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 i 
 
 { 
 
A POPULAR HANDBOOK 
 
 OF THf. 
 
 ORNITHOLOGY 
 
 OF 
 
 EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 
 
 IIV 
 
 THOMAS NUTTALL. 
 
 SECOND RHyiSED /IND ANNOTATED EDITION 
 Bv .MONTAGLl': CIIAMDERLAIN. 
 
 WITH ADDIIIOXS 
 AND UM-; HlMiRr;D AND TEX I I.H STRATtONS I.\ COLORS. 
 
 r*~m 
 
 O) 
 
 >- 
 
 < 
 CD 
 
 J 
 
 Vol,. T. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 LITTLE, IJROWX, AND COMPANY. 
 
 1897. 
 
Copyns^ht, 1891, 1896, 
 Little, Hkown, and Company. 
 
 Sinibcrsitjj 4|)rrss: 
 John Wiison and Son. Camhridge, U.S. A 
 
P R E F ACE 
 
 TO THE SKCOXD EDITIOX- 
 
 nPHK publication of a new edition of this work has 
 enabled me to correct some errors which oc- 
 curred in the former edition, and to add some recent!)- 
 iiisc<)\-ered facts of distribution and habits. We have 
 \ct much to learn about the birds of this country, but 
 when it becomes better known that bird-life displa>-s 
 much that is of ra.e interest to the lovers of nature and 
 tc the thou.Lihtful, contemplative mind,— that the lives 
 of these graceful creatures are analogous to our own ; 
 that they have their periods of infantile helplessness, 
 and are trained for future self-reliance ; that they have 
 their love affairs, select their mates, build their homes, 
 
 and foster their offspring with almost human instincts. 
 
 we may safely predict an ever-increasing interest in the 
 stud>- of these liver,, and the solving of many problems 
 which baffle the student of to-day. 
 
 M. C. 
 
 J>.\R I Iardok. Maim;, 
 Sep fern her, 1S96. 
 
m 
 
P R E F ACE. 
 
 '" I ""HIS work is practically an edition of " A Manual 
 -*- of the ( )riiitiiology of the L'nitcd States and of 
 C.mada," written by 'J^iO.MAS NUTTALI,. 
 
 Nuttall's work has been out of print for sever.d years; 
 but its popularity and real value have ke{)t it in demand, 
 and the few copijs recently offered for sale were dis- 
 ))osed of at hisjjh prices. A new edition was thus called 
 f^r; but it seemed unwise to issue the work in its orii^i- 
 nal form, or to remodel it to the extent that would be 
 required to arrange it in harmony with the new rcij^inw 
 of affairs ornitholoj^ical ; for the science has advanced 
 rapidly since the "Manual" was written, and the 
 ch.cui'/es effected have been numerous ami imoortant. 
 A new and entirely different system of classification has 
 come in vogue; the nomenclature has been altered and 
 trinomials introduced; and, indeed, little is left of 
 American ornithology as Xuttall knew it, except the 
 birds, — and even of these, two species have become 
 extinct, and a large nu'iiber of new forms have been 
 discovered. 
 
 Thomas Nuttall came to this country from England 
 in iSo8, and be ween 1825 and 1834 held the positions 
 
\in 
 
 I'kKi'ACi:. 
 
 (»l Cur.itor of the Hotanic dtirdcn .iiul Lecturer on 
 Nalur.il Ilistoi')' at Harvard Universit)-. In i<S4_> lie 
 iclurned to Ln.i;iand, wliere he resided until his de.itU 
 in \>'>y), at the .iL;e of sevent}'-three. 
 
 1 he tirst volume of the " Manual," containiiiL; .ui 
 account of the Land Hirds, was j)ublished in 183J, and 
 a second edition, u ith some additional matter, ap[)eared 
 in 1840. The second volume, of which one edition only 
 u.i- issued, came out in 1834. 
 
 1 he " Manual " was the hrst hand-book of the subject 
 that had been published, and its deliL,ditful sketches of 
 bird-life <uid its fragrance of tile field and forest carried 
 it into immediate favor, liut Xuttall was more than a 
 mere lover of Nature, he had considerable scientific at- 
 tainment; and thout;h he a[))iears to have enjoyed the 
 stiuly o( bird-life more than he did the musty side of 
 ornitholoL;;}', with its dried i^kins and drier technicalities, 
 he had an eye trained for careful observation and a stu- 
 dent's respect for exact statement. It was this rare com- 
 bination that i:^a\'c; to Xuttall's work its real x'alue ; and 
 tliese chapters of his are still valuable, — much too wilu- 
 ahle to be lost; for if a u^reat advance has been made in 
 the study of scientific ornithology, and of the species 
 that occur in the Western half of the continent, our 
 knowledge of the life-histories of most of the Eastern 
 birds has been advanced but little beyond that left us 
 by Nuttall and his contemporaries, 
 
 I must not however be understood as undervaluing 
 the recent work of the " American School," as they are 
 styled by luiropean writers ; for it may be said, without 
 exaggeration, that the present generation of workers 
 in this field have placed American ornithology quite 
 
I 
 
 PKLIACE. 
 
 IX 
 
 abreast of that of an\' other couiitr)'; aiul, uulccd, as 
 I have written elsewhere in these pages. the\- ha\'r been 
 called "the pioneers of modern ornithological science." 
 Besides their more technical work, the American stu- 
 (Knts have written some of the best chapters of bird 
 biograi)hy to he found in the entire range of ornitho- 
 logical literature. 
 
 While this is but a frank statement of facts, wc must 
 concede that the older writers noted so carefully the 
 habits of the birds they knew that comparatively little 
 was left for their successors to discover. 
 
 It was suggested to me thai the new might be com- 
 binetl willi the old. — that an interesting and u.-^eful 
 book might be preparetl b\' taking Xuttall's biographies 
 and inserting brief notes relating the results of recent 
 determinations in distrioution and habits. That is what 
 I have attempted in the present work. The Introduc- 
 tion has been given e.xactK' as it appeared in .Xuttall's 
 second edition, and the text of the biographical m.itter 
 has been changetl but little. I\I\' notes follow each 
 cha])tcr in a smaller t\'pe, that the}- ma\- be readilx- 
 distinguished. I have also rewritten the descriptions of 
 l)luniage, and ha\-e endeavored to {)hrase these in such 
 well-known and untechnical terms that they may be 
 understood by unskilled readers. To these I haw 
 added a description of the nest and eggs of each 
 species. In short, an effort has been made to prepare 
 a work that will be useful to young students, as well 
 as entertaining to those who are merel}' interested in 
 birds. 
 
 The new matter has been selected with special re- 
 gard for the needs of these classes of readers, for I 
 
I'KliJACK. 
 
 liavc liacl another motive in the preparation (jf this 
 work besides that of preservins^ Xuttall's bioj^raphics. 
 Some time a^o I made a j)romise to several Canadian 
 friends to prepare a book treatincj ot' Canadian birds 
 that would be scientifically correct and at the >anie time 
 " popular" in its style. So while writinL,^ these pai^es 
 I have kept Canadian readers constantl\' in mind, and 
 liave j^iveii here an account of every specie> that has 
 been found within the Dominion east of the Manitoba 
 plains, tos4ether with their Canadian distribution. 
 
 The limits of a " hand-book " demandinL^ the most 
 rii^id economy of space, when treating; t-f >o extensive 
 a subject 1 have been compelled to omit those species 
 which occur only to the westward of the Mississippi 
 valley, thoutjjh I have endeavored to make mention of 
 every bird that has occurred within this Eastern Faunal 
 Province, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean, 
 and to give their distribution and breeding area so far 
 as these are known. Nuttall knew very little about 
 tlie Western birds, and therefore onl\- a few short 
 chapters of his have been lost through restricting the 
 scope of the present work to Eastern forms. 
 
 The nomenclature adopted is that of the " Check- 
 List " issued by the American Ornithologists' Union. 
 The sequence of species is that arranged by Nuttall, 
 with some few trifling alterations; and being radically 
 different from that of recent authors, the student mu.st 
 be referred to other works for guidance in classification 
 as well as for diagnoses of the higher groups. Coues' 
 " Key to North American Birds" is a useful work, and 
 contains matter not obtainable elsewhere, though the 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 XI 
 
 system of classification ii«j\v j^cncraliy used is mure 
 clearly stated in Ri(];4\vay's " Manual of North Amer- 
 ican Birds." Hut the most complete work at present 
 obtainable, and one which every student should have at 
 hand, is "The History of North Ami-rican Birds." by 
 Baird, Brewer, and Kidcjwa\-. With that work ami the 
 "A. O. U. Check-List" to guide him, the student will 
 be equipped for thorough study. 
 
 It onl)' remain^ fur me to thank many friends wiio 
 have aided me. To Mr. William Brew>ter and Mr. 
 Charles I*'. Batchelder. the president and the treasurer 
 of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, I am particularly 
 indebted for kind advice and assistance. Xm niu>t I 
 forget to mention the name of my fellow-wt)rkcr, ICrnest 
 !•'.. Thompson, of Toronto. A l.irge number of the 
 illustrations are from drawings made especially for this 
 work by Mr. Thompson. 
 
 M. C. 
 
 II\KVAKn r.MVKKSITV. C" AMDRI I'GE. MAsS. 
 
C O N . E N TS. 
 
 Ui.ACKEfRn, Red-winged 
 
 Rusty 
 
 Vellow-hcaded 
 
 Bluebird 
 
 Hobolink 
 
 Bunting, Indigo . . 
 
 Painted . . 
 
 Caracara, Audubon's 
 
 Cardinal 
 
 Catbird 
 
 Chat 
 
 Chickadee .... 
 
 Carolina . 
 
 Hudsonian 
 Chuck-vvill's-widow 
 Cowbird .... 
 
 deeper, Bahama iloney 
 iirown . . . . 
 Crossbill, American . . 
 
 White-winged 
 
 Crow 
 
 Fish 
 
 V Cuckoo, lilack-])illed . . 
 .Mangrove 
 Vellow-billcd 
 
 DiCKCIS.SKL 
 
 Eaglp:, Bald . . . . 
 Golden . . . 
 Grav Sea . . . 
 
 Finch, Purple . . . . 
 Flicker 
 
 Page 
 
 96 
 119 
 102 
 
 285 
 109 
 
 314 
 
 
 362 
 
 173 
 146 
 150 
 
 15' 
 
 465 
 
 104 
 3S8 
 387 
 
 Flycatcher, Acadian . 
 C rested . 
 Least . . 
 Olive-sided 
 Traill's. . 
 V'ellow-bellied 
 
 I 
 
 . GXAICATCHER . . . 
 
 Goidlinch 
 
 j- American . 
 
 Goshawk .... 
 Grackle, Boat-tailed . 
 Purple 
 j Grosbeak, Blue . . 
 
 Kvening . 
 1 Pine 
 
 Rose-breasted 
 ', Gvrfalcon .... 
 
 37ii 
 
 Hawk 
 
 Broad- winged 
 
 38' 
 
 • 
 
 
 Cooper's . . 
 
 126 
 
 
 
 Duck . . . 
 
 '31 
 
 
 
 Harris'. . . 
 
 436 
 
 
 
 Marsh . . . 
 
 437 
 
 
 
 Pigeon . . . 
 
 432 
 
 
 
 Red-shouldered 
 Red-tailed . . 
 
 298 
 
 
 
 Rough-legged 
 .Sharp-shinned 
 
 >9 
 
 
 
 .Short-tailed 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 •Sparrow 
 
 26 
 
 Humming liird . . , 
 
 37^- 
 
 Jay, 
 
 Bl 
 
 ue ... 
 
 43S 
 
 
 Canada .... 
 
 P.\(.K 
 
 4'j 
 421 
 
 410 
 424 
 420 
 
 170 
 
 353 
 
 34S 
 
 31 
 if4 
 f'5 
 
 3^'7 
 
 375 
 
 369 
 
 7 
 
 40 
 
 34 
 
 9 
 
 46 
 
 51 
 II 
 
 43 
 
 4r, 
 41 
 35 
 
 457 
 
 ^33 
 
xi\- 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Jiiy, Florida . . . 
 J unco, Slate-colored 
 
 KiN(ii;iKij 
 
 Ciray . . 
 Kingtisher .... 
 Kinglet, Golden-crowned 
 
 Ruby-crowned 
 Kite, Lvciglade 
 Mis.sissippi 
 Swallow-tailed . 
 White-tailed . . 
 
 L.M'L.A.Ni) Longspur 
 Lark, Horned . . 
 Meadow . . 
 
 M.MMi.N. I'urple . . 
 Maryland \'cllow-throat 
 Mocking Bird . . . 
 
 Nu.iii H.WVK 
 
 Nuthatch, lir^wn-hcaded 
 
 Red-lireastcd . 
 
 White-breasted 
 
 C)Ri()i.K, luTltimore 
 ( >rchard . 
 
 Osjirev . . 
 
 Oven liird . . . 
 
 Owl. r.arn 
 
 Harred . 
 Burrowing 
 Great Grav 
 Great Horned 
 Hawk . 
 l.ong-eared 
 Richardson's 
 Saw-whet . 
 .Screech . . 
 Short-tared . 
 Snowy • . . 
 
 Pakoqukt, Carolina 
 Pewee, Wood . . 
 
 Phcel)e 
 
 Pipit ..... 
 
 P.\c.u 
 
 '37 
 339 
 
 404 
 414 
 461 
 
 283 
 
 28 1 
 
 40 
 
 J/ 
 39 
 3« 
 
 304 
 294 
 
 79 
 
 391 
 
 249 
 
 US/ 
 
 470 
 3S6 
 
 3^3 
 
 ^3 
 
 93 
 
 27 
 
 215 
 
 75 
 70 
 78 
 
 f>4 
 61 
 
 53 
 
 66 
 
 «, ^ 
 /J 
 
 7:^ 
 
 57 
 6S 
 
 55 
 
 42S 
 ■4'9 
 
 415 
 292 
 
 Raven 
 
 Redpoll 
 
 Redstart 
 Robin 
 
 Hoary 
 
 ^Sapsucker . . . 
 
 Shrike, Loggerhead 
 Northern . 
 
 Siskin, Pine . . 
 
 Skylark .... 
 
 Snowliake . . . 
 
 Sparrow, Acadian Sharp 
 IJachman's 
 Chipping 
 Field . . 
 Fo.x 
 
 Grasshopper 
 Hcn.-luw's 
 Htmsc 
 Ipswich 
 Lark . . 
 Le Conte'.s 
 Lincoln's 
 Nelson's 
 Savanna 
 Seaside . 
 Sharp-tailed 
 Song . . 
 Swamp . 
 Tree . . 
 Vesper . 
 White-crowned 
 White-throated 
 
 Swallow. Bank . . 
 
 Barn . . . . 
 Cliff . . . . 
 RouG;h-winged . 
 Tree . . . 
 
 Swift, Chimnev . . . . 
 
 tai 
 
 led 
 
 Tanagkr. Scarlet . . 
 
 Summer . 
 
 Thrasher, Brown . . 
 
 Thrush, Bickncll's . . 
 
 Grav-cheeked 
 
 Hermit 
 
 Page 
 120 
 
 355 
 
 35^ 
 1O4 
 
 198 
 
 450 
 
 162 
 
 159 
 
 297 
 300 
 
 345 
 327 
 
 OJ.J 
 
 I) 
 
 jj' 
 
 33^ 
 
 329 
 
 3.1" 
 
 354 
 
 326 
 
 3^7 
 
 33' 
 
 328 
 
 34^' 
 
 325 
 
 346 
 
 344 
 -»•>-> 
 J-- 
 
 342 
 
 3'5 
 
 3'J^ 
 401 
 
 394 
 
 39^' 
 40; 
 
 39<) 
 46;, 
 
 306 
 
 309 
 192 
 
 2' 2 
 211 
 
 205 
 
CUNTENTS, 
 
 Page 
 
 . 120 
 
 • 355 
 
 • 35^ 
 . 1O4 
 
 . 198 
 
 450 
 ib2 
 159 
 3Si 
 
 ■ 3^7 
 
 ■ 333 
 
 ■ 33(-^ 
 
 ■ 33^ 
 
 • 3-9 
 
 ■ 33" 
 
 • 354 
 
 • 326 
 
 • 317 
 
 • 33^ 
 
 • 32S 
 
 • 34''i 
 
 • 325 
 
 • 346 
 
 ■ 344 
 
 • 3-2 
 
 • 342 
 
 • 332 
 
 ■ 320 
 
 • 3'5 
 
 • 3^^ 
 
 ■ 401 
 
 • 394 
 
 • 39^' 
 
 ■ 40." 
 
 ■ 390 
 46,^ 
 
 3of> 
 309 
 192 
 2^2 
 
 21 I 
 205 
 
 Thrush, Louisiana Water 
 ( >iivc- backed 
 N\ ater . . . 
 \\ ilson's . . 
 W ood . . . 
 
 Titmouse, Fufted . . 
 
 Tuwlice 
 
 Pac.ic 
 
 -14 
 211 
 
 212 
 
 207 
 
 202 i 
 
 142 j 
 
 359 I 
 
 \'iREu, iJlueheaded . 
 Philadelphia . 
 Red-eved . , 
 Warbiinu , , 
 
 White-eyed . , 
 Yeliow-throated 
 Vulture, JJlack . . . . 
 Turkey . . . 
 
 176 
 1S6 
 1S2 
 I So 
 1 78 
 174 
 4 
 I 
 
 W 
 
 .K.'UfK. iJachman's . 
 liay-brca.^ted 
 lilr.ck and white 
 Blackhurnian , 
 lUack-pnll . , 
 lilack-throatedBI 
 Black-throated 
 
 Green . . 
 lilue-winged . 
 
 Canadian . . 
 
 Cape May . 
 
 Cerulean . . 
 
 Chestnut-sided 
 
 <-"onnccticut . 
 
 Golden-winged 
 
 Hooded . . 
 
 Kentuckv . . 
 
 Kirtland's . 
 
 . 26f 
 
 • ^37 
 ■ 3S9 
 
 • 232 
 
 • 238 
 ue 245 
 
 226 
 
 247 
 
 235 
 
 253 
 260 
 
 167 
 
 246 
 
 265 
 
 Warbler, Magnolia 
 Mourning 
 Myrtle . 
 Nashville 
 
 Orange-crowned 
 Parula . . , 
 Pine . . 
 Prairie . , 
 Prothonotary 
 Swainson's . 
 Tennessee . 
 Wilson's . . 
 W'^orm-eating 
 Yellow . \ 
 Yelluw Palm 
 Yellow-throated 
 Waxwing, Bohemian 
 
 Cedar . . 
 Wheatear .... 
 Whip-poor-will . . 
 Woodpecker, American » 
 toed 
 
 Arctic three-toed 
 Downy . . 
 Hairy . . 
 Ivory-billed . 
 Pileated . . 
 Red-bellied . 
 Red-cockaded 
 Red-lieaded . 
 Wren, Bewick's . . 
 
 Carolina .... 
 
 House 
 
 Long-billed M.ush . 
 Short-billed Marsh 
 Winter .... 
 
 X\- 
 
 PAr.K 
 224 
 
 251 
 217 
 
 264 
 244 
 239 
 
 hree- 
 
 257 
 256 
 261 
 1 68 
 
 255 
 
 230 
 
 210 
 228 
 152 
 
 154 
 
 290 
 
 467 
 456 
 
 45 S 
 
 452 
 
 45' 
 441 
 
 444 
 448 
 
 454 
 446 
 
 276 
 
 27 2 
 
 266 
 
 279 
 277 
 270 
 
 

 I 
 
 f 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS IN VOL. I. 
 
 COLORED PLATES. 
 
 Froiitispit'ce 
 
 Platk I. . . . 
 
 1. Hawk Owl. 
 
 2. sckkecji owi.. 
 
 3. (;rkat Horned Owl. 
 
 4. P'lorida IUjrrowinc, Owl. 
 
 5. Bald Eaglk. 
 
 ^'LVii: n Page go 
 
 1. JiALTiMORE Oriole. 
 
 2. Meadowlark. 
 
 3. Red-Winged Blackbird. 
 ^,. BoiioLiNK. 
 
 5. American Osi'rev. 
 
 I''-^-"''- in Page 146 
 
 1. CllICKADKE. 
 
 2. Catiurd. 
 
 3. Cedar Wax w inc. 
 
 4. Red-Eyed Vireo. 
 
 5. RoiilN. 
 
 ^''•^■''"- I^^ Page 202 
 
 f. American Redstart. 
 
 2. Blue Jay. 
 
 3. Wood Thrush. 
 4- Water Thrush. 
 5. Duck Hawk. 
 
 Pla'ie V. D _ 
 
 Page 220 
 
 1. Cerulean Warbler, 
 
 2. Prairie Warhler. 
 
 VOL. I. — b 
 
 Plate W—contiuurJ. 
 
 3. Vellow Waui;lek. 
 
 4. PARC LA WVRULEK. 
 
 5. Bi.ACKiiURN'Ax Warhler. 
 
 6. Bi.ack-Tiiru ied Green 
 
 Warhler. 
 
 I'' -^"- ^'^ Page 262 
 
 1. Maryland Yellow Thro.\t. 
 
 2. Blue Bird. 
 
 3. Winter Wren. 
 
 4- Xashville Warhler. 
 
 5. Black-Throated Blue 
 
 Warhler. 
 
 6. Rchy-Crowned Kinclet. 
 
 Page 298 
 
 Plate VH 
 
 1. Snowflake. 
 
 2. White-Throated .Si-arrow. 
 
 3. Black-Throated Bunting. 
 
 4- Indigo Bunting. 
 
 5- Scarlet Tanager. 
 
 Pi'ATE VHI Page ido 
 
 I Snow Bird. 
 
 2. S(jxG Sparrow 
 
 3. Phcehe. 
 
 4- American Goldfinch. 
 
 5- Vesi'er Sparrow. 
 
 6. ToWHEE. 
 
xvni 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Pi.ATK IX J\li;e 382 
 
 1. Tim: Grosukak (Male). 
 
 2. Pink Gkusi!i:.\k (Female). 
 
 3. Puui'i.K Finch (Male). 
 
 4. I'i'kri.i'; Finch (Female). 
 
 5. Rosk-Hkk.v.siki) Grosukak. 
 
 6. Win ii,-Wi.m;kd CRossiiii.i. 
 
 (Male). 
 
 7. WlIITK-WlNClKD CROSSIIII.I. 
 
 (Female). 
 
 i'l.AlK X /V'' 4.^^ 
 
 1. Rri;v-Tiii;ttArKi) Hum.minc 
 
 HlKD, 
 
 2. Hakn S\v allow . 
 
 3. Fl.lCKKR. 
 
 4. Wiiir-i'ooR-wiLL. 
 
 5. Crk.siki) Rkd Bird. 
 
 6. Rk1>HKAIJKI) WoOni'KCKKR. 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT. 
 
 No 
 
 Page 
 
 No 
 
 I. 
 
 TCKKKV \'ILHKK . . 
 
 1 
 
 27. 
 / 
 
 2. 
 
 WiniK Gyrkai.con . . 
 
 7 
 
 28. 
 
 3- 
 
 4MKRICAN Si-arrow 
 
 
 29. 
 
 
 Hawk 
 
 13 
 
 30 
 
 4 
 
 GoLi)J',.N Eac.le . . . 
 
 '5 
 
 3'' 
 
 .5- 
 
 Bald Iv\<;lk .... 
 
 •9 
 
 J- 
 
 6. 
 
 American Osi'rkv . . 
 
 ^7 
 
 33- 
 
 7- 
 
 American Goshawk . 
 
 3' 
 
 34- 
 
 8. 
 
 Cuoi'Kr's II.\wk . . . 
 
 34 
 
 35- 
 
 9- 
 
 MlSSISSI-l'I KlTK . . . 
 
 37 
 
 36- 
 
 ic. 
 
 Amkrican Rorc. ii-Lk(^.c.ki) 
 
 27- 
 
 
 Hawk 
 
 41 
 
 38. 
 
 II. 
 
 RKD-Siiori.DKKKi) Hawk 
 
 43 
 
 39- 
 
 12. 
 
 Broad-Winckd Hawk . 
 
 49 
 
 40. 
 
 '5- 
 
 Hawk Owt 
 
 53 
 
 41. 
 
 14. 
 
 Snowy Owi 
 
 55 
 
 
 •5- 
 
 SCRI'.KCII Owi 
 
 57 
 
 42. 
 
 16. 
 
 Great Hornkd owi. . 
 
 6i 
 
 43 
 
 17- 
 
 LoN(;-Iv\REi) Owl . . 
 
 66 
 
 
 18. 
 
 Short-Earki) Owl . . 
 
 68 
 
 44 
 
 19. 
 
 Barred Owi 
 
 70 
 
 45 
 
 20. 
 
 Richardson's Owl . . 
 
 73 
 
 46 
 
 21. 
 
 Barn Owi 
 
 75 
 
 47 
 
 22. 
 
 Florida EuRROwiN'c. Owl 
 
 7S 
 
 
 -3* 
 
 Meadowlakk .... 
 
 79 
 
 48 
 
 24. 
 
 Bm,"^imore Oriole . 
 
 S3 
 
 49 
 
 25- 
 
 RED-W inc. ED r> L ACKH I rd 
 
 96 
 
 50 
 
 26. 
 
 Yellow-Headed '.Jlack- 
 
 
 51 
 
 
 imrd 
 
 102 
 
 52 
 
 Boiioi.lNK 109 
 
 Blue Jav 133 
 
 Canada Jay . , . . 1 3S 
 
 TCETED Tn.MOUSE . . I42 
 
 Northern Shrikk . . 159 
 
 Redstart 164 
 
 \\.' son's Waruler . . 168 
 Blue-Gray GN.vrcATCHER 170 
 
 VlLI.oW r.KKASTED CHA L I72 
 
 178 
 187 
 192 
 207 
 215 
 
 White-Eyed Vireo . . 
 Mockino Bird .... 
 Brown Thrasher . . 
 \Vils(»n's Thrush . . 
 0\EN-]5lUD .... 
 
 Black-Throated (hiEEN 
 
 Waruler 230 
 
 Parul.v W.-.rt.ler . . 244 
 Maryland Vellow- 
 
 Throat 249 
 
 Worm.E.\it:.'g WARrsi.r.R 255 
 IlorsK Wrenj .... 266 
 Carolina Wren . , . 272 
 Golden-Crowned King- 
 let 2S3 
 
 Bi.uEHiRD 285 
 
 Wm.AiK.VR 290 
 
 A.iERicAN Pipit . . . 292 
 
 Horned Lark .... 294 
 
 Skylark 297 
 
Il.l.lSTkA'.''IO\s. 
 
 ILL. 
 
 ) Bird. 
 
 WiiOni'ECKl R. 
 
 r. 
 
 
 A;r 
 
 • • 
 
 109 
 
 • • 
 
 • ' J.) 
 
 • • 
 
 ■ '^'S 
 
 )USE 
 
 . 142 
 
 RIKK 
 
 ■ 159 
 
 
 . 164 
 
 UfLER 
 
 . 16S 
 
 VICATCHKR 170 
 TED ChaL 172 
 . 178 
 . 187 
 . 192 
 . 207 
 215 
 
 IREO 
 ' . 
 
 lER 
 USH 
 
 ED (}rEE\ 
 
 LER . . 
 
 LLOW- 
 
 244 
 
 .... 249 
 WaRRLI.R 21^5 
 
 .... 266 
 
 KM . . , 
 •.'ED KlNG- 
 
 tT 
 
 272 
 
 285 
 290 
 292 
 
 294 
 297 
 
 Xo. 
 
 5.5. Sxnwil.AKK . . 
 54. I.'.M.AND LONGSI'ITK 
 ';.v S'ARI.l.;-] Ta.VAGER 
 
 50. Lark Si'.vrkjw 
 
 57. VksI'KK SI'vKKow . 
 5S. S()\(, .Sl'AKR(j\v 
 
 >9- Tkkk Si'akrow 
 
 "O. Fox Sl'ARK(j\V , 
 
 ')!. Siiarp-Tailkd .Sparrow 
 <>2. .American Goi.hfi.n 
 •ij- Gdldkincii . 
 (>4 ki.iu'di.i 
 
 65. 1I(JARV Rl Dl'oi.i, 
 
 66. Cardinal 
 
 67. Kose-Brkastki) Gr( 
 
 Ili.AK .... 
 6.S. I'l.NE GR(J.S1;Kak 
 
 'V American Crussjuij. 
 70 Willi k-Kreasted Nct 
 
 ilA'ICH . . . 
 
 II 
 
 300 
 306 
 
 3^7 
 
 33= 
 
 33^ 
 344 
 34« 
 353 
 355 
 358 
 362 
 
 369 
 375 
 37S 
 
 3Si 
 
 83. 
 
 84. 
 85. 
 86. 
 
 7'- I'-i \iK A\i> White Wa 
 
 i;m;r 
 
 7^- liAK.N .Swallow . 
 
 Trke Swallow . 
 
 Hank .Swallow . 
 
 KiNOIilRI) 
 
 OLivi:.Si/,|.:nF,,v,vi( 11, 
 
 • Traill's Flycatcher 
 
 • Carolina Paroockt 
 Vellow-Bii.lki) CrcKo. 
 
 rVORY-BlI.I.Kl, WOOI). 
 I'iX.KER ...... 
 
 PiLEATEI. \Vooi)l.l.;cKER 
 
 Yellow-Bellied Sap- 
 sucker 
 
 Kci;V-THROATEI. Hl'M- 
 
 Mi.No Bird .... 
 1!elted Kincelsher 
 
 GlilMNi;v SWIET . 
 NiGilTiiAWK . . 
 
 /J 
 
 74 
 
 75 
 76. 
 
 77- 
 78. 
 
 79- 
 
 80. 
 
 Si. 
 82. 
 
 -XIX 
 
 As' 
 
 K- 
 
 • 3^') 
 
 ■ 3''4 
 
 3'"> 
 
 401 
 
 404 
 
 R 410 
 
 4-M 
 4-^8 
 
 ' 43-^ 
 
 44 f 
 444 
 
 450 
 
 457 
 461 
 
 463 
 
 470 
 
-i9 
 
m:^$m 
 
 
 '■ 'O- 
 
 
 
 INTRODUCTIOxN. 
 
 ( )i all the classes of animals by which we are surroundetl in 
 the ample fiekl of Nature, there are none more remarkable in 
 their apnearance and habits than the feathered inhabitants of 
 the air. They play around us like fairy spirits, elude approach 
 \w an element which defies our pursuit, soar out of sight in the 
 yielding sky, journey over our heads in marshalled ranks, dart 
 like meteors in the smishine of summer, or, seeking the solitary 
 recesses of the forest antl the waters, they glide before us like 
 beings of fancy. They diveisify the still landscape with the 
 most lively motion and beautiful association ; they come and 
 go with the change of the season ; and as their actions are di- 
 rected by an uncontrollable instinct of provident Xature, they 
 may be considered ar '-oncomitant with the beauty of the sur- 
 rounding scene. With what grateful sensations do we involun- 
 tarily hail the arrival of these faithful messengers of spring and 
 summer, after the lajjse of the dreary winter, which compelled 
 them to forsake us for more favored climes. Their songs, now 
 heard from the leafy groves and shadowy forests, inspire de- 
 light, or recollecti(v-,., . ; the pleasing past, in every breast. 
 How volatile, how p!.',, fully capricious, how musical anil happv, 
 are these roving sylphs of Nature, to whom the air, the eartii, 
 and the waters are alike habitable ! Their lives are spent in 
 boundless action ; and Nature, with an omni.scient benevo- 
 lence, has«assisted and formed them for this wonderful disjjlay 
 of perpetual life and vigor, in an element almost their own. 
 
XXII 
 
 INTKUUlCTloN. 
 
 If v\x' draw a coiniKiriMUii between the^c inhabitants (jf the 
 air ,111(1 the earth, we shall perceive that, instead of the large 
 head, formidable jawi armed with teeth, the (•ai)a(:i()us che^l, 
 wide ■>h()ulders, anil nuiscular leg:> of the (iuadrii|)eds, they 
 have bills, or pointed jaws destitute of t'^"'th ; a lonj; and pliant 
 neck, jfently swelling; shoulders, iai! ,e verlebrie ; the fore- 
 
 arm attenuated to a point and ( lothed with feathers, fonnuig 
 the expansive wing, and thus fined for a different sfjecies ot 
 motion ; likewise the wide extended tail, to assist the general 
 provision for buoyancy throughout the whole anatomical frame. 
 For the same general purpose i)f lightness, exists the ci;ntrast 
 of slender bon\' legs and feet. So that, in short, we percei\e 
 in the whole conformation of this interesting tribe, a structure 
 wisely and curiously adapted for their destined motion through 
 the air. Lightness and buoyancy appear in every part of the 
 structure of birds : to this cm\ nothing cijntributes more than 
 the soft and delicate plumage with which they are so warmly 
 clad; and though the wings (or great organs of aerial motion 
 by whi( h they swim, as it were, in the atmosphere) are formed 
 of such light materials, yet the force with which they strike tin- 
 air is so great as to impel their bodies with a rapidity unknown 
 to the swiftest (piadrupctl. The same grand intention of form- 
 ing a class of animals to move in the ambient desert they 
 occupy above the earth, is likewise visible in their internal 
 structure. Their bones are light and thin, and all the muscles 
 diminutive but those appropriated for moving the wings. The 
 lungs are placed near to the back-bone and ribs; and the air 
 is not, as in other animals, merely confined to the pulmonary 
 organs, but passes through, and is then conveyed into a num- 
 ber of membranous cells on either side the external region of 
 the heart, communicating with others situated beneath the 
 chest. In some birds these cells are continued down the 
 wings, extending even to the pinions, bones of the thighs, and 
 other i)arts of the body, which can be distended with air at 
 the ])leasure or necessity of the animal. This diffusion of air 
 is not only intended to assist in lightening and elevating the 
 body, but also aj^pears necessary to prevent the stoppage or 
 
IMK(.)lJLCTIO\. 
 
 Will 
 
 interruption of rosplnitiun, which would otherwise follow the 
 rapidity of their motion through the resisti'ng .itmo«>phere , and 
 thus the Ostrich, tluMigh deprived of the power of llight. run^i 
 almost with the swittness of tlir wind, and reiiuires, as he 
 p(jssesseb, the usual resources of air conferred on other l)lrds. 
 Were it possible for man to move with the rapidity of a Swal- 
 low, the resistance of the air, wiilujut M)me su( h jjeciili.ir pro- 
 vision as in birds, would (luickly bring on sullo( jtion. The 
 superior vital heat of this class of beings i> likewise |)robal)ly 
 due to this greater aeration of the vital tUiid. 
 
 I)irds, as well as (luadrupeds, may be generally distinguished 
 into two great classes from the food on which they are destined 
 to subsist ; ami may, consequent!) . be termed carnivorous and 
 granivorous. Some al^o hold a middle nature, or partake of 
 both. 'I'he granivorou> and herbivorous birds are provided 
 uith larger ami longer intestines than those of the carnivorous 
 kinds. 'I'heir food, consisting chiefly of grain of various sorts, 
 is conveyed whole into the craw or first stomach, where it is 
 Moftened and acted u])on by a ])eculiar glandular secretion 
 thrown out upon its surface ; it is then again conxeyed into a 
 second preparatory digestive organ : and finally transmitted 
 into the true stomach, or gizzard, formeil of two strong muscles 
 connected externally with a tendinous substance, and lined in- 
 ternally with a thick membrane of great power and 'rength ; 
 and in this place the unniasticatetl food is at length c tmpletely 
 triturated, and ])repared for the operation of the gastric juice. 
 'I'he extraordinary powers of the gizzard in comminuting food, 
 to prejjare it for digestion, almost exceeds the bounds of cred- 
 il)ility. Turkeys and common fowls have been made to swal- 
 low sharp angular fragments of glass, metallit tubes, and balls 
 armed with needles, and even lancets, which were found 
 broken and compressed, without producing any apparent pain 
 or wounds in the stomach. The g'avel pebbles swallowed by 
 this class of birds with so much r.vidity, thus appear useful in 
 bruising and comminuting the grain they feed on, and prei)ar- 
 ing it for the solvent action of the digestive organs. 
 
 'I'hose birds which live chietiy on grain and vegetable sub- 
 
XXIV 
 
 IMKODUCTIUN. 
 
 stances iKirtakc in a di'grcc of the nature and <lis])osituin <>{ 
 hirbivorous (iiiadnipL-ih. In l)oth, the food and the provision 
 Inr its dii^fstion are ver\ Nimilar. AHke distinjiui>hiil for 
 s and gentleness of manners, their hws are 
 
 sedentary 
 
 habit> 
 
 harndessly and usefully passed in collecting seeils and Iruits, 
 and ridding the earth of noxioti- and destructive insect- ; they 
 live wholly on the defensive with all the feathered ra<"e. and 
 are content In rear and defend their olfspring from the atta( ks 
 
 o 
 
 fth 
 
 eir enemies. It is from this tra< tahle and gentle race, a- 
 
 Will as from the amphibious or a«|uatic tribes, that man iias 
 long -.ucceeded in itbtaining useful and domestic species, 
 uliK h, from their prolificacy and hardihood, afford a vast 
 supply of wholesome ami nutritious food. Of these, the Hen, 
 originally from India: the (loo«<e. !)uck. and Pigeon of 
 ICurope ; the Turkey of America ; and the I'i.Jado, or (luinea- 
 hen of Africa, are the princ ipal : to whi( h may also be ad- 
 ded, as less useful, or more recently naturalized, the iVacock 
 of India, the I'lu'asant of the same country, the Chinese 
 and Canada (loose, the Musiovy l)uck, and the European 
 Swan. 
 
 CarniNorous birds by many striking traits evince the destinv 
 for which they have been created ; they are provided with 
 wings of grer.t length, supj)orted by powerful muscles, which 
 enable them to tly with energy and soar with ease at the 
 loftiest elevations. I'hey are armed with strong hookeil bills 
 ami with the sharp and formidable claws of the tiger: they ire 
 also further distinguished by their large heads, -.hurt iu<k>. 
 strong muscular thighs in aid of their retractile talons, and 
 .1 sight so piercing as to enable them, while soaring at the 
 greatest height, to perceive their l^rey, upon which they some- 
 times descend, like an arrt)w, with undeviating ;tim. In these 
 birds the stomach is smaller than in the granivorous kinii>. and 
 their intestines are shorter. Like beasts of prey, they arc of a 
 fierce and unsociable nature : and so far from herding tt<ether 
 like the inoffensive tribes, they drive even their offspring iVom 
 the eyry, and seek habitually the shelter of desert rocks, ne- 
 glected ruins, or the solitude of the darkest fore>t, from wlience 
 
IMKDDL'CTIUN. 
 
