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Dy I. BIRDS OF OWA

EASTERN) NEWFOUNDLAND //

By
JOHN W. ALDRICH /
and | |
DAVID C. NUTT

sa
ST edatialy

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
of the
CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. IV, No. 2, pp. 13-42
Issued: December 28, 1939
Cleveland, Ohio

ry
4

Veta 4
at
pie

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
a OF THE
CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

WOE. TV ISSUED, DECEMBER 28, 1939 Nor 2

BIRDS OF EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND
BY
Joan W. AxpricH
AND
Davin C. Nutr

INTRODUCTION

Eastern Newfoundland has been explored by only a few orni-
thologists even up to the present day and little is known about
its bird life. Therefore, it was indeed a matter of good fortune
that the junior author was enabled to undertake a brief exploration
of this region while a member of the Robert A. Bartlett Greenland
Expeditions of 1937, 1938, and 1939. A total of 13 days in early
July and early September were spent ashore on the Avalon Peninsula,
while another 25 days during the 3 years were consumed in cruising
along the south and east coasts of Newfoundland on the way to
and from Labrador and points north. During this time a record
was kept of all birds encountered and, wherever possible, specimens
were collected.

The coastal region of eastern Newfoundland is characterized by
barren, rocky tundra and low scrubby spruce. Vegetation is scarce
except in the hollows where practically all of the soil accumulates.
High grassy flats above Brigus are partially covered with a mat of
low wiry shrubs, and are bounded on the harbor and seaward
sides by rocky cliffs.

Farther inland the bold coastal features blend into a less rugged
landscape 200-300 feet above sea level. At Hodge Water, a region
of glacial drift, 11 miles inland from Brigus, there is a small chain of
lakes surrounded by low rolling hills. The landscape is covered
for the most part by a dense second growth of spruce with occasional
tamaracks. The forest is broken occasionally by barren or grassy
Open spaces. Bogs are numerous. Blueberry in the drier situations

JAN 11 1940

14 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

and sweet gale in the wetter places form the chief ground cover.
Our party collected in this region from July 7 to 9, 1938.

Four days in early September 1938 and 1939 and 2 days in early
July 1939 were spent at Makinson’s Grove, known also as the
Gould. Makinson’s Grove is 6 miles inland and the only area in the
vicinity of Brigus where any sizable timber occurs. It is almost
entirely spruce with a few tamaracks and an occasional stunted
maple. All the trees are covered with a scaly lichen and usnea
moss is commonly seen festooning the branches.

At Makinson’s Grove the comparatively great diversity of habitat
makes it better bird country than most other sections visited.
There are wet ateas covered by low bog shrubs, the home of the
swamp spatrow. One section is open, grazed land that blends
into a dense forest toward the north. In the bottom of the valley
flows a shallow but swift stream.

During the time ashore in Newfoundland an almost continuous
high wind made collecting and observing difficult. In July of
1939 it rained the entire time ashore thus further handicapping
operations. In the areas visited bird life was abundant, but the
number of individual species of land birds seemed to be comparatively
restricted. Only 37 species were recorded during the 13 days of
observation ashore.

Specimens collected by the junior author, assisted by Raymond
Hellmann and Samuel Bartlett number 82 and comprise 20 species.
The discovery of 2 previously undescribed subspecies in this com-
paratively small collection gives some idea of the little known
condition of the bird life of this region.

G. K. Noble (1919) in his illuminating paper on geographic
variation based on a collection from the western part of the island
concludes that Newfoundland is a region where the differentiation
of dark colored races is beginning to take place.

The results of our studies confirm this opinion. It would seem
that this darkening, noticeable in the west, becomes increasingly
more marked in the eastern part of the island. This was found
to be the case particularly with the Savannah sparrow, robin, and
black-capped chickadee.

The only previous publications dealing definitely with the orni-
thology of eastern Newfoundland seem to be those of E. A. Brooks

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTT—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 15

(1936) who spent 9 days in the summer of 1932 studying the birds
of the Avalon Peninsula, and K. B. Rooke (1935) who worked
chiefly in the Grand Falls region, near the center of the Island, but
also obtained some interesting records from the Avalon Peninsula.
It is, therefore, a comparatively easy matter to bring the information
on the birds of eastern Newfoundland up to date, and at the same
time add materially to the knowledge of the distribution, abundance,
and geographic variation of a few species found in this interesting
part of North America.

We are indebted to Mr. Gower Rabbitts, of the Department of
Natural Resources of Newfoundland, for the permits to collect
birds there; to Captain Robert A. Bartlett whose kindness and
patience made the ornithological work on the Expedition possible;
and to Dr. Harry C. Oberholser who has very generously gone over
the entire manuscript and favored us with invaluable criticism
and advice.

BIRDS KNOWN TO OCCUR IN EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND

Gavia immer immer (Brinnich). Common Loon.
Local name: Loo.

On the 1938 expedition loons were heard during both nights
spent on the chain of lakes at Hodge Water. Brooks (1936) records
seeing only one during the nine days of his stay on the Avalon
Peninsula, while Rooke (1935) found 1 or more loons on the lakes
of the Grand Falls region in the interior of Newfoundland.

Puffinus griseus (Gmelin). Soory SHEARWATER.
Local name: Black Hagdown.

Off Bonavista Bay and near the Funk Islands 8 sooty shearwaters
were seen on July 12 and 13, 1938. On July 7, 1939, there were a
few seen with a large flock of greater shearwaters at the mouth of
Conception Bay. In September 1938, none were recorded; but 3 were
seen on August 30 and 31, 1939, while coming toward the New-
foundland Coast near Cape Bonavista. It would seem that the
sooty shearwater is of irregular occurrence off Eastern Newfound-
land.

16 sCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

Puffinus gravis (O'Reilly). GreaTer SHEARWATER.
Local name: Hagdown.

