hinder. The tail is
short, narrow, and emarginate; the feathers acute.

Atmuodramus sandwichensis savanna (Wils.)

SAVANNA SPAEKOW,

Popular synonyms. Grass Bird ; Ground Bird.

Friugilla savanna WiLS. Am. Orn. iii,18U,55,pl. 22, fig. 2; iv, ISn, 72, pi. 34, flg. 4.— Nutt.
Man. 1,1832,489.— AuD. Orn. Biog. 11,1834,63; v, 1839, 516, pi. 109.
Emheriza savanna Bp. 1838.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 412; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 332.—
CouES, Key, 1872, 135; Check List 1873, No. 159; B. N. W. 1874, 127.— B. B. & B. Hist. N.
Am. B. 1, 1874, 534, pi. 24, fig. 8.
Passerculus sandwichensis savanna Bidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 193 a.— CoUES,
2d Cheek List, 1882, No. 227.

Hab. 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. It is similar in colors to savanna, hut 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. Chab. 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
the head (including the two mandibular). A few faint spots on the thi'oat and chin. Rest

260 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

of under piirts whito. Lpneth, S.GO; wine. 2.70; tnll. 2.in. Vonuo. Oround-color of tho
ilPPiT piirts (I'xccpt wines nnd tiiiH IIkIiI oi-hruoeouM. mon- lirowuUli on top nf hoiul,
upper part of biiok.and on upper t<iil-rovcrl«. Ilio strookh blii^ker and mop' oonspI'Miouti
than in llio udult. Bi-neutli with iin ochniriM>ii» tinne antoriorly. tho streako broad<-r ami
dnepor lihick than in tho adult. though I^sh sharply dcflned. Tho Infra-maxillar)' filroiik
expanded Into a broad, blacklBb olungatcd blotoh." (//i»(. -Y. .1 m. li.)

The Savanna Sparrow is one of those inconspicuous httle birds
which hide in the grass or nm stealthily along the fences or fur-
rows, having nothing special in their appearance or habits to attract
particular attention. It is a vei7 abundant species, at suitable
seasons, throughout the eastern portions of North America, breed-
ing in the more northern states and northward, and winteruig in
the more southern portions of the Union. In portions of Ilhnois
the species is, to a greater or less extent, a peniiancnt resident.
At least, the wi-iter 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 means common m winter, being cliiefly observed as
a spring and fall migrant.

The general habits of the Savanna Sparrow are very similar to
those of the Vesper Sparrow, — like the latter, frequenting meadows
and nesting on the ground.

Genus POOCiETES B.urd.

Poocwlff Baibp, Birds N. .\m. 18.VS. 447. Typo, yi-ingilla gratninea Gmei,.

"Gen. Char. Bill rather larce; upper outline slightly deeurved towanls the end,
lower straight; eommissuro slichtly coneave. Tarsus about equal to the midille too:
outer toe a little longer than till' inner, its claw roaehing to the eoneenled base of the
middle claw: hind too reaehing to the middle of the middle elaw. Wings usually long,
reaching to the middle of tho tail as far as the coverts, and pointed; thi' primaries eou-
slderably longer than the secondaries, which are not much surpas.sed by the terliaries;
second and third tiuills longest; first little shorter, about equal tothi> fourth, shorter than
tho tail; the outer tail-feathers scari'oly shorter; the feathers rather stiff: ea<di one ac<i-
ininateand sharply pointed; the feathers broail nearly to the end. when they are obliquely
truncate. Streaked with brown aliove everywhere: beneath, on the bri'ast and sidi'S.
The lateral tail-feather is white. Shoulder ehestnut-brown."

"The essential characters of the genus consist in the long and
pointed wings longer than the tail and without long tertials ; and
the rather stiflf forked fnil, witli its aoiite feathers." {Ilisl. S.
Am. B.)

FBINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. • 261

Poocsetes gramineus (Gmel.)

VESPER SPAEKOW.

Popular synonyms. Bay-wiiised Bunting; Grass Fineh.

Fringilla graminea Gmel. S. N. i, 1788, 922.— Aud. Orn. Biog. 1,1831,473; v,1839, 502, pi. 94.—

NuTT. Man. i, 1832,183,482,
Emberiza graminea WlLS. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 51, pi. 31, fig, 5,— AuD, Synop. 1839, 102; B.

Am. iii. 1841. 65. pi. 153.
Poofo-ies ffj-u/n/iieM.s Baied.B. N. Am. 1858,447: Cat. N. Am. B. 1859.No. 337.— CoUES.

Key, 1872, 136 ; Cheek List, 1873, No. 161 ; 2d ed. 1882. No. 232; B. N. W. 1874, 129 { Po(eeetes).

— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, .545.— ElDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 197.

Ha.e. 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 confiwis,
distingviished by paler colors with narrower streaks, more slender bill, etc.)

"Sp. Chae. Tail feathers 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 tlie 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, .33 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 tlu-oughout 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 sAveet 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 Ms habit of
running and skulking a few yards in advance of you as you walk
thi'ough 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.

liim. His SOUR is most noticeable after Bumlowii, wlien other birds
are silent, for which reason he has been aptly called the Vesper
Sparrow. The farmer followmg 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 (.S'/>L'«'//(( imxiUii), and you
have the evening hjonn of the Vesper-bird— the poet of the ])lain
unadorned pastures. Go to those broad, smooth, up-lying fields,
where the cattle and sheep arc grazing, and sit down on one of the
wann, clean stones, and listen to this song. On evei-y side, near
and remote, from out the short grass which the herds are cropping,
the strain rises. Two or tlu-ee 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 ha\-ing
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 wai-m twilight among the hills, Are all suhtilely expressed in
tliis song; this is what they are at least capable of."

Genus CHONDESTES Swainson.

Vhondfslf^ Swainson. Phil. Mng. i, 1S27,4.S5. Type, C/ioiidea/cs atrigatus iiw.,=Frin-
giUa graitiiiiava Say.

"Gen. Chah. Bill swollen; both outlines cently curvi'il; llu> low^r mandihle as liliih
as the upper: the eonimissure anKulaled at the base.nnJ then slichtly slnuateil. Lower
numdilile rather narrower at the base than the lenuth of the tr'>nys; broader than the
\ipper. Tarsi moderate. about eqiml to the middle toi-; lateral toes equal and very short.
reaehiuK but little beyond the middle of the penultimate Joint of the middle toe. and
fallinc eimsidorably short of the base of middle elaw. Wines liiiiij. pointed, reaehiuB
nearly to the middle of the tiiil: the tertials not loncer than the secondaries; the (Irst
quill shorter than the sec(Uid and third, whieh are equal. The tail is moderatidy lonif.
considerably graduated, the feathers rather narrow.and elliptleally rounded at the end.

"Streaked on the baek. Head with well defined large strlpe.s. Beneath white, willi a
pectoral spot. Only one species reeoRnized." (//i»f. .V. -Ihi. II.)

Chondestes grammacus (Say).

LASK SPASBOW.
Popular synonyms. Lark Fineh; Potato Ulrd •I'armers about Saint Louis"; Coalk).
/Vi»i;i7(a i7/-o(/uimra Say. Long's Exp. I. 1823, !.•».— Nutt. Man. i. is:t>. jso.-Aud. Urn.
BioK. V, istn, 17, pi. :i9n.

FKrNGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 263

Chondestes grammaca Bp. 1838.— Baikd. B. N. Am. 1858. 456, (part); Cat. N. Am. B. 1859.
No. ai4, (part).— CouES, Key, 1872, 146, (part) ; Cheek 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, pi. 31,flg. 1.— RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 204.

Einberlza grammaca AuD. Synop. 1839. 101; B. Am. iii, l&Jl,63,pl. 158.

Hab. Mississippi Valley, north to Iowa, 'Wiseoiisin, and southern Michigan, east,
regularly to Indiana, western Kentucky, etc., 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. Chak. 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 interscapular 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 a short Une 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, 6 inches; wing, 3.30." (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The colors of the female are shghtly duUer than in the male,
the chestnut less bright, the black not so intense ; the pattern,
however, is the same.

The young bird has the breast and thi'oat with a good many
spots of dark brown instead of the single 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 aU suitable localities, its favor-
ite resort being 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 capabihties of this bk-d, which in sprighthuess
and continuity of song has few, if any, rivals among the North
American Fringillidce. 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 bu'd perches upon the summit of a small tree, a fence post,
or a telegraph wu-e, 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 U.LIN0I6.

with emotional trills. At the hegiuning the soug reniindH one some-
what of that of tlu' Indigi) Bii»l (I'asserinu cifuiifit), hut the notes
lire louder and more metallic, and their delivery more viporous.
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 liy exertion, and his voice becomes scarcely audUde ;
hut suddenly reviving in his joy, it is resumed ui all its vigor, until
ho appears to be really overcome by the effort.

The range of this species is probably pretty general within the
State except m those districts over which forests still largely pre-
vail. In Cook county, according to Mr. Nelson, (Bull. Essfx. Inst.
Vol. YIII., IWCi, p. 107), it is "a common sunnuer 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 gro^\•th 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 obsenations regarding
the song and general habits of the species, coincide with those of
Mr. Kidgway as given in Xorth 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, ai-e as follows :

"This is a rather rare summer resident. .\l)Out once a year I run
across a stray pair on a burnt prairie or liy 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 kejjt
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 sumve the Paris green which they eat with the potato
hugs."

Genus ZONOTRICHIA Swainson.

Zonolricliia Swains. Fnunii Bor.-Ani. ii, lH:il,4ii:(. Type. Jimhenza leucoi)l"-u.i Fobst.
"Gen. Char. Body riithor stout. Bill conieal.sllKhtly notclied, somewhat eompress-
ed. cxeuvated inside; the lower ninndiblo ruthcr lower than the upper: gouys slightly
convex; eomniissure nearly straight. Feet stout; tarsus rather longer than midille toe;
the lateral toes very nearly euunl. Hind toe longer than the lateral ones; the elnws of
the latter just reaehing to base of middle one. Inner ehiw eontuined twiee in its toe
projier; eluws all slender and eonsidoraldy eurved. Wings moderate, not renehing to the
middle of the tail, but beyond the rump; seeondaries and tertials equal and eonsiderably
less than longest primaries; second and third auills longest, first about equal to the
llflh, much longer than tertials. Tall rather long, moderately rounded; the teothers not
very hroail.

"Back streaked. Rump and under parts Immaenlnte, except In younB. Head black,
or With white streaks, entirely dUferent from the back.

FKINGILLIDa; — THE FINCHES. 265

"This genus embraces some of the most beautiful of American
Sparrows, all of the largest size in theu- 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 Fringillidre 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. qttinqtie striata Scl. & Salv. and Z. mystacalis Hartl. are
apparently referable to Amphisp'iza Coues, of which the Einhcriza
bilineata Cassin is typical, though they may possibly constitute a
generic or subgenerie group by themselves ; wliile Z. pileata (Bodd.),
a species distributed extensively over Central and South America,
comes nearer the genus Pyrgisoma.

Tliis species of Zonotrichia (as properly restricted) may be distin-
guished as follows :

A. No yellow surraloral 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; lieneath
pure white, the sides striped with black; sides of head gray; backlight 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 ot head and neck buft'y.

b. 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 similar to adult. Young, first
plumage: Crown dusky blackish on sides, the middle whitish streaked with
dusky; throat and breast more or less streaked with dusky.

3. 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. garnheli, but median stripe ot crown pure white,
wide as or wider than black lateral stripes; back ashy, streaked withchesuut-
brown; edge ot wing white; throat, etc., pale ashy. (Colors exactly as in leu-
cophrys,except as to the lores, which are grayish white instead ot black.)

•Confined to the Paciflo Coast.

2GC> BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

II Foreheod and foro part of crown yollow (■cntnilly.
r>. Z. ooronata. MliliUt" of crown. anliTlorly. lirliclit irri><-nl»h yellow (Inudult)or
ollvi-jill.iw liiyoiinK). Ailiill: IMIi'iim Muck luliTally. tin- inrdlnn portion yel-
low untcrlnrly. iind nsh-Kniy poKtcrliirly. Fliiniuico ollicrwlsc exactly iih iu Z.
oaiiibfli. Young, in flrst irintrr: No dlHtlnet HtrlpcH on crown. wlil<'li i» dull
ollve-ycllowlttli. obscured by KraylKli brown, and Klreaked wllli ilusky: tlie
Htreakx more distinct posteriorly, and sonietlnios foriuini; an lll-dcllned strliie
on the side: ntlierwlge, like the adult.
B. A yellow suprnloral spot; tliroat abruptly white.

<i Z. albioollia. Adult: Two broad stripes on the crown, and a narrow one behind
tiio eye. black: a white stripe in miildle of i-rown. andone nver ear-cuverts. the
hitter beconiInK brijtht yidlow over lores; ear-coverts and jtii^lum deep ash;
back rusty brown, streaked with black. Young, flml winlfr: tllmilar to adult,
but head-Rtripis rusty ilusky-brown and pale rusty buff, the yollow over the
lores, and the white throat-patch, less distinct. Young, flmt plumage: Crown
uniform snulT-brown, with a narrow whitish middle stripe;su|ierciliary stripe
dirty wlillish. with no yi-ili)W over lores; jUKulum streaked with dusky. Throat
nut abruptly white.

Zonotrichia querula (Nutt.)

HASBIS'S SPABBOW.
Popular synonym. Mourning Finch.
Fi-ingilla (jmrula NUTT. Man. 2il ed. i, \Hi». 558.
Zonotrichia querula (lAMB. 1S47.-BAIRD.B. N. Am. 1858.462; Cat. N. .A.m. B. 1859, No. 348.
—Coves, Key, 1872,145; Check List, 1S73, No. 185; 2d ed. 1882. No. 280; B. N. \V. 1874.
157.-B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874. 5n. pi. 26, ngs. 4.7.-RU)OW. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 205.
FringiVa harriaii AUD. B. AM. vli, 1843.331, 484.
Fringilla cornala Max. Reise Nord-Am. 11,1811,352.

Hab. Eastern border of the Great Plains, from northern Minnesota and Dakota [In
summer) to central and (^astern Texas (in winter). East, irroeularly (?) to Wisconsin, Illi-
nois, Iowa, and Missouri.

"Sp. Chab. Hood and nai>e. sides of head anterior to and including the eyes. chin,
throat, and a few spots in the middle of the upper part of the breast and on Its sides,
black. Sides of head and neck ash-gray, with the truce of a narrow crescent back of the
ear-coverts. Interscapular reifion of back, with the feathers reddish brown, streaked
with dark lirown. Breast and belly clear while. Sides of body ligiit brownish, streaked.
Twii narrow white bands across the greater and middle coverts. Length about 7 inches;
wing, 3.40; Uill, 3.G5.

"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, hghter 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. X. Am. B.)

Considering the length of time it has been known (more than 40
years), comparatively Uttle has been learned regarding the habits of this

PEINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 267

species. Its nest and eggs are to this date (June, 1886) iiuliuown,
as is also its exact range during the breeding season.

The only specimens of this species known to the ■ftTiter as having
been taken in lUinois 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 Ilhnois line, one
of which, shot at Eacine, 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-CKOWNED SPAEEOW.

Emheriza leucophrys Foest. Philos. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 382, 403, 42(;.— Wels. Am. Orn. iv.

1811, 49, pi. 31, fig. 4.
FrinqiUaleucophrys'Bv.miS.-'SvTT:. Man. i, 1832, 479.— AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834.88;

V, 1839, 515. rl. 144: Synop. 1839.121: B. Am. iii. 1841, 157, pi. 192.
Frlngilla (Zonotrichia) lencophrysi Sw. & BjcH. F. B.-A.ii. 1831, 255.
Zonotrichia leucophrys Bp. 1838.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858,458: Cat. N. Am. B. 18.59. No.

345.— CouES. Key. 1872, 144: Cheek List,1873,No. 183; 2d ed. 1882,No. 276: B. N. W. 1874,

1.54.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874. 566. pi. 25, figs. 9, 10.— ElDGW. Nom. N. Am. B.

1881, No. 206.

Hab. 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. Chae. 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 Ihe 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. Yoimg of the year thickly streaked with dusky on the breast.
The lateral stripes of the crown dull brown, the median one streaked whitish."

"The wliite of the cro^vn 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

•2(t8 nmos ok Illinois.

on the neck above. The i-uuip is immuc-ulate. No white ou the
tail except very obscure tips. The white on the wings crosses the
ends of the midtUe and greater coverts." {Hist. .V. 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
tlu'oughout the winter, frequenting, during the coldest weather, the
door-yards and gardens, in company with Snowbirds (Juiicu hi/iiiudiH),
Tree Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Yellow-nimp Warblers,
and other familiar species. Its clear, but rntiit-r subdued, whistling
song was often heard just before its departure for the north.
This song much resembles that of the Wliite-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. Jolm Burroughs, in
ScrU/iier'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 .\i)nl and the first week in May. He is the rarest and
most beiuitiliil of the Sparrow kind. Ih' is crowned as some hero
or victor in the games. He is usually in company with his con-
gener, the White-throated Sjiarrow, 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 fuier make and quality. His sparrow color, of ashen gray and
brown, is very clear and bright, and his form graceful. His whole
expi-ession, however, culminates in a I'egular 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 paii 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."

FEINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 269

Zonotrichia albicoUis (Gmel.)

■WHITE-THEOATED SPAEEOW.
Popular synonyms. Poabody Bird (New England) ; Yellow-browed Sparrow.
FringiUa alhicoUis Gmbl. S. N. i, 1788, 926.— WiLS. Am. Orn. ili, 1811, 51, pi. 22,flg. 2.
Zonotrichia albicoUis Sw. 1S.37.-BAIKD, B. N. Am. 1858,463; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 349.
— CouEs,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, pi. 26, fig. 10.— KiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 209.
FringiUa pennsyleanica Lath. Ind. Oru. 1790, 446.— AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 42, pi. 8;
Synop. 1839, 121; B. Am. iii, 1841, 153, pi. 191.
Hab. Eastern Nortli America, breeding Iron) northern United States north to the "Fur
Countries." Winters in the United States, chiefly south of 40°, and west to the borders ot
the Great Plains; accidental west to Utah and Oregon; also. in England.

"Sp. Chab. Two black stripes on the crown, separated by a median one ot 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 ot the
head from behind the eye. Chin white, abruptly defined against the dark ash of the
sides ot the head and upper part ot 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, 7 inches; 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 Fringilhdse, — 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, etc., 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 wliistle their monotonous but exceeding clear and plaintive
chant, sounding like pe-pe-pebody,i)ehodij, pebody, — on which account
the species has in parts of New England received the name of
"Peabody Bird."

Genus SPIZELLA Bonaparte.

SpueUa BoNAP. Geog. and Comp. List, 1838, 33. Type, FringiUa canadensis Lath.,

=F. monticola Gmel.
"Gen. Chab. Bill conical, the outlines slightly curved; the lower mandible decidedly
larger than the upper; the commissure gently siuuated; the roof of the mouth not

270 BIRDS or ILLINOIS.

knoblicd. frvi slniiliT: liirsiin rather lonRi'r than the niidtlU- tui'; tlio hliuli-r lop n Utile
hniBiT than lln' out-r hitrral. whli-li xllehtly cxct-oils the Inner: the outer ehiw
reaohiiit; the liase of the miildle one, and half at. UmeaHitstoe. Claws moderately eurved.
Tertiurles and seoondarli-s nearly eiinal: wInK simiewhat pointed, renehlni; not unlti-
to the middle of the tail. First quill a lit lie shorter than the seeond and equal to the fifth ;
third loiifc'ist. Tail rather lone, moderately forked, and divarieated at the tip; the feathers
rather narrow. liaekstccakuU; rumpand beneath inimaeulate. Youncstreaked beneath.

"This genus differs from Zmiotrich'ui 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,
even by size, except in moiiticoUi. The more immature birds are also
veiy closely related. In these the entii-e absence of streaks on a
plumbeous head point to <itrifi)il(irts; the same character in a red-
dish cap, and a reddish upper mandible, to })usillti; a dusky loral
spot, with dark streaks, and generally a nifous shade on top of head,
to sodalis. S. hreucri, 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 hne." (Hist. N.
Am. B.)

With a single exception, all the known species of this genus are
North American, though one of them (S. atrignlaris) barely comes
within our borders in Arizona and southern Califoniia. The single
purely extnilimital species is S. pinctorum '&m.\ts, of the Guatemalan
highlands. It is closely related to S. socialis, but is evidently distinct.

Leaving out S. (tt)-i(^ularis and S. worthcni* the species inhab-
iting the United States may be characterized as follows :

Common Charactebs. Baek brownish, sharply streaked with Iduok: rumi> plain
Krayish; wings with two liBht bands; lower parts unstreaked. except in young.

A. Crown rufous in adults.

a. Miixilla l>lii.k, {h<: mandible yellow; a dusky spot on the jugulum.

1. S. monticola. Ailnll: Crown and outer webs of scapulars and tertials. bright
rufous; two ilistin<'t white hands on the wing; sides of head and neek ash-gray,
lighter on throat; a pale gray suporoiliary stripe. Whitish anteriorly; a rufous
pnstoeular stripe; a ilusky spot in middle of the jugulum.
h. Bill wholly bhiek or reddish brown.

;!. S. pnsilla. Hill wholly light reddish brown. Crown dull rufous: bai'k dull
rufous, the feathers edged with grayish anil streaked eentrally with hlaek;
outer eilgi's of tertials pale grayish brown; sides of head pale asli-gray. with a
dull rufous stnak beliind the eye; wing with two iudistini't bamls. lomii;;
Crown and baek dull grayish brown, without rufous; lireasi narrowly and in-
ilistiietly streaked with dusky.

:i. S. socialis. liill wliolly blaek in adults; ilull re, Idisli brown in young. Crown
bright rufous, bei'oming blaek anteriorly; a whitish supen'iliary slripis a
Idai'kish streak behind theeye; enr-eoverts. sides of neek and runip.ash-gray.
Voung: Crown and baek brown. broadly streaked with blaek; breast and sides
thii'kly streaked with dusky.

• SpUella icortheni KiDow. Proo. r. S. Nat. Mu.s. vli. Aug. 22. liW4. 259. Silver City,
New Mexico. (Dcdieated to Mr. Chas. K. W'ortheu.uf War.suw. Illinois.)

FKINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 271

B Crown grayish brown, streaked with black, at all ages.

4. S. 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 by a 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, y'oung:
Similar, but breast streaked with dusky.

Spizella monticola (Gmel.)

TKEE SPAKKOW.

Popular synonyms. Canadian Sparrow; Winter Chippy.

Fringilla moniicnla Gmel. S. N. i. 1788.912.
Spizella monticola Baikd.B. N. Am. 1858,472; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 357.— CouEs, Key,

1872,142; Cheek List,1873.No. 177; 2d ed.l882,No. 268;B. N. W. 1874. 146.— B. B. & R.

Hist. N. Am. B. li, 1874, 3, pi. 27, flg. 5.
Fringilla canadensis Lath. Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 434.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 495.— AuD. Orn.

Biog. ii,1834, 511; v, 1839, 504, pi. 188.
Emberiza canadensis Sw. & |RiCH. 1831.— AuD. Synop. 1839, 105; B. Am. iii, 1841, 83,

pi. 166.
Fringilla arborea Wtxs. Am. Orn. ii. 1810, 12. pi. 16, flg. 3.
Spizella montana "(Foest.)" Bidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 210.

Hae. Eastern North America, breeding (so tar 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 Beewstee, which breeds in Alaska, and mi-
grates in winter to the Western States and Territories.)

Sp. Chab. 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. Eump uniform grayish oUve. Tail dark grayish
brown, feathers edged with paler. Lower parts whitish, tinted with asliy 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 hyemaUs) 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 ILLISOIS.

individuals of tliis species is not excelled for sweetness Ky anj"
bird notes, while during the love season, says Dr. Brewer, "the
Tree Sj)arn)w is quite a line musician, its song resemhliu},' that of
the Canary, but liner, 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 \nth a low,
sweet warble." After mentioning the fact that this species is, in
northeastern Illinois, an "iibuinhuit winter resident about thickets
and in marshes," and that it "arrives the 15th of October and departs
the 1st of April," Mr. Nelson, in his list (p. 108) thus appropriately
describes their song :

"The lirst of Miucli they collect in large flocks and are very
niusiciil. 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 SPAKBOW.
Popular synonyms, t'lilpiiy: Chip-bird; Hair-bird.

Frinoitla socialis Wils. Am. Orn. ii.lSlO. 127. pi. 16. ng. 5.— Nutt. Man. i. ISfJ.lOT.-AcD.
Orn. Biog. ii. 18S4.21; v, 1839.517, pi. KM.
Einberiza socinlis AuD. .Syiiop. 1839.105; B. .\in. iii, 1841.80. pi. 1(15.

tiliizrlla socialis hP. Uan.—liMKV. B. N. Am. 1858. 473; Cat. X.Am. B. I8S9, No. S59.—
CoUES. Key. 1872. H2; Clu'ol; List, 1873. No. 178: B. X. W. 1874, 148. -B. B. & R. Hist.
N. Am. B. ii.1874,7. pi. J7.I1b. 1.
Spiii'lla (loiiiiislica "(Babtr.)" C'oues, Proe. Phil. .Kv. 2d Cliocli List, 18S2. No. a«>9.—
HiDow. Xi>m. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 211. (

Had. EH,sti"rii North America, north to tlio "Fur Countries. " wintering in Soutliern
Stiiti'H. (Uiba. anil eastern Mi'.xieo. In the western Cniteil St«te.s and llie greater part of
Me.xieo, replaced by tlie siiglilly but constantly dilTerent S. socialis arizona.

"Sp. Chah. Itump, liacl; of neelv, and sides of liead ami noclv,a8hy. Interscapular
ri'gion with lilai'k streaks, margined with pali> rufous. Crown continuous and uniform
chestnut. Forehead black, separated in the middle by white. A white streak over the
eye to uape.and a black one from the base of the bill through and behind thccye. Lores
vlusky. Cpper parts unsptitted whitish, tinged with ashy on the sides and across the
upper breast. Tail-feathi'rs and primaries edged with paler, not white. Two narmw
white bands across the wing-i'overts. Hill black. Li'iigth, .1.75; wing, nearly ;t.0«: tail.
2.5(1 (ur less).

■■ Yninia- Immature birds and frc(iucutly theadult females with the cap streaked with
blackish lines, the chestnut sometimes nearly or quite wanting. Birds of the year
slreaki'd beneath and i>n rump.

"Thi' color of bill varies; sometimes entirely black throughout, sometimes vi-ry light
(but ni'ver reddish as in .S. imsillal. with idl intermediate stages. There is u.sually. how-
ever, a dusky tinge in the upper bill, wanting in pnsilla, and the lores nro almost always
more or less dusky in all stages of plumage." {Uisl. X. Am. It.)

fringillid.t; — 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 famihar 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. II., pp. 9, 10):

"The tameness and sociability of this bird surpass that of any
of the birds I have ever met wdth in New England, and are only
equaled by similar traits manifested by the Snowbird (./. Jujemalis)
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, ahght at their feet, call for their accus-
tomed food, and pick it up when thi'own to them, without the
shghtest signs of fear. One pair wliich, summer after summer, had
built their nest in a fii'-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 fiat 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-COLOHED SPAKKOW.

Emheriza pallida Swains. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 251.
SpweZiaija^ida Bp. 1838.— Baied. B.N. Am. 1858, 474; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. .36(1-
C0UES,Key,1872.143; Cheek List, 1873,No. 180; 2d ed. 1882. No. 272; B. N. W. 1874, 148.—
B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874,11. pi. 27, flg. 3.— BiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No.
212.

Emberiza shattuckii AuD. B. Am. vii, 1843, 347, pi. 493.

Hab. Great Plains, from the Saskatchewan to Texas, and (in winter) along the
southern border to Arizona and Care St. Lucas, west to base of Bocky Mountains, east
to prairies of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. (Note. The "Emberiza pallida" of Audu-
bon's works is not this species, but .S. breireri, Cass., which replaces .S'. pallida from
the Eocky Mountains to the Paeiflc coast. The two species are closely allied, but quite
distinct.)

"Sp. Chak. Smaller than /?. .socidf/s. 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 medi.an pale ashy and a
lateral or superciliary ashy whi»e stripe. Beneath whitish, tinged with bi-own on the

—18

•^(4 BIRDS or ILLINOIS.

brc'iiht anil »itlrs, mid iin ImliKtlni't narrow brown Htri'ak on iln- I'llutof tlir ■■hin.i'iittiiie
olT ft lluht Htrlpo nliovc It. Ear-covi-rls lipiwnlsli yi-llow. inarKlu>->l aliovi- and bulow by
dark brown, maklnR tliroo dark Btrlpi'n on tho faoe. Bill rvddlBli. dusky towardK Up.
LvB8 yellow. Lonstli, 4.75; wine. 2.55. '

"The ashy collar is quite conspicuous, and streaked above witli
brown. The nimp is immaculate. The streaks on the feathers of
the crowii 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 fonns 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 li<,'lit Imiids
across the ends of the coverts.

"The young of this species is thickly streaked beneath, over the
throat, bi-east, 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
Spizellax, except .S. hreireri (which see), in the dark streaks and
mechan ashy stripe on the crown, the paler tints, the dark line on
the side of the chin, etc." (Hixt. X. 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-
pestriau Province. Its range is closely coincident with that of
Sprague's Pipit {Aiithiis xpratiueii), Baird's and Leconte's Sparrows,
Harris's Finch, MeCown'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 inhal)its 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 "siiccinu us iin m Mi. Ilolden's col-
lection taken near Chicago."

In its liabits this species is said to closely resemble the Chipping
Sparrow, especially in its confiding familiarity, and its s<«ig is said
to be very similar to that of S. soc'kiHi. The nest and eggs of the
two species oi'e haixily distingiiishable.

FRINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES '275

Spizella pusilla (Wils.)

FIELD SPAEEOW.

Popular synonyms. Field Chippy, or Chip-bird; Ked-billed Chippy.

Motacilla juncorum GUEh. S. N. i, 1788, 952 (based on Little Brown Sparrow otCiTESBY).

Fringilla juncorum Nutt. Man. 1,1832,499; ed. 18*0, i, 577.
Fringilta pusilla Wils. Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 121, pi. 16, flg. 2.— AuD. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 229,
pi. 139.
Emberiza pusilla AuD. Synop. 1839. 104; B. Am. iii,1841,77, pi. 164.

Spizella piisillaBF. 1838.— B.4.IKD, B. N. Am. 1858,473; Cat. N. Am. B.1859,No.358.— COUES,
Key, 1872, 143; Cheek List, 1873,No. 179; B. N. W. 1874,148.— B. B.& E. Hist. N. Am. B.
ii, 1874,5, pi. 27, flg. 2.— Eidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,No. 214.
Spizella agrestis "(Baetr.)" Codes, 2d Check List, 1872. No. 271.

Hab. Eastern United States, breeding throughout (except in Gulf States?) and win-
tering chiefly south ot 38°.

Sp. Chae. Bill brownish red. Crown continuous rufous, with a faint indication of an
ashy central stripe, and ashy nuchal collar. Back somewhat similar, with shaft-streaks
ot 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 auills faintly edged with white. Two whitish bands
across the wing-coverts. Autumnal specimens more rufous. Length about 5.75; wing, 2.34.

"This species is about the size of S. sociaUs, 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, etc. It is more like monticola,
but is much smaller; lacks the spot on the breast, and the pre-
dominance of white oil 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 Chipi)ing 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 or ILLINOIS.

While concfiliiiB that this species is "ii very varied ami fine
singer," Dr. Brewer (//i).7. .V. Am. B. Vol. II., 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 UailinR
him to quite the contrary opinion. In Illinois, Indiana, Marj-land,
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 (Mehxpiza fasciata) or Vesper Sparrow
{Pooccetes gramiiieiis) 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 Ciui 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 Wagler.

Jinu-o Wagleb, Isle, 1831, 626. Type, Frinoi'la riiierco Sw.

Gen. Chab. Bill smnll. conical; culmen curved at the tip; the lower Jaw auite n» hieli
as the upper. Tarsus longer than the miiUllo 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 tall. Wings rather short; reaching over the basal fourth of the exposed surface of
the tail ; primaries, however, considerably longer than the secondaries and terlials, which
are nearly equal. The second quill longest, the third to llfth 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 strealcs 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. Vouug 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 J unco ciiicreus the claws
are longer; the lower mandible a little lower than the upper."
{Hist. N. A VI. B.)

The genus is numerously represented in the western portions of
the continent, where no less than nine species occur (one of thcni,
J. hijcmalh, as a straggler, and two — J. insnlaris, of Guadalupe 1.,
and J. hairdi, of Lower California — not coming within the' United

FEINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 277

States). In Eastern North America only two species oecur, 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 ./. 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. ./. annectens has the head, neck, jugulum, and
upper parts ash-gray (back more bro'wnish), the sides pinkish ;
bill Ught pinkish. ./. caniceps resembles J. annectens, but has the
back bright rufous and the sides ashy, like the breast. J. dorsalis
resembles J. canicejjs, 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-eoverts and
tertials. Each species, or race, has Ukewise distinctive proportions
and a separate breeding range.

Junco hyemalis (Linn.)

SLATE-COLOEED JUNCO.

Popular synonyms. Black Snowbird: Common Snowbird; Slate- colored Snowbird;
Gray Snowbird; Eastern Snowbird.

FringiUa hyemalis LiNX. S. N. ed. 10. i. 1758, 183.— AOD. Orn. Biog. i. 1831, 72; V. 505.pl. 13.
Xiphcea hyemalis AuD. Synop. 1839,106; B. Am. iii,1841,88,pl 167.

Junco hyemalis ScL. 1857.— B.UED.B. N. Am. 1858.468; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 354.—
CouES, Key, 1872, 141: Cheek List, 1873, No. 174: 2d ed. 1882, No. 261 Chiemalis");
B. N. W. 1874. 141.— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 580, pi. 26, flg. S.-EiDGW. Norn.
N. Am. B. 1881. No. 217.
FringiUa hudsonia FoBST. Philos. Trans. Ixii. 1772,428. — WiLS. Index, vi, 1812, p xiii.
Fringilla nivalis Wlls. Am. Orn. iii. 1810, 129, pi. 16, flg. 6.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 491,

Hab. Northern Nortli 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. Chae. 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 fh-st longer than the
sixth. Tail slightly rounded, and a little emarginate. In the full

278 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

sprinp; dress there is no trace of nny second color on tlio hack, ex-
cept an c'xcccdinfily faint and scarcely ajipreciaMe wash of dull
hro\viiiKh over the whole upper i)arts. The markings of the tliird
tail-fcatluT vary somewhat in s))ecimens. Sometimes the whole ti))
is mar};ini'd with lirowii ; sometimes the white extends to the end;
sometimes both webs are margined with browii ; sometimes the outer
is wliite entirely; sometimes the browiiish wash on tlie liack is more
distinct." (Ilht. 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
familiar 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 poi'tions of the Alleghanies
for an undetermined distance soutliward.*

"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 tlic (lut-lmildings 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 l)irds, built within reach
of the hand, and in places where the family were passing and re-
passing throughout the day » • - Qj, ,jjy j.^^^ fiom Hal-
ifax to Pictou, they reminded me of the common Spl:iilci socialis,
but were, if anything, more fearless and confiding, coming into the
room where the family were at their meals, and only flying awaV
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 dejiarted for the North, these having probably re-
ceived some injury which retards, if it does not altogether prevent,

•On the lii({li minintaiiis uf western Xortli t'iiroli>m. eastern Tennessee, nnil northern
(leorcin. nn iiUied raee. or perhaps distinet speeies.ts reshliMit. Thishasreeently (in"The
Aiik."v()l. 111. Jan.lKSt;, |i. lOKIheemleseriliedliy Mr. lirewster, as J. Iii/riitali^ eiiivi/iiit- iisi'.i.

FKINGILLID^. — 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 lUinois, I astonished myself
by shooting, June 9, one mile from the Oliio river, near Elizabeth-
town, in Hardin county, an adult specimen of the Common Snow-
bird {J'unco hy emails). 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 (Towns.)

OKEGON JUNCO.

Popular synonyms. Black-headed Snowbird; Oregon Snowbird.

Fringila oregona Towns. Jour. Phil. Ao. vii.1837, 188. -AuD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839,68. pi. 398.
Niphcea oregona AuD. Synop. 1839,107; B. Am. iii.1841, 91.pl. 168.

Junco oregonus Sci.. 1857.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858. 466; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 352.—

CouES, Key. 1872, 141; Cheek List, 1873, No. 175; 2d ed. 1882, No. 263; B. N. W. 1874, 142.

B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874, 584. pi. 26, tig. 2.— KiDQW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881 .

No. 218.

Hab. Paeifle 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, etc.)

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 PEUCiEA Audubon.

Peuccea AuD. Synop. 1839,112. Type Fringilla hachmanii AUD.

"Gen. Chak. 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 ijt 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 thi-ee or four quills are graduated. The tail is considerably longer than the wings;
it is much graduated laterally; the feathers, though long, are peculiarly narrow, linear,
and elliptieally rounded at the ends.

"Color beneath plain whitish or brownish, with a more or less distinct dusky lino
each side of the chin. Above with broad obsolete brown streaks or blotches. Crown
uniform, or the feathers edged with lighter." i^Hlst. N. Am. B.)

280 niRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Only one species of this southeni geuus is kiio\m to occur in
Illinois. Another however, niny he expected, at least as a straggler,
and for this reason the comparative characters of the two are n'Vt-n
here.

1. p. sativalis. Ailull: Ab<iv>' rcililisli tuown. Btn-aki'il with (jniy. iiiiil UKiuilly KiKitinl
uu 111.- I.ii.-k with lilii.-k; boui--iitli ihill huffy. whitish ■m the bully. Mlildle tull-foatht-rs
witliuut (lUttiiic't burs.
a. imliralit. Crown stroakod with blackish, iiml bliu'k streakH on biiok alwayx

very dlstlnot. Hab. FlorKIa and lower Goorela.
p. hacliiiiaiiii. Crown without blaok strooks. and black streaks on back frciiucntly

obsolete: general coloration much nior« "sandy" above, and clearer, or less

dinjry. bulT below. Ifnli. North and South Carolina, west to easlorn Texas, north

to soulhi-rn Illinois and Indiana.
J. P. oassini. Above brownish Kray.spottcil with jfrayish brown and black, but with no
ruRly: lower imrts n.'arly uniform bni\rt>ish white or iiale brownish gray. Miildle
tall-fcnthers very distln.Mly barrel with dusky. Ilali. Southwestern t'. S.. north to
Kansas.

Peucsea aestivalis bachmanii (Aud.)

BACHMAN'S 8FABB0W.

Popular synonyms. Illinois Sparrow; Oak-wood Sparrow: Baohmnn's Finch.

7Vi(c.(n asln'iili.t lliDow. .\m. Nat.. .July 1872.430 (Wabash Co.. Illinois): Ann. X. Y.
Lye. X.Jan. l«74.373ido.); I'roe. Boston Soc. xvi, Feb. 18. 1874. 3«8. SKldo.. summer
rosld.): Bull. Nult. Orn. Club.iii. Oct. 1878. 104 ("extremely local and uuite rare"i.—
Nelson. Bull. Essex. Inst.. ix.l877. 30.43 (Mt. Carniel, Wabash Co.. and Fox Prairie.
Richland Co.. Illinoisl.

I'liiidii illiiioi'iisis Rruow. Bull. Nult. Orn Club. Oct. 1879. 219 (southern Illlinois to
ciMitral Texas).
Pmciea tesliralis il hiohisis RiDow. Nom. N. .\m. B. 1881. No. aOa.— CoUKS, 2d Check

List. 1882. No. 252.
PfiKiea imlifaliH liarliinaiii Bhew.st. Auk. ii. Jan. 188,'j.li»i.

Hab. Open woods, old fleUls. etc., in semi-prairie districts of the lower Mississippi
Valley and Unlf States; north in summer to Richland, Lawrence, and Wabash counties.
Illinois: Knox and Monroe counties.* Indiana; and Nelson county. Kentucky; cast to
Lookout Mountain. Tennessee. Alabama, anil the Carollnas; southwest to "Lower Cross
Timbers" and "Post Oak Woods" of Cook county, Texas.

8p. Chad. Adult. Above sandy ferruginous, indistinctly streaked with light nsh- (fray,
those streaks broadest on the back and middle line of the crown; interscaiiulars sonic-
times marked with narrow central streaks of black. Outer .surface of the wiUKs light fer-
ruginous, the greater coverts less reddish luid edged with paler; tertials dusky brown,
bordered terminally with pale reddish ashy : outer surface of the secondaries ferruginous.
Tall uniform grayish brown, the edges of the feathers more ashy. Sides of the head and
neck, throat, jugulum. and entire sides, deep dingy buir. this color most distinct across

•In a letter dated Aprils?. 1884. Professor David 8. Jordan. President of the Indiana
State University, writes me as follows: "It may perhaps Interest you to know that two
specimens of JViicd'ii <rs/ira?is idiiiocH.iis have been taken at Blooralngton (April 24).
They were shot in a brush heap."

FRINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 281

the breast, paler on the throat and ehin; a postoeular streak of ferruginous along the
upper edge of the aurieulars; sides of the neek 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 earpo-
phalangeal 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. astiralis, 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 astivalis 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 oclna-
ceous hwS, these parts in astivalis being dull buffy grayish. The
proportions are very nearly the same in the two species, but hach-
manii has a longer wing and a tlricker bill, the average of five speci-
mens, compared with six of (estiraUs, being 2.51 and 0.29 respec-
tively, against 2.40 and 0.26. P. anzonce is so different as scarcely
to need comparison, having, like cestivaUs, 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 stiU 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 foiTuer in Wabash, the
latter in Richland county, Illinois.

'These measurements represent the extremes and averages of ten adults.

•2ft2 BIRDS OF ILMN0I8.

After leaving this locality the species was lost sight of until the
11th of August following, upon our return to Mount Cannel. At
the latter itlnce it was fouiul to be rather rare in certain i)laees
just outside the town limits, the localities frequented heing invari-
al)ly neglected weedy fields in which scattered dead trees were stand-
ing. Unlike most birds, this species sang with the greatest vigor,
ami frequently during the sultry midday, when the sky was bright-
est and the heat intense — the thermometer ranging from 90" to 103
in the shade. The song, while reminding one somewhat of the
plaintive chant of the Field Sparrow {Sphella piisilla), was far sweeter
and altogether louder ; the modulation, as nearly as can be expressed
in words, resembling the syllables thvh'ei're-thut, hit, lut, liit, the first
heing a rich silvery trill, pitched in a high musical key, the other
syllal)k's 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. .Tencks in the vicinity
of Mount Cannel and on Fox Prairie, the latter in Kichland county,
about thirty-five miles to the northward of Mount Carmel. Mr.
Nelson thus records his obseiTations (Bull. Essex Inst., Vol. IX., p.
38):

"Rather common. Those obtained were found about the fences or
bmsh piles in half-cleared fields. They were shy and quite diflicult
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 n patch of weeds."

Genus MELOSPIZA Baird.

Melonpiza Baird. Birds N. Am. 1858. 478. Type, Friiigilla ini'lotlia WiLS.. F./a.ttlala
Ome:..

"Gen. Chab. Body stout. BUI conieal. very obsoletely notclied.or smooth; somewhat
i-omprossod. Lower mandible not so deep as the upper. Commissure nearly strnlBht.
(ionys a little eurved. Feet stout, not strotehinK beyond the tail; tarsus a little longer
than the nilildle toe; outer toe a litle louKer than the inner; its elaws not (luite reaching
to the base ot the middle one. Hind toe appreeiably luuRer than tin- middle one. Wings
quite short and roumied.seareely reaehinc beyond the base of the tail; the tertinls oou-
siderably lonner than the seeondaries; the i|uills eonsiderably Kraduated; the fourth
Innnest; the llrst not longer than the tertials. and almost the shortest ot tlu' primaries.
Tall moderately long, rather longer from eoeey.xthan the wings, and eonsiderably gradu-
ate<l; the feathers oval at the tips, and not stifTened. Crown and back similar in eolor.
and streaked; beueath thiekly streaked. except in .V. georoinna. Tall Imniaoulate.
Usually nest on ground; nests strongly woven ot grasses and Hbrous stems; eggs marked
with rusty brown ami purple on a ground of a clay color."

FRINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 283

"This genus ditfers from Zonotrichia in the shorter, more gradu-
ated tail, rather longer hind toe, much more rounded wing, which
is shorter; the tertiaries longer; the fii-st quill almost the shortest,
and not longer than the tertials. The under parts are spotted ; the
ero-OTi streaked, and like the back." (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The thi-ee 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, euneate.

1. M. fasoiata. Above rusty grayish, streaked with brown and black. Wing about
2.70; tail nearly 3.00.

h. Maxillary stripe and jugulum buff, the other lower parts chiefly white; streaks
on jugTilum linear.

2. M. linoolni. 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. In Jireedino lihirnnge.
crown (of both sexes) bright chestnut.

Melospiza fasciata (Gmel.)

FringiUafanciata Gmei.. S. N. i, 1788, 922.
Melospiza fasciata ScoTT. Am. Nat. x, 1876, 18.— RiDCw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 2.'il.—
CouEs. 2d Cheek List. 1882. No. 244.
Fringilla melodia WiLS. Am. Orn. ii, 1810.12.5. pi. 16, flg. 4.— AuD. Orn. Biog. i. 1831. 126;
V. 507. pi. 25; Synop. 18.39. 120; B. Am. iii. 1841. 147. pi. 189.— NuTT. Man. i. 1832. 486.
Melospiza melodia Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 477; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 227.— CouES.
Key, 1872, 139; Cheek List, 1873, No. 146; B. N. W. 1874.138.— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B.
ii,1874,19,pl. 27,flg. 6.
Hab. 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. Chae. General tint of upper parts rufous and distinctly streaked with rufous-
brown, dark brown and ashy-gray. The crown is rufous, with a superciliary 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. Bump 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 a spot. No
distinct white on tail or wings. Length of male, 6,50; wing. 2.58; tail. 3.00. Bill pale
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 soruewbiit in Imving the streaks across tlie
breast more or less sparse, the spot more or less distinct. In uu-
tumn the colors are more blended, the light maxillary stripe tinged
with yellowish, the edges of the dusky streaks strongly suffused
with hroNMiish rufous.

"The young bird has the upper parts paler, the streaks more
distinct ; the lines on the heiul scarcely appreciable. The under
parts are yellowish ; the streaks narrower and more sharply defnied
dark brown." (Hist. N. Am. li.)

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 soniewlmt 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 Illinois.
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. 237), 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 Illi-
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, (ind tmknoun as a sonp bird. The same
are also probably its habits throughout Illinois 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 88% and
is besides one of the most familiar of the native birds."

As far north at least as Wabash, Lawrence, and Eichland 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. 1 have there heard its song but on
two or tliree occasions, and then only in the spring, just before
they took their departure.*

The song of this bird, although sufi&ciently fine to attract atten-
tion, is by no means equal to that of many other species of its

* since the above wns written, Mr. J. A. Bnlmer, of Paris. Edg.ir county, has Informoil
me that the Song Sparrow Is a not uncommon summer resident of that vicinity, and has
sent a nest and eggs, obtained in bis garden, to prove the correctness of his Identlflcatlon.

FRINGILLID^— THE FINCHES. 285

family. But tliis 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 SPAEKOW.

Popular synonyms. Lincoln's Finch ; Lincoln's Song Sparrow.
Fringilla Uiicolnii AuD. Orn. Biog. ii,1834.539,pl. 193— NuTT. Man. 2d ed. i. 1840.569.
Peucaa lincolnii Aud. Synop. 1839, 113; B. Am. iii, 1841, 116, pi. 177.
Melospiza lincolnii Baikd.B. N. Am. 1858, 483 ; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,No. 368.— CouEs.Key,
1872, 138; Cheek List, 1873, No. 167; 2d ed. 1882,No. 242; B. N. W. 1874. 135.— B. B. &. K.
Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874,31, pi. 27.flg. 13.— RiDGW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 234.

Hab. Northern North America and higher mountains of western United States,
breediug,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 leacophrys. In the Yukon
and McKenzie Biver districts, however, instead of the latter it is associated with the Z.
■intermedia,— otherwise their respective distribution is quite identical.)

"Sp. Chae. 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-deflned
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 and a
dusky line behind the eye. The throat, upper part of breast, and sides of the body, with
streaks of black, smallest in the middle of the former. The pectoral bands are some-
times paler. Bill above dusky; base of lower jaw and legs yellowish. Length, 5.60; wing,
2.60. [Eist.K. 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 B1UD8 OF ILLINOIS.

liottoni-lands. In the noitlurn parts, howi-vt'r, nccordinK to Mr.
Nelsou, it is niigrfttoi"j'. ^^l■. Nelson's rt'nmrks concerning it arc
as follows :

"Conunon durint; the nii^'iations, from May Htli to 20111, and
Septemlier '20tli to October 15th. Have seen several specimens
dnrinp the breeding season, and the last of May, 1875, as I was
walking throngh a patch of weeds, a female started from a few
feet in advance of me, wliile my attention was attracted in anotiier
direction, and ran otf with half-spread wings. It was shot, and
showed unmistakable sign of incnbatiou, Init a i)rotracted search
failed to reveal the nest. Siieciniens were taken in July, 1875, near
AVaukegan. by Mr. llice."

Melospiza georgiana (Lath.)

SWAMP SPARBOW.

Popular synonymB. Swani|) Sonc Sparrow; Snottod Swamp Sparrow.

Fringilla geoigiaua Lath. Iiiil. dm. i,1790. 4W.— Nott. Man. i, 1832. .102: 2tl oil. i. 1840. .ViS.
(R. g. Atnino(lfomtts).
ilelosviza giortiiaiin RiniiW. True. I'. S. Nat. Mils. viii.18.sJ.aKi.
/■'riimilla pdhistrin WiLS. Am. Oni. iii. 1811. 19. pi. 22. flu. 1.— .\UI). Oni. IJiuif. i. ISIl.Ml;
V,1SS9.508. pi. in.
Ammodroiiiiis pa nslris .\i-D. Synop. IfCet. Ill; U. .Vni. iii. IMl. Uo. pi. ITS.
Mflosj/iza pahisliix Bairu. B. N. .\m. 18.18. 48:); Cat. N. .\m. B. IMS. No. 3«i9.— t'oUE.s.
Kuy. 1872. i:i8; Chock List, IST.l.No. 168; 2il od. 1882. No. 243; B. N. W. 1874. 137.-B. B. A:
1!. Hist. N. Am. B. ii. 1874. »1. pi. 28. llgs. 1. 2.-KIDOW. Noin. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 2St.

Hah. Eii.stcrii I'liitcil Stati's and British Provinces, north, occasionally, t<i Labrador
and Ncwrouiiilland; west. casually, to lUali; breeilinn from northern bonier of United
Stutos norlliwaril.and wintering chiefly son'h of 38^.

"Sp. Char. Middle of crown uniform chestnut; forehead black; su|>crciliary streak,
sides of head and back, and siiles of neck, ash. .\ brown stripe behind the eye. Back
with broad streaks of bhick, which are ednfed 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 bi'come distinct on
its sides. Wings an<l tail strongly tinged with rufous; the tertials black. the rufous edg-
ings changing abruptly to whitetowards Ihi' end. Length, 5.75; wing, 2.40. Feinnli- with
the crown scarcely reddish, streaked with black, and divided by a light line. I'uiiiii; con-
spicuously streaked beneath the head; above nearly uniform blackish.

"Ill ;mtiiiiiii tlie 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 strijie, materially changing its ajjpearanee. The fore-
head is usually more or less streaked with black." (Hi.it.. \.
Am. B.)

FKINGILLID.E — THE FINCHES. 287

In southern Illinois 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. II., pp. 35, 36), Dr. Brewer thus describes its song:

"Except m regard to their song, Wilson's account of their habits,
so far as it goes, is quite accurate, although tliis 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 sociaUs, 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 pecuha.rly ventriloquistic effect, as if the performer were at
a much greater distance than he i-eally is."

Subfamily PASSERELLINiE.

Chae. Toes and claws very stout; the lateral claws reaehing 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 Brans of Illinois.

the middle tou. Brown above, either uniformly so or faintly
Htreaked ; triangular spots below.

"This section embraces a sinple North American genus, chiefly
characterized by the remarkable elongation of the lateral claws, as
well as iiy 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 Inited States CnninixtirK, is in I'ipih mc(iahinj.r, anil
Xanthoccphdlim irterocephaliiH. ^lliyt. .V. Am. li.)

Gents PASSERELLA Sw.\in80X.

I'Offi-ii-lln SWAINSOX, Cluss. Birds, ii, ISJT.iSS. Type. FiingiUa iliam Mehiiem.

"Oex. t'HAH. Body stout. Bill I'finloiil, not notched, the outliiivs struiidit; tlio two
Jnws of eqiiul di'ptli; roof of upper nmndible deeply exoHvnted. iind vaulted; not knobbed.
Tursus searcely lonser than the middle toe: outer toe little longer than the inner itHclaw
roaehing to the middle of the eentral 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 to it.s toe. Wings long, pointed, reaching to the middle of the tail: the tertials
scarcely longer than secondaries: second and third quills longest; flrst equal to the fifth.
Tail very nearly even. scarcely longer than the wing. Inner claw contained scarcely one
and a half times in its too proper.

"<:oloi: Rufous or slaty; obsoletely streaked or uniform above; thickly spotted with
triangular blotches beneath." {Ilisl. -V. Am. H.i

A single species of this genus belongs to North America. It is
represented in the West by P. schistacea, Baird, in the Rocky
Mountains and west to the Sierra Nevada; by P. mqinrhyuchn,
Baird, in the southern portion of the Pacific coast ranges, and by
P. unahmchcciisis (Gmel.) along the more northeiTi poiiion of the
Pacific Coast. All these fonns intergi-ade either with one another or
with P. Uiartt, but whether these intergradations are due to hybridism
or bear the more important sigiiilicaiu'e whicli has been assigned
to them, future knowledge alone can decide.

Passerella iliaca (Mcrrem).

FOX 8PAKH0W.

Popular synonyms. Fo.\-<'olored Sparrow: Uufous Sparrow.
FriiHiillii ilinrn Mkkiiem. Beit. Ocsi-h. Vog. il. 17RiV^87. 49, pi. lO.-NuTT. Man. i. INK. M4.—
AiiD. Orn. Biog. ii. ISH. 5S; v. 1839. Mi. pi. 10«; Synop. 1SW.11!>; IS. Am. iii.lMI. HP.
pl. 185.

FRINGILLID.E — THE FINCHES. 289

Passerella iliaca Sw. 1837.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 488; Gat, N. Am. B. 1859, No. 374.—
CoUES.Key, 1872,147; Check List, 1874, No. 188; 2d ed. 1882, No. 282; B. N. W. 1874,160.
— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. ii. 1874, 59. pi. 78, hg. 2.— Kidgw. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881,
No. 235.
Fringilla ferruginea Gmel. S. N. i,1788, 921.
Fringilla rufa Wn-s. Am. Orn. ii, 1811, 53. pi. 22.flg. 4.
Hab. Nortlieru Nortli America, including Alaska (except coast from Kodiak east-
ward); breeding in arctic and subarctic districts, and southeastward to mouth of the St,
Lawrence; in winter eastern United States, chiefly south of 40°.

"Sp. Chab. General aspect of upper parts foxy red, the ground-color and the sides
ot 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 ot 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 juguluni, 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 to its 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. ohscura" Vekkill). "Color above rufous brown, becom-
ing bright rufous on the rump and exposed portion of the tail, but a shade darker than
in F. iliaca; head uniform brown, with a slight tinge ot ash ; feathers ot 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 with a
few small triangular spots of dark brown; under tail-coverts brownish white, with a tew
small spots of bright rufous; the tibiae dark brown. The auriculars are tinged with red-
dish brown. Bristles at the base ot 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
ot 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 "darker in all parts; the feathers of the back are rufous
brown, centred with darker, instead of ash centred with brownish red; the two white
bands on the 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 tree
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 {Jitiico

hy emails). Those who have heard his song in his summer home
—19

290 BIKDS or ILLHiOIS.

prououncc it n very fine performance. Snatches of this song may
be occasionally heard in the spring lieforc the northward exodus,
and his notes at this season certainly are remarkable for their
richness. In Historii of North Amerirtiu liinh (Vol. II., p. 52),
Dr. Brewer thus describes the full song: "In the spi'ing the male
becomes quite musical, ami 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.

Subfamily SPIZIN,ffi.

Cbah. Bill viiriiiblo. nlwiiys Inrgo, miioh nivlicd. nn»l witli iho culmun .■onsUloriibly
curved; somotimos ot enormous size, and with ii Breiiter development baekwurd of the
lower jaw, which is always appreciably, sometimes considernbly. broader behind thau
the upper jaw at its base: nostrils exposed. Tail rather variable. Bill (jeneruUy black,
light blue, or rod. Wings shorter than in the first group. Gnpe almost always much
more strongly bristled. Few of tlie species sparrow-like or plain in their appearance;
usually blue, rod, or black and white; except in one or two inst^mces 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 diflScult 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 superlicial glance, the Coccothraustinee, 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.
o. Feet very stout, reaching nearly to the end of the tail. Species terrestrial.

Calamospiza. Bill moderate, the commissure with a deep angle posteriorly and
prouiincnt lobe behind it; anteriorly nearly straight; commissure of lower man-
dible with a prominent ongle. Outer toe longer than the inner, iioth nearly as
long as the posterior. Outer four primaries about equal, and abruptly longer than
the rest. Tertlals nearly eiiual to primaries. Tail-feathers broad at tips. Color
black with white spot on wing in male, brownish streaks In female. Nest on or
near ground; eggs plain pale blue.

Spiza, Dill wi'iiker. the commissure with a more shallow angle, and much less
pri'niiiient sinuution behind it; anteriorly distinctly sinuated. Outer toe shorter
than inner, both much shorter than the posterior one. First primary longest, the
rest successively shorter. Tertlals but little longer than secondaries. Tiiil-
feothers attenuated at tips. Color: back brown streaked with black; throat
white; juguluni yellow or ashy; with or without bhick spot on fore neck. A yel-
low or white superciliary stripe. Nest on or near ground; eggs plain pale blue.
h. Feet weaker, scarcely reaching beyond lower tail-coverts; species arboreal.

FBINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 291

a. Size large (wing more than 3.50 inches)

Habia, Upper mandible much swollen laterally. Colors: no blue: upper parts
conspicuously different from the lower. Wings and tailwith white patches; axil-
lars and lining of wing yellow or red. Female streaked. Nest in a tree or bush :
eggs greenish, thiolvly spotted.

Oniraca. Upper mandible flat laterally. Colors: 3/a!e deep blue, with two rufous
bands on wings; no white patches on wings or tail; axillars and lining of wing
blue;/e7Ha(e olive-brown without streaks. Nest in a bush; eggs plain bluish
white.

6. Size very small {ioing less than 3.00 inches).

Paaserina. Similar in form to Chiiraca., but oulmen 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. amcena, in
which they are white); female olive-brownish. Nest in a bush; eggs plain bluish
white (except in C. ciris. in which they have reddish spots).

B. Wing and tail about equal. The smallest of American C'on(ros(»-es. Nest in bushes.
Eggs white, spotted.

Sporophila. Bill very short and broad, scarcely longer than high, not compressed ;
culmen greatly curved. Color chiefly black and white, or brown and gray.
Euetheia. Bill more triangular, decidedly longer than deep, much compressed;
culmen 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. Head crested. Prevailing color red. Bill red, orange, yellow, or whitish.

Pyrrhuloxia. Bill pyrrhuline, very short, and with the culmen greatly convex;
shorter than high. Hind claw less than its 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 eocoothraustine, very large; culmen very slightly convex. Wings
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.

h. Head not crested. Colors black, brown, or oUve. 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. Nest on
ground or in low bush; eggs white sprinkled with red, or pale blue with black
dots and lines around larger end.

Genus PIPILO Vieillot.

Pipilo TiEiLLOT. Analyse, 1816. 32. Type, Fringilla erythropthalma Linn.

"Gen. Chab. 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 or a little longer than the middle toe;
the outer lateral toe a little the longer, and reaching a little 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 ; short and
rounded, though the primaries are considerably longer than the nearly equal secondaries
and tertials; the outer four quills arc graduated,— the first considerably shorter than the
second, and about as long as the secondaries. Tail considerably longer than the wings,
moderately grSiduated 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. II.)

29-2 Braos or Illinois.

As in the case of rtuscrcUa, this genus has a single eastern rep-
resentative, with several western congeneric, if not conspecific,
forms. Pipih, however, reaches its maximum development In Mex-
ico, where are special species not found elsewhere. One of these
Mexican species {P. mdculdtim. Swains.) passes by gradual transi-
tion into P. areticus, Swains., on the eastern .slope of the Rocky
Mountains, and P. megtihmti.r, B.urp, on the western side of the same
range. The latter gradually blends into P. one/onus, Bell, 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. areticus and the eastern P. crythroph-
thahiuix was first noted by Professor Baird, in "Birds of North
America," p. 513, 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. areticus." On this basis the conspecific relation of the two foims
has been argued by at least one author ; but the circumstance that
two examples of similar character (one of them even more dis-
tinctly 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 have been made by thus assuming intergradation without
sufficient evidence to support the assumption.

Pipilo erythrophthalmus (Linn.)

TOWHEE.

Popular Bynonyms. Jiuee; Chiwliik; Towiiik; Ground Uubiu; Turkey Spiirrow.
Friiittilla yiUlliroplithalmaljTSH. 8. N. ed. 12. 1,1766.318.— NuTT. Man. i. 1832.515— AUD.
Orn. BioB. i.l8»2.150: v. 1839. 511, pi. 29.
Embn-iza erutln-oplilliahna Gmel. S. N. I, 1788, 87-1.- Wn-S. Am. Orn. vi, ISli, 9(1, pi. 5,f.
Pimln erylliroDhlhabna ViELLL. Gal. Ois. i. 1824. 109. pi. SO.-Acp. Syn.ip. 1839, 124; B.
Am. lii, 1811, Vn. pi. m.— Baird, B. X. Am. 18.'i8,.'.I2; Cat. N. Am. B. IR-W. No. ;OT.-
COUES. Key, 1872, l.ll ; Clipok List, 1873, No. 2I14 ; 2d od. 18S2, No. 3()1 ; B. N. W. 1874. 173.—
B. B. & It. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874,106, 109,pl.31. IIrs. 2, 3.— KiDciw. Nom. N. Am. B.
lS81.No. 237.

Hab. Eastern Onltod States and British Provinces, west to Miunosota, eastern Kan-
siis.und eastern Texas, resident south of 40°. (In Florida roplneed by /'. pri/lhrophllinhiitis
allriii, a smaller race, with white of wings and tail more restrli'ted. and eyes yellowish
or white instead of bright red.>

"Sp. C'HAn. Upper parts generally, head ami neek all rouml. and upper part of the
breast, glossy Mack, abruptly dellni'd against the pure white which extends to the anus,
but is biiniiili-d .'n the sides and under the wings by light clustiiui, which is sometimes

FRINGILLrD^ — THE FINCHES. 293

streaked externally with black. Feathers of throat white in the middle. CJnder tail-
coverts similar to sides, but paler. Edges of outer six primaries with white at the base
and on the 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 qnill longest, fifth scarcely 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-eolor. 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 fu-st ; 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 bro'wn."
{Hist. N. Am. B.)

Next to the splendid Cardinal, the Chewink is decidedly the finest
of our terrestrial Fringillidse, 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 sj)ecies within the State is very general,
thickets only being a condition of its presence. In the southern
poi-tion 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 tliis 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, — tliis hen-like
scratcliing, 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 wliir-r-r-r of its shoi"t, 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 IIIUDS OF ILLINOIS.

tlic Itnisli-pilos, the l)raiul)les, and the thicket, with n nervous,
sparrow-like moveineiit, its tail beint; often thrown up, after the
manner of the Chat or Wren. Frequently it calls out cluwink, or
toirhte, with a sharp and somewhat prolonRed 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 elTect, the words must be pronounced just so,— with just such
an emphasis and intonation." ("Our ]iirds in their Haunts," pp.
577, 578.)

Genus CARDINALIS Bonaparte.

Cardinalia Bonaparte. P. '/.. S. ls3i. U. Typi-. /.oxia <-ai-ilinali« Linn.

"Gen. CuAit. Bill enormously liiree; eulmou very Hlit;l>tly curved. commlRsure slnu-
iited: lower Jiiw broader thuii tile leiigtli of the Bonys.considenibly wider tliiiu the upper
Jiiw, nbout 119 deep as the latter. Tarsi loiiBer than middle toe: outer toe rather the
loDBer. rcaohlnB a little beyond the base of the middle one : hind toe not so long. WInKs
moderate. reachiuBOver the basal third of the exposed part of the tail. Four outer iiuill-..
graduated ; the first equal to the seeondaries. Tail lonK. 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.

"The essential characters of this genus are the crested head ;
very large and thick bill, extending far back on the forehead, and
only moderately cuiTed above ; tarsus longer than middle toe ; much
graduated wings, the first primary equal to the secondary quills;
tlie long tail exceeding the wings, broad and much graduateil at
the end." (Hist. X. Am. B.)

Only one species in eastern North America, and none in the
west, except along the southern border, where two geographical races,
C. cardhudis superbus, Kidgw., and C. igneus, Baird, occur in Arizona
and at Cape St. Lucas respectively. In eastern Mexico C. viniiuitt-
nu.H coccineits, Eidow., replaces C. cardiiiaU.>i proper and C. superbus,
the latter, however, being the only form in western Mexico. A second
species, ('. carneus, Less., belongs to the western coast of Central
America (Acapulco to Realejo), while a third, C. p)urniccus, Goi'ld,
is found in northern South America.

FEINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 295

Cardinalis cardinalis (Linn.)

CARDINAL.

Popular synonyms. Eedbird; Crested Eedbird; Top-knot Eedbird; Cardinal Grosbeak;

Cardinal Eedbird; Corn-craeker: Virginian Eedbird; Virginia Nightingale.
Loxia cardinalis Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 172; ed. 12, i, 1766,300.— WiLs. Am. Orn. ii,1810,

38,pl. 6,flgs. 1,2.
FringiUa cardinalis Hf. 1828.— Nutt. Man. i. 1832, 519.— Aud. Orn. Blog.ii, 1834,336. pi. 159.
Pitylus cardinalis AuD. Synop. 1839,131; B.Am, i [1,1841, 198, pi. 203.
Cardinalis virainianus Bp. List, 1838, 35,— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858,509; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,

No. 390.— CouES, Key, 1872,151; Cheek List, 1874, No. 203;2d ed. 1882, No. 299; B.N.