 XXV 
 
 posjtiun i>f 
 
 • provision 
 ihIkiI for 
 
 • li\cs .lie 
 ind t'niits, 
 •tt^ : they 
 
 r.icc, ami 
 lu' attacks 
 
 k' TMV. .IS 
 
 , man iias 
 (• spciics, 
 rd .1 vast 
 the Hell, 
 I'iuc-on of 
 )r (luiiKM- 
 >.o l>f ail- 
 
 ; Chinese 
 European 
 
 le destiny 
 
 (led with 
 
 s, vvliirh 
 
 >e at the 
 
 ked !)ills 
 
 tliey are 
 
 rl ii'-i k-. 
 
 iii>. .'.nd 
 
 at the 
 
 y some- 
 
 In these 
 
 n<i>, and 
 
 are of a 
 
 . aether 
 
 111^: from 
 
 )(ks, ne- 
 
 whence 
 
 thtv utter loud, territi 
 
 ( . or pur( 111.:,' iTie>, ill act 
 
 on I 
 
 in<e 
 
 with 
 
 the gloomy rage and intpiietude of their insatiable de>ire-. 
 
 iJesides these grand <livision> of the winded nation^, tlu-re 
 are others, whic h, in their habits and inaniier>, might he « oin- 
 |iared to the ainphil)iou> aiiimaU, as they li\e < hietly on the 
 water, and feed on its productions, jo enable them to iwiin 
 
 ,iii( 
 
 I d 
 
 ive in 
 
 (|ue>t of their a(|uatic food, their toes are i itn- 
 
 iiected by broatl nienibraiio or webs, with which, like i)ir-«, 
 they strike the water, aiul .ire impelled with lorce. in tins way 
 t ven the sea.s, l.ikes, and river>. abounding with fi>h. in>ects, 
 .iiid seeds, swarm with birds (jf \ari«tu> kinds, which all obtain 
 all abundant supply. 'I'here are other .uju.itic binU, t"re<iuent- 
 iiig niar>hes and the margins of lakes, rivers, and the se.i, 
 whuh seem to partake of an intermedi.ite nature between the 
 land and water tribes. S<jiiie of these teed on fishes .iiid re|i- 
 liles ; others, with long and sensible bills and eAteiidi'(| necks, 
 seek their t'ood m wet .md muddy marshes. These birds are 
 not made for swimming : but, famili.ir with water, they wade. 
 ami many follow the vdi;c of the retiring wa\es of the sea, 
 ^'leaning their inset t prey at the recession of the tides: for 
 this kind of life N;rture has provided them with long legs, i)are 
 oft^'athers even abtive the knees; their toes, unconnected bv 
 webs, are only partially t"uniished with membranous appen- 
 dages, just suftitieiit to su])pi>ri them on the sot't and boggy 
 Ljrounds they frequent. To tiiis tribe belong the Cranes, Snipes. 
 Sandpi])ers, Woodcocks, and many others. 
 
 In comparing the senses of animals in ( onnectit)n with tluir 
 iustint t, we tuid that of .v/;-/// to be niore extended, more at ute, 
 and more distinct in birds, in general, than in (iuadru])ed-. I 
 say "in general," for there are some birds, such as the Owls, 
 whose vision is less clear than that of quadrupeds : but this 
 rather results from the extreme sensibility of the eye. which, 
 though dazzled with the glare of lull day, nicely distinguishes 
 even small objects by the aid of twilight. In all binls the 
 organ of sight is furnished with two membranes, — an external 
 and internal, — additional to those which occur in the human 
 subject. The tormer, mtininami iiictitan.^, or external mem- 
 
XXVl 
 
 INTRODUCTION'. 
 
 branc. is situated in the larger angle of the eye, and i^., in 
 fact, a second and more transi)arent eyelid, whose motions are 
 directed at ])leasure, and its use, besides occasionally cleaning 
 and polishing the cornea, is to temper the excess of light and 
 adjust the cpiantity admitted to the extreme delicacy of the 
 organ. The other membrane, situated at the bottom of tlie 
 eye, a])])ears to be an expansion of the optic nerve, which, re- 
 ceiving more immediately the impressions of the light, must be 
 much more sensible than in other animals : and consequently 
 the sight is in birds far more perfect, and embraces a wider 
 range. Facts and observations bear out this conclusion ; for a 
 S])arrow-hawk, while hovering in the air, perceives a Lark or 
 other small bird, sitting on tlie ground, at twenty times the dis- 
 tance that such an object would be visible to a man or dog. 
 A Kite, which soars beyond the reach of human vision, yet 
 distinguishes a lizard, field-mouse, or bird, and from this lofty 
 station selects the tiny ol)jtjct of his prey, descending upon it 
 in nearly a perpendicular line. lint it may also be added that 
 this jirodigious extent of vision is likewise accompanied with 
 ecjual accuracy and clearness ; for the eye can dilate or con- 
 tract, be shaded or exposed, dejiressed or made protuberant, 
 so as readily to assume the precise form suited to the degree 
 of light and the distance of the object ; the organ tlius answer- 
 ing, as it were, the purpose of a self-adjusting telescope, with a 
 shade for examining the most luminous and dazzling objects ; 
 and hence the Ivigle is often seen to ascend to the higher 
 regions of the atmosphere, gazing on the unclouded sun as on 
 an ordinary and familiar object. 
 
 The ra])id motions executed by birds have also a reference 
 to the ]')erfe(tion of their vision ; for if Nature, while she en- 
 dowed them with great agility and vast muscular strength, hail 
 left them as short-sighted as ourselves, their latent powers 
 would have availed them nothing, and the dangers of a per- 
 l>etnaliy impeded progress would have repressed or extin- 
 guished their ardor. We may then, hi general, consider the 
 celerity with which an animal moves, as a just indication of 
 the perfection of its vision. A bird, therefore, shooting .^wil'tl> 
 
IMRUDUCIION. 
 
 XXVll 
 
 lOL 
 
 degree 
 
 higher 
 
 ference 
 
 she en- 
 
 ;th. had 
 
 powers 
 
 )f a per- 
 
 extin- 
 
 ider the 
 
 ition of 
 
 ; hwh'tl) 
 
 through the air, must undoubtedly see better than one which 
 slowly describes a waving tract. 'I'he weak-sighted bat. ll> ing 
 caretully through bars of willow, even when the eyes were ex- 
 tinguished, may seem to suggest an exception to this rule of 
 relative velocity and vision ; but in this case, as in that of some 
 blind individuals of the human species, the extpiisite auditory 
 ,ipi)aratus seems capable of sup])lying the defect of sight. Nor 
 are the tlickerings of the bat, constantly perl'ormed in a narrov/ 
 ( inuit, at all to be compared to the distant and lofty soarings 
 of the i^agle, or tlie wide wanderings of the smaller birds, who 
 often annually jxiss and repass from the arctic circle to the 
 equatoi. 
 
 The idea (jf motion, and all the other ideas connected with 
 it. such as those of relative velocities, extent of country, the 
 l)roportional height of eminences, and of the various inetjuali- 
 ties thai prevail on the surface, are therefore more precise in 
 birtls, and occupy a larger share of their conceptions, than in 
 the grovelling (piadrupeds. Nature would seem to have pointed 
 out thi< superiority of vision, by the more conspicuous and 
 elaborate structure of its organ ; for in birds the eve is larger in 
 [)roportion to the bulk of the head than in (]uadrupeds ; it is 
 also more delicate and finely fashioned, and the impressions it 
 receives must consequently excite more vivid ideas. 
 
 Another cause of difference in the instincts of birds and 
 <|uadru]<eds is the nature of the element in which they live, 
 birds know better than man the degrees of resistance in the 
 air. its temperature at different heights, its relative density, and 
 many other jiarticulars. probably, of which we can form no 
 ade(iuate conception. They foresee more than we, and indi- 
 cate better than our weather-glasses, the changes which happen 
 in that voluble fluid ; for otu-n have they contended with the 
 viol' nee of the wind, and still oftener have they borrowed the 
 advantage of its aid. The Eagle, soaring above the clouds, can 
 at will escape the scene of the storm, and in the lofty region of 
 ( ihn. far within the aerial boundary of eternal frost,' enjoy a 
 
 1 Tho mean licights of etein.il frost under tlic equator anl at tlie latitude of 
 30'' and fio'are, respectively. 15,207, 11,484, and 3,818 feet. 
 
XXVlll 
 
 'MKUUUCTION. 
 
 serene sky and a bright sun, whi. • the terrestrial animals re- 
 main involved in darkness and exposed to all the fury ot the 
 tempest. In twenty-four hours it can change its climate, and 
 sailing over different countries, it will form a picture exceeding 
 tlie i)owers of the pencil or the imagination. 'I'he quadruped 
 knows only the spot where it feeds, — its valley, mountain, or 
 l)lain ; it has no conception of the expanse of surface or of 
 remote distances, and generally no desire to push forward its 
 excursions beyond the bounds of its immediate wants. Hence 
 remote journeys and extensive migrations are as rare among 
 quadrupeds as they are frecjuent among birds. It is this 
 desire, foundetl on their aci[uaintance with foreign countries, 
 on the consciousness of their expeditious course, ami on their 
 foresight of the changes that will happen in the atmos[jhere, 
 and the revolutions of seasons, that ]>rompts them to retire 
 together at the powerful suggestions of an unerring instinct. 
 \Vhen their food begins to fail, or the cold and heat to incom- 
 mode them, their innate feelings and latent powers urge them 
 to seek the necessarv remedv for the evils that threaten their 
 being. The inquietude of the old is communicated to the 
 young ; and collecting in troops by common consent, influ- 
 enced by the same general wants, impressed with the approach- 
 ing changes in the circumstances of their existence, they give 
 way to the strong reveries of instinct, and wing their way o\er 
 land and sea to some distant and better country. 
 
 Comparing animals with each other, we soon perceive that 
 smell, in general, is much more acute among the (luadrupeds 
 than the birds. I'.ven the i)retended scent of the \'ukure is 
 imaginary, as he does not perceive the tainted carrion, on 
 which he feeds, through a wicker basket, though its odor is as 
 potent as in the open air. This choice also of decaying flesh 
 is probably regulated by his necessities and the deficiency of 
 his muscular powers to attack a living, or even tear in |)ieces a 
 recent, jirey. The structure of the olfactory organ in l)irds is 
 obviously inferior to that of quadnipeds ; the external nostrils 
 are wanting, and those odors which might excite sensation 
 have access only to the duct leading from the palate ; and even 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 XXIX 
 
 imais re- 
 ry ot tlH." 
 iKitf. and 
 xcccding 
 Liadrupcd 
 mtain, or 
 icf or (){ 
 )r\vanl its 
 Hence 
 re auion!^ 
 [t i^ this 
 countries, 
 I on their 
 nosphere, 
 to retire 
 \ instinct. 
 to Hicom- 
 irgo them 
 aten their 
 ,'d to the 
 nt, intlu- 
 )|)roach- 
 they uive 
 way (j\er 
 
 eive that 
 
 \drupeds 
 
 ulture is 
 
 rrion. on 
 
 lor is as 
 
 mg flesh 
 
 ient:y of 
 
 pieces a 
 
 hirds is 
 
 nostrils 
 
 sensation 
 
 and even 
 
 d 
 
 m those, where the organ is disclosed, the ner\'es, which take 
 their origin from it, are tar from being so niniierous, so large, 
 or so expanded as in the quadru[)eds. We may therefore 
 regard f(U/ch in man, s/neil in the quadruped, and sight in 
 birds, OS respectively the three most perfect senses which 
 exercise a general intluence on the character. 
 
 After sight, the most perfect of the senses in birds appears 
 to be hcariiii:;, which is even superior to that of the quadru- 
 peds, and scarcely exceeded in the human species. We i)er- 
 ( eive with what facility they retain and repeat tones, successions 
 of notes, and even words ; we delight to listen to their im- 
 wearied songs, to the incessant warbling of their tuneful affec- 
 tion. Their ear and throat are more ductile and powerful 
 than in other animals, and their voice more capacious and 
 Lienerally agreeable. A Crow, which is scarcely more than the 
 thousandth part the size of an ox, may be heard as far, or 
 farther; the Nightingale can fill a wider space with its music 
 than the human voice. This ])rodigious extent and power o{ 
 Mjuml depend entirely on the structure of their organs^ but 
 the support and continuance of their song result solely from 
 their internal emotions. 
 
 The windpipe is wider and stronger m birds than in any 
 other class of animals, and usually terminates below in a large 
 cavity that augments the sound. The lungs too have greater 
 extent, and communic;.te with internal cavities which are 
 < a|jable of being expanvled with air, and, besides lightening 
 the body, give additional strength to the voice. Indeed, the 
 formation of the thorax, the lungs, and all the organs connected 
 with these, seems expressly calculated to give force and dura- 
 tion to their utterance. 
 
 Another circumstance, showing the great power of voice in 
 birds, is the distance at which they are audible in the higher 
 regions of the atmosphere. An Ivagle may rise at least to the 
 height of seventeen thousand feet, for it is there just visible. 
 I'locks of Storks and (}eese may mount still higher, since, noi 
 withstanding the space they occupy, they soar almost out of 
 sight ; their cry will thereibrc be heard from an altitude of 
 
XXX 
 
 L\TKODU':riO.\, 
 
 more than three miles, and is at least four times as [)owerful as 
 the voice of men and (juadrupeds. 
 
 Sweetness of voice and melody of song are qualities whicli in 
 birds are partly natural and partly aciiuired. The kuility with 
 which they catch ami repeat sounds, enables them not only to 
 borrow from each other, but often even to copy the more difti- 
 cult inflections and tones of the human voice, as well as of 
 musical instruments. It is remarkable that in the tropical 
 regions, where the birds are arrayed in the most glowing 
 lolors. their voices are hoarse, grating, singular, or terrific. 
 Our sylvan Orpheus (the Mocking-bird), the Brown 'i'hrush, 
 the Warbling Flycatcher, as well as the Linnet, the Thrush, 
 the lilackbird, and the Nightingale of Kurope, pre-eminent fjr 
 song, are all of the plainest colors and weakest tints. 
 
 The natural tones of birds, setting aside those derived from 
 education, express the various modifications of their wants and 
 passions; they change even according to different times and 
 circumstances. The females are much more silent than the 
 males ; they have cries of pain or fear, murmurs of inquietude 
 or solicitude, especially fo: their young ; but of song they are 
 generally deprived. The song of the male is inspired by ten- 
 der emotion, he chants his affectionate lay with a sonorous 
 voice, and the female replies in feeble accents. The Nightin- 
 gale, when he first arrives in the spring, without his mate, is 
 silent ; he begins his lay in low, faltering, and unfreiiuent airs ; 
 and it is not until his consort sits on her eggs that his en- 
 <-hanting melody is complete : he then tries to reliexe and 
 amuse her tedious hours of incubation, and warbles more 
 pathetically and variably his amorous and soothing lay. In a 
 state of nature this propensity for song only continues through 
 the breeding season, for after that period it either entirely 
 ceases, becomes enfeebled, or loses its sweetness. 
 
 Conjugal fidelity and parental affection are among the m- st 
 conspicuous traits of the feathered tribes. The pair unite their 
 labors in preparing for the iccommodation of their exi)ected 
 progeny ; and during the time of incubation their parti( i])a- 
 tion of the same cares and solicitudes continually augments 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 XXXl 
 
 ■I 
 
 thfir mutual attachment. Uhen the young appear, a new 
 source of care and i)leasure opens to them, still stiengthei.in.L; 
 the ties of affection; and the tender charge of rearing and 
 defending their infant brood recjuires the joint attention of 
 both parents. The warmth of first affection is thus succeeded 
 by calm and steady attachment, which by degrees extends, 
 without suffering any diminution, to the rising branches of die 
 family. 
 
 This conjugal union, in the rapacious tribe of birds, the 
 Kagles and Hawks, as well as with the Ravens and Crows, con- 
 tinues commonly through life. Among many other kinds it is 
 also of long endurance, as we may perceive in our common 
 Pewee and the lllue-bird, who year after year continue to fre- 
 quent and build in the same cave, box, or hole in the decayed 
 orchard tree. But, in general, this association of the sexes 
 expires with the season, after it has completed the intentions 
 of rejiroduction, in the i)reser\'ation and rearing of the off- 
 si)ring. 'I'he ajipearance even of sexual distinction often van- 
 ishes in the autumn, when both the parents and their young 
 are then seen in the same huml)le and oblivious dress, ^^'he^ 
 the\ arrive again amongst us in the spring, the males in flocks, 
 often by themselves, are clad anew in their nuptial livery ; .uid 
 with vigorous songs, after the cheerless silence in which they 
 have passed the winter, they now seek out their mates, and 
 warmly contest the right to their exclusive favor. 
 
 With regard to food, birds V ive a more ample latitude than 
 ([uadrupeds; flesh, fish, amphibia, reptiles, insects, fruits, grain, 
 seeds, roots, herbs, — in a word, whatever lives or vegetates. 
 Nor are they very select in their choice, Init often catch indif- 
 ferently at what they can most easily obtain. Their sense cf 
 taste appears indeed much less acute than in quadrupeds : for 
 if we except such as are carnivorous, their tongue and palate 
 are, in general, hard, and almost cartilaginous. Sight and scent 
 can only direct them, though they possess the latter in an infe- 
 rior degree. The greater number swallow without tasting ; and 
 mastication, which constitutes the chief pleasure in eating, is 
 entirely wanting to them. As their horny jaws are unprovided 
 

 XXXll 
 
 INTROnUCTION. 
 
 with teeth, the food undergoes no i)reparation in the mouth, 
 hut is swallowed in unbruised and untasted morsels. Yet there 
 is reason to believe that the first action of the stomach, or its 
 ])reparatory vcntriculiis, affords in some degree the ruminating 
 g'-itification of taste, as after swallowing food, in some insectiv- 
 orous and carnivorous birds, the motion of the mandibles, ex- 
 actly like that of ordinary tasting, can hardly be conceived to 
 exist without conveying some degree of gratifying sensation. 
 
 The clothing of birds varies with the habits and climates 
 they inhabit. 'l"he acjuatic tribes, and those which live in 
 northern regions, are provided with an abundance of plumage 
 and fine down, — from which circumstance often we may form a 
 correct judgment of their natal regions. In all climates, atjua- 
 tic birds are almost equally feathered, and are provided with 
 ])osterior glands containing an oily substance for anointing 
 their feathers, which, aided by their thickness, prevents the 
 admission of moisture to their bodies. These glands are less 
 <onspicuous in land birds, — ^mless, like the fishing Kagles, their 
 habits be to plunge in the water in i)ursuit of their prey. 
 
 The general structure of feathers seems purposely adapted 
 both for warmth of clothing and security of flight. In the 
 wings of all birds which fly, the webs comjiosing the vanes, or 
 ])lumy sides of the feather, mutually interlock by means of reg- 
 ular rows of slender, hair-like teeth, so that the feather, except 
 at and towards its base, serves as a complete and close screen 
 from the weather on the one hand, and as an impermeable oar 
 on the other, when situated in the wing, and required to catch 
 and retain the impulse of the air. In the birds which do not 
 fly, and inhabit warm climates, the feathers are few and thin, 
 and their lateral webs are usually separate, as in the Ostrich, 
 Cassowary, Emu, and extinct Dotlo. In some cases feathers 
 seem to pass into the hairs, which ordinarily clothe the quadru- 
 peds, as in the Cassowary, and others : and the base of the 
 bill in many birds is usually surrounded with these capillary 
 plumes. 
 
 The greater number of birds cast their feathers annually, and 
 appear to suffer much more from it than the quadrupeds do 
 
 ^ t 
 
IMK(Jl)LCl'IO\. 
 
 XXXill 
 
 the mouth, 
 Yet there 
 nach, or its 
 ruminating 
 no insectiv- 
 ncUbles, ex- 
 onceived to 
 .'nsation. 
 1(1 cHmates 
 lich Hve in 
 of phmiage 
 ma}' form :i 
 lates, a(iua- 
 3vided with 
 r anointing 
 revents the 
 nds are less 
 Ragles, their 
 )rey. 
 
 ly a(la])ted 
 
 It. In the 
 
 e vanes, or 
 
 ins of reg- 
 
 |her. except 
 
 lose screen 
 
 meable oar 
 
 d to catch 
 
 ich do not 
 
 and thin. 
 
 le Ostrich, 
 
 s feathers 
 
 e quadru- 
 
 ase of the 
 
 |e capillary 
 
 uially, and 
 Irupeds do 
 
 from .i similar change. The best-fed fowl ceases at this time 
 lu lav. ''he season of moulting is generally the end of summer 
 (ir autumn, and their feathers are n(Jt completely restored till 
 the spring. Tlie male sometimes undergoes, as we have already 
 remarked, an additional moult towards the close of suunner ; 
 md among many of the waders and web-footed tribes, as Sand- 
 ])ipcr>. Plovers, and (lulls, both sexes experience a moult twite 
 ni the year, so that their summer and winter livery appears 
 wholly different. 
 
 The stratagems and contrivances instinctively emjiloyed l)y 
 birds for their support and jn'otection are peculiarly rem;irk- 
 able ; in this way those which are weak are enabled to elude 
 the })ursuit of the strong and rapacious. Some are e\en 
 screened from the attacks of their enemies by an arrangement 
 of colors assimilated to the places which they most frequent 
 for subsistence and repose : thus the Wryneck is scarcely to be 
 distinguished from the tree on which it seeks its food ; or the 
 Snipe froni the soft and springy gr(jund which it fretpients. 
 'I"he (Jreat Plover finds its chief security in stony places, to 
 whi< h its colors are so nicely adapted that the most exact 
 observer may be deceived. The same lesort is taken advantage 
 of by the Night Hawk, Partridge, Plover, and the Ame.ican 
 (^)uail, the young brood of which s([uat on the ground, instinc- 
 ti\Lly conscious of being nearly invisible, from their close 
 resemblance to the broken ground on which thev lie, and trust 
 to this natural concealment. The same kind of tlecej)tive and 
 protecting artifice is often emjiloyed by birds to conceal or 
 .ender the appearance of their nests ambiguous. Thus the 
 Kuroperin Wren forms its nest externally of hay, if against 
 a hayrick ; covered with lichens, if the tree chosen is so 
 clad ; or aiade of green moss, when the decayed trunk in which 
 it is built, is thus coveretl ; and then, wholly closing it alxjve, 
 leaves only a concealed entry in the sitle. Our Munnning- 
 bird, by external ])atches of lichen, gives her nest the appi-ar- 
 an( e of a moss-grown knot. A similar artifice is employefl by 
 our Yellow-breasted I'dycatcher, or Vireo, and others. The 
 vol.. 1. — c 
 
 M 
 
XXXIV 
 
 INTRODUCTION'. 
 
 (loldi-n-cnjwiK'd Thrush {Srinnis (iiii<uapi//us) mak«^s a iit-^t 
 like an oven, erecting an arch over it so |)ert"ec;tl)' resem- 
 bUng the tussuck in which it is concealeil tluit it is only dis- 
 ccnerable by the emotion of the female when startled from its 
 covert. 
 
 The Ikitcher-bin.l is said lt> draw aroun<l iiim his feathered 
 victims by treacherously imitating their notes. The Kingfisher 
 of luirope is believed to allure his i)rey by displaying the 
 brilliancy of his colors as he sits near some setiuestered place 
 on the margin of a rivulet ; the fish, attracted by the splen- 
 dor of his lluttering and expanded wings, are (detained while 
 the wily fisher takes an unerring aim.^ 'i'he Erne, and our 
 iJald I'lagle, gain a great part of their subsistence by watching 
 the success of the Fish Hawk, and robbing him of his finny prey 
 as soon as it is caught. In the same way also the rapacious 
 l)Urgomaster, or (llaucous (hill {Larus o^/aiicits), of the N(.>rth 
 levies his tribute 'of food from all the smaller species of his 
 race, who, knowing his strength and ferocity, are seldom inclined 
 to dispute his jMratical claims. Several species of Cuckoo, and 
 the Cow Troopial of America, habitually deposit their eggs in 
 the nests of other small birds, to whose deceived affection are 
 committed the preservation and rearing of the i)arasitic and 
 vagrant brood. The instinctive arts of birds are numerous ; 
 but treachery, like that which obtains in these ])arasitic species, 
 is among the rarest expedients of nature in the feathered 
 tribes, though not uncommon among some insect families. 
 
 'I'he art displayed by birds in the construction of their tem- 
 porary habitations, or nests, is also deser\-ing of passing 
 attention. Among the Gallinaceous tribe, including our land 
 domestic s])ecies, as well as the acpiatic and wading kinds, 
 scarcely any attempt at a nest is made. The birds which swarm 
 along the sea-coast often deposit their eggs on the bare ground, 
 sand, or slight depressions in shelving rocks ; governed alone 
 by grosser wants, their mutual attachment is feeble or nugatory, 
 and neither art nor instinct prompts attention to the const ruc- 
 
 1 The bria;lit feathers of this bird enter often successfully, with otliers, into 
 the composition of the most attractive artificial flies employed by anglers. 
 
INTK(>[)lCri(>N. 
 
 \XN\' 
 
 laki;^ a not 
 
 uctly rescni- 
 
 is only <lis- 
 
 ;lcd troni its 
 
 his tealhcrrd 
 ic Kini^fisliLT 
 sjjlaying the 
 estercd place 
 )y the s])lcn- 
 etained while 
 ,rne, and our 
 i by watching 
 his finny prey 
 the rapacious 
 of the North 
 species of his 
 ;klom inclined 
 f Cuckoo, and 
 their eggs in 
 affection are 
 jiarasitic and 
 Ire nunierous ; 
 nsitic s]iecies, 
 he feathered 
 families. 
 of their tem- 
 g of passing 
 ling our land 
 fading kinds, 
 wliich swarm 
 bare ground, 
 verned alone 
 or nugatory, 
 Ithe const ruc- 
 
 |,vith others, into 
 una;lers. 
 
 tion of a nest, — the less necessary, indeed, as the young run or 
 take to the water as soon as hatched, and early release them- 
 selves from parental tlependence. The habits of the other acpia- 
 ti( birds are not very dissimilar to these ; yet it is singular to 
 remark that while our common (leese and Ducks, like domestic 
 jowls, have no permanent selective attachment for their mates, 
 die Canadian Wild (loose, the Kider I )U( k, and some others, 
 are constantly and faithfully paired through the season; so 
 that this neglect of accommodaticjn for the ycjung in the fabri- 
 ( ation of an artificial nest, common to these with the rest of 
 their tribe, has less connection with the recjuisition of mutual 
 aid than with the hardy and precocious habits of these unmusi- 
 ( al, coarse, and retiring birds. It is true that some of them 
 show considerable address, if little of art. in providing security 
 for their young ; in this way some of the Razor-bills (including 
 the Common i\ififin) do not trust the exposure of their egg>. 
 like the (iulls, who rather rely on the solitude of their retreat, 
 than art in its defence ; but with considerable labor some of 
 the Akas form a deep burrow for the se( urity of their brood. 
 
 Iiirds of the same genus differ much in their modes of nidi- 
 ficaiion. Thus the ^Fartin makes a nest within a rough-cast 
 rampart of mud. and enters b\' a flat o])ening in the upper 
 edge. 'I'he Cliff Swallow of Jjonaparte conceals its warm and 
 feathered nest in a receptacle of agglutinated mud resembling 
 a narrow-necked purse or retort. Another species, in the 
 Indian seas, forms a small receptacle for its young entirely 
 of interlaced gelatinous fibres, provided by the mouth and 
 stomach ; these nests, stuck in clusters against the rocks, are 
 collected l)y the Chinese, and boiled and eaten in soups as 
 the rarest delicacy. The I'ank Martin, like the Kingfisher, 
 burrows deep into the friable banks of rivers to secure a de- 
 pository for its scantily feathered nest. The Chimney Swallow, 
 originally an inhabitant of hollow trees, builds in empty chim- 
 neys a bare nest of agglutinated twigs. The Woodpecker, 
 Nuthatch, Titmouse, and our rural lUuebird, secure their 
 young in hollow trees : and the first often gouge and dig 
 through the solid wood with the success and industry of car- 
 
 
I ll 
 
 XXXVl 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 pL'iitcTs, and without the litl of any other chisel than their 
 wcdj^jcd bills. 
 
 Mut the most consumniate ingenuity of ornithal architecture 
 is displayed by the smaller and more social tribes of birdi, who, 
 in proportion to their natural enemies, foreseen by Nature, are 
 pn)\i(U(l with the means of instinctive defence. In this labor 
 both sexes generally unite, and are sometimes occupied a week 
 or more in completing this tempc^rary habitation for their 
 young. We can only glance at a few examples, chietly domeri- 
 tic ; since to give anything like a general \iew of this subject 
 of the architecture employed by birds would far exceed the 
 narrt)w limits we prescribe. And here we may remark that, 
 after migration, there is no more certain disi)lay of the reveries 
 of instinct than what presitles over this interesting and neces- 
 sary labor of the species. And yet so nice are the gradations 
 betwixt this innate j)ropensity and the dawnings of reason that 
 It is not always easy to decide u])on the characteristics of 
 one as distinct from the other. Pure and undeviating in- 
 stincts are perhaps wholly confined to the invertebral class of 
 animals. 
 
 In respect to the habits of l)irds, we \\v]\ know that, like 
 ([uadrupeds, they possess, though in a lower degree, the capa- 
 cit\- for a certain measure of what mav be termed education, 
 or the power of adding to their stock of invariable habits the 
 additional traits of an inferior degree of reason. Tiius in those 
 birds who h;i\e (bscovered (like the faithful clog, tiiat humble 
 companion of man) the advantages to be derived from asso- 
 ciating round his jiremises, the regularity of their instinctive 
 habits gives way, in a measure, to improvable conceptions. In 
 this manner t>ur (loh't'u Robin {Icterus balfiinoir^, k^x I'iery 
 llang IJird. originally oiily a nati\-e of the wilderness and the 
 forest, is now a constant summer resident in the vicinitv of 
 villages and dwellings. From the dei)ending boughs of our 
 towering elms, and other spreacbng trees, like the Oriole of 
 I'Au-ope, and the Cassican of tropical America, he weaves his 
 pendulous and purse-like nest of the most tenacious and diu'- 
 able materials he can collect. These naturally consist of the 
 
INlKODLCrioN. 
 
 WWII 
 
 1 th;in their 
 
 architi'cluio 
 )f binli, who, 
 ■ Nature, arc- 
 In this lal)i>r 
 ipicd a wiik 
 )ii for tlu'ir 
 lictly doint'n- 
 r tiiis subject 
 r exceed the 
 remark tliat, 
 f tiie reveries 
 g and neces- 
 le gradations 
 f reason that 
 icteristics of 
 ;leviating in- 
 ,'bral class of 
 
 3w that, hke 
 e, the capa- 
 l education, 
 e habits tlie 
 'hus in those 
 tliat humble 
 
 from asso- 
 
 r instinctive 
 
 e])tions. In 
 
 ), or Fiery 
 ness and the 
 L' \-icinity of 
 )Uglis of our 
 le Oriole of 
 e weaves his 
 Dus and dur- 
 onsist of the 
 
 Indian hemp, flax of the silk-weed (.lsi-A-/>/<is species), and 
 otiier tougii and fibrous substances ; but with a ready ingenuity 
 he discovers that real tlax and heinj'. as well as thread, cottiMi, 
 varn, and even hanks of silk, or small strings, aiul hursr and 
 ( ()w hair, are excellent substitutes f r his original domcMtit ma- 
 terials ; and in *)rder to be convenient to these ai cidmtal 
 resources, — a matter of some importance in so tedious a labor. 
 — he has left the wild woods of his ancestry, and conscious of 
 the security of his lofty and nearly inaccessibU' mansion, has 
 taken up his wekome abode in the precincts of tjur h.ibitations. 
 'The same motives of convenience and c-oinfort have hatl their 
 ajjparent inlluence on many more oi' our almost domestic 
 feathered tribes; the liluebirds. \\rens, and Swallows, original 
 inhabitants of the W(;ods, are now no K'ss familiar than our 
 Pigeons. The Catbird often leaves his native solitary thickets 
 for the convenience and refuge of the garden, and watch- 
 ing, occasionally, the motions of the tenant, answers to his 
 whistle with complacent mimicry, or in petulant anger scolds at 
 his intrusion. The Common R()l)in, who never varies his simple 
 and coarse architecture, tormented by the parasitic Cuckoo 
 or the noisy Jay. who seek at times to rob him of his progeny, 
 for ])rotec:tion has been known fearlessly to build his nest 
 within u few yards ot the blac;ksmith's anvil, or on the stern 
 timbers of an unfinished vessel, where the carpenters were still 
 employed in their noisy labors. That sagacity obtains its intlu- 
 ence over unvarying instinct in these and many other familiar 
 birds, may readily be conceived when we observe that this 
 \enturous association with man \anishes with the occasion 
 which required it ; for no sooner have the Oriole and Robin 
 reared their young than their natural suspicion and shvness 
 again return. 
 
 Deserts and solitudes are avoided by most kinds of birds. 
 In an extensive country of unvarying surface, or possessing but 
 little variety of natural productions, and i)arti(ailarly where 
 streams and waters are scarce, few of the feathered tribes are 
 to be found. The extensive prairies of the West, and the 
 gloomy and almost interminable forests of the North. a< well as 
 
 .^ 
 
.WW 111 
 
 IM KUDLX llO.N. 
 
 till' iiinhnim'oiis, wiM, .iinl uiipcdpkil I);l^k^ of the Mississippi, 
 iind otluT of tiu' br^'tT risiTs, no less than the vast piiH'-l»ar- 
 reiis of tlie Southern St ales, are nearly without birds as |)enna- 
 nent residents. In ( ros>in.Lj the desolate piny j^lades of the 
 Siiuth, with tlic exception of Creepers, Nuthatches, Wood- 
 |»e(keis, Tine Warhh-rs, and llocks of Hitting l.arks {Sfiniui/ti), 
 scarcely any birds arc to be seen till we a|)proach the mean- 
 ders of some stream, or the precincts of a plantation. The 
 food of birds being extremely various, they conse(|uently con- 
 gregate only where sustenance is to be obtained ; wati-ry situa- 
 tions and a diversified vegetation are necessary for their su|)port, 
 and convenient for their residence; the fruits of the garden 
 and orchard, the swarms of inse( ts which follow the progress of 
 agriculture, the grain whi< h ue cultivate. — in short, everything 
 wjiich contributes to our luxuries and wants, in the way of 
 subsistence, no less than the recondite and tiny enemies which 
 lessen or attack these various resources, all conduce to the 
 support of the feathered race, which consequently seek out and 
 frcipient our settlements as humble and useful dependents. 
 
 'i'he most ingenious and labored nest of all the North .Amer- 
 ican birds is that of the Orchard Oriole, or Troo]iial. It is 
 suspended, or pensile, like that of the IJaltimore IJird, but, with 
 the exception of hair, constantly constructed of native mate- 
 rials, the principal of which is a kind of tough grass. The 
 blades are formed into a sort of platted purse but little inferior 
 to a coarse ?traw bonnet ; the artificial labor bestowed is so 
 apparent tha: Wilson humorously ailds. on his showing it to a 
 matron of his actpiaintance. betwixt joke and earnest, she 
 asked *' if he thought it could not be tauizht io darn stock- 
 ings." FA-ery one has heard of the Tailor Uird of India {Sv/r/ti 
 sit Zona) ; this little architect, by way of saving labor and gain- 
 ing security for its tiny fabric, sometimes actually, as a seam- 
 stress, sews together the edges of two leaves of a tree, in which 
 her nest, at the extremity of the branch, is then secured for the 
 ])eriod of incubation. Among the Sy/r'/tis. or Warblers, there 
 is a species, inhabiting Florida and the West Indies, tli3 
 Sy/i'/a pensi/is, which forms its woven, covered nest to rod; in 
 
 It •«! 
 
 
IMKolJLClI".N. 
 
 X.WIX 
 
 Mi»i>>i|il»i, 
 -.1 piiu-lMr- 
 Is ;»s pi-rma- 
 l.idi'^ of tin; 
 :hcs, Wood 
 (Sfiinii'//tJ), 
 h the incan- 
 tation. '\'\\c 
 <liu-iitly con- 
 wati-ry Jiilua- 
 luir sii|)|u)rt, 
 f the garden 
 L' i)rogrc>.>. of 
 rt, c'vcrythinj; 
 the way of 
 leniics \vhi«h 
 i(hue to the 
 seek out and 
 endents. 
 North Amer- 
 >opial. It is 
 rd, but, with 
 itive niate- 
 ^rass. The 
 ttle inferior 
 towed is so 
 jwing it to a 
 arnest, she 
 darn stoik- 
 idia {Sy/ria 
 )r and gain- 
 as a seani- 
 ee, in wliich 
 ured for the 
 rblers, there 
 Indies, \.\\i 
 St to roe!: in 
 
 the air at the end of two >^l^|K•ndinf^ strings, rather than trust 
 it to thi' wilv enemies by whu h it is surrounded ; the entrani c. 
 for ^et urity, is also from IktIow, and through a winding vestibule. 
 
 Our httle eheerful and ahnost domestir Wren (T>;n;/,>if\fi'\ 
 f///r/fs). whiih >o often disptjles with the Martin and the iJhie- 
 bird the possession of the box set up tor their ace ommo<lation 
 in the ganlen or near the house, in his native resort ot a hollow 
 tree, or the shed of some neglected out-house, begins ju^ labrit 
 b\ forming a barricade of « rooked interlacing twigs. — a kiml 
 of <7/<7 <///.v-.// -yW.w, — for the detence of his internal habitation, 
 leaving merely a very small entram-e at the ujjper vd.iv. The 
 indiistrv of this little bird, and his affectit)n for his mate, are 
 somewhat remarkable, as he frequently completes Ins habita- 
 tion without aid. and then searches out a female on whom to 
 bestow it ; but not being always successful, or the premises not 
 sitisfactory to his mistress, his labor remains sometimes with- 
 out reward, and he continues to warble out his lay in solitude. 
 I'he same gallant ha'oit prevails also with our recluse Wren of 
 the marshes. Wilson's Marsh \\'rt;n {Tn>i^-/i>t/\Vr.\- />a///.\/n\). 
 instead of courting the advantages of a proximity to our dwel- 
 lings, lives wholly among the reed-fens, suspending his muij- 
 l)lastered and circularly covered nest usually to the stalks of 
 the plant he so much atVects. Another marsh species inhabits 
 the low an»l sw.impy meadows of our vicinity {Troi^^/othfi's />>r- 
 r/ft)s/ris), and with ready address constructs its globular nest 
 wholly of the intertwined sedge-grass of the tussock on which 
 it IS built : these two species never leave their subacpi itie 
 retreats but for the purpose of distant migration, and avoid 
 and deprecate in angry twitterings every sort of society but 
 their own. 
 
 Among the most extraordinary habitations of birds, illustra- 
 live of their instinctive invention, may be mentioned that of 
 the iJengal Grosbeak, whose pensile nest, suspended from the 
 lofty boughs of the Indian fig-tree, is fabricated of grass, like 
 cloth, in the form of a large bottle, with the entrance down- 
 wards ; it consists also cf two or three chambers, supposed to 
 be occasionally illuminated by the fire-flies, which, however. 
 
XI 
 
 IX'lRODLCl ION. 
 
 onlv constitute a part of the food it jirobably convoys for the 
 su|i]H)rt of its yoin\u. lUit tlie most cxtraonUnary instinct of 
 thi-i kind known, is exhibited by the Sociable, or Kepubhcan 
 (iiosl)eak {/'/chci/s soii'i/s, Cavh'.k ), of the ( 'ape of ( iood Hojie. 
 In one tree, acconhntj; to Mr. IV.terson, there could not be 
 fewer than from eiL,dit hundred to one thousand of these nests, 
 covered l)v one general roof, resembling that of a thatched 
 house, and projecting t)ver the laitrance of the ne'>l. ['heir 
 connuon intluslry almost resembles that of bi'e^. Iteneath this 
 roof there are many entrances, each of which forms, as it were, 
 a regular street, with nests on either side, about two inches dis- 
 tant from eac h other. The material which they employ in this 
 buildmg is a kind of hue grass, whose seed, also, at the same 
 time serves them for food. 
 
