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LABORATORY OF ORNITHOLOGY

CORNELL UNIVERSITY
ITHACA, NE® YORK

CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

LABORATORY
OF ORNITHOLOGY
LIBRARY

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‘Photo from life

YOUNG BLUE JAYS

BIRDS

of Eastern North America

BY
CHESTER A, REBD, S..B.

Author of “‘ Bird Guide,” ‘‘ Flower Guide”? “North American Birds’
Eggs,” “‘ Nature Studies in Field and Wood,” “ Camera
Studies of Wild Birds,” etc.

WITH COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS OF EVERY SPECIES COMMON TO
THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA FROM THE ATLANTIC
COAST TO THE ROCKIES

GARDEN CITY New YorRK

DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY
IQ12

Copyright, 1912
CHAS. K. REED, Worcester, Mass.

PREFACE

This volume is in reality but an extension of, an enlarge-
ment upon and a combining of the “show me”’ properties
of “Bird Guide — Land Birds” and ‘Bird Guide — Water
Birds.” The kind reception and enormous sale of these
smaller books have fully justified my belief that a good, ac-
curate illustration is worth pages of text for conveying an idea
of the appearance of a bird or for identifying one scen in
the field.

My schooling in this line was gained in the time when an
occasional inaccurate woodcut served only to relieve the
monotony of the solid pages of text. In those days the birds
were “collected” and, with the specimen in hand, it required
only time to discover what it was, from the pages of the old
reliable ‘‘Coues’ Key.” Birds were more plentiful then and
bird students comparatively few. Obviously such methods
are impossible now when the birds are fewer and students
numbered by the hundreds of thousands.

A good pair of bird glasses and a good book will enable
the bird student now to see and identify hundreds of species,
and that without harming the creatures in the least. In fact,
several enthusiasts have written me that they became so
familiar with the birds by means of pictures that upon visit-
ing new localities and seeing new birds they were able to cor-
rectly name nearly all at first sight without referring to a
book.

Bird study is not a fad. It is a recreation and a most
useful one. Its importance is shown by the fact that it is one
of the requirements of teachers in nearly all states. I have
endeavored in this volume to incorporate that which will
serve the most to the best advantage, omitting nothing that

“i

PREFACE

seems essential and adding nothing for the sake of ‘“pad-
ding.” The colored pictures are from water-color paint-
ings made directly from perfectly plumaged specimens and,
I believe, faithfully represent each species in a pose commonly
assumed in life.

I sincerely hope that “Birds of Eastern North America”
may give pleasure and profit to the reader, and that it may
be the means of adding many new members to that great
fraternal order known as “ Friends of the Birds.”

CHESTER A. REED.

Worcester, April, 1912.

iv

CONTENTS

Preface nme, EME ©.
Topographical Chart of a Bird
Introduction
Ornithology
What Is a Bird?
Naming Birds .
Characters of Birds
Coloration
Migration of Birds
Value of Birds
Birds of Eastern North America .
How to Study Birds
Local Lists .

Index

ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

ooo w~am

10
It
12
13
15
17
425
432
439

Colored pictures of nearly every species named in the

Index.

Upper Tail Coverts

Rumip
Primaries
Secondaries

Covervis, Greater .
» Middle

» Lesser

Median Line
Superciliary~
Scabulays

Auriculays if f
Loves B
LF fof Seiad : WY Tarsus

( Tas a AN Fianks

Artextials

=F Modomen

== K~ Sides
Chin HO
Throat \, IN
Breast !

VOPOGRAPHY OF A BIRD
S= male P= Female

vi

INTRODUCTION

OrNITHOLOGY.— The Science of or the Study of Birds is
Ornithology, and the student is known as an Ornithologist.
By this term, however, we mean not one who only is able to
name or identify many species, but the student who knows
as well the functions and characters that form the basis of
the correct grouping of birds in their proper relation to one
another. It is not necessary or even desirable that all bird
students become expert ornithologists, for such a course often
requires the destruction of bird life. Only those who aim to
make ornithology their life work should undertake it, but
every one should be conversant with some of the basic prin-
ciples upon which depend the naming and placing of the
different species.

Wuat Is a Brrp?— Birds belong to the class Aves, which is
one of two groups making up the primary group of Sauropsida.
The other members of this group are classed as Reptilia, and
these two classes are linked together because the evidence all
points to the presumption that birds are all descended from a
reptilian ancestor. In slate formation in Bavaria have been
found several fossil remains of a bird which has been named
Archaeopteryx lithographica and which is very reptile-like in
form and structure. Birds are warm-blooded, oviparous
animals — that is, their young are hatched from eggs outside
the bodies of their parents. They are unique in that they
are the only animals possessing feathers. They always have
four limbs, of which the fore pair are wings, usually capable
of sustaining the creature in flight by means of attached
feathers. Some animals and certain fish are also capable of
flight, but are sustained by a skin or membrane stretched
between the bony fingers.

vil

INTRODUCTION

Naminc Brrps.— Since birds have evolved from a rep-
tilian state and are still in the very slow process of evolution
to still higher forms, it follows that the natural and proper
order in which our present birds should be arranged is from
the lowest and most reptile-like form upward. Following
such an arrangement our birds are grouped into orders com-
mencing with the Grebes and ending with the Bluebirds. The
birds comprising each order agree in certain structural fea-
tures, even though they may often be quite unlike externally.
A comparison of the members of an order shows that the one
group can be divided into perhaps several smaller groups of
birds which agree structurallyin other less important respects.
These second divisions are known as Families. For instance,
the Order Pygopodes, which is composed of certain diving
birds, contains Family Colymbide or Grebes, Family Gaviide
or Loons, and Family Alcidae, Auks, Murres, and Puffins.
These families may often advantageously be still further
divided into Genera, and finally we come down to the in-
dividual Species.

When widely distributed, the same species of birds are
subject to sometimes great and permanent differences in their
plumages. Although widely separated birds sometimes show
even greater differences in their plumage than between many
other distinct species, the two races cannot be regarded as
distinct since birds in the regions between the extremes inter-
grade gradually with one another; hence the one bird is called
a subspecies of the other. In order to distinguish between
the subspecies, the trinomial method of naming is used. This
may be best illustrated by the following example.

Our common Song Sparrow is a very widely distributed
bird; in fact, it is found throughout the United States and
the greater part of Canada and Alaska. This bird is ap-
parently very susceptible to climatic changes, for, while in
the Eastern States we have but one race, in the West there
are a great many subspecies, nineteen at the present time.
As a rule, birds of northern climes are larger than the same
kind in the South; also birds in regions of large rainfall are
much darker colored than the same kind in hot, dry climates.

viii

INTRODUCTION

Consequently we find that in the deserts of the Southwestern
States the Song Sparrows are smaller than our common one
and are very much paler colored. Again, in northwestern
United States, we find that Song Sparrows are not only larger
than ours but are very much darker.

In order that these differences may be properly recorded,
our eastern bird, being the type race, is known as Melospiza
melodia melodia, the first being the generic name, the second
the specific name, and the third signifying that this is a type
bird of which there are one or more subspecies. The absence
of a third name signifies that a bird is a distinct species with
no subspecies. The Desert Song Sparrow is Melospiza
melodia fallax, the Sooty Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia
rufina, and soon. Thus our little Song Sparrow to be defi-
nitely described would be Class Aves, Order Passeres (Perch-
ing Birds), Family Fringillide (Finches, Sparrows, etc.),
Genus Melospiza and Type Melodia melodia.

CHARACTERS OF Birps.— Birds have straight bills, crooked
bills, or bills of unusual shape; webbed feet, lobed toes, or
long, straight, slender toes; long wings, short wings, broad
wings, or comparatively tiny wings; long tails, short tails,
or sharp, spiny-pointed tails. Why these differences? We
may safely assume that if a bird has a peculiarly shaped bill,
unusual feet or wings out of the ordinary, there is a reason,
and the unusual construction is better adapted to its manner
of living in some respect even though we cannot see how.

The Crossbill has crooked mandibles that pass by one
another when the bill is closed. His food consists of seeds
from cones and the construction of his bill enables him to scale
off the seeds more rapidly and more easily than if it were of
ordinary shape. It would be unreasonable to presume that
these birds were made with crossed bills and then had to seek
out the food that could be best obtained with such bills, but,
from the very nature of evolution, we can safely say that their
ancestors, hundreds or thousands of generations ago, had
normally shaped bills; that they secured pine seeds, liked
them and adopted them as a staple diet, with the result that
the continual twisting to scale seeds from the cones has

1X

INTRODUCTION

brought their bills to the form in which we see them to-
day.

Because a bird is flightless, like the Antarctic Penguins or
the Great Auk that formerly lived off our coast, it must not
be supposed that their ancestors could not fly. Probably
they could, and it is only the long-continued disuse that has
rendered them the flightless creatures they are in our day.
We may even imagine the prehistoric Ostrich as a bird cap-
able of flight. Few enemies and a life of ease on the ground
would gradually decrease the size and power of the wings
until flight was impossible. At this stage the appearance of
an enemy in the shape of some predatory mammal would
have caused the creature to take refuge by running, and after
a great lapse of time produce the strong-legged, swift bird
that we now know as the Ostrich. I mention these things
just to bring to attention the fact that we must not suppose
that birds do certain things because of unusual construction
adapted to that purpose, for the unusual construction follows
and is caused by the fact that the bird lives the life it does.

CoLoraTIon.— Every bird has enemies, to escape which
they have to be continually on guard. Very few of them
live their full lives and die a natural death. Sick or crippled
ones fall early victims to predatory birds and animals. Col-
oration plays quite an important part in the protection
and perpetuation of each species. As a rule, female birds
are less conspicuously marked than their mates, a wise
provision, since they attract less attention at that important
period during which they are sitting upon their nests.

With few exceptions, a notable one of which is the Bobo-
link, birds are darker on their backs than on the under parts,
for the reason that such gradation of tone about balances
the shadows caused by the overhead light and renders most
of them quite invisible when against the proper background,
whereas if they were uniformly colored they would stand out
very distinctly.

Usually birds that spend the greater part of the time on the
ground are dull-colored and streaked with brown and gray,
as shown by the sparrows while those whose lives are mostly

x

INTRODUCTION

spent in trees may be any color. The latter have little need
of protective colors, for the leaves screen them from above,
and, viewed from below, even brightly colored birds like
our Scarlet Tanager are less conspicuous than one would
think, owing to the kaleidoscopic effect produced by the
green leaves, the patches of blue sky and spots of yellow
where the sun’s rays filter through the openings.

Birds whose plumages are in harmony with their surround
ings often trust to this fact for avoiding detection. The
Green Heron and Bittern often allow a person to pass within
a few feet of them as they stand statue-like beside a few
rushes, many doubtless remaining unseen. Sparrows sit
upon their eggs in little grass nests on the ground until there
is danger of their being trod upon, before they take wing,
and the Woodcock is so sure of the efficacy of her plumage as
a protection that she will sometimes allow one to touch
her.

MicraATION oF Brrps.— Twice each year most birds per-
form their wonderful migratory feats. It seems almost
beyond belief that tiny birds can start from their home site
here, travel several thousand miles across water and land to
northern South America, spend several months there and
then, with nothing but their memory and probably some
landmarks to guide them, find their way back to the exact
place from which they started. A person could not do it;
in fact many would become hopelessly lost in a piece of woods
a mile across. Birds have a keen sense of direction and,
traveling at high elevations as they do, they are able to pick
up familiar landmarks far ahead. Birds also have very acute
hearing and keen sight, which qualifications enable young and
less experienced birds to follow the correct course by sound
and sight of the older ones. Doubtless you have noticed that
migrating small birds are calling to one another every few
minutes, probably for the very purpose of keeping in touch
with the ones that do not know the way.

Migration, first performed to escape severe cold or because
of lack of food, has become a fixed habit with those species
that do regularly migrate. Many of them, long before it is

Xi

INTRODUCTION

necessary for them to go south, gather in flocks preparatory
to the journey. Seed-eating birds generally travel only far
enough south to make sure of a good supply of food to carry
them through the winter, while insect-eating birds usually
make quite extended journeys, although Chickadees, which
live upon insects, do not migrate at all, but eke out a frugal
fare of insect eggs and pupe which they can gather from the
bark of trees.

It is not difficult to see why birds should wish or might be
obliged to migrate in fall, but why they should return in
spring cannot be so easily demonstrated since they are al-
ready in a land of plenty as far as food is concerned. Birds
that winter in our Southern States move northward with the
rise in temperature, but rise in temperature cannot be the
cause of the return of those species that leave our shores and
continue to South America. Hudsonian Godwits, shore
birds that nest along our Arctic coast, spend our winter
months in Patagonia, where the temperature at the time is
about the same as our Southern States. Furthermore, for
a short time, they there associate on the pampas with other
Godwits of the same species which are about to leave for
their breeding grounds only a few- hundred miles farther
south. Why our birds should travel six or seven thousand
miles between their summer and winter homes, when places
equally as desirable and used by the same species are only as
many hundred miles away, is a mystery that cannot be
satisfactorily explained and can only be attributed to hered-
itary instinct.

VALUE OF Birps.— Living birds are pretty to look at and
they are interesting to watch. The more acquainted one
becomes with them the more interested one is in watching
them. Our sea beaches would be quite desolate could we
not see an occasional tern or gull gracefully winging his way
over the water or a sandpiper running along the shore; our
ponds and lakes would not be half so interesting if we could
not hear the rattle of the kingfisher or see the great herons go
slowly flapping away on their large wings; and imagine our
orchards and shade trees without the warblers, wrens, robins,

xii

INTRODUCTION

etc.; they would be lifeless indeed. If the presence and
sight of our birds please a great many people they can be said
to have a very large esthetic value.

Certain species of birds, commonly known as Game Birds,
have another value in that they are pursued by sportsmen
for recreation and food. But by far the greatest value is an
economic one. Birds are literally worth their weight in gold,
and it behooves every one of us to see that they are kept
alive and in good health as far as we are individually and
collectively able. Yet it is only within a few years that birds
have come into their own and been reckoned at their true
worth as destroyers of injurious insects and consequently as
saviors of our crops. Only a few years ago one of our large
states was offering a bounty of 25 cents on each hawk and
owl killed, while as a matter of fact the destruction of each
one was costing the farmers in the neighborhood of $40
per year caused by damage done by the mice and insects that
each one of the birds of prey would have consumed in that
time.

The temperature of the blood in birds is higher than in
other animals and the circulation is double and very rapid.
In order to supply fuel to maintain this temperature and
rapid circulation birds eat a great deal and the digestion is
very rapid. When food is abundant they eat more than
necessary and become very fat; when it is scarce they have
to cover much ground to find enough for their wants. Not
more than 2 per cent. of our native birds are destructive to
such a degree that the good they do does not more than make
amends. Less than 1o per cent., while not injurious in any
way, are of little or no account economically; the remainder,
nearly go per cent. of all our birds, are very valuable. They
are one of the most important balance springs of Nature, and
their office is to check any undue increase in any species of
insects. Ifa certain insect pest becomes superabundant, the
birds that feed upon it congregate, gorge themselves, raise
large families and return the following year in sufficient
numbers to quell the outbreak. This check works perfectly
upon native insects, but if a foreign one is brought to this

xiil

INTRODUCTION

country and multiplies rapidly it may become a scourge
difficult to check because we have no birds accustomed to
feeding upon that particular insect. Lest any one might
suppose that the remedy for an imported pest to be imported
birds, I will add that such remedies wherever tried have in-
variably proved worse than the disease. Our experience
with English Sparrows should be sufficient to deter any ex-
periments with any other species. Valuable birds in their
native countries, they are the worst pest that we have to con-
tend with here, for they destroy the balance of Nature by
driving from the neighborhood of cities many useful birds,
do absolutely no good themselves, and deface our buildings
to the extent of millions of dollars’ damage annually.

Seed-eating birds are just as important for holding in check
the increase of noxious weeds, and even they are all insect
eaters during that period during which they are feeding and
caring for the young. Many birds, such as gulls, vultures,
hawks, crows, etc., feed quite extensively upon refuse and
are of considerable value as scavengers.

xiv

BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

GREBES

(1) &chméphorus occi= Ws
dentalis

(Lawr.) (Gr., spear bearing; Lat., western).

WESTERN GREBE; SWAN
GREBE. Ad. in summer — Billlong
and pointed, very slightly recurved,
dusky with yellow edges. Iris red.
Feet grayish. Top of head and line
down the back of the neck, black;
back dark gray, the feathers being
edged with lighter; entire under parts
glossy white. I winter — Top’ of
head and back of neck gray like the
back. L., 24.00-29.00; W., 8.00; Tar.
and B., 3.00. Eggs — Three to five,
stained bluish-white, 2.40 x 1.55.

Range — Breeds from N. Dak.
and northern Cal. north to B. C. and
Sask. Winters from B.C. to Mex.
Casual east to Neb. and Wis.

OrDER PYGOPODES. Drvinc Birps

The Pygopodes (Gr., rump, foot) are characterized by
the fact that the legs enter the body at the extreme end, at
or near the rump, a physical construction that gives them
great powers of swimming and diving but makes them almost
helpless when on land. With the exception of the Puffin,
the birds of this Order sit upon the whole tarsus and foot
as a base, either erect or partly reclining on _ their
breasts. Their plumage is very thick and is completely
waterproof.

Famity COLYMBIDA. GrEBEsS

A family comprising about thirty species, six of which are
found within our limits. They are all externally charac-
terized by semipalmated feet, broad lobes or flaps on each
toe and broad, flat nails. The wings are very short, small

17

GREBES

(2) Célymbus hélbeelli

(Reinh.) (Lat., a diving bird; to C
Holbeell).

HOLBELL’S GREBE; RED-
NECKED GREBE. Bill straight
and pointed, black, shading to yellow-
ish at the base. Iris red. Ad. in
summer — Colored as shown; the
silvery-gray cheeks are quite puffy
owing to the density of the plumage
and the slight lengthening of the
feathers; crests short and black; lining
of wings and axillars white. In
winter —No crests; under parts
entirely white, slightly tinted with
grayish or pale rufous on the neck.
L, 19.00; W., 7.60; Tar., 2.50; B.,
2.20.

Range — Breeds in the _ interior
from Minn. northward. Migrates
south to Neb. and along the Atlantic
coast to S. C.

and decidedly concavo-convex. The tail is very rudimentary,
consisting only of downy feathers.

The habits of all our grebes are practically identical,
except that Pied-billed Grebes, the species most commonly
found in the east, are less gregarious than the others. All
kinds are usually known by gunners as “‘ Hell-divers’”’ because
of the quickness with which they can disappear under water.
Of course, however, there is no truth in the common belief
that they can dodge shot or dive at the flash of a gun. If one
escapes the charge from a modern firearm it is either because
of a poor aim or on account of the small portion of a grebe’s
body that appears above water when the creature is alarmed.

The large Western Grebe commonly swims with the body
almost entirely submerged, the only visible portions being a
slender head perched at right angles to a more slender neck.
By the way, this is the species that furnished most of the
“grebe breasts” of commerce until the traffic was wisely
stopped, chiefly through the efforts of the Audubon Society.

18

GREBES

(3) Colymbus auritus
(Linn.) (Lat., eared).

HORNED GREBE. Ad. in sum-
mer — Colored as shown; black cheek
feathers lengthened and puffy; crest
from back of each eye, quite long
and full. In winter — Grayish-black
above, silvery-white below. L., 14.00;
Ex., 24.00; W., 5.50; Tar., 1.75; B.,
.go. Liggs — Three to seven, soiled
dull white, 1.7ox1.20. Nest —A
floating mass of decaying vegetation,
generally attached to the living
rushes in sloughs.

Range — Breeds from Me., nor-
thern Neb., Min.,and B.C. northward.
Winters from southern Me., Minn. and
B. C. south to Fla., the Gulf coast
and Cal.

Grebes very rarely fly unless forced to do so, except during
migrations or to pass from one body of water to another.
They are such amphibious creatures that it is quite difficult
for them to leave the water; their small wings refuse to raise
them until they have attained sufficient speed by pattering
and running along the surface of the water for several yards.
When once a-wing, a swift flight is maintained by very rapid
wing beats. The finish of the flight is no more graceful
than its beginning; they seem to be wholly unable to
check their speed and plump down in the water like so
many stones.

They are complete masters of their preferred element. A
plunge of the head, a vigorous kick with the feet, and they
disappear as though by magic. At other times they settle
slowly backward until the bill goes beneath the surface with-
out leaving a ripple. They easily remain under water for
two or three minutes, during which time they can swim for
considerable distances.

19

GREBES

(4) Colymbus nigricdéllis
calif6rnicus
(Brehm.) (Lat., black-necked).

EARED GREBE. Bill pointed
and slightly recurved. Irisred. Ad.
in summer — Plumage as shown; long,
conspicuous, tawny colored, auricular
tufts. Ad.in winter and Im.— Black-
ish-gray above and satiny-white on
the under parts; readily distinguished
from the Horned Grebe by the dif-
ferently shaped bill. L., 13.00; W.,
5.00; B., 1.00. Nest—A heap of
wet, decaying rushes floating among
the living ones in sloughs. Eggs —
Three to seven, dull white, 1.70 x 1.15.

Range — Western N. A. Breeds
from southern Cal., and northern
Neb. north to B. C. and Man.
Winters from Cal. southward. Cas-
ual east to Mo. and Ind., during
migrations.

Their food consists chiefly of small fish, which they pursue
and catch under water. This diet is varied to some extent
with frogs, tadpoles, water insects and shellfish. The Pied-
billed species appears to live less exclusively upon fish than
do the others; its flesh is, therefore, not quite as rank but it
is a long ways from palatable.

The nesting habits of our grebes differ only in that the
Pied-billed and Holbecell’s are more solitary in their habits.
The Western, Eared and Horned Grebes usually nest in com-
munities or colonies, which accounts for the ease with which
they used to be shot during nesting time, for millinery pur-
poses. The eggs are practically laid in water, the young
are born in water, get their food from the water, often
sleep on the water and practically live on the water all
their lives.

The nest is formed of a mass of wet, decaying rushes;
sometimes located on fairly stable hummocks, but more
often floating about on the water, insecurely attached to

20

GREBES

(5) Colymbus dominicus
brachypterus
(Chapman) (Of St. Domingo).

LEAST GREBE; ST. DOMINGO
GREBE. Bill very short, stout and
pointed. Iris orange-red. Ad. in
summer — Crown glossy, steel-blue;
sides of head ashy-gray; throat black;
rest of lower parts grayish-white;
upper parts blackish. Jn winter —
No black on throat; crown and sides
of head duller colored. L., 9.50; W.,
3.75; Tar., 1.25; B., .7o. Mest — Of
decaying rushes floating on the water.
Eggs — Four to seven, chalky, green-
ish-white, so nest stained as to ap-
pear brownish; 1.40 x .os.

Range — Throughout Mexico and
Central America. In the United
States, only in the Rio Grande Valley,
southern Texas.

some upright rushes so that the owner on her return may not
find that her home has floated away. The top of this decay-
ing mass is barely raised above the water; indeed, the eggs
often lay partly in water. It has been said that when a

Se
SS

—Pred-\oi

GREBES

(6) Podilymbus pédiceps
(Linn.) (Lat., rump, foot).

PIED-BILLED GREBE; DAB-
CHICK; DIPPER; HELL-DIVER.
Bill short, stout, compressed and
obtuse at the tip; in summer whitish
with a black band around the middle.
Ad. in summer — As shown; notice the
black throat, the white eye-ring and
the absence of white onthe wings. Jn
winter — Bill plain dusky; no eye-
ring; throat white. Juv.— Like the
winter adult but with more or less
conspicuous striping on the head.
L., 13.00; W., 5.10; Tar., 1.50; B.,
.85. Eggs — Four to six, dull, soiled
white, 1.70 Xx .95.

Range— Breeds throughout the
United States and southern Canada.
Winters from Va., Miss. and Wash.
southward.

grebe wishes to move, she sits on her nest sticks out one foot
and paddles off to another location. While the truth of this
is to be doubted, it is a fact that the nests are so insecurely
attached to their supports that they are very commonly
blown about at the mercies of the winds.

A full complement of eggs numbers from three to seven.
These are naturally of a dull white or slightly bluish color,
but continual contact with the wet mass upon which they
repose soon discolors them, those of the Least Grebe turning
to a deep saffron-brown shade. When a grebe leaves her
nest, she usually covers the eggs with some of the wet rushes,
either to conceal them from the gulls that often nest in the
same localities and which are very fond of them, or that the
steaming action of the sun on the wet mass may assist in
their incubation.

Grebes are nidifugous; their young come from the eggs
covered with down, and the little ones leave the nest almost
immediately, swimming about after their mothers.

22

LOONS

(7) Gavia immer
(Briin.) (Ital., gull; Swedish, goose).

LOON; GREAT NORTHERN
DIVER. Ad. in summer — Bill,
long, stout, pointed, black. Iris red.
Plumage beautifully patterned as
shown. In winter and Im.— Bill
grayish. Iris brown. Upper parts
brownish-black, with gray edging of
the feathers on the back; below white;
cheeks more or less mottled. L.,
31.00-36.00; Ex., 52.00; W., 14.00;
Tar., 3.40; B., 2.90, Mest —A de-
pression near the water’s edge. Two
olive-brown eggs, sparingly spotted
with black, 3.50 x 2.20.

Range — Breeds from Mass., N-
Y., northern Ohio and northern Cal.,
northward; winters from southern
N.E., the Great Lakes and B. C.
south to the Gulf coast.

Famity GAVIID. Loons

Five species of loons compose the Gaviide; all five of these
are found in North America and three within the territory
included by this book. Loons are large, powerful birds; in
fact the smallest of the loons is larger than the largest of the
grebes. A still greater external difference between the two
families is seen, however, in the shapes of thefeet. Loon feet
are fully webbed, while the toes of grebes have lobes.

Loons have a perfect form for diving and for swimming,
either on the surface or below it. The heavy pointed bill
cleaves the water like a knife, and the long tapering body
offers but little more resistance to a forward motion. The
tarsus is narrow and deep, giving great power to the thrust
of the legs and allowing them to come to a forward position
again with very little effort. The feet are large and the
webs broad.

Grebes are skulkers; they have poor weapons either for

23

LOONS

(9) Gavia arctica
(Linn.) (Lat. Arctic).

BLACK-THROATED LOON.
Ad. in summer — Billblack. Iris red.
Plumage as shown; the gray crown
and smaller size easily distinguish it
from the common Loon, and the other
markings are quite different too. In
winter — Blackish above and white
below. L., 28.00; W., 12.00; Tar.,
2.60; B., 2.00. Nest — A depression
in the ground within a few feet of the
water. Lggs— Two, grayish-brown
with a few black markings, 3.10x
2.00.

Range — More northerly distrib-
uted than the common Loon. Rare-
ly seen in the United States. Breeds
along the Arctic coast. Winters
casually south to northern United
States.

defence or offence; consequently they prefer rush-grown
sloughs, ponds or mud holes, where they can easily hide.
Loons are very powerful, fully able to cope with any enemy
except man. ‘They like large open bodies of water where
they may have plenty of room for enjoyment.

Like grebes, they are almost helpless as far as traveling on
land is concerned. Nor can they take flight from the water
without considerable space ahead for gaining speed by
pattering along the surface with their feet. Their flight is
very swift and straight when they do get into the air. When
two or more males are on the same lake, especially in spring,
they often indulge in friendly speed contests, each trying to
outdo the other in running over the water.

The cry of the loon is one of the most weird sounds in
nature — a very loud, mournful wail ending in a quavering
laugh. It is comparable only to the distant howl of a wolf
or the scream of the Great Horned Owl.

During June, two elongated, dark olive-brown, black-

24

PUFFINS

(11) Gavia stellata
(Pont.) (Lat., starred or spotted).

RED-THROATED LOON. Bill
more slender than that of other loons;
slightly concave at the nostrils, giving
it a slight up-turned appearance.
Plumage as illustrated. Notice that
the back of the adult has no white
markings while that of the winter
adult and immature bird is spotted
with white, being just the reverse in
this respect from the common Loon.
L., 25.00; W., 11.00; Tar., 2.75; B.,
2.00. Nest — On the ground close by
water. Eggs —Olive-brown, spotted
with black, 3.00 x 1.75.

Range —Breeds from N. B.,
Que. and Mackenzie, northward.
Winters from Me., the Great Lakes
and B. C. south to the Gulf.

spotted eggs are laid in a shallow depression, usually under
the shelter of some overhanging bush, close to the water’s
edge, so the owner may slide off to safety should danger
approach. The young are covered with a soft brown down
and leave the nest as soon as hatched.

In winter loons frequent the larger rivers and the sea-
coast. Great numbers of them pass the season is Chesa-
peake Bay. You can readily distinguish between the
Common and the Red-throated species by the smaller size
and white-spotted back of the latter. The Black-throated
Loon, which is similar to the Common in winter, but smaller,
rarely comes as far south as the United States

Famty ALCIDA. Avuxs Mourres PUurrins

This family contains about thirty species, all strictly mari-
time. Most of them are found in North America, but chiefly
on the Pacific coast. They all agree in having but three

25

PUFFINS

(13) Fratércula arctica arctica
(Linn.) (Lat. to swell up; Arctic).

PUFFIN; SEA PARROT. Bill
thin and very deep. Ad. in sum-
mer — Plumage as shown. Ad. in
winter and Im.— Bill smaller and
less brightly colored; face blackish;
feet orange. L., 13.00; W., 6.00;
Tar., 1.00; B., 1.85. Nest — A bur-
row in the ground or among crevices
of rocks. The single white eggs
measure 2.50 X 1.75.

Range — Breeds along the coast
from Me. to Ungava. Winters south
to Mass.

(13a) F. a. nafdmanni
(Norton).
LARGE-BILLED PUFFIN.
Slightly larger than the common
Puffin. L., 14.50; W., 7.25; B., 2.40.
Range —Coasts and islands of
the Arctic Ocean.

toes, fully webbed, the hind toe being absent. The young
are covered with down, but remain in the nest for some time
before leaving.

PUFFINS are very grotesque birds, the most noticeable
feature, of course, being the exceedingly large, brightly
colored bills. Fishermen usually speak of them as Sea
Parrots, because of the size of the bills and also because their
walk reminds one of a parrot. Puffins are the only members
of this family that stand erect upon the soles of their feet,
and also the only ones that can walk with ease.

They are usually quite silent, but utter deep grunts when
their homes are invaded. It is a very dangerous operation
to attempt to remove by hand a sitting Puffin from its bur-
row; they can and will bite very severely.

As would be expected of a bird belonging to this Order,
Puffins are fine swimmers, very buoyant and sit high in the
water. They also fly well and find no difficulty in rising
either from land or water.

26

GUILLEMOTS

(27) Cépphus grylle
(Linn.) (Gr.,a seabird; Swedish name for |
this bird).

BLACK GUILLEMOT; SEA
PIGEON. Ad. in summer — Sooty-
black, with slight greenish gloss; bases
of greater wing coverts black. Feet
andinsideofmouthred. In winter —
White below; back more or less gray
and white. L., 13.00; W., 6.20; Tar.,
1.25; B., 1.20. MNest—In crevices
along rocky cliffs or shores. Two or
three white eggs, handsomely blotched
with dark brown; 2.40 x 1.50.

Range —Breeds from Me. to
Ungava. Winters south to Cape Cod.

(28) Cepphus mandti
(Mandt.)

MANDT’S GUILLEMOT. Like
the Black Guillemot, but the greater
coverts are white to their bases.
Coasts and Islands of the Arctic.

BLACK GUILLEMOTS are quite abundant about some
of the Maine islands and more so as we go farther north.
Their two or three handsomely spotted eggs are laid in fis-
sures of sea-cliffs or crevices between rocks along the shores.
They nest in colonies; if disturbed they float off-shore a
couple hundred yards, uttering very shrill whistles of pro-
test. The interiors of their mouths are bright red, match-
ing the colors of their legs. Their flight is strong and swift.
Incoming birds often have long, reddish worms swinging from
their bills; these are gathered from the kelp-covered rocks,
and are destined for the little guillemots.

MURRES.— Bird Rock, at the mouth of the St. Lawrence
River, stands as the southern breeding limit of several species
of sea-birds, one of which is the Murre. The two species,
the Common Murre and Brunnich’s, appear to be of about
equal abundance. The bills of the latter are shorter, thicker
and deeper, and the tops and backs of the heads are darker.
Some individuals of the Common Murre have white

27

MURRES

(30) Uria troille troille
(Linn.) (Gr., a diving bird).

MURRE; FOOLISH GUILLE-
MOT. Ad. in summer — Head and
neck all around, sooty brown as
shown. In winter — The back of the
head is blackish, while the cheeks and
throat are white. L., 16.00; W., 8.00
Tar., 1.40; B., 1.75, depth at nostril
50.

Range — Breeds on rocky coasts
from Newfoundland to Ungava and
Greenland. Winters south to Me.

(3) Urialé6mvia l6mvia
(Linn.)

BRUNNICH’S MURRE. _ Like
the Murre, but bill short and stout,
1.25 x .50; back of head darker than
the throat, in summer. Winters
south to Mass. and casually to S.
Car. and in the interior.

rings about the eyes and a line back of it; this irrespective
of sex.

Long rows of them line the available ledges of the nesting
cliff, each sitting upright and each covering a single, large
pear-shaped egg. By the way, Murre eggs present a greater
diversity of coloration than those of any other species of
bird with which I am familiar; the ground color ranges from
a dull white to a deep sea-green, and the black markings are
scrawled and spotted on in endless patterns. The eggs are

—

Urrio toile

Weia bonawia

28

AUKS

(32) Alca térda
(Linn.) (Icelandic auk).

RAZOR-BILLED AUK; TINKER.
Ad. in summer — White line from eye
to bill; brownish-black throat and
cheeks. In winter — Without this
white line and with white throat and
cheeks. Bill thin and quite deep,
crossed by a white band. L., 16.50;
W., 7.753. Par., 1-25; Bs, 1.30, Nest
—A single creamy or grayish-white
egg, laid on ledges of sea-cliffs; not as
pointed as those of Murres and
spotted with various shades of brown;
3-10 X 2.00.

Range—North Atlantic, breed-
ing on rocky coasts and islands from
New Brunswick north to Ungava and
Greenland. Winters south regularly
to Long Island and casually to N. Car.

laid on the bare rocks, and it is only the fact that they revolve
so easily about the small end that more of them do not roll
off when the birds move. The birds are very tame, or per-
haps stupid, as the name “Foolish Guillemot” given them
by fishermen would indicate. Their notes are deep, bass
“murres.”

RAZOR-BILLED AUKS nest in the same places and often
side by side with Murres. Their eggs are a little less pyri-
form and are always grayish-white in color, The young
remain on the ledges until they are capable of flight and then
flutter down, or are carried down to the water by their
parents.

Razor-bills swim rather high in the water, with the tail
held almost upright. They dive easily and pursue and catch
fish under water, propelling themselves by their wings as
well as the feet. They also eat shellfish.

Both Murres and Razor-bills spend the winter off the coast
regularly as far south as Massachusetts. Occasionally they

29

AUKS

(33) Pladtus impénnis
(Linn.) (Lat., flat-footed; wingless).

GREAT AUK; GAREFOWL. A
very large, stout-bodied, short-winged
flightless auk. Plumage entirely
black and white. Bill thin aad deep,
shaped like that of the Razor-bill,
but crossed with several lines of white.
L., 30.00; W., 6.00; Tar., 1.70; B.,
3.15. Nest — Eggs laid singly on low,
rocky islands or shores; rather pyri-
form, grayish-white, spotted and
lined with brownish-black, 5.00 x
3.00. About 70 of these eggs are in
various museums, the Thayer Mu-
seum, Lancaster, Mass., probably
having the finest series.

Range — Formerly the coast from
Virginia to Labrador; now extinct.

are blown farther south by severe storms or even may be
carried inland for considerable distances. In these latter
instances they are usually found dead or exhausted on the
ground, or frozen in the ice ponds; they are practically help-
less, and cannot take flight except from water or from an
elevation from which to hurl themselves.

The GREAT AUK is one of several birds that have become
extinct during the present generation. Its extinction was
caused by man, a fact easy of accomplishment because of the
communistic habits of the birds and their helplessness when
on land. They enjoyed the unenviable distinction of being
the only flightless birds in the northern hemisphere. Al-
though the largest of the auks, their wings were as small as
those of the smallest — admirably adapted to assist these
remarkable swimmers through the water. but useless in the
air.

Although one of the largest and most southern breeding
grounds was Funk Island, off the coast of Newfoundland,

3°

DOVEKIES

(34) Alle alle
(Linn.) (Swedish).

DOVEKIE; SEA-DOVE. Bill
small, black, dovelike. Ad. in sum-
mer — Plumage as shown, throat
dark brown, secondaries tipped and
scapulars streaked with white. In
winter — The throat is white, extend-
ing around the sides of the neck and
sometimes meeting on the nape. L.,
8.50; W., 5.00; Tar., .80; B., .50.
Nest — Single, pale bluish eggs laid
on bare ledges of inaccessible sea-
cliffs; 1.75 X 1.20.

Range — Breeds on rocky coasts
and islands in the North Atlantic,
within the Arctic Circle. Winters
regularly south to Long Island and
casually to N. Car. Accidental in
Wis., Mich. and Ont.

they regularly migrated, by swimming, as far south as
Massachusetts, and occasionally to Virginia. Vessels jour-
neying between the two continents stopped at the breeding
islands to lay in supplies of fresh meat, eggs and oil, a practice
that continued and was carried on in a wasteful manner until
the last Auk was gone.

DOVEKIES are the tiniest of the auks — plump little
birds called Sea-doves by fisherman, because their bills re-
semble those of doves. They nest in high latitudes on
ledges of inaccessible sea-cliffs. They are very awkward
when on land, but not as much so as the larger members of
the family. Their flight is swift and performed by very
rapid wing-beats.

In winter they are regularly found off the coast as far
south as Long Island. In their haste to elude approaching
steamers they are often unable to get a-wing and, after
pattering along the surface for a few yards, are forced to take
refuge by diving.

31

SKUAS

pla (35) Megaléstris skia

(Briinn.) (Gr., great robber).
SKUA; ROBBER-GULL. Ad.—
Entire upper parts, blackish-brown,
bases of primaries and_ shafts of
wing and tail feathers, white; under
parts a trifle paler and streaked
with whitish on the throat. Iris
brown. Bill large and_ strongly
hooked. Feet strong, webbed and
with talons like those of birds of
prey. L., 22.00; W., 16.00; Tar.,
2.60; B., 2.10. MNest—A cavity in
grass or moss on the tops of sea-cliffs.
The two eggs are olive-green or drab,
spotted with olive-brown, 2.90 x 1.75.

Range — Breeds from Iceland and
the Shetland Islands, northward,
and occasionally in Greenland and
Labrador. Rarely in winter, south
to Long Island.

OrDER LONGIPENNES. Lonc-wincep SWIMMERS

Birds of this Order agree in having long wings, nostrils
lateral and open, tail fairly long and of twelve feathers.

Famity STERCORARIID2. Sxvuas anp JaEGERS

A small family of sea-birds having piratical desires that
they can readily accomplish, as they are armed with sharp,
hooked beaks and hawklike talons. Bill with a horny cere
covering the base and nostril. Feet webbed.

The GREAT SKUA is one of the largest and very strongest
of the sea-birds. They are not uncommon in northern Scot-
land and Iceland, but are rarely observed in this country.
They have been taken but a few times on the Massachusetts
and Long Island coasts in winter. They are protected and
encouraged to breed in the Shetland Islands, as the herders
believe they drive destructive eagles away from their flocks.

32

JAEGERS

(36) Stercordrius pomarinus

(Temm.) (Lat., scavenger; Gr., flap, nose
— alluding to the cere).

POMARINE JAEGER. Tris
brown. Bill black, sharply hooked;
cere blue-gray. Middle tail feathers
broad and rounded, projecting one to
four in. beyond the rest, with the
tips slightly twisted. Dark phase —
Blackish-brown, lighter below; quills
and bases of primaries white. Light
phase — Dark above; crown black;
nape yellowish; whitish below. L.,
22.00; W., 13.50; Tar., 2.00; T., 8.00
(ad.); B., 1.60. Nest — On the ground
Two or three olive-drab_ eggs,
spotted with umber, 2.25 x 1.70.

Range — Breeds within the Arctic
Circle. Migrates along the Atlantic
coast and through the Great Lakes.

JAEGERS, three species of which are common along ou
coasts, are of lighter build and more active than skuas.
Their food consists largely of dead fish and refuse gathered
from the surface of the water or purloined from gulls or terns.

Gulls, themselves powerful birds, have a wholesome re-
spect for the sharp beaks and talons of jaegers and readily
relinquish claim to any booty that the latter desire. They
congregate about fishing boats in company with gulls or
shearwaters, feeding upon refuse that is thrown to them.
They often utter piercing whistles as they wheel about a
hawklike flight, their sharp eyes keeping a sharp lookout for
anything edible.

On several occasions I have seen the three species of
jaegers about a boat at the same time. They usually ap-
proach sufficiently near to be correctly identified — the
Pomarine by its larger size and rounded, lengthened central
tail feathers; the Parasitic and Long-tailed species by the
comparative lengths of the longer pointed middle tail

33

JAEGERS

(37) Stercorarius parasiticus

(Linn.) (Lat., parasitic).

PARASITIC JAEGER; JIDDY-
HAWK. Has a dark phase. The
light plumage is like that of the Long-
tailed Jaeger shown. Scaly shield,
or cere, more than half the length
of the bill. Middle tail feathers
pointed, about three in. longer than
the rest. L., 17.00; W., 13.00; T.,
8.50; B., 1.15.

(38) Stercorarius longicaidus

(Vieill.) (Lat., long-tailed)

LONG-TAILED JAEGER. Scaly
shield less than half the length of the
bill. Middle tail feathers lengthened
about seven in. L., 21.00; W., 12.503
T., 12.00 (ad.); B., 1.10.

Range — Breeds within the Arctic
Circle. Winters along the coasts fram
N. E. and B. C., southward.

feathers. Young birds of the two latter species can only be
recognized by the differences in the make-up of their bills,
as shown here. Their feet are peculiar in that the tarsi
are lead-blue in color, while the toes and webs are black.
They appear off our coast regularly during July or August,
many staying through the winter as far north as Long Island,
while others migrate as far south as Cape Horn. During
migrations they also visit the Great Lakes. Their summer

(EER
S.\parvasiticus
34

GULLS
(39) Pagéphila alba

(Gunn.) (Gr., ice-loving; Lat., white).

IVORY GULL; SNOW GULL.
Ad. — Plumage entirely pure white;
shafts of primaries straw color. Bill
yellow. Feet black. Iris brown.
Im.— Upper parts spotted with
gray; tips of primaries and _ tail
feathers with dusky spots. Plum-
age otherwise like that of the adults.
L,;. 17:50; W.,. 13.25; T., 5:50; Tar.,
1.45; B., 1.40. Nest —Of grasses,
seaweed and feathers; on _ ledges
of sea-cliffs or on low ground; three
grayish-buff eggs, spotted with brown
and black, 2.30 x 1.70.

Range — Arctic seas, breeding from
Melville Island and Baffin Land to
northern Greenland. Winters cas-
ually south to Long Island, Ontario,
and B. C.

home is within the Arctic Circle, where they nest on the
ground in the moss-covered tundras.

Famity LARID/. Guts anp TERNS

The sub-family LARIN, Gulls, is a large group of
chiefly maritime swimmers, whose plumage is largely white.
The bills of most species are large and slightly hooked,
usually yellow in adults. The tails are usually square-
ended.

Gulls are fine swimmers, but do not dive; they get their
food from the surface of the water or from the ground.
Nearly all are, to a certain extent, carnivorous, for they
devour the eggs and young of other smaller sea-birds.
Their flight is strong and graceful, but not fast, the head and
bill normally being carried in horizontal positions. The
plumages of the adults, year olds and young vary greatly.
The character of markings on the outer primaries is fairly
stable and often serves to distinguish species. The colored

35

GULLS
(40) Rissa tridactyla

(Linn.) (Icelandic name, rissa; Gr., three-
toed).

KITTIWAKE. Hind toe appear-
ing only as a minute knob. Ad. in
summer — Plumage as shown here;
primaries shown in sketch below.
Bill light yellow. Feet blackish.
Tris yellow. In winter — Similar
but with pearl-gray on top of head
and nape, and a small black crescent
in front of the eye. Jm.— Like the
winter adult, but with a black spot
behind the eye; lesser wing coverts
and terminal tail band, black. L.,
17.00; W.,. 12:25: Ex: 36.007 Ty;
4.50; B., 1.30.

Range — Breeds abundantly on sea-
cliffs from the Magdalen Islands,
northward. Winters south to N. J.
and the Great Lakes.

pictures and drawings of primaries will serve better than
words to show the characters of the different species.

IVORY GULLS are birds of high latitude, rarely seen
within the borders of the United States. It is our only
gull having an entirely white plumage. The yellowish
shafts to the feathers give this bird its name. Otherwise
it looks very similar to a large white dove, of course with the
exceptions of the bill and feet.

KITTIWAKES are also Arctic birds, but not so exclu-
sively so as the last species. They are very abundant at their
breeding places, the most southerly one on our coast being
Bird Rock, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Their nests are
quite bulkily constructed of seaweed and moss, placed
closely together on narrow ledges of rocky cliffs. They
are very noisy, uttering harsh “‘keet-a-wakes,”’ hence their
name.

Great numbers of Kittiwakes pass the winter off the
New England coast and in Long Island Sound. They can

36

GULLS

(42) Larus hyperbéreus Gunn.
(Lat., a gull; Lat., northern).

GLAUCOUS GULL; BURGO-
MASTER. Ad. in summer — White,
with a very pale pearl mantle. Bill
yellow, with spot of red in angle of
lower mandible. Iris yellow. Feet
flesh-color. In winter — Witha wash
of brownish on the head. Im. —
Bill flesh-color, with a black tip.
Plumage white, lightly spotted and
barred with pale brown. L., 30.00;
Ex., 60.00; W., 17.50; T., 8.00; Tar.,
2.60; B., 2.35. Nest—A bulky
structure of grass, seaweed and moss
on the ground. Two or three brown-
ish-gray eggs with black and brown
markings, 3.00 X 2.20.

Range — Breeds from Ungava,
Mackenzie and the Aleutian Islands
northward. Winters south to Long
Island and the Great Lakes.

readily be recognized by the solid black tips to the primaries
and by the combination of a yellow bill with black feet.
They live upon animal matter found floating on the water
or upon small fish, schools of which often swim close to
the surface.

GLAUCOUS GULLS are among the largest and most
powerful of the family. Their bills are large and quite
hooked, capable of and executing great destruction of
eggs and young of other sea-birds. They are lighter colored
than any others of the large gulls; even the primaries are

Li eee
Sv S

RAvidact ylo L. kumbbend
37

GULLS

(43) Larus leucépterus Faber
(Gr., white wing).

ICELAND GULL. The precise
counterpart of the Glaucous Gull in
all plumages, but smaller. L., 24.00;
W., 17.00; Tar., 2.15; B., 2.00.

Range — Arctic regions. South in
winter to Long Island; casual on the
Great Lakes.

(45) Larus kamlieni Brewster
(To Ludwig Kumlien).

KUMLIEN’S GULL; GRAY-
WINGED GULL. Plumage similar
to that of the Glaucous Gull, but
the primaries have well-defined ashy
markings as shown below. L., 24.00;
W., 17.00; B., 1.75.

Range — North Atlantic coast,
breeding along Cumberland Sound
and wintering south to Long Island.

a uniform, pale pearl color. Young birds are very beauti-
fully marked with bars and streaks of pale brown.

A “small edition” of the Glaucous Gull is found in ICE-
LAND GULLS. The plumages of the two species are
apparently just the same, the difference being only in the
dimensions. Iceland Gulls appear to be rather uncom-
mon on this side of the Atlantic, being more abundant
in Europe.

KUMLIEN’S GULLS are of about the same size as
Glaucous and the mantle is only a trifle darker. The prima-
ries, however, are conspicuously patterned with ashy-gray.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS are exceeded in
size and strength by none of the Family. They are more
solitary in their habits than other gulls, more than a few
pairs rarely being seen together either during nesting or
migrations. Indeed, in winter, one is more apt to see one
or two of this species in company with Herring Gulls.

These gulls are very voracious and destructive. They

38

GULLS

(47) Larus marinus Linn.
(Lat., marine).

GREAT BLACK - BACKED
GULL; SADDLE-BACK. Very large
and very powerful. Bill stout and
deep at the angle. Ad. in summer —
Mantle very dark as shown. Iris and
bill yellow. Feet flesh-color. In
winter — The same but with gray
streaks on the head. Im. — Very
variable. Head and nape streaked;
back and wings brownish, with buffy
spots; under parts grayish, more or
less streaked or barred with dusky.
L., 30.00; Ex., 65.00; W., 19.00; T.,
8.00; Tar., 3.00; B., 2.50. Eggs —
Two or three, clay-colored, evenly
spotted with brownish-black, 3.00
X 2.15.

Range — Breeds from Nova Scotia
to central Greenland. Winters south
to the Great Lakes, and Long Island.

share with Glaucous Gulls the name of “ Burgomasters.’’
They not only eat fish, dead or alive, and refuse matter
found floating or beached, but force other gulls to relinquish
their “finds”; during the summer, they also devour many
eggs and young of smaller gulls and shore birds.

Most abundant of all species along our shores are HER-
RING GULLS. Large breeding colonies occur on islands
off the Maine coast and northward, and on many lakes
along our northern border and in Canada. When one goes
into one of these colonies the noise is deafening, sounding
to me most like so many hens each cackling her loudest.
The eggs are laid in hollows on the ground, everywhere —
sometimes under the shelter of rocks or fallen trees, but, of
necessity, most often in the open. The downy little gulls
leave the nest soon after hatching and run about every-
where. In fact, those a week old can run so fast that it is
quite difficult to catch them; if hard pressed and near the
shore, they will plunge into the water and swim out of reach.

39

GULLS

(so) SIBERIAN GULL (Larus
affinis), strays to Greenland

(51) Larus argentatus Pont.
(Lat., silvery).

HERRING GULL. Ad. in summer
— Plumage and primaries as shown.
In winter the head and neck are
streaked with gray. Im.— Very va-
riable. Head, neck and under parts
more or less streaked and mottled;
back and wings brownish, with
lighter edging of the feathers; pri-
maries and tail blackish. L., 24.00;
Ex., 55.00; W., 17.50; B., 2.40. Nest
— Of moss and grass, on the ground;
three olive-gray eggs, spotted with
blackish, 2.80 x 1.75.

Range — Breeds from Me., Wis.,
and B. C., northward. Winters from
Me., the Great Lakes and B. C.,
southward.

From September until May gulls may be seen in numbers
all along our coast and on open rivers and lakes. A flock
of gulls coursing over a lake, sweeping about docks in har-
bors or following in the wake of vessels is a beautiful and
inspiring sight; but they are useful as well as ornamental.
They perform for the surface of the waters the same services
that are rendered on land by vultures and under water by
various species of crabs, those of scavengers. Thus their

OE ee ee E>

L.argentotus.-~ 6

GULLS

(54) Larus delawarénsis Ord.

RING-BILLED GULL. Ad. in
summer — As shown. In winter the
head and neck are spotted with gray-
ish. Im.— Above, mottled with
brown and pearl-gray; coverts and
primaries dusky; head, neck and un-
der parts mottled gray and white;
tail with a broad subterminal band of
black, tipped with white. L., 109.00;
Ex., 48.00; W., 14.50; Tar., 2.10; B.,
1.70. Nest— A hollow on the ground,
usually lined with grass; the two or
three eggs are brownish-gray, boldly
spotted with black, 2.80 x 1.75.

Range — Breeds from Quebec, Wis.,
and Ore., north to Ungava and B.C.,
Winters from Mass., and the Great
Lakes southward.

(56) MEW GULL (Larus canus)
has been taken at least once in
Labrador.

protection from destruction is a matter not of sentiment
alone but of economic importance.

RING-BILLED GULLS probably breed more abund
antly than any other species in the interior of North America
from North Dakota to Manitoba. They also are found
and nest, but in diminishing numbers to the seacoasts, both
eastern and western. Their habits vary according to their
environments. In Labrador, they nest on rocky ledges and
feed largely upon fish and refuse, while in North Dakota
they nest on the ground on small islands in lakes and feed
quite extensively upon grasshoppers. Like other gulls,
they also rob terns, cormorants or smaller birds of their eggs.

Great numbers of them pass the winter along the coast
south of Massachusetts and about rivers and lakes in the
interior. They are quite similar to, and often confused with,
Herring Gulls; it requires a very sharp eye to distinguish the
difference in size unless the two species are seen together.

LAUGHING GULLS are unique in that they are the

4I

GULLS

(58) Larus atricilla Linn.

(Lat., black-tailed — applicable only to
young birds).

LAUGHING GULL; BLACK-
HEADED GULL. Ad. in summer
as shown. Primaries black; mantle
darker than that of other black-
headed gulls. Iris brown. Bill and
feet wholly red. In winter the head
and neck are white, more or less
spotted or streaked with grayish.
Im.— More or less spotted and
barred with ashy-gray; tail with a
broad black tip. L., 16.50; W., 13.00;
T., 5.00; B., 1.75. Nest — Of grass,
on the ground, usually in marshes,
three or four olive-gray eggs, spotted
with blackish, 2.10 x 1.55.

Range — Breeds along the coast
from Mass. south to Fla. and Texas.

only species that, during summer, has a southerly dis-
tribution in eastern United States. While most species
breed only from our northern border, northward, this one
nests wholly south of the Canadian border, its most northern
point being in Maine, in which state a very small colony
has located.

On Muskeget Island, off the south shore of Massachusetts,
a very large colony of Laughing Gulls is to be found in sum-
mer in company with terns. They are very noisy when
one approaches the vicinity of their homes, their protes-
tations quite resembling hysterical laughter, although
possibly not more so than the notes of other species under
similar circumstances.

This species may readily be distinguished from other black-
headed gulls by its larger size, its larger, all red bill, the
darker mantle and the solid black primaries. In fall and
winter all gulls are much more difficult to identify than when
in breeding plumage. Young birds and birds of the first
and second year show such a great diversity of coloring,

42

GULLS

(59) Larus franklini Rich.
(To Sir John Franklin).

FRANKLIN’S GULL. Ad. in
summer — Bill and feet red, the for-
mer with a black tip. Primaries
largely white, as shown in pen sketch.
The white under parts usually suf-
fused with a rosy tint. In winter the
hood is wanting, being indicated by
only a few gray feathers on the auri-
culars and nape; bill dusky, tipped
with yellowish. Im.— Mottled with
brown, gray and white in varying
amounts according to age; tail with a
broad black subterminal band. L.,
14.00; W., 11.25; B., 1.30. Nest —
On the ground in marshes; three or
four brownish-gray eggs, spotted
with umber, 2.00 x 1.40.

Range — Breeds in the interior
from S. Dak. and Minn. north to
Sask. Wintersalong the Gulf coast.

shading and marking, that it is often impossible to name
with certainty one seen in life.

Just as the last species is found only along the seacoast,
so FRANKLIN’S GULLS are almost exclusively birds
of the interior. During summer, large colonies of them are
harbored in many marshes and wooded swamps from Min-
nesota and the Dakotas northward. Their nests are com-
posed of rushes and grasses placed on reclining masses of

L. delawarvensis L. Sranklbini

L.otvierhla-3 ouler primaries black
43

GULLS

a (60) Larus philadélphia
q (Ord.)

BONAPARTE’S GULL. Ad. in
summer — Plumage as shown. Notice
that the mantle is paler than that
of the previous hooded gulls, the bill
is smaller and black, the feet are flesh
color. In winter the plumage is
similar except that the head is white,
washed with gray. Im. — Like the
winter adult except for a dusky spot
on the auriculars, more or less dusky
on the lesser coverts and a black,
subterminal tail-band. L., 14.00;
W., 10.50; T., 4.00; B., 1.15. Nest —
Of sticks and grasses on elevated
ground, on stumps, in bushes or low
trees; the three eggs are pale greenish-
brown, spotted with umber and lilac.

Range — Breeds in the interior of
Canada. Winters from Me. to Fla.
and on the Gulf coast.

reeds, so that they are barely raised above water. They
are, in fact, little better constructed or placed than the homes
of grebes which often nest in the same marshes.

Few, if any other, species have the beauty and grace of
BONAPARTE’S GULLS. Having a perfect form, well
proportioned in every respect, they combine the agility of
terns with the charming flight peculiar to all gulls.

These gulls are unusual in several respects: They are
one of a very few species that nest in trees or bushes; the
majority of their nests are found to be between four and
ten feet above ground, often as high as twenty feet. Their
preference seems to be evergreen trees when these are to
be found in the marshy, wooded districts that they like.
Although Bonaparte’s Gulls spend the winter in large num-
bers off the Atlantic coast, from Maine to Florida, none of
them nest east of Hudson Bay, but migrate diagonally
across to Keewatin, Mackenzie and Alaska for this purpose.

In winter their food consists of small fish, mollusks and dead

44

GULLS

(60.1) LITTLE GULuw (Larus
minutus). Accidental on Long Island.
An European species.

(61) Rhodostéthia résea
(Gr., rose breast).

ROSS’S GULL; ROSY GULL;
WEDGE-TAILED GULL. Ad. in
summer — Plumage as shown. Notice
the small black bill and the wedge-
shaped tail; the primaries are wholly
white except for the black edge of the
outer one; the eyelids are red. In
winter, they have no black collar
nor pink blush on the under parts.
I. t2:s0; Ws.9-s0% Es; -4:00,. ‘the
middle feathers about one inch longer
than the outer; B., .5o.

Range — Arctic regions. Breeds
in northern Siberia. Winters from
northern Alaska to Greenland.

animal matter, while in summer they devour a great many
grasshoppers and other insects, often catching them in the air.

Probably the most remarkable of this interesting family
are ROSS’S GULLS. They are the most boreal of all birds,
never coming south of the Arctic Circle even during winter.
They breed on the coast and islands of northeastern Siberia.

According to Murch (Auk, April, 1899), large flocks of
them may be seen about Point Barrow, Alaska, during
September, but they do not remain for any length of time.
In all probability, like the polar whale, they spend most of
their time about the loose edges of the pack ice well out at sea.

They still remain one of the very rarest species of birds
in collections, not because they are uncommon but because
they can be obtained only in such high latitudes. In sum-
mer the under parts have a very beautiful rosy blush, a tint
that is very evanescent, completely fading in a few months
if exposed to the light. A feature that will readily distin-
guish this species in any plumage is the fact that it is the

45

(62) Xéma sabina
(Sab.)

SABINE’S GULL; FORK-TAIL-
ED GULL. Ad. in summer — Plum-
age shown. Notice that the small
black bill has a yellow tip, the feet
are blackish and the eyelids orange.
The slaty hood is bordered with black;
the edges of the wings are also black
along the shoulders. In winter it
has neither the hood nor collar, but
the head has dusky touches on the
auriculars and crown. Im.— Simi-
lar to the winter adult, but with
mottling and barring of dusky on
the head and back; tail with a termi-
nal bar of black. L., 13.50; W.,
10.25; T., 5.00, forked 1.25; B., 1.00.

Range — Breeds within the Arctic
Circle. Migrates on both coasts of
United States and casually through
the interior. Winters in Peru.

only known gull that has a wedge-shaped or cuneate tail,
the feathers gradually decreasing in length from the middle
to the outer ones.

Similarly, SABINE’S GULLS may always be identified
by their forked tails, the outer feathers being about an
inch longer than the middle ones. While not as boreal as
Ross’s Gulls, they nest within the Arctic Circle in America,
Europeand Asia. During migrations, they occur on both our
coasts and to some extent in the interior, as they wing their
way to their winter quarters in Peru.

Le. prilodelbhia X. sabini
46

TERNS

(63) Gelochelidon nilotica

(Linn.) (Gr., laughter, a swallow; of the
River Nile).

GULL-BILLED TERN: MARSH
TERN. Bill black, rather short and
stout. Feet black. Ad. in summer
— Crown and nape black; mantle
pale pearl; outer webs of primaries
silvery, inner web black at tip and
along shaft line; under parts and tail
pure white; tail very slightly forked.
In winter — Crown white; spot in front
of eye dusky and more or less dusky
on the nape. L., 14.50; Ex., 36.00;
W., 12.00; T., 5.50; B., 1.40, its
height at base .45. LHggs — Three
or four, creamy-white with blotches
of brown and gray, 1.80 x 1.30; laid
on broken flags in marshes.

Range — Breeds along the Gulf
coast and along the Atlantic coast
to Virginia. Strays rarely to Maine.

TERNS, Sub-family Sterninae, are birds of generally
more slender form than gulls. Their bills are relatively
longer, slenderer and sharply pointed; the tails are, in all
species, more or less deeply forked; and the webbed feet and
legs are comparatively small and weak.

They are very graceful and far more active in flight than
gulls, and at such times the head and bill are usually carried
pointing downward. Although they can swim, they very
rarely do so. Their food consists chiefly of insects or small
fish; the latter they secure by plunging or hovering just
over the surface and dipping the head.

GULL-BILLED TERNS inhabit nearly all temperate
parts of the world, but are quite local in their distribution.
In North America they are found regularly only on the
South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They can easily be dis-
tinguished from any gulls by the ternlike or swallowlike form
and flight, and from any others of the terns by the compara-
tively short, heavy, black bills and nearly square-ended tails.

47

TERNS

(64) Stérna caspia Pallas

CASPIAN TERN. Bill very large.
heavy and vermilion-red. Feet black-
ish. In winter the forehead is white
and the crown streaked with black.
L., 22.00; W., 16.00; T., 5.50, forked
1.50; B., 2.75, depth at base .go.

Range — Cosmopolitan; very local.
Breeds in Utah, Ore., La., Miss., S.
Car., and islands of Lake Michigan.

(65) Sterna maxima Bodd.

ROYAL TERN. Bill orange and
more slender than the above, crest
longer and tail longer and more deeply
forked. Primaries with white on
inner webs. L., 19.00; T., 7.00; B.,
2.50.

Range — Breeds on the South
Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Wanders
north to Mass.

The name Marsh Terns was given them because they
often nest in rather wet portions of lagoons in the marsh
grass, often in company with Forster’s Terns and Laugh-
ing Gulls. The name is rather misleading, however, for
they as often deposit their eggs in hollows in the sand.
These terns appear to be much more abundant in Europe
and Africa than they are on our continent.

CASPIAN TERNS are the giants of this sub-family,
exceeding in size many species of gulls. Although nearly
cosmopolitan in their range, they are very local in their
distribution, small colonies of a few hundred individuals
taking up their summer abode yearly in widely separated
localities. Islands in Great Slave Lake, Klamath Lake,
Lake Michigan, the coasts of Labrador, Texas, Louisiana,
South Carolina, etc., each claim one or more small colonies.
Their nests are simply hollows scooped in the dry sand to
keep the two or three eggs from rolling about.

Only a trifle less in size are the more common ROYAL
TERNS. They are also nearly cosmopolitan, but are more

48

TERNS

(67) Sterna sandvicénsis acu=
flavida Cabot

(Lat., of Sandwich; slender point, yellowish).

CABOT’S TERN; SANDWICH
TERN. Form slender. Bill very
slender, black with a yellow tip.
Ad. in summer — Plumage as shown;
crown and crest black. In winter
the crown is mixed with white. L.,
15.50; W., 12.50; T., 6.00 forked
2.50; B., 2.25. Eggs — Two or three,
buffy-white with a few small but dis-
tinct spots of reddish-brown, 2.10 x
1.40; laid in hollows in the sand.

Range — North and South Amer-
ica. Breeds on the coast of Texas,
Fla. to N. Car., the Bahamas and
West Indies. Casually north to Mass.

(68) TRUDEAU’S TERN (Ster-
na trudeaui). Native to southern | : m m :
South America. Accidental on Long @ ; eee
Island and New Jersey. ——

tropical in their distribution. In the United States they
nest on islands along the gulf and South Atlantic coasts,
north to Virginia, and rarely stray north as far as Massa-
chusetts. The bill, although large, is more slender than that
of the Caspian Tern, the crest is longer and the tail more
forked; these differences are not, however, sufficiently great
to enable one to positively distinguish the birds in life
unless the two species are seen together.

But one other of our species, CABOT’S TERN, is adorned
withacrest. They are tropical terns, coming north regularly
only to the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They are much
less abundant within our range than either the Caspian
or Royal Terns, from which species they may readily be
distinguished by their smaller, trimmer forms and black,
yellow-tipped bills.

And now we come to a group of terns of the same size
and quite similar plumages, the FORSTER’S, the COM-
MON, the ARCTIC and the ROSEATE TERNS. Although

49

TERNS

(69) Sterna foérsteri Nutt.
(To John R. Forster).

FORSTER’S TERN. No crest
on this or any of the following species
of terns. Under parts pure white.
Ad. in summer — Plumage as shown.
Bill and feet orange-red, the former
with a black tip. Outer web of
outer primary silvery-gray like the
rest; none of the inner webs of outer
primaries with decided white areas
as in the two following species. In
winter the crown is largely white,
but there is a blackish patch embrac-
ing each eye. L., 15.00; W., 10.00;
T., 5.00-8.00, forked 3.00-5.00; B.,
1.60.

Range — Breeds on lakes from Sask.
south to Neb., Ill. and Ont. and on
coasts of Tex.,La.and Va. Wanders
to Mass. rarely.

sometimes confusing in their winter and immature plu-
mages, they are all quite easily identified when in their sum-
mer dress. A black-tipped orange bill, pure white under
parts and very deeply forked tail, the outer feather of which
is dusky on the inner web, signifies a Forster’s Tern. A
black-tipped red bill, grayish breast and forked tail, the
outer feather of which is dusky on the outer web, designates
the Common Tern. If the bill is wholly red and the
tail deeply forked, it is the Arctic Tern. A black bill with
reddish base, pure white or pink-tinted under parts and a
very deeply forked, pure white tail typify a Roseate Tern.

The nesting habits of these birds are practically the same
with the possible exception of Forster’s Tern, which often
nests in marshy places in company with Laughing Gulls
in the south and Black Terns and Franklin’s Gulls in the
interior. On the south shore of Massachusetts, Common and
Roseate Terns may be found nesting on the same islands, and
on islands off the Maine coast I have found Common, Arctic
and Roseate Terns breeding together.

50

TERNS

(70) Sterna hird&ndo
(Linn.) (Lat., a swallow).

COMMON TERN; WILSON’S
TERN; SEA SWALLOW. Under
parts strongly washed with grayish.
Bill and feet vermilion-red, the for-
mer with a black tip. Outer web
of outer tail feathers darker than
the inner. L., 14.50; W., 10.50; T.,
6.00, forked 3.50; B., 1.35.

Range — Breeds from N. Car.,Ohio,
and N. Dak., Keewatin and Ungava.

(71) Sterna paradisza Briinn.
(Lat., paradise).

ARCTIC TERN. Feet remarkably
small and weak. Bill wholly red in
summer. Tail longer and more deep-
ly forked than the last. L., 15.50;
W., 10.50; T., 8.00, forked 4.50; Tar.,
200505 511530:

Range — Breeds from Mass., Kee-
watin and B. C. northward.

It is a delightful moment for any nature-lover to stand
in the midst of a tern colony; to see the groups of two, three
and sometimes four eggs, scattered about in every favorable
situation, perhaps every two or three feet, so that he may
count fifty or more nests without moving; and to watch the
graceful maneuvers of the myriads of black-capped, bright-
eyed birds as they dart, dash, swoop and sail about you,
each protesting with a strident voice against your presence.
The deep, vibrant, purring “‘tear-r-r-r”’ proclaims the iden-
tity of a Common Tern, even though you do not see him,
while the harsher, reedy ‘‘cack”’ gives evidence that Roseate
Terns are mingled in the throng of fluttering birds.

The eggs of these four species are practically indistin-
guishable, and are very variable in color. The markings
are blotches of black, brown, gray and lilac, but the ground
color may be creamy, bluish, greenish or brownish; some-
times, but rarely, eggs of different colors may be found in
the same nest.

or

TERNS

(72) Sterna dotgalli Montagu

ROSEATE TERN. Under part
in summer with a beautiful rosy
blush. Bill black, reddish only at
the base. Outer web of outer pri-
mary blackish. Tail pure white.
In winter the head is white except
for a postocular spot of dusky and
more or less dusky on the nape.
Young birds have more or less dusky
or brownish markings on the coverts
and back. L., 14.50; W., 9.50; T.,
7.50; forked 4.50; Tar., .85; B., 1.50.
Eggs — Three or four, olive-brown
or gray, blotched with black and
chocolate, 1.65 x 1.20; in hollows on
the ground, sometimes lined with
grass or seaweed.

Range — Breeds locally from NB.

to Long Island. Winters from the
Bahamas southward.

If possible they will be concealed under weeds or pea vines.
The young are handsomely mottled with gray, buff and white.
They leave the nest within a day or two from the time they
hatch. If disturbed, at a warning from their parents they
scamper to hiding places or squat motionless, and it is very
difficult to detect them. They catch a great many small
insects in the grass and along the beach and also feed upon
tiny fish that the old birds bring to them.

The terns along our shores, except the Least Terns, seem
to be increasing quite rapidly in numbers since they are
receiving better protection, and the practice of wearing their
wings is forbidden.

LEAST TERNS are the smallest members of this family
to be found within our borders. Colonies of various sizes
formerly nested along the whole Atlantic coast from Maine
to Florida. It is with the greatest regret that bird lovers
have seen most of these colonies disappear and others
dwindle to just a few individuals. Probably a dozen breed-

52

TERNS

(74) Sterna antillarum
(Lesson). (Of the Antilles).

LEAST TERN. Size very small.
Ad. in summer — The lower bird in
opposite picture. Bill and feet yel-
low, the former with a black tip; tail
moderately forked; outer web of two
outer primaries and shaft portion
of inner webs, black. In winter —
As shown by the flying bird opposite.
Immature birds are similar, but have
the back and tail and particularly
the coverts with brown or dusky
markings. L., 9.00; Ex., 20.00; W.,
6.60; T., 3.50, forked 1.75; Tar., .60;
B., 1.20. Eggs—Three or four,
buffy-white, with black spots, 1.25
X .go.

Range — Breeds very locally on the
Atlantic coast north to Mass., on the
Gulf coast and north to Mo. Win-
ters from the Gulf coast southward.

ing colonies comprise all that can be found along our At-
lantic coast now during summer. They are still, however,
fairly common along the Gulf coast. The diminishing
number of these birds is due chiefly to the building of
summer dwellings along the shores they frequented and
to too-late protection from their destruction to serve the
ends of fashion.

They lay their three or four eggs in hollows in the sand
on the higher portions of low sandy beaches. These eggs
are about sand-color, and their spotting serves to make them
almost indistinguishable from a distance of a few feet.
The terns, too, are scarcely less difficult to see when they are
onthe ground. Their call is a shrill, “cheep, cheep,” with
some resemblance to the piping of Semipalmated Plovers.

SOOTY TERNS, having dark brown wings, were not
desired by milliners, which fact may account for the almost
countless numbers that are still to be found on some of the
Bahaman and West Indian Islands. They are known by

53

TERNS

(75) Sterna fuscata Linn.
(Lat., dusky).

SOOTY TERN. Ad.—As shown.
Bill and feet black; forehead, under
parts and outer tail feathers white.
Im. — Smoky-brown all over, lightest
on the under parts; coverts and
scapulars tipped with white; feathers
of back and rump margined with
buffy or dull rufous. L., 16.50; W.,
12.00; Tar., 7.50, forked 3.50; B., 1.80.

Range — Breeds along the coast
of Texas, La. and Fla., and in the
Bahamas and West Indies. Wan-
ders north rarely to Maine.

(76) BRIDLED TERN (Sterna
anethéta). Accidental in Fla. and
S. Car. Breeds in the Bahamas and
West Indies. Similar to the last,
but white extends back of the eyes
instead of just to them.

many of the natives as “Egg-birds,”’ for their eggs are very
palatable and quantities of them are collected and eaten.
Since the birds will lay a second egg if the first is taken, this
practice is not as destructive as it might seem, provided
that toll is not taken from the same island but once a season.
A single egg constitutes a full set; this is laid in a hollow
scooped in the sand either in the open or under the slight
protection of grass or shrub.

It is a peculiar coincidence that the two smallest members
of the tern family should be respectively the very lightest
and the very darkest colored species. BLACK TERNS
are but a trifle larger than Least Terns and, as shown by
the colored picture, are largely black in summer.

The technical name, meaning ‘Black Water Swallow,”’
is well chosen. Their food consists very largely of insects
and their flight as they course over the marshes greatly
resembles that of swallows. Dragonflies, large and small,
are greedily snapped up by the terns as well as many smaller
insects that abound in marshy places. Black Tern nests

54

TERNS

(77) Hydrochelidon nigra suri=
naménsis
(Gmel.) (Gr., water, swallow; Lat., black).

BLACK TERN. Ad.— Summer
plumage shown by the standing bird
and winter plumage by the flying one.
While making this remarkable change,
all intermediate stages of plumage
occur. Immature birds are similar
to winter adults, but have a black
crescent in front of the eye. L.,
9.50; W., 8.25; T., 3.75, farked 1.00;
B., 1.00.

Range — Breeds from Ohio, Colo.
and Cal. north to Keewatin and B.C.
Casual on the Atlantic coast during
migrations.

(78) WHITE-WINGED BLACK
TERN. (Hydrochelidon leucoptera
(Temm.). An European species; acci-
dental in Wis.

are usually damp affairs; they choose the tops of sunken
muskrat houses, floating piles of decaying rushes, or even
pieces of board; just a few grasses are laid down to prevent
the three eggs from rolling off and, in these rude domiciles,
handsome terns are hatched. They defend their homes
by dashing at intruders, uttering sharp, metallic
“ peeks.”

Black Terns are exclusively fresh-water birds during the
nesting season. A few pairs nest in New York State, more
in Ohio, but the centre of their abundance seems to be in
the region from Wisconsin and South Dakota northward,
where they are found in numbers, often in company with
grebes and Franklin Gulls. Their changes in plumage from
summer to winter are very remarkable, but at all times they
are so different from other species that they can readily
be identified.

The NODDY or NODDY TERN, as may be seen by
the colored picture, is very differently plumaged from other
terns and the tail is rounded instead of forked as other terns

55

TERNS

(79) Anots stélidus
(Linn.) (Gr., stupid).

NODDY. Ad. — Plumage as
shown. The crown isa silvery white,
fading to pure white on the forehead.
Immature birds are similar, but the
head is the color of the back, the
silvery gray being limited to the fore-
head and a narrow line over the eye.
L., 16.00; W., 10.50; T., 6.00 (rounded
instead of forked as in other terns);
B., 1.75. Nest — Usually of sticks
and grasses, in mangroves, low trees,
on the ground or among crevices of
rocks. The single egg is cream-
colored, sparsely specked with brown
and lavender, 2.00 x 1.30.

Range — Tropical coasts. Breeds
on the Florida Keys, coasts of La.,
and in the Bahamas and West Indies.

are. Noddies are abundant birds on tropical coasts, reach-
ing their northern breeding limits on some of the Florida
Keys and the coast of Louisiana. If circumstances permit,
they usually nest in mangroves, making platforms of sticks
with just hollow enough in the middle to prevent the egg
rolling off.

In large breeding colonies, Noddies are even less suspicious
than other tropical birds under similar conditions; they
often allow persons to approach near enough to touch them
as they sit upon their nest. It is this extreme lack of sus-
picion that is responsible for their technical names, both of
which mean stupid. Their very confidence probably aids
in their protection, for it is human nature to treat with
kindness animals that trust us. Their flesh is unfit for
food and their feathers are not in demand, so there is no
occasion to kill them; their eggs, however, are often taken,
and they share with Sooty and Bridled Terns the name of
“Egg-bird.”’

56

SKIMMERS

(80) Rynchops nigra Linn.
(Gr., beak, face; Lat., black).

BLACK SKIMMER. Mandibles
long and thin, the lower one project-
ing beyond the upper. Ad. im sum-
mer — Plumage as shown. Bill
bright red, with a black tip. Tail
white, slightly forked. Wings very
long, folding far beyond the end of
the tail. Jm.— Bill smaller and
mandibles more nearly equal. Head
and back grayish-brown with lighter
edges to the feathers. L., 18.00; W.,
15.00; T., 5.00, forked 1.50; B., 4.00
(under), 3.00 (upper). Eggs — Three
or four, creamy-white, spotted with
dark brown and gray, 1.75 x 1.30;
laid in hollows in the sand.

Range — Breeds along the Gulf
coast and north to Va. Wanders
rarely to Maine.

Most curious of this whole Order are BLACK SKIM
MERS, otherwise known as “Razor-bills,”’ ‘‘Cut-waters,”’
and “‘Sea Dogs,” the latter name because the trumpetings
of a flock as they charge up the beach are quite similar to
the baying of a pack of hounds. They are very swift and
graceful while on the wing, but appear to be very clumsy
when on the ground; the legs seem too small, the neck
too long, the bill much too heavy, and the wings so large
that there is no place to fold them. Adults feed by skim-
ming over the water, the lower mandible dropped so that
the thin blade is cutting the surface and gathering in tiny
fish, upon which they live. The downy young leave
the hollow in the sand, that was the nest, a day or
two after hatching and wander about the beach, being
fed by their parents and also picking up small insects
on their own account. Their bills show little abnormal
development until after they have acquired the powers of
flight.

57

FULMARS

(86) Fulmarus glacialis gla-
cialis
(Linn.) (Lat., icy).

FULMAR. Bill short, stout and
hooked; nostrils opening out of a
prominenttube. Irisbrown. Ad. —
Normal plumage as shown. Tail
gray, like the back. Young birds
and some adults, possibly in a dark
phase, are blackish-brown all over,
lighter below. L., 19.00; W., 13.00;
T., 4.75; B., 1.50, depth at base .75.
Nest — None; single white eggs are
deposited on bare ledges of high sea-
cliffs or in niches; 2.90 x 2.00.

Range — North Atlantic. Breeds
from Cumberland Sound, Greenland,
Iceland, and Scotland, northward.
Winters south to the fishing banks off
Newfoundland and Mass., and cas-
ually south to N. J.

OrvdErR TUBINARES. Tvuse-nosep SWIMMERS

A group of sea-birds ranging in size from that of a swal-
low up to the gigantic albatrosses, some of which have an
expanse of wings of about fourteen feet. All agree in
having the nostrils opening in tubes. The albatrosses are
not represented in eastern North America, but the largest
species, the Wandering Albatross, occurs north to the
Caribbean Sea and may yet be positively recorded within
our range.

Famity PROCELLARIIDA®. Futmars, SHEARWATERS
AND PETRELS

The nostrils are located in one “double-barreled” tube
located on the top of the bill. Albatrosses have two dis-
tinct tubes, one for each nostril.

FULMARS are gull-like birds, but the bills are stout,
hooked and with a prominent nostril-tube on top; the eyes
are brown, and the tails are gray like the backs. They

58

SHEARWATERS

(88) Pdffinus borealis Cory

(Lat., puffin, by mistake given to Manx
Shearwater; northern).

CORY’S SHEARWATER. Ad.—
Bill rather large, hooked, yellowish;
nostril tube quite prominent. Back
gray, slightly darker on the wings
and tail and much lighter on the
head. Entire under parts and bases
of primaries white. L., 21.00; W.,
14.50; T., 6.50; B., 2.25, depth at
base .75; Tar. 2.20.

Range — Known only from off the
coast of Mass. and Long Island
Sound, where it is occasionally found
from June until October. Some-
what like P. kuhli, found in the
Mediterranean, but considerably
larger and apparently quite distinct.

nest in almost countless numbers on the rocky cliffs of the
far north. One of the best known and most accessible
breeding places is on St. Kilda off the coast of Scotland.
Single white eggs are deposited on the bare rocky ledges.
The young remain on these ledges, barring accidents, until
fully fledged, being fed by the regurgitation by their parents
of a clear, amber-colored oil. This oil has a very peculiar
and offensive odor that is always evident about the nesting
places of birds of this family, and is retained by both eggs
and skins for many years.

Shearwaters bear little resemblance to gulls; the back, tail
and even the head are quite dark, the bill is comparatively
slender and the wings much narrower than those of gulls.

CORY’S SHEARWATERS are the largest as well as
the lightest colored of the eastern species. They can readily
be distinguished in life. from Greater Shearwaters, which
are nearly as large, by the lighter colored heads and the
pale yellowish bills. Although they are not extremely

59

SHEARWATERS

(89) Puffinis gravis
(O'Reilly). (Lat., heavy).
GREATER SHEARWATER.
Whole upper parts blackish, with
some gray edgings; under parts white,
sharply defined against the black
on the sides of the head; middle of
belly and under tail coverts dusky.
Bill and feet blackish. L., 20.00;
W., 13.00; T., 5.75; B., 2.00.
Range — Summers off the whole
Atlantic coast of N. A.

(92) Puffinus Iherminiére Less.

AUDUBON’S SHEARWATER.
Bill small and weak. Upper parts
brownish-black; under parts white,
with grayish on sides of breast and
sooty flanks and under tail coverts.
L., 12.00.

Range — Breeds in the Antilles
and Bahamas. Wanders north cas-
ually to Long Island.

rare, less is known about their habitat than of nearly any
other bird. Small numbers appear off the coast of Mas-
sachusetts and in Long Island Sound every summer. They
have been taken in no other place. Their habits while
with us are not different from those of the more common
species. I have seen them in groups of from two to six
individuals and also with Greater Shearwaters.

GREATER SHEARWATERS are abundant off the At-
lantic coast from June until October. They rarely, if ever,
alight upon our shores and seldom come within several
miles of land. They spend the day wandering over the
ocean searching for dead fish or other refuse matter and
sleep on the water wherever night may overtake them.
While their exact breeding grounds are unknown, they
undoubtedly nest during January and February on islands
in southern seas.

AUDUBON’S SHEARWATERS, which nest in large
numbers on some of the smaller uninhabited islands of the

60

SHEARWATERS

(95) Puffinus griseus
(Gmel.) (Lat., dark).

SOOTY SHEARWATER. Sooty,
brownish-black all over, grayer be-
low. L., 17.00; W., 12.00; T., 4.00;
B., 1.75.

Range — Occurs in summer on both
coasts of N. A. Probably breeds in
the South Pacific.

(98) BLACK-CAPPED PETREL
(“strélata hasit4ta). (Kuhl.) Prob-
ably now extinct. Formerly of the
Lesser Antilles, straying accidentally
to some of our Atlantic states.

(99) SCALED PETREL (4-
strelata scaldris) Brewster. An Ant-
arctic species known from a specimen
taken in Livingston Co., N. Y.

(101) BULWER’S PETREL
(Bulweria bulweri). Temperate North
Pacific and North Atlantic (European
side). Accidental in Greenland.

Bahamas, wander along the South Atlantic coast in
summer as far north as New Jersey. Their single, dull-
surfaced, white eggs are laid in holes in the ground or among
crevices of rocks, during March; grass or small sticks usually
line the nests.

SOOTY SHEARWATERS occur in large numbers off
our coast in summer, but are not quite as numerous as
Greater Shearwaters. The habits of the two species, while
with us, are identical. They often congregate about
fishing boats to get scraps or fish-livers that are thrown over-
board for them. Their continual squawking and fighting
for these prizes has caused them to be known by fishermen

ae

F.glactalis — P. grav - Q \encorrhoa
61

PETRELS
(104) Thalassidroma pelagica

(Linn.) (Gr., sea-wanderer; oceanic).

STORM PETREL. Plumage
sooty-black; upper tail coverts white,
the longer feathers broadly black-
tipped; tail square-ended. L., 5.50;
W., 4.50; T., 2.50; Tar., .q0; B., .45.

Range — An European species said
to occur off Newfoundland and New
Brunswick.

(106) Oceanédroma leucérhoa
(Vieill.) (Gr., ocean-running; white-rump).
LEACH’S PETREL. Plumage
as shown in apposite picture. Upper
tail coverts almost entirely white;
tail forked. L., 8.00; W., 6.25; T.,
3.50, forked .75; Tar., 1.00; B., .65.
Range — Breeds along the coast
from Me. to Greenland. Winters
off the coast south casually to Va.

as “Hags,” “Haglets,” or “Hagdons.” Their flight is
usually close to the water, performed by alternating a few
flaps of the long wings, then a short sail.

PETRELS are distinctly pelagic birds. Except during
the nesting season they rarely come to land, but may be
found from a mile or more off shore to several thousand
miles. They are truly “ocean-runners,” as their technical
name designates. Rarely do they rise more than a few
feet above the surface, nor is their flight swift, yet it is very
easily performed, for their bodies are light and their wings
ample in size. They rise and fall with the swell, so closely
to the water that they actually seem to be walking upon it.

All petrels found off our shores are very commonly called
“Mother Cary’s Chickens.” Two species regularly occur,
Wilson’s, which is the most common during the summer
months, and Leach’s, which is the only one found in late fall.

LEACH’S PETRELS breed on coasts and islands from
Maine northward. They nest in colonies, digging burrows

62

PETRELS

(109) Oceanites ocednicus z
(Kuhil.)

WILSON’S PETREL. Plumage
as shown—darker than that of
Leach’s Petrel; tail square-ended;
coverts white; legs long, webs yellow.
L., 7.00; W., 6.00; T., 3.00; Tar., 1.30;
B., .50

Range — This is the most common
petrel off our coast in summer.
Breeds on Antarctic islands in Feb-
ruary.

(110) WHITE-BELLIED PE-
TREL (Fregétta gralldria) (Vieill.).
Southern oceans; accidental in Fla.

(111) WHITE-FACED PETREL
(Pelagédroma marina) (Lath.). South-
ern oceans; accidental off Mass. and
Great Britain. Regularly occurs north
to the Canaries.

from one to two feet in length in soft soil. An enlarged
chamber at the end of the burrow is lined with grasses and,
on this, a single white egg is laid; about the large end of this
egg is usually a wreath of very tiny brown spots. The
birds alternate in sitting upon the egg, one always being in
the nest during the daytime and the other returning to
relieve it at dusk. They are never seen flying about the
nesting ground during daylight, the one off duty being at
sea feeding.

The young petrels are fed only at night, upon oily yellow-
ish fluid regurgitated by the parents. This fluid has a
penetrating, disagreeable odor and is always discernible
on petrel skins or eggs.

WILSON’S PETRELS nest on Antarctic islands and
spend their winter, which is our summer, off our coast.
They course to and fro over the ocean, sometimes following
the wakes of steamers or sailing vessels, watching for edible
scraps that may be thrown overboard, or again, congrega-

63

TROPIC-BIRDS

(112) Phdethon americanus
(Grant) (Gr., to shine; Lat., American).
YELLOW-BILLED TROPIC-

BIRD. Bill stout, tern-like, yellow.

Middle tail feathers greatly length-

ened. Feet totipalmate. Ad. — Plum-

age as shown. Young birds are simi-
lar but extensively barred with black
on the back and with spots on the
tail. L., about 36.00, including the
middle tail feathers, which alone

measure 18.00—-20.00; W., 11.00; B.,

2.00, depth at base .75; Tar., 1.00.

Nest — Of seaweed and grass on

rocky ledges; one cream-colored egg,

finely dotted with purplish-chestnut.
Range — Breeds in Bermuda and

southward; casual off our coast.
(113) RED-BILLED TROPIC-

BIRD (Phaéthon ethereus). A trop-

ical species’ accidental off Newfound-

land.

ting about fishing boats for the fish-livers or other scraps
that are sure to be thrown to them.

Orver STEGANOPODES. TotrraAtMaTE SWIMMERS

An Order comprising several Families, agreeing ex-
ternally in having all four toes connected by webs and all
except the Tropic-birds having naked gular sacs or pouches.

Famity PHAETHONTID. Troric-Brrps

But one member of this family, the YELLOW-BILLED
TROPIC-BIRD, regularly occurs on our southeastern
coast. They do not breed on our shores, but in Bermuda,
where they are strictly protected, thousands of them nest
on the sea-cliffs, sometimes making a nest of seaweed for
their single egg and again laying it upon the bare rock;
usually, however, they are back in some recess or crevice
out of sight. Their food consists of snails that they get
from the ledges and beaches and fish which they catch by div-

64

GANNETS

(114) Sdla cyanops
(Sund.) (Norse, sea-swallow; Gr., blue-face).

BLUE-FACED BOOBY. Bill
large and heavy; naked face and ) om
pouch livid blue; feet reddish. Plum- eae wile ae
age as shown, white, except that the :
primaries and secondaries are wholly
black; quite unusual in that the
outer tail feathers are black while
the inner ones are white. L., 30.00;
Ex., 55.00; W., 16.00; T., 8.00; B.,
3-75.

Range — Breeds in the Bahamas,
West Indies and southward. Acci-
dental in Fla.

(116) RED-FOOTED BOOBY.
(Sula piscétor) (Linn.) A tropical
species accidentally occuring in Fla.

\

ing or dipping the head. On the water they are very buoyant;
they hold their slender tails high up to prevent their getting
wet. On the wing they are the very embodiment of grace.

Famitry SULIDA. Gannets

Gannets are large, heavy sea-birds and, with one ex-
ception, are found in tropical waters. Two species regu-
larly occur within our range and two others, Blue-faced
Boobies and Red-footed Boobies, have been taken in Florida.

The COMMON or BROWN. BOOBY is an abundant
species in the Bahamas and West Indies, where they nest
in colonies on some of the keys. The name “booby”’ is
applied to these birds because they are so very fearless or
tame when nesting. Ordinarily they are as timid as most
sea-birds, but their timidity diminishes as the nesting season
advances, and when incubation of their eggs is well ad-
vanced they will not leave unless forced to do so; they do,
however, defend their homes with their bills, and these are
such effective weapons that it is well not to venture too close.

65

GANNETS

Re adae ie (115) Sula leucogastra
ne (Bodd.) (Gr., white belly).

BOOBY; BROWN BOOBY. Bill,
face, gular sac, iris and feet yellow.
Ad. — Plumage as shown. Imma-
ture birds are entirely brown, lighter
below and with some mixture of white
feathers on the parts that are later
to become white. L., 29.00; W.,
16.00; T., 8.00; B., 3.75, depth at
base 1.25. Nest —A hollow in the
sand or on rocks, usually with no lin-
ing; two chalky-white eggs, more or
less nest stained; 2.40 x 1.60.

Range — Breeds abundantly in the
Bahamas and West Indies; strays
along the South Atlantic coast from
S. Car. to Fla.

Their food consists chiefly of small fish, which they capture
by diving. They often feed their young at night, for then
the Frigate Birds, which rob them quite persistently during
the daytime, are asleep.

The GANNET is the largest species of this family. Hav-
ing anorthern distribution, it is more often seen by Americans
than any other. They are magnificent birds — large, strong
and exceedingly graceful when in flight. Their great ex-
panse of wings, about six feet, coupled with the pure white
plumage and black primaries, makes it possible to identify
them when far off. They are constantly wheeling about
over the water, and, upon sighting a fish in favorable posi-
tion, the wings are half closed and the great bird darts down
like a living arrow, piercing the water with a great splash;
if the prey is not secured on the plunge it is pursued and
caught under water.

In America, Gannets nest only on Bird Rock and Bona-
venture Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Here every
available ledge not occupied by murres, auks, puffins or gulls

66

GANNETS

(117) Sula bassana

(Linn.) (Of Bass Rock, a famous British
nesting place of the species).

