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i« 
 
 17;^^, /v. 
 
 THE 
 
 BIRDS OF CANADA: 
 
 vriTU 
 
 DESCRIPTIONS OF THEIR HABITS, FOOD, NESTS, 
 EGGS, TIMES OF ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE. 
 
 BY 
 
 ALEXANDER MILTON ROSS, 
 
 M.A., M.D., 
 
 HEMBBR 0¥ THE ENTOMOLOOICAL SOCIETV OF LONDON, ENGLAND ; 
 
 CORRKSPONDINO MEMBER OF THE ZOOLOOICAl. SOGIETr OF LONDO^, XNOLAND ; 
 
 MEMBER OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA, ETC. 
 
 WITH 
 
 Eight Plates and Thirty-eight Woodcuts, expressly 
 engraved for this work. 
 
 TORONTO : 
 
 Henry Rowsell, King Street. 
 1871. 
 
1?7| 
 
 Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year one 
 thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, by Alexander Milton Ross, m 
 the Office of the Minister of Ajfriculture. 
 
 "J 
 
 \ 
 
 TOEONTO : 
 
 FRINTID BV HENRT ROWSELL, 
 
 KINO STREET. 
 
7^ 
 
 \- 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 n^ 
 
 My object in presenting this volume to the 
 public is in some measure to supply a want long 
 felt by those interested in the study of Canadian 
 Ornithology. 
 
 This work is simply, as the title page states, 
 a description of the habits, food, nests, eggs, 
 times of arrival and departure of the birds of 
 Canada. 
 
 The birds described consist of the permanent 
 and summer residents, and also such birds as 
 regularly or accidentally stop in Canada during 
 the spring and autumn migrations. 
 
 I have in my collection (which has been made 
 in Ontario) a specimen of each bird described, 
 except a few of the sea birds that frequent the 
 coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 
 
 16508 
 
IV 
 
 Preface. 
 
 The information given as to the food and 
 habits of our birds may probably interest and 
 benefit the agriculturist. The great majority of 
 our feathered visitors are insectivorous, and con- 
 sequently good friends of the farmer, who should 
 extend his protecting care to these little insect- 
 destroyers. 
 
 Many of our Canadian birds are extremely 
 interesting, and in beauty of plumage and sweet- 
 ness and variety of song equal, if they do not 
 surpass, the birds of any other country. 
 
 The arrangement and classification, and the 
 names that are given in this work, are those 
 which have been sanctioned by modern orni- 
 thologists. 
 
 A. M. R. 
 
 Pink Grove Villa, 
 Toronto, December, 1871. 
 
 i 
 
•'I 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Introduction . . . . . . vi 
 
 BIRDS OF CANADA. 
 
 Order I. — Raptores (Birds of Prey) 
 Order II. — Scansores (Climbers) 
 Order III. — Insessores (Perchers) 
 Order IV. — Rasores (Scratchers) 
 Order Y.—Grallatores (Waders) 
 Order VI. — Natatores (Swimmers) 
 Supplement .... 
 
 I 
 
 II 
 
 17 
 69 
 
 73 
 
 91 
 
 122 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The Birds of Canada may be divided into two 
 classes — Granivorous and Carnivorous. Some of 
 our birds, however, hold a middle nature, and 
 partake of both. They may also be divided 
 into six Orders — The Order of Raptores, or Birds 
 of Prey ; the Order of Scansores, or Climbers ; 
 the Order of Insessores, or Perchers ; the Order 
 of RasoreSy or Scratchers ; the Order of Gralla- 
 tores, or Waders ; the Order of Natatores, or 
 Swimmers; and again subdivided into Sub- 
 Orders, Families, and Sub-Families. 
 
 ti 
 
 Order I. — Raptores, or Birds of Prey. — Are 
 mostly birds of large size, having strong hooked 
 bills, sharp claws, great extent of wing, and 
 powerful muscles ; the females are generally 
 larger than the males. Birds of this Order live 
 in pairs, such as Eagles, Hawks, Buzzards, and 
 Owls. 
 
 i 
 
■u 
 
 Introduction. 
 
 VII 
 
 Order II. — Scansores, or Climbers. — Birds of 
 this Order have their toes in pairs — two in 
 front and two behind — which especially facili- 
 cates climbing. The Cncnlidce, or Cuckoo Family 
 and the Picida, or Woodpecker Family, belong 
 to this Order. 
 
 Order III. — Insessores, or Perchers. — This 
 Order embraces a greater number of species 
 than any other, and comprehends all those birds 
 which live habitually among trees, with the ex- 
 ception of birds of prey and climbing birds- 
 All true perching birds have three toes before, 
 and one behind. 
 
 Order IV. — Rasores, or Scratchers. — Com- 
 prises birds which live mainly upon the ground, 
 and feed principally upon berries, buds, tender 
 leaves, and grain ; such as Doves, Grouse, Par- 
 tridges, and Turkeys. 
 
 Order V. — GrallatoreSy or Waders. — Birds of 
 this Order live near the water, and comprise the 
 Herons, Bitterns, Plovers, Snipes, Phalaropes, 
 Sandpipers, and Rails. 
 
Vlll 
 
 Introduction. 
 
 Order VI. — Natatorcs, or Swimmers. — Birds 
 of this Order are especially fitted for aquatic 
 life, and comprise the Ducks, Geese, Swans, 
 Cormorants, Gulls, Grebes, Loons, and Terns ; 
 Petrels, Auks, Sheldrakes, Gannets, Guillemots; 
 and Puffins. 
 
 Many species of birds that were quite common 
 in Canada at the beginning of this century, are 
 now rarely seen, and several have become extinct 
 in comparatively recent times. 
 
BIRDS OF CANADA. 
 
 Order I— |ftaptore$ {§M% Of Wm) 
 
 Family FALCONIDiC. 
 Sub-Family Fa lcon i n it:. — The Falcom . 
 
 PEREGRINE FALCON, or DUCK HAWK. 
 
 Falco anatum. — The Peregrine Falcon. 
 
 This bold and spirited falcon is one of the 
 most active and intrepid of the birds of prey. 
 It arrives in Canada about the last of March, 
 and remains until late in the fall. Color, 
 above, bluish cinereous, with transverse bands of 
 brownish -black ; underneath, yellowish -white, 
 with spots of black on the breast and abdomen ; 
 bill, light blue ; legs and toes, yellow. Length, 
 twenty inches. Its food consists principally of 
 
2 Birds of Canada. 
 
 ducks and other water-fowl. Nests, on a high 
 rocky cliff; eggs, four, of a reddish -brown 
 color, covered with dark blotches. 
 
 SPAKROW HAWK. 
 
 Tinnunculus sparverius. — The Sparrow Hawk. 
 
 The Sparrow Hawk is a summer resident 
 of Canada. Color, above, light rufous or cinna- 
 mon ; underneath, pale rufous, spotted with 
 black; quills, brownish-black, with white bars; 
 legs, yellow ; bill, light blue. Nests, in a hollow 
 tree ; eggs, four, of a yellowish- buff color, 
 covered with spots of reddish-brown. Feeds 
 upon small birds, mice, and squirrels. 
 
 Falco columbarius. — The Pigeon Hawk. 
 
 This bird arrives in Canada about the middle 
 of March. Length, fourteen inches. Color, 
 above, bluish-slate ; forehead and throat, white ; 
 
 i. / 
 
». / 
 
 Birds of Canada. 3 
 
 under-parts, pale yellowish-white, every feather 
 with a line of brownish-black ; legs, yellow ; 
 quills, black ; bill, blue. Nests, in low fir-trees ; 
 eggs, three ; dull, yellowish-brown, with reddish- 
 brown spots. Feeds upon sparrows, robins, and 
 other small birds. 
 
 Sub-Family AcciPiTRiNit;. — The Hawks. 
 
 Asttir atricapilliis. — The Goshawk. 
 
 This hawk is frequently a resident of Canada 
 throughout the year. Length, twenty inches. 
 Color, above, dark ashy-blue ; underneath, white, 
 mottled with ashy-brown ; feet, yellow ; bill, 
 black ; iris, reddish orange. Builds its nest 
 upon the branches of a large tree, near the 
 trunk ; eggs, three or four in number, of a dull 
 bluish-white, slightly spotted with reddish-brown. 
 Feeds upon ducks and other water-fowl, as well 
 as pigeons, blackbirds, and squirrels. * 
 
 Accipiter Cooperii. — Cooper's Hawk. 
 
 This pretty hawk is fifteen inches in length. 
 Color, above, dark ashy -brown ; underneath, 
 transversely barred with light rufous and white. 
 This bird is the smallest of the so-called " Hen 
 Hawks." It feeds upon poultry and small birds. 
 Usually builds its nest in the tops of tall pines ; 
 eggs, four in number, of a bluish-white, with 
 light brown spots. This hawk is a summer 
 resident of Canada. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 Accipiter fusciis. — The Sharp-shinned Hawk. 
 
 The Sharp-shinned Hawk is twelve inches in 
 length. Color, above, brownish-black ; under- 
 neath, light rufous, with transverse bands of 
 white. Legs, slender ; tail, ashy-brown, tipped 
 with white. Feeds upon sparrows and other 
 small birds. This is one of the earliest arrivals of 
 spring, and remains until the last of November. 
 Nests, in a tree ; eggs, four, bluish-white. 
 
 Sub-Family Buteonin.^. — The Buzzard Hawks. 
 
 Buteo borealis. — The Red-tailed Hawk. 
 
 This fine hawk is a resident of Canada through- 
 out the year. Length, twenty-four inches. Color, 
 above, dark umber brown ; underneath, pale 
 yellowish white, with lines and spots of reddish- 
 brown ; tail, bright rufous, tipped with white. 
 Feeds upon domestic fowls, partridges, and rab- 
 bits. Nests, in a large tree ; eggs, three in 
 numlDer, of a yellowish white, with dark blotches. 
 
 Buteo lineatus. — The Red-shouldered Hawk. 
 
 The Red-shouldered Hawk is eighteen or 
 nineteen inches in length. Color, above, brown ; 
 underneath, orange-red ; tail, brownish-black ; 
 feet, yellow. Nests, in a tree ; eggs, five, pale 
 blue, with dark reddish spots. This hawk re- 
 mains in Canada throughout the year. Feeds 
 upon squirrels, poultry, and small birds. 
 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 5 
 
 i \ 
 
 «^*. 
 
 B. pennsylvanicus. — The Broad-winged Hawk. 
 
 The Broad-winged Hawk is eighteen inches in 
 length. Color, above, umber brown ; underneath, 
 white, with reddish spots ; tail, dark brown. This 
 bird is a common resident of Canada during the 
 summer. Nests, in the top of a tall tree ; eggs, 
 four or five, of a yellowish-white color, with light 
 brown spots. Its food consists of small birds, 
 reptiles, and squirrels. 
 
 
 Archibuteo lagopus. — The Rough-legged Hawk. 
 
 This bird is twenty inches in length. Color, 
 light brown, mottled with reddish-brown and 
 white. Frequently remains in Canada through- 
 out the year. Nests, in a tall tree ; eggs, four 
 or five, of a bluish-white color, blotched with 
 brown. 
 
 A. sanctijohannis. — The Black Hawk. 
 
 The specimen in my collection measures 
 twenty-four inches in length. Color, glossy 
 black, with a brownish tinge about the head 
 and neck. Tail, black, with bands of white. 
 Frequents marshes and swamps. Nests, ?n the 
 top of a large tree ; eggs, five, of a dirty white 
 color. Remains in Canada throughout the 
 year. 
 
6 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 Sub-Family MilviN/E.— 77/^ Kites. 
 Circus hudsonius. — The Marsh Hawk. 
 
 The Marsh Hawk is one of our most common 
 summer hawks. It arrives here from the south 
 about the first of May. Color, bluish-cinereous 
 above ; beneath, reddish-white. Nests, on the 
 ground ; eggs, four or five, of a dirty white color. 
 Feeds upon field mice, principally, and the num- 
 ber of these destructive little animals which it 
 devours during the breeding season is almost 
 incredible. It is consequently entitled to the 
 protection of the farmer. 
 
 Sub-Family Aquiline. — The Eagles. 
 
 Halicstus leucocephalus. — The White-headed 
 
 Eagle. 
 
 This noble bird is frequently met with on the 
 high shore of Lake Ontario throughout the year, 
 and is often seen in the Ottawa region, near the 
 interior lakes, and in the vicinity of the Rideau 
 canal. Feeds upon wild fowl and small animals, 
 and is equally partial to fish. The nest of this 
 species, formed of large sticks, sods, moss, and 
 hay, is usually found in a lofty tree, in a swamp 
 or morass, and, as it is increased or repaired 
 every season, becomes of great size ; eggs, two 
 or three, of a yellowish-white color, with brown 
 patches. General color, brownish-black ; head 
 and tail, white ; bill, feet, and iris, yellow. 
 
 ■ 
 
ttiii 
 
GREAT HORNED OWL. 
 
 P-7 
 
Birds of Canada. 7 
 
 Aquila canadensis. — The Golden Eagle. 
 
 This magnificent eagle is rarely met with 
 except in the interior of Canada. The general 
 color of the plumage is deep brown, mixed with 
 tawny on the head and neck, the feathers on 
 the back being finely shaded with a darker hue. 
 Feeds upon young fawns, raccoons, rabbits, and 
 large birds. Usually nests on the sides of steep 
 rocky crags ; eggs, three in number, of a dull 
 white, with patches of bronze. 
 
 Pandion carolinensis. — The Fish- Hawk. 
 This common and well known hawk is a summer 
 resident of Canada. Color, above, umber-brown ; 
 beneath, white ; bill and claws, bluish-black. 
 Nests, in a large tree, on the margin of the inland 
 lakes or rivers ; eggs, three in number, of a 
 reddish-cream color. Feeds entirely jupon fish. 
 
 Family STRIGID^. THE OWLS. 
 
 Sub-Family Bubonin^. — The Horned Oivls. 
 
 Bubo virginianus. — The Great Horned Owl. 
 
 The Great Horned Owl is a permanent resi- 
 dent of Canada. It is very destructive to domestic 
 fowls, and consequently very obnoxious to the 
 farmer. Length, twenty -two inches. Color, 
 brownish-black, mottled with ashy-white. The 
 nest of this owl is frequently built in the top- 
 most branches of tall pines, and sometimes in 
 the top of a stub ; eggs, three or four, of a yel* 
 lowish-white. 
 
8 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 rj 
 
 Scops asio. — Mottled Owl, or Screech Owl. 
 
 This owl feeds upon mice and squirrels, small 
 birds, and beetles. Length, ten inches. Color, 
 pale ashy-brown. Breeds in Canada. Nests, 
 in a hollow tree ; eggs, four or five, white. 
 
 Otus Wilsonianus. — The Long-eared Owl. 
 
 The Long-eared Owl feeds upon small birds. 
 It rears its young in nests which it finds, seldom 
 making one for itself ; eggs, four or five, of a 
 dirty-white color. This owl lingers about moun- 
 tain streams. Its cry is prolonged and plaintive. 
 Breeds in Canada. Length, fifteen inches. Color, 
 brownish-black, mottled with ashy-white. 
 
 Brachyottis Cassinii. — The Short-eared Owl. 
 
 This owl is a permanent resident of Canada, 
 Length, fourteen inches. Color, light brown, 
 mottled with gray. Builds its nest upon the 
 ground ; eggs, four in number, pure white. 
 Feeds upon mice and small birds. 
 
 Sub-Family SYRNiNi-E. — The Gray Owls. 
 
 Syruiuin nebnlosuin.—The Barred Owl. 
 
 This is one of our most common owls. Length, 
 twenty inches. Color, light ashy-brown. Feeds 
 upon small birds, mice, and reptiles. Nests, in 
 high"" trees ; eggs, three in number, white. Re- 
 mains in Canada throughout the year. 
 
 
Birds of Canada. 9 
 
 Syrnium cinereum. — The Cinereous Owl. 
 
 This is the largest member of the owl family. 
 Length, thirty inches. Color, ashy-brown, mot- 
 tled with ashy-white. Head, large ; eyes, small. 
 Feeds upon rabbits, squirrels, and other small 
 animals. It is a rare visitor to this part of 
 Canada. This owl breeds in the far north. 
 
 • 
 
 Nyctale Richardsonii. — The Sparrow Owl. 
 
 This pretty little owl is a regular winter visitor. 
 It is eleven inches in length ; the color, above, 
 reddish-brown, tinged with olive ; beneath, ashy- 
 white ; legs and bill, light yellow. Breeds in the 
 north-west. Nests, in a tree ; eggs, four in num- 
 ber, pure white. Its food consists of mice and 
 small birds. Seeks its prey by night. 
 
 Nyctale acadica. — ^The Saw-whet owl. 
 
 This species is a permanent resident of Canada. 
 It is the smallest of the family, being only eight 
 and a-half inches in length. Color, above, red- 
 dish-brown ; beneath, ashy-white, with spots of 
 rufous. It builds its nest in a stump or hollow 
 tree; eggs, four in number, pure white. The 
 food of this owl consists of bats, mice, and small 
 birds. 
 
10 Birds of Canada. 
 
 Sub-Family Nycteinin^. — The Day Owls. 
 
 Surnia ulula. — The Hawk Owl. 
 
 The Hawk Owl is a permanent resident of 
 Canada. It possesses many of the characteristics 
 of a falcon. Length, eighteen inches ; the color, 
 pale ashy-brown ; throat, white ; a large brown 
 spot on each side of the breast. This bird seeks 
 its prey by day as well as by night. Nests, in a 
 tree ; eggs, two in number, pure white. 
 
 Nyctea nivea. — The Snowy Owl. 
 
 This beautiful owl is a regular fall and win'ier 
 visitor in Canada. It is twenty-seven inches in 
 length ; the plumage is pure white, with a few 
 spots of dark brown on the back and wings. Its 
 food consists principally of rabbits, birds, and 
 fish, which it obtains by daylight as well as by 
 twilight. The Snowy Owl flies with great rapi- 
 dity, often capturing ducks and other water fowl 
 upon the wing. Breeds in the arctic regions. 
 
 
 i| 'A 
 
WHn K owi- 
 
 p. lO 
 

Birds of Canada. 
 
 IX 
 
 Order II.— jPattWriS. ((BHrnkrifii.) 
 
 Family CUCULID^E. THE CUCKOOS. 
 
 YKLLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. 
 
 Coccygus arncricanus. — The Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 
 
 The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a rare visitor in 
 Canada. It is eleven inches in length. Color, 
 above, olive-green, tinged with ash near the bill ; 
 beneath, white ; tail, olive-green, with a border 
 of black tipped with white ; upper mandible, 
 black ; lower, yellow ; quills, orange-cinnamon. 
 
I 
 
 12 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 This bird breeds in the United States. Its nest 
 is built in a low tree or shrub ; eggs, four, of a 
 bright green color. The song of this cuckoo is 
 discordant and harsh, and may be represented 
 by kciv-kozv, koiv-koiv. Its food consists of in- 
 sects and the eggs and young of other birds. 
 
 Coccygiis erythrophthalmus.- 
 
 Cuckoo. 
 
 -The Black-billed 
 
 This species is a regular summer visitor. It 
 arrives about the tenth of May, and remains 
 until the first of September. In size, color, and 
 characteristics, it closely resembles the preceding 
 bird. It differs only in having both mandibles 
 black. This cuckoo breeds in Canada. Nests, 
 in a barberry bush or low tree ; eggs, four, of a 
 bright green color. 
 
 Family PICID.E. THE WOODPECKERS, 
 
 Sub-Family PiciN.^. 
 
 Picus villosus. — The Hairy Woodpecker. 
 