 That birds, besides their predilection for the resorts of men, 
 are also capable of ap])reciating conse([uences to themselves 
 and \-ouug, scarcely admits the shadow of a doubt : thev are 
 capable of communicating their tears and nicely caUailating 
 the i)robability of danger or the immunities of fa\()r. We talk 
 of the cunning of the I'ox and the watchfulness of tlie Weasel ; 
 but the I'lagle, Hawk, Ra\-en, Crow, IVe. and lllat ki)ird pos- 
 sess those traits of shrewdness and < .uition which would seem 
 to arise from reflection and ])rudence. 'I'hey well knou- the 
 ])owerful weaj)ons and wiles of civilized man. Without being 
 able U^ sill <■ I / powder, — a vulgar idea. — the Crow and I'lackbird 
 at once suspect the character of the fatal gun ; thev will alight on 
 the bu'ks of cattle without any show of apprehension, and the 
 I've e\en lio])s upon them with insulting and garrulous phuful- 
 ness ; but he llies instantly from his human tuiemv. wnA ^eems, 
 bv his de])recating airs, aware of the i)ro>cription that affects 
 his existence. A man on horseback or in a carriage is much 
 less an object of suspicion to those wily birds than when alone ; 
 and i ha\-e been fretpiently both amused and surjirised, in the 
 Southern States, by the sagacity of the Common 151ackbirds in 
 starting from the ])K)ughing field, with looks of alarm, at the 
 sight of a white man, as distinct from and more dangerous than 
 the black sla\e, whose furrow thev clcjselv and familiarlv lol- 
 
 V l!ii 
 

 IM Ri,»l)LCll< LN. 
 
 \1 
 
 •nwys tor the 
 ry iiisliiut of 
 ir Republican 
 
 ( iood I lo]K'. 
 could not l)c 
 »t' these ncsls, 
 •f a thalchcil 
 ticsi. Their 
 Beneath this 
 IS, as it were, 
 I'o inciies clis- 
 niplo) in this 
 , at the sanie 
 
 ■sorts of men. 
 
 ;o themselves 
 
 iht ; they are 
 
 ly calculating 
 
 i>r. We talk 
 
 ' the Weasel ; 
 
 lackbinl pos- 
 
 would seem 
 
 ell know the 
 
 ithout being 
 
 1(1 r.lackbird 
 
 will alight on 
 
 sion, and the 
 
 ous playful- 
 
 •, And seems, 
 
 that affects 
 
 aage is much 
 
 when alont' ; 
 
 )rised, in the 
 
 Uackbirds in 
 
 alarm, at th.e 
 
 ngcrous than 
 
 iimiliarlv fi;l- 
 
 lowed, I'or the insect food it afforded them, without l)etra\ing 
 anv api)earance of distrust. Need we any turiher jjroof of 
 the capacity for change of dispositit)n than that wha h has >o 
 long ojjerated upon our domestic poultry ? — '• those \ictims," 
 as lluffon slightingly remarks, '-which are multiplied without 
 trouble, and sac rificed withcnit regret." How different the hab- 
 its of our (loose and Duck in their wild and tame condition 1 
 Insteatl of that excessive and timid catitiousness. so pei uliar 
 to their sawige nature, they keep company with tlie doniotic 
 cattle, and hanlly shuftle out of our ])alh. .\a\-. the (lander 
 is a very ban-dog. — noisy, gabbling, and vociterou>, he gi\es 
 notice of the stranger's ap])roach, is often the terror ot the 
 medtUing school-boy, in defence of his fostered brood ; and it 
 is repc^rted of anticpiity, that by their usual garrulity and wat( h- 
 fulness thev once saved the Roman capitol. Not onlv is the 
 di>position )f these birds changed by domestication, but ewn 
 their strong instinct to migration, or wandering longings, are 
 wholly annihilated. Instead of joining the airy phalanx w'ni( li 
 wing their way to distant regions, they grovel contented in the 
 perjjetual alnmdance attendant on their willing slaver\. If 
 instinct can thus be destroyed or merged in artificial cir( urn- 
 stances, need we wonder that this i)rotecting and innate intelli- 
 gence is ca]>able also of another change b\ improsement. 
 adapted to new habits and unuatural restraints? Kven without 
 undergoing the slavery of domestication, many birds become 
 fully sensible of immunities and |)rotection ; and in the >aine 
 acpiatic and rude family of bir«ls already mentioned we may 
 (juote the tame habits of the llider I )ucks. In belaud and 
 other comitries. where they breed in such numbers as to render 
 their valuable down an object of commerce, thev are tbrbidden 
 to be killed under legal penalty ; and as if aware of this legisla- 
 tive securit\, they sit on their eggs undisturbed at the ai)|)roach 
 of man, and are entirely as familiar, during this season of 
 breeding, as our tamed Ducks. Nor are they api)arentl\- awari' 
 of the cheat habitually practised upon them of abstracting the 
 down with which the\- line their nests, though it i-^ u>uall\- 
 repeated until the} make the third attempt at iiKaibation. If, 
 
xlii 
 
 TMROULCTIO.N. 
 
 h(;wfVfr, the last nest, with its eggs and down, to the lining 
 of which the male is now obliged to contribnte, be taken away, 
 they sagaciously leave the premises, without return. The pious 
 .Storks, in Holland, j)rotected by law for their usefulness, build 
 their nests on the tops of houses and churches, often in the 
 niidst of cities, in boxes prepared for them, like those for our 
 Martins: and, walking about the streets and gardens without 
 aiJi)rehension of danger, perform the usual office of domestic 
 
 scavengers. 
 
 'i'hat birds, like our more sedentary and domestic quadru- 
 peds, are ca])able of exhibiting attachment to those who feed 
 and attend them, is undeniable. Deprived of other society, 
 some of our more intelligent species, particularly the Thrushes, 
 soon learn to seek out the company of their friends or ])r()tec- 
 tors of the himian species. The Brown Thrush and Mocking 
 Bird become in this way extremely familiar, cheerful, and 
 <'apricioui-ly playful ; the former, m particular, courts the atten- 
 tion of his master, follows his steps, complains when neglected. 
 Hies to hull wh^ii suffered to be at large, and sings and re])oses 
 gratelully perched on hishaml. — m short, by all his actions he 
 appears cajjable (A real and affectionate attachment, and is 
 jealous of e\ery rival, jiarticularly any other bird, which he 
 ])erse( utes from his presence with unceasing hatred. His pet- 
 ulant dislike to ])articular objects of less moment is also dis- 
 jjlayed by various tones ami gestures, which soon become 
 sufficiently intelligible to those who are near him. as well as 
 his notes of gratulation and satisfaction. His language of 
 fear and surprise could never be mistaken, and an imitation of 
 his guttural low /s//rrr, tslwrr, on these occasions, answers as 
 a premonitor\- warning when any danger awaits him from the 
 slv api^roach of (at or s(|uirrel. .\s I have now descended, as 
 I may say, to the actual biography of one of these birds, which 
 I raised and kept uncaged for some time, I may also add, that 
 besides a jilavful turn for mischief and interruption, in which 
 he would sometimes snatch off the paper on which I was writ- 
 ing, he had a good degree of curiosity, and was much surprised 
 one day by a large springing beetle or F.latey {E, oce/iaius), 
 
IMKODUCIIUX. 
 
 xlii 
 
 , to the liniiiL; 
 3e taken away, 
 'n. 'riic pious 
 efulness. biiilfl 
 s. often in the 
 those for our 
 irdens without 
 e of domestic 
 
 lestic quadru- 
 lose who feed 
 other society, 
 the Thrushes, 
 ids or protec- 
 and Mockin-^ 
 cheerful, and 
 irts the atten- 
 en neglected, 
 s and reposes 
 lis actions he 
 nent, and is 
 d, which he 
 . His i)et- 
 is also dis- 
 )on become 
 n. as well as 
 anguage of 
 imitation of 
 answers as 
 m from the 
 scended, as 
 )irds, which 
 so add, that 
 n. in which 
 I was writ- 
 1 suri)rised 
 ocellatus), 
 
 which I had caught and placed in a ttnnbler. On all such 
 occasions hi> looks of capricious surprise were very amusing ; he 
 cautiously ajjjjroai hed the glass with fanning and closing wings, 
 .ind in an under-tone ccjnfessed his surprise at the address and 
 iumping motion of the huge msect. At length he became 
 bolder, and ])erceiving it had a relation to his ordinary prey of 
 beetles, he, with some hesitation, ventured to snatch at the 
 prisoner between temerity and playfulness. But when really 
 alarmed or offended, he instantly tlew to his loftiest perch, for- 
 bid al! triendly ai)i)roaches. and for some time kei)t up his low 
 and angry fs/'irn . My late friend, the venerable William liar- 
 tram, was also much amused by the intelligence displayed by 
 thiri bird, and relates that one which he kept, being fond of 
 hard bread-crumbs, found, when they grated his throat, a very 
 rational remedy in softening them, by soaking in his vessel of 
 water : he likewise, by experience, discovered that the painful 
 l)rick of the wasps on which he fed, could be obviated by ex- 
 tracting their stings, iiut it would be too tedious and minute 
 to follow out these glimmerings of mtelligence, which exist 
 as well in birds as in our most sagacious (juadrupeds. The 
 remarkable talent of the Parrot for imitating the tones of the 
 human voice has long been familiar. The most extraordinary 
 and well authenticated account of the actions of one of the 
 (omnion ash-colored species is that of a ]>ird which Colonel 
 ()■ Kelly bought for a hundred guineas at Bristol. This indi- 
 vidual not only repeated a great nimiber of sentences, but 
 aii.u^<t'rei/ many (piestions, and was able to whistle a variety of 
 tune>. While thus engageil it beat tmie with all the apjiear- 
 ance of science, and possessed a judgment, or ear so accurate. 
 th;!t if by chance it mistook a note, it would revert to the bar 
 where the mistake was made, correct itself, and still beatimr 
 regular time, go again through the whole with perfect exact- 
 ness. So celebrated was this surprising bird that an obituary 
 notice (jf its death appeared in the "(ieneral livening Post" 
 for the 9th of October, 1802. In this account it is added, that 
 besides her great musical faculties, she could express her wants 
 articulately, and give her orders in a manner approaching to 
 
xli\- 
 
 INTRODL'L TioX. 
 
 rationality. She was, at the time of iier decease, sii])|)().-,ecl to 
 be more than thirty years of age. The colonel was repeat- 
 edly offered five hundred guineas a yar for the bird, by 
 ])ersons who wislied to make a public exhibition of iier : but 
 out of tenderness to his favorite he constantly refused the 
 offer. 
 
 'The story related by (ioldsnuth of a i)arrot belonging to 
 King Henry the Seventh, is very amusing, and possibly true. It 
 was kept in a room in the Palace of Westminster, overlooking 
 the Thames, and had naturally enough learned a store of boat- 
 men's phrases; one day, sporting somewhat incautiously. Poll 
 fell into the river, but had rationality enough, it a])pears. to 
 make a profitable use of the words she had learned, and ac- 
 cordingly vociferated, " A boat ! twenty pounds tor a boat!" 
 This welcome sound reaching the ears of a waterman, soon 
 brought assistance to the Parrot, who delivered it to the 
 king, with a re(iuest to be jiaid the rountl sum so readily ])rom- 
 ised by the bird ; but his Majesty, dissatisfied with the exor- 
 bitant demand, agreed, at any rati-, to give him what the 
 bird should now award ; in answer to which reference. Poll 
 shrewdly cried, ''(live the knave a groat!" 
 
 The story given by Locke, in his -' l"]ssay on the Human 
 rnderstanding," though approaching closely to rationality, and 
 apparently mii)robable, xnay not be a greater effort than could 
 have been accom])lished by Colonel ()' Kelly's bird. This 
 Parrot had attracied the attention of Prince Maurice, then 
 governor of Prazil, who had a curiosity to witness its powers. 
 The bird was introduced into the room, wtiere sat the prince 
 in ( ompany with several Dutcdimen. On viewing them, the 
 Parrot exclaimed, in Portuguese, '* What a company of white 
 men are here ! " Pointing to the prince, they asked, " Who is 
 that man? " to which the Parrot replies, '• Some general or 
 other." The prince now asked, " l''rom what j)lace ilo you 
 come?" The answer was, *' P'rom Marignan." "'I\.> whom 
 do you belong?" It answered, " To a Portuguese." "What 
 do you do there?" To which the Parrot replied, " 1 look after 
 chickens ! " The prince, now laughing, exclaimed, " Ydu look 
 
I\rR(»I)LCTl().\. 
 
 xl 
 
 V 
 
 C, SllJ)[)()^,(.'tl to 
 
 el was rcpcat- 
 • thf bird, liv 
 n (jf Ikt : luit 
 ly rcfusdl ihc 
 
 hclongiiit; lo 
 isibly true. It 
 ■r, overlook int; 
 
 store of l)();it- 
 -•autiously, Toll 
 
 it a])i)ears. lo 
 irned, and ac - 
 ; for a boat ! " 
 •aterman, soon 
 'ed it to the 
 
 readily prom- 
 vith the e\(^r- 
 lim what the 
 
 efereiK e, Poll 
 
 II the Human 
 
 itionality. and 
 
 rt than could 
 
 bird. This 
 
 '^laurice, then 
 
 ss its powers. 
 
 at the jMinre 
 
 ni; them, the 
 
 )any of white 
 
 ed, '" Who is 
 
 genenil or 
 
 )la('e do vou 
 
 a 
 
 se. 
 
 I (' Whom 
 " "What 
 1 look after 
 " \'(>// look 
 
 .ifter <:hickens ! " To which Poll |)ertinently answered. •' Yes, 
 /_ — and I know well enough how to do it ; " clucking at the 
 ■>anie instant in the manner of a calling brood-hen. 
 
 The docility of birds in catching and exjjressing sounds 
 depends, of course, upon the perfection of their voice and 
 hearing:, — assisted also by no inconsiderable power of memory. 
 The imitative actions and passiveness of some small birds, such 
 a.> (loldfmches. Linnets, and Canaries, are, however, quite as 
 ( urious as their expression of sounds. A Sieur Roman exhib- 
 ited in Knc^land some of these birds, one oi' which simulated 
 death, and was held up by the tail or claw without showing any 
 active signs of life. V second balanced itself on the head, 
 with its claws in the air. A third imitated a milkmaid going to 
 market, with pails on its s';o.ilders. A fourth mimicked a 
 X'enetian girl '' -k'HL 3ut at a window. A fifth acted the 
 s(jldier, and moun . guard as a sentinel. The sixth was a 
 cannonier. with a cap on its head, a firelock on its shoulder, 
 and with a match in its claw disc barged a small cannon. 1 ho 
 same bird also acted as if w.)unded, was wheeled in a little 
 l),!rrow, as it were to the hospital : after which it flew away 
 before the company. The -^exenth turned a kind of windmill ; 
 and the last bird stood amidst a discharge of small fireworks, 
 without showing any sign of fear. 
 
 A similar exhibition, in which twenty- four C"anary birds 
 were the actors, was also shown in London in 1820, by a 
 i''renchiiian named Dujon; one of these suffered itself to be 
 >hot at, and falling down, as if deatl, was ])ut into a little 
 wheelbarrow and conveyed away by one of its comrades. 
 
 '['he docility of the Canary and (ioldfinch is thus, by dint of 
 se\-ere education, put in fair competition with that of the dog ; 
 and we cannot deny to the feathered creation a share of that 
 kind of rational intelligence exhibited by some of our sagacious 
 iiu;ulrui)eds, — an incii)ient knowledge of cause and effect far 
 removed from the unimprovable and unchangeable destinies of 
 in>tinct. Nature ])robably delights less m producing such 
 animated machines than we are apt to suppose ; and amidst 
 the mutabilitv of circumstances bv which almost ever\- animated 
 
xhi 
 
 iNTRoni'i ri()\, 
 
 being is siirrounflcd, there seeni^ lo hv a frequent ilemnnd .r 
 that reUeving inxiiition denietl to those aniniils uiiich are 
 solely governed by intlexible instinrt. 
 
 The velocity with which birds are able to travel in their 
 aerial element lias no parallel among terrestrial animals : and 
 this ])owcrtul cajjacity for jjrogressive motion is bestowed in 
 aid of their i)eculiar wants and instinctive habits. The swiftest 
 horse may ])erha])s proceed a mile in something less than two 
 minutes ; but such exertion is unnatural, and quickly fatal. An 
 llagle, whose stretch of wing exceeds seven feet, with ease and 
 majesty, and without any extraordinary effort, rises out of sight 
 in less than three minutes, and therefore must tly more than 
 three thousand five hundred yards in a minute, or at the rate 
 of sixty miles in an hour. At this sj^eed a bird would easily ])er- 
 tbrm a journey of six hundred miles in a day, since ten hours 
 only would be recjuired, which woukl allow freijuent halts, and 
 the whole of the night for repose. Swallows and other migra- 
 tory birds might therefore i)ass trom northern Europe to the 
 equator in seven or eight days. In fact, Adanson saw, on the 
 coast of Senegal, Swallows that had arrived there on the 9th of 
 October, or eight or nine days after their dejiarture from the 
 colder 'continent. A Canary I'alcon, sent to the Duke of I,erma, 
 returned in sixteen hours from Andalusia to the island of Tene- 
 riffe, — a distance of seven hundred and fifty miles. The (lulls 
 of llarbadoes, according to Sir Hans Sloane, make excursions in 
 Hocks to the distance of more than two hundred miles after 
 their food, and then return the same day to their rocky roosts. 
 
 If we allow that any natural powers come in aid of the 
 instinct to migration, so powerfiil and unifi)rni in birds, besides 
 their vast (~ai)acity for motion, it must be in the perfection and 
 delicacy of their vision, of which we have such striking ex- 
 am])les in the rapacious tribes. It is possible that at times 
 they may be directed prmcii)ally by atmos[)heric phenomena 
 alone ; and hence we find that their a])pearance is frequently 
 a concomitant of the apjiroaching season, and the wild Petrel 
 of the ocean is not the only harbinger of storm and coming 
 change. The currents of the air, in those which make exlen- 
 
INTRODrClM'X. 
 
 Xl\ 11 
 
 sive voyages, are se(iuloiisly employed ; and hence, at certain 
 ^iMsons. when they are nsually in mo'.i(>n, we find their arri\-,il 
 or departure accelerated by a favorable direction of the winds. 
 That birds also should be able to derive advantage in their 
 journeys from the acuteness of their vision, is not more wonder- 
 ful than the capacity of a dog to discover the ])atli of his 
 master, for many miles in succession, by the mere scent of his 
 steps. It IS said, indeed, in corroboration of this conjecture, 
 that the Passenger, or Carrying Pigeon, is not certain to return 
 U) the place from whence it is brought, unless it be conveyed 
 in an (Ji)en wicker basket admitting a \ie\v of the passing 
 scenery. Many of our birds, however, follow instinctively the 
 great valleys and river-courses, which tend towanU their 
 southern or warmer destination ; thus the great valle\s of 
 the C(jnnecticut, the Hudson, the 1 )elaware, the Susquehanna, 
 the .Santee, and more particularly the vast Mississip]>i, are often, 
 in part, the leading routes of our migrating birds. IJut, in fact, 
 mysterious as is the voyage and de])arture of our birds, like 
 those of all other countries where they remove at all, the des- 
 tination of many is rendered certain, as soon as we visit the 
 southern parts of the Union, or the adjoining countries of Mex- 
 ico, to which they have retired for the winter ; for now, where 
 they were nearly or wholly unknown in summer, they throng 
 bv thousands, and flit before our path like the showering leaves 
 of autumn. It is curious to observe the pertinacity of this 
 adventurous instinct in thcjse more truly and exclusively insec- 
 tivorous species which wholly leave us for the mild and genial 
 regions of the tropics. Many penetrate to their destination 
 through Mexico overland ; to these the whole journey is 
 merely an amusing and varied feast. Wwt to a much smaller 
 number, who keep too fir toward the sea-coast, and enter the 
 ocean-bound peninsula of Morida, a more arduous aerial voy- 
 age IS presented ; the wide ocean must be crossed, by the 
 young and inexperienced as well as the old and venturous, 
 before they arrive either at the tropical continent or its scat- 
 tered islands. When the wind ])roves propitious, however, 
 our little voyagers wing their imerring way like prosperf)us 
 
xKiii 
 
 IN'lR(JDLCriU\. 
 
 fairies ; hut l)affle(l 1)\' storms and contrary gales, they often 
 suffer from want, and at times, like the (Quails, become victims 
 to tlu' devouring waves. On such unfortunate occasions (as 
 Mr. liullock ^ witnessed in a voyage near to Vera Cruz late in 
 autumn), the famished travellers familiarly crowd the decks of 
 the vessel, in the hope of obtaining rest and a scanty meal 
 preparator)' to the conclusion of their un])ropiti()us llight. 
 
 Superficial observers, substituting their own ideas for facts, 
 are ready to conclude, and frecpiently assert, that the old and 
 young, before leaving, assemble together t\)r mutual departure ; 
 this may be true in many instances, but in as many more a 
 different arrangement (jbtains. The young, often instinctively 
 vagrant, herd together in separate Hocks ])revious to their 
 departure, and guidetl alone by the innate monition of Nature, 
 seek neither the aitl nor the company of the old ; conse(|uently 
 in some countries flocks of young of particular species are alone 
 ol)served, and in others, far distant, we recogni/e the old. 
 Vvom jiarental aid the juvenile company have obtained all that 
 Nature intended to bestow. — existence and education; and 
 they are now thrown upon the world aiiiong their numerous 
 companions, with no other necessary guide than self-jjreserving 
 instinct. In l'vUroi)e it appears that these bands of the young 
 always affect even a warmer climate than the old ; the aeration 
 of their blood not being yet complete, they are more sensible 
 to the rig(jrs of cold. The season of the year has also its effect 
 on the movements of bu'ds ; thus certain species i)roceed to 
 their northern destination nicjre to the eastward in the spring, 
 and return from it to the south-westward in autumn. 
 
 The habitudes and extent of the migrations of birds admit 
 of ctMisiderable varietv. Some only tly before the inundating 
 storms of winter, and return with the first dawn of s])ring ; 
 these do not leave the continent, and only migrate in cpiest of 
 food when it actually begins to fail. Among these may be 
 named our common Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow. Blue- 
 bird, Robin, Pewee, Cedar Bird, Blackbird, Meadow Lark, and 
 many more. Others ])ass into warmer climates in the autumn, 
 
 1 Tiavels in Mexico. 
 
I.\ TRfJULCl'ION. 
 
 X 1 1 x 
 
 es, they often 
 iconic victims 
 occasions ( as 
 1 Cruz late in 
 the decks of 
 
 scanty meal 
 s (light, 
 eas for facts. 
 
 the old and 
 il departure ; 
 lany more a 
 
 instinctively 
 Kis to their 
 m of Nature, 
 consequently 
 :ies are ahjne 
 i/e the old. 
 ined all that 
 :ation ; and 
 ir numerous 
 f-preserving 
 )f 
 
 le aeration 
 ore sensible 
 
 so its effect 
 
 )rocee(l to 
 
 the spring, 
 
 )irds admit 
 inundating 
 of spring ; 
 n (piest of 
 se mav i)e 
 row. ijiue- 
 l.ark, and 
 le autumn, 
 
 after rearing their xoung. Some are so given to wandcrmg 
 that their ( hoice of a (ountry is only regulated by the resources 
 which U i)lfd> lor subsistence ; such arc the I'igeon>, Flerons 
 of >e\eral kinds. Snipes, wild (leese and 1 )uck>, the wandering 
 Albatros, and Waxen Chatterer. 
 
 The greater number of birds travel in the night ; mjitu- 
 >periiv,. howe\er. prut eed only by day. as the diurnal birds of 
 prcv. — Crows, I'ies, Wrens, Creepers. Cross-bills, Larks, I5lue- 
 bii<U, Swallows, and M)me others. Those which travi-l wholly 
 in the night are the Owls, lUitcher ISirds, Kingli>her>, 'I'hrushes, 
 Flycatchers, Night Hawks, \\"hip-poor-wills. and also a great 
 number of aquati( birds, whose motions are also principally 
 nocturnal, except i:i the cold and desolate ni^rthern regions, 
 where they usually retire to breed. Other binN are -^o ]iow- 
 erfully imi)elled by this go\i'rning motive to migration that 
 they stop neither day nor night ; such are the Herons, Mota- 
 <illas, I'loMTs, Swans. Cranes, Wild (leese. Storks, etc. ^\'hen 
 untow.ird ( ircum^tances render haste necessary, certain kiniU 
 of l)ird>. which ordinarily travel only in the night, continue 
 their rome during the day, and scarcely allow themselves time 
 to eat : yet the singing-birds, |)roperly so called, never migrate 
 by day, whatever may hap])en to them. And it may here be 
 incjuired. with astonishment, how these fee]:»le but enthusiastic 
 animals, are able to ])ass the time, thus engaged, without the 
 aid of recruiting sleep? lUit so powerful is this necessity for 
 trawl that its incentiw breaks out equally in those which are 
 detained in captivity, — so much so that although during the 
 day they are no more alert than usual, and onh" occupied 
 in taking nourishment, at the approach of night, far from seek- 
 ing repose, as usual, they manifest great agitation, sing without 
 ceasing in the cage, whether the apartment is lighted or not : 
 and when the moon shines, they appear still more restless, as it 
 IS their custom, at lilierty, to seek the advantage of its light 
 for facilitating their route. Some birds, while engaged in their 
 iourney, still find means to live without halting, — the Swallow, 
 while traversing the sea, pursues its insect ])rev : those who 
 can subsist on fish without any serious effort, feed as they pass 
 
 vol.. I. — ,/ 
 
1 
 
 INTkODUCTlcV. 
 
 wr ffraze tlu' surface of the deep. If the W'len, the Creeper, 
 .111(1 tlic 'I'itmoiiNe rest for an instant on a tree to snat< h a hasty 
 morsel, in the next they are on the wing, to fulfil their destina- 
 tion. However abundant may be the nt)urishnKiU which 
 |)rrM'ms Itself to supply their wants, in general. binU of passage 
 rarely remain more than two days together in a i)la( e. 
 
 The cries of many birds, while engaged in their aerial voy- 
 age, are such as are only heard on this important occasicju, and 
 appear necessary for the direction of those which tly in assem- 
 |)K(1 ranks. 
 
 1 )uring these migrations it has been observed that birds 
 
 the hiuh 
 
 )( tht 
 
 My onimaruy m the higher regions ot the air, excein when 
 fogs force them to seek a lower elevation, '['his habit is 
 l)articularly pre\alent with Wild (Icese, Storks, ("ranes, and 
 Herons, which often pass at such a height as to be scarcely 
 distinguishable. 
 
 We shall not here enter into any detailed description of the 
 manner in which each si)ecies conducts its migration, but 
 shall content ourselves with citing the single remarkable exam- 
 ])le of the motions of the Cranes. Of all migrating birds, these 
 api)ear to be endowed with the greatest share of foresight. 
 They never undertake the journey alone : throughout a circle 
 of several miles they ai)i)ear to communicate the intention 
 of commencing their route. Several days ])revious to their 
 departure they call upon each other b\- a peculiar cry, as if 
 giving warning to assemble at a central jioint ; the favorable 
 moment being at length arrived, they betake themselves to 
 tbght, and, in military style, fall into two lines, which, uniting 
 at the summit, form an extended angle with twt) equal sides. 
 At the central point of the phalanx, the cliief takes his station, 
 t(^ whf)m the whole troop, by their subordination, appear to 
 have ])ledged their obedience. The commander has not only 
 the ])ainful task of breaking the path through the air, but he 
 has also the charge of watching fcjr the common safety ; to 
 avoid the attacks of birds of prey ; to range the two lines in a 
 circle at the approach of a tempest, in order to resist with 
 more effect the scjualls which menace the dispersion of the 
 
 IliS 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 n, the Creeper, 
 snatth a hasty 
 il their destina- 
 ishinent which 
 )ir(U of passagi' 
 plai c. 
 
 heir aerial \oy- 
 t occasion, and 
 :h tly in assem- 
 
 ■ved that birds 
 ■, excel )t when 
 
 This hal)it is 
 S Cranes, and 
 
 to be scarcely 
 
 icription of the 
 mitrration, but 
 larkable exam- 
 pg birds, these 
 of foresight, 
 ighout a circle 
 the intention 
 vious to their 
 iiliar cry, as if 
 the favorable 
 hemselves to 
 lich, uniting 
 ) equal sides. 
 •s his station, 
 n, appear to 
 has not only 
 e air, but he 
 n safety ; to 
 |\vo lines in a 
 resist with 
 rsion of the 
 
 linear ranks: and, lastl>, it ir. to their lea.ler that the fatigue.! 
 < ompmy look up to np|)oint the ino^t ( onvenieni places for 
 nourishineiil and repose. Still, important as i> the station and 
 function of the aerial director, its existence is but luomeiuary. 
 As soon as he k-els sensible of fitigue, he cnk>, his place to 
 thf nr\i m the file, and retires himself t,, its extremity. Dur- 
 nig the night their Ihght is attended with considerable noise; 
 the loud cries which we hear, seem to be the marching orders 
 of the chief, answered by the ranks who follow his command-.. 
 \\ iUl (leese and several kinds of Ducks also make their aerial 
 voyage nearl\' in the same manner as the Cranes. 'I'he loud 
 call of the passing ( leese, as they soar se( urel\- through the 
 higher regions of the air, is fimiliar to all : but as an additional 
 proof of their sagacity and caution, we may remark that when 
 fogs in the atmosphere render their llight necessarily \o\v, they 
 steal along in sil'.uice, as if aware of the danger to which their 
 lower path now exposes them. 
 
 The direction of the winds is of great imi)ortance to the 
 iiiiL;rjtion of birds, not only as an assistance when favorable, 
 but to be avoided when contrary, as the most disastrous of 
 accidents, when they are traversing the ocean. If tlu,' l)rt'e/e 
 suddenly ( hange, the aerial voyagers tack to meet it, and di- 
 verging from their original course, seek the asylum of some 
 land or island, as is the case very fre(iuep*ly with the (^)uails, 
 who conseipiently, in their passage across the Mediterranean, 
 at variable times, make a tlescent in immense numbers on the 
 islands of the .Archipelago, where they wait, sometimes for 
 weeks, the arrival of a pro])itious gale to terminate their jour- 
 ney. And hence we perce-ve the object of migrating birds, 
 when they alight upon a vessel at sea : it has fallen in their 
 course while seeking refuge from a baffling bretve or o\er- 
 whelming storm, and after a few hours of rest they wing their 
 way to their previous dest-ination. That Nature has provided 
 am])le means to fulfil the wonderful instinct of these feeble but 
 cautious wanderers, ai)])ears in every part of their economy. 
 As the period ajiproaches for their general de])arture, and the 
 chilli; of autumn are felt, their bodies begin to be loaded with 
 
INTK(»I>1( HON. 
 
 <i-llii1.ir niatti-r, ;iii(l ;it no season of ihf yt-ar an- tlu- triR' binls 
 ot l);!ssaj.,'t' so f.il a> at the approach of ihL'ir ini^ralion. I'hi' 
 ( iiill>, ("raiK's, ami IIc'ron>, ahnost proverbially ina( ileiit. arc al 
 this season loadeil with this rcser\oir of nulriiuent, which is 
 intended to adininistir to their support through their arduous 
 and hazardous voyage. With thir> natural provision, dormant 
 aniniaN also c iMuiuente their long and dreary >leep through 
 
 the winter, — a nutritious resource no less ne<essa 
 
 ry ni birds 
 
 while engaged in fulfilling the powerful and waking reveries of 
 
 nistinct. 
 
 Uut if the act of migration surprise u> when jierl"ormed by 
 
 birds of acti 
 
 rkable wht 
 
 is oi active power ot wmg, it is still more remarKaDie wnei 
 undertaken by those of sht)rt and laborious tlight. like the 
 Coots and Kails, who, in fai t, perform a part of their route on 
 foot. The (Ireat Penguin {.-//<(/ i>ti/>iiinis). the Ciuillemot, and 
 tlu' Divers, e\en make their voyage < hietly by dint of swim- 
 ming. The young l.oons {Co/ym/'us i:;/tuia/is), l)red in inland 
 ])onds, though |jroverbially lame (and hence the name of Lom, 
 or l.oon), without recourse to their wings, which are at this 
 time ineffn lent, continue their route from pond to pond, 
 floundering over the intervening land ])y night, until at length 
 they gain some creek of the sea, and finally complete their 
 necessary migration by water, 
 
 Hirds of passage, both in the old and new continents, art- 
 observed generally to migrate southwest in autumn, and to 
 jxiss to the northeast in spring. Parry, however, it seems, ob- 
 served the birds of (ireenland proceed to the southeast. This 
 a])parent aberration from the usual course may be accounted 
 for by considering the habits of these atpiatic birds. Intent on 
 food and shelter, a part, bending their course over the cohl 
 regions of Norway and Russia, seek the shores of luirojje ; 
 while another division, eipially considerable, proceeding south- 
 west, spread themselves over the interior of the I'nited States 
 and the coast and kingdom of Mexico. 
 
 'I'his propensity to change their climate, induced by what- 
 ever cause, is not c(jnfined to the birds of temperate regions ; 
 it likewise exists among many of those who inhabit the tiopics. 
 
 \ '-' 
 
IMkoKlCTlnN. 
 
 liii 
 
 .* tlu" triK' birds 
 iij,'r;itit»M. riic 
 iiarili'iit, arc at 
 lUfiit, uhi< h IS 
 ii their arduous 
 isioii. doruiam 
 sk'cj) liirtMiijh 
 fssary in birds 
 iing reveries of 
 
 performed by 
 narkable when 
 tlii,dit. hke the 
 their route on 
 liuilleniot, and 
 dint of swim- 
 bred in inland 
 name of I.om, 
 <h are at this 
 [jnd to pond, 
 mtil at len.uth 
 :omplete their 
 
 )ntinents, are 
 
 min, and to 
 
 it seems, ob- 
 
 least. This 
 
 )e accounted 
 
 Intent on 
 
 er tlie cold 
 
 of I-^urope ; 
 
 eding south- 
 
 'nited States 
 
 ed by what- 
 ate regions ; 
 the t topics. 
 
 .\»|uatic birds of several kinds, according to Humboldt, cross 
 the ime <>n either side about the time of die periodu a! ri-.e of 
 the riverN. Waterton, like\vi->e. who spent mu» h tune \n l>ciu- 
 er ira and the neighl»oring countries, observed that the visits of 
 many of the tropical birds were periodical. l'hn> the wonder- 
 lul (ampanero, whose solemn voiie is heard at mtervals tolling 
 like the convent-bell, was rare to Waterton. but fretjuent in 
 llra/il, where it most probably retires to breed. I'he failure 
 of partitiilar food at any sea>on, in the mildest climate, would 
 be a sufticient incentive to a partial and overland migration 
 with any speciei oi the feathcreii race. 
 
 The longevity of birds is various, ami, diflerent from the 
 case of man and <|uadnipe<ls. >eems to bear but little propt>r- 
 tion to the age at which they a«(|uire maturity of character. A 
 tew months seems sufficient to bring the bird into full j)os^e^- 
 sion of all its native powers : and there are some, a-^ our Marsh 
 Titmouse or Chickadee, which, in fact, as soon as tledge*!, are 
 no l(jnger to be distinguished trom their parents. Land ani- 
 mals generally 'ive Nix t)r seven times as long a- the ])eriod 
 reciuired to attam maturit) ; but in birds the rate is ten times 
 greater. In projiortion to their si/e, they are ako f . r more 
 vivacious and long-lived than other animals of the superior 
 class. ( )ur knowledge of the longevity of birds is, however, 
 necessarily limited to the few examples of domesticated species 
 which we have been able to support through life : the result of 
 these examples is, that our tlomestic Fowls have lived twenty 
 years ; Pigeons have excee<led that period ; Parrots have at- 
 tained more than thirty years, (ieese live ])robably more than 
 half a century ; a Pelican has lived to eighty years ; and Swans, 
 Ravens, and Kagles have exceeded a century. I-Aen Linnets, 
 in the unnatural restraints of the cage, have sur\ived for four- 
 teen or fifteen years, and Canaries twenty-five. To a< count for 
 this remarkable tenacity of life, nothing very satisfactory has 
 been offered ; though Pjuffbn is of opinion that the sot't an<l 
 jiorous nature of their bones contributes to this end. as the 
 general ossification and rigidity of the system perpetually tends 
 to abridge the boundaries of life. 
 
liv 
 
 IMROUUCTIOX. 
 
 In .1 general way it may be considered as essential for the 
 bird to lly as it is for the lish to swim or the quadrui)ed to 
 walk , yet in all these tribes there are exceptions to the general 
 habits. I'hus among qiuulrupeds the bats fly, the seals swim, 
 and the beaver and otter swim better than they can walk. So 
 also among birds, the Ostrich, C.'assowary, and some others, 
 incapable of Hying, are obliged to walk ; others, as the Dippers, 
 lly and swim but never walk. Some, like the Swallows and 
 Hummmg liirds, pass their time chiefly on the wing. A far 
 greater number of birds live on the water than of quadrui)eds, 
 for n\ tlu- latter there are not more than five or six kinds fur- 
 nished with webbed or oar-like feet, whereas of birds with this 
 structure there are several hundred. The lightness of their 
 featherb and bones, as well as the boatdike form of their boilies, 
 contributes greatly to facilitate their buoyancy and i)rogress in 
 the water, and their feet serve as oars to propel them. 
 
 'I'hus in whate\'er way we \iew the feathered tribes which 
 surround us. we shall fivul mucli both to amuse and instruct. 
 ^\ e heai ken to their songs with renewed delight, as the harbin- 
 gers and nssociates of the season they accompany. Their 
 return, after a long absence, is hailed with gratitude to the 
 Auth(ir of all existence ; and the cheerless solitude of inani- 
 mate Nature is, by their presence, attuned to life and harmony. 
 Nor (if) they \Iont atlminister to the amusement and luxury of 
 life ; faithful aids as well as messengers of the seasons, they 
 associate round o.r tenement'^, and defend the various produc- 
 tions of the earth, on which we so much rely for subsistence, 
 from the <lestructive depredations of myriads of insects, which, 
 but for timely riddance by unnumbered binls, would be fol- 
 lowed by a general failure and famine. Public economy and 
 utilitv, then, no less than humanity, ple;ul for the i)rotection of 
 the feathered race ; and the wanton destruction of birds, so 
 useful, beautiful, and amusing, if not treated as such by law, 
 ought to be considered as a crime by every moral, feeling, and 
 reflecting mind. 
 
 4 
 
 ^liii 
 
;ntial for the 
 iuaclrui)ed to 
 o the general 
 : seals swim, 
 in walk. So 
 some others, 
 
 the Dippers, 
 -wallows and 
 ^'ing. A far 
 qiuulrupeds, 
 ix kinds fur- 
 rds with this 
 less of their 
 their bodies, 
 
 progress in 
 
 m. 
 
 ribes which 
 
 nd instruct. 
 
 the harbin- 
 my. Their 
 ude to the 
 le of inani- 
 d harmony, 
 d luxury of 
 •asons, they 
 )us produc- 
 iubsistence, 
 ?cts. which, 
 i:ld be fol- 
 anomy and 
 otection of 
 'f birds, so 
 ch by law, 
 2cling, and 
 
 ORNITHOLOCxY 
 
 OK lUK 
 
 UNITED STAIHS AXI) CANADA 
 
 1^* 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
I 1 
 
 nff 
 
turki:y vulture. 
 