W. 1874, 172, -B, B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874. 100. pl.SO.flgs. 6,7.-EiDow. Nom. N.

Am. B. 1881. No. 242.

Hab. Eastern United States, chiefly south of 40°, but occasionally in New York, Con-
necticut, Massachusetts, etc.; west to Nebraska, Kansas, Indian Territory, and Texas.
Eesident wherever found.

Sp. Chak. 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 eulmen. Bill bright vermilion; iris brown;
feet horn-color. Adult female. Bill, eyes, and feet as in the male. Bed 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. Bill dusky. Plumage much as in the adult female, but browner.

Male. Total length, 8.75-9.25 inches; extent, 11.10-12.25; wing, 3.75-4.05; tail, 4.10-4.65;
eulmen, ,76; depth of bill at base, .58-65.

Female. Total length,8.25-8.45; extent, 11.25-11.50; wiug,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 wi'iter has at one time

296 BIRDS OF ILLrNOIB.

Been tliree males and two females near together, picking up com
which had lueu dropped ujion a railroad track from a passing
train. Except possibly in tiic extreme northern portion of the
State it is a i)ennanent I'esident, being apparently not affected in
the least by changes in the weather.

Genus HABIA Heichenbach.

Ilahia Keicb. Syst. Av. Juncl.lSM. i)l. Ixxvill. Type fhiiraca mrlanoeephala HwaiSk.
Iliillliiirli-s C'ABAN. MuH. Helii. LltCiMSii. Typi- l.nxiu hulnriiiana LiNN.
Ziiiiirloilin CouEs.Uiill. Nutt. Orn. Cliib.v,Ai>rll,18K0,»8. Sumo type.

"Oen. Char. Bill very liirKc.inucli Kwollcn: lower mumlible searcely deeper tliiin
tile upper; feel iiluiust ciieeotlinuistine: tarsi and tuen very short, the ehiws stroiieer anil
much iMirveil. tlioucli blunt. First four primaries longest, and nearly equal, abruptly
larger than the llfth. Tall broad, perfeetly siiuare. Colors: Blaek. white and red. or
bluek, eInnanioM. yellow, and white, on the male: the feomles brownish, streaked, with
the H.xillars and liniuB of the yellow," iHist. .V. Am. B.)

The only known species of tliis genus are North American and
may be distinguished as follows:

Common Characters, jl/a/ci. Headand uppcrparts(e.\oept rumpldeopblnek. Two
broad bands across coverts, a large patch on base of primaries. and termtnui half of inner
webs of tail-feathers, pure white. Breast I'armine or cinnamon: axillars and lining of
winK carmine or gambofre. females. Black replaced by ochraceous brown; other parts
more streaked.

H. ludovioiana. Rump and lower parts white; lining of wine, and patch on breast,
rosy .arniine. No nuehal collar. Fetnnle. Lining of wing safTron-yellnw: breast
with numerous streaks, J/ah. Ea3tern Province of North America, south. In
winter. to Ecuador.
H. melanooephala. Rump and lower parts cinnamon: lining of wing and middle of
abdonirn gjiniboge-yellow. A nuchal collar of cinnamon, ffinalr. Lining of
wing lemon-yellow: breast without streaks; abdomen tinged with lemou-yellow.

Habia ludoviciana (Limi.)

SOSE-BBEASTED OBOSBEAS.

Popular synonyms. Eosc-breasted Song Grosbeak; Red- breasted Grosbeak; Potato-
bug Bird.
Lnzia liiiloviriana LiNN. S. N. ed. 12. 1,171)6.300. — WiLs. .\ni. Drn. li. 1810. ia"i.pl. IT.flg. 2.
Frinoilla hiiloricin>in Bp.— NuTT. Man. i. 1832. 5;^.— AuD. Orn. Biog. ii. 1834. 166; v,1839.

513, pi, 127,
duiraca tmloeiciaua Sw. lS37.-BAtRD, B. N. Am. 1858.497: Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,No. 380.
(/uniapliea hitlovii'iatin •'BowDITCH" CouES, Key, 1872, 148: Check List, 1874, No. 193;

B.N.W. 1874,166.
CtH-i-oborii.^ Imlnrlriaiiii.^ At'D. Synop. 1839. 133; B. Am. Hi. IWl. 209. pi. 2«i;.
Ilrduuieles liidaviciainin Caban. KOI.— B. B. Jt R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii. 1874. 70, pi. 30, figs. 4,5.
Zaiiielodia Indoririana CouEs, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club. v,.\pril,18S0, 98: 2d Check List,
1882, No. 289.-RinQW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 244.
LoTia riiura WiLs. Am. Urn. ii.lSlo. i:tt.

FMNGILLrD.E — THE FINCHES. 297

Hab. Eastern temperate North America, breeding trom 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. Chak. 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. Best 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. 4.1.5.

"Female without the white of quills, tail, and nimp, and without any black or red.
Above yellowish brown streaked with darker; head with a central stripe above, and a
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 blaek 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 underparts varies a good deal in different speci-
mens, but it is always of the same rosy hue." [Hist. X. Am. B.)

As may be conjectured from its name, the Eose-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
poi-tions (perhaps more than the northern half), it is a summer
resident. The Eose-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 quaUties which commend it, highly
prized as a cage-bird. Says Dr. Brewer:*

"Dr. Hoy, of Eacine, supplies some interesting information in
regard to the habits and nesting of tliis species. On the loth of
June, within six miles of that city, he found seven nests, all witliiii
a space of not over five acres, and he was assured that each year
they resort to the same locahty 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. Thi'ee 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. ii, pp. 72,73.

•298 BIRDS or ILUNOIR.

Nor is the Hose-breasted Grosbeak purely au onmmeutal 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 know-n as the "Potato-bug Bird," from the fact that he
is particularly fond of that most disastrous pest of the farmer.

Genxjs GUIRACA Sw.intsoN.

Guiraen Swainbon, ZooI. Jour. 111. Nov. 1S27,3M. Type. I.oxia C(rrulea LiNN.

"Gen. Chak. Bill ver>- InrKf. nearly as hlith ns lonif: tlio eulmen ftllKhtly curved
with It rutlii-r Hluirp rldKe: the eonimlssure conspicuously nneuliiteil Jurtt below the nos-
tril, the poHterii.r lei: of the iinKle nearly as lone as the anterior, both nearly straight.
Lower jaw <leeper than the upper, and extendlnc much behind the forehead; the width
(rreator than the lencth of the (tonys, considerably wider than the upper Jaw. A promi-
nent knob In the root of the mouth. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe: the outer toe a
little loncer, reaehlnc not quite to the base of the middle claw; hind toe rather longer
than to this base. Wines long, reachlnc to the middle of the tall; the secondaries and
tertials nearly equal; the second quill longest; the Urst less than the fourth. Tall very
nearly even, shorter than the wings." (Biat. N. Am. B.)

Guiraca cserulea (Linn.)

BLUE OBOSBEAK.

loxia e(rnilen LiNS. S. N. ed. 10. i, 1758,175; ed. 12. i.l7(i6. a>6.-WlL9. Xm. Orn. ill. 1811. 7»,
pi. 24. fig. 6.
Ouiraca ca'nilea SWAINS. 1827.-Baikd,B. N. Am. 1858. 499; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 382.
— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. 11. 1874. 77. pi. 29. Ogs. 4.5.— RiDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881.
No. 246.-C0UEa, 2d Check List. 1882, No' 291.
Frhtgilla rwnilea "III." Light. Preis-Verz. 1823.22.— AUD. Synop. 1839.132.
(foniapliia caTiilea SCL. 1856.-COUE9, Key, 1872. 149; Cheek Ll.st, 1874. No. 195; B. N. W.

1874. 169.
Hab. Southern United States, from .\tluntic to Pnidllc (very local, and Irregularly dis-
tributed); north to Kansas, Illinois. Pennsylvania, and Connecticut (occasionally) or even
to Maine and Canada laccidentally).

"Sp. Cbab. Brilliant blue; darker across the middle of the back. Space around base
of bill and lores, with tail-feathers, black. Two bauds on the wing across the tips of the
midiile 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.
Wlng-eoverts and tertials broadly edged with brownish yellow. Sometimes a faint
trace of blue on the talL 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 sialls and S.
azurea.

FEINGILLID.E — 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
shi-ubs, briers and tall weeds lining a stream flowing across a
meadow or bordering a field, or the similar gro'sv'th which has sprung
up in an old clearing. 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 Eose-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 ha^ang 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 Vieillot.

Passerina Vieillot, Analyse. 1816, 30. Type, Tanagra cyanea Linn.
Cyanospiza Baird, B. N. Am. 1858, 500. Same Type.

"Gkn. Chae. Bill deep at the base, compressed; the upper outline considerably
curved; the commissure rather concave, with an obtuse, shallow lobe in the middle.
Gonys slightly curved. Feet moderate; tarsus about eaual 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 BUIOS OF ILLINUIS.

long mid iiointud, rvachlDS nearly to the nilddlu <j( tlie tall: the weeond iiud thtnl quIlU
lonueHt. Tiill ii|i|iriM'lal>ly shorter thiiii tli>' wiiii;'': rather narrow, very nearly even.

"The H|>eele!< of this eeuUH are all of very Nmall Hlze. and of Hhowy idtiniaei', uttually
blue. red. or ijreen. In well-deflned areaH. The fonialCH plain olivaoeou» or brownlHh:
l.aler iM'U-'iitli." iUinl. .V. .Ir... II.)

The four species of this yemis which have been known to occur
in the Eastern Province of the United States may be distinguislied
by the following characters :

A. Whit: Willi two liuht liandH.

1. F. amoena. .Vnli-: Head. neck, ami ii|i|"T pdrts verditir-liliie. duller on tin- liiek:
breast I'innainun-rurons. the other lower parirt white. Frinalf: Abitve t;niyi)*h
brown, the rump tintted with blue: beneath fulvous-white, tho breast more bulTy.

B. Wint; without tiuht bands.

i P. oyanea. .Vn/c- Uniform rieh (treeniah cobalt-blue, the head more ultramarine
or smalt blue. Fematr: Above dull brown: below brownish white, the breast
with indistinct darker streaks.

•t. P. versicolor, f'utling fitof of upper mauilifile rtru rnnrapf. and ciihnen luurh
arcliKl. Miilr: DIuish purple, the rump and forehead purplish blue, eyelids and
occiput dull red. Fetnalr: Above (jrayisli lirown. beneath brownish white.

■•• P. oiris. Male: Eyelids and lo\ver parts vi'rinilion-ri'd: rest of head purplish
lilue; back brieht yellowisli ureen: rump dull red. Female: Dull ernss-erccn
above, oliva HIS yellow lienejilli. (Yoiiiit: Miab- siniilar.l

Passerina cyanea (Linn.)

INDIGO BUNTING.
Popular synonyms. Indigo Bird: Green \iird: Uhio Linnet: Green Linnet.

Taitagra vt/anea Linn. 8. N. ed. 12. 1. 1766. 315.
Fringilla rvaiiea YTrLS. Am. Orn. 1. 1810. 100. pi. 0. flK. 5.— NuTT. Man. 1. 1S32. 473.— ACD.

Orn. BiOK. i. 1S32.377; v. ISS. r,«3. pi. 74.
Passerina cvaiiea VlEILL. Noni. Diet. xxv. 1817. 7; 2d Cheek List, 1882. No. 2»5.— KiDQW.

Nom. Ni Am. B. 1881. No. 248.
SpUa cyanea Bp. I8:)8.-AuD. Synop. 1839. 109; B. Am. 111.1841.96. pi. 170.
I 'l/aiiospiza ct/anea SMUT), B. N. Am. 18i8. 50.'.: Cat. N. Am. B. WiW. No. 387.— COUBS.

Key. 1872, 160; Cheek List. 1874. No. 199: B. N. W. 1874. 171. -B. B. * R. Hist. N. Am.

B. 11. 1874. 82. pi. 30. 11(19. 13. 17.

Had. Eastern United States, north to Maine and Canada, west to the ed>:c of llie
Great Plains: winters in Central America and Cuba.

"Sp. Char. Male. Blue, tinged with ultramarine on the head, throat, and miiidle of
breast: elsewhere with verdi(trls-Kreen. Lores and anterior anitle of chin velvet-black.
W'inn-feathers brown, edged externally with dull bluish brown. Female. Brown above:
whitish, obscurely streaked or blotched with l>rownish yellow, beneath: tinged ^vlth
blue on shoulders, edges of larger feathers, and on rump. Iininnlure males similar,
variously blotched with blue. Very young liirds stri'aked beneath. Length, about .'..75
inches; ^vlng nearly 3.00.

"In this species, which may be considered the tyi^e of the genus,
the tail is slightly cmnrginate ; the second quill is longest, the first
shorter than the fourth." (Hist. X. Am. Ji.)

FRINGILLID.E — 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 cenilean-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
sulti-y 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.

Emheyiza ciri.s Link. S.N. ed. 10, i. 1758.177; ed. 12, i, 1766, 313.
Fringilla ciris WiLS. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 68, pi. Zt, figs. 1,3.— AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 279;

V, 517, pi. 53.
Passeritia ciris Vieill. Gal. Ois. i, 1824. 81, pi. 66.— Ridgw. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, No.

251.— CouES, 2d Check List. 1882, No. 292.
Spiza ciris AuD. Synop. 1839,108; B. Am. iii, 1841, 93, pi. 169.

Cyanospiza ciris Baikd.B. N. Am. 1858.503: Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 384.— CouES. Key,
1872,. 149; Cheek List 1874, No. 196.— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. ii. 1874, 87. pi. 29,
flgs. 7,8.

Hab. Southern Atlantic and Gulf States, north to South Carolina and .southern
Illinois, west to Arizona; south in winter to Panama.

"Sp. Chab. 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 vermiUon-red. Edges of chin, loral region,
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 ot quills,
purplish blue. Length about 5.50 inches; wing, 2.70.

"Female. Clear dark green above; yellowish beneath. Young, like female.

"Tail very shghtly emarginated and rounded; second, third, and
fourth quills equal; fii-st rather shorter than the fifth.

"The female is readily distinguishable from that of P. cijanea 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 brilHant, can scarcely be
called beautiful, since there is an entire lack of harmony in his
tints. The name Painted Bunting is therefore pecuharly appropriate.

802 BIBD8 OF ILLINOIS.

the juxtaposition of noncomplimentary coloifs — 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 WTiter 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
locaUty 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
l)rown.

Genl-s SPIZA Boxap.\rte.

Spiza BoNAP. Jour. Phil. Ao. iv, pt. i. kug. 1S24.45.— Type. Kmheriin (Tuipricniin Gmel.

Kiispiia BoNAP. Sagcio. 1832. HI. Same type.

Juispiiia Caban. Muw. Hein. i. May. 1851. 133. Same type.

"Gen. Char. Bill large and strong. swollen, ami without any rldgos; the lower man-
dible nearly ay high as the upper: as broad at the base as the length of the gonys. and
<'onsiderably broadiT than the upper mandible; the edges mueh inllexed. and shnlting
mueh within the upper mandible; the eommlssure eonsiderably angulated at thi' bn«<'.
then deeidedly sinuatod. The tar»us barely equal to the middle toe; the lateral toes
nearly eauul. not rimehing to the base of the midille elaw;the hind toe about ecjual to the
middle one without its eluw. The wings long and aeute. reaching nearly to the middle
of the tail: the tertials deeidedly 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 emarginat.-:
the outer feathers scarcely shorter. Middle of back only striped; beneath without
streaks." (Hist. X. Am. It.)

This genus comes nearest to Calammspiza, 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 yKmhi'i-iin viflaiiiifeplinln RcoP.l has been refi'rredto Kii.titUrt,
evon by some of the Icailing Kuropean authorities: but it is not only generically distini't.
but a membir of quilc ii different group of I he Family.

FEINGILLID^ — THE FIUCHES. 303

SPECIES.

S. amerioana. Top and side of head light slate, or ash-gray; forehead tinged with
greenish yellow. A superciliary 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 and a pectoral crescent of black spots. No chestnut on
shoulders. Sab. Chester county, Pennsylvania.

Spiza americana (Linn.)

DICK CISSEL.

Popular synonyms. Black -throated Bunting; Little Field Lark ; Little Meadowlark.

Emberiza americana Gmel. S. N. i, 1788, 871.— Wils. Am. Oru.i, 1808, 411; 111,1811, 86, pi. 3.

flg. 2.— NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 461.— AuD. Orn. Biog. iv,1838, 579, pi. 384; Synop. 1839,101;

B. Am. iii, 1841, 58, pi. 156.
Euspiza americana Bp. 1838.— Baied, 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. & E. Hist.

N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 65, pi. 28,flgs. 11,12.
Spiza americana Ridgw. Nom. N. Am. B. No. 254.— CouBS,2d Check List, 1882, No. 287.

Hab. 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 fax south as Colombia,

"Sp. Chak. Male. Sides of the head, and sides and back of the neck ash; ci'own
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 ending in 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 locahty." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

While some other birds are equally numerous, there are few that
announce their presence as persistently as this species. AU day
long, in spring and summer, the males, sometimes to the number
of a dozen or more for each meadow of considerable extent, perch

304 iiinns of Illinois.

upon tlic suiniuits of tall weed-stnlks or fcnce-stnkcs, at siiort
intervals crying out: ".SVf, «cc, — l>irL-, Iiirk-C'iHgel, Cixxfl;" therefore
"Dick Cissel" is well known to every fanner's boy as well as to
all who visit the country during the season of cli)ver-l>loonis 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 hy his
yellow breast and black jugular spot, which recall strongly the
similar markings of the Stiiriielld, 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 1 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. IL, p. 68J, Dr. P. K. 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 blackben-y bushes,
one on a raspberry bush, and one on a wild rose."

ICTERID.E — THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 305

Family ICTERID^.— The American Orioles.

"Chae. Primaries nine. Tarsi seutellate anteriorly; plated beliind. Bill long,
generally eaual to the head or longer, straight, or gently curved, conical, without any
notch, the commissure bending downwards at an obtuse angle at the base. Gonys
generally more than hall the culmen, no bristles about the base of bill. Basal joint ot
the middle toe free on the inner side; united half-way on the outer. Tail rather long,
rounded. Legs short." (.Hist. N. Am. B.)

This family is oue 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 "subfamihes" 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 "Zcfennce" and "Agelaince." These artificial sections
are thus defined in History of North American Birds (Vol. II.,
page 147 :

Agelainae, Bill shorter than, or about equal to, the head; thick, conical, both mantli-
bles about equal in depth; the outlines all more or less straight, the bill not decurved at
tip. Tail rather short, nearly even or sUghtly rounded. Legs longer than the head,
adapted for walking; claws moderately curved.

loterinae. 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.

Quisoalinse, 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 Ac/elaince.

A. Bill shorter than the head. Feathers of head and nostrils as in B.

1. Doliohonyx, Tail feathers 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. Bill as long as the head. Feathers ot crown soft. Nostrils covered by a scale which
is directed more or less downwards.

^20

306 BIRDS or ILLINOIS.

.1. Agelaiai. Flr!<t quill Hhortor than tlio Hooonil ami lliinl. Outer lateral dawn

s.'np'>'ly nui'hlDR to tlip bnce of mldtllo; eluwg niodonite.
4. XanthooepbaltM. FirHt quIM loiiKost Outor lateral claw rcarhlDR uoarly to th<>
tl|i of tlir midilk>. TocH aud olaws all mu<.-h floucatod.
C. Bill ua \>n\it at^, or loneor than, the head. Foathcro of crown with the shaftK pro-
lonc'-d into HtifTened bristloB. NostrllM covered by a scale which stands out more or lesN
horizontally.

6. Sturnella. Tall feathers acute. Middle toe equal to the tarsus.

Sithfamily Ictcrina.

6. lotems. Bill slender, acute, sometlnifs Blightly decurved. about as lone n». or a
little shorter than, the head. Nostrils as in Agelaiug. Tali rounded orBniduuted
about us long as. or slightly longer than, the wing.*

Subfamily Qiiiscalinep.

7. Sooleoophagns. Tall shorter than the wings: nearly even. Bill shorter than the
lioad.

X. Qaitoalua. Taillongerthanthewlngs; muehgraduuted. Bill as long as. or longer
Than, tlie head.

The three so-called subfamilies represent, supeiiicially, three Old
World famihes ; viz. : The Aiielaina: may l)e said to correspond to
the Starlings {Sturnithe), and have been called the American Star-
lings; the Irtcriiue may likewise be compared with the Orioles
(()riolid<f'), and in fact currently, though very improperly, bear the
same name. For want of a more distinctive tenn, that of American
Orioles is perhaps defensible, the name "Hang-nests," while very
appropriate for the Icterbue, lacking sufficiently exclusive pertinence
to make it preferable. The Qtdscalhue 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, (Graculid(E) of Southern Asia.

Some of the Aficlahuf' (notably the genera DoUrhoin/.r an<l Moloth-
rits) present a very close resemblance to certain FriiifiiHiihr in their
general fonn, especially in the shortness and conical shape of the
bill. They may, however, be readily separated by tlie family char-
acters, as given on page 43.

All of the genera characterized in tlic above synopsis belong to
the Illinois fauna, no others occurring in North America.

• Decidedly siKirter than the wing in the subgenu.s Vplianlrf. to which th<' Baltimore
and Bullock's Orioles (/. galbrila and /. hiillocki) belong.

icteric^ — the alieeican orioles. 307

Genus DOLICHONYX Swainson.

Dolichonyj; Swaixson, Zool. Journ. Hi, 1827, 351. Type, Emheriza oryzivoi-a LiKN.

"Gen. Chae. Bill, short, stout, conical, little more than hall 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. Wings long; 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 tliis 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 kno^vn 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); Eeed Bird. Orto-
lan (Atlantic coast in Autumn); Eice Bird (South Carolina and Georgia); Butter
Bird (Jamaica).

.Em&eruaoj-yiii'Oi-aLiiiN. S. N. ed. 10,1,1758, 179; ed. 12, i, 1766, 311.— Wlls. Am. Orn. ii.

1810, 48. pi. 12, flgs. 1,2.
DoUchonyx,oryzivorus SwAis's Zool. Jour, iii, 1827,351.— AuD. Synop. 1839, 138; B. Am.
iv, 1842. 10. pi. 211.— Baibd, B. N. Am. 1858. 522; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 399.— CouEs.
Key, 1872. 154; Check List, 1874, No. 210; B. N. W. 1874, 178; 2d Check List, 1882, No.
312.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. ii,1874,149,pl, 32,flgs. 4.5.— ElDGW. Norn. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 257.
Icterus agripenriis Bonap. Obs. Wilson, 1824, No. 87.— Nutt. Man. i.l832,l&5.— AuD. Orn.
Biog. i, 1831, 283; v, 1839, 486, pi. 54.

Hab. Eastern North America.uorth to the Saskatchewan (lat. 60°), west to or even be-
yond the Eooky Mountains (Euby Valley, Nevada, and Salt Lake Valley, Utah, in Septem-
ber); in winter, south through Middle America, West Indies, and South America, to
Bolivia, Argentine Eepublie, and Paraguay; Galapagos.

"Sp. Chae. 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 tall-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 (luills. 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. X. Am. B. vol. ii, 149.)

308 BIRDS or FLLINOIS.

In Ilistori/ of Sorth American Birds (Vol. II., pp. 150, 151). Dr.
Brewer thus describes the habits and song of this species :

"In the earhest approaches of spring, in Louisiana, wlien snuiU
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
volubihty that even borders upon the burlesque and the luchcrous,
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 whoU- unite in producing an
extraordinary medley, to which no pen can do justice, but which is
described as very pleasant to hsten to. All at once the music ceases
wth a suddenness not less striking and extraordinai-y. 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 endeav-
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 rivakies are adjusted, the rejected suitors are di'iven off by their
more fortunate competitor, and the happy pair begin to put in order
a new home. It is in 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 Meight. 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

ICTEEID.E — THE AMEEICAN ORIOLES. 309

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
p. 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 di-ab, 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
diminish 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, it is 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 MOLOTHE.US Swainson.

Molothrus Swainson, F. Bor.-Am. ii. 1831. 277. Type. FringiUa pecoris Gm.. —OcioZus
ater Bodd.

"Gen. Chae. Bill short, stout, about two thirds the length of head; the commissure
straight, eulmen and gonys slightly curved. convex, the former broad, rounded, convex,
and running back on the head in a 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 eulmen 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 FringilUdce more than
most of the typical Icteridce. The biU is, however, different, the tip

310 Dinns of Illinois.

beinn without notch; the cuhnfii running back farther on the fore-
liead, tlie 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 feathws or bristles.
The pointed wings, with the first quill longest, or nearly equal to
second, and the tail witli its broad rounded feathers, shorter than
the wings, are additidiial IVatures to bi- s|)i'cial]y noted. ^^iKt. X.
Am. B.)

Molothrus ater (Bodd.)

COWBIRD.

Popular synonyms. Cow Blackbird: ('■.\v-i"ii Buutlnfc'; I.azy Binl iConneetiout); Clod-
hoppor.

Orioliis alir BoDD. Tabl. P. E. 17SI, .ST.

Moltitlmis ater Gray. 1S70.— RidRw. Noiu. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 258.— t'0UE8.2d Chei'k List.

No. SIS.
Frinoilla pecoris Ghel. S. N. i. 17SS.910 tlemale).
Kinheriza pecori.i WiLs. Aui. Orii.ii.l«l«.I45.iil. 18, I1k». I.2.S.
Icterus pecoris Bp. Isi4.— NUTT. Miui. 1. IXii. 178.— AUD. Orii. Biog. 1,1831,493: v, 18»9.2:«,

400. pis. 99, 42-1.
Molothrus peioris Sw. & Rich. F. B. .K. ii. 1831.277.— Aur>. Syiiop. Ist9. I:t9: B. Am. Iv.

1842. 16. pi. 212.-Bairi>. B.N. Am. 18,W. 524: Ciit. N. Am. B. 18.VJ. So. 4ihi.-Coueh.

Koy. 1872, IM: C'hc.'k List 1874, No, 211: B, N. W. 1874. 180.-B. B. & 11. Hist. X. Am.

B. Ii. 1874.154. pi. .12. n^s. 6,7.
Fringilla auihiQua Nt'TT. Man. i. 1832,484 (— young).

Hab. Tcmpcratr North .\mi'rii'a (pxcopt Pneilli' Coast?), north to about 68°; breeds
rhiedy north of iiS'', ^iMil winters mainly south of the same parallel, down to southern
border of the United States.

"Sp. Char. Seconil iiuill loncest: first scarcely shorter. Tail nearly even, or very
slightly rounded. Male with the head, neek, and anterior half of the breast light ehoeo-
lato brown, rather lighter above : rest of body lustrous blaek. with a violet-purple gloss
next to the brown. of steel-blue on the back, and of green elsewhere. Female light oliva-
eeous brown all over, lighter on the head and beneath. Bill and feet blaek. Length. 8
inches: wing, 4.42; tail. 3.40.

"The young loird of the year is brown above, brownish white be-
neath: the throat immaculate. A maxillary stripe and obscure
streaks tliickly 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 iu 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." {HiHt. .V.
Am. B.)

ICTEBID^E — THE AMEEICAN ORIOLES. 311

The Cowbird is a eommon 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 ahgbting 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 stealtliily through the woods, usually among the
undergrowth, and when a nest is discovered, patiently awaits from
a convenient hiding place the temporary absence of the parent, when
the nest is stealtliily 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
lus original proportions.

Genus XANTHOCEPHALUS Bonapaete.

Xanthocephahis Bonap. Conspectus, i, 1S50, 431. Type, Icterus icterocephalus BoNAP.

"Gen. Chak. 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 Agelaius in much longer and more curved
claws, and in having first or second quill longest, instead of the
longest being the second, third, or fourth.

812 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

There is even a greater discrepancy in size between the sexes, the
female beint,' scarcely more than half the bulk of the male. The
latter is Mack, with the head, neck, and jujjulum yellow.

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonap.)

YELLOW HEADED BLACKBIRD.

/r/crim xniilhnreiihnhig BP. Jour. I'liil. Af. v. ISK. 2i:.-ALD. liioR. v. 1S». 6. pi. »tS.
AgelaiiiH xanlhtii-i'iilialuti 8w. & Rich. F. B.-A. 11. 1831. 281.-AUD. Syiiop. 1839.^10; B.
Am. iv.1842.2-l.pl. 2i:i.
Agelaiug longilii-K Sw. I'lillo. Miic i, 1827, 436.
lelerus persiiicillalits Waol. IsIs. 1829. 758.

Icteniit irlerme;)halii!i hv. Am. Uru. 1. 1835.27. pl.3.— NuTT. Man. 1. 1832. 176; 2d eil. 1840. 187.

,V<iii//ior('y;/iii/ii.i iV/c)-ocpp/ia/i()i BaIRD. B. N. .\m. ISW.StUCat. S. Am. B. 18S9. No.

404.— CouEs. Key 1872.168; rhock List. 1874, No. 213: 2d ed. 1882. No. .'119; B. N. W.

1874. 18S.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. H. ii, 1874. 107. pi. :t2. tte. 9. pi. .13. IIb. '.i.-RiDOW.

Norn. N. Am. B. 18S1. No. 2i.O.

Hah. Wi'sli-rn North America, n.-ifularly to Wisconsin. Illinois, Kansas, etc..

(casually) to Miissachusotts. Pennsylvania. Florida and Cubn, north to the Saskntehe-

won. nud south into Mexico. Accidental in Greenland.

8p. Char. Adult male in aunimer. Head. neck, and jugulum yellow, varyini; from
a lemon to a rich orange shade— very rarely to a pinkish saffron hue; primary covert.s
and lower ({rcater wluK-coverts white; rest of plumace uniform dull black, the lower
portion of the tibitn and the feathers immediately surrouniliuB the anus yellow; lores,
eyelids and feathers borderinK the base of the bill, also black. Adiill male in icinler.
Similar, but top of the head and nape washed with dusky. Total length about lOH-114
inches; extent 17-18M ; wing S.&VS.SO; tail 4.50-4.85; culmen .90: tarsus l.;»; middle toe 1.05.
Adult female. Brownish dusky, the throat and Jugulum dull yellow, the middle of the
breast mi.xed with whitish. Total length about 9 inches; extent 14'k: wing 4.40-4.65; tali
4.50-4.70. Young tnale in first winter. Similar to the ad\i\t female, but larger and deeper
colored. 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 Eichlaud county, in marshy situation where
the Eed-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 locahties inhabited by this bird,
it is vei-y slightly kno-wn among fai-mers ; 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 shghtly

ICTEEID^ — THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 313

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 Vieillot.

Agelaius Vieillot, Analyse. 1816, 33. Type, Oriolas phosniceus Linn.

"Gen. Chab. 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, shorter than tarsus. Both mandibles of equal thickness
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
Detween the anterior tarsal scutellee 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 Eed-winged Blackbird (^-1 phceniceus).

Agelaius phoeniceus (Linn.)

KED-WINGED BLACKBIED.

Popular synonyms. Red- winged Starling or Blackbird; Red-and-buff- shouldered Black-
bird; Red- shouldered Blackbird; Swamp Blackbird.

Oriolus phceniceus Linn. S. N. ed. 12. i, 1766, 161.
Agelaius phceniceus Vieill. Analyse, 1816.— Aud. Synop. 1839,141: B. Am. iv, 1842. 31. 216.
— Baibd, B. N. Am. 1858, 526; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 401.— Coues, Key, 1872. 156;
Cheek List, 1874, No. 212; 2d ed. 1S82. No. 316; B. N. W. 1874, 186, (part).— B. B. & B.
Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 159, pi. 33. flgs. 1, 2,3.— Ridgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 261.
Icterus phoeniceus "Daud." Light. 1823.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 169. -AuD. Oru. Biog. i,
1831,348; v, 1839, 487, pi. 67.
Sturnus predatorius Wils. Am. Orn. iv, 1811,30, pi. 30, fig. 1.

Hab. Temperate North America, more rare on Pacific coast, where represented by
an allied species.^, ffitbeniafor 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. Chak. Adult male. Uniform deep black, the lesser wing-coverts brilliant scarlet,
the middle wing-coverts buff or ochraeeous. 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

314 BIRDS OF ILMNOIB.

white, broadly otroiikod with ilusky. the i-hln. und thrnnt. BometlmoA Bides of hend aliii>.
iiRiially' morp orli'sstliiBcdwIthbuff or pink. LosBcrwInjc-covortMsoniollmesdark brown
red. Total lenitth ifresh). 7.4.V8.3r.; extent. 12.li-lS.00. ■•firnl pliimagi-.U-maU: Above
diirk seiil-brown; every feather i«f tlie crown, nape ami Interiioapular region, with thi-
createrand mlcUlle winc-eoverts. prIniarleH. spi'ondarleH.and tertlarlep.edi:edand tipped
with brownish fulvous. Beneath Hiiht yellowlsh-brown. thickly and broiully Blreoked
ever>'where with dull black. Sides of throat und head. Including a eonsidenible space
around the eye, bare skin (of a brownish oraniie color In the dried speelmenl. with a few
scatterInK pin-feathers. iFroni a .specimen In my collei'tlon obtained at Cambrldi;e.
Mass.. June 24. 1OT2.) Males in llrst plumage, before rao, differ but little from the Indivi-
dual above described. .Ml have the bare spaces on the sides of the tlin .at. although these
are feathered before the first moult Is bcKtin. X male In transitional dress (culleeted at
Ipswich, Mass., July l.l.lKTti. with the head fully feathered, has the throat dull brownish
yellow, with a stronc tlnRc of the same color on the breast. The wInB and tail-feathers
are renewed during the first moult.

".•l«(i/»iMii/;)/Hnin(7e; young male. Crown dark brown, with a faint rusty edclng
upon each feather; nape brownish yellow, with a rusty tinge, finely spotted with a dark
brown; Interscapular region, ami a broad outer edging upun the secondaries and tertia-
rles,doep dull reddlsli-brown,each feather having a broad V-shaped mark of dull blai'k.
nump glossy black. every feather edged with fulvous ashy; shouhier dull red with black
spotting; middle coverts fulvou.s; greater covort,s tipped with the same color. Super-
ciliary stripe brownish yellow. .\ space anterior to and 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. (From a specimen In my collection taken at
Cambridge. Mass.. October 6,1776.1 This plumage (although not to my knowledge pre-
viously described by writersi Is the characteristic one of the young In autumn. I am uo-
able to state if the adult male retains his uniform black coloring at all seasons. .V re-
markable variation from the typical plumage is afforded by a fine adult male In my
cabinet, which has a broad ereseentic patch of pah' yellow tinged with rose-color upon
the breast. Nor is this specimen unbiue. tor I have seen several others with a similar
but less conspicuous mark. It probably represents an e.xceptionally high condition or
phase of ornamentation, like the commoner one of scarlet or yellow wing-markings, in
the Scarlet Tanagcr iPurnngn rubra). Very old females of .4. jiliivniceuK have the throat
a delicate peueh-color; illustrated by several specimens In my cabinet from Nantucket
and Ipswltch.Mass." (Brewster. Bull. yull. Oru. n»f«.Oct..lS78,p. 17.1.1

The common l^ed-winged Blackbird is one of our most alnmdant
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 sometmies winter, congregating in large flocks,
from w hich 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 having 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, wliile their lord and master

ICTERIC^ — THE AMERICAN ORIOLES.' 315

mounts guard upon some prominent perch near by, and cheers them
with his song. This song, while in a measure harsh, has yet a
pecuhar metaUic resonance which renders it not unpleasant ; and
when the songs of many individuals are blended the resulting chonis
is decidedly musical. The normal, or usual, song soimds hke 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 pecuhar 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 Eed-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) growng 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 in a small elm tree standing in
the middle of a moderately dry meadow, and placed at a height of
about fifteen feet from the ground.

Genus STURNELLA Vieillot.

StunieUa ViErLLOT. Analyse, 1816, 34. Type. Alauda magna Linn.

"Gen. Chab. Body thick, stout : legs large, toes reaching beyond the tail. Tailshort,
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, which is equal to
the tarsus. Hind claw nearly twice as long as the middle. Feathers of head stiflened
and bristly; the shafts of those above extended into a black seta, Tertials nearly equal
to the primaries. Feathers above all transversely banded. Beneath yellow, withablaok
pectoral crescent." {Hist. jV. Am. B.)

Two quite distinct though very similar species of Sturnella 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 chstricts of the Mississippi Valley,
especially west of the Mississippi Eiver.

316 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

These may be distinguished by the following characters :

1. 8. magna. Yollow ortliroiit (.-onflnvU strictly botween tbu maxllltu. Lateral utrlpos
of the iTDWii with blnck prcdomlniitiiiK': uppiT pnrts with nui.'h blaok.itiul with tho dark
l>nr« of th(- torlliilH iind iiilddlf lnll-friitlicr« UMUilly ooDiiei'tfd nIonK tho middle line of
the feiiiluTs. tliili. Eastern United Stales to the border of the dri-ut I'lalns.

2. 8. negleota. Yellow of the throat I'XtendlnB over the uuixilla' nearly orqulto to the
ancle of the mouth. Lateral erown strhieM streaked with blaek and cniyish In nearly
I'qual amount: upper parts with less blaek, the dark bars of the tertlals and middle toll-
feuthers not eonneeted. Hnh. Western United States and western Mexico, eoat to the
prairie districts of the Mississippi Valley.

It is sometimes rather difficult to distinguish specimens of these
two species ; but the most casual obsei-ver 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 BynonjrmB. Fieldlarki Old Firld Link.

Ahiiiila iniigiiK LiXN. S. N. ed. 10, i . 175S. 107.— WiLS. Am. Orn. lii. 1811.20. pi. I'.i.
Shiriii-lla maaiiii lUinD. B. N. Am. 1858. 535; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 406.— COUES. Key,
ISTJ. 1,17; •J<1 ed. 1884, 40fi: Cheek List, l«74,No. 214: 2d ed. 1882. No. 320; B. N. W. 1874.
190 ipnrtl.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. 11, 1874, 174, pi. 34, llg. 2.— Bii>o\v. Xoni. N.
Am. B. 1881. No. 26:1.
Sturnua liidork-ianuii LiNN. 8. N. ed. 12. 1. 1766, 290.— NuTT. Man. 1. 1832.147.— AuD. Orn.
Biog. 11, 18:14,216; v. 1839, 492. pl. 1.%.
Sturnella lujoeifiana Sw. 1831. -AuD. Synop. 1839. 148; B. Am. iv.l812,;o,pl. 2H.

Hab. Eastern United Statesand British Provinces (north to about 53° in the Interior),
west to the edge of the Great Plains: winters ehielly south of 38^. .Accidental in England.

"Sp. Char. Thefeathers above dark brown, margined with brownish white, and with
a terminal blotcli 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, crlssum. and tibiae pale reddish brown, streaked with blackish. Alight
median and superciliary stripe, the latter yellow anterior to the eye; a black line behind.
/■'i-niali' smaller and duller. VniDig with pei'toral crescent replaced by streaks: tin- yel-
low of under surface replaced more or less by ochraeeousor pnle fulvous. Length. lO.tio;
wing. 5.00; tall. 3.70; bill above, 1.36." [Hial. ^\ Am. S.)

Adult male. Wing, 4.50-5.00: tail. 3. 50-3. 85: culmcn. 1.20-1 .10; bill from nostril, .75-96;
tnr8U8.1.3fi-1.60; middle toe, 1.10-1. 30.

Adult female. Wing about 4.20, tall 3.00.

Four adult males from Mount Carmel measured, when fresh, as
follows: Total length, O-To-lO-^O ; extent, 15.00-15.75.

In a work whose acliiiowledged 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

ICTEKID^ — THE AMEEICAN OKIOLES. 317

as the common Meadowlark ; for perhaps the majority of those who
may read this book are as famihar 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 favorite 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 cant s&c me, — a very appropriate translation,
we tliink, 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
tliis 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 Avho have had the opportunity to compare
the songs of meadowlarks in the two regions. S. neglecta. itself
occurs more or less plentifully on the prairies of the northern, cen-
tral, and western portions of the State ; and as tliis 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.)

WESTEBN MEADOWLABE.

Popular synonym. Western Pieldlark.

Sturnella neglecta Aud. B. Am. vii, 1843, 339, pi. 487.— Baied, B. N. Am. 18S8, 537; Cat. N.

Am. B. 1859, No. 407.-Eidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 264.
Sturnella magna var. neglecta CouEs, Key, 1872, 187; Check List, 1874, No. 214a.—

B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. ii,1874,176,pl. 34,flg. 1.
Sturnella magna, b. neglecta CouEs.B. N. W. 1874, 190.
Sturnella magna neglecta CouES, 2d Cheek List, 1882, No. 322.

Hab. 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 OK ILLINOIS.

"8r. CnAii. FriilliiTH aliovo durk brown, miir((iii<'<l wltli lirowiiihli wliiti-. with a lor-
miiiiil MnU-li nf piiK', ri'ildixli lirowii. Exr'>s''<l linrllons of winic>' <>nil tall with tninK-
vprm- Imiulx. which, In th<" lultiT, lire fiimpli'ti-ly l«olnt«<l from ■'ii«'h nihiT, narrow ami
Ihii'ar. Bunvatli yi-llow, with a black pectoral crcHcont. The yellow of the throat cx-
Icndlni; on the kIcIch of the maxilla. Sliles, crlHHiim. and tibin" very pale reddlhh brown,
or nearly wbito. streaked with blai'klAli. Head with a licbt median and xupiTcillnry
Klripi>. the latter yellow In front of tlii' eye: a blackish line behind it. The trnn»ver»<!
iMirw on the feathers aliovc (Ichh so on the taili with a tendency to become confluent near
•he exterior niarcln. I,,enBth. 10 inches; wlnR.5.1!S: tall. 3.25: blll.I.2S.' i//i»(. .V. .4i<i. «.i

Ailiiltmnli'. WinK. 4.40-6.10: tail. :).»0-».,W: culnn'ii. 1.1k^I.4U: bill, from noHtril. .8I>-.90;
tarsus, l.;»-1.4.';: middle toe. 1.10-1.15.

Arliill/evitili: Wing, 4.S.V4.45: tall. :t.05-:t.in: bill, from nostril, .80-.85: tarsus, 1.2r.-I.3.^:
middle toe. l.avi.ln.

Ailiilt males shot Ky tlu' wiitiT in Nevada, lueasuretl, wlieii fri'sli,
as follows : Total length, 9.7r)-lU.-25 ; extent, 16.00-17.00 ; maxilla an.l
tip of niaiulilile, hlack ; basal two thirds of tiie mandihle, and pos-
terior t href fourths of the maxillary tomium, pure pale hhie; iris,
browii ; legs and feet unifonii, delicate, pale, ashy lilaceous.

According to Mr. E. W. Nelson {Bull. E.tsi:r I)i.tt. Vol. YIII., 1876,
J), iii), 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 Hiciiland county I
have, on a few occasions, heard its unmistakable song, but have never
been able to obtain a specimen.

Genvs icterus Brisson.

Icterus Briss. Oru. ii, liiW, W, Type (by elimination), Oriolus ictenix Link.
Pendnlinus ViEiLl.. Analyse, 181t>, 13. Type, Oriolus spurius LlNN.
yjjAaiifps ViElLL. Analyse, 1816, 33. Type, Oriolus baltimorelAVH. iCoracinsgalbula)
LmN.

"Gen. Cbab. Bill slender, elonitnted, as long as the head, geneniUy n little decurved,
,ind very lu'ute. Tarsi not longer than the middle toe, nor than the hi-nd: claws short,
much cur\'ed: outer lateral toe a little longer than the Inner, reaching a little beyond
base ot middle toe. Feet adapted for perching. Tail rounded or Kra<luated. Prevailing
colors yellow or orange, and black." (//i.«^ .A". Am. lij

The two species occurring within the field of this work belong to
two rather distinct suligenera, whicli may be defined as follows:

1. Yphsntes. Hill rather stout, conical. Ihe outlines very straiglit: tail slightly

rciundcd. much shorter tluui the wing.
1^ Pendulinns. Bill slender, deeurved ut the tip: mil graduated, about as long as the

wing.

ICTEKID^ — THE AMEEICAN ORIOLES. 319

The species (including a western one, which may reasonably be
expected to occur as a straggler) are characterized as follows :

A. Tail much shorter than the wing, nearly even; bill with with straight outlines.

Hales orange and hlack.the feinales much duller. (Subgenus Yphaiites.)

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 cad-
mium-orange, but varying from yellowish orange to intense reddisli orange.
AduM 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 to a rich reddish cad-
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, deeurved at the tip. Adult

male; chestnut and black. (Subgenus PendMimus.)

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 in second year.
Similar to adult /emoie, but throat black. Young, first plumage. Much like the
adult/emaJe.

Icterus galbula (Linn.)

BALTIMOBE OBIOLE.

Popular synonyms. Hanging Bird; Hang-nest; Golden Oriole; Golden Bobin; English
Bobin; Fire Bird; Pea Bird.

Coracias galbula Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758. 107.
Icterus galbula CouEs, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 1880,98; 2d Cheek List, 1882, No. 326; 2d
Key, 1884, 408.— Bidgw. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 271.
Oriolus haltimore Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1866, 162.— WiLS. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 33, pi, 1, flg. 3;
vi,88,pl, 53,flg. 4.
Icterus baZiiniocp Daud. 1800.— NuTX. Man. i, 1832. 152.— Aud. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 66; v,
1839, 278,pls. 12.423; Synop. 1839. 143; B. Am. iv, 1842, 37, pi. 217.— Baied, B. N. Am.
1858. 548; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 415.— Coues. Key, 1872, 158; Check List. 1874,
No, 216; B. N. W. 1874, 193.— B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 195, pi. 35, fig. 5.

Hab. Temperate eastern North America, west to the eastern base of the Booky
Mountains, breeding chiefly north of 35°. In winter, eastern Mexico and Central Amer-
ica to Colombia; Cuba.

Sp. Chab. 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 flue light blue, the
upper half of the maxilla black; iris brown; legs and feet plumbeous blue. Adult female.
Above olive, mixed with dull greenish orange, the crown more or lessmixed 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. Yoiing. 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 plumnge 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 iluUei' 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 ohve, with an orange
cast on the nnnp and tail, the latter being without any black ;
centres of dorsal feathers lilackish ; 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 poi-tion, during the third week in .\pril 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-
calist 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. Barely 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 tenninates, 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 fpuriun LiSN. S. N. ed. 12,i.l76fi,]62.
Icterus spvriu.1 Br. Ivj7.— Nutt. Mmi. i. 1832. 165.— Avn. Orii. BioK. i. ISviI. ill; v. lURi.
485.pl. 42: Synop. IKKI.114: B. Am. iv, 1842. 4G.pl. 219.-Bairi>. B. N. Am. ItWi. 547: Cut.
N.Am. B. 1850. No. 414.-CottEs.Kcy.1872.UKS: 2d od. 1t«4.4ii7: Clio./k List. 1873. N".2i:t:
2d nd. 1882.No. 324: B. X. W. 1874. 192.-H. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. il. 1874. IWi. pi. M.
Sign. 4.6,i;.— RiDfiw.Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. Ni>. 270.

• JIi!>t. y. Am. yy.,vol. ii.ii. 197.

ICTERIDjE — THE AJIEEICAN ORIOLES. 321

Oriolus mutatus Wels. Am. Orn. i, 1808. pi. 4, figs. 1-4.
Xanthornus affinis Lawr. Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1851,113.

Icterus spurius var. affinis Coues, Key. 1872, 158.

Icterus spurius b affinis Coues, B. N. W. 1874, 193.

Hab. Eastern United States, west to the edge of the Great Plains (occasionally to the
Boeky Mountains), north, rarely, to Canada, breeding as tar south as the Rio Grande. In
winter, south through eastern Mexico and Central America (both sides) to Colombia;
Cuba.

"Sp. Chak. Bill slendei', attenuated, considerably decurved; tail moderately gradu-
ated. Male, three years. Head and neck all round, wings, and interscapular region of
back, with tail-feathers, black. Best 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 invoh e the eye and all anterior to it to the base of the bill, somewhat as in /. cucul-
latus. Length of Pennsylvania male specimen, 7.25; wing, 3.25." (.Hist. 1^. Am. B.)

In the southern half, at least, of Illinois 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 anjrthing but confusion in the rapid and distinct enunciation
of his gushing notes. These may be too quick in their utterance
for the hstener to follow, but they are wonderful both for their
rapidity and their harmony. His performance consists of shrill and
hvely 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 Kobin.

"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. They 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-
—21

322 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

pended from small twigs, often at the very extremity of the branches.
In Pennsylvania they are usually formed externally of a peculiar
kind of long, tough, aud flexible grass. This material is woven
tluough and thi'ough in a very wonderful manner, aud 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 Swainsos.

Srolecophaou.i SwAINSOS, F. Bor.-.\ui. ii, lKtl.494. Type, Oriolut ferrugiui-uf Omei.iN.

"Gen. Chxb. Bill shorter than the head, rnther slender, the edcos Infloxed as In Quif-
ra/iis.whieh it otherwise greatly resembles; the eommihsure sinuatcd. 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 fonn is much like that of Agelaius. The bill, how-
ever, is moi'e attenuated, the culmen curved and shghtly simiated.
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 :

"8. ferrugineus. Bill slender; height at base not .4 the total length. Color of male
black, with faint purple reflection over whole body; wings, tail, and abdomen glossed
slightly with green, .\utumnal specimens with feathers l>roadly edged with eastaneous
rusty. Female brownish dusky-slate, without gloss; no trace of light superciliary stripe.

"8. oyanooephaltis. Bill stout; height at base nearly .5 the totjil length. Color black,
with green rellectidn over whole body. Head only glossed with purple. Autumnal speci-
mens, feathers edged very indistinctly with umber-brown. Feiitale dusky brown, with a
soft gloss; a decided light superciliary stripe." [Hist. .V. Am. Ji.)

Scolecopliagus carolinus (Miill.)

BUSTY BLACKBIRD.
Popular synonym. Rusty Grnokle.
Tardus carolinus MuLI.. Syst. Nat. Suppl. 1<7("., 146.

Srnlecophagus carolinus HlDOW. Troe. U. S.Nat. Mus. 1885,S,W.
(Jriolua ferrugiueus Gmel. S. N. 1,1788,393.
(Iracula ferruginea Wu.s. Am. Orn. ill. 1811, 41. pi. 21. fig. 3.
Qiiiscalus ferrugiueus nr.MfM.—UvTT. Man. i, 1832, 199.— .\t'D. Orn. Biog. 11.1834. :t2.'i:

V. 1839, 483, pi. 147; Synop. 1839, 14«; B. Am. iv, 65, pi. 222.
Scolecopliagus ferrugiueus 8w. & Rich. F. B.-A. ii, ISil, 28<).— IJaird. B. N. Am. 1858,
551 : Cat, N. Am. B. 1859, No. 417.-Coi'ES. Ki'y, 1872, 159; 2d ed. 1884. 411 : Chock List,
1874. No. 221; 2d ed. 1882. No. 331; B. N. W.1874, 198.-B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. 11,1874,
203, pi. 35, flg. 4.— RiDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 2r.t.

Had. Eastern and northern North America, breeding from Maine to Labrador and
.Maska, and wintering in the eastern United States, chiefly south of 38°,

ICTEEID^— THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 323

"Sp. Chak. Bill slender; shorter than the head; about equal to the hind toe; its
height not quite two fifths the total length. 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-eoverts, 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 Avi-iter has seen small
flocks in December and January in the bottom lauds 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 {Qiiiscalus ceneus)
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 wliich has become scattered
about during the feeding of the stock.

Scolecophagus cyanocephalus (Wagl.)

BKEWEK'S BLACKBIRD.
Popular synonyms. Violet-headed or Blue-headed Blackbird; Corral Bird.

Fsarocolius cynoceplialus Wagl. Isis, 1829, 758,
Scolecophagus cj/anocephalus Cab. 1851.— Baied. B. N. Am. 1858, 552; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859, No. 332.— CouES, Key, 1872, 160; 2d ed. 1884. 411; Check List, 1874, No. 222; 2d ed.
1882. No. 332; B, N. W. 199.— B. B. & E. Hist. N, Am. B. ii, 1874, 206, pi, 35, flg. 3.
-KiDGW. Nom. N.Am. B.1881,No. 274,
Quiscalus hreweri AuD. B. Am. vili. 1843, 345, pi. 492.
Hab. 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 Bed River of the North. Winters from 40°,
or perhaps further north, south into Mexico,

"Sp. Chak. Bill stout, quiscaline, 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 equal to 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 iS'. ferrugineus.

824 BIRDS OF ILLIXOIS.

"The females and immature males differ from the adult males
in much the same points as S.fcrrugineus except that the "rusty"
markings are less prominent and more grayish. The differences
generally between the two species are vei7 appreciable. Thus, in
S. ci/anocephalus, the bill, though of the same length, is much
higher and broader at the base, as well as more hnear in its upper
outhne ; the point, too, is less decur\'ed. The size is evei7 way
larger. The pui-plish gloss, which in fcrnigincus 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 piu-ple on some of the wing and tail
feathers." {Hist. S. 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 Vieillot.

(Jriincalus Vieillot, .Analyse, 1816,36. Type Oracula qniscala Liss.

MegaQuiscalus Cabs. Proc. Pliil. Ac. Sci. March. 1866, 4(>9. Type Quiscalus moj'orVlElLL.

Soloquiscaltis C.188. t. c. p. 404. Type Oracuta barita LiXN".

"Sp. Chab. Bill as long as the head, the culmen slightly curved, the gonys almost
BtraiBht; the edges of the bill inflected and rounded; the commissure quite strongly sin-
uated. Outlines of tarsal scutello" well defined on the sides; tail long, boat-slinped. or
capable of folding so that the two sides can olmost 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, Quiscaluji, in
which the females are much hke the males, although a little smaller
and perhaps with rather less lustre ; the other, MviidquiKCdlitx, much
larger, with tail more graduated, the females consideiably smaller,
and of a brown or rusty color. The Qii'mciili. are all from North
America or the West Indies (including Trinidad) ; the ^f(^^|llquill(■(lU
are Mexican and Gulf species entirely ; while a third group, the
Iloloquiscali, is West Indian." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

ICTEEID^ — THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 325

The genus Quiscalus in its most restricted sense, includes but
two species, one of them with two geogi'aphical races, all of which are
cpnfined to eastern North America. Certain authors profess to be
unable to distinguish the tln-ee 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. 133-135. 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 foim 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 comer 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, hy gradual transition, smaller, with a
larger bill, and somewhat different coloration. The Florida bird
constitutes a local race, for which the name Q. qidscula aglaus Baird
is available, the more northern bird being the true Q. quiscula
(LrNN.) Throughout the country between the Alleghenies and Eocky
Mountains, and northward to Hudson's Bay and Labrador, as well
as thi'oughout the greater part of New England and also the Middle
States west of the mountains, Q. qidscula is wholly replaced by
a bird of similar size and form but totally different coloration.
This is the Q. ceneus, mihi. I have usually ranked it as a race of
Q. qidscula; 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 fii'st
claimed for them. A fact equally significant of the correctness
of this view is that typical specimens of Q. (eneits have occasionally
been taken, as undoubted straggler's, within the region inhabited
by Q. quiscula, but at the same time no intermediate specimens
appear ever to have been found. In accordance, therefore, with
definite and consistent principles for my guidance in the apphca-
tion of the fact of intergradation as the test of conspecific relation
between closely related forms, I am compelled to recognize Q. ceneus
as a distinct species until intergradation with Q. qidscida shall have
been proven.

326 Binns of iLLrsois.

The fullowiuR comparative iliagiioses, wliich include also iioth
forms of the eastern species, show, briefly, tlie diflferential character
of Q. (cncHS and Q. qulxciila. It should be especially noted tiiat tjie
color of the head and neck is of no importance iihtilvnr as a diapios-
tic character, but that the coloration of the back and lower parts is
the decisive test.

I. Q. aeneui. Entire body, above and below, uniform and unraryini; broflsir oilve, or
olivin'fuug bronze. Wings eriulually ehndincc Into bronzy reddish purple, the
primaries and tnil more purplish violet. Head, neek, and JUKUlum rieh metnllie
brassy sreen. sti-el-blue. violet, or jiurple. nhrauf rei-j/ ahriiptli/ and nhariilu </<•-
fintfil agaiiint thf totatly difffi-i-nt rnJor of the hark and hrfant.
'2. Q. qoiioola. Plumage of the body varying from dark dull metallic slate-green to
violet or purple, ttpfer perfectlu uni/onii, and fi»nally hrokfn hy ti'an:if*-r!i** har%
"/ diffeffnl metallic /iiW.s— golden green. steel-Mue. bronze, or purple, according
to the individual. Tail and wings bluish or greenish.

a.Quifcnla. Head, neck and Jugulum varying from brassy green to steel-blue,
violet, or purplish bronze, the color (whatever it may bel rarely abruptly de-
flned posteriorly. Body usually with purplish predominating, Male. Wing
5.,'")0-5.90: tail 5.20-6.20; bill, from nostril, ,88-1.00. Hah. .\tlauUc coast, from
northern Florida to Massachusetts.
h. agUrns. Head. neck, and Jugulum usually purplish violet (more bluish an-
teriorly), and usually sharply deilncd posteriorly. Body usually dark metallic
bronze-green,

Male. Wing 6. 10-5.50; tnil .').05-5.f.O; bill, from nostril, .90-1.05. Hah. Southern
Florida.

Quiscalus quiscula seneus Ridgw.*

BBONZED ORACKLE.

Popular STnonyin. Western Crow Blackbird.

(Jiiiitcahi:) rir.iicotor AUD. B. Am. iv, 1842. 58, pi. 221 (description and account of habits
refers in part to Q. (jMisoii/n).— Baird. B. N. Am. 1858.555 (part; western specimens).
(Jniscalus itneirs RrDc.w, Proc. Phil. .\c. Sci. 1889. 1»1.
Quiacalvs purpureua vnr. (riici/.s B. B. & R. Hist. N. .Km. B. ii. 1874. 218.
(Juiecahis ]>urpureu» a^neus RtDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. Xo. 278').— CouES, 2d Check
List. 1882, No. 3W,

Hab, Interior of North America, from Mississippi Valley to the Bocky Mountains,
and north to the Saskatchewan. Hudson's Bay Territory, and Labrador, thence south to
Massachusetts, northern New York, etc.; merely casual or occasional cast of the AUe-
ghenies south of New York, being replaced along the Atlantic seaboard by Q. quitcula.

SuDSP, Chab. 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 individuall, always very abruptly deflned against the very
different color of the buck and breast.

Adult male. Total length (fresh), 13.00; extent, 17,75; wing (skins). 5,55-5,75; tail, 5,50-
6.20; bill, from nostril. ,S8-.90. Bill and feet deep black ; Iris yellowish white.

Adult feutale. Total length (fresh). 11.25-11.50; extent. 16.o0-lfi.50; wing (in skins). 5.00-
5.05; tnil. 4.8O-4.M0; bill, from nostril. .70-.75. Plumage much duller than in the mule, the
metallic colors less brilliant.

Young. Uniform grayish dusky, without metallic tints, Ii-is pale brown.

• "A, O. U, Cheek List;" Quiscalus teneus, according to the author's views.

ICTERID^ — THE AMERICAN ORIOLES. 327

This fine but unpopular bird is very common throughout the
State, and, hke the Blue Jay, is in many places one of the most
famihar of birds, nesting in the groves or shade trees mthin towns,
evincing 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 w'iU 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 sev-
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 smaU island, near Mount Cai-mel, 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 \\illow 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 wi-iter
having once seen, in the locality mentioned above, a Fox Squirrel
{Scmriis ludovicianus Ciistis) 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 m 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 beUeve 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. Ceiiain it is
that Q. (sneus builds its nests in exactly such situations as are sup-
posed to be usually chosen by Q. quiscula whenever no holes are

828 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

available for the purpose. From an almost equal familiaritj- with
the two birds, we are able to say that their notes diflfer decidedly,
especially those of the male during the breecUug season, the "song"
of the WLsturn bird being very much louder and more musical, or
metallic, than tlint of its eastern relative.

CORVID^ — THE CROWS AND JAYS. 329

Family CORVID^.~The Ceows and Jays.

"Char. Primaries ten; tlie first short, generally about half as long as the second (or
a little more) ; the outer four siuuated on the inner edge. The nasal fossiE and nostrils
usually more or less eoneealed 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 tilled up with small scales. Basal joint of middle toe united about eaually to the
lateral, generally for about half the length. Bill generally notched." {Hist. X. Am. B.)

The Corvidse constitutes a very strongly marked family or group
of the Oscines, the principal character being the separation of the
lateral and anterior scutellse of the tarsus by a narrow interval
which is devoid of smaller scales, the conspicuous nasal tufts (these
absent in a few genera) and the absence of an angle at the base of
the commissure, which is invariably present in the Icteridce and
Fringillidfe. 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 Paridce 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 scutellse 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 being longer
than the fourth." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

Two so-called sub-families of typical Corvidse 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-famihes, which may be defined as follows :

330 BniDS OF ILLINOIS.

CoryiiUB. Bill ua long as the hoad. Tntl short, nearly ovon; winex Ions ami pointed,
lonKcr than mil. and noarlj- reuohlne ItH tip: projeftlne beyond the under tall-covorts.
whU'h roach I ho middle of tull. Tip of wins formed by the third, fourth, and flfth quillB,
which arc loui{'-«t. Tarnl usually with a row of small Hcutolla" on eaoh side.

OBrruUnee. Hill usually shorlor thuu head. Tall leuKtlionod, rounded, and eener-
ally lonfc'or than the wIuks. which are short, rounded and extend scarcely beyond the
lower tail-coverts; those not reaohlne the middle of the tall. Tip of wing formed by the
fourth, fifth, and sixth quills, which are lonKost. Tarsi usually with a row of small
scutellic on the inner side only.

Subfamily CORVINE.— The Crowb.

CiiAB. Wines long and pointed, longer than the toll, and. when closed, renehing
nearly to Its tip. extending beyond the under tall-coverts, the third, fourth, and flfth
quills forming the tip of the wing.

The following diagnoses may sen'e to distinguish the tlu-ee genera
of North American Corvinte:

A. (Corvea). Bill compressed, much higher than brood: its tJp eomprcssod.
Size large (i. e. over 13 Inches longi, color black, or mainly black.

Color black throughout: bill much eomprcssod. the culmen mui'h
arched, and the gonys convex: nasal bristles strong - - - Corvua.

B. iXuri/ragerr.) BUI 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 tall.

Color ashy, with wings and tall mainly black. Culmon convex.gonys
slightly concave. Nostrils covered by shorl uusal tuft - - Pioioorru*.

Color uniform blue. bright on the head; the throat streaked with
whitish. Culmon straight ; gonys slightly convex. Nostrils completely
exposed; no nasal tufts -...-.- Oymnokitta.

Only the fii-st of the above genera has representatives in eastern
North America, the other two being distinctly western.

Genus CORVUS Linn^us.

Corvus LmNSUB, Syst, Nat ed. 10, 1. 1758. 105. Type. Corvus corax Linn.

"Gen. Chab. The nasal feathers lengthened, reaching to or beyond the middle of the
bill. Nostrils large. circular, overhung bchiitd by nn'mbrano. the edges rounded else-
where. Rictus without bristles. Bill nearly ns long as the tarsus, very' stout: much
higher than broad at the base : culmen much arched. Wings reaching nearly or quite to
the tip of the tall, the outer tour primaries sinuated internally. Tarsi longer than the
middle toe. with a series of small scales on the middle of each side separating the an-
terior scutellato portion from the posterior continuous plates. Sides of the head occa-
sionally with nearly naked patches. Tail graduated or rounded." (Uist. S. Atn. li.)

The following species occur in eastern North America :

A. Feathers of the throat elongated, narrow, and with very distinct outlines. ^Ra\•en»^
I. C, ooraz sinuatUB. Feathers of the nock and breast dull gray beneath the surface.

Wing UKin' than 16 inches, tail 9.60 or more.
'.:. C. oryptoleuous. Feathers of the neck and breast pure white beneath the surface.

Wint; loss than 1.") inches; tail loss than 9.

COEVID^ — THE CEOWS AND JAYS. 331

B. Feathers of the throat normal; i. e., short, broad, and blended. (Crotrs.)

3. C. amerioanus. Plumage glossed with purplish violet, but this hardly perceptible
on head and iieek. Wing 12 inches or more ; tail 7 or more; culmen 1.80 or more;
tarsus 2 or more.

4. C. ossifragns. 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.

Corvus corax sinatus (Wagl.)

AMEKICAN RAVEN.

Corvus carnirorus "Bakte." B.urd, B. N. Am. 1858. 560; ed. 1860. pi. 21; Cat. N. Am. B.
1859. No. 423.
Corvus corax var. carivivorus B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. ii. 1874. 285, 234, pi. 37. flg. 6.
Corvus corax carnivorus ErDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 280.

Corvus corax SViLS. Am. Orn. ix. 1825, 136, pi. 75. flg. 3.-NUTT. Man. i, 1832. 202.— AUD.
Orn.Biog. ii.1834.476.pl. 101; Synop.1839, 150; B. Am.iv,1843. 78, pl.224.— CouES, 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 Wagl. Isis. 1831. 527.— Baikd, B.N.Am. 1858,563; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859.

Nos. 423. 424.

Sp. Chab. 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 ■Eaven is a very local and nowhere abundant bird in Illinois.
The 'wi-iter 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 poi-tion 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 CEOW.

Popular synonyms. American Crow ; Tom Crow (Nevada).
Corvus corone WiLS. Am. Orn. iv. 1814. 79. pi. 25, flg. 3 (aec LiNN.)— Sw. & EiCH. F. B.-

A. ii. 1831, 291.-NUTT. Man. i, 1832, 209.
Corvus americanus A.VD. Orn. Biog. ii. 1834.817; v, 1839. 477.pl. 156; Synop. 1859. 156; B.

Am. iv. 1842, 87, pi. 225.— Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i. 1840, 221.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858.566; Cat.

N. Am. B. 1859. No. 426.— CouES. Key, 1872, 162; Check List, 1873, No, 228; B. N. W.

1874, 206, -B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. 11,1874,233,234, pi. 37, flg. 5.

