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http://www.archive.org/details/reportofgeologicO4unit
PROFESSIONAL PAPERS OF THE ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, U.S. ARMY.
No. 18.
REPORT
OF THE
GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF THE FORTIETH PARALLEL,
MADE
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR ACCORDING TO ACTS OF
CONGRESS OF MARCH 2, 1867, AND MARCH 3, 1869,
UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BRIG. AND BYT. MAJOR GENERAL A. A. HUMPHREYS,
CHIEF OF ENGINEERS
BY
CLARENCE KING,
U. S. GEOLOGIST.
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UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF THE FORTIETH PARALLEL.
CLARENCE KING, GROLOGIST-IN-CHARGE.
PART LI.
Pri AON LOLOG Y..
BY
FEF. B. MEEK.
PART II.
PAL AONTOLOGY.
Y
JAMES HALL AND R. P. WHITFIELD.
PART III.
ORNITHOLOGY.
ROBERT RIDGWAY.
SUBMITTED TO THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS AND PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF
WAR UNDER AUTHORITY OF CONGRESS,
ILLUSTRATED BY XXIV PLATES.
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFIOER,
ST. y-VI
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TASES VAGt ey oes Mee aes
eS. Healey
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TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page a
SRM RAMPIRTE NGHANATSLPITIININ os eee oc Pe Nel:, Tok ca sseh cs ou ss a Sepa eaedes XI
Aa er ON TOMO Gece Dy yMVE EE Kelas s)8e sec.ncine <4 ein sae layeieinis we = 1
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS....--....--.---- Poet A Ryo tet 3
DESCRIPTIONS OF FOSSILS—SILURIAN SPECIES.....--..----.------ 1%
DEVCNIAN SPECIES ....-.- PON Phe Ee 25
CARBONIFEROUS SPECIES .-.....- Rae's 50
TRIASSIC SPECIES ..--.. ..-2-2 55. — 99
JTURASSTO SPH COIN Sig. sr usnee Gre ean a aie 130
- CRETACEOUS SPECIES. ..... :-. .---- 140
FRESH AND BRACKISH-WATER SPECIES. 165
DERIDTARY SPHOMBS, 2 <<: cicccc ec 2 cess 182
Part II. PALAZONTOLOGY, BY JAMES HALL AND R. P. WHITFIELD.......... 198
GENERAL REMARKS .-.-.-... Pets bale ea te bee NETL ek Seer cee, SO
MOSM SORE OTSIDAMG 2. oo PALASONTOLOGY.
resembled the typical forms of the foreign genus Melania (= Tiara) that I was
led to refer it to that group. At last, however, a fine, large, nearly perfect
specimen was brought from the original locality, and this at once showed
that the outline of the lower part of its aperture is more angular, and its
inner lip more thickened below than in the Tiara group; the whole com-
bination of characters being more nearly as in Lithasia, but still evidently
different from that genus. Consequently, in Dr. Hayden’s Second Annual
Report, I proposed to found a new genus Pyrgulifera, for its reception ;
which name I now retain for it.
Among the Old World fossil species, this shell seems to be most nearly
represented by Melania armata of Matheron, from the Lower Eocene lignite
. beds at the mouth of the Rhdne, in the southeast of France (see Cat. Méth.
Corps Org. Foss. du Départ. des Bouches-du-Rhéne, pl. 37, figs. 11, 12,
and 13). It differs, however, in the form of its aperture, as well as in hay-
ing the vertical folds, or costee, on all of the volutions of the spire and the
upper flattened part of its whorls nearly or entirely without revolving lines;
while those below the angle of JZ. armata are finer and more numerous than
on our shell, which also has its inner lip generally thicker below.
Locality and position—Sulphur Creek, near Bear River, Wyoming,
directly on the Union Pacific Railroad, where it occurs in the upheaved
beds in great numbers, along with numerous 4resh-water and perhaps some
brackish-water shells, belonging to the horizon of the latest Cretaceous or
oldest Tertiary.
VIVIPARID A.
Genus VIVIPARUS, Montfort.
VIVIPARUS CONRADI, Meek and Hayden.
Plate 17, figs. 18 and 18 a.
Paludina Conradi, Meek and Hayden (1856), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., VIII, 112.
Viviparus Conradi, Meek (1866), in Conrad’s Smithsonian Check-List, 12.
Shell subtrochiform; spire conical, moderately prominent, abruptly
pointed at the apex; volutions five or six, flattened nearly to the slope of
the spire ; last one rather distinctly angular around the middle in young
shells, but more obtuse in the adult; suture generally merely linear. Sur-
CRETACEOUS FOSSILS. 179
face marked with fine oblique lines of growth, which, in well-preserved
specimens, are sometimes seen to be crossed on the upper volutions by
traces of minute revolving strize, scarcely visible without the aid of a mag-
nifier. Aperture rhombic-subcircular; columalla rather deeply sinuous in
the umbilical region ; axis imperforate.
Length of an adult shell, about 1 inch; breadth, 0.70 inch; length of
aperture, 0.44 inch; apical angle nearly regular, or with slightly convex
slopes, divergence 54°.
The above description was made out from the typical specimens from
the Upper Missouri country near the mouth of the Judith River. The
example we have figured from Wyoming is quite imperfect, though agree-
ing well with those from the Upper Missouri in all respects, so far as its
condition affords the means of comparison. Being so far as yet known
apparently common to these two distantly separated localities, I have
thought it desirable to give a figure of it, notwithstanding the imperfect
condition of the specimen. The identity of the Bear River specimen with
the true V. Conradi cannot be regarded as positively demonstrated.
Locality and position—Mouth of Sulphur Creek, on Bear River, Wyom-
ing, at the same horizon as the last; Museum of the Smithsonian Institu-
tion, Colonel Simpson’s collection.
Genus CAMPELOMA, Raf.
CAMPELOMA MACROSPIRA, Meek ?.
; Plate 17, figs. 17 a, b.
Melantho (Campeloma) macrospira, Meek (1872), Hayden’s Second Ann. Report U. 8.
Geol. Survey of the Territories, 299.
Compare Turbo paludineformis, Hall (1845), Frémont’s Report Expl]. Rocky Mts., 309,
pl. ili, figs. 13 and 13 a.
Shell ovate, of medium size; volutions about five or six, convex, increas-
ing rather gradually in size, and without revolving ridges or angularities;
spire moderately prominent, conical, and not eroded at the apex; suture
distinct in consequence of the convexity of the volutions; surface with fine,
obscure, slightly sigmoid lines of growth; aperture ovate; inner lip some-
what thickened below.
180 PALA ONTOLOGY.
Length, about 0.95 inch; breadth, 0.60 inch; length of aperture, 0.45
inch; breadth of aperture, 0.30 inch.
I have been inclined to refer this shell to C. paludineformis (=Turbo
paludineformis, Hall), figured in Frémont’s Report; but the fact that that spe-
‘cies is said to be associated with Goniobasis nodulosa (= Cerithium nodulosum,
Hall), in a light-colored ‘‘Odlitic limestone”, seems to be a very strong
objection to the conclusion that it can be the species here under considera-
tion; the latter being from dark, carbonaceous, shaly and arenaceous beds,
probably belonging to « very different horizon. I have seen specimens
believed to belong to G. nodulosa, in a light-colored matrix from this region,
densely packed with Cypris, presenting much the appearance of odlitic par-
ticles; but these came from an entirely different formation, containing a
different group of fossils from those found in the strata from which the
shell under consideration was obtained. In size and general appearance,
our shell is not very unlike Professor Hall’s figures of C. paludineformis ;
but still it has a less oblique suture and more convex volutions.
The form here described agrees well with many specimens now before
me from the same locality and beds, which specimens I think most proba-
bly medium-sized examples of C. macrospira, founded on a much larger,
more elongated shell; but, as they may possibly be distinct, I have merely
referred them provisionally to that species. In order to facilitate com-
parison, I give below a description of C. macrospira, from the original
typical specimens :
Campeloma (Melantho) macrospira, Meek.—Shell attaining a rather large
size, conoid-subovate; spire elongate-conical; volutions five or six, moderately
convex; suture deep, rather oblique; body-volution larger in proportion
to the others than would be formed by the regular rate of increase of those
above, and obliquely produced below ; aperture comparatively large, ovate;
inner lip rather thick, arcuate, a little reflexed, but not covering the deep
umbilical indentation, in old shells rather distinct from the body-volution
all the way up; surface only showing the usual slightly sigmoid lines of
growth. Length, about 1.80 inches; breadth, 1.14 inches.
The form here referred to C. macrospira seems to agree pretty well in
size and proportions with the upper three or four volutions of that shell ;
CRETACEOUS FOSSILS. 18)
though it still has a rather less oblique suture. The body-volution of the
adult C. macrospira, however, is suddenly, and disproportionally enlarged,
and so oblique as to give a rather different aspect to the whole shell.
Locality and position—Same as foregoing.
CAMPELOMA (undt. sp.).
Plate 17, figs. 15 a, b, and 16 a, b,c.
Shell ovate, attaining a medium size; volutions about five or six, con-
vex, rounded, increasing moderately in size, all without revolving angles;
spire moderately prominent; suture well defined, in consequence of the
convexity of the volutions; surface showing fine, slightly oblique, some-
what sigmoid lines of growth; aperture ovate; inner lip apparently a little
thickened, and in adult shells somewhat reflexed below, but leaving a small
umbilical pit uncovered.
Length of one of the larger specimens, about 1.45 inches; breadth,
about 0.95 inch.
Our fig. 15 a does not give a correct idea of the form of the aperture,
which, in the specimen figured, is filled with rocky material that laps upon
the columella, so as to give an unnatural apparent breadth to the mouth
of the shell. The engraving also makes the marks of growth much too
coarse and too straight on fig. 15; and the specimen is compressed accident-
ally, so as to appear broader than natural. It may, therefore, be only a
distorted specimen of the last; and the smaller specimens represented by
figs. 16 and 16 a, b, ¢ are probably young shells.
Locality and position—Same as foregoing.
LIMN HID.
Genus LIMN ASA, Lamarck.
Limn.2A (LIMNOPHYSA) NITIDULA, Meek.
Plate 17, figs. 5, 5 a.* ¢
Melania ? nitidula, Meek (1860), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., XII, 314.
Timnea nitidula, Meek (1866), in Conrad’s Eocene Smithsonian Check-List, 9.
Shell small, ovate-subfusiform; spire conical, moderately elevated; vo-
lutions about six and a half, convex, last one forming two-thirds of the
* Fig. 5a does not give a very correct representation of the aperture of this shell. ©
182 PAL ONTOLOGY.
entire length; suture well defined; aperture subovate, narrowly rounded
below and angular above, scarcely equaling one-half the length of the shell;
columella apparently with only a very small fold, and showing by the side
of the inner lip below, appearances of a small umbilical indentation. Sur-
face marked by fine, rather obscure lines of growth, with (on some speci-
mens) exceedingly faint traces of microscopical revolving strie.
Length, 0.40 inch; breadth, 0.20 inch; apical angle convex, divergence
40°. ©
Among recent species, this may .be compared with L. humilis, and
the several forms regarded by Mr. Binney as varieties of that species. It
is a decidedly more slender shell, with a less expanded aperture and less
developed inner lip than Mr. Binney’s figure (p. 63, fig. 99, Land and
Fresh Water Shells) of an authentic specimen of that species. It agrees,
however, more nearly in form with some of those figured by Mr. Binney
as varieties of L. humilis, but still differs from them all in other details.
Locality and position—Same as last. By some oversight, in first describ-
ing this species, the locality was wrongly given as Ham’s Fork, latitude 41°
40’ north, longitude 110° 10’ west.
SPECIES OF UNDOUBTED TERTIARY AGE.
MOLLUSCA.
LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.
CYRENIDA.
Genus SPHARIUM, Scopoli.
SPHARIUM RUGOSUM, Meek. ’
~ Plate 16, figs. 2,2 a, and 2b.
Spherium rugosum, Meek (1870), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., Ap., 56.
Shell above medium size, rather gibbous, thick, quadrato-suborbicular
in outline, the length being a little greater than the height; greatest con-
vexity slightly above the middle; anterior margin more or less regularly
rounded; base semi-elliptic or sub-semicircular in outline; posterior margin
UNDOUBTED TERTIARY SPECIES. 183
generally a little wider than the anterior, and faintly subtruncated, with an
anterior slope; dorsal outline rounding into the anterior and posterior ‘mar-
gins, but more regularly into the former. Beaks not eroded, nearly cen-
tral, rather prominent, and incurved, but not oblique. Surface ornamented
by sharply-defined, often elevated, concentric striz, separated by rounded
furrows, in which very minute lines of growth may be seen under a magni-
fier; the elevated concentric strive becoming more regular, coarser, more
distantly separated, and more prominent on the umbones. Cardinal margin
and lateral teeth comparatively stout.
Length of largest specimen, 0.34 inch; height, 0.30 inch; convexity, 0.28
inch. ;
The most marked characteristics of this species are its quadrato-
suborbicular, rather gibbous form, very nearly central beaks, and particu-
larly its sharply elevated, concentric strie, growing stronger, more
prominent, and more distantly separated on the umbones, until near the
points of the same they often assume the character of sharp, raised plica-
tions. In some of the smaller specimens, these raised, rather distantly
separated, stronger striz extend over nearly the whole surface; while in
others they pass gradually into mere irregular lines of growth on most of
the surface, occasionally separated by wider furrows.
In form, this species is very similar to the existing S. Vermontanum of
Prime, with which it also agrees nearly in size. It is more regularly
rounded in front, however, and has stouter lateral teeth; while its concen-
tric, raised strize and impressed sulcations are generally larger and grow
more distinct on the umbones than below, instead of the reverse. In this
latter character of marking, it agrees more nearly with S. awreum, Prime,
from which, however, it differs entirely in form.
Locality and position—Fossil Hill, Kaw-soh Mountains, Nevada; in a
white calcareous matrix of Tertiary age.
e
SPH@RIUM? IDAHOENSE, Meek.
” Plate 16, fig. 1 and 1a.
Spheerium ? Idahoense, Meek (1870), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., Ap., 57.
Shell attaining a large size, moderately convex, rather thick in propor-
tion to size, orbicular-subovate in outline, being wider in front than pos-
184 PALM ONTOLOGY.
teriorly; anterior margin regularly rounded; base semi-ovate in outline; pos-
terior margin somewhat narrowly rounded below and sloping forward above;
dorsal margin short; beaks placed in advance of the middle, a little com-
pressed, and directed obliquely forward and inward; surface marked by
concentric striz and furrows; lateral teeth stout.
Length, 0.98 inch; height, about 0.92 inch; convexity, about 0,54 inch.
The specimens of this shell are not in a very good state of preserva-
tion, being, with one exception, internal casts, and this one only retains a
part of the shell. They certainly differ, however, from the last not only in
their much larger size, but in being less nearly equilateral, more produced,
and rather more narrowly rounded posteriorly, as well as proportionally less
convex. The internal casts have the umbonal region from a little above
the middle of the valves compressed. Some of these casts show a few
rather distinct, broad, irregular, concentric undulations that were doubtless
more strongly defined on the exterior of the valves.
None of the specimens of this shell show the hinge very clearly; but,
from its large size and thickness, I was at first inclined to believe it a Cyrena
or a Corbicula. Impressions in the matrix, however, show that its lateral
teeth are not striated, nor of the form seen in the latter genus. Possibly I
should call it Cyrena Idahoensis ; as its pallial line is certainly simple, how-
ever, and not sinuous, as in most of the American living species, and, so
far as known, in nearly all the fossil Cyrenas and Corbiculas of this con-
tinent, I have concluded to place it provisionally in the genus Spherium
until better specimens can be obtained for study.
Locality and position—Same as last, and from same formation at Castle
Creek, Idaho.
UNIONIDA.
Genus UNIO, Retzius.
Unio HAYDENI, Meek.
Plate 16, figs. 3, 3 a, and 3 b. ‘
Onio Haydeni, Meek (1860), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., XII, 312; and (1876) in
Col. Simpson’s Report Expl. across the Great Basin of Utah, 364, pl. v, figs.
11 a, b.
Shell rather small, or of nearly medium size, elliptic-subovate, rather
UNDOUBTED TERTIARY SPECIES. 185
more than once and a half as long as high, moderately convex, the greatest
convexity being usually slightly above and in advance of the middle; ante-
rior end rounded; posterior end more or less regularly rounded, being
usually most prominent a little below the middle; basal margin forming a
semi-elliptic curve; dorsal outline somewhat straightened, or slightly convex,
along the central region, and rounding into the anterior and posterior mar-
gins, but more abruptly to the former; beaks much depressed and incon-
spicuous, located about half-way between the middle and the anterior
margin; hinge equaling about two-thirds the length of the valves; lateral
teeth rather long and nearly straight; cardinal teeth unknown. Surface
smooth, excepting small strie of growth.
Length, 1.60 inches; height, 1 inch; convexity, 0.64 inch.
This species is mainly characterized by its regular, nearly elliptic out-
line, inconspicuous beaks, and smooth surface. Its shorter and more elliptic
form, and especially. its smooth umbones, will at once distinguish it from
both of the Bear River species. I have sometimes suspected that this shell
might possibly be the same figured and described by Professor Hall, in
Frémont’s Report, page 307, plate iii, fig. 1 (not fig. 2), under the name Mya
tellinoides. Still, that figure seems to represent a shell with a more atten-
uated posterior and more prominent beaks. At any rate, it may be regarded
as extremely improbable that the figure cited, if correctly drawn, repre-
sents a shell even nearly related to Mya; and, although not agreeing exactly
with any of the known Uniones from that region, it very probably represents
a species of that genus. I greatly regret not having an opportunity to com-
pare our western fresh-water shells with those figured in Frémont’s Report,
the types of which are in Albany, N. Y. I saw them all many years back;
but, net being at that time interested in the study of such forms, I retained
no very distinct recollection of their specific characters, while the published
description is too brief to aid one much in identifying them.
Locality and pposition—The typical specimens of this species were
brought by Colonel Simpson from a whitish limestone, containing great
numbers of Goniobasis Simpsoni, at Ham’s Fork, near Fort Bridger, Wyom-
ing Territory. Dr. Hayden has also obtained specimens of it from near the
same locality. It belongs to the Bridger Group of the Tertiary series.
186 PAL ONTOLOGY.
GASTEROPODA. j
LIMN AND As.
Genus ANCYLUS, Geoffroy.
ANCYLUS UNDULATUS, Meek.
Plate 17, figs. 12 a and 12 dD.
Ancylus undulatus, Meek (1870), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sei. Philad., 57.
Shell thin, attaining a very large size, elliptic-oval in outline, being
sometimes slightly widest a little in advance of the middle; apex much ele-
vated, pointed, curved backward, and placed about half-way between the
middle and the posterior margin; posterior slope concave; lateral slopes
nearly straight; anterior slope distinctly convex. Surface marked with fine,
rather obscure lines of growth, and strong, comparatively large, concentric
undulations, most distinct and regular on the anterior slope, where there are
sometimes very obscure traces of about three radiating ridges.
Length of the largest specimen seen, 0.67 inch; breadth of the same,
0.54 inch; height, 0.35 inch.
The specimens show some variation in their proportions, as well as in
the regularity and distinctness of the undulations; the largest individual
from which the above measurements were taken being proportionally .a
little wider and more elevated than some of the smaller ones, while its
undulations are less distinctly and regularly defined. As there are various
gradations, however, in these characters, I am at present inclined to regard
them as mere individual modifications of one species.
Owing to the thinness of the shell, the undulations are often quite well
defined on internal casts, particularly along the anterior slope.
The only North American recent species with which I am acquainted
that approaches this in size is the A. Newberry, described by Dr. Lea, from
California. From this, the species under consideration differs in having its
apex nearer the posterior, and much more pointed and curved backward.
The undulations of its anterior slope also give the shell quite a different
appearance.
Locality and position—Fossil Hill, Kaw-soh Mountains, Nevada.
UNDOUBTED TERTIARY SPECIES. 187
Genus CARINIFEX, Binney.
Subgenus VORTICIFEX,* Meek.
(Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., Ap., 1870, £9.)
This type differs from Carinifex proper in having no traces of the
revolving carinze seen on the typical species of that genus, and in having
very strongly defined coste of growth on young examples. It is also a
thicker shell, with a smaller umbilicus. The first of the following species
is regarded as the type of the subgenus. ‘The group seems to be related to
Choanomphalus, Gerstfeldt; but, as that genus was founded on minute or very
small shells, quite similar to Valvata, it is not very probable that our type
is congeneric. ;
CARINIFEX (VORTICIFEX) BINNEYI, Meek.
Plate 17, figs. 11, 1l a.
Carinifex Binneyi, Meek (1870), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., 59.
Shell attaining a large size, depressed-subglobose in form; spire scarcely
rising above the body-whorl; umbilicus large, but rapidly contracting
within; volutions about three and a half, increasing very rapidly in size ;
those of the spire a little convex; last one forming more than nine-tenths
the entire bulk of the shell, widest above, and produced below so as to form a
prominent ridge, or subangular margin around the widely-excavated umbili-
cal region; all without revolving carine; aperture large, obovate, being
widest above and narrowed abruptly to a subangular termination below ;
lip remarkably oblique, apparently very slightly reflexed, and strongly
produced forward above. Surface marked with extremely oblique lines of
growth, which apparently sometimes form little regular costze.
Height, 0.59 inch; breadth, 1 inch; height of aperture, about 0.50 inch;
breadth of aperture, 0.54 inch.
This species differs too widely in nearly all of its characters to require
comparison with C. Newberry, the typical and only known living species
-of true Carinifex, which it also exceeds in size.
All of the specimens of this species in the collection are incrusted by a
laminated, smooth, calcareous deposit that has to be removed before the sur-
* This name was wrongly printed Vortifer in the Proceedings of the Academy.
188 PAL ONTOLCGY.
face-marking can be seen. This is continuous over the suture, and covers
all the volutions of the spire. At first, I was inclined to think that it might
have been secreted by the mantle of the animal enveloping the whole shell;
but further examinations have led to the conclusion that it is more probably
merely an inorganic incrustation precipitated over the surface after the death
of the animal, as some of the other types from the same beds are similarly
covered.
This shell approaches the aspect of the typical form of the genus
Carinifex, but still wants the characteristic carine of that type.
Locality and position—Same as last.
CARINIFEX (VORTICIFEX) TRYONI, Meek.
Plate 17, figs. 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 ¢.
Carinifex ( Vorticifex) Tryoni, Meek (Ap., 1870), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., 59:
Carinifex ( Vorticifex) Tryoni var. concava, Meek, ib.
Shell depressed-subglobose, approaching subdiscoidal, the spire being
much depressed. Volutions four and a half to five, increasing rather rap-
idly in size; those of the spire slightly convex; last one sometimes becoming
a little concave on the upper slope near the aperture, and more or less ven-
tricose below, the most prominent part being near the rather small, deep
umbilicus, into which its inner side rounds abruptly; all the whorls rounded
on the outer side, and without any traces of carinz or revolving markings;
suture well defined; aperture rather large, subcircular, its height being to its
breadth about as 29 to 34; lip sharp, oblique, and produced forward above,
faintly sinuous at the middle of the outer side, as well as at the inner side
of the base, where it is a little thicker. Surface ornamented with small,
distinct, regular ridges, and much finer lines of growth, running parallel
to the very oblique outline of the lip.
Height, 0.35 inch; breadth, 0.64 inch; height of aperture, 0.29 inch;
breadth of aperture, 0.34 inch.
This shell differs from the foregoing species in its smaller size, more
rounded, less rapidly enlarging whorls,more prominent spire, and less exca-
vated umbilical region. It evidently varies considerably in form and sur-
face-markings, some of the specimens being proportionally more ventricose,
or, in other words, have the body-volution, and consequently the aperture,
UNDOUBTED TERTIARY SPECIES. 189
higher in proportion to breadth than the others, while more or less difference
in the elevation or depression of the spire is observable. The most marked
differences, however, are to be observed in the character of the surface-
markings. Yet, since proposing for it a dictinct name, more critical com-
parisons lead me to suspect that it may be only the young form, or the
inner volutions of the last.
Another form, which I described as C. Tryoni var. concava, in the Pro-
ceedings of the Academy, cited above, has the spire depressed below the
top of the body-whorl, so as to be a little concave. This may possibly be
a distinct species, but it agrees so nearly with the typical C. Tryoni in
nearly all other respects that I am inclined to regard it as a mere variety
of this shell. It is represented by fig. 10 ¢ of plate 17.
Locality and position.—F ossil Hill, Kaw-soh Mountains, Nevada; Tertiary.
Genus PLANORBIS, Guttard.
PLANORBIS SPECTABILIS, Meek.
Plate 17, figs. 13, and 13 a, b, ¢, d, e, f.
Planorbis spectabilis, Meek (1860), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., XII, 312; and
(1876) in Col. Simpson’s Report Expl. across the Great Basin of Utah, 366, pl.
v, figs. 7 a-d.*
Shell rather large, discoidal, concave above and below, but more deeply
below than above; volutions about six, increasing gradually in size, gen-
erally a little higher than wide, rounded on the periphery, more narrowly
rounded below, and convex but more depressed above; each about half
enveloped below, and near one-fourth above, by the succeeding turn. Sur-
face and aperture unknown.
Greatest breadth, 0.80 inch; height, 0.26 inch; section of outer volu-
tion, 0.23 inch wide by 0.26 inch in hight.
Since describing this shell under the above name, I have suspected that
it may possibly be only a large variety, or more fully developed P. con-
volutus, M. & H. It has much the same form; but, as the types were found
at widely different localities, and apparently at different horizons, I do not
feel sure that they can be properly united under one specific name.
Locality and position.—The specimen figured was found by Colonel
Simpson on Ham’s Fork, Wyoming.
*These figures were drawn from better specimens than those here illustrated.
190 PAL ONTOLOGY.
PLANORBIS SPECLABILIS var. UTAHENSIS, Meek.-
Plate 17, figs. 14, 14 a, 14 b, and 14 ¢.
Planorbis Utahensis, Meek (1860), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phitad., XII, 314; and
(1876) in Col. Simpson’s Report Expl. across the Great Basin of Utah, 365, pl.v,
figs. 8 a, b, ¢.
Shell large, discoidal; upper side nearly flat, or sometimes slightly
concave in the middle; periphery rather narrowly rounded or subangular;
umbilicus moderately large, rather deep; volutions five and a half to six,
increasing gradually in size, wider than high, and moderately convex both
above and below, each about one-half enveloped on the under side, and less
than one-fourth on the upper, by the next succeeding turn. Surface and
aperture unknown.
Greatest breadth of a large specimen, about 1.19 inches; height, 0.35
inch.
This form is much like the last, but differs in having a deeper umbil-
icus, and proportionally wider volutions, which are generally distinctly
wider than high, instead of the reverse. It seems to be quite similar to P.
rotundatus of Brongniart, from the Paris Basin; but none of the specimens ~
show any traces of the angle around the under side of the volutions, gener-
ally seen in that shell, as illustrated by Deshayes in the supplement to his
great work on the fossils of the Paris Basin. Among our known recent
' American species, it is perhaps most nearly represented by P. subcrenatus
of Carpenter, from Oregon; but it evidently shows a greater number of
volutions on the upper side, and certainly seems not to have had as strong
marks of growth as that shell. It is true the specimens are all casts; but it
seems scarcely probable that if it had ever possessed these lines there would
have been no traces of them left.
The type-specimens of this form certainly have much more depressed and
proportionally wider volutions than the last; and if we could be quite sure
that this is not, at least in part, due to-accidental pressure, there would be
scarcely any reason for doubting that it is specifically distinct.
The form referred to this species by Dr. White, in his report on Lieu-
tenant Wheeler’s collections, plate xx1, fig. 8, seems to me to agree more
nearly with the last.
UNDOUBTED TERTIARY SPECIES. 191
Locality ané position.— Ham's Fork, near Fort Bridger, Bridger beds
of the Wyoming Territory ; collections of Colonel Simpson’s expedition, in
Museum of the Smithsonian Institution; Tertiary. Dr. Hayden’s party
have also brought this shell from the same region.
Genus LIMN ZA, Lamarck.
Limn 2A (LIMNOPHYSA) VETUSTA, Meek.
Plate 17, figs. 4, 4 a, and 4 b.
Limnea vetusta, Meek (1860), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., XIII, 314; and (1876)
in Col. Simpson’s Report Expl. across the Great Basin of Utah, 365, pl. v,
figs. 3 a, Db.
Shell small, elongate-subovate, or subfusiform; spire moderately prom-
inent, conical, scarcely as long as the aperture; volutions five and a half to
six, compressed-convex; last one not very ventricose, sometimes almost sub-
cylindrical; suture well defined, with comparatively little obliquity; surface
showing only obscure lines of growth; aperture very narrow, subovate;
columella with a moderately distinct fold.
Length, 0.56 inch; breadth, 0.26 inch.
Among existing species this may be compared with L. decidiosa of Say,
some varieties of which it quite nearly resembles. Its body-volution, how-
ever, is less ventricose, and its aperture less expanded, than we see in any
of the several forms that have been supposed to be varieties of that species.
It is perhaps more nearly allied to some of the real or supposed varieties
of L. humilis, Say; though not exactly agreeing with any of them. It varies
much in form. :
Locality and position—Ham’s Fork, near Fort Bridger; Colonel Simp-
son’s collection, in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution; Tertiary.
LIMN ZA SIMILIS, Meek.
Plate 17, figs. 3 and 3 a.
Limnea similis, Meek (1860), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., XII, 314; and (1876) in
Col. Simpson’s Report Expl. across the Great Basin of Utah, 365, pl. v,
figs. 2 a, b.
Shell small, narrow-subovate, approaching subfusiform; spire rather
prominent, nearly as long as the aperture; volutions five and a half to six,
convex; suture rather deep and oblique; surface showing only fine, obscure
192 PAL ONTOLOGY.
hnes of growth, scarcely visible without the aid of a lens; aperture subovate,
rather narrowly rounded below, and acutely angular above; columella
twisted into a moderately prominent fold.
Length, 0.39 inch; breadth, 0.19 inch; apical angle slightly convex,
divergence about 38°.
This variable form is so closely allied to the last that I am nearly satisfied
that it is only a variety of the same. Its chief difference consists in having the
volutions of its spire a little more-convex, and more drawn out, as it were,
so as to give decidedly greater obliquity to the suture. It seems to be even
more nearly allied to some of the more slender forms regarded by Mr. Binney
as varieties of L. humilis of Say; though it is a decidedly more attenuated,
less compact shell than that represented by Mr. Binney’s figure of L. humilis,
given on p. 63 of his “Land and Fresh-Water Shells”, published by the
Smithsonian Institution. There is scarcely any probability, however, that
our shell is identical with any of the existing species.
Locality and position—Same as last. Colonel Simpson’s collection, in the
Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.
LimnZA (POLYRHYTIS) Kineu, Meek.
Shell ovate; spire short; volutions about four, convex, rapidly increas-
ere Fie? ing in size, last one very large and ventricose; suture
well defined; aperture large, subovate; columella appar-
ently with a moderately well-developed fold; surface
ornamented by régular, distinct, vertical cost, that are
» strongly defined on the body-volution, but more obscure
or nearly obsolete on the spire.
Linnea Kingis. Length, 0.73 inch; breadth, about 0.43 inch.
Fig. 6. A side-view, with
outer lip restored.
Fig. 7. A slightly different Ornamented by very regular, vertical coste, quite
view of same (nat. size).
This species is remarkable for having its surface
strongly defined on its body-volution. This character
will readily distinguish it from any other species, either recent or fossil,
known to me, and, with its other characters, forbid its reference to any of
the established subgenera. In the possession of ribs, it agrees with Pleu-
UNDOUBTED TERTIARY SPECIES. 193
rolimnea, but it differs extremely in form from that type. I have therefore
proposed for its reception a new subgenus under the name Polyrhytis.*
[have seen but a single specimen of this shell, consisting of a well-defined
mould, from which a gutta-percha cast has been taken, and from this the
figures and description were prepared. The specific name is given in honor
of Clarence King, esq., the Geologist-in-charge of the Survey of the Fortieth
Parallel.
Locality and position—Cache Valley, Utah; Tertiary, probably of
Miocene age.
CERIPHASIID A.
Genus GONIOBASIS, Lea.
GoNIOBASIS SimMPSONI, Meek.
Plate 17, figs. 7, 7 a; 7 6, 7 c,and7 d.
Melania Simpsoni, Meek (1860), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., XII, 313.
Goniobasis ? Simpsoni, Meek (1866), in Conrad’s Smithsonian Check-List, 12; and (1876)
in Col: Simpson’s Report Expl. across the Great Basin of Utah, 365, pl.v, figs.
latole.
Shell attaining nearly a medium size, elongate-conical ; spire gradually
tapering apparently to an acute apex, which is not eroded; volutions eight
or nine, flattened or more or less convex, increasing gradually and regu-
larly in size; last one rounded below; suture generally linear, and some-
times presenting a very slightly banded appearance, or becoming deeper as
the volutions assume a more convex outline. Surface ornamented with
more or less distinct, regular little vertical, or slightly arched cost, which
are crossed by small, often obscure, revolving, raised lines, usually largest
and most widely separated on the lower half of the body-volution ; cost
sometimes assuming a very faintly nodose appearance around the middle
of the volutions. Aperture rhombic-subovate, and a little oblique, slightly
sinuous at the base of the columella; outer lip somewhat sinuous above,
and moderately prominent below.
Length of a mature specimen, 0.78 inch; breadth, about 0.30 inch;
* This subgenus bears the same relations to Limnewa proper, that Costella, Dall,
bears to the typical forms of Physa. It was first proposed by the writer in the Palont.
Upper Mo., 532, 1876.
13 PR
194 PAL ONTOLOGY.
angle of spire nearly or quite regular, divergence somewhat variable, but
usually about 26°.
This species seems to be very variable, particularly in its ornamenta-
tion. On some specimens, both the costz and the revolving lines are quite
distinct, while, in others, one or the other, or both, become more obscure, or
nearly obsolete. Sometimes the costz are rather closely arranged, and in
other specimens they are proportionally a little larger and more widely
separated. Occasionally they are somewhat more prominent, or even assume
a minutely nodular appearance, around the middle of the volutions of the
spire and above the middle of the last turn (see fig. 7d). Where the cost
fade away, they sometimes, especially on the body-volution, merely pass
into coarse, irregular lines of growth. The volutions also vary in their
convexity, being sometimes flattened on a line with the slope of the spire,
so as to show a merely linear suture (see fig. 7 a), and, in other examples,
they are more convex. In one specimen in the collection, the volutions are
decidedly convex. This specimen also has the revolving lines and the
coste very nearly obsolete, though small, obscure, closely-arranged coste
are seen near the upper part of the spire, and the rather strong lines of
growth on the body-volution show a tendency to gather into a few irregular
folds, or coste. (See fig. 7c.)
There are also in the various Tertiary beds of Wyoming forms more
or less nearly like this, ranging through a great thickness of strata, and
varying so much as to be with great difficulty separated from each other.
In regard to their exact relations to the shell here figured, and to each
other, as well as to two species figured by Professor Hall in Frémont’s
report, and one by Mr. Conrad in the Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., from
this region, I have not been able to arrive at any very satisfactofy con-
clusion. Our specimens, however, certainly look very unlike Professor
Hall’s figures of the species described by him.
This species resembles more or less nearly several of the existing
western forms; but, after careful comparisons, I have been unable to
identify it with any of them. Its specific name was given in honor of
Col. J. H. Simpson, of the United States Topographical Corps, who brought
the typical specimens from the Far West.
UNDOUBTED TERTIARY SPECIES. 195
Locality and position—Ham’s Fork, near Fort Bridger, Wyoming Ter-
ritory, from the Bridger group Tertiary ; Colonel Simpson’s collections, in
the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.
MELANIID.
Genus MELANIA, Auct.
MELANIA ? SCULPTILIS, Meek.
Plate 17, fig. 8.
Melania (Goniobasis ?) sculptilis, Meek (1870), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., 58.
Compare Melania Taylori, Gabb (1869), Paleont. California, II, 13, pl. 2, fig. 21.
Shell of medium size, conoid-subovate; spire more or less elongate-
conical, with convex slopes, the apical angle being greater in the young
than in the adult, not eroded at the apex; volutions six to seven, rather dis-
tinctly convex; suture strongly channeled; aperture ovate, a little oblique,
rather narrowly rounded below; lip sharp, most prominent below the
. middle, and slightly sinuous at the lower inner side. Surface elegantly
ornamented by numerous, very regularly disposed, slightly flexuous or sig-
moid, vertical costz,* which are crossed by equally distinct and regular
spiral ridges, about four of which may be counted on each volution of the
spire (excepting those near the apex, which are smooth), and eight to ten
on the last turn, on the under half of which they are most strongly defined ;
minute lines of growth may also be seen by the aid of a magnifier; coste
slightly nodulous at the points where they are crossed by the little revolv-
ing ridges. :
Length, 0.62 inch; breadth, 0.27 inch.
This is a neat species, remarkable for its sharply-defined and very regular
cancellated style of sculpturing. The vertical costze are equally well defined
on all the volutions, excepting those near the apex, and on the under side
of the last one; while the revolving lines, or ridges, become a little more
distinct on the lower part of the body-turn. Although there are nearly
always four of these revolving ridges on the volutions above the last one,
in a few examples as many as six may be counted on these turns; but this
is due to the intercalation of a smaller one between two of the others, and
* These are represented too straight on the figure.
196 PALF ONTOLOGY.
the exposure of another above the suture that is usually hidden beneath it
by each succeeding turn.
Among the existing American species, this seems to be most nearly
represented by G. Albanyensis, Lea. Mr. Tryon, to whom I sent a specimen,
of it, thinks it resembles some Asiatic species of Melania, and that it may
possibly belong to that genus, and not to Goniobasis.
Since publishing a description of this shell under the name Melania
(Goniobasis?) sculptilis, I have been led to suspect that it may not be distinct
from Melania Taylori of Gabb, described in the California Report from the
same region. Mr. Gabb’s type seems to be much more slender and
elongated, however, especially if his restored outline of the wanting part of
its spire is nearly correctly drawn. Still, our types may be only young
specimens of the same, as they are much smaller. I remember that there
were with them a few larger casts and imperfect specimens from the same
locality, so coated over with a calcareous deposit that their characters could
not be made out. These agree more nearly in size and form with Mr. °
Gabb’s type.
Locality and position — Kaw-soh Mountains, Nevada; Tertiary.
MELANIA ? SUBSCULPTILIS, Meek.
Plate 17, fig. 9.
Melania (Goniobasis ?) subsculptilis, Meek (1870), Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., 58.
Shell apparently less than a medium size; spire conical, with convex
slopes; apex pointed, not eroded; volutions about seven and a half, flat-
tened-convex; suture channeled; aperture ovate, slightly oblique, rather
abruptly rounded below; margin of lip most prominent below the middle,
and faintly sinuous on the lower inner side. Surface ornamented by small,
regular, slightly sigmoid, vertical coste, with an obscure revolving ridge
just below, and a slight angle above the suture, to which prominences the
cost impart a somewhat crenated appearance; last turn marked with a few
distinct, revolving, raised lines, strongest on the lower half. .
Length, 0.43 inch; breadth, 0.19 inch; length of aperture, 0.14 inch ;
breadth of same, 0.10 inch.
This form differs from the last by its smaller and more crowded cost,
‘UNDOUBTED TERTIARY SPECIES. 197
less convex whorls, and the absence of revolving ridges, or lines, excepting
on the body-volution, and the one just below and above the suture. As
in that form, its apical whorls are smooth. The only good specimen of it
in the collection is smaller than the average size of those of the last, and
probably a young shell. I am now of the opinion that it is most probably
only a variety of that shell; but it may be distinct.
Locality and position.—Same as last.
=) hs
See
see hen oe
adi as hie cat Recah oacl eit ail
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er t
ey TMi
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avd
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ey ’
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Fig
Fig. 3. RaPHISTOMA? TROCHISCUS
. 1. OPHILETA COMPLANATA, tar. NANA..-.-..-------
.2. RAPHISTOMA? ROTULIFORMIS
ig. 4. CONOCORYPHE KINGII. Upper view, natural size
PiArt ak:
1. An upper view of a specimen, natural size, as seen Jying iu the matrix.
la. The same, enlarged. y
1b. Profile view, enlarged.
2. View of upper side, natural size.
2a. Profile view of: same.
2b. Under side of same, magnified. [In the specimen, the umbilicus is filled with rock,
though its subangular margins are exposed. ]
3. Upper side, natural size.
- 3a. Profile.
3b. Under side, enlarged. [The umbilicus is filled with rock in the specimen, but its
margin is clearly seen. ]
{The specimen is accidentally compressed so as to spread cut the posterior extremities of
the cephalic shield more than is natural. Broken edges of the crust are also in
the figure wrongly made to look like small nodes at the ends of the segments of
the mesial lobe.]
Fig. 5. PaRADOXIDES ? NEVADENSIS. Shows upper side of a part of thorax and pygidium ---. .--.
Fig. 6. Favostres (undt. sp.)
Fig. 10. Prasrus DENTICULATUS
Vig. 11. DALMANITES (undt. sp.) ..---..----.
.7. ATRYPA RETICULARIS....
ig. 8. EDMONDIA? PINONENSIS..----. ~--
fo) SPIRIBER EXNONENSIS® occ a= 2 oe one ori = meee = ee ee em eee) ne
oa
7. Dorsal view.
7a. Side view.
8. Side view of a large specimen, natural size.
8a. Opposite view of a smaller specimen.
9. Dorsal view, natural size.
9a. Profile view of same.
9b. Ventral view of same.
10. The glabella embedded in the matrix (enlarged two diameters).
ld a. Pygidium, enlarged two diameters.
10 b, One of the thoracic segments seen in profile (enlarged two diameters).
11. A monld of the pygidinm.
lla. Another specimen of same.
18
19
20
46
45
49
_
v5)
U 5 Geol. Expl. 40 Parallel - Silurian and Devonian Plate I
o. Geol. xpi. 40 Fe
J. Bien ith
HW. Elliott del
_—
Ss
“*
adits, Aix
oF
Lar)
’
pin * ‘sa ce
Fig. 2.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 6.
Fig. ae
Fig. 8
Fig. 9.
ds Aten Eas
+ PTECHOPHYEGUAL INUUNDIBULUM: «oe a. Seen. sens see oe ee ee eee ee ee
1. A longitudinal section, showing the depth of the calice, with the unfundibuliform
plates, and apparences of a columella.
la. An upper view of another specimen.
1b, A side view of a third specimen.
CYATHOPUMITUNT PAR MORE << semaines cis we See cele enemies Seen ee eee ee een eee eeee
View of upper side, showing the young corallites ut places growipg in the middle of the
calices of the old.
WA VOSITES SPOLYMORPHA YT. 2 ac se Soba. Sock or eee eae ea cae OE een Gee eee
DIPBHYPHYLLUM TASCICULUM. .... .-.--- =---- SUE Shee cet atts Seen’ seme ae ae ee
4. Aside view of a bundle of the corallites, imperfect at both ends, and showing them
to coalesce at intervals.
4a. A longitudinal section of one of same, enlarged, showing the wide inner area occupied
by broad, slightly arching tabula (without any traces of a columella), and the
very narrow, outer vesicular area.
4b. A transverse section of same, enlarged.
ACEEVULARTA BENTAGONA". 522 ocven sa gcen as cannasjeans seems eater sens) ene aeeeeee
5. View of upper side, showing corallites, natural size.
5a. A transverse section of a few of the corallites, enlarged.
SMEUHTATIMNNAHL 2 21. Snvenenons2 et eabice see estioeseeeeee nee eee ee et eee
6. View of surface, showing corallites, natural size.
6 a. Transverse section of same, enlarged.
ZA VE OLTRES CUE MILAMEDNAG 55.) oe cate facie aie hs Soe nee eaten eae meee ee eee eee
7. View of a flat, vertical, weathered section.
7a. A portion of same, polished and magnified, so as to show the num: rous, thin, crowded
tabulz, and the mural pores; the latter being seen through the transparent
calcareous matter filling the interior.
7b. A transverse section of the same, showing the forms of the corallites, magnified.
ORTROCERAS KANGIL A. oars 02202 ee waite Saco OR ae yee cee ee REE = or ee ene ee
ORTHOCERAS (uidt.ep:) i. 22. cas Sd. ss Sete Sas eee ee eee ee eee
sey
27
29
31
32
47
48
‘taupe
8 UNL
~
(
Devonian
ra) ERAS q : :
L.
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.
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Fig. 1. SprrirFEr UTAHENSIS..-- - Seen oo Soa
1. Au antero-ventral view, natural size.
la. Dorsal view of same specimen.
1b. A side view of a smaller specimen. :
le. A cardinal view of another specimen, showing area and foramen.
1d. Cardinal view of the ventral valve of the largest specimen seen.
le. Au antero-ventral view of same.
Fig. 2. HeEMIPRONITES CUEMUNGENSIS, var. ARCTOSTRIATA
2. View of ventral valve, with an oblique view of area.
Fig. 3. SprrIFER ENGELMANNI
3. A cardinal view, showing area and foramen.
3a. A side view of same.
3b. Dorsal view of same.
3c. An antero-ventral view.
3d. A ventral view of another specimen apparently of this species.
3 e. Dorsal view of last.
Fig. 4. SPIRIFER ARGENTARIUS
4. * * id
* *
eS
- 4
... ease cleo, See neck oe Spogscas 73
4. A-side view.
4a. Ventral view, with ears partly broken away.
Big OS OrRINERINA (UNG. BD; ) c+, -ohcus veneer smeee Se eRe wins se eOnin toe. see mee ne Caeeee eee 84
5. Dorsal view of a specimen, with lateral extremities imperfect.
5a. Antero-ventral aspect of same.
5b. A side view of same.
Big G: ATOR SUBTILIS « s- Na. Seties 26. ee eailas, eee eee es on ose aes See Steee feaesk 83
6. Dorsal view. 4
Ga. An outline profile of same.
U.S. Geol. Expl. 40 Parallel Carboniferous Plate VII
J.Bien hth
re
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
PRAT a se.
; SPIRIRERUSCOBINAS. ~o4- ccc ot eien secs cacesa econ tee nce c sene sae niee tee eee eee
1. Dorsal view of a mature specimen, with the granules of the surface worn off.
1a. Side view of same.
1b. Ventral view of same.
le. A portion of the granular surface magnified.
1d. A cardinal view of a ventral valve, showing area and foramen.
SPIRIVER PADHY RIS? PERSINGATAY . smstieie concede Reere mens soem sicce Ruck ecaee Sete sew Se
4. An antero-ventral view, showing the profound sinus of the front.
4a. A dorsal view of same; a part of the shell being removed so as to show the
muscular scars.
4b. Side view of same, with beak and contiguous parts broken away.
i) GONTATUTES WGONIOLOBUB ue sn -- oie ne neice cated ci nseeee ease so euiane coe eweeceasesceheass
5.
7b. A mould of a larger individual in the rock.
7c. A mould of a small right valve of apparently the same.
7d. A cast of another specimen of same, differing a little in form.
91
82
81
98
r) a
arbomferou:
C
U.S. Geol. Expl. 40 Parallel
“ae
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
PEASE ok
. 1. MoDIOMORPHAY OVATA 25-2 20-21-25 s- -Seeee e == eee ae ceenteteco re weaker 103
1. Right valve; the specimen being a east of the outside.
la. A profile to show the convexity of same.
. 2. MODIOMORPHA? LATA. An external cast of a left valve ......----.-.---. ..---< RES oe 2, woe
stabs, EO TSGENAL (IGE. ps) m= etm me et a 98
3. Under valve.
3a. Same, enlarged two diameters, and showing more nearly the proper proportions.
4. SPHARA WHITNDY .2.-200556 00sec cet oe os cote aoceene ane eid nie olsen eee elletete a ate tle t
4. A left valve of a small specimen.
4a. An outline to show the convexity of same.
4b. A right valve of a larger specimen.
4c. A large individual apparently of the same species.
5. HaLosra LoMMELI. A slab of rock, with several imperfect valves, all being casts of the
RGN) SS See segs Sages aoesd obec ss csecosses= soon teécdecnecséSosmaoceancs 2+ 100
G, ARGCESTES IGABBI. 2% conic... sag) oes sewn cece Jemsneerine= ne weeesen esos aes sos Sees eee
6. A east of the interior, side view.
6a. Profile view of same. é
6b. An outline showing the lobes and sinuses of one of the septa from the umbilicus to
the siphonal lobe; taken from Mr. Gabb’s figure in the California Geological
Report.
. 7s CLIDONTIES SLEVIDORSADUB .c- 4-0 seas ocecer wer eee eee eae poner see eee ercomee ith
7. Aside view of the largest specimen in the collection,
7a. Profile of a smaller specimen of same.
8: ID ULOMOCHRAS MUAVIBEY so) oi atain elses icaslateinie cls aetevaisics =a iciee tone ee eat oe esrece cece 126
8. Aside view of an imperfect specimen,
8a. Profile of the same.
9! (GYMNOTOCERAS ROTRULIFORME,<.. = 2-2 02-6 eo ci- s-eleme iss spec eaes eee se Hee ee eee eee
9. Side view of an incomplete specimen, ‘
9a. Profile of same.
10) (GYMNOTOCERSS (BDAY =o cis - noises some mnie ome a eer ee ee eee
10 Side view of an incomplete specimen,
10a. Profile of same.
10 b, A smaller specimen.
10c. An outline of the lobes and sinuses, taken mainly from Mr. Gabb’s figure in the
California Geological Report. :
11. OrrHoceras BLaker? Merely fragments of a cast, showing none of the septa ...-.--.-. 104
}
;
4
t
:
;
0 Parallel
Af
rs
. Geot. Ext
ss
Fig.
Fig.
Fig. 3.
Fig.
PEAT hy exe
. TRACHYCERAS JUDICARICUM ..---. -----5 ---- 20 cone cece cane eee re one ene wenn seen wos
1. A peripheral or ventral view of an imperfect specimen.
la. A side view of same.
. TRACHYCERAS JUDICARICUM, var. SUBASPERUM ..---. .----. -- +--+ e222 eee ne tere cere tence
2. A-side view of an imperfect specimen.
2a. A peripheral or abdominal view of same.
2b. A view of the lobes and sinuses of the septa.
TRACHYCERAS WHITNEYL..-..-.---- ---- 22-02 22-2 eee een terre tee ete ne cree eens sans
HW. Entiott del
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
1
2
3
oo nron wo >
1
PAW Hes Vv:
GYRODES DEPRESSA Sooo se coe ae aoe eee Sees eee eee ee ate sleet te ia ee
1. Upper view of an internal cast.
1a. Side view of same.
L ANGHIURA ST KDSIRORMIS (tenes) ee eae eee ieee ieee eae ee eee eee = ae lee ee
2. External cast of a specimen with the apex of the spire broken away, and the outline
of the lip not clearly seen.
2a. A smaller specimen, with the lip and the extremity of the canal broken away.
. -CARDIUM CURTUM .-.----- 2-2-2 < ccc. ccc se ence cme mieen ene mee enn mee eee inn ee aan neenceaanseen
Left view of one-of the largest specimens, which is an internal cast.
GACARDIUM SUBCUR DUM ee seater cease eee eee eee ee eee ee eee
A small specimen, right side view.
. TELLINA MODESTA. Cast of left valve
. TELLINA? MODESTA. Cast of a larger left valve, possibly of this species....---..----.----
. TELLINA? ISONEMA. Left view of a cast of exterior ....-...--------- See So eee eee ee
. CYPRIMERIA? SUBALATA. Internal cast of left valve......-.-..----.-....---------------
. Mactra? Emmonsi. Cast of outside of left valve, two diameters
, TELLINA (ARCOPAGIA)? UTAHENSIS~ <-- ~~~ oo. nee oon es nn ees een
9. Cast of right valve.
9 a-b. Two other casts of right valves, differing somewhat in form, but probably belong-
ing to the same species.
0. OSTREA
10. Interior of an upper valve.
10a. Outer or upper side of same.
10 b. Interior of an under valve.
10 c. Ontside of same.
151
152
Plate XV.
retaceous
fe)
a)
U.S. Geol. Expl. 40 Parallel
ttn.
J. Bien
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
PEATE 2evV-E:
Page.
1. SPHBRIOM? TOAHOENSE 3.22 c-)2s 222s esos ees <5 eee oe eee ee oat eee ae eee eee 183
1. A specimen consisting mainly of an internal cast, with some portions of the shell .
remaining.
la. An outline to show the convexity of the same.
2. SPEERIUM: RUGOSUM «<<. 5 Jones cence see cetaetne seomeste oe or scceea cle seen sence one se eee 182
2. A rather small specimen, enlarged two diameters.
2a. A larger specimen, enlarged two diameters.
2b. An outline to show convexity, enlarged two diaieters.
305 WRU) 1B PSTD Rooso egoeco Sasa seSSec) Sasa s2aS ssoose ceseee eoasee sooco sce weg eee= S556 184
3. View of left valve.
3a. Same view of a larger specimen.
3b. Internal cast, showing an impression of the hinge.
AY UNIO BELLIPEICATUS: << secie coe ase ene eee asa sees Bea eHooSp se: See ea en eet ccg Gers sss 165
4. Left side of one of the larger specimens.
4a. Right view of a smaller individual of same.
9. UNIO! VETUSIUB << 2 se sets nein as oe coe se sie ste Sere esteem ce ee) —ialeia le alee eee eee eet 16
5. A young shell flattened by pressure, with a part of the posterior broken away.
( Original type of the species. )
5a, A large specimen, somewhat twisted over by oblique pressure, so as to hide the beaks.
5b. A dorsal view of same. .
5c. A smaller specimen of same.
6: CYRENA (VELORITINA) DURKEED 2-o<)02-5-- o-2ocs5- tao ee oes ise se eee eee coe eee 167
6. A medium-sized specimen.
6a. An anterior view of same, showing its unusually deep and well-defined lunule.
6b. A larger individual.
6c. A very gibbous, short variety.
6d. A dorsal view of same, showing the deep posterior dorsal concavity.
6e. A separate left valve, showing hinge.
6f. A small, depressed variety, or possibly a distinct species.
6g. An internal cast, showing muscular impression, and the slightly sinuous pallial line.
US. Geol, Exp]. 40Parallel * Cretaceous and Tertiary Plate XVI
J. Bien lth.
i Ar Be VOTE.
Page.
Fig. 1. CORBULA ENGELMANNI .. ~~~. ~~ 2-222 2 222 2 2 cee sees ene tone eens tenn eee cree sees 174 *
1. A large specimen, with a part of posterior extremity broken off.
la. The original typical specimen, enlarged two diameters.
Fig. 2. CORBULA PYRITORMIS -----~. .-- =<. 2222-2 02a ee renee (oes ene cones cee ees cones ewceee 170
2. A side view of a rather distinctly ribbed specimen, with a portion of its posterior
extremity broken away, natural size.
; 2a. The original typical specimen, smooth variety.
2b. An anterior view of same, showing its very nearly equivalve character.
g y eq
2¢. A very large, irregularly ribbed specimen, with the posterior extremity slightly
-_.- broken.
4 2d. A dorsal view of another specimen, slightly distorted by compression. It shows the
: posterior dorsal furrow and the angle along the margin of each valve.
j UNG Sis 1X07 IS) hi LT So eee SeeScr Cocses JGSecRcorsre Teas ERode ea SSeS COS oma AE A coeeie ena aoaE 191
3. LUTTE Ga BIS GOS OOD CEN UOUS GABE CU DOBDES ECOcaOue ESOS OB SaOCEUEEOUnE madaroiags
Leo}
ue)
=
4. A dorsal view, natural size.
; 4a. The same, somewhat enlarged.
4b. An opposite view of same, enlarged.
‘ IME Bs ILI ist POD MES Gop opesece Ssocraas sacccr PenDodiocTs SORE REESIDUOL ou seée Bee Hag SSeeBonene 181
5. Dorsal view, enlarged two diameters. [Inner lip not well showr.]
5a. An opposite view of same.
PPO WAST PHORUS-PRISCUS ne soo dace a> sae aes see eee ee Soe Oe ee es 2 no earootbos Canoepee 175
6. View of dorsal side (type-specimen).
. 6a. An opposite view of same, showing the narrow aperture, with a part of the lip
“broken away.
Thi. Ce COR TOBNE HS) SUMMHSORT pgncocsasher cescenbansa csonnigesayesch coded of SeusetesG0s7 os 200dn 193
7. One of the typical specimens, natural size, with apex broken away.
7a. A specimen without regular costa.
7b. An opposite view of same.
7c. A nearly smooth specimen. ‘
7d. A costate and slightly nodose specimen, enlarged about two diameters.
Fig. 8. MELANIA? CINE MRT aceasta sn Ok aa ne UR Ne, ae 195
Side and aperture view, enlarged about two diameters.
Fig. 9. MuLANIA? SUBSCULPTILIS; perhaps only a variety of last .-.-.... 2.222. 2.2025 ence cece ene 196
Side and aperture view, about two diameters.
iO Re SRINIHES ((VORTICIRES)) LRYONT: scons saceieneetnelnceine rir cata eeeneeeeree teeseseeerce: | S86
10. Side and aperture view, natural size. :
10a. View of upper side of same.
10 b. Under view of same.
10¢. A young, strongly costate specimen, with the apex much depressed, being the type
of the var. concava,
Big EO ARINII OX: (VGREICINES:) PB INN oie lem delnleelelsei= y= lane ielelelane meme eesti} | By
11. Side ard aperiure view, natural size.
lla. View of upper side of same.
Big. 12, ANCYLUS UNDULATUS..-- - << ----so-02 ee---- SRSEP eas Ose 2 Oc og CE Rh ep MES So nue E Aas 186
12. A medium-sized specimen, natural size, dorsal view.
12a. An outline lateral view of same.
120. An outline lateral view of a larger specimen, natural size,
3
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
13. PLANORBIS SPECTABILIS .--. ------ -----+ - eens co cwne seecee comes secee ASanosgasac .
13. A small specimen (under side view).
13a. A profile view of same.
13 b. An upper view of same
13. A profile view of a larger specimen.
13d. An upper view of a large distorted specimen.
13 e. View of under side of same.
13 f. An under view of a smaller specimen.
14. PLANORBIS SPECTABILIS, var. UTAHENSIS --.-----------+---- Aon mean saab ab eoteacce tonne =
14. Upper side, natural size.
14a. Under side, same.
14b. Upper side view of another specimen.
14c. Profile view of same specimen represented by fig. 14.
15. CAMPELOMA (undt. sp.) ----.--- GRE RO ee dee ee es Saar boosbo- qapeba oe mobosocoseerecor
15. A large, imperfect. specimen, somewhat distorted (widened) by compression (lines
of growth too strong and too straight), so as to appear rather wider than natural.
15a. An opposite view of same specimen.
16. Probably the young of the above species....-.-. .----- +--+ ---+ +--+ e222 -- +2 eee ee ener eee
16a. Another view of another specimen.
16 6. Another specimen, with the spire broken away.
17. CAMPELOMA MACROSPIRA? (young specimen). .....--.-----------------+ +--+ e--+ += 222+
17. A dorsal view.
17a. An opposite view of same.
18. VivIPARUS: CONRAD cee ces venee nee Sese eels) = see eee ee eae ae tee ai ieee
18. An imperfect specimen from Bear River, Utah.
18a, A specimen from the original locality on the Upper Missouri, figured here for com-
parison.
19; PYRGULIBERA HUMEROSA. 4 <6 socecn.
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. 211
Cephalic shield semicircular forward of the occipital line, the posterior
extremities extending in rather broad spines, which reach to the fifth or
sixth thoracic segment, and when in their normal condition are nearly
parallel to the axial lobe, but are usually spread out laterally by the flat-
tening of the head.
Glabella rather small, rounded-conical, narrowing gently from the
occipital furrow forward; front regularly rounded; surface depressed-con-
vex, marked by three pairs of transverse furrows, which extend rather more
than one-third of the distance across the glabella, and are strongly curved
backward at their inner ends; occipital furrow broad and shallow; occi-
pital ring narrow. Fixed cheeks narrow at the eye, separated from the
glabella by rather distinct furrows. Frontal limb long, about half as long
as the glabella, strongly and nearly equally concavo-convex; posterior
limb narrowly triangular, reaching about two-thirds of the width us the
movable cheeks.
Movable cheeks of moderate size, irregularly triangular, distinctly
notched at the inner angle for the reception of the eye-lobe; surface con-
vex, irregularly striated by very fine lines, which radiate from the base of
the eye-tubercle; marginal rim of moderate width, flattened, the flattening
extending upon the spine; occipital furrow well pronounced and reaching
to the inner margin of the posterior spine.
Suture-lines distant, cutting the anterior margin of the head with a
slightly inward curvature, leaving whe frontal limb nearly half as wide as
the entire width of the base of the head; thence directed gently inward,
with a slight curvature to the anterior angle of the eye, and, after passing
around the eye-tubercle is directed in a straight line to the posterior mar-
ein of the head, which it reaches at about two-thirds of the distance between
the glabella and outer margin of the cheek.
Eye distinct, slightly elevated, distinctly reniform, and about one-third
as long as the glabella and occipital ring.
Thorax considerably wider than long, distinctly trilobed, rather rapidly
tapering from the third or fourth segment posteriorly, and composed of
twelve segments. Axial lobe rather narrow and gradually tapering through-
out, scarcely equaling at its widest part one-fourth of the entire width of
bo
12 PALM ONTOLOGY.
the thorax; segments distinct, moderately elevated, slightly flattened, and,
on the older specimens, having obscure flattened tubercles at the outer
extremities ; lateral lobes convex, flattened on the inner half, and gradually
rounding on the outer portion, becoming flattened and slightly concave
toward the free ends of the pleura. Pleura straight for nearly one-half
iheir length, beyond which they are directed backward with an increasing
curvature to the free ends; furrows broad and deep, occupying nearly the
entire breadth of the pleura on the straight-portion, beyond which they are
narrowed, and become obsolete on the flattened part of the extremities.
Pygidium small, elliptical, the anterior and posterior margins nearly
equally rounded; outer angles obtuse; surface convex, strongly trilobed ;
axis not quite one-third of the entire width, prominently convex, and reach-
ing nearly to the posterior margin, marked by three rings exclusive of the
terminal ones; lateral lobes depressed-convex, marked by three pairs of
furrows, which are curved backward, and become obsolete before reaching
the margin.
This species differs from Conocephalites (Conocoryphe) Kingii Meek in
its broader form, proportionally wider axis, and smaller pygidium; im hay-
ing one less thoracic ring, a broader and less conical glabella; and in the
broader furrows of the pleura, as well as in several points of minor import-
ance. It also bears considerable resemblance to Loganellus Logani Devine
(Pal. Foss. Canada, vol. 1, pp. 200 and 201), but differs conspicuously in the
proportionally larger cephalic shield, larger cheek-spines, and in wanting
the extended extremities of the pleura, as in that species.
Formation and locality—tIn dark-colored limestone of the Potsdam
group, on the west side of Pogonip Mountain, and near French Mine,
White Pine District, Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) NITIDUS n. sp.
Plate II, figs. 8-10.
Glabella pyramidal, squarely truncate in front; lateral margins nearly
] d ) if y ? 5
straight; height above the occipital furrow less than the width at the base,
and the anterior end equal in width to the entire height, including the
occipital ring, separated from the fixed cheeks by well-defined, rather deep,
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. PAB:
dorsal furrows. Surface regularly convex, with a scarcely perceptible
angularity along the median line, which is seen only by the reflection of
light from the surface; glabellar furrows nearly obsolete, or the posterior
pair visible only on the most critical examination. Occipital furrow nar-
row, and the ring distinct and rounded.
Fixed cheeks rather narrow, prominent at the eye, and rapidly declin-
ing in front, and more especially to the antero-lateral angles of the frontal
limb; ocular ridges distinct. Frontal limb, including the narrow, elevated,
and rounded border, as long as the width of the anterior end of the glabella,
and strongly convex between the rim and glabella, from which point it
rapidly descends to the margin; very wide in front between the suture-
lines, and rapidly contracting to the eyes. Posterior lateral limbs triangu-
lar, their lateral extension greater than the width from the eye to the basal
border of the head. Eye-lobes small.
Facial sutures cutting the front margin considerably outside of the line
of the eye, the angles of the limb slightly rounded; from this point the line
is directed strongly inward to the eye, behind which it again passes outward
and downward to the posterior margin, making an angle of about thirty-five
degrees with the base of the head. Surface of the crust of the head smooth.
The pygidium associated with the glabellas in the same fragments of
rock is suborbicular or obscurely pentangular, slightly transverse; the
posterior margin regularly curved; junction of the anterior and posterior
lines forming obtuse angles; the anterior margin is also angular en the
shoulders. Axis small, convex, about two-thirds the length of the shield,
and marked by four annulations exclusive of the terminal ones; lateral lobes
flattened, broad, slightly convex on the inner half; anterior margin bordered
by a strong flattened rib, extending to the lateral angles; three other obscure
ribs mark the convex portion; border broad and flattened.
The species differs from any other herein described in the short, trun-
cate glabella, associated with the laterally-expanded frontal limb, and want
of glabellar furrows. There are none of the Wisconsin species which
approach it in the combination of these features. C. Jowensis is perhaps as
closely related as any, but the eyes are much larger, and the lateral limbs
very much longer and narrower. The pygidium has much the appearance
214 PALA ONTOLOGY.
of a Dikellocephalus ; but, as there is no other form of pygidium in the rock
containing the heads, it would seem to belong with them. :
Formation and locality—In limestone of the Potsdam group, at Eureka,
Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) GRANULOSUS 2. sp.
Plate I, figs. 2-3.
Glabella and fixed cheeks when united having a quadrangular form,
with projecting posterior lateral limbs, giving to the whole a somewhat
pyramidal form, with a broadly-truncated summit.
Glabella short-conical, somewhat rapidly tapering in front of the
occipital furrow, and squarely truncate at the summit; height equal to the
width at the occipital furrow; surface depressed-convex, and marked by
three pairs of very oblique furrows, the posterior pair extending nearly
across and almost uniting in the middle with the occipital furrow; anterior
pair very short and faint, situated near the anterior angles of the glabella;
second pair intermediate in size and position.
Fixed cheeks about half as wide as the center of the glabella, very
prominent in the region of the eye, and rapidly declining anteriorly and
posteriorly from this point; palpebral lobes long and narrow, rather distinct
and prominent. Frontal limb nearly half as long as the glabella anterior
to the occipital furrow, rapidly declining forward, and bordered by a
thickened rounded rim, which is equal to one third of the entire length of
the limb; the space between the glabella and the marginal rim is strongly
convex. Posterior lateral limbs triangular, once and a half as long as high;
ocular ridges existing in the form of an abrupt elevation, passing from the
front of the eye to the anterior furrow of the glabella; occipital furrow
strongly marked on the lateral limb.
Facial suture passing in a direct line from the eye to the anterior
margin, and from behind the eye obliquely backward to the posterior
margin of the head, forming an angle of about thirty degrees to the
occipital line.
Surface of the crust densely covered by rather coarse granules or pus-
tules.
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. 215
This species approaches more nearly to Conocephalites Shumardi Hall
(16th Rept. State Cab., p. 154, pl. 1, fig. 7, and pl. 8, fig. 2) than to any
other described species, but differs very conspicuously in the greater breadth
of the front of the head between the facial sutures. No other parts of the
organism have been detected. Although the fragments of rock containing
the heads are filled with Trilobitic remains, there are none showing the
granulose surface corresponding to this one; and, where the entire crust of
the head is so thickly covered with granules, it would seem natural to sup-
pose the other parts of the animal would be similarly marked.
Formation and locality—In compact limestone of the Potsdam group at
Eureka, Nevada. Collected by J. E. Clayton, esq.
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) MACULOSUS D. sp.
Plate U1, figs. 24, 25, and 267.
Glabella and fixed cheeks quadrangular; glabella rounded, conical, a little
higher than wide, and highly convex, prominent and gibbous along the
median line, marked by very oblique furrows, only two pairs of which show
upon the cast, except on critical examination, the anterior pair being very
obscure, and situated very near the anterior end of the glabella; middle
pair more distinct, and situated at about the anterior third of the length;
posterior pair commencing a little behind the middle of the length, at the
margin, and directed backward so as to unite with the occipital furrow just
before reaching the center of the glabella, separating the posterior glabel-
lar lobes, which form triangular areas of large size; occipital furrow wide,
and ring distinct.
Fixed cheeks nearly half as wide as the central diameter of the glabella,
moderately prominent in the middle near the eye-lobe, and gently declining
in front and posteriorly; ocular ridges strongly marked. Frontal limb
longer than the width of the fixed checks, strongly convex in front of the
glabella, and rapidly declining to the front margin, which has been bordered
by a narrow rim, the form and extent of which has not been determined.
Lateral limbs unknown. Surface of the cast, except the glabella, which is
smooth, marked by distant elevated pustules of moderate size.
A movable cheek, associated in the same blocks, and possessing a simi-
216 PALAZONTOLOGY.
lar surface, is distinctly convex between the eye and the outer border, and
the latter rather broad and flattened, separated from the inner convex area
by an abrupt sinus, and terminating behind in a short, sharp, rounded
spine, and anteriorly the under surface is continued in a spiniform exten-
sion. The facial suture starting from the front margin on a line with the
eye passes ina nearly direct line to the eye, behind which it passes obliquely
with a sigmoid curve to the posterior line of the head, a little outside of the
center of the movable cheek, as seen on the latter.
Associated with the above specimens are several forms of pygidia, two
of which have the form and character of Dikellocephalus, while other two are
similar to forms associated with, and referred to heads of this kind in the
sandstones of Wisconsin. One of these is transversely elliptical, nearly
twice as wide as long, acutely pointed at the lateral angles; the anterior
and posterior margins nearly equally curved, the posterior being a little
the most regularly arcuate. Axis narrow, and not more than two-thirds
the length of the shield, roundly pointed at the extremity, and marked by
five annulations, exclusive of the terminal ones; lateral lobes broad and
flattened, very slightly convex on the imer half; anterior border marked
by a comparatively strong and distinct rib, with two fainter, almost obsolete
ribs farther back; margin wide and plain; surface smooth.
This species differs from any other in the collection, and also from all
those from the Wisconsin localities, in the general form and pustulose sur-
face. My. Billings describes a species under the name of Bathyurus conicus,
from the calciferous formation at St. Timothy, on the Beauharnois Canal,
Canada, having a similarly-formed glabella and pustulose surface, but shew-
ing no furrows on the glabella.
Formation and locality—In limestone of the Potsdam group, at Eureka,
Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) UNISULCATUS nh. sp.
Plate II, figs. 22-23.
Glabella and fixed cheeks united, elongate-quadrangular in form, the
entire length nearly one-third greater than the width between the suture-
lines on the anterior margin; sides yery gently increasing in width to the
base of the posterior limbs.
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. 217
Glabella moderately tapering from the base anteriorly, and squarely
truncate in front, the width of the anterior end equal to half of the entire
height; marked by a single pair of transverse furrows near the base, which
are united and deepest on the middle of the glabella, the outer extremities
having a slightly forward curvature. The second pair of furrows are very
faintly marked, and sometimes obsolete or only seen in the reflection of
light across the surface, oblique, and situated anterior to the middle of the
length of the glabella; anterior furrows obsolete.
Fixed cheeks rather narrow, prominent at the eye-lobes, and rapidly
sloping anteriorly and posteriorly; separated from the glabella by very
sharp and distinct dorsal furrows. Frontal limb short, abruptly convex
between the anterior margin and the glabella, strongly arched upward in
the middle, and bordered by a narrow, thickened, rounded rim; ocular
ridges not observable; occipital furrows and ring distinct. Lateral limbs
not observed.
A pygidium associated in the same block is transversely broad, semi-
circular, or short paraboloid; nearly twice as wide as long, and margined
on the under side of the posterior border by a wide, considerably thickened,
recurved selvage. Axial lobe narrow, depressed-convex, and marked by
six annulations exclusive of the terminal ones; lateral lobes depressed-con-
vex; their anterior margin bordered by an elevated ridge, which extends
with increasing strength to near the outer angle; two other faint ribs can
be detected on each lobe.
The species somewhat closely resembles Conocephalites Shumardi Hall
(16th Rept. State Cab., p. 154, pl. 7, figs. 1 and 2, and pl. 8, fig. 32). It is,
however, proportionally wider in front between the suture-lines, the palpe-
bral lobes are smaller, and the furrows of the glabella less distinct. The
pygidium is also very similar, but proportionally longer, the axis stronger,
and the ribs of the lateral lobes much more distinct.
Formation and locality—TIn limestone of the Potsdam group, at Eureka,
Nevada. Collected by J. E. Clayton, esq.
218 PAL ONTOLOGY.
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) SIMULATOR 2D. sp.
Plate II, figs. 16-18.
Head within the facial sutures quadrangular in form, exclusive of the
postero-lateral limbs, slightly contracted in width in the region of the eyes.
Glabella narrowly conical, very gradually tapering from the base ante-
riorly, the sides nearly straight, and rather squarely truncate in front;
bordered by distinct, impressed, dorsal furrows; surface evenly conyex
throughout, and marked by three pairs of faint, moderately oblique, trans-
verse furrows; the two anterior pairs not extending quite one-third of the
width of the glabella; third or posterior pair longer, but faintly marked,
their inner ends strongly recurved, almost separating the posterior glabellar
lobes; occipital furrow distinct; ring prominent,and rounded.
Fixed cheeks of moderate width, prominent at the eye-lobes, and
rapidly declining in front and behind; ocular ridges faintly marked.
Frontal limb longer than the width of the fixed cheeks, bordered by a nar-
row, elevated rim, between which and the front of the glabella it is distinctly
convex, and the part immediately in front of the glabella more strongly
convex. Eye-lobes small. Posterior lateral limbs not known. Surface of
crust smooth.
Specimens of movable cheeks associated with the above, and corre-
sponding in character, are somewhat triangular in form; margined by a
slightly-flattened, elevated border of moderate width, which is continued
in a long, rather slender spine at the posterior angle; inner area of the
cheek convex and distinctly marked with radiating strie; inner angle
strongly notched for the proportionally large eye-lobe. Pygidium un-
known.
The species very closely resembles in form and characters the corre-
sponding parts of C. (Z.) maculosus, but is somewhat shorter in proportion
to the width; the glabella is not rounded at the summit as in that species,
and the furrows are more distinctly marked and not so oblique, while the
surface does not possess the pustules characteristic of that one.
Formation and locality—In limestone of the Potsdam group, at Eureka,
Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. 219
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) ANYTUS 0. sp.
Plate II, figs. 19-21.
_ Glabella and fixed cheeks, when united, irregularly quadrangular in
form, contracted at the eyes, and broadly spreading below by the projecting
postero-lateral limbs.
Glabella conical, moderately tapering anteriorly; the height and width
about equal, measuring from the occipital furrow, and the width of the
anterior end equaling two-thirds of the height; marked by three pairs of
transverse furrows, the posterior and middle ones distinct and strongly |
recurved, situated at the first and second third of the length of the glabella;
anterior furrows small and faintly marked, rising from the antero-lateral
angles of the glabella and directed obliquely backward; occipital furrows
broad and well defined; ring distinct and moderately elevated.
Fixed cheeks about half as wide at the eyes as the width of the ante-
rior end of the glabella, widening in front and rapidly expanding behind,
moderately elevated but not prominent; ocular ridges very strong, promi-
nent, and rounded; frontal limb as long as the width of the front of the
glabella, and rather rapidly sloping from the glabella to the anterior mar-
ginal rim, which is of moderate width, and rounded in the smaller specimens,
but becomes thin and somewhat projecting and angular in the center in
older individuals. A distinct angularity along the median line ot the entire
head is a noticeable feature. Postero-lateral limbs triangular, their length
from the dorsal furrows about once and a half as great as their breadth at
base, the lower edge distinctly grooved by the occipital furrows. Facial
sutures distant on the anterior margin of the head, and rapidly converging
to the eye, behind which they are directed obliquely backward to the
posterior border of the head, at an angle of about thirty-five degrees to the
occipital border, forming a slightly sigmoidal line.
Movable cheeks irregularly triangular, elongated in a postero-lateral
direction, and produced behind in form of a sharp, rather slender spine, one-
half as long as the cheek; central area convex, and strongly marked with
radiating striae; border wide and flattened, or slightly rounded; ocular
sinus small.
Pygidium transversely elliptical, obtusely angular at the lateral extrem-
220 PAL ONTOLOGY.
ities; anterior and posterior margins subequal; the anterior margin having
the flattest curve. Axis narrow, two-thirds as long as the shield, and marked
by three annulations exclusive of the terminal ones; lateral lobes large,
concavo-convex, the margin being slightly recurved; border thin and entire;
four faintly-marked ribs may be counted on each side.
This species closely resembles C. (L.) simulator in the form of the
middle portions of the head, but is proportionally longer in front of the
eye, and this latter organ smaller than would be indicated by the sinus in
the cheek referred to that species, while the cheeks are more oblique and
longer in a postero-lateral direction. The parts here associated are the only
ones occurring in the specimens from the locality, and there can therefore
be no doubt of their correct reference to the one species.
Formation and locality—In limestone of the Potsdam group, at Schell
Creek, Nevada. Collected by J. E. Clayton, esq.
CREPICEPHALUS (BATHYURUS ?) ANGULATUS 0. sp.
Plate II, fig. 28.
Entire form unknown, the specimen consisting only of an imperfect
glabella and fixed cheeks united. The form of the fragment is somewhat
quadrangular, strongly angular in front, and constricted at the anterior
angle of the eye-lobe.
Glabella rounded-conical, narrowly rounded at the summit, strongly
and regularly convex on the surface, the height and width subequal, meas-
ured from the occipital furrow, entirely destitute of transverse furrows;
occipital ring narrow, moderately prominent, and having the appearance
of an obscure tubercle in the center. This feature may be deceptive.
Fixed cheeks narrow at the eyes; palpebral lobes small, obliquely
situated; postero-lateral limbs short, equilaterally triangular; continuation
of the occipital furrow faintly marked; frontal limb short in front of the
glabella, wide and extended at the sides and antero-lateral angles; the width
between the facial sutures equaling the entire length of the head; anterior
margin thickened, distinctly angular in the middle, the sides sloping rapidly
to the suture-lines. Facial suture cutting the anterior margin a little outside
of a line with the outer angle of the eye, and directed with a gently convex
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. Qi
curvature to the anterior angle of the ocular sinus; behind the eye, it is
directed obliquely outward to the posterior margin of the head at an angle
of about forty-five degrees. No indication of ocular ridges can be detected.
There is considerable doubt as to what genus this species should be
referred. It lacks many of the characters of Crepicephalus and Conocephalites,
and possesses neither glabellar furrows nor ocular ridges. The form of the
glabella corresponds with many of those referred to the genus DBathyurus
by its author, but it differs in the direction of the facial sutures; in this
latter feature, it corresponds with Loganellus Devine, but differs in the
absence of glabellar furrows. The projecting angular frontal margin is a
marked and distinguishing feature.
Formation and locality—In the lowest beds of limestone, Potsdam
group, on the west side of Pogonip Mountain, White Pine, Nevada; asso-
ciated with Pterocephalus laticeps. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
Genus PTEROCEPHALUS Roemer.
CONOCEPHALITES (PTEROCEPHALUS) LATICEPS 0. sp.
Plate II, figs. 4-7.
Entire form unknown; the remains consisting of dismembered and frag-
mentary parts imbedded in the rock together.
Glabella and fixed cheeks, when united, having a somewhat elongate-
quadrangular form, exclusive of the postero-lateral limbs; widest at the
front margin, and contracted in the region of the eyes; the greatest width
being one-fifth less than the entire length of the head. Glabella compara-
tively small, highly convex and subangular along the median line, regu-
Jarly tapering from the base, including the occipital ring, to the summit,
which is rather abruptly truncate; width at the occipital lobe more than
equaling three-fourths of the entire height, and the width across the anterior
lobe of the glabella equal to a little more than one-third of the height. The
glabella is divided by three pairs of strongly-marked transverse furrows,
which extend about one-third of the width of the glabella at their respective
points, and are slightly inclined backward at their inner ends, separating
the glabella into four pairs of distinct lobes, which decrease regularly in
222 PAL ONTOLOGY.
size from below upward. Occipital furrow narrow, not extending entirely
across the lobe; occipital ring narrow, flattened on the outer ends, and
marked by a node-like tubercle in the center.
Fixed cheeks broad in proportion to the size of the glabella; palpebral
lobes large, rapidly rising from the margin of the glabella to the border of
the eye; lateral limbs of moderate size, and, judging from the direction of
the sutural margin of the movable cheek, have been short, and rapidly slop-
ing, with an almost direct line, from the posterior angle of the eye to the
posterior border of the head. Frontal limb excessively expanded, and form-
ing about three-fifths of the entire length of the head, including the occipital
ring. From the front of the glabella, the surface rises gently for a distance
equal to the width of the anterior end of the glabella, and beyond is grace-
fully and gently concave to the anterior margin, where it has been bordered
by a double rim. The rising surface in front of the glabella is distinctly
marked by fine, irregular lines, or strie, radiating from the edge of the gla-
bella. Ocular ridges well pronounced, rising from the sides of the anterior
lobe of the glabella, and passing with a slight upward curvature to the ante-
rior angle of the eye-lobes. Eyes not observed. |
Movable cheeks very large and wide, irregularly triangular in outline,
the posterior angle projecting backward in the form of a broad, short, flat-
tened spine; outer margin gently arcuate; anterior margin, forming the
facial suture, slightly concave to near the eye, where it becomes slightly
recurved. Ocular sinus large. Surface of the cheek gently concave from
the eye to the outer border, and marked by a low, rounded ridge parallel
to the margin at a little more than one-third of the entire width from the
eye. Continuation of the occipital furrow very faintly marked. Upper sur-
face of the cheek marked by fine, closely-arranged, irregular striz, nearly
parallel with the margin. Under surface more strongly and distantly striated.
Thorax known only by a part of a single articulation, associated with
the other parts in the same fragment of rock. The fragment consists of a
right pleura, and is of moderate width, with parallel margins slightly recurved
throughout its length, and more abruptly near the free extremity. The
surface is characterized by a very broad, shallow furrow, occupying nearly
the entire width, and becoming obsolete near the end of the rib. The ante-
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. 223
rior margin is elevated, forming a narrow, sharply-rounded ridge, gradually
widening toward the outer end. The upper surface bears no markings
whatever, while the under side is marked by strong obliquely vertical striz.
The pygidium associated with the other parts is transversely elliptical,
almost one-third wider than long; the anterior and posterior margins nearly
equally rounded, and the lateral extremities, or sides, somewhat subangular
at the junction of the two lines; the posterior margin deeply and angularly
notched in the middle. Axial lobe small, about one-half as long as the shield,
elevated and subangular along the median line, and obscurely pointed behind;
marked by seven low, rounded rings, exclusive of the terminal ones. Lateral
lobes large, concavo-convex, rather rapidly declining on the inner half, and
slightly recurving to the margin; marked by five broad, rather indistinct
ribs, exclusive of the anterior articulating projection, which become obsolete
near the middle of the lobe.
The species is peculiar in its broad, expanded cephalic shield and rapidly-
tapering conical glabella; in these respects differing from all other forms
with which it is associated, as well as all of those from the Wisconsin beds
of this age, to so great an extent that there is not the least danger of mis-
taking it. In the broadly-expanded cheek and frontal limb, it resembles
some forms of Dikellocephalus, as well as in the form of the pygidium; but
the glabella is so very different that it at once distinguishes it, although so
closely allied to.that genus in other respects.
It closely resembles Pterocephalus Sancti-sabe Roemer, from the same
position in Texas (see Kreid. von Texas, plate xi, fig. 1, p. 93), but differs
specifically in many and important features.
Formation and locality—In the lowest limestones seen on the west side
of Pogonip Mountain, White Pine, Nevada; age of the Potsdam group. Col-
lected by Arnold Hague, esq.
Genus PTYCHASPIS Hall.
PryCHASPIS PUSULOSA n. sp.
Plate IT, fig. 27.
Entire form unknown. Glabella and fixed cheeks united, irregularly
quadrangular in form, slightly angular in front, the margin declining on
224 PALA ONTOLOGY.
each side of the middle. Glabella strongly convex, subangular along the
central line; broadly conical in outline, and rounded-truncate in front; the
length from the occipital furrow a very little exceeding the greatest width
at base; marked by two pairs of transverse furrows, which divide it into
three nearly equal parts on the margin, and. are directed very obliquely
backward for their entire length, reaching two-thirds of the distance between
the margin and the median line. Occipital furrows broad, well defined ;
occipital ring rather strong.
Fixed cheek wide, separated from the glabella by an indistinctly
defined furrow; ocular ridge strong, rising from the upper lateral angles
of the glabella, and passing with but little curvature to the anterior angle of
the eye. Front border of the head of moderate width; marginal rim thick-
ened and cord-like, separated from the inner portion by a deeply-marked
furrow, within which the surface rises abruptly to the edge of the narrow
anterior furrow bordering the glabella. Posterior lateral limbs unknown.
Surface of the fixed cheeks and frontal limb marked with strong, scat-
tered granules or pustules. The surface of the glabella may have been
marked with similar pustules, but has been somewhat injured by weather-
ing, so that none show in its present condition.
The species somewhat closely resembles Ptychaspis Miniscaensis Owen's
sp., from the Mississippi Valley, in the form of the glabella and the furrows
marking the same, but differs in the wider fixed cheeks and the form of the
anterior border, so far as that one is known, as well as in the pustulose
surface. No other parts of the organism have been detected than those
here described.
Formation and locality—In the lowest layers of limestone seen, on the.
west side of Pogonip Mountain, White Pine District, Nevada; of the age
of the Potsdam sandstone. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
Genus CHARIOCEPHALUS Hall.
CHARIOCEPHALUS TUMIFRONS 2. sp.
Plate II, figs. 38-39.
Glabella large, prominent, and cylindrical, nearly as wide as long,
strongly rounded and protuberant in front, projecting beyond the rim of the
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. 225
head fully one-fourth of its entire length, including the occipital ring, in a
rounded, tumid boss; marked by two transverse furrows anterior to the
occipital ring, the anterior one rudimentary and directed forward, visible
only on the sides of the glabella; posterior furrows strong and deep, but nar-
row, extending entirely across the glabella in equal strength and nearly in
a direct line, situated a little in front of the middle of the-entire length of
the head; occipital furrow a little stronger than the posterior glabellar
furrow, directed slightly forward in the middle. Occipital ring wide and
flattened, about of the same dimensions as the space between the occipital
furrow and the posterior glabellar furrow.
Fixed cheeks trapezoidal, strong, and broad, inflated and tumid between
the eye and the glabella, so as to overhang the eye and the suture-line.
Frontal limb very short, and abruptly bent downward. Posterior lateral
limbs short-triangular, nearly vertical outside of the line of the eye;
occipital furrow deep, and the ring narrow; ocular sinus very small, situ-
ated on a line with the occipital furrow of the glabella.
Facial suture cutting the anterior margin of the head a little outside
of the line of the glabella, and almost immediately deflected outward with
a strong convex curvature to the ocular sinus, behind which it is directed
to the pesterior border at an angle of about forty-five degrees to the axis.
Surface of the crust smooth, so far as can be determined from the
specimens.
The species will be easily recognized by the highly convex and cylin-
drical glabella, which projects far in advance of the frontal border of the
head.
Formation and locality—tIn the lowest limestone beds on the west side
of Pogonip Mountain, White Pine District, Nevada, of the age of the Pots-
dam group; associated with Conocephalites (Dikellocephalus) laticeps, Bathy-
urus ? angulatus, &c. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
Genus DIKELLOCEPHALUS Owen.
‘Associated with the preceding species from the Eureka beds of the
Potsdam group are two forms of pygidia, so unlike anything positively
known to belong to species with eonical or slipper-shaped glabellas, that it
15 PR
226 PALM ONTOLOGY.
seems unnatural to thus refer them. On the other hand, they so closely
resemble the corresponding parts of the genus Dikellocephalus from the sand-
stone of the Mississippi Valley, that it has been deemed safer to refer them
to that genus, although no other parts recognized as belonging to the genus
have been observed. It is even more than probable, however, that, on
examining a larger collection of material from this locality, other parts of
the organisms will be found justifying this reference, as there are many
fragmentary portions of undetermined species in the few blocks now before us.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS BILOBATUS 2. sp.
Plate II, fig. 36.
Pygidium transverse, irregularly oval, rather straight on the anterior
border, rounded and deeply bilobed on the posterior margin by a sharply
angular constriction of the posterior border on the median line, extending
to the extremity of the axial lobe; marginal lobes rounded on their pos-
terior extremities. Axis comparatively small, moderately convex, marked
by six or seven transverse rings, exclusive of the terminal ones. Lateral
lobes broad, rounded behind, and wing-like, slightly convex on the under
surface, and recurved toward the border; marked by four ribs on each side,
which appear to have been obscurely divided, and do not extend to the
margin of the shield. On the under surface, the posterior border is inflected,
forming a very wide inner rim, or lining, occupying nearly one-half the area
of the lateral lobes. Surface apparently smooth.
The deeply bilobed character of the posterior border is a marked and
distinguishing feature.
Formation and locality—In limestone of the Potsdam group, in the Eureka
District, Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS MULTICINOTUS 2. sp.
Plate II, fig. 37.
Pygidium somewhat triangular in general form, or, considering the
anterior border as consisting of two sides, would be somewhat trapezoidal;
front margin arcuate, a little angular on the shoulders, aad more rapidly
declining toward the outer extremities; the entire front nearly semicircular;
posterior margin extended in the direction of the median line, and present-
ing the appearance of having been digitate on the lateral borders. This
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. DO
feature may have been wrongly interpreted, as the specimen is mutilated
and somewhat obscure. Axial lobe narrow and moderately elevated ; less
than two-thirds of the entire length of the shield; marked by ten very short
annulations, exclusive of the terminal ones. Lateral lobes moderately con-
vex in the middle and becoming flattened toward the margin; marked by
five simple, faint ribs on each side, exclusive of the anterior one, which is
also the most prominent and angular. The posterior border has the appear-
ance of having been produced at the extremity into a broad, flattened, tri-
angular process, or spine; and judging from another individual, apparently
of the same species, has had two other points or digitations on each side,
one at the lateral angle and the other just below, leaving a deep, broad
sinus between it and the central point.
The specimen has some resemblance to small convex examples of D.
Minnesotensis Owen, but differs in the more arcuate anterior border, extended
' posterior extremity, and greater number of rings on the axis. From D.
Pepinensis Owen, it differs in the stronger axis, more numerous rings, sim-
ple ribs of the lateral lobes, and in the form of the posterior lateral margins.
Formation and locality—In limestone of the Potsdam group, in the
Eureka District, Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS FLABELLIFER Nn. sp.
Plate II, figs. 29-30.
A small pygidium occurring in a fragment of dark-colored limestone,
associated with those containing Conocephalites laticeps, Bathyurus ?angulatus,
and Chariocephalus tumifrons, but probably from a different layer, judging
from the lithological characters of the specimens, has a character so marked
and peculiar that it has been deemed worthy of notice. The specimen pos-
sesses the following characters :
Pygidium transversely semicircular, the length and width being as
three to seven ; front margin slightly arcuate to near the outer extremities,
where it curves somewhat abruptly backward to the point of the first digi-
tation. Posterior margin digitate, having three points on each side, and a
central one; digitations broad and obtuse, the middle one on each side the
largest. Axial lobe of moderate strength, highly convex, faintly subangular
228 PALM ONTOLOGY.
along the median line, reaching two-thirds of the entire length of the shield;
obtusely pointed at the extremity, and marked by five transverse rings,
exclusive of the terminal ones, which gradually decrease in size poste-
riorly. Lateral lobes moderately elevated and convex on the inner half,
becoming concave or flattened toward the edge; marked by four elevated,
angular ribs on each side, including the one submarginal to the anterior
border, with broad, shallow, depressed areas between them. ‘The ribs rise
from the margin of the axial lobe, and reach the border of the shield at the
angles of the marginal sinuosities, most strongly marked near the axis, and
becoming nearly obsolete toward the outer border. Surface of the crust
apparently smooth. ,
The specimen is remarkable for the simple ribs of the lateral lobes,
and for the digitation of the margin. In these respects, it differs very
materially from any Trilobite hitherto described from the Potsdam group;
and it is possible that it may have come from a somewhat higher position .
at the same locality than the other specimens with which it is placed.
Formation and locality—tIn dark crystalline limestone of the Potsdam
group, on the west side of Pogonip Mountain, White Pine District, and in
the Eureka District, Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
Genus AGNOSTUS Brongniart.
AGNOSTUS COMMUNIS n. sp.
Plate I, figs. 28-29.
Cephalic shield subparaboloid, wider than long, the respective diameters
being as six and seven. Surface strongly convex and distinctly trilobed.
Glabella nearly equaling one-third of the width of the shield, more promi-
nent than the lateral lobes, and separated from them by distinct dorsal fur-
rows, three-fourths as long as the entire length of the head, broadest at base
and gradually narrowing for two-thirds of the length, beyond which point
it is more abruptly narrowed or obtusely pointed; anterior third separated
from the part behind by a faint, scarcely perceptibly impressed, transverse
line. Central portion of the glabella marked by a distinct elongated and
angular tubercle. Right and left lateral lobes, or sides of the head, sepa-
rated in front of the glabella by a narrow furrow, which is a continuation
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. 229
of the dorsal furrows, and reaches to the anterior border. Small triangular
occipital nodes are situated one on each side at the base of the glabella.
Entire shield margined by a flattened border of moderate width. ‘Thoracic
segments unknown.
The caudal shield associated with the above in the same fragments of
rock, and in equal numbers, is shorter in proportion to its width, being more
regularly rounded, and is margined by a similar flattened border, which is
projected in form of a short, spine-like process on each side, about two-
thirds of the length from the anterior border. Surface strongly convex and
trilobate in the anterior half, the dorsal furrows being directed gently inward
for half their length, and then suddenly deflected outward with a slight
curvature, becoming obsolete a little behind the middle of the length. An
elongated, angular node marks the axial lobe near its anterior margin. Sur-
face of both shields smooth under an ordinary magnifying power. Length
of the larger specimens about one-seventh of an inch. i
Formation and locality—In blackish limestone of the Potsdam group,
White Pine. Collected by A. J. Brown, esq.
AGNOSTUS NEON nh. sp.
Plate I, figs. 26-27.
Cephalic shield short, subparaboloid, three-fourths as long as wide,
highly convex; sides nearly straight for half its length from the base, and
gradually rounding in front; anterior margin broadly rounded, being almost
straight in the middle. Glabella rather more than two-thirds the length of
the shield, and less than one-third as wide at its base, conical throughout,
more rapidly tapering near the anterior end; anterior third distinctly sepa-
rated by a transverse furrow. Dorsal furrows well marked, scarcely con-
tinued in front of the glabella; occipital nodes large, rounded-triangular.
Lateral lobes of the head convex, margined in front and on the sides to just
behind the middle of the length by a narrow, flattened border, which
gradually becomes obsolete before reaching the posterior line of the head.
Thoracic segments unknown.
Caudal shield of similar form to the cephalic shield, but entirely mar-
gined by a flattened border of nearly twice the width of that of the head,
230 PALM ONTOLOGY.
and much wider posteriorly than on the sides, produced into spine-like
projections at the lateral angles. Axial lobe distinct, strongly marked, more
than one-third as wide as the entire shield; posterior division, or lobe, broader,
rounded; anterior division short; annulation well marked; a longitudinally
angular node marks the middle of the axis, extending from the anterior to
the posterior division, across the furrow which marks their limits.
This species differs from the A. communis in the shorter form of the
cephalic shield, and proportionally longer caudal shield, both being equal in
this species, while in that one the cephalic shield is much the longest. It
also differs in the wider border of the caudal shield and in the absence of a
node on the glabella. The caudal shield is precisely similar to that of A.
Josepha of the Wisconsin sandstone of similar age, except in the spine-like
processes of the lateral angles. The cephalic shield, however, is entirely
different.
Formation and locality—In limestone of the Potsdam group, at Eureka,
Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
AGNOSTUS PROLONGUS 2. §p.
Plate I, figs. 30-31.
Cephalic ‘shield elongate, or very high dome-shaped in outline; sides
straight, or nearly straight, for more than one-half the length, above which
the margin, including the anterior border, is regularly and beautifully
rounded. Surface low or depressed-convex in front and gradually rising to
near the occipital border, where it becomes low-tumid; glabella not visible
except under a strong magnifying power, and by the reflection of light
across the surface, when the outline of a conical form, with triangular occi-
pital nodes, may with difficulty be detected. The shield is margined by a
narrow, somewhat rounded rim, which gradually fades out toward the
postero-lateral angles. Thoracic segments unknown. |
The caudal shield associated with the head is much shorter in propor-
tion to the width. The form is much like that of a cephalic shield, and it
is with some hesitation that we have associated it with the above. Its
sortuess, however, and the want of occipital nodes, together with the
FOSSILS OF THE POTSDAM GROUP. aah
- absence of all other forms in the same block, has determined us in so doing.
The axial lobe forms more than one-third the width of the shield, is short
and rounded obconical; marked by anode at its upper end, and divided
across by a doubly-curved transverse furrow near the lower end. Dorsal
furrows distinct, and continued as a median furrow from the end of the axial
lobe to the posterior margin. Posterior border emarginate and surrounded
by a flattened rim
Formation and locality—In limestones of the Potsdam group, at Eureka,
Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
AGNOSTUS TUMIDOSUS 2. sp.
Plate I, fig. 32.
Cephalic shield highly dome-shaped in outline, very slightly contracted
near the occipital border, very convex, and margined by a narrow, flattened
border. Dorsal furrows very distinct, not continued in front beyond the
glabella. Glabella proportionally small, less than two-thirds as long as the
head, distinctly conical in form and very highly convex, especially tumid
in the lower part; the central tubercle marked near its edge by a very slight,
depressed line, which presents the appearance of a border surrounding it.
Anterior lobe forming a little more than one-fourth of the length of the
glabella; the furrow separating it from the principal lobe very distinct.
Occipital nodes very small, triangular, and distinctly modifying the base of
the glabella on each side. Thoracic segments and caudal shield unknown.
The specimen above described is so entirely distinct and well marked
that we have no hesitation in giving it as a species, although it is as yet
‘the only individual specimen noticed. The highly dome-shaped outline,
literally horseshoe-shaped, is peculiar, which, together with the form and
markings of the glabella, cannot fail to distinguish it from all others.
Formation and locality.—In limestones of the Potsdam group, at Eureka,
Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
232 PAL ONTOLOGY.
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER SILURIAN.
BRACHIOPODA.
Genus LINGULEPIS Hall.
LINGULEPIS ELLA n. Sp.
Plate I, fig. 8.
Shell below the medium size. Dorsal valve subcircular or oblate, the
width slightly exceeding the length; the beak perceptibly projecting beyond
the general contour of the shell, but very obtuse and slightly truncate;
sides and base rounded, the latter more broadly curved. Surface of the
valve depressed-convex, a little the most prominent on the umbone; marked
by fine irregular concentric lines of growth on the upper part, becoming
more strongly marked and finally quite lamellose toward the margin of the
valve. A few very indistinct, radiating lines may be seen near the beak
by the. aid of a strong magnifier. Ventral valve unknown. Shell-sub-
stance phosphatic.
There may be some doubt as to the true relations of this shell. The
broadly oblate form would be an objection to considering it as a true
Lingula, while the truncation of the beak of the dorsal valve would accord
more nearly with what is known of some forms of Lingulepis. It is possible
it may prove to be a Lingulella, but, in the absence of the ventral valve, it
cannot be satisfactorily determined. It differs from most known species
very perceptibly in the oblate form of the valve.
Formation and locality—In greenish argillaceous shales of the age of
the Quebec group, in the cafion above Call’s Fort, north of Box Elder
Canion, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by 8. F. Emmons, esq.
Genus ORTHIS Dalman.
ORTHIS POGONIPENSIS 0. sp.
Plate I, figs. 9-10.
Shell quite small, seldom exceeding a third of an inch in width, and
usually much less; paraboloid in form below the hinge-line, but somewhat
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER SILURIAN. 233
variable in proportion; beak obtuse, and rather prominent; the cardinal
margins sloping rapidly to the extremities of the hinge. Area not observed,
but, judging from the prominent beak, it must be rather high and but slightly
arcuate; hinge-extremities angular, or slightly rounded. Surface of the
valves strongly convex and marked by extremely fine strize, which become
a little coarser toward the margins of the shell. Interior unknown.
The species has much the general form of O. costalis Hall of the New
York Chazy limestone, but the strize differ greatly in their extreme fineness.
It also somewhat resembles O. Electra Billings (Pal. Foss. Canada, vol. 1,
p- 19, fig. 72), but is not so broad, and the valves are more convex, and
beak more prominent. The shells occur in a coarsely granular and highly
crystalline limestone, and become more or less exfoliated in separating from
the matrix, so that the external features are not perfectly recognized. The
examples used are all separated valves, partially imbedded in the rock, so
that the hinge-features are not fully revealed. Those figured would seem
to be dorsal and ventral, and, if so, the dorsal is much less convex than the
ventral. ,
Formation and locality—In limestone of the age of the Chazy of New
York, Pogonip Mountain, White Pine District, Nevada. Collected by A.
J. Brown, esq.
Genus STROPHOMENA Rafinesque.
STROPHOMENA NEMEA D. sp.
Plate I, fig. 15.
Among the specimens received from the gray granular limestones of
the Pogonip Mountain, there is a small Strophomenoid shell, which is some-
what semi-oval in outline, about two-thirds as high as wide; the hinge-line
nearly straight and not quite as long as the width of the shell below; the
. cardinal angles are slightly rounded; and the lateral margins and basal line
almost regularly curved, forming a little more than half of a circle. The
surface of the ventral (?) valve is regularly and evenly convex longitudi-
nally and laterally, but not highly rounded, and marked by rather fine,
even, and somewhat sharp radiating striz. The dorsal valve and interior of
‘ the shell have not been seen.
234 PAL ONTOLOGY.
The species presents much the appearance of a Chonetes in its regularly
rounded valve, even strize, and general characters, hut shows no appearance
of spines on the hinge-line. We know of uo species of this or any allied
genus from rocks of a similar age having a very close resemblance to this one. —
Formation and locality—In the granular limestones of the age of the
Quebec group, Pogonip Mountain, west side, White Pine District. Col-
lected by A. J. Brown, esq.
Genus PORAMBONITES Pander.
PORAMBONITES OBSCURUS nD. sp.
Plate I, fig. 16.
Shell of moderate size; irregularly transversely oval in form; a little
angular toward the beak, and broadly emarginate in front. Ventral valve
flattened-convex on the middle of the shell; more sharply rounded near the
lateral margins, and strongly bent upward in front in the form of a broad
linguiform extension, which is rounded on the end, two-thirds as long as
wide, and distinctly concave on the exterior, forming an emargination in
the front of the valve; beak very obtuse, short, and but little curved.
Dorsal valve unknown, but, judging from the elevation of the front exten-
sion of the ventral valve, it must have been quite rotund.
The surface of the shell is mostly exfoliated; but near the front a por-
tion is partially preserved, and shows what appears to have been punctate
lines, or strize, though they are obscure and unsatisfactory. A number of
concentric lines of growth are clearly distinguishable. The beak of the
specimen, where the shell has been removed, shows the two diverging
lamellz which characterize the genus Porambonites. The specimen is quite
imperfect, but interesting as representing a genus so seldom recognized in
this country.
Formation and locality—tIn dark grayish crystalline limestone of the
age of the Quebec group, Pogonip Mountain. Collected by A. J.
Brown, esq.
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER SILURIAN. 235
GASTEROPODA.
Genus RAPHISTOMA Hall.
RHAPHISTOMA ACUTA N. §.
Plate I, figs. 20-22.
Shell small to medium size, lenticular in form, and sharply acute on
the periphery; volutions three to three and a half, moderately increasing in
size with the growth of the shell; suture close. Upper surface of the volu-
tions less convex than the lower, very slightly rounded below the suture-
line, and a little concave just within the margin, giving an acutely angular
edge. Lower surface of the volution once and a half as deep as the upper
part, measuring from the angle; subangular or sharply rounded at the edge
of the umbilicus, which is nearly one-third as wide as the entire diameter
of the shell, showing all of the inner whorls when free from rock. Aperture
triangular, wider than high, acute on the outer edge, the widest part being
above the middle. Surface of the shell not observed, the specimens being
either internal casts or having partially-exfoliated surfaces.
_ The species bears considerable resemblance to R. lenticularis Sow.
from the Trenton limestone, but is more depressed, and the volutions are
more angular on the lower side. In this latter feature, it corresponds more
nearly with the forms of the genus occurring in the Chazy and Calciferous
formations than with those from the Trenton group, and bears a striking
resemblance to some forms of R. staminea Hall, but has probably not had
the strong surface-markings of that species. It differs from Huomphalus ?
yvotuliformis and E. ? trochiscus Meek in having a smaller number and more
rapidly-increasing volutions.
Formation and locality—In limestone of Lower Silurian age, probably
Chazy, at Ute Peak, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by Arnold Hague,
esq.
Genus MACLUREA Lesueur.
MACLUREA MINIMA D. Sp. -
Plate I, figs. 17-19.
Shell quite small, subdiscoidal, the largest individuals not measuring
more than four-tenths of an inch in their greatest diameter. Spire depressed,
236 PALAMONTOLOGY.
as in the typical species of the genus, and appearing as an umbilicus on a
sinistral shell, the depression rather narrow and abrupt; under side flattened,
without any depression or umbilicus. Volutions about two in number,
somewhat rapidly increasing in size with the increased growth of the shell;
flattened on the lower surface for more than one-half their diameter, but
very evenly and regularly rounded above; periphery rounded, a little less
so below than above the middle; aperture semi-ovate, or having the form
of a circle, with the lower third truncated. Surface of the shell not
observed.
The specimens of this species which have been observed are all internal
casts, and occurin a coarsely crystalline and quite friable limestone. The sub-
stance of the shell has been quite thick, and, being also coarsely crystalline,
crumbles at once on attempting to remove the specimens from the surround-
ing rock, so that the surface-characters of the shell cannot be obtained.
The generic features of the specimens are so obvious that there can be no
doubt whatever of their right reference to Maclurea; and their small size,
together with the rounded upper surface of the volutions, which do not
show. the least tendency to become angular at the edge of the spiral
depression or cavity, but is evenly and regularly rounded on the inner as
well as on the outer side, will serve, we think, to distinguish it from all
other described species of the genus.
Formation and locality—In limestone, probably of the age of the Chazy _
limestone of New York, at Ute Peak, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by
Arnold Hague.
Genus FUSISPIRA Hall.
FUSISPIRA COMPAOTA ND. Sp.
Plate I, fig. 25.
Shell elongate, turreted; spire elevated, forming considerably more
than half, probably two-thirds, of the entire length of the shell; composed
of six or more short, compact, rather rapidly-increasing volutions, which
are strongly rounded on the surface, and less than half as high as their
diameter. Aperture not definitely determined, but apparently elongated,
and probably attenuate below, judging from what can be seen of the lower
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER SILURIAN. 237
part of the last volution on the specimen examined. No surface-markings
can be detected.
The specimen is quite imperfect, and is only given on account of its
low geological horizon; the most of the species hitherto recognized being
from the Trenton or Hudson River groups. The species differs from all
others of the genus yet described in the short compact volutions.
Formation and locality—In the granular limestones, Pogonip Mountain,
west side, White Pine District, Nevada; of the age of the Quebec group.
Collected by A. J. Brown, esq.
Genus CYRTOLITES Conrad.
CYRTOLITES SINUATUS n. sp.
Plate I, figs. 23-24.
Shell small, laterally compressed; composed of about one and a halt
to two volutions, which are closely coiled, but not embracing. Volutions
acutely triangular; the dorso-ventral diameter about one-half greater than
the lateral diameter; sides of the outer one marked by a broad, shallow
depression or sinus a little within the margin, between which and the
umbilicus the surface is rounded. Umbilicus broad, exposing the inner
volutions; the sides abrupt or nearly vertical except on the edge, which is
slightly rounded. Surface of the shell unknown. ;
The species is characterized by the vertical margins of the umbilicus,
and the broad, shallow, depressed sinus of the outer half of the volution,
giving a somewhat concavo-convex curvature to the surface between the
umbilicus and the outer edge, or keel. In this respect, it differs from all
other species with which we are acquainted.
Formation and locality—In the granular limestone, on the west side of
Pogonip Mountain, White Pine District, Nevada. Collected by A. J.
Brown, esq.
CRUSTACEA.
Genus CONOCEPHALITES Zenker.
CONOCEPHALITES SUBCORONATUS DL. sp.
Plate II, fig. I.
Glabella short, conical, with straight lateral margins, regularly con-
238 PALA ONTOLOGY.
verging from the base upward to the rather squarely truncated summit;
height above the occipital furrow scarcely exceeding the breadth of the base,
and the width at the summit equal to about two-thirds of the height; marked
by three pairs of very oblique, subequally distant, and moderately distinet
transverse furrows. Occipital furrow narrow and well marked; ring distinct,
widest and somewhat pointed on the center of the posterior margin.
Fixed cheeks wide, separated from the glabella by distinct dorsal fur-
rows, prominent and rounded between the glabella and eye-lobe, almost
equaling the convexity of the glabella; ocular ridges slender and curved.
Frontal limb wide and concave, destitute of a thickened marginal rim, as
long as the glabella, and obscurely trilobed from an extension of the dorsal
furrows, forming a convex, boss-like area in front of the glabella, which is —
divided transversely by a double depressed line, or narrow fillet, midway of
the limb and parallel with the anterior margin of the head. Eye-lobes
about half as long as the glabella, obliquely situated, and separated from
the fixed cheek by a deeply-depressed ocular sinus.
Facial suture cutting the anterior border on a line with the front angle
of the eye, which it reaches by a broad, convex curvature, giving rounded
lateral margins to the frontal limb; posterior to the eye, it is directed out-
ward; the actual course not determined. Posterior lateral limbs not seen.
Surface of the crust in front of the glabella strongly striated.
The species is only known by the glabella and fixed cheeks. The
specimens are all minute, but readily recognized by the peculiar formed
boss in front of the glabella.
Formation and locality—tIn limestone of the age of the Quebec group,
at the base of Ute Peak, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by Arnold
Hague, esq.
Genus CREPICEPHALUS Owen? = LOGANELLUS Devine.
CREPICEPHALUS ? (LOGANELLUS) QUADRANS bh. sp.
Plate II, figs. 11-13.
Form of entire body unknown. Glabella and fixed cheeks together
broadly quadrangular, about four-fifths as high as wide, and quite uniform
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER SILURIAN. 239
in many individuals, very depressed-convex, or quite flattened, as occurring
on the surface of the shale inwhich they are imbedded; glabella distinctly
conical, moderately tapering above the occipital furrow, and broadly
rounded in front; marked by three pairs of distinct transverse furrows, which
are directed obliquely backward from their outer ends; the posterior pair
almost or quite meeting in the middle, the others shorter, and situated at
almost equal distances from each other. Occipital furrow well marked,
proportionally wide and shallow; occipital ring narrow, not well defined.
Fixed cheeks very broad, nearly two-thirds as wide as the glabella,
depressed-convex; frontal limb short, the border and inner part of nearly
the same width; sides of the limb in front, wide, and slightly rounded at the
antero-lateral angles; posterior limb wide at its junction with the glabella,
and rapidly narrowing outward, being about once and a half as long as its
greatest width; ocular ridges slender, but very distinct; rising from the
anterior angle of the eye and uniting with the glabella near the anterior
furrow, forming a slightly curved line parallel with the marginal furrow of
the head.
Facial sutures directed inward from the anterior margin of the head to
the eye-lobe, behind which they are directed outward and backward to the
posterior margin of the head, at an angle of about forty degrees to the
occipital line.
A form of movable cheek found associated in considerable numbers
with the glabellas, and corresponding in size and character, is narrowly
triangular, the posterior extremity terminating in a short, blunt spine,
slightly curved; inner angle strongly notched for the reception of the eye-
lobe, and the outer margin bordered by a thickened, rounded rim, which
gradually increases in width to the base of the spine. The facial suture
corresponds to the margin of the fixed cheek above described, and, on the
under side, the anterior border is prolonged in the form of an acute process,
to extend along the anterior border of the frontal limb.
The pygidium associated with the above specimens is minute, trans-
versely subelliptical in form, most strongly rounded on the front border,
with a wide axis terminating obtusely a little within the posterior margin.
The axis is marked by five rings, exclusive of the terminal ones. Lateral
240 PALM ONTOLOGY.
lobes convex, marked by three or four divided ribs, exclusive of the anterior
single one.
Surface of the head and cheeks marked by fine anastomosing lines,
radiating from the eye and front of the glabella.
Formation and locality—In dark greenish, thinly-laminated shales of
the Quebec group, in caiion above Call’s Fort, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Col-
lected by 8. F. Emmons, esq.
Genus DIKELLOCEPHALUS Owen.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS QUADRICEPS 2. Sp.
Plate I, figs. 37-40.
Glabella and fixed cheeks united, quadrangular in form, with a regu-
larly and symmetrically arcuate front margin. Glabella elongate quad-
rangular, a little expanded and rounded in front, three-fourths as wide across
the middle as the length above the occipital furrow, very gibbous or some-
what inflated; marked by three pairs of transverse furrows, which extend
about three-fourths of the distance to the center, not in the least oblique, and
so faint as to be detected only on the closest examination, or by the reflec-
tion of light along the surface; occipital furrow very distinct; ring strong
and robust, supporting a strong, thickened spine of undetermined length on
the-posterior margin. The base of the spine is broad, and the spine directed
backward and upward.
Fixed cheeks of moderate size, strongly convex, a little more than one-
third as wide at the eye as the width of the glabella, and rapidly declining
to the antero-lateral anglés. Eye-lobes small, situated rather behind the
middle of the length of the head; ocular ridges distinct, strongly directed
forward in their passage from the eye to the glabella. Frontal limb very
short, not extending beyond the frontal margin of the glabella, and strongly
curving backward to the point of intersection with the facial sutures.
Facial sutures commencing at the anterior margin on a line with the
inner angle of the eye-lobe, and running directly back to the eye in a
straight line; behind the eye, the direction is outward, but its exact course
has not been ascertained. Lateral limb not observed.
A pygidium associated with the glabella is paraboloid in form, and
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER SILURIAN. 941
surrounded on the margins by twelve short, rather strong spines, the four
on the posterior margin being shorter than the others. Axis narrow, highly
convex, two-thirds as long as the shield, and marked by four rings, exclu-
sive of the terminal ones. Lateral lobes broad, convex, and marked by four
low, rounded ribs, the anterior one much narrower than the others; each of
the four ribs terminating in one of the lateral spines.
There can be no doubt that the above-described pygidium belongs
to the same species with the associated glabella, as they are both equally
abundant, and are the only trilobitic remains brought from the locality,
except those of Conocephalites subcoronatus. The glabella is enlarged to
three diameters in the figure, while the pygidium is given natural size, but
is one of the largest individuals seen; while there are fragments of glabellas
in the rock fully twice the size of the specimen figured. The species bears
a very close resemblance to D. gothicus, herein described, but differs princi-
pally in the simple ribs; while in that species they are divided, a feature
that will very readily distinguish the two forms.
Formation and locality —In limestone of the age of the Quebec group,
from the base of Ute Peak, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by Arnold
Hague, esq.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS WAHSATCHENSIS 0. Sp.
Plate I, fig. 35.
Glabella elongate-quadrangular, with parallel lateral margins and
slightly-rounded front; height and width about as four to three; very
depressed-convex, and marked by two pairs of transverse furrows, which
do not quite meet in the center, dividing the glabella into three nearly
equal portions. Occipital furrow narrow, not strongly defined; ring nar-
row, distinct, and bearing a slender spine on the center; dorsal furrows
narrow and poorly defined.
Fixed cheeks wide and flattened; ocular ridges faintly marked, rising
opposite the anterior furrow of the glabella, and directed slightly backward
to the eye-lobe. Frontal limb very short and wide, the marginal rim regu-
larly arcuate, narrow, and prominent, closely cutting the front of the
glabella. Facial sutures not fully determined, but are distinct on the
anterior margin, cutting the rim with a strong outward curvature, and again
16PR
242 PALM ONTOLOGY.
recurving to the eye, leaving the limb nearly two-thirds as wide at its
widest point as the glabella.
This species differs from any other described in the length of the
glabella and the position of the furrows, in the short frontal limb, and great
lateral extension of the same. No other parts of the species have been
recognized. There are, however, several specimens of a pygidium associ-
ated in the same slates, and, as they are the only remains of Trilobites
occurring in the slates, except C. (Z.) quadrans, which cannot well be con-
founded with either, it would be natural to suppose they were parts of the
same species. But the characters of the pygidium are so unlike anything
heretofore recognized or known to belong to the genus Dikellocephalus, that
we have great doubt of their generic identity, and for that reason have
placed them under different specific names with a doubt as to the generic
reference.
Formation and locality—In green argillaceous slates of the Quebec
group, in the cafon above Call’s Fort, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected
by S. F. Emmons, esq.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS? GOTHICUS 0. sp.
Plate I, fig. 36.
Pygidium semi-ovate, or short paraboloid, with a very strong central
axis, and spinose margin; anterior margin straightened for about two-thirds
the width of the lateral lobes, where it curves abruptly backward to the
lateral angles. Axial lobe strong, cylindrical, and prominent, forming one-
third of the entire width exclusive of the spines, and reaching almost to the
posterior margin of the shield; obtusely rounded at the extremity, and
marked by six annulations exclusive of the terminal ones. Lateral lobes
very moderately convex, and marked by four divided ribs on each side,
each terminating in a strong and proportionally long marginal spine; central
area of each rib depressed, forming a flattened groove, extending to the base
of the marginal spine. Borders of the ribs elevated, the anterior one
strongest and prominent, gradually widening from its origin to the margin
of the shield; posterior border narrow and rounded, separated from the next
succeeding rib by a sharply-depressed, narrow groove. This peculiar form
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER SILURIAN. 243
of rib gives to the shield an appearance similar to the groining of a Gothic
arch. Margin of the shield surrounded by twelve long, rather strong
spines, four cf which, on each side, are about equal in size and strength,
while the four occupying the posterior border are shorter and unequal, those
in the middle being the shortest.