 TURKEY BUZZARD. 
 
 Cathartf.s aura. 
 
 Char. Brownish black; head bare of feathers and bright red; bill 
 white ; length about 2 feet. 
 
 A'isf. In a stuni]i, or cavitv among rocks, without additional material. 
 
 It:-::', 2: white, or with a tinge of green or yellow, spotted with brown 
 and i>urplc; 2.75 X 1.90. 
 
 'fhis common Turkey-like Vulture is found abiuidantlv in 
 both North and South .America, but seems wholly to avoid the 
 Northeastern or New Kngland States, a straijcjler being seldom 
 seen as far as the latitude of 41°. Whether this limit arises 
 from some local antipathy, their dislike of the cold eastern 
 storms which prevail in the spring till the time they usually 
 
 V( )L. 1. I 
 
 
2 niRDS UF rkKV. 
 
 breed, or some other cause, it is not easily assignable ; and the 
 fact is still more remarkable, as they have been observed in the 
 iiikrior by Mr. Say as far as Pembino. in the 49th degree 
 of north latitude, by Lewis and Clarke near the Falls of the 
 Oregon, antl they are not unccjmmon throughout that territory. 
 'i'hey are, however, much more abundant in the warmer than 
 in the colder regions, and are found beyond the ecjuator. even 
 as far or farther than the La Plata, All the West India islands 
 are inhabited by them, as well as the tropical continent, where, 
 :is in the Southern States of the L'nion they are connncjnly 
 protected for their services as scavengers of carrion, which 
 would prove highly deleterious in those warm and humid cli- 
 mates. In the winter they generally seek out warmth and 
 shelter, hovering often like grim and boding spectres in tiie 
 sul)urbs, and on the root's and chimneys of the houses, around 
 the cities of the Southern States. A few brave the winters of 
 ALaryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, but the greai- r part 
 migrate south at the apjjroach of cold weather. 
 
 The Turkey Buzzard has not been known to breed north of 
 New Jersey in any of the .Atlantic States. Jlere they seek out 
 the swampy solitudes, and, without forming any nest, deposit 
 two eggs in the stump of a hollow tree or log, on the mere 
 fragments of rotten wood with which it is ordinarilv strewed. 
 Occasionally, in the Southern States, they have been known to 
 make choice of the ruined chimney of a deserted house for 
 this purpose. The eggs are larger than those of a Turkey, of 
 a yellowish white, irregularly blotched with dark brown and 
 blackish spots, chietly at the larger end. 'J'he male ot"ten at- 
 tends while the female is sitting ; and if not materially dis- 
 turbed, they will continue t(j occupy the same place for several 
 years in succession. 
 
 The yoimg are covered with a whitish down, and, in common 
 with the habit of the old birds, will often eject, ujjon tiu^se who 
 happen to molest them, the filthy contents of their stomachs. 
 
 In the cities of the South they appear to be somewhat grega- 
 rious, and as if aware of the protection afforded them, ])re- 
 sent themselves often in the streets, and particularly near the 
 
 \m 
 
 I 
 
TURKEY VLLTL'RK. 
 
 ble ; and the 
 iserved in the 
 
 49th degree 
 : Falls of the 
 that territory, 
 
 warmer than 
 equator, even 
 
 India islands 
 tinent, where, 
 re commonly 
 irrion. which 
 lid humid cli- 
 
 wannth and 
 lectres in the 
 ouses, around 
 he winters of 
 
 grea.ti r part 
 
 reed north of 
 
 they seek out 
 
 nest, dejiosit 
 
 on the mere 
 
 irily strewed. 
 
 en known to 
 
 ed house for 
 
 I Turkey, of 
 
 brown and 
 
 lie often at- 
 
 terially dis- 
 
 e for several 
 
 in common 
 >ii those who 
 
 stomachs. 
 
 ■what Strega- 
 them, pre- 
 irly near the 
 
 shambles. They also watch the emptying of the scavengers' 
 carts in the suburbs, where, in company with the still more 
 domestic Black \'ultures, they search out their favorite morsels 
 amidst <lust, filth, and rubbish of all descriptions, liits of 
 cheese, of meat, fish, or anything sufficiently fuetid, and easy of 
 digestion, is greedily sought after, and eagerly eyed. When 
 the opportunity offers they eat with gluttonous voracity, and 
 fill themselves in such a manner as to be sometimes iut apa- 
 ble of rising from the ground. They are accused at times 
 of attacking young pigs and lambs, beginning their assault by 
 picking out the eyes. Mr. Waterton. ho\ve\er, while at I )em- 
 erara watched them for hours together amidst reptiles of all 
 kiescrijjtions. but they never made any attack u[)on them. He 
 even killed li/ards and frogs and put them in their way, but 
 they did not appear to notice them until they attained the 
 putrid scent. So that a more harmless animal, living at ail 
 upon flesh, is not in existence, than the Turkey \'ulture. 
 
 At night they roo^t in the neighboring trees, but, I believe, 
 seldom in tlocks like the IMack kind. In wintv.r they some- 
 times jjass the night in numbers on the roofs of the houses in 
 the suburbs of the Southern cities, and ajipear particularly 
 desirous of taking advantage of the warmth which they dis- 
 cover to issue from the chimneys. Here, when the sun shines, 
 they and their black relatives, though no wise social, may be 
 observed perched in these conspicuous places basking in the 
 feeble rays, and stretching (jut their dark wings to admit the 
 warmth directly to their chilled bodies. And when not en- 
 gaged in acts of necessity, they amuse themselves on fine clear 
 days, even at the coolest season of the year, by soaring, in 
 companies, slowly and majestically into the higher regions of 
 the atmosphere ; rising gently, but ra])idly, in vast spiral circles, 
 they sometimes disappear beyond the thinnest clouds. They 
 practise this lofty flight partic ularly before the commencement 
 of thunder-storms, when, elevated above the war of elements, 
 they float at ease in the ethereal space with outstretched wings, 
 making no other apjiarent effort than the light balloon, only 
 now and then steadying their sailing j>inions as they spread 
 
4 BIRDS OF TRIiV. 
 
 them to the fonning bree/.e, and become abandoned to its 
 accidental sports. In South America, according to Humboldt, 
 they soar even in company with the C'ondor in his highest 
 flights, rising above the summits of the tropical Andes. 
 
 Examples of this species still wander occiisionally to New Kng- 
 laiid and to lirand Menan, and in 1887 iSIr. I'iiili]) Cox reported 
 the capture of two near the nioutii of the Miramichi River, on the 
 Ciulf ol St. Lawrence, in latitude 47^. It occurs regularly on the 
 St. Clair Flats, in Ontario. 
 
 The Vultures are not classed as the first of birds by the syste- 
 matists Oi the present day. Now the singing-birds — the Oschies — 
 ar: considered the most highly developed, and of these the Thrush 
 family is given highest rank. The \'ultures are classed as tlie 
 lowe.t of the birds of prey ; and this entire order has been moved 
 down below the Swifts and the Woodpeckers. 
 
 i 
 
 BL:\CK vn;iT'RE. 
 
 CARRION CROW. 
 CaIIIAKISIA ArKAKA. 
 
 Char. Dull bl.Tck ; head dusky .iiid partially covered above with 
 feathers. Length about 2 feet. 
 
 i\ ■<■»/. On the ground screened by bushes, or in a stump. (Xo attempt 
 is made to build a nest or e\en to lav a cushion for the eggs.) 
 
 /•/^V*'- '~3 (usually 2) ; bluish white, marked with several shades of 
 brown ; 3.10 x - 05 
 
 This smaller, black, and truly gregarious species of Vulture 
 in the L'nitcd States ai)pears to be generally confined to the 
 Southern States, and seems to be most numerous and familiar 
 in the large maritime towns of North and South Carolina, 
 (ieorgia, and Florida. I'hey are aLiO met with in several of 
 the Western States, and as far u]) the Ohio as Cincinnati. In 
 the tropical regions of America they are also very common, 
 and extend at least as far as Chili. Like the former species, 
 with which they associate oidy at meal-times, they are tacitly 
 allowed a pidilic protection for the service they render in rid- 
 ding the earth of carrion and other kinds of filth. They are 
 
 m 
 
151. AC K NLl.lLKi:. 
 
 5 
 
 oncd to its 
 I Muniboldt, 
 his highest 
 des. 
 
 o New Kng 
 Jox rcpoitctl 
 Liver, on the 
 ulariy on the 
 
 by the syste- 
 le Osc/iies — 
 ; the Thrush 
 .ssed as the 
 been moved 
 
 1 above witli 
 
 (Xo attempt 
 
 ) 
 
 U shades of 
 
 of Vulture 
 ned to the 
 nd familiar 
 1 Carolina, 
 
 several of 
 
 uinati. Ill 
 
 y common, 
 
 er species, 
 
 are tacitly 
 
 der in rid- 
 
 'I'hey are 
 
 much more familiar in the towns than the ])rcceding, delight- 
 mg, durmg wint r, to remain on the roofs of houses, catching 
 the feeble rays of the sim, and stretching out their wings to ad- 
 mit the warm air over their fuetid bodies. When the weather 
 bec(mies unusually chilly, or in the mornings, they may be 
 seen basking upon the chimneys in the warm snujke, which, 
 as well as the soot itself, can add no additional darkness or 
 impurity to sik h filtli\' ami melancholy spectres. Here, or on 
 the limbs of some of th.e larger trees, they remain in listless 
 indolence till arou>ed by the calls of hunger. 
 
 Their flight is neither so easy nor so gracefid as that of the 
 Turkey IJu/./ard. 'I'hey flap their wings and then soar hori- 
 zontally, renewing the motion of their pinions at short inter- 
 vals. At times, however, they rise to considerable elevations. 
 In the cities of Charleston anil Savannah they are to be seen in 
 numbers walking the streets with all the fimiliarity of domestic 
 Fowls, examining the channels and acciunulations of filth in 
 order to glean up the offal or animal matter of anv kind 
 which may happen to be thrown out. They appeared to be 
 Very regular in their attendance around the shanil)les. and 
 some of them become known by sight. 'I'his was particularly 
 the case with an old veteran wIkj hop])ed ujion one toot 
 (having by some accident lost the other), and had regularly 
 apjjcared round the shambles to claim the bounty of the 
 butchers for about twenty years. In the country, where I have 
 surprised them feeding in the woods, they ap])eared rather shy 
 and timorous, watching my movements alertly like Hawks ; 
 and every now and then one or two of them, as thcv sat in 
 the high boughs of a neighboring oak, communicated to the 
 rest, as I slowly approached, a low bark of alarm, or 2oai/i^/i, 
 something like the suppressed growl of a pujipy, at which the 
 whole flock by degrees deserted the dead hog ujjon which 
 they happened to be feeding. Sometimes they will collect 
 together about one carcase to the number of two hundre(l 
 and upwards: and the object, whatever it may be, is soon 
 robed in living mourning, scarcely anything being visible but 
 a dense mass of these sable scavengers, who may often be 
 
 S 
 
6 
 
 BIRDS OF I'RKV 
 
 :,ccn jealously conlending with each other, both in and c)iit (jf 
 the carcase, defiled with l)lood and filth, holdinjf on witli their 
 feet, hissing and clawing each other, or tearing off morsels so 
 as to fill their throats nearly to choking, and occasionally 
 joined l)y growling dogs, — the whole presenting one of the 
 most savage and disgusting scenes in nature, and truly worthy 
 the infernal bird of Prometheus. 
 
 This species is very rarely .seen north of the Carolinas, though 
 a few examples have been taken in New England and at Grand 
 Me nan. 
 
 AIDUHON'S CARACARA. 
 
 CARACARA KAtil.E. KI.\<. 1!LZ/ARIJ. 
 FoiAlloRrs I'lll.KIWAV. 
 
 f'UAR. Gencr.il color brownish black; fore part of hack aiul breast 
 liarrcd with white ; tail white, witii bars of l)lack. Length 20.\ to 25 inches. 
 
 AVs/. On a low tree or bush ; made of sticks and leaves. 
 
 /■'^TA'f- --4 (iisuallv 2) : brownish white or pale l)rown, bhjtched with 
 deeper l^rown ; 2.30 X 1.75. 
 
 This very remarkable and fine bird was first nut with by Mr. 
 .\udtd)on near St. .Xugustine, in East Moricki. He afterwards 
 also found it on Cialveston Island, in Texas. P'rom its general 
 habits and graceful, swee])ing flight, it was for some time mis- 
 taken for a Hawk. Though common in many |)arts of .South 
 America, it is within the limits of the United States merely an 
 accidental visitor. It is said, liowever, to l)reed in Florida, in 
 the highest branches of tall trees in the pine-barrens, making 
 a rough nest of sticks like a Hawk. In Texas it breefls, accord- 
 ing to Audubon, in the tops of bushe.;. 
 
 Since Niittall wrote, the Caracara has been found in niuiibers 
 in parts of Florida, and it is not uncommon in Texas, southern 
 Arizona, and Lower California. 
 
and out of 
 I with their 
 morsels s(j 
 fcasionally 
 une of tlic 
 -Illy worthy 
 
 nas, tliougli 
 d at Graml 
 
 1; aiul brenst 
 , to 25 inches. 
 
 )lotclied with 
 
 ith by Mr. 
 afterwards 
 its general 
 time niis- 
 s of South 
 merely an 
 I'lorida. in 
 us, uKikintf 
 Is, accord- 
 
 iii iiumlnTs 
 ., southerr. 
 
 WHITE GYRFALCON. 
 
 FaI.CO ISIvWDUS. 
 
 Char. Prevailing coh^r white, often immaculate, but usuallv with 
 dark maikings. Legs partially feathered. A sharp tooth near point of 
 up])er mandible ; the end of under mandil)le notched. Length 21 to 24 
 inches. 
 
 AVj-/. Usually on a cliff ; roughly made of sticks, — large drv twigs. 
 
 ^vv'-''- 3-4; l^"lf or brownisli, marked with reddish brown; 2.25 
 X 1.25. 
 
 GRAY GYRFALCON. 
 
 F.xr.co RusTicoi.us. 
 
 Thap. Prevailing color dull gray, with whitish and slaty-blue bands 
 and .'-iKjts; sometimes white prevails ; thighs usuallv barred. 
 
8 
 
 BIRDS OF I'KEY. 
 
 GYRFAL )N. 
 
 FaLCO RUSl'ICOI-L.-. ..YRFALCO. 
 
 Char. Upper parts dull brownish (dusky), with bars of bluish gray; 
 lower parts wiiitc, or mostly white marked with dusky ; thighs heavily 
 barred. 
 
 I -1 
 
 BLACK CrYRFALCON. 
 
 Fai.co KLSTICOLUS 0I!S(JLI;IUS. 
 
 Char. Prevailing color brownish black; usually barred with lighter 
 tints, but sometimes the bars are indistinct. 
 
 This elegant and celebrated Falcon is about two feet in 
 length ; the female two or three inches longer. 'I'hey particu- 
 larly abound in Iceland, and are found also throughout Siberia, 
 and the North of Europe as far as Greenland; Mr. Hutchins, 
 according to Pennant, saw them commonly about Fort Albany, 
 at Hudson's Bay. Occasionally a ])air is also seen in this 
 vicinity in the depth of winter. They brave the coldest cli- 
 mates, for which they have such a jjredilectlon as seldom to 
 leave the Arctic regions ; the younger birds are commonly seen 
 in the North of Ciermany, but very rarely the old, which are 
 readily distinguished by the superior whiteness of their plumage, 
 which augments with age, and by the increasing narrowness 
 of the transverse stripes that ornament the upper ]xirts of the 
 body, 'J'he finest of these Falcons were caugh.t in Iceland by 
 means of baited nets. The bait was commonly a Ptarmigan, 
 Pigeon, or common Fowl ; and such was the velocity and 
 power of his potmce that he commonly severed the head 
 from the baited bird as nicely as if it had been done by a 
 razor. These birds were reserved for the kings of Denmark, 
 and from thence they were formerly transported into Ger- 
 many, and even Turkey and Persia. The taste for the amuse- 
 ment of falconry was once very prevalent throughout Europe, 
 and continued for several centuries ; but at this time it has 
 almost wholly subsided. The Tartars, and Asiatics gener- 
 ally, were also ccpially addicted to this amusement. A Sir 
 
 V 
 
 )i 
 
DUCK HAWK. 
 
 iliiish gray; 
 glis heavily 
 
 rtith lighter 
 
 vo feet in 
 y particu" 
 
 lit Siberia, 
 Hutciiins, 
 rl Albany, 
 tn in this 
 oldest cli- 
 seldom to 
 lonly seen 
 which are 
 ' plumage, 
 i.urowness 
 irts of the 
 celanil by 
 't;irmigan, 
 ocity and 
 
 tlu- head 
 one by a 
 
 )enmark, 
 into (ler- 
 le a muse - 
 t luirope, 
 ne it has 
 cs gener- 
 it. A Sir 
 
 
 
 Thomas Monson, no later than the reign of James the First, 
 is said to have given a thousand jtounds for a cast of Hawks. 
 
 Next to the Ivigle, this bird is the most formitlable, active, 
 and intrepid, and was held in the highest esteem for falconry. 
 It boldly attacks the largest of birds ; tne Swan, (loose, Stork, 
 Heron, and Crane are to it easy victims. In its native regions 
 it lives much on the hare and Ptarmigan ; upon these it darts 
 with astonishing velocity, and often seizes its prey by pouncing 
 upon it almost ])erpendicularly. It breeds in the cold and 
 desert regions where it usually dwells, fixing its nests amidst 
 the most lofty anil inaccessible rocks. 
 
 Nuttall treated llic four forms as one, while I follow the A. O. U. 
 in separating them : though I do not think that tlie present classifi- 
 cation will be retained. The accessible material is very limited, 
 but it appears to indicate that there is hut one species with two, 
 or possibly three, geographical races. The nests and eii^js and 
 the habits are similar, the difference being entirely thai ol plu- 
 mage, — the prevalence of the dark or white color. 
 
 The White breeds chiefly in North Cireeiiland and alon;; the bor- 
 ders of the Arctic Ocean : tlie Clrav breeds in South Greenland : the 
 Black is restricted to Labrador; and the liabitat of _i^r^<?/^<' isgiven 
 as "interior of Arctic America from fhidson s ISay to Alaska." 
 Specimens of all four have been taken soutli of latitude 45°. and 
 a few of the Black have been taken, in winter, as far .south as 
 southern New England and Xew N'ork. 
 
 Note. — A few examples of the Pkaikik Falcon (Fiilco iiiexi- 
 canns) have accidentally wandered to the prairie districts of 
 Illinois. 
 
 dit:k ha\\k. 
 
 PEREGRIXE FALCON. GREAT- FOOTED HAWK. 
 
 FaLCO PERKGRINUS ANA'ITM. 
 
 Char. Above, bluish ash or brownish black, the edges of the feathers 
 paler; below, ashy or dull tawny, with bars or streaks of brownish; a 
 black patch on the checks, bill of bluish color, and toothed and notched, 
 as in all true Falcons; cere yellow. Wing long, thin, and pointed 
 Length 17 to 19 inches. 
 
«l 
 
 lO 
 
 I5IUUS OK i'ki:v. 
 
 .W.fA On tree or cliff; a loosely arranged platform of dry sticks, 
 sometimes j) irtially lined with gra^s, leaves, or mo>s. 
 
 /•.',.,'■ --4; rt'ldisii i)rown — sometimes of brigiu tint — marked with 
 dull red and rich brown ; j.io x i.oo. 
 
 'ihc cclcbratnl, powerful, and princfly Kalcon is conimoij 
 l)(jth to the continent of 10uroi)e and America. In the former 
 they are chielly found in moiuitainoiis regions, and make tiuir 
 nests in the most inaccessible clefts of rocks, and very rarely 
 in trees, layinj; 3 or 4 e^gs of a reddish-yellow, with brown 
 sl)()ts. In I'.urope they seldom descend to the plains, and 
 avoid marshy countries. The period of incubation lasts but 
 a short time, and commences in winter, or very early in the 
 spring', so that the young accjuire their full growth by the 
 middle of May. They are sujjposed to breed in the tall trees 
 of the des(;late cedar swamps in New Jersey. Audubon, how- 
 ever, tound them nesting on shelving ro« ks on the sh(jres of 
 Labrador and Newfoundland, laying from 2 to 5 eggs of a 
 rusty yellowish ])rf)wn. spotted and blotched with darker tints 
 of the same color. They also breed on shelving rocks in the 
 Kocky Mountains, where Mr. Townsend obtaineil a s])ecimen 
 on }>ig Sandy River of tlie ('(jlorado of the West in the month 
 of July. \\'hen the young have attained their growth, the 
 parents drive them from their haunts, with incessant and 
 piercing screams and complaints, — an unnatural proi)ensity 
 which nothing but dire necessity, the difficulty of accpiiring 
 sustenance, can ])alliate. 
 
 In strength and temerity the Falcon is not exceeded by 
 any bird of its si/e. He soars with easy and graceful motions 
 amidst the clouds or clear azure of the sky : from this lotly 
 elevation he selects his victim from among the larger birds, — 
 (irouse, Pheasants, I'igeons, Ducks, or (ieese. ^\'ithout being 
 ])erceivetl, he swiftly descends, as if falling from the clouds in 
 a ])eriiendicular line, and carries terror and destruction into 
 the timid ranks of his i)rey. Instead of flying before their 
 relentless enemy, the Partridge and Pheasant rim and closely 
 hide in the grass, the Pigeons glance aside to avoid the fatal 
 blow which is but too sure in its aim. and the Water Fowls seek 
 
 i 
 
 
 i I 
 
riGEoN HAWK. 
 
 1 1 
 
 if dry sticks 
 marked wilii 
 
 IS cominoi 
 the foriiur 
 make tluir 
 very rarely 
 A'ith brown 
 |)lains, and 
 n lasts but 
 arly in tlie 
 vth by the 
 e tall trees 
 iibon, h(;\v- 
 ; shores of 
 
 eggs of a 
 larker tints 
 ^cks in the 
 L specimen 
 the month 
 rowth. the 
 .'ssant and 
 propensity 
 
 ac(iuiring 
 
 ceeded by 
 111 motions 
 
 this lofty 
 r birds, — 
 lout being 
 
 clouds in 
 ction into 
 .'fore their 
 nd closely 
 1 the fatal 
 
 owls seek 
 
 ' 
 
 a more 'ertain refuge in <living beneath their yielding element. 
 If the prey be nut too large, the Kah on mounts into the air. 
 bearing it off in his talons, and then alights to gorge himself 
 with hiN booty .it leisure. Sometimes he attacks the Kite, 
 anotht .-^ fellow- 1 ilunderer, either in wanton insult, or more 
 probably to rob him of his quarry. 
 
 The I'eregrinc is ver\- generally distril)utcd throughout .Amcrii i. 
 hut exct]>ting on the Atlantic coast of Laljrador. and |)os>i!)ly on 
 Newfoundland, it is nowiicrc conuuon in this f.iuiial province. It 
 is a winter visitor chictly in Ohio and southern Ontario. !)ut it is 
 known to breed on isolated cliffs in the Maritime Provinces and the 
 New Knirlanfl States, and it is said that nests liavu been founrl in 
 Pennsylvania and Maryland. The report of its building in a swamp 
 in New jersey has not been confirmed. 
 
 PIGEON HAWK. 
 
 F.\I.CO COIlMnARIlS. 
 
 Char. Gcnerallv the prcv.iiling color, above, is blackish brown, thoiiuh 
 tlic olticr l)ird> assiunc a dull tint .npproaching hliiisii grav ; win^s, back, 
 •and tail streaked and barred with btiffy or reddish brown. Tail tipped with 
 white ; the middle tail-feathers in nuile with four bands of blackish, and 
 in female .about six pale bands. r>clow. dull, pale reddish brown, lighter 
 on breast and throat. Length li to 13 inches. 
 
 .W.r/. Usually on branches of trees, though found sometimes in cavi- 
 ties of dead trees and on cliffs ; loosely built of twigs, and lined with grass 
 and leaves. 
 
 E<r^s. 3-6: bnffv or pale reddish-brown ground color, blotched with 
 dull red and brown ; f .30 x 1.55. 
 
 This species is a little larger than the following, but by no 
 means so abundant : though met wnth in latitude forty- eight 
 degrees by Long's Xorthwe.stern Expedition, and occasion- 
 ally extending its migrations from Texas to Hiulson's Bay, and 
 rearing its young in the interior of Canada. Its nest was also 
 observed by Audubon in Labrador in the low fir-trees, and con- 
 tained five eggs, laid about the ist of June. It is shy, skulk- 
 mg, and watchful, seldom venturing beyond the unreclaimed 
 forest, and llies rapidly, but, 1 believe, seldom soars or hovers. 
 
12 
 
 BIRDS OF PREV, 
 
 Small birds ami mice constitute its [)rincipal food ; and ac- 
 cording to Wilson, it follows often in the rear of the gregarious 
 birds, such as the Blackbirds and Reedbirds, as well as after 
 the Hitting tlocks of IMgeons and Robins, picking up the strag- 
 glers, the weak and unguarded, as its legiinnate prey. Some- 
 times, when shot at without effect, it will lly in circles around 
 the gunner and utter impatient shrieks, — probably in appre- 
 hension for the safety of the mate, or to communicate a cry 
 of alarm. 
 
 The I'igcon Ffawk is a common migrant tlirougli Xcw Kngland, 
 Ohio, and southern Ontario. It is always late in migrating, and a 
 few examples have been seen in Massaclui.setts in midwinter. It 
 breeds sparingly in the northern portions of New England, and the 
 -Maritime Provinces of Canada. Its breeding area extends north 
 to the lower fur countries, and in winter it ranges to the Southern 
 States and South America. 
 
 NoTF. — One example of the European Merlin {Falca regains) 
 has been captured off the coast of Greei and. 
 
 {Im| 
 
I 
 
 ; and ac- 
 
 gregarious 
 ■II as after 
 
 the strag- 
 /. Some- 
 es arouinl 
 
 in ai)pre- 
 :ate a cry 
 
 ,v Lngland, 
 ting, and a 
 winter. It 
 nil. and tiie 
 ends north 
 e Soutliern 
 
 'cfl regit Ills) 
 
 f 
 
 AMF.RKWN SPARROW HAWK. 
 
 Faho si'AR\i:Kirs. 
 
 Char. Adult male : licad biui-~h ash. with reddish patch on crown, and 
 l)l.ick p.it( h on .sides and nape: !):Kk infoiis; wings bluish and black in 
 bars ; tail tawny, with black band, and tipped with white ; below, huffish or 
 tawny. Ktmalc : rufuus barred with black; uiulcri)arts buffv streaked 
 with tawny ; tail tawny, with blacki-li I ars. length lo inches. 
 
 A'cst. I >u.illy in cavities of trees, often in Woodpecker's holes, some- 
 times in deserted nest of a ("row. 
 
 '£!i,'X'-f 5-7 "• buttish, occasionally white, blotchcil with dull red and 
 brown; 1.33 X i-i^- 
 
 This beautiful and singularly marked bird appears to reside 
 principally in the warmer parts of the I'nited States. 'I'hev are 
 particularly abundant in the winter throughout South Carolina, 
 (ieorgia. Alabama, and Morida. whither they assemble from 
 the remote interior of the Northern States, wandering in sum- 
 mer as far as the Rocky Moimtains, and were even seen by 
 Dr. Richardson in the remote latitude of 5 V^ : these appear, 
 ho\vi\er, to be onl\- stntggleis, nor do they seem at all to visit 
 
14 
 
 BIRDS ui- rki.v. 
 
 thf mnritime districts o( New l-"nglantl. As they were seen in 
 St. I )()iniiii,'(), !)>• \'cillot, abumlantly in April and May, the 
 brcL-ding-scason, \vc may naturally conclude that thii species 
 has a much greater predilection tor the warm than t' e cold 
 (li mates. On the south side of the ecjuator. even in ( avenue 
 and i'araguay, they arc still found, in all (jf which countries 
 llicv prol)alily breed. 
 
 A( cording to the hahit.i of this tribe of rapacii^us birds 
 it appears that the nest is built in a hollow, shattered, or 
 decayed tree at a considerable elevation. 
 
 Its motions appear somewhat capricious ; it occasionally 
 hovers with beating wings, re( onncjitring for Jtrey. and soon 
 imjjatiently darts off to a di>tan< e to renew »h,e same ma- 
 n(euvre. In the winter, however, it is most conuiionly seen 
 ])erched on some dead branch. »jr on a pole (jr stalk in the 
 fulds. often at a little distance from the ground. kee|)iiig u]) a 
 tree juent jerking of the tail, and attentively watching lor -lome 
 siK h hum])le game as mice, grasshopjjers, or li/anK. \i this 
 lime it is likewise so familiar as to enter the garilen. orchard, 
 or premises near to the hou^e, and shows l)Ut little alarm on 
 being ai)proached. It is, however, by no means deficient in 
 < ourage, and, like the larger Fahons. (jften makes a fatal and 
 rapid swiep upon Sparrows or those small birds which are its 
 accustomed prey. 
 
 Insti'ad (if hiing a nuTc >iragnie> r>u'.sirle t'le warnu'i pornoii^ 'li 
 till' r>iitc(l Stall's, as Xuttali .■'.:';''car> to have (•(insi(h'i\'i! this Kal- 
 cou. it is (|ui;e eommou throughout most of the continent, and not 
 onlv breeds in New Hngland. but occasiouallv wintcr.s there. It 
 breeds aLsu throughout Lanada. north to the lower iur countries, 
 and during the cold wcath.cr rang'.-s from New Jersey to the 
 Soutiiern .States. 
 
 Note. — 'I'he Cuha.v Sp.\kko\v \\.\\\k {/'uho thuniniiensis) 
 has been found in Fltjrida ; and two exainjilcs ol the Ki;stki:l 
 (/•'iiAo tiiinuiuitlus) have been captured on this side of the 
 .Atlantic, —one off liie coast ol Greenland, and the ulliet at Nan- 
 tasket, Mass , in 1.S.S7. 
 
 i^il 
 
L- >c(.'n 111 
 May, the 
 ii sjieciis 
 the cold 
 ( 'a\ (.'niiL' 
 countries 
 
 ous l)ir(ls 
 LtLTe<l, or 
 
 (.asionally 
 aivl soon 
 iiinu' liia- 
 only seon 
 ilk in the 
 [nwji 11] » A 
 
 tor -lonie 
 
 . Al this 
 
 . on hard, 
 
 alarm on 
 
 fficient in 
 
 fatal and 
 ich are its 
 
 ,! tliis Fai- 
 nt, and not 
 there. It 
 • countries, 
 se\- to the 
 
 //l/i/if/lS/S) 
 ■ Ki:STKKL 
 
 dc of the 
 \ci at Nan- 
 
 i 
 
 GOLDEN KAC'JJ:. 
 
 :\<jrii.\ (•iii<\s.\i;iiis. 
 
 ^HAR. Dark brown, head and neck tawiiv brown ; logs feathered to 
 tiie toes; in the young, tail whitish, with broad terminal band of black. 
 
 .\'< ./. On a tree, sometimes on a higli ( liff ; loosclv built of drv sticks, 
 lined with twigs, grass, moss, leaves, .uul fe.ithers. 
 
 /^X^CJ. 2-;, (usually 2); dull white or pale buff >pottcd and blotched 
 more or less tlnckly with rt'iklish brown and i.ucntkr; 3.00 X 2.30. 
 
 This ancient monarch of the birds is found in all the cold 
 and tt.'m])erate rc-^ions of the northern hemisphere, taking tii' 
 his abotle by choice in the ureat forests and ])lains. and in wiki, 
 desert, and mountainous regions. His eyry, commonlv formed 
 of an e.\tensi\c set of la\ers of large sticks, is nearly horizontal, 
 and occasionally extended between some ro( k and adioining 
 
 J 
 
i6 
 
 IJIRDS (Jl- TRKV. 
 
 tree, as was the one described by \\'illuii;hby in the Peak of 
 Derbyshire. About thirty miles inland from the Mandan I'ort 
 on the Missouri I once had occasion to obserye tiie eyr\' of 
 this noble bird, which here consisted of but a slender lining of 
 sticks conyeyed into a rocky chasm on the face of a lofty hill 
 rising out of the grassy, open plain. It contained one young 
 bird, nearly fledged, and almost of the color of the (lyrfalcon. 
 Near their rocky nests they are seen usually in pairs, at times 
 majestically soaring to a yast height and gazing on the sun, 
 towards which they ascend until they disapjjear from yiew. 
 From this sublime eleyation they often select their deyoted 
 ])re\ . — sometimes a kid or a Jamb from the sporting llock, or 
 the timid rabbit or hare crouched in the furrow or sheltered in 
 some bush. 'l"he largest birds are also frecpiently their yictims ; 
 and in extreme want they will not refuse to join with the 
 alaruK-d Vulture in his cadayerous rejjast. .\fter this gorging 
 meal the Kagle can, if necessary, fast for seyeral days. The 
 pre< arious nature of his subsistence and the yiolence by which 
 ii !> constantly obtained seem to produce a moral effect on 
 the disposition of this rapacious bird : though in jxairs, they are 
 ne\er seen associated with their young; their offs{)ring are 
 driyen forth to lead the same unsocial, wandering life as their 
 unfeeling i)rogenitors. This harsh and tyrannical dis])ositi()n is 
 strongly dis[)l.iyed eyen when they lead a life of restraint and 
 confinement. The weaker bird is neyer willingly suffered to 
 eat a smgle morsel; and though he may cower and (juail under 
 the blow with the most abject submission, the sami' sayage 
 de]')ortment continues towards him as long as he exists. Those 
 which I haye seen in confinement frecjuently uttered hoarse 
 and stridulous cries, sometimes almost barkings, accom])anied 
 by ya])orous breathings, strongly expressiye of their ardent, 
 untiuenchable, and sayage appetites. Their fire-darting eyes, 
 lowering brows, flat foreheads, restless disj^osition, and terrific 
 plaints, together with dieir powerful natural weajjons, seem to 
 assimilate them to the tiger rather than the timorous bird. \'et 
 it would aj^pear that they may be rendered docile, as the Tar- 
 tars (accortling to Marco I'olo in 1269) were said to train 
 
 I 
 
Liui.oEN i:a(.li:. 
 
 17 
 
 this s])c'tifs to the chase of liares, foxes, wolves, antelopes, and 
 oihcr kinds of larj^e ,sj;anu'. in whicli it displayed all the dcx ility 
 tWthe l-'al(on. The lonLievity of the Magle is as remarkable as 
 it> stren^'th : it is believed to snbsist for a century, and is about 
 three years in gaining its complete growth and I'lxed plumage. 
 This bird was held in high estimation by the ancients on ac- 
 ( ount of its extrac^rdinary magnitude, courage, and sanguinary 
 habits. The Romans chose it as an emblem for their imperial 
 standard ; and from itr> abjuring llight and majestic soaring it 
 was fabled h) hold communication with hea\en and U) be the 
 favorite messenger of lox'e. The Tartars ha\e a particular 
 esteem for the feathers of the tail, with whii h they supersti- 
 tiously tiiink to plume invincible arrows. It is no less the 
 \enerated War-Iuto/r of our Northern and Western aborigines; 
 and the caudal feathers are extremely valued for talismanic 
 head-dresses and as sacred decorations for the Pipe of Peace. 
 
 The llagle ai)pears to be more abundant arouml Huds(jn's 
 liay than in the I'nited States : but tiuv are not unfrecpient in 
 the great ]>lains of the Mississi])i)i and Missouri, as appears 
 from the fri(|uent um' of the feathers b\' the natives. "l"he 
 wilderness seems their fivorite resort, and they neither crave 
 nor obtain any advantage from the society of man. Attached 
 to the mountains in which tlu'\- are bred, it is a rare occurrence 
 to see the llagle in this vi( iiiit\" : and. as with some other birds, 
 it would appear that the xoung onK' are found in the United 
 Stall's, while tin- old remain in Labrador and the northern 
 reg!on^. The l()fi\- mountains of New I Iamp>hire affijnl suit- 
 able situations tor the eyry of the l'",agle, o\'er whose snow-clad 
 summits he is seen majesticalb' soaring in solitude and gran- 
 deur. A young bird from this region, whii h I have seen in a 
 state of <lomestication, showed considerable docility, lie had, 
 howe\er, been brought up from the nest, in which he was found 
 in the month of August : he aj^peared even playful, turning his 
 head about in a \t'rv antic manner, as if desirous to attract 
 attention, — still, his glance was (|uick and fiery. W'lu'n birds 
 were giwn to him, he plumed them \ery clean before he began 
 his meal, and picked the siibje<"t \o a i)erfect skeleton. 
 Vol.. I. — 2 
 
I8 
 
 BIRDS OF l'kl;^• 
 
 The ferocious and sav;ii;o nature ut" {hv Magle, in aii unre- 
 clainu'd state, is sometimes displayed in a remarkable manner. 
 A peasant attempted to rob an eyry of this bird situ.it. > at the 
 Lake of Kiil.inu'}- : for this purpose he stripped and ^uam o\er 
 to the spot in the absence of the old birds ; but on hi-> return, 
 while yet up to the chin in water, the parents arrived, and 
 mis^ini,' their ycjung, instantly fell on the unfortmiate i)hnider(,r 
 and killed him on the sjiot. 
 
 There are se\'eral well-authenticated instances of their carry- 
 ini; olf children to tlnar nests. In 17.^7, in the parish of 
 \orderhout,fs, in .\orwa\-, a bo\' o\'er two \t;us old, on h\> way 
 from the « oitaL^^e to his parents, at work in the fields at no j,Meat 
 distance, fell into the pounce of an l-".agle, who Hew otT with 
 the ( hild in their siij;ht. and was seen no more. .Xnderson. in 
 his history of Ice'land, sa\s that in that inland children of four 
 or five \ears of ai^e have occasionallv been borne away i)y 
 Kagles ; and Ray relates that in one of the Orkneys a child of 
 a year old was seized in the talons of this ferocious bird and 
 carried about four miles to its nest, but the mother, knowing 
 the place of the eyry, followed the l)ird, and recovered her ciiild 
 yet unhurt. 
 
 The Common, or Ring-tailed Hagle, is now found to be the 
 young of the (lolden I'.agle, These {progressive changes have 
 been ol)servcd bv Temminc k on two living subjects which he 
 ke])t for several years. 
 
 The C.oldL'n ICagle is generally considered to be a rare bird in 
 New Euiilaiul and Canada, and, indeed, througliout the settled dis- 
 tricts e\er\ where ; though examples have been taken the continent 
 over, trom (ireenland to .Mexico, and we.st to the I'.ieific. 
 
 
 

 .tflC.^^^tO.ii 
 
 15.\I,I) i-.Aci.i;. 
 
 WASMINCTON r..\(iI.E. 
 Hai.i.kk'iis I lie (k I I'll mis. 
 
 <'HAR. Atliilt : l)l.ickisli hniwn, jialer on niart;in of feathers ; head and 
 tail white alter tliird year; bill ami feet vellow; !eL;s 1)are of featlier-^. 
 Young: darker than the adult : no white on head or tail (or concealed by 
 contour feather^;); bill and leet bio\\iii>h. 
 