332 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Comm/nioiromif •Babtb." Coubb. Pr. PUIL Acad. 1875. 3t6; M Check Lt»t. lOO. No.
SlO.-KiDOW. Nom. Am. B. lt«l, No. 282.

Had. Wlinlv of tfniinTiilu Nurth Anifrlcn, oxcept uortliwcHt coast: south to nortbcni
Mexico. Bare In the Interior western districts.

8p. Char. Tall sIlKhtly rounded. Feathers of throat short, blended, those of neck,
etc., du.iky Kriiyl-'h at bases. Adult. Deep bluek. with violet kIoss, the latter fainter on
lower parts, lllll and feet deep black; Iris brown, \tiuiig. Dull. lusterless bluek. Total
lenKth (freshlspeelmcns). 18.50-19.50; extent. '.t7.0()-38.50; wing (In skins), about 13.00-13.50;
tall. 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 ofjthe 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. Niitt. Orn. Club, Vol. Ill, 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 jirobable
that he is a much more useful member of bird society than he is
given credit for.

Subfamily GARRULIN^.— The Javs.

"Char. WlnRS short, rounded: not longer or much shorter than the tail, whieh is
graduated, sometimes excessively so. Wings reaching not much beyond the lower l«il-
oovert8. Bristly feathers at base of bill variable. Bill nearly as long as the head, or
shorter. Tjirsi longer than the bill or than the middle toe. Outer lateral claws rather
shorter than the inner. {Hi.il. .V. Am. 11.)

The following genera belong to North America, there being two others iPtilorhinua
and .Xaiilhoitra) whii-U barely come within our borders across the lower Rio Oraudo.

A. Tail very long and much graduated; first primary very narrow, falcate.
Pica, Head without crest; wings and tail metallic green and bluish.

B. Tail about as long as the wings, rounded; first primary not falcate.
II. Head conspicuously crested.

Cyanooitta, Wings and tail blue, barred with black.
b. Head without crest.

Apheloooma. .\bove blue, the back (in North American species) more or less gray-

CORVID^ — CROWS AND JAYS. 333

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 Beisson, Ornithologia, 1760, ii, 35. Type, Corvus pica Linn.

"Gen. 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 falcate,
curved, and attenuated. Bill about as high as broad at the base, the culmen and gonys
much curved, 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 fii'st primary.
Calocitta, which has an equally long or longer tail, has the fu-st
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 subspeciiic distinctness of the
American bird, and the differences from the European (typical) form
are indeed shght 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 UAGFIE.

Popular synonym. American Magpie.

Corvus pica WiLS. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 75, pi. 35, fig. 2 Inec Linn.)— Sw. & Rich. F. B.-A. ii,

1831, 292.— NUTT. Man. i, 1832. 219.— AUD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 408, pi. 357.
Corvus hudsonicus Sabine, App. Franklin's Voy. 1823, 25, 671.
Pica hudsonica Bp. 1838.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 576; Cat. N. Am. B. IS-W, No. 432.
Pica melanoleuca \a,r. hudsonica Coves. Key, lg72,16i; Check List, 1873, No. 233; B.

N. W. 1874, 211.
Pica caudata var. hudsonica Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. iii, 1872, 178.— B. B. & R.

Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1871, 265, 266, pi. 38. fig. 1.
Pica rustica /j hudsonicaBiDGW. Field <& Forest, June, 1877, 218.
Pica rustica hudsonica Ridgw. Nopi. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 286.— CouES, 2d Check List,
1882, No. 347.
Pica melanoleuca AUD. Synop. 1839, 157; B. Am. iv, 1842, 99, pi. 227.

334 BIBDS OF ILUSOIS.

Sp. CnAn. Dill iiml nnkcd suborbital skin bliirk. Hi'iul. neck, brcoHt, iuUTiu-upulars,
lliilne of Willi:, tiiil-eoverts, and tibin.', di'op MHck, (he pilnum umiuliy icIoHKcd with
bronzo-sri'fiilsh. Lower parts (except lis deecrlliedi. seiipulars. and inii'-r webs of pri-
maries, pure white. Wines metallii' Krecnish bine: tail rieh nietallie cfen. pussinc.
near tips, through bronze and reddish violet into violet-bluo. Total leiiKlli (fresh speei-
inensl, 17.50-21.75: extent. 2I.2,V 35.00; wine (in skins). 8.00-8,80; tall, 12.00-13.40, Foet deep
l>laek: Iris brown, with bluish eniy outer rluB.

The occurrence of the Black-billed Magijie at present an3rvvhere in
Illinois is extremely doubtful. There is no recent record of its havinp
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 vei-y bulky and somewhat remarkalile
structure, composed exteriorly of sticks of various sizes, fonning a
spherical mass, the upper portion of which fonns 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,biown.

Genus CYANOCITTA Strickland.

Ci/anocilla Stkickl. Ann. Nat. Hi.Ht. .w. IMJ. ^til. Type. Corrus crialaliig LiSN.
t'l/niiHruii "SwAiN-sox," Haibd, B. N, Am, 1858.— B, B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. II, 1871, 3M.

271, ot AucT. ((IPC Swains.)

"Gen. Char. Head crested. Wings and tail blue, with transverse black bars; head
Und liaek of same color. Bill rather slender, somewhat broader than liieli at tlie base;
eulnien about equal to the head. Nostrils large, nearly circular, coiii'caled by brlslh'S.
Tail about as Iouk as the wiuRs. lenKthened, graduated. Hind claw large, longer than
its digit." Uli»l. ^'. Am. li.)

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 AVestern
Province, and south through ^lexico to Guatemala and Honduras.
The latter is divided into several geographical races, as follows :

(1) C. coroiKita (rcrd), Honduras, Guatemala, and southern Mexico ;

(2) C. coroiKita (tiddcmatti, central Mexico ; (3) C. coroiKitit m<icrol<>phii,
Kocky Mountains of the United States; (4) C. coronata atnicctens,
northern Kocky Mountains; (5) C. coronata xtiUeri, northwest
coast, from the northern Coast Range of California to Sitka ;
(6) C. coronata frontalix, Sierra Nevada range. These races are
very distinct when tyi)ical examples are compared ; so much so,
in fact, that were not true intergradatiou evident tliey would be
considered separate species. They are all cliaracterized in "History

COE%TD^ — THE CKOWS AND JAYS. 335

of North American Birds," Vol. II. page 272, to which the reader is
referred for furthur information.

Cyanocitta cristata (Lirm.)

BLUE JAY.

Corvus cristatus Linn. S. N. ed. 10,1,1758,106; ed. 12.1.1766,157.— Wixs. Am. Orn. 1, 1808,11,

pi. l,fig. 1.— NuTT. Man. 1, 1832, 224.— AUD. Orn. Biog. 11,1834,11, v, 1839, 475, pi. 102.
Garrulus cristatus Tieii-l. 1817.— Sw. &riiCH.F. B.-A. 11,1831,293.— Aud. B. Am. iv.l842.

110, pi. 231.
Cyanurus cristatus Baied.B. N. Am. 1858, 580; Cat. N.Am. B. 1859. No. 4Sl.—CouES,Key.

1872.165; Cheek List, 1874, No. 234; B. N. W. 1874, 204.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. il,

271,373,pl. 42,flg. 2.
Cyanocitta cristatus Stkickl. Am. Nat. Hist. 1845, 261.— Eidg-(y. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,

No. 289.— CouES, 2d Cbeck List, 1882, No. 349.

Hab. Whole of eastern. North America, north to 56° In the Interior, west to the border
of the Great Plains; resident and breeding throughout.

"Sp. Chak. Crest about one third longer than the bill. Tall much graduated. Gen-
eral color above Ughtpm-plishblue; wings and tail-feathers ultramarine blue; the second-
aries and tertials, the greater wing-coverts, and the exposed surface of the tall, sharply
blended with black and broadly tipped with white, except on the central tall-feathers.
Beneath white; tinged with purplish blue on the throat, and with bluish brown on the
sides. A black crescent on the fore part of the breast, the horns passing forward and
connecting with a half-color on the 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; tall, 5.75." {Hist. ]f. 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 Ohiey, Eichland 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 siU against the weatherboarding, in the upper part
of the building.

336 BIRDS OF 1UJK0I8.

Family ALAUDID^.— The Larks.

"Cbab. First priiiiiiry very short orwnntinB. Tursl si-utelhito iintoriorly udO pos-
teriorly, witii the platfs nmirly of eorrcspondina position and numl)er. Hinil elaw very
long and nearly straiitht. Bill short. couieal. frontal feathers extending alonK side of the
bill: the nostrils eoiicealed l>y a tuft of bristly feathers direetod forward. TurtlalsBreatly
eloneiite beyond the secondaries." [llinl. .V. Am. B.)

The AlaudiclsB are preemineutly a Paltearctic family, being numer-
ously represented throughout Europe and central Asia, and with many
membei-s in the more open portion of the African continent. Amer-
ica possesses a single species, and that of circumpolar disti'ibution.

"The most characteristic feature of the Lai'ks 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 styli-
of coloration, mode of life, and manner of nesting, there is decided
approximation in the Alaiuiid(e to the AnthitKe, of the family Mo-
tacill'uhr; but in these the posterior edge of the tarsus is sharp and
imdivided transversely, the toes more deeply cleft, the bill more
slender, etc. — their relations being rather nearer to the Si/lricolidie
than the present family." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

Genus OTOCORIS Bonaparte.

Kremophiln BoiE. Isis. ISB. \i£i. Type, .Wniirfa n/pcsfns Linn. (Xec Eremophilng

HuJLB. 1805.)
Otoeoris BoNAr. Fauna Hal. Ueoclli. Iiitrod. 1S», (not pagodl.

Gen. Chab. No spurious primary: bill small, seareidy higher than broad; nostrils
circular (the nasal fossa' oldiquei. concealed by a dense tuft of fi-athers. Adult with a
narrow tuft of feathers on each side of the erown (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 fvmulo).

ALAUDIDjE — THE LAEKS. 337

Tliis being the only American genus of Larks, there is no need
in the present connection, for comparison with alUed genera. There
is only one American species, so far as kno'ft'n. 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, wliich have been distinguished by Mr. H. W. Henshaw
("Auk," I. p. 268) 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., rleep vinaeeous. Habitat, northeastern North
America, Labrador, Greenland.

"0. alpestris pratioola. Size smaller; wing, 4.17; tail, 2.93; tarsus, .83; bill. .46. (Average
of 19 males.) Nape, lesser wing-coverts, rump, etc., pale vinaeeous; back dead gray, in
contrast; whole aspect generally paler than in true aiiiesfris. Habitat, Upper Mississippi
Valley and region of Great Lakes.

"0. alpestris leuoolsema, 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, etc.,
very pale vinaeeous; back gray, in contrast. Throat white or with but taint 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 /eMcoZfejiio; wing, 4.27; tail, 3.35; tarsus, .84;
bill, .48. (Average of 16 males.) The colors similar to the 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 Booky 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 indistinct; yellow of throat
bright; breast usually pale yellow. Habitat eastern and southeastern Texas.

"0. alpestris ohrysolaema. Wing 3.98; tail,2.91; tarsus,.83; bill,.46. (Average of 4 males.)
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. alpestris rubea. 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 ruhea or clirysoloema;
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 LABK.

Popular sjnonTnu. 8no\v Lark; Snowblnl: Prairie Lark: Skylark; American Skylark ;
Horned Lark.

Alauda o/pe»/ri« LlJJN. 8. N. ed. 10, 1, 1758. 16«.
Otocoris alpeslriit Bp. Fauna Ital. Uec. Introd. 1838 (not paged).— Henbbaw. Auk,

July, 1884,217,263.
Eremophila alpeatrin Bora, Isis. 1828.322.— CouES, Key, lff72,89: Check Li«t.l874,No. St;

2d Chock List. 1882, No. 82; 2d Key, 1884. 281 ( port ».— Kid ow. Nora. N. Am. B. 1881,

No. 300 (part).
Eremophila alpenlrin var. alpeslrin B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. 11, 18T4, 143.
Eremophila alpestris a. alpestris Coueb. B. N. W. 1874, 37.
.Haiirfn roiiiH/a WiLS. Am. Orn. i.1808,87 (in text).— Sw. & Rich. F. B. -A. 11,1831,121.
.Prpniop/ii/n comuM BoiE, Isis, 1828, 322.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 18S8, 403; Cat. N. Am. B.

1859. No. 302.

This larger, darker colored foiTa of the Shore Lark is an irregu-
lar winter visitant, sometimes, however, occurring in large Hocks.
Its habits are identical with those of the resident race.

Otocoris alpestris praticola (Hensh.)

PRAIRIE LARK.
Popular synonTnu. (Same as those of alpestris proper.)

Eremophila alpestris AucT.. ox-pnrto (iicr BoiE).

Otocoris alpestris praticola Henshaw, .\uk. i. No. 3, July, 1884,364.

Hab. Mi.ssissippi Volley and region of the Great Lakes, breeding, ond resident, cast
to western Now York.

Sunsp. Chab. Adult male in sprino (No. 907G3. U. 8. Nat. Mus.. Richland Co., 111..
May 16, 1883; R. Biderway): Posterior portion of crown, occiput, nape, sides of neck oml
breast, lessor winK-covorts.and shorter upper tail-oovorts,linht vinaceous; buck, scapu-
lars,and rump, grayish brown, the feothers with liarkcr centres, boconilnK darker and
much UKiro distinct on the rump; middle wiuK-covorts light vinai-oons torniiniilly,
brownish gray basally. Wings (except as described) grayish brown, the fi'athers with
paler edges; outer primary with outer wob chielly white. Middle pair of tail-fentln'rs
light brown (paler on edgesl.the central portion (longitudinally) much darker, approach-
ing dusky; remaining tail-feathers uniform black, the outi'r pair with ixtorior wob
broadly edged with white. Longer upper tail-covcrt.s light brown, edgeil with whitish
and marked with a broad lanceolate stri'ak of dusky. Forehead (for about .1.1 of an inch)
yellowish white, this continued back in a brojid supendliary stripe of nearly pure
white; fore part of crown (for about .35 of an inch) deep black, continued lati'rally 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 jiart of throat: chin and throat i>alc straw-yellow, gradually failing into
white on sides ol foreneck ; anterior half of ear-coverts white, posterior half drab-gray,
each portion forming a crescent-shaped patch. Lower parts posterior to the jugular
crescent imre 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; legsimdfcct brownish black. Wing, 4. 30; tail, 2. 85; culmen.
.47; tarsus,. 85.

ALAUDIDiE- THE LARKS. 339

Adult male in winter (No. 95583, Gainesville, Texas, Feb. 12, 1884; G. H. Eagsdale):
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 inlspring (No. 90760, Biehland Co., 111., May 25, 1884; R, Ridgway): Above
grayish brown, the pileum narrowly and distinctly, the dorsal region broadly and less
sharply, 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; aurieulars drab, the anterior half lighter; chin and throat white, the former
faintly tinged with yellowish; jugiilum 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, 111.. Dec. 20, 1874; S. 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 aurieulars, the latter with
an indistinctly lighter central spot; chin and throat dull bufly white, with a tinge of
straw-yellow, changing to clearer buffy white on sides of foreneek; jugulum with an in-
distinct blackish patch, the feathers broadly bordered with dull whitish. Whole breast
and sides light isabella-color, indi.stinctly sti-eaked 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., 111.; 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. Lessor and middle wing-eoverts 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; tall, 2.80; tarsus. .78; bill, .45 (smallest of 16 females).

"The fii'st 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 Micliigan are
paler than any of the others, and suggest an approach to the leu-
colcema type.

"In connection with tliis race, it is of interest to note that it ap-
pears to be gradually extending its range and to be encroaching on
a territory wliich by reason of recent deforestation has been made
to approach the conditions tins 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 wth alpestris and
on the other with leitcoUeina, according as the respective regions in-
habited by these fonns 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." (Hexshaw, 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 nil 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.

TTBANNID^ — THE TTEANT FLYCATCHERS. 341

Family TYEANNIDJE.— The Tyeant Flycatchers.

Chakactees. "Primaries ten. Bill in typical forms broad, triangular, much de-
pressed, abruptly decurved and notched at tip, with long bristles along gape. Tarsi with
scutelliR 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 notched. 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
of 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 a row of small scales.
Sometimes a second series of rather large plates is seen on the 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 Tyrannida from their allies ; the essential fea-
tures consisting in the peculiarity of the scales of the tarsus and
the ten primaries. In the SylricoUdce there are species as truly
"fiycatehing," 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, instead 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.

TYEANNI. Size large; colors generally brilliant; crown with a brighter colored
crest, usually concealed; outer primaries abruptly contracted or attenuated near the tip ;
upper scales 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 K<>m>rally HiniiU; rulors iinunlly plain: crown witliont any oolorort
oroRl cnnooiilnil tiy thi- tlpn of tin- fi-iilliiTH: prlninrli's iiormnl: «<•«!<>» of tlii- upper part of
tlio birxiix UKimlly ('ontinuinie only to tlif middle of the uiiHir fuce.unJ a woond Bi'rles
opposlto to tlii-ni lii'hlnd.

1. Tall li'iiKtlii'nod: about oqiial to thi> wlnefl.whirh reach ficarecly to the middle.
HyiarohoR. Tnrsu« equal to the middle toe. which Is decidedly longer than the
hiiidvr line. Tail even or rounded. Throat pale a-fh. rest of lower part?* yellow
(.'enerally. the primaries edued with rufous, ami Inner webs of tail-feathers with
more or less of thu same color. Nest in a cavity of a tree, of loose material:
eKes whitish, with Intrii'ate tangled lines and streaks of dark brown, the geo-
I'ral ctTect salmon-color.

Sayornis. Tarsus rather Uincer than the middle too, which Is scarcely longer
llian llic hind too. Tall sliuhtly forked. Bill very narrow. No light orbital
ring, nor distinct bands onwlnga: both mandibles blaek. Nest attni-hed to
rocks or parts of buildings, very compact and bulky, containing much mud In
its composition: eggs pure white, immaoulate. or with very minute sparse
dots near larger end.

2. Tail decidedly shorter than the wings, which roach beyond Its middle. Tarsus
shorter than the middle toe,

Contopus. Hind toe much longer than the lateral. Tall considerably forked,
Wiiiu'S long, pointed; much longer than the tail, reaching beyond the middle of
the latter: llrst quill about cfiual to the fourth. Bill broad. Color olive-gray,
and white, somclinics with a yellowish tinge beneath. Lower mandible palo
colored. Nest .saucer- shaped. I'ompact, and very small, saddled very seourely
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 the lateral. Tall nearly even, some-
times slightly rounded, but llttlu shorter than the wings: first primary much
shorter than tlie fourth.

Empidonax. Head moderately crested : tall about even. Bristles of bill reach-
ing about half way to tip. Legs stout. K 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 ll.xed to slender
twigs nr lodged in a crotch between thick branches; eggs white, immaculate,
or with blotches of brown round larger end.

Genus TYRANNUS Cl\7er.

Turanniis CuviEB, Lemons Anat. Comp. 1799.abl. ii. Type, /yniiiH.f tt/rannus.Lvss.

Oen. Cbab. Tyrant-birds of large medium, or rather small size, with strong, conical
bills. strongly bristled rictus, even, cmargiuntcd, or slightly rounded tail, and the ends of
the outer primaries abruptly narrowed. Crown with a concealed colored crest (red,
orange, or yellow); pluinau'c without streaks or bars.

The above brief diajjnosis, althoii{;;li imperfect, will suffice to dis-
tinguish the members of Tynninus froui those of allied genera.
Milrulits 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.
Pitanfliiii is also quite similar in many respects, hut has the bill

TTEANNID^ — THE TYEANT FLYCATOHEES. 843

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, T. magni-
rostrls, and the little T. aurantio-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 taargined with white. Tail black, sharply
tipped with white.

B. Lower parts yellow, ashy anteriorly; upper'parts ashy-olive.

2. T. vertioalis. 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.

a. T, vociferans. Wings light brownish gray, the feathers with paler edges. Tail
dull black, the tip dull grayish, as are alsojthe outer webs of .the lateral feathers.
Throat and jugulum deep slate-gray.

Tyrannus tyrannus (Linn.)

KINGBIBD.

Popular synonyms. Bee Bird; Bee Martin.

Lanius tyrannus Linn. S. N. ed. i, 1758,94; ed. 12,1,1766,136.
Muscicapa tyrayinus WrLS. Am. Oru. i,1808, 66,pl. IS.flg. 1.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832. 265.—
Add. Orn. Biog. 1,1840,453; v, 1842, 420, pi. 79; Synop. 1839,40; B. Am. 1,1839,204, pi. 56.
Tyrannus tyrannus Joed. Man. Vert. ed. 4,1884,96.
Lanius tyrannus. var. y, carolinensis Gmel. S. N. 1,1788,302.
Tyrannus carolinensis Temm. Tabl. Meth. 1836, 24.— Baibd. B. N. Am. 1858, 171; Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859.No. 124.— Coues, 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, pi. 43, fig. 4.—
EiDGw. Nom. N. Am, B. 1881, No. 304.

Hab. Eastern North America, north to 57° in the interior, west, regularly, to and in-
cluding 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.

"8p. Chab. Adult. Above black, becoming plumbeous on the back, scapulars, and
rump; large wing-eoverts 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 aconeealed patch of bright
orange-red. Young. Above dusky brownish-slate, the wing-coverts bordered with pale

3-11 DIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

fulvouB. the ri>miKi-s wllli cliill wIiIIInIi: upiht tiill-covorU bordered with pnjo ruBly; tiill
llppi'd with pull* fiilviniH. or hrnwnlsli wlilt<>. Bemmth an In the adult, but juKulum
tliilC'l witli pale fiilvmiH. No colurod piitcli ou vertex.

Wlni{.4.4i-4.7.'.: tiill,:t.40-a75; bill, from nostril. .SO-. 57. depth at buse, .24-. J?; width, .37-
.4"; tiirsiix, .;i>-.78: niUblle toe, .tA-.m.

The Bee Bird or Bee Martin is a very common bird tlu-oughout
the State, and its general hal)its are well known. It is a summer resi-
dent, ai'riving in April and (liparting early in September.

"No one of our coiumuii birds," says Dr. Brewer, "possesses
more strongly marked characteristics of manners and habits than
this species. Its pufrnaeious disposition during the breeding-season,
the autlacious 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, Iviugbird, is given it on the supposition
that it is superior to all other birds in these contests. My own
obsen'ations lead me to the conclusion that writers have somewhat
exaggerated the quarrelsome di.sposition of this bird. I have never,
or very rarely, known it to molest or attack any other birds than
those which its o\vn 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 cb-ive ofiF 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 above, 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 IffYIARCHUS Cadanis.

ityiarrliKS Cabanis, Fauna rnruana. 1!<4M(>. 152. Mnscicapa/ifox Gmel.

"Gen. Chak. Tarsus equal to or longer than the middle toe. which Is decidedly longer
than the hind one. Bill wider at base than half the culmen. Tail broad, long, even, or
slightly rounded, about euunl to the wings, whieh sciu-cely renehto the middle of the tail;

TYEANNICa; — THE TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 345

the first primary shorter than the sixth. Head with elongated lanceolate distinct feath-
ers. Above brownish olive, throat ash, belly yellow. Tall 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 jjlaced within holes in trees, and
the eggs are remarkable for the fine and intricate pencilings of
various rich shades of brown upon a creamy 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. cineraseens) replacing it in the west.

Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.)

CRESTED FLYCATCHEE.

Popular synonyms. Great Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; Great crested Flycatcher.

Muscicaija criiiita LiNN. S. N. ed. 12,i,1766,3iK.— WiLS. Am. Orn. ii, 181«,75,pl. 13,fig. 2.—
NUTT. Man. i, 1832,271.— AuD. Orn. Biog. ii. 183-!, 176; v, 1839, 423,pl. 129; Synop. 1839,40;
B. Am.i,1840,209,pl. 57.

Tyrannus crinitus Sw. 1826.— NtJTT. Man.2d ed. 1840,302.

Myiarchus crinitus Cab. 1855.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858,128; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 130.
—CouES, Key, 1872, 171; Cheek List, 1874, No. 247; 2d ed. 1882, No. 373; B. N. W. 1874,
238.— B. B. &E. Hist. N. Am. B. 11,1874,334, pi. 43, flg. 3.— KiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 312.

Hab. 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 Eiea; Cuba?

"Sp. Chak. Head with a depressed crest. Third quill longest; fourth and second
successively but little shorter; first a little 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 bjeast 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. Bill dark brown above and at the tip below; paler
towards the base. Length, 8.75; wing, 4.25; tail, 4.10; tarsus, .85."

34(5 BIRDS OF nxixoiB.

"The young is banlly appreciably different, having merely the wiug-
coverta tinged with rusty at the ends." (H'lxt. N. Am. B.)

This bird, while probably more numerous than the Kingbird, at
least in the moi'e 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, quenilous, 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 towiis, and occasionally becomes
rather a familiar biril. 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 ^Yoodpecker's hole. The nest, as a rule,
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.

Sauomis BoVap. Coll. Deliittre. 1»;4.!(7. Type, Ti/rannula nigricans Swains.
Aulanax Cabanis, Journal fur Orn. ISSfi.l. Same type.

"Oex. Chad. Hencl with a blended depressed modornte erost. Tarsus decidedly
loncer than middle toe. which is scarcely longer than the hind toe. Bill rather narrow:
width of base about half the culmen. Tail, broad, lonK. slightly forked; eijual to the
wiuifs, which are moderately pointed. and reach to the middle of the Uu\. First primary
shorter than sixth." (//is/. N. A m. B.)

This genus agrees with Mi/iarchiis in the length of the broad tail,
but has a longer tarsus and a different style of coloration.

The tlu-ee 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 cai'riage-shed or any suitable
place about the farm buildings.

TYEANNIDS: — THE TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 347

One species (S. nigricans) is confined to the Pacific coast and the
southern border, and thence soiith 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 Hhnois. Our hst therefore
inchides two of the three species, which may be distinguished as
follows :

A. Belly white or isulphur-yellowish.

1. S.phoebe. Above grayish olive, the head mueh darker: beneath dull white or
sulphur-yellowish, the sides of the breast grayish.

B. Belly tawny oehraceous

2. S. saya. Above brownish gray, the tail blaek : throat and breast grayish, rest of
lower parts tawny oehraceous.

Sayornis phoebe (Lath.)

FHCEBE.

Popular synonyms. Pewee; Barn Pewee or Phoebe: Bridge Pewee or Phcebe; Pewit
Flycatcher.

Muscicapa fusca Gmel. S. N. i, 1788, 93 (nee Bodd. 17S3).— Aud. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834,122;
V, 1839. 424. pi. 120: Synop. 18.39. 43; B. Am', i. 1840, 223. pi. 63.
Tyrannus fuscus Nutt. Man. ed. 2. i. 1840. 312.

Sai/ornis fuscusBA.mv.B.'N. Am. 1858. 184; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 135.— Coues,
Key. 1872, 172: Cheek List. 1874, No. 252; 2d ed. 1882, No. 379: B. N. W. 1874. 241. -B.
B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. ii. 1874. 343. pi. 4.5, fig. 2.— Eidgw. Nora. 1881, No. .315.
Muscicapa atra Gmel. S. N. i. 1788. 946 {nee Mull. 1776).— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 278.
Muscicapa phcebe Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. 1790, 489.
Sayornis phcebe Stejn. Auk. ii, Jan. 1885. 51.
Muscicapa nunicola WiLS. Am. Orn. il, 1810, 78, pi. 13, flg. 4.

Hab. Eastern United Sta,tes 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 Tera Cruz; Cuba.

"Sp. Chak. 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. Tibise brown. Bill and 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, 7 inches; wing, 3.42; tail, 3.30.

"In 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 feri-uginous, as also the ex-
treme ends of the wing and tail-feathers. The brown is prevalent

348 Dinos OF lujxois.

on the whole throat and breast ; the hind part of the back, rump, and
tail stronply fcrniginous." (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The Pewee or Pluehe is one of that charmin':; coterie of the
featiiered tribe who cheer the abode of man with their presence.
Less numerous than the Chipping Sparrow, the Catbird, the Bam
Swallow, or even the Bluebird, there are still few farm-yards with-
out a pair of Pewees, who do the farmer much service by lessoning
the number of tlies about the bam, and by calling him to his work in
the moming with their cheery notes.

Says Dr. Brewer : "This species is attracted both to the "vicinity
of water and to the neijiliborhood of ihvellings, j)robably for the
same reason — the abundance of insects in either situation. They
are a fiuniliar, conliding, 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, in full view of the family, entirely unmoved by the
presence of the latter at meal time."

Sayornis say a (Bonap.)

SAY'S PHCEBE.
Popular Bynonyms. Say's Pewee: Say's I'l>valiliir: Itoeky Mountain Pewoe.

Mugcicapa saya Bp. Am. Orn. i. 1825, 3', pi. 2. (Ik. 2.— Nutt. Man. I. ISC. 277.— AuD.
Orn. BiOB. iv. WW, 428. pi. 359: Synop, 1839. 41: B. Am. i. 184U. 'Jl". pi. ;«.
Tyrannus aaya NuTT. Man. 2tl I'll. i, 184(1. 311.

Sauornis sai/iis Baiud, B. N. .\m. 1858. 185: Cut. N. Am. B. 1858. No. 136.— C'OUKS. Key.
1872. 172: Clieek Li.st, 1874. No. 25i>: 'Jil ed. 1882, No. 377. Csaui"): B. N. W'. 1874. 240.
-B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874. :M7. iil. 45. flc. 3.— RiDOW. Nom, N. Am. B.
1881. No. 316, Csaui")
Hab. Western North Amerieii from the Great Plains to the Paeiflo. north, in the In-
terior, to latitude 60°; stracKllnB oast to Miehiguu. Wiseonsiu. and northern Illiaois. In
winter, south to Vera Cruz, Mcxieo.

"Sp. Char. Above and on the sides of the head, neclc, and hreast. (trnyish brown,
darker on tlu' erown: region about the eye dusky. The ehin. throat, and upper part of
thi- breast similar to the back, but rather lighter and tinged with the eolor of the rest of
the lowi'r parts, which arc pale cinnamon. Under wing-eoverts i)ale nisty whiti'. The
wings of a rather deeper tint than the back, with the exterior vanes and tips of the nuills
darker. Edges of the greater and seeondary coverts, of the outer vane of the outer
primary, and of the soeondaries and tertials, dull white. The upin'r tail-eoverts and tail
nearly black. Edge of outer vane of exterior tail-feather while. Bill dark brown,
rathi'r paler beneath. The feet brown. Second, third, and fourth <iuills nearly eiiual;
fifth nearly eciunl to sixth: sixth mueh shorter than the tifth. Tall broad, cmarginate.
Tiu-sl with a posterior row of scales. Length, 7 inches: wing, 4.30; tail, 3.35.

TYKANNID^ — THE TYEANT FLYCATCHEES. 349

"The young of the year have the upper parts slightly tinged with
fernaginous ; two broad (ferruginous) bands on the wings formed
by the tips of the fu'st and second coverts. 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. Essex Inst. Vol. VIIL, 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, Ilhnois, collected by E. Kennicott.' These
specimens are not in the collection at present. Dr. Hoy has also
taken it in Wisconsin."

Genus CONTOPUS Cabanis.

Contopus Cabanis, Journ. tur Ornith. iii.Nov. 1885,479. Type Muscicapa virens Llnn.

"Gen. Chab., Tarsus very short, but stout; less than the middle toe and scarcely
longer than the hinder; considerably less than the clilmen. 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 darlcer 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 Envpidonax, 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 mmp, 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 Eiver. One of
them (C pertinax Cab.) occurs only along the southern border in
Arizona, and therefore cannot reasonably be expected ; another, how-
ever (C. richardsonii Swains.), is of very general distribution through-
out the west, and may very possibly sometimes stray east of the
Missouri Eiver. 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.

350 IJiaDS OF ILUNOIS.

B. Hiz<' Kiimll iwliiR.I.GO or I08H); slilcs of rump without cotispicuous cottony tuft.

J C. vireni. Aliovo olivu-sliity, tlii' lioml dnrker; sidos olIvc-ffriiylHh. this (•oloritl-
uiost iiK-i-iine across tliu breast; throat oiid abdomen whitish. Wins. 3.9(^.40;
tidl.2.l»-3.i>n.
3. C. riohardionil. Colors of C rireii*. but breast uniform eraylsb, and upper parts
with 1. v-s of an olive tlnec Wing. 3.2&-3.60; tail. 'J. 80-3. 20.

Contopus borealis (Swains.)

OLIVi; SIDED FLYCATCKEH.

Turanntia hnrralis 8w. F. B.-A. 11. 1831. Ul. pi. 35.
Contopiia hui-fnlia Baibd. B. N. Am. 1858. 188; Cat. N. Am. B. 1850. No, 137.-Cof ES.
Kcy.lKTS, l~.l; ClieikLi»t.l874,No, «Si; 2d ed. 1882, No. 380; B. N. W. l>f;4.213.-B. B. &
R. Hist. N. Am. B. il. 1874.353, pi. 44. Rg. l.-Riuow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 318.
Miturirara iiwrnata "CooP. &NuTT.." NuTT. Man. 1. lSt2,2S5.

Miisriinija rooperi NUTT. Man. 1. 1832. 'JSi.— AUD. Orn. Biog. 11.1834.422: pi. 174; Synop.
1S». 41 ; B. Am. 1. 1840, 212. pi. 58.
Turanutm cooperi Bp. 1838. -Nutt. Man. 2(1 ed. i, 184(1.298.

Hab. Whole of temperate North .\merli-a. but eolder reelonsonly in summer, breed-
hiB from northern border of the United States northward, farther south on hleher moun-
tain nines, especially westward; also breeding in more elevated districts of Mexico,
and migrating south as far as Veragua.

"Sp. Chab. Wings long, much pointed; tile second quill longest; the flrst longer
than the third. Tail deeply forlicd. Tarsi short. The upper parts ashy brown. showing
darker brown centres of the feathers; this is eminently the ease on llie toi> of tlie head;
the sides of the head and neck, of tlie breast and body, resembling the back, but with the
edges of the feathers tinged with gray, leaving a darker central streak. The chin, til roal,
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-t-nverts somewhat
streaked with l)rown in the centre. On each side of the rump, generally concealed liy
the wings, is an elongated bunch of white silky feathers. The wings and tail very dark
brown, the former with the edges of the s(\eondaries and tertials edged with dull white.
The lower wing-coverts and axillaries grayish brown. The tips of the primaries and
lail-feathers rather paler. Feet and upiier mandible black, lower mandilile brown. The
young of the year simihir. 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; tar8US,.60."
(Hist. X. Am. 11.1

The Olivo-sided Flycatcher is confined ahnost cxchisively to the
northern coniferous forests, inchiding their southern extension along
the higher mountain ranges, the principal of which it follows through
Mexico and Guatemala. Ixegarding its occurrence in Illinois, the
only knowledge we have is Mr. Nelson's note (Hull. K.iKc.r Inst. VIII.
1870, p. 113), to the following eflfect :

"Not an uncoiiimon migrant, from May 15th to '2.5th and the last
of Septemher and tiie lu'st of October. I have taken one specimen as
late as June 2d. It may hreed."

TYEANNID^— THE TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 351

Contopus virens (Linn.)

WOOD PEWEE.

Muscicapa virens LiKN. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766. 327.— Nutt. Man. J, 1832, 285.— AuD. Orn.
Biog. ii, 1834, 93; v. 1839,425, pi. 115; Synop. 1839, 42; B. Am. i, 1840, 231, rl. 64.
Tyrannus virens Nutt. Man. 2d ed. 1,1840, 316.

Contojjws t)i?-ens Cab. 1855.— Baibd, B. N.Am. 1858,190; Cat N. Am. B. 18-59. No. 139,—
CouES, Key, 1872, 173; Cheek List. 1874, No. 255; 2d ed. 1882, No. 382; B. N. W. 1874,
245.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 357, pi. 44, flg. 3.— RiDGW. Norn. N, Am. B.
1881, No. 320.
Muscicapa rapax Wils. Am. Orn. ii, 1811, 81, pi. 13, fig. 5.

Hab. 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 statement is un-
confirmed by later observers.)

"Sp. Chak. 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
occasionally extends to the chin. It is also sometimes glossed with olivaceous. The
wings and tail dark brown ; generally deeper than in S. fuscus. Two narrow bauds across
the wing, the outer edge of the first primary and the secondaries and tertials.duU white.
The edge of the tail-feathers like the back ; the outer one scarcely lighter. Upper man-
dible black; the lower ycllow.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, tliis little bird, although one of the most abundant si^ecies, is
by no means well known. If noticed at all, it is generally con-
founded with the common Pewee (Sayornis phcehe) ; 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-hke 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

352 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

species are as difiFerent as their habits, those of the Wood Pewee
being pecuHarly plaintive, — a sort of waihng p-e-e-e-e-i, nee, the first
syllable emphasized and lonp drawn out, and the tone a clear, plain-
tive wii-y whistle, strikingly ditfertut from the cheerful, emphatic
notes of the tnie Pewee. Says Dr. Brewer (Hist. .V. Am. B., Vol.
II., p. 858) :

"This species, like all its family, is a very txpirt 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
pecuhar snap of its bill ; and, frequently meeting insect 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 'pee-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 stracture,
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 oruiinuuted by a "wreath" round the larger end of rich mad-
der-brown, pui-ple, and lilac spots.

Genus EMPIDONAX Cabanis.

Empidonnjr CiVAJils, Jouniul fur Ornithologlo. lii, Nov. 1855. 480. Type, Turannula
pusilla Swains.

"Gen. Chad. Tursu.s loiiKtlioneil.con.'iidenibly lonsor than tlip lull, iiml o.\oeo<llnstho
middle too.wliich i.s docldi'dly loiiiier thim tlu' hind Inc. Kill viirlablo. Tail very sliKlitly
rorkod.cvon.orrcuindcd: alitllo shortor only than the \vint;s. which iiro consldcnibly
rounded; the (Ir.it primary much shorter than the fourth. Head moilerulely crested.
Color olivaceous above, yellowish beneath: throat generally gray.

"The lennthened tarsi. the short toes, the short androunded wiuRs, and the plain didl
olivaceous ot the pluma«e. readily distiuBuish the species ot this Rcnus from any other
North Amoricuu Flycatchers. The upper plates of the tarsi in a good many species do
not encircle the outside, but moot there a row on lUo posterior face." {Hist. A'. Am. Ji.)

TYRANNIC^ — TYRANT FLYCATCHEKS. 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. \Ving.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,. 2S-. 30; width at base,. 22-. 25.

B. Tail even or slightly rounded.

3. E. puBillus 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, acadicns. 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 mottled above. Wing, 2.80-3.15; tail, 2.50-2.85.

Empidonax flaviventris Baird.

YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHES.

Tyrannula flaviventris Wm. M. & S. F. Baled, Pr. Phil. Ao. i, 1843, 283.
Muscicapa flaviventris AuD. B. Am. vii, 1844, 341, pi. 490.
Empidonax flaviventris Baekd. B.N. Am. 1858,198; Cat.N. Am. B. 1859, No. 144.— CouEs

Key, 1872. 175; Check List, 1874, No. 259; 2d ed. 1882, No. 388; B. N. W. 1874, 255.— B. B.

& E. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874. 378, pi. 44, fig. 12.— Bidgw. 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. Accidental in Greenland. (Beplaeed in western United States by an allied,
but apparently distinct species, the E. dlfficills Baibd.)

"Sp. Chak. Second, third and fourth quills nearly eaual; first intermediate between
fifth and sixth. Tail nearly even, slightly rounded. Tarsi long. Above bright olive-
green (back very similar to that of Vireo noveboracensis); crown rather darker. A
broad yeUow ring around the eye. The sides of the head, neck, breast and body, and a
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." (ffisf. N. Am. B.)

"First plumage: male. Above uniform yellowish olive. Beneath dull yellow, with a
brownish cast, tinged strongly with olive upon the throat, breast and sides. Wing-
bands brownish yellow. Altogether very similar to the adult. From a specimen in my
collection shot at Upton, Me. August 4, 1874." (Bkewstee. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Oct.
1876, p. 178.)

^23

854 BUIDS OF ILLINOIS.

This inconspicuous bird is known in Illinois only as a miprant,
but it may possibly breed in the extreme noi-theru portion of the
State, since it has been found by Dr. Hoy to bo 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, £'. (lijfkilis 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, hke those of E.
acadicus and E. trailUi, are spotted.

Einpidonax minimus Baird.

LEAST FLYCATCHER,

Muscieapa acadica "G-it." NuTT. Man. 1, 1833, 388 (nee Gmol.).
Turannula jniiiimo Wm. M. & S. F. Baibd, Pr. Phil. Academy. 1, 18«, 284.
Muscieapa minima AuD. B. N. Am. vll, \mi.'M3, pi. 491,

Empidonax minimus Baird, B. X. Am. 1S58, 195; Cat. N. .\m. B. 1859. No. HJ.— C"ouE».
Key, 1872, 175: Cheek List. 1874, No. 258: 2d ed. 18S2. No. 377: B. N. W. In74, 254.-B. B.
& B. Hist. N. Am. B. 11, 1S74. 372. pi. 44. flgs. 10.— Bldow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 326.

Had. Eustern North Ameriea, breeding from northern border o( United States north
to subarctic districts; west regularly to border of Grout Plains, irregularly to base of
Kocky Mountains. In winter, custom Mexico, Guatemulu and Honduras.

"Sp. Chab. Second auill longest; third and fourth but little shorter; flfth a little loss;
first iutcrmediato between llfth and sl.xth. Tail oven. Above olive-brown, darki'r on
the head, becoming paler on the rump and upper tail-covorts. The middle of the l)a<'k
most strongly olivaceous. The nape (in some individuals! and sides of the hoa<l tingi-d
with ash. A ring 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 buck, 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 tali-coverts. Wings brown; two narrow while
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 sei'ondaries and tortials, whit<'.
Tall rather lighter brown, edged externally likr' the back. Feathers narrow, not acumi-
nate, with the ends rather blunt. In autumn the white parts are strongly tinged with
yellow. Length, about 5.IHI; wing. 2.ii5: tail. 2..''iO. Young with ochracoous, instead of
grayish-while wing-bands." {Hist. -V. .4m. Ji.)

"First plumage: male. Similar to the adult, but with a stronger olive cast, and a
faintly indicated coilurof ashy brown across the nape. Wing-bunds light reildish brown.
Beneath almost precisely similar to the adull. with perhaps a slightly stronger yellowish
east upon the abdomen and erissum. Uistinguishuble from K. lyaillii und h'. aradirusiu
corresponding stuges by the deciiledly pnler und less yellowish undi'r parts; espeeiully
by the nearly I'lear ashy on the sides of the breast. From a spei'inien in my collection
taken at C'ambridgi', Mass.. ,Tuly 2. 1872. Other si)Ocimens in first plumage before me
dilTer little from the one above described, but autntnttal spfrimpits, singularly ent^ugh,
are much yellower lielow anil more olivaceous above." (Buewsteb, Bull. Null. 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 ahuost wholly un-

TYRANNIES — TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 355

known except to the ornithologist. In Ilhnois it is a summer resi-
dent in the northem portions and a migrant southward; but the
southern Hmit of its breeding range is at present unknown.

Empidonax pusillus traillii (Aud.)

TRAILL'S FLYCATCHEE.

Muscicapa traillii Add. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 236; v, 1839, 426, pi. 45; Synop. 1839, 43; B. Am.

i, 1840, 234, pi. 65.
Tyrannus traillii Nutt. Man. 2d ed. i, 1840.323.
Empidonax traillii Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858. 193; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 140.— CouEs,

Key. 1872, 175; Check List, 1874, No. 257; B. N. W. 1874. 252.
Empidonax pusillus var. traillii B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. ii,1874, 369.pl. 44, flg. 8.
Empidonax pusillus traillii Kidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 325 a.— CouES. 2d Check

List, 1882, No. 385.

Hab. 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. Chak. Third quill longest; second scarcely shorter than fourth; first shorter
than fifth, about .35 shorter than the longest. Primaries about .75 of an inch longer than
secondaries. Tail even. Upper parts dark oUve-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 C. ij/rens. 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 oehraceous instead of grayish olive.

"This species is most closely related to E. minimus, but cUffers
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; iu ■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.)

856 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 locahties, but Traill's
Flycatcher is of n 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 FXYCATCHEB.

Popular synonym. Oropn-crestod Flycatcher.

Musrirapaacadica Gmei.. 8. N. 1, 1788, 047. -AUD. Orn. Blog. II. 1834. 258; v. 1839. 4iS.

pi. 144; Synop. 1839. 42; B. Am. 1. 1840,221. pi. 62.
Empidonax acadicus Bawd. B. N. Am. 1858. 197; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, Xo. 143.— CofES.

Key, 1872. 174;Ll9t.l874,No. 256; 2d ed. 1882. No. 384; B. N. W. 1874, 249. -B. B. Jk R.

Hist. N. Am. B. II. 1874,374. pi. 44, flg. ll.-KlDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 324.
.Vi( scicapo «i(eriWo"ViElLL." WtLS. Am. Orn. II, 1810, 77. pi. 13, flg. 3 (iifc Tieill.).

Hab. Eastern United 8t<itos, breeding nearly throughout, but rare In New Englnnd,
where scarcely found beyond the Connecticut valley; north. In the Interior, to Canada
West. In winter, Cuba and Yucatan, possibly Gulf States also.

"8p. Cbab. The second and third quills are longest, and about equal; the fourth a
little shorter; the first about equal to the fifth, and about .35 less than the longest. Tall
even. The upper parts, with sides of the head and ueck, olive-green; the crown very
little If any darker. A yellowish white ring round the eye. The sides of the body under
the wings like the back, but fainter olive; a tinge of the same across the breast; tho
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 tho
first primary, secondaries and tertlals margined with dull yellowish white, most broadly
on the 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 a brown one. Tail liglit 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; tall. 2.76. I'oiing (60892. Mt. Carmel, III.. August 11,
1870; B. BiDOWAY): Whole upper surface with indlsllnet transverse bars of pale och-
raceous; wing-markings light ochraccous.

This species is very similar to E. trailUi, 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 wng 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-

TYRANNIDiE — TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 357

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.

358 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

OuDER MACROCHIRES. — The Goatsvckers, Swifts, and Hcm-

MINOBIRDS.

Ohabactbrs. Wines much lengthened, with 10 primaries; tall-featherB, lu; gape very
wide and doeply cleft, or else, (i. c. Sub-order Trochili), bill long and slender, the lonKue
extensile, and secondaries only six In number.

Following is an analysis of the Families which have usually been
assigned to tliis Order. It may he remarked that the TravhU'uliF
possess very special characters which in the opinion of some system-
atists entitle them to rank as a distinct Order {Trochili). The
Trochiruhr and Micropod'uhe being vei7 much more nearly related
than either of these groups are to the C(ipri)niilffid<e, 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.

n. Middle toe much longer than lateral toes.ltsclow 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 C'(i;jriiiiii(i;i.)..Caprimulgids.

b. Middle toe not distinctly longer than lateral toes, its claws withcut pectinated

edge; gape without bristles; plumage plain and compact. (Suborder ('ui'H'li^

HiOTOpodido.

B. Secondaries only C; bill long us head, or longer, slender, the gape not deeily cleft,

plumage more or less metallic : size diminutive. (Suborder Trochili.). .Troohilide.

TROCHILID^ — THE HUMMINGBIRDS. 359

Family TROCHILID^ffi.— The Hummingbirds.

Chak. 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 even (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, except in a
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 hundi-ed and fifty known si^eeies of this
remarkable family is sometliing 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 {Chcetura iielagica) 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 thi-ee
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 Avocettida and Avocettlnus the bill is recurved terminally;
but in Eutoxeres 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 Steganura and Discura the lateral
rectrices are greatly elongated, gradually narrowed toward the end

SCO BIRDS OF -ILLINOIS.

until the webs are almost or completely gone, and then buddenly ex-
jjiuulod into a hroad paddle-sliaped tip. In IleHactiti the tail is
lengthened and greatly graduateil, being, in fact, sluiped very much
as in the common Mourning Dove {Zenaidura Caroline iinis) or Wild
Pigeon {Ectopistes mi/iratoria). But the most wonderful form of all
is to be seen in the Jjoddiijea'ui mirnhiliii, 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,
etc., while the majority have the tail composed of feathers not remark-
able for any peculiarity of form.

"The bill of the Hummingbinl is awl-shaped or subulate ; thin,
and shai-p-pointed ; straight or cuiTed ; sometimes as long as the
head, sometimes much longer. The mandibles are excavated to the
tip for the lodgment of the tongue, and fomi a tube by the close
apposition of their cutting edges. There is no indication of stifif,
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 vei-y
peculiar stracture, 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 W^orld 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 abmidance 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

TEOCHILID^ — THE HUMMINGBIRDS. 361

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 Linn^us.

Trochilus LiNNiEUS, Systema Natura, ed. 10, i, 1758, 119. Type (by elimination) T. colu-
bris Linn.

Gen. Chak. Male with the metallic gorget of the throat nearly even all round. Tail
forked; the feathers lanceolate, acute, becoming gradually narrower from the central to
the exterior. Inner sis 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 Selasplwriis and Calypte, in which the tail-
feathers are broadly linear to near the end, which is much rounder
and without any distinct concavity.

Trochilus colubris Linn.

EUBY-THEOATED HUMMINGBIED.

Trochilus colubris Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 120.— WiLS. Am. Orn. ii. 1810. 26, pi. 10, flgs.
3,4.— NUTT, Man. i, 1832. 588.— AUB. Orn. Biog. i, 1832.248; v. 1839,544, pi. 47; Synop. 1839,
170; B. Am. iv. 1842, 190, pi. 253.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858. 131; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No.
101.— CouES, Key, 1872, 184; Cheek List. 1874, No. 275; 2d ed. 1882, No. 410; B. N. W.
1874, 271,— B, B. Ik K. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874. 448, pi. 48, flg. 2.— RiDGW. Norn. N. Am.
B. 1881, No. 335.

3f)'2 BIRDS OF n^LINOIS.

Has. Eastern North Amerira, north tosr In the interior: in wintcr.Cuba.BahamaH,
eastern Mexico, and Central America, south to Veraffua; also Bermudas.

"Sp. Char. Tail In the mole deeply forked; the feathers all narrow lanooolatc-acute.
In the female slightly rounded and emurKinnte; the feathers broader, thoueh pointed.
Male, uniform metallic (rroon above ; n ruby-red gorget (blaoklsh near the bill); with no
conspicuous rulT; a white collar on the jugulum; sides of body Kreunlsh: tall-feathers
uniformly brownish violet, female, without the red on the throat; the tail rounded and
emarKlualc. the inner feathers shorter than the outer; the tiUl-feathers banded with
black, and the outer tipped with white; no rufous or cinnamon on the tail in either sex.
Length, 3. 2S; wing,!. GO: tall, 1.25. I'ouiii; mules are like the females; the throat usually
spotted, sometimes with red; the toil is, in shape, more like that of the old male." {Vint.
y.Am. B.)

Little need be said as to the habits of the well-known Huniining-
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 lirst autumnal frosts, these httle 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 Yeragua, 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 confidingly on one's finger and sip synip (best made
of white sugar dissolved in warm water) from a saucer, but on ac-
count of its dehcate 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 fuiest of them being
a monogi'aph of the Hummingbird — succeeded in taking several
specimens across the Atlantic to England ; but they died almost
immediately after theii- anuval in that country.

MICEOPODID^ — THE S'WIFTS. 363

Family MICROPODIDiE.— The Swifts.

"Chae. Bill very small, without uotcli. triiingular, much broader than high; the eul-
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 iilong the under margin of the nostrils. Tail feathers ten.
Nostrils elongated, superior and very close together. Plumage compact. Primaries ten,
elongated, falcate.

The Micropodiche (formerly Cypseliche), 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
falcate, with ten primaries instead of nine. The tail has ten
feathers instead of twelve. The feet are weaker, without distinct
scutellse; 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 Trockiliclce, 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, Chcetvra pelagica), oceuring east of the Eocky Mountains,
The family is of cosmopohtan range, species occurring in nearly all
parts of the world.

Genus CH-ffiTTJE.A Stephens.

Chcetura Stephens, Shaw's Gen. Zool., Birds, xiii.ii, 1825, 76. Type Hirundo pelagica
Linn.

"Gen. Chae. Tail very short, scarcely more than two fifths the wings; slightly
rounded; the shafts stiffened and extending some beyond the feathers in a rigid spine.

3G4 BinDB OF ILLINOIS.

First prlnmry lonccBt. Li-kk cuvitciI liy the imki-<l Hklii. without m-utelln' or fi-utlicrs,
TiirsuK Innifi-r llwiii mlililli' toe. LiitiTiil toi's i-nmil. nciirly an lonK at* tin- iiiiiMlo. HlnJ
t<M' HCnrocly vi-rMutllc. or i|ulli' poKtorlor: iiu'liidlnt; I'liiw. Ii'Hb thuii Oie mlildle iintorlor
without it. ToiiH RlfiuliT; cliiwH luoilcrttti'. Ffuthi-rs of the base of the bill not extend-
ing iH'Vonil thc> licKiuiiliii: of Iho uoslrllH." (Ilisl. .V. Am, li.)

This genus has numerous representatives in tropical America,
while in the western United States, especially the Pacific coast,
occurs the C. vaitxii (Towns.), a species alhed to but quite distinct
from the C. pchujica.

Cheetura pelagica (Linn.)

CHIMNEY SWIFT.

Popular synonyms. Chimney Swullow; Chimney Sweep.

JliniiiiliJDrUiuiia LiNN. S. N. ed. 10. 1. 1758. 192.
Clitetura pelagica B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. 11. 1874, 432. pi. 4fi. fig. 7.-COUE8, li. N. W.

1874. 267.
llirutitlo pela.ioia Linn. S. N. cd. 12. i. 1T66. S45.— WiLs. Am. Orn. v, 1812. 48, pi. .'Rt. l\u. I.
Cupaehm pela.igiu!) Bp. 1828.— NuTT. Mun. I, 1832. 609.— AUD. Orn. Biog. 11. ISK. :i2".t: v.

1839, 419, pi. 158. ^

Cli(etuia pela.ioia Steph. 1825.— Aud. Syuop. 1839, 33: B. Am. 1, 184U, 104. pi. 44.-BA1BD.

B. N. Am. 1855. 144; Cat N. Am. B. 1859, No. 109.— OouKS, Key, ISTi, 183; Cheek List.

1874, No. 271.
Ch(etura petasgica RiDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 361.— CoUES, 2d Check List, 1882,

No. 405.

Had. Eastern United States and British Provinces. Winter quarters unktiotrn.

Sp. Chab. .\1iovo dark sooty grayish, paler on rumpand upper tail-coverts, and with
a faint greenish gloss: wiuRs darker than back. Beneath lighter sooty gray, the ehln
and throat much paler. Bill black: iris brown; foet livid grayish. Total length, 6.25-5.40;
extent. 12.30; wing, 5.0O-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 kno^\^l 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 unkno^^•n 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 WTiters
that it passes the \Wnter in a state of inanition or toi-pidity,
many hundreds or thousands of them hibernating together, like
bats, in hollow trees. IJut 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-

MICROPODID^ — THE SWIFTS. 365

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 hmited space that they must certainly cling fast to one an-
other like 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 mhabited
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.

3ti(3 BIBDB OF ILLINOIS.

Family CAPRIMULGID^.— The GoAxsrcKERs.

Cdak. Bill very short; the eape enormously lone '>nd wido, opening to beneath or
behind the eyes. Culmen vnrliible. Toes connected at buso by a movable skin; second-
aries lenRtliened; pluuuiKe soft, sometimes very full and loose, as In the Owls.

The above 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.
Fir.st auill longer than the fourth.

1. Antrostomus. Tail rounded, shorter than the wing.

b. Tarsus entin'ly naked in front, and longer than the middle toe. First quill shorter
than till' fciiirlli.

L'. FhaleenoptiluB Tall even and mui'h shorter than the wing. Pluniage with a
1 iiliaily soft, velvety surface. Sexes with the tail not dlflerently marki'd.

3. Nyotidromus. Tail rounded, long as the wing. Sexes with the tail very differ-
I'lilly iiDirki.'d.

B. Gape withuui conspicuous bristles; tail omarginatod or slightly forked.

4 . Chordeileg.

Genus ANTROSTOMUS Goild.

Antroflomus Gould, Icones Avium, IStS. Typo. Caprimulgus cnrolim-nsis Gm.

Gen. Char. Bill very small, with tubular nostrils, and the gape with long, si i(T, some-
times pcH^tinaled bristles projecting beyond the end of the bill. Tarsi shorler than mid-
dle toe, chiedy fathered. Tail broad, rounded; wings broad and rounded; first iiuill
shorter than third, but longer than the fourth; pUinuige .mifi and hix. Habits uocturnal.

The two North American species, both of which occur in Illinois,
may be distinguished as follows :

A. lli'liil bristles with lateral lllamcnts. Wing more than 8 inches.

1. A. oarolinensis, Mali'. Terminal half or third of inner webs of three outer tnil-
fi ntle'is liully whitish or ochraeeous. fVma/c. Outer tail-feathers without light
tips.

B. Rii'tal bristles without lateral lllaments. Wing less than 7 inches.

'.'. A. vociferus. Mali'. Tail-feathers (except middle iiair) with terminal third of both
webs while, f'finale. Tail-feathers without white tips.

CAPEIMULGIDiE — THE GOATSUCKERS. 367

Antrostomus carolinensis (Gmel.)

CHUCK-WILL'S -WIDOW.

Popular synonym. Dutch Whip-poor-will.

Caprimulgus carolinensis Gwel. S. N. 1, 1788,1028.— Wils. Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 95, pi. 54,
flg. 2.— NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 612.— AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 273; v, 1839, 401, pi. 52; Synop.
1839,31; B. Am. i, 151, pi. 41.
Antrostomus carolinensis GovLD, Icones Avium.— Baibd, B.N. Am. 1858.147; Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859, No. 1838— CouEs, Key, 1872, 180; Check List, 1874, No. 264; 2d ed. 1882,
No. 396; B. N. W. 1874, 263.— B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 410, pi. 46, Hg. 1.—
EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 353.

Hab. 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. Chak. Bristles of gape with lateral filaments. Above, finely mottled gray.oehra-
ceous, tawny, and black ; the pileum with broad irregular streaks of black, the scapulars
with irregular blotches of the same; primaries dusky, spotted with oehraceous rufous.
Lower parts mixed tawny oehraceous and grayish, vermiculated and transversely barred
with dusky; the gular region and crissum with oehraceous prevailing. Male. Inner
webs of three outer tail-feathers with terminal third, or more, white (oehraceous 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 a-ange being the lower Wabash valley, where,
as far north as Mount Carniel it is, or at least was, not uncom-
mon. The writer has beard its easily recognized notes as far north
as the then (in 1865) heavily timbered Big Creek bottoms in Eich-
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 iwcifervs Wels. Am. Orn. v, 1812, 71, pi. 41, figs. 1, 2, 3.— NuTT. Man. i, 1S32,
614.— AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 443; v,1839, 405, pi. 82; Synop. 1839, 32; B. Am. i, 1840, 155,
pi. 42.— ElDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 354.
Antrostomus vociferus Bp. 1838.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858. 148; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
112.— CouEs, Key, 1872, 180; Cheek Li.st. 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.

Hab. 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 arizonoe Brewster.)

Sp. Chae. Bristles of gape without lateral filaments. Above finely mottled gray,
brown and tawny, the gray prevaihng on the pileum, which has a median series of black
longitudinal blotches, with narrower streaks on each side. Scapulars blotched with black ;

3()8 BIROS OP ILLINOIS.

rrtmarioa dusky, npottod with oehrncooiiB nifouA. Deiu-ath, mottled RrayiBh.brown.nnd
burr, vorniiciilati'd will) bliirk.tho lower purt of tlif lliroiit crooiii'd by n bur of white or
oehruoeuiiH. Adiill male Tttil-f<'<ithcri) (I'Xeopt iniildle piilrl with teniiliiiil third (ap-
proxiuiatolyl of both webH white. Adult /rtnali: Tiill without any white, but three outer
rectrlces tipped with buff or ochrnceouH. WIuk. 6.20-«.7(i: tall. 6.10-6.50.

Although so well known l;y its familiar nocturnal song, the Wiiip-
poor-will is a birti 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. II., p. 115), "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
twihglit disappears, these birds issue from their retreats, and lly out
into more open spaces in quest of their favorite food. As many of
the nocturnal insects, moths, beetles, and others, are attracted about
dwelhngs by lights, the Whip-poor-will is frequently enticed, in
pursuit, into the same vicinity. I'or several successive seasons these
birds have appeared nearly every evening within my grounds, often
witliin a few feet of the house. They never suffer a vei7 near ap-
proach, but dy as soon as they notice any movement. Their pur-
suit of insects is somewhat different from that narrated of the pre-
ceiUiig species, their thghts being usually quite brief, without any
perceptible sailing, and more in the manner of Flycatchers. Their
song is given out at mtervals 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-IIawk and the Whip-poor-
will are supposed to be one and the same bird, even by those not
ill-mlormed in other respects."

Genus CHORDEILES Swainson.

Vhovdeilea Swainson, Fauna Bor.-Amer. 11,1831,337. Type, (.'aprimulvus riroiniamm

Gmel,.

Gen. Chaii. 15111 BmuU. the nostrils depressed; the supo with feeble, Inconspicuous

bristles. WlnKS loiiK, narrow, and pointed, the first quill nearly or uuili' equal to tlio

Bocoud. Tall rather narrow, sUnlilly forked: pluniiiKi' quite eonipaet. Habil.s diuriud or

crepuscular.

■Many species of this gemis belong to America, although but two
that are well chaiucterized enter into the fauna of the United States.
These are easily distinguished as follows :

1. C. virpinianuB. Outer web.« of primaries without oehraeeous spots; white patch
on priniariea cxtoudiut,' over live outer quiils.auterlor to their middle portion.

CAPRIMULGIDiE — THE GOATSUCKERS. 369

C. texensis. Outerwebs of primaries more or less spotted witli rufous or ochrnoe-
ous; white patcti 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 (Connoetiout).

Caprimiilgus virginiamis Gm. S. N. 1, 1788, 1028 (part only).— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 619; ii,
131,609.— AuD. Orn. Biog. 11, 1834, 273; v. 1839, 406, pi. 147.
Capriinulgus {Chordeiles) virginiamis S\v. & Rich. F. B.-A. ii, 18.31. 337.
Chordeiles virginianus Bp, 1838.— AuD.Synop. 1839. 32; B.Am. i,1840.2.'i9,pl. 43.— CouES,
* Key, 1872, 351; Check List, 1874, No. 267; 2d ed. 1882. No. 390; B. N. W. 1874. 263.

Caprimiilgus popetue Vieill. O. A. S. i. 1807. 56. pi. 24 (female).
Chordeiles popetue Baikd, B. N, Am. 1858, 151; Cat, N, Am. B. 1859, No. 114,— B, B, & K.
Hisf. N. Am. B. ii. 1874, 401.— Kidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,No. 357.
Caprimulgus americanusWii^s. Am. Orn. v, 1812,> 65, pi. 40, flgs, 1,2.

Hab. Eastern North America, north to Hudson's Bay; in winter. Bahamas, Cuba,
Jamaica, and eastern tropical America to Brazil.

Sp. Chak. 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 mottling behind which is another coarser one of rufous spots. A white
T-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 I'eddish white and brown. Wing ciuills 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 with a 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 eveiTwhere 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., Juno 29, 1875.)
It seems probable that young of this species— and perhaps of the whole family, like those
of the Tetraonidm 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." (Beewsteb, 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 dayhght, 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 BIBDS OF ILLINOIS.

the flat roof-tops of houses in cities, even in such densely popuhiteil
places as New York and Brooklyn. (See Louis A. Zerega, in Fonut
and Stream, Vol. XVIII., No. 24, p. 467.)

Chordeiles virginianus henryi (Cass.)

WESTEBN NIGHTHAWK.

Chordeiles henryi Cn»t>. Ilhistr. li. Cul Tox. &>■. ISS.'.. iS9.-lUlBD. B. N. Km. 1858. 153.
9iS!; vd. 1860 17; Cut. N. Am. B. 1W9. No. 115.
Chordeiles popehte var. henrui .\i.i.en.— B. B. Jk K. Hint N. .\m. B. 11. \X7t. 4''4. pi. 46,

ag.i.

Chordeiles popelue henryi Rroow. Nom. N. .\m. B. 1881. No. 33<n.— 2d Chock List, 1882,

No. 4tK).
Chordeiles viroiniantis var. /ip)in/i CouES. Key, 1872. 181.— Chpc-k List. 1871, No. 267(i.

Had. Westorn United States (except Pacific coast north of San Francisco?*.
SuBsr. Chab. Similar to true C. ciroinianus, but much paler and grayer, often with
much bulTy mottling.

This form, which is of occasional occurrence hi Ilhnois, is in
habits and notes a counterpart of the ordinaiy easttm bird. In the
desert regions of the Great Basin the writer found it to be a com-
mon summer resident.

ORDER PICI — THE WOODPECKERS, ETC. 871

Order PICI. — The Woodpeckers, etc.

Characteks. 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.

Family PICID^. — The Woodpeckers.

"Chae. Outer toe turned backwards permanently, not versatile laterally, the basal
portion of the tongue eapabfe of great protrusion.

"The preceding characters combmed appear to express the essen-
tial character of the Picidce. In addition, it may be stated that
the tongue itself is quite small, flat, and short, acute and homy,
usually armed along the edges with decurved hooks. The horns of
the hyoid apparatus are generally vei-y 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 cimeate, never forked, the shafts very rigid in
the true Woodpeckers; soft in Picumnina and Jyngina. 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 Picidce are found all over the world with the exception of
Madagascar, Austraha, the Moluccas, and PoljTiesia. America is
well provided with them, more than half of the described species
belonging to the New World.

"The subfamilies of the Picidce may be most easUy distinguished
as follows, although other characters could readily be given:

Hcinse. Tail-feathers pointed, and lanceolate at end; the shafts very
rigid, thickened, and elastic.

Picnmninse. Tail soft and short, about half the length of wing; the feath-
ers without stiffened shafts, rather narrow, linear, and rounded at end.

Jynginae. 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 rirhuF alone occur north to Mexico.
The Jimgina, to which the well-known W'rjTieck of England {Jyni
torqnUla) belongs, are exclusively Old World; the Pi<'HmHi;up belong
principallj" to the tropical regions of America, although a few species
occur in Africa and India." (Hist. X. Am. B.)