The greater shearwater is a common bird off the south and east
coast of Newfoundland, especially so on the fishing banks. A
fishing schooner is often seen surrounded by a cloud of ‘‘Hagdowns’’.
On July 7, 1939, a flock, estimated at over 800, was encountered at
the mouth of Conception Bay. These birds are common along the
Labrador coast. In early September most of the greater shearwaters
appear to have shifted southward and are more common on the
Grand Banks and to the westward. However, so irregular is the
occurrence of this species that one day thousands are to be seen
and the next day none at all.

Fulmarus glacialis glacialis (Linnaeus). AtTLaNntic Furmar.
Local name: Noddy.

Going north the fulmar was first met with off Cape St. Mary’s in
southern Newfoundland, where two were observed on July 5, 1939.
It became increasingly common farther north, particularly of the
Funk Islands where a large number were observed on July 13, 1938.
In 1939 our party found it uncommon until well out to sea between
Newfoundland and southern Greenland. On the return voyages
late in the summer fulmars were never close to the shore of eastern
Newfoundland.

Practically all fulmars along the Newfoundland coast were
of the light phase with only a very few that might be considered
as even intermediate between the light and dark plumages.

Oceanodroma leucorhoa leucorhoa (Vieillot). Lzace Perret.
Local name: Carey chick, or Mother Carey’s chick.

The Leach petrel is a common bird off the east coast of New-
foundland, especially about the Funk Islands near which a specimen
was collected July 18, 1937, and where the Newfoundland sailors
say that it breeds. Lucas (1890) found them breeding at the Penguin
Islands 10 miles north-west of Cape Freels in the summer of 1887.

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTT—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 17

It is interesting to note that on calm days, petrels are rarely
observed, whereas on days having a little wind and sea, many are
to be seen. It seems to be easier for them to fly in the wind using
the up-drafts caused by the waves, as do also the shearwaters.
On foggy nights Leach petrels fly close to the vessel and even come
aboard.

Moris bassana (Linnaeus). GaANNET.

Gannets were often seen off the south and east coasts of New-
foundland and were especially common off Cape St. Mary’s, where
there is a breeding colony estimated as 4000 pairs in 1934 by Wynne-
Edwards (1935). This is the second largest American colony
known today according to Gilliard (1937) who discovered another
Newfoundland gannet colony on Funk Island. Gilliard states that
Jacques Cartier, the discoverer of Funk Island, recorded the gannet
as breeding there profusely at the time of his visit in June 1534.
Since, however, Lucas (1890) and others failed to find gannets
breeding on Funk Island, Gilliard concluded that this species had
re-established itself there in comparatively recent times. He
found 7 pairs there in June 1936.

Gross (1937) reports that he saw no gannets north of the Straits
of Belle Isle while on the Bowdoin-MacMillan Arctic Expedition
of 1934. And Austin (1932) says that there is not a single shred
of evidence to show that the species has ever occurred north of the
Straits of Belle Isle. There is now plenty of evidence to that effect,
for on our return voyage in 1938, gannets were recorded 150 miles
north of Belle Isle at Bulldog Island Chat. 54°38’ N., 57°02’ W.)
where 3 were seen on August 31. Early in the morning of Sept-
ember 1, the boatswain saw a flock of 10 or 12, and later that day
the junior author saw 2 more off Round Hill. From then on down
the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland they were fairly common,
especially near Cape Broyle where on September 8, 1938, many
flocks, including one of 30 and one of 100 birds, were seen. The
natives of Square Island, 45 miles north of Belle Isle, Labrador,
reported that they had seen numerous gannets during the summer
of 1938.

18 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

Phalacrocorax (sp.?). Cormorant.
Local name: Shag.

On August 31, 1937, numerous cormorants were seen in Stag
Harbor Run, between Fogo Island and the mainland, but whether
the species was Phalacrocorax auritus or P. carbo could not be
determined.

Butorides virescens virescens (Linnaeus). Eastern GREEN

HERON.

A specimen of the green heron from Haricourt, St. Mary’s Bay,
Avalon Peninsula was given to Rooke for the British Museum by
J. R. Ewing of St. John’s. However, in the field none were observed
by Rooke (1935), Brooks (1936) or our party.

Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu). American BITTERN.

An American bittern was seen at Hodge Water on July 8 and 9,
1938, and another at Makinson’s Grove on September 6, 1938.
Ixobrychus exilis exilis (Gmelin). Eastern Least Bitrern.

A specimen of the least bittern from near St. John’s, in the pos-
session of Mr. J]. R. Ewing, was examined by Rooke (1935).
Branta canadensis canadensis (Linnaeus). Common CAnaDA
Goose.

Rooke (1935) reports that this species breeds regularly in the
interior of eastern Newfoundland where undisturbed. He saw 2
in the Grand Falls region August 15 that acted as if they had young.

Anas rubripes rubripes Brewster. Rxzp-teccep Biacx Duck.

Although unrecorded on our expeditions, Brooks (1936) saw a
flock of 6 black ducks flying over a pond at Salmonier on the Avalon
Peninsula. From other literature it would appear that this species
is, in Newfoundland, more common inland than along the coast.

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTI—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 19

Glaucionetta clangula americana (Bonaparte). American
GOLDEN-EYE.

Rooke (1935) saw a few of these ducks in the Grand Falls region
in the interior of Newfoundland, but the species is unrecorded by
either Brooks (1936) or our party.

Accipiter striatus velox (Wilson). SHare-sHINNED Hawk.

One was seen at Makinson’s Grove pursuing a flock of Cross-
bills on September 6, 1938, and again on September 1, of the following
year.

Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (Gmelin). American Osprey.

An osprey was seen by Brooks (1936) on August 5 near Placentia,
and this species is reported by Rooke (1935) as not uncommon
in the Grand Falls region.

Falco columbarius columbarius Linnaeus. Eastern PiGzEon
Hawk.