The peculiar feature of the specimen consists in the divided ribs of the
lateral lobes and spinose margin. In these features, it differs from all others
known, and may possibly, when better material shall be examined, showing
other parts of the organism, require a distinct generic name.
Formation and locality—In greenish argillaceous slates of the Quebec
group, in the cation above Call’s Fort, north of Box Elder Canon, Wahsatch
Mountains, Utah. Collected by S. I’. Emmons, esq.
Genus BATHYURUS Billings.
BATHYURUS POGONIPENSIS 0. sp.
Plate I, figs. 33-34.
The species is recognized only by the pygidium, which is rather small,
measuring a little less than three-fourths of an inch in the greatest trans-
verse width, by a length of a little less than half an inch. Form transversely
elliptical, the posterior margin nearly twice as convex as the anterior border;
lateral extremities angular; axis narrow, forming only about one-fourth of
the entire width, highly convex, and about three-fourths as long as the
entire shield, extremity obtusely rounded and terminating abruptly; marked
by four transverse annulations exclusive of the terminal ones, the posterior
one being as long as the two next preceding it; rings highly convex and
rounded, with interspaces of nearly equal dimensions. Lateral lobes broad
and somewhat triangular; the inner third of the width horizontal, beyond
which the surface slopes rapidly to the outer margin; marked by three
broad, slightly flattened, but strong and very distinct ribs, which terminate
about one-third of the width within the margin, leaving a plain border sur-
rounding the shield. The two anterior ribs are broad, and show a faint
depression along the middle in the upper part. Surface of the crust, under
an ordinary magnifying power, apparently smooth, except on the crest of
the axial rings, where there are a few node-like granules
244 PAL ONTOLOGY.
The pygidium is associated with a granulose glabella of corresponding
dimensions, which is too imperfect for illustration or description, but prob-
ably of the same species. The sides are parallel or slightly widening ante-
riorly, and the front rounded. The entire surface is covered with small,
closely-set pustules. The glabella bears considerable resemblance to that
of B. strenuus Bill. (Pal. Foss. Canada, vol. 1, p. 204), but shows indica-
tions of a faint glabellar furrow behind the middle of the length.
Formation and locality—tIn coarse, crystalline limestones, on the west
side of Pogonip Mountain, White Pine, Nevada. Collected by A. J.
Brown, esq.
Genus OGYGIA Brongn.
OGYGIA PRODUCTA 2. sp.
Plate II, figs, 31-34.
Glabella very much elongated, twice as long as wide, measuring from
the occipital furrow; slightly expanded in front, and rounded on-the ante-
rior extremity; convex and subangular along the median line; marked by
two pairs of faint, very oblique furrows, which do not quite meet in the
middle. Occipital furrow broad and distinct; ring strongly marked and
thickened in the middle.
Fixed cheeks of moderate width; eye-lobes large, two-thirds as long
as the glabella, extending from the occipital furrow to the middle of the
anterior lobe of the glabella; distinctly marked by a narrow, depressed
furrow just within and parallel to their margins. Lateral limbs narrow.
Frontal limb unknown.
Movable cheeks obliquely triangular, the outer face being much the
longest, and regularly arcuate; posterior extremity rounded, showing no
evidence of a spine in the impression of the under surface, though the
upper portion may have borne a spine, as seems to be indicated by other
impressions of the exterior. Ocular sinus very large, but shallow, regu-
larly arcuate; surface of the cheek depressed-convex, with a faint, shallow
groove just within the margin and a scarcely thickened rim beyond.
Thorax depressed-convex, distinctly trilobed. Axis narrower than the
lateral lobes, and gradually tapering from the occipital region posteriorly, and
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER SILURIAN. ; 245
slightly convex; annulations indistinctly marked. Pleura curving backward
near the outer ends and pointed at the extremity ; marked along the middle
by a broad, shallow furrow, which occupies one-half of the width for a dis-
tance of nearly two-thirds the length of the rib, becoming obsolete near
the free flattened extremity.
Pygidium broadly elliptical, scarcely twice as wide as long, anterior
face much less convex than the posterior, which sometimes becomes irregu-
_ larly paraboloid in the slate from distortion. Axial lobe less than one-third
of the entire width, and rapidly tapering posteriorly ; about four-fifths as
long as the shield, and terminating just within the rather broad, recurved
marginal lining of the under surface in an obtusely-rounded point; axis
marked by six strong, rounded rings, exclusive of the terminal one ; lateral
lobes depressed-convex, marked by three or four obscure ribs, which, when
compressed in the slates, become very faint and obscure.
The material from which the above description is taken is in a very
unsatisfactory condition, being fragmentary and much distorted by the
slipping and contortions of the shale in which they are imbedded, so that
the features of form as here given may be somewhat modified on finding
other and more perfect material. The great length of the glabella will serve
as a distinguishing feature in the identification of the species.
Formation and locality—In greenish and reddish shales of the age of the
Quebec group, at East Canon, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected by J.
E. Clayton and 8. F. Emmons.
OGYGIA PARABOLA 2D. sp.
Plate II, fig. 35.
Pygidium long-paraboloid, posterior to the antero-lateral angles, with
a slight emargination at the posterior border; front margin somewhat irreg-
ularly arcuate; surface flattened, or very gently convex, and in the cast
showing a very wide marginal lining on the under surface, which extends
to nearly one-half the width of the lateral lobes on the anterior margin, and
very gently widening posteriorly. Axis convex, wide and bulbous in front,
narrowed and cylindrical below for about four-fifths of its length; the
anterior bulbous portion forming a single-strong annulation, once and a
246 PALEONTOLOGY.
half as wide as the cylindrical portion below, which appears to be smooth
and destitute of rings. Lateral lobes also marked by a single, wide, flat-
tened rib, corresponding to the annulation of the axis, and a narrow,
sharply-elevated, anterior ridge, corresponding to the articulating projection
of the axis.
The pygidium is all that has yet been recognized of this peculiar spe-
cies, but it is so marked in its characters that we have no hesitation in pro-
nouncing it distinct from any hitherto described. The absence of rings -
on so great a length of the axial lobe is a marked and distinguishing feature.
Formation and locality—In greenish shales of the age of the Quebec
group, at East Canon, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected by 8. F. Emmons
and J. E. Clayton.
FOSSILS OF THE DEVONIAN.
BRACHIOPODA.
Genus STROPHODONTA Hall.
STROPHODONTA CANACE.
' Plate III, figs. 1-3.
Strophodonta Canace H. & W., 23d Rept. St. Cab., p. 236, pl. II, figs. 8-11.
Shell of medium size, subquadrangular in outline, wider than long;
hinge-line a little shorter than the greatest width of the shell, the external
border very gently sloping from the middle to the extremities; lateral mar-
gins and basal border of the shell somewhat straightened, and the angles
rounded. Ventral valve convex, slightly geniculated near the middle of its
length, and flattened on the umbonal disk; cardinal area narrow, sublinear
or moderately decreasing in width from the middle outward, vertically
striated or crenulate and divided in the center by a narrowly triangular
fissure. Dorsal valve concave, a little more than half as deep as the con-
vexity of the ventral; area very narrow. Surface of the ventral valve
marked by strong, sharp, distant, radiating strize, with concave interspaces,
which are occupied by three or more finer, even striz. Surface of the
FOSSILS OF THE DEVONIAN. 247
dorsal valve marked by fine, even strizx. The specimen measures about
seven-eighths of an inch in length by a little more than an inch in width;
convexity of the ventral valve about five-sixteenths of an inch.
The specimen possesses all the essential specific characters of the Iowa
shells, but differs slightly in the more decidedly quadrangular outline. This
feature alone, however, cannot be considered of specific importance, since,
among the typical specimens, the variation in this respect is considerable.
Formation and locality—In limestone of Devonian age, at Treasure Hill,
south of Aurora Mine, White Pine, Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague,
esq.
Genus RHYNCHONELLA Fischer.
RHYNCHONELLA EMMONSI 2. sp.
Plate III, figs. 4-8.
Shell rather above the medium size, globosely subcuboidal, very ven-
tricose, highly gibbous on the dorsal side, shallow and somewhat flattened
on the ventral and squarely truncate in front; cardinal margin broadly
rounded, the small, pointed, ventral beak projecting beyond the general con-
tour, and having the appearance of a small cardinal area from the projection
of the margin of the foramen, into which the beak of the dorsal valve passes;
sides of the shell more sharply rounded than the cardinal border. Front of
the ventral valve abruptly bent upward in a broad, linguiform extension,
nearly or quite equal to the entire height of the shell, and almost two-thirds
as wide as the entire width; the sides of the extension are straight and
parallel for most of the height, the top being broadly and evenly rounded.
Dorsal valve emarginate in front, corresponding with the extension of the
ventral valve.
Surface marked by from twenty-three to twenty-five low, rounded,
simple plications on each side of the elevation and sinus, and about fourteen
on the elevation of the dorsal valve, with a corresponding number on the
extension of the ventral valve.
The species is of the type of R. cuboides of Europe and R. venusta Hall,
of the Tully limestone of New York. It differs from the former in its much
less cuboidal form and broader and shorter proportions, and from the latter
248 PALZ ONTOLOGY.
in the same particulars, as well as the finer and more numerous plications,
and in the want of the flattening of these latter on the front of the shell.
Formation and locality—In limestones of Devonian age, south of Aurora
Mine, White Pine, Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.
Genus PARACYCLAS Hall.
PARACYCLAS PEROCCIDENS n. sp.
Plate III, figs. 14-17.
Shell comparatively large, circular in outline, with scarcely projecting,
but well-marked beaks; valves ventricose, somewhat inflated along the
strongly-curved or convex umbonal ridge; cardinal line strongly arcuate,
but becoming slightly alate toward the posterior end, especially perceptible
on the internal casts; anterior side of the shell marked by a slight constrict-
ing sulcus, or depression, extending from the front of the beaks to the margin
of the shell just below the middle of the anterior side, strongly reminding
one of the similar constriction on many of the recent Lucinas ; beaks pointed
and strongly curving forward, situated well anteriorly. On the internal
casts, the muscular impressions are large and strongly marked, the posterior
one is irregularly quadrangular, and the anterior one reniform, widening
below, and not more than half as large as the posterior; pallial line consist-
ing of strong longitudinal pustules, arranged side by side.
Surface of the shell somewhat roughened by strong, irregular, but not
lamellose, concentric undulations formed by aggregating lines of growth.
The shell differs from any form previously described in this country in
the presence of the anterior constriction, but, in many other respects
resembles P. elliptica var. occidentalis H. & W., from the Upper Helderberg
limestones of Southern Indiana.
Formation and locality—In dark limestone of Devonian age, at Treasure
Hill, south of Aurora Mine, White Pine. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
Genus NUCULITES Conrad.
NUCULITES TRIANGULUS D2. sp.
Plate III, figs. 12-13.
Shell comparatively large for the genus, subtriangular in outline, about
FOSSILS OF THE DEVONIAN. 249
four-fiftlis as high as long; valves depressed-convex, perhaps partly due to
compression; beaks large, broad, and prominent, situated about one-third
of the length from the anterior end; posterior cardinal margin rapidly slop-
ing to below the middle of .the valve, from which point the posterior end
rounds forward to the straight basal line; anterior end rounded, its greatest
length being much below the middle of the valve, above which the margin
is concave to just below the beak. Teeth and hinge unknown. On remoy-
ing the shell from a portion of the valve, a slight impression was seen on the
cast anterior to the beak, resembling that left by the removal of a muscular
clavicle, or ridge, but not quite satisfactory in its character.
Surface of the shell marked only by moderately strong, irregular, con-
centric undulations.
The general form of the shell is much like that of N. triquetra Con.
from the Hamilton group of New York, but with a straighter basal line, much
larger and tumid beaks, and of very much greater size than is known in that
species.
Formation and locality—In the lower black slates of the White Pine
District, near Eberhardt Mill. Collected by Amold Hague, esq.
Genus LUNULICARDIUM Munster.
LUNULICARDIUM FRAGOSUM.
Plate II, figs. 9-11.
Posidonomya? fragosa, Meek. (Part I, page 92 and Plate.)
The specimens figured and described by Mr. Meek, under the name
Posidonomya? fragosa, prove, on carefully uncovering the cardinal portions
of the specimens, to belong to the genus Lunulicardium, a genus, so far as
we are aware, that has only been recognized in rocks of Devonian age,
unless the genus Chenocardia M. & W. should prove to be identical, about
which we have some doubt. In the rocks of this age in New York, it has
been recognized in several species, ranging from the Marcellus shales to the
Chemung group inclusive, one or more species being known in each forma-
tion. The shells are readily recognized by the broadly gaping anterior (?)
end, bordered by a more or less reflected margin or flange-like projecting
border, extending from the beak to the basal margin, which we presume is
analogous to the byssal opening in other forms of shell. The species
250 PALE ONTOLOGY. ;
under consideration shows this feature on several specimens in the collection
in a somewhat remarkable degree. The flange widens and is somewhat
roundly pointed in some cases near the beak, and gradually narrows
below. The general form of the shell is obliquely ovate, widest below,
varying much, however, in different examples. The substance of the shell
has been thin, and marked by comparatively strong concentric undulations,
but without other surface-characters.
Mr. Meek’s figures are true in all respects, except in wanting the
flange-like border; and the figures given on plate 3 are for the purpose of
‘illustrating this feature. The species has considerable resemblance to L.
fragilis = Avicula fragilis Hall (Geol. 4th Dis. N. Y., 1843, p. 222, figs. 1-2)
(fig. 2, loc. cit., falsely represents a posterior wing), from the Genesee slate
and Portage group of New York, but differs materially in the greater elonga-
tion of the valves. Examples could, however, be selected from among the
New York collections that would exceed in length the shorter form from
the black slates of the White Pine District, while the peculiarity of having
the flange widening near the beak is a feature noticed only in that species
among all of those recognized in the New York formations, and is one that
shows the close relations of the’ two species. The greater proportional
length of the shells of this one will serve to distinguish them.
GASTEROPODA.
Genus BELLEROPHON Montf.
BELLEROPHON NELEUS 2. sp.
Plate III, figs. 18-20.
Shell rather above the medium size, nearly globular in form, a little
wider than high. Volutions rounded and very slightly carinate on the
back, the keel showing only as a low, rounded, scarcely elevated band on
the internal cast. Lip somewhat expanded laterally, the outer axial margin
forming a strong auriculation on each side of the shell; margin of the lip
bilobed, deeply and broadly notched in the middle; the sides of the notch
moderately expanding at first, but more rapidly above; lobes of the lip
rounded. Umbilicus closed, but on the internal cast showing as of consid-
FOSSILS OF THE WAVERLY GROUP. 251
erable width from the great thickness of the shell. The inner lip, as seen
on a specimen preserving this part of the shell, is much thickened and
forms a callus, slightly trilobate and strongly modifying the form of the
aperture. Aperture semilunate or reniform, about twice as wide as long.
A fragment of the exterior surface preserved is covered with oblique rows
of closely crowded, rounded granules, or small tubercles, outside of the
median band; the obliquity of the rows being caused by the quincunx
arrangement of the tubercles. The form and ornamentation of the revoly-
ing median band has not been fully determined, but is apparently broad
and flattened, with retrally curved strize.
The species very closely resembles, and is probably identical with, an |
undescribed form from the Chemung group of New York; being similar
in size, form, and surface-markings, as well as in the solid axis and form of
the callus of the inner lip. It differs in the surface-markings from any
described form with which we are acquainted.
Formation and locality—In limestone of Devonian age, at Treasure
Hill, south of ‘Aurora Mine, White Pine District, Nevada. Associated
with Strophodonta Canace, Rhynchonella Emmonsi, Paracyclas peroccidens,
and other Devonian forms. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
FOSSILS ORS athe Weavnh hh Y GROUP.
RADIATA.
Genus MICHELINA D’Kon.
MICHELINA
sp. 2.
Plate IV, fig. 19.
Among the fossils received from Dry Canon there occurs a worn speci-
men of this genus, composed of tubes which vary from an eighth of an
inch in diameter to nearly or quite twice that size. The corallum seems to
have been highly convex, but not hemispherical in form, with few but
rapidly diverging tubes of moderate size. The specimen is imbedded in the
rock so as to expose the lower part of the tubes cut transversely. The
walls have been quite thick at this point, but become much more attenuate
252 PAL ONTOLOGY.
or even quite sharp on their upper edges. The specimen is in such a state
of preservation that it is impossible to detect the specific characters, and is
chiefly interesting on account of the association in which it is found. The
genus Michelina is not common in this country in rocks above the Devonian,
although very abundant in many of the formations of that series, and has
been recognized in several species in the Carboniferous rocks of Europe.
This species, therefore, furnishes another instance of the mingling of
Devonian and Carboniferous forms in the rocks of the age to which we
suppose these to belong (viz, Waverly group), showing intimate relations,
if not absolute transition without break, from the Devonian to the Lower
Carboniferous in several widely distant parts of the country.
BRACHIOPODA.
Genus STREPTORHYNCHUS King.
STREPTORHYNCHUS EQUIVALVIS.
‘Plate IV, figs. 1-2.
Orthis equivalvis Hall, Geol. Rept. Iowa, vol. 1, pt. 2, p. 490, pl. 2, fig. 6.
Specimens of a species of Streptorhynchus, having characters very
similar to many of those occuring in the Burlington sandstones, occur in the
rocks of this formation at Ogden and Logan Canons, Wahsatch Range,
Utah. The shell is at all times a very variable one, and not easily deter-
mined with satisfaction. The specimen representedby fig. 1, plate IV, is
rather wider than most of those above referred to, but resembles them in
form except in this particular, and in want of the sinus which often marks
them. The alternations of coarser and finer strize is a common character.
The specimen represented by fig. 2 of the same plate is also a not unusual
form, although sharter than the generality of individuals. The specimen
fig. 1 is from Ogden Canon, and fig. 2 from Logan Canon. Collected by
8. F. Emmons, esq.
STREPTORHYNCHUS INFLATUS.
Plate IV, fig. 3.
Streptorhynchus inflatus White & Whitfield, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist , vol. viii, 1862,
p. 293.
The specimen fig. 3, plate IV, possesses the character of the above-cited
speciés in all particulars as far as can be ascertained from the specimen, except
FOSSILS OF THE WAVERLY GROUP. 253
that it is a little wider, but not sufficiently so to be considered beyond the
limits of specific variation. The shell is very gibbous, in fact quite inflated
in form, and evenly striate. Other individuals show the large cardinal
process known to exist in the original, and, considering the extreme varia-
tions to which species of this genus are subject, we see no reason why this
should be considered as distinct from the typical forms.
Formation and locality—In limestones of the age of the Waverly group,
at Dry Cafion, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected by 8. F. Emmons, esq.
Genus STROPHOMENA Rafinesque.
STROPHOMENA RHOMBOIDALIS Wilckens.
Plate IV, fig: 4.
For synonyma see Palzont. N. Y., vol. iv, p. 76.
The examples of this species observed present a broad flattened surface
with but a slight geniculation, the flattened portion being covered by close,
rather small, or narrow, concentric wrinkles, which are crossed by fine radiat-
ing strie. The form is similar to those found in the yellow sandstones of
Burlington, Iowa. The straight hinge-line is about as long as the width of
the shell below, or a little shorter, and the length of the shell about two-
thirds as great as the width. The geniculation is near the margin; the
flattened disk occupying almost the entire extent of the shell. Only the
ventral valve has been observed. ©
Formation and locality—tIn limestone of the age of the Waverly
group, Dry Cation, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected by J. E.
Clayton, esq.
Genus CHONETES Fischer.
CHONETES LOGANENSIS nN. sp.
Plate IV, fig. 9.
Shell of moderate size, semicircular; hinge-line straight, longer than
the width of the shell below; the extremities acutely angular. Ventral
valve convex, with a slight flattening, scarcely a depression, along the median
line, widening gradually toward the front; sides of the valve rounded,
254 PALA ONTOLOGY.
becoming flattened, or very faintly concave, near the nmge-extremities;
hinge-line marked by three or four very short, appressed spines on each
side of the beak. Dorsal valve and area of the ventral unknown. Surface
marked by very fine, closely crowded, radjating striz; the number not
determined, owing to the exfoliated condition of the shell.
The species resembles somewhat C. Iilinoisensis Worthen, from the
Burlington limestone, in the size and convexity of the valve, and also in the
strize, but differs in the greater proportional length of the hinge-line and
in the flattening of the mesial portion.
Formation and locality—In limestone of the age of the Waverly group,
at Logan Cafion, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by S. F. Emmons, esq.
Genus SPIRIFERA Sow.
SPIRIFERA CENTRONATA.
Plate IV, figs. 5-6.
Spirifera centronata Winchell, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., 1865, p. 118.
Shell rather below the medium size, transversely elongate, with mucro-
nate extensions, exclusive of which the front margin of the shell forms nearly
a semicircle, the length from beak to front béing sometimes greater and
sometimes less than half the length along the hinge. Valves convex, the
ventral most ventricose, with a moderately sized, rather pointed beak, which
is slightly incurved and projecting beyond the hinge-line. Area narrow;
mesial sinus distinct, narrow, angularly defined at the margins, and extend-
ing to the beak; occupied by from three to five plications near the front,
formed by the bifurcation of two, which originate at the beak. Sides of the
shell marked by from twelve to eighteen or twenty plications, mostly simple,
but sometimes bifurcating. The plications are slender and rounded, not
very angular. Dorsal valve depressed-convex; the narrow fold well defined,
but not highly elevated. Minute surface-characters not observed, as the
specimens are all in a state of exfoliation.
This species seems to be a common form in the rocks near the base of
the Wahsatch limestone. It is subject to some variation in external form
and number of plications, but is readily recognized and identified.
Formation and locality—Near the base of the Wahsatch limestone (Wavy-
FOSSILS OF THE WAVERLY GROUP. 255
erly ?), at Dry Canon, Oquirrh Mountains, Logan and Ogden Cations,
Wahsatch Range, Utah, collected by S. F. Emmons, esq. We have also
seen several specimens of it in collections from a white limestone brought
from the Black Hills by Mr. G. Bird Grinnell, in 1874.
SPIRIFERA ALBA-PINENSIS N. sp.
Plate IV, figs. 7-8.
Compare Spirifera biplicatus Hall, Geol. Rept. Iowa, vol. 1, pt. ii, pl. 7, fig. 5, p. 519.
Shell rather below a medium size, transversely elongate, greatly
extended on the hinge-line, with submucronate extremities; the width or
length along the hinge equal to about twice the length from beak to front.
Ventral valve ventricose, regularly arcuate from beak to front, the margin
of the valve forming nearly a semicircle exclusive of the hinge-extremities;
beak of moderate size, incurved and pointed; area moderate; a narrow,
rather shallow, and not distinctly defined mesial sinus marks the center of
the valve, and is bordered on each side by a broad, rounded plication, much
stronger and more elevated than the others, and which is divided along the
middle on the lower half of the shell by a slightly impressed line, giving it
the appearance of a bifurcated rib. The middle of the sinus is sometimes
smooth, and in some cases marked by two or three faint plications, which
do not extend beyond the anterior half of the shell. Besides the strong
plications bordering the sinus, there are from fourteen to eighteen low,
rounded, simple plications on each side, six or eight of which on the outer
end of the valve are often very obscure and sometimes obsolete. Dorsal
valve unknown.
This species is very closely related to, and may possibly prove to be
identical with, S. biplicatus Hall (loc. cit.), from the Burlington sandstones of
Towa, but it appears to differ in not possessing the central depressed line on
the mesial fold, if it is safe to rely upon the evidence furnished by the
absence of a corresponding fold in the sinus of the ventral valve and the
presence of two or more obscure plications in its place. As the dorsal valve
has not been observed, although several ventrals have been examined, these
* differences cannot be positively affirmed.
Formation and locality.—In limestones near the base of the Wah-
256 PALS ONTOLOGY.
satch limestone, at Dry Cafion, Oquirrh Mountains, Logan and Ogden
Canons, Wahsatch Range, Utah, and from a band of chert beneath the upper
black slates of the White Pine District. Collected by J. E. Clayton, 8. F.
Emmons, and Arnold Hague. :
Genus ATHYRIS McCoy.
ATHYRIS CLAYTONI 2. sp.
Plate IV, figs. 15-17.
Shell of moderate size, oval or very slightly ovate in general outline
when viewed from the dorsal side, the entire length being one-sixth greater
than the greatest width, and the rostral half of the shell being slightly more
attenuated than the forward part. Valves moderately and nearly equally
convex. Dorsal valve nearly circular in outline, convex, most ventricose in
the upper part, and somewhat angular along the middle throughout, but not
forming any distinct mesial elevation; beak small, incurved, and rather
pointed, the apex passing within the fissure of the opposite valve. Ventral
valve much longer than the dorsal, the rostral half very ventricose, but
becoming somewhat flattened on the antero-median portion, without forming
a distinct sinus; beak large and tumid, abruptly curved upward, and
rather strongly truncated at the apex on a line with the plane of the valves;
cardinal margins strongly inflected or enrolled, almost presenting the appear-
ance of a cardinal area, but without any defined limits; fissure large,
broadly triangular, and partly filled by the dorsal beak. Surface of the
valves smooth, except a few strong concentric lines marking stages of
growth.
The species is peculiar in shape, the cardinal portion presenting so
much the appearance of a species of Spirifer of the type of S. Maia Bill.,
as figured in Pal. N. Y., vol. 4, pl. 63, fig. 8, as to be readily mistaken for
one of that group; but the entire absence of a defined cardinal area,
together with the perforated beak, readily distinguishes it on a closer
inspection. The absence of any defined mesial fold and sinus is also a
good specific character.
Formation and locality—In limestones of the Lower Carboniferous
(Waverly?) age, Little Cottonwood, 800 feet east of Reed and Benson’s
FOSSILS OF THE WAVERLY GROUP. 257
mine, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Named in honor of Prof. J. E. Clayton, of
Salt Lake City, Utah, to whom we are indebted for the use of the speci-
mens.
P ATHYRIS PLANOSULCATA?.
Plate IV, figs. 10-11.
Compare Athyris planosulcata Phil., Geol. Yorkshire, vol. ii, p. 220, fig. 15.
A small species of Athyris not readily identified with any known
species, and yet so closely resembling several described forms, that it is
difficult to cite differences which would distinguish it from them, occurs
associated with the fossils described from the Cottonwood divide It is of
medium size, nearly circular in outline, with ventricose valves and destitute
of mesial fold or sinus; beaks small, that of the ventral valve incurved and
but slightly truncated by the small foramen. The surface of the shell is
smooth except from concentric lines marking stages of growth, and entirely
destitute of any marked or distinguishing feature. The specimens are of
the size and general appearance of those usually referred to A. planosulcata
Phil., and from its lack of distinguishing features we hesitate to refer it with
certainty to any known species.
Formation and locality—In limestone of the Lower Carboniferous
(Waverly?) age, Cottonwood divide, 800 feet east of Reed and Benson’s
mine, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected’ by J. E. Clayton.
Genus RHYNCHONELLA, Fischer.
RHYNCHONELLA PUSTULOSA White?.
Plate IV, figs. 12-14.
Rhynchonella pustulosa White, Jour. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. viii, p. 226.
Shell small, transversely subtrigonal, with a broadly rounded front and
straightened cardinal slopes; sides of the shell sharply rounded; beak
pointed and projecting; valves ventricose, the dorsal the most gibbous.
Surface marked by from sixteen to twenty-two simple rounded plica-
tions, five of which are elevated in the middle, to form the proportionally
broad mesial elevation, and a corresponding number depressed on the
ventral forming the sinus.
17PR
258 PALM ONTOLOGY.
The specimens of this species seen are mostly poor; one, however, pre-
serves the form and features, with but little or no distortion, giving the
characters as above. The shell varies considerable from the description of
Dr. C. A. White; but, on comparison with a group of several individuals
from the typical locality, sent by Dr. White as of that species, we find the
variations great enough to include specimens departing still further than
these here referred. The minute surface-structure having pustules has not
been observed among those in this collection, as they are all more or less
exfoliated, and it does not appear to be commonly preserved on those from
the typical locality. The greater number of plications would seem to be
a distinguishing feature, but eight of the twenty-two counted occur on the
cardinal slopes, where, in very many cases, they might not be distinguish-
able. .
Formation and locality—In limestone of the Waverly group, at Logan
Canon, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by 8. F. Emmons, esq.
Genus TEREBRATULA (Llhwyd.) Brug.
TEREBRATULA UTAH 0. sp.
Plate IV, fig. 18.
Shell of medium size, elongate-ovate, the greatest width opposite the
middle of the dorsal valve, forward of which point the sides are somewhat
rapidly contracted to the rather squarely truncated front margin. Valves
ventricose, the ventral more gibbous than the opposite. Dorsal valve most
ventricose within the upper third of the valve; beak small and sharply
pointed for a dorsal beak, scarcely if at all incurved. Surface of the shell
smooth, with the exception of several rather strong concentric lines marking
stages of growth. Beak of ventral valve not observed.
The shell is described from a separate dorsal valve and a partially con-
cealed ventral valve, but the form of the shell is somewhat different, and
the proportions unlike any other known from rocks of a corresponding age.
Formation and locality—F rom a dark limestone of Lower Carboniferous
age (Waverly?), on the Cottonwood divide, 800 feet east of Reed and Ben-
son’s mine, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by J. E. Clayton.
FOSSILS OF THE WAVERLY GROUP. 259
GASTEROPODA.
Genus EUOMPHALUS Sow.
EUOMPHALUS (SHRAPAROLLUS) UTAHENSIS 0. sp.
Plate 1V, figs. 20-23.
Shell of medium size, discoidal, composed of about four volutions,
which are coiled nearly or quite in the same plane, and in close contact with
each other, but not embracing or overlapping, and but moderately increas-
ing in diameter with increased growth. On the upper surface, the volutions
are marked, near the middle of their diameter, by a narrow, sharply elevated
band, or carina; within which the surface slopes rapidly and evenly to its
contact with the preceding whorl; outside of the carina, the volution is
evenly and regularly rounded across the dorsum and to the edge of the
broad, open umbilicus, where there is a nearly obsolete angularity, situated
considerably within the middle of the volution; within the umbilicus the
surface is somewhat evenly rounded. The surface of contact of each volu-
tion with the preceding one is very narrow and slight, leaving the inner
ones projecting on the sides of the shell, exposing the greater part of each
volution.
Surface of the shell marked by rather distinct transverse lines ot
growth, which are sometimes grouped so as to form slight transverse undu-
lations on the larger part of the shell. These lines have a slight outward
convexity on that portion within the carina of the upper side, and on the
outer portion a somewhat retral curvature as they cross the body of the
volution.
The species is of the type of Ewomphalus pentangularis Sow., and
somewhat closely resembles 8. similis var. planus M. & W. (Geol. Rept. Ils.,
vol. ii, pl. 19, fig. 5), but differs in the sharp carina of the upper side, and in
having the volutions coiled more decidedly in the same plane. This shell
also attains a much greater size than that one is known to do; the largest
specimen observed having a diameter of nearly an inch and two-thirds.
It is also related to S. planodorsatus of the same authors (loc. cit., pl. 24,
fig. 2), but is readily distinguished by the form of the upper surface of the
volution.
260 PALHONTOLOGY.
Formation and locality —lIn limestone near the base of the Wahsatch
limestone, of the age of the Waverly group, at Dry Cation, Oquirrh Mount-
ains, Ogden and Logan Canons, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by J.
E. Clayton and §. F. Emmons.
EUOMPHALUS LAXUS.
Plate IV, figs. 24-25.
Euomphalus laxus White, MSS. Lieut. Wheeler’s Rept. of Geograph. and Geol. Surv.
and Expl. W. of 100th Meridian.
Shell subdiscoidal; the height of the spire above the body of the last
volution equal to from one-third to about one-half its diameter, the inner
volutions being scarcely elevated above the general plane. Umbilicus
broad and proportionally deep, exposing all the inner whorls. Volutions
three or more, seldom, however, exceeding four; rather slender in their
proportions; the last one more rapidly increasing in size than the others;
obscurely pentangular in transverse section; the periphery being obtusely
angulated just below the middle, slightly flattened above the angle, and dis-
tinctly so on the upper surface. The lower side of the volution is gently
rounded on the outer part, but more sharply curved at the edge of the
broad open umbilicus.
Surface of the shell marked by distinct, somewhat irregular, lines of
growth, parallel to the margin of the aperture, their direction being nearly
at right angles to the axis of the shell, with a very slight sinuosity as they
cross the upper flattened surface of the volution. ;
The species is a well-marked one, and appears to be quite characteristic
of beds near the lower part of the Wahsatch limestone, Wahsatch Range,
Utah. It bears a strong resemblance to specimens of EZ. laxus H. from the
Burlington limestones, but the volutions increase much more rapidly, and
the flattened space on the upper side is narrower in proportion to the diam-
eter of the volution than in those specimens, and it is also a much smaller
form. It also bears considerable resemblance to an angulated form in the
Burlington sandstones, usually referred to L. cyclostomus H., but probably
distinct. There is also a species in the Chemung group of New York very
closely resembling this one, but which does not show the angularity of the
FOSSILS OF THE WAVERLY GROUP. 261
periphery, although flattened on the top of the volution. The individual
figured is somewhat smaller than the specimen used and figured by Dr. C.
A. White in Lieutenant Wheeler’s Report above cited, but possesses all the
characters of those specimens.
Formation and locality —In limestones near the base of the Wahsatch
limestone, of the age of the Waverly group of Ohio, at Dry Canon, Oquirrh
Mountains, and Logan Carion, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by S.
F. Emmons and J. E. Clayton.
EUOMPHALUS (STRAPAROLLUS) OPHIRENSIS nN. sp.
Plate IV, figs. 26-27.
Shell of medium size, broadly conical or subtrochiform; height equal
to two-thirds the greatest transverse diameter of the base; composed of
four and a half to five volutions, which are closely coiled, so as to rest nearly
upon the surface of the succeeding ones; four of the volutions obliquely
compressed on the outer upper portion, and sharply rounded on the periphery
and below, giving a somewhat convex trochiform aspect to the coils.
Umbilicus broad and deep, exposing more than one-half of each of the
preceding whorls, which are strongly rounded and full. Transverse section
of the volution obliquely and irregularly ovate, narrow, and somewhat
pointed at the upper end at the junction of the volutions, rounded on the
inner, and obliquely flattened or depressed-convex on the outer surface.
Surface of the shell marked only by very fine transverse lines of
growth, which have a slightly backward curvature as they cross the volu-
tion.
This species has something of the form and general appearance of S.
umbilicus M. & W., from the Coal-Measures (see Geol. Rept. Ills., vol. ii, pl.
3 fig. 1), but is more depressed and proportionally broader, without the
horizontal flattening on the upper surface of the volutions, which are instead
obliquely compressed nearly in the direction of the slope of the spire.
Formation and locality—In limestones of the age of the Waverly group,
at Dry Canon, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected by J. E. Clayton.
262 PALZ ONTOLOGY.
CRUSTACEA.
Genus PROETUS Stein.
PROETUS PEROCCIDENS 2. sp.
Plate IV, figs. 23-32. ,
One of the most persistent and characteristic fossils of this formation
at the several localities where it has been recognized, and one that will
probably serve to identify it at other localities, owing to its marked features,
is a small species of Trilobite of the genus Proetus. Although specimens
of the pygidium have been obtained at all the localities yet recognized, no
other parts of the animal have been noticed except from one locality.
These were collected, and sent, among other species, by J. E. Clayton, esq.,
of Salt Lake City, from Dry Canon, Oquirrh .Mountains, Utah. They
consist of some detached and imperfect examples of the glabella and cheeks;
and as there are no other forms of Trilobites yet known from the locality,
and these occurring in the same blocks with the pygidia, it is reasonable to
infer that they belong to the same species.
The glabella is conico-cylindrical in form, once and a half as long as
wide, very gently narrowing from the base forward, and rounded-truncate
in front; very depressed-convex throughout, and marked by four pairs of
transverse furrows; the posterior ones strongest, curving backward at their
inner ends, nearly surrounding the posterior lobes, forming rounded convex
tubercles, each of which is equal in width to one-third that of the entire
glabella. The other three pairs are faintly marked, and reach nearly one-
third across the glabella; the anterior one transverse and very obscure,
distant from the anterior end of the glabella, equal to its width at the furrow;
second and third pairs distinct, slightly curving backward at their ends.
Occipital ring narrow, depressed-convex, and not strongly marked. Fixed
cheeks narrow; palpebral lobe small, situated a little more than one-third
of the distance from the posterior border of the head, angular in outline.
Frontal border thickened and rounded, well defined, but not distinctly
separated from the glabella in front. Posterior lateral limbs not preserved,
but narrow at their junction with the fixed cheeks. Suture-line cutting the -
frontal margin, with a slight curvature at a point distant from the sides of
FOSSILS OF THE WAVERLY GROUP. 263
the glabella equal to one-half its width at the anterior end, and rounding
inward with a gentle curvature to the anterior side of the palpebral lobe,
the cheek being very narrow at this point, thence passing along the top
of the eye to the junction of the posterior lateral limb. Surface of the
glabella and cheeks smooth, except a few granules near the base of the
elabella.
Movable cheeks of medium size in proportion to the glabella, flattened
convex from the base of the eye to the narrow, thickened, and chamfered
marginal rim; occipital furrow narrow, not strongly marked, and reaching
nearly to the depression within the marginal rim; posterior angles of the
cheeks extending backward in the form of short angular spines.
Thoracic segments unknown.
Pygidium paraboloid in outline, highly convex, abruptly so at the
sides and posteriorly. Axial lobe forming a little less than one-third of the
entire width, and reaching nearly to the posterior margin, rounded and
strongly elevated throughout; gradually tapering posteriorly and narrowly
rounded at the extremity; marked by from fifteen to seventeen annulations
in different individuals exclusive of the anterior articulating ring. Lateral
lobes well marked, very convex, slightly flattened near the axis, but very
abrupt at the sides and behind; marked by from fourteen to sixteen very
sharply elevated angular ribs, which occupy the entire border, extending
beyond the end of the axial lobe, and reaching almost to the margin, leaving
only a narrow plain space at the edge. The surface of the annulations ‘is
marked by a series of small nodes, or pustules, along their crests, arranged
in four longitudinal rows on the axial rings, and an indefinite number,
closely arranged, occur on those of. the lateral lobes.
The species in some of its features resembles P. macrocephalus Hall of
the shales of the Hamilton group of New York, especially in the markings of
the pygidium; but it differs in the more elongate form and number of ribs
of this part, while the glabella is proportionally narrower and the sides
more nearly parallel; the fixed cheeks and anterior border are narrower,
and the movable cheeks terminate in spines, which is not the case with that
one. The surface of the glabella and head is also destitute of the strong
pustules which characterize that species.
264 , PALA ONTOLOGY.
Formation and locality—In limestones of the age of the Waverly group
of the Mississippi Valley, at Ogden and Logan Canons, Wahsatch Range,
and Dry Canon, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected by 8. F. Emmons
and J. E. Clayton.
PROETUS LOGANENSIS 2. sp.
Plate IV, fig. 33.
The pygidium of a small species differing very materially from the
preceding occurs at Logan Carion, associated with that one. The form is
more nearly semicircular, being but very slightly paraboloid. The axial
lobe is highly convex, rapidly tapering below and terminating abruptly a
little within the posterior margin; anterior end forming fully one-third of
the entire width of the shield. Lateral lobes moderately convex, with a
slightly thickened, scarcely elevated border of moderate width, on which
the ribs become nearly obsolete. Axial lobe marked by nine rounded and
distinct annulations, exclusive of the terminal ones; strong in front and
rapidly decreasing in size posteriorly. The ribs of the lateral lobes are ten’
in number on each side; simple, highly rounded, and continuing entirely
around the posterior margin of the shield, the most posterior ones being
very faintly marked.
This species differs conspicuously from the corresponding parts of
P. peroccidens in its shorter form, small number of ribs, and in being desti-
tute of the surface ornamentation which characterizes that one.
Formation and locality—In limestones of the age of the Waverly group,
at Logan Canon, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by S. F. Emmons, esq.
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER CARBONIFEROUS. 265
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER CARBONIFEROUS.
BRACHIOPODA.
Genus ORTHIS Dalman.
ORTHIS RESUPINATA 2.
f ¢ : Plate 5, figs. 1-2.
Orthis resupinata Martin sp.
Shell of moderate size, transversely elliptical or quadrate-elliptical ;
valves ventricose, the dorsal quite rounded and almost evenly ventricose,
sometimes a little fuller on the umbone; middle of the valve slightly
impressed with a broad, shallow, mesial sinus, extending from near the beak
to the front of the valve; beak proportionally large and full, somewhat
incurved, and projecting beyond the line of the hinge; area moderately
large, extending about half the length of the valve, the plane of its surface
nearly in the direction of the plane of the valve. Muscular impression
large, extending to about two-fifths of the length of the shell, distinctly
flabellate and lobed. Ventral valve unknown. Surface marked by moder-
ately strong, rounded, radiating strie and concentric lines of growth.
The species is represented in the collection only by dorsal valves, but
the specific characters are unmistakable and easily recognized.
Formation and locality—tIn Lower Carboniferous limestone, near the
base of the formation, at Dry Cation, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah: Collected
by J. E. Clayton. :
Genus PRODUCTUS Sowerby.
PRODUCTUS FLEMINGI var. BURLINGTONENSIS Hall.
Plate 5, figs. 9-12.
Productus Flemingi var. Burlingtonensis Hall, Geol. Rept. Iowa, vol. i, part ii, p. 598,
pl. 12, fig. 3.
Shell of medium size, wider than long; height and length subequal, or
a little longer than high, except in old individuals, where the front is much
produced, giving additional height; hinge-line as wide, or a little less than
the width of the shell below. Ventral valve strongly arcuate, more abruptly
curving just posterior to the middle of the valve; auriculations distinct when
266 PAL ONTOLOGY.
well preserved, and in some cases strongly separated from the body of the
valve; sides of the valve a little straightened; front rounded on the lateral
portions, but strongly emarginate in the center by. the rather strong, some-
times abruptly depressed, mesial sinus, which extends from near the beak to
the front of the shell; beak moderately strong, extending beyond the hinge-
line and incurved. Dorsal valve nearly flat over the central area, with a
slight concavity in the region cf the beak, the margins abruptly geniculated
to conform to the curvature of the opposite valve. The mesial constriction
is as strongly marked, but a little wider than that of the ventral valve, and
extends nearly to the beak.
Surface of the shell marked by rather even, rounded strize of moderate
strength, except near the front of the shell, where they become indistinctly
fasciculate or blended; also, on the rostral half of the shell by numerous,
distinct, closely arranged, concentric, undulating wrinkles, but which seldom
extend beyond the point of greatest geniculation. A few scattered spines
mark the front and sides of the shell, while several stronger ones are observ-
able on the cardinal auriculations. On the dorsal valve, the concentric
wrinkles are more distinct, and occupy the entire flattened area of the valve,
while the radiating strize are found to be more strongly bifurcating.
The specimens bear a very close resemblance to those from Burlington,
Towa, in their general form and characters. There are a few unimportant
differences noticed, but not such as can be considered of specific importance.
There is also considerable resemblance to Prod. mesialis Hall (Geol. Iowa,
p. 636, plate 19, fig. 2); but that shell is much wider in proportion to the
length than any of those from the more western locality.
Formation and locality —In dark-blue limestone of Lower Carboniferous
age, north of Snowstorm Hill, Dry Canon, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Col-
lected by J. E. Clayton.
PRODUCTUS LAVICOSTUS ?.
Plate 5, figs. 7-8.
Productus levicostus White?, Jour. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., 1860, p. 230.
Shell below the medium size, subtriangular in general outline, rapidly
increasing in width from the small, narrow, and rather pointed beak to near
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER CARBONIFEROUS. 267
the front of the shell, which is broadly rounded and destitute of any mesial
depression; hinge-line short, scarcely more than half as wide as the body of
the shell. Ventral valve strongly arcuate in the upper part. Dorsal valve
unknown.
Surface of the ventral valve covered by very fine, even, rounded,
thread-like striae, seven to eight of which may be counted in the space of
an eighth of an inch on the front of the shell, but are much finer near the
beak. The striz: have been marked by numerous fine, slender spines, the
bases of which can be seen protruding through a portion of shale adhering
to the surface of one of the specimens; but they are so fine as to make
searcely any perceptible scar on the surface of the strize when denuded.
The species is of the general form of many of those usually referred to
P. Prattenanus Norwood, but differs materially from the original specimen
used and figured by Dr. Norwood in the finer strize and short hinge-line.
It does not appear to be positively identical with any of the forms figured
by De Koninck as P. Cora, but is a very closely representative species.*
Formation and locality—In limestone in the higher parts of the Lower
Carboniferous, north of Snowstorm Hill, Dry Canton, Oquirrh Mountains,
Utah. Collected by J. E. Clayton.
PRODUCTUS SEMIRETICULATUS Martin.
Plate 5, figs. 5-6.
The specimens of this species in the collection have very much the
form and characters of those of the species which occur in the Burlington
and Keokuk beds in Iowa and Illinois, represented by the specimen figured
in the Geological Report of lowa (vol. i, part 2, plate 19, fig. 4), except that
they are only about two-thirds as large as that individual. The shell is
rather narrow and strongly arcuate; the beak narrow and rather pointed,
and distinctly separated from the body of the shell; the hinge-line appears
to have been about equal in length to the width of the shell below; the
sides of the shell abrupt, flattened, and squarish, while the middle of the
*The original specimen of P. levicostus is from the base of the Lower Carbon-
iferous, and from the beds at Burlington, lowa, referred to the Waverly group; but
there are forms of very similar character in other beds of the formations at other places
that cannot be readily distinguished from those above referred to.
268 PALZ ONTOLOGY.
valve is marked by a rather distinct depression, extending from near the
beak to the front of the shell, but most marked on the middle of the valve.
The striz are rather coarse, somewhat irregular, and present a rugose,
knotty appearance; while the upper half of the shell is very distinctly
marked by strong, irregular, concentric wrinkles, a little less marked in the
central depression. A few of the transverse wrinkles are seen marking the
front half of the shell in one specimen, and are broad and less deep than
those above.
The specimens are proportionally longer and narrower'than the typical
forms of P. semireticulatus; but the form is such a variable one that it is
somewhat difficult to define the limits of its characters. :
Formation and locality—In the limestone of Lower Carboniferous age,
north of Snowstorm Hill, Dry Cation, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected
by J. E. Clayton.
PRODUCTUS ELEGANS.
Plate 5, figs. 3-4.
Compare Productus elegans N. & P., Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., iii, p. 11, fig. 7.
There are two specimens of a Productus associated with the preceding,
having so much the form and characters of P. elegans N. & P., that, unless
from a larger number of individuals other and different features shall be
obtained, cannot well be considered as distinct from that one. The form is
narrow in the upper part, the hinge-line shorter than the width of the shell
below; beak rather small and appressed; auriculations not very marked ;
ventral valve sharply arcuate above and gently curving throughout, with a
slight, scarcely defined depression extending from beak to base. Surface
of the valve marked by moderately fine but distinctly radiating striee, which,
on the better preserved specimen, have an irregular, knotty appearance,
caused by the thickening of the striz at the spine-bases. The radiating
strie are marked by very fine transverse lines of growth on the forward
part of the shell, and on the upper part of ‘the beak and sides of the
shell a few obscure transverse wrinkles may be detected.
There are some slight differences between the specimens, one of them
being a little more compressed, giving it a broader form, while the striz are
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER CARBONIFEROUS. 269
a little finer and more even than on the other; but the differences are even
less than occur among specimens of P. elegans from the typical locality.
Formation and locality—In limestone of Lower Carboniferous age, north
of Snowstorm Hill, near Dry Canon, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected
by J. E. Clayton.
Genus SPIRIFERA Sowerby.
SPIRIFERA STRIATA.
Plate V, figs. 13-15.
Anomites striatus Martin; Spirifer striatus Sowerby and others.
Shell rather above the medium size, transversely oval or semi-elliptical,
the hinge-extremities either rounded or slightly extended beyond the width
of the shell below. Valves moderately convex, or in some cases rather
strongly rounded; the ventral valve most rotund and marked by a broad
mesial depression, the margins of which are not strongly defined; front of
the valve in the depression somewhat extended and bent upward; beak
small, pointed, and closely incurved; area small, poorly defined, the mar-
gins rounding to the body of the shell. Dorsal valve most ventricose in
the upper part; the sides gradually sloping to the margins, and the center
strongly elevated, forming a distinct, sharply rounded mesial fold, which is
narrow in the upper part but expands very rapidly as it approaches the
front of the shell.
Surface of the valves marked by moderately strong, radiating plica-
tions, which are distinct and subangular on the upper part of the shell, but
frequently bifureate and become flattened toward the margin, often forming:
fascicles of three, four, or more on the extension of the valves, while those
near the middle are usually in pairs, but not uncommonly simple.
The species is extremely variable in form and surface-markings as it
occurs in the collections examined, representing two quite distinct types,
which appear to characterize two different horizons of the geological section
of the district in which they were found. Although these differences are
easily detected on’ close examination, still they are not sufficiently strong
and marked to be considered as of specific or even varietal importance,
and, in their extremes, are not nearly so great as those ascribed to the species
270 PALAONTOLOGY.
by European authors. ‘The specimens from the lowest horizon are gen-
erally more extended on the hinge-line, and sometimes quite elongated;
while those from the lower beds are seldom much longer than the width of
the shell below, and in some stages of growth appear to have been short
and rounded at the cardinal extremities. There is also a perceptible
difference in the character of the striz; those from the higher beds being
more finely marked, more angular, and more distinctly fasciculate than the
others.
Formation and locality—In limestone of the Lower Carboniferous age,
near the base of the section, at Dry Canon, and in the higher beds at Snow-
storm Hill, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected by J. E. Clayton.
SPIRIFERA SETIGERA.
Plate 5, figs. 17-18.
Spirifer setigeras Hall, Geol. Rept. Iowa, vol. 1, pt. 2, p. 705, pl. 27, fig. 4.
Shell rather below the medium size, transversely oval or elliptical,
with ventricose valves, and a short, scarcely defined hinge-line and rounded
extremities. Ventral valve more ventricose than the dorsal, most strongly
arcuate in the upper part; beak small, somewhat pointed and strongly or
closely incurved; area small, the margins not distinctly defined, but rounded
almost imperceptibly into the general curvature of the valve. Center of
the valve marked by a moderately distinct, but narrow mesial depression,
traceable from beak to base. Dorsal valve rather gently and evenly convex,
the center elevated in a narrow, not distinctly defined, rounded elevation
corresponding to the depression of the opposite valve.
Surface of the shell marked by numerous, rather closely-arranged
concentric varices, marking stages of growth at irregular distances, and also
by fine, closely-arranged, setose, radiating lines, most distinct just below
each concentric line, but becoming indistinct before reaching the next one
below. These lines on the natural surface have been elevated and rounded,
forming spines at the concentric ridges, but on the exfoliated surface have
the appearance of interrupted radiating lines, scarcely raised on the surface
of the shell.
The specimen figured is somewhat imperfect and much distorted by
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER CARBONIFEROUS. TAL
compression, but the features of the species are so well and distinctly
represented on it that it is impossible to doubt its identity.
Formation and locality—tIn limestone of Lower Carboniferous age,
north of Snowstorm Hill, Dry Canon, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected
by J. E. Clayton.
SPIRIFERA
sp. 2.
Plate 5, fig. 16.
Compare Spirifera imbrex Hall, Geol. Iowa, vol. 1, pt. ii, p. 601, pl. 13, fig. 2.
The figure is of a fragment of a cast of the ventral valve in chert, from
a fragment of the Weber quartzite, a rock usually destitute of all organic
remains, and it is for this reason only that the specimen has been figured.
It is of a species possessing numerous sharply-elevated, angular plications,
simple on the sides of the shell, and apparently bifurcating in the mesial
sinus; although the example does not furnish positive evidence of such
bifurcations, still the direction and number would indicate such to be the
ease. The plications have been crossed by closely-arranged, strong, zigzag,
concentric lines; which give a strongly roughened surface to the cast. The
only species having strong affinities with it is S. embrex Hall from the Bur-
lington limestone of the Lower Carboniferous formations, at Burlington,
Iowa (lowa Geol. Rept., vol. 1, pt. ii, p. 601, pl. 13, fig. 2), and it is even
probable that it may be identical; but, as the ventral valve of that species
is unknown to us, we are unable to determine positively. The plications
of that species often bifurcate on the upper part of the shell, while these
are simple; but this feature may not hold good on all specimens of the same
species where the bifurcations are but few. .
Formation and locality—In the Weber quartzite, Bear River, Uinta
Range, Utah. Collected by Clarence King, esq.
Genus ATHYRIS McCoy.
ATHYRIS SUBQUADRATA ?.
Plate 5, figs. 19-20.
Athyris subquadrata Hall, Geol. Iowa, vol. 1, pt. ii, p. 703, pl. 27, fig. 2.
Shell of medium size, varying from irregularly circular to distinctly
quadrate in outline, with more or less ventricose valves; length usually
272 PALA ONTOLOGY.
somewhat exceeding the width, though often less; point of greatest widtha
little below the middle of the shell, the margins nearly straight from this
point to the beak above and to the front below, giving the quadrangular
outline. Dorsal valve ventricose, more distinctly elevated along the middle,
forming the proportionally narrow mesial fold, which is often more sharply
elevated and sometimes prolonged in front. Ventral valve marked along
the center with a narrow depression, corresponding to the fold on the dorsal
valve, but narrower, abruptly marked, and extending nearly to the beak;
body of the valve ventricose, especially in the upper half; beak strong,
sharply incurved, and slightly truncate.
Surface of the valves marked by strong concentric lines of growth at
unequal distances, most numerous and crowded near the margin of the shell.
The specimens examined are all more or less imperfect from exfoliation;
consequently, the true surface-features cannot be ascertained. The species,
however, closely resembles specimens of A. subquadrata from the Chester
limestones of Illinois and Kentucky, differing mostly in the less distinctly
marked and narrower mesial depression of the ventral and corresponding
fold of the dorsal valve. The front is also sometimes much produced, but
not more so than is often the case with those. The species as found at
Chester, Illinois, and elsewhere, is quite variable, and among twenty or
thirty individuals from the typical localities specimens could be selected
that would correspond in form to any of those presented in this collection.
Formation and locality—In dark-colored limestone of Lower Carbonif-
erous age; the Wahsatch limestone, at Snowstorm Hill, near Dry Canon,
Oquirrh Mountains, Utah. Collected by J. E. Clayton, of Salt Lake City.
COAL-MEASURE AND PERMO-CARBONIFEROUS FOSSILS. 213
FOSSILS OF THE COAL-MEASURES AND PERMO-
CARBONIFEROUS.
LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.
Genus AVICULOPECTEN McCoy.
AVICULOPECTEN WEBERENSIS 0. sp.
Plate VI, fig. 5.
Shell of medium size or smaller, suborbicular in outline, the length
and height being subequal, anterior side of the shell larger than the posterior,
giving a slight obliquity to the valves; hinge-line straight, nearly two-thirds
as long as the greatest length of the shell, anterior portion forming rather
more than one-third of the length. Left valve very convex, the depth equal
to about one-third the height when not compressed. Auriculations not dis-
tinctly limited, anterior one small, with a shallow rounded sinus below,
extremity rounded; posterior side of moderate size, the sinus faintly marked;
extremity obtusely angular.
Surface marked by somewhat irregular radiating coste, which vary
much in size, some of them being moderately strong and distant, with from
one to four smaller ones between, most prominent and distinct on the
median portion of the valve, becoming gradually smaller on the sides and
wings. There are also fine concentric strie crossing the radii, giving a
slightly roughened surface. Right valve unknown.
The species resembles in some of its characters many of those referred
to Eumicrotis Hawn M. & H., but differs in the size and form of the wings
and in the finer radii of the surface. The character of the auriculations
would prevent it from being classed as Humicrotis.
Formation and locality—tIn limestones of the Upper Coal-Measures
(Permo-Carboniferous), foot-hills southeast of Salt Lake City, Wahsatch
Range, Utah. Collected by 8. F. Emmons, esq.
AVICULOPECTEN CURTO-CARDINALIS nN. sp.
Plate VI, fig. 4.
Shell of small size, broadly ovate in outline, and nearly equilateral,
widest just below the middle of the height; hinge-line short, not exceeding
1SPR
274 PALHONTOLOGY.
half the width of the shell below, and sloping somewhat rapidly from the
center to the extremities on each side of the beak. Left valve highly con-
vex, becoming almost subangular on the umbone; auriculations subequal,
quite small and indistinctly separated from the body of the shell by very
slight, rounded depressions, extending from the beak to the margin on each
side, in which they cause slight sinuosities, the anterior one most distinct.
Beak small, somewhat pointed, and slightly projecting beyond the cardinal
line. Surface of the valve marked by fine, even, rounded, thread-like radi-
ating striz, scarcely visible without the aid of a lens; also by finer concen-
tric lines. Right valve not observed.
The species presents much the appearance of many forms of Lima, and
it is possible it should be so referred; but there is no other evidence of a
cardinal area on the left valve than the sloping of the hinge-line, while the
wings and sinuosities are more like those of Aviculopecten.
We know of no species so closely related to this one as to be readily
mistaken. ;
Formation and locality—tIn limestone of the Upper Coal-Measures
(Permo-Carboniferous), foot-hills southeast of Salt Lake City, Wahsatch
Range, Utah. 5S. F. Emmons, collector.
AYVICULOPECTEN PARVULUS 2. sp.
Plate VI, fig. 6.
Shell quite small, equilateral, broadly ovate in outline, a little higher
than wide; sides and base rounded, slightly prolonged on the postero-basal
side, and obscurely angular near the middle of the anterior margin. Hinge-
line two-thirds as long as the greatest width of the shell, longest on the
anterior side, and very moderately sloping from the beak. Left valve
highly convex; wings moderate, not distinctly separated from the body of
the shell; anterior one largest, the margins nearly rectangular to each other,
the sinus scarcely perceptible, forming only a broadly-curved indentation
below the angle; posterior. wing small, the margins forming an obtuse
angle. Surface of the valve highly convex ; beak small and obtusely
pointed, barely projecting beyond the cardinal line. Body of the valve
marked by alternating larger and smaller radii, the stronger ones extending
COAL-MEASURE AND PERMO-CARBONIFEROUS FOSSILS. 275
to the beak, while the smaller are added at irregular distances; wings
marked by finer radii of nearly equal strength. A few irregular concentric
undulations cross the radii at unequal distances. Right valve unknown.
This species differs from the preceding (A. curtocardinalis) in the stronger
radii, in being higher in proportion to the width, and in the longer hinge-
line. It differs from A. occidaricus Meek, plate 12, fig. 13, of his report,
with which it is associated, in being a smaller shell, more highly convex,
aud in having a greater number of strong radii, with a smaller number of
intermediate ones; this having usually but one instead of from two to four,
as in that species.
Formation and locality—tIn limestone of the Upper Coal-Measures
(Permo-Carboniferous), foot-hills southeast of Salt Lake City, Wahsatch
Range, Utah. Collected by 8. F. Emmons, esq.
Genus MYALINA De Koninck.
MYALINA AVICULOIDES.
Plate VI, fig. 8.
Myalina aviculoides M. & H., Proc. Acad. N. Sci. Phil., May, 1860, p. 184; Pal. Up.
Mo., p. 51, pl. 2, fig. 8.
Shell of rather more than average size, mytiliform, ovate or triangularly
ovate in outline, half as high again as long; beak prolonged, narrow, and
somewhat curved; body of the shell nearly erect, highly convex, and
obtusely angular along the umbonal ridge, which is placed near the anterior
border and parallel to it; anterior face of the shell nearly vertical; posterior
surface rapidly and regularly sloping from the crest of the ridge to the pos-
terior margin; hinge-line nearly as long as the shell below the prolongation
of the beak; anterior border sinuous above and nearly rectangular to the
hinge-line below; base narrowly rounded; posterior margin broadly rounded.
Surface marked by rather strong, concentric lines, indicating stages of growth.
The shell is somewhat peculiar for the form of the beak, which is slender
and greatly prolonged anteriorly beyond the body of the shell, with a slightly
upward curvature near the point. It is also remarkable for the great con-
vexity of the valves along the umbonal ridge, which gives an almost vertical
anterior face. These features readily distinguish this from all other species.
276 PAL, ONTOLOGY.
Formation and locality.—In limestones of Permo-Carboniferous age, foot-
hills southeast of Salt Lake City, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected by
8. F. Emmons, esq.
MYATLINA PERMIANA.
Plate VI, fig. 7.
Mytilus (Myalina) Permianus Swallow, Trans. St. Louis Acad. Sci., vol. 1, 1858, p. 17.
Mytilus (Myalina) concavus (Swal.) Meek, ib., p. 18.
Myalina Permianus (Swal.) Meek, Pal. Missouri, p. 52, pl. ii, fig. 7.
Shell of medium size, elongate triangularly-ovate, much higher than
long, suberect; hinge-line shorter than the width of the shell below; ante-
rior margin concave; base sharply and narrowly rounded; posterior margin
broadly rounded, sloping abruptly forward in the upper part to meet the
hinge-line, considerably contracting the length of the shell at this point.
Surface of the valves highly convex near the front border, and somewhat
gradually sloping toward the posterior margin; umbonal ridge rounded;
beaks obtuse, nearly or quite terminal. Surface of the shell marked by
concentric lines of growth, obscurely preserved on the casts.
This species differs from the last (IZ. aviculoides), with which it is asso-
ciated, in the less convexity of the valves and more rounded umbonal ridge,
as well as in wanting the narrow and prolonged beak of that species. The
example used and figured differs from those figured by Mr. Meek (loc. cit.)
only in having the hinge-line a little shorter. This feature, however, varies
much among the specimens in the collection.
Formation and locality—Occurs with the preceding.
Genus SEDGEWICKIA McCoy.
SEDGEWICKIA ? CONCAVA.
Plate VI, fig. 3.
Sedgewickia ? concava Meek & Hayden, Pal. Up. Missouri, p. 41, pl. 1, fig. 8, 1864.
TIyonsia concava M. & H., Trans. Albany Inst., vol. iv, March, 1858.
Among specimens on a yellowish-brown sandy shale from the Wahsatch
Mountains, near Salt Lake City, is one so nearly resembling the figure cited
above that we cannot hesitate in considering it as specifically identical.
The specimen is about one-third longer than the figure cited, being about
nine-tenths of an inch long. The form is transversely elongate-elliptical,
COAL-MEASURE AND PERMO-CARBONIFEROUS FOSSILS. 277
a little more than twice as long as high, with the posterior extremity rounded
and recurved; beak large, prominent, and situated at about the anterior
third of the length; anterior end rounded, and longest below the middle;
basal line slightly convex, more abruptly directed upward for the posterior
third of its length; cardinal line concave; valve convex, becoming slightly
more compressed posteriorly; marked by slight concentric undulations of
growth parallel with the margins.
ormation and locality—Upper Coal-Measures (Permo-Carboniferous),
foot-hills, southeast of Salt Lake City, Wahsatch Range, Utah. Collected
by 8. F. Emmons.
‘Genus CARDIOMORPHA De Koninck.
CARDIOMORPHA MISSOURIENSIS.
Plate VI, figs. 1-2.
Cardiomorpha Missouriensis Swallow, Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis, vol. 1, p. 207, 1858.
Shell rather below the medium size, transversely elongate and sub-
quadrangular in general outline; valves ventricose, or even gibbous, pre-
senting an almost cylindrical form. Hinge-line more than half the length of
the shell, very slightly arcuate and abruptly rounding into the posterior
extremity, which is obliquely rounded, and longest below; basal margin
nearly straight in the middle, curving more abruptly at each extremity;
anterior end short, rounded; beaks tumid and enrolled, situated rather
within the anterior third of the length; umbonal prominence faintly sub-
angular; cardinal slope narrow and abrupt. Surface of the shell marked
with fine concentric striz of growth and stronger undulations. Substance
of the shell very thin.
The specimens described differ so litttle from examples of the species
received from the Coal-Measures of Canton, Illinois, that they are not readily
distinguished when placed together; the most marked difference being the
slightly greater length of the anterior end, and somewhat more prominent
beaks. The shell is also a little more excavated in front of the beaks; but
these differences are not strong enough to be deemed of specific importance.
Formation and locality—In black shale of Coal-Measure age, near
‘Eberhardt Mills, White Pine. Collection of Arnold Hague, esq.
278 PAL ONTOLOGY.
CEPHALOPODA.
Genus CYRTOCERAS Goldf.
CYRTOCERAS CESSATOR n. sp.
Plate VI, fig. 15.
Shell of rather small size, moderately curving throughout its length,
and rapidly expanding from below upward; the specimen measured show-
ing an increase of diameter from less than half an inch to about eight-tenths
of an inch in a length of only about nine-tenths of one inch; section cireu-
lar. Surface marked by strong, rather distant, rounded annulations, which
are separated by concave interspaces. The annulations are directed slightly
upward or forward in crossing the back of the shell, and become gradually
more distant with the increased growth of the individual; four of these
annulations occupy a length of the shell equal to its diameter at the upper-
most of those counted. Septa equal in number to the annulations, their
extreme outer margins reaching nearly to the crest of the ridges in some
cases; others are more distant. Siphuncle small, submarginal, situated a
little to the right of the dorsal line (perhaps only an accidental feature).
Surface of the shell marked by fine, crowded, thread-like, encircling
striz on both ridges and interspaces.
The species closely resembles in many of its characters that figured
by Meek and Worthen (Geol. Ills., vol. ii, plate 24, fig. 3), under the name |
of Orthoceras annulato-costatum, but differs in its circular section, more rapidly
expanding tube, and longitudinal curvature. The latter feature, together
with the dorsally-situated siphuncle, would place the species under the
genus Cyrtoceras, and we strongly suspect the Illinois shell will also prove
to belong to the same genus when its true characters are ascertained. The
O. Chesterensis of Swallow (Trans. St. Louis Acad. Nat. Sci., vol. ii, p. 98)
is still further removed from this one by its closely-arranged annulations,
though it is not stated if it be curved or straight.
Formation and locality —In black shales of probably Coal-Measure age,
near Eberhardt Mill, White Pine, Nevada; associated with Goniatites Kingit
and Cardiomorpha Missouriensis. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
COAL-MEASURE AND PERMO-CARBONIFEROUS FOSSILS. 279
Genus GONIATITES De Haan.
GONIATITES KINGII n. sp.
Plate VI, figs. 9-14.
Shell rather below the medium size, subglobose, the length and breadth
being about as three to two; composed of from four to six volutions, which
are broadly rounded over the dorsum and subangular at the margin of the
broad open umbilicus, into which the sides slope abruptly, forming an angle
of about forty-five degrees to the axis of the shell. Each volution em-
braces the preceding one to near the lateral angle, leaving a very narrow
surface exposed within the umbilicus. Extreme width of the volution equal
to three times the length, measured from the ventral to the dorsal surface,
at the center of the volution.
Surface of the shell and umbilicus marked by fine, subequal, trans-
verse lines of growth, often becoming crowded, and forming incipient un-
dulations on the back of the shell. Surface of the internal casts sometimes
marked by transverse constrictions, caused by the thickening of the inner
surface of the lip at stated periods of growth, as if for the purpose of strength-
ening its substance. 'T'wo of these constrictions occur in the space of one
volution, bringing them on opposite sides of the cast. Septa rather closely
arranged and deeply lobed. The dorsal lobe is longer than wide, and deeply
divided, forming two long, slender, lanceolate branches, with a shorter, trun-
cated, central projection; dorsal saddle broadly conical, rounded above, and
slightly inclined toward the dorsal lobe; lateral lobes as long as the dorsal
saddle, obconical, pointed at the lower extremity; lateral saddles broader
and shorter than the dorsal saddles.
The shell is somewhat remarkable for the great extent of the outer
chamber, appearing from fractured individuals to consist of two complete
volutions, and in some cases even more. It does not appear to attain a very
large size; the largest fragment observed indicating a specimen of not more
than two inches in diameter. ;
The species is of the type of G. sphericus Sow., but is less globose and
the umbilicus much larger. There are several American species of the type
known, as G. Nolinensis Cox and G. globulus and G. Iowensis M. & W. from
280. PAL ONTOLOGY.
the Coal-Measures, but our shell differs from all of them in the proportionate
size of the whorls, in the form of the umbilicus, and in the form and dispo-
sition of the septa to such an extent as to be not readily mistaken.
Formation and locality—In black shale of the Coal-Measures, near
Eberhardt Mill, White Pine, associated with Cyrtoceras cessator and Cardio-.
morpha Missouriensis. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
FOSSILS OF THE TRIASSIC FORMATION.
RADIATA.
ECHINODERMATA.
Genus PENTACRINITES Miller.
PENTACRINITES ASTERISCUS ?.
Plate VI, fig. 16.
? Pentacrinites asteriscus M. & H., Proc. Acad. N. Sci. Phil., 1858, p. 49; 1860, p. 419;
Pal. Up. Missouri, p. 67, pl. 3, fig. 2.
Several specimens of the separated disks of a Pentacrinites very simi-
lar in character to P. asteriscus M. & H., but differing somewhat in form,
but more particularly in their larger size, have been noticed among the col-
lections from Dun Glen Pass, Pah-Ute Range. When compared with speci-
mens of that species from localities of Jurassic age, they differ slightly in
the more obtuse points of the star, and the filling up of the angles between
the points, and also in the broader form of the elliptical figures on the ar-
ticulating surfaces of the disks. As these features, however, are not constant
among any considerable number of specimens of that species, even when
found together on the same block, we hesitate to consider them of specific
importance. The large size is the most noticeable feature of these speci-
mens, some of which exceed one-fourth of an inch in diameter, while those
of that species seldom reach one-fifth of an inch, and are usually much
smaller. It is possible that this may prove to be a very distinct form when
FOSSILS OF THE TRIASSIC FORMATION. 281
more and better material shall have been examined, but at present we hesi-
tate to so consider it.
Formation and locality—In limestone of supposed Triassic age, asso-
ciated with Spiriferina Homfrayi and Terebratula Humboldtensis Gabb., near
Dun Glen Pass, Pah-Ute Range, Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
BRACHIOPODA.
Genus SPIRIFERINA D’Orb.
SPIRIFERINA HOMFRAYI ?.
Plate VI, fig. 18.
? Spirifer Homfrayi Gabb, Geol. Sur. Cal., Pal., vol. 1, p. 35, pl. 6, fig. 38.
It is with considerable hesitation that we refer to the above species
some very imperfect fragments in the Dun Glen collections. They con-
sist of two imperfect dorsal valves, and some still more fragmentary ventrals;
the latter altogether too imperfect for illustration. The dorsal valves are
depressed-convex, with slightly rounded cardinal extremities; the mesial
fold is simple, broad, and rounded, the front forming a little more than one-
fourth of the entire width of the valve, measured along the hinge-line. The
sides of the shell are each marked by seven or eight simple, scarcely angu-
lar plications, rapidly decreasing in size from the middle outward; front
margin nearly semicircular in outline. The ventral valve has been erect
and pointed at the beak; the plications appear more angular than those of
the dorsal, and the area of considerable height.
The specimens are badly exfoliated, thus rendering the surface-charac-
ters obscure. The texture of the shell cannot be distinctly made out, but
appears to have been punctate, and for this reason we have classed it
under the genus Spiriferina, although it may possibly not be properly
referred.
Formation and locality—In dark-colored limestone of Triassic age, one
and a half miles south of Dun Glen Pass, Pah-Ute Range, Nevada. Col-
lected by Arnold Hague, esq.
SPIRIFERA (SPIRIFERINA ?) ALIA D. sp.
Plate VI, fiy. 17.
Shell of medium size, transversely broad-ovate ; the width about one-
282 PALM ONTOLOGY.
sixth greater than the length, measuring on the ventral valve. Valves
rotund, with rounded hinge-extremities. Beak of the ventral valve obtuse,
incurved, and rounded; area of only moderate height; middle of the valve
marked by a well-defined mesial depression, the front of which is equal to
more than one-third of the entire width of the valve. Dorsal valve not
observed. Surface marked by numerous, rather fine, slightly angular? radi-
ating coste, which do not appear to bifurcate except on the mesial fold.
There are eight plications marking the mesial sinus, near the front margin,
on the specimen figured, and about twenty may be counted on each side of
the valve. Interior unknown.
We know of no species of Spirifera or Spiriferina in rock of this age
resembling the one under consideration or with which it can be confounded.
The substance of the shell, like all those from the same locality, is badly
exfoliated, and has apparently undergone some change, which has to some
extent obliterated the natural features, so that we are not able to say defi-
nitely if it be punctate or not, consequently are in some doubt in regard to
its generic relations.
Formation and locality—In dark-colored limestone of Triassic age, one
and a half miles south of Dun Glen Pass, Pah-Ute Range, Nevada. Col-
lected by Arnold Hague, esq.
Genus TEREBRATULA (Llhwyd.) Brug.
TEREBRATULA HUMBOLDTENSIS.
Plate VI, figs. 22-24.
Terebratula Humbolatensis Gabb, Geol. Survey Cal., Pal., vol. 1, p. 34, plate 6, fig. 35.
Shell of medium size, elongate-oval or ovate, widest above or below
the middle in different specimens; front of the shell truncate, marked by a
simple fold and sinus on the front margin, or by a double fold on the dorsal,
with a sinus between, and corresponding elevation and depression on the ven-
tral side. Ventral valve usually slightly flattened across the middle; beak
strong and broad, scarcely incurved, truncated by a rather large perfora-
tion; cardinal borders broad, strongly inflected and flattened, so as to form
an angularity along the edge of the beak.
Surface of the shell marked by strong, irregular, concentric varices of
FOSSILS OF THE TRIASSIC FORMATION. 283
growth, but without other visible markings. The substance of the shell
appears to have been finely punctate; but, owing to some chemical change,
the structure is usually obliterated.
The species is a very variable one, both in general form and in the
features of the front margin; sometimes being entirely plain, or having a
simple elevation and sinus, or being biplicate on the dorsal side, and appar-
ently triplicate on the ventral. These features seldom mark the young or
half-grown shells, and on.the older specimens are usually confined to the
anterior third of the valves. .
Formation and locality—In limestone of Triassic age, near Dun Glen
Pass, Pah-Ute Range, Nevada. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.
Genus EDMONDIA De Koninck.
EDMONDIA MYRINA n. sp.
| Plate VI, fig. 19.
Shell rather below the medium size, transversely ovate, the length
nearly one-third greater than the height exclusive of the beaks. Valves
very convex, becoming almost inflated near the anterior end and on the
umbones; beaks proportionally large and tumid, situated near the anterior
end, and projecting largely above the hinge-line; anterior extremity short
and rounded; basal line gently convex; posterior extremity more broadly
rounded than the anterior; cardinal line nearly two-thirds the length of
the shell and gently curved throughout. Surface marked by obscure lines
of growth; interior features not determined.
The specimens consist of internal casts, preserving but fragments of
the shell in a highly crystalline condition, and do not reveal the true sur-
face of the shell, nor the exact generic relations of the species.
Formation and locality—In limestone of Triassic age, at Dun Glen, Pah-
Ute Range. Collected by Arnold Hague, esq.
284 PAL ONTOLOGY.
FOSSILS OF THE JURASSIC PERIOD:
BRACHIOPODA.
Genus RHYNCHONELLA Fischer.
RHYNCHONELLA MYRINA i. Sp. ‘i
Plate VII, figs. 1-5.
Shell of medium size, very broadly ovate, being wider than long; the
greatest diameter below the middle, valves depressed-convex, the dorsal
much the deepest and nearly evenly convex from beak to base, and also
transversely. Ventral valve somewhat unevenly convex, slightly flattened
toward the sides, and moderately depressed in front to form the proportion-
ally broad mesial extension; beak rather large, pointed, strongly curved
upward, and projecting considerably beyond the dorsal valve.
Surface marked by from thirty-two to thirty-four low, rounded plica-
tions, eight to ten of which are elevated on the dorsal valve forward of the
middle of the shell, forming the rather wide but only moderately elevated
mesial fold and a corresponding number impressed on, the ventral valve.
Minute surface-structure of the shell finely but evenly marked with con-
centric lines of growth.
This is a very pretty species, and is characterized by the moderately
fine plications of the surface, which are of nearly equal strength on all
parts of the shell, those of the mesial elevation being hardly perceptibly
larger than those on the sides. The species bears considerable resemblance
to Rhynchonella varians Schl. of the Inferior Oolite from Whitby, England,
but differs in the more evenly convex valves and in the rounded plications,
those of that species being slightly angular in the specimens examined.
Formation and locality—In light-colored limestones of Jurassic age, at
Flaming Gorge, Uinta Range, Utah.
RHYNCHONELLA GNATHOPHORA ?.
Plate VU, fig. 6.
Rhynchonella gnathophora Meek ?, Geol. Surv. Cal., Pal., vol. 1, p. 39, pl. 8, fig. 1.
A few individuals referred with doubt to this species occur in the
collections from Flaming Gorge. The reference, however, is very unsatis-
FOSSILS OF THE JURASSIC PERIOD. 285
factory, and, on examining specimens of that species, appears even more
uncertain ; still, the differences are not so great as to positively preclude
the possibility of specific identification. The individual represented on
plate 7, fig. 6, is perhaps as closely related to Meek’s species as any one
seen, but differs very materially in the strength of the plications on the
lateral parts of the shell, there being from two to four on each side more
than on the most finely marked individuals referred to that species by its
author; the shell is also less rotund and more slender and delicate in habit.
Genus TEREBRATULA (Llhwyd.) Brug.
TEREBRATULA AUGUSTA b. sp.
Plate VII, figs. 7-10.
Shell ee: broadly ovate, the widest part being a little below the
middle of the length; width of the shell less than the length; valves
depressed-convex, the dorsal sometimes nearly flat, but usually two-thirds
as convex as the ventral; beak small, minutely perforate, and strongly
incurved; cardinal slopes angular; margins of the shell acute. Surface
marked by lines of growth without perceptible structure except the very
fine punctz of the shell.
The species of this genus, when of the same general type, are so
similar that it is extremely difficult to point out specific differences or insti-
tute satisfactory comparisons, and the shells now under consideration belong
to a form which is so often repeated, both in this and several other genera,
that it would be useless to enter into any discussion of specific characters ;
therefore we shall rely upon the figures to tell their own story.
Formation and locality.—In limestones referred to the Jurassic, at
Shoshone Springs, Augusta Mountains, Nevada.
LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.
Genus OSTREA Linn.
OSTREA sp. ?.
Plate VII, fig. 12.
Compare 0. Engelmanni Meek, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 311; Pal. Upper
Missouri, p. 73, figs. A and B.
A single example, an impression of an upper valve, found sigsovanta
with the following species, appears to be entirely distinct. It is a much
286 PAL ONTOLOGY.
larger shell, and possesses all the features of a true Ostrea. The form is
irregularly ovate in outline, moderately convex, and slightly curving poste-
riorly ; length and breadth about as four to three, the expansion of the
valve being most rapid on the posterior side below the middle; posterior
border concave in the upper part, and sharply rounded below; anterior
border regularly and broadly rounded; adductor muscular scar small, sub-
marginal, situated above the middle of the length; the area embraced
above the pallial line being not more than one-fourth as great as that
below.
The specimen under consideration was at first supposed to be the young,
or a small individual, of O. Engelmanni Meek, but there is not the slightest
evidence of plications, the shell is proportionally longer, and the muscular
imprint proportionally smaller and more nearly submarginal; yet the
resemblance to that species is quite strong, and it is possible that in such
variable shells such changes may take place in the same species.
Formation and locality—In rocks of Jurassic age, northwest of Raw-
lings Station, Wyoming.
Genus GRYPH AA Lam.
GRYPH#A CALCEOLA var. NEBRASCENSIS.
Plate VII, fig. 11.
Gryphea calceola var. Nebrascensis M. & H., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 437;
Pal. Upper Missouri, pp. 74-75, pl. 3, fig. 1.
Among the Jurassic fossils of the collection are numbers of a small
Oyster-like shell, which we suppose to be identical with many of those
referred to the above-named variety of Quenstedt’s species G. calceola. The
specimens are mostly small and of variable form, the prevailing feature
being broadly and irregularly reniform, or curved-ovate; more or less
truncate at the posterior end; the smaller valve being extremely shallow
and scarcely convex, while the attached valves are very irregular and
variable in depth and convexity, most of them being flattened and attached
over the greater part of their extent, with the edges abruptly curved
upward, to give the requisite depth, others scarcely showing any mark of
attachment, and still others are squarely and vertically truncate at the
upper extremity, similar to those represented in the Pal. Upper Missouri,
FOSSILS OF THE JURASSIC PERIOD. 287
pl. 3, figs. 1 bandc. The most general feature seems to be their small’
size, although they differ in this respect, for while the majority of the speci-
mens range from half to three-fourths of an inch in length, other examples
are found attaining a length of an inch and a half.
It will be seen, by reference to the remarks of Messrs. Meek & Hayden
on this species, that they have met with all these various phases and varia-
tions among their specimens, although they speak of examples of much
larger size, where the attached valves are deep and strongly arcuate, with
large, strongly incurved beaks. These they term “normal forms” of the
variety, although it would seem that from some of their localities these
forms are nearly or quite absent, and that the flattened forms prevail.
Among the examples examined by us there are none of these “normal
forms”, but all are of the iregularly convex, the squarely truncate, or the
flattened forms above referred to; and it seems to us that these forms are
much more likely to prove an entirely distinct species from the so-called
‘normal forms” than that they are merely individual differences. In fact,
from the specimens before us, and from the figures above referred to, it
appears that there is but little reason for considering the forms under con-
sideration as belonging to any other genus than Ostrea; while those
referred to as ‘‘normal forms” are unquestionably true Gryphea.*
In the flattened and almost wholly attached examples, the form and
characters are so exactly similar to Ostrea congesta Conrad, from the Creta-
ceous formations, that it is nearly or quite impossible to say wherein they
differ, except, perhaps, that they are not so gregarious or so densely packed
together as that species often is.
Formation and locality—In shaly limestone of Jurassic age, at Sheep
Creek, Uinta Range, Utah, associated with Camptonectes bellistriatus, Penta-
crimites asteriscus, &c.; and on Ashley Creek, Uinta Range, associated with
Camptonectes? eatenuatus, Bellemnites densa, &c. Collected by S. F. Em-
mons, esq.
* Since the above paragraph was written, Dr. C. A. White has described these
small shallow forms under the name Ostrea strigilecula (see Pal. Rep. Geograph. and
Geol. Surv. and Exp]. West of 100th Merid., Lieut. Wheeler in charge, by C. A .White,
p. 163, pl. xiii, fig. 3).
288 PALF ONTOLOGY.
Genus AVICULOPECTEN McCoy.
AVICULOPECTEN (EUMICROTIS?) AUGUSTENSIS 2. sp.
Plate VII, figs. 14-16.
Shell small, broadly ovate, higher than wide; length of the hinge equal
to about half the height of the shell, the anterior side straight and forming
two-thirds of the entire length, posterior side slightly declining from the
beak; left valve moderately convex, most prominent on the umbone; beak
small, obtusely pointed and but slightly projecting beyond the hinge-line;
auriculations depressed, but not distinctly separated from the body of the
shell, the anterior one of moderate size, posterior one quite small. Surface of
the valve marked by simple rounded ribs of equal strength, except on the
left auriculation, where they are finer, somewhat corrugated, and strongly
curved upward to the margin. Right valve flat or very slightly convex;
beak depressed and not extending beyond the hinge-line; ears much more
distinctly marked than on the left valve, the lines separating them from the
body of the shell, strong, nearly straight, and rapidly diverging from the
beak, inclosing an angle of about ninety degrees; anterior auriculation
large, rounding inward from the extremity. Byssal notch more than a third
as deep as the length of the ear, broad and rounded at the bottom. Surface-
markings similar to those of the opposite valve.
The specimens from which the description is taken are slightly exfoliated
and do not present the natural surface-markings; but another fragment
presenting a weathered surface shows concentric striz, which are strongly
vaulted in crossing the radii, but not distinctly marked in the depressions.
The species has much resemblance, especially the left valve, to many
of those referred by Mr. Meek to his genus Eumicrotis, in general form and
surface-markings, but differs strongly in the large anterior auriculation and
byssal notch of the right valve, corresponding in this respect more nearly
with Aviculopecten, and we are undecided as to which genus they ought
properly to be referred.
Formation and locality—In limestone referred to the Jurassic, Shoshone
Springs, Augusta Mountains. Collected by 8. F. Emmons, esq.
FOSSILS OF THE JURASSIC PERIOD. 289
Genus EUMICROTIS Meek.
EUMICROTIS CURTA.
Plate VII, fig. 24. ;
Avicula curta Hall, Stans. Rept. Salt Lake, p. 412, pl. 2, fig. 1.
Avicula (Monotis) tenuicostatus M. & H., Proc. A. N. Sci. Phil., 1858, p. 50.
Monotis curta M. & H., Proc. A. N. Sci. Phil., 1860, p. 418.
Humicrotis curta M. & H., Smithsonian Check-List N. Am. Invert. Foss., 1864.
Eumicrotis curta M. & H., Pal. Upper Missouri, p. 81, pl. 3, fig. 10.
Shell small, suborbicular or obliquely ovate, a little higher than long,
or height and length subequal; valves convex, the left one the most rotund.
Hinge-line short, compressed behind and forming a small, obtusely-angular
wing; anterior side very short, scarcely forming a wing, the anterior margin
rounding nearly to the beak; posterior margin gradually sloping backward
from the extremity of the hinge to a point below the middle of the valve,
whence it is rather sharply rounded to the junction with the basal line. Base
slightly prolonged on the posterior side of the median line, giving a little
obliquity to the shell. Right valve apparently less convex than the left.
Surface marked by distinct radiating lines or ribs, which are narrower
than the spaces between, and usually become obscure or obsolete before
reaching the beaks. On the right valve, the radii are much less strongly
marked, while the concentric striz: become more distinct.
Among a large number of specimens there are no right valves in a con-
dition to show the hinge-features or byssal notch, and we are therefore left
somewhat in doubt concerning these features. The shells appear to possess
all the essential characters of Z. curta, but vary so much among themselves
as to give rise to some doubt.
Formation and locality—In calcareous beds of Jurassic age, above the
gypsum beds at Ashley Creek, Uinta Range, Utah. Collected by 8S. F.
Emmons, esq.
Genus CAMPTONECTES Agassiz.
CAMPTONECTES BELLISTRIATUS Meek.
Plate VI, fig. 13.
Camptonectes bellistriatus Meek, Pal. Upper Missouri (Smithsonian Contributions to
Knowledge), p. 77, figs. A-D.
“Shell very thin, compressed-lenticular, suborbicular in outline; valves
19 PR
290 PALF ONTOLOGY.
nearly equally convex; hinge-line equaling two-fifths to one-half the trans-
verse diameter of the valves; posterior ear very short, or nearly obsolete,
flat, and obliquely truncated; anterior ear larger, flattened, and marked by
rather distinct lines of growth in the right valve, separated from the adjacent
margin by a more or less angular sinus, one-third to one-half as deep as the
length of the ear, measuring from the beak. Surface striz very fine, regu-
lar, sharply impressed, and increasing in numbersby the intercalation of
others between as they diverge in extending from the umbonal region, so
strongly arched as to run out on the hinge-line near the beaks; concentric
strie fine, regular, closely arranged, and often nearly or quite obsolete on
the impressed spaces between the impressed radiating strize, to which latter
they impart a subpunctate appearance.”
The above is a transcript of Mr. Meek’s description of this species.
Although there are quite a number of specimens in the collection which are
referable to it, there are none which give the entire characters of the shell;
nor are there any from which a figure could be made without some resto-
ration. Still the characters of the species are, nevertheless, shown so dis-
tinctly as to leave no doubt as to the correct reference. The specimens
are generally smaller than the figures given by Mr. Meek, and some of
them are a little more oblique in outline, while the characters of the sur-
face vary from being nearly smooth to those strongly cancellated; while
on some the concentric striz are strongest, and on others nearly obsolete.
Formation and locality — Jurassic; specimens have been recognized from
northwest of Rawlings Station, Wyoming, and from Sheep Creek, and
Flaming Gorge, Uinta Range, Utah. Collected by S. F. Emmons, esq.
CAMPTONECTES EXTENUATUS Meek.
Plate VII, fig. 18.
Camptonectes ? extenuatus Meek, Pal. Upper Missouri (Smithsonian Contributions to
Knowledge), p. 78.
Camptonectes ? pertenuis M., ib., pl. iii, explanations of fig. 6.
Shell small, erect, broadly ovate, a little higher than wide, the point of
greatest width being near the middle of the sheli; hinge-line short, about
half as long as the width of the valve; ears small, the anterior one slightly
FOSSILS OF THE JURASSIC PERIOD. 291
obtuse at the outer angle, the posterior margin sloping gently backward
toward the body of the shell, the posterior wing not fully determined. Body
of the (right?) valve convex, most prominent, and almost subangular toward
the umbo; beak small, pointed, scarcely projecting beyond the hinge-line;
margin of the shell broadly rounded anteriorly and posteriorly, and some-
what acutely rounded at the base.
Surface of the valve in the specimen seen marked by fine, concentric,
impressed lines, and by stronger radiating lines. These latter seem to be
composed of rows of fine dots, or punctures, and are strongly divergent, so
as to curve abruptly upward toward the margin on the sides of the valve,
the increase being entirely by interstitial addition.
The shell differs from C. bellistriata Meek in its smaller size, convex
valves, more erect form, and in the proportional height and width of the
valve, this being higher than wide, while the reverse is true of the other.
There can be no doubt that this is the shell to which Mr. Meek gave
the above names, although he had not seen the radiating striz of the
surface so plainly as to feel sure of their existence. On the specimen used
in the above description, the striz are very distinct, and have exactly the
character of that of C. bellistriata; consequently, there can be no doubt of
its correct reference to the genus Camptonectes, although in our specimens
the anterior wing and sinus have not been satisfactorily determined, that
part in the figure having to be made from analogy.
Formation and locality—In light-colored shales of Jurassic age, north-
west of Rawlings Station, Wyoming.
CAMPTONECTES PERTENUISTRIATUS 2. Sp.
Plate VII, fig. 17.
Shell small, very broadly ovate, the point of greatest width being about
the middle of the length, width equal to about four-fifths of the height;
base and sides of the shell regularly rounded. Right valve very depressed-
convex or almost flattened; hinge-line short, the anterior side equal to a
little more than one-third of the width of the valve below; posterior side
unknown, the specimen being mutilated in this part. Beak small, pointed,
‘not rising above the line of the hinge; cardinal slopes nearly straight from
292 PALAONTOLOGY.
the beak to a little above the middle of the length, and embracing an angle
of about ninety degrees; anterior wing narrow, separated from the body of
the shell by a deep, sharply rounded notch, which extends about half-way
to the center of the valve; a strongly-depressed sinus passes from the base
of the notch to the beak, separating the upper part of the wing from the
body of the shell.
Surface of the shell marked by rather distinct, concentric lines of
growth, which are crossed by exceedingly fine, radiating strize, imperceptible
except by the aid of alens. The strix diverge rapidly from the median
line, and curve upward rather more strongly toward the sides of the shell.
The shell differs from C. ? extenuatus Meek and Hayden (Pal. Upper
Missouri, p. 78, plate iii, fig. 6) in its more attenuated beak, flattened valve,
finer striae, and more elongate form.
Formation and locality—In limestone of Jurassic age, northwest of
Rawlings Station, Wyoming.
Genus LIMA Brug.
LIMA (PLAGIOSTOMA) OCCIDENTALIS 2. sp.
Plate VII, fig, 23.
Shell of medium size or smaller, very broadly ovate, the height slightly
exceeding the greatest width; widest point about one-third of the height
from the basal extremity, below which the margin is regularly and evenly
rounded, and above the posterior border is more rapidly rounded and con-
tracted to the extremity of the short hinge-line, with which it blends with-
out perceptible angle. Valves strongly convex, most ventricose near the
middle of the anterior border, from which point the surface declines to the
postero-cardinal and postero-basal margins; beaks apparently small, incon-
spicuous, and somewhat appressed (?). Anterior wing minute, posterior
wing small, but alated, not distinctly separated from the body of the shell;
ligamental area not observed. Anterior border of the shell strongly con-
cave, the concavity extending more than half the height of the shell.
Surface of the shelk marked by simple, strong, rounded radii, about
sixty in number, posterior to the junction of the anterior and basal borders,
with a few incipient radii observable on the anterior slope. The radii are
FOSSILS OF THE JURASSIC PERIOD. 293
strongest near the middle of the basal border, and decrease very slightly in
size anterior to this point; but posteriorly they decrease more rapidly, and
on and near the posterior alation are quite fine. Interspaces narrow and
concave.
This species is closely allied to Lima lineata Gold. (= Plagiostoma lineata
of authors, ) but differs in being more regularly rounded on the basal and pos-
tero-basal borders, as well as in being more erect, that species having con-
siderable obliquity, the longest point of the base being much nearer the
anterior side. The beak is also shorter, and not nearly so prominent, and
the greatest convexity of the shell nearer the anterior margin, while that
one is most prominent near the middle of the valve, and nearly evenly
rounded in both directions from this point. The posterior wing of this
species is more alate than in that one, and more finely ribbed, giving about
fifteen additional ribs over and above the number counted on that species.
This character is perhaps the most distinctly marked feature of the species,
and one that will serve to readily distinguish them, although the general
resemblance of the shells is very great.
Formation and locality—tIn cherty limestones of Jurassic age, at Flam-
ing Gorge, Uinta Range, Utah. Collected by 8. F. Emmons, esq.
Genus TRIGONIA Brug.
TRIGONIA QUADRANGULARIS 0. sp.
Plate VII, fig. 22.
Shell small, subquadrangular in outline, with depressed convex valves
and flattened inconspicuous beaks; length of the shell a little greater than
the height; anterior end broad and rather squarely truncate; the margin
but slightly rounded; basal line somewhat straightened or but slightly con-
vex, more strongly rounded behind; posterior end obliquely truncate, long-
est below; cardinal border short, not more than two-thirds the length of
the valve, very little concave, and subparallel with the basal margin.
Surface of the valve marked by a flattened, distinctly elevated ridge,
which rises from behind the beaks, and passes along the umbonal slope,
extending beyond the posterior margin of the valve in a squarish projec-
tion, equal in extent to the elevation of the ridge. Above the ridge, the
294 PALONTOLOGY.
cardinal slope is narrow and depressed, marked only by transverse lines of
growth. The surface of the ridge is marked by irregular transverse lines
of nodes. The body of the shell is marked by a series of low, rounded
ridges or undulations, which originate in a point at the edge of the flattened
umbonal ridge, and extend in the direction of the postero-basal angle of the
shell, where they are again bent ‘forward, forming a series of acute angles
marking the umbonal line of the shell, and are directed with a slightly
downward tendency to the anterior margin. Along the umbonal ridge of
the valve the undulations are broad and rounded, becoming narrow again
in their anterior extension.
The strong undulations of the body of the shell of this species is a
distinguishing feature, and one by which it will be readily recognized. It
differs greatly in this feature from 7. Conradi M. and H. (Pal. Upper Missouri,
p- 83, pl. 3, fig. 11) from the J urassic of the Black Hills, as well as in the
subquadrangular form of the shell, that species being of a subtriangular
form.
Formation and locality——In light-colored, somewhat shaly, limestones of
Jurassic age, near Como, Laramie Plains, Wyoming, associated with Penta-
crinites asteriscus M. and H. and other Jurassic species. Collected by
Arnold Hague, esq.
Genus SEPTOCARDIA n. gen.
Shell bivalve, equivalve, inequilateral, cardiform. Hinge strong; right
valve with a strong, recurving, hooked tooth under the beak, and a deep
cavity below and exterior to it, which is profoundly excavated in the
thickened substance of the shell. In the left valve, a large, deep cavity
corresponds to the tooth of the right valve. Lateral teeth obsolete. Liga-
ment external, situated in a groove formed by a thickened, overlapping
portion of the shell posterior to the tooth and corresponding cavity. Ante-
rior adductor muscular scar very large and deep, separated from the general
cavity of the shell by a calcareous plate, or septum, extending across the
anterior end of the valve on the inner side of the scar, thereby forming a
distinct chamber in each valve. Posterior adductor scar much smaller,
situated within the posterior cardinal margin. Pedal scars not observed.
FOSSILS OF THE JURASSIC PERIOD. 295
Surface of the shell marked, in the typical species, by strong, elevated,
radiating ribs, with ornamented surfaces similar to many of the recent
species of Cardium. Type S. typica.
The shells for which the above generic name is proposed are small,
few specimens of the typical species exceeding three-eighths of an inch in
their greatest diameter. Externally they closely resemble the Eocene forms
of Cardita, but the hinge-structure separates them at once from all other
known forms. The cardinal border of the right valve appears almost as if
composed of two distinct lamellze of shell, an inner and an outer one, the
inner one originating on the inside of the umbonal cavity, and rising to the
level of the valve margin, coalescing with the outer portion posteriorly, and
diverging considerably anteriorly, so as to leave a gradually-widening space
between the two, the anterior end of which is partitioned off, forming the
anterior muscular scar, or pit, and leaving a smaller, somewhat triangular,
cavity posterior to it. From the inner lamella bounding this cavity, the
recurved, hooked tooth rises, overarching the cavity beneath. In the left
valve, the two lamellze are less distinct; the whole cardinal border being
thickened, and the cavity into which the tooth of the right valve fits is
excavated in its substance, immediately in front or against the beak of the
valve. There are no lateral teeth in either valve. The septum bounding
the inner margin of the anterior muscular scar is similar to that of Cucullea
or Idonearca, except that it borders the anterior instead of the posterior
muscle as in those genera, and in the species S. typica reaches almost to the
basal margin of the valve.
The type-species occurs in rocks referred with some doubt to the
Jurassic, although the general appearance of the shells would indicate a
much more recent date.
SEPTOCARDIA TYPICA NR. Sp.
Plate VII, figs. 26-29.
Shell small, subrhomboidal in outline, the united valves angularly cor-
diform and very gibbous. Valves longer than high, oblique, and widening
posteriorly; beaks strong, angularly tumid aad enrolled, situated near the
anterior end of the shell; cardinal line arcuate, slightly elevated posteri-
296 PALA ONTOLOGY.
orly; anterior end short and obtusely pointed; basal line gently rounded ;
posterior end broadly truncate and slightly rounded. Body of the valves
very ventricose, subangular along the umbonal ridge, marked by strong
radiating costs, separated by equally wide, flattened interspaces; six or
eight of these coste occupy the postero-cardinal slope, and from twelve to
sixteen may be counted on the body and anterior portion of the shell. The
coste are flattened on the summit, and marked by closely-arranged, recurved,
transverse ridges, or nodes, which become more crowded and stronger with
the increased age of the shell. Interior margin of the valves strongly den-
ticulate from the squarely-depressed grooves, corresponding to the external
ribs, and which extend to nearly one-third of the width of the shell.
Formation and locality—In limestones referred to the Jurassic, at Sho-
shone Springs, Augusta Mountains, Nevada. Collected by 8. F. Emmons,
esq.
SEPTOCARDIA CARDITOIDEA 0. sp.
Plate VII, fig. 25.
Shell of medium size, subrhomboidal in outline, longer than high, nar-
row anteriorly, and widening behind. Valves ventricose, very angular
along the umbonal bridge, rapidly sloping to the postero-cardinal margin,
and more gently toward the anterior end of the shell; beaks large, promi-
nent, and strong; placed well toward the anterior end, which is narrowly
rounded; basal line broadly rounded; posterior extremity obliquely trun-
cate, longest at the postero-basal angle. Internal features unknown. Sur-
face marked by numerous, strong, sharply-elevated, angular, radiating
coste, with sharply V-shaped interspaces, the exaet number not deter-
mined; those on the postero-cardinal slope near the basal angle count-
ing about five in the space of half an inch, giving about a tenth of an inch
from crest to crest; toward the cardinal line they become gradually finer.
Those on the body of the shell appear to have been of nearly equal strength
with those on the posterior part, becoming finer toward the anterior
extremity. The coste are crossed transversely by fine, closely-arranged,
zigzag lines, strongly arched upward in crossing the ribs. Greatest length
of the specimen, 13 inches; height, 14 inches.
This species differs from S. typicd not only in its greater size, but in
FOSSILS OF THE JURASSIC PERIOD. 297
being proportionally longer, but most notably in the angular form of the
ribs and interspaces, as well as in the different style of transverse orna-
mentation. The specimen presents much the appearance of an Eocene
Cardita, and closely resembles C. alticostata Conrad (C. transversa Lea) of
the Claiborne beds in Alabama, except that it is narrower anteriorly.
Tormation and locality—In limestone referred to the Jurassic, Shoshone
Springs, Augusta Mountains, Nevada. Collected by 8. F. Emmons, esq.
Genus ASTARTE Sowerby.
. ASTARTE? ARENOSA 2D. sp.
Plate VII, figs. 20-21.
Compare Tancredia Warrenana Meek and Hayden, Pal. Upper Missouri, p. 96, pl. 3,
fig. 7.
Shell small, the largest specimens not exceeding half an inch in length,
by a height about two-thirds as great; form transversely suboval, or
quadrangularly oval; cardinal line arcuate, but little more than half as long
as the body of the shell, gradually and moderately declining posteriorly ;
anterior end constricted in front of the beaks, and rather sharply rounded
below ; basal line broadly convex; posterior end narrow and obliquely
truncate, being longest below at the junction with the basal border; beaks
small, incurved, moderately ventricose, and situated at about one-fourth of
the length from the anterior end. Valves ventricose throughout, with a per-
ceptible fullness along the umbonal slope, above which the shell declines
more rapidly to the cardinal border. Features of the hinge and muscular
system unknown. Surface of the shell smooth, so far as can be determined
from the specimens examined.
At first, we were inclined to consider this shell as identical with Tan-
eredia Warrenana M. (loc. cit.), but on closer comparison with figures and
description it would seem to be distinct. At least, it is not a Tancredia, and
may be equally distant from Astarte; but, in the absence of all generic
features in the specimens beyond the external form, it is impossible to say
definitely to what genus it does belong. It is an abundant species in some
localities, the rock being literally filled with the impressions. It differs
specifically from the above-named shell in being less distinctly triangular
298 PALE ONTOLOGY.
and in the more anterior position of its beaks, as well as in the want of
convexity in the curvature of the antero-cardinal border, as would be
required were it a species of Tancredia.
Formation and locality—In red sandstones of Triassic or Jurassic? age,
North head of Chalk Creek, Utah. Picked up in the débris, and of no
stratigraphical importance.
GASTEROPODA.
Genus NATICA Lam.
NATICA? LELIA 0. sp.
Plate VII, figs. 19-21.
Shell small, globose; height and width about equal, and seldom exceed-
ing a fifth of an inch in measurement. Volutions two and a half to three,
the last one very rapidly expanding and ventricose, constituting almost the
entire bulk of the shell; inner volutions minute, moderately elevated above
the surface of the body-whorl, and somewhat regularly rounded, forming a
very low spire; suture distinct but not channeled; aperture subpatulose or
pear-shaped, higher than wide, largest below the middle, pointed at the
upper extremity and rounded below, except near the junction with the col-
umella, where it is almost subrimate; outer lip thin and sharp. Columella
arcuate, rounded, without any appearance of a callus or thickening of any
kind as far as can be determined from any of the examples in hand. (This
portion of the shell is more or less concealed by adhering rock in all the
individuals, so that this feature cannot be satisfactorily determined.) The
strie, however, appear to pass from the body of the shell directly upon and
over the solid, slightly-twisted, and non-umbilicated columella.
Surface of the shell smooth, appearing almost polished, except for the
very fine strive of growth which are directed backward across the body of
the volution.
The species has nearly the size and general appearance of Naticopsis
nana Meek and Worthen, from the Coal-Measures of Illinois and the West,
but differs in the columella being less straightened and prolonged below,
not giving so great a basal extension to the aperture. The differences of
the character of the columella are too distinct to require comparison. The
FOSSILS OF THE JURASSIC PERIOD. 299
shell is most probably not a true Natica, and may possibly not belong to
the same family; but as the real features of this portion cannot be satis-
factorily determined, it remains a matter of doubt. It closely resembles, in
general form, shells of the genus Neritopsis except for the smooth surface.
It differs also from Neritoma Morris in wanting the peculiar callus of that
genus and from Narica Recl. in the smooth surface and want of umbilicus.
Formation and locality—In a greenish white limestone supposed to be of
Triassic age,* northwest of Rawlings Station, Wyoming, and on the Kast
Fork of the Duchesne River, Uinta Range, Utah. Collected by S. F.
Emmons, esq.
*I do not myself believe this to be Triassic, but it has been so referred by
others.—h. P. W.
e388 2
J
." _*
-
7
a
'
\
CLASSIFIED LIST OF THE FOSSILS DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT.
Class. | Order. | Family. Genus and species.
CCELENTERATA.
Actinozoa......... | Zoantharia sper Favositide ...-.- | Michelina sp. undet........ pacconcbesocedesee
ANNULOIDA,.
Echinodermata ..-.| Crinoidea ..... Eee | Pentacrinidze Al Pentacrinites asteriscus? M. & H........-.-
MOLLUSCOIDA (ARTICULATA ?).
Lingulepis Meera n. sp -----------------+-----
Lingulepis minuta n. Sp.---------+--+---+++--
Lingulepis Ellan, sp..-.-+----+---+----+-----
Obolella discoida n. sp..--------
Kutorgina minutissima n. sp ----------
Orthis Pogonipensis n. sp.------------
Orthis resupinata? Martin...-.. pearingagonotoo
-| Strophomena Nemian.sp..----.-------------
Strophomena rhomboidalis Wilckins.
Streptorhynchus equivalvis Hall ..-. 5
Streptorhynchus inflata W.& W. -
Strophodonta Canace H. & W...------------
Leptzena Melita n.sp...-.---- Sastfeoesc cece
Chonetes Loganensis n. sp .-------------+----
Productus Flemingi var. Burlingtonensis Hall
Productus lzvicostus ? White. ..-------------
Productus semireticulatus Martin ...--.------
-| Productus elegans? N. & P...
-| Spirifera Alba-pinensis n. sp..-..--- oe
-| Spirifera? (Spiriferina) Alia n. sp ---
-| Spirifera centronata Winchell ...........-----
Spirifera imbrex? Hall........-.--..---------
Spirifera setigera Hall ........--.----------.-
Spirifera striata. Martin .............--.-.--
-| Spiriferina? Alia n. sp.....
.; Spiriferina Homfrayi Gabb........-----------
>|) Athyris Claytoniin. Spice. -----s—ceineno==+>
Athyris planosulcata? Phillips.....-----------
-| Rhynchonella Emmonsi n. sp..--------------
Rhynchonelia gnathophora Meek...--.------
Rhynchonella Myrina n. sp -------- ----------
Rhynchonella pustulosa? White ..-------.---
Athyris subquadrata ? Hall..----------------- i
Formation.
Waverly group.
Triassic.
Potsdam group.
-.--do.
Quebec.
-| Potsdam group.
= =-d0.
-| Quebec group.
Lower Carbonif.
Quebec group.
-| Waverly.
----do.
scoeiley
Devonian.
Quebec group.
Waverly.
Lower Carbonif.
222-do.
paeei ls
=|. 22-005
Waverly.
Triassic.
Waverly.
Lower Carbonif.
feeedos ‘
“== do.
Triassic.
---.do.
Lower Carbonif.
----do.
---do.
Devonian.
Jurassic.
----do.
Waverly.
-; Quebec.
-|----(?) -- Porambonites obscurus n. sp .
Terebratulidz ...| Terebratula Augustensis n. sp
Seaeibyion Terebratula Humboldtensis Gabb..-..--..--.
Se Oren Derebratula: Utal ms Sp) -- =~ 2-<<2--~ ess =—~=
MOLLUSCA.
Ostrea sp. ? ? = O. Engelmanni Meek ....-..
Gryphea calceola var. Nebrascensis M. & I.
Aviculopecten (Eumicr. ?) Angustensis n. sp.
Avicuiopecten curtocardinalis n. sp....--.---
Aviculopecten parvulus n. sp ...--..---------
-| Aviculopecten Weberensis n. sp -
Eumicrotis curta Hall. ...-....-.-..----------
| Jurassic ?.
| Triassic.
|
| Waverly.
Jurassic.
i_- do}.
Eee do.
Permo-Carbonif.
sas tO
=== do.
Jurassic.
ish)
bo
CLASSIFIED LIST OF FOSSILS.
.| Crepicephalus (L.) unisulcatus n. sp
-| Dikellocephalus bilobatus n. sp
-| Dikellocephalus Wahsatchensis n. sp
Crepicephalus (L.) granulosus n, sp ..-------
Crepicephalus maculosus n. sp
Crepicephalus nitidus n. sp. -----
Crepicephalus (L.) quadrans n. sp
Crepicephalus (L.) simulator n. sp ..
Crepic. (Bathyurus?) angulatus n. sp
Ptychaspis pustulosa n- SP
Chariocephalus tumifrons n. sp
Dikellocephalus flabellifer n. sp
Dikellocephalus gothicus n. sp
Dikellocephalus multicinctus n. sp
Dikellocephalus quadriceps n. sp
Ogygia parabola n. sp
Ogygia producta n. sp --
Bathyurus Pogonipensis n. sp
Proetus Loganensis n. sp
Proetus peroccidens n. sp ...-..----++----+--
Agnostus communis N. Sp..---.--.---------:
Agnostus Neon n. Sp ...---.-----+--+-s2-e0e:
Agnostus prolongus n. Sp ...-...+-+-----+--:
Agnostus tumidosus n. sp -...
Crepicephalus (L.) Haguein. sp .----..------|-
| Order. Family. Genus and species. Formation.
MOLLUSCA.
Camptonectes bellistriatus Meek.... ..-. .....) Jurassic.
| Camptonectes extenuatus M. & H.......---.|-.-. do.
Camptonectes pertenuistriatus n. sp --....-- ---do.
Lima (Plagiostoma) occidentalis n. sp -..--..- Ban Glos
.| Myalina aviculoides M. & H ......---...-.-. Permo-Carbonif.
Myalina Permiana Swallow..-.....-.-------.- ssectlOs
Nuculanidz .....| Nuculites triangulatus n. sp .--.---.--..----- Devonian.
Trigoniidz ..-..- Trigonia quadrangularis n. sp..-..--..--. -| Jurassic.
Cardiomorphidz.| Cardiomorpha Missouriensis Swallow. .......| Coal-Measures.
Sooo essmcancoce Edmondia? Myrina n. sp ---..---------.---- Triassic.
Lunulicardium fragosum Meek .. -........--. Devonian.
.| Septocardia Carditoidea n. sp ..-.-....------- Jurassic ?.
.| Septocardia typica n. sp ...-..--.-.---------- bas fis
Lucinide . .| Paracyclas peroccidens n.sp .| Devonian.
Astartidze Astarte? arenosa n, sp ..-.....-..-..-- .| Triassic ?; loose.
Anatinide?...... Sedgewickia ? concava Meek ......-..- Permo-Carbonif.
Pectinobranchiata -| Fasciolariide --.| Fusispira compacta N. Sp ---.------ eee eee pOuebec.
do .......---.| Naticidze. .—. -.-- Natica? Lelia n. GD sconcecocaeSsoecestasste Triassic ?.
Solariidaw.--..--- Raphistoma acuta n. Sp .----.---.+----------- Quebec.
Euomphalus laxus White ....---------------- Waverly.
Euomphalus Utahensis n. sp... ----do.
Euomphalus (Strap.) Ophirensis n. sp- ----do.
Maclurzidze ....| Maclurea miniman. sp ---..--..--- -| Quebec.
Bellerophontide | Bellerophon Neleus n. sp...--.-----.-------- Devonian.
basdt®) oaceccosss Cyrtolites sinuata n. sp ...-- orscodssescabsoss Quebec.
.| Cyrtoceratidz...| Cyrtoceras cessator n. Sp--.---.------------- Coal-Measures.
Goniatitidz ..... Goniatites Kingii n. sp ..-.-..--------------- once Os
ARTICULATA.
| Trilobita ......-.--. Calymenidz..... Conocephalites subcoronatus n. sp ..--.----- Quebec.
seecs do ...-.------| Calymenidze ?...| Conoceph. (Pterocephalus) laliceps n. sp ... | Potsdam group.
aceOcd do ...........| Paradoxidz ?....| Crepicephalus (L.) Anytus n. sp...----------|----do.
Quebec.
----do.
Quebec.
Potsdam group.
Quebec.
toeedor
Potsdam group.
the)
Quebec.
-| Waverly.
weep dos
Potsdam group.
scout
PenOs
.J....do,.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.”
OBOLELLA DISCOIDEA
Fig. 1. View of a dorsal valve, enlarged, showing the orbicular form.
2. View of a ventral valve, showing the truncated beak. Enlarged.
LINGULEPIS? MINUTA
Fig. 3. View of a cast of the shorter valve, enlarged, showing muscular scars.
4. View of the cast of a long valve enlarged, showing the muscular scars more spreading
than in the other valve.
LINGULEPIS Mra
Fig. 5. View of a supposed ventral valve showing the extended beak.
6. A larger valve having a shorter beak. This may be a dorsal valve.
7. Outline showing the relative gibbosity and length of the two valves.
LINGULEPIS ELLA
Fig. 8. View of a dorsal (?) valve showing the truncation of the beak. Enlarged to two
diameters.
Orriis POGONIPENSIS
Fig. 9. View of a dorsal valve of rather more than the ordinary size. Enlarged.
10. A ventral valve of the ordinary size, and of an elongate form, showing the elevation
of the beak.
KUTORGINA MINUTISSIMA..--...-----.----- Soe Aca Honesto Ss -sbs do oeas thon coon osonecens bapaueoc
Fig. 11. View of a dorsal valve, greatly enlarged, showing the peculiar strim and the faint
radiations on the surface.
12. A ventral valve having a more elongate form.
LEPTZNA MELITA.-.---. SS ain hain ae oe toe eine ee ae ae cin Se aldo cas eauaane scatter ses
Figs. 13-14. Views of two different individuals, showing variation in the surface-characters.
STROPHOMENA NEMEA
Fig. 15. View of the specimen described, showing the general fourm and surface-strix.
PORAMBONITES OBSCURUS
Fig. 16. View of the exterior of a ventral valve, showing the lamellw projecting inward from
the beak.
MACLUREA MINIMA
Fig. 17, View of the spire of an internal cast of a specimen. Enlarged.
18. View of the flat side of the same individual.
19. Profile view of the specimen, showing the depth of the shell.
206
206
232
207
208
233
234
= 3 *The line drawn by the side of figures indicates the natural ‘size.
RAPHISTOMA ACUTA.......--.---..---- docsecsanso tes tee ees ee ene seceee teeeee esse ee
Fig. 20. Profile of a specimen, showing the elevation of the spire.
21 and 22. Upper and lower surfaces of the same individual.
C@RGORITESISINETADUS ee eon ieee oes lee ees ane eae eee eee eee ere
Figs. 23-24. Lateral and profile views of a specimen, showing the features of the shell. Enlarged.
FUSISPIRA COMPACTA .........----. +--+ cececoostsos sos Jando osSs S585 cess cossas sesh cecssessscnes
Fig. 25. View of the specimen described, which is imperfect at both ends; the outline shows
the probable form of the anterior end.
AGNOSTUS NEON ...-.....--..----.------ neoocoo bossa Soq sno Soon oaoaoR saSegeSsSsose RES Seco
Figs. 26-27. View of the cephalic and caudal shields, greatly enlarged, showing the features
as seen on the specimens.
AGNOSTUS COMMUNIS...-- Sod ord Sossae SoSmes tes BSOSes TO SSSH ose cs osossotosastos esesooteso sae .
Fig. 28. View of the cephalic shield, greatly enlarged, showing the peculiar form of the glabella
and the spine on its center.
29. Caudal shield. Enlarged.
AGNOSTUS PROLONGUS...-- BEBE R SSE SeGoH GdeSESsEH Sa SSca Eanes cEeece welscuaeccindae tect eockemaes :
Fig. 30. The cephalic shield, greatly enlarged, showing the great length and obscurely-marked
glabella.
31. View of the caudal shield associated with the above cephalic shield.
AGNOSTUS TUMIDOSUS...-- Senso oser sa séess6S Sesc05sS5 t65 jeteosossceseosssosss sss sassecressc
Fig. 32. View of the cephalic shield, with its peculiar and tumid glabella. Greatly enlarged.
BATHYURUS POGONIPENSIS..---- .-05-- --00 200-220 oboe cone anne emt in Sais ee eripeeeis ee aaeioceaeis cee
Fig. 33. View of the pygidium described, showing the form and character of ribs, and the orna-
menting granules on the axial rings.
34. Profile of the same, showing the elevation of the specimen.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS WAHSATCHENSIS..--- fee ee comes ce ewes ween one Oe ee cee e cee tee nee nee twee
Fig. 35. View of the glabella and one fixed cheek. . The wider depressions on the glabella are
accidental depressions on the glabellar lobes.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS ? GOTHICUS ..--..-------- Boon gs OC Scan Eo Sabo oLcons cbcnodne stan Abs soscos 3 Ssse
Fig. 36. View of a pygidium, showing the peculiar character of the ribs of the lateral lobes.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS QUADRICEPS...-- eccusen waemen menses coneiseneas tens PEE CO INC ADS ee cne wecenenae
Fig. 37. Enlarged view of the glabella and fixed cheeks, showing the peculiar form of the
glabella and short frontal limb.
38. Profile of the same, showing the elevation of parts.
39. View of the pygidium, natural size.
40. Profile of the same, showing the great elevation.
236
229
228
230
231
243
241
242
240
U.S. Geol. Expl. 40 Parallel Primordial and Silurian Plate I
HM Marin Dd
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T
EXPLANATION OF PLATE II.
CONOCEPHALITES SUBCORONATUS..---..---------- GhasoSes Qoba dcoc es Cases CancinD OnEOnD DoOdo- abn
Fig. 1. View of a glabella and fixed cheeks, showing the general characters of the species.
Enlarged.
CREPICEPINALUS (LOGANELLUS) GRANULOSUS..---..--------- ietoen ia SSE CaP SOO Bees DOCG nee
Figs. 2-3. Vertical and profile views of a glabella and fixed cheeks, showing the form and
surface-markings. Enlarged.
CONOCEPHALITES (PTEROCEPHALUS) LATICEPS ....------------- «+--+ Dp nomnsoosousace coos oseSResO
Fig. 4. View of the central parts of the head, showing the peculiar form of glabella and
extended frontal limb.