GANNET; SOLAN GOOSE. Bill
slaty-blue. Feet greenish-black.
Iris yellow. Entire plumage white,
except the primaries, which are black.
Im. — Above dark brown, each feath-
er with a wedge-shaped white spot;
below grayish-white, each feather with
dark edges. L., 36.00; Ex., 70.00;
W., 19.00; T., 9.50; B., 4.00. Mest —
A hollowed pile of seaweed on rocky
ledges of sea-cliffs; one white egg
covered with a chalky deposit, 3.20
X I.g0.

Range — Breeds on Bird Rock and
Bonaventure Island in the Gulf of
St. Lawrence. Winters alang the
South Atlantic coast.

is covered, during summer with the white forms of nesting
Gannets, while the air is filled with beating wings and
hoarse, rasping croaks of others. The rocks which, in the
time of Audubon, were estimated to hold more than one
hundred and fifty thousand breeding birds, now have only
a few thousand. In marked contrast, the Gannets of
Bass Rock, off the Scotch coast, have suffered no appreci-
able decrease in numbers during the past hundred years,
even though they are much more accessible than are our
islands.

Famity ANHINGIDAE. Darrers

The WATER-TURKEY, our only representative of
this family, is found in swamps of the Southern States and
up the Mississippi Valley to Illinois. They swim very
swiftly either on the surface or under water. They are
called ‘“‘Darters”’ because they commonly perch on lookout
branches over the water and dart down on passing fish.
When alarmed they either drop into the water and swim

67

DARTERS

oe ae 2 pene E) (118) Anhinga anhinga
: (Linn.) (Lat., snaky).

ANHINGA; WATER-TURKEY;
SNAKE-BIRD. Form slender, es-
pecially the bill, head and neck.
Plumage of o shown by the perching
bird in the opposite picture. @
shown by the diving bird. Tail of
12 feathers, very broad at the tips,
the outer webs of the middle ones
being curiously crimped. Brownish-
white, filamentous plumes on the
neck of the male during breeding sea-
son. L., 36.00; Ex., 48.00; W., 13.50;
T., 10.50; B., 3.25. Mest — Of sticks
over water in bushes or trees; four
bluish eggs, covered with chalky
deposit, 2.25 x 1.35.

Range — Tropical America; breeds
north to Tex., southern IIl.,and N. Car.

away with only the slender head and part of the neck visible
(hence the name ‘‘Snake-bird’’), or else rise and circle about
high in the air. Rude platforms of sticks are built in bushes
over the water to hold their bluish-white eggs, which are
covered with a chalk-like deposit.

The three or four eggs are laid at intervals of several
days, so that it is quite usual to find nests containing an
egg, a newly hatched chick and another of good size. The
young feed, as do probably all the members of this Order,
by thrusting their heads into the parent’s throat or pouch and
taking the food contained there — usually small fish.

Famity PHALACROCORACID. Cormorants

A family of water-birds having rather long, strongly
hooked bills, full-webbed feet placed far back on the body
so that the sitting posture of the birds is nearly erect, and
very stiff tails that are of use for steering when swimming
under water and as a prop to aid them in sitting. The
plumage is close fitting, usually a glossy greenish or bluish-

68

CORMORANTS

(119) Phalacrécorax carbo

(Linn.) (Lat., a cormorant; charcoal).

CORMORANT; SHAG. Gular
sac heart-shaped behind, bordered by
white feathers. Tail with 14 feath-
ers. Plumage of adult shown. The
white flank patch, filamentous plumes
on the neck and crest are present
only during breeding season. Jm.—
Brownish-gray above, with some
whitish edgings; grayish-white below
mixed with some dark feathers.
L., 36.00; Ex., 60.00; W., 13.00; T.,
6.50; B., 3.40. Mest— Of seaweed
and sticks on rocky ledges of sea-
cliffs; four greenish-white, chalky eggs;
2.50 X 1.40.

Range — Northern Hemisphere.
Breeds from Nova Scotia to Labrador
and Greenland. Winters south to
Long Island and, casually, S. Car.

black, and many species are adorned with plumes or white
patches during the breeding season. Nearly all cormorants
have green eyes.

The COMMON CORMORANT or SHAG is strictly a
maritime species and breeds in high latitudes—on our coast
from Nova Scotia to Central Greenland. This species, the
largest of the family, is found throughout the Northern
Hemisphere and is the one formerly used by the Chinese
for catching fish. While, at the present time, more modern
methods are used for fishing for commercial purposes,
many of these trained birds are still kept for the pleasure
of the owner or to get money from tourists by exhibiting
their prowess.

The swimming powers of cormorants are excelled by no
other species of birds; while they can progress rapidly on the
surface, it is under water that their phenomenal powers
attract the most attention. A fish has small chance to
escape a foe so perfectly equipped as these fisher-birds — a
form that slides easily through the water; large feet, the full

69

CORMORANTS

(120) Phalacrocorax auritus

: auritus
(Less.) (Lat., eared).

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMOR-
ANT. Gular sac convex behind.
- Tailof12feathers. Ad. in summer —
As shown; lustrous greenish-black;
back coppery-brown; two ear tufts.
- In winter, similar but lacking the ear
tufts. Im.— Grayish-brown above;
» lighter below, with patches of dusky
* and white. L., 31.00. W., 12.50;
Se T., 7.00; B., 2.30. Nest — On ledges

- on the coast, on the ground or in
trees in the interior.

Range — Breeds from Me. and
Minn. north to Labrador and Sask.

(120a) P. a. floridanus (Aud.)
§ FLORIDA CORMORANT. Smaller
than the last. L., less than 30.00;
W., 12.00. Breeds from N. Car. and
Ill. southward.

webbing of which gives the maximum of push; short, stiff
wings that, flapped in a half-open position, add greatly to
the speed of progress; a perfect tail-rudder to guide them,
and a bill that can retain its hold on the most slippery fish.

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS and the similar
southern form, Florida Cormorants, are the most abundant
of the three eastern species. On the coast they nest, as
do the larger Common Cormorants, on rocky ledges; in the
south they nest in trees in dense swamps; and in the interior
of the United States and Canada they commonly nest on
the ground. Whatever the locations, cormorant nesting
grounds are filthy places, the rocks, the ground or trees being
smeared with white excrement and reeking with the odor of
decaying fish. They always nest in colonies, every hollow
on the ground sometimes containing its quota of eggs or
young.

The young birds are fed upon the same diet as their
parents — fish. These are brought to the nest in the throats

7°

CORMORANTS

(121) Phalacrocorax vigua jeg: sp 975
mexicanus ee
(Brandt). a

MEXICAN CORMORANT. Ad.
— A border of white feathers around
the base of the orange gular sac.
Plumage lustrous black with pur-
plish rather than green reflections;
back and wings slaty, each feather
with a black edge. In the breeding
season each side of the head has a
small packet of white nuptial plumes
and others are scattered down the
sides of the neck. In winter they
lack the white plumes, the white
feathers about the pouch, and the
black is less lustrous. L., 27.00; W.,
10.00; T., 6.50; B., 1.90.

Range — Mexico, Cuba and the
Bahamas; north in summer in the
Miss. Valley to Kan. and southern III.

and pouches of the parents, into which the black-skinned,
repulsive looking little cormorants insert their heads and
help themselves. Ugly as young cormorants may appear
to us, they are regarded as delicacies by gulls that nest
near them, and they, as well as the cormorant eggs, are
devoured at every opportunity.

MEXICAN CORMORANTS are abundant throughout
favorable portions of Mexico and Central America. They
regularly occur in our territory in southwestern Texas, where
they nest in the dense growths of trees and bushes sur-
rounding numerous lagoons.

Famity PELECANID. Peticans

Three of the dozen different species of pelicans are found
in North America and two of these occur in the eastern half.
Pelicans have fully webbed, or totipalmate feet, but the most
conspicuous feature about them is the long, large-pouched
bill.

WHITE PELICANS are immense, magnificent birds,

71

PELICANS

(125) Pelecanus erythrorhyn-
chos Gmel.
(Gr., a pelican; red beak).

WHITE PELICAN. Ad.— Bill,
pouch, iris and feet yellow. Plum-
age white, with black primaries;
slightly lengthened feathers on the
nape tinged with yellowish. In the
breeding season the male has an
upright knob near the end of the
upper mandible. Jm.— The lesser
wing coverts and the head are tinged
with gray. L., 60.00; Ex., 100.00;
W., 22.00; T., 6.00 (24 feathers);
B., 14.00; Weight about 17 lbs.
Nest — Of sticks and weeds near
water’s edge; two or three pure white
€SgS, 3-45 X 2.30.

Range — Breeds from Keewatin
and B. C. south to Utah and Cal.
Winters along the Gulf coast. Cas-
ual in migration on the Atlantic coast.

having an expanse of wings up to nine feet and a bill more
than a foot long. In winter they are abundant along the
Gulf coast and in the many entering rivers and their pond
or lake sources. In spring they migrate through the in-
terior to their nesting grounds on islands in large lakes
throughout the northwest. Shoal Lake, Manitoba, Klamath
Lakes in Oregon, and Salt Lake in Utah contain some of the
largest known breeding colonies.

These pelicans nest on the ground, preferably on sandy
soil. The sand is scooped up in piles four to six inches high,
slightly hollowed on top, and these sand nests are scantily
lined with twigs or grasses. Usually two, but sometimes
three or four, pure white eggs are laid; these are covered with
a chalky deposit as usual with eggs of members of this Order.

BROWN PELICANS are maritime birds both during
winter and at nesting time. Since these birds are far less
timid than White Pelicans, much more has been observed
and written about their habits. Pelican Island, in the

72

PELICANS

(126) Pelecanus occidentalis

Linn,
BROWN-PELICAN. Ad. in sum-
mer — Plumage as shown. In win-

ter, similar but the back of the neck
is white instead of brown. Im. —
Similar to the winter adult, but the
head and neck are gray. L., 50.00;
Hx:, 78.00; W..,, 10/00; I.,. 7.00! (22
feathers); B., r1.00. Nest— Of sticks
and weeds, either on the ground, in
bushes or low trees; the three to five
eggs are white, with the chalky
deposit common to eggs of birds of this
Order, 3.00 x 1.95.

Range — Breeds from Fla. and
La. south to Brazil; wanders north
to N. Car. and casually to Me. and IIl.

Indian River, Florida, is one of the best known and most
accessible nesting places of pelicans.

The young are naked when hatched and only become
fully clothed in white down after about three weeks. It
requires about ten weeks for them to acquire full powers of
flight and be able to care for themselves. While the adult
pelicans are very silent, their only note being a low groan,
the young are extremely noisy and continue to be so until
able to fly well. They feed by inserting the head and bill
down the capacious throat of their parent and selecting small
half-digested fish; they continue to feed in this way until
they are larger than their parents. Brown Pelicans catch fish,
chiefly menhaden, by diving into schools from the air, while
White Pelicans scoop them up while swimming upon the water.

Famity FREGATIDZ. Man-o’-war-BIRDS

MAN-O’-WAR or FRIGATE BIRDS are remarkable sea-
birds, having powers of flight excelled by no other species
except perhaps albatrosses. They have a greater expanse

73

MAN-O’-WAR-BIRDS

(128) Fregata aquila
(Linn.) (Ital., a frigate; Lat., eagle).

MAN-O’-WAR-BIRD; FRIGATE
BIRD. Eye brown. Bill long
and slender. Gular sac and feet
orange, the latter small and weak.
Ad. o&. — As shown by the perching
bird; plumage lustrous black, with
violet and greenish reflections. Ad.
Q.—Less lustrous and _ browner;
foreneck and belly white. L., 40.00;
Ex., 90.00; T., 18.00, forked 9.00;
Tar., .95; B., 5.00. Mest —A frail
platform of sticks in low bushes or
trees; a single white egg, 2.80 x 1.90.

Range — Tropical coasts, breed-
ing north to Florida Keys; strays to
La., Tex. and Cal.; casually north to
Nova Scotia and accidentally to Ohic
and Wis.

of wing compared to their weight than any other known
birds, and are able to float about for hours at a time with
no perceptible flapping. Their feet are totipalmate, but
are small and weak, and the webbing is of little extent.
They rarely alight on the water, but get the fish, upon which
they live, by quick dashes at those near the surface, by
catching in the air flying-fish or others which have leaped out
of water to avoid some enemy below; or by forcing terns,
boobies or pelicans to disgorge what they have captured.

They build rude, stick nests on the tops of bushes, some-
times several nests being in a single bush. One egg con-
stitutes a full set. The young are hatched naked, passing
through a downy stage to the full plumage. Curiously
enough, the back becomes fully feathered before the wing
feathers commence to grow.

OrpDER ANSERES. Lame irrostRAL SWIMMERS

About two hundred species, separated into five sub-
families, are included in this Order. They all agree in

74

MERGANSERS

(129) Mérgus americanus Cassin
(Lat., a diver).
MERGANSER; GOOSANDER;
SHELDRAKE; SAW-BILL. Bill
sharply toothed on the edges; nostril
midway along the bill. Ad. 7 —
Plumage as shown by bird on the
stump. Eye, bill and feet red.
Breast and underparts tinted with
salmon. Ad. @ — Plumage as
shown by the swimming bird. Eye
yellow. Notice that the head of the
@ is crested, while that of the @ is
not: L.,; 25.00; W., 10.50; T., 5:00;
B., 2.00; Tar., 1.90. Female some-
what smaller. Nest — Of grass, lined
with feathers; six to nine creamy-
buff eggs, 2.70 X 1.75.
Range — Breeds from Me., Mich.
and Ore. northward; winters from
Me., Wis. and B. C. south to the Gulf.

having the bill lamellate — that is, with flutings or teeth
on the edges of each mandible, these alternating so as to fit
together when the bill is closed. The feet are webbed and
the hind toe is elevated, and in some species lobed.

Mergansers have the typical duck form, but the long
and rather slender bills are round in cross section and the
edges are very sharply toothed.

The habits of the two larger species, the MERGANSER
and the RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, are quite
similar, although the latter during winter are more often
found on salt water, while the former delights in frequent-
ing turbulent streams. During summer both species retire
to the edges of ponds in the northern United States and
Canada to nest. The nests are on the ground, in patches of
weeds or sheltered by rocks, and, as usual with duck nests,
are warmly lined with downy feathers from the breasts
of the females.

As might be judged from the form of their bills, mergan-

75

MERGANSERS

(130) Mergus serrator Linn.
(Lat., a sawyer).

RED-BREASTED MERGAN-
SER. Nostrils nearer to the base
than to the end ofthe bill. Ad. 7 —
Plumage as shown. Notice that the
head is crested. Ad. 9 — Shown
by the flying bird. Head brownish,
slightly -crested; back and wings
grayish. In any plumage easily
distinguished from the last species
by the position of the nostrils. L.,
24.00; W., 9.00; T., 4.00; B., 2.20.
Nest — Of grass, on the ground; lined
with feathers from the breast of the
female; five to ten olive-buff eggs,
2.50 X 1.70.

Range — Breeds from Me., Minn.
and B. C. north to the Arctic coast;
winters from Mass., Ind., and B. C.
south to Mexico.

sers feed largely upon fish, a diet that renders their flesh very
unpalatable. They secure fish in the same manner as grebes
and cormorants — by pursuing and catching them under
water. Like these same birds, mergansers are just as likely,
if alarmed, to seek safety by diving as by flight; they can
get under water as “quick as a flash,’ but they usually have
to patter a few feet along the surface before rising into the
air. Mergansers have a flap or lobe on the hind toe; just
how this can be of assistance to a duck in diving or swim-
ming is amystery, but it is a fact that species that are good
divers or that habitually feed at some depth below the
surface do have this flap.

Mergansers are very quiet, but it is said that the Red-
breasted species utters a low croak at times.

HOODED MERGANSERS are exceedingly beautiful
and very interesting ducks. The unique fan-shaped crest
of the male is an adornment not only of beauty but is adapted
to express the various emotions of the bird, as it may be

76

MERGANSERS

(131) Lophédytes cucullatus

(Linn.) (Gr., a crest, a diver; Lat., wear-
ing a hood).

HOODED MERGANSER;
HAIRY HEAD; SUMMER SHEL-
DRAKE. Ad. @— Beautifully plum-
aged and crested as shown. Bill black.
Tris yellow. 4d. 9 —Plumage as shown
by bird in the distance. Crest brown,
with no white patch; neck and back
grayish; white speculum and under
parts. L., 18.00; W., 7.50; T., 4.00;
Tar., 1.20; B., 1.50. Mest — In cav-
ities of trees near the water’s edge;
eight to cighteen pearl-gray eggs,
2.15, X 1.70.

Range — Breeds in the U. S. and
southern Canada. Winters in south-
ern U.S.

(131.1) SMEW (Mergellus albel-
lus) (Linn.). An European species;
accidental in northern N. A.

opened and closed at will. This species does not live ex-
clusively upon a fish diet; in fact, they often feed upon tender
roots of aquatic plants and mollusks to such an extent that
they become quite plump and their flesh is then good.

In summer, Hooded Mergansers seek lakes, ponds or
swamps about which are large decayed trees or trunks,
for they commonly nest in cavities from six to twenty feet
above ground. The bottom of the hollows are lined with
grass, on which ten or a dozen, or sometimes as many as
eighteen, pearly white eggs are laid. The little mergansers
flutter down or are carried to the ground by their mother
and immediately led to the water. Until able to fly, they
are ever under the watchful eye of their parents, whose
vigilance alone saves many of them from untimely ends in
the jaws of pickerels, turtles or mink.

MALLARDS, or “Green-heads”’ and “Wild Ducks” as
they are often called, are quite abundantly distributed over
the Northern Hemisphere. Because of their abundance,

77

RIVER DUCKS

(132) Anas platyrhynchos Linn.
(Lat., duck; Gr., flat beak).

MALLARD; GREEN-HEAD;
WILD DUCK. Ad. ~— Plumage
shown by the lower bird. Bill green-
ish. Iris brown. Legs orange. Spec-
ulum purple. Long upper tail cov-
erts recurved. Ad. 9 — Shown by
the upper bird. Legs orange. Bill
orange and black. Plumage similar
to but lighter and more buffy than
that of Black Ducks; speculum always
bordered by white and outer tail
feathers edged with light buff. L.,
23.00; W., 10.50; T., 3.50; Tar., 1.90
B., 2.00. Nest—Of grass, among
rushes or weeds; six to ten buff
eggs. 2.25 X 1.65.

Range — Northern Hemisphere.
Breeds in the northern half of United
States and Canada. Winters from
Md. Ind. and Alaska southward.

the excellence of their flesh and the fact that they are the
ancestors of the common domestic ducks, they are justly
regarded as one of the most valuable of all birds

Mallards belong to that class of ducks known as “River
Ducks” as distinguished from “Sea Ducks.” The former
secure food, largely vegetable, by dabbling in the shallow
water on the edges of ponds or marshes, or by “‘tipping”’
where the water is of a depth to allow them to reach bottom
without going entirely under water; on the other hand,
sea ducks can get food in deep water.

Any marsh or pond-hole, however small, is regarded as a
favorable nesting site by Mallards. The cozy, feather-lined
nest is usually located several yards from the water’s edge,
concealed among weeds or brush. The drakes take no part
in incubating the eggs or in caring for the ducklings that
appear after a period of about twenty-eight days; instead
they go into temporary exile and undergo a double moult.
The first moult, occurring in June, leaves the drakes garbed

78

RIVER DUCKS

(133) Anas rabripes Brewster
(Lat., red-footed).

BLACK DUCK; DUSKY MAL-
LARD. Ad.— As _ shown. Bill
greenish, with a black tip or nail.
Feet orange-red, with dusky webs.
o usually darker than the ? and
sometimes with a narrow white bor-
der on the speculum. Linings of
wings white. Size same as that of
the Mallard. Nest — Of grass, lined
with feathers from the breast of the
female; concealed among rushes or
weeds near the water; the six to
ten buff-colored eggs are laid in May
or June; 2.30 x 1.70. Both this spe-
cies and Mallards utter loud quacks.

Range — Eastern N. A. Breeds
from Md. and Wis. north to Ungava
and Keewatin. Winters from Nova
Scotia south to the Gulf.

in similar plumage to that of the females; the second, which
takes place in July or August, restores the handsome plu-
mage, to remain until the following year.

In fall, local Mallards join or are joined by flocks coming
from more northern localities. They usually rest, perhaps,
floating at sea during daylight and, at dusk, fly to favorite
marshes to feed; it is upon these flights from the resting
places to the feeding grounds that gunners do their most
effective execution. When disturbed during daytime or
while feeding at dusk Mallards are quite noisy, the females
doing the loudest quacking.

BLACK DUCKS, or Dusky Mallards, are very closely
related to Mallards and have similar habits. Their range
is quite restricted, being confined to eastern North America.

It is a beautiful sight to watch a female Black Duck and
her brood. She guards them most zealously, turning her
head this way and that, ever on the lookout for danger,
be it from beast, bird or fish. Should an enemy approach,
she will attempt to escape by swimming away with her brood.

79

RIVER DUCKS

(134) Anas fulvigula fulvigula
Ridgway
(Lat., reddish throat).

FLORIDA DUCK. Similar to
the Black Duck but lighter colored;
chin and throat buffy, with no
streaking. Bill greenish, with a
black nail and with a blackish spot
at the base.

Range — Northwestern to south-
ern Fla.
(134a) Anas fulvigula macus=

l6sa Sennett
(Lat., spotted).

MOTTLED DUCK. Notas buffy
as the Florida Duck; each feather on
the under parts with a broad dusky
spot near the tip.

Range — Resident in southern
Texas and in southern La. Acci-
dental north to Kan. ;

If this fails, at a warning note from their mother, each
duckling scurries for cover among rushes, weeds or lily-pads,
while the parent tries to lead the pursuer away by pre-
tending to be wounded. If she and her brood are dis-
covered on shore, this ruse is even more effective, as she trips
and stumbles along, with trailing wings and whining voice;
man or beast might easily believe her to be so seriously
injured that she could go but a few feet farther.

Black Ducks are quite nocturnal in their habits, moving
about and feeding a great deal, especially on moonlight nights.
Occasionally the silence of the marsh will be broken by
the quacking of a single duck, followed almost instantly
by that of all the ducks and drakes present, and subsiding
as suddenly as it commenced. They feed in shallow water,
sifting the mud through the strainer-like serrations of the
bill and retaining everything edible.

Black Ducks are quite wary and less easily decoyed
than most species. They usually fly high, with no regular
formation, and may readily be identified by the contrast

80

RIVER DUCKS

(135) Chaulelasmus stréperus

(Linn.) (Gr., having protrusive teeth;
Lat., noisy).

GADWALL; GRAY WIDGEON.
Teeth or “gutters” on the edges of
the mandibles small but very numer-
ous. Ad. oc — Plumage as shown.
Axillars and under wing coverts
white; breast feathers with two con-
centric black bands on each, giving
a striking scaled effect. Ad. 9 —
Less or no chestnut on the upper
coverts; speculum — grayish-white;
more spotted below. L., 21.00; W.,
10.50; T., 4.50; B., 1.60. Nest —
Seven to ten creamy-buff eggs (2.10
x 1.60) laid in feather-lined hollows.

Range — Cosmopolitan. Breeds
from Wis. and Cal. northward. Win-
ters from N. Car., Ill., and B. C.
southward. Rare on the N. E.
coast during migrations.

of the white under wing coverts with their otherwise dark
plumage.

The habits of FLORIDA DUCKS and MOTTLED
DUCKS, notwithstanding their restricted ranges, do not
in any way differ from those of the Black Duck.

GADWALLS, also essentially fresh-water ducks, are by
no means abundant and are quite shy. They usually are
seen in small flocks or in company with Widgeons, and
like to frequent small creeks or the edges of marshes, where
the chances of their being disturbed are few and where
they can readily get an abundance of the grasses and roots
of water plants that they like.

Male Gadwalls are very modestly colored for ducks,
especially on the head, which in most other species is quite
different from that of the female.

BALDPATES or WIDGEONS, like Gadwalls, only
resort to bays and brackish sounds after the ponds and
marshes that they like to frequent are frozen. They are

81

RIVER DUCKS

(136) Maréca penélope
(Linn.) (Brazilian, a kind of teal).

EUROPEAN WIDGEON. 4d.
o' — Asshown. Crown buffy-white;
rest of head reddish-brown, covered
with black specks; tertials buffy-
white, with a black stripe in the mid-
dle. Ad. 9 — Head, neck and up-
per breast buffy, more or less streaked
and barred with dusky; tertials bor-
dered with deep buff; greater coverts
brownish-gray, tipped with black.
L., 20.00; W., 10.50; B., 1.40.

Range — Northern part of the
Eastern Hemisphere. Occurs cas-
ually in winter and during migrations
on both the Atlantic and Pacific
coasts and from Wis. and Mich.
southward.

not uncommon and, during fall and winter, quite large
flocks of them may be seen flying swiftly, stretched out in a
long line, abreast. When migrating, and often when on the
water, they utter continuous, soft, mewing whistles.

Widgeons are one of the wariest of ducks and are endowed
with very keen sight or insight, as some hunters believe
their suspicions often prevent flocks of other species, with
which they are associated, from settling among decoys.
On this account they are not kindly regarded by many
gunners, although their flesh is excellent. They frequently
go with Redheads and Canvas-backs, and, according to
Elliot, pilfer food secured by these ducks from depths to
which they themselves cannot dive.

Although common along the Atlantic coast of the United
States in winter and during migrations, Baldpates, and
also many other ducks having similar distribution, do not
nest anywhere in the region near this coast, but spend
the summer from Minnesota and North Dakota northward
and west of Hudson Bay to Alaska. Their nests are built

82

RIVER DUCKS

(137) Mareca americana
(Gmel.)

BALDPATE; WIDGEON. Ad.
o'— Plumage as shown. Bill gray-
ish-blue, with a black tip and dusky
base. Crown pure white; very broad,
metallic greenish stripe from the
eye to the nape; throat and face
buffy, specked with black. Ad. @
— Differs from the 2 of the European
Widgeon by having the head and
throat white, streaked and barred
with black, the wing coverts whiter
and the outer webs of the tertials
white. L., 20.00; W., 10.50; B., 1.50.
Young males may show any degree
of plumage between that of the
and@.

Range — Breeds from Ind., Colo.
and Ore. northward. Winters from
Md., (casually Mass.) Ill. and B. C.
southward.

on the ground, as is common with most ducks, but usually
on high ground under bushes and not necessarily near the
water. It is warmly lined with soft down, which is care-
fully drawn over to conceal the eggs when the female leaves.

EUROPEAN WIDGEONS, although frequently taken in
this country, can only be regarded as stragglers. They are
not uncommon on the Aleutian Islands and breed there. It
is quite probable that most of these birds taken in various
parts of the United States are Alaskan ones that have come
south in company with some of our native ducks nesting in
the same localities, instead of taking their customary mi-
gration route to the southwest.

In England, they are commonly called Whewers, because
of the shrill whistling notes they utter when flying. Their
nesting habits do not differ from those of the American
Widgeon. In winter they are abundant on inland lakes and
morasses and also on salt marshes.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL share with Buffle-heads the

83

RIVER DUCKS

(139) Néttion carolinénse
(Gmel.) (Gr., a duckling).

GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Size
very small. Ad. o'—As_ shown.
Head reddish-brown; speculum and
patch back of eye metallic green;
white crescent in front of wings.
Ad. @ — Wings as on the o’; head
and neck grayish-white, streaked
with dusky; breast and sides more or
less streaked or spotted. L., 14.00;
W. ,. 7-253 25 31003, B:;) 1350:

Range — Breeds from New Bruns-
wick, Ill., and central Cal. north to
Ungava and Alaska. Winters from
N. Y., Ind., and B. C. southward.

(138) EUROPEAN TEAL (Net-
tion crécca). Occasional or acci-
dental on both coasts of N. A. The
o has no white crescent in front
of the wing.

honor of being the smallest American ducks. Besides being
one of the most handsomely plumaged species, they are
probably, taking everything into consideration, the most
graceful. On land they walk easily and run well, with no
signs of the waddling that some of the ducks show.

During migrations, they travel in quite large, compact
flocks and are most abundant in the interior, because they
prefer fresh to salt water, although smaller flocks of them
are often seen in marshes and rivers along the coast. Be-
cause they are so active they are able to catch a great many
insects and feed largely upon such food when it is obtainable,
as well as upon roots of various water plants, grasses, etc.
In the south they visit rice fields, often in company with
Mallards and other large ducks. They are more compan-
ionable than most ducks; even when feeding, the flock
keeps well grouped instead of scattering as Mallards and
Black Ducks will. Green-winged Teal utter shrill piping
whistles, not unlike the notes of some plovers.

84

RIVER DUCKS

(140) Querquédula discors
(Linn.) (Lat., a small duck; discordant).

BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Bill
broader than that of the preceding
species. Ad. o' — Plumage as shown;
much variation in the body color,
but always more or less buffy or
tufous. Ad.?— Similar to the @ of
the preceding species but with more
buffy coloring of the body and with
blue wing coverts as on the o7. L.,
WHs5O5 WW taro eesOn 8.4 eS 0.
Call — A weak, rapid quacking. Nest
—on the ground among grass or
weeds bordering marshes or ponds;
six to ten buffy eggs, 1.90 x 1.30.

Range — Breeds from Me., N. Y.,
Ind. and Ore. northward. Winters
from Md., Ill. and B. C., south to
Brazil and Chile.

Their nests are concealed in patches of weeds or tussocks of
grass bordering bogs, marshes or creeks. They are made of
rushes and weeds, lined with feathers and down. Usually six
to eight, but sometimes as many as twelve, ivory-white eggs
are laid.

BLUE-WINGED TEAL are but a trifle larger than the
Green-wings. They are quite commonly known as Summer
Teal because they commonly nest farther south than Green-
wings and because they are the first of the ducks to migrate
in fall. Early in September those individuals that nest in
northern United States move to the south, while their places
are taken by others arriving from Canada.

The flight of this species is usually regarded by gunners
as more swift than that of any other. Notwithstanding
that their speed is often rated as more than one hundred
miles per hour, it is very doubtful if they can, by their own
efforts, exceed more than sixty miles. Their small size serves
two purposes, making their flight seem faster in comparison

85

RIVER DUCKS

(141) Querquedula cyandéptera
(Viell.) (Gr., blue, wing).

CINNAMON TEAL. Ad. tj —
As shown. Ad. Q — Very similar to
that of the last species and not easily
identified. Bill larger. More rusty
below; throat rather buffy and more
or less encroached upon by the streaks
and spots of the under parts, while
that of the Blue-wing is usually
immaculate white. L., 16.50; W.,
7-753. T., 3.50; B., 1.70. Nest — On
the ground near water; compactly
woven of grass and lined with
feathers; eight to thirteen eggs, buffy-
white, 1.85 x 1.35.

Range — North and South Amer-
ica. Breeds from western Kan. and
B. C. southward. Casual in Man.,
Minn., Wis., Ohio, Ia., N. Y., Fla., etc.

with larger ducks, and renders them more difficult to hit.
The fact that they also, like the Green-wings, double and
twist in their flight when alarmed does not make them easy
marks for gunners, and it is not surprising that they should
often estimate their speed at more than double.

They are quieter than Green-wings, although the ducks
quack weakly and the drakes sometimes utter whistled
“peeps,’’ repeated five or six times. Their feeding and
nesting habits are practically the same as those of Green-
winged Teal, but the eggs are a little lighter in color.

CINNAMON TEAL are a handsome species, common
in western United States, but of rather rare occurrence east
to the Mississippi Valley, and still less frequently in Florida.
Like the other teal, they are quick in all their actions; they
spring clear out of water and speed swiftly away when
startled. They build more substantial nests than most
ducks, twisting rushes firmly together and lining the hollow
with down.

SHOVELLERS, or, as they are otherwise called, Spoon-

86

RIVER DUCKS

(142) Spatula clypedta
(Linn.) (Lat., spoon-shaped; a shield).
SHOVELLER ; SPOON-BILL;

BROAD-BILL. Bill long and twice
as wide at end as at base. Plumage
as shown, the o by the upper bird,
the 2 by the lower. Easily identi-
fied in any plumage by the size and
shape of the bill. L., 20.00; W., 9.50;
T., 3.00; Tar., 1.35; B:, 2.50, width
at end. 1.20. Eggs — Six to ten,
grayish, 2.10 X 1.50.

Range — Northern Hemisphere.
Breeds from Ind., Texas and Cal.
north to Keewatin and Alaska.
Winters from Md., Ill. and B. C.
southward. Casual on the coast to
Newfoundland during migration.

(741.1). RUDDY SHELDRAKE
(Casdrca ferruginea). An European
species; accidental in Greenland.

billed Ducks, are remarkable not only because of the con-
trasty plumage of the males, but because of the oddly
shaped bills; these are not only twice as broad at the end
as at the base, but the “strainers” or serrations along the
edges are very prominent, especially toward the base.
Such a bill implies that its owner feeds upon “‘ mud-siftings, ”
and such we find to be the case. They reach the muddy
bottoms of shallow ponds by “tipping up” or dabble with
their bills along the shore. All forms of mollusks and in-
sect larve are retained and eaten, while the soft mud and
water flow from the sides of the mandibles. As usual,
when the parents have peculiarly shaped bills, those of
young Shovellers are of ordinary duck-shape, not broaden-
ing toward the end until after flight.

Shovellers have a very wide distribution, being found in
all temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. In
England, where they breed sparingly, they are said to usually
nest in dry grass fields at some distance from the water,
but in America they usually choose swampy, boggy places

87

RIVER DUCKS
(143) Dafila acita

(Linn.) (Lat., acute, — referring to the
pointed tail).

PINTAIL; SPRIG-TAIL. Neck
long and slender. Middle tail feath-
ers lengthened. Form slender. Ad.
o@—As shown by the swimming
bird. Ad. 9 — Buff-colored, lighter
on the throat; darker on the crown
and back, and streaked and spotted
with dusky; breast and sides more or
less mottled; speculum grayish-brown
bordered with white; axillars barred
with black. L., co 28.00, 2 22.00;
W., 10.00: T., o' 7:50, 2 3:60; B.,
2.00. Notes —A quacking similar
to Mallards. Eggs — Six to twelve,
buffy-white, 2.20 x 1.50.

Range — Northern Hemisphere.
Breeds from Ill, Colo. and Cal.,
north to the Arctic coast. Winters
from Del., Wis. and B. C. southward.

that are difficult of access. The eggs, which are from eight
to twelve in number, are pale greenish-gray.

PINTAILS, or Springtails as most gunners term them,
are also cosmopolitan in their distribution. They are re-
markable among our ducks for their very long thin necks.
Scattered pairs of Pintails nest in the central and western
portions of the United States, but the centre of their abun-
dance during the breeding season is from Keewatin to
Alaska. In the latter region Mr. E. W. Nelson has made
quite complete observations of their habits.

At mating time, the female will occasionally rise in the
air with the male in close pursuit; she leads him a merry
chase, often joined in by other males, at one moment being
nearly out of sight overhead and the next just skimming the
ground. At other times she will plunge at full speed under
water, followed by her pursuers, all rising and taking wing
a short distance beyond.

WOOD DUCKS are generally conceded to be the most

88

RIVER DUCKS

(144) Aix sponsa

(Linn.) (Gr., a water fowl; Lat., be-
trothed, in reference to the beautiful (bridal)
plumage).

WOOD DUCK; SUMMER
DUCK; BRIDAL DUCK. Ad. 7 —
Handsomely plumaged as shown. Iris
red. Bill multicolored. Feet orange.
Head with purple and greenish re-
flections. Ad. 9 — Gray, with white
eye-patch, white chin, throat and |
under parts; breast and sides mot-
tled with grayish-brown; wings like
those of the o but grayish-black.
L., 19.00; W., 9.00; T., 4.50; B., 1.40.
Nest — In cavities of trees; eight to
fifteen buffy eggs, 2.00 x 1.50.

Range — Breeds throughout the
United States and southern Canada.
Winters from N. J., Ill. and B. C. &
south to Mexico and the Gulf.

beautiful species to be found anywhere. For the reason
that the bridal dress is supposed to be a most exquisite
creation, the species was given a technical name meaning
betrothed. It is also often known as the Bridal Duck,
although Summer Duck is more frequently applied to it.

Wood Ducks are the only species that nests throughout
the United States and in the southern British Provinces.
During summer they frequent clear wooded lakes rather
than the marshy regions chosen by most ducks. They
nest in cavities of trees and never on the ground, although
sometimes they choose very peculiar situations, the most
remarkable of which I have record being the individual
that for several years built her nest in an unused stovepipe
projecting from the side of a boat house.

Usually the nesting tree is close to the water, often over-
hanging it, but sometimes they have to select one several
yards away. A surprising feature is that the entrance hole
is often not more than half as large as one would think
necessary, yet the female enters and leaves readily. The

89

SEA DUCKS

(146) Marila americana
(Eyton). (Gr., charceal?),
REDHEAD; POCHARD. Ad. 2
—As shown. Bill dull blue with
black band at end. Iris yellow.
Black feathers of breast shading
into white under parts; back gray,
finely barred with dusky; speculum
light gray. Ad. 2 — Grayish-brown
darker on the back and whitening
on the belly. L., 19.00; W., 9.50;
T., 3.00; B., 1.85. Notes — Hol-
low, rapid croakings. Eggs — Six

to twelve, bufly-white, 2.40 x 1.70.
Range — Breeds from southern Wis.
and Cal. north to B. C. and Sask.
Winters from Md., Ill. and B. C.
southward. “In migrations along the
Atlantic coast south of Labrador.
(145) RUFOUS-CRESTED DUCK
(Nétta rufina). An European species;
accidental in eastern United States.

little ducklings scramble out and drop into the water or
are carried down in the bill of their mother.

The flight of Wood Ducks is swift and straight when in
the open, but they can thread their way through woods
with as much ease as pigeons or owls.

REDHEADS belong to the sub-family known as sea ducks
(Fuliguline). By sea ducks, it is not meant that the species
in this sub-family are exclusively maritime, for many of
them most often frequent fresh water just as some of the
so-called river ducks often resort to salt marshes or even
the open sea. They are externally characterized by having
a broad flap or lobe on the hind toe. They are excellent
divers, capable of going to great depths to secure mussels
or other shellfish upon which they largely subsist.

Redheads nest abundantly in some of the Western States
and in that great duck region from Minnesota northward.
During migration they are regularly found on the Atlantic
coast south of Labrador. They fly in a broad V-shaped line,
usually at quite an elevation, and swiftly. They usually

go

SEA DUCKS

(147) Marila valisnéria

(Wils.) (From the water plant upon which
they extensively [eed).

CANVAS-BACK. Bill high at
the base, forming a straight line with
the top of the head. Ad, « — Bill
black, Iris red. Head reddish-
brown, blackening toward the base
of the bill; black feathers on breast
sharply defined against the white
of the under parts. Ad. 9 —- Gray-
ish-brown like the Q@ Redhead, but
readily identified by the larger size
and differently shaped bill; head
more or less tinged with rusty-brown.
L., 21.00; W., 9.50; B., 2.40. Eggs
— Six to ten grayish-buff, 2.40 x 1.70.

Range — Breeds from southern
Minn., Colo. and Ore. north to Kee-
watin and Alaska. Winters from Pa.
and Ill. southward.

sweep the length of a body of water several times before
alighting in order to select the best spot, and then all sail
down on set wings, entering the water with great splashes.
They come quite readily to decoys and large numbers of
them are killed annually from blinds in all parts of the
country. Their flesh is regarded as fully equal to that of
the more famous Canvas-back.

CANVAS-BACKS are somewhat similar to Redheads in
appearance but very easily distinguished; the males by
their black bills and very light colored backs; the females
by the very differently shaped bills —as one old gunner
expressed it, “Canvas-backs have Roman noses, while
Redheads have pug noses.”

Both species, but more frequently Redheads, are some-
times known as “‘raft ducks”? because they commonly float
in large flocks well off shore or in the middle of large bodies
of water. They dive in quite deep water and gather mol-
lusks or pull up water plants, the roots of which they are
fond of. It is usual to see numbers of Baldpates mixed in

gr

SEA DUCKS

(148) Marila marila (Zinn)

SCAUP DUCK; BLACK-HEAD;
BLUE-BILL. Ad. o& —As shown.
Iris yellow. Bill dull blue, with
black nail. Head glossed with green-
ish; speculum white; sides very
faintly marked with wavy black
lines. Ad. 9— Grayish-brown, lighter
on the belly; speculum and region
about base of bill white. L., 19.00;
W., 8:75" ‘T., 3.00; B.; :2:co:

Range — Breeds from N. Dak. and
B. C. northward. Winters from
Me., Ont., and B. C. southward.

(149) Marila affinis
(Eyton). (Lat., allied).
LESSER SCAUP DUCK. Simi-
lar but smaller. Head glossed with
purple; flanks more conspicuously

barred. L., 16.00; W., 7.60.
Range — Breeds from Ind., Ia.
and B. C. northward.

with Canvas-backs for, although these birds are not able
to secure food themselves in deep water, they get consider-
able of what is loosened or brought up by the better divers.

After Canvas-backs, or Redheads, either, have fed on
wild rice or celery for a few weeks, their flesh is superior
to that of any other wild duck. However, under other
conditions of feeding, they are no better and may be de-
cidedly inferior to other species.

The flight of Canvas-backs is very swift, their speed
probably not being exceeded by any other ducks. The
cnormous number of them annually slaughtered by market
hunters and sportsmen is making them more scarce each
year, particularly in the Eastern States.

SCAUP DUCKS are almost universally known as Blue-
bills, and only a little less often as Black-heads, the Greater
and Lesser Scaups being called respectively Big and Little
Blue-bills. The Scaup is found throughout the Northern
Hemisphere, while the smaller species is only North Amer-

g2

SEA DUCKS
(150) Marila colldris

(Donovan). (Lat., collared).

RING-NECKED DUCK; RING-
BILL. Ad. & — Bill black, with a
broad, light blue band near the end.
A band of chestnut around the neck;
head glossed with purple; tiny spot on
chin white; speculum gray; back
black. Ad. 9 —No collar; grayish-
brown, white below; cheeks, chin
and eye-ring white; speculum gray.
Smaller but somewhat like the ? Red-
head. L., 16.50; W., 7.50; T., 2.753
B., 1.75, not widened at the end as
are bills of Scaup Ducks.

Range — Breeds from southern Wis.
and northern Cal. north to B. C.
and Alberta. Winters from N. J.,
Ill. and B. C. southward. Occurs
during migration on the North Atlan-
tic coast.

ican. The chief distinction between the two species, other
than a slight difference in size, is that the large Scaup has
a slight greenish gloss on the otherwise black head, while
the Lesser Scaup has a purplish gloss.

Both Scaups have about the same range in this country.
If there is any difference, it is that the larger bird is most
abundant on the coast during migrations, while the smaller
one is more commonly met with inland. The large Scaup
usually is found in rather small flocks containing not more
than a dozen individuals, while the smaller one very often
gathers in immense “‘rafts.”’

RING-NECKED DUCKS are of the same size as Lesser
Scaups, but the back of the male is wholly black, the bill
is banded and the neck has a chestnut ring.

The habits of Ring-necked Ducks are practically the same
as those of Scaups, Redheads and other sea ducks. Their
flight is very swift, they come to decoys readily, they take
wing from the water easily and with a jump and they can
secure food at considerable depths.

93

SEA DUCKS

(151) Clangula clangula amer=
icana (Bonaparte). (Lat., a noise).
GOLDEN-EYE; WHISTLER;

GARROT. Ad. o&— Head glossy

green; round white spot before eye.

Ad. 2 — As shown by middle bird. L.,

20.00; W., 9.00; B., 1.30.

Range — Breeds from Me. and

Mich. northward. Winters from Me.

Minn. and Alaska southward.

(152) Clangula islandica @Gmel.)

BARROW’S GOLDEN - EYE.
Bill a trifle shorter and higher at
the base. Ad.co'—As shown by
flying bird. Head glossed with pur-
ple; crescent in front of eye. @ dis-
tinguished from preceding only by
shape of bill.

Range — Breeds from Quebec and
Ore. northward. Winters south to
N. E., Neb. and Cal.

GOLDEN-EYES are among the most active of all ducks.
In flight, the wings move so rapidly that the stiff primaries
make a loud whistling sound as they rush through the air,
on account of which they are commonly known to gunners
as Whistlers. This whistling may be heard on a still
day, long before a flock comes into view.

There are two species of Golden-eyes, the common,
which has a round white spot before the eye, and Barrow’s
Golden-eye, which has a crescent-shaped spot in the same
place. The former also has a greenish metallic iridescence
to the head, while the latter is glossed with purple. Bar-
row’s Golden-eyes are less abundant and are more northern
in their distribution. In the United States, they nest only
along some of the streams in western mountains. Both
species nest in holes in trees or stumps, among crevices of
rocks or, less often, on the ground.

They are edible or not according to the food upon which
they have been living. Coast birds, feeding chiefly upon

94

SEA DUCKS

(153) Charitonétta albéola
(Linn.) (Gr., graceful, duck; Lat., white).

BUFFLE-HEAD; BUTTER -
BALL; DIPPER; SPIRIT DUCK.
Size very small. Iris yellow. Ad. of?
and 9 —Plumage as shown, the
male being the upper bird. Head
very puffy, the dark portion being
iridescent with green and _ purple
hues. L., 14.50; W., 6.50; T., 2.75;
B., 1.00. Nest—In hollow stumps
near streams; lined with grass and
down; six to fourteen grayish-buff
eggs, 2.00 X 1.40.

Range — Breeds from Ontario,
northern Mont., and B. C. north to
Keewatin and the Yukon River
Winters from N. B., Mich. and B. a
south to the Gulf of Mexico.

shellfish, have very rank flesh while those that feed chiefly
upon roots or wild rice in fresh-water ponds are fairly
good.

BUFFLE-HEADS are very small ducks, smaller in fact
than any others except Green-winged Teal. No other
species, large or small, is able to excel them in waterman-
ship. Two of the most used common names, “Spirit Duck”
and “Dipper,” give evidence of their agility. Like grebes,
they are said to be able to dive at the flash of a gun and so
escape the charge of shot, a feat that might have been
possible in the days of black powder. Certainly they can
disappear with a celerity that mystifies, and well justifies
their local names.

They can dive to considerable depths and can swim a tong
way under water before coming to the surface. It is almost
impossible to catch a wounded Buffle-head for it can dive
repeatedly and, when all other means of escape seem closed,
it will, rather than be caught, often drown itself by clinging
to vegetation at the bottom. This habit of self-destruction,

95

SEA DUCKS
(154) Harélda hyémiAlis

(Linn.) (An Icelandic name for this bird;
Lat., winter).

OLD SQUAW; LONG-TAILED
DUCK; OLD WIFE; SOUTH-
SOUTHERLY. Bill comparatively
short and high at the base. Ad. @
in winter — As shown by the swim-
ming bird. In summer very different
as shown by the nearest flying bird.
Ad. 2 —Tail pointed but feathers
not lengthened; upper parts dusky,
the feathers more or less margined
with buff; under parts and sides of
head whitish, the latter with a dark
spot on the cheeks. L., o& 21.00,
¢ 16.00; W., 8.60; T., co? 8.00, 2 3.00;
B., 1.05.

Range — Northern Hemisphere.
Breeds in the Arctic regions. Win-
ters south to the Great Lakes and
N. Car.

rather than submit to capture, is shared by all the sea ducks.
Male Buffle-heads are beautiful in plumage and sprightly
in manner. Their handsome crests represent their various
moods by being opened or closed, more or less, in the same
manner as those of Hooded Mergansers, but probably are
of the greatest use during the spring match-making. Cavi-
ties in trees or stumps furnish nesting places for them and the
eggs are often resting on a bed of feathers a foot or more
below the entrance.

They are regarded in the United States as cold weather
ducks, appearing within our waters only when those of
more northern regions are frozen.

OLD-SQUAWS or LONG-TAILED DUCKS are one of
the very few species that undergo a marked change between
the summer and winter dress. As may be seen from the
picture, in this instance the change in plumage is a radical
one, the birds figured being perfectly plumaged ones. All
intermediate gradations between these plumages occur.

96

SEA DUCKS

(155) Histriénicus histriénicus

(Linn.) (Lat., histrionic, referring to the
very odd or ‘‘stage dress” of the male).

HARLEQUIN DUCK; PAINTED
DUCK. Ad. # — As shown — the
most fantastically marked of all
ducks. Ad. 9 —As shown by the
swimming bird. Front of face and
spot on ears white; rest of plumage
sooty-gray, lighter on the belly.
De; 16:50; Wes 7280; Ts) o:co0% B.,
t.10. 9 Slightly smaller. Mest—On
the ground or in hollow stumps near
streams; five to eight greenish-buff
eggs, 2.30 x 1.60.

Range — Breeds in Canada and
Alaska and south in mountains to
Cal. and Colo. Winters south to Me.
(casually Long Island), Mich. and
Monterey, Cal.

It is rather remarkable that the two species of ducks
having long middle tail feathers, the present one and the
Pintail, should be the only ones that make a practice of
diving into the water while in full flight. During spring,
the female Old-squaw is often pursued by her suitor or
several of them and, when hard pressed, she will often
attempt escape by plunging under water while at full speed,
emerging at some distance and taking to the air again.

Old-squaws breed within the Arctic Circle and are one of
the last species to appear within our borders in fall. They
are most abundant, during winter, in bays and sounds
along the Atlantic coast, but are also to be found in numbers
on the Great Lakes. They are not found on our west
coast except in Alaska. They feed upon various small fish,
shellfish and insects, and their flesh is regarded as tough
and unpalatable. Their voices are soft and musical, the
notes bearing some resemblance to the words “‘South-south-
southerly,’ on account of which they are often called ‘“‘South-
southerlys.”” Whether flying, feeding or resting, they

97

SEA DUCKS

2p (156) Camptorhynchus labra-
dérius
(Gmel.) (Gr., flexible, beak).

LABRADOR DUCK; PIED
DUCK. Ad. o — Bill black; orange
at the base; widened toward the end
by a flexible, leathery expansion.
Plumageasshown. Ad. ? — Brown-
ish-gray; a white speculum and white
axillars and linings of wings. Iris
brown and feet gray as in the male.
L., 19.00; W., 9.00; T., 3.50; B., 1.75.

Range — Formerly North Atlantic
coasts; supposed to have bred in
Labrador. Wintered from Nova
Scotia to N. J. Now extinct, the last
specimen having been taken about
the year 1875.

always seem to be gabbling with one another; hence the
names ‘“‘Old-wive” and Old-squaw.

HARLEQUIN DUCKS are quite remarkable in the fan-
tastic dress of the males and because of the unusual localities
that they like to frequent during summer. They apparently
nest earlier than most ducks, during March or April, at
which time more than one pair are rarely seen together.
They repair to swiftly moving streams, even more turbulent
than those selected by Barrow’s Golden-eyes, where the
female deposits six or eight greenish-buff eggs in a cavity
of a stump, in a hollow in the bank or even on the ground, well
concealed under vegetation. In the United States, they
breed only along the dashing torrents so abundant in the
Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains. The ducklings, as well
as the adults, are very agile in the waters, going through
seemingly impassable rapids and tumbling over cascades.

In winter, they migrate but little south of their summer
quarters — not at all if the season proves to be an open one.
At this time they may be found in greater or less numbers off

98

SEA DUCKS

(160) Somatéria drésseri Sharpe
(Gr., body, wool, in reference to cider down). ae

EIDER; SEA DRAKE &; SEA
DUCK Q. Bill witha broad, round-
ended, lateral frontal process, ex-
tending on each side of the forehead.
Ad. @ and 2 — Plumage as shown,
the male being the upper bird. L.,
24.00; W., 11.00; T., 4.00; Tar., 1.75;
B., 2.10.

Range — Breeds from Me. to Un-
gava and on Hudson Bay. Winters
south to Mass.

(159) Somateria mollissima
borealis

(Brehm). (Lat., very soft; northern).

NORTHERN EIDER. Frontal
process pointed.

Range — Breeds on Hudson Bay,
Ungava and Greenland; rarely south
to Mass., in winter.

the Atlantic coast from Maine to Newfoundland. They feed
upon small fish, mollusks and insects — this diet together
with their activity making their flesh tough and rank.

LABRADOR DUCKS apparently never were abundant,
and it is said that neither Audubon nor Wilson ever saw
them alive. Between the years 1850 and 1870 gunners
along Long Island and Jersey coasts sometimes shot them
and they hung in the Fulton Market together with other
species. They were taken less and less often until 1875,
when the species apparently became extinct.

EIDERS are probably known throughout our land,
but chiefly as a source from which the eider-down of com-
merce is procured. They are essentially sea-birds, rarely
found on fresh water. As they can procure their food
from very deep water, they find it necessary to migrate but
little to the south during winter. Two species of Atlantic
Eiders are practically alike in plumage, but differ in the shape
of the soft, basal portion of the bill that extends back on

99

SEA DUCKS

(162) Somateria spectabilis
(Linn.) (Lat., conspicuous).

KING EIDER. Ad. & in breed-
ing plumage — Bill with the frontal
process greatly developed, square-
ended and bulging. Bill proper, quite
small. Plumage as shown. For a
short period in summer, moults to a
plumage similar to that of the 9.
Ad. 9 — Plumage almost indistin-
guishable from that of the common
Eider, but usually a little grayer;
bill showing little of the development
of that of the & but enough to iden-
tify? it. Ly. 22:00; Wi coral
4.00; B., 1.25.

Range — Northern Hemisphere.
Breeds along the whole Arctic coast.
In winter, south to Long Island;
casually to Ga.

either side of the forehead. The Common Eider, the one
in which this soft process has a rounded end, is not un-
common off the New England coast during winter.

In parts of Greenland, Iceland and smaller islands in
northern waters, the natives protect Eiders and encourage
their breeding, gaining considerable revenue from the
quantities of down with which the nests are lined. The
nest itself is formed of grass and moss, matted together and
hollowed to fit the duck’s body; after the full complement of
five to seven greenish-buff eggs are laid, the female com-
mences plucking the soft down from the under part of her
body, placing it under and around the eggs so as to retain
the warmth when she leaves the nest to feed. These pro-
tected birds become very tame and often allow visitors to
stroke their backs without protest. If the first nest and
eggs are taken the female will lay a second, the lining of
which requires practically all the down she possesses. The
down from a single nest weighs about three quarters of an
ounce and, when fluffed up, will fill a good-sized hat. Both

I00

SEA DUCKS

(163) Oidémia americana Swain. [
(Gr., a swelling).

SCOTER; SEA COOT; BUTTER-
BILL. Ad. *~ — Bill black, the
swollen base orange. Iris brown.
Ad. @ — Sooty-brown, paler below.
L., 19.00; W., 9.00; B., 1.75.

Range — Breeds along the Arctic
coast and south to Newfoundland.
Winters on both coasts of United
States, and on the Great Lakes.

(165) Oidemia deglandi Bonap.

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER;
VELVET SCOTER; MAY-WINGS.
Iris yellow. Plumage as shown by the
swimming birds. Bill and feet black,
orange and yellow. L., 22.00; B.,
1.50.

Range — Breeds from Quebec, N.
Dak. and B. C. northward. Winters
along the Atlantic coast.

parents have to keep sharp watch over eggs and ducklings,
for Black-backed and other large gulls are fond of either.

KING EIDERS are found on the northern coasts of both
continents, but are less abundant than the other species.
Like other Eiders, they fly in Indian file, with rapid wing
beats and occasional short sails. The greater part of the year
Eiders live upon the open sea, living upon mollusks and small
fish which they can secure at depths of thirty or forty feet.
In summer, the males moult and for a few months assume a
plumage similar to that of their mates. The females also
moult at this time and, as usual with ducks, they are unable
to fly for a considerable period. They are, however, such
adepts at diving that they can easily escape their enemies.
Except during nesting time, they are quite wary.

SCOTERS, or “Coots,” as they are more frequently called
by gunners, are among the most abundant of our ducks.
The reason for this abundance is very evident when one
examines the tough, rank and fishy flesh of Scoters. Only
youthful hunters and those possessed of the mania for killing

IOI

SEA DUCKS

(166) Oidemia perspicillata
(Linn.) (Lat., conspicuous).

SURF SCOTER; SKUNK-HEAD.
Ad. o — Bill swollen at the base;
fantastically colored with orange,
black and white. Iris white. Plum-
age as shown. Ad. 9 — Brownish-
gray, lighter below; a white patch
in tront of the eye. Young birds
are similar but also have a white
patch on the ears. L., 20.00; W., 9.50"
Tar., 2.00; B., 1.50, along gape 2.30.
Nest — A feather-lined hollow on
the ground; five to eight pale buff
eggs, 2.40 X 1.70.

Range— Breeds from Quebec, Great
Slave Lake and southern Alaska
northward. Winters on the coasts
south to N. Car. and Lower Cal.,
and on the Great Lakes; casual in
other interior states.

everything that flies ever shoot them. The three American
species are of about equal abundance and are essentially
salt-water ducks, although a few may be found on fresh-water
ponds and rivers and quite large numbers winter on the
Great Lakes. Off the coast, however, immense rafts of
them congregate, getting their food from the depths and
sleeping on the rolling surface of the water.

The latter part of April, these Coot-rafts commence to
break up into smaller groups, the birds mate and early in
May start on their journey for the far north. The majority
of them have their breeding grounds within the Arctic Circle,
but a few of the White-winged Scoters nest as far south as
North Dakota. The nests are hollows on the ground near
marshes or pools; they are well supplied with down, which
is pulled over the eggs when the female leaves the nest. As
soon as incubation commences, the males leave their mates
and congregate in rafts at sea. Nelson mentions one of
these rafts of Surf Scoters seen near Stewart’s Island, Alaska,
as being about ten miles long.

102

SEA DUCKS

(167) Erismattra jamaicénsis

(Gmel.) (Gr., prop, tail, referring to the
very stiff tail feathers).

RUDDY DUCK; _ BRISTLE-
TAIL; BROAD-BILL COOT; BULL
NECK. Bill large and broadened
toward the end. Tail feathers
pointed, stiff and narrow. Ad. oj —
Plumage as shown. Less _ highly
plumaged specimens have the red-
dish-brown parts more or less mixed
withgray. Ad. 9 — Grayish-brown
lightening below; feathers mostly
edged with whitish. L., 16.00; W.,
5.753 T., 3-50; B., 1.50.

Range — Breeds locally through-
out the United States and Canada;
more abundantly northward.

(168) Nomonyx dominicus

(Linn.)

MASKED DUCK. A tropical

species casually occurring in Texas.

Scoters are sombre plumaged birds, the females being
grayish and the males chiefly a dead black. The Common
Scoter (male) is brightened in appearance by an enlarged,
yellow basal portion of the bill, giving it the name of “ But-
ter-bill Coot.” Besides having a fantastically colored bill,
the Surf Scoter has white on the nape and forehead, these
markings causing the species to be known as “‘Skunk-head
Coots.”

RUDDY DUCKS are so named because the males, when
in faultless summer attire, have the back, wings and breast
a bright, ruddy chestnut. They are seldom seen, however,
in this perfect plumage, for it requires several years to attain
it. Late in summer, they moult to a plumage containing
little or no chestnut.

These ducks are very different in form from any of our
others; the body is short and stout, the neck very large,
the bill large and broad and the tail composed of narrow,
stiff feathers. Although their flight is rapid, their wings

103

GEESE

(169) Chen hyperbéreus hy-
perb6reus pallas
(Gr., goose; Lat., beyond the north wind.)

SNOW GOOSE. Just like the fol-
lowing sub-species but averaging
smaller. L. 25.00; W., 16.00; B., 2.30.

Range — Breeds in Alaska. Win-
ters in western United States.

(169a) C. h. nivalis
(Forster). (Lat., snowy).

GREATERSNOW GOOSE. Ads.
— Plumage as shown. Bill and feet
red, the former with a black serrated
edge. Im.— Grayish, with white
edgings to the feathers; rump, tail
and belly white. L., 35.00; W., 17.50;
B., 2.60. Eggs — Dirty chalky-white,
3.40 X 2.40.

Range — Breeds in Arctic America.
Winters from Md. and II. southward;
casual in New England.

are small and move so rapidly that they make a buzzing
sound; this sound, together with the fact that they fly in a
compact flock or swarm, gives them a local name of “‘ Bumble
Bee Coot.”

They dive easily and can remain under water for a long
time. Sometimes they sink beneath the surface backward,
without leaving a ripple, as grebes sometimes do. While
they can take flight from the land readily, they find it more
difficult to rise from the surface of the water, along which
they have to flap and run for a few yards before launching
themselves into the air. They breed locally within the
United States as far south as Texas, but chiefly north of our
borders. Their cream-colored eggs are numerous, rang-
ing from ten to twelve; this accounts for the continued
abundance of the species.

GEESE, Sub-family Anserinae, differ externally from
ducks in having a less flattened body, a bill high at the base
and tapering but not flattened at the tip and in having
generally longer legs. The sexes are usually very similar

104

GEESE

(169.1) Chen caeruléscens
(Linn.) (Lat., bluish).

BLUE GOOSE; WHITE-
HEADED GOOSE. Similar in size
and form to Snow Geese, of which it
was formerly supposed to be the
young. Ads.— Bill and feet carmine-
red, the former with a black straining
edge. Plumage as shown; head, tail
and belly white, the forehead being
tinged with reddish-orange. Im. —
Similar, but the whole head is dark
except for some white on the chin.
L., 28.00; W., 16.00; B., 2.25. eS

Range — Probably breeds in north-
ern Ungava. Winters from Ill. and
Neb. south to the Gulf. Rare or
casual on both coasts.

in plumage. They can walk easily, and feed chiefly upon
plant life.

SNOW GEESE are handsome birds, white as the driven
snow, except for the black outer wing feathers. Sometimes,
too, the face will be tinged with rusty. The two sub-species,
one averaging considerably larger than the other, may be
found together in winter in the Mississippi Valley, from which
region their northern courses diverge, the smaller bird turn-
ing to the left of Hudson Bay while the larger one goes
to the right. When flying, the flock spreads out in the form
of a gentle curve rather than the V-shape used by most
geese. If going for a considerable distance they fly high
and sail a great deal. They are very wary at all iimes and
rarely can be induced to come to decoys. Their food con-
sists almost wholly of grasses, which they cut off with the
sharp edges of their bills, and tender roots of plants. At
times they do considerable damage to winter wheat when
large flocks of them settle down in a field.

105

GEESE

(171a) Anser Albifrons gambeli
(Hart.) (Lat., a goose; white forehead).

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE.
Ads. — Bill pink. Legs _ yellowish.
Plumage as shown. Jm.— Similar but
without the white forehead or black
markings on breast. L:, 29.00; W.,
16.50; B., 2.00. Eggs — Six or seven,
buffy, 3.00 X 2.05.

Range — Breeds on the Arctic coast
west of Hudson Bay. Winters com-
monly on the Pacific coast of the
U.S.; rarely in the Miss. Valley and
on South Atlantic coast.

(771) EUROPEAN WHITE-
FRONTED GOOSE, (171.1) BEAN
GOOSE, and (171.2) PINK-FOOT-
ED GOOSE, are European species re-
corded as accidental in northern or
eastern Greenland.

BLUE GEESE are peculiar in that they are not, except
accidentally, found on either coast of the United States.
During winter they are found, often in company with Snow
Geese, in the Mississippi Valley from Illinois south to the
coast of Texas. In spring, they sweep northward, by the
southern portion of Hudson Bay to unknown breeding
grounds, probably in northern Ungava.

WHITE-FRONTED GEESE breed throughout the
Arctic regions of America but move to the westward during
fall migration, so that they are comparatively rare along
the Atlantic coast. They are perhaps the noisiest of the
geese both during migration and when nesting, their notes
being likened to laughter.

Like other geese, they are very wary, this wariness being
the cause of the proverbial ‘“‘ Wild goose chase,” indicative
of failure. They seldom can be attracted to decoys, but
numbers of them are taken by gunners who conceal them-
selves between their routes of travel to and from their
feeding grounds.

106

GEESE

(172) Branta canadénsis cana=
dénsis
(Linn.) (Gr., for some water bird).

CANADA GOOSE; WILD
GOOSE. Billand feet black. Ads.—
Plumage as shown. Jm.— Similar but
throat and cheeks more or less mixed
with black. L., 38.00; W., 19.00; B.,
2.00; T., 7.00; Tar., 3.25. Mest— Of |
sticks, weeds and grass, lined with
feathers; four to ten buffy-drab eggs,
3-50 X 2.50.

Range — Breeds from Keewatin
and the lower Yukon River south to
Ind., Neb. and Ore. Winters from
N. J., Ind. and B. C. southward.

(172a) B.c. hdtchinsi Rick.)

HUTCHIN’S GOOSE, a smaller
western sub-species (L., 30.00; W.,
16.00; ‘B., 1.60); winters in the Miss.
Valley.

CANADA or WILD GEESE are really the kings of
American water fowl. They are favorites with every one;
the nature-lover looks with longing eyes for the first, long,
thin wavering line, and listens intently for the first honking
that indicates the approach of spring; the true sportsman
knows no better sport than the stalking of these wary birds;
and the gourmand knows no better dish than a properly
roasted goose. Stalking, however, is too arduous a game for
the ordinary gunner, and does not bring sufficiently great
returns. He prefers to build him a blind along the route
to their chosen feeding ground, or an ambush on the shore of
a favorite resting pond, from which he can pot them as they
settle among the living decoys which he anchors near at hand.

During migrations flocks of Wild Geese, numbering from
ten to thirty individuals, spread out in a wide V, with some
sagacious old gander at the apex, breaking the wind for his
followers, each of which is partially shielded by the one
preceding. They fly high except when looking for a suitable

107

GEESE

(173a) Branta bérnicla glau=
cogdstra _
(Brehm). (Gr., glaucous, belly).
BRANT; BRENT. Ads.— Plum-
age as shown. Notice that the black
extends in front on the body and
that a patch of white streaks is on
either side of the neck below the
throat, thus readily distinguishing
it even from small Canada Geese.
L., 26.00; W., 13.20; B., 1.35.
Range — Northern Hemisphere.
Breeds on Arctic islands. Winters
on the Atlantic coast from Mass. to
N. Car.

(174) Branta nigricans
(Lawr.) (Lat., blackish).
BLACK BRANT. Similar but
darker and with black extending over
much of the under parts. A Pacific
coast species, accidental in Mass.,
N. Y. and N. J.

landing place, upon sighting which, they glide down on
motionless wings and, if no danger is apparent, plump into
the water with a splash. Sometimes they fly silently,
with only an occasional honk from the leader, while at other
times they are very no‘sy, their honking being heard for
minutes before the flock appears in sight, and resembling
the baying of a pack of hounds.

A few Canada Geese nest in northern United States, but
the bulk of them pass on to northern parts of Canada.
They build large, bulky nests of weeds, sticks, moss and
feathers, usually on the ground near or even surrounded by
water. The adult birds moult during July, when the young
are hatched, and are then flightless for several weeks.
They feed upon grasses, roots of water plants, grain, berries,
etc., eating early in the morning and again toward dusk.

BRANT are still common along the Atlantic coast, al-
though not nearly as abundant as formerly, when rafts of
thousands of them would collect in bays to shelter them

108

GEESE
(175) Branta leucépsis

(Bech.) (Gr., white, appearance).

BARNACLE GOOSE. An Old
World, white-faced species occurring
in Greenland; casual on the Atlantic
coast of the United States.

(177) Dendrocy¥gna autumnilis

(Linn.) (Gr., a tree; Lat., a swan; Lat.,
autumnal).

BLACK-BELLIED TREE
DUCK. Neck and legs long. Bill and
feet flesh-color. Plumage as shown.
L., 20.00; W., 10.00; T., 3.00; B., 1.60;
Tar., 2.25. Nest—In cavities of
trees, of grass and feathers; six to
fifteen pure white eggs, 2.05 x 1.50.

Range — Breeds from Corpus
Christi, Tex., southward.

from storms. They are less wary than other geese and come
readily to decoys or to an imitation of their notes, which
are a continued, rolling, guttural ‘‘car-r-r-rup.”” They
feed chiefly upon eel grass or other water plants which they
secure by ‘‘tipping-up”’ and pulling up by the roots.

Brant breed as far, or farther, north as any other water
fowl, the nest first having been discovered by Captain
Fielden in latitude 82° 33’. They appear off the New Eng-
land coast in October, in quite large flocks, flying massed
with no particular style of formation. They keep well
off shore during migration, but after they have reached
their winter quarters they move about but little except to
make their daily flights inland or to mud flats for feeding
and then out to sea to sleep at night. With so little exercise
and so much food, they fatten rapidly and become excellent
table birds; hence they become targets for every sportsman.

TREE DUCKS show some characteristics common to
geese, others of ducks and still others peculiar to themselves.

109

GEESE

(178) Dendrocygna bicolor
(Vieill.) (Lat., two colored).

FULVOUS TREE DUCK. Ads.—
Bill black. Feet slaty-blue. Plum-
age as shown; a narrow black line
extends down the nape and back
of the neck. Jm.— Less chestnut on
wing coverts; paler below; tail coverts
not pure white. L., 20.00; W., 9.50;
T., 3.253 Dar:,.2.25;-B.,1-50:. Nest —
Feather-lined cavities in trees; eggs
pure white, numerous, as many as
thirty-two having been found in one
nest, 2.10 X I.50.

Range — From southwestern U. S.
south through Mexico, and South
America; also in Africa and India.
Breeds from central Cal., Nev. and
Texas southward. Casual in La.
Accidental in Mo., Wash. and B. C.

They are unique among our ducks in the length of their
legs and the ease with which they can perch even upon
small branches.

BLACK-BELLIED TREE DUCKS are found in the
United States only in southern Texas, where they are not
uncommon in summer along the Mexican border. They
are not shy and are very easily domesticated, in fact in
Cuba I have seen them running about houses with fowl
and having no water other than that set out for them.

Although they swim well, they are more often seen run-
ning along the borders of marshes or pools, than in the water.
Their long legs give them a graceful carriage very different
from that of other ducks when upon land.

Their nests are in cavities of trees, at the bottom of which
they lay a dozen or more ivory-white eggs. When hatched,
the young are carried to the ground in the bills of their

arents.

FULVOUS TREE DUCKS do not differ in their habits

IIo

SWANS

(180) Olor columbianus
(Ord.) (Lat., a swan).

WHISTLING SWAN. Bill and
feet black. Plumage pure white.
Nostril is nearer tip of bill than it is
the eye. A yellow spot on bill in
front of eye. L., 55.00; Ex., about
seven feet; W., 22.00; T., 7.50; Tar.,
4.25; B., 4.00.

Range — Breeds on the Arctic
coast from Hudson Bay to Alaska.
Winters from Md., Lake Erie and
B. C. south to the Gulf and Cal.
Rarely north on the Atlantic coast.

(181) Olor buccinator
(Rich.) (Lat., a trumpeter).
TRUMPETER SWAN. No yel-
low on bill. Nostril nearer eye than
it is the end of bill. Breeds west of
Hudson Bay. Winters from Ill. to
Texas and from B. C. southward.

from those of the Black-bellied, and their range is the same
except that they casually stray to Louisiana.

SWANS are the largest of all our water fowl, weighing
twenty or thirty pounds and with an expanse of six or seven
feet. Of our two species, the Whistling, which is the most
abundant, breeds near the Arctic coast, west of Hudson Bay
to Alaska, while the Trumpeter nests east of Hudson Bay.
During migration the paths of the two species cross, for the
former is most abundant from the Mississippi Valley to
.the South Atlantic coast, while the latter is commonest on
the Pacific coast. They build enormous nests, measuring
perhaps five feet across by two feet high, on islands in
Arctic ponds and lakes.

Their migrations are performed in long converging lines,
at high elevations and with but slight movement of the
enormous wings, although they progress at a rapid rate.
The Whistler has a high-pitched, flageolet-like note, while
that of the Trumpeter is loud, sonorous and horn-like.

Til

FLAMINGOES

(182) Phoenicépterus rdaiber
Linn.
(Lat., a flamingo; red).

FLAMINGO. Ads.— Bill yel-
lowish, with a black tip; large and
box-like with a bent-down end; with
strainers on the sides. Plumage
rosy-red as shown. Jm.— Grayish-
white, the wings more or less marked
with gray and dusky. L., 48.00;
Ex., 65.00; W., 16.25; T., 6.00; Tar.,
13.00; Tibia, 9.00; B., 5.50. Nest —
A mud-cone, hollowed on top; two
dull-white eggs, with a chalky cover-
ing, 3.40 X 2.15.

Range — Atlantic coast of tropical
and sub-tropical America, from the
Bahamas, Florida Keys and Yucatan
to Brazil; accidental in S. Car.

Both species are very wary at all times. They feed upon
water plants which they reach by immersing the head and
neck or by tipping-up.

OrvER ODONTOGLOSSA. LAMELLIROSTRAL GRAL-
LATORES

Famity PHOENICOPTERIDE. Framincoes

These great birds are found only casually on the Florida
Keys, but are more or less abundant in the Bahamas, West
Indies and southward to Brazil. Attention is first attracted
by their beautiful plumage, as though dyed by the rays of the
setting sun; then by the extremely long legs and neck; and
lastly by the curiously bent, box-like bill. This bill is in
reality a crude form of suction pump and is used by press-
ing the bent end of the upper mandible into the mud and
dabbling with the lower one. Water and mud run out the
strainers on the edges, while solid, edible food is retained.

They nest in large colonies on muddy flats, scraping up the

II2

SPOONBILLS

(183) Ajdia ajaja pase
(Linn.) (A barbaric South American name).
ROSEATE SPOONBILL. Bill
long, flat and widened toward the
end. Ads.— Naked head and bill
varied with green, yellow and black-
ish. Legs carmine. Plumage as
shown; lesser wing coverts, base of
tail and slightly lengthened feathers
on nape and breast, bright carmine.
Im. — Similar to adult but top and
sides of head feathered and with no
bright carmine in the plumage. L.,
32.00; W., 15.50; T., 4.50; Tar., 4.00;
Tibia, 3.00; B., 7.00, about 2.00 across
the spoon. Nest — Of sticks in man-
groves; three to five white eggs,
blotched with brown, 2.50 x 1.70.
Range — From Ga., La. and Texas,
southward. Accidental in Cal., Wis.
and Kan.

marl to make a hollowed mound about sixteen inches high.
A single, white, chalky egg comprises the set. They sit
upon this with the legs folded beneath them and not strad-
dling the nest as sometimes pictured. In flight, the neck is
carried fully extended, while the legs trail behind.

OrveR HERODIONES. Herons, Storks, IpisEs, Erc.
Famity PLATALEID. Spoonsitts

ROSEATE SPOONBILLS are our only representative of
the five or six species distributed over the tropical portions of
the world. In form, spoonbills are very similar to herons
but their bills are very flat and much widened toward the
end. They formerly were quite abundant, but their numbers
have been greatly reduced by plume hunters, as is the
case with most other herons in the Southern States. How-
ever, they are to-day not uncommon in Florida and Texas.

They usually travel in small flocks of six to a dozen,

113

IBISES
(184) Gudra alba

(Linn.) (A South American name).

WHITE IBIS; SPANISH CUR-
LEW. Bare face, bill and legs yel-
low or orange. Iris pale blue or
white. Bill long and curved down-
ward. Ads.— Plumage as_ shown;
entirely white except for the prima-
ries, which are black. L., 26.co; W.,
12,00; IT., 5.00% B., (6:00; Tar; 3:50:
Nest — Of twigs and weeds in trees,
bushes or in marshes; three to five
pale, greenish-white eggs, blotched
with chocolate, 2.25 x 1.50.

Range — North and South Amer-
ica, breeding north to Texas, the Gulf
States and S. Car. Casually to S.
Dak., Ill., Vt., and Conn.

flying in diagonal, straight-line formations with slow and
continuous beats of their broad wings, and with the necks
fully extended in front. They feed by immersing the head
and swinging the bill from side to side, searching for small
crustacea or insects.

Famity IBIDID. Isises

About thirty species of ibises inhabit the warmer portions
of the globe, of which three are common within our range
and one exceedingly rare. They have heron-like forms, but
long, cylindrical, decurved bills, the upper mandible of
which is deeply grooved on the sides.

WHITE IBISES are abundant in our Southern States —
handsome waders, clothed in pure white except for the tips
of the primaries, which are black; a touch of color is added
by the bill and legs, which vary from a deep yellow to orange-
red or carmine.

These ibises nest in colonies, with other herons, in bushes

114

IBISES

(185) Guara raibra
(Linn.) (Lat., red).

SCARLET IBIS. Bill long and
curved downward. Bare parts of
head, bill and legs pale lake-red.
Ads. — Plumage as shown; wholly
bright scarlet, except the primaries,
which are black. Jm.— Brownish-
gray, lighter or whitish below. Be-
tween this plumage and that of fully
plumaged adults, all stages occur,
the head and neck being the last to
take on the bright scarlet feathers.
Dimensions the same as of the White
Ibis. Mest—In rushes or bushes;
eggs rather brighter colored than those
of White Ibises.

Range — Tropical South America.
Recorded from Colo., Ariz., N. M.,
La. and Fla., but has not been seen
in recent years.

or mangroves in swampy places, difficult of access. The nests
are platforms of twigs, hollowed barely enough to prevent
the eggs from rolling out.

Their flight is performed in Indian file, with short sails
at frequent intervals between the beating of the wings.
They feed along the edges of lagoons, lakes or mud flats,
picking up small fish, shellfish, insects or frogs.

SCARLET IBISES only have a place in our present
avifauna, upon the strength of their former casual occurrence
along the Gulf coast. They have not been seen there for
years, in fact they are now rare everywhere except possibly
in northern South America. They are in demand and their
feathers bring good prices for use in tying trout flies — one
of the few cases in which a handsome species is being exter-
minated not for fashion but to further an entirely different
branch of sport.

GLOSSY IBISES are of cosmopolitan distribution.
They inhabit the tropical and subtropical regions of the

II5

IBISES

(186) Plégadis autumnalis
(Linn.) (Gr., a scythe or sickle).
GLOSSY IBIS. Ads.— Plumage
as shown, but without white on the
face. Im.— Head, neck and under
parts grayish-brown, the two former
streaked with white; back dusky,
with a greenish tinge. L., 24.00;
W., 11.50; Tar., 3.10; Bi, 5i0o.
Range — Rare and local from Fla.
to La., and in the West Indies. Ac-
cidental north to N. S. and Mich.
(187) Plegadis guaratina
(Linn.)(A S. Am. name for this species).
WHITE-FACED GLOSSY IBIS.
Ads.— As figured. Size same as the
last. MNest— Of rushes in swamps;
three or four greenish-blue eggs,
1.95 X 1.35.
Range — Breeds from Fila., Tex.
and Ore. southward. Casual north
to Neb.

Old World and are of local occurrence in our Southeastern
States. Their habits are the same in every respect as those
of the WHITE-FACED GLOSSY IBIS, which is an abun-
dant species in certain parts of the United States. They
frequent mud flats, lagoons and marshes, building their
nests in the latter places. The nests are quite substantial
in construction and are attached to living rushes so that their
bottoms just clear the surface of the water, or are placed
on piles of floating, decaying reeds of the previous year.
They are made by twisting rushes into compact, deeply
cupped structures in which usually three deep, greenish-
blue eggs are deposited. Both eggs and nests are very
different from any of our herons or other ibises.

Ibises are gregarious at all seasons. Large colonies of
them nest in the same marshes — indeed, their homes are
frequently but a few feet apart. While feeding, six to
twenty birds make up the usual company. They eat
shellfish, crustacea, small fish, frogs, lizards, etc.

116

STORKS

(188) Myctéria americana
(Licht.) (Gr., to turn up the nose).

WOOD IBIS. Ads.— Bill very
large and slightly decurved. Whole
head naked, pale bluish and covered
with scales. Plumage as_ shown;
tail and primaries black; the under
tail coverts usually project somewhat
beyond the ends of the tail feathers.
Im.— Head downy-feathered; plum-
age dark gray, with blackish wings
and tail. L., 48.00; Ex., 66.00;
W., 19.00; T.,: 6.00; Tar., 8.00;
B. 9.00, depth at base 2.00 or more.
Nest — Platform of sticks at low
elevation; three or four, white, gran-
ular eggs, 2.75 X 1.75.

Range — Breeds from S. Car.,
Ohio and southern Cal. southward.
Casual in N. E., N. Y. and Wis.

Famity CICONIID. Strorxs anp Woop IBISsES

WOOD IBISES are so called unfortunately, because they
are not ibises at all, but storks differing from the common
Old World species chiefly in the form of the windpipe.
Although large, ungainly appearing birds, their flight is
exceedingly graceful. At times flocks of them will mount
in the air and, sweeping around in widening circles on wings,
apparently motionless, climb to heights almost beyond our
vision — a beautiful sight and a feat accomplished with a
grace and ease not excelled by any flying creature. Appar-
ently performed just for love of flying, these daily pilgrim-
ages to the upper world are probably taken as a matter of
exercise, for they are at most times very indolent.

For hours at a time they will stand motionless in the
shallow water of lagoons waiting for the fish or frog that is
sure to pass them sooner or later; a sudden plunge of the
great beak and an ibis appetite is satisfied for a short time.

117

BITTERNS

(190) Botadrus lentiginésus
(Montagu) (Lat., a bittern; freckled).

BITTERN; STAKE-DRIVER.
Plumage as shown, much mottled
with brown, black, buff and white.
A broad glossy-black stripe on the
side of the neck, very prominent on
males, less so on females and inclined
to brownish on young birds. Very
variable in size. Av. L., 28.00;
W., 11.50; Tar., 3.50; B., 3.00.
Nest — A grass-lined hollow, usually
on hummocks in bogs or swamps;
three to five brownish-drab eggs,
1.95 X 1.50.

Range — North America. Breeds
from N. Car., Kan. and southern
Cal. north to Ungava, Keewatin
and B. C. Winters from Va., Ohio
Valley and Cal. southward.

Famity ARDEIDZ. Herons, BItTERNS, ETC.

A large family of waders, agreeing externally in having
long, pointed bills, naked lores (rest of head fully feathered),
long necks, long legs, and long slender toes, the hind one
of which leaves the foot on a level with the front ones. In
flight, all birds of this family carry the neck folded so that
the head comes back to the shoulders.

BITTERNS are interesting, dead-grass colored waders
that fly up ahead of us as we approach ponds, or traverse
marshes. More often, however, we pass them by unnoticed,
for they adopt the cunning trick of palming themselves off
for some of the surrounding sticks or rushes by posing
motionless, with body erect and neck stretched at full length,
terminated by the sharp bill pointing toward the zenith.
It requires very sharp eyes to discover a Bittern under these
conditions.

Not less difficult to see are the four brownish eggs that
are laid in the midst of tussocks of grass. If we suddenly

118

BITTERNS

(191) Ixobrychus exilis
(Gmel.) (Lat., small).

LEAST BITTERN. dd 7—
As shown by the upper, right-hand
bird. Ad. 9 —As shown by the
left-hand bird; duller colored and
with the black largely replaced by
brown. Bill, legs, and iris yellowish.
L., 13.co; W., 4.60; Tar., 1.60;
B., 1.80. Lggs—Three to five,
pale blue, 1.20x.90. Nest a plat-
form of rushes attached to living
stalks.

Range — Breeds from N. S., Man.
and Ore. southward. Winters from
Fla. and the Gulf States southward.

(191.1) Ixobrychus neéxenus

(Cory) (Gr., new guest, a stranger).

CORY’S LEAST BITTERN.
Plumage as shown. Known to breed
in Ont. and Fla. Casual in Mass.,
Mich. and Wis.

come upon this nest when the eggs are nearly ready to hatch,
the owner will sometimes remain and, with outspread wings,
blazing eyes and head drawn back, defy the intruder. At
such times it is well to be careful about getting within range
of a blow from that sharp beak. Those who frequent marsh
or pond in the spring may occasionally have the opportunity
of witnessing that most interesting performance, the ‘“‘pump-
ing” of the Bittern. This is in reality the love song of male
Bitterns. The hollow, deep-toned syllables ‘“punk-err-
lunk” are ejected from the throat in chunks, accompanied
by violent contortions of the bird’s neck.

LEAST BITTERNS, the smallest of the family, live in
marshes in company with rails, marsh wrens and black-
birds. They are gregarious and often several of their
rush-platform nests may be found attached to reeds in small
marshes even close to habitations, but they are so secretive
in their habits that their presence is known only to those
who seek them. They have a soft cooing song, and a harsh

11g

HERONS

(192) Ardea occidentalis Audu-
bon
(Lat., a heron; western).

GREAT WHITE HERON. Larg-
est of our herons. Bill, iris, and legs
yellowish. Plumage pure white at
all ages. Adults with white plumes
on the back of the head and on the
breast. L., 50.00; W., 20.00; Tar.,
8.50; B., 6.50. Mest — A platform
of twigs and sticks in mangroves;
nests in colonies; three or four pale
bluish eggs, 2.50 x 1.80.

Range — Southern Fla. south to
Cuba, Jamaica and Yucatan. Cas-
ually north to the Anclote River on
the west coast and Micco on the
east coast. Not uncommon about
Cape Sable.

croaking ‘“‘qua,’” the latter being uttered when they are
disturbed. Their flight is weak and listless; in fact, unless
very suddenly frightened, they rarely take wing. When
they do, it is usually just for a few yards, with fluttering
wings and dangling legs.

CORY’S LEAST BITTERNS are still very imperfectly
known. About two dozen specimens have been captured,
none of which intergrade with the common species. Most
of these birds have been secured in Florida and in marshes
in southern Ontario.

GREAT WHITE HERONS are the largest members of
this family, being an inch or two longer than the largest
of the Great Blue Herons, which they resemble in form.
While apparently not abundant anywhere, these beautiful
birds are not uncommon along the Gulf coast of southern
Florida. Their rude stick nests are usually built in man-
groves not more than five or ten feet up; otherwise their
nesting and habits do not differ from those of the Great

120

HERONS

(194) Ardea herédias herdédias
(Linn.) (Lat., a heron).

GREAT BLUE HERON ;
“BLUE CRANE.” Ads.— Plum-
age as shown, this being the perfect
dress attained only after the third
year. Im.— Without plumes on
head, back or breast; whole top of
the head blackish; whole plumage
paler and rather tinged with rusty
on the back. L., 48.00; Ex., 70.00;
W., 19.00; T., 7:50; Tar., 7.00;
Bs 5.50.

Range — Breeds throughout United
States and southern Canada. Win-
ters in southern United States.

(194b) A. h. wardi Ridgway

WARD’S HERON. Slightly
larger and with darker neck. ['la.
and the Gulf coast to Texas.

Blue Heron, which is a familiar species in all parts of the
United States.

GREAT BLUE HERONS are very commonly, but of
course erroneously, called Cranes. They are generally seen
only at a distance, for they are always wary. They are not
often flushed at close range, for their height allows them to
see any one approaching while they are yet far away. They
are less gregarious than most herons, but even they often
nest in small colonies. As a rule they locate their nests,
mere platforms of sticks, in the tops of tall trees in swamps.

Like all herons, their supply of patience is unlimited; they
can and will stand absolutely motionless for very long periods
until fish, frog, newt, or insect comes within striking distance.
A coiled spring could not impart more rapid motion to their
spear-like bills than that produced by the long, sinuous neck
as they make a lightning-like dart for their quarry. While
these herons might do considerable damage in a hatchery if

T2I

HERONS

(196) Herédias egrétta
(Gmel.) (Lat., a heron, also a plume).

EGRET ; GREAT WHITE
EGRET. Plumage entirely white
at all seasons. During the breeding
season, back with a magnificent
train of long white, finely decom-
posed plumes, extending far beyond
the tail; no plumes on the head or
neck at any time. L., 40.00, not
including the train; Ex., 55.00; W.,
16.50; T., 6.00; B., 4.75. Nest —
A frail platform of sticks in bushes
over water; three to five dull
greenish-blue eggs, 2.25 X 1.45.

Range — Breeds from N. Car.
and the Gulf coast southward, and
in Cal. and Ore.; formerly north
in the Miss. Valley to Wis. Casual
| along the coast north to Nova Scotia.

allowed to fish there, the ones they consume ordinarily are
of little value, and certainly not as much as the sight of these
great birds slowly and majestically flapping their way across
the sky. Along the coast, they often may be seen standing
on the edge of fish weirs or, at low tide, wading about in
the nets spearing the smaller fish caught therein.

EGRETS are still to be found in very small scattered
colonies in the most impenetrable swamps of some of the
South Atlantic and Gulf States. But never again will man
see, in this country, the sights recorded by travelers down
the St. John’s, Indian, or St. Lucie rivers, Florida, thirty
years or even twenty years ago; whole islands would appear
as though covered with a snowy mantle and shores of lagoons
were lined with hundreds of beautiful white egrets. The
destruction of these and the most exquisite SNOWY
EGRETS is a painful subject, but it is one that cannot be
impressed too strongly or too often upon the people in order
to help preserve the few of these birds now left and to
prevent others from sharing a like fate from a like cause.

122

HERONS

(197) Egrétta candidissima
candidissima
(Gmel.) (Lat., very white).

SNOWY EGRET; SNOWY ;
HERON. Plumage always entirely ©
white; in breeding season as shown
on plate, with a beautiful train of
recurved plumes on the back and
straight ones on the breast and back
of the head. Bill black, yellow at
the base and on the lores. Legs
black but feet yellowish. L., 24.00;
W., 10.00; Tar., 3.75; Tibia (bare),
2.50; B., 3.00 Nest — A frail plat-
form in bushes or trees in swamps;
three to five pale, greenish-blue eggs,
1.65 X 1.25.

Range — Breeds very locally from
N. Car. and Fla. to La.; formerly
bred north to N. J., Ind. and Ore.
Casual north to Ont., N.S. and B. C.

Thirty years ago these egrets were equally as abundant
as other small herons found in the same places. To-day the
other herons are still abundant but the “white ones” have
disappeared — solely because “fashion” put a price on
their plumes; a plain case of their very beauty proving their
curse. Despite falsehoods, circulated by wholesale milliners,
to the effect that cast-off, moulted plumes are gathered
from the bushes upon which they have fallen, the fact
remains, proven by scores of reputable ornithologists who
have visited these heronries and actually seen the plume
hunters at work, that the birds are slaughtered in their
rookeries; the back, containing the plumes, is torn off and
the mangled bodies thrown in piles to decompose, while
the young egrets perish from starvation in their nests over-
head. The root of the evil lies, not with the hunters, who
are ignorant, and do this only to earn a living, but with
society which puts a premium on such slaughter.

As the illustrations show, the Great White Egret has a long
train of about thirty straight plumes, while the Snowy

123

HERONS

(198) Dichromanassa ruféscens

(Gmel.) (Gr., twice, color (referring to
the two color phases); Lat., reddish).

REDDISH EGRET. Ads.— Dark
phase as shown; with lengthened
feathers on the head and breast and
plumeson the back. The light phase
is entirely white, except usually for
some mottling on the primaries.
Im.— Plain grayish, with some rusty
touches and without plumes. L.,
30.00; W., 13:00; Ui:, .4iso% Tar.
3.50; B., 4.00. Nest — A platform
of sticks; in colonies usually with
other species; three to five greenish-
blue eggs, 1.90 X 1.45.

Range — Breeds from the Gulf
States southward. Casual in south-
ern Ill. and Col.