One of these little falcons was seen at ‘Frog Marsh’’ near Brigus
in September 1937, and the residents say that 1 or 2 individuals
are usually to be found there. On September 2, 1938 a flock of eight
were seen above the rocky hills near Brigus. Although Brooks
(1936) records only 2 pigeon hawks and Rooke (1935) only 1
individual, it would seem that this species is the most common
hawk in eastern Newfoundland.

Cerchneis sparveria sparveria (Linnaeus). Eastern SPARROW
Hawk.

Rooke (1935) saw a small hawk almost certainly of this species,
near St. John’s on August 9, 1934.
Lagopus lagopus alleni Stejneger. Atien Prarmican.
Lagopus rupestris welchi Brewster. Wetcu PTarMIGAN.
Local name for both species: Pa’tridge.

Brooks (1936) reports seeing specimens of both species of

20 sCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

ptarmigan in the Museum at St. John’s and assumes that they
were locally taken. He was also told by “‘competent nature
observers’’ that both species are common in ‘‘the Barrens’’.
Most natives do not distinguish between the 2 species but
said that ‘‘pa’tridges’’ were common near Brigus. Rooke (1935)
quoted fire wardens of the Great Rattling Brook region in the
interior of Newfoundland as saying that ptarmigan were numerous
in winter there.

Porzana carolina (Linnaeus). Sora.

A specimen from the Avalon Peninsula, given to Rooke (1935) for
the British Museum by J. R. Ewing, is the only record from Eastern
Newfoundland.

Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus). Lapwine.

Brewster (1906) records one in Newfoundland in 1906, and Inger-
sol (1928) records seeing many after a spell of easterly gales in 1927.
Although no records are definitely ascribed to eastern Newfoundland,
it seems that these wanderers from Europe would perforce first land
there.

Capella gallinago delicata (Ord). Wuson Snipz.

This snipe is fairly common in boggy places on the Avalon
Peninsula. While our party was camped at Hodge Water in
July 1938 one was heard ‘‘bleating’’ overhead at almost all hours
of the day and night, as was also the case in July 1939 at Makinson’s
Grove.

Phaeopus borealis (Forster). Esximo Cur.ew.

It is within the memory of many residents of Brigus that on
certain fall days ‘‘droves’’ of Eskimo Curlew would come to the high
flats above the town, even darkening the sky with their great
numbers. There seems to be no record of when they became ex-
tirpated there.

Actitis macularia (Linnaeus). Sprorrep SANDPIPER.
Local name: Beachy bird.

Spotted sandpipers are fairly common on the Avalon Peninsula.
Brooks (1936) records several. One was seen by our party in

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTT—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 21

Brigus Harbor July 7, 1938, and on July 6, 1939, a pair was found
nesting at Makinson’s Grove. The nest was on a dry hillside
coveted with blueberry bushes about 20 feet above the level of a
stream.

Totanus melanoleucus (Gmelin). Greater YELLOW-LEGs.

Local name: Twilick.

This is a common bird in the lake regions of the Avalon Penin-
sula. Many were seen and heard at Hodge Water where a single
specimen was collected July 9, 1938. One was seen in a small
pond near Brigus early in September 1937.

Pisobia minutilla (Viecillot). Least Sanppiper.

Local name: Beachy-bird.

One bird, seen at Hodge Water, as far as we know is the only
definite record of the least sandpiper for the region. Rooke (1935)
states that he saw a small flock of waders on Conception Bay,
September 11, which he took to be this species.

Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnaeus). Rep PHararopsz.

A specimen of the Red Phalarope in breeding plumage in the
possession of J. R. Ewing of St. John’s was examined and reported
by Rooke (1935). It is said to have been taken on Avalon Peninsula.
Two were seen by our party on September 4, 1939, out of sight of
land, south of St. Mary’s Bay.

Lobipes lobatus (Linnaeus). NorrHern PHALAROPE.

Local name: Gale bird.

In the early part of September on the return voyages these little
phalaropes were fairly common all along the east coast of New-
foundland, especially in the vicinity of Cape Race, where on Sep-
tember 8, 1938, some 200 were seen swimming about in small flocks.

22 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

Stercorarius pomarinus (Temminck). Pomarine JAEGER.

Local name: Bosun-bird.

Five Pomarine Jaegers were seen off Cape St. Mary’s on July 5,
1938, the only time the species was encountered in Newfoundland
waters.

Stercorarius parasiticus (Linnaeus). Parasitic JAEGER.
Local name: Bosun-bird, Marlin Spike.

On July 12, 1938, off Bonavista Bay, 2 flocks of 20 and 8 birds
respectively flew about the vessel for a short time. On August
30, 1939, near the Funk Islands, a flock of 30 stayed in the wake
of the vessel for some time and on the following day a few were
still present. The Parasitic Jaeger is by no means uncommon off
eastern Newfoundland, but it is of decidedly irregular occurrence.

Catharacta skua_ bBriinnich. NortTHern Sxva.
Local name: Sea hen.

Off Cape Broyle, on July 6, 1938, a number of skuas paid the
vessel a visit. A lone bird was observed on August 30, 1939, near
the Funk Islands, and again a single individual was seen on Sep-
tember 5 while over St. Pierre Bank. The skua is apparently not
common off the coast of eastern Newfoundland, and also is of
decidedly irregular occurrence.

Larus hyperboreus hyperboreus Gunnerus. Giaucous GuLL.
Local name: Burgomaster, Minister Gull.

A few individuals were seen in Brigus harbor but more near
Cape St. Francis on September 3, 1939. On the whole this big
gull is not very common on the east coast of Newfoundland.

Larus marinus Linnaeus. Great BLAcK-BACKED GULL.
Local name: Saddleback.

- Only a few black-backs were seen among the gulls in eastern
Newfoundland where they are apparently uncommon. A few were
seen in Brigus harbor, and a small number near Cape St. Francis.

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTT—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 23

Larus argentatus smithsonianus Coues. American HERRING
GULL.

Local name: Sea Gull. Gull.