5. A movable cheek, with a portion of the under surface of the front of the head.
6. A part of a thoracic segment, associated with the other parts.
7. View of an imperfect pygidium, found in the same rock.
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) NITIDUS.... ~~~. ---- 02-220 2022 ene cee e cee ene cece ene e cee ene
Fig. 8. View of the central portion of a head of the species, showing the character of these
parts.
9-10. Two pygidia, showing some variations in the-details.
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) QUADRANS...-....--- decanceot noSedebsoanaocad HaUO oSSees906 S500
Fig. 11. A glabella and fixed cheeks, enlarged.
12. View of a cheek, enlarged to twice the natural size.
13. View of a pygidium, enlarged to three times the natural size.
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) HAGUEL...--. .----- ----2- = 22+ e202 cee eee cee n ee eee ee cere eee
Fig. 14. View of an entire individual, enlarged to twice the natural size, showing the form and
characters of the animal. :
15. A single thoracic segment (third), enlarged to show more distinctly its structure.
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) SIMULATOR.....-..-- A AOA ORE RGD HEP BOSC SGo0C Go EEE EEO OnU. Eno
Fig. 16. View of the central part of a head, showing the characters of the species. The lateral
limbs have been broken off.
17. View of a movable cheek, enlarged to two diameters, showing the broad, flattened,
marginal border.
18. View of a much larger cheek, natural size (upper right-hand corner of plate).
CREPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) ANYTUS...--2 --2- 2-200 -- 2-22 eee n eee nee ne teen cee renee
Fig. 19. View of the central parts of the head of a small individual, showing the angular
glabella and strong ocular ridges.
20. View of a movable cheek, natural size, showing the striated surface.
21. A pygidium from the same block as the other specimens.
214
221
238
210
218
219
Page
CPEPICEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) UNISULCATUS..---- --- 2-2. -- 2-02 wo eens cece ne oa ane ene ne es eo ee 216
Fig. 22. View of the central part of the head, deprived of tke postero-lateral Jimbs.
23. View of the pygidium, associated with the above
CREPIGEPHALUS (LOGANELLUS) MACULOSUS .<< oo < oe cae oom ww Sere a een ese saan eas cee 215
Fig. 24. View ef the central parts of the head, showing the rounded glabella, with faintly-
marked furrows, and the postulose surface of fixed cheek, and frontal limb.
25. A movable cheek of the same species, presenting the same surface-markings.
26. ? View of a pygidium found associated with the above parts, but not showing pustulose
markings. >
PTYCHASPIS PUSTULOSA-.-- .----- --- +--+ -- 22 ++ 2-2 eee nee eee ene nee eee cern eee eee ee eee eee eee 223
Fig. 27. View of the glabella and fixed cheeks, the postero-lateral limbs having been removed.
CREPICEPHALUS (BATHYURUS ?) ANGULATUS...--- .220 <2 20 oc0 cone oo nee = ene ne ween ene nne owneee 220
Fig. 28. View of the specimen described, as it appears on a gutta-percha cast, from the im-
pression in the stone.
DIKELLOCEPIALUS FLABELLIFER ......-- --- = esos woce ---- eon oe iin ws SEE Paes. perc eee 227
Figs. 29-30. Vertical and profile views of the pygidium, showing the broad, undulating, lateral
lobes and digitate external border.
OGYGIA) PRODUCTA <2. Se = <5 een scale we oe 2 ee ee eee nee eal oe = mo mateo 244
Fig. 31. View of the central parts of the head, the anterior limb broken away. The large
palpebral lobes are shown, extending almost to the top of the glabella.
32. View of a fixed cheek, associated with the glabella.
33. View of an impression, showing the pygidium, which has probably been shortened by
the contortion of the shale, and part of the thorax, while the one attached to the
thorax has been obliquely lengthened.
34. View of a separated pygidium.
OGYGIA PARABOLA ..---- 22-22-25 eee nae cone een ene cee te ene ce ene ten cee ne een eee e een e ee 245
Fig. 35. Viow of the pygidium, showing the elongate form and the straight cylindrical axis,
with the single bulbous anterior ring.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS (PTEROCEPHALUS) BILOBATUS ----.----. ---- ---- e220 02-2 == eee nee eo - > ene ne 226
Fig. 36. View of the under side of the pygidium described, showing the form and broad recurv-
ing selvage.
DIKELLOCEPHALUS MULTICINCTUS -.----- ---- ---n2+ 22-200 1-2 --- owen ee enn eens nnn eens wane 226
Fig. 37. View of the specimen described, showing the general form, with the margins restored
in outline, partly from another specimen.
CHARIOCEPHALUS TUMIFRONS .-.-...------------- ce cee ee cee ee ee tence e cece cece en eees woes 224
Fig. 38. View of the glabella and fixed cheeks, showing the glabella projecting in front of the
anterior limb, and the two deep glabellar furrows.
39. Profile view of the same individual, showing the short frontal limb, with the glabella
projecting beyond it.
ite IT
a
and Silurian
Primordial
zpl. 40 Parallel
U, S> Geol.
J.Bien hth.
.
Pa
hes 2a be
EXPLANATION OF PLATE III.
STROPHODONTA CANACE ....2.---0202-0c00 secene sees BEES OO SHEL D BRO CON GEEICSTE ROA SHORE OOS 500
Fig. 1. View of a very young individual.
2-3. Dorsal and ventral views of an older individual, presenting the features of the
species.
RHYNCHONELLA PIMMONSD soeesclsen oonic se ference ce cles aaa ee meee eee sisioe see ete eeieeealoea
Figs. 4-8. Dorsal, ventral, profile, front, and cardinal views of a full-grown and well-formed
specimen.
ONULIGARDIOM HRAGOSUMe nee ase= ee leeee one eee sea celeeee ea iemee sossccsc SEG Baa ano S555
Fig. 9. View of a short form, enlarged, showing strong undulations, and retaining the ante-
rior flange, of large size.
10. An elongated form, enlarged, showing a narrower anterior projection.
11. A right valve of medium proportions, showing a strong anterior flange.
NUGULITES TRIANGULUS?-cocescsenie=esies=s-eeee = BRC S SEC SOS CAC OB Sn SSO. RCS a CORE OOIOSOBSOS0n 5050
Fig. 12. View of a left valve, showing the surface-characters.
13. View of the same individual after having the shell removed from all but the hinge-
margin, and showing the impression of the clavicle very faintly.
PARAGY CLAS PEROCOIDENS eee eae eee se ee eee aie ee eee ee een eee aa eaten ee eee
Fig. 14. View of a specimen, preserving a part of the external shell.
15-17. Right, left, and profile views of a cast, showing the muscular imprints and pallial
line.
BELGERGPHON PNELEDS)- selects eo cients erika Santen ietea eee eels eet nictieisieis ice ieee =
Fig. 18. View gf a fragment, showing the callus of the inner lip and a small part preserving
the external ornamentation.
19. Front view of an internal cast, showing the form of the lip and dorsal slit.
20. Profile view of the same individual, showing the axial cavity filled with the thick-
ened shell-substance.
247
249
248
248
250
I
late |
py
Devoman
J.Bien ith.
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.
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. = n
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EXPLANATION OF PLATE IV.
AGREPTORHYNCHUS! INEQUALIG) o Ieee: S80 - Sse W/SeGee
Fig. 24. View of a left valve, enlarged, showing the alternate size of the radii.
BEPLOCARDIA CARDITOIDEA-.~< -<-5 -=== ooops = = see ee eee el eeere teat = AAdococcoessoSese -
Fig. 25. View of the posterior end of the specimen described.
BEACARILA STV PICA. 4.52 oo. 2a Seca. one cae a ee ee eee nice Beene -oocnoos ee Be
Vig. 26. Enlarged view of the exterior of a right valve, showing the general form and the
ornamentations on the ribs.
27. View of the interior of the same valves, showing the hinge-characters as described.
28. Enlarged hinge-line of the left valve.
29. Cast of a large right valve, enlarged to twice the natural size, to show the posterior
muscular scar.
Page.
284
284
285
286
285
289
288
291
Jurass
J.Bien hth.
Del
A.M. Marun
_—_— ee be a |
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te “ >". 7
© ae ae ; . 4
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF THE FORTIETH PARALLEL.
CLARENCE KING, GEOLOGIST-IN-CHARGE,
PART TE.
ON ET EP Onc G.-Y.
BY
ROBERT RIDGWAY.
303
TABLE OF CONTENTS TO PART III.
INTRODUCTORY LETTER ......... 5 ee OR RG Ne An Baer aT rea akan teen Bc
GENERAL REPORT :—
DESCRIPTIONS ORs DEE, EG OULE stairs orem ctoeisiare oeelcve cS tees te oe eRe
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE GREAT BASIN ...............-..--. :
Local AVIFAUNZ OF THE GREAT BASIN................-...-----
DESCRIPTIONS OF LOCALITIES WHERE COLLECTIONS OR OBSERVA-
TIONS WHE Hic MADE sana ste .ciS og 2 acc. oats iac ere cce Braintree tis Sekt
GENERAL REMARKS ON THE AVIFAUNZ OF THE GREAT BASIN....
CATALOGUE OF THE SPECIES COLLECTED OR OBSERVED.........-
REPORT PROPER :—
TURDID“®—THRUSHES......-... SACO OOO TACO HOC OTIC hee a
SAXICOLID#@—STONE-CHATS ...........-- ToifeE Se We led Spars eas oteey en I
CINCLID A= WATER -OUZBDE Soo acie ie eyes eeteovoe aatsoiw diode d wiccyaleuse sete Bloc
SVLiVilID a — TRUE: WARBLERS. .. voces cs-socceck Gas secede csc celine
PARID#—TITMICE, OR CHICKADEES............ meleterercieucicevele ovens
SUERTD At. — oN WREATHS 3/20 ahead oo ge 3
CERTLHMID A —CREBPHES seer sicccs ease os ck onset foe Lene
TROGLODYTID H—WRENS.......-... ....- CRS EED Si mara rele adie teers peire
MOTACILLIDAA—WAGTAILS AND TIT-LARKS, OR PIPITS.............
MNIOTILTIDA—AMERICAN WARBLERS ..... wficrsiets ocr to ae ana ae
HIRUNDINID 2i—SWALLOWS ..---<- 0222-2 -- scene cennce nese Selita syape eles
AMPELIDA—W AX-WINGS.....-...--...200- oor arate weston steers
VIREONID—GREENLETS, OR VIREOS. ...-... 2... 22. sees eee eeeee
LANIID 4—SHRIKES, OR BUTCHER-BIRDS........ Biot ene oars cca ereie
TANAGRID H—TANAGERS.........-.- ASO UISC ORD Ae Doe RCE es a
FRINGILLIDZ—F INCHES, SPARROWS, AND BUNTINGS.....-.. ABO AE :
PASTFAVU ILD LD) PA es MANIC, apn coco oy SeeNey Fics are fu ciel oveeteia aie oie) sleveeae ates Seas
ICTERID —HANG-—NESTS, OR AMERICAN ORIOLES...............- F
CoRVIDH@—CROWS AND JAYS............--.-. Rae Satay cine aise er
TYRANNIDA—TYRANT FLYCATCHERS...........-.-----0--- aieusterseice
ALCEDINID AA—KINGFISHERS...--- Sailer seer ete a ereliorniehae eiaiaie ersten ee
PICID Ai— WOODPBOKERS = occ. e.o6e os ceecewccecsse Borers atacks Sea
CUCU OUUKMOSReHr en muin a eines os oe xe ee cose Shoe
TROCHILID.42A—HUMMING-BIRDS.. ..-.-.-... 02 eceeeee eee ane eu Asie
OVPSELTDAT—SWIRTDS ons sarc crcsoins oe isis Srnec et dew e cin secre eter eth eave
CAPRIMULGID i—GOATSUCKERS.. .......2 2.20 sec c ee cece cece ec eeee c
STRIGIDA—OWLS............. BI AGE Hite CSIRO COO CICEO CREE ORE Eee ae
FALconip&—Fatcons, HAWKS, HAGLES, AND KITES........-.... :
20 PR
306 TABLE OF CONTENTS.
REPORT PROPER—Oontinued.
CATHARTIDAI—AMERICAN VULTURES ........--- 2-22-22 esse ees
COLUMBIDZ—PIGEONS, OR DOVES.......--.-. 2-2. eee eee cee z
TETRAONID-Al—GROUSE oo adice.ae atecees 6 cee eee eel iere aie = ela aitrs seis
PERDICIDH—PARTRIDGES AND QUAILS...............------ eee ee :
CHARADRIID @—PLOVERS.....-..--..----e0- Demleleraiee See OSes
PHALAROPODID.A!A—PHALAROPES .... 2.0000 es 5 ees ween en cee ens aces
RECURVIROSTRIDZ—AVOCETS AND STILTS......-..-- mRicvelaiere SqanDS
SCOLOPACID4—SNIPE, SANDPIPERS, ETO......-..----..---------e-
GRU ai—ORANES «oo. 6c pen eee ets semis a ceGmeiep es wee tea
RALLIDZ—RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS..-.. ...--.----..---0- A
TANTALIDA—IBISES .
ARDEID#—HERONS .
ANATIDZ—SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS..................--.------
PELECANTD At — PELICANS) atcyeokt xis ee aclace steiece ejeeletee eels A
GRACULIDA—CORMORANTS.. .......-.- 22-0 0-- eee eeeee Pe nea
LARIDZ—GULLS AND TERNS............ wlevars cichatneve oe branglsblaiaeereetcre
POoDICIPIDM—GREBES ............... Fide Bncke ek ee ee Me
INDEX TO SCIENTIFIC NAMES
INDEX TO POPULAR NAMES.
ee i ee i i ei i a ir
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION,
Wasuinaton, D. C., November 18, 1876.
Sir: I transmit herewith a report on the ornithology of the route
explored by the United States Geological Exploration of the Fortieth
Parallel, based upon field-work from June, 1867, to August, 1869, inclusive,
the time during which I had the honor to serve in the capacity of zodlogist
to the expedition; the region investigated being that directly between
Sacramento City, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah, including a few
points directly to the eastward of the last-mentioned locality.
The ornithological specimens preserved, and deposited in the National
Museum, at Washington, number 1,522, of which 769 are skins, and 753
nests and eggs. This may seem a small collection proportioned to the time
employed in its formation, but the making of protracted field-observations
and the elaboration of notes therefrom were deemed of greater importance
than the amassing of a large duplicate collection. Moreover, almost equal
attention was given to other branches of zodlogy, particularly to reptiles
and fishes, large series of which, representing very completely the fauna
of the country, were placed, according to instructions, in the hands of
specialists for identification."
The unusual facilities most generously afforded by you, and your kind
encouragement at all times, aided very materially the successful operations
of the zodlogist; so that whatever is creditable in the results attained by
his labors, the merit is mainly due to yourself. Another friend deserves
special mention in this connection for his valued assistance—Mr. H. G.
Parker, of Carson City, Nevada (at the time of the writer’s connection with
the expedition Superintendent of Indian Affairs for that State), whose
frequent and gratuitous services contributed greatly to the completeness of
the natural history collections.
'The reports on these collections have not been received.
307
308 ORNITHOLOGY.
Tn the preparation of this report, the valued facilities afforded by the
Smithsonian Institution were availed of, through the courtesy and kindness
of Professor Joseph Henry, the Secretary of the Institution; among the
many advantages thus secured being frequent access to a splendid working
library and an unrivaled collection of North American birds. The author
wishes also to express himself as particularly indebted to Professor Spencer
F. Baird, Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and Curator of
the National Museum, for invaluable assistance kindly rendered throughout
the progress of the work.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT RIDGWAY.
CuLaRENCE Kine, Esq,
United States Geologist, ;
In charge of U. S. Geological Explorations, 40th Parallel.
GENERAL REPORT.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ROUTE.
The investigations on which the following report is based, were made
almost wholly within the limits of that vast interior region of continental
drainage known as the Great Basin, between the parallels of 39° and 42°
north latitude, collections having been made at but one outlying locality,
the vicinity of Sacramento City, California. As observations were extended
along the entire course of travel, however, from San Francisco to points in
Utah eastward of Salt Lake City, we shall not confine our treatise to the
limited region noted, but shall describe each of the main points where
observations were made and notes taken, in regular sequence.*
All the way from Panama to San Francisco several species of pelagic
birds followed our vessel, the Black-footed Albatross (Diomedia nigripes) and
White-headed Gull (Blasipus heermanni) being daily companions until we
entered the “Golden Gate.” No land-birds made their appearance, how-
ever, until, when off the coast of Mexico, between Acapulco and Cape St.
Lucas, a solitary Mourning Dove (Zenedura carolinensis) made its appear-
ance one day about noon, and, although flying around the vessel for nearly
an hour, did not alight, but finally disappeared to the eastward, where no
land was in sight.
1 We reluctantly omit, as too far beyond the geographical province of our subject,
some notes on the Isthmus of Panama, where, however, no North American birds were
seen, excepting some waders, observed in the pools along the railroad, among which
were the Purple Gallinule (Gallinula martinica) and the Little White Egret, or Snowy
Heron (Garzetta candidissima). In the Bay of Aspinwall several Man-o-war Hawks
(Tachypetes aquila) were observed sailing in circles overhead, much in the manner of
Swallow-tailed Kites (Hlanoides forficatus); and in thé Bay of Panama, on the opposite
(Pacific) side, Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus fuscus) were particularly numerous, and
noticeable from their occupation of plunging from the air into the water after their
prey.
309
310 ORNITHOLOGY.
Arrived in California, no peculiarly western bird was observed until we
reached Sacramento City; since, after landing at San Francisco, only Purple
Martins (Progne subis) and Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon lunifrons), which
swarmed about old buildings on certain streets, were seen, while the only
notes of other species heard were the familiar songs of caged Canary Birds.
The journey up the Sacramento River was equally disappointing in this
respect, since, though we kept a vigilant look-out from our post of observa-
tion on the hurricane deck of the steamer, none but familiar eastern species,
most of which were water-birds (Coots, Florida Gallinules, and various
species of ducks), were seen, the only land-birds being an occasional Belted
Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) perched on an overhanging willow. During the
first day at Sacramento, however, we became familiarized with several of
the species peculiar to the western portion of the continent, but as this
locality brings us to the commencement of our observations in the field, we
shall begin a reswmé of the subject in another chapter.
1867.—The first camp of the survey was established at Sacramento
City, California, on the 6th of June, from which date collections were made
until July 4th, when the plains to the eastward and the Sierra Nevada were
crossed into Nevada. It is much to be regretted that no opportunity was
afforded for making collections along this route, especially in the western
foot-hills and in the pine-region of the western slope, since a number of
additional species and many valuable observations were thus lost to the
collection and archives of the exploration. After entering Nevada, the Big
Bend of the Truckee was selected for the first working-camp, and there we
remained from July 24th until August 18th; a portion of the time being
devoted to an excursion to Pyramid Lake, which was reached by descending
the river in a batteau, the party returning on horseback, after about a week’s
absence. During this trip the main island in the lake was visited. Our
investigations from the main camp also included several visits to the dry
canons of the Virginia Mountains, about eight miles to the westward, across a
very sandy mesa. This camp was abandoned on the 25th of August, when we
started across the desert for Humboldt Lake; but upon reaching the latter
place the writer became a victim of malarial fever, which for weeks inter-
fered very materially with the prosecution of his duties. We next proceeded
DESCRIPTION OF THE ROUTE. 311
up the Humboldt River to Oreana, where a camp was fixed near the town,
but our stay was short on account of the spread of the fever in a very malig-
nant form, compelling the entire party to seek healthier water and purer air
in the high mountains to the eastward. A camp was accordingly made in
Wright’s Cation, on the western slope of the West Humboldt Mountains, a
locality which proved to be well adapted for a collecting-ground. This camp
was deserted, however, about the middle of September, for one on the eastern
slope of the same range, for which the town of Unionville, in Buena Vista
Cafion, was selected. This proved to be the best locality, for birds, yet
visited. We left this place about the last of October, and moved westward
again, along the same route, toward winter-quarters. At the Humboldt
Marshes, on the 31st of October, several new species were added to the
collection during the single evening of our stay, but no further collections
were made until again at the Truckee Meadows, where we remained from
November 7th until the 21st of the same month; and from which place an
excursion to the Pea-vine Mountains, near the Sierra Nevada, was made
on the 20th inst., in company with Mr. H. G. Parker. From this camp we
repaired to Carson City, and remained there until the 5th of December,
when, after first spending one day in the pine forests of the Sierra near
Genoa, we revisited the Truckee Reservation near Pyramid Lake, through
facilities extended by Mr. Parker, who accompanied the writer and assisted
him in making his collections. This trip was made via the Carson River to
below Fort Churchill, whence the desert was crossed to the Big Bend of the
Truckee; but in returning the river was followed to the Meadows (at Glen-
dale), thence to Hunter's Station, and across the valley to the Steamboat
Springs, and over the Virginia Mountains, to Virginia City and Carson.
1868.—Winter-quarters at Carson City were left early in May, for the
Truckee Reservation, which was reached on the 14thinst. Large collections
were made here, the most important being from the island and ‘‘pyramid”
in the lake, which we were enabled to visit through the kindness of Mr.
Parker, who placed his handsome yacht “Nettie” at our service, and assisted
us to secure large numbers of the previously very rare eggs of several species
of water-fowl breeding on these islands. Early in June we repaired to
Virginia City, and thence to Austin, in the Toyabe Mountains, which were
312 ORNITHOLOGY.
reached on the first of July. Collections and valuable notes were made by
the way, especially at the Carson River, seven miles above Fort Churchill
(June 23d), Fort Churchill (June 24th), Nevada Station (June 25th), Soda
Lake, on the Carson Desert, (June 27th), Sand Springs, (June 29th),
Fairview Valley, (June 29th), and Edward’s Creek (June 30th). At Austin.
we remained only a few days, when, departing for Ruby Valley, we arrived
there July 13th, and camped at the base of the mountains, some four miles
uorthward of Fort Ruby. Toward the last of August we left this place
and proceeded northward along the foot of the East Humboldt Mountains,
pitching camps of a few days’ duration at intervals of the journey. Crossing
the range through the pass known as Secret Valley, near Fort Halleck, we
approached the upper portion of the Humboldt River, and in continuing
northward camped on several of the streams flowing from the lofty Clover
Mountains into the Humboldt. The month of September was principally
spent in traveling northward to the Humboldt ‘‘ Wells,” thence through
Thousand Spring Valley to the Goose Creek Mountains, crossing which
we entered the southern portion of Idaho at the “City of Rocks,” the
most northern locality reached; from whence our course directed eastward
toward Salt Lake City, where we arrived early in October. At intervals
during the pursuance of the route traced, small collections were made, when
opportunity permitted; the principal stations being—‘“‘Overland Ranche,”
Ruby Valley, (August 26-29), ““Camp 22,” Ruby Valley, (September 4-5),
Secret Valley (September 6-8), Dearing’s Ranche, Upper Humboldt Valley
(September 10-12), Trout Creek, Upper Humboldt Valley, (September 16-
20), Thousand Spring Valley (September 21-24), ‘City of Rocks,” southern
Idaho (October 3), and Deep Creek, northwestern Utah (October 5).
1869.—On the 20th of May of this year, collecting was begun at Salt
Lake City, and continued until June 21st, when we proceeded to Parley’s
Park, about twenty-five miles to the eastward, in the Wahsatch Mountains.
In the meantime, Antelope, Stansbury, and Carrington Islands, in the Great
Salt Lake, were visited. On the 2d of July an excursion was made, in
company with the botanists of the expedition, eastward to the western
spurs of the Uintah Mountains; there we remained from the 3d until the 8th
instant, when we returned to the main camp in Parley’s Park via the Provo
PAYSICAL FEATURES OF THE GREAT BASIN. 313
Canon, Utah Lake, and Salt Lake City. Work was continued at main
camp until August 16th, when collections and notes were packed and our
field-work ended.
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE GREAT BASIN.
While the region traversed by the survey after its equipment embraces
the entire distance from Sacramento City, California, to points in Utah
eastward of the Salt Lake Valley, the actual field-work began only at the
eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, and was thus entirely confined to the
interior area of continental drainage known to geographers as the Great
Basin, and which we shall frequently refer to in the following pages by this
name, as well as by that of the “Interior,” a convenient synonymous term.
This vast area corresponds almost strictly in its geographical boundaries
with the ‘Middle Province” of zodlogists. The route of the expedition
was mainly across the middle portion of the Great Basin proper, so that
the fauna encountered was that typical of the Middle Province.
In few regions is the influence directed on the distribution of birds by
that of the plants so manifest to the observer as in the one under consid-
eration; and as vegetation is influenced so materially by configuration of
the surface, conditions of the soil, elevation, etc., a brief description of the
physical features of the country embraced within the limits of our trip is
necessary to the intelligent understanding of the nature of the Middle
Province avifauna, and the manner in which it is divided into bands of
restricted range, according to conditions of environment. Such an excellent
description of the field of our investigations has been given by Mr. Watson,
the botanist of the expedition, that we cannot do the subject greater justice
than to quote the following from ‘‘Geographical Notes,” on pages xili-xvii
of the Botanical Report:'—
1 Professional Papers of the Eugineer Department, U.S. Army, No. 18. Report
of the Geological Exploration of the Fortieth Parallel, made by order of the Secretary
of War according to acts of Congress of March 2, 1867, and March 3, 1869, under the
direction of Brig. and B’vt Major-General A. A. Humphreys, Chief of Engineers, by
Clarence King, U. 8. Geologist. Volume V, Botany. By Serevo Watson, aided by
Prof. Daniel C. Eaton aud others. Submitted to the Chief of Engineers, and published
by order of the Secretary of War under authority of Congress. Illustrated by a Map
and Forty Plates. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1871.
40
314 ORNITHOLOGY.
This region constitutes the northern portion of what was at first designated as
the “Great Basin,” the high plateau, without outlet for its waters, separated on the
north by low divides from the valley of the Snake River and continuing southward
until it merges into the desert of the Lower Colorado. Geologically considered, how-
ever, as well as botanically, the term is now properly made to include the whole similar
arid stretch of country northward to the plains of the Columbia, in latitude 48°.
The lofty and unbroken range of the Sierras bounds this section of the Basin
on the one side by its steep eastern slope, entering Nevada at only a single point,
where it throws over the border a high flanking-spur, the Washoe Mountains. On the
opposite side lies the broad and nearly equally elevated system of the Wahsatch,
broken through by the Bear, Weber, and Provo Rivers, which head among the peaks
of the adjoining Uintahs. The intervening space, 460 miles broad in latitude 42°, but
narrowed by the convergence of the opposing mountains to about 200 miles in latitude
37°, is for the most part occupied by numerous short and somewhat isolated minor
ranges, having a general north and south trend, and at average distances of about
twenty miles. The bases of these ranges are usually very narrow, even in the most
elevated, rarely exceeding eight or ten miles in breadth, the slopes abrupt and the lines
of foot-hills contracted, the mesas grading at a low and nearly uniform angle into the
broad uninterrupted valleys. Over the larger portion of the territory, and especially
in Nevada, the combined areas of the valleys and the area occupied by the mountains
and accompanying foot-hills are very nearly equal. The main depressions within this
region are two, one at the base of the Sierras at a level of about 3,850 feet above the
sea, into which flows all of drainage there is from the whole northern half of Nevada
and from the eastern slope of the Sierras, the other the “Great Salt Lake Basin,” at an
altitude 400 feet greater, close upon the base of the Wahsatch and receiving the waters
from that range above latitude 40° and from the northeastern portion of the Uintahs.
Into the first flow the Truckee, Carson, Quinn’s, and Humboldt Rivers. The Truckee
is a clear, cold stream, which issues from Lake Tahoe in the Sierras, and after a rapid
descent breaks through the Virginia Mountains and turning north soon empties into
Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes. These are much the deepest of all the lakes of the
Basin, being hemmed in by mountains, and are moderately saline. The Carson River
also rises in the Sierras farther to the south, but after leaving the base of the moun-
tains is a less rapid stream and gradually becomes somewhat alkaline. Inclining more
to the eastward it forms a small shallow lake on the border of Carson Desert, and
thence issues in a number of devious chanuels, and is finally spent in an extensive
“sink” or alkaline mud-plain of some twenty or thirty miles in diameter. Of a like
character are the “Mud Lakes,” lying north of Pyramid Lake and fed by Quinn’s
River, which has its source in southeastern Oregon. Beyond the limits of the survey
to the south are Walker’s and some other smaller lakes, supplied by streams from the
Sierras, but all strongly saline.
From this western depression the general level of the country rises gradually to
the eastward very nearly to the border of Nevada, where the valleys have an altitude
of about 6,000 feet. Here in the northeastern part of the State the Humboldt River
takes its rise, by far the most important river of the Basin, not only as the longest but
as opening a passage for three hundred miles to the Central Pacific Railroad through
the mountain ranges, that would otherwise have proved a serious obstruction. It is
nowhere a large stream, receives few affluents, and in some parts of its course is very
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE GREAT BASIN. 315
tortuous. It at length spreads out into Humboldt Lake, shallow and subalkaline, and
from this the little remaining surplus water finds its way in a manner similar to the
Carson River into the same sink.
The descent of 2,000 feet from eastern Nevada into the Great Salt Lake Basin is
almost immediate, nearly the whole northwestern portion of Utah being an alkaline
desert, broken by fewer mountain or hill-ranges, and but little above the level of the
lake. The lake itself is for the most part very shallow, in no place over 50 feet in
depth, the waters a concentrated solution of salt. As with all these sheets of water
the shore-line and consequent area vary greatly indifferent years.
The intermediate ranges of the Basin are very similar to each other in character.
They vary in altitude from one to 6,000 feet above the valleys, culminating in occa-
sional peaks scarcely ever so rugged that they cannot be ascended from some direction
upon mules. They are cut up by numerous ravines or “canons,” which are narrow,
very rarely with an acre of interval or surface approaching to a level, the sides some-
times rocky or precipitous, more frequently sloping to the summits of the lateral ridges.
In geological structure these ranges are more or less complicated, showing rocks of all
ages from the azoic to the glacial period, here metamorphic rocks, quartzites, slate, and
limestones, there an outburst of granite or syenite, volcanic rocks of often the most
diverse and picturesque colors, or broad table-lands of lava overflow. The erosion and
decomposition of these various rocks have filled the valleys to a monotonous level with
a detritus of gravel, sand or silt, and given to them that accumulation of alkaline salts
which is so marked a peculiarity of the country.
With few exceptions, also, these mountains are for most of the year wholly desti-
tute of water, with but small rivulets in the principal cafions, frequently with only
scanty springs here and there at their bases, irrigating a few square yards of ground.
Even where the mountain supply is sufficient to send a stream into the valleys it is
usually either soon entirely evaporated, sinks into the porous soil, or becomes demor-
alized with alkali and is “lost” in the mud of the plain. The lowest portion of nearly
every valley is occupied by some extent of alkali flat, where in the winter season the
water collects and the softened clay-like mud is bottomless and impassable. As
the moisture evaporates under the heat of coming summer the level naked surface
becomes hard and pavement-like, or covered with a snowy incrustatiou or deposit of
salt or carbonates. The springs and wells even are often more or less saline, and
thermal springs are not rare.
The chief exceptional ranges in northern Nevada, which from their greater altitude
receive heavier snowfalls in winter, retained through the year in greater or less quantity
in the more sheltered depressions of the higher peaks, and which in summer are subject
to more abundant rains, are the West Humboldt Mountains, 100 miles east of the
California State line, the East Humboldt Mountains, 75 miles from the Utah line, and
the Toyabes, nearly intermediate between the two. Star Peak is the highest point of
the first range, with an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet, but with little deposit of snow
and the vegetation of the summit scarcely sub-alpine. Several constant streams here
flow from the principal eastern cafions and reach the middle of the valley, where they
supply irrigation for as many small ranches. The Toyabe Range, especially in its
southern portion, is higher, several of its peaks having an altitude of from 10,000 to
12,000 feet, with more snow and fuller streams. The waters of the eastern slope are spent
in Smoky Valley. On the western side lies Reese River, flowing northward toward the
316 ORNITHOLOGY.
Humboldt, of which it is a reputed tributary.” In the upper portion of its course of 150
wiles it is reénforced to some extent by the drainage of the Shoshone Mountains, a
rather high range west of the Toyabes, but as it nears Humboldt Valley it diverges
into side-channels and seldom has volume sufiicient to reach the main river itself.
The Bast Humboldt Mountains are by far the most stern and alpine of all these
ranges, the main peaks between 11,000 and 12,000 feet in height, precipitous and
ragged, the deeper canons evidently scooped out by glaciers, gemmed with snow-fed
lakes beneath the peaks and carrying full streams into the valleys. The southern
portion, however, below Frémont’s .Pass, is less rugged and of different geological
structure, mainly of nearly horizontal strata of limestone. The canons here, often
mere gorges, with close precipitous walls, are perfectly dry on the eastern slope, the
melting snows sinking almost immediately, but reappearing at the base in bold ice-cold
springs. The water from these springs and streams reunites to form Ruby and Frank-
lin Lakes, bodies-of nearly fresh water, very shallow, and largely occupied by a dense
growth of “Tule” (Scirpus validus). As usual in these ranges the western slope is much
the more gentle, with a broader line of foot-hills. The streams upon this side form the
South Fork of the Humboldt. The ‘Clover Mountains’ of the Catalogue form the
northern extremity of this range, isolated by a depression known as Secret Valley,
but of equal height and similar character.
Such is a general description of the country as far east of the foot of the
Wahsatch in Utah. These mountains, upon a broad base of nearly fifty miles in
width, and with an irregular crest-line 10-12,000 feet high, have a system of long,
deep, well-watered cafions, often exceedingly rocky, and sometimes cleft like a gateway
to the valley level, with perpendicular mountain-walls on each side, but usually opening
out at some part of their course into meadow-like basins or “parks.” The prevalent
western winds deposit their moisture, which they have gathered in the traverse of the
Basin, in abundant snows in winter and at other seasons in frequent and occasionally
heavy rains. The upper cafons and mountain slopes are to some extent timbered,
much more generally so than in any of the ranges westward, and the naked peaks
above have a truly alpine vegetation. The Uiutahs, which connect immediately with
the Walhsatch and extend eastward on the line of the 41st parallel for a distance of
one hundred and fifty miles to Green River, where they meet the outspurs of the
Rocky Mountains of Colorado, have more of the character of those mountains, with
broad open cations and extended lines of foot-hills, the peaks overtopping those of the
Wabhsatch, glacier-scored and polished at the northern base, but the declivity upon
the opposite side stretching southward beyond the limits of vision in a high plateau
broken only by the deeply-worn channels of numerous rapid streams, tributaries of
the Uintah and Green Rivers.
LOCAL AVIFAUNZ OF THE GREAT BASIN.
We have gone thus into detail with regard to the more prominent
characteristic features of the Great Basin for the reason that the distribu-
tion of the birds depends so much upon that of the vegetation; and as we
know that the latter is separated into several quite distinct groups, whose
distribution depends upon altitude, humidity, proportionate amount of
LOCAL AVIFAUN® OF THE GREAT BASIN. Blas
alkaline salts in the soil, and other causes, we may easily correlate the bird-
fauna into corresponding sections.
The boundaries between local floras of entirely different character are
usually so abrupt in the Great Basin that often a single step will lead from
one to the other; thus, the upper limit of the “pine belt” on the mountains
marks a given line where the trees disappear almost immediately, and these
begin almost as suddenly at the lower edge of the zone; narrow belts of
mountain mahogany, western cedar, or cedar and pinion together, may fol-
low in the order given, but there is usually no marked straggling of these
trees where they meet the sage-brush, as if disputing possession of the
ground. The sage-brush reigns supreme from the base of the foot-hills to the
brink of the mesa, or over the elevated plain extending from the foot of the
mountains to the narrow valleys of the streams, where only the steep, nearly
naked bluffs separate the squalid growth of the higher level from the more
thrifty growth of the same plants, first with grease-wood intermingled,
-which occupies the outer portion of the valley-floor; then follows the green-
sward of salt-grass in the moister portion of the valley, while nearer the river
are thickets of low willows, or in exceptionally rich valleys buffalo-berry
and other shrubs, with cotton-wood trees interspersed. In a like manner
the luxuriant shrubbery of the mountains is usually restricted to the margin
of the brooks in the bottom of the caiions or ravines, where often the slopes
so nearly meet that scarcely room is left for a trail. Such are the main
features of the distribution of vegetation in this region, subject, of course,
to numerous and sometimes, but not often, complicated local modifications.
The strict correlation between the birds and plants in this matter of
distribution was a fact immediately noticed, and the more firmly impressed
toward the close of our long period of observations in the field; each local-
ity of particular vegetation being inhabited by its own peculiar set of birds
with almost unvarying certainty. In order to familiarize the reader with
thé local causes which govern the distribution of the birds within the Great
Basin the accompanying arrangement of the more distinct types of locali-
ties is given, followed by lists of the species of birds characteristic of each.
It is of course to be understood that by characteristic we do not mean that
a bird is found in the sort of locality to which it is assigned, and nowhere
318 ORNITHOLOGY.
else, but simply that such a place is where it is most abundant, or most
likely to be found; and also, that the arrangement presented is based upon
the distribution of the species during the breeding-season.
There are, however, certain species whose distribution seems to be in
nowise connected with vegetation, the considerations which influence their
range being the presence of water, of rocks, or of earth-banks; but these
form a small proportion of the summer residents, most of them being the
water-fowl, and of these many might be assigned to the meadow series,
since they nearly all resort to the meadows to breed.
The main natural subdivisions of the avifauna of the Interior, as above
determined, are the following :—
I. Arboreal Avifauna.
. Birds of the pine-region, or higher coniferous forests. . (18 species.)
. Birds of the cedar or nut-pine groves. (9 species.)
. Birds of the aspen groves or copses. (7 species.)
. Birds of the cafion shrubbery. (7 species.)
. Birds of the wooded river-valleys. (25 species.)
o Fe WO be
Il. Terrestrial Avifauna.
6. Birds of the sage-brush. (10 species.)
7. Birds of the mountain meadows, or parks. (9 species.)
8. Birds of the lowland meadows. (8 species.)
TIT. Mural Avifauna.
9. Species strictly saxicoline. (2 species.)
10. Species saxicoline only in nesting habits. (5 species.)
11. Species nesting in earth-banks. (3 species.)
IV. Aquatic Avifauna.
12. Water birds. (41 species.)
1. Birds of the pine-region, or higher coniferous woods.—Compared with
the general extent of the Interior, the wooded portions are exceedingly
limited, the only approach to a continuous forest encountered being that
clothing the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, and the more scant and
interrupted forests of the Wahsatch and Uintahs, on the opposite side of the
Basin. Between these two distant forest-clad mountain systems no true
forests exist, only a few of the loftier ranges supporting an extensive tree-
growth on their higher summits, forming islands, as it were, in a sea of desert.
LOCAL AVIFAUNA OF THE GREAT BASIN. 319
Woods of Coniferee form by far the greater part of the sylva of the Great
Basin, and though differing somewhat in their character have much the
same bird-fauna wherever they exist, the only decided difference with
locality being the replacing of species of one side by representative forms
on the opposite side. On the Sierra Nevada these forests are much more
extensive than anywhere to the eastward, and the growth far larger and
more dense, consisting chiefly of Pinus ponderosa, but with which are mixed
Abies grandis, A. menziesii, A. douglasii, Libocedrus decurrens, and perhaps
some other trees. Of these species, only the latter did not occur to the
eastward, where, on the higher ranges, as the Kast Humboldt, Wahsatch,
and Uintahs, Pinus balfouriana, P. flexilis, Abies englemanni, A. amabilis (?),
and Juniperus virginianus occurred as additional species.
The birds peculiar to these dark woods are far less numerous than those
found only in the more open and sunny groves of the river valleys, but eigh-
teen species being noted as peculiar to them, exclusive of those restricted to
one side of the Basin. ‘The strictly pinicoline species are the following :—
1. Cinclus mexicanus. Not arboreal. 10. Loxia leucoptera.
2. Regulus calendula. 11. Carpodacus cassini.
3. Parus montanus. 12. Chrysomitris pinus.
4, Sitta aculeata. 13. Picicorvus columbianus.
5. Sitta canadensis. 14, Contopus borealis.
6. Sitta pygmza. 15. Empidonax difiicilis.
7. Certhia americana. 16. Sphyrapicus thyroideus.
8. Dendreeca auduboni. 17. Canace obscura.
9. Pyranga ludoviciana. 18. Bonasa umbelloides.
The representative and peculiar species of the opposite mountain sys-
tems are as follows: —
Representative species.
Sierra Nevada. Wahsatch and Uintahs.
1, Junco oregonus. 1. Junco caniceps.
2. Cyanura frontalis. 2. Cyanura macrolopha.
Peculiar species.
1. Turdus ustulatus. [None.]
2. Sphyrapicus ruber.
3. Picus albolarvatus.
10f these species the two in italics are represented in the eastern ranges by closely
allied forms, 7. swainsont and S. nuchalis, but they are not inhabitants of the pines,
the former being confined to the cafion shrubbery and the latter to the aspen groves.
320 ORNITOOLOGY.
2. Birds of the cedar or nut-pine groves.—These groves are generally
found on the lower slopes and foot-hills of the desert ranges, between
elevations of about 5,000 and 7,000 feet, and occur even in the most barren
and arid districts. In general, two species, the western cedar (Juniperus
occidentalis) and the nut-pine, or pifion (Pinus monophyllus), are mixed
together, but often only one species, the former, is the sole constituent of
these groves, this being usually the case on the more barren mountains in’
the absolutely waterless districts; the latter, on the other hand, prevailing
on those ranges which have copious streams in the cations. These trees are
of low, compact habit and unshapely form, their height rarely exceeding
15 feet, while the branches are characteristically crooked and the trunks
short, rugged, and twisted.’ Along the upper edge of this belt occur, more
or less plentifully, trees of the “mountain mahogany” (Cercocarpus ledifolius),
equally stunted and scraggy, but with scant, deciduous foliage. These
monotonous groves are seldom inhabited by many birds, but, on the other
hand, are often so nearly devoid of animal life that an entire day may be
spent among the gnarled and stunted trees without a single living thing
being seen, or a sound heard except the far-away croak of a solitary raven
from some distant hills. Sometimes, however, the profound silence is’
broken for a moment by the chattering of a Gray Titmouse (Lophophanes
inornatus) or the twittering of a straggling troop of the diminutive “Fairy
Titmice” (Psaltriparus plumbeus), while the intruder may be suddenly
startled by the piercing whistle of a little Chipmunk ( Tamias quadrivittatus).
Occasionally, a solitary Myiadestes townsendi flies silently by, and more
frequently a flock of querulous Pinon Jays (Gymunokitta cyanocephala)
sweeps overhead, when all is again silent. In case these woods occur on
1On the foot-hills or lower slopes of the Wahsatch these woods are represented
by the dwarf-oak ‘‘scrub”—the western cedar having disappeared far to the westward.
This scrub consists of a dense growth of oak bushes about 5-15, rarely 20, feet high,
the species being considered by botanists a dwarf form of Quercus alba. The birds
inhabiting these oaks are much the same as those found in the cedar and nut-pine
groves, with the exception of Gymnokitta cyanocephala and Myiadestes townsendi, the
first of which appears to be peculiar to the cedars, while the other occurs elsewhere
only in the high coniferous woods. In addition to these species, Helminthophaga vir-
ginie, Pipilo megalonyx, and Cyanocitta woodhousii may be regarded. among the most
characteristic species of the oak thickets.
LOCAL AVIFAUNA! OF THE GREAT BASIN. aed
the foot-hills and lower slopes of the higher and more fertile ranges, they
may be occasionally visited by several species from the pine-region higher
up, or from the adjacent cation shrubbery. The following, however, are
particularly characteristic of the cedar and nut-pine groves: —
1. Myiadestes townsendi. 6. Spizella arizone.
2. Sialia arctica. 7. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus.
3. Lophophanes inornatus. 8. Gymnokitta cyanocephala.!
4. Lanivireo plumbeus. 9. Empidonax obscurus.
5. Collurio excubitoroides.
3. Birds of the aspen groves and copses—The aspens (Populus trem-
uloides) occur only on the higher, well-watered ranges, commonly in the
upper caiions, in moist and sheltered situations just below the fields or
patches of perpetual snow. The slender trees composing these groves or
copses are seldom large, never, except perhaps on certain of the more
eastern ranges, exceeding 30 or 40 feet in height, and usually not more than
half so tall. They are of straight, clean habit, however, with a smooth
whitish-green bark, and are carpeted underneath by a varied herbaceous
growth, among which beautiful ferns are sometimes conspicuous. The
characteristic birds of the aspens are not numerous, the following being all
that were noted: —
1. Turdus migratorius. 5. Empidonax hammondi.
2. Progne subis. 6. Picus gairdneri. :
3. Helminthophaga celata. 7. Sphyrapicus nuchalis.
4. Empidonax obscurus.
Several of the above, or all with the exception of the last three, and
Helminthophaga celata, are rather to be considered as species of general and
variable range, since they may sometimes be found in very considerable
abundance in other wooded localities.
4. Birds of the canon shrubbery.—Several of the higher ranges of the
Interior receive sufficient precipitation, or retain throughout the summer
snow enough near their summits, to supply the main ravines and cafions
with constant streams of water; and these nourish a thrifty or often luxu-
riant shrubby growth along their banks, where many species of birds resort,
1This species we believe to be entirely peculiar to these woods, its food appar-
ently consisting exclusively of the seeds and berries of the nut-pine and cedar.
21PR
322 ORNITHOLOGY.
as their favorite haunt. These shrubs are of various species, different ones
of which predominate in different localities, the more common -kinds being
Cornus pubescens, upon the berries of which many birds feed almost exelu-
sively in the fall, Sambucus glauca, Prunus demissa, Ribes irriguum, Alnus
incana, and, more rarely, Crategus rivularis, while in many localities species
of Salix are also a common component of the thickets along the cation
streams.' The birds particularly characteristic of this section are: —
1. Psaltriparus plumbeus. 5. Melospiza fallax.
2. Geothlypis macgillivrayi. 6. Cyanocitta woodhousii.
3. Hedymeles melanocephalus. 7. Empidonax pusillus.
4. Cyanospiza amcena.
In addition to these, Turdus swainsoni,* Galeoscoptes carolinensis, Seto-
phaga ruticilla, and Passerella schistacea were found in the Wahsatch region.
5. The Birds of the wooded river-valleys—As a rule, the valleys of the
rivers in the Great Basin are destitute of trees, like the adjacent mesas; but
in the “‘ western depression” are two notable exceptions in the Truckee and
Carson Rivers, both of which are bordered along the lower portion of their
course by inviting groves or scattered clumps of large and beautiful cotton-
wood trees (Populus monilifera) and dense copses of a smaller species,
P. trichocarpa. The buffalo-berry (Shepherdia argentea) and willows (Saliz,
species) form the greater part of the shrubbery, but they are associated
with numerous other woody plants. In the possession of these features
the lower portions of the valleys of both the above-named streams share
in common, but the timber along the latter is less regularly distributed,
although in places equally extensive.
Localities so inviting as these being extremely rare and distant from
each other, it follows as a natural consequence that the birds are found
greatly multiplied both in species and individuals in these restricted oases.
‘In the East Humboldt Mountains, but more especially in the Wahsatch, other
species, belonging to the Rocky Mountain region, are added, the number being small
in the first-named range, but in the latter very considerable, and embracing several
eastern species. In the cations of the Wahsatch, for instance, are found Betula ocei-
dentalis, Rhus aromatica, R. glabra, Acer grandidentatum, Negundo aceroides, and Sam-
bucus racemosa. [See Watson, Botanical Report, p. xxxvii.]
?Found also as far west as the Hast Humboldt Mountains, in September.
3 Noticed only in the lower portion of the caions, and more commonly in the
valleys, as was also the case with Galeoscoptes carolinensis.
LOCAL AVIFAUNA OF THE GREAT BASIN. azo
Indeed, to realize how attractive the river-valleys must be to the feathered
tribe, one has but to cross the almost limitless desert on either side, with a
scorching sun overhead and little else than glaring, heated sand beneath |
his feet, and after thus suffering all day come suddenly to the verge of
one of these lovely valleys, with the fields and groves of verdure close
by, while the refreshing breeze brings to the ear the rippling of cooling
waters and the glad voices of the birds! The merry little Wood-Wrens
(Troglodytes parkmanni) gabble and chatter among the trunks and massive
branches of the old cotton-wood trees; black-and-orange orioles (Icterus
bullocki) and crimson-headed linnets (Carpodacus frontalis) whistle plaint-
ively or chant a cheerful ditty as they sport among the leafy branches,
while from the willows or the more open thickets is heard the mellow flute-
like song of the Black-headed Grosbeak (Hedymeles melanocephalus).
The birds most characteristic of the wooded river-valleys are the
following :—
1. Sialia mexicana. 14, Pica hudsonica.
2. Troglodytes parkmanni. 15. Tyrannus carolinensis.
3. Dendreca estiva. 16. Tyrannus verticalis.
4. Geothlypis trichas. 17. Myiarchus cinerascens.
5. Icteria longicauda. 18. Contopus richardsoni.
6. Myiodioctes pusillus. 19. Empidonax pusillus.
7. Tachycineta bicolor. 20. Coceyzus americanus.
8. Vireosylvia swainsoni. 21. Nephecetes borealis.
9. Carpodacus frontalis. 22. Chetura vauxi.
10. Chrysomitris tristis. 23. Otus wilsonianus.
11. Cyanospiza ameena. 24. Falco sparverius.
12. Pipilo oregonus. 25. Zenedura carolinensis.
13. Icterus bullocki.
6. Birds of the sage-brush.—The term ‘“‘sage-brush” is the western
vernacular for that shrubby growth which prevails over the valleys, mesas,
and desert mountain-slopes of the Great Basin to the utter exclusion of all
other vegetation, except in isolated and extremely restricted places. One
species, the ‘everlasting sage-brush” (Artemisia tridentata), composes by
far the larger part of that growth, ‘‘covering valleys and foot-hills in broad
stretches farther than the eye can reach, the growth never so dense as to
seriously obstruct the way, but very uniform over large surfaces, very
rarely reaching to the saddle-height of a mule, and ordinarily but half_ that
324 ORNITHOLOGY.
altitude.” The species just mentioned is not the exclusive component of
the “‘sage-brush” however, for quite a number of other shrubs, belonging
to many genera and several widely-different orders, are mingled with it m
varying abundance, according to the nature of the soil, some prevailing on
the most arid or sandy places, and others thriving best where the soil is
strongly alkaline. Those additional to the species given above, are mainly
the following, named in the order of their abundance: Obione confertifolia
(“‘grease-wood”), O. canescens, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Linosyris viscidiflora,
Grayia polygaloides, Halostachys occidentalis, Linosyris graveolens (‘‘broom-
sage”), Artemisia trifida, A. spinescens, Eurotia lanata, Purshia tridentata,
Ephedra antisyphilitica, and Tetradymia canescens. [See Botanical Report, p.
xxvi.] The genera named above belong to the following orders: Artemisia,
Linosyris, and Tetradymia to the Composite; Obione, Sarcobatus, Grayia,
and Eurotia to the Chenopodiacee; Purshia to the Rosace, and’ Ephedra
to the Gnetacez. The general aspect of these plants is quite the same,
however, in the different species, all having a similar scraggy, stunted
appearance, with dull-grayish foliage in which there is but the slightest
suspicion of green, and a characteristic, disagreeable, pungent odor; and
in the utter absence of other shrubs over areas hundreds of square, miles
in extent, they constitute a most miserable apology for vegetation.
The most numerous animals of these arid wastes are the various species
of lizards, which are startled at every step as one walks along, and run
nimbly to one side—-some kinds disappearing like a flash, so swift are they,
while the larger species in their flight scatter the fine gravel and sand so as
to make it fairly rattle. These reptiles were most numerous in the western
depression, and it was found that they abounded most on the burning
deserts, farthest from water.
The birds characteristic of the sage-brush are not numerous, either as
to species or individuals, but several of them are peculiar to these districts;
the characteristic or peculiar species are these:—
1. Oreoscoptes montanus. 6. Eremophila alpestris.
2. Amphispiza nevadensis. Antrostomus nuttalli.
3, Amphispiza bilineata, Chordeiles henryi.
4. Spizella breweri. Speotyto hypogea.
5. Chondestes grammaca. 10. Centrocereus urophasianus.
SOG isa
LOCAL AVIFAUNA OF THE GREAT BASIN. 325
7. Birds of the mountain-meadows or “parks.”—On the higher ranges
of the Interior, the gentle slopes of the upper cantons support the richest
or most varied vegetation of the entire region; especially is this the case
when they incline so gently as to form broad and nearly level meadows on
either side of the main stream, with pine forests and snow-fields on the
higher ridges and a copious volume of water in all the brooks and rivulets.
Here the streams are bordered for their whole length with a luxuriant
shrubbery, the bushes consisting of numerous species, and overtopped here
and there by occasional trees of the narrow-leafed cotton-wood (Populus
angustifolia), sometimes of 50 or 60 feet in height. The higher slopes are
densely matted with low but vigorous bushes of “laurel” (Ceanothus
velutinus, C. sorediatus, and, in some ranges, Arctostaphylos glauca), with
coriaceous, shining, deep- or dark-green foliage. The greater portion of
these upper slopes, however, are mainly covered with a rank herbaceous
growth, composed of very numerous species, and in season brilliant with a
variety of flowers of beautiful or showy appearance, among which the blue
spikes or panicles of Lupinus and Pentstemon, the orange-red bracts of
Castilleia, and the lovely scarlet blossoms of Gilia aggregata are among the
most conspicuous. Species of Geranium are also very prevalent in places,
_while, in many localities, low bushes of Symphoricarpus montanus are scat-
tered through the herbage.
The birds most characteristic of these flowery slopes are not numerous,
but among them are several fine singers, whose clear and musical voices are
among the pleasant memories of these salubrious spots. The following are
the most characteristic species :—
1. Zonotrichia intermedia. ( Western ranges.) | 6. Pipilo chlorurus.
2. Zonotrichia leucophrys. (Hastern ranges.) | 7. Stellula_calliope.
3. Passerella schistacea. 8. Selaspborus platycercus.
4. Pooecetes confinis. 9. Trochilus alexandri.
5. Melospiza lincolni.
8. Birds of the lowland-meadows.——The lowland meadows include the
bright sward of “‘salt-grass” (Brizopyrum spicatum, var. strictum) of the low
river-valleys, the “bunch grass” (Poa tenuifolia and Eriocoma cuspidata’,
scattered over the foot-hills, the patches of ‘“rye-grass” (Elymus condensatus ?)
326 ORNITHOLOGY.
near the entrance to the canons, and also the sedge and tule marshes, in
the neighborhood of the lakes and rivers. The birds most characteristic of
the meadows are all mostly peculiar to them, being seldom if ever found in
other localities. Besides the land-birds here enumerated, a multitude of the
water-fowl resort to the meadows during the breeding-season, but these are
best given in a separate list. The most characteristic birds of the meadows
are the following: —
1. Telmatodytes paludicola.....-... Marshes.
2. Coturniculus perpallidus........ Dry meadoves.
3. Passerculus alaudinus ......... Wet meadows.
4. Ageleus phceniceus...-...-..... Marshes.
5. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus.. Marshes.
6. Sturnella neglecta......-....... Everywhere except in marshes.
7. Pedicecetes columbianus.. ....- Dry meadows.
8. Grus canadensis .....--.....-... Wet meadows.
9-11. Mural Avifauna.—This group is a rather heterogeneous one,
part of the species being saxicoline, while others nest in vertical banks of
earth; and of the former only two species keep altogether among the rocks,
the others merely breeding there, the greater part of their time being spent
in obtaining their food in other localities.
They may be grouped as follows: —
a. Species strictly saxicoline.
="
. Salpinctes obsoletus.
. Catherpes conspersus.
bo
t odifving their habits in neighborhood of settlements.
b. Species saxicoline only in nesting habits.
. Tachycineta thalassina.—(JIn other districts said to be arboreal.)
. Petrochelidon lunifrons.
. Hirundo horreorum. Habits modified in settled districts.
. Sayornis sayus.
. Panyptila saxatilis.
AQor
c. Nesting in earth-banks.
8. Cotyle riparia.
9. Stelgidopteryx serripennis.
0, Ceryle alcyon.
To group ‘“‘b” of this list might be added such species as Aquila cana-
densis and Falco polyagrus, since these species usually build their eyries on
LOCAL AVIFAUNA OF THE GREAT BASIN. Baie
the narrow ledges or in niches on the face of cliffs, but their nesting-habits
are too variable. The same objection might be urged in regard to Tachy-
cineta thalassina, since in some localities this species nests in hollow trees,
but along our route we found it to be everywhere strictly saxicoline.
12. Aquatic birds—This group includes the vast multitude of water-
fowl, both waders and swimmers; these inhabit chiefly the valleys, the
following being the species which breed in the interior:—
1. Agialitis vociferus. 22, Branta canadensis.
2. Aigialitis nivosus. 23. Anas boschas.
3. Steganopus wilsoni. 24. Chaulelasmus streperus.
4. Recurvirostra americana. 25. Dafila acuta.
5. Himantopus mexicanus. 26. Spatula clypeata.
6. Numenius longirostris. 27. Querquedula discors.
7. Tringoides macularius. 28. Querquedula cyanoptera.
8. Rhyacophilus solitarius. 29. Nettion carolinensis.
9. Tringa bairdi. 30. Mareca americana.
10. Tringa minutilla. 31. Aix sponsa.
11. Ereunetes pusillus. 32. Erismatura rubida.
12. Falcinellus guarauna. 33. Larus californicus.
13. Falcinellus thalassinus. 34. Sterna regia.
14. Ardea herodias. 35. Sterna fosteri.
15. Herodias egretta. 36. Hydrochelidon lariformis.
16. Nyctiardea nevia. 37. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus.
17. Botaurus minor. 38. Graculus floridanus.
18. Ardetta exilis. 39. Podiceps occidentalis.
19. Rallus virginianus. 40. Podiceps cristatus.
20. Porzana carolina. 41. Podiceps californicus.
21. Porzana jamaicensis. ?
In the preceding lists of the species characterizing special faunal sub-
districts of the Great Basin, we have included mainly those which are
common to the entire breadth of the Province. Other species, which might
properly be assigned to these lists with respect to their habitats, are
excluded, from the fact that they belong to only one side or the other of the
Basin. The western series was lost almost immediately after our departure
from the Sierra Nevada, very few being found even so far to the eastward of
that range as the West Humboldt Mountains. The eastern series, however,
presented itself much more gradually, additional species being met with in
each successive high range to the eastward, the first of them appearing on
328 ORNITHOLOGY.
the lofty Toyabe Mountains, while a more decided accession of Rocky
Mountain and Eastern forms was noticed on the Ruby and East Humboldt
ranges, where, however, the number was far less than that encountered on
the Wahsatch and in the Salt Lake Valley.
DESCRIPTION OF LOCALITIES WHERE COLLECTIONS OR OBSERVATIONS WERE MADE.
1. Vicinity of Sacramento City, California (June 6-29, 1867.) —The
period of our stay at Sacramento being the midst of the dry season, when
the valleys of California are parched by the excessive and protracted
drought, the bird-life was found to be comparatively scant, and, as in the
Interior, though not to so great an extent, confined within the very restricted
limits where the vegetation was nourished by the presence of water—
either that of natural streams or that derived from artificial irrigation. But
even there the abundance ofthe birds was due to the number of individ-
uals of each kind, rather than of the species themselves. Away from the
vicinity of the city, the country at thé time of our sojourn presented a
scorched appearance, the rolling plains being destitute of rivulets or pools,
all the surface-moisture having been long since éxtracted by the excessive
and prolonged heat; the ground itself was baked to a tile-like hardness
except where ground to dust, and what remained of the grass and herbage
was burnt to a dingy yellow, while the scant foliage of the scattered oaks
was desiccated to a russet-brownness. In the moister locations, near the
river, the aspect of the landscape was more inviting, however, for green
meadow-lands prevailed, with woods of good-sized trees along the river
bank (among which the western plane tree, Platanus racemosa, was con-
spicuous from its white branches), with a pleasing variety of oak, willow,
and cotton-wood copses, interspersed with cultivated, farms, with here and
there isolated large cotton-wood trees left in the fields for shade. Exten-
sive marshes, connected with the river, were filled with tall rushes, or tule
(Scirpus validus), and other aquatics, many of them being hemmed in by
skirting jungles of willows and other shrubs, having a dense, often impen-
etrable, undergrowth. Waste places were oyerspread by a rank growth
of wild chamomile, or dog-fennel (Maruta cotula), and large thistles, the
latter standing chiefly in the fence-corners, where they presented to the
DESCRIPTION OF CAMPS. 329
intruder a repellent front of frightful thorny spines. Upon the whole, but
for the blue mass of Monte Diablo looming in the south, the long dim range
of the Sierra Nevada bounding the eastern horizon, its crown of snow-
fields glittering in the sunlight, and the brown Coast Range visible to the
westward, one might readily imagine a familiar scene in the Mississippi
Valley, so similar is the general aspect of the vegetation, in all its charac-
teristic features, to that of a semi-prairie district, during the corresponding
season. Not less striking was the likeness between the bird-fauna of the
vicinity of Sacramento and that of a locality in the same latitude in the
Mississippi Valley, although, as regards the number of species, the latter
is by far the richer, since in Illinois, Missouri, or Iowa, an area having
a relative proportion of prairie and woodland corresponding to the locality
under consideration, will be found to possess at least one hundred species
of birds during the breeding-season, many more having been found in
certain districts."
Our camp was established in a very favorable locality, the outskirts of
the city, where the surroundings were a pleasing variety of meadow and
thicket, with the best collecting spots at convenient distance. The charac-
teristic birds were the Red-head Linnet (Carpodacus frontalis), Gold- Finch
(Chrysomitris tristis), Yellow Warbler (Dendraca estiva), Chipping Sparrow
(Spizella arizone), and Wood Pewee (Contopus richardsoni), among the oaks;
the Black-headed -Grosbeak (Hedymeles melanocephalus), Traill’s Flycatcher
(Empidonax pusillus , and Least Vireo (Vireo pusillus), in the willow and
cotton-wood copses; the Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca cerulea), Lazuli Bunting
(Cyanospiza amena), Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri), and Lark Bunting
(Chondestes grammaca), in the fields; Western King Bird (Tyrannus verticalis)
and Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullocki), in the large isolated cotton-wood
trees; the Long-tailed House Wren (Thryomanes spilurus), and, if near
water, the Black Pewee (Sayornis nigricans), about dwellings, with a great
variety of water-fowl, identical in species with those inhabiting similar
places in the Eastern States, found in the tule sloughs.
1Tn the lower Wabash Valley, of Indiana or Illinois, more than one hundred and
fifty species. are known to breed. [See Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., XVI, 1874.]
330 ORNITHOLOGY.
The following is a complete list of the birds found breeding at Sacra-
mento between June 6th and July 4th :—
i> Thryomanes (SPwUMCUs/e eet ats fee eons iae Common. ?
2: (DENATOGABStLVAe - premio see at aoteremieteteeerneieiiare Abundant.
3. GeOLhlly, pis ttriCnas eee ee eeiecee eee eeteeisiolla= - Abundant.
4 Tcteriailongicaudas:. ss-5 sess ee eee eee Abundant.
Dy Hrond hOrreOrm Mn eee eee oienieiniee ceils Abundant.
GsPrognesubisss asec eam eee eee eer nice Abundant.
7. Petrochelidon lunifrons.............--.------ ..-- Abundant.
8. Cotyle riparia....... sate aroqotche eloiciais wersieer Seale heroerete Common.
9. Stelgidopteryx serripennis...........-...-..-..--- Common.
10. Vireosylvia swainsoni...............-- SLA ts ae Mae Common.
AL Wareo) pusilluste meme seetece reesei ieee tor Common.
12. Collurio excubitoroides. ........-....-. pa aan cae Common.
13. Carpodacus frontalis.............--.-.-----+----- Abundant.
14> Chrysomitris! tristisnsss so-so ieee Abundant.
15. Coturniculus perpallidus...... ........-..----..--- Common.
16. Chondestes grammaca ......-...-..----.-----+--- Abundant.
17, Melospiza heermanni...2-:.....--------0e2o>- oe Common.
18. Spizella breweri .............--. He See ee ee Common.
LOS pizellaanizonwaes see ease cere eereeee Common.
20. Hedymeles melanocephalus.....-...... femme Common.
21 GUITACA CLO) eae oral eleeiela lal sietelee elsieienetatelel = Common.
22. Cyanospiza am (UR see -- 6 see ZNO Ne OWE s 55856505 oGbeddoonbeneoneoUSoDouE Abundant.
74, Herodias egretta .. .......2..-..------see eee Rare.
75. Nyctiardea nevia .............-.------2----+--- Rare.
1G; LAG RUINE TMT)? Bene ooes oseesdoueees poeEue soeoe Common.
Ce PAT OG Chay CX Us et levereps elcvotetefaratalatclovelornve leielote cle steels Rare.
78. Falcinellus thalassinus.....-..-..--...-.------- Rare.
(9 Grus/CanagdensiSe. -)-1- ce <1 - ~~ ol) =j eam eines Rare.
80; Rallus virginianus..........2.---220 05 -.es ese ees Rare.
Sle, Porzanarcarolinae--c coe racselee sass tele ntes ae Common.
S25 Polica americana. .----. ..--05 acca eases wee Very abundant.
83. Branta canadensis...............---------.---5- Common.
Sa opAt Ass DOSCHAS! sora) -teltatet-1-Pelelaratel=| ofehn aractetere aees Abundant.
85. Chaulelasmus streperus..... ........-...--.---- Abundant.
86. Mareca americana .........--.-.- -.-.---- et Abundant.
87. Querquedula discors............-.....------+--- Rare.?
88. Querquedula cyanoptera .............----.-.+--. Common.
SO Watilaacnta geass. cocsarse ose. arate Eyayahie ova Sve Rare.
90. Spatula clypeata ........... ae eethasretelene aeaeew Common.
91. Aythya vallisneria.............----..- Moodoc) ne Rare.
HEL JN RROMSEY c5 66 agasns Soodccssdussounoeansoaboous Fare.
93. Lophodytes cucullatus ........-...-.-------0---- Rare.
OAs Bris aburay CU ae oye ere 21 = ta ei lela ietela ote o aleieintoe Selma le~ Rare.
95. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus....-.....-----.----.- Very abundant.
96. Graculus floridanus..........-.......2-2---200-: Abundant.
97. Larus californicus .... 2.20. 2:2. 0222-00 eee eee e sees Very abundant.
QS S Ferma LOLA are sale = alarele 0) ore a0 ee E : *
ON Sittavacnleata: 2.2.2 222-.. - 3.5.50. ws allts4 =} Berle an
Al0;;Sitta canadensis - 0... 662. . <8 sn. 2. SArallee iu S55 % bat eae
11. Sitta pygmea........-... Hot Sescial sieves whe sil Bel Oral inee
2) Certhia americana. ......:..--. -..--- eae |e Balle : selene E [etal
13. Troglodytes parkmanni.........-.... niet ful emcees ane ee we
14. Telmatodytes paludicola .-...-.._-.-. ae * a i
15. Eremophila alpestris .......-.. ...-.. nie oe ee We 7 ¥
16. Helminthophaga celata............-. cess eget eee s Ses
17. Helminthophaga virginiz...........- SCA eel (Seal ise * s cs
13.) Dendroeca estiva....--.....--. 22-6. a * Sees | aaell se Rea
19. Dendreeca auduboni.........-.-...-. Sel eel lcd : - Se (i Re sees
20. Dendroca nigrescens ..........--.--- ae % : eels tale ® ae eae alee
21. Geothlypis macgillivrayi..-........-. Reledoal eon soe d Wosaclse Stalecdo
22.) Geothlypis'trichas.. -...\... 2-2. se e--- Syste lerillets ee alec elhtsbet
23. Icteria longicauda........-....------ Beil Rect are cdilets eae
24, Myiodioctes pusillus. ........-.- ....|... eenllek B5ol| pt Seon eee
25. Setophaga ruticilla......-.--......-. xe aellprrcealaey ee a EAN eoe
26. Pyranga ludoviciana ..--.. .- Aa iaee be Re sa|oacllsose ae SAP ee ag se 5
Pie ELOSNEiSU DIS cpaiars sleeves cert co yen se eielere cst eisrersi| eee el eee [tes Salt oe alee :
28. Petrochelidon lunifrons ...--. Rei Binte =e Babee : Bee oe z -
2 we Hirundoyherreorum s- 422... ------ - |e. Z i 2 Pulinaeiall petra sia a
30. Tachycineta bicolor. ...-.. Meise emo ree eae alee 5 lh vee ae, oR lets =
31. Tachycineta thalassina .............- poten (ec eal ret rails SedAliei sll) ere We
32. Cotyle riparia... -. Se ORM en Here sone aceon le ely detalii araile ah
Some LOOP benyexs SCLEIPONMIS) he «cis alee eerie, |le<0 series ers cles.oe1|' Gaels 5 ah
34, Vireosylvia swainsoni.......-: .-..- |..<.|....|--.. Hately Se cetera ee dic
374 ORNITHOLOGY.
eee cua | a
35. Lanivireo plumbeus..-..../.----..:... sie aial| eee : * :
36. Collurio excubitoroides .. 2a... Sas | oe les cee peel cee eee ee eee
37. Carpodacus Cassini -........--..-.--. Re Pests (ets aS ollie See heted lle =
38. Carpodacus frontalis.............-- FA EEES Ssh Seeul emlitasclbAodstelsass =
39. Chysomitris tristris......-........-.-. Seis} screseice ete) ts | cm se | eee | See ee |
40. Chysomitris psaltria -2 20 22..5 02228] eel sae ea ot) Fe Rese eel See
41. Chysomitris pinus . ......- 2 .....-2-2. Sistalline-c ile ell oa sale eee | me ta
42, Passerculus.alaudinus ............... aeeee oe 1 We rere rere tell eevee] area | eee
43. Pooecetes confinis --4:.--.---.2.-.:.- Bre Ree Beers bearer bau arsed eel iis (0, 3 =
' 44, Coturniculus perpallidus ............. Sete. Aleretctnl tyecte | eee te eefeee foveefee ee
45. Melospiza lincolni ....-.......-...... Jo dell ete choco | arotetell heel etc eee 22|eae
46. Melospiza fallax: .—. 2....52.-2- << sac- sein Soe} Saad Me dl eesel eee a| cet eee ee
A(. SUNCO! CANICEPS =a) eee eee eee eter Pe erst ese aki] eos Se | ae as ee
48. Spizella arizon@...--.-...---:--2.-<- BASE Base ence Mie ors hae a lscisallaosells oo
49. Spizella brewetie eo 4- .2.5 2 ses. tae o/h PE See ay Se cle tere Seer ate es ee
50. Zonotrichia leucophrys............... Sloe Marialbeea| aber al ese abo oli 'c
51. Chondestes grammaca.... ..--...... MOP aS | ave eihecera sll eae ccelle eee letaenvel | etc | eteeaan
52. Passerella schistacea .-..-. B raeee lees sir poe alicia eA Sens 2 eee eee
53. Calamospiza bicolor ..........-....--.]..-. Me elo che elect epee | ect al eee | ae
54. Hedymeles melanocephalus...........]..-- sic tale cect] ME Sra eee | es
55. Cyanospiza ameena .......--.-.-.-. 5G eet cers eas) beehed p38 oe |e bsSalisas ts Pe
565 Pipilomesalonyxe sacs eee eel nee wae ellaelctell| 4 Reee Re: Sk eee eee
bieeRipilovchloruTsesee eee eee cee Peso Veet, Nees cg ol ae a cot ae
58. “Molothrus aber) 2.2 =. oe cies eoalacee La insAal tee, aes Se S8lloueslbaarllsas<
59. Agelzeus pheeniceus.-......--.... HSH Hace jade (carte Irises! ors basis ol lees ies ese ies
60. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus a fode eral aye tyellenwe hem sh] erate, || Mtetecel ietven | eemmetell Mee ee
61. Teterus bullockts2-nc. eae e eae oe eee a pee eee 6 Besa lvoicl Macs SOcca|lo05°
62. Sturnella neglecta..........-.-....-- Re tale Pe eel ast ee alabodl ees becclloadc
63. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus.........]..--|....|.-.- Miers S| hat rate he ail lserete
64. Corvus carnivorus = .j6ooc% oss emeaece |e be aloes eee eee | teene eae | eee lees *
65. Cyanocitta woodhousii..............-|....|...-|.--: pale Pc eel sic al
66: Cyanuna macrolophaicnc..nic .sciceseee|e neal seme etetal mental eatee |e ell eee *
67. Picicorvus columbianus .........-..-.]. as sienna sie cate powell sete | same REED lererate
68, Tyrannus verticalis.............. Bade bao Ruecles we BEE bats rosihe silico
DESCRIPTION OF CAMPS. 375
BE l|a@|Se/HO) 3s) & loa|s
eleris laaia |e alos
69. Tyrannus carolinensis...-....-.---.-. SShalleeSclseael ee a3 E ar
70. Myiarchus cinerascens .....-....---.- Feo troll eeeraln * anes
71. Contopus borealis . .---- se ceeee ee eee osalied Seclleoas|| oc
72. Contopus richardsoni ...........----- Las Sl} ae | med Sc
73. Empidonax obscurus...........--...- aes teceeaya so celle ait lea | Geel eames
74. Empidonax difficilis ..-.......... Swisolle aoe laa an Sersry eee ones *
75. Empidonax pusillus ...-............- aati eee See he ns
76. Antrostomus nuttalli ....- Rreceactsigs ae * . 2 2 Be Calls eae
77. Chordeiles henryi...-..........-.-.... then Ale bt Gcae| 6 ical ages
dSLrochilus;alexandvics | na ;s-'27 522 ch) he Beale a lisa
doe stellulaicalliopes-= 225 5--) 22s = 05 Beaten |efeters|| ee aa [ ee : E
80. Selasphorus platycercus........ ..--. ee heat eal (tice lla f a0
lem We nyleral CyONecrsmwl-1sr4 yori anne ell rasiel|ireers |, a lls aa
G2 see ICUS) NATTISI 2. Sa) else oe es|- a aeieliece on fe llatsraes)| -Payar-|| esate lecrese|[tratal tsrera [ar rilhic
Sos CUSHOAITGNEN = = me ieinsiti<(- = e's 2 se oe = 3 Fo bees | Se ol |ied
84. Sphyrapicus nuchalis ...........-..-.. cae belo ee eal fae | Reapers
85. Sphyrapicus thyroideus.........-.... peste roses |fete avail le crovei| ee seells ra a ys
86. Colaptes mexicanus....:/.......-.... sacdoesdlason) lignes oP Se) ee
Siz bubosubarcheus 2. -25- 6 ac-. o-= Jase eellowes |. SOS ee oe
SS.) Walco polyagrusis-\ . 1... eo 2-2 - sees a3 ae exere-ll te
89. Falco sparverius......-........+.--0. eee eiciea| lotrel | ae ele ae tds
90: Circus-hudsonius 2-22. --..- ....--..- ea ter | renal eavore Saleen i
Do INMSNS COO UHL gh cb Senass no Sagtaoasas Ssacallecsolsccal| * sol I) cosalledee
92. Nisus fuscus ...... Rare nree itd seer 5B EN ie a ee ae Ses
935 Buteo calurusg=.-cs-e1-02 sess 3s 5 Sella od we eBos
94 e BULCORSWaAlNSOMeer ies see) we tele ccs : bales Loe Becl eae bere
95. Archibuteo sancti-johannis ...........)..-. repeal ltaiate\e'l svererel letede cell ravere|| tories [ence malate
96. Aquila canadensis ................-.. 3 c es ell ead
97. Rhinogryphus aura .................- Sreteyalllcge evel eae 364 : oo
98. Zenzdura carolinensis .............-.| * Pe ieate |e Macs LE 3
99. Canace obscura. ..--...-----.--<-.--- poeta leeen|seaa|aaaiiee tink enka * a
100. Bonasa umbelloides.......-.....--... Baaee 2G | ke Noose
101. Centrocercus urophasianus..-.......- all tee é se
102. Pedicecetes columbianus........-.... Tl) Ao Ye Ca Baraeacal goad reedocac ;
376 ORNITHOLOGY.
Bs hae f= Blew) . | 3 &
= a g = p> = 6 a ae] 5 3 = 8
5 S nZl1oR (AS = hm | oa]
a 5 og|2a yh ee Boal
Z cs |\wo|Stl/any] 2 Bie sie s
to S |e Rl eal wme| 2 a |aelos
or o/c 29 |-= & a |. = to
n|)a le |nale aia lo |
103. Atgialitis vociferus ..................-|----|-- SS MAA scollognoleacs|sasaileonos 3
104, Gallinago wilsoni..-......----~....-.)--.- sade | obs Sra (rare emcees we | ee
105. Ereunetes pusillus. ...........-. SS.actalkeete Seles Bo ener egal peace ee
106. Actodromus minutilla...... .....-..--|..--|-. Salle Be BB Sse raliee oie : P
107. Symphemia semipalmata.....-..--.-.|.-.-|. Selb? ae 3 Zallee aie
108. Tringoides macularius ..........--.-- : ‘i SGalbasolloncciloc ae
109. Rhyacophilus solitarius ............--|. Galois * E A i
110. Numenius longirostris.....-....-.--.-]. aI) Pa E PAs lac: aekao| (ec =
Pd TGrusi¢anagensismer cue oeieee ieee) ter Ss| oP las Soo lie Ae siarse' Geel 5
112. Porzana carolina ........-..- SR wows * See eeed|lee aa Bivens |e tee
UR} IRENE NEN INI do qe Go esoo soso PSae|[escc| & \pasaaccolaacalleasal|sece|losc >
114. Folica americana -......-..........,.-|-. wal horas] 2 oR | PERS Te 25 SIE es |e a eee
1S DaPAMIAS DOSCHAS Hr estee eos eee eee eee ere ea (PF | Fe cis cacern ets are | tree eae | Meee vel| aera
116. Querquedula cyanoptera. .........--- Bere ral ed Bete seed ema esersito cc
41. Pack’s Canon, Uintah Mountains (July 38-8, 1869).—This cafion is
the valley of a considerable stream, flowing from the higher regions of one
of the western peaks of the Uintah range into the Weber River, via Kamas
Prairie.
In its upper portion both valley and mountains are densely coy-
ered with a coniferous forest, while along the banks of the stream the exten-
sive and vigorous growth of shrubbery consists of many species.
found in this locality were, in part, the following :—
Turdus migratorius.
Turdus swainsoni.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis.
Cinclus mexicanus.
Geothlypis macgillivrayi.
Dendreca nigrescens.
Helminthophaga virginiz.
Setophaga ruticilla.
Pyranga ludoviciana.
Chrysomitris tristis.
Chrysomitris psaltria.
Chrysomitris pinus.
Melospiza fallax.
Cyanura macrolopha.
Picicorvus columbianus.
Selasphorus platycercus,
Antrostomus nuttalli.
Chordeiles henryi.
Canace obscura.
Zenzedura carolinensis.
Tringoides macularius.
The birds
GENERAL REMARKS ON THE BASIN AVIFAUNA. 377
42.—Kamas Prairie, Utah (July 9, 1869)—Kamas Prairie is a grassy
valley, lying between the western Spur of the Uintahs and the rolling
eastern foot-hills of the Wahsatch. We noticed there the ordinary species
of meadow localities, with the addition of Actiturus bartramius, which seemed
to be quite common. .
43. Provo River, Utah (July 10-11, 1869).—We followed this river,
from the valley in which Heber City is situated, to Provo, near the shore
of Utah Lake, through the deep and picturesque canon cleft between two
high peaks of the Wahsatch range. Among the dense and extensive willow
thickets along this river we first found Turdus fuscescens and Parus septen-
trionalis (the former in great abundance), and the Magpie again numerous.
The other species noticed along this river were, mainly, the following:
Galeoscoptes carolinensis (abundant), Setophaga ruticilla (abundant), Zene-
dura carolinensis (abundant), Dendreca cestiva, Melospiza fallax, Icterus
bullocki, ete.
GENERAL REMARKS ON THE AVIFAUNA OF THE GREAT BASIN.
The total number of species of birds observed during the exploration
is 262, of which only 24 were not seen east of the western slope of the
Sierra Nevada; thus leaving a total of 238 species noticed in the Great
Basin, including the approximate slopes of the Sierra Nevada and Wah-
satch ranges, which form the boundary of the district on the west and
east. This number includes both winter and summer birds, as well as the
transient species, or those which merely pass through in the spring and fall ;
the latter were comparatively very few, however, since the complicated
topography of the country afforded such a diversity of climate, with varia-
tions of altitude, that extreme northern and southern species passed the
summer at different elevations on the same mountain ranges. Although the
Great Basin forms a natural ‘‘ Province” of the Western Region, the Sierra
Nevada and main Rocky Mountain ranges forming its longitudinal bounda-
ries, the mountains form much less of an actual barrier to the distribution of
.the species than might be supposed, as is clearly attested by the occurrence
of a large proportion of the Californian species on the eastern slope of the
378 ORNITHOLOGY.
former, down to the very verge of the desert, and the presence of so many
eastern birds on the Wahsatch and other extreme western ranges of the latter
system. It is, therefore, evident that not the mountains, but the deserts,
check the species in their range away from their centers of distribution.
It was also noticed that the species having a general range throughout’
the Interior were those particularly characteristic of, if not peculiar to,
the Basin Province, and that their distribution was regulated less by mere
topographical features than by other local conditions, the presence or
absence of water and vegetation being the main agents.
As stated in the chapter on the local avifaunee of the Great Basin
(see pp. 516-328), certain groups of birds not only characterize particular
zones of vegetation, but, also, isolated spots of a particular description, no
matter at what altitude. An excellent example in illustration of this case is
afforded by the humming-birds of the Interior, which are found wherever
flowers grow in profusion, either in the valleys or on the mountains; they
abound most on the upper slopes of the canons, where numerous flowering
plants bloom in such abundance as to form natural gardens; but on one day,
in August, we observed an individual of Selasphorus platycercus in the door-
yard of a ranche, in Ruby Valley, the altitude of which was between-6,000
and 7,000 feet, while a few hours later, as we stood on the summit of one of
the lofty peaks of the East Humboldt range, at an elevation of about. 12,000
feet above sea-level, and far above the fields of perpetual snow, an individual
of the same species flew rapidly by, bound for the slopes of an adjoining
canon. The extreme vertical range of this species was thus shown to be
nearly 6,000 feet, or more than one mile! In all cases where farms had
been established in the valleys, humming-birds were noticed in the door-
yards, though had not careful cultivation, with the aid of artificial irrigation,
produced these oases in the desert, it is needless to say these birds would not
have been seen there. Other cases in point are those of the birds frequenting
the canon shrubbery, which have a vertical range almost equal to that of
the humming-birds, the same species following the streams from the valleys
up to the snow-fields, provided the shrubbery continues so far. Certain
birds which frequent woods, of whatsoever kind, are almost sure to be
found wherever trees occur; thus Colaptes mexicanus or Picus harrisi may
GENERAL REMARKS ON THE BASIN AVIFAUNA. 379
be observed the same day among the cotton-woods of the lowest valleys,
Jess than a hundred feet above sea-level (as in California), and in the alpine
woods, 10,000—12,000 feet above the sea.
Independent of these local modifications of the fauna, as controlled by
conditions of environment, important changes were noticed in proceeding
eastward, which are of a truly geographical nature. Thus, although the
character of the country changed completely with the termination of the
coniferous forests of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, the change in
the fauna was by no means so abrupt. New forms of course immediately
made their appearance, or even predominated in number of species and
individuals, over those we had met with before, but still many of the latter
were not lost sight of completely until we had penetrated many miles into
the desert country, but reappeared on the higher ranges of the western depres-
sion. This: was particularly the case with the West Humboldt Mountains,
where Lanivireo cassini, Pipilo oregonus, Melospiza guttata, Zonotrichia coronata,
and Ageleus gubernator were found in the fall, all being birds of the Pacific
Province; while on the desert ranges, within sight of the Sierra, Oreortyx
pictus was more or less plentiful. Along -the eastern base of the Sierra
Nevada, near Carson City, Cyanocitta californica—the “Valley Jay” of
California—was found in place of C. woodhousti, which was the only species
from the West Humboldt Mountains eastward, and the form characteristic
of the Middle Province.
As we approached the eastern border of the Basin we met with spe-
cies characteristic of the Eastern Region or the Rocky Mountain District
of the Middle Province, as gradually as on the western side we had left the
Californian forms behind; each successive high range introducing a larger
number to the list. But even in this district, where so many eastern forms
were met with, there was still a sprinkling of the extreme western element,
which, however, seemed to have reached nearly to its eastern limit in the
upper Humboldt valley or the neighboring mountains, where such birds as
Turdus guttatus, Helminthophaga lutescens, Dendreca occidentalis, D. townsend,
and Selasphorus rufus were noticed as autumnal migrants.
It seems to be a general rule, that western birds have a tendency to
extend eastward during their fall migrations, thus spreading over the whole
380 ORNITHOLOGY:
of the Western Region at this season, though in summer their habitat may
be confined strictly to the area of Pacific-coast drainage. This cirecum-
stance we have previously alluded to, in these words:—t
“ Another very remarkable peculiarity of the Wahsatch region, which I wish par-
ticularly to mention in this connection, is the fact that in the case of representative
species or races, the Eastern or Rocky Mountain forms breed there, while the more
Western forms replace them in winter. Thus, Zonotrichia leucophrys and Junco hyemalis,
var. caniceps, are the only species of these two genéra which breed on the Wahsateh,
and they nest there very numerously; but in the fall their place is taken by the western
Z. leucophrys, var. gambeli [=intermedia] and J. hyemalis, var. oregonus, which are un-
known in summer. Lanivireo solitaria, var. plumbea, breeds there, while var. solitaria,
coming from the northwestward, replaces it in autumn. The same is the case with
Turdus pallasi, var. auduboni (summer resident), and var. nanus (autumnal migrant) ;
and apparently the ease also with Helminthophaga virginie (summer), and H. ruficapilla
(autumn).” ?
The eastern species occurring within the Basin were found to have
reached their maximum in the Salt Lake Valley and adjacent country to the
eastward, but, as was the case with the western series, some of them had
intruded so far within the western domain as to reach the opposite side.
Thus, Tyrannus carolinensis was not rare during the breeding-season in the
lower Truckee Valley, almost at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Lctopistes
migratoria was obtained in the West Humboldt Mountains, although the
only individual seen was a young one, and evidently a strageler. In the
East Humboldt Mountains, Turdus swainsoni, Helminthophaga ruficapilla, and
? Proc. Essex Inst., Vol. V, Nov., 1873, pp. 170, 171. [‘ Notes on the Bird Fauna
of the Salt Lake Valley and the adjacent portions of the Wahsatch Mountains.”}
?Other examples of species which have an extreme western or northwestern
distribution during the breeding-season, but which migrate in fall both eastward and
southward, are, Helminthophaga lutescens, Dendraca occidentalis, D. townsendi, and Selas-
phorus rufus, found as far east as the Clover Mountains, with the addition of Lanivireo
cassini, Melospiza guttata, Pipilo oregonus, Zonotrichia coronata, and Ageleus gubernator,
which in September and October were obtained in the West Humboldt range. The
most plausible explanation of this eastward migration would appear to be found in
the supposition that nearly, if not all, these migrants were from the Valley of the
Columbia River, whose main tributary, the Snake River, heads almost directly north
of the Great Salt Lake; the birds of the Columbia basin would naturally follow the
valleys of these upper tributaries as the route offering the least obstacle to their south-
ward passage, many species which do not breed eastward of the lower Columbia thus
regularly reaching the eastern border, if not the whole extent, of the Great Basin.
Whether their return northward is by the same route, remains to be determined.
GENERAL REMARKS ON THE BASIN AVIFAUNA, 381
Dolichonyx oryzivorus were more or less common in the fall. In the Wah-
satch district, including the Salt Lake Valley, were Turdus fuscescens, Galc-
oscoptes carolinensis, Setophaga ruticilla, and Zonotrichia leucophrys as abundant
summer residents, and Melanerpes erythrocephalus as a summer strageler ;
while on Kamas Prairie, between the Wahsatch and the Uintahs, Actiturus
bartramius was common in July.
Another result of our investigations was the discovery of the fact that
several species, supposed to be peculiarly eastern, are in reality among
those which inhabit the entire breadth of the continent. Among these were
Coccyzus americanus, which was found both at Sacramento, California, and
in the Truckee Valley, in June and July, and Coturniculus passerinus, which
was as abundant in the vicinity of Sacramento as at any eastern locality ;
also, Spizella monticola, heretofore supposed to be of casual or accidental
occurrence in the West, but which was found to be an abundant winter res-
ident in suitable localities. There was also seen at two places in the western
depression—the West Humboldt Mountains (October) and the Truckee
Valley (November)—a Colaptes, which was probably the eastern C. auratus,
though it may possibly have been C. chrysoides of the Gila and Saint Lucas
districts, since it is certain that the individuals in question were not the
form intermediate between C. auratus and C. mexicanus, known as C.
“ hybridus.”* .
Somewhat of an anomaly was noticed in the distribution of several
species in the region indicated, in their abundance on the two opposite
1TIn addition to these species, the following are known to occur westward of tbe
main divide of the Rocky Mountains :—
1. Dendreca blackburniz; Ogden, Utah, Sept.—Allen.
2. Dendreeca coronata; Fort Bridger, Wyoming.—Baird.
3. Seiurus noveboracensis; Fort Bridger, Wyoming.— Baird.
4. Cistothorus stellaris; Utah Lake; breeding.—Henshaw.
5. Vireosylvia olivacea ; Ogden, Utah, September.—Allen. [‘‘ More or less common”;
Fort Bridger, Wyoming.—Baird.
6. Junco hyemalis; Iron Springs, Utah, October 4.—Henshaw.
7. Melospiza palustris; Washington, Utah, October 23.—Henshavc.
8. Quiscalus eneus; Fort Bridger, Wyoming—Baird.
9.. Empidonax minimus; Fort Bridger, Wyoming.—Baird.
0
1
2
aren
. Rallus elegans; Ogden, Utah, September.—Allen.
- Ibis alba; Ogden, Utah, September.—Allen. [‘‘ Said to be frequent in summer.”]
. Anas obscura; Rush Lake, Utah, November.— Yarrow.
ee
382 ORNITHOLOGY.
mountain ranges and their apparent absence from the entire intervening .
territory. Such was particularly conspicuous regarding Sialia mexicana and
Lophophanes mornatus, which, if occurring at all in the Basin proper, were
so rare that they were not noticed. An apparent explanation. of this
exceptional range is the general absence of suitable localities over the greater
portion of this vast area; but the circumstance that the species named were
still wanting on-the Wahsatch and Uintahs, where the conditions of environ-
ment are in every way favorable, would seem to suggest other causes.
The partial or entire absence of certain woedland species from the sufficiently
extensive forests of the higher interior ranges was indeed a subject of con-
‘tinual speculation, since they were searched for in vain, after leaving the
Sierra Nevada, until the Wahsatch or Uintah woodlands were reached,
when many of them reappeared, while others did not, although they are
known to occur in the same latitudes on the main Rocky Mountain ranges.
Besides the species named above, we may mention Scops flammeola, Glau-
cidium gnoma, and Columba fasciata, which are common to the two widely-
separated districts named, but which have not yet been recorded from any
intermediate locality; while other species, found both on the Sierra Nevada
and Wahsatch, were found to be either extremely rare or apparently not
existing at all on any ranges between. These species are the following:
Regulus calendula, Parus montanus, Sitta aculeata, S. pygmea, Certhia ameri-
cana, and Sphyrapicus thyroideus. All of these, it may be observed, are of
pinicoline habits. °
It seems to us that the most reasonable explanation of the abundance
of these birds on the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains, and their rarity
in or absence from the intervening region, is to be found in the fact that
the two great mountain systems named approximate closely along the
northern and southern borders of the United States, thus allowing short
and scarcely interrupted passage from one to the other, without being
obliged to cross the wide expanse of desert which intervenes along the line
of our route. .
The following tables are intended to show more briefly the changes
noticed in the bird-fauna during our transit of the Basin, as well as ‘the
main local peculiarities noted by the way :—
GENERAL REMARKS ON THE BASIN AVIFAUNA. 383
SPECIES OF THE GREAT BASIN NOT OBSERVED IN CALIFORNIA.
: Species. * Range within the Basin.
1, irene nis) BRUINS pasos sasdco suoaoEEO Eastern side.
2, Oreoscoptes montanus ..............-. Entirely across.
Sp IANESI RN Of omerpmpaeee se nobeRcouenoe Entirely across.
4, Psaltriparus plumbeus.........-...-.. Hintirely across.
5. Psaltriparus melanotis ......--..-..--- Eastern side; straggler.
6. Salpinctes obsoletus .......-.....--... Entirely across.
7. Catherpes conspersus...-.......-.----Entirely across.
8. Helminthophaga virginiw ............. Eastern side.
9. Lanivireo plumbeus ..-....-.....-.... Eastern side.
10.? Phzenopepla nitens............. . .-. Western side.
Hie Carpodacusicassinl sme ascites =< Entirely across.
DE UNCON CANICED Serre tee araerete ee -rehaienetaie Kastern side.
13. Amphispiza bilineata ...............- _.. Wutirely across.
14. Amphispiza nevadensis ...............Entirely across.
Hone Melosprzantalllax yejere cetera isis © flee all ate Kutirely across, except western border.
16. Passerella schistacea........-.......-- Eastern side, chiefly.
17. Calamospiza bicolor -................. Hastern side; straggler.
LSA LUO MES ALOMY Xe). cere = tee) eens ae ...- Entirely across, except western border.
LOE Iplovenlocunus sce. sce see peers Entirely across.
20. Gymnokitta cyanocephala..._......... Western side.
Jie Pica shudsonicah eects aah ese ...-Entirely across.
22. Cyanura macrolopha................-. Eastern side.
23. Cyanocitta woodhousii ..........-..... Entirely across.
24, Sayornis sayus.......... ia hisocienrane Entirely across.
25, Empidonax obscurus. .............-..ntirely across.
26. Empidonax hammondi................ Entirely across.
ie any ptilasaxatilis' 2.s26-c. 06, 2-5 5- Eastern side.
28. Selasphorus platycercus .............. Eastern side.
ZOOM Stellolaseallopereset: faeces see - ae see Entirely across.
30. Sphyrapicus nuchalis....... -........ Entirely across.
31. Sphyrapicus thyroideus............-.. Entirely across.
So e@olaptesshybndus).o-....4:.20..0.-... Entirely across.
33. Colaptes auratus?.............------. Western side.
34. Canace obscura ...-......- eerie dene Entirely across.
35. Bonasa umbelloides -...-.....-.--.... Entirely across.
36, Pedicecetes columbianus .............. Entirely across.
37. Centrocercus urophasianus ......... ..-Kntirely across.
38. Falcinellus guarauna............ ....- Eastern side.
39. Falcinellus thalassinus.........-...... Western side.
SPECIES OF THE EASTERN REGION FOUND IN THE BASIN.
1. Turdus swainsoni -...-....-.......:--. Eastern side.
Peburdus, fOSCescems .-2.... . sce soc. see Eastern side.
3. Galeoscoptes carolinensis ....... ..... . Hastern side.
384 ORNITHOLOGY.
Species. Range within the Basin.
4, Helminthophaga celata .......-.-...--. Eastern side.
5. Setophaga ruticilla................--- Eastern side.
6. uanivireo solitarius = -)-\em sees Entirely across.
7. Zonotrichia leucophrys .-..--....----- Eastern side.
8. Dolichonyx oryzivorus...... ..-...---- Eastern side.
9. Tyrannus carolinensis .-....-...------ Entirely across.
10. Melanerpes erythrocephalus........--- Eastern side.
11. Eetopistes migratoria ..........-.---. West Humboldt Mts.; straggler.
12. Actiturus bartramius ......- 5222/02... Eastern side.
13. Querquedula discors....-- squuebosuese Entirely across.
LOCALITIES WHERE CERTAIN SPECIES WERE FIRST MET WITH IN JOURNEYING
EASTWARD.
Eastern slope of Sierra Nevada.
. Oreoscoptes montanus. July.
. Sialia aretica. December—April 25.
Carpodacus cassini. March 21-April 4.
. Salpinctes obsoletus. Summer resident.
. Catherpes conspersus. Constant resident.
Amphispiza nevadensis. Constant resident.
. Amphispiza bilineata. Summer resident.
. Spizella monticola. Winter resident.
. Passerella megarhyncha. From April 25 through summer.
10. Passerella schistacea. February and March; scarce.
11. Pipilo chlorurus. Summer resident.
2. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. Winter resident in valleys, breeding on
mountains.
13. Gymnokitta cyanocephala. Constant resident.
14, Pica hudsonica. Constant resident.
15. Sayornis sayus. Summer resident.
16. Empidonax obscurus. Summer resident.
17. Antrostomus nuttalli. Summer resident.
18. Chordeiles henryi. Summer resident.
19. Picoides areticus. Winter resident; rare.
20. Sphyrapicus thyroideus. Constant resident.
21. Sphyrapicus nuchalis. Casual (April 4).
22. Faleo polyagrus. Constant resident.
23. Canace obscura. Constant resident.
24, Centrocercus urophasianus.
CHANAMP why ep
Truckee Valley (below Virginia Mountains).
. Troglodytes hyemalis. December.
. Tachycineta thalassina. Summer resident.
. Tyrannus carolinensis. Summer resident.
oe be
GENERAL REMARKS ON THE BASIN AVIFAUNA. 385
Nepheecetes borealis. Summer resident.
Chetura vauxi. Summer resident.
Selasphorus rufus. August; excessively abundant.
Steganopus wilsoni. May; rare.
so) Go SH
West Humboldt Mountains.
Psaltriparus plumbeus. September—October.
Lanivireo cassini. September 9-25.
Lanivireo solitarius, September.
Melospiza guttata. One specimen; October 3.
Zonotrichia coronata. One specimen; October 7.
Cyanocitta woodhousii. September-October.
Ectopistes migratoria. One specimen; September 10.
Colaptes auratus. ? One specimen; October.
Soda Lake, Carson Desert.
? Phenopepla nitens. June 27; rare.
CORES OU tes Con hour
a
Toyabe Mountains (near Austin).
1. Panyptila saxatilis. July 4; one specimen.
Ruby Mountains (eastern slope).
Psaltriparus melanotis.? One specimen; August 4.
Dendreca nigrescens. Summer resident.
Helminthophaga virginie. Summer resident.
Lanivireo plumbeus. Summer resident.
. Loxia leucoptera. One specimen; August 12.
. Selasphorus platycercus. Summer resident.
. Stellula calliope. Summer resident.
b> G2 LoS
AD OH
East Humboldt Mountains (eastern slope).
1. Turdus swainsoni. September 1-11.
2. Dendreeca townsendi. September 8-24.
3. Dendreeca occidentalis. August 29.
4, Helmintbophaga ruficapilla. September 6.
5. Empidonax hammondi. September 5-8. [Also found on eastern slope
of the Sierra Nevada. |
Here were seen the most eastern individuals of Selasphorus rufus, a
pair having been observed, and the male secured, September 8.
Ruby Valley (west side, near Franklin Lake).
1. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. August and September.
2. Falcinellus guarauna. August and September.
From here northward, Lepus callotis was found to be replaced by L.
campestris.
25 PR
386
ORNITHOLOGY.
Upper Humboldt Valley (west of Clover Mountains).
. Turdus guttatus.
. Sitta canadensis.
. Picus gairdneri.
. Nisus fuscus.
. Pedicecetes columbianus.
& Ole Co be
September 16.
September 10.
. Ampelis cedrorum. September 10.
September 12-17.
September 10.
September 16.
Thousand Spring Valley.
1. Nyctale acadica.
September 24; one specimen.
Vicinity of Salt Lake City (including shores and islands of the lake, City Creek Canon, etc.).
1. Galeoscoptes carolinensis.
2. Setophaga ruticilla.
3. Chrysomitris psaltria.
4. Pipilo megalonyx.
5. Melanerpes erythrocephalus.
6. Aigialitis nivosus.
Common summer resident.
Common summer resident.
Rare summer resident.
Abundant summer resident.
One specimen, June.
Very abundant summer resident.
Parley’s Park (Wahsatch Mountains).
. Junco caniceps.
. Zonotrichia leucophrys.
. Calamospiza bicolor.
. Cyanura macrolopha.
. Bonasa umbelloides.
Co FP be
Common summer resident.
Common summer resident.
One specimen, July 30.
Common resident.
Rare resident.
Kamas Prairie.
1. Actiturus bartramius.
July.
Provo Canon.
1. Turdus fuscescens.
Very abundant summer resident.
- 2. Parus septentrionalis. Summer resident.
CATALOGUE OF THE SPECIES COLLECTED OR OBSERVED.'
Page.
Turdide.
*1, Turdus migratorius, L......-.--. 391
2. Turdus guttatus (Pall.)..-....-.. 393
*3. Turdus auduboni, Baird. ........ 394
*4, Turdus.ustulatus, Nutt........-- 395
: Page.
Turdida— Continued.
*5. Turdus swainsoni, Caban......-. 397
*6.|Turdus fuscescens, Steph.].-..--. 398
*7, Galeoscoptes carolinensis (L.). ... 399
*8. Oreoscoptes montanus (Towns.)... 399
1 For the sake of convenience, we adopt a strictly binomial nomenclature, even
in case of forms which are unquestionably mere geographical races.
Species dis-
tinguished by an asterisk are those which were observed during the breeding-season ;
those in italics were seen only in California, while those not in the collection are inclosed
in brackets.
CATALOGUE. 387
Page. Page.
Saxicolide. Mniotiltide—Continued.
*9, Sialia mexicana, Swains. ..-..-. 402 | *41. Dendreca nigrescens (Towns.)... 433
*10. Sialia arctica, Swains..-.. Re oe 403 | *42. Dendreca auduboni (Towns.). .. 433
Gane *43, Geothlypis trichas (L.).- . Seevvts. 434
PO eelds mcnicanes: Swaine 406 *44, Geothlypis macgillivrayi (Aud.). 435
Det pee a as a *45. Icteria longicauda, Lawr.. ..... 436
Sylviide. *46. Myiodioctes pusillus (Wils.)..... 437
*12. Myiadestes townsendi (Aud.).... 408 | 47, Myiodioctes pileolatus (Pall.).... 437
*13. [Polioptila ccerulea (L.)2]...------ 409 | #48, Setophaga ruticilla (bi\;naosance ¢6%s)
*14. Regulus calendula (L.)....-..-.. 409 Fane
15. [Regulus satrapa, Licht.]......-. 410 =40.-Progne.subia'(h,)
ESL *50. Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say).... 440
*16. Lophophanes inornatus (Gamb.). 410 | *51, Hirundo horreorum, Barton.... 441
*17. Paras montanus, Gamb...-...--. 411 | *59. Tachycineta bicolor (Vieill.).. ... 441
*18, Parus septentrionalis, Harris.... 412 | *53, Tachycineta thalassina (Swains.). 443
*19. [Parus occidentalis, Baird?]...--. 412 | *54 Cotyle riparia (hee eas we. AAS
*20. [Psaltriparus minimus (Towns.)].. 413 | *55, Stelgidopteryx serripennis(Aud.) 446
*21. Psaltriparus plumbeus, Baird. .. 413
Ampelida.
22. [Psaltriparus melanotis(Hartl.)?]. 415 | 56. Ampelis cedrorum (Vieill.).. .. 446
Sittide. 57.7 [Phnopepla nitens (Swains.)]... 447
#23. Sitta aculeata, Cass. ........--. 415 Vireonide.
*24. Sitta canadensis, L. ... -...-.. 416 | #58, Vireosylvia swainsoni, Baird.... 448
*20, Sitta pygmea, Vig..---..------ 417 | 59. Lanivireo cassini, Baird. ....... 449-
Certhiide. 60. Lanivireo solitarius (Wils.)...... 450
*26. Certhia americana.............. 418 | *61. Lanivireo plumbeus, Coues.... - 451
Troglodytide. *62. Vireo pusillus, Coues. ......-.-- 451
*27. Salpinctes obsoletus....... -.-- 418 Laniide.
_*28. Catherpes conspersus, Ridgw. .. 420 ; 63. Collurio borealis (Vieill.)......-. 452
*29, [Thryomanes spilurus (Vig.)|....- 422 | *64. Collurio excubitorvides (Swains.). 453
*30. Troglodytes parkmanni, Aud.... 422 Tanagride.
31. Troglodytes pacificus, Baird. ... 424 | gs, Pyranga Iudoviciana (Wils.).... 454
*32. Telmatodytes paludicola, Baird.. 425 ‘
ie Fringillide.
Hania, 66. Loxia americana (Wils.)...... . 455
33. Anthus ludovicianus (Gm.)...... 426 | 67. [Loxia leucoptera, Gm.]......... 456
Mniotiltide. *68. Carpodacus cassini, Baird... .--. 457
34, Helminthophaga ruficapilla *69. Carpodacus frontalis (Say). ..... 458
(Wal S)) RUS REEeS. Sebtie seas. 427 | 70.[Leucosticte littoralis, Baird.].... 461
*30. Helminthophaga virginiz, Baird. 428 | *71. Chrysomitris tristis. .......--.. 461
*36. Helminthophaga celata (Say).... 429 | *72. Chrysomitris psaltria (Say)... .-- 462
37. Helminthophaga lutescens, *73.[Chrysomitris lawrencit (Cass.)]... 463
RIGS Wijfacis Scents ae Boras 429 | *74. Chrysomitris pinus (Wils.)...... 463
*38. Dendreeca estiva (Gm.).....---. 431 | 75.[Plectrophanes lapponicus (L.)].. 464
39. [Dendreeca occidentalis (Towns.)|. 432 | *76. Passerculus alaudinus, Bonap... 464
40. Dendreeca townsendi (Nuit.). ... 432 | *77. Pooecetes confinis, Baird... .--. 466
388 ORNITHOLOGY.
Page. Page
Fringillide— Continued. Corvide.
*78. Coturniculus perpallidus, *116. Corvus carnivorus, Bartr. - ---- 512
Ride we): eacac sees cee ses = 467 | *117. Corvus americanus, Aud......- 514
*79. Chondestes grammaca (Say)... 467 | *118. Picicorvus columbianus (Wils.). 515
*80. Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forst.). 470 | *119. Gymnokitta cyanocephala, Max. 517
*81. Zonotrichia intermedia, Ridgw. 471 | *120. Pica nuttalli, Aud............. 519
82. Zonotrichia coronata (Pall.).... 472 | *121. Pica hudsonica (Sabine). ....-. 520
*83. Junco oregonus (Towns.)....... 473 | *122. Cyanura frontalis, Ridgw. ...-. 523
*84. [Junco caniceps (Woodh.)]...... 474 | *123. Cyanura macrolopha, Baird. ... 524
*85. Amphispiza bilineata (Cass.)... 475 | *124. Cyanocitta californica (Vig.)... 525
*86. Amphispiza nevadensis, Ridgw. 476 | *125. Cyanocitta woodhousii, Baird. . 526
87. Spizella monticola (Gm.)....... 478 Tyrannide.
ery GES ney Se =
Se) Je Se ee Stee
*90. Melospiza heermanni, Baird.... 481 ae miliaris gerolneuaie ae Jana nae
*91. Melospiza fallax, Baird. ......- 482 | 4459 Setants HP EAL ee
92. Melospiza guttata (Nutt.).. ... 482 *130, Ee ea haa LL Bo [> ee
*93. Melospiza lincolni (Aud.)....... 484 #131. contenu Domne Suatitay: i 535
*94, Passerella megarhyncha, Baird. 485 #139. Gant ‘ana sadoniiG pone 537
*95. Passerella schistacea, Baird.... 486 | ,)55 Peer aee otae soni vans): Se :
96. Calamospiza bicolor (Towns.)... 487 ee Empidonas paeillus (Swaine): oi
*97, Hedymeles melanocephalus 1st Empidonax obseurus (Savalas) oe
(Swaine) thy b ibis) ey 488 Hee SERIO hammondi, Xantus. 543
a5) Guraeder hice 1) eae 489 *136. Empidonax difficilis, Baird..... 544
*99, Cyanospiza amcena (Say).....- 490 Alcedinidee.
*100. Pipilo oregonus (Bell). .-.-.... 491 | *137. Ceryle aleyon (L.)....-...----.- 545
*101. Pipilo megalonyx, Baird..-. -. 491 Pista:
¥*105 ini 7
— me a pane ponders “ae ae *138. Picus harrisi, Aud..........-... 545
“A Pipslo ventas (MGB Ne ect *139. Picus gairdneri, Aud.......-.- 546
Alaudide. *140. [Picus nuttalli, Gamb.]...--.. -- 547
*104. Eremophila alpestris (Forst.).. 498 | *141. Picus albolarvatus (Cass.)..-.. 547
105. Eremophila leucolema, Coues.. 498 | 142. Picoides arcticus (Swains.)...-- 548
*106. Eremophila chrysolema(Wagl.) 499 | *143.[Sphyrapicus ruber (Gm.)] -. -. 549
Titevidie: *144, Sphyrapicus nuchalis, Baird... 549
107. Dolichonyx oryzivorus (L.).... 500 a Spliyrapigus URE (O FS oat
*108. Molothrus ater (Bodd.).. -.... 501 rae Ac he piacere 553
ee. Eee acterocephalus 502 *147. Melanerpes torquatus (Wils.).. 553
*110. Agelzus phoeniceus (L.)..-.-.. 503 a aa erythrocepintis 54.
. a AE . aH iV sve dehsts Oi ewes Sater ees ce ena
SEs saint Se ae He a Colaptes mexicanus, Swains.. Se oog
*113. Sturnella neglecta, Aud. ... .. 506 a aaeen Be ee Paras a28
*114. Icterus bullocki (Swains.)..... 508 See ee eS eae sania a3 7h
*115. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus Cuculide.
(Wagl.)..-...- ..---...-.-. 510 | *152.|Coccyzus americanus (L.)|-.--. 558
CATALOGUE. 389
Page. Page
Trochilide. Columbide.
*153. Calypte anne (Less.) - - 558 | *187. Columba fasciata, Say......... 595
?
*154, Trochilus on. lance! & 188. Ectopistes migratoria (L.)....- 596
Mals. . 3 -.-..- 509 | *189. Zenedura carolinensis (L.)..... 596
155. Serasnnent us ins Gm ue .. 559 Weiraonsie
*156. ;
2 Sa peaeest peg platycerens 560 *190. Canace obscura (Say)-.- - 598
#157. Stellul Hi gee’ Gould ee he ak 563 | 291: Bonasa umbelloides (Dougl.).. 599
OS ISL a ot a aU eens *192. Pedicecetes columbianus (Ord.). 599
Cypselide. *193. Centrocercus urophasianus
*158. Panyptila saxatilis (Woodh.)... 564 (Bonaps)Feeesac cee sas. s 600
159. Nepheecetes borealis (Kenn.)... 565 Perdicide.
160. [Cheetura vauxi (Towns.)].-...-. 566 | «194, Oreortyx pictus (Dougl.) ..... 601
3 Caprimulgide. *195. Lophortyx californicus (Shaw.).. 602
ip p (
* 161. Antrostomus nuttalli (Aud.)... 567 Charadriide.
162. Chordeiles henryi, Cass...-.-.-.-. 568 | *196 Adgialitis vociferus (L.)... .... 603
Strigide. *197 Aigialitis nivosus, Cass. .....-. 604
g
163. Strix pratincola, Bonap. ....... 569 Phalaropodide.
164. Otus wilsonianus, Less. ..-.... 570 | *198.[Steganophus wilsoni (Sab.)]... 604
165. Brachyotus cassini, Brewer. ... - 571 RECO inostridie:
NOs SAG RC ee A a oie aha ae Ls *199. Recurvirostra americana, Gm... 605
167. Nyctale acadica (Gm.) ......-. 572 #200. Himantopus mexicanus ....... 606
168. Bubo subareticus, Hoy. -...... 572 , : 45
169. Speotyto hypogza (Bonap.)...- 573 Scolopacide.
Fiend ee eee wilsoni Saat g00%0 ae
i: s 2,[Tringa americana, Cass.].----. 7
pe CLG es (eee) ace 203. Tringa bairdi, Coues......--..- 608
Mie HEU SECON ORDO CSS ASR 577 | 904. Tringa miuutilla, Vieill........ 608
172. Falco columbarius, L....-...-..- 578) 995. alt L 609
*173. Falco sparverius, L 578 Bee ULES Ss ec
#174. Ci ae ee 2 L ay lc bani 580 *206. Symphemia semipalmata (Gm). 609
= PERLE eco a a ag | 7207: [Rhyacophilus solitarius (Wils.]. 610
176. ante poe 4 ona 581 *208. Tringoides macularius (L.)..... 610
"177. ei me Be ieee eo ae 589 *209. [Actiturus bartramius (Wils.)].. 611
a PIECE AOS ee *210. Numenius longirostris, Wils...- 611
178.- Buteo calurus, Cass..-...-...-- 582 }
*179. Buteo swainsoni, Bonap. ..--.- 584 Ce
*180. Archibuteo sancti Tele ints *211. [Grus canadensis (L.)]....-...-- 611
(Gs), terse ioe s 589 Rallide.
*181.[Archibuteo seers *212, [Rallus virginianus, L.].......- 612
(Licht.)]-------.----+++++- 590 | *213. Porzana carolina (L.)....-...-. 612
*182. [Aquila canadensis (L.)]..--.-- 590 | *214,[Porzana jamaicensis (Gm.)?]... 613
*183. [Haliaétus leucocephalus (L.)].- 592 | +915, @allinula galeata (Licht.)...... 613
"184. Hlanus leucurus (Vieill.)......- 592 | *216, Fulica americana, Gm....... . 614
*185. [Pandion carolinensis (Gm.)] ... 593 annuities
Cathartide. *217. [Falcinellus guarauna (Gm.)|... 615
*186. Rhinogryphus aura (L.)....... 593 | *218. Falcinellus thalassinus, Ridgw. 615
( ,
390 ORNITHOLOGY.
Page. Page
Ardeide. Anatide—Continued.
*219. Ardea herodias, L.. -.-. ----- 616 | 243. [Fulix collaris (Donoy.)]....---. 625
220. [Herodias egretta (Gm.)]-.---.-- 617 | 244.[Bucephala americana (Bonap.)]. 626
#291, Butorides virescens (L.)...----- 617 | 245. Bucephala albeola (L.).. .....- 626
#299. [Ardetta exilis (Gm.)].----..--- 618 | *246.[Erismatura rubida (Wils.)]..... 626
*293. [Nyctiardea nevia (Bodd.)]-.--- 618 | 247.[Mergus americanus, Cass.]. -. -- 627
*224, Botaurus minor (Gm.).....---. 618 | 248.|Mergus serrator, L.].........-. 627
Anatide. 249. |Lophodytes cucullatus (L.)].... 627
225.{Cygnus buccinator, Richard-_ Pelecanide.
Son ?]...------+ 222222 sees 619 | *250. Pelecanuserythrorhynchus, Gm. 627
226. Auser albatus, Cass. .......--. 619 Oranilidec
#297. Branta canadensis (L.).-.-.-.. 620 a0 aire
998, Branta hutchinsi (Richardson). 620 | *251- Graculus floridanus (Aud.).... 635
229. [Branta nigricans (Lawr.)]..--- 621 Laride. ; Z
*230. Anas boschas, L...-.---.-.--- 621 | 9252. Blasipus heermanni (Cass.)....- 636
*231, Chaulelasmus streperus (L.)..- 622 | #253, Larus californicus, Lawr. ...-.. 637
*232. Mareca americana (Gm.)..-.-.. 622 | 954. Larus delawarensis, Ord. ...... 638
233. [Dafila acuta (L.)|-.----------- 622 | 955. Chreecocephalus philadelphia
*234.[Nettion carolinensis (Gm.)]..-. 623 (Gtdi\se es shat Secs 639
*235. [Querquedula discors (L.)].----- 623 | *956. (Sterna regia, Gamb.]...-..-.-- 639
*236. Querquedula cyanoptera *257. Sterna forsteri, Nutt...-....... 639
(Vieill.) --.. --.-++-------- 623 | #258. Hydrochelidon lariformis (L.).. 640
237. Spatula clypeata (L.).. --.-.-- 624 ee:
238.{Aix sponsa (L.)]....---..-...-- 624 Podicipide.
239. Aythya americana (Hyton).... 624
240. Aythya vallisneria (Wils.)...-.. 625
241. [Fulix marila (L.)]..-..-------- 625
242. [Fulix affinis (Eyton)]...----.-. 625
*259. Podiceps occidentalis, Lawr.... 641
*260. [Podiceps cristatus(L.)]........ 642
*261. Podiceps californicus, Heerm.. 642
*262. Podilymbus podiceps (L.)....-- 643
REPORT PROPER.
{EMBRACING BIOGRAPHICAL AND OTHER NOTES ON THE SPECIES OBSERVED. |
Famity TURDIDA—TuHRUvSHEs.
TURDUS MIGRATORIUS.'
BRobin-Thrush; American Robin.
Turdus migratorius, LINN., S. N., 1, 1766, 292.—BarrD, B. N. Am., 1858, 218; Cat.
N. Am. B., 1859, No. 155; Rev. Am. B., 1864, 28.—CoopPEr, B. Cal., I, 1870,
7.—COUuES, Key, 1872, 71, fig. 13; Check List, 1873, No.1; B. N.W., 1874, 1.
Turdus migratorius var. migratorius, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 25, pl. m1,
fig. 3 HENSHAW, 1875, 143.
The Common Robin was not found at Sacramento in June, nor was
it seen anywhere in the Sacramento Valley until we neared the foot-hills of
1 For obvious reasons, we have abstained from burdening this report with numer-
ous references, and have confined the citations to the more important general works,
including, of course, the original description of the species, and the first authority for
the binomial combination as adopted. Those desiring other references are advised to
consult Dr. Coues’s “ Birds of the Northwest,” and Mr. Henshaw’s report, cited below,
where may be found in the very complete synonymatic tables almost any reference
required. The general works quoted in this report are the following :—
(1.) “BarrD, B. N. Ai., 1858.”—Vol. 1X, Pacific R. R. Reports.—Birds: by Spencer
F. Baird, Assistant Secretary Smithsonian Institution, with the codperation of John
Cassin and George N. Lawrence. Washington, D. C., 1858. !
