Author: Title: The zoological quarterly bulletin Place of Publication: Harrisburg, Pa. Copyright Date: 1904 Master Negative Storage Number: MNS# PSt SNPaAg105.3 PEHHSYLYAHIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICDLTORE. DIVISION OF ZOOLOGY. THE ZOOLOGICAL QUARTERLY BULLETIN VOL. II. No. I. THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF 1.^ VI PENNSYLVANIA ANIMALS IN RELATION TO AGRICULTURE, I* SHOWN IN THE AGRICULTURAL EXHIBIT OF PENNSYLVANIA AT THE ST. LOUIS EXPOSITION. By H. a. Surface, M. S., Economic Zoologist. Issued Quarterly from the Department of Agriculture, OFFICE OF THE ECO- NOMIC ZOOLOGIST, Harrisburg, Pa. May 15, 1904. FUBIJSHED BY DIRECTION OF SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. Entered May 15, 1903, at Harrisburg, Pa., as Second Class Mattbr, under Act op Congress, June 6, 1Q04. WM. STANLEY RAY, STATE PRINTER OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1904. ft THE ZOOLOGICAL QUARTERLY BULLETIN VOLUME II, No. 1. MAY 15. 1904. (By H. A. SriiFACE, Economic Zoologist CONTENTS. Page. Introduction, 3 List of Contributors, 3 Explanation of Cases € I. The Loons, 6 II. The Divers and Fish-Eating Ducks 6 IIL The Gulls and Shore Birds 7 IV. The Ducks (Plate I, Fig. 1) 7 V. The Herons and Bitterns 7 VL The Eagle* 7 VIL The Scavengers (Plate I, Fig. 2) 7 VIII. Hawks (Plate II, Fig. 1), 8 IX. Other Hawks (Plate II, Fig. 2), 9 X. The Large Owl (Plate III, Fig. 1) 9 XL The Small Owls (Plate HI, Fig. 2) 9 XIL The Quail or Bobwhite (Plate IV, Fig. 1) , 10 XIIL Wild Turkey (Plate IV, Fig. 2), 11 XIV. The Woodpeckers and other Insectivorous Birds (Plate V, Fig. 2) 11 XV. The Cuckoos and Kingfishers (Plate V, Fig. 1) 15 XVI. Night Hawks, etc. (Plate VI, Fig. 1) 16 XVII. Some Perching Birds (Plate VI, Fig. 2) 16 XVIII. The Opossum (Pkite VII, Fig. 1), 19 XIX. The Rabbits and Hares (Plate VII, Fig. 2) 19 XX, The Porcupine* (Plate VIII, Fig. 1) 21 XXL The Muskrat (Plate VIII, Fig. 2) 21 XXIL The Woodchuck (Plate IX, Fig. 2) 22 XXIIL The Squirrels (Plate X, Fig. 1) 23 XXIV. Mice and Rats, Voles, Shrews and Moles (Plate IX, Fig. 1),.. 24 XXV. The Deer (Plate X, Fig. 2) 27 XXVI. The Raccoon (Plate XI, Fig. 1) 27 XXVII. The Black Bear 28 XXVIII. The Skunk (Plate XI. Fig. 2) 28 XXIX. The Mink, 29 XXX. The Weasels and Seed-Eating Birds (Plate XII, Fig. 1) 30 XXXL The Red Fox (Plate XIII, Fig. 1) 30 XXXII. Red Fox Carrying Ruffed Grouse (Plate XIII, Fig. 2) 31 XXXIIL The Cross Fox and the Gray Fox (Plate XII, Fig. 2) 31 XXXIV. The American W^ild Cat (Plate XIV, Fig. 1), 31 XXXV. Wild Cat Killing Porcupine (Plate XIV, Fig. 2) 32 XXXVI. Albino Birdg and Mammals 33 (2) REMARKS ON THE PENNSYLVANIA COLLEC TION OF ANIMALS AT THE ST. LOUIS EX POSITION. Although this collection was made at the instigation of the present Economic Zoologist of Pennsylvania, it never could have been undertaken had it not been for the intelligent and cordial co- operation of Governor Pennypacker, Secretary N. B. Critchfield, of the Department of Agriculture, Col. James H. Lambert, Pennsyl- vania Executive Commissioner of the St. Louis Exposition, and Col. John A. Woodward, of Howard, Pa., Officer in Charge of the Preparation of Agricultural Exhibit. After obtaining the approval and assistance of the persons named above, it was necessary to procure, assemble and arrange all of the specimens within a few short months of the winter time. For this reason it should again be said that nothing could have been done without the aid of collectors in various parts of Pennsylvania, who freely contributed specimens for the purpose of aiding the under- taking. Among those who donated or loaned specimens are the fol- lowing, with the material contributed: CONTRIBUTORS TO THE ZOOLOGICAL EXHIBIT, MADE BY THE DIVISION OF ZOOLOGY OF THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AT THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION, SAINT LOUIS, MO., 1904. Aye, W. G., Kelley Station, Pa., one hawk, one opossum; donated. Baron, E. A., McKean, Pa., weasel (white); donated. Barr, Geo. B., Roulette, Pa., one owl, one skunk; donated. Beyer, W. S., Christiana, Pa., one muskrat; donated. Bullock, W. H., Honesdale, Pa., loggerhead shrike; donated. Bush, A. R Montrose, Pa., one weasel; donated. Campbell, E. \M., Pittston, Pa., one opossum, one grosbeak; do- nated. Carpenter, S. S. Bingham Center, Pa., nuthatches, woodpeckers, blue jays, sparrows, squirrels, mice; donated. Critchfield, Hon. N. B., Harrisburg, Pa., tiferee hawks; donated. Drum, Chas. M., Gettysburg, Pa., one owl, one black snake; do- nated. Eldon, R. M., Aspers, Pa., one redtailed hawk; donated. Engle, E. B., Waynesboro, Pa., one owl; donated. Erisman, Miss Myra, Marietta, Pa., one owl; donated. Fisher, Warren S., Highspire, Pa., chickadees, sparrows, wren, nuthatch, junco, hawk; donated. Friant, Geo. P., Scranton, Pa., voles; donated. Foster, N. H., Bustleton, Pa., three hawks; donated. Fisher, Boyd, Harrisburg, Pa., one mole; donated. Gllmore,L. B. Saegerstown, Pa., duck, red squirrels, rabbits, blue jays, small birds, voles, shrews, whitefooted mice, crawfish, insects; donated. Gipple, Oliver B., Tyrone, Pa., barred owl; donated. Goodenough, L. N. Riley ville. Pa., one owl, two blue jays; donated. Goodyear, Fred C, Dale ville. Pa., one grebe; donated. Gould, Mrs. E. V., Effort, Pa., pine grosbeaks, juncos, chipping sparrow, insects; donated. Graves, R., Tompkinsville, Pa., blue jays; donated. Grove, Dr. A. B., New Franklin, Pa., loon; donated. Gundel, John, Columbia, Pa., two sparrow hawks; donated. Harman, Dr. G. G., Huntingdon, Pa., barred owl; donated. Hanel, W. H., Kossuth, Pa., oppossum; donated. Hixson, W, L., Ruffsdale, Pa., great horned owl; donated. Hollingsworth, A. S., Dorry, Pa., screech owl; donated. Hughes, Wm. W^infield, Fredyffrin, Pa., three hawks; donated. Hurd, W. E., Lajose, Pa., woodchuck, weasel; donated. Jackel, Frederick, HoUidaysburg, Pa., great horned owl; donated. Karns, W. Emerson, Jersey Shore, Pa., Bald Eagle; loaned. Kalbfus, Dr. Joseph, Harrisburg, Pa., screech owl; donated. Keith, Frank, Eagle Foundry, Pa., red tailed hawk; donated. Kelly, G. R., Chrystal, Pa., porcupines, varying hare, pheasant; donated. Kenyon, W. A., New Milford, Pa., loon; donated. King, L. K., Westfield, Pa., voles, gray squirrel, brown rat; do- nated. Knipe, C. Harry, Marietta, Pa., screech