The North American Picina may for convenience of identification
be divided into the following groups : —

DryobatesB. Bill vnrlnble in lpn(?th; the outllneRabove and below nearly
straight: the ends tnineiited; n prominent rldROon the side of the mandible
sprlncinB from llie middle of tlie base, or o little below, and runnioK out
elthi'r on the commissure, or extendinc parallel to and a Utile above It. to
the end. sometimes obllterateil or confluent with the lateral bevel of the
1)111. Nostrils considerably overhiinK by the lateral rldgc, more or less
linear, and concealed by thick bushy tufts of feathers at the base of the bill.
Outer posterior toe Kenerally lonB<'r than the anterior.

Helanerpese. Bill rather Iouk: the outlines, that of the culmen especially.
dicidcdly curved. The lateral riilKc muchnearest the culmen, and, thouuh
(luite distinct at the base. disappcarinK before cominc to the lower ed^e 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 eiiuni; the anterior rather longer. .

Colapteee. Bill rather long, much depressed, and the upper outline much
curved to the acutely pointed (not truncate) tip. The commi.ssure con-
siderably curved. Bill without any ridges. The nostrils broadly oval and
much exposed. Anterior outer toe longest.

The preceding diagnoses will sei"ve to distinguish the three groups
sufficiently for our present pui-poses ; the bill being strongest in the
Dryohatcie and best fitted for cutting into trees by its more perfect
wedge-shape, Avith 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 ridge
is prominent, extending to the edge or end of the bill, and over-
hangs the nostrils, which are narrow and hidden. The Mclanerpe<e and
the Colapteee have the upper mandible more curved (the commissure
hkewise), the lower mandible smaller and weaker, the bill with
httle or no lateral beveUng. 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.

^ PICIDiE — THE -WOODPECKERS. • 373

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 constmction of the nest.

According to Mr. Brewster (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, October, 1878, p. 179. foot-note), "the
young of most, if.uot 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 females in 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, Pious 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 Dryohatece.

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 auill 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 outer fore toe. Primaries
broad to the tip, and rounded. Spurious primary not one third the second quill.

3. Piooides. 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.

h. 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 about its middle; the terminal
half of the mandible rounded on the sides, although the truncate tip is distinctly
beveled laterally.

4. Sphyrapious, Nostrils considerably overhung by the lateral ridge, very small,
hnear. Gonys as long as the eulmen from the nostials. 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. riRtorlor fiiit<>r toe considorably Hhortor tliiui tlio iintorlor outer one. (Fourth too

xtiortiT tlmii tliinlJ

li. Ceophl(Bus. Hill ilcpn'KAi'il. LiitornI rMtif iil)nvo tliu mlilcllo of the lateral pro-
lllo iii'iir till' liRHO. Nostrils i-llipti<'iil. wiJo, luul roundoU nnti-riorly. Tiill almost
us In Siilii/rapii'iis. A polnti-il or'clpittil crest, ns in Vainuephilitt.

Section Mi'lanrrpcw.
(i. Helanerpes.

liii 'k iiiiil wiriKS lianiloil tniiisvorsuly with Mark nnil while. Crown more or
lessrctl; rest i>r h(:uil with iiii<1<-r parts Kriiyish. anil with rod or yellow tinen on
the middle of till- alMliiiiH'ii. lliimp while. (Siil>i;entis Vfiilunit.)

Upper parts uniform hlaek, without bands, with or without n white rump:
varialjle beneath, but without transverse bands. (Subgenus Mrlanerprt.)

Section Colaptcte.

7. Colaptes. .\bovebrown.barred with blaek: awhile spot on rump: lower parts,
posterior tc. I.laek orescent on chest, vinaceous white or pale vlnaeeous, hand-
somely spotted with black ; shafts of aullls and lail-fealhers brieht yellow or red.

Genus CAMPEPHILUS Gray.

Campfpliilim Gbay. List of Genera. IM", :A. Type, I'iviif iirimiimlin Lisx.

"Gen. Char. Bill considerably ioncer than the head, much depressed, or broader
than liiKh at (he base, becoming somewhat compressed near the middle and cnidually
beveled olT at the lip. Culmen very slightly curved. Konys as concave, the eurvi' scarce-
ly aiipreeiable; commissure slrniKlit. Culmen with a parallel riilee on each siile, slart-
inK a little above the centre of the basal outline of the bill, the ridce projectInK outwards
and downwards, and a slii;ht concavity betwi'cn it and the lU'Ule ridce of the culmen.
Oonys considerably more than half the commissure. Nostrils oval, below the latenil
ridce 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 larne: outer hind toe much longest: claw of inner fore toe reaching' to middle of
outer fore claw: inner hind loi' scarcely mori> than half the outer one; its clawreachluKas
far as the base of the inneranb'riorclaw, considerably more than bftlf the outer anterior
toe. Tarsus rather shorter than the inner fore toe. Tail long, euneate; shafts of the four
middle feathers abruptly much larger than the others, and with a deep groove runnini;
continuously alonu their under surface; webs of the two middle feathers deflected,
almost aeainst each other, so that the feathers appear narrower at the base than termi-
nally. Wings lonK and pointed, the third, fourth, and fifth (juills longest: sixth second-
ary longest, leaving six 'lertials,' instead of three orlour ns usual; primaries long, nt-
tenualed. Color continuous black, relieved by white patches. Head with a pointed occi-
pital crest." Iffisf. X. Am. D.) »

This genus embraces the largest of known Woodpeckers. The
largest species is C. imperialis Govld, of western Mexico, which con-
siderably exceeds our Ivory-billed Woodpecker (C j)rincipaUs) in
size, having the bill three and a half inches long (measured from
the forehead) and tlie wing more than thirteen inches.

Campephilus principalis (Liim.)

IVORY BILLED WOODPECKER.

Popular synonyms. White-billed Woodpecker; While-billed Logcock.
ricus priiiciiialis LiNS S. N. ed. 12, 1766, 173.— Was. .\m. Oru. iv. 1811, 2a, pi. an, llg. (1.
— AUD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1832. 341; v. 1839, 625, pi. CC; B. Am. iv, 1842. 214, pi. 256.

PICID^— THE WOODPECKERS. 375

CampephUus principalis Gray, 1840— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 83; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
72.— CouES, Key, 1872, 192; Cheek List, 1874, No, 293; 2d ed. 1882, No. 431.— B. B. & B.
Hist. N. Am. B. il, 1874, 496, pi. 49, flgs. 1, 2.— RiDGW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, No, 359.
Hab. South Atlantic and Gult 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. Chae. 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 cro-mi (mth 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, wliile 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 hke pait,

37G BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

]Htit, pilit, uttered in "a clear, loud, and rather plaintive tone,"
heard "soiiKtiint's to the distance of half a mile, and resembling
the false high note of a clarionet."

Genus DRYOBATES Boie.

Pidit (part). Linn. S. N. c-d. lo. l. ir.vs. Ul'; fil. 12. I. ITiH".. ITTl. anrl of mnpt nulhors.
yjcnrfroro/ioK Kocn. Syst. linier Zix'il. I. 1«1C, Ti. Typv, by diminution. Pieu» major

LiSN. (-Vc.' ViEILL, Aniilyso. ISlfl. p. 45.)
Dryohaten BoiE. Isl«, IKai. 977. Typo. Picus pubescens Linn.

"Gen. Char. Kill fcninl to the lifiul, or n Uttlf longpr: the laternl rlcIcesefinsi>li-iio<i«.
stiirthiK nlioiit the middle of the base of the bill; the basal olonBUted nval nohtrllH nearest
the eommlBsure; the ridnes of the eulmen and cony.'* acute, and very nearly tttnilKht. or
sliKhtly convex towards the tip; the bill but little broailer than hiKh at the base, beeom-
Ing eompressod eonsiderubly before the middle. Feet mueh lus In Campppliihm; the
outer i>08tcrior toe lonBest; the outer anterior about intermediate between It and the
Inner anterior; the inni'r posterior reaching to the base of the elaw of the inner anterior.
Tarsus about equal to the inner anterior toe; shorter than the two other lone toes. WfnKs
rather long, reaehinc to the middle of the tail, rather rounded: the fourth and fifth quills
longest; the auills rather broad and rounded." (Jlist. X. .Im. B.)

The species found in eastern North America may be distinguished
as follows :

A. Back lonKitndinally striped with white.

1. D. villo9U9. Outer tail-feathers without black bars. Wing. 4.25 or more.

2. D. pubesoens. Outer tall-feathers barred with black. Wine less than 4.25.

B. Back transversely barred with white.

3. D. borealis. Auriculars entirely white; sides spotted with black. Wing. 4.00-4.75.

Dryobates villosus (Linn.)

HAIBY WOODPECKER.
Popular synonyms. Big Sapsueker; Big Guinea- Woodpecker.

Picw.s i'17/o.fi/.'i Linn. S. N. ed. 12, 1. ISCfi. 175.— WiLS. Am. Orn. I, 1»W, 15<>. pi. 9.— Nott.

Man. i,lS32,57.').— AUD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839. 164. pi. 416; Synop. 1SW.179; B. Am. iv, 1842.

344, pi. 262.— Baird, B.N. Am. 1858. »4 (var. medius); Cat. N. Am. B. 1&'.9. Ko. 74.—

CoUEs, Key. 1S72, IPS; Cheek List, 1874, No. 298; 2d ed. 1882, No. 438; B. N. W. 1874.

279 (a. riiloauf, b. niediiid).— RiDow. Nom. N. Am.B. 1881. No. 360.
Picus villosus var. tiiedins Baird, B. N. Am. 1858. 84.

Piciia rillnsns var. riUosiis B. B. & U. Hist. N. Am. B. 11, 1874, 5n3,pl. 49,ngs. 3. 4. 5.
Picus marlinir kVD. Orn. Biog. v. 1839. 81. pi, 417; Synop. 1839, 178; B. Am. Iv. 1812, 240. pi,

260 (= young!).
Picus ruhi-icapillus NuTT. Man. 2d ed. 1. 1840, 685 (= martina:).

Hab. Ea.stern United States (except Gulf States) and more southern British Pro-
vinces. (Replaced in Gulf States by 7). rillosus auduhoni. in northern British .\nierica
by D. villostts leucomelas, and in western North America by J), villosus harrisi.)

Sp. Chab. Above black, with a white band down the middle of the back. All the mid-
dle and larger wlng-coverta and nil the quills with conspicuous spots of white. Two white

PICIDjE — THE WOODPECKERS. 377

stripes on each side of the head; the upper scarcely confluent V:iehiud. the lower not at
all so; two black stripes confluent with the black of the nape. Beneath white. Three
outer tail-feathers with the 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 skinning, 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, during 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 {Spliij-
rapicus rarius) as a scourge to fruit and shade trees, published in
the Prairie Farmer for Jan. — , 1862, Dr. P. E. Hoy, of Eacine,
Wisconsin, has the following 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 Buprestidge, etc.
He is an expert at auscultation and percussion, and he is not in-
debted to Laennec 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, in a major key, as if conscious
that he is engaged in a good cause, and not ashamed to ovm 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."

878 BIRDS OF rLLINOIS.

Dryobates pubescens (Linn.)

DOWNY WOODPECKER.
Popular synonymi. I.lttk' HuiiHiii-kur: Llttlu Oulnmi-Wfiodpccker.

/>;. ii.s iiiilirKriuf Linn. 8. N. ciI. 12. 1. i;(i<;. 17.1. -WiLS. Am. Orn. 1. lw«. l.'^l. I'l. !•. Ilk'. *■-
NuTT. Man. 1. 1832. f)7ti.- AuD. Orn. BI.ik. ii. IKM. Kl: v. \Kt>. KW. |>l. 112: Sym.i.. \K».
W>: H. Am. Iv. 2W. pi. 2«l.-BAtnD, B. N. Am. 1«N. «i; Ciil. N. Am. B. IMt'. N^.. 76.-
CoUES. K.'y. 1872. IW: t'lu-ck List. 1K74. No. awt; 2<l oil. 1NS2. No. UU; «. N. W. 11(74.
2X2(11. ;)«»ic«coiiji).— B. B. & R. HiHt. N. Am. Ii. il. 1S74, Soil. |.l. I'.i. flKS. C, 7.-RlDO\v.
Nom. N. Am. B. IHSI. No. Itci.
I'ltim il)fii(lroropiiii) piilipftftDi Sw. F. B.-.\. 11. IKil. 'f»i.

Pirns (DfiHlroropiis) iiiri/jniit/n Sw. F. B.-A. 11. 1«11. :i'i8 iNow Jersey).
J'irus iiifilininm NuTT. Mnn. 11. ISM. Ii<ll.

7'icini (Deiidroropus) merUlioualia Sw. F. B.-A. 11. 1831,308 (Goorela).

H.Mi. E«.<itorn nml northorii North .\miTlc'ii. ri-sliliMit throi)i,'l>oiit; norlliwost to Alas-
ka, liii'ludini; iiciirly the whole of that roimtry, or from the Ytikon Valley to Koillak.
(Replaced In the western United Stutesand British Colnmliia hy D.pulii'iici'iiagairJueri.)

"Sp, C'HAB, A miniature of /". i'i7/o.HH.'i. Above blaek. with u white hand down the
liai'k. Two while strliies on the side of the head; the lower of opposite sides always
separated liehiiid. thi' npper sometimes eonllnent on the nape. Two stripes of Maek on
the side of thi^ head, the lower not riinnlnn Into the forehead. Beneath white: all the
middle and itreater coverts and all the niillls with white spots, the larger coverts with
two .series each: tertlarlcs or inner seeomlarle.s all banded with white. Two outer tnll-
feathers white, with two bands of black at end: third white at tip and externally: crissuni
sometimes spotted with blaek. Length about 6.2.5; wing. 3.75. Mah with red ternilnat-
inc the white feathers on the nape. J'oiiao with whole top of head red." {IJiat. X.
Am. B.)

This, the smallest of our woodpeckers, is almost a perfect minia-
ture of D. vUlosns, and is of verj' similar habits. It is i-ather more
numerous, however, especially in summer.

Genus PICOIDES Lacepede.

Pieoides Lacep. Mem. Inst. 18(11, 509. Type Pk-uit tridaclt/luit Linn.

"Oen. Cbab. Bill about as long as the head, very much depressed at the base; the
outlines nearly straight, the lali'ral riilge at Its base much nearer the commissure than
the culmeu, so as to bring the huge, rather linear nostrils close to the edge of the eoni-
iiiissure. The gonys very long. u<iual to the distance from the nostrils to thetliioflho
bill. Feet with only three toes, the llrst or inner hinder one being wanting: the outer
lateral a little longer than the inner, but slightly e.\eeeded by the hind toe, which Is
about oaual to the tarsus. Wings very long, reaching beyond the middle of thi' tall, the
tip of the first iiuill between those of sixth^ind seventh. Color black above, with a broad
patch of yellow on the crown*; white beneath, transversely banded on the sides. Quills,
but not wing-coverts, with round spots, Litteral tail-feathers white, without bands on
exposed portion, except in European species.

"The peculiarities of this genus consist in the absence of thp
inner hind toe and the great depression of the bill."

The two species represented in eastern North America, differ as
follows :

• Except in female.

PICrO.E — THE ■WOODPECKERS. 379

Common Chakacters. The American species of Picoides agree in being black above
and white beneath: the ei-own 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. aroticus. Dorsal region without white markings: no supraloral white stripe or
streak, nor nnc-hal 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. amerioanus. Back barred or otherwiselvariedjwith white; a white supraloral
streak and nuchal band. Male. Crown with a patch of yellow, surrounded or
margined with more or less of a whitish suffusion. Female. Crown streaked,
speckled, or suffused with whitish. Wing, 4.40-5.10; tail, 3.40-3.70; culraen. 1.10-1.25.

Picoides arcticus (Swains.)

ARCTIC THKEE-TOED WOODPECKEES.
Popular synonym. Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker.

Picus tridactylus "LlNN." AUD. Orn. Biog. ii. 1834, 198; v,18.39, 538, pi. 132.— NuTT. Man. i,

1832.578. -(Not of Linn.)
Picus {Apternus) arcticus Sw. F. B.-A. ii, 1831. 313. pi. 57.
Picus arcticus AuD. Synop. 18.39, 182; B. Am. iv, 1842, 266, pi. 268.— NuTT. Man. 2d ed. i,

1840,691.
Picoides arcticus G-Ri.Y. 184.5.— Bated. B. N. Am. 1858,98; Cat. N.Am. B. 18.59, No. 82.
— CouES, Key, 1872, 194; Check List, 1874, No. .300; 2d ed. 1882, No. 443; B. N. W. 1874,
284.— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 530, pi. 50, fig. 1.— ElDGW. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 367.
Hab. Northern North America, south, in winter, to northern border of United States
(Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, northern Illinois, etc.); in the West, breeding south (to 40°
at least) in higher mountain ranges.

"Sp. Chak. Above entirely'unitorm glossy bluish black; a square patch on the mid-
dle of the crown saffron- yellow, and a few 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 eye a short distance backwards,
and a white stripe from the extreme forehead (meeting anteriorly) under the eye, and
down the sides of the neck, liordered below by a narrow stripe of black. Bristly feathers
of the base of the bill brown; sometimes a few 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 cliiefly in having the back enthely black. The white hne
from the eye is usuaUy almost imperceptible, if not wanting entirely.
Specimens vary but httle ; 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.

:?H() niRDs OF n.LiNois.

Tliis northi'rn liini is u rare wintir visitor to tlie extreme nortbem
portion of tlie Rtate. According to Mr. Nelson (page 115 of his
catalogue), "a specimen was shot from a tcleRraph pole in Chicago
a few j'ears apo by Dr. Velic." 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 B.unD.

Sphurai>iru.i DAinD, UirJs N. Am. I«i8. liil. Typr. finis variim I.tNN.

"Oen. Chab. Bill ii» In /'iciid, lull llio lateral rlilc. wlilcli Is very promlnout. riiii-
nliiK out ilistiiu'tly tn the rmnniissiin' at about the mliUlle. lieyoiul whieli the lilll l«
rounded without any auKlesatall. The eulmen and gonys are very nearly KtrulKht. but
slightly eonvex. the bill taperlntf rapidly to a point; the lateral outline eoneave to very
near the sIlBhtly beveled tip. Outer pair of toes lonwest; tlie hinder exterior rather
longest; the inner posterior toe very short, less than the inner anterior without Its einw.
Wings long and pointed; the third, exeludiug the spurious, longest. Tail-feathers very
broad, abruptly acuminate, with a very long linear tip. Tongue seareely extensible."
IHiKt. iV. 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 thi'ee others, one of which {S. tlitinndeus) 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 8APSUCKEK.

Popular aynonTms. Red-throated Sapsueker: Sauenling or Whining Sapsueker.

Vir 'i.v riii-inx Linn. S. N. ed. 12. i.lTtW.lTti.— WiLS. Am. Orn. I. m«, U7, pi. 9. Ilg. i— Xutt.

Man. i.lioa. 574.-AUD. Orn. Biog. 11.1834, 619; v,1839, 637,pl. 190; Synop. 1839. 182; B.

Am. iv. 1842.263. pi. 207.
SiihuraiiUusvariunHKUW.'R. N.Am. 1858. li)3; Cat. X. Am. B. 185!), No. 85.— COUES.

Key. 1872,195; CheekLlst, 1874, No. 3<Vi; 2dod. 1882. No. 41fi: B. N. W. 1874, S5. (a rnriii.i.)

— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. 11.1874.539. pi. 51. figs. 1.2.— RiDOW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881,

No. 369.

Hab. Eastern North America, north to at least 61°. In the interior, breeding from
northern United States northward. (Replueed In the Rooky Mountain distriet by S.
nuclialis, and along Paoiile coast by S. ruber.)

PICIDJE — THE WOODPECKEKS. 381

"Sp. Chab. Third quill longest; second a little 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 postoeular one, and a stripe along the edges of the wing-
coverts, 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. Rest of 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, 8.2-5; wing, about 4.75; tail, 3.30. /"enia^e 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. N. 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.

Genus CEOPHLCBUS CiBANis.

Eylatomus Bated, Birds N. Am. 1858,107. Type PicuspHeaiMs Linn. iJS'ec Hylotoma

Lateeillb, 1804.
Ceophlmus Caban, Jour, fur Orn. 1862, 176. Same type.

"Gen. Chae. Bill a little longer than the head; considerably depressed, or broader
than high at the base; shaped much as in 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. Tail long, 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." ^I{ist. 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 pecuhar
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.

382 lililDS OF ILLUiOIS.

Ceophloeus pileatus (Linn.)

PILEATED WOODPECKER.

Popalar synonyms. Wooili'ook ; Blu'jk WoodoOL'k; Loci^ii''k; Illu^'k L'i(;i't"'k.

/'„ .1.1 j.i/.-ir./.« LlSN. 8. X. fil. 12. I. i;iW. irA-WiLS. Am. Orii.lv. 1811, 27, pi. £». 111.'. 2.-

Nf TT. Miin. I. 1 32. XIT.-AUD. Orn. Blog. II. 1834, 74: v. 1839, 033, pi. lU.-B. Am. Iv.

1842.22e.pl. 257,
Uutatomiif pilenhm Daibd, B. N. .\m. 185(i, Ur7; Cm. N. Am. H. Ittfl, N o. 90.— Coveb,

Key, 1872, 192: Click List, 1874, Nu. 21M: 2.1 iil. 1882. X.>. 4:^; B. S. W. 1874. 278; B. B.

& K. Ulst. N. Am. B. ii.1874.Mii.pl. X. IIr.s. .',,«. -Kidow. Nom.N. Am. B. 1881. N<1. :«?.
Ceophlwun iiilfnlim CaDAXIS, Jour, fiir Orn. 1862, 171).

Had. Wliolo of ln-avlly ttmbon-J p.jrtlonB of North America, south to FloriJa. Texas.
New Mexico, iiml Culiforiiiii; north to Nelson river uml Fort Lnird. or even to between
latitude 62° and 63°. in the Interior.

"Sr. Chab. Fourth and flfth auills eruial and longest; third Intermediate between
.■^ixth anil seventh. Bill blue-black: more horn-color beneath. General color ot boily.
wiug.s. ami tail dull crcenisli Muck. A narrow white streak from Jusi above the eye to
the occiput; u wilier on.' fr.uu the nostril feathers linclusive), under the eye and alimg
the side of the head niid ne.'k: sides of till- breast (concealed by tin' wincst. axilluries.
and under winB-eoveits, and conceuled bases of all the quills, with .-liiii luel b.-n.'uth the
head, white. tinBcd with sulphur-yellow. Entire crown from the bas.' of thi'billton
well-developed occipital .Test, u.s also a pati'h on the ramus of the lower jaw. s.'arlet-red.
A few faint white crescents on the sides of the body and on tin' abd. mien. Loner pri-
maries Renerally tipped with white. Length, about 18. tHi; wing. y.5«. Female witlu'iul
the red on tho cheek, and thi' ant.Tior luilt of that on the top of the head replaced by
black." illist. jV. -lid. B.)

This noble bird, inferior only to the magnificent Ivory-bill {Cuiiipc-
philiis priucipalis) among North American woodpeckers, occm-s in
wooded districts throuf;hout the State, being still abundant in the
more heavily timbered portions. It is vei^y active and noisy, and
therefore as well as on accotmt of its large size and striking colors,
is a conspicuous bird. Its bbiws tipon dead trees sound more hke
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, althoufjh a far less powerful bird than the
Ivoi7-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 bu'd on the
sonorous dried trees, compared with which the tapping of the
smaller species is but a weak noise, very soon becomes familiar to
the ear of the woodman ; and may designate the bird at a dis-
tance. The old adage, 'a workman is kiiowni by liis chips,' certainly
alKnns 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 ami larger branches in a short time,
heaping up the chips and strips of bark on the ground in an as-

PICID^ — THE WOODPECKERS. 383

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
powerfiil bill, or his sonorous cackling, one is particularly impressed
with the spirit and immense energy of the bird." (Langille.)

Genus MELANERPES Swainson.
Subgenus Melanerpes.

Melanerpes Swains. F. B.-A. ii. 1831, 316. Type, Picus erythrocephalus Linn.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linn.)

RED-HEADED WOODPECKEK.

Picus erythrocephalus Linn. S. N. ed. 12,1. 1766, 174.— WiLS. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 11:!, pi. 9,
flg. I.—NUTT. Man. i, 1832, 569.— AUD. Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 141, pi. 27; Synop. 1839, 184;
B. Am. iv, 1842, 274, pi. 271.
Melanerpes erythrocephalus Swains. F. B.-A. ii. 1831, 316.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858. 113;
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 94.— CouES.Koy. 1872. 196; Cheek List, 1874, No. 309; 2d ed.
1882. No. 453; B. N. W. 1874. 290.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. ii. 1874, 564, pi. 54, flg. 4.—
KiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, 375.

Hab. Eastern United States and British Provinces, west to eastern base o£ Rocky
Mountains, south to Florida and Texas; breeds throughout; irregularly or locally mi-
gratory. Rare in most parts of New England.

Sp. Chab. Adult. Entire head, neek, 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, neek, and iugulum
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 thi-oughout 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 diificult to account for.

384 BIRDS OF ILLIhOIS.

Subgenus Centurus Swaixsos.

Cenlnrut Swains. Classlf . B. II, 1837, 310. Type, Picus earolinu» Liss.

Gen. Cbab. Bill about us long as the head, or a little lonser, the length from the tip
to the nostril about oaual to the tarsus, or u Uttle greater; decidedly eomprcRsed anteri-
orly, but depressed at the extreme base: the lateral sroovo distinct for half the I'ngth of
the bill; eulmen decidedly but gently curved from the base; gouys nearly straight, and
about half as long as the culmen. Nostrils broad, elliptical, situated about midway be-
tween the culmen anil tomium, and only partly concealed by the frontal tufts. Anterior
outer toe a little longiT than the posterior, the inner uuterlor toe di'cidediy shorter, and
the inner hind toe only al)out half its lenglli. Wings long and bruail, third to llftli pri-
inarii'S longest, the llrst equal to the sixth to the ninth. Tail about two thirds us longaji
the wing, graduated, the feathers (except the outer) rather ubruptly attenuated at ends.
Colors, lianded with black and white, or yellow, above, with more or less of the pileum
scarlet in the mule; below plain, the abdomen tinged with red. orange, or yellow In most
species.

While ouly 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 WOODPECKEK.

Popular aynonyms. Carolina ■Woodpecker; Checkered Woodpecker; Wood Chuck;
Zebra Woodpecker.

Picus carolinus LlNS. S. N. ed. 10. 1, 1758. 113; ed. 12, 1. ITCfi, 174.— WiLS. Am. Orn. 1,
1808, 115, pi. 7, fig. 2.-NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 572.— AUD, Orn. Biog, v. 1839. 169. pi, 41.-.;
Synop. ISW. 1K3; B. Am. iv,1842. 270. pi. 270.

Centurus carolinus Bp. 1838.-Baikd.B. N. Am. 1858.109; Cat, N. Am. B. 1859.Xo, 91.—
CouE8.Key.l872,196;CheckLi8t.l874,No. 3oti:2ded. 1882,Xo. 450;B. X. W. 1874.289.—
B.B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. 11.1874. 289.— KiDOW. Xom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. STJ.
Melanerpes [Centurus] carolinus RiDOW. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Jan. 1874, 378.

Hab. Eastern United States, rure northward, but occurring accidentally us faros
Massachusetts; west, sparingly, to eastern base of Kocky M>^>untains, and south to
Florida and eastern Texas (except Rio Grande Valley).

8p. Chau. A'lult male. Entire pileum and nape bright scarlet, ileepest on the crown,
the forehead lighter, or more pinkish (someliuies approaching reddish white); rest of the
head and neck with lower parts, pale buiT-grayish, lighter on the chin and throat; middlu
of the alHlomen i>inklsh red. the remainder of the lower i>arls sometimes tinged with the
same, especially on lhiM>reast and cheeks; tibiic and erissum white, relieveil by rather
sparse hastate marks of bhick. Back scapulars ami upper part of rump broadly and dis-
tinctly luirred with lilack ami white, the two colors in about equal propurlion, or the black
barsralher the wider; wings black, the coverts and secondaries barred with pure white;
primaries tippi'd with whiti', narrowly margined with the same beyond their cmarginal ions
and bloti-heil with white near the base; upper tail- coverts and lower part nf rumpwliile,re-
liovod by rather sparse irreguliu'ly hastate spots or bars of black, the covorts sometimes

PICID^ — THE WOODPECKERS. 385

nearly immaculate. Tail black; the inner webs of the intermedia, 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; otiter reotriees 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 scapulars 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), .91055 inches; extent, 15?^-17'»; wing (skins), 4.85-5.40; tail, 3.50-3.90; culmen,
1.00-1.20; tarsus, .80-. 90. Bill (in lite), 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 pui-plish pink, while two now before me (No.
34317, Kansas City, Mo., May 14, 1864, and another from Mount
Carmel, 111., 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 liighly-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- scarlet. 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 (Melatterpes 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 v^dnter 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 BIBDS OF ILUNOIS.

is rather a noisy bird, its empliatic 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 COLAPTUS Swainsos.

Colaplea SwAissoN, Zool. Jour. 111. Deo. 1827, 353. Type Cuculus auratug Liss.

"6ek. Cbab. Bill slender, depressed at the base, then compressed. Culmen much
curved, 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 the end. No ridges on
the bill. Nostrils basal, median, oval and exposed. Oonys very short; about half the
oulmen. Feet large, the anterior outer toe considerably lunger than the posterior. Tall
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
Cahfomia), the two remaining North American species of Culaptcs
may be distinguished as follows :

Common Chabactebs. Head and neck ashy or brown, unvaried except by n black nr
red malar patch in the male, and sometimes, in both sexes, a scarlet 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 crlssum; a black pec-
toral crescent. Shafts and under surfaces of quills and tail-fcatherseltheryellow orred.

1. C. aoratUB. Under surface and shafts of wings and tall rich golden yellow. A red
nuchal crescent. Throat jilnkish. top of head ashy. Male with the "moustaches"
glossy black. Hab. Eastern North America.

2. C. mexioanuB, Under surface and shafts of wings and tail pinkish red. No red
nuchal crescent. Throat ash. top of head brownish. Male with the "moustaches"
bright red. Hab. Western North America.

Distinct as these two forms appear to be, they are yet connected
by a series of intermediate specimens which have been a great
puzzle to ornithologists. This intermt'diate seiies is further con-
sidered under the head of C. hyhriilus on page 387.

PICID^ — THE WOODPECKEKS. 387

Colaptes auratus (Linn.)

FLICKEB.

Popular synonyms. Yellow-hammer; yellow-shafted Flicker; Wake-up; High-holder,
or High-hole; Clape; Golden-winged Woodpecker; Pigeon Woodpecker.

Cticulus auratus Linn. S. N. ed. 10. i, 1758. 112.
Fimis auratus Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 171.— WiLs, Am. Orn. 1, 1808, 45, pi, 3,flg, 1,—
NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 561,— AuD, Orn, Biog, i, 1832, 191; v, 1839, 540, pi, 37; Synop, 1839,
184; B. Am. iv, 1842, 282, pi, 273,
Colaptes auratus ?,v;. 1827,— Baikd, B. N, Am, 1858.118; Cat, N, Am. B. 1859, No. 97,—
CouES, Key, 1872,197; Cheek List,1874,No, 312; 2d ed, 1882, No. 457; B. N. W. 1874,292,—
B, B, & E, Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 575, pi, 55, flgs, 1,2,— Kidgw. Norn, N, Am, B. 1881,
No, 378,

Hab, Eastern and northern North America, inehiding all wooded parts of Alaska,
south to Sitka; south to Florida and eastern Texas, west to edge of Great Plains; casual
in California.

"Sp. Chae, Shafts and under surfaces of wing- and tail-feathers gamboge-yellow.
Male with a black patch on each side of the cheek. A red crescent on the nape. Throat
and stripe beneath the eye pale lilac-brown. Back glossed with olivaceous green.
Female without the black cheek-patch.

"Additional Chabaciers. A ereseentie 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 leather with a heart-shaped spot of black near the end. Kump white.
Length, 12.50; wing, 6,00." {.Hist. N. Am. B.)

Wing, 5.50-«.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 thi'oughout the State, and is everywhere a permanent
resident.

Colaptes hybridus (Baird.)

HYBRID IXICKEE.

Colaptes ayresii AuD. B. Am. vii, 1843, 348, pi, 494.

Colaptes hybridus Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 122; Cat, N, Am, B, 1859, No, 98<i.

Colaptes auratus hyhridus Kidgw, Nom, N, Am, B, 1881. No, 378o, 11.
Colaptes aurato-mexicanus Sundev. Consp. Av. Picin. 1866, 72.

Hab. Western United States, but chiefly the region of the upper Missouri, and thence
across the northern border and south into California.

Chae. Intermediate between C. auratus and C. raexicaiius, the character of the two
species being mixed in various degrees, in different specimens. Typical combinations
are as follows;

388 BIKD8 OF njJNOIS.

o. with 111*! KhaftB. oto.oranjfo.or Intormedlato In lint between the j-ellowof oi/r<iri/»
and the red of tni*riranut.

b. With the pure yellow BhaftH. etc.. of niir<i(ii«, roniblncd with red "inouslnehe*" of
meiiranuf,

e. HImilurto tnericattxin. Imt havInK either the red ooolpltul oreseent or plnklnh
throat of auratiif.

d. Similar to mejirnntif. but having the red "moUHlaeheii" mixed with blaek feathers.

c. Similar \oaurat\ia, but with red or oninge-eolored feathers mixed In wing or
tall; or like mexicanus, but with yellow feathers in wliit; or tall.

OEDER COCCYGES — THE CUCKOOS, ETC. 389

Order COCCYGES.— The Cuckoos, etc.

Chaeacteks. 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 zygodaotyle, or
else the middle and outer toes connected for at least half their length.

Family ALCEDINIDiE. — The Kingfishers.

"Chak. 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, 3, 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.)

Genus CERYLE Boie.

Cervle BoiE, Isis, 1828, 316. Type, Alcedo rudis Finn.
"Gen. Char. 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 long and 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 KINOFISHEB.
Popular synonym. Kingnshor.

Alceilo aliu"ii LiKN. S.N. cd. 12, 1. 176C, 180.— WlLS. Am. Orn. ill. imi. .W.-Aun. tini.
Bloc 1. 1831. 394. pi. 77; Synop. 1839. 173; B. Am. Iv. mi '.'(IS pi. 'JM.-Niitt. Man. 1.
\se. &94.
Cei-yle alcuon Bore. 1838.— Baiud. B. N. Am. 1858, 158; Cat N. Am. B. 1858, No. 117.-
C0UE8, Koy. 1872,188; Clit-ik LlHt. 1874. No. 286; 2d ed. 1882. No. 421; B. N. W. 1874.
;I72.-B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. 11, 1874, :I92. pi. 4S, &«. C— BiDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 18X1,
No. 382.
Had. Whole of North America, south (in winter only '/) to Isthmus of Pitnamn and
Ihrouiihout West Indies.

Sp. Char. Blul.sh plumbeous above, white beneath: nape with a white collar and
breast with a plumbeous or brownish l)and. Head with a double erectile crest nf narrow
feathers. Aihill iiiale. Sides white, tlneed with plumbeous. Ailnll female. Sides and
a more or less complete band across belly, rufous. Young. Similar to the adult, but
the mule 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.:iO.

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 mto the water, and which they
always swallow whole on emerging from theii' 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 clitfs, not always in the immediate vicinity of
water. These excavations are often near their accustomed fishing
grounds, m 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 accompUshed. ^Yhen dig-

•Hlst. N. Am. B., Vol. II, pp. 394, 393.

ALCEDINIDa; — THE KINGFISHEES. 891

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 Naturahst" 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 confii'med 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."

S92 BIBDS OF ILLINOIS.

i'AMiLY CUCTJLID^.— The Cuckoos.

Chab. Bill compressed. UHUully iiinri' or less U-nKthonpil and with dcfurvcd culmeu.
Itlctal brlstlos few or none. Nostrils exiiosej, uo uiisul tufts. TiiU luiieiind soft, of rliclit
to twelve feathers. Toes in pairs, deeply eleft or not united, the outer anterior too
usually versatile, hut dlreeted rather laterally than baeltward.

"The Cueulidie form a strongly marked group of birds, easily dis-
tinguished among the Zi/nodarti/li by the characters given above.
The outer toe is versatile, but in the American fonns 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 :

Coooyzinee, Fneo covered with feathers; bill elongated, more or less cylln-
ilrieal. .atraisht or curved. Tail of ten feathers.
Bill aliout the length of the head, or not longer; curved. Loral feathers

soft. Legs weak, tarsus shorter than the toes. Arboreal Cocci/ztis.

Bill longer than the head; straight. Loral feathers still, bristly. Torsi

much longer than the toes. Terrestrial Oeococcur.

CrotophaginsB. Face naked; liiU much compressed, with a sharp crest.

Tail ■jf eight feathers. Bill shorter than and nearly as high as the head. Crotophaoa.

Only Cocvyzus has a cliiim to special notice in this connection,
Crotophaga and Geococcyx being "extrahmital" so far as this work
is concerned, although the latter approaches rather near, having
been obtained in the western poi-tion of the Indian Territory
(Kiowa Agency) and in Southwestern Kansas.

Genus COCCYZUS Vieillot.

Coccuzus Vieillot. Analyse, 1816, 28. Typo, Cnculus americanua Linn.

"Gen. Chab. Head without crest; feathers about base of bill soft; nearly as long
as the head, deeurved, slemler, and attenuated towards the end. Nostrils linear. Wings
lengthened, reaching the middle of the tail; the tertlals short. Tail of ten graduated
feathers. Foet weak; tarsi shorter than the middle too.

OUCULIDa: — THE CUCKOOS. 893

"The species of Coccyzus are readily distinguished from those of
Geococcyx by theu" arboreal habits, confining themselves mainly to
trees, instead of hving habitually on the ground. The plumage is
soft, fine and compact.

"The American Cuckoos differ from the European (Cucidus) by
having 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 theii'
young, instead of laying eggs in the nests of other birds, like the
European Cuckoo and the American Cowbird (Molothnis ])ecoris)"
{Hist. N. Am. B.)

The two species of Coccyzus which are entitled to notice here
may be distinguished by the following characters :

1- C. americanus. Tail feathers (except middle pair) blaek with broad white tips.
Inner webs of primaries mostly rufous. Mandible and bare orbits yellow.

2. C. erythrophtlialmus. 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-eow.

Cucuhts americanus Linn S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 170.
Coccyzus americanus Bp. 1S25.— Nutt. Man. i. 1832, 651.— AuD, Orn. Biog, i, 1832. 18: v,
1839, 520,pl. 2; Synop.1839, 187; B.Am.iv, 1842, 293, pi. 275. —COUES, Key, 1872, 190; Check
List, 1874, No. 291; 2d ed, 1882, No, 429; B. N, W. 1874, 275,— Bidgw, Nom. N. Am, B
1881, No. 387.
Coccyzus americanus Cab. 1856.— Baied, B. N, Am. 1858, 76; Cat, N, Am. B, 1859, No. 69,
— B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 477, pi, 48, flg, 4.
Cucuhts carolinensis Wixs, Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 13, pi. 28.

Hab, 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. Chae. 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 and a gloss on the outer webs olive; iris brown. Length, 12.00;
wing, 5,95; tail, 6.35." {Hist. A'. Am. B.)

There is considerable variation in the amount of rufous in the
quills ; sometimes this shows very distinctly externally, sometimes it
is entii'ely replaced by the bronzed olive of the back. A greater
amount of the rufous seems to characterize the more southern and

304 Binns of n,LiNoiB.

Jamaica specimens, which also are smaller; northern specimens,
however, show similar variations. In the immature birds the under
surface of the tail-feathers is t,'ray, not black, so that the contrast
with the white tips is very indistijict, as in crytlmiphthalmm, in
wliich, however, these hght tips are much narrower, while the bill
is entirely black.

This bird, familiarly known as the Rain Crow, AVood I'igeon, 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. criithrophthalmun occasionally not only
impose on one another, but also, tiiough 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 liud not only eggs in different stages
of incubation but also young and freshly laid eggs in the same
nest. Colonel S. 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 bii-d utihzes the wai-mth
of the young first hatched to continue the incubation of eggs sub-
sequently laid."

Kegarding this point it may be stated that the parasitic habit of
the European Cuckoo {Cncultis 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 incubation of
their eggs ; and it may be suggested that the circumstances to which
Col. AValker alludes, and which have been noted by other obseiTers,
arise from the same cause. Furthermore since, as stated above, it
is known also that both the American Cuckoos occasionally drop

CUCULID^- — THE CUCKOOS. 395

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 (Wils.)

BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.

Cuculus erythrophthalmus WfLS. Am. Orn. iv.lSll, 16, pi. 27, flg. 2.
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus Bp. 1825.— Ahd. Orn.Biog.i,1832,l-0.pl..'!2; Synop. 1&39.187;
B. Am. iv, 1842. 300, pi. 276.— CouES. Key, 1872, 199; Cheek List, 1872, No. 290; 2d ed.
1882, No. 428; B. N. W. 1874, 274.— ElDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 388.
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus Cab. 1856.— Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 77: Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 70,— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 484, pi. 48,flg. 5.
Coccyzus dominicus "Linn." Nutt. Man. i, 1832,556 {nee Lmu.)

Hae. Eastern North America, north to Labrador, west to Eocky Mountains: south
in winter, through eastern Mexico and Central America to the Amazon Valley; Cuba
(and Florida?) in winter. Accidental in Europe.

"Sp. Chae. Bill entirely 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 ot the auills 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." I.Bist. N. Am.. B.)

"First plumage: female. Above lustrous plumbeous ashy, feathers upon the crown,
nape, and anterior part ot the back, narrowly tipped with pale ashy; those of the inter-
scapular region and rump, together with the scapulars and upper tail-eoverts, 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 hav-
ing the naked skin around the eye yellow instead of red." (Bkewstek, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, Oct. 1878, p. 178.)

Popularly confounded with the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, tliis 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 adjoining 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.

3'JG BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Ordki! PSITTACI.— Tiie PAunoTS, etc.

C'liAH. mil ilci'ii anil Hti'oiik'b I kill. iIh- ii|i|iiT niamlibli- nirtviililo. an woll ax tho

lowiT. mill fiiriilslu'd nt Imsi' vvllli ii illRtiiu't core, or vlav llie laltrr ileiiRely ooveri'd with
Hliorl feailiLTs: fci-t zyiioilai'tyK'.

■ Family PSITTACID^.— Tp Parrots.

"C'hah. Bill cri'atly lionknl: tlw niaxiilu iiinvalilvainl with oiti' at thi' l)asi'. NoHtrlls
In tlir basi- iif Ihi' Iiill . Fi-ct Ki'anKiiriul. roverfd wlUi eraniilati'd «i'alus." {Ilitt. A', .1 th. 11.)

Genus CONURUS Kuhl.

Coiinnis Kuhl. Consp. Psittao. 18211. 4. Typo J'giltacua carotinenais Linn.

■'Oen. Char. Tail lunK. ounioal. ami pointod; hill stout: cbcoks foHlhorod. hut in
ftomo sporlos loavint; a aaki'il riiit; rotnul tho oyi-'S: oori.' foatluTod to tho baso of tho hill.

"The precediug (liagnosis, though not very full, will seiTe to in-
dicate the essential characteristics of the genus among the Middle
American forms with long pointed tails, the most promment feature
consisting in the densely feathered, not naked, checks. But one
species belongs to the United States, though three others are found
in Mejuco, and many more in South and Central America. A few
species occur in the West Indies." {Hist. X. Am. B.)

Conurus carolinensis (Linu.)

CAROLINA PAROQUET.
Popular synonym. Illinois rarmiuot.

J'^illiirii.i laroHiiennis LiNN. S. N. ed. 1:!. i, ITflfi, 141.— Wns. Am. Urn. iil. Isll. 89, pi. 21.
ng. 1.— NUTT. Man. l.lSSa.S^i.— AuD. Orn. Bloc. v. lift;. W.. pi. 2ii.
Coniinis carolini'u.ii.i Less. 1S!1,— Baihd.B. N. Am. 1858. (>"; Cat. X. Am. B. ISfiii.No. C3.
-COUES, Key, 1872. 1'.I9: Chook List. 1874. No. »15: 2d ed. 18S2. No. 460; B. N. \V. 1874,
29li.-B. B. .& R. Hist, N. Am. B. il, 1874.587.pl, 5fi, Hgs, l,2.-RlDOW. Norn. N. Am. B.
1881, No. 392.
Centurim (error caroliuennin) AUD. Synop, 1839, 189; B. Am. iv. 1842. 386. pi, 278.

Hab. Now confliied to limited portions of Florida and tho Gulf States, and portions
of the lower Mississipi>i Valley, north to Arkansas and Indian Territory— possibly to
southern Mississippi and extreme southern purtlon of Illinois. Formerly abundant
throuithout the Mississippi Valley, east to the AlleKhanies. north (extreme limits) to the
Great Lakes, west to Nebraska and even eastern Colorado.

Sp. Char. Adull. RIeh grass-trreen. varyinc to enn^rald in some lights, the lower
parts lighter and more yellowish green than the upper: tertials, lips of greater coverts,
and basal portion of primaries greenish yellow: primaries dark blue at tips. Forehead, lores
anil eheeks. rieh orange-rod, or orange-ehrome; rest of head, with upper part of neck,

PSITTACID^ — THE PARKOTS, ETC, 397

pure gamboge-yellow. Edge of wing tinged with orange. Bill creamy white; eyelids
whitish; iris blackish brown; feet whitish, Toung. 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.WI; 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
Eiver, 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 Mterature.

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 fu-st 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 Eiver, 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
l)pauty 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 ACCIPITRE8 — THE BIRDS OF PREY. 399

Order ACCIPITRES.— The Birds of Prey.
Suborder STRIGES. — Nocturnal Eaptores (Owls).

Chae. Eyes directed forward, and surrounded by a 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 Urst primary with the points of
the barbs recurved. Feathers on the sides of the forehead frequently elongated into
ear-like tufts. Tarsus usually, and toes frequently, feathered. Ear-opening usually
very large, sometimes provided with a lappet. (Esophagus destitute of a dilated crop;
eoeea 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 cylindrical, 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 Eaptores.
There are also many important anatomical iDeculiarities, which it
is unnecessary to mention here. The Order comprises two well-
marked families, which may be distinguished as foUows :
«

Strigidse, 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. Tail emarginated. Feathers of the posterior face of the tar-
sus recurved, or pointed upwards.
Bubonidae. 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 or less rounded. Feathers of posterior
face of tarsus (when present) pointed downwards.

100 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Family STRIGIDiE.— The Barn Owls.

Chaii. Inn'T too I'litial to lln' iiiiiUlli- in li'iiKtIi: iiinor •dn'' of miildli' oliiw pi'i'tiiiiil<'d.
First ijuill lonscT timn tlip third: nil llir fniill.- willi their liintT wrb I'litiri-, or witliout
omarBiuiition. Tail omareinutvd. Feathers of the posterior face of the tarsus rceurved,
or pointed upwards.

The family Strigidfe includes, so far as known, but two genera,
Sirix and Phodilus. The former is cosmopolitan, hanng 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 Linn^us.

Strix Linn. S. N. od. 10, 1, 1758, 92. Type, Strixflammea Ldtx.
Aliico Gebini. Orn. Met. DIk. 1. 1767. 88.

Gen. Char. Size medium. No ear-tufts; faeial ruff entirely continuous, very i-on-
spicuous. Wine very long, the first or second quill longest, and all without emargina-
tion. Tail short, emarginated. Hill elongated, eompressed. regularly eurved; lop of the
ocre nearly equal to the eulmen, straight, and somewhat depressed. Nostril open, oval,
nearly horizontal. Eyes very small. Tarsus nearly twice as long as the middle toe,
den.«ely clothed with soft short feathers, those on the posterior face inclined upwards;
toes scantily bristled; claws extremely sharp and long, the miildle one with its inner
edge pectinated. Ear-couch 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.
Poptilar aynonyme. Monkey Owl; Monkoy-faccd Owl,
iitrir tiamnua "Linn." Wils. Am. Orn. vl.l812,57.pl. 50,Qg. 2.— Ntrrx. Man. i,1832,i;Ri.-

AuD. Orn. Biog. ii.l834,in3; v,is«<,;w.s.pl. 171.
SIrir jiraliiicola Bp. t'onip. DIst. 1838,7.— Cass, in Baird"s B. N. Am. ISM, 47.-BAinD,
Cat. N, Am, B. 18i.9, No. (7.
StrUflamiiiea var. iiralinvola B. B. & B. Hist. N, Am. B. iil, 1S74, 13.
Alucoflammeus pratincola CoUES, 2d Check List, 1.SS2, No. 161.
Strix amerU-aiia AUD. Synop. 1899,25; B. Am. i, 1810. 127, pi. :M.
Strix /iamntea aiiierirana ScHLEO. 1862.
Strix ftauiiiiea var. nnierirana CoUES, Key,lg72, 2(»1; Chock List, IST.l, No. 316.

STEIGID^ — THE BARN OWLS. 401

Slrixfiammea A. americana CouES, B. N. W. 1874, 298.

Aluco flamineus aniericanus EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 394.

Hab. United States generally, but more rare northward, and wanting in unwooded
districts; south through Mexico: north, occasionally, to Canada,

Sp. Chae. Usua' 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 scapulars, 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 their ends. Tail orange-ochraceous, finely mottled-
most densely terminally— with dusky, fading into whitish at the tip, and crossed by
about five distinct bands of mottled dusky. Face white, tinged with wine-red; an ante-
orbital spot ot 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 ot the upper parts, the lower half (from ears across
the throat) deeper ochraceous, the tips ot 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 ot 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, Tej on Valley, Cal.;Dr. Heermann):
There is no white whatever on the plumage, the lower parts being continuous light
ochraceous; the tibia; have numerous roimd 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.

3Ieasurements. (Male, No. 6.884, TejonTalley, 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 ooUeotion. there is not one 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," etc., with variations, according to
circumstances. It is rather a southern bird, being 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.

Eegarding its habits, ij; 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 ILLDiOlB.

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 evi-
dence on record, as for example the following, by Mr. E. T. Shep-
herd, of Monroe, Ohio, published in the Ornitholoffist and Oiikxjht
for October, 1884, p. 124.

"The Barn Owl is undoubtedly a very useful bird to the farmer,
having as it has, an almost uulmiited 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 banis 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 'towii liall' 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 wei'e hundreds
of these pellets, and they must have contained the debris of several
thousand rats and mice.' This is certainly evidence of the economic
value of these birds. Mr. Dui-y also states that he found them
living in harmony with the several pairs of tame pigeons which had
their quarters in the tower."

BUBONIDiE — THE OWLS. 403

Family BUBONIDiE.— The Owls.

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 inform; skull also in some genera very asymmeti-ieal. (Asionince.)
a. Size medium to very large (wing n.50 inches or more).

1. Asio. Size medium (wing U.5!)-13.0O 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 12 inches 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. Sootiaptex. Size very large (wing 16.00 or more); oere on top longer than chord
of culmen, the nostrils as in Syrnium; 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.

h. Size very small (wing less than 8 inches).

4. Nyotala. 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; skull always symmetrical. (Bubo-
nince.)
a. Nostrils opening in the anterior edge of the flat nasal membrane.

§ Tail even, or very slightly rounded, not more than halt as long as the wing.

5. MegascopB. Size small (wing less than 8.00 inches). 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 Megascope, 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
scutelliE) wholly exposed; bill not concealed by loral bristles.

404 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

" Nyctea. Slzi'viTy liiri;i> (wine 15.00 Inohes or mort-). Four outiTiniillK with liiiior
U'i'liH I'limrcinulcHl. Lowit liiil-coverls n'uchlnd "nil nf tall; toes ilonscly oov-
erud with Ions Imlr-Uko fouthors which ulmoat completely hide the elawo: Mil
iienrly concealed by the loml feathers. Ear-tults rudimentary. (Otherwise
Hlmlliir to liuhn.)
Si ThII much eraduiited. nearly ua lone us the wine.

8. Snrnia. Size nither small (wliiBiibuut 9 Inehesl. Four outer qulllt- with inner
webs omarclnuted. the third lonsi'st. Bill strong, yellow: Iris bricht yellow.
Ear-eonoh oval, simple, less than the diameter of the eye. No cur-tufts,

h. Nostril opening back from the anterior margin of the much Inflated nasal mem-
brane; usually small and circular,
5 Tarsus little If any longer than the middle toe; first nuill shorter than tenth,

9. Olauoidiiun, Size very small (wing less than 4.50 Inches), Tarsus about eiiual
to the niidclle toe, densely feathered; tail much ra6re than half the wing,
rounded; third ur fourth nuill longest, the outer four with Inner webs emargi-
iiiitcl; tiill pale colored; iris yellow,

I". Micrathene, Size very small (wing less than 4.50 Inches), Tarsus a little longer
than middle toe, scantily haired; tail less than half the wing, even; fourth nuill
longest, the oiiter four with inner webs emarglnated; bill pale colored. Iris
yellow.
§S Tarsus more than twice as long as the middle toe; first quill longer than
tile si.xth.

11. Speotyto, Size moderately small (wing about 7.00 inches). 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; ins yellow.

Genus ASIO Brisson,

Asio Brisb, Orn. 1, 1760, 28. Type, Strix oltin LiNS.
Utus Cuv. Lee. Anat. Comp. 1799, tab. 11. Same type,

liradii/otus GouLD, P, Z. S, lSt7, 10. Type Slrix. hraehyolua FoB8T,.=5. accipilrina
Tall.

Gen. Chab, Size medium. Ear-tufts well developed or rudimentary: head small;
eyes small. Cere much arched, its length more than the chord of thcculmen. Hill
weak, compressed. Only the first, or first and second, outer primary with inniT web
emarglnated. Tail about half the wing, rounded. Ear-conch very large, about a.s 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 grr-iitly developed. (.Isio.)

I. A. wiUonianuB, Above flnely-vermloulnted dusky brown and light grayish, the
former prevailing: lower parts whitish (bulTy beneath the surface), marked with
transverse dusky bars, which are much broader than the mesial streaks,

B. Ear-tufts nuliiiiintary. iUracliyolim.)

~. A. aooipitrinue. Ground-color (above and below) ochraeeous, varying to bulTy
whitish, striped, but not barred, with dark brown.

The subgenus A sin has but one other representative, as far as
known, in America. This is the .1, utiiiiiim (W.vcl.) of the tropical
regions (including Cuba), which differs from .1. irilnonianiig in much
darker coloi-, perfectly naked toes, and attenuated tips to the outer
primaries. A. wilsoitianus has a close ally in A. otl^s of the Palae-

BUBONIDiE — THE OWLS. 405

arctic region, but is sufficiently distinct. Of the subgenus Brachyolus
there are two American species besides the nearly cosmopolitan
A. accvpitrinus, namely, A. galapacioensis Gould, confined to the
Galapagos Islands, and A. portoricensis Eidgw., peculiar to the
island of Porto Eico.

Asio ■wilsonianus (Less.)

AMERICAN LONG -EARED OWL.

Popular synonym. Lesser Horned Owl.

Strix otus Wlls. Am. Orn. vii,lS12. 73, pi. 51, fig. 3 {nee Linn).— Nhtt. Man. i. 18.32, 130.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1835, 573, pi. 83.
StrU Usio) otus S-w. & Rich. F. B.-A.ii,1831,72.
Otus wilsoniamis Less. Traite, i. 1831,110.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858. 53.— Baied,
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 51.
Otus vulgaris var. rrilsonianus Ai.l,EN,1872.— CouES,Key.l872,204; Cheek List, 1873. No.

320.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii. 1874, 18.
Otus vulgaris b, iDilsonianus CouEs, B. N. W. 1874, 304.
Asio wilsonianus CouEs, 2d Cheek List, 1882, No. 472.
Ottis inilgaris americanvs Schleg. 1862. (JVec Strix americana Gmel.)
Asio otus, subsp. a. Asio americatuis Shaepe. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ii, 1875, 229.
Asio americanus RiDGW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 395.

Hab. North America in general, north to the limit of forests, south to Mexican table-
lands.

Sp. Chae. 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 oehraceous beneath the surface; lower scapulars with a tew obsolete
spots of white on lower webs. Primary coverts dusky, with transverse series of darl;
mottled grayish spots, these becoming somewhat oehraceous basally; ground color of
the primaries grayish, this especially prevalent on the inner quills: the basal third (or
less) of all oehraceous, this decreasing in extent on inner feathers, the grayish tint every-
where finely mottled transversely with dusky, but the oehraceous 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 oehraceous basally, the tip approaching whitish; secondaries
crossed by nine or ten narrow bands of dusky.

Ear- tufts with the lateral portion of each web oehraceous, this becoming white, some-
what variegated with black, toward the end of the inner webs, on which the oehraceous
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 oehraceous; chin and upper part of the throat
immaculate white. Ground-color below pale oehraceous. 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
oehraceous, becoming nearly white on the lower part of tarsus and on the toes; tibial

•lOG BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

pinnies with n fi'w sajtlltato tnarkH of brownlnli; lowor tnll-i-'n.ri~ iik-Ii with a mcilinn
HiiKlttiiti' ninrk (ifduHky. IhlH <TintlnnlneuU>iiethi'8hiift, forklnKtowiiril thcluiHi-. LlnhiK
of till- wluK plolu pulu iK'linK'cuun; inner iirlmory ouvi-rts bluvklxh Ijruwn. furmlni; a
coMspli'noiis spot.

WInjr, 11..1«-12.(i<i; lull. C.»rt-«.ai: culnien. .tB; tarsus. 1.20: tnidillp toe.l.is.

i'uung. Whik's iind tall as In the adult; other portions trunsviTSely banded with
lilaekisli brown and Krnyish whit"', the latter prevailing anteriorly; eyebrows and li'ral
bristles entirely blaek; legs white.

Western specimens apparently average decidedly grayer than
eastern ones, some of the latter being very much diirkir than any
1 have seen from the West.

The American Long-eared Owl is closely related to the European
A. otus, but seems suflSciently distinct. The latter has the upper
parts striped, instead of confusedly mottled, with dusky ; the lower
parts oclmvceous 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 sui-prised 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 al)out
equally rounded on both ends and rather globular in shape. They
average about 1.60 inches m length by 1.32 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
lii'st 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. E. Bendire,
in Ornithologist and Oologist.)

BUBONID^ — THE OWLS. 407

Subgenus Brachyotus Gould.
Asio accipitrinus (Pall.)

SHOKT EAEED OWL.

Popular synonyms. Marsh Owl; Meadow Owl; Prairie Owl.

Strix accipitrina Pall. Reise. Buss. Beiehs, i, 1771-76. 455.

■ jdsio aoeip(7)'/ni(s Newt. ed. Yarrell's Brit. B. i, 1S72, 1()3.— Bidgw. Nora. N. Am. B.

1881. No. 391).— CouEs, 2d Cheek List, 1882. No. 473.
Strix brachi/otiis Foest. Phil. Trans, l.xii. 1772, 384.— WlLS. Am. Orn. iv. 1812, 64, pi. 33,
fig. 3.— NUTT. Man. i, 1&32, 132, AuD. Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 273, pi. 432.
Otus brachyotus BoiE, 1822.— AUD. Synop. 1839, 28; B. Am. i, 1840, pi, 38.
Otus (Brachyotus) brachyotus B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874,22.
Strix palustris Bechst. Nat. Deutsehl. ii, 1791, 344.
Brachyotus palustris Bp. 1838.— Coues, Key, 1872, 204; Cheek List, 1874, No. 321; B. N.
W. 1874,306.
Brachyotus cassini'Bn'EWE'R. Proc. Bost. See. Nat. Hist. 1856, 321.— Cass, in Baird's
B. N. Am. 1858, 54.— Baied, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 52.

Hab, Nearly cosmopolitan; whole Northern Hemisphere, including Sandwich
Islands, and all oJ America, from Arctic coast to Cape Horn. (Replaced, however, iu
Porto Rico and Galapagos by A. portoricensis and A. galapagoensis, respectively.)

Sp. Chab. Adult. Ground-color of the head, neck, back, scapulars, rump, and lower
parts, pale oohraceous; 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 oehraceous, the lower tail-coverts nearly pure white. The rump has indistinct
erescentic marks of brownish. The wings are variegated with the general dusky and
oehraceous tints, but the markings are more irregular, the yellowish in form of indenta-
tions or confluent spots, approaching the shafts from the edge— broadest on the outer
webs. Secondaries crossed by about five bands of oehraceous, the last terminal; pri-
mary coverts plain blackish brown, with one or two poorly defined transverse series of
oehraceous spots on the basal portion. Primaries oehraceous 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 oehraceous, this somewhat more whitish anteriorly. The ground-
color of the tail is oehraceous, becoming whitish exteriorly and terminally, crossed by
five broad bands (about equaling the oehraceous, but becoming narrower toward outer
feathers) of blackish brown; on the middle feathers, the oehraceous spots enclose
smaller, central transverse spots of blackish; the terminal oehraceous baud is broadest.
Eyebrows, lores, chin, and throat soiled white, the loral bristles with black shafts; face
dingy oehraceous white, feathers with darker shafts; eye broadly encircled with black.
Postorbital circle minutely speckled with pale oehraceous and blackish, except im-
mediately behind the ear, where for about an inch it is uniform dusky. Lining of the
wing immaculate delicate yellowish white; terminal half of under primary coverts clear
blackish brown; under surface of primaries plain deUcate oehraceous white; ends and
one or two very broad anterior bands, dusky. "Wing, 11.80-1.3.00; tail, 5. 80-6. 10; culmen,
.60-. 65; tarsus, 1.75; middle toe, 1.20,

408 BIKDB OF ILLINOIS.

Probably no laiul liinl has so extensive a range as the present
species, occurring as it does throughout all the grand divisions of
the iiirtli's surface, except Australia, and also on many of the
Tolynesian islands. In America it is found evel•3r^vhere 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 ditYcrent countries. In this connection the reader is
referred to Vol. IV., of the "Proceedings" of the U. S. National
Museum, pp. SfiC-STl, where the subject is treated in detail.

In Illinois the Short-eared Owl occurs in all open grassy situations,
either as a wnter visitant or resident, and is particularly common
on the prairies. Mr. Nelson says (in Bull. Essex Inst. Vol. VIII., p.
117,) the following of it as obsei-ved by liim in the northeastern por-
tion of the State :

"The most abundant species of the family. Arrives from the
north in lai'ge numliers the first of November, and disperses through
tile 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 obseiTation, much
in the manner of the Burrowing Owl. They are very harmless, and
are easily tamed."

Genus SYRNIUM Samony.

Suntium Saviont, Desc. tie TEKypte. I!M9,298, et Auctorum. Type (by eliminatioiil, S.
nfrirfu/a Li>!N.,-.s'. alupo LnJN.

Oen. C'HAB. Size vurylnif from medium to very larfje. No ear-tiifls. Hi'iid very
Inrgo; the eyes compariilively small. Five outer primaries, with their Inner webs sinu-
ated. Tarsi and upper portion of the toes ileiisejy elotlied with liair-like feathers— the
toes. howeviT, sometimes i/ntirely niilvod. Tail eonsiderably more than half as Iouk as
the wints. dei-idedly rovinded. Ear orillee very high, but not as hiuh as the skull, and
furnished with an anterior opereulum, whieh does not usually extend alona the full
leuKlh; the two ears nsynimetrleiil. Bill yellow.

BUBONIDJE— THE OWLS. 409

Syrnium nebulosum (Foist.)

BARKED OWL.

Popular synonym. Hoot Owl.

Strix nehulosa FoEST. Phil. Trans. Ixii. 1772, 386, 424.— Was. Am. Orn. iv, 1812,61, pi. 33,
flg. 2.— NuTT. Man. 1,1832,13:3.— AuD, Orn. Biog. i, 1832,242: v, 1839,386, pi. 46.— RrDGW.
Nom. N. Am, B. 1881.No. 397.— CouES. 2d Cheek List, 1882, No. 476.
Syrnium nebitlosmu BoiE, 1828.— AUD. Synop. 1839, 27; B. Am. i, 1840, 132, pi. 36.— Cass.
inBaird'sB. N. Am. 1858, 56.— Baikd, Cat. N. Am.B.1869,No.54.— CouES, Key, 1872.
204; Cheek List, 1873, No, 323; B.N. W. 1874, 308 i.h. nebulosum).— B. B. & R. Hist. N.
Am. B. iii, 1874, 29 (var. nebulosum).

Hab. 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 S. nebulosum
alleni. a race with perfectly naked toes and somewhat dift'erent coloration.)

Sp. Chae. Adult. Head, neck, breast, back, scapulars, and rump with broad regu-
lar transverse bars of oehraceous 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 oehraceous, white; the legs have numerous,
but ratlier faint, transverse spots of brown. Ground-color of the wings and tail brown,
like the bars of the back; middle and secondary wing-eoverts with roundish transverse
spots of nearly pure white on lower webs; lesser coverts plain rich brown; secondaries
crossed by six bands of pale grayish brown, passing into paler on the edge ol each
leather; primary coverts with four bands of darker oehraceous brown; primaries with
transverse series of quadrate pale brown spots on the outer webs (growing deeper in
tint on inner (luills); on the longest are about eight. Tail, like the wings, crossed with
six or seven sharply dellned bands of pale brown, the last terminal. Face grayish white
with concentric semicircular bars of brown; eyebrows and lores with black shafts: a
narrow crescent of black against anterior angle of the eye. Facial circle of blackish
brown and creamy white bars, the former prevailing along the anterior edge, the latter
more distinct posteriorly, and prevailing across the neek in front, where the brown
forms disconnected transverse spots. Bill deep wax- or dull ehrome-yellow; iris brown-
ish black, the pupil appearing dull blue by contrast: seutelltB of toes dull wax-yellow or
grayish yellow; soles ol toes deep dull ehrome-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 iu wooded por-
tions of the State. It is famiharly 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, youV 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 iiuil bis knees to tremble for fear that a panther is prowbng
in the neighliorhood. 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-hc-hv-hf, 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 noetunial than the Great Homed
Owl, Long-eared Owl, or Little Screech Owl. ami 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.

Genis SCOTIAPTEX Sw.unsox.

Srnliaplex Swains. Clussif, B. ii. IS)7. :;i;, TyiJu Slrix eiuerea Gmel.