(2.) “Barrp, Catal. N. Am. B., 1859.”—Catalogue of North American Birds,
chiefly in the Museum of the Smithsonian {nstitution. [First octavo edition.] Washing-
ton: Smithsonian Institution [Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, No. 108], 1859.
(3.) “ BATRD, Rev. Am. B.”—Review of American Birds, in the Museum of the
Smithsonian Institution. Part I. Washington: Smithsonian Institution [Smithsonian
Miscellaneous Collections, No. 181], 1864-1866. [Edition with indices, published 1872.|
(4.) “B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B.”—History of North American Birds, by S. F.
Baird, T. M. Brewer, and R. Ridgway [ete.], 3 vols. Boston: Little, Brown & Co.,1874.
(5.) “Cours, Key.”—Key to North American Birds [ete.|. By Elliott Coues,
Assistant Surgeon United States Army. Salem: Naturalists’ Agency, 1872.
(6.) *¢ Cours, Check List.”—Check List of North American Birds. By Dr. Elliott
Coues, U.S. A. Salem: Naturalists’ Agency, 1874.
(7.) “Cougs, B. N.W.”—Birds of the Northwest [etc.]: Miscellaneous Publica-
; : 391
392 ORNITHOLOGY.
the Sierra Nevada, where the first individuals of the species were noticed
among the scattered pines which formed the outposts of the continuous
forest of the mountains. From the Sierra Nevada eastward, however, it
was continually met with in all wooded localities, the aspen groves of the
higher canons being its favorite resort during the summer, while in winter
it descended to the lower valleys, and passed the season among the willows
or cotton-woods and attendant shrubbery along the streams. In the vicinity
of Carson City it was extremely abundant from the middle of March until
the middle of April, and assembled in large flocks among the scrubby
thickets of dwarf-plum bushes along the base of the Sierra. In August
they were quite plentiful in the valley of the Truckee, below the “Big Bend,”
being attracted thither by the abundance of fruit of the buffalo-berry bushes
(Shepherdia argentea), which at this time formed an important portion of their
food; and later in the season they were observed feeding on service-berries
(the fruit of Amelanchier canadensis) along the foot-hills of the eastern ranges.
In their manners and notes we could not detect the minutest difference
between the western and eastern Robins, although climatic or other
geographical influences have perceptibly modified their plumage.’ In all
respects it seems the same bird, the song and other notes being identical.
tions, No. 3, U. S. Geological Survey of the Territories, F. V. Hayden, U.S. Geologist-
in-charge. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1874.
(8.) “CooPER, Orn. Cal., [.’—|Reports Geological Survey of California. J. D.
Whitney, State Geologist.]| Ornithology. Vol. I. Land Birds. Edited by 8S. F. Baird,
from the manuscript and notes of J. G. Cooper. Published by authority of the Legis-
lature. Cambridge: [Printed by Welch, Bigelow & Co.,| 1870.
(9.) “HENSHAW, 1875.”—Report upon Geographical and Geological Explorations
and Surveys west of the One Hundredth Meridian, in charge of First Lieut. Geo. M.
Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army [etc.]. Chapter III, Vol. V.—Zoology.
Washington: Government Printing Office, 1875.
[Note.—In the History of North American Birds, Birds of the Northwest, and
other recent publications, occasional reference is made to a ‘ Zoology of the 40th
Parallel [in press],” or “ Rep. 40th Parallel [in press].” It is to be understood that
these citations do not apply to the present report, but to the original one, stereotyped
in 1870, but suppressed on account of unavoidable delay in its publication. In its
present form the report is substantially the same, but the changes necessary to bring
it up to date render the citations of pages and names frequently inapplicable. ]
1The western birds of this species maybe distinguished as a geographical race,
for which the name Turdus migratorius propinquus, Ridgway, is proposed. See [ Bulle-
tin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. II, January, 1877, p. 9.]
TURDUS GUTTATUS. 393
List of specimens.
226, 6 ad.; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, October 4, 1867.
108—16—5,5, 4°. _;4—1}44—12._ Bill, brownish-black, more yellowish-brown along
commissure, and on lower mandible; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, brownish-black.
269, 6 ad.; Truckee meadows, Nevada, November 8. 11—16§—5$—44—{—1}
—48—17. Upper mandible, dilute yellowish horn-color; tip and culmen, blackish ;
lower, more yellowish; gonys and tip, black; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, deep black.
358, 2 ad.; Truckee Valley, December 16. 103—15$—53—4$—{—14—44—2.
Same remarks.
359, 3 ad.; same date and locality. 104$—164—54—43—271444_2_ Bill,
nearly uniform blackish; yellowish on upper edge of lower mandible; iris, brown;
interior of mouth, deep yellow-orange; tarsi and toes, intense black.
803, nest and eggs (4); Truckee Valley, June 6, 1868. Nest in cotton-wood tree.
820, nest and eggs (4); Toyabe Mountains, 7,500 feet altitude, July 3, 1868.
Nest in a copse along stream, about six feet from ground, in choke-cherry bush.
851, nest and eggs (4); Camp 19, East Humboldt Mountains, July 22. Nest on
pion tree, about fifteen feet from ground. (8,000 feet altitude.)
1265, 1266, 1267, 1268, nest and eggs; 1269, single egg; Parley’s Park (Wah-
satch Mountains), Utah, June 23, 1869. Nests in cotton-woods along a stream.
1287, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 25. Bushes along stream.
1301, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 27. Nest in aspen.
1338, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 28. Willows along stream.
1367, nest and eggs (3); Uintah Mountains (Pack’s Cation), Utah, July 3, 1869.
Nests in thorn-apple bushes along stream.
1368, nest and eggs (3); same locality and date.
1395, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, July, 1869.
TURDUS GUTTATUS.
Hermit Thrush.
a. guttatus—Dwarf Hermit Thrush.
Muscicapa guttata, PALL., Zoog. Rosso-As., I, 1811, 465. [Juv.]
Turdus nanus, AUD., Orn. Biog., V, 1839, 201, pl. eci (doubtful whether this form !).
BairD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 213; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 150; Review,
1864, .—COooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 4.
Turdus pallasi var. nanus, COUES, Key, 1872, 72; Check List, 1873, No. 4 b.—B.
B. &R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 20, pl. 1, fig. 7.
Turdus pallasi. b. nanus, COUES, B. Northwest, 1874, p. 3.— HENSHAW, 1875, 146.
But one individual of the Dwarf Thrush was met with, this one being
secured. It is probably more or less common, however, during the migra-
1TIn the enumeration of specimens certain figures require explanation. The first
number denotes the current number of the specimen as registered in the Field Cat-
alogue. The measurements are as follows, in regular sequence: (1), length; (2), ex-
394 ‘ ORNITHOLOGY.
tions, particularly in the fall, in all suitable localities embraced within the
country traversed by the expedition. The specimen in question was obtained
on Trout Creek, a tributary of the Humboldt River, and when observed
was perched on a low twig in a willow copse, silently watching us as we
reclined on the grassy bank of the brook. It uttered no note whatever,
and exhibited no fear at our presence.
List of specimens.
928, 2 ad; Trout Creek, Upper Humboldt Valley, Nevada, September 16, 1868.
6111012215, Bill, black; basal half of the lower mandible, lilaceous-white; inte-
rior of the mouth, rich yellow; iris, dark bister; tarsi and toes, pale purplish-brown—
the toes darkest. the tarsi paler along their posterior edge.
f£. auduboni—Rocky Mountain Hermit Thrush; Audubon’s Hermit Thrush.
Merula silens, SwAtns., Phil. Mag., I, 1827, 369 (not Turdus silens, VIEILL, 1823 =
T. fuscescens). Turdus silens, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 213, 922; Cat. N.
Am. Birds, 1859, No. 149a.
Turdus auduboni, BAIRD, Rev. Am. Birds, 1864, 16.
Turdus pallasi var. auduboni, CoUES, Key, 1872, 72; Check List, 1873, No. 4a.
—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I., 1874, 21, pl. 1, fig. 8. -HENSHAW, 1875, 144.
Turdus pallasi. b. auduboni, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 3.
The large Mountain Thrush was first met with in the Wahsatch range,
where it inhabited chiefly the deep ravines of the pine region. ‘The first
specimen seen was shot May 26, in City Creek Canon, near Salt Lake
City; but this was probably a mere straggler from the higher portions of
the mountains. In its manner of flight, which is gliding and noiseless, this
Thrush greatly resembles Townsend’s, Solitaire (Myiadestes townsendi), the
resemblance being increased by the pale ochraceous band across the base
of the remiges, which shows as a very conspicuous feature on both birds
when flying. The haunts of this bird were so difficult of access from our
panse of wings when fully stretched ; (3), length of wing from tip of the longest primary
to the carpal joint; (4), the same measurement to the metacarpo-phalangeal articula-
tion; (5), length of the culmen (not including the cere, and if the bill is curved, the
chord, and not the are, of the curve); (6), length of the tarsus in front; (7), length
of the tail to the base of the coceyx; (8), length of the tail to the tip of the longest
upper coverts. If a measurement is wanting, its place is supplied by an interrogation
point, the order being invariably the same. All measurements, and notes on color of
eyes, etc., are from fresh specimens, before skinning.
TURDUS USTULATUS. ; 395
camp, and its manners so reserved, that we could not learn much regarding
its habits, nor did we hear its song. The latter, however, is probably little
different from that of the eastern bird, 7. guttatus pallasi.
List of specimens.
1051, 3 ad.; City Creek Cation (near Salt Lake City), Wahsatch Mountains,
Utah, May 26, 1869. 73—123. Bill, black; basal half of lower mandible, dull yellow;
iris, brown; tarsi and toes, pale brown.
1487,2 juv.; Parley’s Park, August 5, 1869. 74—124. Bill, black, the lower
mandible purplish basally; interior and angle of the mouth, yellow; iris, dark brown;
tarsi and toes, lilaceous-white; claws, brown.
1488, 6 juv.; same locality and date. 7{—13. Same remarks.
1489, 3 juv.; same locality and date. 73—124. Same remarks.
1498, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, August 10. 74$—12. Bill, black; basal half of
lower mandible, whitish: interior of mouth, deep yellow; iris, owe tarsi and toes,
very pale brownish flesh-color.
1499, f juv.; TE—123. 1500, g juv.; 7T—123. Same date and remarks.
TURDUS USTULATUS.
NT Thrush.
a. stulites Oneg08 Thrush; Russet-backed -Thrush.
Turdus ustulatus, NuTT., Man., I, 1840, 400 (‘ cestulatus”).—BAIRD, B. N. Am.,
1858, 215, pl. 81, fig. ie Cat. N. Am. B, 1859, No. 152; Rey. Am. B., 1864, 18.—
CooPER, Orn. Cal., eq
Turdus swainsoni var. ustulatus, COUES,. Key, 1872, 73; Check List, 1873, No.
5bv.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, pl. 1, fig. 2,
Turdus swainsoni. c. seatlinds Gouna B. N.W., 1874, 4.
Turdus nanus, COOPER, Orn. Cal., I, 4 (part).
The Russet-backed or Oregon Thrush, which we consider a mere
geographical form of the same species as Swainson’s Thrush, or at most a
very closely related species, was first met with in the pine-region of the
Sierra Nevada, on the western slope of that range, at an altitude of about
4,000 or 5,000 feet above the Sacramento Valley. It inhabited there the
deep ravines, where the undergrowth was extremely dense and overtopped
by a thick growth of gigantic Coniferz, extending in a vast unbroken forest
for hundreds of miles over the mountains tothe North and South. . Eastward
396 ORNITHOLOGY.
of that range it was met with but once, a single individual having been
obtained, on the second of June, in the Truckee Valley, not far from the
eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, the individual in question being no —
doubt a last lingering one, since no others were observed after that date,
all having departed for the mountains to the westward. The species is
known to migrate in winter southward along the Pacific slope as far as
Costa Rica, but its summer-home is chiefly among the forest-clad mount-
ains and wooded valleys from California to British Columbia and Sitka.
The song of this Thrush much resembles that of the 7. swainsoni, but is
different in some important respects, conspicuous among which is its finer
quality. Its modulation is quite correctly expressed by Mr. Nuttall [Manual
of the Ornithology of the United States and Canada, I, 1840, p. 401], who
describes it as resembling the syllables ‘“ wit-wit, Pvillia-?villia”; but to
convey to the reader even the slightest idea of its tone and effect would
be the vainest endeavor. We heard the enchanting songs of these birds
under circumstances calculated to make a lasting impression. It was
in the midst of the dense and lofty forests of the Sierra Nevada, about
half way up the western slope, that we rested for the Sabbath from our
journey across the mountains. Hemmed in and overshadowed by giant
forest trees, we halted, with rippling and sparkling brooks from the snow-
fields far above dashing through the ferns and varied herbage, the roadside
bedecked with the gay and lovely flowers so characteristic of Californian
glades, while below yawned the depths of a dark ravine, through which
dashed and roared a mountain torrent. In the tall pines, overhead, skulked
the noisy Jays and Nutcrackers (Cyanura frontalis and. Picicorvus columbi-
anus), mingling their discordant notes with the twittering of the wood-
peckers, who sported about the branches of the dead trees. But certain
outbursts of rarest melody, heard at intervals from the dark recesses of the
deep ravine, drew the attention of every one in camp; notes of exceeding
simplicity, yet full of tenderest expression and thrilling effect, far finer than
the softest and sweetest notes of the flute. These harmonious carols would
be taken up first by one, then by another, musician, then answered from a
distant portion of the dell. It was long before the author of these wild
melodies could be seen, but patient search revealed a little brown bird,
TURDUS SWAINSONI. 397
afterward determined to be this species, shyly flitting into the gloomy
maze of foliage at our approach.
List of specimens.
779, Q ad.; Truckee Reservation, Nevada, June 2, 1868. 73—12—3}. Bill, black,
basal half of lower mandible, pale brownish-lilac; iris, sepia; tarsi, dilute lilaceous-
brown; toes, darker.
B. swainsoni—Swainson’s Thrush; Olive-backed Thrush.
Turdus swainsoni, CABANIS, Tschudi’s Fauna Peruana, 1844-46, 188.—BAtrrRD, B.
N. Am., 1858, 216; Cat. N. Ain. B., No. 153; Rev. Am. B., 1864, 19.—CooPER,
Orn. Cal., 6.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 72; Check List, 1873, No. 5.—B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 14, pl. 1, fig. 4 —HENSHAW, 1875, 147.
Turdus swainsoni. a. swainsoni, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 4.
After leaving the Sierra Nevada, not a single individual of any species
of the smaller Thrushes was met with until we arrived at the East Hum-
boldt Mountains, in eastern Nevada, where the Olive-backed Thrush was
encountered, in considerable numbers, in the eastern canons of that range.
It was during the season of their southward migration, and it is uncertain
whether they came from the northward, or whether they had bred in the
canons where they were observed. During the ensuing spring and summer
they were found in still greater abundance among the Wahsatch Mount-
ains, on the opposite side of the Salt Lake Basin, in the thickets bordering
the canon streams, particularly in the elevated “parks,” thus: occupying a
region intermediate between that of the Rocky Mountain Hermit Thrush
(T. auduboni) of the pine-region, and that of the Tawny Thrush (7. fusces-
cens) of the lower valleys.
The song of this species is simple and brief, but very sweet, though
less so than that of either 7. fuscescens or T. ustulatus.
List of specimens.
886, 6 ad.; East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 1, 1868. 74—124
—3z. Bill, black, the basal half of lower mandible, pale lilaceous-brown; interior of
mouth, rich yellow; iris, dark brown; tarsi and toes, dilute lilaceous-brown, with a
slight plumbeous cast—the tarsi whitish on the posterior edge.
918, é ad.; East Humboldt Mountains, September 11. 74—113—3,5,. Same re-
marks as to preceding.
1262, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park (Wahsatch Mountains), Utah Territory,
June 23, 1869. Nest on bush near stream ; female shot on nest.
598 ORNITHOLOGY,
1271,2ad. 74-118. Bill, black, basal half of lower mandible, lilaceous; interior
of mouth, deep yellow; iris, brown; tarsi, pale brown; toes, darker.
1296, 1297, nest and eggs (4); 1298, nest; 1299, single egg; Parley’s Park, June
27. Nests in willows along the stream.
1302, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 27. Nest in clump of willows near
stream. , :
1339, nest and 1 egg; Parley’s Park, June 27. Nest in willows. (Contained also
three young.)
1404, nest; Cash Valley, Utah, July, 1869. [J. C. Olmstead.]
TURDUS FUSCESCENS.
Tawny Thrush; Wilson’s Thrush.
Turdus fuscescens, STEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zool., X, 1817, 182.—Barrp, B. N.Am.,
1858, 214; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 151.—CoUEs, Key, 1872, 73; Check List,
1873, No. 6; B. N.W., 1874, 5.—B. B.& R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 9, pl. 1,
fig. 5 —HENSHAW, 1875, 148.
The Tawny Thrush, although essentially an eastern species, Was
found to be more or less common in the Wahsatch district of Utah, where it
inhabited only the vicinity of the streams in the lower valleys. It was
extremely abundant along the Provo River, especially just above the
debouché of that stream through its picturesque canon between two lofty
snow-clad peaks of the main range of the Wabsatch Mountains; and it was
also seen in the valleys of the Bear and Weber Rivers, farther northward.
In all these localities it frequented the dense willow-thickets in the immediate
vicinity of the rivers, where it was extremely difficult to discover, and next
to impossible to secure specimens after they were shot.
We never tired of listening to the thrilling songs of these birds, for
they were truly inspiring through their exceeding sweetness and beautiful
expression. ‘Fhe modulation of their notes was somewhat similar to that
expressed by the syllables ta-weél-ah, ta-weél-ah, twil’-ah, twil’-ah, the latter
portion subdued in tone, thus seeming like an echo of the first. In the
valley of the Provo it was not unusual to hear a dozen or more of these
exquisite songsters uniting in their rivalry, the most favorable time being
the afternoon and evening. Considerable resemblance in tone to the song
of the 7. ustulatus was noted, but it was observed that the modulation was
distinctly different.
GALEOSCOPTES CAROLINENSIS—OREOSCOPTES MONTANUS. 399
GALEOSCOPTES CAROLINENSIS.
Cat-bird.
Muscicapa carolinensis, LINN, 8. N., I, 1766, 328.
Mimus carolinensis, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 346; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 254.—
CoorPER, Orn. Cal., I, 23—CouEs, Key, 1872, 74; Check List, 1873, No. 9;
B. N.W., 1874, 8.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis, CABANIS, Mus. Hein., I, 1850, 82.—BArrpD, Review, 1864,
54; B. B. & R., I, 1874, 52, pl. m1, fig. 5—HENSHAW, 1875, 152.
Like many species considered to be characteristically eastern, the Cat-
bird is likewise one of the most abundant summer residents of the Wahsatch
region. Indeed, we found it not uncommon on the large islands in the Great
Salt Lake, specimens being shot in an orchard on Antelope Island in the
month of June, while another was obtained, during the same month, on
Stansbury Island, where few other birds were found. Among the mountains
it was more abundant, its favorite haunts being the shady thickets along
the streams which descend the canons or course across the meadow-like
“parks.” It was thus an associate of the Olive-backed Thrush and the
Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), but while it did not ascend to as high an alti-
tude as the former, we found the latter with it only in the lower portions of
its range. No differences from the eastern birds of the same species were
detected, in either manners or notes.
List of specimens.
1105, 3 ad.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, Utah, June 4, 1869. (Too badly
mutilated for measurement.) 5
1163, 9 ad.; Stansbury Island, Great Salt Lake, June 12. 88—11. Bill and feet,
black; iris, brown.
1263, 1264, nests; Parley’s Park (Wahsatch Mountains), Utah, June 23. Nest in
willows along stream.
1323, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 28. Nest in willows.
1384, nest and eggs (4); Provo River, Utah, July 10,1869. Nest in willow-thicket.
OREOSCOPTES MONTANUS.
Sage Thrasher; Mountain Mocking-=-bird.
Orpheus montanus, TOWNSEND, Journ. Ac. Nat. Sci., Philad., 1837, 192.
Oreoscoptes montanus, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 347; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 255;
Review, 1864, 42.—CooPEr, Orn. Cal., 12.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 74; Check List,
1873, No. 7; B. N.W., 1874, 7.—B. B. & R., I, 1874, 32, pl. m, fig. 6.—HEn-
SHAW, 1875, 149.
Before beginning our account of this interesting species, we pause to
400 . ORNITHOLOGY.
protest against the name “Mountain Mocking-Bird,” the appellation usually
given it in books. This name is objectionable from the fact that it is doubly
a misnomer, and therefore likely to convey an entirely erroneous idea of its
distribution and song. A more appropriate term would be that of “Sage
Thrasher,” which is descriptive of both its habitat, and its relationship to the
better-known species of the sub-family to which it belongs.
The Sage Thrasher is a widely-distributed species, since it occurs
throughout that extensive portion of the West where the “everlasting sage-
brush” forms the prevailing growth. - It seems to be strictly governed
in its range by the growth of these plants, and is consequently chiefly
an inhabitant of the valleys and mesas, rarely extending farther up the
mountains than the foot-hills, to the commencement of the juniper or
mahogany woods. It is a migratory species, arriving from the South, in
the latitude of Carson City, about the 20th of March, and departing in
October or November. Its presence has been noted at but few Mexican
localities, but it winters in such great numbers along our southern border
that its abundance in northern and central Mexico at this season may be
taken for granted. .
At Carson City, very favorable opportunity was afforded for observing
the habits of this interesting species during the breeding-season. The males
began singing about the 24th of March, or immediately after their arrival,
but their notes were then subdued, while their manners were reserved in
the extreme. They soon became numerous in the sage-brush around the
outskirts of the city, and were often seen perched upon the summit of a
bush, turning the head from side to side in a watchful manner, even while
singing; when approached, disappearing by diving into the bush, and, after
a long circuitous flight near the ground, reappearing some distance in the
rear of the pursuer. This peculiar, concealed flight we found to be a
constant habit of the species. As the pairing-season approached, with the
advance of spring, the songs of the males became greatly improved, both
in strength and quality; their manners also became changed, for they had
lost their former shyness. About the 10th of April, the males were engaged
in eager rivalry, each vying with the other as he sang his sweetest notes,
his wings being at intervals raised vertically so as to almost touch over the
OREOSCOPTES MONTANUS. 401
back, and quivering with the ecstacy that agitated the singer. The first eggs
were laid about the 20th of April, the nests having been commenced a week
or more earlier; and by this time the males had become perfectly silent, their
main occupation being that of sentinel on guard for the approach of an
intruder. In fact, we know of no oscine bird so completely mute as the
present one during the period of incubation, and throughout the summer and
fall, at which time one unacquainted with their habits earlier in the season
might think they had no voice. Even when a nest is disturbed, the parent
birds do not protest, but merely run anxiously about the meddler, in the
manner of a Robin, now and then halting, and with outstretched necks
closely observing his actions. When the young are hatched, however,
they become more solicitous, and signify their concern by a low chuck.
The song of this bird possesses’ no remarkable attributes, but it is
extremely pleasing when heard under favorable circumstances. It is most
deficient in power and energy, being comparable to the subdued, subtile
warbling of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) rather than to the
vigorous songs of the Brown Thrasher (Harporhynchus rufus) or Mocking-
bird (Minus polyglottus), its nearer kindred. It is not, however, lacking
in sweetness or variety, while at ‘times it is characterized by considerable
vivacity.
List of specimens.
144, $ ad.; Camp 17, Valley of the Humboldt River (Oreana), August 31, 1867.
9—124—4— 351111342. Bill, black, basal half of lower mandible, pale pinkish-
6
gray, with a faint yellowish tinge; rictus and interior of mouth, deep yellow; iris,
gamboge-yellow; tarsi, grayish olive-green; toes, darker, their soles deep yellow.
145, 3 juv.; Camp 17, Aug. 31, 1867. 9—124—331—31—11_14__38 (9). Bill,
black; basal half of the lower mandible, yellowish-ash, with a lilac cast; interior, and
angle of the mouth, greenish or ashy yellow ; iris, lemon-yellow; tarsi, dark greenish horn-
yellow, deepest greenish along the posterior edge ; toes, nearly black, their soles yellow;
claws, black.
1522 juv.; (same locality and date). 83—124—4—35,—11—14—33—?). Bill,
dull black; basal half of lower mandible, pinkish ashy-white; interior and angle of
the mouth, yellow; iris, greenish-yellow ; tarsi, dark yellowish horn-green ; toes, darker,
their soles yellow.
451,38 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 24, 1868. 9—125—4,3,--34. Bill, black,
becoming pinkish ashy-brown on basal half of lower mandible; interior of the mouth
(except corneous portions), lilaceous flesh-color; iris, chrome-yellow; tarsi, yellowish-
olive, with a tinge of sepia-brown; toes, blackish sepia, straw-yellow beneath.
452 8 ad.; 818—12§ 41-31.
26 PR. ;
402 ORNITHOLOGY.
453, 6 ad.; 83—123—4,.—3.. Same remarks, ete.
517, eggs (4); Carson City, April 24. Nest in brush-heap, in cemetery. |
518, eggs (5); Carson City, April 24. Nest in sage-bush, about 18 inches from
ground.
519, eggs (4); Carson City, April 24. Nest on ground beneath sage-bush.
520, eggs (3); Carson City, April 24. Nest in sage-bush, about two feet from ~
ground.
521, eggs (3); Carson City, April 24.
554, 555, nest and eggs (5); Carson City, April 28. Nests in brush-heaps, in *
cemetery.
821, eggs (3); Austin, Nevada, July 3, 1868. Nest in small bush of Symphori-
carpus montanus, about two feet from ground.
1123, 1124; single eggs, from nests containing young. Antelope Island, Great
Salt Lake, June 7, 1869.
1125, nest; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 7, 1869. Nest in sage-bush,
situated as usual.
1135, nest and eggs (3); Antelope Island, June 8.
1153, nest; Antelope Island, June 8. Nest in sage-bush.
1158, nest and eggs (4); ‘“ Rabbit Island” (near Stansbury Island), Great Salt
Lake, June 11. Nest in grease-wood bush, near shore.
Famity SAXICOLIDA—StonE-CHatTs.
SIALIA MEXICANA.
California Blue-bird.
Sialia mexicana, SWAINS., Fauna Bor. Am., I, 1831, 202,.—BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858,
223; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 159; Review, 1864, 63.—CooPER, Orn. Cal.,
28.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 76; Check List, 1873, No. 17, B. N.W., 1874, 14.—
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 65, pl. v, fig. 2—HENSHAW, 1875, 161.
The Western Blue-bird is known to have a range nearly co-extensive
with the limits of the Western Region, it being abundant throughout
the main ranges of the Rocky Mountains, north to Colorado, and also in
the same parallels of latitude, or even farther northward, on the Pacific
coast. Yet we lost sight of this species entirely after we left the eastern
water-shed of the Sierra Nevada, and never saw nor heard of it in the Wah-
satch or Uintah Mountains, notwithstanding the latter country appeared
equally adapted to the requirements of the species. The last individuals
seen, as we journeyed eastward, were a few families of young birds, with
their parents, in the wooded valley of the Truckee River, near the Big
SIALIA ARCTICA. 403
Bend. Although these birds appeared to have been bred at that locality,
and though we saw an equally small number in the similar valley of the
Carson River in the breeding-season, the center of abundance of the species,
so far as the Interior is concerned, seemed to be the pine-region of the
Sierra Nevada, where they were observed in summer from the lower limit
of these forests up to an altitude of more than 6,000 feet, or near the summit
of Donner Lake Pass, where these Blue-birds, the Robin, the Oregon Snow-
bird, and the Western White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia intermedia) were
the characteristic or dominant species.
This beautiful Blue-bird seemed to be a perfect counterpart of the
eastern species (9. sialis) in its habits, while it resembled it closely in
appearance; but we listened in vain for that lovely warbling which so
justly renders the latter bird a universal favorite ; neither did we hear it
utter any note comparable to the plaintive call of the eastern bird, so often
heard in autumn. This lack of sweetness of voice is, however, somewhat
compensated by its superior beauty of plumage, for the richness of its
coloring is decidedly superior to that of its eastern representative.
List of specimens.
413, 6 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, February 21, 1868. 7—13—4$—3}}. Bill,
tarsi, and toes, deep black ; interior of mouth, chrome-yellow ; iris, bister.
414, ad.; same locality and date. 7}—134—44—33. Same remarks.
428, 6 ad.; San Francisco, California; H. G. Parker. (‘“Oaks.”) “7—13—(?)
—33.” Same remarks. :
469, 3 ad.; Carson City, March 28. 6{%—125—4,5.—3,%. Same remarks.
SIALIA ARCTICA.
Rocky Mountain Blue-bird.
Sialia arctica, SWAINS., Fauna Bor. Am., II, 1831, 209, pl. 39.—Batrp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 224; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 160; Review, 1864, 64—B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 67, pl. v, fig. 4 -CooPER, Orn. Cal., 29 —CouEs,
Key, 1872, 76; Check List, 1873, No. 18; B. N.W., 1874, 14.—HEnsnaw,
1875, 162.
This is the characteristic Blue-bird of the Interior, and it is most numer-
ous where the other species is rarest. Its favorite haunts are the higher por-
tions of the desert ranges of the Great Basin, where there is little water, and
no timber other than the usual scant groves of stunted cedars, pifion, or
404 ORNITHOLOGY.
mountain mahogany. In these elevated regions it is abundant during
summer, and even remains in winter, except when violent storms or severe
cold drive it to the more clement valleys, where it may be seen, either
singly or in considerable but scattered flocks, whenever a snow-storm
prevails on the mountains. At such times we have seen both this species
and the other one (S. mexicana) together in the fields around Carson
City, and remarked the striking difference in their manners; the S. mea-
cana being often observed perched upon a fence-post or a willow-bush,
descending to the ground only to pick up some insect, and immediately
returning to its post of observation, while the individuals of S. arctica were
usually seen flitting restlessly over the ground, now and then, but rarely,
an individual alighting for a moment on some prominent object, as a fence-
post or telegraph-wire. _ The visits of this species to the lower valleys are
only occasional, however, for as soon as a storm in the upper regions
subsides, they return to their own haunts; and when spring has fairly set
in they are seen no more, while the ‘Valley Blue-bird” remains during the
summer. In June, the ‘Mountain Blue-bird” was observed to be common
in Virginia City, Nevada, where it nested in the manner of the Eastern
species, in suitable places about buildings in the town, the old mills and
abandoned shafts of the mines being its favorite haunts, which it shared
with the House Finch (Carpodacus frontalis) and the Rock Wren (Salpinctes
obsoletus’. But while it thus commended itself to the hospitality of the
people by its familiarity, it was never heard to utter any note except a
weak chirp, when startled from its perch. It was also common under similar
circumstances at Austin, in the Toyabe Mountains, while. on the higher
portions of the West Humboldt, Ruby, and East Humboldt Mountains it
was still more abundant. On the Ruby Mountains it was found in July
and August only in the upper portion of the timber-belt, or at an altitude
of 9,000 to 11,000 feet, where it nested both among the rocks and in the
deserted holes of woodpeckers among the stunted pines, cedar, or mahogany
trees. In the West Humboldt Mountains it was observed that they seldom
if ever alighted on the bushes in the bottom of the canon, although they
constantly frequented the adobe houses of the deserted town near by.
This species is usually much more shy than either the eastern Blue-
SIALIA ARCTICA. 405
bird or its western representative, being at all times, according to our expe-
rience, a rather difficult bird to procure. In the fall, they rove about in
restless companies over the barren slopes, scattering among the low cedars,
only the straggling or lingering individuals permitting a near approach.
Their manners during the winter season are most interesting to witness, for
they seem to enjoy the playing of the snow-flakes, as they hover in the air
over some object on the ground which attracts their attention; then, after
alighting to examine it more closely, they flit off to a tall weed-stalk,
never thinking, apparently, to enter the cosy copses where the Snow-
birds have taken refuge.
A subject of interesting and profitable speculation is the influence of
spreading civilization upon the habits of animals in their native haunts.
In all well-settled districts, the Purple Martins, the Barn Swallows, and
the Chimney Swifts have forsaken the hollow trees and caves as nesting-
places, and availed themselves of the superior accommodations and _pro-
tection afforded by civilized man and his surroundings, with a readiness
that is indeed remarkable. The Blue-birds and certain Wrens, even in
the most recently-settled sections of the country, are gradually, but
rapidly, making the same revolution in their habits, and so are many others
of our native birds, too numerous to mention; and every one knows how
the Cliff Swallows have abandoned the precipices of mountainous districts
and overspread the entire country, even to places remote hundreds of miles
from the original haunts of the species, when they discovered how well
suited for their nests were the eaves of barns and churches. The present
species is one of this class whose habits are undergoing such modification,
for although it is naturally a bird of the high mountains; we noticed that
at Salt Lake City they were quite numerous, although, were the locality
unreclaimed from its primitive state, they would not have been found there
except during their vertical migrations, influenced by changes in the climate.
Even on Antelope Island, in the Great Salt ees a few pairs were seen
about the buildings of the ranche.
List of specimens.
228, ¢ ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, October 4, 1867. 711—14—5—
spf -18- 341.1, Bill, deep black; interior of mouth, light naples-yellow; iris,
hazel; tarsi and tock black.
406 ORNITHOLOGY.
229, dad.; same locality and date, 7,8,—13}—474—4—13_3—1}. _ Interior
of mouth, delicate light greenish-yellow. @
243, 2 ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, October 8. 7,8,—13,3,—44—33—}-—3—
21314. Same remarks.
244, 2 ad.; same date. 7T—123—4,5—311—3—3—213__114, Same remarks.
375, § ad.; Truckee Bottom, December 21. 74—138—43—318. Iris, vandyke-
brown.
376, ¢ ad.; same locality and date. 7,3,—134—43—318. Same remarks.
399, 3 ad.; Steamboat Valley, Nevada, January 4, 1868. 7—133—43—315. Same
remarks.
416, $ ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 5. 74—138—413—315,
467, $ ad.; Carson City, March 28. 74—134. Same remarks.
468, 2 ad.; same locality and date. 74—154. Same remarks.
533, ¢ ad.; Washoe Valley, Nevada, April 25. 73—14. Same remarks.
862, d juv.; East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, August 6, 1868.
1103, ° juv.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 4, 1869.
1108, d ad.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 5, 1869. 73—13%. Bill,
tarsi, and toes, pure black; iris, brown; iuterior of mouth, rich yellow.
1508, fo juv.; 7T4—133. 1509, S juv.; 7{—134. 1510, 2 juv.; 7—13. 1511, 2 juv.;
74—13}. Parley’s Park (Wahsatch Mountains), Utah, August 14, 1869.
Famity CINCLIDA—WatTerR OUZELS.
CINCLUS MEXICANUS.
Dipper; Water Ouzel.
Cinclus mexicanus, SWAINS., Phil. Mag., I, 1827, 368.—BairpD, Review Am. B.,
1864, 60.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., 1874, I, 55, pl. v, fig. 1—CooPEr,
Orn. Cal., 25.—CovugEs, Key, 1872, 77; Check List, 1873, No. 10; B. N.W.,
1874, 10.—HENSHAW, 1875, 159.
Hydrobata mexicana, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 229; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No.
164.
This remarkable bird, so characteristic an element of the western
avifauna, was found in all localities where the summer rains or melting
snows on the mountains were sufficient to supply the canons with rushing
streams. It was noticed to be abundant only where the torrents were
impetuous and the country generally forest-clad, and was therefore most
frequently seen on the Sierra Nevada and among the western ranges of
the Rocky Mountain system, as the Wahsatch and Uintahs, being rarely
observed in the intermediate area of the Great Basin, although it was
encountered at intervals on the higher of the intervening ranges. ‘The
habits and manners of this bird are most strikingly peculiar, it being one of
CINCLUS MEXICANUS. 407
the very few Passeres which are strictly aquatic. Its movements while
walking in the shallow water, or as it stands upon a rock in the bed of a
stream, remind one very much of the ‘‘Teeters” or “ Tilt-ups” (Tringoides
and Rhyacophilus), for, whether moving or stationary, its body tilts up and
down with an incessant motion. It is more often observed, however, flying
rapidly along a stream, with a buzzing flight, following with the greatest
ease the tortuous windings of its course without in the least checking its
speed; or dashing swiftly through the spray or foam of a water-fall. Its
flight is usually accompanied by a sharp chattering, especially when one is
chased by another, as is often the case during the breeding-season; and
when they alight they descend by a sudden drop, much after the manner
of the ‘Gutter Snipes” (Gallinago). Nor are their movements confined to
the surface of the water or its neighborhood, for they have been observed to
dive into the aqueous element and perform various and dextrous evolutions
in its depths, as they pursue their insect-food, propelling themselves by
the rapid beating of the wings, in the well-known manner of Grebes and
other water-fowl.
We heard the song of this bird on but one occasion, in October, at
Unionville, Nevada. It was a pleasing warble, but not sufficiently dis-
tinctive, at least on that occasion, to admit of particular description.
List of specimens.
230, 6 ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, October 4, 1867. 74—1i,}—311— ©
24—g—1—115_3. Upper mandible, horn-color, darker terminally ; lower, paler, dull
light yellowish basally; iris, burnt-umber; tarsi and toes, clear, glossy, livid white,
with a sepia tinge between the scutelle and on joints of toes.
231, 2 ad.; (mate of preceding). 73—114—33—23—,°—_ 12,14. Same remarks.
248, ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, October 11. 741—114—313—34—3—1—2
—. Same remarks.
14—2—}. Bill, plumbeous-black; extreme basal portion of lower mandible, and small
space on upper below nostril, brownish-white; iris, bright hazel; tarsi and toes, clear,
bright, lilaceous-white; divisions of scutelle, and sides of toes, abruptly, sepia.
324, ad.; 325, ad.; near source of American River, California, November. [H. G.
Parker. ]
1378, & juwv.; Pack’s Cafion, Uintah Mountains, Utah, July 7, 1869. 7g—124.
Upper mandibie, and tip of lower, dark plumbeous; lower mandible, salmon-orange,
this color tinging the upper at the base, and along commissure; iris, grayish-brown ;
tarsi and toes, whitish-lilaceous; under side of toes, dusky, the pellets yellow.
408 ORNITHOLOGY.
FAMILY SYLVIIDA—Trvue. WARBLERS.
MYIADESTES TOWNSENDI.
Townsend’s Ptilogonys.
Ptiliogonys townsendi, AUDUBON, Orn., Biog., V, 1839, 206, pl. 419, fig. 2.
Myiadestes townsendi, CABANIS, Weigm. Archiv, I, 1847, 208.—BatrD, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 521; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 235; Review, 1866, 429.—CooPER,
_ Orn. Cal., 134.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 117, fig. 57; Check List, 1873, No. 121;
Birds N.W., 1874, 93.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 409, pl.
XVIII, figs. 5, 6 -HENSHAW, 1875, 231.
We first met with this curious species on the western slope of the Sierra
Nevada, in a dense pine forest, at an altitude of about 5,000 feet. The
first individual seen was one which had a nest near by, as was apparent
from its anxious manner, for as we walked along the embankment of a
miving-sluice it flitted before us, now and then alighting upon the ground,
and, with drooping and quivering wings, running gracefully, in the manner
of a Robin, then flying up to a low branch, and, after facing about, repeat-
ing the same maneuvers—evidently trying to entice us away from the spot.
So much were its actions like those of various Thrushes under similar
circumstances that not once did we suspect the species, although perfectly
familiar with it in museums, but immediately concluded that a new species
of Thrush had been found. Indeed, many times afterward, when an indi-
vidual would be seen to glide noiselessly before us, in the characteristic
manner of the Thrushes, displaying the ochraceous mark across the wing,
was the same illusion entertained. Patient watching and a careful search
finally revealed the nest, which was built in the upper bank of the sluice,
a foot or two above the water, and in a recess of the rocks. The nest was
bulky for the size of the bird, being nearly as large as that of Harporhynchus
rufus, Which it nearly resembled, and was composed externally of coarse
sticks, laid in a mass upon the floor of the cave. It contained four half-
fledged young, and was consequently left undisturbed.
The species was afterward seen, at various times, among the cedar
groves of the interior ranges, but it was nowhere common. It appeared to
feed largely on the berries of the Juniperus occidentalis, and lived mostly
among these trees, where, as observed, it combined the manners of the
Thrushes and Blue-birds. Its song was not heard, or else it was confounded
POLLOPTILA CA3RULEA—REGULUS CALENDULA. 409
with that of Turdus ustulatus, dozens of which were singing at the first
locality mentioned above.
List of specimens.
377, g ad.; Virginia Mountains, near Pyramid Lake, December 21, 1867. 9—
133—43—4— 834493, Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black; iris, dark brown.
POLIOPTILA CHRULEA. 2?
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.
Motacilla cerulea, Linn., S. N., I, 1766, 45.
Polioptila cerulea, SCLATER, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1855, 11.—Barrp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 380; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 282; Review, 1864, 74.—B. B. & R., Hist.
N. Am. B., I, 1874, 78, pl. vi, fig. 5—CooPeEr, Orn. Cal., 35.—Couzs, Key,
1872, 78; Check List, 1873, No. 23; B. N.W., 1874, 17.— HENSHAW, 1875, 166.
In the chaparral of the western foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada, we
observed, in July, a species of this genus, in considerable plenty. To all
appearance it was the same species as that found in the East, but as no
specimens were obtained we cannot be positive that the individuals in
question were not P. plumbea. They were certainly not P. melanwra, which
would have been recognized by its black crown.
REGULUS CALENDULA.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Motacilla calendula, LInn., 8. N., I, 1766, 337.
Regulus calendula, Licut., Verzeichn., 1823, No. 408.—BArrD, B. N. Am., 1858,
226; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 161; Review, 1864, 66.—B. B. & R., Hist. N.
Am. B., I, 1874, 75, pl. v, fig. 9. -CooPER, Orn. Cal., 33.—CouEs, Key, 1872,
78; Check List, 1873, No. 21; B. N.W., 1874, 15.—HENsHAW, 1875, 164.
While the Golden-crowned Kinglet was extremely rare, the Ruby-
crown was directly the opposite, for it was a common winter resident in all
the lower valleys, while in early spring it became abundant to such an extent
as to exceed all other birds in numbers. During the coldest portion of the
winter they dwelt among the willows along the river-banks, where the dense
cover afforded them a suitable shelter from the cold winds, and a cosy retreat
at night. As spring advanced, they spread themselves over the foot-hills
and up the ravines of the mountains, gradually working upward, until the
commencement of the summer found them in the pine-forests, where they
remained during the season, again descending to the valleys when the cold
410 ORNITHOLOGY.
weather began. At Carson City they were most numerous in April, and at
that time the thickets along the foot-hills were literally alive with these
restless, sprightly little creatures, who hopped briskly among the budding
branches, nervously twitching their wings in their characteristic manner,
the males now and then warbling their low, soft song, so liquid and
indescribably sweet, at the same time displaying the red patch ordinarily
concealed beneath the overlying feathers of the crown.
List of specimens.
225, 9 ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, October 3, 1867. 44—63—23—
133—3—3—1}3—1,%. Bill, horn-black; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, brownish-yellow,
the latter, deep yellow beneath. [Wo red on the crown.]
371, ¢ ad.; Truckee Bottom, near Pyramid Lake, December 25. 44—7—2,—1j}§—
—3—13—-1. Bill, deep black ; iris, very dark brown; tarsi, brownish-black; toes,
deep brownish-yellow, purer yellow beneath.
REGULUS SATRAPA.
Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Regulus satrapa, Licut., Verzeichn., 1823, No. 410.—BatrD, B. N. Am., 1858, 227 ;
Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 162; Review, 1864, 65.—B. B. & R., I, 1874, 73, pl.
V, fig. 8. CooPER, Orn. Cal., 32.—CouES, Key, 1872, 78, fig. 19; Check List,
1873, No. 22; B. N.W., 1874, 16.
This sprightly little bird, so common in our eastern groves and
orchards in early spring and in the autumn, and, except the Hummers,
the most diminutive of all our species, was very rarely observed by us in
the Great Basin. A very few individuals, however, were noticed in the
canons of the West Humboldt Mountains, among the thick bushes along the
streams. It is probably nowhere a common bird in the Interior.
Famity PARIDA—Tirmick or CHICKADEES.
LOPHOPHANES INORNATUS.
Gray Titmouse.
Parus inornatus, GAMBEL, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1845, 265,
Lophophanes inornatus, CASstn, Ill. B. Cal., Tex., ete., 1853, 19.—Batrp, B. N.
Am., 1858, 386; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 287; Review, 1864, 78.—B. B. & R.,
I, 1874, 20, pl. vi, fig. 3—CoorEr, Orn. Cal., 42.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 80, fig.
22; Check List, 1873, No. 28; B. N.W., 1874, 20,—HENSHAW, 1875, 167.
In the pine forests of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, especially
PARUS MONTANUS. : 411
in their lower portion, and among the cedar and pinon groves on the desert
ranges immediately adjacent to the eastward, the Gray Titmouse was a
rather common species; but it did not seem to be abundant anywhere.
Its manners and notes were quite the same as those of the eastern
species (L. bicolor), but weaker and less varied, though still retaining the
vehement character of utterance apparently common to all the birds of this
genus.
List of specimens.
272, 2 ad.; cedars of Pea-vine Mountains, near the Sierra Nevada, November 14,
1867. 6—83—3—24—17__11_2.9 __13.. Bill, plumbeous, deepening into horn-black
terminally ; iris, umber; tarsi and toes, plumbeous-ash. ;
PARUS MONTANUS.
Mountain Chickadee.
Parus montanus, GAMBEL, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1, 1843, 259.—BAIRD, B. N.
Am., 1858, 394; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 294; Review, 1864, 82.—B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 95, pl. vit, fig. 5.—CoopER, Orn. Cal., 46.—COUES,
Key, 1872, 81; Check List, 1873, No. 32; B. N.W., 1874, 22.—HENSHAW,
1875, 169.
The distribution of this species seems to be governed entirely by that
of the coniferous woods; consequently, we found it in all pine forests, as
well as the more extensive of the pifon and cedar woods on the interior
ranges. It was much less numerous on the Wahsatch and Uintah Mount-
ains than on the Sierra Nevada, however, as indeed were nearly all species
of pinicoline habits. This species is quite a counterpart of the Carolina
Chickadee (P. carolinensis) in manners and notes, although it differs so much
in size and markings; and we consider it as much more closely allied to
that species than to the common Black-cap (P. atricapillus). In its notes we
could discover no difference from those of P. carolinensis beyond the notice-
able fact that the ordinary ones were louder and more emphatically enunci-
ated, while the spring song, so pleasing in P. earolinensis, and sounding
like a clear, fife-like whistling of the syllables ¢sip’adee, tsip’adee, tsip’adee,
was appreciably more feeble and less musical.
412 ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimen.
333, d ad.; 583—S83—23—24 3 _8__95_1}, 334, 2 ad.; 58—83—213_24__7_3
an
—24—1}. 335, d ad.; 59,—83—27—25—311_23_18. Carson City, Nevada, No-
vember 27,1867. Bill, plumbeous-black ; iris, deep hazel ; tarsi and toes, dull plumbeous.
450, d ad.; Carson City, March 21,1868, 5;,—83—3—24. Bill, black; iris, burnt- .
sienna; tarsi and toes, plumbeous-black. .
PARUS ATRICAPILLUS.
Black-capped Chickadee.
f. septentrionalis—Long-tailed Chickadee. -
Parus septentrionalis, HARRIS, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1845, 300.—BAtRD, B.
N. Am., 1858, 389; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 289; Review, 1864, 79.
Parus atricapillus var. septentrionalis, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., III, 1872,
174.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 81; Check List, 1873, No. 31a; B. N.W., 1874, 21.
—B. B. & R., I, 1874, 99, pl. vu, fig 2—HENSHAW, 1875, 170.
Parus septentrionalis var. albescens, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, p. xxxvii; Cat. N.
Am. Birds, 1859, No. 289a.
y. occidentalis— Western Chickadee.
Parus occidentalis, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 391; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 291;
Review, 1864, 81.—ELuLiot, Illustr. Am. B., I, pl. vii.—CoopPEr, Orn.
Cal., 45.
Parus atricapillus var. occidentalis, CoUES, Key, 1872, 81; Check List, 1873, No.
31c.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 101, pl. Vu, fig. 3.
The common Black-capped Chickadee was apparently wanting in all
portions of the western depression of the Great Basin, and even on the
eastern side it was so extremely rare that none were seen except in the
valley of the Provo River, where but a few families, with their full-grown
young, were met with. They kept in the willow thickets, and seemed very
gregarious, in marked contrast to the Mountain Chickadee (P. montanus)
and that eastern species, the Southern Black-cap, or Carolina Chickadee
(LP. carolinensis). Their notes were also very different, the usual utter-
ances being a sort of twittering, resembling but little the distinct and sharp
notes of the species named. ;
List of specimens.
1392, 2 juv.; 555,—7}. 1393, b jur.; 59;,—T§. 1394, d juv.; 54—83. Provo River,
Utah, July 11, 1869. Bill, black; interior of mouth, yellow; iris, dark brown; tarsi
and toes, fine asby-blue.
PSALTRIPARUS MINIMUS—P. PLUMBEUS. 413
PSALTRIPARUS MINIMUS.
Least Titmouse.
Parus minimus, TOWNSEND, Journ. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1837, 190.
Psaltriparus minimus, BoNAP., Comp. Rend., 1854, 62.—Bairp, B. N. Am., 1858,
397; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 298; Review, 1864, 84.—CooPEr, Orn. Cal.,
48,—CouEs, Key, 1872, 82; Check List, 1873, No. 35.
Psaltriparus minimus var. minimus, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 109, pl.
Vil, fig. 9.
-Of this delicate little bird we had but a mere glimpse, while passing
through the western foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada. It was there seen in
small straggling companies, among the brushwood of the ravines, appearing
much like the P. plumbea of the Interior in its manners and notes.
PSALTRIPARUS PLUMBEUS.
Lead-colored Titmouse. =
Psaltria plumbea, BAYRD, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1854, 118.
Psaltriparus plumbeus, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 398; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No.
299; Review, 1864, 79.—CooPErR, Orn. Cal., 49.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 82;
Cheek List, 1873, No. 36; B. N.W., 1874, 23.
Psaltriparus minimus var. plumbeus, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 110, pl.
vu, fig. 10.—HENSHAW, 1875, 171.
Of late years, the known range of this species has been greatly extended
by the more recent field-observations of the Government surveys. It was
at first supposed to be one of those birds characteristic of the southwestern
portion of the country, but it is now known to have a range co-extensive
with the Middle Province, having been obtained by the naturalists of Dr.
Hayden’s survey as far to the northeastward as Green River and Bitter
Creek, Wyoming Territory, while Captain Charles Bendire, U. S. A., found
it a winter resident at Camp ilarney, in eastern Oregon. How much
farther northward it may extend is not known, but its range in that
direction is probably limited by the Columbia Valley. We met with this
species on several occasions from the very base of the Sierra Nevada
eastward to the Wahsatch Mountains, but the localities where it occurred
in abundance were few and remote from each other, while its habits are so
erratic that it was seldom met with twice at one place. In the cafons of
414 ORNITHOLOGY.
the West Humboldt Mountains it was very numerous in September. It
was found there in ever-restless companies, continually twittering as they
flew from bush to bush, at which time the flocks became greatly scattered,
the individuals straggling, or ‘‘stringing out,’ one behind another. In
all their movements they were remarkably restless, in this respect even
surpassing the Gnat catchers (Polioptile), to which they bear considerable
resemblance in their movements and appearance. In November many of
these birds were seen in company with the Gray Titmice (Lophophanes
mornatus) among the cedars on the Pea-vine and Virginia Mountains, and
adjacent ranges in western Nevada, and in the spring one or two flocks,
supposed to be this species, were observed in the gorge of the Carson River,
near Carson City. On the eastern side of the Great Basin a few individuals
in City Creek Canon, near Salt Lake City, comprised all that were seen.
Among the numerous specimens killed in September, we noticed that
many had the iris blackish, while in others it was clear light sulphur-
yellow, and in some intermediate, or yellowish outwardly, and brownish
next the pupil. A close examination, however, of these specimens, showed
that this difference apparently depended on age, those having the darkest
eyes being unmistakably young birds, while those in which the iris was
clear yellow were all old birds, as was readily detected by the difference
in the texture of their plumage. Even the youngest specimens had a
yellowish outer ring to the iris, concealed by the eyelids, so that it seems
that this color gradually spreads from the outside to the pupil, with
advancing age, until, when fully mature, the iris becomes wholly clear
light yellow.
List of specimens.
171, 3 juv.; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 7, 1867. 44—6—2
—1i—i— ts ‘Bill, black; iris, sepia-black, very narrow outer yellowish ring; tarsi
and toes, black. :
184, 2 ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, September 11. 44—5Z7—2—1114__9-
—2Z—1}. Bill, black; iris, light yellow ; tarsi and toes, black.
185, f juv.; 44—6—2—1]1 419931. Iris, light yellow, brownish next
pupil.
250, ad.; West Humboldt Mountains (east side), October 12, 1867. 4,9-—-6—24
—t3—1—-,—24—1lf._ Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black; iris, sulphur-yellow.
PSALTRIPARUS MELANOTIS—SITTA ACULEATA. 41
on
PSALTRIPARUS MELANOTIS.?
Black-eared Titmouse.
Parus melanotis, HARTLAUB, Rev. Zool., 1844, 216.
Psaltriparus melanotis, BONAP., Comp. Rend., 1854, —— BArtrD, B. N. Am., 1858,
386, pl. Lin, fig. 3; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 297; Review, 1864, 84.—B. B.
& R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 108, pl. vu, fig. 8.
On the 4th of August, 1868, we saw near our camp, on the eastern
slope of the Ruby Mountains, what was unquestionably a bird of this
species, since the black patch on the ear-coverts was distinctly visible. Its
restless movements made ineffectual our attempt to shoot it, and before we
were prepared for another shot it disappeared among the cedar trees, and
could not be found again. This we believe is the first known instance of
its occurrence within the limits of the United States, though it has been
obtained near our border, and is a common bird of the high mountain
portions of northern Mexico; but it probably occurs in greater or less
numbers, in suitable places, throughout our southern Rocky Mountains.
Famity SITTIDA—NvtTHATCHES.
SITTA CAROLINENSIS.
White-bellied Nuthatch.
f. aculeata—Slender-billed Nuthatch.
Sitta aculeata, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1856, 254—Batrrp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 375, pl. xxxiii, fig. 3; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 278; Review, 1864,
86.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., 54.
Sitta carolinensis var. aculeata, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1872, 174.—Cougs,
Key, 1872, 83; Check List, 1873, No. 38a; B. N.W., 1874, 24.—B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 117, pl. v1, fig. 2 (bill only) —HrEnsHAw, 1875, 173.
Being strictly a pinicoline species, this Nuthatch was observed in
abundance only on the Sierra Nevada, being comparatively rare on the
Wahsatch and Uintah mountains, while none were seen in the intervening
region, not even among the most extensive cedar and pimon woods. In
its manners it is a counterpart of the eastern form, but its notes are mark-
edly different, being much weaker, and some of them of another character
416 ORNITHOLOGY.
altogether. It is with hesitation that we refer this bird to S. carolinensis, as
a geographical race.
List of specimens.
439, $ ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 10, 1868. 6—10%—33—3. Bill, pure
blackish-plumbeous, basal half of lower mandible, opaque, bluish, or milky-white; iris,
very dark bister; tarsi and toes, sepia-black.
448, 3 ad.; Carson, March 21. 6{—101—33—3. Same remarks.
449, ° ad.; (mate of preceding.) 5f—108—3 3. Same remarks. Tarsi and
toes, sepia-slate.
487, 2 ad.; Carson, April 3. 6—11—33—%. Same remarks.
491, d ad.; Carson, April 4. 6—103—311_3. Same remarks.
ial
16
SITTA CANADENSIS.
Red-bellied Nuthatch.
Sitta canadensis, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 177.—Batrp, B. N. Am., 1858, 376;
Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 279; Review, 1864, 86.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
B., I, 1874, 118, pl. vu, figs. 7, 8—CooPEr, Orn. Cal., 54.—Couns, Key, 1872,
83, fig. 27; Check List, 1873, No. 39; B. N.W., 1874, 25.—Hensuaw, 1875,
174.
An inhabitant in summer of the pine woods exclusively, this species
was met with, at that season, only in the thickest or most extensive conifer-
ous forests, such as those on the Sierra Nevada, Wahsatch, and Uintah
ranges. In all localities where observed it was much less common, how-
ever, than either S. aculeata or S. pygmea, but wherever found made its
presence known by the loud, penny-trumpet foot, so peculiar and so charac-
teristic of the species. Unlike the other two species, this one appears to make
more or less of a vertical migration, since in September we found it common
in the aspen groves along the streams in the upper Humboldt Valley. Later
in the same month it was also common among the pines of the lofty Clover
Mountains, at an altitude of near 11,000 feet.
List of specimens.
914, 2 ad.; Camp 24, head of Humboldt Valley, September 10, 1868. 43—8,3.—
(?)—24. Bill, uniform blackish-plumbeous, basal half of lower mandible, abruptly,
bluish white; iris, umber-brown; tarsi, dull wax-green; toes, more yellowish.
SITTA PYGM@A. 417
SITTA PYGMAA.
Pigmy Nuthatch.
Sitta pygmea, ViGoRS, Zool. Beechey’s Voy., 1839, 29, pl. 4—Batrp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 378; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 281; Review,. 1864, 88.—B .B. & R., Hist.
N. Am. B., I, 1874, 120, pl. VIII, fig. 10--CourEr, Orn. Cal., 55.--Cougs,
Key, 1872, 83, fig. 27; Check List, 1873, No. 41; B. N.W., 1874, 25.-HEn-
SHAW, 1875, 175.
This curious little Nuthatch was always a companion of the larger
species (S. aculeata), the same local conditions being favorable or unfavor-
able to their presence. ‘They appear to live together on the best of terms,
since we have often seen individuals of each pass and re-pass one another as
they searched the same branch or trunk. The manners of this diminutive
Nuthatch partake in their general nature of those common to the genus,
and present no marked peculiarities worthy of note. It is extremely
noisy, its shrill notes being uttered almost continually, whether the bird
is engaged in creeping among the branches or in flying from the top of
one tree to that of another; and although one may be making a din
greater than that of any other bird in the forest, it is generally hard to
discover him, on account of his diminutive size. The notes of this species
greatly resemble in their high pitch the ‘“peet” or “peet-weet” of certain
Sandpipers (as Tringoides and Rhyacophilus), but they are louder and more
piercing. When once paired, these birds seem to possess a strong attach-
ment to their mates, since on one occasion, after a female had been killed,
the male made loud and continued complaint, and after being followed
from tree to tree, was finally shot from the same one where his mate had
been secured.
List of specimens.
410, 6 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, February 19, 1868, 44—81--23—23.. Bill,
slate-black, basal half of lower mandible (abruptly), milk-white; iris, very dark van-
dyke-brown ; tarsi and toes, plumbeous-black.
411, 2ad.; mate of preceding. 43—73—23—23. Same remarks. White of bill
with delicate bluish tinge.
488, Qad.; Carson, April 3. 43—8—2g—2!, Same remarks.
492, d ad.; Carson, April 4. 4,%—8—211—2.3. Same remarks.
27PR
4i8 ORNITHOLOGY.
Faminry CERTHIID®—CREEPERS
CERTHIA FAMILIARIS.
Brown Creeper.
f. americana.
Certhia americana, BonAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 11.—Barrp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 372, pl. 83, fig. 2; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No, 275; Review, 1864, 89.
Certhia familiaris var. americana, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 125, pl.
vil, fig. 11.—HENSHAW, 1875, 177.
“Certhia familiaris,” COUES, Key, 1872, 84, fig. 28; Check List, 1873, No. 42; B.
N.W., 1874, 26.
“Certhia mexicana,” COOPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 58.
The distribution of this species.corresponds with that of Regulus calen-
dula, the pine forests being its home in summer, while in winter it performs
a partial migration to the timbered portions of the lower valleys, or to the
lower-edge of the coniferous belt. It was first observed among the western
foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada, where it was seen early in July, at the very
commencement of the pine forest. In winter it was more or less common
among the cotton-woods in the lower portion of the valleys of the Truckee
and Carson Rivers, but eastward of those localities it was not again met
with at any season, except on the Wahsatch and Uintah Mountains, where
it was a rather common summer resident in the pine-region. |
List of specimens.
349, 2ad.; Truckee Reservation, near Pyramid Lake, December 7, 1867. 5;—
7—24—2,1,— 932812. Upper mandible, black; lower, dilute brownish-white,
with pinkish tinge; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, dilute horn-color.
Famity TROGLODYTIDA—WRreExs.
SALPINCTES OBSOLETUS.
Rock Wren.
Troglodytes obsoletus, SAY, Long’s Exped., II, 1823, 4. ;
Salpinctes obsoletus, CABANIS, Wiegm. Archiv, 1847, 323.—Batrp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 357; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 264; Review, 1864, 110.—B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 135, pl. vim, fig. 3—CooperR, Orn. Cal., 65.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 85; Check List, 1873, No. 45; B, N.W., 1874, 27.—HEn-
SHAW, 1875, 179.
The Rock Wren is by far the most common and generally distributed
species of the family in the Western Region, since the prevailing character
SALPINCTES OBSOLETUS. 419
of that country is so well suited to its habits. It was first met with near
the summit of the Donner Lake Pass of the Sierra Nevada, but this was on
the eastern slope, and in a district where the pine forests were interrupted by
considerable tracts of open country, of a more or less rocky nature. Kast-
ward of this point, as far as we journeyed, it was found in suitable localities
on all the desert ranges. Its favorite resorts are piles of rocks, where it
may be observed hopping in and out among the recesses or interstices
between the bowlders, or perched upon the summit of a stone, usually
uttering its simple, guttural notes. It is not strictly rupicoline, however,
for along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, where the pine forest
reaches to the very base of the mountains, it was common in cleared tracts
where there was much rubbish of old stumps, prostrate logs, and piles of
brush, seeming as much at home there as among the rocks. At that place
the males were occasionally observed to fly up to a naked branch of some
dead tree, and remain there while they sang their simple trill. This species
also freely accepts of the accommodations and protection afforded by man,
for in many towns, notably those among the mountains, it nests about
the old buildings and inside the entrance to mining-shafts, displaying as
much familiarity and confidence as the little House Wren, or Bewick’s
Wren. It is an exceedingly unsuspicious little bird, if unmolested, always
greeting an intruder to its haunts by its cheerful note of twreé, while it bows
and scrapes most politely at each utterance; but if too closely observed, or
pursued, it manages, by hopping through the interstices, to keep always on
the opposite side of the rock-pile, while it chariges the note of welcome to an
admonishing, guttural turrrr. In its general appearance, except color, and in
many of its movements, the Rock Wren bears a somewhat close resemblance
to the Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) of the Eastern Region,
being of almost exactly the same size and shape; the notes, too, are
somewhat similar in their general nature, particularly the ordinary ones,
which have the same guttural character; but the song is a simple monoto-
nous trill, very much like that of the Snow-birds (Junco), and though often
varied indefinitely, lacks any particular merit, from want of power and
sweetness, while it is in no wise comparable to the superb whistling song of
the species above mentioned.
420 ORNITHOLOGY.
At Carson City the Rock Wren was migratory, not making its appear
ance during the season of our stay until the 20th of March, and first singing
on the 30th of that month. Indeed, we saw it nowhere during the winter,
and thus infer that it makes a complete migration southward.
List of specimens.
163, gad.; 65,—97,—23—2,, }i_}24--3h. 164, 2 ad.; 6-9-2 -2,,—-He—
11_93, West Hamboldt Mountains (Camp 18), September 4, 1867. Upper mandible,
uniform slaty horn-color, with lilaceous cast; end of the lower mandible similar, fading
on middle portion into ashy-lilac—pale-yellowish basally and on angle of mouth ; iris,
olive; tarsi and toes, deep black.
253, é ad.; West Humboldt Mountains (Camp 19), October 23. 6—9I—212—2,5—
11_3_93__11. Upper mandible, purplish-slaty; lower, pale slaty-lilaceous, Aamo
te Rape more pinkish at base; iris, olivaceous-drab; tarsi and toes, slate-black.
458, f.ad.; Carson, March 25. 6—9—3—24. Bill, uniform slate, lower mandible,
paler ; iris, grayish-umber; tarsi and toes, black.
478, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 30, 1868. 5%—9—27—25.. Bill, uniform
plumbeous-slate, lower mandible, paler, except terminally ; iris, grayish-umber ; tarsi
and toes, black.
486, 3 ad.; Carson City, April 3. 64—94—3,—23. Bill, uniform dull-slate, basal
half of lower mandible, slaty bluish-white; iris, raw-umber; tarsi and toes, deep black.
CATHERPES MEXICANUS.
White-throated Wren.
B. conspersus—Cainon Wren.
Catherpes mexicanus, BARD, B. N. Am., 1858, 356; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 263 ;
Review, 1864, 111—Coorsr, Orn. Cal., 66.—CoUES, Key, 1872, 85; B. N.W.,
1874, 28. [Not Thryothorus mexicanus, Swains.]
Catherpes mexicanus var. conspersus, Ridgway, Am. Nat., 1872, 2.—B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 139, pl. vt, fig. 4.—Cours, Check List, 1873, No.
46, p. 125.—Hunsnaw, 1875, 181.
Somewhat similar to the common Rock Wren (Salpinctes) in its distri-
bution and habits, this remarkable species differs in many noteworthy
respects, the principal of which are its appearance and notes. We found it
everywhere more rare than the other species, and apparently confined to the
more secluded portions of the mountains, where it frequented rocky gorges
and the interior of caves more often than the piles of loose rocks on the open
slopes. It was generally observed to be rather shy, and prone to elude
CATHERPES CONSPERSUS. 421
pursuit by retreating to the deeper recesses of the rocks, now and then
slyly peeping from some crevice but an instant, and then very unexpectedly
reappearing at some distant place. While thus engaged, or while hopping
about, examining each crevice for a spider or other insect, it utters a simple
ringing note, which sounds somewhat like dink, uttered in a metallic tone;
2, which is of
while now and then he pauses to pour forth his piercing song,
such volume as to fill the surrounding canons with its reverberations. In
many of its movements it greatly resembles the common Rock Wren, par-
ticularly in its manner of bowing and swinging oddly from side to side,
when its attention becomes attracted by the presence of an intruder. It was
frequently seen to cling to the roof or sides of a cave with the facility of a
Creeper, and on one occasion to fly perpendicularly up the face of a cliff for
a considerable height.
It seems, however, that in other sections of the country, where it is
probably more numerous, this species is not always thus shy and retired in
its habits; for Mr. Dresser (see ‘‘The Ibis,” 1865, p. —) mentions an interest-
ing instance where a pair built a nest in the wall of a dilapidated printing-
office in San Antonio, Texas, and were so tame that they became great
favorites with the workmen. He also states that at Dr. Heermann’s ranche,
on the Medina, they often built in cigar-boxes placed for their accommo-
dation.
As stated above, the song of this bird is one of remarkable power ; it
is also unique in its tone and modulation to such an extent that no other
song we ever heard resembles it at all. It consists of a series of clear,
sharp, whistling, detached notes, beginning in the highest possible key, and
descending the scale with perfect regularity through an octave or more.
These notes are occasionally heard echoed and reéchoed against the walls
of the canons, with continued reverberations, such is their power and
distinctness.
List of specimens.
345, ¢ ad.; near Fort Churchill, December 7, 1867. 5.75—7.50—2.58—2.00—0.83
—0.56—2.25—1.18. Bill, slate-color, paler, and with a lilaceous tinge toward base of
lower mandible; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, black. [Type of var. consversus, Ridg-
way, l. ¢.]
423 ORNITHOLOGY.
THRYOMANES BEWICKI.
Bewick’s Wren.
y. spilurus.
Troglodytes spilurus, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey’s Voy., 1839, 18, pl. 4, fig. 1.
Thryothorus spilurus. COOPER, Orn. Cal., 1870, 69.
Thryothorus bewicki var. spilurus, BAIRD, Réview, 1864, 126.—B. B. & R., Hist. N.
Am. B., I, 1874, 147, pl. 1x, fig. 4 Cougs, Key, 1872, 86; Check List, 1873,
No. 48b.
Thryothorus bewicki. c. spilurus, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 31.
Thryothorus bewickii, BATRD, Birds N. Ani., 1858, 363 (part).
The “Long-tailed House Wren,” or Bewick’s Wren, was observed
frequently at Sacramento, where, as in certain portions of the Kast, it fre-
quented the out-houses in the city, in company with the Barn Swallow and
Black Pewee. After leaving there, we nowhere identified it with certainty,
although a single individual of what seemed to be this species was noticed at
Glendale, Nevada, in November, 1867. The specimen in question was seen
among the willows bordering the river, and disappeared before we could
decide whether it was this species or the Wood Wren (Troglodytes park-
mannt).
TROGLODYTES AEDON.
House Wren; Wood Wren.
B. parkmanni—Parkman's Wren.
Troglodytes parkmanni, AuD., Orn. Biog., V, 1839, 310.—BAtRD, B. N. Am. 1858,
367; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 271; Review, 1864, 140.—Coorsr, Orn. Cal.,
71.
Troglodytes aédon var. parkmanni, CouES, Key, 1872, 87; Check List, 1873, No. 49a;
B. N.W., 1874, 32.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am., I, 1874, 153.—HEnsuaw, 1875,
184.
The range of this Wren is apparently co-extensive with the distribution
of the timber, or governed strictly by the presence or absence of trees,
without special regard to their kind. Its vertical range, like that of the
Robin, Louisiana Tanager, and many other species, was consequently very
considerable, it being equally abundant among the cotton-woods of the river-
TROGLODYTES PARKMANNI. 493
valleys and the aspen copses of the higher cafions of the mountains. In-
deed it is the only strictly arboreal species of this family which resides in
summer in the Middle Province, and there much more rarely seeks the
society of man or the protection of his presence than the Rock or Bewick’s
Wrens. That they are somewhat inclined to do so, however, we saw
occasional evidence, particularly in one instance, where a pair had a nest
somewhere about the trading-house on the Indian Reservation near Pyramid
Lake. This pair had become so familiar and confiding that the constant
presence or passing in and out of persons did not alarm them in the least.
Among the large cotton-wood trees near by, which extended in scattered
groves or clumps for several miles along the river, they were extremely
abundant,.and their lively, agreeable songs were continually heard. They
were equally abundant in the high canons of the East Humboldt and
Wahsatch Mountains, their favorite resort in the latter being the aspen
copses of the pine-region, where they and the Robins were the most abun-
dant birds. Very numerous nests of this species were found, their situation
being various, although most of them were similar in this respect; the
prevailing character being that of a large mass of rubbish filled in behind
the loosened bark of the trunk of a tree, usually only a few feet from the
ground, the entrance a natural crevice or a woodpecker’s hole; it was
always warmly lined with feathers, and very frequently possessed the
ornamental addition of a cast-off snake-skin. One nest was placed behind
a flat mass of a small shrub (Spirea cespitosa), which grew in moss-like
patches against the face of a cliff. Another one, and the only one not
concealed in some manner, was built in the low crotch of an aspen,
having for its foundation an abandoned Robin’s nest. It consisted of a
somewhat conical pile of sticks, nearly closed at the top, but with a small
" opening just large enough to admit the owner. Including its bulky base,
the total height of this structure was about fifteen inches.
List of specimens.
170, dad.; West Humboldt Mountains, September 7, 1867. 54—63—2,8.—113—
s—gZ—1{—1,);. Upper mandible, horn-black, the tomium lilaceous-white; lower, lila-
ceous whitish, deepening into purplish-slaty at end; iris, umber; tarsi and toes,
brownish- whitish.
424 ORNITHOLOGY.
360, 2ad.; Truckee Bottom, December 17. 5—64—2,,—111_1—_3—_2_Z, Bill,
black, lilaceous-whitish on basal half of lower mandible and along commissure; interior
of mouth, deep naples-yellow; iris, raw-umber; tarsi and toes, livid brownish-white.
839, dad.; East Humboldt Mountains, July 13, 1868. 5—64{—18. Bill, black;
commissure, with basal half of lower mandible, deep pinkish-lilac; iris, grayish echoco-
late-brown; tarsi and toes, dilute ashy-sepia.
864, g juv.; East Humboldt Mountains, August 7. 54—63—(?)—121. Upper
mandible, dull black; commissure and lower mandible, pale lilaceous; rictus, pale
yellow; interior of mouth, intense yellow; tarsi and toes, delicate pale ashy-sepia.
903, dad.; Secret Valley, Nevada, September 7. 54—63—(?)—13. Upper mandi-
ble, olivaceous-black ; lower mandible and commissure, lilaceous-white, the former more
dusky terminally; iris, olivaceous-umber; tarsi and toes, pale lilaceous-sepia.
1260, nest and eggs (6); Parley’s Park (Wahsatch Mountains), Utah, June 23,
1869. Built on an old Robin’s nest, in crotch of aspen, deep woods.
1261, nest and eggs (7); Bent in hollow aspen-snag.
1286, nest and eggs (7); Parley’s Park, June 25. Nest in hollow snag, entrance
through knot-hole.
1308, nest and eggs (6); Parley’s Park, June 27. Nest in deserted woodpecker’s
hole.
1309, nest and eggs (6); same locality and date. Nest behind loosened bark of
dead aspen.
1421, eggs (3); Parley’s Park, July 17, 1869. Nest in hollow of tree.
TROGLODYTES HYEMALIS.
Winter Wren.
B. pacificus— Western Winter Wren.
Troglodytes hyemalis var. pacificus, BAIRD, Review, 1864, 145.
Troglodytes parvulus var. pacificus, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 155, pl.
IX, fig. 10.
Anorthura troglodytes var. hyemalis, COUES, Key, 1872, 351 (part); Check List,
1873, No. 50 (part); B. N.W., 1874, 33 (part).
Troglodytes hyemalis (part), BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 369; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859,
No. 273.—CoorEr, Orn. Cal., 73
The Winter Wren seemed to be quite rare in the Interior, since but
one individual, the one obtained, was observed.
List of specimens.
369, g ad.; Truckee Bottom, near Pyramid Lake, Nevada, December 25, 1867, 4—
6—2—14—,/,—(?)—1,5,—#;. Upper mandible, black, tomium dilute brown; lower,
dilute brown, dusky along the side; iris, deep burnt-umber; tarsi and toes, deep
brown.
TELMATODYTES PALUDICOLA. 425
TELMATODYTES PALUSTRIS.
Long-billed Marsh Wren.
B. paludicola—Tule Wren.
Cistothorus palustris var. paludicola, BAIRD, Review Am. B., 1864, 148.—B. B. &
R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 161.—HENSHAW, 1875, 185.
Telmatodytes palustris, COUES, Key, 1872, 87 (part); Check List, 1873, No. 51; B,
N.W., 1874, 35 (part).
Cistothorus (Telmatodytes) palustris (part), BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 364; Cat. N.
Am. B., 1859, No. 268 (part).—CooPER, Orn. Cal., 75.
In all marshy localities where there existed even a limited growth of
tules, the Long-billed Marsh Wren was more or less abundant. It was
consequently found in numerous places, but it abounded most in those
extensive marshes adjoining the lower portions of the Truckee, Humboldt,
and Jordan Rivers, it being so abundant at the latter locality that several
nests were often visible at one time in the thick growth of reeds. The
song of this Wren is very peculiar, being a confused sputtering, scolding
harangue, somewhat similar to, but harsher and less pleasing than, the song
of Troglodytes aédon.
List of specimens.
273, g ad.; Truckee Meadows, Nevada, November 15, 1867, 5/,—63—23 —111_ 9.
—iU—1;,—13. Upper mandible, slaty-black ; commissure and lower mandible, lilace-
ous-white, the latter more dusky terminally; iris, umber; tarsi and toes, delicate
brownish-white, strongly tinged with bluish-lilaceous.
370, 3 ad.; Truckee Bottom, near Pyramid Lake, December 25. 54—63—2,3,—13—
3—ii—2—% Same remarks. Tarsi and toes, deep light-brown, with yellowish tinge.
737, nest and five eggs: Truckee Bottom, near Pyramid Lake, May 18, 1868.
Nest among reeds in deep water, near lake-shore.
738, nest. Same remarks as to preceding.
950, 3 ad.; Deep Creek, Utah, October 5, 1868. 53—7—(?)—113. Bill, black; com-
missure and basal two-thirds of lower mandible, pure lilaceous; iris, umber; tarsi and
toes, deep sepia, the latter darkest.
951, d ad.; 952, 2ad.; 53—74—(?)—118. Same remarks.
1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, May 21, 1869; 1079, 1080, 1081, 1082, June 2,
1869; nests and eggs; Jordan River (near Salt Lake City), Utah. Nests each attached
to several stalks of upright reeds, or tules, standing in the water, near nests of
Xanthocephalus icterocephalus. Maximum number of eggs four, but the number prob-
ably sometimes exceeds this. :
1459, 6 juv.; Parley’s Park (Wahsatch Mountains), Utah, July 26, 1869. 48—6}.
426 ORNITHOLOGY.
Upper mandible, sepia-black; commissure and lower mandible, pale lilaceous; iris,
brown ; tarsi, dark sepia-plumbeous; toes, paler, whitish beneath.
1467, 3 juv.; Parley’s Park, July 28. 43—63. Same remarks.
1476, 3 juv.; July 29. 54—7.
1494, 3 juv.; 58—63. 1495, 3 juv.; 54—6%. August 7. Same remarks as to 1459.
EST MOTACILLIDH—Waeratts and Trt-LARKs, or Prerts.
ANTHUS LUDOYICIANUS.
Tit-lark.
Alauda ludoviciana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 793.
Anthus ludovicianus, Licat., Verz., 1823, 27.—Batrp, B. N. Am., 1858, 232; Cat.
N. Am. B., 1859, No. 165; Review, 1864, 153.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I,
1874, 171, pl. x, fig. 3.—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., 78.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 90, fig. 34;
Check List, 1873, No. 55; B. N.W., 1874, 40.—HENSHAW, 1875, 187.
Perhaps no bird of the Interior is more abundant in winter than the
Tit-lark is, at times, in localities of a nature calculated to attract them. At
the Truckee Meadows they came in immense flocks in November, and
spread over the soggy meadows, where they remained during the mod-
erately 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 of the warm
springs, where the high temperature of the water kept the meadow soft
and comparatively green, even during the coldest weather. In April, just
before their departure for the North, we observed them in their more
highly-colored plumage.
List of specimens.
193, 2ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 17,1867. (Stream, in
garden.) 6—10—3.8, 25 — 3 — 1 3—2;,—1. Upper mandible, Fane horn-color, darker
terminally; lower, paler, nearly straw-yellow at base; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, dark
horn-color.
270, 9 ad.; Truckee Meadows, November 8. 61 §—10§—3,%,—2 45—13__23__13.,
Bill, lacks basal half of lower mandible, light- Sbrowts iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, very
dark blackish-brown.
274, 9 ad.; Truckee Meadows, November 15. 63—10—3 525 ti $_13__93__1 5,
Upper mandible and tip of lower, nearly black, remaining portion dull wax-yellow,
deepest basally--almost lemon-yellow on Shee iris, deep vandyke ; -tarsi and toes,
uniform blackish, toes not darker—dull light-yellowish beneath.
275, 8 ad.; Truckee Meadows, November 15. 6%Z—11,,—3§—
1}. Toes more blackish than tarsus.
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HELMINTHOPHAGA RUFICAPILLA. 427
76, 3 ad.; 63—10%—3,2,— 273321314, Same remarks.
277, 3 ad.; 63—103—35—2}3—3} 42314. Same remarks.
278, d ad.; 7—103—3$—218 - 313931, Same remarks.
279, S ad.; 68—104—3,7,—211__3_ 329 1. Tarsi, dark sienna-brown; toes,
more blackish, distinetly pale yellowish beneath.
280, ¢ ad.; 641—103—34—213__4__3 93 1. Same remarks.
281, dad.; 6$,—103—3$—215—5—3—93_1}. Same remarks.
282, S ad.; 65—103—33—213—_3_3 _93_(?). Same remarks.
283, dad.; 63—103—33—21>—3—13__93__(?), Same remarks.
2
9
a
Famity MNIOTILTIDA—AmeERICAN WARBLERS.
HELMINTHOPHAGA RUFICAPILLA.
Nashville Warbler.
Sylvia ruficapilla, W1Ls., Am. Orn., III, 1811, 120, pl. 27, fig. 3.
Helminthophaga ruficapilla, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 256; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No.
183; Review, 1864, 175.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 196, pl. x1,
figs. 7, 8.'—CooPER, Orn. Cal., 82.—CougEs, Key, 1872, 94; Check List, 1873,
No. 67; B. N.W., 1874, 50.—Hnsuaw, 1875, 188.
Although not observed in summer, this bird was more or less com-
mon in September in the thickets along the streams in the lower portion of
the canons. It is not as yet definitely known whether this species breeds
anywhere within the Western Region, or whether, on the other hand, the
individuals which have been obtained at so many localities west of the
Rocky Mountains were migrants from the Eastern Region, which, near the
northern boundary of the United States, extends so much farther toward
the Pacific coast. The same doubt exists in the case of Lanivireo solitarius.
It is well known, however, that toward our northern border the Rocky
Mountains form much less of a barrier to the westward range of eastern
species, many of which, following the head-waters of the Yellowstone and
other tributaries of the Missouri River, have but a short flight to reach the
head-streams of the Columbia, and thus reach the Pacific coast in Oregon
and Washington Territory, by passing down the valley of the latter stream.
10n p. 191 a ‘var. gutturalis” is characterized, supposed to be distinguished by
having the yellow of the throat confined strictly within the maxilla, and not, as in
true rujicapilla, covering the-cheeks; the race being based on No. 901 of this catalogue,
= No. 53,354, National Museum catalogue. Should this peculiarity prove constant,
the western birds may be distinguished by that name. Figure 8, Hist. N. Am. Birds,
quoted above, represents this form.
428 ORNITHOLOGY.
These same individuals, in the case of non-resident species, during their
‘autumnal migration, probably follow the bases of the mountain ranges
directly southward, instead of returning by the devious route by which
they reached the western portions of the country. The occasional cap- ,
ture of such species as those named above, and the more accidental occur-
rence of others, as Ectopistes migratoria (see pp. 355, 3880, 385, and 596), at
localities in the Western Region, may thus be accounted for.
List of specimens.
901, dad.; East Humboldt Mountains (Secret Valley), Nevada, September 6, 1868.
4{—7§—2}. Upper mandible, plumbeous-black, the tomium slightly paler; lower,
plumbeous-white, with lilaceous glow; iris, burnt-umber; tarsi, bluish-plumbeous ;
toes, stained with yellow. [Type of Helminthophaga ruficapilla var. gutturalis, Baird,
Brewer, and Ridgway, History of North American Birds, Vol. I, 1874, p. 191, pl. x1,
fig. 8.]
HELMINTHOPHAGA VIRGINIA.
Virginia’s Warbler.
Helminthophaga virginie, BAIRD, B. N. Am., ed. 1860, p. xi, pl. 79, fig. 1; Cat. N. Am.
B., 1859, No. 183a; Review, 1865, 177.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874,
199, pl. XI, fig. 12.—CooprER, Orn. Cal., 85.—Couks, Key, 1872, 94; Check
List, 1873, No. 66; B. N.W., 1874, 51.—HENsuAw, 1875, 189.
This interesting little Warbler was first observed among the cedar and
pinion groves on the eastern slope of the Ruby Mountains. It was not met
with west of this locality, but eastward it occurred on all those ranges
having a similar or equally extensive growth. At the first-named locality
it was rather common in July and August, and was found in the same
groves with the Black-throated Gray Warbler (Dendreca nigrescens) and
the Lead-colored Vireo (Lanivireo plumbeus). On the Wahsatch and Uintah
Mountains it was more abundant, being particularly plentiful among the
serub-oaks on the foot-hills near Salt Lake City. They lived entirely
among the bushes, which there were so dense that the birds were difficult to
obtain, even when shot. The usual note of this species is a soft pit, very
different from the sharp chip of H. celata, while its song is so exceedingly
similar to that of the Summer Yellow-bird (Dendreca estiva) that we often
found it difficult to distinguish them.
HELMINTHOPHAGA CELATA—H. LUTESCENS. 429
List of specimens.
859, juv.; East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, August 5, 1868. 5—74—(?)—2.
Upper mandible, plumbeous-black, the tomium yellowish-white; lower mandible, dull
light-ashy, darker terminally; tarsi and toes, yellowish-plumbeous, the latter pale
yellow beneath.
1040, 3 ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah (City Creek Cation), May 24, 1869. 5—8. Bill,
lilaceous-blue, the upper mandible nearly black; iris, brown ; tarsi, hepatic-slate; toes,
yellowish. :
1041, 2 ad. (mate of preceding); 43—74. Same remarks.
1053, 9 ad.; Salt Lake City, May 26. 5—74. Same remarks.
1192, d ad.; Salt Lake City, June 21. 413—73. Same remarks.
1188, nest and eggs (4); Salt Lake City, June 19. Nest imbedded in the layer of
dead leaves covering the ground under oak-thicket, on side of ravine; female shot.
HELMINTHOPHAGA CELATA.
Orange-crowred Warbier.
a. celata—Common Orange-crowned Warbler.
Sylvia celata, SAY, Long’s Exped., I, 1823, 169.
Helminthophaga celata (part), BARD, B. N. Am., 1858, 257; Cat., 1859, No. 184
(part); Review, 1865, 176.—CooprR, Orn. Cal., 83.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 95;
Check List, 1873, No. 68 (part); B. N.W., 1874, 52.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
B., I, 1874, 202, pl. x1, fig. 5—-HENSHAW, 1875, 191.
B. lutescens—Yellow Orange-crowned Warbler.
Helminthophaga celata var. lutescens, RIDGWAY, Am. Jour. Sci. & Arts, Jan., 1872,
457; Am. Nat., VII, Oct., 1873, p.—-.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874,
204, pl, XI, fig. 4.
Helminthophaga celata. b. lutescens, CoUES, B. N.W., 1874, 52.
Helminthophaga celata (part), BAIRD, B. N. Am., and Revy.—Covugs, Key, and
Check List.—CooPEr, Orn. Cal., 83.
The Orange-crowned Warbler was most frequently met with during its
autumnal migration, at which time it was the most abundant of all the spe-
cies of the family; it was also not uncommon in summer in the high aspen
woods of the loftier mountains. In the fall, the thickets and lower shrub-
bery along the streams, particularly those of the lower cafons, would fairly
swarm with them during the early portion of the mornings, as they busily
450 ORNITHOLOGY.
sought their food, in company with various insectivorous birds, especially
the Black-capped Green Warbler (Myiodioctes pusillus) and Swainson’s Vireo
(Vireosylvia swainsoni). At such times they uttered frequently their sharp
note of chip. The brightly-colored specimens representing H. lutescens were
prevalent in the western depression of the Basin, but were not observed
eastward of ihe upper portion of the Valley of the Humboldt, nor at any
locality during the summer; and wherever found, were associated with
individuals of the other form, which is the only one found breeding on the
mountains. It is therefore inferred that all these individuals were migrants
from the northern Pacific Coast region and the Sierra Nevada, while those
of H. celata proper were from the higher portions of the more eastern
mountains, or from farther northward in the Rocky Mountain ranges; full-
fledged young birds being numerous in the high aspen woods of the Wah-
satch Mountains in July and August.
List of specimens.
a, celata.
921, g ad.; Dearing’s Creek,” Upper Humboldt Valley, September 11, 1868. 5—
78—(?)—2. Upper mandible, brownish plumbeous-black, the tomium whitish; lower,
pale lilaceous-plumbeous, darker terminally ; iris, bright sienna; tarsi and toes, plum-
beous, with yellow cast. :
922, 2 ad.; ‘“ Dearing’s Creek,” Upper Humboldt Valley, September 11, 1868.
43_71—(?)—115. Bill rather more lilaceous.
1425, 3 juv.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, July 17,1869. 413—73.
Upper mandible, black ; commissure and lower mandible, dark lilaceous, latter paler
basally; iris, brown; tarsi, plumbeous; toes, olive.
1505, g ad.; Parley’s Park, August 12,1869. 5—74. Same remarks.
1516, g ad.; Parley’s Park, August 16,1869. 5,3,—5%. Upper mandible, black,
paler along tomium; lower, lilaceous-blue, whitish basally, blackish terminally ; iris,
brown; tarsi, dull plumbeous; toes, more greenish,
B. lutescens.
215, g ad.; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 24, 1867.
47—73—23__9_3_11__]13__13, Bill, blackish horn-color, the lower mandible, paler ;
iris, brown; tarsi and toes, deep horn-color.
907, g ad.; “Secret Valley,” East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 8,
1868. 4{—7,°,—(?)—2. Upper mandible, purplish-black, the tomium deep lilac; lower
mandible, bluish-lilac, more pinkish basally, more dusky toward tip; iris, vandyke-
brown; tarsi and toes, plumbeous, the latter stained with yellow.
DENDR@CA ASTIVA. 43
926, g ad.; “ Dearing’s Creek,” Upper Humboldt Valley, Nevada, September 12.
413—73—(?)—2. Upper mandible, plumbeous-black, the tomium edged with paler;
lower, plumbeous-white, darker terminally ; iris, burnt-sienna; tarsi and toes, plumbe-
ous, latter with a yellowish tinge.
DENDR@CA ASTIVA.
Summer YVellow-bird ; Golden Warbler.
Motacilla cestiva, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 996.
Dendreca estiva, BarrD, B. N. Aw., 1858, 282; Catal., 1859, No. 203; Review,
1865, 195.—CoopER, Orn. Cal., 87.—Covgs, Key, 1872, 97; Check List, 1873,
No. 70; B. N.W., 1874, 54.—B. B, & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 222, pl. xiv,
fig. 1— HENSHAW, 1875, 192. ~
This common and familiar little bird was met with everywhere, except
during the winter season; and in all wooded localities, with the exception
of the higher forests, which it gave up chiefly to D. auduboni, was the most
abundant and generally distributed member of the family. At Sacramento
it was one of the commonest birds, inhabiting every copse, whether of
willow, cotton-wood, or oak; and throughout the Interior it was equally
plentiful in every locality producing’a growth of willows or other shrubbery,
being most multiplied in the river-valleys or lower cations, and gradually
decreasing in numbers toward the summits of the mountains. No difference
whatever exists, apparently, between the western and eastern birds of this
species.
Fist of specimens.
11, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, Oalifornia, June 8, 1867. Nest on small oak,
in grove.
24, 25, 26, 27, nest and eggs; Sacramento, California, June 11, 1867. Nests in
a small oak-grove, nearly similarly situated, being generally placed on a high branch
near the top of the trees, about fifteen or twenty feet from the ground.
121, g juv.; valley of the ‘Truckee, Nevada, August 6, 1867. 575—T43— 2,9, — 2!
—3—z—1$—3. Upper mandible, leaden-black, the tomium whitish; lower, leaden-
bluish; iris, hazel ; tarsi and toes, yellowish horn-color, latter yellowish beneath.
158, ? ad.; valley of the Humboldt (Camp 17), September 2. 5,3,—74—2,7,—2
vs—s—13--}§- Upper mandible, black, the tomium pale ashy-lilac ; lower mandible,
pale ashy-lilac; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, liver-brown, scutelle margined with ashy-
blue.
881, ? juv.; East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, August 29, 1868. 47—74—(7)—2.
Upper mandible, olive-brown, edged with paler; lower, uniform greenish-white; iris,
bister ; tarsi and toes, dilute sepia, strongly washed with yellow.
432 ORNITHOLOGY. .
1254, 1255, 1256, nests and eggs; Parley’s Park, Utah, June 23, 1869. Nests in
willows along stream.
1306, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 27. Nest in rose-bush near stream.
1415, nest and egg (1); Parley’s Park, July 16, 1869. Nest in willows.
DENDR@CA OCCIDENTALIS.
Western Warbler.
Sylvia occidentalis, TOWNSEND, Journ. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., VII, ii, 1837, 190.
Dendreca occidentalis, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 268; Catal., 1859, No. 190 ; Review,
1865, 183.—COooPER, Orn. Cal., 92.—CoUES, Key, 1872, 98; Check List, 1873,
No. 72.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 266, pl. x1, fig. 5 -HENSHAW,
1875, 201. ;
On the 29th of August, 1868, a single individual of this strongly-marked
species was seen in the lower portion of one of the eastern cations of the
East Humboldt Mountains. It was busily engaged in searching for its
insect food, in a thicket along the stream, during which occupation it uttered
an occasional note, sounding like a lisped and faint enunciation of pzeet.
DENDR@CA TOWNSENDI.
sd Townsend’s Warbler.
“Sylvia townsendi, NUTTALL,” TOWNSEND, Journ. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., VI, ii,
1837, 191.
Dendreca townsendi, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 269; Catal., 1859, 191; Review,
1865, 185.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., 91.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 98; Check List, 1873,
No. 73.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 265, pl. x1, fig. 7—HENSHAW,
1875, 200.
This Warbler, like the D. occidentalis, was exceedingly rare along our
route, only one other specimen besides that obtained having been seen.
The one in question was observed on the 8th of September, in an alder-
thicket high up one of the eastern cations of the East Humboldt Mountains.
The manners and notes of this species, as observed at this season, seemed
much like those of D. occidentalis, neither possessing any strikingly distinctive
trait, so far as could be observed.
List of specimens.
942, gad.; Thousand Spring Valley, Nevada, September 24, 1868. (Specimen
badly mutilated ; no measurements.)
DENDR@CA NIGRESCENS—D. AUDUBONI. 433
DENDR@CA NIGRESCENS.
Black-throated Gray Warbler.
Sylvia nigrescens, TOWNSEND, Journ. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., VIL., ii, 1837, 191.
Dendraca nigrescens, BARD, B. N. Am., 1858, 270; Catal., 1859, No. 192; Review,
1865, 186.—CoorER, Orn. Cal., 90—CouEs, Key, 1872, 98; Check List,
1873, No. 75; B. N.W., 1874, 55.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 253,
pl. x11, fig. 8. nn Steniw, 1875, 188.
The Black-throated Gray Warbler doubtless breeds on all the higher
mountains of the Western Region, since Mr. C. E. Aiken has discovered it
to be asummer resident on the most eastern ranges in Colorado, while it has
long been known as a summer bird of the Pacific Coast district; but the
mountains of the Great Basin having sufficient timber-growth—a condition
essential to the presence of this species—are very few, and so far between,
that we met with it at few localities. On the eastern slope of the Ruby
Mountains, it was abundant in July and August, in the pifon and cedar
woods, never entering the brushwood in the cafons. A few individuals
were also seen in Pack’s Cation, Uintah Mountains, where they inhabited
the lower slopes which were covered with a scattered growth of scrub-
oaks and mountain-mahogany. At the former locality, several families of
full-grown young were observed still following their parents. Their song
was not heard, but their ordinary note greatly resembled the sharp chip
of the eastern Yellow-rump (D. coronata).
List of specimens.
840, ¢; East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, July, 14, 1868. 43—73—(?)—233..
Bill, deep black; iris, dark sepia; tarsi and toes, sepia-black.
855, 8; Hast Humboldt Mountains, August 4, 1868. 53—7Z—(?)—24. Same re-
marks.
863, d; August 7,1868. 51—78—(?)—24. Same remarks.
866, 2; August 10,1868. 5—73—(?)—-2. Bill, black, slightly lilaceous at base of
lower mandible.
DENDR@CA AUDUBONI.
Audubon’s Warbler.
Sylvia audubonii, TOWNSEND, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., VII, ii, 1837, 190.
Dendreca audubonti, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 273; Catal., 1859, No. 195; Review,
1865, 188.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., 33, Couns, Key, 1872, 100; Check List,
1873, No. 79; B. N.W., 1874, 58.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 229,
pl. xu, fig. 1— HEnsuAw, 1875, 194.
As is the case with the eastern Yellow-rumped Warbler (D. coronata),
23 PR
434 ORNITHOLOGY.
except in the southern portion of its habitat, Audubon’s Warbler, the
western representative of that species, is the only one of the family which
remains during the winter. Its migrations seem to be mainly, if not
entirely, vertical, its summer-home being the pine forests of the mountains,
while in winter it dwells among the cotton-woods of the river-valleys, or
the brushwood of the lower cations. In its habits and mamners it is an exact*
counterpart of D. coronata, which it also resembles so strikingly in plumage;
but its notes are markedly different, the usual one being a feeble wit, very
unlike the sharp chip of the eastern species.
List of specimens.
218, dad.; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 25, 1867. 5g--I—3$—
213_13__11__9}__],_ Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black; iris, hazel.
245, $ ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, October 8, 1867. 5g—9)—3j3—23—3—3—
2,—1,},. Same remarks.
346, 2ad.; Truckee Valley, Nevada, December 7, 1868. 5 83-0 oe
—t. Same remarks.
493, 8 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 4, 1868. 6—93—3~,—23. Iris, burnt-
umber.
500, ¢ ad.; Carson, April 18, 1868. 6—94—31—23. Bill, jet-black ; iris, burnt-
umber; tarsi and toes, sepia-black.
1257, single egg; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 23, 1869.
Nest near extremity of horizontal branch of pine tree, about ten feet from ground;
contained, besides, three young.
GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS.
Maryland Yellow-throat.
Turdus trichas, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 293.
Geothlypis trichas, CABANIS, Mus. Hein., 1850, 16.—Batrp, B. N. Aim., 1558, 241;
Catal., 1859, No. 170; Review, 1865, 220.—CoorER, Orn. Cal., 95.—Couns,
Key, 1872, 107, fig. 47; Check List, 1873, 97; B. N.W., 1874, 74—B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 297, pl. xv, figs. 7,8— HENSHAW, 1875, 204.
In all bushy places contiguous to water, this little bird was invariably
to be found ; but it was confined to the valleys, being replaced among the
mountains, even in the lower canons, by the G. macgillivrayi. Clamps of
wild-rose briers and the banks of the sloughs seemed to be its favorite
resorts, and in such localities near Pyramid Lake it was one of the most
abundant species in May, and all day long enlivened the vicinity of one of
our camps by its pleasant song of witch'ity, witch'ity, witch'ity—often from
several rival males at the same time. ‘
GEOTHLYPIS MACGILLIVRAYI. 435
List of specimens.
750, eggs (4); mouth’ of Truckee River, May 19, 1868. Nest in sage-bush, in
moist depression. :
883, juv.; Ruby Valley, Nevada, August 29, 1868. 54—63—(?)—13. Upper
mandible, sepia-black, the tomium pale brownish-yellow; lower, dilute lilaceous-sepia;
iris, plumbeous-brown; tarsi and toes, dilute pinkish-sepia, the toes strongly washed
. with yellow.
899, 2 juv.; Secret Valley, Nevada, September 23, 1868. 51—7—(?)—1%. Same
remarks.
953, 6 ad.; Deep Creek, Utah, October 5, 1868. 57.—7—(?)—1%. Bill, black;
commissure ape basal half of lower mandible, dilute brownish-lilac; iris, bister; tarsi
and toes, uniform sepia.
1400, nest and eggs; valley of Weber River, June, 1869. [J. C. Olmsted.]
GEOTHLYPIS MACGILLIVRAYI.
MecGillivray’s Warbter.
Sylvia macgillivrayi, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog., V, 1839, 75, pl. 399, figs. 4, 5.
Geothlypis macgillivrayi, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 244, pl. 99, fig. 4; Catal., 1859,
No. 173; Review, 1865, 227.—CoopmEr, Orn. Cal., 96.—CouEs, Key, 1872,
107; Check List, 1873, No. 99.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 303, pl.
XV, figs. 4, 5 HENSHAW, 1875, 205.
Geothlypis philadelphia var. macgillivrayi, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., III,
July, 1872, 175.—Rip@way, Am. Journ. Sci. & Arts, Dee., 1872, 459.
Geothlypis philadelphia. a. macgillivrayi, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 75.
_ Representing the Maryland Yellow-throat in the mountains, this species
was found in all the fertile canons from the Sierra Nevada to the Uintahs.
It inhabited the rank herbage near the streams, or the undergrowth of the
thickets and aspen copses. We did not hear the song of this species, but
were very familiar with its ordinary note, a strong chip, greatly resembling
that of the Indigo-bird, or its western representative (Cyanospiza cyanea and
C. wnena), the notes of both old and young being alike.
List of specimens.
175, 2 juv.; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 9, 1867. 5$—7,7,—
27-2 ),—j,— 724-14. Upper mandible, brownish-black ; commissure and lower
mandible, brownish lilaceous-white, the latter darker terminally; iris, hazel; tarsi and
toes, brownish-white.
900, 6 juv.; East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada (Camp 23), September 6, 1868
53—7T4—(?)—2,. Iris, grayish-sepia; tarsi and toes, pinkish-white.
906, 3 ad.; East Humboldt Mountains, September 8, 1868. 5 4.—7§—(?)—21.
Upper mandible, brownish-plumbeous, paler toward commissure ; lower, paler brown-
ish, lilaceous-white, darker terminally; iris, grayish-sepia; tarsi and toes, sepia-white.
436 ORNITHOLOGY.
1258, 1259, nests and eggs; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 23,
1869. Nests about eighteen inches above the ground, in small briers or bushes, in
weedy undergrowth near stream. (Parents of both shot.)
1307, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 27, 1869. Nest in bush, about a foot
from ground.
1365, nest and eggs (3); Uintah Mountains, July 3, 1869. Nest among under-
growth of aspen-grove, in bush, a foot from ground.
1380, ¢ juv.; Uintah Mountains, July 7,1869. 53—7Z Bill, black, the commissure
and basal two-thirds of lower mandible, deep lilaceous; iris, brown; tarsi, light lila-
ceous-brown; toes, darker.
1432, $ juv.; Parley’s Park, July 19, 1869. 53—73. Upper mandible, black, the
tomium white; lower, lilaceous-white, the terminal third dusky; iris, brown; tarsi, pur-
plish-brown; toes, dark brown.
ICTERIA VIRENS.
Yellow-breasted Chat.
B. longicauda—Long-tailed Chat.
Teteria longicauda, LAWRENCE, Ann. Lye. N. H., N. Y., VI, April, 1853, 4.—
Barb, B. N. Am., 1858, 249, pl. 34, fig. 2; Catal., 1859, No. 177; Review,
1865, 230.—CoorPER, Orn. Cal., 98.
Icteria virens var. longicauda, COUES, Key, 1872, 108; Check List, 1873, No. 100a.
—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 309.—Hensuaw, 1875, 206.
Icteria virens. b. longicauda, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 77.
The distribution of the Yellow-breasted Chat corresponds so nearly with
that of the Maryland Yellow-throat, that they were generally to be found in
the same thicket; but its vertical range is somewhat greater, it being fre-
quently met with in the lower portion of the canons. It was equally common
in California and the Interior, and appeared to be in all respects the same
bird as the eastern race. Its song during the breeding-season, like that of the
eastern bird, is conspicuous from its extreme oddity, as well as for its power
and variety; and we were often awakened at midnight by its notes, when,
but for the yelping of the prowling Coyotes (Canis latrans), the stillness
would have been unbroken. It was also observed that they were partic-
ularly musical on bright moonlight nights.
List of specimens.
23, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 11, 1867. Nest in wild-rose
brier, among undergrowth of oak-grove. ig
MYIODIOCTES PUSILLUS. 437
49, $ ad. (parent of No. 48); Sacramento, California, June 17, 1867. 7%—101—
3),—23—-3—7, 331g. Bill, entirely pure black; whole inside of mouth, intense
black; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, pale slate-blue.
165, 2? ad.; West Humboldt Mountains (Camp 18), September 4, 1867. 73—104—
3$—212—8—1—3$—113, Upper mandible, horn-black, tomium bluish-white; lower
mandible, lilaceous-white, point of gonys, black; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, plumbeous,
without any shade of blue.
168, d ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, September 7, 1867. 8—10-—33—213__.9_
15—3,—13. Upper mandible, horn-black, tomium bluish-white ; lower mandible, pearlt-
white, tip of gonys, black; tarsi and toes, dull plumbeous.
48, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, June 17, 1867. Nest about three feet from
ground, in thorny bush in dense thicket.
568, $ ad.; Truckee Reservation, May 15, 1868. 7{3—10—23. Bill, and whole
interior of mouth, intense black; iris, blackish-brown; tarsi and toes, plumbeous.
MYIODIOCTES PUSILLUS.
Black-capped Yellow Warbler.
a. pusillus.
Muscicapa pusilla, W1Lson, Am. Orn., IIT, 1811, 103, pl. 26, fig. 4.
Myiodioctes pusitlus, Bonav., Consp. Av., I, 1850, 315.—Bainp, B. N. Am., 1858,
293 (part); Catal., 1859, No. 211; Review, 1855, 240 (part).—CooPEr, Orn.
Cal., 101,—CouEs, Key, 1872, 109, fig. 50 (part); Check List, 1873, No. 102;
B. N.W., 1874, 79 (part).—B. B. & L., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 317, pl. xvi,
figs. 3, 4 -HENSHAW, 1875, 207.
Myiodioctes pusillus var. pusillus, RripGway, Am. Journ. Sci. & Arts, Dec., 1872,
457,
f. pileolata.
Myiodioctes pusillus (part), AUCT.
Motacilla pileolata, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso. As., I, 1811, 497.
Myiodioctes pusillus var. pileolata, Ripew., Am. Journ. Sci. & Arts, Dec., 1872,
457.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 319.
This sprightly Warbler was not seen at Sacramento, but in the valley
of the Truckee, and in many suitable localities to the eastward, it was a
rare summer resident, becoming exceedingly numerous in autumn. Its
haunts during the breeding-season were much the same as those of the
Summer Yellow-bird (Dendraca estiva), but in September it was most
abundant im the shrubbery along the canon streams.
438 ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimens.
a. pusillus -
203, 8 ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, September 20, 1867. 413—63—23—11+—3
—11_]13_31, Upper mandible, blackish horn-color edged with pale brownish ; lower
mandible, pale lilaceous-brown; iris, brown ; tarsi and toes, yellowish-brown, the former
strongly stained with yellow posteriorly.
880, ¢ ad.; East Humboldt Mountains, August 29, 1868, 5£—6—(?)—13. Upper
mandible, deep-black, tomium edged with lilaceous; lower, dilute-lilac, more whitish
beneath; iris, sepia; tarsi and toes, dilute browuish-yellow, the tarsi more sulphury,
the toes deeper. ;
887, ¢ ad.; East Humboldt Mountains, September 1, 1868. 5—7—(?)—2. Upper
mandible, blackish-olivaceous, tomium and lower mandible, dilute reddish lilaceous-
brown; iris, sepia; tarsi and toes, pale olivaceous-yellow.
888, 2 ad.; same locality and date. 47—63—1%. Tarsi, pale purplish-brown; toes,
olive-yellow.
1039, 2 ad.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, May 24,1869. 43—7. Upper man-
dible, brownish-black ; lower, paler, basal two-thirds, pale wood-brown; iris, brown ;
tarsi and toes, dilute-brown.
B. pileolata.
120, 2 ad.; valley of the Truckee, Nevada, August 6, 1867. 5—63—2). Bill,
delicate pinkish horn-color, darker on the culmen; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, dilute
horn-color, stained with yellow. ;
166, 9 ad.; valley of the Lower Humboldt, Nevada, September 5, 1867. 43—6})3—
21, Bill, dark horn-color, lower mandible paler, dilute brown basally; iris, dark hazel ;
tarsi and toes, horn‘color, latter yellowish beneath.
176, gad.; West Humboldt Mountains, September 9, 1867. 54—63—2,5,. Bill,
dark horn-color, paler beneath, the lower mandible inclining to lilaceous; iris, hazel ;
tarsi and toes, pale livid horn-color.
SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA.
American Redstart.
Muscicapa ruticilla, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 326.
Setophaga ruticilla, SwAs., Zool. Jour., III, 1827, 358.—Barrp, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 297; Catal., 1859, No. 217; Review, 1865, 256.—Cours, Key, 1872, 110;
Check List, 1873, No. 104; Birds N.W., 1874, 81.—B. B. & B., Hist. N. Am.
Birds, I, 1874, 319, pl. xvi, figs. 1, 5.—Hensmaw, 1875, 209.
This beautiful little bird was common in summer throughout the Wah-
satch district, being one of several eastern species which have their westward
range limited only by the commencement of the arid and treeless region
of the Great Basin. It was abundant in the valleys and the lower portion
of the canons, but it did not extend far up into the mountains. A few were
seen, in June, in the orchard of the ““Church Ranche,” on Antelope Island.
PROGNE SUBIS. 439
List of specimens.
1104,3 ad.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, Utah, June 4, 1869. 53—73. Bill,
tarsi, and toes, deep black ; iris, brown.
Famity HIRUNDINIDH—Swattows.
PROGNE SUBIS.
Purple Martin.
Hirundo subis, LtNn., Syst. Nat. (10th ed.), 1758, 192.
- Progne subis, BAIRD, Review Am. B., 1865, 274.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I,
1874, 329, pl. xv, figs. 7, 10—Hunsuaw, 1875, 213.
Hirundo purpurea, LINN., Syst. Nat. (12th ed.), 1766, 344.
Progne purpurea, Bork, Isis, 1826, 971.—Barirp, B. N. Am., 1858, 314; Catal.,
1859, No. 231.—CooPeEr, Orn. Cal., 113.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 114. Check List,
1873, No. 117; B. N.W., 1874, 91.
In the more thickly-populated districts of California, the handsome
Purple Martin has become, as it has long since in the Eastern States,
semi-domesticated, and almost entirely allured from its original haunts, the
forests, by the superior advantages afforded by the surroundings of civilized
man; but in the more scantily-settled Interior it was found still retaining
its primitive habits. In the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento it was
a very abundant species, while eastward of the Sierra Nevada it was rare,
except among the aspen woods of the pine-region on certain of the higher
mountain ranges. In Carson City it was not common, while in Virginia
City but a single individual was seen, the date being June 18, 1868. Among
the aspens of the Wahsatch, near Parley’s Park, however, it was extremely
abundant, and nested in the deserted or captured excavations of the Red-
naped Woodpecker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis), most of which were bored into
the trunks of living trees, these holes being freely shared with the White-
bellied Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor).
As a rule, the Swallows, although true Oscines, are not considered
singers; the present species, however, is at least one notable exception, since
it is a warbler of high merit. Often have we reclined on some mossy or
fern-covered bank beneath the aspens, and given respectful attention to the
performance of a yoluble male Purple Martin, as, with glossy violet head
440 ORNITHOLOGY.
thrust from the entrance to his nest, he entertained his mate with liquid
warblings, varied by sweet cadences, his throat swelling and vibrating
with the volume of his song.
PETROCHELIDON LUNIFRONS.
Chiff Swallow.
Hirundo lunifrons, Say, Long’s Exped., II, 1823, 47.—Batrp, B. N. Am., 1858,
309; Catal., 1859, No. 226.—CooPeEr, Orn. Cal., 104.
Petrochelidon lunifrons, SCLATER, Cat. Am. B., 1862, 40.—Barrp, Review, 1865,
288.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 114; Check List, 1873, No. 114; B. N.W., 1874, 88.
—B.B. &R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 334, pl. Xv, 13.—HENSHAW, 1875, 215.
The first land-bird observed after arriving at San Francisco, was this
familiar and widely-diffused species, multitudes of which were observed to
swarm about certain old buildings along with smaller numbers of Purple
Martins (Progne subis). It was also noticed along every portion of our
route across the Great Basin, especially in the vicinity of rivers or lakes,
or at the settlements, whether large or small. The species may be consid-
ered the most abundant one of the family throughout the West, the next
in order being the White-bellied and Rough-winged Swallows (Zachycineta
bicolor and Stelgidopteryx serripennis). In localities most remote from settle-
ments it of course built its nest only on the face of overhanging cliffs, but
if near a settlement, any large building, as a barn or church, was almost
sure to be selected; in either case, vast numbers congregating together and
fixing their peculiar gourd-shaped nests side by side or upon each other, the
same as in the east. It was not observed to build in any other way, and
it is probable that the nesting-habits of this species are less variable than
those of its kindred, excepting, perhaps, the common Barn Swallow (IZirundo ,
horreorum, which differs chiefly in selecting caves or the interior of dwell-
ings, and in being not gregarious.
List of specimens.
852, g ad.; Bast Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, July 22, 1868. 6—12$—(?)—3f.
Bill, deep black ; interior of mouth, pinkish-dusky; iris, dark claret-brown ; tarsi and
toes, dark horn-color.
871, egg (1); East Humboldt Mountains, August 25,1868. Nest attached to side
of a rafter, underneath roof of a shed, at ranche.
HIRUNDO HORREORUM—TACHYCINETA BICOLOR. 441
HIRUNDO ERYTHROGASTER.
Barn Swallow.
B. horreorum.
Hirundo horreorum, BARTON, Frag. Nat. Hist. Penn’a, 1799, 17.—Barrp, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 308; Catal., 1859, No. 225; Review, 1865, 204.—CoopER, Orn.
Cal., 103.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 113, fig. 54; Check List, 1873, No. 111; Birds
N.W., 1874, 85.—B. L. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 339, pl. xvu, fig.
9.—HENSHAW, 1575, 217.
Although inhabiting the same localities as the Cliff Swallow, the pres-
ent species was observed to be everywhere much less numerous. It was
most common along the shore and on the islands of Pyramid Lake, where
it nested among the tufa domes, each nest being attached to the ceiling of
a cave among the rocks. In few instances were more than a single pair
found in one cave. Several nests were also found in caverns among the lime-
stone cliffs on the eastern side of the Ruby Mountains.
List of specimens.
408, d ad.; valley of the Humboldt, September, 1867.
1451, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, July 26, 1869.
Nest in stable, attached to rafter.
TACHYCINETA BICOLOR.
White-bellicd Swallow.
Hirundo bicolor, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept., I, 1807, 61, pl. 31.—Batrp, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 310; Catal., 1859, No. 227; Review, 1865, 297.—CoorErR, Orn.
Cal., 106.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 344, pl. xvi, fig. 8.
Tachycineta bicolor, CABANIS, Mus. Hein., 1850, 48.—Cours, Key, 1872, 115;
Check List, 1873, No. 112; Birds N.W., 1874, 86.—HENSHAW, 1875, 217.
This species and the Purple Martin were the only Swallows which were
1It is not yet satisfactorily determined whether the North American birds of this
species differ constantly from South American examples to the extent that the two
series nay be separated as geographical races. In case they should not prove thus
constantly different, the proper name of the North American bird is H. erythrogaster,
Boddaert, while the following synonyms are to be added to the above citations :—
Hirundo erythrogaster, BoppD., Tabl. Pl. enl. (724, fig. 1), 1783, 45 (Cayenne).—
SCLATER, Catal. Am. Birds, 1861, 39 (Brazil).
Hirundo rufa, GM., Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 1018 (PI. enl., 724, fig. 1)—Burm., Ueb.,
ILI, 148 (Brazil).
Hirundo cyanopyrrha, VIEILL., Nouy. Dict., XVI, 1817, 510.
442 ORNITHOLOGY.
confined strictly to wooded districts or to settlements, their distribution
being much the same, except that, in the case of wooded localities, the former
was most abundant in the river-valleys, while the latter occurred oftenest
on the mountains. Among the cotton-woods of the Lower Truckee, near
Pyramid Lake, in May, the White-bellied Swallow abounded more than
elsewhere, and every knot-hole or other cavity among the trees seemed to
have been taken possession of by a pair. They were then engaged in
building their nests, and throughout the day would come to the door-
yard of the Reservation-house to pick up the feathers, or bits of rag or
paper, scattered about the ground, after hurriedly seizing which they would
fly with the article selected in a direct line to their nests. As they sat on
the ground, they were beautiful little birds, and though they squatted some-
what awkwardly, on account of the smallness of their feet, they raised their
heads so proudly, and glanced so sharply, yet timidly, about them, that
they seemed graceful in their motions; while each movement caused the
sunlight to glance from their burnished backs of lustrous steel-blue, with
which the snowy white of their breasts contrasted so strikingly. Although
the object picked up was most often a feather, it occasionally happened
that one would take hold of a string, or a long shred of cloth, perhaps a
yard or more in length, in which case, so conspicuous an object was certain
to be seized upon by others, as the bearer labored to carry it to his nest,
thus becoming the subject of quite a struggle, and much twittering.
The White-bellied Swallow was by no means confined to the wooded
river-valleys, however, but it was equally abundant among the aspen woods,
high up in the Wahsatch Mountains, at an altitude of 8,000 or 9,000 feet; it
was also common in the Sacramento Valley, but a few feet above sea-level,
among the oak trees of the plain. Neither is it invariably arboreal, for it
seems to have become, in certain localities, more ‘‘civilized,” like its cousin,
the Purple Martin, and to have taken advantage of the abode of man
in localities where there are no trées to accommodate them. Such was
conspicuously the case at Carson City, where they were quite numerous,
and built their nests under the eaves, behind the weather-boarding, or about
the porches of dwellings or other buildings, and were quite familiar. The
specimens in the collection were shot on the wing; and when one was
TACHYCINETA THALASSINA. 443
brought down the rest would exhibit great concern, circling about the
victim, and uttering a plaintive twitter, as their suffering companion lay
fluttering on the ground. ;
List of specimens.
473, 2 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 30,1868, 6—13—43—44, Bill, deep black ;
interior of mouth, fleshy white; tarsi and toes, dark sepia, the latter pinkish beneath.
474, & ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 30, 1868,.. 53—13—43—4,1.. Interior of
mouth, pale yellow.
475, 2 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 30, 1868. 6—128—4%—315. Interior of
mouth, fleshy white.
748, eggs; Truckee Bottoms, May 19,1868. Nest of straw and feathers, in deserted
woodpecker’s hole, in willow tree.
768, 769, eggs (3—4); Truckee Bottoms, May 29, 1868. Nests with same location,
etc., as preceding.
1038, o ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 24,1869. 6—13. Bill, black; iris, brown ;
feet, dark purplish-brown.
1416, eggs (3); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, July 16, 1869. Eggs
in knot-hole in aspen-tree. Nest of feathers.
1484, 3 juv.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, July 30, 1869. 53—12.
Bill, black; rictus and interior of mouth, yellow; iris, brown; feet, dark livid sepia.
1485, 3 juv.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, July 30, 1869. 53—113.