 The Hairy Woodpecker is a permanent resi- 
 dent of Canada. Its food consists principally 
 of insects and their larvae. Color, black and 
 white, spotted. Length, eleven inches. Nests, 
 in a hole in a tree ; eggs, five, pure white. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 13 
 
 Picus pubesccns. — The Downy Woodpecker. 
 
 This woodpecker is six inches in length. Color, 
 above, black, with a white band down the back ; 
 two white stripes on the side of the head ; the 
 lower parts white. Nests, in a hole in a tree ; 
 eggs, six, pure white. The food of this bird 
 consists entirely of insects and their larvae. 
 
 Picoidts arcticus. — The Black-backed, Three-toed 
 
 Woodpecker. 
 
 This species is a permanent resident of Canada. 
 Its habits do not differ from those of other wood- 
 peckers. Back, black ; wings, spotted white and 
 black ; top of head, saffron color. Nests, in a 
 stump ; eggs, four, pure white. 
 
 Sphyrapiciis varitis. — Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. 
 
 This pretty bird is a summer resident of Canada. 
 It is often seen in orchards, especially in apple 
 trees. Feeds upon insects and their larvae. Back 
 and wings, spotted black and white ; top of head 
 and throat, red ; belly, yellow. This bird is a 
 friend to the farmer, as it destroys immense 
 numbers of insects. Nests, in a decayed tree in 
 the woods ; eggs, five, pure white. 
 
 Picoidcs hursntus. — The Banded Three-toed 
 Woodpecker. 
 
 This woodpecker is a permanent resident of 
 Canada. Length, nine inches Black, above ; 
 
f 
 
 14 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 white, beneath ; quills, spotted with white : top 
 of the head, spotted with white ; the crown of 
 the male, with a yellow patch. Nests, in a stump 
 or decayed tree ; eggs, four, creamy-white. 
 
 Hylatomtis pilcatus. — The Pileated Woodpecker. 
 
 This beautiful woodpecker is seldom seen in 
 the settled portions of Canada, although it is 
 frequently met with in the interior. It is the 
 largest and most powerful of the woodpecker 
 family. General color of body, wings, and tail, 
 greenish-black ; a narrow white streak just above 
 the eye to the occiput ; crown of head, bright 
 red. Length, eighteen inches. Nests, in a hole 
 in a tree or stub; eggs, five in number, pure white. 
 
 RED-HEADED VVOODPECKEH. 
 
 Milanerpcs crythroccphalus. — The Red-headed 
 
 Woodpecker. 
 This bird is one of our regular visitors. It 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 15 
 
 
 arrives here from the south about the middle 
 of May. Its habits are the same as those of 
 the other species, except that he is a great 
 lover of fruit and grain. It is, however, a 
 question whether he is not a greater friend 
 than enemy to the farmer, as he kills great 
 numbers of insects. Back, black ; belly, white ; 
 head and neck all round, crimson. Length, ten 
 inches ; bill and feet, black. Nests, in a hole in 
 a stub or tree ; eggs, four in number, pure white. 
 
 GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER. 
 
 Colaptes auratus. — Golden-winged Woodpecker. 
 The Golden-winged Woodpecker is one of our 
 
i' 
 
 i6 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 best known and most beautiful summer visitors. 
 It is twelve inches long ; the wing six inches. 
 The top of the head, and the upper part of the 
 neck, bluish-ash ; a red crescent on the nape ; 
 the other upper parts, olive-brown, with trans- 
 verse bands of black ; the lower parts, yellowish- 
 white, tinged with brownish, and ornamented 
 with circular black spots, and with a black cres- 
 cent on the breast ; the shafts and under surfaces 
 of the wings are gamboge yellow. This elegant 
 bird arrives in Canada from the south about the 
 twentieth of April, and returns late in the fall. 
 Nests, in a hollow tree ; eggs, six, pure white. 
 Feeds upon insects, berries, and grains. 
 
 ^.(f~- 
 
 \m 
 

 BARN SWALLOW. 
 
 p. 17 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 17 
 
 Order \\\,—%nt%imn. (ler^hm.) 
 
 Family TROCHILID.E. THE HUMMING 
 
 BIRDS. 
 
 TrocJiilus colubris. — The Ruby-throated 
 Humming Bird. 
 
 This beautiful little bird arrives here from the 
 south about the last of May. Nests, in a tree ; 
 eggs, two, pure white. Its food consists of in- 
 sects and the juice of sweet-scented flowers. 
 
 Family CYPSELID^. THE SWIFTS. 
 
 Cheturce pclasgia. — The Chimney Swallow. 
 
 This swallow arrives here about the last of 
 May. Leaves for the south about the first of 
 September. Color, sooty-brown. Nests, in hol- 
 low trees or unused chimneys ; eggs, five, pure 
 white. Feeds upon insects. 
 
 Family HIRUNDINIDiE. THE 
 SWALLOWS. 
 
 Hirundo americana. — The Barn Swallow. 
 
 The general color of this swallow is steel blue 
 
 above ; beneath, light chestnut ; tail, forked. 
 
 Receives its name from its frequently attaching its 
 
 nest to the rafters in barns. Feeds upon insects. 
 8 
 
 I 
 
i8 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 
 H. liinifrons. — The Clifif vvallow. 
 
 The Clifif Swallow is black, above ; white, 
 beneath ; tail, green. Builds its nest under pro- 
 jecting cliffs ; eggs, six, white, with a purplish 
 tint. Feeds upon insects. 
 
 H. riparia. — The Bank Swallow. 
 
 This is the smallest of the swallows. Color, 
 above, grayish-brown ; beneath, pure white. It 
 takes its name from its habit of making deep, 
 winding holes in sand bank], in which it builds 
 its nest ; eggs, four, pure white. Feeds upon 
 insects. 
 
 H. bicolor. — The White-breasted Swallow. 
 
 This well known swallow arrives here about 
 the middle of May. Color, above, metallic- 
 green ; beneath, white. Nests, in a hole in a 
 tree or stub, and sometimes in a martin's box ; 
 eggs, four, white. Feeds upon insects. 
 
 Progne purpurea. — The Purple Martin. 
 
 This pretty and interesting bird arrives in 
 Canada early in April. Color : th- old males 
 are glossy steel-blue all over ; the females are 
 glossy steel-blue above, and pale brown beneath. 
 Two broods are raised during the season. Nests, 
 in a hole in a tree, or martin's box ; eggs, four 
 or six, pure white. Early in September the 
 martins leave for the south. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 19 
 
 Family CAPRIMULGIDiE. THE GOAT- 
 SUCKERS. 
 
 li 
 
 r WHIP-POOR-WILL. 
 
 Caprimulgiis vociferus. — The Whip-poor-will. 
 
 The Whip-poor-will is a regular summer resi- 
 dent of Canada. It is ten and a-half inches 
 long ; bill, short, and bent at the point ; mouth, 
 very large, and beset along the sides with a 
 number of stiff bristles, which turn inwards; eyes, 
 full and large ; the plumage is variegated with 
 black, pale cream-brown, and rust color. The 
 notes of the whip-poor-will are three, and have 
 a resemblance to the syllables " zvhip poor will" 
 from which it takes its name. It begins its song 
 soon after sunset, and continues till late at night ; 
 then remains silent till near the dawn, when it 
 resumes, and continues till sunrise. During the 
 day it sits in the most retired, solitary, and deep- 
 shaded parts of the woods, generally on high 
 ground, where it reposes in silence. When dis- 
 
 i i 
 
20 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 turbcd, it rises within a few feet, and flies slowly- 
 through the woods for thirty or forty yards, and 
 generally settles on a low branch, or on the 
 ground. Its sight appears deficient during the 
 day, as it seems to want that vivacity for which 
 it is distinguished in the morning and evening 
 twilight. It does not perch, like other birds, 
 sitting across the branch, but lengthwise; and its 
 hinder toe is capable of being turned forward as 
 well as backward. It is solitary in its habits, 
 and is generally seen alone. The female begins 
 to lay about the second week in May, selecting 
 for this purpose the most unfrequented part of 
 the wood, often where some brush, old logs, or 
 heaps of leaves had been lying, and always on a 
 J dry situation. The eggs, usually two in number, 
 p/vt(r <" ''W and gr eenish-wh ite, are deposited on the ground, 
 ^^^ ' ' or on the leaves, not the slightest appearance 
 of a nest being visible. Its food consists entirely 
 of night-flying insects. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 21 
 
 NIGHT HAWK. 
 
 Chordciles popetuc. — The Night Hawk. 
 
 This is a well known bird. It arrives here 
 from the south about the middle of May. The 
 colors of this bird, though plain, have a beautiful 
 effect from the elegance of their disposition: the 
 plumage being beautifully freckled, barred, and 
 spotted with brown, black, grey, and ferrugi- 
 nous, variously arranged and diversified. The 
 bill is small, flat, and hooked at the tip ; the 
 eyes are large, full, and black ; the legs are 
 short, rough, and scaly, and feathered below the 
 knee. The male is distinguished from the female 
 
22 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 by an oval white spot, near the end of the first 
 three quill feathers. Nests, on the bare ground, 
 sometimes on a rock ; eggs, two, grayish-white, 
 spotted with brown and lavender. Its food con- 
 sists entirely of moths, gnats, beetles, and other 
 night insects. 
 
 C. carolinmsis. — The Chuck- Will's Widow. 
 
 The Chuck-Will's Widow closely resembles 
 the Whip-poor-will in general appearance. This 
 interesting bird is a very rare visitor in Canada. 
 It derives its name from its repeated utterance 
 of a cry that exactly resembles the words ^^ chuck 
 wilVs ividoivT Like the other members of the 
 Goat-Sucker Family, this bird is nocturnal, seek- 
 ing its food by night. Nests, on the ground ; 
 eggs, two, grayish-white, mottled with bufif. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 23 
 
 SUB-ORDER CLAMATORES. 
 
 (SCREAMERS). 
 
 Family ALCEDINIDiE. THE KING- 
 FISHERS. 
 
 BELTED KINGFTSHEU. 
 
 Ceryle alcyon. — The Belted Kingfisher. 
 
 This bird is a very common summer resident 
 of Canada. It arrives here about the tenth of 
 April. The plumage of this pretty bird is light 
 blue above, marked with a great number of dark 
 streaks caused by the blue-black shaft of each 
 feather. The wings are blackish-brown, bound 
 with white, and variegated with blue ; the head, 
 with a crest ; a band across the breast and sides 
 of the same color as the back ; the tail, with 
 transverse bands and spots of white. Length, 
 twelve inches. Nests, in a long winding hole in a 
 sand-bank ; eggs, six, pure white. Feeds upon fish. 
 
24 Birds of Canada. 
 
 Family COLOPTERID.E. THE FLY- 
 CA TCHERS. 
 
 Sub-Family Tyrannin/E. — Tyrant Fly-catchers. 
 
 KING BIRD. 
 
 Tyranims caroliucusis. — The King Bird. 
 
 This brave little bird is a summer inhabitant 
 of Canada. Color above, dark bluish-ash, the 
 lower parts, white; the concealed crest, vermillion 
 and orange. Its favorite resorts are open fields 
 or orchards. Feeds upon in ects. It is a 
 courageous little bird, aiul attacks hawks, crows, 
 and other large birds without the least hesitation. 
 Nests, in an orchard tree ; eggs, five, of a beau- 
 tiful creamy-white color, with spots and specks 
 of brown. Departs for the south, first September. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 2S 
 
 MyiarcJris crmitus. — The Great-crested Fly- 
 catcher. 
 
 This bird arrives in Canada about the middle 
 of May. The nest is placed in a hollow tree or 
 stub, and nearly always contains the cast ofif skin 
 of a snake, which is coiled at the bottom ; eggs, 
 four, of a dull cream color, scratched with purple 
 lines. Feeds upon insects. The general color 
 of this bird is dull greenish-olive above ; under 
 parts, bright sulphur-yellow ; head, well-defined 
 crest. Departs for the south first September. 
 
 Sayornis fiiscHs. — The Phebe Bird. 
 
 This very common bird is too well known to 
 need a description. It arrives from the south 
 about the last of March, and departs the last of 
 October. 
 
 Contopns virens. — The Wood Pewee. 
 
 This is a common summer resident of Canada. 
 It arrives here about th<* twentieth of May. Gen- 
 eral color, dark olive-brown ; the lower parts 
 pale-yellow. This bird loves the dark quie^ 
 retreats of the forests. Here, sitting upon \ 
 branch, it may be seen watching for insects, 
 uttering its low melancholy notes. Nests, in a 
 tree ; eggs, four or five ; light-yellow, spotted 
 with red on the- large end. 
 
m 
 
 26 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 Empidonax minimus. — The least Fly-catcher. 
 
 This active little bird arrives from the .south 
 about the first of May. Color, above, olive- 
 brown ; beneath, yellowish-white ; length, five 
 inches. Usually nests in an apple tree ; eggs, 
 four ; creamy-white color. Feeds upon insects 
 entirely. 
 
 SUB-ORDER OSCINES. 
 (SINGING BIRDS.) 
 
 Family TURDID^. THE THRUSHES. 
 
 WOOD THRUSH. 
 
 Turdus miistelimis. — The Wood Thrush. 
 
 This sweet songster is a common Canadian 
 visitor, arriving here about the twentieth of May. 
 The Wood Thrush delights in deep, shady places, 
 where there is a small brook. Its soft, half plain- 
 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 27 
 
 tive notes excel in sweetness those of any other 
 Canadian bird. Color, above, clear cinnamon- 
 brown ; the under parts are white, tinged with 
 buff, marked with blackish spots. Nests, in a 
 low shrub in the deep woods ; eggs, four in 
 number, of a blue color, tinted with green. Feeds 
 upon insects. 
 
 T. pallassii. — The Hermit Thrush. 
 
 The Hermit Thrush arrives in Canada about 
 the middle of May. Color, above, olive-brown ; 
 beneath, white ; length, eight inches. Nests, in 
 low trees or ^ ashes ; eggs, four, of a light blue 
 color. In Its habits and song it is similar to the 
 Wood Thrush. Feeds upon insects. 
 
 T.fnscescens. — The Tawny Thrush. 
 
 This is a common summer resident of Canada. 
 Color, above, light reddish-brown ; below, white. 
 N'^Fts, ' n the ground ; eggs, four, of a bluish- 
 green color. Feeds upon insects. 
 
 li 
 
 fi'r '^\ 
 
 m 
 
 T sivainsonii. — The Olive-backed Thrush. 
 
 This pretty bird is the least common of all the 
 thrushes. Color, olivaceous ; breast, white ; 
 throat and breast, spotted with brown. Nests, 
 iu the deepest recesses of the forest ; eggs, four, 
 o, a ret J dish-brown color. Feeds on insects. 
 
28 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 T. migratorins. — The Robin. 
 
 This is one of the most common and interest- 
 ing summer residents. Color, above, oHve-gray ; 
 top and sides of the head, black ; throat, white, 
 streaked with black ; under parts, chestnut- 
 brown ; length, ten i .hes. Its food consists of 
 caterpillars, earth-woin uid grubs of various 
 kinds. Nests, in a tree ; eggs, four, greenish- 
 blue. The popular prejudice against this bird 
 is unjust. It is a good friend to the farmer, 
 and should be protected. 
 
 Sub- Family. — M l M I N AC. — Mocking Birds. 
 
 HarporJiynchtis rufus. — The Brown Thrush, c*" 
 Brown Thrasher. 
 
 This sweet songster is one of our most welcome 
 visitors. In the pleasant spring mornings, this 
 bird utters the sweetest melodies from the top- 
 most branches of some isolat-^d tree. During the 
 day it prefers low thick bushes. The nest is 
 made in a clump of low bushes, a few feet from 
 the ground ; eggs, four to six, of a dull buff color, 
 sprinkled with brown. General color, above, 
 light cinnamon-red ; below, pale rufous white. 
 The Brown Thrasher, arrives here about the last 
 of April, and departs for its southern home the 
 first week in October. 
 
Birds of Canada, 
 
 29 
 
 CAT BIRD. 
 
 in'!! 
 
 % 
 
 Galcoscoptcs caroliucnsis. — The Cat Bird. 
 
 This well known bird arrives in Canada about 
 the middle of May. Its habits are so well known 
 that a description is hardly necessary. General 
 color, dark plumbeous ; the under tail coverts, 
 dark brown. In spring its song is varied, mellow, 
 and sweet. It possesses to some extent the 
 power to imitate the notes of other birds. 
 Sometimes it mews like a cat, hence its name. 
 Nests, in low bushes ; eggs, four, sometimes six, 
 greenish-blue. It rears two broods in a season. 
 About the middle of October the Cat Bird goes 
 south. 
 
 Family SAXICOLID^. THE ROCK 
 I NH A BITERS 
 
 Sialia sialis. — The Blue Bird. 
 
 The Blue bird, is a common summer resident 
 of Canada. General color, above, azure-blue ; 
 beneath, reddish-brown. It is one of the earliest 
 arrivals, making its appearance about the middle 
 
30 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 f i 
 
 I! I 
 
 of March. Nests, in a knot-hole or martin's box ; 
 eggs, five in number, of a light-blue color. Feeds 
 entirely upon insects. Leaves for the south the 
 first of October. 
 
 FAMILY SYLVIDi^.. THE WOOD 
 INHABITERS 
 
 Regulus calendula. — The Ruby-crowned Wren. 
 
 This pretty littl*" wren is at once distinguished 
 by the crown, which has a concealed patch of 
 scarlet feathers, \vhK:h arc white at the base. 
 Its song is charming, and harmonious. Arrives 
 here about the middle of May, on its way north 
 to breed, and visits us again in September, while 
 migrating south. Feeds upon insects and their 
 larvae. 
 
 Regulus satrapa. — The Golden-crested Wren. 
 
 This wren, is distinguished from the Ruby- 
 crowned by a crest of orange-red, encircled by 
 yellow. Visits Canada in the spring and autumn. 
 Breeds north of Ontario. Feeds upon insects. 
 
 Regulus Cuvicri. — Cuvier's Golden-crested Wren. 
 
 This diminutive and beautiful bird, differs from 
 the Regulus Satrapa in having two black bands 
 on the crown, separated by a white band. This 
 wren usually accompanies the two preceeding 
 species, in their spring and fall migrations. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 31 
 
 Family PARID^E. 
 
 Sub-Family Paring:. — The Titmice. 
 
 Parus atricapillfis. — The Black-cap Titmouse, or 
 
 Chick-a-dee. 
 
 This pretty little bird is one of the few species 
 that remain with us throughout the year. It 
 builds its nest in a hole in a stump or tree ; 
 eggs, six in number, white, with reddish-brown 
 markings at the larger end. Two broods are 
 raised in a season. General color, ashy-brown 
 above, and white beneath ; top of the hei; d and 
 throat, black ; and the sides of the head between, 
 white. Feeds entirely upon insects and their 
 larvae. 
 
 P. hiidsonicHs. — Hudson's Bay Titmouse. 
 
 This bird is a permanent resident of Canada. 
 Color, olive-brown above ; white beneath ; top 
 of the head, brown ; sides of the head, white. 
 Length, five inches. Nests, in a shrub ; eggs, 
 four, pure white. 
 
n 
 
 32 
 
 Birtfs of Canada. 
 Sub-Family SittiN/E. — The Nuthatches. 
 
 WHITE-BELLIED NUTHATCH, 
 
 Sitta carolinensis. — The White-bellied Nuthatch, 
 
 This nuthatch is one of our common summer 
 birds, and sometimes remains in Canada through 
 the winter. Color, ashy-blue above ; the under 
 parts, white ; top of the head and neck, black. 
 Nests, in a hole in a stump or tree ; eggs, six, 
 dull white. Feeds upon insects. At night it 
 attaches its feet to the bark of a tree, and sleeps 
 with its head downwards, 
 
 S. canadensis. — The Red- Bellied Nuthatch. 
 
 The Red-bellied Nuthatch is smaller than the 
 preceding species ; the belly, reddish-brown ; in 
 other respects it is similar to the White-bellied 
 Nuthatch. 
 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 33 
 
 Family CERTHIAD^. THE CREEPERS, 
 
 AMERICAN CREEPER. 
 