Ukn. Char. Size Iui'bc. iiltliouKh tlio liody is very small In proportion to the lonetli
of thp wine and tall. Head without ear-tufts. Six outer nuills with Inner webs emurel-
nated. Toes completely and densely covered by long hair-Uke feathers.

Scotiaptex cinereiun (Gmel.)

GKZAT GEAY OWL.

Popular spionyms. Great Cinereous Owl: Groat Sooty Owl: .Spectral Owl.

Slrix cini-rea Omel. 8. N. 1. pt. 1. 1788.291.— Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. ii. 1831, 77. pi. Sl.-NUTT.

Man. 1. 1832, 128.— AUD. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 364, pi, 351.— COUKS, 2d Check List, 1882,

No. 474.
riula eiufyea Bp. Consp. 1. 1850. 53 (part).— RiDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 399.
Suniium eiueremn Bp. 1838.— .\UD. Synop. 1839. 2ii: B. .\m. 1. 1840. 130, pi. .%.— Cass in

Boird'sB, N.Am. 18o8.5ti.—BAlBD, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 33.— COUES, Chock List.

1873, App. p. 131; B. N, W, 1874,.'i07 (b. citiereum).
Surnium lapponicutu var, cinereum CouES, Key, 1872. 204; Check List, 1873, No. .322.
Svrnium {Scotiaptex) cinereum B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. iii,1874, 30.

Hab. Northern North America, south, in winter, to northern United States, as tar as
Massachusetts. Rhode Island, northern New York, northern Illinois, Minnesota, etc.;
breeding ns far south as Canada {"Oologist". v, 1880, p. .14).

Sp. Cbab. Adull. Ground-color of the upper surface dark vandyke-brown, but this
relieved by a tronsverse 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
howevor,by the brown median stripe. On the rump and and upper tail-coverts themot-
tlinglsmore profuse, cnusingagraylsh appearance. On the wlng-coverts the outer webs

BUBONID^ — THE OWLS. 411

are most variegated l>y the white mottliug. Tlie alula and primary coverts have very
indistinct bands of paler; the secondaries are crossed by nine bands (last terminal, and
three concealed by eovei-tsi of pale grayish brown, ineliningto 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 obscure,— 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 of!' 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-coverts 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 loreneek, where it
is divided medially by a spot of brownish black, covering the throat.

Wing, 16.00-18.00; tail, 11.00-13.00; eulmen. 1.00; tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 1.50.

The Old World form of this species(cinereMm lapponicnm) is much
paler in coloration, the hghter markings predominating. The under
side of the primaries shows a conspicuous patch of whitish, covering
the basal poi-tion of these feathers, this patch'being much reduced
in size or altogether wanting in the American race.

The Great Gray Owl is a norihern bird of very rare or accidental
occurrence in Illinois. It is 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 having been taken or observed
anywhere in the State.

Genus NYCTALA Beehm.

Nyctala Beehm, Isis, 1828, 1271, Type, Utrix fengma'mi GiviEL.

Gen. Chak. 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. Furcula 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 I'lihearctic species, .V. Iniiiiiutlmi. A
third species, the N. harrisi Cassin, belongs to northern South
America (Colombia).

Com. Char. AiIkIIk. Above brown, more or IcHsspottiul with wliltc; biMieiitli wlilt>',
broadly Klripi'd with robllHh brown. VO1/110. Abovi- uniform bmwn. th<- whiKs ami tail,
however. Mlurked with while. as In till- adiilL Faee uniform duHky surmounted by eon-
spieuous white "eyebrows." Lower parts uniform brown anteriorly, and uniform brieht
oohraeoous posteriorly.

1. R. tengmalmf riohardsoni. Wine. 7.30 invhos or more: toll about 4.50; culmon, .CO;

tarsus. 1.11": nii.lclb- t...-. .67. Bill yellow.

2. N. aoBdica. WImk. ."j.ivs.iiii: tall. 'J.Civ-H.ikj; oulmen, .V,-.Tti>: tarsus, .xu: mlihlli! too.
.W-.lir>. Uill blaek.

Nyctala tenginalmi richardsoni (Bp.)

RICHAKDSON'S OWL.

Popular synonym. Sparrow Owl.

m,U Ifiiuinaliiii Sw. & Rich. F. K.-A. 11.1831, ill. pi. s;. (loeCiMEL.).— Xutt. Man. 1. ixti
5S2.— AUB. Orn. BioK. iv. .V.'.i. pl.Ssii.
riiila letianialiDi AuD. Synoi>. 1829. 24; B. Am. 1. 184". 122. pi. !t2.
Xuctale richafilsoiii hOT:i\p. Comp. List. 1838, ".—Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 57.—
BAlltD. Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. .W.
Xyclalp lingmahni van richartlsnui Ridow.— COUES. Key. 1872, 205; Cheek List, 1874,

No. a27; B. N. W. 1874, 313.-B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. ill. 1874, 40,
A'w'/a?(' ti'tigiiialmi ric/tar</so>u' KiDOW.Nom. N.Am. B. I88I.N0. 40«.— CouES,2d Cheek
List, 1882, No, 482,

Had. Northern North America; south, in winter, to New England (New Hampshire,
Massaehusetts, and Rhode Island). Wlseonsin, northern Illinois, and OroRon.

Sp. Char. A'lult. Upper surface brownish olive or umber-brown. Forehead and
crown with numerous elliptleal ilimKitudinal) marks of white, feathers everywhere with
large partly eoneealed spots of the same; these spots largest on the neek and scapuhirs
—on the latter of a roundish form, the outer webs of those next the wing being almost
wholly white, the edge only brown; on the nape the spots form V-shnped marks, the spots
themselves l)eing somewhat pointed; below this is a transverse. -less distinct collar, of
more concealed spots; wing-coverts, toward the edge of the wing, with a few large,
nearly circular, white spots; secondaries with two transverse series of smaller white
spots, these crossing abotit the middle, remote from the end ami base; outer feathers of
the alula with two white spots along the margin; primary coverts plain; primaries with
four or live 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 spot not
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 cirele
becomes paler brown, without the white spotting. Eyebrows and face grayish white;
lores and eyelids blackish. Lower parts white, becoming pale ochraeeous on the legs;
sides of the bren.st. sides, flanks, and lower tail-coverts with daubs of brown islightly
lighter and more redilish than on the back). those of the breast somewhat transverse. but
the posterior ones decidedly longitudinal; front of tarsus clouded with brown. Wing,
nliout 7.2": tail. 4.50; culmen, .(iO; tarsus. l.(W; middle toe. .97.

BUBONID.E — THE OWLS. 413

A female from Alaska (No. 49,802, Nulato, April 28, 186C; Vf. 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 "probabihties" in my cata-
logue of 1881 (p. 207), having been taken by Dr. Hoy near Eacine,
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 Oulogist
(Pawtucket, E. I.) for March, 1885, p. 47, by J. E. Dickinson, of
Eockford, Winnebago county :

"Captured one Eichardson'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 Gmel. S. N. i, pi. i, 1788, 296.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 137.— AuD. Orn. Biog. ii.
1834,567: V, 1839, 397. pi. 199.
Nyctale acadica Bp. 1838.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858. 58.— BAiKD.Cat. N. Am, B.
1859, No. 56.— CouEs.Key, 1872,205; Check List, 1873. No. 328; 2ded.l8S2, No. 483; B.
N. W. 1874, 315.— B. B. & K. Hist, N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 43.— Eidgw. Nom. N. Am. B.
1881. No. 401.
Ulula acadica AuD. Synop. 1839,24; B. Am. 1,1840, 123, pi. 33.
Strix aUAfrons Shaw, Nat. Misc. v, 1794, pi. 171.

Nyctale albiirons Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858,57.— BAiKD.Cat, N. Am. B. 1859, No. 57.
Strix passerina WiLS. Am. Orn. iv, 1812, 66, pi. 34, flg. 1, Uiec Linn.)
Nyctale kirtlandi Hoy. Proc. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 210.— Cass. Illustr. 1853, 63. pi. 11.

Hab. Northern United States and British Provinces; south to about 40° (era little
beyond) in Eastern Province, but in Western Province entirely across into Mexico, on
high mountain ranges, and south to Oaxaoa.

Sp. Chab. .4dMi</e)/mie (No. 120,044, Washington, D.C, Feb., 1859: C.Dresler). Upper
surface plain soft reddish olive, almost exactly as in N. 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
sei-ies well defined. 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 BUiOS OF ILLINOIS.

inK fine ochrncpous on tbc tlbtiD and tarsi: sUIur o( the breast like the buck, but of a
wore rciMlBh or biirnt-n^ienna tint; lilili'S and flunks with lonsltiullnal daub!< o( the sami.-:
chest, abdomen, lower tall-coverts, tarsi, and tlblii'. Immnculute. Wing formula, 4-3-5-1-*.
Wlnif,5.<0; tall,i80: eulmen. ,B0; tarsus.. W; mUldlc tocW, «

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 hav-
ing a fourth white band on the tail ; this, however, is very mcon-
spicuous. There are no authentic males before me, though only
two are luarked as females ; the extremes of the series probably
represent the sexual discrepancy in size.

Young male (No. 12.814. Rncine, Wisconsin. July. 1859: Dr. P. K. Hoyi; Upper surface
continuous plain dark sepin-olive; face darker. approachinB sooty blackish, perfectly
uniform: around the edge of the forehead, a few shaft-lines of white: scapulars with u
concealed spot of pale ochrnceous on lower webs: lower feathers of whiK-covcrts with
a few white spots: outer feather of the alula scalloped with white: primary coverts per-
fectly plain; live outer primaries with white spots on outer webs, these diminlshlne
toward the end of the feathers, leaving only two or three series well defined ; tall 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, hut the latter paler medially, becoming here more fulvous: rest of the lower parts
plain fulvous ochrnceoiis. 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; eulmen. .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 v^^nter 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.

bubonid^ — the owls. 415

Genus MEGASCOPS Kaup.

.5cops Savign. Desc. de I'Egypte, 1809,291. Tjxie, Strix scops Linn. (iVec Bkunn. 177'2.)
Mfgascops Kaup, Isis, 1848, 765. Type, Strix asio Linn.

Gen. Chae. Small owls with distinct ear-tutts, the tarsus more or less feathered
(usually completely feathered) the wings ample (more than twice the length of the short,
sUghtly 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 flammeolus and the darker forms of
hrasiUanus), 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 transverse 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 "nonnal"
grayish plumage.

Megascops asio (Linn.)

SCREECH OWL,
Popular synoiiTiiis. Little Mottled Owl; Little Eed Owl.

Strix asio Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1766, 132.— Wils. Am. Orn. v, 1812,83, pi. 42, fig. 1.— Aud.
Orn.Biog. 1,1832,486; v, 1839, 392, pi. 97.— Nutt. Man. 1,1832, 120.
Scop,'! asio Bp. 1838.— Cass. In Baird's B. N, Am. 1858, 51.— Baikd, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859,
No. 49.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 202; Check List, 1873, No. 318; 2d ed. 1882,No. 465; B. N. W.
1874, 303.— B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. ill. 1874, 49.— Bidgw. Nom.N.Am.B.1881,No.402.
Bubo asio Vielll. 1807.— Aud. Synop. 1839,29; B. Am. i, 1840, 147, pi. 40.
Strix ncBvia Gmel. S. N. i, pt. i, 1788, 289.— WiLS. Am. Orn. iii, 1812, 16, pi. 19, fig. 1.

Hab. 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. Chak. 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.

ono; the (rroiintl-color, liowovor, so mottled with Kraylnh. and tho pule ImiiilK with
iliiKky. tliiit thi'y lire liy no means »harply ileflneil or conspleuous, thnueh they are very
reKuliir; alula and primary eoverte more t>han>ly liarrcd wlthcreom-eolored spotn, Ihono
im thi' former nearly white; primaries with broad nuudnite spots of creamy wbltv on
outer wet>8, these (orniine from seven to eight transverse hands, the last of whieh Is not
terminal. Tall more Irregularly mottled than the wines, and crossed by seven to elirht
narrow, indistinct, but continuous pale bands. Eyebrows white, the feathers bordered
with dusky: cheeks, ear-coverts, and lower throat dull while, with transverse bars of
blackish; ebin Immaculate: upper eyelid dark brown; facial circle black; neck and Jucu-
lum like the cheeks, but more strongly burred, and with blackish alone the shaft.
Ground-color of the lower parts white, each fenther with a median stripe of blnck. this
throwing off distinct bars to the edge of the feathers: the median black Is hirgest on
• sides of the breast, where It expands Into very large conspicuous spots, having u slight
rusty exterior suffusion : the alidomen medially, the anal region, and the lower tnll-
eoverts ure almost unvaried white. Tibiie and tarsi dull white, much barred transversely
with blackish, or pale ochraceous, more sparsely burred with ilurk brownish. Lining of
tho wing creamy white, varied only along the edge; light bars on under surface of pri-
maries very Indistinct.

h. Huh'xcott pUiinage.

Adult. General pattern of the preceding, but the grayish tints replaced by luterltl-
ous rufous, very fine and bright, often with u slight viuuccouscast: this Is often uniform,
showing no trace of tho transverse dark mottling: there are, however, black shaft-lines
to tho feathers (these most conspicuous on the head above, and scapulars, and narrower
and more sharply defined than in the gray plumage). The inner webs of the ear-tufts,
outer webs of scapulars, and lower secondary and middle wing-coverts, are white, as In
the gray plumage; those of the scapulars 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. Tiie 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 line light rufous, like the back ; the lower parts medially (very broadly) im-
maculate snowy white: most of the feathers having tho red spotting show black shaft-
stripes, but the pectoral spots are not nearly so large or conspicuous as in the gray bird.
Tlbla> line pale ochraceous rufous; tarsi the same posteriorly, in front white with
euneate 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.

YouuQ- Wings and tail as in adult; markings on head and body as in 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, 19.60 inches. Rnfons 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. Tlie fresh colors of the soft parts
were as follows : Bill pea-green or pale greenish blue, sometimes
with a tinge of emerald-green ; iris knioii-yoUow ; toes and l)asal
half of claws yellowish gray, the tenuiiiul portion of the claws
dusky.

BUBONIDa: — 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, Ilhnois, 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 66 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 Ilhnois, 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
pecuhar wailing cry, not unlike the half-wliining, 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.

Genxs bubo Cumer.
n>ii>o cuv. ni'K. All. m:, 331. ttv. >'<■"■ '"''"> Lrss.

liEN. Chab. Size viirylnc from meiliuni to very Inrcr-; lii'iul with woU-ili'velopi-il i.-ar-
lufts. Blllblnrk: irlu yillow. oraiief. orbrowii. Two or llirui' outor auills with their
Inner webs omiirBlnateil. Thlnl or fourth quill lon(ie«t. Bill very robust, the lower
mandible nearly truneated. iiml with a dei'p notch near the I'nd; eere enidually nseend-
Inc basally (not arehedl or nearly HtraiRht, not equal to the eiilmen. Tall Khort. u littlo
more than half the wine. sllKlilly rounded. Ear-eonoh Kmall, simple, without opercu-
lum; the two ears symmetrieal.

There is but one species of this genus, as restricted, in North
America. This, however, varies so much with locahty that several
geogra])hieai races liavo been recognized,' of wliicli the following
appear pretty well characterized :

1'. yirginianas. Dark colored, usually with mueh ochraeoous or tawny, the dark
maikiiiKs broad and distinetly dellued. Hah. Eastern North America, south to

Costa Iti.'ii.

ft. snbarotious. Licht colored, with bulT in$tea<l of oehraeeous. the dark markings
narrower and less distinct, llah. Western United States and Interior of British
America: east, oecasionally, to Wisconsin andlllinois.south to central and west-
ern Mexico.

y. gatnrattis. Very dark colored, with the dark markings much broader than in nV-
ginianus. Hull. Northwest coast. from northern California to Sitka; Lal>rad<ir.

f5. arctious. Very light colored, the prevnllini;uupeet white, the dark markiiiKS very
iiincli reduced in exti'nt. /Inh. Interior of Arctic America.

Tliese races arc very strongly ciiaracterized in a majority of speci-
mens from any ty])ical locality, l)ut there is a very great amount of
individual variation in eiuli. Only two" of them (rtr//(;ii(/«».s ;iiid
subarcticii.s) are known to occur iti Illinois.

Bubo virginianus (Linn.)

GREAT HORNED OWL.

Popular synonTms. Cat Owl; Booby t)wl.

SIrix riroiiiiinni liMEh. S. N. i. pt. i,17l<H,3b7.— Wii.s. .\ni. Orii. vi. INIL', .'i'. pi. .W. flu. 1.—
NUTT. Man. i, I832,li4.— Al'D. Orn. Bioe. 1, ISf.'.Si:!; v. 1S39. 3M.pl. i.I.

Strix iBiiho) rirghiiaiitia Sw. A; Rich. I". B.-A. ii. Itfll.S;.

Jliilio rirahiiainix Bp. 1S«.— Aud. Synop. PCB). li-l; B. Am. 1, 1840. 1«, pi. :W.— t'AKS. ill
Baird's B. N. Am. 1858. I9.-Baiiid. Cat. N. Am. B. 18r>!t. No. 4a-CoUE8, Key. 187a,
202; Chock List, IWI.No. :J17; 2d ed. 1882, No. ■US: B. N. W. 1874. 300 (a. rir(7riiin)iii.i;
excl. syn. pt.).— B. B. & U. Hist. N.Am. B. ill. 1874, ft). ILMvar. riiohiianuf).—
RiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 405.

liiibo virgiiiiaiiiin ntlaiilicus Cass. Illiistr. 18.')4. ITS; in liainl'.H B. N. .\m. 18'>S. 4'.'.

BUBONlDffi — THE OWLS. 419

HiB. Eastern North America, west to edge of Great Plains, soutli through eastern
Mexico to Costa Rica.

Sp. Chab. Adult main (Xo. 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 mottUng 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 obhterating 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 duskyi. 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; a crescent of black
bordering the upper eyelid, and confluent with the black of the ear-tufts. Facial circle
continuous black, except across the foreneek; chin, throat and 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 deflned
narrow transverse bars of brownish black; anteriorly these are flnerand more ragged,
coalescing so as to form conspicuous, somewhat longitudinal, black spots. On the
lower tail-coverts the bars are distfint. though not less sharply defined. The abdomen,
medially, is scarcely maculate w'hite. 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.

ii'o/iaJc (No. 12,065, Maryland: K. J. Pollard); General appearance same as the male.
Black blotches on head, above, and nape less conspicuous, the surface being mottled
like the back, etc.; primary coverts with three well-defined narrow pure black bands;
primaries with only six bands, these broader than in the male ; secondaries with only
five bands; tail with but six dark bands, these very much narrower than the light ones.
TibiiE and tarsi with sparse transverse bars of dusky.

Wing formula. 3,2,4-1=5. Wing, 16.00; tail, 9.00; culmen, 1.20; tarsus, 2.20; middle
toe, 2.10.

Young (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.
Ain. 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. AU 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 DIBDS OF ILLIXOIB.

"Its flight is rapid nnd 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 ven' rarely seen abroad in the day,
and then only in cloudy weather or late in the afternoon. Wlien
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 Homed Owl are a remarkable feature in
its habits. These are chiefly during its breeding season, especially
the peculiar loud and vociferous cries kno^Mi 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 waii;ih-
h-o-o. It is not surprising that with all these combinations and
variations of unearthly cries, these birds should have been held in
awe by the aborigines, 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 constnict a new one, or seize upon that of a
Eed-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 3d of March, the eggs in which had been incubated at least a
week. If one nest is broken up, the pair immediately seek another
and make a renewed attempt to raise a 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."

BUBONID^ — THE OWLS. 421

Bubo virginianus subarcticus (Hoy).

WESTERN HOENED OWL,

Bubo subarcticus Hoy. Proe. Phila. Acad. vi. 1852. 211 (Wisconsin).
Bubo virginianns subarcticus RroGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 405a.
Bubo virginianus var. arcticus (part) Coues. Key. 1872, 202; Cheek List, 1873, No. 317a.—

B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. i, 1874,60, 64. [Not Strix (.Bubo) arcticus Sw. & KiCH.]
Bubo virginianus e. arcticus CoUES. B. N. W. 1874, 301 (exel. syn. pt).
Bxibo virginianus yav. paciflcus {■p^'cti Ca-SS. Illustr. 1854, 178; in Baird's B., N. Am.

1858,49.
Bubo virginianus AucT. (all citations from western United States, and western and

central Mexico).
Hab. Western United States, interior districts of British America, and table lands of
Mexico, (Eeplaeed in western Oregon and Washington Territory, and northern coast
region of California, by the very dark-colored B. virginianus saturatus Eidgw.)

Sp. Chae. 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 peneilings. The oohraceous 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. 10,5r4. FortTejon, California): Wing, 14.70; tail, 9.50; culmen, 1.10; tar-
sus, 2.10; middle toe, 2.00. Tail and primaries 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 hght
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 Zoology at Cambridge, Mass., wliich
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.

422 BiRPS OF n.LnfoiB.

Genus NYCTEA Steihens.

Xyrtea STEPHENS, Hhaw'8 Ocn. Zoi'.l. xiii. |.|. li. IKX. Kl. Tyi><'. Slrir frmrnia Shaw. -
S. gcaiuliara LiNN.

Gen. Chaii. Size very Inructliu lu-inl niinimriitlvfly i<miill,aiiil uilhout obvious oiir-
tutta. Loral d-atlirrs vi>ry loncalimist i'oiii'calinc ilu- Mil. ami lialr-IIko f<>atli«T» of tin-
toi'B nearly liicllne tlii> I'laws. Lower tall-i'overts cxti-iiillni; <iiilt<' to tli(> tip of tin' t<iil.
Color of atlults pun- wliit''. ri'llovt'd l>y inoro or less numerous liars of sinte-eolor.

The genus Nyrtea is closely related to Biiho, and has been united
with the latter as a subgenus. They seem to be suflBciently dis-
tinct, however, as tlie following differential characters may sen-e to

si low :

Bubo. Two to tliri'e outer QUllls with their iuner webs eitiarginated. £ar-tu(ts well
developed; loral feathers not hiding the hill, and the elawa and terminal scutclla! of the
toes exposi'd. Lower tail-eoverts not reaehint; the end of the tail.

Nyotea. Four outer quills with their inner webs einaruinated. fjir-tufls rudfmen-
t4iry; lorul feathers hiding the bill, and <'laws and entire toes eoneealed by loni; hair-like
feathers. Lower tail-covorts reaching to the end of the tall.

Nyctea nyctea (Linn.)

SNOWY OWL.

Popular synonynu. (ireat White Owl; Snow Owl; Ermine Owl.

,S7,/./- m/rlrn Linn. S. X. ed. 10.i.l758,'.«.-WlLS. Am. Orn. iv. 1812,53. pi. 32. fig. l.-Sw. \-
KlCH. F.B.-A. ii, 1831,88.— NOTT. Man. 1. Wfi, UC— AuD. Orn. Biog. iv.l8:M.i:t6: v. WB.
pi. 121.
Surnia m/dea Sei.bV. ISB.— Aud. Synop. 1839.21; B. Am. i. 1*4(1.113, pi. 28.
Sirix aiaudiaia Linn. S. N. ed. 12. i. 1700. i;t2,
.\urlfa srandiara Newt. ed. Yarrell's Hist. Brit. B. ed. 4. iii. ISK. 187. -B. B. & R. Hist.
N. Am. B. iii, 187J. «1 (var. .•j.-n/u/mcn).— Rroow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. .iue.-
COUES. B. X. W. 1874. .'1119; 2d Cheek Li.st. 18S2. No. 479.
Strir arrliva Baiitu. Truv. 1?J1. 289 (Pennsylvania).

Xvctea acaitiliava var. nrctira B. B. & R. Hist. X. Am. B. 111.1874. CI. 70.
SIrix tiivea Thunb. Sv. Sk. Handling. 1798. 84.
yuclfa iih'ea Gkay. 1844.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 18i8. 63.— Baikd. Cat. X. Am. B.
18S9.N0.61.-COUES, Key, 18?2, 275; Cheek List 1874, No. :)25.

Si>. Chab. Adult. Oround-eolor entirely snow-white, this marked with transverse
bars of elenr dusky, of varying amount in different individuals.

Male (No. 12.059. Washington. D. C. Deeember 4. 18.'i8: C. Drexler): Aeross the top of
the head. and interspersed over the wings and seapulars. are small transversely eordate
spots of elear brownish black, the.se inelining to the form of regular transverse bars on
the scapulars; there is but one on eaeh 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
witli transverse ereseentle bars of elenr brownish black. Wing, lti.50; tail, 9.00; culmcn,
l.lKi; tarsus. 1.90; middle toe. 1..10. Wing formula. 3.2=4-5.1.

Fi-male (No. 12.058. Washington, D. C, December4, 18581: Head above and nape with
each feather blackish centrally, producing a conspicuously spotted appearance. Rest of
the plumngo with regular, sharply dollned transverse bars of clear brownish blnek;

BUBONID^ — THE OWLS. 423

those of the upper surface more ereseentie. those on the lower tail-eoverts, narrower,
and more distant. Tail crossed by five bands, composed of detached transverse spots.
Only the face, foreueck, middle of the breast, and feet, are immaculate; everywhere
else, excepting on the erissum. the dusky and white are in nearly equal amount. Wing,
18.00; tail. 9.80; culmen, 1.10. Wing formula, 3=4. 2-1=5.

Young (No. 36,434. Arctic America, August, 1863; MacFarlane) : Only partially feathered.
Wings and tail as 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 Dumeeil.

Surnia Dumeeh,. Zool. Anal. 1806. 34. Type, Strix ulula Linn.

Gen. Chab. 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 reetriees stiller and straighter, than in other owls.

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

The two races of S. tilula may be distinguished as follows :

Common Chaeactees. Above dark vandyke-brown, the head above dotted with
white, and the scapulars spotted with the same. Beneath transversely barred with
vandyke-brown and white, the bars regular, continuous, and sharply defined. Head and
neck with two lateral,, and one posterior 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. Hah. Paleearctic Eegion; occasional in
western Alaska.

p. caparoch. Brown spotting prevailing. Halt. Nearctic Begion.

424 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Surnia ulula caparoch (Mull.)

AH£BICAN HAWK OWL.
Fopul&r ijnonjms. Hiidciniiiiiii Hawk Owl. ur Diiy Owl.

.Strix fiinerea LiSN. 8. N. od. 12. i. ITtii;. IS* (piirt. but not of 1758).— 8w. & llicn. F. B.- A. II.
1831,92.— NuTT. Man. I. 1S32. li:..-.\UD. Orn. Bloc. Iv. 1SS4. :»>. pi. :t7s.
Siiniia fiiuiri'a Bp. 183X.— AUD. Synop. IKW. 21 ; B. km. I. 1M0.H2. pi. 27.— HiDow.Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881. No. 407.- Coueh, 2<1 Cluck Li«t. 1882, N<i. 480.
Strix vaparnch V. St. Mi'LLEU, Suppl. S. N. 177"J, W.

Surnia ulula laparoih Stejneoeb. The Auk. 18X4, ;va.
SIrix huilfnuia Qmel. 8. S. i.pt. 1.1788. 2!«.— WiLH. Am. Orn. vl,1812,&l.pl. 50.11k'. «.
Surnia ulula vnr. huthnnia CouEs, Key, 1872, aii5; Cli.'i-k List. 1874. Xo.SSi; B. X. W.
1874, 311,-B. B. !k R. Hist. N. Am. B. iil, 1874, 7S.
,S'in-Hia m/m((j (Linn.) Cass in Bainl'.s B. N. Am. 1858. (^I.-Baibd. Cat X. .\m. B. 1859.
No. 62.

Hab. Northern Nortli Ameriea, south in winter to northern border of United Btiitvs
(Dakota, Montana. Minnesota. northern Illiniiis, Massaehusetts.etc).

Sp. Chak. Ailull. Above ricli (lark vandyke-brown, darker anteriorly, h'Ss intense
and more craylsh on tail. A narrow streak of brownish blai k orieinatine over the mid-
dle of eye, and e.xtendini; baekward above tile upper edge of the ear-eovcrts, where It
forms an elbow passing downward in n broad stripe over the ends of the enr-eoverts;
eonlluent with this, at about the middle of the vortieal stripe, Is anotlier of similar tint,
whieh passes more broadly down the side of the naiie: bidween tlie last stripes (those
of opposite sidesi is another or median one of less pure blaek, extending from the oeei-
put down the nape. Every feather of the forehead, erown, and oeeiT>ut with u eentral
ovate dot of white: those anterior more eireular, on the oeeiput less numerous and more
linear. Between the lat<ral and posterior nuelial stripes the white prevails, the brown
forminc irrettular terminal and transverse or median spots; these grow more linear
toward the baek. Interseapulars plain; posterior seapulars varietrated with partially
ooueealed InrRe transverse spots of while, the lower feathers with nearly the whole
outer webs white, their eonrtnenee eausinc a eonspieuous elongated pateh above the
wine. Rump with sparse, irrecular, but generally transverse, spots of while; upper tail-
eoverts with broader,more irregular bars of the same, these about equal to the brown in
width. Lower feathers of the middle and seeondary wing-eoverls each with an ovoid
spot of white on the outer wob; seeondories crossed by about three transverse series of
longitudinally ovoid white spots (situated on the edge of the feather), and very narrowly
tipjied with tlie same; primary coverts with one or two less continuous transverse
series of spots, those found only on the outi'r feathers; primaries with about seven
transverse series of white spots, these indistinct except on the live 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
t>ands of white, those on the middle feathers purely so, becoming obsolete exteriorly;
the last is terminal. Eyebrows, lores, and face grayish white.the grayish appearance
caused by the blackish shafts of the feathers; that of the ftt'C continues (contracting
considerably! across the lower part of the throat, separating a large space of dark brown,
which covers nearly the whole throat, from an indistinct collar of the same extending
across the Jugulum-this collar uniting the lower ends of the auricular and cervical
dusky bands, the space between which is nearly clear white. Ground-color of the lower
parts white, but everywhere with numerous very reguliu- transverse bars of deep brown,
of a tint more reddish thon 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 wiiith, their aggregation tending somewhat
to a sulTusion, giving the whiti' jugular bi'lt betti'r dellulliou. On the legs and toes the
bars are narrower, more dletaut, and less regular.

BUBONID^ — 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. Call): 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.

i^ejuaZe (No. 49.807, Nulato, April 20; 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 IlUnois, viz., that by Mr. Nelson in his
list of the bii'ds 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. Vehe, the fii-st of September, 1869, is noted.

426 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Suborder FALCONES. — Diurnal IUptores.

Family FALCONID^ffi. — Falcons, Kites, IIariueus, Hawks, and

Eagles.

Chab. Eyos directed laterally, and eyelids provided with lasheg. Toes Invariably
naked. and tarsus usually naked and seutellate (feathered only in Ai/iiHn and Arrhihuleo).
Outer toe not reversible (oxeeiit in J'aiiilioii). Head never with ear-tufis, and never
wholly naked (except in the Vulturinir. of the Old World).

The above characters are about the only readily observable points
in the external anatomy in which the Falcoiu-s differ strikingly
from the Striijeit and Sarrorhainphi, 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 taxonomie point of view, and serve to separate the Diurnal Rap-
tores as a well-defined suborder.

The number of subfamihes 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 bcini; a small orifice, with
a conspicuous central bony tubercle: its form nearly or quite circular, or (in
Poluhorus) linear and obliiiue, with its upper end the posterior one. Scapu-
lar process of the coraeold produced forward so as to meet the clavicle.
Inferior surface of the supramaxlllary bone with n prominent median angular
ridge. Suporeiliary process of the lachrymal consisting of a single piece, fa /roniiin'.

B. Nasal bones very incompletely ossified, the nostril being a large, more or loss
nval, opening. of oblioue direction, its lower end being invariably the pos-
terior one; without bony tubercle, and never perfectly circular. "Scapular
process of the coraeold 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 suprama.xillary bone without
n median ridge. Superciliary process of the lachrymal variable.

a. Outer toe not reversible. Claws of unequal length, and not ooutrneted in

width on under surface. Plumage with aftershafts Accipilrin(r.

h. Outer too reversible. Claws all of equal length, and narrowed and

rounded on their under surface. Plumage without aftershafts Pandionina.

FALCONID^— DIURNAL EAPTOEES. 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 Buteonidce. 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 Elano'ules and Elanits, and
it seems to me should be placed at least as near to these forms as
they are to any of the Buteonine genera.

Subfamily FALCONIN-ffi.

Chae. (See page 426.)

The Falconinse, as here recognized, include not only the true
Falcons {Falconeo'), 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 mueh shorter than the lateral pair; tarsi and
toes covered'with small hexagonal scales, larger in front.

a. Nostrils a small, round, or oblique opening, with a bony-rimmed margin
and central tubercle.

1. Superior toniium 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 theirtips. .i^a?oonp«.

2. Tomia without tooth or notch. Superciliary process of the lachrym.l
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 Polyhorecv.

h. 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 as in Falconece. Four or more outer primaries

with inner webs sinuated near the middle portion Micrasturece.

B. Posterior toe elongated, almost equal to the lateral pair. Tarsi and toes cov-

ered uniformly with thick, rough, imbricated scales.
4. Tomia without tooth or notch. Nostrils as in'Falconece a,nfi Polyhorece.
Superciliary process of the lachrymal elongated, very broad, reach-
ing nearly acros.s the orbit. Posterior margin of the sternum nearly
even, entire, and without foramina. Primaries as in Polyborew and
Micrastureie Berpetotherece.

428 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Of tlic foregoing proups only two have representatives in North
America ; the Falcnnete, with several members, and the I'ol;ihore(e
with a single tropical species coming just within our border.

The Fiilcoue^e 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 Linn-eub.

Chab. mUstronc. Its breadth nt the base equal to orexcoccllnB llslenRth; upper
outline of the nere on a level with, or rather lower than, the base of the oulmen; itoiiys
very convex, the chord of the curve about half that of the eulmen. Maxillary toinluni
with a very prominent "tooth," and mandibular tomiuni with a eorrcspondluK deep
notch: the end of the mandible belnj; truncatud and the tip of the nuixllla compressed
and produced into a stronnly hooked tip. Nostrils small, circular, and with a aonnpli'uous
central bony tubercle. Orbital recion bare; projectinc superciliary shield bare and
conspicuous, though not very prominent. Tall shorter than the wlnB. more or less
roundeil. the feathers rather hard. Primaries very stronc elongated, never more than
two having their inner webs emarftinated, the emareinalion angular and near the end of
the quill. Tarsus never with a single continuous row of transverse 8cutella>. 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
tnie Falcons, which apparently constitute a single genus, with, how-
ever, a number of more or less strongly marked Subgeneric di\-isions.
What are probably distinct genera of Fdlconiiitc are Sphaptcn/x,
Kaup (South America), and lerax Vigors (Indian). The latter in-
cludes the smallest of the Accipitres, some species being no larger
than the European House Sparrow (Passer domcsticus).

The following groups of North American Falcons are pretty well
characterized, and some of them (especially Tinnuucuhis) may be
entitled to generic rank :

A. Only the first primary with inner web emarginnted. First or second quill longest,
the first longer than the fourth. Sexes essentially alike in coloration, but young
Very diiTcrcnt from adults.

1. Hierofaloo. Tarsus longer than middle toe.and feathered far below the knee.
First quill shorter than the third. Size large to largest of the family,

-. Bhynohodon. 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 with inner webs emnrginated. Second or third quill longest,

the Mrst shorter than the fourth.
a. Basal joint of toes without transverse scutellfc. Tarsus about eaual to the mid-
dle toe.

FALCONICE — DIURNAL EAPTORES. 429

3. ^salon. Size small (wing nerer more than 9 inches). Sexes very different in
adult plumage, the young of both sexes resembling the adult female.
. Basal joint of toes covered with transverse scutellae. Tarsus longer than middle
toe.

4. Tinnunoulus. 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 scutellse 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 oulmen.

5. Khynchofaloo. Size medium (wing more than 9 inches). Sexes alike in color,
and young not essentially different from adults. Large scutellcE 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.)

Subgenus Hierofalco Cuviee.

Hiet-ofaUo Cut. Reg. An. 1817, 312. Type, Falco candicans Gmei..,=-F'. isiandusBuvs's.
Cfennaia Kaup, Isis, 1S47, 69. Type, Falco Jugge.r Geat,

Synopsis of Noiih American Sjjecies.

. F. gyrfaloo, ' 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, 1.5.75-17.00: 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.

. F. mexicanus. Feathering of the tarsus confined almost wholly to the anterior face,
the posterior face entirely naked. Male. TVing, 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, etc. streaked with dark brown.

Falco mexicanus Schleg.

PRAIBIZ FALCON.
Popular synonym. American Lanner Falcon.

Falco mexicanus "LiCHT." Schleg. Abh. Geb. Zool. 1841, IS.— CoUES, Key, 1872,213;

Check List, 1874, No. 342; 2d ed. 1882. No. 502.
Falco polyagrus (part) Cass. Proc. Phil. Acad, vi 1854. 450; lUustr. B. CaL etc. 1853, 88,

pi. 16 (light flg.) ; in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858. 12.— B.ukd. Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 10.
Falco lanarius var. polyagrus B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii. 1874. 123.
Hierofalco meiicanns polyagrus Redgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 412.

Hab. Western United States and table-lands of Mexico; north to Washington Ter-
ritory and Dakota, east to Illinois (prairie districts), Indian Territory, etc.

* In the European Kestril (F. tinnunculus Linn.) and its Old World allies, the young
male is said to resemble the adult female in coloration.

430 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Sr. riun. Ailiill mall- (Nij. S9.nta, U. 8. Nut. Mus., Wiili-.at.-li Mi.n., rtiili. Miiy Zi. Iwrt;
L. E. Itii'kMi'i'ki-r). Aliove (■liicn'OUH-ilriili. iMi'omiiiK KriKliiiilly i><>l"r iiml niori' Mulsh
pogtcriurly, linrrcd. Inill8tlnetly, I'ViTywIicn- with a iiioru iluHky tint, thi' KhuTth uf nil
tlu! fi'iithiTB lilui'klsli; iinterlorly tin; liiirkiT hIukIi.. iirodumiDutoK. whili- poBt<Tiorly Iho
bliiitili pri'viiils; im thi' iiuturior porliciiiH thi.' licht luirs iir" much ri'slrii'tf'il In wlillh.
anil of 11 MKiri' orliriii'(Miu!i tint. Tail plain. Vfry piilo. ashy ilnili. nnrri>wly llpp<'ij with
ri'iiilisli whitr, this I'lianKine t<i pole rudty on the mldtlh. pair: tho funi-'-alcd purtlon of
thr fcatlHTs uutsiili. the shaft show obsolrtv or faint IriuM'S of ilarkor hars. whli-h on the
mliiilli' |)uir an' apparently about olovon In number. On the Inner webH the luiler bar*
bi'i-onie broader than the darker ones, and inoline to oehriu'enus in tint, the lal<-ral
feallier lieiuKedKed extpmally witli thiseolor. Primaries plain ashy drub, with a Imiiry
liiiKe,(;r<iwin»; insi-nslbly ilarker terminally, and with a slightly pab-r apb-al murKin.
lleuJ and ni'ck above, dark umber-brown, with eonspieuous shaft-streaks of blaek.
Lores and broad superciliary stripe (somowliiit interrupted above the eyes) white, finely
and sparsely streaked, the two stripes eonllui'nt iwross the oeelput;a broad heavy
"musIiK'he" from the lores and rietus downward and oblbiuely baekwards, across the
ma.xiiia. and a wider posterior stripe, like the erowu. Beneath continuous white, with
a faint ochraeeous tinge on the abdomen and crissuni; abdomi'n and sides of the broa.st
with a few scattered, small, ovate spots of vandykc-brown: shies tninsversely spotted
with vandyke-brown, the spots coalesced Into a broken pat.di on the Hanks: outsiili' of
the tibiie with transverse spots of the same. Axillars plain clear vandyki'-br<pwn, with
a few nearly obsolete rusty specks near their ends; linintfof the wini; clear white, the
feathers with central spaces of dusky brown, which toward the I'djjc become iieeregated
Into a longitudinal luiteh; inner webs of the primaries with broad transvi'rso spots of
white, which reach nearly to the shaft; they ari' aliout thirteen In number on the loneest
quill. Feet yellow; base of the bill linked willi llie same. WinB, 12.00; tail, 7.6<i; tarsus,
l.ao; middle toe, 1.70.

Ailull O) female (No. lx,258. Fort liuchaiinaM.Xew Me.xli'o; Dr. Irwin): Above contin-
uous umber-drab, (jrowliiB Knidually li^'hter posteriorly, the tall being pale drub; no
transverse bars (except a few concealed ones on biu'k and secondaries), but all the
feathers faintly bordered with paler rusty brown, these edgings on uppi'r tail-coverts
almost white. Tail tijiped with creamy white, and with many transverse spots or broad
bars of the same on inner webs, outer feathi'r Irregularly skirled with the same, and all
decidedly jialer than the ground color along their eilges. Head as in the male, but fore-
head white, and superciliary stripe more continuous. Breast and abdomen wjlh longi-
tudinal lanceolate or cuneate streaks of dark vaudyke-brown; pat.di of sumo on flanks,
more continuous than in the male; axillars unvariegated clear dark vandyki' brown;
longest primary with eleven transverse spots of white; posterior outer face of tibiae with
.sagittate spots of dark brown. Wing, U.'il: tail. K.(K); tarsus. -.MH; middle toe. 2.00.

J'oHiiff mn(c (N^. a2.2"7. South Fork of Platte. July 1!>, IS."*: C. S. McCarthy): Above
dnrkor umberthan the last, each feather distinctly bordered terminally with rusty ochra-
eeous. Beneath with a di'epcrcrcain-colored tinge, streaks blacker; llank-patch more
conspicuous and uniform; axillitis unvariegated dusky. Wing. i:}.2.'>; tail. 7.25,

Adult mciks. A speciiueu rroni Gilmer, Wyoming Terriloi-y,
(No. G0,176, U. S. jS'at. Mus. : H. R. Durkee), is veiy simihir
to the Walisatcli example describetl above, but being in more worn
plumage the markings are not so well (lelinod. The bars are
entirely obsolete on the rump, where, however, the bluish ashy
is rehevetl 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 oliliterated. The tints generally partake
of a dull ashy character, with httle brown. It measures, wing,

FALCONID^ — DIURNAL EAPTORES. 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 (?) females. A female obtained by Captain Bendire at
Camp Harney, Oregon, measured, when fresh, 18.50 inches in
length; wing, 13.25; tail, 8.00; weight 4 lbs. 12 oz. "Base of bill
and cere sky-blue ; tarsi and toes light greenish yellow."

Yoimg males. A young male obtained by me November 29, 1867,
at Carson City, Nevada, measured as follows before being skimied :
Total length, 17 inches; extent, 87.75; wing, 12.25; tail, 7.50; weight
only 1^- lbs. Bill, very fine bluish white, shading 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 falcon is a mere straggler to Illinois, having been ob-
served on but few occasions. A specimen was obtained at Kock
Island, by Mr. I. D. Sargent, of Pliiladelphia, 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.

Subgenus Rhynchodon Nitzsch.

Rhjjnchodon Nitzsch, Pterylog. 1840, 7, 8. Type, Falco peregriniis Lath.

The essential characters of this subgenus having been given on
page 4"z8, there is no necessity for their repetition here. There is
but one species in North America, the circumpolar F. pcregrinvs, or
Peregrine Falcon.

Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.)

DUCK HAWK.
Popular synonyms. American Peregrine; Great-footed Falcon; Black-capped Falcon.
Falco peregrinus WiLS. Am. Orn. ix, 1814, 120, pi. 76.— Nutt. Man. i, 1832, 53.— AuD. Orn.

Biog. i, 1832, 85; v, 1839, 365,pl. 16; Synop. 1839. 16; B. Am. i, I&IO, 84, pi. 20.
Falco navius Gmel. S. N. i, pt. i; 1788, 271.

Falco peregrinus ticecins Eidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 414.
Falco anatum Bonap. Comp. List, 1838. 4.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858. 7.— Baikd,
Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 5.
Falco communis var. anatum Ridgw. in B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. Hi, 1874, 128, 132.
Falco communis c. anatum CouES, B, N. W. 1874, 341.

432 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Faleo nigrlcfpii Cass. Proc. Phil. Acnd. vl. 1853: 4S0; niust. B. Cat. etc. 18M. 87; In

Biilrds B. N. Am. 1858 8; cd. 1860. pi. II.-Baibd. Cm. N. Am. B. ISW. No. 6.
/i'ofco (■oniTiiUHiK "Gmel." CouES. Ki'y. 1K72. 213; Clii'ok List. l»74.No. Ml.

Haj>. Whole of America.

Sp. Chab. Adiill male (No.«.151. U. S. Nat. Mu8.. Fort Kesolutlon. Bril. X. Am.. June :
.1. Lofklwirt). Cpper parts dark bluish plumbeous, approachlne bliiek anteriorly, but on
rump and upper Inll-coverts beeomlne bluish plumbeous ash. On the head and n>'i<k
the conllnuous plumbeous blaek covers all the former except the chin and thmal, and
the back portion of tlie latter: an Invasion or Indentation of the white of lower parts up
liehiiid the ear-coverts separates the black of tln> cheeks from that of the neck. throwing
the former into a prominent aneular patch : forehead and lores (jraylsh. All the feathers
above (posterior to the napel with transverse bars of plumbeous black, these most
sharply dellned posteriorly, where the plumbeous Is Uuhtest. Tail black, more plum-
beous basally. very faintly paler at the tip, and sliowini; ten or eleven transverse narrow
bands of plumbeous, these most distinct anteriorly: the l)ars are clearest on Inner webs.
Alula, primary and secondary coverts, secondaries and primaries, uniform plumbeous
Idack. narrowly whitish on terminal marcin. most observable on secondaries and inner
primaries. Lower parts while, tinifed with delicate cream-color, this deepest on the
alidomen: sides and tibia' tinged with bluish. Chin, throat and jugulum immaculate;
the breast, however, with faint longltuilinal shaft-streaks of black; sides. Ilanks and
tlblie distinctly barred transversely with black, about four burs beinc on en-h feather;
on the lower tall-coverts they are narrower and more distant; on the abdomen the mark-
ings are in the form of circular spots; anal region barred transversely. Lining of the
wing lineluding 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. l.UO;
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. Lccontei: Like the
male, but ochracoous tinge beneath deeper; no ashy wash; bands on the tail more
sharply dcllni'd. about ten dark ones being indicated: outer surface of primaries and
secondaries witli bands apparent: tail distinctly tipped with ochraceous white. Inner
web of longest primary with thirteen more reiidish transverse spots. White of neck
e.\tending oblkiuely upward and forward toward the eye. giving the black cheek patch
more prominence. Markings beneath as in the male. Wing formula the same. Wing.
14.50; tail. 7.00; tarsus. 1.95; middle toe. 2.10; culmen. .95.

Youngmale (Xo. o;i.l93. Truckee River, Nevada, July 21, 18B7; 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 apporent indications of corresponding spots on outer
webs. Region round the eye, and broad "moustache" across the cheeks, pure blaok, the
latter more conspicuous than in the older stages, being cut off posteriorly by the exten-
sion of the'eream-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 i)arts purplish cream-color, or rosy ochraceous white,
deepest posteriorly; jugulum. breast, sides, flanks, and tibiie with longitudinal stripes
of plumbeous black. tlies(< broadest on flanks and abdomen, and somewhat sagittate on
the tibias lower tall-coverts with distant transverse bars. Lining of the wing like the
sides, Init 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..M):
expanse, 39.25. Weight. l''j lbs. Basal half of thi> 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, with a slight
greenish tint; tarsi and toes lemon-yellow, with o slight greenish cast; claws jet-black.

FALCONID^ — DIURNAL RAPTOHES. 433

It is extremely uncertain how many of the so-called "species"
of Peregrine Falcon which pass current should be referred to F.
fferegrinus as geographical races, and it is equally doubtful bow
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 b^'d; but
European writers say that they have inspected American specimens
which had the breast as distinctly streaked as those from Europe.
It is possible, however, that their remarks are based upon specimens
of F. pealei, which has the chest so heavily marked as to be
sometimes even spotted, and which differs so much from tyi^ical
peregrinus that it may eventually prove to be a distinct species,
though I am inchned to regard it as one of several geographical
races of a widely distributed parent stock, to wliich I would also
refer F. cassini 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 irregTilar 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 European 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 iVIississippi Valley is a comparatively recent discovery,
being first announced by Col. N. S. 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. Tlnee 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-hne showed the nest to have been eighty-

—28

■131 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

nine feet from the giound, its location being a shallow cavity,
caused by the breaking off of the main limb, the upper part of
which projected over sufficiently to fonn a protection from the sun
and rain.

SuBOEKCs ^salon Kaip.

^salon Kacp. 8k. Ent Eur. Thlorw. 1829. W. Type Falco atalon Gmeu

The species of this subgenus may be distinguished by the follow-
ing characters :

CoMMOs Characters. AdiiU maho plumbeous blue above, the featberH with dunky
shafls; tail more or less bnnded with black, and tipped with whitish. Beneath whitish.
liufTy, or liKht rusty, slrlped with brownish. Ailult /imali'ii. Above browninh. with
iliirkiir shaft-streaks. Tall usually with nve to eiclit. more or less distinct, lichlcr bauds
(all but the terminal ono sometimes obsolete in F. siick-lfuil- Beneath whitish, bully, or
oehraceous. striped with dusky or brownish. Youno {both seres). Similar to the adult
female, but colore 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.

IF. reguhis, of Europe and Northern Asia.)

B. Tail of adult male with only three or four blackish bands, besides the broader sub-
termlnnl one. Adult temalo and young never with more than six light bands, Includ-
ing the terminal one.

1. F. richardsoni. .\rluU male. Above pearl-blue or pale ashy blue, the crown
more or lc!is tinged with oehraceous. Tail crossed by five dark and six light
bands, the latter more or less 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 bulT, or buffy white, the tibi.T and a nuchal collar more oehraceous.
Breast, etc.. rather broadly striped with brownish. Vr'ing.7.70-8.6U; tall. 5.00-6.00;
culmen, .Btt-.tJ«»: tarsus. 1.4i-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 distini'tly banded with oehraceous. and outer webs of primaries
distinctly spotted with a lighter tint of the same. Beneath white or bulTy, the
breast, etc.. broadly striped with light brown. Wing. 8.50-9.W1; tall, 6.00-6.90; cul-
men, .55-.58; tarsus, 1.55-1.65; middle toe, l..%-1.40; Young. Similar to the adult
female, but more decidedly bulTy below, the upper parts more or less tinged
with rusty.

2. F. columbarius. A'luU male. Above much darker plumbeous. Tail crossed by
not ninrc than four dark or five light bands (including terminal one). Adult
female and tjoung. Very variable in color, but tail never with more than four
dark or live light bauds, including the whitish tip.

a. columbarius. AiluU female aad j/oiinff with distinct light .spots on inner
webs of primaries, and the light bands on the tall more or less distinct,
Male: Wing,7.20-7.90; tail, 4.90-5.50; culmen,. 48-..'>fl; tarsus, I.IIO- 1.40; middle
toe, 1.15. Female: Wing,x.00-«i.55; tail,5.50-6.0ii; culmen, .55-.riO; lar8U8,1.55-
1.60; middle toe, 1.35-1. to.

/5. surkleiii. Adult female and youug. \tMtout distinct spots on inner webs
of primaries, or light l>ands on tall (except the whitish tip), these
markings being sometimes wholly obsolete. General color much darker,
the lower parts even with dusky pri'domlnating. Male: Wing. 7.35-7.70;
tail, 5.25-5.6(1; culmen, .48-.50; tarsus, l.:iO-1.45; middle toe, 1.20. Female: Wing.
8.25-8.50; tall,5.7(>-5.S0; culmen. .55-.60; Uirsus, 1.50-1.60; middle toe. 1.35-1.40.
iAdult male unknoini!)

FALCO\ID.E — DIUKXAL EAPTOEES. 435

Falco columbarius (Linn.)

PIGEON HAWK.

Popular synonyms. American Merlin; Little Corporal (Audubon).

Falco columbarius Linn. S. N. ed. 10,1,1758,90; ed. 12,i, 1766, 128.— WrLS. Am. Orn. ii, 1810,

107,pl. 15, flg. 3.— AtJD. Orn.Biog.i, 1831,466; B. Am.i, 1839,88, pi. 21; Synop. 1839, 16.—

NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 60.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 9, (s. g. ffypotriorchin).—

CouES.Key, 1872, 214; Cheek List, 1874, No. 344; 2d ed. 1882,No.505; B. N. W. 1874, 345.

Hypotriorchis columbarius Gkay, 1844.— B.u:kd. Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 7.

^salon cobirabarius Kaup, Contr. Orn. 1850, 54.— RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 417.

Falco {^salon) Uthofalco var. columbarius B, B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. 111,1874,143,144.

Falco temerarius AtJD. Orn. Biog. 1,1831, 381; B. Am. pis. 75,92.

Hab. Whole ot 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. Chak. Adult male. Above cinereous, varying in shade, but generally of a slaty
bluish cast; each feather with a distinct shaft-streak of black, these lines most conspicu-
ous on the head 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 q.ulte conspicuous, and each about half
the width'of the subterminal one ; the latter is 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 torm of transverse oblong spots,
crossing 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 lading 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 tibi«, and on a distinct collar extending round the nape, interrupting the blue
above; the tibiee 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; tibisB with narrower and darker streaks;
lower tail-coverts with narrow central streaks like those on the tibije. Freauently there
is a strong bluish shade on flanks and lower tall-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 as in the male, but the colors dlfEerent. 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 tibiae
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-

•136 BIBDS OF ILLINOIS.

Inrs, nnd wIdsh rnsR Into n rusty tinco at the edit'': this color Is, however, always preva-
li'nt on tho ht-nJ, which l« conspicuously streaked with dusky. Tall plumbcouB dusky,
darker liTmlnally. with nvc rcuular licln bars; those towards the base ashy. a.s they ap-
proach the end bccornInK more ochraceoug; these bars are more continuous and r-'uular
than In the adult female, and are seen conspicuously on the middle feathers. Primaries
dusky. pasBinc on edtre (terminally) into lichter; spots on the inner webs broader Uum
in the female, ami pinkish ochre; outer webs with IcssconsplcuouBeorrespondinK spots
of the same. Beneath soft ochraceous, marked as In adult female, but stripes less
sharply defined: tibin> 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,
if nests in cavities of large trees in the forest, Imt wliere suitahle
clilfs occur it also builds its nest among rocks.

"Tliis 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, Ked-winged Blackbirds, liobins, and Pigeons."

Subgenus Tinnunculus Vieillot.

Tiiiniiiiniliis Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. 1, 1807, 39. Type Faico tinnunculus LiKN.
Pwciloruh Kaup. Nut. Syst. 1828, Ui8. Type Falco spareerius LiN'S.

Falco sparverius (Limi.)

AMERICAN SFABBOW HAWK.
Popular synonyms. .Vmerican Kestril; Litlle Busty-crowned Falcon.

Fnirn fDnrn-riiis Livx. S. X. ed. 10, i, IT.'iS, 90; ed. 12, i, 176«, 128.— WiLs. .\m. (Jrn. ii, 181".

117, pi. Hi. flc. 1 (male), pi. 2;}, fig. 2 (female).-Sw. & Rich. F. B.-A. il, 1831, 31. pi. 24.

— .\17P. B. \m. fol. ed. 1831. pi. 22; oct. ed. 1, IWO, W. pi. i>; Orn. BIok. ii. ISfl. 24fi, pi.

142.— NuTT. Man, i. lSi2. .W.- Cass, in Bnird's B. N. .\m. ls,-i8. 13. (s. g. Tiuuunc^ihi.i).

— COUES, Key. 1871,1.5; Chock List, 1874, No. 3l(i; 2(1 ed. 1882, No. .'iiis; B. N. W. 1874,349.
Falco iTiitnuncu Ins) sparverius B. B. * It. Hist.X. .\m. B. iii,1874, IfiS (var. spnrrfrius).
Tinnitiirulus sparrfrius VlElLL. 18«7.— BArRD, Cat. N, Am. B, 1859, No. 13.— HiDow. Nom.

N. Am. B. 1881, No. 420.
Falco isahellinus Swains. Anim. in Menac 1879, 281 (Cayenne).
Fairo {Tiiinuiiciihis) apari'crius viir. isaliflliiiiis h. B. & B. Hist, N. Am. B. 111,1874.

1117. m.
Tiniiuncultis sparverius isal/pltiniis nivaw. Nom, N.Am. B.I88I.N0. 42iin.
Falco sparreriiia isahelliuus OouEB, 2d Cheek List. ISSi, No, 509.

Sp. Char. Adiill mtle (No. 12,0ii, Washington. D. C: W. WaUaco). Forehead. hiteral
iindpostcriorrcKionsof I lie crown, occiput, and winds, bluish asii. Crown, nape, scapidars
intcrscapuliirs. rump, upper lail-eovorls, and tail, line cinnamon-rufous; scapulars and
back barri'd with bla<-k, the bars broadest anil most consiilcuous posteriorly. Tail lipped
Willi while, ami with a broad, sharply dellni'd subtermlnal zone of black, about one inidi
in width; lateral fealhi'r, Willi outer web and terminal half of inner ashy white, (he later
Willi one or two distinct transverse spot,s of black anterior to the terminal one. Winit-

*//!«(, .V. .1(11. /;. iii.pp. l.W. I.M.

FALCONID.E — DIURNAL EAPTOEES. 437

coverts with more or less conspicuous cordate spots ot 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 ot 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 oehraeeous, 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 ot 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 last is an
odd nuchal spot, separating the ash of the occiput from 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 ^emaZe (No. 10.751. Fort Bridger, Utah: C. Drexler). Blue above confined to the
head, which shows rufous patch as in 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
inch in width. Longest primary with eleven transverse spaces of pale rufous, nearly
twice as wide as the dusky ones, which scarcely touch the edge. Beneath yellowish
white, paler than in the male; breast and sides with rusty longitudinal spots. Head as
in the male. Wing, 7.60; tail. 5.20; tarsus, 1.50; middle toe. .90; bill. .50. Wing formula,
2=3-4-1.

Young male (No. 5.581, Medicine Bow Creek, Nebraska, August 7, 1856: W. S. 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
as in the adult; al.so rufescent tinge beneath more general; blue ot the wings with
scarcely 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 Eiee, Dakota: S. M. Bothhammer). 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. Wliile 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 time of any
locality within that region. The extreme variation reached in this
portion of the continent is that plumage upon which Swaiuson
based his Falco isabelUnus, 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 oehraeeous 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

•138 BIBDS OF ILLISOIS.

plumnpie, nnd, like the males, usually lack the rufous crowii-pateh.

The Sparrow Hawk is the American representative of the Kestril
of Europe {Tiininncnlus tinnimculiis), a considerably larger hut other-
wise very similar bird. The common note is peculiar, consisting of
a protracted, not unmusical chatter, difiicult to describe, but when
once heard always to be recognized aftei-ward. 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. I'pou 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 olT to another.
The hawk, however, follows every movement, shooting rapidly ofif
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 neiTOUS 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
tliis manner. There is usually no nest, but the eggs are laid upon
the rubbish at the bottom of the hole.

The eggs are generally live iu number, but range from three to
seven, the latter number, however, being but seldom found m one
nest. In shape they are nearly spherical, but little ditference in size
and contour being observable iu the two ends; their length ranges
from 1.32 to 1.48 inches, the average being about 1.88; and in
breadth they measure from 1.08 to 1.20 inches, with an average
diameter of 1.13. The ground color of the eggs varies from white

FALCONID^ — DIURNAL EAPTOEES. 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.

Subfamily PANDIONINiE.— The Ospreys.

Chae. Outer toe reversible. Claws very large and strongly curved, of equal length,
their under side narrowed and rounded. Plumage without aftershaf ts, 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 a single genus. Pandion, which occurs throughout
the temperate and tropical portions of the globe.

Genus PANDION Savigny.

Pancllon Savign. Desc. de 1' Egypte, 1809, 272, Type Falco haliae.tus Linn.

Gen. Chae. Bill inflated, the cere depressed below the arched eulmen; 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, but it is not very distinct. All the
toes perfectly tree. Tibiaj not plumed, but covered compactly with short feathers, these
reaching down the front of the tarsus below the knee, and terminating in an angle. Pri-
mary coverts hard, stiff, and acuminate, almost as much so as the quill themselves; third
quilUongest; 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 OSPKEY.
Popular synonyms. Fish Eagle; Fish Hawk.

Falco carolinensis Qi/iEh. S.N. 1,1788,263.
Pandion carolinensis AuD. B. Am. 1831.pl. 81; Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 415.— Cass, in Baird's

B. N. Am. 1858, 44.— Baied. Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 44.
Pandion haliaetus var. carolinensis Ridgw. 1870.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874,

183, 184.
Pandion haliaetus carolinensis Eidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 425.
Pandion haliaetus AuD. B. Am. i, 1840,(34, pi. 15; Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 415.— CouEs, Key, 1872,
219; Cheek List 1874, No, 360; 2d ed, 1882, No. 530; B. N. W. 1874, 367.

Hab. Whole of North America, and south through West Indies and Middle America
to northei-n Brazil, Trinidad, and Panama. Eepresented in the Palfearctic Eegion by
the true P. haliaetus (Linn.), and in the Australian Eegion by P. haliaetus leucocephalus
(Gould).

8p. Chae. Young male (No. 17,227, San Jose, Lower California, December 15, 1859, J.
Xantus). Upper surface dark vandyke-brown, with a faint purplish east; quills black.
Every feather with a conspicuous sharply defined terminal crescent of pure white. Tail

440

BinDS OF ILLINOIS.

bruwnlsh drab, narrowly tlppej with wliltt-. nml cronBod with Bov<»n(onefoni>piilo<li roe-
uliir linmJa of dusky; Innor woh? almost wholly whlti-. t hi- Idin'k tmnil« slmrply didlncd
nnd .continuous; shafts iMillridy white. Ground rulor of tin- h.'ad. ni-i-k.and i-ntlrf lower
parts pun- whlti-: a hroacl si ripe from I lie eye back oeross upper I'dce of the ear-coverts to
the oeelput brownish blaek : white head also sparsely streaked with I ilaeklsh. these streaks
sutTusIucand predonilnatini; medially; nape faintly tinned with oi-hraoi-ous. and sparsely
streaked. Urea.st with hirce eordate spots of brown, fainter than that of the baek. n
median spot on eaeh feather, the shaft blaek : rest of lower parts Inunaeulate. LInine of
tlie wine white, strontly tinijed with ochraeeous; the brown of the outer surfai'e on-
eroaehlnB broadly over the odKo. Under primary eoverts with broad tnmsverse s|)ots
or bars; umler surfaeo of primaries (frayish white anterior to the eniari;inatlon. Irn-cu-
larly mottled with (irayish; axlllars Immaeulate. WInK formula. *=3. 4-1. S. Wlnc.an.aO;
tail. H.*!; eulmen. 1.3.'.; tarsus. l.U>-2.15: middh' toe. 1.90; outer.l.TS; Inner, 1.4«: posterior,
l.l.l; (losterlor outer and Inner elaws of erjual loneth. eaeh mcosurius 1.20 (chord);
nilildle.1.15. "Iris yellow; feet creonish yellow."

Ailull tiialf. Similar, but upper parts uniform dusky brown, nnd the breu^t very
sIlKhlly (often not at all) spotted.

Ailull /finalf (So. 290. Carlisle. Pn.. .\iiril 17. 1S41. S. F. Baird). Similar to adult male
but breast rather more spotted. WiiiK formula. 3. 2-4-1. 5. Wing. 20.50; tall. 9.15; eulmen.
1.3i; tarsus,2.I5; middle toe. 1.70.

The specimens described are those having the breast most dis-
tinctly spotted. Many others have the breast immacukte, tliis
being the rule in the Amei-iean bird, especially the adult male.
Specimens vary, in length of wing from 17.50 to 20.50. Contrary
to the usual rule in this familj', the male appears to exceed the
female in size.

Measurements.

Se.\.

Wing.

Tall.

Culmen.

Tarsus.

Middle toe.

Specimens.

Mole

Female

19. 00-20.. VI
IS. 75-19. 00

10. 00-10. .-,0
8, so- 9.50

1.3.'.
1.25-l.;t5

2.25-2.40
2.00-2.25

1.80-1.85
1.70-1.80

5
4

Second and third quills longest; first shorter or longer thon llfth.

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 Historii of Xorth Amerieaii liinh, Vol. III., pp. 188, 180, we
(luote tlie following respecting the habits of this species :

"I 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 Eagles, often succeeding by their
numbers and courage in driving them temporarily from their haunts.

FALCONID.E — DIURNAL EAPTOEES. 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
eonfidiug, 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 wth a mass of sticks,
corn-stalks, sea-weed, wet turf, mullein-stalks, etc., the whole hned
with dry sea-grass {Zostcra marina) and large enough to fill a cart
and be no inconsiderable load for a horse.

"They are very devoted in their attentions to their mates, and
supply them with food while on the nest.

"In some localities the Fish HaAvk nests in large communities
as many as thi-ee 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 {Qidscalus 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."

Subfamily ACCIPITE.IN.ffi.— The Kites, Hawks, and Eagles.

Chae. 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 bihds of illixois.

A. NVins less tbnn IS inchog; Inner webs of not more than (our or Ave outer quIIU dls-
tinrtly uiniireinutod.
a'. Lower half, or more, of torsi naked.

Ii'. Front u! tarnl without transvorsf' scutellH>.

1. Elanoide*. Tail t'xi'csslvoly forked, the lateral reptrices more than twice
us lunu us the middle pair. Claws grooved beneath. Tarsi covered with
larKO, Irreeuliir sonles.
-. Elanoi. Tall di>nVili>-roundt>d. Claws rounded on their under side. Tursi
orivi;re(l with minute roundish seales.
f)'. Front of tarsi with transverse scutellic.