Feet, light pink.
TACHYCINETA THALASSINA.
Violet-green Swallow.
ITirundo thalassina, SWAINSON, Philos. Mag., I, 1827, 365.—Batrp, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 311; Catal., 1859, No. 228; Review, 1865, 299.—CoopER, Orn. Cal.,
107.—B. LB. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 347, pl. xvi, fig. 11.
Tachycineta thalassina, CABANIS, Mus. Hein., 1850, 48.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 113;
Check List, 1873, No. 113; Birds N.W., 1874, 86.—HmnsHaw, 1875, 217.
The beautiful Violet-green Swallow was first seen on the main island in
Pyramid Lake, during the month of May. They were very abundant, and
frequented chiefly the cliffs of calcareous tufa, where they were observed
to enter the fissures of the rock to their nests within. In J uly we saw it
again among the limestone walls of the eastern canons of the Ruby
Mountains, where it also nested in the crevices on the face of the cliffs, its
associates being the White-throated Swift (Panyptila saxatilis), and Cliff
Swallow (Petrochelidon lunifrons). Their nests were in almost every case
444 ORNITHOLOGY.
out of reach, only two of those that were found being accessible. Both
were in horizontal fissures, scarcely large enough to admit the hand; the
nest consisting of a flattened mass of sticks and straws, lined with feathers,
like those of the Bank Swallows (Cotyle and Stelgidopteryx); one of them
contained five young birds, but the other had apparently been tampered
with in some way, since the parent was dead and her three eggs broken.
The latter, like those of 7. bicolor and the two species above mentioned,
were pure white, without markings.
Although other observers, whose statements we do not in the least
doubt, have described the habits of this bird as arboreal, like those of the
White-bellied Swallow (Z. bicolor) and the Purple Martin, we never found
it so in any locality during our trip, it being everywhere a strictly saxico-
line species, and an associate of Panyptila saxatilis, Petrochelidon lunifrons, and
Hirundo horreorum rather than of the species named, and to be found only
where precipitous rocks, affording suitable fissures, occurred. When on the
wing the appearance of this lovely Swallow is very striking, and so unlike that
of any other that it may be immediately distinguished. No other species
resembles it except the 7. bicolor, which is somewhat similar on account of
the pure white lower parts; but a more attentive examination discovers the
greater amount of white on the side of the head, and if the bird is viewed
from above the plumage is seen to be tricolored—the rump rich intense
violet, and the back lustrous green, the two colors being separated by a
very conspicuous, broad, and apparently continuous, band of snowy white
across the upper part of the rump, caused by the close approximation of the
two white flank-patches.
This Swallow appeared to be a very silent species, but a few notes
were heard, which called to mind the chirping of young Purple Martins, as
heard in rainy weather.
List of specimens.
761, ad.; island in Pyramid Lake, Nevada, May 23, 1868, 5$—12}3—(?)—4¢.
sill, deep black; iris, burnt-umber ; tarsi and toes, deep sepia.
847, 2 ad.; Bast Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, July 20, 1868. 5$—113—(?)—33.
Bill, deep black; interior of mouth, pale naples-yellow ; iris, dark sepia; tarsi and toes,
pale sepia-purple.
1070, 2 ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah (City Creek Canon), May 29, 1869.
COTYLE RIPARIA. 445
COTYLE RIPARIA.
Bank Swallow.
Hirundo riparia, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 344.
Cotyle riparia, Bois, Isis, 1822, 550.—BarrD, B. N. Am., 1858, 313; Catal., 1859,
No. 229; Review, 1865, 319.—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., 110.—CovuEs, Key, 1872,
114; Check List, 1873, No. 115; B. N.W., 1874, 90.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
B., I, 1874, 353, pl. Xvi, fig. 14.—HENSIAW, 1875, 220.
The distribution of the common Bank Swallow was the same as that
of the Rough-winged species, but it was everywhere less abundant. We
never found it except when associated with the latter bird, and its habits
and appearance seemed so much the same that it required somewhat close
observation to distinguish them readily. The pure white lower parts,
crossed by a dusky band across the breast, however, served as a good
and unfailing mark by which to distinguish the present species, the lower
parts of the Rough-winged Swallow being uniform mouse-color, growing
gradually paler behind; while the flight of the Bank Swallow is swifter
and more graceful, more like that of the species of Tachycineta, or true
Hirundo.
While on the Truckee Reservation, in May, it was daily our custom to
visit a small pond, situated in a broad meadow, for the purpose of studying
the several species of Swallows which came there in large numbers every
evening. Having taken our post of observation a little before sunset, a
few individuals of the Rough-winged and White-bellied species were sure
to be already there, having ,but a few rods to come from the ravines and
cotton-woods near by. In a short time the Barn Swallows would make
their appearance, gliding easily and swiftly over the surface of the water in
pursuit of their insect-food. This soon became the most abundant species,
excepting the Cliff Swallow, there having arrived in the meantime a very
few individuals of the Violet-green and Bank Swallows, the latter being the
least numerous of all. In one evening, as we sat on the grassy bank of this
pond, we killed specimens of each of these species as they flew by us.
_List of specimens.
1410, 1411, 1412, eggs. Valley of Weber River, June, 1869. [J. C. Olmstead.]
446 ORNITHOLOGY.
STELGIDOPTERYX SERRIPENNIS.
Rough-winged Swallow.
Hirundo serripennis, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog., IV, 1838, 593.
Cotyle serripennis, BONAP., Consp. Av., I, 1850, 342.—Batrp, B. N. Am., 1858, 313;
Catal., 1859, No. 230.—Coormnr, Orn. Cal., 110.
Stelgidopteryx serripennis, BAIRD, Review Am. B., 1865, 316.—CovEs, Key, 1872,
114; Cheek List, 1873, No. 116; B. N.W., 1874, 90.—B. B. & B., Hist. N. Am.
B., I, 1874, 350, pl. xvi, fig. 12—HENSHAW, 1875, 219.
Next to the Cliff and White-bellied Swallows, this was the most abun-
dant species of the family. It was found only in the river-valleys, however,
or in the lower ravines of the mountains, where, in company with the Bank
Swallow, it excavated the earthy banks or took possession of holes dug by
the Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon). Its habits in general are quite similar to
those of the species with which it so freely associates.
Tist of specimens.
534, 2ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 25, 1868. 54—114—4,,—33. Bill, black ;
iris, bister; tarsi and toes, dark horn-sepia.
1194, 2ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, June 21, 1869. 5—114. Bill, deep black; iris,
brown; feet, black.
1409, eggs; valley of Weber River, June, 1869. [J. C. Olmstead.]
Famiry AMPELIDH—WAX-WINGS or CHATTERERS.
AMPELIS CEDRORUM.
Cedar-bird.
Bombycilla cedrorum, V1EILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept., I, 1807, 88, pl. 57.
Ampelis cedrorum, SCLATER, Proc. Zool. Soe. Lond., 1856, 299.—Barrp, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 318; Catal., 1859, No. 233; Review, 1866, 407.—Coopur, Orn.
Cal., 129.—Couss, Key, 1872, 115, pl. 56; Check List, 1873, 119; Birds N.W.,
1874, 93.—B. B. & R, Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 401, pl. xvum, fig. 2—
HENSHAW, 1875, 229.
At only one locality did we meet with this elegant bird, and that was
in the Upper Humboldt Valley, where it was common in September in the
thickets along the streams flowing from the Clover Mountains. It was
found in small companies, feeding on the fruit of a species of thorn-apple,
or haw (Crategus rivularis), which abounded in the thickets.
PHANOPEPLA NITENS. 447
List of specimens.
915, g ad.; Dearing’s Ranch, Upper Humboldt Valley, September 10, 1868. 7,—
114—(?)—3}. Bill, tarsi and toes, deep black ; iris, purplish-brown.
916, gad. Same date, locality, and remarks. 74—113—(?)—3.
?PHANOPEPLA NITENS.
; Shining Ptilogonys.
Piiliogonys nitens, SWAINSON, Anim. Menag., 1838, 285.
Cichlopsis nitens, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 320, 923.
Pheenopepla nitens, SCLATER, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1858, 543. —Barirp, Cat. N.
Am. Birds, 1859, No. 234; Review, 1866, 416.—CoopeErR, Orn. Cal., 131.—
Cours, Key, 1872, 116; Check List, 1873, No. 120.—B. B. & R., Hist. N.
Am. Birds, I, 1874, 405, pl. xv, figs. 3, 4. HENSHAW, 1875, 229.
On several occasions we heard, among the cedar and pinon woods of
the desert ranges in western Nevada, a note so similar to the prolonged,
querulous, rattling call of Nuttall’s Woodpecker (Picus nuttalli), that we
entered the fact among our notes as evidence of the occurrence of that
species eastward of the Sierra. We could never see the author of these
notes, however, until, on the 27th of June, 1868, when exploring the
Soda Lakes of the Carson Desert, we heard near by, in a ravine of
that remarkable locality, the same familiar call and immediately started in
search of the bird which produced it. It was soon discovered, perched
upon the summit of a large grease-wood bush, but at our approach
immediately took wing, and, notwithstanding every artifice and caution
on our part, kept out of gunshot range, although enticing us on by fre-
quent halts, during which it perched upon the topmost branch of the most
prominent bushes. At each flight the peculiar rattling call referred to was
uttered, so that the bird so long sought was at last before us. We were
greatly surprised, however, to find that it was not the species we had sup-
posed, but one we had never seen before.
Several shots were fired at it during the most favorable. opportunities,
but it escaped unscathed, and we were therefore unable to identify it with
certainty. The appearance of the bird was so remarkable that we are able
to refer it to only one known North American species—the Phcenopepla
nitens, with the female or young male of which it corresponded in plumage,
448 ORNITUOLOGY.
as well as could be ascertained from the distant view obtained. In its
motionless attitude while perched, it called to mind Oveoscoptes montanus,
which it closely resembled in size, general form, and dull, grayish colors;
but when it flew its markings were more varied, the wings presenting a large
white patch, apparently on the primaries. The manner of its flight was quite
similar to that of the Mocking-bird (Zimus polyglottus), the wings and tail
being widely spread; while the resemblance was still more striking from the
white patch on the primaries. These characteristics correspond well with
those of the female or young male of Phenopepla nitens, so that all cireum-
stances taken into consideration render it extremely probable that this
species is a rare summer inhabitant of the desert portions of western Nevada,
a supposition strengthened by the fact that it was obtained in the southern
portion of the State by Mr. Bischoff, the naturalist of Lieutenant Wheeler's
expedition, in 1871.
Faminty VIREONIDH—GREENLETS.
VIREOSYLVIA GILVA.
Warbling Vireo, or Greenlet.
fi. swainsoni.
Vireo swainsoni, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 336 (in text, sub V. gilvus).
Vireosylvia swainsoni, BAIRD, Review Am B., 1866, 345.
Vireosylvia gilva var. sicamsoni, BATRD, in Coop. B. Cal., [, 1870, 116.—B. B. &
h., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 371.— HENSHAW, 1875, 221.
Vireo gilvus var. swainsoni, COUES, Key, 1872, 121, fig. 64; Check List, 1873, No.
125a.
Vireo gilvus. b. swainsoni, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 98.
Few, if any, of the western birds are more extensively distributed
or more abundant than this Greenlet, for it abides in all fertile localities.
Altitude makes no difference with it, since it is equally common among the
willows or cotton-woods of the lowest valleys and the aspens just below
the timber-line—the only condition required being, seemingly, the exist-
ence of deciduous trees or shrubbery. The food of this bird consists in
summer chiefly of worms and other insects, but in the autumn it seems to
subsist almost exclusively on the small bluish berries of a species of cornel
(Cornus pubescens), which grows abundantly along the mountain streams.
LANIVIREO CASSINI. 449
The habits and notes of the western birds of this species are in all respects
like those of the eastern ones.
List of specimens.
122, 2 ad.; valley of the Truckee (Camp 12), Angust 6,1867. 53—84—211—_24—
go—f—115—1. Upper mandible, dark horn-color, commissure and lower mandible,
lilaceous-white; iris, deep brown; tarsi and toes, light plumbeous-blue.
153, ¢ ad.; valley of the Humboldt (Camp 17), September 7. mee 53,—83,—2t
eer ee ae —11, Bill, black, commissure and basal two-thirds of ‘ower raarigaees
more lilaceous; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, plumbeous-blue, almost ultramariue.
177, 2 ad.; West Fitaboldt Mountains (Camp 18), September 9, 1867. 5—7g—21t
ee mete ar Same remarks.
180, 2? ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, September 10, 1867. 5{—S—2,°,—24— 7.
—~;,—1i-?3. Oger mandible, slaty horn-color, tomium bdved with hinceous: lower,
pearl-whitish basally, then pale blue, the tip as dark as the upper neti iris,
brown; tarsi and toes, light ashy-ultramarine.
187, é ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, September 12, 1867. 5$—83—211_91—
g—j—2 912, Same remarks.
809, nest and eggs (2); Fort Churchill (Carson River), Nevada, June 24, 1868.
Nest in Seal copse, about four feet from ground. Female seen ou nest.
878, 2 ad.; East Humboldt Mountains, August 27, 1868. 5,7,—811—(?)—25..
Upper mandible, plumbeous-black with lilaceous edge; lower, piumbeous-blue with
lilaceous glow basally, and darker terminally; iris, burnt-umber; tarsi and toes, deli-
eate light ashy-blue.
879, (sex unknown); East Humboldt Mountains, August 27, 1868. 53—83$—
2;;. Same remarks.
1109, ¢ ad.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 5, 1869. 53—815, Bill,
dull blackish, the basal two-thirds of lower mandible lilaceous-bluish; iris, brown;
tarsi and toes, plumbeous-blue.
1251, 1252, 1253, nests and eggs; Parley’s Park, Wabsatch Mountains, Utah,
June 23, 1869. Nests all about four feet from ground, in aspens of a grove.
1317, nest and eggs; Parley’s Park, June 27, 1567. Aspens.
1497, $ ad.; Parley’s Park, August 10,1869. 5,,—81). Upper mandible, black-
ish-brown; commissure and lower mandible, lilacenus : ; iris, “vandyke-brown; tarsi and
toes, fine light blue. ;
1504, g ad.; Parley’s Park, August 12, 1869. 53—83. Same remarks.
ae
LANIVIREO CASSINI.
Cassin’s Vireo.
Vireo cassini, XANTUS, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1858, 117.—BaAtnrp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 340, pl. 78, fig. 1; Catal., 1859, No. 251.
Lanivireo solitarius var. cassini, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 377, pl. xvai, fig. 9.
Vireo solitarius var. (7) cassini, WENSHAW, 1875, 223.
“Vireo solitarius” (part), COOPER, Orn. Cal., 1, 1870, 117.
This rare and little-known species was noticed only in the cations of
29PR
450 ORNITHOLOGY.
the West Humboldt Mountains, where it was not uncommon in September.
Those found had probably migrated from the region to the northwestward,
or from the Cascade Mountains or the country adjacent, since examples of
Zonotrichia coronata, Pipilo oregonus, and Melospiza guttata were obtained at
the same place.
List of specimens.
174, ad.; west slope of West Humboidt Mountains, Nevada, September 9, 1867.
54—9—215—23 3 8-—271-—1. Upper mandible black, tomium bluish-litac; lower
mandible pure pale blue, the tip black; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, fine ashy-ultra-
marine.
217, d ad.; east slope of West Humboldt Mountains, September 25, 1867. 53—
93__9 3 SG) Ce ey F K
—23—28.— 1339115, Same remarks.
zs
‘ 16
15,
16
LANIVIREO SOLITARIUS.
Solitary Vireo.
Muscicapa solitaria, WILSON, Am. Orn., II, 1810, 143, pl. 17, fig. 6.
Vireo solitarius, VIEILL., Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat., XI, 1817.—Bargp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 340; Catal., 1859, No. 250.—Coorer, Orn. Cal., 117 (part).—COovuEs,
Key, 1872, 66, 121; Check List, 1873, 127; B. N.W., 1874, 99.— HENSHAW,
1875, 222.
Vireosylvia solitaria, BAIRD, Review Am. B., 1866, 347.’
Lanivireo solitarius, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 373, pl. xv, fig. 8.
This species was met with only during its autumnal migrations, when it
seemed to be not uncommon in the month of September among the canon
thickets of the western slope of the Clover Mountains. A single specimen
was also shot in a buffalo-berry thicket in Buena Vista Canon, on the east-
ern slope of the West Humboldt Mountains, in September of the preceding
year. It is still a question whether such individuals of this species were
migrants from the higher portions of the mountains or from a more northern
region; but that their migration was not vertical is most probable.
List of specimens.
920, 8 ad.; head of Humboldt Valley (Camp 24), September 11, 1868. 55,—9—
(?)—22. Bill black, basal half of lower mandible, plumbeous-blue ; iris, burnt-amber ;
tarsi and toes, fine ashy-blue.
LANIVIREO PLUMBEUS—VIREO PUSILLUS. 451
LANIVIREO PLUMBEUS.
Lead-colored Vireo.
Vireo plumbeus, CouES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1866, 73; Key, 1872, 122, fig. 6.
Vireosylvia plumbea, BAIRD, Review Am. B., 1866, 349.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., 119.
Vireo solitarius var. plumbeus, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 111, 1872, 176.—
Cours, Key, 1872, 351; Check List, 1873, No. 127a; B. N.W., 1874, 100.—
HENSHAW, 1875, 224.
Lanivireo solitarius var. plumbeus, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 377, pl.
XVI, fig. 10.
The first locality where we met with this species in traveling eastward,
was the eastern slope of the Ruby Mountains, where several other species
characteristic of the Rocky Mountain district were first encountered, as
Helminthophaga virginie and Selasphorus platycercus. It was rather common
in July and August, its usual abode being the cedar and nut-pine groves on
the lower slopes of the mountains, along with Dendreca nigrescens and Hel-
minthophaga virginice, or in the brushwood of the ravines. Certain of its
notes so closely resembled those of Troglodytes parkmanni that they were
hard to distinguish.
List of specimens,
858, ad. (sex unknown); East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, August 5, 1868.
58—93—(?)—2.9.. Bill, plumbeous-black, basal half of lower mandible, plumbeous-
blue; iris, dark bister; tarsi and toes, fine ashy-ultramarine.
861, d ad.; East Humboldt Mountains, August 5, 1868. (Specimen too badly
mutilated for measuring.) Same remarks as to preceding.
VIREO PUSILLUS.
Least Vireo.
Vireo pusillus, CoUES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1866, 76.—BatrD, Review Am.
B., 1866, 360.—Cooper, Orn. Cal., 124—Covurs, Key, 1872, 124; Check
List, 1873, No. 132.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 391, pl. xvu, fig.
‘14. Hensuaw, 1875, 226.
This Vireo was the characteristic and most abundant species at Sac-
ramento City, where it inhabited the dense willow copses along with
Empidonax pusillus. It was not observed anywhere else during our explo-
rations, and it is probable that its northward range in California is limited
to the immediate vicinity of the Sacramento River. Its notes most resemble
452 ORNITHOLOGY.
those of JV. belli, of the eastern prairie districts, but they are somewhat
different. A single nest was found, the one in question being attached to
a forked twig of a low bush among the undergrowth of a dense willow
copse; it was about three feet from the ground, and contained no eggs.
List of specimens.
ati Sun CimELGmmealiGl
—14. Upper mandible, dusky ; lower, brownish-white; iris, dark hazel; tarsi anid toes,
fine plumbeous-blue.
55, 8 ad.; Sacramento, June 18, 1867. 5—7—2,3 137311 _91__14. Bill, black-
ish-brown, commissure and lower mandible, pale brownish-lilaceous; iris, dark hazel;
tarsi and toes, deep ashy-ultramarine.
47, d ad.; Sacramento, California, June17, 1867. 54—7—2,3.—115 7 _11_93
i
Famity LANITDA—Snurixkes or ButcHer Birps.
COLLURIO BOREALIS.
Great Northern Shrike.
Lanius borealis, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept., I, 1807, 90, pl. 50.
Collyrio borealis, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 324; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No.
236.
Collurio borealis,;BAtRD, Review Am. B., 1866, 440.—CooPErR, Orn. Cal., 137.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 125, fig. 73; Check List, 1873, No. 134; Birds N.W., 1874,
101.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 415, pl. xrx, figs. 1, 2—IEn-
SHAW, 1875, 223.
During the winter of our residence at Carson City, several examples of
this northern bird were seen, but it was at all times less common than
the smaller species (C. excubitoroides), and seemed to be confined to the shel-
tered ravines among the foot-hills of the mountains. Those observed were
perched on the summits of the willows along a stream, patiently surveying
the surrounding fields and thickets, after the manner of other species of the
genus.
List of specimens.
412, 2 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, February 21, 1868. 104—14}—41!—311, Bill,
dull black, lower mandible more ashy, duller basally; iris, umber; tarsi and toes,
black.
455, 9 ad.; Carson City, March 25, 1868. 10$—148—14}8—3%. Bill, nearly uni-
form dull slaty, lower mandible more ashy, paler basally; iris, burnt-umber; tarsi and
toes, black.
COLLURIO EXCUBITOROIDES. 453
COLLURIO LUDOVICIANUS.
Southern Shrilxe.
f. excubitoroides—W hite-rumped Shrike.
Lanius excubitoroides, SWAINSON, Fauna Bor. Am., II, 1831, 115, pl. 35.
Collyrio excubitoroides, BAIRD, B, N. Am., 1858, 527, pl. 75, fig. 2; Cat. N. Am. B.,
1859, No. 238.
Collurio excubitoroides, BAIRD, Review Am. B., 1866, 445.—Cooprr, Orn. Cal., 133.
Collurio ludovicianus var. excubitoroides, COUES, Key, 1872, 125; Check List, 1873,
No. 135a.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 421, pl. x1x, fig. 8—HEN-
SHAW, 1875, 233.
Scarcely a locality was visited where this Shrike was not found, in
ereater or less plenty, its range including both the Sacramento Valley and
the country eastward of the Sierra Nevada. At Sacramento it was frequently
observed about the outskirts of the city, where it frequented the oak-groves
and seattered trees, or the borders of the fields. In the Interior it was most
common at those localities where there was a greater or less extent of willow
thickets, with meadow-lands and sage-brush adjacent; but it was not rare
on the higher mountain ranges, where it inhabited the mahogany and cedar
groves in preference to other places. It was most usually observed perch-
ing quietly on the summit of a dead weed-stalk or prominent naked branch
of a bush-or tree, patiently watching for its food, or during its curious
undulating flight, so strikingly characteristic of the species of this genus.
List of specimens.
156, $juv.; valley of the Humboldt (Camp 17), September 2, 1867. 9—123—315—
375—11— 12,4. Bill, slaty horn-black, basal portion of lower mandible paler; iris,
brown; tarsi and toes, black.
344, juv.; cotton-woods of Carson River, Fort Churchill, Nevada, December 6, 1867.
94—123—4—34—11—_ 1493, Gill deep black, lower mandible paler basally; iris,
brown; tarsi and toes, black.
449, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 10,1868, ©4—13—44—33. Bill, pure
black; iris, bister; tarsi and toes, black.
482, $ ad.; Carson, April 2, 1868. 94—134—45—3.7. Same remarks.
524, ¢ ad.; Carson, April 24,1868. 9—13—41—33. Same remarks.
$49, 2 ad.; Hast Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, July 21, 1868. (Mahoganies ;
altitude 9,000 feet.) 93—13—(?)—3%. Bill, pure black; interior of mouth, livid fleshy-
white; iris, bister; scutella of tarsi and toes, pure black, the interspaces dirty white.
889, juv.; East Humboldt Mountains, September 4, 1868. 8 —124—(?)—3%,. Bill,
454 ORNITHOLOGY.
slate-black, pale purplish on base of lower mandible; iris, brown; tarsi and toes,
black.
1044, nest and eggs (4); Salt Lake City, Utah, May 24, 1869. Nest in oak-bush,
about four feet from ground.
1055, nest and eggs; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 27,1869. Nest in sage-bush.
1095, nest and egg (1); Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 4, 1869. Nest in
sage-bush.
1129, nest and eggs (4); Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 7, 1869. Nest
in rose-bush in ravine.
1427, eggs (2); Promontory Point, Utah, June, 1869. [I*. A. Clark.]
1521, eggs; Fremont’s Island, Great Salt Lake, August 16, 1869. [I*, A. Clark.]
Famity TANAGRIDA—TANAGERS.
PYRANGA LUDOVICIANA.
Western Tamager; “Louisiana Tamager.’’!
Tanagra ludoviciana, WILSON, Am. Orn., III, 1811, 27, pl. 22, fig. 1.
Pyranga ludoviciana, AUDUBON, Synop., 1839, 137.—BatrD, B. N. Am., 1858, 303 ;
Catal. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 223.—CooreEr, Orn. Cal., 145.—CougEs, Key, 1872,
112; Chéck List, 1873, No. 110; B. N.W., 1874, 83.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
B., I, 1874, 437, pl. xx, figs. 3, 4 HENSHAW, 1875, 235.
This beautiful Tanager, one of the most brilliant of western birds, was
found to be very generally distributed through the wooded portions of
the route traversed, excepting in the valley portions of California, none
having been seen from Sacramento eastward until well into the pine
forest of the Sierra Nevada. It was first observed on the western portion
of that range, at an altitude of about 5,000 feet, its song first attracting
attention, from its extreme similarity to that of the Scarlet Tanager (P.
yubra) of the East. From this point eastward it was met with in every
wooded locality, being much more frequently seen on the mountains than
along the rivers of the lower valleys. In May, soon after their arrival
from the south, these Tanagers were very numerous in the rich valley
of the Truckee, near Pyramid Lake, where they were observed to feed
chiefly on the buds of the grease-wood bushes (Obione confertifolia), in
company with the Black-headed Grosbeak and Bullock’s Oriole. Very
few were seen later in the season, however, nearly all haying departed for
‘the mountain woods. During July and August it was a common species
on the eastern slope of the Ruby Mountains, where it inhabited the groves
| ’ to)
1 Geographically inappropriate.
LOXIA AMERICANA. 455
of cedar, nut-pine, and mountain mahogany; while from June to August
it was an abundant. bird in the pine forests of the Wahsatch and Uintah
ranges. In September they were noticed to feed extensively on the fruit
of the Crategus rivularis, in company with the Red-shafted Flicker, Gaird-
ner’s Woodpecker, the Cedar-bird, and the Cross-bills (Loxia americana and
LL. leucoptera).
In its habits this species is almost a perfect counterpart of the eastern
P. rubra, while its song is scarcely distinguishable, being merely of a slightly
finer, or more silvery, tone; but the ordinary note, sounding like plit’-it, is
very different from the chip’-a-rd, ree of the eastern species. The note of
the young is quite peculiar, being a low whistle, something like the com-
plaining call of the Eastern Blue-bird (Stalia sialis), but louder.
List of specimens.
565, 8 ad.; Truckee Reservation, May 15,1868. 73—11,°—34. Bill, dilute wax-
yellow, with a greenish cast, except along commissure, darker greenish-brown toward
the culmen, which is dark sepia, with the terminal half sharply, black; iris, grayish-
brown; tarsi and toes, pale plumbeous, the latter whitish beneath.
838, 2 ad.; Hast Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, July 13, 1868. (Mahogany woods.)
73—113—(?)—34. Upper mandible, dark greenish-sepia, the tomium and lower man-
dible, light greenish-yellow ; iris, burnt-umber; tarsi and toes, plumbeous.
1283, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, Walsatch Mountains, Utah, June 25, 1869.
Nest on extreme end of horizontal branch of pine tree in grove.
1376, nest and eggs (3); Uintah Mountains, Utah, July 7, 1869. Nest on mount-
ain mahogany tree, near end of horizontal branch.
Famity FRINGILLIDA—Fincu_es, Sparrows, and BUNTINGS.
LOXIA AMERICANA.
Common Crossbill.
Curvirostra americana, WILSON, Am. Orn., IV, 1811, 44, pl. 31, figs. 1, 2.—Barrp,
B. N. Am., 1858, 426; Catal., 1859, No. 318.—CoopeEr, Orn. Cal., I, 148.
Loxia americana, BONAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 38.
Loxia curvirostra var. americana, COUES, Key, 1872, 351; Check List, 1873, No.
143; B. N.W., 1874, 109 —B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 484, pl. Xxmm1,
figs. 1, 4. HENSHAW, 1875, 248.
The Common Crossbill may breed on the higher portions of the loftier
ranges in the Interior, but none were seen by us until toward the last of
456 ORNITHOLOGY.
August, when they became gradually common in the lower canons of the
Fast Humboldt Mountains. They were usually observed in small flocks
among the willows or aspens, and uttered frequently, especially while on
the wing, a soft whistling note, somewhat like chih, chih, chih, quite unlike
the note of any other bird of our acquaintance.
List of specimens.
884, g ad.; Willows, foot of Kast Humboldt Mountains (Camp 21), August 29,
1868. 6—104—(?)—2%. Bill, uniform horn-sepia; tarsi and toes, grayish sepia; iris,
raw-um ber.
[This specimen is remarkable for its unusually small bill.]
LOXIA LEUCOPTERA.
White-winged Crossbill.
Loxia leucoptera, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 844 —B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds,
I, 1874, 488, pl. XxIn, figs. 2, 3—CouEs, Check List, 1872, No. 142; Birds
N.W., 1874, 110.
Curvirostra leucoptera, WILSON, Am. Orn., IV, 1811, 48, pl. 31, fig. 3—Batrp,
Birds N. Aim., 1858, 427; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No, 319.—Coorer, Orn. Cal.,
I, 149.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 129, fig. 76.
On the 12th of August, a male of what was probably this species, but
in very unusually brilliant plumage, was seen among the cedars on the
eastern slope of the Ruby Mountains. It is therefore probable that this
species breeds sparingly on the higher portion of the loftier ranges! In
September it was common in the lower cafions on the eastern slope of the
East Humboldt Mountains, where it inhabited the same localities as the
more rare L. americana. The note of this Crossbill is a plaintive week,
very different from the hurried chih, chih of the other species, or, indeed,
the note of any other bird known to us.
1 When first seen, this individual called instantly to mind the adult male of
Pyranga erythromelena, of Mexico and Central America, so rich and uniform was the
bright carmiue-red of the plumage, while the pure white wing-bands contrasted con-
spicuously with the deep black of the wings and tail. It is scarcely possible, however,
that it could have been this southern Tanager, which has not yet been taken near our
southern border. It should be considered, however, that a specimen of Psaltriparus
melanotis, also a Mexican bird, not before detected in the United States, was observed
in the same locality at nearly the sanre time.
CARPODACUS CASSINI. 457
CARPODACUS CASSINI.
Cassin’s Purple Fineh.
Carpodacus cassini, BATRD, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1854, 119; B. N. Am., 1858,
414; Catal., 1859, No. 307.—Cooprr, Orn. Cal., I, 155.—Couxs, Key, 1872;
128; Check List, 1872, No. 140; B. N.W., 1874, 106.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
B., I, 1874, 460, pl. Xx1, figs. 4, 5 HENSHAW, 1875, 240.
Although this Finch was observed to be essentially pinicoline, it was
occasionally found among deciduous trees when such occurred in the imme-
diate vicinity of coniferous forests, this being notably the case during the
breeding-season. In the pine forests of the Sierra Nevada, near Carson
City, these birds were first observed on the 21st of March, at which date
large flocks were found among the trees. They continued to increase in
abundance until about the middle of April, when they gradually dispersed
through the forest, the greater number going higher up the mountains. At
the time of their arrival they were in full song, and continued so during the
season, and it was noticed that the young males, in the plumage of the
females (possibly the latter also), sang almost if not quite as vigorously
and sweetly as those in the adult livery. In certain localities on the eastern
slope of the Ruby Mountains they were quite abundant on several occa-
sions, the flocks consisting chiefly of young-of-the-year, which, with their
parents, had apparently come from the higher coniferous woods near the
summits of the range, since no nests were found among the cedar and pifon
groves of the lower slopes. In the pine-belt of the Wahsatch and Uintah
Mountains they were abundant from May to August, during the whole of
which time they were nesting. Most of the nests found were among the as-
pens and narrow-leafed cotton-woods (Populus tremuloides and P. angustifolia)
of the higher portions of the ravines, where these trees replaced the conifers.
The song of this species is clear and sweet, and is even superior to
that of the Eastern Purple Finch (C. purpureus), which, however, it greatly
resembles. Many passages are loud and clear, and so much like the notes
of certain Vireones that we were several times led by them in search of a
new Greenlet. Other portions of its song, which was greatly varied, were
sweet, soft warblings, and tender, whistling calls.
List of specimens.
446, J ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 21, 1868. 63—11—311—3,'.. Bill, uni-
Girl Gis
458 ORNITHOLOGY.
form horn-color, with delicate lilaceous tinge; iris, burnt-umber; tarsi and toes, dark
horn-sepia.
447, S ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 21, 1868. 615— 11$—33—31. Same re-
marks. Biil, laceous-sepia.
463, 3 ad.; eee March 28, 1868. 614—-114—33}-31. Same remarks.
464, $ ad.; Carson, March 28, 1868. 611—114—314—31. Same remarks.
465, 2 ad.; Carson, March 28, 18638. aie 3, Same remarks.
466, 2 ad.; Carson, March 28, 1868. 6}3—114—313—31. Same remarks.
494, 8 ad.; Carson, April 4, 1368. 631134 3. Same remarks.
865, g ad.; Camp 19, East Humboldt Mountains, August 10, 1868. 7$—11Z—(?)
—3,. Same remarks.
1182, nest and eggs (5); City Creek Cation, Utah, June 18, 1869. Nest in box-
elder Wrst, about 7,000 feet aititude.
1239, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 23,
1869. Nest in top of cotton-wood tree by cation stream.
1240, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, Wahsateh Mountains, Utab, June 23,
1869. Nest in top of aspen.
1270, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, June 23, 1869. 63—11. Bill, umber-drab, paler and
more lilaceous basally and beneath; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, horn-color.
1529, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Nest in aspen along stream.
1542, 1343, nests and eggs (3, 1); Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Nests in aspens
near stream.
1347, g ad.; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. 7—113. .
1433, f ad.; Parley’s Park, July 19, 1869. 64—114. Biil, pinkish-drab, becoming
gradually paler on commissure and on lower mandible, there fading basally into dull
whitish ; rictus, pale yellow ; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, purplish-sepia.
1454, nest; Parley’s Park, July 19, 1869. Nest on horizontal branch of cotton-
wood tree.
1517, fjuv.; Parley’s Park, August 16, 1869. 6}3—113.
1518, ° juv.; Parley’s Park, August 16, 1869. 63—103.
CARPODACUS FRONTALIS.
Hiouse Finch; ‘‘Red-head Linnet.”
(We-to-wich of the Paiutes.)
a. frontalis.
Fringilla frontalis, Say, Long’s Exped., II, 1824, 40.
Carpodacus frontalis, GRAY, Gen. Birds, 1844~49.—BarrD, Birds N. Am., 1858,
415; Catal., 1859, No, 308.—Cooprr, Orn. Cal., I, 156.—CouEs, Key, 18712,
129 ; Check List, 1873, No. 141.—lnysnAw, 1875, 241,
Gubenaivas vrentates var. frovtalis, Ripaw., Am. Journ. Sei. and Arts, Jan., 1873,
40.—B. B. & B., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 466, pl. xxt, figs. 3, 6.
Carpodacus frontalis. a. froxtalis, Couns, B. N.W., 1874, 107.
The ‘“Red-head. Linnet” was the most familiar and one of the most
CARPODACUS FRONTALIS. 459
abundant of the birds found at Sacramento, where it frequented the shade-
trees of the strects or the door-yards and gardens in the city in preference to
groves in the suburbs or country. In its abundance and semi-domestic hab-
its it thus reminds one somewhat of the European House Sparrow (Pyrgita
domestica), but, unlike that bird, has endeared itself to its protectors by
the possession of a sweet song and brilliant plumage. It is greatly prized
as a cage-bird, and justly, too, for while its plumage is equally pretty, its
notes excel those of the Canary in sweetness, while at the same time they
are fully equal in vivacity and power. All the notes are decidedly Canary-
like, the usual utterance being a soft, musical tweet. The song itself differs
from that of the Canary chiefly in being more tender, less piercing, and
interspersed with more varied warblings. The males were observed to be
shyer than the females, their wariness being perhaps explained by the fact
that several were noticed which had their tails clipped, showing that they
had ence been in captivity. When their nests were disturbed, however,
the males exhibited as much concern as the females, and kept up a lively
chinking from an adjoining tree.
Few birds are more yariable as to the choice of a location for their
nests than the present species, since it adapts itself readily to any sort of a
place where safety is assured. At Sacramento, they usually built among the
small oak trees, generally near the extremity of a horizontal branch, but
one nest was placed inside the pendulous, basket-like structure of a ‘‘ Hang-
ing-bird” (Icterus bullocki); im the narrow gorge of the Truckee River,
where that stream breaks through the Virginia Mountains, one was found
inside the abandoned nest of a Cliff Swallow; along the eastern shore of
Pyramid Lake numerous nests were found among the rocks, placed on
shelves in the interior of caves, along with those of the Barn Swallow and
Say’s Pewee, or in crevices on the outside of the tufa-domes, while in the
neighboring valley of the Truckee, where there was an abundance of cotton-
wood timber, their nests were nearly all built in the low grease-wood bushes.
On Antelope Island, in the Great Salt Lake, they preferred the sage-brush,
like the Black-throated and Brewer's Sparrows; in City Creek Canon, near
Salt Lake City, one was found in a mountain-mahogany tree, while in
Parley’s Park another was in a cotton-wood tree along a stream. At all the
460 ORNITHOLOGY.
towns or larger settlements, however, a large proportion of the individuals
of this species have abandoned such nesting-places as those described above,
and resorted to the buildings, where ‘odd nooks and crannies” afforded
superior attractions. ;
Although chiefly a bird of the lower valleys, this species was sometimes
found in the lower cations of the mountains, it being common in Buena
Vista Caiion, in the West Humboldt range, in September, having apparently
nested among the ruined adobe houses of the deserted town. In City
Creek Cafon, near Salt Lake City, several nests were found at an altitude
of about 1,800 feet above the level of the mesa, or at the lower limit to the
breeding-range of C. cassini, a single nest of which was found on a tree
adjoining one in which was a nest of the present bird. In Parley’s Park it
was likewise found, but in small numbers, and only on the floor of the
park, the C. cassini inhabiting the upper portion of the streams.
List of specimens.
2, 3, 4, nests and eggs; nestsin oak-grove. Sacramento, California, June 6, 1867.
28, 29, nests and eggs; nests in oak-grove. Sacramento, California, June 11, 1867.
34, f ad.; Sacramento, June 12, 1867. 5412—9$—_31—23}.
41, nest and eggs (5); nest in oak-grove. Sacramerto, California, June 13, 1867.
52, nest and eggs; nest in oak-grove. Sacramento, California, June 18, 1867.
57, nest and eggs; nest in oak-grove. Sacramento, California, June 19, 1867.
73, nest and eggs (4); nest in oak-grove. Sacramento, California, June 20, 1867.
765, nest and eggs (5); nest in niche in rocks. Tufa domes, Pyramid Lake,
Nevada, May 25, 1868.
569, g ad.; Truckee Reservation, May 15,1868. 67,—9{—28. Upper mandible,
brownish horn-color, edged with pale rosy; lower mandible, paler and more pinkish
than the upper, with wider rosy edge; iris, dark brown; tarsi and toes, pale brown.
774, nest and eggs (5); nest in grease-wood bush. Truckee Reservation, Nevada,
May 31, 1868.
780, 781, nests and eggs (5); nestin grease-wood bush. Truckee Reservation, Ne-
vada, June 2, 1868.
805, nest and eggs (4); nest in grease-wood bush. Truckee Valley, Nevada, June
6, 1868.
806, nest and eggs (5); nest in old one of CliffSwallow, on face of a precipice.
Truckee Valley, Nevada, June 6, 1868.
1066, nests and eggs (4); near Salt Lake City, May 29, 1869. Nest on mountain-
mahogany bush, 1,809 feet above the level of the city!
1076, 3 ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, June 1,1869, 61—97. Dill, lilaceous-brown,
darker above; iris, brown; legs and feet, sepia.
1092, nest; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 4, 1869. Sage-bush.
LEUCOSTICTE LITTORALIS—CHRYSOMITRIS TRISTIS. AGI
1093, g ad.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 4, 1869. 64—9Z. Same re-
marks as to 1076.
1114, nest; Antelope Island, June 5, 1869. Sage-bush.
1131, gad.; Antelope Island, June 7, 1869.
1140, nest; Antelope Island, June 8, 1869. Sage-bush.
1183, nest and eggs; Salt Lake City, June 18,1869. Sage-bush, 1,800 feet above
camp (altitude above 7,080 feet).
1191, nest and eggs (2); Salt Lake City, June 21,1869. Mountain-mahogany,
1,800 feet above camp.
1193, 2 ad.; Salt Lake City, June 21, 1869. 6—10. Bill, purplish-drab, lower
mandible, more lilaceous basally beneath; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, deep brown.
12388, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 23, 1869.
Nest in cotton-wood tree along stream.
LEUCOSTICTE LITTORALIS.
Hepburmn’s Leucosticte.
Leucosticte littoralis, BArRD, Trans. Chicago Acad. Sci., I, ii, 1869, 318, pl. 28,
fig. 1—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 162.
Leucosticte tephrocotis var. littoralis, CoUES, Key, 1872, 130.—B. B. & R., Hist.
N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 507, pl. xx111, fig. 6.—-RmG@way, Bull. Geol. & Geog.
Expl. Ter., No. 2, sec. ser., 1875, 74.
Leucosticte tephrocotis. b. griseinucha, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 111 (part).
A single flock of this species was seen on the 5th of January in the
outskirts of Virginia City, Nevada. The flock comprised perhaps fifty
individuals, all busily engaged in gleaning from the surface of the snow,
flitting restlessly over one another, in the manner of Lapland Longspurs,
at the same time uttering a twittering note.
CHRYSOMITRIS TRISTIS.
Common Goldfinch, Lettuce Bird, ete.
Fringilla tristis, Linn., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 320.
Chrysomitris tristis, BoNAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 33.—BAIRD, B.N. Am.,
1858, 421; Catal., 1859, No. 313.—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., I, 167.—Cours, Key,
1872, 131, pl. 3, figs. 7, 8, 9,10; Check List, 1873, No. 149; B. N.W., 1874,
116 —B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., Il, 1874, 471, pl. xxu, figs. 7, 8 —HEN-
SHAW, 1875, 245.
Few birds were so abundant at Sacramento as this widely-distributed
species; but eastward of the Sierra Nevada it was found to be extremely
462 ORNITHOLOGY.
rare at all places along our route. Its great abundance at Sacramento may
possibly be explained by the extensive and luxuriant growth of thistles
which occupied many waste-places in the suburbs, the seeds of these plants
supplying them, in season, with a plentiful supply of food.
List of specimens.
5, 6, 7, nests and eggs; Sacramento City, California, June 6, 1867. Nests in an
oak-grove, resting on borizontal branches of the small trees.
54, nest and eggs; Sacramento City, California, June 18, 1867. Nest on hori-
zontal branch of small cotton-wood, in copse.
81, nest and eggs; Sacramento, June 24, 1867.
87, nest and eggs; Sacramento, June 28, 1867.
93, nest and eggs; Sacramento, June 29, 1867. Nest in small cotton-wood, in
copse.
778, ¢ad.; Truckee Reservation, Nevada, May 31, 1868. 5,7,—94—(?)—23. Bill,
orange-yellow, the point darker; iris, very dark sepia; tarsi and toes, dilute reddish-
sepia.
1369, nest and eggs (3); Pack’s Cafion, Uintah Mountains, Utah, July 4, 1869.
Nest in thorn-apple shrub, by stream.
CHRYSOMITRIS PSALTRIA.
Green-backed Goldfinch; “Arkamsas Goldfinch.’’!
Fringilla psaltria, SAY, Long’s Exped., II, 1823, 40.
Chrysomitris psaltria, BoNAP., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 33.—Barrp, B. N.
Am., 1858, 422; Catal., 1859, No. 314—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., I, 168—CouEs,
Key, 1872, 132; Check List, 1873, No. 151—HEnsHAW, 1875, 244.
Chrysomitris psallria var. psaltria, RipG@wAy, Am. Jour. Arts and Sci., Dee.,
1872, 454.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 474, pl. xxu, figs. 9, 10.
Chrysomitris psaltria. a. psaltria, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 116.
This species we found only among the Wahsatch and Uintah Mount-
ains, where it was not common, and usually found associated in small
numbers with the large flocks of C. pinus. Attention was first called to it
by its extraordinary note, a plaintive, mellow whistle, difficult to describe,
but totally unlike that of any other bird we have heard. When the bird
takes flight this note is changed to a simple fifing cheer, in a fine, high key,
and somewhat resembling the anxious note uttered by the male Red-
winged Black-bird (Agelaus phaniceus) when its nest is disturbed.
1 Geographically inappropriate.
CHRYSOMITRIS LAWRENCII—C. PINUS. 463
. Last of specimens.
1189, gad.; Salt Lake City, Utah (City Creek Cation), June 19,1869. 43—8.
Bill, purplish-brown, the culmen nearly black, the lower mandible inclining to wax-
brown; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, sepia-brown.
1224, nest and egg (1); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, June 22, 1869.
Nest in top of willow-bush along stream.
CHRYSOMITRIS LAWRENCII.
Lawrence’s Goldfinch.
Carduelis lawrencii, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1850, 105, pl. v.
Chrysomitris lawrenciit, BONAP., Comp. Rend., 1853, 913.—BarrD, B. N. Am.,
1858, 424; Catal., 1859, No. 316.—CooPEr, Orn. Cal., I, 171.—CovuEs, Key,
1872, 132; Check List, 1873, No. 150.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874,
478, pl. xxu, figs. 14, 15.
This beautiful little Goldfinch was observed only among the western
foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada, where we had only occasional glimpses at
it, just sufficient to identify the species, and passed so rapidly through its
range that no opportunity was afforded to study its habits. It was com-
mon among the trees by the roadside, and uttered very pleasant and quite
peculiar notes.
CHRYSOMITRIS PINUS.
Pine Goldfinch.
; Fringilla pinus, W1Lson, Am. Orn., IT, 1810, 133, pl. 17, fig. 1.
Chrysomitris pinus, BONAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 33—BArrRD, B. N. Am.,
1858, 425; Catal., 1859, No. 317.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 172.—Covugs, Key,
1872, 131, pl. 3, figs. 11, 12; Check List, 1873, No. 148; B. N.W., 1874, 115.—
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 480, pl. xx, fig. 16.—HENSHAW, 1875,
246.
The range of the Pine Goldfinch was strikingly similar to that of Cassin’s
Purple Finch, the two being almost invariably found in the same localities,
whether during their migrations or in the nesting-season. In summer it
was abundant in all the pine forests, from the Sierra Nevada to the Uintahs,
and like the bird above mentioned occurred also among the aspen copses
which usually replaced the conifers at the head of the canons. The species
was more or less gregarious, even in midsummer, and although their nests
were extremely scattered, the birds themselves were seldom seen except in
flocks. They had no song, but uttered frequently a peculiar screeching
464 ORNITHOLOGY.
note, sounding like sweer, very unlike that of any other bird, except the
Empidonax obscurus ; and when a flock suddenly took flight, they all joined
in a more rattling note.
Besides the nest described below, another was found, in an aspen bush,
but it was abandoned by the owners before any eggs were laid.
List of specimens.
$92, $ juv.; East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 5, 1868. 5{—9. Bill,
ashy horn-color; iris, burnut-umber; tarsi and toes, dark parplish-brown.
913, g ad.; East Humboldt Mountaius, Nevada, September 8, 1868. 5—9. Bill,
purplish-plumbeous, paler basally; iris, grayish-sepia; tarsi and toes, sepia.
1241, nest and egg (1); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 23,
1869. Nest near extremity of horizontal arm of fir-tree, about fifteen feet from ground.
1519, 3 juv.; 42—9. 1520, 2 juv.; 4g—8%. Parley’s Park, August 10,1868. Bill,
purplish-plumbeous, paler basally; iris, sepia; tarsi and toes, plumbeous sepia-black.
PLECTROPHANES LAPPONICUS.
Lapland Lomgspur.
Fringilla lapponica, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 317. fs
Plectrophanes lapponicus, SELBY, Linn. Trans., XV, 126, pl. 1.—Barrp, B. N.
Am., 1858, 433; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 326.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 178.—
Cours, Key, 1872, 133, fig. 81; Check List, 1873, No. 153; B. N.W., 1874,
120.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 515, pl. xxv, fig. 7.
During the more severe portion of winter, individuals of this species
were frequently detected among the large flocks of Horned Larks (Zre-
mophila alpestris) around Carson City. They were recognized by their
peculiar and unmistakable notes.
PASSERCULUS SANDVICHENSIS.
Savannah Sparrow.
a. alaudinus.
Passerculus alaudinus, BONAP., Comp. Rend., XX XVII, 1853, 918.—Batrp, B. N.
Am., 1858, 446; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 335.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I,
1870, 181.
Passerculus savanna var. alaudinus, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, pl.
XxIV, fig. 11.—HENsHAW, 1875, 254.
Passerculus savanna, COUES, Key, 1872, 135 (part); Check List, 1873, No. 159
(part).
Passerculus savanna. a. savanna, COVES, Birds N.W., 1874, 127 (part)..
PASSERCULUS ALAUDINUS. 465
This well-known and widely-distributed Sparrow was an abundant
species in every moist meadow and grassy marsh, not only in the valleys
but also in the lower cafons of the mountains. It was found during the
greater portion of the year, or from March to November, inclusive. During
the breeding-season the male has a weak, lisping song, which may be some-
what nearly expressed by the syllables witz, witz, wih’/—tzul, uttered as the
bird perches upon a fence-post, or a bush by the brook-side, or as it nestles
in the grass upon the ground.
List of specimens.
239, gad.; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, October 7, 1867. 5z7—
91—3—23—,_ 324-14. Bill, horn-color, darker on culmen, lower mandible paler,
with lilaceous glow; iris, hazel; tarsi, straw-color, toes more brownish.
254, g ad.; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, October 23, 1867.
53—99.— 3), —24—13—_}2+--§. Tarsi, clear pinkish-white, with tinge of straw-
yellow, the toes stained with brownish.
471, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 28, 1868. 53—S8—27—23. Bill, lilac-
bluish, the upper mandible nearly black; iris, sepia; tarsi and toes, brownish lila-
ceous- white.
480, g ad.; Carson, March 30, 1868. 511—94—3—27.. Same remarks.
553, 9 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. 5%—9—27—23. Same remarks.
885, g ad.; Ruby Valley, Nevada, August 29, 1868. 53—(?)—(?)—23. Same
remarks.
933, 2 ad.; Camp 25, Humboldt Valley, September 16, 1868. 513—813—(?)—24.
Upper mandible, purplish-black, paler toward rictus; lower, deep salmon-purple, darker
terminally; iris, plumbeous-bister; tarsi, straw-white, toes more brownish.
970, g ad.; Salt Lake City, May 21,1869. 5g—98. Bill, ashy-lilaceous, the upper
mandible dusky—nearly black on the culmen. .
971, g ad.; same locality and date. 58—8%.
972, g ad.; same locality and date. 53—93.
1016, nest and eggs (5); Salt Lake City, May 21, 1869. Nest imbedded in ground,
in wet meadow.
1017, nest and eggs (4); same locality, May 22. Nest in tuft of grass, in wet
meadow.
1883, nests and eggs (4); same locality, June 3, 1869. Same remarks.
1090, nest and eggs (4); Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 4, 1869. Nest
on ground, beneath strip of sage-brush bark, in wet meadow.
1458, ¢ juv.; Parley’s Park, Utah, July 26, 1869. 53—9. Bill, brownish-lilaceous,
darker on the culmen; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, pale pink.
1480, g juv.; Parley’s Park, July 30, 1869. 53—94.
1481, juv.; Parley’s Park, July 30. 53—93.
30 PR
AGE ORNITHOLOGY.
POOECETES GRAMINEUS.
Bay winged Bunting; Grass Bunting; Vesper Sparrow.
f. confinis.
Pooceetes gramineus var. confinis, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 448 (in text, sub P. gram-
ineus).—COUES, Key, 1872, 136; Check List, 1872, No. 16la.—B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 545 (sub P. gramineus). HENSHAW, 1875, 256.
Poecetes gramineus, COOPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 186.
This common species was most frequently met with during the summer
on the open grassy slopes of the higher cations, where it and the Green-
tailed Bunting were the chief songsters. Its song is sweet and varied,
though simple and brief, and its clear, cheery notes are among our most
pleasant recollections of those elevated regions. In the fall it descends to
the lower valleys, and in September becomes exceedingly abundant among
the rye-grass meadows along the foot-hills of the higher ranges. In winter
it appears to make a complete southward migration, none having been seen
at Carson City until the first of April.
List of specimens.
483, 9ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 2, 1868. 63—114—3,5,—3. Upper man-
dible, dull brownish-plumbeous, tomium paler; rictus and whole lower mandible, dilute
brownish-lilaceous ; iris, raw-umber; tarsi and toes, dilute brownish, toes darkest.
902, ad.; Secret Valley, Sanit September 6, 1868. 6Z—104—(?)—28. Upper
ernie mmian brown, darker at point, paler on rictus; lower, pale, fleshy lilaceous-
brown, the extreme tip dusky; iris, vandyke; tarsi, clear brownish-white ; toes, sim-
ilar but stained with brownish.
1037, 6 ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 24,1869. 63—10§. Bill, brownish-lilace.
ous, upper half of upper mandible nearly black; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, lilaceous
brownish-white.
1233, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, a une 23, 1869. Nest on ground, beneath
prostrate sage-bush, by roadside.
1280, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, June 25, 1869.
Nest in grassy bank of brook.
1398, nest and egg (1); Parley’s Park, July, 1869. Nest on ground beneath sage-
bush.
1464, d juv.; Parley’s Park, July 28, 1869. 6,,—11}4. Bill, clear light lilaceous,
darker toward culmen; iris, brown; tarsi and £008, clear pale flesh- color.
COTURNICULUS PERPALLIDUS—CHONDESTES GRAMMACA. 467
COTURNICULUS PASSERINUS.
Yellow-winged Sparrow.
Bf. perpallidus.
Coturniculus passerinus var. perpallidus, RIDGWAY, Coues’ Key, 1872, 137; Check
List, 1873, 162a.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 556—HENSHAW,
1875, 257, pl. 1, fig. 2 (adult).
Coturniculus passerinus. b. perpallidus, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 132.
Coturniculus passerinus, COOPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 189.
Like the Savanna Sparrow, this little Bunting is essentially a bird of
the valley portions. It is also generally distributed, but instead of inhab-
iting the wet meadows, or the borders of marshes, it frequents only the
dryer grassy places. It was found to be abundant in the fields about Sacra-
mento City, as well as throughout the Interior.
List of specimens.
853, 6 juv.; Ruby Valley, Nevada, July 22, 1868. 5—7Z—(?)—11%. Bill, pale,
pinkish-lilaceous, the culmen darker; iris, grayish-umber; tarsi and toes, pale rosa-
ceous-pink.
1102, ad.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, Utah, June 4,1869. 55—84. Bill, .
lilaceous, upper half of upper mandible blackish; iris, brown; tarsi, pale yellowish
brownish-white ; toes, darker.
CHONDESTES GRAMMACA.
Lark Sparrow; Skylark Bunting.
Fringilla grammaca, Say, Long’s Exped., I, 1823, 139.
Chondestes grammaca, BoNAP., Comp. & Geol. List, 1838, 32.—BarrD, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 456; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 344.—CooPEr, Orn. Cal., I, 193.—
CouEs, Key, 1872, 146, fig. 90; Check List, 1873, No. 186; B. N.W., 1874,
159.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 562, pl. xxx1, fig. 1—HEN-
SHAW, 1875, 259.
This handsomely-marked and interesting bird is an exceedingly abun-
dant species in favorable localities throughout the entire extent of the
Western Region. Though essentially a western species, it is not restricted
to that portion of the country which extends from the Rocky Mountains
westward, as is most often the case with the birds peculiar to the western
division of the continent, but it also inhabits nearly every portion of the
Mississippi Valley, where it is no less numerous than in the most favored
portions farther west. Indeed, this species seems to be gradually extending
its range to the eastward, probably in consequence of the general and wide-
468 ORNITHOLOGY.
spread denudation of the forests, the country thus undergoing a physical
change favorable to the habits of the species, having already become a
regular summer resident in many sections of the country north of the Ohio.
It was not noticed in Ohio, so far as the records show, previous to 1860,
when Mr. J. M. Wheaton first observed it in the vicinity of Columbus, near
the central portion of the State, and ‘‘since which time it has increased in
numbers, and at present (1874) is not uncommon.” [See Coues’ Birds of
the Northwest, p. 234.] Single specimens have already been taken in
Massachusetts and Florida, where, in course of time, the species may be-
come established.
The Lark Sparrow is essentially a prairie bird, although it prefers
semi-wooded districts to the open prairies. It is equally common in the
Sacramento Valley and in southern Illinois, inhabiting in each case places
which are neither completely wooded nor entirely destitute of trees, and
evincing a marked preference for localities where oak-groves alternate with
meadow-lands and cultivated fields; and in its great abundance in the
widely-separated districts named above, particularly when taken into con-
sideration with its association in both with such species as Thryomanes
bewicki, Dendreca estiva, Icteria virens, Collurio excubitoroides, Chrysomitris
tristis, Coturniculus passerinus, Melospiza fasciata, Spizella socialis, Guiraca
cerulea, ete., adds to the marked similarity in the general facies of the
avifaune of the two localities, the difference between them consisting in the
possession by each of a small percentage of representative species and a
very few peculiar forms.’
The habits of this bird are chiefly terrestrial, since it lives mostly on
the ground, where it may often be seen walking® gracefully along or hop-
ping in the usual manner of Sparrows; the male ascending to a fence-post,
the top of a small tree, or other prominent object, during the delivery of
his song. Its habits in this respect vary greatly, however, it being quite
arboreal in some localities, as was conspicuously the case at Sacramento,
1See pages 328-332.
*It may not be generally known that many of the terrestrial Fringillid are walk-
/ers as well as hoppers. We have often seen both this species and Melospiza fasciata
walking on the ground with a step as tirm and graceful as that of a Meadow Lark or
Blackbird.
CHONDESTES GRAMMACA. ‘469
where it nested almost invariably in the small oak trees at heights varying
from 15 to 30 feet from the ground; while, on the other hand, in southern
Illinois, where the proportionate area of wood-land is much greater, we
never found a nest of this species except on the ground, notwithstanding
many nests were found.
The principal characteristic of the Lark Sparrow is the excellence of
its song, which far surpasses that of any other member of the family we
have ever heard, while in sprightliness and continuity, qualities so often
lacking in our finer singers, we do not know its equal in any bird.
We have not heard the song of the famed Skylark (Alauda arvensis), but
from numerous descriptions imagine it to be somewhat similar in character
to that of the present bird; and we very seriously doubt whether it is
superior, if, indeed, it should prove equal. The Lark Sparrow sings all day
long, even during the hottest part of summer, beginning in the early morn
before any other bird, and not ceasing until the darkening of the evening
shades have quieted the other songsters; often, in fact, have we been awak-
ened at night by its song when all else was quiet. The song of this bird
begins with a chant of clear, ringing notes, each uttered with great distinct-
and then
a succession of sprightly, sparkling notes, varied by rising and falling
ness; then follows a silvery trill—the very expression of emotion
cadences, finally dying away until scarcely audible, but immediately resumed
in all its sprightliness and vigor, and continued as before, until the singer
seems actually exhausted by his efforts.
At- Sacramento this bird is known as the Mexican Lark; it was
familiar to all the boys, who in season eagerly searched for its nests in
order to obtain the young, which were readily sold in the city for $4.00
per pair.
1 Many other birds exhibit the same variability in the selection of a site for their
nests. A notoriously variable species is Carpodacus frontalis (see p. 459); and Zenedura
carolinensis is another case in point, this species, in the same locality, nesting indiffer-
ently on the ground, on the top of a stump or rock, on a flat fence-rail, in a tree, or on
the remnant of an old nest of another species. Mr. E. W. Nelson informs me that he
found a nest of Pipilo erythrophthalmus in a bush, a foot or two from the ground, on Fox
Prairie, Illinois; while at Mt. Carmel, in the same State, we have found a nest of
Ageleus pheniceus in an elm tree, full 20 feet from the ground, and a nest of Cyanura
cristata inside of a barn.
470 ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimens.
8, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 8, 1867. Lower branch of
small oak, in grove.
30, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 11, 1867. Cotton-wood copse,
ten feet from ground.
50, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 18, 1867. Twenty feet from
ground, in oak-grove.
72, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 20, 1867. Twenty feet from
ground, in oak-grove.
85, nest and eggs; Sacramento, California, June 28, 1867. Six feet from ground,
in cotton-wood copse.
90, nest and eggs; Sacramento, California, June 29, 1867. Six feet from ground,
in cotton-wood copse.
783, nest and eggs (4); Truckee Reservation, Nevada, June 3, 1868. On ground
beneath sage-bush, on mesa.
960, dad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 20, 1869. 74—118. Upper mandible,
brownish-ash, lower whitish-blue ; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, brownish-white.
1020, nest and eggs; Salt Lake City, May 22, 1869.
1045, nest and eggs (5); Salt Lake City, May 25, 1869.
1046, nest and eggs (5); same locality and date.
‘1047, 1048, nests and eggs; Salt Lake City, May 26, 1869.
1056, nest and eggs; Salt Lake City, May 27, 1869.
1174, nest and eggs (4); Salt Lake City, June 10, 1869.
1175, nest and eggs (4); Salt Lake City, June 17, 1869.
1197, nest and eggs; Salt Lake City, June 21, 1869.
Nests, all on the ground beneath sage-bushes; maximum number of eggs, five.
ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS.
White-crowned Sparrow.
Emberiza leucophrys, FORSTER, Phil. Trans., LXII, 1772, 382, 403, 426.
Zonotrichia leucophyrs, BONAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 32.—Barrp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 458, pl. 69, fig. 2; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 345—Cooper, Orn. Cal.,
I, 196.—CougEs, Key, 1872, 144; Check List, 1873, No. 183.—B. B. & R., Hist.
N. Am. B., I, 1874, 566, pl. xxv, figs. 9, 10.—HENSHAW, 1875, 260.
Throughout the Rocky Mountain ranges, westward to the very verge
of the desert-region of the Great Basin, this eastern form entirely replaces
in summer the more western Z. intermedia of the Sierra Nevada. It was a
very abundant summer species in the elevated parks of the Wahsatch and
Uintah Mountains, where, from May to the latter part of August, not a
single individual of Z. intermedia was found. At our camp in Parley’s Park
these birds were our most familiar neighbors, and by reason of their con-
fiding habits and sweet morning carols endeared themselves to the members
ZONOTRICHIA INTERMEDIA. 471
of the party. One young individual, bred in a nest close to the camp,
became so sociable as to visit daily the cook’s tent for the crumbs scattered
on the ground.
List of specimens.
1068, 2 ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 29, 1869. 6{—94. Bill, orange-brown,
lower mandible paler, tips of both black ; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, deep brown.
1292, nest and eggs (5); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 26,
1869. Nest on ground, under Geranium bush.
1430, dad.; 79}. 1431, Qad.; 62,—93. Parley’s Park, July 19, 1869. Bill, per-
fectly uniform, deep purplish, mahogany-brown; iris, brown; tarsi, reddish hepatic-
brown; toes, darker.
1463, 6 juv.; Parley’s Park, July 28, 1869. 63—10. Bill, mahogany-brown
darker on culmen and tip; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, dark purplish-brown. ;
ZONOTRICHIA INTERMEDIA.
Ridgway’s Sparrow.!
(Mooh'-um-pooh of the Washoes; You-00-hoot'-se-pah of the Paiutes.)
Zonotrichia gambeli, BARD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 460 (part); Cat. N. Am. Birds,
1859, No. 346 (part)—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 195 (part). ;
Zonotrichia leucophrys var. gambeli, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., IIT, 1872, 157,
177.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 145 (part); Check List, 1873, No. 183a (part).—B. B.
& R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 569, pl. xxv, figs. 11, 12.
Zonotrichia leucophrys var. intermedia, RIDGWAY, Coues’ Check List, App., 1872,
No. 183b.—Covugs, Birds N.W., 1874, 156.—HENsHAW, 1875, 261, pl. vu,
fig. 2 (adult).
At the Summit Meadows, the most elevated portion of the Donner
Lake Pass of the Sierra Nevada, these birds were so extremely abundant
on the 9th day of July, that, on the evening we camped there, twenty-
seven of their eggs were found after a hurried search of less than twenty
minutes’ duration. The pleasing songs of the males were heard on every
hand, not only during daylight, but at intervals through the night, these
songs resembling those of Z. leucophrys, although they seemed somewhat
more vigorous and distinct. They were exceedingly unsuspicious little
birds, the pair usually remaining close by when their nest and eggs
were being appropriated, the male even, on several occasions, singing, as
he perched on the summit of a neighboring bush, while we were preparing
the eggs for preservation.
1CouEs, Birds of the Northwest, p. 156.
472 ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimens.
95, 96, 97, 98, nest and eggs (4); Summit Meadows, Donner Lake Pass, Sierra
Nevada, July 9, 1867. Maximum number of eggs, 5; usual number, 4
172, si West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 7, 1867. 6i—9}—34—
28 — ji 14. «Bill, wax-yellow, upper mandible more ocher-reddish, point
of culmen and gonys, black; iris, umber; tarsi and toes, yellowish horn-color.
183, g; West Humboldt Mountains, September 11, 1867. 63—94—3—24—7,_3_
213__}7.. Same remarks.
197, g; West Humboldt Mountains, September 18, 1867. 613—10$—34—23— 7, —
13__3—1,%.. Upper mandible, deep, light mahogany-brown, inclining to wax-yellow on
rictus; lower mandible, paler than upper, inclining to deep wax-yellow, more citreous
basally; extreme point of culmen and gonys, black; iris, umber; tarsi, clear, light
reddish horn-color; toes, darker and more opaque-brownish.
200, 8; West Humboldt Mountains, September 20, 1876. 6%—98—314—211__7._
3—27—1,,. Same remarks.
201, ‘35 West Humboldt Mountains, September 20, 1867. 63—98—33—2—
3332-1. Same remarks.
202, 2; West Humboldt Mountains, September 20, 1867. 63—911—34—28— 7 —
1321313, Same remarks.
207, $; West Humboldt Mountains, September 21, 1867. [Intermediate between
intermedia aud leucophrys.| 63—912— 34911 i—j,— 3? 3—13. Same remarks.
209, 8; West Humboldt Mountains, September 21,1867. 6%—93—33—23—7—
3—213—1}3. Same remarks.
210, ; West Humboldt Mountains, September 21, 1867. 618—94—3 9.8 —
{g—}-2-- 14. Same remarks.
211, $; West Humboldt Mountains, September 21, 1867. 7,,—9{—3$—23—
7j.—13—3—13. Same remarks.
212, 9; West Humboldt Mountains, September 21, 1867. 7—10—34—23— 7, —
13__ 25—l3. Same remarks.
385, 2; Truckee Reservation, December 26, 1867. 63—9—3—2 7,7, 32713. |
Same remarks.
930, 8; head of Humboldt Valley (Camp 25), September 16, 1868. 7—94—(?)—
28. Same remarks.
939, g; Camp 25, September 20, 1868. 7—93—(? Pee Same remarks.
944, 9; Deep Creek, Utah, October 5, 1868. 64—93—(?)—274. Same remarks.
ZONOTRICHIA CORONATA.
Golden-crowned Sparrow.
Emberiza coronata, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-As., II, 1811, 44, pl. [5] tig. 1 (¢ ad.).
Zonotrichia coronata, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 461; Catal., 1859, No.347.—CooPEr,
Orn. Cal., I, 197.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 145; Check List, 1873, No. 184;. Birds”
N.W., 1874, 159 (sub Z. querula).—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 573, pl.
XXVI, fig. 1.
The only specimen of this species seen by us was the one obtained,
JUNCO OREGONUS. 473
which was shot from a flock of Z. intermedia. Its occurrence on the West
Humboldt Mountains may be accounted for by the fact that many of the
Pacific-coast species have a tendency to straggle eastward during their
migrations, among those which reach this range, besides the bird under
consideration, being Melospiza guttata, Pipilo oregonus, Lanivireo cassini,
Helminthophaga lutescens, etc. [See pp. 379, 380.]
List of specimens.
237, 2 ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada (Camp 19), October 7, 1867. 743—
105—3g—23—15—7— 341. Upper mandible, slaty horn-color, darker on culmen,
tomium paler; lower mandible, pale lilaceous-brown; iris, olivaceous-hazel; tarsi and
toes, clear horn-color.
JUNCO OREGONUS.
Oregon Snow-bird.
(Tah'-bah-klat'-uk of the Washoes ; Nebah'-tone of the Paiutes.)
Fringilla oregona, TOWNSEND, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., VII, 1837, 188.
Junco oregonus, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1857, 7.—Batrp, B. N. Am., 1858,
466; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 347.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 199.—CovEs,
Key, 1872, 141; Check List, 1873, No. 175; B. N.W., 1874, 142.—B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 584, pl. xxvi, fig. 2—HENSHAW, 1875, 267.
Junco hyemalis var. oregonus, RIDGWAY, Am. Nat., 1873, 613.
This representative of the Eastern Snow-bird (J. hyemalis) is very
abundant in winter from the Pacific coast to the Wahsatch Mountains, but in
summer has a more restricted distribution, being then confined to the conif-
erous forest-region of the higher western ranges. At the Summit Meadows,
nearly 7,000 feet above the sea, on the Sierra Nevada, it was one of the
commonest and most characteristic birds of the locality, but eastward of
these mountains none were seen during the summer. In its winter migra-
tions this bird shows the same remarkable movements as Zonotrichia inter-
media, Turdus guttatus, etc., for while its summer habitat seems strictly lim-
ited on the eastward to the Sierra Nevada, it becomes generally dispersed
in winter over the entire area of the Western Region, being a more or
1 According to Mr. E. W. Nelson, an adult male of Z. coronata was captured by Dr.
Hoy, at Racine, Wisconsin, during the spring migration.
474 ORNITHOLOGY,
less regular visitant during that season as far east as Kansas. We did
not, however, meet with it farther eastward than the East Humboldt
Mountains.
In all respects this species appears to be a perfect counterpart of the
eastern J. hyemalis, being equally familiar in its habits during winter, while
its notes are apparently precisely similar.
List of specimens.
224, 2 ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, October 3, 1867. 6—9—3—24--
g—}-23;—1f. Bill, delicate lilaceous-white, the point dusky ; iris, burnt-sienna; tarsi,
clear horn-white ; toes, deep sepia.
378, 2 ad.; Truckee Reservation, Nevada, December 24, 1867. 63—94—313—23--
ja 3-23-14. Same remarks.
384, g ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 26, 1867. 6}—94—34—23—7,—11__
23—13. Iris, purplish-claret; tarsi, dilute reddish-umber ; toes, darker leaden-umber.
484, 3 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 3, 1868. 63—93—31—2§. Iris, dark pur-
plish-carmine.
485, S ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 3, 1868. 6}—9Z—3}—211, Same re-
marks.
938, g ad.; Trout Creek, Upper Humboldt Valley, Sept. 19, 1868. 63—98—258.
Upper mandible, light sepia-brown, the tip black ; lower mandible, pinkish-white ; iris,
madder-brown ; tarsi, dilute sepia; toes, deeper sepia.
JUNCO CANICEPS.
Gray-headed Snow-bird.
Struthus caniceps, WOODHOUSE, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1852, 202.
Junco caniceps, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 468, pl. 72, fig. 1; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859,
No. 353.—CooPer, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 201.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I,
1874, 587, pl. Xxv1, fig. 3.
Junco cinereus var. caniceps, COUES, Key, 1872,141; Check List, 1873, No. 176;
B. N.W., 1874, 143.—HENSHAW, 1875, 269.
Junco hyemalis var. caniceps, RIDGWAY, Am. Nat., 1873, 613.
The Gray-headed Snow-bird was met with only in the pine forests of
the Wahsatch and Uintah Mountains, where it was rather common from
May to August, inclusive. Its habits and notes closely resemble those of
J. hyemalis and J. oregonus, but its song, a simple monotonous trill, is
somewhat louder and more steady.
AMPHISPIZA BILINEATA. 475
AMPHISPIZA BILINEATA.
Black-throated Sparrow.
( Wut'-tu-ze-ze of the Paiutes.)
Emberiza bilineata, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1850, 104, pl. 3.
Poospiza bilineata, SCLATER, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1857, 7.—BarrD, B. N. Am.,
1858, 470; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 355.—Coopur, Orn. Cal., I, 203.—
Couns, Key, 1872, 140; Check List, 1873, No. 172.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
B., I, 1874, 590, pl. xxvi, fig. 8 -HENSHAW, 1875, 274.
Amphispiza bilineata, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 234.1
This interesting little bird was found throughout the sage-brush country,
the most desert-tracts of which are its favorite abode. It was equally com-
mon in the western depression and in the Salt Lake Valley, as well as in
intermediate localities. Unlike the A. nevadensis, which frequents chiefly
the more thrifty growth of artemisia in the damper valleys, this species
prefers the arid mesas, where the growth is scant and stunted; and we
found it nowhere else so abundant as on the Carson Desert, near the
Soda Lakes, where much of the surface consisted of loose, shifting sand.
It also differs markedly from that species in being migratory, being
merely a summer sojourner, and one of the latest to arrive, few, if any,
making their appearance in the Truckee Valley before the first of May, the
advance individuals being noted on the 13th of that month, in 1868.
Like A. nevadensis, this species is remarkable for its peculiar song,
which in pensive tone and sad expression harmonizes so perfectly with its
desolate surroundings. It is from this song that the Indian name, Wud-tu-
ze-ze, is derived, for the notes are very nearly expressed by the syllables
wut’, wut’, zeeeeee, repeated once or twice, the first two notes quick and
distinct, the last one a prolonged, silvery trill. Frequently a singer reverses,
at each alternate repetition of the song, the accent of the first and last
portions, thus producing a very peculiar effect.
List of specimens.
106, d juv.; valley of the Truckee, July 25, 1867. 54—84—24—2,3— 7,
—1lz. Upper mandible, plumbeous-black; lower, pale blue, lilaceous basally, the tip,
dusky; iris, umber; tarsi and toes, dark plumbeous-sepia.
97
“16
1 Amphispiza, COUES, n. g. (type Ymberiza bilineata, Cass.).”
476 ORNITHOLOGY.
123, juv.; Truckee Valley, August 6, 1867. 53—81—23—21—3__5_98 1}. Same
remarks.
167, juv.; West Humboldt Mountains, September 4, 1867. 53—84—23—23—3 —
g—23—1}. Same remarks.
961, 3 ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 20, 1869. 53—83. Upper mandible and
tip of lower, fen black, rest of lower plumbeous-blue; iris, brown; tarsi and toes,
purplish-plumbeous.
1113, nest and eggs (3); Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 5, 1869. Nest
in sage-bush.
1126, 1127, nests and eggs (3, 1); Antelope Island, June 7, 1869. Nests in sage-
bushes, one foot from ground?
1136, nest ; Antelope Island, June 8, 1869. Sage-bush, one foot above ground.
1195, 1196, nests and eggs (3); Salt Lake City, June 21, 1869. Nests in sage-
bushes, about one foot from ground.
1402, 1403, nests; valley of the Weber River, July, 1869. [J. C. Olmstead.]
AMPHISPIZA NEVADENSIS.
Artemisia Sparrow.
( Tok'-et-se-whah' of the Paiutes.)
“‘Poospiza bellii,” BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 470 (part); Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No.
356.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 204 (part).—CourEs, Key, 1872, 141 (part);
Check List, 1873, No. 173. [Not P. bellii, Cass.]
Poospiza bellii var. nevadensis, RIDGWAY, Bull. Essex Inst., V, Nov., 1873, 191.—
CovEs, Check List, 1873, App., p. 127.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874,
594, pl. XXvVI, fig. 9—HENSHAW, 1875, 275, pl. xt (adult).
Amphispiza bellii, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 234 (part).
The distribution of this species seems to be strictly governed by that
of the sage-brush plants, since it is present in nearly all districts where
these are found, while it is apparently wanting in localities of any other
description. It is most partial to the moister valleys, where the growth
is most thrifty, and in such places is generally the most abundant bird.
It was observed to be most numerous in the valleys of the western
depression, few being seen in the Salt Lake Valley, where the A. bilineata
was so abundant; but it does occur there, as well as much farther east-
ward—at least to the valleys of Green River and its tributary streams.
In the neighborhood of Carson City it was by far the most abundant bird
of the open wastes, and its abundance did not abate with the approach
of winter. In walking through the sage-brush one was almost certain to
AMPHISPIZA NEVADENSIS. 477
see these birds at every few steps. They were exceedingly unsuspicious,
and very reluctant to take flight, if not pursued too persistently ; merely
keeping a few feet in advance, running swiftly on the ground, their tails
elevated at an angle of about 45°, but unexpanded, and keeping thus in
front for several rods; when too nearly approached, merely dodging in and
out among the low bushes, or concealing themselves momentarily behind
a scraggly shrub. Should they be startled, even, they merely fly up, with
a chipping twitter, and after a short meandering flight for a few rods, again
alight and run out of sight. ;
They began singing toward the last of February, and by the beginning
of April the first eggs were laid. During a walk through the sage-brush,
on the ninth of the latter month, several nests were found, the female in
nearly every instance betraying the position of the nest by remaining on
it until we had approached quite near. Often, by carefully watching the
ground a rod or two ahead, did. we detect one of these birds steal slyly out
from beneath a scraggly, usually- nearly prostrate, bush, and, with tail
elevated, run rapidly and silently away and soon disappear in the shrub-
bery. On such an occasion, a careful examination of the spot was almost
‘certain to reveal an artfully-concealed nest, either imbedded in the ground,
or, as was more rarely the case, resting among the lower branches of
the bush.
The song of this bird, although not brilliant in execution nor by any
means loud, is nevertheless of such a character as to attract attention. It
has a melancholy pensiveness, remarkably in accord with the dreary monot-
ony of the surroundings, yet as a sort of compensation, is possessed of deli-
cacy of expression and peculiar pathos—just as the fine lights and shadows
on the sunlit mountains, combined with a certain vagueness in the dreamy
distance, subdue the harsher features of the desert landscape. This song,
when first heard was mistaken for that of a lark (Sturnella neglecta) half a
mile or so away; but we soon found that the bird was scarcely two rods
distant. The early spring is when they sing most beautifully, the usual
note during other seasons being a faint twitter or chirp, generally uttered as
one chases another through the sage-brush.
478 ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimens.
151, d ad.; valley of the Humboldt (Oreana), August 31, 1867. 63,—10—34—23—
8—}-2}3—L* Upper mandible, plumbeous-black, tomium paler; lower, pure pale,
bluish-lilaceous basally, the tip plumbeous; iris, bister; tarsi and toes, bluish-sepia.
157, 3 ad.; Camp 17, September 2, 1867. 63—10—34—27—7_11 31 14. Tarsi
and toes, purplish-black.
182, dad.; Wright’s Cation, West Humboldt Mountains, September 11, 1867.
63—83—34—2} 3-33-3313. Upper mandible, plumbeous-black, edged with whi-
tish ; lower, pale blue, the tip of the gonys dusky; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, liver-
brown with a plumbeous east.
379, 2ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 26, 1867. (Sage-brush of the mesa.)
1—93—355—2 513-31. Upper mandible, plumbeous-slate; lower mandible
and commissure, pure, fine, light plumbeous-blue, the tip dusky ; iris, reddish. vandyke;
tarsi, deep sepia-brown; toes, more blackish.
peas same locality, date, etc. 63—93—33—23_7 8 _ 31 14, Same re-
marks.
522, nest and eggs (2); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868.
535, nest and eggs (3); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868.
537, nest and eggs (3); same locality and date. (Nests on the ground, underneath
sage-bushes.)
SPIZELLA MONTICOLA.
Canada Sparrow; Tree Sparrow.
Fringilla monticola, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 912.
Spizella monticola, BAiRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 427; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No.
357.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 206.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 142; Check List, 1873,
No. 177; Birds N.W., 1874, 146.—B. B. & R., Hist: N. Am. Birds, II, 1874,
3, pl. XXvIl, fig. 5 -HENSHAW, 1875, 277.
During the winter this well-known Sparrow was common and very
generally distributed through the valleys of the western depression of the
Great Basin. As in the East, it associated with Snow-birds and White-
crowned Sparrows, although in this case its companions were different
species (Junco oregonus and Zonotrichia intermedia, instead of J. hyemalis and
Z. leucophrys).
Tast of specimens.
301, g ad.; Truckee Meadows, Nevada, November 19, 1867. 63—9$—34{—214—3—
3—3—18. Upper mandible, deep black, base of the culmen, yellow; lower mandible,
citreous wax-yellow on basal two-thirds, then lilaceous-white, the tip black; iris,
brown; tarsi, deep reddish sienna-brown; toes, blackish-brown.
SPIZELLA ARIZONA. 479 ©
SPIZELLA SOCIALIS.
Chipping Sparrow.
f. arizone.
(So’-ho-quoy’-e-tse of the Shoshones.)
Spizella socialis, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 473 (part); Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859,
No. 359 (part)—-CooPErR, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 207.
Spizella socialis var. arizonw, COUES, Key, 1872, 143; Check List, 1873, No. 178a.
—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 11—HENSHAW, 1875, 277.
Spizella socialis. a. arizone, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 148.
The common Chipping Sparrow was found to be very generally
distributed, although it was a commoner species in the valley portions than
on the mountains. It was a strictly arboreal bird, however, and thus in-
habited different localities from S. breweri, even when both were found
in the same neighborhood. In the environs of Sacramento City it was
particularly numerous; and although the door-yards, gardens, and orchards
were alike inhabited by it, the groves of small oak-trees in the inclosed
fields were its favorite abode, where it nested in company with Chondestes
grammaca, Chrysomitris tristis, and other equally abundant species.
In the Interior it was found in all wooded districts, but, contrary to
the rule elsewhere, was less abundant among the cotton-woods of the
river-valleys than in the groves of cedars and mahoganies on the lower
slopes of the mountains, of which it was eminently characteristic. No-
where did we find it in greater abundance than among these woods on the
eastern slope of the Ruby Mountains, for there it was the most numerous
of all the birds in July and August, associating in large flocks during the
latter month, evidently preparing for their departure southward, which
commenced in September. We have never observed the eastern form of
this species to be gregarious to this extent, but no differences could be
detected in its habits during the breeding-season, nor in any of its notes.
List of specimens.
848, 2 ad.; East Humboldt Mountains, July 20, 1868. 54—84—(?)—2,3.. Bill, dark
sepia-slate, darker terminally, lower mandible more lilaceous; iris, vandyke; tarsi and
toes, pinkish sepia-white.
860, nest and eggs (4); Ruby Mountains (east slope), altitude about 8,000 feet,
August 5, 1868. Nest in mountain-mahogany tree, six feet from ground.
1187, nest and eggs (4); Salt Lake City (City Creek Cafion), Utah, June 19, 1869.
Nest in scrub-oak, six feet from ground.
480 ORNITHOLOGY.
SPIZELLA BREWERI.
Brewer’s Sparrow.
Spizella breweri, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., VIII, 1856, 40.—Barrp, B. N.
Am., 1838, 475; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 361.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
209.
Spizella pallida var. breweri, COUES, Key, 1872,143; Check List, 1873, No. 180a;
B. N.W., 1874, 151.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 13, pl. xxvn, fig.
4,— HENSHAW, 1875, 279.
A counterpart of the eastern Field Sparrow (S. pusilla), in its predilee-
tion for fields, or any open bushy localities, this species was found in every
place adapted to its habits. It was first observed at Sacramento, where it —
was quite common, inhabiting the bushy fields along with Chondestes gram-
maca, Coturniculus perpallidus,.and Sturnella neglecta. In the sage-brush
country, eastward of the Sierra Nevada, it was still more numerous than
in the Sacramento Valley; and throughout the entire extent of the Great
Basin was everywhere one of the commonest birds of the open wastes, and
an almost constant associate of Oreoscoptes montanus and the two species
of Amphispiza. ‘
The resemblance of this species to S. pusilla extends no further than to
a similarity of general habits, however, for its nest and eggs are extremely .
different, being more like those of S. socialis, while its song is remarkable
for vivacity and variety, in this respect fully equaling that of the best
Canaries, though it is considerably inferior to the latter in power. | It is
interspersed throughout with a variety of trills or water-notes, and plaintive
chants which resemble somewhat the well-known notes of the Field Sparrow.
List of specimens.
105, ¢ ad.; valley of the Truckee, Nevada, July 24, 1867. 53—7,9,—2,,—2—5, —
§—24—1}. Bill, pale lilaceous-brown, darker along the culmen; iris, hazel; tarsi
and toes, pale brownish flesh-color.
785, nest and eggs (3); Truckee Reservation, June 3, 1868. Nest in sage-bush,
about three feet from ground. :
810, nest and eggs (2); “‘Old River” (near sink of Carson), Nevada, June 27, 1868,
Nest in sage-bush, about four feet from ground.
834, nest and eggs (3); Austin, Nevada, July 4, 1868. Sage-bush.
874, ad.; Ruby Valley, Nevada, August 28, 1868. 5,—8—(?)—21. Upper man-
dible, black, approaching to ashy-lilac on the tomium; lower mandible, lilaceous-ashy;
iris, ashy-umber; tarsi and toes, grayish horn-color.
MELOSPIZA HEBRMANNI. 481
1049, 1050, nests and eggs; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 26, 1869. Nests in sage-
bushes, about three feet from ground.
1059, 1060, nests and eggs (3); Salt Lake City, May 27, 1869.
1067, nest and eggs (2); Salt Lake City, May 29, 1869.
1077, 1078, nests and eggs (4); Salt Lake City, June 1, 1869.
1091, 1097, 1098, 1099, nests and eggs; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 4,
1869.
1115 (3), 1116, 1117, 1118, nests andeggs; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June
5, 1869.
1119 (3), 1120 (3), 1121 (3), 1122, nests and eggs; Antelope Island, Great Salt
Lake, June 7, 1869.
1128, nest and egg (1); Antelope Island, June 7, 1869. Nest in sage-bush.
1132, 2 ad.; Antelope Island, June 5, 1869. %
1137 (3), 1138 (3), 1139, nests and eggs; Antelope Island, June 8, 1869.
1152, nest and eggs; Antelope Island, June 9, 1869.
1156, nest and eggs (4); southern shore, Great Salt Lake, June 11, 1869.
All nests in sage-bushes, about three feet from ground.
1157, nest and eggs (3); Rabbit Island, Great Salt Lake, June 11,1868. Nest in
grease-wood bush.
1164 (4), 1165 (3), 1166 (3), nests and eggs; Salt Lake City, June 14, 1869.
1171, 1172, 1173, nests and eggs; Salt Lake City, June 16, 1869.
1176 (4), 117% (2), nests and eggs; Salt Lake City, June 17, 1869.
1198, nest and eggs (4); Salt Lake City, June 21, 1869.
1236, nest and eggs (2); Salt Lake City, June 23, 1869.
1318, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 27, 1869. Nest in sage-bush.
. 1854, nest and eggs; Parley’s Park, June 27, 1869. In sage-bush.
1396 (2), 1397 (1), nests and eggs; Parley’s Park, July, 1869. Nests in sage-
bushes.
1406 and 1407, nests; Cash Valley, July, 1869. [J. C. Olmstead.]
1466, 2? juv.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, July 28, 1869. 53—
73. Bill, yellowish-lilac, upper half of upper mandible dark plumbeous; iris, brown;
tarsi and toes, light brown.
1482, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, July 30, 1869. 53—73.
MELOSPIZA FASCIATA.
Song Sparrow.
f. heermanni.
(See’-hoot'-se-pah of the Paiutes.)
Melospiza heermanni, BAtrD, B. N. Am., 1858, 478; Ib., ed. 1860, 478, pl. 70, fig. 1;
Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 364.—CoopsEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 212.
Melospiza melodia var. heermanni, COUES, Key, 1872, 139; Check List, 1873, No.
169d.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., IT, 1874, 24, pl. xxvu, fig. 9.— HENSHAW,
1875, 282.
Melospiza melodia. a. heermanni, CouEs, B. N.W., 1874, 139.
31 PR
482 ORNITHOLOGY.
y. fallax.
Zonotrichia fallax, BAIRD, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854, 119.
Melospiza fallax, BAtRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 481; ed. 1860, 481, pl. 27, fig. 2; Cat.
N. Am. B., 1859, No. 367.—CooPeEr, Orn. Cal., I, 215.
Melospiza melodia var. fallax, COUES, Key, 1872, 189; Check List, 1873, No.
169a.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 22, pl. xxvut, fig. 10.—HEN-
SHAW, 1875, 281.
Melospiza melodia. a. fallax, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 139.
6. guttata.
Fringilla (Passerella) guttata, NUTTALL, Man., I, 2d ed., 1840, 581.
Melospiza melodia var. guttata, COUES, Key, 1872, 139; Check List, 1873, No.
169b.—B. B..& R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 27, pl. Xxvu, fig. 12.
Melospiza melodia. f. guttata, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 139.
“Melospiza rufina,” BArRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 480; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 366.
[Not Emberiza rufina, BRANDT, 1836, = Melospiza rufina. |
Speaking of its different races collectively, the Song Sparrow is a
widely-distributed bird. The race known as M. heermannt was very com-
mon in the thickets at Sacramento, and also throughout western Nevada,
its eastern limit being, apparently, the West Humboldt Mountains, where
the M. fallax began to replace it; the latter being the only form found
thence to the Wahsatch and Uintah Mountains of Utah. The more north-
ern M. guttata was encountered only in the range above mentioned, where
a very few individuals were found in the month of October, in the sheltered
canons of the eastern slope. Since Zonotrichia coronata was met with in the
same locality, it is likely that, as in the case of the latter species, they were
not residents, but migrants from the northwestward. Whatever the race,
however, the habits, and, so far as we could judge, the notes also, were
nearly the same, the geographical modifications in these respects being by
no means in proportion to those of form and plumage.
The Song Sparrow was found to be most partial to the dense thickets
along streams or in the vicinity of other bodies of water, and was conse-
quently most frequently seen in the lower valleys; indeed, we have no
recollection of having observed it at a greater elevation than the meadow-
like parks of the Wahsatch Mountains, where the var. fallax was abundant
among the willows bordering the streams, along with Passerella schistacea.
MELOSPIZA HEERMANNI—M. FALLAX. : 483
According to our notes it was there confined to the floor of the park, or
did not ascend to any great distance up the canons along the streams. At
Sacramento, as well in the river-valleys of western Nevada, it was common
among the éules or rushes fringing the sloughs and ponds near the larger
bodies of water. The species was stationary in all portions of its range, or
at least did not perform more than a partial vertical migration, although
the fact that individuals of the var. guttata were met with in the West
Humboldt Mountains would seem to indicate that while the species, col-
lectively, may be found in one locality throughout the year, individuals
perform more or less of a latitudinal migration.
List of specimens.
B. heermanni.
150 2 ad.; Humboldt River (Oreana), August 31, 1867. 7—94—3—23—3—{—
3—(28). Bill, dull liver-brown, the upper mandible darker, nearly black on the culmen ;
iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, dark liver-brown.
216, g ad.; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 24, 1867.
63—s11-23— yee 139314, Bill, blackish hepatic-olive, paler and more slaty
on lower mandible; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, deep purplish horn-color.
236, g ad.; Camp 19, October 7, 1867. 6§—9—2,—2,5—,—13—3—1§. Upper
mandible, slaty horn-black, lower paler brownish-slaty; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes,
pale horn-color.
368, g ad.; Truckee Reservation, Nevada, December 25, 1867. 7—9{—2§—2,5,—
Poses ng) Upper mandible horn-black, paler along tomium ; lower, brownish-
slaty.
381, 2 ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 26, 1867. 64—S3—23--24—,4—13—
2313. Upper mandible hepatic-black, paler along tomium; lower, lilaceous-brown,
with yellowish tinge basally beneath.
382, 2ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 26, 1867. 63—S83—23—9,3.— 7, —j—
2713, Same remarks.
383, $ ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 26, 1867. 63—S%—212—23— 7 —13—
3—14. Same meats
470, 6 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 28, 1868. 63—S1}—27—9}4. Upper
“uncle, plumbeous-black, tomium paler; lower, dull eahnen eee Wilaceous glow
basally and beneath ; iris, iciere tarsi,, whitish-brown; toes, deeper brown.
479, g ad.; Carson, March 30, 1868. 63—83—212—2°.. Same remarks.
Salis
y. fallax.
890, juv.; Camp 22, Ruby Valley, Nevada, September 4, 1868. 6§—84—(?)—2}.
Bill, lilaceous ashy-brown, darkest terminally, lower mandible more lilaceous; rictus,
sell yellow; iris, very dark sepia; tarsi and toes, dilute lilaceous-sepia, latter pale
yellow beneath.
484 ORNITHOLOGY.
931, 2ad.; Camp 25, Humboldt Valley, September 16, 1868. 63—89-—(?)—23..
Same remarks as to No. 470.
945, 2ad.; Camp 35, Deep Creek, Utah, October 5, 1868. 63—83—(?)—2}4. Same
remarks.
946, 9 ad.; Camp 35, Deep Creek, Utah, October 5, 1868. 64—8—(?)—24. Same
remarks.
947, 9ad.; Camp 35, Deep Creek, Utah, October 5, 1868. 63—8Z—(?)—24. Same
remarks.
948, 2ad.; Camp 35, Deep Creek, Utah, October 5. 63—84—(?)—23.. Same
remarks. :
1228, nest and eggs; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 23, 1869.
Nest among bushes in willow-thicket along stream, about one foot from ground.
1232, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 23, 1869. Situated like preceding.
1275, nest and eggs (5); Parley’s Park, June 24, 1869. Nest in thorn-apple bush
along stream, six feet from ground.
1314, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, June 27, 1869. Nest in willows by stream.
1327, 1328; nests and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Nests in willows.
1363, 1364; nests and eggs (4); Pack’s Cation, Uintah Mountains, July 4, 1869.
Nests in willows by stream, about three feet from ground.
1388, 1389; nests; Provo River, Utah, July 10, 1869. Willows.
1391, nest and eggs (3); Provo River, July 11, 1869. Nest in willows by stream.
1405, nest; Bear River Valley, July, 1869. (Collected by Mr. J. C. Olmstead.)
1419, nest and eggs; Parley’s Park, July 16, 1869.
1457, 6 juv.; July 26, 1869. 63—91. Bill, dark hepatic-plumbeous, lower man-
dible with pinkish flush, the upper almost black on the culmen; iris, brown; tarsi and
toes, deep purplish-brown.
1461, nest; Parley’s Park, July 26, 1869. Willows by stream.
1465, $ juv.; Parley’s Park, July 28,1869. 6Z—8%. Same remarks as to No. 1457.
1475, 2 juv.; July 29, 1869. 64—8}4. Same remarks.
1506, 3 juv.; August 13, 1869. 643—9. Same remarks.
o. guttata.
223, 2 ad.; Camp 19, October 3, 1867. 63—8§—211—249._8__97__14. Upper
mandible horn-black, paler along tomium ; lower, horn-blue, darker terminally.
MELOSPIZA LINCOLNI.
Lincoln’s Sparrow.
Fringilla lincolnit, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog., II, 1834, 539, pl. 193.
Melospiza linconii, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 483; Catal. N. Am. Birds, 1859,
No. 368.—CoopeEr, Orn. Cal., I, 216.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 138; Check List,
No. 167; Birds N.W., 1874, 135.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874,
31, pl. xXxvul, fig. 13— HENSHAW, 1875, 283.
During the summer we found this species only in the elevated parks
of the higher mountain ranges; but during its migrations it was very plenti-
PASSERELLA MEGARHYNCHA. 485
ful in the lower valleys. In Parley’s Park it was a rather common summer
resident, inhabiting the open slopes or level pieces of ground covered by
low shrubs, weeds, and grass, in company with Zonotrichia leucophrys and
Pooecetes confinis. We did not hear its song, but its ordinary note was a
rather strong chuck, much like that of Passerella schistacea. In the autumn
it was common among the willows along Deep Creek, in northwestern Utah,
and in April was quite abundant in the bushy fields at the base of the Sierra
Nevada, near Carson City, particularly in places near springs or close by
the streams.
List of specimens.
563, 2 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 29, 1868. 5;4,—74—2g—2. Upper mandi-
ble, blackish, tomium and lower mandible, dull brownish-ashy ; rictus, pale yellow; iris,
bister; tarsi and toes, dilute horn-color.
932, g ad.; Upper Humdoldt Valley, September 16,1868. 5g—84—2,3,_1f—34—
23.. Upper mandible, plambeous-black, the tomium pale yellowish-olive; lower mandi-
ble, pale grayish-olive, more yellowish basally; rictus, light yellow; iris, hazel; tarsi,
pale brown, toes darker.
949, gad.; Deep Creek, Utah, October 5,1868. 5Z—7Z—(?)—24. Upper mandi-
ble, dull plumbeous-black, tomium and lower mandible, light dull cinereous, more yel-
lowish-lilaceous basally beneath; rictus, pale yellow; iris, sepia-drab; tarsi and toes,
pale horn-color.
1276, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 24,
1869. Nest on ground, beneath prostrate sage-bush, near stream.
PASSERELLA MEGARHYNCHA.
Thick-billed Sparrow.
Passerella megarhyncha, BAtRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 925, pl. LX1x, fig. 4; Cat. N.
Am. Birds, 1859, No. 376a.—Cvorsr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 222.
Passerella townsendi var. megarhyncha, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, Il, 1874,
57, pl. xxvii, fig. 10.
Passerella townsendi var. schistacea, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 162 (part).
This very interesting bird was met with only in the ravines of the
Sierra Nevada, near Carson City and Washoe. Unlike P. schistacea, it was
strictly a migrant, being entirely absent during the winter, and not arriving
from the south until about the 20th of April. It was found mostly in
damp or swampy places in the lower portion of the mountains, and was
particularly numerous where the alders grew abundantly along the streams.
In such places they were singing loudly on every hand, and their songs,
486 ORNITHOLOGY.
when first heard, seemed so similar to those of the Large-billed Water
Thrush (Seivrus ludovicianus), of the east, that they were mistaken for the
notes of that bird, until the singers were seen and the species identified.
The song possessed but little resemblance to that of the P. schistacea, being
so far superior as to be comparable only to that of the bird above men-
tioned, its chief qualities being great volume and liquidness.
List of specimens.
530, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 25, 1868. 73—103,—3s—213. General
hue of bill, milky lilaceous-white, palest and purest on lower mandible, which has a
delicate rosy tint basally beneath; culmen, pale plumbeous-sepia; iris, bister; tarsi .
and toes, deep, rather dilute sepia-brown.
531, 9 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 25, 1868. 7—93—34—2.%. Same re-
marks.
PASSERELLA SCHISTACEA.
Slate-colored Sparrow.
Passerella schistacea, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 490, pl. Lxrx, fig. 3; Cat. N. Am.
B., 1859, No. 376.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 223 (figs. of head and feet).
Passerella iliaca var. schistacea, ANLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., Il1, 1872, 168.—
CouEs, Key, 1872, 147.
Passerella townsendi var. schistacea, COUES, Key, 1872, 352; Check List, 1873, No.
189a; B. N.W., 1874, 162.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 56, pl.
XXVIII, fig. 9—HENSHAW, 1875, 293.
This species was first met with at Carson City, Nevada, during its
northward migration, which began late in February or early in March,
some few individuals having doubtless remained during the winter in the
shelter of the dense willow-thickets along the river. The following Septem-
ber it was observed in similar localities in the Upper Humboldt Valley ;
we may therefore judge that it is found, in proper season, and in suitable
localities, throughout the country between the Sierra Nevada and the
Wahsatch. During the summer months it was one of the commonest birds
in Parley’s Park, where it was a constant associate of Melospiza fallax in
the willow-thickets. It is quite a counterpart of that species in manners
and notes, while the nests and eggs are similar to such a degree that it often
required the sacrifice of the parent, and always a very close observation,
for the positive identification of the species. The ordinary note is a sharp
chuck ; but the song is scarcely distinguishable from that of Me/ospiza fallax.
CALAMOSPIZA BICOLOR. 487
List of specimens.
433, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 9, 1868. 73—10j—-3;5—23. Upper
mandible, olivaceous-sepia, darkest basally, tomium ashy-lilac; rictus and basal two-
thirds of lower mandible, bright maize-yellow, deepest beneath; terminal portion,
brownish-lilaceous, the point dusky; iris, precisely the color of pectoral spots; tarsi
and toes, dilute-sepia.
919, g ad.; head of Humboldt Valley (Camp 24), September 11, 1868. 73—104
—(?)—213. Upper mandible, sepia-plumbeous, darker along culmen, more lilaceous
along tomium; lower paler, point dusky, the basal half deep maize-yellow ; iris, burnt-
sienna; tarsi and toes, very deep sepia.
1223, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 22,1869. Nest in a bunch of willow
sprouts about two feet from the ground, bank of stream. ;
1225, 1226, 1227, 1229, and 1230, nests and eggs; Parley’s Park, June 23, 1869.
1289, nest and eggs; Parley’s Park, June 25, 1869. Nests among bushes or willow-
stubs in thickets along streams, from one to six feet above the ground.
1460, nest; Parley’s Park, July 26, 1869. Nest among willows.
CALAMOSPIZA BICOLOR.
Lark Bunting.
Fringilla bicolor, TOWNSEND, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., VII, 1837, 189.
Calamospiza bicolor, BoNAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 30.—BAIRD, B. N. Am.,
1858, 492; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 377.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 225.—-
Covuss, Key, 1872, 147; Check List, 1873, No. 190; B. N.W., 1874, 163.—B.
B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 61, pl. xxrx, figs. 2, 3—HENSHAW, 1875,
294. ;
But a single specimen of this species was observed by us, and this was
doubtless a straggler from the Great Plains on the eastern side of the Rocky
Mountains. The individual in question was on the ground when shot, its
appearance and manners being quite similar to those of Chondestes grammaca.
On the plains just east of the town of Cheyenne, we noticed in August,
from the car-windows, numerous large flocks of this species, startled by
the approach of the train, the flocks rising from the grass on either side,
and wheeling about in their flight in the irregular manner of Horned Larks
(Eremophila).
List of specimens.
1477, 3 juv.; Parley’s Park, July 30, 1869. 74—114. Bill, ashy-white; upper
half of upper mandible, pale ash, gonys with pinkish glow; iris, brown; tarsi and
toes, purplish-brown.
488 ORNITHOLOGY.
HEDYMELES MELANOCEPHALUS.
Black-headed Grosbeak.
(Look'-em of the Washoes; Uni-gu'-eet of the Paiutes.)
Guiraca melanocephala, SWAINSON, Philos. Mag., I, 1827, 438.—BarrD, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 498; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 381.—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., I,
1870, 228.
Hedymeles melanocephalus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein., I, 1851, 153.—B. B. & R, Hist.
N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 73, pl. xxx, figs. 1, 2—HENsHAW, 1875, 296.
Goniaphea (Hedymeles) melanocephala, GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, No. 7547.
Goniaphea melanocephala, COUES, Key, 1872, 149; Check List, 1873, No. 194; Birds
N.W., 1874, 167.
This fine bird was quite abundant in the fertile valleys and lower
canons along the entire route, from Sacramento to the Wahsatch and
Uintahs. Its range was exactly that of Cyanospiza amena, and it was
observed that in the Interior both these species reached their upper
limit about where the summer range of Pyranga ludoviciana commenced,
viz, about the middle portion of the canons. It was abundant both at
Sacramento and in the valley of the Truckee, in western Nevada, but was
nearly restricted in the former locality to the willow thickets, while in the
latter it preferred the shrubbery of buffalo-berry and other bushes. At
the latter locality it was observed to feed, in May, upon the buds of the
grease-wood (Obione confertifolia), in company with Pyranga ludoviciana,
Icterus bullocki, and several other birds. It was also found in the shrub-
bery along the lower portion of the mountain-streams, but was there less
numerous than in the river-valleys, while at an altitude of about 7,000
feet it appeared to be entirely absent. It was consequently rare in Par-
ley’s Park, where, however, a few pairs were nesting in the thickets
along the streams. It was very frequently observed that the male of this
species assists in incubation, being, in fact, more often seen on the nest
than his mate.
This species appears to be a perfect counterpart of the eastern Rose-
breasted Grosbeak (JZ. ludovicianus), its notes especially, in all their varia-
tions, being quite the same.
GUIRACA C@RULEA. 489
' List of specimens.
21, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 11, 1867. Nest in willow,
about ten feet from ground. Male on nest when found.
22, 2 ad. (parent of eggs No. 21); Sacramento, California, June 11, 1867. 84—
13—44—33—3—_ 7314-2. Upper mandible, slate-color, lower bluish-white, with tinge
of lilaceous beneath; iris, dark hazel: tarsi and toes, pure light ashy-blue.
32, & ad.; Sacramento, June 12, 1867. 8—124{—44—3,5,—3—{—34—1g. Same
remarks.
173, juv.; West Humboldt Mountains, September 7, 1867. 83—123—4,5—3,5
—3}—{—31-1g. Same remarks.
564, ¢ ad.; Truckee Reservation, May 15, 1868. 811—134—(?)—34. Same re-
marks.
804, nest and eggs (3); Truckee River, June 6, 1868. Nest in buffalo-berry
thicket.
964, g ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 20, 1869.
1036, ¢ ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 24, 1869. 84—127. Upper mandible,
slate-color, lower bluish-white; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, plumbeous.
1062, g ad.; Salt Lake City, May 27, 1869. 83—123.
1300, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 27, 1869.
Nest in willows along stream. Male on nest.
1324, nest; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Nest in a willow copse.
1399, eggs; Cash Valley, Utah, July, 1869. [J. C. Olmstead.]
1474, 2 juv.; Parley’s Park, July 29, 1869. 84—123. Bill, dull lead-color, darker
on culmen, lighter and more pivkish toward gonys; -iris, brown; tarsi and toes, ashy-
blue.
GUIRACA CQRULEA.
Blue Grosbeak.
Loxia coerulea, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 306.
Guiraca cerulea, SWAINS., Philos. Mag., I, 1827, 438.—BairD, Birds N. Am., 1858,
499; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 382.—CooPEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 230.—B.
B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 77, pl. xxrx, figs. 4, 5—HENSHAW,
1875, 298.
Goniaphea cerulea, SCLATER, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1856, 301.—CougEs, Key,
1872, 149, fig. 93; Check List, 1873, No. 195; Birds N.W., 1874, 169.
The Blue Grosbeak was met with only at Sacramento, where it was
a very common bird in the bushy fields in the outskirts of the city.
The distribution of this species is quite remarkable, it being more or less
common on both coasts northward as far, at least, as the parallel of 40°,
but of exceedingly rare occurrence in the Interior, except along the south-
ern border. This fact seems equally true of the eastern half of the conti-
nent as of the western; for there are few local lists pertaining to the Missis-
490 ORNITHOLOGY.
sippi Valley which include it, while on the Atlantic coast it is more or less
common, locally, north to New Jersey, having even been taken in the
eastern portion of Maine! Its distribution seems, therefore, not to be gov-
erned strictly by climatic conditions, but the facts adduced rather seem to
indicate a somewhat littoral range for the species.
At Sacramento this species was found in the same localities with
Cyanospiza amena, it being as characteristic of the edges of the copses of
young cotton-woods as was Hedymeles melanocephalus of the willow thickets.
List of specimens.
18, 19, nests and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 11, 1867.
20, 2 ad. (parent of No. 18); Sacramento, California, June 11, 1867. 7—103—
3$—213—3—11__27_14. Upper mandible, dark bluish horn-color, lower light, some-
what lilaceous, ashy-white; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, horn-color.
44, g ad.; Sacramento, June 17, 1867. 74—11}—33—3}—3—8—3—1}. Upper
mandible blackish-slate, lower light plumbeous-blue; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, plum-
beous-brown.
51, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 18, 1867.
82, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 24, 1867.
91, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 29, 1867.
Nests all similarly situated, being placed about six feet from ground, in small
cotton-woods, in edge of copse.
CYANOSPIZA AMCNA.
Lazuli Bunting.
Emberiza amena, Say, Long’s Exped., II, 1823, 47.
Cyanospiza amena, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 504; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 386.—
CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 233.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 149; Check List, 1878,
No. 198; B. N.W., 1874, 170.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., IL, 1874, 84, pl.
XXX, figs. 11, 12.— HENSHAW, 1875, 300.
This pretty little Bunting was a very common species in all the fertile
valleys, as well as in the lower canons of the mountains, its range being
co-extensive with that of Hedymeles melanocephalus. Like its eastern con-
gener, C. cyanea, of which it is a perfect counterpart in habits, manners, and
notes, it frequents bushy places only ; but it avoids the sage-brush tracts,
and resorts to the more thrifty shrubbery in the vicinity of the streams.
List of specimens.
9,nest and egg (1); Sacramento, California, June 8, 1867. Nest on extremity of
drooping branch of small oak, in grove, about: four feet from ground.
PIPILO MEGALONYX—P. OREGONUS. 491
38, nest and eggs; Sacramento, June 12,1867. Nest in bush.
92, nest and eggs; Sacramento, June 29, 1867. Nest in bush.
99, nest and eggs (2); Hunter’s Station, Nevada, July 1, 1867. Nestin bush, along
stream.
835, nest and eggs (3); Austin, Nevada, July 4, 1868. Nestin wild-rose brier, along
stream in canon.
850, 2ad.; East Humboldt Mountains, July 21, 1868. 5g—82—(?)—23. Upper
mandible, black, tomium pale bluish; lower, pale blue, point blackish; iris, dark
vandyke; tarsi and toes, dull sepia.
962, d ad.; Salt Lake City, May 20,1869. 51—91. Bill, generally deep black,
lower mandible plumbeous, strip of black on gonys; iris, dark brown; tarsi and toes,
deep black.
1063, d ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 27, 1869. 53—91. Upper mandible,
black ; lower, bluish-white, a streak of black on the gonys (a constant feature in
adult males); iris, brown; tarsi and toes, sepia-black.
1237, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, Utah, June 25, 1869. Nest in wild-rose
brier, by stream.
1303, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, Utah, June 27, 1869. Nest in bush near
stream. ‘
1357, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, July 2, 1869. Nest among rose-bushes, by
stream. .
1418, nest and eggs; Parley’s Park, July 16, 1869.
PIPILO MACULATUS.
Western Towhee.
B. megalonyz—Long-clawed Ground Robin.
Pipilo megalonyx, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 515, pl. Lxxu1; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859,
No. 394.—CoopER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 242.
Pipilo maculatus var. megalonyx, COUES, Key, 1872, 152; Check List, 1873, No.
205b.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 113, pl. xxx1, fig. 12. HENSHAW,
1875, 303.
y. oregonus—Oregon Ground Robin.
Pipilo oregonus, BELL, Ann. Lye. N. H., New York, V, 1852, 6.—Batrp, B. N.
Am., 1858, 513; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 302.—Coorpgr, Orn. Cal., I, 241.
Pipilo maculatus var. oregonus, COUES, Key, 1872, 152; Check List, 1873, No. 205.
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 116, pl. xx1, fig. 9.
Of the western species of this genus, which resemble in their general
markings the P. erythrophthalmus of the East, three definable forms have
been recognized, these representing separate geographical areas, and thus
corresponding to what are termed geographical, or climatic, races.’ These
1Typical maculatus, representing a fourth race, inhabits the table-lands of Mexico;
additional forms are, P. carmani, Baird, of Socorro Island, and P. consobrinus, Ridg-
way, of Guadalupe.
492 ORNITHOLOGY.
forms are sufficiently easy to recognize in typical or extreme specimens,
but such constitute so small a proportion of the number usually em-
braced in collections, that if called upon to define these supposed races
by trenchant characters, it is very doubtful whether we could succeed to
our own satisfaction, while the concurrence of others could scarcely be
expected. This is especially the case with regard to the oregonus and
megalonyx types, both of which came under our observation in the field.
Judging from the specimens alone, of these two forms, we should not think
of recognizing two races in the series before us, for it is absolutely impossible
to distinguish certain specimens obtained in western Nevada from others
taken in Utah. But since the notes of the birds of the two localities were
so extremely dissimilar as to really astonish us upon the discovery of the
fact, we cannot ignore this difference between the birds of the two districts ;
this, therefore, is our reason for arranging their synonymy as above.
In their manners and general appearance these western Ground Robins
call at once to mind the eastern Towhee (P. erythrophthalmus), for they have
the same colors (with merely minor differences, not distinguishable at a
distance), the same flirting flight, while they are inseparably attached to
the most bushy localities. But in direct contrast to the familiar eastern
species, we found the western Towhee to be everywhere one of the very
shyest birds of the country. The notes, too, are most remarkably different,
since none of them are in the least attractive, but, on the contrary, simple
and rude almost in the extreme.
The Oregon Ground Robin was found from Sacramento to the West
Humboldt Mountains, it being equally common on both sides of the Sierra
Nevada. Within the Great Basin, its range was strictly confined to the
valleys and connecting canons of the western depression, while it was
abundant in proportion to the proximity of a locality to the Sierra. In
summer it was generally distributed—that is, included the lower canons of
the mountains in its range, as well as the river-valleys; but in winter, it
appeared to make a more or less extensive vertical migration, nearly, if not
quite, forsaking the mountain localities. At Sacramento, it frequented the
thickets around the border of fields in the outskirts of the city, in the same
places as those inhabited by the Yellow-breasted Chat and Song Sparrow
PIPILO MEGALONYX—P. OREGONUS. 493
(Icteria longicauda and Melospiza heermannz); and in the lower fertile valleys
of the Interior, as those of the Truckee and Carson rivers, it chose similar
localities along the river-banks. It was extremely rare in the fertile
mountain canons, excepting their lower portions, being far from common in
the vicinity of our camps in’ the West Humboldt range. It was nowhere
else so numerous as along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, near Carson
City, where it was the most abundant bird among the scattered scraggy
shrubs of dwarf-plum (Prunus demissa?) mixed with currant bushes, which
grew plentifully in the old fields just below the commencement of the pine
timber. There it was found chiefly during the spring, summer, and autumn,
none haying been observed during the coldest part of the winter, at which
time they had sought shelter in the dense willow thickets in the river-valleys.
About the middle of February, however, they began returning to their sum-
mer haunts at the foot of the mountains, and were observed, at first sparingly,
in the locality described above, as well as in the dense chaparral of laurel
(Ceanothus velutinus) and manzanita (Arctostaphylus glauca) on the sides of the
ravines. Up to about the 9th of March they were nearly silent, their only
note being a very common-place ¢eish, uttered usually in an impertinent tone.
At about the above date, however, the males commenced to sing, or rather to
utter their rude trill, during the delivery of which the performer occupied a
conspicuous position, as the summit of a tall bush or the top of a high rock,
where he sat for an hour at a time, as he performed his part in the morn-
ing chorus, the black and white of his markings contrasting boldly,.and his
form clearly defined against the blue sky. The quality of the performance,
however, it seemed to us, by no means justified such ostentation, for it
amounted to no more than a rude trill, so simple as not to deserve the name
of song, notwithstanding the frequency of its repetition and the earnestness
of the performer. None of the few notes uttered by this bird bear the
remotest resemblance to those of the eastern species (P. erythrophthalmus),
although the spring-call described above may be compared to the final trill
of the very creditable performance of the latter bird. At all times this
bird was excessively shy—another striking contrast to its eastern relative—
and was thus extremely difficult to procure, seldom allowing one to approach
within gunshot; if too closely followed, flitting in its peculiar manner, for
494 ORNITHOLOGY.
short distances at a time, over the bushes, flirting the expanded white-
tipped tail at each heavy beat of the wings.
Eastward of the West Humboldt Mountains, few Ground Robins were
observed until we arrived at Salt Lake City ; indeed, none were seen except
at our camp near Austin, in the Toyabe Mountains, and in the eastern canons
of the Ruby range, at both of which places they were so extremely rare
that we could not determine the race.' At Salt Lake City, however,
we found the species again very abundant, even more so than at Carson
City, and also inhabiting the chaparral on the foot-hills, which in this
case consisted of scrub-oaks instead of manzanita, laurel, and wild-plum
bushes. It was noticed immediately, however, that while to all appear-
ance they were the same birds as those found near Carson City, they
ittered totally different notes, which we found to agree perfectly with Dr.
Coues’ description in his “‘ Prodrome,” a fact which impressed us at once,
for we had previously striven in vain to detect in the notes of the birds of
this species at Carson the remotest resemblance to any uttered by the Cat-bird
or the ‘ Dickcissel” (Huspiza)*; and since in their characters the specimens
agreed perfectly with the diagnosis of megalonyx, we had considered the
description of the notes above referred to as erroneous, and were thus glad
to find so satisfactory a relief from our dilemma. Instead of the rude, rather
suppressed teish with which we had been familiar, a sharp mew was heard,
scarcely distinguishable from the notes of the Cat-bird, found in the same
locality; and the song was a very decided improvement on that of the west-
ern individuals, for, instead of a short, simple trill, apparently “strained
out” after considerable effort, these trills were multiplied and connected by
other notes, so that a passable song resulted. There was still no approach to
the notes of P. erythrophthalmus, however, excepting a very slight one in the
song; but the habits of the birds were much less shy, though they were
far from being so confidingly familiar as the very tame eastern species.
‘Judging from the circumstance that accessions from the Rocky Mountain fauna
were first encountered at these two localities, it seems most probable that the Ground
Robins met with were also the Rocky Mountain form—P. megalonye.
*“ Ordinary call-note almost exactly like that of Mimus carolinensis ; the song a
rather harsh and monotonous repetition of four or six syllables, something like that of
EHuspiza americana.”—Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci., 1866, p. 89.
PIPILO MEGALONYX—P. OREGONUS. 495
' List of specimens.
B. megalonyx.
956, nest and eggs (2); Salt Lake City, May 20, 1869. Nest on ground, among
serub-oaks on hill-side.
957, nest and eggs (3); Salt Lake City, May 20, 1869. Same remarks.
958, gf ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 20,1869. 83—10%. Bill, pure black; iris,
red-lead color; tarsi and toes, slaty-sepia. ~
1023, gad.; Salt Lake City, May 24, 1869. 813—11. Bill, pure black; iris,
intense scarlet; tarsi, purplish-sepia, toes darker.