 . Certhia americana. — The American Creeper. 
 
 This industrious insect-hunter is a permanent 
 resident of Canada. Color, above, dark brown, 
 each feather streaked with white ; the under 
 parts, rusty-brown ; a white streak over the eye. 
 Feeds upon insects and their larvae. Nests, in a 
 hollow tree ; eggs, six, dark gray. 
 
 Family TROGLODYTID.E. THE WRENS. 
 Cistothoriis palustris. — Long-billed Marsh Wren. 
 
 This species lives among the rank vegetation 
 growing in marshes and inlets to the lakes. Here 
 it builds its nest, and lays six eggs of a deep 
 chocolate color. This wren is five and a-half 
 5 
 
 T W 
 
 *]'. 
 
34 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 inches long ; the upper parts, dull reddish-brown ; 
 the under parts, and a streak over the eye, white. 
 Feeds upon insects. It arrives here about the 
 middle of May, and leaves for the south about 
 the last of September. 
 
 Troglodytes hycmalis. — The Winter Wren. 
 
 The Winter Wren arrives in Ontario about 
 the first of October, and remains through the 
 winter, leaving early in the spring for the north, 
 where it breeds. Color, reddish-brown. 
 
 Troglodytes adon. — The House Wren. 
 
 This well known and interesting bird arrives 
 from the south the first week in May. It lives 
 entirely upon insects, of which it destroys vast 
 numbers. This little wren delights in living 
 near the habitations of men, and builds its nest 
 in any hole in a tree or stump it finds ; eggs, 
 six, pale reddish-brown. Color, reddish-brown. 
 
 Family SYLVICOLID^. WARBLERS, 
 
 Sub-Family Sylvicolin^. — The Wood 
 Warblers. 
 
 ■Y; 
 
 Mniotilta varia. — The Black and White Creeper. 
 
 This is a regular summer resident. Nests, in 
 a low bush ; eggs, four, creamy-white. General 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 :)5 
 
 color of the male, black ; the feathers broadly 
 edged with white. All the birds of this family 
 are insectivorous. I have thirty species of the 
 warbler family in my ccllection. 
 
 Panda amcricana. — The Blue Yellow-backed 
 
 Warbler, 
 
 This warbler arrives here about the middle of 
 April on its way to the north, and returns south- 
 ward about the middle of September. Color, 
 above, blue, with a yellow stripe on the middle of 
 the back ; beneath, yellowish-white. This species 
 utters a soft, prolonged twitter, its only song. 
 
 Gcotldypis triclias. — The Maryland Yellow Throat. 
 
 This very pretty warbler breeds in Ontario. 
 Color, above, olive-green, tinged with brown ; 
 throat and neck, bright yellow. Nests, in low 
 bushes ; eggs, four, creamy-white. 
 
 G. philadelphiie. — The Mourning Warbler. 
 
 Its note is a simple chit, uttered in a soft, pen- 
 sive tone. General color, ash-gray above, and 
 black underneath. Breeds in Canada. Nests, 
 m a low bush ; eggs, four, bluish-white. 
 
 G. Macgillvraii. — Macgillvray's Warbler. 
 
 This Warbler is five inches long, Ine wing less 
 than two and a-half inches ; the head and neck, 
 
 

 36 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 ash, a narrow frontlet and space around the eye, 
 black ; the feathers of the forward under parts 
 really black, but appearing gray from the ashy 
 tips of the feathers ; the rest of the upper parts 
 dark olive-green, and of the lower, yellow. Breeds 
 in Canada. Nests, in a low bush ; eggs, five, 
 flesh-colored. 
 
 Dendroica virens. 
 
 1 :1 ' 
 
 -The Black-throated Green 
 Warbler. 
 
 The Black-throated Green Warbler, is five 
 inches long, the wing over two and a-half inches ; 
 the crown and back, olive ; the forehead, super- 
 ciliary and maxillary stripes, yellow. Breeds in 
 Canada. Nests, in a bush near the ground ; eggs, 
 five, bluish-white. 
 
 D. palmarum. — The Yellow Red-poll Warbler. 
 
 This bird is five inches long, the wing nearly 
 two and a-half inches, the crown, sides of the 
 head, and inferior streaks, yellow; a white spot on 
 the end of the tail, superciliary streak and under 
 parts, yellow. Breeds in the interior of Canada. 
 Visits Ontario in May and September. 
 
 D. tigrina. — Cape May Warbler. 
 
 The Cape May Warbler, is five and a quarter 
 inches long, the wing nearly three inches, the 
 bill, acute and decurved ; the color, olive above, 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 37 
 
 rump and under parts, yellow ; crown, blackish ; 
 sides of the head, chestnut. This pretty bird 
 breeds in northern Canada. 
 
 D. canadensis. 
 
 -The Black-throated Blue 
 Warbler. 
 
 This bird is five and a-half inches long, the 
 wing, two and a-half ; the crown, blfick ; back, 
 ash ; maxillary stripe, white. Breeds in Manitoba. 
 Visits Ontario in the spring and fall. 
 
 D. coronata. — The Yellcw-rump Warbler. 
 
 This Warbler is five and a quarter inches 
 long, the wing, three inches ; the color, slate-blue 
 iabove ; throat, white ; head, blackish ; the sides 
 and rump, with a yellow patch. Breeds north 
 of Ontario. 
 
 D. Blackburnice. — Blackburnian Warbler. 
 
 This is, without exception, the most beautiful 
 of all the warblers. Color : the back, black ; 
 throat, bright-orange ; and a patch on the wing 
 and outer tail feathers, white. Breeds in the far 
 north. Remains, for a few days, in May and 
 October. 
 
 D. castanea. — The Bay-breasted Warbler. 
 
 This bird is five inches long; the head, chestnut ; 
 sides of the head, black; and belly white. Like 
 most of the family, this bird breeds in the north- 
 

 
 38 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 ern part of this continent. During the spring 
 and fall migrations it stops for x few days in 
 Ontario. 
 
 D. pinus. — The Pine-creeping Warbler. 
 
 The Pinc-crccping Warbler is five and a-half 
 inches long, and the wing, three inches ; olive- 
 green above, and yellow beneath ; two dull white 
 bands upon the wings. Breeds in northern 
 Canada. Nests, on the ground ; eggs, four, 
 bluish-white. 
 
 D. pcnnsyhaiiica. — The Chcstnu^^ed Warbler. 
 
 This species is five niches loi|J| ^|[e wing, two 
 and a-half inches ; the crowi^rjl^ppjj encircled 
 with white ; sides of the head>| ^iiJ(j| ^nclosing a 
 white patch behind ; and sides of the body, chest- 
 nut. Breeds in northern Canada. Visits Ontario 
 in the spring and fall. 
 
 D. striata. — The Black-poll Warbler. 
 
 This warbler is five and three-quarter inches 
 long ; the wing, three inches; the crown and sides, 
 black ; the cheeks below the eye, white. Breeds 
 north of Ontario. Spring and autumn visitor. 
 
 D. (estiva. — The Yellow Warbler. 
 
 This species arrivt\s here about the, middle of 
 May, and breeds here. Nests, in a willow or 
 maple tree ; eggs four, white, with brown blotches. 
 General color : yellow. 
 
 Hi 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 39 
 
 D. maculosa. — The Black and Yellow Warbler. 
 
 This bird is a summer resident of Canada. 
 Builds its nest in the willows that grow in low 
 marshy grounds ; eggs, four, pure white. 
 
 Myiodioctcs canadensis. — The Canada Fly- 
 catcher. 
 
 The Canada Fly-catcher is about five and 
 a-third inches long, the wing, about two and two- 
 thirds inches ; the back, bluish ; streaks upon the 
 crown ; stripe on the side of the head and neck ; 
 and breast, black. Breeds in Canada. Nests, on 
 the ground, ^$(ij^ a low bush ; eggs, four, pinkish- 
 white, i, 'l% 
 
 M. l^i^^T\i^ Hooded Warbler. 
 
 The Hooded Warbler is five inches long ; the 
 head and neck, black ; back, olive-green ; the 
 front, cheeks, and under parts, yellow. It is 
 very rarely seen in Ontario. Breeds in the 
 south. Visits Canada in the spring. 
 
 M. minutiis. — fhe Small-headed Fly-catcher. 
 
 This little bird is four inches long; olive, above; 
 yellow, beneath ; and the wing, with two white 
 bands. Visits Canada in May and October. 
 
 M.piisillns. — The Green Black-cap Fly-catcher. 
 
 This Fly-catcher is four and thr.ee-quarter 
 inches long; the upper parts, olive ; the forehead, 
 
 ■'i i 
 
 1 
 
40 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 \\\\\ 
 
 and under parts, bright-yellow ; the crown, with 
 a black patch. Remains here for a few days in 
 May and August. 
 
 Hebnithcrus vermivorus. — The Worm-eatinj^ 
 
 Warbler. 
 
 The Worm- eating Warbler is five inches long. 
 Color, olive-green, above ; beneath, brownish- 
 yellow. Visits Canada during the spring and 
 summer migrations. Breeds in the far north. 
 
 Hehninthopaga pinus. — The Blue-winged Yellow 
 
 Warbler. 
 
 This bird is four and a-half inches long, the 
 wing, two and four-tenths inches. Color, above, 
 olive-green ; the wings and tail, bluish-gray ; the 
 crown and under parts, rich orange-yellow. Its 
 nest is elongated, and nttached by its upper edge 
 to several stout stalks of grass ; eggs, four to six, 
 pure white, with a few pale red spots at the 
 larger end. Breeds in Canada. 
 
 H. chrysoptera. — The Golden-winged Warbler. 
 
 This beautiful warbler is five inches long ; 
 upper parts bluish-gray; head and under parts, 
 black and yellow. Breeds in ^ the interior of 
 Canada. Remains in Ontario a few days in the 
 spring and fall. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 41 
 
 ■ Sits 
 
 H. rujicapilla- —The Nashville Warbler. 
 
 The Nashville Warbler is over four and a-half 
 inches long ; the wing, less than two and a-half 
 inches ; the color, olive-green above ; under 
 parts, deep yellow. Visits Canada in the spring 
 and fall. 
 
 H. peregrina. — The Tennessee Warbler. 
 
 The Tennessee Warbler is four and a-half 
 inches long ; the wing two and three-fourths 
 inches ; the color, above, olive-green ; beneath, 
 dull white ; the top and sides of the head, ashy- 
 gray. Breeds in northern Canada. Spring and 
 fall visitor. 
 
 htcria viridis. — The Yellow-breasted Chat. 
 
 This bird is nearly seven inches in length ; 
 upper parts, olive-green ; under parts, gamboge 
 yellow. Visits Canada in May and September. 
 
 Setophaga ruticilia. — The Red Start. 
 
 The Red Start arrives here about the middle 
 of May, and leaves about the fifteenth of Septem- 
 ber. It is five and a-quarter inches long ; the 
 wing two and a-half inches ; the general color, 
 black, the sides of the breast and base of the 
 quills and tail, reddish-orange, and the abdomen, 
 white. This is one of the prettiest and liveliest 
 birds of our forests. The nest is built upon a 
 6 
 
 
 i't 
 
42 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 low bush ; eggs, four to six ; white, sprinkled 
 with ashy-gray. 
 
 Sciuriis aurocapilliis. — The Golden-crowned 
 
 Thrush. 
 
 This beautiful bird is a summer resident of 
 Canada. It arrives here about the last of April, 
 and departs the last of September. Color, above, 
 olive-green, with a tinge of yellow ; crown, with 
 two streaks of black, enclosing a broad orange 
 stripe ; beneath, white ; the breast and sides of the 
 body, black. It builds its nests on the ground, in 
 the form of an old oven ; eggs, five ; creamy-white. 
 
 vS. noveboracensis. — The Water Thrush, or 
 
 Wagtail. 
 
 The Water Thrush arrives here about the first 
 of May ; departs twentieth of September. Color, 
 above, olive-brown ; beneath, pale sulphur-yel- 
 low, brightest on the abdomen. It can be found 
 near brooks, rivers, or ponds, wading in the shal- 
 low water in search of aquatic insects, continually 
 wagging its tail. Nests, in a swamp ; eggs, five ; 
 reddish-brown. 
 
 Sub-Family TANAGRlNi^i. — The Tanagers. 
 
 Pyranga rubra. — The Scarlet Tanager. 
 
 This elegant bird is seven and four-tenths 
 inches long, the wing, four inch^; the color, 
 
? 
 
 id 
 
 of 
 •ril, 
 ive, 
 rith 
 tige 
 the 
 i, in 
 lite. 
 
 first 
 
 olor, 
 
 -yel- 
 
 ound 
 
 shal- 
 
 ually 
 
 five ; 
 
 rs. 
 
 r. 
 
 tenths 
 color, 
 
BOHEMIAN CHATTERER. 
 
 p. 43 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 43 
 
 bright-scarlet, wings and tail black. Nests, on a 
 low branch of a tree ; eggs, three to five ; dull 
 greenish-blue, speckled with reddish-brown and 
 light purple. This is our most gaudy visitor. It 
 arrives from the south about the fifteenth of 
 May, and leaves early in September. This bird 
 thrives well in confinement, and makes a beauti- 
 ful pet. Feeds upon insects, berries, and grain. 
 
 Family BOMBYCILLID^. 
 
 TERERS. 
 
 THE CHAT- 
 
 Siib-Fatnily Bombycillin^. — The Wax Wings. 
 
 A mpelis garridiis. — The Bohemian Chatterer. 
 
 This very rare and beautiful bird appears in 
 Canada only in severe seasons. Length, seven 
 and a-half inches ; the wing, four and a-half 
 inches. The general color, brownish-ash ; pri- 
 maries and tail-feathers, plumbeous-black, the 
 tail with a terminal band of yellow ; the head 
 and throat marked with black ; the wings with 
 white ; and the secondaries have red horny tips. 
 They live in numerous flocks, keeping by pairs 
 only in the breeding season. Their food con- 
 sists chiefly of the buds and seeds of the pine, 
 cedar, and juniper. Their migrations extend 
 from Central Asia to the arctic regions. They 
 breed in the northern part of British Columbia 
 and Alaska. 
 
 
44 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 A. cedrorum. — The Cedar Bird, or Cherry Bird. 
 
 The Cedar Birds arrive here in flocks about 
 the second week in March. They generally 
 build their nests in orchard trees ; sometimes in 
 a cedar or other evergreen tree ; eggs, four or 
 five in number, of a light blue or clay-white 
 color, with a slight purple tint, with black spots. 
 Farmers manifest a great deal of ill-feeling 
 toward this bird, on account of its occasional 
 fondness for cherries and other small fruit. It 
 has, however, a much greater relish for cater- 
 pillars and the larvae of insects, of which it 
 destroys immense numbers, and thereby more 
 than compensates for the small quantity of 
 fruit it eats. The only note of the Cherry Bird 
 is twee-twee^ uttered in a plaintive, soft manner. 
 The general color is reddish-olive above, passing 
 into yellow beneath ; the quills and tail, dark 
 plumbeous and dusky, tipped with yellow. The 
 plumage is very soft and delicate, and its tints 
 and shadings beautiful. 
 
 ^vAA%e®©'G)§2r^%^^^ 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 45 
 
 GREAT NORTHERN SHRIKE. 
 
 1:1 
 
 Family LANIIDiE. 
 
 n 
 
 Sub-Family LaniintE. — The Shrikes. 
 
 Collyrio borealis. — The Great Northern Shrike, or 
 
 Butcher Bird. 
 
 The Butcher bird is nine inches long ; the 
 color, above, light bluish-ash ; the under parts, 
 white ; the wings and tail, black. It feeds prin- 
 cipally upon insects, sparrows and other small 
 birds. It can imitate the calls of other birds, 
 especially those indicating distress ; and hoS the 
 cruel habit of impaling its prey on sharp twigs 
 and thorns, and devouring it at leisure. Hence 
 it has derived the name, Butcher Bird. The 
 nest is usually built in a thorn tree or low 
 shrub ; eggs, four or five in number ; of a 
 dirty lead-colored white, with spots of brown 
 on the large end. 
 
 5-f 
 
46 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 C. cxcubitoridcs. — The Whitc-rumped Shrike, 
 
 The characteristics of this shrike are similar to 
 those of the preceding species, except that the 
 tail is shorter and the head larger. 
 
 Sub-Family Vireonix.e. — The Vireos. 
 
 Virco olivaceus. — The Red-eyed Vireo. 
 
 This is one of our most industrious and inter- 
 esting little visitors. It is six and a-half inches 
 long, the wing three and a-half inches. Color, 
 olive-green, above ; white, below ; the head, dark- 
 ash ; and iris, red ; a whitish line from the bill 
 over the eye. The nest is generally suspended 
 from forked twigs ; eggs, four to six, spotted with 
 reddish-brown. Feeds entirely upon insects and 
 their larvae. The Red-eyed Virec *s one of the 
 earliest singers of spring, and the latest of autumn. 
 Its notes are loud, clear, and melodious. Through- 
 out the day he hops from branch to branch, 
 searching in the foliage for caterpillars and nox- 
 ious larvae. Arrives in Canada about the tenth 
 of May, and departs for the south early in 
 October. 
 
 V. gilvHs. — The Warbling Vireo. 
 
 This pretty bird is five and a-half inches long ; 
 the color, olive-green, above ; beneath, white, 
 tinged with yellow. Its song is very mellow and 
 
. ■ 
 
 Birds of CanaJa, 
 
 47 
 
 sweet. The nest is pensile and usually built in 
 tall trees ; eggs, six ; white, with small red spots 
 on the large end. Arrives here about the first 
 of May, and leaves late in September. 
 
 V, novcbot'accnsis. — The White-eyed Vireo. 
 
 This sweet songster frequents the thickest 
 bushes. It arrives in Canada about the first of 
 May, and remains until October. Color, bright 
 olive-green, above ; white, beneath ; iris, white. 
 Nests, in a brier or raspberry bush ; eggs, four 
 in number, reddish-brown. While in search of 
 insects it sings merrily and sweetly. 
 
 V.Jlavifrous. — The Yellow-throated Vireo. 
 
 This is a beautiful and rather uncommon bird 
 with us. It usually arrives here about the fif- 
 teenth of May. Color, olive-green above ; throat 
 and breast, bright sulphur-yellow ; the remaining 
 under parts, white. It is quite impossible to say 
 too much in favor of this sweet songster. The 
 nest is built a few feet from the ground, and is 
 a beautiful specimen of nest-building ; the eggs 
 are four in number, pure white, spotted with 
 brown. 
 
 V. solitarius. — The Solitary Vireo. 
 
 This beautiful and active fly-catcher is five 
 inches in length. Color, above, olive-green ; 
 
 ■M 
 
 'III 
 
 'If 
 
 
 II 
 
48 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 underneath, white ; sides, yellowish-green ; top 
 and sides of the head, bluish-ash. Breeds in 
 Canada. Nests, in the topmost branches of a 
 tree ; eggs, four, white. 
 
 Family ALAUDID^E. THE SKYLARKS. 
 
 SHORE LARK. 
 
 Eremophila cornnta. — The Shore Lark. 
 
 The Shore Lark arrives in Canada late in the 
 fall. Color, pinkish-brown ; the feathers of the 
 back, marked with dusky-brown ; the frontal 
 band and under parts, white ; neck and throat, 
 yellow ; a crescentric patch from the bill below 
 the eye and along the side of the head, and 
 a black pectoral crescent. . While on the wing 
 it sings sweetly. Its nest is always built on 
 the ground ; eggs, four in number, of a faint 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 49 
 
 grayish-brown color. The Shore Lark is one 
 of our few winter birds ; in March it leaves for 
 the far north to breed. 
 