Egret has about an equal number of shorter ones with the
ends recurved. These plumes are present only for a few
months; before the breeding season they are undeveloped
and lack firmness, while after nesting has finished they are
much worn and frayed. Both species may be found nesting
together in company with other small herons. The larger
egret is the more shy and usually builds its larger nest a
little higher than the smaller species.

REDDISH EGRETS also bear plumes which, fortunately
for the birds, are comparatively homely both in color and
texture. Consequently this species is nearly as abundant
now as it was years ago. Of course advancing civilization
is driving them farther and farther into the wildernesses,
whither we must go if we expect to see them. This species is
dichromatic — that is, it has two color phases: the dark
phase, which is the most common, is shown in our illustra-
tion; in the light phase the plumage is entirely white, but
easily distinguishable from the other egrets by the lengthened
feathers on the head and breast and the straight plumes on

124

HERONS

(199) Hydrandssa tricolor rufi=
céllis
(Gosse) (Gr., water, a queen; Lat., three-
colored; rufous-necked).

LOUISIANA HERON. A tall,
slender and stately species. Iris red.
Bill and legs blackish-blue. Ads.
— Plumage in summer as shown;
back plumes extending little if any
beyond the tail; rump white; long-
est crest featherswhite. Im.— Neck,
back and wings brownish; under
parts and line down front of neck
white. L., 26.00; W., 10.00; Tar.,
4.00; B., 4.50. Nest— Of sticks,
in mangroves or other bushes, in
colonies; three to five pale greenish-
blue eggs, 1.75 X 1.35.

Range — Breeds from N. Car. and
the Gulf States southward. Casual
north to Long Island.

the back. As usual with Southern herons, this species is
very gregarious at all times of the year.

LOUISIANA HERONS and LITTLE BLUE HERONS
may well be considered together in a book since they are
nearly always associated in life. They are the most abun-
dant of Southern herons and, of course, are highly gregarious.
All Southern rookeries are similar in character, surround-
ings, and in the inhabitants, yet, so great is their fascination,
a bird lover is never satisfied with his first exploration of one.
He is always longing and planning for a return visit to the
same or other rookeries.

Most rookeries are so located that they can be reached
only by hours or even days of wearisome toiling through bogs,
jungles, saw-grass, etc., obstacles often requiring skilful
wielding of the hatchet or machete, to penetrate. What a
sight greets the eyes of the naturalist as, the last barrier
broken down, he stands on the edge of the mangrove-fringed
bayou. Everywhere are Louisiana Herons, ‘‘Loosies,’’ as
the guide calls them, ‘‘Little Blues,” and ‘‘White Curlews,”

125

HERONS

(200) Flérida certlea
(Linn.) (Lat., blue).

LITTLE BLUE HERON. Ad.
— Plumage as shown. Feathers of
back much lengthened and pointed,
reaching beyond the ends of the
folded wings; breast feathers also
lengthened and plumes from the back
of the head. Jm.— Pure white all
over, but always with traces of bluish
somewhere, usually on the primaries.
Legs and feet greenish-black, these
always distinguishing it from the
young or winter Snowy Egret,
which has yellowish feet. L., 22.00;
W..,, 10.25; Tar:, 3:70; B:,,3:00:

Range — Breeds from S. Car. and
the Gulf States southward; formerly
bred north to Ill. Wanders cas-
ually to N. S. and Wis.

as White Ibises are known to the natives. We may even
see a vision of pink as a Roseate Spoonbill, or ‘‘ Pink Curlew, ”’
retreats into the distance. A few steps more and two or
three great egrets are startled from their nests a hundred
yards away — “‘Long Whites,” the guide whispers in our
ear. Snowy Egrets are less wary than the larger ones.

The nests of the Louisiana and Little Blue Herons and
those of Snowy Egrets are practically the same, and all three
may be in the same tree. The eggs also are so nearly alike
that only an expert can distinguish them, and even he not
always with certainty. Young Little Blue Herons are
clothed in white, on which account they are very often
mistaken for the rare egrets; their plumage shows some
traces of bluish, even in the first year, chiefly on the tips of
the wings and the top of the head; the second year they are
often quite mottled, and it is not until they have lived for
three years that their adult plumage is attained. Snowy
Egrets and Louisiana Herons are not great wanderers, but

126

HERONS

(201) Butorides viréscens virés= ce
cens

(Linn.) (Lat., bittern, Gr., a resemblance;
Lat., becoming green).

GREEN HERON. Smallest of
our herons. Ad.— Shown in full
plumage, it requiring several years
to attain the glaucous-blue color
of the back feathers. Jm.— Head
less crested; back greenish-black,
with no plumes; neck dull brownish.
Li, 17.00; _ W., 7.00; “Tari, 2.00;
B., 2.50. Nest — Of sticks, in low
trees or bushes, usually in colonies
in the south and singly in northern
states; three to five pale bluish-
green eggs, 1.45 X 1.10.

Range — Eastern N. A. Breeds
from N. S., Quebec, Wis. and S. Dak.
southward. Winters from the West
Indies southward.

young “Little Blues” often appear in the New England
States during fall.

GREEN HERONS are quite evenly distributed through-
out eastern United States. Unlike those species confined
to the Southern States, they are not to any extent gregarious.
We are more apt to find single pairs, or, at the most, two or
three, living along sluggish brooks or about ponds or lakes.
One of its many vernacular names, ‘“ Fly-up-the-Creek,”’
was in all probability first applied to this species by rural
fishermen before whose advance they literally fly up the creek,
starting such flight with their characteristic single shriek.

Their nests are not necessarily located near their feeding
grounds and even may be remote from water. Every year
the same pair of birds returns to a certain small clump of
pines and constructs a new nest on the lower outer branches.
A brook happens to flow within a hundred yards of this
particular place, but I have never seen either bird frequent
it; their regular feeding place is a pond a half mile away.
So shabbily is the flat platform of sticks put together that

127

HERONS

(202) Nycticorax nycticorax
nevius

(Bodd.) (Lat., the night raven; spotted,
referring to the plumage of the young).

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT
HERON; QUAWK. Ads.— Iris red.
Legs greenish-yellow. plumage as
shown; three long slender plumes
from the back of the head, these
usually clasping each other so as
. to appear as one. Jm— Iris yellow.
Above grayish-brown, edged and
spotted with white; below whitish,
streaked with brown. L., 25.00;
W., 12:50; T., 5.00; Tar., 3.00; B:,;
3.00. Nest — Of sticks in trees, or
of rushes on the ground in marshes;
in colonies; three to five pale bluish-
green eggs, 2.00 X I.4o.

Range — Breeds from N. S., Mani-
toba and Ore. south to Patagonia.

the eggs may be seen through the bottom; it holds together
barely long enough to accommodate the young until they are
able to fly, and long before winter every vestige of it is gone.
The young are fed quite regularly, so that it is an easy
matter to locate nests after the eggs have hatched by follow-
ing the line of flight taken by the herons.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS, | otherwise
known as Quawks or Qua-birds, are abundant in all parts
of the United States and the southern British Provinces.
During the breeding season they exhibit communistic habits
in a very marked degree. All the quawks for miles around
settle in some wooded swamp, preferably of coniferous trees.
They return to this same location year after year unless
driven out. The hours of daylight they usually spend in
the heronry dozing, but at dusk they may be seen slowly
flapping away in all directions to their favorite fishing pools.
These heronries, after continued use, become very filthy
places, the trees and ground reeking with decaying fish,
frogs, etc., and excrement. Usually they are sufficiently

128

HERONS

(203) Nyctandssa violacea |

(Linn.) (Gr., night, queen; Lat., violet- 4
colored).

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT
HERON. Ads.— Plumage as shown,
crown white, tinged with tawny; the
long slender feathers on the back
black, edged with light gray. Iris
red. Legs greenish-black. Jm.— ;
Above grayish-brown, streaked and |
spotted with lighter; below streaked
with brown and white. L., 24.00;
W., 12.00; Tar., 4.00; B., . 3.00,
slightly stouter than that of the last
species. Nest—JIn trees or bushes
in swamps; three or four pale bluish-
green eggs, 2.00 X I.40.

Range — Breeds from S. Car.,
southern Ill. and Kan. southward. |
Casual in fall north to Maine, Mass., |}
Ont. and Col. |

remote from villages so as not to be objectionable, but
occasionally they will select woods close to houses and it will
shortly be necessary to drive them away. Three or four
years of occupancy will kill all the trees in which are nests.

They are abroad so little during daylight and are so silent,
except in the immediate vicinity of the heronry, that its
presence is often unknown, even though near large cities.
Immediately upon our entering the colony, however, the
greatest confusion arises. To the beating wings and harsh
squawks of the adult herons is added the loud “‘ticking”
or “clicking”? notes of the young. As long as we are in
sight or moving about, the uproar will continue, but a few
moments after we conceal ourselves the clock-like notes of
the young will cease, the disagreeable squawks of the parents
will be silenced, and one by one they will drop down to their
homes, some to cover their eggs and others to perch beside
their offspring until dusk, when feeding time occurs. Most
of the nests are well up toward the tops of the trees — just

129

CRANES

(204) Grus americana
(Linn.) (Lat., a crane).

WHOOPING CRANE; WHITE
CRANE. Ads.— Plumage as shown,
pure white except for the black
primaries. Top of head bare, red
and hairy, this extending to a point
on the occiput and below the eyes.
Inner wing feathers lengthened and
flowing. Jm.— Head feathered all
over; general plumage whitish mixed
with brownish. L., 50.00; Ex., 90.00;
W., 24.00; T., 9.00; Tar., 12.00; B.,
6.00; depth at base 1.40. Nest—A
bulky mass of weeds on the ground
in marshes; two brownish-buff eggs,

spotted with brown, 3.75 x 2.50.

Range — Breeds in Mackenzie and
Sask.; formerly south to Ill. Win-
ters from the Gulf States to South
America.

tude piles of sticks laid haphazard in the crotches. The fear
of man is inherent even with young in the nest; if we risk
our clothes, ignore the squalid surroundings, and climb one
of the trees, we will find that all little herons that are able
will crawl out on the branches as far from us as possible.

If we keep our ears open, on nearly any summer night,
we may hear the oft-repeated “quarks” of Night Herons as
they pass from one pond to another. A crude imitation of
this sound will usually bring the real heron circling about to
investigate the sham one.

OrpER PALUDICOLZ. Cranes, Ralts, ETC.

An order comprising several groups of somewhat dissimilar
members, represented within our range by the Cranes,
Courlans and Rails. However much they may differ in
other respects, all the Paludicole are precocial — that is,
they are hatched covered with down and run from the nest
almost as soon as out of the egg.

130

CRANES

(205) Grus canadénsis
(Linn.)

LITTLE BROWN CRANE.
Similar to the next and most com-
mon species, but smaller and browner.
Breeds from Hudson Bay to Alaska;
winters from Texas to Ariz. Very
rare east of the Miss. River. L.,
36.00; W., 18.50; B., 4.00.

(206) Grus mexicana
(Miiller)

SANDHILL CRANE; COM-
MON BROWN CRANE. Plumage
as shown; feathers of occiput ex-
tending forward in a point on the
bare, red skin of the head. Young
birds have the head fully feathered
and are more rusty. L., 46.00; W.,
22.00; T., 9.00; Tar., 10.00; B., 5.50. ae :

Range — Resident in Fla. and La, —- S&4S
Breeds also in interior Canada.

Famity GRUIDA. CRANES

Our cranes are large birds, as large or larger than herons,
which they resemble in form. They differ externally, how-
ever, in the shape of the bill, in the more or less bald head,
in having closer, firmer plumage, and in the elevation of the
hind toe above the level of the front ones.

The WHOOPING CRANE is the largest of our cranes—
a truly magnificent creature standing as tall as a good-sized
boy, and with a plumage of immaculate white, save for the
outer feathers of the enormous wings, which have an expanse
of nearly eight feet. Except during migrations, when several
families unite for the southern journey, they are solitary
wanderers over marsh and plain. Living in open country,
where their stature enables them to see for great distances,
they are naturally very wary, to which fact and the added
one that they repair to northern fur countries to breed, they
probably owe their continued existence.

131

COURLANS

(207) Aramus vociferus
(Lath.) (Lat., noisy).

LIMPKIN. A species with char-
acters common to both cranes and
rails, but chiefly favoring the latter.
Plumage as shown, chiefly brownish,
spotted and streaked with white.
Immature birds are paler colored.
Downy young are jet black. L.,
26:00; | .W..0 13.00;. L6n50.8 lar,
4.50; B., 4.00. Mest —A platform
of sticks and grasses close to the
ground in marshes or swamps; four
to twelve buffy-white eggs, blotched
with brown, 2.30X 1.70.

Range — Resident in marshes of
Fla., the West Indies and both coasts
of Central America. Casual north
to S. Car.

The smaller SANDHILL CRANES are more abundant
and have not yet been wholly banished from the United
States as residents, for a few still remain to nest in Florida
and Louisiana, although the bulk of them pass through the
interior to the wilds of Manitoba and Saskatchewan before
settling down for the summer. Their nests are built in
open marshes or grassy ponds, grass, weeds and roots being
piled up until the top is elevated several inches above the
water; the two large eggs are laid on the slightly hollowed top.

Cranes feed upon field mice, snakes, lizards, frogs, shellfish,
berries or seeds. During migrations they may often be
seen feeding with companies of geese — a combination of
wariness that renders undetected approach by a hunter
impossible. Cranes have very raucous, resonant voices
which they are fond of testing after dusk. A glance at a
crane’s windpipe would convince any one of the power of
their voices, even though they lack musical quality, that of
the Whooping Crane being more than four feet in length.
During spring, parties of cranes, including both sexes, go

132

RAILS
(208) Rallus élegans Audubon

(Lat., a rail; elegant).

KING RAIL. The largest of
our true rails. Plumage as shown;
richly colored on the breast with
bright rufous, on the wing coverts
with chestnut, and sharply marked
on the back with brownish-black
and tawny-olive; flanks and linings
of wings blackish, broadly barred
with white. Downy young glossy
black. L., 17.00; W., 6.50; Tar.,
2.30; B., 2.40. Nest — Of grasses,
on the ground in fresh water marshes;
seven to twelve buffy-white eggs,
specked with reddish-brown, 1.60 x
1.20.

Range — Breeds from Conn., Ont.
and southern Minn. southward. Win-
ters in southern United States. Casual
north to Maine.

through the most extraordinary antics — bowing, leaping,
and pirouetting about in a manner most ridiculous.

The Family ARAMID consists of but two species, of
which our LIMPKIN, or COURLAN, is one. These gigan-
tic semi-rails are most peculiar birds, with a weak, mincing,
limping gait that gives good reason for their common name.
They frequent large marshes, moving about and feeding
almost wholly at night. They have loud voices, said to
resemble the cry of a child in distress, from which they are
sometimes called ‘‘Crying-birds.”” Such a combination of
voice, weak legs, weaker wings and odd appearance we might
reasonably expect to find only as a caricature; yet it is a
species not uncommon in Florida marshes and sometimes
strays along the Atlantic coast as far as South Carolina,

Famity RALLIDAS. Ratts, GALLinuLes, Coots, ETc.

A large family, comprising many species of marsh-inhabit-
ing birds of rather slender build, but with long, strong legs

133

RAILS

(211) Railus crépitans crépi-=
tans
(Gmel.) (Lat., clattering, noisy).
CLAPPER RAIL. Plumage as
shown; much duller than that of
the last species; back indistinctly
marked and flanks barred with
gray and white. L., 14.50; W.,
5.00; Tar., 2.00; B., 2.50.
Range — Breeds in salt marshes
from Conn. to N. Car. Casual in
Maine. Winters south of N. J.

(21la) R.c. saturatus Ridgway
LOUISIANA CLAPPER RAIL.
“Coast of La.” Slightly darker.
(211b) R.c. scétti Sennett
FLORIDA CLAPPER RAIL.
Gulf coast of Fla. Much: darker
above.
(211c) R. c. waynei Brewster
WAYNE’S CLAPPER RAIL.
Coast from N. Car. to Fla. Midway
between crepitans and scotti.

and very long, slender toes to enable them to run rapidly
through the marshes without sinking into the mire.

KING RAILS, the largest of our rails, are locally dis-
tributed throughout eastern United States, frequenting fresh-
water marshes. They can readily be identified, when seen,
by their comparatively large size and bright coloration.
They are, however, so secretive in their habits that they are
seldom observed except by the gunner who poles his skiff
through the marshes trying to flush them. During twilight,
and often during the night — for they feed chiefly after dark
— their voices may be heard over the marshes in all direc-
tions. These night marsh voices are very difficult to identify,
a fact that might be judged by the widely differing notes
ascribed to this and other species by various authors. My
own belief is that it is a loud, metallic ‘“klink, klink,”’ etc.,
repeated many times, first at slow, measured intervals, and
then faster and faster, and finally dying away.

134

(212) Rallus virginianus Linn.

VIRGINIA RAIL. Plumage as
shown. A smaller but perfect minia-
ture of the King Rail; if anything
the plumage is a trifle brighter.
Downy young a glossy greenish-
black, with a black-banded white
bill. L., 9.50; W., 4.50; T., 2.00;
‘Lar, LAs; B., .85. Mest — Of
grasses on the ground in marshy
places; six to twelve pale buffy-
white eggs, sparingly spotted with
reddish-brown, 1.25 x.90. Notes —
A guttural, rattling, “‘cut-cut-cut-ee,”’
repeated at frequent intervals, espe-
cially at night.

Range — Breeds from N. B., Ont.,
Sask. and B. C. south to N. J.,
Mo., and Cal. Winters chiefly in
the southern half of United States.

CLAPPER RAILS are much more abundant than the
preceding species, but they frequent, almost entirely, salt-
water marshes, which of course confines them to the im-
mediate vicinity of the sea-coast. They are somewhat
smaller than the last species and duller colored, lacking any
decided markings.

Unless disturbed they spend most of their time during
daylight in dozing among the thick sedge grasses. At dusk
they become exceedingly active and the marshes resound with
their loud, long, rolling, clattering cries. They travel
swiftly about in their search for food, threading their way
through the coarse, stiff marsh grass with amazing ease, and
running across open spaces of water and mud.

Hardly ever, unless driven to it, do they take flight during
daylight, nor at night except during migrations. Their
safety lies in their long, strong legs and their arts of conceal-
ment. However, quantities of them are shot for the table,
although they are not nearly as desirable for an article of
food as the smaller Soras. Ordinarily it would be practically

135

RAILS

(214) Porzana carolina
(Linn.) (Ital., name for the Crake).

SORA RAIL; CAROLINA RAIL;
COMMON RAIL. Bill stouter than
that of any of the preceding rails.
Ads.— Plumage as shown by the
upper bird; face black. JIm.— As
shown by the lower bird; more
yellowish and with no black on the
head. Downy young black, with a
beard of orange bristles about the
face and throat. L., 8.50; W., 4.25;
Tar. 1-30; B:,, =70.

Ronge— Breeds from N. B.,
Mackenzie and B. C. south to N. J.,
Ill. and Cal. Winters in southern
half of U. S.

(213) SPOTTED CRAKE (Por-
zana porzana). An Old World spe-
cies, occurring occasionally in Green-
land.

impossible to make them fly, but at high tide their marshes
are flooded and they are forced to cling to the taller grasses.
It is at flood tide that they are hunted, men polling through
the marshes in skiffs and dropping the rails as they are forced
to leave their refuges. Their flight is so slow and fluttering
that even a tyro could not miss them.

VIRGINIA RAILS are not only miniature of King Rails
in appearance, but their habits are similar, especially in that
they both prefer and live almost exclusively in fresh-water
marshes.

During spring, in cloudy weather, early mornings and in
the evening the love song of the male comes from the marshes
—a guttural “cut, cut, cutta-cutta-cutta,” repeated at
frequent intervals. Their nests are in the dryer portions of
the marsh, well concealed under dense grass or brush.

SORAS are apparently the most abundant of our rails.
Small in size and with a thin body, they readily recall the
saying ‘‘as thin as a rail.” Yet during fall thousands of

136

RAILS

(215) Cottirnicops novebora=
cénsis
(Gmel.) (Lat., a qnail).

YELLOW RAIL. Plumage as
shown; the feathers everywhere hav-
ing a gloss. L., 6.50; W., 3.25;
D503) “Dars-.853) Basso. Nest
— In grassy marshes; six to twelve
rich buff-colored eggs, specked with
brown in a wreath about the large
end, 1.10 x .80.

Range — Breeds from Maine and
Minn. north to Ungava and Macken-
zie. Winters in the Gulf States.

(216) Creciscus jamaicénsis

(Gmel.) (Lat., crake).

BLACK RAIL. The smallest and
blackest of our rails. Plumage as
figured. L., 5.00; W., 2.80; -Tar.,
.80; B., .50.

Range — Breeds from Mass. and
Ont. south to S. Car. and Kan.

Soras, a little fattened by high living upon wild rice, are
bagged by gunners and sold with Bobolinks as ‘‘ortolans.”’

Soras live in the same marshes with Virginia Rails, but
they build their nests in wetter portions. These nests are
made by piling up reeds and grasses until the top of the mass
is a few inches above the water, which is usually a few inches
deep at the spot selected. On the hollowed top of this
nest, sheltered by the tops of living grasses which are drawn
over to form an arch, the dozen or so brownish-spotted eggs
are laid. The little chicks are hatched covered with down,
glossy jet black, and can follow their mother as soon as they
leave the egg.

When alarmed, both sexes utter a sharp, explosive note,
and both have a pleasing whinnying song, sounding much
like the trill a woodchuck sometimes utters.

YELLOW RAILS and that smallest member of the family,
the little BLACK RAIL, although found throughout eastern
United States, are regarded as of rare occurrence. Possibly
they are, and certainly their small size and habits of skulking

137

GALLINULES

(217) CORN CRAKE (Crex crex).
An Old World species; casual from
N.S. toN. J.

(218) Ionérnis martinicus
(Linn.). (Gr., violet bird).

PURPLE GALLINULE. Ads.
— Plumage as shown. Bill carmine,
tipped with yellow. Frontal plate
bluish. Legs yellowish. Im.— Up-
per parts more or less brownish;
under parts mixed brown and
white. L., 13.00; Ex., 22.00; W.,
woo, Nkes7 see Dan. eo 25 aety
along gape 1.25. Nest— Woven of
grasses or rushes, on the ground
or attached to upright stalks in
marshes; five to ten rich, cream-
colored eggs, spotted with reddish-
brown, 1.60 xX 1.15.

Range — Breeds from S. Car. and
the Gulf coast southward. North
casually in summer to Nova Scotia.

through sedges like so many mice would tend to make them
seem rare even if they were not. It seems to be almost
impossible to kick them out of their retreats. Both
species have songs, uttered at dusk, sounding somewhat
like the voices of tree frogs, but that of the smaller species
is rather more energetic, having a peculiar clicking quality.
PURPLE GALLINULES are handsomely plumaged
marsh birds residing in our Southern States and casually
wandering to the Northern ones. Gallinules are rail-like
in form, but have a horny plate on the forehead — a con-
tinuation of the upper mandible. Some of the tropical
species are very brilliantly hued. The present one is, as
our picture shows, handsomely shaded with purples, blues,
and greens. Aside from their plumage, Purple Gallinules
are but little different in nesting or any of their habits from
the more common and more widely distributed.
FLORIDA GALLINULES. Gallinules, although not
having webbed feet, are excellent swimmers and skilful
divers. They frequently escape observation by diving and

138

GALLINULES

(219) Gallinula galeadta
(Licht.) (Lat., a small hen; helmeted).

FLORIDA GALLINULE. Ads.
— Plumage as figured. Bill and
frontal plate red. Legs greenish-
black, but with a red ring around the
base of the bare tibia, this distin-
guishing it from the Purple Gallinule
in any plumage. Jm.— Extensively
white below. Downy young black,
with a silvery beard. L., 13.00; W.,
7.00; Tar., 2.25; B., 1.50 along the
gape. Nest— Of rushes and grass,
in marshes; eight to fourteen buffy
eggs, spotted with dark brown,
I.75 X1.20.

Range — Breeds from Vt., Ont.,
Minn. and central Cal. southward.
Winters from the Gulf States and
Cal. southward. Casual north to
N. B.

clinging to reeds with their toes, allowing but the tips of
their bills to protrude above water. While swimming the
head is usually nodding in unison with the motion of the legs
and is turned from side to side on the lookout for danger,
for these birds are fully as timid as rails. When standing on
land the head is usually carried low and the tail elevated,
but one seldom gets a chance to catch more than a fleeting
glimpse of them, as they flee through the rushes.

Their flight — and it is a difficult matter to force them
to fly without the aid of a good dog —is very weak and
fluttering; the legs are carried dangling awkwardly and the
birds soon drop out of sight in the reeds as though their
strength were spent. Yet they must, at times, be capable
of more or less protracted flight, for they summer as far
north as southern Canada, but none winter north of our
Southern States.

The name Gallinule, meaning a small hen, was applied to
these birds because so many of their habits are hen-like.
Their notes, and they are very noisy at dusk, imitate about

139

COOTS

(221) Fdlica americana Gmel.
(Lat., coot).

COOT; MUD-HEN; MOOR-
HEN; BLUE PETER; and quan-
tities of other more local names.
Feet lobate-webbed; each joint on
each toe has a lobe, that is, there
are one, two, three, and four lobes
respectively on the hind, first, middle,
and outer toes. Bill whitish, with
a blackish spot near the tip. Plum-
age as shown. L., 15.00; W., 7.50;
Tar., 2.00; B., 1.40 along the gape.
Nest — Of reeds and grasses in rushes;
six to fifteen grayish-buff eggs, finely
specked with black, 1.80 x 1.30.

Range — Breeds from N. B., Man.
and B. C. southward. Winters from
Va., Ill. and B. C. southward.

(220) EUROPEAN COOT (Fulica
atra) is accidental in Greenland.

all that a well-bred hen utters, from cackles to squawks and
cluckings, with a few peeps thrown in for good measure.
Their flight, too, is no more graceful nor usually more
protracted than that of hens. They walk daintily, lifting
each foot high and closing the long toes, like a proud little
bantam rooster. Their food consists of seeds, grasses, and
various aquatic insects, shellfish, etc.

COOTS are well known throughout the United States
and southern Canada. In the north they are very commonly
called Mud or Meadow Hens, and in Southern States are
spoken of as Blue Peters. They are very interesting because
they combine a body similar to that of the gallinules with
webbed feet, each long toe having a scalloped webbing.
They can swim excellently and are often seen in flocks in
ponds, frequently among ducks. On the water they are
quite grebe-like; they sit rather low, can dive deeply in
search of food, and when about to take flight have to patter
along the surface for a distance. Their flight is much
stronger than that of gallinules or rails.

140

PHALAROPES

(222) Phalaropus fulicdrius
(Linn.) (Gr., coot, foot; Lat., coot-like).

RED PHALAROPE. Feet
lobate-webbed. Ad. 9@— Plumage
as shown by the nearest bird; the
chestnut parts have a somewhat
hoary or frosty appearance. The
o is smaller and not so brightly
colored. In winter — Plumage as
shown by the bird in the background;
quite variable but chiefly white on
the head and under parts. The
young are similar, below, to winter
adults, but are streaked brown, black
and gray above. L., 7.75; W., 5.253
Tar., .75; B., .9o. Eggs — Three
or four, greenish-buff, spotted and
blotched with black, 1.20 x .85.*

Range — Breeds in the Arctic
regions. Migrates off both coasts
of the U.S.

During nesting time they are very noisy and upon the
slightest provocation all the Coots in the marsh will break
out into noisy, high-pitched cackling. The nests are built
of reeds and grasses on reclining masses of rushes, in the
hollow of which the numerous finely specked eggs are laid.

OrpvER LIMICOLZ. Snore Birps
Famity PHALAROPODID. Puaarores

A small family of small shore birds having thick, duck-like
plumage and lobate-webbed feet — consequently being good
swimmers.

RED PHALAROPES are quite abundant as breeding
birds in the northern half of Canada. Within our borders
they are found only as migrants and then chiefly along the
sea-coasts. We see them only in their winter dress, in which
plumage they are generally known as Gray Phalaropes, or
‘“‘Sea Snipe.”’ Most of them migrate well off shore, not

I4I

PHALAROPES

(223) Lébipes lobatus
(Linn.) (Lat., a flap, foot; lobed).

~ NORTHERN PHALAROPE;
-| RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. Ad.
* Q in summer — Plumage as shown
by the bird in foreground; sides of
| neck reddish, this color sometimes
extending nearly around the neck;
greater coverts tipped with white;
scapulars edged with buff. The @
is much duller plumaged and the
' back streaked with ochre. Jn winter
— More or less gray above and
white below; greater coverts and
part of secondaries white. L., 7.25
W., 4.40; Tar., .80; B., .85. Nest
— A grass-lined hollow on the ground;
eggs greenish-buff, spotted with black.

Range—Breeds from Ungava,
Keewatin and Aleutian Islands north-
ward. Migrates throughout the U.S.
to its winter home in southern oceans.

touching our coast unless blown in by adverse winds until
they reach Virginia. Thence they pass to Cuba, Brazil,
and to their winter quarters in southern oceans.

They rest on the ocean and get their food from its surface.
Steamers, hundreds of miles from land, often pass through
large flocks of them floating on the water, during August
and againin May. Of similar migration habits are the more
common.

NORTHERN PHALAROPES. These birds are also
known within our borders only as migrants, chiefly in their
gray dress, although red-necked individuals of this species
are more often found than red-breasted ones of the last.

The habits of phalaropes are unique in that they are our
only birds in which the females usurp all the usual rights of
the males. They are larger and much more brightly plu-
maged, the male being clothed comparatively about as we
would expect, judging from all other birds, the female should
be. She does all the love-making, being no more like the
shy, coy birds of her sex to which we are accustomed than is

142

PHALAROPES

(224) Stegdnopus tricolor Vieill.
(Gr., web-foot; Lat., three-colored).

WILSON’S PHALAROPE. Feet
lobate-webbed, but not as con-
spicuously as those of the preceding
two species. Ad. 9 — Plumage in
summer as shown. The ©’ is smaller
and paler, the black being replaced
by brownish, and the chestnut
paler and less extensive. In winter
both sexes and young are plain gray
above and white below. L., 9.00;
Wis) °5:00;. lars, “t.g0%% -B., 125%
Nest — A shallow depression lined
with a few grasses; three or four
cream-colored eggs, heavily blotched
with black, 1.30 x .go.

Range — Breeds from northwest-
ern Ind., Ia., Col. and central Cal.
north to Alberta and central Wash.

the modern suffragette who possibly may have conceived
her unwomanly ideas from these very birds.

A place for the nests having been selected by the male,
just a depression in the ground, scantily or not at all lined,
the female deposits four heavily blotched eggs, after which
she enjoys a period of leisure while the male incubates the
eggs. He also takes the greater part of the care of the chicks
when they emerge.

On the water they float as lightly as feathers; they are
exceedingly active, always in motion, and each stroke of
the feet is accompanied by a graceful nod of the small head.
They feed on minute particles from the surface of the water
or on shore, along which they run as swiftly and as easily as
sandpipers, which are not favored with webbed feet.

WILSON’S PHALAROPES, which dwell in the interior
and western parts of our country, have the lobes of the
toes less developed than the two preceding species. Conse-
quently they are not so aquatic. They can, however, swim
easily if they desire, but they usually content themselves by

143

AVOCETS AND STILTS

(225) Recurviréstra americana
Gmel.
(Lat., bent upward, bili)

AVOCET. Bill long, slender and
curved upward. Legs long, dull
blue. Feet webbed. Feathers on
the under parts very thick and duck-
like. Ads. in summer — Plumage
as shown. In winter with none of
the rusty wash on the head. Young
birds are very similar to winter
adults but have more or less rusty
edging to the feathers on the back
and wings. L., 17.00; W., 9.00;
Tar., 3.75; B., 3.75. Nest—A de-
pression in the ground, often in
marshy places; three to five olive-
buff eggs, heavily spotted with
black, 1.90 x 1.30.

Range — Breeds from central Wis.,
Ta., Texas and southern Cal., north
to Manitoba and Ore. Casual in
eastern U. S.

feeding about the edges of pools or wading into the water
up to their bellies and feeding from the surface. As with
the other phalaropes, the female of this species is in most
respects ‘‘the man of the house”; she makes all the advances
during the mating season, and often several of them unfort-
unately take a liking to the same swain, with the result
that the strongest and handsomest one usually gets him.

Famity RECURVIROSTRIDZ. Avocets anp Stitts

A small Family comprising species with very long, slender
legs and very slender bills which may be either straight or
upturned. The plumage underneath is thickened as on
water birds. The feet are either webbed or semipalmate and
all the species comprising the Family can swim quite well.

AVOCETS are quite remarkable in the amount of curva-
ture of their upturned bills, which are very slender and as
flexible as whalebone. The plumage on their under parts is
exceedingly close and duck-like, and is impervious to water.

144

AVOCETS AND STILTS

(226) Himantopus mexicanus
(Miller) (Gr., strap leg).

BLACK-NECKED STILT. Legs
extremely long and slender; bright
red. Only three toes. Bill slender
and black. Ads.— Plumage as
shown, pure white below and glossy
black above. The back of the @
usually inclined toward brownish.
Im.— Upper parts brownish black,
the feathers more or less edged with
butty:, Ln, 5.00; Wes, o.con Ls
3.00; Tar., 4.25; Bare Tib., 3.25;
B., 2.25. MNest—A depression in
the ground, usually near the water’s
edge; three or four pyriform,
greenish-buff eggs, blotched with
black, 1.80 x 1.25.

Range — Breeds from central Fla.,
coast of La., Tex., Col. and central
Ore. southward. Casual in migra-
tions north to N. B. and Wis.

The toes are full-webbed and the birds are excellent swim-
mers; in fact they often alight in deep water.

They are not at all shy except when hunted, and often
allow a quite near approach as small bands of them are
feeding in the shallow water on mud flats. They feed upon
insects, their larvee and small crustacea, which they get, not
by probing but by swinging the bill regularly sidewise through
the soft mud. They very frequently wade in water up to
their bodies and feed in this manner, with the head immersed.

Their nests are usually located in grass in rather moist
places, the hollow being lined with grasses or, occasionally,
with small twigs. The note of Avocets is a loud, not unmusi-
cal “‘klee-eek,”” having a sharp clinking quality.

BLACK-NECKED STILTS have bright red legs of
exceedingly great length and slenderness, and long, narrow
wings that, when folded, reach beyond the end of the tail.
They are by no means as good swimmers as Avocets and
rarely do so unless they get beyond their depth while wading.
Their toes are only partially webbed, which, together with

145

SNIPES

(228) Philéhela minor
(Gmel.) (Gr., loving, a bog; Lat., smaller).

WOODCOCK. Bill very long,
soft and flexible at the tip. Ears
beneath the very large eyes, which
are set near the upper corner of the
head. Plumage as shown, much
mottled with black, grays, browns,
and buffy. Downy young hand-
somely marbled with black, brown
and buff. L., 11.00; W., 5.00; Tar.,
1.25; B., 2.90. Nest — A hollow in
the leaves on the ground, in woods;
four buff eggs, spotted with yellowish-
brown, 1.50 X 1.15.

Range — Breeds from N. S. and
Man. south to Fla. and Kans. Win-
ters in southeastern U. S.

(227) EUROPEAN WOODCOCK
(Scolopax rusticola) Linn. Casual
from N. B. to Va.

their long legs, accounts for their poor ability as aquatic
birds.

Famitry SCOLOPACIDA®. Snipes, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

WOODCOCK are birds that will well repay one to study.
I know of no one bird that is of greater interest. They are
borers and consequently must have soft soil to work in.
Northern birds go just far enough south in winter to keep
below the frost line and, in spring, return to their summer
haunts just as soon as the condition of the ground will allow.
If they come too early, they have to probe among the leaves
and feed upon larve until warmer temperatures lure the
worms upon which they usually live, nearer the surface.

Woodcock toes are long to support him on the oozy banks
of streams; his legs are short so he can easily reach the
ground; his bill is long so he can probe deeply; its end is
sensitive, flexible and under his control so that, having
discovered a worm, he can open the tip of the bill and capture
it, though the bill is buried even up to his head; his eyes are

146

SNIPES

(230) Gallinago delicata
(Ord) (Lat.,a hen; delicate).

WILSON’S SNIPE; ENGLISH
SNIPE; JACK SNIPE. Bill very
long but not as stout as that of the
Woodcock. Plumage as_ shown;
flanks barred; tail chiefly rufous;
back feathers broadly edged with
buffy-white. L., 11.25; W., 5.00;
Tar., 1.25; B., 2.50. Eggs— Three ,
or four, olive-gray, blotched with
black, 1.50 xX 1.10.

Range — Breeds from N. J., IIl.,
Ta. and Cal. north to Ungava,
Keewatin and Alaska. Winters south
from N. Car., Ark. and Cal.

(229) EUROPEAN SNIPE (G.
gallinago) (Linn.). Casual in Green-
land.

(230.1) GREAT SNIPE (G.
media) (Lath.). An Old World
species; accidental in Canada.

far back on his head so that when the bill is buried as afore-
said, he can see all that is going on about him; they are large
and have owl-like qualities of vision so that he may see after
dusk, for feeding then is safer and worms come nearer the
surface. Our Woodcock gets his worms in the easiest way.
After a rain he does not dig, but searches under the leaves,
for he knows they will be there. He even often comes to
well-watered gardens or lawns for the same purpose; that is
why house cats so often catch Woodcock, and why they are
often found maimed or dead in cities, after they have flown
into unseen wires while on their nightly forages.

Woodcock are quite silent, but they do utter peeping
whistles. When rising in their sudden, tortuous flight, the
three small, very narrow outer primaries make a character-
istic whistling sound. Their four eggs are laid among the
leaves on the ground in thickets or woods.

WILSON’S SNIPE, just plain Snipe or English Snipe, by
which names they are almost universally known, are the

147

SANDPIPERS

(231) Macrorhamphus griseus
griseus

(Gmel.) (Gr., long, beak; Lat., gray).

DOWITCHER; RED-BREASTED
SNIPE; GRAY SNIPE (winter).
Bill very long. Ads. in summer —
Plumage as shown, chiefly rich,
rusty red; rump and upper tail
coverts white, more or less barred;
In winter — Dark gray above, the
feathers with lighter edges; below
white, the breast being washed and
spotted with gray. L., 10.50; W.,
5:75; Lar., 1.30; .B., 2:05, ‘to: 2.50.

Range — Breeds within the Arctic
Circle. Migrates along the Atlantic
coast and in the interior.

(23la) M. g. scolopadceus
(Lat., snipe-like).

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER.
Chiefly west of the Mississippi.

connecting links between Woodcock and the many species of
sandpipers. They have more slender forms than the former,
but have similar, long sensitive bills.

On taking wing, Snipe utter a sharp, grating “‘scaipe,”’
repeated several times as they zigzag away. Often, after
going to a considerable distance, they will suddenly turn
and return to the same spot from which they flushed. At
other times they will at once leave the meadow and, by their
cries, induce all others there to go with them. A few Snipe
nest within northern United States, but the majority of
them make their summer homes in the northern parts of
Canada. They are almost as highly esteemed by sportsmen
as Woodcock, both for the excellence of their flesh and the
high degree of skill necessary to bring them down.

DOWITCHERS are birds that we know best during
migrations. Sportsmen usually term them Red-breasted
Snipe, or Gray Snipe when they are in the winter plumage.
They are separated into two varieties, the Long-billed
Dowitchers, which are supposed to keep to the west of the

148

SANDPIPERS

(233) Micropdlama himanto-
pus
(Bonap.) (Gr., small web strap-legged)

STILT SANDPIPER. Bill slen-
der. Legs slender and long. Toes
semipalmated, the two outer ones
having a conspicuous webbing. Ads.
in summer — Plumage as_ shown;
crown and ear coverts with patches
of chestnut; rest of upper and under
parts more or less washed with rusty;
heavily barred below; upper tail
coverts white, with dusky bars.
In winter — Gray above and white
below; breast more or less streaked
with dusky. L., 8.25; W., 5.00;
Tar., 1.60; B., 1.60.

Range — Breeds in Mackenzie and
Keewatin. Migrates through the
interior, casually on the coasts to
West Indies and Central America.

Mississippi River, and to breed in the extreme northwest,
and the common Dowitcher, which is presumed to keep on the
east side of that great river and nest in northern Ungava.
While the average of those taken in the west, or at least
the ones selected for measurement, shows a slight increase
in size over the eastern ones, unfortunately the birds do not
always stop to measure their bills and often get on the wrong
side of this technical fence. They are sociable birds, usually
seen in small flocks, which keep closely together, both when
feeding and while in flight. When in the air, they have the
habit, shared by a number of other sandpipers, of turning so
as to alternately show the upper and under sides; as the
whole flock acts in unison, the movement is a very pretty one.
They are quite unsuspicious and usually allow a near ap-
proach to them as they feed near the water’s edge — too
unsuspicious ofttimes for their own good.

Flocks are also easily lured by a crude imitation of their
musical “ peet-a-weet”’ and come readily to the decoys of the
hidden shooter.

149

SANDPIPERS

(234) Tringa candtus Linn.
(Lat., a sandpiper; for King Canute).
KNOT; RED-BREASTED
SANDPIPER; ROBIN-SNIPE ;
GRAY-BACK (winter). Bill rather
long, straight and stout. Ads. in
summer — Plumage as shown; under
parts uniform brownish-red, fading
to white on the flanks and under tail
coverts; back with broad buffy edges
to the feathers; rump and upper tail
coverts whitish, barred with dusky.
In winter — Ashy-gray above; mostly,
white below. Young, similar but
the back feathers are edged with
white, outside a dusky border, giving
the bird a characteristic scaly appear-
ance. L., 10.50; W., 6.75; Tar., 1.20.
Range—Breeds in circumpolar
regions. Migrates, chiefly along the
Atlantic coast, as far south as Pata-
gonia. ;

STILT SANDPIPERS, apparently never have been
abundant, and judging from the records of old-time observ-
ers, seem to be found about as commonly now as in the
olden days. They are sometimes seen in bands of four or
five, but more often single ones are to be found with other
species of small sandpipers. They can easily be identified
among others by the noticeably long legs. I have found
them a number of times feeding with companies of Least,
Semipalmated, White-rumped and Baird’s Sandpipers.
During migrations they are most common in the Mississippi
Valley, which is the direct route from their breeding grounds
in Mackenzie to their winter quarters in South America.

KNOTS are one of the most abundant species of sand-
pipers migrating along our eastern coast, in spite of the fact
that they are shown no mercy by sportsmen, whose blinds
are so closely placed along our shores as to scarcely allow
room for a bird to alight without being in range of one of
them. Breeding conditions must be unusually good in the
extreme Arctic regions where these shore birds nest, for a very

150

SANDPIPERS

(235) Arquatélla maritima
maritima (Briénn.) (Lat., little bowed
or curved; maritime.)

PURPLE SANDPIPER; ROCK
SNIPE. Ads. in winter — Plumage
as shown by the upper bird. In
summer, the feathers on upper parts
are largely edged with buff or chest-
nut; breast tawny, streaked and
spotted with dusky. L., 9.00; W.,
5.00; Tar., .95; B., 1.20.

Range — Breeds in Arctic regions.
Winters south to the Great Lakes
and on the coast to Long Island.

(239) Pisébia maculata
(Vieill.) (Lat., spotted).
PECTORAL SANDPIPER;
Plumage as shown. L., 9.00; W.,
5:25; Lar.; 1:10;B:, 1.10.
Range—Breeds on the Arctic
coast; migrates on the Atlantic coast
and intertor to South America.

large percentage of the south-going ones are immature. In
fall, they are known chiefly as Gray-backs, for both the
adults and young are gray and white, the latter with the
feathers peculiarly edged with concentric rings of white and
dusky. In spring, they are commonly called Robin Snipe,
as many of them have attained their summer dress before
they reach our shores. They winter to the southern point
of Patagonia, a journey of about six thousand miles per-
formed twice a year.’

PURPLE SANDPIPERS are quite unusual in that they
remain on our northern shores during winter and that they
prefer rocky to sandy coasts. They are not uncommon at
this season on the shores of the Great Lakes, but they are
most abundant on the coast from New Brunswick to Long
Island. When the tide is high, they may be seen standing
on the rocks, sleeping or preening their feathers; as soon as
it commences to fall, they follow it closely, picking up
insects and tiny shellfish left on the rocks or in little pools.

These Rock Snipe, as they are often termed, nest along

151

SANDPIPERS

(240) Pisobia fuscicdéllis
(Vieill.) (Lat., dusky neck).

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER.
Plumage as shown; rump white;
breast and_ sides conspicuously
streaked. In winter, the rufous edg-
ings on the upper parts are largely
replaced by gray. L., 7.50; W.,
4.90;- Tar., .90. B:; 95.

Range — Breeds on the Arctic
coast. Migrates through the Miss.
Valley and on Atlantic coast to South
America.

(241) Pisobia bairdi (Cones).

BAIRD’S SANDPIPER. Upper
tail coverts and rump grayish;
breast and sides indistinctly streaked.

Range — Breeds along the Arctic
coast. Migrates through the in-
terior and less often on the Atlantic
coast to South America.

our Arctic coast, laying four eggs in a slight depression lined
with moss or grasses. These eggs are of a grayish color,
very handsomely splashed with gray, brown, and lilac.
PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, or, as they are more com-
monly called when with us, Grass or Jack Snipe, frequent
ponds, rivers, marshes, and meadows throughout the interior
as well as the Atlantic coast during their biannual migrations.
As we see them in the states, they appear to be just ordinary
small sandpipers, but if we follow them to their northern
homes from Mackenzie to Alaska we shall find that they are
quite remarkable. During the mating season, the skin on
the breast of the male becomes soft and flabby, hanging
down like a dewlap. This skin is capable of being distended
with air so as to puff out as large as the bird’s body, at which
time strange, hollow, resonant notes come from his throat,
similar to the syllables “‘tooo-u; tooo-u,” repeatedly uttered.
WHITE-RUMPED and BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS are
two not uncommon species of a size intermediate between

152

SANDPIPERS

(242) Pisobia minutilla
(Vieill.) (Lat., very small).

LEAST SANDPIPER; PEEP.
Feathers of upper parts edged with
bright rusty; breast distinctly streak-
ed with dusky. L., 6.00; W., 3.50;
Tar., .70; B., .75.

Range — Breeds from N. S. and
Keewatin northward. Winters from
southern U. S. southward.

(246) Ereunétes pusillus

(Linn.) (Gr., a searcher; Lat., small).

SEMIPALMATED SAND-
PIPER; PEEP. Slightly grayer
than the last; breast indistinctly
streaked. Feet with partial webs.

Range — Same as preceding.

(247) £. matri Cabanis

WESTERN SANDPIPER. Bill
averaging a trifle longer; Chiefly west
of the Rockies.

that of the Pectoral and Least Sandpipers. The former is
the more abundant during migrations on the Atlantic coast,
while the latter is much more common in the interior.

Their habits are not different in any way from the more
common smaller sandpipers with which they are often
associated. The difference in size is quite evident when
they are seen together.

“Peeps,” by which name both LEAST and SEMIPAL-
MATED SANDPIPERS are most often called, are by far
the most abundant as well as the smallest species of sand-
pipers that we have. Although of different genera, they
may well be considered together, for their habits are the
same, and in life they are usually associated during nesting,
migrations, and in their winter quarters.

As we usually see them, the upper parts of the Little Stint
are quite rusty, while the back of the Semipalmated species
is inclined to grayish. The breast of the former is distinctly
streaked, while that of the latter is very indistinctly so.

1§3

SANDPIPERS

(243a) Pelidna alpina sakha=
lina
(Vierll.) (Gr., gray; Lat., alpine).

RED-BACKED SANDPIPER;
AMERICAN DUNLIN. Bill long,
stout, slightly decurved and some-
what expanded at the tip. Ads. in
summer — Plumage as shown by
the nearest bird. In winter, the top
and sides of the head are darker,
the rufous on the back is replaced
by gray, and the black patch dis-
appears from beneath. L., 8.50;
W., 4.75; Tar., 1.10; B., 1.60. Eggs
— Pale-greenish or brownish-gray,
blotched with blackish, 1.40 x 1.00.

Range — Breeds on the Arctic
coast. Winters from N. J. to the
Gulf coast and from Wash. to Lower
Cal. Rare in the interior during
migrations.

They are very gentle and confiding, allowing a close
approach or feeding near any one seated on the beach. If
alarmed, the flock moves away in a compact body, uttering
their soit, sweet whistles, which notes they also give occasion-
ally while feeding. It is an exceedingly interesting sight to
watch sandpipers at their meals; they run so swiftly, are
never still, and every movement is one of grace. The
abundance of these little “Peeps” is probably due to the
fact that they are not large enough to be hunted, although
often misguided gunners may shoot into a large flock of
them just to ‘see how many they can get.’”’ As usual with
so many of our sandpipers, ‘‘ Peeps”’ nest only in the northern
half of Canada.

RED-BACKED SANDPIPERS, or American Dunlins,
also make their homes in Arctic regions, but individuals
may sometimes be seen along our shores during the latter
part of July, while in August they become quite numerous.
They keep chiefly along our sea-coasts, in the interior being
only rarely found on the south shores of Lake Michigan.

154

SANDPIPERS

(244) Erélia ferruginea
(Briinn.) (Lat., rusty or reddish).

CURLEW SANDPIPER. A
boreal, Old World species, having a
slightly decurved bill and, in summer,
rufous under parts. Casual on the
Atlantic coast.

(248) Calidris leucophea
(Pallas) (Gt., a beach bird; light gray),
SANDERLING. Bill rather stout

and with slightly expanded tip.
Plumage in summer as_ shown;
washed on the head, neck and back
with rusty. In winter, the rusty
wash disappears, leaving the plumage
largely white. L., 7.75; W., 4.90;
Ty, 2:25; ‘Lari, .95;. B., 1:00:

Range — Abundant in Northern

and Southern Hemispheres. Breeds
within the Arctic Circle. Winters
from N. Y. and Cal. south to Pata-
gonia.
In spring we sometimes see them in the red-backed, black-
bellied plumage, but in fall nearly all of them are immature
or winter-plumaged birds. They can easily be distinguished
by the long bill, which is slightly decurved at the end.

They usually travel in flocks of their own kind, well massed
and keeping perfect time in all their maneuvers. When
feeding, they keep well grouped, running rapidly along the
beach, now stopping to pick up an insect or scrap of animal
matter, again following down the beach in the wake of a
receding wave or boring in the soft soil for worms. Naturally
unsuspicious, as are most boreal birds, they pay little heed
to mankind on their first arrival, and their ranks are greatly
decimated before they learn to beware of all humans.

SANDERLING, or Beach Birds, are nearly as abundant
along our sea-coasts as are the little “Peeps.” They may
sometimes be seen along the margins of mud flats and pools
back from the beach, but usually they must be looked for
on the open ocean beach, where they run about, looking at a
distance like so many ants, each busily trying to get more

155

SANDPIPERS

(249) Limésa fédoa
(Linn.) (Lat., muddy).

MARBLED GODWIT; COM-
MON MARLIN. Large birds with
very long, slightly curved bills and
long legs. Ads.— Plumage as shown;
general tone a deep buff; rump and
tail barred with blackish. The plum-
age differs but little either in summer
or winter. Young birds are whiter
below and have few bars. Size
quite variable as usual with shore
birds. L., 20.00; Ex., 35.00; W.,
g.00; T., 3.50; Tar., 3.00; B., 4.00.
Nest — A grass-lined depression in
the ground, not necessarily near
water; three or four, clay-color,
blotched with blackish, 2.15 x 1.60.

Range — Breeds from N. Dak.
to Sask. Winters from Fla. and La.

southward. Casual in migrations
north to Me. and B. C.

than his share of the tiny insects and shellfish cast up by
the waves. They fly in compact flocks and make a very
handsome appearance as they wheel in unison, now showing
the under parts of their bodies, glistening like snow in the
sunlight, then turning so that the darker upper parts come
into view.

They are birds of cosmopolitan distribution, breeding only
within the Arctic Circle. Although many of them winter
along our South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, some of them make
the long journey to Patagonia and South Africa.

MARBLED GODWITS are large sandpipers, nearly as
large as curlews; in fact, they are quite often called Straight-
billed Curlews, but are perhaps more frequently known as
Marlins. During migrations, they may be found on both
coasts of the United States, but during the summer they live
about the borders of ponds and marshes in the interior, from
North Dakota to Saskatchewan. Although usually in the
neighborhood of water, their nests are not necessarily near
the water’s edge. In fact, they are very apt to choose a

156

SANDPIPERS

(251) Limosa hemAstica
(Linn.) (Gr., bloody red).

HUDSONIAN GODWIT;
BLACK-TAIL, WHITE-RUMP or
RING-TAILED MARLIN. Ads. in
summer — Plumage as shown, bright
reddish below, barred with blackish;
rump black; tail chiefly black, but
the coverts white. In winter —
Markings similar but general tone
gray above and lighter below. L.,
16.00; W., 8.00; Tar., 2.50; B., 3.25.

Range — Breeds on the Arctic
coast. Migrates chiefly along the
Atlantic coast in fall and up the Miss.
Valley in spring. Winters in South
America.

(252) BLACK-TAILED GOD-
WIT (L. limosa). An Old World
species occurring accidentally in
Greenland.

higher and dryer location, lining some shallow depression
with grasses, on which the four-spotted and blotched, buff-
colored eggs are laid. The female is very solicitous when the
nest is discovered and will often hover over the spot until
the intruder leaves. They seem to be about as anxious about
their comrades, for, if one is wounded and calls out, or the
gunner imitates their cry, the flock will continually return,
only to lose one or two more of their number each time. As
they are of fair size and quite toothsome, most hunters lose
no opportunity to bag as many as possible of them, with the
usual result that they are yearly becoming rarer.
HUDSONIAN GODWITS, or Ring-tailed Marlins, are
only a little smaller than the last species. They are much
more abundant and will probably be found for years after
the last of the others are seen, because they nest along our
barren Arctic coasts, where nothing but beasts and birds of
prey can harm them; and they spend the winter months in
southern South America, where the deadly shotgun and
blind is not an ever-present menace. They are said to breed

157

SANDPIPERS

‘(254) Tétanus melanoleticus

(Gmel.) (Italian; Gr., black, white).
Y ’ GREATER YELLOW-LEGS ;
WINTER YELLOW-LEGS. Bill
straight and slender. Legs very
long, slender, bright yellow. Ads.
in winter — Plumage as shown. In
summer, the upper parts are rather
darker and the markings on the
breast and sides more pronounced.
L.,, 14.00; W., 7:70; Tar. 2:40;
B., 2.20.

(255) Totanus flavipes
(Gmel.) (Lat., yellow foot).

YELLOW-LEGS; SUMMER
YELLOW-LEGS. Like the last ex-
cept in size. L., 10.50; W., under
7.00; Tar. 2.003) “Bilvr.5o:

Range — Both species breed in
northern Canada and winter from
the Gulf States southward.

also in the Antarctic regions, so that, for a short time each
season, birds from the north and others from the south meet
on the pampas of Argentina. The long bills of Godwits are
used for dabbling in shallow water of mud flats or in boring
for worms that are below the surface. They are known as
“bay birds” as distinguished from ‘‘beach birds,” for they
are always found about bays, ponds, or lagoons, and rarely
if ever on sea beaches.

YELLOW-LEGS are familiar birds to sportsmen the
country over, and also to bird-lovers who stroll in the vicinity
of our many beautiful ponds and lakes during August and
again in May. There are two distinct species, the Greater
or Winter Yellow-leg, and the Lesser or Summer Yellow-leg.
About the only point of difference is the considerable one of
size, although the smaller species may appear within our
borders a week or so earlier in fall.

Their notes are a series of shrill whistles in groups of threes,
like “wheu-wheu-wheu; wheu-wheu-wheu.” They repeat
these quite frequently when in flight, and can by an imitation

158

SANDPIPERS

(256) Helédromas solitarius , ARTE zea
solitarius :
(Wilson) (Gr., marsh runner; Lat., solitary).

SOLITARY SANDPIPER. Bill
and legs slender and both dark
colored. Plumage as shown; the
tone of upper parts being a lustrous
olive-brown; rump dark; outer
tail feathers and under surfaces of
wings, conspicuously barred. L.,
8.50; W., 5.00; Tar., 1.25; B., 1.20.
Eggs —Grayish or bluish-green,
spotted with blackish, 1.40 x .95; laid
in deserted nests from three to thirty
feet above ground.

Range — In summer, from Mass.,
Pa., Ill. and Neb. north to New-
foundland and Keewatin. Winters
south of the U. S.

(257) GREEN SANDPIPER (H.
écrophus). An European _ species,
accidentally straying to Nova Scotia.

of it be brought down from the heights at which they li like
to travel. They are always on the alert for danger, however
industriously they may appear to be feeding; if their suspi-
cions are aroused, they become very noisy. As they fre-
quently start up from marshes in which ducks like to feed,
they are not very kindly regarded by duck hunters.
SOLITARY SANDPIPERS are so called because they
rarely, if ever, go in flocks. During spring and summer,
single ones or pairs are usually seen, while in fall as many
as half a dozen may form a company, representing probably
the parents and their offspring. They frequent fresh-water
ponds and meadows, preferring those surrounded by woods
or underbrush. They run swiftly to and fro along the
edges, gathering anything edible from the soft soil or the
surface of the water. Occasionally they cross the pond,
their fluttering wings down-curved in sandpiper fashion and
tail spread so that their distinguishing marks, the white
outer tail feathers with black barring, may be distinctly
seen. As they alight, the wings are elevated perpendicularly

159

SANDPIPERS

(258) Catoptréphorus semi-
palmatus semipalmatus

(Gmel.) (Gr., mirror, to carry, referring
to the white wing patch; Lat., half-webbed).

WILLET. Bill rather stout. Feet
partially webbed. Plumage in sum-
mer as shown; quite variable however.
In winter, with all black markings
showing very faintly if at all. L.,
16.00; W., 8.00; Tar., 2.50; B.,
2.25%

Range — Breeds from Va. to Fla.

(258a) C. s. inornatus
(Brewster).

WESTERN WILLET. A slightly
larger variety breeding from Man.
and Ore. south to the Gulf and Cal.
In migrations, casual on the Atlantic
coast to New England.

(260) RUFF (Machetes pugnax).
An European species casual from
Greenland to N. Car.

over the back, showing the characteristic barring on the
under surface, and then carefully tucked into place.

For years they were birds of mystery even to ornithologists.
Although the birds were present during summer in northern
United States and southern Canada, their nests could not
be found. The most mysterious feature, as we look at it
now, is that the solution was not found sooner, for their
breeding habits are now known to be the same as those of
the very similar European species, the Green Sandpiper.
Instead of nesting on the ground, as all our other shore
birds do, they lay their eggs in deserted nests of some of the
land birds, either in trees or bushes. They have been found
in Waxwing and Robin nests and may be looked for in any
nest of similar size.

WILLETS are large shore birds, exceeding in size the
Greater Yellow-legs and approaching that of the large Cur-
lew. They are separated into two races, the Eastern and
Western, but the differences are so very slight that the
distinctions are quite unsatisfactory.

160

SANDPIPERS

(261) Bartramia longicatda
(Bech.) (Lat., long-tailed).

UPLAND PLOVER; BART-
RAMIAN SANDPIPER; FIELD
PLOVER. Tail long, for a shore
bird. Neck and legs rather long.
Head small. Plumage as_ shown.
Tail feathers shading from dark
brown on the middle pair to light
orange-brown on the outer, all
barred with black, with a broad
subterminal black band and white
tips. Plumage changes but little
with the seasons. L., 12.00; W.,
Orso; “Py, 3.503. Dar, 1.00% (Be, 2.15.
Nest — A grass-lined hollow in fields
or on prairies; three or four buff
eggs, blotched with yellowish —
brown, 1.75 X 1.25.

Range — Breeds from Va., Ind.
and Ore. north to Me., Ont., Mich..
Keewatin and Alaska. Winters in
South America.

Willets are very suspicious and they are exceedingly noisy
when their suspicions are aroused. In marshes and flats
where they are feeding you can at nearly all times hear their
shrill cries of “‘pill-will willet.”” When disturbed on their
breeding grounds they are extremely vociferous. They
formerly nested all along our Atlantic coast, as well as in the
Mississippi Valley, but now they are only wanderers north
of Virginia. They are usually to be found in flocks of
greater or less size; when individuals become detached from
bands of their own kind, they usually associate with other
species. I have frequently, along our New England shores,
seen single Willets in flocks of Least Sandpipers —a most
ludicrous sight to see this comparative giant endeavoring to
keep pace with the agile and fleet ‘‘ Peeps.”’

UPLAND PLOVER, or Bartramian Sandpipers, are of
peculiar interest because, except during the breeding season,
they frequent plains and uplands, often remote from water.
On western prairies, where they are more abundant than

IOI

SANDPIPERS

(262) Tringites subruficéllis
(Vieill.) (Gr., a sandpiper; Lat., below,
reddish, neck).
BUFF-BREASTED SAND-
PIPER. Bill rather short, slender
and tapering. Ads. in summer —
Plumage as shown, the under parts
being a nearly uniform buff color,
unmarked save for a few black specks
on the sides. Primaries with the
inner webs peculiarly traced and
marbled with black, differing from
any other known species. In winter
— Whitish below; back darker, the
broad, brownish edgings being re-
placed by narrow whitish ones. L.
8.005. W.,, 5:25; Lar., 32039 Bans
Range — Breeds along the Arctic
coast. Winters in southern South
America. Migrates chiefly through
the interior of U. S.

in the east, they are usually known as Prairie Pigeons; the
latter part of the name because the flight is somewhat
pigeon-like. In the Eastern States they have been hunted
so persistently during August, their migration month, that
only comparatively few are left.

Many a time, during the nineties, I have crouched behind
a wall and watched flocks of from two to twenty Upland
Plover feeding on a hillside. If not disturbed they will
remain on the same ground for the whole day, during which
time they will have scoured a considerable area in their
hunt for insects. It is very amusing to see them chasing
grasshoppers, of which they are very fond, and they have to
step lively to catch some of the old hoppers; often they will
spring into the air and catch them on the wing; at other times
they make longer flights after moths that they have startled
from their retreats. Every little while they will call to one
another with a mellow, flute-like whistle — sweeter and
more musical than that of any other shore bird with which I
am familiar. This call is not loud, but is very clear and

162

SANDPIPERS

(263) Actitis maculdria

(Linn.) (Gr., sea-shore frequenter; Lat.,
spotted).

SPOTTED SANDPIPER; TEE-
TER-TAIL; TILT-UP. Ads. in
summer — Plumage as shown, the
upper parts being glossy, olive-
brownish crossed by wavy black
bars; a white superciliary stripe
and a blackish line through the eye;
the white under parts are covered
with bold, round spots. In winter
and Im.— Unspotted white below,
with a grayish wash on the breast;
upper parts without black markings.
L., 7.50; W., 4.20; Tar., .90; B.,
.95. Nest —Of grasses, concealed
under weeds; three to five buff eggs,
spotted with blackish-brown.

Range — Breeds throughout the
U. S. and southern Canada. Winters
in southern U.S.

has great carrying power. An individual can often be heard
coming from another ground, long before he comes into
view; he descends rapidly on set, often decurved, wings and
may alight on the ground or on wall or fence post.

Upland Plover are apt to be found nesting anywhere
throughout their northern range.

SPOTTED SANDPIPERS are one of our best known and
most familiar species of birds, being found during the warm
months throughout our country. The country boy knows
them as “‘Tip-ups” or “‘Teeter-tails,”” because while at rest
they are continually bowing the head and jerking the tail
upward in a grotesque manner, as though they were the most
subservient creatures in the world. Ponds, meadows, and
cultivated land are their favorite abiding places, and their
rather plaintively whistled “‘peet-weet”’ is one of the most
familiar bird sounds from such places.

They rarely, if ever, zigzag in their flight, their method of
progression being in gentle curves. If one wishes to reach
a spot farther along shore, instead of travelling in a straight

163

SANDPIPERS

(264) Numénius americanus
Bech.

(Gr., new moon — from the crescent shape
of the bill).

LONG-BILLED CURLEW; BIG
CURLEW; SICKLE-BILL. Bill ex-
ceedingly long and much decurved.
Little difference between summer
and winter plumages. General tone
a rich buff, similar to that of the
Marbled Godwit. L., 24.00; Ex.,
38.00; W., 11.00; “Par. .3520;" 'B:,
from 4.00 to 8.00. Nest— A grass-
lined hollow on the ground; three
or four greenish-buff eggs, covered
evenly with small blackish spots.

Range — Breeds from Tex. and
northern Cal. north to Sask. and
B. C. Winters from southern U. S.
southward. Casually north to Mass.
during migrations. Formerly bred
on the South Atlantic coast.

line, he will make a wide detour over the water, greeting with
a cheery whistle any of his kind that he passes. In spite
of their numerous pauses for salutations as they run along
the edge of the water or follow the furrow of a plow, they
find time to gather quantities of insects.

Their nests are built on the ground anywhere within a
hundred yards or so of their favorite pools; sometimes in
patches of weeds near the water’s edge; again in fields border-
ing cultivated land; or in tufts of grass in pine groves.
Wherever located, it is artfully concealed, and still better
hidden by the skill of the female in leading an intruder away.
If discovery seems unavoidable, the sitting bird will run
across the path of the intruder, whining, with wings dragging
on the ground, and giving an excellent impression of a badly
wounded bird. It is an artifice that seldom fails in causing
reptile, man, or beast to follow her in a vain attempt to
capture, only to be foiled when she considers that her treas-
ures are safe. Little sandpipers are prettily clothed in soft
gray and white down, with a few black stripes. Soon after

164

SANDPIPERS

(265) Numénius huds6énicus
Latham
HUDSONIAN CURLEW; JACK
CURLEW. Much smaller than the
last species and with only a moder-
ately long, curved bill. General
coloration blackish-brown and gray-
ish, with little or no ruddy or buffy.
Little seasonal change in the plumage.
Crown solid blackish-brown, with a
whitish median stripe and_ super-
ciliary stripes on either side. L.,
17.00; Ex, 32.00; W:; 9.503 -T.,
3.50; Tar., 2.50; B., 3.00 to 4.00.
Eggs — Three or four, buffy, blotched
with brownish-black, 2.25 x 1.60.

Range — Breeds on the coast of
Mackenzie and Alaska. Winters on
both coasts of South America. Mi-
grates chiefly along the coasts and
is rather rare in the interior.

leaving the eggs, they are led to the best feeding grounds and
taught by their parents what food is best for them and how
to pick it up.

LONG-BILLED CURLEWS, or “Sickle-bills,” are the
largest of our shore birds. Like so many other waders which
were common in the Eastern States a few years ago, these
are now of casual or accidental occurrence on the coasts of
New England and the Middle States. In the interior and
western portions of our country, however, they continue to
be found in numbers, but much less abundantly than for-
merly. Unfortunately they decoy very easily to lifeless
imitations set up on the shore or to flute-like whistles similar
to their own —a clear ‘“‘ker-loo.”” They are very sympa-
thetic, for if one of their number is shot from a flock, the
remainder will wheel about and circle over the fallen member.

Their food consists of small shellfish, worms, insects,
berries, etc. They often wade in shallow water, their long
bills enabling them to feed from the bottom without wetting
their heads, and also to probe deeply on soft muddy flats.

165

SANDPIPERS

(266) Numénius borealis
(Forster) (Lat., northern).
ESKIMO CURLEW; DOE BIRD.
Smallest of the curlews. Bill short,
slender and little curved. Readily
distinguished from the Hudsonian
Curlew, not only by the difference
in size, but because the crown of this
species is brownish, streaked with
lighter and with no median line;
the superciliary stripes are quite
prominent. L., 13.50; W., 8.50;

‘Tar, 1-753 B., 2:40;

Range — Breeds on the barren
grounds of Mackenzie and migrates
chiefly through the interior to south-
ern South America.

(267) WHIMBREL (Numenius
pheopus). (Linn.) An Old World
species breeding in northern Europe,
accidentally occurring in Greenland
and Nova Scotia.

HUDSONIAN CURLEWS, or Jack Curlews, reside in
summer along our northwestern Arctic coast and in fall
migrate along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, where
they are at present more plentiful than the last species. Only
a limited number touch New England shores unless driven
in by storms, for they usually fly well off shore from Nova
Scotia until the Virginia coast is reached.

ESKIMO CURLEWS, or Dough-birds, only a few years
ago were regarded as much more abundant than other
curlews; to-day they are regarded as quite extinct. Flocks
numbering into the thousands swept up the Mississippi
Valley or stopped to feed on the plains; to-day the capture of
an individual is an event to be chronicled in all ornithological
papers. They nested on the barren grounds of northern
Mackenzie. On their southern migration, they moved
eastward to Labrador, where they fattened on the crow-
berry, which grows there in abundance; leaving our shores
at that point, they swept southward over the ocean, not
stopping this side of the West Indies unless storms were

166

PLOVERS

(269) Vanéllus vanéllus (Linn.)

LAPWING; PEWIT. Acommon
European species. Casual in Green-
land, Nova Scotia, and Long Island.

(270) Squatdrola squatdrola
(Linn.) (Ital. name for this species).
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER;
BEETLE-HEAD ; BULL-HEAD.
Hind toe very small, this being our
only plover having a hind toe.
Axillars black, showing conspicu-
ously against the gray under wing
surfaces. Ads. in summer — Plum-
age as shown. In winter — Above
gray, spotted with white; below
whitish, indistinctly streaked with
gray. Young birds often have the
back washed with yellowish. L.,
11.50; W., 7.25; Tar., 2,00; B., 1.15.
Range — Breeds in Arctic regions.
Migrates through the U. S.

encountered. It is more than likely that storms against
which they could not prevail drove most of them to destruc-
tion. Their northward flight was performed chiefly through
the interior of the United States. They flew in compact
flocks and decoyed readily, with the result that quantities
‘of them were slaughtered annually, but certainly not enough
to have caused such a sudden, almost total extinction.

Famity CHARADRIID. PtLovers

A large and important family agreeing in having plump
bodies, short, thick necks, and stout bills of moderate
length. The toes are generally three in number, and the
tarsus is reticulate, while that of sandpipers is scutel-
late.

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, in their breeding plumage,
are very handsome birds. Although breeding along the
Arctic coast, many individuals pass through the United
States before they have donned their less brilliant winter
plumage. Immature birds, Bull-heads as they are then

167

PLOVERS

(272) Charadrius dominicus
dominicus
(Miiller) (Lat., a plover).

GOLDEN PLOVER. No hind
toe. Bill more slender than that
of the last species. Axillars gray in
all plumages. Ads. in summer —
Plumage as shown; the upper parts
being handsomely marked with
golden-brown. The black on under
parts extends along the flanks to
the tail. Zn winter — Upper parts
duller; under parts grayish-white,
indistinctly mottled with gray. L.,
TO.5O>) | Ws,7:00;) Lars ere 7g cm alee
3.00; B., .go.

Range — Breeds in Arctic regions.
Migrates south chiefly over the
Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia;
a few through the Miss. Valley and
nearly all pass north by that route.

termed by some hunters, and Beetle-heads by others, bear
considerable resemblance to young Golden Plover, but can
at once be distinguished when in the hand or on the wing by
the fact that the axillars, the long inner feathers under the
wings, are black, while those of the other species are gray.
The present species also has a tiny hind toe.

Their flight is less graceful than any of the sandpipers
and most of the plover, as their bodies are quite heavy; they
fly rapidly, in a direct line, with rapid beatings of the wings.
They have a clear, mellow whistle, one easily imitated, so it
is an easy matter for the gunner in his blind to call a flock
down to the painted decoys.

GOLDEN PLOVER are even handsomer than the Black-
bellied species, as the black on the under parts is more
extensive and the back is covered with golden-yellow spots.
Full-plumaged birds are rarely seen in the United States
during the fall migration; in fact, few are seen anyway, for
they follow closely the path of the little Eskimo Curlews,
the bulk of them leaving our coast at Labrador and flying

168

PLOVERS

(273) Oxyéchus vociferus
(Linn.) (Gr., sharp-sounding; Lat., noisy).

KILLDEER. Toes three. Ads.
— Plumage as shown. Notice that
the breast is crossed by two black
bands. Jm.— Paler; the breast bands
are gray; the tail is dull brown
instead of rufous, and the back may
be marked with buffy edges of the
feathers. L., 9.50; W., 6.50; T.,
4.00; Tar., 1.35; B., .75. Mest —
A hollow on the ground, usually
concealed under weeds; three or four
greenish-buff eggs, heavily spotted
and blotched with black, 1.50 x 1.10.

Range — Breeds from Quebec, Kee-
watin and B. C. south to the Gulf
coast and central Mexico. Winters ff
southward from N. J., Ind., Tex.
and Cal.

south, well out over the ocean. They seem to be following
the path of these other birds in another respect too, for
compared to the large flocks that formerly went north
through the Mississippi Valley there are very fewnow. They
feed quite extensively upon insects, and are fully as likely to
settle down to feed on plains or in fields far from water as
in marshes.

It is a beautiful sight to see a large flock of Golden Plover
coming down to a feeding ground from the heights at which
they migrate; their coming heralded by softly trilled whistles,
they descend on set, decurved wings, very swiftly, until
swooping over the grass tops, they bring the wings forward
to check their speed and drop lightly to the ground; their
wings are elevated again as though with a feeling of relief
after their long journey, then carefully folded on the back.

KILLDEER are of unusual interest because, like Spotted
Sandpipers, they breed over a large part of the States and
Canada. Their name has no reference to their prowess as

169

PLOVERS

(274) Agialitis semipalmata

(Bonap.) (Gr., a seashore worker; Lat.,
| half-webbed).

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER;
RING PLOVER; RING-NECK.
Toes conspicuously half-webbed. Bill
orange, with a black tip. Legs
flesh-color. Ads. in summer — Plum-
age as shown; the black neck-band
making a complete collar, although
narrow on the back of the neck.
Immature birds and winter adults
differ in having the head and neck
_markings more or less grayish. L.,
7.00; W., 4.80; Tar., .90; B., .50.

Range — Breeds in the northern
half of Canada. Winters from the
Southern States, southward.

(275) A€gialitis hiaticula
RINGED PLOVER. An Euro-
pean species, breeding in Greenland.

hunters, but is solely because of their loud, strident and
often incessant vocal efforts, which are best likened to the
syllables “kill-dee.”” When they are angry — and during
the nesting season it requires no provocation to make them
that way — the usual note is changed to a harsh, almost
screaming ‘‘dee-dee-dee,”’ etc., repeated as long as an in-
truder is near, with an energy that seemingly might burst
their throats. Where they are not very common, these notes
always prove welcome to farmers or any one strolling the
fields, but where they are so numerous that the complaining
calls can be heard practically all the time, they may become
a nuisance.

Just a hollow on the ground, anywhere in a meadow, corn-
field, or pasture, provided that water is not far off, suffices
them for a nest; sometimes a slight lining is provided for the
boldly spotted greenish-buff eggs. If a nest is in danger of
discovery, the owners and those of every other nest in the
vicinity join forces to lead the dangerous element away,
making as much noise as is possible.

170

PLOVERS

(277) A€gialitis meléda i
(Ord.) (Lat., musical).
PIPING PLOVER. The palest
colored of all our plover. Ad. o—
Plumage as shown. In the highest
plumage, particularly on birds in
the Miss. Valley, the black crescents
on the sides of the neck meet, form-
ing a complete collar. The @ in
summer and both sexes in winter,
have the coronal bar brownish, and
less black on the neck. L., 7.00;
W., 4.75; Tar., .85; B., .50. Eggs
— Three or four, clay-color, with
fine black specks 1.25 x .95.

Range — Breeds locally from N. S.,
Ont. and Sask. south to Va. and Kan.
Winters on the South Atlantic and
Gulf coasts. Now quite rare and
very local on the Atlantic coast.

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, or Ring-necks, as they are
more often called, are quiet, unobtrusive shore birds which
visit our ponds, marshes, or beaches during August, and
again in May. They have a clear, two-syllabled whistle
that they utter when disturbed, and sometimes while a flock
is flying past. An imitation of the call will usually halt a
flock and bring it circling to the beach near the mimic. They
show little timidity and, if the observer remains motionless,
will run along the water’s edge within a few feet of him.

They may be seen about equally often in flocks of their
own species and in mixed flocks containing any of the small
sandpipers, with which they are always friendly.

PIPING PLOVER are a beautiful sand-colored species,
locally distributed along shores and beaches of eastern
North America. No birds of their size are more nimble of
foot; they can run for long distances faster than a man can
walk. Their color matches the sand so closely that it is
almost impossible to see a motionless one; they know this
and often escape detection because of it. High-plumaged

171

PLOVERS

(278) AEgialitis nivésa Cassin
(Lat., snowy).

SNOWY PLOVER. Very small
and light colored. Ads:— Plumage
as shown by the upper bird. Black
patches on crown, ears and sides of
neck, these being brownish on the @.
L., 6.753; W., 4:20; B., "60!

Range — Western U. S., breeding
east to Kan. and Texas. Casual in
Fla. and La.

(280) Ochthédromus wilsénius
(Ord.) (Gr., bank running).

WILSON’S PLOVER. Plumage
as shown by the lower bird, the 9
having the breast band brownish.
L., 7.50; W., 4.75; B., .90; large
and stout. Eggs — Grayish, specked
with blackish, 1.25 x .95.

Range — Breeds from Va. south-
ward and along the Gulf coast.
Casually north to New England.

specimens from the Mississippi Valley are apt to have the
black patches on the sides of the neck joined in front. This
was the basis for making them a sub-species of the eastern
bird, but was found not to be tenable.

The building of summer resorts near the beaches upon
which they nest is rapidly diminishing their numbers along
the Atlantic coast. The four clay-colored eggs, which are
sparsely but evenly dotted with black specks, are laid in
hollows on the shingle of beaches; they are very difficult to
see even when only a few feet away. When their nests or
young are discovered, the parents show as much concern as
any other species, but they utter only their mellow, flute-like
whistles in protest.

SNOWY PLOVER, an abundant species on the Pacific
coast, are found within the range included in this book only
from southwestern Kansas to Texas.

WILSON’S PLOVER are found only on tidewater flats
or beaches. While they nest only on our South Atlantic
coast, they often stray north to Long Island. Their appear-

172

PLOVERS

(281) Podasécys montanus
(Townsend) (Gr., swift-footed; Lat., mountain).

MOUNTAIN PLOVER; PRAI-
RIE PLOVER. No black on the
breast at any season. Ads. in sum-
mer — Plumage as shown. A promi-
nent black coronal patch and a line
through the eye; upper parts uniform
grayish-brown. Immature birds and
adults in winter lack both the loral
stripe and the coronal patch; the
upper parts are also more rusty.
T0100; W:y05-7531, Lats, 1.603. Bi
.90. Nest—A depression on the
ground anywhere on prairies, re-
gardless of the distance from water;
three or four brownish-gray eggs,
blotched with blackish, 1.50 x 1.10.

Range — Western N. A., breeding
east to Neb. and Tex.

ance is like that of a rather large Ring-neck, but the bill is
exceedingly large for a bird of its size and is wholly black.
Neither has it a colored eye-ring nor does the black on breast
extend around the neck, as does that of the Ring-neck.
Their eggs are deposited in hollows in the sand among short
beach grass; there is little chance of their discovery except
by flushing the sitting bird, and she will allow herself to be
almost trodden upon before she leaves; she knows well that
it is almost impossible for the eye to detect a still bird amid
such surroundings. If, however, they should be discovered,
both birds fly or run wildly about you, uttering their short
whistles — so'short as to almost be regarded as chirps.
MOUNTAIN PLOVER might more appropriately be
termed Prairie Plover, for it is upon dry, grassy or sage-
brush plains that they are most abundantly found. During
summer they are to be found distributed over the prairies in
pairs. After the young are able to fly, several families unite
and in large flocks wander about, feeding, playing, or dozing
at will. Their food is almost wholly of various insects and

173

TURNSTONES

(283a) Arendria intérpres
morinélla

(Linn.) (Lat., a sandy place; agent).

RUDDY TURNSTONE; CALICO
BACK. Bill short, rather stout and
tapering to a slightly up-turned point.
Legs short and stout; bright orange.
Ads. in summer — Plumage shown
in its highest development; usually
the back is more or less mixed with
brownish. Jn winter —The back
with little or no chestnut and the
black markings underneath replaced
by grays. L., 9.50; W., 5.75; Tar.,
T.c0;, Bs,5:90:

Range — Breeds on the Arctic
coast. Winters south from S. Car.

(283) A. interpres interpres

TURNSTONE. A common Old
World species breeding in Alaska
and in Greenland.

berries. Their flight is very rapid and quite erratic; they
often twist and turn, the whole flock in unison, so as to
expose to view alternately the upper and under parts.

Famity APHRIZID. Surr-Birps anp TuRNSTONES

TURNSTONES breed along our Arctic coast and winter
from the Gulf coast southward. They appear in numbers
along our shores in August and remain in the Northern
States until the latter part of September. They are also
with us during the greater part of May. Comparatively
few pass through the interior, but quantities are to be found
on the coasts.

The variety we commonly see is now known as the Ruddy
Turnstone; the common Turnstone, which is a trifle larger
and not as rusty above, although breeding along our Arctic
coast, migrates through the Old World. Our species is
often known as the Calico-back.

Turnstone bills have a slight upturn, due, we may presume,

174

OYSTER-CATCHERS

(286) Heméatopus pallidtus
Temm (Gr., red-footed; Lat., a cloak).

OYSTER-CATCHER. Large and
stocky. Bill long, heavy and com-
pressed toward the tip which is al-
most like a knife blade; bright red.
Legs stout, coarse and flesh-colored;
three-toed. Ads.—Plumage as
shown, the back being brownish
while the head and neck are dead
black; base of tail and part of coverts
white. Jm.— Head and neck brown-
ish and feathers of back with buff
edges. L., 20.00; W., 10.25; Tar.,
2.40; B., 3.50. LEggs— Three or
four, buffy, evenly spotted with
black, 2.20x 1.55; laid on beaches.

Range — Breeds from Va. and the
Gulf coast southward.

(285) EUROPEAN OYSTER-
CATCHER (H. ostralegus) is oc-
casionally found in Greenland.

from their habits of turning over shells, small turfs, stones,
etc., to get the insects, worms and minute shellfish usually
to be found there. They sometimes tackle objects that
require all their strength to pry over, and do not get dis-
gruntled even if they are unable to, but unconcernedly walk
to the next likely one. They are rather more deliberate in
their actions than other plover, but they have the usual habit
of running a few steps, then stopping short and standing
erect to look about them: They frequent bold and rocky
shores fully as often as sandy beaches.

Famity HAXMATOPODIDE. Ovysrer-CatcHERSs

A small but remarkable Family of large waders, contain-
ing about a dozen species distributed over the globe, one of
which breeds along our South Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Aside from their large size, their chief claim to distinction
is in the long, large, bright red bill, the end of which is com-
pressed so as to be thin as a knife blade. This peculiar tool
is used for cleaving open mussels and other bivalves (but not

175

JACANAS

(288) Jacana spinésa

(Linn.) (A Brazilian name; | Lat., spiny,
referring to the spur on the wing).

MEXICAN JACANA. Wing with
a sharp horny spur on the shoulder.
A large leaf-like plate, free at the
edges, extends from the base of the
bill on the forehead. Legs long
and slender; toes very long and the
nails, especially of the hind toe,
straight and extremely long. Ads.
— Plumage as shown. Young birds
are grayish-brown above and more or
less buffy-white below; the wings
are similar to those of the adults.
L., 8.50; W., 5.00; Tar., 2.00; mid-
dle toe 2.00; B., 1.25. Nest — Of
weeds on floating piles of trash or
lily pads; three to five olive eggs,
scrawled with black, 1.20 x.95.

Range — Rio Grande Valley and
southern Fla. southward.

oysters), and for digging up fiddler crabs, of which they are
very fond. They travel in small flocks and are very wary.
Their flight is swift and unusually conspicuous because of
the glistening black and white plumage. Our species
apparently is never seen away from tidewater. They can
swim well, but rarely do so unless wounded; they do, however,
often wade in water up to their bodies hunting for shrimps
or detaching limpets from rocks. When flying or on the
beach, they often utter shrill cries or whistles.

Famity JACANID. § Jacanas
MEXICAN JACANAS, which reach our borders in

southern Texas and the extreme point of Florida, may easily
be regarded as the most peculiar of all our waders. They are
quite pugnacious, as might be presumed from the appear-
ance of a spur on the bend of the wings. The males fight
among themselves, chiefly during the mating season, but of
course are not nearly as warlike as the European Ruff, a

176

QUAILS, PARTRIDGES, GROUSE

(289) Colinus virginianus vir=
ginianus (Linn.)

BOB-WHITE; QUAIL; VIR- f)
GINIA PARTRIDGE. Feathers
of crown lengthened but not suffi-
ciently so to forma true crest. Tail
short, 12-feathered. co — Plumage
as shown by middle bird. Throat
and superciliary stripe pure white.
The @, shown by the lower right
hand bird, differs in having the throat
buffy, and black markings of head
replaced by brown. L., 10.00; W.,
4.50; Tar., 1.20; B., .so. Eggs —
Eight to sixteen, white, 1.20 x .95.

Range — Resident from Me., Ont.
and Minn. southward. In Fla., re-
placed by FLORIDA BOB-WHITE
(floridanus), a dark type as shown
by the upper bird. In Tex. and N. §
Mex. by the TEXAS BOB-WHITE §@
(texanus).
shore bird which always engages in combat for the sheer love
of fighting. We may suppose that the leaf-like shield at the
base of the bill offers some protection to the eyes against the
spurs of their adversaries. The toes and claws are of very
unusual length and slenderness, enabling Jacanas to run
easily over floating vegetation. Their nests are made of
weeds and decaying vegetation floating among rushes or
lily pads after the fashion of grebes. The eggs are as curious
as the birds —a bright tawny-olive, scrawled all over the
surface with blackish lines.

OrpER GALLIN/E. GatiinacEous Birps
Famity ODONTOPHORID®. Bos-Wurtes, Qualts, ETC.

BOB-WHITES, so called because their usual note of two
clear whistles sounds most like those words, are almost al-
ways known in eastern United States as Quail. Quail are
birds of the open, birds of civilization. The farmer hears
their calls during the warmer months and rejoices in them;

177

QUAILS, PARTRIDGES, GROUSE

(293) Callipépla squamata
squamata

(Vigors) (Gr. beautifully arrayed; Lat.,
scale-like).

SCALED QUAIL; BLUE QUAIL.
A sombre-colored but handsome
species the & of whichisshown. The
feathers on the neck and breast are
margined with dusky, giving a scale-
like appearance. The female is duller
colored, the back being inclined to
brownish. L., 10.50; W., 4.50; T.,
3-75:

Range — Ariz., N. Mex., western
Tex. and southern Col., southward.

(293a) C. s. castanogastris
Brewster (Chestnut-belly).
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SCALED
QUAIL. Differs only in the chest-
nut coloring on the abdomen. Found
in southern Texas and southward.

he knows they are good friends of his, for they destroy great
quantities of injurious beetles. The sportsman hears their
call and rejoices, for he thinks of the sport he is to have in
fall, with his dog and gun.

During May, the coveys have scattered and are divided
into pairs, or perhaps some of the cock birds will have
several hens, for they are more or less polygamous. A
favorable spot is selected, perhaps along a stone wall or
beside an old rail fence, where the grass is tall and heavy.
An entrance is tunnelled out and the selected hollow in the
ground lined with dead grasses. In this improvised cradle,
a white egg, large and round at one end and pointed at the
other, is deposited daily until from eight to sixteen fill the
hollow. Sometimes as many as thirty are found in a single
nest, probably indicating that Sir Bob has more than one
wife. The eggs are always assembled neatly, with the
pointed ends downward. Should a nest be discovered, the
eggs must not be handled, for mother Quail will know it
instantly she returns and is very apt to desert them.

178

QUAILS, PARTRIDGES, GROUSE

(295) Lophértyx gambeli
Gambel (Gr., a crest, a quail).

GAMBEL’S QUAIL. Ad. *—
Plumage as shown. Head with a
handsome crest of recurved feathers
about eight of them usually carried
in one packet but capable of being
separated at will. Notice that the
forehead is black, the crown chest-
nut and the flanks chestnut, thus
differing decidedly from the crested
California Quail, which has these
areas whitish, brown and gray re-
spectively. The @ has a smaller
crest and lacks the black on head and
belly but has the chestnut flanks.
I. Toso; W.,:-4025> Darsr25s) Ts.
3.75. Eggs — Eight to sixteen, buff,
spotted and splashed with brown,
1.25 X 1.00.

Range — Western Tex., Utah, Nev.
and southern Cal. southward.

The little buff-colored, eee chicks are led Aen: the
fields and taught how to catch the insects that are best
for them. They have a very watchful mother, who never
allows them to stray far from the protection of tall grass or
brush. If surprised during one of their rambles, at a warn-
ing cluck, every chick dives for shelter, while the mother
runs ahead of you squealing and giving a beautiful imitation
of the way a wounded bird should act. Each chick, mean-
while is absolutely motionless — practically out of sight,
even though protected by but a single blade of grass; nor
will they move until touched. When the danger is removed,
a single whistle from the hen brings every little one scamper-
ing to her as fast as their little legs can carry them, and they
can run very swiftly. Many times I have followed the
mother until she had decoyed me to what she thought a
safe distance and, as soon as she took wing, hastened back
and concealed myself so as to witness the assembling of the
little family — or perhaps I-should say the large family of
little ones.

179

QUAILS, PARTRIDGES, GROUSE

(296) Cyrt6nyx montezime
mearnsi Nelson
(Gr., bent nail).

MEARN’S QUAIL; MASSENA
QUAIL; FOOL QUAIL. _ Bill very
stout and compressed. Toes short
but the claws greatly developed.
Crest broad, flat and full-feathered.
Plumage quite unique as shown, the
male being the upper bird. The
black and white markings on the
head are of feathers having a velvety
texture. L., 9.00; W., 4.75; T., 2.00;
Tar., 1.20. Nest — A grass-lined de-
pression, concealed in clumps of
weeds or grass; six to twelve pure
white eggs, 1.25 X .95, not as pointed
as those of the Bob-White.

Range — Arid Upper Sonoran and
Transition zones from central Ariz.,
N. Mex. and central Tex. south to
central Mexico.

In fall, several families join to form large coveys, which
roam about feeding upon various weed seeds, grain and
berries, remaining banded until the next spring unless,
unfortunately, some hunter and his dog may have discovered
and annihilated them. In New England the combination
of dog, gun, and ice storms have made the quail almost
only a memory, but in the south and middle west, where
they have more room and not so many gunners per square
foot, they are still abundant. When a covey is approached
they all squat in the stubble, trusting to escape detection —
a thing impossible when the man is armed with a good bird
dog. When kicked out of cover, all rumble off in different
directions, but in straight lines presenting easy marks.