owls, mice, cardinal gros- beak; donated. Leibelsperger, W. S., Fleetwood, Pa., vole, red squirrel, kingfisher; donated. Malloy, Hugh, Freeland, Pa. weasel; donated. Medsgar, O. P., Ruffsdale, Pa., great horned owl ; donated. Merrigan, John, Starucca, Pa., porcupine, raccoon, rabbit; do- nated. Miller, Geo., York, Pa., mink, rabbit, woodchuck, rat, albino mouse, albino sparrow; loaned. Moyer, H. C., Mexico, Pa., barred owl; donated. McMillan, J. R., Gettysburg, Pa., killdeer, shorteared owl, voles; donated. McMillan, D. K., Harrisburg, Pa., crow, screech owl; donated. Otzmachson Rod and Gun Club, Haneyville, Pa., golden eagle; loaned. Raub, Dr. M. W., Lancaster, Pa., mink, opossum, (albino), English sparrow (albino); loaned. Insects; donated. Robbins, Jesse, Carlisle, Pa., vole; donated. Rothrock, B. P., Williamsport, Pa., three loons, duck, coot, plover, snipe, three quail, gray squirrel (albino); all loaned. Rottler, William, Gettysburg, Pa., marsh hawk, turkey vulture, crows, blue jays, rabbits, voles, screech owls. Ruhl, Jas. P., Vicksburg, Pa., hawk, owl; donated. Russel, W. L., Mila, Virginia, kingfisher; donated. Seebold, A. Foster, North Brook, Pa., screech owl; donated. Sober, C. K., Lewisburg, Pa., weasel; donated. Albino robin; loaned. Snyder, Henry, Duncannon, Pa., oppossum; donated. Surface, Prof. H. A., Harrisburg, Pa., 100 mounted birds and mam- mals; loaned. Gray squirrel, hav>ks, opossums, rabbits, raccoon, voles, mice, skunk; donated. Templeton, Matthew and John, Scottdale, Pa., two ruffed grouse, quail, yellow leg, owls, duck, sparrow, shrike, skunk; all mounted and donated. The Pennsylvania State College, State College P. O., Pa., many specimens; loaned. Washers, Henry, York, Pa., two quail; donated. Weaver, Chas. E., Lanark, Pa., red tailed hawk, two muskrats, skunk, weasel; donated. Wehrle, R. W., Indiana, Pa., woodpeckers, juncos, opossum, owls, oriole, cocoons, jays, nuthatch, weasel, red squirrel; donated. . Opossums, minks, muskrats, skunk; purchased. Weiler, John F., Allentown, Pa., frogs, turtles; donated. Weimer, Frederick, Lebanon, Pa., opossum; donated. Wright, C. A., East Canton, Pa., pine grosbeaks; donated. Whitney, S. J., North Springfield, Pa., least weasel; donated. Young, A. P., Millville, Pa., opossum; donated. Zuber, Prof. W. H., Greensburg, Pa., mounted birds and mammals; loaned. On the fifteenth of January there was not a specimen in this office although the entire collection was prepared and the specimens and cases were in their places and ready for shipment by the first of April. This was due greatly to the untiring efforts and intelli- gence of our expert taxidermist, Mr. Boyd P. Rothrock, of Williams- « port, assisted by Mr. D. K. McMillan, of Gettysbur^^ and William J. Durborrow, of Harrisburg. The specimens were arranged in thirty-six cases, each four feet long, three feet high and eighteen inches deep. Each of these is covered with a plate of glass, and they are arranged in the Penn- sylvania Agricultural Exhibit in such a way as to form a hollow square with the respective sides of the collection facing outward, with nine cases on each side. The sides are lettered respectively, A, B, C and D, and the cases of each side are numbered in respective order, beginning with No. 1 at the upi)er left corner and ending with No. 9 at the lower right corner. Thus, '"0—2" means the second case on side C, "D — G" designates the sixth case on side D, etc. If all had been equally visible to observers, they should have been arranged in a definite, scientific siMjuence of relationship. In order to facilitate a close inspection of the smaller specimens, the cases containing these are arranged at the bottom of the series, while those containing the larger specimens which can more readil}^ be seen at a distance, are placed at the top. AVhile this breaks up the scientific order, it facilitates inspection. Owing to the fact that the collection had to be prepared during the winter when it was impossible to obtain many insects, the im- portant species of insects in relation to agriculture could not be shown, but there is enough in this collection to indicate many facts not generally known. Every case contains a representation that is known to be true to nature. EXPLANATION OF CASES. In this explanation we follow the true scientific sequence, and the respective cases can be found as desired. I. (Case C-2). THE LOONS ( Uri7iatorid((^).—lLlus case contains two fine male loons and two females, the former being known by their white-spotted backs. These are eating fish and frogs and show the biological relationships of the typical fish-eating birds. II. (Case C-1). DIVERS AND FISH-EATING DUCKS.— This case contains the Grebes, which belong to the Order of Divers (see Zoological Quarterly Bulletin Vol. 1, No. 2, page 10,) and the Merganzers of fish-eating ducks (see Z. Q. P>. Vol. 1, No. 2, page 12). The former feed upon vegetation as well as on aquatic animals, in- sects and fishes, while the latter are fish-eating. Although the merganzers belong to the Duck family, tlu ir liabits and haunts ally them with the grebes, and there is no great violation of nature in placing them in this case. III. (Case C-4). THE GULLS (upper shelf) AND THE SHORE BIRDS (lower shelf). These birds belong to two of the orders that were discussed in the second number of the first volume of this Bul- letin. The gulls are among our most valuable scavengers, whJle the shore birds include some of the choice game birds of the State. While these have not such great economic importance as some other birds, they are certainly worthy of a place in such a collection a« this. IV. (Case C-G). THE DUCKS. (Plate I, Fig. 1).