 Family FRINGILLIDi^. 
 
 Sub-Family CoccOTHRAUSTiN/E. — The Finches. 
 
 Pinicola canadensis. — The Pine Grosbeak. 
 
 This bird visits us during the severest seasons 
 only. Its habitat is the extreme northern part 
 of this continent. Large numbers visited this 
 section of Canada in the winter of 1867. The 
 Pine Grosbeak is eight and a-half inches long, 
 beak, dusky, very thick at the base, and hooked 
 at the tip : head, neck, breast, and rump, rose- 
 colored crimson ; back, black ; greater wing- 
 coverts, tipped with white, forming two bars on 
 the wing ; quills, black, edged with white; belly, 
 straw-colored. The female is brownish above, 
 greenish-yellow beneath; the top of the head 
 and rump, brownish gamboge-yellow. I'eeds 
 upon the small buds which shoot out from the 
 branches of the fir and other trees. 
 
 J 
 
 Carpodacus purpurcus. — The Purple Finch. 
 
 The Purple Finch arrives here about the last 
 of April in flocks of a dozen or more. It is six 
 7 
 
so 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 and a-half inches long ; the color crimson, belly 
 and under tail coverts, white : two thin reddish 
 bands across the wings. The female is olive- 
 brown above, and white beneath. Its song is 
 sweet and warbling. Nests, in a tree a few feet 
 from the ground ; eggs, four in number, of a 
 bluish-green color. Its food consists principally 
 of the buds and blossoms of fruit trees. 
 
 Ckrysomitris trisiis. — The Yellow Bird. 
 
 This is a well-known, and common summer 
 vi.«'tor. Color, bright yellow ; crown, wings, and 
 tail, black. The nest is usually built in the 
 branch of a tree, twenty feet from the ground ; 
 eggs, four or five, white, tinged with blue, and 
 spotted with reddish-brown. Arrives here in 
 flocks early in May. In the fall its color is 
 changed to a greenish-olive, resembling the 
 female. About the last of September they 
 gather in flocks and move southward. 
 
 I 
 
 C.pinus. — The Pine Finch. 
 
 The Pine Finch arrives in Canada late in the 
 fall, and remains throughout the winter. It 
 frequents the pine forests. Feeds on the seeds 
 contained in the pine cones. Color, above, 
 brownish-olive ; beneath, whitish, streaked with 
 
 I 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 51 
 
 dusky brown ; tail, forked. Breeds north of 
 Ontario. 
 
 Ciirvirostra americana. — The Red Crossbill. 
 
 The Red Crossbill is six inches long ; the 
 color, dull red ; the wings and tail, blackish- 
 brown. This bird is an inhabitant of the pine 
 forests of the far north, and usually visits us 
 during the winter. Its food Consists of the seeds 
 of the pine and hemlock, which it detaches from 
 the cones and husks that enclose them with its 
 peculiarly shaped bill, which is crossed. 
 
 \ I 
 
 ::\\. 
 
 m 
 
 a 
 
 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. 
 
 Ciinnrostra leiicoptcra. — The White-winged 
 
 Crossbill. 
 
 This bird has all the general characteristics of 
 the Red Crossbill, but is readily distinguished by 
 the white bands across the wings. 
 

 !;i 
 
 52 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 ^giotlms linaria. 
 
 -The Lesser Red-poll. 
 
 This is a common winter visitor with us. It 
 is four and a-half inches long ; the color, above* 
 light-yellowish, each feather streaked with dark 
 brown ; the crown, crimson ; upper parts .of the 
 breast, tinged with light crimson ; white, under- 
 neath. Few birds manifest a more affectionate 
 disposition than the little Red-poll. I have often 
 seen a number sitting on a branch, feeding each 
 other, and exhibiting other marks of kindness 
 and affection. This bird breeds in the arctic 
 regions. 
 
 Plectrophancs nivales. — The Snow Bunting. 
 
 This is another very common winter visitor in 
 this part of Canada. They move in large flocks, 
 and arc sometimes accompanied by Red-polls 
 and Shore Larks. Color, above, black and white ; 
 underneath, white ; head and rump, yellowish- 
 brown. They breed in Lapland and other parts 
 of the far north. 
 
 PlcctropJianes Lapponicus. — Lapland Bunting. 
 
 This Bunting breeds in Lapland. Head and 
 neck, black, with a red crescent on the hind 
 neck ; rest of upper parts black ; lower parts, 
 white. Visits Canada during the fall migrations. 
 
 i I 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 53 
 
 Sub-Family Spizellin/E. — The Sparrows. 
 
 Passcrculus savanna. — The Savannah Sparrow. 
 
 This sparrow arrives here about the middle of 
 April. Is five and a-half inches long ; the upper 
 parts streaked with dark brown, the crown with 
 a medium stripe of yellowish-grey ; eyelids, yel- 
 low ; the forepart of the breast streaked ; the 
 under parts, white. Nests, on the ground ; eggs, 
 four to six ; pale blue, mottled with purplish- 
 brown. Departs for the south early in October. 
 All the birds of this family feed upon insects 
 and seeds. Two broods are raised in a season. 
 It is a fine singer. 
 
 %■ I 
 
 Pooactes gramincus. — The Bay-winged Bunting. 
 
 The Bay-winged Bunting is si.x and a-quarter 
 inches long ; above, yellowish-brown ; the fea- 
 thers streaked abruptly with dark-brown ; be- 
 neath, yellowish-white ; the breast and belly 
 streaked with brown ; the wings, light chestnut- 
 brown. Nests, on the ground ; eggs, four to six ; 
 bluish-white, with reddish-brown blotches. It 
 arrives the first week in April, and leaves for 
 the south the last of September. The Bay- 
 winged Bunting sings for an hour at a time in a 
 sweet, tender strain. 
 
II 
 
 54 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 Coturniculus passerinus. — The Yellow-winged 
 
 Sparrow. 
 
 This sparrow arrives in Ontario about the 
 first week in May, and leaves early in September. 
 It is about five inches long ; the feathers above, 
 brownish-rufous ; the crown, black, with a yel- 
 lowish-brown stripe ; the end of the wing, bright 
 yellow ; the lower parts are brownish-yellow. 
 Nests, on the ground ; eggs, six, dull white, 
 sprinkled with brown. Two broods are raised 
 in the same season. 
 
 Zonotrichia leucophrys. — I'he White-crowned 
 
 Sparrow. 
 
 This bird visits us during the spring and 
 autumn migrations. It arrives here from the 
 south about the middle of May, and returns 
 from the north, where it breeds, in October. 
 The song of the White-crowned Sparrow is 
 clear, musical, and plaintive. This bird is over 
 seven inches long, the wing three and a-quarter 
 inches ; the head above the upper half of the 
 loial region, and a line through and behind the 
 eye to the occiput, black ; a patch upon the 
 crown, white ; general color, pale ash above, 
 and white beneath. Feeds on insects, seeds, 
 and berries. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 55 
 
 Z. albicollis. — The White-throated Sparrow. 
 
 The White-throated Sparrow is seven inches 
 long; the crown with two black stripes, sepa- 
 rated by one of white ; a broad yellow stripe to 
 the middle of the eye, and white behind it ; 
 upper part of breast, dark ash ; edge of wing, 
 yellow ; the back, rufous-brown ; the belly, and 
 two bands across the wings, white. This beau- 
 tiful sparrow arrives in Ontario about the first 
 of May. Its song is indescribably sweet and 
 musical. I have frequently heard it at night, 
 when passing through the woods. Its food con- 
 sists of seeds, berries, and insects. They collect 
 in small flocks about the middle of October, 
 and leave for the south. Nests, on the ground ; 
 eggs, four, grayish-white. 
 
 Junco hyemalis. — The Snow Bird. 
 
 The general color of this bird is grayish or 
 ashy-black ; the breast, belly, and second exter- 
 nal tail feathers, white ; the third tail feather, 
 white, margined with black. Length, six inches, 
 This well-known bird arrrives here in large flocks 
 during the winter, and is quite tame. Their 
 migrations extend from the Arctic circle to the 
 Gulf of Mexico. Numbers of these birds remain 
 here through the summer; they build their nests, 
 in stumps, or in a clump of moss ; eggs, white* 
 spotted with reddish-brown and grayish-white. 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
56 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 \ 
 
 There is a widespread impression that the Snow 
 Bird of winter is the Chipping Sparrow of the 
 Summer. I am satisfied it is a mistake. The 
 Chipping Sparrow cMfifers in plumage and size 
 from the Snow Bird. 
 
 Spizella monticola. — The Tree Sparrow. 
 
 The Tree Sparrow is six and a-quarter inches 
 long; the feathers of the back, dark-brown 
 centrally, then rufous, edged with white. The 
 head, chestnut ; the under parts are white, with 
 a blotch of brown on the chest. This bird 
 breeds in the northern forests. 
 
 S.pusilla. — The Field Sparrow. 
 
 The Field Sparrow arrives here about the 
 twentieth of April. Inhabits the pastures and 
 low woods. General color, rufous red, the under 
 parts, white, tinged before with yellow. Nests, 
 upon the ground ; eggs, four in number, of a 
 grayish-white, with blotches of lavender. The 
 Field Sparrows collect in flocks about the first of 
 September, and leave for the south. 
 
 .S. sociallis. — The Chipping Sparrow. 
 
 This is one of our most common sparrows. 
 It arrives here the last of March, and leaves for 
 the south in October. It is five and a-half 
 

 Birds of Canada. 
 
 57 
 
 inches long. Rump, back of neck, and sides of 
 neck and head, ashy ; crown, chestnut ; fore- 
 head, black, separated in middle by white ; a 
 white streak over the eye ; the under parts, 
 white. Builds its nest in low bushes ; eggs, four 
 in number, greenish-blue, with dark-brown spots. 
 Feeds upon seeds, berries, and insects. 
 
 Mclospir^a melodia. — The Song Sparrow. 
 
 The Song Sparrow is rufous-brown above ; 
 the under parts, white ; the breast and sides of 
 the body and throat, streaked with dark-rufous. 
 This sparrow is one of our most common birds, 
 and one of the sweetest songsters of the sparrow 
 family. It makes its appearance here about the 
 middle of March. The nest is usually built on 
 the ground, or in a low bush ; eggs, four or five 
 in number, bluish-white, and variously marked. 
 Two broods are raised in the season. 
 
 • M. palustris. — The Swamp Sparrow. 
 
 This sparrow arrives from the south about the 
 middle of April. It prefers low. swampy locali- 
 ties, and is seldom seen in the open fields. This 
 sparrow is six inches long ; the crown, chestnut ; 
 forehead, black ; ash-colored streak on the side 
 of the head and back ; under parts, whitish, 
 tinged with ashy. The nest is built at the foot 
 of a tuft of long grass ; eggs, four in number, 
 8 
 
 . 
 
58 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 grayish-white, spotted with brown. Its food is 
 grass-seeds, berries, and insects. The Swamp 
 Sparrow has no song. Departs for the south 
 about the tenth of October. 
 
 Sub-Family PASSERELLlNit:. — The Buntings. 
 
 Passerella iliaca. — The Fox-colored Sparrow. 
 
 This sparrow is seven and a-half inches long. 
 Head, neck, rump, and middle of the back, dull 
 ash color ; each feather blotched with brownish- 
 red ; the tail, bright rufous ; the under parts of 
 the breast, sides, and throat, spotted with rufous. 
 Nests, under a low bush ; eggs, four, or five, of a 
 greenish color, with blotches of brown. 
 
 Sub-Family Spizin^e. 
 
 Emberiza americana. — The Black-throated 
 
 Bunting. 
 
 The Black-throated Bunting is a rare spring 
 visitor. Length, six and a-half inches ; sides of 
 the head, and sides and back of the neck, ash ; 
 middle of the heart, yellow ; under parts, white, 
 with a black patch upon the throat. Breeds in 
 Pennsylvania and Virginia. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 59 
 
 ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 
 
 Guiraca Ludoviciana. — The Rose-breasted 
 Grosbeak. 
 
 The Rose-breasted Grosbeak arrives in Canada 
 about the first of May, and remains until October, 
 when it goes south. General color, above, glossy 
 black ; a broad carmine crescent across the 
 breast, auxiliaries and under wing, coverts ; the 
 rest of the under parts, white. The song of this 
 beautiful and solitary bird is mellow, plaintive, 
 and loud. Perched upon the topmost branches 
 of a tree in the thickest of the wood, it wafts 
 forth its tender and affecting song for hours at a 
 
 1 
 
6o 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 time. Its food consists of berries and buds. The 
 nest is often built in a low .shrub or tree ; eggs, 
 three or four in number ; of a greenish-blue color, 
 covered with fine spots of umber-brown. 
 
 Guiraca ca'rula. — The Blue Grosbeak. 
 
 The prevailingcolor of this extremely beautiful 
 and graceful bird is a brilliant blue. Length, 
 seven and a-half inches. Habitat, British 
 Columbia, Manitoba, and the extreme western 
 part of the United States. A very rare visitor 
 in Canada. 
 
 II 
 
 M 
 
 Coccothraustcs vcspcrtina. — The Evening 
 Grosbeak. 
 
 This Grosbeak is another rare visitor from the 
 western part of this continent. Head and neck, 
 black ; remaining upper parts, yellow ; abdomen, 
 yellowish-olive ; bill, stout. 
 
 C. cardinalis. — Cardinal or Red Bird. 
 
 The general color of this gaudy bird is Ver- 
 million ; a black band around the upper part of 
 the throat and the base of the bill. Length, eight 
 and three quarter inches. Habitat, Virginia and 
 the Carolinas. Occurs very rarely in Canada. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 6i 
 
 Cyanospiza cyanca. — The Indigo Bird, 
 
 This beautiful bird is five and a-half inches 
 long. The color, bright ultramarine-blue ; wing 
 feathers tinged with dull bluish-brown. This 
 bird prefers the skirts of the forests. Its song 
 is sweet and interesting. Nests, in low bushes ; 
 eggs, six ; color, blue, with purple spots. It 
 arrives from the south about the twentieth of 
 May, and returns late in September. Feeds on 
 insects and berries. 
 
 Pipilo erythropthalmus. — The Ground Robin, or 
 
 Chewink. 
 
 This is a common visitor. It arrives in the 
 vicinity of Toronto about the twentieth of May ; 
 the males ariving about ten days before the 
 females. For two or three hours after sunrise, 
 the Chewink sits perched upon the top of a 
 small tree or bush, and sings with mellow sweet- 
 ness, which cannot fail to interest the hearer. 
 Nests, on the ground beneath a tuft of grass ; 
 eggs, four in number, of a flesh color, with dark 
 spots. Two broods, and sometimes three, are 
 raised in the season. They collect in flocks about 
 the last of October, and leave for the south. 
 
62 
 
 THE BOBOLINK. 
 
 f' 
 
 Family ICTERIID,^. 
 Sub-Family Agelaein.-e. — The Starlings, 
 
 Dolichonyx oryzivorus. — The Bobolink. 
 
 This well-known and beautiful bird arrives in 
 Canada about the last of May. Length, seven 
 and three-quarter inches. Color, black, beauti- 
 fully marked with cream color and white. The 
 female is yellowish beneath ; above, dark brown. 
 The male assumes the color of the female in the 
 fall. Its cheerful, loud, and jingling song is 
 heard in every meadow in the summer, from 
 morning until evening. Nests, on the ground ; 
 eggs, four to six, of a light ashy-blue color, with 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 63 
 
 spots of dark brown. This bird feeds on insects 
 and seeds. Early in September, they collect in 
 large flocks, and move southward. 
 
 Molothrus pecoris. — The Cow Bird. 
 
 The Cow Bird is eight inches long. The 
 breast, neck, and lower half of the breast, light 
 brown ; the rest of the body, bright black. 
 During the summer, this bird frequents pasture 
 fields, where cattle are grazing. It builds no 
 nest ; but secretly deposits its eggs in the nests 
 of other birds ; usually in the nest of a Sparrow 
 or Blue Bird. It lays but one egg in each nest, 
 of a light grayish-blue, with brown spots. The 
 Cow Bird feeds on insects principally. About 
 the last of October, they collect in large flocks, 
 and leave for the south. 
 
 Agelaiiis phceniceus. — The Red-winged 
 Black Bird. 
 
 This bird arrives here in small flocks about the 
 last of March. General color, lustrous black ; 
 the shoulders, vermillion or bright crimson. 
 Nests, in a low bush in a swamp or meadow ; 
 eggs, four I in number, of a light blue color, 
 marked with brown spots. About the twentieth 
 of October the Red-winged Black Birds collect 
 in large flocks, and leave for their southern home. 
 Their food consists of the seeds of aquatic grasses 
 and grain, of which they are extremely fond, to 
 the injury of the farmer. 
 
 i? 
 
 ' ■ { 
 
 1 
 
 I'; 
 
 w 
 
 I yi 
 
64 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 I 
 
 ! 
 
 I 
 
 MEADOW LARK. 
 
 Stnrnclla magna. — The Meadow Lark, 
 
 The Meadow Lark is one of our most common 
 and beautiful summer visitors. It arrives here 
 about tlie fifteenth of March. General color, 
 above, dark-brown, with streaks of brownish- 
 white ; beneath, yellow, with a black pectoral 
 crescent. Nests, on the ground ; eggs, four or 
 five, pure white, slightly sprinkled with reddish- 
 brown blotches. Its food consists principally of 
 insects, worms, beetles, and grass seeds. Leaves 
 for the south about the first of November. 
 
 Sub-Family IcrEUlN.l^.— 77/^ Orioles. 
 
 Icterus spurius. — The Orchard Oriole, 
 
 The Orchard Oriole is seven and a-quarter 
 inches long; the head,, neck, and tail, black; 
 under parts, brownish-chestnut ; a narruw white 
 
 \i^* 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 65 
 
 line across the wings. Nests, in orchard trees or 
 upon willows ; eggs, four to six, bluish-white, 
 sprinkled with dark-brown. This oriole is a rare 
 visitor in Ontario. Feeds upon fruit, caterpillars 
 and insects. 
 
 /. baltimore. — The Baltimore Oriole, or 
 Golden Robin. 
 
 This beautiful and well-known bird is one of 
 our regular summer visitors. It arrives here 
 about the middle of May. General color, black ; 
 the rump, upper tail coverts, lesser wing coverts, 
 the terminal portion of all but two tail feathers, 
 and the under parts, orange-.red ; the edges of 
 quills, and a band across the tip of the greater 
 coverts, white. The nest of this oriole is a beau- 
 tiful piece of nest-architecture, and is usually- 
 constructed on the outer drooping twigs of elm 
 or orchard trees ; it is a pendulous cylindric 
 pouch, of six^or seven inches in depth , eggs, 
 four or five, of a flesh co'or. The song of this 
 beautiful bird is -ori, full, and mellow. About 
 the middle of September the Golden Robin 
 leaves for the south. 
 
 Sub-Family QuisCALlNiE. — The Crackles. 
 Scolecophagus ferrugincus. — The I^usty Grackle, 
 
 This bird arrives here about thi last of March, 
 and retires to the low sWampy thickets surround- 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 \ 1; 
 
 ■If 
 
 '■'M: 
 
66 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 ing marshes. General color, black, with purple 
 reflections. Nests, in low bushes near the water ; 
 eggs, four, bluish-white. It feeds upon the 
 seeds of aquatic grasses, insects, and worms. 
 
 Quiscalus versicolor. — The Purple Grackle. 
 