Not so with the western quail. They have good strong
legs to which they intrust their safety rather than by hiding.
The man who hunts them gets a lot of hunting and tramping,
but not such a great many quail. Gambel’s Quail and the
Blue or Scaled Quail, both found in western Texas, are good
examples of running quail. That peculiar species, the

180

GROUSE, PTARMIGAN

(297) Dendragapus obscdrus
obsctrus
(Say) (Gr., a tree, I love; Lat., dark).
DUSKY GROUSE; BLUE-
GROUSE. Tail normally with
twenty feathers. Plumage as shown,
the hen being smaller and a little
lighter colored than the cock; _ tail
with a broad gray tip; back finely
vermiculated with gray and flank
feathers with white tips and shaft
lines. L., 20.00; W., 9.50; T., 7.50;
weight up to 33 tbs.
Range — Rocky Mountains from
Col. to N. Mex
(297b) D. o. richardsoni (Dougias).
RICHARDSON’S DUSKY
GROUSE. A rather darker variety
with the gray tail bar reduced in
width or wanting. Found in the
Rocky Mountains from Mackenzie
to Montana. aie ~~

Mearn’s, Massena or Fool Quail, also in western Texas,
shows an indifference to mankind that is astonishing, to say
the least. In remote places in the mountains they often
stand stock still and gaze at a man in wonder, or will simply
squat down in plain view and not move until touched.
When they do fly, they go swiftly, making a sort of clucking
sound at the same time.

Famity TETRAONIDZ. Grovusr, PTaRMIGANS, ETC.

The members of this family usually have a bare strip of
skin over the eye; the tarsi are quite perfectly feathered,
and sometimes the toes; the toes when naked have horny,
fringe-like projections on the sides; many have bare spaces
or unusual development of the feathers on the sides of the
neck; the tail is of sixteen to twenty feathers, never folded
as in pheasants, nor of unusual length.

DUSKY GROUSE are among the largest of the family,
a good cock bird weighing upward of three and a half pounds.

181

GROUSE, PTARMIGAN

> (298) Canachites canadénsis

canadénsis
(Linn.) (Gr., a noise maker).

HUDSONIAN SPRUCE PAR-
TRIDGE. Similar to the next and
better known variety; female said
to be less rusty. Found in Labrador
and west to the Rocky Mountains.

(298c) C. c. candace § (Linn.)

CANADA SPRUCE PAR-
TRIDGE; CEDAR PARTRIDGE ;
CANADA GROUSE. Tarsi feath-
ered to the toes. A bare strip of
red skin over the eyes. Plumage
as figured, the male being the upper
bird. L., 16.00; W., 7.00; T., 5.50.
Eggs — Nine to sixteen, buff, boldly
dotted and blotched with chestnut.

Range —N. B., Ont. and Man.
south to northern New England,
N. Y., Mich., Wis. and Minn.

They are perhaps more often known in the western region
that they inhabit as Blue Grouse. They are of a peculiar
color that harmonizes almost perfectly with the bark of the
gigantic trees, the shadows of the immense ferns and the
rocky ground; consequently they are very difficult to detect
either while on the ground or in trees. When any one
approaches, they usually hop up among the branches and
remain motionless, hoping the intruder will pass without
noticing them; usually they are not seen, but when they are,
(young birds especially) they may still remain and allow
themselves to be stricken down with sticks. Because of this
foolish habit, they are locally termed “Fool Grouse.”
Older birds, however, when discovered disappear with a rush
and speed that are bewildering.

During spring love-making, the males strut about like
little turkey cocks, then hopping to low branches, stumps or
logs, they fill air sacs on the sides of the neck and produce a
low booming of a penetrating character such as to greatly
deceive any one as to the distance of the performer.

182

GROUSE, PTARMIGAN

(300) Bondsa umbéllus um=
béllus

(Linn.) (Gr., bison or.bull, to the bellow-
ing of which their drumming is likened;
Lat., umbel, referring to the umbrella-like
ruffs).

RUFFED GROUSE; “PAR-
TRIDGE” (in New England);
“PHEASANT ” (in Southern States).
Head slightly crested. Two large
neck ruffs, black on the cock and
brownish-black on the hen. Tail
of eighteen broad feathers. The tone
of plumage may be either reddish-
brown or gray irrespective of age
or sex of the bird. L., 17.00; W.,
750; U:5, 7250:

Range — Mass., N. Y., Mich. and
Minn. south to Va.and Kan. From
this northern limit northward is
found the CANADIAN RUFFED
GROUSE (B. u. togata), a variety
with brighter, blacker markings.

CANADA SPRUCE GROUSE, which are found along
our northern border and in Canada, are excellent examples
of the tameness of wild birds when not hunted or shot at.
In this case the flesh is not regarded as fit to eat; consequently
neither sportsmen nor trappers kill them except rarely for
amusement. They prefer and are most abundant in dense
growths of spruce, or tamarack swamps. In remote places
they show such indifference to human beings that they are
often caught in the hands, and lumbermen amuse them-
selves by catching them in a small noose at the end of a
switch.

RUFFED GROUSE, “Partridge,” as they are called in
the north, or ‘Pheasants,’ as they are named in the south,
are regarded by sportsmen as ‘“‘Kings of American Game
Birds.” Birds of handsome plumage and stately mien,
they well deserve the title. They hold to the ground until
discovery is unavoidable and then depart with a thunderous
roar of wings and a speed, as they thread their way among the

183

GROUSE, PTARMIGAN

(301) Lagépus lagépus lagépus
(Linn.) (Lat., hare-foot).
WILLOW PTARMIGAN. Tarsi
and toes densely feathered. In win-
ter, pure white, with black tail
' feathers. In summer, mottled with
* reddish-brown, black and white as
_ figured by middle bird. L., 16.00.
Range — Breeds in northern and
winters in southern Canada. (3o01a)
ALLEN’S PTARMIGAN (L.L.
Alleni), is found in Newfoundland.

(302) Lagopus rupéstris ru=
péstris (Gmel)

ROCK PTARMIGAN. Has a
smaller bill than the last and always
a black spot in front of the eye.
Plumage in summer, grayer and more
barred. Found in northern Canada.
(303) WELCH’S PTARMIGAN (L.
wélchi), found in Newfoundland.

tree trunks, that defies any but the best of shots. This
suddenness of flight and the celerity with which they put a
tree between themselves and their enemies are all that has
enabled them to withstand the annual hunting.

The cock grouse have favorite drumming logs to which
they resort each spring. With tail erect and spread in a
semicircle, head thrown back and completely encircled with
the black ruff, he proudly struts back and forth. Suddenly
he stops, the tail is lowered, he stands erect or leaning
slightly forward, and the wings commence to fan the air;
first slowly, but with rapidly increasing speed until the air
vibrates with a hollow, rumbling, drumming sound. It has
been photographically proven that the wings touch neither
above the back nor on the sides, but are brought well forward
in front of the breast. The object of this performance is
twofold: to attract his lady-love to him and to challenge to
combat any other cock grouse that might be within his
domains. Her numerous, plain buff-colored eggs are laid
in a hollow among dead leaves under a log or at the base of a

184

GROUSE, PTARMIGAN

(305) Tympantichus ameri=
canus americanus
(Reich.) (Lat., a kind of kettle-drum).
PRAIRIE HEN; PRAIRIE
CHICKEN; PINNATED GROUSE.
Tarsus scantily feathered to the toes.
Head slightly crested. Neck with
a tuft of lengthened feathers on
either side, beneath which is a
tympanum of bare yellowish skin
capable, on the male, of being in-
flated to the size of a small orange.
The hen differs from the cock in
smaller size and shorter pinnates.
L., 17.00; W., 8.50; T., 4.50.
Range — Plains from Sask. and
Man. south, west of the Miss. River
to Tex. Rare in Ind.
(305a) T. a. Attwateri Bendire
ATTWATER’S PRAIRIE
CHICKEN. A smaller variety in
La. and Tex.

tree or stone. When discovered, her actions and those of
the chicks are nearly like those of the Bob-Whites.

PTARMIGAN are northern forms of grouse with com-
pletely feathered toes, whose plumage is almost wholly
white in winter, but in summer is largely mottled or barred
with blacks, grays, and browns. In either season, the dress
perfectly matches the surroundings. This protective dress
is a necessity, especially during the long winters, when many
a bird, many a beast, and many humans depend for food
largely upon the plump bodies of these snow grouse. In
order to avoid being tracked and captured by night-prowling
mammals, Ptarmigan, like our Ruffed Grouse, plunge into
the snow from the air, thereby leaving no telltale tracks
leading to their hiding places — just a hole in the snow, that
the prowler must discover by sight before he can scent his
quarry.

Ptarmigan are in an almost continual state of moulting;
nearly every month in the year shows a different plumage for
the same species. There are several species and many sub-

185

GROUSE, PTARMIGAN

| (306) Tympanuchus cupido
‘| (Linn.) (The pinnates being likened to
. “Cupid’s wings”’).

HEATH HEN. Resembling the
cominon Prairie Chicken, but
slightly smaller, with larger buffy-
white spots on the scapulars, the
crown more rufous and the pinnates
of less than ten pointed feathers.

Range — The wooded portions of
island of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.
(307) Tympanuchus pallidi=

cinctus (Ridgway).

LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN.
Slightly smaller and paler than the
Prairie Chicken; the bars, both
above and below, instead of being
solid are composed of a brown body
bordered on either edge with black.

Range — Plains from Kan. south
to Tex.

species, including three very distinct types. The Willow
Ptarmigan has quite a stout bill and black outer tail feathers;
the Rock Ptarmigan has a much smaller bill, black outer tail
feathers and a black spot in front of the eye; and White-
tailed Ptarmigan, in all seasons, have pure white tails.

PRAIRIE CHICKENS are to the hunters of the plains
what Ruffed Grouse are to those of wooded regions, ‘‘ Kings
of Game Birds.”” From a sporting point of view, they entail
few of the hardships often found in successfully hunting the
eastern grouse, for they can easily be hunted from horse-
back, in carriages, or even from automobiles. They flush
from the grass or low-brush covered plains singly or not more
than two at a time, so that the gunner has time to sometimes
“bag” the whole flock. Their flight is swift and low, but
in a straight line and interspersed with short sailings.

The courtship of Prairie Chickens is a unique and enter-
taining performance. The place selected for the amphithe-
atre is usually a rather bare rise on the prairie. To this spot
the actors, the cock birds, and the spectators, the hens, repair
every morning for a week or more. The males will strut

186

GROUSE, PTARMIGAN

(308) Pedicecétes phasianéllus
phasianéllus

(Linn.) (Gr., a plain inhabitant; Lat.,
a small pheasant).

SHARP-TAILED GROUSE; PIN-
TAIL GROUSE. Legs and_ feet
feathered to the bases of the toes.
A slight crest, but no ruffs or pin-
nates. Slightly larger and consider-
ably darker colored than the next.

Range — From Ungava west to
Alaska.

(308b) P. p. campéstris Ridg-
way. (Lat., relating to a plain).
(Lat., relating to a plain).

PRAIRIE SHARP-TAILED
GROUSE. Plumageasshown. Cen-
tral tail feathers elongated. L.,
19.00; W., 8.50; T., 1.50 (outer)
to 6.00 (middle).

Range — Southern Man. and Al-
berta south to Ill., Kan. and Wyo.

about with orange sacs puffed out and pinnates elevated so
that the head is concealed, tail erect and fan-shaped, and
wings trailing on the ground. As they dance about, at
frequent intervals will come rumbling, booming noises as
some of the sacs are deflated. After the strutting exhi-
bition they engage in general conflict, two or more birds
usually contending for the favor of each hen, until one of
the warriors is vanquished.

HEATH HENS differ from the western chickens in plum-
age only in having fewer-feathered, pointed instead of square-
ended pinnates, larger spots on the scapulars, and a browner
crown. It is the most locally distributed bird that we have,
now being confined to the one island of Martha’s Vineyard,
Mass. Here it frequents the scrubby oaks that cover
parts of the interior.

PRAIRIE SHARP-TAILED GROUSE are also abundant
on the plains and prairies of interior United States and
Canada, but their range is rather to the westward of that of
the Prairie Chickens, for the reason that while the latter

187

GROUSE, PTARMIGAN

(309) Centrocércus uropha=
siAnusS (Bonap.) (Gr., spine tail; Lat., tail
pheasant).

SAGE COCK; SAGE HEN.
Largest of American grouse, weigh-
ing up to eight pounds. Tail long
and of stiff, narrow pointed feathers;
neck capable of great distension by
means of numerous air cells; in full
breeding plumage, the lower neck of
the male is adorned with a fringe of
hair-like filaments, below which are
scale-like white feathers. The hen
is much smaller and with no peculiar
feathers on the neck; the throat is
also white. L., 28.00; W., 12.00;
T., 12.00. Eggs—Six to twelve,
grayish-drab, specked with brown,
narrow, 2.20 X 1.55.

Range — Sagebrush plains from
Sask. and B. C. south to Kan. and
eastern Cal.

species will, like quail, live on or near cultivated land, the
former retreat before the advance of civilization. Their
habits are in all respects quite similar to those of the Chick-
ens; they utter similar booming sounds in spring.

SAGE HENS are the very largest of the grouse family.
They get their name from the fact that they are habitually
found on sage plains in the west, and also feed almost entirely
upon sage leaves and various berries. Their colors are such
as to harmonize wonderfully with their surroundings; while
a walking or strutting bird looms up plainly because of its
size, one crouched on the ground can with difficulty be
discerned at a distance of but a few feet. The hen, when
incubating, sits very closely and will allow any one to pass
within a few feet without moving. After the eggs are laid,
the cock birds band together and leave all housekeeping
cares to the hens. They are quite wary and get up one ata
time with considerable noise of the wings as well as loud
cackling; it is quite difficult for them to get under way
because of their weight.

188

TURKEYS

(310a) Meleagris gallopavo

silvéstris Vieill. (Lat., a Guinea-
fowl; a cock, a pea-fowl; of the woodland).

WILD TURKEY. Head and neck
naked and warty; a dewlap on the
throat and a soft, erectile process
on the forehead. Plumage as shown;
notice that the tail coverts are
coppery, without white edging. The
hen is smaller, less lustrous and
without spurs. L., 40.00; weight of
up to 30 lbs.; Q averaging about
12 ths. Eggs—Ten: to fourteen,
buff, regularly spotted with reddish-
brown, 2.45 x 1.85.

Range — From Pa. and Neb. south
to the Gulf; formerly north to Ont.
and Me.

(310b) M. g. oscéola Scott

FLORIDA TURKEY. A smaller
variety with lighter tips to the upper
tail coverts. Found in Fla.

r
H
1
4
i
i
U

Their antics during the spring match-making are even
more ludicrous than those of other grouse. The big air-sacs
on the sides of the neck are filled almost to the bursting
point, causing the stiff, bristly feathers to stand out like the
quills of a porcupine; the tail is erect, and the stiff, pointed
feathers spread to their limit; with wings dragging on the
ground, the bird struts about, so swelled up with pride that
his breast bumps along the ground. Tous, such a perform-
ance, especially by such large birds, seems rather foolish,
but the hens like it, and it decides them as to which indi-
viduals they will have for partners, even though they know
the old fellows will desert them at the first opportunity.

Famity MELEAGRID®. TvurxKeys

WILD TURKEYS, by virtue of their great size, their
wariness and their great gift to the human race in the shape
of domestic turkeys, are really entitled to be called the real
kings of all birds. *Iwas not our eastern bird that was

189

PHEASANTS

ea = Se eee) Phasianus torquatus
ta Ee a Gmel.
(Lat., the bird of the river Phasis; collared).
RING-NECKED PHEASANT.
A Chinese species introduced into
various parts of this country ap-
parently with success. Well es-
tablished in the east, particularly in
Mass. and in the west, especially
in Ore. and Wash. It apparently
thrives much better here than the
English, Green or Golden Pheasant,
all of which have been liberated here.
Plumage as shown, the cock very
handsomely and brilliantly colored,
while the hen is clothed in demure
browns. L., o& up to 36.00, half
of which is in the tail; 9 about 22.00.
Eggs — Eight to fifteen, plain brown-
ish-drab; in tall grass usually border-
ing fields.

first domesticated, but the slightly larger variety found in
Texas and Mexico, which was first sent across the water,
there to be kept as barnyard fowl. While the Wild Turkey
is exceedingly shy, in some respects he is quite foolish, for,
with no thought of the consequences, he would follow the
trail of corn down a shallow trench and up into the log pen
provided for his capture. It was this method of trapping,
more than the rifles of our ancestors, that made the wild
bird a thing of the past in New England.

Turkeys have extraordinary eyesight; it is to their eyes
that they trust to discover danger and upon their legs that
they depend to escape it. A hunter and his dog may
follow one a merry chase before he finally puts it to flight
and then it will probably rise beyond the reach of his gun.
The most experienced and successful hunters are those who
can lie in wait in a turkey haunt and call them into view by
clever imitation of their gobbling. The gobblers have the
same propensities as are shown by the barnyard birds, but
the conflict between males in spring is far more furious.

190

CURASSOWS, GUANS

(311) Ortalis vétula mecalli
Baird
(Gr., a pullet).

CHACHALACA; TEXAN GUAN.
Head crested. Space about the
eyes and on each side of the chin,
naked, orange-colored. Wings short
and convex. Tail very long, broad
and rounded. Plumage as shown;
the back has a brassy lustre and the
tail is more or less glossed with green-
ish. Sexes alike in plumage. L.,
23.00; W., 8.00; T., 11.00; Tar.
2.00. Nest—A frail platform of
sticks placed in bushes a few feet
above ground. The three or four
white eggs have a rough, granular
surface, like those of a Guinea-fowl,
2.30 X 1.60.

Range — Abundant in Lower Rio
Grande Valley, Texas; south through
Mexico.

Famity PHASIANIDAE. Pueasants

A Family represented in this country only by introduced
species, best established of which are

RING-NECKED PHEASANTS. These beautiful fowls
were first liberated in Oregon, where they thrived exceedingly
well. They were then introduced into various sections of
the Eastern States, in some of which they have apparently
taken a permanent foothold. Beyond a little dignified
strutting, they have no eccentricities during the mating
season. ‘The cock birds do, however, often indulge in battles
in which the sharp spurs are used with telling effect, the
loser running away like a vanquished rooster, with his victor
close on his heels.

Famity CRACID/E. Curassows anp GuaANs

A Family so differing from all the preceding fowls that it
is placed under a sub-order, PENELOPES.

Ior

PIGEONS, DOVES

(314) Cola4mba_ leucocéphala

Linn. (Lat., a pigeon; Gr., white head).

WHITE-CROWNED PIGEON.
A slaty-gray species having the whole
top of the head white. A Cuban
pigeon, casual on the Florida Keys.
(315) Ectopistes migratérius
(Linn.) (Gr.,a wanderer; Lat., migratory).

PASSENGER PIGEON; WILD
PIGEON. Tail long, of twelve
graduated, pointed feathers. Ad.
co’ — Plumage as shown; blue-gray
above and _ rusty-brown below; a
metallic green and purple patch on
the sides of the neck; no black
spots on the head. Ad. ?— Duller
above and brownish-gray below; tail

_ Shorter.

Range — From Quebec and Kee-
watin south to the Gulf. Now per-
haps extinct.

CHACHALACAS, our only representatives of this
Family, are abundant in southern Texas. They combine
an exceedingly long, broad tail and long legs with a compara-
tively small body. They can run with great rapidity, but
their flight is rather weak and accompanied by considerable
sailing, in which the broad tail is of great assistance. While
tourists do not regard them as very edible, they are hunted
by natives and sold in the markets. They are quite readily
domesticated and often kept with other fowls, but their
harsh, discordant voices, with qualities similar to those of
Guinea-fowls, make them far from desirable.

OrpER COLUMB. Picrons anp Doves

Famity COLUMBID. Picrons anp Doves

PASSENGER PIGEONS, or Wild Pigeons, according to
the tales handed down to us by our ancestors and our famous
early naturalists, must have been.one of the most abundant
species of birds that ever lived in this or any other country.

192

PIGEONS, DOVES

(316) Zenaiddra macrotra
carolinénsis (Linn.) (Gr., long tail).

MOURNING DOVE; CARO-
LINA DOVE; TURTLE DOVE.
Tail long and graduated. Always a
black spot under the ear coverts and
often one back of the eye. Ad. J —
Plumage as figured, brownish above
and vinaceous or pinkish-brown below.
The Q is similar but plain brownish-
gray below. Immature birds have
the back more or less edged with
whitish. L., under 13.00; W., 5.75;
T., 5.75. Nest — A frail structure of
twigs in trees, bushes or on the ground;
the two eggs are pure white, 1.15 x .80.

Range— Breeds from southern
Canada south throughout the U. S.
(317) Zenaida zenaida (Bonap.)

ZENAIDA DOVE. A West In-
dian species, casual in summer on
the Florida Keys.

We, a hundred years later, cannot discover a single nesting
place, although thousands of dollars have been offered as
rewards for such discovery.

The passing of the Wild Pigeon from our fauna is parallel
with the exit of the buffalo. Apparently limitless in numbers,
they were slaughtered without restraint. Guns were not
effective enough; where they might get fifty or more at a
single shot from a gun, they could catch a thousand with a
single throw of the net. The killings took place throughout
eastern United States. Men stood on the bluffs at the edge
of the Great Lakes armed with poles or clubs, and struck
down migrating birds, weary with the flight across the water,
until their arms ached from the exertion. Birds were
barreled and sold in Boston and New York markets; many
of them were shipped abroad. The last great nesting was
at Petosky, Mich., in 1878. Nearly every tree in a tract
forty miles long and three to ten miles wide, contained one
or more nests. Suffice it to say that this nesting was
entirely wiped out.

193

PIGEONS, DOVES

(318) Leptétila fulvivéntris
brachyptera -Salvadori

(Lat., fulvous belly; Gr., short wing).

WHITE-FRONTED DOVE. A
Mexican species reacking our: bound-
aries in southern Tex. Tail rounded,
only slightly tipped with white;
face white, shading into the olive-
brownish upper parts a coppery,
purplish iridescence on the back and
sides of neck. L., 12.25; T., 4.25.

(319) Melopelia asiatica
(Linn.) (Gr., melody dove).

WHITE-WINGED DOVE;
SINGING DOVE. A Mexican species
reaching southern Tex., N. Mex. and
southern Fla. and casually to south-
ern Cal. and Col. It has a rounded
tail of twelve feathers, the outer ones
being broadly white-tipped; the wing
coverts are largely white, as figured.
L., 12.00; T., 4.25.

At the present time there may be a few scattered pairs of
Wild Pigeons left; if so, they may be found nesting in any
of our Northern States or in interior Canada. Any nest
below ten feet from the ground and any in which the parent
shows any black on the side of the head is assuredly that of
the next species.

MOURNING DOVES are rather abundant in most of
the United States and southern Canada. They show little
fear of man and will nest in his orchard trees just as readily
as in woodland. ‘The nests, very shallow, frail structures of
twigs, may be found in almost any situation from the tops
of tall trees down to the ground; occasionally the two eggs
are laid in a bare hollow on a log, stone or stump, with no
lining. As usual with members of this Family, their flight is
very swift and accompanied by a whistling of the wings as
they rapidly fan the air. The dove song is, as their name
indicates, a long-drawn, mournful cooing, not loud, but with
a penetrating quality that carries it for a long distance.

194

(321) Scardafélla inca
(Less.) (Ital., scaly-feathered).

INCA DOVE. Tail long and
graduated, the outer feathers broadly
tipped with white; bases of primaries
largely chestnut; the black edging
of feathers gives the bird a scaly
appearance as shown. L., 8.00; T.,
4.00. A Mexican species reaching
southern Tex. and Ariz.
(320) Chemepelia passerina

terréstris

(Chapman) (Lat., sparrow-like; terrestrial).

GROUND DOVE. Very small.
Tail short and nearly square-ended.
Plumage as shown, the general tone
being vinaceous below and brown
above. L., 6.50; T., 2.75.

Range — South Atlantic and Gulf
States from Tex. to N. Car. Casual
north to N. Y.

WHITE-FRONTED and WHITE-WINGED DOVES
are Mexican species, the former of which occurs in southern
Texas and the latter along our southwestern border. The
latter species has a peculiar call note —- more varied than that
of any other of our doves; put to words, it is usually repre-
sented as ‘“‘cook-for-you”’ —a strange but not unmusical
sound, somewhat like the first crowing attempts of a young
rooster. In Mexico they are called singing doves and are
often kept caged because the natives fancy their song.

GROUND DOVES, our smallest species, are rather
common in the South Atlantic and Gulf States. They are
not at all shy; in fact, they seem to prefer the neighborhood of
dwellings. While they do all their feeding on the ground,
where they scratch about like tiny chickens, they nest a few
feet above, in vines or bushes. The nests are more sub-
stantial than those of Mourning Doves.

INCA DOVES are slightly larger, owing to their longer
tails; their plumage is very scaly in appearance, because
all feathers are sharply edged with dusky; the primaries are

105

BIRDS OF PREY

(325) Cathartes atra septen-
trionalis Wied
(Gr., a purifier; Lat., northern)

TURKEY VULTURE; TUR-
KEY BUZZARD. Whole head and
upper neck naked and red, as shown
by the upper bird. Tip of bill horn-
color. Wings long, folding beyond
the tail. L., 28.00; Ex., 72.00; W.,
23.00; T., 12.00. Eggs —Two
whitish, handsomely marked with
brownish-black, 2.90 x 1.90; on the
ground or in hollow logs or trees.
(326) Catharista Grubu (Vieill.)

BLACK VULTURE; CARRION
CROW. Naked head, black. A
smaller but heavier bird than the
last. Wings shorter; under surface
of wings white. L., 24.00; Ex., 54.00;
W., 17.00. Found north regularly
only to Va. and Ind. while the pre-
ceding reaches N. Y., Ont. and Man.

conspicuously reddish-brown. Their habits are quite like
those of the far more common Ground Doves, but they
construct even better and more deeply cupped nests located
in bushes a few feet from the ground. They are found within
our range only casually in southern Texas and a little more
frequently along the Arizona border.

OrpER RAPTORES. Brirps or PREY
Famity CATHARTID®. American VULTURES

TURKEY VULTURES are our most abundant repre-
sentatives of this interesting and quite useful Family —
found throughout the United States, except in New England,
and in the south-central portion of Canada. They are
scavengers, wholly; they kill nothing themselves, unless
possibly it be very sick or badly wounded. Their eyesight
is remarkable and their sense of smell no less acute. Let
any creature die or be shot and left in the woods and, within

196

BIRDS OF PREY
(327) Elanoides forficatus

(Linn.) (Lat., a kite, Gr., resemblance;
Lat., deeply forked).

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. Tail
long and deeply forked. Wings long
and narrow. Legs short but feet
strong. Plumage as shown; head
and under parts pure white; back,
wings and tail glossy blue-black.
Linings of wings white. Immature
birds are less lustrous and the wing
and tail feathers are tipped with
white. L., 24.00; Ex., 50.00; W.,
16.50; T., 12.00 or more, cleft for
half its length; Tar., 1.25. Nest —
Of twigs, lined with moss and root-
lets; located in the tops of tall trees;
three or four bluish-white eggs,
blotched with brown, 1.85 x 1.50.

Range — Breeds locally from S.
Car., Ind., Minn. and Sask. south
through Mexico.

a very few hours, vultures will be cleaning up the remains.
The present species can readily be identified from any hawk
or eagle at a distance, when in flight, because the tips of the
wings are curved upward.

BLACK VULTURES, which are abundant in our South-
ern States, are heavier than the preceding, although they
have less expanse of wing; consequently their flight lacks
the ease and grace always associated with that of the Turkey
Vulture. Its black, naked head and white under surfaces
of the wings will readily distinguish it from the latter. Both
species are usually to be found along our southern coasts
feeding upon dead fish that are cast upon the shore. They
are also often seen even in the streets of some southern cities,
where they perform the offices of the garbage collectors of
northern cities.

Famity BUTEONID. Kuires, Hawks, EacLes, ETC.

SWALLOW-TAILED KITES inhabit the warmer por-
tions of America, in the United States chiefly along the south-

197

BIRDS OF PREY

(328) Elanus leucdrus

(Vieill.) (Lat., a kite; Gr., white-tailed).

WHITE-TAILED KITE. Plum-
age as figured by the bird on the
left; head, under parts and _ tail
white; back pearl-gray; primaries
and shoulders black. Legs and cere
yellow. L., 16.00; Ex., 40.00; W.,
12.50; “[., 7:50; Tar; 1:30. West
— Of sticks and weeds at high ele-
vations; three or four white eggs,
profusely blotched with brown, 1.65
x 1.35.

Range — Breeds along the South
Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
(329) Ictinia mississippiénsis

(Wilson).

MISSISSIPPI KITE. Plumage
lead-gray, with blackish wings and
tail. L., 14.00.

Range — Breeds from S. Car., Ind.
and Ia. south to Tex. and Fla.

ern border, but extending casually to Virginia and up the
Mississippi Valley to Minnesota. They are exceedingly
handsome birds and, as would be suspected from their form,
in aerial manceuvres, they are excelled by no bird that flies.

Their food consists chiefly of small reptiles, frogs and
various insects. They are very often seen flying with long,
slender snakes dangling from their rather weak talons.
They are fond of dragon flies, which they catch easily despite
their speed and erratic flight.

WHITE-TAILED KITES are found from our southern
border south to Argentine Republic. Their flight, while
perhaps not as swift as that of the preceding species, is very
gracefully performed. They may frequently be seen stoop-
ing over the meadows, at heights of fifty or more feet; sud-
denly one will pause on quivering wings, like the hover of a
Kingfisher, and then dash to earth and secure a mouse or
reptile that his keen eyes have discovered in the grass. The
nests of this species are but little more accessible than those
of the last, but they average to be considerably lower.

198

BIRDS OF PREY

(330) Rostrhamus socidabilis
(Vieill.) (Lat.,a beak, a hook; gregarious).

EVERGLADE KITE; SNAIL
HAWK. Bill long, slender and
hooked into a sickle-shape; cutting
edges smooth, with no_ notches.
Legs, cere and bare loral space yellow.
General color slaty-black, lighter on
the wings and blacker on the head.
Rump, tip of tail and bases of the
lateral feathers white. L., 17.00;
Ex., 44.00; W., 14.50; T., 7.00; Tar.,
2.00. Nest —Of twigs, lined with
leaves and weeds; placed in bushes,
usually over water; two or three
greenish-white eggs, heavily blotched
with brown, 1.70 X 1.45.

Range — Resident in the southern
half of Fla., the West Indies, eastern
Mexico, and eastern South America
to Argentina.

MISSISSIPPI KITES breed chiefly in those states
bordering on the Gulf coast and occasionally north to Kansas.
They are very active and, like the other kites, have wonderful
powers of flight, often soaring to such heights as to be almost
invisible. Their notes are shrill, broken whistles, very
similar to those of the two preceding species.

EVERGLADE KITES are common throughout tropical
America, but reach our borders only in the Everglades of
Florida. Their form is peculiar, somewhat suggestive of
that of the Marsh Hawk, but the wings are even longer than
those of that species. In most parts of their range they are
known as Snail Hawks, because their food consists almost
wholly of a certain species of snail. The bill, with its long,
rounded, hooked tip, is peculiarly adapted to drawing these
creatures from their houses. As each pair of birds claims a
section of swamp as its own, and have favorite perches to
which most of their captures are brought to be dissected,
the discarded shells often collect in quite large mounds.
These lookout places are usually on small islands where the

199

BIRDS OF PREY

(331) Circus hudsénius

(Linn.) (Lat., a kind of hawk; of Hudson’s
Bay).

MARSH HAWK or HARRIER;
BLUE HAWK. Bill, at the base,
thickly set with long, curved bristles.
Face surrounded with an incomplete
ruff of short feathers, similar to owls.
Ear opening very large. Ad. @ —
In perfect plumage, as shown by the
nearer bird, a light blue-gray above
with white rump. Ad. 9 and Jm.—
As shown by the farther bird; under
parts rusty; head and upper parts
reddish-brown; rump white. L.
18.50; Ex:, 42:00; W.,. 13.50; T.,
9.50; Tar., 3.00. Eggs—Three to
five, plain bluish-white, 1.80 x 1.40;
laid on the ground in marshy places.

Range — Breeds throughout the
U.S. and temperate Canada. Win-
ters in southern U. S.

’

bushes or trees are taller, so they can see more of the sur-
rounding country and keep tabs upon their nests, which are
located in the tops of bushes or saw-grass within three or
four feet of the water. The nests are made of small sticks
and dry grasses and measure about a foot across.

MARSH HAWKS, in summer, are pretty well distributed
throughout the United States, Canada, and Alaska. During
early morning or toward dusk they may usually be seen
sweeping in wide circles over most marshes or meadows,
searching for meadow mice and moles, which constitute the
greater part of their bill of fare. The poor mouse has pretty
good prospects of sooner or later finding a final resting place in
the stomach of some carnivorous or raptorial creature; if it
ventures abroad during daylight, it finds scores of hawks and
herons ready to pounce upon it; if it emerges from its retreat
at dusk, the present hawk, the Night Heron, or the Short-
eared Owl may at any instant spy it; or if it comes forth in
the dead of night, other owls or predatory mammals are
still lurking about with unappeased appetites.

200

BIRDS OF PREY

(332) Accipiter vélox
(Wils.) (Lat., a hawk; swift).

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.
Tail long and square-ended (this is
the most infallible distinction between
this and the next species), crossed
by about four blackish bars. Adults
in perfect plumage are bluish-gray
above, and below are barred with
rusty. Young birds have blackish-
brown upper parts, and below are
striped lengthwise with brown. The
feathers of the crown and nape
show whitish bases when disturbed.
L., 10.00-14.00, the @ being the
larger; W., 6.00-7.00; T., 5.00-
6.00. Nest—A frail structure of
twigs in trees; three to five whitish
eggs, beautifully marked with brown
hi Atanas

Range — Breeds throughout the
U.S. and Canada.

Marsh Hawks, whether in the light, blue-gray plumage or
the dark, reddish-brown dress, may readily be recognized
in flight by the prominent white upper tail coverts. This
species not only alights upon the ground more often than any
other of our hawks, but builds its nests in the marshes or
meadows. ‘These nests are made chiefly of grasses or rushes,
quite well hollowed out to receive the four to seven unmarked
bluish-white eggs. The eggs are covered by one of the
adults nearly all the time and hatch in about three weeks.
The parents seem to share about equally the task of feeding
the young. The whole family usually remains united until
they migrate.

SHARP-SHINNED HAWKES, although of small size,
are reckoned as among our most destructive birds of prey.
Although they undeniably do good by the mice and squirrels
that they destroy, they do a much greater amount of harm
by killing a great many insect and seed-eating birds; they
attack and kill birds as large or larger than themselves, such
as Pigeons, Mourning Doves, Bob-Whites, etc. They also

201

BIRDS OF PREY

(333) Accipiter cooperi
(Bonap.)

COOPER’S HAWK. This species
is almost the same as the last in all
respects save size, and large speci-
mens of the last may be as large as
small ones of the present bird. The
tail is rounded in all plumages; this
is a sure identification, and the crown
is also darker, being darker than the
back, while that of the last species
is the same color as the back. L.,
16.00-20.00; W., 9.00-11.00; T.,
7.00-9.00; Nest—Of sticks and
twigs in crotches of trees; old crow
or hawk nests are often used; the
three or four eggs are bluish-white.

Range — Breeds from Quebec, Kee-
watin and southern B. C. south to
the southern border of the U. S.
Winters from Mass., Ind. and B. C.
southward.

pay frequent visits to poultry yards, with the result that a
young pullet is missing after nearly every visit. They do not
circle about in the air searching for prey, as larger hawks do,
but quietly and unobtrusively slip in and out along the edges
of woods until a hapless bird is sighted at close range; a sud-
den and swift dash ends with the little hawk the victor.

Their nests are placed in crotches close to the main trunks
of woodland trees; often old crow nests are used. The eggs
of this species are regarded as among the most beautifully
marked of any of the Raptores—a bluish-white, very
boldly splashed with dark brown.

COOPER’S HAWKS are, in plumage, nearly perfect
enlargements of the last species, but the crown is darker
than the back, and the end of the tail is always rounded,
while that of the last species is rather square-ended. In
their feeding habits, there is even more similarity between the
two species, for this is, like the Sharp-shinned species, exceed-
ingly destructive to valuable birds and poultry. Cooper’s
Hawks probably use old crow nests oftener than they build

202

BIRDS OF PREY

(334) Astur atricapillus atri=
capillus

(Wilson) (Lat., a hawk; black-haired).

GOSHAWE; BLUE HEN HAWK.
Tarsi strong, feathered halfway
down in front. Ads.— Above dark
bluish-slate color, each feather with
a black shaft line; below whitish,
closely barred with zigzag blackish
lines and penciled with black shaft
streaks. Top of the head blackish
as shown, being separated from the
dark sides of the head by a whitish
superciliary line. Jm.— Above dark
brown, varied with whitish and rusty;
below streaked with dark brown.
L., 20.00-24.00; Ex., 42.00; T., 9.00-
12.00; Tar., 2.75.

Range — Breeds from N. H. and
Mich. north to Ungava, Keewatin
and Alaska. Winters in northern
United States.

new ones of their own; consequently their nests are most
often found in coniferous trees. When they make their
own home, it is usually placed at no great height and most
often against the trunk of the tree. The eggs are bluish-
white, either plain or with indistinct brownish markings.
When their homes are molested, Cooper’s Hawks often dash
toward the intruder, uttering shrill cries. At other times
they are very silent birds. When hunting, they follow a
devious path through the woods just over the underbrush or
along some creek bottom, ready to pounce upon grouse or
any other birds that they may discover.

GOSHAWKS, large, handsome creatures, are the most
destructive of any of our birds of prey. They might be
termed sportsmen among birds, for their prey is chiefly of
those species that are generally considered as game. They
are boreal birds, so the greater part of the year they live
north of the United States, but they visit us in greater or
less numbers every winter according to the severity of the
weather and game conditions farther north. When hungry,

203

BIRDS OF PREY

(335) Parabditeo unicinctus
harrisi (Aud.) (Gr., near, Lat., buz-
zard-hawk; Lat., once girdled).

HARRIS’S HAWK. Loral re
gion quite bare and set with short
stiff hairs. Five outer primaries
emarginate or notched. Plumage
as shown, chiefly blackish - brown;
shoulders, linings of wings and tibia
bright chestnut; upper and under
tail coverts and base of tail broadly
white and end of tail narrowly tipped
with the same. Immature birds are
lighter, the under parts spotted or
streaked with tawny and the tibia
are buffy, barred with dusky. L.,
21.00%) E)x:, 45.0070 \W.,, 13-50,
9.50; Tar., 3.00. Nest — Of sticks
and weeds in trees or bushes; three
or four white eggs, 2.10 x 1.65.

Range — Southern La., Tex., N.
Mex., Ariz. and Cal.

a condition they are in a great deal of the time, they are
fearless beyond comparison. A farmer feeding his fowls
may hear a swish of wings, and see one of his favorite hens
borne off before his eyes; so sudden and unexpected is the
rush that he is wholly powerless to prevent it. Unfortu-
nately our farmers are not usually well versed in ornithology.
They know no distinction between hawks save Hen Hawks
(large) and Chicken Hawks (small). Asa matter of fact,
this species and the two preceding ones are the only ones
that really do harm poultry or our bird life.

Ptarmigan, grouse, poultry, ducks, rabbits, and lemmings
are the principle staples in the order of the Goshawk pref-
erence. Sir Goshawk may play a waiting game and sit
patiently on his perch until some delectable morsel passes
within range of his sudden dash; but when hunger spurs him,
he slowly and silently wings his way through the woods,
along creeks or across fields. The creature that betrays its
presence is doomed, for his sharp talons will strike it down

204

BIRDS OF PREY

(337) Btteo borealis borealis
(Gmel.) (Lat., northern).

RED-TAILED HAWK; “HEN
HAWK.’’ Four outer primaries
emarginate or notched. Ads. —
Plumage as shown; the tail bright ru-
fous, crossed near the tip by a narrow
black band. Jm.— Back with some
whitish mottling; tail the same color
as back, crossed by numerous dark
bars; sides and breast more
heavily streaked and barred than in
the adults. L., 22.00; Ex., 52.00;
W., 16.00; T., 9.50; Tar., 2.75.

Range — North America, east of
the Rockies. A lighter form, KRI-
DER’S HAWK (B. b. krideri), is
found on the plains from Minn. and
N. Dak. south to Mo. HARLAN’S
HAWK (B. b. harlani), found in
the Gulf States, has the tail of the
adults mottled with dusky.

before it has fairly started in flight. The Goshawk strikes
with such swiftness and strength that the whole side of his
victim is often torn out at the first impact.

HARRIS’S HAWKS are sluggish species whose habits
are largely of the same character as those of vultures —
scavengers. ‘They are Mexican hawks, but are found along
our southwestern border.

RED-TAILED HAWKS are one of our largest, hand-
somest and best known species. As they frequent the open
chiefly, when engaged in hunting, they suffer greatly from
the shotguns of farmers who suppose them to be the hawks
that have so persistently been taking their poultry. In
reality, a pair of Red-tails would be an excellent investment
for every farmer to have on his acres, for they live almost
wholly on small mammals and reptiles, seldom touching any
form of bird life unless their regular food supply is exhausted.

Red-tails are powerful, although not speedy, in flight.
During migrations, and often in play, they soar to great

205

BIRDS OF PREY

(339) Buteo lineatus lineatus
(Gmel.) (Lat., striped).

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.
Four outer primaries notched; all
barred conspicuously with black and
white. Ads.— Plumage as_ shown
by the bird on the right, very heavily
barred with rusty below; lesser wing
coverts more or less bright chestnut.
Im.— Above, including the shoulders,
dark brown; below streaked with
brown. L., 20.00; Ex. 42.00; T., 8.50;
Tar., 3.00. Eggs — White, blotched
with brown, 2.15 X 1.75.

Range—Breeds from N. S.,
Quebec, and Keewatin south nearly
to the Gulf. Winters from Mass.
and Mich. south to the Gulf. A
smaller, paler species, FLORIDA
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK N.
l. Alleni), is found in the South
Atlantic and Gulf States.

heights, moving slowly with the wind or in wide circles on
apparently motionless wings. At such times they frequently
give utterance to their shrill, piercing whistles.

Their nests are usually placed quite high in any kind of
woodland trees. I have found more in chestnuts than in
any others, but probably only because these trees are abun-
dant in New England woods. Smaller woods with open
fields and swamps near at hand are preferred by these birds.
Their nests are rather bulkily constructed, but are well
made, for they are used year after year if not molested too
often; they are lined with strips of bark, fine twigs, and
usually some feathers. The eggs are dull white, usually
blotched with brown, but very variable .

RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, which are slightly
smaller and even more common and better known than
Red-tails, are very similar in their food habits to the latter —
that is, they may be regarded as excellent hawks to have
about from an economic standpoint. Too many of them
would not be desirable, because a shortage of rodents would

206

BIRDS OF PREY

(341) Buteo albicaudatus sén-
netti Allen — (Lat. white-tailed).
SENNETI’S WHITE-TAILED
HAWK. _ Three outer primaries
notched. Ads.— Plumage as shown;
upper parts plumbeous except the
rump and tail, which are white,
the latter with a subterminal black
band and numerous indistinct wavy
lines; lesser wings coverts bright
chestnut. Jm.— General plumage
blackish-brown, varied with white
and buff underneath; L., 23.00;
W., 17.00; T., 7.50. Eggs — Dull
white, with a few brown spots.
Range — From middle Tex. south-
ward.
(344) Buteo brachydrus Vieill
(Gr., short tail).
SHORT-TAILED HAWK. A
small two-phased dark species found
from southern Fla. southward.

cause them to take to birds and poultry; but such a case
can hardly happen, for a single piece of woodland will, in
summer, support but a single pair of Red-shoulders; they
will not tolerate the presence of others of the same species.
This is true of several other species; while several different
hawks may be found nesting near together, rarely will more
than one pair of any one kind be in the same piece of woods.

Their nesting is very similar to that of the Red-tail. If
anything, the average height of their nests above ground
will be rather less than that of the latter. As usual with
many birds of prey, the lining will include some feathers,
more being added as incubation progresses. The eggs are
dull white, usually smeared and blotched with different
shades of brown. When any one climbs to their nests, both
birds will circle about overhead or perch in nearby trees,
uttering loud, whistling calls.

SENNETT’S WHITE-TAILED HAWKS are southern
species, found within our borders only near the coast region
of southern Texas. Their food is believed to be almost

207

BIRDS OF PREY

(342) Buteo swainsoni Bonap.

SWAINSON’S HAWK. Three
outer primaries notched. The back,
wings and tail are blackish-brown
in all plumages, but the under parts
vary almost indefinitely. A_ per-
fectly plumaged < is shown. The
@ has the breast darker, almost ma-
hogany colored, and the under parts
are heavily cross-barred with chest-
nut or blackish. One plumage, per-
haps a dark phase, is uniform blackish-
brown. Immature birds have the
under parts pale yellowish-brown,
heavily streaked on the breast and
lightly barred below with brownish.
L., 20.00; W., 15.50; T., 8.75. Eggs
— White spotted with brown; in
trees or on ledges; 2.20 x 1.70.

Range — Breeds from Man., Mac-
kenzie and Alaska south to Chile.
Casual east of the Mississippi River.

wholly insectivorous. Their nests are placed in the tops of
bushes, rarely more than ten feet above ground.

SWAINSON’S HAWKS are common and widely distrib-
uted in western North America, but are only of casual
occurrence east of the Great Plains. They probably exhibit
greater diversity of plumage than any other species, the
handsomest and typical adult plumage being the one shown
here. They show less fear of man than most other species
are wont to do. Their food is made up almost entirely of
smal] rodents and insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, etc.
That they do not prey upon small birds is very evident when
it is considered that nests, in use, of this hawk, Bullock’s
Orioles, Arkansas Kingbirds, and grackles have been found
in the same tree, and the two latter species sometimes
build their homes among the sticks composing that of the
large hawk.

Their nesting sites vary fully as much as their plumages.
These may be the tops of tall trees, sixty or more feet from
the ground, or they may be in bushes not more than four

208

BIRDS OF -PREY

(343) Buteo platypterus
(Vieill.)

BROAD - WINGED HAWK.
Three outer primaries notched; with-
out any barring. Ads.— Plumage
as shown; grayish-brown above;
white below, streaked on the breast
and barred below with rusty brown;
tail with three broad blackish zones.
Im.— Shown on the right; upper
parts brownish-black, mixed with
tawny or whitish edges of the feathers;
below whitish, more or less streaked
with dark brown; tail crossed by six
or eight narrow dark bars. L., 15.00;
Ex., 33.00; T., 7.00. Eggs — Whit-
ish, more or less blotched with brown
and gray, 1.95 X 1.55; nest of sticks
lined with pieces of bark.

Range — Breeds from N. B., Ont.,
and Sask. south tothe Gulf. Winters
from N. J. and Ill. southward.

feet up; again, they may be on ledges of cliffs or on the
ground in open prairie land. The nests are made of sticks
and, although rather flat on top, are usually quite well lined
with grass, weeds or bark.

BROAD-WINGED HAWES are quite evenly distributed
over eastern North America. The great Mississippi River
marks the western boundaries of this species just as it
marks the eastern ones of the last. While they are not very
active, a trait, and perhaps a commendable one, common to
all Buteos, they often delight in soaring high over the woods
or fields, apparently just for exercise, for their hunting is
accomplished by quietly perching on a suitable place to
command a good view of a considerable area of ground, and
suddenly dropping upon the squirrel or other rodent that
first shows itself. They also catch many frogs, larve of
large moths, grasshoppers, and other insects.

They are woodland birds and commonly nest in the
middle of extensive tracts. They are rather solitary in their
habits during the breeding season, and but one pair will be

209

BIRDS OF PREY

(346) Asturina plagiata Schlegel
(Lat., striped).

MEXICAN GOSHAWK. A Mexi-
can species reaching southern Ariz.
and the Lower Rio Grande Valley
in Tex. Adults are bluish-slate above
and finely vermiculated with gray
below. L., 17.00.

(347a) Archibdteo lagépus
sancti=johannis

(Gmel.) (Lat., chief buzzard; Gr., hare-
footed).

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK.
Tarsi feathered to the toes. Ads.—
Plumage varies greatly from a uni-
form blackish-brown to the one
shown here, in which the head,
breast and tail are largely white.

Range — Breeds in northern Can-
adaand Alaska. Winters from north-
ern U. S. south to N. Car., Tex. and
central Cal.

found within a large area. Their nests are not placed very
high, usually from twenty to forty feet from the ground, and
are made of sticks and twigs; they are quite unusual in that
practically all of them are scantily lined with bits of bark,
usually that of pines. The eggs are quite handsomely
clouded with blue-gray and more or less obscurely blotched
with brown. When their nesting is disturbed, both birds
will usually perch at some distance, probably out of vision,
and utter shrill, wailing whistles; this sound always reminds
me of the high-pitched squeaking of two limbs rubbing to-
gether as trees are rocked by the winds.

It is a well-known fact among ornithologists that prac-
tically all of our hawks can be identified when in flight, even
at great distances, either by the size and shape of the wings
and tails, or by the “wrist marks,” the dark patches of
feathers that usually show on the under side at the bend of
the wing. The present species is very easily recognized by
its comparatively small size and the broad rounded wings
and short tail.

210

BIRDS OF PREY

(348) Archibuteo ferrugineus
(Licht.) (Lat., iron-rust).

FERRUGINOUS ROUGH-LEG.
Legs feathered to the toes. Ads.—
Plumage as shown, the head, whole
under parts and tail being pure white;
top of head heavily streaked, breast
narrowly lined and flanks barred
with dusky; tail washed with rusty
toward the tip; back and wings
largely rich rusty-red, each feather
with a black centre; tibia and tarsus
rusty, barred with blackish. Im-
mature birds are less rufous above
and have few markings below. L.,
22.50; Ex., 54.50; T., 9.75. Eggs
— White, handsomely blotched with
brownish, 2.55 x 1.95; nest some-
times in trees but usually on bluffs.

Range — Western North America,
east to Man., N. Dak. and Kan.

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS are of boreal distribution
in summer, breeding in the northern half of Canada; they
are rather erratic in their occurrence in the United States,
but appear in greater or less numbers throughout our coun-
try. Although large and strong, they are sluggish in their
actions and are incapable of catching game birds unless
it be sick or wounded ones. Their food consists almost
entirely of small rodents, most of which they catch while
coursing over meadows after dusk as Marsh Hawks do.
Along our Massachusetts coast I have usually found them
feeding upon fish that were cast on the beach; doubtless they
also feed upon such matter about our interior ponds.

FERRUGINOUS ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS are
quite common residents of the plains and prairies in the
interior. They rarely come east of the Mississippi and are
uncommon west of the Rockies. In most localities, except
when nesting, they are quite shy, but they may be seen
coursing close to the ground, ready to drop upon any small
mammal that happens in their path. Their food is so largely

211

BIRDS OF PREY
(349) Aquila chryséétos

(Linn.) (Lat., an eagle; Gr., golden eagle).

GOLDEN EAGLE. Legs feath-
ered to the toes. Ads.— Plumage
as shown; tke general color being
a rich blackish-brown; the lanceolate
feathers on the nape are golden
yellow and the base of the tail is
more or less whitish, depending upon
the age of the bird, becoming whiter
as the bird becomes older. Jm.—
Much blacker than the adults, with
little or no golden on the nape and
less white on the tail. L., 36.00;
Ex., 6 or 7 feet; W., 24.00; T., 15.00;
Tar., 3.75. Nest—A bulky struc-
ture of large sticks, usually on moun-
tain cliffs, but sometimes in trees.

Range — From Ungava, Keewatin,
and Alaska south to Mexico, chiefly
west of the Miss. River.

of ground squirrels that they are often known locally as
Squirrel Hawks. These rodents as well as gophers, meadow
mice, moles, and prairie dogs are so very abundant in their
range that it is doubtful if they ever take birds of any species.
Their nests are located either on the ground or at low ele-
vations in trees; the large eggs are very handsomely blotched
with brown.

GOLDEN EAGLES, while not to be considered as
common anywhere, are rather evenly distributed throughout
North America, west of the Mississippi River. Stragglers
or isolated pairs occur in mountainous regions of many of
our Eastern States. Golden Eagles, although having
slightly less expanse of wing than Bald Eagles, are heavier,
stronger, and, with all respect to our national bird, less
cowardly in that they seek nobler game and never obtain
their food by such arrant thievery as the latter often prac-
tises. They always prefer live prey to carrion, and com-
monly feed upon all sorts of large game, such as water fowl,
turkeys, grouse, hares, fawns, etc.

212

BIRDS OF PREY

(352) Halizetus leucocéphalus
leucocéphalus

(Linn.) (Gr., a sea-eagle; white-head).

BALD EAGLE; WHITE-
HEADED EAGLE. Tarsi not
feathered to the toes. Ads.— Plum-
age as shown; blackish-brown, with
white head and tail; this plumage
is not fully attained until the bird
is over three years of age. Im.—
Blackish-brown all over with only
a few whitish feathers showing. The
second year they are grayer, with
more white and are larger than the
adults. L., 34.00; Ex., 6 or 7 fect;
W.| 23:00; “T.,. r200s Tar. 3275;

Range — Whole U. S., breeding
locally. A rather larger, blacker
variety, NORTHERN BALD
EAGLE (H. 1. alascanus) is found
throughout Canada and Alaska.
South to the Great Lakes.

In form, they are trim, clean-cut, and powerful, and in
flight are very graceful for such large, heavy birds. They
are almost always seen in pairs and probably remain mated
for life. Unless disturbed too frequently they use the same
nest year after year; according to localities these are located
on ledges of cliffs, high bluffs, or in large trees. The two or
three large eggs are handsomely dotted, clouded, blotched
or splashed with several shades of brown and often grays.
When a nest is approached the owners always leave and are
seldom seen again while the intruder is about. They are
very shy at all times.

BALD EAGLES, our National Emblem, are of local
occurrence and are resident throughout the greater portion
of North America. In their young “black” plumage, which
they wear for the first two years, they are often mistaken for
the last species; besides lacking the yellowish feathers on the
nape, which show in nearly all plumages of the Golden
Eagle, their wings are comparatively narrower and the
tarsi are not feathered on the lower half.

213

BIRDS OF PREY

(353) Falco islandus Briinn
(Lat., a falcon; Icelandic).

WHITE GYRFALCON. Legs
feathered half way to the toes.
Ads.— Plumage as shown by the
nearest bird — pure white, more or
less spotted or barred with blackish,
as in Snowy Owls. Im.— Not
greatly different, but with more
blackish. L., 22.00; W., 14.50.

Range — Arctic regions; casual in
Me. and Ont.

(354) Falco rusticolus rusti=
colus Linn.

GRAY GYRFALCON. Plumage
as shown by rear bird — grayer with
more barring and spots. Casually
south to northern U. S. GYR-
FALCON (fF. r. gyrfalcon) is still
darker, the blackish being in excess
of light coloring.

This species is not as destructive as the last, but when its
usual sources of food fail, they will take lambs, pigs, or
fawns. As they are more commonly found about water,
they kill quite a number of various species of ducks and, in
the south especially, coots. The greater part of their food
is carrion, chiefly dead fish which they get from the shores.
They are almost as good scavengers along the beaches as
are vultures. They often visit fish nets at low tide, when
they can reach down and help themselves. I have never
seen them dive for living fish; they prefer to let the Osprey
do that and then rob him of his prey. I have seen this
interesting, oft-described performance several times —
twice in one morning at Cape Henry, Va., where an Osprey
had its nest only a quarter mile from the shore that the
eagles were continually patrolling. On the first occasion,
the Osprey dropped its fish as soon as the eagle started in
pursuit; the second time, both birds soared so high as to be
nearly beyond vision even with good binoculars, before the
booty was relinquished, the hawk descending out over the

214

BIRDS OF PREY

(354b) Falco rusticolus obso=
létus Gmel.

BLACK GRYFALCON. Much
darker than any other variety of
Gyrfalcons, the general plumage
being blackish, with buffy-white
spots above and streaks below.

Range — Breeds in Ungava. South
in winter to Me. and Ont.

(355) Falco mexicadnus Schlegel

PRAIRIE FALCON. Plumage
as shown — blackish-brown above
and whitish below, the under parts
being boldly streaked with dusky;
a prominent blackish-brown mous-
tache mark, downward from the bill.
L., 18.00; W., 13.00; T., 8.00; Tar.,
2.00.

Range — Plains from Sask. and
B. C. south to Mexico; casual east
to Minn. and III.

water, shrilly whistling his anger, there to resume fishing
while the eagle settled in a dead tree to enjoy his meal.
Usually their nests are well up in large trees, preferably
pines. They are very bulkily but firmly constructed of
large sticks and lined with twigs or grasses. The two or
three eggs are dull white. These eagles have much less fear
of man than the last species, for they often resent intrusion
near their nests and sometimes swoop viciously at the climber.
GYRFALCONS are bold, fearless and destructive
Raptores inhabiting our Arctic coasts and southward to
Labrador. Only in very severe winters do some species
appear within the borders of the United States. Their food
consists chiefly of sea-birds, ducks, ptarmigan and hares.
Their habits are practically the same as those of the falcons
that have a more southerly distribution. ;
PRAIRIE FALCONS are not uncommon in open country
from the eastern edge of the Great Plains to the Pacific coast.
Their ordinary flight as they course over the prairies is easy
and rather graceful, performed by series of quick wing-beats

215

BIRDS OF PREY

(356a) Falco peregrinus 4na=
tum Bonap.
(Lat., wandering; a duck).

DUCK HAWK; PEREGRINE
FALCON; GREAT-FOOTED
HAWK. Feet large and powerful,
the toes being of unusual length.
Only first outer primary notched.
Upper mandible strongly hooked;
lower deeply notched. Ads.— Plum-
age as shown, bluish-slate above and
white, tinged with buffy below; con-
spicuous black moustache marks;
numerous streaks and crossbars be-
low. Im.— Mixed with brownish
above; lower markings all length-
wise. L., 19.00; Ex., 45.00; W.,
14.00; T., 7.00; Tar., 2.00.

Range — Whole of North and South
America, breeding locally throughout
the range.

alternated with sailings. Ifa lark or other bird of appropri-
ate size rises before them, they spring forward as though shot
from a gun, with a speed that is amazing, and strike their
quarry almost before it has time to get into full flight. If
a prairie dog, gopher, or squirrel is so incautious as not to
observe their approach, or happens to be a few feet from
the entrance to the burrow, its fate is sealed. Birds up
to the size of pigeons and the smaller rodents form their
usual food; but they have the strength, if not the inclination,
to kill and carry away much larger. game.

Their nests are almost invariably on the ledges of cliffs
or in cavities of perpendicular bluffs, usually in places
difficult to get at. The eggs are creamy-white, very finely
specked over the whole surface with reddish-brown.

DUCK HAWES are found, where suitable conditions
occur, throughout North and South America. This is but
a very similar sub-species of the famous Peregrine Falcons,
which were almost as extensively used in England for
“falconry” as were the more powerful Gyrfalcons. They

216

BIRDS OF PREY

(357) Falco columbdarius col= |
umbarius Linn.
(Lat., a pigeon-fancier).

PIGEON HAWK. Ads.— Plum-
age as shown; the @ larger and
darker colored than the o'; upper
parts bluish-slate, with black shaft
lines; tail with four black bands,
the terminal one very broad. Im.—
Similar as to markings, but the upper
parts and tail are brownish-black,
the latter crossed by four light
bands, L., 12.00; Ex., 2.400; W.,
8.00; T., 5.50; Tar., 1.35. Eggs —
Buffy, heavily blotched with brown,
i.50x 1.20. Nest in trees, cavities
or on ledges; a frail structure of
twigs, when in trees or on the ground;
no lining when nesting in cavities.

Range — Breeds from Me., Mich..
and Ore. northward. Winters from
southern U. S. southward.

were excellently adapted to the purpose, for they are power-
ful and daring far beyond their size. Even in ordinary
flight, the movement of their wings is very rapid, but when
they stoop in a sudden burst of speed to attack their quarry
probably their swiftness excels that of any other species.

They are usually to be found in the vicinity of waters,
since they have a preference for water fowls. They habit-
ually attack birds larger than themselves, striking with a
force and energy that usually kills the quarry at the impact
of the strong talons. The unusual size of their feet enables
them to do great execution among large ducks or gulls.

If the nature of the country allows, they choose ledges
or cliffs for their nesting sites; in the north they always do
so, but in some parts of the United States they resort to
cavities in trees. Little nesting material is used, sometimes
not even a lining, the eggs being on bare rock. The eggs are
so minutely dotted that the ground color appears to be a
light rufous-buff, and the surface is irregularly blotched with
darker shades of the same.

217

BIRDS OF PREY

(357b) Falco columbdarius rich=
ardsoni Ridgway

RICHARDSON’S MERLIN;
RICHARDSON’S PIGEON HAWK.
Much lighter in all plumages than
the last species. Tail crossed by six
black bands. Ad. o — Plumage as
shown by the lower bird, the back
being a light blue-gray, on which
the shaft marks show prominently.
@ and Jm.— As shown by the upper
bird, the back grayish-brown, with
paler edging of the feathers. L.,
12.00.

Range— The interior, breeding
from N. Dak. to Sask. and wintering
south to Tex.

(358.1) MERLIN (Falso esalon),
an European species, has been once
taken in Greenland, and (359.1)
KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) has
been taken once in Mass.

Duck Hawks are one of the very few species which have
little to their credit from an economical point of view.
Fortunately they are pretty locally distributed and generally
where other quarry is more easily obtained than poultry.

PIGEON HAWKS, during summer, are found in the
United States only in the northern parts, or in mountain
ranges southward. The majority of them retire to the
northern parts of British America and Alaska. They are
rather shy and retiring during the breeding season and
rarely seen except in the immediate vicinity of their nests.
The nests are usually in trees, not more than ten or twenty
feet above ground —- bulky structures nearly as large as
crow nests; less often they are found on ledges of cliffs and
rarely they deposit the eggs in cavities in trees. When their
homes are invaded, they usually dash at the intruder with a
ferceness that, in spite of their small size, might lead to
serious consequences should they chance to strike one in
the face.

218

BIRDS OF PREY

(360) Falco sparvérius spar=
vérius Linn. (Lat., a sparrower).
SPARROW HAWK. Smallest

of our hawks. Ad. o' — Plumage

as shown by the left-hand bird.

Upper parts largely bright rufous,

with short black bars on the back

and a broad band across the end
of the tail; under parts with round
black spots. Ad. 9 — Upper parts,
including wings, rufous, barred com-
pletely with black; below streaked

with brownish. L., 10.50; W., 7.50;

We G5s5On Late, 1235:

Range —Breeds throughout the
U.S. and Canada, east of the Rockies.
Winters from Mass. and Ohio south-
ward. (360c) LITTLE SPARROW
HAWK (F.s. paulus), slightly small-
er, inhabits Fla. Peninsula. (361)
CUBAN SPARROW HAWKE (F
sparveroides) is casual in Fla.

Large numbers of them migrate through our country to
their winter quarters from the Gulf States southward. As
usual with falcons, their flight is performed by rapid wing-
beats and short sailings. Their food consists of insects, such
as grasshoppers, crickets, larve and dragon-flics, catching
the latter easily in spite of their swift and erratic flight;
they also kill a great many small birds and mammals.
Richardson’s Merlin is a very pale-colored Pigeon Hawk
occurring locally from the plains to the Pacific coast.

SPARROW HAWKS are the smallest of any of our hawks
or falcons. In summer, they are quite abundant throughout
the United States and southern Canada, their presence
being the more noticeable because they are most often
found in rather open, populated country. In winter, they
are most abundant along our Gulf coast and in Mexico,
although some remain as far north as Massachusetts, Jowa,
and British Columbia. Their food consists almost entirely
of grasshoppers at all seasons of the year; other insects are
occasionally found in stomachs dissected, and rarely even

219

BIRDS OF PREY
(362) Polyborus cheriway

(Jacquin) (Gr., very voracious).

AUDUBON’S CARACARA. Bill
long, high and compressed. Chin
and face unfeathered but covered
with bristles. Head crested. Tarsus
long und unfeathered. Feet and
claws large, the latter nearly straight.
Ads.— Plumage as shown; chiefly
blackish-brown and white, with a
tinge of yellowish on the nape. Im.
— More brownish and the markings
in streaks rather than bars. L.,
23.00; Ex., 48.00; W., 15.50; T.,
9.00; Tar., 3.00. Nest—A bulky
pile of sticks and weeds in bushes
or low trees; two or three whitish
eggs, so heavily blotched and clouded
with brownish as to obscure the
ground color, 2.50 x 1.80.

Range — Fla., Tex. and Ariz. south-
ward.

field mice; it seems to be very unusual for them to kill birds
of any kind. Such valuable birds should be encouraged
by husbandmen to remain on their premises, and they will
do so if branches containing suitable cavities are not trimmed
from all trees.

They are quite noisy in spring, the male often chasing
his mate, both loudly uttering their familiar high-pitched
“killy, killy, killy,” etc. Their four or five pretty eggs are
usually deposited at the bottoms of cavities in trees, most
frequently in deserted Flicker nests; no lining is used if the
bottom of the cavity is suited to receive the eggs. In some
sections of the west they are reported as nesting in old Mag-
pie homes.

AUDUBON’S CARACARAS are resident in the southern
portions of Florida, Texas, and Arizona. Although com-
monly found in the neighborhood of houses or farms, they
are at nearly all times shy and difficult to approach. Their
habits are in many respects like those of the vultures, for
they devour quantities of carrion. Near the coasts, they

220

BIRDS OF PREY

(364) Pandion halidétus caro=
linénsis
(Gmel.)

OSPREY; FISH HAWK. Feet
very large and rough; talons long
and strongly hooked. Plumage very
close, firm and oily; occipital feathers
slightly lengthened. Ads.— Plum-
age as shown. Only very old birds
have a solid blackish-brown back;
usually the feathers are more or less
edged with whitish —the younger
the bird the more white on the back,
but the reverse is true in regard to
thehead. L., 23.00; Ex., 5 feet; W.,
20.00; T., 9.50; Tar., 2.25. Nest
—Very bulky, of sticks, usually
in trees but sometimes on the ground.

Range — Breeds throughout the
U. S., Canada and Alaska. Winters
from southern. U. S. southward.

live a great deal upon fish, which they get from the shore or
force pelicans to disgorge. Their flight is rather graceful
and quite swift, but most of their hunting is done on the
ground; their legs and feet are especially adapted to a
ground life. They kill many rabbits, other smaller rodents,
and also many insects and serpents. Their nests, rather
bulky but shabbily constructed of twigs and weeds, are
placed in the tops of low trees.

Famity PANDIONIDE. Ospreys

OSPREYS, or Fish Hawks, are abundant in suitable
localities throughout North America. As their food is
wholly of fish, they are confined chiefly to sea-coasts and
large inland bodies of water; during migrations, however,
they will be seen sailing over many lakes and following river
courses. While they are not recognized as of any economic
value, the harm they do is nil, and folks are beginning to
appreciate the fact that many birds have an esthetic value
to warrant their strictest protection.

221

BIRDS OF PREY

(365) Altico pratincola

(Bonap.) (Ital., some kind of an owl;
Lat., meadow inhabiting).

BARN OWL; MONKEY-FACED
OWL. Facial disc highly developed,
triangular rather than circular, and
capable of being varied in form
according to the bird’s emotions.
Plumage as shown; very soft and
with a very intricate pattern — very
finely vermiculated, especially on
the upper parts. L., 16.00; Ex.,
44.00; W., 13.50; T., 6.50; Tar.,
2.75. Nest—In hollow trees, in
caves, barns, towers or other build-
ings; five to seven pure white eggs,
1.70 X 1.30.

Range — Breeds from N. Y., Ohio,
Ill., Neb., Col. and Cal. south to the
Gulf and southern Mexico. Casually
north to Mass., Ont., and Minn.

The Osprey feeds wholly upon living fish that it catches
by its own efforts. It is a grand sight to watch one of these
great creatures sailing majestically along a hundred feet or
more above water. Upon sighting a fish near the surface,
he hovers for a few seconds on rapidly flapping wings and
then, if the fish is in a satisfactory position, he folds his long
wings and plunges downward like a huge, living arrow; just
as the water is reached, his long legs are thrust forward in
front of his face and the opened talons are in readiness to
grasp the quarry; within two or three seconds he will appear
above water, give one or two quick, vigorous shakes of the
wings, sending water flying in all directions, and slowly fly
away to his favorite perch if successful. The average size
of fish caught by Ospreys seems to be about one pound.

Their nests are normally placed in trees, the same structure
being added to and used year after year, becoming enormous
in size in a few years. Absence of trees in some places near
favorable fishing areas causes them to build their homes on
the ground.

222

BIRDS OF PREY

(366) Asio wilsonianus ee
(Less.) (Lat., a kind of horned owl). ete
LONG-EARED OWL. Ear

tufts long and prominent. Plum-
age as shown; under parts heavily
streaked and with numerous cross-
bars; face feathers usually quite
rusty colored; back rather dark,
finely vermiculated with gray and
buffy; facial disc nearly round. L.,
15.00; Ex., 39.00; W., 11.50; T.,
6.00; Tar., 1.40. Nest — Usually
in deserted crow or hawk nests, but
also in hollow trees or even on the
ground; the three to seven eggs are
pure white, 1.55 x 1.35.

Range —Temperate North America.
Breeds from Newfoundland, Quebec,
Keewatin and B. C. south to Mass.,
Ind. and Cal. Winters throughout
the U. S. and south to Guatemala.

Famity ALUCONIDZ. Barn Owts

BARN OWLS are abundant in tropical and subtropical
climates. They are numerous in our Southern States and
not uncommon as far north as New York. They show little
fear of man — indeed, this species frequently nests within
large cities in barns or church steeples. They are not only
very inoffensive owls but are quite valuable, for they destroy
quantities of ground squirrels, mice, moles, grasshoppers,
beetles, etc., and rarely take small birds. Their flight is
rather slow, but, as usual with owls, very silently performed.

Their nesting sites are very variable; ordinarily they use
cavities in trees, but circumstances at times cause them to
adopt burrows under ground, holes in banks, crevices among
ledges, dovecotes, or corners in barns or steeples, and some-
times on stumps, logs, or even on the ground.

Famity STRIGIDA. Hornep OWLs, ETC.
LONG-EARED OWLS are abundant, for owls, through-
out temperate America; they are resident in the United

223

BIRDS OF PREY

(367) Asio flammeus
(Pont.) (Lat., reddish).

SHORT-EARED OWL; MARSH
OWL. Ear tufts very small and
inconspicuous. Plumage as shown,
the general tone being tawny — much
lighter than that of the last species.
The markings below are all streaks
—no crossbars. The facial disc
is largely whitish. L., 15.50; Ex.,
41.00; W., 12.00; T., 6.00; Tar.,
1.50. Nest— Usually built on the
ground in marshes or meadows;
sometimes in burrows; a slight hollow,
lined with a few grasses; four to seven,
dull white eggs, 1.55 x 1.25.

Range —Nearly — cosmopolitan.
Breeds locally from the Arctic coast
south to Mass., Ind., Mo. and Cal.
Winters from its southern breeding
range southward.

States, but migratory in Canada. As they are almost en-
tirely nocturnal and never hunt during daylight, they may be
fairly abundant in a locality and their presence not suspected
by any not acquainted with their habits and calls. They
are rather silent except during the breeding season, which is
during April or May, according to locality; at this season
they utter several notes, the most common and distinctive of
which, according to Bendire, is a soft-toned “wo-hunk,”
repeated slowly several times; they also give a short twitter-
ing or trilling whistle.

Their eggs are nearly always deposited in old crow nests,
which are repaired by adding a little grass for lining and some
feathers, the latter nearly always showing from the ground.
Often the female will remain on the nest even though the
base of the tree be jarred considerably. Several times they
have still been covering the eggs when I climbed the tree and
looked over the brim of the nest; I would no sooner get sight
of the little round face, with the long, erect ears, than she
would silently flit away for some distance.

224

BIRDS OF PREY

(368) Strix varia varia Barton
(Lat., a screech-owl; variegated).

BARRED OWL; HOOT OWL.
Head very large and round; without
ear tufts. Plumage as shown; chiefly
brownish and grayish; facial disc
grayish, with concentric indistinct
rings of dusky; eyes blue-black; under
parts regularly barred on the breast
and streaked elsewhere with brownish.
L., 19.00; Ex., 44.00; W., 13.00; T.,
9.50. Nest — Usually in hollow trees
but sometimes in old crow nests; two
to four white eggs, 1.95 x 1.65.

Range — Resident from Quebec
and Keewatin south to Ga. and Kan.
(368a) FLORIDA BARRED OWL
(S. v. Alleni), which has the toes
unfeathered, is found along the Gulf
coast and north to S. Car.

SHORT-EARED OWLS are of the same size as the last
species, but very readily distinguished because of the tiny
ear tufts versus the long ones, and the pale buff coloration
versus one in which reddish-brown enters largely. While
in reality this species is not as abundant as the last at any
season, they are fully as apt to be seen, since they are not as
nocturnal as most species. Before dusk, or earlier on cloudy
days, they may be seen silently sweeping over marshes
hunting for mice, frogs, grasshoppers, etc. They fly low,
just clearing the tops of the grass; upon sighting quarry,
without appreciably slackening speed, they swoop a little
lower, extend their legs downward, and then gracefully curve
up to some convenient perch, bearing their prey.

Short-eared Owls build their nests of dry grasses on the
ground, usually in clumps of weeds or tall grass in meadows
or marshes.

BARRED OWLS are the most abundant of the larger owls
throughout temperate eastern North America. They are
resident except in the northern parts of their range. This

225

BIRDS OF PREY

(370) Scotiaptex nebul6ésa
nebuloésa (Forster) (Gr., darkness,
eagle-owl; Lat., clouded).

GREAT GRAY OWL. Owing to
the long, loose feathering, this species
appears to be one of the largest of
our owls, whereas in reality it weighs
little more than half as much as the
Great Horned and Snowy Owls.
Facial disc very large; eyes small
and yellow. Plumage as shown, the
upper parts being clouded dusky-
brownish. L., 27.00; Ex., 5 feet; W.,
17.00; T., 12.00; Nest—In trees,
usually coniferous ones in densely
wooded regions; of sticks, lined with
moss and some feathers; two to four
white eggs, 2.15 X 1.70.

Range — Breeds from Hudson Bay
to central Alaska. Winters south
to the northern border of the U. S.
and casually to Mass., N. Y. and Ohio.

species is one of the so-called “‘Hoot Owls.” Its notes are
quite varied, but may be likened to a series of hollow but
loud and sonorous sounds like ‘‘hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo, too-hoo-
ah”’; occasionally the tones will change to a ‘“‘ha-ha-ha,”’
like a person laughing; less often they will mingle a mournful
wail in with their hootings.

Barred Owls are not as harmless as the preceding species,
but it is believed that the good they do in the way of destruc-
tion of mice, rats, squirrels, etc., outweighs the harm they do
in occasionally taking poultry or other birds; when hungry,
they are not particular as to the species of birds they devour,
for they have been known to take Screech and Saw-whet Owls.

Barred Owls ordinarily nest in natural cavities of trees,
preferably those in large woods or swamps near water. Since
such sites are not readily obtained where much large timber
is cut away, they occasionally make use of old crow or hawk
nests. They breed early, the eggs being laid usually in
March, even in the north where the ground is covered
with snow.

226

BIRDS OF PREY

(371) Cryptoglaux funérea
richardsoni (Bonap.) (Gr., not well
defined, an owl; Lat., sombre).

RICHARDSON’S OWL. A small
species; no ear tufts. Plumage as
shown by the upper bird; grayish-
brownabove; crown and wing coverts
spotted with white. L., 11.00.

Range — Breeds in northern half
of Canada; south in winter casually
to Mass., Pa. and Ore.

(372) Cryptoglaux acddica
acadica (Gmel.)

SAW-WHET OWL; ACADIAN
OWL. Smallest of the eastern owls.
Plumage as shown by the lower bird
—brownish; top of head streaked;
wing coverts unmarked. L., 7.75.

Range — Breeds locally in the
northern half of the U. S. and south-
ern Canada. Winters in U.S.

GREAT GRAY OWLS are residents of the northern half
of Canada and Alaska. During severe winters they some-
times migrate south to our northern borders, but their
appearance is very erratic. Their plumage is very loose and
fluffy, the long feathers giving them an appearance of great
size that does not in reality exist. The head is very full-
feathered, the facial disc being unusually large. The eyes,
however, are small and yellow, while those of the Barred
Owl, the only species with which this can be confused, are
large and dark brown or blue-black.

RICHARDSON’S OWLS are a boreal species that casu-
ally occurs along our northern border during winter. They
breed throughout Canada, but most abundantly in the
northern half and in Alaska. They are so nocturnal in
habits and so indifferent to the presence of man that, if
found during daylight, they can often be taken in the hands.
They resemble the next, more common, species, but are
larger and grayer; the top of the head is spotted and the
breast barred, while the smaller species is streaked.

227

BIRDS OF PREY

(373) Otus Asio 4sio

(Linn.) (Lat., a small kind of horned owl).

SCREECH OWL; LITTLE CAT-
OWL. A small owl with prominent
ear tufts. Plumage as shown, there
being two color phases, a reddish
and a gray, irrespective of age or
sex. L., 9.00; Ex., 22.00; W., 6.50;
T., 3.25. Mest—In hollow trees,
either in woods or orchards, or even
in bird boxes; four to seven pure
white eggs, 1.35 X I.20.

Range — Resident in eastern North
America from N. B., Ont. and Minn.
south to Ga.and Tex. (373a) FLOR-
IDA SCREECH OWL (O. a. flori-
danus), found along the Gulf coast
and north to S. Car., is smaller and
darker; the red phase is most abun-
dant of this variety while the gray
predominates in the northern birds.

ACADIAN OWLS are the smallest species found in eastern
North America. They are locally distributed and resident
in the northern half of the United States and southern
British Provinces; as those in the northern parts of their
range migrate southward, they are more often seen in our
country during winter. They are so small and so nocturnal
in their habits that they might not be discovered in a locality
even though numbers of them were there. Chickadees, by
their noisy chattering, have disclosed the hiding places of
several to me; most of these allowed themselves to be caught
in the hands.

They feed chiefly upon mice and insects, which they catch
during their nightly rambles, and of course to some extent
upon small birds. During spring, their shrill, peculiar
whistles may be heard in swampy woods, within which they
preferably nest. Their eggs are usually deposited at the
bottoms of deserted woodpecker holes.

SCREECH OWLS, in some of the many sub-species, are
distributed throughout the United States, and are probably

228

BIRDS OF PREY

(375) Bdbo virginidnus vir=
giniadnus

(Gmel.) (Lat., a great horned owl).

GREAT HORNED OWL; CAT
OWL; HOOT OWL. A very large,
strong and fierce species, with large
conspicuous ear tufts. Plumage of
our eastern species as shown, al-
though it may be a trifle lighter or
darker. L., 24.00; Ex., 4. or 5 feet;
W.5 15:00; Tis 9,003. “Dar.; 2:20.

Range — Eastern North America,
from N. B,, Quebec and Ont. south
to the Gulf west to Minn. (375a)
WESTERN HORNED OWL (B. v.
palléscens), a paler variety, is found
from Minn. and Tex. westward.
(375b) ARCTIC HORNED OWL
(B. v. subarcticus), with no brown
in the plumage, is found from our
border north to Keewatin.

the most abundant species that we have. They are the only
what may be termed small owls having ear tufts to be found
within our domains. They are regarded as among the most
useful of owls, for, not only do they destroy great numbers of
rodents, but they prefer to live in the neighborhood of
farms, where their services are always greatly needed.
Almost any locality that has an abundance of trees with
decaying limbs to furnish suitable nesting and resting places
is a good district for Screech Owls. They always nest in
cavities, either natural ones, deserted woodpecker holes,
or in boxes erected for them in orchards. At other than
nesting seasons they may spend the day in hollow trees or
may sleep out in the open; in the latter cases they are
frequently discovered by jays or crows, which set up a
great clamor until the owl in disgust is forced to fly away to
other quarters. At nightfall they start out on their hunting
expeditions, which take them about barns, in cities, across
meadows, or along brooks — anywhere that they will be
likely to find rodents, of which they are very fond; they also

229

BIRDS OF PREY
(376) Nyctea nyctea

(Linn.) (Gr., nocturnal).

SNOWY OWL; GREAT WHITE
OWL. The heaviest and one of
the strongest of our owls. No ear
tufts. Plumage very variable but
always pure white and_ blackish-
brown. The male is the lightest
colored and varies from pure, un-
marked white to the plumage shown
here. The female is larger and
ranges from the plumage shown here
to specimens so heavily barred that
the prevailing color is blackish; the
face and throat are always pure white,
unmarked. L., 25.00; Ex., 5 feet;
W., 17:00; Ts, 9.505. Tar: *2.00.
Eggs pure white, 2.25 x 1.75.

Range — Breeds along the Arctic
coast. South in winter to the north-
ern border of the U. S. and casually
to the Gulf States.

eat insects, reptiles, fish, and small birds. The remains of
all quarry, the indigestible portions, such as bones, fur, or
feathers, is cast up in the form of round pellets several hours
after meals. These pellets are ejected by all owls and
frequently may be found on the ground about nesting places.

GREAT HORNED OWLS are one of our largest and
strongest owls, and are practically the only ones residing
within the United States that do any great amount of harm.
They are very destructive and often kill apparently just for
the pleasure of it. Nearly every case of poultry having been
taken at night by birds can be charged to this species,
although Barred Owls often get the blame, for they are more
numerous and consequently more often observed. Horned
Owls can see just as well during daylight as at night and on
cloudy days are often abroad.

They are becoming less and less numerous in settled
country, as the heavy timber in which they prefer to dwell is
being thinned out. Except during the nesting season they are
quite solitary in their habits. One of these dwelt in heavy

230

BIRDS OF PREY

(377a) Sarnia dlula caparoch
(Miller)

HAWK OWL; DAY OWL.
Facial disc little developed. Bill
protrusive and position of eyes quite
hawk-like. Tail very long for an
owl. Plumage as shown; blackish-
brown above, spotted with white
and whitish below, barred with black.
Heavily feathered to the tips of the
toes, in keeping with its northern
distribution. L., 15.00; Ex., 33.00;
W., 9.00; T., 7.00; Tar., 1.00. Nest
— Of sticks in the tops of trees, in
cavities or on the ground; lined with
feathers; three to seven white eggs,
Teesix 25;

Range — Breeds from Ungava, Al-
berta and B. C. northward to the
Arctic Ocean. Winters south to the
northern tier of States and casually
to Mass., N. Y., Ind. and Wash.

woods on either side of a certain small lake. On still nights I
have heard them calling to one another with a loud dismal
“too-hoo, too-hoo, too-hoo,”’ the notes all on the same pitch;
instantly the echo would be reflected back across the water,
and soon would come the answering call from the other bird.
Becoming tired of the play, one of them would finally let out a
loud, unearthly, cat-like screech, and then silence would reign.

SNOWY OWLS are abundant along the Arctic coasts of
our continent. In severe winters many of them reach our
northern border. They are of the same size and as destruc-
tive as the last species, living chiefly upon ptarmigan and
hares in their northern homes, but taking grouse, poultry,
and even turkeys when they can get them during winter.
Like most owls, they are also fond of fish and are quite expert
at catching them by quickly reaching into the water.

HAWK OWLS are medium-sized, long-tailed, earless
species inhabiting boreal regions. Their whole form is
nearly as suggestive of a hawk as of an owl, but they have
the loose fluffy plumage of the latter.

231

BIRDS OF PREY

(378) Spedétyto cuniculdria
hypogea

(Bonap.) (Gr., a cave, owl; Lat:, a
burrower; Gr., underground).

BURROWING OWL. Facial
disc incomplete. Noears. Tail very
short. Legs very long and slender;
tarsi very scantily feathered in
front and bare behind; toes and the
legs more or less bristly. Plumage
as shown, much spotted and barred
with brown and white. L., oes
Wee O:755) es ioow aekareden
Nest — At the end of burrows dis
by prairie dogs, badgers, skunks
or foxes; five to ten white eggs.

Range — Western U.S. from Minn.,
Kan. and Tex. west to the Pacific
coast. (378a), FLORIDA BUR-
ROWING OWL (S. c. floridanus),
found in southern Fla., is smaller and
has even less feathering on the tarsi.

BURROWING OWLS are peculiar, long-legged species
that are abundant on the plains and prairies of our Western
and Southwestern States and also in the interior of southern
Florida. They live in burrows in the ground, but do not
dig these themselves. Either ground squirrel, gopher, or
prairie dog homes are satisfactory to them after they have
driven out the original occupant. They not only do not
live in harmony with these creatures, as sometimes stated,
but even enter other burrows to secure the young, of which
they are fond. Small as they are, they are undoubtedly
more than a match for prairie dogs, and frequently kill
adult squirrels. Other food consists chiefly of smaller
rodents and numerous insects. Although quite diurnal in
their habits, they do the greater part of their hunting after
dusk. Their flight is very silent, as usual with owls, so their
quarry is struck down often before aware of their presence.
Their usual notes are a sort of chattering, uttered while in
flight. Their numerous white eggs are laid in enlarged
chambers at the ends of the burrows.

232

PARROTS, PAROQUETS

(382) Conurépsis carolinénsis

(Linn.) (Gr., cone or cuneate-tail, ap-
pearance).

CAROLINA PAROQUET. Our
only representative of this tropical
family in eastern North America.
Ads. — Plumage as shown; chiefly
grass-green, but with the whole head
yellow, brightening to orange or
reddish on the forehead. Immature
birds have the whole head greenish
like the body. The short, rough
legs have two toes in front and two
behind 1i:; 12.50; s Wis 75503. ki;
6.50. Nest — Believed to be only in
hollow trees, but the nesting habits
are still imperfectly known; three
to five white eggs, with a rather
rough surface, 1.35 X 1.05,

Range — Now only in_ interior
Fla. Formerly north to N. Y., Wis., 5 SG
and Col. sie ee

\.

Orver PSITTACI. Parrots, PAROQUETS

Famity PSITTACIDZ. Parrots, PAROQUETS
CAROLINA PARAQUETS, like several other species

of our birds, have been driven from pillar to post until now
they are making their last and final stand in unsettled
portions of Florida. As late as 1860 they were not uncom-
mon in all the Southeastern States, and north to Pennsyl-
vania. Large numbers of them were shot because they
injured fruit or grain; more for their plumage with which
to adorn hats; many were killed by gunners merely to test
their skill on swiftly flying birds; and quantities of them
were trapped and sold for pets.

They feed upon seeds of cones, various weeds, buds
of trees and any edible berries or fruits. Their movements,
while on the ground or feeding in trees, are rather slow,
strongly suggestive of the actions of crossbills, for they may
remain suspended in any position as they secure their food.

233

CUCKOOS, ANIS, ETC.

(384) Crotéphaga sulciréstris
Swainson

(Gr., bug-eating; Lat., groove, beak).

GROOVE-BILLED ANI. Bill
deep and with a thin ridge on cul-
men. Tail long and broad. Plum-
age black, with metallic blue or green
edging of the feathers. L., 14.50;
We Sa7 5a) asia peal weleso;

Range — Southern Tex. southward.
ANI (Crotophaga ani), abundant in
Cuba, is casual in Fla.

(385) Gedécoccyx californianus
(Less.) (Gr., ground cuckoo).

ROAD-RUNNER; CHAPARRAL
COCK; SNAKE-KILLER. A re-
markable, long, broad-tailed species
with plumage as shown. L., 23.00;
Wa 0.955 cLapetae 75:

Range — Kan., Nev., and Cal.
southward.

On the wing, they are very swift, their flight being similar
to that of pigeons; they are so dexterous that, without
halting their speed, flocks of them will dash through the
densest of woods. As usual with parrots, they are very
noisy and their voices are harsh and unpleasant. Now
regarded as very rare, it can be but a few more years before
the last living one will have been seen.

OrDER COCCYGES. Cuckoos, ETc.

ANIS are slender, long-tailed, ‘‘Roman-nosed” black
birds abounding in Mexico and the West Indies, but only of
local occurrence along our southern border. They are re-
garded as very useful birds and are always present near
settlements, where they feed about browsing cattle, picking
up insects that are exposed or frightened into taking wing;
often they will alight on the backs of the animals and pick
off parasites that are very numerous and injurious in the
tropics.

234

CUCKOOS

(386) Coccyzus minor minor
(Gmel.) (Gr., a cuckoo; Lat., smaller).
MANGROVE CUCKOO. Above

grayish; below buffy; tail feathers

with broad white tips; auriculars
blackish. Shown by the upper left

hand bird. L., 12.50; W., 5.40.
Range — West Indies and Fila.
(386a) MAYNARD’S CUCKOO

(C. m. maynardi), a Bahaman species,

casual in the Fla. Keys.

(387) Coccyzus americanus

americanus (Linn.)

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.
Plumage as shown. Brownish-gray
above; whitish below; outer tail
feathers black, with broad white
tips; primaries rufous on the inner
webs. Lower mandible yellowish.
Woe ke 2Gni Wan ou Osu Las, 02205

Range — Breeds from N. B., Ont.,
and Minn. southward.

They are often seen in company with grackles and, at
first glance, might readily be mistaken for such. Their
usual note is a rather clearly whistled ‘“‘plee-co, plee-co,
plee-co,”” sounding to me most like the call notes of flocks of
quail.

Ani nests are rather large and bulky, but loosely made,
structures of twigs. The birds go in companies of a dozen
or more and all the females unite in building and occupying
this nest. Sometimes fifteen or more of the chalky-covered
blue eggs will be found in one nest, although it is doubtful
if a single female lays more than two or three.

CUCKOOS are gray and brown birds having peculiar
croaking notes which, combined with their rather stealthy
manner of progressing through underbrush or trees, cause
ignorant, superstitious persons to regard them as birds of
“ill omen.” The truth of the matter is that they are one of
the most useful families of birds that we have, for they
destroy quantities of fuzzy caterpillars that are very destruc-
tive to our trees, but are eaten by very few other birds.

235

CUCKOOS

(388) Coccyzus erythroph-

thalmus

(Wilson) (Gr., reddish eye, referring to
the red eye-ring).

BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.
Both mandibles black. Plumage as
shown. Upper parts brownish-gray,
slightly glossed with greenish; tail like
the back but the feathers very nar-
rowly tipped with white. L., 11.50;
W., 5.25; T., 6.25. Nest—A frail plat-
form of twigs, rootlets and weeds,
lined with catkins, in bushes or low
trees; three or four greenish-blue
eggs, 1.15 x .85, deeper colored and
smaller than those of the last species.

Range — Breeds in the United
States and southern Canada, arriving
in May and leaving in Sept. for win-
ter quarters in South America. This
species is the most common in our
Northern States.

Furthermore, they have no objectionable habits and do not,
as so often believed, ever deposit their eggs in nests of other
birds, a trick resorted to by the European Cuckoo, which
is an entirely different bird, belonging to another family.

Two species are commonly found in most of eastern
United States, the larger Yellow-billed Cuckoo being the
most abundant in southern states.

The nesting habits of both species are the same, the
nests being loosely constructed platforms of twigs, lined with
catkins; so flat on top that the eggs sometimes roll off.
These are most often located in thickets, but sometimes on
* the lower branches of trees. The eggs of the yellow-billed
species are a little larger and lighter colored than those of
the black-billed one. They are sometimes deposited at
intervals of several days and there may be great differences
in the sizes and developments of young in the same nest
because of this. Their notes are guttural croakings, those
of the Black-billed Cuckoo being a rapidly repeated “cow,
cow, cow, cow, cow-uh, cow-uh,”’ etc.

236

KINGFISHERS

(390) Céryle alcyon

(Linn.) (Gr., a kingfisher; Lat., a king-
fisher).