 Length 50 to 40 inches ('{'he voun,;^ are larger than liie adult l)irds, 
 and arc very similar to the young of the (lolden Ivigle, though the latter 
 are easily distinguished by their feathered leg--.) 
 
 .Vfst. On a high tri'c, usually in a crotch, seldom on a dead tree, some- 
 times on a cliff; made of dry sticks loosely arranged, and (KcasionaUv 
 ^veed stems and coarse grass arc added : but there is rarely any att( nipt at 
 a lining. 
 
 /:i.irX-^. 2-3; white or pale buff: 290 X 2.25. 
 
2Q 
 
 IHkDS OF I'RKV. 
 
 'f/it- ll'as/iiii>;/t>n /''.iv^/('. — It i-> to llic indi'tatij^abk- Audu- 
 l)(*ii th.it \vf owe the ilisiim t note and descrii'lion of this nohle 
 KaL(lc, which first drew his attention wiiile \()v:iL(ini,' fir up the 
 Mississippi, in the nionlh of IV'bruary, i.Si.j. At hiii^^th he Iiad 
 thi' satisfaction of iliscovcrini,' its t'vr\-, in tho hiL;ii clifls of (Iri'eu 
 Ri\er, in Ki-ntucky, near to its junction with the ( )hio : two 
 youiii^ were di^cover'd loudly hissini; from a fissure in the 
 rocks, on *he apj)!oa( h of the male, from whom they re( ei\'e(l 
 a fish, 'j •■ r<r;'e now also came, and with solicitous alarm 
 for the sati. ; ol 1 .r young, gave a loud scream, dropped the 
 food she had brougli , and hovering owr the molesting party, 
 kept up a growling and thre>itening cry by way of intimidation ; 
 and in fact, as our disappointed naturalist soon discovered, she 
 from this time forsook the spot, and found means to convey 
 away her young. 'I'he tliscoverer considers the species i.s rare, 
 — indeed, its jirincipal residence appears to be in the northern 
 ])arts of the contini-nt, particularly the rocky solitudes around 
 the (Ireat Northwestern Lakes, where it can at all times col- 
 lect its finny prey and rear its young without the dread of man. 
 In the winter season, about January and I-'ebruary, as well as at 
 a later i)eriod of the spring, these birds are occasionally seen 
 in this vicinity (C'ambritlge, Mass.), — rendered perhaps bohUr 
 and more familiar by want, as the prevalence of the ice and 
 cold at this season drives them to the necessity of wandering far- 
 ther than usual in search oi food. At this early period Audubon 
 observed indications of the approach of the breeding-season, 
 'i'hey are sometimes seen contemling in the air, so that one of 
 the antagonists will suddenK' dro]) many feet downwards, as if 
 wounded or alarmed. Mv frii'ud Hr. Hayward. of IJoston, had 
 in his possession one of tln'se inu'. docile Ivigles for a consid- 
 erable time ; biU desirous of devoting it to the then l-innaMn 
 Museimi, he attempted to poison it b\ corrosive sublimate of 
 mercury : several times, howe\er, doses even of two drams 
 were gi\'en to it, conci'aU-d in fish, without j^roducing any inju- 
 rious effect on its health. 
 
 The \Vashingt()n llagle, bold and vigorous, disdains the 
 piratical habits of the Bald I'lagle, and invariably obtains his 
 
 i| 
 
i;.\i h i:.\(.i.r. 
 
 21 
 
 own sustenance without niolfstin^,' tlic ( •'^j)rcv. The circles he 
 (Icscrihes in his HJLjlit ;ue wi<li r th:in thn,t' of the ^^'hite- 
 hcadi'd Mai,'K' ; he aKo lliis nean r to the land or the surface 
 of llie water ; and when about to disc for his j'rey, he (K'>< ends 
 in circuitous, spiral rounds, as if to « hcik the retreat of the 
 fi-fh. on whi( it he darts only wiii-n within the distance of a few 
 yards. When his jiny is obtained, he llies out at a low eleva- 
 tion to a considerable distance tii eniov his re{«a>t at leisure. 
 The ([uantity of food ( on^uined by this enormous binl is very 
 great, according' to the account n( those who have had them 
 in ( onfineuHiit. Mr, Audubon's male bird wei;^'hed fourteen 
 and one half jiounds avoirdupois, ( )ne in anall musetini in 
 l'hikKlelj)hia (according to the accoimt oi ui friend Mr. C. 
 Pickering), also a maU-, weighed mu( h n; 'e, - - ",)V whi( h dif- 
 ference it would appear that they are capable of becoming 
 exceedingly fat ; for tlie length of this bird -• is about the same 
 as that t)f Audubon, — thit'e leet six <'r seven inches. The 
 width, however, was only about M\eii ; t, — agreeing pretty 
 nearly with a sj)ecimen now in the Ni w laigland Museum, 
 The male of the (lolden Magle, the largest hitherto known, is 
 seldom more than three feel long. 
 
 That this bird is not the White-tailed liagle {/ui/rc alhi- 
 ci//ti), or its yoiuig, the Sea llagle (/", ossi/rai^us), is obvi- 
 ous from the iliftVrence in si/e alone, the male of that bird 
 being little over two fi'et four im lies in length, or a little 
 less even than the llald l!agle. The female of the Washing- 
 ton Magle must, of course, be six or eight inches longer, — 
 which will give a bird of unparalleled iiiagnitu<le amongst the 
 whole Magle race. This measurement of the Sea Kagle is 
 obtained from "I'emminck's " Manual of Ornithology," who has 
 examined more than fifty individuals. At the same time I have 
 a suspicion that the Washington I'.agle, notwithstanding this, 
 exists also in Europe : a.s the '^rcaf Sea I'lagle of r>ri>son is 
 described bv this author as being three feet six inches in length 
 from the point of the bill to the end of thi' tail, and the stretch 
 of the wings about se\en feet ! These measurements al^o are 
 ado))ted by Huffon : but the indi\ iduals were evidently in young 
 
22 
 
 lURDS Ol- I'kKV 
 
 plumaj^'c, in which state, as described by llrisson, they again 
 approacli llie present species. Nor need it l)e considered as 
 surprising if two dirferent species be confounded in the Sea 
 I'.agle (if Ilurope, as the recently estabhshed Inii)erial Iviglo 
 had ever been confounded with the (iolden. Another (Hstin- 
 guishing trait of the Washington l-lagle is in the length of the 
 tail, which is one and one half inches longer than the folded 
 wings. In the White-tailed species this part never extends 
 beyonil the wings. 
 
 The White-headed or Jia/d F.ni^/e. — This noble and daring 
 I'iagle is found along the sea-coasts, lakes, and rivers through- 
 out the northern regions, being met with in Asia, ICurope, and 
 America, where they extend to the shores of tlie Pacific, and 
 as far as the confines of California. In IJehrlng's Isle, Mack- 
 enzie's River, and (Ireenland, they are not uncommon. Hut 
 while they are confined in the Okl World to this cheerless re- 
 gion so constantly that only iwo instances are known of their 
 ap|>earance in the centre of Europe, in the United States they 
 are most abumlant in the milder latitudes, residing, breeding, 
 and rearing their young in all the intermediate space from 
 Nova Scotia or Labrador to the shores of the (lulf of Mexico. 
 The rocky coast of this part of New England (Massachusetts) 
 is, however, seldom tenanted by this species, though they are 
 occasionally seen in the sjjring and about the connnencement 
 of winter. In the United States it is certain that they show a 
 decid(.<l prediliciion for the milder climates. It is probable 
 that in luirope they are deterred in their migrations by the 
 tyrannical persei iition of the White-tailed I^agle {F. alhicilhi), 
 which abounds in that country, living also principally on fish, 
 and therefore selecting the same maritime situations as our 
 I'^agle. In the United States he sways almost without control 
 the whole coast of the .Atlantic, ami has rendered the rival 
 Ospreyhis humble tributary, proscribing, in his turn, the ap- 
 pearance of the Sea l^agle, which, if it exist at all with us, is 
 etjually as rare as the present species appears tcj be in lairope. 
 
 Though on Behring's Isle the liald ICagle is said to nest on 
 
 '^ 
 
 > 
 
I!\l I) I..\(.I,F. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 cliffs, as the only secure situation that j)robal)ly offers, in the 
 I'nited States he usually selects, near the sea-io.i^t, ^^oine lot'ty 
 l)ine or cypress tree for his eyry ; this Is built of larj^e sticks, 
 several feet in leiiLjih, forming a lloor, within and i)\er which 
 are laid sods of earth, hay, moss, dry reeds, sedi^'e-j^^rass, pine- 
 tops, anil other coarse materials, piled after se\eral iiK ubations 
 to t'; height of 5 or (t feet, and 4 or 5 fett in breadth. ( )n 
 this almost level bed the female early in I'ebruary deposits two 
 (lull white eggs, one of which is said sometimes to be laid after 
 an interval so considerable that the young are hatched at dif 
 ferent jierioils. l.aw>>on. however, says that they breed mi 
 often as to commence laying again nndi-r their callow young, 
 whose warmth assists the hatching of the eggs. This eyry ot 
 breeding-place continues to be perpetually o( ( upird and re- 
 paired as long as the tree endures, — indeid their attachnunt 
 to particular places is so strong that after their habitation has 
 been demolished, by the destruction of the tree that supported 
 it, they have very contentedly taken possession of an adjoin- 
 ing one. Nor is the periot.! of inc ubation the only time spent 
 in the nest by this species ; it is a shelter and < ommon habi- 
 tation at all times and seasons, being a home like the hiil to 
 the savage, or the cottage to the peasant. 
 
 The heli)less young, as might be sup|)osed. are fed with 
 great attention, and suj)plied with such a sui)erlluity of fiMh 
 and other matters that they often lie scattered around the 
 tree, ]»ro(hicing the most i)utrid and noisome effluvia. The 
 young are at first clothed with a whitish down ; they graduall) 
 become gray, and continue of a brownish gray until the third 
 year, when the charaiteristic white t)f the head and tail be- 
 comes ])erfectly (leveloi)ed. .\s their food is abundant, the 
 young are not forcibly driven from the nest, but t\'d for some 
 time after they have left it. Thiy are b) no imans shy or 
 timorous, will often permit a near ajiproac h. and sometimes 
 even bristle up their feathers in an attitude of daring de- 
 fence. Their cry is sonorous and lamentable, like that of the 
 (Ireat llagle, and when asleej) they are said to make a very 
 audible snoring sound. 
 
=4 
 
 liikh^ ni i'Ki:v 
 
 'I'hc principal food of the Haiti Magic is fish; and though he 
 possfsst's every nciui^ilc of alertnos and keenne^i of virion 
 for securing his j>rcv, it is seldom that he ohtain-^ it l>y any 
 other means than stratagem and rapine. I'or thi^ habitual 
 daring pur|)ose he is often sien perc hing upon the naked 
 limb of some lot'ty tree which commands an extensive \ie\v of 
 tile ocean. In this attitude of expec tation he heedlessly sur- 
 veys the active employment of ilie leathered throng, which 
 { oiirse along the wi\y strand, or explore the watery deep with 
 beating wing, mitil from afir he attentisely scans the motions 
 of his provider, the ample-winged and hovering ( )>.prey. At 
 length the watery prey is espied, and the featlured fisher de- 
 scentls like a falling ro( k ; cleaving the wave, he now bears his 
 struggling victim from the deep, and mounting in the air, 
 utters an exulting scream. At this signal the l^agle jtirate 
 gives (base to the fortunate fisher, and soaring above him, by 
 threatening attitudes obliges him to relimiuish his prey ; the 
 I'-agle, now poising for a surer aim. clescends like an arrow, 
 and snatching his booty before it arrives at the water, retires 
 to tile wcjods to consume it at leisure. These perpetual dcp- 
 redatioiiM on the industrious ( )sprey sometimes arouse him to 
 seek for vingeance, and sever.il occasicjnally unite to banish 
 their tyrannical invailer. W'hiii greatly pressed by hunger, the 
 llald I'.agle has sometimes been ol)s«.r\-ed to attack the \'ul- 
 ture in the air, obliging him to disgorge the carrion in his 
 craw, which he snatches up beft)re it reaches the grt)Uiid. He 
 is sometimes seen also to drive away the Vultures, and feed 
 voraciously on their carrion, besides fi-ih, he preys upon 
 1 )U( ks, (leese, (lulls, ami other sea- fowl ; and when the re- 
 sources of the ocean diminish, or fail from any cause, par- 
 ticularly on the southern migrauon of the (Jsprey, his inland 
 depredations are soon notorious, young lambs, pigs, tawns, and 
 even deer often becoming his prey. So indiscriminate in- 
 deed is the fierce appetite of this bold bird that instances are 
 credibly related of their carrying away inlants. An attempt of 
 this kind, according to Wilson, was made upon a child lying 
 by its mother as she was weeding a garden at (Ireat Kgg- 
 
 i 
 
bALI» KACI.E. 
 
 II he 
 
 i>ion 
 
 any 
 
 iittial 
 
 u of 
 siir- 
 
 •hich 
 wiih 
 
 »tions 
 At 
 
 
 ig 
 
 IlarlKir, in New Jersey: but the garment sci/e«l upon by the 
 liable yiving way at the instant »)f the attempt, the lite of the 
 ( hild was spared. I have heard ol" another instance', >aid to 
 have happeneil at lVtcr>l>uruh, in Cieorgia, n^ar the Savaiuiah 
 kiver, where an infant, sleeping in the >hade near the hou>e, 
 was seize<i and carrieil to the eyry near the edge of a swani[i 
 li\e miles di>tant, and when found, almost innnediately, the 
 (hild was dead. The story of the Kagle and < hild, iii 'The 
 ni>tory of the Ilou^e of Stanley," the origin of the crest of 
 that family, shows the credibility of the exploit, as Mipjiosed to 
 liave been effei ie«l by the White-tailed Kagle, so Uf irly related 
 to the present. Indeed, about the year 1745 some Scoteh 
 reapers, accompanied by the wile ol one of them with an 
 infant, repiireil to an island in l.och l.omond ; the mother 1 aiil 
 down her child in the shade at no great distance from her, and 
 while ^he was busily engaged in labor, an Kagle ol this kind 
 siuldenly darted upon the infint and immediately bore it away 
 to its rocky eyry on the summit of I'.en l.omond. The alarm 
 of this shocking event was soon spread : and a considerable 
 party, hurrying to the rescue, fortimaiely succeeded in re<iner- 
 ing the child .iHve. 
 
 The Bald Kagle. like most of tlie large species, takes wide 
 circuits in its tlight, and soars at great heights. In these sub- 
 lime attitudes he may often be seen hovering over waterfalls 
 and lofty cataracts, particularly that of the famous Niagara, 
 where he watches for the f;ite of those imfortunate fish anil 
 other animals that are destroyed in the descent of the tumul- 
 tuous waters. 
 
 All ornitlioloiiists of the present day agree in the opinion that 
 Audubon's •• bird oi Washington '* was an ininiatine !'>alil l-as^lc, 
 — the (lifferenee in size and coloration accounting lor tlie error. 
 
 Nuttall, followinti Aiuluhon. wrote of the two phases as of (hs- 
 tinct species : lor it was not until about 1.S70 that 7Utis/uUi^Uvii was 
 (hopped from tlie lists. I have ijiven the two biographies as thiy 
 appeared in the original work, for together they form a good lii>- 
 tory of tlie bird's distinetive habits. 'Ihe (Ufference in habits noted 
 is not due to ilifterence of age, as might be supposed, but to the 
 (Hfferent conditions under which the birds chanced to be obscn 
 
26 
 
 lURDS OF rUKV. 
 
 I will take this opportunity of protesting; aijainst tlie perpetua- 
 tion of an idea, still current, wiiicii originated with the older writers, 
 toncerniny the •■nobility" of tiie Falconiihc, under which family 
 name are grouped the J-agles, 1* alcons, Kites, and Hawks. They 
 were until (|uite recently classed among the first of tlie feathered 
 race : but the systematists now place them below the Woodpeckers, 
 and next aljove the (irouse and Pigeons. 
 
 'Ilie in.ijority of the Falion'uhc have an attractive physique and 
 superior strength, as well as a haughty i)earing. They are hand- 
 some, .stalwart ruffians, but they are nothing more. They are 
 neitiier tiie most intelligent nor niost enterprising of birds, nor the 
 bravest. They are not even the swiftest, or most dexterous on the 
 wing ; and in bearing, proudly as they carry themselves, are not 
 supreme. 
 
 It i.s now considered probable that the tales of Eagles carrying 
 off children are myths. 
 
 CRAY SF.A KAGLE. 
 
 will TF-TAILEn EAGLE. 
 II VI.I.KI US AI.i;iClI.I,A. 
 
 CllAK. Gcner.!! color, grayisli-brown (i)alcr on margin of feathers); 
 head .iikI neck Rray, — jKiler in old birds ; tail white; legs bare. 
 
 Length : male, ^t^ inches ; fi'niale, 3S inches. 
 
 ,\'<.f/. In a tree or on a rock, sonictinies on the ground ; made of dry 
 sticks loosely arranged and otten piled to considL'rable height. 
 
 ^V.^'J- 1-3 (usually 1). dull white; 2.S5 X -.25. 
 
 Mr. llagerup reports that this Fuiropean bird breeds in southerti 
 ( ireenland and is (|uite common there. It feeds jirincipally on fish, 
 but will eat any kind of meat or carrion. l)eing iiarticularly partial 
 to water fowl, and is much more enterprising than is its congeiiei, 
 the Dald Ea^le. 
 
 I 
 
 

 AMKKICAN ()SI'ki:V. 
 risii HAWK. 
 
 PaNHKiN lIAIIAl'lLS CAROI.INF.NSIS. 
 
 CiiAK. Almve, daik hinwti; lu'ad ami neck wliilc, with dark strijie on 
 ^ido of the head ; tail ^iiavi-li, will sivnal iiaiiow dark I)ar>, aiul lipiud 
 witli wl\ite ; muier-l>ans while nr ')ulti>h, soiiictimes (ii\ (emaic) streaked 
 with brown. Kcet and claws larj;e at\d strong. ll<>i>k nf the l)ill h)iii;. 
 Length 21 to .1 5 inclies. 
 
 .\':'7. Of l()()>clv arraiiiicd sticks on top of liij^li tree, — generally a 
 iK.ul tree is selected: u-ually near water. 
 
 /•.';:;'.'. 2 to 4 ; vari,d)le in shape, color, size, and markings ; ground 
 color generallv whitish, witii yellow or red tint, hlotchctl with reddish 
 brown of various shades. Size about 2.50 X 1-75 
 
 'I his hxT'^v and well-known spcties, allied to the Ma^i^les, is 
 fomul near fresh and salt water in almost every cuuntry in the 
 
28 
 
 |;IKI>.>> c»i- IKKV 
 
 world. In sumnuT it watnlers iiikj the Arctic rcijions of 
 l!uro|)e, Asia, and America ; it is also e<iually j)rcvalciu m the 
 milder parts of both continents, as in (Irecce and !'-^'yi>t. In 
 America it is found in the summer from Labrador, and the 
 interior around Hudson's Hay, to 1-lorida ; and aciordiuL; to 
 liuflbn. it extends its residence to the trojiical regiouM oi 
 Cayenne. 
 
 Its food ])eing almost uniformly fish, it readily acquires sub- 
 •^i^tl■n( f as long as the w.iters remain unfrozen : but at the 
 ( DUinuiK enunt of cool weather, even a-> early a-> the c lo>e ol 
 September, or at fj.rthest the middle of October, these birds 
 liMve New \'ork and .New Jersey and iio farther south. This 
 tarlv period of departure is, in all |>rol)ability, like their arrival 
 towards the close of M.irch, wholly rejiulated by the coining 
 and going of the shoals of fi>h on which they are a(CU^tonieil 
 to \vrt\. Towards the cloie of Manh or beginning tjf April 
 thev arrive in the vicinity of llosion with the lir,>i ^\u)a\ ot' 
 aleui\('s or herrings; but yet are seldiim known to breed along 
 du' ( ()a>t of Massachusetts. Their arrival in the .-.pring is wel- 
 (onu'd by the fisherman as the sure in<lication of the approach 
 of those shoals of shad, herring, and other kinds of ti>h which 
 now begin to throng the bay», inlets, .ind rivers near the ocean ; 
 and the abundance with whit h the w.Uers teem affords ample 
 sustenance for both the aerial and terrestrial fishers, as eac h 
 pursues in peace his favorite and necessary emplo\iiunt. In 
 >hort, the harmle>> industry of the 0>|)rey. the f,inuhiiit\- with 
 whi( li lu- rears his \oung .iround the farm, hii unexpected 
 neutrality towards all the domestic animals near hiin, iiis snb- 
 iiiuely pictures(iue tlight .md remarkable employment, with the 
 strong affe( tion ilisplayed towanls his « on^tant mate and long 
 helpless young, and the wrongs he hourly suffer-, tVoin the 
 pirate I'.agle, are ( ir( um>tan( es sutticiently <alculated. without 
 the aid of rc'ady superstiti«)n, to ensure the |)ublie faxor and 
 toliaiiKe towards thi> welcome visitor. Driven to no iiarsh 
 necessilie--, like hi- Miperiors the Kagles, he lead-* a roinj ir- 
 atively harmk'ss life ; and though unjtjstly (loomed to MiMtiide. 
 his address and industry raise him greatly above lii> oppressor, 
 so that he ^^pplies himself and hi- voium with :i plentiful 
 
 ♦ 
 
x>^ 
 
 AMKRK AN OSTRKV. 
 
 ^9 
 
 cs sub- 
 It the 
 
 L' birds 
 
 'Ihis 
 
 arrival 
 
 sustenance. His docility and adroitness in catching fish have 
 uIm) s(»nK-tin\es been emi/.oycd ])y man for his advantage 
 
 Intent on exi)loring the sea for his food, he leaves the nest 
 and jiroeeeds directly to the scene of action, sailing n)iind \\\ 
 easy an<l wide circles, and turning at times as on a i)iv(ji, ap- 
 pirently without exertion, wiiile his long and ( nrving wing> 
 >eem scarcelv in motion. At the height of from one hundred 
 to two nunored feet he (ontinues to >urvev tiie i)osoni of tlie 
 deep. Suddenly he checks his course and hovers in the air 
 with beating pinions ; he then descends with rapidity, but the 
 wily victnn has escaped. .Wnv he courses near the surface, and 
 by a dodging descent, scarcely wetting his feet, he seizes a fish, 
 which he >t)meinnes drops, or yielils to tiu' greedy l^agle ; but, 
 not discouraged, he again ascends in spiral sweeps to regain 
 the higher regions of the air and renew his survey of the watery 
 expanse. ili^> prey again espied, he descends per])endicularly 
 like a falling plummet, plungmg into the sea with a loud, rush- 
 ing noise and with an unerring aim. In an instant he emerges 
 with the -iruggling prc-y in his talons, shakes off the water 
 from his t'eatliers. and now directs his laborious course to land, 
 beating in the wind with all the skill of a practised seaman. 
 'I'he n>h whi< h he thus c arries uiay be sometimes from six to 
 eight pounds : and ^o firm sometimes i-> tlie penetrating grasp 
 of his talons that when 1)\ mistake he engages with one whicli 
 is too 1 '.rge, he is dragged beneatli the waves, and at length 
 both fish and bird perish. 
 
 l*'rom t'^' nature of its food, the llesh. and even the eggs, are 
 renilereil exi ceilingl) rank and na iseous. 'I'hough its prev is 
 generally taken in the bold and spirited mimier described, an 
 Osprey Mimelimes sits on a tree cjver a j)ond lor an hoiu" at 
 a time, .luietly waiting its expec:ted approac h. 
 
 I'nlike other rapacious birds, these may be almost con- 
 >idired gregarious, breeding so near eac h otlier that, accord- 
 ing to Mr. (iardiner, there were on the small island on which 
 he resided, near to the eastern extremity of l.ong Islaml 
 (New \"ork),no less than three hundred nests with young. 
 Wilson ol»er\ed twenty of their nests within half a mile. I 
 have seen them nearlv as tlii< k about Kehoboth I'.av in 1 )ela 
 
;;o 
 
 liiKDs oi- ri<i:\'. 
 
 ware, Ht-rc tl)oy \\\c toi^'cthcr at ka->t as pea; ca]>lv in iuuk;-..; 
 ..11(1 s<» harin!t.'ss arc they considered by other bird tliit, :».c- 
 rordinij to Wilson, the (row IMackbird-^, or (Irakles, are -.onie- 
 linies allowed refiiiie by the (Jspreys, and construct their nests 
 111 the very interstices of their eyry. It would appear sonie- 
 tiiiies tiiat, as with Swallows, a general assistance is f^iven in 
 the constructin}^ of a new nest ; for previous to thi-, event, a 
 l]o( k lia\e been seen to assemble in the sanu- tree, s(|uealing as 
 is their custom when anything materially aL;itati-> tin in. At 
 times they are also seen en}j;age(l in social gambols high in the 
 air, making loud vociferations, suddenly d;irting down, and then 
 sailing in circles; and these innocent recreations, like many 
 otlier unmeaning things, an- construed into prognostications of 
 stormy or changing weather. 'J'lieir common friendly call is a 
 kind of shrill whistle, '/»//(<%', '///^a-. '///^r.', ri'i)eated li\c or six 
 times, and somewhat similar to the toiu- of a file. Though 
 social, they are sometimes seen to combat in the- air. in^ts.: ititl 
 prol)al)ly more by jealousy than a l()\e of r iiiine. as fli.. :: food 
 is always obtained from an unfailing source. 
 
 Marl)' in May the Osprey commences laying, and has from 
 two to four eggs. They are a littlr larger than those of the 
 Common l'V)wl, and are from a reddish or yellowish cnMm-color 
 fo marlv white, marked with large' blotches and loints of 
 reddish brown. I hiring the period of incubation the male 
 freipiently supplies his mate witli food, and she leaves her eggs 
 f«jr very short intervals. 
 
 The young appe;ir about '■ '^ lasi of |une, and ,\rc most 
 assiduously attended and supplied. ( )n the approach of any 
 person towards the nest, the parent utters a ])eculiar plaintive, 
 whistling note, which increases as it takes to wing, sailing 
 rcjund, and at times making a (luick descent, as if aiming at 
 the intruder, but sweeping ])ast at a short distance. On thi- 
 nest being invaded, either while containing eggs or young, 
 the male disjilays great courage and makes a vioK'nt an<l 
 dangerous ()p|)osition. The yoimg remain a long time in the 
 nest. s(j that the old are sometimes obliged to thrust thnn 
 u'!t and encourage them to fly : but lluy ^iill, for a period, con- 
 tinue to feed them in the air. 
 
 :-m% 
 
 ■:Ki^!!(^^ii,S^m^L-^-. 
 
111. Ai 
 ill the 
 
 111 tlu'ii 
 many 
 
 lums of 
 ill is a 
 
 |e or six 
 
 Uiualrd 
 I loud 
 
 
 AMKKK AN (iOSIIAWK. 
 ni.rr: iif.n hawk. 
 
 A( ClI'MKR AlKIt Al'II.I.rS, 
 
 Thar. Above, dark bliii-.li i;iav; lop nf head black, the fialhers be- 
 neath the surface white; whit' >tri|)c f)ver the eye : tail with t'"in dark 
 bands . below, white barred and >treakcd with narrow dark !inc> Vi)nn:4 
 very different ; above, brown, cdne- nf feathers buffish ; tail lij^htei , ti))pfd 
 with wiiite and crossed by four or live dark bands; below, buflish, streaked 
 witii l)rown. Kenj^th 22 to 2.\ incho. 
 
 AV.f/. In a tree ; made of iwii," . 
 
 Av;.r. 3-\ : bluish white, with bnff or reddish brown nKirkin.;s ; 2. '^o 
 X 1.75. 
 
 The f()re'i<rn rcprfscntatlNr ot this t'lejiant and spiritcil sp, 
 cies of Hawk appears to lu- ( oninion in l*>anre, Cieririaiiy, the 
 northt-rn parts of Cirt'at Britain, Russia, and Siberia, ;nid ex- 
 tends into Chinese Tartary. Our sjiecies, so nearl\- related '.<> 
 the iMiropean bird, is viry r;ire, niitirating to the South aj)- 
 parently at tlu' iijiproach of winter. On the _'6th of < October, 
 I S ^o. I re(t.-ived oiu' of these birds from the proprietor of 
 
32 
 
 I'.ikDs (»!• rki-.v. 
 
 l-'roh Tond lloti-l, in \hv moult, liaving the stonvicli ciainmcd 
 with iin)lr> an<l mict', and it was shoi in ihc act of di-voiirini,' 
 a I'lL'ton. 
 
 Tin- (ioshawk was held in considerable esteem for f il( oiirv, 
 and. at ( (irdin,u' to Hell, was employed for this amusi-mrnt by 
 the emperor of China, wlio moved sometimes to tluse excur- 
 sions m f^'reat state, ot'ti-n bearin.L,^ a Hawk on his jiand, to let 
 ll\ at any ^ame that mij^du be raised. whi< h was UMially Pheas- 
 ants. Tartridges. (^)nails, or ( rines. In \ 2(><) Marco I'olo 
 witne--->ed this di\er>ion of the emperor, uiu( h probably hid 
 existi'd tor man\' ages previous. The filconers distinj,mislu<l 
 tluse liinN of sport into two classes. — namely, those of fih oiua' 
 proi)erly so called, and those of Ihi-c/a'iii:; ; and in this second 
 .md inferior class were includeil the (Ioshawk, the S])arrow 
 Hawk. llu/,/.ard. and llar])y. 'i'his species does not soar so hi^h 
 as the longer-winifed Hawks, and darts upon its (|uarry by a side 
 glain e, not by a diri'ct desctiu, like tlu- true P'ah on. These 
 bird-- wi're caught in nets baited with live Pigeons, and reduced 
 to obfdi<'nce b\' the same system of pri\ation and discii)line 
 
 ris till' i'.ilicn. 
 
 as nic r.iiion. 
 
 A p.iir of ( loshawks were l-^pt for a long time in a cage by 
 P.uffi.i; lie remarks that the female was at least a third larger 
 tliiUi the maU'. ami the wings, wluai closed, did not reach 
 vvithm ^i\ in< he- o( the end of the tail. 'I'he ni.ik', though 
 smiller. was nnu h more fierce and untamable. 'rhe\- otten 
 fought with fhfir < laws, but seldom used the bill for any other 
 purpos<' I .an tearing their f(»oil. If this lonsisttd oi' birds. 
 
 i 
 
 not! V, lue luuie uis.igrei'.ioie me oiii-iier ine\ were ri'peaieo ; 
 and th(, cage could never be ap])roached without exciting 
 violent gestures and screams. Though of different sexes, and 
 confined to the same cage, they contrac ted no iriendshi|) for 
 each <»;'»er which mitiht soothe their ini|»risonment, and finally, 
 
COSllAWK. 
 
 ?>^ 
 
 to end the dismal picture, the fein.ili', in a fit of indiscriniiiiate 
 rage and vioK-nee, murdered her mali- in 'he silen( c ol liu- 
 night, when ail the oilier fealliered race wi-re wrapin-d \n 
 rcpoNc. Indeed, their disposiiicjiis are so furious that ados- 
 hawk, left with any other I'alcons, soon ef(ei:ts tin- destructitm 
 of the whole. Their ordinary food is young rabbits, scpiirrels, 
 mice, moles, yoimg (ieese, Pigeons, and >inall birds, anil, with 
 a cannibal appetite, they sometimes even prey upon the young 
 of their own species. 
 
 The (lO.sliawk is not >i() v.ivv in AiiuTita a.s the older naturalists 
 su|)pose(l : indeed, ii is (piite a common bird in the maritime I'ro\ 
 inces of Canada and in nortlii in New jjigland. where it is lound 
 (luruig the tiilire year, it oi curs also west to .M.initoi).i (though 
 api^areiitly rare in tlie l..ikf Superior region), .lud ranges, in winter, 
 .south to Maryland, Kentucky, and Ohio. 
 
 Its usual hreediug area is from about latitude 45° to the fur 
 countries: though a few pairs |)rot)al)lv build every year in southern 
 .New ICnglaud. .So It w, ( omparalivilv. of the older .uid lull-plii 
 maged birds are seen that the species is not well known, the 
 younger brown birds beiug almost iudistingui.sli.iiile tVom the 
 young of .several other Hawks. 
 
 There are sever. il sjiei ies tli.it receive tlie name of •• Hei' Hawk " 
 from the f.irmer; but none is .so much dreaded as the •* Blue Hawk." 
 — and for good reason. With a boldness, strength, and di'xti'rity ot 
 Might that is rivalled ouly by the Peregrine, the (iosh.iwk (om- 
 bines a spirit of enter|)rise worthy ot the Osprev, and a ferocitv 
 and < unning that .ire num. itched by any of the tribe. I have seen 
 one swoop into a f.irmyard while the fowls were bi iiig fi-d, and 
 carry off a half-grow n chit k without .iu\ percei)tible [)ause in the 
 High't. 
 
 vol.. 1. — 3 
 

 
 
 i\Vr»^r.. 
 
 ^;>>^ 
 
 
 c:(>oi'i:k's hawk. 
 
 A( ( ii'iri:K i(K)i'i:kii. 
 
 ( llAK. Atliilt l)liiish grav or .ilnm^t l)liiisli aslu head darker; below, 
 wliitisli, breast and liclly tliicklv >trcakcd with rt-ddisli limwn, -iiKs with 
 a l)liii>l» tinge; wings and tail barretl with tlaik brown, tail tipped with 
 white. Length about il) inches (female 2 to .? inches longer). 
 
 .\is/. In a tree, near the trunk ; made of twigs, lined with grass. 
 
 ^.^X-f- ]-A' bluish white spotted with reddish brown isoinctimcs im- 
 niaiulate) ; i.oo X 1.50. 
 
 This fiiu' specifs of Hawk is found in considorablt' numlKTs 
 in the Middle Stati-s. partic nlarly Niw \'ork and Nfw jcrsi-y, 
 in the atitmnn and at tiie- approach of winter. It is also 
 seen in the Oregon territory to the shores of the Pacitli . Its 
 food a])pears principally to be birds of various '-inds ; from 
 thi' Sparrow to the RnCfed droiise. all contribute to its rajja- 
 cious appetite. 1 ha\e also si'iai this species as tar south as 
 the capital of Alabama, and. in common with the ])receding. 
 its depredations among the domestic fowls are very destructive. 
 Mr. (a)opi'r informs me that the plumage of the adult male 
 liears the same analogy to the adult of F. fusciis as the voung 
 of that species does to the present, excepting that the rufous 
 
 If 
 
 t 
 
siiai;i-mii\m;i> hawk. 
 
 315 
 
 tints arc paKr. I he iliH\rfmf in si/i' between the two is as 
 
 or eviii 
 
 to 1, 
 
 C(i(tiur's Mauk is ^in. i ,ill\ (listril)Uti(l tlirt»ii<;h«)Ut Nortli Aimr- 
 iia (rum tlii.' fur louiitrio lu .Mf.\in» (in wiiUt-n. tlioiiyh most 
 .-ilmndant in tlic sniitlu-rn portions of New Knclanrl anfl in t'a' 
 Middle States, wlicrc it is I airly (ommon at all siasons. 
 
 It is called "Cliitkcn Hawk " by the Nortlurn fariut-rs. 
 
 SH.\KI'-SlIlN\i:!y HAWK. 
 
 .\( t iriii.u \ ri.nx. 
 
 TllAK. 'ilu' .idult may Ik' l)Lst (Icscrihcd as ;i small iditioii nf 
 (uoikt's Hawk, which it rcstniMcs in :ihn<ist cvcrvtirm<^ hut s'\/x . The 
 lop of the luad is bluish, and the ihnks have a reddish tinge. Length 
 of male about 1 1 inches ; female somi' 2 inches lon;.iir. 
 
 Xis/. In a tree; made of twiu-^, and lined with haves and grass. 
 AVv-f- .i"5'' I'l'iisli wiiite or greenish white blotched with brown; 
 I..15 X 1.15. 
 
 This l)ol(l and darin.u' spi-ciis possesses all the ••otiiaycons 
 habits and tenicnly of the tnu- I'ahon : and if the princely 
 amnsetnent to whirh tliesc birds wire .'.cvotcd was now in 
 fashion, few spc( ies of the genus would be found more san- 
 guinary and pugnacious than the present. 'I'he young bird is 
 described by IVnnanl under the name of the Pubious I'.ilcon, 
 and he remarks its aflinity to the Fairopean Sparrow Hawk. 
 It is, however, somewhat less, diffi-rentlv marked on the head, 
 and mu( h more broadlv and faintly barred below. The nest 
 of our species, according to Audubon, is made in a tree, and the 
 eggs are tour or l'i\e, grayish wiiiie, blotched with dark brown ; 
 they lay about the beginning to the middle of March. The 
 true .Sparrow 1 lawk shows (onsiderable do( ihty, is easil\ trained 
 to hunt Partridges and (juails. and makes great destrm tion 
 among I'igeons, young poultrx, and small birds of all kinds. 
 In the winter tlie) migrate from lair«jpe into liarbary and 
 (ireece, anil .ire seen in great numbers out at sea, m. iking such 
 h.ivoc among tiie birds of p.issage they h.ippcn to meet in 
 tiieir way that the s.nlois in the Mediterranean call them 
 (nrs.iirs. Wilson obserxed the leiu.ile of our spi< ii-s di'S( end 
 
.36 
 
 iwRhs ()!• \'\<i:\. 
 
 ii|Kiii itM I'rcy with ^tcat \cl()( il) in ;i ^ort of /i<;-/;ij; poiiiK c, 
 aftiT tlif iiKimu'r of ihc (ioshawk. I )fs( i-iidinj,' fiiriDiisly and 
 hliiiflly upon its (|narry. a youn^' Hawk of this spccit's hrokc 
 tlirotii^'h tlu' glass of ilu' greenhouse at the ("anibridgc Uot inic 
 (l.irdcn, and tcarlcssly passing ihnMigh a si'( ond gliss p.irti 
 tion, he was only brought up by the third, and (aught, though 
 little stunned by the effort. His wing-feathers were niu( h torn 
 !)>■ the glass, anci his fiigin in tiiis way so iui])e(ie(i as to aiiovv 
 of his being approached. This species feeds princii)ally upon 
 mice, li/ards, small birds, and sometimes evi-n si|uirre'-i. Ih 
 the thinly seltU'd States of ( leorgia and .\lal)ama this llawk 
 si-ems to abound, and pro\cs extremely destructive to young 
 chickens, a single binl h iving bii-n known regularly to couu' 
 every da\- until he had carrii-d away betwetn twenty and thirty. 
 At noon-dav, while I was conversing with a planter, one of these 
 Hawks (ami' down, and without any ceremony, or heeding the 
 loud crie^ of the housewife, who most reluctantly witnessed the 
 robbery, >ii itched aw.iy a chi( ken directly bi-fore us. At an- 
 other time, near Tuscaloosa, in Alabama, I observed a pair of 
 these birds furiously attack the large Ked-tailed Hawk, scpiall- 
 ing \-ery loudly, and striking him (>n the head until they jiail 
 entirelv chased him out of sight. This emnitv appi'ared to 
 ariM' from a suspi( ion that the llu/./ard was prowling round 
 the farm-house fiU' tlu' poultry, which tlu'se Hawks seeme(| to 
 claim as their e\( lu^ive pen|uisite. .\s this was, however, the 
 I ',th (if I'tbruary, these insulting marauders might possibly be 
 already ])reparing to breed, and thus l>e incited to drive away 
 every su-.pi( iou-. intruder approaching their ne^t. In fme 
 weather I lia\c ob^erwd this spi-cies soar to a great ele\ation, 
 and ascend abo\'e tlu' clouds. In tlii-^ cxen iM', as u->ual, the 
 wings seem but little e\fr( i^.ed, the a^^( cnl being made in a 
 sort of suinuuing g\ralion ; though while near the surtace ot 
 the earth the motion of the wings in this bird is ra])id ami 
 continuous. 
 