— In this case is shown the remarkable Wood Duck, which is one of our most beauti- ful birds, nesting in a hollow log which has been placed in the fork of a tree for its use. A young duck is beside the parent in the nest. It gives a practical idea of one of the means by which this "Vanish- ing Game Bird'^ can be restored to the haunts in which it was once so abundant. By preventing its destruction by gunners and pro- viding nesting sites along streams where the hollow trees have been destroyed, it may be possible to preserve it before it is entirely too late. Standing beside this tree the tallest duck with the dark head and ring around the neck is a male mallard [Ajms loschas), which is the ancestor of some of our domesticated ducks. At the observers right, nearest the edge of the case, is the green-winged teal [Nettion carolinense ), one of our choice game ducks. In the centre of the case, standing just in front of the tree, it a pintail [Dafila acuta), also valued as game and for food. In th(? log and on the ground facing the pintail are specimens of the wood duck {Aix sponsa). While between this and the green-winged teal is to be seen the American golden eye ( Clangula elangula americana). At the left, in front of the mallard, is a male bulllehead {Charitmietta albeola)^ and facing this is a female of the same species. All of these birds are herbi- vorous, and are prized as game and as food for nmn. V. (Case C 5). Contains THE HERONS AND BITTERNS {Ar- dmdm) (on the lower shelf) and the RAILS AND COOTS {Ballidoi) (on the upper shelf) — These typical swamp birds are discussed on pages 13 to 15 of Vol. I, No. 2, of this Bulletin. The rails and coots are valuable insectivorous birds feeding upon the various species of insects which inhabit the swamps and lowlands. They are also highly valued as game birds. VI. (Case C-3). THE EAGLES. This case contains an adult bald eagle {IlaUwetus leucocephalus) and an adult golden eagle (Aquila chrysoitos). — These may be distinguished by the characters given on page 15 of Vol. I, No. 3, of this Bulletin. VII. (Case D G). SCAVENGERS, THE TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) (Plate T, Fig. 2) AND THE CROW {Corvus ameri- camus). While these birds belong to orders that are widely sep- I u arated, the Buzzard or Vulture Iteloiiging to Raptores or the Raptor- ial Birds, and the Crow to the order Passeres or the Perching Birds, their habits are suificiently similar to justify their being placed to- gether in one case. The Vulture is a valuable bird because it feeds wholly upoH carrion and prevents tlie pollution of the atmosphere and water. It is protected by law in most States and is often seen in the streets of some of the southern tillages and cities as well as in the open country and woodland. North of the middle of Penn- sylvania it becomes rare. Three crows are shown in this case, two of which are on the ground eating corn from the ears which were destroyed in the field by tliis species of bird. Another specimen is shown on the branch, killing and eating a mouse. The food of the crow is known to con- sist of corn in the fall and for a short time in the spring, of insects during the entire year, when they can be obtained, occasionally of small chickens and mice, and to a very great extent of fragments of waste material, both animal and vegetable. While there is general complaint from many farmers concerning the destructiveness of the crow to corn at the time of planting in the spring and at husking in the fall, the loss can be overcome to a great extent by a knowledege of the proper methods. These consist of treating the grains with some substance to render them distasteful in the spring before planting, and in frightening the birds from the fields containing ripe grain in the fall. There is no doubt of the fact that the crow ren- ders a valuable service in destroying grubs, beetles, cut worms and many other species of obnoxious insects, beside its efficiency as a scavenger. (See the Monthli^- Bulletin of the Division of Zoology of the Pemnsylvania Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg, Pa., for May, 1904). VIII. (Case D-4). HAWKS. (Plate II, Fig. I).— These are mostly beneficial birds as is shown by their food, which is mounted with them. The light-colored hawk at the right below is a marsh hawk (^Circus hudsonius). It is carrying a meadow mouse, which is its favorite food, while the one just above it is the same species. The bird at the lower, left corner is a sharp-shinned hawk {Accipiter velex) with a young chicken in its talons. This small hawk is one of the most destructive of the birds of prey to very young poultry andtosmall birds. The two larger specimens above are the red tailed hawks {Buteohorealis), and they are shown in the act of eating rats and mice respectively, which are their favorite food. The larger bird at the left side is the duck hawk {Falco pei^egrinus anatum)^ carrying a shrew, while the long-tailed bird on the floor beneath the light-colored marsh hawk is a pigeon hawk {Falco columharius) with a bird, and the three small hawks near the middle of the picture arc* 9 sparrow hawks {Falco sparverius) . These sparrow hawks are eating English sparrows and mice upon which they feed almost entirely. IX. (Case D-5). OTHER HAWKS. (Plate II, Fig. 2). The large hawk in the middle of the case is the American goshawk {Accipiter atricapillus) with a rufied groust^ or so-called pheasant, which con- stitutes the chief element of its food. At the right above with its wings spread is the red tailed hawk {Buteo lorealis), while the three remaining birds in the case are specimens of the red shouldered hawk {Buteo Uneatus), These Wwq^ are shown with their most im- portant food, which consists of rats, mice, shrews, etc. X. (Case D 7). THE LARGE OW^LS. (Plate HI, Fig. 1). In this interesting case there ai'e three si)ecimens of the great horned owl {Bdo virginianuf<) abovi* and at the right, and two of the barred owl {Syrnium nehulosiim) at the middle and at the left below. The great horned owl in the upper part of the case carries in his talons a chicken, while the one at the left is eating a rabbit, and the one at the right is in the act of killing and devouring a skunk. This shows the true value of these birds, and the fact that they are both obnoxious and beneficial in their feeding habits. The barred owl in the middle is eating a vole, or short tailed meadow mouse, which is so destructive to young fruit trc^s during the winter, and the one on the ground at the left is killing and devouring a screech owl, such as has been found many times in the stomachs of ihis species of bird. XL (Case D-8). SMALL OWLS. (Plate HI, Fig. 2). This is one of the most important cases to show the habits of valuable birds that have been unjustly persecuted by the persons whom they would benefit. At the left above is a specimem of the barn owl {Strix pratincola) holding a shrew. This peculiar bird is a great destroyer of mice, rats and shrews, but does not