BELTED KINGFISHER. Bill
large and strong. Feet weak; outer
toes joined together for nearly their
whole length. Head crested. Ad.
o' — With a gray breast band but
no rufous or chestnut on the under
parts. Ad. 9 —As shown. With
a gray breast band; sides and an
incomplete band across lower breast
bright chestnut. Wing and _ tail
feathers spotted or barred with white.
L.,. 13.00; W.; 6:25; T., 4.00; B.,
2.00. Nest— Five to eight glossy
white eggs, 1.35 x1.05, laid in an
enlarged chamber at the end of a
tunnel in banks.

Range — Breeds from Newfound-
land, Keewatin, and Alaska south to
the Gulf of Mexico.

SuBORDER ALCYONES. KurncrisHers

Famity ALCEDINID. KINGrIsHERS

BELTED KINGFISHERS are abundant throughout
our territory. Even in winter they go south only just
far enough to find open water in which to carry on their
regular occupation as fisher-birds. Any well-stocked lake,
pond, river, or brook that does not have its one or more pairs
of kingfishers is an exception. They are quite noisy birds
and usually make their presence known long before they are
seen, by their loud, rattling calls.

They have several favorite lookout perches situated at
intervals about the edges of ponds, overhanging the water
usually between ten and fifteen feet up. They sit silently,
watchful until a fish passes below, near the surface; then on
half-opened wings, they glide swiftly down, the large bill
cleaves the water with little splash and, if successful they
return to the perch bearing the prize in the beak. Fish are
caught cross-wise of the bill and are carried that way, but

237

KINGFISHERS

(391) Ceryle americana sep=
tentrionalis Sharpe
(Lat., northern, only so relative to the
original tropical species).

TEXAS KINGFISHER. A
handsome little species with glossy
greenish back and crest. Ad. oj —
As shown; with broad chestnut
breast band. The 9 lacks the
chestnut, but has a band of green
across the breast, and more metallic
spots below. L., 7.50; W., 3.50;
T., 2.75; B., 1.80. Eggs — Four to
six, glossy white, .95 x.70; laid in
holes in banks.

Range — Southern Texas.

(390.1) Ceryle torquata (Linn)

RINGED KINGFISHER. A
large Mexican species; casual in
southern Texas. Colored nearly the
same as our common kingfisher.

are always ended about so as to be swallowed head first;
less often they may be tossed in the air and caught head first
as they come down. Most of their food consists of the
smaller, slow-moving fish of little value, but they are capable
of doing damage if allowed to fish at hatcheries.

Instead of plunging directly from their perch, they often
rise and hover over their prey for an instant before the
plunge; especially is this the case if a fish is seen at some
little distance from the lookout. Besides fish, they feed
upon frogs, crayfish, grasshoppers, crickets, etc.

Their nest is located in an enlarged chamber at the end
of a tunnel in the side of a bank. This tunnel varies in
length from four to six feet and is usually about two feet
from the upper edge of the bank. It is dug by the king-
fisher, whose feet are specially built for the purpose, the outer
toes being joined together to make a broader shovel. Some-
times the chamber is lined with a few grasses, or a bed of fish
bones and scales may be made, upon which the half dozen or
so very glossy, white eggs are laid. The little kingfishers,

238

WOODPECKERS
(392) Campéphilus principdalis

(Linn.) (Gr., caterpillar, loving; Lat.,
principal, referring to its large size).

IVORY-BILLED WOOD-
PECKER. Largest of our wood-
peckers. Bill ivory-white. A large
crest. Plumage as shown, glossy
blue-black; nasal feathers, a stripe
down the neck, scapulars, ends of
secondaries and inner primaries,
and under wing coverts white.
with a bright scarlet crest as shown
by the upper bird. @ with a black
crest as shown by the lower figure.
Li, -20%003. Ext, 321007" Wi, 10:25;
T.,. 7-503. Lar.; 2:00; B.,.2.50. Eggs
— Three to six, glossy white, 1.45 x
1.00; in cavities of tall trees in most
inaccessible swamps.

Range — Rare in Fla. and very
rare in other Gulf States. Formerly
north to N. Car. and Il.

when first hatched, are wholly naked, blind and helpless;
they remain in the nest between two and three weeks,
passing through a comical pin-feathery stage of plumage to
one just like that of their parents. They have to be fed for
several days after being able to fly before they have attained
the skill necessary to fish successfully for themselves.

OrpveR PICI. Woopprreckers

Famity PICIDAX. WooprrcKkeERs

A large family of birds having, usually, chisel-like bills
capable of boring into wood; stiffened pointed tail feathers
to assist them in clinging to the sides of trees; and strong
toes, usually two carried in front and two behind, armed
with strongly curved claws to firmly grasp bark. Their
eggs are always pure white, glossy and usually numerous;
always normally laid in cavities of trees.

IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKERS are our largest, as
well as the rarest, members of this interesting family. Their

239

WOODPECKERS

(393) Dryébates villésus vil=
l6sus (Linn.) (Gr., a tree, walker
or climber; Lat., hairy).

HAIRY WOODPECKER. Plum-
age as shown. The co has a red
spot on the nape; the 2 has none.
Notice that the outer tail feathers
are pure white, unspotted. L., 9.50;
Wi, 4-753 Ts 3.50; -B., T12:

Range — Resident from Me., Mich.,
and Col., south to Va. and Mo.

(393a) NORTHERN HAIRY
WOODPECKER (D. v. leucomelas),
resident in Canada, is larger.

(393b) SOUTHERN HAIRY
WOODPECKER (D. v. auduboni),
resident in the South Atlantic and
Gulf States, is smaller and has less
white on the wing coverts.

(393g) NEWFOUNDLAND
WOODPECKER (D. v. terrenove)
is found in Newfoundland.

bills are ivory-white in color, very large, chisel-shaped at
the end and capable of hammering to the heart of living
trees. In their search for insects and larve, they often strip
off large sections of bark from big trees. They are so large,
so strong and so determined in their hunting that they might
do considerable more damage than good to our forests but
for the fact that there are so very few of them left. They
are now very rare, even in the Gulf States, where they were
formerly abundant. Without doubt they will shortly be
confined to that last stronghold of the Carolina Paroquet,
Florida.

HAIRY WOODPECKERS are so nearly like the smaller
DOWNY WOODPECKERS in habits as well as plumage
that the two may well be considered together. The two
species can readily be distinguished, for, besides the con-
siderable difference in size, the Downy has dusky spots on
the white outer tail feathers, while those of the Hairy are
immaculate. A good observer can also distinguish between
the two species by the slight differences between their respec-

240

WOODPECKERS

(394d) Dryobates pubéscens
medianus

(Swainson) (Lat., downy or hairy).

DOWNY WOODPECKER.
Plumage as shown, the o being the
upper bird. Notice that the white
outer tail feathers are spotted with
blackish. L., 7.00; W., 4.00; T.,
3.00; B., .65. Eggs — Four to six
glossy white, .75 x .60; in holes in
trees cither in woods or orchards.

Range — Resident from Quebec
and Manitoba south to Va., Mo.,
and Neb.

(394) Dryobates pubéscens
pubescens (Linn.)
SOUTHERN DOWNY WOOD-
PECKER. This, the type species,
is a trifle smaller than the northern
variety although the plumage does

not differ appreciably.

tive notes. Both have a sharply whistled “huip,” of
different qualities, the Downy usually uttering it several
times in rapid succession, while the Hairy generally gives
it but once or twice.

These woodpeckers are of the greatest of value to man-
kind; it has been observed that in localities where wood-
peckers have been absent for years trees are in very poor
condition, all showing a degree of decay in striking contrast
to those in places where woodpeckers are always present.
Their food is practically wholly of insects, chiefly of larve
which they extract from under the bark of trees. Their
sense of hearing is very acute, so that they may hear insects
boring; their bills are adapted to quickly pry off or bore
through the bark to get at them; and their tongues are
sharply pointed and slightly barbed so they can easily pull
larve from their hiding places.

Their nests are most often in old, weather-beaten, decayed
stumps or limbs. The entrance hole is barely large enough
to admit the body of the bird and is as round as though made

241

WOODPECKERS
(395) Dryobates borealis

(Vieill) (Lat., northern —not an appro-
priate name for this species).

RED-COCKADED WOOD-
PECKER. Plumage as shown, the
o having a scarlet spot on either
side of the black crown, the @ lack-
ing the scarlet; back conspicuously
barred with black and oe Ls,
8.25; W.; 4:60; T.,

Range — From Va. ae ‘Mo. south
to the Gulf.

(396) Dryobates scalaris

bairdi (Aatherbe).

TEXAS WOODPECKER. Plum-
age as shown by the lower bird. o&
with the crown scarlet, specked with
white; 9 with a black crown. L.
F250

Range — Central Tex., Col., and
Cal. southward.

with an auger; the interior is larger and is hollowed out to
a depth of six to twenty inches. No lining is used except
a few fine chips that are left on the bottom of the cavity.
Although a half dozen young woodpeckers may be crowded
in a rather small limb, the interior of the nest is always kept
clean by the parents, both of which look after the wants
of the young. A new site and a new cavity are usually
made each year, the old ones being left to chickadees, nut-
hatches, and other birds that nest in holes.
RED-COCKADED WOODPECKERS are abundant in
pine forests of the Southern States, in which they largely
take the places of the two preceding species. They are at
all times quite noisy, especially so during the mating and
» breeding season, when their loud, harsh voices, uttering the
notes which can perhaps best be recorded as “nyank,
nyank,”’ may be heard at almost all hours of the day. Their
nests are usually made in decaying hearts of living pines;
they often bore through two or three inches of living wood
before reaching the softer interior that they can more easily

242

WOODPECKERS

(400) Picoides Arcticus

(Swainson) (Lat., a woodpecker, Gr.,
resemblance).

ARCTIC THREE-TOED WOOD-
PECKER. But three toes, two in
front and one behind. Ad. 7 —
Crown patch glossy yellow; whole
back glossy black; outer tail feathers
white, unmarked. The 9 has the
whole crown black, with no yellow.
Ls, 0.50; Wi 5:253 2. d:oo:

Range — Canadian zone, from Me.,
northern N. Y., Mich., and Cal.
northward.

(401) Picoides americanus
americanus Brehm.

THREE-TOED WOODPECKER.
Plumage as shown by the upper bird.
Back barred with white; outer tail
feathers marked with black.
with the yellow crown patch mixed
with white anteriorly.

remove. At most seasons their food is chiefly of various
insects, their eggs or larvee, but during summer they eat a
good many berries and considerable fruit, feeding their
young also upon much of this kind of food.

THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS are peculiar in several
respects. They have but two toes in front and one behind;
the crown patches on the males are bright yellow, whereas
on nearly all other species they are red; and they are very
northerly distributed, only being found in northern United
States during severe winters, except in a few mountains
where they breed. We have two distinct species, the Arctic
Three-toed Woodpecker, which is the most abundant and
most southerly in its distribution, and the American. They
are very easily distinguished, for the latter has white bars
on the back, while the former has a solid black back. They
are of about the size and similar in their habits to the Hairy
Woodpecker, but their notes are a rather prolonged squeal-
ing similar to that of the Sapsucker.

243

WOODPECKERS

(402) Sphyrapicus varius
varius (Linn.) (Gr., a hammer,
Lat., a woodpecker; variegated),
VYELLOW-BELLIED SAP-
SUCKER. Tongue only slightly ex-
tensile; the tip brushy instead of
sharply pointed. Ad. o& — Plumage
shown by bird in the foreground.
Ad. 9 — Like the male, except that
the throat is white instead of crim-
son, as shown by the lower bird.
Im. — Shown by the bird in the
background. No crimson or strong
black markings on the head, which
is whitish, more or less streaked
and mottled with dusky; the body
markings are duller and less conspic-
uous than those of the adults. L.,

8:50;, W., -5-00;/L.,, 3:25:

Range — Breeds from Quebec and
Keewatin south to Mass. and Ind.

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS are quite often
known by the names of ‘‘ Whining” or “‘ Squealing’”’ Wood-
peckers, because of the peculiar nature of the note that they
so frequently utter. They are quite local in distribution,
being considered as abundant in some places only a few miles
distant from others in which they are rare. They are true
sapsuckers structurally as well as habitually. The tongue
is only little extensible, and the tip, instead of being horny
and barbed as in the preceding species, is soft and brushy —
designed for the purpose of lapping up sap. They girdle
trees with rows of holes similar to those made with a gimlet
and then later gather the sap that exudes from them; they
also eat the tender inner bark, a practice that if continued
soon saps the life of and destroys most trees. In this way
they do some damage to apple trees and to mountain-ash
trees, the sap of both of which they are very fond. They
also feed less extensively upon birch, elm, oak, and maple.

These birds are not, however, wholly injurious; indeed, it
is a question if the good work they accomplish by what

244

WOODPECKERS

(405) Phloeétomus piledtus
pileatus (Linn.)

PILEATED WOODPECKER.
A large species with a crested head.
Plumage as shown, the o being the
upper bird. Notice that the fore-
head and moustache mark on the
o is scarlet as well as the rest of the
crest, while that of the 9 is dusky.
The bases of the primaries and the
under surfaces of the wings are
whitish, with a more or less sulphury
tint. L., 17.50; W., 8.75; T., 6.50.

Range — From Va., Tenn. and
Mo. south to the Gulf.

(405a) P. p. abieticola (Bangs)

NORTHERN PILEATED
WOODPECKER. A slightly larger
race found in the Canadian and
Transition Zones from Quebec and
Mackenzie south to Va. and Cal.

insects they do destroy is not greater than any harm they
may do otherwise. Their nesting is not in any way peculiar;
like several other species, the entrance hole is made exceed-
ingly small, much smaller than one would think convenient
for the entrance of the birds.

PILEATED WOODPECKERS, next to Ivory-bills, the
largest that we have, are very locally distributed and are
usually resident wherever found. While most abundant
in extensive timberland of the Southern States, they are
not at all uncommon along our northern borders, but they
are unknown in many forests in between, apparently just
as well adapted to their needs. As a rule the northern birds
average larger than the southern ones.

During fall and winter it is not uncommon to see com-
panies of a half dozen or more of these birds, but during
summer they are to be found only in pairs. At all times they
are very wary and difficult to approach. They must eat
great quantities of insects, for they soon scale all the bark
off of dead trees in their search.

245

WOODPECKERS

(406) Melanérpes erythro=
céphalus

(Linn.) (Gr., black creeper; red head).

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.
Ads.— Plumage as shown by the
upper bird; whole head and_ neck
crimson red; _ back glossy blue-black;
under parts, secondaries, upper tail
coverts, under wing coverts and tips
of outer tail feathers white. Im.—
Body duller and with the white
areas more or less mixed with dusky;
head gray, mottled with dusky as
shown by the lower bird. L., 9.00;
W., 5-253 L-, 3:50; B., 1:00.) Beggs
— Four to seven, pure glossy white,
1.00x.75. In holes in trees.

Range — Transition and Austral
Zones from Ont., Man., and B. C.
south to the Gulf coast; rare in New
England; migratory in northern parts
of its range.

They make a number of notes, some of which are sug-
gestive of those of the common Flicker, but the one most
often uttered is a loud, harsh “‘cack, cack, cack.”” They are
particularly noisy and do considerable drumming during
the mating season. Their nests are like those of other
woodpeckers, but of course the trees and the openings must
be larger, corresponding to their size. The entrance is
about three and one half inches in diameter, often going
four or five inches into hard wood and then turning down-
ward for from eight to thirty inches.

RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS are remarkably hand-
some species but, unfortunately, in deeds are not as good as
they are in appearance. They are cannibalistic to a high
degree; indeed, it is an open question whether they do not
do as much havoc among eggs and young of smaller birds
as jays and grackles. Their depredations are confined
chiefly to cavity-nesting birds, such as nuthatches and tit-
mice. In two consecutive days I personally saw the same

246

WOODPECKERS

(409) Centdrus carolinus G2 Te
(Linn.) (Gr., a prickle, tail). Pagan Si

RED-BELLIED WOOD-
PECKER. Plumage as shown; the
back, wings and tail strongly barred
with black; under parts grayish,
tinged with red on the middle of
the belly. The o has the whole
top of the head scarlet, while only
the nasal tufts and nape are scarlet
on the 9, as shown by the bird on
the right. L., 9.50; W., 5.50; T.,
3.75; B., 1.10. Eggs — Four or five,
glossy white as usual, 1.00x.75; in
cavities of dead limbs, preferably of
coniferous trees.

Range — Upper and Lower Austral
zones of eastern U. S.; from Del.,
southern Ont., and Minn. south to
the Gulf. Casual in Mass. and Col.

pair of Red-heads destroy first a nest of Tufted Titmice,
containing six young, and the following day devastate the
home of a pair of Brown-headed Nuthatches. The female
carried all of her prizes home to feed her own growing family,
while the male Red-head carried two of his to a near tree and
pulled them to pieces within my sight.

But we must not picture these birds only in a bad light,
for during the greater part of the year they are on their good
behavior and live upon insects almost wholly; perhaps for
the simple reason that there are no eggs or young to be
obtained, but, nevertheless, they may be rated as useful
birds for at least three quarters of each year. Much of their
food is gathered from the ground, and they are also very
expert at capturing flying insects. They seldom, if ever,
bore into living wood for larve, but frequent decaying trees
where the picking is easy. During proper seasons they also
eat a great many kinds of fruit and berries.

As a rule, Red-heads are quite shy, but they do frequently
take up quarters near houses, and are not often molested

247

WOODPECKERS

a5

(412) Colaptes auratus auratus
(Linn.) (Gr., a chisel; Lat., golden).
FLICKER; GOLDEN-WINGED

WOODPECKER; YELLOW-

HAMMER; HIGH-HOLE; PIGEON

WOODPECKER. A large handsome

species with plumage as shown. Both

sexes with a red crescent on the
nape and a prominent black crescent
on the breest; linings of wings and
shafts of primaries and tail feathers
golden-yellow; co with black mous-
tache marks as shown by the upper

bird. L., 12.50; W., 6.00; T., 4.50.
Range — South Atlantic and Gulf

States.

(412a) C. a. lateus Bangs

NORTHERN FLICKER. A
slightly larger variety, common
throughout the U. S. and Canada;
resident except in northern parts.

because their plumage is so attractive and their bad habits
not universally known. Their voices are very disagreeable,
their notes all being harsh and squealing.

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS are abundant in
southern states and also those in the Mississippi Valley and
Great Plains. Their notes are loud and harsh, a squealing
“churr, churr,” similar to that of the Red-head. Their
food is about equally made up of various forms of insect
life and fruits and berries. In some sections they are said
to do considerable damage to oranges, but before the fruit
is ripened they must of necessity do a greater amount of
good by cleaning out insects that would damage the crop
to a much greater extent than they.

FLICKERS are probably more generally known than
any others of our woodpeckers, not even excepting the
familiar little Downy. They are abundant almost every-
where and especially so on the outskirts of cities and on
farms. Their popularity is well shown by the fact that
they have more ‘‘nicknames” than any other species of bird.

248

FLICKERS

(413) Colaptes cafer collaris
Vigors

RED-SHAFTED FLICKER.
Plumage as shown, the o having a
red moustache mark while the @
has none and also usually lacks the
scarlet patch on the nape. Notice
that the crown is brownish and the
throat grayish, while that of the
eastern Flicker is just the reverse.
Linings of wings and shafts of feathers
quite reddish; rump white as on the
eastern bird, showing conspicuously
during flight. L., 13.00; W., 6.25;
T., 4.75; B., 1.45. Eggs — Glossy
white, the shell being translucent so
that the contents when fresh give it
a pinkish tint.

Range — Chiefly west of the
Rockies, but east to S. Dak., Kan.,
and Tex.

The most common, ‘“Golden-winged Woodpecker,” is
obviously applied because of the bright golden under sur-
faces of wings and tail. “High-hole” comes from the con-
spicuous round holes, entrances to their nests, so often
seen high up on dead limbs; nevertheless, they frequently
nest at low elevations, not infrequently in fence posts.
“Wake-up,” probably originates from one of their notes —
a courting song, heard most often in spring, but sounding
more like “wick-up, wick-up, wick-up”; some think this
name has its origin because, early in the morning, some
individual Flickers get into the habit of returning to a corner
of the farmhouse and drumming on the cornice, or perhaps
on a tin trough or drain.

Flickers are found on the ground more often than any
other species; they often fly up before any one crossing
pastures, being easily recognized by the white rump patch
and their undulating, bounding flight as they make for
the nearest tree; by the way, they often alight crossways on
branches, while other species rarely if ever do. Flickers are

249

FLICKERS

(416) Antrost6mus carolinénsis

(Gmel.) (Gr., a cave, mouth — referring
to the enormous gape of these birds).

CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW. Our
largest representative of this Order.
Mouth opening to a point under
the eyes; stiff bristles with lateral
branches fringing the bill. Plumage
very soft and loose; finely vermicu-
lated, variegated and blended with
browns and grays. Tail feathers
very broad and with the whole inner
webs’ white. L., 11.50; Ex., 25.00;
W., 8.25; T., 6.10. @ differs only
in lacking the white inner webs to
the tail feathers, these being colored
like the outer. LEggs— Two, white
blotched with gray and lavender,
1.40 X 1.00; on the ground in under-
brush.

Range — From southern Va., Ohio,
and Ind. southward.

very fond of ants, which explains why they frequent the
ground so often. Their long tongues, which are capable of
great extension, are quite sticky toward the tips — just
enough so to hold fast every ant with which they come into
contact.

Flickers nest in cavities at any height in any kind of
trees, in poles, posts, or even in cornices of buildings. Nor-
mally they lay about six eggs — one each day until the nest
is full; they are wholly unable to keep count, for it has been
found that by taking an egg each day, leaving one in the
nest, they will lay an almost indefinite number. Little
Flickers are very noisy during their last few days in the
nest; if the tree is tapped, they all commence to whine and
buzz like an immense swarm of bees. This outcry may be
due to expectancy of food from returning parents, but at any
rate it might easily deter a squirrel or a person from attempt-
ing to examine such a “beehive.” Besides the ‘‘wick-up”
notes, the adults have a single shriek of alarm and a long
rolling whistle “kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk,”’ etc.

250

GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, ETC.

(417) Antrostomus vociferus
vociferus

(Wils.) (Lat., voice-bearing, noisy).

WHIP-POOR-WILL. The long
rictal bristles not branching. Often
confused with the Nighthawk,
although without reason for the
differences are very apparent to
observing persons. Notice that the
chin of this species is black; that
there is no white on the wings; that
the primaries are barred with buff;
and that the tail feathers are broadly
tipped with white (on the o) or
narrowly tipped with buff (on the @).
L., 9.50; W., 6.10; T., 5.80, rounded
at the end. Hggs— Two, creamy-
white, blotched with gray, brown and
lilac, 1.15 x .85.

Range — Breeds from _ southern
Canada to the Gulf, and from the
Plains to the Atlantic.

OrpER MACROCHIRES. GoatsuckErs, SWIFTs, ETC.
Famity CAPRIMULGID. GoatsuckErs

A family of nocturnal or semi-nocturnal birds having very
soft, loose plumage, small bills but extraordinarily large
gapes, the mouth opening to behind the eyes. They all
commonly nest on the ground, laying two eggs, which are
usually marbled with gray.

CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW is our largest representative
of this family, in point of size.. This species is quite abun-
dant in our Southern States, but, because of its strictly
nocturnal habits, is not known to most people even of the
regions it inhabits. They are never seen in flight during
daylight unless they have been frightened from their retreats
in dense thickets. At night they become active and their
peculiar doleful calls may be heard at nearly all hours; the
notes are a rapid, energetic but dismal chanting of the
syllables ‘“chuck-will’s-widow,” with the accent strongly

251

GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, ETC.

(418) Phalzendéptilus ndttalli
nattalli

(Audubon) (Gr., a moth, feather — re-
ferring to the soft and peculiar plumage).

POOR-WILL. A_ small species,
the o of which is shown by the
upper bird. The @ differs only in
having narrow buffy tips in place of
broad white ones on the outer tail
feathers. L., 7.50; W., 5.50; T., 3.40.
Eggs — Two, pure white, unmarked.

Range — Western North America;
east to S. Dak. and Texas.

(419) Nyctidromus albicéllis
mérrilli Sennett.
(Gr., night courser; Lat., white neck).
MERRILL’S PARAQUE. @&@
shown by the lower bird. Notice
that the two outer tail feathers are
black and the next inner ones white.
L., 13.00; W., 7.50; T., 7.50.
Range -— Southern Tex. southward.

on the “ wid.”’ They not only catch moths and beetles, but
remains of small birds have been found in their stomachs;
luckless individuals probably having been mistaken for
large moths as they happened to be a-wing after dark.

WHIP-POOR-WILLS are also so called because their
notes sound like these syllables. A smaller species in
Southwestern States likewise raises its voice nightly, mourn-
ing ‘Poor-will.” It really seems as though poor “Will”
must have met with some awful and untimely end. Whip-
poor-wills are very widely and well known by their notes;
comparatively few, however, actually know the birds even
sufficiently well to distinguish between them and the more
often seen Nighthawks.

The hours of daylight they spend sleeping on some log,
stump or on the ground under the shade of woods or under-
brush. They are so quiet and their plumage just matches
their surroundings so well that only the sharpest of eyes can
detect them. After the sun has disappeared, they undergo
a remarkable change; the apparently inanimate objects

252

GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, ETC

(420) Chordeiles virginianus
virginianus
(Gmel.) (Gr., a musical instrument, evening).
NIGHTHAWK; BULL-BAT.
Our most abundant and most often
observed sp-cies. Notice that it has
no conspicuous rictal bristles; that
the primaries are black, crossed by
a white band; that the chin and
throat are white (buffy on the 9);
and that the tail has a white band
across the middle (the @ lacks this).
Less nocturnal than others of the
family. L., 9.75; W., 8.00; T., 4.50,
slightly forked.
Range — Breeds throughout east-
ern U. S. and Canada.

(421) C. acutipénnis texénsis

TEXAS NIGHTHAWK. Has
the primaries spotted with rusty.
Southwestern U. S.

become things of life — alert and active in the highest degree.
Their flight, as they go hawking for their evening meal, is
remarkable for its grace, swiftness, and the silence with which
it is performed. Over fields, beside woods, and along road-
ways they course, every once in a while suddenly rising to
seize a moth above them or stooping to pick a beetle from
the ground. Having whetted their appetites, they alight
on the tops of trees, fences, or on the ground and “whip-
poor-will” at one another until want of breath forces them
to stop.

NIGHTHAWKEKS, despite their names, are less nocturnal
than most others of this family. They may often be seen
a-wing even on sunny days. However, just at dusk is their
favorite time for exercise and hunting. They frequent open
ground and the vicinity of cities rather than wooded dis-
tricts. The white band across the primaries which can be
seen when in flight, as far off as the bird is visible, is proof
positive that it is a Nighthawk and not a Whip-poor-will.

Nighthawks nest in rather open places, laying their eggs

253

SWIFTS
(423) Chettra pelagica

(Linn.) (Gr., a bristle, tail; Gr., oceanic
— probably in error).

CHIMNEY SWIFT. Whole
plumage sooty-black as shown; wings
long and narrow; tail feathers with
the quills projecting, forming spines
that enable the birds to cling to the
sides of chimneys or interiors of
hollow trees. L., 5.25; Ex., 12.50;
W., 5.00; T., 2.00, square-ended or
slightly rounded. Nest—Of small
twigs cemented to the insides of
chimneys, hollow trees or caves;
three to five rather long, white eggs.

Range — North America east of
the Rockies, breeding from New-
foundland, Quebec, and Sask. south
to the Gulf coast. Winters south
of the U. S., arriving here in April and
leaving in October.

without conceaiment other than their mottling, which so
closely matches the gravel upon which they are laid; some-
times the two eggs will be found in a slight hollow on the
top of a large rock or, in cities, they often lay them on
hot gravel roofs. Should your course chance to lead you
near one of their nests, the female will sit close and motion-
less until there is danger of being trod upon, when she will
flutter along in front of you as though her long wings were
broken and incapable of sustaining her.

Famity MICROPODID. Swirts

CHIMNEY SWIFTS, as our illustration shows, have
little to commend them in the way of beauty, but they are of
unusual interest in their habits and are, besides, very useful,
for their food consists of nothing except insects. Structur-
ally they at once attract our attention because their feet
and legs are small and weak, adapted only to clinging; the
shafts of the tail feathers are extended and spiny, to assist

254

SWIFTS

(425) Aéronatites melanolet=
cus

(Baird) (Gr., air sailor; black, white).

WHITE-THROATED SWIFT.
A large, handsomely marked species
frequenting western mountain ranges.
Plumage as shown, chiefly blackish
above lightening on the forehead;
tips of secondaries broadly white;
throat, a line down the middle of the
belly and spot on either side of the
rump white; flanks brownish. L.,
6.75; Ex., 14.00; W., 6.75; T., 2.60,
slightly forked and not spined.
Nest — In burrows in earthy cliffs or
among crevices of ledges usually in
inaccessible places; three or four dull-
white eggs, .87 x .52.

Range — Breeds from Alberta and
B. C. southward to Guatemala;
eastward to the Black Hills and
western Neb.

them in clinging to upright surfaces’ their wings are very
long and narrow, worked by powerful breast muscles,
perfectly formed for the aerial life that these birds lead.

Formerly they nested exclusively in hollow trees — large
trunks, with wide-open tops. Now they nest almost as
exclusively inside of chimneys. The nests are made by
fastening small twigs to the sides of the chimney, putting
them on one by one, firmly cemented by glutinous saliva,
until the structure assumes a half-saucer shape, projecting
out about three inches and being about one inch in depth.
The young swifts are hatched naked and blind. They are
fed by regurgitation and remain in the chimney for about
a month before they are able to make their way to the top
and wing out over the housetops.

WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS are large, handsome
species, without spines on the tail feathers, for their homes
are in holes in high bluffs or in crevices of cliffs, and they
have no need of these appendages. They are abundant in

255

HUMMINGBIRDS
sat (428) Archilochus célubris

(Linn.)

RUBY-THROATED HUM-
MINGBIRD. The only humming-
bird found in the east. Plumage
as shown, the o’ being the upper
bird. The @ differs in having the
throat white instead of brilliant,
fiery, metallic ruby. The back is a
rich, lustrous, metallic green with
bronze reflections. The primaries
and tail are purplish-black, that of
the o being forked while that of his
mate is rounded and white tipped as
shown. L., 3.25; W., 1-75; T., 1.253
B.,.65. Nest — Of plant fibres, moss
and lichens saddled on horizontal
limbs at any height; two dull white
eggs, .50X .35.

Range — Breeds from Quebec and
Sask. south to the Gulf.

western mountains, where they make their homes on inac-
cessible cliffs, the nests, made of vegetable matter glued
together by saliva, being firmly attached to the rock.

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS, our only east-
ern representative of this brilliant family, are not uncom-
mon in summer throughout our range. Little winged jewels,
with body no bigger than the thumb nail and a temper greater
than that of the Condor, they are objects for admiration
and astonishment. Their flight appears to be almost bullet-
like, yet they can halt instantly, even when travelling at
their swiftest. If they catch us in the act of examining the
treasures in the exquisite little house they perch on the top
of a limb, so like a bit of moss, they will dash at our face
as though to transfix us; we invariably close our eyes and
dodge, but the mite stops a few inches from our face, twitter-
ing in anger, and then as suddenly dashes away. While
they feed to some extent upon nectar of certain long-tubed
flowers, they get a great many small insects that they find
also feeding there.

256

FLYCATCHERS

(443) Muscivora forficata

(Gmel.) (Lat., insect, I devour; forked).

SCISSOR-TAILED FLY-
CATCHER. The handsomest and
most graceful of this large family.
Sexes alike. Ads.— Plumage as
shown — of soft gray, white and
blackish; crown-patch (more or less
concealed) orange-red; sides of body,
under the wings, carmine; tail long
and deeply forked. L., 14.50; W.,
4.75; TT. ,8.00-12.00, forked about
6.00. Nest — Large, of twigs, weeds,
grasses, etc., at any height in trees or
bushes; four or five creamy-white
eggs, specked with reddish-brown.

Range — Breeds from Kansas south
to southern Tex.

(442) FORK-TAILED FLY-
CATCHER (M. tyrannus), a Mexi-
can species has been taken in Me.,
N. J., Ky., and Miss.

Orver PASSERES. Percuine Birps
Famity TYRANNIDZ. Tyrant FLycatcHuers

A large family of songless, or non-melodious, perching
birds, having ten fully developed primaries. Their feet
are small and weak compared to their size, but their bills
are large, broad, flattened at the base and tapering to the
point. Long, strong rictal bristles, sometimes reaching to
the end of the bill, are always present.

SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS are so beautiful
and graceful that they are frequently termed ‘Texan Birds
of Paradise,” but those accustomed to seeing and speaking
of them usually know them simply as ‘‘Scissor-tails.””

Their food consists almost wholly of insects, nearly all
of which they catch in the air. In spite of the long tail,
which is an impediment to agile flight, they are able to
double and turn very quickly when in pursuit of some par-
ticularly active dragonfly. Their notes are simple, sharp

257

FLYCATCHERS

(444) Tyrannus tyrannus
(Linn.) (Lat., a tyrant).

KINGBIRD; ‘‘BEE-MARTIN.”
An abundant species, especially in
settled regions. Plumage as shown.
Sexes alike, each having the orange-
red, partially concealed crown-patch.
Immature birds lack this coronal
mark. . L.,. 8.25; Ex., 14:50; W.,
4.50; T., 3.50, nearly square-ended;

., -80. Nest— Quite large and
fairly compactly made of twigs,
rootlets, weeds, plant fibres, and
usually bits of string, paper and
other trash; placed in crotches of
trees, often in orchards, but some-
times in bushes.

Range — Breeds throughout the
U.S. and southern Canada. Winters
south of the U.S. Here May ist to
Sept. rst.

and penetrating; a ‘‘tsee, tsee” not differing greatly from
the well-known cry of the eastern Kingbird.

KINGBIRDS are well and favorably known everywhere.
In fact one cannot help noticing them, for they are in the
centre of all bird quarrels in the neighborhood. Let a jay,
a crow, or a hawk put in an appearance, and these valiant
warriors at once go to meet him, and the larger bird imme-
diately beats a retreat under the fierce poundings of his tor-
mentors; soon our warrior returns to his high lookout perch,
pride and conceit showing in every beat of the rapidly
whirring wings and in every note of his trills of victory.

Almost every orchard supports one or two pairs of King-
birds, and they are worthy of their keep, for they daily
destroy astonishing quantities of insects, mostly injurious
ones. Their nests are composed of weeds, grasses, rootlets,
string, paper, rags, feathers, in fact almost any kind of trash
that can be picked up in the neighborhood. When in
orchards, the nests are located in upright forks near the tops
of the trees, They may also often be found in trees by

258

FLYCATCHERS

(445) Tyrannus dominicénsis
(Gmel.) (Of St. Domingo).

GRAY KINGBIRD. Slightly
larger than our common Kingbird
and the upper parts much grayer
as shown. Bill considerably larger.
Auriculars blackish. L., 9.00; W.,
4:50; T., 4.00; B., rico. Nest —
Of similar materials but more shabby
than that of the common Kingbird.

Range — Bahamas and West In-
dies, north to S. Car., Ga., and Fla.
(446) Tyrannus melanchdéli=
cus couchi Baird (Lat., melancholy).

COUCH’S KINGBIRD. Similar
to the next species but outer web
of outer tail feather not white;
outer primaries abruptly emarginate
within half an inch of their tips.
Found in the Lower Rio Grande
Valley in southern Tex.

roadsides or in pastures or fields; where trees are scarce,
they nest in bushes and sometimes on the tops of fence posts.
The eggs are bright cream-colored, handsomely spotted
with reddish-brown, these markings more profuse about the
large end. The nests and the eggs of this species are very
similar to and almost indistinguishable from those of Scissor-
tailed Flycatchers and Arkansas Kingbirds.

Not only are they the terrors of all birds of prey, but their
bold assaults and noisy vociferations often deter the small
boy from robbing nests in the orchard. They will dash at
an intruder so fearlessly and determinedly as often to strike
his cap from his head. But this is as nothing compared to
the loud, shrill cries that they utter which are apt to bring
the owner out to investigate, and his chastisement is more
to be feared than that of the birds. If they are not molested,
the same birds return to the same localities each year, but
the males have to battle again for the favor of their partners;
they are exciting and noisy contests, but having once decided
who is master, they live at peace with one another and with

259

FLYCATCHERS

(447) Tyrannus verticalis Say

(Lat., vertex, relating to the flame-patch
on the top of the head).

ARKANSAS KINGBIRD;
WESTERN KINGBIRD. Ads. —
Plumage asshown. Sexes alike, both
having the concealed orange-red
crown-patch. Immature birds are
quite similar but lack this adorn-
ment. Notice that the outer webs
of the outer tail feathers are white;
this is the most infallible distin-
guishing mark between this species
and the preceding, and also from
Cassin’s Kingbird which is found
still farther west. Several outer
primaries are gradually attenuated
for an inch or more from their tips.
L., 9.00; W., 5.00; T., 4.00; B., .75.

Range — From Sask. and B. C
southward; casually east Wis. and
Mo. Accidental in eastern states.

other smaller birds, but are ever ready to join forces and
battle against a common enemy.

There is believed to be little foundation for the name of
“Bee Martin,” applied to them chiefly by owners of apiaries.
They devour comparatively few bees and those that have
been found in their stomachs were invariably drones. Dur-
ing fall, their regular diet is augmented by that of numerous
kinds of berries.

ARKANSAS KINGBIRDS are the common species of
the region from the Great Plains to the Pacific coast. If
possible they are even more noisy than our eastern birds,
their notes being louder, shriller and more metallic. They
appear to distinguish the kinds of hawks and are more
tolerant toward some than others. Instances have been
recorded of their having built their nests among the outer
sticks of a Swainson’s Hawk’s home. They are more
sociable with human beings too, and it is no uncommon
occurrence for them to make their domiciles in eave-troughs,
cornices, or on blinds or window sills of houses.

260

FLYCATCHERS

(449) Pitangus sulphurdatus

derbianus

(A South American name; Lat., sulphury,
relating to the color of the under parts; to
Lord Derby).

DERBY FLYCATCHER. A
very large species with a very heavy
bill, as long as its head. Crown-
patch more extensive than that of
the kingbirds and either lemon-
yellow or orange and yellow. Sexes
alike. Light yellow below and wood-
brown on the back; wing and tail
feathers extensively chestnut. L.,
10.50; W., 5.10; T., 4.00; B., 1.20.
Nest — A large structure of twigs
and weeds with the entrance on the
side; in trees or thickets.

Range —- Lower Rio Grande Val-
ley in southern Texas and’ through
Mexico.

DERBY FLYCATCHERS, the largest of our flycatchers,
reach our borders only in the southern parts of Texas, where
they occur casually. They are common in parts of Mexico
and Central America.

They are usually seen in pairs and are very partial to the
neighborhood of streams. They are noisy at all seasons
of the year, but particularly so during breeding. The loud,
shrill notes of “‘hip-see-dee, hip-see-dee” may be heard for
long distances. Their nesting is entirely different from our
other flycatchers. The nest is large and round, composed
of twigs, weeds, lichens, etc., with the opening on the side
and the interior lined with fine grasses. It is usually placed
in dense thickets, ten or twelve feet above ground; one found
in southern Texas was in a large bunch of Spanish moss
hanging from a tree; in Central America the nests are often
tucked in among clusters of growing bananas. The eggs
are more pear-shaped than those of kingbirds and have only
a few small, round spots of reddish-brown.

261

FLYCATCHERS

(452) Myiarchus crinitus

(Linn.) (Gr., a fly, a ruler; Lat., haired
or crested).

CRESTED FLYCATCHER.
Sexes alike in plumage. Upper parts
olive-gray; throat and breast dark
ashy-gray, rest of under parts pale
yellow; inner webs of the tail feathers
chiefly reddish-brown. L., 8.50; W.,
4.00; T., 3.75; B., .80. Mest — An
old woodpecker hole or cavity, lined
with grass or weeds and generally
containing a cast-off snake skin.

Range — Eastern North America,
breeding from N. B. and Man.
south to the Gulf. Winters in Mexico.
With us from Apr. 12th to Sept. zoth.

(453) M. magister nelsoni

MEXICAN CRESTED FLY-
CATCHER. Paler colored all over.
Found in southern Tex.

CRESTED FLYCATCHERS may be found in suitable
localities throughout eastern United States. While not
uncommon in northern states, they are really abundant in
the south. Were they not so noisy, their presence would
often be unknown, for they are quite shy and retiring in
their habits. Even upon hearing their whistles it is quite
difficult to get a glimpse of them, for somehow they manage
to keep a leafy screen interposed between them and you.
They have several notes, all being loud, clear whistles, the
most common of which is a two-syllabled liquid ‘“ wit-
huit,”? sometimes repeated several times in succession; an
alarm note is a single, very sharp and penetrating whistle.

Each bird has his favorite lookout perches, whence he
dashes forth after flies, beetles, or moths; his first rush is
generally successful, but should he miss, he will give a won-
derful exhibition of aerial acrobatics, doubling and twisting
in midair until the loud snapping of his mandibles indicates
victory. The snapping of the mandibles is a habit indulged
in by most of the flycatchers.

262

FLYCATCHERS

(456) Sayérnis phoebe
(Latham) (Thos. Say, Gr., a bird).
PHBE; BRIDGE BIRD. Above
dull olivaceous-brown, much darker
and almost blackish on the head;
below soiled whitish. Immature
birds and adults in fall are quite
strongly tinted with yellow below.
Ti;, 70030 W, 3225305 3:30; 21B.5. 050:
Nest —Of mud, grasses and moss;
under bridges, overhanging banks or
ledges; four or five dull-white eggs.
Range — Eastern North America,
breeding from N. B., Keewatin and
Mackenzie south to the Gulf.

(457) Sayornis sA4yus (Bonap.)

SAY’S PH@BE. Grayish-brown
on the upper parts, throat and breast;
rest of under parts pale cinnamon.
Common in the West. Accidental
east of the Mississippi.

Crested Flycatchers nest in cavities of trees, usually in
deserted woodpecker holes. The cavity is partially filled
with weeds, grass, and trash of any kind, and the outer edge
is almost invariably decorated with a cast-off snake skin. As
this skin is usually very prominent, often protruding from
the hole, the presumption is that it is used for the purpose
of frightening away inquisitive birds or squirrels. The
eggs of these birds are rather unique in the markings, which
consist chiefly of lines of brown and gray lengthwise of the
eggs, on a light buff background.

PHOEBES are probably known by sight or name to
every one; dull plumaged grayish birds easily distinguished
from any other flycatchers because their heads are so much
darker than their backs, and more easily because of their
habit of almost continually flirting their tails. They are
not at all shy; in fact, it is an exception to find a farm without
its pair of Phoebes nesting somewhere about the buildings,
either in sheds, outbuildings, or under barns. They are
quite noisy, but their voices are anything except musical;

262

FLYCATCHERS

(459) Nuttallérnis borealis

(Swains.) (Nuttall, Gr., a bird; Lat.,
northern).

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.
Olivaceous-brown above, darker on
the head where the feathers are in-
clined to have blackish centres;
throat and line down the middle of
the belly whitish or yellowish; rest
of under parts streaked grayish,
strongly tinted with olive on the
flanks; a tuft of very fluffy, downy
white feathers on either side of the
flanks, usually entirely concealed
by the folded wings. L., 7.50; W.,
4.00; T., 3.00; B., .70. Mest — Shal-
lowly made of twigs and mosses;
three to five cream-colored eggs,
spotted about the large end.

Range— Breeds from Quebec,
Mackenzie and Alaska south to Mass.,
N. Y., Mich. and Cal.

however, their gruff notes, resembling “‘phe-be” as much as
anything else, are given with an emphasis and an energetic
flirt of the tail worthy of better results.

If a Phoebe were given free choice of nesting sites, I do
not doubt that it would choose a bridge or culvert over some
small stream; few such places are without their Phoebe
tenants, provided that underneath there are projections
upon which the nest may be placed. Ledges, beneath over-
hanging banks, ruins of buildings or old cellar holes, also
furnish likely places to find their homes. The nests are
composed chiefly of mud and moss, lined with grass, hair,
and feathers. The young remain in the nest about two weeks
after hatching; sometimes their maiden flights have to be
performed under great difficulties; any hesitation or error
of judgment may precipitate them into the water to become
prey to a possibly lurking trout in the pool below.

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS are widely distributed,
but in the east breed only along our northern border and the
southern edge of Canada.

264

FLYCATCHERS

(461) Myiédchanes virens
(Linn.)

WOOD PEWEE. Above oliva-
ceous-brown; below dingy white,
tinged with yellowish-gray on the
breast and sides. Lower mandible
yellowish. Wing coverts and second-
aries narrowly tipped and edged
with whitish. L., 6.25; W., 3.40;
T., 2.90; Tar., .50; B.,.55. Nest —
A rather shallow but handsome
structure of plant fibres and mosses,
with the outside decorated with
lichens so that it appears to be but a
knob or tuft of moss on the limb
upon which it is saddled; three or
four creamy-white eggs with a wreath
of reddish-brown spots around the
large end, .80 x .55.

Range — Breeds from N. B. and
Man. south to the Gulf; with us
from May to Sept.

They frequent chiefly coniferous forests and are very
partial to swampy ground. Their nests are located in the
tops of tall, almost inaccessible evergreens, preferably those
with dead tops festooned with Usnea moss. The nests are
quite frail; just a few slender twigs with a lining of moss,
upon which the three handsome eggs are laid. They are
quite bold and fearless and often actually strike a person
endeavoring to reach their nests. They are quite noisy,
and if a pair is located within a mile they can usually be
located by their peculiar, far-reaching calls, a three-syllabled,
whistled “whip-pee-wee,”’ the first note brought out sharp
and quick, and the two latter rather long and drawn out.

WOOD PEWEES are common in dry woods everywhere.
They are also, but less often, found in orchards and along
country roadsides. On exceedingly hot, dry summer days,
when most other birds are silent, Pewees are the happiest
and sing the most. Their song is rather plaintive and sad,
but still I think more musical than those of any other fly-
catchers. It consists of two parts, delivered at intervals

265

FLYCATCHERS

(463) Empidonax flavivéntris
(Baird) (Gr., a gnat, king; Lat., yellow belly).
YVELLOW-BELLIED FLY-
CATCHER. Plumage as shown by
the lower bird — quite strongly
washed with yellowish on the under
parts; eye ring, tips of the wing
coverts and edges of the secondaries
whitish; upper parts inclined to
olive-greenish. L., 5.50.

Range — Breeds from Quebec and
Man. south to Mass., N. Y. and Minn.
(464) Empidonax viréscens
(Vieill.)

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER;
GREEN-CRESTED FLY-
CATCHER. Similar to the pre-
ceding, but white on the throat and
the belly.

Range — Breeds from Mass., N. Y.,
and Mich. southward.

of several seconds; the first is of three notes, a clearly whistled
“pee-ah-wee,”’ followed shortly by two more, “pee-wee.”’

Pewees are not in the least timid; even though we stand
but a few feet away, they will apparently pay no attention
to us, but “pee-wee” to their hearts’ content, occasionally
dashing out and capturing a choice winged morsel and then
with a satisfied little trill returning to the lookout. Like
all flycatchers, they always perch quite erect and with the
tail hanging straight down.

Their nests are handsome affairs: shallow, but daintily
made of fibres and cobwebs, adorned on the exterior with
lichens and saddled on horizontal limbs, where they have
every appearance of being small tufts of moss. Were the
birds less timid these nests would be difficult to discover,
but without regard to who may be watching, the mother
bird will go directly to her nest whenever she pleases.

YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS are small species,
not often observed because they are very silent and retiring
in their habits. While not uncommon in suitable places

266

FLYCATCHERS

(466a) Empidonax trailli al=
nérum Brewster (Lat., alder).

ALDER FLYCATCHER. Above
olive-brown; under parts whitish with
a wash of gray on the breast and
flanks and a tint of yellow on the
belly. L., 5.75. Nest — Of fibres
in crotch of bushes; eggs creamy-
white with brown spots.

Range — Breeds from Quebec and
Mackenzie south to N. J. and Minn.

(467) Empidonax minimus

(Baird)

LEAST FLYCATCHER. A small
and abundant species. Olive-gray
above; eye ring and wing bars con-
spicuous. Nest— Of plant fibres in
crotches of trees.

Range — Breeds from N. B., Que-
bec, and Mackenzie south to N. J.,
Ind. and Mont. Winters in Mexico.
With us from May ist to Sept. 25th.

in our Northern States, their presence will be unsuspected
until actual search discloses them. During the breeding
season they frequent dark swampy woods where insects
abound, thus enabling them to secure quantities of food and
absolute freedom from visitation by human beings, unless
it be the most enthusiastic of ornithologists. Their nests
are imbedded in the luxuriant growth of mosses with which
the ground and roots of trees in their haunts are covered;
the nest itself is made of fine rootlets and grasses, lined with
fern rootlets, so fine as to resemble hair. The eggs are
white, finely dotted with cinnamon-brown.

ACADIAN FLYCATCHERS, of the same size as the
last, but with yellow confined to the flanks, are more abun-
dant and have a wider distribution. Like the last species,
they live in more or less swampy places, but their nests are
located in the outer, drooping branches of bushes or trees;
they are shallow and rather shabby structures of a few
rootlets, grasses and catkins, and are generally supported
by the rim.

267

FLYCATCHERS

(471) Pyrocéphalus rubinus
mexicanus Sclater
(Gr., fire head; Lat., ruby-red).

VERMILION FLYCATCHER.
A remarkably colored species having
a well developed, flat crest. Sexes
very dissimilar, the 3‘ being shown
in the foreground and the 9 at the
left. The @ is always more or less
washed with reddish on the belly
and crissum. L., 6.00; W., 3.25; T.,
2.50. Nest—Of fibres and lichens;
saddled on horizontal limbs.

Range — Our southwestern border,
from southern Tex. to Cal.
(472) Camptéstoma imbérbe

Sclater

BEARDLESS FLYCATCHER.
Rictal bristles very tiny. Dull olive-
gray above and gray below. L., 4.50.

Range — Southern Tex. and Ariz.

LEAST FLYCATCHERS or CHEBECS are very abun-
dant and very well known since, like Phoebes, they like to
live about habitations in the country and even on the out-
skirts of large cities. They are quite noisy during spring
and summer, their note being a rather gruff and emphatic
“che-bec,”’ punctuated with a violent jerk of the head and
tail at each utterance. Their lookout perches are usually
on the very tops of orchard or shade trees, from which points
of vantage they can make excursions in any direction in
pursuit of insect quarry. Hour after hour they will perch in
such places, every few seconds calling out their brusk chal-
lenge. The male is an interesting little cavalier, not allow-
ing any others of his own species to trespass on his preserves
and driving away inquisitive jays or squirrels; he is at peace
with most of the smaller birds, although occasionally having
a tilt with a Redstart.

Their nests are well formed of plant fibres and firmly
attached in upright forks, often low enough to be reached
from the ground. The eggs are plain creamy-white.

268

LARKS

(474) Otdécoris alpéstris al-
péstris (Linn.) (Gr., the ear
or “horn,” helmet; Lat., alpine).

HORNED LARK. Larger and
with more yellow than the next,
more common variety. L., 7.75.

Range — Breeds in the Arctic
zone of Canada. Winters south to
Ga. and Tenn. PRAIRIE HORNED
LARK (O. a. praticola), the variety
figured here, is slightly smaller; L.,
7.25. The whole plumage is a little
paler than that of the preceding, the
upper parts being a vinaceous brown.
Nest—On the ground in fields;
three to five grayish eggs, profusely
specked all over with gray and brown,
.85 x .60. Breeds locally from Quebec
and Man. south to Conn. and Kan.

(473) SKYLARK (Alauda ar-
vensis), a European species, has been
introduced and breeds on Long Island.

SuB-ORDER OSCINES. Sone Birps
Famity ALAUDIDZ. Larxs

HORNED LARKS are attractive ground birds having
small tufts of pointed erectile feathers on either side of the
crown. ‘There are a great many sub-species, chiefly in the
west, varying slightly in size and more in the color of the
upper parts, which may be very pale, very dark, or bright
rusty-colored, depending upon the nature of the locality they
livein. The typical species is boreal and comes south to our
United States border only in winter. Our common species
is known as the PRAIRIE HORNED LARK. They are
abundant in the interior and not uncommon in eastern
states. During fall and winter they travel about in quite
large flocks, feeding upon weed seeds. At mating time the
males often ascend in the air singing, after the fashion of
Bobolinks or Skylarks, but their songs, while not unmusical,
are in no ways to be compared to those of the latter species.

269

-MAGPIES, JAYS

oa Perea) (475) Pica pica hudsénia

(Sabine) (Lat., apie; of Hudson’s Bay).

MAGPIE. A_ remarkably hand-
some species marked as shown. Whole
head, neck and back an intense,
velvety black; wings and tail with
metallic reflections of bronze, purple,
blue and green; scapulars and under
parts pure white. L., 18.00 more or
less; W., 8.00; T., nearly a foot
long; Tar., 1.65; B., 1.25. Mest —
A large globular mass of sticks and
twigs, often as large as a_ bushel
basket; an entrance on one side
leading to the mud-lined nest within;
placed in trees or bushes at any height;
four to seven grayish eggs, profusely
spotted with yellowish-brown.

Range — From Sask., the Yukon,
and Aleutian Islands south to Tex.
and Ariz. Casual east to Ill. and
Mich.

Their nests are on the ground in open fields or prairies, with
little or no concealment.

Famity CORVID. Crows, Jays, ETc.

MAGPIES are one of the commonest and most character-
istic birds of the west; they are found east casually to North
-Dakota, Nebraska, and western Texas. Their habits are
in every way typical of those of this noted family. While
every one must admire their magnificent plumage, it is at
times difficult to pardon them for some of the crimes they
commit. They are natural born thieves, stealing anything
that takes their fancy, whether edible or not, from friend or
foe. Their food is very varied and adapted to season and
circumstances. Anything in the line of berries, nuts, flesh,
either of dead animals and birds or young birds stolen from
their nests, and eggs, is very acceptable to them. They
often go about in small flocks, and are noisy at all times.
Their usual note is a harsh, disagreeable “chack,”’ but they

270

MAGPIES, JAYS

(477) Cyanocitta cristata
cristata
(Linn.) (Gr., blue, jay; Lat., crested).

BLUE JAY. A beautiful, crested
species abundant and well known
throughout its range. Plumage as
shown, the sexes being alike. Crest
and back purplish-gray, shading to
intense blue on the wings and tail;
under parts gray and white; greater
coverts, secondaries and outer tail
feathers broadly tipped with white.
Ii, t1-50; Ex., 17.00; W.,- 5.50:
T., 6,00; Tar., 1/35; B.,-1.25. Nest
— Of twigs and rootlets, preferably
in small pines but sometimes in
bushes.

Range — Resident in eastern U. S.
and Canada; replaced in Fla. by the
smaller FLORIDA BLUE JAY (C.
c. florincola).

can imitate almost any bird and give a great variety of
whistles of their own make-up.

Their flight is easy and graceful but not swift. They
feed a great deal on the ground, where ordinarily they walk
rather sedately; if, however, they are in a hurry they hop,
often using their wings to assist them. Their nests are very
large globular structures of sticks; an opening on the side
gives entrance to the nest proper, which is made of straw;
these may be found at any height in trees or in dense
thickets.

BLUE JAYS are very abundant throughout the east,
from central Canada to the Gulf States. The saying that
“beauty is but skin deep” may well be applied to this
species. I really believe that their cloaks of beautiful
feathers cover more deviltry than exists in any other bird,
unless it be the Magpie. They are the terrors of all small
birds, which commence scolding and making much fuss as
long as one is in their neighborhood. During summer,

271

MAGPIES, JAYS
(479) Aphelécoma cyanea

(Vieill.) (Gr., smooth hair, referring to
the lack of a crest; Lat., blue).

FLORIDA JAY. A crestless spe-
cies with plumage as shown. Crown,
sides of head, wings and tail grayish-
blue; a more or less broken breast
band of the same color; middle of
back grayish-brown; auriculars
dusky-blue; below soiled white, in-
distinctly streaked on the throat and
breast. L., 11.75; Ex., 14.50; W.,
4.50; T., 5.00; B., 1.00. Nest — Of
sticks and rootlets, lined with weeds;
in bushes or low trees; four olive-
green eggs, spotted with brown,
1.05 x .80.

Range — Locally distributed in
Fla., chiefly along the coast regions.

many happy bird homes are transformed to scenes of despair
and wailing after being visited by our jay. His usual method
of plundering is to quietly slip through the underbrush,
seize an egg or little bird and try to escape before the parents
are aware of the fact.

In some measure to atone for this destruction of valuable
birds, jays devour quantities of grasshoppers, crickets, worms,
larve, mice, etc. In fall, small companies of Blue Jays
pay frequent visits to oak and chestnut trees, feeding upon
the nuts and storing quantities of them away for winter use
where squirrels will not be apt to find them. They are
noisy at all seasons of the year; besides their common “‘jay”’
scream, their long-drawn, hawk-like scream and a clearly
whistled ‘‘querdle, querdle, querdle,”’ they can make noises
and whistles mimicking the notes of many birds. They often
talk among themselves in low tones, and sometimes a single
individual will sound as though he were composing some
strain, making a medley of warbles, whistles, and mutterings
that has quite a pleasing sound.

272

MAGPIES, JAYS

(483) Xanthodra luxuésa glau-
céscens Ridgway

(Gr., yellow tail; Lat., luxurious, referring
to the rather gaudy plumage; Lat., growing
bluish).

GREEN JAY. A crestless species
combining in its plumage subdued
tones of blue, green and yellow as
shown. The throat patch is of an
intense velvety black. The sexes
are alike, but immature birds are
duller plumaged, the blue on the head
being tinged with greenish. L.,
11.50; Ex., 15.00; W., 4.75; T., 5.50.
Nest — Made of thorny twigs, lined
with weeds and rootlets; concealed
in thickets; four grayish, greenish
or buffy eggs, spotted with brown,
chiefly about the large end, 1.05 x .80.

Range — Lower Rio Grande Valley
in southern Tex.; as far north as
Laredo; south through Mexico.

Although other trees are often used in some localities,
small pines are generally preferred. The nests, composed
of twigs and rootlets, are usually within reach from the
ground. Before incubation of the eggs is far advanced, the
jay will silently leave the tree by the back door if she sees
or hears any one approaching; when the eggs are nearly
hatched or there are young in the nest, they remain and
scream and dash at any one that attempts to disturb their
home.

FLORIDA JAYS are crestless species found only locally
but quite abundantly in the Florida Peninsula. They
frequent almost exclusively scrubby oak thickets. Their
habits are practically the same as those of the Blue Jay,
and their notes are quite similar.

CANADA JAYS, which are found from our northern
borders northward, have less beautiful plumage than our
Blue Jays, but in other respects they are no less interesting.
They have all the bad traits common to members of this
family, while their good ones can easily be written down with

273

MAGPIES, JAYS

(484) Peris6Greus canadénsis
canadénsis

(Linn.) (Gr., I heap up or treasure).

CANADA JAY. Asombre colored
species as shown. Back, wings and
tail dark gray; forehead, sides of
head and throat white, shading into
ashy-gray on the under parts; nape
sooty-brown. L., 12.00; W., 5.85;
T., 5.80; B., .90. Nest — Of twigs,
moss and feathers, in coniferous
trees at low elevations; three or four
grayish eggs, spotted with brown.

Range — Boreal zones from Me.,
northern N. Y. and Minn. northward.
Casual in Mass., Pa., and Neb.
LABRADOR JAY (P. ¢. nigri-
capillus) has all the gray and black-
ish areas much darker than the pre-
ceding. Found in Ungava, Labrador,
and Newfoundland.

one small zero. Inhabiting, as they do, territory that is
less settled and where there is less gunning than our Blue
Jay is accustomed to, they are much bolder. They furnish
a great deal of amusement as well as annoyance to lumbermen
and campers, for they always hang about the tents watching
for a chance to swoop on any unprotected article. Anything
edible, even down to soap, and any bright objects of small
size are exultantly seized upon and borne off to their caches.
Even though they may peck at the shoes of a camper, pull
pieces from the deer that the hunter is skinning, or alight
on a canoe within a few feet of the paddler, to inspect its
contents, they are always on the lookout for their own safety,
and the slightest untoward movement sends them away
screaming with wrath. They hop about with great agility
among branches or on the ground, but their flight is rather
slow and with rapid beating of the wings. They nest
early, in March or April, while the ground is covered
with snow. ‘The nest is made of twigs, feathers, bark, and
catkins.

274

CROWS

(486a) Corvus cérax principalis
Ridgway
(Lat., a crow; a croaker; principal).

NORTHERN RAVEN. Whole
plumage black, with steel-blue_re-
flections; feathers on neck lanceolate
as shown by the lower bird. L.,
24.00; Ex., 50.00; B., 2.75.

Range — Whole of Canada and
south to Me. and Minn., coasts of
N. J. and Va. and in mountains to Ga.
(488) C. brachyrhynchos bra=

chyrhynchos

CROW. Glossy black. L., 19.00;
B., 1.90. Eastern North America;
replaced in Fla. by the FLORIDA
CROW (C. b. pascuus).

(490) C. ossifragus

FISH CROW. A small species. .
L., 15.00. From Mass. south along — ; -weyss . :
the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Bien See ROI

RAVENS are not uncommon in the northern half of
Canada, but are very locally distributed along our northern
border and casually farther south. Although they are much
larger than the common Crow, their bills are even larger in
proportion, and are bedded in long, stiff bristles. The con-
siderably lengthened feathers of the throat and sides of the
neck are characteristic. They are to a large extent scav-
engers, feeding upon dead animals or fish. But they have the
usual habits of the family in destroying eggs and young
of birds and animals. They are very powerful and fully
capable of killing quite large creatures, but there appears to
be little foundation for stories of their attacking lambs and
other domestic animals. Their notes are quite varied but
are all hoarse and raucous caws and croakings.

They nest in the tops of the very tallest coniferous trees
or on high ledges or bluffs. They return to the same site
and the same nest year after year.

CROWS are almost too well known everywhere to be even
mentioned. As one old farmer said to me, ‘‘The pesky

275

CROWS

(491) Nucifraga columbiana
(Wilson) (Lat., nut breaking).

CLARKE’S NUTCRACKER;
CLARKE’S CROW. Sexes alike.
Plumage as shown. Body gray,
lightening on the head; outer tail
feathers and ends of some secondaries
white; rest of wings and tail sooty-
brown. Immature birds are similar
but the back is brownish-gray.
L., 12.50; Ex., 22.00; W., 7.50; T.,
4.50; B., 1.70. A rather stockily
built bird. Mest — Well up in ever-
greens; composed of twigs and white
sage, lined with bark, grasses and
pine needles; three to five grayish-
green eggs, sprinkled with blackish.

Range — Western North America,
breeding in boreal zones from Alaska
and Alberta south to Mexico; casual
in Neb. and Mo.; accidental in Ia.
and Wis.

critters are carnivorous, herbivorous, grainivorous and
pestiferous — chiefly the latter.” Battered hats, old coats
and cast-off trousers, flapping on slender skeletons among
growing corn, give mute evidence of one of the pestiferous
crow traits. But despite their damage at an early stage to
young corn, at other times they destroy quantities of beetles,
grasshoppers, grubs, cutworms, etc., and are also of some
value as scavengers. Crows along the coast south of Long
Island are smaller than the common one and have a shorter,
hoarser caw; they are specifically known as Fish Crows, for
their food is largely of fish cast up on the beaches.

They keep in flocks at all seasons except during nesting,
and even then are not widely separated; if one nest is dis-
turbed, a dozen crows will appear from somewhere to caw
about it. In winter, flocks unite and repair nightly to
extensive “‘crow-roosts,”’ each flock scattering in the morn-
ing to its favorite feeding ground, perhaps twenty or more
miles away.

276

STARLINGS

(493) Starnus vulgaris Linn.
(Lat., a starling; common).

STARLING. A_ very handsome
bird as shown. Plumage iridescent
purple and greenish-black; feathers
on the upper parts and breast ‘lance-
olate and mostly tipped with buffy
spots. Bill light yellowish, very
sharply pointed. In winter the
feathers on the upper parts are
quite broadly edged with buff. L.,
8.50; W., 5.00; T., 2.75; B., 1.00;
Tar., 1.00. Nest — Of grasses, twigs
and trash in hollow trees or crevices
about buildings; just such locations
as are usually chosen by English
Sparrows; four to six pale blue
eggs, 1.15 x .85.

Range — Introduced in N. Y. City
in 1890; spread to Mass., Conn.,
and Pa.

NUTCRACKERS, which inhabit our western mountains,
although not resembling in plumage any of our crows or
jays, show by the shape of the bill that they belong
to the same family. Their manners give further evidence
of their connection to this rather disreputable group,
for they are omnivorous in their feeding, and very noisy
and active at all times except during nesting. They
often hang from cones, head downward, like crossbills, and
frequently cling to the sides of trees in woodpecker fashion;
their flight, too, is undulatory, somewhat suggestive of that
of the Flicker.

Famity STURNID. Srartincs

STARLINGS, a common Old World species, formerly
had a place in our avifauna because of its casual occurrence
in Greenland. In 1890 several pairs were liberated in New
York. They have thriven, multiplied, pushed their way
as far from their starting point at least as Springfield, Mass.

277

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES

(494) Dolichényx oryzivorus

(Linn.) (Gr., long claw; rice-devourer).

BOBOLINK; RICE-BIRD;
REED-BIRD; SKUNK BLACK-
BIRD. Ad. & in summer — As
shown by bird in the foreground.
Chiefly black and white; nape buffy
and wing feathers more or less edged
with the same. of in fall, 9, and
young — Entirely different as shown
by the bird in the background —
streaked brown, sparrow-like birds,
but easily recognized by the stiff
pointed tail feathers. L., 7.25; W.,
Bo753. Li 22:053) Lar, 1.00; aViesti—
Of grasses, on the ground in meadows;
four or five whitish eggs, very heavily
blotched and clouded with browns.

Range—Breeds from southern
Canada south to N. J., W. Va., Ind.,
Mo., and Nev.

Their manner of living is not unlike that of the common
English Sparrows. They nest in niches anywhere; in hollow
trees, bird boxes, crevices about buildings and, in Europe,
often on sea cliffs. They are just as much at home about
the streets and buildings of large cities as in the country.
They have no connected song but make a great many notes,
some musical and others not. The most noticeable one is
a high-pitched, long-drawn, clear piping whistle. Their
food consists of insects, grain, berries, or fruits. They are
very quarrelsome among themselves and with other birds.
Unless checked, it is believed that they will in time prove as
great a curse as English Sparrows.

Famitry ICTERIDA. Btacxprrps, ORIOLES, ETC.

BOBOLINKS are characteristic birds of our northern
meadows in spring and summer. At this season the male
is very handsomely clothed in jet black and buffy white,
while his mate looks much like an ordinary sparrow. The

278

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES
(495) Moldthrus ater ater

(Bodd.) (Gr., vagabond or parasite; Lat.,
black).

COWBIRD; LAZY-BIRD. Ad.
o' — Plumage as shown by the upper
vird. Body glossy, greenish-black;
entire head and neck coffee-brown.
Ad. 9, and Im.—Grayish; dark
above and lighter below, shading to
whitish on the throat; the under
parts more or less conspicuously
streaked with dusky. L., 7.75; W.,
Asso; Ly 3-253) B.. -70.- shares “1.00:
Nest-—None. The eggs are de-
posited singly in nests of other species
of birds, usually those of smaller
size; white, evenly specked with cin-
namon-brown, .85 x .65.

Range— Breeds from southern
Canada south to N. Car., La., and
Tex. Winters in southern U. 5S.

males have very pleasing, musical songs—a tinkling,
rippling, gurgling melody in which a repetition of his name
occurs frequently. This song is given frequently, either
from the tops of trees, bushes or weeds, or while soaring, on
fluttering wings, over the meadow where his mate is making
or caring for their home. Their nests are rather difficult to
discover, for Bob warns his mate of your approach long be-
fore you are near, so she can either leave at once or be pre-
pared to sneak away through the grass.

The Bobolink song ceases after the first of July. and the
males rapidly moult their handsome plumage and assume
brown suits similar to those of the females and young.
Their only notes now are musical, metallic ‘“ chinks.”
They gather in flocks and soon start for southern states.
They collect in immense flocks about the marshes of Chesa-
peake Bay and are there commonly known as “ortolans”
or Reedbirds; they have become fattened by feeding on wild
rice and are killed by thousands for market, and are served
on toast in all restaurants. Farther south, along our

279

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES

(497) Xanthocéphalus xantho=
céphalus (Bonap.) (Gr., yellow head).

YELLOW-HEADED BLACK-
BIRD. Ad. o& — Head, neck and
breast clear yellow; lores and _ rest
of plumage, except the white bases
of primaries, black. 9 much duller
plumaged, the yellow being less in-
tense and mixed with dusky, espe-
cially on the top of the head; body
grayish-black where that of the o is
black; lacks the white wing patch;
considerable smaller than the male,
which measures: L., 10.50; W., 5.50;
T4150; B),. 100; bar a257, e Vesh——
Of marsh grasses and rushes woven
together and fastened to living
rushes over water.

Range— Breeds from Keewatin
and B. C. south to Mexico; east to
Minn. and northern Ill.

South Atlantic and Gulf States, they are known as Rice-
birds because they feed upon rice, much of which is then
in the milky stage; they do immense damage to these valuable
crops, and planters have to hire men, women, and children
to shoot as many as possible of them.

COWBIRDS are unique, in that they are the only birds in
our country which build no nests of their own, because
of which fact the country boy usually terms them Lazy-
birds. During most of the year they roam about in small
flocks, feeding upon various insects and seeds; in spring they
spread out over the country by twos and threes, and are
quite silent and secretive in their actions. The female slyly
slips through the trees or underbrush until she locates
the nest of some small bird containing one or two eggs,
beside which she deposits one of her own; she continues
this daily until four or five nests each contain, beside their
own, an egg of hers. Here all her duties end and those of
the foster parents of her children commence. The young
Cowbird is larger and stronger than his fellow occupants

280

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES

(498) Agelaius phoeniceus
phoeniceus

(Linn.) (Gr., gregarious; Lat., a certain
shade of red).

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD;
MARSH OR SWAMP BLACK-
BIRD. Ad. o&—As shown by the
upper bird. Wholly black, with a
slight gloss, except the shoulders
which shade from scarlet, through
brownish-yellow to white on the
greater coverts. Ad. 9 — Shown
by the lower bird; blackish above;
streaked below and tinted with
pinkish on the throat and breast.
L., 9.00; W., 4.65; T., 360.

Range — Breeds from N. S. and
Ont. south to the Gulf. FLORIDA
RED-WING (A. p. floridanus) is
found in Fla. and along the Gulf
coast to Tex.

of the nest, and gets the major portion of food brought.
Warblers, sparrows, and vireos seem to be imposed on by
this parasite to a greater extent than any other species.
They nearly always accept the larger egg as a matter of
course and care for the young Cowbird as assiduously as
though it was their own. In fact, they have to take far
more care of it, for it follows them about and is fed for a week
or more after their own young are able to look out for them-
selves.

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, during summer, are
quite evenly distributed throughout eastern United States
and Canada. Since they are chiefly found in swamps and
marshy places, they are quite often known as Marsh Black-
birds. In winter they roam about in large flocks, through
the Southern States and do considerable damage to rice
crops. In spring they also do more or less damage to young
corn. They are always gregarious, but during the breeding
season split up into smaller flocks than at other times. At
this season the males delight in proudly elevating their

281

BLACKBIJRDS, ORIOLES

alg Meta er (501) Sturnélla magna magna

f (Linn.) (Lat., a starling; large).

MEADOWLARK; MARSH
QUAIL. Sexes similar but the @
duller colored than the o. Yellow
of throat sharply defined against
the white on the sides of the head.
L., 10:50; Ex., 17.00; W.. 4.507 1,
3.50; Par; 1:40}, Bs, 135%

Range — Breeds from N. B., Ont.,
and Minn. south to N. Car. and IIL,
whence it is replaced by the SOUTH-
ERN MEADOWLARK (S. m., ar-
gutula), slightly smaller and brighter.

(501.1) Sturnella neglécta

Audubon (Lat., overlooked).

WESTERN MEADOWLARK.
Yellow of throat encroaches on sides
of head.

Range — Breeds from Man. and
B. C. south to Tex. and Cal.

wings to show off the brilliant markings, as they utter their
musical song — a liquid, ‘“‘conk-a-ree.”” They use as alarm
notes an energetic “‘tchack” and a rather irritating, grating
“tzee-e-e-er.”

Their nests are always built near water, often in bushes
or rushes directly over it; again, they may be placed in tufts
of grass on the ground in marshes or about the edges. The
nests are woven of marsh grasses and bark, and lined with
finer grasses; they are quite deeply cupped, and may be
suspended by the rim or saddled in forks. When any one
approaches the vicinity of their nests the whole colony
becomes greatly alarmed and keeps up a deafening din until
the person has departed. At all seasons they devour a
great many insects, but during summer a great many
more, for their young are fed almost exclusively upon this
diet.

MEADOWLARKS are dwellers in our meadows, fields,
and pastures, and their clearly whistled songs can be heard
from early spring until late fall. In the Northern States

282

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES

(503) Icterus melanocéphalus
adaduboni Giraud
(Lat., yellow; black-headed).

AUDUBON’S ORIOLE. Ads.—
Shown by the upper bird. Back
greenish-yellow; under parts bright
yellow, sharply contrasting with the
entirely black head and tail; wings
chiefly black, but tipped with yellow
and white as shown. L., 9.50; W.,
4.00; T., 4.50, rounded; B., 1.00.

Range — Southern Tex. southward.

(504) Icterus paris6rum Bonap.
SCOTT’S ORIOLE. Ad. &%—
Plumage as shown; bright lemon-
yellow and black. 9 — Grayish-
olive above and dull yellowish below;
wings with two dull whitish bars.
L., 8.00; T., 3.50, rounded.
Range— Western Tex., southern
N. Mex., Ariz., and Cal. southward.

and southern Canada, they are slightly migratory, but in
the southern half of our country they are resident. They
are one of the best of bird friends to the farmers, for they
eat comparatively little grain, while they do consume great
quantities of the noxious insects, their larve, worms, grass-
hoppers, crickets, spiders, etc.

As we cross fields, they often fly up in front of us, uttering
their sputtering alarm notes and plainly showing their
white outer tail feathers as they speed rapidly away with
their characteristic flight, accomplished by rapid beating of
the wings and occasional short sailings; they are often known
as “Marsh Quail” because of the similarity between their
flight and that of quail. Their song is short and with but
little variation; a clear, high-pitched, piping ‘‘tseu-tseeer,”
often written as “spring-o-the-year.”’

Meadowlarks build their nests in extensive fields, usually
where the grass is quite tall; they are made of grasses and
are arched over so that it is quite difficult to see the eggs
from above.

283

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES

(505) Icterus cucullatus sén=
netti Ridgway
(Lat., wearing a cowl or hood).

HOODED = ORIOLE; SEN-
NETT’S ORIOLE. Ad. o&—As
shown by the middle bird. Plumage
an intense orange; face, throat, mid-
dle of back and tail black. In winter
the plumage resembles that of the 9,
which is shown above. Young o’’s
are like the @Q during the first
plumage; the next year they have
black throats, as shown by the lower
bird. L., 8.00; W., 3.50; T., 4.00,
rounded. Nest — Usually in clusters
of hanging moss; made by turning
up and matting the ends, or of fibres
in other trees.

Range — Lower Rio Grande Val-
ley in southern Tex. Winters in
southern Mexico.

ORIOLES are gaudily plumaged birds, of which only
two species are common in eastern United States. They
have short but clear and melodious songs, and build nests
that are usually quite unique in character.

AUDUBON’S ORIOLE and SCOTT’S ORIOLE are
found only on our southwestern border, chiefly in southern
Texas. The former makes a basket-nest of green wiry
grasses, suspended six to fifteen feet up in mesquite trees,
usually in thickets. The latter attach their nests, which
are made of fibres and green grasses, to the leaves of various
species of tree yuccas, and in moss hanging from cacti.

HOODED ORIOLES, also found on our southwestern
border, most abundantly in southern Texas, are more
common within our range than either of the preceding.
Their nests are usually constructed in bunches of moss
hanging from mesquite trees, and are made by hollowing
out and matting together the moss. Sometimes they are
in yuccas or in the leafy tops of bushes, in which cases
they are made chiefly of fibres and grasses. These orioles

284

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES

(506) Icterus spdrius
(Linn.) (Lat., spurious).

ORCHARD ORIOLE. Ad. #7 —
As shown by the middle bird; black
and bright chestnut. @ and young
of the year — As shown by the upper
bird; grayish-olive above and dull
yellowish below. The young o in
the second year is shown by the lower
bird; similar to the female, with the
addition of a black throat; the third
year the perfect adult plumage is
attained. L., 7.00; W., 3.15; T.,
3.00, rounded; B., .70, very slender
and somewhat decurved. Nest —A
handsome basket, sometimes pensile,
woven of green grasses; placed in
trees or bushes.

Range — Breeds from Mass., south-
ern Ont., and Minn. south to the
Gulf. With us May tst to Sept. rst.

are unusually active and restless, but not very timid, as they
are seen about habitations oftener than others.

ORCHARD ORIOLES are abundant in southern United
States and are met with occasionally as far north as Mas-
sachusetts and in the Mississippi Valley to Minnesota.
They frequent rather open country and are usually to be
found, as might be inferred from their names, in orchards.
They are quite active and restless, but keep where the foliage
is dense, so that, were it not for their song, they often would
be passed by unnoticed. Their song is very different from
that of our other orioles. It is a rather loud and clear warb-
ling, sounding quite a little like that of the Purple Finch or
the Warbling Vireo.

These orioles are commonly cited as basket-makers,
because their nests are skilfully woven of tough green
grasses; they are not deep but are rather round, the walls
being thick and the cup rather small. They are strongly
attached in upright crotches where leaves are numerous,
so that it is very difficult to distinguish the similarly colored

285

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES

(507) Icterus galbula (Linn.)

BALTIMORE ORIOLE; FIRE-
BIRD; GOLDEN ROBIN; HANG-
NEST. A handsome and common
species, the o of which is shown in
the foreground and his mate in the
background. Notice that the whole
head and back are black, and that
the outer tail feathers are widely
tipped with orange. L., 7.75; W.,
3.60; T., 3.00, nearly square-ended.
Nest—A pensile structure of fibres
and string suspended by the rim from
forks of limbs.

Range—Breeds from southern
Canada, south to the Gulf; west to
the Rockies. With us May ist to
Sept. 1st.

(508) Icterus billocki (Swains.)

BULLOCK’S ORIOLE. A west-
ern species, casual east to Kan.

nest. These nests, if placed in the cabinet, retain their
pea-green color for years.

They are of great value to fruit growers, for, while in
season they eat a few berries, their food is very largely made
up of beetles, caterpillars, larve, plant lice, etc., which they
glean chiefly from the foliage of trees.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES are common throughout eastern
United States and southern Canada, where they are very
often locally known as Fire-birds because of their brilliant
plumage, and as Hang-nests from their habit of suspending
their nests from the long outer branches of tall trees. These
nests are familiar objects to nearly every one. A favorite
position is on the outer twigs of elms, whether in fields,
yards, or along roadsides. The nests are so well made and
so firmly attached that they remain in position for several
years. The same pair of birds often returns to the same
tree year after year, but, except in very rare instances, a
new nest is constructed each season. The nest is a long
purse-shaped affair, neatly and skilfully woven of gray

286

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES

(509) Eaphagus carolinus
(Miiller)

RUSTY GRACKLE; RUSTY
BLACKBIRD. Iris yellow. Ad. 3
in summer — As shown by the upper,
nearer birds; glossy black, iridescent
with green and purple, the former
predominating. In winter, with
rusty edges to head, breast and back
feathers. Young even more rusty,
as shown by the bird in therear. L.,
6.253, Wi, 420052 oT asco.) Br. as.
Nest — Bulky, of twigs, bark, and
weeds in bushes.

Range — Breeds from Me., Ont.,
and Alberta northward.

(510) Euphagus cyanocéphalus
(Wagler)

BREWER’S BLACKBIRD. Head
glossed with purple; body greenish.
Western North America; east to the
Mississippi.

fibres, string, etc.; it is contracted at the upper end, where it
is firmly attached to the fork of a limb and bulges at the
lower end so as to provide a larger chamber for the eggs and
subsequent family. Located, as they so often are, at the
ends of long slender branches which are swayed to and fro
by every breeze and rocked violently by storms, a nest of
less depth would be an unsafe receptacle for either eggs or
little birds. It is very strange that any bird should choose
such a shaky home, with such high walls that the sitting
birds can see nothing except a small patch of sky above.

Baltimore Orioles have a very attractive, clear, full
whistling song and a rather harsh chattering alarm note.
They spend the winter months in Central America and are
annually welcomed back to our Northern States the second
week in May.

RUSTY BLACKBIRDS are abundant in the southern
half of the United States in winter and in the northern half
during migrations. They leave very early, before trees have
started to bud, for their summer home, which is principally

287

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES

(511) Quiscalus quiscula quis=
cula_ (Linn.)

PURPLE GRACKLE. Ad. o&
—Tridescent black; back brassy,
with iridescent purple bars. 9 much
duller colored. L., 13.00; W., 5.60.

Range — Coast region from Mass.
southward.

(s11a) FLORIDA GRACKLE
(Q. q. agleus). South Atlantic and
Gulf coasts. (511b) BRONZED
GRACKLE (Q. q. eneus) has the
back brassy, with no bars. Breeds
from southern Canada south to Mass.,
and, west of the Alleghenies, to the
Gulf.

(513) Megaquiscalus major
major (Vieill.)

BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE.
Very large, with long ,scooped tail. L.,
18.50; T.,9.00. Found in the South
Atlantic and Gult States.

in northern Canada and extends clear across the northern
portion of the continent. Some breed in the southern parts
of the Dominion and a very few in the Northern States,
particularly in the Adirondacks. Fully adult males in
spring and summer are clear, glossy, iridescent black, but
males of the preceding years always show rusty, while during
fall and winter all of them are extensively margined on the
head, back, and breast.

The notes that we usually hear them utter are rather
disagreeable, squeaky creakings, somewhat like the music
of wagon wheels on snow on frosty nights, or gates swinging
on rusty hinges.

PURPLE and BRONZED GRACKLES are quite similar
in plumage, and their habits are identical. The former ‘is
the most abundant along the coast regions south of Long
Island, while the latter is generally distributed in the in-
terior and the New England States and in southern Canada.
They are both usually distinguished simply as Grackles or
Crow Blackbirds. They are gregarious and to be found in

288

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(514) Hesperiphéna vespertina
vespertina
(Cooper) (Gr., western, voice).

EVENING GROSBEAK. Ad.
o' — Plumage. as shown; body a
peculiar brownish-yellow changing
to lighter on the belly and rump;
forehead and line over the eye bright
yellow; wings, tail, and head blackish;
inner secondaries and greater coverts
white. Bill yellowish. The @ is
marked similarly but is duller colored
and has the upper tail coverts con-
spicuously tipped with white. L.,
8.00; W., 4.25; T., 2.75; B., .75,
very stout and conical. Nest—A
flat structure of twigs and rootlets
at low elevations in trees or bushes.

Range — Breeds in interior Canada,
chiefly Alberta. Winters south very
irregularly to Mo., Ohio, Pa., and
New England.

ee ce

companies of greater or less size at all seasons. They are
noisy at all times and take delight in uttering their queer
medley of squeaks and explosive ‘‘chahs” and ‘‘cacks.”
They are not at all timid, flocks of them often nesting in
yards where pine trees are growing close to houses. As a
rule they prefer coniferous trees in which to place their rather
bulky nests of twigs, weeds, and coarse grass.

Grackles feed extensively on the ground. They delight in
walking along the shores of ponds, rivers, or even on sea
beaches, where they can usually find dead fish, frogs, mol-
lusks, etc., or perhaps they may be fortunate enough to
catch a few living ones. They sometimes follow closely
upon the heels of the farmer as he ploughs or harrows,
picking up worms or beetles that are exposed to view. At
other times, when the farmer is not about, they go along the
rows of sprouting corn, and not a few of the tender shoots
may be pulled up. During summer they like to go “bird
nesting”; they are very successful at finding nests, and
either eggs or young birds are missing after their visits.

289

FINCHES. SPARROWS

(515) Pinicola enucledtor leu=
cara

(Miller) (Lat., a pine inhabitant; to
shell out; Gr., white tail, referring to the
lighter edges of the tail feathers).

PINE GROSBEAkK. Ad. fj —
As shown by the bird on the right.
Gray and rosy-red, the latter color
the brightest on the head, rump and
breast; feathers of back centred with
dusky; wing feathers edged with
white. Ad. 9 — Shown by the bird
on the left. Crown and rump
tinged with yellow or brownish-
yellow. Young o’’s are similar but
the crown and rump are tinged with
orange. L.,8.50; W.,4.50; T., 4.00;
B., .55; Tar., .90. Nest — Of twigs,
rootlets, and strips of bark.

Range — Breeds in boreal forests
in Canada. Winters south to N. J.
and Ia.

EVENING GROSBEAKS, in eastern states, are re-
garded only as very erratic winter visitors. They may be
common one season and then four or five years intervene
before another individual is seen in the same locality. West
of the Mississippi they occur regularly every winter in flocks
of half a dozen to half a hundred. In the higher mountain
ranges they breed as far south as Arizona. While with us,
all these Grosbeaks utter twittering or hissing notes some-
thing like those of Cedar birds, and the males often give
single, rather shrill whistles. They are very tame and are
fully as apt to be discovered in the middle of large cities
as in the country. They feed upon seeds, buds, and berries
of many kinds of trees, shrubs, and vines.

During their rare visits with us they are not apt to be
confused with any other species, for no others of our winter
birds have large yellow bills, nor plumages with bright yel-
low, black, and white markings.

PINE GROSBEAKS are regular winter visitants in our
Northern States, but are very irregular in their appearance

290

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(517) Carpédacus purpdireus
purpdareus

(Gmel.) (Gr., fruit biting; Lat., purple).

PURPLE FINCH; LINNET.
Ad. o' —Plumage a dull rosy-red,
brightest on the head, rump and
breast; feathers on the back more
or less distinctly centred with dusky;
wings and tail dusky, with rosy
edgings and white tips to the wing
coverts. Ad. 9 and Im.— Brownish-
gray, sparrow-like birds; dark above
and lighter below, indistinctly
streaked with dusky; an indistinct
lighter line over the eye. L., 6.25;
W., 3.15; T., 2.40; B., .45. Mest —
Of bark, twigs, rootlets, and grasses
in evergreen or orchard trees.

Range — Breeds in northern U. S.
and southern Canada. Winters
throughout the U. S.

in the southern half of our country. Their winter wander-
ings are guided chiefly by the supply of food. After long,
continued cold weather and storms, they often come in
great numbers and remain until March or April. They are
not at all timid, but do not frequent cities, like Evening
Grosbeaks, except in parks, for the reason that they are so
very partial to coniferous trees. While they scmetimes eat
the buds of deciduous trees and also feed upon berries, their
staple diet is of cone seeds, varied in summer by numerous
insects.

Living, as they do, in large coniferous forests where they
rarely see human beings, it is not strange that they should
often nearly allow themselves to be caught in the hands. It
is not because they are dull-witted, as some believe, but
because they have not been educated to the danger. I have
often been asked why we see so many more of these birds
in the dull plumage with yellowish crown and rump than
we do in the crushed strawberry dress. The answer is
very simple: if each pair of birds raises four young, the adult

201

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(***) Passer domesticus
(Linn.) (Lat., a sparrow; domestic).

ENGLISH SPARROW; HOUSE
SPARROW. Ad. co — Plumage as
shown by the bird in the foreground;
face and throat black; auriculars
chestnut. @ —A very dull plum-
aged bird; dusky above, indistinctly
streaked, and below dirty whitish.
Jeet 0125s Wi, 3.00%, 1s, 2225 - bee Ss
Nest — In holes in trees, in crevices
about buildings, behind blinds, or in
crotches of trees; in any case, an
unsightly mass of straw, string, paper,
rags, and other refuse; five to seven
whitish eggs, profusely specked,
spotted and scratched with brown
and black, .80x .55.

Range — Introduced in New York
about 1850. Now very abundant
in cities and villages everywhere.

female and all the young will be in dull plumages, while
only the male will be clad in rosy-red. Consequently only
one red bird in six should be seen, and this is about the
proportion in which they are found. In winter they are quite
silent, but utter melodious, piping whistles as they fly. In
spring and summer they have a beautiful song of mellow
whistles and warbles, uttered in a subdued tone.

PURPLE FINCHES, according to present standards of
color, are misnamed, for the plumage of males is a rosy-red,
but it is said to be the color that was known in ancient times
as royal purple. They are excellent songsters, because of
which, before the laws strictly prohibited, many of them
were trapped and kept in confinement.

Purple Finches are not uncommon in the Northern States
both during winter and summer. In the latter season they
consume a great many insects and berries, while at other
times of the year they live chiefly upon seeds of weeds and
trees and upon buds. They nest in orchard trees, in thickets,
hedges, or evergreens.

292

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(521) Léxia curviréstra minor

(Brehm.) (Gr., crooked; Lat., curved bill;
smaller).

RED CROSSBILL. Ad. oo —
Plumage as shown by the bird in the
foreground; a peculiar shade of red
— almost a brick-red, lightest on the
head, rump and breast; wings, tail
and centres of feathers on the back
dusky. @ dusky and yellowish, the
latter brightest on the rump. Young
ovs show all stages of plumage be-
tween these two. Mandibles always
crossed. L., 6.00; W., 3.50; T.,
2.25; Tar. and B., .65. Nest — Of
twigs, rootlets, mosses, and bark,
in coniferous trees.

Range — Breeds throughout Can-
ada and south to Col., Mich., New
England, and, in the Alleghenies,
to Ga.

ENGLISH SPARROWS are more abundant in cities
than the people about whose houses they live. They were
first brought to this country about the year 1850, and have
increased so rapidly and covered our country so thoroughly
that there is little hope of ever getting rid of them, although
they are conceded to be nothing but pests and nuisances. It
is doubtful if the combined beneficial results of all the
English Sparrows in the country amounts to a dollar, but
the annual loss caused by their defacing property can hardly
be less than a million, and an equally large loss is caused by
their driving away other useful birds and destroying their
nests. They are prolific beyond measure; a single pair
may raise a half dozen broods of not less than six every
year. Their nests are stuffed behind blinds or about crevices
of buildings or blocks anywhere; sometimes they are in tops
of arc lights, in hollow trees, or are large unsightly balls of
straw in crotches of trees. They are uncleanly; their voices
are harsh and disagreeable; and they are destructive. I
never have been able to find a single redeeming trait in them.

203

FINCHES, SPARROWS
(522) Loxia leucéptera Gmel.

(Gr., white wing).

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.
Mandibles crossed. Ad. o — Plum-
age as shown by the bird on the right;
light rosy-red; wings and tail black-
ish; lesser wing coverts and tips of
greater ones white; feathers on the
back with visible dusky centres. Ad.
Q — As shown by the left-hand bird;
streaked dusky and gray; yellow on
the rump, crown, and breast; wings
as on the o’. L., 6.00; W., 3.00;
T., 2.25. Nest — Of twigs and bark,
lined with moss and hair; in ever-
greens in deep forests.