These gulls were observed commonly off the southeast coast,
especially near Cape St. Francis where they appeared to be nesting
on the cliffs. A few were always about Brigus harbor, and about a
half dozen were observed inland at Hodge Water and Makinson’s
Grove. Rooke (1935) also found them in the interior on the
Exploits River near Grand Falls. Numbers of young herring
gulls were seen around Brigus in the fall of 1939.

Rissa tridactyla tridactyla (Linnaeus). Atiantic Kittrwakz

Local name: ‘Tickle-else.

Kittiwakes are fairly common, but not known to breed in eastern
Newfoundland. On July 7, 1939, 25 of these birds were observed
in the mouth of Conception Bay and at almost all other times
scattered individuals were in evidence. Hoyes Lloyd (1939)
reports that a kittiwake banded in northwestern Russia was taken
near Little Fogo Island, Newfoundland, September 20, 1937.

Sterna hirundo hirundo Linnaeus. Common TERN.

Local name: Pietrie.

A few terns were occasionally seen from the vessel along the
eastern coast of Newfoundland, but it was usually impossible to
determine the species. On September 3, 1938, when near the Funk
Islands, and on September 3, 1939, off Bay of Bulls, common terns
(2 birds in each case) were positively identified.

Sterna paradisaea_ bBriinnich. Arcric TERN.

Lucas (1890) found Arctic terns breeding in large numbers on Funk
Island in 1887. Their young and eggs in an advanced stage of
incubation were scattered from one end of the island to the other.
Lucas calls attention to the fact that not a single specimen of
the common tern was noticed despite the assertion of Stuvitz in
1844 that he was ‘“‘surprised at the abundance of the Arctic and

24 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

common tern’’ on Funk Island. The difficulty of distinguishing
between the common and Arctic tern in the field leaves the status
of their comparative abundance in eastern Newfoundland still in

doubt.

Plautus impennis (Linnaeus). Great Aux.

Lucas (1890) believed that Funk Island 32 miles off the east
coast of Newfoundland was the chief breeding ground of the
great auk in North America and that the species survived there
long after being extirpated in other more accessible localities.
Furthermore there seems to be no evidence as yet that the great auk
bred at any locality in eastern Newfoundland except Funk Island.

Alca torda Linnaeus. Razor-pitteED AuK.

Two were seen on July 8, 1939, near the Funk Islands where
Lucas (1890) found them numerous. A few are said to still breed
there.

Uria lomvia lomvia (Linnaeus). Brunnicn Murre.

Local name: Baccelieu Bird or Turre.

Murres of this species are not uncommon off the east coast of
Newfoundland in summer. At least a few scattered individuals
were seen every day in that region. On July 13, 1938, when near the
Funk Islands where Lucas (1880) found these murres breeding, and
Gilliard (1937) estimated 10,000 breeding pairs, 20 were recorded
by our party in a 2-hour period. Many were seen near Cape Spear
on July 3, 1939. These murres are said to breed on Baccelieu Island,
whence the local name for this species, but there never seemed to
be a great number there. The residents say that they are more
common in the winter months.

Alle alle (Linnaeus). Dovexiz.
Local name: Bull-bird or Little Auk.

One was seen swimming near the vessel off Cape Broyle on July
6, 1938, but the species is apparently rare anywhere along the east

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTI—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 25

coast of Newfoundland in the summer. It is said by the natives to
be a common winter resident in Conception Bay.

Cepphus grylle grylle (Linnaeus). Brack Guiziemot.

Local name: Pigeon, or Sea Pigeon.

Rooke (1935) states that he saw 2 off St. John’s. No guillemots
were recorded by our party, however, in the 3 years of observation
off the eastern coast, despite the fact that a large breeding colony
is reported by Wynne-Edwards (1935) at Cape St. Mary’s. The
Natives report it as common in the winter at which time it stays
in the open water beyond the harbor ice.

Fratercula arctica arctica (Linnaeus). ATLANTIC PUFFIN.

Local name: Sea parrot.

The Puffin is locally common off the eastern coast. It appeared
to be breeding near Cape Broyle where great numbers were seen
July 6, 1938. Eight individuals were encountered in Trepassy
Bay on july 3, 1939, and many were found near Cape Spear later the
same day. A few were seen on July 7 at the mouth of Conception
Bay. Lucas (1890) found them breeding in great numbers on Funk
Island in the summer of 1887. Their burrows were numerous in
the thick soil on the top of the island which was formerly the breed-
ing ground of the great auk. The excavated bones of these extinct
auks were usually found around the entrances to puffin burrows.

Zenaidura macroura carolinensis (Linnaeus). Eastern
Mourninec Dove.

According to Lewis (1922) a pair was shot at Trepassy on Oc-
tober 1, 1921, after a severe southerly storm.

Bubo virginianus neochorus Oberholser. NEwFouNDLAND
Hornep Ow.

Several of these large owls were seen and heard by Rooke (1935)
in the Grand Falls region where he collected a single specimen.
The species is unrecorded by either Brooks (1936) or our party,
however.

26 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

Nyctea nyctea (Linnaeus). Snowy Owt.

Rooke (1935) reports 1 seen in the Grand Falls region on August
25, 1934, that he judged to be an early migrant. He states that
it is known to occur in Newfoundland as a winter resident.

Megaceryle alcyon alcyon (Linnaeus). Eastern Bettep Kinc-

FISHER.

Brooks (1936) records several at Bowring Park, St. John’s, but
none were observed by our party. The natives said that it was
very rare near the coast but could be found inland.

Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs. NortTHERN FLICKER.

It would seem that the flicker is the most common woodpecker
in eastern Newfoundland. One was heard at Hodge Water on
July 8, 1938, and there were always a few to be seen at Makinson’s
Grove. One nesting pair was observed on July 5, 1939. The nest
was found in a sawed off spruce stump 314 feet above the ground.
In it were 6 recently hatched young.