destroy poultry, game birds or the smaller insectivorous birds. Unfortunately, it, with others of its beneficial relatives, is shot at every possible opportusity by gunners and most farmers, and the result is that mice and rats have increased to an alarming extent during recent jears in the State of Pennsylvania. Last winter several thousand dollars worth of trees were destroved bv the species of mice that these small owls and the hawks previously discussed are shown to be eating. In passing a barn recently we saw one of these barn owls dead and nailed to the barn door, while at that instant just beneath it the rats were chasing each other around the barn. This was a striking illustration of the results of acting in ignorance. At the right, both above and below, are specimens of the short eared owl {Asio accipitriiiufi) eating mice and voles. The six birds of small size in this case are the common and beneficial screech owl 10 11 {Megascoj>8 asio)^ some in the gray plumage and others in the red, eating mice^ voles, shrews, English sparrows, etc. XII. (Case B 7). THE QUAIL OR ^'BOB WHITE'' ( Colinus vir- ginianm) (upper shelf), and the RUFFED GROUSE OR SO- GALLED 'THEASANT^' {Bonasa umhellus) (lower shelf) (Plate IV, Fig. I). — The quail is variously known in different portions of the country as the ^^bob white," partridge, quail, Virginia partridge, etc. Under these different names it is familiar to persons living in the country. It lives mostly on the ground, and the charactei'is- tie attitudes as well as the differences between the males and fe- males are shown in this case. It feeds to a great extent upon the seeds of weeds and grasses, as well as upon scattered grain, es- pecially buckwheat, and it is pariicularly desirable as an insectiv- orous bird. We have records of its having kept potato ti(dds free from the otherwise very destructive potato bug or potato beeth^ It is the most important game bird of America, being found over a wider area of country and sought by a greater number of sportsmen than is any other bird that is known in the country. Its greatest enemies are the carnivorous mammals, especially the foxes, wild eats, minks, weasels and skunks as well as some of the medium sized hawks. It is in danger of extermination in those portions of the country where there is prolonged snow through the fact that it starves to death during the winter time, and also, is often covered by deep snow, and may then be unable to make its way through the mantle. It can be propagated, protected and preserved during the winter time by means that have been published in th(^ l»ulletins from this ol!ice. The Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umhellus) is a noble game bird in the woodlands of the Eastern United States, and is variously known as grouse, partridge, pheasant, woodshen, ruffed grouse, etc. It does not belong to the same family as the true pheasant. The latter be- longs to the same family as the wild turkey and domesticated chick- ens, the males of which are armed with spurs. The male ruffed grouse never has a spur nor a pointed tail. These birds take their name from the black ruff' at the sides of the nec^k. They are able to subsist better than the quail during winter because they feed upon the buds of trees, and roost in pine trees where they are not covered by snow. Since they can eat the buds of tre<»s, they ai-e not in danger of starvntion. Their enemies are numerous, among which are all of the carnivorous and egg-eating birds, mammals and reptiles that are able to capture them or find their nests. In this case a male is shown upon a log in the act of drumming or booming, while in the grass near him are two females which have come to his 'call. During the summer these birds feed to a great extent upon insects of various kinds and upon the seeds of weeds, grasses and various wild berries and other fruits. In the fall they are to be found gleaning in the deserted harvest field. The case con- tains the grasses which furnish them a portion of their food. XIH (Case B-9). THE WILD TURKEY {Meleagris gallopavo). (Plate I\^ Fig 2). — In this case are to be found two specimens of the genuine wild turkey, as fine as can be seen at any place. These are both females, as the collection was made at such time of year that the law did not permit our collecting the male or gobbler — these skins having been preserved since the previous hunting season. Upon the ground by the specimens one can see the chestnuts, acorns and other seeds upon which the wild turkey feeds in the fall of the year. At other times it feeds upon insects, berries and other fruits, vegetation, seeds, grain, etc. It is our most noble game bird, and its increasing scarcity is to be regretted. It is still found more or less al)undantly in a few of the wild portions of our country. XIV. (Case C-8). THE WOODPECKERS (Ordkr Pici), AND OTHER INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS. (Plate V, Fig. 2).— This case should be one' of the most instructive in the entire exhibit, as it contains a number of birds that are decidedly beneficial in their feeding habits, and yet but comparatively little known for the good they do in the regions where they abound. The large log in this case is a section of a trunk of an old apple tree which has been drilled full of holes by the so-called sap sucker or yellow-bellied woodpecker ( aS/>>%/'^^>>/^?m' varins), which is the ony woodpecker that ever injured trees or attacks living trees for any other purpose than to capture and eat the insects v. hich are to be found damaging them. This bird is rare in Pennsylvania, and is not sufficiently common or injurious to justify its extermination. Specimens of this species are shown at eiich side of the base of the larger stump, and also on the stump just above the lower bird at the right. In addition to its habit of drilling the rows of holes that are here shown, it eats many of the most injuiions species of insects. It is unfortunate that our more* (cmmoii species of small woodpeckers are commonly called sapsuckcrs, and are killed in orchards because they are the ones iliat are erroneously sup])osed to do this mischievous work of the more rare migrant. The smallest, most abundant and doubtless most beneficial of the various species of Avoodpc^ckers found in Pennsylvania is the lit- tle bird knr,\vn