Range — Breeds in boreal zones
throughout Canada and south to
N. Y., N. H., and Me. Very erratic
in migrations; south casually to N.
Car., Ohio, Col., and Ore.

True, they are living creatures, but so is the mosquito that
we crush without a thought when it annoys us, and the
one is as much a pest as the other.

CROSSBILLS are of more than passing interest because
of the manner in which both mandibles are twisted at the
tips so that, when closed, they lap by or cross one another.
This construction is presumed to have some advantages in
the scaling of seeds from cones, and it is upon these seeds
that they live almost exclusively. No birds are more
uncertain in their movements than these, especially the
White-winged variety. They follow their food supply,
and as the crop of cones may be good one year and poor
another, so these birds may put in an appearance one season
and then be absent the following.

They come suddenly and they leave the same way. A
shower of cone scales may cause us to glance up and see the
dull red or yellowish acrobats clinging to the pendent cones
in all conceivable positions, all busily working. Sometimes
they utter their musical, piping whistles while feeding, but

204

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(524) Leucosticte tephrocotis
tephrocotis Swains.
(Gr., white, varied; gray ear).

GRAY-CROWNED ROSY
FINCH. Sexes similar in plumage.
Head blackish-brown, shading into
brown on the back and breast and
into rosy on the rump and under
parts; nape and sides of the head
to the eyes, hoary-grayish; wings
and tail blackish, the feathers mar-
gined with rosy-white, this color
appearing almost solidly on the wing
coverts. L., 6.753 W., 4.25; T.,
2.75; B., .45. Nest—Of grasses
and mosses, lined with feathers; on
the ground; three or four white eggs.

Range—Breeds in mountain
ranges from central Alaska south to
the Sierras in Cal. In winter, east
to Sask. and, casually, to Neb.

these notes are most frequently heard during flight. They
are exceedingly tame and let one approach almost near
enough to touch them before flying; when one takes wing,
the whole flock goes trooping away to another feeding place.

Most birds return to certain localities each season to breed.
Not so the Crossbills; they have no one place that they call
home. They simply wander about and, when the nesting
season arrives, camp out wherever they happen to be.
They nest early, often while snow is still deep on the ground,
locating their rather flat structures in coniferous trees at any
height from the ground. The nests are made of twigs and
bark, and lined with hair, fine rootlets, and sometimes moss.
Red Crossbills are much more numerous than White-winged
ones. While, in favorable localities, in the Northern States,
the former species may occasionally skip a year without
putting in an appearance, the latter sometimes are not
reported for six or seven years.

ROSY FINCHES or LEUCOSTICTES are really birds
of the west and northwest. But one species, the Gray-

295

FINCHES, SPARROWS

: | (528) Acanthis lindria lindaria
j (Linn.) (Gr., linnet; Lat., flaxen).

REDPOLL. Ad. o — Plumage
as shown; 9 has no rosy tints.
T5152503. Wi 03:00s lta do wiBaes 2)

Range — Breeds in northern Can-
ada. Winters south to Va., Ohio,
Kan., and Cal. (528a.) HOL-
BOELL’S REDPOLL (A. hol-
beelli). Larger; L., 6.00; W., 3.25.
Boreal regions. (528b) GREATER
REDPOLL (A. 1. rostrata). Larger
and darker. Greenland.

(527) Acanthis hérnemanni
hornemanni (Aolb.)

GREENLAND REDPOLL. Large
and light colored. Resident in Green-
land. (5272) HOARY REDPOLL
(A. h. exilipes). Light colored; no
yellowish; white rump. Arctic coast;
south casually to Mass. and Mich.

crowned, occurs east to the Mississippi River and then only
during exceptionally severe winters. They are birds of
mountainous regions, keeping well up to the snow line, even
during the nesting season.

REDPOLLS are boreal birds, breeding only in the northern
parts of our continent. They are very abundant in their
summer quarters and many of them remain in the same
localities during winter. However, at this season, food is so
much more difficult to obtain that the greater part of them
move southward and troop through our Northern States in
large flocks. While with us they may be found wherever
weeds are plentiful, feeding upon seeds of these until snow
entirely covers them and then resorting to birches for buds
and seeds.

They have sweet, musical call notes, quite similar to
those of the Goldfinch, to which species they are very closely
related. They also have a sweet, wild song, but this is
seldom heard except in their summer homes. They are
very sociable, always in flocks while with us, and never

2096

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(529) Astragalinus tristis
tristis (Linn.) (Gr., name for some
finch; Lat., sad, from its call note).
GOLDFINCH; THISTLE-BIRD;

“WILD CANARY.” Plumage as

shown, the o& being the nearer bird.

In summer — Bright clear yellow,

shading to white on the upper tail

coverts; cap, wings and tail black;
inner webs of tail feathers and mar-
gins of wing feathers broadly white.

In winter — Dull colored like the @.

Ty, 5.009 W.) 2.753. 1.5 2:00: Vest

— Of plant fibres and grasses, lined

with thistledown; in bushes, five

to twenty feet up; four or five pale

bluish eggs, .65 x .48.

Range — Eastern North America,
breeding from southern Canada south
to Ga. and Ark. Winters from the
Canadian border to the Gulf.

quarrel. Their flight is quite rapid and only slightly un-
dulatory.

Nearly all the Redpolls that visit us are of the common
type form, Linaria. But sometimes we may see a larger,
darker colored individual which is the Greater Redpoll, or
a larger and much whiter variety, the Hoary Redpoll.

GOLDFINCHES are living bits of sunshine, dear to the
hearts of every one. They are residents in the northern half
of the United States, but migratory in southern Canada.
In winter both sexes are of a dull olive color, with darker
wings and tail. They travel about in small flocks, feeding
upon seeds of weeds and trees. At this season they often
associate with Redpolls and Siskins, both of which have
similar dispositions and feeding habits.

In May the plumage of the male commences to change
and by the end of the month he has assumed his beautiful
summer dress and is in full song. The Goldfinch song is one
of the most beautiful pieces of bird music, resembling that
of the canary but wilder and sweeter. Their call notes too

297

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(530) Astragalinus psaltria
psaltria (Say) (Gr., a lutist).

ARKANSAS GOLFINCH. No-
tice that the white on the tail feathers
is confined to the basal portions of
the inner webs, the tips being black.
Ad. & — Asshown by the nearer bird;
back greenish-gray; crown more exten-
sively black than on the preceding spe-
cies; yellow below very bright. In
perfect plumage the back is wholly
black, but several years are required
to attain this plumage and it is rarely
seen. 9 and Im.— As shown by the
bird in the rear, much duller colored
and with no black on the head. L.,
4.50; W., 2.40; T., 2.00. Nest— Com-
pactly made of plant fibres; in forks
of bushes near or over water.

Range — Northern Col. south to
central Tex. and through Mexico.

are musical and captivating — beady, ascending “sweets.”
As they fly, they go through the air with a characteristic
bounding, undulating flight, each downward wave being
punctuated by a musical ‘“‘per-chic-o-ree.”

They nest later than most birds, usually during August,
during which month they may often be seen hanging from
thistle-heads, sometimes robbing them of seeds and again
securing down with which to line the interior of their homes.
Their nests are made up exteriorly of gray plant fibres and
grasses, firmly woven and quilted together and tucked in
the fork of an alder or willow, usually near or over water.
While the female does the greater part of the nest building,
the male brings her some material, often takes his turn at
sitting on the five or six small, pale blue eggs, and does his
full share toward caring for the little birds. They are fed
wholly upon insects, and the adults also, at this season,
live chiefly upon the same fare.

In order to attract these cheery creatures about their
houses, many people plant sunflowers in their gardens,

298

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(533) Spinus pinus

(Wilson) (Lat., a siskin; pine).
PINE SISKIN; PINE FINCH.
Sexes very similar. Plumage as
shown. Upper and under parts
buffy, streaked with black; wings
and tail dusky with buffy edging
of the feathers; bases of primaries
and bases of tail feathers yellow.
These yellow markings readily serve
to identify this species anywhere.
Tener sis Wi 2e75ho ls, 22008 Bag AO)
Nest — Of rootlets and grasses, lined
with pine needles and hair; at any
elevation in coniferous trees; three
to five greenish-white eggs, specked

with reddish brown, .65 x .45.
Range — Breeds in Canadian zone
from Ungava, Keewatin, and Alaska,
south to N.S., Minn., and in
mountains to Ga. and southern Cal.

solely for the Goldfinches. They will come daily, during
late fall and winter, until every seed is gone.

ARKANSAS GOLDFINCHES are very unfortunately
named, as it gives the impression that they are eastern birds,
whereas they only casually occur east of the Rocky Moun-
tains. The name was given this species because it was
first discovered on the Arkansas River in Colorado. The
upper parts are never yellow, and as the birds get older they
change from the greenish of the first year, finally to a jet
black after a period of several years.

PINE SISKINS are, except during the breeding season,
almost as erratic wanderers as crossbills. During winter,
large flocks of them may appear anywhere in the United
States. They are always very restless, except when busy
feeding, and appear to wish they were anywhere except
where they are. They usually fly rather high and swiftly,
in compact flocks, alighting in the tops of trees to reconnoitre
before dropping down to the better feeding places below.
They feed quite extensively upon seeds of small cones and

200

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(534) Plectréphenax nivalis
nivalis (Linn.

SNOW BUNTING; SNOW-
FLAKE. Ad. o, in breeding dress —
As shown by the upper bird; pure
white and black. The winter plum-
age, such as we see in the U. S., is
shown by the lower bird. The brown
and buffy colors are on the very tips
of the feathers. In spring, bya proc-
ess of erosion, they wear off, leaving
the pure nuptial dress. The 9 is
similar but a little browner, and
has some traces of brown with the
black in summer. L., 6.75; W.,
4.15; T., 2.60; B., .40; Tar., .80.
Nest — Of grasses and mosses, lined
with feathers; in hollows on the
ground, usually in spagnum moss.

Range — Breeds in the Arctic
zone. Winters south irregularly.

also on those of deciduous trees such as birch, elm, ash,
larch, etc., and less frequently upon seeds of weeds.

But for their nervous and active maneuvers and their
plaintive notes, resembling ‘‘tcheer,” Siskins might easily
be mistaken for sparrows. But a close inspection will always
bring to notice the very sharply pointed bill and the yellow
patch on the wing. When feeding they act considerably
like Chickadees, frequently hanging, back down, from the
tips of outer branches.

They remain with us later than most of our winter visitors,
often until the middle of June, and not a few of them nest
in our Northern States. Their nests are placed among the
outer branches of coniferous trees, usually quite high up,
and are so well concealed that it is almost impossible to see
them. Few are found except by seeing the birds carrying
material with which to construct them. During spring and
summer Siskins sing a great deal, but their song cannot
be classed with that of the Goldfinch. They are, however,
very often kept in captivity, especially in European coun-

300

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(536) Calcadrius lappénicus

lapp6nicus

(Linn.) (Lat., a spur, relating to the
long hind claw).

LAPLAND LONGSPUR. Hind
toe-nail quite straight and as long as
the toe. Ad. o& in summer — As
shown. Top of head, face and
throat black; nape chestnut; two
outer tail feathers with white tips.
Ad. 9, Im. and o& in winter — Upper
parts streaked with black, rufous
and buff; under parts whitish, with
few black streaks; no large black
areas. L., 6.50; W., 3.60; T., 2.60;
Tar.,.75. Nest — Of grass, moss and
feathers; on the ground.

Range — Breeds from Ungava and
Keewatin northward. Winters south
irregularly to the Middle States and
Texas.

tries; when crossed with the European Goldfinch they make
excellent songsters.

SNOW BUNTINGS, or SNOWFLAKES, as they are
more often called, are so called because in winter they drift
in upon us from the north and settle on our fields like so
many large, white snowflakes. They usually travel in large
flocks and go from hill to hill, feeding upon seeds of weeds
that are above snow. They are more wary than most of our
other winter visitors; if any one of them sees any one ap-
proaching, he gives a warning “‘tuit,” and instantly the
whole flock is a-wing. They may circle about and drop
down into the same field again, but the chances are that
they will whirl across the valley and alight on the side of the
next hill. Their flight is rapid but undulatory, producing
a remarkable effect, as some of the birds are always rising
while others are falling, just as real snowflakes flutter through
the air. When they find a suitable place to alight, they
suddenly wheel about and descend precipitously.

They run about easily, not by hops like most sparrows

301

FINCHES, SPARROWS

Brats! ? (537) Calcarius pictus
} (Swains.) (Lat., painted).

SMITH’S LONGSPUR. Ad. &
in summer — Plumage as shown by
the nearer bird. Crown and sides
of head blackish; line above eye,
ear patch and basal portion of outer
tail feathers white; under parts deep
buff. In winter, Im. and 9 — As
shown by the bird in the rear;
streaked above; pale buff below,
with indistinct streaks on breast;
lesser wing coverts and outer tail
feathers largely white. L., 6.60;
W., 3.75; T., 2.50; B., .40. Nest —
Of weeds and moss, lined with grass,
on the ground.

Range—Interior. Breeds from
Mackenzie east to Hudson Bay.
Winters on the prairies from Kan. to
Tex.

and finches, but after the manner of larks. Sometimes,
after very heavy snowfalls, they resort to barnyards or
along roadsides to appease their hunger. They apparently
never alight in trees, but sometimes do on walls or fences.

Their summer homes are in the far north, where they sink
their nests in moss or rocky crevices. Arctic explorers have
met with them as far north as land exists.

LONGSPURS are ground birds, of sparrow-like aspect,
deriving their name from the fact that the hind toe-nail is
unusually developed. They are of more than passing
interest because of the manner in which their plumage
changes in spring. The males during summer are hand-
somely marked with patches of black and chestnut, but this
shows little or not at all until late spring, for the tips of the
feathers on these strongly marked areas are grayish or
whitish, sometimes entirely concealing the color beneath
unless they are pushed to one side. As the season advances,
the tips of these feathers lose their life and a process of
erosion takes place, the ends of the feathers wearing away

302

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(538) Calcarius orndtus
(Town.) (Lat., adorned).
CHESTNUT. COLLARED LONG
SPUR. Ad. & in summer — Plum-
age as shown; nape chestnut; throat
and face white; crown and _ breast
black; outer tail feathers and lesser
wing coverts largely white. In win-
ter similar but with black underneath
quite concealed by whitish edging
of the feathers. @Q and Im— No
chestnut on nape nor black beneath;
streaked above and indistinctly so
below; wings and tail as on adult
male, Dy, 5.00; W., 320; “V:, 2:20:
B., .40. Nest — Of dried grasses
lined with feathers; on the ground;
three to. six pale greenish-white
eggs, blotched with various shades

of brown and lavender, .75 x .55.
Range —Great Plains. Breeds
from Sask. south to Kan.

or falling off, leaving the bird clad in a handsome but not
new suit. The Snowflake, in the same way, changes from
its winter plumage to that of summer, in which only black
and white appear, the brownish tips all wearing away.
LAPLAND LONGSPURS, after breeding in the Arctic
region of the northern hemisphere, straggle southward upon
the approach of winter. In America large flocks of them
regularly occur in the Mississippi Valley south to Kansas
and casually farther. It is rather curious that this very
boreal species should more often stray to eastern United
States than the three species common to the Great Plains
in the interior, yet such is the case. In the Eastern States
a few individuals frequently occur in with flocks of Snow-
flakes or with Horned Larks. While in flight they always
utter a twittering whistle, very pronounced when heard
from large flocks. On the ground they run rapidly about,
picking here and there at various seeds; if they see any one
approaching, they keep motionless behind clods until certain
that they will be discovered, and then go whistling away.

393

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(539) Rhynchéphanes
mccowni
(Lawr.) (Gr., beak, I appear, relative to
the stouter beak than that of the other species).

McCOWNS LONGSPUR. Ad. #7
in summer — Plumage as_ shown.
Crown, maxillary stripe and breast
patch black; under parts grayish-
white, lightest on the throat; lesser
wing coverts chestnut; outer tail
feathers chiefly white. In winter
the black on breast is hidden by white
edges of feathers; upper parts brown-
ish, streaked with dusky. 9? —
Similar to winter male but with no
chestnut on the shoulder and no
concealed black on breast. L., 6.00;
W.,. 3:50; 1s.) 20253) Bi so:

Range—Great Plains. Breeds
from Sask. south to Wyo. and Minn.
Winters from Col. and Kan. south-
ward.

SMITH’S LONGSPUR breeds only on the plains west
of Hudson Bay, and winters on our plains south to Texas.
It is a very handsome species in its summer plumage, but
unfortunately we do not see the nuptial dress here, as it is
not perfected until after they have passed our northern
border in spring.

CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURS and Mc-
COWN’S LONGSPURS are characteristic birds of the Great
Plains, breeding from Kansas north to Saskatchewan. Dur-
ing spring the males of both species have the habit of soaring
to a height of fifteen or twenty yards, then elevating their
wings so as to form a V over the back and sliding back to their
starting point, to the tune of their tinkling melodies.

Their nests are composed of mosses and fine grasses,
placed in hollows on the ground. The eggs are clay color,
spotted and splashed profusely with brown and lilac. The
birds, the nests, or the eggs are equally difficult to see,
as they so closely match the ground in color.

304

SPARROWS

(540) Pocecetés gramineus
gramineus
(Gmel.) (Gr., grass inhabitant).

VESPER SPARROW; GRASS-
FINCH; BAY-WINGED SPAR-
ROW. Outer tail feathers wholly
white. Plumage as shown, the sexes
being very similar except that the @
has less chestnut on the shoulder;
tail feathers, except the outer, black-
ish; upper parts quite streaked;
under parts less so. L., 6.00; W.,
3.00; T., 2.30; B., .40. Nest — Of
grasses, in weedy fields or pastures.

Range — Eastern North America.
Breeds from southern Canada south
to N. Car. and Mo. Winters in
southern U.S. (s540a) WESTERN
VESPER SPARROW (P. g. con-
finis). A paler race found west of
the Plains.

VESPER SPARROWS are so called because of their
habit of commonly singing from sundown until dusk. Not
that they are silent at all other times, for they are far from it,
but at this particular time their pretty little songs ring out
loud and clear above those of other birds. It is a song very
difficult of description, combining parts of the clear pipings
of the Field Sparrow with phrases from that of the Song
Sparrow.

These birds are also quite frequently spoken of as Bay-
winged Sparrows, because the shoulders, or lesser wing
coverts, are a bright bay color. The white outer tail feathers
serve best to identify them, for few of our summer ground
birds have such a distinctive mark. Many designate this
species as the Grass Finch, because it is usually seen in grassy
fields or pastures. Their nests are composed of fine grasses
neatly arranged in hollows in the ground, often in short
grass in the middle of fields with little or no protection or
concealment. Yet they are not easily found, for the female
usually runs along the ground for some distance before

395

SPARROWS

sui (541) Passérculus princeps
4 Maynard
(Lat., a little sparrow; chief or large).
IPSWICH SPARROW. Larger
and paler than the next; a spot of
sulphur-yellow on the lores and bend
of the wing. L., 6.30; W., 3.25; T.,
2.00%. Bu e453: batae.05;
Range — Breeds on Sable Island,
N.S.; winters along the coast to Ga.
(542a) Passerculus sandwich=
énsis savanna (Wils.)
SAVANNAH SPARROW. Plum-
age as shown; yellow on lores and
bend of wing, the former extending
over the eye; much darker above and
more streaked below than the last.
Tbs 5-s03, W.,, 2-6071 8 2:00.
Range — Breeds from Ungava and
Keewatin south casually to Mass.,
Conn., Pa., Ind., and Mo.

rising, and the eggs are heavily blotched so as to be very
inconspicuous.

SAVANNAH SPARROWS are rather inconspicuous
birds, best identified by the small spot of yellow in front of
the eye. The under parts are rather evenly streaked with
blackish, showing no concentrated spots as on the Song
Sparrow. They are very abundant during migrations, and
a few breed in our Northern States, although the majority
pass on to the southern half of Canada. We see them most
often in the weeds or bushes along walls or fences, and in the
furrows of cultivated fields. In fall and early spring their
only notes are simple chirps, but in summer they delight in
singing their rather uninteresting song —a lazy “‘zee-zee,
zu-zu-zu,”’ the last notes being lower pitched. Although a
weak song, it has considerable carrying power.

GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, so named because their
songs are very weak and insect-like, are small but stout and
“chunky” sparrows with rather short tails. This form,
together with the fact that the under parts are unmarked

306

SPARROWS

(545) Ammédramus bairdi
(Audubon) (Gr., sand runner).

BAIRD’S SPARROW. Tail
feathers narrow and pointed. Head
olive-brown, streaked with black;
under parts dull white, streaked on
the breast and sides with black. L.,

5.205 Wi, 2.80; Ws aio5: B:; to.
Range—Great Plains; breeds
from Sask. south to Mont. and Minn.
(546) Ammodramus savan=

narum australis Maynard

GRASSHOPPER SPARROW.
Shown by the lower bird. Crown
blackish, with light median line;
lores dull orange; nape brownish;
sides of head grayish; bend of wing
yellow; no streaks on under parts.
Tey 5c003 Wi) 23353) dk.,) 2:00:

Range — Breeds from Mass., Ont.
and Wis. southward.

but washed with buff across the breast, and the edge of the
wing at the bend is yellow, will readily identify this species
provided it is seen at close enough range. However, they
are rather shy about allowing a close approach. Beginners
in bird study often fail to notice Grasshopper Sparrows,
although they may be about in abundance, for the reason
that if they notice the song at all it will be considered as that
of some insect and not be followed up. They arrive in the
Northern States about the middle of May, and from then on
throughout the summer we can see or hear them in almost
any dry field. When singing, they always perch on some
commanding location such as a post, a stone wall, or a rock
in. mid-field.

Their nests are located in the middle of fields and are quite
difficult to discover, as the birds are quite clever. The male
always gives warning of the approach of any one and, unless
incubation of the eggs is far advanced, the female will sneak
away from the vicinity of the nest at once. Although the
eggs are pure white, with a few spots of brown about the

397

SPARROWS

(547) Passerhérbulus hénslowi
hénslowi (Audubon)

HENSLOW’S SPARROW. Crown,
sides of head and nape dull olive-
greenish; sides of crown blackish;
nape, breast and flanks streaked
with blackish; wings and tail with
much rufous. Shown by the upper
bird; 2.,45:005) W.;.-2:203, Pe 2too:

Range — Breeds from Mass., N. Y.,
Ont., and Minn. south to Va. and Mo.

(548) Passerherbulus lecéntei
(Audubon)
LECONTE’S SPARROW. Shown
by the lower bird; tail feathers
exceedingly narrow and graduated;
median line and sides of head buffy;
no yellow on wing nor Ee uvig:00%

W., 2.00; T., 2.00; B.,
Range — Breeds’ fa oe and
Man. south to N. Dak. and Minn.

large end, they are not easy to see, for the nest is always
arched over so that it is necessary to stoop and look under
to discover them.

HENSLOW’S SPARROWS are of about the same size
and form as the preceding, but easily identified by a close
inspection or with a good field glass, for the under parts are
finely streaked on the breast and sides, the nape is olive
green, where that of the last was brownish-gray, and the
wings are much more rufous. Both species have yellow on
the edge of the wings at the bends. While the last is at home
in dry fields, the present one prefers meadows or moist
ground. They are even more secretive in their manners
than are Grasshopper Sparrows. When the grass is a few
inches tall, it is very difficult to flush them, for they run and
hide like so many mice; when they do take wing, they go but
a few feet before tumbling into their shelter again. They
are quite persistent songsters during summer, but their notes
are weak, lisping, and insect-like.

308

SPARROWS

(549) Passerherbulus cau=
dacitus (Gmel.) (Lat., tail, sharp).

SHARP-TAILED SPARROW.
Plumage as shown. Crown, nape
and sides of head dull olive-green;
superciliary and maxillary stripes
buff; under parts streaked on the
breast and flanks; tail feathers
sharply pointed. L., 5.75; W., 2.30.

Range — Salt marshes from Mass.
to Va.
(549.1) Passerherbulus nélsoni

nélsoni = (Allen)

NELSON’S SPARROW. Slightly
smaller; throat, breast and_ sides
washed with buffy, very slightly
streaked, if at all. L., 5.50.

Range — Breeds from Alberta south
to S. Dak. (549. 1a) ACADIAN
SHARP-TAILED SPARROW (P. n.
subvirgatus). Salt marshes from
Quebec to Me.

SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS live in the haunts of
rails, which may account for their copying some of the rail
habits. These birds may best be recognized because they
are seldom found except in marshes, they are exceedingly
secretive and their narrow tail feathers are very sharply
pointed. The present species is distinctly streaked on the
breast and sides with black, while Nelson’s Sparrow, found in
the interior, and the Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrows, on the
north Atlantic coast, are more buffy and very indistinctly
or not at all streaked.

If we walk through salt marshes along the Atlantic coast
we may occasionally see a Sharp-tailed Sparrow, momen-
tarily, as he runs across an open space to enter the grasses
beyond, or if we walk rapidly we may possibly flush one, but
he will go but a few feet over the tops of marsh grass before
suddenly diving intoits shelter. If we stand still we are more
apt to get a look at them than if we try to search them out,
for they often mount to the tops of the taller grasses and

309

SPARROWS

(550) Passerherbulus mari=
timus maritimus (Wilson)
SEASIDE SPARROW. Plumage
as shown by the upper bird; chiefly
gray; yellow loral spot; indistinct
streaks on the breast, L., 6.00.
Range — Salt marshes from Mass.
to Fla. and along the Gulf coast.
(s50a) SCOTT’S SEASIDE SPAR-
ROW (P. m. peninsule), a darker
race, is found on west coast of Fla.
(s50b) TEXAS SEASIDE SPAR-
ROW (P. m. sénnetti), coast of
Texas. (550c) LOUISIANA SEA-
SIDE SPARROW (P. m. fisheri).
Coast of Ala., Miss., and La.
(551) Passerherbulus nigré=
SCe€NS (Ridgway) (Lat., growing black).
DUSKY SEASIDE SPARROW.
A dark, streaked-breasted species
found on the east coast of Fla.

utter their short, grating little trills. Sometimes one may
even make a short song-flight out over the water and back.

They commonly build their nests in the marsh grass under
the protection of little oases of seaweed left stranded by
high tides on the tops of the grass. Naturally these nests
are quite difficult to find. The eggs are white, specked with
reddish-brown, especially about the large end.

SEASIDE SPARROWS, found abundantly along our
Atlantic coast south of Long Island, are duller colored and
grayer than the preceding and have no distinct black mark-
ings either on the back or below. They are found almost
exclusively in salt marshes and often in company with the
preceding species.

Both species are commonly known by hunters and fisher-
men who frequent the marshes as ‘Meadow Chippies.”’
Like rails, they are most active on dull, cloudy days; they
continue to feed and sing even after dusk too.

Several races of Seaside Sparrows are locally found along

310

SPARROWS

(552) Chondéstes grammacus
grammacus

(Say) (Gr., grain eater; marked with a
line, relating to the stripes on the head).

LARK SPARROW. Ads— Plum-
age as shown; two lateral crown
stripes and patch on ears chestnut;
tail dusky, the outer feathers broadly
tipped with white. Jm.— Body like
that of adults, but the chestnut on
the head is replaced by dull brownish.
Ly, 6.25; W:, 3:50; T., 2.753 B.,. 45:
Nest — On the ground; three to five
white eggs, sparingly scrawled with
black about the large end, .80 x .60.

Range — Breeds from Minn. and
N. Dak. south to La., east to Pa.
Casual in Mass. and N. J. (5522)
WESTERN LARK SPARROW (C.
g. strigatus). A paler race found
west of the Plains to the Pacific.

the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts, and a very dark species
along the Indian River in Florida.

LARK SPARROWS are very common in the Central and
Western States and are of casual occurrence east to the
Atlantic coast. Dry fields and dusty roadsides are the
favorite haunts of this species. It can very easily be dis-
tinguished from any other sparrow by the black and chestnut
head markings, by the light under parts with a blackish spot
in the middle of the breast, and by the fact that all the outer
tail feathers are broadly tipped with white, this last an
unusual feature for a typical sparrow. They have a pleasing
song which many regard as more musical than that of any
other sparrow. It is loud and clear, having something of the
character of that of the Vesper Sparrow but of much longer
duration. It has an added attraction in that the song is
heard on hot summer days, when most other birds are silent.

Their nests are placed on the ground or in bushes in
stubble-land, pastures, or on prairies; made chiefly of

311

SPARROWS

(553) Zonotrichia quérula

(Nuttall) (Gr.,a girdle, name of some bird;
Lat., plaintive).

HARRIS’S SPARROW. Ads.—
Plumage as shown by the upper bird;
crown, face and throat black, extend-
ing in streaks along the sides; sides
of head ashy-gray; upper parts
brownish, streaked with black and
gray. In winter, the black is mixed
with white and gray. Immature
birds show little or no black. L.,
7.50; W., 3.40; T., 3.50; B., .45.

These birds are very imperfectly
known as yet, and little is known
concerning their nesting.

Range — Breeds in the Hudsonian
zone from Mackenzie to Hudson
Bay. Winters from Kan. and Mo.
south to Tex. Casual east to Ont.
and Ill.

grasses, clover and weed stems. The eggs are whitish, with
a few prominent black scrawls resembling those of Balti-
more Orioles more than eggs of any sparrow, but not nearly
as pointed.

HARRIS’S SPARROWS are the largest of North Ameri-
can species in point of length, although their bodies are no
bigger than those of the shorter tailed Fox Sparrows. They
belong to the same genus as the two following well-known
species and are sometimes known as Hooded Crowned
Sparrows. These birds are very local in their distribution,
especially during the breeding season. They are known to
breed only in the Hudsonian zone to the westward of Hudson
Bay. They migrate through the Plains to Texas; occa-
sionally a straggler or two will appear east of the Mississippi
in with flocks of the following species.

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, in eastern United
States, are not nearly as abundant as the following species.
In the west, however, they are one of the representative

312

SPARROWS
(554) Zonotrichia leucéphrys ee
eucéphrys a

(Fors.) (Gr., white eye-brow).

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.
Ads.— As shown by the upper bird;
crown broadly white, with a black
stripe on either side, this black cover-
ing the lores and extending in a
narrow line back of the eye; nape
and sides of head gray; under parts
dull whitish. ZJm-— As shown by
the lower bird; crown brown, with
an indistinct lighter median line.
L., 6.75; W., 3.00; T., 2.80; B., .43.
Nest — Of grass, on the ground in
thickets or under bushes; four or
five whitish eggs, profusely spotted
with brown, .9o x .63.

Range — Breeds from Ungava and
Keewatin south to Quebec and in
western mountains to Cal. and N.
Mex. Winters in southern U. S.

birds, nesting in the mountains, and wintering in the valleys.
In the east, they are more northerly distributed than White-
throated Sparrows, nesting in Ungava and central Keewatin.
The majority of the eastern birds pass through the Mississippi
Valley, in the southern part of which they winter. Along
the coast states, small flocks are sometimes met, but individ-
uals are more often seen alone or in with flocks of the next
species. There is no chance of mistaking the birds, for the
present one has no gray across the breast, no yellow on
the head, and the white crown is not only broad and con-
spicuous, but the feathers are capable of being and often
are raised.

WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, abundant during
migrations in the Eastern States, are quite generally re-
garded as the handsomest of the sparrow tribe. The colors
are blended most harmoniously, and the immaculate throat
shines forth like a new bib on its background of ashy-gray.
They winter in large numbers in open woods and brush land

313

SPARROWS

(558) Zonotrichia albicdllis
(Gmel.) (Lat., white throated).

WHITE-THROATED SPAR-
ROW. Ad. o — Plumage as shown
by the nearer bird; crown black,
enclosing a white median line; super-
ciliary line white ending on the lore
in a_ bright yellow spot; throat
white, sharply defined against the
gray of breast and sides of head.
@ much duller and nearer like imma-
ture birds as shown by the lower
bird, which has no black on the head,
nor any pure white areas. L., 6.75;
W., 2.90; T., 2.85; B., .45. Nest
— Of grasses or weeds, lined with fine
grasses; on the ground or low-down
in bushes; four or five pale greenish-
blue eggs, thickly spotted with brown.

Range — Breeds from southern Un-
gava and Keewatin south to Mass.,
N. Y., Wis., and Minn.

through southern United States, and are eagerly welcomed
by bird lovers as they pass through the Northern States
on the way to their summer homes.

Their arrival is heralded by the piping song that will
greet us some fine April morning — a loud, clearly whistled
“Hi, hi, pea-bod-y, pea-bod-y, pea-bod-y.” While the
music does not sound like these syllables, the words fit well
with the song and are the cause of it often being known as
the Peabody Bird. A much better and more appropriate
rendering, I think, is the “‘Swee-e-e-t, Can-a-da, Can-a-da,
Can-a-da’””»— more appropriate because the majority of
them are bound for their beloved Canada the land of their
birth.

Their songs are heard at their best during early morning
hours and toward evening; in fact, they are said in their
summer homes to sing frequently during the middle of the
night. At other hours of the day they are very busily
scratching among the leaves in woods, swamps, or under-

314

SPARROWS

(559) Spizélla monticola mon=
ticola (Gmel.) (Gr., a litile finch; Lat.,
a mountain inhabitant).

TREE SPARROW. Ads.— Plu-
mage as shown; crown chestnut-brown
but with no black markings of any
kind; back reddish-brown, streaked
with dusky; two wing bars formed
by the white tips of the greater and
middle coverts; below whitish, shad-
ing to ashy on the sides; a brownish
spot in the middle of the breast. Im.
— Similar, but crown mixed with
grayish. L., 6.25; W., 3.00; T., 2.80.
N est — Of grasses, rootlets and hair;
on the ground or slightly above;
four or five pale greenish-blue eggs,
specked with brown, .80 x .60.

Range — Breeds from Ungava and
Mackenzie south to Quebec and New-
foundland. Winters from the Cana-
dian border to S. Car. and Ark.

brush. If we disturb them at their labors they will hop
up where they can watch us and protest with a musical
metallic “chink.” If we approach closer than they like,
they will troop off through the brush, bidding you farewell
with a penetrating ‘‘tseep.”’

In our Northern States, particularly in rather mountain-
ous portions, many of these delightful creatures pass the
summer with us. One built a cozy nest of grass and weeds
in a Massachusetts city park where hundreds of people
were within a few feet every day; it was in a little hollow
under a small bush.

TREE SPARROWS regularly visit us in the northern
half of the United States every winter, coming south as soon
as the snows cover the weeds of their home country in
northern Canada, thereby preventing them from obtaining
a sufficient supply of the seeds that they require.

At first glance many people mistake them for Chipping
Sparrows, but they wear an unmistakable badge of recog-

315

SPARROWS

(560) Spizella passerina
passerina (Bech.)

CHIPPING SPARROW;
CHIPPY. Ads.—Plumage as
shown; crown chestnut-brown, bor-
dered in front with black; a dusky
line through the eye; back brown,
streaked with dusky; coverts nar-
rowly tipped with whitish, forming
indistinct wing bars; nape, sides
of head and under parts ashy gray,
lighter on the throat; bill wholly
black. Im.— Similar to the adults
except that the crown is dull brown-
ish, streaked with black. L., 5.25;
W..;. 2370; T.,-2:253 Bs, 35. Vest —
Of rootlets and horsehair; in trees
or bushes; four or five greenish-blue
eggs with a wreath of black specks
about the large end, .65 x .50.

Range — Breeds nae the
U.S. and southern Canada.

nition in the shape of a blackish spot in the middle of the
light-colored breast. A closer inspection will show that not
only are they larger than the next species, but the crown
lacks the black edgings which are always present on the
following.

The greater part of their lives are passed on or near the
ground, notwithstanding the fact that they are called Tree
Sparrows. When frightened they sometimes take to the
tree tops, and in spring they sing their soft, trilling songs
from high elevations, but at other times, except when in
flight, they are usually seen below the tops of bushes. While
not as sociable as our familiar Chippy, they very often
enter dooryards to pick up seeds or chaff, and a great many
persons make a practice of throwing out canary seed for them.

CHIPPING SPARROWS are typical birds of civili-
zation. They are rarely to be found distant from land
that man has reclaimed or cultivated. They will even take
up an abode in city yards if they can escape persecution.

316

SPARROWS

(561) Spizella pallida
(Swains.) (Lat., pale).

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW.
Plumage as shown by the bird on the
left; crown light brown, streaked with
black and with a pale median line;
hind neck plain gray. L., 5.20; W.,
2:40; Ts, 2.30; .B,.235.

Range—Breeds from southern
Keewatin, southern Mackenzie and
B. C. south to IIl., Neb., and Col.

(562) Spizella breweri Cassin.

BREWER’S SPARROW. Shown
by the bird on the right; crown
streaked with black (no median
stripe); hind neck, as well as back,
streaked with black. L., 5.20; W.,
2:003L.,,-2.30.

Range — Breeds from Neb., Mont.,
Alberta and B. C. south to Tex.,
Ariz, and Cal.

While their songs are very simple and not musical, the
rapid chipping notes are not disagreeable and the birds are
very valuable ones to have about, for during the summer
their food is almost wholly insectivorous. They will clean
bushes and trees as well as the lawn of quantities of injurious
vermin. Practically every orchard has its Chippy popu-
lation and, as they are not pugnacious, several pairs may
live harmoniously even in a small one. Many bushes or
trees in pastures or along the roadside, annually hold within
their branches a happy home of these attractive little birds.
Their nests are made chiefly of black rootlets and are almost
always lined with hair; in fact, Chippies are in country-boy
parlance often known as Hair-birds. Their eggs are quite
distinctive, being greenish-blue, with a wreath of black specks
about the large end. Very often, far too often, we may find
one of the larger speckled eggs of that feathered parasite, the
Cowbird, nestling among the three or four that belong in
the nest.

317

SPARROWS

(563) Spizella pusilla pusilla
(Wilson) (Lat., small).

FIELD SPARROW. Size small,
but tail comparatively long; bill pale
reddish-brown. Plumage as shown;
crown, ear coverts, flanks and middle
of back reddish-brown, the latter
streaked with black. L., 5.60; W.,
2.50; “T., 2:55; B.,..35. Nest Of
weeds, grasses and rootlets, lined with
hair; on the ground or low down in
bushes or weeds; four or five bluish-
white eggs spotted with reddish-
brown, most abundantly about the
large end, .65 x .50.

Range — Breeds from Me., south-
ern Quebec, Mich., and Minn. south
tothe Gulf. Winters in the southern
half of the U.S. (5632) WESTERN
FIELD SPARROW (S. p. arenacea),
found on the Great Plains, is less
rufous.

CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS and BREWER’S SPAR-
ROWS are species about the size of the Chippy, found
chiefly on plains and desert regions of the west. They are
quite similar in appearance but the former has a distinct
median line while the crown of the latter is uniformly
streaked. Both species are ground-inhabiting birds with
habits similar to those of our common Field Sparrow.
Brewer’s Sparrow, or the ‘Sagebrush Chippy,” is rarely
found in any but arid sagebrush regions.

FIELD SPARROWS are of the same size as Chippies and
have reddish-brown crowns, but there the likeness stops.
They have longer tails, in fact unusually long tails for their
size; their bills are pale orange-red, instead of black; the
crown has no black margin as does that of the Chippy; the
back is a bright rufous and there is a blotch of the same color
on either side of the breast. Taken all in all, there is little
excuse for not recognizing this bird at sight.

They frequent dry fields and pastures, preferably those

318

SPARROWS

(566) Janco aikeni Ridgway

WHITE-WINGED JUNCO.
Plumage as shown; body and head a
uniform light gray, except for the
abruptly white under parts; two con-
spicuous wing bars formed by the
white tips of the greater and middle
coverts; outer tail feathers white. L.,
6.60; W., 3.50; T., 3.30; B., .5o. Nest
—Of grasses; on the ground; eggs
greenish-white, spotted with reddish-
brown.

Range — Breeds in mountains of
Wyo., S. Dak., and western Neb.
Winters south to Kan. and Col.

(570a) Junco phzonétus dor=
salis Henry
RED-BACKED JUNCO. A
western species having a_ reddish-
brown dorsal patch. In southwest-
ern Tex. in winter.

dotted here and there with bushes. The bushes are some-
times used for home sites, but are most useful as choir lofts,
for Field Sparrows are quite musical and delight in sitting
in commanding positions wliere they can see and be seen as
they deliver their songs, which are quite variable with dif-
ferent individuals but usually consist of several very high-
pitched notes and end in a pretty little trill. During
the hottest and driest summer days, when other birds
are very quiet, these little fellows will be piping their very
loudest.

While never as sociable as Chipping Sparrows, for the rea-
son that their preferred haunts are not such as are commonly
found very near dwellings, they are not timid, for they will
allow us to closely approach and on two occasions I have
seated myself within four feet of one of their ground nests,
with no concealment, and watched them feed their young.
Usually, however, they chirp excitedly if we get near their
homes.

319

SPARROWS

(567) Junco hyemalis hyemAlis
(Linn.) (Lat., wintry).

SLATE-COLORED JUNCO;
SNOWBIRD. Ad & — As shown
by the lower bird. Dark gray, shad-
ing to slate on the head and breast,
the latter being sharply defined
against the white of the belly; two
outer tail feathers white; bill flesh-
color. Ad.@,andIm.— As shown
by the upper bird. Much paler, the
breast being brownish-gray. L., 6.25;
W., 3.00; T., 2.70; B., .40. Nest —
Of weeds and rootlets, lined with fine
grasses on the ground.

Range — Breeds from mountains
in Mass., N. Y. and from Minn.
northward. Winters from the Cana-
dian border southward. (567e) CAR-
OLINA JUNCO (J. h. carolinensis)
breeds in the Alleghenies from Pa. to
Ga.

WHITE-WINGED JUNCOS are quite abundant in the
Rocky Mountains and are included in this book because
they occur in limited numbers in the Black Hills, South
Dakota, and in northwestern Nebraska. Even more west-
ern in its distribution is the Red-backed Junco, which in
winter occurs east to western Texas. Their habits are not
in any respect different from those of our familiar eastern
species.

SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS are abundant throughout
eastern United States during winter. They are commonly
known as Snowbirds because they are seen about the time
of the first snowstorm and remain with us until snow leaves.
They are nearly always associated in flocks and are rather
restless in their movements, covering considerable ground
while feeding during the course of each day. They are
happy-go-lucky fellows, nearly always twittering their
musical notes regardless of the weather or whether food is
plenty or difficult to get. They are never very shy and

320

SPARROWS

(573) Amphispiza bilinedta Rane

bilinedta (Cass.) (Gr., on both sides,

a finch; Lat., two-lined).

BLACK-THROATED SPAR-
ROW. Ads—Sides of head and
throat black; superciliary lines max-
illary stripes and under parts white;
upper parts gray, darkest on the
crown. Im.— Throat whitish and
with no distinct black markings. L.,
5.25; W., 2.60; T., 2.60.

Range — Southern Texas south-
ward.

(574.1) Amphispiza nevadénsis
nevadénsis (Ridgway)

SAGE SPARROW. Shown by the
lower bird; blackish streaks on the
sides of the throat and a black spot in
middle of breast. L., 6.00.

Range — Western North America;
in winter in western Tex.

when snow and crust cuts off their usual supply of weed
seeds, they flock into barnyards or about doorsteps feeding
upon chaff or grain that is thrown out for them and Tree
Sparrows.

A great many of these little Quaker-colored birds remain
throughout the year in the northern tier of states, but the
majority of them pass northward to Canada. In spring they
are even more lively than during the winter; early in the
morning, especially, their tinkling notes swell the glad chorus
of the early migrants.

Juncos build their nests on the ground, concealing them
artfully under logs, stumps, up-turned sods, overhanging
banks, etc. One nest, found on a Maine island, required
a diligent search of more than an hour to discover, although
I could tell from the actions of the birds that it was but a
few feet away; it was finally located under a flat stone that
projected obliquely from the ground, the grass concealing
the opening wholly.

321

SPARROWS

(575) Peucea estivalis zstivalis
(Licht.) (Gr., a pine; Lat., summery).

PINE-WOODS_ SPARROW.
Plumage as shown. Upper parts
chestnut, streaked with black and
broadly margined with gray; a gray
line over the eye; bend of wing yel-
low; tail feathers narrow; breast and
sides ashy-brown. L., 5.75; W., 2.50.

Range—Ga. and Fla. (5752)
BACHMAN’S SPARROW. Simi-
lar but with no black streaks on the
back. Breeds from Ohio, Ill. and Va.
south to the Gulf.

(578) Peucza cassini
(Woodhouse)
CASSIN’S SPARROW. Ashy-
brown above, with black streaks.
Range— Breeds from Kan. and
Col. southward.

BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS are typical spar-
rows of the southwestern plains and deserts, frequenting
mesquite or sagebrush, from the tops of which they pour
forth their tinkling little tunes many of the notes of which
have a buzzing or burring quality like parts of the song of the
Lark Sparrow. Their nests are located near the ground in
sagebrush, cat’s-claw or cactus; ofttimes they are even
located on the ground under concealment of some bush. The
eggs are plain bluish-white, this being one of the very few
sparrows not laying spotted eggs.

SAGE SPARROWS are quite characteristic of western
sagebrush deserts and basins of the Upper Sonoran zone.
Their colors and streakings harmonize very well with the
blue-green foliage of the brush, but they can readily be
recognized by the length of their tails and the fact that these
appendages are usually slowly wagged to and fro somewhat
after the Phcebe fashion.

PINE-WOODS and BACHMAN’S SPARROWS are

322

SPARROWS

(581) Melospiza melédia
meldédia
(Wilson.) (Gr., song finch; a melodious
song).

SONG SPARROW. Plumage as
shown. Crown rufous-brown with a
gray median line; superciliary line and
auriculars gray, the latter bordered
with brown; a brown maxillary stripe;
breast and sides more or less streaked
and a larger spot in the centre of the
breast. L., 6.25; W., 2.50; T., 2.60;
B., .45. Nest — On the ground or in
bushes; of weeds and grasses, lined
with fine grass.

Range — North America east of
the Rockies; breeds from Va. and
Neb. north to Quebec, Keewatin and
Mackenzie. Winters throughout
eastern U. S. (581j) DAKOTA
SONG SPARROW (M. m. juddi).
Sask. south to Turtle Mts., N. Dak.

very similar species, the former being restricted to Florida
and southern Georgia, while the range of the latter extends
to the northwest as far as Illinois.

The Pine-woods Sparrow is found almost exclusively in
pine woods, especially those with an undergrowth of scrub
palmetto. Bachman’s Sparrow, in Georgia, frequents the
edges of pine barrens in the tall grass which carpets the wet
ground. Both species are about equally difficult to see, for
it is almost impossible to make them fly and they rarely get
up above the tops of the underbrush or grass. Their songs
are sweet, loud and high pitched, more melodious than those
of most other sparrows. Their ground nests are partially
arched over so as to conceal the pure white, unspotted
eggs.

Some birds have great beauty, some have odd mannerisms
and others have pleasing songs, but search our country from
ocean to ocean and you can nowhere find a bird that combines
so many attractive traits as does the common SONG SPAR-

323:

SPARROWS

(583) Melospiza lincolni lin=
colni (Audubon)

LINCOLN’S SPARROW. Plum-
age as shown. Upper parts dull
brown, each feather with a black
streak in the centre; crown more
rufous and with a light median line; a
light gray superciliary line; below dull
white, washed across the breast and
along the sides with buff, and finely
streaked with black; wings with con-
siderable rufous on the secondaries
and greater coverts. L., 5.75; W.,
2.50; T., 2.40. Nest — Of weeds and
fine grasses; on the ground in tufts
of grass or under small shrubs.

Range — Breeds from N. B., Ont.,
northern N. Y. and Minn. north to
Ungava, Keewatin and Mackenzie.
Winters from our southern border
southward.

ROW. While in the east we have but a single species, in
the western half of our country are a dozen races of Song
Sparrows, each differing a little or sometimes a great deal be-
cause of environments or climatic changes, but still all
typical Song Sparrows, the same happy, demonstrative birds
that we are accustomed to see in the east.

A few Song Sparrows spend the winter in northern states;
as soon as the weather shows signs of moderation, others
come bringing good cheer and melody with them. Their
songs are not gifted operatic performances, they are better.
They are simple home songs, distinctive and pleasing to
every one. The rhythm is apparent from the following local
interpretations of their songs: ‘‘Maids, maids, maids, hang
on your teakettle-ettle-ettle” and ‘‘Peace, peace, peace, be
unto you, my children.”” As soon as the sun appears over
the horizon, their concert commences and the last lay is not
heard until after it has disappeared in the western sky.

Few birds live as peaceably with all other kinds, in fields,

324

SPARROWS

(584) Melospiza georgiana
(Lath.)

SWAMP SPARROW. A dark
sparrow. Crown chestnut-brown
shading to black on the forehead; au-
riculars brown, bordered with black-
ish; median line, superciliary line
and sides of neck dark gray; breast
and flanks washed with deep buff;
back very dark chestnut-brown, more
or less streaked with black. L., 5.75;
W.., 2.30; T., 2.30. Mest — Of weeds
and grasses, lined with very fine
grasses; on the ground, usually in
clumps of grass in swampy places;
four or five pale greenish-blue eggs,
heavily blotched and clouded with
various shades of brown, .80 x .55.

Range — North America east of the
Great Plains. Breeds from N. J.,
Til. and Mo. north to Quebec and cen-
tral Keewatin.

meadows and even in our dooryards, as these. Their grass
nests are built either on the ground or low down in bushes.
The first family is raised early in the year and often a single
pair will rear as many as three broods in a season. They
have so few enemies and so many friends that they appear to
be increasing in numbers everywhere.

LINCOLN’S SPARROWS are quite shy and retiring dur-
ing their migrations, slipping through the weeds and bushes
along walls, like so many mice. They represent one of the
least known of eastern sparrows, not because they are very
rare but because they are so secretive. They are most apt
to be mistaken for Song or Savannah Sparrows but if you
are fortunate enough to plainly see them, the buff breast
band will distinguish them from the latter and the finely
streaked breast from the former.

SWAMP SPARROWS are, as one would naturally suspect
from the name, chiefly found in swamps. While they are

325

SPARROWS

(585) Passerélla iliaca iliaca

(Merr.) (Lat., diminutive for a sparrow;
relating to the flanks).

FOX SPARROW. Legs and feet
unusually large even for so large a
sparrow. Plumage as shown, largely
a bright rufous, especiallyon the rump,
wings and tail; feathers of crown and
back broadly edged with gray; below
whitish, strongly streaked on breast
and sides with rufous. L., 7.00; W.,
Buaic ules 21007) DsaeeA5e shal me OO:
Nest— Of weeds and grass, lined with
moss, hair and feathers; on the
ground or at low elevations in bushes;
four or five pale bluish-white eggs,
spotted with reddish-brown, .go x .65.

Range — Breeds from Newfound-
land, southern Keewatin, Man. and
Alberta north to the tree limit. Win-
ters from the Potomac and Ohio val-
leys south to the Gulf.

not unusually shy, they rarely appear above the dense under-
brush that covers their chosen retreats. If we follow them
into their lairs we may catch glimpses of them as they cross
mud flats or water lanes from one cover to another. They
are so darkly colored that there is little possibility of not
knowing them when seen.

During spring and early summer they sing a great deal,
especially early in the morning. The song, while far from
musical, is quite distinctive and most resembles that of the
Chipping Sparrow but is louder and clearer. They breed in
suitable localities anywhere in temperate North America, but
their presence is often unsuspected even where they are
abundant, for their haunts and rail-like habits are not such
as to command general attention.

FOX SPARROWS are one of the largest species, nearly
as large as some of the thrushes. In fact I have often known
of their being mistaken for Hermit Thrushes and vice versa.

326

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(587) Pipilo erythropthdlmus
erythropthalmus

(Linn.) (Lat., peep; Gr., red eye). p
TOWHEE; CHEWINK. Iris red. |
Ad o — Plumage as shown by the |
lower bird, chiefly black; bases of pri-
maries, edges of tertials, belly and
ends of outer tail feathers white;
flanks chestnut; under tail coverts
buffy. Ad. 9 —As shown by the +
upper bird; brown in place of the |
black on the male. L., 8.25; W.,
3.40; T., 3.90; B., .55; Tar., r.05.
Nest — Of leaves, strips of bark and
grasses; on or near the ground in
brush or woods.

Range — Breeds from Me., Ont.
and Sask. south to Ga. and Kan.
(587a) WHITE-EYED TOWHEE
(P. e. alleni). White eyes and less
white on tail. Coast region from
S. Car. to Fla. :

Their size and plumpness readily distinguish them from any
other sparrows, while the brightly spotted breast, bright
rufous tail, and gray and rufous back and head should easily
determine it from any thrush even if the short characteristic
sparrow bill cannot be seen.

They pass through the Northern States on their way to
interior Canada with the early migrants during April, travel-
ling in companies and feeding in swamps, thickets and copses.
Their plumage so closely resembles the dead leaves among
which they scratch so lustily that you have to look sharply
to see them, but if you approach too near they will hop to
low branches or twigs and “‘tseep” at you. Early of morn-
ings and toward dusk you can usually hear them tuning up
and, as the individual songs are clear and sweet, the effect of
singing in chorus is very pleasing to the ears.

TOWHEES prove their close relationship to sparrows by
the shape of their beaks but there can be no comparison of the
plumages. The sparrows show little or no sexual differences

327

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(592.1) Oreospiza chlordra
(Audubon) (Gr., a finch; green tail).

GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE. A
bird that by its structure, form and
character of markings suggests the
White-throated Sparrow. Ad. 7 —
Plumage as shown. Crown chest-
nut; throat white, strongly defined
against the deep gray of sides on
head and breast; upper parts more
or less olive-green. Ad. 9— Similar
but duller colored. Jm.— Olive-gray
above, streaked with dusky; wings and
tail like adults; below dingy white;
breast and sides streaked with dusky.
L., 7.00; W., 3.00; T., 3.50. Mest —
Of grass; on or near the ground; eggs
whitish, specked with reddish-brown,
106 % :65-

Range — Western U. S.; east to
western Tex.

in plumage but the male Towhee is much more attractively
gowned than his mate. Country boys usually know these
birds as Cherinks or Chewinks for their note of protest when
their nest is approached is a very emphatic and oft-repeated
“cherink.”” When in pleasanter moods, as they generally
are when not disturbed, they delight in perching in the tops
of bushes or small trees and cherrily calling to one another
with a thrilling “pill, tow, will-a-will-a.”

The Towhee nest is a rather shallow affair of rootlets
sunken in a hollow on the ground. Rarely they build a more
pretentious one a few feet above in bushes. The white eggs
are very finely dotted with pinkish-brown. If you under-
take to examine them, the owners will protest most
noisily and sometimes dash at you with wide spread
tail and blazing red eyes. The Towhee in the Southern
States has much less white on the tail and the eyes are white
instead of red.

GREEN-TAILED TOWHEES are handsome, white-

328

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(593) Cardinalis cardindlis
cardinalis (Linn)

CARDINAL; VIRGINIA RED-
BIRD. Bill very stout and conical.
Ad. o&—A rich red, rather rosy
on the back, wings, tail and under
parts, brightening to vermilion on the
breast and sides of head; face and
throat black. Ad. 9— As shown by
the upper bird; ashy-brown with
traces of red on crest, wings and tail.
L., 8.50; W., 3.75; T., 4.50; B., .70;
Tar., .95. Nest — Of twigs, rootlets
and bark; in bushes; three or four
bluish-white eggs, spotted with red-
dish-brown, 1.00 x .73.

Range — From N. Y., Ont., Ind.
and Ia. southward. Casual in Mass.,
Mich., Wis. and Minn. (593d)
FLORIDA CARDINAL (C. c. flori-
dénus). Brighter colored. Florida.

throated species found commonly in chaparral in the Transi-
tion zones of the Western States. They are more musical,
having longer and more brilliant songs than any others of
the towhees. They are typical ground or brush birds,
scratching for their food almost as vigorously as Fox Spar-
rows, whose song their own vocal efforts quite closely resem-
ble. They rarely appear above the level of the tops of low
brush except to sing or for short flights.

CARDINALS are magnificent birds whose commanding
notes and brilliant plumage would attract attention any-
where. They are rather shy, consequently their voices are
heard much oftener than the birds are seen. While thickets
and dense underbrush appear to be their favorite resorts,
they also appear about dwellings and find nesting places in
vines, shrubs, or trellises. Their homes are quite easily dis-
covered for most of them have very little concealment; in-
deed, they are often constructed quite in the open, especially
those made early in the season, in April almost before leaves

329

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(594a) Pyrrhuléxia sinuadta

texana (Bonap.) (Lat., a bullfinch, a
crossbill; bent or bowed).

TEXAS PYRRHULOXIA. Bill
very short, stout and convex. Crest
rather scanty. Ad.o'— Plumage as
shown by the nearer bird; general tone
grayish; face, throat and middle of
breast bright rosy-red; crest, wings,
and taildullred. Ad. 9 — Asshown
by the bird in the background. Only
traces of red on the face and throat;
crest, wings and tail, reddish, but
duller than on the male. L., 8.25;
W., 3.75; T., 4.00. Mest — A shabby
platform of twigs and grasses, at a low
elevation in bushes or thickets; three
or four whitish eggs, specked with
dark brown.

Range — From central Tex. south-
ward.

have commenced to appear. Most of the nests are rather
slovenly constructed, being made chiefly of weeds and leaf
stalks on the outside, then a layer of dead leaves and finally
a lining of grasses or strips of bark. They are so insecurely
fastened to their supporting branches that they frequently
upset. I have found many of their nests, but never have
noticed the birds showing the distress so commonly shown
by almost all species when their homes are discovered. Some
even left the vicinity without even uttering their familiar
sharp ‘“‘tsip.”

The song of the Cardinal is loud, clear and not displeasing,
but, I believe, has been greatly overestimated. It shows
little of the melodious and tuneful character of that of the
Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Among the most commonly heard
songs is one composed of about six notes with a hollow or
thumping quality, a ‘“‘wee-oo, wheu, wheu, wheu, wheu,
wheu,” and another more musical and more rapidly delivered
sounding like “whirly, whirly, whirly, whirly.”

330

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(595) Zamelédia ludoviciana
(Linn.) (Gr., much melody).

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.
Bill very heavy and light colored.
Ad. o& — Plumage as shown by the
lower bird —largely black; upper
breast and linings of wings rosy pink;
belly, bases of primaries, tips on wing
coverts, rump and tail coverts white.
Ad. 9 —As shown by the upper
bird — sparrow like in color; a light
median line and white superciliary
stripe; streaked below. L., 8.25; W.,
4.10; T., 3.25; Tar.,.90. Nesi—
Fragile; of twigs and rootlets in
bushes or trees; eggs bluish-green,
spotted with reddish-brown, 1.00 x .75.

Range — Eastern North America;
breeds from southern Quebec, Ont.
and Mackenzie south to N. J., Ohio
and Kan. Winters from Mexico
southward.

Birds of such brilliant coloring appear out of place on a
winter day, but Cardinals are quite hardy and are usually
resident even in the northern portions of their range.

PYRRHULOXIAS, while less gaudy than Cardinals, are
fully as handsome, their demure gray plumage being appro-
priately relieved by the delicate rose-colored face, throat,
and breast. Their bills are very short, almost parrot-like,
and their crests, while more slender than those of Cardinals,
are capable of being thrown forward almost to the bill, to
express emotion. They are not uncommon in mesquite
along our southwestern border and their plumage as well as
their clear whistles, which are similar in character to those
of Cardinals, do much to relieve the dulness of their sur-
roundings.

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS would make welcome
additions to the avifauna of any country and we of the
Northeastern States certainly appreciate their presence while
with us. Arriving about the tenth of May, they remain in

331

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(597) Guiraca cerdlea certlea
(Linn.) (Lat., cerulean).

BLUE GROSBEAK. Ad. a —
Plumage as shown by the upper bird.
Deep rich blue, brightest on the head
and rump; lores and chin black; feath-
ers on back with black centres; wings
and tail chiefly blackish with blue
edging of the feathers; lesser wing
coverts and tips of greater ones chest-
nut. Ad. 9 — Dull colored as shown
by the lower bird; brownish-black
above and lighter below. L., 7.00;
Wi 3-50 (Deyn 22753055) ese —
Of weeds and grasses, in thickets or
bushes; four or five plain, unmarked
bluish eggs, .85 x .62.

Range — Breeds from Md., south-
ern Ill. and Mo. south to Fla. and
eastern Tex.; winters in Central
America. Accidental in Wis. and
New England.

full song until July ana do not leave us until September.
The males arrive a few days before the females, announc-
ing their advent by beautiful carols of loud, clear, round
whistles which, while having a tone all their own, come near-
est to those uttered by the Baltimore Oriole. This Gros-
beak song is almost invariably preceded at an interval of a
second or more, by a single, sharp, distinctive chirp. It
comes as an announcement that he is about to sing and for
every one to be prepared to listen to him.

Not only is this Grosbeak an excellent musician but he is
very handsomely arrayed in contrasty black and white, re-
lieved by a tie of beautiful rose color and a touch of the
same under each wing. When he flies, the patch of white
across the wing feathers makes a dazzling effect, almost as
though the wings were cut sharply across. His mate is very,
very different in plumage, almost like a large sparrow, hand-
somely striped and streaked. He is very devoted to her and

332

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(598) Passerina cyanea
(Linn.) (Gr., dark blue).

INDIGO BUNTING. Ad. 7 —
As shown by the upper bird; intense
indigo-blue on the head and breast,
lightening somewhat and changing to
a Prussian blue on the back, rump and
under parts; wings and tail blackish,
with blue edgings to the feathers.
Ad. —A plain, dull-colored bird,
grayish-brown above and paler below
with indistinct streaks on the breast
and sides. L., 5.60; W., 2.50; T.,
2.10; B., .40. Nest—Of weeds,
grasses and leaves, lined with fine
grass or hair; in bushes; four or five
pale blue eggs, sometimes almost
white, .75 x .50.

Range — Breeds from N. B., Ont.,
Mich. and Minn. south to Ga., La.,
and Tex. Winters southward from
Mexico and Cuba.

not only sings to her, but brings her choice morsels as she
sits upon the eggs in their rather frail nest, and also fre-
quently relieves her of this duty and incubates them himself.
When he is covering the eggs, he very often warbles his song
in a softer voice than usual.

BLUE GROSBEAKS, during summer, are quite com-
monly found in brush, brier, and weed-grown fields, clearings
or along waterways. Their handsome blue coat has the
same changeable quality as that of the Bluebird. Seen in
some lights it appears as a dull black; again, the same coat
may look intense dark blue or blue of a light and bright shade.
His mate is a very dull-plumaged bird showing no more mark-
ing or beauty of plumage than the female English Sparrow.

Their nests, which are built in bushes or clumps of weeds
within a few feet of the ground, are quite compactly made of
grasses. Their note of alarm is a sharp, energetic chirp or
“ptchick,”’ both birds perching near at hand and repeating
it when you are in the vicinity of their nest. The male sings

333

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(599) Passerina amoena
(Say) (Lat., charming).

LAZULI BUNTING. Ad. *—
Bright turquoise blue above, shading
to lighter and duller on the back;
breast, and sometimes the sides,
yellowish-brown; wings with two bars
formed by white tips to the greater
and middle coverts. Ad. 9— Shown
by the bird on the left; grayish-brown
above, tinged with blue on the rump;
lower parts pale buff, brightening on
the breast. Immature birds lack the
blue on the rump and are somewhat
streaked underneath. L., 5.40; W.,
2.80; T., 2.35. Mest — Of grasses, in
bushes or weeds; eggs plain bluish-
white, .75 x .55.

Range — Breeds from western N.
Dak., southern Sask. and B. C., south
to western Tex. and southern Cal.

often in spring and early summer but his song is rather weak
in character, although it bears some resemblance to that of
the Purple Finch.

INDIGO BUNTINGS, during the breeding season, occur
in most of our range except the Gulf States. The female is a
very demure little bird with a uniform brown upper parts and
buffy white below, but the male is very gaily clad in an
intense blue with a slightly greenish cast on the body and
deeping to almost purple on the head. They frequent weedy
and bush-covered fields or thickets, building their grass nests
within a foot or two of the ground. The male is a most
excellent songster and delivers his recital from the summit
of bush or tree. The song quite closely resembles some parts
of that of the Goldfinch and of the household canary. He
frequently retains his perch for many minutes, repeating the
song at quite regular intervals. While it is not unusual to
see the male singing away with all his might from the tops
of trees twenty to forty feet in height, I do not recall an

334

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(600) Passerina versicolor

versicolor (Bonap.) (Lat., various
colored, as it certainly is).

VARIED BUNTING. Ad. & —
Plumage as shown by the lower bird;
head, shoulders and rump bright blue,
becoming purple on the back and
under parts; back of neck bright red.
Ad. 9 —As shown by the upper
bird; upper parts brownish, tinged
with bluish on the wings and tail;
under parts dull brownish-white.
Young birds have buffy wing bars and
are white below but have the breast
strongly washed with brownish. L.,
5.25; W., 2.60; T., 2.10; B.,.40. Nest
— Of grasses, bark and rootlets; in
forks of bushes in thickets; three or
four pale bluish-white eggs, .75 x .58.

Range — Lower Rio Grande Val-
ley in Tex.

instance of ever seeing his mate perched even as high as ten
feet above ground. Hers is a lowly position down among the
bushes and the briers. In fact, it is quite unusual to dis-
cover a female Indigo anywhere except in the immediate
vicinity of the nest. At all other times they are so very
inconspicuous or conceal themselves so well that one rarely
notices them.

LAZULI BUNTINGS, except in plumage, are the western
counterparts of Indigo Buntings. Although common west
of the Rocky Mountains, they are found to the eastward only
in western Texas. They frequent the chaparral chiefly in
the warm valleys of the Sonoran zone but, like Green-tailed
Towhees, which are found in the same localities, they fre-
quently follow the chaparral to higher zones. Their songs
are unmistakably finch-like but not as sweet as that of the
last species, having a well-defined burr to the notes something
like the song of the Lark Sparrow.

VARIED BUNTINGS are a handsome species not

335

FINCHES SPARROWS

(601) Passerina ciris
(Linn.) (Gr., name for a kind of finch).
PAINTED BUNTING; NON-
PAREIL. Ad. 7 —Plumage as
shown by the lower bird, very bril-
liant and striking; head intense blue;
eyelids, rump and entire under parts
red, brightest on the throat and
breast; back greenish-yellow. Ad.
9—As shown by the upper bird;
greenish-gray above and soiled whit-
ish below; no conspicuous markings
anywhere. L., 5.25; W., 2.70; T.,
2.15; B., .40. Nest—Of grasses,
leaves, bark and rootlets, compressed
and woven together; in bushes, usu-
ally in tangled thickets; four whitish
eggs, specked and blotched with
brown, .78 x .58.

Range — Southeastern U. S.; north
to N.Car. and Mo. Winters in Baha-
mas, Cuba and southern Mexico.

uncommon in eastern Mexico but of only local and rare
occurrence in southern Texas. In no respect do their habits
differ from the more widely distributed and better known
birds of this genus.

PAINTED BUNTINGS or NONPAREILS, as they are
more commonly called, are characteristic finches of the
Southern States. They are also, or were until of late years,
quite well known in the Northern States as caged birds, for
quantities of them were trapped and sold both in this coun-
try and in Europe. Fortunately the laws in nearly all our
states have put an end to such traffic. Their song is similar
to that of the Indigo Bunting but weaker and less interest-
ing. They were sold more for the beauty and oddity of
their plumage than for their musical abilities.

Nonpareils are more shy and retiring in their habits than
Indigo Buntings. Instead of occupying a commanding -
position while singing, the males usually are concealed from
view by the leafy outer branches of the bushes. Their nests,

336

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(602) Sporéphila morelléti
sharpei Lawrence
(Gr., seed loving) -

SHARPE’S SEEDEATER. Bill
short, stout and convex. Ad. co —
Plumage as shown by the lower bird;
top and sides of head, back and a
narrow band across the breast black;
throat, sides of neck, under parts and
rump white; bases of primaries and
tips or edges of most wing feathers
white; flanks brownish. Ad.? —
Upper parts olive-brown; two buffy
wing bars; below pale buffy-brown.
L., 4.00; W., 2.05; T., 1.90; Tar., 60;
B., .35. Nest—Of fine grasses; in
bushes or small trees; eggs bluish-
green, spotted rather evenly over the
whole surface with reddish-brown,
.65 x .48.

Range — Lower Rio Grande Val-
ley in southern Tex., southward.

made of grasses, are normally placed in bushes or briers the
same as those of Indigoes, but they have also been found in
trees, ten feet or more above ground. The eggs are white,
spotted with reddish-brown, thus differing greatly from
those of other members of this genus, whose eggs are un-
marked bluish-white.

SHARPE’S SEEDEATER is a curious little Mexican
finch that is occasionally taken in the lower Rio Grande
Valley and in southern Texas. They frequent thickets and
brier patches and are said not to be unusually timid. Their
nests, quite firmly constructed of wiry grasses, are placed
among branches within a few feet of the ground, partially
supported by the rim and also by the bottom. It appears to
require several years for these birds to attain their perfect
plumage and specimens with the breast band are rarely
seen.

One of the commonest and most characteristic species of
birds found in dry weedy fields of the Ohio and Mississippi

, 337

FINCHES, SPARROWS

wir Pee) 7 ea (604) Spiza americana (Gmel.)
' DICKCISSEL; BLACK-
THROATED BUNTING. Bill stout
and conical. Ad. co’ — Plumage as
shown by the upper bird; upper parts
chiefly gray or brown; posterior part
of superciliary strip, short maxillary
stripe and breast yellow; throat with
a black patch, variable in size and
shape and usually extending in a nar-
row line on either side of the chin to
the bill; wing coverts largely chestnut.
Ad. 9— With no black and yellow,
very pale or lacking; no conspicuous
chestnut on the wing. L., 6.00; W.,
3.25; T., 2.35; B., .55.

Range — Breeds from Ont., Mich.
and Minn. south to Tex. and Miss.;
of local occurrence east of the Alle-
ghenies.

valleys is the DICKCISSEL or BLACK-THROATED
BUNTING. These are rather handsome birds but the
colors although attractively blended have the general faded,
washed-out appearance that is quite usual with birds inhab-
iting such places exclusively. The male shown in our illus-
tration is from an unusually bright specimen; the average
one shows less black and less yellow. The female, which is
of about the size and color of the female English Sparrow,
is very inconspicuous, the more so because she usually keeps
well concealed among the weeds. The male, however, can
readily be seen for he perches in conspicuous places on tops
of weeds, stalks, fence posts, or telegraph wires and chants
his simple ditty for hours ata time. The song is not musical,
neither is it displeasing to the ear especially when heard in
extremely hot, dry weather when all other birds in the vicin-
ity are silent. Transcribed to paper, it appears as ‘‘chip,

chip, che-che-che”’ or ‘‘ Dick, Dick, cissel.”
Their nests are nearly always built on the ground, but at
338

FINCHES, SPARROWS

(605) Calamospiza melané-=
corys Stejn.
(Gr., a reed, a finch; black lark).

LARK BUNTING. Ad. *%—In
summer wholly black, except the wing
coverts and edges of tertials, which
are white. Ad. 9 — Above grayish-
brown, streaked with black; wing
patch small and tinged with buff;
under parts dull white, streaked on
the breast and sides. o in winter —
Similar to the female but feathers of
under parts are black basally and
often show through; chin blackish.,
Li, (6:50; W., 3.40; T., 2:60; B., 255.
Nest — Of grasses; on the ground in
tufts of grass or concealed under
shrubs; four or five bluish eggs.

Range — Plains from Sask. and
Alberta south to N. Mex. and Tex.;
east to Neb.; accidental in Mass.

times are raised a few inches above in weeds or thistles. The
female does not leave the nest until almost stepped upon
and then makes comparatively little fuss.

On the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, another
species of bunting lives, namely the LARK BUNTING.
Most ground-inhabiting birds have more or less color pro-
tective plumage but the males of this species need no brass
band to advertise their presence for their black and white
coats stand out boldly against any background upon which
they naturally are found. Such a plumage would prove
fatal to the species if it were worn by the female too, but fort-
unately she is clothed in a demure ‘“‘sparrow” brown, but,
in order that she may not be mistaken for any common
sparrow, she has patches of white on her wings to proclaim,
in an unobtrusive manner, her proper identity. In winter
the male, too, looks like her.

Lark Buntings are excellent songsters. All their notes are
musical, Their call is a sweet, soft, cheery “hoo-ee,” given

339

TANAGERS

(608) Piranga erythrémelas
(Vieill.) (Gr., red and black).

SCARLET TANAGER. Bill
stout and slightly notched on the cut-
ting edge of upper mandible. Ad. &
— As shown by the lower bird; scarlet
and black. Ad. 9, and Im.— As
shown by the upper bird; greenish-
yellow above and paler below; wings
and tail darker. Ad. & in winter —
Similar to the female but with black
wings; at other seasons mixed with
red and yellow. L., 7.25; W., 3-75;
T., 3.00; B.,.60. Nest —Of twigs
and rootlets; on lower limbs of trees;
four greenish-blue eggs, spotted with
reddish-brown, .95 X .65.

Range — Breeds from N. B., Ont.
and Sask. south to Va., Tenn. and
Neb. Winters on the east coast of
Central America, migrating through
Cuba.

with a rising inflection. The most pleasing song is one
delivered while on the wing — a flight song like that of the
Bobolink or the famous Skylark.

Famity TANAGARIDA. Tanacers

A large family of exceptionally brilliantly plumaged birds
found only in North and South America. Only five of the
more than three hundred known species reach the boun-
daries of the United States, most of them being exclusively
tropical. Our species have pleasing songs, for which we
should be duly thankful for the majority of this family are
very poor songsters.

Almost every one is familiar with the SCARLET TANA-
GER, at least from pictures. The males are exceedingly
beautiful birds although gaudily colored. The dull-colored
females, however, are less widely known, for they are less

340

TANAGERS

(610) Piranga raibra rabra
(Linn.)~ (Lat., red).
SUMMER TANAGER; SUM-
MER REDBIRD. Ad. & — Rosy-
red as shown by the lower bird;
brightest on the head and breast;
wings and tail darker. <Ad.9, and
Im. — As shown by the upper bird;
upper parts orange olive-green; below
orange-buff; wings and tail darker.
The male retains the same colors
summer and winter, but immature
males are often mixed with red and
yellow. L., 7.50; W., 3.75; T., 2.90;
B., .70. Nest — Of twigs, weeds and
rootlets; on horizontal limbs of trees,
six to fifty feet above ground; four
bluish-green eggs, spotted with brown.

Range — Breeds from Md., Ohio,
Ind. and Wis. south to the Gulf and
Mexico.

often seen and are rarely figured in pictures showing this
species.

Tanagers are preéminently woodland birds, but one of the
finest sights it ever was my lot to see occurred on a May 12th,
when the migration was at its very height. It had rained
during the previous night but the morning in question saw
the sun out bright and clear. While passing a certain freshly
ploughed field, my astonishment was unlimited when I dis-
covered in with the hosts of sparrows and many bluebirds
feeding along the furrows, not less than twenty bright male
Scarlet Tanagers and nearly as many Blackburnian War-
blers. Such a combination of bright colors and comparatively
rare birds, I had never seen before, nor have I since. Yet a
friend of mine, on the same morning, in a place ten miles
distant, saw nearly as many of these same birds in a similar
situation.

This species has, as a call note and as a note of alarm when
any one is approaching their nesting site, a characteristic

341

SWALLOWS

(611) Prégne sabis stbis
(Linn.) (Gr., a mythological character).
PURPLE MARTIN. Ad. *—

Intense steely-blue as shown by the
upper figure; wings and tail less lus-
trous. Ad. Q — Upper parts sooty
blackish with slight gloss on back;
below grayish-white, streaked espe-
cially on the chest with sooty. L.,
8.00; W., 5.80; T., 3.35° B., .50, stout
and broad at base.

Range— Breeds from southern
Canada south to the Gulf coast and
Mexico. Winters in Brazil.

(611.1) Progne cryptoledca Baird

CUBAN MARTIN. Occasional in
southern Fla.

(611.2) Progne chalybea (Gmcl.)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN.
From southern Tex. south to Brazil.

“‘chip-churr.”” The song is a very unusual one, so that,
having once hard it, any one can very readily go into our
northern woods and discover several of these birds any morn-
ing in spring or summer.

If depending upon sight alone, one might hunt for years
without seeing a tanager. Although the plumage is so
brilliant of itself, it is really quite inconspicuous when seen
among green leaves spotted with sunlight that filters
through the outer branches.

SUMMER TANAGERS, common in summer in southern
woodlands, are duller red and nearly uniform in coloring.
Their habits are the same as those of the northern bird but
their songs are even more Robin-like in character, — clearer
and rounder, with little of the grating burr of that of the
Scarlet Tanager. The call note is very peculiar, of three
notes instead of two as in that of the last species. The inter-
pretation given by Chapman, of “chicky-tucky-tuck,”’ fits it
quite closely.

342

SWALLOWS

(612) Petrochelidon linifrons
lGnifrons (Say) (Gr., rock swallow;
Lat., crescent forehead).

CLIFF SWALLOW; EAVE
SWALLOW. Ads. — Plumage as
shown; crown, back, wings and tail
glossy steel-blue; forehead light buff;
throat chestnut, fading into deep buff
on the under parts; nape and upper
tail coverts buff; a steel-blue spot on
the chest. Jm.— Much duller colored;
throat blackish, more or less mottled
with white. L., 5.75; W., 4.40; T.,
2.15. Nest—A flask-shaped struc-
ture made on pellets of mud; lined
with grass; entrance on the side.

Range — Breeds through the U. S.
and most of Canada. Winters in
South America. (612.1) CUBAN
CLIFF SWALLOW (P. fulva), oc-
curred accidentally on Dry Tortugas,
Fila.

Famity HIRUNDINID®. Swattows

About eighty species of swallows are distributed through-
out the world. They are characterized by their long wings,
adapted to a life largely spent in coursing the air, and the
small feet, which are able to grasp only the smallest of twigs.
Their food is almost exclusively insectivorous — living in-
sects, captured in flight. Consequently their range at vari-
ous seasons is determined by the abundance or scarcity of
the food they must have.

PURPLE MARTINS, the largest of our swallows, are
very abundant in the Southern States and locally abundant
in northern states and southern Canada. Even before the
advent of white men to this country, the Indians suspended
gourds in trees about their camps and these were annually
occupied by Purple Martins. The practice has been con-
tinued ever since and martin houses, varying in size and
pretension from the simple gourd to many-roomed palaces

343

SWALLOWS

(613) Hirtiindo erythrogastra

Bodd. (Lat., a swallow; Gr., ruddy
belly).

BARN SWALLOW. Tail deeply
forked. Ads—— Upper parts deep,
glossy, steel-blue with purplish re-
flections; forehead and throat bright
chestnut, fading to deep ruddy-buff
on the under parts; all outer tail
feathers with a white spot near the
end of the inner web. JIm.— Tail
less forked and plumage paler and less
lustrous. L., 6.90; W., 4.75; T., 4.00,
forked about 2.00. Nest —A half-
bowl of pellets of mud, lined with
grass and feathers; attached to the
sides of beams in barns or other build-
ings, or on the sides of caves.

Range — Breeds from Alaska and
southern Canada south to N. Car.,
Ark. and southern Cal.

costing hundreds of dollars, are commonly seen. Of course
all martins cannot have modern houses, so the majority of
them still continue to nest in hollow trees. They are com-
munistic and as many will nest close together as there are
accommodations for.

Beautiful in plumage, graceful in flight and useful in its
habits, what more could one ask of a bird? But one thing —
a sweet song. Purple Martins are most persistent singers,
but no one can say that they possess any great skill in musical
art. Yet their songs are not displeasing, and that is more
than can be said of some birds —a succession of warbles,
gurgles, and creakings, having a grating rather than a twit-
tering character like the songs of most swallows.

Many of the swallows are rather remarkable in their nest-
ing habits, especially in the construction of their homes.
None are more so than CLIFF or EAVE SWALLOWS. In
settled communities, these swallows generally attach their
nest to the sides of barns or outbuildings, just under the

344

SWALLOWS

(614) Iridoprécne bicolor

(Vieill.) (Gr.,_ mythological — characters,
also the rainbow; Lat., two-colored).

TREE SWALLOW; WHITE
BELLIED SWALLOW. Ads.—
Entire under parts pure white; whole
upper parts steel-blue with greenish
reflections; loral spot black. Im.—
Upper parts brownish-gray; under
parts dull white. Tail barely forked.
L., 5.90; W., 4.60; T., 2.40. Nest —
Of grasses, lined with feathers; in
cavities of trees or in bird boxes; four
or five clear white eggs, .75 x .52.

Range — Breeds from Va., Mo. and
Cal. north to Ungava, Keewatin and
Alaska. Winters from N. Car., the
Gulf States and Cal. southward.
(615.1) BAHAMA SWALLOW
(Callichelidon cyaneoviridis) is acci-
dental in southern Fla.

eaves; hence their local name. These nests, made exter-
nally of pellets of clayey mud are gourd-shaped and have an
entrance on the side; this entrance is variable, but in the
best examples of Eave Swallow architecture protrudes in a
prominent neck through which the birds enter and leave.
The interior of the abode is lined with grasses and feathers.
In the west, where there are not nearly enough buildings to
accommodate the swallow population, they continue to be
typical Cliff Swallows and attach their mud homes to the
faces of clifis. They are very gregarious, some cliffs having
thousands of nests plastered to them, often with no spaces
between.

BARN SWALLOWS might almost be said to be semi-
domesticated especially in the east where nearly all of them
nest inside of barns or other buildings. Access is gained
through a broken window or the big barn door. Some
farmers every spring remove one or more panes in upper
windows just to provide doors for the entrance of the swal-

345

SWALLOWS

(616) Ripdria riparia

(Linn.) (Lat., riparian. loving the banks
of a stream).

BANK SWALLOW. Tarsus with
a small tuft of feathers below, near the
insertion of the hind toe. Plumage
as shown by the bird on the left;
brownish-gray above; dull white be-
low, with a breast band sharply de-
fined against the throat. L., 5.25.

Range — Breeds throughout U. 58.
and Canada.

(617) Stelgidépteryx serri=
pénnis (Audubon). (Gr., scraper wing;
Lat., saw feather).

ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW.
Outer web of outer primaries with
sharp, hooked saw-teeth barbules.
Throat and breast gray. L., 5.50.
Breeds from Mass., N. Y., Minn. and
B. C. southward.

lows. The nests are plastered against the sides of rafters,
usually where a nail, a knot, or projecting splinter can be
utilized to help hold it in place. It is composed of pellets of
mud and is half-bowl shaped, the top being open; the interior
is lined with grass and has a layer of feathers to help keep the
eggs warm. The eggs are just like those of the last species,
white, speckled with reddish-brown, these being the only
ones of our swallows that lay other than pure white eggs.

This species and Eave Swallows are very often confused by
observers. As the last one has a square tail with no white
spots, and a buff-colored rump, while the present species
always has white spots on a forked tail, it should be easy to
identify them whenever or wherever they are seen.

Earliest of the swallows to arrive in the Northern States are
the vivacious TREE SWALLOWS, so named because they
normally nest in cavities of trees. They are not as grega-
rious as other species, probably because they are rather quar-
relsome in disposition. While they often nest in small bird

346

WAXWINGS

(618) Bombycilla gdrrula
(Linn.) (Lat., garrulous, a chatterer).
BOHEMIAN WAXWING. Head
crested. Bill rather broad and flat;
notched near tip of each mandible.
Apparently only nine primaries, the
first being very minute. Ads.—
Plumage as shown. Black throat
patch, sharply defined behind; wings
with white and yellow markings as
shown; secondaries often tipped with
enlarged, red, horny, sealing-wax-like
appendages; crissum chestnut; no
yellowish underneath. L., 7.75; W.,
4.50; T., 2.80. Nest — Of twigs and
moss, lined with feathers; at low ele-
vations usually in coniferous trees.

Range—Boreal zones. Breeds
from Alberta and B. C. northward;
winters south irregularly to Conn.,
Pa., Ill. and Cal.

houses or in orchard trees, they show a marked preference for
dead trees with suitable cavities, leaning over water.

We have seen that Purple Martins nest in bird houses or
hollow trees; Cliff Swallows nest on the faces of cliffs or the
outside of buildings; Barn Swallows inside of buildings or in
caves; Tree Swallows in bird houses or hollow trees. We
now come to a small dull-colored swallow, the Bank Swallow,
which nests only in holes in banks. They nest in colonies, in
some places the soil being honeycombed by the burrows dug
by the birds, too small to insert the hand and extending in
about two feet; at the end is a larger chamber, which they
line with grass to receive the white eggs. Notice that this
species has a conspicuous band of gray or brown across the
chest, this readily distinguishing them from the ROUGH-
WINGED SWALLOWS which nest in similar places, but
have an average more southerly distribution. This last
species is so named because the outer web of the outer pri-
mary is very rough and saw-toothed.

347

WAXWINGS

(619) Bombycilla cedrérum

Vieill. (Lat., the cedar).

CEDAR WAXWING; CHERRY
BIRD; CEDAR BIRD. Plumage
as shown — chiefly soft brown and
gray; chin blackish, but no conspicu-
ous throat patch; no white or yellow
on wings; belly and crissum yellow-
ish; secondaries often and a few tail
feathers less often, tipped with the
red sealing-wax-like appendages; tail
broadly tipped with yellow. L., 7.00;
W., 3.70; T., 2.45. Nest — Of twigs,
moss, rootlets, twine, etc., lined with
fine grasses; at low elevations in trees,
often in orchards; four dull bluish-
gray eggs, with a few sharp black
specks, .85 x .60.

Range —Breeds from southern Can-
ada south to N. Car., Ark. and Ore.
Winters throughout the U. S.

Famity BOMBYCILLIDZ. Waxwincs

A small family of crested birds with short, flat bills, long
wings and usually with sealing-wax-like appendages to the
tips of many of the secondaries and often of the tail feathers.

BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, the largest of our two species,
are found in boreal regions throughout the northern hemi-
sphere. They are classed as among our most mystifying
birds. During some winters, great numbers of them appear
in our Northern States and then do not return for many suc-
ceeding winters. In the Western States they are more regu-
lar in their appearance. There is little chance of confusing
this species with the next, very common one, if it be but
remembered that the Bohemian always has more or less white
or yellow on the wings, while the Cedar Waxwing has no
color or marking other than the wax appendages. The
present species also has a black throat and bright chestnut
under tail coverts.

348

SHRIKES
(621) Lanius borealis Vicill.

(Lat., a butcher; northern).

NORTHERN SHRIKE;
BUTCHER-BIRD. Lores and nasal
tufts never wholly black. Ads.
Plumage as shown, the sexes being
similar but the @ a little duller plum-
aged. Sides of head, wings and tail
blackish; outer tail feathers white-
ended; white patch at base of pri-
maries; lores grayish-black; under
parts dull whitish, barred or undu-
lated with grayish. Im.— Markings
similar but plumage largely washed
with brownish. L., 9.75; W., 4.65;
1.54.70; Bs 275; Tars.,00. Nest —
A bulky structure of twigs and weeds,
lined with feathers; in thickets.

Range — Breeds in the greater part

of Canada; winters in the northern
half of the U.S.

CEDAR WAXWINGS are well known, often as Cherry
Birds, throughout the temperate parts of our continent.
Many of them remain in our Northern States during the
winter. Although they are not gregarious to the extent of
nesting close to one another, small flocks of them can be
found feeding together at all seasons. They devour a great
many worms and caterpillars, and often dart out into the air
after passing insects, as flycatchers do; they also eat many
berries, especially cherries, either wild or cultivated. Silence
is sometimes a virtue, but Cedar Waxwings carry it to
extremes. Their only note is a weak lisping ‘“‘tsee.” As
they are not capable of making a noisy demonstration when
their homes are disturbed, they simply sit among the branches
higher up and make no sound at all. They nest later than
most species, usually not commencing the construction of
their homes until the latter part of June. The nests are
made of twigs, weeds, grass, and moss and can frequently be
found in orchard trees. -

349

SHRIKES

(622) Lanius ludovicianus
ludovicianus Linn.

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. The
southern form of the next sub-species,
which has a wider distribution and is
a trifle larger.

Range — South Atlantic and Gulf
States.

(622e) Lanius ludovicianus
migrans

PALMER. MIGRANT SHRIKE.
Plumage as shown; lores, sides of head,
wings and tail jet black; outer tail
feather broadly tipped with white;
tips of tertials and bases of primaries
white; whitish below, unmarked. L.,
9.00; W., 4.00; T., 4.10; B.,.65.

Range — Breeds from N. B., Me.,
Ont. and Minn. south to southern
Ill. and N. Car. Locally distributed
in the east.

Famity LANIIDZ. Surikes

A family comprising about two hundred species nearly
all of which are found in the Old World. They all agree in
having large, strong bills notched or toothed on the side and
hooked at the tip.

We have two distinct species, the NORTHERN SHRIKE,
which is distinguished by the light barring on the under
parts of the adults and a smaller species, Judovicianus, which
is pure white below. This latter species is divided into five
races, three of which occur west of the Rockies. LOGGER-
HEAD SHRIKES are found in the Southern States and the
MIGRANT SHRIKE in the northern ones. Northern
Shrikes breed in Canada and occur in the Northern States
only during winter. The habits of all the species are prac-
tically the same but possibly the larger one is a little more
rapacious.

Shrikes are usually regarded as very cruel birds and at

35°

(623) Vireosy¥lva calidris barba=
tula (Cad.)
BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO.
Similar to the next species but with a
dark streak on either side of the
throat. Southern Fla., the Bahamas
and West Indies.

(624) Vireosylva_ olivacea

(Linn.) (Lat., green woods; olive-colored).

RED-EYED VIREO; GREEN-
LET. Plumage as shown; top of
head gray with a narrow black border
on the sides, separating it from white
superciliary stripes; upper parts olive-
green; below dull whitish. L., 6.25;
W.,. 3:20; T., 2.25; B., .65. Nest —
Of bark and fibres, lined with bark and
grasses; suspended in forks of bushes;
eggs white with few black specks.

Range — Breeds’ throughout the
U. S. and southern Canada.

times they are. At other times they are economically of
great value for they kill great quantities of insects, especially
grasshoppers. They have a habit of transfixing these, and
also small birds, many of which they kill in winter when other
food is scarce, on thorns. Sometimes this is done to hold
their prey while they tear it to pieces and at other times it is
merely to preserve the quarry for future use as they com-
monly kill more than they can eat. During winter, they
are practically fearless and will come into cities and capture
English Sparrows. If they would confine their diet to these
birds, I am sure that most of us would like to see them come
more often. I once saw one strike a sparrow down, in the
street, and it was so engrossed in its work that it allowed me
to pick it up and carry it to the house, where it continued its
repast as I held the sparrow in my hand.