The single female specimen in fresh autumn plumage collected
on September 2, 1938, measured as follows: wing, 153.5 mm.;
tail, 99.5; culmen, not measurable (broken); tarsus, 28; middle toe
without claw, 23.5. The size seems to place the bird as Colaptes
a. luteus rather than as C. a. borealis.

Sphyrapicus varius atrothorax (Lesson). NorTHERN YELLOW-

BELLIED SAPSUCKER.

Rooke (1935) obtained a single specimen on Beaver Mountain
on August 12, and saw evidence of others in the presence of their
workings on birches.

Dryobates villosus terraenovae Batchelder. NErwrouNDLAND
Hairy WooppEckeEr.

Recorded as common by Rooke (1935) in the Grand Falls region,
but although the type specimen comes from Placentia on the Avalon

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTT—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND I17

Peninsula, it is seemingly uncommon there. Brooks (1936) saw
but 2 at Calinet and our party recorded it only on September 2,
1939, at Makinson’s Grove.

Dryobates pubescens microleucus Oberholser. Nrwrounp-

LAND Downy WoOoDPECKER.

This species is apparently rare in eastern Newfoundland since
it is entirely unrecorded by either Rooke (1935) or our party,
while Brooks (1936) saw but 1 in Bowering Park, St. John’s.

Picoides tridactylus bacatus Bangs. AMERICAN THREE-TOED

WoOODPECKER.

A single specimen taken by Rooke (1935) on Beaver Mountain
August 12, 1934, is the only record of this species in eastern New-
foundland.

Empidonax flaviventris (Baird and Baird). YEtLtow-sELLiep

FLYCATCHER.

Brooks (1936) saw 1 pair and heard others in eastern New-
foundland and a specimen from the Avalon Peninsula was given
to Rooke (1935) by J. R. Ewing of St. John’s. The species is
apparently uncommon on the Avalon Peninsula since it was not
observed by our party.

Nuttallornis borealis cooperi (Nuttall). Eastern OLive-sipep
FLYCATCHER.

Rooke (1935) records several for Beaver Mountain August 12,
1934, where a specimen was obtained by him.

Otocoris alpestris alpestris (Linnaeus). NorrHern Hornep

Lark.
Local name: Mud Lark.

This lark was common on the exposed rocky ridges of the Avalon
Peninsula. Numerous individuals were seen on the high flat

28 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

tundra above Brigus harbor. According to Rooke (1935) it is
apparently absent from the open country of the interior.

The single adult male breeding specimen collected on July 6,
1937, is definitely the large, yellow-browed alpestris, although
noticeably paler above than examples in comparable plumage
from Cape Domino, Labrador.

Iridoprocne bicolor (Vieillot). Tree Swattow.

Local name: Martin.

Brooks (1936) writes that he saw 7 or 8 over Long Pond and
Rooke (1935) saw what he took to be migrating flocks in the
Grand Falls region during August, but our party failed to record
it in July or September. The ‘‘martins’’ are familiar to the residents
of the Brigus region who tell of seeing thousands in August flying
over the small ponds.

Perisoreus canadensis sanfordi Oberholser. NzwrouNpDLAND

Jay.

Local name: Jay.

This jay is a common, well known resident in eastern New-
foundland. A single specimen was collected by our party at Makin-
son’s Grove, September 1, 1939.

Cyanocitta cristata bromia Oberholser. NorrHern Buue Jay.

Rooke (1935) examined a mounted specimen in the possession
of J. R. Ewing, taken near St. John’s.

Corvus corax principalis Ridgway. NorrHern Raven.

Two ravens were recorded from the interior by Rooke (1935)
but there are no records for the Avalon Peninsula.

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTT—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 29

Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos Brehm. Eastern
Crow.

Local name: Crow.

Crows ate common in the vicinity of Brigus, but like their more
southern relatives are very wary.

Penthestes atricapillus bartletti,* subsp. nov. NewrounDLAND

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE.

Local name: Pig-a-pee.

Subspecific characters.—Similar to Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus
but darker and more brownish above, and darker buff on flanks
and under tail-coverts. White edgings to wing and tail feathers
natrower. Bill larger. In color nearer to P. a. occidentalis than to
any other known race but much larger.

Measurements.—Adult male (8 specimens in fresh autumn plumage
from Newfoundland): wing, 63.5-68 (average 66.12) mm.; tail,
62-63.5 (62.68); total culmen, 10-11 (10.57); tarsus, 16.5-18 (17.25).
Adult female (6 specimens in worn breeding plumage from New-
foundland): wing, 61-64 (average 62.33) mm.; tail, 56-60 (58.20);
total culmen, 9.5-11 (10.17); tarsus 16-17.5 (16.5).

Type.-—Adult male, No. 38031 Cleveland Museum of Natural
History; Makinson’s Grove, Avalon Peninsula, eastern New-
foundland; September 6, 1938; Raymond Hellmann and David C.
Nutt, original number 293.

Geographic distribution.—Newfoundland.

Discussion— Noble (1919) noted that specimens from western
Newfoundland averaged browner, less grayish above and a richer
buff on the sides than mainland birds, but considered the difference
insufficient to watrant recognition of a distinct subspecies. It is
our opinion, however, that a very well marked race is represented
in Newfoundland with characters most pronounced in the eastern
part of the island and specimens from the western part distinctly
* For Captain Robert A. Bartlett

30 sCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

intermediate with P. a. atricapillus. In addition to the 7 specimens
in fresh autumn plumage and 4 in worn summer plumage collected
by our party on the Avalon Peninsula, there were made available
to us by Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd of the Carnegie Museum and Mr.
James L. Peters of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, 17 speci-
mens in fresh autumn, worn breeding and immature plumages
from western Newfoundland. For comparison with these we had a
large series of specimens representing all seasonal plumages of
P. a. atricapillus from Nova Scotia, New York, Northern Ohio, and
Lake Nipissing, Ontario.

For comparison the measurements of the two other sub-species
of black-capped chickadee that most closely resemble P. a. bartletti
are here given.