<'<. Tail omarfrinnto. and bill greatly hooked or else distinctly notched and
toothed,
•t. lotinia. Dill Falcon-like, with distinct, though not prominent, notch
mill ticth. Foi't small and robust, the claws not unusually elonguted.
i Bostrhamtu. Bill vrry slender and greatly hooked, entirely devoid of
notch or tooth. Feet slender, the claws unusually lengthened. (Ex-
trnllmltul; tropical.)
(''. Tall truncate or rounded, or if emarginatc the bill neither greatly hooked
nor distinctly notched.
(P. Form slender, the head proportionally small, the legs slender, claws
very acute, and tall lengthened. Bill comparatively weak, com-
pressed, high through the base, the culmen much ascending
basally, nnd the cere decidedly arched.
6. Cirous, Face surrounded by a "ruSr of Btitfened. differently formed,
feathers, as in the owls. Tarsus more than twice as long as the
middle toe. Wing very long, outer four primaries with inner webs
sinuatcd.
C. Aooipiter. Face without ruff. Tarsus less than twice the length of
till' miiUllc toe. Wing short, very concave beneath, the outer aulll
much bowed, the live outer with Inner webs emnrglnated.
(P. Form short and heavy, the head larger, tall shorter, and legs more
robust, with claws less acute. Bill stronger, less compressed,
lower through the base, the upper outline less ascending basally,
and ccic less arched.
'. Farabuteo. 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 webs cut. Lores naked.
and almost destitute of bristles. lExtralimltal.)
8. Onyohotea. Outstretched feet reaching beyond end of tall; tiblol
plumcH short, close, not reaching below the joint. Wing short,
rounilcil. very concave beneath, the fourth quill longest; outer Ave
with inner webs sinuatcd. Tail short, but little more than half the
wing, slightly rounded. Claws very long and extremely acute.
(Extralimltal.)
0. Asttirina. Bill and feet as in Parahtiteo; lores densely bristled;
wing short, rounded, concave beneath, the third to fourth quills
longest; outer four with their inner webs cut.
10. Buteo. FormofPorndii/co, 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,
o'. Tarsus densely feathered to the base of the toes.

11. Arohibuteo. Feathering of the tarsus interrupted behind by a bare strip
along till' full Ivngth. 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
live with Inner webs cut.

FALCONID.E — DIURNAL EAPTOKES. 443

B. Wing more than 20 inches; inner webs of outer sis primaries distinctly emarginated.
ai. Tarsus densely feathered, all round, to the base of the toes.

12. Aquila. Nostril narrowly oval, obliquely yertloal. A very distinct web
between middle and outer toes. Feathers ol the nape distinctly lanceo-
late.
a-. Tarsus with lower part naked.

h^. Tail short, much less than two thirds the pointed wing; feet moderately
robust, with upper halt of tarsus feathered in front. Headcrestless; feathers
of neck all round, distinctly lanceolate. No distinct web between middle
and outer toes

13. Haliaeetus. Tail rounded, of 12 rectriees. Upper outline of cere nearly
straight; nostrils with lower end rounded, opening rather abruptly in-
ward.

14. Thalassoaetus. Tail euneate. of 14 rectriees. Upper outline of cere
much arched; nostrils with lower end pointed and beveled gradually to
the level of the cere. (Extralimital; Kamtsehatkan— 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 with a
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. Thrasaetus. 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 Yieillot.

Elanoides Tieillot, Nouv. Diet. d'Hlst. Nat. xxiv, 1818, 101. Tjve.Falco forficatus'Ll^'s.
Sauclerus AucT. nee Vigobs, 1825.

Chab. General external characters. Bill rather small and narrow, intermediate be-
tween that of Pandion a,nd 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 sti-aight; 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 seutellse 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 rectriees 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 as
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 ossified; 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, eoracoids, 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. (Esopha-

* Of this genus we have seen only the skull and sternum.

444 BIRDS OF ILUN0I9.

BUB of nearly uniform width, bolne doBtltutc of ornp. nn<l thuR roKomhline thnt of the
owls; its walls oxtrcnu-ly thin; slomnr'h vrry lure*'. r<iun<l. slightly i-oiniin-xBod. Its mus-
cular i-out very thin, imd oomposcd of a slnclf series of fiiseleull. Intestine short and
rather wide; pylorus with three knobs, duodenum formlnca Inop In the usual niauner:
no eiDeu; reetum short, with a larne clobuhir dilatation."— M\c(iiLLlVBiV.

Plerylograithirnl clmractm. "Inner brnneh on the lUKular part distlnet but short;
out«r bruneh entirely free. Dorsal portion of the spinal tniet usually lonit."* (XrrzscH.)
Contour-feathers with aftcrshafts. Lumbar traet present. Remises, 23.

Apparently more nearly related to Piriiig, Lcptotloii, nffifrhimoi,
and allied forms than to any other genera, the genus ElamAdes yet
stands isolated from these hy 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 3/i7-
rnn, but when compared closely, the two are found to possess no
real affinities of sti-ucture. The same is tine of its relationship to
Kaaclcriis rlocoiiri, usually placed in the same genus, but which is
more intimately related to Ictiiiia, Elaitus, and their aftines.

The genus contains but a single species, the E. forficatiis, 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. 10,1,1758,89.
Nauclernsforflcahis KiDOW. 1870.— B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. ill, 187J, 19i-CoUES, B. X.

W. 1874,332.
£?niioirfe.s/o)-/(rn(M.« Coi'ES.Proe. Aead. Xat. S.'i. Phil. 1875,345; 2d Cheek List, 1882,

No. 493.— BiDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 420.
Falco/urcalus Linn. S. X. ed. 12, i. 17Cti. 129.-WH.3. Am. Orn. vi, 1812. 70, pi. Sl.Ogs. 1,3.—

AUD. B. Am. fol. ed. 1831. pi. 72; Orn. BIok. I, IS30. 3fi8: v,1839. 37L
yaiicleru.i/iircalus Vio. 1835.— AUD, B. .-Vm. i, 1840. 78. pi. 18; Si'nop. 1839, 14.- Cars, in

Baird's B. N. .A.m. 1X58, ;t6.—BAlBD, Cat. X. Am. B. 1859, No. 34.- CoUES. Key. 1872,211;

Check List. 1874. Xo. 337. "

Hab. Whole of tropical and subtropical America, except West Indies; north. casually
to Massachusetts and Michigan, more regularly to Maryland, Illinois, lowo. Minnesota,
etc. Much more numerous in the Mississippi Valley than east of the .Mleghanles.

8p. Chab. Wing. 15.40-17.70; tall, 12. 50-14.. 10; culmen. .70-. 80; tarsus. l.lKi-I .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,

• XiTzscn gives the above charoeterB of a ffroup In which he includes Mileus regatit,
M. ater, and Elanoidet forficatus.

FALCONID.E— DIUBNAL EAPTORES. 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 o( dark purplish bronze, the other black por-
tions with a glaucous or chalky east, 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 being No.
66,099 (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 halt 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; interiorof the mouth bright cobalt-
blue." (No. 84,480, male, Mt. Carmel.Ill., Aug. 1,1870. Length, 22. 75; extent,50.80.l

In former years common throughout the State, and in some por-
tions even at times abundant, this, the most graceful of all the
bu'ds 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 flying, 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 Savigny.

• Elanus Savign. Desc. de I'Egypte. 1809, 284. Type Falco me1anopterus'Dxvv>.,=F.
coerulens Desf.

Gen. Chak. Bill rather small, very wide basally, much compressed anteriorly, the
tip well produced; lower mandible declinate, obliauely 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

* Illiunis Agricultural Report, 1.853-54.
+ Bull. Usscx Inst., viii, ISK. p. 118.

446 BIRDS OF II-LIXOIB.

ofthoccro. Foot small, but very robust; tnreus about equni to middle too; outer too
shorter thitn tho InniT. mill about I'quiil to tbi' hiillux: web betwoen outor and middle
toe jUfit uppnroQt; rlawH Hmull, but xlwirp, iind well curved, the under surface rounded
and juBt perceptibly flattened; middle ehiw willi tlio Mliurp protectlnK lateral rldice very
prominent. TurnuK and toes (oxeept terminal joint of the latter) cuvered uulformly with
minute ri'undisli »cali-s. Wint: lonir; second to third quill loncest; llrst Intermediate
betwi'cn second and fourth. First quill with Inner web emuri;inoted, near the end:
(iecond, sinunted. Tail double-rounded, more than one half the wink'.

Elanus leucurus iVieill,)

WHITE TAILED KITE,
Popular synonym, Ulnck-shouldered Kite.
,\/i7fi(s leutiirus ViEiLL. Nouv, Diet. xx. 1k18, 5M.
Elanns leuctniia Bi>. 1838,— Cass, in Biiird's B. X, Am. 1858, 36,— Baibd, Cat. N, Am, B,
1859, No, 35.— CoUKS, Key. 1882, 211 ; Check List, 1874, No, C7,-B, B. i R, Hist. N.
Am. B.iii. 1874,197,198.
Falco tlinpar Temm. PI. Col. i, 1825, pl.319 (=;ui?,),— AuD. B. Am. 1838. pis. 351,352:
Orn. Bios, iv, 1838, 307.
£Ianus disparCvw TAeg. An, ed, 1829, i, 334,— NuTT, Man, 1833,93,— AUD, Synop, 1839,
13; B. Am, i, 1810. 70. pi. 16.
i:ianuii glaucus "(Babth.)" Coues, Proo, Phil, Acad, lex Falco otauciis Babtr, Travels.
1791, 290); 2d Check List,1882,No, 492,— RiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 427.

Had. The whole of continental tropical and subtropical America; south to Paraguay,
ArRentino Republic, and Chili, north to southern United States (Texas to Florida and
South Carolina), Indian Territory, New Mexico, and California ; occasional (broedine?) In
oxtrome southern portion of Illinois.

Sp. Char. Adult. Upper surface, including occiput, nape, interscapulars, scapu-
lars, rump, upper tnil-eoverts. and wings (except lesser and middle coverts), soft, deli-
cate, 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 pule 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 llrst row of primary
coverts), deep black. Underside of primaries deep cinereous (darker than outer surface);
under surface of secondaries nearly white. Second quill longest; third scorcely 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 .00 (or more) longer than the lateral, which is shortest,

Male. Wing, 11. 80-12.60; tail, 7. 30-<,(H); culmon, ,tK>-,80; tarsus, 1,30-1,50; middle toe, 1,00-
1.15 (eight specimens).

female. Wing.n.tiO-12.75; tail,7.20-7.8»); culmen, .70-,"2; 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 hroader, the tail
more ashy, and the upper parts with inimerous feathers of dull
browii, tipped iiarnnvly with white; the breast with sparse longitud-
inal touches of brownish.

FALCONID^ — DIURNAL RAPTORES. 447

Young female (No. 48,826, Santiago, Chili, May, 1866: Dr. Piiilippi). Occiput and nape
thickly markecl 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 16^ inches, extent 42 inches.

As to the occurrence of this species in Illinois, we have Uttle 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 Vieillot.

Je(i)i!» ViElLL. Analyse, 1816, 24. Type, Falco mississippiensis WrLS.
Nertus BoiB, Isis, 1828, 314. Type, Falco phtmbeus Gmel.

Gen. Chae. 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 scutellfe ; claws short, but strongly curved, very sharp,
grooved beneath. Third quill longest; first of variable proportion with the rest; outer
two with inner webs siniiated. Tail a 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 equal to 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.

»

Harpagua. 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 BraDB or nxnJOTs.

Ictinia mississippiensia (Wils.)

MISSISSIPPI KITE.

Popular synonymi. Gluo Kitr- ; Blue Snnko Hnwk.

Faico iitiiminiiippii'iiiiiii Wits. Am. Orn. iii, ISll, 80.pl. 2.1. iIr. I.
7rri?ii(i nii*si»iii;j;<icnjiiji Br. IMO.— Cass. In Balnl's B. N. Am. 1X18. 37.— Baiiid. B. X.
Am. 1859.No. 3«.-CouE8, Key. 1872. 211; Chuck List. 1874. No. ax,.
Fa ro iilitmhena "Gmel." Aud. B. Am. ls:M, |.l. 117; Orn. Bloc. II. 18S4. 108; v. 1839.374 (ikt
Gmel.).
Idiiiinplumbea NuTT. Man. 1,1833, 92 (n(>c Vieii.l.>— AuD. Srnop.lSSS. H: B. Am. I. IRIU,
-t, pi. 17.
Iclinin auhrirriilra "(Bartb.j" Coues, Proc. Phil. .Vend, li-j- Fa'cn mibcwriili'iiii BAnrn.
Trav. 1791.290); 2a Cheok List, 1882. No. 191.— Ridow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. 428.

Had. More southern enstern United States; north. r<>(rularly. to South Carolina, nnd
southern lllinois.moro rarely to Iowa ami Wisronsln. and oasually to Pcnnsylvnnin:
south through eastern Mexleo and Guatemala.

8p. Chab. -Irfu/r mn/^ (No. 81.483. Fox Prairie. Hii-hland Co., 111.. Aupust 19. 1K71I.
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 secondares being silvery white. Lores and eyelids
black. Best of the plumage dark plumbeous, approaching plumbeous black on the lesser
wlng-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, nnd lower
parts abruptly pure white beneath the surface, this showing in partly exposed spots on
the pectoral ri'gion and erissum. Scapulars also with largo coueealed white spots.
Shafts of primaries and tail-feathers black on both siiles. Wing formula..'?. 2-4-^6.1.
First primary angularly, the second concnvely, eiuurginatcd. Tail emarginated, lateral
feather longest; depth of fork, .40. Wing. 11.7.'j; tail. 6.80; culmen, .(53; tarsus, 1.2«; middle
toe, 1.15.

Ailultfrnialp (ToK Prairie, Bii'hland Co.. III.. August 19. 1871). Similartothe male, but
head and secondaries decidedly darker, hardly approaching light ash; scarcely any
truce of rufous on the primarii'S, none at nil on outer webs; shafts of tull-fi-athcrs
white on underside. Wing. 11.80; tjill,<.25. Bill, cere, eyelids, and inti'rior of mouth. deep
black; Iris deep laki'-red; rictus orange-red; Ijirsi and toes pinkish orang<>-rci|. lower
part of tarsus and large scutella- of toes dusky. (Notes from fresh spei'imens, the ones
above described.)

Immature male (transition iilumage; No. 84,484, Fox Prairie, Itichhind Co.. 111., .\ugust
21, 18711. Similar to the a<lult female, but the white spots on basal portion of pectoral
und crissal feathers distinctly exposed; secondaries not lighter than rest of the wing.
Tail-feathers with angular while spots cxtemlingiiuiti' across the Iniu'r webs, proilucing
three distinct transverse bands wln'n viewed from below. Inner web of outer primary
mostly white anterior to the emarginatidu. Wing. 10. .10; tail. fl. 25. Color of bill, etc.. as
in the ailult. but interior of month whitish, and the iris less pure i-armlne.

/•/iiiindii-e/eiiKi'p (Coll. Philadelphia Academy. Bed Fork of the Arkansas. 1850; Dr.
Woodhouse). Similar to the last. Wing. 11.10; tail. fi.Hl. .

Yoiumfeiiialp (llrst plumage: Cidl. Phihuli'lphia Academy. North Fork Canadian IJlver,
September 19.1851: Dr. WoodhdUscl. Head.neck.and lowi^r jiarts white, with a yellowish
tinge; the most perci'plible on the tibiie. Fach feather with a median longitudinal ovate
spot of blackish brown, more reddisli on the lower parts. The chin. throat, and a broad
superciliary stripe.are immaculate while. Lower tuil-coverts each Willi a median acu-
minate spot of rusty, the shaft black. Upper parts brownish l>la<'k; wing-coverts. scapu-
lars, and interscapulars, feathers of the rump, and the upper tail-cover, narrowly

FALCONIDffi — DIURNAL RAPTORES. 449

bordered with oehraceous white, and with concealed auadrate spots of the same; pri-
mary coverts, secondaries, and primaries sharply bordered terminally with pure white.
Tail bl^ek (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 ot the wing pale oehraceous, transversely spotted with rusty rufous;
under primary coverts with transverse spots of white. 'Wing,11.90; tail, C. 40.

Six adult males measured as follows : Wing, 10.16-11.85 ; tail,
6.00-8.80; culmen, .60-.65 ; tarsus, 1.35-1.55; middle toe, 1.00-1.10.

Five adult females: Wing, 11.30-12.30; tail, 6.50-8.00; culmen,
.60-.65; tarsus, 1.30-1.40; middle toe, 1.00-1.06.

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 ijlentiful on Fox Prauie. It was usually observed
sailing about, far above the Swallow-tails, but now and then half
closing the wings and pitching nearly straight do\vnward with the
velocity of an arrow, as if to strike the eai-th ; 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 eifect was impressive to an extreme
degree.

Regarding his experience, in the vicinity of Caho, Mr. Nelson
writes as follows {Bull. Essex 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

hft 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 ns graceful, vigorous, and protracted.
It feeds on the wing with gieat ease and dexterity. It ranly, if
ever, ahglits on the earth ; and, when wounded, its niovenu-nls on
the ground are very awkward. It is nevi-r known to attack birds
or qxiadnipcds of any kind, though it will pursue and annoy foxes
and crows, and drive tlieni to seek slulter from its attacks. The
Mississippi Kite is said to be by no means a shy bird, and may l)e
easily approached when alight, yet it usually perches so high that
it is not always easy to shoot it. (Brkweu.)

Gems circus LACKPhinE.

'• Cirrus Lacepede, Mem. de I'liist. iii, iwiti. 'Md. Typo Faico ri/aiieim LlUN.

Gen. Cbab. Form very slender, the wines iiml (nil very lontr. tlio liciiil Bniall. hill
weak, nnd feet slender. Fare surroundeil by a nill of stilT. eunipaet feutlierH. ns in the
Owls. Claws stronk'ly curved, very ai'Ute. Wines viTy lone, the third or fourth quills
longest; first shortiT tlinn the si.xth; outer three to (Ive with inner webs sinuated. Tail
very lone, about two thirds the wini;; rounded.

The relationships of this well-niavked genus are to Atcijiitir on
the one hand, and Elaiiiin on tiie otiier ; nearest the former, though
it is not vei-y intimately aUied to either.

The species are quite numerous, numbering about twenty, of which
only three are American. North America possesses but one (('.
hudsmiiim, Linn.), and this with the C. riiicreiis, Yieill., of South
America, is closely related stnicturally to C. cf/rt/ifHs of Europe,
but is sufliciently distinct.

The birds of tliis genus frequent oixii, generally marshy, locali-
ties, where they course over the meadows, moors, or marshes, with
a steady, gliding flight, seldom Happing, in pursuit of their food,
which consists mainly of mice, small birds, and rejitiles. Their
assault upon their prey is sudden and determined, like the "Swift
Hawks," or the species of Acripitcr.

Circus hudsonius (Ijinn.)

MAHSH HAWK.

Popular synonyms. AunM'ii'un Harrier: lUn;:-t;iil''.| IIiiri-i<'r.
Fnlin //»,/.s.,„iii.v J.INN. S. N. eil. Iii, mv,. liS.
Cin-e.v /iiirfsoiiiii.i ViEll.1.. 1S07.— Cass, in Hairil's B. N. Am. 1SS8, 38.— Baiud. Cat. N.

Am. B. ISW.No. .'B.— UiDow. Norn. N. Am. B. 1(W1. No. -BO.
Ch-oKs ci/atieus hiKlsoniii.i StHLEti. Mus. P.-B, Circi, 1S62, 2.— C0UES.2dCheckLl8t,
18i£!,No.489.

FALCONID^ — DIUENAL RAPTORES. 451

Circus cyaneus var. Ii.ndaonius CouES.Key. 1872, 210; Check List, 1874, No. .33.3; B. N.
W. 1874, 327.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 214.
Falco uliginosvs Gmel. S. N. i. 1788, 278.-^11.3. Am. Orn. vi, 1S12, G7, pi. 51, flg. 2.
Circus cyaneus? var? araericanus Sw. & EicH. F, B.-A, ii, 1831. 55, pi. 29,
Falco cyaneus "LiNN." AuD, B. Am. vi, 1843, pi. 356 {li.ec Linn.)
Circus cyaneus "BoiE," Nutt. Man. 18.3.3, 1119.— AuD. Synop. 1839, 19: B, Am. i, 1840,105,

pi, 26.
Hab. The 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. Chak. Advlt male (No. 10,764, Washington, D. C December). Head, neck, breast,
and upper parts light cinereous, palest anteriorly where it 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 ot secondaries, with a
dusky wash, the latter fading at tips ; five outer primaries nearly black, somewhat hoary
on outer webs beyond their emargination; lesser wing-coverts faintly mottled with
paler, or with 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 \ving (except terminal third or more of primaries) pure white; immaculate, excepting
a few scattered transverse dusky spots on larger coverts. Rest of under parts pure
white everywhere, with rather sparse transverse cordate spots ot 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; firsts. 81 inches shorterthan longest.

Adult female (No. 16,758, Hudson's Bay Territory: Captain Blaki.ston). 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,
rnnning back from the posterior angle of the eye. Lesser wing-coverts spattered with
pale rufous, this irregularly bordering and indenting the feathers; feathers of the rump
bordered with dull ferruginous. Tail deep umber, 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
flue 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.S.Wood).
Upper parts very dark rich clove-brown, approaching sepia-black; feathers of the head
bordered with deep ferruginous, and lesser wing-coverts much spotted with the 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 einnamon-ochre: the tip also
(broadly) of this color. Ear-coverts uniform rich dark snuff-brown, feathers of satiny
texture; feathers of facial disk the same centrally, edged with fine deep rufous. Entire
lower parts deep reddish ochraceous or fulvous 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

BinOB OF U.LIN0I8.

So far as I lun aliU- to jiulgu from the large series of specimens
examined, there does not appear to be the sHghtest difference be-
tween eastern and western specimens, in any stage of phunage.

The American Harrier is quite distinct from the European ('.
cjiiinciiii, although the two species are much alike in some plumages.
The adult male of C. ri/aiiviig is wholly destitute of the dusky sui)-
terminal liar to the tail-feathers and secondaries, and lacks the
reddish markings on the lower parts, which, posterior to the jugu-
luni, are immaculate pure white. The dimensions are also less
tliiin fliosi' of ('. Ii 11)1 mi II ins.

Mfaxiiremciitx i>f C. hiiilxoniu.i.

Sox.

WillK.

Toll.

Culmen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Kpcc'imeus.

Mnlo

12.90-13.85
13.00-16.00

•1.00-9.90

8.80-10.50

.60-. 70
.70-, 75

2.85-2.90
2.85-3.35

1.20-1.30
1.22-1.55

36

Fi'iiittlo

.■a

A young male, shot August 17, 18G7, in the Truckee Valley,
Nevada, measured ISJ 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, 1807, ou
the lower Truckee and on the shore of Pyramid Lake, Nevada,
measured 19A-'20.t inches in length, and 43A-41 in extent of wings.
The fresh colors were as above described, except that the specimen
obtained in December had the iris dull fulvous.

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 AudulHin, 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, surprisi'd, and shot. When wounded, it endeavors to
make oti by long leaps ; and when overtaken, it throws itself on the

FALCONID^ — DltlRNAL EAPTORES. 453

back and fights furiously. In the winter its notes while on the
wing are sharp, and are said to resemble the syllable x^ce-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. Their 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."
(Beewee.)

Genus ACCIPITER Beisson.

Gen. Chab. Four to five outer primaries with inner 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, ilead 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 l,engthened
middle toe, the frontal and posterior series of transverse seutellae 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 :

Aooipiter. Less than one third of the tarsus feathered in front, the feathering widely
separated behind; frontal seutellfe uninterrupted at the digito-tarsal joint. (Tarsal
scutelte 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 seutellffi interrupted at the
digito-tarsal joint, where replaced by small scales. (Tarsal seutelte never fused.)
Size larger than iYvieaX Accipiter .

454 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

In South Anioricn is found a third subgenus which may he dis-
tinguished from typical Arrijiiitr as foUows :

Accipitcr. Five outer primaries with inner webs emarginated ;
fourth or fifth (|uill longest ; inner toe not reaeliing middle of second
joint of middle toe.

Hicriixjiicidx. Four outer primaries with inner webs emarginated ;
tliird or fourth (|uills lou^'cst : iimcr toe reaching to or beyond middle
of second joint of middle toe.

SuBGENi's Accipiter BnissoN.

Arciiiifer liRiss. Orn. i. 17(i". lu. Type F»ho ni.iu.i Linn.
Xi.ius Cuv. Lc(;oDS Anat. Coinp. i. tnhl. ois. 1799. Siinio type

Cooperastur lii". \if\\ I't Afiiu" ZiicM. 1S.VI, .'wW. Typr Fulm sslniilnji \vx>., = F.
cooperi Bp.

The species of this subgenus are generally of small size and
slender form; hut, with a graceful and apparently delicate structure
they combine remarkable strength and unsurpassed daring. They
differ from the species of Aniur mainly in less robust organization.
The species are very numerous, and most plentiful within the tropi-
cal regions. The Old World possesses about thii-ty nominal species.
Tropical America has, so far as known, thu-teen species, two of
which are peculiar to Cuba. (These the reader may lind carefully
monographed in the Bulletin of the U. S. Geological and Geograph-
ical Survey of the Territories, Vol. II., No. '2, pp. 01-129.)

The two North American species may he distinguished as follows :

Common Chaiiacters. Adull.i. Aliove bluish «liitc or pliinibootis, the tail with
darlcer cross-bands and imrro>yly lipped witli whitish; lower parts whiti-, barred or
transversely spotted with pinliish nifous or liclit brownish, the erissiini plain while.
Young. Above Krnylsh brown, the feathers bordered, more or less diBtinelly. with
rusty, and scapulars with hirge white spots, mostly concealed, however; tail-bands
more distinct than in the adults, the spaces between them browner; lower imrls white,
somolinies tinged with bulT (especially in younger individuals), longitudinally striped
with brciwiiish or dusky.

1. A. cooperi. Size large, the wing more than 8.50 inches. Tall decidedly rounded.
Male: Wi ng. «.)«•>. to ; tail.7.8(> S.30. Female: Wiivr. 10.00-11.00; tail, 10.00-10.50.

2. A. veloz. Size smaller, the wing usually less than » inches. Tail even, or (In adult
malisi slightly cniaiginated. Male; Wing. 11. 10 7.10; tail. 5, SO 0.10. Female: Wing.
7.S0-S.80; tail,0.C0'S.2O.

FALCONIDiE — DIURNAL EAPTORES. 455

Accipiter cooperi Bonap.

COOPEK'S HAWK.

Popular synonyms. Stanley's Hawk ; Blue Chicken Hawk : Blue Hawk ; Blue Quail H.awk ;
Swift Hawk; Blue-backed Hawk; Blue 'Darter.

Falco cooperi Bp. Ann. Lye. N. Y. ii. 182fi, 433; Am. Orn. i, 1828, pi. lu, tig. 1.
Astur cooperiBp. 1838.— Aud. B. Am. i, 1840, 98, pi. 24.

Accipiter cooperi DeKay, Zool. N. Y. 11,1844,18, pi. 4,flg. 5.— Cass, inBaird'sB. N. Am.
1858, 16.— Baikd. Cat. N. Am. B. 1859.No. 15,16.— CouEs, Key, 1872,112; Chock List,
1874, No. 339; 2d ed. 1882,No. 495; B. N. W. 1874, 334.— Ridgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,
No. 431.
Nisus cooperi Sohleg. Rev. Aec. 1873. 73.— B. B. & R. iii, 1874, 230.
Falco Stanley i kVD.B. Am, 1831, pis. 36,141; Orn. Biog. 1,1831,186.

Accipiter mexicanus Sw. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 45.— Cass, in Baird's B.N. Am. 1858. 17.—
Baied. Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 16.
JSisus cooperi var. mexicanus B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 231.

Hab. Whole of the United States aud table-lands of Mexico; north in summer to New
Brunswick, the Saskatchewan, and Washington Territory; south, in winter, to Costa
Eiea and Teragua; breeding throughout its TJmted States range.

Sp. Chae. 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. Tail rounded. 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 of the feathers; tibiae more
deeply colored, the rufous 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 seven in number on the longest quill, the two
colors nearly equal in width. Male. Slate of the upper parts of a fine bluish cast; nape
and sides of the head bluish ashy, the sidos of tlie 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
scapulars 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 whitisli, aud crossed by four bands of brownish black or dusky.
Lower parts white, longitudiually 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 aud 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, IlUnois.
Length, 17 inches; extent, 30,50 inches.

■156 niuDs 01- iLUNOifi.

Tlio oxtoni of iiuliviiliiiil vnriiitlon in thiHHpccloB.tbouRh vory>>onsl(lcniblo,igliinl(oil
liy tlio tiTins nf tliv iiliovi' diiiKUuHiH.

This bolil niiinuuler is a common resident in all wooded portions
of the State. Its hal)its and more prominent eliaractcristies eannot
be better described than in the following, by "J. M. W." in the
Oniitholoji'ist and Oiildii'mt for December, 1881, i)p. 73, 71.

"Before transcribin;^ my notes on tlie breeding; habits of the viva-
cious little Sharp-shimied Hawk, we must pay our compliments to
its larf,'er 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 i-eady 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 tlie twenty-iifth 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 Eaptores. They will breed in old nests
in the same low situations in hemlocks and young pines as the
iSharp-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 /I. coopcri
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
rapaciai except the Fishhawk. I know to-day where there are three
such old Cooper's nests which arc piled so high with brush that

FALCONID^ — DIUENAL RAPTORES. 457

standing on a level with the bottom of the nests it is difScult for a
cUmber 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 tliis Hawk, under the peculiar persuasion of the
oologist, 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 sis.
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,
even though the farmer stands in Ins doorway with gun in hand."

Accipiter velox (Wils.)

SHAEP-SHINNED HAWK.

Popular synonyms. Little Swift Hawk ; Slate-colored Hawli; Bullet Hawk.

Falco fuscus Gmel. S. N. i, 1788, 280, (not of Fabkicius. 1780).— Nutt. Man. i, 1833. 87.
Accipiter fuscus Bp. 1838.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858. 18.— B.ubd, Cat. N. Am. B.
1859. No. 17.— CouEs, Key, 1872, 212; Cheek List, 1874, 338; 2d ed. 1882, No. 494; B. N.
W. 1874, 33.3.— KiDGW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 432.

158 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

A!>tui/ii»ru» AliD. B. Am. I. IWC. 100. |>1. 21.

A'.»»»/ujirii» KauI'. 1850.-B. IJ. & U. Hist. X. Am. B. ill. 1874. 224.
/■(j/i-o re/"/ WiLB. .\ra. Orn. v. IHli 111!, pi. i'.. flc 1.
Falrii i/riinsul<'i'">i 11" Wu.8. Am. Orn. vi.l812. i.fil. 46,fl|{. 1.

Had. TIio wIioIp of Nortli Amork-u; Moutli, in wintor, to Paimmii and the BuliiimiiH;
broudine nixirly tlirouRlinut the United Stntcs und northward.

Sp. Chab. WinK. (l.;yi-8.8«: lull. 5.50-8.20; i<iilmen. .35- .80; tarsus. :.S5-2.:W; middli'
toi!, 1.10-1.55. Fourlli unil llftli iinllls loni;i-st. third nearly enual to sLxth. outer live with
Inner webs oniArninated. Tail oven or sliclitly eniarKiiiated.

Ailiilt mule. Above iiUimbeouB.boeoni ink' Krailuallydarlver on the pileum, the routherH
witli blackish shaft-streaks. Tail rather lighter, usually browner, (sometimes with n
narrow white ti'rminal maruiu). eros.ied with four dusky bands. OeelpltuI feathers pure
white beneath the surface, and scapulars with large concealed roundish si>ots of the
.same. Lower parts mixed whiti- and rufous, in transverse spots or bars, the rufous bars
usually connected alonii the middle of the feather. Ihe shaft bciuc conspicuously darker.
Throat and checks streaked but not barred. Crlssum and anal renion immaculate i)urc
white. Tibia> usually with the rufous prodoroinatinR, rarely uniform rufous. Wine.
t;,"l)-7.10i tail. 5.8(>-fi.lO; eulmen, .38-.43; tarsus, 1.90-2.05; middle toe. 1.10-1.25.

Adult female. Similar to the male, but less bluish abovi'.and the white of Ihe lower
parts less pure. Winj;. ".bll-8.80; tail, B.CO-8.20; eulmen, .48-, 60; tarsus, 2.00-225; middU*
toe, 1.30-1.55.*

YiDtiig male. Above dark sepia, tlic feathers bonlered terminally with rusty, those
of the nape widely eilfied with the same, or witli fulvous whitish; feathers of the plleum
similarly but more narrowly edged with the same. Tail brownish gray, cro.ssed by four
to live woU-dellned, eonlinuous. narrow bauds of blackish. Scapulars and upper tall
coverts with concealed largo spots of white, and occipital region white ln'neath the sur-
face. Beneath, white, with or without an ochraceous tinge, the anal region and erissum
immapulate, the throat streaked witli dusky; the breast, abdomen, sides, and thinks with
broad stripes of dilute sepia, with darker shaft-streaks, these stripes sonu?times dilating
on the sides into chain-like series of spots; tibia' with elliptical or tear-shaped stripes,
or variously shaped spots, of dilute sepia, on a white or pale rusty ground. Wing.6.3&-
0.9.'i; tail. 5.50-0.30; eulmen. .35^.40; tarsus. 1.85-2.05: middle toe. 1.05-1.25.

Yomio female. E.xaetly like the youug male in markings and colors. Wing, 7.75-8.60;
tail. 6.50-7.«>: culmon, .45-. 50; tarsus, 2.05-2.30; middle toe, 1.30-1.50.

Dr. Brewer gives us the following biography of this species, in
Hlxtory of North American Bijv/s, Vol. III., pp. 227-229:

"Mr. Auclubou regarded it as the very miniature of the Gosliawk,
in its irregular, swift, vigorous, varied, and yet often undeeitkHl,
luiniiier of flight, and on oceasion greatly protracted. When in
search of its prey, it is said to pass over tlie country, now at a
moderate height, now close over the land, iind with a surprising
swiftness. It advances by sudden dashes, and pounces upon the

♦Fresh colors of an aiiull female (No. 8,450, U. S. Nat- Mus.) shot at Mount Carniel. III.,
Oi'tober22, ISO. Terniiiuil two thirds of bill deep bla<'k; basal portion pale blue; interior
ot mouth bright cobalt-blue, more luirplish far back; cere, rictus, eyelids and naked
"eyo-brow" oil-green; iris deep orange-red; tarsi and toes brownisli leuion-ycllow;
claws Jet-black. Total h'Ugth, 13 Inches; extent. 84 Inches.

FALCONIDiE — DIURNAL EAPTORES. 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 cliiefly of large sticks and twigs, and the whole
platform is covered with a thin lining of dry leaves, mosses, grass,
etc. Mr. John Krider, of Philadelphia, toiind a nest in New Jer-
sey, in the vicinity of that city, which was built on the edge of a
high rock."

Subgenus Astur LACEPiiDE.

Astur Lacep. Menag. Miis. Hist. Nat. 1815, 505. Type, Falco palumharius Linn.

Notwithstanding the vast difference in size between the typical
species of Astur and those of Accipitcr, the details of structure are
essentially the same, the greatest differences between them being
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. palimibarius, but sufhciently 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.)

AMEEICAN GOSHAWK.
Popular synonyms. Blue Hen Hawk or Chicken Hawk.

Falvo atrieapilhis WlLS. Am. Orn. ii. 1808, 284, pi. 52. flg. 3.
Astur atricapiUus Bp. 1830.— NuTT. Man. 1833, 85.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 15.—
Baikd, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 14.— Coues, Key, 1872, 212; Cheek List, 1874, No. 340;
2d ed. 1882, No. 496; B. N. W. 1874, 338.— Eidgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 433.
Astur palnniharius var. atricapillus B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874. 237.
Falco palumharius "Linn."— AuD. B. Am. pi. 141; Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 241 luec Linn.).
Astur palumbariiis AuD. Synop. 1839,18; B. Am. i, 1840,95, pi. 23.
Accipiter {.Astur) palumharius Sw. & Rich. F. B.-A. ii, 1831, 39, pi. 26.

•KJO Bines OF ILLINOIS.

AfliiralricapiUuii var. ji/rirt(u/uii (part) UlDdW. in II. 1!. 4 It. Hint. X. .\ni. It. ill. lici.
2;iK,-^39, 210 (adult).

Had. Norllii-ri) North Amt-riiMi (u.xi't'pt coaHt of Alauka, raitt and Houtti of KudlakI:
Boutli in winter ai'roK» crcalrr pari of th(> United Btutvs (I'aolllc ooaDt «xo(.'iiti-.l). Iiroed-
InRc'liii'lly north of tho United Stut^js. Iltoprosonted In the Puclfl<- provini'c by A.
alricnpilhm slriatuhm IttDow.)

Sp. Chak. ylr/ii// iho/c (No. -14.940, BoHton.MaMH. : E. A. SamuelH). Above conlinuouB
l)IiiiHh slate, HhuftH of tho feathers ineonspieuously bhtek. Tail darker and less bluish,
tipped with wliite (about .IS of an ineh wiilei anil erossed by live broad, faintly defined
bars of blaiki.-<h. these most distinct on inner webs; the first eoneenled by the upper
eoverts, the seeonil partially so; the lasl, or snbterminal one. whieh is about twiee iu>
broad as tho rest, measuring about one inch in wiillli. Primaries darker than the tail
(but not approaehint; bhuk). Forehead, crown, oei'iput, and ear-coverts pure plumbeous
black, feathers snow-white beneath the surface, much e.\posed on tho occiput; abroad
conspicuous supra-auricular stripe oriKinatinK above the posterior antcio of tho eye,
runuine back over th<^ oar-covort.s to tho occiput, pure white, with line streaks of black;
lores and cheeks tirayish white. Lower parts whiti'; the whole surface (except throat
and lower tail-covertsi covered with numerous narrow transverse bars of slate: on tho
breast these are much broken and irregular. forminK lino transverse zlK7.aes; pos-
teriorly they are more roKUlar. 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 abduuien, a median longitudinal broad streak of
slate on each feather, the shaft black; on tho tibia>, where the transverse bars are nar-
rower and more roKuiar. tho shaft-streaks are also liner; anal rocion finely barred;
lower tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Lininc of tho wini; barred more coarsely
and Irregularly than the breast; under surface of primaries with while prevailing, this
growing more silvery toward the ends; longest (fourth) with six obliciuo transvorso
patches of slate, tho 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 loo, 2.0O; inner. 1.21; outer.
I.;t7; posterior, l.UO.

Adult fcmnlfi {No. 12.239,Brooklyn.N. Y.: .T. Ackhnrst). Almost precisely similar to
the male. Slate above loss bluish; bands on tail more distinct, live dark ones (about .75
of an ineli in width) across the brownish slate; indistinct lighter bands indicated on
outer webs of primarios.corrosponding with those on inner webs; lores more grayish
than in m.ilo; bars beneath more regular; longitudinal streaks blacker and more sharply
dcllncd. Wing,14.25; tjill, 11.25; tarsus, l.(iO-2.2«; middle too, 1.95; inner, 1.40; outcr.1.45;
posterior, 1.30.

roMH|7 niale (No. 26,920, Nova Scotia, June: J. O. Winton). Plumage \ory much vari-
egated. Head above, nape, and anterior portion of the back, ochraceous white. oa<di
feather with a median stripe of brownish black, these becoming more tear-shaped on tho
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 tho feathers,
a band of brown narrower than tlie snbterminal one separating Ihe two areas; upper tail-
coverts simihirly marked, but white edges broader, forming conspicuous terminal
crcscentic bars. Tail cinereous umber, with five conspicuous bands of blackish brown,
the last of which is subterniinal,and broader than tho rest; tip of tail like the pale bands;
the bands are most sharply dcllncd on the inner webs, being followed along tho edges by
the white of tho odge.whii'h, treciucntly extending along the margin of the back, crosses
to tho shaft, and is sometimes even apparent on tho outer web; the lateral feather has
the inner web almost c-ntiroly white, this, however, more or less finely motllod with
grayish, tho mottling becoming more dense toward the end of tho feather; Ihe bands also
cross more obliquely than on the middle feathers. Secondaries grayish brown, with
five indistinct, but quite apparent, dark bauds; primaries marked as in the adult,

FALCONID^ — DIURNAL EAPTOKES. 461

but much lighter. Beneath pure white, all the feathers, including lower tail-eoverts.
with sliarp, central, longitudinal streaks of clear dark brown, the shafts of the feathers
black; on the sides and tibife 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-coverts the streaks are very fine and numerous, but uniformly
distributed.

Young female, secondyear? (No. 26,921, Nova Scotia: W. G. Wiuton). 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 tibi£e ; 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). Diflers 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 tall-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 bauds of blackish brown;
these bordered with white, as iu 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. atricapiUus var. striatulus," of "History of North American Birds"
(Vol. III., pp. 238-240) was based, prove to be only very old birds
of the tnie .4. atricajnllus. 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 Illi-
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.
Marcy, 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 V

lEILLOT.

Asturina Vieill. Analyse, 1816, 24. Type Falco nitidus Lath.

Sp. Chak. Somewhat similar to Astur, but of much heavier and more robust build;
tarsi longer and stouter, tail shorter and less rounded, wings longer, etc. Bill more
elongated than in Astur, the cere longer, and the festoon on the commissure more de-
veloped; nostril oval, horizontal. Wings rather short, but less concave beneath than in

Ifr2 BIRDS OK ILLINOIS.

Aslur; tlilnl to fMiirtli >|iiiU InnKi'Xt; flrHl Hhortrr timn eighth or nintli; fouroutor anllU
with IliclrtimiT wi-l)» .'iinnati-d: tall I'oiibliliTiibly RlmrtiT tliun tlu' wIiib. xllRhtly omiir-
Kiniiti'il. tlic laliTuI i>alr uf foatliiTH loncfst. Foot Inriri' nnil roluiiit, when outstrefclicil
rtMK'liini; almost to tlic ''lul of tlii' tail; tarsi vi'ry rohust coniparcil to tho toes, about ono
anJ a lialf tiiiion as loinj as tin- luiiklli- toi-. tlu' frontal jiml |iost<'rlor rows of tmnsvorso
seutella" very (liatiiiot anil roiftilar; onti'r toe loncer than Inner; claws stronc. well
iMirvod, but not very aoutc. Spxi's aliki' In color: old ami yonni{i>luma<fi>B vorydlfforenl.

Tills Bfnus Is iH'i-ullar to tropical Aniorli-a. and contains but two spoclos, tlio^.
niliiln (LathJ of South America and .1. pingiala (LlcBT.I of Middle America.

Thisijenns .l.s/nriii<i Is closely related to I.eucoi>lerni!> Kaup. but dllTers lis follows:

Aatnrina. First uuill lonRer than tenth. Tail oven or emarKlnate, tho lateral pair of

rectrlci'S usually longest. Nostril docldodly horlzontiil. Youuk and adult cx-

eecdinRly dilTcTcnt in plumnKO.
Lencopternis. First iiuill shorter than tenth. Tail slik'hlly rounded, the lateral pair of

teallicrs shorti'st. Nostril nearly I'ircuiar. rathervortical than horizontal. YouoK

and adult scarcely dinerlng in plumage.

Asturina nitida plagiata (Licht.)

MEXICAN GOSHAWK.

JIttten plaoialii.i hicm. Xomencl. 1X51.:).
,l.s/i()-iHn jilagiata StHLEG. Mus. P. B. Asturinie. 1W>2. 1.— ScL. & Salv. F,x. Orn. IS69,
17!). pi. !)0.— CouES. Key, 1ST2,21?: Check List, 1871, No. ;IV<(: id ed. 1K82. No. iiLT Ciilnoata")
Anttirina iiilida var. plaginta HlDOW. 1S7:1.— U. li. As li. Hist. N. Am. B. iil,lS74, 'HG.
Asliii-iiia nilida /ilaginln RlDOW. Nom. N. Am. B. 18S1, No. 445.
Aslufhin nilida Cars, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1S58, 35 (not Faico nilidus Latb.).— Baikd,
Cat. N. Am. B. 1S59, No. I«.

Had. Whole of Middle .\merlca. south to Paiiania. north to southwestern border of
United States; accidental (?) in southern Illinois (Richland Co., cf. Rroow. Am. Nat.
.luly 1872, p. 430).

Sp. Chab. .Ir/u/i moVp (No. 51. M.3. Mazatlan. Mexico: Ferd. BischofT). Above deep
(rather dark) cinereous, becoming paler and liner on the head above, where the feathers
have the shafts (finely) black; wings with indistinct lighter bars; rump almost black.
I'ppcr tail-coverts imnuK'ulate pure white. Tail pure black, tipped with pale grayish
brown (this passing terminally into white): about I'v inches from the tip is a continuous
band of while, halt an inch in width ; and a little over an inch anterior to this is another
narrower and less perfect one. Priranries approaidiing bhick at ends; the tips broadly
edgeil with dull white, as also the ends of secondaries. Head uniform line <lclieate
ashy. liei'ominK 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, thi'se mo.st distinct on jugulum; the breast, abdomen, sides. Hanks, axillars, and
tibia; are regularly barred transversely with cinereous and pure white, the bars of each
al>out e<iual, the white, however, gradually increasing, and tho ashy bars narrowing
posteriorly, the tibia' being finely barreil: lower lail-eoverts immnculate 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 iirimaries white anti'rior to their emnrgiim-
tion, boyiuid which they are more silvery, leaving al)out an inch of the terminal portion
black, the end of each, however, ashy; outer two quills crossed by narrow bars of ashy,
the rest with indications of the .same, near the shaft. Fourth iiulll longest: third scarcely
shorter; second shorter than fifth: first intermediate between eighth and ninth. "Length
Iti.OO; oxtent.38.W." Wing,10.50; tuil,7.00; tarsus.S.tiO; middle too, 1.50.

FALCONID^ — DIURNAL RAPTORES. 463

Adult female (No. 34,002, Mazatlan, June: Colonel Grayson). Cinereous, above darker,
the faseicC of the wings hardly observable; front and throat scarcely whitish; rump
almost pure black; .second tail-band much broken and restricted. Ashy prevailing on
Ihejugulum. ashy bars beneath rather broader. "VVings. 11.00; tail, 7.50; tarsus, 2.80;
middle toe. 1.70.

Young male (No. 35,060, Rio de Coahuyana, W. Mexico, October: J. Santus). Above,
from bill to upper tail-coverts, dark bistre-brown, almost black; feathersof the head and
neck edged laterally with pinkish ochraeeous.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 darker bands, and outer webs of
primaries with still more obscure ones: upper tail-coverts white, with sagittate specks
of black, one or two on each. Tail umber-brown (considerably lighter tlian 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; tibife 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; culmeu, .n0-.95: tarsus, 2.65-2.S0; middle toe, 1.50-1.65.

A specimen of this tropical species was seen by the writer on
Fox Prairie, in Eicliland Co., on the 19th of August, 1871.* It
several times came so near that its peeuUar 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, 1.873, p. 201.

■U'A BIRDS OF n^LINOIS.

Genus BUTEO Cuvii-.n.

Buleo Cuv. Loc. Annt. Corap. 1. 1800. tnlil. oIb. Typo. Fairo buteo Likn.

Craxirex O0UI.D. Voy. IJoiic. Birds. IWl.i". Type, I'otuhomii galapaooentif OoutD.

Tachulriorchi!) Kkvv. CInss. 8nug. Yoc. 1M4. \ii. Typo. Faho pleroclet Temk..-

Jiutfo athiramlatus ViEILL.
Poeriliiiilfrtiif Kaup. Isls. IMii. *.3. Typo. Falco peunfulratiiriii Wu*.
Uuteola ItONAP. C'ompt. Reud. xll. ISVi. (Kl. Typo. Iluteo hrarUviirua ViKILL.

Gen. Cbau. Form robust nn<l lu-uvy. tlio wlnKs long and mtlior pointed, tlio toil
iiiodoriite iiiul rounded, tln' Idlt nnd foot stronir. 11111 liitiTinodiiilo between Unit of .ludir
and tliut of Parnhuleu. Wine Ions and rather pointed, the third to llflh qulU longest, tho
llrst shorter than eluhth: throo or four with Inner webs omiirelnated. Tall modorato,
slichtly rounded.

A. Four outer primaries with inner webs emareinatod.
a. Tarsus more than twlee as long as the middle too.

1. B. lineatug. Tail always rlusky. crossed by white or bulTy narrow bands; outer
webs of primaries, anterior to their omarKlnatlonB. more or loss spotted with
white or ochraceous. Adult. Lower parts rufous (varylnc In intensity), more or
less barred or transversely spotted with white (breast sometimes nearly uniform
rufous). Tail and iirimarlos slate-blaek. the former barred, the latter spotted on
outer webs with pure white; lesser winK-envurts dark rufous or ehestnut. Young.
Lower parts dull wlillish or bulTy, louKltudinally striped with dusky. Triniiirles
and tall brownish ilusky. the former erossed by narrow bands of pali' grayish
lirown, Iniffy. or dull wliilish, the latter spotted towards base with the same. Mnle.
Wine. lifKi-ia.'-.O; tail. 7.T»-it.70; tarsus, 2.70-3.25. Female. Wing. i:i.;»-14.2S: Uill.
9.110-lli.iKt: tarsus. 3.10-;i.20.

/). Tarsus less than twice as long as middle toe. Form deeiiledly more robust.

2. B. borealis. Tail rufous in adult, brownish gray banded with blaek. in young;
outer webs of primaries without light spotting. Ailiilt. Lower parts varying
from entirely white, with a few dusky markings on abdomen and Hanks, 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. Yvuiig. 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 !• narrow bamls of blai-klsh. Male. Wing. 1:1.50-16. .W; lull,
X.5l)-10.00: tarsus. 2.IO-;i.2i>. Female. Wing. 15.25-17.75; tail.9.5l>-10..';0; tarsus. 3.I5-;i.40.
;i. B. harlani. Siniilar in form to 7i. ^orcn/ix. but lateral toes nearly eiiunl. and
tibial plumes better developed, reaching to or beyond the base of the toes. Pro-
vailing color blackish, the bases of the feathers pure white, .itiult. Tall con-
fusedly mottled with grayish, dusky and white, in variable relative amount, often
nilxod with rufous, and erossed by a subterminal bar or narrow band of dusky.
VoHiifl. Tall crossed by 7-9 bands of grayish brown and ihisky. the two colors
about equal In width. Male. Wing. 14.25-15.00; tail. 8.W-10.tHI; tarsus. 2.7.5-3.25.
Female. Wing. 1,').75-1(!.20; tail. 9.10-10.00; tarsus. 2.90-3.50.

B. Only thnv outer primaries with inner \vebs emarginated.

.'■. B. swainsoni. Size large (wing more than 12 inches), the tipsoftheclosedwlngs
reaching nearly or iiuite to the end of the tail. Tall (of both adults and young)
grayish brown (sometimes with a hoary cast), erossed by 9 or more narrow-
dusky bands.theselessdistinct biusally. Upper parts nearly uniform duskybrown.
yiirmal plumaoe. Lower parts whitish (or light colored), with a distinctly dellncd
breast-patch, rufous In the male, brown In the female. Melniiinlir plumage.
Lower parts entirely dusky, or with dusky prevailing, with or without ailmix-
ture of rufous. Ynuug. Above brownish black, with ochraceous edgings to fentli-
ers; beneath Hue oehraeeous.more or less marked with tear-shaped spots of

FALCONIDJE — DIURNAL RAPTORES. 465

brownish black. (Palest-colored specimens nearly or quite free from spots be-
neath; melanistie examples with dusky prevailing.) Male: Wing, 13.7(M5.25; tall,
7.00-9.00: tarsus, 2.10-2.65. Female: Wing, 14.75-16. .50; tail, 8.80-9.00 ; tarsus, 2.50-2.70.
5. B. latissimus. Size smiiU (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, etc. J/aie: 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.)

KED-TAILED HAWK.

a. borealis. Eastern Eed-tailed Hawk.

' Popular synonyms. Chicken Hawk; Whito-breasted Chicken Hawk; Common Chicken
Hawk or Hen Hawk.

Falco borealis Gmel. S. N. i. 1788, 266.— Wils. Am. Orn. i, 1808. pi. 52, flg. 1.— AuD. B.
Am. i, 1831. pi. 51; Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 2G5.— Nutt. Man. ed. 2. i, 1840, 102.
iJ/i/eo 6oreaZ(.s ViEii-L. 1816.— NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 122.— AuD. Synop. 1839, 6; B. Am. i.
1840, 32, pi. 7.— Cass. inBaird's B. N. Am. 1858, 25.— Baikd, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No.
23.— CouES, Key, 1872, 216; Check List, 1874, No. 351; 2d ed. 1882, No. 516; B. N. W.
1874, 352,— EiDGw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 430.
Buteo borealis^ar. borealis B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 282.
Falco leveriamis Gmel. S. N. 1,1788, 266 (=young),— Wils. Am. Orn. 1,1808, pi. 52, flg, 2.—
AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 265.

Hab. Eastern North America to and including the Mississippi Valley; north to the
Fur Countries, south through eastern Mexico to Guatemala.

b. cal'urus. Western Ked-tailed Hawk,
Popular synonym. Black Ked-tail.

Buteo calurus Cass. Proc. Phil. Aead. vii. 1855, 281; in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 14; ib. ed.
1860, pi. 14.— Baied, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 20.
Buteo borealis var. calurus Eidgw. 1873.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 286.
Buteo borealis b. calurus Coues. B. N. W, 1874, 286.

Buteo borealis calurus Bidgw. Nom, N. Am. B. 1881, No. 436&.— CouES, 2d Check List,
1882, No. 517.
Buteo montanus "Nutt." Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 26 (nee. Nutt.).— Baikd, Cat.
N. Am. B. 1859, No. 24.
Hab. Western North America, from Eocky Mountains to the Pacific; north to Sitka,
Alaska; south to southern Mexico.

c. krideri. Krider's Eed-tailed Hawk.

Popular synonyms. White Eed-tailed Hawk ; White Hen Hawk or Chicken Hawk.
Buteo borealis var. krideri Hoopes, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1873, 283, pi. 5 (= young).— B. B.
& E. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 284.— CouES. Check List, 1874, No. 351c.
Buteo borealis d. krideri CouBs, B. N. W. 1874, 353.

Buteo borealis krideri EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 436.— Coues, 2d Check List,
1882, No. .519.

—30

46fi niRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Haii. Fjifltcm bordur of Iho Orfiit rinins. from HlnnCBOtn to oontrnl Toxiut.

8p. C'HAB. Third to llftli iiulll loiii,'i'»t. tli.> nr.HlalwiiyHKlKirlcr than nt-voiith (soiuc-
tlmt" Hhortosti; four ciutorqiiills with iiiniT wrlis dintiiii-tly i-marKln'>t<'d. TiirHUi* Ii-hh
than twice as* loni; as middle too. Ailull. Tall rufouH, paler (somi'tinios whitish) at tli>.
and UHiially, crossod liy a Hiibti-rniinal narrow band of bla<-k. ofton with moro or IchS dis-
tlncl indications of olhtT narrow bars. Tppcr parts lda<-kl»h brown (nonu'tlnios much
mixi'd with whitcl. nearly imltorm on the back. kIsowIuto broki<n by moro or less of
paler transversi' barring and siiottini;. Occipital fiMitlicrs pun- while at Ihcbasc. but
fcathersof nape i-ducd with dull rufous. Wind's with Indistinct IlKhler eraylsh bmwn
bands, the tips of the reniiKes distinctly paler. Lower parts varyiuK fruin ni'arly pure
white, with few dark ,sp<ds across the abdomen, to almost uniform blackisli bmwn. Un-
der surface of primaries plain white anterior to Iheiremarcinations. young. Tall Kray-
Ish brown, crossed by 9 or 10 narrow but usually sharply defined bands of blackish:
colors otherwise much as In the adults but with less rufou.*.

The above cliaracters cover the extreme variations in the plum-
age of this s])ecies that have come uiuler my notice. The species
vai-ies not only to a great extent iudivithially, hut also geograi)lii-
cally, a pecuhar style of plumage prevailing in separate geograpliical
areas of the country. Tlie following geographical races are fairly
well (Iflined :

A. Never with dusky or rufous prevailinir on lower parts: tall of adult usually with
only one continuous dusky bar, soraetlmos with none.

«■. borealis. I'piier parts with dark brownish largely prevailing: abdomen ami

(liitik with eonspii'iious dusky spots. Tail deep rufous, usually withndis-

tinei subtorminal bar of black.
/S. krideri. Upper parts with much whiti- spotlinK: lower parts almost wholly

white, with little or no dark spottinc onabdomenand Hanks. Tall llghtrufoUR.

usually withoiil a suhterminal bar.

B. Freiiucntly with rufous or dusky prevailinR on lower parts, Tallof adult froiiuontly

with iniiications of numerous bars.

y. oalurus. Uarely but little darker than liiirenlin; usually much darker, and not
unfrciiiiently almost uniform blackish brown.

n . borealis.
Sr. ('HAH. Ailutl. Uppor parts rich blackish brown, appronchlnc black on the
back; scapulars and middle wing eovorts edeed and barred b(>neath the surface with
dull white, anil tinged along edges with ochraceous, Wings generally of a paler shade
than the back: scciuularies fading into nearly white at tips. ami. with the greater coverts,
obscurely barred witli darker: primaries nearly black, tiiis edged with pale brown,
this passing into whitish, liump uniform blackish brown, the feathers obscurely bor-
dered with rusty. Upper tail-coverts ochraceous white.nearly pure terminally, and with
about two distinct transverse bars of deep rufous. Tall rich uniform laterilious rufous,
pa.ssing narrowly into while at the lip. and about an inch (or less) from the end crossed by
a narrow baud of bhu'k. Hi'ad and neck with lhi> feathers medially bhx'klsh brown. the
edges rusty rufous, causing a streaked appearance ; the rufous prevailing on the sides of
the occiput, ear-coverls, and neck. The blackish almost uniform on the forehead and on
the eheeks, over whbdi it forms a broail "mustache": lores and siiles of frontlet whitish.
Throat white, with broad st'ripi'S of pureslaty brown; lower parts in general ochraceous

FALCONID^ — DIURNAL RAPTORES. 467

white; tibifeand lower tail-eoverts immaoulate ; across the abdomen and flanks {immedi-
ately in front of the tibiEe)is a broad interrupted belt of longitudinal black blotches. those on
the abdomen tear-shaped, on the flanks larger and more irregular, throwing off bars toward
the edge of the feathers; whole pectoral area variegated only with a tew 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 ot 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.-

llale. Wing, 13.50-16.5(1; tail, 8. 50-10. nO; culmen, .95-1.08; tar.sus, 1.40-3.20; middle toe,
1.60-1.70, Weight, 2V3 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, 3-4 lbs.

I'oJMiff (No. 28,154, 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 ot black ; upper tail-coverts white, with broad bars of black. Head as in the adult,
but the rufous wanting, leaving the streaks black and white; forehead more broadly
white ; chin and throat wholly white, the latter with a collar of dusky streaks across the
lower part; whole pectoral region entirely immaculate, pure white; abdominal band as
in the adult; tibise 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 (tibiae 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 tibiae 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.

h. calurus,

Stjbsp. Chae. Adult. Similar to borealis, but darker, or with more rufous and
blackish in the plumage; tibife usually distinctly barred with rufous, or else nearly
uniform rufous or dusky; throat usually with dusky prevailing, sometimes wholly of
this color. Tail fretiuently with more or less distinct indications of numerous blackish
bars. In melanistic individuals, ^vhiah 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 occurs.) Youvo- Much darker than the corresponding
stage ot 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 tibire
with very distinct— usually heavy— transverse spots of dusky.

468 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Ailnll iitalf (five Hpi'oimenii from Nfviulii.i'ollcnit'd by tlio author). Tolnl l«>nBth.'J1.8t>-
2».n(i lni-lii'»: nxlcnt. 4'.i.(K)-M.(KI: w>-l»rlil, 2-3 iiouiulx. Bill dull tilnrW tfrmlnully,
licht IiIuIhIi liiiKjilly; ccri' mill rli'lus »;rc rninti yi-llow; IrlB deep liii/.>'llii8om<' K|ii->'lnii'nH.
llKlit yi'lliiw Id olliiTs.in two HpucimoiiK yellow on upper portion iiuil brown below; loitn
und feet liulil yell.iw: "'laws blilek.

Ailiilt fi-iiiale (llvo speeimons from Neviidii, colleoted by tlio author). Total lenjrtli.
ai.lH>-i4.(H)lnehe«; extent. M.(i(i-57. On; weiehl.-'M pnuiidn. Fro»li eolorH ii« In the above-
nienlinned nialew. (Iris Naiilen yellow in one very blaek nielanlHlie inilividual, deep
ha/.el in II rufous-breanleil niohinititie specimen, and hazel in three liKlit-eolonMl ex-
amples.)*

The yoiinp bird of this wostoni style is usually as ilifTfretit from
that of the eastern as is the adult, and the essential diiTerences
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 tibiie constitute a marked feature of the
averafie young valnrun, as compared with the almost, or sometimes
entirely, immaculate white of those in hoirdUn.

'■■ krideri

SuDKP. Chab. A'liill. Similar to 'xinn /is. Ii\it lnie'iitli .■.•lllMlll■'ll^i pure wlilte, with-
out rufous tince.and witliout ilii^tinet spots across the alidomen, or hi'ki net hem entirely;
above miiidi li(thter, the brown, liirht rufous, and while beine about e<iual in amount.
Upper tail-coverts immaculate white; tail pale rufous, tho shafts pure white, and the
webs mixed with white alone their edKcs. its amount incrcnsine toward the base; no
trace of a dusky subti'rniinal bar. or el.se only imlicated by badly detlned spot?.

"Vouug. Bifterini,' from that of var. (/oipu'is in the immai'ulati', snowy white lower
ports, nearly equal extent of the white and dusky on the upper parts.and whitish cast of
the tail.

This tine bird, although far less numerous than the Red-
shouldered Hawk (B. liiu'dtiis) is yet very ccmnnon in most por-
tions of the country. According to Mr. Horace A. King (in Onii-
tUoloijUt (iikI Ordon'ixt, Vol. IX., .Tuly, 1881, p. 81), "One of the com-
monest birds of prey to be found in northern Illinois, is the Red-
tailed Hawk {Biiteo horeaUs). A person will meet with them in nil
sorts of places, but they are most eonnuon in the vicinity of heavy
timber. In driving througli the country one will see them perched
upon liiil 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 in the air liy a
continual flapping of the wings, when at tlie proper time he will
dive swiftly and silently iijion it."

•The color of the iris in lliis spccii's (any race) is very inconstant. In the fully adult
It may bi' cither deep hazel. liehl liazi'l.liirht yellow. or partly brown and yellow: if the
lalter.thc yellow usually occupies the upper portion of the iris. In immature birds the
Iris may be either ciciir lieht yellow.pale brown, or liglit grayish; the llrst, however, ap-
pours to be the usual color.

FALCONID^ — DIURNAL EAPTORES. 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 Eed-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 hst, p. 119.

The occurrence in Illinois of the very strongly marked race known
as Krider's Eed-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 Kiver, about
34 miles northwest of Chicago.

Buteo harlani (Aud.)

HAKLAN'S HAWK.
Popular synonyms. Black Warrior; PlarUin's Buzzard.

Falco harlani Aud. B. Am. i. 1831, pi. 30; Orn. Biog. 1,1831,441.
Buteo harlani Bf.ISSS.—Avd. Synop. 1839,6; B. Am. 1,1840,38, pi. 8.— Cass. In B. N.

Am. 1858, 24 (part; not desc. of supposed young, whlcli=B. borealis cahirus!).

— BAiED.Cat. N. Am. B. lS5il,No. 22.— CouEs,Key,lS72, 216; Check List, 1874, No. 3.50;

2d ed. 1882, No. 515; B. N. W. 1874, .352.— B. B. & E. Hist. N. Am. B. Hi, 1874, 292.

— RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881,No. 438.
Buteo cooperi Cass. Proe. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil. 1856, 253.

Hab. Southern portion of Mississippi Valley, from Louisiana and Texas, to southern
Illinois and eastern Kansas; New Mexico; Pennsylvania? eastern Mexico? Guatemala.

a. Light phase.
.4cZ«i< (No. 8,525, Santa Clara, California, October, 1856: Dr. J. G. Cooper. Type of .B.
cooperi Ci.sfi). 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; tiblEe, 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, subtermlnal band of black,
into which the longitudinal mottUugs 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.

Atliill female? (No. Mi.'.iffii. 11. S. Niil. Mil-.. Onlnosvlllu, Toxiir: O. H. RiiRHclale). ll.-nd
ami ni'i'k iilmvi- wlilt>'.oiii»li foiithor imirkt'il wltli n i-entnil K'utliito ur iicuto-ovute 8|ii>t of
iliisky brown, till! wliolc umlur surruco of Hill pluniiiur. Iiowi'vor. imri* wliilo. Bii<-k aiiil
Houpuliirs niixi'il lirnwnlKli umy. (tusky brown, iiinl wliiti', in m^iirly i><iual proporllou, tlio
wliolo niub-rlyinB portion of till.' fi'iitliors wliiti': IcssiT nmt midillp wlnB-covi>rt« nearly
uuiforni (Inoky brown, Willi ii f.iiiil purplish ulo.ss; Krnitor fovorls i;riiyiHli brown. traiiB-
vorscly spotti'd. or irn'diiliirly barrpil. with iliisky.llio conoeali'd bauil portion whlti-;
SL'comliirii's similar, but darker torininally, and narrowly tippnd with whilo: prlniariL'H
eraylsli brown, darker toward ends. indiHllnctly ninttlud with darkrr or iiclilcr. thfl
shorti-r iiuiils with drcidodly. IIioukIi not abruptly, pah-r tIpH. I'ppi'r lail-i'ovi-rts wliitt-.
murki'd with an irrL'Kular subtfrmlnal blotoli of dusky brown (ronliniii.>d. irn-cularly,
aloDK tlii> shaft), tlio Iniior webs of Monio of Hiem staini'd with oi-liraerous. Tail wlilti-.
the outer webs of all the feathers eonfusedly mottled, ehlelly near the edges, with brown-
ish gray, these mottiinifs more eoalesned, and also darker in eidor, near the end of the
feathers, so as to siiKKest a poorly defined subterminal darker banil: inner webs of nil
the reetriees, also tin' shafts, entirely wliile. Heiul, neek, and entire lower parts white,
the first finely streaked laterally with dusky, the throat more broadly streaki-d, and from
the rictus backward a broad stripe of dusky, formed of coalesced uuttate streaks or spots,
which at the lower part of the throat I'xtend across, forniini; a narrow interrupted band:
sides of jiiKulum marked with eultate spots of dusky brown; fianks and lower part of
abdomen marked with Kultate and lanceolate spots or streaks of very dark brown; front
Olid inner sides of tibiip sparsely and irrecularly marked willi clear Krnyish brown;
whole breast, anal rctrion, and crissum, immaculate. LininK of wins white, sparsely
and irregularly spotted with dusky, thus forming a initch on the anti'Hor under winc-
eoverts: under surface of priniarii's. anterior to their emarRination. faintly, sparsely,
and irregularly niolllcd with Krayish. Wine li;.25; tail, l(i.iK); culmen. l.Hi; tarsus. 2.85,
the bare portion in front 1.75; middle toe. 1.7.5.