to bird stUfTents by the common name of the downy woodpecker ^Dnjiibatea puhescens). This is represented by the two small specimens towaid tlie base of the old limb occupying the mid- dle of this eas(% showing a side view of each. These birds remain in the orchards of our State all winter, and are among the most bene- I 12 111; ficial friends of the horticulturist in taking the larvae of the codlin moth from beneath the scales of bark on the trunk of the apple, pear and quince trees, and thus destroying this greatest pest of the apple grower. They are generally stoned and shot as "sapsuckers," and it is important that all fruit growers and farmers should be- come familiar with this most beneficial and least abnoxious of birds. It has no feeding habits whatever that would justify its persecution or extermination. Similar to the Downy Woodpecker is the one commonly know^n as the hairy woodpecker [Dryohates mllosus), wiiich differs from the former chiefly in size, being nine inches in total length, while the Downy is but six and one-half inches long. The habits and economic results of the Hairy Woodpecker are very closely similar to those of the Dow^ny. Tke former, however, is more of a resident of the woods or forests, not being so frequently seen in the orchard. The color of the two is so nearly alike that they can be distinguished in color only by the fact that the Hairy or larger species has the outer tail feathers wholly white, while the Downy or smaller species has black bars on the otherwise white outer tail feathers. These birds nest in holes which thev make for themselves in dead trees, branches and posts, and one means of encouraging them and secur- ing their presence on the premises is to erect posts in which they can nest, or permit dead branches or stumps to remain for their use. We have seen this done successfully, especially in the dooryard and orchard of Prof. John Hamilton, ex-Secretary of Agriculture of Pennsylvania, at State College, Pa. On the top of the larger log is ]>erched a pileated woodpeceker (^Ceophloeiis pileatus), which is very commonly but erroneously known in this State as the \Voodcock. This may come from the fact that one of its common names is the Logcock. This is the larg- est woodpecker found in our State, being eighteen inches in length, and having a wing nine and one-half inches from the angle to the tip. It is found in the wilder portions of mountainous regions of Pennsylvania, and owing to its shy and retiring habits it does not often come to cultivated trees to feed, hence it does not destroy the insects that attack our fruit trees to a great extent, although it is one of the most valuable birds of the forest in aiding to hold in check the various kinds of pests that dc^stroy the forest trees. We have seen their holes, which have penetrated trees to the depth of four inches for the purpose of extracting wood-boring beetle larvae, and have taken scores of such larvae from their stomach. It is to be regretted that in these days when forestry preservation is being so urgently placed before the public, every gunner should find it his privilege and even duty to make a special effort to destroy the 13 now rapidly disappearing examples of this valuable forest tree preserver. The common Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocepha- liis) is represented by^the four specimens on the upper portion of the dead limb in the middle of this case. The one at the right of the linriD'ts sTfemale and has no red upon its head. The other three specimens are males and are distinguished by their striking red, black and white colors,. When the destruction of old forest trees commenced to render it dilticult for these birds to find nesting sites in the woods they were able to adapt themselves to changed condi- tions and make use of the modern inventionj^ of science by nesting in telegraph and telephone poles. The slight injury which . they thus efl^ect to the pole is more than compensated by their great de- struction of insects injurious to forests and fruits. The red headed woodpecker is undoubtedly to be classed among our most beneficial birds, although it is true that in the spring time when other food is scarce and the young are in the nest, they often take cherries from the trees. At that time if there be but a few trees bearing, and especially if these be near a woods, a great deal of loss may occur from this source. This is to be avoided by planting along the fences, and in the woods and gardens a few specimens of the shrubby tree or bush variously known as shad berry, shad flower, service berry, sarvis berry, June berry, corinthabaum, corinthian currant, corinthian cherry, June cherry, Amelanchier, and know^n to scientists as the Amelanchier canadensis. All kinds of fruit-eating birds prefer the berries of this tree to cherries, but if in the so- called march of civilization the native fruits be destroved, there can be no other course for the birds than to turn to the cultivated fruits during periods of scarcity, and especially at the time of year when Nature is making the most urgent demands for food for their young. One can also avoid loss from such birds by planting early sweet varieties of cherries, such as the Governor Wood, and permitting them to remain upon the trees especially for the birds; as well as by planting mulberries in the vicinity, and the fruit-eating birds will make use of these in preference to the cultivated varieties which are of use to man. Upon the ground at the lower, left corner is show^n a flicker ( Col- aptes aii7'atus), which is also known as the yellow-hammer, golden- winged woodpecker, high-holer, yarrup, yellow-shafter woodpecker, etc. This bird feeds upon the ground more than does any other species of the w oodpecker family, and as a consequence it destroys a great number of the ground-inhabiting insects, especially ants. In its destruction of ants it is accomplishing a valuable service to mankind, because the ants, especially the species living in the 14 15 ground, take care of the Plant lice or Aphids that feed on the roots of plants, and are thus the indirect cause of considerable injury to the roots of various cultivated plants. In these specimens the observer can see the characteristic struc- tures of the order and family to which the woodpeckers belong. Among these are to be noted (1) the structure of the feet, having two loes in front and two behind, insuring a tirni grasp upon the bark, as they climb around in search of their food, (2) the Hat and pointed, hard, chisel-shaped bill for cutting into wood and bark to obtain their prey and to make holes for their nestsj (3) their stiff-pointed tail feathers upon which they rest as upon a third leg, when perched against the trunk of a tree, and (4) their attitudes, which are conse- quent upon these characteristic structures. It will be noted that when a woodpecker is at rest upon the side of a tree, it clings with its feet and rests upon its stiff-pointed tail feathers, which are closely pressed against the object to which it clings, as is shown in the attitude of the three specimens of red-headed woodpeckers near the centre of this case. The many other small birds in this case that are not woodpeckers were not placed here on account of zoological or structural affini- ties, but rather for convenience in caring for the present collection, and to some extent to emphasize their beneficial feeding habits. They do not belong to the same order as those previously discussed, but to the order Passeres or IV'rching Uirds — being distinguished by having three toes in front and one behind, the latter toe being provided with a particularly larg(^ claw, and the feet not adapted to swimmiPw;, wading or grasping. Among these are the wrens, the brow^n creeper, the nuthatches, the tufted titmouse and the chick- adee. All these are of very great value in their feeding habits, be- cause they destroy insects, and many of the creatures that they take as their food are among our greatest pests of fruit trees, ornamental shrubs, shade trees and woodlands. A fine example of the white-breasted nuthatch {SUta carolmensis) is to be seen at the left side of the upi)er end of the larger stump. This shows the characteristic attitude of this bird as we see it so often in orchards and elsewhere, clinging with its head downward to the trunk of a tree. Its long straight bill is admirably adapted for inserting into cracks and crevices of the bark to extract the various insects that may be found in such places during the winter time. It is one of the very effective enemies of the codlin moth, and has been knowm to preserve an entire pear orchard by remaining during the winter in flocks in the orchard and feeding upon the adult or winged individuals of the Pear-tree Psylla — that worst of recently-introduced pear pests, which winters in its adult stage in places of partial concealment on the trunks of the trees. The four specimens in a vertical row at the left side of the larger stump are all representatives of the white-bellied nuthatch, which is unfor- tunately also called a sapsucker, and is too often killed under the decidedly erroneous notion that it punctures the bark of trees and sucks sap. It is one of the birds that the fruit grower should make a special effort to study in order to be able to recognize his best friends and preserve them when they come to his premises. The tufted titmouse (Paras bicoLor) is shown on the upper diagonal branch at the left of the red-headed woodpecker, and its cousin, the chickadee {Paries atricajjiUus) is shown on the horizontal branch at the extreme left of the case. The titmice and chickadees eat very small insects, and, especially, insect eggs. The chickadee is the smallest bird that remains in th^ {State of Pennsylvania during the winter. It spends its time searching the twigs and smaller branches of trees for the various kinds of small insects, especially, plant lice eggs, that may be found there. It is our most efficient enemy of the eggs of the apple plant louse and other species of aphids, and will subsist all winter upon the eggs of these very injurious insects, where it can lind them in sufficient abundance, and remains in an orchard until it greatly reduces the number of such pests. XV. (Case C-7.) THE CUCKOOS (Family Cuctdidw), AND THE KINGFISHEKS (Family Alcediiiidw). (Plate V, Fig. 1.) The reason that these birds are placed together in this case is that the zoolo- gists have found it advisible to group the two families in the same zoological order, which is named Coccyges or the Cuckoo-like Birds. Their most striking differences, separating them from the wood- peckers, are their soft tail feathers and the bill not chisel-like. As far as biological habits are concerned the birds of these t\\:o families are widely separated. The Black-billed Cuckoo {Coccyzus erythrop- thalmus) is our most effective destroyer of the hairy caterpillars. This bird is shown at each side of the upright portion of the brush just at the left of the center of the cscse. In this brush is the nest of the apple-tree ten-caterpillar, one of our most conspicuous and at times destructive of hairy larvae. One cuckoo is facing the tent and eating larvae from the same, while another has a larva of this pest in its bill. They feed very extensively upon these insects as is shown by the fact that in the stomach of one which had killed itself by flying against a wire and was opened by the writer, when at Cor- nell University, there were found fifty-two specimens of full-grown larvaae of the tent caterpillar. The stomachs of these birds are often found to be so coated by the hairs or spines of the caterpillars sticking into them that they look as though they were lined with fine fur. The cuckoos are often called "Rain Crows'' from the sup- 16 position that their peculiar, hollow call foretells a rain. We know of these beneficial birds having been killed and their heads taken to the township clerk for the fifty cent bounty upon the heads of hawks and owls, which was ottered in Ohio some years ago. The clerk paid the bounty and thus rewarded the destruction of one of the most beneficial birds known in America. At the left of the case is a Baltimore oriole {Icierus galhula), also caking the hairy caterpillars from the tent which they have con- structed. This represents a well known fact in nature, such as all these Exhibts are intended to depict. (For the list of known avian enemies of the tent-caterpillars, see our discussion of these pests in the Monthly Bulletin of the Division of Zoology for April and May, 1904.) The kingfisher {Cet^yle alcylon) ^ a strict inhabitant of regions where there is water and it can