P. a. atricapillus.—Adult male (6 winter specimens from north-
western New York): wing, 61.5-67 (average 64.5) mm.; tail,
58-65.5 (62); culmen, 8.5-10 (9.1); tarsus, 15-17 (15.9). Adult
female (5 winter specimens from northwestern New York): wing,
62-66 (average 63.7) mm.; tail, 59-62.5 (60.7); culmen, 9-9.5 (9.2);
tarsus, 15.5-16 (15.6).

P. a. occidentalis —Adult male (14 autumn and winter specimens
from western Oregon and southwestern British Columbia): wing,
59.5-64 (average 62.3) mm.; tail, 55.5-59.5 (56.9); culmen, 9-10
(9.5); tarsus, 14.5-17 (15.5). Adult female (5 autumn and winter
specimens from western Oregon and southwestern British Colum-
bia): wing, 58.5-61.5 (average 60.2) mm.; tail, 52.5-57 (54.9);
culmen, 9-9.5 (9.2); tarsus, 15.5-17 (16.2).

This species is abundant in all thickets in eastern Newfoundland.

Penthestes hudsonicus littoralis (Bryant). Acap1an CuicKa-

DEE.

Numerous small flocks of this species were observed at Makin-
son's Grove where 2 adult males were collected September 6, 1938,
and 1 immature male July 5, 1939. It is not as generally common
as the black-capped chickadee.

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTT—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND Silk

Certhia familiaris (subsp. ?). Brown Creeper.

Rooke (1935) reports seeing 3 brown creepers in the interior
and obtaining 1 specimen on Beaver Brook in the Grand Falls
region for the first authentic record from Newfoundland. Our
party obtained 1 specimen on July 5, 1939, at Makinson’s Grove
and several others were heard both in July and upon returning in
early September. It would seem that the Brown Creeper is not
uncommon in the area about Makinson’s Grove.

The single specimen obtained is similar to Anticosti Island
specimens that are to be described as a new race by F. W. Braund
and E. P. McCullagh (manuscript) but is somewhat darker and
more rufescent. It is very similar in color to C. f. zelotes of the
Cascade Mountains of Oregon but smaller, particularly the bill.

With only 1 specimen available for study it would seem best for
the present to refer Newfoundland brown creepers to the race
soon to be described with type locality Anticosti Island. The
only specimen in existence from Newfoundland besides ours is

apparently the one taken by Rooke (1935) presumably now in
the British Museum.

Nannus troglodytes hiemalis CVieillot). Eastern WINTER
WREN.

Brooks (1936) saw 1 at Salmonier and 1 was heard singing at
Makinson’s Grove, July 5, 1939.

Turdus migratorius nigrideus, subsp. nov. Brackx-pacKep
Rosin.

Local name: Robin Redbreast.

Subspecific characters.—Nearest Turdus migratorius migratorius, but
darker throughout. Upper parts: gray areas darker, more blackish
and black areas more extensive; wings and tail more blackish;
back much darker, more blackish mouse gray, in males gray more
or less completely obscured by an extension posteriorly of the
black of the head. Lower parts: More deeply colored, hazel rather

32 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

than cinnamon rufous, with white areas less extensive and black
areas more extensive; in male, black streaks of throat tend to
coalesce laterally and posteriorly; gray areas of under tail-coverts
and under surface of tail darker; black spots on breast of juvenile
specimens larger, tending to coalesce anteriorly.

Measurements.—Adult male (5 breeding specimens from New-
foundland): wing, 132-136 (average 134.30) mm.; tail, 102-107
(104.90); exposed culmen, 19-20 (19.60); tarsus, 31.5-36 (34.20).
Adult female (8 breeding specimens from Newfoundland): wing,
123.5-131.5 (average 126.75) mm.; tail, 91-102 (96.75); exposed
culmen, 18.5-20 (19.19); tarsus, 32-35 (33.19).

Type.—Adult male, 38037, Cleveland Museum of Natural History;
Hodge Water, Avalon Peninsula, eastern Newfoundland; July 8,
1938; David C. Nutt, original number 159.

Geographic Distribution—Breeds in Newfoundland. South in
winter to eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Specimens
have been seen from Nova Scotia, Wolfville, o, April 20; New
York, Shelter Island, 7%, March 28; Ohio, Geauga County, o’,
March 22, 9, April18. Therobin is apparently partially a perma-
nent resident in Newfoundland since natives report them to be
common about St. John’s in the winter months.

Remarks.—This is the most deeply colored of all the American
robins and is an exceptionally well marked geographic race. The
extremely blackish coloration of the head, neck and anterior back
region sets it apart at a glance from all other known forms of
Turdus migratorius. This melanistic tendency is equally well
marked in male, female and juvenile specimens when compared
with comparable specimens of the same sex and age from other
parts of the species’ range. Noble (1919) noted the darker color
of Newfoundland robins but did not consider the difference worthy
of recognition as a distinct subspecies. The characters of this new
race seem to be more intense in eastern Newfoundland than in the
western part of the island.

Specimens taken on the Avalon Peninsula include 3 males and 5
females, all taken in July, but additional material from western
Newfoundland was kindly lent by Mr. James L. Peters of the Muse-

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTT—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 33

um of Comparative Zoology: Deer Lake, 9 ; Portau Port, 0, 2 9;
Nicholsville, o. An excellent series of typical Turdus migratorius
migratorius, including 16 specimens from Northern Ontario and
Quebec, was available for comparison through the courtesy of Mr.
W. E. Clyde Todd of the Carnegie Museum.

Turdus canadensis Miller (Systema Naturae Supplement, 1776,
p. 140) was presumably based on breeding robins from the vicinity
of Quebec, and that city is hereby fixed as its type locality. Since
Quebec robins are like those from the rest of eastern Canada in
differing as indicated above from the breeding population of New-
foundland, the name Turdus canadensis cannot be applied to birds
of the latter region.