 The Purplo Crackle arrives in Ontario ^.bout 
 the middle of April. General color, steel-blue, 
 with varied reflections of purple and bronze. 
 Nests, in a tree in or near a marsh or pond ; 
 eggs, four, ligl t brown. Food consists of grubs, 
 worms, and grains. These birds prove very- 
 injurious to the farmers in the fall, as they 
 collect in large flocks and visit the corn-fields, 
 destroying great quantities of grain. 
 
 Family CORVID.E. 
 
 Sub-Family CoRVlN^. — The Crows. 
 
 Corvus amcricaniis. — The Crow. 
 
 This bird has a very unenviable notoriety. It 
 is an enemy to the farmer, and very destructive 
 to small birds, as it feeds upon their young. 
 Agricultural societies should ofl"er a premium for 
 its destruction. 
 
 Corvus corax. — The Raven. 
 
 This interesting bird has become very rare 
 in Canada. A few specimens are occasionally 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 67 
 
 seen in the vicinity of Niagara Falls and the 
 Welland Canal. The Raven is twenty-six inches 
 in length ; the bill is large and strong ; the 
 plumage, deep glossy black. This species is 
 found in every part of the world. Its food con- 
 sists of dead animal matter, and, like the common 
 crow, it devours the eggs and young of other 
 birds. 
 
 Sub-Family Garrulin.e. — The Jays. 
 
 BLUE JAY. 
 
 Cyanurus cristatus. — The Blue Jay. 
 
 This elegant bird often remains in this section 
 of Canada throughout the year. It is, without 
 exception, our most beautiful bird. The head is 
 handsomely crested, with loose silky plumes ; 
 bill, black ; legs, brown ; the whole bird is of a 
 fine blue color, the under parts, with the wings 
 and tail mark d by bars ; neck, encircled with a 
 
 si (t 
 
 11 
 
 
68 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 I 
 
 \ 
 
 black ring. It has the cruel habit of destroying 
 the young of other birds. Its nest is usually 
 built in a small cedar or pine tree ; eggs, four in 
 number, of a light green color, spotted with 
 brown. The Blue Jay is one of the noisiest 
 birds of our forests : its notes being discordant 
 and harsh. 
 
 Perisoreus Canadmsis. — The Canada Jay. 
 
 • 
 
 This Jay is a rare visitor in Ontario. Its 
 habitat is Labrador and eastern Canada. Nests, 
 in a fir-tree ; eggs, four, of a light-gray color. The 
 head, neck, and breast are white ; rest of upper 
 parts, ashy-plumbeous ; beneath, light gray. It 
 resembles the Blue Jay in motions and note, and 
 is equally rapacious and destructive. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 6g 
 
 Order IV.— Sfte S^tvnitJxm. 
 
 SUB-ORDER COLUMB/E. 
 
 Family COLUMBIDiE. THE DOVES. 
 
 \E 
 
 Sub-Family Columbinm:. 
 
 Ectopistcs migratoria. — The Wild Pigeon. 
 
 This well-known bird is a resident of Canada, 
 except in the most severe cold weather. Its 
 migratioiii are made solely to obtain food. They 
 pass from one section of the continent to another 
 in immense flocks. The nests are usually built 
 in the forked branch of a tree. I have often 
 seen thirty or forty nests in one tree. The eggs 
 are two in number, pure white, with a slight red 
 tint. Feeds upon grain and seeds. 
 
 Zenaidura carolinensis. — The Carolina Dove. 
 
 The Carolina Dove is an irregular summer 
 visitor in Canada. Color, above, blue, overlaid 
 with olive-brown ; under parts, light reddish- 
 brown ; breast, purplish-red ; bill, black ; feet, 
 yellow. This dove sits upon the ground during 
 the night. Nests, in a tree ; eggs, two in 
 number, pure white. 
 
 a: 
 
 IT 
 
 "'V 
 
 4- 
 
yo 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 SUB-ORDER GALLINiE. 
 
 Family TETRAONIDiE. THE GROUSE. 
 
 Tetrao canadensis. — The Canada Grouse, or 
 Spruce Partridge. 
 
 This well known bird is a permanent resident, 
 and may be found in large numbers in the back 
 settlements of Canada. It is stately and j^iace- 
 ful in its movements. General color of the head, 
 neck, and body of the male bird is transversely 
 barred with dusky and gray brown ; over the 
 eyelids is a bare red space ; nostrils covered with 
 black, with a small white spot on each side, and 
 one beneath ; throat, breast, and belly, black ; 
 the latter spotted with white, except the middle ; 
 sides of the body barred transversely with gray- 
 brown and dusky ; the feathers with a white 
 stripe near the tip ; under tail coverts, black and 
 white ; tail black, tipped with rufous ; feathers of 
 the tarsi, gray-brown ; claws, gray ; beak, black. 
 Nests, upon the ground ; eggs, eight or ten in 
 number ; of a light buff, with brown spots. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 71 
 
 RUFFLED GROUSE. 
 
 Bonasa timbellus. — The Ruffled Grouse, or 
 
 Partridge. 
 
 This Partridge is a permanent resident of 
 Canada. It is often found in the open woods 
 and evergreen thickets in well settled districts. 
 When walking it struts with a haughty step, 
 elevating its ruff, and spreading its pretty tail. 
 The habits of this Partridge are solitary ; it is 
 seldom found in coveys of more than six or 
 eight together. Nests, upon the ground, at the 
 foot of a bush, or under an old log ; eggs, eight 
 to twelve ; of a yellow-white color. General 
 color, above, reddish brown ; the back with light 
 brown ; beneath, white barred with dull brown ; 
 the feathers of the ruff black ; tail grayish, with 
 a black bar near the end. 
 
 Tetrao phasianellus. — The Sharp-tailed Grouse. 
 
 Habitat, British Columbia and Manitoba. 
 Accidental in Canada. Color, above, yellowish- 
 
T^- 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 red and brownish-black ; throat, reddish-white, 
 with dusky spots ; breast and sides covered with 
 dusky spots ; abdomen, white. 
 
 Family PERDICID^E. 
 
 Sub-Family Ortygin^. 
 
 Ortyx virginianus. — The Virginia Partridge, 
 
 or Quail. 
 
 The Virginia Partridge is brownish-red, above ; 
 underneath, white ; the head marked with white 
 and black. Length, ten inches. Nests on the 
 ground ; eggs, white, ten or more in number. 
 This beautiful Partridge has become almost 
 extinct in Canada. It is often called " Bob- 
 White^' on account of its peculiar cry. 
 
 Family PHASIANID^. 
 
 Meleagris gallopavo. — The Wild Turkey. 
 
 This magnificent fowl is a permanent resident 
 of Canada. Color, copper-bronze, with green, 
 reflections, each feather with a black margin ; 
 tail, chestnut, barred with black; head, livid- 
 blue, and the legs, red. In other respects it re- 
 sembles the domestic turkey. The great beauty 
 and size of this bird, and the fact of its being the 
 origin of all the domestic varieties, render it a 
 most interesting species. 
 
m 
 
 H 
 
 \ 
 
 !S 
 
 
 '■''*i 
 
 i 
 
 !*?» 
 
 i 
 
 ftSf| 
 
GREAT BLUE HERON. 
 
 p. 73 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 73 
 
 Order Y.— ®fte ^a^^. 
 
 SUB-ORDER HERODIONES. 
 Family ARDEIDi^i. THE HERONS. 
 
 11 
 
 M 
 
 I 
 
 :} 
 
 Ardea herodias. — The Great Blue Heron, 
 
 The Great Blue Heron is a regular summer 
 visitor in Canada. It usually arrives here about 
 the twentieth of April, and remains until the 
 tenth or fifteenth of October, when it leaves for 
 the south. The general color of this heron is a 
 delicate gray ; throat and neck white, with 
 patches of dark bluish-gray ; a black line over 
 the eye ; a pendant tuft at the junction of the 
 neck and breast ; a long plume of a bluish-black 
 color. This bird is extremely shy, and is ap- 
 proached with difficulty. It frequents marshes 
 and the borders of lakes and rivers, and feeds 
 upon reptiles and fishes. When standing erect 
 the Great Blue Heron will measure from four 
 and a-half to five feet ; its beak is seven to eight 
 inches in length, very strong, and can be used 
 with terrible force as an offensive weapon. The 
 nest of this bird is usually built in the top of a 
 large tree ; eggs, four or five, of a pale green color. 
 
 10 
 

 
 ^. 
 
 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 1.0 
 
 1.1 
 
 11.25 
 
 m m 
 
 Hi 
 
 lU 
 
 III 
 
 u „ 
 
 I" 12.0 
 
 
 
 V 
 
 >* // 
 
 '/ 
 
 Fhotographic 
 
 ScMices 
 
 Carparation 
 
 23 WBT MAM STIUT 
 
 WIIMTn,N.Y. MSM 
 
 ■^'^■^^'"- 
 

 
 ^ 
 
74 Birds of Canada, 
 
 Ardetta exilis. — The Least Bittern. 
 
 This bird is a frequent summer visitor to the 
 marsh, east of Toronto. It is solitary and noc- 
 turnal in its habits. Nests, in low bushes on the 
 borders of ponds or marshes ; eggs, four in num- 
 ber, of a greenish-yellow color. Feeds upon 
 small reptiles and fish. General color, dark- 
 green, above, and purplish-brown on the sides 
 and underneath. Length, thirteen inches ; wing, 
 four and a-half inches. 
 
 GREAT BITTERN. 
 
 Botaurus lentiginosiis. — The Great Bittern, 
 or Stake-driver. 
 
 The Great Bittern, arrives in Canada about the 
 middle of April, and remains until late in Octo- 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 75 
 
 ber. The general color of this bittern is a rich 
 brownish-buff, covered with streaks and mottlings 
 of black, brown, gray, and chestnut. Nests, on 
 marshy ground ; eggs, four or five ; pale brown. 
 Its food consists of reptiles and insects. 
 
 Butorides virescens. — The Green Heron. 
 
 The Green Heron is eighteen inches long ; 
 above, dark green ; wings and tail, green ; legs, 
 yellow ; belly, ashy-brown ; head, has a crest of 
 glossy green feathers. This Heron is occasion- 
 ally seen in Canada in the spring. Nests, in 
 trees in swampy woods ; eggs, four in nurnber ; 
 of a pale light blue color. Feeds upon crabs, 
 frogs, and worms. 
 
 Nyctiardea Gardeni. — The Night Heron. 
 
 The Night Heron arrives in the vicinity of 
 Toronto about the fifteenth or twentieth of April. 
 General color, above, steel-green ; wings and 
 tail, ashy-biae; under parts and sides, a lilac 
 color. Length, twenty inches; the bill is 
 slightly arched, strong, and black. During the 
 day this bird is often seen perched upon the 
 top of a tall tree in a swamp, but when night 
 approaches it begins its flight in pursuit of food, 
 which consists principally of insects, frogs, lizards, 
 and fish. The nest of the Night Heron is built 
 in a tree; eggs, four; of a greenish-yellow color. 
 
76 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 Family GRUID^. THE CRANES. 
 
 Grus canadensis. — The Sandhill Crane. 
 
 The Sandhill Crane is an accidental visitor ; 
 a few specimens are occasionally seen during the 
 spring and autumn migrations. Breeds in Mani- 
 toba and British Columbia. Length, fifty inches ; 
 beak, four inches ; top of the head covered with 
 a red skin ; neck, gray ; belly, breast, sides, and 
 thighs, ash color; tail, deep ash color; legs and 
 bare part of the thigh, black. 
 
 Grus americana. — The White Crane. 
 
 This magnificent bird occasionally visits West- 
 ern Canada. It is fifty-two inches in length ; 
 the plumage, pure white. Its migrations extend 
 from South America to the arctic circle. 
 
 Ibis falcinellus. — The Glossy Ibis. 
 
 This beautiful bird is an accidental visitor. 
 Head, glossy green, with purple reflections ; neck, 
 back, breast, and abdomen, dark chestnut ; part 
 of breast shaded with green ; sides, dusky, tinged 
 with green ; edge of wings dark red, upper parts, 
 dark green, glossed with purple. Breeds in 
 Virginia and Florida. 
 
, Birds of Canada. 77 
 
 SUB-ORDER GRALLiE. 
 Family CHARADRID^.. PLOVERS. 
 
 Charadriiis virgmicus. — The Golden Plover. 
 
 This Plover passes through Canada about the 
 last of April, on its way north to breed. About 
 the 1st of September, they again visit Canada 
 in small flocks while migrating southward. Color, 
 above, brownish-black, with irregular spots of 
 golden-yellow; beneath, black, with lustrous 
 brown. Nests, in the grass ; eggs, four, of a 
 light buff color. 
 
 ^gialitis vociferus. — The Kill-deer Plover. 
 
 The Kill-deer Plover is a summer resident of 
 Canada. Color, above, light brown ; rump, 
 rufous ; black band on the breast ; and around 
 the neck a black ring; beneath, white. It is 
 called " Kill-deer," from its note. Nests, on the 
 ground ; eggs, four, light buff color. 
 
 Ai. nioiitamis. — The Mountain Plover. 
 The Mountain Plover is an accidental visitor in 
 Canada. Length, nine inches. Color, grayish- 
 brown. Breeds in Manitoba and British Columbia. 
 
 ^. Wilsouiiis. — Wilson's Plover. 
 This bird is occasionally met with in Canada 
 late in the fall. Breeds in Delaware, Virginia, 
 and the Carolinas. Color, ashy-brown above, 
 
78 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 the feathers edged with pale ashy ; band on the 
 breast, brownish-black; bill, black ; legs, yellow. 
 Length, eight inches. 
 
 y^. senii-palmatus. — Semi-palmated Plover. 
 
 This Plover breeds north of Ontario. Spring 
 and fall visitor. Color, above, light ashy-brown ; 
 beneath, white. Length, seven inches 
 
 yfi". melodiis. — The Piping Plover. 
 
 The Piping Plover arrives from the south 
 about the last of April. It is a regular summer 
 visitor in Canada. Color, above, light brown ; 
 beneath, white ; length, eight inches. Nests, in 
 the sand ; eggs, four, light buff. 
 
 Squatarola helvetica. — The Black-bellied Plover. 
 
 This Plover breeds north of Ontario. Arrives 
 in Canada in September, in flocks. In their 
 habits they closely resemble the Golden Plover. 
 Color, above, white ; beneath, black ; sides of 
 the neck and rump, ashy ; bill and legs, black. 
 Length, eleven and a-half inches. 
 
 Family H^EMATOPODIDiE. 
 O YSTER-CA TCHERS. 
 
 THE 
 
 HamatopHs palliatus. — The Oyster-catcher. 
 
 This species is a rare visitor in Canada. Head, 
 neck, upper part of breast, quill feathers, and 
 latter half of tail feathers, deep shining black, 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 79 
 
 and the rest of the plumage is pure white ; bill, 
 three inches long, and flattened sideways. 
 
 H. niger. — Backman's Oyster-catcher. 
 The general color of this bird is dark brown ; 
 head and breast, brownish black. It is occasionally 
 shot, in the fall, on the island opposite Toronto. 
 
 Strepsilas interpres. — The Turnstone. 
 
 The Turnstone breeds in Manitoba. Visits 
 Canada in small numbers in the spring and fall. 
 Color, black, rufous, and white above ; abdomen, 
 white ; head and neck, marked with stripes of 
 brownish-black. 
 
 ^. melanocephala. — The Black Turnstone. 
 This species is an accidental visitor. Color, 
 darker than the preceding. Length, eleven inches. 
 
 Family RECURVIROSTRID^. 
 A VOSETS. 
 
 THE 
 
 AMERICAN AVOSET. 
 
 RecHTvirostra americaina. — The American Avoset. 
 The Avoset is quite accidental in Canada. On 
 
8o 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 the shores of the Caspian and the salt lakes of 
 Tartary they are very abundant. Specimens 
 have been shot late in the fall on the island, 
 opposite Toronto. Length, seventeen inches ; 
 the head and neck, pale reddish brown ; back 
 and quills, black ; other parts, white. The bill, 
 which is three inches long, turns up like a hook, 
 and is flat, thin, and sharp. 
 
 Family PHALAROPODIDiE. 
 PHALAROPES. 
 
 THE 
 
 Phalaropus hyperboreus. — The Northern 
 Phalarope. 
 
 The Northern Phalarope is an occasional spring 
 and fall visitor in Canada. Breeds in Manitoba ; 
 nests, on the ground ; eggs, four in number, of a 
 brownish drab color. This beautiful little bird 
 is a swimmer as well as a wader : its motions, 
 while swimming and wading, are exceedingly 
 graceful and interesting. The migrations of this 
 species extend from Manitoba to the Gulf of 
 Mexico. Head and neck, sooty-ash color; wings, 
 back, and tail, brownish-black; abdomen, white; 
 legs and bill, dark ; throat and breast, white ; and 
 the neck, with a ring of bright ferruginous. 
 
i 
 
 I I 
 
 i;r- 
 
 
 ■ ■ i ■ 
 
 I 
 
 ^-^ 
 
'^ 
 
 WILSON'S SNIPE. 
 
 p. 8l 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 P. Wtlsomt. — Wilson's^Phalarope. 
 
 8l 
 
 Wilson's Phalarope is also an occasional visitor 
 in Canada. Color, dark, above; white, beneath; 
 a stripe of bright reddish-brown around the neck, 
 running upwards to the back. 
 
 P. fulicarius. — The Red Phalarope. 
 
 Several specimens of tiiis rare and beautiful 
 bird have been shot near TorDnto this fall. Gene- 
 ral color, deep slate, streaked with brownish- 
 yellow, and reddish-chocolate. 
 
 Family SCOLOPACIDiE. THE SNIPES. 
 
 Philohela minor. — The Woodcock. 
 
 This well known bird arrives here early in 
 March. Color, above, variegated with reddish- 
 black and ashy ; underneath, rufous ; legs, pale 
 red ; bill, dark brown. Nests, on the ground ; 
 beneath a log or bush ; eggs, four ; of a yellow- 
 ish-drab color, with dark brown blotches. Pearly 
 in November the Woodcock leaves for the south. 
 
 Gallinago Wilsonii. — Wilson's Snipe. 
 
 Wilson's Snipe is a well known summer visitor 
 in Canada. It arrives about the tenth of March. 
 Feeds upon earthworms principally. Nests, on 
 the ground ; eggs, four ; of an olive-drab color, 
 slightly marked with brown spots. General 
 11 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 «■'.' 
 
82 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 color, above, brownish-black, marked with light 
 rufous yellowish-brown or ashy-white ; under- 
 neath, white. Late in the fall this snipe goes 
 south. 
 
 Macrorhamphus grisens. — The Gray Snipe. 
 
 The Gray Snipe is dark-ashy above ; pale 
 reddish and black on the back ; rump and upper 
 tail coverts, white ; under parts, pale red and 
 brownish black. This Snipe arrives here about 
 the twentieth of April. Breeds in the north, and 
 again visits Canada about the first of September. 
 
 M, scolopaceiis. — The Greater Longbeak. 
 
 This Snipe is an irregular visitor in Canada. 
 Length, twelve inches ; color, above, brownish- 
 black, and yellow ; beneath, wood-brown, with 
 spots of umber. 
 
 Sub-Family. Tringin^. — The Sandpipers. 
 
 Tringa canutns. — The Grayback, or R Sin 
 
 Snipe. 
 
 The Gray-back is a spring and fall visitor. It 
 is the largest of the Sandpipers. Upper parts, 
 light gray, with irregular spots of black ; under 
 parts, light reddish-brown. Breeds in the north. 
 
 T. Cooperii. — Cooper's Sandpiper 
 
 This Sandpiper occasionally visits Canada 
 during the spring and fall migrations. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 83 
 
 T. maritima. — The Purple Sandpiper. 
 
 This pretty bird is frequently seen in Canada 
 in the fall. Breeds in the far north. Head and 
 upper parts, smoky-brown, with a purple tinge ; 
 under parts, white. 
 