1034, 3 ad.; Salt Lake City, May 24, 1869. 83—111. Same remarks.
1035, 3 ad.; Salt Lake City, May 24,1869. 81—11. Same remarks.
1043, nest and eggs (4); Salt Lake City, May 24, 1869. Nest on ground, beneath
sage-bush.
1069, 2 ad.; Salt Lake City, May 29, 1869. 83—11. Same remarks.
1096, nest and eggs (4); Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 4, 1869. Side of
ravine. Nest on ground, beneath sage-bush.
1185, nest and eggs (3); Salt Lake City, June 18, 1869. Nest on ground, among
scrub-oaks.
1186, nest and eggs (3); Salt Lake City, June 18, 1869. Nest on ground, beneath
uprooted oak in thicket.
y. oregonus.
35, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento City, California, June 12, 1867. Nest on
ground, beneath fallen dead thistle, in thick cotton-wood copse.
199, g ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 20, 1867. 83—103—
39,—_3—1i,—_{— 423. Bill, blackish-slate, commissure and lower mandible inclin-
ing to ashy ; iris, deep brownish vermilion-red ; tarsi and toes, dark horn-color.
222, 2ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, October 3, 1867. 83—103—34—27—j3—
1—41—21. Bill, black, lower mandible inclining to dusky slate, paler basally; iris,
light hazel-red ; tarsi and toes, deep purplish horn-color.
227, g ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, October 4, 1867. 83—114—33—3,,—
7s—1—4,—1#. Bill, slate-black, ashy on lower mandible; iris, light brownish-yellow ;
tarsi and toes, light horn-color.
235, g ad.; West Humboldt Mountains, October 7, 1867. 83—103,—34—227—°.—
15421, Tris, deep rufous.
434, 2 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 9, 1868. 83—103}—31—23. Bill, slate-
black; iris, intense orange-ciirome; tarsi and toes, dilute purplish-sepia, the toes with a
violaceous cast.
476, 8 ad.; Carson City, March 30, 1868. 83—112—38—3. Bill, perfectly uni-
form, slaty black; iris, rich scarlet.
495, g ad.; Carson City, April 4, 1868. 83—11—33—3. Same remarks.
[In the western species, the iris when intense red—indicating high maturity—
is never of the carmine shade often seen in erythrophthalmus, but inclines more to
scarlet or orange-red. | ;
496 ORNITHOLOGY.
PIPILO CHLORURUS.
Green-tailied Bunting.
(Pooe-tse'-tse of the Washoes.)
“ Fringilla chlorura, TOWNSEND,” AUDUBON, Orn. Biog., V, 1839, 336.
Pipilo chlorurus, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 519; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No.
398.—COoPER, Orn. Cal., I, 248.—Couzs, Key, 1872, 153; Check List, 1873,
No. 208; Birds N.W., 1874, 176.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874,
131, pl. XxXXI, fig. 4 HENSHAW, 1875, 307.
This very interesting species was met with on all the higher ranges,
from the Sierra Nevada to the Uintahs, particularly in the elevated parks
and canons, where it was one of the most characteristic birds. We never
observed it at a lower altitude than the beginning of the canons, or, as
happened rarely, in ravines of the foot-hills, while, in the river-valleys, it
appeared to be entirely wanting. It is apparently migratory, as none were
observed between the months of September and April, and in its passage
to and from the south appears to follow the mountain ranges without
performing sufficient vertical migration to reach the lower valleys. In
the canons of the lofty Toyabe Mountains, near Austin, this species was
exceedingly abundant in the early part of July; it was also very common
in the higher canons and elevated garden-like slopes of the Ruby range,
while in similar places near the station of Evanston, on the high Uintahs,
numbers were heard singing on every hand during our brief stay there, in
the month of May. Like its congeners, this species is a bird of the chap-
arral, living chiefly in the brushwood of the cations and ravines; but it is
also found among the rank herbage of those flowery slopes so characteristic
of the higher portions of that mountainous region.
In the position of its nest there was a rather unusual uniformity of
habit manifested, especially by the birds of one locality; thus, those found
at Austin were all placed in the thickest part of low bushes of the
Symphoricarpus montanus, at a height of eighteen inches to two feet above
the ground; the same was usually the case in Parley’s Park, although
sometimes other shrubs, as wild-currant bushes, were selected. The
maximum number of eggs found in a nest was four.
PIPILO CHLORURUS. . 497
The song of this bird is possessed of great strength and clearness, as
well as considerable variety, approaching most nearly that of the Bay-
winged Bunting (Pooecetes gramineus) in style, tone, and modulation. It is
louder, however, and more continued, though in the latter respect it is far
inferior to that of Chondestes grammaca. The ordinary note is remarkably
sweet, sounding like a laughing pronunciation of the syllables keek, keek’,
very much in the tone of the tweet of a Canary-bird; this note is uttered
on the approach of anyone, when the bird hops familiarly about the
stranger, without manifesting any symptoms of uneasiness at his presence,
but rather expressing pleasure in its notes.
List of specimens.
169, 2 ad.; Camp 18, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 7, 1867.
731_10—3 $8,239, 133314. Upper mandible, slate-black, tomium bluish-
white; lower, bluish-white, almost milk-white at the base; iris, purplish-rufous ; tarsi,
and toes, bluish horn-color.
532, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 25, 1868. - 713—104—3,,—23. Upper
mandible, black, tomium plumbeous-blue; lower, pure pale plumbeous-blue, tip
black; iris, deep purplish-ferruginous (very similar to color of crown); tarsi, dilute
whitish-sepia; toes, deeper sepia.
817 (4), 818 (3), nests and eggs; Austin, Nevada, July 2, 1868.
822 (4), 823 (4), 824 (2),.825 (2), 826 (2), nests and eggs 5 Austin, Nevada, July 3,
1868.
929, d ad.; Camp 25, Humboldt Valley, September 16, 1868. 74—10—(?)—28.
Same remarks.
959, 2 ad.; Salt Lake City, May 20, 1869. 74—93. Upper mandible and gonys,
black, lower pale blue; iris, raw-sienna; tarsi, lilaceous:sepia, toes darker, more
plumbeous-sepia.
1052, d ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 26, 1869. 78—10. Upper mandible,
plumbeous-black, lower plumbeous-blue; iris, cinnamon; tarsi, pale brown; toes,
darker.
1234, 1235, nests and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June
23, 1869. Thick low bush, by stream.
1274, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 24,
1869. Thick low bush, by stream.
1295, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 25,
1869. Nest on ground, beneath bush.
1313, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 27,
1869. Nest on ground, beneath bush.
1320 (4), 1321 (2), nests and eggs; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah,
June 27, 1869. Bushes by stream.
1325 (4), 1326 (2), nests and eggs; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah,
June 28, 1869. Bushes by stream.
32 PR
498 ORNITHOLOGY.
1478, g¢ juv.; Parley’s Park, July 30, 1869. 73—103. General hue of bill, livid
slate, pinkish along the tomium and base beneath; iris, ashy-umber ; tarsi and toes,
deep horn.
1479, 9 juv.; Parley’s Park, July 30, 1869. 74—93. Same remarks.
PIPILO CRISSALIS.
Brown Bunting.
Fringilla crissalis, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey’s Voyage, 1839, 19.
Pipilo fuscus var. crissalis, COUES, Key, 1872, 153; Check List, 1873, No. 206b.
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 122, pl. xxx1, fig. 8.
Pipilo fuscus, BAtRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 517 [not of SwAInson, Philos. Mag.,
I, 1827]; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 396.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 245.
This large Bunting was noticed only during our ascent of the western
slope of the Sierra Nevada, the species being easily recognized by its large
size and uniform tawny color. It was first encountered in the ravines of
the lowest foot-hills, and was continually observed among the thickets and
chaparral by the roadside until the pine-forest grew dense and closed in to
the roadside, after which none were seen. It appeared to be a very silent
species, since no notes were heard.
Famiry ALAUDIDA—Larks.
EREMOPHILA ALPESTRIS.
Horned Lark; Shore Lark.
a. alpestris.
Alauda alpestris, FORSTER, Philos. Trans., LXII, 1772, 398.
- _Eremophila alpestris, Born, Isis, 1828, 322.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 89, fig. 32; Check
List, 1873, No. 53.—HENSHAW, 1875, 309.
Eremophila alpestris var. alpestris, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 143, pl. xxxu1,
figs. 1, 2.
Eremophila alpestris. a. alpestris, CouES, B. N.W., 1874, 37.
Alauda cornuta, WILSON, Am. Orn., I, 1808, 87 (in text).
Eremophila cornuta, Born, Isis, 1828, 322.—BarrpD, B. N. Am., 1858, 403; Cat.
N. Am. B., 1859, No. 302.
f. leucolema.
2 Otocorys occidentalis, MCCALL, Pr. Philad. Acad. Nat. Sci., V, 1851, 218 (juv.?).
—BAtrD, Stansbury’s Salt Lake, 1852, 318.
Eremophila alpestris var. leucolema, CouEs, B. N.W., 1874, 38.— HENSHAW, 1875,
309.
EREMOPHILA ALPESTRIS. 499
y. chrysolama.
Alauda chrysolema, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 350.
Eremophila cornuta var. chrysolema, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 403.
Eremophila alpestris var. chrysolema, COUES, Key, 1872, 89; Check List, 1873, No.
53a.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 144.—HEnsuaw, 1875, 310.
Eremophila alpestris. e. chrysolema, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 38.
Hremophila cornuta, COOPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 251 (part).
Few birds are more widely distributed than this one; and if the sage-
brush deserves the title of ‘‘everlasting,” from its abundance and uniform
distribution, it would be as proper to designate this species as ‘‘omnipresent,”
so far as the more open portions of the western country are concerned. No
locality is too barren for it, but, on the contrary, it seems to fancy best the
most dry and desert tracts, where it is often. the only bird to be seen over
miles of country, except an occasional Dove (Zenedura carolinensis), or a
solitary Raven, seen at wide intervals. Neither does altitude appear to
affect its distribution, except so far as the character of the ground is modi-
fied, since we saw them in July and August on the very summit of the
Ruby Mountains, at an altitude of about 11,000 feet, the ground being
pebbly, with a stunted and scattered growth of bushes. The small, deep-
colored race known as chrysolema was the usual form found in summer, but
in winter most of these seemed to have migrated southward, their place
being taken by flocks from the north, composed of migratory individuals
of the races called alpestris and leucolema, of which the former predominated.
List of specimens.
a. alpestris and (3. leucoleema.!
148, 6 ad.; valley of the Humboldt (Camp 17), August 21, 1867. 74—128—41—
33—,—?-27—H.._ Bill, plumbeous-black, basal half of lower mandible pearl-white ;
iris, umber; tarsi and toes, purplish-cinereous.
232, 3 ad.; West Humboldt Mountains (Camp 19), October 4, 1867. 71
a
16
44—38—3—_ 391515, Tarsi and toes, plumbeous-black.
1 We include the specimens of these two races together for the reason that they
are not distinguished in our note-books, while the specimens themselves are not acces-
sible at the present time. All the examples referable to these two races were collected
in autumn or winter, during their migrations southward. Throughout the winter they
were found in large flocks, frequenting all open places, and in severe weather daily
venturing into the streets and door-yards of the towns. During the wirter-season the
present, or northern-bred, birds nearly replace the summer-resident, var. chrysolama,
though sometimes individuals of the latter may be shot from a large flock.
500 ORNITHOLOGY.
302, 2ad.; Truckee Meadows, November 19, 1867. 7),—13—43—3$—43—11—3—4.
Tarsi and toes, livid-black.
395, éad.; Washoe Valley, January 3, 1868. 74{—13—4°.—34. Bill, plumbeous-
black, basal two-thirds of lower mandible abruptly, bluish-white ; iris, umber; tarsi
and toes, deep black.
397, dad.; Washoe Valley, January 3, 1868. 74—133—48—33. Same remarks.
417, $ ad.; Washoe Valley, January 3, 1868. 7,5,—133—4}—3}. Same remarks.
y. chrysolema.
394, gad.; Washoe Valley, Nevada, January 3, 1868. 7—134—63—33—,7,—13
—238—Z. Bill, plumbeous-white, culmen and terminal third slaty; iris, umber; tarsi,
reddish sepia, toes, more blackish, yellow beneath (much as in Anthus ludovicianus).
396, 9. ad.; Washoe Valley, Nevada, January 3, 1868. 64—113—313—34. Same
remarks.
398, g ad.; Washoe Valley, Nevada, January 3, 1868. 7—125—44—33. Same
remarks.
784, nest and eggs (4); Truckee Reservation, June 3, 1868. Nest imbedded in
hard gravelly ground, beneath small scraggy sage-bush, on mesa between river and
mountains.
819, nest and eggs (3); Fort Churchill, Nevada, June 24, 1868. Nest on ground,
underneath sage-bush.
1082, g ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 22, 1869. 7—12%. Bill, black, basal two-
thirds of lower mandible bluish-white; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, sepia-black.
1094, g ad.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 4, 1869. 74—13}. Bill, pure
blue-black, basal two-thirds of lower mandible fine pale blue; iris, brown; tarsi and
toes, dark sepia.
Famity ICTERIDA —Hane-nests, AMERICAN ORIOLES, or
AMERICAN STARLINGS.
DOLICHONYX ORYZIVORUS.
Bob-o-link.
fB. albinuchus.
Dolichonyx oryzivorus var. albinucha, RIDGWAY, Bull. Essex Inst., V, Noy., 1873,
192.—CovuEs, Check List, 1873, App., p. 129.
Dolichonyx oryzivorus, COOPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 255 (part)—HENsmAW, 1875,
311.
The Bob-o-link seems to be spreading over all districts of the ‘ Far
West” wherever the cultivation of the cereals has extended. We found it
MOLOTHRUS ATER. 501
common in August in the wheat-fields at the Overland Ranche in Ruby
Valley, and we were informed at Salt Lake City that it was a common spe-
cies on the meadows of that section of the country in May, and again in
the latter part of summer, when the grain ripened. We did not meet with
it in summer, however, and doubt whether it breeds anywhere in the Inte-
rior south of the 40th parallel.’
List of specimens.
873, 2. ad.; Ruby Valley, Nevada (Camp 21), August 28, 1868.
MOLOTHRUS ATER.
Cow Blackbird.
a. ater.
Molothrus ater, GRAY, Hand List, II, 1870, 36, No. 6507 [cites Bopp., Pl. Enl.,
1783, 606, fig. 1].—BAIRD, Orn. Simpson’s Exped., 1876, 379.
Fringilla pecoris, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 910.
Molothrus pecoris, SwAIns. & RicH., Fauna Bor. Am., II, 1831, 277.—Batrp, B.N.
Am., 1858, 524; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 400.—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., I, 257.—
CouEs, Key, 1872, 155; Check List, 1873, No. 211.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
B., II, 1874, 154, pl. xxxu, figs. 6, 7—HENSHAW, 1875, 312.
Molothrus pecoris. a. pecoris, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 180.
We found this species to be so rare in the country traversed by the
expedition that the list of specimens given below comprises every individual
seen during the whole time.
List of specimens.
146, 6 juv.; Camp 17, valley of the Humboldt, August 31, 1867. 8—13Z—43—
33—11_1— 23114, Bill, slate-black, paler and more lilaceous on lower mandible;
iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, black.
147, juv.; Camp 17, valley of the Humboldt, August 31, 1867. 7,—12;,—4,,—
33—3—Z—22—1}. Same remarks.
782, d ad.; Truckee Reservation, June 2, 1868. 84—14—(?)—33. Bill, tarsi, and
toes, deep black; iris, burnt-umber.
1231, egg; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 23, 1869. Deposited
in nest of Passerella schistacea.
1401, egg; Bear River Valley, Utah, June, 1869. Deposited in nest of Geothlypis
trichas. (Collected by Mr. J. C. Olmstead.)
1 According to Mr. Henshaw (I. ¢.), the Bobolink apparently breeds at Provo,
Utah, parent birds having been noticed feeding their young, July 25th.
502 ORNITHOLOGY.
XANTHOCEPHALUS ICTEROCEPHALUS.
Yellow-headed Blackbird.
(Se-zooh’ of the Washoes.)
Icterus icterocephalus, BoNAP., Am. Orn., I, 1835, 27, pl. 3.
Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 531; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859,
No. 404.—CoorEr, Orn. Cal., I, 267.—Covuxs, Key, 1872, 156, fig. 98; Check
List, 1873, No. 213; B. N.W., 1874, 188.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B. II, 1874,
167, pl. XXXU, fig. 9; pl. XXxuI, fig. 9 -HENSHAW, 1875, 315. -
In order to be assured of the presence of this large and conspicuous
species, it was only necessary to find an extensive marsh with a sufficient,
‘extent of tall rushes, or, as termed in western parlance, tules. It was most
abundant in the vicinity of Sacramento City and along the southeastern
margin of the Great Salt Lake, near the mouth of the J ordan River; but it
was also plentiful at all intermediate points where suitable localities existed.
These birds generally frequent the same marshes as the Red-wings (Ageleus),
but usually the two congregate in colonies in separate portions of a marsh.
In general habits there is much resemblance to the Red-wings, especially —
in their fondness for marshy localities; but in many respects there is a
closer approach to the Cow-bird (Molothrus), notably in their very terres-
trial nature ; for they may be very often observed walking over the green-
sward of the damp meadows with a firm, stately, and graceful gait, in the
manner of the species alluded to above. The eggs, also, are more like those
of Molothrus than those of Ageleus.
The notes of the Yellow-headed Blackbird are among the harshest and
rudest we have heard in any species. Their general character is that char-
acteristic of most ‘“ Blackbirds” of this family, the ordinary note being a
deep chuck, similar to that of Quiscalus purpureus or Q. eneus, but louder ;
while the song of the male is a discordant squawk, apparently “strained
out” by great effort, in a squeaking, rasping sort of way, like the similar
performance of Molothrus or Quiscalus, but differing in that many of the
notes compare, in loudness and grating tone, with those of the Guinea Hen
(Numida meleagris). The singer, however, evidently thinks his perform-
ance pleasing, and it probably is to his mate, for he makes a great parade
AGELAUS PHGNICEUS. 503
of himself, spreading his tail widely, drooping his wings, and swelling out
his body at each effort.
The species was partially migratory in the Interior, only a few ex-
amples being seen during the winter at Carson City, these being mostly
solitary individuals mixed in with flocks of Scolecophagus cyanocephalus,
although occasionally small troops visited the corrals for the purpose of
gleaning the half-digested grain from the manure. Their gregarious nature
was manifest at all times, however, even in summer, for they nested in
large communities, apart from the other marsh-birds, although always found
in close proximity to them.
List of specimens.
39, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, California, June 12, 1867. Nest in tule-slough.
140, S ad.; Camp 17, valley of the Humboldt, Nevada, August 30, 1867. 11—
17451347718, —43—1143. Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black ; iris, hazel.
523, 6 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 24, 1868. 103—17—511—43. Remarks
as above.
965, dad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 21, 1869. 11—183. Bill, tarsi, and toes,
deep black ; iris, brown.
966, g ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 21, 1869. 114—18}. Remarks as above.
973-1004, thirty-two nests with eggs; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 21, 1869. Nests
among the tules.in a slough, near Warm Spring Lake; maximum number of eggs, four.
1021, g ad.; Salt Lake City, May 22,1869. 114—181. Bill, tarsi, and toes, black ;
iris, brown.
1022, 2ad.; Salt Lake City, May 22, 1869. 9—14%. Bill, dusky horn color,
darker above; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, black.
AGELZUS PH@NICEUS.
Red-shouldered Blackbird.
a, phoeniceus—Red-and-buff-shouldered Blackbird.
(Se-zoo' -te-mo-lah'-gehk of the Washoes; Pah-cool'-up-at'-su-que of the
Paiutes.)
Oriolus pheniceus, LINN., Syst. Nat., 1, 1766, 161.
Ageleus pheniceus, VIEILL., Analyse, 1816.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 526;
Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 401.—CooP_Er, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 261.—CovuEs,
Key, 1872, 156, pl. 4; Check List, 1873, No. 212.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
Birds, II, 1874, 159, pl. xxxu1I, figs. 1, 2, 3—HENsHAW, 1875, 313.
Ageleus pheniceus. a. pheniceus, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 186.
504 ORNITHOLOGY.
B. gubernator—Red-and-black-shouldered Blackbird.
Psarocolius gubernator, WAGLER, Isis, 1832, 281.
Ageleus gubernator, BONAP., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 30.—Bartmp, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 529; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 402.—Coopsr, Orn. Cal., I,
1870, 263.
Ageleus phoeniceus var. gubernator, COUES, Key, 1872, 156; Check List, No. 212a
—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 163, pl. xxx, figs. 4, 8.
Ageleus pheniceus. c. gubernator, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 186.
The Red-winged Blackbird was found in all marshy places, being
especially numerous in the vicinity of the great lakes of the Interior
and along the larger rivers. The form distinguished as gubernator was
exceedingly abundant among the tules near Sacramento, where it was
associated with A. tricolor and Xanthocephalus icterocephalus; but east of the
Sierra Nevada it was found only in the western depression, and was there
very rare compared with the commoner form, 4. pheniceus.
List of specimens.
a. phoeniceus.
a $; Camp 17, valley of the Humboldt, Nevada, August 30, 1867. 94—148
—(43)—(3§)—12—1— 331}. Bill, dark hepatic-brown, stripe of black on side of
is! mandible and on the culmen; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, black.
142, §; Camp 17, valley of the Humboldt, Nevada, August 30,1867. 9—148—
4344 7-134), Same remarks.
154, g; Camp 17, September 2, 1867. 94—143—43—315_15__]__33 _11. Same
remarks.
238, ¢; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, October 7, 1867. 93—153
—5,';—44—_{—1— 331}. Bill, tarsi, and toes, black; iris, hazel.
265, $; Camp 26, Truckee Meadows, Nevada, November 8, 1867. Willows. 93
—154—4—4,), -§{—1— 3313. __ Bill, dull blackish, slightly brownish on tomium and
gonys; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, black.
266, g; Camp 26, Truckee Meadows, Nevada, November 8, 1867. 94—153—4!5
—4—Z—_1—33—1}. Same remarks.
267, g; Camp 26, Truckee Meadows, Nevada, November 8, 1867. 9—14}—411—
313 HOH Bill, uniform brownish-black, lower mandible rather paler.
268, ¢; Camp 26, evans 8, 1867. aWellows! 93—15—4g—4— 71 —38—1}.
Bill, aie dull black.
293, g; Camp 26, November 18, 1867. 94—153—54—44—13—1,)— 3718. Bill,
uniform slate-black; iris, vandyke- brown; tarsi and toes, black.
294, g; Camp 26, November 18, 1867. 94—15$—54—44—Z—1,,— 3311. Bill,
slaty-black, inclining to brownish-cinereous on basal portion of lower mandible.
295, g; Camp 26, November 18, 1867. 9—143—45—35—=2)_1,),—31—13. Same
remarks.
AGELZUS TRICOLOR. 505
296, g; Camp 26, November 18, 1867. 93—153—53—4,3,—2$—1.,—3{—1}.
Same remarks. (Prepared by Mr. Parker.)
297, 9; Camp 26, November 18, 1867. 8{—13—44—3,4—13—15_33—1}. Up-
per mandible, dull black, lower dull cinereous; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, dull black.
_ 298, 2; Camp 26, November 18, 1867. 78—124—43—3.5, 37381}. Upper
mandible, brownish slaty-black, tomium paler, lower brownish cinereous; iris, van-
dyke-brown; tarsi and toes, black.
299, 9; Camp 26, November 18,1867. 73—123—44—34—13—15_3 114. Same
remarks.
403, 2; Camp 26, November 19, 1867. 7§—124—44—3,,—13—15—3.3—1}.
Upper mandible, horn-black, tomium paler; lower pale horn-color, the point dusky;
iris, hazel; tarsi and tocs, brownish-black.
566, g ad.; Truckee Reservation, May 15, 1868. 94—154—(?)—4. Bill, tarsi,
and toes, deep black; iris, sepia.
772 (3), 773 (3); nests and eggs. Truckee Reservation, May 31, 1868. Nests in
small bushes, in overflowed meadow.
967, ¢ ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 21, 1869. 10—164. Bill, tarsi, and toes,
black; iris, brown.
968, ¢ ad.; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 21, 1869. 10—16. Same remarks.
1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009; nests and eggs. Salt Lake City, May 21, 1869.
Tule-meadows; maximum number of eggs, four.
1023, ¢ ad.; Salt Lake City, May 22, 1869. 927—19. Remarks as above.
1024, g ad.; Salt Lake City, May 22, 1869. 93—154. Remarks as above.
1025, gf ad.; Salt Lake City, May 22, 1869. 98—15z. Remarks as above.
1089, nest and eggs (4); Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 4, 1869. Grassy
marsh, lake-shore.
1142 (4), 1143 (4), 1144, 1145, 1146, 1147, 1148, 1149, 1150, 1151, nests and eggs;
Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 9, 1869. Nests in sage-brush, in alkaline pond,
near lake-shore.
B. gubernator.
432, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 9, 1868. 93—153—54—4}. Bill, tarsi,
and toes, deep black; iris, hazel. :
788, nest and eggs (4); Truckee Reservation, June 3, 1868. Nest in small bush,
in wet meadow.
AGELZUS TRICOLOR.
Red-and-white-shouldered Blackbird.
Icterus tricolor, NUTTALL, Man. Orn., I, 2d ed., 1840, 186.
Ageleus tricolor, BONAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 30.—Batrp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 530; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 403.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II,
1874, 165, pl. xxx, figs. 5, 6, 7—COoPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 265.
Ageleus pheniceus var. tricolor, COUES, Key, 1872, 156; Check List, 1873, No.
212b.
Ageleus pheniceus. d. tricolor, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 186.
This very distinct species was seen only in the neighborhood of Sacra-
506 ORNITHOLOGY.
mento City, where it was excessively abundant, along with the A. guberna-
tor and Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, among the tules near the river. The
individuals of this species were easily distinguished by their different appear-
ance, while their notes were strikingly dissimilar.
STURNELLA NEGLECTA.
Western Meadow-Lark.
(Se-zoo’-te-ya'-lehk of the Washoes; Pah’'-at-se'-tone of the Paiutes.)
Sturnella neglecta, AUDUBON, B. Am., VII, 1843, 339, pl. 487.—Batrp, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 537; Catal., 1859, No. 407.—Coorrr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 270.
Sturnella magna var. neglecta, COUES, Key, 1872, 157; Check List, 1873, No. 214a.—
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 176, pl. xxxrv, fig. 1.—HENSHAW, 1875,
317.
Sturnella magna. b. neglecta, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 190.
The Western Meadow Lark is a generally-distributed species, since
it occurs wherever there are grassy tracts, as well as in the sage-brush
of the more fertile districts; it is much less common in the mountains,
however, than in the lower valleys, and we do not remember meeting with
it higher up than an altitude of 7,000 feet. So far as general habits are
concerned, it is a counterpart of the eastern species (S. magna), but its notes
are most strikingly different, while it exhibits some very noticeable pecu-
liarities of manners. It is a much more familiar bird than its eastern
relative, and we observed that the manner of its flight differed in an
important respect, the bird flitting along with a comparatively steady,
though trembling, flutter, instead of propelling itself by occasional spas-
modic beatings of the wings, then extending them horizontally during the
intervals between these beats, as is the well-known manner of flight of the
eastern species.
All observers, we believe, from the earliest explorers to those of the
present time, agree as to the wide difference in the notes of the Western
Meadow Lark from those of the eastern bird; and this we consider to be a
sufficient evidence of specific diversity, notwithstanding the close similarity
of general appearance—especially if taken in connection with the other
differences alluded to, and the equally important fact, attested by many
writers, that in the region where the habitats of the two forms adjoin they
STURNELLA NEGLECTA. 507
are found together, each preserving with perfect distinctness its peculiarities
of habits and voice, there not being that gradual transition from one to the
other, in proceeding eastward or westward, which would exist in case the
differences were merely the impress of geographical causes.
We know of no two congeneric species, of any family of birds, more
radically distinct in all their utterances than the eastern and western Meadow
Larks, two years of almost daily association with the latter, and a much
longer familiarity with the former, having thoroughly convinced us of this
fact; indeed, as has been the experience of every naturalist whose remarks
on the subject we have read or heard, we never even so much as suspected,
upon hearing the song of the Western Lark for the first time, that the author
of the clear, loud, ringing notes were those of a bird at all related to the
Eastern Lark, whose song, though equally sweet, is far more subdued—
half-timid—and altogether less powerful and varied. As to strength of
voice, no eastern bird can be compared to this, while its notes possess a
metallic resonance equalled only by those of the Wood Thrush. The modu-
lation of the song of the Western Lark we noted on several occasions, and
found it to be most frequently nearly as expressed by the following sylla-
bles: Tung'-tung’-tung ah, tillah'-tillah’, tung—the first three notes deliberate,
full, and resonant, the next two finer and in a higher key, the final one like
the first in accent and tone. Sometimes this song is varied by a metallic
trill, which renders it still more pleasing. The ordinary note is a deep-
toned tuck, much like the chuck of the Blackbirds (Quiscalus), but consid-
erably louder and more metallic; another note is a prolonged rolling chat-
ter, somewhat similar to that of the Baltimore Oriole (Icterus baltimore), but
correspondingly louder, while the anxious call-note is a liquid tywr, which
in its tone and expression calls to mind the spring-call (not the warble) of
the Eastern Blue-bird (Sialia sialis), or the exceedingly similar complaining
note of the Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius). In fact, all the notes of the
Western Lark clearly indicate its position in the family Icteride, which is
conspicuously not the case in the eastern bird.'
1The song itself is more like that of the Common Troupial (Icterus vulgaris) than
any other we have ever heard, but it is, if anything, more powerful; the tone and
accent are, however, exceedingly similar.
508 ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimens.
149, $juv.; Camp 17, valley of the Humboldt, Nevada, August 31, 1867. (Grassy
river-bottom.) 93—141—43—33—1,%—1,5 23-3. Upper mandible, light pinkish-
sepia; lower brownish lilaceous-white, tip darker; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, deli-
cate lilaceous-white, faintly tinged with brown.
155, gjuv.; Camp 17, September 2, 1867. (Grassy river-bottom.) 9{—143—45—
311_13.—1,5— 213. Upper mandible, clear light sepia, deepening into horn-color
at end; lower brownish lilaceous-whitish, darker terminally.
247, fjuv.; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, October 11, 1867.
(Fields.) 103—15—5—43—13—1,5,—31—1. Upper mandible, deep horn-color, black-
ish terminally ; tomium and lower mandible, paler lilaceous horn-color, darker ter-
minally; iris, hazel; tarsi, delicate brownish-whitish ; toes, slightly darker.
362, 2 juv.; Truckee Reservation, Nevada, December 18, 1867, 9—141—44$-—-35—
13,—11—23—4. Bill, generally, delicate lilaceous-white; upper mandible with a dilute
brownish tinge, the culmen light sepia; iris, umber; tarsi and toes, delicate lilaceous-
white. :
415, gad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 5, 1868. 93—16$—51—4)... Upper man-
dible, black ; basal portion of culmen, (between frontal feathers,) broad stripe on basal
three-fourths of upper tomium, with basal two-thirds of lower mandible pure pale blue ;
tip of lower mandible, black; iris, umber; tarsi and toes, delicate, uniform, pale ashy-
lilaceous.
459, gad.; Carson, City, Nevada, March 26, 1868. 101—17—51—41, Same re-
marks.
460, dad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 26,1868. 10—16—5--4. Same remarks.
505, nest and eggs (5); Carson City, Nevada, April 21, 1868. Nest imbedded in
ground beneath sage-bush; nest precisely like that‘of S. magna.
787, nest and eggs (4); Truckee Reservation, June 3, 1868. Nest imbedded in the
ground, beneath a low bush, on the grassy bank of the river.
ICTERUS BULLOCKI.
Bullock’s Oriole.
(Yset'-ke of the Washoes.)
Aanthornus bullockti, SWAINSON, Synop. Mex. Birds, Philos. Mag., I, 1827, 436.
Icterus bullockii, Bonav., Comp. &-Geog. List, 1838, 29.—BarrpD, B. N. Am., 1858,
549; Catal., 1859, No. 416.—COooPER, Orn. Cal, I, 273.—COUES, eae 1872,
158, fig. 100; Check List, 1873, No. 217; B. N.W., 1874, 195.—B. B. & ft.,
anee N. Lotte B., IL, 1874, 199, pl. Xxxrv, fe 3, 7, HENSHAW, 1875, 320.
Except in the higher pine forests, this beautiful Oriole is common in
all wooded localities of the western country. It abounded at Sacramento
to such an extent that several nests were often found in one tree, a large
IOCTERUS BULLOCKI. 509
cotton-wood by our camp containing five, some of which, however, were
unoccupied. In May we found numbers of them in the rich valley of the
Truckee, near Pyramid Lake, and observed that they were then subsisting
chiefly on the tender buds of the grease-wood (Obione confertifolia), in com-
pany with Hedymeles melanocephalus, Pyranga ludoviciana, and some other
species.
The nest of Bullock’s Oriole is very similar in its structure and compo-
sition to that of the Baltimore (J. baltimore), but it is less frequently pendu-
lous, and seldom, if ever, so gracefully suspended. Its usual position is
between upright twigs, near the top of the tree, thus resembling more that
of the Orchard Oriole (I. spurius), which, however, is very different in its
composition. ;
List of specimens.
1, nest and eggs (2); Sacramento, California, June 6, 1867. Nest in top of large
isolated cotton-wood.
220, nest; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, October 1, 1867. In aspen-
thicket. (Collected by Mr. J. D. Hague.)
567, g ad.; Truckee Reservation, May 15,1868. 8{—123—(?)—3,4. Upper man-
dible, black, the tomium bluish-white; lower, pale blue, slightly dusky toward end ot
gonys; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, pale brownish-blue.
808, nest; Truckee Reservation, May, 1868. Nest on drooping branch of
willow.
1057 (2), 1058 (5), nests and eggs; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 27, 1869. Nests in
mountain-mahogany bush, 1,500 feet above camp.
1061, gad. (parent of No. 1057). 8—123. Upper mandible black, tomium and
lower mandible fine light blue; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, deep blue, with a faint
yellowish stain.
1065, nest and eggs (4); Salt Lake City, May 29,1869. Nest in maple-sapling, in
wooded ravine. (City Creek Cation.)
1106, nest and eggs (2); Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 5, 1869. Nest
in apple-tree, in orchard.
1130, nest and eggs; Antelope Island, June 7, 1869. Willow-copse.
1178, 1179, nests and eggs; Salt Lake City, June 18, 1869. Mountain-mahogany
trees, 1,800 feet above camp.
1346, gad.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 28, 1869. 84—12.
Bill black, commissure and lower mandible fine light blue; iris, brown; tarsi and
toes, horn-blue.
1387, nest; Provo River, Utah, July 10, 1869. Thorn-apple bush.
1390, nest; Provo River, Utah, July 11, 1869. Thorn-apple bush.
510 ORNITHOLOGY.
SCOLECOPHAGUS CYANOCEPHALUS.
Brewer’s Blackbird.
Psarocolius cyanocephalus, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, 758.
Scolecophagus cyanocephalus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein., I, 1851, 195.—Bartrp, B. N.
Am., 1858, 552; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 418.—COooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 278.—
CouEs, Key, 1872, 160; Check List, 1873, No. 322; B. N.W., 1874, 199.—B.
B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 206, pl. xxxv, fig. 3—HENSHAW, 1875, 321.
Seldom seen there during summer, this Blackbird becomes one of the
most abundant species in the lower valleys during the winter season, when
immense flocks frequent the settlements and resort daily to the corrals for
their food, which at this time consists largely of the grain gleaned from the
fresh dung, or found scattered where the stock has been fed. They also
visit the slaughter-houses for their share of the offal, of which, however,
the Magpies deprive them of the greater portion. In the severer weather
small companies even came to the door-yards in Carson City, to feed upon
the crumbs and scraps of meat.thrown from the tables. During the breed-
ing-season they were observed to have retired to the mountains, where they
frequented the trees in the lower cafions, or on the lower slopes, the groves
of cedars and nut-pines being a favorite resort. On the 3d of June, 1867,
we discovered the breeding-ground of a large colony of this species in a
grove of the above-named trees, among the mountains fronting the southern
end of Pyramid Lake. More than a hundred pairs had congregated there,
and almost every tree contained one or more nests, while as many as three
containing eggs or young were sometimes found on a single tree. Each nest
was saddled upon a horizontal branch, usually near the top of the tree, or
at a height of twelve or fifteen feet from the ground, and was well concealed
in a thick tuft of foliage, the position being quite the same in every instance ;
most of them contained young birds, and when these were disturbed the
parents flew very near, exhibiting much concern, and uttering a soft chuck
as they hovered about us; the maximum number of eggs or young found
in a nest was six, the usual number being four or five. In Parley’s Park,
among the Wahsatch Mountains, they were also abundant during the breed-
ing-season, and although many nests were found, they were more scattered,
on account, we suppose, of the surrounding country being more generally
SCOLECOPHAGUS CYANOCEPHALUS. 511
wooded—their gregariousness in the instance mentioned above being most
likely due to the fact that trees were exceedingly scarce in that portion of
the country, and, so far as the mountains were concerned, limited to occa-
sional isolated groves. Along toward the latter part of July and during the
month of August, they became exceedingly abundant in Parley’s Park, a
large proportion of the flocks being composed of young birds; and so numer-
ous were they that an average of ten or a dozen would be brought down
by a single shot. They thus contributed very essentially to the subsist-
ence of our tame hawks—four fine examples of Buteo swainsoni, reared
that season from the nest, and allowed perfect liberty about the camp.
A wounded bird, winged in one of these massacres, exhibited great spirit
and determination when confronted by one of the hawks mentioned above,
for he no sooner saw the latter than he became suddenly possessed of the
most infuriate passion, even while yet held in the hand, and, with feathers
raised, and silvery eyes flashing, sprang upon the hawk and fastened to
the back of his head with bill and claws. The poor hawk was greatly
terrified, and with outspread wings hopped frantically over the ground, at
the same time uttering such plaintive whistlings that the scene excited shouts
of laughter and applause from the spectators. The hawk was finally released
from its tormentor, and would never afterward touch a living bird. During
a great flight of grasshoppers which devastated the grain-fields of Parley’s
Park and surrounding districts, these Blackbirds were almost constantly
employed in catching these insects, and during their stay appeared to eat
nothing else. When engaged in their pursuit it was observed that they
often flew from the perch and caught them in the air, in true flycatcher
style, this performance being so far from exceptional that it was not uncom-
mon to see several individuals perform the exploit at one time.
List of specimens.
189, gad.; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 17, 1867.
(Sheep corral.) 913—164—5,,—4,7.,—_ 3 14-41-11. Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black;
iris, whitish sulphur-yellow.
190, dad; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 17, 1867.
10—16—53—43—13 11-4111, Same remarks.
191, g ad.; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, September 17, 1867.
931535, 431811 315_1§. Same remarks.
512 ORNITHOLOGY.
195, gad.; Camp 19, September 19, 1867. (Sheep corral.) 10—153—53—4 7.3
—1ij—44—13. Same remarks.
196, 2 ad.; Camp 19, September 19, 1867, 93—1415—413_4__3__]1__313__]1.
Bill. tarsi, and toes, black; iris, light reddish-hazel.
198, S ad.; Camp 19, September 20, 1867. (Sheep corraL) 10—16—5$,—45.—
18—]4—44111, Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black ; iris, whitish sulphur-yellow.
205, 2 ad.; Camp 19, September 21, 1867. 9}—1413—5—41 31) 3713.
Bill, tarsi, and toes, black; iris, light brownish-hazel.
206, 2 ad.; Camp 19, September 21, 1867. 93}—143—415_41__8_]1_33_13,
Iris, deep (not light) hazel.
789 (4), 790 (6), 791 (4), 792, 793, 794, 795, 796, 797, 798, nests and eggs; near
Truckee Reservation, June 3, 1868. =
1277, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park (Wahsatch Mountains), Utah, June 24,
1869. Nest in bush by stream.
1278 (4), 1279 (2), nests and eggs; Parley’s Park (Wahsatch Mountains), Utah,
June 24,1869. Nests in cotton-woods, along stream; supported against the trunk by
small twigs.
"1424, f ad.; Parley’s Park, June 17,1869. 104—19}. Bill, tarsi, and toes, black;
iris, white.
1462, 3 juv.; Parley’s Park, July 28, 1869. 10—163. Bill, legs, and feet, black;
iris, grayish yellowish-white.
Famity CORVIDA!\—Crows and JAYS.
CORVUS CORAX.
Raven.
f. carnivorus—American Raven.
(Kah'-gehk of the Washoes; Ah’-dah of the Paiutes; Hih of the Shoshones.)
Corvus carnivorus, BARTRAM, Travels, Fla., 1793, 290.—BarrpD, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 560; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 423.—CooPer, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 282.
Corvus corax var. carnivorus, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 234, pl.
XXXVII, fig. 6 HENSHAW, 1875, 324.
Corvus corax (var.?), COUES, Key, 1872, 162.
Corvus coraxz, COUES, Check List, 1873, No. 226; Birds N.W., 1874, 204.
Corvus cacalotl, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 527.—BairD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 563; Cat.
N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 424.
This large bird is one of the most characteristic species of the
Great Basin, over which it appears to be universally distributed, no
desert-tract being so extensive or sterile that a solitary Raven may not be
seen any day, although in such regions it is most usually observed winging
CORVUS CARNIVORUS. 513
its way silently, or with an occasional hoarse croak, from the mountains
on one side the desert to the range opposite. It is also plentiful in the
most fertile sections. We did not see it in the Sacramento Valley, where
the Common Crow (C. americanus) was so abundant—the two species being,
in fact, nowhere found together in equal abundance; but it became numer-
ous immediately after we had crossed the Sierra Nevada, while the Crow
disappeared almost entirely. In those portions where the Raven was the
predominant species, as in western Nevada, we found that it went by the
popular name of ‘‘Crow,” while the more rare C. americanus was distin-
guished as the ‘Tom Crow!” At the Truckee Meadows the Ravens were
very abundant in November, but were so shy as to be with difficulty ap-
proached within gunshot. At the latter locality we once observed an assem-
bly of them annoying a Rough-legged Hawk (Archibuteo sancti-johannis)
which had alighted on a fence-post; but the hawk did not appear to mind
them much, and did not fly until we approached, when he took to flight,
and was followed by the Ravens until almost out of sight. At Carson City
they were very numerous in winter at the slaughter-house, just outside the
town, where they congregated with the Magpies to feed upon the offal; they
were then very tame and easily killed. The true home, however, of the
Ravens appeared to be in the desert mountains, where their eyries were
often seen among the high volcanic rocks, out of reach of an ordinary
climber. In the appearance, manners, and voice of the Raven there is such
a general resemblance to the Common Crow that after long familiarity
with the latter the peculiarities of the former are forgotten. This, probably,
accounts for the inappropriateness, or incorrectness, of the western nomen-
clature of these two birds, for when the two are seen together, which not
often happens, the ‘Tom Crow” appears dwarfed in size, or not as large as a
crow should be. The notes, also, are quite similar in their character (far
more so than those of the Fish Crow, C. ossifragus, and the common species),
but they are considerably hoarser and less vehement. The most conspicuous
difference is in their manner of flight, the Crow flapping its wings continu-
ally, and seldom if ever sailing with outstretched, motionless pinions, while
the Raven almost constantly soars in the buoyant and well-sustained man-
ner of certain Raptores, a flapping flight being the very rare exception.
33 PR
514 ORNITHOLOGY.
Tist of specimens.
271, 2 ad; Camp 26, November 11, 1867. 25—50$—17—133—3—24—93—$4.
Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black; interior of mouth, deep slaty violaceous-black ; iris,
deep vandyke.
284, ¢ ad.; Camp 26, November 15, 1867. 26—51—i7—133—3—23—10}—53.
Same remarks. Interior of mouth with some flesh-color beneath the tongue aud far
back.
285, 2 ad.; Camp 26, November 15, 1867. 25—50—17—14--3—24—10—6. Same
remarks. Interior of mouth with cloudings of livid flesh-color posteriorly.
CORVUS AMERICANUS. s
Common Crow.
(Kah'-gehk Nah'-ming of the Washoes; Queh’ Ah’-dah of the Paiutes.)
Corvus americanus, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog., II, 1834, 317.—BarrRD, B. N. Am., 1858,
566; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 426.—Couss, Key, 1872, 162; Check List,
1873, No. 228.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 243, pl. xxxvil, fig. 5—
HENSHAW, 1875, 327.
Corvus americanus. a. americanus, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 206.
Corvus caurinus, COOPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 285 (part, if not entirely).
In crossing the plains from Sacramento City to the Sierra Nevada, we
found the Common Crow exceedingly numerous at a certain place along
our route, where a considerable stream crossed the plains; they flew about
over the ground and up into the trees with the same noisy cawing as in the
east, and appeared to be in all respects the same bird. In the country to the
eastward of the Sierra Nevada, however, the Crow was so extremely rare as
to be met with on but two occasions, when the number of individuals was
limited to a very few. The first examples were seen at the stage-station
near the Humboldt marshes, in November. Three individuals only were
found there, and these walked unconcernedly about the door-yard with the
familiarity of tame pigeons, merely hopping to one side when approached
too closely. So much confidence displayed by this usually wary bird was
in such contrast with the extreme shyness and caution it exhibits in more
thickly-populated portions of the country, that we concluded they were
domesticated specimens, and found out our mistake only after questioning
the station-keeper as to the history of his ‘“‘pets,” when we received
PICICORVUS COLUMBIANUS. 515
permission to shoot one for our collection. Later in the same month a
very few—perhaps less than half a dozen individuals—were found at the
Truckee Meadows, where they frequented the willows along the river.
These also were very tame, but except in this regard seemed to be ex-
actly like the Crow of the Eastern States, the notes being quite identical."
List of specimens.
256, gad.; Humboldt Meadows (Camp 22), October 31, 1867. 19—(?)—124—10—
(2?) —2—7—44. Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black ; iris, hazel.
263, 3 ad.; Camp 26, Truckee Meadows, November 8, 1867. Willows, along river.
191—37—121104—22_71__43, Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black; iris, deep* van-
dyke ; interior of mouth (except corneous portions), deep flesh-color. :
PICICORVUS COLUMBIANUS.
Clarke’s Nutcracker.
(Pah'-bup of the Washoes; Toh'-o-kotz of the Shoshones.)
Corvus columbianus, WILSON, Am. Orn., IIT, 1811, 29, pl. Xx, fig. 2.
Picicorvus columbianus, BoNAP., Consp. Av., I, 1850, 384.—BatrpD, B. N. Am.,
1858, 573, 925; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 430.—Coopmr, Orn. Cal., I, 289.—
Couns, Key, 1872, 162, fig. 104; Check List, 1873, No. 230; B. N.W., 1874,
207.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 255, pl. xxxvu, fig. 4—HENSHAW,
1875, 328.
The dense forest of lofty pines and kindred trees on the Sierra Nevada
was where this remarkable bird most abounded, but it was also found to the
eastward wherever extensive coniferous woods occurred, it being common
on the Wahsatch and Uintah ranges, and rare on the intermediate Ruby
Mountains; but it was never seen except among the pines, which seem
necessary to its existence. The habits and manners of this bird deviate so
widely from those of the family to which it belongs that no one would sus-
pect its true relationship; it acts like a Woodpecker, screams like a Wood-
pecker, and looks so much like one that the best ornithologists are apt to
be misled, by the first glimpse of it, into believing it an undescribed species
1Mr. BE. W. Nelson informs me that in November he noticed the Crows exhibiting
the same familiarity at Sacramento City, where they were seen about the door-yards
and corrals of houses in the suburbs.
516 ORNITHOLOGY.
of the Woodpecker family; this was our own impression, corrected only by
the obtaining of specimens. Prince Maximilian described a white-tailed
Woodpecker (‘Picus leucurus”) seen by him in the Rocky Mountains,
which was undoubtedly this bird; and Mr. J. A. Allen, an accurate observer,
was more recently led into the same error.’
In the pine woods near Carson City these birds were very abundant,
and, with the Jays (Cyanura frontalis), made the forest resound with their
harsh, discordant cries. Their notes were often to be heard when the bird
could not be seen, and were generally the first indication of its presence.
The usual utterence, a guttural chur-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r, repeated several times,
and generally as two or more alighted in the same tree, possessed a peculiar
snarling character; occasionally, however, an individual would take up a
rather musical piping strain, which being immediately answered by all the
others in the neighborhood, made the woods echo with their cries. As
before stated, all the actions of this bird cal to mind the traits of the Wood-
pecker tribe; it is a conspicuous object as it floats in gentle undulations
above the tops of the tall pine trees, when it resembles in its motions the
Ring-necked Woodpecker (Melanerpes torquatus); it is also often seen to
swoop to the ground to pick up a fallen pine-seed, return to the tree and
hammer it vigorously against a branch; and should two or more alight in
close proximity a general snarling chur-r-r-r ensues, reminding one of the
quarrelsome Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus).
We were unable to find the eggs of this bird, but a nest was discov-
ered on the Ruby Mountains, in August, 1868, after the young had flown.
This nest was in a hole—apparently the deserted excavation of the Red-
shafted Flicker—in a tall pine stump, about twenty feet from the ground;
the nest itself was a very elaborate and symmetrical one, composed of pine
needles and fine roots, with larger sticks outside, resembling in its general
character that made by other species of the family. Attention was first
attracted to this nest by observing a pair of these birds enter the cavity in
question. It is not known whether it is the constant habit of this species
to thus build inside of holes in trees, but on the Sierra Nevada they were
1 See American Naturalist, Vol. VI, p. 350, and Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoology, Vol.
III, No. 6, June, 1872, p. 150.
GYMNOKITTA CYANOCEPHALA. 517
often seen to go into hollows about the trees, as if going to and from their
nests."
List of specimens.
308, 2 ad.; Pea-Vine Mountain, near Sierra Nevada, November 20, 1867. Pine
woods. 124—213—78—64—111—14—43—23. Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black ; iris,
bright hazel. ’
309, 9 ad.; Pea-Vine Mountain, near Sierra Nevada, November 20, 1867. Pine
woods. 123—213—73—6}—13—1,9,—43—3. Same remarks.
310, 2ad.; Pea-Vine Mountain, near Sierra Nevada, November 20, 1867. Pine
woods. 123—218—78—64—13—11—41—23. Same remarks.
320, gad.; pine woods, shore of Lake Tahoe. (Mr. H.G. Parker.) 13—(?)—8—63—
13-1 5,—493—23.
443, g ad.; Carson, March 21, 1868. Pines. 123—223—8—6}. Bill, tarsi, and
toes, black; iris, blackish-sepia.
444, 9 ad.; Carson, March 21, 1868. Pines. 123—224—73—63. Same remarks.
854, 2ad.; Camp 19, East Humboldt Mountains, August 4, 1868, 123—22—(?)—
6. Same remarks. :
868, g ad.; Camp 19, August 12, 1868. 124—22—(?)—63.. Same remarks.
1447, g ad.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, July 23, 1869. 123—234.
Bill, tarsi, and toes, black; iris, umber.
GYMNOKITTA CYANOCEPHALA.
Blue Nutcracker; Maximiliam’s “Jay.’’
Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus, MAXIMILIAN, Reise Nord-Am., 1841, 21.
Gymnokitta cyanocephala, BONAP., Consp. Av., I, 1850, 382.— BAIRD, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 574; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 431.—Cooper, Orn. Cal., I, 292.—
CouEs, Key, 1872, 163; Check List, 1873, No. 231; Birds N.W., 1874, 209.—
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, Il, 1874, 260, pl. xxxviit, fig. 2—HENSHAW,
1875, 331.
This extraordinary bird was found to inhabit exclusively the nut-pine
and cedar woods on the mountain ranges of the Interior, of which it was
the most characteristic species. It was eminently gregarious, even breeding
in colonies, and in winter congregating in immense flocks, which sometimes
consisted of thousands of individuals, all uttering their querulous notes as
they swept to and fro over the hills, in their restless migrations. Its blue
color is about the only feature in this bird which would lead one at first
sight to suspect its relationship with the Jays, all its habits being so utterly
1According to Captain Charles Bendire, U.S. A., this is by no means the usual
position of the nest. [See Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. I, No. 2,
July, 1876, pp. 44, 45.]
518 ORNITHOLOGY.
different from those of the more familiar species of this family. It is as
essentially migratory as the Passenger Pigeon (Hctopistes migratoria) of the
east, its appearance in and departure from a locality being equally sudden.
We have often visited a nut-pine woods and found it one day full of
noisy, roving troops, and the next as gloomy and silent as if a bird had
never made its appearance there. In fall and winter, the large flocks,
as they sweep back and forth over the scantily-wooded foot-hills, aro sure
to attract the attention of a stranger to the country, not merely from their
appearance, but the more so from the fact that their peculiar piping notes
of pe’ -pe'-we, pe'-pe'-we, pe’-pe'-we are often the only sound which breaks the
solitude of these desolate regions, and would thus catch the ear of the most
unobservant person.
In its manners, Maximilian’s Jay resembles Clarke’s Nutcracker (Pici-
corvus) more than any other bird, the chief difference being its migratory
nature, the latter being of very sedentary habits. Most of its movements
are quite similar, its attitude being much the same as it sits upon the
summit of a small cedar, quietly reconnoitering, while it also frequently
alights upon the ground to pick up a fallen pine-seed or cedar-berry. Its
flight, however, is strikingly different, being almost exactly like that of the
Robin ( Turdus migratorius)—a gliding flight, with the wings rather inclined
downward and the head raised—but is perhaps rather swifter. The various
notes have all a striking character; the usual one resembles somewhat the
tremulous, querulous wailing of the little Screech Owl (Scops asio), but is
louder, less guttural, and more plaintive, while another is something like
the soft love-note of the- Magpie (Pica hudsonica); besides, there is the
peculiar piping whistle of pe’-wee, pe’, described above, and usually uttered
during the migration of a flock.
The breeding-season of this bird is remarkably early; for on the 21st
of April, before we had thought of looking for their nests, full-grown young
were flying about in a cedar and pinon grove near Carson City. In this
grove we found the abandoned nests, perhaps a hundred or more in number,
and also one containing young nearly ready to fly; but we were too late for
the eges. These nests were all saddled upon the horizontal branches, at a
height of eight or ten feet from the ground, and, except that they were
PICA NUTTALLI. 519
more bulky, resembled in their construction those of the eastern Blue Jay
(Cyanura cristata). The single nest which was not deserted contained four
fledgelings, which, when taken out for examination and placed in our hat,
scrambled out, at the same time squalling vociferously. In color they
resembled the old birds, but were of a duller and more uniform blue.
List of specimens.
502, @ ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 20, 1868. Cedars. 113—183—63—5.
Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black; iris, deep sepia; interspaces of scutellz and under
surface of toes, ashy-whitish.
503, 2 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 20,1868. Cedars. 103—18—513—43.
Same remarks.
507, ¢ ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 21, 1868. Cedars. 113—19—6g—513.
Same remarks.
PICA NUTTALLI.
Yellow-billed Magpie.
Pica nuttalli, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog., LV, 1838, 450, pl. 362.— BAIRD, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 578; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 433.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 295.
Pica melanoleuca var. nuttalli, CouES, Key, 1872, 164; Check List, 1873, No. 233a;
Birds N.W., 1874, 212.
Pica caudata var. nuttalli, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 270, pl. Xxx VIII,
fig. 2.
The Yellow-billed Magpie was observed only in the Sacramento
Valley, where it was very abundant among the scattered oaks. It was
found in the outskirts of Sacramento City as soon as the first large oaks
were met with, moving about in small scattered flocks, and incessantly
chattering, whether while on the wing or when perched among the branches;
it appeared to be both more noisy and more gregarious than the Black-
billed Magpie, which, however, it greatly resembled in other respects.
Many nests were found, but they were all in the tops of the tallest oaks,
and could not be reached; this was one of the most conspicuous differences
in its habits from P. hudsonica, which was found to invariably build its nest
in bushes, or, at most, only in the smallest trees, as alders and cedars,
even where large trees were abundant; the dense thickets of willow and
buffalo-berry bushes being preferred to any others.
520 ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimens.
64, ¢ juv.; Sacramento, California, June 20,1867. Oaks. 143—22—71—5%—1—
65, 3 juv.; oaks. 163—233—73 §
66, $ juv.; Sacramento, California, June 20, 1867. Oaks. 154—23—73—64—
14—13—7— 54.
67, f juv.; oaks. 163—234—78—64—1{—13—S8—6h.
68, Q juv.; oaks. 153—223—73—63—1,. —13—8—6.
69, 2 juv.; oaks. 16—233—73—63—1,,—13—73—64.
70, 2 juv.; oaks. 163—234—73—63—14—13—8— 64.
78, juv.; oaks. 163—233— Th—6} i ey EAL:
79, juv.; oaks, 14—291 74 61 111 64 41,
80, juv.; oaks. 168»: 98 74 Gs 1519 gn 63.
314, g ad.; nerean River, Sacramento Co., Cal., November, 1867. (H. G.
Parker.) 19—(?}—8—61—1,7,—113 10383.
[All the specimens obtained, with the exception of the last, were immature and
in molting condition; thus the measurements given are of little importance. In all,
the bill and bare orbital-region is pure unshaded yellow, varying little, if any, with
the specimen, being of a deep lemon-, or nearly chrome-yellow, the face more
citreous. The skin over the whole body also, as well as the underside of the claws
(possibiy only in young birds), is yellow. We did not notice, in examining this species,
the leaden-blue outer ring to the iris, afterward found to be a constant feature in
P. hudsonica.]
PICA RUSTIOA.
Black-billed Magpie.
B. hudsonica—American Magpie.
(Tah'-tut of the Washoes; Que’-tou-gih, gih of the Paiutes.)
Corvus hudsonicus, SABINE, App. Franklin’s Journey, 1823, 25, 261.
Pica hudsonica, BoNAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 27.—Bargp, B. N. Am, 1858,
576; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 432.—Cooprmr, Orn. Cal., I, 296.
Pica melanoleuca var. hudsonica, COUES, Key, 1872, 164, fig. 106 ; Check List, 1873,
No. 233a; B. N.W., 1874, 211.—HENSHAW, 1875, 334.
Pica caudata var. hudsonica, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., III, 1872, 178.—B. B.
& R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 266, pl. xxxvu, fig. 1.
Pica rustica var. hudsonica, BATRD, Orn. Simpson’s Exped., 1876, 380.
The Black-billed Magpie is one of the most characteristic birds of the
Interior, but its abundance varies greatly, in fact, almost unaccountably,
with the locality ; it is also one of the most conspicuous birds of that region,
PICA HUDSONICA. 521
being eminently distinguished by the elegance of its form and the striking
contrasts of its plumage. In western Nevada, from the Sierras east-
ward to the West Humboldt Mountains, it was one of the most abundant
species, but on the opposite side of the Great Basin its entire absence
from many favorable localities was noted as the most striking peculiarity
of the fauna. It was most abundant in the rich valleys of the Truckee and
Carson Rivers, and along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada; and,
although less common, it was very far from rare in the lower cafons of the
West Humboldt Mountains. It was resident wherever observed, and at
all times was rather familiar than otherwise, though when much persecuted
in one locality it soon learned, by the natural shrewdness characteristic of
the family, to look out for itself. During the winter the Magpies resorted
daily, in company with the Ravens, to the slaughter-houses to feed upon
the offal.
The Black-billed Magpie is more or less gregarious at all seasons, and
when moving about usually goes in small troops, or loose flocks, which
chatter in their peculiar manner as they fly. The usual note is a distinct
chatter, unlike the note of any other bird of our acquaintance, but during
the breeding-season a softer, more musical note is frequently uttered, sound-
ing somewhat like kay’e-ehk-kay’. We did not detect any difference between
the notes of this and the Yellow-billed species, although slight differences
may exis*. '
List of specimens.
101, 3 juv.; Camp 10, Truckee Meadows, Nevada, July 6, 1867. Willows. 16—
24483 —7—14— 148864. Bill, slaty-black, fading into ashy on bare orbital region ;
iris, very dark brown, with pearl-blue outer ring; tarsi and toes, black, the latter ashy
beneath. :
143, 3 ad.; Camp 17, valley of the Humboldt, August 31, 1867. 193—23g—711_
63—1,5,—14—102—83. Same remarks.
178, 6 ad.; Camp 18, West Humboldt Mountains, September 10,1867. 183—23—
73— 63—1,5,—17,—10,—8,,. Same remarks.
194, 2 ad.; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, September 19, 1867. 20—24—
84—7—1,_14—11}— 93. Same remarks. Bill, pure black.
204, 2 ad.; Camp 19, September 21, 1867. 20—24$—8.5—7—14—13—111 938.
Same remarks.
246, g ad.; Camp 19, October 11, 1867. 173—214—74—6}—18—14—91—8. Same
remarks.
522 ORNITHOLOGY.
249, gad.; Camp 19, October 12,1867. 193—244—8—7—1,5,—14—11Z—9}. Same
remarks.
289, 2 ad.; Camp 26, Truckee Meadows, November 18, 1867. 20}—243—83—6}3—
13—111_113—93. Same remarks.
290, 2; Camp 26, Truckee Meadows, November 18, 1867. 19}3—24}—83—i—
(2)—(2)—11—9$. Same remarks.
306, g ad.; Camp 26, November 20, 1867. (Slaughter-house.) 20}—25—83—63—
17,—143—111— 9}. Same remarks.
307, ¢ ad.; Camp 26, November 20, 1867. (Slaughter-house.) 17$—22§—73—63—
13,—111_93—8. Same remarks.
338, 2 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, November 25, 1867. (Slaughter-house.) 183—
23—73—61—12—13—104—8. Same remarks.
392, gd ad.; Washoe Valley, Nevada, January 3, 1868. (Willow-copse.) 20—24;—
84—63. Same remarks.
- 401, g ad.; Truckee Bottoms, December 19, 1867. 213—25—8}—7—13—14—13—
114. Same remarks.
407, ad.; Truckee Bottoms, December, 1867.
501, eggs (8); Carson City, Nevada, April 20, 1868. Nest in cedar.
506, eggs (2); Carson City, Nevada, April 21, 1868. Willows.
509 (6), 510 (6), eggs; Carson City, Nevada, April 22, 1868. Willows.
511, egg (1); Carson City, Nevada, April 23, 1868. (In nest from which No. 506
were taken.)
512, egg (1); Carson City, Nevada, April 23, 1868. Willows.
513, eggs (4); Carson City, Nevada, April 23, 1868. Willows.
514 (8), 515 (8), eggs; Carson City, Nevada, April 23, 1868. Buffalo-berry.
526, eggs (3); Carson City, Nevada, April 25, 1868. Alder swamp.
538, eggs (9); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Willows.
539, eggs (9); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Buffalo-berry.
540, eggs (9); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Willows.
541, eggs, (7); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Willows.
542, eggs (8); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Willows.
543, eggs (7); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Buffalo-berry.
544, eggs (6); Carson City, Nevada, Aprjl 27, 1868. Nut-pine.
545, 546, eggs (6); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Willows.
547, eggs (6); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Buffalo-berry bushes.
548 (4), 549 (4), eggs; Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Willows.
550 (3), 551 (2), eggs; Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Willows.
552, eggs (2); Carson City, Nevada, April 27, 1868. Willows.
556 (8), 557 (8), eggs; Carson City, Nevada, April 29, 1868. Alder-bushes.
767, eggs (6); Truckee Bottom, May 29, 1863. Nest in willows on river-bank.
[The nest is in every instance “ domed,” the real nest being inclosed in an
immense thorny covering, by which it is generally far exceeded in bulk. In the side
of this covering is a winding passage leading into the nest. The purpose of this can-
opy is possibly to conceal the very long tail of the bird, which, if exposed, would
endanger its safety. |
CYANURA FRONTALIS. 523
CYANURA STELLERI.
Steller’s Jay.
B. frontalis—Blue-fronted Jay.
(“Mountain Jay” of Californians.)
Cyanura stelleri, BArRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 581 (part).—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
298 (part).
Cyanura stelleri var. frontalis, RIDGWAY, Am. Jour. Sci. and Arts, V, Jan., 1873,
43.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 279, pl. Xxx1x, fig. 2.
Cyanurus stelleri. b. frontalis, Couns, Check List, 1873, No. 235a; B. N.W., 1874,
215.
We found this Jay only among the pines on the Sierra Nevada, since
it did not, like the Nuteracker (Picicorvus), occur on the higher ranges of
the Great Basin, though it was represented on the eastern side by the C.
macrolopha—neither the latter nor the subject of these remarks occurring at
any point intermediate between the Sierra and the Wahsatch, along the
line of our route. Except when driven to the lower ravines and foot-hills
by the unusual continuance of cold weather or by violent snow-storms
upon the mountains, it was not observed to descend to below the coniferous
woods, though it was common in the lower edge of this forest-belt. It was
almost always found in the same localities as Clarke’s Nutcracker, it being
usual to see both species in one tree; its voice seemed also exceedingly like
that of the bird just mentioned, being a series of rough and grating,
squawking or screeching notes, very different indeed from those of its east-
ern congener, C. cristata, whose utterances are far more varied and flexible,
and even musical in comparison; but like the eastern species it frequently
imitated other birds, particularly the Hawks, some of which it mimicked, on
occasion, quite successfully. The usual note of the Blue-fronted Jay is a
hoarse monosyllabic squawk, very deep-toned, and grating ; but a monot-
onous chatter is often heard, consisting of a rapid repetition of hollow-toned
notes, somewhat like kuk, kuk, kuk, kuk, kuk, kuk, the style of utterance
being comparable to the ‘“scythe-whetting” call of the Flickers (Colaptes),
but much more sonorous and less musical. On one occasion we fired at an
individual of this species in the top of a tall pine tree, and merely disabling
one wing, its fall was broken by the resistance of the uninjured wing and
outspread tail, the bird alighting easily upon one of the lower branches of
524 ORNITHOLOGY.
an adjoining tree, when it began to ascend by hopping from one limb to
another, at the same time uttering a very perfect imitation of the squealing
note of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis), apparently for the purpose
of preventing pursuit.
On the 24th of February, 1868, during a protracted period of extreme
cold weather, with deep snows on the mountains, we observed a pair of
these Jays in a shade-tree on one of the back streets of Carson City; but
they appeared ill at ease so near the habitations of man, skulking about, as
if afraid of being seen in town, and evidently anxious to return to their
native woods.
Tast of specimens.
321, $?ad.; El Dorado County, California. Presented by Mr. H. G. Parker.
123—(?)—5§—4}_1} 1} 548.
322, 82 ad.; El Dorado County, California. Presented by Mr. H. G. Parker.
123?) _6—44_14—14—53—34.
328, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, November 27, 1867. 123—173—6—4g—14—1$
—5i—34. Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black ; iris, vandyke-brown.
329, Pad. (mate of preceding); Carson City, Nevada, November 27, 1867, 12—
17—53—45—14—14—5 4-4.
330, 9 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, November 27, 1867. 12—174—53—4-9—_1—_1&
—5—3,
445, g ad.; Carson City, March 21, 1868. 123—18—6—5. Bill, tarsi, and toes,
black ; iris, bister.
477, & ad.; Carson City, March 30, 1868. 12—174—6—4{.
497, $ ad.; Carson City, April 18, 1868. 13—183—64—5}. Bill, tarsi, and toes,
deep black; iris, bister. [Type of var. frontalis, Ridgw., 1. c.]
498, 2 ad. (mate of preceding); Carson City, April 18, 1868. 113—174—513—43,
[Type of var. frontalis, Ripew., |. c.]
CYANURA MACROLOPHA.
Long-crested Jay.
Cyanocitta macrolopha, BAIRD, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1854, 118.
Cyanura macrolophus, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 582; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859,
No. 436.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 300.
Cyanura stelleri var. macrolopha, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Zool., III, 1872, 178.—CougEs,
Key, 1872, 165, fig. 107; Check List, 1873, No, 235a.—B. B. & R., Hist. N.
Am. Birds, II, 1874, 281, pl. xx1x, fig. 3— HENSHAW, 1875, 335.
Cyanura coronata var. macrolopha, RipGw., Am. Journ. Sci. and Arts, V, Jan.,
1873, 43.
This more eastern representative of Steller’s Jay was first met with
CYANOCITTA CALIFORNICA. 525
among the pines of the Wahsatch Mountains, which formed, apparently, the
western limit of its range. It was there by no means common, but became
more so as we proceeded eastward into the Uintahs, where it was compara-
tively plentiful. In its habits and manners it seemed a perfect counterpart
of C. frontalis, but its notes appeared to be less sonorous than those of
that form.
List of specimens.
1284, nest and eggs (6); Parley’s Park, June 25, 1869. Nest in small fir-tree, in
edge of woods, saddled on horizontal branch, about 15 feet from ground. Nest aban-
doned, and several of the eggs broken.
1373, ¢ ad.; Pack’s Cation, Uintah Mountains, July 5, 1869. 132—19. Bill,
black; iris, brown; legs and feet, black.
1374, nest (of preceding, contained three fully-fledged young). Nest on mountain-
mahogany tree, on side of ravine of a secluded caiion in the pine-region, situated in a
sort of triple fork, near extremity of horizontal branch.
1375, 3 ad.; Pack’s Cation, July 6, 1869. 133—191. Same remarks.
1445, 1446, juv.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, July 23, 1869.
CYANOCITTA CALIFORNICA.
California Valley Jay.
(Yo-shoo'-ah of the Washoes.)
Garrulus californicus, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey’s Voy., 1839, 21, pl. v.
Cyanocitta californica, STRICKL., Ann. Mag. XV, 1845, 342.—BAtRD, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 534; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 437.—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., I,
1870, 302.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 288, pl. xm, fig. 1.
Aphelocoma floridana var. californica, COUES, Key, 1872, 166; Check List, 1873,
No. 236b. aby
Aphelocoma floridana. ¢. californica, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 219.
The common “Valley Jay” of California was observed in abundance
only among the western foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada, where it was seen
both in the brushwood of the ravines and among the scattered pines. It
was also noticed among the oaks of the plains, where, however, it was less
plentiful. On the eastern slope it appeared to be quite common, at least
on the foot-hills near Carson City, where, in 1868, it made its first appear-
ance toward the last of April.
526 ORNITHOLOGY.
This species may be instantly distinguished at a distance from the C.
woodhousii by the conspicuous contrast between the pale gray of the back
and the blue of the wings and tail, as well as by the pure white lower
parts; the colors of C. woodhousti being much more uniform, appearing
almost entirely dull grayish-blue, brighter on the wings and tail. The
notes, however, appear to be much the same in the two species.
List of specimens.
558, ¢ ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 29, 1868. Sage-brush, below pines. 121
—16—54—41. Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black; iris, bister.
559, 6 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 29, 1868. 12{—16—51—41. Same re-
marks.
560, 2 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 29, 1868. 113—153—51—41. Same re-
marks.
CYANOCITTA WOODHOUSII.
Woodhouse’s Jay.
(We'-ahk of the Paiutes. )
Cyanocitta woodhousii, BARD, B. N. Am., 1858, 585, pl. 59; Cat. N. Am. B.,
1859, No. 438.—CoopPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 304.
Aphelocoma floridana var. woodhousii, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., III, 1872,
179.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 166; Check List, 1873, No. 236a; B. N.W., 1874,
219.
Cyanocitta californica var. woodhousii, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 291, pl.
XL, fig. 3.
Cyanocitta floridana var. woodhousti, HENSHAW, 1875, 337.
This very interesting bird we found to be the most generally-distrib-
uted species of the family, since it occurred on nearly every range where
there was water in the main cations, or extensive woods of nut-pine and
cedar on the slopes; it was said to occasionally visit the wooded valleys of
the Truckee and Carson Rivers, but we never saw it at either place,
although it was found to be more or less common in the similar valley of
the Weber, in Utah. At our camp on the western slope of the West Hum-
boldt Mountains, it was very abundant in September, and one of the most
familiar birds of the neighborhood. It was very unsuspicious where not
molested, and anything unusual in the occupation of any one about the
CYANOCITTA WOODHOUSII. 527
camp was sure to excite its curiosity. On one occasion, while thé writer
was at work skinning birds in the shade of the bushes overhanging the
stream, one often came and perched upon a branch near by, quietly watch-
ing every movement with all the inquisitive curiosity of a Cat-bird (Galeo-
scoptes carolinensis). On the opposite side of the same range, in Buena Vista
Canon, it was also common, and was there several times observed in the
gardens and door-yards of the town. It was also rather common on the
- eastern slope of the Ruby range, in the extensive pifion and cedar woods,
while at ‘City of Rocks,” in the southern portion of Idaho, the most north-
ern point reached during our trip, it was very numerous in October, among
the woods of the same description. On the western foot-hills of the Wah-
satch it was more or less plentiful, according to the locality, among the
scrub-oaks, while many were seen in the valley of the Weber. It did not
occur in Parley’s Park, however, the altitude of that place being probably
too great. i
In its manners this Jay and its congeners differ strikingly from the
species of the genus Cyanura, or the Crested Jays, their movements calling
to mind the Mocking-bird (Mimus polyglottus) and the Cat-bird (Galeoscoptes
carolinensis), their manner of flight being exactly the same, while they
exhibit a similar predilection for thickets and scrubby brushwood. The
notes of the present species greatly resemble those of C. californica, and
are harsh and piercing to an extreme degree. That most frequently uttered
is a shrill screech, sounding like we’-ahk, we'-ahk, whence the name bestowed
upon it by the Paiute Indians.
List of specimens.
162, g ad.; Camp 18, West Humboldt Mountains, September 4, 1867. Brush-
wood, along brook. 113—153—5—43—1,1,—1,,—53—4. Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep
black ; iris, chestnut-hazel.
186, g ad.; Camp 18, West Humboldt Mountains, September 12,1867. Junipers.
12—15,,_5_43_ 1,1, 5, 3H. Same remarks.
188, 2 ad.; Camp 18, West Humboldt Mountains, September 13, 1867. Brush-
wood, along brook. 12}—15}—54—43—14— 1,5, _57_48,. Same remarks.
242, $ ad.; Camp 19, West Humboldt Mountains, October 8, 1867. Sage-brush.
12$,—1513_5}-_4,. 141, _6—4. Same remarks.
1190, juv.; Salt Lake City, Utah, June 19, 1869. 114—15. Bill and feet, black ;
iris, brown.
528 ORNITHOLOGY.
‘ Famity TYRANNIDA—Tyrant FLYCATCHERS.
TYRANNUS VERTICALIS.
Western Kingbird; “Arkansas Flycatcher.’’
Tyrannus verticalis, Say, Long’s Exped., Il, 1823, 60.—BarrD, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 173; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 126.—Cooprr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
312.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 170, figs. 110a, 112; Check List, 1873, No. 244;
Birds N.W., 1874, 236.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 324, pl.
XL, fig. 2—HENSHAW, 1875, 342.
Generally distributed throughout all fertile districts of the west, this
species was extremely abundant in favorable localities, this being especially
the case at Sacramento, where perhaps no other species equaled it in num-
bers. In its habits, this Kingbird is remarkably similar to the eastern
species, J. carolinensis, and their nest and eggs cannot be distinguished; but
it is of an even more vivacious and quarrelsome disposition, continually
indulging in aérial combats, sometimes to such an extent that half a dozen
or more may be seen pitching into each other promiscuously, but apparently
more from playful than pugnacious motives. They are also of a very sym-
pathetic disposition, for when a nest is disturbed, the owners soon bring
around them, by their cries, all the others in the neighborhood; but no
sooner do they assemble than they begin their playful contests, and fill the
air with their twitterings. Their notes are all weaker and less rattling than
those of the eastern species, partaking more of the character of a tremu-
lous, though rather shrill, twitter.
We know of no other bird so easily tamed, or which so thoroughly
enjoys the society and protection of human beings, when once domesticated,
as this species, as the following account of three individuals possessed by
us in the field, at various times, may show:—
The first of these pets, familiarly known to the party as “‘Chippy,”
was obtained about the middle of July from the Indians, who had just
taken him, along with three others, all fully fledged, from the nest. He
was carried to camp, and fed with grasshoppers and flies until able to catch
them for himself, which he learned to do in about a week after he acquired
the power of flight. The little fellow had a most voracious appetite, and
during the day continually followed us about, teasing for grasshoppers,
until he had eaten enough, after which he quieted down for five minutes or
TYRANNUS VERTICALIS. 529
so, when he began to clamor for more—thus appearing to be always hungry.
Had one person the office of keeping him supplied with food he would con-
sequently have been extremely troublesome; but, fortunately, all became
interested in him, and he thus received favors and caresses from all hands.
When gorged with food, he usually remained perched upon the shoulder
of the one who carried him, but sometimes he would fly off to his favorite
perch, a rope running from the rear of a tent to a stake in the ground; or,
if it happened to be midday and the sun particularly oppressive, would
take shelter underneath a hoisted umbrella, hung beneath the fly of a tent
for the purpose of shading a thermometer, perching upon one of the ribs
of the apparatus. Chippy was the earliest riser in camp, and at day-
break his merry twitter aroused his human companions, of whom his
favorite one, the writer, he would often awake by alighting in his face, for
he would invariably select him from the dozen or more persons who lay on
the ground wrapped in their blankets. At all times he was greatly averse
to being left alone, and when night approached would nestle more closely
against one’s neck, twittering contentedly until asleep, and if removed
exhibiting the greatest disappointment, while he was often so persistent in
keeping his place that repeated removals were necessary to induce him to
remain upon the roost provided for him, inside the tent.
His almost insatiable appetite was the subject of comment by us all,
and speculations were indulged in as to the probable number of grasshop-
pers he consumed ina day. It was finally agreed that this should be settled
by experiment, so each person was instructed to keep count of the namber
he himself fed him during the day. At evening notes were compared, and
it was found that he had been fed one hundred and twenty grasshoppers
since morning!
From the very first he was.so completely tame that he did not exhibit
under any circumstances the slightest trace of timidity; he always disliked
to be handled, however, but this was evidently on account of his plumage,
merely, for he would immediately come to any one who called him, or
alight upon a hand held out as an invitation. He soon learned his own
name, and knew it so well that when he had strayed some distance from
camp (as he often did when led away by the temptations of companions
34 PR
530 ORNITHOLOGY.
of his kind, who often visited the vicinity of our camp for the purpose),
it was only necessary to call him, and if within hearing he was sure
to leave his comrades with impolite abruptness and fly in haste to camp,
twittering gladly as he came. The writer was once leaving the camp for a
trip into the mountains, and had scarcely reached the mouth of the cation,
several hundred yards distant, when Chippy’s familiar voice was heard, and
on looking back he was discovered following, as fast as his wings could
carry him, twittering with all his might, as if calling out for us to wait for
him. He soon overtook us, and, alighting upon our shoulder, accompanied
us on our way, every now and then flying off after a butterfly or other
insect that had caught his eye, capturing which he would return and beat
his prey against the hard brim of our straw hat until in a condition to be
swallowed; or often these little detours were for the purpose of sporting
awhile with others of his species encountered by the way, returning in a
little while, followed by them to within a few yards, when they would
alight on a branch, apparently wondering at the perfect understanding
existing between us. After ascending the cation to where the path became
too much obstructed by rocks and brushwood to proceed farther, except
on foot, we dismounted and unsaddled; Chippy seemed disposed to rest,
so he was placed in the shade of the saddle, as it lay upon the ground,
and we proceeded on our way. The little fellow soon missed us, however,
and it was not long before he found us out, by the report of our gun—a
sound with which he had long been familiar, and which he had not learned
to fear, the barrel of our gun often being his perch when he accompanied
us on our trips, even the report, though of course startling him, not fright-
ening him from our shoulder. On several occasions did the report of our
gun prove the means of directing him to us when he had strayed beyond
his usual bounds, such a circumstance once occurring half a mile from camp,
after he had been missing all the morning. His natural fondness for the
society of the birds of his species living in the neighborhood did not have
the effect of in the least alienating his affections, but came, nevertheless,
near costing him his life, the circumstances being as follows: He used daily
to bring his playmates to the camp, where, after sporting about with them for
a half hour or so, they would all leave together and be absent, sometimes
TYRANNUS VERTICALIS. 53il
the whole afternoon, Chip often not returning until near evening; we began
to fear that in consequence of this some harm might befall him while out of
our sight, or that some day he might fail to return at all; so, as the best
means of preventing such a misfortune, we determined to frighten the wild
birds away when they should next make their appearance, and thus keep
Chip out of temptation. A favorable opportunity presented one afternoon
when three were sporting together at a considerable height near our camp;
and having just observed Chippy on his accustomed perch, brought out
our gun and fired at them. Fortunately none were hit, for one of them,
which proved to be our pet, separated from the rest and flew in terror to
the camp, screaming with all his might. We hastened back, fearing he had
been injured, and found him perched upon a rope, terribly frightened, but
not at all hurt. His disregard for firearms was now at an end, and when
we approached him with gun in hand he beat a precipitate retreat, and
continued to do so at every attempt, his feathers pressed close to his body
and his neck stretched—the very picture of fear. The moment the weapon
was laid aside, however, his confidence was restored, and he was then as
easily approached as before.
We carried Chippy with us, as we moved from camp to camp, for
nearly two months after. Hverywhere he excited curiosity and wonder,
even among the Indians, while the members of our party grew daily more
attached to him. One morning, however, in the latter part of September,
we missed his familiar awakening twitter, and when we arose from our
blankets he could not be found. Search was made throughout the day,
but without success, and a large hawk having been seen early in the
morning hovering about the place, seemed to explain the cause of his dis-
appearance. He was never afterward seen.
It was suggested by members of the party that instead of exhibiting
the docility and intelligence characteristic of the species, this bird was per-
haps an exceptional individual, and that another could not be found which
would afford a parallel case. The following summer, however, another
young one was taken from the nest, and being reared under exactly the
same circumstances developed the same traits to such perfection that he
would have absolutely passed for the same bird. As happened with
532 ORNITHOLOGY.
Chippy No. 1, the new pet after a while attracted others of his species to
our camp, and these soon became so familiar that they would perch upon
the tents, even during our presence. One individual happened to alight
upon the fly of the mess-tent while we were at lunch, and being near
the edge of the canvas, and his shadow showing his exact position from
beneath, he was easily caught. This proved to be a full-grown bird,
although evidently one of the year, and being placed in a cage and sump-
tuously fed for a day or two, was released in Chip’s presence, and would
not depart. He had become almost as tame as his companion, and remained
with us until both were killed by our domesticated hawks, some fine speci-
mens of Buteo swainsoni, which were allowed the liberty of the camp.
List of specimens.
15, nest and eggs (5); Sacramento, California, June 11, 1867. Nest in large
cotton-wood tree.
16, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, June 11, 1867. Nestin small willow, in copse.
17, 2 ad. (parent of No. 15). 8$—143—47—4)—_3—3—38—13, _ Bill, tarsi, and
toes, deep black; iris, hazel.
3T, nest and eggs; Sacramento, June 12, 1867. Nest in small cotton-wood, in
copse.
45, nest and eggs (3); Sacramento, June 17, 1867. Nest on horizontal branch of
large cotton-wood.
46, 3 ad. (parent of preceding.) 94—164—54—43—3—11_4_13. Bill, tarsi, and
toes, deep black; iris, hazel.
71, nest and eggs (4); Sacramento, June 20, 1867. Nest in top of small oak, in
grove.
1180, nest and eggs (4); Salt Lake City, Utah, June 18, 1869. Nest on small
mountain-mahogany bush, overhanging cliff.
1181, nests and eggs; same date and remarks.
1408, nest; Bear River Valley, July, 1869. [J. C. Olmstead.]
TYRANNUS CAROLINENSIS.
Kingbird.
Lanius tyrannus var. 7 carolinensis, GMEL., Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 302.
Tyrannus carolinensis, TEMMINCK, Tabl. Méth. —, 24.—BarrpD, B. N. Am., 1858,
171; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 124.—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 311.—CovEs,
Key, 1872, 169, pl. 11, figs. 1, 2, 110b, 111; Check List, 1873, No. 242; Birds
N.W., 1874, 235.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 316, pl. xxi, fig.
4,—HENSHAW, 1875, 341.
In the rich valley of the Truckee River, in western Nevada, two or
MYIARCHUS CINERASCENS. 533
more pairs of this familiar eastern bird had their abode among the large
cotton-wood trees near our camp; in fact, this species seemed to be no more
rare in that locality than the TZ. verticalis, which, however, was itself far
from common. On the eastern border of the Great Basin it was more
abundant, being quite as numerous in the Salt Lake Valley as the T. verti-
calis, both frequently nesting in the same grove.
List of specimens.
1496, 2 juv.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, August 10, 1869. 84—
143. Bill, tarsi, and toes, black; iris, dark brown.
MYIARCHUS CINERASCENS.
Ash-throated Flycatcher.
Tyrannula cinerascens, LAWRENCE, Ann. Lyc. N. H. New York, V, 1851, 109.
Myiarchus cinerascens, SCLATER, Ibis, 1859, 121—CovugEs, Key, 1872, 171; Check
List, 1873, No. 248; B. N.W., 1874, 239. .
Myiarchus crinitus var. cinerascens, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 337, pl.
XLI, fig. 6— HENSHAW, 1875, 345.
Myiarchus mexicanus, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 179 (not of Kaup); Catal., 1859,
No. 131.—Coopsr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 316.
This species was apparently not abundant anywhere, being probably
more so in the Sacramento Valley than in any locality eastward of the
Sierra Nevada. It was not noticed in the vicinity of Sacramento City, in
June, but among the oaks of the plains toward the foot-hills of the Sierras
it was common early in July. A few were observed among the cotton: -
woods of the lower Truckee in July and August, and it was also a not infre-
quent summer-resident in the canons of the Ruby Mountains, where it was
most often observed perched upon a gnarled cedar or mountain-mahogony
overhanging the top of a rocky gorge or high cliff. It was very rare in
Parley’s Park.
Resembling its eastern relative, the Great Crested Flycatcher (JL. crini-
tus), in its general habits, its notes, however, are weaker, and do not possess
in so great a degree the strikingly wild character so marked in the vehe-
ment whistlings of that species.
List of specimens.
104, ¢ ad.; Truckee Reservation (Camp 12), Nevada, July 24,1867. 83—13—4—
3f{—g—Z—3g—11%. Bill, deep black; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, black.
534 ORNITHOLOGY.
SAYORNIS NIGRICANS.
Black Pewee.
Tyrannula nigricans, SWAINSON, Synop. Mex. Birds, Philos. Mag., I, 1827, 367.
Sayornis nigricans, BONAP., Comp. Rend., XXVIII, 1854, 87.—Bairp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 183; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 134.—Coorer, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 319.—
Couzs, Key, 1872, 172; Check List, 1873, No. 251.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
B., II, 1874, 340, pl. xiv, fig. 1.—HENSHAW, 1875, 347.
The Black Pewee was found only at Sacramento, where it was rather
common about the out-buildings of habitations near the river. In its socia-
ble disposition, its movements, and its ordinary note of chip, it reminded us
exactly of the eastern S. fuscus; we did not, however, hear it utter a note
similar to that from which the latter receives its common name, but judging
from the extreme similarity of the other notes, so far as heard, consider it
likely that the one to which we refer is also uttered.
SAYORNIS SAYUS.
Say’s Pewee.
( To-que'-oh of the Paiutes.)
Museicapa saya, BONAP., Am. Orn., I, 1825, 20, pl. 1, fig. 3.
Sayornis sayus, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 185; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 136.
CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 320.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 172 ; Check List, 1873,
No. 250; B. N.W., 1874, 240.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 347, pl.
XLV, fig. 3— HENSHAW, 1875, 349.
Throughout the country eastward of the Sierra Nevada, this interest-
ing bird was found in all suitable places, though it was not abundant any-
where, since it was seldom that more than one pair inhabited a restricted
locality. Its favorite haunts were the rocky shores of the lakes and
rivers, or the walls of the lower cafons in the mountains, where it built
its bulky but soft and downy nest among the recesses of the rocks, or,
as was more often the case, upon a narrow shelf of rock projecting from
the ceiling or dome of a cave. In those wild localities it was found to be
rather shy in its disposition; but wherever man had fixed his abode upon the
dreary waste this species was attracted to his vicinity, thus assuming the
semi-domesticated habits of S.. fuscus and S. nigricans, which it repre-
CONTOPUS BOREALIS. 535
sents in this intermediate region. It was even noticed at several stage-
stations in the midst of the Humboldt and Carson Deserts, where no water
occurred except in the artificial wells. About the larger settlements it was
found to be more numerous, and at Unionville, in the West Humboldt
Mountains, had, with Stalia arctica and Salpinctes obsoletus, taken possession
of the abandoned adobe houses in the upper portion of the town. At this
place we observed a nest which was attached to the under side of the eave
of a large stone building, being apparently built upon the base of a deserted
nest of the Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon lunifrons).
While this species agrees with its more western and eastern represent-
atives (S. nigricans and S. fuscus) in nesting-habits, the character of its
nest and eggs, its fondness for rocky localities in the vicinity of water, and
in the readiness with which it becomes attached to the vicinity of dwellings,
it differs from both in notes, the usual utterance being a fine plaintive peer,
peer, much like a certain wailing note of Contopus virens, another common
note being a prolonged querulous twitter.
List of specimens.
181, 2 ad.; West Humboldt Mountains (Camp 18), Nevada, September 11, 1867.
8,—127—41— 3,9, 333418. Bill, tarsi, and toes, deep black ; iris, hazel.
456, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 25, 1868. 73—123—4°.—34. Bill, deep
black; iris, bister; tarsi and toes, plumbeous-black.
457, 2 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 25, 1868. 714—123—4,1 3... Same
remarks,
762, nest and eggs (2); island in Pyramid Lake, Nevada, May 23, 1868. Nest
attached to shelf on roof of cave, on rocky shore.
764, nest and eggs (4); east shore of Pyramid Lake, May 25, 1868. Nest on shelf
in cave, among the tufa domes.
CONTOPUS BOREALIS.
Olive-sided Flycatcher.
Tyrannus borealis, SwAINSON, Fauna Bor. Am., II, 1831, 141, pl. xxxv.
Contopus borealis, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 188; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 137.—
CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 523.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 173; Check List, 1873,
No. 253; B. N.W., 1874, 243.—B. B. &R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 353, pl.
XLIV, fig. 1—HENSHAW, 1875, 350.
This interesting bird was a rather common summer-resident in the
536 ORNITUOLOGY.
higher portion of the pine-belt of the Wahsatch, and we have every reason
to believe that it is also found in similar localities on the Sierra Nevada.
Near the summits of the pine-clad hills in the vicinity of our camp in
Parley’s Park it was by no means rare in certain parts of the woods, its
favorite resort being those portions of the forest where many of the trees
had been deadened by fire, the most characteristic associate species being
Chrysomitris pinus, Carpodacus cassini, and Junco caniceps. It was extremely
shy, and could be approached only with the greatest difficulty. Attention
was usually attracted to it by its mellow whistling notes, which bore a
faint resemblance to certain utterances of the Cardinal Grosbeak (Cardinalis
virginianus), the bird being generally perched upon the summit of a tall
dead pine. One of the specimens obtained was secured only by a tedious
and difficult climb to the top of a very tall fir-tree, which fortunately began
branching near the ground, the bird having lodged among the topmost
branches. The first individual of the species that we saw was perched
quite a distance off, upon a dead mahogany tree on the side of one of
the lower carions of the East Humboldt Mountains. Being the first example
we had ever seen, its appearance struck us as quite peculiar, as it sat quietly
in an upright attitude, but it was at last decided to be a Shrike (Collurio);
upon returning down the canon an hour or more afterward, however, it was
noticed occupying the same position, but presently it flew from the perch
and snapped an insect in the air, when it returned to the branch and beat
it against the limb in true flycatcher style.
List of specimens.
875, g ad.; East Humboldt Mountains (Camp 21), Nevada, August 29, 1868, 74
—13—(?)—34. Upper mandible, black, lower dilute brown, more yellowish basally ;
iris, deep sepia; whole interior of mouth, rich orange-yellow; tarsi and toes, sepia-
black.
1273, g ad.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, June 23,1869. 74§—133.
Bill, black, lower mandible pale wax-brown, more yellowish basally, the tip black;
iris, brown; feet, deep black; interior of mouth, deep yellow.
1423, gad.; Parley’s Park, July 17, 1869. 7{—13,5. Upper mandible, black,
lower wood-brown, more yellowish basally; interior of mouth, rich Indian-yellow;
iris, brown ; tarsi and toes, deep black.
Or
Go
=]
CONTOPUS RICHARDSONI.
CONTOPUS RICHARDSONI.!
Richardson’s Pewee.
Tyrannula richardsonti, SWAINSON, Fauna Bor. Am., II, 1831, 146, pl. xLv1, lower
figure.
Contopus richardsonti, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 189; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No.
138.—CoorEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 325.
Contopus virens var. richardsonti, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., III, 1872, 179.—
CouEs, Key, 1872, 174; Check List, 1873, No. 255a.—B. B. & R., Hist. N.
Am. B., II, 1874, 360, pl. xLiv, fig. 4HENSHAW, 1875, 353.
Contopus (virens var. ?) richardsonii, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 247.
Richardson’s Pewee was met with in every wooded locality, and was
no less common at an altitude of 8,000 feet, in the Wahsatch Mountains,
than at Sacramento, but little above the sea-level. In all respects except
its notes and the character of its nest, this species is a counterpart of the
eastern Wood Pewee (C. virens), its appearance and manners being quite
the same. It seems, however, to be more crepuscular than the eastern
species, for while it remains quiet most of the day, no sooner does the sun
set than it begins to utter its weird, lisping notes, which increase in loud-
ness and frequency as the evening shades deepen. At Sacramento we fre-
quently heard these notes about our camp at all times of the night. This
common note of Richardson’s Pewee is a harsh, abrupt lisping utterance,
more resembling the ordinary rasping note of the Night-Hawk (Chordeiles
popetue) than any other we can compare it with, though it is of course
weaker, or in strength proportioned to the size of the bird.- Being most
frequently heard during the close of day, when most other animals become
silent and Nature presents its most gloomy aspect, the voice of this bird
sounds lonely, or even weird.
The nest of this species, as is well known, differs very remarkably from
that of © virens, being almost invariably placed in the crotch between
nearly upright forks, like that of certain Empidonaces, as E. minimus and
EE. obscurus, instead of being saddled upon a horizontal branch, while its
structure is very different, the materials being. chiefly plant-fibers and
1 With almost absolute similarity to C. virens, its eastern representative, in all
appreciable details of form, size, and color, this bird presents such radical differences
in notes, accompanied by certain peculiarities of habits, that we feel bound to consider
it a distinct species.
538 ORNITHOLOGY.
stems of fine grasses, instead of beautiful lichens and mosses, matted
together with spiders’ webs, and with but a slight admixture of other sub-
stances. All its habits, however, especially its deportment, are exactly
those of C. virens, while the eggs of the two species are scarcely, if at all,
distinguishable.
At Sacramento we observed in this bird a remarkable display of attach-
ment to its favorite haunts, especially to the place where the nest is built.
The nest and eggs of a pair had been taken and the female killed as she
flew from the nest; several days afterward, upon revisiting the locality,
and happening to look up at the site of the former nest, we were sur-
prised to see a new one already completed in the very same spot, the male
having found another mate. When we climbed to the nest the male exhib-
ited more than usual anxiety, and upon returning the following day it was
found to be abandoned, and the only egg it contained broken.
List of specimens.
12, nest and eggs (2); Sacramento, June 10, 1867. Nest at extremity of broken
dead branch near top of small oak, in grove.
13, 2 ad. (parent of No. 12); Sacramento, California, June 10, 1867. 63,—104—
3139, 23-1}. Bill, deep black above, light- brownish henenti more yel-
low basally, the point nearly black ; whole interior of mouth, deep orange-yellow ; iris,
dark brown; tarsi and toes, black.
42, nest and eggs (2); Sacramento, June 15, 1867. Nest saddled on rather large
branch of oak, in grove, about 15 feet from ground.
43, 2 ad.*(parent of No. 42); Sacramento, June 15, 1867. 64—10—3,—2}}—
{211}. Bill, black, basal half of lower aerate dilute brown.
86, nest and eggs; Sacramento, June 16, 1867. Situated like No. 12.
88, nest and eggs; Sacramento, June 24, 1867. Same situation.
89, nest ; Guernica June 24, 1867.
898, 6 juv.; East Humboldt Mountains (Camp 23, Secret Valley), September 6,
1868. 64—105—(1) 24. Upper mandible, black, lower clear pale yellow, the tip
black ; iris, sepia; tarsi and toes, black.
1250, nest and eggs; Parley’s Park, Utah, June 23, LBP. Nest in aspen, 20 feet
from oon,
1282, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, June 25,1869. Nest in crotch of dead
aspen, plone stream.
1304, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 27, 1869, Nest in crotch of dead
aspen.
1315, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 27, 1869. Nest in dead aspen.
1503, @ ad.; Parley’s Park, August 12, 1869. 67;—10,3;. Upper mandible, black,
lower scarcely paler; interior of mouth, rich yellow; iris, brown; legs and feet, black.
EMPIDONAX PUSILLUS. 539
_EMPIDONAX PUSILLUS.’
Little Flycatcher; Traill’s Flycatcher.
(Pish'-e-wah'-e-tse of the Shoshones.)
? Platyrhynchus pusillus, SWAINSON, Synop. Mex. Birds, Philos. Mag., I, 1827, 366.
Empidonaa pusillus, CABANIS, Journ. fiir Orn., 1855, 480.—BArrD, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 194; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 141.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B.,
II, 1874, 366, pl. XLIV, fig. 9. ;
Empidonax traillti var. pusillus, COUES, Key, 1872, 175; Check List, 1873, No.
257a.— HENSHAW, 1875, 356.
Empidonaz traillit. b. pusillus, CoUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 252.
Empidonaz trailliit, CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 327.
This is the most abundant and generally distributed of the Empidonaces,
being, so far as known, the only one of the genus occurring across the
entire breadth of the continent.? It prefers the lower portions of the
country, however, its favorite haunts being the willows of the river-valleys,
and we did not find it higher up among the mountains than an altitude of
about 7,000 feet, where it was confined to the willow thickets bordering
the streams flowing across the parks. In the environs of Sacramento City
it was, next to Tyrannus verticalis, the commonest of the Flycatchers, and
was as characteristic of the willow copses as Contopus richardsoni was
of the oak groves. In its manners, this species is more lively than its
mountain relatives, EH. obscurus and E. hammondi, especially after sunset,
when they chase one another among the bushes, twittering as they fly,
frequently perching on a high twig and with swelled throats uttering their
not unmusical note of twip'utawah', which is translated by the people
of Parley’s Park as ‘pretty dear,” by which name it was there familiar to
every one. |
1We are unable to appreciate differences between western and eastern (‘“traillii”)
specimens of this species sufficient to constitute the latter a recognizable variety. It
is only those specimens from the dryer and more scantily wooded localities of the West
which are paler and grayer colored than the average of eastern examples, and even
then the difference is not comparable to that existing between Z. flaviventris and E.
difficilis.
*As stated above, we consider pusillus and “traillii” to be in every respect
identical, while we hold flaviventris and difficilis to be specifically distinct.
540 ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimens.
33, nest and eggs (4); Sacramento, California, June 12, 1867. Nest about 2 feet
from ground, in small bush in cotton-wood copse.
36, 2 ad. (parent of above); Sacramento, June 12, 1867. 63—83—(?).
83, nest and eggs; Sacramento, California, June 24,1867. Nest about 4 feet from
ground, in small bush in willow copse.
84, 2 ad. (parent of eggs No. 83); Sacramento, June 24, 1867, 53—8)—29.—
243.5, 2414. Upper mandible, black, lower dilute brownish-yellow, more
whitish basally; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, deep hazel.
94, nest and eggs; Sacramento, June 29, 1867. Nest situated like No. 83.
876, 9 ad. (parent of 877); Ruby Valley, Nevada (Camp 21), August 29, 1868.
53—83—(?)—24. Upper mandible, black, lower very dilute lilaceous-brown, more
yellowish basally; whole interior of mouth, rich orange-yellow; tarsi and toes, deep
black.
877, juv.; Ruby Valley, Nevada (Camp 21), August 29, 1878. 54—81—(?)—24.
Upper mandible, plumbeous-black, lower pale lilaceous, more yeJlowish basally; whole
interior of mouth, rich orange-yellow; iris, purplish-bister; tarsi and toes, pale plum-
beous.
1100, 6 ad.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, Utah, June 4, 1869. 61—91.
Upper mandible, black, lower dilute brown; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, deep black.
1101, 2 ad. (mate of preceding); Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, Utah, June
4,1869. 6—8%. Same remarks.!
1242, 1243, 1244, 1245, 1246, 1247; nests and eggs. Parley’s Park, Wahsatch
Mountains, Utah, June 23, 1869. Nests among willows along stream, generally about
5 or 6 feet from ground.
1288, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 25, 1869. Nest in wild-rose brier,
among undergrowth of thicket, along stream.
1305, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 27, 1869. Nest in wild-rose brier.
1316, nest and egg (1); Parley’s Park, June 27, 1869. Nest in rose-bush.
1330, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Same remarks.
1331, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Nest in rose-bush, under-
growth of willow-copse.
1358, nest; Parley’s Park, July 2, 1869. Nest in rose-bush, by stream.
1420, nest and eggs (3); Parley’s Park, July 17, 1869. Nest in willows, along
stream.
1469, g ad., 5§—91; 1470, 2 ad.,511—88; 1471, 9 ad.,53—88; 1472, 9 ad., 51183.
Parley’s Park, July 29, 1869. Upper mandible, deep black, lower light purplish wood-
brown; interior of mouth, deep yellow; iris, deep reddish-brown; tarsi and toes, deep
black.
1473, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, July 29, 1869. 53—84. Lower mandible, brownish-
white.
1493, d juv.; Parley’s Park, August 7, 1869. 6—9.
1 These specimens represent the absolutely typical ‘traillii” style.
EMPIDONAX OBSCURUS. 541
EMPIDONAX OBSCURUS.
Wright’s Flycatcher.
(Yet'-to-gish of the Paiutes; Pish’-e-wah'-e-te-tse of the Shoshones. )
? Tyrannula obscura, SWAINSON, Synop. Mex. Birds, Philos. Mag., I, 1827, 367.
Empidonax obscurus, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 200; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No.
146.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 329.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 176; Check List,
1873, No. 261; Birds N.W., 1874, 258.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874,
381, pl. XLIV, fig. 6 HENSHAW, 1875, 360.
Empidonax wrightii, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 200 (in text). [Name proposed in
case SWAINSON’S T. obscura should prove a different species. |
This Empidonax is as characteristic of the mountains as EH. pusillus is
of the lower valleys. It inhabits both the aspen groves and copses of the
higher cations and the mahogany woods of the middle slopes, in which
places it is sometimes one of the most numerous of the smaller birds. It
is probably not entirely restricted to these elevated regions during the
breeding-season, however, since it was common in May among the willow
thickets in the lower Truckee Valley, while the first individual of the sea-
son was observed in a cedar and pinon woods on the low hills near Carson
City, on the 21st of April. In September we found it in the lower canons
of the West Humboldt Mountains, where, as in other ranges, the summer
fauna assimilated that of the river-valleys rather than that of the higher
canons. It was equally common on both sides of the Great Basin, the
only districts where it was entirely absent being those where the ranges
were destitute of water and vegetation. It was more abundant in the aspen
copses of the high canons of the lofty Toyabe range, near Austin, than
anywhere else, but it was quite plentiful in similar localities on the Wah-
satch and Uintah Mountains.
The habits and manners of this species much resemble those of others
of the genus, while in the location and structure of its nest, and the color
of its eggs, it resembles very closely EZ. hammondi and E. minimus. The
notes, however, are decidedly distinctive, and but little like those of its
congeners. The ordinary utterance is an exceedingly liquid whit, but when
the nest is disturbed, as well as on some other occasions, a plaintive sweer
is uttered, which much resembles the call-note of Chrysomitris pinus, but is
542 ORNITHOLOGY.
rather less loud. We always found this little bird to be exceedingly con-
fiding and unsuspicious; so much so, indeed, that when collecting its eggs
on the Toyabe Mountains, an attempt to catch the parent bird with the
hand, as it sat upon the nest, proved successful in nearly every instance.
One specimen was, on this occasion, frightened from off its eggs by our
stumbling against the sapling containing the nest before the latter was dis-
covered, and alighted in another bush some distance off; it was fired at but
apparently missed, for it flew and disappeared; we were therefore consider-
ably astonished, upon returning to secure the nest, to find the bird again
upon her eggs, where she remained without making the least attempt to
escape, and suffered herself to be caught, when it was found that several of
her quill and tail-feathers had been carried away, and one toe cut off, by
the shot we had fired.
List of specimens.
208, g ad.; eastern slope West Humboldt Mountains, September 21, 1867. 515—
8§—23—23 Te 82 eld Upper mandible, uniform deep black, lower mandible
dilute chrome-yellow; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, deep black.
508, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada April 21, 1868. 6,5,—93—3—2}. Upper man-
dible, black, lower dilute brownish-white, dusky toward end; whole interior of mouth,
intense yellow; iris, deep sepia; tarsi and toes, deep black.
827, nest and eggs (4); 828, nest and eggs (3); 829, nest and eggs (2); 830, nest
aud eggs (4); 831, nest and egg (1). Austin, Nevada, July 3, 1868. No. 827 in
mountain- Tonaeene bush, on extreme summit of hill, about 2,000 feet above camp,
or at an aititude of 9,000 feet; the others all in aspen thickets, and within reach of the
hand.
832, 2 ad. (parent of No. 828, caught on nest, by hand!); Austin, Nevada, July 3,
1868. 53—87, 5— 28 Upper mandible, sepia-black, lower dilute sepia-brown,
yellowish basally ; iris, dark sepia; tarsi and toes, deep black.
833, 2 ad. (parent of No. 827, caught on nest, by hand!); Austin, Nevada, July 3,
1868. 64—8}—23—25.. Same remarks.
867, 2 juv.; Camp 19, East Humboldt Mountains, August 10, 1868, 53—84—(?)—
24. Upper mandible, black, lower, with terminal half, light yellowish, basally more
pinkish ; interior of mouth, lemon-yellow; iris, dark sepia; tarsi and toes, deep black.
895, g ad.; Camp 23, East Humboldt Mountains, September 6, 1868. 513—83—
(?)—25. anes mandible, black, lower dilute brown, paler ned more yellowish
basally; interior of mouth, orange-yellow; iris, umber; tarsi and toes, deep black.
896, 2 ad.; Camp 23, East Humboldt i pnniaaaee September 6, 1868, 513—9—
(?)—2,9,. Sana remarks,
897, g ad.; Camp 23, East Humboldt Mountains, September 6, 1868. 6—9I—(?)—
23. Same remarks,
EMPIDONAX HAMMONDI. 543
911, 2 ad.; Camp 23, East Humboldt Mountains, September 8, 1868. 64—87—
(?)—2,5;- Upper mandible deep black, terminal third of lower deep mahogany-brown,
basal portion, with rictus, pale chrome-yellow; interior of mouth, rich Indian yellow ;
iris, umber; tarsi and toes, deep black.
9lla, 2 ad.; Hast Humboldt Mountains, September 8, 1868. 53-—83—(?)—24.
Same remarks.
912, 2 ad.; Camp 23, East Humboldt Mountains, September 8, 1868. 55—83—
(?)—2,7;- Same remarks. _
934, ¢ jur.; Camp 25, Humboldt Valley, September 16, 1868. 5§—83—(?)—24.,
Bill, black, basal two-thirds of lower mandible, lilaceous-white; iris, very dark Sepia;
tarsi and toes, plumbeous-black. (This specimen is remarkable for its pure and very
light ashy colors.)
940, 2 ad.; Secret Valley, Nevada, September 6, 1867.
1248, 1249, nests and eggs; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah Territory,
June 23, 1869. Nests in aspen-copse.
1281, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 25, 1869. Nest in crotch of dead
aspen, along stream.
1334, nest and eggs; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Nest in aspens.
1336 (4), 1337 (3), nests and eggs; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Nests in aspens,
1353, nest and eggs (4); Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Nest in service-berry bush.
1515, 2 juv.j Parley’s Park, August 16, 1869. 6—9. Lower mandible, pale pink-
ish,
EMPIDONAX HAMMONDI.
Hammond’s Flycatcher.
Tyrannula hammondii, XAntTws, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1858, 117.
Empidonax hammondit, Baird, B. N. Am., 1858, 119, pl. 76, fig. 1; Cat. N. Am. B.,
1859, No. 145.—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 330.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 176;
Check List, 1873, No. 260; B. N.W., 1874, 257.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B.,
IT, 1874, 383, pl. XLIVv, fig. 7.—HENsHAW, 1875, 362.
This delicate little Flycatcher was not met with anywhere as a summer
resident, but during its autumnal migration was found to be very common
on the East Humboldt Mountains. It inhabited exclusively the aspen-
groves and copses of tall alders and willows in the higher cations, and
seemed to keep in the darkest and most secluded places. The only note
heard was a soft pit.
List of specimens.
893, g ad.; East Humboldt Mountains, Nevada (Camp 22), September 5, 1868.
5$—84—2 9,23, 39, —24-(?). Upper mandible, deep black, lower dilute brown,
the edge, with rictus, orange-yellow ; iris, dark bister; tarsi and toes, black.
894, d ad.; East Humboldt Mountains (Camp 23), September 6; 1868. 54—8§—
(?)—2,;. Same remarks,
544 ORNITHOLOGY.
908, 9 ad.; East Humboldt Mountains (Camp 23), September 8, 1868. 54—84—
28;. Lower mandible, rich brown.
909, ¢ ad.; East Humboldt Mountains (Camp 23), September 8, 1868. 54—8-8,—
(?)—2,8.. Lower mandible, with rictus, wood-brown.
910, d ad.; East Humboldt Mountains (Camp 23), September 8, 1868. 53—8gj—
(?)—2,4;. Same remarks.
EMPIDONAX DIFFICILIS.!
Western Yellow-bellicd Flycatcher.
Empidonax difficilis, BAIRD, B. N. Am., 1858, 198 (in text); ed. 1860, pl. 76, fig. 2;
Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 144a.
Empidonax flaviventris var. difficilis, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., IIT, 1872, 179.
—CougESs, Key, 1872, 176 (in text) B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 380.
—HENSHAW, 1875, 362.
Empidonax flaviventris. b. difficilis, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 256.
Empidonax flaviventris, COOPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 328.
This species was the rarest of the Hmpidonaces met with by us, a few
only being seen in the pine forests high up on the Wahsatch Mountains,
and a still smaller number on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. At
the former place a few pairs were found in July and August, and when
observed were usually perched upon a dead twig, sitting in a nearly ver-
tical position, the tail constantly jerked to one side. The only note heard
was a distinct chip, much like that of the- Yellow-rump Warbler (Dendreca
coronata).
List of specimens.
1490, d ad.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, August 5, 1869. 6—94.
Upper mandible, black, lower lilaceous-white; iris, deep reddish-hazel; tarsi and toes,
purplish- black.
1491, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch es Utah, August 5, 1869. 57—88.
Same remarks.
'Tt is with little hesitation that we consider this bird as distinct specifically from
Ei. flaviventris. Not only are there very conspicuous and constant differences in pro-
portions and colors (especially the former), but numerous observers have noticed
remarkable and important peculiarities in the nesting-habits, the present species
almost invariably building its nest in cavities, either of stumps, trees, or rocks, or on
beams inside of buildings, a habit not yet noticed in ZL. flaviventris, nor, indeed, in any
other species of the genus. [See Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sciences, December 6, 1875,
who, however, is mistaken in supposing that “the differences in the two races seem
to be wholly in shades of color and size, and not in proportions, as formerly sapposed.”]
CERYLE ALCYON—PICUS HARRISI. 545
Famity ALCEDINIDAJ—IKINGFISHERS.
CERYLE ALCYON.
Belted Kingfisher.
(Tat! wn-pahl'te of the Washoes; Tsan'ak-nuk’ket-ah of the Paiutes ; Pang'we-
chin'ah-moo of the Shoshones.)
Alcedo alcyon, LINN., Syst. Nat., 1, 1766, 180.
Ceryle aleyon, Bork, Isis, 1828, 316.—Barrp, B. N. Am., 1858, 158; Cat. N. Am.
B., 1859, 117.—Cooprr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 337—CouEs, Key, 1872, 188;
Check List, 1873, No. 286; B. N.W., 1874, 273.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B.,
II, 1874, 392, pl. xv, fig. 6 —HENSHAW, 1875, 366.
The common Kingfisher was found in the vicinity of all streams and
lakes containing fish. In the lower valleys it was resident, but in the
mountains was found only in summer.
List of specimens.
292, g ad.; Truckee Meadows, Nevada, November 18, 1867.—14—233—63—53—
24—3—418. Bill, black, more slaty basally, where clouded with pale ashy ; iris,
dark vivid vandyke-brown ; tarsi and toes, livid brownish-black, more bluish on the
knees and adjoining part of the tibie.
1452, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, Utah, July 26, 1869. 123—224 _ Bill, black, the
rictus and basal portion of lower mandible pale ashy ; iris, rich dark brown; tarsi and
toes, dark plumbeous-sepia in front, purplish salmon-pink behind and beneath.
1492, ? ad.; Parley’s Park, August 7, 1869. 143—223. Same remarks as to the
preceding.
Famity PICIDA.—WooDPECKERS.
PICUS HARRISI.
Harvis’s Woodpecker.
(Kahsoo'te of the Washoes; Wahpe'-pannah of the Paiutes.)
_ Picus harrisii, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog., V, 1839, 191, pl. 417.—BaAtrD, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 87; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 75.—CoopeEr, Orn. Cal., I, 375.
Picus villosus var. harrisii, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., IIL, 1872, 180.—Covugs,
Key, 1872, 194; Check List, 1873, No. 298a.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
Birds, I, 1874, 507. HENSHAW, 1875, 386.
This perfect counterpart of the Hairy Woodpecker of the Kast (P.
villosus) was met with throughout the year in all wooded localities, from the
35 PR
546 ORNITHOLOGY.
Sierra Nevada eastward. It was equally common in the forests of Con-
iferee and among the broad-leafed or deciduous trees. The notes and
habits are in all respects identical with those of its eastern representative.
List of specimens.
364, 2 ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 19, 1867. 9,5,—15—5—4,8.—1}—11
—34—1}. Bill, slaty horn-color; iris, burnt-sienna; tarsi and toes, plumbeous-green.
372, § ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 21, 1867. 93—163—53—4,... Bill,
greenish-slate, darker terminally; naked orbital region, similar, but paler; iris, reddish-
brown; tarsi and toes, dark slaty-green.
373, 8 ad.; same locality and date. 98—163—55—43. Same remarks,
438, ¢ ad.; Carson City, March 10, 1868. 94—153—5}—44. Extent of tongue
beyond end of bill, 24 inches; its corneous tip, pale plumbeous.
1435, § juv.; Parley’s Park, July 21, 1869. 10—17. Bill, dark slate; iris, burnt-
sienna; tarsi and toes, cinereous.
1512, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, August 16, 1869. 9Z7—17.
NotEe.—The two latter specimens, besides being larger than those from western
Nevada, are also more spotted with white on the wings, thereby showing an approach
to P. villosus.
PICUS GAIRDNERI.
Gairdner’s Woodpecker.
Picus gairdneri, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog., V, 1839, 317.—BarrD, Birds N. Am., 1858,
91; ed. 1860, pl. 85, figs. 2,3; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 76.—CooPEr,
Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 377.
Picus pubescens var. gairdneri, COUES, Key, 1872, 194; Check List, 1873, No. 299a.
—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 512.—HENsHAW, 1875, 388.
Picus pubescens. b. gairdneri, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 282.
We found this bird to be unaccountably rare in all portions of the
country, even where its larger cousin, P. harrisi, abounded; indeed, it was
seen at only two localities along the entire route, a very few being found
in September among the thickets by one of the streams flowing from the
lofty Clover Mountains into the Upper Humboldt. At Parley’s Park two
families of young were met with, on separate occasions, in July and August,
but we did not succeed in obtaining specimens. At the former locality they
were feeding on the fruit of Crategus rivularis, in company with many other
species of birds. In all respects, both as to habits and voice, this bird seems
to be a perfect counterpart of the Downy Woodpecker (P. pubescens) of
the Kast.
PICUS NUTTALLI—P. ALBOLARVATUS. “ 5AT
List of specimens.
925, g ad.; Upper Humboldt Valley (Camp 25, Deering’s Creek), Nevada, Sep-
tember 12, 1868. 7—124—(?)—3,4. Bill, pure slate; iris, burnt-umber; tarsi and toes,
ochraceous olive-green.
935, ad.; Upper Humboldt Valley (Camp 25, Deering’s Creek), Nevada, Sep-
tember 17, 1868. 6Z—124—(?)—3.
PIcUS NUTTALLI.
Nuttall’s Woodpecker.
Picus nuttalli, GAMBEL, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., I, 1843, 259.—Batrp, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 93; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, 78.—CooprEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870
378.—B. B. & It., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 521, pl. L, figs. 3, 6.
Picus scalaris var. nuttalli, COUES, Key, 1872, 193; Check List, 1873, No. 297a.-
’
Among the scattered oaks of the Sacramento plains we found this
Woodpecker to be very common, but met with it nowhere else. It was
particularly abundant where the oaks attained a large size, and formed
more extensive groves, nearer the foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada. Its
manners were very much those of the Downy Woodpeckers (P. pubescens
and P. gairdneri), but the notes were entirely different, the usual one con-
sisting of a very prolonged rattling call, quite unlike that of any other
bird with which we are acquainted.’
PIcUS ALBOLARVATUS.
White-headed Woodpecker.
Leuconerpes albolarvatus, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1850, 166.
Picus albolarvatus, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 96; Cat. N. Aw. B., 1859, No. 81.
—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 582.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 192 ; Check List, 1873,
No. 295.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 526, pl. L, figs. 7, 8.
In the dense forests of lofty and massive coniferee which cover the
slopes of the Sierra Nevada, this Woodpecker was found all the year round.
It was first met with in July, on the western slope, at an elevation of about
5,000 feet; it was the most abundant Woodpecker of the locality, and was
almost constantly seen sporting about the tops of the tall dead pines, usually
In several localities in western Nevada we heard, on different occasions, similar
notes, but they turned out to be those of one of the Passeres, and a species which
we are not able to identify, unless it may be Ph@nopepla nitens. (See page 447.)