This robin is an abundant breeding bird on the Avalon Peninsula
but is exceedingly wary as compared with its Ohio relatives.
The noisy and precipitous departure of robins while the observer
is still as much as 100 yards away is characteristic of birds of that
region and elicited the quaint explanation from a resident of Brigus
that ‘‘the foxes were after them’’! This extreme wariness of the
robin was also noted by Rooke (1935).

Hylocichia guttata faxoni Bangs and Penard. Eastern Hermit
THRUSH.

The delightful song of this thrush was often heard issuing from
the deepest spruce thickets in the early part of July. None were
seen early in September.

Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni (Tschudi). Onive-Backep
THRUSH.

Rooke (1935) saw 1 near Grand Falls on August 21, and was
given a specimen from the Avalon Peninsula by J. R. Ewing of St.
John’s.

Corthylio calendula calendula (Linnaeus). Eastern Rusy-
CROWNED KINGLET.

Local name: Foxy Chub.

This tiny species was common, especially in early September

34 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

when many flocks were noted flitting about the thicker spruce
growths. A single adult male was collected at Hodge Water,
July 7, 1938. Two immature specimens were taken at Makinson’s
Grove, September 6, 1938, and another September 1, 1939.

Anthus spinoletta rubescens (Tunstall). American Pirrr.

Local name: Titlark.

Brooks (1936) records several in the breeding season from the
hills overlooking the harbor of St. John’s. Our party saw several
on July 7, 1939, flitting about the cliffs overlooking Brigus harbor.
The pipit would appear to be a common bird on the rocky coast of
eastern Newfoundland, but Rooke (1935) found no sign of it in the
interior.

Lanius borealis borealis Vieillot. NortTHERN SHRIKE.

Rooke (1935) reports that a specimen of the northern shrike
obtained from Avalon Peninsula was given to him by Mr. J. R.
Ewing, a St. John’s taxidermist. This is the only record of this
species for Newfoundland.

Mniotilta varia (Linnaeus). Brack anp WuiTE WARBLER.

According to Rooke (1935) the black and white warbler is com-
mon in the interior, butit has yet to be reported from the Avalon
Peninsula.

Dendroica aestiva amnicola Batchelder. NEwrouNDLAND YEL-
Low WARBLER.

Local name: Yellow-hammer.

This is a very common bird in the shrubby areas of the Avalon
Peninsula. At Brigus and Hodge Water 5 breeding specimens
were collected. Each year upon our return in the first week of
September this species, as well as the rest of the warbler population ©
of Avalon Peninsula, seems to have already migrated. On Sep-
tember 10, 1938, while at sea to the south of Newfoundland, a
yellow warbler presumably from that island came on board the
vessel.

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTT—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 35

Dendroica coronata coronata (Linnaeus). Myrttz WarsBLer.

This warbler is uncommon on the Avalon Peninsula, but would
seem to be more common in the interior. A single specimen was
collected at Makinson’s Grove, on July 6, 1939.

Dendroica breviunguis (Spix). Biacx-rott WaRBLER.

The black-poll appears to be the most abundant warbler on the
Avalon Peninsula although considered rare in the interior of
Newfoundland by Rooke (1935). In the low shrubby area at
Hodge Water it was seen everywhere, while at Makinson’s Grove
it preferred the largest, most dense spruce.

On September 1, 1939, a lone female was collected at Makinson’s
Grove, apparently a straggler, as it is the only warbler recorded by
our party during any of the September visits.

In all, 5 specimens were collected. Both male and female breeding
specimens average somewhat darker (black streaks more extensive)
than comparable specimens from Anticosti Island and Nova Scotia.

Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea Ridgway. YeLttow Patm

WARBLER.

Reported by Rooke (1935) as common and generally distributed
in the interior. He also records a specimen from the Avalon Penin-
sula given him for the British Museum by J. R. Ewing.

Seiurus noveboracensis noveboracensis (Gmelin). NorrHerNn

W ATER-THRUSH.

This species is not common on the Avalon Peninsula. A pair
was observed at Makinson’s Grove on July 5 and its actions indicated
that its nest was close by. Several other individuals were seen.
Brooks (1936) states that it was still in song in early August.

The 2 breeding specimens collected are somewhat brighter yellow
and more heavily streaked below than a comparable series from
Nova Scotia.

36 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

Geothlypis trichas brachidactyla (Swainson). NorTHERN

YELLOW-THROAT.

Although reported by Rooke (1935) as fairly common in the
interior it has not been recorded definitely as yet from the east
coast.

Wilsonia pusilla pusilla (Wilson). Wirson Warsier.

Local name: Yellow-hammer.

This warbler was found to be fairly common in the vicinity of
Brigus and at Hodge Water where 3 breeding specimens were
collected. It is one of the more common warblers of the Avalon
Peninsula.

Setophaga ruticilla ruticilla (Linnaeus). American REDsTART.

It is surprising that our party encountered only a few redstarts
in view of the fact that Brooks (1936) reports them as almost as
common as black-poll warblers. One female appeared to be nest-
ing in Makinson’s Grove.

Passer domesticus domesticus (Linnatus). Enciisu Sparrow.

This introduced species is common in the streets of Brigus and
on the docks at St. John’s. Brooks found it common even at some
distance from the latter city feeding in open fields with fox sparrows.

Euphagus carolinus (CMiiller). Rusty Bracxsirp.
Local name: Blackbird.

Several small flocks of rusty blackbirds were noted during the
course of the field work but its occurrence was decidedly erratic.

At Brigus, 2 specimens were taken July 6, 1937, and another was
secured at Makinson’s Grove, September 6, 1938.

Quiscalus aeneus Ridgway. Bronzep GrackLe.

Griscom (1926) states that this species has been authentically
recorded from near St. John’s.

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTI—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND By

Pinicola enucleator eschatosus Oberholser. NEwrounpDLAND

Pinz GrosBEAK.