 T. stibarquata. — The Curlew Sandpiper. 
 
 The Curlew Sandpiper is a very rare visitor \\\ 
 Canada. Upper parts, brownish-black, spotted 
 with bright yellowish-red ; under parts, d.-.rk 
 yellowish-rufouF 
 
 T. cJpina. — The Red-backed Sandpiper. 
 
 This species visits Canada during the spring 
 and autumn in large numbers. Upper parts, 
 dark ash color ; abdomen, white ; breast, pale 
 ash, with streaks of brown. 
 
 T. mamlata. — The Jack Snipe. 
 
 The Jack Snipe is a regular spring and fall 
 visitor, usually arriving in Canada early in May 
 and about the middle of September. It is com- 
 monly called " Grass Bird," by which name it is 
 generally known. 
 
 T. Wtlsonii. — The least Sandpiper, or Peep. 
 
 This Sandpiper is the smallest of the family. 
 It arrives in Canada about the middle of May, 
 and soon leaves for the interior of ihe country 
 where it breeds. 
 
 m 
 
 if 
 
 I' i 
 pi 
 
 Pi 
 
^ 
 
 84 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 
 T. Bonapartii. — Bonaparte's Sandpiper. 
 
 Bonaparte's Sandpiper is light ashy-brown, 
 above ; darker on the rump ; under parts, white. 
 Arrives here in small flocks during the spring 
 and fall migrations. 
 
 Calidris arenaria. — The Sanderling, or 
 Beach-bird. 
 
 The Sanderling breeds in Manitoba. It has 
 all the characteristics of the Sandpipers. Upper 
 parts, light ashy ; under parts, pure white ; no 
 hind toe ; front toes rather long ; bill straight 
 and rather thick. It visits Canada in small flocks 
 early in September. 
 
 Ereunetes petrificatus. — The Semi-palmated 
 
 Sandpiper. 
 
 This Sandpiper is six and a-half inches in 
 length, and has the feet semi-palmated. In other 
 respects it resembles the Least Sandpiper. 
 Breeds in Manitoba. It is accidental in Canada. 
 
 Micropalma himantopus. — The Stilt Sandpiper. 
 
 The Stilt Sandpiper is an occasional visitor 
 during the fall migrations. 
 
Birds of Canada. 85 
 
 Sub-Family ToTANiN.^.— 77/^ Stilts. 
 
 Sytnphemia semipalmata.—Tht Willet. 
 The Willet is dark ashy above ; rump and 
 under parts, white. Breeds in Canada. Nests, 
 on the sandy beach of an island ; eggs, four in 
 number, of a pale olive color. 
 
 Gambetta melanolmca.~T\\^ Greater Yellow-legs, 
 
 or Tell-tale. 
 
 This species breeds in Manitoba. Visits Cana- 
 da in the spring and fall. Entire upper parts of 
 the body, cinereous ; under parts, white ; neck 
 and legs, long ; legs, yellow. 
 
 G.favipes.—ThG Yellow-legs. 
 
 The Yellow-legs is well-known in Canada as 
 a spring and fall visitor. It is smaller than the 
 preceding bird. Breeds in the northern part of 
 this continent. 
 
 Rhyacophilus solitarius.~ThQ Solitary Sandpiper. 
 
 The Solitary Sandpiper is frequently called 
 " Wagtail," from its habit of nodding its head 
 
 
 m 
 
86 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 and tipping up its tail. Remains in Canada 
 through the summer. Upper parts, greenish- 
 brown, with spots of ashy-white ; under parts, 
 white ; bill, curved upward from the middle. 
 
 Tringoides macularius. — The Spotted Sandpiper. 
 
 The Spotted Sandpiper arrives in Canada in 
 large flocks early in April, and remain through 
 the summer. Nests, in the sand ; eggs, four in 
 number, of a yellowish-bufif color. Upper parts, 
 brownish-olive-green, with irregular spots of 
 brownish-black ; under parts, white. 
 
 
 Actiturus Bartramius. — The Field Plover. 
 
 The Field Plover breeds in Canada. Fre- 
 quents grain fields and meadows. Upper parts, 
 brownish-black, with a greenish lustre ; under 
 parts, pale yellowish-white ; middle tail feathers, 
 greenish-brown ; legs, light yellow. Nests, on 
 the ground ; eggs, four, of a creamy-drab color. 
 
 Tryngites rufescens. — The Buff-breasted 
 Sandpiper. 
 
 This species is frequently seen in Canada 
 during the fall migration. Breeds in the arctic 
 regions. Legs, long ; upper parts, pale ashy- 
 brown, with a yellowish tinge ; under parts, light 
 yellowish-red. 
 
Birds of Canada. 87 
 
 Limosa fedoa. — The Marbled Godwit. 
 
 The Marbled Godwit is j spring and autumn 
 visitor. Bill, long, curved upwards ; wings, long ; 
 tail, short ; legs, long ; upper parts, brownish- 
 black and pale reddish ; under parts, pale rufous, 
 with lines of brownish-black. 
 
 L. hudsonica. — The Hudsonian Godwit. 
 
 This bird is an irregular fall visitor. Color, 
 brownish-black above, underneath, yellowish-red ; 
 feathers, tipped with white ; length, eighteen 
 inches; bill, three inches. 
 
 pi 
 
 : ! 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 Si, S- 
 
 LONQ-BILLED CURLEW. 
 
 Ntimenius longirostris. — The Long-billed Curlew. 
 
 The Long-billed Curlew is a regular spring 
 and fall visitor in Canada. Bill, very long, and 
 
88 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 curved downwards ; upper parts, pale rufous, 
 with lines of black on the neck and sides ; legs, 
 bluish-brown. 
 
 N. hudsonicns. — The Short-billed Curlew 
 
 The Short-billed Curlew is also a spring and 
 fall visitor. Bill smaller than the preceding; 
 head, above, brownish-black ; other upper parts, 
 brownish-black, tinged with ashy. 
 
 N. borealis. — The Esquimaux Curlew. 
 
 This Curlew is not often seen in Canada, as it 
 merely remains for a few days during the spring 
 and fall migrations. They breed in the far north. 
 It is easily distinguished from the other two by 
 its smaller size, and its small and weak bill. 
 
 Sub-Family RalliN-<e. — The Rails. 
 
 R alius clegans. — The Marsh Hen. 
 
 The Marsh Hen occasionally visits Canada in 
 the spring and autumn. Upper parts, olive- 
 brown ; underneath, chestnut. 
 
 R. crepitans. — The Clapper Rail. 
 
 The Clapper Rail is a summer resident of 
 Canada. Color, above, light ashy-olive ; neck 
 and breast, tawny ; abdomen, and sides, brown- 
 ish black. Nests, on the ground, in or near a 
 marsh ; eggs, seven, of a creamy-drab color* 
 
Birds of Canada. 89 
 
 R. virginianus. — The Virginia Rail. 
 
 This species visits Canada in the spring, and 
 remains until September. Upper parts, olive- 
 brown, with stripes of brownish-black ; throat, 
 white ; breast, bright rufous. Nests, in low 
 meadows ; eggs, eight, of a deep bufif color. Food 
 consists of insects and worms. 
 
 Por::ana Carolina, — The Carolina Rail. 
 
 The Carolina Rail arrives in Canada about the 
 tenth of April, and frequents the marshes and 
 meadows. Upper parts, greenish-brown, with 
 bands of black ; the sides of the neck and breast, 
 bluish-ash ; bill, greenish-yellow ; legs, green. 
 Nests, on the ground ; eggs, eight in number, of 
 a yellow-drab color, with an olive tint. In Oc- 
 tober, or early in November, this species collect 
 in flocks and leave for the coasts of Florida and 
 Louisiana. 
 
 P.jamaicensis. — The Little Black Rail. 
 
 This pretty Little Rail is an occasional fall 
 visitor in Canada. Length, five inches. Color, 
 blackish-brown. 
 
 P. novehoracensis. — The Yellow Rail. 
 
 This bird is a summer resident of Canada. 
 Nests, in the grass ; eggs, fourteen or fifteen j 
 pure white. The upper parts are yellow-ochre 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 ^)( 
 
 fflfi' 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 t 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 color, with stripes of brownish-black ; neck and 
 breast, reddish-yellow ; abdomen, white. 
 
 Crex pratensis. — The Corn Crake. 
 
 The Corn Crake is accidental in Canada. 
 Color, blackish-brown Length, ten inches Bill, 
 greenish-black. 
 
 Fulica americana. — The Coot. 
 
 The Coot is fourteen inches long Upper parts, 
 dark slate color, with an olive tint on the back 
 and rump ; head, black ; abdomen, white. Breeds 
 in Canada. Nests, in a bog, or near a muddy 
 pond ; eggs, twelve, of a light buff color. 
 
 PURPLE QALLINULE. 
 
 Gallinule martinica. — The Purple Gallinule. 
 
 .The Purple Gallinule is twelve inches long. 
 Upper parts, dark olive-green; bill, bright-red, 
 tipped with yellow ; under parts, bluish-purple ; 
 legs, yellow. An occasional visitor to the marsh 
 east of Toronto. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 91 
 
 Order VI.— JfttJlmwW. 
 
 SUB-ORDER ANSERES. 
 Sub-Family CYGNlNi€. — The Swans. 
 
 Cygnus americanus. — The American Swan. 
 
 This magnificent bird is rare in the eastern 
 part of Canada ; in the west, it is occasionally 
 met with in the vicinity of the river St. Clair. 
 Several beautiful specimens were obtained near 
 Goderich in the summer of 1870. The adult 
 bird is pure white ; the bill and legs, black ; the 
 tail has twenty feathers. The young birds -ire 
 brown, with a reddish tint. Breeds in the north- 
 west. Nests, on the ground ; eggs, eight in num- 
 ber, of an olive-green color. This swan is fifty- 
 four inches long. 
 
 C. buccinator. — The Trumpeter Swan. 
 
 This beautiful Swan is an accidental visitor, 
 rarely seen east of Toronto. It is sixty-two 
 inches long. Pure white ; the bill and legs, 
 black. Its notes are loud and sonorous. Breeds 
 in the north-west. 
 
92 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 Sub-Family Anserine. — The Geese. 
 
 I! 
 I 
 
 THE SNOW GOOSE. 
 
 A user hyperboreus. — The Snow Goose. 
 
 The Snow Goose is an occasional visitor in 
 Canada. It is two feet eight inches in length, 
 and its extended wings are five feet. The bill 
 of this bird is very curious, the edges having 
 each strong projecting teeth ; and the tongue, 
 which is horny at the extremity, is armed on 
 each side with thirteen long and sharp teeth. 
 The upper mandible is bright red ; the lower, 
 white. The head, neck, and body of the adult 
 bird are pure white ; the quills are white for half 
 their length, the rest, black; the legs are deep red. 
 The Snow Goose inhabits the arctic regions, occa- 
 sionally migrating to Canada and the more tem- 
 perate climes of Virginia and Maryland. 
 
in 
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 ng 
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 on 
 
 th. 
 
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 lalf 
 
 ed. 
 
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 h*f»>f^ 
 
 WILD GOOSE. 
 
 P-93 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 93 
 
 A. Gatnbelli. — The White-fronted Goose. 
 
 The White-fronted Goose is an accidental 
 visitor. It is smaller than the Snow Goose. 
 Color, grayish ; forehead, white ; bill and legs, 
 
 red. The tail has sixteen feathers, 
 the far north. 
 
 Breeds in 
 
 A . frontalis. — The Brown-fronted Goose. 
 
 The Brown-fronted Goose is occasionally- seen 
 in Canada. It inhabits the frozen regions of the 
 north. It resembles the White-fronted Goose in 
 general appearance. The forehead, however, is 
 dark brown instead of white. 
 
 Bernicla canadensis. — The Canada Goose, 
 or Wild Goose. 
 
 The Canada Goose is a well known spring and 
 fall visitor, passing here in flocks, in March or 
 April, for the northern part of this continent, 
 where it breeds, and remains until the hard frosts 
 begin, when they leave for a more temperate 
 climate. Immense flocks of these geese can be 
 seen almost daily on their way to the south, 
 during the last of October and through the 
 month of November. Each flock is usually 
 attended by an old gander, who every now and 
 then calls out his well known " honk,'' which is 
 replied to by several members of the flock. The 
 
94 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 Canada Goose is thirty-five inches long. The 
 upper parts, brownish ; the lower, a pale brown, 
 with a tinge of purple-gray or smoky-brown ; 
 head, neck, bill, and feet, black ; a patch of white 
 on the cheek, behind the eye. Tail, of eighteen 
 feathers. 
 
 B. Imcopareia. — The White-cheeked Goose. 
 
 The White-cheeked Goose is smaller than the 
 Canada Goose, and much darker in color. It is 
 distinguished by a white cheek. Accidental in 
 Canada. Habitat, British Columbia. 
 
 B. brenta. — The Brant. 
 
 This bird closely resembles the Canada Goose 
 in its habits. It is twenty-four inches long. Bill, 
 feet, head, tail, and neck, black. On each side 
 of the middle of the neck is a small white cres- 
 cent streaked with black ; the belly, gray, pass- 
 ing into white behind. 
 
 Sub-Family ANATiN^Oi. — The River Ducks. 
 
 Anas boschas. — The Mallard, or Green-head. 
 
 This well known duck breeds in Canada. 
 Nests, in a meadow, or near a pond ; eggs, ten 
 or twelve, of a yellowish white. The Green-head 
 is the original of our domestic duck. 
 
n 
 d 
 
 Birds of Canada. 93 
 
 A . obscura. — The Black Duck, or Dusky Duck. 
 
 The Black Duck is the most abundant of all 
 our ducks. Breeds in Canada. Nests, near a 
 pond or stream ; eggs, six, white. General color, 
 bluish-brown, tinged with black. 
 
 Dafila acuta. — The Pintail Duck. 
 
 This beautiful duck is a well known visitor in 
 Canada. Head anc neck, pale brown ; sides of 
 the breast and part of the back, white, tinged 
 with pale bufif; tail pointed, the two middle 
 feathers five inches longer than the others, and 
 black ; legs, pale lead color. Breeds in the far 
 north. 
 
 Nettion carolinensis. — The Green-winged Teal. 
 
 This pretty fowl is very abundant in Canada 
 in the spring and fall. It frequently breeds here. 
 Nests, on the ground, in close proximity to a 
 pond or stream ; eggs, seven or eight in number, 
 of a dusky-white color. This Teal is about 
 fifteen inches in length ; the head is dusky ; the 
 top of the head, cheeks, and neck are chestnut- 
 red ; the throat is black ; a broad green band 
 extends from the eye to the nape ; the lower 
 part of the neck, back, and sides, are alternately 
 striped with lines of white and black ; the breast 
 is reddish, and spotted ; the belly, a yellowish- 
 white. 
 
\l'l 
 
 
 96 
 
 Btrcis of Canada. 
 
 Querquedula discors. — The Blue-winged Teal. 
 
 The Blue-winged Teal is a regular spring and 
 fall visitor. This species is smaller than the pre- 
 ceding ; the bill is long, and of a dark dusky slate 
 color ; the front and upper part of the head are 
 black ; from the eye to the chin is a large crescent 
 of white, the rest of the head and half the neck 
 are of a dark slate, richly glossed with green and 
 violet ; remainder of the neck and breast is black 
 or dusky ; belly, pale brown, barred with dusky, 
 in narrow lines ; back, deep brownish-black, each 
 feather waived with large semi-ovals of brownish- 
 white ; lesser wing-coverts, a bright light blue. 
 Habits similar to those of the Green-winged 
 Teal. 
 
 Q. cyanoptera. — The Red-breasted Teal. 
 
 This pretty fowl occasionally visits our waters 
 in company with the other Teals. 
 
 Spatula clypeata. — The Shoveller, or Spoonbill. 
 
 The Spoonbill breeds in the north-west. Visits 
 Canada in the spring and autumn. Head 
 and neck, green ; forepart, and sides of the breast, 
 white ; rest of under parts, purplish-chestnut. 
 
 Chanlelasmus strepcrus. — The Gadwall, or 
 Gray Duck. 
 
 This species breeds in the far north. Visits 
 Canada during the spring and fall migrations. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 97 
 
 )ill. 
 
 Head and neck, brownish-white ; forepart of 
 breast and back, blackish ; underneath, plumbe- 
 ous-gray. 
 
 Mareca americana — Baldpate, or American 
 
 Widgeon. 
 
 This beautiful fowl breeds in Manitoba. Visits 
 Canada in company with Teals and Canvass- 
 back Ducks. Head and neck, gray, spotted with 
 black ; a broad green patch around and behind 
 the eye ; top of the head, nearly white. 
 
 i 
 
 y^i 
 
 .' I 
 
 SUMMER DUCK. 
 
 Isits 
 ms. 
 
 Aix sponsa, — The Summer Duck, or Wood Duck. 
 
 This bird is, without exception, the ir:ost beau- 
 tiful of all our ducks. It builds its ntst in a 
 
 13 
 
98 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 i i! 
 
 1 
 
 il 
 
 hollow tree, or on a limb that hangs over water ; 
 eggs, twelve or thirteen, of a yellowish white 
 color. The Wook Duck is easily domesticated, 
 and becomes quite tame, breeding, and soon 
 acquiring all the habits of the common duck. 
 Head and crest, greenish purple, with white lines; 
 throat, white ; breast, reddish-brov\ n, marked 
 with white ; wings and back, green, with purple 
 reflections ; sides ashy-gray ; abdomen, white : 
 tail, purplish-green above, brown beneath ; the 
 whole plumage beautifully variegated with pur- 
 ple, green, chestnut, white, and ashy. 
 
 Sub-Family FULlGULINyE, — The Sea Ducks. 
 
 Fulix collaris. — The Ring-necked Duck. 
 
 This duck is distinguished by a chestnut col- 
 lar around the middle of the neck. Color, above, 
 black ; beneath, white. Frequents the Lower 
 St. Lawrence in the fall. 
 
 Fulix inarila. — The Scaup Duck, or Blue-bill. 
 
 The Scaup Duck breeds in the north-west, 
 Visits Canada during the spring and autumn 
 migrations, in small flocks. Head, neck, shoul- 
 ders, back, and tail, black ; under parts, white ; 
 bill, blue ; legs, plumbeous ; iris, yellow. 
 
)1- 
 
 L^er 
 
 m 
 
 Birds of Canada. 99 
 
 F. affinis. — The Little Black-head Duck. 
 
 This pretty and well known bird sometimes 
 breeds in Canada. It is often called " Blue-bill 
 Coot" by our sportsmen. Head, neck, shoulders, 
 lower part of back and tail, black ; belly, sides, 
 and inner wing surfaces, pure white; wings, 
 blackish, with purple reflections. 
 
 Aythya americana. — The Red-head Duck. 
 
 This fine duck is generally very abundant in 
 Canada. It breeds here. Head and neck, for 
 more than half its length, brownish red ; rest of 
 neck and body anterior to the shoulders and 
 lower part of the back, black ; beneath, white. 
 
 A. vallisneria. — The Canvass-back Duck. 
 
 This much esteemed duck is becoming quite 
 rare in Ontario, where it was, a few years since, 
 abundant. This duck is twenty-three or twenty- 
 four inches long ; beak, large and black ; the 
 head and part of the neck, of a rich glossy red- 
 dish-chestnut, ending in a broad span of black 
 that covers the upper part of the breast ; back, 
 scapulas, lower part of the breast, and belly, 
 white ; tail, short and pointed ; legs and fpct, 
 pale ash. Breeds in northern Canada. 
 