548 ORNITHOLOGY.
out of gunshot range. On the eastern slope, it was common near Carson
City throughout the winter, keeping entirely among the pines, though some-
times coming down to the lower edge of the woods.
' The appearance of the White-headed Woodpecker is very striking, on
account of the bold contrast between the white head and neck and the
uniform black of the rest of the plumage—the white patch on the primaries
showing conspicuously only when the bird is flying. In its habits it resem-
bles the larger ‘‘Sapsuckers” (P. villosus and P. harrisi), except that it is more
lively in its disposition, in which respect it approaches quite nearly to the
playful Melanerpez. Its notes, however, are quite distinctive, for although
they bear some resemblance to the clear, sharp diph of the species above
mentioned, the call forms a connected series of these notes, each ending in a
rather suppressed twitter.
List of specimens.
435, $ ad.; Carson City, March 10,1868. .9;,—153—53—44._ Bill, uniform slate-
black; iris, dull carmine; tarsi and toes, olivaceous-slate. Tongue protrudes 3 of an
inch beyond the end of the bill; its corneous tip white. [See under P. harrisi, p. 546.1]
436, 2 ad. (mate of No. 435). 9;4,—15%—54—43. Same remarks.
527, 6 ad.; Carson City, April 25, 1868. 93—16{—5.3—43,
528, gad.; Carson City, April 25, 1868. 94—153—5,—4;%.,
529, 2 ad. (mate of No. 528), 813—153—5—_43..
PICOIDES ARCTICUS.
Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker.
Picus (Apternus) arcticus, SWAINSON, Fauna Bor. Am., II, 1831, 313, pl. 57.
Picoides arcticus, GRAY, Genera of Birds, II, 184—-, 434, pl. 108, fig. 7.—BA1RD, B.
N. Am., 1858, 98; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 82.—CoorEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
384.—CoUES, Key, 1872, 194; Check List, 1873, 300; B. N.W., 1874, 284.—
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 530, pl. w, fig. 1.
The only specimen of this species seen was the one obtained. It was
engaged in hammering on the trunk of a dead pine tree, near the foot of
the mountains.
List of specimens.
409, 2 ad.; pines of the Sierra Nevada, near Carson City, February 19, 1868. 94
—153—53,—4}. Bill, slate-color; iris, burnt-sienna; tarsi and toes, dull slate.
‘Professor Baird has proposed for this species the generic or subgeneric term
Xenopicus (Birds N. Am., 1858, p. 83), which, in view of certain marked structural
differences from typical Picus, it may in future be deemed advisable to adopt.
SPHYRAPICUS RUBER—S. NUCHALIS. 549
SPHYRAPICUS RUBER.
Red-breasted Woodpecker.
Picus ruber, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 429.
Sphyrapicus ruber, BArRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 104; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No.
87.—COOPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 392.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 195; Check List,
1873, No. 303.
Sphyrapicus varius var. ruber, Ripew., Am. Journ. Sci. & Arts, V, Jan., 1873, 40. ‘
—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, I], 1874, 544, pl. wt, fig. 6.
Sphyrapicus varius. c. ruber, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 286.
The Red-breasted Woodpecker was observed only on the Sierra
Nevada, chiefly on the western side of that range; we are not even certain
of its occurrence on the eastern slope, but it is our impression that we saw
it once among the pines near Carson City, but the occasion was not such
as to afford a satisfactory opportunity to identify the individual in question.’
SPHYRAPICUS NUCHALIS.
BRed-naped Woodpecker.
(Qu'um-ah'-utz of the Shoshones.)
Sphyrapicus varius var, nuchalis, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 103 (in text).—B. B.
& R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, 1, 1874, 542, pl. 11, figs. 3, 4.—CooprEr, Orn. Cal.,
I, 390.—Covks, Key, 1872, 195; Check List, 1873, No. 302a.—HENSHAw,
1875, 392.
Sphyrapicus nuchalis, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 921; ed. 1860, pl. xxxv; Cat.
N. Am. B., 1859, No. 86.
Sphyrapicus varius. b. nuchalis, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 286.
Throughout the country between the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky
Mountains, the Red-naped Woodpecker is a common species in suitable
localities. Its favorite summer-haunts are the groves of large aspens near
the head of the upper canons, high up in the mountains, and for this reason
we found it more abundant in the Wahsatch and Uintah region than
elsewhere; indeed, but a single individual was observed on the Sierra
Nevada, and this one was obtained on the eastern slope of the range, near
1Tt has recently been obtained by Mr. Henshaw on the eastern slope, near Lake
Tahoe.
550 ORNITHOLOGY.
Carson City. It was very rare throughout western Nevada, but became
abundant as we approached the higher mountains in the eastern portion of
the State. Among the aspen groves in Parley’s Park, as well as in similar
places throughout that portion of the country, it was by far the most abun-
dant of the Woodpeckers; and it seemed to be as strictly confined to the
aspens as S. thyroideus was to the pines. Its nest was almost invariably
in a living tree, into the soft wood of which it bored with the greatest ease,
the excavation being at nearly all heights between eight and thirty feet
from the ground, and almost invariably in the trunk of the tree. Both
parents incubate and feed the young.
In its general manners, this species is quite a counterpart of the eastern
Red-throated Woodpecker (S. varius), but its notes are quite appreciably
different, the whining utterance so characteristic of all the species of the
genus being less plaintive, while we heard other notes which we never knew
the eastern bird to utter.
List of specimens.
490, 2 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, April 4, 1868. Pines. 83—15$—5i4—48. Bill,
black ; iris, dark bister; tarsi and toes, olive-cinereous.
936, 2 juv.; Upper Humboldt Valley (Camp 25), September 18, 1868. 83—153—
(?)—44. Bill, dark sepia-slate; iris, dark bister; tarsi and toes, olive-plumbeous.
938, $ ad.; Thousand Spring Valley (Camp 27), September 23, 1868. 83—154—
(?)—48. Bill, pure slaty-drab; iris, dark bister; tarsi and toes, greenish olive-cinere-
ous.
1355, g ad.; Parley Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, July 1, 1869. 88—153.
Bill, deep black; iris, brown; feet, greenish-ashy.
1356, ? ad.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, July 1, 1869. S8—16.
Same remarks. [Stomachs of both specimens filled with ants.]
1422, o ad.; Parley’s Park, July 17, 1869. 83—153. Bill, purplish-black ; iris,
brown; tarsi and toes, slaty-olive.
1429, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, July 19, 1869. 84—15}. Bill, black; iris, brown;
tarsi and toes, olivaceous-blue.
1436, g ad.; Parley’s Park, July 21, 1869. 83—153. Bill, black; iris, umber;
tarsi and toes, dull light blue.
1438, g ad.; Parley’s Park, July 22, 1869. 8—15§8. Bill, black; iris, brown;
legs and feet, olivaceous-blue.
1439, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, July 22, 1869. 84—154. Same remarks.
1440, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, July 22, 1869. 8—148. Same remarks.
1448, gad.; Parley’s Park, July 23, 1869. 84—15. Bill, dark purplish-brown.
SPHYRAPICUS THYROIDEUS. 551
SPHYRAPICUS THYROIDEUS
Brown-headed Woodpecker; Williamson's Woodpecker.
Picus thyroideus, Cassin, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1851, 349.
Sphyrapicus thyroideus, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 18538, 106; Catal., 1859, No. 89.—
CoopER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 394.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 195; Check List, 1873,
No. 804; Birds N.W., 1874, 288.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874,
a
547, pl. LvI, fig. 6 (““¢”= with red streak on throat!)—HENSHAW, Am.
Nat., 1874, 242 [Identity of thyroideus and “williamsoni” demonstrated];
Wheeler’s Rep., 1875, 394.
Picus williamsoni, NEWBERRY, Pacific R. R. Rep., VI, 1857, 89, pl. xxxtv, fig. 1
(young é, or adult 6 with red of throat destroyed by action of alcohol ; for-
merly supposed to be 9!).
Sphyrapicus williamsoni, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 105; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859,
No. 88.—CooPmER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 393.—CourEs, Key, 1872, 195; Check
List, 1873, No. 305.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 545, pl. 11,
fig. 5.
The discovery of the astonishing fact that the Brown-headed Wood-
pecker (S. thyroideus, Cass.) and Williamson’s Woodpecker (S. williamsoni,
Newb.) are female and male of the same species, is due to the field-obser-
vations of Mr. H. W. Henshaw, the accomplished ornithologist of Lieutenant
Wheeler’s expedition; the fact being first announced in 1874, in an article
in the American Naturalist (Vol. VIII, p. 242). A suspicion that the two
might eventually prove to be different plumages of one species several
times arose in our mind during the course of our field-work, the chief
occasion for which was the very suggestive circumstance that both were
invariably found in the same woods, and had identical manners and notes,
while they also agreed strictly in all the details of form and proportions,
as well as in the bright gamboge-yellow color of the belly. Our theory
that thyroideus was perhaps the young, and williamsoni the adult, proved
erroneous, however; and it never occurred to us that the differences might
be sexual, an oversight caused chiefly by the circumstance of our having
seen in collections many specimens of thyroideus with a red streak on the
throat and marked as males, while the type specimen of williamsoni had a
white streak on the throat and was said to be a female. We were thus
entirely misled by the erroneous identification of the sex in these speci-
Ou
552 ORNITHOLOGY.
mens. We gave the matter up, however, only after shooting a very young
specimen of what was undoubtedly williamsoni, and another of thyroi-
deus, both of which very closely resembled the adults of the same forms,
a circumstance which at once convinced us that the differences could not
depend on age; so we finally concluded that the two must be distinct.
Now, however, that Mr. Henshaw has so satisfactorily explained the case,
we have no hesitation in indorsing his opimion.
We found this species both on the Sierra Nevada and in the Wahsatch,
and it is probable that its range extends throughout the entire Western
Region. It is confined to the coniferous forests, however, so that its dis-
tribution is governed greatly by local conditions. It appears to be con-
stantly pinicoline, since it was a winter resident among the pines near Car-
son City, while it was found in summer among those of the Wahsatch, in
Parley’s Park. Excepting the circumstance of its being so strictly confined
to the coniferous forests, it resembles the other species of the genus in habits
and manners, while the notes appear to be only very slightly different; the
latter are finer and less plaintive, however, than in nuchalis or varius, and
uttered in more detached syllables. The female of this species presents
when flying a very close resemblance to the species of Centurus, the
plumage being similarly barred with black and white, while a distinct _
white area is presented on the lower portion of the ramp. The first male
killed (No. 331) had the bill thickly coated with the resinous juices of the
pine trees among which it had been feeding.
List of specimens.
331, g ad.; pines of the Sierra Nevada, near Carson City, November 27, 1867.
93—19—5§$—43—1—8—34—12. Bill, deep purplish sepia-slate; iris, chestnut; tarsi
and toes, ashy-olive.
332, 2 ad.;.Carson City, Nevada, November 27, 1867. 91—163—53—43—13—11__
33—13. Bill, deep brownish-slate; iris, reddish-vandyke ; tarsi and toes, ashy-olive.
437, 2 ad.; Carson, March 10, 1868, 94—16$—53—43. Bill, dusky purplish-
slate; iris, umber; tarsi and toes, light ashy-green. (Zongue protrudes = of an inch
beyond bill; its corneous tip color of bill.)
1486, gd juv.; Parley’s Park, August 5, 1869. 9$—1545. Bill, black; iris, dark
brown; tarsi and toes, greenish-ashy.
1513, 2 juv.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, August 16, 1869,
MELANERPES FORMICIVORUS—M. TORQUATUS. 553
MELANERPES FORMICIVORUS.
California Woodpecker.
Picus formicivorus, SWAINSON, Synop. Birds Mex , Philos. Mag., I, 1827, 439.
Melanerpes formicivorus, BONAP., Consp., I, 1850, 115.—Barrp, B. N. Am., 1858,
114; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 95.—CoorPEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 403.—Couns,
* Key, 1872, 197; Check List, 1873, No. 310.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., LI,
1874, 566, pl. LUT, figs. 1, 2.—HENSHAW, 1875, 399.
This handsome Woodpecker was observed only among the oaks in the
Sacramento Valley, where it sported among the trees along with Yellow-
billed Magpies and Valley Jays (Cyanocitta californica). We had no oppor-
tunity to observe its habits closely.
MELANERPES TORQUATUS.
Lewis’s Woodpecker.
Picus torquatus, WILSON, Am. Orn., III, 1811, 31, pl. 30, fig. 3.
Melanerpes ‘torquatus, BoNAP., Cousp., I, 1850, 115.— BAIRD, B, N. Am., 1858, 115;
Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 96.—Cooprr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 406.—B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., I, 1874, 561, pl. u1v, fig. 5 —HEnsHAw, 1875, 397.
Asyndesmus torquatus, COUES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, 56; Key, 1872, 197;
Check List, 1873, No. 311; B. N.W., 1874, 291.
This very remarkable Woodpecker was found along the entire route,
from Sacramento eastward, but only in certain widely-separated localities.
It prefers the scattered trees of plains, or the mere edge of the denser
forests, and was consequently found most abundantly among the oaks of
the Sacramento Valley and the scattered pines along the eastern base
of the Sierra Nevada. None were seen among the cotton-woods of the
Truckee or Carson Rivers, while only a few were noticed among the very
large aspens in the lower canons of the Kast Humboldt Mountains, as well
as in similar groves along the streams of the Upper Humboldt Valley.
None were observed in the Wahsatch or Uintah Mountains, nor in the Salt
Lake Valley. We cannot account for this apparent irregularity of its dis--
tribution, which is somewhat parallel to the case of Pica hudsonica in the
same region,
In its general habits and manners this beautiful species resembles quite
closely the eastern Red-headed Woodpecker (M. erythrocephalus), being
554 ORNITHOLOGY.
quite as lively and of an equally playful disposition. Some of its actions,
however, are very curious, the most remarkable of them being a certain
elevated flight, performed in a peculiar floating manner, its progress appa-
rently laborious, as if struggling against the wind, or uncertain, like a
bird which had lost its course and become confused. At such a time it
presents the appearance of a Crow high in the air, while the manner of its
flight is strikingly similar to that of Clarke’s Nutcracker (Picicorvus colum-
bianus—see page 516). After performing these evolutions to its satisfaction,
it descends in gradually contracting circles, often to the tree from which it
started.
When a nest of this species in an oak tree was disturbed, the parents
were observed to alight upon a large horizontal branch, and now and then
cautiously look over at the intruder, at the same time uttering a faint rattling
or twittering note. When frolicking among the trees the notes of this
species are a faint shrill scream and a rattling twitter, somewhat like the
notes of MW. erythrocephalus, but much weaker.
List of specimens.
76, g ad.; Sacramento City, California, June 22, 1867. 103—203—63—53—14—3
—34i—13. Bill, deep purplish-slate; iris, deep hazel; tarsi and toes, pale ashy-blue.
77, 2 ad. (mate of No. 76); same locality and date. 1013--203—6-9,—53—1,%,—#
—33—14. Same remarks.
561, ¢ ad.; Oarson City, Nevada, April 29, 1868. 118—213—7—5%. Bill, black ;
iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, olivaceous-blue.
924, 4 ad.; Upper Humboldt Valley (Camp 24), September 12, 1868. 113—21$
—(?}—513. Bill, slate-black, deeper terminally; iris, burnt-sienna; tarsi and toes,
rather dark ashy.
MELANERPES ERYTHROCEPHALUS.
Red-headed Woodpecker.
Picus erythrocephalus, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 174.
Melanerpes erythrocephalus, SWAINSON, Fauna Bor. Am., II, 1831, 316—BAtRD,
Birds N. Am., 1858, 113; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 94.—CooPErR, Orn.
Cal., I, 1870, 402.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 196; Check List, 1873, No. 309; Birds
N.W., 1874, 290.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, IL, 1874, 564, pl. .LIv, fig.
4.—HENSHAW, 1875, 398.
A single individual of this common eastern species was seen near Salt
vd
Lake City in June, 1869, the one in question being observed among the
COLAPTES MEXICANUS. o55
willows along the stream flowing from Parley’s Park. Eastward of the
Rocky Mountains, as far west as Laramie, it was abundant about the tele-
graph-poles along the railroad.
COLAPTES MEXICANUS.
Red-shafted Flicker.
(Tetsum’ of the Washoes; Ah’soo-pannah of the Paiutes; Gooe-nee’-utz of the
Shoshones. )
Colaptes mexicanus, SWAINSON, Synop. Mex. Birds, Philos. Mag., I, 1827, 440.
BArIrRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 120; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 98.—CoopEr,
Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 408.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 198; Check List, 1873, No. 314;
Birds N.W., 1874, 294.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 578, pl.
LY, figs. 3, 4 HENSHAW, 1875, 400.
Being the most abundant and generally distributed of the Wood-
peckers, this species was found in all wooded localities; and though it
appeared to be rather partial to the deciduous trees of the lower valleys,
it was far from rare among the pines of the mountains, excepting in the
denser portions of the forest. As to its general appearance, habits, and
notes, it is a perfect counterpart of the eastern Yellow-shafted Flicker (C.
auratus), its notes especially being absolutely undistinguishable; indeed so
great is the similarity between the two species that the western bird is
almost universally known as the ‘Yellow Hammer” by the people of that
country, notwithstanding there is not a yellow feather in its plumage. It
appeared to be far more shy than the eastern species, however, and we
always found it difficult to secure, except when a heavy growth favored a
near approach. This wildness may be partly accounted for by the eager-
ness with which these handsome birds are sought by the Indians, who
highly prize the tail and quill-feathers as ornaments for their head-dresses.
List of specimens.
103, g juv.; Truckee Reservation (Camp 12), Nevada, July 24, 1867. 13—203—
64—51—_13—7—41 31. Bill, brownish-black; iris, chestnut; tarsi and toes, pale
livid blue.
556 ORNITHOLOGY.
126, $ juv.; Camp 12, August 1, 1867. 134—203—67,—d3—1,3,—j—_43— 3.
Same remarks.
241, ¢ ad.; West Humboldt Mountains (Camp 19), October 8, 1867. 13—21—
63—5,5.— 1415412}. Bill, slate-black, deeper terminally; iris, deep chestnut;
naked eyelids, tarsi and toes, fine pale lilaceous-blue.
357, ¢ ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 18, 1867. 13$—21—6}—53—144—
1—5—24. Iris, deep cherry-red.
363, 8 ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 19, 1867. 14—214—7—53—13—1—
5—24. Same remarks. ;
374, $ ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 21, 1867. 133—214—6Z—53. Same
remarks.
391, g ad.; Washoe Valley, January 3, 1868. 134—21—613—53. Same re-
marks.
393, 2 ad.; Washoe Valley, January 4, 1868, 123—20}—63—5;4.
461, 3 ad.; Carson City, March 28, 1868. 133—22—613—53.
462, 3 ad.; same locality and date. 13}—22—6Z—53.
481, 9 .ad.; same locality, March 30, 1868. 133—211—6g—51}.
736, eggs (5); Truckee Reservation, May 17,1868. Excavation in a small willow,
on bank of the river.
1345, o juv.; Parley’s Park, Utah, June 28, 1869.
1428, ¢ juv.; Parley’s Park, Utab, July 19, 1869. 12}—201. Bill, slate-black;
iris, bister; tarsi and toes, light ashy-blue.
COLAPTES HYBRIDUS.
“Wybrid” Flicker.
Colaptes ayresti, AUDUBON, Birds Am., VII, 1843, 348, pl. 494.
Colaptes hybridus, BAtRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 122; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859,
No. 98a.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 582, pl. LIV, fig. 3. .
List of specimens.
400, g; Washoe Valley, January 4, 1868. 13—203—63—53.
[General appearance of typical mevxicanus, having ashy throat and scarlet
“moustaches,” but occiput with a distinct scarlet crescent, and the red of the remiges
and rectrices inclining decidedly to orange. |
1 Whether the puzzling specimens included under this name are really hybrids, or
whether they are remnants of a generalized form from which two “incipient species”
have become differentiated, must long remain an open question. The latter view, how-
ever, seems the more rational; and it is altogether probable that this *‘ hybrid” series
is gradually losing its neutral character, through the nearer approach, generation by
veneration, of its members to the characters of ove or the other of the two specialized
forms. [For a full and very sensible discussiou of this subject, see Coues’s Birds of
the Northwest, pp. 293, 294.]
COLAPTES AURATUS. 557
COLAPTES AURATUS?
Wellow-shafted Fiicker.
Cuculus auratus, LINN., Syst. Nat., I (ed. 10), 1758, 112.
Colaptes auratus, SWAINS., Zool, Journ., ILf, 1827, 353—BArrpD, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 118; Catal. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 97.—CovuzEs, Key, 1872, 197; Check
List, 1873, No. 312; Birds N.W., 1874, 292.
Early in October, 1867, we saw near Unionville, in the West Hum-
boldt Mountains, a Flicker which had bright gamboge-yellow shafts to the
quills and tail-feathers. It flew from the brushwood of a ravine close by,
and was followed over the hills, from rock to rock, through the sage-brush’
and across fields, and from one ravine to another, for nearly an hour, until
it finally disappeared. It was so extremely shy that we found it-impossible
to get within fair gunshot range, but several shots were risked at it, one of
which brought several feathers, which on examination were found to be
pure, bright gamboge-yellow, without the faintest trace of orange. On the
22d of November following, a similar individual was seen among the willows
along the Truckee River, at the Glendale Meadows; but being on the oppo-
site side of the stream, it could not be obtained. Whether these birds were
the typical eastern C. auratus or C. chrysoides' of the southern portion of the
Middle Province, we cannot, of course, be sure; but geographical consid-
erations render the former more probable. It is almost certain they were
not specimens of C. hybridus, since the latter is seldom, if ever, without
more or less of an orange tinge to the wings and tail.”
1 Geopicus chrysoides, MALHERBE, Rev. et Mag. Zool., 1V, 1852, 553.
Colaptes chrysoides, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 125; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859,
No. 99.—CooPpER, -Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 410.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 198; Check List, 1873,
No. 313.—B, B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 583, pl. LIv, figs. 1, 2.
2In the “Ornithology of California,” page 412, Dr. J. G. Cooper mentions two
specimens from Oakland, near San Francisco, “ which are evidently of the form hybri-
dus, Baird,” one of which “ differs from the auratus only in having the head grayish
like mexicanus and the black of the cheek-feathers tipped with red.”
HDB ORNITHOLOGY,
Famitry CUUULIDA—OvoKoos.
COCCYZUS AMBRICANUS,
Vellow-billed Cuckoo,
Ouculua americanus, LANN., Syst. Nat., 1, 1766, 170,
Joceyzus americanus, BONAY., Obs, Wils. Orn., 1625, No. 47,.—OCounms, Key, 1872,
190, fig. 126; Check List, 1873, No. 201; Bb. N.W., 1874, 275.
Voceygus americanus, BAIKD, 1. N, Am., 1854, 76; Oat. N. Am, B., 1859, No. 69.—
Coormn, Orn, Oal., 1, 1870, 671.—B. B. & R., Hist. N, Am, B,, IL, 1874, 477,
pl. XLVIL, fig. 4 (3” orr.),—LENSHAW, 1875, 386,
The Yellow-billed Ouckoo was so often seen or heard during our
sojourn in the West, that we cannot regard it as a particularly rare bird in
certain portions of that country. At Sacramento City its well-known notes
were heard on more than one occasion in June, among the oak groves in
the outskirts of the city, while across the Sierra Nevada several individuals
wore seen in July in the wooded valley of the lower Truckee.
Famity TROCHILIDAI—HuMMING-BIRDs.
OALYPTE ANNA).
Amma's Ue eeoonmmmen,
Orniamya anna, LISSON, Oiseaux Mouches, 1830, pl. OxXxtrv.
Athis anna, BAiip, B.N, Am,, 1858, 137; Oat, N. Am, B., 1859, No. 105,
Jalypte anna, QouLD, Introd, Trochilidi, 1561, 88.—B. B. & BR, Hist. N. Am, B.,
1874, 454, pl. XLVI, fig. 7.—ITmNSIAW, 1875, 375,
Selasphorus anna, Oouws, Koy, 1872, 185; Oheck List, 1873, No, 279.
Calypte anna, Ooovrmnk, Orn, Oal., 1, 1870, 658,
This beautiful Hummer was found only at Sacramento City, where it
was rare, or at least far less common than the Trochilus alexandri. We did
not see enough of it to detect anything distinctive in its habits,
List of specimens,
10, nest and eggs (2); Sacramento Oity, California, June 9, 1867, Nest at extrem.
ity of a emall dead twig, underneath lower branches of small oak, in grove,
TROCHILUS ALBXANDRI—SHLASPHORUS RUFUS. 5Dd59
TROCHILUS ALPXANDRIL
Black-chinned Mum«er,
(Soong-ooh'-eh of the Paiutes.)
Trochilus alexandri, Bounctmr & Mubsan't, Ann. de la Soc, @Agric, de Lyons,
LX, 1846, 330.—Barrp, B. N. Am,, 1858, 133; ed. 1860, pl. 44, fig. 3; Oat. N.
Am, B., 1859, No, 102,—Coornpnr, Orn, Cal, I, 1870, 353.—Couns, Key, 1872,
184; Check List, 1873, 276—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am, B,, I, 1874, 450, pl.
XLVI, fig. 1.—Hmnsitaw, 1875, 373.
This was the only Hummer which was encountered along every
. 6 )
portion of our route, in the proper localities, it being equally common at
Sacramento City and among the mountains of Utah, as well as at favorable
intermediate points. Sinee we found it in the Wahsatch, where it was asso-
ciated with Selasphorus platycercus, among the flowery meadows of the higher
slopes, it will be seen that its vertical range during the breeding-season
extends through fully 9,000 feet of altitude. At Sacramento it nested in
the oak groves in the outskirts of the city, where it was apparently more
numerous than Calypte anne; while in the Interior it was equally common in
the river-valleys and on the higher slopes of the mountains. In its habits it
appeared to be a perfect counterpart of the eastern Ruby-throat (7. colubris).
List of specimens.
776, nest and eggs (2); Truckee Reservation, June 1, 1868, Nest attached to
dead twig of grease-wood bush, on river-bank,
777, 3 ad. (parent of the preceding). 3}4—48—(1)—1§. Bill, black; iris, deep
sepia; tarsi and toes, black.
285, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 25, 1869, Nest on branch of serub-
oak, in a grove,
1352, 2ad.; Parley’s Park, Utah, June 28, 1869, 3§—4}. Bill, black; iris, very
dark brown; tarsi and toes, purplish-black.
1483, fjuv.; Parley’s Park, July 30, 1869. 34—43. Same remarks,
SHLASPHORUS RUFUS.
Rufous Wammer,
(Soong-ooh'-ch of the Paiutes.)
Trochilus rufus, GMMLIN, Syst. Nat., 1, 1788, 497,
Selasphorus rufus, SWAINSON, Fauna Bor, Am., I, 1831, 324.—Batrp, B. N. Am.,
1858, 184; Oat. N. Am. B., 1859, No, 103,—Coormr, Orn, Oal., I, 855,—Couns,
Key, 1872, 185; Oheck List, 1873, No. 277.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I,
1874, 459, pl. XLvil, fig. 4—Hmnsmaw, 1875, 375.
Among the sun-flowers (/elianthus giganteus ), which covered acres of
560 ORNITHOLOGY.
ground, in the rich valley of the lower Truckee, this was the only species of
Humming-bird found in August, at which time great numbers were seen
sporting in all their elegance and beauty among these flowers; they dis-
played the greatest activity and grace of motion, and were ever restless and
moving, now chasing each other, then hovering in front of a golden flower
for a few moments, then off like a flash. Upon revisiting the same locality
in May and June of the following season, not one of this species was to be
found, its place being apparently entirely taken by the Black-chinned spe-
cies | Trochilus alexandri). We next saw the Rufous-backed Hummer in the
fertile canons of the West Humboldt Mountains, where it was more or less
common in October. Eastward of the latter locality, the species was seen
only in Secret Valley, near the northern extremity of the East Humboldt
range, where it was much more rare than S. platycercus, this pot bemg
the most eastern to which it is known to extend, so far as we are at pres-
ent aware. It was not found during the breeding-season anywhere along
our route.
List of specimens.
124, $ juv.; Truckee Reservation, Nevada, August 6, 1867. 314—44—13—1j—
1__1.—-1—. Bill and feet, black ; iris, dark brown.
SELASPHORUS PLATYCERCUS.
Broad-tailed Huimmer.
(Pe'-esh-a-tse and Toowith'-e-kim'-booah of the Shoshones.)
Trochilus platycercus, SWAINSON, Synop. Mex. Birds, Philos. Mag., I, 1827, 441.
Selasphorus platycercus, BONAP., Consp., I, 1850, 82.—BAtRrD, B. N. Am., 1858, 139,
922; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 104.—Coopmr, Orn. Cal., I, 357.—Couss, Key,
1872, 185; Check List, 1873, No. 278; Birds N.W., 1874, 271.—bB. B & B.,
Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 462, pl. xLvu, fig. 5 —HENSHAW, 1875, 377.
In traveling eastward across the Great Basin, we first encountered the
Broad-tailed Hummer on the Ruby Mountains, where it was very abundant
in July and August, on the flower-covered slopes of the upper canons on
the eastern side of the range, in company with Stellula calliope; in Septem-
ber we found it associated with the latter species and Selasphorus rufus in
SELASPHORUS PLATYCERCUS. 561
the northern continuation of the same range (the East Humboldt Mount-
ains), while on the Wahsatch and Uintahs it was found still more abun-
dantly throughout the summer in company with Trochilus alexandri. The
distribution of Humming-birds being governed by the presence or absence
of tracts where a profusion of flowers flourish, this species is consequently
mainly confined to the higher slopes of the mountains; but whenever a
portion of the lower valleys is made to bloom by irrigation, this Hummer
soon finds it out and at once appears. Under such circumstances its vertical
range is very great, amounting, in one instance which came under our
observation, to fully 6,000 feet; for one morning we killed a specimen near
the ranche in Ruby Valley, and later during the same day, when we had
ascended to the summit of one of the highest peaks, which towered to
nearly 12,000 feet, a single individual buzzed past us.
The flight of this Humming-bird is unusually rapid, and that of the male
is accompanied by a curious screeching buzz, while it is followed through
an undulating course. Long before the author of this curious sound was
detected its source was a mystery to us. This shrill screeching note is
heard only when the bird is passing rapidly through the air, for when hov-
ering among the flowers its flight is accompanied by only the usual muffled
hum common to all the species of the family. During the nesting-season
the male is of an exceedingly quarrelsome disposition, and intrepid, proba-
bly beyond any other bird, the Flycatchers not excepted. All birds that
approach the vicinity of his nest, whether they be his own species or of the
size of hawks, are immediately assaulted with great force and pertinacity by
this seemingly insignificant little creature, the vigor of whose attacks, accom-
panied as they are by the shrill piercing noise we have mentioned, invariably
puts to flight any bird assaulted. We have thus seen the Western Kingbird
(Tyrannus verticalis), the Black-headed Grosbeak (Hedymeles melanocephalus),
and the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Nisus fuscus) beat a hasty retreat before
the persevering assaults of this Humming-bird. When thus teasing an
intruder the little champion ascends almost perpendicularly to a consid-
erable height, and then descends with the quickness of a flash at the object
he would annoy, which is probably more frightened by the accompany-
ing noise than by the mere attack itself. As we chanced, while hunting
36 PR
562 ORNITHOLOGY.
on the mountains, to pass through the haunts of this Hummer, it frequently
happened that one of the little creatures, prompted apparently by curiosity,
would approach close to us and remain poised in one spot, its wings vibra-
ting so rapidly as to appear as a mere haze around the body; now and
then it would shift from one side to another, its little black eyes sparkling
as it eyed us intently. So close would it finally approach that to strike it
with the hat or a stick seemed to be quite an easy matter, but upon the
slightest motion on our part the little thing would vanish so quickly that
its direction could scarcely be traced.
On the mountains we found many nests of this Humming-bird, every
one of them being discovered by frightening the female from off her eggs
or young. They were variously situated, most of them being in the scrub-
oaks on the slopes of the hills; many were in willows or other bushes bor-
dering the streams, and not a few on drooping twigs of cotton-wood trees,
along the water-courses. One of those which we secured (No. 1377) affords
good evidence of the possession by this bird of a high degree of instinct, if
not an approach to reason. This nest was built upon a dead twig of a
small cotton-wood; the bark of this twig gradually loosened, and after the
eggs were laid slipped around (perhaps by the parent bird alighting upon
one edge of the nest), so that the nest was turned round to the under side
of the limb and the eggs thrown out. Instead of abandoning this nest,
however, the sharp little owners built an addition to it, making another
complete nest on the upper side, which was now secured in position by the
superior weight of the more bulky pendant one.'
List of specimens.
963, 6 ad.; Salt Lake City, May 20, 1869, (City Creek Catton). 4—4%. Bill and
feet black ; iris, dark sepia. :
1042, g ad.; Salt Lake City, May 24,1869. 4—5. Same remarks.
1054, 3 ad.; Salt Lake City, May 26, 1869. 4—413. Same remarks.
1064, gad.; Salt Lake City, May 29, 1869, .4—415. Same remarks.
1272, 9 ad.; Parley’s Park, June 23, 1869, 4$—5,8.. (Caught in a tent during a
hard shower.)
1311, gad.; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869, 4.
‘In Gould’s Introduction to the Trochilide (page 20), itis stated that certain South
American Humming-Birds adjust the equilibrium of their nests by weighting the
lighter side with a small stone or bit of hard earth ! ;
STELLULA CALLIOPE. 563
1312, 6 ad.; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. 4. -
1319, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 26, 1869. Nest on drooping branch
of a cotton-wood tree, by a stream. ;
1332, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Nest on bush, along
stream. ,
1333, nest ; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Nest on drooping branch of a cotton-
wood tree, by stream.
1348, ad.; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869.
1349, gad.; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869.
1350, 3 ad.; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869.
1351, g ad.; Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869.
1366, nest and eggs (2); Uintah Mountains (Pack’s Cafion), July 3, 1869. Nest
in a sage-bush.
1377, nest; Pack’s Cation, July 7, 1869. Nest on dead twig of a small cotton-
wood.
1437, S ad.; Parley’s Park, July 21, 1869.
1441, nest and eggs (2); Parley’s Park, July 23,1869. Nest among willows, along
stream.
1442, nest and eggs (2); same date and remarks.
1449, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, July 23, 1869.
STELLULA CALLIOPE.
Calliope Hummer.
Trochilus calliope, GOULD, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1847, 11.
Stellula calliope, GoULD, Introd. Trochilide, 1861, 90.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I,
1870, 363.—CouEs, Key, 1872; Check List, 1873, No. 282.—B. B. & R., Hist.
N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 445, pl. xvi, fig. 9. HENSHAW, 1875, 372.
On the flowery slopes of the Ruby and East Humboldt Mountains, at
an altitude of 7,500-10,000 feet, this litthe Hummer was abundant in
August and September, in company with Selasphorus platycercus ; the habits
and appearance of the two species being so much alike that we never knew
which was before us until the specimen was secured. The range of the
species is doubtless almost universal throughout the Basin, like that of Tro-
chilus alexandri and Selasphorus rufus.
List of specimens.
869, 2ad.; East Humboldt Mountains (Camp 19), August 12, 1868. 33,—44—
(?)—1g. Bill and feet, black; iris, very dark brown.
882, 3 juv.; East Humboldt Mountains (Camp 21), August 29, 1868. 313—4}3—
(?)—13. Same remarks.
904, 2 ad.; Secret Valley (Camp 22), September 7, 1868. 34—(?)—(?)—1,%. Same
remarks.
564 : ORNITHOLOGY.
Faminy CYPSELIDA—SwIrts.
PANYPTILA SAXATILIS.
White-throated Swift.
Acanthylis saxatilis, WOODHOUSE, Sitgreaves’ Rep., 1853, 64.
Panyptila saxatilis, CouES, Key, 1872, 182; Check List, 1873, No. 269; Birds
N.W., 1874, 265. HENSHAW, 1875, 370.
Cypselus melanoleucus, BAIRD, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1854, 118.
Panyptila melanoleuca, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 141; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859,
No. 107.—CoorPeEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 347.—B. B. & B., Hist. N. Am. Birds,
IL, 1874, 424, pl. xxv, fig. 5.
We first noticed this singular bird in the early part of July, 1868, on
the Toyabe Mountains, near Austin. A single individual only was observed
at that place, the one in question passing rapidly by, as if bound for some
distant locality; the direction of its course was southward, where the peaks
of the range are more lofty and precipitous, so it is probable that in favor-
able portions of these mountains the species may have occurred in abund-
ance. Upon arriving at the Ruby Mountains, a little later in the same
month, we found it extremely numerous about the high limestone cliffs
which formed the walls of the cations leading back from our camp. At
this place they literally swarmed, and were associated with smaller numbers
of Petrochelidon lunifrons and Tachycineta thalassina, both of which nested
among the same rocks. It was afterward seen in City Creek Canon, near
Salt Lake City, but it was not abundant there.
The appearance of this bird calls to mind at first sight the Chimney
Swifts (Chetura pelagica and C. vauxi) on a large scale, or Nephacetes, but
it has more conspicuous colors, and more active and varied manners; the
deeply-forked tail, and the abrupt contrast between the black and white
areas of its plumage distinguishing it at a glance from all other North
American Swifts. It was our frequent amusement to clamber half-way up
a cliff, or to where farther progress was impossible, and, hidden among the
rocks, watch the movements of these extraordinarily active birds. Every
few moments a pair would rush by with such velocity as to be scarcely
seen, one chasing the other, and both uttering a sharp rattling twitter.
Another pair would collide high up in the air, and, fastening upon each
NEPH@CETES BOREALIS. 565
other with their strong claws, come whirling to the ground, just before
reaching which they would loosen their clutches and separate, or after
again ascending resume the struggle. Others hovered around overhead, and
without seeming aware of our presence, entered, now and then, the small
horizontal fissures in the overhanging cliff to their nests, which were utterly
inaccessible.
Specimens of this bird were extremely difficult to procure from the
fact that most of those shot fell among the rocks where they could not be
reached, while when away from the cliffs they flew at too great a height to
be reached with shot.
The notes of this Swift are strong and rattling, sometimes rather shrill,
certain ones resembling very much the chatter of young Baltimore Orioles
(Icterus baltimore) as uttered while being fed by their parents.
List of specimens.
836, 6 ad.; Camp 19, East Humboldt Mountains, July 13, 1868. 611—133—(?)—
4z. Bill, deep black; iris, dark bister; tarsi and toes, pale livid-pinkish; naked eye-
lids, sepia-brown.
837, Qad.; same locality and date. 64—14—(?)—415,
846, g ad.; same locality, July 20, 1868. 7—14{—-(?)—5. Interior of mouth, livid
flesh-color.
NEPHECETES NIGER.
Black Swift.
f. borealis.
Cypselus borealis, KENNERLY, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1857, 202.
Nephecetes niger var. borealis, COUES, Key, 1872, 183; Check List, 1873, No. 270.
Nephecetes niger. b. borealis, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 269.
Nephecetes niger, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 142; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No.
108, [not Hirundo nigra, GMEL., 1788, = Nephecetes '|—_CooPER, Orn. Cal., I,
1870, 349.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., 429, pl. XLv, fig. 4.
The occurrence of this Swift in the valley of the Truckee was made
known to us only through the discovery of the remains of an individual
which had been devoured by a hawk or owl, the sternum, wings, tail, and
feet having been left upon a log in a cotton-wood grove. On the 23d of
1The West Indian form.
566 ORNITHOLOGY.
June, following, we found it abundant in a very similar portion of the
valley of Carson River; they were observed early in the morning, hovering
over the cotton-wood groves in a large swarm, after the manner of Night-
Hawks (Chordeiles), but in their flight resembling the Chimney Swifts
(Chetura), as they also did in their uniform dusky color, the chief apparent
difference being their much larger size. They were evidently breeding in
the locality, but whether their nests were in the hollow cotton-wood trees of
the extensive groves along the river, or in crevices on the face of a high
cliff which fronted the river near by, we were unable to determine on
- account of the shortness of our stay. They were perfectly silent during
the whole time they were observed.
List of speciinens.
807, wings, tail, feet, and sternum; Truckee Reservation, May 31, 1868. (Found
on a log in the woods, where left by a hawk or owl.) :
2 CHATURA VAUXI.
Oregon Swift.
Cypselus vauxii, TOWNSEND, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., VIII, 1839, 148.
Chetura vauxii, DEKAyY, Zool. New York, II, 1844, 36—BaAirD, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 145; ed. 1860, pl. 18; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 110.—CooPEr,
Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 351.—CovuEs, Key, Lee 183; Check List, 1873, No. 272;
Birds N. Ww. , 1874, 268.
Chetura (palayida var.?) vauvi, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 435, pl.
XLV, fig. 8.
During our sojourn at the Truckee Reservation, near Pyramid Lake,
in May and June, 1868, we saw, nearly every evening, but never until
after sundown, quite a number of small Swifts which must have been this
species; but they always flew at so great a height that we found it impos-
sible to obtain a specimen in order to determine the species. In appear-
ance, manner of flight, and, apparently, in size also, they resembled the
eastern Chimney Swift (C. pelagica), but they differed in their entirely
crepuscular habits, and the fact that they were perfectly silent—the latter
in particular being a very marked difference from the eastern species.
ANTROSTOMUS NUTTALLI. 567
FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDA—GoatsuckeErs.
ANTROSTOMUS NUTTALLI.
Poor-wiil.
(Koo-ta-gueh' of the Paiutes; Toet-sa-gueh' of the Shoshones.)
Caprimulgus nuttalli, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog., V, 1839, 335.
Antrostomus nuttalli, CASSIN, Journ. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., IT, 1852, 123.—Batrp,
Birds N. Am., 1858, 149; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 113.—CoopEr, Orn.
Cal., I, 1870, 341.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 181; Check List, 1873, No. 266; Birds
N.W., 1874, 261:—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., LL, 1874, 417, pl. xLv1, fig. 3.
—HENSHAW, 1875, 369.
Unlike its eastern representative, the well-known Whip-poor-will (4.
vociferus), this western species is an inhabitant of open places exclusively,
the sage-brush country being, so far as we observed, its only habitat. It
appeared to be most abundant on the mesas and about the foot-hills of the
mountains, but it was often observed or heard in the lower valleys, as well
as in the mountain-parks, below an altitude of 8,000 feet: This bird was
seen only when startled from.the ground by our too near approach, when
it would fly up suddenly and flutter off in a manner similar to that of
certain Owls, the flight being also noiseless. Often while returning late
from the mountains, and while following the road or trail homeward across
the mesa, we have beheld one of these birds start up in front of us, as
noiselessly as a shadow, again settling down a few rods ahead; we have
followed one thus for a hundred yards or more before it would diverge
from our course.
The call of this bird is somewhat like that of the Whip-poor-will,
but is far less distinctly uttered, as well as weaker, sounding more like
poor-will, the last syllable only being distinctly enunciated. This call we
have heard at all hours of the day, but they sing most vigorously as night
approaches. Both sexes incubate.
List of specimens.
799, g ad.; Truckee Reservation, Nevada, June 3, 1868. 8,3,—174—(?)—5. Bill,
black; iris, raw-umber; tarsi and toes, dusky sepia.
843, eggs 2; Hast Humboldt Mountains, July 20, 1868. Deposited on bare
ground, beneath sage-bush, on hill-side. Male killed while flying from eggs.
568 ORNITHOLOGY.
844, ¢ ad. (parent of preceding); East Humboldt Mountains, July 20, 1868. 84
—173—(?)—4%. Bill, deep black; interior of the mouth, flesh-color; iris (very narrow),
umber; eyelids, ochraceous-brown; tarsi, pale ashy-lilaceous, the toes darker.
937, 4 ad.; Upper Humboldt Valley, September 19, 1868. S3—17Z—(?)—8.
Same remarks.
1379, 3 ad.; Uintah Mountains, Utah, July 7, 1869. 84—17}. Bill, black; iris
(narrowly), brown; eyelids, dull ochraceous; tarsi and toes, dull dusky purplish.
CHORDEILES POPETUE.
Night-Hawk.
f. henryt.
(Kow‘a-look of the Washoes; Wy'-e-wp-ah'-oh of the Shoshones.)
Chordeiles henryi, CASSIN, lust. Birds Cal., Texas. &c., 1855, 239.—BatrD, Birds
N. Am., 1858, 153, 922; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 115.
Chordeiles popetue var. henryi, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., III, 1872, 179.—
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, I, 1874, 404, pl. xiv, fig. 4 —HENSHAW,
1875, 367.
Chordeiles virginianus var. henryi, COUES, Key, 1872, 181; Check List, 1873, No.
267a. ;
Chordeiles virginianus. b. henryi, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 264.
Chordeiles popetue, COOPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 343.
The Night-Hawk was a common summer inhabitant of the country
traversed. It was most numerous during the months of August and Septem-
ber, when just before dark they congregated in immense numbers and over-
spread in scattered flocks those localities where insect-life most abounded.
In July, their well-known booming sound was often heard. During the
greater portion of the day they remained inactive, and were then frequently
surprised during their siesta, as they perched on a horizontal limb, a board
of a fence, or a stick lying on the ground, their position being, according to
our experience, invariably lengthwise with the perch.’ While thus resting
they often evince a strong attachment to the perch they occupy, returning
‘This disposition to sit lengthwise with the perch may be considered by some a
constant habit of the Caprimulgidse; we should be inclined to so regard it ourselves,
were it not for the fact that the first specimen of Antrostomus vociferus we ever killed
was shot while asleep on a small branch of a hickory tree, its position being at right-
angles with the direction of the twig, in the manner usual among the true “ perchers”
{Passeres, ete.).
STRIX PRATINCOLA. 569
to it repeatedly when frightened away; No. 118 of the specimens enumerated
below being killed after it had been frightened off a stick lying on the
ground in a corral three times by unsuccessful shots at it. In all its habits,
as well as in the notes, there appears to be no difference whatever between
the western and eastern birds of this species.
List of specimens.
118, d ad.; Truckee Valley, Nevada, August 4, 1867. 9$—233—713—6,9 —j— 5 _
4424. Bill, black; iris, dark hazel; tarsi and toes, dusky purplish.
842, 1 egg; Hast Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, July 17, 1868. Egg on the bare
ground, beneath a sage-bush.
856, ¢ ad.; Hast Humboldt Mountains, Nevada, August 4, 1868. 93—233—(?)—
67. Same remarks.
857, g ad.; same locality and date. 10—234—(?)—6. Same remarks.
1344, fd ad.; Parley’s Park, Utah, June 28, 1869.
1383, 1 egg; Uintah Mountains (head of Du Chesne River), Utah, July 8, 1869.
1426, 1 egg; Parley’s Park, July 17, 1869.
1445, 2 eggs; Parley’s Park, July 23, 1869.
1450, 3d ad.; Parley’s Park, July 24. 1869. 94—231.
1507, 2ad.; Parley’s Park, August 13, 1869. 94—221.
1514, 2ad.; Parley Park, August 26, 1869. 94—234.
Famity STRIGIDA—Ows.s.
STRIX FLAMMEA.
Barn Owl.
6. pratincola.
Strix pratincola, BONAPARTE, Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 7—Casstn, in Baird’s
Birds N. Am., 1858, 47.—BAIRD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 47.—CoorEr,
Orn., Cal., I, 415.
Strix pratincola var. pratincola, Ripaway, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III,
1874, 13.
Strix americana, AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839, 25.
Strix flammea americana, SCHULEG., Mus. Pays- Bas, 1862, Striges, 4.
Strix flammea var. americana, CouES, Key, 1872, 201, fig. 134; Check List, 1873,
No. 316; Birds N.W., 1874, 298.
The Barn Owl was seen only in the vicinity of Sacramento, the single
one observed being frightened from a hollow tree.
570 : ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimens. ‘
422 fg ad.; “San Francisco, California, February 11, 1868. 143—49%—(?)—11}.
Bill, bluish-yellow, growing white at the point; eyes, blue-black.” (Presented by Mr.
Hi. G. Parker.)
OTUS WILSONIANUS.
Long-eared Owl.
Otus wilsonianus, LESSON, Traité Orn., I, 1831, 110.—CAssty, in Baird’s B. N. Am.,
1858, 53.—BarrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 51—Coopsmr, I, 1870, 426.
Otus vulgaris var. wilsonianus, ALLEN, Ball. Mus. Comp. Zool., II, 1872, 180.—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 204; Check List, 1873, No. 320; Birds N.W., 1874, 304.—
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, Il], 1874, 18.— HENSHAW, 1875, 403.
Seldom, if ever, did we enter a willow-copse of any extent, during our
explorations in the West, without starting one or more specimens of this Owl
from the depths of the thicket. This was the case both near Sacramento
and in the Interior, and in summer as well as in winter. In these thickets
they find many deserted nests of the Magpie, and selecting the most dilap-
idated of these, deposit their eggs on a scant additional lining. ‘This
practice is so general, so far as the birds of the Interior are concerned, that
we never found the eggs or young of this species except as described above.
On the 27th of May we found a nest containing four downy young among
the willows along the bank of the Truckee River.
List of specimens.
56, d ad.; Sacramento, California, June 18,1867. 143;—39$—124—103—12—13—
6j—4. Bill, black; iris, bright lemon-yellow ; toes, beneath, pale yellowish-ashy, their
scutellae more yellowish.
74, d juv.; Sacramento, June 22, 1867.—113—304—8}— 64} 1} _1344--3. Bill,
brownisb-blue ; iris, bright yellow ; exposed scutellz of the toes, pale brownish-blue ;
soles, ashy-whitish.
389, Qad.; Washoe Valley, Nevada, January 3, 1868. 144—39—113—10}. Bill,
deep black; iris, rich gamboge-yellow; toes pale ashy naples-yellow beneath, the
scutellze light yellowish-brown; claws, deep black.
390, 3 ad. (mate of preceding). 14—36—114—94. Same remarks.
424, “Qad.; San Francisco, California, January 31, 1868. 143—393—(?)—10$.
Eyes, bright yellow.” (Presented by Mr. H. G. Parker.)
536, eggs (2); Carson City, Nevada, April 27,1868. Eggs deposited in a deserted
nest of the Magpie (Pica hudsonica), in a willow-thicket along the Carson River. Parent
shot.
BRACHYOTUS CASSINI—SCOPS ASIO. 571
BRACHYOTUS PALUSTRIS.
Short-eared Owl.
' f. cassini.
Strix brachyotus, FORSTER, Phil. Trans., LXII, 1772, 384.
Otus brachyotus, Bo1E, Isis, 1822, 549.
Otus (Brachyotus) brachyotus, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., HI, 1874, 22.—HEn-
SHAW, 1875, 404.
Brachyotus palustris, Bonap., Comp. List., 1838, 7.—CouEsS, Key, 1872, 20
Check List, 1873, No. 321; B. N.W., 1874, 306.
Brachyotus cassinii, BREWER, Pr. Boston Soc. N. H., 1856, ——Cassin, in Baird’s
B. N. Am., 1858, 54.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 52.—CooPEr, Orn.
Cal., 1, 428.
This Owl we did not meet with anywhere, the only specimen in the
collection having been presented by Mr. H. G. Parker. It is said, however,
to be an abundant species in certain portions of California.
List of specimens.
425, “9ad.; San Francisco, California, February 17, 1868. 16§—434—(?)—11.
yes, bright yellow.”
SCOPS ASIO.
Mottled Owl; Little Red Owl.
a. asio.
Strix asio, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 132.
Scops asio, BoNAP., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 6.—CASSIN, in Baird’s Birds N.
Awm., 1858, 51.—BarrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 49.—CooPrr, Orn. Cal.,
I, 1870, 420.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 202, fig. 136; Check List, 1873, No, 318.—
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 49.
Scops asio. a. asio, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 303.
Scops asio var. maccalli, HENSHAW, Orn. Wheeler’s Exp., 1875, 405. (Not S.
maccalli, CASS.)
This common little Owl we observed only in the vicinity of Sacramento
City; not a single individual was seen in the Interior, nor did we hear of
its occurrence there. It was not met with in the red plumage, which ap-
pears to be rare—perhaps unknown—on the Pacific coast.
List of specimens.
61, 2 juv.; Sacramento, California, June 20, 1867. 83—223—6j—5—~,—13—
34—2. Bill, pale ashy pea-green; iris, lemon-yellow; toes, pale grayish.
62, a Saas same locality and date. 88—213—6—413—,9.—13—3—2}. Same re-
marks.
5iZ ORNITHOLOGY.
75, 3 ad.; Sacramento, June 22, 1867, 9—22—7—5§—5—13—33—24. Bill, light
brownish-blue; iris, lemon-yellow; toes, very pale ashy.
NYCTALE ACADICA.
Saw-whet Owl.
Strix acadica, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 296. (Adult.)
Nyctale acadica, BONAP., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 7—CassIn, in Baird’s Birds
N. Am., 1858, 58.—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 57—CoopsEr, Orn.
Cal., I, 436.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 205; Check List, 1873, No. 328; Birds N.W.,
1874, 315.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 43.
Strix albifrons, SHaw, Nat. Mise., V, 1794, pl. 171. ( Young.)
Nyctale albifrons, CASSIN, Ilustr. Birds Cal., Tex., &e., 1854, 187; in Baird’s Birds
N. Am., 1858, 57—BAtrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 56.—CoopeEr, Orn.
Cal., I, 435.
But a single individual of this pretty little Owl was met with; this one
was captured alive by Mr. O. L. Palmer, of our party, who found it asleep
and placed his hat over it. It was perched on the edge of an old Robin's
nest, in a dense willow thicket near the camp.
List of specimens.
941, 9 ad.; Thousand Spring Valley (Camp 27), September 24, 1868. 8—20—(?)
—43. Bill, deep black; iris, clear bright gamboge-yellow; toes, pale naples-yellow ;
claws, deep black.
BUBO VIRGINIANUS.
Great Horned Owl.
f. subarcticus.
(Temooh-mooh’ of the Washoes; JLoo-hoo' of the Paiutes.)
Bubo subarcticus, Hoy, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., VI, 1852, 211.
Bubo virginianus var. arcticus, CASSIN, Ilustr. Birds Cal., Tex., &c., 1854, 178,
[Not Strix (Bubo) arcticus, SWAINS., 1831, = albinescent arctic form.]—
Cougs, Key, 1872, 202; Check List, 1873, No. 317.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
B., III, 1874, 60, 64—HENSHAW, 1875, 407.
Bubo virginianus var. pacificus, CASSIN, Ilustr. Birds Cal., Tex., &e., 1854, 178;
in Baird’s B. N. Am, 1858, 49.1
Bubo virginianus, CASSIN, Baird’s B. N. Am., 1858, 49 (part)—BArrp, Cat. N.
Aum. B., 1859, No. 48.—CoorPEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 415.
The Great Horned Owl was found by us in all wooded districts, except-
1Not of Ripaway, in B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, which is a northern littoral
form, of very dark colors, which appears to be unnamed, and which may be distin-
guished as B. virginianus saturatus, RIDGWAY.
SPEOTYTO HYPOGAA. 573
ing the Sacramento Valley, where none were seen, although the species
undoubtedly occurs there. In the lower Truckee Valley, near Pyramid
Lake, it was abundant in December, and its nocturnal hootings were heard
from among the cotton-wood groves every moonlight night, while its feath-
ers, more than those of any other bird, adorned the arrows of the Indians
on the reservation. It was also common near Carson City, and a few were
startled one morning as we rode through a cedar woods near the “City of
Rocks,” in southern Idaho. One was also seen on the eastern shore of
Pyramid Lake in May, it being chased from rock to rock by a male Falcon
(Falco communis nevius), who, with his mate, had a nest on the ‘ Pyramid”
just off the shore.
The hooting of this Owl is low and hoarse, resembling the distant. bark-
ing of a large dog; its modulation is something like the syllables hooh’, hoo,
hoo, hoo—hoooooo0, the latter portion a subdued trembling echo, as it were,
of the more distinctly uttered notes. These notes do not differ in the least
from those of the eastern birds of this species.
List of specimens.
504, eggs (3); Carson River, rear Carson City, Nevada, April 21, 1868. Nest
about 30 feet from the ground, in a large cotton-wood tree; evidently an abandoned
one of the Buteo siwainsoni.
SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA.
Burrowing Owl.
y. hypogea.'
Strix hypugea, Bonar., Am. Orn., I, 1825, 72.
Athene hypogwa, Bonar., Consp., I, 1850, 39.—CASssIN, in Baird’s Birds N. Am.,
1858, 59.—BatrD, Cat. N. Am., B., 1859, No. 58.—CoopeEr, Orn. Cal., I, 440.
Speotyto cunicularia var. hypogaea, RIDGWAY, in Cougs’ Key, 1872, 207; in B.B.
& R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 90.—Covugs, Check List, 1873, No. 332;
Birds N.W., 1874, 321.—HENSHAW, 1875, 409.
A thene cunicularia, CASSIN, in Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 60 (not of MoLINA, 1782),
—BairD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 59.—CoopeEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 437.
Although the “Ground Owl” was found at widely-separated places
1 Races a and f are, cunicularia, Mol., of the Pampas of Paraguay, Buenos Ayres,
ete., and grallaria, Spix, of Peru and western Brazil. Other geographical forms are
6, floridana, Ridgw., of southwestern Florida, and <, guadeloupensis, Ridgw., of the island
of Guadeloupe (West Indies).
574 ORNITHOLOGY.
along our entire route, it was abundant at very few localities. It was most
numerous on the dry plains near Sacramento, being even found on the
.open commons in the outskirts of the city, where it occupied deep excava-
tions which were apparently the result of its own work, as no spermophiles
or other burrowing quadrupeds were noticed in the locality. Eastward of
the Sierra Nevada we found it only at wide intervals; it was rather rare
about Carson City, and in the vicinity of the Steamboat Springs, near
Washoe; a single pair was seen on the mesa between the Humboldt River
and the West Humboldt Mountains, and a few were noticed in Fairview
Valley, while in the neighborhood of Salt Lake City it was more common.
This Owl is as diurnal in its habits as any of the Falconide, being
habitually found abroad during the brightest hours of day; and its sight
is so remarkably acute that it is extremely difficult to approach, even
when bushes, banks of earth, or other screens are taken advantage of.
Should one be in its burrow, it will almost certainly fly forth at the most
noiseless approach of a person, for its sense of hearing is no less remark-
able than its sight. When thus disturbed, this Owl flies to a safe distance,
and after alighting upon some prominent object, as a hillock or a telegraph-
wire, watches attentively every motion of the intruder, while now and
then he scolds him with a saucy chattering, at the same time ludicrously
bowing.
Near Carson City, we attempted, with the assistance of Mr. Parker, to
excavate the burrow of a pair of these Owls. This burrow was situated ina
wheat-field, and was guarded by the male bird, who sat at its entrance. As
we approached him he flew, but before getting out of range was winged
and brought down; he was captured with great difficulty, as he made for
the sage-brush fast as his extraordinary leaps could carry him, but when
overtaken offered no resistance, merely snapping his bill a little. Having
him secured, we then proceeded to our task of excavating to the nest, which
was accomplished after digging hard for nearly an hour. The hole termin-
ated about eight feet from the entrance and four beneath the surface of
the ground. Before arriving at its extremity our captive was released,
when he immediately disappeared into the hole; but when the end was
reached he, with his mate (the latter unharmed), was secured. In the
FALCO NA VIUS. 575
chamber, which contained no nest whatever, were found one egg and the
remains of a frog, which had probably been carried to the female by her
attentive companion.
List of specimens.
60, ad.; Sacramento City, California, June 20, 1867, 93—253—74—5g—11_1 13__
3g—21,
315, ad.; “near American River, Sacramento County, California, November, 1867.”
(Presented by Mr. H. G. Parker.)
423, 2 ad.; San Francisco, California, January 23, 1868. 93—242—(?)—54. Eyes,
bright yellow.” (Presented by Mr. Parker.)
525, egg (1); Carson City, Nevada, April 25, 1868,
Famity FALCONIDH—Hawks, Eacuus, Kires, Ere.
FALCO COMMUNIS.
Peregrine Falcon.
B. nevius—American Peregrine; ‘Duck Hawk.”
Falco nevius, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 271 (adult).
Falco anatum, Bonap., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 4.—Casstn, Baird’s B. N. Am., J
1858, 7.—BatrD, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 5—Cooprr, Orn. Cal., I, 457.
Falco communis var. anatum, RiDGWAY, Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., 1873, 45; in B.
B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, ILI, 1874, 132.—HEnsHaw, 1875, 411.
Falco communis. c. anatum, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 341.
Falco nigriceps, CASSIN, Ilust. Birds of Cal., Tex., &c., 1854, 87; Birds N. Am.
(Baird), 1858, 8; ed. 1860, pl. 11.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 6.—
CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 456.
Falco communis, COUES, Key, 1872, 213, fig. 141 (not of GMELIN, 1788); Check
List, 1873, No. 343.
The Duck Hawk was observed only at Pyramid Lake and along
the lower portion of the Truckee River. At the former locality a single
pair frequented the rocky eastern shore and the adjacent clusters of pyra-
midal rocky islands. On the 23d of May, 1868, when we visited the
Pyramid, we observed a male of this Falcon, in the blue plumage, flying
576 ORNITHOLOGY.
about this immense pyramidal rock, and from the zealous manner in which he
drove away every intruder not to his liking, we concluded the female must
be sitting on her eggs or young. The Pyramid was ascended, however,
to the very summit, but the nest was not found; but this was not strange,
since but one of the three corners of the rock was accessible, while to
diverge to either side from the exceedingly difficult path by which we
ascended would have been impossible. The location of the nest was after-
ward definitely ascertained by noticing the male alight on a narrow ledge
near the top of one of the vertical sides, about one hundred and fifty feet
above the water. A few moments later he was again observed flying
around, and while we were watching him he discovered among the rocks
a large Horned Owl (Bubo subarcticus) which he immediately dislodged and
followed a considerable distance along the shore, uttering a whistling note
at each assault. The single specimen in our collection was killed under
the following circumstances: Having sat down on a log by the edge of the
river to rest, as well as to observe the movements of a Killdeer Plover
(Aegialitis vociferus) which was running back and forth over the gravelly bar
forming the opposite shore, we saw the Killdeer suddenly squat and then
dodge, and at the same time saw the Falcon check itself in its flight, after
having missed its aim. Whether its lack of success was caused by the
nimbleness of the intended quarry, or whether the Falcon saw us just as
it was about to strike, we know not; but after suddenly checking itself it
wheeled immediately about, and would have soon disappeared had we not
fired before it got out of range. At the report of our gun, another one,
probably the mate of our victim, flew from a cotton-wood tree in the direc-
tion from which he came.
List of specimens.
102, ¢ juv.; Big Bend of the Truckee, Nevada, July 23, 1857. 16$—394—123—
10—15—13—63—33. Weight 1} pounds. Basal half of the bill, pale bluish-white,
terminal portion slate, deepening into black at end; cere, bluish-white, bare orbital
space greenish- white; iris, vivid brownish-black ; tarsi and toes, lemon-yellow, with a
faint greenish tinge; claws, jet black.
FALCO POLYAGRUS. 577
FALCO SAKER.
Saker Falcon.
B. polyagrus—Prairie Falcon.
Falco polyagrus, CAsstn, Ilustr. Birds Cal., Tex., &¢., 1853, 88, pl. 16 (front
figure—not the dark one, which = F, communis pealei, RIDGWAY, Bull. Essex
Inst., V, Dec., 1873, p. 201); in Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 12.—Barrp, Cat.
N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 10.--CoopPEr, Orn. Cal., I, 458.
Falco lanarius var. polyagrus, RIDGWAY, in B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III,
1874, 123.—HENSHAW, 1375, 410.
Falco mexicanus, COUES, Key, 1872, 213; Check List, 1873, No. 342.
Falco mexicanus var. polyagrus, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 339.
This daring Falcon was a rather common species throughout the Great
Basin. It was first observed on the 31st of October, 1867, at the Hum-
boldt Marshes, where we saw one swoop upon a flock of tame pigeons at
the stage-station. Late in November, of the same year, it was noticed
again among the marshes along the Carson River, near Genoa, where it
was observed to watch and follow the Marsh Hawks (Circus hudsonius),
compelling them to give up their game, which was caught by the Falcon
before it reached the ground; this piracy being not an occasional, but a
systematic habit. In the Truckee Valley we saw one snatch a young
chicken from a door-yard, in the presence of several spectators. The quarry
of this Falcon is by no means confined to animals smaller than itself, how-
ever, for the specimen in our collection was killed while leisurely eating a
Jackass Rabbit (Lepus callotis), an animal of nearly twice his weight, and
which he had carried to the top of a fence-post by the road-side. He exhib-
ited no alarm at the approach of our buggy, but continued tearing and
devouring his prey; we had even passed by him without seeing him, when
the quick eye of Mr. Parker detected him in time for a shot.
In the rocky cartions of the more lofty ranges to the eastward it was
éommon during summer, particularly about the limestone cliffs of the Ruby
range, where the families of young, accompanied by their parents, made
a great clamor, as they flew among the precipitous rocks where they had
been bred. They were likewise common in the rocky cations of the Wah-
satch.
dT PR
ORNITHOLOGY.
nr
-l
io 2)
List of specimens.
336, ¢ juv.; Carson City, Nevada, November 29, 1867. 17—373—124—103—Z—
1Z—71!1—44. Weight, 1} pounds. Bill, very pure bluish-white, shading terminally into
bluish-slaty, the point black ;. cere, rictus, and bare orbital region, greenish-white ; iris,
vivid vandyke-brown; tarsi and toes, very pale yellowish, with a tinge of verdigris-
green.
F ALCO COLUMBARIUS.
Pigeon Hawk; American Merlin.
Falco columbarius, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 128.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 214; Check
List, 1873, No. 344; Birds N.W., 1874, 345.— HENSHAW, 1875, 412.—COOPER,
Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 460.
Hypotriorchis columbarius, GRAY, Genera of Birds, 184-.—BatrD, Cat. N. Am.
Birds, 1859, No. 7.
Falco (Hypotriorchis) columbarius, CASSIN, in Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 9.
Falco (Aisalon) lithofalco var. columbarius, Ripa@w., Pr. Boston Soe., N. H., 1873,
46; in B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 144.
This little Falcon was seen on but three or four occasions. The speci-
men in the collection was shot just after it had made an unsuccessful
assault on a flock of black-birds (Scolecophagus cyanocephalus) which were
feeding on the ground ina corral. Its success was no doubt thwarted by
the opening of the door of the house near by, for it flew away frightened,
but fortunately came in our direction, and alighted upon a fence-post within
easy gunshot range.
List of specimens.
291, 2 ad.; Truckee Meadows, Nevada, November 18, 1867. 111—24—7g—63—
3;—11—5i—31. Terminal portion of the bill, deep slate-black, basal half very pale
whitish-blue, with a yellowish wash toward the rictus; cere and rictus, light greenish-
yellow ; eyelids, bright gamboge-yellow, bare orbital region more citreous ; iris, bright
vandyke-brown; tarsi and toes, deep gamboge-yellow ; claws, jet-black.
FALCO SPARVERIUS.
“Sparrow Hawk;’’ American Kestril.
Falco sparverius, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 128.—Coorer, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
462.—CoUES, Key, 1872, 214, fig. 142; Check List, 1873, No. 346; Birds N.W.,
1874, 349.—HENSHAW, 1875, 413.
Falco (Tinnunculus) sparverius, CASSIN, Baird’s Birds N, Am., 1858, 13.—Ripew.,
in B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 169.
Tinnunculus sparverius, ViEILL., Ois. Am. Sept., I, 1807, 40, pl. 12—Barrp, Cat.
N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 13.
Regarding the western range of this widely-distributed species, nothing
FALCO SPARVERIUS. 579
more need be said than that it occurs everywhere, in suitable places; at the
same time, we may remark that it is by far the most abundant of all the
Lirds of prey, although its numbers vary greatly with the locality. Ata
certain spot along the Carson River, not far from Carson City, stood, in
the spring of 1868, a clump of five large cotton-wood trees, the only ones for
miles around, and each of these trees was inhabited by a pair of these little
Falcons, who had nests in the hollows of the limbs. This is well known to
be the favorite location for their nests; but where there were no trees to ac-
commodate them, we found them adapting their nesting-habits to the char-
acter of the surroundings. Thus, in the precipitous canons of the Ruby
Mountains, they built among the crevices of the limestone cliffs, in com-
pany with the Prairie Falcon (Ff. polyagrus), the Violet-green and Cliff
Swallows, and the White-throated Swift; while in some portions of Utah
they took possession of the holes dug by the Kingfishers and Red-shafted
Flickers in the earthy banks of the ravines. Among the cliffs of Echo
Canon, along the line of the Union Pacific Railroad, in Utah, we noticed
these birds in August swarming by hundreds about the brow of the preci-
pice, several hundred feet overhead.
List of specimens.
63, g ad.; Sacramento, California, June 20, 1867. 103—22%—73—63—.3.—11—
5—4, Bill, bluish-white, growing slate-black terminally; cere and angle of the mouth,
intense orange-red ; iris, very dark brown; tarsi and toes, deep orange-chrome; claws,
jet-black.
107, g ad.; Big Bend of the Truckee (Camp 12), Nevada, July 26, 1867. 10—
poy ae a Sale a —53—34. - Dill, pale blue basally, slate-black terminally; cere
and bare orbital region, pale dull yellow; iris, vandyke-brown; tarsi and toes, dull
yellow; claws, black.
108, 2 juv. (young of preceding); Camp 12, July 26, 1867. 103— 23—7, 6, —
3—1—53$—3$. Bill, pale fleshy-blue, or lilaceous-white ; cere and orbital region, me
dull yellow; iris dark brown; tarsi and toes, very pale dull glen:
125, g ad.; Camp 12, August 6, 1867. 103—223—73—63—%—14 53311, Basal
half of the bill, pure pale blue, terminal portion slate-black; cere and bare orbital region,
dull yellow ; iris, very deep. brown; tarsi and toes, deép smears ; claws, black.
343, 2 ad.; near Fort Churchill, Nevada, December 6, 1867. 114—24—83—7—
fs—l4-—5i—3f. Same remarks.
419, “2ad.; San Francisco, California, January 23, 1868. 114—241—(?)—74.”
(Presented by Mr. H. G. Parker.)
420, “2ad.; San Francisco, January 23, 1868. 11}—237—(?)—67.” (H. G.
Parker.)
580 ORNITHOLOGY.
489, 9 ad.; Carson, Nevada, April 4, 1868. 11—24—84—6%. Cere (entirely sur-
rounding base of the Dill), bare orbital region, and tarsi and toes, intense reddish-
orange, or orange-chrome.
496, g ad.; Carson, April 18, 1868. 10£—237—713—68. Same remarks.
816, egg (1); Fort Churchill, Carson River, June 24,1868. Egg, with four downy
young, deposited in a hollow snag of a cotton-wood tree, about 15 feet from the ground.
CIRCUS HUDSONIUS.
Marsh Hawk.
Falco hudsonius, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 128.
Circus hudsonius, VYEILL., Ois. Am. Sept., I, 1807, 36, pl. 1x.—Cassin, Baird’s
Birds N. Am., 1858, 38.—BatrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 38.—CooPER,
Orn. Cal., I, 489.
Circus cyaneus hudsonius, SCHLEG., Mus. Pays-Bas, Circi, 1862, 2.
Circus cyaneus var. hudsonius, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., III, 1872, 181.—
Cours, Key, 1872, 210, fig. 159; Check List, 1873, No. 333; Birds N.W., 1874,
327.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 214.—HrEnsHAw, 1875, 416.
No marsh of any extent was visited, either in winter or summer, where
this Hawk could not be seen at almost any time during the day skimming
over the tules in search of its prey. The latter consists of small birds of all
kinds, the young of water-fowl, lizards, and probably small mammals,
although the latter were not found in the crop of any of the specimens
examined. The stomachs and crops of those killed at Pyramid Lake
were filled to their utmost capacity with the remains of small lizards, and
nothing else; at the same locality, however, they were often observed to
chase small birds, particularly Brewer’s and the Black-throated Sparrows,
the most numerous species, of which this Hawk appears to be a most
dreaded enemy, since its appearance creates perfect consternation among
all the Sparrows in its path, who utter distressed cries, and make confused
and desperate efforts to escape by plunging precipitately into the thickest
bushes.
List of specimens.
129, 2 juv.; eastern shore of Pyramid Lake, August 15, 1867. 193—433—13%—
114—3—23—91—6. Bill, deep black, more bluish basally; cere and rictus, greenish-
gamboge, most yellowish on top; iris, yellowish-gray; tarsi and toes, rich orange-
yellow; claws, jet-black.
131, 3 juv.; Big Bend of the Truckee (Camp 12), August 17, 1867. 183—42—13—
11—23—24—9—6}4. Same remarks.
367, 2 juv.; Truckee Reservation, near Pyramid Lake, December 21, 1867. 20}—
44—15—124. Iris, dull fulvous.
NISUS COOPERI—N. FUSCUS. 581
NISUS COOPERI.
Cooper’s Hawk.
Falco cooperi, BoNAP , Am. Orn., I, 1828, pl. X, fig. 1.
Accipiter cooperi, DE Kay, Zool. N. Y., Il, 1844, 18, pl. Iv, fig. 5.—CASSIN, in
Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 16.—BatrbD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 15.—
Cooper, Orn. Cal., I, 464.—Coves, Key, 1872, 212; Check List, 1873, No.
339; Birds N.W., 1874, 334.
Nisus cooperi, SCHLEG., Rev. Acc., 1873, 73.—RIDGWAY, in B. B. & R., Hist. N.
Am. Birds, ILI, 1874, 250.—HENSHAW, 1875, 418.
Accipiter mexicanus, SWAINS., Fauna Bor. Am., II, 1831, 45.—Cassin, Baird’s B.
N. Am., 1858, 17.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 16—CoopPEr, Orn. Cal.,
1, 1870, 465.
Nisus cooperi var. mexicanus, RipGw., Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., May, 1873,
19.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., I], 1874, 231.
This daring depredator was more or less common in all localities where
small birds abounded, but it was far from numerous anywhere. It was
most often seen sailing, with the long tail widely expanded, in broad
circles over the thickets which sheltered its prey. The specimen in the
collection was shot while soaring thus over an aspen copse, and came whirl-
ing to the ground; but being merely winged, made for the thicket by vig-
orous leaps, and would have escaped but for a second charge. In other
portions of the country, particularly in the fertile canons of the East Hum-
boldt Mountains, it was often observed chasing, with its swift, rushing
flight, a fleemg Robin or Flicker.
List of specimens.
240, 3 juv.; West Humboldt Mountains (Camp 19), October 8, 1867. 143—263—
$1—63—3—112—7—4}. Bill, pale blue on the basal third, dull black terminally; cere
and rictus, yellowish-green ; iris, light chrome-yellow; tarsi and toes, lemon-yellow,
with a slight tinge of green; claws, slate-black.
NISUS FUSCUS.
Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Falco fuscus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 283.
Accipiter fuscus, BONAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 5 —Casstn, in Baird’s B.N.Am.,
1858, 18.—BarrD, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 17.—Coormr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
466.—CouES, Key, 1872, 212; Check List, 1873, No.338; Birds N.W.,1874, 333.
Nisus fuscus, KAuP, Jardine’s Contr. Oru., 1850, 64, 281.—Ripew., in B. B. & R.,
Hist. N. Am. B., II, 1874, 224.—HrnsHaw, 1875, 417.
This miniature of Cooper's Hawk was observed only in the Upper
582 ORNITHOLOGY.
Humboldt Valley, where it was common in September along the streams
flowing from the Clover Mountains. The specimen obtained had been
chasing a small bird through a very dense thicket, but losing sight of the
fugitive, alighted upon a twig within a few feet of us.
List of specimens.
917, 2 juv.; Upper Humboldt Valley (Camp 24), September 10, 1868. 13§—
243—(?)—6%. Bill, black, growing gradually pale bluish basally ; cere and angle of the
mouth, yellowish-green ; iris, sulphur-yellow; tarsi and toes, rich lemon-yellow; claws,
jet-black.
BUTEO LINEATUS.
Red-shouldered Hawk.
f. elegans—Ied-breasted Hawk.
Buteo elegans, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1855, 281; Baird’s B. N. Am.,
1858, 28.—BArRD, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No, 25.—CooPErR, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
477.
Buteo lineatus var. elegans, RriDGWAY, in Coues’ Check List, 1873, No. 352a; in
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., III, 1874, 277.
Buteo lineatus, COUES, Key, 1872, 216 (part).
This handsome Hawk was seen only in the Sacramento Valley, where
it was rather common among the trees near the river.
BUTEO BOREALIS,’
Red-tailed Hawk.
B. calurus—Dusky Red-tail.
Buteo calurus, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1855, 281 ; Baird’s Birds N. Am.,
1858, 22.—BarrD, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 20.—Coorer, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
471. 7
Buteo borealis var. calurus, RIDGWAY, in Coues’ Check List, 1873, No. 351a; in
B.B. & Rt., Hist. N. Am. B., ILI, 1874, 236.—HENSHAW, 1875, 423.
Buteo borealis. b. calurus, COUES, B. N.W., 1874, 352.
Buteo montanus, Cassuy, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1856, 39; Baird’s B. N. Am.,
1858, 26 (not of NUTTALL, 1840,=B. swainsoni).—BAIRD, Cat. N. Am. B.,
1859, No, 24.—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 469.
The Red-tailed Hawk was a very common species in all wooded local-
ities of the Interior. It was especially abundant during the winter among
1 Other western races of this Hawk are y. lucasanus, RipGw., of Cape St. Lucas,
and 6. krideri, Hoopes, of the Great Plains, from Minnesota to Texas. B. harlani,
AupD., and B. cooperi, CASs., are allied but apparently distinct species.
BUTEO CALURUS. 583
the cotton-woods of the Truckee and Carson Valleys, where we found it
quite unsuspicious and easily killed. During the summer it was much less
abundant in the lower valleys than Swainson’s Hawk, but it was more
common on the mountains, particularly in the pine forests. On the Wah-
satch, we saw several of its nests on tall pine trees or on ledges of the cliffs,
most of them being inaccessible, in which respect this species differs con-
spicuously from the B. swainsoni, which in the same region was found to
build its nest on the top of the scrub-oaks or in the small aspens, within
easy reach.
The series of specimens in the collection exhibits the usual individual
variation so remarkable to the western birds of this species, there being
examples so light-colored as to be scarcely distinguishable from the typical
eastern B. borealis, while one is of an almost uniform deep sooty-black, the
others being variously intermediate. As was the case with B. swainsoni, the
light and dark individuals were often found paired.’
List of specimens.
132, 2 ad. (melanotic, very black); Big Bend of the Truckee (Camp 12), Nevada,
August 17, 1867. 234—54—i6} (molting). Bill, slate-black, the basal half of the
lower mandible bluish-slate; cere, dull yellowish-green, purest on top; rictus, more
yellow; iris, muddy naples-yellow ; tarsi and toes, dull pale greenish-yellow ; claws
black.
337, 2ad (melanotic, rufous-breasted style); Genoa, Nevada, November 29, 1867.
233—55—17—14—1,3, 2945}. Weight, 3$ pounds. Bill, dull black, passing into
pale bluish basally; cere and rictus, light dull ashy-green; iris, deep hazel; tarsi and
toes pale dull naples-yellow ; claws, black.
347, g ad.; Truckee Reservation, December 19, 1867. 219—513—16—134—14—
(?)—9—5. Weight,2 pounds. Bill, dull black, fading into dull light bluish basally;
cere and rictus, dull greenish-yellow; iris, deep light hazel; tarsi and toes, very dull
light chrome-yellow, deeper beneath.
351, g ad.; same locality, December 11, 1867. 214—49—153—123—1,% —(?)}—93
—54. Weight, 24 pounds. Bill, black, fading basally into light horn-drab; basal half
of the lower mandible, pale blue; cere and rictus, clear light yellowish-green ; iris,
1There being many who yet hold the old belief that this dark phase, found in so
many species of Falconide, is in some manner dependent on age, we wish to impress
our readers with the fact that it is a purely individual condition, entirely independent of
age, sex, or season; it is properly styled melanism, and is analogous to the condition of
erythrism in certain owls. In every American species which has this fuliginous plu-
mage, the dark birds are dusky from the nest up ; while those in light plumage never
assume the dark dress. This is probably the case with the Old World species also.
584 ORNITHOLOGY.
naples-yellow, the lower two-thirds with a brownish suffusion; tarsi and toes, dull
light naples-yellow, with a slight greenish tinge.
352, 9 ad.; same locality and date. 235—57$—173—143—13,—(?)—10—53.
Weight, 34 pounds. Iris, deep light brown, the upper third naples-yellow.
353, 2 ad.; same locality, December 13, 1867. 23—54—17—138,—13,—(?) —93—
53. Weight, 3 pounds. Same remarks.
354, ¢ ad.; same locality and date. 22—53—163—13{—11{—(?)—93—54. Weight,
23 pounds. Iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, deep light chrome-yellow.
355, @ ad.; same locality and date. 224—52—16—13—14—(?)-9—54. Weight,
24 pounds. Iris, deep light hazel, naples-yellow above; tarsi and toes, dull greenish
naples-yellow.
356, 2 ad.; same locality, December 14, 1867. 24—55—174—143—1.8,—(?)—10$
—6. Weight, 4 pounds. Same remarks as to No. 352.
361, 3 ad.; same locality, December 18, 1867. 2050716 1691 to
5. Weight, 3 pounds. Same remarks.
418, d juv.; San Francisco, California, February 11, 1868. *+203—493—(?)—13.
Bye, bright yellow.” (Presented by Mr. H. G. Parker.)
1502, 2 juv.; Eeho Cation, Utah, July 29, 1869. 23—51. Collected by J.C. Olm-
stead.
BUTEO SWAINSONI.
_ Swainson’s Hawk.
Buteo swainsoni, BONAP., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 3.—Cassin, Baird’s Birds
N. Am., 1858, 19.—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 18.—CooPER,
Orn. Cal., I, 476.—Cours, Key, 1872, 217; Check List, 1873, No. 354; Birds
N.W., 1874, 355.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, 1874, 263— HENSHAW,
1875, 421.
Buteo bairdii, Moy, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1853, 451 (Young),—Cassm, Baird’s
Birds N. Am., 1858, 21.—Barrb, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 19.
Buteo insignatus, CASSIN, Ilustr. Birds Cal., Tex., &c., 1854, 102, 198, pl. Xxxt,
(melanotic.); Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 23.—Batrp, Cat. N. Am. Birds,
1859, No. 21—CooPEr, Orn. Cal., I, 474.
Buteo owypterus, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1855, 283 (Young); Baird’s
Birds N. Am. 1858, 30.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 28.—CoopPEr,
Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 480.
Buteo swainsoni var. oxypterus, Ripew., in B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II,
1874, 266.
“ Butco harlani,” BRYANT, Pr. Bost. Soc. N. H., 1861, 116—Coopsrr, Orn Cal.,
I, 1870, 473 (part) [not B. harlani, AuD.].
Swainson’s Buzzard is one of the most abundant of the large Hawks
of the Interior, but it seemed to be less common in winter than in summer.
It appeared to be most numerous in the valleys, but it was nevertheless
far from rare on the lower slopes of the mountains, as well as in the
parks. Our observations in the field tended from the very first to confirm
BUTEO SWAINSONI. 585
the theory advanced by Dr. Bryant,’ that the several supposed species
described by Mr. Cassin under the names of B. bairdi, Hoy, B. insignatus,
Cassin, and B. swainsoni, Bonap., were merely different plumages of one
species, the very first specimens obtained by us-being a family. of four
young, with their parents, the former being B. bairdi, while of the latter
the male was a very light-colored, or extremely typical, B. swainsoni, and
the female a very extreme example of B. insignatus! Similar cases were
often observed afterward, the plumage of the adults being sometimes re-
versed—that is, a male in the plumage of the so-called insignatus being
sometimes paired with a very light-colored female.
The family mentioned above was first observed on the 26th of July,
while we were hunting among the cotton-woods of the lower Truckee Valley.
Our attention was attracted by a peculiar squealing cry, not before heard
by us, and upon emerging from the willows and looking across the open
meadow we observed among the trees on the opposite side several large
Hawks, one of which was feeding a young one in a nest in the top of a tall
cotton-wood. We then approached this tree under cover of the willows,
but upon arriving there found that the old Hawk had gone after more food
for its young, three of which were in the trees on the opposite side of a
deep and wide slough which we were unable to cross. We then shot the
one in the nest, as it looked over the edge at us; but, as it did not fall,
found it necessary to ascend the tree, which was easily done. The nest
was very similar to that of other Buteones, being composed almost entirely
of sticks, but appeared rather small for the size of the bird, measuring but
about two feet in diameter by one foot in thickness. We found it so filled
with the accumulated remains of animals carried to the young that scarcely
any depression was noticeable on the top, the decomposing rubbish con-
sisting of bones and other remnants of small hares (Lepus artemisia),
ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis, S. harrisi, and Tamias quadrivittatus),
and, strange to say, a full-grown young Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius).
We had scarcely reached the nest before the male arrived, and flying
about us uttered plaintive cries, of a mewing character, somewhat like the
1 Remarks on the Variations of Plumage of Buteo borealis, AucY., and Buteo
harlani, AUD.” Proce. Bost. Soe. Nat. Hist., VIII, 1861, pp. 107-119.
586 ORNITHOLOGY.
notes of B. lineatus, but less loud and more monotonous. Three days
afterward this family was again met with, and the three remaining young
immediately secured; but the parent birds were not so easily killed, for,
although they received several charges of dust shot, as they courageously
flew about us, they were far tougher than their young. The female was
brought down first, when the male only increased in courage and clamor,
until he, too, was killed.
On the Truckee Reservation a nest of this species was found in a
large cotton-wood tree, and the female (No. 771) shot from it. This nest
was built near the extremity of a large drooping branch, and was conse-
quently inaccessible; by climbing above it, however, the eggs, two in num-
ber, could be seen, but it was found impossible, under the circumstances,
to secure them. Many other nests were discovered in this locality, but
they were in the ordinary position, viz, in a fork of a tall tree. In Parley’s
Park, on the Wahsatch Mountains, Swainson’s Hawk was common, and
many nests were found among the scrub-oaks on the slopes or on small
aspens on the sides of the ravines. Their position was always low down,
often merely a few feet from the ground, and easily reached without climb-
ing. In one of these nests, found. July 2d, was a single young one,
which, although yet covered with snow-white cottony down, was savagely
tearing at a dead weasel which had been carried to the nest by the old
birds, both of which were killed; of these, the male is a remarkably light-
colored example, the entire lower parts, including the under side of the
wings, being pure white, the breast covered by a broad patch of uniform
cinnamon-rufous, while the female, on the other hand, is one of the darkest
examples of the species we ever saw, being of a uniform sooty-black, only
the under tail coverts being slightly barred with whitish.
The food of this Hawk is by no means confined to small mammals
and birds, but during the flights of the grasshoppers, which so often devas-
tate the fields of Utah and other portions of the West, they keep continu-
ally gorged on these insects; and at one season we found them living
chiefly on the large cricket so common in the Salt Lake Valley. — On the
31st of May, 1869, at Salt Lake City, we noticed a number of these Hawks
on the ground, where they remained most of the time quiet, but every now
“‘BUTEO SWAINSONI. 587
and then they would raise their wings and hop briskly in pursuit of some
object, which, at the distance, we could not distinguish. Cautiously ap-
proaching them, four were shot during the forenoon; they would not allow
us to walk to within gunshot, but after flying for a few minutes would
sometimes return toward us, and, passing by, give us a fair opportunity for
wing-shots. Upon dissection, the stomachs of these specimens were found
to be filled entirely with the large crickets mentioned above.
At our camp in Parley Park we reared four young birds of this species,
which were taken from their nests while in the downy state. As they grew
up under our care they became very pleasing pets, being exceedingly docile,
and much attached to those who fed them. When sufficiently old to use
their wings they showed no disposition to leave, although they were
allowed full liberty all the while; and though they made frequent’tours of
inspection over the neighboring meadows, and occasional foraging excur-
sions among the flocks of Blackbirds (Scolecophagus cyanocephalus) which
frequented the vicinity, they seldom went far away, and always returned
after a short absence. They were fed principally upon bits of fresh beef
and mutton, varied occasionally by the carcasses of birds we had skinned.
Their chief amusement about camp consisted in chasing grasshoppers over
the ground, which they pursued by leaping after them, with the wings
extended; but when not engaged in this occupation they usually perched
quietly upon the fence near by or upon the tents.
List of specimens.
109, 2 juv ; Big Bend of the Truckee (Camp 12), Nevada, July 26, 1867. 164—
45—13—103—1—18—6Z—3. Bill, dull black, inclining to pale blue on the rictus and
on the basal half of the lower mandible; cere, pale yellowish-green; iris, cinereous,
with a brownish outer wash; tarsi and toes, very pale ashy-green.
113, 2 ad. (fuliginous plumage, parent of Nos. 109, 115, 116, and 117); Camp 12,
July 29, 1867. 213—53—17—14—1—2—88—5. Weight, 24 pounds. Bill, slate-black,
light blue basally; cere and rictus, pure light yellow; iris, deep hazel; tarsi and toes,
light chrome-yellow; claws, black.
114, $ ad. (normal plumage, mate of the preceding); Camp 12, July 29, 1867.
193—48—16—12%—15__18__73_41. Weight, 14 pounds. Cere and rictus, light dull
lemon-yellow; tarsi and toes, deep chrome-yellow; iris, deep hazel.
115, 2 juv.; Camp 12, July 29, 1867. 193—47—14—11—15—13—74—33.
Weight, 2 pounds. - Same remarks as to No. 109.
588 ORNITHOLOGY.
116, ¢ juv.; Camp 12, July 29, 1867. 193—453—133—103—213—114—7—33.
Weight, 13 pounds. Same remarks.
117, ¢ juv., Camp 12, July 29, 1867. 184—433—124—9}—27__1}_ 63 44.
Weight, 14 pounds. Same remarks.
771, 2 ad. (intermediate plumage, barred ochraceous belly) ; Truckee Reservation,
May 29, 1868. (Shot from nest.) 214—52—163—134. Weight, 3 pounds. Bill. deep
black, the upper mandible scarcely paler basally, lower with the basal third pale
blue; cere and rictus, greenish-gamboge; iris, burnut-sienna; tarsi and toes, deep gam-
boge, with a greenish tinge. ;
1072, 2 ad. (normal plumage, immaculate white belly) ; Salt Lake City, Utah, May
31, 1869. 21—53. Weight, 2} pounds. Bill, slate-black, becoming light slate-blue
basally; cere and rictus, greenish gamboge; naked eyebrow, olive-yellow; iris, deep
fine hazel; tarsi and toes, deep chrome-yellow. (Stomach filled with grasshoppers.)
1073, 2 ad. (normal plumage, immaculate white belly); same locality and date.
213—53. Weight, 24 pounds. Same remarks.
1074, 2 ad. (normal plumage, immaculate white belly) ; same locality and date.
22-534. Weight, 22 pounds. Same remarks. 3
1075, 2 ad. (normal plumage, immaculate white belly); same locality and date.
211—54. Weight, 2? pounds. Same remarks.
1291, $ ad. (normal plumage); Parley’s Park, Utah, June 25, 1869. 20—50.
Weight, 24 pounds. Upper mandible, deep black, scarcely bluish basally; lower, with
basal third, ligbt blue; cere and rictus, greenish-gamboge; iris, burnt-sienna, yellow-
ish on top; eyebrow, olivaceous; tarsi and toes, deep light chrome-yellow.
1310, ¢ ad. (normal plumage); Parley’s Park, June 26, 1869. 193—48. Same
remarks.
1022, fragment of egg. Parley’s Park, June 27, 1869.
1335, 2 ad. (fuliginous plumage); Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. 22—56—17.
Weight, 35 pounds. Bill, black, pale blue basally; eere and rictus, greenish lemon-
yellow; iris, deep brown; tarsi and toes, chrome-yellow.
1359, $ ad. (normal plumage, very white); Parley’s Park, July 2, 1869. 20—504.
Same remarks.
1360, 2 ad. ( fuliginous plumage, very black; mate of the preceding! ); Parley’s Park,
July 2, 1869. 21—51}. Weight, 24 pounds. Same remarks.
1501, 2 juv.; Parley’s Park, August 10, 1869. 21—5032. Bill, black, becoming
pale blue basally; cere and rictus, fine yellowish-green; iris, yellowish-brown; tarsi
and toes, light chrome-yellow.
’ ARCHIBUTEO SANCTI-JOHANNIS. 589
ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS.
Rough-legged Hawk.
fB. sancti-johannis.
(Ma'-hoo-ehk and Ma'-ede-kan-ah'-ehk of the Washoes; Assut'te-Queh-nah'
of the Paiutes; Pe'ah-Gueh-nah' of the Shoshones )
Falco sancti-johannis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 273.
Archibuteo sancti-johannis, GRAY, Genera of Birds, .—Cassin, Baird’s Birds
N. Am., 1858, 33.—Bairp, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No, 31.—Cooprr, Orn.
Cal., I, 1870, 485.
Archibuteo lagopus var. sancti-johannis, RIDGWAY, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1870,
142.—Couss, Key, 1872, 218; Check List, 1873, No. 356; Birds N.W., 1874,
361.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 304.—NENSHAW, 1875, 425.
Archibuteo lagopus, CASSIN, Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 32 (not of GRAY, ex
Bruny, 1764).—BarrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 30.—CooPER, Orn. Cal.,
I, 1870, 483.
This common species was observed nearly everywhere in the vicinity
of the fertile valleys. It appears to be resident in western Nevada, for it
was extremely abundant in July at the Truckee Meadows, where during
the day half a dozen or more were often noticed at one time sailing in broad
circles over the meadows. The flight of this Hawk is extremely similar
to that of the Golden Eagle, a fact which probably explains why the
Indians class it with the Eagles instead of with the Hen Hawks (Buteo)."
Most of those seen were in the light-colored, or normal, phase of plumage ;
in fact, but one individual was seen which might have been the black phase
of this species, although it is by no means certain it was not an adult spec-
imen of Buteo abbreviatus® This specimen was seen in the latter part of
February, high overhead, sailing in a direct line from the eastward toward
the Sierra Nevada. Its color was an intense black, relieved by a conspic-
uous white patch under the primaries and several distinct bands of the same
across the tail.
List of specimens.
348, 2 juv.; Truckee Reservation, near Pyramid Lake, December 9, 1867. 233—
56—184—15—13,—(?)10—5t. Bill, deep black, becoming pale blue on the basal ha!f
'See Indian names above, and compare with those of Aquila canadensis (page 590).
2 Buteo zonocercus, SCu., B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, II, p. 272.
590 ORNITHOLOGY.
of the lower mandible, and on the base of the upper, below the cere; cere and rictus,
light yellowish-green ; naked eyebrow, plumbeous; iris, deep light-hazel; toes, pure
light lemon-yellow ; claws, deep black.
ARCHIBUTEO FERRUGINEUS.
Squirre! Hawk.
Buteo ferrugineus, Licur., Tr. Berlin Acad., 1838, 429.
Archibuteo ferrugineus, GRAY, Genera of Birds, »—, pl. VI (name A. regalis
on plate).—Cassin, Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 34.—Batrp, Cat. N. Am.
Birds, 1859, No. 32.—CoopPeEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 482.—CouEs, Key, 1872,
218; Check List, 1873, No. 357; Birds N.W., 1874, 363.—B. B. & R., Hist.
N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 300.—UENSHAW, 1875, 425.
This magnificent Hawk, which Dr. Coues justly calls the ‘“handsomest
of the North American Falconide,” was much less frequently seen than its
relative, the common Rough-leg (4. sancti-johannis). The few observed
were sailing majestically overhead, describing broad circles, and resembling
the Golden Eagle in the manner of their flight. At such times it may be
immediately distinguished from A. sancti-johannis by the snowy white of
its lower plumage, which, as seen from below, is the predominating color
of the bird.
AQUILA CHRYSAETOS.
Golden Eagte.
f. canadensis.
(Poh-tahl'-ing-ehk of the Washoes; Queh-nah' of the Paiutes; Gueh’-nah of
the Shoshones. )
m2
Falco canadensis, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1753, 88.
Aquila canadensis, CASSIN, Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 41.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am.
Birds, 1859, No. 39.—Coorer, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 449.
Aquila chrysaétos var. canadensis, RIDGWAY, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., III,
1874, 314.—HENSHAW, 1875, 426.
Aquila chrysaétos, COUES, Key, 1872, 219; Check List, 1873, No. 361; Birds N.W.,
1874, 368.
The magnificent Golden Eagle is an almost daily sight in the mount-
ain-regions of the Interior. At Carson City we scarcely ever went among
the hills without seeing it, soaring about, generally in pairs, overhead. We
first met with it in July, 1867, near the summit of the western slope of the
AQUILA CANADENSIS. 591
Sierra Nevada; afterward, it was continually observed on all the high
ranges to the eastward, such as the Toyabe and the West and East Hum-
boldt, being particularly common among the rocky heights of the latter.
At Camp 19, on the last-named mountains, on the 29th of July, we were so
fortunate as to witness the chase and capture of a Sage-Hen (Centrocercus
urophasianus) by a pair of these Hagles. We were standing a few yards in
the rear of a tent, when our attention was arrested by a rushing noise, and
upon looking up the slope of the mountain we saw flying down its wooded
side, with the rapidity of an arrow, a Sage-Hen, pursued by two Eagles.
The Hen was about twenty yards in advance of her pursuers, exerting her-
self to the utmost to escape; her wings, from their rapid motion, being
scarcely visible. The Eagles in hot pursuit (the larger of the two leading),
followed every undulation of the fugitive’s course, steadily lessening the dis-
tance between them and the-object of their pursuit; their wings not moving,
except when a slight inclination was necessary to enable them to follow a
curve in the course of the fugitive. So intent were they in the chase that
they passed within twenty yards of us. They had scarcely gone by, how-
ever, when the Sage-Hen, wearied by her continued exertion, and hoping,
probably, to conceal herself among the bushes, dropped to the ground; but
no sooner had she touched it than she was immediately snatched up by the
foremost of her relentless pursuers, who, not stopping in its flight, bore the
prize rapidly toward the rocky summits of the higher peaks, accompanied
by its mate. Some moments later, we again saw them soaring overhead,
describing circles as they rose higher and higher, when, taking a direct
course for some distant range, they disappeared from view. At the Over-
land Ranche, in Ruby Valley, one of these powerful birds was in captiv-
ity; he was one of the largest size, and a truly noble-looking creature. He
was kept tied to a horizontal pole, which served him for a perch, in a kind
of bower constructed of green branches; none but his keeper could handle
him, and every motion of a person who approached was followed by the
quick fiery glance of his watchful eye, which did not permit even the
slightest movement to pass unobserved. Specimens of the ‘“ Mountain-
Eagle,” as this bird is there called, may be found in captivity in almost any
settlement in the mountain-regions of the West.
592 ORNITHOLOGY.
HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS.
Bald Eagle.
Faleo leucocephalus, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 124.
Haliaétus leucocephalus, SAVIGNY.—CUV., Rég. An., ed. 2, I, 1817, 326.—Cassin
Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 43.—Bairp, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 43.—
CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 451.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 219; Check List, 1873,
No. 362; Birds N.W., 1874, 369.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874,
326.— HENSHAW, 1875, 427. i
The Bald Eagle was met with only in the neighborhood of Pyramid
Lake, where it was rare. One individual was seen some thirty or forty
miles from the lake, in the pass of the Truckee River through the Virginia
Mountains; it was an adult, and was flying along the stream. In August,
1867, when we visited the main island in Pyramid Lake, Mr. H. G. Parker
pointed out to us the nest of a pair of these Eagles which had been occupied
the preceding season. This nest was placed inside an oven-like cave about
half-way up the side of the perpendicular rocks which formed this portion
of the shore. 'The entrance was about fifteen feet from the top of the rock,
and the same distance from the water, so it was inaccessible by any means
then at command; but it could be plainly seen by looking through a crevice
in the top of the rock. This nest was a huge bed of coarse sticks laid on
the floor of the cave, and scattered about were the bones of numerous
animals which were carried as food to the young. Mr. Parker remarked
that on a former visit to the island the nest was occupied, and that he had
seen the owners destroy the nest of a pair of wild geese (Branta canadensis)
which had been established on the ground near by. The nest had doubtless
been abandoned in consequence of frequent visits to the island by persons
who came after Gull’s eggs.
ELANUS LEUCURUS.
White-tailed Kite.
Milwvus leucurus, VinILLOT, Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat., XX, 1816, 556.
Hlanus leucurus, Bonar., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 4—CAssin, Baird’s Birds
N. Am., 1858, 37.—Barep, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 35,—CoorPeEr, Orn.
Cal., I, 1870, 488, Cours, Key, 1872, 211; Check List, 1873, No. 336.—B. B.
& &., Hist. N. Am. Birds, LILI, 1874, 198.
We did not see this species, but it is represented in the collection by a
PANDION CAROLINENSIS—RHINOGRYPHUS AURA. 593
fine specimen presented by Mr. Parker, and obtained by that gentleman in
the neighborhood of San Francisco, California, where it is said to be a
common bird in the marshy tracts.
List of specimens.
421,“ 9 ad.; San Francisco, February 11, 1868. 163—42—?—11}. Bill, black ;
eyes, orange-red; tarsi and toes, yellow.” (Presented by Mr. H. G. Parker.)
PANDION HALIAETUS.
Osprey; Fish-Hawk.
f. carolinensis.
Falco carolinensis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., 1, 1788, 263.
Pandion carolinensis, BoNAP., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 3.—Casstn, Baird’s
B. N. Am., 1858, 44.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 44.—CooPEr,
Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 454.
Pandion haliaétus var. carolinensis, Ripew., Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1870, 143;
in B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., III, 1874, 184.—HrensHAw, 1875, 415.
Pandion haliaétus, CouES, Key, 1872, 219; Check List, 1873, No. 360; B. N.W.,
1874, 367.
The Fish-Hawk, like the Bald Eagle, was seen only along the lower
portion of the Truckee River, near Pyramid Lake, where it was rather
common in May. It no doubt bred in that locality, since it was often
observed flying up the river, bearing fish in its talons, as if going to its nest.
FAMILY CATHARTID AA—AmERican VULTURES.
RHINOGRYPHUS AURA.
Turkey-Buzzard.
(Ho'-shim of the Washoes.)
Vultur aura, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 122.
Cathartes aura, ILLIGER, Prodomus, 1811, 236.—CaAssIN, in Baird’s B. N. Am.,
1858, 4.BatrD, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 1.—CoopPEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
502.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 222; Check List, 1873, No. 365; B. N.W., 1874, 379.
Rhinogryphus aura, Rip@way, in B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., III, 1874, 344.—
HENSHAW, 1875, 428.
In the Sacramento Valley, the Turkey-Buzzard was so rare that not
more than three or four individuals were seen during the entire month of
38 PR
594 ORNITHOLOGY.
June, these being observed sailing over the plains toward the foot-hills of
the Sierra Nevada. In the Interior, however, it was abundant throughout
the summer, when it was found in nearly all localities; but during the
winter months they seemed to have all retired to the southward, none
having been seen in the latitude of Carson City earlier than the middle
of March. It was more numerous in the vicinity of Pyramid Lake than
anywhere else, for there the surf cast up many dead fish, thus affording
them a plentiful supply of food. At this place they were almost constantly
seen sailing quite low along the shore of the lake searching for their food.
During rainy weather we frequently observed them perched among the
cotton-wood trees along the river in such numbers as to completely cover
the branches. Throughout the Interior the distribution of the Turkey-
Buzzard was so general that it might be met with in any sort of locality;
thus, on the 19th of April we shot a fine specimen from the top of a dead
pine in a ravine of the Sierra Nevada, near Carson City, the spot being in
the midst of a dense forest, while on the 29th of June a group, consisting
of about a dozen individuals, was seen near ‘‘Sand Springs” Station, on the
Carson Desert, and one of them killed with a rifle. They had collected
about a small pool of putrid water in a portion of the desert so completely
sterile as to be almost devoid of even the usual alkaline shrubs. Through-
out the country to the eastward, the Turkey Buzzard was continually met
with, both in the valleys and on the mountains, and at all elevations, the
latest individual of the season being seen October 3d, at the “City of
Rocks,” in southern Idaho (latitude about 42°). In securing No. 130 of
the collection, we went to an amount of trouble worthy of a better result.
It was perched upon a high crag of the northern peak of the island, several
hundred feet above us, but even at this distance its head appeared to be
partly white, as if there might be a ruff of feathers of this color across the
occiput; this appearance was only more distinct as we scanned it closely
through a field-glass, so it was determined to secure the specimen if it were
possible to do so. We accordingly began climbing cautiously toward it,
but long before getting within range it flew. We kept on, however, until
arrived nearly to the spot where it had been perched, and sitting down to
rest, had remained there but a few moments when it was observed sailing
COLUMBA FASCIATA. 595
slowly back again, and approaching within gunshot, was fired at, when it
fell with a thump on the rocks below. Other individuals similar to this one
were seen as they soared majestically, in broad circles, about the higher
cliffs, but none of them came within range. Upon descending to where
our supposed prize lay, we were considerably disappointed to find it but the
young of the common species, its peculiar appearance being caused by a
patch of dense white down which still covered the occiput. Upon dissection,
this specimen was found to have been last feeding entirely on dead fish.
List of specimens.
128, d ad.; eastern shore of Pyramid Lake, August 16, 1867. 274—69—204—16}
—1$,—2—114—71. Bill, chalk-white; iris, raw-umber; head and naked portion of
the neck, livid crimson, deepest on the forehead and occiput; across the vertex, from
eye to eye, a broad band of livid whitish papille; tarsi and toes, dirty livid yellowish-
white.
130, 2 juv.; island in Pyramid Lake, August 16,1867. 27§$—7031—213—17—14—
2—11}—71. Bill, dull black; iris, light yellowish-brown ; head and naked portion of
the neck, livid brownish-black ; tarsi and toes, dirty livid ashy-white.
Famity COLUMBIDH—Picrons or Dovzs.
COLUMBA FASCIATA.
Band-tailed Pigeon.
Columba fasciata, SAY, Long’s Exped., II, 1823, 10.— BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858,
597; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 445.—CoopeEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 506.—
CouES, Key, 1872, 225; Check List, 1873, No. 367; Birds N.W., 1874, 385.—
B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 360, pl. LVII, fig. 2—HENSHAW,
1875, 429.
On the 19th of November, 1867, we saw a single individual of what
must have been this species, flying to the southward over the Truckee
Meadows. Its appearance and size was very much that of the common
House-Pigeon, but, from the manner of its flight, it was evidently a wild
bird. The specimens in our collection were presented by Mr. Parker, who
obtained them in the neighborhood of San Francisco.
List of specimens.
426, “9” ad.; “San Francisco, California, January 31, 1868. 16—263—(?)—7,4.
Bill, yellow, the tip black; eye, pink-red ; lids, vermilion-red; feet, yellow.”
427, “4” (2) ad.; ‘*San Francisco, January 31, 1868. 153—265—(?)—74.” Same
remarks.
596 ORNITHOLOGY.
ECTOPISTES MIGRATORIA.
Passenger Pigeon.
Columba migratoria, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 285.
Ectopistes migratoria, SwAins., Zool. Jour., II, 1827, 355.—BarrD, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 600; Cat. N. Am. eis 1859, No. 448.—CooPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
509._-Couns, Key, 1872, 225, fig. 145; Check List, 1873, No. 370; Birds
N.W., 1874, 387.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 308, pl. vu,
fig. 4. -
Only a stray individual of this species was met with by us, and it
cannot be considered as more than an occasional straggler in the country ,
west of the Rocky Mountains. The specimen obtained flew rapidly past
one morning, and alighted a short distance from us, upon a stick by the
edge of a stream, whither it had probably come for water. Upon dissec-
tion it was found to have been feeding upon the berries of a small cornel
(Cornus pubescens), which grew abundantly in the mountains.
List of specimens.
179, 2 juv.; West Humboldt Mountains (Camp 18), Nevada, September 10, 1867.
1_ 9137361 _8—{—5,,—3. Bill, black, the rictus pinkish; iris, brownish, with
a qipnes outer ring of carmine; tarsi and toes, pale livid salmon-color, the scutellz
more brownish; claws, blackish.
ZENZ DURA CAROLINENSIS.
Mourning Dove.
(Hung'-0-ho'-ah of the Washoes; We-ho'-pe of the Paiutes.) '
Columba carolinensis, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 286.
Zenaidura carolinensis, BONAP., Consp., II, 1854, 84.—BArRD, Birds N. Am., 1858,
604; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 451.—Cooprer, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 512.—
Cours, Key, 1872, 226, fig. 146; Check List, 1873, No. 371; Birds N.W.,
1874, 389.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Nut Birds, III, 1874, 383, es LVII, fig. 2.—
HENSHAW, 1875, 431.
Perhaps no bird, not even the Raven, is more universally distributed
through the Interior, without regard to the nature of the country, than the
common Mourning Dove, and certainly none is more abundant. It occurred
about the corrals of the stage-stations in the midst of the most extensive
deserts, many miles from any cultivated or wooded district, or natural
ZENASDURA CAROLINENSIS. 597
water-courses, while it was also met with on the equally barren mountains
and plains far from the abode of man. In the arid portions of the country,
however, it is far less common than in the fertile localities, where it
sometimes literally abounds. Such was particularly the case at the Truckee
Meadows, where one November evening, after supper, we killed over thirty
specimens for the ‘‘pot,” in the immediate vicinity of our camp. In the
Sacramento Valley it was no less abundant than in the Interior.
List of specimens.
31, nest and eggs (2); Sacramento, California, June 11,1867. Nest about six feet
from ground, in small aspen, in copse.
53, nest and eggs (2); Sacramento, June 18, 1867. Nest in oak-tree, in grove,
about fifteen feet from ground.
110, nest and eggs (2); Big Bend of Truckee (Camp 12), Nevada, July 26, 1867.
Nest on the arid mesa, tito miles from water, on the ground, beneath a sage-bush.
112, nest and eggs (2); Camp 12, July 29, 1867. Same locality and situation as
No. 110.
192, 2 juv.; West Humboldt Mountains (Camp 19), September 18, 1867. 10,6,—
17—6—5—1—13_41_21,_ Bill, slate-black, bluish-slate at base; rictus, pinkish; iris,
hazel; bare eyelids, bluish; tarsi and toes, pale lake-red ; claws, blackish.
516, d ad.; Carson City, April 23, 1868. 123—171—6—4%. Bill, deep black,
becoming slaty-bluish on the soft nasal membrane; rictus and interior of mouth, deep
lake-red; bare orbital region, delicate pale blue, with a greenish tinge beneath the eye;
iris, deep sepia; tarsi and toes, deep lake or coral-red; claws, deep black.
786, eggs (2); Virginia Mountains, near Pyramid Lake, June 3, 1868. Nest on
ground, beneath sage-bush, on side of ravine.
1170, eggs (2); Salt Lake City, June 16, 1869. Nest on ground, beneath sage-
bush.
1184, nest and eggs (2); near Salt Lake City (City Creek Cation), June 18, 1869.
Nest on mountain-mahogany tree.
1293, eggs (2); Parley’s Park, Utah, June 26, 1869. Nest in aspen tree.
1294, eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 26, 1869. Same remarks.
1340, eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Same remarks.
1341, eggs (2); Parley’s Park, June 28, 1869. Same remarks.
1385, nest and egg (1); Provo River, July 10, 1869. Nest on bush leaning over
river-bank.
1386, nest and egg (1); Provo River, July 10, 1869. Neston bush on river-bank.
1417, eggs (2); Parley’s Park, July 16, 1869. Nest among willows, along stream.
1522, egg (1); Cash Valley, Utah, July, 1869. [Collected by J. C. Olmstead.]
598 ORNITHOLOGY.
Famiry TETRAONIDA—GRovssz.
CANACE OBSCURA.
Dusky Grouse.
Tetrao obscurus, SAY, Long’s Exped., II, 1823, 14, 202.—Batrp, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 620; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 459.—CooPEr, Orn. Cal., I, 1870,
526.—Cours, Key, 1872, 233; Check List, 1873, No. 381; Birds N.W., 1874, 395.
Canace obscura, BONAP., Comp. Rend., XLV, 1857, 428.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am.
Birds, IL, 1874, 422, pl. Lx, figs. 1, 2.
The ‘Mountain Grouse,” or ‘‘ Blue Grouse,” was a more or less common
species on all the ranges clothed with a sufficient extent of pine forests, the
existence of which seemed to strictly govern its distribution. It was found
on the Sierra Nevada, near Carson City, and on several of the higher
ranges of the Great Basin; but it did not occur in abundance until we
arrived at the Wahsatch and Uintah Mountains, where it literally abounded
in certain localities, particularly on the latter range.
Although seldom seen in the dense pine forests, we always found
these Grouse in their vicinity, usually in the open glades with scattered
trees and brush, with thicker woods on either side. Our acquaintance with
this species being made wholly in the fall and latter part of summer, we ~
did not learn much regarding its habits. We can testify, however, to the
excellence of its flesh, which is white and tender as that of a partridge.
List of specimens.
891, ¢ ad.; East Humboldt Mountains (near Camp 22), September 4, 1868, 21—
313—74. Weight, 22 lbs. Bill black, the lower mandible slightly variegated with
whitish at the base; iris, raw-umber; bare space over eye, orange-yellow; toes,
brownish-gray; claws, black.
954, 9 ad.; Wahsatch Mountains, near Salt Lake City, October, 1868.
1290, 3 ad.; Parley’s Park, June 25,1869. 22—314. Weight, 3$ lbs. Bill, black ;
iris, raw-umber; naked superciliary space, orange; toes, lilaceous-gray.
1370, 2 ad.; Pack’s Cation, Uintah Mountains, July 5, 1869. 19—29. Bill, black;
iris, raw-umber; toes, ashy.
1371, 2 ad.; Pack’s Cation, July 5, 1869. Same remarks,
1372, juv.; same date and locality.
1382, juv.; Pack’s Canon, July 8.
1444, f juv.; Parley’s Park, July 23.
BONASA UMBELLOIDES—PEDIGECETES COLUMBIANUS. ng
BONASA UMBELLUS.
KRuffed Grouse.
f. umbelloides—Gray Ruffed Grouse.
Tetrao umbelloides, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc., XVI, 1829, 148.
Bonasa umbellus var. umbelloides, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 925; Cat. N. Am.
Birds, 1859, No. 465.—Couus, Key, 1872, 235; Check List, 1873, No. 385;
Birds N.W., 1874, 425.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 453, pl.
LXI, fig. 10.
This bird we did not see alive, but dead specimens were occasionally
seen in the hands of hunters. It was said to be common in the pine forests
of the Wahsatch, where it is known as the ‘“ Pine-Hen.”
List of specimens.
955, ¢ ad.; Wabsatch Mountains, near Salt Lake City, October, 1868.
PEDIGCETES PHASIANELLUS.
Sharp-tailed Grouse.
B. columbianus— Western Prairie Chicken.
Phasianus columbianus, ORD, Guthrie’s Geog., 2d Am. ed., 1815, 317.
Pedicecetes columbianus, BLuiotT, Pr. Philad. Acad., 1862, 403.—CooPER, Orn.
Cal., I, 1870, 532.
Pediccetes phasianellus var. columbianus, Cougs, Key, 1872, 234; Check List, 1873,
No. 383a; Birds N.W., 1874, 407.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1574,
436, pl. LX, fig. 1.
Pediccetes phasianellus, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 626 (not Tetrao phasianellus,
Linn., 1758, = Pediecetes); Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 463.
This Grouse, known universally among the western people as the
“Prairie Chicken,” we found only in the Upper Humboldt Valley, near
Trout Creek, where it was abundant in the rye-grass meadows at the base
of the Clover Mountains, and in a very few similar localities in the Wah-
satch district.
List of specimens.
927, 2ad.; Upper Humboidt Valley (Camp 25), September 16, 1868. 15—25—
(?)—6. Bill, black, the lower mandible more ashy basaliy ; iris, raw-sienna; toes, ashy
horn-color.
600 ORNITHOLOGY.
CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS.
Sage-Hen.
(See-yuh' of the Washoes.)
Tetrao urophasianus, BONAP., Zool. Journ., JIT, 1828, 214.
Tetrao (Centrocercus) urophasianus, SWAINS., Fauna Bor.-Am., II, 1831, 358, pl. 58.
Centrocercus urophasianus, JARDINE, Nat. Lib. Birds, —, 1840, pl. XVII.—BarrD,
B. N. Am., 1858, 624; Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 462.—CoopEr, Orn. Cal., I,
1870, 536.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 233; Check List, 1873, No. 382; Birds N.W..,
1874, 400.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 429, pl. Lx, figs. 2, 4.
Although this large and well-known Grouse was met with throughout
the sage-brush country between the Sierra Nevada and the Wahsatch, we
saw it so seldom that little was learned of its habits, particularly during the
breeding-season. It came under our notice only late in summer and during
the autumn, when it was found to be abundant in certain localities, but by
no means uniformly distributed. When startled, the Sage-Hen rises with a
noisy and apparently laborious fluttering, and then flies off, with a heavy
but well-sustained flight, a few yards above the ground, and usually goes
a long way before alighting; indeed, if allowed to escape after being once
flushed there is generally little hope of getting a second opportunity for a
shot. As an article of food the Sage-Hen cannot be recommended, unless
the precaution is taken to flay it immediately, for its flesh soon becomes
permeated with the disagreeable odor of the sage-brush, the leaves of which
form its principal food. In fact, itis often found necessary to soak the car-
case in salt-water over night before the flesh becomes palatable. The leaves
of the Artemisia do not form the exclusive food of this species, however, but
during the season when grasshoppers abound it feeds largely on these insects,
several specimens killed in Parley’s Park during a flight of these pests in
August having nothing else in their crops. It is a well-known fact among
western hunters that the Sage-Hen “‘has no gizzard,” and the truth of this
statement, which was often told us, we confirmed by the dissection of numer-
ous. specimens; the stomach being merely membraneous, or at most but
slightly muscular, like that of a bird of prey, and nothing like the thick
and powerful grinding machine of other Gallinc.*
'See American Naturalist, April, 1874, p. 240, where this remarkable peculiarity
of the Sage-Hen is referred to, by the writer.
OREORTYX PICTUS. 601
List of specimens.