Although reported as fairly common by Brooks (1936), this
Species was entirely unrecorded by our party on the Avalon Penin-
sula. Rooke (1935) collected 1 on August 18 in the Grand Falls
region that was in breeding condition.

Acanthis linaria linaria (Linnaeus). Common REDPOLL.

Brooks (1936) records the redpoll as very common. This was
certainly not the case in the area covered by our expedition, since
it went entirely unnoticed. Rooke (1935) saw a flock in the Grand
Falls region on August 10 and September 10.

Spinus pinus pinus (Wilson). NortTHern Pine Siskin.

Brooks (1936) states that he saw many siskins in Bowring Park,
St. John’s, and according to Noble’s (1919) report, it is apparently
one of the commonest birds on the west side of Newfoundland.
However, this species was not recorded either by Rooke (1935)
from the interior or by our party in the Brigus region.

Loxia curvirostra pusilla Gloger. NzwrounpLanp Rep Cross-

BILL.

Flocks of red crossbills were a common sight at Makinson’s
Grove where they were evidently breeding. Some of these birds
were to be seen flying recklessly about at almost all times and
seeming to pay no attention to our party. An adult female and an
immature male specimen were collected at Makinson’s Grove,
September 6, 1938, and an adult male on July 6, 1939.

Loxia leucoptera leucoptera Gmelin. American WuITE-wINGED
CROssBILL.

The white-winged crossbill was likewise common at Makinson’s
Grove. The single adult male collected on September 6 was in
breeding condition, and the plumage was rather worn. This

38 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

specimen is of a deeper red and has more blackish flanks and under
tail-coverts while an immature specimen taken September 1, 1939,
is more blackish than any examples in a large series of male and
immature white-winged crossbills from Nova Scotia. In this
connection it is significant that Noble (1919) found a tendency
toward blackishness in an adult and an immature specimen that
he examined from western Newfoundland. It seems very likely
that a larger series will show that the Newfoundland white-
winged crossbills are a distinct subspecies.

Passerculus sandwichensis labradorius Howe. Lasrapor
SAVANNAH SPARROW.

While a very common breeding bird in all open places on the
Avalon Peninsula, the Savannah sparrow was especially abundant
on the high flats overlooking Brigus harbor. In contrast to this,
Rooke (1935) saw only a single individual in the interior of New-
foundland. The 13 specimens taken show that the breeding popu-
lation of the Avalon Peninsula is perfectly typical of the Labrador
face.

Junco hyemalis hyemalis (Linnaeus). S tate-cotorep Junco.

Juncos are recorded by Brooks (1936) as not common on the
Avalon Peninsula and our expedition failed to record them at all.
However, Rooke (1935) found them more commonly around
habitations in the Grand Falls region of the interior.

Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmelin). Wauutrse-rHrRoaTED SPARROW.

White-throats were fairly common at Hodge Water as elsewhere
in the forested portion of the island, where their songs were often
heard coming from the dense spruce growth. In July 1939, at
Makinson’s Grove, a continual chorus of their clear ringing notes
issued from the woods night and day. Several calls were heard
even during a heavy downpour on the morning of July 6, on which
day a single female bird was collected. On September 10, 1938,
while off the southwestern coast of Newfoundland, a migrating
white-throated sparrow came aboard the vessel.

1939 ALDRICH AND NUTT—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 39

Passerella iliaca iliaca CMerrem). Eastern Fox Sparrow.
Local name: Labrador sparrow.

The fox sparrow is an abundant breeding bird on the Avalon
Peninsula. In early July singing males appeared to occupy the tips
of practically every prominent spruce, and were in almost contin-
uous song. However, they were very shy and could not be ap-
proached closely. Two breeding males and 2 juvenal birds were
collected. Judging from Rooke’s (1935) experience, fox sparrows
ate apparently less common in the interior of eastern Newfound-
land than near the coast.

Melospiza lincolni lincolni (Audubon). Lincoin Sparrow.

Although recorded by Brooks (1936) as common on the “‘barrens’’
of the Avalon Peninsula, and as fairly common by Rooke (1935) in
the interior of Newfoundland, the Lincoln sparrow was rare in the
region traversed by our expedition.

Melospiza georgiana georgiana (Latham). Eastern Swamp

SPARROW.

The Swamp sparrow is by far the most abundant bird observed in
the vicinity of Brigus. At the time of the field work there in July,
the behavior of these birds indicated nesting activities since, if
approached nearer than 50 yards, they ceased singing and con-
tinued with high pitched scolding notes from the depths of the
underbrush. Their favorite haunts were the wet flats covered by
low bog shrubs.

Brooks (1936) also found this species common on the Avalon
Peninsula, althoughstrangely enough less common than the Lincoln
sparrow. Rooke (1935) found the swamp sparrow localized in one
marshy area in the Grand Falls region where it inhabited wetter
places than the Lincoln sparrow.

The 5 breeding specimens and 1 autumn plumaged bird collected
ate apparently intermediate between georgiana and ericrypta, but
somewhat nearer the former race.

40 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Vol. IV

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF NEWFOUNDLAND BIRDS

American Ornithologists Union 1931. Check List of North
American Birds (fourth edition). Lancaster, Pa., pp. 1-526.

Arnold, E. 1912. A Short Summer Outing in Newfoundland, 1911.
Auk, Vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 72-79.

Austin, O. L. Jr. 1932. The Birds of Newfoundland Labrador.
Memoirs of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, No. 7, pp. 1-229
Map.

Batchelder, C. F. 1908. The Newfoundland Hairy Woodpecker.
Proceedings of the New England Zoological Club, Vol. 4, pp.
37-38.

ia aS 1918. Two Undescribed Newfoundland Birds. Pro-
ceedings of the New England Zoological Club, Vol. 6, pp. 81-82.

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1939 ALDRICH AND NUTI—BIRDS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 4]

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EE

42 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION OF THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM Voli Ty.

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