 The Sharp-shinned is the commonest Hawk throughout New 
 Falkland and the settled portions of Canada, and breeds southward 
 to the Southern States. In winter it ranges south to Panama. 
 
 > 
 
Mississii'i'i Kin:. 
 
 IlLUK KITK. 
 
 IciIW MISSISSII'I'IKVSIS. 
 
 Cmar. General cdlor Miiisli-^ray, liijlifor on the head .'iiul seronrla- 
 ries, darker on piiniariLs and tail. lAn,i;ili, 15 to i^'i intlus. 
 M:if. On a tree; of small Micks, lined with moss and leaves. 
 /•-XvJ- --^'< bluish white ; >i/i variable, averaging i.f)^ X 1.35. 
 
 'This rrinark;il)ly lonii- willed ^hk! hi'.-uilifiil I l;i\vk docs not 
 appear to cMi'iid its miu'rations far within tin: United Statt's. 
 Wilson obsiTM'd it ratlur pUntiriil about and hi-iow Natchf/, 
 in the; suiunuT season, saiUn^' in easy < ircles, soinetinics at 
 a great elevation, so as to kii'p ( onipany with the Tiirkey 
 r.ii/./ards in the most elevated ri'^ions of the air ; at other times 
 they were seen amoiv' the lofty forest trees, liki- Swallows 
 sweej)inj< alony. and < ollectinj,' the locnsts {Ciiiu/n) which 
 swarmed at this season. .My frii'tid Mr. Sav observed this 
 species pretty far up the Mississippi, at one (»f Maior long's 
 cantonments. Diit except on the banks of this great ri\cr, 
 it is rarely seen iven in the most southern States. Its food. 
 
,5> ^ .0. ^^" Q. 
 
 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 4 
 
 // 
 
 
 L^/ 
 
 :/ 
 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 t lis 
 
 Z5 
 122 
 2£ 
 
 1.8 
 
 M. 11.6 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sdences 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
 ^ 
 
 '^ 
 
 «■ 
 
 ^^ 
 
 :\ 
 
 \ 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 rv 
 
 
 ''%'• 
 
38 
 
 BIRDS OF I'REV. 
 
 no doubt, abounds more along the iuimen.sc valley of the Mis- 
 sissij^pi than in the interior regions, and, besides large in- 
 sects, probably often consists of small birds, lizards, snakes, 
 and (jther reptiles, which swarm in these their favorite resorts. 
 On the failure of food these birds migrate by degrees into the 
 Mexican and South American provinces, and were observed 
 by D'Azara in (luiana, about the latitude of 7°. According to 
 Audubon, this Kite breeds in the Southern States as well as 
 in Texas, selecting the tall magnolias and white-oaks. From 
 the narrow limits within which this bird inhabits in the United 
 States, it is more than probable that the princii)al part of the 
 species are constant residents in the warmer parts of the Ameri- 
 can continent. 'I'hey begin to migrate early in August. 
 
 The range of this species is given as "southern United States 
 southward from South Carolina, and Wisconsin and Iowa to 
 Mexico." 
 
 WHITK-TAILKl) KITK. 
 
 BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE. 
 Elanus LEUCURUS. 
 
 ("HAR. General color bluish gray fading to white on head and tail ; a 
 large patch of black on shoulder; lower parts white. Length 15 to \6}^ 
 inches. 
 
 A^esi. In a tree, loosely built of sticks and leaves. 
 
 E^i,'-gs. 2-4; dull white, 'icivily blotched with brown, 1.60 x 1.25. 
 
 This beautiful Hawk, scarcely distinguishable from a second 
 African species of this section, chiefly inhabits the continent 
 of South America as far as Paraguay. In the United States it 
 is only seen occasionally in the peninsula of F'ast Florida, con- 
 fining its visits almost to the southern extremity of the Union. 
 It appears to be very shy and difficult of approach ; flying in 
 easy circles at a moderate elevation, or at times seated on the 
 deadened branches of the majestic live-oak, it attentively 
 watches the borders of the salt-marshes and watery situations 
 
 I 
 
SWALLOW-TAII.KD KITK. 
 
 39 
 
 lor the ficld-micc of th;it country, or unwary Sj);irro\vs, tliat 
 approach its perch. The bird of Africa and India is said to 
 titter a sharp and i)ier(in:4 < ly, which is oft'^n repeated wliilc 
 the bird moves in the air. It builds, in tlie forks of trees, a 
 broad and shallow nest, lined internally with moss and featiiers. 
 A jiair have been known to breed on the Santee River in the 
 month of March, according to Audubon. 
 
 This Kite occurs regularly in tlie Southern States, north to 
 South Carolina, and Mr. Ridgway lias met with it in southern 
 Illinois, It extends its ranjio westward to California. 
 
 S\VAl,I,0\\-T.\ILEr) KITI-:. 
 
 E<ORK-TAILED KITE. 
 
 Ml,A\()H>FS roRFFC.VrfS. 
 
 f'HAR. Head, neck, nniip. and lower parts wliite, other parts black ; 
 tail deeply forked. Length 19', to 25;^ inches. 
 
 jVest. In a tree . of sticks and moss, lined with grass and leaves. 
 
 ^Ks'^- 2-3 ; white, with buff or green tinge, spotted with va> ious shades . 
 of Iirown ; 1.85 X 1.50 
 
 This beautiful Kite breeds and passes the summer in the 
 warmer parts of the United States, and is also ])robal)Iy resi- 
 dent in all tropical and temperate America, migrating into the 
 southern as well as the northern hemisphere. In the former, 
 according to Viellot, it is found in Peru and as far as Buenos 
 Ayres ; and though it is extremely rare to meet with this 
 species as far as the latitude of 40° in the Atlantic States, 
 yet, tempted hy the abundance of the fruitful vallev of the 
 Mississippi, individuals have been seen along that river as 
 far as the P'alls of St. .Anthony, in the 44th degree of north 
 latitude. Indeed, according to Fleming two stragglers have 
 even found their devious way to the strange climate of (ireat 
 Britain. 
 
 These Kites appear in the United States about the close of 
 April or beginning of May, and are very numerous in the Mis- 
 
40 
 
 MiRDs oi' v\u:v. 
 
 sissij)))i territory, twenty or thirty being sometimes \i-,il)li.' at 
 the ^ame tiiiK- ; ofirn co'lecting locusts and other large insects, 
 which i1k'\' arc said to feed on from their claws while llviny, 
 at times also seizing upon the nests of locusts and wasps, and, 
 like the Honey lUi/zard, devouring both the insects and their 
 larvic. Snakes and lizards are their common food in all ])arts 
 of America. In the month of October they begin to retire to 
 the South, at which season Mr. Uartram observed them in 
 great numbers assembled in Florida, soaring steadil)' at great 
 elevations for several days in succession, and slowl\- passing 
 towards their winter (piarters along the (lulf of Mexico. I'^om 
 the other States they migrate early in September. 
 
 Tills species is most abundant in the western division of tlie Gulf 
 States, but is irregularly distributed over the Southern, Western, 
 and Middle States. It has occasionally visited New I'.ngland. and 
 examples have been seen in Manitoba and near London and 
 Ottawa in Ontario. 
 
 ! ' 
 
 EVERGL.ADE KITE. 
 
 BL.^CK KITE. HOOK-BILL KIJ K. SN.VfL HAWK, 
 R( )SIRHANIUS SOCLAIil LIS. 
 
 Char. Prevailing color dull bluish ash, darker on tail, wings, and an- 
 lerior portion of head ; rump white, with terminal bar ot ligiit brown ; 
 bill black ; feet orange. Length i6 to iS inches. 
 
 A't'st. A ijlatforiu with a slight de])ression, composed of sticks or dried 
 grass, built in a low bush or amid tall grass. 
 
 £i;!^s. 2-3; brownish white blotched with various shades of br(jwn ; 
 1.70 X I45- 
 
 This is a tropical species that occurs in Florida. Mr. \V. 1!. T). 
 Scott reports finding it abundant at Panasofkee Lake, and says : 
 "Their food at this point apparently consists of a kind of large 
 fresh water snail which is very abundant. . . . They fish over the 
 shallow water, reminding one of gulls in their motions; and iiaving 
 seciired a snail by diving, they inuuediately carry it to the nearest 
 available perch, when the animal is dexterously taken from the 
 shell, without injury to the latter." 
 
 I 
 

 -^K 
 
 -c;-^-_e-.5' 
 
 Y -:\i^' -^-T Jf,' :■ 
 
 sm- 
 
 
 "^ 
 
 
 ^v^A- 
 
 
 ^f.V: 
 
 -.■\ 
 
 'A^^ 
 
 T). 
 
 AMERKWN ROUGH-LEGGi:U HAWK. 
 
 BLACK. HAWK. 
 ArCHIHUTKO LAGOI'L'S SAXCII-JOHAWIS. 
 
 Char. General color variable, — dark or ligiit brown, or brownish grav. 
 sometimes black ; all tl;e featluTs ccP^ed with jiglitcr color. ])roducing an 
 afipearance of streaks. The a,,. ..ue of these streaks on the belly forms 
 a dark band. T.iil with dark and light bars, and whitish at its base. 
 Easily distinguished from any other Hawk by the feathered shank. Lciigtli 
 \'-)].2. to 22 inches. 
 
 Xcst. In a large tree, or on rocks ; of sticks lined with grass, drv 
 moss, and feathers. 
 
 Eg'^s. 2-3: wiiite iir creaniv. more or less sjjotted with brown; i ()o 
 X 1.55. 
 
 This remarkable species of llu/./ard appears to take up its 
 residence chiefly in the northern and western wilds of America. 
 My friend Mr. Townsend found its nest on the banks of IJear 
 River, west of the Rocky Mountains. The nest, formed of 
 large sticks, was in a thick willow bush about ten feet from 
 the ground, and contained two young almost fledged. It is 
 
42 
 
 r.IKDS OF TRKV. 
 
 said to lay four eggs, clcnulcd with redtlish. It i-. comnioii 
 al^o to the nortli of I'jirope, if not lo Africa. The usual station 
 of thesL' birds is on the outskirts of woods, in the neighborhood 
 Oi marshes, — situations suited for supplying them with their 
 usual humble ])re}- of frogs, mice, reptiles, and straggling birds, 
 for which they i)atiently watch for hours together, from daybreak 
 to late twilight. When jire}- is perceived, the bird takes a cau- 
 tious, slow, circuitous course near the surface, and sweeping over 
 the s])()t where the object of pursuit is lurking, he instantly 
 grap])les it. and Hies off to consume it at leisure. Occasionally 
 thc\' feed on crabs and shell-fish. 'I'he inclement winters of 
 the high northern regi(jns, where they are usually bred, failing 
 to afford them food, they are under the necessity of making a 
 slow migration towards those countries which are less severe. 
 According to Wilson, no less than from twenty to thirty young 
 individuals of this species continued regularly to take up their 
 winter (juarters in the low meadows below Philadel]>hia. They 
 are never observed to soar, and when disturbed, utter a loud, 
 scpiealing note, and only pass from one neighboring tree to 
 another. 
 
 The great variation in the plumage of this Hawk has been the 
 cause of considerable controversy. Wilson wrote of the black and 
 tlie-l^rown phases as of two species, giving them distinct habits. 
 Nuttall. following Audubon, considered the changes from light to 
 dark due only to age. Spencer Baird (in 1^58), Cassin, and Dr. 
 Brewer agreed with Wilson. Later authorities, however, with 
 more material to aid them, have pronounced both views incorrect, 
 and have decided that there is but one species, — that the black is 
 but a melanistic phase. Our systematists now separate the Ameri- 
 •can from the ICurcpean form, giving to the former varietal rank, 
 as its " trinomial appellation " denotes. 
 
 Nuttall does not mention the occurrence of this bird in Massa- 
 chusetts, though Dr. Brewer states that at one time it was abun- 
 dant near Boston, and within more recent years numbers have been 
 cajjtured by Mr. K. O. Damon on the Holyoke Hilis, near Spring- 
 tield. It occurs within the United States principally as a winter 
 visitor when it ranges south to Virginia, its chief breeding-ground 
 lying in the Labrador and Hudson Bay district. 
 
noii 
 
 tioii 
 
 ood 
 
 u'ir 
 
 rds, 
 
 vak 
 
 ■au- 
 
 )vcr 
 
 mly 
 
 tally 
 
 \h of 
 
 
 
 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. 
 
 WINTER HAWK. 
 
 Burr.o lineatus. 
 
 ("har. Adult; general color dark reddish brown; head and neck ru- 
 fous ; below, lighter, with dark streaks and light bars : wings and tail 
 black with white bars ; lesser wing-coverts chestnut. Young, with little 
 of the rufous tinge . below, buffy with dark streaks, Length ig to 22 
 inches. 
 
 jVesL In a tree; of loosely arranged twigs, lined with grass and 
 feathers. 
 
 Ei^'X'-s. 2-4 ; bluish white or buffy blotched with brown ; 2.20 X 1.70. 
 
 This very elegant Hawk does not migrate or inhabit very 
 far to the north. It is never seen in Massachusetts, nor per- 
 haps much farther than the State of Pennsylvania. In the 
 Southern States, during winter, these birds are very common in 
 swampy situations, where their quailing cry of mutual recogni- 
 tion may be heard from the depths of the dark forest almost 
 
44 
 
 r.lKDS OF I'RKV 
 
 every mornii\u of the season. This plaintive e» honiLi note 
 resembles somewhat the garrulous com])laint of the Jay, /:iy-<uK 
 kii-oo, kt('-(>('>, ((jntinued witii but little intermissicMi sometimes 
 for iK'ar twenty minutes. At length it beeomes loud and im- 
 |)atient ; but on being distantly answered by the mate, tlie 
 sound softens and becomes plainti\e like {'ii-oc. I'his morn- 
 ing call is uttered most loudly and incessantly by the male. 
 in(|uiring for his adventurous mate, wnom the uncertain result 
 of the c'lase has perhaps separated 'Vom him lor the night. 
 .\s this species is noways shy, and very easily approached, 1 
 have had the opportunity of studying it closely. At length, 
 but ill no haste, 1 observed the female approach and take her 
 stati(jn on the same lofty, decayed limb with her companion, 
 who, grateful for this attention, phnned the feathers of his 
 mate with all the assiduous fondness of a 1 )ove. Intent uj)on 
 her meal, however, she soon flew off to a distance, while the 
 male still remained on his perch, dressing up his bei'utiful 
 feathers for near half an hour, ot'ten shaking his tail, like some 
 of the lesser birds, and occasionally taking an indifferent sur- 
 vey of the hosts of small chirping birds which surrounded him, 
 who followed without alarm their occupation of gleaning seeds 
 and berries for subsistence. I have occasionallv observed 
 them j)erched on low bushes and stakes in the rice-fields, re- 
 maining thus for half an hour at a time, and then darting after 
 their prey as it comes in sight. I saw one descend upon a 
 Plover, as I thought, and Wilson remarks their living on these 
 birds, Larks, and Sandpi])ers. 'J"he same pair that I watched 
 also hung on the rear of a flock of cow-buntings which were 
 feeding and scratching around diem. They sometimes attack 
 s(iuirrels, as I have been informed, and Wilson charges them 
 with preying also upon Ducks. 
 
 I never observed them to soar, at least in winter, their time 
 being passed very much in indolence and in watching for 
 their game. Thei" flight is almost as easy and noiseless as 
 that of the Owl. In the early part of the month of March 
 they were breeding in West Florida, and seemed to choose 
 the densest thickets and not to build at anv jjreat heischt from 
 
RED-SHOl l.DERKD HAWK. 
 
 45 
 
 the ground. On afiproachitiL': these places, the k(r-,>o became 
 very louil and angry. 
 
 ll'inhr Hiuck. — i ; larLje American liu^/.ard is not un- 
 common m this vicinity, as well as in the neighborhood ot 
 I'hiladv-lphia, where Wilson met with it along the marshes and 
 meadows, feeding almost wholly upon frogs. It is abundant 
 toward winter. It appears to have very much the manners 
 of the Kuro])ean liu/./.anl, remaining inactive for hours to- 
 gether on the edges of wet meadows, perched upon the larger 
 limb> of trees, and ut times keeping up a regular quailing and 
 rather hoarse kci.;h-oo, kcityh-oo, which at inten-als is answered 
 by the mate. When a])proached, it commonly steals off to 
 some other tree at no great disumce from the first ; but it 
 the pursuit be continued, it flies out and hovers at a consider- 
 able height. It is aht> an inhabitant of Hudson's Bay and 
 Nev\1oundland. 
 
 Xuttall regarded the c'd and yotmg as distinct species, giving 
 to thetn not only distinctive names, but a ditierent distribution. 
 Taken toiiether. liis two biographies tell about all that is yet known 
 of the habits and range of the species. It is found throughout this 
 faunal province, from the Gulf States to the scuthern border of the 
 fur countries, has Ijeen taken at York Factory on Hudson's Bay, 
 and is common in Manitoba. 
 
 Note. — The Florida Red-Shouldeked Hawk (Bnteo linea- 
 tus alhni) is a Southern form found in Florida, and rangincj on 
 the Atlantic shore north to South Carolina and along the Gulf 
 coast to Texas. It differs from true lineatus in having the rufous 
 tb ..-e on the head and neck replaced by brownish gray. 
 
46 
 
 lUKDS (•! I'UKV. 
 
 HARRIS'S HAWK. 
 
 PAriAIin! () INK iM-n s ii akkisi. 
 
 CllAK. Prevailing color black, soniL-timcs clujcoiatc biowii, tingLrl with 
 chestnut on the runij) ; slioiiUler.s and lining of wings chestnnt ; tail-C(i\ oris, 
 base of tail, and terminal band, white. Length about jo inches. 
 
 A't'.''/. On a cliff or in a tree, — usually the latter; a mere pi itfoiin of 
 twigs and roots, lined with grass. 
 
 A;';v.r. j-5 (usually 3^ ; whi'e, tinged wiili yellow, souietiines marked 
 with brown or lavender, or both , J. 15 X 1(15. 
 
 Harris'.s Hawk is abiiiulant in parts of Texas and in Mixicn, 
 and occurs in small numbers in tbe soiitlicm part ot" Mississi|)pi. 
 It IS usually represented as a ratlicr shi,i(,i;isb bird, associ.it ini; with 
 the Vultures and joininij in their feasts of carrion, but sometimes 
 prcvinjj; upon the small reptiles that infest the banks of streams 
 and pools. Mr. .Semiett. however, describes those he saw alonj; 
 the lower Rio (irande as more active, feedinjj; chiefly on birds. 
 mice, and <(ophers. 
 
 t i 
 
 Ri:i)-TAII.KI) H.\WK. 
 
 BUIEO I!UKI:AI.I^:. 
 
 Char. Above, dull brown streaked with rufous and grayish; below, 
 whitish or tawny streaked with brown; tail chestnut al)ove and gray 
 beneath, with a band of black near the end and tipped with white. In 
 the young the tail is grayish brown crossed bv some nine dark bars, 
 and the undcrparts are white with brown streaks. Length rg!^ to 23 
 inches. 
 
 yVt.v/. In a high tree; of sticks, lined with grass, sometimes with 
 feathers. 
 
 /•.";;;',(. 2-4 ; whitish or bluish white, usually heavily spotted or blotched 
 with reddish brown ; - 30 X i.So. 
 
 This beautiful Buzzard inhabits most parts of the United 
 States, being obser\ed from Canada to Florida ; also, far 
 westward up the Missouri, and even on the coasts of the 
 northern Pacific Ocean, by Lewis and Clarke. Wilson found 
 the young to be fully grown in the month of May, about 
 latitude 31° on the banks of the IMississii)pi ; at this j)eriod 
 they were very noisy and clamorous, keeping up an inces- 
 sant squealing. It also occasionally nests and breeds in large 
 
i<En-'rAii.i;iJ hawk. 
 
 47 
 
 trccs in the sechidcd forests of iliis part of Mnssitchiisctts. 
 The young birds soon become very submissive, and allow them- 
 selves to be handled with impunity by those who feed them. 
 'I'he oldiT l)irds sometinus i:ontest with i-ac h other in the air 
 about their prey, and nearly or wholl\ descend to the earth 
 grajjpled in each other's talons. Though this species has tin- 
 general aspect of tile i!u//ard. its manners are \ery similar to 
 those of the ( loshawjc ; it is iM|uaii\- fien e aiKl pre<iatory, 
 prowling around the farm often when straitened for food, 
 and seizing, now and tln-n, a hen or chi( ken, whic h it snatches 
 l)y making a lateral approach : it sweeps along near the sur- 
 face of the ground, and grasping its prey in its talons, 1)ears it 
 away U) devour in some i)lace of security. These dejjredations 
 on the farm-yard happen, however, only in tlu' winter ; at all 
 (jther seasons this is one of the shyest and most difticult 
 l)irds to approach. It will at times ])ounce upon rabbits and 
 considerable-sized birds, ])articularly Larks, and has been 
 observed in the Southeni Slates i)(.'rseveringly to ])ursue 
 sijuirrels from bough to bough until they are overtaken and 
 seized in the talons. It is frequently seen near wet meadows 
 where mice, moles, and frogs are ])revalent, and also feeds 
 upon lizards, — appearing, indeed, often content with the 
 most humble game. 
 
 They usually associate in pairs, and seem much attached to 
 each other; yet they often find it convenient and profitable to 
 separate in hunting their prey, about which they would readily 
 (juarrel if brought into contact. Though a good deal of their 
 time passes in indolence, while ]ierched in some tall and dead- 
 ened tree, yet at others they may Ix; seen beating the ground 
 as they tly over it in all directions in (piest of game. On some 
 occasions they amuse themselves by ascending to a vast eleva- 
 tion, like the aspiring I'lagle. On a fine evening, about the 
 middle of January, in South Carolina, I observed one of these 
 birds leave its withered perch, and soaring aloft over the wild 
 landscape, in a mood t)f contemplation, begin to ascend 
 towards the thin skirting of elevated clouds above him. At 
 length he passed this sublime boundary, and was now per- 
 
 il 
 
4S 
 
 IlIRDS OI' i'Ri:v. 
 
 ( eiveil nnd soon followed by his ambitious iiute, and \n a little 
 limi', by circular ascending' gyrations, tho)' both disappeared in 
 the clear azure of the heavens ; and thou[;h I waited for their 
 re-appearance half an hour, they still continiieil to be wholly 
 invisible. This amusement, or predilection for the cooler 
 regions of the atmosphere, seems mc^re or less common to all 
 the ra|)acious birds. In numerous instances this exercise must 
 be whollv independent of the inclinati(jn f(;r surveying their 
 prey, as i\-\\ t)f them besides the Falcon des( end direct ujjon 
 their (juarry. Many, as well as the present species, when on 
 the prowl l1y near to the surface of the ground, and often wait 
 and wat( h so as to steal upon their victims before they can 
 take the alarm. Indeed the Condor frecjuents and nests upon 
 the summit of the Andes, above which they are seen to soar 
 m the boundless ocean of space, enjoying the invigorating and 
 rarefied atmosphere, and only descending to the plains when 
 impelled by the cravings of hunger. 
 
 Tlu' l!astcrn variety of the Red-tail is a common bird through- 
 out eastern North America north to about latitude 49°, and was 
 taken by Dr. I>ell at Fort Churchill, on Hudson's Hay. It ranges 
 westward to the (ireat I'lains, where it is replaced by the sub- 
 species krideri. From the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific it is 
 represented by calunis, and examples of this latter variety have 
 been taken, occasionally, as far east as Illinois. The Red-tail is a 
 summer resident only of the Maritime Provinces, but a few are 
 found in winter in southern Ontario and New En";land. 
 
 
 
 NoTi.. — Mr. Ridgway now considers Harlan's Hawk to be 
 a variety of the Red-tail, and he proposes to name it Bntco borealis 
 liarlani. Its usual habitat is along the lower Mississippi : but exam- 
 ples have been taken in Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. 
 
 Capt. Bendine reports that Kuidek's Hawk (/>'. /', Krideri) 
 occurs in Iowa and northern Illinois. (Life Histories of North 
 American Birds.) 
 
 Two examples of Swainson's Hawk (^Buteo suiainsoni)^ a 
 Western species, have been taken in Massachusetts, — one at 
 Wayland in 1876, and the other near Salem in 1878. 
 
a 
 
 at 
 
 BROAD \VIN(;i;i) HAWK. 
 
 TjI'IIO I.A'IISSIMIS. 
 
 Chak. Above, dull brown, the feathers with paler edges; tail dusky 
 with toui light bars aiul lipijcti vvitii wiiite ; below, bulti^h or tawny, barred 
 and streaked with rufous. Length lO inclies. Vouiig : similar, Ijut tail 
 brownish, with several dusky liars ; below bulTy streaked with dusky. 
 
 .Visf. In a tree ; loosely built of twigs, and lined with leaves and 
 feathers. 
 
 A^i,'.?. 2-4 ; buttisl:. blotched with reddish brown of various shades ; 
 1.90 X 1.55. 
 
 This species was obtnined b\ \\'ilsf)n. in the vicinity of 
 I*hila(le]]>hia, in the act of feedini^ on a meadow-nioiise. On 
 beinu^ ap])r()ache(l, it nttereil a whininij; whistle and flew U) 
 another tree, where it was shot. Its great breadth (jf wing, as 
 well as of the head and body, compared with its length, aj)- 
 pears remarkably characteristic. The following day the mate 
 was.obser\-ed sailing in wide circles, the wings scarcely moving, 
 and presenting almost a semi-circular outline. These two in- 
 dividuals appear to be all that were known to Wilson of this 
 Vu: .1. — 4 
 
 itl 
 
»l 
 
 50 
 
 BIRDS oi- I'kEV. 
 
 spfcies. Audubon considers it by no nuvuis a rare s[)ecics 
 in Virginia, Maryland, and all the States to the eastwartl of 
 these. Its usual i)re\' is small birds, very young poultry, small 
 (juatlrupeds, and insects. 
 
 The Broad-wing occurs throughout tliis eastern faunal province, 
 but is somewhat local in distribution. In jjortions of tlie Maritime 
 Provinces it is abundant, thougli in general it is rather uncommon. 
 .Mr. John Neilson considers it common near the city of Ouet)ec, but 
 .Mr. Ernest Wintle reports it rare at Montreal, while Mr. William 
 L. Scott thinks it the commonest Hawk in the Ottawa valley. Mr. 
 Thomas .Mcllwraith gives it as a "casual visitor" to the southern 
 jjortions of Ontario, and Mr. ICrnesl Thompson found it abundant 
 in the Muskoka district. Thompson also reports it common in 
 .Manitoba. 
 
 In the more northern portions of New England it is a fairly 
 common sun.mer visitor, while it is found in Massachusetts and 
 Connecticut throughout the yeir, but is rather rare. It occurs 
 also in more or less abundance in all the Middle, Western, and 
 Southern St.ites. 
 
 My observatioiis in New Brunswick have led me to form a dif- 
 ferent opinion of the characteristics of this Hawk from those 
 expressed by several writers. The examples I met with were not 
 peculiarly void of eitlier boldness or vigor in pursuit of their prey, 
 nor peculiarly spiritless when wounded. They ilid, of course, like 
 others of the tribe, pursue weak prey, and displayed little true 
 bravery: but bravery is not a characteristic of the Hawks. A 
 wounded Broad-wing, however, acts just as does the l)oldest of 
 thom, — he turns on his back and hits out with claws, beak, and 
 wings : and the gunner who thinks he has a meek or spiritless bird 
 to handle mav retrret the thoutrht. 
 
 SHORT- TAIEKI) H.\WK. 
 l-)t"'i K( ) I'.K.Aciivrkrs. 
 
 Cn.\R. Above, brownish bhick or blackish brown ; forche.id anil cheeks 
 white; tail h.ownish gray barred with black and tipped with white; 
 beneath, pure white, a patch of riifms on side of chest. Length 16 
 inches. 
 
 AV.vA In a tall tree; made of dry twig.s, lined with fresh twigs of 
 cypress. 
 
 -'^.W-f- i~3 ; dull white, s]50ttcd on lavue end with reddish ^rown. 
 
MARSH HAWK. 
 
 51 
 
 The black and brown phases of plumage worn by tliis bird have 
 caused the scientific ornitholo<,Msts no httlc p'.Tplcxi'.v, and been tiie 
 sul)ject of some controversy: so a l)rief summary of tiie various 
 opinions held may serve as an illustration of the evolution of many 
 scientific names. 
 
 The species was first described from a specimen in brown plu- 
 mage and given the name it now bears ; then a young bird came 
 into the hands of another systcmatist. and supjiusing it to be a new 
 species, he named it B. oxypttrus ; and afterwards an example in 
 black was taken by still another, who supjjosed it to be something 
 new. so he wrote it down B. /ii/ii^inosiis. These two last-men- 
 tioned were disposed of by other writers as svnonyms of stiui/h- 
 soni, oxyptcnis being considered the young plumage, and fulii^i- 
 itosHS a melanistic phase, while in several more recent works the 
 latter, as the Little Black Hawk, was restored to specific rank. 
 These opinions have recently been abandoned for that which lias 
 been held for a long time by the few. — tliat both fulia^inostts and 
 oxypicriis are synonyms of the present species. 
 
 It cannot, however, be said that the matter is finally adjusted, for 
 the black color still presents this problem : Is it individual or sex- 
 ual, — a melanistic phase, or the normal color of the adult male .' 
 
 The bird is entirely tropical in its range, and is found within the 
 United States only in the tropical portions of Florida. It was sup- 
 posed formerly to occur there merely as a casual or accidental 
 straggler: but recent ol:)servations have proved it to be a regular 
 though uncommon visitor, and breeding there. 
 
 MARSH HAWK. 
 
 o{ 
 
 marsh harrier. blue hawk. 
 Circus hudsonius. 
 
 Char. Adult male : above, bluish gray; tail with dark bands ; rump 
 white ; beneath white, .\dult female and young : above, dark brown 
 streaked with rufous; tail with dark bands; rump white ; beneath, tawny 
 with dark streaks. Length 19 to 24 inches. 
 
 Nest. On the ground, in damji meadow or cedar swamp ; a loosely 
 arranged platform of dried grass some four to six inches high, with little 
 depression, occasionally lined with softer material. 
 
 ^Sg^- 3-S; bhiish white, .sonietinies spotted with huffish or brown; 
 l.Sc X 1.40. 
 
52 
 
 I5IRDS OF I'REV. 
 
 This species is common to the northern and temperate, as 
 well as the warmer parts of the old and new continents, being 
 met with in Europe, Africa, South America, and the West 
 Indies. In the winter season it extends its peregrinations 
 from Hudson's Ikiy to the Oregon territory and the southern 
 parts of the United States, frecjuenting chiefly open, low, and 
 marshy situations, over which it sweeps or skims along, at a 
 little distance usually from the ground, in (piest of mice, small 
 birds, frogs, Hzards, and other reptiles, which it often selects 
 by twilight as well as in the open day ; and at times, pressed 
 by hunger, it is said to join the Owls and seek out its ])rey 
 even by moonlight. Instances have been known in England 
 in which this bird has carried its temerity so far as to pursue 
 the same game with the armed fowler, and even snatch it from 
 his grasp after calmly wailing for it to be shot, and without 
 even betraying timidity at the report of the gun. The nest if 
 this species is made on th', ground, in swampy woods or 
 among rushes, occasionally also under the protection of rocky 
 precipices, and is said to be formed of sticks, reeds, leaves, 
 straw, and similar materials heaped together, and finished with 
 a lining of feathers, hair, or other soft substances. In the 
 /^ cuwrdfeus, so nearly related to this species, the eggs are of 
 a pure white. When their young are approached, the parents, 
 hovering round the intruder and uttering a sort of uncouth 
 syllable, like gCiJ^ g('i^ ^(1^:;, or ^i^c gc ne ge ge, seem full of afright 
 and anxiety. The Crows, however, are their greatest enemies, 
 and 'they often succeed in demolishing the nests. The young 
 are easily tamed, and feed almost immediately without exhib- 
 iting any signs of fear. 
 
 Nuttall has told about ail tliat more modern observers have to 
 tell of this species. The authorities differ chieHy in descriptions of 
 the structure of the nest and the markings on the eggs. The nests 
 that I have examined have been composed entirely of coarse grass, 
 witliout 'ining, though the softest of the grass was laid on top. 
 The eggs were unspotted. 
 
HAWK OWL. 
 
 SURNLA UI.LI.A CAl'AKOCH. 
 
 Char. Above, dull blackish brown, spotted with white ; crown without 
 spots; dark patch on the cheeks; face white, the feathers with dark 
 margins; tail and wing with white bars; below, white with dark bars. 
 Length 14-V to 17 }< inches. 
 
 JVi's/. On a tree; of twigs lined with feathers. 
 
 /;>^j. 2-7; dull while ; 1.55 X 1.25. 
 
 This remarkable species, forming a connecting link with 
 the preceding genus of the Hawks, is nearly confined to the 
 Arctic wilds of both continents, being frequent in Siberia and 
 the fur countries from Hudson's liay to the Pacific. A few 
 stragglers, now and then, at distant intervals and in the depths 
 of winter, penetrate on the one side into the northern parts of 
 the United States, and on the other they occasionally appear 
 in Germany, and more rarely in France. At Hudson's Bay 
 they are observed by day Hying high and preying on the White 
 (rrouse and other birds, sometimes even attending the hunter 
 like a Falcon, and boldly taking \ip the wounded game as it 
 
54 
 
 I![RI)S OF I'RFA'. 
 
 \ < il 
 
 flutters on the ground. They are also salt I l<j f-jed on mice 
 and insects, and (according to Meyer) they nest upon trees, 
 laying two white eggs. 'I'hey are said to be constant atten- 
 dants on the Ptarmigans in their spring migrations towards the 
 North, and are observed to hover round the camp-fires of the 
 natives, in (juest probably of any offal or rejected game. 
 
 In Massachusetts and the more southern portions of New Eng- 
 land tlie Hawk Owl is only an occasional winter visitor ; hut in 
 northern New England and the Maritime Provinces it occurs regu- 
 larly, though of varying abundance, in some seasons being cjuite 
 rare. It is fairly common near Montreal, and rare in Ontario and 
 in Ohio. Thompson reports it abundant in Manitoba, but only 
 one example has been taken in Illinois {Ridi^way). It breeds in 
 Newfoundland, the .Magdalen Islands, and northern Manitoba, 
 and north to sub-arctic rcirions. 
 
 \U^ 
 
.^^^■iil^>l^^ 
 
 
 SNOWY OWL. 
 
 NvciEA x\-c'ri:.\. 
 
 Char. Geiier:\1 color pure white, w'tli markings of dull brown or 
 brownish black, the abundance and shade of the spots varying with age. 
 A large, stout bird. Length 23 to 27 inches. 
 
 Nt'sl. On the ground, of twigs and grass, lined with feathers. 
 
 -^v"''- 5 ''J 10 ; white; 2.55 X 190. 
 
 This very large and often snow-white species of Owl is 
 ilmost an exclusive inhabitant of the .Arctic regions of both 
 continents, being common in Iceland, the Shetland Islands. 
 Kamtschatka, Lapland, and Hudson's Day. In these dreary 
 wilds, surrotmded by an almost perpetual winter, he dwells, 
 breeds, and obtains his subsistence. His white robe renders 
 
^6 
 
 IJIRDS OK I'RKV. 
 
 !f 
 
 him scarcely discernible from the overwhelming snows, wlierc 
 he reigns, like the boreal spirit of the storm. His loud, hol- 
 low, barking growl, 'lolwwh, 'ivhmvh, "ivlunok hdli, hah, hah, 
 /id/i,^ and other more dismal cries, sound like the unearthly 
 ban of Cerberus ; and heard amidst a region of cheerless soli- 
 tude, his lonely and terrific voice augments ratlier than relieves 
 the horrors of the scene. 
 
 Clothed with a ilense coating of feathers, which hide even 
 the nostrils, ant' leave only the talons exposed, he ventures 
 abroad boldly at '11 seasons, and, like the Hawks, seeks his 
 prey by daylight as well as dark, skimming aloft and reconnoi- 
 tring his prey, whit;h is commonly the \\'hite (iroiise or some 
 other birds of the same genus, as well as hares. (Jn these he 
 tlarts from above, and rapidly seizes them m his resistless 
 talons. At times he watches for fish, and condescends also \o 
 prey upon rats, mice, and even carrion. 
 
 These birds ajjpear to have a natural aversion to settled 
 countries ; for which reason, perhaps, and the sc*-erity of the 
 climate of Arctic America, they are freciuently known to wander 
 in the winter south through the thinly settled interior of the 
 United States. They n igrate probably by ])airs ; and accord- 
 ing to Wilson, two of these l)irds were so stuiiid, or dazzled, 
 as to alight on the roof of the court-house in the large town of 
 Cincinnati. In South Carolina Dr. Carden saw them occa- 
 sionally, and they were, in this mild region, observed to hide 
 themselves during the da^' in the palmetto-groves of the sea- 
 coast, and only sallied out towards night in quest of their prey. 
 Their habits, therefore, seem to vary considerably, according 
 to circumstances and climate. 
 
 This species is a regular winter visitor to the Northern and 
 Middle States, and duruig some seasons has been quite abundant. 
 A few pairs have been seen in summer in northern Maine, New 
 Brunswick, and Nova Scotia: hut the usual breeding-ground is 
 from about latitude 50^ to the Arctic regions. 
 
 While in their more southern resorts tliey are rarely found far 
 from the forest districts. 
 
 ^ These latter syllables with the usual quivering sound of the Owl. 
 

 IS 
 
 SCREECH OWL. 
 
 MOTTLED OWL, RED OWL. 
 
 Mkc;.\scops asio. 
 
 Char. Of two phases, brownish gray and brownish red. Above, 
 mottled with darker shades of the prevailing cohjr and with blacixish ; 
 below, dull whitish or with a rufous tint aud heavily marked with dull 
 brown or blackish. In highly colored red examples the spots arc less 
 frequent. Large ear tufts ; wings and tail barred with the light and dark 
 colors ; legs feathered and toes bristled. Length 7 to 10 inches. 
 
 Nest. In a hollow tree or stump ; the bottom of the hole slightly lined 
 with leaves or feathers. 
 
 E,^-gs. 4-S ; white, nearly round ; 1.35 X 1.20. 
 