However one many regard shrikes at other seasons, every
one admits that they are model birds during the nesting
season. They are very devoted to one another and to their

351

VIREOS

(626) Vireosylva philadélphica
Cassin.
PHILADELPHIA VIREO. As
shown by the upper bird; entire under
parts a pale yellowish; upper parts
olive-green; a dull superciliary line.
L., 4.80. W., 2.60; T., 1.95.
Range — Breeds in Me., N. B.,
Ont., Mich. and Man. Winters in
Central America. Rare and local.
(627) Vireosylva gilva gilva
(Vieill.) (Lat., yellowish).
WARBLING VIREO. Shown by
the lower bird; olive green above,
grayest on the head and _ yellowest
on the rump; below whitish, washed
with yellowish on the sides. L., 5.40;
Wey 20755 ie 52:20;
Range — Eastern North America;
breeds from southern Canada south
to the Gulf.

offspring. Their rather bulky nests of twigs and weeds,
lined with feathers, are placed at low elevations in thorny
thickets.

Shrikes have many clear, pleasing whistles as well as some
squeaking, unmusical notes. In fact, the Northern Shrike is
no mean imitator, being nearly the equal of the jay in that
respect.

Famity VIREONID. VrreEos

Vireos are found only in the New World, about fifteen of
the fifty-odd species being found in the United States.
They are birds of deliberate movements and usually pleasing
songs, spending most of their time among dense foliage, from
which they glean their fare of insects. Their bills are shaped
somewhat like those of shrikes — that is, notched and hooked
at the tip, but not for the same use.

RED-EYED VIREOS are among the most common and

352

VIREOS

(628) Lanivireo flavifrons
(Vieill.) (Lat., yellow-fronted).

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO.
Bill slightly more hooked than the
preceding species. No apparent spu-
rious primary. Plumage as shown;
bright olive-green above, changing to
grayish on the rump and tail; super-
ciliary line, sides of head, throat and
breast yellow, fading to white on the
belly and crissum; two white wing
bars. L., 5.90; W., 3.00; T., 2.10.

Nest — Of bark, plant fibres and
lichens, lined with fine grasses; sus-
pended in forks ten to fifty feet up;
eggs creamy-white, with a few red-
dish-brown specks, .82 x .60.

Range — Eastern North America,
breeding from southern Canada south
to the Gulf. Winters south of Mex-
ico.

best known species of birds in the east. They are sometimes
called “Preacher Birds” because of the deliberate delivery
and peculiar phrasing of their song, excellently written by
Wilson Flagg as, ‘You see it — you know it — do you hear
me? — do you believe it?” I know of no other bird that is
so persistent in its song. During spring and summer these
short phrases are uttered nearly all day long until they some-
times become very monotonous, particularly so when you
are trying to identify some other species by its song.

The Red-eye is usually identified by its song; its plumage
is diagnostic however for the gray crown is narrowly bordered
by black, above a conspicuous superciliary stripe. The eye
is far from being red, but is of a reddish-brown shade, rather
brighter than that of other vireos.

Their nests are skilfully woven baskets of strips of bark
and flat fibres, lined with vine tendrils, suspended by the
rim from forks of bushes or trees, usually not high up.

WARBLING VIREOS are very common and widely dis-

353

VIREOS

(629) Lanivireo solitarius soli=
tarius (Wilson)
BLUE-HEADED’ VIREO; SOLI-
TARY VIREO. Plumage as shown;
top and sides of head blue-gray; mid-
dle of back bright olive-green; lores,
eye-ring and throat clear white; under
parts and two wing bars dull whitish;
flanks quite yellowish. L., 5.60; W.,
2.80; T., 2.20. Nest — Of fibres and
bark, lined with grasses and pine
needles; suspended in forks from three
to ten feet up; eggs creamy white,

with chestnut specks, .80 x .52.
Range — Breeds from Mass., Pa.,
Mich. and Minn. north through
southern Canada.
(629d) L.s. alticola (Brewster)
MOUNTAIN VIREO. Found in

the Aileghenies from western Md. to
Ga.

tributed in our country. In plumage, they are very incon-
spicuous, there being neither any black head marking nor
any well-defined superciliary stripe, but the flanks are tinged
with yellow, contrasting with the otherwise soiled white
under parts. They can best be identified in life by their song
which is a lively warble of a few seconds’ duration, sounding
considerably like the song of the Purple Finch — so near
like it as to confuse a great many bird students. Warbling
Vireos swing their compact little baskets higher up in taller
trees than are commonly used by the last species. The
PHILADELPHIA VIREO is:one of the rarest of eastern
vireos. Its song is quite like that of the Red-eye, but its
plumage nearest resembles that of the Warbling, but it can
usually be identified in life since the under parts are a uniform
pale yellowish.

YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS are a handsome species
easily identified by plumage and also by song. The song is
even more deliberate than that of the Red-eye and the pauses

354

VIREOS

(630) Vireo atricapillus
Woodhouse — (Lat., black hair).

BLACK-CAPPED VIREO. Ad.
o' — Asshown by the nearer bird; top
and sides of head black, enclosing a
loral streak and eye-ring of white;
back olive-green; wing bars yellowish-
white; below dull white. Ad. 9 —
Similar but duller, the dark portions
of the head being grayish. Im.—
Top and sides of head dull brown;
lores and orbital ring dull buffy; be-
low buffy-white. L., 4.70; W., 2.25;
T., 1.90. Nest— Made of bark,
fibres and moss, closely woven with
spider webs and lined with fine
grasses; suspended by the rim from
forked branches at low elevations;
eggs pure white, unmarked, .7o x .52.

Range — Breeds from southwestern
Kan. south to central and western
Tex. Winters in Mexico.

between are very much longer. It has a double-toned con-
tralto quality and, if we listen a few minutes, we are sure to
hear the singer insert a pretty little trill. Their nests are
not different from those of Red-eyed Vireos but the eggs are
cream-colored and the few spots are of a brighter reddish-
brown.

All the vireos pass the winter in warmer climes, chiefly
in Central America. Two species return to the Northern
States several weeks in advance of the others, the last and
BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, which I regard as the hand-
somest and most winning member of the family. Although
often known as Solitary Vireos, they are no more solitary in
their habits than most other species. Their songs are quite
like those of the last species but more variable and not as
clear toned; frequently the song will be interrupted by a
chattering note like that of an oriole or by a happy little trill.
They are never timid and during nesting are often quite
tame. I have repeatedly been allowed to stroke sitting

355

VIREOS

(631) Vireo griseus griseus
(Bodd.)

WHITE-EYED VIREO. Iris
white. Plumage as shown; upper
parts bright olive-green; wings with
two whitish bars; lores, forehead and
orbital ring bright yellow; throat and
breast white; sides and flanks bright
yellowish. L., 5.00; W., 2.40.

Range — Eastern U. S. from Mass.
and Wis. south to the Gulf. Winters
south from the Gulf States.

(63la) V. g. maynardi

KEY WEST VIREO. Southern
Fla.
(633) Vireo belli belli Audubon

Ashy-gray, changing to olive-green
on the rump; lores and eye-ring whit-
ish; yellowish on the sides. L. 4.70.
From Ill. and S. Dak. south to Mexico.

birds before they would leave the nest. Their nests, which
are suspended from forks of bushes or trees at low elevations,
are basket-shaped like those of the Red-eye, but the exterior
is often decorated with lichens or catkins.

BLACK-CAPPED VIREOS occur rarely and _ locally
north to Kansas and are common nowhere during breeding
season unless possibly in western Texas. They are rather
more active than any of the preceding species, their habits
and songs both partaking of the character of those of the
following one.

WHITE-EYED VIREOS, which by the way are cor-
rectly named, for they actually do have white eyes, are very
abundant in the Southern States but only casual or local in
their distribution in northern ones. They frequent bushes
or thickets from which retreats they are more often heard
than seen. They are as secretive as Chats and their songs
are as varied and astonishing, consisting principally of loud
clear whistles and chuckings. Different individuals have

356

WARBLERS

(635) Coeréba bahaménsis
(Reich.)
BAHAMA HONEY CREEPER.
Casual on Indian Key, Fla.
(636) Mniotilta varia

(Linn.) (Gr., moss, I pluck; Lat., varie-
gated).

BLACK AND WHITE WAR-
BLER; BLACK AND WHITE
CREEPER. Plumage as shown.
Notice that the ’, the lower bird, has
a blackish ear patch and is conspicu-
ously streaked below, while the 9 has
few streaks on the sides; a white spot
terminates the inner webs of outer
tail feathers. L., 5.25; W., 2.60; T.,
2.00.

Range — Eastern North America;
breeds from southern Canada south
to the Gulf. Winters to northern
South America.

different calls but all are of similar character. The one I
have heard most often in Virginia where these birds abound
is a loud ‘“‘chic, too, wee-o,” astonishingly loud and clear
from so small a bird.

Their nests are built near the ground and, as a rule, are
less carefully made than those of other species. These
vireos chatter and scold even more than Red-eyes when any
one is in the vicinity of their nest.

BELL’S VIREO is a small species, less conspicuously
marked than the White-eyed, which species it resembles more
than any other. Its habits and song are almost like those of
the last species too. It is very abundant from Nebraska to
Texas.

Famity MNIOTILTID2. Wars.ers

The members of this interesting family are found only in
the New World. About seventy of the hundred or more
known species are found within the United States. Asa rule
they are poor songsters, but all of them have distinctive

357

WARBLERS

, g (637) Protonotaria citrea
olla. | (Bodd.) (Lat., pertaining to the citron,
yellow).

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER;
GOLDEN SWAMP WARBLER.
Bill large and sharply pointed. Ad.
o' — Plumage as shown by the upper
bird; whole head, neck and under
parts rich orange-yellow, lighter on
the belly; back greenish, shading to
ashy-gray on the rump and tail; in-
ner webs of outer tail feathers white
except on the tips. Ad. 9 — Duller
colored and with the crown and nape
more or less olive-green, like the back.
L., 5.50; W., 2.90; T., 1.85. Nest —
Of rootlets, moss, leaves and grasses,
in hollow stumps often over water.

Range— From Md., Ohio and
Mich. south to the Gulf. Winters in
Central America. Casual north to
New England.
notes that will identify them even without seeing. The
sexes are in most instances very different in plumage.

BLACK and WHITE WARBLERS are very distinctive
in habits, in plumage, and in song. In eastern woods or
swamps we can, at almost any time during spring or summer,
hear a thin, wiry lisping ‘‘seeee-seeee-seeee.”” If we follow
up the sound we will find one of these black and white birds
creeping nimbly up, down or around the branches or trunk
of some tree or shrub. If we watch his mate, who is easily
recognized by the more sparingly striped under parts, we
may see her pick up a leaf or strip off a piece of bark and
carry to the base of some shrub or stump, there to be skil-
fully placed in her cute little nest. These nests are difficult
to find unless we do locate them in process of construction,
for it is almost impossible to see the sitting bird, so small is
the entrance to the nest and so quietly does she sit. One
bird allowed me to approach close enough to open up the top
of the nest so I could see her plainly, set up a camera and
make a picture of her without leaving.

358

WARBLERS

(638) Helinaia swainsoni
(Audubon) (Gr., marsh dweller).

SWAINSON’S WARBLER. Bill
large, long and pointed. Ads. —
Plumage as shown. Crown cinna-
mon-brown; back, wings and _ tail
olive-brown; a dull white line over the
eye and a short dusky streak through
it; under parts dull white, with a
more or less yellowish tinge. Im.—
Similar but browner above and
yellower below than the adults.
L., 5.25; W., 2.75; T., 1.953 B., .70.
Nest — Of strips of bark and leaves,
lined with fine grasses or pine needles;
in bushes, vines or rushes close to the
ground; four or five plain white, un-
marked eggs, .75 X .54.

Range — Southeastern U. S.; north
to Va., southern Ill. and Mo. Win-
ters in Jamaica.

PROTHONOTARY or GOLDEN SWAMP WARBLERS
are not uncommon in southern swamps, in dark murky situ-
ations in striking contrast to what one would expect for birds
of such exquisite plumage. As they creep about through the
grass or twigs just above the water or run over tiny mud
flats or along the edges of pools, their plumage seems even
more golden against the dark backgrounds. Usually one
considers himself fortunate if he can locate a single pair of
these warblers, but I have been so favored as to sit upon a
log on the edge of the Dismal Swamp and watch no less than
a dozen of them in sight at a time, while their rather loud
songs, resembling the syllables “tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet”
resounded joyously on every hand. I found several of their
nests in holes on dead stumps projecting above or leaning
over the water, the cavity being partially filled with twigs
and moss and then lined with plant down and feathers.

SWAINSON’S WARBLER is a comparatively rare spe-
cies found in the Southeastern States, chiefly in swamps and

359

WARBLERS

(639) Helmithéros vermiv=
orus = (Gmel.) (Gr., a bug, to
hunt; Lat., worm eating).

WORM-EATING WARBLER.
Bill stout and high at the base; long
and acutely pointed. Ads. — Plum-
age as shown. A black line through
the eye and one on either side of
the orange-brown crown; upper parts
olive-greenish with no markings on
wings or tail; below a dull, buffy-
white, lightest on the throat. Im-
mature birds are browner above but
have the distinctive markings on the
head. L., 5.50; W., 2.80; T., 2.10.
Nest — Of leaves, rootlets and strips
of bark; on the ground; eggs white,
spotted chiefly about the large end
with brown, .70 x .55.

Range —Breeds from Conn., Pa.,
northern Ill. and Ia. south to Va.

exclusively in such places during the nesting season. In the
Mississippi Valley they range locally as far north as Missouri
and on the Atlantic coast to the Dismal Swamp in Virginia.
The centre of their abundance is apparently in canes in
swamps of South Carolina and Georgia. They are at most
times rather silent but the male has an excellent song that he
utters when the mood comes upon him. It is a loud, ringing
melody quite similar to that of the common Water-Thrush.

Their nests, which are almost always in canes over or close
to water, are quite bulky affairs, made of various leaves
with the stems pointing upward, and lined with pine needles
and moss. The eggs are pure white and unmarked, which is
quite unusual for members of this family.

The sexes of this species are alike in plumage as are also
those of WORM-EATING WARBLERS, which species is
quite abundant in eastern United States as far north as
Connecticut and Nebraska. These warblers are easily rec-
ognized when seen by the prominent striping of the crown in

360

WARBLERS

(640) Vermivora bachmani
(Audubon) (Lat., worm eating).

BACHMAN’S WARBLER. Bill
very acute and slightly decurved.
Ad. co’ — Plumage as shown by the
nearer bird. Forehead, face, entire
under parts and lesser wing coverts
bright yellow; nape grayish; back
and wings olive-green; black breast
patch and crown; outer tail feathers
with white spots in the middle of the
inner webs. Ad. 2 — Much duller
colored; no breast patch; crown gray
like the nape. L., 4.30; W., 2.40; T.,
1.80. Nest — Of grasses, leaves and
strips of bark; on or close to the
ground; eggs white, with a wreath of
brown spots about the large end.

Range — Southeastern U. S.; known
to breed in Mo., Ark., and Ky. and
S. Car. Winters in Cuba.

connection with an otherwise obscurely marked body. How-
ever, they are so silent and quiet in their habits that usually
a close watch is necessary in order to locate them. They are
rarely seen at any great height from the ground and delight
in creeping about the trunks of leaves after the fashion of
Black and White Warblers.

Their song is very indifferent, like a very weak imitation
of that of the Chipping Sparrow, often so faintly given that
it is difficult to hear even at a short distance. ‘Their nests,
composed of leaves, lined with the red stems of hair moss
and sometimes with fine grasses, are always placed on the
ground usually at the foot of bushes or stumps on wooded
hillsides.

BACHMAN’S WARBLERS are rather rare birds with a
quite unique history. First found near Charleston, South
Carolina, in 1833, they remained practically unknown for
the next fifty years and then only a few scattering individuals
were taken in the Southeastern States until the first nest was

361

WARBLERS

(641) Vermivora pinus
(Linn.) (Lat., a pine).

BLUE-WINGED WARBLER.
Ads. — Plumage as shown by the
lower bird. Sexes similar but the 9
is somewhat duller plumaged; two
white wing bars; head and under parts
yellow; a short loral stripe; three outer
tail feathers with large white spots on
the inner webs. L., 4.75. Nest —
Of leaves and strips of bark; on the
ground; eggs white sparingly spotted
with rufous, .65 x .50.

Range — Breeds from Conn. and
Wis. southward to Md. and Mo.
Winters south from Mexico.

Vermivora pinus + V.chrysoptera=
Vermivora lawrencei. LAWRENCE’S
WARBLER. Shown by the upper
bird. This hybrid is occasionally
taken in the eastern parts of the range,
especially in Conn.

discovered in Missouri in 1897. Since they have been found
breeding in Kentucky and in South Carolina. The nests are
located low in bushes, briers, or canes and are made of dead
leaves and lined with black fibres or rootlets. The eggs are
pure white, unmarked. Its haunts are chiefly wooded
swamps. The song considerably resembles that of the
Worm-eating Warbler, which in turn resembles that of the
Chipping Sparrow. The song is usually uttered while the
bird is perched in the tops of trees and the singer, being so
small, is very difficult to locate.

There are two pretty little warblers whose life histories
intermingle curiously, the BLUE-WINGED and _ the
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS. They are of the same
size and form but quite different in plumage as may be seen
by the illustrations, the former species of which is shown by
the lower bird on this page and the latter on the following
page.

Blue-winged Warblers are usually met with in clearings or

362

WARBLERS

(642) Vermivora chryséptera
(Linn.) (Gr., golden wing).

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER.
Ad.o — Plumage as shown by the
lower bird. Crown and wing patch
bright yellow; rest of upper parts
bluish-gray; black patch on side of
head and on throat; three outer tail
feathers with large white patches on
the inner webs; under parts white.
Ad. 9 — Asshown by the upper bird;
duller colored, the black being re-
placed by gray. L., 4.75.

Range — Breeds from Mass., Ont.
and Minn. south to N. J., Ind. and
Ia. Winters in Central America.

V. chryséptera + V. pinus = V. leu-
cobronchidlis. BREWSTER’S
WARBLER, a more common hybrid.
Like the present species with the
black replaced by that of the last.

the outskirts of open woods, particularly those that are
grown up to weedy patches. Their nests are located on the
ground often in a bunch of weeds or at the base of a shrub.
They are composed outwardly chiefly of dead leaves with the
points up, deeply cupped and lined with shreds of bark.

Their song has a peculiar insect-like quality which makes it
difficult to notice except to trained ears. It is a ‘‘zre-e-e-e-e-e,
ze-e-e-e-e-e,”” with a shrill buzzing quality.

The range of the Golden-winged Warbler covers that of the
last and extends a couple of hundred miles farther north.
They are rather locally distributed and difficult to find unless
one becomes familiar with their song. The Golden-wing
song is of the same quality as that of the last species, but it
consists usually of four notes, a “‘zree-e-e-e, zee, zee, zee,”
the last three of which are lower in pitch.

They are chiefly found, except during migrations when
they may appear in any sort of haunt with other warblers, in
open springy woods or ones through which winds a sluggish

363

WARBLERS

(645) Vermivora rubricapilla
rubricapilla (Lat., red hair).
NASHVILLE WARBLER. Ad.
o' — As shown by the upper bird;
head gray, with chestnut crown
patch; white eye-ring; under parts
yellow; above olive-green; no white
on wings or tail. Ad. 9 — Duller,
without crown patch and with head
greenish instead of gray. L., 4.75.
Range — Breeds from Quebec and
Sask. south to Conn., Pa. and Neb.
(646) Vermivora celata celata
(Say)
ORANGE-CROWNED WAR-
BLER. Shown by the lower bird; a
concealed orange-brown spot on the
crown; no gray on head. L., 5.00.
Range — Breeds from Man. to Kee-
watin and Alaska. Casual during
migration from N. H. southward.

brook. Their nests are on the ground in clumps of weeds or
at the bases of bushes; composed of dead leaves with the
point down, deeply cupped and lined with shreds of bark and
sometimes hair. I have always found the male rather shy,
except when engrossed in singing, at which times he usually
perches rather high up in trees in a commanding position.

These two species are of unusual interest because of the
frequency of hybrids between them. There are two forms
of these hybrids. One known as Lawrence’s Warbler is like
the Blue-winged in plumage but has the black throat and
patch on the head like the Golden-wing. This form has been
taken only in Connecticut, eastern New York, and New Jer-
sey. The more common form, known as Brewster’s Warbler,
has the plumage like the Golden-wing except that the black
on the head is like that of the Blue-wing. Besides the pre-
vious states, this species has been found in Michigan and
Massachusetts and has been taken during migrations in
Louisiana.

304

WARBLERS

(647) Vermivora peregrina
(Wilson) (Lat., wandering or migratory).

TENNESSEE WARBLER. Ad.
o' — As shown by the upper bird.
Top of head and nape blue-gray;
back, rump and edges of wing and
tail feathers bright olive-green; a
white superciliary line above the
dusky streak through the eye; below
clear whitish. Ad.? —As_ shown
by the lower bird; crown as well as
back olive-green; under parts entirely
pale yellowish; two very indistinct
wing bars but no white on the tail.
L., 4.80; W., 2.60; T., 1.70. Nest —
Of grasses and fibres, lined with hair;
on the ground or low down in bushes.

Range — Eastern North America,
breeding from our border northward.
Winters in northern South America;
rare on the Atlantic slope.

On dry side hills, particularly those with growths of birches
and a few pines, we may, at the proper season, nearly always
hear the homely but distinctive ditty of NASHVILLE
WARBLERS, -one of the most diminutive species. Their
songs are fairly constant in character, a series of about six
consecutive “chips” followed by a twitter or trill about two
notes lower in pitch, like “chip, chip, chip, chip, chip, r-r-r-
r-r-r-r.”” When singing, the male is usually perched in the
summit of small trees. He is rather shy and usually keeps
a safe distance ahead of you if you try to follow him up.
The female is so obscurely colored and so small that she is
seldom seen unless you startle her from her nest, which is a
small structure of grass and pine needles sunk in the grass or
moss and usually concealed by weeds, a bush, or rock. The
centre of abundance of Nashvilles appears to be in New
England, but they occur in all our Northern States and in
southern Canada. In migration they go diagonally across
to Mexico and do not occur in any of the Southeastern States.

305

WARBLERS

(648) Compséthlypis americana
asneze (Gr., exquisite; Lat., a kind of
lichen hanging from limbs of trees).

NORTHERN PARULA WAR-
BLER. Ad. o& — As shown by the
middle bird; blue-gray above, with a
greenish patch on the back; wing bars
and spots on inner webs of outer tail
feathers white; a rufous (often mixed
with black) band across the yellow
breast. @ similar but duller and
with no chestnut on the breast. L.,
4.70.

Range — Breeds from N. B., Ont.
and Minn. south to Va. and La. where
it is replaced by C. a. americana.
(649) Compsothlypis pitiayimi

nigriléra (Coues)

SENNET’S WARBLER. A small
bright-colored Parula with black au-
riculars. Southern Texas.

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS are rather rare in
the Eastern States, but I have taken them both in spring
and fall. They migrate chiefly through the Mississippi Val-
ley to their nesting grounds in interior Canada. They rarely
sing as they pass along but sometimes one will utter the song
that is commonly heard in their summer haunts — a simple
ditty not differing greatly from that of the Chipping Sparrow.

One of the most difficult warblers to identify in life, during
migrations, is the TENNESSEE WARBLER. This is be-
cause their plumage is dull and inconspicuous when viewed
at a distance, and they are so rare that we seldom have a
chance to become familiar with their song, which has a
chipping character little different from that of the Nashville.
Comparatively few of their nests have been found, but these
were always on the ground, concealed by shrubs and grasses
that arched over them.

During the migration period, pretty little PARULA
WARBLERS may be seen or heard in open woods almost

306

WARBLERS

(650) Dendroica tigrina

(Gmel.) (Gr., a tree inhabitant; Lat.,
striped).

CAPE MAY WARBLER. 4d. 2
— Plumage as shown by bird on the
right; sides of head, under parts and
rump yellow; lesser wing coverts and
spots on inner webs of outer tail
feathers white; back greenish; crown
blackish; breast and sides streaked
with black; auriculars rufous. Ad.
Q — As shown by the left hand bird;
much duller colored than her mate;
no rufous; sides of head, under parts
and rump very pale yellow; breast and
sides indistinctly streaked; white re-
stricted on wings and tail. L., 5.00.
Nest — Near the ground, usually in
coniferous trees; eggs white, spotted
with brown, .68 x .5o0.

Range — Breeds from Me. and N.
B. to Man. and Mackenzie.

anywhere in eastern United States. Their songs are quite
distinctive — short, buzzy little trills with a very abrupt
ending. If we wish to see these birds during the nesting
season we must hunt out some swampy woodland where the
trees are festooned with Usnea moss, for it is in the upturned
and hair-lined ends of this moss that Parulas lay their eggs
and rear their families. I know of several swamps with
standing dead conifers, artistically trimmed with drooping
moss, which harbor colonies of these interesting warblers.
The ground is carpeted with spagnum moss which lets you
sink down into the water a few inches at every step. Appar-
ently they are not particular as to the height of their nests,
but the ones about the height of the eyes are of course the
easiest to discover. I have found them as low as three feet
and as high as thirty.

The Parula found in the Southeastern States averages a
very little smaller and a trifle paler in coloring; hence the
species is divided into two races which differ chiefly in name.

367

WARBLERS

(652) Dendroica zestiva
(Gmel.) (Lat., summery).

YELLOW WARBLER; SUM-
MER YELLOWBIRD. Ad. —As
shown by the nearer bird. Head and
under parts bright yellow; crown,
nape and back olive-green; wings and
tail dusky, with yellowish edges to
the feathers; outer tail feathers with
yellow inner webs; breast and sides
streaked with reddish-brown. Ad. 9
— Much duller colored, the olive-
green of the crown extending to the
bill and the streaks on the upper parts
being restricted to a few faint ones
on the sides. L., 5.00; W., 2.40; T.,
1.90.

Range — Breeds from middle Can-
ada and Alaska south to N. Car., Mo.
and N. Mex. Winters in Central
America. With us Apr. 25 to Sept. 25.

The status of CAPE MAY WARBLERS may readily be
understood from the fact that most bird students set it down
as a red letter day when they are able to record one or more
of these beautiful warblers. They are ofttimes not uncom-
mon during fall migrations yet there is little satisfaction in
seeing them then compared to a view of beautiful plumaged
males in spring. They may be looked for, during migrations,
with about equal success in woodland, preferably oaks, in
orchards or shade trees about houses.

Unfortunately their songs are not sufficiently distinctive
to identify since they might easily be mistaken for those of
either the Black-poll or the Black and White Warbler. The
notes, however are not as long drawn-out as those of the lat-
ter species nor do they have the peculiar swelling and fading
away in volume characteristic of the song of the former.
Comparatively few of their nests have been found, all of
which I believe were located in coniferous trees and not high
above ground.

368

WARBLERS

(654) Dendroica czruléscens
ceruléscens — (Lat., becoming blue).

BLACK-THROATED BLUE
WARBLER. Ad. o&—As_ shown
by the lower bird; upper parts dark
blue-gray, shading to lighter and
brighter on the forehead; face, throat .
and broad stripe along the sides black;
large white spots near tips of inner
webs of outer tail feathers, and a white
patch at base of primaries. Ad. 9 —
As shown by the upper bird; olive-
brown above and yellowish-white be-
low; small white spot at base of pri-
maries, none or very little on tail
feathers. L., 5.00.

Range — Breeds from Conn., Pa.
and Minn. north to Ont. and Quebec.
(654a) D. c. cairnsi. CAIRN’S
WARBLER is found in the Alleghe-
nies from Md. to Ga.

YELLOW WARBLERS are regarded as one of the most
common and widely distributed species. They breed
throughout our range except for the extreme northern and
southern parts. Like golden bits of sunshine they flit
through open woods, the bushes bordering brooks, our
orchards or our shade trees apparently without preference.

Their song can be confused only with those of Redstarts
and Chestnut-sided Warblers, and familiarity will easily dis-
tinguish it from either of these. It is a loud, lively, high-
pitched ‘‘sweet, sweet, sweet, sweeter,” increasing in force
toward the end. They sing more freely than most warblers
and do not cease until in August.

The majority of their nests are built in bushes or low trees,
not higher than ten feet above ground. The nest is a firmly
woven structure of gray fibres and down, lined with plant
down and hair. One nest I found near a cotton mill was
composed externally wholly of white cotton. They are very
often imposed on by Cowbirds and have been known to build

369

WARBLERS

(655) Dendroica coronata
(Linn.) (Lat., crowned).

MYRTLE WARBLER; YEL-
LOW-RUMPED WARBLER. Ad.
o& — As shown by the lower bird; yel-
low patches on the crown, sides and
rump; black patch on sides of head
and streaks on back, breast and flanks;
two white wing bars and white
spot on the inner webs of the outer
tail feathers. Ad. 9Q—Shown by
the upper bird; much duller, the yel-
low paler and the black replaced by
gray. Immature birds are browner
above than the @. L., 5.50; W.,
2,853 T., 2.25%

Range — Breeds from the northern
edge of U. S., north to the tree limit.
Winters from Middle States to the
Bahamas and West Indies. Arrives
Mass., Apr. 20 to May 20.

a second and even a third nest over the original one to cover
up the spurious eggs.

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS are among
the easiest of all species to identify, both plumage and songs
being widely different from any other. In migrations we may
find them in open woods or even in orchards, but during
nesting they retire to spoonwood or laurel swamps or to
woods in which these shrubs form the undergrowth. They
have several songs but all have an unmistakable huskiness
and buzz to them. One most often heard is a rather deep-
toned ‘“‘zwee, zwee, zwee-e-e,”” on an ascending scale. The
nests are located in laurel or other bushes usually less than
two feet above ground. They are quite difficult to find for
the female sits very closely and the male continues to sing in
the same happy way whether you are yards or feet or away
from it.

MYRTLE or YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS are
one of the most abundant species in eastern North America.

37°

WARBLERS

(657) Dendroica magnélia
(Wilson)

MAGNOLIA WARBLER. Ad.
o' — As shown by the upper bird;
rump and under parts bright yellow;
back, wings, tail, patch on sides of
head and spots across the breast and
along the sides, black; large white
areas in middle of inner webs of outer
tail feathers; wing coverts chiefly
white; crown gray; post-ocular stripe
and spot on lower eyelid white. Ad.
Q—Similar but duller, the yellow
being paler and the black replaced
by gray. Im.— As shown by the
lower bird; no stripes on the under
parts. L., 4.90.

Range — Breeds from Mass., N. Y.
and Minn. northward. Winters south
from Mexico. Arrives Mass., May 10;
leaves Sept. 25.

They winter in the Southern States and sometimes along the
coast as far north as Massachusetts. Consequently they are
one of the earliest of the warblers to pass through on the
spring migration. They go in quite large companies, troop-
ing through open woodland leisurely, feeding upon berries,
buds, and insects.

They are perhaps the easiest of the warblers to identify
because they are conspicuously labeled by four yellow
patches, one each on the crown, rump and either side of the
breast. They also utter a chirp that is a sure “give away”
to their identity — deeper toned than that of other warblers
and quite distinctive. Their song is a simple little jingle or
trill, a little louder than that of the Junco.

Most of the warblers are pretty but our MAGNOLIA
WARBLER must surely be given a higher rank and called
beautiful. They have always been particular favorites of
mine, perhaps because I have had several opportunities of
making close studies of their nesting habits. The little black,

371

WARBLERS

(658) Dendroica certilea
(Wilson)

CERULEAN WARBLER. Ad.
o'—Light cerulean-blue above; a
patch of the same on the sides of the
head, a narrow band across the
breast and streaks on the sides; two
white wing bars and white spots near
the end of the inner webs of the outer
tail feathers. Ad. 2 — Bluish-olive-
green above and dull yellowish white
below; wings and tail as on the o.
Immature birds are yellower above.
L., 4.50. Nest— Of grasses, fibres
and cobwebs, adorned with lichens;
on high outer branches of tall trees.

Range — Breeds from western N.
Y., Ont., Mich. and Minn. south to
Va. and the Gulf. Winters in north-
ern South America; casual in R. L,
Conn. and N. J. during migrations.

white, gray, and yellow sprites certainly do look attractive
against a green background and they seem to knowit. They
are not in the least timid. If you remain quietly watching
them, they are apt to get curious, too, and come down to the
nearer branches to look you over. Their songs are simple
but quite distinctive — a “‘wee-er, wee-er, wee-err-eet,”’ with
tone similar to that of the Yellow Warbler but still different.

During migrations we can see many Magnolias in small
growth woods and also in orchards or parks. They are most
abundant when apple trees are in full bloom and may often
be seen actively catching the many insects that are feeding
about them. Their homes, however, are apparently always
in spruce or other coniferous trees, usually well out on some
of the longer branches. Most of them are only five or six
feet above ground, but I well remember climbing to one
more than forty feet up, for I was unable to get out to the
nest. The nests are made of fine twigs and rootlets, lined
with fine black rootlets.

372

WARBLERS

(659) Dendroica pensylvanica
(Linn.)

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER.
Ad. o& — Shown by the upper bird;
crown yellow; a V-shaped black patch
on side of head; a broad chestnut
stripe on the side; inner webs of outer
tail feathers with white; two yellowish
wing bars. Ad. Q —Similar but
with little black on the face and little
or no chestnut on the sides; shown by
the middle bird. Jm.— As shown by
the lower bird; yellowish-green above
and white below, with two yellow
wing bars. L., 5.00. Nest — Of
grasses and fibres; in bushes or weeds
near the ground.

Range — Breeds from N. J., Ohio
and Neb. north to Newfoundland,
Ont. and Sask. Winters in Central
America. With us from May 5 to
Sept. Io.

CERULEAN WARBLERS are very small blue-gray war-
blers found in summer chiefly in the Mississippi and Ohio
valleys. The range extends eastward regularly to central
New York and casually to southern New England. They
all apparently migrate down the big valley, leaving our coast
at Louisiana for their winter home in Central America, and
returning by the same route. They are almost unknown in
our South Atlantic States.

They are typical wood warblers rarely coming within
twenty feet of the ground and more often being found in the
tops of the tallest trees. Their song is a simple little ascending
trill, like ‘‘tse, tse, tse, tse, zee-e-e-e-e-e-eep.”’ Their nests
are usually saddled on limbs thirty or more feet above ground.
The nest is made of gray fibres bound together with cobweb,
adorned with lichens and lined with hair or fine rootlets.

Practically every second growth woodland and bush cov-
ered hillside in northern United States and southern Canada
is tenanted by the handsome yellow-crowned little warbler

373

WARBLERS

ay (660) Dendroica castanea
o (Wilson) (Lat., chestnut).
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER.
Ad. o&—As shown by the upper
bird; crown, throat and sides rich
chestnut; forehead and auriculars
black; sides of neck light buff; two
white wing bars and white on the
outer tail feathers. Ad. 9 — Shown
by the middle bird; much duller, with
less brown on the under parts and
black replaced by grayish. Jm.— As
shown by the lower bird; olive-green-
ish above and dull yellowish-white
below; wings and tail as on adults.
L., 5.50. Nest—Of rootlets and
moss; in coniferous trees.
Range — Breeds from Me., Ont.
and Newfoundland northwest to Al-
berta. Winters in Panama. Mass.
in spring, May 15; in fall, Sept. 15.

known as the CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. These
birds are gleaners of the lower strata of foliage, above which
the female is seldom seen, although the male often sits for
long periods at higher elevations to send forth his challenging
song at frequent intervals, a song not greatly different from
that of the Yellow Warbler and which might be expressed as
follows: ‘‘wee-see, wee-see, wee-see, wee-chew.”’ It is rather
a thankless task to undertake to transfer bird songs to paper.
They really convey little meaning to the reader until he has
heard the songs himself.

The Chestnut-side makes its home low down in bushes,
briers or sweet fern, the nest being just below the topmost
leaves where it is invisible except by stooping. It is woven
of rather coarse grasses and gray fibres, lined with fine brown
rootlets and firmly attached in upright forks.

BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS are erratic in their mi-
grations. They are commonly regarded as rare and the
student is delighted to make a record of their observance.

374

WARBLERS

(661) Dendroica striata PaaS Boe er eaee eT 7a)
(Forster) (Lat., striped).
BLACK-POLL WARBLER. Ad.
co — As shown by the middle bird; a
black crown; sides of throat, breast
and sides streaked with black; white
spots on the outer tail feathers, and
two white wing bars. Ad. 9 — As
shown by the upper bird; no black on
crown; under parts pale yellowish-
white, faintly streaked on the breast
and sides. Im.— As shown by the
lower bird; olive-green above, with
few black streaks on back; below dull
yellowish-white; wings and tail as in
adults. L., 5.50. Nest — Of root-
lets and lichens; low in coniferous
trees; eggs white, spotted with brown.
Range — Breeds from Me., Man.
and B. C. northward. Winters in
northern South America. Mass. in
spring, May 18; in fall, Sept. 8.

Yet some years they appear in flocks of some size. In the
spring of 1896, I saw a flock of not less than fifty individuals
feeding in trees along a country roadside. Before and since,
I have seen them only singly, usually in coniferous trees in
mixed woods. Others have had the same experience in rarely
meeting with, them in flocks.

They display none of the vivacity common to most war-
blers, but are very deliberate in their actions. Their notes are
rather unsatisfactory from the standpoint of the bird student
for they bear sufficient resemblence to the thin-voiced songs
of Black and White Warblers and Black-polls to cause them
to be readily overlooked.

BLACK-POLL WARBLERS spend the winter months in
northern South America. They come north by way of the
West Indies, reaching Florida the latter part of April and
northern United States about May 2oth, about a week later
than the general influx of warblers. They usually travel in
companies of their own kind, frequenting parks, orchards and

375

WARBLERS

(662) Dendroica faisca (Miller)

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER.
Ad. o&—As shown by the lower
bird; crown patch, superciliary stripe,
throat and breast bright orange; up-
per parts black; large patch on wings,
stripe on scapulars and bases of tail
feathers white. Ad. 9 — Shown by
the upper bird; orange replaced by
dull yellow; black replaced by olive-
brown; two whitish wing bars and
less white on tail. L., 5.25. Nest —
Of shreds of bark, fine rootlets and
grasses; in coniferous trees at any
height; eggs greenish-white, blotched
with brown, .68 x .50.

Range — Breeds from Quebec and
Manitoba south to Minn., Mich. and,
rarely, Mass. and Conn. Winters in
northern South America. Mass. in
spring, May 10; in fall, Aug. 15.

even city shade trees as well as open woodland. They are so
numerous that only their general dispersal prevents a con-
gestion of Black-polls. In fall, the returning adults and their
young far outnumber all other species combined. At this
season they are all very dully clothed.

In spring, they are very slow and deliberate in their move-
ments, which may account for the very fat condition of their
bodies. Although the males are striped black and white,
their actions as well as the solid black crown render any con-
fusion of identity with Black and White Warblers unlikely.
Their song is a very distinctive one although weak and un-
musical. It is a succession of high-pitched staccato notes
all of the same wiry tone but uttered with a peculiar rise and
fall of volume. In previous pages, I have stated that other
warbler songs resembled that of this species; some of them do
sufficiently to be mistaken for this species but the song of the
Black-poll cannot be mistaken for that of any other; it is a
rule that does not work both ways.

376

WARBLERS

(663) Dendroica dominica

dominica (Linn.)

YELLOW-THROATED WAR-
BLER. _ Bill quite long and a trifle
decurved. Ads.— Plumage as shown;
throat and upper breast bright yellow;
forepart of crown and sides of head
black, extending down the sides of the
throat and along the flanks in streaks;
superciliary stripe white posteriorly
but yellow on the lores; upper parts
grayish; two prominent white wing
bars and large spots on the outer tail
feathers. L., 5.25; W., 2.60; T., 2.00;
B., .50. Nest—Of rootlets, bark,
moss and cobwebs; high in pines or
live oaks.

Range — Breeds from Del. to Fla.
(663a). D.d.albilora. SYCAMORE
WARBLER, in which the lores are
white, breeds from W. Va., Ohio and
Mich. south to the Gulf.

Even where they do not nest, they linger late before con-
tinuing their journey, some of them traveling even to Alaska,
a journey of not less than five thousand miles from their
winter quarters.

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. It is a name that de-
lights the ear even as the bird delights the eye. Many a time
I have heard it uttered in hushed or awed tones as bird stu-
dents caught their first glimpse of this bird-gem of the first
water.

Blackburnians are exceedingly beautiful in plumage;
they are just rare enough to cause one to always be on
the tiptoe of expectation during spring migration; and they
are not so rare but what we may confidently expect to see
them each year.

They often are seen in parks or orchards, where they show
to their best advantage. But their natural haunts are, dur-
ing migrations, the tops of tall white oaks, and their appear-
ance in spring corresponds with that of the budding of these

377

WARBLERS

(666) Dendroica chrysoparia
(Scl. and Sal.) (Gr., golden cheek).
GOLDEN-CHEEKED WAR-
BLER. Ad. o— Plumage as shown
by the lower bird; wholly black above,
on the sides of the neck and throat,
sides of head and a small crown patch
bright yellow; outer tail feathers with
white inner webs and bases; two white
wing bars and edges of other feath-
ers. Ad. 9 — Shown by the upper
bird; black replaced by olive-green,
streaked with black; wings. and tail
ason co’. L., 4.80. Mest — Of strips
of bark and fibres; usually in junipers
from six to twenty feet above ground;
eggs white, spotted with reddish-
brown, chiefly about the large end,
65 X .50.

Range — Breeds from central Tex.
southward. Winters in southern Mex.

trees. Any morning at the proper season I can go to certain
woods and be absolutely sure of locating several of them by
their songs, as they feed so high up that a glass is necessary
to see the coloring of their plumage.

The Blackburnian song is one of the thin, wiry kinds grad-
ually ascending in pitch on the last notes until the human ear
drum is unable to catch the vibrations. This ending is quite
distinctive so that one familiar with it can instantly pick the
Blackburnian voice from a host of others in the treetops.

Their nests are sometimes located in deciduous trees, but
most frequently in coniferous varieties, especially hemlocks.
While some have been found at comparatively low ele-
vations, the majority are thirty feet or more up. The
nests are woven of small twigs, fibres and mosses, lined with
hair.

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS are quite common
in-suitable localities in the southern half of the United States.
Yet, were it not for their loud, ringing songs, they would sel-

378

WARBLERS

(667) Dendroica virens
(Gmel.) (Lat., becoming green).

BLACK-THROATED GREEN
WARBLER. Ad. o — Plumage as
shown by the upper bird; upper parts
bright olive-green; sides of head bright
yellow; throat, breast and streaks
along the sides black; two white wing
bars; inner webs of outer tail feathers
white. Ad. 9 —As shown by the
lower bird; duller colored and with
the black on throat much reduced
and mixed with white. L., 5.00.
Nest — Of strips of bark, fine root-
lets and grasses; in coniferous trees
from fifteen to fifty feet up; eggs
white, with brown specks about the
large end, .60 x .¥o.

Range — Breeds from N. J., Pa.,
Ohio and Minn. north to Newfound-
land, Quebec and Man. Winters in
Mexico. With us May 1 to Oct. 1.

:
f
1
|
f
b
f

dom be seen for they habitually keep well up in pines or
cypresses. They glean insects from the ends of the limbs
among the needles as well as from the bark along branches
and upper trunks. They are rather slow in their actions as
they creep or hop about in a manner suggestive of that of
Pine Warblers.

Their song may be fairly well recorded as “kling, kling,
kling, klin-ker-e-e”’ a loud, full, liquid song suggestive of that
of the Louisiana Water-Thrush. In fact upon first hearing
it, I supposed it was this species and was amazed to find the
singer in the top of a pine and to discover that it was a
Yellow-throated Warbler.

Their nests are located on horizontal limbs of pines at high
elevations, usually from thirty to seventy feet up. They are
composed of small twigs, lichens, moss, webs, etc., and lined
with vegetable down and hair.

GOLDEN-CHEEKED WARBLERS are handsome spe-
cies breeding in our range only in south-central Texas, where

379

WARBLERS

(670) Dendroica kirtlandi
(Baird)

KIRTLAND’S WARBLER. Ad.
o' — Plumage as shown; upper parts
bluish-gray, a trifle brownish on the
back; under parts pale yellowish;
crown, back and sides streaked with
dusky; lores and sides of throat black;
two indistinct whitish wing bars;
white spots on outer tail feathers.
Ad. @ — Very similar but the back
is browner and the black even more
restricted on the face. L., 5.50.
Nest — Of strips of bark and fibres,
lined with fine grasses; on the ground
usually at the foot of small pines;
eggs white, wreathed with brown
specks, .72 x .50.

Range — Known to breed in Os-
coda, Crawford and Roscommon
counties, Mich. Winters in the Ba-
hamas; migrates through Wis., Ohio,
Ont., Ill., Ind., Va., and south to Fla.

they frequent small growth woodland or thickets among the
foothills. While regarded as quite rare warblers because of
their local distribution, they are, in their restricted range,
not uncommon, being in fact more so than other species found
in the same localities.

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS are present,
during summer, in nearly all coniferous woods in northern
United States and southern Canada. During migrations
they of course pass through mixed or deciduous woods
and may even be found in orchards, but they are normally
to be just as closely associated with pine woods or groves as
are Pine Warblers.

They sing freely during spring and summer, a lazy, drawl-
ing buzzy song that proclaims their presence to all whose ears
are ornithologically attuned. Subject to slight variations
the song usually consists of five notes sounding, when put to
paper, like “zee-zee-zee-zu-zee,”’ the fourth note about three
tones lower pitched than the other and with more huskiness.

380

WARBLERS

(671) Dendroica vigorsi
(Audubon)

PINE WARBLER. 4d.7—
Plumage as shown by the upper bird;
bright olive-green above; below yel-
lowish, bright on the throat and
breast and shading to ashy on the
sides and belly; two white wing bars
and white on the inner webs of outer
tail feathers. Ad. 9 — Shown by the
lower bird; brownish-green above and
soiled white below; breast more or less
tinged with yellow; wings and tail as
on male. In fall the o is lighter and
clearer yellow below. L., 5.50. Nest
— Small; of rootlets and fibres, lined
with hair; in the tops of pines or
cedars; eggs white, specked with red-
dish-brown, .62 x .50.

Range — Breeds from N. B., Ont.
and Man. south tothe Gulf. Winters
in the southern half of the U. S.

In words I have seen it aptly expressed as “trees, trees, mur-
muring trees.”

Their nests are almost invariably in pines or hemlocks at
elevations of from ten to forty feet. I have found them nest-
ing most abundantly in young-woods, but also find them in
large growth as well as in scattered pines in deciduous woods.

KIRTLAND’S WARBLERS are among the rarest of
American species. Until the year 1903, nothing was known
of their nesting and only about seventy specimens had been
recorded, most of which were taken in the Bahamas. In that
year they were found breeding in Michigan in sandy, jack-
pine plains. The nests are on the ground, under and pro-
tected by the pines. They have the habit, whether on the
ground or while in trees, of wagging the tail about the same
as Palm Warblers do. Their song is described as loud, clear
and forcibly uttered, like “‘chip-chip-che, chee, chee-r-r-r-r,”’
ending in a loud, ringing whistle.

Throughout eastern United States, PINE WARBLERS

381

WARBLERS

(672) Dendroica palmarum
palmarum (Gmel.)
PALM WARBLER. Paler than
the eastern form that follows.

Range — Interior, breeding from
Minn. northward; migrates through
the Miss. Valley and winters from
Fla. and the Bahamas southward.

(672a) D. p. hypochrysea Ridg-
way

YELLOW PALM WARBLER.
Ads. — As shown; superciliary stripe
and whole under parts bright yellow;
crown and streaks on sides chestnut;
back brownish, rump yellowish-green;
indistinct bars on wings; tail spots
at very tip of inner webs. L., 5.25.

Range — Breeds from Me. to New-
foundland, Ont. and Quebec. Win-
ters in the Gulf States. Mass. in
spring, Apr. 15; in fall, Oct. 1.

are probably more abundant in dry pine woods than any
other species; they are to be as closely associated with pine
trees as are ducks with water. True, during migrations, we
may sometimes see them feeding in deciduous woods, but
these are used as mere stepping stones in their progress to and
from their chosen breeding grounds. Their dull plumage
and sluggish actions are not calculated to attract attention,
but the slow, monotonous trill, pleasing when not heard too
frequently, may be heard at all seasons, even in their winter
quarters in the Southern States.

Their nests, which are small but strongly made of fibres,
grass and webs, lined with hair and feathers, are well con-
cealed in tufts of pine needles, usually near the ends of
branches toward the tops of the trees.

PALM WARBLERS, which occur west of the Alleghenies,
and the slightly brighter race, YELLOW PALM WAR-
BLERS, which are found along the Atlantic states, are among
the first of the migrants to sweep northward to their Cana-

382

WARBLERS

(673) Dendroica discolor
(Vieill.) (Lat., parti- colored).

PRAIRIE WARBLER. Ad. &
— Plumage as shown by the upper
bird; under parts bright olive-green;
middle of back with chestnut spots;
sides of head and under parts bright
yellow; black mark through the eye,
one below the ears and streaks down
the sides; two whitish wing bars and
white spots near the end of the outer
tail feathers. Ad. 2 — Dull colored
as shown by the lower bird; no chest-
nut on the back, nor black on the
head. L., 4.75. Nest— Of grasses
and fibres, lined with fine rootlets;
in shrubs near the ground; eggs white,
with brown specks about the large
end, .65 x .48.

Range — Breeds from Mass., Pa.,
Ohio and Neb. south to the Gulf.
With us May ro to Sept. 15.

dian summer homes, arriving in the Northern States about the
middle of April. We see them always near the ground, in
weedy fields, cultivated land or along roadsides. Their
bright yellow under parts and habit of constantly bobbing
their tails will identify them as far as they can be seen.

Their call note is a weak chip and their song a short trill
that would not be distinctive except in conjuncting with the
haunts that they frequent. Their nests are located on or
very close to the ground usually in swampy ground where
they are imbedded in the spagnum carpet.

PRAIRIE WARBLERS are abundant summer residents
in the southern half of the United States, but are quite local
in their distribution along the northern edge of their range
which extends to New England. Bushy clearings, side hills
and thickets often shelter colonies of them, for they are clan-
nish to a greater degree than most warblers. The females are
rarely seen unless you approach the vicinity of their nests, for
they keep low down in underbrush which no eyes can pene-

383

WARBLERS

(674) Seidrus aurocapillus

(Linn.) (Gr., to wave the tail; Lat., gold
ir).

OVEN-BIRD; GOLDEN-
CROWNED “THRUSH.” Ads.—
Plumage as shown; upper parts in-
cluding wings and tail, brownish-olive-
green; centre of crown orange-buff,
bordered with black; below whitish,
shading to olive on the sides, streaked
with brown; no bars on wings nor white
on tail. Ib.; 6:10; W., 3.co;s1)2u10;
Nest — Of grasses, leaves, weeds and
rootlets, on the ground and arched
over the top with the same materials;
eggs white, speckled with reddish-
brown, .78 x .58.

Range — Breeds from Va., Ohio,
Kan. and Col. north to Ungava and
Mackenzie. Winters from the Gulf
coast south through the West Indies.
With us May 1 to Oct. 10.

trate. The male, however, is a very sprightly creature and
frequently mounts to the summit of a bush or takes a posi-
tion in taller trees to deliver his beady, buzzy song. The six
or more notes are delivered in an ascending pitch, the first
ones quite buzzy and the latter ones becoming wiry and thin,
a ‘‘zee-zee-zee-zee-zee-zee-e-e-eep.”” I have heard certain
individual Prairies that sang the same song but with very
clear notes so that the effect was much like that of the Field
Sparrow.

These nests are rarely more than three feet above ground,
usually in small bushes where they are well concealed by the
upper leaves. I have found more nests in young walnut
trees than in any other, but that is merely a local trait of my
particular colonies. In some places in Southern States, they
commonly nest in pine or gum saplings.

OVEN-BIRDS are well known and are of more than pass-
ing interest because of their abundance in open deciduous
woods; because of their peculiar song, a loud chanting “tee-

384

WARBLERS

(675) Seiurus noveboracénsis
noveboracénsis (Gmel.)

WATER-THRUSH. Ads.—
Shown by the upper bird; above uni-
form olive-brown; below sulphury-
yellow, streaked on throat, breast
and sides with dusky; a light super-
ciliary line. L., 6.00.

Range — Eastern North America,
breeding from northern U. S. north-
ward. Winters south from Mexico.
(676) Seiurus motacilla (Vieit.)

LOUISIANA WATER-THRUSH.
Larger, grayer above, whiter below,
with fewer, bigger streaks and none
on the throat. L., 6.25.

Range — Breeds from Conn., Ont.
and Mich. south to the Gulf. (675a)
S. n. notabilis. GRINNELL’S
WATER-THRUSH. Larger than
noveboracensis. Western.

cher, tee-cher, tee-cher, etc.,”” accented on the last syllable

and repeated in a crescendo voice; and because of their
rather peculiar nesting. Besides the common ‘‘teacher”
song, sometimes, during the mating season, they indulge in a
“flight song,” which consists of the regular one interspersed
with wild warbling notes.

Their nests are located on the ground among dead leaves,
composed of grasses, weeds, and strips of barks, lined with
hair and fine grasses, and completely arched over the top
with grass, weeds, pine needles, etc., the entrance being a low
opening at one side. This construction doubtless saves many
of their homes from destruction by jays, red squirrels and
chipmunks. Most of their nests are found by flushing the
sitting bird, while walking through the woods but I have
found several by observing an unusual rise in the otherwise
rather flat carpet of leaves.

WATER-THRUSHES might more appropriately be
termed “Water Warblers” for they are not connected to

385

WARBLERS

(677) Oporérnis formésus

(Wilson) (Gr., autumn bird; Lat., shapely,
hence beautiful).

KENTUCKY WARBLER. Ad.
& — Plumage as shown; bright olive-
green on back, wings and tail, shading
into gray on the nape and sides of
head; crown and sides of head black,
this extending to a point down the
side of the neck; below and intense
yellow; a yellow line from the bill over
and around the eye. Ad. 2 — Quite
similar but a little duller, with the
black more restricted and mixed with
gray on the crown. L., 5.50. Nest
—On the ground; of leaves, lined
with fine rootlets; eggs white, specked
with reddish-brown, .72 x .58.

Range — Breeds from the Gulf
north to Conn., Pa. and southern Wis.
Winters in Central America.

thrushes at all. During migrations they may be seen travel-
ing and feeding with other warblers in open or low growth
woods, but after they have settled for the summer, they are
to be found only in swamps. Whether on the ground, where
they walk gracefully, or perched in trees, their tails are
almost continually in motion up and down like a pump
handle. Their call note is a sharp “chink” and their song
is very characteristic, a loud, clear, ringing, liquid series of
warbles, swiftly and emphatically given.

Their nests are under cavities of roots of trees or stumps,
or sunk in mossy banks frequently but a few inches above the
water. They are composed of moss, grasses, leaves and strips
of bark, lined with thin, brown moss stems.

LOUISIANA WATER-THRUSHES have the northern
limit of their summer range barely or not quite overlapping
the southern limit of that of the last species. The birds are
rather more shy at all times than the last species, keeping
out of sight ahead of us if we attempt to follow up their song.

386

WARBLERS

(678) Oporornis Agilis
(Wilson) (Lat., active).
CONNECTICUT WARBLER.
Ad. o'—As shown by the upper
bird; a complete whitish eye-ring;
whole head, neck and breast a dark
blue-gray, very deep and almost
blackish on the throat in spring; back,
wings and tail bright olive-green;
under parts yellow. Ad. 2, and Im.
— Shown by the lower bird; top of
head same color as body; throat and
breast pale grayish-brown. L., 5.50.
Nest — Of grasses; on the ground
or just above, in clumps of briers or

thickets.

Range — Breeds from Mich. and
Minn. northward. Winters in South
America; in spring passes chiefly
through Miss. Valley; in fall, mi-
grates chiefly along Atlantic States,
from Mass. southward.

The song is loud, clear and ringing, similar to that of the
common Water-Thrush but shorter and perhaps not quite
as fine a performance. Their nests are located in niches in
banks along streams or in cavities among roots of fallen trees.
They are more easily discovered than those of the last species
for it is not necessary to flounder about in a swamp looking
for them.

In the region from New York to Illinois and south to the
Gulf States; KENTUCKY WARBLERS are reckoned as
abundant residents in moist woods, particularly those with a
dense undergrowth. They are typical ground warblers and,
as they are not timid, we can usually approach near enough
to watch them walking daintily about as they search for
insects among the leaves. The male sings at frequent inter-
vals, generally rising to the lower branches of the trees to
deliver the half dozen loud clear notes, strongly resembling
one song of the Carolina Wren, a “‘hur-dle, hur-dle, dur-dle.”
Both wren and warbler frequent the same places and, on my

387

WARBLERS

(679) Oporornis philadélphia
(Wilson)

MOURNING WARBLER. No
light eye-ring. Ad. o&—As shown
by the lower bird; in spring with a
black patch on the breast; whole head
and breast dark blue-gray; upper
parts bright olive-green; below bright
yellow, lightening posteriorly. Ad.
@ — As shown by the upper bird;
similar but paler colored and with no
black on breast. L., 5.50. Nest —
On or near the ground; eggs white,
sprinkled with reddish-brown.

Range — Breeds from N. S., Kee-
watin and Alberta south to Minn.,
Mich. and rarely to N. Y. and Mass.
Casually farther south in mountains
to W. Va. Winters in Central Amer-
ica; rather rare east of the Alleghenies;
most abundant in the Miss. Valley.

first acquaintance with them, it required several minutes’
study before I could distinguish the songs certainly.

The nest is usually located on the ground at the foot of a
shrub or plant, well concealed and difficult to find were they
not so often placed on the very edge of footpaths or cart
roads.

CONNECTICUT WARBLERS may be classed as rather
rare. Although sometimes in fall they are not uncommon,
apparently in spring migrations they are seen nowhere in
abundance. They winter in northern South America, com-
ing north by the island route through the West Indies to
Florida; thence their course is laid to the northwest, up the
Mississippi Valley to interior Canada. Returning, they sweep
to the southeast and pass along the Atlantic seaboard and
through the Antilles to their winter quarters, thus being one
of the few birds to have different routes for the northern and
southern journeys. Of course individuals or small parties
may digress from these routes, in fact they sometimes occur

388

WARBLERS

(681) Geéthlypis trichas
trichas (Linn.)

MARYLAND YELLOW-
THROAT. Ad. o&—As shown by
the nearer bird; bright olive-green
above, shading to ashy-gray on the
crown and whitish on the forehead and
above eyes; forehead and patch on
sides of head jet black; throat, breast
and under tail coverts yellow; belly
lighter. Ad. 9, and Im. — As shown
by the upper bird; pale yellow below
and no black on head. L., 5.25.

Range — Breeds from Va. and La.
north to Labrador, Ont. and Minn.
Winters in the Southern States.
(681b). G. t. ignéta. FLORIDA
YELLOW-THROAT. Brighter be-
low and with slightly longer bill, tar-
sus and tail. Breeds in Fla., along
the Gulf coast and north to Va.

in New England in spring but such instances are compara-
tively rare.

They keep close to the ground and frequent thickets of
alders, shad-bush, etc., which abound in weedy patches.
Their only note while migrating appears to be a short metal-
lic chirp or clink, usually uttered when disturbed. They are
rather sluggish in their actions which greatly resemble those
of thrushes.

They sing but little even in their breeding grounds which
are tamarack swamps and the song is said to resemble those
of Yellow-throats and Oven-birds.

MOURNING WARBLERS are quite similar in plumage
to the last species but no confusion of the birds will occur
if you but remember that the Connecticut always had a com-
plete light ring about the eye, while the Mourning has none
at all. The present species, that is the male bird, in spring,
has also a prominent black patch on the breast. Its migra-
tion route is through Mexico and spread out so as to include

389

WARBLERS

(683) Ictéria virens virens

(Linn.) (Gr., the jaundice, hence yellow-
ish; Lat., being green).

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT.
Ads. — Plumage as shown; throat and
breast very bright yellow; back, wings
and tail bright olive-green, shading to
dark gray on the neck and top of
head; forepart of crown and patch on
sides of head, including the lores,
black; white superciliary stripe and
white belly and under tail coverts.
L., 7.50. Nest — Of grass and weeds;
in bushes or tangled thickets, near the
ground; eggs white, spotted all over
with reddish-brown, .go x .70.

Range — Breeds from Mass., Ont.,
Mich. and Minn. south to the Gulf.
Winters in Central America. (683a).
I.v.longicauda Lawr. LONG-
TAILED CHAT. West of the Miss.,
from N. Dak. southward.

the North Atlantic States as well as those in the Mississippi
Valley. I have observed quite a number of them in Massa-
chusetts in spring but have not found them during the fall
migration.

It is usually found in dryer situations than the last species
and the male occasionally sings during the spring migrations
—a loud ringing song about midway in character between
those of Water-Thrushes and Maryland Yellow-throats.

Their nests are ordinarily built in weedy patches or briers
about a foot above ground, the nest being quite bulkily but
firmly made of leaves and bark, lined with grasses and some
hair.

MARYLAND YELLOW-THROATS, although bearing
the name of a comparatively small state, have a wide dis-
tribution, the whole of eastern United States and southern
Canada. Almost every thicket, especially if it be in the least
moist, has as tenants one or more pair of Yellow-throats.
They are very vivacious birds being, in fact, the life of the

399

WARBLERS

(684) Wilsénia citrina Ps
(Bodd.)

HOODED WARBLER. Ad. o&
— Plumage as shown by the lower
bird; forehead, ear patch and under
parts bright yellow; crown, sides of
neck, throat and upper breast black;
back and wings bright olive-green;
inner webs of outer tail feathers mostly
white. Ad. 9 —As shown by the
upper bird; body and tail like those
of the male, but with no black on the
throat and little or none on top of
the head. L., 5.50. Mest—Of
leaves, bark, rootlets and grasses in
forks of bushes, close to the ground;
eggs white, profusely spotted with
reddish-brown, .70 x .52.

Range — Breeds from the Gulf
north to Conn., N. Y., central Mich.
and Ia. Winters in Central America.

bird population in their domain. They have a hand or voice
in every disturbance and pry into the affairs of all strangers.

The Yellow-throat call note is a sharp, metallic chip; his
alarm note is a sputtering rattle, often termed the ‘‘ watch-
man’s rattle”; and his song is a distinctive, rhythmatic
“witch-ity, witch-ity, witch-ity, witch.” Their nests are
usually in clumps of weeds, with the bottom just above
ground.

YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS are very remarkable
birds and especially so for a member of this family. Some of
their actions are extremely ludicrous and might well lead one
to suppose that this species served as the clown of the bird
world. Their haunts are tangled thickets of weeds, vines,
and bushes within which they conceal themselves so effect-
ually that it is sometimes difficult to discover them even
though their mocking voices may almost constantly be
heard. Yet if we keep still, we may see one suddenly fly out
and upward until he attains a height of fifty feet or more;
then he apparently abandons himself to song, uttering weird

391

WARBLERS

(685) Wilsonia pusilla pusilla
(Wilson) (Lat., small).

WILSON’S WARBLER; WIL-
SON’S BLACK-CAP. Ad. &—
Plumage as shown by the lower bird;
cap bright, glossy black; rest of head
and under parts bright yellow, very
intense on the head; upper parts,
wings and tail bright olive-green; no
wing bars or tail spots. Ad. Q —
Duller colored and with little or no
black on the crown, which is greenish
like the back. L., 5.00. Nest — Of
leaves and strips of bark, imbedded in
the ground under bushes, in swamps.

Range — Breeds from Me., Ont.
and Minn. north to Newfoundland,
Ungava and Mackenzie. Winters
in Central America, migrating south
to Md. and then across to Tex., Mass.
in spring, May 1; in fall, Sept. 1.

and nondescript series of whistles and squawks as he settles
earthward with fluttering wings and jerking tail. They not
only have considerable imitative ability but are no mean
ventriloquists, their voices often appearing to come from
almost any point of the compass even though the singer does _
not change his position.

Chats are very abundant in the Southern States and locally
found even north to New England and Ontario. Their
nests are in bushes or briers, usually about three feet above
ground. They are rather coarsely made of weeds, grass, strips
of bark and leaves, lined with fine grasses. It is almost im-
possible to flush a Chat from her nest, for she slips away long
before you are within sight of it. If she knows that it is dis-
covered, she almost always deserts it, first destroying the eggs.

HOODED WARBLERS, I have always regarded as the
most beautiful species that we have, next to the Blackbur-
nian, and even surpassing that species if we take into account
the companionable ways and interesting song of the present

392

WARBLERS

(686) Wilsonia canadénsis
(Linn.)

CANADA WARBLER. Ad. &
— Plumage as shown by the upper
bird; upper parts, wings and tail
gray; loral stripe — eye-ring and
under parts bright yellow, whitening
posteriorly; crown spotted with black;
sides of head and necklace blackish;
no white on wings or tail. Ad. 2 —
Duller colored as shown by the lower
bird; the black necklace sometimes
shows quite plainly and again may be
only indicated by indistinct grayish
streaks. L., 5.50. Mest —Of bark
and fine rootlets, sunk in mossy banks
or under roots.

Range — Breeds from Mass., N. Y.,
Ont., Mich. and Minn, north to New-
foundland, Quebec and Keewatin.
Winters in northern South America.
With us May 12 to Sept. 15.

one. They are most frequently found in moist woodland
which has a good undergrowth. As they are usually near
the ground, their plumage and ways can be better admired
than can those of birds like Blackburnians, which ordinarily
keep to the treetops.

The male sings freely in spring and early summer, the notes
being loud and clear whistles, delivered in rapid succession,
like ‘‘see-we-eo-tsip, tsip, see-we-eo.’’ Their nests are lo-
cated in bushes or saplings about three feet above ground.
Little preference is shown in most of its range, but in north-
ern parts they are frequently in laurel and in southern states
in cane.

Among the many species of warblers passing northward in
spring, we sometimes see in orchards, bushes or low trees,
especially along waterways, small pert little yellow birds with
a tiny black cap set jauntily on the top of the head. Now
known simply as WILSON’S WARBLERS, they formerly
had the formidable name of Wilson’s Black-capped Fly-

393

WARBLERS
(687) Setéphaga ruticilla

Lane) (Gr., an insect eater; Lat., red-
tail).

REDSTART. Bill wide and flat,
and with development of rictal bris-
tles almost like those of flycatchers.
Ad. — As shown by the upper bird;
upper parts, throat and breast jet
black; rest of under parts white;
outer tail feathers, except at their tips,
basal portion of wing feathers and un-
der wing coverts, bright orange-red.
Ad. 9 — Shown by the lower bird;
grayish-brown above and whitish be-
low; orange-red replaced by yellow.
Immature males show all stages of
plumage between these two. L., 5.50.

Range — Breeds from N. Car.,
Ark. and Col. north to Newfound-
land, Quebec, Mackenzie and B. C.

catching Warblers. They are very active and do catch many
small insects on the wing. They sing with a hurried, ring-
ing little warble sufficient to identify them but not sufficiently
different from other songs to attract the attention of those
not familiar with it. They nest rarely in the Northern
States but chiefly in Canada, the nest being on or very close
to the ground in rather swampy land.

CANADIAN WARBLERS also belong to the so-called
flycatching group. Besides in woods and orchards, I have a
number of times seen them feeding on the ground under
bushes in my yard in the middle of the city. They are not
at all shy either during migration or while nesting. Their
song is a loud, ringing, distinctive warble similar in character
to that of the Water-Thrush. They nest on the ground in
swamps or moist woodland. I have found nests under roots of
laurel and also imbedded in mossy banks just out of the water.

REDSTARTS are birds that can hardly be overlooked in
localities where they are present, for their plumage and their

394

WAGTAILS

(697) Anthus rubéscens
(Tunstall) (Lat., becoming ruddy).

PIPIT; TITLARK. As shown by
the upper bird; bright ruddy-buff be-
low; grayish above; streaked on
breast and sides; outer tail feathers
with white.

Range — Breeds in northern Canada
and in high mountains in western U.S.
(700) Anthus spraguei Audubon

SPRAGUE’S PIPIT. As shown
by the lower bird; streaked above on
back and crown with black and yel-
lowish-brown. L., 6.25.

Range — Interior plains from Man.
and Sask. south to Mont. and N. Dak.

(694) WHITE WAGTAIL (Mot-
acilla alba), accidental in Ungava.

(698) MEADOW PIPIT (An-
thus pratensis), an European species;
accidental in Greenland.

ways of showing it off are so conspicuous. Both sexes are
handsomely gowned and no one knows it better than they.
The male is often chasing his mate or other small birds about
among the branches just for sport. At nearly all times when
perching, he is fluttering his wings nervously and opening and
closing his tail fan-wise. Redstarts are always uneasy; they
rarely remain more than a few seconds in any one pose.
They put the most active of the flycatchers to shame by the
celerity with which they dash after winged insects, darting
hither and yon in apparently mad rushes, but at each move
capturing one or more of the many gnats that are always
present in woods. They have several songs — all high-
pitched. Among the most common are a “‘zee-zee-zee-zeet,”
in an ascending tone, and a “‘ wee-zee, wee-zee, wee-zee”’ sim-
ilar to the song of the Yellow Warbler. Their nests are
firmly made cups of gray plant fibres and web, lined with
fine grasses and fibres, the whole firmly attached in crotches
at any height from the ground.

395

THRASHERS, MOCKINGBIRDS

CA RONEN SN Se | (702) Oreoscéptes montanus
Seas oi (Townsend) (Gr., a mountain mimic; Lat.,
mountain).

SAGE THRASHER. Bill com-
paratively short for a thrasher. Plu-
mage as shown; dull grayish-brown
above, indistinctly streaked; two
narrow wing bars and outer tail feath-
ers with white spots on the tips; under
parts buffy-white, streaked on the
flanks, breast and sides of throat.
Im. — Less streaked below and more
soabove. L., 8.75; W., 4.00; T., 3.30;
B.,.65. Nest— Bulky, of weeds, sage
bark and fine rootlets; usually in sage
brush close to the ground; eggs green-
ish-blue, spotted with brown, .95 x .70.

Range — Sage-brush plains and
foothills, breeding from western Neb.,
Mont. and B. C. south to N. Mex.
and Cal. Winters from central Tex.
and Cal. southward.

Famity MOTACILLIDA. Wactaits

PIPITS or TITLARKS live chiefly in Arctic America, but
many of them breed on the higher western mountain ranges
even in the United States. In winter they keep just south
of the snow line, traveling in flocks and moving restlessly
from place to place. Their only notes when with us are a
“‘yvipping” which they always utter as they fly. In summer
they utter a more musical ‘‘tee-cheer, tee-cheer, tee-cheer”
as they run along the ground. Whenever they stand still
the inevitable up and down wagging of the tail takes place.
They often take flights far up in the sky until they become
invisible and then scale swiftly down uttering their musical
call rapidly.

Famity MIMIDZ. Turasuers, MoOcKINGBIRDS
SAGE THRASHERS are common residents of the sage-
396

THRASHERS, MOCKINGBIRDS

(703) Mimus polygléttos poly=
glottos

(Linn.) (Lat., a mimic; many-tongued).

MOCKINGBIRD. Plumage as
shown; upper parts ashy-gray; wings
and tail blackish, the former with
white at bases of primaries, and the
latter with white tips to outer feathers
and whole white outer ones; below
soiled white. Sexes similar but 9
slightly browner and with less white.
L., 10.50; W., 4.50; T., 4.90; B., .70.
Nest — Of twigs, weeds, etc., lined
with rootlets; in thickets.

Range — Breeds from the Gulf
north to Md., Ohio and Neb. Cas-
ually to Mass.; accidental north to
N. B., Ont. and Wis.

(703a) M. p. leucopterus

(Vigors)

WESTERN MOCKINGBIRD.

Southwestern U. S.; east to Neb.

brush country of the Southwestern States. Although their
colors and markings are in harmony with the general color
schemes of the regions they inhabit, they do not make use
of them for concealment. The favorite pastime of male birds
is to perch in the top of a tall sage bush, or on a telegraph pole,
and pour forth the sweetest of bird music for, apparently,
hours at atime. Not only do they sing early in the morning,
but often through the heat of the day and sometimes even by
moonlight. The song is as loud and varied as that of the
common eastern Brown Thrasher.

MOCKINGBIRDS, as songsters, are probably the equal
or superior of any other bird. Famous in song, verse and
story, they deserve every bit of praise that is bestowed upon
them. Other species may have shorter songs or passages
that are technically better than those of the Mocker, but as
songsters be far inferior. ‘Those who have had the oppor-
tunities of comparing this species in its southern home with
the Nightingale in its favorite haunts, say that the song of

397

THRASHERS, MOCKINGBIRDS

(704) Dumetélla_ carolinénsis
(Linn.)

CATBIRD. Plumage as shown;
general plumage slaty-gray, lighter
below; crown blackish; under tail
coverts chestnut. L., 9.00; W., 3.50;
T., 3.65; B., .60. Nest — In hedges,
briers or thickets, a few feet above
ground; composed of twigs, weeds,
leaves and rootlets; three to five rich,
greenish-blue eggs, .95 x .70.

Range — Eastern North America.
Breeds from N. S., southern Quebec,
Ont., Man., Sask. and central B. C.,
south to the Gulf States, Tex., Utah
and northern Oregon. Winters from
the Southern States southward to
Cuba and through Mexico. A most
abundant and friendly species
throughout its range.

the American Bird is better in every respect than that of the
famous European songster. ‘The Mocker will perch con-
tentedly in the top of a bush and, with feathers ruffed out,
tail drooped and eyes half shut, sing for hours at a time, com-
posing his music on the spur of the moment and including
parts of the songs of many other species.

Any thickets or bush-covered land is suitable for Mockers.
They even take up their abode in trees, shrubs or vines about
houses, or in parks even in the hearts of large cities. During
the Jamestown Exposition, one came regularly every morn-
ing and perched on a shrub before the entrance to one of
the large buildings. His songs delighted thousands of
visitors.

CATBIRDS are also mimics of a very high order. It is no
discredit to them to say that their song does not equal that
of the Mocker, but it is their misfortune to have such a master
singer to compete against. They frequent bush-covered
fields or pastures, thickets or gardens and are, with few ex-

398

THRASHERS, MOCKINGBIRDS

(705) Toxéstoma rifum
(Linn.) (Lat., rufous).

BROWN THRASHER. Plum-
age as shown. Whole upper parts,
including wings and _ tail, bright
rufous-brown; greater and middle
coverts tipped with white, forming
two wing bars; lateral tail feathers
with pale, almost whitish, tips; under
parts white, heavily streaked with
blackish, except on the throat and
middle of belly. Iris bright yellow.
Bill rather long and slightly decurved.
L., 11.50; W., 4.05; T., 5.00; B., 1.00;
Tar., 1.25. MNest— Of twigs, weeds
and coarse rootlets, lined with finer
rootlets; in bushes or thickets above
ground or on the ground.

Range — U.S., east of the Rockies;
breeds from southern Canada south
to the Gulf States.

ceptions, favorites with every one. Some fruit growers claim
they steal their fruit. Undoubtedly they do take some, but
consider the quantities of injurious insects they destroy be-
fore, after and during the period of fruit. The small boy
whose misguided inclination tends toward making a col-
lections of birds’ eggs thinks twice before he disturbs the
Catbird, for experience has taught him that their outcries will
alarm the neighborhood and perhaps get him into trouble.
Their gentle mewing call notes can and are changed to
screams of indignation when the occasion warrants.

Catbird nests are built in thickets, briers or thorn bushes
from two to six feet up. They are composed of twigs and
weeds, lined with black rootlets. The eggs are unmarked,
greenish-blue, thus very different from the pale blue, brown-
spotted ones laid by Mockers.

BROWN THRASHERS really need no introduction for
they are common throughout eastern United States and are
fully capable of speaking for themselves. Except while

399

WRENS

(713) Heleédytes brunneicapil=
lus couési (Sharpe) (Gr., a marsh
diver, or inhabitant; Lat., brown hair).

CACTUS WREN. Plumage as
shown; brownish above, darkest on
the crown and grayest on the tail;
wings and tail barred with black, the
primaries and outer tail feathers also
being spotted with white; below white
shading to buff on the sides and belly;
throat and breast spotted with black
and flanks streaked with the same; a
white superciliary stripe above the
dusky auriculars. L., 8.50; W., 3.40;
T., 3-35; B., .oo. Nest — In cactus,
yucca or thorny bushes; bulky, of
sticks and weeds, lined with feathers;
entrance on the side; eggs whitish,
minutely dotted with reddish-brown.

Range —Yrom middle Tex., N.
Mex., Utah, Nev. and southern Cal.
south to northern Mex.

singing, they usually skulk through the underbrush or
thickets, but occasionally the male will chase his mate or a
rival over and through the bushes, their bright rusty plumage
and long rufous tails flashing in the sunlight. Thrashers are
wonderful songsters. They sometimes introduce notes of
other birds but generally their song is a distinctive one of
their own. It is clearer and fuller than that of the Catbird
and has fewer harsh notes. The song can readily be identi-
fied without seeing the performer for it is delivered in coup-
lets, every note or passage being repeated. Thoreau de-
scribes it very aptly when he says: ‘‘ While you are planting
the seed he cries, ‘Drop it, drop it — cover it up, cover it up
— pull it up, pull it up, pull it up.’” Their call note is a
deep-toned ‘‘tsook.”” A loudly whistled ‘wheu-u-u-u”’ is
used during moments of excitement and an explosive “‘ca-a-a
arr” denotes extreme anger and is used when any one at-
tempts to investigate the contents of their nests. They are
very valiant in defense of their homes and will dash toward

400

WRENS

(715) Salpinctes obsolétus ob=
solétus
(Say) (Gr., a trumpeter; Lat., obsolete).
ROCK WREN. Plumage as
shown; upper parts dull grayish-
brown, specked with black and white
dots; rump light reddish-brown; wings
and tail barred with black; outer tail
feathers tipped with light buff and
with a subterminal black band; un-
der parts dull whitish, shading to
brownish on the flanks; indistinctly
streaked on the breast. L., 5.75; W.,
2753. Tey aves Bi, 703, Lars. 260%
Nest — Usually in crevices about
rocks; less often in stumps; some-
times about buildings; eggs white,
finely spotted about the large end
with chestnut-brown, .72 x .54.
Range — Breeds from Sask. and B.
C. south to Mexico; east to N. Dak.,
Neb. and Tex.

you screaming and with their yellow eyes blazing with anger.
I have had them even peck severely at my fingers when reach-
ing toward the nest.

Famity TROGLODYTID. Wrens
CACTUS WRENS are the largest members of this notable

musical family found within our borders. Size, however,
has little to do with musical ability even among wrens, for
the monotonous, grating ‘‘chut, chut, chut, chut” uttered
by this species shows no traces of the talent of some of the
smaller members of the family. They are very commonly
met with in the southwestern lands of cactus, mesquite, and
yucca. They are not timid and may be seen everywhere
perched on the tops of branches, heads up and tail drooped
in characteristic wren fashion while singing.

Their nests, placed among yuccas or cactus thorns, are

401

WRENS

(718) Thryothérus ludovicidnus
(Lath.) (Gr., reed leaping).

CAROLINA WREN. Plumage
as shown; upper parts uniform red-
dish-brown, brightest on the rump,
where there are concealed spots of
whitish; wings and tail barred with
black; a white superciliary stripe;
throat white, shading to deep buff on
the rest of the under parts; under tail
coverts barred with dusky, and some-
times a few indistinct bars on flanks.
L., 5.50; W., 2.30; T., 2.00; B., .60.
Nest — Of grasses, leaves, feathers
and hair; in holes in trees, stumps or
crevices about buildings.

Range — Eastern U. S. Breeds
from the Gulf States north to Conn.,
Pa., Ohio and Neb. Casual north to
Me., Ont. and Wis. A subspecies,
T. 1. miamensis, lives in the southern
half of Fla.

queer flask-shaped structures with the entrance in the side.
Made of twigs and straw and lined with feathers. They have
little concealment and can be seen on every hand during a
day’s drive through the country.

ROCK WRENS, another species of large size, dwell in
rocky arid regions of the Southwestern States either in can-
yons or high up on mountain sides near the snow line. In
these regions where both bird and animal life is rather scarce,
the sight of one of these creatures bobbing in and out of rocky
crevices is a relief, and the sound of his curious little tinkling
notes serves to break the monotony.

Their nests are in crevices among rocks, the bottom being
lined with weeds, twigs, grasses, etc.

CAROLINA WRENS are the jolliest birds imaginable.
No one ever heard of a pessimistic wren anyway. They are
always bubbling over with joy. Now chattering, now twit-
tering to themselves and now throwing back the head and
ringing out the clear loud whistles that form the characteristic

402

WRENS

(719) Thryomanes béwicki
(Audubon) (Gr., a reed, a kind of cup).

BEWICK’S WREN. Plumage as
shown; upper parts dark brown, the
feathers on the rump having con-
cealed whitish spots; wings and tail
barred with black, the latter with
white tips and spots on the ends of
the outer feathers; a white line over
the eye; under parts whitish, shading
to brownish on the flanks. L., 5.00;
W., 2.30; T., 2.10; B., .so. Nest —
Of grasses and feathers in hollow
trees, stumps or crevices.

Range — Breeds from Pa., Ill.
southern Mich. and Neb. southward.
Winters in the Gulf States.

(719c) T. b. cryptus Oberholser

TEXAS BEWICK WREN.
Southern plains from Kan. and Tex.
southward.

song. Among the many songs they sing, two stand out the
most conspicuously, one a rapid liquid “‘quer-dle, quer-dle,
quer-dle, quer-dle” and the other sounding like “‘cle-er-ee-u,
cle-er-ee-u, cle-er-ee-u.” The first of these songs is similar
to ones given sometimes by Cardinals and by Kentucky
Warblers, but neither of these species puts the life and expres-
sion into the song that is given it by Sir Wren.

Their usual haunts are thickets and underbrush in wood-
land, but they are not above sometimes appearing about
habitations and tucking their nests away in any nook or
cranny that takes their fancy. Most of their nests, however,
are placed in cavities in stumps, being composed of twigs,
weeds, grass, leaves, and feathers. They are very prolific,
laying from five to seven eggs and often raising two or three
broods in a season.

BEWICK’S WRENS are a smaller species, abundant in
southern states and apparently extending their range grad-
ually to the northward. They are often confused with the

403

WRENS
(721) Troglédytes aédon aédon

(Vieill.) (Gr.,a cave dweller; a songstress).
HOUSE WREN. Plumage as
shown; upper parts cinnamon-brown;
wings and tail barred with blackish;
rump with concealed whitish spots;
below dull whitish, more or less barred
on the flanks with blackish; no super-
ciliary stripe as always shown by the
last species. L., 4.75; W., 2.00; T.,
1.75; B., .50. Nest— Of grass and
weeds; in hollow trees, stumps, bird
boxes or crevices about buildings;
five to seven white eggs, minutely
dotted all over with reddish-brown,
giving the egg a pinkish appearance.
Range — Breeds from N. B., Ont.,
Mich. and Wis. south to Va. and Ky.
Winters in the Gulf Statesand Mexico.
(721a). T. a pdrkmani Audubon.
WESTERN HOUSE WREN.
Western U. S. east Mo. and Tex.

similar-sized House Wren, but needlessly for the darker back,
white stripe over the eye and white on the outer tail feathers
should easily identify it in any situation. They are rather
more sedate in their actions than the last species, but are
always investigating crevices about stumps, tree trunks or
nooks about buildings clearing them of vermin. They often
remind one of mice as they creep nimbly through piles of
brush or through stone walls, every now and then stopping to
look at you with tail perked over their back and ofttimes
wagged as though in salutation.

Their song is sweet and louder and clearer than that of the
House Wren but is not nearly as varied.
. HOUSE WRENS are almost inseparably connected with

habitations. Whenever or wherever one is seen you can be
quite certain that some one is living within a quarter of a mile
or so from there. In summer they take up their abodes in
hollow trees anywhere in the neighborhood or in bird boxes
that are erected for them. They become greatly attached to

404

WRENS

(722) Nannus hiemAlis hiemAlis
(Vieill.) (Lat., wintry).

WINTER WREN. Shortest of
our wrens. Plumage as shown; up-
per parts dark brown, brightest on
the rump, where there are concealed
whitish spots; wings and tail, and to
a less extent, the back and rump,
barred with blackish; a light super-
ciliary stripe; below whitish, shading
to pale cinnamon-brown on the flanks
and belly; flanks and under tail coverts
barred with blackish. L., 4.00; W.,
1.853 Te, 1:30; _B.5 235. Nest — Of
twigs and moss; in brush heaps, under
roots or in crevices of any kind —
sometimes in tin cans; eggs white,
sparingly specked with reddish-brown.

Range — Breeds from Mass., Mich.
and Minn. north to Newfoundland,
Quebec and Alberta. Winters
throughout the U.S.

localities and return to the same places year after year.
They are sturdy little fellows and put to rout birds much
larger than themselves. Individually they are much more
than a match for English Sparrows, but this latter species
are cowardly; they do not fight individually, they drive other
birds away by mobbing them. If any one wants wrens about
the house, and I have yet to see any one who would not be
delighted to have them, the way to circumvent the sparrows
is to make the bird house with an opening not larger than an
inch in diameter.

The House Wren song may well be compared to rippling,
bubbling laughter. He simply cannot contain his ecstasy
and it comes trickling out through his vibrating mandibles
in the form of a delightful song. If things go wrong or you
intrude upon him at an inopportune time he will scold you
roundly with a long-continued chattering. On one occasion,
I was standing beside the entrance to a wren home in an
apple tree when the male bird returned with a spider to feed

405

WRENS

(724) Cistothérus stellaris

(Naumann) (Gr., a shrub leaping; Lat.,
starry or speckled).

SHORT-BILLED MARSH
WREN. As shown by the upper
bird; notice that the crown is streaked
with brown and whitish. L., 4.50;
W., 1.80; T., 1.60; B., .38.

Range — Breeds from Me., Ont.
and Sask. south to Del., Ind. and Mo.
Winters in southern states.

(725) Telmatédytes paldstris
palustris (Wilson) (Gr. a swamp in-
habitant; Lat., a marsh).

LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN.
As shown by the lower bird; crown
blackish-brown, with no streaks. L.,
5.20; W., 195; T., 1.85; B., .50.

Range — From Ont. and Quebec
south to Va., whence it is replaced
by T. p. mariane; T. p. iliacus occurs
in the Miss. Valley.

some of his numerous youngsters. Seeing me, he com-
menced to scold and chatter away with all his might. Still
holding the spider, a steady stream of grating notes assailed
me for seemingly several minutes; then with a sudden pause
he gulped the spider down and cleared his throat so that he
might score me more roundly. The instant I backed away
not more than a yard he accepted it as a complete victory and
poured forth a regular whirlwind of song.

WINTER WRENS are our tiniest species and, although
breeding in many of the Northern States, are seen chiefly
in winter. Pert little fellows, they steal about through brush
heaps and walls so cleverly that it is seldom that we catch a
glimpse of them unless they choose to show themselves —
stout little creatures with tail turned up over the back in the
most absurd manner. Sometimes they scold us with gruff
chipperings. Again they may, especially in spring, treat us
with a delicious rippling flow of notes, not as loud, but sweeter
than those of the House Wren. They nest in brush heaps

406

CREEPERS

(726) Cérthia familiaris famil=
idris Bonap.
(Lat., a creeper; domestic).

BROWN CREEPER. Bill slen-
der and decurved. Tail feathers
narrow and sharply pointed. Plum-
age as shown; streaked brown and
gray above; rump light rufous; tail
uniform dull brownish; wings marked
with whitish and brown; below white.
L., 5.50; W., 2.50; T., 2.65; B., .60.
Nest — Of small twigs, strips of bark,
moss, bits of wood, etc., lined with
hair; in crevices behind loose bark on
trunks of trees; five to seven white
eggs with a wreath of brown specks
about the large end, .62 x .45.

Range — Breeds from Newfound-
land, Quebec, Ont. and Man. south
to Mass., N. Y., Ind. and Neb. and
in the Alleghenies to N. Car. Win-
ters throughout the U. S.

or in nooks or crannies anywhere, sometimes in old tin cans
that have been cast away.

Marsh wrens are scarcely ever found away from marshy
localities. The SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN, easily
distinguished from the next because its bill is shorter and the
crown is streaked with whitish, inhabits wet meadows even
more frequently than rush-grown ponds. They are difficult
to see or to flush as they can thread their way through the
grass like mice, only their clicking notes indicating their
presence. Their song is a rapid chippering ending in a burr.
Their round grass nests with side entrances are placed on or
near the ground; the eggs are pure white, which is quite
unusual for those of members of this family. ~

LONG-BILLED MARSH WRENS are to be found in
reeds, cane, or rushes growing in sloughs, along creeks, or the
edges of rivers. Their presence would not be suspected were
it not for the sputtering alarm calls they make when any one
comes into view. Most of the time they keep out of sight,

407

NUTHATCHES

(727) Sitta carolinénsis caroli=
nénsis Latham

WHITE-BREASTED NUT-
HATCH. Ad. #@ —Plumage as
shown. Crown glossy black; rest of
upper parts blue-gray; outer tail
feathers with much white as shown;
sides of head and neck and whole
under parts pure white, except the
under tail coverts, which are mixed
with chestnut. Ad. 9 — Similar to
the o”, except that the crown is gray,
not much darker than the back. L.,
6.00; W., 3.50; T., 1.75; B.,.65. Nest
— Of grasses, feathers and leaves; in
holes in trees from six to sixty feet up.

Range—Breeds from northern
Gulf States north to southern Canada.
(727b). S.c. atkinsi Scott. FLORIDA
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH.
Fla. and along the Gulf coast to Miss.

but their position can be located by the sounds of their voices
as they move about. Frequently one will climb to the top of
a swaying cat-tail and sing his short, bubbling, rattling song.
Their nests, also globular in shape, are attached to upright
stalks a foot or two above water.

Famity CERTHIID. CREEPERS

I have said that no one ever saw a pessimistic wren, but
on the other hand it is doubtful if any one ever saw an opti-
mistic BROWN CREEPER. They are always the same
plodding, patient creatures acting as though they were
doomed to a lifelong punishment of hard labor. Always
climbing, climbing, climbing. If they would only persevere
until they reach the summit of just one tree, we might have
more patience with them, but no, they fall off when halfway
up, like bits of loosened bark and start all over at the base of

408

NUTHATCHES

(728) Sitta canadénsis Linn.

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.
Ad. o& — Plumage as shown by the
lower bird; a white superciliary stripe
separating a black postocular stripe
from the glossy black crown; under
parts white on the throat, shading
to yellowish-brown or deep buff; tail
with white on the outer feathers.
Ad. § —Similar except that the
black is replaced by gray and the
under parts are much paler, usually
soiled buffy-white. L., 4.50; W., 2.65;
T., 1.55; B., 60. MNest—JIn holes
in trees or stumps, six to forty feet
up; eggs white, spotted with reddish-
brown, .60 x .50.

Range — Breeds from Mass., Mich.
and Minn. north to Newfoundland,
northern Quebec, Mackenzie and the
Yukon Valley. Winters throughout
the U.S.

'

another tree. Queer little morsels of bird life, inconspicuous,
unsuspicious and with only a wiry little squeak for a voice.
Steady, patient workers, they undoubtedly destroy more
insects than the flighty Chickadees or vivacious kinglets,
but it is done in a listless, lifeless way that does not appeal to
us as much.

In their summer homes, however, they do so far forget
their troubles as to sometimes utter a simple but rather pleas-
ing song of four or five notes, all wiry but varying in pitch.