!| 
 
 100 Birds of Canada. 
 
 Bucephala islandica. — Barrow's Duck. 
 
 This duck breeds in the arctic regions. Visits 
 Canada late in the fall. Head and neck, violet- 
 blue ; a large white patch anterior to the eye ; 
 lower neck and under parts, white ; a narrow 
 white patch on the middle wing coverts ; rest of 
 upper parts, black. 
 
 B. americana. — The Golden-eye ; Whistle Wing. 
 
 This duck breeds in Canada. Nests, in a tall 
 dead tree, or in the top of a stub ; eggs, six or 
 eight, of a greenish-blue color. Head and upper 
 part of neck, green ; back, and tail, black ; under 
 parts, white. 
 
 B. albeola. — The Buffle-head, or Dipper. 
 
 This is a common and well known bird. It 
 breeds in Canada. Nests, in the holes of dead 
 trees ; eggs, six, of a yellowish-blue color. Color, 
 above, black ; beneath, white ; in front of the 
 eye and on the sides of the collar behind, rich 
 green; a patch of white on each side of the head. 
 
 Histrionicus torqiiatus. — The Harlequin Duck. 
 
 The Harlequin Duck breeds in the far north. 
 Visits Canada in the fall. Head and neck, dark 
 blue ; sides and upper parts, light blue, becoming 
 darker near the tail ; under parts generally white. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 lOI 
 
 Harelda glacialis. — The Long-tailed Duck; 
 
 Old Wife. 
 
 This duck is a frequent visitor during the 
 spring and fall migrations. Breeds in the north- 
 ern part of this continent. Head, neck, and 
 breast, blackish-brown; sides of the head and 
 body, bluish-gray ; under parts, white. 
 
 Melanctta vtivetina. — The Velvet Duck, or 
 White-winged Coot. 
 
 The Velvet Duck is a regular fall visitor, 
 usually arriving in October. General color, 
 black ; a white patch around and behind the 
 eye, and a large white speculum on the wing. 
 
 Pdionetta perspicillata. — The Surf Duck. 
 
 The Surf Duck breeds in the northern part of 
 Canada. Color, black, with a greenish lustre ; 
 a white patch on the top of the head. 
 
 Oideniia americana. — The Black Scoter. 
 
 The Black Scoter is an irregular visitor in 
 Canada. General color, black. 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 Somateria mollissima. — The Eider Duck. 
 
 This well known duck breeds in abundance in 
 Labrador and in northern Canada. During the 
 
 f I 
 
 
102 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 :M 
 
 fall and early winter it is occasionally shot 
 near Toronto. Color, above, white ; beneath, 
 black ; forehead and sides of the head, black. 
 
 5. spectabilis. — The King Duck, or King Eider. 
 
 This is a more northern species than the 
 preceding. It is scidom seen in Ontario. Speci- 
 mens are occasionally obtained in the Gulf of 
 St. Lawrence. Length twentyrone and a-half 
 inches. Body and wings, black ; throat, white ; 
 top of head, bluish-ash ; sides of the head, 
 green. 
 
 Sub-Family Erismaturin.^. 
 
 Erismatura riibida. — The Ruddy Duck; 
 
 Dipper. 
 
 The Ruddy Duck is a spring and fall visitor. 
 Length, sixteen inches ; color, chestnut-red 
 above ; grayish-white below ; top of head, black. 
 Visits Canada during the fall migrations. 
 
 E. dominica- The Black Masked Duck. 
 
 Th's species is an accidental visitor in Canada. 
 li >uat is Labrador, the Lower St. Lawrence, 
 an t l-di c Champlain. 
 
Birds of Canada. 103 
 
 Sub-Family Merging. — The Sheldrakes 
 Mergiis serrator.—The Red-breasted Merganser. 
 
 The Red-breasted Merganser breeds in Cana- 
 da. The head and neck is dark green, under 
 parts, yellowish-white. Head with a conspicuous 
 crest. Nests, in a marsh or on an island ; eggs, 
 ten, light drab. 
 
 M. amerieanus.—The Goosander, or Fish Duck. 
 
 This beautiful fowl frequently breeds in On- 
 tario. It builds its nest on the top of a tall 
 stump, or on the branch of a dead tree ; eggs, 
 eight in number, of a pale creamy white. Head 
 and neck, green; back, black; under parts, 
 salmon color; wings, white, crossed by a band 
 of black. 
 
 ^"ILL. 
 
 HOODED MERGANSER. 
 
 Lophodytes cncnllattis.—Thc Hooded Merganser 
 
 This elegant bird is not so common as the 
 other Mergansers. It breeds in Canada. Nests, 
 
104 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 in the top of a stub or in a tall r'^^e ; eggs, 
 twelve or fourteen in number, of a ciear white 
 color. This species is eighteen inches long ; the 
 head, neck, and tail, black ; the under parts and 
 centre of the crest, white. 
 
 SUB-ORDER GAVI.E. 
 
 \h 
 
 ii 
 
 I 
 
 Family PELICANID.E. THE PELICANS. 
 
 Pclicamis fuscns. — The Brown Pelican. 
 
 The Brown Pelican is fifty-six inches long ; 
 bill, thirteen and a-half inches ; color, dark. 
 Several specimens of this fine bird have been 
 shot in Western Canada within the last two 
 years. They are accidental visitors. 
 
 P. crythrorhynchns. — The Rough-billed Pelican. 
 
 This magnificent bird is seventy inches in 
 length ; the prevailing color white. It is an 
 occasional visitor in Western Canada. 
 
 Family SULID.E. THE GANNETS. 
 
 Sula bassaiia. — The Common Gannet. 
 
 This species breeds on the coast of Labrador 
 and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Visits Ontario 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 105 
 
 in the fail, in flocks of twenty or thirty. Length, 
 thirty-eight inches ; general color, white. Feeds 
 upon fish, which it obtains by plunging from a 
 height, often remaining under water for several 
 minutes. The nest of the gannet is made of 
 sea-weed and grasses, placed on the rocks near 
 the sea co.i >t. It lays but one ^^^, of a pale 
 green color. 
 
 Family GRACULIDiE. 
 CORMORANTS. 
 
 THE 
 
 Graculus carbo. — The Common Cormorant. 
 
 This speci*^s breeds in Canada. They are 
 quite common in the interior of the country. 
 Nests, in the crevices of rocks ; eggs, three, of 
 a bluish-green color. Among the whole of the 
 web-footed birds which prey on fish, there are 
 none so voracious as Cormorants. They are 
 most excellent divers, and pursue their prey 
 with astonishing facility beneath the surface of 
 the water, but upon land they are extremely 
 awkward in their movements, owing to their legs 
 being placed so far backwards : they, however, 
 fly with rapidity ; and the tail being rather long, 
 and furnished with strong feathers, it helps to 
 support the body while walking. As soon as 
 winter approaches, they are seen dispersed along 
 the sea shores, entering the mouths of fresh-water 
 
 14 
 
io6 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 rivers, and threatening destruction to all the finny 
 tribe. The Common Cormorant is thirty-seven 
 inches in length ; the color, bluish-black, gular- 
 sac, yellow, with a broad white band at the base. 
 
 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. 
 
 Gractibis dilophus. — The Double-crested 
 Cormorant. 
 
 This species is not so well known as the pre- 
 ceding. Its habits are similar to the Common 
 Cormorant. Breeds in Labrador. The head, 
 neck, lower part of the back, and entire under 
 surface, is greenish-black ; upper mandible, dark 
 brown ; lower, yellow ; iris, green ; legs, and feet, 
 black ; gular sac, orange ; behind each eye is a 
 tuft of loose feathers, which form the crest. 
 
tr 
 
 Birds of Canada. 107 
 
 Family LARIDyE.— r///f GULLS. 
 
 Sub-Family Lkstridinm:. — The Skua Gulls. 
 
 Stercorarius parasiticus. — The Arctic Skua. 
 
 The Arctic Skua breeds in the northern part 
 of this continent. During the winter it frequents 
 the sea coast of Canada. Length, twenty-two 
 inches ; color, above, brownish-black ; beneath, 
 white. 
 
 S. pomarinus. — The Pomarine Skua. 
 
 This species breeds in the far north. It is 
 much more common than the preceding. Color, 
 dark brown, tinged with black, above ; beneath, 
 white. Length, twenty inches. A regular visitor 
 to the sea coast of Nova Scotia and Newfound- 
 land. 
 
 Sub-Family Larin^. — The Gulls. 
 
 Larus marinus. — The Great Black-backed Gull. 
 
 This fine bird is twenty-six inches in length ; 
 the bill is pale yellow, thick and strong ; upper 
 parts of the back and wing, black ; all the other 
 parts of its plumage, white ; legs, pale flesh color. 
 Breeds in Labrador. Is a fall, and, sometimes, 
 winter visitor in Canada. 
 
 Larus Sabini. — The Fork-tailed Gull. 
 
 This gull frequents the coast of New Brun^:- 
 wick and Nova Scotia. Head and upper part of 
 
io8 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 Ii 
 
 neck, blackish-gray ; lower neck, lower parts, 
 and tail, white ; back and wings, bluish-gray ; 
 tail, long and forked. 
 
 Lams Rossii. — Ross's Gull. 
 
 The habitat of this pretty gull is the arctic 
 regions. During the fall and winter a few 
 specimens are occasionally seen in the Gulf of 
 St. Lawrence, and on the coast of Nova Scotia 
 and Newfoundland. Back and wings, grayish- 
 blue ; neck, lower parts, and tail, white ; bill, 
 black ; feet, red. Discovered by Sir James 
 Clark Ross, the navigator. 
 
 Larus Franklinii. — Franklin's Gull. 
 
 This gull is a rare visitor in Canada. Its 
 habitat is the arctic regions. Bill and feet, 
 Vermillion ; neck, rump, tail, and under plumage, 
 white ; black hood on nape ; upper parts, bluish- 
 gray ; quills terminated with white. 
 
 L. argentatus. — The Herring Gull, or Silvery 
 
 Gull. 
 
 The Silvery Gull is a regular visitor in Canada. 
 It is twenty-four inches long ; bill, yellow ; head, 
 neck, and tail, white ; the back and wing coverts, 
 bluish-ash ; legs, pale flesh color. Breeds in the 
 north. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 L. canus. — The Common Gull. 
 
 109 
 
 The Common Gull is the most numerous of 
 the family. It is seventeen inches long ; bill, 
 yellow ; head, neck, tail, and whole under side 
 of the body, white ; the back and coverts of the 
 wings are gray. 
 
 L.glaucus. — The Glaucous Gull. 
 
 This gull breeds in the arctic regions. An 
 accidental visitor in Canada. 
 
 L. leucopterus. — The White-winged Gull. 
 
 This species breeds in the far north. A rare 
 visitor. 
 
 L. Delaivarensis. — The Ring-billed Gull. 
 This gull is a rare visitor in Canada. 
 
 L. eburneus. — The Ivory Gull. 
 
 This beautiful gull is very common in the 
 arctic regions, and occasionally visits Canada 
 in the fall and winter. 
 
 Creagriis fiircatus. — The Swallow-tailed Gull. 
 
 This pretty gull is an accidental visitor in 
 Canada. Its habitat is the Pacific coast. 
 
 Chroicocephaliis atricilla. — The Laughing Gull. 
 
 This little gull is a summer resident of 
 Canada. The head and upper part of the neck 
 
no 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 is blackisii-gray ; lower part of neck and entire 
 under plumage, pure white ; back and wings, 
 grayish-lead color. Breeds in Canada. Nests, 
 in marshes ; eggs, three, of an olive-drab color. 
 
 C. pliiladdpltia. — Bonaparte's Gull. 
 
 This well known gull is a summer resident of 
 Canada. Back and wings, clear bluish-gray ; 
 under plumage, rump, and tail, white ; length, 
 fourteen inches. 
 
 Rissa tridaciyla. — The Kittiwake Gull. 
 
 The Kittiwake Gull occasionally visits Lake 
 Ontario during the fall. The head, neck, and 
 under plumage is pure white ; back and wings, 
 light bluish-gray ; bill, greeni.sh-yellow ; legs, 
 brownish-black. 
 
 Sub-Family Sterin/E. — The Terns. 
 
 Sterna aranca. — The Marsh Tern. 
 
 This pretty tern is a regular visitor. Head, 
 black ; back and wings, light bluish-gray ; under 
 plumage, pure white ; bill, legs, and feet, black. 
 
 S. caspia. — The Caspian Tern. 
 
 The Caspian Tern is a fall and winter visitor. 
 Head, black, glossed with green ; back and 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 Ill 
 
 ck. 
 
 lor. 
 Ind 
 
 wings, light bluish ash ; under plumage, pure 
 white ; bill, and inside of mouth, bright red ; 
 legs and feet^ black ; tail, forked. Breeds in the 
 northern regions. 
 
 S, Wilsonii. — Wilson's Tern. 
 
 This is the most common species in Canada. 
 Head, deep black, tinged with brown ; back and 
 wings, light grayish blue ; breast and abdomen, 
 clear pearl gray. Breeds on the sea coast of New 
 Brunswick. 
 
 ARCTIC TERN. 
 
 S. arctica. — The Arctic Tern. 
 
 The Arctic Tern is a fall and winter visitor 
 in Ontario. Breeds on the sea coast of Nova 
 Scotia, ^iead and neck black ; back and wings, 
 
112 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 . J ' 
 
 . 
 
 light grayish-blue ; under parts, bluish-gray, of a 
 lighter shade than the back ; legs and feet, crim- 
 son ; bill, deep carmine. 
 
 5. frenata. — The Least Tern. 
 
 The Least Tern is an irregular visitor. Breeds 
 on the sea coast. Length, nine inches : color, 
 bluish-gray above ; underneath, white ; bill, 
 orange ; legs and feet, orange-red. 
 
 6". fuliginosa. — ^The Sooty Tern. 
 
 This Tern is a regular summer visitor. Head, 
 neck, and abdomen, black ; back and wings, 
 plumbeous-gray. 
 
 5. paridisea. — Roseate Tern. , 
 
 The Roseate Tern is an irregular summer 
 visitor in Canada. 
 
 Rhytickops nigra. -^IdXdicV Skimmer or Sheerwater. 
 
 This fowl occasionally visits Lake Ontario in 
 the spring, retiring south to breed in June. 
 Color, head, neck, and wings, black ; throat, 
 breast, and abdomen, white ; legs, scarlet ; 
 length of the upper mandible, three inches and 
 a-half; of the lower, four inches and a-half. 
 The peculiar formation of its bill, the lower 
 mandible being one inch longer than the upper, 
 enables it easily to obtain its food while skim- 
 ming over the surface of the water. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 Snb-Faviily CoLYMBiNi?:. — The Loons. 
 
 113 
 
 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. 
 
 Colymbus tot-quatiis. — The Great Northern Diver, 
 
 or Loon. 
 
 The Great Northern Diver is a resident of 
 Canada. Nests, on an island, or in a meadow or 
 marsh, near the borders of the interior lakes ; 
 eggs, two or three in number, of a reddish-brown 
 color, with ari olive tint. This bird is twenty- 
 eight inches in length. Head and neck, bluish- 
 green ; uppe* plumage and v/ing coverts, deep 
 glossy blacl ;, marked with white spots. 
 
 C. scpteutrionalis. — The Red-throated Diver. 
 
 This pecies is not so common as the Great 
 Northern Diver, usually arriving here in October 
 
 15 
 
114 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 from the coast of Labrador, where it breeds. 
 Color, above, brownish-black, tinged with green ; 
 underneath, white ; bill, bluish-black; iris, bright 
 red ; feet, brownish-black. 
 
 Sub-Family PoDiciPiNiE. — TJic Grebes. 
 
 Podiceps griseigena. 
 
 The Ped-necked Grebe. 
 3 in the far 
 
 The Red-necked Grebe o 
 north ; visits Canada in the fail. Upper parts, 
 blackish-brown ; lower parts, pure white ; bill, 
 black ; feet, greenish-black. Length, eighteen 
 inches. 
 
 P, cristatus. — The Crested Grebe. 
 
 This Grebe is a common summer resident of 
 Canada. Nests, in a swamp or marsh ; eggs, 
 four in number, white. This bird is mostly 
 valued for the plumage of its breast, the flesh 
 being rank and nauseous. Color, above, umber- 
 brown ; beneath, pure white ; long tufts on each 
 side of the head, of umber-brown color. 
 
 P. cormiUis. — The Horned Grebe. 
 
 The Horned Grebe breeds in northern Canada. 
 Visits Ontario in the fall. Color, above, brown- 
 ish-black ; breast, bright chestnut ; abdomen, 
 white ; bill, bluish-black ; feet, dark gray. 
 
Birds of Canada. \ \ 5 
 
 Podilymbns podiceps.— The Pied-billed Grebe. 
 
 This species is a common summer resident of 
 Canada. Upper parts, dark brown ; breast and 
 abdomen, grayish-white, mottled with dusky 
 spots. 
 
 Family PROCELLARID.^. THE 
 PETRELS. 
 
 Tkalassidroma Leachii. — Leach's Petrel. 
 
 Leach's Petrel breeds on the sea coast of New 
 Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Nests, in the 
 crevices of rocks. Lays one pure white o^^'g. The 
 general color of this bird is sooty-brown ; bill 
 and feet, black. Length, eight inches. 
 
 STORMY PETREL. 
 
 T. Wilsonii. — Wilson's Stormy Petrel. 
 
 This Petrel is seven inches in length. Color, 
 deep sooty-black ; tail, green ; wings reaching a 
 
Ii6 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 little beyond its tip ; tarsus, one and a half 
 inches in length. Breeds on the small islands off 
 the coast of Nova Scotia. Its habits and gene- 
 ral color are similar to those of Leach's Petrel. 
 This is the bird so much dreaded by sailors as 
 the harbinger of a storm, and to which they 
 have given the name of "Mother Carey's 
 Chicken." It is met with on every part of the 
 ocean, diving or skimming over the surface of 
 the rolling waves of the most tempestuous sea. 
 Captain Sir James Clark Ross, in his Voyage, 
 &c., to the Antarctic Regions, observes that, when 
 in lat. 47° if S., long. 58^ 5v^' E., "we were 
 accompanied on our course by petrels of two or 
 three different kinds. These birds added a 
 degree of cheerfulness to our solitary wanderings, 
 which contrasted strongly with the dreary and 
 unvarying stillness of the tropical region, where 
 not a sea-bird is to be seen, except only in the 
 vicinity of its few scattered islets, which is the 
 more remarkable where the ocean abounds so 
 plentifully with creatures fit for their food." 
 
 Sub-Family PUFFINUS. 
 
 Piiffimis cinereus. — Wandering Shearwater. 
 
 This bird frequents the sea coast of the 
 maritime provinces. Upper parts, deep brown ; 
 lower parts, grayish-white ; bill, yellowish-green ; 
 feet, light greenish-gray ; length, twenty inches. 
 
Birds of Canada. u^ 
 
 Ptiffinus majoK—The Greater Sheanvater. 
 
 The Greater Shear^vater frequents the extreme 
 eastern coast of Canada. Length, twenty inches; 
 brownish-ash, above ; grayish-white, below bill 
 compressed near the end ; a straight spur in 
 place of a hind toe. 
 
 Puffinus anglorum.—U^nk's Shearwater. 
 Habitat, the coast of New Brunswick, Nova 
 Scotia, and Newfoundland. Upper parts, brown- 
 ish-black; lower, white; bill, greenish-black 
 Length, fourteen inches. Breeds in burrows ; 
 lays one white Qgg. 
 
 Ptiffinus obscurus.—Vin^Vy Shearwater. 
 
 This bird frequents the coast of New Bruns- 
 wick and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Upper 
 tarts, sooty black ; lower, white ; bill, light blue 
 Length, eleven inches. 
 