 Mottled 0-ivl. — This common, small, and handsome species, 
 known as the Little Screech Owl, is probably resident in every 
 part of the United States, and, in fact, inhabits from Greenland 
 to Florida, and westward to the Oregon, It appears more 
 abimdant in autumn and winter, as at those seasons, food fail- 
 
1 1 
 
 ;8 
 
 ISIRDS OF I'RKN' 
 
 ! I 
 
 ii\U, it is obli.m'd to apjjnjach habitations and barns, in wliich 
 \hv uiUv it chirtly prejs on now assemble ; it also lies in wait 
 for small birds, and fee(U on beetles, crickets, and other in- 
 sects. The nest is usually in the hollow of an old orchard tree, 
 about the months of May or June ; it is lined carelessly with 
 a Httlc hay, lea\es, and feathers, and the eggs are commonly 
 four to six, white, and nearly round. Aldrovandus remarks 
 that the (Ireat Hornetl Owl provides so i)lentifully for its 
 young that a person might obtain some dainties from the 
 nest, and yet leave a sufficiency for the Owlets besides. I'he 
 same remark may also ajjply to this species, as in the hollow 
 stuniji of an apple-tree, which contained a brood of these 
 young Owls, were found several Iliuebirds, lUackbinls, and 
 Song S])arrows. intended as a supply of food. 
 
 l)uring the day these birds retire into hollow trees and un- 
 frequented barns, or hide in the thickest evergreens. At times 
 they are seen abroad by day, and in cloudy weather they wake 
 up from their diurnal slumbers a considerable time before 
 (lark. In the (kiy they are always drowsy, or, as if dozing, 
 closing, or scarcely half opening their heavv eyes, presenting 
 the very picture of sloth and nightly dissipation. When i)er- 
 ceived by the smaller birds, they are at once recognized as 
 their insidious enemies ; and the rareness of their apjjearance, 
 before the usual roosting-time of other birds, augments the 
 suspicion they entertain of these feline hunters. From com- 
 plaints and cries of alarm, the Thrush sometimes threatens 
 blows : and though evening has perhaps set in, th«. snialler 
 birds and cackling Robins re-echo their shrill chirpings and 
 complaints throughout an extensive wood, until the nocturnal 
 monster has to seek safety in a distant flight. Their notes are 
 most frecpient in the latter end of summer and autunm, crying 
 in a sort of wailing quiver, not very unlike the whining of a 
 ])U])py dog, //3, ho ho ho ho ho ho, proceeding from high and 
 clear to a low guttural shake or trill. These notes, at little in- 
 tervals, are answered by some companion, and appear to be 
 chiefly a call of recognition from young of the same l)rood, or 
 pairs who wish to discover each other after having been sepa- 
 
RKD owr,. 
 
 59 
 
 rateil while dozin<]; in the (l;i\-. On moonlight evenings this 
 isiender waihng i.-> kept up nearly until niiiliULjht. 
 
 Rdt 0'<i.u. — From the wry satisfactory and « arcftil obserwi- 
 t ions of l)r. K/ra Michcncr, of New (larden, Chester County. 
 Pennsylvania, published in the eighth volume of the Journa! of 
 the .V.adeniy of Natural Sciences of l'hiknleli)hia, it appears 
 certain that the Red and (Iray " Screec h Owls "' of the United 
 Stales are specifically distinct ; he has observed that the Red 
 Owls rear yo\inLr of the same c(jlor, and that the (Iray Owls 
 of thtr preceding sj)e( ies have al^o young which are gray and 
 mottled from the very west Still difterent as they are in 
 plumage, the habits of the species are nearly alike. The 
 pre^sent inhabits and breeds in most ])arts of the United States. 
 In Pennsylvania they are hatched by the latter eml of May, 
 breeding in hollow trees. The eggs are about four. 
 
 I have had an opj)ortunity of verifying all that Wilson re- 
 lates of the manners of this species in a Red or young Owl, 
 taken out of a hollow api)le-tree, which I kejjt for some 
 months. A dark closet was his favorite retreat during the 
 day. In the evening he became very lively and restless, glid- 
 ing across the room in which he was confined, with a side- 
 long, noiseless flight, as if wafted by the air alone. .At times 
 he clung to the wainscot, and, unable to turn, he brought his 
 heati round to his back, so as to present, by the aid of his 
 brilliant eyes, a most spectral and uneardily ajjpearance. .\s 
 the eyes of all the Owls, according to Wilson, are fixed im- 
 movably in the socket by means of a many clet't capsular liga- 
 ment, this provision for the free versatile motion of the head 
 appears necessary. '^ hen approached towards evening, he 
 apf>eared strongly . i imaged in reconnoitring the object, blow- 
 ing n-iih a hissing noise {shay, shay, shay), common to other 
 species, and stretching out his neck with a waving, lateral 
 motion, in a threatening attitude, and, on a nearer approach, 
 made a snapping with the bill, produced by striking together 
 both mandibles, as they are equally movable. He was a very 
 expert mouse-catcher, swallowed his prey whole, and then, 
 after some time, ejected from the bill the bones, skin, and 
 
Co 
 
 HIRDS OK I'REV. 
 
 It '! I 
 
 hair, in pellets, lie also devoured large lliv's, which at this 
 time eanie into the room in great numbers ; luid even the dry 
 parts of these were also ejectt'fl from the stoma( h without di- 
 gestion. A pet of this species, wh'"'- Michener had, 
 drank frecpiently, and was accustome . wash every day in 
 a basin of cold water during the heat of summer. 
 
 N'uttall, following Wilson and Audubon, treated the gray M\i\ 
 red phases of this bird as two distinct species, and wrote separate 
 biographies, which I insert in full. Some ornitliolo<,Msts have sup- 
 |)osed that the gray specimens were the youn;^ birds; but it has 
 been proved beyond (juestion that the two phases are simply indi- 
 vidual variations of the .>ame species. (Iray and red birds have 
 been found in one nest, with both parents gray, or both red. or witli 
 one of each color. 
 
 The Screech Owl is a resident of southern New Kngland and 
 quite common. It breeds northward tc the Maritime Provinces, 
 westward to Minnesota and southward to the (Julf States. Prob- 
 ably southern New England is the northern limit of the bird's 
 distribution in winter. 
 
 Note. — A smaller and darker race is found in South Carolina, 
 Georgia, and Florida. It is named Florida Sckek( h Owl 
 (/I/, asio JlorUunus^. In this race the reddish feathers wear a 
 richer rufous tint, and the gray are more deeply tinged witli 
 brown. 
 

 
 
 GREAT HORNED OWL. 
 
 CAT OWL. 
 lUlK) VIRGINIANUS. 
 
 f'tiAR. Plumage very variable, of mottled black, light and dark 
 brown, buff, and tawny. A white band on the throat, and a white stripe 
 down the breast, — the latter soriietimes obscure. Ear-tufts large and 
 conspicuous : legs and toes feathered Length iS to 25 inches. 
 
 iWiT". Sometimes within a hollow tree, but usually on an upper limb. 
 A deserted nest of Crow or Hawk is often used, and then it is a clumsv, 
 bulky affair of sticks, lined with feathers 
 
 E^'-^^s. 2-3; white and nearly spherical ; 2.20 X i.So. 
 
 This species, so nearly related to the (ireat Eared Owl of 
 Europe, is met with occasionally from Hudson's Bay to 
 
62 
 
 BIRDS (H- IKKV. 
 
 t I 
 
 tl 
 
 ':%' 
 
 m 
 
 I lorid.i, and in ()rrg()n; it exists wen bt-vond the tropics, 
 beinj,' very probably the same bird de>eril)e»l by Marc grave as 
 inhabitinj^' the forests ot lira/.il. All t Jimates are ahke to this 
 liagle of the nijj;ht, the kinj,' of the iioetiirnal tril)e of American 
 birds. The ajjoriginal inhabitants of the country dread his 
 l)0(bng howl, decUcating his elligies to their sokuuiities, and, .is 
 if h" were their sacred bird of Minerva, forbid tiie mot kery of 
 his ominous, ihsmal. and ahnost snpernatunil c ries. His favor- 
 ite resort, in the dark and impenetrable swampy forests, where 
 he dwells in chosen solitude secure from the approacli of every 
 enemy, agrees with the melancholy and sinister traits of his 
 character. To the surrounding feathered race he is the I'liiio 
 of the gloomy wilderness, and would scarcely be known out of 
 the dismal shades where he hides, but to his victims, were he 
 as silent as he is solitary. Among the choking, loud, guttural 
 sounds which he sometimes utters in the dead of night, and 
 with a suddenness which always alarms, because of his noiseless 
 approach, is the '7ci(ru<^^/i ho .' '7c<aii;^li ho! which, \Vilson re- 
 marks, was often uttered at the instant of swecjjing down 
 around his camp-fire. Many kinds of Owls are similarly daz- 
 zled and attracted by fire-lights, and occasionally finding, no 
 doubt, some offal or flesh thrown out by those who encamp in 
 the wilderness, they come round the nocturnal bla/e with other 
 motives than barely those of curiosity. The solitary tra\elkrs 
 in these wilds, apparently scanning the sinister motive of his 
 visits, pretend to interpret his address into '^'U'ho \ooks for 
 you all !'" and with a strong guttural i)ronunciation of the final 
 syllable, to all those who have heard this his common cry. the 
 resemblance of sound is well hit, and instantly recalls the 
 ghastly serenade of his nocturnal majesty in a manner whi( h 
 is not easily forgotten. The shorter cry which we have 
 mentioned makes no inconsiderable approach to that uttered 
 by the luiropean brother of our species, as given by lUiffon, 
 namely, 'hc-hoo, Wioo-hoo, hoo-hoo, etc. The (ireeks called this 
 transatlantic species Byas^ either from its note or from the 
 resemblance this bore to the bellowing of the ox. The latin 
 name Biil'o has also reference to the same note ^'>i this noc- 
 
ClUr.AI" IinUNT.!) owi.. 
 
 63 
 
 turnal bird. .\« ( «)r(liiig lo IiimIi, who krpt one of thi-^'- birds 
 .di\t', it-^ ( rii's varied accordinj; to cirriniiNtaticrs ; whcii hungry 
 it had a imihiij; i ry hki- /Vt/iu. I haw rcinarki-d tin- yonny;, 
 probably, of our spec ics utter tlic same low, (luailiiiy; ( r\. while 
 yet daylij,'hl, as it sat on the low braiK h of a tree ; the sound 
 of both is. at times, also not unlike that made by the Hawks or 
 diurnal birds of prey. Indeed, in gloomy weather I have seen 
 our species on the alert, tlying about many horns before dark, 
 and utterintj; his call of 7v' ko, ko ko /i<>. 'I'heir UMial prey is 
 youni; rabbits, scpiirrels, rats, mice, (Jtiails, and small birds of 
 various kinds ; and when these resources fail or diminish, they 
 occasionally prowl ])retty boldly anjuntl the farm-yard in (juest 
 of Chickens, which thev seize on the roost. Indeed tin- lairo- 
 pean Horned Owl freipiently contends with the iJu/zard for its 
 ])rey, and generally comes off coiKjueror ; blind and mfuriate 
 with hunger, one of these has been known to dart even upon 
 .1 man, as if for contbct, and was killed in the encoimter. My 
 friend Dr. Iloykin. of .Milleilgeville, in (leorgia, assured me that 
 omofciir own daring nocturnal adventurers, ])rowling njund 
 his premises, saw a cat dozing on the roof of a smoke-house, 
 and supposing grimalkin a more harmless, rabbit-like animal 
 than appeared in the setjuel. blindly snatched her up in liis 
 talons ; but finding he had caught a Tartar, it was not long be- 
 fore he allowed jniss once xwoxc to tread the ground. In 
 I'aigland the same error was commiited by an Magle, who, 
 after a severe conflict with a cat he had carried into the air, 
 was at length brought to the ground before he could disengage 
 himself from the feline grasp. 
 
 An Owl of this s])ecies, which I have observed in a cage, 
 appeared very brisk late in the morning, hissed anil blew when 
 api)roached with a stick, and dashed at it very heedlessly with 
 his bill ; he now and then uttered a 'ko-koh, and was pretty 
 loud in his call at an earlier hour. When approached, he cir- 
 cularly contracted the iris of the eyes to obtain a clearer view 
 of the threatened object ; he also listened with great quickness 
 to any sound which occurred near his prison, and eyed the 
 flying Pigeons, which passed by at some distance, with ascruti- 
 
64 
 
 HIRDS OF PREV. 
 
 ni/ing and eager glance, ^\'hen fed he often had the habit o( 
 hiding aua\ his sni)erfluous provision. 
 
 As far as I have been able to observe the retiring manners 
 of this recluse, he slumbers out the day chiefly in the dark tops 
 of lofty trees. In these, according to Wilson, he generally be- 
 gins to build m the month of May, though probably earlier in 
 the Southern States. The nest is usually placed in the fork of 
 a tree, made of a considerable pile of sticks, and lined with 
 dry leaves and some feathers ; and, as a saving of labor, some- 
 times they select a hollow tree for the purpose. 
 
 This Owl is usually found in woods of rather large growth : but 
 Nuttall slightly exaggerated in naming the "dark and impenetrable 
 swampy forest" as its "favorite resort." Throughout the Mari- 
 time Provinces it is found on the outskirts of settlements, as well 
 as in the wilderness. 
 
 An interesting aceo int of the habits of this species in captivity, 
 from the note-book of Mr. James W. Banks, of .St. John, N. B., 
 appeared in "The .\uk " lor .April. 1S84. 
 
 i'i 
 
 XoTE. — There are two geographical races of this species that 
 should be named here. The DusKV Hoknf.d Owl (B. vi)-gi- 
 iiicini/s sii(urijfi(s).:\n extremely dark form, occurs in Labrador, and 
 is found also on the coast of the Northwest. The Wkstickx 
 HoKNi:r) Owi, {[>. I'ir^iHtaniis siibarcficiis), a light-gray form, is 
 usually restricted to the middle faunal province, but has been taken 
 in Illinois and Wisconsin. 
 
 GRF.VT (IRAV OWL. 
 SarriAPTEx cinerf.a. 
 
 Char, .^bnve, sooty brown mottled witli irregular bars of dull qray : 
 below, paler tints of same colors in wavy stripes. No ear-tufts. The 
 largest of the Owls. Length. 23 to -50 inches. 
 
 A\st. Tn a nee. 
 
 /t;:i,'.r. 2-3; white; 2.15 X 1.70. 
 
 This is the largest .\merican species known, and if the S. 
 lapponica, common also to the Arctic circle, and seldom leav- 
 ing it, being only accidental about Lake Superior, and occa- 
 
GREAl" GRAV (JUL. 
 
 65 
 
 The 
 
 sionally seen in Massachusetts in the (k'])th ol' severe winters. 
 One was caught i)erched on a wood-jjile, in a state of listless 
 inactivity, in the morning after daylight, at Marblehcad, in 
 February, 1831. 'Ihis individual survived for several months, 
 and showed a great partiality for fish and birds. At times he 
 uttered a tremulous cry or ho ho lid ho hoo, not very dissimilar 
 to that of the Mottled Owl. .\t Hudson's Ikiy and Labrador 
 these Owls reside the whole year, and were found in the ( )re- 
 gon territory by Mr. Townsend. They associate in pair^, tly 
 very low, and feed on mice and hares, which they seize with 
 such muscular vigor as sometimes to sink into the snow after 
 them a foot deep. With ease they are able to carry off the 
 alj^ine hare alive in their talons. In lairoj^e the species ap- 
 pears wholly confined to the desert regions of Lapland, two or 
 three stragglers being all that have been obtained out of that 
 country by naturalists. 
 
 Dr. Richardson says that it is by no means a rare bird in the 
 fur countries, being an inhabitant of all the woody districts 
 lying between Lake Superior and latitudes 67° or fj.S'^ and 
 between Hudson's l]ay and the Pacific. It is common on 
 the borders of Great Bear Lake ; and there, and in the higher 
 ])arallels of latitude, it must pursue its prey, during the summer 
 months, by daylight. It keejis, however, within the woods, and 
 does not frequent the barren grounds, like the Snowy Owl, nor 
 is it so often met with in broad daylight as the Hawk Owl, but 
 hunts principally when the sun is low, — indee<l, it is only at such 
 times, when the recesses of the woods are deeply shadowed, 
 that the American hare and the marine animals on which the 
 Cinereous Owl chiefiy preys, come forth to feed. On the 2^^<.\ 
 of May J discovered a nest of this ( )wl, built on the top of a 
 lofty balsam poplar, of sticks, and lined with feathers. It con- 
 tained three young, which were covered with a whitish down. 
 
 The capture in New England of several examples of this species 
 has l)een recorded. During the winter of 1889-90, a number were 
 .seen along the northern border of these States and in tlie southern 
 portions of Canada. Mr. Mcllwraith reported that a large number 
 had been taken near Kamilton. 
 vol.. I. — 5 
 
11; 
 
 1 I 
 
 \l 
 
 u 
 
 LONG-EARED OWL. 
 
 ASIO WILSONIANUS. 
 
 Char. Above, finely mottled with dark brown, dull buff, and gray ; 
 breast similar, but of reddish tint ; belly paler, with dark markings. Ear- 
 tufts large; toes feathered. Length 15 inches. 
 
 jVfsf. Usually in a tree ; of twigs, lined with grass and feathers. 
 Sometimes a deserted Crow's or Hawk's nest is used. 
 
 ^A''A''s- 3-6; white and oval ; 1.65 X 1.30. 
 
 This species, like several others of the genus, appears to be 
 almost a denizen of the world, being found from Hudson's Ray 
 to the West Indies and Pirazil, throughout Europe, in Africa, 
 northern Asia, and probably China, in all which countries 
 it appears to be resident, but seems more abundant in certain 
 places in winter, following rats and mice to their retreats in or 
 near houses anil barns. It also preys upon small birds, and 
 in summer destroys beetles. It commonly lodges in mined 
 buildings, the caverns of rocks, or in hollow trees. It defends 
 
LONG-EARED OWL. 
 
 67 
 
 It hers. 
 
 ifrica, 
 
 Intries 
 
 Ttain 
 
 in or 
 
 [, and 
 
 mned 
 
 Ifends 
 
 itself with great spirit from the attacks of larger birds, making 
 a ready use of its bill and talons, ai.d when wounded is dan- 
 gerous and resolute. 
 
 The Long-Eared Owl seldom, if ever, takes the trouble 
 to construct a nest of its own ; it seeks shelter amidst ruins 
 and in the accidental hollows of trees, and rests content with 
 the dilapidated nursery of the Crow, the Magpie, that of the 
 \\ ild Pigeon, of the Buzzard, or even the tufted retreat of the 
 scpiirrel. True to these habits, \\'ilson found one of these 
 Owls sitting on her eggs in the deserted nest of the Qua Bird, 
 on the 25th of April, six or seven miles below Philad(^l]ihia, in 
 the midst of the gloomy enswamped forest which formed the 
 usual resort of these solitary Herons. So well satisfied was she 
 in fact with her company, and so i)eaceable, that one of the Quas 
 had a nest in the same tree with the Owl. The young, until 
 nearly fully grown, are grayish white, and roost close together 
 on a large branch during the day, sheltered and hid amidst the 
 thickest foliage ; they acquire their natural colo^ in about fifteen 
 days. Besides mice and rats, this si»ecies also preys on field- 
 mice, moles, and beetles. The plainti\ e cry or hollow moan- 
 ing made by this bird, •* cloui f/oiu/,'" incessantly repeated 
 during the night, so as to be troublesome where they frequent, 
 is very attractive to the larger birds, who out of curiosity and 
 for persecution assemble around this species when em])loyed 
 as a decoy, and are thus shot or caught by limed twigs. 
 
 This Owl occurs throughout temperate North America, and is a 
 common resident everywhere excepting along tlie northern limit of 
 its range, where it is less abundant, and appears in summer only. 
 
l> 
 
 SHORT-EARED OWL. 
 
 ASIO ACCIPITRIXUS. 
 
 '"har. Above, mottled with dark brown, tawny, and butlish white; 
 below, paler ; feet feathered ; ear-tufts inconspicuous. Some examples 
 arc much jjaler, as if the colors had faded. Length about 15 inches. 
 
 A'rst. On the ground amid tall grass, and cunipused of a few twigs and 
 a few feathers. 
 
 ■^.V'V-'- 3"6 ; white and oval ; 1.60 X 1.20. 
 
 This is another of those nocturnal wanderers which now and 
 then arrive amongst iis from the northern regions, where they 
 usually breed. It comes to Hudson's Bay from the South 
 about May, where it makes a nest of dry grass on the groiuid, 
 and, as usual, has white eggs. After rearing its brood it de- 
 j)arts for the South in SejUember, and in its migrations has 
 been met with as far as New Jersey, near I'hiladelphia, where, 
 according to Wilson, it arrives in November and departs in 
 April. Pennant remarks that it has been met with in the 
 
SHORT- HARK I) OWL. 
 
 69 
 
 southern continent of Anvrica at the Faikliind Islands, It is 
 likewise sjjread through every part of Iuiroi)e, and is common 
 in all the forests of Siberia; it also visits the Orkney Islands 
 and Ireland, and we have observed it at Atooi, one of the 
 Sandwich Islands, in the Pacific, as well as in the territory of 
 Oregon. In England it appears and disappears with the mi- 
 grations of the \\'oodcock. Its food is almost exclusively mice, 
 for which it watches, seated on a stump, with all the vigilance 
 of a cat, listening attentively to the low scjueak of its prey, 
 to which it is so much alive as to be sometimes brought in 
 sight by imitating the sound. It is readily attracted by the 
 blaze of nocturnal fires, and on such occasions has sometimes 
 had the blind temerity to attack men, and come so close to 
 combat as to be knocked down with sticks. When wounded 
 it also displays the same courageous ferocity, so as to be 
 dangerous to approach. In dark and cloudy weather it some- 
 times ventures abroad by daylight, takes short flights, and 
 when sitting and looking sharply round, it erects the short, ear- 
 like tufts of feathers on the head which are at other times 
 scarcely visible. Like all other migrating birds, roving indif- 
 ferently over the country in quest of food alone, these Owls 
 have sometimes been seen in considerable numbers together ; 
 Bewick even remarks that 28 of them had been counted at 
 once in a turnip-field in lilngland. They are also numerous in 
 Holland in the months of September and October, and in all 
 countries are ser%'iceable for the destruction they make among 
 house and field mice, their principal food. Although they 
 usually breed in high ground, they have also been observed in 
 Europe to nest in marshes, in the middle of the high herbage, 
 — a situation chosen both for safety and solitude. 
 
 This is one of the commonest of the New England Owls, and 
 has been supposed to l^reed in all the suitable marsh land along 
 tlie coast, but -Mr. William Brewster states that he knows -of no 
 .uithentic record of its breeding in any part of New England w ilhin 
 the past ten years." It ranges north to the fur countries, south to 
 the Gulf States and bevond, and west to the Faeific. 
 
'r 
 
 1 
 
 Ml 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 r 
 
 i 
 
 
 ; 1 
 
 
 i 
 
 4 ' 
 
 l^! 
 
 
 BARREL) OWL. 
 
 HOOT OWL. 
 SyRNIUM NtBULOSUM. 
 
 Char. Above, brown barred, spotted, and striped with dull gray or 
 tawny ; below, similar colors of paler tints ; face, gray stripes ; tail 
 barred ; iris brownish black ; bill yellow. Length jq^ to 24 inches. 
 
 Easily distinguished from all other species by its dark eyes. 
 
 jVi^st Usually in a hollow tree, but often a deserted nest of Crow or 
 Hawk is re-lined and used. 
 
 ££^s. 2-4; white and nearly spherical ; 195 X 1.65. 
 
 This species inhabits the northern regions of both the old 
 and new continent, but with this difference, as in the Bald 
 Eagle, that in the ancient continent it seldom wanders be- 
 yond the Arctic circle, being found no farther to the south than 
 Sweden and Nonvay ; while in America it dwells and breeds 
 at least in all the intermediate region from Hudson's Bay to 
 Florida, being considerably more numerous even than other 
 species throughout the swamps and dark forests of the South- 
 
BARRED OWL. 
 
 ;i 
 
 em States. I's food is principally rabbits, squirrels, (Irouso, 
 (Quails, rats, mice, and frogs. From necessity, as well as choice, 
 these birds not unfreciuently ajjpear around the farm-house and 
 garden in (juest of the poultry, particularly young chickens. 
 At these times they [jrowl abroad towards evening, c<\\u fly low 
 and steadily about, as if beating for their \nvy. Ii: Alabama, 
 (leorgia. West Florida, and Louisiana, where they abound, they 
 are often to be seen abroad by day, particula -iy in cloudy 
 weather, and at times even soar and fly with all the address of 
 diurnal birds of i)rey. Their loud guttural call of '/^o/i 'kok ' ko 
 ko, ho, or \i<hah 'ivJiah '-.uliali 'i^haJi-aa, may be heard occasion- 
 aUy both by day and night, and as a note of recognition, is 
 readily answered when mimicked, so as to decoy the original 
 towards the sound. One which 1 received, in the month of 
 December (1830), was hovering over a covey of (Quails in the 
 day-time : and though the sportsman had the same aim, the 
 Owl also joined the chase, and was alone deterred from his 
 sinister purj^ose by receiving the contents of the gun intendetl 
 only for the more fovorite game. When the young leave the 
 nest they still keep together for mutual warmth and safety in 
 the high, shaded branches of the trees where they have prob- 
 ably been hatched. On being approached by the parents, 
 they utter a hissing call audible for some distance. According 
 to Audubon, when kept in captivity they prove very useful 
 in catching mice. Their flesh is also eaten by the Creoles of 
 Louisiana, and considered as palatable. 
 
 / .1 interesting article, containing the most valuable information 
 regarding the habits of this Owl tliat has yet been published, ap- 
 peared in " The Auk " for April, i<S9o. The writer, Air. Frank Bolles, 
 kept a pair for several years ; and one of these, having broken its 
 wing, was reduced to sucli subjection that Mr. Bolles was enabled 
 to make use of it in hunting for other birds, and thus gained 
 an insight into the bird's methods that no other naturalist has 
 equalled. 
 
 Note. —The Florida Barred Owl {S. nebulosum allcni). 
 a somewhat darker variety, is restricted to the Gulf States and 
 Florida. 
 
72 
 
 BIRDS OK rktV. 
 
 
 SAW-WHET OWL. 
 
 ACADIAN' OWL. 
 
 NVCIALA ALAI>I''A. 
 
 C}i \R. Above, dark grayish brown spotted with white ; below, while, 
 spotted with reddish brown ; tail short, with three narrow bands of white 
 spoti^. 
 n 
 
 i reddi<h tint, and face with white 
 
 oiMig ahnost solid Ijrown o 
 laricings. Length 7 '4 to Sj^ inches. 
 A'lSL A hole in a tree (often in a hole that has been deserted by Wood- 
 peckers), lined with feathers. 
 
 
 -6 (usually 4) ; white; r 20 X 100. 
 
 Tliis very small si)ecnes is believed to be an inhabitant of the 
 northern regions of both continents, from which in Europe it 
 seldom wanders, being even very rare in the North of ( Germany. 
 In the United States it is not imcommon as far to the south as 
 Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where k is resident, having a])- 
 ])arently a predilection for the sea-coast, living and nesting in 
 the pine-trees or in the clefts of rocks, and laying 4 or 5 
 white eggs. It is generally nocturnal ; and if accidentally 
 abroad by day, it flies quickly to some shelter from the light. 
 It is very solitary in its habits, living wholly in the evergreen 
 forests, and coming out only towards night or early in the 
 morning in search of mice, beetles, moths, and grasshoppers. 
 
 The note of this species is \ery different from that of the 
 S/rix passcrina, or Little Owl, to which it is nearly related. 
 This latter kind has a reiterated cry, when flying, like poopoo 
 poopoo. Another note, which it utters sitting, appears so much 
 like the human voice calling out a'iiiii\ heme, edme, that accord- 
 ing to Pjuffon, it deceived one of his servants, who lodged in 
 one of the old turrets of the castle of Montbard : and waking 
 him up at three o'clock in the morning, with this singular cry, 
 he opened the window and called owl, ^' Who's thety />r/o7i> ? 
 J/v name is not Imxmk, but Peter ! " 
 
 The Saw-whet — called so from its note, which resembles the 
 filing of a saw — breeds from the Middle States northward to about 
 latitude 50°, but is not an abundant bird anywhere. 
 
 U \ 
 
 I illL 
 
 ^ It 
 
RICHARDSON'S OWL. 
 
 SPARROW OWL. 
 NyCTALA TENGMALMl RICHARDSONI. 
 
 Char. Above, dark brown spotted with white ; beneath, white streaked 
 with brown; legs and feet buffy, sometimes spotted. Similar to the Saw- 
 whet, but with more white on head and neck. Length y tu 12 inches. 
 
 AVj/- In a tree ; of grass and leaves. 
 
 £g;^s. 2-4; white; 1.35 X M5- 
 
 This is a small and nocturnal species, and so much so that 
 when it accidentally \Vanders abroad by day it is so much daz- 
 zled by the light as to be rendered unable to make its escape 
 when surpri.sed, and may then be readily caught by the hand. 
 Its nocturnal cry consists of a single melancholy note repeated 
 at the long intervals of a minute or two : and it is one of the 
 superstitious practices of the Indians to whistle when they hear 
 it ; and if the bird remains silent after this interrogatory chal- 
 lenge, the speedy death of the inquirer is augured : and hence 
 among the Crees it has acquired the omnious appellation of 
 the Bird of Death {CheepomesVcs). According to M. Hutch- 
 ins, it builds a nest of grass half way up a pine-tree, and lays 
 
BIRDS OF l'Ui:V. 
 
 i 1 
 
 2 eggs in tlu' month of May. It feeds on mice and beetles. 
 It i)rol)ably inhabits all the forests of the fur countries from 
 (ireat Slave I-ake to the United States, i )n the banks of the 
 Saskatchen-an it is so common that its voice is heard almost 
 rvcry night by the traveller wherever he may select his camp. 
 It inhabits the woods along the streams of the Rocky Moun- 
 tains down to the Oregon, and betrays but little suspicion 
 when ajiproached. 
 
 Kicliardson's Owl is usually a rare winter visitor to the Maritime 
 Trovinccs: but Mr. C. I>. Cory found it common and hrcecling on 
 the Magdalene Islands, and a few examples have been taken in 
 New Bruntiwick in summer. 
 
 It is common on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 
 tliougli rare near the city of (Quebec: it occurs sparingly in winter 
 along the northern border of New England and in southern Onta- 
 rio, and occasionally straggles to Massachusetts and Connecticut. 
 Thompson reports it common in Manitoba, audit is found through- 
 out the fur country. Mr. Nelson reports these birds breeding in 
 northern Alaska, where they occupy tlie fleserted nests of other 
 birds — usually on bushes. 
 
 Dr. Merriam. on the authority of Mr. Comeau, of Point de Monts, 
 describes the cry of this Owl as " a low liquid note that resembles 
 the sound produced by water slowly dropping from a height." 
 
 111 
 
BARN OWL. 
 
 SlRlX PRA'lINCOLA. 
 
 Thar. Colors extremely variable. Above, usually yellowish tawny or 
 orange brown, clouded with darker tints and spotted with white ; beneatli, 
 buttish with dark spots; face white, tinged with tawny; bill whitish. 
 Some examples have but little marking on the back, and the face and 
 lower parts are pure white. Easily distinguished from other Owls by 
 peculiar facial disc. Length 15 to 21 inches. 
 
 A'i'sf. In barn or church tower or hollow tree, — usually the last. The 
 eggs are laid upon a mat of loosely lai^l twigs and weed-stems or grass. 
 
 ^SS^- 3-"; white; 1.75 X 1.30. 
 
 There is scarcely any part of the world in which this com- 
 mon species is not fomid ; extending even to both sides of the 
 equator, it is met with in New Holland, India, and Brazil. It 
 is perhaps nowhere more rare than in this part of the United 
 States, and is only met with in Pennsylvania and New Jersey 
 in cold and severe winters. Nor is it ever so familiar as in 
 Europe, frequenting almost uniformly the hollows of trees. 
 

 ;6 
 
 lURDS ()| I'KKV. 
 
 In the old tontinont it is almost doiufstic, inhabiting even iiop- 
 
 iiloiis towns, and i-^ ])arti(ularly attac hed to towers, hillVies, 
 
 the roofs of churches, and other lofty iMiildings, which afford 
 
 it a retreat during the day. The elegant, graphic lines of 
 
 dray, describing its romantic haunt, are in the recollection of 
 
 every one, — 
 
 " From yniukr ivy-mantlcd tower 
 The moping Owl ilocs to tlif moon comi)lain 
 Of Mich as, wandcrin^i luar liei ^Ltrct Ijowcr, 
 Molest lur ancient solit.iiy r(.'ii;n " 
 
 Superstition laid aside, these Owls render essential ser\'i( e to 
 the farmer by ilestroying raice, rats, and shrews, which intest 
 houses and barns ; they also catch bats and beetles. I'hey 
 likewise clear churches of such \ermin. and now and then, 
 pressed by hunger, they have been known to sip, or rather eat. 
 the oil from the lamps when congealed by cold. A still more 
 extraordinary appetite, attribiUed to them, is that of catch- 
 ing fish, on which they fed their \oracious young. In autumn 
 also they have been known to pay a nightly visit to the places 
 where springes were laid for Woodcocks and Thrushes. The 
 former they killed and ate on the sjxjt : but sometimes carried 
 off the Thrushes and smaller birds, which, like mice, they either 
 swallowed entire, rejecting the indigestible parts by the bill, 
 or if too large, they ]jlucked o(( the feathers and then bolted 
 them whok, or only took them down piecemeal. 
 
 In fine weather they venture out into the neighboring woods 
 at night, returning to their usual retreat at the api)roach of 
 morning. When they first sally from their holes, their eyes 
 hardly well opened, they fly tumbling along almost to the 
 ground, and usually proceed side-ways in their course. In 
 severe seasons, 5 or 6, probably a family brood, are iliscov- 
 ered in the same retreat, or concealed in the* fodder of the 
 barn, where they find shelter, warmth, and food. The Ham 
 Owl drops her eggs In the bare holes of walls, in the joists 
 of houses, or in the hollows of decayed trees, and spreads 
 no lining to receive them ; they are 3 to 5 in number, of a 
 whitish color, and rather long than round. 
 
MAkX OWI.. 
 
 77 
 
 Wlu'n out abroad by <lay, like most of the other sj)c'(ies, 
 tliey arc niinierously atteiiilcd by the little gossipiii}; and insiilt- 
 itiL,' binU ol'tlic m-ij^hborhood ; and to add to their distraction, 
 it is not an uik onnnon practice, in the North of l!nf,'land, for 
 boys to set up a shout and follow the ( )\vl. who becomes so 
 di-afeni'd and stunm-d as at times nearly to fall down, and 
 thus become an easy prey to his persecutors. And the prob- 
 ability of such an effect will not be surprising when we con- 
 sider the delicacy and magnitude of the auditory a|)paratus of 
 this bird, the use of which is jjrobably necessary to discover 
 the otherwise silent retreats of their tiny l)rey. When taken 
 captive, according to l>unbn. tiiey do iKJt long survive the loss 
 of liberty, and pertinaciously refuse to eat, — a hal)it very differ- 
 ent from that of the young Red Owl. who allowed himself to 
 {k:k:{\ from my hand. an<l tugged greedily and tamely at the 
 morsel held out to him until he got it in his jjossession ; small 
 birds also he would instantly grasp in his talons, and hiss and 
 shai(\ sliair, when any attempt was matle to deprive him of his 
 booty. 
 
 'J he young of this species, when they have just attained their 
 growth, are. in France, considered good food, as they are then 
 fat and plump. When first hatched they are so white and 
 downy as almost entirely to resemble a powtler i)urf. At 
 Hudson's Hay a large ()\\\, resembling the cinereous, is like- 
 wise eaten, and esteemed a delicacy, according to Pennant. 
 
 The Hani Owl occurs regularly tiuiii the .Middle States south- 
 ward, though it is not aliundant north of South Carolina. .\ few 
 examples have been taken in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and 
 Mr. Mcllwraith reports that tour have been taken in Ontario. 
 
 IIIC 
 
 
 Ham 
 
 
 oists 
 
 ' 
 
 eads 
 
 
 of a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , 
 
 
lil.' 
 
 w 
 
 FLORIDA BURROWIN(i OWL. 
 Speotyto cunicularia floridana. 
 
 Char. Above, grayish brown spotted and barred with white ; below, 
 pale huffish barred with brown ; a patch of white on the breast ; legs long 
 and slender, and covered with huffish bristles. Length about to inches. 
 
 jVt'st. At the end of a burrow in the ground, lined with grass and 
 feathers. 
 
 /^,i,';i:s. 4-10; white, varying in shape, usually nearly round; i.::5 
 X 1.00. 
 
 This variety, which is found in Florida only, is smaller and lighter- 
 colored than is the well-known bird of the prairies. In habits the 
 two differ little, the Florida birds living in communities, — sometimes 
 several pairs in one burrow, — and feeding on mice and small birds. 
 The tales related of Burrowing Owls and rattlesnakes occupying 
 the same burrow are "hunter's tales,'' and lack confirmation. 
 
 ■iir 
 
 Note. — The Western form of the Uurrowing Owl (S. cuni- 
 cularia hypogcea. has been taken in Massachusetts ; but its occur- 
 rence to the eastward of the Great Plains is accidental. 
 
 ili 
 

 xMEA DOW LARK. 
 
 FIELD LARK. 
 
 Sturxeli-a .ma(;\a. 
 
 Char. Above, grayish brown barred with black ; crown with medial 
 stripe of buff; lateral tail-feathers white; below yellow, sides darker 
 and spotted with brown ; black crescent on the breast. Length about 
 lo inches. 
 
 M:sf. Made of dry grass and placed amid a tuft of long grass in 
 a meadow ; often covered, and the opening placed at the side. 
 
 /t,:,%'s. 4-6; white, thickly spotted with reddish brown and lilac; 
 1.15 X .80. 
 
 This well-known harmless inhabitant of meadows and (>/(/ 
 fields is not only found in every part of the United States, but 
 appears to be a resident in all the intermediate region, from 
 the frigid latitude of 53° and the territory of Oregon, to 
 the mild table-land of Mexico and the savannahs of Ouiana. 
 In the winter these birds abound in .Alabama and Westen 
 
 11 
 
t , 
 
 80 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 Florida : so that in some degree, like the Jays and the legiti- 
 mate Starlings, they partially migrate in quest of food during 
 the severity of the weather in the colder States. It is not, how- 
 ever, improbable but that most of the migrating families of these 
 birds, which we find at this season, have merely travelled east- 
 ward from the cokl Western plains that are annually covered 
 with snow. They are now seen in considerable numbers in and 
 round the salt-marshes, roving about in Hocks of ten to thirty 
 or more, seeking the shelter of the sea-coast, though not in 
 such dense flocks as the true Starlings ; these, in the manner of 
 our common lUackbirds, assemble in winter like dark clouds, 
 moving as one body, and when about to descend, perform [)ro- 
 gressive circular evolutions in the air like a phalanx in the 
 order of battle ; and when settled, blacken the earth with their 
 numbers, as well as stun the ears with their chatter. Like 
 Crows also, they seek the shelter of reed- marshes to pass the 
 night, and in the day take the benefit of every sunny and shel- 
 tered covert. 
 
 Our Starling, like the American Quail, is sociable, and some- 
 what gregarious ; and though many, no doubt, wander some 
 distance after food, yet a few, in Pennsylvania as well as in 
 this rigorous climate, may be seen in the market after the 
 ground is covered with snow. Wilson even observed them 
 in the month of February, during a deep snow, among the 
 heights of the Alleghanies, gleaning their scanty pittance on 
 the road, in company with the small Snow Birds. 
 
 The flesh of our bird is white, and for size and delicacy it is 
 considered little inferior to the Partridge ; but that of the Euro- 
 pean species is black and bitter. 
 