'/. Dark phase,

ylduH »ii(i(e (Lawrence, Kansas, October, 1871: in collection of Kansas I'niversity).
General color deep, almost carbonaceous, black, showing much exposed white on the
head, ne<'k, and breast, all the feathers of which are snowy white beneath the surface,
the black being merely in the form of tear-shaped spots on the terminal portion of the
feather; chin, lores, and front pure white; upper parts in general, the posterior lower
parts, and the lining of the wing, with the black unbroken, but all the feathers— except
the unilcr 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
Hanks: tftil-coverls, above and below, spotti'd irregularly with bright rufous, in nearly
canal amount with the black and white. AluliO, 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 bi'okcn by coarse marbling
of white, this iircvailing anteriorly, where it is much confused, but posteriorly about
eciual with the grayish, and exhibiting a tendency to form iiuiidrale spots. Tail, with the
ground color white, but this nearly hidden on the upper surface by a lougitudinal mot-
tling of dark and light ashy, this growing more uniform terminally, where it becomes
slightly sufi'used with reddish and crossed by a sublonuiual, broad, but broken and
Irregular, band of black, the lip again very narrowly grayish and reddish.

Wing formula. 4. :i,.V2,6; 1=10. Wing, 15.00; tail. «.80; culmen. l.OO; tarsus, 2.75; mid-
dle toe, 1.50; lateral toes equal. Plumage of fianks. tibin\ and crissum remarkably
leiigtheneil and lax, the latter reaching within two inches of the tip ofthetAil, and the
tibial plumes reaching to the base of (he toes.

Aditll fiiiiale (No. (i.Kfd.Kio Grande. hit. ■■il': Dr. T. ('. Henry, V. S. A.). Whole plum-
age purplish black. orchocolale-bhiek, with a purplish lustre; feathers everywhere pure
white at ba.ses. this exposed, however, only on the occiput, or where the feathers are dis-
arranged. Forehead, lores. and chin white. Secondaries an<l primaries more brown than
otherportions.erossodby distinct bands of black,— about six on the secondaries. Whole

FALCONID^ — DIURNAL RAPTORES. 471

lining of the wing and upper tall-ooverts. continuous, uuvariegated black. Under sur-
face ot 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 contused, rather longitudinal mottling of blackish; terminally,
there is a broad, nearly continuous subterminal band indicated by blotches, these mixed
very sUghtly with a rufous tinge. Primaries injured by shot, therefore proportions of
the quills cannot be determined. Wing,15.75; tail,9.10; culmen, 1.00; tarsus 2.90; middle
tpe,1.60; outer,1.15; inner.l.lS.

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 a few streaks of sooty brown ;
lores whitish. Scapulars and larger wing-eoverts with large concealed bars and spots of
white; feathers of the rump, upper tail-coverts, flanks, tibite and crissum with indistinct
roundish spots of pale fulvous, pale grayish brown and dirty white, on the edges of the
feathers, the continuity of the dusky ground-color being thus broken. Kemiges gray-
ish brown, with distinct bands of sooty black, with a purplish reflection, these bands
averaging about .50 of an inch in width, .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
intermediiie 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
fulvous; inner webs of primaries white anterior to their emarginatious, this white re-
lieved, however, by an irregular clouding and sprinkling of grayish.

Fourth quill longest; third and fifth, .35 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.lO.OO; 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 wliite 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 Ked-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 Eed-tail,

* This specimen was, at last accounts, in the collection of Dr. R. M. W. Gibbs, of Kala-
mazoo, Mich. (Of. Tlie NattiraHat and Fancier, Grand Rapids, Mich., Vol. I., No. 8,
August, 1877.)

172 nmDs of Illinois,

which pursued it on ail oecaaions. It hud lieen seen to pounce
upon a fowl, kill it almost instantly, and afterward drag it along
the ground several hundred yards. It was not seen to prey on
hares or squii-rels, hut seemed to evince a marked preference for
poultry, partridges, and the smaller species of \vild duck. He saw
none of the young, hut was told that they appeared to he of a
leaden gray color at a distance, and at the approach of winter i)e-
came as dark as their parents." (Hist. X. Am. li. Vol. III., \\\^.
294, 2ft;'5.)

A fine adult male of this rare species was taken by Mr. Chas.
K. Worthen, near Warsaw, Hancock county, in March, 1871>. "Two
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: C'liickuu Hawk.

Falro liiienhis CijiEL. S. N. i. 17SK, 2«S.— Wn,s. Am. Orn. i. 1808. pi. 53, He. 3.— AuD. Orn.

Bloc i, isn, iW. .

Jliitro lineatus Jahd. WC— .\ud. Syiiop. 1839. 7.— Cass, in BainVs B. N. Am. 1858. 28.—

Baird, Cat. N. Am. B. 1850. No. 25.-CoUES. Key. 187l>, HIT; Cli.x-k List. 1874. No. XH:

2a od. l»a. No. .'.20: B. N. W. 1874. .W.-B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii. 1874. 275 (var.

/iiipo(ii.i).-RrDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. No. -139.
Falco hulenidea Ndtt. Man. i. 1832,100.

Has. Eustern North America, from the British Provinces to Florida, and west to the
Groat Plains; Texas and eastern Mexico to Orizaba. iKepresented in California and
western Mexico by li. liiiealiis elegaiis.) Accidental in Scotland.

Sp. Char. Adult male (No. 32.500. Wa.shinRtou, D. C January). Head, neck, and In-
terscapulars deep rufous (above becominc darker posteriorly), each feather with a
median stripe of lilackish brown. Throat ami cheeks almo.st destitute of rufous tinco,
lhct;round lieiuK ilull white,— the dusky forminK an indl.stiuct "mustache," anil an
imiierfiH't. obsolete collar (formed by conllucnt. or sutTused streaks! across the throat.
Breast, sides, abdomen, and tibin- rather licht rufous, beeominK paler posteriorly: breast
with shaft-streaks of blackish; the rufous of sides of l>reast almost unvaried: abdomen,
sides, and middle of the breast, withtransver.se barsot ochrueeous white; tibin? uniform
pale oehraeeous: anal region and lower tail-coverts, inimneulnte white. Lesser wlng-
eoverts chestnut rufous, feathers with bhick shaft streaks, these beeominc larcer pos-
teriorly: scapuhirs and middle winK-covcrls edeed broadly with rufous, and imlistinctly
spotted on inner webs with white— this somewhat exposed: secondaries dark clear brown.
tipTied and crossed with two (exposed) bands of white: primaries black. fadiuKal tips In-
to dilute crayish brown, and with qua<lrate spots of wliite on outer webs. Uump uni-
form blackish brown; upper tiiil-coverts tipped and banded with black. Tailclearbrown-
ish black, crossed with six sharply defined narrow bands of while, the la.st of which is
terminal, and the first two concealed by the upper coverts. Lining of the winu nearly
uniform pale rufous, with very sparse, deeper rufous, somewhat transverse spots;
under surface of primaries silvery white, crossed by broad bands, those where the white

FALCONID^ — DIURNAL EAPTOEES. 473

is clearest being pale rulous, bordered with dusky, but as the white grows more silvery
they darken into blaek; the longest (fourth) has eight of these spots, including the sub-
terminal, very broad one. Fourth auill 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. U,991.'WasMngton, 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 tibiae are strongly
barred, and even the lower tail-coverts have obsolete spots of the same. Wing, 13.75;
tall,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 oehra-
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 a few 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; tibiae unspotted; light bands of the tail more sharply defined basally, and pale
mottled rufous, instead of pale ashy brown. Wing, 14.50; tail, 9.(i0; tarsus, 3.10; middle
toe. 1.45.

This is decidedly the most uumerous 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 plamtive and not unmusical
cry 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 eliiefly of frogs, reptiles, and field mice,
but it occasionally, like others of its tribe, makes a descent upon
the poultry-yard.

17 I BIRDS OK ILLINOIS.

Buteo swainsoni Boiiiip.

SWAINSONS HAWK.

Fopnlar synonym. Hiowii Hawk.

JliilfO rulgariis Sw. A Uicil. F, l!.-.\. ii. Isil.Jl, |>l LTdimloaJ.).— AUD.B. Am. I.KM'l.pl.C

ISutru .tiraiimoiii Up. Coiiiii. lAM, l>ctS.3.— Cii.is. in KiilnlV 11. N. Am. 1M8. 11»: cil. INCH. pi.

lH(f('muliMUl.l.-Ii.vlliD, Cat. N. Am. B. Kid, No. I8.-C0UE8. Key. 1X72. 217: Clun-k

List. 1874, No. 3M: il i-d. isxi. No. .Wf; B. N. W. 11*74. 355.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am.

B. iii, 1874. asi.— RiiHiw. Nom. N. Am. B. 18X1. No. 44i
Hiileo viotilaniis NuTT. Man. ml. 1K40, i, 112.
Zlioteo hainlii HoY. Pnn-. Plill. Acad. 1K53, 4,M (= youne).— Ca88. IlluBtr. 1855, pl. 41: in

Bairil's B. N. Am. 1858. 21.-Baibd, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 19.
lliitco insio'iatus Cass. liliistr. 18,''>4, 1(12. 198. pi. 41 (= melunistic pbusu); inBiUrd"s B.N.

Am. 1858, »;).— Baibk, Cat, N. Am. B. 185'.". No. 21.
Jitilfo oxypli-i-Hn Cabs. Proc. Pliil. Acad, vii, 1855, 282 (= youue): in Baird's B. N. Am.

1858, »li: ib. od. 186(1, pl. 15, lie. 2.— Baird. Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 28.-COUK8. Key.

18?2, 218.
ISiiteo .iiraiiisiiiii var. oxUDlenis B. B. & R. Hint. N. Aiii. B. iii. 1874. Wi.

Had. Western North America, nortli to the Yukon and McKenzie River districts,
south to Central .\m<'riea (Gtnitcmala and Costa Rica), east to tlie Mississippi Valley
(Illinois, Wisconsin, Arkansas, etc.): occasional visitant further eastward, especially
north of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence. Massachusetts (Brewster). SlraKKllntr (V)
over South America, as far as PatiiRonia. ArRcntine Republic, and Masafuera.

8p. Char. Only throe outer primaries with inner webs emarcinated; third or fourth
(usually the third) QUill longest; first shorter than the sixth (usually about eqinil to—
rarely shorter than— the seventh). Wine reaching nearly to the end of the tail: prima-
ries exceediUB secondaries by about one third the lenBlh of the wine. Tail even. Trans-
verse seutelln' on front of the tarsus. 9-13. Color: tail erayish brown, or crayish, 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 a darker shade. Colors of other
portions extremely variable. Adult. Nearly uniform dusky brown above, the frontlet,
concealed bases of occipital feathers, and the upper tnil-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 liRht extreme the lower parts vary
to uniform dusky chocolate or sooty brown, throueh Intermediate shades of ochraeeous
or rufous upon which ground deeper colored bars arc visilili' on portions posti'rior 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 melanislic condition the bird is uniformly blackish hrown,
with white bars on the crissum. Vouno- Ochraeeous and purplish black, in relative
quantities varying according to the individiuil: the oehraeeous forms the ground color,
and usually predominati's, but is sometimes much less in amount than the black; tho
tail is the same as in the adult.

n. Normal phase.
Atlvlt. Above continuous blackish brown, the feathers nsinilly with somewhat paler
borders; outer scnpuhirs and upjicr tail-coverts very rarely tinged with rufou.s— 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. Throat and chin
more or less white, ustnilly inform of a sharply defini'd patch: jugnlnm and breast brown,
generally plain, very rarely spotted with whitish, the tint varying from rufous imalcl
tothccolor of Ihi! upper parts (femali>). Other lower parts varying from white to ochra-
eeous (rarely almost rufous), generally more or less barred, or spotted transversely, with

FALCONID^ — DIUENAL RAPTOEES. 475

dark brown or rufous— very rarely immaculate; orissum usiuilly Immaculate, but some-
times with faint and distant bars. Lining of the wing white, sometimes tinged with ochra-
eeous, 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).

Yovng. Above brownish black, with a faint purplish lustre, the feathers all paler on
their borders; wing-coverts and scapulars more or less variegated with ochraeeous or
whitish spotting, this usually very conspicuous on the longer scapulars; upper tail-
coverts ochraeeous or whitish (their inner webs more brownish), barred with dusky.
Tail as in adult. Ground color of the head, neck, and lower parts, ochraeeous, 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.

h. Melanistic phase.

Adult. Prevailing color plain blackish brown; the tibife, lining of the wings, and
sometimes the breast, inclining more or less to rufous. 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. Yuung.
Brownish black, variegated with ochraeeous spotting, in amount varying with the indi-
vidual.

This, being a western species, here reaching the normal eastern
hmit of its range, is one of the rarer species in IlUnois. The writer
has never identified it with certainty anywhere in Wabash or ad-
joining counties ; but Mr. Nelson found it breeding on Fox Prairie,
in Eichland county, during the summer of 1875, and obtained speci-
mens.

In his list of the birds of northeastern Ilhnois (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 Eiverdale, 111., and have since seen others. As this species
breeds in southern Illinois it probably also breeds in the northern
portions of the State."

47(J BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Buteo latissinius (Wils.)

BHOAD WINGED HAWK.

Fiilio pniiniuli-ai''e'is Wll-s. Am. drii. vi. 1^1J. ■'.'. i.l.M.lli;. 1 (not plnU' «,nc l.whlfh=
.l<<-.;/.r.rr»'/oAyounB).-AUD. B. Am. I. ISfl. |il. 91: Urn. Ulog. 1. ISW. 46I.-NUTT.
Man. i. liCQ. 105.
/iu<wpr)iH.-ii/fi'niii'<-nji Up. IStu.— Aud. Hynop. 1839.7: U. Am. MO. 43. pi. lu.— Cab». In
IJairil's IJ. N. Am. ISM, 29.— Baibu, Cut. N. Am. B. ls.'.9. No. 27.— Coueb. Key. 1872.
•-•17: ClH'ck List.l«74,No. :1M: 2d u.l. 18S2, No. 524; II. .\. \V. 1874. 3C0.-B. B. i U. HIbL
N. Am. B. ill. lS74.-Ull)OW. Nom. N. Am. B. 18S1, No. 443.
Falei) latiasimus Wils. Am. Orn. vi, 1812. 92, pl.M.llii. 1.
liuteo lalinsimun SlIAnPE, Cat. B. Br. MuR. i, lS74,l'.i;j.

Hab. 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. Chab. Adult. Upper surface dark umber- lirown. the feathers uradually paler
toward edtjes; on the back the feathers more uniformly dusky. causing a prevalent
blackish appearance. Rump and upper tail-coverts blackish vandyke-brown. the latter
lipped with pure wliite.and witli a concealed bar of the same, about the middle of each
feather. Tail dull black, with an indistinct terminal band of dull brown, this fadine ter-
minally into whitish: across the middle of the tail a broad band of dull liulit umber (In
some individuals approaching dull white) about three fourths of an inch in width; about
as far anterior to the main band as this is from tip is another much narrower and less
distinct band of the same color, crossinu just beyond the ends of the coverts, or eon-
cealcd by them, rrlmaries uniform brownish black, tadintronthe 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.liavinc tlii' dull black much broken by lateral streaks of dull rufous on all the
featlicrs: tliis liull rufous tint prevails on the rest of the head and neck, as well iks tlio
breast, leavini; tlie lores and chin and lateral portion of the frontlet alone whitish; throat
streaked with blackish. Beneath dull brownish rufous, that of the breast almost unvarlo-
eated: 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, forminc on the flanks transverse bands, almost continuous; on the tibin? the
white prevails, the rufous bars being more distant, and connected only by a brown shaft
lino; lower tail-eoverts with less numerous transverse spots of dull rufous. Lining of
the wing ochraceous white, with spar.ie, rather small, irregularly deltoid spots of dull
rufous; under surface of (ho primaries uuvariegaled while, as far as their emargination,
beyond which they are black. Fourth <iuill longest: third a little shorter; second inter-
mediate between fifth anil sixth: first about equal to the ninth. Female (extremes No.
3l).'.»(i9. Brookline. Mass., and No. 30,89."). Mirador. Me.\ico—the latter the larger); Wing.
ll.(Ki-ll.:)0: tail,G.w»-7.1(i: tarsus. 2. Wi: middle toe, 1.30. Male ('So. .'C309, Moose Factory.
Hudson's Bay Territory): Wing. le..V): tail, C.30; tarsus. 2.30; midtlle toe. 1.20.

Young, Jhsi near (No. 11.984. Washington. D. C). The blackish above Is much
vari'^galcd, being broken by narrow rusty borders to the Interscapulars, rump-feathers,
and lessor wing-coverts, broader and more ochraceous borders to scapuhirs imd greater
wing-eoverts, 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 didl umber-brown, growing darker termiiuilly, narrowly
tipped with white, and crossed with six indistinct, narrow bands of dusky, th<' (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
tiblip. clear blackish brown. The ochraceous deepest on the abdomen and crissum.
Wing beneath .is in adult.

FALCONID.E — DIURNAL RAPTOEES.

Measurements.

All

Wing.

Tail.

Culmen.

Tarsus.

Middle toe.

Specimens.

Male

Female .

9.85-10.70
11.00-11.40

6.50-7.00
7.00-8.00

.70 ...
.70-. 78

2.15-2.80
2.20-2.70

1.20-1.. 38
1.30-1.40

11

14

"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. Tliis is the more usual number,
though occasionally four or five are found." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

Genus ARCHIBUTEO Brehm.

Ai-chihuteo Bkehm. Isis, 1828, 1269. Type Falco lagopus Gmel.

Chae. Similar to Buteo. but bill and feet weaker, wings longer, and tarsi feathered
in front, to the toes. Bill 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 irregular scales. Tarsus more than twice as long as
the middle toe; basal half of the toes covered with small scales; outer toe longer than
the inner; claws long, strongly curved, acute. Feathering of the head and neck normal.
Wing very long; the third to fourth quill longest; first shorter than seventh: outer four
or five with inner webs deeply emarginated. Tail moderate, rounded. Plumage full
and soft.

The relationship of this well-marked genus appears to be nearest
to Buteo and Circus, with an approach to Circaetiis 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 BIHDB OK ILUNOIS.

I A. la^optu aanoti -jobaniiit. Bill coinpiirullvitly nurrow iit Ihc Imsc luid eompn^sBod
termiuiilly. TurntiK not iiiori' tluiii 'i iin'lii-'ii. ISroiiat ni'ViT linniai'uliitf whito: no
rufous on upper piirts or tihiii'. Adult: Tail with itpvcml Imntls. Light phatr
with wliito prcviiiliuK. Il>l!« much lirokcn however, by dusky Rpotllnic, lhi> Rpols
ruthor roalesecd on pectoral rcj^lon. Melanittir jihate Horoctlnics uniform coal-
black (muro commonly dark brownish), with white lores, white undi-r slile of
quills, and lidht (itrayish or while) narrow banils on tall, Yimng: Terminal half
(or less) of tall Krayish brown, without bars, basal portion while (usually unvarii'd).
Light phanf urayish brown above, with <luBky streaks luid fulvous or bufTy edi;-
Incs: beneath ochraeeous or bulTy whitish, the belly and flanks usually dark
brownish; breast streaked with brown. MHlauinlic aijerimruf blackish brown,
sometimes nearly unifi>rm, but usually more or less streaked with fulvous edc-
inBS to the feathers. Mali-: Wing. 15.7.V16.80; tail. 9.0«-I0.nu: tarsus. 2. 75-2. HO;
Fiiiin'i': \Viin;.I(;.I.VlS.(Ki; tail.O.dO-U.iKi; tarsus. i80-S.iiO.

U. A. ferrugineuB, Hill very broad, and somewhat depressed, at the base, the gape
almost "Ussirostral." Tarsus more than 3 inches. Breast usually immaculate
while (rufous in nu'lnnistie specimens); upper parts and tibin> rich nifous in
adults. Ailiilt. light pliaste: Upper parts and tibia' lino rufous, the former with
tear-shaped stripes, or spots, the latter with transverse bars of dusky. Tall whito
washed with ashy, and more or less stained with light rufous. Melanistic phase:
rrevailing color deep choi.'Ohite-brown. more or less varied with rufous; tail as
in the light phase. Young, light phase: Above grayish brown, the feathers edgcil
with ochraeeous or fulvous; til.iie 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.()0; tail, 9.,'H)-10.50; tarsus, 3.1l)-a.45. Female: Wing, 17.00-18.80; tall,
10., It)- 11. 00; tarsu.'4, 3.20-3. 10.

Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmel.)

AMERICAN ROUGH LEGGED HAWK,
Popular synonyms. Black Itough-leg; Black Hawk.

Fahii .•iaittti-juhannin Gmel. S. N. i. 178S. 273.— Al.'I>. Orn. Biog. ii. 1S31. ;8I.
Buteo nancti-jiihannis Cuv. 1817.— Niitt. Man. 1,1832, 98.
Archihiiteo saticli-johaxnin Gbav. 1819.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858. ,33. -BAinu,

Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 31.
Archihiilen lagiipiis vnr. sancti-jnhanniit CouES. Key, 18?2, 218; Check List, 1874, No.

356: B. N. W. 187(,361.— B, B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874. .mi.
Archihnten lagopus sancti-johaiiiii.i UlDciw. Nom, N. Am. B. 1881. No. •H7.— Cot;B8,
2d Chock List . 1882. No. 525,
Falrii lagaiiii.i WiLS. Am. Orn, iv, 1821, pi. Iti, tig. 1 (wee BRfiNN).— AuD.B, Am. I831.pls.
I«C.422; Orn. Biog. ii. 18:tl, 277.
ISiiten lagopuK Sw, & Rich. F, B.-A. il.lS31,.'t;, pi. 28.-NUTT. Man. 1832,97.- AUD. B. Am.

i. 1810. 4fi pi. 11.
Archihiilen lagopus Bp. 18.'>«.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. lJvVS.:« — Baibd, Cat. N. Am.
B, 18.W. No. 30.
Fairo tiiger Wli.a. Am. Orn. i, 1812, pi. 53, llgs. 1,2.
Hab. WIio1<3 of North America, breeding in arctic and subarctic districts. (The true
A. lagopus occurs in western Alaska.)

II. Normal plumage.
Sp. Chaii. Adiilt male (No. 4.3.073. Fort Resolution. Juno: J. Lockhnrt). Ground
color of the upper parts dull umber-clnereous. this more rufous on the shoulders, and
dull white on nape, si-apulars, inner secondaries, and upper tjiil-coverts; rump entirely
black, feathers bordered with whitish. All the feathers above 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^ — DIUKNAL RAPTOEES. 479

each marked with an exceedingly irregular transverse spot ol black. Tail white on
basal two thirds, and narrowly, but sharply tipped with the same; subtermiual portion
pale mottled cinereous, with a very broad zone of black next the terminal white, and an-
terior to thi.s three narrowed and more irregular bands of the same. Primaries blackish
cinereous, with indistinct 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 whiti.sh. 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;
tibia; strongly tinged with rusty, and with tarsus, abdometi, erissum, 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; first equal to eighth. Wing,16.50; tail, 9.00; tarsus,2.50; middle toe,1.30;
bill from base of cere, 1.30; culmen, .90.

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.

FoMH.ff (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 ch-ab. becoming
darker terrainally, the tip narrowly white. Head, neck, and lower plumage in general,
white stained with oehraeeous, 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; tibife and tarsi scarcely varied, the few
markings longitudinal; lower tail- coverts immaculate. Underside of wing much as in
adult; black area, however, more extended; lining much tinged with rufous, and with
longitudinal streaks of dark brown.

h. 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
ema.rgination, 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 eoal-black;
forehead white ; occiput .same beneath surface. Tail paler at tip, and crossed with four
ill-defined though continuous bands of ashy white, the last of which is distant over two
and a half inches from the tip ; lower tail-coverts with a few white spots. Whole lining

480 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

of wlnKcloBsy coal black; undiT BurfaciMif iirimnricR. untorlor to thoir omareinution.
wlillK niotllcil with luiliy. Fmirtli ami llftli •inlllx i-i|ii>il ami lone<>8t: third only ii Utile
shiPFtcr; Koroinl a littlf longer than sixth: Urst intfrmudlato hefwoen »i'Vrnth and
nichth. Winir. 16W: tall, aiw: tarsus. 2. .'.": niiddh'l.n-. 1.20.

IViiiMi;. Similar, but the tall ilusky. i;r<>\s'ini; whitish toward the base, and without
any bars.

A viTy line ixdult male, representing the very extreme of the
black phase, shot at Mount Carinel, Illinois, December 15, 1874,
measured 21.00 inches in length by 50.00 in extent of wings; bill
black, light l)lue l)asally, 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 Alleglianies. 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 alanned, 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. Riehanlson speaks
of their hunting for their prey 'by the subdued daylight .which il-
luminates even the midnight hours in tlie 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 Illinois, Mr. Nelson refers
to this species (pp. ll'J, 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 niigratuig, and in consequence but few are shot. Mr. C.
11. Smith captured alive a fine specimen in the black plumage, in
the s])ring 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 Falconidie. The specimen above mentioned bore a
striking resemblance to a Golden Eagle.

• Ilisl. X. Am. Jl. ill. |i|i. 1)07 »KI.

FALCONID-E — DIURNAL RAPTORES. 481

Archibuteo ferrugineus (Licht.)

FEEKUGINOUS ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK.

Popular synonym. California Squirrel Hawk.

Faloo ferrugineus Light. Abh. K. Akad. Berl. 1838. 429.
Archibuteo ferrugineus Gkay, 1844.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am, 1858,34.— Baibd, Cat. N.
Am. B. 1859,No. 32.— CouEs, 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.-Bidgw. Nom.
N. Am. B. 1881, No. 448.

Hab. Western ITnited States, east to the Mississippi Valley and Texas; north to the
Saskatchewan, south to table-lands ot Mexico.

Sp. Ch.ak. Aduitmale (No. 41,719, Fort Whipple. Arizona. Dee. 2,1864: Dr. Coues).
Ground color of head and neck white ; each feather with a median streak ot 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 tibife) and
whole under surface of the wing continuous pure white ; breast with a faint tinge of deli-
cate oehraceous. tibi^ and tarsi reddish white, tinged with or inclining to deep ferru-
ginous on upper poi'tion, and with numerous transverse bars of darker ferruginous and
blackish; sides of the breast witha very few hair-like shaft-streaks of black; flanks with a
tew 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 terminal half, and
with indistinct broadly hastate spots ot 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 ot 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 coverts more ashy, and more distinctly banded; primaries
fine chalky cinereous, this lightest on outer four; shafts pure white. Kump nearly uni-
form brownish black,— posterior feathers rufous with median black blotches; upper tail-
coverts 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 an ashy tinge thrown
in longitudinal washes; outer feathers nearly white, with taint pale ashy longitudinal
mottlings; shafts of tail-feathers pure white. Fourth auill 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."

3"o»n(7/ema?e (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; rump 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 oehraceous brown."

i'oKHff/ejiiaie (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 n.Ln<oi8.

anec of tliosc. howpvcr. oi\ m'conJiirli'h; rump riitln.'ly blackiHli hrowii; upper tall-
coverts wholly wlilto. Tall hoary sliite. Imwil tUlrJ (or mon.O white, the junction o( the
two eolorn Irregular and broken: tip obseuroly puler: feathers obscurely lilueki^h alonii
edues. and with obKolele tranHverse spots of tin- wime; white prevalllni; on Inner wel>«.
Benealli entirely imri' while seareely variegated: tibia' and tan*! with a few sealt<'red
Bniall transverse spots of blackish: flunks with larsur. more cordate spots of the same.
(Breeds In this plumaeo.)

This magnificent hawk, which Dr. Cones justly styles the "hand-
somest of the North American Falconiihe," is perhaps little more
than a stra<,'glcr to Illinois. It has heen seen by the writer only in
the far West, where the few obserAed were sailing majestically over-
head, describing broad circles, and resembling the flolden Eagle in
the manner of their Hight. At such times it may be immediately
distinguished from .1. sancii-johdiuih by the snow^ white of its
lower plumage, which, as seen from below, is the predominating
color of the bird.

Geni s AQUILiA Brisson.

Aqiiila UiiiSH. Orn. i, 17G0. 119. Type (by elimination), Fnlvo r It ni union Linn.

Gen. Chab. Form robust and structuro powerful: benrinB and Boneral aspect of
Biileu and Arrhihiiteo. WiiiK Iouk, tile primaries lone and strond, with their emarclnn-
tions very deep. Tail rallier short, sliKhtly rounded or wedue-sluiped. Bill stroneer
than in the preeedinc scnera, 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 (Inn. Supc^rciliary shield very prom-
inent. Feet very stronc. the membrane between (he 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; scutelln- of
the toes small except on tile terminal joint, where they form broad transverse plates;
tjirsi 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
ililTercntly formeii feathers. Third to fifth iiuill longest ; (Irst shorter than the seventh;
outer live or six with their inner webs deeply emarginated.

This genus is almost peculiar to the Olil 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, ;nul the size ranges from that
of Biilco liitlxnimtis to that of a sea-eagle (IliiUtrciiis), the generic
characters given in the above chagnosis apply equally well to all
the species.

FAIiCONID^— DIURNAL BAPTORES. 483

Aquila chrysaetos (Linn.)

GOLDEN EAGLE.

Popular synonyms. Mountain Eagle; Ring- tailed Eagle; Black Eagle.

Falco canadensis Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i, 1758, 88.
AQuila canadensis Wels. Am. Orn. i. 1808. pi. 55, flg. 1.— Cass, in Baird's B.N. Am. 1858,

41.— BAiKD.Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 39.
Aqnila chrysaetus var. canadensis Ridgw. 1873.— B. B. &. B. Hist. N. Am. B. 111,1874,214.
Aquila chrysaehis canadensis Ridgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 449.
Falco c?irysietos Linn. S. N. ed. 10, 1, 1758, 88.
Aquila chrysaetus DuMONT. Diet, Sei. Nat. i, 1816, 339.— AuD. B. Am. 1, 1840, 50. pi. 12;

Synop. 1839,9.— CouES, Key, 1S72, 219 : Cheek List, 1874, No. 291; 2d ed. 1882, No. 429; B.

N. W.1874, 368.
i'a^co/wZi'us "Linn." Wils. Am. Orn. vii, 1813,pl. 55, flg. 1.
Aquila fulraNvTT. Man. i, 1832, 62.

Hab. Whole of North America, south to elevated regions of Mexico; breeding within
the United States chiefly in mountainous districts.

Sp. Chae. ^4 (Zh Z( jiinZe (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, secondaries, pri-
maries, and rump; middle and secondary wing-coverts, upper and under tail-coverts,
tarsi, and inside of tibiae, considerably paler, inclining to light umber. Lanceolate
feathers oi 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-covorts, cheeks, chin, throat, foreneck,and
under parts generally (except the tarsi, inside and front of tibiae, and lower tail-coverts
which are light fulvous, the tarsi palest); "mane" more tawny than in the male. The
lanceolate, pale, tawny feathers, which in the 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 tail as in the male. Fourth quill longest; third slightly shorter than
fifth; second intermediate between sixth and seventh; first intermediate between eighth
and ninth. Wing, 26.00; tail, 14.25; culmen. 1.70; tarsus, 3.80; middle toe, 2.70; hind claw,
2.15; inner toe, 1.90; outer, 2.00; inner claw, 1.80; middle. 1.35; outer. 1,10.

Young male (No. 49.684, Camp Grant.nearTucson, 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 primaries 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
outer feathers), distinctly defined against the broad,pure black, terminal zone; tarsi dull
white, clouded with dilute brownish; feathers on inside of tibia? tipped with white.^

Young female— older? (No. 9, 124, Washington,©. C. December, 1850: B. Cross). Simi-
lar, but black more brown ; "mane" as in adult; tarsi dull whitish brown; tail-coverts
deep umber-brown; tail as in young male, but terminal band narrower, the white occu-
pying nearly the basal two thirds. Wing, 25.70; tail, 14.75; culmen, 1.65; middle toe, 2.80;
hind elaw,2.20.

484 Bmns of ilmn'oia.

The following is from Mr. Nelson's "List of the Birds of North-
eastern Illinois" (liidl. /v.vxr.r IiikI. VIII., 1870, p. 120).

"Not very uncommon dnrint,' winter. .Vrrives in November and
departs early in spring. Formerly nested throngliout the State.
Pr. Hoy records the breeding of a pair of these birds in a tree
near Kacine in 1851. (Wis. Agr. Kep., 1852.) In December, 1K71,
while hunting Prairie Chickens in a held a few mdes 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 tired a charge of number
six shot, and l)rought it down, dead. The second one then darted
at him, and so rapidly that he did not lire until it had turned and
was soaring up, but so near that the charge passed tlu-ough 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 contamed a large quantity of
carrion, as I learned u])on skinning it."

Genus HALI^ETUS Savionv.

Baluri-liis SAVir.^Y. Dose, do 1' Egypto. Iboa. 2il. Tyr"'. Faico alliirilla Likn.

Gen. Chah. Form robiitit.iiuil organization pnwortul, as in -Ii/hiVo; sizo large. Bill
vory largo, u.'iiiully .somewhat inllatod. tlio ohord of tho aroli of the oulmen more than
twioe tho length of the oere on top: eommissuro with a more or loss distinot festoon and
sinuation behind it. Nostril oval, obliiiiiely vertical. Feet robust and strong, the tarsus
less than one and a half times the middle too; tarsus feathered in front nod on the sides
for about one half its length; front of the tarsus and top of the toes with an imper-
feotly eontinuous series of transverse seutelho, entirely iiitorru|itod in the region of tho
digito-tarsal Joint; the other portions eoverod with roundish, somewhat granular, soales,
those larger on the posterior faeo. Claws large, strongly ourvod. and nioro obtuse, and
loss graduati'd in sizi', than in Aguila. No distinet web between outer and middle loos.
Wing viry large, the primaries well developed and strong; third to Mfth i|uiU longest;
llr.st longer than the ninth; outer live to six with inner webs deeply emarginatcd. Tail
short and rounded, with twelve feathers. Feathers of tho nook, all round, laneeobito.

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 occurrence in Gi'ecnland. The other is the
common Bald Eagle, the distribution of which includes the entire
continent with the exception of the tropical portions.

FALCONID^— DIURNAL RAPTOHES. 485

Haliseetus leucocephalus (Linn.)

BALD EAGLE.

Popular synonyms. White-headed Eagle; Gray Eagle; American Sea Eagle; Bird of
Washington; Washington Eagle or Sea Eagle.

Falco leucocephahis Linn. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1^66, 124.— WiLS. Am. Orn. iv. 1811, 89.pl. 26.—
AUD. B. Am. 1831, 300, pi. 31; Orn. Biog. 1,18.31,100.
Haliaetus leucocephalus Steph. 1826.— Nutt. Man. i,1832, 72.— AuD. B. N. Am. i. 1840,
pi. 14; Synop. 1839, 10.— Cass. inBaird'sB. N.Am. 1858, 43.— Baied, Cat. N.Am. B.
1859, No. 43.— CouES, Key, 1872, 219; Check List, 1873, No. 362; 2d ed. 1882, No. 5.34; B.
N. W. 1874, 309.— B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 326.— RrDGW. Nom. N, Am. B.
1881, No. 451.
Falco ossifragus WiLS. Am. Orn. vii.1813, pi. 55, fig. 2 (= young).

Falco washingtonii AuD.Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 1. i, 1828,115; Orn. Biog. 1,1831,58; B.Am.
1831, pi. 11; ed. 1840, i, 53, pi. 13.
Falco icashingtotiiarius Nutt. Man. 1,1832,67.
Haliaetus washingtoni Jabd.'1832.— AnD. Synop. 1839,10; B. Am. i, 1839, 53,pl. 13.

Hab. Entire continent of North America, south to Mexico; northwest through the
Aleutian chain to Bering Island, Kamtschatka; breeding throughout.

Sp. Chae. Adult. Entire head and neck, upper and lower tail-coverts, and tail, im-
maculate pure white. Best 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. J/a^e (No. 12,017, Philadelphia: C. Drexler): Wing, 22.00; tail, 10.50; cul-
men, L90; 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 tormula,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, Wingformula, 3=4,5-2-6-7-1, 8.

Young, seco7id yea)- (?) (No. 58,977. Moiint Carmel, Wabash county, Hlinois, Decem-
ber, 1869: D. Eidgway). Head and neck brownish black, white beneath the surface, the
peniciUate 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 expcsed 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. BiU 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 yeariNo. 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.

youms i)i (:?oh:?i (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 ILWNOIS.

Sex.

Wlnp.

Tall.

Ciilmon.

Tiirsus.

Mid<ll(> too.

SpeellUfiiB.

Adult mules...

20.00-23.00

11.00-13.00

1.85-2.00

2.6&-3.40

2.35-2.65

10

Yoiint; iiialoH..

33. 50-25. (HI

12.0(1-15.25

1.95-2.20

3.a)-3.90

2.70-2. 90

•%

Ailiilt fciiiiili's.

23. 50-25. (Ml

12.50-13,50

1.90-2.2(1

3.4O-3.)!0

2.55-2.80

7

Y(ium,'ri'inuli's

25.50-2(J.(H)

15. (HI- 15. 5(1

2.10-2.20

3.25-3.70

2.55-3.10

2

A very fine adult female obtained at Mount Carniel, Illinois,
January 1, 1870, measured 34.50 inches in length and 8").00 inches
(7 feet 1 inch) in spread of wings ; weight 12 pounds. Bill and
cere uuifonn wax-yellow, inchning to chrome; rictus and eyehrdw
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 8 feet 6J inches in total length ami H feet li
inches in extent.

Along all the larger water-courses in our State the Bald Eagle is
a more or less common liird, and n)ay be met with at all times of
the year.

"The White-headed Eagle," writes Dr. I'.rewer," "appeare to be
equally well adapted by nature for the endurance of heat or cold,
and is apparently inditferent 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 inii)etuosity 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

* Uhl. y. Am. Jl. lii. p. :C!1.

FALCONIDiE — DIUENAL EAPTORES. 487

the least wonderful feature of this striking performance. On the
banks of the Columbia, where there are no Fishhawks to depend
upon, this bird finds an easy subsistence on the vast numbers of
dead and dying salmon which abound; and in Florida Mr. Allen
has observed it dive and catch its own fish. This is also confirmed
by the statements of other naturalists. Wilson also accuses this
Eagle of destroying great 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 niuDs OF Illinois.

SuBORDEit SARCORHAMPHI.— The American Viltires.
Family CATHARTID^.— The American Vultures.

iCathartidce Obay. 1842. - Hnxi^ET. P. Z. S. 1867. p. 463. Catliarlina Lafb. 1839. Sar-
corhampliidit Gray, 1848. Oru/ihina; Ueich. 1850.)

The Suborder Sarcorhamphi (brietly characterized on page 45) is
exactly equivalent to the Family Cathart'ulif, the essential charac-
ters of which are as follows :

Chak. Wliolo hend.and sometimes the noek. naked; eyes prominent, and not shaded
by a supori'iliary shield. Cere much elongated, mueh depressed anteriorly lielow thy
very arehod eiilmen: nostrils loiiRitudinal. horizontal, the two eonflucnt or perforate.
Jtfiddle toe very long, and the hind one mueh abbreviated. A web botwoon the base of
the inner and middle toes.

The so-called family Vidtur'uUc,' 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 Fdlcnn'uhc, the resemblance between the C(itli(irti<l</' and
the vulturine Falcon'uUe 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 hfe their external characters
are correspondingly modified.

The Cathart'uhc differ from the Vultnrince^ as to their external
stnicture in the following particulars, the osteological structure
being entirely different in the two groups ; the latter resembling the
Falcon'uUe in all the characters which separate the latter family
from the dtthurtidie.

• Established by Vigors in 1825.

t From the VtillurhKr are excluded tho genera Gypatosiiad Neophron, eaeh of Avhich
probably constitutes a subfamily by itself.

CATHARTIDJE — THE AMERICAN VULTDRES. 489

Cathartidse. Nostrils horizontal, perforate; a well-developed web between the inner
and middle toes, at the base.

Vulturinae. Nostrils vertical, not perforate; no trace of web between inner and
middle toes.

In habits, as before stated, the Cathartidce resembles the rulturine
FalconidcB 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, ckcling high in the air ; theii- flight is easy
and graceful in the extreme, and capable of being indefinitely pi'O-
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." (Coues.)

The Catliartida all belong to the tropical and warm-temperate
portions of the continent, only one species (Cathartes aura) extend-
ing its range as far as the border of the colder regions. The
famous Condor {Sarcorhamplms gryjplius) of the Andes and the
equally large Califoruian 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 having 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 papillae 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.

2. Catharista, Nostril occupying only the posterior half of the nasal fossEe, its an-
terior end contracted and acute; cere depressed and not perceptibly arched, much
broader than deep, its upper and lower outUnes parallel; maxilla and mandible
about equal in depth. Skin of neck transversely corrugated or wrinkled. Wing
short, the primaries scarcely reaching to the middle of the short, truncate or
slightly emarglnated tail.

•I'JO mnns of iu.inoih.

Genvs CATHARTES li.i.uiER.

Valhai-lfs Iluo. rroilroniiiH. isll. -Ski. Typi- il>y i-liiiiiimtlon). Viilliir aura LtNS.
llhinovruphnu IliDOW. in Hist. X. Am. U. ill.M!^4,Xn.:m. Same tyix'.

Gen. t'H.iB. Sizi' inuillum iiilpinit oi|iial to Xeniihroii). the wineB anJ tall well ilr>-
vi'lopeil. till' remlKos very lone and liirKe. Head anil upper portinn of the neok naked;
the 8kin HiiioMth, or merely wrinkled: a semicin-nlar puteh of antri>r»e|prlKtleR before the
eye. Nostril very lart'e. with both endt* broadly rounded. oecupyinB the whole of the
nnnal orlflee. t'ere eontraeted anteriorly, and iih deep a.i broad: lower nmndlble not so
deep as the tipper. PluniiiKe bi-Rlnnlni; gradually on the neck, with broad, rounded,
normal feathers. Ends of primaries reachinu beyond the end of the tail; third or fourth
iiuill longest: outer live with inner webs appreciably sinuati'd. Tuil much roimded;
middle toe sllehtly longer than the tarsus. Scxos alike.

Cathartes aura (Linn.)

TURKEY BUZZABD.

Popular BynonymB. Turkey Vulture; Buzzard.

Vullitr aura LiNN. S. N. ed. 12, i, 1-r.fi. l£;.-WiLS. Am. Orn. ix. ISM, %, pi. 75, lie 1.
Calharli-i'aiirn Il.LIU. IXU.— NuTT.Man. i.lSi2. IS.— Aui). Orn. liloR. ii,1835, ■S6: v,1839,
S)i»,pl. 151: Synop. ISM, 3: B. Am. i, 1840.15 pi 2.— Cass, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, i.
-Baikd, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 1.- CouES. Key, 1872,222: Check List, 187<, No. :«J5;
2iled. 18S2.No. 537:B. N. W. 1874. :!79.— Rinnw. Nom. N. Am. li. 1881, No. 454.
lihinotirviihus aura RiDOW. In Hist. N. Am. B. iii,1874. M4.

Had. Whole of tropii 111 ami temperate Anieriea. Inoluciinu West Indies; north to
southern New Enelaml, t)ntario and the Saskatchewan, south to Chill, rataRonla, and
Falkland Islands. Resident south of 40°.

Sp. Chah. Lencth, about 27.00-30.0(1; extent of wines, about C feet: weicht, 4-5 pounds.
WiiiK, 20.00-23.00: tall, 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, tinKed with
yellow or flesh color.

,lff»/(. Bill ehalk-white; naked skin of the head and neck livid crimson, approach-
ing dilute carmine on the cere, and sometimes with whitish papilla' on the crown and
before the eye. General plumiiKo dull black, this deepest and uniform on the lower
parts; upper parts with a violet lustre. changinK to Kreenisli posteriorly, all the feathers
of the dorsal recion and the wind-coverts passiuK into iiitht brownish on their borders,
rriniaries and tail-feathers dull black, their shafts clear pale brown; sometimes nearly
white. Mai,' (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,(381,
Cump Grant, Arizona: Dr. K. Palmer): Win(;,20.00; tall. 11.50.

rou7tg. Bill, and naked skin of the head and neck, livid blackish, the occiput and
nape with more or less of whitish down: plumiiBo more uniformly blackish, the brown-
ish borders above less distinct; the reflectlonB of the plumoKo 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 northem portion

CATHARTID^ — THE AMERICAN VtXTUEES. 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 mth a steady, even motion, with
wings just above the horizontal position, with their tips shghtly
raised. They rise from the ground with a single bound, give a few
flaps to then- wings, and then proceed with their pecuhar, 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
kinds of animal food, and are accused by Audubon of sucking eggs
and devouring the young of Herons and other birds. Yet in Trini-
dad they were observed by Mr. E. C. Taylor associating mth the
poultry, apparently upon the most amicable terms, and, although
surrounded with chickens of all sizes, they were never knowia 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 Vieillot.

Calltarista Vieill. Analyse, 1816.21. Type (by elimination)=yitH«?- urubu Vieill.
V. atraius Baktb.

Gen. Chae. 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. Tail even, 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
and acute. 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
slnuated. Tarsus longer than middle toe.

* Hist. N. Am. B. iii, pp. 347-349.

492 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

This well-markfcl pcmis is composed of a sinple species, which is
eontineil to the tropiual luid wann-ttinpiinte portions of America.
The differences from the otlier Vultures, which tliis bird exhibits in
its habits and especially in its iliRht, are very striking', and furnish
adilitioual characters distinctive of the genus.

Catharista atrata (Bartr.)

BLACK VULTUHE.

Popular synonym. Carrion Crow.

Vitllur alraliis Babtb. Trav. 1792. 2S0.
Cathai-les alraliis h^RS. 1828.— AuD. Synop. 1839. 3: B. Am. I. 184U, 17. pL a— Ca»b. in
Baird"»B. N. Am. 18M, 5.— Baibd. Cat. N. Am. B. 1859. No. 3.— COUES. Key. 1872.
222; CliOfk List. 1874, No. :iflC: B. N. W. 1874. 3s;t.
Calliariula alrata GiiAY. 18ti9.— B. B. & K. Hist. N. Am. B. iii. 1874, 351.— KiDOW. Nom. N.
Am. B. 1881, No. 4i5.-C0UE8, 2a Clieclc List, 1882, No. 6.18.
Catliartfs iota ("MoL.") Bp. 1838. (nee Mol.).— NuTT. Man. 1. 1832, 46.— AuD. Orn. BIok. ili,
1835, 35: V, 1839,34.5. pi. IWi.

Had. Wlioli^ of tropical, auljtropical, and warm-temperate America, ineluilinc West
Indies; nortli, on Atlantic coast, reRularly to North Carolina, casually to New Brtins-
wiek: in tlio interior to southern Olii", IndiiMiii. aiul Illinois, and west of the Mississippi
to northern Dakota.

8p. Chab. Form lieavy; the wines ami tail short, the latter siiuare; the remijres and
reelrieos very hard and stilT. Bill stronu, the mandiljli.-s broader than deep, and of about
equal depth, the terminal hook well developed; upper and lower outlines of the coro
parallel, and nearly straittht. Nostril narrow, its anterior end contracted and pointed.
Wine, 17.(K>-17.5ii; tail, 7.50-8.50; culmon, .90-. 96; tarsus, 3.00; middle toe. 2.90; outer, 1,90;
inner, 1,5U; posterior, .75.

Adult. Bill blackish, the point horny white; naked skin of the head and upper part
of the neck blackish. Entire pUimane continuous, perfectly uniform dull black; pri-
maries bocomins ijrayish basally (more hoary whitish on their under surface), thoir
shafts pure white for their whole lennlh.

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 spring 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 counti-j- about Mt. Carmel may
he in some way unsuited to its habits. It is so conspicuously
dififeicnt in appearance and manner from the Turkey Buzzard that
there is no chance of confounding the two ; therefore, the species
cannot have been overlooked.

CATHAETID55 — THE AMERICAN VULTURES. 493

"Both in theii- 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 saihng a limited distance. Their
wings are held at right angles, and thek feet protrude beyond their
tail-feathers. In all these respects the chtferences between the two
birds are very noticeable, and plainly mark the species." (Brewer.)

I'.U UIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

Order COLXJMB^.— The Pigeons or Doves.

Cbab. Bu.siil purl of the bill tumid and covered with ii soft »klii. in whirli iiro Bituiiti'd
till- narrow, loncitudinal nostrils, ovorhuni; by a valve-liko scaln or I'Ovi'rinK; terminal
portion of the bill bard; the ciilmen more or less stroniily arehed. Hind toe nsiially In-
cumbent, and front toes generally cleft to thi- extreme base. Plumage peculiarly dense,
tlie feathers without aftershafts. and very easily detached from the skin. Primaries ten;
secondaries, eleven to Utteen; reetrices. twelve to fourteen.

The number of fiimilies composing this order is at present some-
what unct rtain. Whtitever the number, however, America possesses
but one, the Columh'uhe, or true Pigeons, whose characters are as

folliiws :

Family COLUMBID^. I'ue Pigeons.

"CuAH. The basal portion of the bill covered by a soft skin, in which are situated the
nostrils, overhunc by an incumbent lleshy valve, the apical portion hard aftd convex.
Tlie hind toe on the same level with the rest; the anterior toes without membrane at
the base. Tarsi more or less naked; covered laterally and behind wjth hexagonal scales.

"The bill of the Columh'uhe 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 decuiTed. There is a
long nasal groove, the posterior portion occupied by a cartilaginous
scale, covered by a soft cere-like skin. The nostrils constitute an
elongated slit in the lower border of the scale. The eulmen is
always depressed and convex. The bill is nevir notched in the true
Doves, though Didunculu^ shows well-delineil serrations. The tongue
is small, soft, and somewhat fleshy.

COLUMBID^ — 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 Stcmiceiias] and with hexagonal plates
laterally and behind; sometimes naked. An inter-digital membrane
is either wanting entirely, or else is very shghtly indicated between
the middle and outer toes." (Hist. N. Am. B.)

The two principal groujis of American Columbidre, which for con-
venience may be termed subfamilies, may be briefly distinguished
as follows :

Columbinse. Tarsus shorter than the lateral toes, feathered above.
Zenaidinae. 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 :

Subfamily Columbinae.

Chab. Tarsi stout, short, with transverse seutellse anteriorly ; feathered for the basal
third above, but not at all behind. Toes lengthened, the lateral decidedly longer than
the tarsus. Wings lengthened and pointed. Size large. Tail-feathers twelve.

n. Columba. Head large; tail short, broad, and rounded.]

2. Eotopistes. Head very small; tail much lengthened, cuneate.

Subfamily Zenaidinae.

Chak. 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. Zenaidem. Size moderate. Wings lengthened, acute, the primaries much longer
than the secondaries. Tarsus scutellate anteriorly. A blackish spot beneath
the aurieulars (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 priinary abruptly attenuated terminally . Color plain grayish
brown above, lighter and (usually) more vinaoeous below; under side of wing
mainly rufous.]
[4. Melopelia, Bill lengthened, much depressed. A white patch on the wing; no black
spots on the scapulars ; plumage ashy, lighter beneath. Tail of twelve feathers,
' rounded.]

496 IJIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

[S. Zenaida. Dill smnllor. moru oumpD'OHi-d. No wliito pntoh on thiMvlne: xoapularii
with Mii''k BiiutH. Above oliviic'i'OUH, l)ont>ath viiiiu'i'OUA. Tiiil UMiiiilly of twelve
fi'iiilMTs. rMiimlod.]
<!. Zeoaidura. Similar to Zrnaida, but tjitl ot foiirtfen fcnthors, much more lenetti-
i'IiihI. nn\\ uriiduatod.
/). Cliniiiiriirlifiv . Sizo very sinitll. Wines rounded, tin- primuries sciireely lonRcr
thiin tin- tertialst. Tnrsua soutollato imteriorly. No blnoklmb spot beneath the
luiriculjirs; no mi'tiillie kIoss on sides of the neck.
[7. Soardafella. Tail of twelve feathi^rs. lenutboned (much longer than winusl. doubly
ri'un.l.'l. Ilii> lateral feathers mueli shorter; the throe outer pairs with white ter-
niiii.'illy.l
[8. Columbigallina. Tail of twelve feathers, short (much less than wincsi. simply
rounded, the lateral fi'athers only slichtly shorter: outer feathers without white
terminally. or with only n slii;ht edcine. Wlng-eovorts with oblique blaek spots,
and body without transverse blackish bars.)
<■. deolrnQonfif. Size moderate (Kenerally a little larger than Zcnaiifo); form robust,
or quail-like. Legs very stout: tjirsi decidedly longer than the middle toe,
variously scaled anteriorly. Wings short, very broad, and much rounded, but
tile iiriiiuiries decidedly longer than the secondaries.
[9. Starncenas. Legs very stout; tarsi covered anteriorly with hexnsonal scales;

crown Muc: a blaek gular patch, bordered below by white.]
[10. Oeotrygon. Logs moderate; tarsi covered anteriorly with tmnsvorso scutollio;
erown never blue, and throat without black patch or white morklDgs.]

Genus ECTOPISTES Swainson.

Eclnpisten SwAiNsoN, Zool. Jour. ill. 1827,362. Type. Columba migratoria Linn.

"Gen. Chab. Head very small. Bill short, black; eulmen one third the rest of the
head ; feathers of the chin running very far forward ; gonys very short. Ttirsi very short,
half covered anteriorly by feathers. Inner lateral claw much larger than outer, reaching
to the base of the middle one. Tail very long and excessively cuneato: about as long as
the wings. First primary longest. Black spots on suapulurs; a black and a rufous spot
on inner webs of tail-feathers.

"This ^enus is readily distiiifiiuislied from the other Coliimliiitti;
by the excessively lengthened and acute middle feathers. It for-
merly mcluded the Columha cdroliiicnsin, but this, with more pro-
priety, has been erected into a different genus {Zcnaidiira), and will
be found in the next section." {Hist. N. Am. B.)

The K. migraUmm, or common Wild Pigeon or Passenger Pigeon
of eastern North .'Vmerica, 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 l)lack spot. The male
has the whole head bluish plumbeous, the fore-neck and juj:uluiu
rich cinmimon, passing into vinaccous on the breast, tliis gradually

COLCMBIDiE — THE PIGEONS. 497

becoming paler posteriorly; the sides of the neck richly glossed
with metalhc 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. S. N. ed. 12, i, 17G6, 285.— WiLS. Am. Orn. i, 1808, 102, pi 14,
flg. 1.— NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 62y.-AuD. Orn. Biog. i, 1831. 319; v. 1839, 5S1, pi. 02.
Ectopistes migratoria Sw. Zool. Jour, iii, 1827, 355.— AuD. Synop. 1839, 174; B. Am. v,
1842, 26, pi. 285.— Baied, B. N. Am. 1858, 000; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 448.-CouEs. Key,
1872, 225; Cheek List, 1874, No. 370; 2d ed. 1882, No. 543; B. N. W. 1874, 387.— B. B.& B.
Hist. N. Am. B. iii. 1874, 808, pi, 57, flg. 4.— EiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 459.

H.\B. Whole of temperate eastern North America, west to the Kocky Mountains; no
extralimital records, except Cuba and England (accidental). StragglertolWc^tern Prov-
ince of United States (Nevada, eastern Oregon, etc.).

,Sp. Chak. Adult male. Head and 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. Tail shading 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 clianging 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, ehanging to violet, green, golden, etc. Bill black, the cere
glaucous wliitish, 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 les.s
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 mottleil appear-
ance; rusty margins of primaries more distinct, widely bordering the tips of the aui'ls.
Bill black, the rictus pinkish; iris brown, with a narrow outer ring of carmine; feet pale
livid salmon-pink, the scutells more brownish; claws blackish.

Wing, 8.40-8. 50; tail, 8. 20-8. 60; eulmen, .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. III., pp. 371-374) :

"Several writers, who have witnessed the occasionally enormous
flights of these Pigeons, have given very full and graphic accounts
of then- immense numbers that seem hardly credible to those who
have not seen them. Mr. Audubon relates that in 1813, on his way
from Henderson to Louisville, iu crossing the barrens near Hardens-
burg, he observed these birds flying to the southwest in greater
—32

498 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

numbers than Ir- had iver known before. He attempted to count
the different Hocks as they successively passed, but after counting
one liiuuh-fd and sixty-three in twenty-one minutes, he t,'ave it up
as impiiicticahle. As he journeyed on, theii- numbers seemed to
increase. The air seemed filled with Pigeons, and the hght of noon-
day to be obscured as l)y an ecUpse. Not a single bird ali{,'hted, as
the woods were destitute of mast, and all tiew so high that he
failed to reach any with a rifle. He speaks of their aerial evolu-
tions as beautiful in the extreme, especially when a Hawk pressetl
ujuin the rear of a flock. All at once, like a torrent, and with a
noise like that of tinnider, 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.
Dui-ing the whole of his journey from Hardcnsburg to Louisville,
tifty-live miles, they continued to pass in undiminished numbers,
and also did so during the thi-ee following days. At times they
flew so low that multitudes were destroyed, and for many days the
entire population seemed to eat nothing else hut Pigeons."

Genus ZENAIDURA lioN.vrARTK.

Ziuaidiirn BoNAP. Consp. Avium, ii. Isvi. s-l. Typo, ('olnuiha earolinensi* LiNS.

•'Gen. C'HAn. Rill woiik.blm-k: i-ulnion from frontnl foiitliprsiibout oni" third tliuheaJ
above. Tarsus not as Ioiik as iiiiddir toi- aud daw. but considornbly lon^iT lliaii the-
lateral Olios; covered anioriorly by a single series ofsoutellie. Inner lateral <la\v con-
siderably loUKor tlian outer, and reacliinc to tlie base of middle. Wings pointed; second
quill longosl; llrst and third nearly eiiual. Tail very lone, equal to the wings; exces-
sively graduated and cuneate. of fourteen feathers." (//is/. -V. -liii. IS.)

The fourteen tail-feathers render this genus very conspicuous
among the North American doves. It was formerly placed with the
Passenger Pigeon in ErtopUtcs, but has nothing in common with it
but the lengthened tail, as it belongs to a different subfamily. At
present three species are known, one (_Z. (inij/soiii Lawk.) being
peculiar to Socorro Island, well otf the coast of western Mexico, the
other (Z. iiiinittiiirii.'iishxwn.) from the vicinity of Merida, in northern
Yucatan. The latter is possibly a hylirid between Z. fdniHiinmix
and Zi'iitiidd (iiiittliilis, being exactly intermediate in form and color-
ation, while the type specimen still remains unique. (Cf. //(•</. X.
Am. B. Vol. III., p. 38-2, and "The Auk," Vol. I., .liin. 1884, p. %.)

COLUMBID^ — THE PIGEONS. 499

Zenaidura macroura (Linn.)

MOURNING DOVE.

Popular synonyms. Turtle Dove; American Turtle Dove; Common Dove; Carolina

Dove.
Coluniba macroura Linn. S. N. ed. 10, i. 1758, 164 (part).

Zenaidura macroura ErDGW. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. viii, 1885, 3.55.
Columha carolinoisis LiNN. S. N. ed. 12. i, 1766, 286.— Wlls. Am. Orn. v. 1812. 91, pi. 43,
flg. 1.— NuTT. Man. i, 1832, 626.— Aud. Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 91; v, 1839, 555, pi. 17.
Sctopistes carolinensis ElCH. 1837.— Aud. Synop. 1839, 195; B. Am. v, 1842, 36, pi. 286.
Zenaidura carolinensis Bp. 1854.- Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 604; Cat, N. Am. B. 1859, No.
451.— CoUES,Key, 1872, 226; Cheek List, 1874, No. 371; 2d ed. 1882, No. 544; B. N. W.
1874,389 lZencedura).—B. B. & B. Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 383, pi. 58, flg. 2.— RiDGW.
Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, No. 460.

Hab. The whole of temperate North America to a little north of the United States
boundary (Ontario, etc.) ; south through Mexico aud Central America to the Isthmus of
Panama, Cuba, Jamaica, and some other West Indian islands.

Sp. Chak. Adult male. Above grayish brown, the scapulars with roundish or obloug
spots of black; sides, and under surface of wings light grayish blue. Tail, except middle
pair, shading from white on oiiter web of lateral feathers to dark plumbeous on next to
middle pair, which are grayish brown; each reetrix 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 vinaeeous
changing to fine creamy buff on abdomen; crissum 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
female. Similar to the male, but colors duller. Head light drab, w.iitish on chin, and
scarcely, it 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 preceding 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 6tli of December, 1878,
and that he had on other occasions seen it "in various places,
from tlu'ee to twelve at a time."

500 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS.

In tlic noitlitiiisteni portion of Illinois, it is iiccordintj to Mr.
Nelson (Bull. E»»ex Inst. Vlll., 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. StrafTRlinp
parties are occasionally observed durint,' 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, tor hut now read not now.

Page 70, line 17. for townsendi read townsendil; line 5 from bottom, before .85 read 3.

Page 88, for Troglodytidfe read Troglodytinm.

Page 99, lines 9 and 14 from bottom, tor liyemalis read hiemalis.

Page 121, line 13 from bottom, for svjain isonii read su^ainsoni.

Page 123, for Helmitheros read Helmitherns.

Page 133, line 20 from bottom, for mariima read maritima.

502

INDF.X.

INDEX

Acantlils.ail.atl.

l)ro\vsteri.i;ti

liornrmaiini.atl.

linriii'manni I'xiliprs.aii

linaria.2tJ.2a:!.

linarla rostnita.'Jit'J. l£(4.
Ai'i'i'iitiir. Aciuatic.181.

G(>lii«Mi-<'r<)\viHMi.l.')H.
Aecipili^r. I4L',4S;I.4M.

atrii'a|>illus.4!>!'.

fooperi.454. 4.^5.

fiiscus.467.

luexicanus, 455.

I>aliiiiibarius,4.'j9.

vi'iox.4.'i4. 4.^)7. 4711.
Afii|iitic.s.45.;tilll.
AiTipitrina-. 120, 441.
.EBi.)tlius,2:n.

caiioscons oxilipcs.232.

uxilipi's.ata.

fiis<'i'»oens. 233.

Iinaria.238.

linaria. inr. exiliprs.SIfi

linai'ia. rar. fusi'i'Si'i'ns.233.

linaria liulbulli.234.

ro8traUis,2:H.
iE8alon.42s.4.'?4.

(•oluml>arius,4;iS.
Agolaina',;)05.
Agelaius.M0«..S13.

assimilis.Sl.'f.

Kubfrnator.:)!;).

IliMKipcK.lilJ.

pliu.'nii'('U8.:ii;t.

xantlioceplialiis,.'?12.
AJaiaajaja,43.
Alauda alpestris.SiC.SStt.

cornuta.338.

ludoviciana.lll.

maBna.;U5.:tlfi.

pi'n.sylvnnii'a. 111.

nifa.ni.

spinolntta.lW.

spraKUcii.Klil.
Alauili(l:i'.4S..tW.
Alct>(lini(lir.38!l.
Alt'iHli" alcyon,;tlM>.

rudls.ass.

Ali.'yon(>s,44.
Alueo.400.

llanmiiMiM aini'riiana. 4iil.

nammoii.t pratinrola, 4lHi.
Aninioilranii'a'.24s.
Animixlraniiis.24S.25ii.

raudaLiilii6.2.">0.

cauilacnlu.'i nrlsDni.iMl. 251.

lii-nslowi. 252, 253. 2.54.

looonlui. 252. 25:1. 2.57.

maritim<is,250.

passerinus iialustris. iMti.

.saniUvicliensis KavaMna.2.'ii).

savanaarnni pa8eioriiuis.2.'f2.2>Vt.
AnnH'liila-.4.S.l'.lS.
Ampplina'. I'.w.
Ampi-lis. l'J8.

ann*ricana.2(H).

i-iilriiriini.UKi.2WI.

garriilus.l'.w. IW.

Japonioa. 199.

pho-niropterum. liW.

stalls. U8.
Ampliispiza. 24!i. 2H5.
Anorllioura. 89.94. iW.

troijlodyt<'S,9(i.

troRloiiylcs hyi'niali8,90.
An8ercs.45.
Anthus.lOl.lW.

aaunlii'us.Ul.

ludovii'ianus. 111.

pcnsilvanic'us, lin. Ill .

pipions.lll.

spinolotla.lU,

.■iprauiicii.llO.
Antrostonius.IKiti.

carolincnsi8,.')«6.3(i7.

vociferu9.:ti">i;.367.

voc'iferus arizonii'.So".
Aplielooonia,332.
Aciuila.44;t.4S2.

canadensis. Ixi.

(•hrysavUis,4S3.

I'lirysai'tus canadensis. 4S1.

fulvn. 483,
Arcliibiiloo. 442. 477,

ferrnK ininis. 478, 481.

laROpus, 478,

INDEX.

503

Archibuteo lagopus saneti-johannis,4"8.

sancti-johannis, 478.
Aslo,403.404. '

aeeipitrinus, 404. 407.

amerieanus, 405.

galapagoensis. 405, 407.

Otus.404.405,406.

otVLS.svbsp. amerieanus. 405.

portoricensis. 405. 407.

styguis,404.

wilsonianus. 404, 405.
AsioninEe,403.
Astragalinus tristis,23C.
Astur, 453.454,459.

atrieapillus,459.

atricapillus striatulus. 4C0.

cooperi, 455.

fuseus,4SS.

palumbarius. 459.

palumbarius vaf. atrieapillus, 459.
Asturina, 442.461,462.

nitida, 462.

nitida plagiata,4C2.

plagiata. 462.
Aulanax. 346.
Auriparus,78.
Autumn arrivals, 32.

Avifauna of the State. Characteristic fea-
tures of the, 24.
Avocettinus,359.
Avocettula,359.

B8elophus,78.
Bee Bird, 343.

Red. 217.
BeUBird,52.
Bibliography, 36.
Bird of Washington, 485.
Birds of Prey, 399.
Blackbird, Blue-headed, 323.

Brewer's, 323.