 Family ALCID^. 
 
 Sub-Family Ki^zm^.—The Auks. 
 Alca impennis.—Thz Great Auk. 
 
 The Great Auk is becoming very rare : a f^^v 
 specimens are occasionally seen on the coast of 
 Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Color : head 
 
 !• 
 
ii8 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 neck, and upper parts, black ; lower parts, 
 white. Nests, on the sand ; eggs, two, reddish- 
 brown. 
 
 A lea tarda. — The Razor-billed Auk. 
 
 The Razor-billed Auk is .seventeen inches in 
 length. The general form of this bird is short 
 and heavy ; bill, long ; upper parts, brownish- 
 black ; under parts, white. Frequents the sea 
 coast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Breeds 
 in the arctic regions. They build no nests, but 
 lay their eggs upon the bare edges of lofty 
 rocks overhanging the sea. Large numbers of 
 these birds are killed on the coast for the sake 
 of their breast feathers. 
 
 MorinoH glacialis. — Large-billed Puffin. 
 
 This bird frequents the Bay of Fundy and the 
 sea coast of New Brunswick. Bill and feet, 
 orange-yellow ; sides of the head and lower 
 parts, white ; a dark grayish color extends to 
 the lower mandible. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 
 119 
 
 ARCTIC PUFFIN. 
 
 [he 
 :et, 
 er 
 to 
 
 Mormon arctica. — The Arctic Puffin. 
 
 This exceedingly quaint looking bird is twelve 
 inches in length. It has a very large bill, which 
 has the appearance of a sheath slipped over both 
 mandibles ; it is curved towards the point, com- 
 pressed vertically, and transversely furrowed on 
 the sides ; the chin and cheeks are white, bor- 
 dered with gray, the latter much puffed up with 
 feathers, which make the head look large and 
 round. The crown of the head and upper part 
 of the plumage are black, and a collar of the 
 
120 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 same color encircles the neck ; the under parts 
 are white, and the legs are orange. The female 
 deposits her single whitish-colored Qgg in a hole 
 dug out and formed in the ground by her mate 
 and herself, or in one ready-made by the rabbits, 
 which they easily dislodge. Puffins are met with 
 on almost all the rocky cliffs on the coasts of 
 Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and on many 
 of the surrounding islands. They are gregarious 
 and migratory. 
 
 Sub-Family Urin^. — The Guillemots. 
 
 BLACK GUILLEMOT. 
 
 Uria grylle. — The Black Guillemot. 
 
 The Black Guillemot is thirteen inches in 
 length. Color, black ; a white patch on each 
 wing. This bird is a resident of Eastern Canada 
 throughout the year. It breeds on the rocky 
 islands off the coast of New Brunswick ; eggs, 
 three in number, pure white. 
 
Birds of Canada. 
 Uria lomvia.~Tho Foolish Guillemot. 
 
 121 
 
 This species is seventeen inches in length 
 The head, neck, back, wings, and tail, are of a 
 slate color; the breast and abdomen, white. 
 Ihis bird IS very common on the coast of New 
 Brunswick, where they occasionally breed. 
 
 Uria Bnmszmckii.-h^rge-hiW^d Guillemot. 
 
 This Guillemot frequents the coast of New 
 Brunswick. Color, above, grayish-black ; abdo- 
 men and edges of the wings, white; bill, black • 
 eet, dusky; eggs, three, bluish-green, laid in 
 the sand. 
 
 Uria rifigvia.—ThQ Murre. 
 
 The Murre is the same size as the preceding • 
 upper parts, dark brown, with a tinge of ash • 
 under parts, white. Frequents the coast of Nova 
 Scotia and New Brunswick. 
 
 MergulHs aiie.-Th^ Arctic Sea Dove. 
 
 This species is only eight inches in lenjjth 
 Color brownish-black, above ; white, benetth.' 
 This bird IS a winter visitor to the sea coa.c of 
 Canada. 
 
 16 
 
122 
 
 Birds of Canada. 
 
 SUPPLEMENT, 
 
 Family PICIDiE. THE WOODPECKERS. 
 
 Sub-Family PiciN^. 
 
 Centiirees carolinensis. — The Red-bellied 
 Woodpecker. 
 
 The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a common 
 summer resident of Canada. It possesses all 
 the active and noisy habits characteristic of its 
 family. Length, ten inches ; color, above, black, 
 crossed with white ; wings, black, tipped with 
 bars of white ; head, neck, and shoulders, glossy 
 red ; cheeks and under sides of the neck, pale 
 buff; breast and abdomen, yellowish-ash, stained 
 with bright red ; legs and feet, bluish-green ; 
 iris, red. Nests, in a hollow limb ; eggs, four, 
 pure white. This species seldom appears about 
 orchards or open grounds ; but it often visits 
 corn fields in search of grain, of which it is 
 particularly fond. Its principal food is insects, 
 which it obtains from decayed trees after the 
 manner of other woodpeckers. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 i. 
 
 Avoset, American 
 Auk, Great . 
 
 " Little. 
 
 " Razor-billed 
 
 Bittern, Great 
 " Least .' 
 
 Blackbird, Red-winded 
 
 Blue Bird . . , 
 
 Bobolink 
 'rant . . * 
 jnting. Bay-winged . 
 
 Black-throated 
 
 Lapland 
 
 Snow 
 
 ({ 
 
 « 
 
 Cardinal, or Red Bird 
 Cat Bird 
 Catcher, Oyster 
 
 " Backman's Oyster 
 Cedar, or Cherry Bird 
 Chat, Yellow-breasted 
 Chatterer, Bohemian 
 Chewink 
 Chikcadee . 
 Coot . 
 
 Cormorant, Common 
 Crested 
 
 PAOR 
 
 79 
 117 
 
 121 
 
 118 
 
 74 
 74 
 63 
 
 29 
 62 
 
 94 
 53 
 5S 
 52 
 52 
 
 60 
 29 
 
 79 
 79 
 44 
 41 
 
 43 
 61 
 
 31 
 
 90 
 105 
 106 
 
124 
 
 Index. 
 
 PAOE 
 
 Cow Bird .... 
 
 
 
 . 63 
 
 Crake, Corn 
 
 
 
 . 90 
 
 Crane, Sandhill . 
 
 
 
 • 76 
 
 " White 
 
 
 
 • 76 
 
 Creeper, American 
 
 
 
 . 33 
 
 Black and White . 
 
 
 
 • 34 
 
 Crossbill, Red 
 
 
 
 • 51 
 
 " White-winged 
 
 
 
 • 51 
 
 Crow 
 
 
 
 . 66 
 
 Cuckoo, Black-billed . 
 
 
 
 . 12 
 
 Yellow-billed . 
 
 
 
 II 
 
 Curlew, Esquimaux . 
 
 
 
 . U 
 
 " Long-billed . 
 
 
 
 . 87 
 
 Short-billed . 
 
 
 
 . 88 
 
 Diver, Great Northern 
 
 
 
 . 113 
 
 " Red-throated . 
 
 
 
 113 
 
 Dove, Carolina . 
 
 
 
 69 
 
 Duck, Barrow's . . . . 
 
 
 
 100 
 
 
 ' Black . . . . 
 
 
 
 95 
 
 
 * . Black-masked . 
 
 
 
 102 
 
 
 * Buffle-head 
 
 
 
 TOO 
 
 
 * Canvas-back 
 
 
 
 99 
 
 
 ' Eider . . . , 
 
 
 
 lOl 
 
 
 * Eider, or King Eider 
 
 
 
 102 
 
 
 * Gadwall's Gray 
 
 
 
 96 
 
 
 * Green-head 
 
 
 
 94 
 
 
 ' Harlequin 
 
 
 
 100 
 
 
 * Little Black-head . 
 
 
 
 99 
 
 
 • Long-tailed, or Old Wife . 
 
 
 
 lOl 
 
 
 * Pintail . . . . 
 
 
 
 95 
 
 
 ' Red-head . , . . 
 
 
 
 99 
 
 
 ' Ruddy . . . . 
 
 
 
 102 
 
 
 * Scaup . . . . 
 
 
 
 98 
 
 
 * Shoveller . . . . 
 
 
 
 96 
 
(( 
 
 u 
 
 Index. 
 Duck, Surf . 
 
 Whistle-wine 
 
 " Wood . ; 
 
 Eagle, Golden . 
 
 White-he-\ded 
 
 Finch, Pine . 
 Purple 
 Flycatcher, Canada 
 
 Great-crested 
 Green Black-cap 
 Least 
 
 Small-headed 
 
 Gallinule, Purple 
 Gannet, Common 
 Godwit, Hudsonian 
 
 " Marbled 
 Goshawk, 
 
 Goosander 
 
 Goose, Brown-fronted 
 
 Canada . 
 
 Snow 
 
 White-cheeked 
 
 White-fronted 
 Grackle, Purple 
 
 Rusty . 
 Grebe, Crested 
 
 Horned . 
 ;; Pied-billed 
 " Red-necked 
 Grosbeak, Blue 
 
 Coot . 
 
 <( 
 
 << 
 
 <i 
 
 125 
 
 »-AOB 
 
 lOI 
 
 lOI 
 
 lOO 
 
 99 
 
 7 
 6 
 
 50 
 
 49 
 
 39 
 
 25 
 
 39 
 
 26 
 
 39 
 
 90 
 104 
 
 87 
 
 87 
 
 3 
 103 
 
 93 
 
 93 
 92 
 
 94 
 93 
 66 
 
 65 
 114 
 
 114 
 
 IIS 
 114 
 
 60 
 
 I 
 
126 
 
 Index. 
 
 Grosbeak, Evening 
 " Pine . 
 
 '• Rose-breasted 
 
 Grouse, Sharp-tailed . 
 Guillemot, Black . 
 " Foolish 
 
 •' Large-billed 
 
 GulV^Bonaparte's 
 
 " Common 
 
 " Fork-tailed 
 
 " Franklin's . 
 
 " Glaucous 
 
 " Great Black-backed 
 
 " Herring 
 
 " Ivory . 
 
 •' Kittewake . 
 
 " Laughing . 
 
 " Ring-billed 
 
 " Ross's 
 
 •* Swallow-tailed . 
 
 " White-winged . 
 
 FAOE 
 60 
 
 49 
 
 59 
 
 71 
 120 
 
 121 
 
 121 
 
 no 
 
 107 
 
 168 
 
 109 
 
 109 
 
 107 
 
 108 
 
 109 
 
 no 
 
 109 
 
 T09 
 
 108 
 
 109 
 
 109 
 
 I 
 
 « 
 
 « 
 
 Hawk, Black 
 
 Broad-winged 
 
 Cooper's 
 
 Duck 
 
 Fish 
 
 Marsh 
 
 Night 
 
 Pigeon 
 
 Red-shouldered 
 
 Red-tailed 
 
 Rough-legged 
 
 Sharp-shinned 
 
 5 
 5 
 3 
 I 
 
 7 
 
 # 
 
 6 
 
 21 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 4 
 5 
 4 
 

 Index. 
 
 Hawk Sparrow 
 Hen, Marsh 
 Heron, Great Blue 
 " Green 
 Night 
 Humming Bird 
 
 Ibis, Glossy 
 Indigo Bird 
 
 Jay, Blue 
 ** Canada 
 
 Lark, Shore 
 
 " Meadow 
 Legs, Yellow 
 
 ft 
 
 Mallard 
 Martin, ?urple 
 Merganser, Hooded 
 
 " Red-breasted 
 
 Murre 
 
 127 
 
 PAGE 
 2 
 
 88 
 
 73 
 75 
 75 
 71 
 
 1^ 
 61 
 
 67 
 68 
 
 48 
 64 
 85 
 
 94 
 18 
 
 103 
 
 103 
 
 121 
 
 Nuthatch, Red-bellied 
 White-bellied 
 
 32 
 32 
 
 Oriole, Baltimore 
 Orchard . 
 Owl, Barred 
 
 '• Cinereous . 
 
 " Great Horned 
 
 " Hawk . 
 
 * Long-eared . 
 
 65 
 
 64 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 7 
 10 
 
 8 
 
128 
 
 f( 
 
 « 
 
 Index. 
 
 Owl, Saw-whet 
 Screech 
 Short-eared 
 " Sparrow 
 " Snowy 
 Oyster-catcher 
 
 Backman's 
 
 u 
 
 PAGE 
 
 9 
 8 
 
 8 
 9 
 
 lO 
 
 79 
 
 Partridge, Ruffled 
 " Spruce 
 
 " Virginia 
 
 Pelican, Brown . 
 
 Rough-billed . 
 Petrel, Greater Shearwater, 
 " Leach's . 
 " Wilson's Stormy 
 Pewee, Wood 
 Phalarope, Northern . 
 Red . 
 " Wilson's . 
 
 Phebe Bird . 
 Pigeon, Wild 
 Plover, Black-bellied . 
 
 " Field 
 
 " Golden 
 
 " Kill-deer . 
 
 " Mountain . 
 
 *• Piping 
 
 •* Semi-palmated 
 Wilson's . 
 Puffin, Arctic 
 
 " Large-billed 
 
 or 
 
 71 
 
 70 
 
 72 
 104 
 104 
 117 
 
 115 
 
 115 
 
 25 
 80 
 
 81 
 
 81 
 
 25 
 69 
 
 78 
 86 
 
 77 
 
 77 
 
 77 
 
 78 
 
 78 
 
 77 
 IIP 
 
 118 
 
I 
 
 ■MM 
 
 Index. 
 
 Rail, Carolina 
 " Clapper 
 " Little Black 
 *' Virginia 
 " Yellow 
 
 Raven . 
 
 Red-poll, Lesser 
 
 Red-stai t 
 
 Robin . 
 
 129 
 
 PAQB 
 89 
 
 88 
 
 89 
 
 89 
 
 89 
 
 66 
 
 52 
 
 41 
 28 
 
 (( 
 
 Sandpiper, Bonaparte's 
 Buff-breasted 
 Cooper's 
 Curlew 
 Least 
 Purple 
 Red-backed 
 Semi-palmated 
 Solitary- 
 Spotted ' . 
 Stilt . 
 " Yellow Legs 
 
 Sanderling . 
 
 Shearwater, Dusky- 
 Greater . 
 Manks 
 
 <( 
 
 « 
 
 <( 
 
 « 
 
 Wandering 
 Sheerwater, Black 
 Swan, American . 
 " Trunr.peter 
 Skua, Arctic 
 
 " Pomarine . 
 Shrike, Great Northern 
 " White-rumped 
 17 
 
 84 
 86 
 82 
 
 83 
 83 
 83 
 83 
 84 
 
 85 
 86 
 
 84 
 
 85 
 84 
 
 117 
 
 117 
 
 117 
 
 116 
 
 112 
 
 91 
 
 91 
 
 107 
 
 107 
 
 45 
 46 
 
 \ 
 
Index. 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 « 
 
 Snipe, Gray . 
 " Grayback 
 " Jack . 
 " Longbeak 
 " Tell-tale 
 " Wilson's 
 Snow Bird . 
 Sparrow, Chipping 
 
 Field . 
 
 Fox-coloured 
 
 Savannah 
 
 Song 
 
 Swamp . 
 
 Tree 
 
 White-crowned 
 
 White-throated 
 
 Yellow-winged 
 Swallow, Bank . 
 
 Barn . 
 
 Chimney 
 
 Clifif 
 
 White-breasted 
 
 Tanager, Scarlet . 
 Teal, Blue-winged 
 " Green- winged 
 " Red-breasted 
 Tell-tale 
 Tern, Arctic 
 
 Caspian 
 
 Least . 
 
 Marsh 
 
 Roseate 
 
 Sooty . 
 
 Wilson's 
 
 «( 
 
 i< 
 
 « 
 
 «( 
 
 <( 
 
 i< 
 
 PAOE 
 
 82 
 
 83 
 82 
 
 85 
 81 
 
 55 
 56 
 56 
 58 
 53 
 57 
 57 
 56 
 
 54 
 
 55 
 
 54 
 18 
 
 17 
 17 
 18 
 
 18 
 
 A2 
 
 96 
 
 95 
 96 
 
 85 
 III 
 
 no 
 
 112 
 
 IIP 
 112 
 112 
 III 
 
Index. 
 
 Thrush, Golden-crowned 
 " Hermit . 
 
 Olive-backed . 
 " Tawney . 
 " Wood . 
 Titmouse, Hudson's Bay- 
 Thrasher, Brown . 
 Turkey, Wild . 
 Turnstone 
 
 Black . 
 
 Vireo, Red-eyed . 
 Solitary . 
 Warbling . 
 White-eyed 
 Yellow-throated 
 
 (( 
 
 It 
 
 Woodpecker, Banded Three-toed 
 Black-backed . 
 Downy . 
 
 Golden-winged 
 Hairy . 
 
 Pileated . 
 
 Red-bellied . 
 
 Red-headed . 
 
 Yellow-bellied 
 Widow, Chuck- Will's 
 Whip-poor-will . 
 Wren, Cuvier's Golden-crested 
 
 " Golden-crested 
 
 " House 
 
 " Winter 
 
 *' Long-billed 
 Wagtail, or Water Thrush . 
 
 (( 
 (( 
 
 K 
 <( 
 « 
 
 PAOE 
 42 
 27 
 
 27 
 26 
 
 31 
 28 
 72 
 
 79 
 79 
 
 46 
 
 47 
 46 
 
 47 
 47 
 
 13 
 
 13 
 
 13 
 
 15 
 12 
 
 14 
 122 
 
 14 
 
 13 
 
 22 
 
 19 
 30 
 30 
 34 
 34 
 ZZ 
 42 
 
H^ 
 
 132 
 
 Index. 
 
 
 Warbler, Bay-breasted 
 
 Black and Yellow . 
 " Blackburnian 
 
 Black-poll 
 
 Black-throated Blue 
 
 Black-throated Green 
 
 Blue-winged Yellow 
 
 Blue Yellow-backed 
 
 Cape May 
 
 Chestnut-sided 
 
 Golden-winged 
 
 Hooded 
 
 McGillivray's 
 
 Maryland Yellow-throat 
 
 Mourning 
 
 Nashville 
 
 Pine-creeping 
 
 Tennessee 
 
 Worm-eating 
 
 Yellow . 
 " Yellow-rump . 
 
 Yellow Red-poll . 
 Widgeon, American . 
 
 Willet 
 
 Woodcock .... 
 
 « 
 
 « 
 
 «( 
 
 « 
 
 « 
 
 « 
 
 « 
 
 « 
 
 « 
 
 « 
 
 « 
 
 « 
 
 PAGE 
 
 37 
 39 
 37 
 38 
 
 n 
 36 
 40 
 
 35 
 36 
 
 38 
 40 
 
 39 
 
 35 
 
 35 
 35 
 41 
 l^ 
 
 41 
 40 
 
 38 
 
 37 
 
 97 
 85 
 81 
 
 i 
 
 Yellow Bird . 
 
 50 
 
/ 
 
 .x-<-" 
 
 PAGE 
 
 37 
 39 
 
 37 
 38 
 
 17 
 l^ 
 40 
 
 35 
 36 
 38 
 40 
 
 39 
 
 35 
 
 35 
 
 35 
 
 41 
 
 l^ 
 
 41 
 40 
 
 38 
 Z7 
 l^ 
 97 
 85 
 81 
 
 50 
 
 IN PRESS 
 
 By the same Author : 
 butterflies and moths of 
 
 CANADA, 
 
 Described and Illustrated. 
 
 Crown 8vo., cloth, fine tinted paper, extra gilt side, 
 
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 vC^" 
 
 ■ iii . i, |y; ^.-»* 
 
 By the same Author : 
 beetles of canada! 
 
 Described and Illustrated. 
 
 Croivn 8vo., cloth, fine tinted paper, extra gilt side, 
 
 pp. ISO.