Famity SITTIDZ. Nurwatcues

Nuthatches are the acrobats of the bird world. Although
not having pointed tail feathers to assist them as do wood-
peckers, nor claws of unusual development, they are able to
climb up, down or around trees, either on the upper or under
sides of limbs with equal facility.

WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, or some of their
subspecies, are distributed over most of our country, being

409

NUTHATCHES

(729) Sitta pusilla Latham
(Lat., small).

BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH.
Sexes very similar, the 9 being only a
trifle duller plumaged. Back, wings
and tail as in the last species; top of
head cinnamon-brown; a stripe of
darker through the eye; a white
patch on the nape; under parts gray-
ish-white. L., 4.30; W., 2.50; T., 1.25;
B.,.50. Nest — Of grasses and feath-
ers, in holes in trees at any height
from the ground; five or six white
eggs rather uniformly speckled with
reddish-brown, .60 x .50.

Range—Southeastern U.S.
Breeds from Del. and southern Mo.
south to the Gulf coast and southern
Fla.; casually north to N. Y. and
southern Mich.

resident in most sections. While they ordinarily frequent
woodland, they sometimes take up their abode in orchard
trees. :

The notes of this species all have a nasal quality. One
often heard at all seasons is a soft ““Yna”’; another is a louder
and more emphatic “‘ynank, ynank, ynank”’; in spring they
are very active, chasing one another about over limbs either
in play or to show their skill at climbing. At this season, too,
the woods often resound with their spring songs, a laughing
“‘yna-ha-ha-ha-ha.”’ Their food is chiefly of insects, eggs or
larve, which they gather from under the bark, sometimes
pecking woodpecker fashion but more often using the bill as a
crowbar to pry the bark up.

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES are known in most
of the United States only as winter visitors. They are easily
recognized from the preceding by the small size, rusty under
parts, black stripe on the sides of the head and the softer,
higher pitched notes that they utter. Although often in

410

TITMICE

(731) Bzoléphus bicolor TP Se
(Linn.) .
TUFTED TITMOUSE. Head
crested. _Ads— Plumage as shown;
forehead black, shading into the gray
which covers the entire upper parts,
including wings and tail; below whit-
ish, the sides being washed with
rufous. L., 6.00; W., 3.10; T., 2.703
B.,.42. Nest — Of bark, grass, leaves
and feathers in holes in stumps.
Range — Breeds from N. J., Pa.,
Ind., Ill. and Ia. south to the Gulf
coast; casual north to Conn., N. Y.
and Wis.
(732) Beoléphus atricristatus
atricristatus Cassin.
BLACK-CRESTED TITMOUSE.
As shown by the lower bird.
Range — Central Tex. southward.

deciduous trees, they are quite partial to coniferous ones,
while the last species rarely is found in pines.

BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHES are still smaller
species that reside in the Southern States. They, too, show
a preference for coniferous trees. In winter groups of them
sleep close together in the dense tops of living trees and in
summer they make their homes in cavities of dead ones.
They are not at all particular about the height of the nesting
cavity. I have found them at all elevations from two feet
up to at least seventy. They are quite noisy, their nasal
notes taking the form of “‘nya, nya,” etc., rapidly almost in
a squealing tone.

Famity PARIDA. Tirmice

Titmice are also acrobats but they are not climbers, they
are clingers and are commonly seen feeding while clinging
head downward to the tips of outer branches.

The TUFTED TITMOUSE, which is our largest eastern

4II

TITMICE

(735) Penthéstes atricapillus
atricapillus (Linn.) (Lat., black hair).

CHICKADEE. Ads — Plumage
as shown by the upper bird; crown
and throat black; upper parts ashy-
gray; wing feathers, especially the
coverts, distinctly margined with
whitish; below white on the breast
and buffy on the sides. L., 5.25.

Range —N. J., Pa., Ind. and Mo.
northward to Newfoundland, Ungava
and Keewatin.

(736) Penthestes carolinénsis
carolinénsis (Audubon)
CAROLINA CHICKADEE.
Little or no white on wing. L., 4.50.
From N. J., Ind. and Mo. southward.
(736a). P. c. agilis.s PLUMBEOUS
CHICKADEE. La., Tex. and Ark.
(736b). P. c. impiger. FLORIDA
CHICKADEE. Fila.

representative of this family, has a distribution correspond-
ing to that of Cardinals and Carolina Wrens, that is they sel-
dom occur in the northern tier of states. They occur in
woods and thickets, in just such places as these other birds
are found and, like them, their presence is always proclaimed
by their oft-repeated whistles, which sound like ‘‘peto, peto,
peto, peto.” Less often they ‘‘dee-dee-dee-dee”’ like a
chickadee but louder. They are inquisitive in a high degree
and are always in the thick of any bird disturbance that
occurs in their neighborhood. Indeed, the chances are that
they were the cause of it.

They are prolific birds, rearing usually two broods a sea-
son, each of six or eight. The nests are in cavities of stumps
or deserted woodpecker holes higher up.

CHICKADEES are known and liked by every one, resi-
dent wherever found and one of the few species that remain
in the Northern States throughout the year. They are quite
tame at all seasons and sometimes remarkably so during

412

TITMICE

(740) Penthestes hudsénicus
hudsénicus
(Forster)

HUDSONIAN CHICKADEE.
Plumage as shown; top of head hair-
brown; throat patch black; sides of
head and breast white, shading into
rufous on the sides and buff on the
belly. L., 5.00. Mest— Of moss,
feathers and felted fur; in hollow
stumps or holes in trees; eggs white,
spotted with reddish-brown.

Range — Breeds from tree limit in
Alaska, Mackenzie and Keewatin
south to Ungava, central Ont., Man.
and B. C.; south casually to northern
Ill. (740a). P.h. littorélis ARCA-
DIAN CHICKADEE. Breeds
from Newfoundland and Quebec
south to mountains of N. H., Vt., and
N. Y. Casual in Mass. in winter.

winter. They come readily to lunch counters that are pro-
vided by many kind persons for winter birds. Sometimes
they become so accustomed to the ones that feed them that
they will alight on their hands or even pick pieces of nuts
from between the person’s lips. This is confidence very
different from the fearlessness with which some individuals
have alighted on my hand as I was holding some of their
little ones preparatory to photographing them, ‘“‘dee, dee,
dee-ing” excitedly and looking into my face as though implor-
ing me to release their children.

Chickadees rear large families; one nest in a small birch
containing twelve young arranged in three tiers was found
to be in a very cleanly condition as is usual with nests of
Chickadees. In spring, Chickadees often sing a high-pitched,
clearly whistled ‘‘phe-be.”” At other times they use only the
familiar “ Chickadee-dee-dee-dee,” a ‘‘tse-day, tse-day” and
“ dee-dee,”’ etc.

In the Southern States, Chickadees are a trifle smaller

413

TITMICE

(746) Auripdrus flaviceps flav-
iceps

(Sund.) (Lat., gold titmouse; yellow head).

VERDIN; YELLOW -HEADED
TITMOUSE. Ad. o& — Plumage as
shown; entire head, including the
throat and sometimes the chest,
bright yellow, quite intense on the
forehead; shoulders bright chestnut.
Ad.? — Similar but with less yel-
low on the head and less chestnut on
the shoulders. Jm.— With no chest-
nut on the wing and not more than a
trace of yellow on the head. L., 4.40.
Nest — Bulky, flask-shaped, with a
small entrance-hole on the side; of
sticks, grasses and weeds lined with
feathers; eggs bluish-white specked
with brown, around the large ends.

Range — Southwestern deserts from
Utah and Tex., southward.

than in the north, and have no sign of white edging on the
wing coverts. While their. habits are just the same, the birds
are a distinct species known as CAROLINA CHICKADEES.
This species has a higher-pitched more hurried song, a ‘“‘tswee-
dee-dee, tswee-dee-dee,”” and the whistled call consists of
sometimes three and often four notes instead of two as ut-
tered by the northern bird.

In the far north is a brown-capped species known as
HUDSONIAN CHICKADEES, a race of which extends
down to some of our Northern States.

Among the tiniest of birds are VERDINS or YELLOW-
HEADED TITMICE, which are found in mesquite valleys
along our southwestern border. They are very active crea-
tures, hunting about the thorn bushes among which they like
to live, like Chickadees, and stopping to sputter away at you
if you stop too close to them as you look them over. Their
nests are in the same bushes — long bulky structures with a
small entrance on the side, the exterior being composed of

414

KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS

(748) Régulus sdtrapa satrapa rape
Licht. i

(Lat., a little king; Gr., a ruler, referring
to the golden crown).

GOLDEN-CROWNED KING-
LET. Ad. o&—As shown by the
lower bird; crown orange on a yellow
field, bordered by black; forehead
and line over the eye whitish; rest of
upper parts olive-green; wings and
tail blackish, the feathers edged with
yellowish-green as shown; below dull
white. Ad. 9 — The same, except
that it lacks the orange spot on the
yellow crown. L., 4.00. Nest—A
large ball of mosses and feathers, par-
tially suspended in the upper branches
of coniferous trees.

Range — Breeds in boreal zones of
Canada, south in mountains to Mass.,
N. Y., N. Car.and N. Mex. Winters
throughout the U. S.

thorny twigs and grasses, and the interior warmly lined with
feathers. During breeding season, the males usually spend
the nights in old nests near at hand, while, during winter,
all the birds, both adults and young, usually sleep in old nests
or build new ones for the purpose.

Famity SYLVIIDAS. KincLets, GNATCATCHERS

GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS are dainty little
mites of birds which, during winter, visit us, coming from
their homes in Canada. A few, however, nest in some of our
Northern States especially in the higher parts. We can but
wonder at the hardihood of these birds. It does not seem
possible that such little things could survive when the mer-
cury often ranges several degrees below zero, but they just
fluff out their feathers and make themselves into tiny puffballs
during the night, while daytimes they can flit about actively
enough. The notes of this species are very wiry and weak,

415

KINGLETS

(749) Regulus caléndula calén=
dula
(Linn.)

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET.
Ad. o — Plumage as shown; crown
with a partly concealed crest patch
of bright red; upper parts grayish-
olive-green, brightest on the rump;
two dull whitish wing bars. Ad. ?
and Im. — Similar but lacking the red
patch on crown. L., 4.30; W., 2.20;
T., 1.75; B., .25. Mest —A ball of
moss, grass and feathers, very deeply
cupped to hold the five to nine eggs,
which are whitish, rather sparingly
marked with brown, .55 x .43.

Range— Breeds in boreal zones
from Ungava, Keewatin and Alaska
south to N. S., Ont., and in the Rocky
Mountains to Ariz. Winters in the
southern half of the U. S.

something like those of Brown Creepers which, by the way,
frequently keep in company with them during winter, a
queer combination of vivacity and slowness.
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS are remarkable little
birds, not as handsome as the last species because the bright
scarlet coronal patch is concealed except when the little sprite
wishes to show it. This gives their plumage a dull, uninter-
esting appearance which, however, is more than counter-
acted by the actions of the tiny creatures. Many of our
larger birds have very weak voices, make disagreeable squawks
or have no songs at all; yet this little Kinglet, one of the
smallest of birds, has one of the sweetest of bird songs —
loud, clear, and varied, a passionate twanging warble that is
impossible to describe and that is almost beyond belief as
coming from such a tiny throat. Many a person is mysti-
fied when trying to discover the author of this song, for they
are usually looking for a bird several times its size. As they
are most often found in coniferous trees, they are quite diff-

416

GNATCATCHERS

(751) Polidptila certlea cert=
lea (Linn.) (Gr., hoary feathers; Lat.,
cerulean blue).

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER.
Ad. & — Blue-gray above, lightest
and brightest on the crown, which is
bordered on the sides with black;
tail black, the outer feathers wholly
white; sides of head and under parts
white. Ad. — Similar but with no
black on the head. Im. — Similar
but gray instead of blue-gray. L.,
4.50; W., 2.05; T., 2.00; B.,.40. Nest
— Of fine bark and plant fibres, the
high walls being decorated with
lichens; saddled on horizontal limbs;
eggs bluish-white, spotted all over
with reddish-brown, .55 x .44.

Range — Breeds from N. J., Pa.,
Ont. and southern Wis. south to the
Gulf States. Casual north to New
England.

cult to discover anyway, even though they flit actively about
among the thick foliage.

Although the Ruby-crown breeds a little father to the
north than Golden-crowns, they also go farther south in win-
ter, very few of them being found in the northern half of the
United States at that season. They make their appearance
in spring along with the bulk of the migrating hordes of
warblers.

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, abundznt in the
United States south of the Ohio Valley, are even smaller-
bodied birds than kinglets, but are longer because of their
comparatively long tails. While they often may be seen
feeding in bushes or piles of brush, they are normally birds
of the treetops. If disturbed while they are feeding they
scold with a curious little squeaky buzzing note and often
show their displeasure by swinging their tails widely from
side to side or bobbing them up and down. Their ordinary
call note is a rather weak but yet quite penetrating ‘‘ting,”

417

THRUSHES

(755) WHylocichla mustelina

(Gmel.) (Gr., forest thrush; Lat., weasel-
like, comparing its color to that of the weasel
in summer).

WOOD THRUSH. Ads. — Plum-
age as shown; upper parts cinnamon-
brown, shading to reddish-brown on
the top of the head; under parts
white, profusely marked with round
blackish spots, except on the throat
and belly. Jm.— Speckled on the up-
per parts, including the wing coverts,
with yellowish-brown; this plumage in
a few weeks changes to that of the
adults. L., 8.00; W., 4.40; T., 2.90;
B., .65. Nest—Of grass, weeds,
leaves and some mud; in bushes or
trees not far above ground; three to
five greenish-blue eggs, 1.02 xX .75.

Range — Breeds from southern N.
H., Ont., Wis., and N. Dak. south to
the Gulf States.

a sharp twanging note sounding something like the “ping”
of a passing bullet. Their song has much the character of
that of Ruby-crowned Kinglets but it is very weak in volume,
being almost inaudible when the birds are high up.

These birds easily bear off the palm for exquisite home
building, making dainty little high-sided cups of plant fibres
and cobwebs, saddled on high limbs, and with the exterior
fully decorated with green and gray lichens. It is a home
similar to that of our eastern hummingbird but of better and
more artistic construction throughout. The walls are so
high that only the tip of the tail of the sitting bird appears
above the brim.

Famity TURDID. Turvsues, BLUEBIRDS, ETC.

Members of this family have the vocal chords very highly
developed and some of them are rated as among our best
songsters. With few exceptions they are all good musicians.
Their food consists almost wholly of insects or berries.

418

THRUSHES

(756) Hylocichla fuscéscens
fuscéscens (Stephens)

VEERY; WILSON’S THRUSH.
Ads— Upper parts uniform, light
cinnamon-brown; head or tail neither
lighter nor darker than the back; be-
low whitish, the sides of the throat
and the breast being washed with
buff and indistinctly spotted (wedge-
shaped) with the color of the back.
Lis; 725 07 aW.., 3.8034 1.520053) Be 5 535
Nest — Of strips of bark, rootlets and
grasses, on or very close to the
ground; three to five greenish-blue
eggs, slightly darker than those of the
Wood Thrush; of the same size but
lighter than those of the Catbird.

Range — Breeds from Newfound-
land, Ont., and Mich. south to N. J.,
Ohio, and Ind. Winters in northern
South America. With us May ro to
Sept. ro.

WOOD THRUSHES are the largest and perhaps the
handsomest of the true thrushes. Easily distinguished from
any other by the numerous large round black spots on the
breast and by the bright rufous head in contrast to the brown
back. Their usual haunts are damp woods, especially those
through which a brook winds its way. Most of the thrushes
are rather timid and I have never found this species any less
so than the others. True, they sometimes appear even in
cities and feed on lawns, but in such cases the familiarity is
on their part and is quite exceptional. If we try to follow
them in their usual haunts they will keep a goodly distance
ahead just as though deliberately trying to tantalize us. They
are less timid, however, when nesting; that is, the female is,
or else she thinks her dried-leaf colors render her invisible,
for she will sit quietly on her eggs and let us approach near
enough to touch her before she leaves.

It is as songsters that Wood Thrushes are best known and
at daybreak and just before dusk their notes may be heard

419

THRUSHES

(757) Hylocichla alicie alicie
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH.
As shown by the upper bird; above
uniform olive-brown; eye-ring whitish;
lores and cheeks gray; spotted with
olive on throat and breast. L., 7.50.
Range — Breeds in Newfoundland,
Keewatin, and Alaska; migrates
through eastern U. S. to South Amer-
ica. (757a) H. a. bicknélli. BICK-
NELL’S THRUSH. A trifle brighter
colored and smaller. L., 7.25. N.S.
and mountains of N. E. and N. Y.

(758a) Hylocichla ustulata
swainsoni

OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH.
Uniform olive above; eye-ring and
lores deep creamy-buff; throat and
-breast washed with buff and spotted.

Range — Breeds in Canada and
northern border of U. S.

at their sweetest. Wood Thrush music is very clear and
flute-like in character, most of the notes loud and full, but
some of the minor ones so soft that one has to be near the
performer to catch them.

As the last species is the most prominently marked of our
thrushes, so the VEERY or WILSON’S THRUSH is the
least conspicuous in its markings, the breast being only very
faintly streaked. The upper parts are wholly bright uniform
rufous-olive from the top of the head to the tip of the tail.
They frequent not only swampy woodland but dry thickets
or bushes along the roadside. In some sections of their
range they are regarded as more shy than the last species,
but in New England, in most parts of which they are more
abundant than any other thrushes, they are nearly as fear-
less and easily approached as are Song Sparrows.

The Veery song is a very characteristic one, a spirally
descending ‘‘wheu-eu-eu-eu-eu.”” It is one of the songs most
frequently heard throughout the summer.

420

THRUSHES

(759b) Hylocichla guttata pal-
lasi (Cabinas

HERMIT THRUSH. Plumage as
shown; upper parts olive-brown, ex-
cept the tail, which is bright rufous,
distinctly different from the back; be-
low whitish, washed with buff on the
sides; sides of throat and breast with
blackish spots, more prominent than
those of any species except the Wood
Thrush. Im. — First plumage with
yellow streaks or spots on the upper
parts. L., 7.00. Mest—Of moss,
grass, and leaves, lined with rootlets;
on the ground.

Range — Breeds in southern Can-
ada and south locally to Mass.,
Conn., N. Y., Ont., Mich., and Minn.
Winters in southern U. S. (760)
RED-WINGED THRUSH (Turdus
musicus), an Old World species, is
accidental in Greenland.

GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHES are easily identified
when one has the birds in the hand, but in life only experts
can distinguish them from OLIVE-BACKED THRUSHES,
which are the more common of the two. The former is
slightly larger and the sides of the head and eye-ring are
grayish-white, while the same regions on the latter species are
buffy. Both have uniform olive-brown upper parts, much
darker than the Veery, and the breast is rather conspicuously
spotted with V-shaped marks. The eggs of both of these
species are spotted with rusty-brown, which is quite un-
usual since those of nearly all the members of this family
are unspotted. The songs of both species, too, are simi-
lar, both being similar in character to that of the Veery but
lacking the liquid quality and ascending in pitch toward
the end.

HERMIT THRUSHES may be known from any of the
foregoing species because, while the top of head, back and
wings are uniform olive-brown, the tail is a deep rusty-brown.

421

THRUSHES

(761) Planésticus migratorius
migratorius (Linn.)

ROBIN. Ad. o& — Plumage as
shown; top and sides of head black;
a white spot above the eye; throat
white, streaked with black; breast
and sides bright chestnut; upper parts
slate; belly and under tail coverts
white; outer tail feathers tipped with
white. Ad. ?— Much duller colored,
the black on head being replaced
by grayish. Jm.— Spotted on the
back with whitish and on the breast
with black. L., 10.00; W., 4.90; T.,
3.85; B., .85. Mest — Of grasses and
mud; usually in forks or saddled on
limbs of trees.

Range — Breeds from N. J., Pa.,
Ohio, and Kan. north to the tree limit.
(761b) P.m. acrrusterus. SOUTH-
ERN ROBIN. Southeastern U.S.

The breast too is quite conspicuously spotted, but not as
much so as the larger Wood Thrushes.

The Hermit is the first of the thrushes to appear in the
spring migration and it is the last to depart in fall. They
are quite quiet during migrations, a low “chuck” being the
only note commonly heard. They are very deliberate in
their actions both on the ground or while perching. They
have a peculiar habit of slowly wagging the tail up and down
just after alighting, a habit that often may be used to identify
them. It is as songsters that Hermit Thrushes are best
known. ‘They do sing beautifully and their tones are clear,
flute-like and finely modulated, but I think their perform-
ance has been unduly extolled in a good many instances.
I have heard them many times before and during the nesting
season, but I have never heard one that seemed one whit
more gifted musically than are many Wood Thrushes.

ROBINS are very well known throughout our land. In
winter most of them go south, spending the cold months in

422

THRUSHES

(763) Ixéreus nevius nevius
(Gmel.)

VARIED THRUSH. A_hand-
some western species with bright
rusty-brown under parts crossed on
the breast by a black band; head and
wings also marked with deep buff.

Range — West of the Rockies; ac-
cidental in Kan., N. J., Mass., N. Y.,
and Quebec.

(765a) Saxicola cenanthe leu=
cérhoa (Gmel.)

GREENLAND WHEATEAR.
Plumage as shown. L., 6.00. Nest
— Of moss and grass; in crevices
among rocks.

Range—Breeds from Ellsmere
Land to Greenland and south to
northern Ungava; migrates through
the British Isles and France to Africa;
casual south to Ont., N.S.,N. YY. &

the Southern States, chiefly in large flocks. A few, however,
remain in northern states and brave the snow and ice storms.
Why they should remain is a mystery, for they cannot but
suffer great hardships for most of the season. In March,
migrating birds return, caroling cheerily in anticipation of the
pleasant months ahead of them. Little companies of them
frequent woodland, roadside, orchards or our front door-
yards, and it requires many spirited battles before they have
become satisfactorily paired off for the summer.

Robin mud and grass nests are to be found in almost any
location. Some sway in crotches of trees fifty or more feet
above ground; others sit firmly on large horizontal limbs;
another may be under the edge of an overhanging bank, on
a narrow ledge of earth; occasionally one will loom up prom-
inently on the top of a fence post; and they are frequently
placed in odd situations about buildings, one being in a
factory on an iron girder, and another on a window casing
beside the front door of a city house.

423

THRUSHES

(766) Sialia sialis sialis
(Linn.)

BLUEBIRD. Ad. & —Upper
parts, wings and tail bright blue;
throat, breast and sides cinnamon-
rufous; belly and under tail coverts
white. Ad. @— Much duller, the up-
per parts being grayish-blue, brighter
on the wings, rump and tail; under
parts asin o' but much paler. Im.—
Back spotted with white and the
breast spotted with dusky. L., 7.00;
W., 3:90; T., 2.55; B., .45. Nest —
Of grasses in holes of trees or in bird
boxes; four or five pale bluish-white
eggs, unmarked, .94 x .60.

Range — Eastern North America,
breeding from the Gulf States north
to southern Canada. Winters in the
southern half of the U. S.

BLUEBIRDS are almost as familiar to every one as are
Robins, but they do not have as extensive a range. While
an individual or two may spend the winter in favorable
localities in the Northern States, they are chiefly migrants
and their return after the cold season is eagerly awaited by
thousands of northern bird lovers. Although the males
precede the females on their return voyage, it is believed that
the same birds of each sex return to the same place every
year and that they remain mated for life. They use the
same home each year, be it a cavity in tree or fence post or in
a bird house, provided it is in a suitable condition and needs
no further repairs than reliring with grasses. Their gentle
and confiding manners are reflected in their cheery warbles
which, however, have little to commend them in the musical
world.

424

HOW TO STUDY BIRDS

The object of Bird Study is twofold: First, to become
familiar with the birds and their habits and for recreation.
The word study, as generally used in connection with birds,
is rather misleading and might keep some from the enjoy-
ment, as study is frequently understood to require work and
concentration on the part of the student. Bird Study, how-
ever, is practically all enjoyment for any one who likes to be
out of doors.

Of course any one with or without any instructions can
watch and study birds to their heart’s content, and there are
many ways in vogue for studying them, but there are some
points that will not come amiss and will assist in learning and
remembering birds. One may be able to identify every bird
seen; in fact, it is easily possible for any one to learn plumages
from pictures, but until the student is able to identify them
by their calls and songs and by their flight he can not enjoy
his “bird walks” to the fullest degree. Personally I can
find nearly as much pleasure in sitting quietly in one spot
and recording the species that can be heard as by tramping
about and actually seeing them. Of course, however, the
beginner must actually view the birds and be sure that his
identification is correct.

For an outfit one requires but very little — just a note-
book (the common ruled manila covered order book is very
good), pencil, pair of bird glasses, and a good text-book or
guide to identify the birds. A high-priced bird glass is not
at all necessary. For five dollars you can secure one that
will answer all requirements as well as one costing twenty-five.
A glass that will magnify about three diameters and which
will allow you to see a wide view is best suited for most work.

425

HOW TO STUDY BIRDS

High-powered prism binoculars are often useful when one is
looking at shore birds or birds of prey, for they usually have
to be viewed at a distance, but such a glass is inferior to a
weaker one for small birds, which have to be located quickly
as they are actively hopping about. Birds at close range,
particularly if they are on or near the ground, can easily be
seen without a glass, but small birds in the treetops can sel-
dom be seen plainly enough to identify without its aid. As
many, because of its size or for fear of soiling, might not like
to take this volume afield with them, I will mention that the
publishers can supply the same pictures in two small pocket-
sized books, with-dess text of course but perfectly adapted for
‘identifying birds in the fields and woods. These books are
listed on pages in the back of this volume. ‘Water Birds”
includes all birds from the grebes to the parrots, and “ Land
Birds” includes all the rest.

It will probably be unnecessary to state that loud talking,
unnecessary noise, or quick motions must always be avoided.
The date and time of each outing, condition of the weather,
and locality visited should be placed at the top of the page.
Every bird seen should be listed at the time it is discovered.
Following the name put down the number seen and also the
number of the same species subsequently seen. If singly
or in flocks, so state. If you see ten individuals of a kind,
that kind would be regarded as common; if you see twenty-
five or more it would be called abundant. If you find a bird
that is new to you make notes of its actions, put down as
nearly as you can what the song sounds like, and just what
kind of a locality it is found in. These facts should be
copied in a journal when you reach home, and ina short
time you will have an interesting book of your own concern-
ing the birds of your vicinity and their actions as they ap-
peared to you.

Any actions or mannerisms that appear to you to be out of
the ordinary should be carefully noted. It is the peculiari-
ties that will always serve to identify that species at a dis-
tance. For instance, most flycatchers perch quietly on dead

twigs, with tail drooping, not moving about until they sud-

426

HOW TO STUDY BIRDS

denly dash after an insect or fly to another lookout branch.
Warblers are very vivacious, flitting about so rapidly that
it is often difficult to keep sight of them. Vireos are sedate
in their manners but carefully peer under every leaf and twig.
The Goldfinch bounds through the air with a twitter at each
dip in his flight. The Flicker is often found on the ground,
which is unusual for birds of the woodpecker family. Nearly
every bird has some oddities that will positively identify or
assist in its identification. The student should strive to find
out what these oddities are.

Every season is an open one for the hunter with a bird glass,
but during fall is the most difficult time to identify what one
sees, for there is such an abundance of birds, most of which
are young, in different plumages from their parents, and many
kinds being very similar. At this season, too, many adult
birds have changed their brilliant and distinctive clothes for
plain, dull-colored ones, and few of them sing at all.

The camera is a very valuable acquisition to one’s outfit
if it is correctly used. Many excellent pictures of the nest
and eggs and of the haunts of various species of birds can be
secured. But the greatest of care must be used to disturb
neither the birds nor the nests any more than is necessary.
The subject of Bird Photography is too extensive to be in-
cluded in this volume. Books by Rev. Herbert K. Job,
Frank M. Chapman, William L. Finley, and others, and
“Camera Studies of Wild Birds in Their Homes,” by the
author of this volume, go into the subject fully.

BIRDS OF A COLOR

Color lists, grouping various common species under their
most conspicuous colors, are often quite helpful, although
such lists are not as necessary with a volume like the present,
that pictures all the birds in colors. But we will present
such a list, as some may like to make use of it. It is to be
understood that the birds are grouped under their most con-
spicuous colors, not necessarily the predominating color,
for a small patch of red, yellow, or blue would be the con-

427

HOW TO STUDY BIRDS

spicuous color even though the bird were otherwise all brown
or gray or black.
RED BIRDS, or with red markings or patches:
Scarlet Tanager; scarlet, black wings and tail.
Cardinal; red, crested, black face.
Summer Tanager; rosy or ruby red all over.
Purple Finch; dull rosy red, brightest on the head.
Pine Grosbeak; dull rosy red.
White-winged Crossbill; light rosy red, white on wings.
Red Crossbill; dull red, brightest on breast and rump.
Redpoll; crimson crown, rosy breast sometimes.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak; male, rosy breast and under
wings.
Red-headed Woodpecker; whole head crimson.
Other Woodpeckers; male, red spot on nape.
Hummingbird; male, ruby throat.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet; scarlet concealed crown patch.
ORANGE BIRDS, or with orange markings or patches:
Baltimore and Bullock’s Orioles; orange and black.
Redstart; orange on wings, tail and sides.
Blackburnian Warbler; orange throat and breast.
Kingbird; crown patch.
Golden-crowned Kinglet; crown patch.
YELLOW BIRDS, or with yellow markings or patches:
Flicker; golden quills and wing linings.
Orioles; females and young males.
Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Meadowlark; yellow breast, black crescent.
Waxwings; yellow tip to tail.
Goldfinch; bright yellow, black cap, wings and tail.
Siskin; patch on wings and at base of tail.
Crossbills; females with yellow rump and breast.
Yellow-throated Vireo; yellow breast.
Blue-winged Warbler; yellow head and under parts.

Golden-winged “‘ yellow cap and wing patch.
Yellow oy quite bright all over.
Nashville oe yellow below, ashy head.

Prothonotary “ bright yellow, almost orange on head.
428

HOW TO STUDY BIRDS

Canadian Warbler, yellow below, necklace of black spots.

Hooded yellow below and sides of head.

Wilson ns yellow below, small black cap.

Kentucky - yellow below ‘and line above eye.

Magnolia ss yellow below and on rump.

Yellow Palm “ yellow below, chestnut cap.

Prairie Se yellow below, black streaks on sides.

Pine Y dingy yellow below.

Connecticut “ yellow belly, gray head, white eye
ring.

Mourning os yellow belly, gray head, black chest.

Myrtle wv yellow spot on crown, sides and rump.

Parula ie yellow throat with brownish patch.

Cape May os yellow below and rump, brown ear

patch.

Chestnut-sided ‘ yellow crown, chestnut sides.

Black-throated Green Warbler; yellow cheeks, black throat.

Maryland Yellow-throat; yellow throat, black mask.

Yellow-breasted Chat; yellow breast, black lores.

Dickcissel; yellow patch on breast and line over eye.

Horned Lark; yellowish throat, erect ear feathers.

Crested Flycatcher; yellowish belly, tail inner webs brown.
BLUE BIRDS, or with blue markings or patches:

Blue Jay; crested.

Florida Jay; no crest.

Bluebird; blue back, chestnut breast.

Indigo Bunting; indigo blue, brighter on head.

Blue Grosbeak; intense blue, chestnut shoulders.

Painted Bunting; blue head, red below, yellow back.

Cerulean Warbler; pale blue above, white wing bars.

Black-throated Blue Warbler; dull blue on head.
BROWN BIRDS, or with bright patches or markings:

Towhee; chestnut sides, black or brown and white.

Orchard Oriole; male, chestnut body, black head.

Robin; rufous breast.

Bluebird; brown breast and sides.

Bay-breasted Warbler; chestnut crown, throat and sides.

Chestnut-sided Warbler; yellow crown, chestnut sides.

429

HOW TO STUDY BIRDS

Sparrows; mostly striped brown, black and white.
Thrasher; rufous back, wings and tail.
Thrushes; brown or olive-brown back and tails.
Wrens; brownish backs, barred tails.
BLACK BIRDS:
Crow
Grackles; lustrous and metallic shades.
Rusty Blackbird.
Cowbird; brown head.
Red-winged Blackbird; red and white shoulders.
Purple Martin; glossy and iridescent.
BLACK AND WHITE BIRDS, or chiefly black, white or
gray:
Magpie; white scapular and belly, long tail.
Canada Jay; black nape, white face, body gray.
Shrikes; ears, wings and tail black with white markings.
Kingbird; white below, concealed orange crown patch.
Nuthatch; gray above, white below, black crown.
Catbird; gray, black cap, chestnut under tail coverts.
Black-poll Warbler; black cap, streaks on sides.
Black and White Warbler; heavily streaked black and
white.
Mockingbird; blackish wings and tail, with white.
Chickadees; black cap and throat.
Junco; gray head and back, white below and on tail.
Flycatchers; dull gray and white, unmarked.
Vireos; greenish or grayish, whiter below.

430

LOCAL LISTS

Every county should have a local list of the birds found
therein at various seasons. Such a list can be prepared by
any individual who will be exacting and secure all available
data, but can be done more thoroughly by a bird club or
natural history society. Such a list should, if possible, be
printed for distribution or for sale at a nominal figure. There
are a great many ways in which local lists can be gotten out,
but however they are made, there are certain features that
must be incorporated if the lists are to be of the most value.

It is important to show the resident birds, those that are
present at all seasons of the year, grouped so the fact that
they are residents is apparent. It is important that the
winter birds should be so listed that one can readily see what
birds to expect during the winter. Breeding birds too
should be distinctly separated from those that do not breed.
Migratory and all birds that are not residents should have
the dates of arrival, giving the earliest date and the avetage,
provided that the investigations have covered a period of
years. The time that they are here and the time that they
leave or pass through on the fall migrations should also be
indicated.

Following is a list of the birds of New England as given in
“Wild Birds of New England,” by the author of this volume.
This list is given here because it shows the possibilities of
making local lists that will be quite complete for every month
in the year. The lightness or heaviness of the lines denote
the comparative abundance at any time, and a double line
denotes that the species breeds at that time. It shows readily
just the status of each species in the locality. While we
have used it to cover several states, such a list would be much
better to cover a single county, and the only change I would
suggest would be to have more room for the remarks con-
cerning each species:

431

BIRDS OF NEW ENGLAND

Occurrence shown by seasonal line — Breeding by double line

AOU, |g] | s¢] 2 B>} SH41,-| 210) Com.= Common; Unc.= Uncommon,
Cj 3d} e
No. Name ele asisslelslgiela Al.= Abundant
Zz. Grebe, Holbell [| Rare. Coast rivers lakes
oo SDD: Horned Com. especially onthe coast
6. » Pied-billed Com. in fall. Breeds locally
. Loon Com. on Coast. Unc. inland
9. »” Black-throated .-| Very tare. From the North
. » Red-throafed Le] COM. OnCOAST. Unc. inland
3. Puffin tT unc. on coast. Breeds off n.Me.
27. Guillemot, Black Of coast. Breeds in Me. Com.
30. Murre Ee | [J Rare on east coast in winter
3l. ” Brunnich TT On coast in winter. Casual inland
32. Auk, Razor-billed [_ [Ty irregular on coast in winter
33. » Great . quid Extinct. Formerly os5 Coast
34. Dovekie [tet Com. o% Shore. Accidental inland
35. SkKua =|. |-.| Casual oF & shore in winter
36. Jaeger, Pomarine ee P= Rare,spring. Com.fall. O55 shore
37. 27 Parasitic =e ” it Teas Sew
_38. 2» Long-tailed L pag » ” VES
39. Gull, Ivory o| Accidental 05 shore. Arctic
40. Kittiwake Ll Com. of$ Shore. Casual inland
42. Gull, Glaucous as [J Rare © during winter
43.» Tceland 1S ao oe *
45.» ~Kumlien A wt] Casual ot ag
vA » Black-backed Com. onand near coast
fis 2» Herring Ab. coast. Casualin. Breeds Me
54. ” Ing-billed Migrant. Casuol in winter
58. » Laughing a) Si Colony on §-coast ondin Me.
0. 2 Bonaparte tI Com. migrant. Casual inland
2. » Sabine ate Casual of§ Coast
3. Tern, Guil-billed ° Accidental Sram southern stoles
4. » Caspian 2S Ss Rare Spring. Not unc. Sall. Coas’
65.» Royal ofo Straggler from Southern stotes
67. » Cabot o| fo Accidental from Southern states
| 69. » Forster +f Casual. Breeds South and wes
70. ~Common pu=s Com. Breede on coast im colonies
. » Arctic a Com. locally on coast
Pas » Roseate ane Local on $.Mass. shores
4. » Least 2 Local on s. Mass. shores
. 9 Sooty o|o Accidental from the South
77. » Black eal ES Unc. Srom the west
60. Black Skimmer oo Casual» _« South. Goast
86. Fulmar —{-] Une. Salland winter. Avctic
88. Shearwater, Cory ~ABE5 Unc. off Mass. shores. Antarctic.
9. » Greater Com. oft Shore. "
[ 9s. » Sooty " " " w
06. Petre), Leach a= = " "Breeds in Me.
og. » Wilson " wt Southern Oceans
- Booby ° Accidental. Bohamas
- Gannet Pe sem | | Com. migrant off Shore
- Cormorant; Shas Py Unc. 8, Casual in winter
: 1 Double- crested ==g fet. | Gom. on coast. « inland
. Pelican White ° 9 Accidental trom south or west
26. » Brown ° Stragsler Srom south
128. Man-o-war-bird ° Accidental + "
29. Mersanser Com. midrant. Casualin winter
[130- » Red-breasteq _ L Ab." Com.on coast +
al. » Hooded L Unc. ChieSly fresh woter
32. Mallard 4 " “

A.0.U. J lelelal ela slel-lols
clo ‘ |) aale] >
Rel ssewnele slelelele|3|3]2[a|3iz|8
33. Black Duck | Com.on coast. Breeds inland
35. Gadwall 2g A Unc. coast and inland
36. European Widseon x] [x[ Accidental. European
37. Baldpate +t Unc. In Svesh or salt water
8. Teal, European PIEIES x Accidental. European
[139.9 _~Green-winsed BEG Bag Unc. migrant
40. » Blue-winged = pam Com. Sal" Coast or inland
42. Shoveller ae pe Rare migrant.
43. Pintall ee Py func. = Ce)
44. Wood Duck = Unc. Breeds locally
46. Redhead Migvant Rare in winter
47. Canvas-back Not unc. in fall. S.Mass. shove
48. Duck , Scaupb;Bluebill Com. in fall. Coast ov inland
49. » Lesser 7 no. " w
50. » Rins-necked [ | Rare migrant." "
Sl. Golden-eye [fafa] Com. on coast, less So Sinland
92. » Barrow q i] Very rare. Coast in winter
53. Buffle-head; Dipber Not unc. Fresh or salt water
54. Old-Sguaw Ab. on coast. Unc. inland
3. Duck, Harleguin tt | Rares = Casual"
56. Labrador ame tJ extinct since iis
|159. Eider, Northern == Rave on coast
0. 9 a unc. 9 ASew beeedin Me.
2. Kin [fT Rave winter visitor on coast
3s. Scoter; Black Coot Ab. on coast. Not unc. inland
E » Surf; Skunk-head_ vo Rove"
| 166. » White-winged Com. off shore." "
7. Duck, a =e Com. "or inland
8. n Masked Ce) Accidental. West Indies
9. Goose, Snow EI fal Rare migrant
| 169a » Greater o ° Accidental. Western
70. » Blu Very rare. "
Tla ” whitened “Te Caswal on coast. ©
72. » Canada Com. on coast, less 50 inland
T20 2” Hutchins [4 Rave migrant. Western
73a Brant fete! COM. On COAST; Casual Inland
74. » Black ° Accidental. Western
75. Barnacle Goose x " Eurobean
BO. Swan, Whistlins ASE [|_| | Casual on coast
B4. Ibis, White ofo Casual From the South
B6. 9 Glossy ° ° Accidental =» . Mavshes
88. 2 Wood 0 “(VE.Moes) eo “
0. Bittern =C= Com. Breeds in bogiand marshes
' Least Unc. © locally in eushes
[A ” 29 Cory ° Casual. Avery rare species
4. Heron, Great Blue — Com. Breedslocally im Tall trees
6. Esret 2 ih Casual straggler Svom the Sui
7. » Snowy ofo Aceidental - os
00. Heron, Little Blue ° 2|o Caswal RB See ey
Ol. » Green Gom. Nest in trees near water
02. ” Black-crowned Night 4 Com. "5 in colonies
03. 2° Yellow 9) ° ololo Accidental Svom the South
4. Crane, Woo Ene Former\y during migrations
06. »” Sandhill su s 2
08. Rail, Kins aq Ivrequiar, In marshes
PI. » Clapper ig i "Salt water
bE » Virginia c— Not unc. Fresh ov salt marshes
4. ” Carolina;Sora = Com. migrant. Breeds locally
21S. 17 Vellow = Rare May breed
6. » Black =e Rare andiereguiar. May oreed
7. Corn Crake Kx Accidental. Eurobean
18. Gallinule, Purble ° From South. Fresh water
219. » Florida 2 Be Unc. chiesly near coast
21. Coot; Mud-hen Toaaas Unc. Fresh water marshes
22. Phalarobe, Red pay Migrant usually off Snore

AOU. slols|e] 3] elas/ale/3| 3
ee ae slo islai3|si3<\a6/2\6
219. Gallinule, Florida ? Unc. Chietly near the Coast
227. Coot; Mud-hen §vesh water marshes
222. Phalarobe, Red _— Com. migrant off Shore
. » Northern a "_O§F Sore s¥are land
4. 7” Wilson ° Accidental. Western
226. Avocet o g wg
6. Black-necked Stilt e Ke South
228. Woodcock Com. Nest on ground im thickets
O. Wilson Snipe Com. migrant. Local in summer
- Dowltcher =a Ow Coast. Casualimlanad
& »» Lons-billed ty Casual mn Sa
- Stilt Sandbiber = Unc. migrant; chieily on Coast
34. Knot; Robin Snipe Com. on coast; casual mland
35. Sandpiber. Purple Com. «© Falland winter
39. ” Pectoral " wow and inland
40. 2 White-rumped Coast, Lakes and ponds
41. » Baird Unc. om beaches and mud Slats
24 2. » Least; “Peep” Ab -Swaamin RES
13a: EN » Red-backed Com. on Coast in Fall
44. ” Curlew x Accidental. OVd World
246. 2 Semibalmated Laat Ab. in Sal.
48. Sanderling Ab. on Sandy beaches
49. Godwit, Marbled Rave. Saltor Svesh marshes
a »” Hudsonian " ew "
254. Vellow-less Greater Com. Coast or ponds
55. ” Lesser u_in Sal. Salt or Fresh marshes
56. Solitary Sandbiber «Fresh streams or ponds
58. Willet Rave on coast in Fall
2 58a » Western Casual. Western
260. Ruff Accidental. Old World
. Upland Plover Unc. Hillsides. Breeds locally,
Sandbiber, Butt-breasted Rare. Marshes ov Sields
ao ” otte Com. Coast or inland
4. Curlew, Long- billed Rave. Coast or marshy Slats
a 2» Hudsonian Unc. Chiefly on coast
5 » Eskimo Veruvare . Nearly extinct
« Plover, Black-bellied Com.on coast beach and mareh
72. » Golden Rare ingale . "
3. Killdeer Localond ivrequiar inland
274. Plover, Semibalmated Com. on coast; 1258 Son
7. » Pibins Unc. on sandy coast beaches
0. 7” Wilson ° STragoalevr. Southern
3a Ruddy Turnstone = Sandy or Stony coast
286. Ovster-catcher ° Accidental Srom South
289. Bob-white; Quail Unc. vesident. Stubble Fields
[298c Spruce Partridge Com. « Me. NAH. VE. Casually n.Mass,
00. Ruffed Grouse «in woods. Subshecies in Me.
301. Willow Ptarmisan of Accidental in winter
306. Heath Hen Resident on Martha's Vineuard
Rins-necked Pheasant Well established in Mass. and Conn
310a Wild Turkey Formerly.
315. Passenger Piseon uM com. Now berhabs extinct
3 - Mourning Dove Local and iveguiar
325. Vulture, Turkey ole OCEASTONAN From the Sout
326. » Black Accidenvay oe on
327. Kite, Swatlow-tailed « camara
328. " White-tailed S w wos
3 - Hawk, Marsh Com. Nest on ground in marones
332. »” Sharb-Shinned Lo "im teees in woods
333. » Cooper ” esa 4 "
334. Goshawk \rreguiay winter visitor
37. Red-tailed Hawk Not unc. More com. in Soll

Name

Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Abr.
June
July
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.

Hawk, Red-shouldered

Com. Nest in trees

” wainson

Accidental Srom the West

»» Broad-winded

Fairly com. In woods

Roush-lessed

Unc. visitor

Golden Eaale

o

Casual. Western

Bald Eadle

Unc. More com. on Me. coast

fe}

Casualin Me. Avctic

Gvyrfalcon, White
”

ww Me. NH, Wt Mass. Avctic

» Black

Hawk, Duck

Rare oc casual. Breeds locally

» Pigeon

Fairly com. Breeds in n.Me

» Sparrow

Com. Nests im holes im Trees

Osprey; FishHawk

99 ChieSly about salt water

Accidental Srom the South

Owl, Barn
» Long-eared

Com. in Sal\ and winter

» Short-eared

Unc. Nest onground in marshes

»» Barred

NoTunc. Nest weavities

> Great Grav

°
°
°

Accidental. Avetic

2 Richardson

°
°

2 Saw-whet

Unc. Breeds in o.NE. mie. Mass

» Screech

Com. Nests in cavities

” Great Horned

Unc. x vo or Trees

» Snowy

°
°
°
°
ce)

Casual. Sometimes com. Arctic

” Hawk

°
°

»” Burrowing

Accidenta\ ov estaved. Western

Cuckoo, Yellow-billead

Unc. and local.

» Black-billead

Com. Nest in thicket ov low Tree

Belted Kinsfisher

* Nest in hole in oan

Woodhbecker, Hairy

Not unc. Nest in cavity,

» Downy

Gom. Nest im hole. Orchard or Wood

» Arctic Three-toed

-| Casual eveedan mMnH.NE,

veiw -bellied Sane

[Migrant - “oo

Woodpbecker,Pileated _

Casualand local. Breeds inw.NE.

+ Red- headed

wand iwvegulae Com Southand west

1 Red-bellied

Accidental From he South

Flicker

Com, Often seen on the ground

Chuck-will's- widow

Accidental Svom the South

Whibboor-will

Com. out local

Nishthawk

Ab. 2 e998 on ground of qravel rook

Chimney Swift

Ab. Nest within chimneys

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Com. Moss-covered nest on boughs

Flycatcher, Fork-tailed

Actidentalin Me. Mexican

Kind bird

Com. Orchard or basture

» Arkansas

Accidental. Western

Fivcatcher, Crested

Unc. Local. Nest in cavities

Phoebe

Com. Nest under bridaes bans ete.

» Say

olf

Accidental. Western

Flycatcher, Olive-sided

Raveandlocal. Swamilpy woods

Wood Pewee

Com. in dey woods

Transientand local in

Fivcatcher, Vallow- bellied

bialslsislolsisisiplablalaiplalslaplaplaslalsplobolotoln

Acadian Casual \wrequiar and local
>” Alder Unc. and local
» Least Ab. Orchavd woods or roadside.
Lark, Horned Casual winter visitor
19 >” Prairie O06 \oca\ occurrence
4 Blue Jay = Com. Often nests in low pines
Z Canada Jav Com. in w. NE, Casual in Mass.
4 Northern Raven -| Local, chiesly on the coast
crow Ab.
Q ” Fish - J Local on south coast
4 Starling — Introduced, Local
a Bobolink 3 Com. Nest in meadows
r Cawbied = " Eags nother birds nests

AOU. ‘| 3) 3 dl] s]o
Noes Name PREECE EE REE
SS] J=|<]2| SS) <|ao/Z/0
8. _Red-winged Blackbird = Com Nestin swamlbnplaces
Meadowlark " “_ meadows

- Oriole Orchard ae Unc in $.NE.3 casualin w NE.
07. »” Baltimore =e Com. Nest hanging often im elmo
509. Rusty Blackbird 4 ns Breeds m Ww Nut.

2 Grackle, Purble = Casual im s.NE.

Stib ” ronzed ani Com. Nests in everoreens
514 Grosbeak.Evenina [tt] ~-[-] Casual. Western

Ss. ” Pine TI [TT winter visitor, Breede mw WE,

S17. Purple Finch Com. A Qood Somasrter
x**. English Sparrow Alb. ond o pest weruwhere
521. Crossbill, Re a as Irrequiay. Breeds in w-N.E.
S22, 29 White-winsed papas “and vnc.” “a
527a Redpoll, Hoary EES -4.-] Casual. Aeelic
528. ” [J Com. Feedsnear ov on Me ground
5283 > ~— Holboell 5 bales |i _ LJ Unc. as is also 5289 Greoter Redbolt

i529. Go ‘inch Com. Nests vate

533. Pine Siskin alle © but ivrequiay. Breeds hw ALE,
534. Snow Bunting joe tI Glocks om bnillsides,

36. Lonasbur, Labland opera wb] Unecand oo Avetic

538. 29 Chestnut-collaved ° oo Aceidewta\ Srom YWne West

540. Sparrow, Vesber i— Ab. Nest onaround im Fields
4l. » Ibswich Une. on conct. Breed im N.S.

S42a » Savannah alr Com. Breeds locally,

546. » Grasthobber E «Aw imsect-like Song,

S47. »” Hensiow Unc. and Vocal. Com. iw ame Sout
549. »” Sharb-tailea Salt marshes along coast
549.la Ea) “Acadian D , Breeding in Me,

[550. »»> Seaside c= Unc. 1 on south shore.

552. » Lark of Jofofo Accidental Srom ne West
904. 2? White-crowned 4] ail Unc, migvant.

pos. >»? White-throated _ — Com. Breeds locally ond wn wets.

[S59. » Tree Ley Com. "WH Comada,

[5 60. ” Chibbing Ab. Hoi nest mixces or bashes
563. >» Fiel scm "Neston or neay The ground.
567. Junco, Siate-colored nt 1H WN.E. amd Cosuarty Moos

[581. “Sparrow, Sons et pE==s -[ "+ ow ground or in oushes
583. » Lincoln = = Rare. Breeds im Camada
584. »” Swamb = Fairly com. in Swampy

1585. » FOX pm s—| | Com. in wood awd thickets
587. Towhee ; Chewink 4 +. Nest on ground iw « or woods
5 . Cardinal Lt} b: LJ. | Local in o.N-E.

595. Rose-breasted Grosheak Com Nest in bushes ov trees
997, Blue Grosbeak Accidental &vom the Sout

[598. Indigo Bunting = Com. Nest in bushes or weeds
604. Dickcissel ASE a Casual. Western. Once bred here
607. Tanaser, Western ole Accidental From the West
}O8. » Scarlet 3 a Com. Nests im Woodland Trees,

Purble Martin 4 =_ Unc. Formerly abundant

2: Swallow, Cliff Ll. Com. Nest under eaves
5 » Barn iy im barns
o14. Fi ” Tree Le " vo holes in trees

. » Bank " aa uraae » Sand hawks

TE » Roush-winged Local. Com. in the South
018. Waxwing, Bohemian [-l-t.! --4--| Casual Grom the Northwest

9. » Cedar Com.

. Shrike, Northern [Jy Unc. Fields or alona voodsides
522e » Midrant ss "and \oca\ Nest in thickets
624. Vireo, Red-eved = Com. Nest swuna in Sov,
526. ” Philadelphia Spee e Rave. Breeds in w.NE.

7. >» Warbling Com. Nest in trees

8. 29 Yellow-throated [=s Unc. os _ wsually WiaK
29. 99 ee headed == Notunc. «= «low

i. » White-eve ao Unc. =» buehes

o Tle] Ty ol sl lel J].
‘vo, = Name FREE EREGEEE

SJL ]Z\<|2|5 [5] <|jo|2/0
636. Warbler, Black and White Com. Nest on ground im Woods
637. ” Prothonotary J Casual wm SWE.
63 » Worm-eating +] Local in Comm.
641. >» Blue-winged =a ae
642. » Golden-winged — Local in Masse ond Conn.
645. » Nashville = Com. Nest on ground
646._ » Orange -crowned ag LJ Rare during mavarians
047. » Tennessee Ame Rave Breeds mw NE.
B48a Parula Com. Nest in pendant mass
090. » Cape May Rave Breeds in n.N.E.

Se. 1 Yellow Com. Nest usually in pushes

54. 99 Black-throated Blue Com. Nests in w Nb. and lowly south

35. > Myrtle ais <= we Le

S7. 2» Madsnolia Notunc. Nestsin «+ -

58. ” Cerulean Pike a Casual during Wngeatiow AL. Conn |

59. ” C esinut sided — Com. Nest in bushes
660. » Bay-breast a eS] Unc. Nests in witle

1. 2” Black- bo: =i ~ L Ab.“ in wis. wie.
2 » Blackburnian p= me Not unc. Nests in «and locally south,

O3. » Yellow-throated ° ° Accidental in 6.NE. From the Southy
667. » Black-throated Green 4 Com. Nest pines
671. » Pine 4 a « wow

J2a_” Yellow Palm tts] | [ah =” Casualty wi Ne.

Fd » Prairie = Local. " in bushes.

74. Oven-bird Com. _* on ground in woods

75. Water-Thrush = © Neoks in nW.€.; locally im Mass.

76. a2 97 Louts tana c= Local in s.NE.

717. Warbler, Kentucky Be Casual = +
678. » Connecticut Rave in epring; notunc. in Sail
679. » Mournins = 8 Auring migvations
681. Marvland Vellow-throat Com. Nest onground in thickets
683. Yellow-br. ted Chat Unc. and local im 5 NE.

B4. War Hoodle: Rave in the lower Conn Valley
D385. » Wilson =e Com. Breeds In w.N-E,

86. » Canada |_}| Not. unc. Nest on around in Swamips
687. Redstart Com. Nest in trees ov bushes
697. Pibit; Titlark fam Lal 0. InSlocks Seeding on ground
703. Mockinsbird all Unc. and local im 6.N-E.

704. Catboird 4 Com. Nest in bushes
705. Brown Thrasher 4 “ «a _ OY om Ground
718. Wren Carolina Stes ARE Local im lower Conn Vauiey
72t. 2 House = Com. \oca\uy.
722. ” Winter = Unc. Breed in Mase.and w. NE.
724. 29_Short-billed Marsh 4 OMA Vocal. Nest nH marshes
725. 2 Lond -billed Marsh c= CC
726. Brown Creeper e=2 Com. Breeds locally.
F27. Nuthatch, White -breasted —— «Nest in holes of trees
728. 2 Red-breasted = "Breeds mw NE. cosuatly Mass.
1. Tufted Titmouse 1rd} td te] | Casual in s.NE.
5. Chickadee Ab. Nest in holes trees

40a » Acadian = Breeds in w.N.E. Casual in Mass.
748. Kinslet, Golden-crowned Eo Com. “and casually im
749. » Ruby-crowned "

751. Gnatcatcher, Blue-grag iE a a Casal From me SoutH
755. Thrush, Wood Com. Nest in bushes or trees
756. » Wilson;Veery c— “ 2 On ground
797- » Gray-cheeked 4 4 Not unc. duving migrations
757a »» Bicknell aS ea lel ed Breeds in w.N..; casually Mase.
7158a » Olive-backed pe Not unc. Breeds mnNepe
7596 27 Hermit wos Sete th es
761. Robin Cow.
763. Varied Thrush ° Accidewta\ rom the West
5a_ Greenland Wheatear 9 ig “North
766. Bluebiral == Com Nest in holes in Trees

Acanthis hornemanni horne-
manni . rf
hornemanni exilipes F
linaria linaria .
“ holboelli
Accipiter cooperi
velox
Actitis macularia :
“Echmophorus occidentalis .
AXgialitis hiaticula
meloda
nivosa . ,
semipalmata .
Aeronautes melanoleucus
/Estrelata hasitata
scalaris :
Agelaius phoeniceus phoe-
niceus f
phoeniceus floridanus
Aix sponsa
Ajaia ajaja
Alauda arvensis .
Alca torda :
Aluco pratincola .
Alle alle
Ammodramus bairdi_ 3
savannarum australis
Amphispiza nevadensis neva-
densis
bilineata bilineata
Anas boschas A
fulvigula fulvigula
maculosa
Anhinga
anhinga
AnD) pater ieee:
Groove-billed

INDEX

PAGE

296
296
296
296
202
201
163

17
170
171
172
170
255

61

61

Anous stolidus
Anser albifrons albifrons
““ gambeli
Anthus rubescens
spraguei
Antrostomus carolinensis
vociferus vociferus
Aphelocoma cyanea .
Aquila chrysaetos
Aramus giganteus
Archibuteo ferrugineus .
lagopus sancti-johannis
Archilochus colubris
Ardea herodias herodias
ss wardi
occidentalis 3
Arenaria interpres interpres
morinella
Arquatella maritima mari-
tima . zeae
Asio flammeus
wilsonianus
Astragalinus psaltria psaltria
tristis tristis
Astur _ atricapillus
pillus
Asturina plagiata
Auk, Great
Razor-billed
Auriparus sae fonecns
Avocet

atrica-

Baeolophus atricristatus atri-
cristatus .
bicolor
Baldpate .
Bartramia longicauda

438

Bittern :
Cory’s Least .
Least . :
Blackbird, Brewer’s .
Red-winged
Rusty...
Yellow-headed
Bluebird
Bobolink .
Bob-white
Florida
Texan .
Bombycilla cedrorum
garrula.. ;
Bonasa umbellus umbellus .
““togata .
Booby na ee
Blue-faced
Red-footed
Botaurus pe ae
Brant . See
Black . 3
Branta bernicla glaucogastra
canadensis canadensis
ee hutchinsi
nigricans
Bubo virginianus virginianus
arcticus .
se pallescens
Buffle-head a ae
Bulweria bulweria . .
Bunting, Black-throated
Indigo
Lark
Lazuli .
Painted
Snow .
Varied
Buteo albicaudatus sennetti
borealis borealis .
“« harlani
« krideri
brachyurus
lineatus lineatus
ts alleni
platypterus
swainsoni. . .

INDEX

PAGE
118
119
119
287
281
287
280
424
278
177
177
177
348

Butorides virescens virescens
Buzzard, Turkey

Calamospiza melanocorys
Calcarius ssobouicus lap-
ponicus eae
ornatus
pictus . ‘
Calidris leucophaea .
Callipepla squamata squa-
mata . :
squamata castanogas-
irises: :
Campephilus principalis
Camptorhynchos labradorius
Camptostoma imberbe .
Canachites canadensis cana-
densis
canadensis canace
Canvas-back .
Caracara, Audubon’s
Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis |
cardinalis floridanus .
Carpodacus Bae pur-
pureus :
Catbird ;
Catharista urubu oe
Cathartes aura septentrion-
alis R=
Catoptrophorus ‘semipalma-
tus semipalmatus
Centrocercus urophasianus .
Centurus carolinus
Cepphus grylle
mandti . ‘ A
Certhia familiaris americana
Ceryle alcyon
americana septentrion-
alis . :
torquata
Chachalaca
Chaemepelia passerina ‘ter-
restris iit
Chaetura pelagica
Charadrius dominicus domi-
nicus .

439

INDEX

PAGE
Charitonetta albeola 95
Chat, Yellow-breasted 390
Chaulelasmus streperus . 81
Chen caerulescens + 05
hyperboreus hyper-
boreus > 104
hyperboreus nivalis . 104
Chewink . 327
Chickadee 412
Acadian 413
Carolina 412
Hudsonian 413
Chondestes grammacus gram-
macus 311
Chordeiles acutipennis ‘tex-
ensis . 253

virginianus virginianus 253

Chuck-will’s-widow . 250
Circus hudsonius 200
Cistothorus stellaris . 406
Clangula clangula americana 94
islandica - 94
Coccyzus americanus ameri-
canus. e235,
erythropthalmus . oy wt 286
minor minor. . . 235
Colaptes auratus auratus 248
cafer collaris . 249
Colinus virginianus virgini-
anus... 177
virginianus floridanus 177
i. texanus . 177
Columba leucocephala 192
Colymbus auritus 19

dominicus brachypterus 21

holboelli 18
nigricollis californicus 20
Compsothlypis americana
americana 336
americana usneae 366
pitiayumi nigrilora 366
Conuropsis carolinensis . 233
Coot 140
Cormorant 69
Double-creasted . 70
Double Florida 70
Mexican . . a1

Corvus americanus ameri-

canus : ae
corax principalis ;
cryptoleucus .
ossifragus .

Coturnicops noveboracensis

Cowbird Bes

Crane, Little Brown
Sandhill
Whooping

Creeper, Brown

Creciscus jamaicensis

Crex crex . :

Crossbill :

White- winged

Crotophaga ani
sulcirostris

Crown
Carrion
Bishan, 2

Cryptoglaux funerea richard-

soni gt)
acadica .

Cuckoo, Black- billed
Mangrove :
Yellow-billed .

Curlew, Eskimo .
Hudsonian
Long-billed

Cyanocitta cristata cristata
cristata florincola

Cyrtonyx montezumae

mearnsi

Dafila acuta .
Dendragapus obscurus ob-
scurus
obscurus richardsoni_
Dendrocygna autumnalis
fulva
Dendroica aestiva
caerulea :
caerulescens caerules-
cens
castanea
chrysoparia
coronata

440

PAGE

275
275
275
275
137
279
131
131
130
407
137
138
293
204
234
234
275
196
275

227
227
236
235
235
166
165
164
271
271

180
88

181
181
109
110
368
372

369
374
378
370

INDEX

PAGE

Dendroica aestiva—Continued
discolor 383
dominica dominica 307
fusca. 370
kirtlandi 380
magnolia . cit
palmarum palmarum 382
fl es 382
pensylvanica . . 373
striata 375
tigrina 307
Dendroica vigorsi 381
virens . 379
Dichromanassa rufescens 124
Dickcissel ee Se 338
Dolichonyx oryzivorus . 278
Dove, Ground 195
Inca 195
Mourning. 193
White-fronted 194
White-winged 194
Zenaida ‘ 193
Dovekie 31
Dowitcher 148
Long-billed 148
Dryobates borealis . 242
pubescens pubescens 241
medianus. 241
scalaris bairdi. 242
villosus villosus 240
“~~ Jeucomelas 240
Duck, Black... 79
Black-bellied Tree 109
Florida 80
Fulvous Tree 110
Harlequin 07
Labrador . 98
Lesser Scaup . 92
Mallard 78
Masked 103
Mottled 80
Ring-necked . 03
Ruddy 103
Scaup . 92
Wood . ue 89
Dumetella carolinensis . 398

Eagle, Bald

Golden :
Ectopistes migratorius .
Heretos ate ok oe
Reddish

Snowy
Egretta candidissima can-

didissima
Eider . Ae

Northern .

King . 5
Elanoides forficatus :
Elanus leucurus .
Empidonax flaviventris .

minimus . .

trailli alnorum

virescens .
Ereunetes mauri .

pusillus
Erismatura jamaicensis .
Erolia ferruginea
Euphagus carolinus .

cyanocephalus

Falco columbarius colum-
barius
columbarius richard-
soni .
islandus
mexicanus .
peregrinus anatum
rusticolus rusticolus .
obsoletus .
sparverius sparverius
Falcon, Peregrine
Prairie
Finch, Purple
Flamingo .
Flicker.
Red-shafted
Florida caerulea .
Flycatcher, Acadian
Alder .
Beardless .
Crested
Derby. .
Fork-tailed

PAGE
213
212
192
122
124
P23

123
99
99

100

197

198

266

267

267

207

153

153

103

155

287

287

217

218
214
215
216
214
215
219
216
215
291
112
248
249
126
266
207
268
262
261

257

Flycatcher—Continued
Green-crested
Least. .
Olive-sided
Scissor-tailed .
Vermilion. .
Yellow-bellied

Fratercula arctica arctica
arctica naumanni

Fregata aquila

Frigate Bird .

Fulica americana

Fulmar_.

Fulmarus glacialis

Gadwall
Gallinago delicata
Gallinula galeata
Gallinule, Florida

‘Purples cans.
Gannet ras
Gavia arctica

immer .

stellata
Gelochelidon nilotica
Geococcyx californianus
Geothlypis trichas trichas

trichas ignota..
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray .
Godwit, Hudsonian .

Marbled
Golden-eye .

Barrow’s .
Goldfinch . 2

Arkansas .
Goose, Barnacle .

Blue

Canada

Greater Snow

Hutchin’s :

White-fronted
Goshawk .

Mexican :
Grackle, Boat- tailed

Bronzed

Purple

Rusty .

INDEX

PAGE

266
267
264
257
268
266

26

Grass Snipe
Grebe, Eared :
Holboell’s
Horned
Least .
Pied-billed
Western
Grosbeak, Blue
Evening
Pine
Rose-breasted_
Grouse, Canada Spruce .
Canada Ruffed
Dusky :
Hudsonian Spruce

Prairie Sharp-tailed .

Ruffed
Sage . :
Sharp-tailed :
Grus americana .
canadensis
mexicana .
Guara alba
rubra. .
Guillemot, Black
Mandt’s
Guiraca caerulea caeruléa
Gull, Bonaparte’s.
Black-backed
Franklin
Glaucous .
Herring
Iceland
Ivory...
Kittiwake
Kumlien’s
Laughing .
Little...
Ring-billed
Ross’s .
Sabine’s
Siberian
Gyrfalcon
Black .
Gray .
White .
442

PAGE
I51

Haematopus palliatus .
Halizetus leucocephalus leu-
cocephalus ae
Harelda hyemalis
Hawk, Broad-winged
Cooper’s
Duck .
Ferrugineous Rough-
legged
Fish
Harlan’s
Harris’s
Krider’s
Marsh
Pigeon.
Red-shouldered
Red-tailed
Rough-legged
Sennett’s White-tailed
Sharp-shinned
Short-tailed
Sparrow
Swainson’s
Heath Hen
Heleodytes
couesi
Helinaia swainsoni
Helmitheros vermivorus
Helodromas solitarius soli-
tarius
Herodias egretta .
Heron, Black- crowned Night
Great Blue.
Great White .
Green. .
Little Blue
Louisiana .
Snowy
Ward’s .
Yellow-crowned Night
Hesperiphona yee ves-
pertina
Himantopus mexicanus .
Hirundo erythrogastra .
Histrionicus histrionicus
Hummingbird, eo
throated . :

brunneicapillus

INDEX

PAGE

175

213

95
209
202
216

209
221
205
204
205
200
217
206
205
210
207
201
207
219
208
186

400
359
360

159
122
128
121
120
127
126
125
123
121
129

Hydranassa_ tricolor rufi-
collis..

Hydrochelidon nigra suri-
namensis ;

Hylocichla aliciae aliciae.
aliciae bicknelli
guttata pallasi
fuscescens fuscescens
mustelina . ;
ustulata swainsoni

Ibis, Glossy

Scarlet

White. . ;

White-faced Glossy :

Wood .
Icteria virens
Icterus auduboni

bullocki

cucullatus sennetti

galbula

parisorum

spurius :
Ictinia mississippiensis .
Tonornis martinicus .
Iridoprocne bicolor .
Ixoreus naevius naevius
Ixobrychus exilis

neoxena

Jacana, Mexican
spinosa...
Jaeger, Long-tailed .
Parasitic
Pomarine .
Jay, Blue .
Canada
Florida
Green .
Labrador .
Junco aikeni ..
hyemalis hyemalis
m carolinensis
phaeonotus dorsalis .
Red-backed
Slate-colored .
White-winged

443

Killdeer ye at
Kingbird . . .
Arkansas .
Couch’s

Gray . .
Kingfisher, Belted
Ringed
Texan .
Kinglet, Golden- crowned
Ruby-crowned
Kite, Everglade .
Mississippi.
Swallow-tailed
White-tailed .
Kittiwake
Knot

Lagopus lagopus lagopus
alleni
rupestris rupestris
2 welchi
Lanius borealis
ludovicianus
cianus
ludovicianus migrans
Lanivireo flavifrons .
solitarius solitarius
Lark Bunting
Horned :
Prairie Horned
Larus affinis .
argentatus
atricilla :
delawarensis .
franklini
hyperboreus
kumlieni
leucopterus
marinus
minutus . .
philadelphia ;
Leptotila fulviventris brach-
yptera.
Leucosticte, Gray-crowned |
tephrocotis tephrocotis
Limosa fedoa ae
-haemastica

ludovi-

INDEX

PAGE
169
258
260
259
259
237
238
238

194
295
295
156
157

Limpkin

Linnet ee

Lobipes lobatus ie:

Longspur, | Chestnut-collared
Lapland 3
McCown’s
Smith’s

oon era re
Black-throated
Red-throated

Lophodytes cucullatus .

Lophortyx gambeli

Loxia curvirostra minor
leucoptera

Macrorhamphus griseus gri-
seus : ;
griseus scolopaceus
Magpie ¥
Mallard é
Man-o’-War Bird
Mareca americana
penelope
Marila affinis
americana
collaris
marila .
valisneria .
Marsh Hen
Martin, Purple
Cuban
Meadowlark .
Western
Megalestris skua :
Megaquiscalus major major
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Meleagris gallopavo osceola
gallopavo silvestris
Melopelia asiatica
Melospiza melodia juddi
melodia melodia .
georgiana .
lincolni lincolni
Merganser
Hooded .
Red-breasted .
Mergus americanus .

444

INDEX

PAGE

Mergus americanus—Continued

serrator
Merlin, Richardson’s
Micropalama himantopus .
Mimus polyglottos Bole

glottos .

Mniotilta varia
Mockingbird .
Molothrus ater ater .
Mud Hen .
Murre .

Brunnich’s
Muscivora forficata .

Tyrannus .
Mycteria americana .
Myiarchus crinitus
Myiochanes virens

Nannus hiemalis hiemalis
Nettion carolinense .
crecca .
Nighthawk
Florida
Texan .
Noddy :
Nomonyx dominicus |
Nonpareil
Nucifraga columbiana
Numenius borealis .
hudsonicus
americanus
Nutcracker, Clarke’s
Nuthatch, Brown-headed
Red-breasted .
White-breasted
Nuttallornis borealis
Nyctanassa violacea _
Nyctea nyctea “
Nycticorax nycticorax nae-
vius.
Nyctidromus albicollis mer-
rilli

' Oceanites oceanicus .
» Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Octhodromus wilsonius .

Oidemia americana .

- deglandi

- perspicillata
Old-squaw .

Olor buccinator ..
columbianus .

Oporornis agilis .
formosus .

. philadelphia
Oreoscoptes montanus
Oreospiza chlorura
Oriole, Audubon’s

Baltimore
- Bullock’s .
. Hooded.
Orchard.
Scott’s
Ortalis vetula maccalli
Osprey.
Otocoris alpestris alpestris
alpestris praticola
Otus asio asio i
Oven-bird . .
Owl,. Acadian :
Arctic Horned
Barn .
Barred
Burrowing.
Florida Barred
“Burrowing
Screech
Great Gray.
Great Horned
Hawk .
Long-eared .
Richardson’s .
Saw-whet ..
Screech
Short-eared
Snowy.
Western Horned .
Oxyechus vociferus .
Oyster-catcher
Pagophila alba
Pandion haliaetus carolinen-
sis
Parabuteo uniciactus harrisi

“

445

PAGE
IOI
IOI
102

96
III
III
387
386
388
396
328
283,
286
286
284
285
283
IgI
221
269
269
228
384
227
229
222
225
232
225
232
228
226
229
231
223
227
227.
228
224
230
229
169
175

35

221
204

INDEX

PAGE
Parauque, Merrill’s . 252
Paroquet, Carolina 233
Partridge, Spruce 182
Passer domesticus 291
Passerculus princeps 306

sandwichensis savanna 306

Passerella iliaca . + 326

Passerherbulus caudacutus . 309
henslowi henslowi 308
lecontei 308
maritimus maritimus 310
nelsoni nelsoni 309
nigrescens 310

Passerina amoena 334
ciris 335
cyanea 333
versicolor .

Pedioecetes phasianellus pha-
sianellus 187

phasianellus campestris 187

Pelecanus erythrorhynchus 72
occidentalis 73
Pelican, Brown a3
White . F 72
Pelidna alpina pacifica . 154
Penthestes atricapillus atri-
capillus 412

carolinensis carolinensis 412
hudsonicus hudsonicus 413

fs littoralis. 413

Perisoreus canadensis cana-
densis_. 274)
canadensis n ricapillus 274
Petrel, Black- capped 61
Bulwer’s 61
Leach’s 62
Scaled . 61
Storm. . 62
White-bellied 63
White-faced 63
Wilson’s "i 63
Petrochelidon lunifrons . 343
Peucaea aestivalis aestivalis 322
cassini 322
Pewee, Wood 265
Phaethon americanus 64
aethereus . 64

Phalacrocorax carbo
dilophus dilophus
floridanus
mexicanus.
Phalaenoptilus nuttalli .
Phalarope, Northern

Red a

Wilson’s
Phalaropus fulicarius
Phasianus torquatus
Pheasant, Ring-necked .
Philohela minor .
Phloeotomus pileatus pileatus

pileatus abieticola
Phcebe . ‘

Say’s .

Phoenicopterus ruber

Pica pica hudsonia

Picoides americanus ameri-
canus

arcticus
Pigeon, Passenger

White-crowned .

Wild . . ..
Pinicola enucleator leucura
Pintaily 6 oa en ee
Pipilo erythrophthalmus

Senge Eilals
Pipit .. =
Sprague’ Sis
Piranga erythromelas
rubra rubra
Pisobia bairdi
fuscicollis .
maculata .
minutilla .
Pitangus derbianus sulphura-

atus .

Planesticus migratorius mig-

ratorius .

Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis

Plegadis autumnalis .
guarauna .

Plover, Black- bellied.
‘Golden
Mountain
Piping

446

Plover—Continued
Ringed.
‘Semipalmated
Snowy
Upland
Wilson

Plautus impennis

Podasocys montanus

Podilymbus podiceps :

Polioptila caerulea caerulea

Polyborus cheriway .

Pooecetes gramineus gram-

ineus . : :

Poor-will .

Porzana carolina

Prairie Hen :
Attwater’s
Lesser . ;

Progne cryptoleuca .
subis subis

Protonotaria citrea .

Ptarmigan, Allen’s

Puffin . ‘
Puffinus borealis .
gravis .
griseus
lherminieri ;
Pyrocephalus rubinus mexi-
canus
Pyrrhuloxia sinuata texensis
Texas .

Quail. «. By 4

Gambel’s .

Mearn’s

Scaled . :

Querquedula cyanoptera
discors : :

Quiscalus quiscula quiscula :
quiscula aeneus

Rail, Black
Carolina
King

INDEX

PAGE

170
170
172
161
172

30
173

22
417
220

305
252
136
185
185
185
342
342
358
184
184
184
184

26

59

60

61

60

268
33°
330

177
179
180
178

86

85
288
288

137
136
133

Rail—Continued

Clapper

Sora

Virginia

Yellow
Raven, Northern
Recurvirostra americana
Redhead . :
Redpoll

Greenland
Redstart
Regulus calendula calendula

satrapa satrapa
Rhodostethia rosea .
Rhynchophanes mecowni
Riparia riparia
Rissa tridactyla .
Robin .
Rostrhamus sociabilis
Rosy Finch, Gray-crowned
Rough-leg

Ferruginous
Rynchops nigra .

Sage Cock

Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus

Sanderling
Sandpiper, Baird’s

Bartramian .

Buff-breasted

Curlew

Least .

' Pectoral
Purple.
Red-backed
Semipalmated
Solitary
Spotted
Stilt
Western :

* White-rumped
Sapsucker, Yellow bellied
Saxicola oenanthe leucorhoa
Sayornis phoebe .

sayus .,
Scardafella inca .
Scoter .

447

PAGE

134
136
135
137
275
144
go
296
296
394
416
415
45
304
346
36
422
199
205
212
211

57

188
401
155
152
161
162
155
153
ISI
ISI
154
153
159
162
149
153
152
244
423
263
263
195
IOI

INDEX

PAGE
Scoter—Continued

Surf. 102
White- winged 101
Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa 226
Seed-eater, Sharpe’s Bar
Seiurus aurocapillus : 384
motacilla . 385

noveboracensis nove-
boracensis . 385
Setophaga ruticilla 304
Shearwater, Audubon’s . 60
Cory’s 59
Greater 60
Sooty . 61
Shoveller .. 87
Shrike, Loggerhead . 350
Migrant 350
Northern . 349
Sialia sialis sialis . 424
Siskin, Pine 299
Sitta canadensis . 409

carolinensis carolinensis 408

pusilla 410
Skimmer, Black . ice
Skies 728 32
Snakebird 68
Snipe, Rock I51

Wilson’s 147
Snowflake 300
Somateria dresseri 99

molissima borealis 99

spectabilis 100
Soramare: Sha eee ae 3 0
Sparrow, Acadian Sharp-

tailed . 309

Bachman’s 322

Baird’s 307

Bay-winged . 305

Black-throated 321

Brewer’s 317

Cassin’s 322

Chipping . 316

Clay-colored . 317

Dusky Seaside 310

English 292

Field 318

Fox 326

PAGE

Sparrow—Continued
Grasshopper . 307
Henslow’s 308
Harris’s 312
Ipswich 306
Lark 311
Leconte’s . 308

Lincoln’s .. 324
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed 309
Pine Woods

322
Sageale es 321
Savannah . 306
Seaside : 310
Sharp-tailed 309
Song 323
Swamp 325
Tree 315
Vesper 305
White-crowned 313
White-throated 314

Spatula clypeata 87

Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea 23:2
cunicularia floridana

232
Sphyrapicus varius varius 244
Spinus pinus . : 299
Spiza americana . 338
Spizella breweri . Ry
monticola monticola 315
pallida ? 317
passerina passerina 316
pusilla pusilla 318
Spoonbill, Roseate ae Si)
Sporophila morelletisharpei 337
Squatarola squatarola 167
Starling : 277
Steganopus tricolor. 143
Stelgidopteryx serripennis 346
Stercorarius longicaudus 34
parasiticus 34
pomarinus 33
Sterna anaetheta 54
antillarum 53
caspia . 48
dougalli 52
forsteri 50
fuscata 54
hirundo 51

448

INDEX

PAGE
Sterna anaetheta—Continued
maxima . . . . 48
paradisaea . . «51
sandvicensis acuflavida 49
trudeaui . . . «49
Stilt, Black-necked . . . 145
Strixvariavaria . . . . 225
Sturnella magna magna. 282
neglecta . . . . 282
Sturnus vulgaris. . . . 277
Sulabassana. . . . . 67
cyanops . . . . 65
leucogastra . . . 66
piscator . eo 05
Surnia ulula caparoch Sees, 231
Swallow, Bank . . . . 346
Bam .*. «> . 344
Cliff. : ee Es4s
Rough- -winged = = 5316
Tree . es 3A,
White- bellied | 345
Swan, Whistling. . . . 11
Trumpeter . . . III
Swift, Chimney . . . «254
White-throated . . 255
Tanager, Scarlet. . . . 340
Summer .° =. = 341
Teal, Blue-winged . . . 85
Cinnamon... 86
Green-winged 84
Telmatodytes eet pal-
ustris .. 406
Term; Arctic: 269 crue) eS L
Black. <3 Gees 455
Cabot’s" 2% ~ 4 49
Caspian® 2 : = « 48
Common. . . . 51
Forster’). 3 (3 4 50
Gull-billed . . . 47
Least: 2° ss S53
Roseate’ © 3 % = 52
Royal. © « 4°... .48
SOOty <5 <) sse 54
Trudeaws- . . . 49
Thalassidroma pelagica. . 62
‘ Thrasher, Brown . . . 399

Thrasher—Continued

Sage: .

Thrush, Bicknell’s .
Gray-cheeked
Hermit.
Olive-backed .
Varied
Wilson’s
Wood

Thryomanes bewicki bewicki

Thryothorus ludovicianus
ludovicianus
Titlark 5
Titmouse, Tufted
Totanus flavipes .
melanoleucus .
Towhee ; :
Green-tailed .
Toxostoma rufum
Tringa canutus i
Tringites subruficollis
Troglodytes aedon aedon
Tropic Bird, Red-bellied
Yellow-billed .
Turkey, Wild ..
Florida Wild .
Turnstone, Ruddy
Tympanuchus americanus
americanus .
cupido ;
pallidicinctus .
Tyrannus melancholicus
couchi
Tyrannus .
verticalis .

Uria lomvia lomvia .
troile troile

Vanellus vanellus

Verdin

Veery . . :

Vermivora bachmani
pinus. . .
celata celata .
chrysoparia
rubricapillus .

449

Vermivora—Continued
peregrina .

Vireo atricapillus
Bell’s . .
belli belli .
Black-capped

Black-whiskered :

Blue-headed .
griseus griseus
Philadelphia .
Red-eyed .
Solitary
Wanrbling .
White-eyed

Vellow-throated .

Vulture, Black
Turkey

Warbler, Bachman’s
Bay-breasted
Black and White
Blackburnian
Black-poll

Black-throated Blue
Black-throated Green

Blue-winged .
Brewster’s
Canada

Cape May
Cerulean .
Chestnut- sided
Connecticut

Golden-cheeked .

Golden-winged
Hooded ;
Kentucky
Kirtland .
Lawrence .
Magnolia .
Mourning
Myrtle
Nashville .
Parula

Orange-crowned .

Palm
Pine
Prairie

INDEX

PAGE

365
355
356
356
355
351
354
356
352
351
354
352
356
353
196
196

361
374
357
376
375
369
379
362
363
393
367
372
373
387
378
303
391
386
380
362
371
388
370
364
366
304
382
381
383

PAGE
Warbler—Continued
Prothonotary . . 358
Sennett’s . . . . 366
Swainson’s . . . 339
Tennessee i 305
Wilson’s . . . . 392
Worm-eating. . . 360
Wellowa( eo eee 300
Yellow Palm. . . 382
Yellow-throated . . 377
Water-thrush_. es 6 355)
Grinnell’s. 2. «385
Louisiana. . . . 386
Waxwing, Bohemian . . 347
Cedar. . aes 4348
Wheatear, Greenland |. 423
Whip-poor-will . . . . 251
Widgeon . . Ae ely Fok}
European . Sa be owe 02
Willett. . . » = 260
Wilsonia canadensis. |. 303
citrina c mn. e SOL
pusilla pusilla eee 2302)
Woodcock. 146
Woodpecker, Arctic Three-
toed ~ 4. 243
Downy .. . . 241
Hairy 24) see ee x 240
Ivory-billed . . . 239
PileatedQe fe ae e245
Red-bellied . . . 247
Red-cockaded . . 242
Red-headed . . . 246
exasy ae geen 42
Wren, Bewick’s . . . . 403
Cactusiay Jensen) 400
Carolina . . . . 402
House . - 404
Long- billed Marsh 406
Rock . ~ 540%
Short-billed Marsh . 406
Winter... - 405
Xanthocephalus xanthoceph-
alus.. 280
Xanthoura luxuosa glauces-
GENS We) oy ee e273

450

INDEX

PAGE PAGE

Xema sabini. . . . . 46 Zamelodia ludoviciana . . 331
Zenaida zenaida. . . . 193

Yellow-legs . . . . . #158 Zenaidura macroura . . 193
Greater. . . 158 Zonotrichia albicollis . . 314
Yellow-throat, Florida | 389 leucophrys egy 313
Maryland . «= . 389 querula . 312

451

Other Books by Chester A. Reed, S. B.
LAND BIRDS

“Land Birds” is an illustrated pocket guide to the song
and insectivorous birds of eastern United States and Canada.
It contains one half of the birds in the present volume, com-
mencing with the Carolina Paroquet and ending with the
Bluebird. The colored illustrations are the same as those
shown here but the text is abbreviated because of the smaller
pages, which are just postcard size, very convenient to fit the
pocket and especially designed to take into the field and iden-
tify birds as they are seen on your rambles.

The first edition of ‘Land Birds” was printed in 1906, and
since then reprints have been made about every six months.
In 1909 the book was revised and new colored plates made,
the same as the present ones. Over 300,000 copies of “Land
Birds” have now been printed and sold, many times more
than any other book on the subject. Surely this enor-
mous sale must stand for unusual merit and value in the
book.

We suggest that, in order to avoid soiling copies of “ Birds
of Eastern North America” by carrying them into the field,
owners provide themselves with copies of this smaller book
for their out-of-door work.

192 color plates; 230 pages. Bound in cloth, 75 cents;
in leather, $1.00 net; postage 5 cents.

WATER BIRDS

This is the companion book to the above and contains all
birds of eastern North America not found in “Land Birds,”

“452

OTHER BOOKS BY C. A. REED

from the Grebes and including the Owls. A colored picture
of each speciesisshown. This book has had an unusual sale
among sportsmen and bird lovers who are interested in our
larger and shyer birds.

208 color plates; 250 pages. Bound in cloth, $1.00; in
leather, $1.25 net; postage 5 cents.

FLOWER GUIDE

A pocket guide to the wild flowers commonly found in
eastern United States and Canada. This book is designed
along the same lines as “Land Birds” and ‘‘Water Birds”
and will identify most of the flowers to be found during your
rambles. Each species is shown by handsomely colored
pictures that give the correct idea of the appearance of the
plants, their flowers and leaves.

“Flower Guide” has had an extraordinary sale (over
200,000 copies) and has been adopted and is used in large
quantities in many of our leading colleges and normal
schools.

The text tells where each flower is found, when it blooms,
whether in woods, fields, swamps, etc., the height that the
plant attains, whether it is self-fertilized or cross-fertilized
and how; in fact a great deal more information than one would
think possible in a book to fit comfortably in the pocket.

192 colored plates; 230 pages. Bound in cloth, 75 cents;
in leather, $1.00 net; postage 5 cents.

NATURE STUDIES — BIRDS

Just the sort of reading that will start the young folks
along the right paths in the study of birds. True stories of
bird life as related to Dorothy and Dick by their Uncle
George, taking up the habits of forty common birds, their
mannerisms, songs, nesting, etc., in a way that unconsciously
leads the reader to make similar observations of birds that
he or she may afterward see. Each of these birds is illus-
trated with a handsome colored picture.

453

OTHER BOOKS BY C. A. REED.

II2 pages; 53 X 7% inches; forty colored illustrations.
Neatly bound in gray cloth, 60 cents net; postage 10 cents.

NATURE STUDIES IN FIELD AND WOOD

Absorbingly interesting in itself, the greatest value of this
book lies in the fact that it will lead the reader to realize how
blind he has been to the beauties and wonders of nature
about him. The brook, the pond, the field, the woods, the
swamps and even the back yards yield quantities of very
interesting subjects for study.

These studies cannot but arouse in the reader the desire
to go out and verify them and perhaps do some original in-
vestigation concerning the lives of some other creatures.
Such studies develop the senses of perception and observation
immensely, and the one who is “‘alive” to what is going on
about him is surely better able to cope with all situations in
life than one who sees nothing until it is forcibly brought to
his attention.

112 pages; forty illustrations in color and black and white.

Neatly bound in gray cloth, 60 cents net; postage ro cents.

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS’ EGGS

This is the only book on the market that gives illustrations
of the eggs of nearly all species of North American birds.
Each egg is shown full size, photographed directly from well-
marked and authentic specimens, the author having access
to the largest and best public and private museums for secur-
ing the requisite material. Besides these valuable pictures
the book also includes many plates of nesting sites and nests
and eggs in their natural situations.

The text gives the habitat and nesting habits of each
species, and marginal sketches give an idea of the appearance
of the birds.

This volume is finely printed on heavy paper and hand-
somely bound in cloth. 350 pages, 6 x g inches.

$2.50 net; postage 25 cents.

454

OTHER BOOKS BY C. A. REED

CAMERA STUDIES OF WILD BIRDS IN THEIR
HOMES

“Camera Studies” affords every one an opportunity for
a very intimate study of bird life. A good photograph of an
event together with an interesting description of it is the
next best thing to witnessing the event itself.in fact some-
times it is better, as no risk is involved.

“Camera Studies” has 250 photographs of events as they
occurred right in the birds’ homes. These pictures were
chiefly selected from the author’s magnificent collection of
more than 2,000 bird photographs and include some of the
finest studies ever made of free, living wild birds.

Many rare and interesting poses are faithfully shown by the
camera. For instance, a pair of adult Chipping Sparrows,
standing on a branch by the side of their four young, are
engaged in pulling apart a green worm that was too large to be
given whole. Other birds are shown sitting on their eggs,
brooding their young, feeding them in all sorts of positions
and situations, flying about their nests, etc. The making
of these pictures extended over a period of twelve years and
some of them required several days of tiresome work before
they were secured.

The stories accompanying these pictures are as interesting
as the pictures and, above all, they are all actual facts. The
equipment required and the different methods of securing
the pictures are also explained so that any one with the
requisite amount of patience and “sticktuitiveness” can
secure similar results.

300 pages, 53 x 73 inches. Attractive cloth binding. $2.00
net; postage 20 cents.

GOLDFISH, AQUARIA, FERNERIES

How to make aquaria, how to fit them up and all about
goldfish and other fish suitable for the aquarium. Water
plants and many curiosities that can be kept in tanks are

455

OTHER BOOKS BY C. A. REED

described and all these things are finely illustrated. Bound
in cloth.
50 cents net; postage 5 cents.

WILD FLOWERS

This is a volume that should be in every private and public
library. Every one likes flowers and this book has full-page
plates showing in natural colors 320 species of our common
wild flowers. The plates are made by the three-color process
from water-color drawings made to show the flowers and
the leaves to the best advantage both from an artistic stand-
point and as an aid to identification. It is a pleasure to be
able to identify the flowers that we find so readily, and it is
a pleasure to turn over the pages and have recalled to our
mind the places in which we have seen those very flowers.
The text is quite complete and very interesting. It deals
with all the characteristic habits of each species and its
means and devices for propagating itself Describes the
interesting ways in which plants travel from one locality to
another and the preferred habitat of each species.

425 pages, 44x63 inches. Handsome cloth binding.
$2.50 net; postage 15 cents.

GUIDE TO TAXIDERMY

A practical and thorough instructor in the art of mounting
birds, animals, fish, game heads, etc. We do not advocate
the killing and mounting of specimens for ornamental pur-
poses, but birds are often destroyed accidentally and there
should be some one in every community capable of preserving
them for strictly scientific or museum purposes. One who
is proficient can turn the knowledge into cash by mounting
trophies for sportsmen during the game season. This book
teaches the right and permanent methods of taxidermy.
Each step is fully illustrated as well as described so that it is
very easy to learn and requires only practice to do perfect
work.

310 pages, 5x7 inches. Bound in cloth. $1.50 net;
postage 15 cents.

456

FIELD GLASSES FOR BIRD
STUDY

or equally good for the mountains, sea shore or theatre, or wherever a
large, clear image of an object is desired.

We carefully examined more than a hundred makes of field
glasses, to select the ones best adapted for bird study,

We found one make that was superior to any other of the same
price and equal optically, and nearly as well made as those costing
three times as much.

They magnify about three diameters, and have an unusually large
field of vision or angle of view, making it easy to find a bird or keep

him in sight. Price only $5.00 postpaid.

CHAS. K. REED Worcester, Mass.
BIRD BOOK

THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS
GARDEN CITY, N. Y.

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