obtain aquatic creatures, especially fish, for its food. Two of these birds are shown carrying fish, which they have presumably taken from the water represented beneath them, and another is in an attitude of diving for a fish. These birds are expert divers and fishermen, and although they are very attrac- tive along streams, they are especially objectionable in the vicinity of fish hatcheries. XVI. (Case C-9.) NIGHT-HAAVKS, ETC. (Plate VI, Fig. 1.) In this case are represented many species of birds that belong to th« orders of Macrochires or Goat Suckers, Swifts, and Hum- ming Birds, as well as many representatives of the Order Pas- seres, or the Perching Birds. Upon the lloor on small logs one will see the Whip-poor-will at the right, and the Night Hawk at the left, perching lengthwise upon small logs. These birds perch in this peculiar manner, rather than resting, as do other birds, across the -objects upon which they alight. In the middle of the case one-will see a beautiful pair of humming birds together with the nest of the same, while at the middle of the right side of the case is shown a pair of Chimney Swifts {Chwtura j>^^a^tm). The Night Hawk and Whip-poor-will are valuable insectivorous birds of the twilight and night time, flying through the air with their large, sticky mouths, wide open and catching insects in their flight, while the Chimney Swift, also feeds entirely while on the wing, capturing insects that fly in the air. These birds have no obnoxious features, excepting the fact that occasionally a beneficial insect may be taken, and it has been proven that the food of the insectivorous birds is not to a great extent composed of insects that rank as beneficial to mankind. The details of the feeding habits of such birds will be issued in a subsequent Bulletin, which will be i)ublished from this oflBce. XVII. (Case D-9.) SOME PERCHING BIRDS. (Plate VI, Fig. 2.) Fig. 1. Edible Ducks. Fig. 2. CrowB and Vulture. PLkA.TE I. I ^6 positiou that their peculiar, hollow call foretells a rain. We know of these benehcial birds having been killed and their heads taken to the township clerk for the fifty cent bounty upon the heads of hawks and owls, which was ot'ered in Ohio some years ago. The clerk paid the bounty and thus rewarded the destruction of one of the most beneficial birds Ivuown in America. At the left of the case is a Baltimore oriole {Icterus galbula\ also caking the hairy caterpillars from the tent whieh they have con- structed. This represents a well known fact in nature, such as all these Exhibts are intended to depict. (For the list of known avian enenues of the tent-caterpillars, see our discussion of these pests in the Monthly Bulletin of the Division of Zoology for April and May, 1904.) The kinghsher {Ceryle alcylon) i*s a strict inhabitant of regions where there is water and it can obtain aquatic creatures, especially fish, for its food. Two of these birds are shown carrying fish, which they have presumably taken from the water represented beneath them, and another is in an attitude of diving for a fish. These birds are expert divers and fishermen, and although they are very attrac- tive along streams, they are especially objectionable in the vicinity of fish hatcheries. XVI. (Case C-U.) XIOlIT-liAAVKS, ETC. (Plate VI, Fig. 1.) In this case are ri'Xjresented many species of birds that belong to th« orders of 2lacrochiret> or Coal tSuckers, Swifts, and Hum- ming Birds, as well as many representatives of the Order Fas- seres, or the Ferching Birds. Upon the Uoor on small logs one will see the Whip-poor-will at the right, and the Night Hawk at the left, inarching haigthwise upon small logs. These birds perch in this peculiar manner, rather than resting, as do other birds, across the -objects upon which iliey alight. In the middle of the case one -will see a beauiiful pair of humming birds together w'lWi the nest of the same, while at the middle of the right side of the case is shown a pair of Chimney Swifts {Clattura j>6?^a^im). The Night Hawk and Whip-poor-will are valuable insectivorous birds of the twilight and night time, flying through the air with their Iftrge, sticky mouths, wide open and catching insects in their flight, while the Chimney Swift, also feeds entirely while on the wing, capturing insects that fly in the air. These birds have no obnoxious features, excepting the fact that occasionally a beneficial insect may be taken, and it has been proven that the food of the insectivorous birds is not to a great extent composed of insects that rank as beneficial to mankind. The details of the feeding habits of such birds will be issued in a subsequent Bulletin, which will be published from this office. XVII. (Case D-9.) SOME PERCHING BIRDS. (Plate VI, Fig. 2.) Fig. 1. Edible Ducks. Fig. 2. CrowB and Vulture. PLATE I. :j.ii , / INTE^^^ONAL second exposure N DEX Fig. 1. Large and Small Hawks. Fig. 2. Large Hawks. PLATE II. Fig. 1. Large Owls. Fig. 2. Small Owls. PLATE III. Fig. 1. Quail or "Bobwhite" (upper shelf). Ruffed Grouse (lower shelf). Fig. 2. Wild Turkeys. PLATE IV. Fig. 1. Cuckoos and Kingfishers. Fjg. 2. Woodpeckers and Other Insectivorous Birds. :; ( PLATE V. Fig. 1. Night Hawks, Hummingbirds, etc. Fig. 2. Shrikes, Jays?, Meadow Larks, Robins, etc. PLATE VI. Fig. 1. Opossums. II Fig. 2. Rabbits (upper chelf) and Hares (lower shelf). PLATE VII. I i ; fl /' Fig. 1. Porcupines. f' % ! wi 1 1 ^ WM mSf ^v:5^Hv ( 1 '1 "^' .. ■v'Jaaa, 1 ■ >•:/ .^^^^. ' wmi.