214, g ad.; West Humboldt Mountains (Camp 19), September 23, 1867. 29—
403—123—10—142111131. Weight, 4} pounds. Bill, deep black; iris, light
hazel; cervical sac, light leaden-blue; toes, grayish-olive.
311, 9 ad.; Pea-Vine district, Western Nevada, November 21, 1867. 23—36}—
1248111 187323, Bill, deep black; iris, light brown; toes, blackish horn-
color. ’
312, 2 ad.; same locality and date. 218—34—103}—8—14—13—74—3. Same
remarks.
313, 2 ad.; same locality and date. 214—34—103—8—1}—1}—74—24. Same
remarks,
943, 2 ad.; City of Rocks, Idaho, October 3, 1868. 22—35—(?)—84. Same
remarks.
Famity PERDICIDA—ParrrinGes and QUAILS.
OREORTYX PICTUS.
Mountain Quail or Partridge.
B. plumiferus.*
(Mah'-tem-ah'-tek and Tu-ehk'-tuddle of the Washoes; Kth'-hik of the Paiutes.)
Ortyx plumifera, GOULD, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., V, 1837, 42.
Oreortyx pictus var. plumiferus, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, p. 476.
Oreortyx pictus, AUCT. (part).
This superb bird occurred rather sparingly among the mountains and
hills immediately adjacent to the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, as well
as on the eastern slope of that range itself. It was so rare, however, or at
least so difficult to find, that we could learn but little concerning its habits.
We first met with it in a broad canon of the Virginia Mountains fronting on
Pyramid Lake, where the slopes were covered, more or less, by the tall
rye-grass, interspersed with scattered cedars. Here a flock of perhaps a
1The typical form, which inhabits the coast districts of California and Oregon
(the present one inhabiting the Sierra Nevada and the peninsula of Lower California),
differs in darker, browner colors. Its synonymy is as follows :—
Ortyx picta, DouGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc., XVI, 1829, 143.
Oreortyx pictus, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 642; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 473.
—CoopPER, Orn. Cal., I, 1870, 546 (part).—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 237; Check List, 1873,
No. 390; Birds N.W., 1874, 440.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 475, pl.
LXUll, fig. 5 (part). ; ;
602 ORNITHOLOGY.
dozen individuals was flushed on the 27th of December, 1867, and one of
them secured. Before they rose they uttered a confused chuckling, some-
what like the alarm-notes of the eastern Bob-White (Ortyx virginianus), and
after they had been separated for some time, commenced calling to one
another in a manner exactly similar to young Turkeys (Meleagris) under
the same circumstances. Its love-notes we have never heard.
In western Nevada, where the statement seems to be generally believed,
we were informed that the Mountain Quail was not an inhabitant of the
country eastward of the summit of the Sierra Nevada until after the settle-
ment of that country by the whites, when they began following the wagon-
roads over the mountains for the purpose of picking up the grain scattered
along the way. This may possibly be true; but judging from the fact that
a number of essentially Californian birds and mammals, and even plants,
occur plentifully along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, in an exactly
similar manner, we rather incline to the opinion that it is a true native, in
support of which view of the case, we were informed by the Indians at the
Truckee Reservation that it had always been found on the neighboring
mountains.
List of specimens.
319, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, November, 1867. (Presented by Mr. H. G.
Parker.)
386, J ad.; Virginia Mountains, near Pyramid Like, December 27, 1867. 114—
17—53—43—_9, 1,5 —34—}. Bill, dull black, more brownish terminally; iris, deep
brown; tarsi and toes, dilute brownish.
440, 3 ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 10, 1868. (Cedar-groves.) 113—163—
5g—44. Bill, black, slightly brownish terminally; iris, vandyke-brown; tarsi and toes,
dilute sepia.
441, 2 ad. (mate of No. 440); same locality and date. 114—163—53—4}4. Same
remarks.
LOPHORTYX CALIFORNICUS.
California Valley Quail.
Tetrao californicus, SHAW, Nat. Mise., —, pl. 345.
Lophortyx californicus, BoNAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 42.—BA1rD, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 644; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 474—CooPErR, Orn. Cal., I,
1870, 549.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 238; Check List, 1873, No. 391; Birds N.W.,
1874, 439.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. Birds, III, 1874, 479, pl. xxiv, figs. 1, 2.
The “ Valley Quail” of California was met with only among the western
JEGIALITIS VOCIFERUS. 603
foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada, where it seemed to be an abundant species.
It continued along our route up to the beginning of the continuous pine
forest, or to an altitude of about 5,000 feet, where a specimen, a fine adult
male, was killed among the brushwood of a ravine by the roadside. There
were evidently others in the locality, since the one killed was in a small
tree, anxiously calling, his note being a sharp chip, almost exactly like the
common note of the Cardinal Grosbeak (Cardinalis virginianus). We
unfortunately had little opportunity to observe the habits of this beautiful
species.
List of specimens.
316, f ad.; 317, 3 ad.; 318, 2 ad.; “Coast of California, near San Francisco.”
(H. G. Parker.) ,
Faminy CHARADRIIDA—PLOVERS.
ANGIALITIS VOCIFERUS.
Kill-deer.
Charadrius vociferus, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766. 253.
Aigialitis vociferus, BONAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 45.—CAssIN, in Baird’s
Birds N. Am., 1858, 692.—BatrrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 504.—Couzs,
Key, 1872, 244, fig. 156; Check List, 1873, No. 397; Birds N.W., 1874, 452
(vocifera). HENSHAW, 1875, 445.
The common Kill-deer was found to be by far the most abundant and
generally distributed bird of the order, since it was found about every
stream or other body of water, while it was common wherever it occurred.
It was also resident, but more numerous in summer than in winter.
List of specimens.
431, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, March 7, 1868. 104—204—7—5g. Bill, black;
iris, bister; eyelids, orange-red; tarsi and toes, pale ashy naples-yellow.
472, $ ad.; Carson City, March 28, 1868. 10—204—615—58. Same remarks.
1154, eggs (4); Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 9, 1869. Eggs deposited
on the bare sand, in a slight depression, near the shore.
604 ORNITHOLOGY.
ANGIALITIS CANTIANUS.
Kentish Plover.
fB. nivosus—Snowy Plover.
Agialitis (Leucopolius ) nivosus, CASSIN, in Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 696.
Aigialitis nivosus, BAIRD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 509.
Aigialitis cantianus, COUES, Key, 1872, 245 (not of LATHAM); Check List, 1873,
No. 401.
Aigialitis cantianus var. nivosus, RIDGWAY, Am. Nat., VIII, 1874, 109.—CouEs,
Check List, App., No. 401.
Agialitis cantiana var. nivosa, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 456.
This handsome and graceful little Plover was exceedingly numerous in
May on the bare mud-flats around Warm Spring Lake, near Salt Lake
City. It kept in flocks, running nimbly and very swiftly over the ground,
all the while uttering a soft and rather musical whistling note.
List of specimens.
969, 6 ad; Salt Lake City, Utah, May 21,1869. 7—133. Bill, deep black; iris,
burnt-sienna; eyelids, deep black; interior of mouth, fleshy-white; tarsi, slate-color ;
toes, black.
1026, S ad.; near Salt Lake City, Utah, May 22, 1869. 7—133 Bill, deep black ;
eyelids, black; iris, deep brown; tarsi, dull slate; toes, black.
1027, 8 ad.; same locality and date. 6$—13}. Same remarks.
1028, 2 ad.; same locality and date. 64—121%. Same remarks.
1029, 3 ad.; same locality and date. 6$—13. Same remarks.
1030, g ad.; same locality and date. 63—143. Same remarks.
1031, 2 ad.; same locality and date. 63—13}. Same remarks.
Famuy PHALAROPODIDMH—PHALAROPES.
STEGANOPUS WILSONI.
Wilson’s Phalarope.
Phalaropus wilsoni, SABLNE, App. Franklin’s Journal, 1823, 691.—CASSIN, in
Baird’s B. N. Am., 1858, 705.—-Ba1rD, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 519.
Phalaropus (Steganopus) wilsoni, GRAY, Hand List, III, 1871, 55, No. 10,362.
Steganopus wilsoni, COUES, Ibis, April, 1865, —; Key, 1872, 248, fig. 161; Check
List, 1873, No. 409; Birds N.W., 1874, 467.—HENSHAW, 1875, 451.
This species was shot from a flock of Sandpipers (Tringa alpina ameri-
cana, T. minutilla, T. bairdi, and Ereunetes pusillus), at Pyramid Lake, in
REOURVIROSTRA AMERICANA. 605
May, 1868, and was again seen swimming in the alkaline ponds along the
southern shore of Great Salt Lake, in June, 1869.
Famitry RECURVIROSTRIDA—AvoceEts and STILTS.
RECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA.
American Avocet.
Recurvirostra americana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 693.—CAssIN, in Baird’s B.
N. Am., 1858, 703.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 517.—Couns, Key,
1872, 147, fig. 159; Check List, 1873, No. 407; Birds N.W., 1874, 460.—HEn-
SHAW, 1875, 448.
This abundant bird is confined chiefly to the vicinity of the alkaline
ponds or lakes, where it is usually found in the most barren places, or
where the bare earth is covered chiefly with an alkaline efflorescence. At
the Soda Lakes, on the Carson Desert, it was particularly abundant, and
appeared to be feeding on a kind of insect thrown by the surf upon the
beach. It was not met with in the Sacramento Valley, but was first seen
at the Truckee Meadows, where it was abundant in July in some alkaline
marshes. Its local names are “Lawyer” and “Yelper” in most localities
where it is known.
List of specimens.
‘811, g ad.; Soda Lake, Carson Desert, Nevada, June 28, 1868. 18—293—(?)—7.
Bill deep black; iris, burnt-umber; tarsi and toes, ashy-blue.
812, eggs (4); 813, eggs (3); 814, egg (1). Same locality and date. Eggs depos-
ited in depressions in the alkaline deposit.
1071, g ad.; near Salt Lake City, May 29, 1869. 183—364. Bill, deep black ;
iris, brown; legs and feet, plumbeous-blue.
1107, 8 ad.; Antelope Island, Salt Lake, June 5, 1869. 18$—31. Same re-
marks.
1218, 1219, 1220, 1221 (eggs); Carrington Island, Salt Lake, June 17, 1869. (Col-
lected by Mr. R. N. Davis and Mr. 8. Watson.)
ORNITHOLOGY.
or
©
co
HIMANTOPUS MEXICANUS.
American Stilt.
(Pahn-tuy'-he of the Shoshones.)
Charadrius mexicanus, MULLER, Syst. Nat., 1776, 117.
Himantopus mexicanus, ORD (ed. Wils.), Am. Orn., VII, 1824, 52.
Himantopus nigricollis, ViEILLOT, Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat., X, 1817, 42.—CAssIn,
in Baird’s Birds N. Am. 1858, 704.—-BarrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 518.
—COUES, Key, 1872, 247, fig. 160; Check List, 1873, No. 408; Birds N.W.,
1874, 462. HENSHAW, 1875, 450.
This species was almost invariably found in the same localities with
the Avocet (Recurvirostra), but it was everywhere less abundant than that
species. It was more numerous about the southeastern portion of the Great
Salt Lake than at any other locality visited by us.
Last of specimens.
815, g ad.; Soda Lake, Carson Desert, June 28, 1868. 15—294—(?)—73. Bill, deep
black; iris, grayish-brown next the pupil, with a wide outer ring of clear rosy-car-
mine; legs and feet, deep light rose-pink or lake-red.
1018, eggs (4); near Salt Lake City, May 22,1869. Nest on the ground, on small
grassy island in Warm Spring Lake.
1072, 9 ad.; near Salt Lake City, May 29, 1869. 143—271. Same remarks as to
No. 815.
1084, g ad.; mouth of Jordan River, Utah, June 2, 1869. 153—30. Iris, rich
fine carmine.
Famity SCOLOPACIDA—Snirk, SANDPIPERS, ETC.
GALLINAGO WILSONI.
Wilson’s Snipe.
( Tuttoo-hoy'-ehk and Kay'-lehk of the Washoes; S'-yeheh of the Shoshones.)
Scolopax wilsonii, TEMM., Pl. Col. v, ivy. LX VIII (in text).
Gallinago wilsoni, BoNAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 52.—CAssIN, in Baird’s Birds
N. Am., 1858, 710.—BatrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 523.—Cours, Key,
1872, 262, fig. 163; Check List, 1873, No. 414; Birds N.W., 1874, 475.—HEn-
SHAW, 1875, 452.
Gallinago gallinaria var. wilsoni, RIDGWAY, Ann. Lye. N. Y., X, 1874, 383.
The Common Snipe was an abundant species during the spring and
TRINGA AMERICANA. 607
autumn, in all wet and grassy places. In Parley’s Park, either this species
or Macrorhamphus griseus was breeding, but we found it impossible to pos-
itively determine the species. In the lower portion of the park, about a
quarter of a mile from our camp, was an extensive meadow, portions of
which were quite wet or marshy; and in this direction we would hear every
evening a peculiar hollow gurgling sound, somewhat like the noise pro-
duced by water escaping from a nearly full jug. This was heard only
just before dark, and, as we soon ascertained, was produced by a kind of
“Snipe,” as it pitched downward from a great height. We found it impos-
sible to obtain a specimen, but conclude that the bird must have been this
species, since we shot specimens along a brook in the same locality at about
the same time.
List of specimens.
259, 2 ad.; Truckee Meadows (Camp 26), Nevada, November 7, 1867. 113—174—
53—43—2911_-13 939, Bill, blackish for terminal third, greenish-ashy basally, the
lower mandible rather paler than the upper; iris, bister; tarsi and toes, pale greenish-
ashy; claws, black.
260, 3 ad.; Camp 12, November 7, 1867. 114—174—5g—44—29.—1,8, 219,
Same remarks.
261, o ad.; same localityand date. 1013—167—51—4 7 —2.7__1 1, _98__(?), Same
remarks.
262, d ad.; same locality and date. 103—163—54—4,%—23—14—24 3. Same
remarks.
1453, 2 ad.; Parley’s Park, Utah, July 26,1869. 114—174. Bill, black, growing
gradually greenish horn-color basally; iris, dark brown; tarsi and toes, light ashy,
with distinct yellowish-green wash on the scutelle. :
1454, 2 ad.; same locality aud date. 103—163. Same remarks.
1455, 2 ad.; same locality and date. 11—163. Same remarks.
TRINGA ALPINA.
Red-backed Sandpiper.
8. americana.
Tringa (Scheniclus) alpina var. americana, CASSIN, in Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858,
719.
Tringa alpina var. americana, BAIRD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 530.—CouEs,
Key, 1872, 256, fig. 166; Check List, 1873, No. 424; Birds N.W., 1874, 489.
This species occurred among the large flocks of Sandpipers and other
608 ORNITHOLOGY.
small waders found in the vicinity of Pyramid Lake in May, along with
Steganopus wilsoni, Tringa bairdi, T. minutilla, and Ereunetes pusillus, all of
which were killed at a single shot.
TRINGA BAIRDI.
Baird’s Sandpiper.
Actodromus bairdii, Cours, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1861, 194.—HENSHAW,
1875, 455.
Tringa bairdii, Scu., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1867, 332.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 255;
Check List, 1873, No. 419; Birds N.W., 1874, 484.
Found about Pyramid Lake in May, and at the Humboldt Marshes in
August. -
List of specimens.
133, 2 juv.; Humboldt Marshes (Camp 15), August 26, 1867. 7,2,—15—54—4,5,—
1—13—21,—8. Bill, black; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, slate-black
TRINGA MINUTILLA.
Least Sandpiper.
Tringa minutilla, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat., XXXIV, 1819, 452.—Cougs,
Key, 1872, 254; Check List, 1873, No. 418; Birds N.W., 1874, 482.
Actodromus minutilla, COUES, Pr. Phil. Ac., 1861, 191, 230.—HENSHAW, 1875, 455.
Tringa wilsonii, NUTTALL, Man. Orn., IL, 1834, 121.—CAssin, in Baird’s Birds N.
Am., 1858, 721.—BarrD, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 532.
Vicinity of Pyramid Lake in May, about Salt Lake throughout the
summer, and at the Humboldt Marshes in August.
List of specimens.
134, ¢ juv.; Camp 15, August 26,1867. 6 8,—113}—3{—3—js—_13—-1,,—_;.
Bill, black; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, slate-black.
135, 2 juv.; same locality and date. 63—12;,—4),—3,,—1,,—#i-1}—-}1. Same
remarks.
136, 9 juv.; same locality and date. 53—11—311—3—13_3—13—4. Bill, dull
black; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, grayish-olive.
EREUNETES PUSILLUS—SYMPHEMIA SEMIPALMATA. 609
EREUNETES PUSILLUS.
Semipalmated Sandpiper.
Tringa pusilla, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 252.
Ereunetus pusillus, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., XIII, 1860, 195.—CovuEs,
Key, 1872, 254, fig. 165; Check List, 1873, No. 417; Birds N.W., 1874, 481.
—HEvNSHAW, 1875, 454.
Ereunetes petrificatus, ILLIGER, Prodromus, 1811, 262.—Cass1y, in Baird’s Birds
N. Am., 1858, 724.—Barep, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 535.
Ereunetes occidentalis, LAWR., Pr. Philad. Acad., 1864, 107.
Ereunetes pusillus var. occidentalis, COUES, Key, 1872, 254; Check List, 1873, No.
417a.
Vicinity of Pyramid Lake in May, and Humboldt Marshes in August,
in flocks with Tringa bairdi and T. minutilla. [All the specimens of these
three species shot from one flock at a single discharge. ]
List of specimens.
137, 3 juv.; Camp 15, August 26, 1867. 53—11{—3g3—3—11—13_1}—7.. Bill,
black, becoming greenish-olive on base of lower mandible; iris, brown; tarsi and toes,
greenish-olive.
138, 2 juv.; same locality and date. 5f—11—3,9,—214 —3—3_1,9.—_7.. Same
remarks.
139, 9 juv.; same locality and date. 6}—114—3}—3}—13—13_]11__7, Same
remarks.
SYMPHEMIA SEMIPALMATA.
Willet. :
Scolopax semipalmata, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 659.
Totanus semipalmatus, TEMM., Man. Orn., LI, , 637.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 258;
Check List, 1873, No. 431; Birds N.W., 1874, 494.—HENSHAW, 1875, 457.
Symphemia semipalmata, HARTLAUB, Rev. Zool., 1845, 342.—CAssIn, in Baird’s
Birds N. Am., 1858, 729.—BatrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 537.
This large and conspicuous Snipe, readily distinguished at sight from
other species by the conspicuous white patch on the wings, was found
breeding in nearly all marshy localities. It was particularly numerous on
the grassy flats along the southern shore of the Great Salt Lake, near the
mouth of the Jordan River, where it was found in company with the Long-
billed Curlew (Nwmenius longirostris) and various species of Ducks.
List of specimens.
1160, 2 ad.; southern shore of Great Salt Lake, Utah, June 11, 1869. 16—294.
Bill, black; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, slate-color.
39 PR
610 ORNITHOLOGY.
RHYACOPHILUS SOLITARIUS.
Solitary Sandpiper.
Tringa solitaria, WILSON, Am. Orn., VII, 1813, 53, pl. 58, fig. 3.
Totanus solitarius, AUDUBON, Synop., 1839, 242.—CouES, Key, 1872, 259; Check
List, 1873, No. 435; Birds N.W., 1874, 498 — HENSHAW, 1875, 459.
Rhyacophilus solitarius, CASSIN, Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 733.—BarrD, Cat. N.
Am. B., 1859, No. 541.
This species seemed to be exceedingly rare in the Interior, since it
was seen on but two or three occasions; it was noticed in the Truckee
Valley, May 13, 1868, while a pair were observed at the Glendale Meadows
in July, 1867; a single individual was also observed in Parley’s Park, in
August. It was not met with in the Sacramento Valley.
TRINGOIDES MACULARIUS.
Spotted Sandpiper.
Tringa macularia, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 249.
Tringoides macularius, GRAY, Genera of Birds, ITI, 1849, 574.—Cassm, in Baird’s
Birds N. Am., 1858, 735.—BAtrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 543.—CouEs,
Key, 1872, 260; Check List, 1873, No. 436; Birds N.W., 1874, 501.—HEN-
SHAW, 1875, 460.
Next to the Kill-deer (Zgialitis vociferus), the Spotted Sandpiper is
probably the most abundant and generally-distributed of the small waders
in the Great Basin. It was found breeding from the lowest valleys up to an
altitude of more than 7,000 feet, its favorite haunts being the gravelly
banks of running streams rather than the vicinity of ponds or lakes. Its
first arrival at Carson City was noted on the 29th of April, 1868.
List of specimens.
562, dad.; Carson City, April 29, 1868. 73—13f—43—33. Commissure and
whole of the lower mandible, dilute wax-yellow; rest of the bill, black ; iris, vandyke-
brown ; tarsi and toes, dilute ashy-olive. _
1362, eggs (2); Pack’s Cation, Uintah Mountains, July 3, 1869. Nest, a very
neat one of sticks, in a slight depression on the gravelly bank of a brook. Eggs nearly
hatched.
1468, juv.; Parley’s Park, July 28, 1869, Bill, black, lower mandible purplish
basally ; iris, dark brown; tarsi and toes, olive.
ACTITURUS BARTRAMIUS—GRUS CANADENSIS. 611
ACTITURUS BARTRAMIUS.
Bartram’s Tatler.
Tringa bartramia, WILSON, Am. Orn., VII, 1813, 63, pl. 59, fig. 2.
Actiturus bartramius, BONAP., Saggio, 1831, —.—Cassin, in Baird’s Birds N. Am.,
1858, 737.—Bairp, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 545.—CovEs, Key, 1872,
260; Check List, 1873, No. 438; Birds N.W., 1874, 502.
This eastern species was rather common in July in the grassy fields
of Kamas Prairie, Utah, but none were seen anywhere else.
NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS.
Long-billed Curlew.
Numenius longirostris, WILSON, Am. Orn., VIII, 1814, 24, pl. 64, fig. 4.-CASsIN, in
Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 743.—BArrRD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 549.
—CouES, Key, 1872, 262, fig. 174; Check List, 1873, No. 441; Birds N.W.,
1874, 508.—HENSHAW, 1875, 461.
This large Curlew, called “Snipe” by the people of the Salt Lake
Valley, was distributed in summer throughout the Interior in the vicinity
of marshes, the wet meadows near the shores of the larger lakes being
its favorite resort. It was particularly abundant along the southern shore
of the Great Salt Lake, and on some of the larger islands.
List of specimens.
1088, g ad.; Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, June 4, 1869. 224—39. Bill, black,
becoming dull lilaceous on the basal half of the lower mandible; iris, vandyke-brown ;
legs and feet, ashy.
1110, ad.; Antelope Island, June 5, 1869. 233—39. Same remarks.
1111, pullus ; 1112, pullus; same locality and date.
1159, 2; south shore of Great Salt Lake, June 11, 1869. 26—41}. Same remarks
as to No. 1088.
Famity GRUIDAI—CRANEs.
GRUS CANADENSIS.
Sand-hill Crane.
Ardea canadensis, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 234.
Grus canadensis, TEMM., Anal. p. ¢—BAIRD, Birds N. Am, 1858, 655; Cat. N.
Am. Birds, 1859, No. 479.—Cours,. Key, 1872, 271; Check List, 1873, No.
463; Birds N. W., 1874, 532.—HENSHAW, 1875, 467.
The Sand-hill Crane was an abundant species in nearly all localities
where extensive grassy marshes or wet meadows existed. A friend living
612 ORNITHOLOGY.
in Carson Valley had a tame bird of this species which had been caught in
an adjoining meadow when very young. Our introduction to this remark-
able pet was somewhat amusing, the circumstances being as follows: . Just
before coming to the house we had shot a Snow-bird (Junco oregonus), and
hastily thrust it into our coat pocket, before opening the gate of the front
yard to walk in. We had scarcely entered, when his craneship, having
seen the movement, walked familiarly up, and deliberately snatching the
bird, proceeded, without further ceremony, to beat it upon the ground until
nearly denuded of its feathers, when he swallowed it whole; he then care-
fully examined our person for more birds. Not finding any, however, he
turned away and with stately steps walked off across the yard. This bird
was a great friend of the children belonging to the family, and would
frequently join them in their sports. Often, while they were indoors, he
would walk upon the porch, and going to the window would look inside,
and if the young folks took the least notice of him he would show his
pleasure by amusing gesticulations
Famiry RALLIDA—Ratts, GALLINULES, and Coots.
RALLUS VIRGINIANUS.
Virgini:z Bail. 2
Rallus virginianus, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 263.—CAss1n, in Baird’s Birds N.
Am., 1858, 748.—BarrpD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 554.—Cougrs, Key,
1872, 273; Check List, 1873, No. 467; Birds N.W., 1874, 536.—HENsHAW,
1875, 468.
Two or three specimens of this Rail were seen in May, among the
sedges bordering a pond near Pyramid Lake.
PORZANA CAROLINA.
Sora Rail.
Rallus carolinus, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 263.
Porzana carolina, CASSIN, in Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 749. Sey Cat.
N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 555.—Cours, Key, 1872, 273; Check List, 1873, No.
468; Birds N.W., 1874, 538.— HENSHAW, 1875, 468.
The Common Rail was constantly met with in all suitable localities in
the Interior; it was not identified at Sacramento, where, however, it no
doubt occurs also.
2?PORZANA JAMAICENSIS—GALLINULA GALEATA. 613
List of specimens.
1019, nest and eggs (6); near Salt Lake City, May 22, 1869. Nest in the coarse
grass and sedges of a pond, near Warm Spring Lake.
1456, g ad.; Parley’s Park, Wahsatch Mountains, July 26, 1869. 9—13%. Bill
yellow, the upper mandible chiefly greenish-olive; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, olive,
deepening into yellow on the scutelle.
2? PORZANA JAMAICENSIS.
Little Black Rail.
Rallus jamaicensis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 718.
Porzana jamaicensis, CASSIN, in Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 749.—BarrpD, Cat.
N. Am. Birds, 1859, 556.—Oovxs, Key, 1872, 274; Check List, 1873, No. 470;
Birds N.W., 1874, 640.
On several occasions, and at widely-distant localities, we met with a
small Rail of a black color, which must have been this species, unless it
should prove to be one at present undescribed. It was first seen on the
5th of September, 1868, in Ruby Valley. We happened to be riding
horseback through a wet meadow, when the bird sprang up before us, but
suddenly dropped into the grass at the edge of a dense willow thicket. We
dismounted and attempted to flush it, but without success, for it had evi-
dently escaped into the densest portion of the thicket where it could not
be found. This bird appeared to be of about the size of Porzana carolina,
though it may have been smaller, and was of a uniform blackish color, with
white along the hinder edge of the wing, showing conspicuously as it flew.
The same species was again met with in Parley’s Park, in June, July, and
August, where several were killed, but all lost in the tall grass and sedges
among which they fell. We are well aware that the above description does
not correspond with Porzana jamaicensis, but it could have been no other
species at present known.
GALLINULA GALEATA
American Gailinule.
Crex galcata, LICHTENSTEIN, Verz. Doubl., 1823, 80, No. 826.
Gallinula galeata, BoNAP., Am. Orn,, IV, 1832, 128.—Casstn, in Baird’s Birds N.
Am., 1858, 752.—BArRD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 560.—CouEs, Key,
1872, 275; Check List, 1873, No. 472; Birds N.W., 1874, 540.
The “Red-billed Mud-hen” was a very abundant species in the tule
614 ORNITHOLOGY.
sloughs near Sacramento, where it was found in company with the Coot, or
““White-billed Mud-hen” (Fulica americana). It was not seen in the Inte-
rior, where the latter bird was extremely numerous.
List of specimens.
40, 2 ad.; Sacramento, California, June 13, 1867. 13—21—63—51—14—1.1—
17—23—1}. Bill and frontal plate, bright veinous-scarlet; tip of bill, abruptly, yel-
lowish-green ; iris, brown; tarsal scutelle, bright yellowish-green, scutellz of the toes,
deeper green; knees, and joints of toes, fine ashy-blue; upper half of tibia, all round,
bright scarlet.
FULICA AMERICANA.
American Coot.
(Si'-yeh-eh of the Shoshones.)
Fulica americana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., 1, 1788, 704.—CAssIN, in Baird’s Birds
N. Am., 1858, 751.—Bairp, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 559.—CouEs, Key,
1872, 275; Check List, 1873, No. 474; Birds N.W., 1874, 541.—HENsHAW,
1875, 469.
The Coot, or ‘‘White-billed Mud-hen,” as it is sometimes called, was
extremely numerous in all extensive marshes, both in the Sacramento Valley
and eastward of the Sierra Nevada. In the latter region it was resident,
though most abundant in summer.
List of specimens.
841, 2 ad.; Camp 19, Ruby Valley, Nevada, July 15, 1868. 153—26Z%—(?)—6.
Bill, opaque milk-white (purest basally), with a very faint lilaceous glow in the middle
portion, assuming terminally a pale bluish-cast; spot at base of frontal plate, and near
tip of each mandible, dark hepatic-sepia, each spot bordered anteriorly with dragon’s-
blood-red ; iris, carmine; prevailing hue of tibia, tarsi, and toes, delicate pale ashy-
blue, but this overlaid on tarsi (all round) and on upper surface of toes (except on
joints) with bright yellowish-green; claws, black.
1To posterior end of frontal plate.
FALCINELLUS GUARAUNA—F. THALASSINUS. 615
Famity TANTALIDA—Iesiszs.
FALCINELLUS GUARAUNA.
Brouzed Ibis.
Scolopax guarauna, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 242.
Ibis guarauna, Rip@way, Am. Nat., Feb., 1874, 110, 111.—Covgs, Check List,
App., No. 445 bis HENSHAW, 1875, 463.
“This ordii, BONAP.”—BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 685 (excl. syn.); Cat. N. Am. B.,
s 1859, No. 500.
Ibis falcinellus var. ordii (part), COUES, Key, 1872, 263; Check List, 1873, No. 445.
The Bronzed Ibis was an abundant bird at Franklin Lake, in August
and September, but being without a boat we were unable to obtain speci-
mens; a few were also seen at the Great Salt Lake in May and June.
Like the following species, from which it may possibly not be distinct, it
is known to the inhabitants of the country as the “Black Curlew,” or
“Black Snipe.”
FALCINELLUS THALASSINUS.
Green Ebis.
“This guarauna, LINN.”—BAIRD, Birds N. Am., ed. 1860, pl. Lxxxvi1; Cat. N. Am.
Birds, 1859, No. 500a. ;
Ibis thalassinus, RIDGWAY, Am. Nat., Feb., 1874, 110, 111.—Covugs, Check List,
1873, App., No. 445, ter.—HENSUAW, 1875, 464.
This bird, known locally as the ‘Black Curlew,” or “Black Snipe,”
was first observed in September, at the Humboldt Marshes, where it was
one of the most abundant of the water-birds, since it sometimes occurred
in flocks composed of hundreds of individuals. They were generally seen
about the margin of the pools, standing in a single line along the edge of
the water. At Oreana, about forty miles farther up the river, they were
almost constantly seen passing back and forth over our camp by the river,
the flocks usually formed with a widely-extended front, but oftener
arranged in a V-shaped form. They flew quite low, rarely higher than
fifty yards, and quite swiftly; and at this distance appeared of a uniform
black color, and much like Nwmenius longirostris in size and form, whence
their common name. Only once was a flock seen to alight at this locality,
616 ORNITHOLOGY.
and from this we obtained the three specimens enumerated below, killing
them all at a singlé shot. We approached them under cover of the willows
along the river, and found them busily engaged in feeding among the
aquatic plants in a slough entirely hemmed in by a dense growth of wil-
lows, each individual uttering a hoarse, but low, croaking note, as it waded
about. It is still an unsettled question whether this bird is not merely the
first plumage of the I. guarauna ; but there are important considerations,
geographical and otherwise, which induce us to consider it a distinct
species until future developments prove the contrary
List of specimens.
159, g ad.; Humboldt River, Nevada (Camp 17), September 3, 1867. 22—383—
11—83—5$,—4—_4—21._ Bill, pale greenish horn-blue, becoming blackish terminally
and basally; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, deep black.
160, 2 ad.; same locality and date. 21—37—103—S87,—4,,—3,—3}3—115. Same
remarks.
161, 2 juv.; same locality and date. 193—344—10—77—4—27 3413, Same
remarks.
Famity ARDEILDA—HERons.
ARDEA HERODIAS.
Great Biue Heron.
Ardea herodias, Linn., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 237.—Barrp, Birds N. Am., 1858, 667;
Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 487.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 267; Check List, 1873,
No. 449; Birds N.W., 1874, 517.— HENSHAW, 1875, 464.
The Great Blue Heron was abundant about all bodies of water afford-
ing it a plentiful supply of food. It was particularly numerous at Pyra-
mid Lake, where it built upon the rocky islands. One colony had their
nests on the large grease-wood bushes on the southern portion of the main
island, each nest being placed directly on top of the bush, at a height of
about five or six feet from the ground. These nests were very bulky, being
several feet in diameter and of proportionate depth, but they were elab-
orately made; each contained from three to four young, about half-fledged,
but very active and saucy, who, when disturbed, opened wide their bills
and made spiteful thrusts, at the same time uttering an admonishing hiss.
On the Pyramid were several other nests, placed among the naked rocks at
varying heights from the water.
HERODIAS EGRETTA --BUTORIDES VIRESCENS. 617
List of specimens.
763, eggs (4); Pyramid Lake, Nevada, May 23, 1868. Nest on the “ Pyramid,”
among the rocks, about 150 feet above the surface of the lake.
HERODIAS EGRETTA.
Great White Heron.
Ardea egretta, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 629.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 267; Check
List, 1873, No. 452; Birds N.W., 1874, 519.
Herodias egretta, GRAY, Genera of Birds, III, 1849,—.—Barrp, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 666; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 486.—HENsHAW, 1875, 465.
Herodias egretta var. californica, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 18538, 667; Cat. N. Am.
Birds, 1859, No. 486a.
This handsome Heron we saw at Sacramento in June, and along the
lower Truckee in May, a single individual only having been observed at
each place.
BUTORIDES VIRESCENS.
Green Heron.
Ardea virescens, LINN., Syst. Nat., 1, 1766, 238.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 268; Check
List, 1873, No. 457; Birds N.W., 1874, 522.
Butorides virescens, BONAP., Conspectus Avium, II, 1855, 128.—Barrp, Birds N.
Am., 1858, 676; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 493. HENSHAW, 1875, 465.
This common bird was observed only in the vicinity of Sacramento,
where it was abundant, as it usually is in all parts of its range. It appeared
to-be entirely wanting in the Great Basin—at least we could never find it,
even in localities where other species of the family were found in the usual
numbers.’
List of specimens.
14, 2 ad.; Sacramento, California, June 10, 1867. Shallow pond along edge of
oak-grove. 18$—274—73 642.231. Bill, deep black, pale greenish-yellow
along gonys; naked loral and orbital space, greenish-yellow; iris, gamboge-yellow ;
tarsi and toes, dull olivaceous-yellow, olive-greenish on scutellz.
58, 6 ad.; Sacramento, June 19, 1867. Willows along slough near river. 183
—274—8— 63241731}. Same remarks.
1A parallel case is apparently afforded in Gallinula galeata, which we found
abundant at Sacramento, in company with Fulica americana, but which we did not
detect in the Interior, where the latter was everywhere exceedingly numerous, in suita-
ble localities.
618 ORNITHOLOGY.
ARDETTA EXILIS.
Least Bittern.
Ardea exilis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 645.
Ardetta evilis, GRAY, Genera of Birds, III, 1849, ——Bartrp, Birds N. Am., 1858,
673; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 491. —COouES, Key, 1872, 270; Check List,
1873, No. 461; Birds N.W., 1874, 528.
One individual of this diminutive Heron was seen in May, among the
willows along the lower Truckee, the one in question being startled by the
approach of our boat.
NYCTIARDEA GRISEA.
Night Heron.
B. nevia.
Ardea nevia, BODDAERT, Planch. Enl. Tabl., 1784, pl. 939.
Nyctiardea nevia, GRAY, Genera of Birds, IIT, 1849, 558.
Nyctiardea grisea var. nevia, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., III, 1872, 182.—
CouEs, Key, 1872, 269; Check List, 1873, No. 458; Birds N.W., 1874, 523.—
HENSHAW, 1875, 466.
Ardea gardeni, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 645.
Nyctiardea gardeni, BATRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 678; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No.
495.
This Heron was common both in the vicinity of Sacramento and in
the wooded river-valleys of the Interior. Near our camp at the former
place was a small pond, where, just at dusk, one of these birds alighted
regularly to feed.
BOTAURUS MINOR.
American Bittern.
(Loo'-kem-o of the Washoes; Tah'-bah-bo-ne-kah'-bah of the Paiutes.)
Ardea stellaris var. 2. minor, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 635.
Ardea minor, WiLSON, Am. Orn., VIII, 1814, 35, pl. 65, fig. 3.
Botaurus minor, Bots, Isis, 1826, 979.—Covxs, Key, 1872, 269; Check List, 1873,
No. 460; Birds N.W., 1874, 523.— HENSHAW, 1875, 466.
Ardea lentiginosa, MONTAGUE, Orn. Dict., Suppl., 1813, —.
Botaurus lentiginosus, SrEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zool., XI, 1819, 596.— BARD, Birds
N. Am., 1858, 674; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 492.
The common Bittern was constantly found in all marshy situations in
the Interior, where it appeared to be resident all the year.
CYGNUS BUCCINATOR?—ANSER ALBATUS. 619
List of specimens.
288, 5 ad.; Camp 26, Truckee Meadows, Nevada, November 18, 1867. Wet
meadow. 28—433—12$—93—3i—3$—44—1}. Upper half of upper mandible, brown-
ish olivaceous-black, growillg more brownish basally, this color continuing in a broad
stripe over the lore to the eye; sharply-defined stripe of pure lemon-yellow above this,
on upper edge of bare loral space, and involving upper eyelid; stripe of same on lower
edge of bare loral space, along angle of mouth, and continuing in a well-defined stripe
along the commissure, terminally blending into the brownish of the mandible. Lower
mandible, pale lemon-yellow, deepest basally; stripe of dusky brownish along upper
posterior portion. Iris, clear light sulphur-yellow next the pupil, shading exteriorly
into orange-brownish, this encircled narrowly with black. Tarsi and toes, bright yel-
lowish-green. Claws, pale brown, dusky toward point.
350, 2 ad.; salt marshes, shore of Pyramid Lake, near mouth of Truckee, Decem-
ber 11, 1867. 244—37—11—81}—23—31—33—14. Same remarks.
Famitry ANATIDA—Swans, GEESE, and Ducks.!
CYGNUS BUCCINATOR.?
Trumpeter Swan.
Cygnus buccinator, RICHARDSON, [Fauna Bor. Am., [I, 1831, 464.—Batrp, Birds
N. Am., 1858, 758; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 562.—Couns, Key, 1872,
281; Check List, 1873, No. 476; Birds N.W., 1874, 544.
In December, 1867, Swans were exceedingly numerous in the vicinity
of Pyramid Lake, but as no specimens were obtained, we do not know
certainly whether they were the Trumpeter or Whistler (C americanus).
Their note was almost exactly like that of the Sand-hill Crane (Grus cana-
densis).
ANSER ALBATUS.
Lesser Snow-Goose.
Anser albatus, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1856, 41.—Batrp, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 925; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 563a.
Anser hyperboreus var. albatus, COUES, Key, 1872, 282; Check List, 1873, No. 480a,
Anser hyperboreus. b. albatus, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 549.
Anser hyperboreus, HENSHAW, 1875, 470 (?).
This Goose, almost universally known as the “ White Brant,” was an
abundant winter visitant to the lakes of the Great Basin.
1Our notes on many of the Anatidé are necessarily very brief, from the fact that
they are more difficult to observe than most other birds, except at certain times, when
the habits of all the species appear much the same. Many of them are also migratory,
and thus were seen only for @ brief season. We must therefore pass by certain species
without further remarks than to note the season when observed, or a few similar facts.
620 ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimens.
255, juv.; Humboldt Marshes (Camp 22), October 31, 1867. Bill, blackish dusky,
greenish-slate on upper basal portion; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, greenish-slate.
388, ¢ ad.; eastern shore of Pyramid Lake, December 28, 1867. 28—(?)—174—
133—25_23__(?)—(?). Weight, 5 pounds. Bill, dull light salmon-purple, becoming
whitish terminally; deepest salmon-color on the culmen, and most purplish basally;
commissure deep black, separated from the general purplish hue by a backward con-
tinuation of the white of the nail; eyelids, flesh-color; iris, vandyke-brown; tarsi and
toes, deep salmon-purple; claws, black.
BRANTA CANADENSIS.
Canada Goose. 7
Anas canadensis, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 198.
Bernicla canadensis, Bore, Isis, 1826, 921.—BaAtrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 567.
Bernicla (Leucoblepharon) canadensis, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 764.
Branta canadensis, BANNISTER, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci., Phila., 1870, 131.—Covuzs,
Key, 1872, 283, fig. 185a; Check List, 1873, No. 485; Birds N.W., 1874, 554.—
HENSHAW, 1875, 471.
This species was the only one of the genus found breeding in the
Great Basin, where it remained throughout the year about all the larger
lakes. Several goslings were caught in May, at Pyramid Lake, and their
parents likewise secured; the latter were unable to fly, having molted their
quill-feathers, but it required strong rowing far out into the lake to get
within gunshot of them, for they were fast swimmers, and took to the open
water when pursued. This species was also breeding at Great Salt Lake.
List of specimens.
1222, egg; Carrington Island, Great Salt Lake, June 17, 1869. Collected by Mr.
R. N. Davis.
BRANTA HUTCHINSI.
Hutchins’s Goose.
Anser hutchinsii, SwAtns. & Ricu., Fauna Bor.-Am., II, 1831, 470.
Bernicla hutchinsti, WOODHOUSE, Sitgreave’s Exped., 1823, 102.—BarrD, Cat. N.
Am. Birds, 1859, No. 569.
Bernicla (Leucoblepharon) hutchinsii, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, pp. XLIx, 766.
Branta hutchinsii, BANNISTER, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1870, 131.
Branta canadensis var. hutchinsii, COUES, Key, 1872, 284; Check List, 1873, No. 485b.
Branta canadensis. c. hutchinsii, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 554.
This miniature of the Canada Goose was an abundant winter visitant
in western Nevada, but it was not seen anywhere in summer, when all had
gone northward to breed.
BRANTA NIGRICANS—ANAS BOSCHAS. 621
List of specimens.
257, g ad.; Truckee Meadows (Camp 26), Nevada, November 5, 1867. 34;—60—
18—133—113_25_6—31, Bill, deep black; iris, vandyke-brown ; tarsi and toes, dull
brownish slaty-black.
258, ¢ ad.; Camp 26, November 6, 1867. 303—61§$—18—14—1}3—23—6—2}.
Same remarks.
BRANTA NIGRICANS.
Black Brant.
‘Anser nigricans, LAWRENCE, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y., IV, 1846, 171, pl. —.
Bernicla nigricans, CASSIN, Iust. Birds Cal., Tex., &c., 1853, 53, pl. 10.—Barrp,
Birds N. Am., 1858, 767; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 571.
Branta nigricans, BANNISTER, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1870, 131.
Branta bernicla var. nigricans, COUES, Key, 1872, 284, fig. 184b.—HENSHAW,
1875, 472.
Branta bernicla. b. nigricans, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 557.
The Black Brant was a rare winter visitant to Pyramid Lake, where
we noticed it in December, 1867, but did not obtain specimens.
ANAS BOSCHAS
Mallard.
(Te'-lehk of the Washoes.)
Anas boschas, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 205.—BarrpD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 774;
Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 576.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 285; Check List, 1873,
No. 488; Birds N.W., 1874, 559.— HENSHAW, 1875, 472.
The “Green-head” is one of the most abundant ducks of the Interior;
it is likewise a resident, though most numerous in summer. In July, this
species, with several others, particularly the Cinnamon Teal (Querquedula
cyanoptera) and Gadwall, were found in great abundance at the Glendale
Meadows, where they were breeding; at that time they were molting, and
having lost their quill-feathers, many were run down and killed with sticks;
thirteen, including the several species, being thus obtained in‘a single fore- .
noon.
List of specimens.
119, 2ad.; Big Bend of the Truckee (Camp 12), August 4, 1867. 214—234—93
' —7}—2—1,9,—(?)—-(?). Bill, dark greenish, becoming olivaceous-yellow along the
commissure; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, fine orange-chrome.
1161, eggs (8); south shore of Great Salt Lake, June 11, 1869. Nest in the grass,
about a rod from the shore.
622 ORNITHOLOGY.
CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS.
Gadwall.
Anas strepera, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 200.
Chaulelasmus streperus, GRAY, 1838.—BarrD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 782; Cat. N.
Am. Birds, 1859, No, 584.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 286; Check List, 1873, No.
491; Birds N.W., 1874, 563.—HENSHAW, 1875, 474.
During the breeding-season this was by far the most abundant of the
Ducks in the Lower Truckee Valley, where in May it outnumbered all
other species together. The specimens killed were in fine condition and of
excellent flavor, affording a delicious addition to our larder.
List of specimens.
770, eggs (9); Truckee Reservation, near Pyramid Lake, May 29, 1868. Nest of
down, placed on top of a dilapidated nest of a Magpie, in a willow-tree, about 8 feet
Jrom the ground.
MARECA AMERICANA.
Bald-pate,
Anas americana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 526.
Mareca americana, STEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen, Zool., XII, 1824, 135.—Bairp, Birds
N. Am., 1858, 783; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 585.—Cours, Key, 1872,
286; Check List, 1873, No. 493; Birds N.W., 1874, 564.—HunsHaw, 1875,
475. a
A rather common summer resident.
List of specimens.
1162, eggs (10); Rabbit Island, Great Salt Lake, June ill 1869. Nest of down,
under a grease-wood bush, near the shore.
DAFILA ACUTA.
Pin-tail.
Anas acuta, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 202.
Dafila acuta, BONAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 56.—Batrp, Birds N. Am., 1858,
776; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 578.—Cours, Key, 1872, 286, fig. 186;
Check List, 1873, No. 490; Birds N.W., 1874, 561.—Hmnsuaw, 1875, 473.
Not abundant, but observed in November at the Truckee Meadows,
and in December near Pyramid Lake. Not seen during the breeding-
season.
NETTION CAROLINENSIS—QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA. 623
NETTION CAROLINENSIS
Green-winged Teal.
Anas carolinensis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 533.
Querquedula carolinensis, STEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zool., XII, 1824, 128.—CovuEs,
Key, 1872, 287; Check List, 1873, No. 495; Birds N.W., 1874, 565—HzEn-
SHAW, 1875, 475.
Nettion carolinensis, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 777; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859,
No. 579.
Not common, but shot in June on Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake.
QYUERQUEDULA DISCORS.
Blue-winged Teal.
Anas discors, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 205.
Querquedula discors, StEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zool., XII, 1824, 149.—Batrp, Birds
N. Am., 1858, 779 ; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 581.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 287 ;
Check List, 1873, No. 496; Birds N.W., 1874, 566.—HENSHAW, 1875, 476.
Rather common in May at Pyramid Lake, where breeding in the
meadows.
QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA.
Cinnamon Teal.
Anas cyanoptera, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat., V, 1816, 104.
Querquedula cyanoptera, CASSIN, U.S. N. (Gilliss’) Astron. Exp., II, 1855, 202.—
BAirD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 780; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 582.—CovEs,
Key, 1872, 288; Check List, 1873, No. 497; Birds N.W., 1874, 567.—HEn-
SHAW, 1875, 477.
This handsome species was common, though not abundant, throughout
the West, both in the Sacramento Valley and in the Interior.
List of specimens.
100, nest and eggs (8); Truckee Meadows, Nevada, July 16, 1867. Nest in tuft
of grass in meadow, about two rods from the river.
775, eggs (9); Truckee Reservation, June 1, 1868. Nest in a grease-wood bush,
near the water.
1086, g ad.; mouth of Jordan River, Utah, June 3, 1869. 163—243. Bill, black ;
tris, orange ; tarsi and toes, orange, joints and webs blackish.
1087, 2 ad.; same locality and date. 154—24, Bill, dusky, paler along edge and
beneath ; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, ochraceous-drab.
624 ORNITHOLOGY.
SPATULA CLYPEATA.
Shovelier.
Anas clypeata, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 200.
Spatula clypeata, Bors, Isis, 1822, 564.—Barnp, Birds N. Am., 1858, 781; Cat. N.
Am. Birds, 1859, No. 583.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 288; Check List, 1873, No. 4983;
Birds N.W., 1874, 570.—HENSHAW, 1875, 478.
Common at Pyramid Lake in May.
AIX SPONSA.
Wood Duck.
Anas sponsa, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 207.
Aix sponsa, Bore, Isis, 1826, 329.—Batrp, Birds N. Am., 1858, 785; Cat. N. Am.
Birds, 1859, No. 587—Covurs, Key, 1872, 288; Check List, 1873, No. 499;
Birds N. W., 1874, 571.
One pair of this superb Duck was seen in J uly, among the cotton-
woods of the Truckee.
AYTHYA AMERICANA.
Red-head.
Fuligula americana, EYTON, Monograph Anatide, 1838, 155.
Aythya americana, BONAP., Comp. Rend., 1856, —— BAIRD, Birds N. Am,, 1858,
793; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 591.
Aythya ferina var. americana, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., II, 1872, 183.
Fuligula ferina var. americana, COUES, Key, 1872, 289; Check List, 1873, No.
503; Birds N.W., 1874, 575.—HENSHAW, 1875, 480.
In winter this is an abundant species on the lakes of the Great Basin.
It and the succeeding species are frequently used by the Paiute Indians in
making very artistic and elaborate decoys, which have a body of bent and
twisted dry tules (Scirpus), with the skin stretched over it, the head prepared
and poised in a style equal to that of the most accomplished taxidermist.
The floating decoy is anchored by a stone tied to a string, the other end of
which is fastened to the bill.
AYTHYA VALLISNERIA—FULIX COLLARIS. 625
AYTHYA VALLISNERIA.
Canvas-back.
Anas vallisneria, WILSON, Ain. Orn., VIII, 1814, 103, pl. 7, fig. 3.
Fuligula vallisneria, STEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zool., XII, pt. 11, 1824, 196 —Covszs,
Key, 1872, 290; Check List, 1873, No. 504; Birds N.W., 1874, 575.
Aythya vallisneria, Borg, Isis, 1826, 980.—BAtrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 592.
The Canvas-back was abundant in winter at the lakes and marshes of
the Great Basin, and it was also shot in May at Pyramid Lake, when other
species were breeding. In June, either this species or the Red-head was
very abundant in the tule-sloughs in the vicinity of Sacramento, where
they were undoubtedly breeding. We could obtain no specimens, however,
although numbers were seen, and are consequently doubtful as to the species.
FULIX MARILA.
Big Black-head.
Anas marila, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 196.
Fuligula marila, STEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zool., XII, pt. 11, 1824, 198.—Covss,
Key, 1872, 289; Check List, 1873, No. 500; Birds N.W., 1874, 573.—HEwn-
SHAW, 1875, 479.
Fuliz marila, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 791; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 588.
Winter visitant to Pyramid Lake.
FULIX AFFINIS.
Little Black-head.
Fuligula afinis, Eyton, Monograph Anatide, 1838, 157.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 289;
Check List, 1873, No. 501; Birds N.W., 1874, 573.
Fulix afinis, BArRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 791; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 589.
Winter visitant to Pyramid Lake.
FULIX COLLARIS.
Ring-bill.
Anas collaris, DONOVAN, British Birds, VI, 1809, pl. 147.
Fuligula collaris, BonaP., List Birds Eur., 1842, ——Couns, Key, 1872, 289;
Check List, 1873, No. 502; Birds N.W., 1874, 574.—HENSHAW, 1875, 479.
Fuliz collaris, BAIRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 792; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 590.
Pyramid Lake, in December.
40 PR
626 ORNITHOLOGY.
BUCEPHALA CLANGULA.
Golden-eye.
f. americana.
Clangula americana, BonaP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 53.
Bucephala americana, BAtRD, Birds N. Aw., 1858, 796; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859,
No. 593.
Bucephala clangula, CoUES, Key, 1872, 290 (not Anas. clangula, LINN.,=Buceph-
ala); Check List, 1873, No. 505; Birds N.W., 1874, 576.—HENSHAW, 1875,
480.
Pyramid Lake, in December.
BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA.
Butter-ball.
. Anas albeola, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 199.
Bucephala albeola, BAtRD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 797; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No.
595.—CouEs, Key, 1872, 290; Check List, 1873, No. 507; Birds N.W., 1874,
577.—HENSHAW, 1875, 482.
Winter resident on the lakes and larger rivers of the Interior.
List of specimens.
387, g ad.; Pyramid Lake, December 27, 1867. 14}—24$—74—5,9,_1,§,—14—
16
3—14. Bill, deep Jeaden-blue, dusky on the nail, on the basal portion of the culmen,
and behind the nostril; iris, dark vandyke-brown ; tarsi and feet, clear pinkish-white,
with a slight lilae tinge. -
ERISMATURA RUBIDA.
Ruddy Duck.
Anas rubida, WrLson, Am. Orn., VIII, 1814, 128, 130, pl. 71, figs. 5, 6.
Brismatura rubida, BoNAP., Comp. & Geog. List, 1838, 59.—BarrD, Birds N. Am,,
1858, 811; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 609.—Cougs, Key, 1872, 295; Check
List, 1873, No. 519; Birds N.W., 1874, 583.— HENSHAW, 1875, 483.
This Duck, the adult male of which is very conspicuous from its
peculiar markings, was abundant in the lagoons near Sacramento. In the
Interior it seemed to be rare, a female killed at Pyramid Lake, in Decem-
ber, being about the only one seen.
MERGUS AMERICANUS—PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. 627
MERGUS MERGANSER.
Bufl-breasted Sheldrake.
f. americanus.
Mergus castor var. americanus, BONAP., Comp. Rend., XLII, 1856, —.
Mergus americanus, Cassin, Pr. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1853, 187.—Batrp, Birds
N. Am., 1858, 813; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 611.
Mergus merganser, COUES, Key, 1872, 296; Check List, 1873, No. 521; Birds N.
W., 1874, 583 (not of LINN.)—_HENSHAW, 1875, 483.
Truckee and Carson Rivers, during the winter.
MERGUS SERRATOR.
Red-breasted Sheidrake.
Mergus serrator, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 208.— BARD, Birds N. Am., 1858, 814;
Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 612.—CouErs, Key, 1872, 296; Check List, 1873,
No. 522; Birds N.W., 1874, 584. —HENSHAW, 1875, 484.
Truckee River and Pyramid Lake, in December.
LOPHODYTES GUCULLATUS.
Hooded Sheldrake.
Mergus cucullatus, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 207—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 296; Check
List, 1873, No. 523; Birds N.W., 1874, 584.—HENSHAW, 1875, 484.
Lophodytes cucullatus, RuIcH., Syst. Av., 1852, 1x.—BarrD, Birds N. Am., 1858,
816; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 613.
.
This handsome species was occasionally met with in summer in the
wooded valleys of the Truckee and Carson Rivers, but it seemed to be
very rare
Faminy PELECANIDA—PELIcANS
PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS.
American Pelican.
(Bahns or Bah'-nus of the Paiutes.)
Pelecanus erythrorhynchus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat., I, 1788, 571.—BAtrRD, Birds N. Am.,
1858, 863; Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 615.
Pelecanus trachyrhynchus, LATHAM, Index Orn., II, 1790, 884.—CouEs, Key, 1872,
300; Check List, 1873, No. 526; Birds N.W., 1874, 586.—HENSHAW, 1875, 484.
628 ORNITHOLOGY.
Pelecanus oceipitalis, RIDGWAY, American Sportsman, Vol. IV, No. 19, Aug. 8,
1874, p. 297. [Name proposed in case the western birds prove distinct from
the eastern.']
In July, 1867, when encamped at the Big Bend of the Truckee
River, about fifteen miles from Pyramid Lake, our first opportunity was
afforded to observe the habits of the White Pelican. At that time few
1In the author’s paper, above cited [‘ Breeding-ground of White Pelicans at Pyr-
amid Lake, Nevada”], certain discrepancies between the descriptions given by various
authors, of the breeding plumage, and form of the mandibular crest, of the White
Pelicans of the northern and eastern portions of the continent, and the characters
of those observed at Pyramid Lake, are noted; these consisting, in brief, of the pos-
session by the latter of a conspicuous patch of dusky-grayish on the occiput, which
is wanting in the former, the absence of a yellowish occipital crest and a rosy tint to
the plumage, which is mentioned in nearly all descriptions, the smaller general size,
aud other minor points of difference. Captain Bendire, however, who found these
birds breeding at Lake Milheur, southeastern Oregon (see Rod and Gun, June 19,
1875, p. 194), says that those observed by him had a white occipital crest, while he
does not mention any dusky occipital spot. This apparent difference between the birds
of two quite adjacent localities is explained, however, by Mr. C. J. Maynard, who from
observations on a specimen kept in confinement, ascertained that this dusky spot
appears only after the occipital crest is dropped; and that this takes place just at the
close of the breeding-season is proven by the fact that our visit to Pyramid Lake was
in the latter part of May, when these birds had just made their second attempt to raise
a brood of young, the first effort having been foiled by the gulls, who had broken and
éaten the eggs. It is a notable fact, in this connection, that our birds possessing the
dusky occipital spot had dropped the mandibular excrescence. Mr. Maynard’s bird was
obtained in Florida (the date of capture is not mentioned), and had then the mandib-
ular excrescence and an occipital crest; these were both thrown off early in May, when
the dusky spot on the occiput made its appearance, the general plumage and the colors of
the soft parts at the same time undergoing certain changes—the brilliant orange of the
gular sac and orbital region fading to yellow. At the same time, however, Mr. May-
nard’s specimen differed in certain respects from all western examples which we have
seen, which still renders it likely that, as we suggested, the eastern and western birds
of this species may prove to be different races. As to this, Mr. Maynard, in the
article cited above, says: ‘‘ When captured he [the Florida specimen] had a fine occip-
ital crest three or four inches in length, of a pale straw-color [italics our own]. * *
The feathers of the back, usually the tertiaries, had an elongated central spot of pale
roseate. The center of the tail-feathers were also of a beautiful roseate tinge. Others shot
at the same time agreed with the description given above.” Mr. Maynard also states that
his bird had hazel eyes instead of white, and that the eyelids were yellow instead of
red; and that “although Audubon and Mr. Ridgway state that Pelicans have white
eyes, all that I have examined have hazel.” It may yet be ascertained, however, that
at the proper season (the height of the pairing-season) the western White Pelicans
may also possess the rosy tinge to the plumage, the yellow crest, etc., and that the color
of the iris may be to a certain extent dependent on age.
PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. 629
of these birds were seen, only a solitary individual being now and then
startled from a bed of driftwood in the river or noticed flying overhead.
In August, a portion of the party, accompanied by Mr. H. G. Parker,
United States Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Nevada, started on an
excursion to explore the lake and visit the abode of the Pelicans on the
island therein. As we descended the river the number of Pelicans seen
increased hourly, and when we reached the large open sheets of water
protected from the gales and swells of the lake by the intervening areas of
rushes and reeds (titles), bodies of hundreds of these melancholy-looking
birds were seen floating quietly upon the surface. They were exceedingly
unsuspicious, and so unmindful of our approach that when we stopped our
boat one old fellow swam slowly toward it until his curiosity brought him
within gunshot and to his death. Upon reaching the lake we encamped
on the sandy-shore about three quarters of a mile from the mouth of the
river. There we could see during the day thousands of Pelicans, as they
‘dotted the bosom of the lake, and in the morning, about sunrise, ‘“‘strings”
of several hundreds were observed flying from the island, about twelve miles
distant, where they had passed the night, to their feeding-grounds at the
mouth of the river. At such times they flew single-file, their manner of
flight being a succession of slow regular flaps of the wings, which at inter-
vals were extended to their full length, the birds sailing thus for a few rods,
when the flapping was resumed. In their flight, the line preserved the
utmost order and method; the leader being invariably the first to beat or
extend his wings, each one of the line following in succession. Occasionally
an individual would break the rank and alight upon the water, often remain-
ing in one spot for hours, and appearing in the distance like a white boat
at anchor. We remained here at our shore-camp about three days, when,
two more of the party joining us, we started about ten o’clock one moon-
light night for the island, which we reached after a hard row of about three
hours. Our arrival at the island startled the thousands of Pelicans which
were slumbering on the beach, and as they rose into the air the noise caused
by their confusion was so great that we could scarcely hear one another's
voices. When we landed they had all flown save a few sick or old birds,
that swam silently away from the shore; they could. be plainly seen, how-
630 ORNITHOLOGY.
ever, in the bright moonlight, floating as a mass, some distance out upon the
water; and no sooner had we left the boat than théy turned and swam slowly
back again. Our blankets were spread upon the higher ground, some dis-
tance from the boat, in order to avoid the offensive smell of the roosting-
eround. No sooner had we retired than the Pelicans all returned, and in
the morning, when we awoke, the whole beach about fifty yards distant
was covered with a dense crowd of these gigantic snow-white creatures,
who scarcely heeded us as we arose from our blankets; as we approached
them, however, they pushed one another awkwardly into the water, or rose
heavily and confusedly from the ground, and flying some distance out upon
the lake, alighted on the water. Now and then, one swimming from the
shore would turn its head and gaze upon us with a melancholy look; but
the majority of the flock remained upon the water only a short time, when
they arose and flew over us, divided into battalions, each turning its head
and looking down upon us as it went by.
In this connection, it nray perhaps be well to remark that of the many
individuals killed, including old and young of both sexes, and of the thous-
ands seen, not one possessed at this time the horny appendage to the culmen
of the upper mandible, so characteristic of the species during the breeding-
season. Three specimens, an adult male and female and a full-grown young
bird of the year, were prepared; but our return to camp being attended by
many difficulties, they were lost.
The next visit to the lake was made in December, following, when Mr.
Parker extended us an invitation to accompany him to the agency of the
reservation; but during our stay of about a month we did not see a single
Pelican, all having retired to the southward. Their return was first observed
about the twentieth of the following March, when we noticed, at Carson
City, immense flocks of them passing northward, in the direction of the
lake. They flew at a great height, and at times appeared bewildered,
moving in circles and deviating from the course they had Busser as if
uncertain of their way.
In May, 1868, the lake was again repaired to, and at this time we
found the Pelicans in as great abundance as during our visit the summer
previous; they appeared to be much more active, however, pairs, small
PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. 631
companies, or single birds flying up and down the river, quite near the
ground; and it was noticed that only a portion of them possessed the
“center-board,” although all exhibited the high-colors of the feet and pouch
found only in the fully adult birds in the breeding-season.
A‘few days after our arrival, we visited the island before mentioned.
This island is situated about twelve miles from the mouth of the river, on
the southeastern shore, and about three miles from the nearest point on the
eastern side, just off which is the remarkable ‘ Pyramid,” from which the
lake receives its name—a wonderfully regular pyramidal rock about three
hundred feet high, with a triangular base. The island itself is about three
miles in circuit; its central portion culminates in two peaks having a height
of about five hundred feet above the surface of the lake, while the northern
and southern extremities run out in long, pointed beaches, the intervening
eastern shore being a sloping plateau, with a water-front of perpendicular
though broken rocks. In ‘a cave on this rocky shore was-the eyrie of a
Bald Eagle, which was inaccessible from any point, although it could be
plainly seen from above through a crevice in the rocks. The southern
point of the island was overgrown by grease-wood bushes of an unusually
large size, and on the top of each of these was the nest of a pair of Great
Blue Herons (Ardea herodias); the more elevated and rocky northern shore
was covered by the nests of an immense colony of Gulls (Larus californicus),
while the northeastern point, a long strip of low gravelly beach, extending
for a hundred yards or more out into the lake from the main shore, was
the portion of the island which had been selected by the Pelicans as their
breeding-ground. This drove of Pelicans, which comprised several hun-
dred pairs, had previously, during the same season, laid their eges on the
highest part of the eastern plateau, where we found the fragments of their
eggs, which had been destroyed by their incessant enemies, the Gulls,
strewn over an area of about two acres’ extent. This old breeding-ground
_, was discovered by us during our first exploration of the island, and it was
not until a week or so later that we found the new settlement. The site
of the latter was a low gravelly point extending a hundred yards or more
beyond the main beach, and when first discovered was covered by a com-
pact body of Pelicans, which to all appearance were merely resting, since
632 ORNITHOLOGY.
many of them were standing. Upon proceeding to the spot, however, it
was found that the latter were male birds, standing beside their mates, who
were, themselves, sitting on their eggs. At our approach all of them flew,
and alighted some distance out upon the water. The ground was then
found to be literally covered with their nests, which occupied nearly if not
quite one-half of the surface, each nest consisting merely of a heap of gravel
raked into a pile and flattened on top, and without any additional material,
such as sticks and feathers, like those of the Gulls. No nest contained more
than a single egg, which is no doubt explained by the fact that they had
laid once before that season. One hundred and nine, altogether, were picked
up, and when blown were found to be perfectly fresh. Many nests were
empty, so that it is altogether likely some of the birds had not laid yet.
These eggs were, with scarcely an exception, conspicuously blood-stained,
caused in part by their large size, but chiefly by the roughness of their
calcareous coating; the hemorrhage being in some instances so copious
that half the surface was discolored.
_ It was during this visit to Pyramid Lake that the fact that the man-
dibular excrescence characteristic of this species is deciduous was confirmed,
it having been first ascertained, so far as we know, several years previous,
by Mr. H. G. Parker, of Carson City, a very careful and intelligent observer,
at that time United State Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Nevada, who
accompanied us upon our several visits to the lake. Upon our arrival there,
early in May, it was noticed that quite a number of the Pelicans did not
possess this appendage, but it was supposed that these were females; and
it was also observed that there was a very perceptible daily increase in the
number of such individuals. When we first visited the island none of these
curious appendages, appropriately styled by Mr. Parker “ center-boards,”
were noticed; but in the course of a few days they became so numerous
that a bushel of them could have been picked up in a short time. Some
had been recently dropped, as was readily detected from the soft texture
of the surface where they had been joined to the culmen, while others were
dried and warped by the sun, having been cast for some time. Among the
large number examined, we found none corresponding in shape with that
figured and described by Mr. Audubon, namely, “about one inch high * *
PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. 633
and about three inches in length, in some specimens as much as five inches,”
and “continued forward, of less elevation, to the extent of an inch farther”?
—all being of quite regular and firm outline, the top convex or arched, the
width at the base greater than that through the middle; they were also with-
out anterior or posterior continuations. The usual size was about two and a
half inches in vertical length, and the same in width at the base, the largest
specimen found being three and a half inches high by three wide. Of two
now before us, one measures two and a half inches from the center of the
top to the posterior lower angle, three and a quarter from the same point to
the anterior lower corner, and a little more than two and a half inches
along its base, its transverse thickness being three-tenths of an inch. The
other measures one inch and eight-tenths in height (the fibers running per-
pendicularly, instead of very obliquely backward, toward the top) by two
inches and seven-tenths in width at the base. In some examples the two
edges were nearly parallel, the general form being thus very nearly semi-
elliptical; but such specimens were rare, the usual form being an irregular
arch.
In a former account of the habits of the White Pelican as observed at
Pyramid Lake, published in the American Sportsman (Vol. IV, No. 19,
pp. 289 and 297), we stated that the horny exerescence, characteristic of
this species in the breeding-season, was peculiar to the male. We were led
to make this statement by the fact that of the several specimens dissected
every one possessed of this appendage proved to be a male, while nearly
all those in which it was absent were females. We did not, unfortunately,
take into consideration the circumstance that the breeding-season was
nearly over, and, that, as a consequence, a very large proportion (a consid-
erable majority, in fact) of these birds had shed, or cast, this curious decid-
uous growth. We are glad, however, to have our error corrected, as has
been done by several observers having opportunities which were not
afforded ourselves for deciding the point, and who furnish satisfactory
evidence that both sexes possess the so-called ‘‘center-board.” According
to Dr. T. M. Brewer (Rod and Gun, June 19, 1875, p. 194), the error of our
statement was perhaps first ascertained by Captain Charles Bendire, U.S. A.,
1 Birds of America, Oct. ed., Vol. VII, p. 26, pl. 422.
634 ORNITHOLOGY.
who found these birds breeding in immense numbers at Lake Malheur, in
southeastern Oregon, on the 16th of April, 1865; but we had been previ-
ously corrected by Professor F. 8. Snow, in the Observer of Nature (Law-
rence, Kansas), June 4, 1875, and by Mr. N. 8. Goss, of Neosho Falls,
Kansas, in the Rod-and Gun for June 12, 1875 (page 167). That the
mandibular crest of this species is really deciduous, however, has been fully
confirmed by recent observers; and regarding this remarkable fact, it may
be proper to state here, that it was first discovered by Mr. H. G. Parker, of
Carson City, Nevada (in about 1865), and first published by us, through
Professor Baird, in The Ibis (London), in 1869 (p. 350).
The length of time required for the perfect development of this ap-
pendage is not known. From the articles cited above, however, we know
that it is to be found from the 16th of April until June 3d, so that it may
therefore fairly be presumed that its growth commences early in the spring
or late in winter; and we have also positive proof that it falls off of many
individuals as soon as the beginning of May, and that by the end of the
latter month exceedingly few which possess it are to be found; while it is
also certain that it does not exist on any specimens during the latter part of
summer, in fall, or in the early part of winter. As to the use of this append-
age, no plausible theory has yet been proposed, so far as we know; it cer-
tainly is not a weapon of defense or offense, since in that case it would
hardly be possessed by both sexes, while it is also well known that few
birds are less combative than the Pelican.
There are many seasonal changes of plumage in this species which are,
as yet, only very imperfectly understood, but which we hope soon to see
made clear by the observations of those who have the opportunity to study
these birds in nature during different times of the year. These problems
have been fully discussed by us in the paper in the American Sportsman,
alluded to above, to which the reader is referred for information on this
point.
List of specimens.
749, 9 ad.; Pyramid Lake, Nevada, May 19, 1868. 62—106—25j3—19. Weight,
15 pounds. General hue of the bill, reddish salmon-color, the culmen dirty whitish,
the reddish deepening on the nail and edges of the mandibles into orange-red ; lower
mandible deeper reddish than the upper, and growing more intense, or brick-red,
GRACULUS FLORIDANUS. 635
basally; gular pouch, passing from nearly white anteriorly, through rich yellow and
then orange, into intense dragon’s-blood- or brick-red at the base, and with a blackish
suffusion anteriorly ; loose, flabby skin of the lores and orbital region, rich orange-
yellow; eyelids, dark dragon’s-blood-red ; iris, clear pearl-white; naked portion of the
tibia, tarsi, and feet, intense orange-red, so deep as to have the appearance of having
been dyed. [ Without the mandibular process.]
766, g ad.; Pyramid Lake, May 28, 1868. 62—101—243—18}. Weight, 17
pounds. Same remarks. [ Without the mandibular process.]
570-679, eggs; island in Pyramid Lake, May 16, 1868. One hundred and nine
eggs, from as many nests. Nests, mere heaps of gravel, with a slight depression on top,
crowded together on a narrow point of the island, only a few feet above the surface of
the lake.
Faminry GRACULIDA#—Cormorants.
GRACULUS DILOPHUS.
r Double-crested Cormorant.
f. floridanus.
(Pah-tsik’-wy-he or Pah-tsik'-we of the Paiutes.)
Phalacrocorax floridanus, AUDUBON, Orn, Biog., III, 1835, 387; B. Am., oct. ed.,
VI, 430, pl. 417.
Graculus floridanus, BONAP., Consp. Av., II, 1855, 172. LAWRENCE, in Baird’s
Birds N. Am., 1858, 879.—BairD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 624.
Graculus dilophus var. floridanus, COUES, Key, 1872, 303; Check List, 1873, No.
530a.
Graculus dilophus. b. floridanus, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 587.
This Cormorant was very abundant at Pyramid Lake and along the
lower portion of the Truckee River, being the only species of the family
occurring in that vicinity. It was found from May until August, but in
December none were observed. Small congregations were frequently to be
seen during the summer-time, perched upon the snags far out in the lake, the
latter being nearly submerged cotton-wood trees which marked, at that time,
the former course of the river when the lake occupied more restricted limits."
1As is the case with the Great Salt Lake, Pyramid Lake has risen many feet
within the last few years, the principal encroachment being on the low land adjacent
to the mouth of the Truckee River, which at the time of our last visit was thrown a
mile or more back from its former location, as marked by the line of partly-submerged
trees alluded to above.
636 ORNITHOLOGY.
On these tree-tops many of their nests were found, these being composed
of sticks, and containing one to three eggs each.
Besides the specimen in our collection, an adult, in the nuptial plu-
mage, was killed in May, but was not preserved ; in this specimen the fol-
lowing differences were noted in the colors of the soft parts: Iris, brilliant
green; eyelids, and whole interior of the mouth, bright cobalt-blue; gular
sac, deep orange.
List of specimens.
127, ? juv.; Pyramid Lake, August 13, 1867. &3$—524. Bill, dull brownish-
yellow, nearly black on the culmen; gular sac, dull chrome-yellow ; iris, greenish-
gray; tarsi and toes, deep black.
735, egg (1); Pyramid Lake, May 17, 1868. Nest in top of cotton-wood tree, at
mouth of the river.
751, egg (1); Pyramid Lake, May 20, 1868. Same remarks.
Famity LARIDA—GULLS and TERNS.
BLASIPUS HEERMANNI.
Heermann’s Gull.
Larus heermanni, CAsstn, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., VI, 1852, 187.
Blasipus heermanni, BONAP., Consp. Av., II, 1856, 211.—LAWRENCE, in Baird’s
Birds N. Am., 1858, 848.—BaArrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 666.
Larus (Blasipus) heermanni, Sci. & Sauyv., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1875, 574
(fig.).—CouEs, Birds N.W., 1874, 641.
Larus belcheri, ScHLEG., Mus. Pays-Bas, Lari, 9 (part)—CouzEs, Check List,
1873, No. 531.
Larus (Blasipus ) belcheri, COUES, Key, 1872, 314.
Found only along the Pacific coast. Represented in our collection by
a specimen presented by Mr. Parker.
List of specimens.
429,“ 3 juv.; Bay of San Francisco, February 20, 1868, 173—42—(?)—10.” (Pre-
sented by H. G. Parker.)
LARUS CALIFORNICUS. 637°
LARUS CALIFORNICUS.
California Gull.
(Que-nahk'-et or Gui-ni'-heet of the Paiutes.)
? Larus argentatoides, BONAP., Synop., 1828, 360.
Larus californicus, LAWRENCE, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y., VI, 1854, 79; in Baird’s
Birds N. Ain., 1858, 846.—BaiRD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 663.—CouEs,
‘Birds N.W., 1874, 634.
Larus delawarensis var. californicus, COUES, Key, 1872, 313; Check List, 1873,
No. 548a.
This species was the only Gull found in the Great Basin during sum-
mer, but it was apparently entirely absent in winter, when its place was
supplied by ZL. delawarensis. It was abundant both at Pyramid Lake and
Great Salt Lake, on the rocky islands of which it nested in immense
colonies. At the former locality, many hundred pairs occupied a portion of
the northern shore of the main island, where the ground was elevated many
feet above the lake, with a broken ledge of rock along the shore as well as
above their breeding-ground. Here their nests covered several acres of
eround, and were thickly strewn over the surface; each consisted of an
external rim of gravel and other rubbish raked into a pile, the center hol-
lowed out and lined with a few feathers and sticks; the number of eggs, of
which many bushels were gathered for food, varied from one to four in a
nest, and among this immense quantity we noticed very remarkable ex-
tremes of form, size, and colors, the series selected for preservation illustra-
ting the principal of these variations. While their nests were being despoiled,
the Gulls kept up a constant clamor, some hovering over our heads, but most
of them perched in rows on the ledge of rocks back from the breeding-
ground. Over fifty specimens were shot, and among these slight individual
discrepancies were noted, the principal one being in the distinctness of the
black spots near the end of the bill, which in a few were entirely obsolete,
in some distinct on both mandibles, and in others of intermediate develop-
ment. The examples in the collection, enumerated below, were selected
with a view to represent the extreme variations detected in the large series
examined.
638 ORNITHOLOGY.
List of specimens.
111, ¢ad.; Truckee River, at Big Bend, July 29, 1867. 213—03—153—12—24—
21612}. Bill, greenish lemon-yellow, the terminal third of the lower mandible
bright orange-red, tinged with carmine, the tip again yellow; a distinct dusky spot in
the middle of the red, and one immediately above it, near end of upper mandible;
rictus and eyelids, vermilion-red ; iris, dark hazel; tarsi and toes, light ashy pea-green ;
claws, black.
680-734, eggs; island in Pyramid Lake, May 16, 1868.
739-747, eggs; same locality, May 18, 1868.
752, 3ad.; island in Pyramid Lake, May 20, 1868, 22—54—13}. Bill, deep na-
ples-yellow, tinged with chrome, and having a distinct band of dusky near the end,
which is grayish-white; the dusky spot on the lower mandible followed posteriorly by
a spot of deep orange-red; rictus and eyelids, vermilion; iris, vandyke brown; tarst
and toes, pale pea-green. [Compare with notes on L. delawarensis, as given below.]
753-760, eggs; same locality, May 22, 1868.
800, ¢ad.; same locality, May 25, 1868. 223—554—(?)—133$. Same remarks as
to No. 111, but black spots of the bill obsolete.
801, $ad.; same locality and date. 224—554—(?)—13$. Same remarks; black
spots distinct.
802, 9 ad.; same locality and date. 214—514—(?)—123. Black spots obsolete.
1199-1217, eggs; Carrington Island, Great Salt Lake, June 17, 1869. (Collected
by R. N. Davis and 8S. Watson.)
’ LARUS DELAWARENSIS.
Ring-billed Gull.
(Que-nahk'-et of the Paiutes.)
Larus delawarensis, ORD, Guthrie’s Geog., 2d Am. ed., II, 1815, 319.—Lawr., in
Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 846.—BAIRD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 664.—
Couks, Key, 1872, 313; Check List, 1873, No. 548; Birds N.W., 1874, 636.—
HENSHAW, 1875, 485.
This Gull was observed only as a winter sojourner at Pyramid Lake,
being entirely absent from there in summer.
List of specimens.
365, 2 ad.; Pyramid Lake, Nevada, December 21, 1867. 18—45—14$—124—1}
—1Z—53 21, Bill, greenish naples-yellow, with a transverse band of deep black
near the end; rictus and eyelids, vermilion-red; interior of the mouth, deep orange-
red, growing more intense posteriorly; iris, light naples-yellow ; tarsi and feet, deep,
light, naples-yellow. [Compare with notes on L. californicus, given above.]
CHRG@COCEPHALUS PHILADELPHIA—STERNA FORSTERI. 639
CHR@COCEPHALUS PHILADELPHIA.
Bonaparte’s Gull.
Sterna philadelphia, ORD, Guthrie’s Geog., 2a Am. ed., IT, 1815, 319.
Chrecocephalus philadelphia, LAWR., in Baird’s Birds N. Am. 1858, 852.—BarrD,
Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 670.
Larus philadeiphia, GRAY, List. Br. Birds, 1863, 235.—CovuEs, Key, 1872, 316;
Check List, 1873, No. 556.
Larus (Chrecocephalus) philadelphia, CoUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 655.
Not seen by us.
List of specimens.
430, *“* 2 ad.; Bay of San Francisco, February 1, 1868. 134—313—(?)—8}.” (Pre-
sented by H. G. Parker.)
STERNA REGIA.
Royal Tern.
Sterna regia, GAMBEL, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., [V, 1848, 228.—Lawk.., in Baird’s
Birds N. Am., 1858, 859.—BatrpD, Cat. N. Am., B., 1859, No. 683.—CovEs,
Key, 1872, 319; Check List, 1873, No. 562.
Thalasseus regius, GAMBEL, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., I, 2d ser., 1849, 228.
Sterna (Thalasseus) regia, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874, 669.
This powerful Tern was more or less common in May at Washoe Lake
and near Pyramid Lake, in September at the Humboldt Marshes, and
among the marshes near Salt Lake City in June and July.
STERNA FORSTERI.
Forster’s Tern.
Sterna forstert, NUTTALL, Man. Orn., II, 1834, 274 (foot-note).—LAWR., in Baird’s
Birds N. Am., 1858, 862.—Barrp, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 691.—CouEs,
Key, 1872, 321; Check List, 1873, No. 566; Birds N.W., 1874, 676.—HEN-
SHAW, 1875, 486.
Sterna havelli, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog., V, 1839, 122, pl. 409, fig. 1 (= young).—
LAwR., in Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 861.—BartrpD, Cat. N. Am. Birds,
1859, No. 686.
Forster’s Tern was very common in June at Sacramento, and through-
out the summer in the vicinity of Pyramid, Ruby, and Franklin Lakes, and
640 ORNITHOLOGY.
the Humboldt Marshes. It was met with afterward at Great Salt Lake,
where it was the most abundant species, far exceeding in numbers even the
Hydrochelidon lariformis.
List of specimens.
1085, ¢ juv.; Salt Lake City, Utah, June 2, 1869. 144—303. Terminal half of
bill, black ; basal half, dull orange-red; iris, brown; tarsi and toes, beautiful rich
orange-red.
HYDROCHELIDON LARIFORMIS.
Black Tern.
Rallus lariformis, LInn., Syst. Nat., I, ed. 10, 1758, 153 (Huropean).
Hydrochelidon lariformis, Cours, Birds N.W., 1874, 704.—HENSHAW, 1875, 487.
Sterna fissipes, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 228 (Huwropean).
Hydrochelidon fissipes, GRAY, Genera of Birds, III, 1849, 660 (Huropean).—COovuES,
Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1862, 554; Key, 1872, 323; Check List, 1873, No.
575 (American).
Sterna plumbea, WiLSoN, Am. Orn., VII, 1813, 83, pl. Lx1x, fig. —(American).
Hydrochelidon plumbea, LAWR., in Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 864.—BaAtrD, Cat.
N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 695.
This lively and interesting Tern was an exceedingly numerous species
at Sacramento, as well as about the extensive marshes of the Interior. At
the former locality they were seen about every pool in the outskirts of the
city, flitting over the surface of the water, and across the meadows, uttering
their harsh note of krik, krik, krik, as they flew. They were so unsuspicious
that the town boys often killed them with stones or clubs thrown at them
when flying.
List of specimens.
59 g ad.; Sacramento City, California, June 19, 1867. 9§—244,—83—6}3—14—
—34—14. Bill, deep black; rictus, purplish lake-red ; interior of mouth, lavender-
pink ; iris, hazel; tarsi and toes, dark purple; claws, black.
PODICEPS OCCIDENTALIS. 641
Famity PODICIPIDA—GREBES.
PODICEPS OCCIDENTALIS.
Westerm Grebe.
Podiceps occidentalis, LAWRENCE, in Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 894.—BarrD, Cat.
N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 704.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 336; Check List, 1873, No.
608.—HENSHAW, 1875, 488.
Achmophorus occidentalis, COUES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1862, 229.
Podiceps (Aichmophorus) occidentalis. a. occidentalis, COUES, Birds N.W., 1874,
727.
This large Grebe was very abundant in Pyramid Lake, where it
appeared to be a permanent resident. The specimen in the collection was
found “snow-bound” in the sage-brush near Carson City, being discovered
by its tracks in the deep snow, where it had scrambled along for a hundred
yards or more. It was headed toward the Carson River, and had evidently
come from Washoe Lake, about five miles distant, and becoming exhausted
by the long flight had fallen to the ground. In Pyramid Lake, these Grebes
were exceedingly abundant in May, and were constantly in sight from our
boat. When fired at with a rifle they would dive at the report, and upon
their reappearance generally showed only the head or head and neck above
the surface; but they swam so low in the water that we found it exceed-
ingly difficult to kill them; one was shot, however, and was found to agree
exactly in colors and other respects with the specimen in our collection.’
List of specimens.
402, g ad.; Carson City, Nevada, January 13, 1868. 26—40—8—53—3—23—(?)
—(?). Bill, dull, rather light yellow, the lower mandible deepening into orange termi-
nally; culmen and broad longitudinal space on the side of the basal two-thirds of the
lower mandible, dark olive-green, the former nearly black; iris, pure carmine (having
much the appearance of a red currant), growing narrowly whitish around the pupil;
tarsi and toes, dull olivaceous-yellow, the outer side of the tarsus and joints of the
toes nearly black.
1 The seasonal changes of plumage, so remarkable in most Grebes, do not manifest
themselves in the species of this group (P. occidentalis and P. clarki), the colors and
markings being identical in winter and in the breeding-season. [ven the young do not
differ appreciably from the adult, as is seen from a specimen collected the past season
in Nevada, by Mr. HensHAw. In view of these facts, as well as in justice to important
peculiarities of form, we should now use the generic name Aichmophorus, proposed by
Dr. CougEs, for this group.
41 PR
642 ORNITHOLOGY.
PODICEPS CRISTATUS.
Crested Grebe.
Colymbus cristatus, LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 222.
Podiceps cristatus, LATHAM, Ind. Orn., II, 1790, 780.—LAWR., in Baird’s Birds
N. Am., 1858, 893.—BaArrD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 703.—CovEs, Key,
1872, 336; Check List, 1873, No. 609; Birds N.W., 1874, 729.
This species was quite numerous in August and September in Franklin
Lake, but no specimens could be obtained. It is no doubt a summer-resi-
dent in suitable localities throughout the Basin.
PODICEPS AURITUS.
Eared Grebe.
f. californicus—California Grebe.
Podiceps californicus, HEERMANN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1854, 179.—Lawr.,
in Baird’s Birds N. A.m., 1858, 896.—BA1rD, Cat. N. Am. Birds, 1859, No. 707.
Podiceps auritus var. californicus, CouES, Key, 1872, 337; Check List, 1873, No.
612; Birds N.W., 1874, 733. HENSHAW, 1875, 489.
This little Grebe was usually found in the same localities with P. occi-
dentalis, and like it was a constant resident. In Soda Lake, on the Carson
Desert, we observed a very large flock of what was probably this species,
but they kept so far from the shore that the species could not be deter-
mined beyond doubt. They were exceedingly clamorous.
List of specimens.
366, g ad.; Pyramid Lake (mouth of the Truckee River), December 21, 1867. 12
—21—5—3%. Upper mandible, greenish-black, growing pale ashy olive-green on basal
third of the commissure (broadly) and on the culmen; lower mandible, ashy olive-
green, paler below, and more yellowish basally; iris, bright orange-red, more scarlet
outwardly, and with a fine thread-like white ring around the pupil; tarsi and toes,
dull blackish on outer side, passing on the edges into olive green; inner side, dull light
yellowish-green ; inner toc, apple-green. [In winter plumage.]
PODILYMBUS PODICEPS 643
PODILYMBUS PODICEPS
Thick-billed Grebe.
Colymbus podiceps, LiNN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 223.
Podilymbus podiceps, LAWRENCE, Baird’s Birds N. Am., 1858, 898.—Barrp, Cat.
N. Am, Birds, 1859, No. 709.—CovEs, Key, 1872, 338; Check List, 1873, No.
614; Birds N.W., 1874, 737, HENSHAW, 1875, 490.
This common Grebe was a resident species in all suitable localities.
List of specimens.
264, juv.; Truckee River (Camp 26), November 18, 1867. 15—22—54—4—1,5—
13—(?)—(?). Bill, horn-color, becoming blackish basally and on the culmen; lower man-
dible, more lilaceous, with a dusky lateral stripe; iris, of three distinct colors, dis-
posed in concentric rings, the first (around the pupil) clear milk-white, the next dark
olive-brown, the outer pale ochraceous-brown, the dark ring reticulated into the lighter;
tarsi and toes, greenish-slate, the joints darker.
454, 2ad.; Carson City, March 24, 1868. 134—213—5—3}. Bill, clear opaque
white, or milk-white, purest posterior to a black band across its terminal third, the
anterior portion with a strong tinge of slaty-blue; eyelids, pure white; lores, more
bluish; iris, rich dark brown, with a narrow outer ring of ochraceous-white, the two
colors reticulated together; next the pupil, a fine thread-like ring of white; tarsi and
toes, greenish slate-black on the outer side, plumbeous on the inner side.
wm 3 =so s* —
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16 eed = mi nee}! x +t. Fags le
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INDEX: TO PAE T. I:
(Synonyms in italics.)
Page.
IAGervulariais tec cans oes eee) caes i 31
pentagona ......-.-.. 31
Acrochordiceras ...-..--.--.-.--- 124
Elyattir s-. occ ee 124
PAV GOLIGESHis-lacts cise pene ses sien 25
multilamella......-...-- 25
(undet. sp.)...-..---..-- 26
Ammonitoid forms of the Upper
Triassic of Nevada..........--.. 105
ANNES] o6 Soponocgsonoekosacd 46, 136
AM CHULA Ys, cre sherciaisiaisicie sissies Guat oele 160
BTUSITOTMMIS Ys. stelle ines 163
Ancylus undulatus..........-.--.- 186
JMS O) Nee goc po0e Beobeoon Bue 162
sexsulcatus? ........-. 162
Anomia retiformis.......- eyes syevese 141
PAN OMT Aree ceepe tense a Statctency ysicta ee 141
NPORRHATD AG 2 nt0 seielees se msnisi 36 160
PAPCESLES) sere.c(ertis jsrscayeres o1ateieie © tenuate 119
Gabblesctesecn eens ores 121
? perplanus...........-.. 120
DASE: OHS DUD Aa soso ro. ae myer sia/epe, wire Sere 119
JNAGMD)A Joes eecotos dana cocadesc 134, 148
JN PMOL ONG UN GE eases ony sen eicanene 20, 48
JXGINISS peo aneenad CueOoee os Sone 81
? persinuata..........-... 81
UR OUSSViltee eee ices octane 82
SUbbilifit sac. eeteeeeicc ee 83
INGE ag 20 CORSE ODER ne 38
TECICULATIS: 5! atcior=wjetere siec) stators 38
IAT RIC UL UD AR. cfs acciceo o/aeieicierei.n's 175
Aviculopecten 2-2 eee ces ii a. 93
catactus ........... 93
occidaneus ..-....-. 96
Utahensis .......... 95
Page.
PASAT CB aerials siete are ayes cas crsieieies Gave 149
Wyomingensis............ 149
Belemnites) conto e ake see tee occ: 138
Nevadensis............ 138
BELEMNITIDIA =e sees eee cee 138
BRACHIOPODAR Haan seen eee 35, 62
Campeloma:: sos 34 20.45 spscmietee 22 179
macrospira.........~-- 179
(undet.sp.)|...--.-..... 181
Campophyllum .....-............ 57
Carboniferous species ..-........- 50
CAR DMD AL 2s s.aoy cisieatnthon seca eee 151
Cardinmycurtumbesses see ae eee 151
subcurtum,-2o-- ea. = ~~. saa ee 98
CLONTAD TTD © yn cetaere eicta ie ceeee 98
Goniobaris (it eee eee oe LOS
SIMpPSOnleee yee eenee 193
SvIMNOLOCEIAS.". . 47, 104
Ophile tavern ccs -)peias esetere deer 17
complanata var. nana .... 17
Ostreaces scisctoee ae Shslce no ee 140
(und efisp))reciere-end-as 140
OS PBEM Ase 6555: 1s ers sceye = erates ets 140
IANA OED YAU Soe «Sethe 5, ap eeepes meiotic 20
HAL AM ORIGES|.sn/e sh wee ye See tere oS 2
? Nevadensis ..-..-..- 23
nM a Kan iy s= 52 .. 209
Conocorypbe Kingii.......---.--. 212
CREPICEPHALUS.....-..-. ese 209
Crepicephalus (Loganellus) anytus. 219
(Loganellus) granu-
LOSUS} yore ieicariet 214
(Loganellus)Haguei. 210
(Loganellus) maculo-
SUStanee ones as 215
(Loganellus) nitidus. 212
(Loganellus) quad-
LPNS) GoSadg aeaues 238
(Loganellus) simula
LODE ease vines 218
(Loganellus) unisul
Cabu Scere ssc oe 216
(Bathyurus?) angula-
TUS eee sees | 220
Cyathophyllum .......-.....---.. 202
Cyrtoceras cessator...........-.-- 278
Cyrtolites sinuatus ............... 237
Devonian, Fossils of the........-- 246
DIKELLOCEPHALUS .......-.--.-- 225
Dikellocephalus bilobatus......... 226
flabellifer ........ 227
? gothicus .....-... 242
650
Dikellocephalus Minnesotensis ..- -
multicinctus ..--..
Pepinensis ...-:-.
quadriceps
Wahsatchensis ---
Edmondia Myrina....-......-.---
Eumicrotis curta .....-....--.----
igbW nl Soeycepagecsass
Euomphalus cyclostomus
laxus
(Straparollus) Ophiren-
SIS ico Acer epaicte ctr
pentangularis......--
? rotuliformis
? trochiscus...-....--.-
(Straparollus) Utahen-
Fenestella
Fossils of the—
Coal Measures
MD eSvoniaNisasaesteecis eee
MULASSIC Sasa Seger seer
Lower Carboniferous. ....
Permo-Carboniferous ....
Potsdam group...---.---
Silurian
Triassic
Waverly group ....-.---
Fusispira compacta. ...---.------:
General remarks on formations, H.
and W
Geneseeislate) ease siete nor
Glauconome
Goniatites globulus........-----.-
Jowensis
sere cee
ho nim sa vac ele» alee mil ord inves Sie)
SPUSM CHS pein er
Gryphza caleeola var. Nebrascensis
Hall, James, and R. P. Whitfield,
MED OLUOL apie nchae init erent tetas
Jurassic, Fossils of the....-.....--
Kutorgina minutissima .......----
Leptena Melita -....-- Ree ems, 5 ic
Lima (Plagiostoma) occidentalis - -.
lineata
199
201
202
279
279
279
279
279
286
197
248
207
208
292
292
INDEX TO PART II.
ihineulellayasermieseier eke ae ee
Lingulepis Ella
Mera
MINUta see eee
pinnaformis........--.
Loganellus anytus.....--..-...----
granulosus......-+-----
HO GUeb o.oo
LOGONIA Srila
maculosa
TOG Ui aerate. Coa ae ote -
quadrans
simulator.....-.---.-+-
unisulcatus
Lunulicardium fragilis...........-
fragosum ...-.-....
Lower Carboniferous, Fossils of - - -
Lyonsia concava
Maclurea minima
Michelina
Monotis curta
tenwicostatus ,....-.-.----
Myalina aviculoides ..........-- :
Myalina concavus. ...--.----+----
Myalina Permiana..........-.-.--
Mytilus (Myalina) concavus
Permianus. ....--
Na ties Py ela sate tse eee: eet tate ‘
Naticopsis nana.........-.-.-----
Neritoma....-..-. Metdoosu sone a
Neritopsis
Nuculites triangulus.........-....
PRIQUeG La eae
Obolella discoida .........-.---
Ogygia parabola
PLOCUChl Reese eevee ee
Orthis Barabouensis...-....--.---
GOSS Soey Agcdose decoase
THO 65560 asoousasenesS
Orthis equivalvis.......-.-+--+-+--
Orthis Pogonipensis.....-.-...---
THER TY ONOEMNENG age SOoohoobe Soc
Orthoceras annulato-costatum
Chesterensis :....-----
Ostrea congesta........-.-.------
Engelmanni. .. -- Ne leieie siete
ee ee ee ee
ene ee eee
INDEX TO PART II.
Ostrea strigilecula..... -..... 0.020
SPa ites lets seek
Paracyclas elliptica...............
occidentalis
Permo-Carboniferous, Fossils of the
Plagiostoma lineata ....-..----.---
Plagiostoma occidentalis.........-.
Platyceras
Polypora
Porambonites obscurus ..---...--.
Posidonomya ? fragosa
Potsdam group, Fossils of the ....
Primordial, Fossils of the......-.-.
Productus elegans.......-....-.-.
Flemingi var. Burlingto-
neusis
levicostus ?
mesialis
Prattenianus .....-:---
semireticulatus...... ..
Proetus Loganensis.....---.....-.
macrocephalus
i peroccidens:....2 22.2.0...
Pterocephalia Sancti-sabe......-..-
Pterocephalus laticeps........-...
Sancti-sabe........
Ptychaspis Miniscaensis
pustulosa
Raphistoma acuta..... PENG Shei sees
lenticularis
Staminea) 2-2hsecescec
Rhynchonella cuboides...... -.....
HIMMONSie see
ee ee ee ee
en
ee er
ee ee i ey
RAW peadeor Bente
VATIONS ora ce ocak
venusta .......- wee
San Saba Valley, Potsdam sand-
stones of
eee tee Oe ue r- wan ser sees
Sedgewickia ? concava....-......
SEPTOCARDIA
Septocardia Carditoidea .........-.
typica
Silurian, Fossils of the -.
Snowstorm Hill, Fossils and sec-
ONG) Goeeoes siicttoter sete ree
ee oe
| Spirifera alba-pinensis -..---.--.--
Spirifera ? alia
Spirifera biplicatus ........-. aes
centronata
Spirifer ? Homfrayi ?......--.----
Spirifera imbrex. ces ea~ yo we ao 21
Maia
B@bISOrd Ys See clear 9504
var. gubernator .....-.-. 504
Gintcolons=ssemelesce esate 505
var. tricolor........----. 505
Tri00l0F,« <<< 2-0 ===> 330, 331, 388, 504, 505
PART IBHONEG= oom eiee ean ene eens =n 327, 341, 390, 624
Alauda alpestris....--...-.----------.----- 498
ANQUAG ONVENSIB 22.2 - <5 co cence onan enn ens == 469
chrysol@ma...... ..---..----2 ----00 499
cornuta ..----.- Brib SaEDROCOsooCeOSS 498
Indovicians-- - 5.2s --saes ence 593
fl ap osoesaeenoogco HeeMeospen | oa)
Catherpes conspersus. .-....-.-.---------- 326, 350
360, 383, 384, 387, 420
MeXICANUG)feactee ete eel see oe 420
mexicanus, 3. CONSpev8Us8. ..--.---- 420
mexicanus var. conspersus..-...-. 420
Centrocercus. urophasianus .....---. 324, 342, 356, 363
366, 368, 375, 383, 384, 389, 591, 600
Certhia americana -......---..----------- 319, 333
335, 342, 347, 349, 373, 382, 387, 418
familiarise: is-5:issehiss2- 225224. 418
B. americana -........--.- 418
var. americana....--.-.-- 418
MORI CANA feee seni -ee cee eee eee eet 413
654 INDEX TO
Page.
Ceryle alcyon....-.....-. 310, 326, 337, 340, 343, 346
361, 362, 363, 364, 368, 375, 388, 545
Chsiura mele gic 3-22 -eosacc cee Feccieeseee 564, 566
(pelagica var.?) vauxi-..-..--.-..- 566
vauxi ......323, 340, 341, 385, 389, 564, 566
Chamea fasciata .......-+.-----.----- 332, 335, 337
Charadrius mexicanus....-.....-.---.-.--- 606
MOGLIORNS) = ---e esses ao eee ees 603
Chaulelasmus streperus -.--.......--+-+-+-- 327, 331
337, 341, 369, 390, 622
Chondestes grammaca. .-.. 324, 329, 330, 336, 337, 340
349, 350, 352, 357, 358, 360, 361, 362, 363
368, 370, 374, 388, 467, 479, 480, 487, 497
Chordeiles henryi-.....-...--.-. ....2. 324, 337, 340
357, 358, 359, 368, 375, 376, 384, 389
MOP oem aioe inate 381, 557
hybridus ........ 345, 381, 383, 388, 556, 557
MeLICANUS .----- 330, 331, 336, 337, 340, 345
347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 356, 359, 360
362, 363, 364, 375, 376, 381, 388, 554
Collurio borealis.......--2..---+-..-5-- 348, 387, 452
excubitoroides - --.----.--- ns 321, 330, 337
340, 348, 350, 354, 357, 359, 362
363, 370, 374, 387, 452, 453, 468
ludovicianus 453
PART III.
Page.
Collurio ludovicianus, 3. excubitoroides.-...--- 453
var, excubitoroides.... 453
Collyrio ‘borealis <-osn< (Jona onten-ee ce setee= 452
excubitoroides.=--...--..--- ----2- 543
Columba carolinensis....-.-..--..--------- 596
Sasciaia. <= 2-22-26 naan 336, 338, 382, 595
migratoria...s-50 cesses 515
CUTE ess sae tapos ssa Gaon sscce= 512
Gicanntvoruseos ence anno ea eeoe 512
var. carnivorus -.--.---.-.----. 512
hudsoniens)-=2 =. e =e ae ee es 520
onsifraguses se) LS fee Set cease. 513
Colurniculus passerinus...-.....------- 381, 467, 468
B. perpallidus...-..-.- AGT
b. perpallidus .....-.. 467
var. perpallidus ...-.- A467
perpallidus| -_<- .--. ..--.--.-. 326, 330
358, 361, 367, 374, 388, 467, 480
Cotyle riparia... .326, 330, 337, 339, 367, 373, 387, 445
SeLULPeNNIS| nena tae 446
Crexip al eaten ss neee ses =) eetan a aete 613
Cuculus americanus - .....-.--. .-..-. ..--.. 553
aDratusscaseseh ee serosa esa ne eae 557
Curvirostra americana......----..-- a éscess 455
leucoptera);<- -<)---. m= seee eon 456
Cyanocitta californica....---..--------- 332, 333 336
347, 379, 388, 525, 527, 553
var. woodhousii -.----. 526
floridana var. woodhousii..-.....- 526
macrolophai-.--.-- s-== oie 336, 364, 375, 386, 389, 561
Numenius longirostris...-....----.--..----- 327, 341
369, 370, 376, 389, 609, 611, 615
Numida mel eagrs8| 2-22 ton = oe ae 502
Wyctaleacadiea == 2. \----.--25 «as=-6 365, 386, 389, 572
SIDITONE seem ets - 5 tee eee ee 572
Nyctiardea gardeni.... 2. .-32-2ne cae 618
ONE ee eee oa eee eee 618
[Et Una aeoass SAoscd elsade 618
Viale MPOVA see eye elas 618
MIO VIB wlan ao 327, 331, 341, 390, 618
Oreortyx pictus ..... 335, 337, 347, 348, 379, 389, 601
GB. plumiferus, .------.= -ae5-- 9601
var. plumiferus ...-.. SenSa5 601.
Oreoscoptes montanus ....----- 324, 333, 339, 348, 352
353, 354, 357, 358, 361, 362, 363, 367
370, 371, 383, 384, 386, 399, 448, 480
Qriolus phoeniceus .--..<-... -:---=--.- eee. OUR
Oxrnismya/anna2 coset aimee seas ee 558
Orpheus montanus ....-.......--.-.--.---- 399
Osby XID canis ions ose osnae a scedsie ane 601
VUES CSSA ee So lssacsee 601
RIT GUNTUR ne ta in) Se cle a eee 602
Otocorys occidentalis.................----- 498
Ofusvbrachyotusic-< 52.5 once ecepenkeemcss 571
vulgaris var. wilsonianus.....-....... 570
wilsonianus .323, 330, 340, 345, 349, 364, 389, 570
(Brachyotus) brachyotus ......-....-. 571
Pandion carolinensis............----- 340, 389, 593
Ralimtus’..csa=s cp nats ceinew casisnee 593
B. carolinensis.........----- 593
var. carolinensis........-. 593
Panyptila melanoleuca ..................--- 564
BOWIE Nao olan ne cone an niemeeis=O0;S0!
360, 368, 383, 385, 389, 443, 444, 564
Ratus auricapilws tewaccc.gs once och sees cen 411, 412
var. occidentalis ...,.. .... 412
PART III.
Page.
Parus atricapillus, y. occidentaliz....-.--- +++ 412
B. septentrionalis ...--..--- 412
var. septentrionalis....... 412
carolinensis. 2): cee eec\n naa eeenee tone 411, 412
inomatus:- 02. <-s.02s een a eee 411
melanotis)---2---=---->se-e-eeeeee 415
MINIMUSs sss hese. ace ee eee 413
MORANUG= am eae eae elas eee 319, 347
359, 365, 373, 382, 387, 411, 412
occidentalis ..........----. 332, 335, 387, 412
septentrionalis .....-.- 365, 377, 386, 387, 412
var. albescens ..---.- -- 412
Passerculus alaudinus-.......----.---.-- -326, 336
337, 340, 348, 356, 358, 361, 362°
365, 367, 370, 374, 387, 464, 465
sandvichensis......-------------- 464
a. alaudinus -.....--- 464
SAV AUN tests ooeeele ee eee ar 464
a. savanna ..-.-.-..---. 464
var. alaudinus -.-.- .--.-. 464
Passerella iliaca var. schistacea ..... ------ 486
megarhyncha .....----- 345, 384, 388, 485
schistacea ..-. - 322, 325, 349, 364, 372, 374
383, 384, 388, 482, 485, 486, 501
townsend’ — cs2s)-onae “3 -coeeee 336
yar. megarhyncha - ..-. 485
. schistacea......-. 485, 486
Pedicecetes columbianus.......-----.----- 326, 365
: 369, 375, 383, 386, 389, 599
phasianellus ....-....--.---.---- 599
B. columbianus ...---. 599
var. columbianus -... 599
Pelecanus erythrorhynchus .327, 337, 341, 343, 390, 627
TUNG ee Gang odooor rad ses Aoedisases 309
Occipitalis’ -escceeiceme atone eeieee 628
trachyrhynchus ..--...----..----. 627
Petrochelidon lunifrons...----.-------- 309, 326, 330
337, 339, 349, 350, 357, 360, 367
373, 387, 440, 443, 444, 535, 564
Phenopepla nitens .. - .352, 383, 385, 387, 447, 448, 547
Phalacrocorax floridanus -....----..--.---. 635
Phalaropus wilsoni....-...-.--.-.----.....- 604
(Steganopus) wilsoni ..--.----. 604
Phasianus columbianus.......--.-----..-.. 599
Pica caudata var. hudsonica ......--....--- 520
MUGHAL eee areata ee 519
hudsonica ..323, 337, 340, 345, 348, 349, 355, 356
364, 383, 384, 388, 518, 520, 553, 570
melanoleuca var. hudsonica .....-.---- 520
nuttalli-ceo..cencme 519
SUC LUD cence nee oe ee 332, 388, 519
PUBTON Saale oe (a cfoin mn ie clon oe ee nee 520
B. hudsontea5. - eee eeeee ae 393
Hepburn’s Leucosticte-.-..--...--.---.---. 461
Hooded Sheldrake-...-.-- .. 52. --.--- ace 627
Horned| Owiltasseceapeesear sana eee 576
arkee eee eee eee 487, 332, 464, 498
House Finch - ..344, 349, 350, 358, 370, 404, 449, 450
JEN ejes Ram pe ces ahaa Ee ecian 595
AW osieeecs sec eee Ses cose 332, 419, 422
Ebybrid SM CKen a. ac. ate ee 556
IIGHA@ eile Se tee cee ceeess recess costes 435
Kentish) Plover. n=. =c-2s--o= eos einen ae OU
Kull=deer, Sseaes= canes = === a5 ie eee 603, 610
BOW Wa eeed aAbe Sech moos Socons moe 576
Kingbird ..-....---- .---..------------ ---- 532
HOUR Sen s550 so psessa sooo osSso+ 310, 446, 579
Lapland Longspur ....-:...---..---...--- 461, 464
Peck Bony =e =. lss26 = see eee == eee 329, 487
SO GsSene aeeaenooecs 3250-5226 467, 469
Lawrence’s Goldfinch......-..----.---- =n Oe
Large-billed Water Thrush ..-.-..--..----- 486
LE ay) dee Eee pe so ssc ce- SS 605
azoly Bunting ©. -- 2.1. -aueisee eosin pian 329, 490
Lead-colored Titmouse .....-.---.--------- 413
INDEX TO PART III.
Page.
Lead-colored Vireo ....----..---+- +--+ »--- 428, 451
Least Bittern -........... Sogetes sor rar asce 618
STG ETE Sodded soce psoasb ose geo nass 608
CU ROUR') Beas peo Seeinsaso boos once 413
Wittt@ ose ccosQboones ssaGosds6ese cise 329, 451
Lesser Snow Goose. .-.....----. .----- ---- 354, 619
Lewis’s Woodpecker..--...----.-----. ---- 332, 553
ettncosbiederes= ss. = == selec a cise sete 461
Eimcoln’s Sparrowe2se- -eseese-se-- assess eraOd
ttle Black Rail-.----.-.<-52.caeces- = 613
sheadih= S22 -sseseeceesne scone. Oe
Hy cateheressssee=s enamel ae 539
ReduQwie==-eeeescmecsseeaemeaits ==: 571
SEN OUED) Soe teeo cos0905 oped ooo qoSeses 355
White Epret-----. <5 .2-22. 25-2: 309
Long-billed Curlew .----..---.. ------ <--.609, 611
Marsh Wren .-.--... .-.--..--. 425
-clawed Ground Robin.....--.--...--. 491
ECRESHEC) IBY) a= aan sane ne oe ne 524
steel iwi gee sq ose eoe soeeoeeooe son. 570
SPEC YOR heogesgse oo cA bSHOG6 BoSDEEESES 436
Chickadeéet==- -o-=-[-o-n)-=-—)-6 = 412
EouseMW Nene a.) seaeeieee see 329, 421
Louisiana Tanager. .-....-..--------- 334, 422, 454
WIN SIGs Baan oSee anne soe I~ 337, 345, 377, 518, 570
TV ES ieee aan eres Secceceoreed apo see 621
_Man-o-war Hawk ..---..-.-.----.--------- 309
Wire 18 hes ee a= Sook oo ceeedeeeean Aaaso5 577, 580
Maryland Yellow-throat. ............ 434, 435, 436
Maximilian’s Jay ..-..--- --2sc cesses. 517, 518
McGillivray’s Warbler......-.. ...0-..----- 435
Mead owe lianas meee sseieiemclokestaer= lates eeyolate 468
Mexican Jariceae: a ocean eee cesen sents ae 469
Moola g=Bird eae eet. ee ice selene serene 401, 448, 527
Nilayinkel Ovals ee oe pe eo secon sos ose 332, 571
Mourning Dove ...---..----.---. 309, 338, 351, 596
Mountain’ Blae-bird so seeect ene ele tee ia 370, 404
Chickade@= 2eces casa esse 347, 411, 412
DEIN ese cscs ceca tedecs osee ses 591
(CHOU) p-adic soedeosses sSonbeseée 598
DEY oer enn seventeen 333, 334, 347
Mocking-Bird .....------------. 399, 400
RE THNNU EGY Beene sbos Cace =5 Gasc66 601
Gyre neS6 eaaesaSerssosctosc os- 601
Nashville Warbler ...-.....--..----- Sosucr 427
Night Hawk. ...----....-..---------- 587, 566, 568
TB IEhO oo cin go sons HoooSNeSbomececs 618
Nerorigkeressse= e-reee eestor teen's 333, 334, 523
Nuttall’s Woodpecker ....-.....---..----- 332, 447
Olive-backed Thrush .....-..-----.-------- 397
-sided Flycatcher ...----..----...---. 535
Orange-crowned Warbler.-.-.....----------- 429
Orchard\Origlesecea=.)-eteaa)- anlee eerie 507, 509
665
Page.
Oregon Ground Robin...-....---.....---. 491, 492
SNOW DUEC are etetalenie afer teres 334, 403, 473
Swilitiocsecaesn ce asemeciss ai eee 566
(hrushe sch = anes ee} eeeicee sees 334
(CRIM scncc5 ce soem enbd conaabosee ssosreso4s 593
Parkman’s Wren ..... DSnatBOBEoD.o Iba aabOne 422
IBHSSeN Ser PIS CON. mae weir cl aise eae e 518, 596
‘heregrinettalcOn. <<< .0c.. ..cecetaceciaemincs 344, 575
PipeontHaw iki 2eas.s-ccocs. otic ceeececeesees 578
Bigmiy, Nuthateh: 2s. 2.225. tgsess0-0-- << = 417
PineiGoldfinch: 32s. 2..-sisce accelerates 463
JED) IEG) - co aon ona consoonoe Soo conooood soar 599
ISTAOD DER socaoagadnod nondonades oo osso0 320
Pin-tail -..--.. BES SO OOOOH OCHRE Ae 622
ODL Willleyner te eee cee melee male eeee 567
brain sh al combs = seleseetel= seeiaea ee ates 577, 579
TP OEM so5 ooe5 onooc SOO ono ToceuneSneS 345
Gallinule.......... Saas. caseec eek Ye 309
Martin ..309, 350, 405, 439, 440, 441, 442, 444
IRE NGM ce Soose5 sacs ot eSoootss Sssens 512, 513, 596
Red-bellied Nuthatch............-....----- 416
-breasted Woodpecker -.-.-....-------. 549
-and-black-shouldered Blackbird. ..---.. 504
-buff-shouldered Blackbird: ....-..-. 503
-white-shouldered Blackbird. ....-.. 505
=backed) Sandpiper: \--2- cece) sees 657
=ninledh Mire Men =e ee reine sie nie aie 613
-breasted Sheldrake ....--...--... sence 627
Ha wiker st ceca sstioee ieee 332, 582
eheadling «ae sestestancus sia neste eee eae 624, 625
Ib (NHS Heothe Sade bs6650 caso sese 458, 529
-headed Woodpecker .......-. -..-516, 553, 554
-naped Woodpecker .....-----..-...-. 439, 549
-shafted Flicker ~........---- 455, 516, 555, 579
-shouldered Blackbird .....---.---.---- 503
awison \acwmecrsae teem 582
etatlad. Hawk coun secie aoe aietate nee 524, 582
-throated Woodpecker ..---......------ 550
-winged Blackbird -...----.-...------ 462, 504
IMSGIN ones abo ooeses Cano sobe Sens Sse saese 370, 372
Richardson’s Pewee .....-......----.----.. 537
Ridgway’s Sparrow .....-.---.----. -------- 471
Tiiayee] Me oe cece obs cce secs soecen cabeennece 625
Slblieals (Gaull 6a Bees eee ea cedscolesaceo 638
-necked Woodpecker... .... emcee teks 576
IND) Ol Boe oe Sede 333, 345, 403, 408, 422, 428, 518, 581
(Rani) = Geecoe Gee CONC OED eOEAEAeeEoe soit
Rock Wren. .... 336, 349, 404, 418, 419, 420, 421, 423
Rocky Mountain Bluebird -....--..-.-..--- 403
Hermit Thrush ......-..-. 394, 397
Rose-breasted Grosbeak ....--..------.---. 488
ion eid Ghuhs 6 oS oe Seep ueesou scecso sade 590
-legged Hawk-.....----..-..------ 513, 589
-winged Swallow.-.----..----- 440, 445, 446
666
- Page. |
Royal Tern ..-...-. ...--------- ------+----- 639
Ruby-crowned Kinglet. ....---..----- ---.401, 409
SD ALOS Gat aetale ete ate i 559
Raddy Duck.-..-.---. <--5<25-€---foen == 626
[Ruiied: Grouse) =...-<--= ===) -—eeeoe eee 599
Rufous-backed Hummer ..----..-----.=---- 560
Hummer ..- we-- ------ 399, 559
Sage Hen .......--.-..--.--...-----+----- 591, 600
TUTRPTIGR Seek RS SSeS ede saee see 399, 400
SAGie LOT 2 Aso eRe Se Se pcos SSeS 577
Sand-bill | Crane- = asn6= = sense eee 611, 619
Savanna Sparrow... ..-.-...---...---- 353, 464, 467
Saw-awhebi Owl one eae aen een eeeiaee 572
SHU IS Lesh Gai cos sca cess cecboasees eect 344, 459, 534
Scarlet Tanager....-... sotesctcacesone ose 454
ScreechtO wil -= eae eee OL
Sharp-shinned Hawk... .-..-....--..----- 561, 581
Sie led Grouse steren set erice ees 365, 599
Shining Ptilogonys.. .-....-......---.------ 447
SUG: IL SoS ~ Sadek coccahl base Seeooesoeose 498
Shert-earsd) Owl pee a= so saeeee nee 571
Shoveller -..--..... See Seago se esonscod 624
SieQinyie: Hoa oe se fece Sone Sa seodeo seas CoebSc 469
SS) ETERO MN Gone 5 Hoenoe Seeea= BScno Sees 467
Slate-colored Sparrow...--...----.-------- 486
Slender-billed Nuthatch.........---.-..--. 415
SHOWDICE son eee ee eer ens 350, 405, 419, 612
SHOW AZ Bett Beeee pasaonoe sons son 2go5 cess 309
IDG iS seebscesccss eeaeaden ou cases 604
Solitary, Sandpiper’-.---------- ----->----- 610
VERO oe -Sesacscoce ccborcseseenass 450
Song Sparrow -.--.-.-----.---.------ 481, 482, 492
PE ee SB 8 = see eac saqaodod Geesss s00se 612
Southern Black-cap - ..---.--- SROSCo ep seeeen 412
Shake ress=sesceer ners See 453
Sparrow Hawk ......-.....-.-..----. .... 578, 585
Spotted Sandpiper ..---..-.-.............. 610
Mommrel Hawit-s sees se cies ae wea 590
BieMeral day oeameese = an bain ecetee 523, 524
Summer Yellowbird.-.---..-.-----..---. 428, 431, 437
Swainson’s Buzzard ........-...-----.----- 584
1S Eyl ies Sesmecoeseab ease 583, 584, 586
Mhroshie- ace oeseteceel esky OOM
MANNS 95 Sen bassiacsscesarscssc 355, 430
Swallow-tailed Kite..............-....---. 309
Wawiy sens one. aslor elas ee elaine 397, 398
LORY find 28 Soa6 cee See aa et AOS aO Yaaiscodaoses 407
Thick-billed ‘Grebe.<- << <6. sone -cten nn eae 643
Sparrow ....-.---..--..----- 345, 485
AUER Ask sonososdisssp once sacs cr scorer 407
aN kse ease em ens Reoassa nan lssc soe oee aCe 426
WTO) Op Socis Seer OOSOS ECE Coa a0ca as0e 513
TD WHEO wooo aiseinesane ise ae diem ene Renee 492
INDEX TO PART IIL
Townsend’s Ptilogonys.......-.----------- 408
Salitaine 2 s1os= os. 3235 eseee 334
Weanblersssen mesos -ee canon 432
Trails) Flycatcher :=-2-4-.-2------< 329, 370, 539
Tree. Sparrow. =: - <5. s
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