Cow, 310.

European, 64.

Bed and buff shouldered, 313.

Bed-shouldered, 313,

Bed- winged, 313.

Busty, 322.

Skunk, 307.

Swamp, 313.

Violet-headed, 323.

Western Crow, 326.

yellow-headed.312.
Black-cap, Wilson's, 175.
Black Warrior, 469.
Bluebird, 68.

Arctic, 69.

Eastern, 68.

Mountain, 69.

Eocky Mountain, 69.
Bob Lincoln, 307.
Bobolink, 307.
Bombycilla caroUnensis, 200.

eedrorum. 200.

garrula, 199.

Bottom Lands, The Southern. 17.
Brachyotus,404.407.

eassini.407.

palustrls,407.
Bubo, 403, 418, 422.

a,sio,415.

mexicanus.403.

subarcticus,421.

virginianus. 418, 421.

virginianus arcticus.418. 421.

virginianus atlanticus,418.

virginianus var. paciflcus, 421.

virginianus saturatus.418.421.

virginianus subareticus,418, 421.
Bubonida;,399.403.
Buboninse,403.
Bull Bat, 369.
Bunting, Bay- winged, 261.

Black-throated, 303.

Cow-pen. 310.

Henslow's.254.

Indigo, 300.

Le Conte's,^7.

McCown's.245.

Painted, 301.

Smith's. 243.

Snow. 240.
Butcher Bird, Great Northern. 193.

Southern, 194.
Buteo,442,464.

abbreviatup,471.

albieaudatus, 464.

bairdii, 474.

borealis, 464, 465, 466, 471.

borealis calurus,465,466,467,469.

borealis krideri. 465, 466, 468.

braehyurus,464.

ealurus,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. rar. oxypterus,474.

vulgaris, 474.
Buteola,464.
Butler Bird, 307.
Buzzard, 490.

Harlan's. 469.

Turkey, 490.

CEerebidiE,48.
Calamospiza, 290.
Calcarius,221,241.

lapponicus, 241, 242.

",04

INDEX.

CnloaritiH ornatuB.^2.

|iictii».iM2.34:i.
Calli.-li.'ll,loii.a>7.

ryiiiu-iivlrlill«.2<ii.
C'iiloi-itta.:C«.
Canii"'i>lillijs,:t7;i.;{74. •

iin|"'i'ialis.:iTI.

priiii'ipulis.B.W-I.XS.
('(iiiipyliirliyiu'lius.KS.
Ciinary. \ViM.i:t7.
t'a|iriiiiul(,'i.ir>.:tV<.

Caprini ulcus anuTicanus, 1109.

rariilincnsis. :i(>(1.3()7.

pop|.tuc\:!fi!l.

virchiiaiius.:«W,;it"i!i.

(C'lionlcilrsl Virginian us. mji.

V(ic'i[urus.:K!9.
('arilinal.2ftj.
Car.liiialis.iSl.-J'JI.

I'ardinalis.Sii.'i.

virk:iiiianus.°J'.i5.
CanliU'lislrlstis.aiO.
Carpi )(lafiis. iSi, i-Jl.

rasHini.^'i.

frontalis, ail.

purpurous.'Jffi.

purpu rolls I'aliforiiicuR.JJTi.
C'alliinl.1117.
Catharlsta, IW.I'.il.

atrala.lS:;,
Calliarlrs.lMi.llHi.

alratus, IW.

aura, I'.Hi.

lota-IM.
Catliarti(la'.l(«.4S!t.
Catharlina'. 1X8.
Catlu^rpes.Kl.
Codar-biril.aifl.
Ci'iIar-lark,2<Ki.
Cent n in yx, its.
Cfiitropliancs lapponirti=.2l2.

pic'lus.2t:i.
Cciitunis,»7l.:W4.

parollnt'iisiK.Itafi.

farolinus,:Btl.
Ci-<iplil(i'us,;t7l.:i81.

piliNilus.;ts2.

Ci>ppiil,4r,.
CVrtliia,»G.

amorioann.S?.

i'ar«»liniiiua,!>ii.

faniiliaris.sil.sc.

lamiliaris aMicrirana.Si;.

faniiliaris iuiMitaMa,N7.

familiaris 'iili'ntalis.87.

rainillarls rura,s7.

IiuU'Ulata,llT.

paluplris,!>7,3!i.

pinus,ll!ti.

rufa,.s7.

varia.117.
t'cTlliiicla-.IS.S(i.
C'iM-thiola,48.

CViryli'.aW.

alcyoii.IWt.

i-Hbanlsi.:Mi.
C'lin-tura.:i<3.

pelai;ii-a.:<C4.

vau.vii.:ti".4.
Cliaiiiaa.TS.
CliJinurliur.TN.
Cluimn-pf ll''a'.4%.
t'luit.YMllow-bri-astiMl.lTl.
C'lialliTor. Eiiriipi'aii.IW.

Nortli<Tii,l!t9.

Wax.n, 199.
Cliclldon.aM.-Jii:.

cr y t h n icastf r, 'Jav.
('liiTry-lilrcl,aHi.
t'h(?\viiik,2it;.
t'l»icka<Ieo.»i.

13laek-eappf<1.8ii.

Curolina.SI.

Eu8tcrn,»l.

Hudsonlan.Si.

Hudsc.n's Kay.Xi

Nurtlicni.wi.

Southern. SI.
Cliiekly-lH'avfr,lS8.
Cliimni'y SwiTp.;ii'hl.
('hil.-l)ird.2ri

Fioia,27r..
Cliipriy.272.

Fi(dd,27S.

Ked-billpd,27r..

Winter. 271.
t'lloudi'sl.'S.249.2fi2.

Kraniniarus.2ia,2iVt.

striBatus.2iK>.
Cliordcilos.;Uiii.Ht~.

hcnryi..f7«.

popetue,3(>9.

popctuo himryi,S70.

tPXiMisis.lWi.

virKinianns..TtW..'!il9.

viriiinianus lunryi.lCT.
C'lirysomitris,Si5.

piuus,2SK.

Iristis.a)(i.
C'liurk-wlirs widow. :«r7.
('ii'onin".45.
Cini'lida'.47.
('in-us.H2.l50.

ciniTi'US.jrifl.

cyanous. 45a, l.'il.lSi.

ryancus rar. amorieanus, 451.

ryanrus hudsonius,460,45l.

hudsonius. 45(1.
Cistothorus,9(i,97.98.

paluslris,9S,!t9.

stellatus.W.
riamatoros,44.47.4.'<.
('Ia|>i'.:is7.
CliEiiat.'.l'.i.
CUviri.la.2'»4.21».

riparia.21(i.
Olodliopper.Slo.

INDEX.

505

Coocobonis Iudovieianus,29C.
Coeeothraustes, 220, 221.

Tespertiuus,221.222.
Coeeothraustinae.219.
Coccyges, 44, 45. 389.
CoccyzinfB, 392.
Coecyzus,392.

ainericanus,393.

dominieus.39.5.

erythroiihthalmus,.393,395.
Colaptea3,372,374.
Colaptes, 374,386.

aurato-mexieanus,387.

auratus,386,387.

auratus hybridus, 387.

ayresii,387.

ohrysoides. 386.

hybridus. 387.

mexic anu s, 386, 387.
CoUurio borealis.193.

exeubitoroides, 194.

ludovioianus,194.

ludovieianus ray. exeubitoroides. 194.
Columba, 495.

carolinen3is.498, 499.

maoroura. 499.

migratoria, 496. 497.
Columba>,44,494,
Columbida=.494.
Columbigalliua, 496.
Columbina3, 495.
Compsot.hlypis, 115, 131.

amerieana. 131,139.
Contopus.342.349.

borealis, 349,350.

pertiiiax,349.

riehardsoni. 349, 350.

virens,350,351.
Conurus, 396.

earolinensis.43,396.
Cooperastur, 454.
Coraeias galbula,318.319.
Corn-craeker,295.
Corral Bird, 323.
Cortliylio,74.
Corvese,330.
Corvida!.48,329.
Corvina?,:eo.
Corviis.330.

americanus.aBl.

caealote,3.31.

earnivorus,331.

corax.330,.331.

corax carnivorus, 331.

eorax sinuatus,330.331.

eoronata.334.

coronata anneetens, 334.

eoronata diademata,334.

coronata frontalis, 334.

coronata macro]oplia,334.

eoronata stelleri,334.

eorone.331.

cristatus,334,335. .

cryptoleucus,330.

Corvns l'rugivorus,3.32.

liudsonicus,333.

ossitragus,331.

pica. 3.33.

sinuatus,.331.
Corythus eanadensis.224.

enucleator.224.
Cotingida5.48.
Coturnieulus, 248, 252.

henslowi,254.

leeontii,257.

manimhe,252.

passerinus,253.
Cotyle,210.

riparia.21(t.

serripenuis.212.
Cowbird.310.
Cow-cow. 393.
Craxirex,4G4.
Creepers, 86.
Creeper, American Tree, 80.

Black-and-white, 117.

Brown, 86.

Striped. 117.
Crossbill, American, 227.

American Red, 227.

White-winged, 228.
Crotophaga.392.
Crotophaginfe,392.
Crows, 330.
Crows and .Jays, 329.
Crow. American, 331.

Carrion, 492.

Bain, 393.

Tom, 331.
Crucirostra minor,227.
Cuckoos, 389, 392.
Cuckoo, Black-billed, 395.

European, 394.

Yellow-billed,393.
Cuculi,45.
Cuculida:i,.392.
Cuculus americanus,392,393,

auratus, 386, 387.

canorus,394.

carolinensis,393.

erythrophthalmus, 395.
Culieivora ea3rulea.73.
Curyirostra amerieana, 227.

leucoptera,229.
Cyanecula, 49.
Cyanofiitta,332,334.

eristata,3.3S.
Cyanospiza,299.

ciris,301.

cyanea.SOO.
Cyanurus,334.

cristatus,335.
Cynanthus,359.
Cypseli,44,.358.
Cypselus pelasgius.364.

Darter, Blue, 455.

r)0()

INPEX.

r)i'iidrooopoH.:i7fi.

l).Mi<lr"i.-ii.iir..i;ti;,i:«.
ii'siiva.l35.i:!7.
black iMiniiii'.lW.HH. 119.
cuTul<ii.i:!<;.U2.»:t.
oiiTuii's.'i'iis. i3t;, lav.

<-uniul4>nsiH.liK).

farbiiniLta. VZl.

c'lislam'ii. I:xi. lit

roroniilii. 1.%. KIV. 11".

>l<>iniiiii'ii.l:(;.iriO.

(Iiimiiiicik iilliilura.lM.

(lisi'olDr.iar. I.V.. 1.V1.

kirtliiiuli.lllT.

niniitaiia,i:)T.

maculosa, lau. Hi

palinaruiii,i:t;.lW.

tialmarwiM li>l'oi-"liry.'<i-a. i:t7. 1S4.

pi'iiiisylvanica. KK;. 115.

|iinu8,151!.

striata. KW, 117.

Hiipcroilioaa, LW.

tiKrliia.i:s:i.

vigi>rsil. 137.1511.

vin■ll^^.l:«i.l51.
Dick Cissel.Wia.
Didunculus.lW.
Discura.aW.
Di)liclu>nyx.;«i5.ao7.

oryzivorus.:io7.
Dovo.Ami'iii'aii Tiirtlo. Iflli.

Caruliim. l'J".i.

Comniiin.ll)'.'.

MuiiniiiiK.'IV.I.

Tuitlc.-I'.l9.
Dryobatra'.:{72.a7a.
Dryobates.;{73,;t7«.

boreali8.37tj.

pubosccii8.376.378.

pubcsocns Bairdneri.STS.

villosus.376.

villosus a>i<liiboni,37G.

villosi'S liarrisi.IfTli.

villosus leuoomclas, 370,377.

Eagle. AmiTii'an Sea.48S.

UaUl.486.

Black. 4I«.

Fi8li.4;ffl.

Golden. 483.

Gray, 485.

Mountain. 4s:t.

Hing-tailcd.48:).

Washington. 485.

Wasliinglon Sea, 485.

\Yliitc-licad.Hl.485.
Ectopisto8.495.4!l(;.

carollncnais.499.

migraloriiis.l'JG, Iil7.
Elanoidcs.442.li:!.

foillcatus,444.
Eluniis,l42.4l,1.

dispar.4Hi.

Klanus sinuous, 44C.

loucurus. 446.
Emberlza anicricana.SiKi.ltltt.

canadi'n8l8,271.

elrlB.301.

orythrophllialnin.'JS'.'.

graminca. 'Jt*l.

granimaca. 2ti:t.

licnslc.wl.iM.

Iapponica.242.

lcciintcll,2r.7.

li'Ucoplirys.'JW.JC".

nivalis. iW.ilU.

ory7.iv<ira.:i*'7.

|iallida.2rJ.

passcrina.2.Vl.

pi-c.iri.s.310.

picta,a43.

pusilla.STS.

savanna. 257.

sliatlucki.'-'?:!.

8iniihii.24:(.

socialis.272.
EmbiTiiagra.249.
Kmbcrnagrca',249.
Eni|iiilona.\,3i2.352.

acadicus.llU.JVit).

difflcilis.353.

(Iavivcntri8.:t53.

miniiuus. 353,35-1.

pusillus trailli,35:i.3.>'i.

trailli.:)55.
Engyptila.495.
Ercniophila.SiC.

alpcstris.StS.

cornula.33X.
Ercmopliilus.:sW.
Krythaca iSlalia) arctica.iS.
Krythruspiza purpurea, 225.
Eucthoia.2'.U.
Kuspina.302.
Euspiza.3(i2.

americana, 3D3.
Eutoxeres,359.

Falco.428.

IT salon. 434.

albii'illa. 484.

anatuni,431.

atricapillus,459.

borcalis.4t>5.

butco.464.

iiutcoides.472.

canadensis. 4l«t.

candicans,429.

carolincusis. 439.

cassini.4;B.

clirysa'tos,48a,483.

ca'ru\eus.445.

columbarius,434.4;t5.

columbarius suckb'yl. I.'VI.

communis. 4;<2.

communis anatum,4.31.

INDEX.

507

Faleo cooperi,454,455.

eyaneus,450,451.

dispar, 446.

Ierrugineus,481.

forflcatus, 443,444.

fulvus.483.

furcatus.444.

fuseus.457.

glaueii.s,446.

gyrfalco,429.

haliaetus.439.

harlani,469.

hudsonius,450.

isabellinus, 436.437.

islandus,429.

jugger,429.

Iagopus,477.478.

lanarius rar. polyagrus,429.

latissimus,476.

leueocephalus,485.

leverianus.465.

!ineatus,472.

(.iEsalon) lithofaleo var. columbarius.
435.

melanopterus, 445.

mexieanus.429.

mississippiensis,447,448.

nsevius.4.31.

niger,478.

nigrioeps,432.

nisus,454.

nitidus,461.

ossitragus, 485.

palumbarius , 459.

pealei,433.

pennsylvanieus, 458, 464. 476.

peregrinus,431.

peregrinus anatnm,431.

peregrinus nsevius, 431.

plumbeus, 447, 448.

polyagrus,429.

pterocles,464.

regulus,434.

riehardsoni,434.

saneti-johannis,478.

sparverius,436.

sparverius isabellinus, 436.

Stanley!, 454, 455.

BubciEruleus,448.

temerarius,435.

tinnunoulus,429,436,438.

uliginosus,451.

velox, 458.

washingtonianus, 485.

washingtonii, 485.
Falcons, Kites, Harriers, Hawks, and

Eagles, 426.
Falcon, American Lanner,429.

Black-capped, 431.

Great- footed, 431.

Little Rusty-crowned, 436.

Prairie, 429.
Falconese,427.
Falcones,45,426.

Faloonida;,426.

Falconina?,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, .^5.

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.

caerulea,298.

canadensis, 269, 271.

cardinalis,295.

cinerea,276.

ciris,301.

comata,266.

cyanea, 300.

domestica,247.

erythrophthalma,291,292.

fasciata, 282,283.

ferrugiuea, 289.

(Ammodromus) georgiana,286.

graminea,260,261.

rm

IKDEX.

Priiiuillii Knininiiii-ii.afii.asi.
liitrrihii.'Ji'i<i.

Ill'IlKllJWl.i'U.

hu<lsi>niii,:!ri.
liyiMnnllK.iTT?.
iliai'ii.2W.
Junc'Mnim.'-TS.
lai«i""iirn.Jll.'i4'.'.
l.'ii.'ii|ilirys.'.t;7.
liiitiria.'JII.lSCi.
lliicnlnil.air..
lu<lHvi.'iHiia.2!r..
iivlojIia.iaU.'JCI.
inoiilii'i.la.2t»,'-'71.
nivalis, OT.
or(?>;oiia.'.7'.>.
IialuslrlH.afi.
liassi'rliia.2.'p2.'J."i:!.
I.cc()ris,:!09,:tlii.
Itonnsylvanica.'Jii'.'.
I>iims.'j;i.s.
piirpuri'H.iiiJIj.
pusilla.'.'TS.
MMoniIa."J«»tt.
rultra."J17.
rufa.'JW.
savanna. i'lS.i".!!.
savannartim,*.!5:i.
sc)cialis.272.
splniis.*.£{5.
li-lstis.ilK!.
vo8pi'rtina.22I.
Krincilliila-.in.l!!!*.

(liilooseoptr'S.lOiKKi.

i',arolineu8l8.1U7.
Uallina-.'IS.
OarnilinH!. 33(1, 332.
Garnilus (•ristatus,3;tS.
Gonnain.)29.
QoO.'<)C.-y.\,:i!12.3!«.
Ooollilypoa'.lU.U,'-..
Ooo(lilypis.ll.'-..lt£!.l(^.

at'ilis.llM.

forniosa.KVI. Kii;.

mai'cillivrayi. Ili7. 1(!8.

l>liila(lrlpliia.l(M.ir>(|.

trieba.s.im.ics.

trlclin.s iiccidcntalis. 108.
rtiM>lryccin.4%.
(liMtrynoni'ir. I9i;.
tllauridium. 104.
Gnatra(<'lii'i-s,72.
Clnatcuti'liiT. l!lui'-Kray.7:i.

Eastern, 7;t,
Ooatsuokers.itflO.
QoiitBUcktTS, S\vift.s, anil HnnimliiKlnrda.

358.
OolJcn-ornst. American. 78.
Ooldlln.'h. American, 2111.

l>inc.2:w.
Gonlapliea cn'nilea.LW.

hi<lovi<Mana,2!M;.

GoKhnwk. American, 4S9

Mo.xican, la;.
Graekle.IlrcMizeil. :U6.

lUisty.:i£J.
Oriienia liarita.:U4.

rerrui;ini'a.:i22.

c|llim■ala.:^24.
(irnas-liird.a.W.'iW.
(irasBJioppi-r-liird.i'il.
• ireen Hlrd.:[Oii.
(Irei'nlft.UeU'B.lDU.

lilue-liea<led.lK7.

riilladelpliia.lxi.

Ile.l-.yi-d.lisl.

SoliUiry.lK7.

Warl.llnK.lKI.

White-eyed. lt«.

Vellow-lliroated.l.se.
drive defl BoiB..')2.
tiroBl>ouk.Iiliio.2!ti.

('ardinal.2!i5.

EvcniuK. 221.

Pine. 224.

Purple, 225.

l!ed-l>rea8teil,29C.

Uoseate,22.'>.

Uose-breaated.2;K'..

Itose-breasled SonK.'-"*-
Ground-bird, 2.''A 259.
(irnes.45.
<lryplilnn>.4SX.
(i\iinea-woodpeeker.l!lB.:t75.

Liltle.:f78.
Gnirnea.2!tl,298.

ea'nilea,2!>N.

lndovieiana.2!K>.

melnnoei'pbala, 296.
GymnoklttR.XlO.

lIal>ia,291,29C.

ludovleiana,2H(i.

melanoeeidiala,2ae.
Hair-bird. 2r2.
Halla-etiis.4i;i.l.>tl.

leueoeeplialus. 185.

wnshinKt<>ni,485.
HauK Nest. 319.
HanKin(;Ilird.31».

Little Green, 188.
IIarpaKiiB.447.
Jlarpes redivlvus. l«l.
Harpnrhynclm.s, 102, 1«t.

rufu9.1(t4.
Harrier, American, 4."jO.

Itinu- tailed. 4.^n.
Ha^vk,Ame^i^•an I!ouch-leeKed,478.

American Sparrinv, i:W.

Black, 478.

nine, 45.1.

lilue fhlcken. ISfi.

liliii>Hen,l59.

lllucUiniiI.4.15.

Uiue Snake. 148. •

INDEX.

509

Hawk. Blue-backed, 455.

Broad- winged, 47«.

Brown, 474.

Bullet, 457.

California Squirrel, 4S1.

Chicken, 459. 465, 472.

Common Chicken, 4S5.

Common Hen,4t)5.

Cooper's, 455.

Duck, 431.

Ea.storn 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, 463.
Hedymeles,296.

ludovieianus, 296.
Heliactin,360.
Hellnaia,115,120.

eelata,129.

chrysoptera,127.

peregrina, 130.

protonotarius, 119.

rubricapilla,128.

solitaria,126.

swainsonii,121.

vermivora,124.
Helmiuthophaga, 125.

celata,129.

ehrysoptera,127.

peregrina. 130.

pinus.liiO.

ru capilla, 128.
Helminthophila, 115, 125.

bachmani, 125.

eelata,125,129.

celata luteseens,129.

eelata obscura,129.

chry soptera, 125, 127.

cineinnatiensis, 126.

lawreneei,125.

leucobrouehialls,125.

peregrina, 126, 130.

pinus,125,126.

ruflcapilla,125,128.

Helminthophila ruflcapilla guttunilis,12f
Helminthotheru?,123.

vermivorus,124.
Helmltheros,115,123.

swainsoni,121.

vermivorus,124.
Heloua?a swainsoui,121.
Herodii,45. •

Herodiones,45.
Herpetotherea?,427.
Hesperiphona, 221 .

vespertina, 222.
Hesperocichla, 49.
Hieraspizias,454.
Hierotaleo,428,429.

mexioanus polyagrus, 429.
High-holder,387.
High-hole. 387.
Hirundinidce,48,203.
Hirundo americana,207.

bicolor,209.

erythrogaster, 207.

erythrogastra horreorum,207.

£ulva,206.

horreorum,207.

lunifrons,205.

melanogaster, 205.

pelagica,363,.304.

purpurea, 204.

riparia,210.

r Ufa, 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.

aliciee,57.

alicias bieknelli,59.

f uscesoens, 53, 55.

fuscescens f-alieieola,55.

mustelina,52.

unalasea; pallasi,62.

ustulata swainsoni.OO.
Hypotriorchis eolumbarius,435.

aides, 45.
Ieteria,115,170.

virens,171.

viridis,171.
Icterida3,4S,305.
leteriefe, 114,115.
Icterinffi,305.
Icterus, 306,.318.

agripennis,307.

baltimore.319.

bullocki,.319.

galbula.319.

.-)1LI

INDEX.

IoUtus l<'teroct'plmUi8.ail.3I2.

pocorls.SlO.'

l>i'r.s|iioillittuB.:<12.

Iili(fiilc<'iis,:il.'l.

»iuiriii«.:ili>.3a).

siuirhiH rai-. liflliiis,:^!.

xiiiithiM>,-iilmlii'i.»12-
l.tiiii.i.4W.H<.

inissiS!»il)plensl!<.448.

pluiubi'ii.448.

»ul"'iLTiilea,4<l*.
leriix.lffl.
Imlinu Blr.l.:w«.

llltroilllrtii>ll,<.
Iulrodiiet<iry iiotu.lS.
IriiloproiMio blcolor.aoO.

Jiirf.-.292.
Jiiy8.»«.
Jiiy.UliK-.sa.'..
,IuiU'0,ai'.t.-.'<6.

iiikiMii.2"T.

amiui'ti'iis^.irr.

I>airili.:!7)i.

(•aiiict'ps,277.

(•inerou8.'.J7ti,27<.

(lorsnlis.'.'Ti.

hlrnialls.a;".

liyt'inalis.'jr;.

hycniali» oro(;i>ini.s,OT).

Iiisularis,2i6.

oreKOnu»,277,279.
JuiH'O.OroBon.279.

Slat('-oo!oioil.277.
JyiiKiiiii'.:!"!.
Jynx tiirquilla.STl.

KcBtril. American. 4.%.

Kuri'P<"an,429.*t8.
Kick-up. llcssy.lfil.

l,aiul.l5K.

Water. 1«1.
Kiin;liiril,:M:t.
Kiiik'llHlicrs.llSi.
KiiiKllslicr.lP.W.

Jtcltcd.3011.
Kin(;lct8j4.
Ivimrli't. American Golden-crowned, 75.

(liildcn-creslcd.T.'i.

(ioldi'M-crowncd.".').

Itiiliy-irowni'd.TC.
Kitc«. Hawks. and Eatlos,411.
Kite, Black-sliouldored, 446.

Blue. 448.

Missi.sslppi.448.

Swall<nv-lailed.444.

Will te- headed Swallow, 444.

White-tailed, 446.

Ijikc Bhoro District, 10.
Laniidn'.47,l!>e.
I.anius. 1'.'-.

borealis. 192,193.

Liinlus earollnenHls, 194.

eollurio.192.

exeul)lti>rldc».l94.

RarruluB,I99.

liidovicianu8,192.l»4.

ludovicianUH excubUoridoH,192.I94.

mexicanus.194.

tyrannus,342,:U3.

tyraiinus mr. carolinL>nBi8,3l3.
Lanivlrcci.lsu.lSS.

llavirnins,I8C.

solilurius.lif?.
Lurks, Xte.
Lark, Field. 316.

Horned. :0».

Little Field, :IIB.

Little .Meadow,:*!;!.

Meadow, :tli;.

Old Field, 316.

Prairie. 338.

Shore, 338.

Snow. 338.

Western Field. .117.

Western Meadow. ;1I7.
Lazy Bird. 310.
Lettuce-liird.aM).
Leu(^opternis,462.
Leucosticte,221.
Limicohe,4S.
I,inanaboreall»,232.

brunnesceus.SM.

minor, 21)3.

pluus,2:)8.
Linnet, Blue, 300.

(;oues',232.

Orecn.SiXl.

Pine,2:w.

Purple.225.

Kedpoll.233.

Bo8y.225.
Little Corporal. 4.11.
Loddicesia mirabilis,3(;0.
Lo(;cock,:i82.

Black, 382.

White-billed. 374.
Lont;ipeniics.4.'i.
LonKspiir,Ijipland,2-l2.

Mc('owirs,24.').

Painted. 24;».

Smith's. 24;t.
Lophophanes,78.

bicolor,7'.i.
Loxia,221,226.

atrnta.229.

ea'rulea,298.

cardinalis, 294,29,'>.

coccothraustes,221.

curvirostra,226.227.

curvirostra americana.227.

eurvirostra niexieana.227.

curvirostra minor.'i.'?.

enuclealor.224.

erythriua,224.

leucoptera,£J7,228.

INDEX.

511

Loxia ludoviciana,296.
rosea, 296.

Maeroehires, 44, 45.358.
Magpie, SKi.

American, 333.

Blaek-biUed,333.
Martin. 204.

American, 204.

Bee, .343.

House. a04.

Purple. 204.

Rough-winged Sand, 212.

Sand. 210.
Megaquiscalus,324.
Megascops,403,415.

asio,415.

asio floridanus,415.

asio macealli,415.

brasilianus.415.

flammeolus,403,415.
Melanerpese, 372,374.
Melanerpes.374,383.

aurifrons,384.

carolinus,384.

erythroceplialus,383.

uropygialis.384.
Melopelia,495.
Melospiza,249,282.

faseiata,283.

georgiana,283,286.

liucolni,283,285.

melodia,283.

palustris,286.
MelospizeK. ^49.
Merle Tanne,52.
Merlin , American, 435.
Merula,49,64.

eonfinis,64.

merula, 64.

migratoria 65.

migratoria propinqua, 65.

minor,53.

solitaria,62.
Methriopterus, 102, 103.
Micrastureffi, 427.
Micrathene,404.
MieropodidiE,358,363.
Migrations, 31.

dates ot, 35.
Milvulus,341.
Milvus ater,444.

leucurus,446.

regalis,444.
Miminse, 88,102.
Mimodes,102.
Mimus,102,105.

carolinensis, 107.

polyglottos,105,
Mniotilta,114,116.

borealis.117.

varia,117.

variaborealis,117.

varia iia?-. longirostris,117.

Mniotilte;e,114.
MiiiotiIti(la',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.

peeoris,310.
Motacilla iestiva,137.

aurieollis,119.

auroeapilla, 157, 158.

blackburniEe,148.

o(Erulea,72,73.

0feruleseens,1.39.

calendula, 74. 76.

canadensis, 139.

caroliniana,90.

chrysoptera,127.

citrea,118,119.

eoronata. 132. 135, 140.

domestica,94.

icteroeephala. 145.

juncorum,275.

maculosa, 142.

mitrata,173,174.

ntevia, 161.

noveboraeensis, 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.
Motacillidee.48,109.
Muscicapaacadiea,354,356.

atra,347.

bonapartii,176.

canadensis, 176.

carolinensis, 106, 107.

cooperi,350.

crinita,345.

ferox,344.

flaviventris.353.

lusca,347.

gilva,184.

inornata,350.

melodia,181.

minima, 354.

noveboraeensis, 179, 188.

nunicola. 347.

olivacea, 180,181.

Phoebe, 347.
pusilla,175.

Querula,356.

■>1'2

INDEX.

Muftoionpn rii|>ax,:i51.

riilM'u.'Jl'>.'J17.

iutltilln.lT7.n8.

Biiya.:ns.

Bt'lbll.l7;i,174.

w.Utiirlii.lST.

striata. 117.

8ylvi<v>la.lt«>.

ti-ailli.:v>&.

tyraiiniis.IW.

vireii8.:MU.:t51.

vliiills.170.171.

wHrtoIili.175.
MyaiU'Stos.iO.

j;i'iiit)arbis.7«.

towiisyiidl.TO.
Myaili'stiiuu.l'.i.iX).
Myittr.'liii».;il2.;HI.

cilicrasci'iis.*!.';.

crinitus.lUS.
Myii>ilioi'lf8.1T3.

lionaparlii.l7i"i.

t'aiiailoasis.nti.

[<irinu8a.lt)6.

iuitratus,174.

pu8illu8. 175.

\vilsc(iiii.175.
Myrllu bird. 110.

NaiiL'lorus.ll;).

forllratus.lll.

fii real us, 111.
N<'i)iorys,lW9.
Ncrtus,ll7.
NiKlitliawk.:«;9.

W(sli'rii.:(70.
^■i(;lllin^,•al•^Vi^l^lllla.•J^5.
Xiplura liyciiiali»,:;77.

ori'Ktiiia.liii).
Nis>i8,l.")l.

cooprl*i,155.

coopi'ri rar. mt'xiraiius

fUSCU8,4.'l».

Nonpareil. :W1.
Nu.-lfracL'iL'.aiW.
Nulhati'lics.S3.
Xutliateli. Canada. 81.

Urd-lMllifd.SI.

\Vhit.-belliod,8l.
Ny.talii.li«.-III.

a.'adioa.ir.'.li:).

allilfroiis. 113.

Iiarri8l.112.

kirllaiKli.llK.

rii'hardsiiid.ll'.!.

tciiKnialnii rifliaidsoni
Ny.-U'a.lOl.l'Jl!.

ni via. 122.

nyrlca.122.

seandiaoa, 1'.^.

svandiaca Kiir. iirutica,
NyiUidromus.aCO.

,l.-.5.

OdontOKloHKir.'IS.
OiiyohotoB.412.
OporornlH.il.';. lei.
lUClllK.lGl.
formosus.lCfi.
Orioles. Amcrioan.SOi.
Oriole. llaltlmore.ai9.
IJrown,;t30.

ClieBtnut-colored.;i2»'.
Golden. 319.
Orehard.;i20.
Orlohis ater.3(i9.310.
baltliuore.31K.319.
eaudneutus.25U.
fcrruuineUB.JKi!.
ii;terus.318.
mutatUB.321.
plm.'UieeU8.313.
spurius. 318,32(1.
Oroseopl08,U>2.
Orplieus earolinensi^, lii7.
felivox,107.
polyclottus,lM!>.
rufus.lOI.
Ortolan. ;W7.
Oseiues,11.47.
Osproy8.139.

Amorican.439.
Otoeorl».33C.

alpostris. 337.338.
alpe.stris aronieola.337.
iilpistris ehrysola-ma. 337.
alpe,mris t:iraudi.:Cf7.
alpestris leucola'ina.337.
alpestris patricola.:t:f7,;t3S.
alpestris rubea,S!7.
alpestris slrigatJi.337.
Otus.llM.

bracliyotus,407.
vuliiarls wilsonianus. 105.
Oven Bird. 158.
Owls.399.
Owl.Ai'adian.413.

.Viueriean liarn.laO.

.\merican Hawk. 421.

.Vineriean LonK-eared. 1W5.

liani.imi.

I!arred,4tl9.

lJooby.418.

Cat.llH.

Day. 424.

Ermine. 422.

Great Cinereous. 410.

Great Gray. 410.

Great Hornwt.llS.

Great Sooty. 410.

Great White, 122.

Hoot. 409.

Iliiilsoniau Hawk, 121.

Kirl laud's, 413.

Little Mottled,415.

Little lied, 415.

Marsh, 407.

Meadow, 407.

INDEI.

513

Owl, Monkey, 40(1.

Monkey-laeed,400.
Prairie, 407.
Richardson's, 412.
Saw-wliet,413.
Screecli,415.
Short-eared, 407.
Snow, 422.
Snowy, 422.
Sparrow, 412.
Speetral,4I0.
Western Horned. 421.
White-fronted, 413.

Paludieola;\4S.
Pandion,439.

earolinensis,439.

haliaetus earolinensis.439.

hallaetus leueoeerhalus,439.
Pandionin»,426,4S9.
Parabuteo,442.
Parid(B,48,78.
Parinie,78.
Paroquet, Carolina, 396.

Illinois, 396.
Parrots, 396.
Parula.131.

amerioana. 131.
Paru)us,131.
Parus,78,80.

americanus, 131.

atricapillus.SO.

atricapillus, iiar. oarolinensis, 81.

atricristatus, 89.

bicolor,78,79.

oarolinensis, 80, 81.

cristatus,78.

hudsonifus, 80,82.

inornatus,79.

major, 80.

rtifesoens.82.

varius,78,

wollweberi,79.
Passer, 247.

domesticus,247.
Passerculus,249,258.

sandwiehensis alaudinus, 259.

sandwiohensis savanna, 259.

savanna, 259.
Passerella,288.

iliaca, 288, 289.

megarhyncha, 288.

obscura,289.

schistacea,288.

unalaseheensis, 288.
Passerellinae, 219, 287.
Passeres, 44,47.
Passerina,291,299.

anioena,300.

eiris,300.301.

cyanea,300.

versicolor, 300.
Passerinae, 219, 247.
Passerine Birds, 47.

—33

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. ^

arid. 205.

lunifrons, 205.

swainsoni,205.
PeucEea, 249,279.

aestivalis, 280.

ajstivalis baohmanii.iSO.

cBstivalis illinoensis,280.

oassini,280.

illinoensis,280.

lineti!nii,285.
Pewee,347.

Barn. 347.

Bridge. .347.

Boeky Mountain, 348.

Say's. 348.

AVood,.351.
Phala»noptilus,366.
Phasiani,45.
Phodilus,400.
Phoebe, 347.

Barn,347.

Bridge,. 347.

Say's, 348.
Physical Features of the State, 7.
Pica, 332, 333.

caudata, imt: hudsonica.3.33.

hudsonica,.333.

melanoleue!i,333.

mplanoleuca, var. hudHonica,,333.

nuttalli,.333.

pica hudsonica,3;53.

rustica hudsonica,333.
Pici, 45,371.
Pioieorvus,330.
Pieidfe,371.
PieiniE,371,372.
Pieoides,373,378.

americanus, 379.

areticus, 379.
Pieumnina!,371.
Pieus.376.

areticus, 379.

(Apteinus) areticus, 370.

auratus,387.

earolinus,384.

erythrocephalus,3S3.

ma.1or,376.

martina3,376.

medianus,.378.

(Dendrocopus) mcridionaljs, 378.

pileatus,381,382.

principalis, .374.

pubesceiis,376,.378.

rubricapillus,376.

>I I

IM>EX.

riciiH tri(iu<'tviiis,»n.:(n.

viiriHh.;tKn.
vlll(iHus.:t7('..

villoxiiH. ivir. iii('iliiis,;iTii.
PlKi'i.ns.WI.
Pii;i>i>M8 or D<ivtiH,494.
Pifc'i'i III, PiisMt-nKiT, 497.
\Vil(1.497.
\V(iO(l.:Kei
riiiicolji,jai,2ai.
('iiniL4U«)isiK,'J2l.
i-niiclcator.iM.
rii.ilii.ill

I'l-yllirophtliiiliiiiis.'.'tiL'
Pipit. .VniiTii'an.llI
I.oiiJFiiuiia.lll.
Poniisylvaniuii.lll.
Pipra pcilyclolla.lTl.
Pirain.'a.;!ir>.
a"<liva.L'17.
iT>lliroiiii>l»K.'.!ir>._'lci
luduvii-iana.'Jl.l.
riil.i-.i.-.'ir.,:;ii;.:;iT.
riilira .'(MipcTi.Jl".
Pilaiiu'ii«.:il2.
PItylu.s canliiialis.atS.
Plaiils. dates of l.-afliit; ami (1.
Pliirtropliaui's.aRt.
lappiiiiirus.iiU.
mi'cownii.'JI.").
nivalis. lilii.
pii-tiis.iCt.
Pli'ctrc)plionax,£!l.'.:W.
Iiypi'rl)iireus.24u.
nivalis. IMO.
Poa'rcte.i.aiil.
Poilicipedr.s. 45.
Pa'cdloptprnis. 4ii4.
Pnpcilornis. i;ifi.
Polioplila.71!.

i'U'rulea,7:t.
Polioplilina'. IS.71!.
PolylK)rea',427.428.
Poly bonis (.'alapaKor-nHis.Jftl.
PoorjH'tcM.illl.Ulid
Krnmincus.i'lil.
Kraniliiciis i-onnnis.i'in.
Potato ])ird.L'il2.
Poliito-but'liinl
Prairies. The, i:!.
Prufufe.:!.
ProKni'.'j>;i.'.;n4.
purpurea. 201.
.siiliis.204.
Protonotaria.il.').

citrua.llll.
Psallripariis. 7s;

Psarocolius c'yaiioi'cplialiis.:t2:i.
Psc'udoKryplius ■•alilcirnianiis.4Wi
Psittac-i,44,4.').3!IG.
Psittai-idn..tlK;.
Psiitncns i-arolinnnsis.ieiti.
PtiloKonalinii'.IOS.
rijloKonys to>vnst'iidi,7«.

riii(,'.:ci.

LW.

UN.

I'liloeonyH, Townsi'nd'B.TU.

Pyuopodcs.t'i.

Pyrank'a ii>stlvH.217.

riilirii,21t"i.
Pyrk'isonia.'JiB.
Pyrcila doniuHt|i'a.'.'t7
Pyru-ilinii\2l9
Pyrrliiila.LMo.

■ 'iiiK'lvator. \iU.
Pyrrliulo.\ia.291.

Qtiisraliiia'.^UCi.
yiiis.-aliis.:i(>(;.:t.M.

a>neiis.:iai.

IIKl'I'tlS.IfJti.

bri'wori.IGt.

fc>rriiKliieiis.;fJ2

major. :U|.

purpiirciis )i-neiis,:iA.

f|iiis<'iila.:i2li.

i|uisi:ula a'ni'iis,:i20.

vfrsioolor..aii.

Italli.l.''..
Hapton'S.Diwrnal.:t99.41!tf.

Noi'tiinial.:ci;i.
liavi'ii.Ainorican.Wl.
Hi-dldrd.295.

ltlack-\vinBi'd,215.

l'ardinal,295.

Crested. 295.

Summer. 217.

Top-knot. 295.

Virginian. 295.
Iti'dpolLiCl.

Common. asi.

Cones'. 21(2.

Dusky, act.

Groaler.2:M.

Oroenland Husky, an.

Hoary, at!.

\Vliite-rumpod.2S2.
liedstart..\merieHn.l77.
Ited-lail.lilaek.lil5.
Ueid Iiird.:iii7.
KecnliniP. 47.72.74.
ltvenlus.74.

oaiendnla.74.76.

eristatus,75.

euvieri.74.

sat rapa. 74.75.
Hliino);ryplnis.l9«.

aura. I'.m.
Itliyiii-liodon.42s.4:il.
Uhynelioraleo.428.
Uliynehoplia lies. 221. 216.

meeownii.24.'>.
Itiee Iiird.:m7.
Itiver Pink. 161.
Itobin.lki.

.\meriean.r>5.

niiiek.l7S.

i:in,'lisli.:il'.i

INDEX.

515

Kobin, Golden, 319.

Ground, 292.

Ground Swamp, G2.

Swamp, 60, G2.

Wood, 52.
Robin Red-bi-east,65.
Rostrhamus,442.

Salad-bird, 236.
Salpinetes,89.
Sappho. 359.
Sapsuoker, Big, 376.
Blue, 84.
Little, 378.

Red-throated. 38(1.
Squealing, 38U.

Whining, 380.

Yellow-bellied, 380,
Sarcorhamphi,45,488.
Sarcorhamphida',488.
Sareorhamphus gryphns,4S9.
Saxicola,49.
Sayornis,342,346.

fuscu9,ai7.

nigricans, 347.

phcebe,347.

saya, 347,348.
Scarda(eUa,496.
Seolecophagus,306,.322.

earolinus,322.

eyanocephalu.s, 322,323.

ferruginous, 332.
Scops, 415.

asio,415.
Seotiaptex,403,410.

cinereum, 410.
Seiurus,n5,157.

aciuaticus,161.

auroeapillus,]57,158.

ludovicianus.lGO.

motaeilla,157,160.

ntevius.iei.

niEvius notabili.s,lU2.

noveboraeen.sis, 157, 161 .

noveboracensis notabilis,157,162
Setophaga, 115, 177.

bonapartii,176.

ruticilla,177,178.
SetophageiB , 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.

arctiea,67,69.

mexicana,67.

sialis,67,68.

wilsoni,68.
Siskin. Pine, 238.

Sitta, 83.

canadensis, 83, 84.

carolineusis,83,84.

earolinensis aeuleata,84.

europasa, 83.

pusilla,83.

varia, 84.
Sittina;, 78,83.
Siurus auroeapillus,158.

motacilla.160.

niPvius.lGl.
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, To wnsend's, 70.
Southern Bottom Lands, The. 17.
Sparrow, Bachma.n's, 280.
Canadian, 271.
Clay-colored, 273.

Chipping, 272.

English, ai7.
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.
YelIow,257.
Yellow-browed, 269.
Yellow- winged, 253.
Speotyto,404.
Sphyrapious, 373,380.
nuchalis,380.

:,u;

IMiKX.

8|iliyriiiiii-iis riiliiT.:wii.

lliyioiil.'im,:wi.

viirhiH.:tH*>.
S|.iiiii«.i!ii.;5i.'..

ncitiitiis.SVi.

riin(is.isir<.'j:iK.
irloiis.aii.'in:.
siii/.ii.aKi.:i(t:.

anit'rii*aiiii,:t<ct,
i'iris,:i»il.
i-yaii<'ii.:M»i.
siii'iiiliH iiri/.onn'.'Ji'J.
Iiiwiisi-mli.:i0:i.
S|iiziiiiii-ryx. 12*.
. S|iizi'llii.U4!l.aft!t.
ii«:rfHtis.'J76.
iilii(,'ul«ris,270.
l)i-.>wiTi.2;i.-'7:i.
<liini('Hlira..!7'.'.
in<intaiia,271.
iii(in1iifila.L'T0.-.*71.
mitiiliritia (.n'lira''<'a.-7l .
l>alli<la.2Tl.L>T:i.
piui'loruni.iTO.
imsilla.'.'iU.'.'/r).
sncialiK.L>;ii.-JT-J.
wortlu'ni.'JTO.

SpiziMliiuc.L'llMIIS.
Spi/.ina'.'Jl'.i.'JiW.
S|M>r(>|.liila.'J!lI.
S|iiin(t arrivals.;!!.
Starlin(;.lt>'<l-«ii'i-'''il.-"''-
Starim-na8.l!>:(. I!M.
Sti'i;iinii|ii"li'K. I.'i.
Sti'>:aiiuni.:ivj.

St. It-ill. .ptiTyx.L'o;i..;n.

S('rripi*nnis.21-.
Stink liiril.W.
Slraitcli'r.s.iil.
Sirawlierry Hird.'Ji'i.
Strii,'«'s.l.''..:Ri;i.
Stri(,'iila-.:Wi.U"t.
Strix.liio.

acailii-a.li:i.

ai'fipitrina. I"l. 1117.

iill.ifrons.4i:!.

iiiinTii'ana. 4011.40.'..

ar<!ticu.4'i!.

(Bubo) ari'tirus.4il.

asio,415.

I)rai'liy<'tus.404.4it7.

bubo, 41s.

faDarucli.424.

(■iiii>ri.'n.410.

ormiii('a.42l!.

niiiiim('a,4(Ki.

(lainnica aiin>rii-ana . 40o, 401 .

Ilamnica.i'nr. praliiic<>la.4iHi.

fiinori-a, 42-1.

hiiilso Ilia, 424.

iin'vin,415.

iiobvilo»a,409.

iiivi'a.422.

Strix ny.'tca.4i;.
iitUri,4iM,405.
|iuliislrlH,407.
pasHrrlna. 4i:<.
pratiii<-ola,40«.
H('aii<iiai>a,422.
HO»»p».415.
tr'ii(;inablii.411,412.
iiliila.4^1.
virciniana.lls.
Sliirn«-lla.:io<;.:ilJ.
lu<lovicMaha.:ntJ.
niaf;iia.:ilti.
ma»;iia.n<-'«lt-'i'!Ji.;*17.
ii.'t.'l.'.ta.:nc.:il7.
Stiiriii<la'.4N.
SturiMis lailovi.'ianus,;ilO.

priilaloriu.s.;ii:i.
Suniini'r Ui'siilciil.-i.'Jfi.

NorllnTii.2K.

Soutlu-rii.an.
Siiniinir Visitaiitii. Siiiillii>rn.l!8.
Sijriiia.4"4.42:t.

fiiinT''a.42l.

iiyiMca.li;.

iiliila.42;!.4'J4.

iiliila >'aparoi')i,4'.ii.424.

iiliila, '111'. huilsi>iiia.4'24.
Swalliiw.nank.-.'la.

liarn.207.

Bla.'k-aiul-Wliit.'.'.'o'.'.

Bri.l«o.212.

('Iiiiiiiiey.;l64.

Cliff, 205.

Crosfi'nl.2or..

Kavi',20.1.

OriM'n-l>liii'.20'.i.

Piirpli'.204.

ltcpiiblii-an,205.

Roiii;li-wincril,212.

lioiiKli-wiiiKi'd Bank. 212.

I{iifoiis-bclliocl,2n7.

Sand. 210.

S.imin'-taili'il Eavi'.2«.''..

Tr.i'.2"!i.

Vi.d, 1.204.

\Vliil.'-bi'lliod.209.

Wliil.'-froiitc.l.L'O.';.
Swifts, :Wt.
Swift, ('liin>n('y.:t("d.
Sylvania.ll.'>.l~l.

lionapartii.Kii.

fanadiMi sis, 17:t. 17(J.

vicriilca.T:!.

iiiic'rc"'i'phala.l73,

mitrala.l~,l,174.

pusilln.lT:!. l?,"!.

pusilla |til<<olntn.l7.'i.
Sylvia n'stiva,l«7.

ai;ilis.l«t.li;4.

aniorit>aiia,i:il,

ar.'iii-a.iW.

;inriiollis. 119.

aiilmiinalis,14t").

INDEX.

517

Sylvia azurea.143.

blaekbnrnia;,148.

caTulea,l-12.

calendula, "C.

canadensis. 139.

castanea, I4C.

colata,129.

childreni,138.

clirysoptera,127.

eitrinella.ias.

eoronata,140.

cucullata.174.

discolor. 155.

domestiea.94.

formosa,16G.

ieteroeephala.145,

liidoviciana.90.

maculosa. 142.

magnolia. 142.

maritima,13.3.

mavylandica. 167.

minuta.156.

mitrata,174.

palmarum,154.

pardalina.170.

pariis.149.

pennsylvanica.145.

pensilis.]50.

peregrina.130.

Philadelphia, 169.

pinus,152.

protonotarius.119.

pusilla, 131, 1.39.

rara, 143.

rathbonia,138.

regulus,75.

roscoe,107.

rubrieapilla.l2S.

ruflcapilla.125,128.

sialis.68.

soli taria. 126.

sphagnosa,139.

striata, 147.

swainsonii. 120. 121 .

trichas,167.

troglodytes. 96.

varia.117.

vermivora, 124.

vigorsii.152.

virens,151.

wilsonii,175.
Sylvicola festiva,137.

agilis,164.

americana.lSl.

auricollis,119.

blackburni£e,148.

eaerulea.142.

canadensis, 139.

ea.stanea,146.

eoronata.llO.

discolor, 155.

icteroeepliaIa,145.

maculosa, 142.

maritima,133.

Sylvicola palmarum,154.

parus,149.

pensilis,150.

(Vermiyora) peregriiia.130.

petechia, 154.

pinns.152.

rathbonii.138.

.striata.147.

virens.151.
Sylviida\ 47, 48.72.
Sylviina>, 47,72.
Syrnium.403,408.

alueo.408.

einereum.410.

eiuei'eum lapponicum.411.

lapponicum var. cinereum.410.

nebulosum.409.

nebulosum alleni.409.

.stridula,408.

Tachycineta, 204. 207,208.

bicolor,208,209.

tlialassina,208.
Taehytriorchis,464.
Tanagers,214.
Tanager,Red,217.

Scarlet. 215.

Summer. 217.

Vermilion. 217.
Tanagra iestiva. 217.

eoccinea.217,

cyanea,299,300.

rubra, 215.
Tiinagrida?,48,214.
Telmatodytes.90.97.98.99.

palustris,99.
Thalassoaetus.443.
Thistle-bird. 2.36.
Thrasaetus,443.
Thrasher, 104.

Brown, 104.
Thriothorus bewickii,92.
Thrushes. 49.

Mocking. 102.

True. 49.
Thrush, Alice'.'=. 57.

Bell, 52.

Bickneirs,59.

Eastern Hermit, 62.

Flycatchiug,70.

Goldeu-crowned,158.

Gray-cheeked, 57.

Hermit, 62.

Migratory, 65.

New York Aquatic, 161.

Olive-backed, 60.

Red-breasted, 65.

Robin, 65.

Rutous-tailed,62,

Solitary. 62.

Swainson's.SO.

Tawny, 53.

Willow, 55.

Wilson's, 5:?.

)18

IXDKX.

Thrimli.Wooil.M'.
Tliryi.miiiii'».89,!iO,»2.

lM.wickl,9-J.
Tliryoth(iriiH,8!>.90.

Hriiiulinu<'i*UH,97.

l..-\vickil.90,9-.'.

Illili>virilinill<,<lll.
TirllOlll-irlim.l*.
Tillllllll<Mlllls,t28, COi.

H|iarvfrliirt,-i:w.

spiirviTiiis iwibi'lliiiiiii.Wi
Titlark. AiiiiTk-iiii. 111.
Titmii'c iiiul Nutliul.-lii'H.78.
Tit mouse. liliiok-i'iiiiix'il.Sf.

ltiu.-k-fronli>il,?.i.

C'aruiiiiii.Hl.

lliKisuiiiaii.iti.

Ilihlson'sliay.K!

Tuftcii.T'J.

Tomtit. 81.
TowlUM>.292.
Towiiik.ay.
Trielias a»,'ilirt. im.

iiiary]aii(li<'a.1tJ7.

|i|iilail<'l|>liia.l69.

roS(H)L'.ir>7.

ti'i'liroi'otis.UU.
Trocliili.44.it,W.
Trni-liili.lii'.il.W.X.'J.
Trorliiliis i'olubriH.:n>l
TrOk'loilyto8.81>. !I4.

iu"Mlon.!l4.!i,'i.

a<'iloii |iarkinaiiil.'.i4

ain<'ri<'anus.tvt.

anincliiuu'imrt.'JO.

lic-wirkii.'.Pii,!l2.

l)rcviroKtris,'.ix.

ilonie»ticus.;i4.

(lomcstieus parkmaiii.'.M.

eiiro|ia'U9.9(i.

flllvil8.94.

liii'iiialis.94.9i;.

Iiiilcivii'ia»iis.9a.

l.aluslris.'.nP.

I>al'l<malui.yl.9.^.

parviilus ro;'. liyiMnali.s.'.Hi.

.sli-ll»ris,97.98.
TroKloiiytidii". 48.88.
TroKloilytina'. 88.89.
Tro(;ciiw».4.'i.
Tiitiinan'«.4.'>.
Tiiriliil.i-.47. 19.
Tiir<liiia'.49.
Tiirdii.s. 49.5(1.

alii'iii'.ril.W.

allolH' l>ii-kiielii..M.f.9.

noiialam'lika< aii(liil>oni,K2.

aoiialascliku' |>alla!<ii..M.I'iL>.

ailiiati<'ii.s.H>l.

aiiroi !i|iilliis.l.^s.

briiiinrua..'>:l.

<'uroliiiii.<«.:l2:!.

felivo.v.lU?.

filsi'cMrnnH.Sl.ai.rk'i.

Tiiriliix ruHooBcoiifi Knll<-li-<>liiH..'>I.K(.U.

ilia<'ii8,49.

llvl.llH.m.

liiOovicJauuH.lfio.

mvloilus.sa.

iniTiila.M.

iiiit.'ral-irliiH,(;K.

inliior.ti'J

iiiularilla.ltKI.

iniiHti'linUK,SU.:il,(>2.Ut.

(Sriiiriibi novoborni'i-nHls.Wl.

liailaHii.Gl!.

IMilyKlottort.lOd.

rufuri.im.llU.

Holitarius,6^.

HwaitiBonii.<JU,62.

xwaiiiMOiii rar. alli;ln'..'i7.

lrii-bas.lG7.

iinalasi'a- iiiknilH.C2.

iistiilatus alii-ia'..'j7.

list u hit tiH H\vainsunii,.M,(JO.

viriMi8.17a.171.

wilsoiii.M.
Tyraniii..141.
Tyraiiiiiila'.48.:Ml.
Tyraiiiiiila llavivi'iitris.:i,'i:i.

niiiiiina.X»4.

nij,'riians.;uc'.

jni''ilIa.;t.VJ.
'ryramiiili.:Ul.
Tyr;iiiiuis.:Ml,;M-.

a iiraiitio-atrocTiatut 118.343.

lM)rcali8,3.10.

iaroliiiiMisis.343.

fOOlKTi. 115(1.

<Tiiiltiis.S45.

fiisi'Us..'H7.

nia>.'Mliostris.:M:t.

saya.;M8.

trailli.lM.

Iyiaiiniis.:(4;i.

v.Tlicalis.MI.

vlr<'iis.:t51.

v<H'ifiTans.:t4:i.

ITliilu ai'aili<'a. 4l:i.
t'inori'a.41('.

ti'ii;,'iiialiiii.41'J.

Vc-cry. M.

Uo.'ky Moiintnin.55.
W'rmivora eelatii,129.

luTi'iiriiia, 130.
Virro.179.18W.188.

brlli. 188. 19(1.

i'aiitalrix.l88.

llavifrons.l85.18(i

llavoviridis. 181.

Kilvus.181,181.

Kilviis swninsoni.ISI.

iutV('bor(U'L'ii8is.l88.

ollvai'OU8.181.

I>liilad<'l|>hl<'iis. 181.183.

INDEX.

519

Vireo solitarius,lS6.187.

9wainsoni.l84.

vigorsii, 152.
Vireos, 17!t.
Vireo. Bell's, 190.

Blue-headed, 187.

Brotherly-love, 183.

Philadelphia, 183.

Eed-eyed,181.

Solitary. 187.

■Warbliiig,184.

White-eyed, 188.

Yellow-throated, 186.
Vireonida?,48,179.
Vireosylva,180.

gilva,184.

flavifron.s,186.

olivaeea, 181.

rhiladelphica, 18:3.

soli taria, 187.
Vulturalratus,491,492.

aura, 490.

urubu,491.
Vultures, American, 488.
Vulture, Black. 492.

Turkey, 490.
Vulturina?,488,489.

Wagtails and Pipits, 109.
Wagtail, 160.

Water. 160.101.

Wood. 158.
Wake-up. 387.
Warblers. 72.

American, 113.

FlycatchiDg,114.

Ground, 114.

Wood, 114.
Warbler, Autumnal, 146.

Azure. 142.

Bay-breasted, 146.

Blaek-and-red,177.

Black-and-yello\v.l42.

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 riycatchiug.176.

Cape May, 1:33.

Cerulean, 142.

Chat, 114.

Chestnut-backed Yellow, 155.

Warbler, Chestnut-sided, 145.

Connecticut, 164.

Fan-tail, 177,

I lycatching, 175.

Golden Swamp, 119.

Golden Winged, 127.

Golden-winged Swamp, 127.

Gray-headed. 164.

Hemlock. 148.

Hooded, 174.

Hooded Flycatching.174.

Kentucky. 166.

Magnolia. 142.

Mitred. 174.

Mourning. 169.

Myrtle. 140.

Nashville. 128.

Neeklaced.l7fi.

Orange-crowned. 129.

Orange-throated. 148.

Palm, 154.

Particolored, 1:31.

Parula.1.31.

Pine. 152.

Pine Creeping. 152.

Pine Swamp, 139.

Prairie. 155.

Prothonotary,119.

Red-poll. 154.

Selby's,174.

Swaiuson's.l21.

Swaiuson'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.

Grinneirs,162,

Large-billed, 160.

Louisiana, 160.

Small-billed, 161.

Wyoming. 162.
Waxwings.198.
Waxwing.Blaok-throated, 199.

Bohemian, 199.

Carolina, 200.

Cedar,200.

European, 199.

Northern, 199.
Western residents or regular visitants, 29.
Western visitants, irregular, 29.

•20

IXPEX.

\Vlii|i-|MM.r-wlll.;ifi7.:itKl.

Diitc-li.rM;?.
WhiHkiy Jiick.Wliil.'.im.
Will..i-.th--\Vls|i.:Wi.
Wil.idiiia.lT:!.

milriila.lTI.

piiHillu.lT.V
Wiiil.T liir.ls.ai.

N.irtluTii. •."<;.

Sdiillipru.'i'i.
Wo.icl Clm.k.lKt.
Woodcock.. ■!!«;.

l)lii(k.:w::.

Wodilin-ckiT. AnticTlirce-tDi'd.HTO.

Hie Ciuincii.IITti.

ISliick-biickiMlTliroe-tocd.379.

Curolinii.Sm.

Clicckcri'd.ItXI.

Downy. :{<!<.

fiolilfii-wiin:i-il.:iKT.

Hairy. ;f7t;.

Ivoiy-l.illed.:t74,

I.illli' (iuiiicu,378.

Vilii-nw.'.iX}.

I'ilfatod.:«i.

K(-d-l>.-lliod,;tW.

Kcd-honil«'d.:Ki.

White-billed. :f7t.

Zelira.:»l.
Wrens and MoekiiiK Thrushes, 8S.
Wren. American flolden-ernwned.T.'i.

He\vick'H.'.l2.

liliie.ef.

Brier.lt>;. IfiS.

Hunty,%.

Carolina. !M(.

(ioldeu-crowneil.7.1.

(trass. 99.

Great Carolina. '.Ki.

Hnnse.94.

Larce Wood.90.

Little Loe.96.

Lonc-hilleil Marsh. 99.

I,on(;-ti{iled.92.

Lone-tailud l!hio,<;t.

IjonK-tailed House, 9'J.

Moi'kin(,'.9fl.

Wren. Pnrkmun'R, W .

Rul)y-crowned.7<i

Short-billed Mariili.ON.

Khorl-lail.Ml Houki'.94

West.'rn Hoiise.94.

Western Wood. 94.

WlnliT.9«.

Wood. 94.

Yellow Brlor.lBT. 168.
\N'ryueek,:*72.

Xnnthooo|dinlns.:«i6..1ll.

ieteroeephahiH.;il2.

xanthocophaliiH.ltl;;.
Xanllioinns alllnis.S'.'l.

Yellow-binl.ilC.

Black-cappiMl.Slii.

IJIack-winKed.2Ki.

Snmuier. llff.
Yellow-hammer. :)87.
Yellow-throat. lilttok-cheeked.lii?

Maryland. IfiT.

Western. Its*.
Yphanles.31S.:H9.

Zamolodiii,l!9K.

ludoviei»na.29<'>.
Zen»ida.49li.
Zenaidea'.49.'>.
Zenaidina'.49.'i.
Zenaidura.49li.49S.

carolinensi8,499.

Kraysoni,49S.

raaeroura.49'.i.

yucalanensis. 49S.
Zonotrichia,'J49.264.

albic(.llis.L'ii«.'Jt;9.

coronata.26<>.

cambeli.2<">.'>.

intermedia, L'ft'j.'JS.'i.

Ioueophrys.2fi5.267.

raystacalis.265.

pileata.26.'>.

iiuerula.2«,'..26<'..

<iuin<inestriata.265.

168.

Tiu'dus 'iitKstelinuH:

Merit la ruiyratoria.

Sialia sia

Myadestes townsendil

Polioptlla ccerulea.

liegulus aairapa.

n

01

S2627 S

" Lophophanes ' hicolor.

Farus atricapiiiLS

Sitta caroUnensis.

Certhia americana.

Thryothorus ludovicianus

54 S

'Thryonianes" hewickii.

Troglodytes aed'jn.

Ill

'Anorthura" hiemaUs.

CistotJiorus stellaris.

"TeJiiinfofJytPs" palnstris.

Harporhyiichus rufus.

Galf-oscoptes fnrolinensia.

Mlmns polygfottos.

Aittliiis i^disilvanicus.

"Xeocorys" ttpragueii.

IV

Mniotilta varia.

Frotonoiarla citrea.

Farulu antericaiui.

Dendroica tigrina.

Selinaia swahisonii.

Helniitherus vermivorus.

Dendroica coronata.

JJendroica dominica.

Beiidrulca pabnaruin.

Ictcria virens.

35031

'"Oixiromis" mjiVi.

Geotlilypis ji/iiJaifi^/ji/ii

2 GO

Gtothl'jpi^ tricfii's

"Uijorunii.^" formo.stf.

VI

Petroclielidon hiiitfron.s.

VII

Chelldvu i'rullii-<jijii!<tfr.

34177 i j^/f

'^'■■^W,

%

Tacliyc'meto hiroJor.

(_'(U'icolii ri/jiirin.

I iranga erythrotuchu^.

^teJg idoptery.r ^^erripfuni^.

1C770

16710

"ffesperiphona" vespertina.

18587

C'occothraustes eulgaris,

VIII

I'hiiroln Pinii-hdffi

J.iKfia minor.

Acantliia linaria.

Si>iii "S j)i>i '^^•

"Astrngalinit.s" tristis.

IX

l»«17 $

(_'<}lciiriii A lni>iioiiivus

Plecti'npiianes mccowiili.

Hhyu hoj/JnuK's nir. nrri,.

Passei' domesticus.

Amrnoifroraus c lUifitcntKn.

XI

Me'osnl^n f(isi-liif'i.

"MeUiap'tzii" 0''"riji"i>"-

}'i'iii-nii irstirnli:

Pti.<si'rrU<i iHiii-a.

K.d:i/KA^^

xn

Ifahia hitfovirttnta.

Guiracn aerulea.

Sfji^a arnerii'diiti.

1159 5

DoJiciioiiiix. oruzivorus.

Moloihri'.s ater.

32^6

Xlll

XIV

Corous ossifrarju.

XV

/ „■„ Innis,

(_'y(iiif>cil/fi ci'i^fala.

Otocorl.f alpestris.

XVI

XVII

(^ <w^ 10105^

'f roc hi his cohihrlfi.

Clia'titra- j-ii'lfujicii.

C/HH-'/iu/rs rin/iuidiuis.

Aittrostviiixs cnrolinensis.

XVIII

Ca rnpfp '' ' '" s pri n r ipa li .■^

Ceophhvus pileatiis

XIX

Picoiile^ art (ii-uff

XX

Colapfes axralu^.

1640

Veryle ah'ijon.

Cocry^u s a m erica n us.

XXI

Conunis carolinensls.

Strix pralincolo.

,;T..i«."i

^s/o wilsonianus.

"Brachyoius" accipiirinus.

XXTI

l<j/rtiiuiii nehulositm.

TJhila cinprea.

ysjf^tala araJica. (Youn:::.)

XXIII

.?'^''

Prf.'".'*

XV /if"

It" i:

XXIV

4.:

"GeiLuaia" rnexU-ana.

Meoascops asio.

Falcn anatuiti. lAihilt.)

'Hierofalco" rusticolus. (Adult.)

XXV

i -

I nniinn nln.s bjiai i ei ms

Fond ion Caroline us is.

"^ICsalon" coliunhnrius.

XXVI

Icliiiia iiiississippiensis. (Adult.)

Elaiioides forficaiui^.

XXVII

^^^^^■'^\\^\^ >^-r^\^

Circus Jniilsoniiis

"Astur" atricapiUus. (Adult.)

xxviir

Asturina plagiata. (Adult.i

Bateo Hneatus. (Adult.)

biiteo sicahisoai. (Adult.)

Buteoborealis. (Ailiilt.)

XX X

Utiteo sica'iisoni. (Young.)

54338, f

Archibnteo.
iPosterior face of tarsus.)

11 ,;'i. ,;|

41901,^.

Aquila,
(Posterior face of tai'sus.)

Archihuteo ferrugineus.

XXX

Archihuteo sancli-johannis.
(Light-colored i)hase.)

Aquila dirusaeios. (Adult.)

Archibuteo sancli-iohannis.
(Black phase.)

9128,?.

Foot of Ea}iceeiuf.

XXXI

^^

f*PLl:^i^'i^

Haliceetus /eucocephahis. (Adult.)

Zeiinidnra iiinci'onra.

Eclopistes migratorius.

XXXII

pcUhaj'tes aiiio.

%%.% , % m^^v^.