^^^H , -^:M « A^^t j^§)^Jv^8i 7* 9819 Fig. 2. Muskrats. PLATE VIII. 4i Fig. 1. Rats, Mice. Moles and Shrews. I. (; ] ' , Fig. 2. Woodchucks or Groundhogs. PLATE IX. n ill Fig. 1. Squirrels and Chipmunks. Fig. 2. Deer. PLATE X. Fig. 1. Raccoons. ii i ill Fig. 2. Skunks. PLATE XI. il (I ' i Pig. 1. Seed-eating Birds (upper shelf), and Weasels (lower shelf). Fig. 2. Gray Foxes and Crofls Fox. PLATE XII. II ,1 1 Fig. 1. Red Foxes, Elating Mouse and Chicken. Fig. 2. Red Fox, Carrying Ruffed Grouse. PLATE XIIL I '.] I Fig. 1. Wild Cats, Killing Rabbit and Catching Bird. Fig. 2. Wild Cat, KiUing Porcupine. PLATE XIV. 17 In this case there is but one bird that does not belong to the order Passeres or Perching Birds. This is the dove [Zanaidura mac- roura) also known as the mourning dove, or turtle dove, and repre- sented by the specimen in the upper, rightrhand corner. It is un- fortunate that the dove is regarded as a game bird in most States, and in Pennsylvania is not at present protected by law. It is known both as mourning dove and turtle dove. The former name referring to its mournful, cooing sound. It is a valuable bird as a destroyer. At the middle of the case are shown three Blue Jays ( Cyanocitta cristata ), one of which is taking an e^g from a robin's nest and the other is eating an insect. These birds are objectionable through the fact that they eat birds' eggs and young birds, but are also bene- ficial in their insectivorous habits. They also eat nuts and acorns in the woods to a great extent and feed at times on wild fruits. At the left of the centre of the case are shown two specimens of the Logger-head shrike {Lanius ludovicianics), the lower of which is pinning a June-bug on a spiny branch, while the other has just fastened an English sparrow into a fork of the brush, and has broken its skull and eaten away its brain. This is a southern species which is not commonly represented in Pennsylvania, except- ing in the w^armer portions. It nests in thorn trees or spiny bushes where it has an opportunity to pin its prey to the spines, and around its nests one can often see various kinds of insects, such as grass- hoppers, June-bugs, large water bugs, katydids, and others of the larger species of insects, as well as frogs, small birds, especially the English sparrow, mice, voles, shrews, etc., attached to the spines w^here it has fixed them in store as food for itself and its young. The obnoxious features of the feeding habits of this bird are far exceeded by its beneficial qualities. Just above the two logger-he ad shrikes, and also, at the left of the centre of the case, is to be seen a specimen of the northern shrike {Laniiis borealis). This bird is just in the act of breaking away the skull of a Pennsylvania meadow mouse or vole (Mic7'otui pennsyl- vanicus), which it has killed and attached to a spine of the bush. This bird is one of the important enemies of mice, voles and the Eng- lish sparrow, as well as a destroyer of many of the larger insects. The shrikes are raptorial in their nature and habits, although be- ing classified with the Perching Birds on account of their small feet and other structural characters. The northern shrike is found in Pennsylvania during winter time, while the southern species is with us during the summer only. Toward the lower right corner of this case are two specimens of the red-winged blackbird {Agelaius pheeniceus^, also erroneously called the American starling. This beautiful bird nests in swamps. m >ii ^lii 18 19 and feeds its young almost wholly upon insects. In the fall when it gathers in flocks shortly before migration, it may prove destructive to corn in the field, but its value as a seed-eater and destroyer of ob- noxious species of insects is so great that it undoubtedly deserves to be preserved. On the ground in the lower left corner is shown a meadow lark {Sturnella magna) eating a grass-hopper. The common meadow lark is very abundant throughout the fields and pastures during the sum- mer, and is, unfortunately, occasionally sought as game or food. It is one of the most valuable insectivorous birds in this State, and also at times destroys weed seeds, without proving very destructive at any time to any of the property of man. As a means of suppressing the many obnoxious pests of the grass and grain field, there is per- haps no other bird or mammal that is as valuable as the meadow lark. The other birds in this case are specimens of the familiar Ameri- can Robin [Merula migrator ia) J or the American Red-breast. At the left side, on the ground in front of the meadow lark, is shown a robin eating an earthworm, which is one of the most common ele- ments of food of this bird. At the rear of the case on the ground is a fine male robin, facing the observer, while toward the centre of the case from this, perched on a lower branch is a robin showing the back view. These birds have been maligned, especially during cer- tain seasons, for their fruit-eating propensities, but we know where this has been avoided by the method for preserving fruits from the attack of woodpeckers and other fruit-eating birds. The insectivor- ous habits of the robin are such that all persons are justified in pre- serving it about the premises by every possible means. It is only during seasons of scarcit^^, especially while its young are in the nest, that this bird is particularly destructive to cultivated fruits or to any other interests of man. However, if by any cause such birds or other creatures should increase upon one's premises to such an ex- tent as to be forced to become destructive to the property which he wishes to preserve, there is no reason why he should not defend his own possessions, and the law of this State permits the killing of any kind of wild animal or bird when engaged in the act of destroying the property of any individual. We have many records of the valuable qualities of the robin, such as a letter from a friend in Tyrone, Pa., saying that these birds cleaned the grub worms from his lawn. Fortunately, sentiment also aids in the protection of this favorite American bird. THE MAMMALS VXIII. (Case D-1.) THE OrOSSUMS. (Didelphida3.) Plate VII, Fig. 1.) The Virginia Opossum or Common Opossum [Diddjphisvir' giniana) is the only representative of its order and family found in North America. It belongs to the Marsupials or Pouched Animals, so called because there is a ventral pouch in which the young are carried until they reach a greater stage of maturity than at the time when they are first born. These animals are southern in origin, as is shown by their thin fur, thin uncovered ears, and exposed tail and feet. They are found rather common in the warmer portions of Pennsylvania, but at the higher altitudes, especially at the north- ern part of the State, they become quite rare. The opossum is the lowest of our native mammals in point of structure, and its generalized habits are in keeping with its low or general structure. It eats almost any food that is taken by other mammals, excepting the bark of trees and hard nuts. It readily devours fruits in season, insects, fishes, frogs, birds' eggs, young or older birds, mice, reptiles, carrion, roots and any other edible ma- terial which it may fin