 'Ihe flight of these Farks is laborious and steady, like that 
 of the (^uail, with the action of the wings renewed at short in- 
 tervals. They often alight on trees, and select usually the main 
 branches or topmost twigs on which to perch, though their food 
 is commonly collected from the groimd. .At various times of 
 the ilay. and nearly through the wi .ter, in the milder States, 
 their very peculiar lisi)ing. long, and rather melancholy note is 
 heard at short intervals ; and without the variations, which are 
 
I 
 
 MKADOW LARK. 
 
 8l 
 
 not inconsiderable, bears some resemblance to the slender sing- 
 ing and affected pronunciation of it se da' ah. and pSi'Jce etsiho, 
 or tai seiiiiio in a slow, wiry, shrill tone, and sometimes differ- 
 ently varied and shortened. 'Ihe same simple ditty is repeated 
 in the sjiring. when they associate in pairs ; the female also, as 
 she rises or descends, at this time frequently gives a reiterated 
 guttural chirp, or hurried twitter, like that of the female Red- 
 winged Blackbird. I have likewise at times heard them utter 
 notes much more musical and vigorous, not very unlike the fme 
 tones of the Sky I, ark ; but I can by no means compare our 
 lisi)ing songster with that blithe " harbinger of day." There 
 is a monotonous affectation in the song of our I,ark which 
 ajjpears indeed somewhat allied to the jingling, though not 
 unjjleasant, tune of the Starling. The Stare, moreover, had the 
 faculty of imitating human speech (which ours has W(A, as far 
 as we yet know), and could indifferenlly speak e\en French, 
 English, (ierman, Latin, and Greek, or any other language 
 within his hearing, and repeat short i)hrases; so that " ' I can't 
 '^ct out. I can t get out,' says the Starling," which accidentally 
 afforded Sterne such a beautiful and pathetic subject for his 
 graphic pen. was probably no fiction. 
 
 At the time of pairing, our Lark exhibits a little of the 
 jealous disposition of his tribe ; and having settled the dispute 
 which decides his tiiture condition, he retires from his fra- 
 ternity, and, assisted by his mate, selects a thick tuft for the 
 reception of his nest, which is pretty compact, made of dry, 
 wiry grass, and lined with finer blades of the same. It is 
 usually formed with a covered entrance in the surrounding 
 withered grass, through which a hidden and almost winding 
 ])ath is made, and generally so well concealed that the nest is 
 only to be found when the bird is flushed. 
 
 The eggs are four or five, white, with a very faint tint of 
 blue, almost round, and rather large, for the size of the bird, 
 marked with numerous small reddish-brown spots, more nu- 
 merous at the greater end, blended with other lighter and 
 darker points and small spots of the same. They [jrobably 
 often raise two broods in the season. .About the time of 
 VOL. 1. — 6 
 
 S \ 
 
S3 
 
 SINGING 151 KDS. 
 
 1 1' 
 
 I ; i 
 
 ii 
 
 I ■ 
 
 f 
 
 4 
 
 pairinc:, in the latter end of the month of April, they have 
 a (all. like 'A////, /zccc, the latter syllable in a fine and slender 
 tone. — something; again allied to the occasional notes of the 
 Ked-winged Ijlackbird, to which genus (/(■/<■ /u.^ ) .>nr Stiirnella 
 is ncjt very remotely allied. Towards the close of June little 
 else is heard from the si)ecies but the nois\- iwitter of the 
 female. ])rece(led by a hoarse and sonorcjus '//////' or y '//>. ac- 
 (■oni])anied by an im])atient raising ami lowering of the wings, 
 and, in short, all the unpleasant and ])etulant actions of a 
 brood-hen, as she is now assiduously engaged in fostering 
 and sui)porting her helpless and dejjendent offs}:)ring. 
 
 Their food consists of the larva: of various insects, as well as 
 worms, beetles, and grass-seeds, to assist the digestion of 
 which they swallow a considerable portion of gravel. It does 
 not appear that these birds add berries or fruits of any kind 
 to their fare, like the Starling, but usually remain the whole 
 summer in moist meadows, and in winter retire to the open 
 grassy woods, having no inclination to rob the orchard or gar- 
 den, and, except in winter, are of a shy. timid, and retiring 
 disi^osition. 
 
 In the Kast the Meadowlark seldom ranges north of latitude 43^. 
 I met witli but one example in New Brunswick, and learn that it is 
 rari' near Montreal. It is common around Ottawa and tlu-QUghout 
 southern Ontario. In winter thes-. iiirds are found occasionally as 
 tar north as southern New England and Illinois. 
 
 NoTK. — A larg r and paler form, named the Western Mead- 
 owL.AKK. (.S'. //lai^iiii nci^lecta), occurs in Wisconsin. Illinois, and 
 Iowa: and Mr. W. E. I). Scott has lately announced that the birds 
 found in southwestern fdorifla should be referred to nuxhaud. the 
 ,Mi".xi(AN Meadowi.akk, which is the smallest of the three. 
 
 A stray .Staki-1\« {Sfitnnis -I'u/j^aris) is said to have wandered 
 from luirope to Oeenland : and some sixty were imported aufl 
 released in Central Park, New York, in 1890. They are tliriving 
 and increasing, giving evidence of al)ility to withstand the winter 
 storm. 
 
 .\ Tkoui'IAI. {hlcnis icterus), a Soutli .American bird, was 
 taken by Audubon near Charleston, .S. C. 
 
V 
 
 '^■?:>.^.yi '^'"^.j 
 
 *>- / 'ilLL --"^t "-1 
 
 >\X'-ir^'~ 
 
 
 
 
 'I'lA 
 
 (^^^"^-J 
 
 BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 
 golden robin. hang-nest. fire bird. 
 Icterus galbula. 
 
 Char. Male : head, neck, throat, back, wings, and greater part of 
 tail black ; wing-coverts and secondaries tipped with white ; other parts 
 orange. T?ill and feet blue black. Female : smaller and paler, some- 
 times the black replaced by olive brown or grayish orange. Voung 
 similar to female. Length 7 to 8 inches. 
 
 A'est. Pensile and purse-shaped, 6 to S inches deep, suspended from 
 e.vtremity of branch 10 to 50 feet from the ground, composeo uf yarn, 
 string, horsehair, grass, etc., woven into a compact te.\ture. 
 
 Eggs. 4-6; dull white, blotched irregularly with dark brown ; .yo X . 60. 
 
 kk 
 
84 
 
 SrXOIN'G BIRDS. 
 
 
 M 
 
 'I'hese gay, lively, and brilliant strangers, leaving their hi- 
 bernal retreat in South America, appear in New luigland about 
 the first week in IVIay, and more than a month earlier in I,oui- 
 siana, according to the observations of Audul)on. They were 
 not seen, however, in West Florida by the middle of March, 
 althiKigh vegetation had then so far advanced that the oaks 
 were in leaf, and the white flowering cornel was in full 
 blossom. 
 
 It is here that they pass the most interesting period of their 
 lives ; and their arrival is hailed as the sure harbinger of 
 approaching summer. Full of life and activity, these fiery 
 sylphs are now seen vaulting and darting incessantly through 
 the lofty boughs of our tallest trees ; appearing and vanishing 
 with restless inquietude, and flashing at quick intervals into 
 sight from amidst the tender waving foliage, they seem like 
 living gems intended to decorate the verdant garment of the 
 new-clad forest. But the gay Baltimore is neither idle nor 
 capricious ; the beautiful small beetles and other active-winged 
 insects on which he now principally feeds are in constant mo- 
 tion, and require perpetual address in their capture. At first 
 the males only arrive, but without appearing in flocks ; their 
 mates are yet behind, and their social delight is incomplete. 
 I'hey appear to feel this temporary bereavement, and in shrill 
 and loud notes they fife out their tender plaints in quick suc- 
 cession, as they pry and spring through the shady boughs for 
 their tiny and eluding prey. They also now spend much time 
 in the apple-trees, often sipping honey from the white blossoms, 
 over which they wander with peculiar delight, continually roving 
 amidst the sweet and flowery profusion. The mellow whistled 
 notes which they are heard to trumpet from the high branches 
 of our tallest trees and gigantic elms resemble, at times, 
 ^fshippe-tshayia too too, and sometimes ^tshippee 'tshippce 
 (lisj)ingly), too too (with the two last syllables loud and full). 
 These notes are also varied by some birds so as to resemble 
 'tsh 'tsh Usheetshoo tshoo tshoo,^ also 'tsh 'tshcrfd 'fsheefd ^tsheefd 
 
 ' Tlie first three of these notes are derived from tlie Summer Yellow Hird, 
 tliougli not its most usual tones, 
 
 I 
 
 i» 
 
BALTIMORK ORIOLE. 
 
 ^5 
 
 low 15iid, 
 
 tshoo and ^k'tuf a tuf a ti'tf ii //</ /vv/i ,' another bird I have 
 occasionally heard to (all for hours, with sonic little variation, 
 /// /eo t7'o ico tto totK in a loud, (lueruloiis, and yet almost lu- 
 dicrously merry stiain. At other intervals the sensations of 
 solitude seem to stimulate sometimes a loud and interrog- 
 atory note, echoed forth at intervals, as k' ny kcny f and 
 terminating i)laintively k'yry k'rry k'rrx, tu; the voice falling 
 off very slenderly in the last long syllable, which is a])j)arently 
 an imitation from the Cardinal (Irosbeak, and the rest is de- 
 rive<l from the Crested Titmouse, whom they have already 
 heard in concert as they passed through the warmer States, 
 Another interrogatory strain whi( h I heard here in tlie spring 
 of 1830 was precisely. \\ip k'rry. '1//. 'v// k'iry, very loud and 
 oft repeated. Another male went in his ordinary key, tsherry 
 tskeny, tsJi'ipcc ts/i' riy, — notes copied from the exhaustless stock 
 of the Carolina Wren (also heard on his passage), but modu- 
 lated to suit the fancy of our vocalist. The female likewise 
 sings, but less agreeably than the male. One which I had 
 abundant opi)ortunity of observing, while biisiec' in the toil of 
 weaving her complicated nest, every now and then, as a ri'lief 
 from the drudgery in which she was solely engaged, sung, in a 
 sort of querulous and rather plaintive strain, the strange, un- 
 couth syllables, ^ka 'kcd koTii'd. krka kcka, the final tones loud 
 and vaulting, which I have little doul)t were an imitation of the 
 discordant notes of some South .Xmerican bird. l'\:r many 
 days she continued this tune at intervals without any variation. 
 The male, also while seeking his food in the same tree with his 
 mate, or while they are both attending on their unfledged 
 brood, calls frequently in a low, friendly whisjjcr, 't7vait, he' it. 
 Indeed, all the individuals of either sex ap])ear ]K'rtinaciously 
 to adhere for weeks to the same quaint syllables which they 
 have accidentally collected. 
 
 This bird then, like the Starling, appears to have a taste for 
 mimicry, or rather for sober imitation. A Cardinal Crosbeak 
 hajjpcning, very unusually, to pay us a visit, his harmonious 
 
 ' Tlie last phrase loud and ascundini;. tlu- tra plaintive, and the last syllable 
 tender and cclioini,'. 
 
 
S6 
 
 SrN(;iN(; BIRDS. 
 
 i 1 
 
 I: 
 
 :,' 
 
 and bold whistle struck upon the ear of a Baltimore with great 
 delight; and from that moment his ordinary notes were laid 
 aside for '700//, 'jooit, kii, and other phrases previously foreign 
 to him for that season. I have likewise heard another individ- 
 ual exactly imitating the soft and somewhat plaintive i'lt yit, 
 7'}f yiii of the same bird, and in the next breath the /r«/. or 
 call of Wilson's Thrush ; also at times the earnest song of the 
 Robin. Indeed his variations and imitations have sometimes 
 led me to believe that I heard several new and melodious 
 birds, and I was only undeceived when I beheld his brilliant 
 livery. So various, in fact, are the individual phrases chanted 
 by this restless and lively bird that it is scarcely possible to fix 
 on any characteristic notes by which he may be recognized ; 
 his singular, loud, and almost plaintive tone, and a fondness 
 for harpmg long on the same string, are perhaps more peculiar 
 than any particular syllal)les which he may be heard to utter. 
 When alarmed or offemled at being too closely watched or 
 approached, both male and female utter an angry, rattling /shcr 
 tsh'r, or hiss. tsJC ish' tsIC 'tsh. 
 
 The beautiful Baltimore bird is only one of the tribe of true 
 Icteri, which, except the present and two following species, 
 remain within the tropical regions, or only migrate to short 
 distances in the rainy season. Ours wing their way even 
 into Canada as for as the 55 th degree, and breed in every 
 intermediate region to the tabledand of Mexico. A yellow 
 lira/ilian s])ecies of the section of this genus, called cassicus, 
 according to \\'aterton inhabits also Demerara, where, like our 
 bird, he familiarly weaves his pendulous nest near the planter's 
 house, susj)ending it from the drooping branches of trees, and 
 so low that it may be readily looked into even by the incu- 
 rious. Omnivorous like the Starling, he feeds equally on insects, 
 fruits, and seeds. He is called the Mocking P)ird. and for hours 
 together, in gratitude as it were for protection, he serenades 
 the inhabitants with his imitative notes. His own song, though 
 short, is sweet and melodious. But hearing perhaps the yelp- 
 ing of the Toucan, he drops his native strain to imitate it, or 
 place it in ridicule by contrast. Again, he gives the cackling 
 
 
 li 
 
RALTIMORK (JRFOLE. 
 
 «7 
 
 antcr's 
 
 cries of the Wooflperkcr, the bleating of the sheep ; an inter- 
 val of his own melody, then i)rohal)ly a IHi|)i)y <iog or a Ciuinea- 
 fowl receives his usual attention : and the whule of this mim- 
 icry is accompanied by antic gestures in(Ucative of the si)ort 
 and com]>any which these vagaries afford hnn. Hence we see 
 that the mimicking talent of the Stare is inherent m this 
 branch of the gregarious family, and our own IJaUimore, in a 
 humbler style, is no less delighted with the notes of his feathered 
 neighbors. 
 
 There is nothing more remarkable in the whole instinct of 
 our (iolden Robin than the ingenuity displayed in the fabrica- 
 tion of its nest, which is, in fact, a pendulous cylinilric jiouj h 
 of five to seven inches in depth, usually su>5pende(l from near 
 the extremities of the high, tlrooping branches of trees (such 
 a* the elm, the ])ea.r or apple tree, wild-cherry, weeping-wilhnv, 
 tijliji-iree. or buttonwood). It is begiui by firmly fastening 
 natural strings of the llax of the silk-weed, or swamp-holyhock, 
 or stout artificial threads, round tuo or more forked twigs, 
 corrcs7->onding to the intended width and depth of the nest. 
 With the same materials, willow down, or any accidental ravel- 
 lings, strings, thread, sewing-silk, tow. or wool, that may be 
 lying near the neighboring houses, or rounfl the grafts of trees, 
 il interweaves and fabricates a sort of coarse cloth into the 
 form intended, towards the bottom of which is placed the 
 real nest, made chiefly of lint, wiry grass, horse and cow hair, 
 sometimes, in defect of hair, lining the interior with a mixture 
 of slender strips of smooth vine-bark, and rarely with a few 
 feathers, the whole being of a considerable thickness, and 
 more or less attached to the external jjouch. Over the top, 
 the leaves, as they grow out, form a verdant and agreeable 
 canopy, defending the young from the sun and rain. There is 
 sometimes a considerable difference in the manufacture of 
 these nests, as well as in the materials which enter into their 
 composition. Both sexes seem to be equally adepts at this 
 sort of labor, and I have seen the female alone perform the 
 whole without any assistance, and the male also complete this 
 laborious task nearly without the aid of his consort, — who, how- 
 
 it i 
 
1 
 
 cS8 
 
 si\(;i\(; iMKns. 
 
 |H: 
 
 Jlii 
 
 ever, in general, is the i)rin(ii)al worki r. 1 have observed a 
 nest made almost wholly of tow, \vhi< h was laid out for the 
 convenience of a male bird, who with this aid ((^mpleted his 
 labor in a \ery sh(^rt time, and frecjnently sang in a very ludi- 
 crous manner while his mouth was loaded with a mass larger 
 tiian his head. So eager are these birds to obtain fibrcMis ma- 
 terials that they will readily tug at and even untie hard knots 
 made of tow. In Audubon's magnificent plates a nest is rep- 
 resented as formed outwardly of the long-moss ; where this 
 abounds, of course, the labor of obtaining materials must be 
 greatly abridged. The author likewise remarks that the whole 
 fabric consists almost entirely of this material, loosely inter- 
 woven, without any warm lining, — a labor which our ingenious 
 artist seems aware would be superfluous in the warm forests of 
 the lower MississipjM. A female, which I obsetved attentively, 
 carried off to her nest a piece of lamp-wick ten or twelve feet 
 long. This long string, and many other shorter ones, were left 
 hanging out for about a week before both the ends were wat- 
 tled into the sides of the nest. Some other little birds, making 
 use of similar materials, at times twitched these flowing ends, 
 and generally brought out the busy Baltimore from her occuj)a- 
 tion in great anger. 
 
 The haste and eagerness of one of these airy architects, 
 which I accidentally observed on the banks of the Suscpie- 
 hanna, appeared likely to prove fatal to a busy female who, 
 in weaving, got a loop round her neck ; and no sooner was she 
 disengaged from this snare than it was slipped round her feet, 
 and thus held her fast beyond the power of escape ! The male 
 came frequently to the scene, now changed from that of joy 
 and hope into despair, but seemed wholly incapable of com- 
 prehending or relieving the distress of his mate. In a second 
 instance I have been told that a female has been observed 
 dead in the like predicament. 
 
 The eggs of this species are usually four or five, white, with 
 a fliint, indistinct tint of bluish, and marked, chiefly at the 
 greater end, though sometimes scatteringly, with straggling, 
 serpentine, dark-l)rown lines and spots, and fainter hair streaks, 
 
 « f 
 
BALTIMOKK ORIOIK. 
 
 89 
 
 ends, 
 
 li)()king sonictimcs almost like real hair, and ocrasionally lined 
 only, and without the spots. The period ot' incubation is four- 
 teen days. In Louisiana, according to Audubon, tlu\ tre- 
 (juently raise two broods in the season, arrivinjf in that country 
 with the opening of the early spring. Here they raise but a 
 single brood, whose long and tedious support in their lofty 
 < radle absorbs their whole attention ; and at this interesting 
 period they seem, as it were, to live only to protect, cherish, 
 and echicate their young. 'I'he first and general cry which the 
 infant brood utter while yet in the nest, and nearly able to 
 take wing, as well as for some days atter, is a kind of f'-,iiii tr- 
 tiiii, te-iiiii, kai-tl'-te-tiiii, or 'te 'tc'te ' tc 7/ 't-dii/, which becomes 
 <:lamorous as the parents approach them with food. They soon 
 also acquire the scolding rattle and short notes which they 
 ])robably hear around them, su'h as puf-u'Cft, the cry of the 
 spotted Sandpiper, and others, and long continue to be assidu- 
 ously fed and guarded by their "ery affectionate and devoted 
 parents. Unfortunately, this contrivance of instinct to secure 
 the airy nest from the dei)redations of rajjacious monkeys, and 
 other animals which fre([uent trees in warm or mild climates, 
 is also occasionally attended with serious accidents, when the 
 young escape before obtaining the perfect use of their wings. 
 They cling, however, with great tenacity either to the nest or 
 neighboring twigs; yet sometimes they fall to the ground, and, 
 if not killed on the spot, soon become a prey to numerous 
 enemies. On such occasions it is painful to hear the jilaints 
 and wailing cries of the parent^. And when real danger offers, 
 the generous and brilliant male, though much the less queru- 
 l(jus of the two, steps in to save his brood at every hazard : and 
 I have known one so bold in this hopeless defence as to suffer 
 himself to be killed, by a near approach with a stick, rather 
 than desert his offspring. Sometimes, after this misfortune, or 
 when the fell cat has devoured the helpless brood, day after 
 day the disconsolate parents continue to bewail their loss. 
 They almost forget to eat amidst their distress, and after leav- 
 ing the unhappy neighborhood of their bereavement, they still 
 come, at intervals, to visit and lament over the fatal spot, as if 
 
 II 
 
00 
 
 si\(;iN(; niRDs. 
 
 il 
 
 I' 
 
 I t 
 
 spcll-bonnd by despair. If the season l)e not too far advanced, 
 the loss of their eggs is generally soon rejiaired by constructing 
 a se< ond nest, in which, however, the eggs are fewer. 
 
 'Ilu- true Oriole {(). <;^ir//>///ii), whkh migrates into Africa, 
 ■A\)i\ passes the breeding season in the centre of l-airope. also 
 makes a pendulous nest, ami displays great courage in the de- 
 fence oi Its young, being so attac hed to its progeny that the 
 female lias been taken and conveyed to a cage on her eggs, on 
 which, with resolute and fatal instinct, she remained faithfully 
 sitting until she expired. 
 
 The Baltimore bird, though naturally shy and suspicious, 
 ]jrobably for greater security from more dangercnis enemies, 
 generally chooses for the nest the largest and tallest s|)reading 
 trees near farm-houses, and along frecpiented lanes and roads ; 
 and trusting to the maccessibleness of its ingenious mansion, 
 it works fearlessly and scarcely studies concealment. IJut 
 as soon as the young are hatched, here, towards the close of 
 June, the whole fuiiily begin to leave the immediate neighbor- 
 hood of their < ares, flit thnjugh the woods, — a shy. roving, and 
 nearly silent train ; and when ready for the distant journey be- 
 fore them, about the end of August or beginning of September, 
 the whole at once disappear, and probably arrive, as with us, 
 amidst the forests of South America in a scattered flock, and 
 ( ontinue, like Starlings, to pass the winter in celibacy, wholly 
 engaged in gleaning a quiet subsistence until the return of 
 si)rin<:. Then, incited by instinct to prepare for a more pow- 
 erful ]»assion, they again wing their way to the regions of the 
 north, where, but for this wonderful instinct of migration, the 
 whole rare would jjcrish in a single season. As the sexes 
 usually arrive in different flocks, it is evident that the conjugal 
 tie ceases at the period of migration, and the choice of mates 
 is renewed with the season ; during which the males, and 
 sometimes also the females, carry on their jealous disputes 
 with much obstinacy. 
 
 That our Oriole is not familiar with us, independent of the 
 all-powerful natural impulse which he obeys, is sufficiently 
 obvious when he nests in the woods. Two of these solitary 
 
 I * 
 
BAI.TIMORK OKK.I.K. 
 
 91 
 
 ently 
 
 litarv 
 
 ;tn(l ri'tiniiL' |)air«. h.nl tin-. suiiumT, contr-ir)' to tlu'ir u-.ual 
 habits, taken ti|i their alxxlc in the lofty hranehes of a gij,Mnti<- 
 IJiittMiiwood ill thi' for-'.t. Am soon as we appeared thev took 
 the alarm, and niuained uneasy and irritable until we wi-re 
 wholly oiu of ^iuht. Others. a,:,Min, \i>it the heart of the popu- 
 lous ciiy, and ]»our forth their wild and plaintive songs from the 
 trees which dirorate the streets and gardens, aniiil the din of 
 the i)assing crowd and the tinnult of incessant and noisy oc( 11- 
 pations. Audubon remarks that their migrations are pertormeil 
 singly and during the day, and that they proceed high, and tl) 
 straight and continuous. 
 
 The food of the IJaltimorc ap|)earsto be small caterpillar^. — 
 sometimes those of the a])ple-trees, — some uncommon kinds 
 of b< etles, cimices, and small tlies, like a spe( ies (;f c)iiips. 
 ( )ceasionally I have sei-n an individual collecting Clciin/iii hy 
 the sides of sandy and gravelly roads. 'I'hey feetl their y(Kmg 
 usually with sott caterpillars. whi( h they swallow, and disgorge 
 on arriving at tin iu'>t : and in this necessary toil both sexes 
 assiduously unit<:. 'i'hey seldi^m UKjlest any of the fruits of our 
 gardens, e\ce])t a few cherries and mulberries, aiul are the 
 most harmless, useful, beauiit'ul, and conunon birds of the 
 countrv. 'I'heN' are. howi\cr. accused of sometimes accom- 
 panving their voung to the garden peas, which they devour 
 while small ami gri'en ; and being now partly gregarious, the 
 damage they commit is at times rendered visible. Occasionally 
 thev are seen in cages, being chietly ted on soaked bread, or 
 meal and water ; they aji'pear al>o tond of cherries, straw- 
 berries, currants, raisins, ami tigs, so that we may justly 
 consider them, like the ("assicans and Starlings, as omniNorous, 
 though in a less degree. They sing and apjjear lively in con- 
 finement or domestication, and become very (hjcile, playful, 
 and friendly, even going in and out of the house, and some- 
 times alighting at a whistle on the hand of their protector. 
 The young for a while re(|uire to be fed on animal food alone, 
 and the most suitable appears to be tresh minced meat, soaked 
 in new milk. In this way they may be easily raised almost 
 from the first hatching ; but at this time vegetable substances 
 
92 
 
 SINGING lURDS. 
 
 appear to afifoid them no kind of nutrition, and at al! times 
 they will thrive better if indulged with a little animal food or 
 insects, as well as hard-boiled eggs. 
 
 The summer range of this beautiful bird in the fur countries 
 extends to the 55th degree of latitude, arriving on the plains 
 of the Saskatchewan, according to Richardson, about the loth 
 of May, or nearly as eariy as their arrival in Massachusetts. 
 I'hose which thus visit the wilds of Canada in all probability 
 proceed at once from Mexico, or ascend the great valley of 
 the Mississippi and Missouri. 
 
 I have had a male bird in a state of domestication raised from 
 the nest very readily on fresh minced meat soaked in milk. 
 When established; his ] rinci])al food was scalded Indian corn- 
 meal, on which he fed vontentedly, but was also fond of sweet 
 cakes, insects of all ■ 'escriptions, and nearly every kind of fruit. 
 In short, he ate everything he would in a state of nature, and 
 did not refuse to taste and eat of everything but the condi- 
 ments which enter into the multifarious diot of the human 
 species : he was literally omnivorous. 
 
 No bird could become more tame, allowing himself to be 
 handled with patient indifference, and sometimes with play- 
 fulness. The singular mechanical apjjlication of his bill was 
 remarkable, and explains at once the ingenious art employed 
 by the species in weaving their nest. If the folded hand was 
 presented to our familiar Oriole, he endeavored to open it by 
 inserting his pointed and straight bill betwixt the closed fingers, 
 and then by pressing open the bill with great muscular for< e, 
 in the manner of an opening pair of compasses, he contrived, 
 if the force was not great, to open the hand and examine its 
 contents. If brought to the face he did the same with the 
 mouth, and would try hard to open the closed teeth. In this 
 way, by ])ressing open any yielding interstice, he could readily 
 insert the threads of his nest, and ])ass them through an infinity 
 of openings, so as to form the ingenious net- work or basis of his 
 suspensory and procreant cradle. 
 
 This is a familiar bird throughout the greater part of this faunal 
 province nortli to the soutliern portions of Ontario and Quebec, 
 
 I 
 
ORCIIAKK ORIOI.L:. 
 
 93 
 
 and it occurs sparingly in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It 
 winters southward to I'ananui. 
 
 Note. - A single example of Btllock's Okiolk [h tents 
 (?!(//(hJ:i), which was shot near Bangor, Maine, in l88g. gives thus 
 species a right to be mentioned here. TIjc usual habitat ol thi.«> 
 species is between the eastern base of the Rockies and the Bacitic 
 coast. 
 
 ORCHARD ORIOLE. 
 
 ICTF.Rl'S SPIRIUS. 
 
 Char. Male : head, neck, back, wings, and tail black ; other parts 
 chestnut, deepest on breast. Female: yellowish olive inclining to brown ; 
 wings dusky brown with 2 white bands , beneath, olive yellow. Voung 
 similar to female. Length 6 to 7 '4 inches. 
 
 A'c'st. A handsome basket-like structure, aliout 4 inches in depth, 
 composed of grasses woven into a smooth lirm fabric, and lined with 
 feathers or other soft material. It is sometimes partly supported in the 
 forks of small twigs, and often entirely pendent. Usually about 10 feet 
 fiom the ground and near the em! of the branch. 
 
 ^j,'^'-'- 3~^ (generally 4) ; white with blue or green tint, irregularly 
 marked with lilac and brown ; .So X 60. 
 
 This smaller and plainer species has many of the habits of 
 the Baltimore l)ird, and arrives in Pennsylvania about a week 
 later. They enter the southern boundary of the United States 
 early in March, and remain there until October. They do not 
 however. I believe, often migrate farther north and ea^i than 
 the State of Connecticut. I have never seen or heard of them 
 in Massachusetts, any more than my scientific frientl. and close 
 observer, Mr. C. Bickering, 'iheir stay in the I'nited States, it 
 a|)])ears from \Vilson, is little more than four months, as they 
 retire to South America early in September, or at least do not 
 winter in the Southern States. .According to my friend Mr. 
 U'are. they breed at Augusta, in (ieorgia ; and Mr. Say ob- 
 ser\-ed the Orchard Oriole at Major Long's winter quarters on 
 tlie banks of the Missouri. Audubon has also obser\'ed the 
 species towards the sources of the Mississippi, as well as in the 
 State of Maine. The same author likewise remarks that their 
 
 f 
 
94 
 
 SINCIXCi BIRDS. 
 
 northern migrations, like those of the llaUimore bird, ire ])cr- 
 formed by (hiy, and that the males arrive a week or ten (hivs 
 sooner than their mates. They aj)pear to affect the eiexated 
 and airy regions of the Alleghany mountains, where thev are 
 much more numerous than the IJaltimore. 
 
 The Orchard Oriole is an exceedingly active, sprighth'. and 
 restless bird ; in the same instant almost, he is on the ground 
 after some fallen insect, fluttering amidst the foliage of the 
 trees. i:)rying and springing after his lurking prey, or flvini^ and 
 tuning his lively notes in a manner so hurried, rr.pid, and 
 seemingly confused that the ear is scarce able to thread out 
 the shrill and lively tones of his agitated ditty. Ik'tween these 
 hurried attempts he also gives others, which are distinct and 
 agreeable, and not unlike the sweet warble of the Red-ljreasted 
 Orosbeak, though more brief and less varied. In choosing the 
 situation of his nest he is equally familiar with the Baltimore 
 Oriole, and seems to enjoy the general society of his species, 
 suspending his most ingenious and pensile fabric from the 
 bending twig of the apple-tree, which, like the nest of the 
 other, is constructed in the form of a pouch from three to five 
 inches in depth, according to the strength or flexibility of the 
 tree on which he labors ; so that in a weeping-willow, according 
 to Wilson, the nest is one or two inches deeper than if in an 
 apple-tree, to obviate the danger of throwing out the eggs and 
 young by the sweep of the long, pendulous branches. It is 
 likewise slighter, as the crowding leaves of that tree afford a 
 natural shelter of considerable thickness. 'I'hat economy of 
 this kind should be studied by the Orchard Oriole will scarcely 
 sur])rise so much as the laborious ingenuity and beautiful tissue 
 of its nest. It is made exteriorly of a fine woven mat of long, 
 tough, and flexible grass, as if darned with a needle. The 
 form is hemisjjherical, and the inside is lined with downy 
 substances, — sometimes the wool of the seeds of the Button- 
 wood, — forming th -s a commodious and soft bed for the young. 
 This precaution of a warm lining, as in the preceding species. 
 is, according to Audubon, disj^ensed with in the warm climate 
 of Louisiana. The eggs are 4 or 5. of a very pale bluish 
 
 I 
 
 ill 
 
I 
 
 ()RCIIAR1> ORIOLK. 
 
 95 
 
 tint, with a few points of brown, and spots of dark ])iirpli.', 
 chiefly disi)osed at the greater end. 'I'he feniah- sit-> al)()'ii 
 14 days, and the young continue in the nest \o (hiys before 
 thcv become (luaUfied to flit along with their parmts ; but 
 they are generally seen abroatl about the middle of June. 
 Previously to their departure, the young, leaving the care of 
 their parents, become gregarious, and assemble sometimes in 
 flocks of separate sexes, from 30 to 40 (jr upwards, — in ihc 
 South frequenting the savannahs, feeding much on crickets, 
 grasshoi)pers, and spiders ; and at this season their flesh i?> much 
 esteemed by the inhabitants. Wilson found them easy to raise 
 from the nest, but does not say on what they were fed, though 
 they probably require the same treatment as the Ikiltimore 
 Oriole. According to Audubon, thev sing with great liveliness 
 
 o ',00 
 
 in cages, being fetl on rice and dry fruits when fresh caimot be 
 procured. Their ordinary diet, it appears, is caterpillars and 
 insects, of which they destroy great cjuantities. In the course 
 of the season they likewise feed on various kinds of juicy fruits 
 and berries ; but their depredations on the fruits of the orchard 
 are very unimportant. 
 
 This is a summer visitor throughout the Eastern State--,, though 
 not common north of tlie Connecticut valley. It occurs regularly 
 but sparingly in Massachusetts and soUtiiern (3ntario. and has been 
 taken in Maine and New Brunswick. It breeds southward to tiie 
 Gulf States, and in winter ranges into Central America. 
 
 Mr. Chapman describes the voice of this Oriole as " unusually 
 rich and flexible," and adds, •• he uses it with rare skill and ex 
 pression." 
 
 % 
 
 i 
 
t 
 
 I 
 
 M ' ! 
 
 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 
 
 Agelaius phceniceus. 
 
 f'HAR. Ma'e ; black; lesser wing-coverts vermilion, bordered with 
 bull". Female; above, blackish brown streaked with paler and grayish ; 
 lower parts dusky white streaked with reddish brown ; sometimes wing- 
 covcrts have a reddish tinge. Young like female, but colors deeper. 
 Length 'Yz to lo inches. 
 
 Xcst. In a tuft of grass or on a bush; composed of grass, leaves, and 
 mud, lined with soft grass. 
 
 ^«s^- i~i\ color varies from bluish white to greenish blue, blotched, 
 streaked, and spotted with lilac and dark brown ; size variable, average 
 about 1. 00 X .90. 
 
 The Red-Winged Troopial in summer inhabits the whole of 
 North .America from Nova Scotia to Mexico, and is foinid in 
 the interior from the 53d degree across the whole continent to 
 the shores of the Pacific and along the coast as far as Cali 
 fornia. They are migratory north of Maryland, but pass the 
 winter and summer in great numbers in all the Southern States, 
 frequenting chiefly the settlements and rice and corn fields ; 
 towards the sea-coast, where they move about like blackening 
 clouds, rising suddenly at times with a noise like thunder, and 
 exhibiting amidst the broad shadows of their funereal plumage 
 the bright flashing of the vermilion with which their wings are 
 so singularly decorated. After whirling and waving a little 
 distance like the Starling, they descend as a torrent, and, dark- 
 
 i 
 
RED-WIXCir.n IU,ACKr.IKI>. 
 
 97 
 
 lole of 
 3iind in 
 nent to 
 
 Cali- 
 iss the 
 States, 
 fields ; 
 keninii; 
 er, and 
 umage 
 ngs are 
 a little 
 
 dark- 
 
 ening the branches of the trees by their numbers, tliey com- 
 mence a general concert that may be heard for more than two 
 miles. This music seems to be something betwixt chattering 
 and warbling, - jingling li(iui(l notes ]\kv those of the liobolink, 
 with their peculiar /:(>//i:^-<///rj-jrL' :uu\ hi>h a li\ (>-/>(>/> li he : then 
 complainmg chirps, jars, and sounds like saw-filing, or the 
 motion of a sign-board on its rusty hinge ; the whole constitu- 
 tmg a novel and sometimes grand chorus oi discord and 
 harmony, in which the i)erformers seem in good earnest, and 
 bristle up their feathers as if inclined at least to make up in 
 quantity what their show of music may lack in quality. 
 
 W'h 11 their food begins to fail in the fields, they assemble 
 with the Purple (irakles very familiarly around the corn-cribs 
 and in the barn-yards, greedily and dexterously gleaning uj) 
 everything within their reach. In the UKjuth of March Mr. 
 lUillock fountl them verv numerous and liold near the citv of 
 Mexico, where thev followed the mules to steal a tithe of their 
 barley. 
 
 I'>(jm the beginning of March to April, according to the 
 nature of the season, they begin to visit the Northern States in 
 scattered parties, tlying chieily in the morning. As they wing 
 their way they seeni to relieve their mutual toil by friendly 
 chatter, and being the harbingers of r-jjring, their faults are 
 forgot in the instant, and we cannot help greeting them as old 
 acquaintances \\: q^ite of their ])redatory ])r(j])ensities. Selec- 
 tinur their accustomed resort, thev make the low meadows 
 resound again with their note^, pirtieularly in tlie morning and 
 evening before retiring to or leaving the ro(jst ; previous to 
 settling themselves for the night, and before parting in the 
 day, they seem all t(j join in a general chorus of liijuid warb- 
 ling tones, which would be very agreeable but for the inter- 
 ru])tion of the ])Iaints and jarring sounds with which it is 
 blended. '1 hey continue to feed in small ])arties in swami)s 
 and by sU)w streams and ponds till the middle or close of 
 .\pril, when they begin to separate in ])airs. Sometimes, how- 
 ever, they appear to be ])artly ])olygamous, like their cotisins 
 the ("ow Troopials : as amidst a numl)er of females engaged in 
 vol.. f. — 7 
 
I 
 
 If; 
 
 t 
 
 98 
 
 SINC.IXd P.IKDS. 
 
 incubalicii, but few of the other sex apjiear associated with 
 them ; and as among the liobolinks, sometimes two or three of 
 the males may be seen in chase of an incUvidual of the other 
 sex, but without making any contest or show of jealous feud 
 with each other, as a concubinage rather than any regular 
 mating seems to jirevail among the species. 
 
 Assembled again in their native marshes, the mole perched, 
 upon the summit of some bush surrounded by water, in com- 
 pany with his mates, now sings out, at short intervals, his 
 guttural ko)i\:^-(]ncr-n'c, sharply calls ftshcali, or when disturbed, 
 pl.iiiui\ely utters ^tfshay : io which his companions, not insen- 
 sible to these odd attentions, now and then return a gratulatory 
 cackle or reiterated chir}), like that of the native Meadcnv 
 Lark. As a pleasant and novel, tJKjugh not unusual, accomi>a- 
 niment, perhaps the great bull-tVog elevates his green head 
 and brassy eyes h'om the stagnant pocjl, and calls out in a loud 
 and echoing bellcjw, '70' rroo, ''i^^uirroo, 'luoirdriiHK ' I'oCiroo, which 
 is again answered, or, as it were, merely \aried by the creaking 
 or cackling \(uce of his feathered neighbi)rs. This curious 
 coiK ert, mtered as it were from the still and sable waters of 
 the St_\-x, is at once both liidicrons uml solemn. 
 
 About the end of April or ear!\- :n May. in t!ie middle and 
 northern parts of the I'Mic.n. tiie Rid Winged blackbirds (H)m- 
 mence constructing their !x-,ts. The situation made ch(Mce of 
 is generally in some maT:,ii, swamp, or wet meadow, al>oimding 
 with alder (A/uus) or butto!i-bu:^hes ( CcpJialaufhus) ; in these, 
 c()n.im.)niy at the height of five to seven feet from the ground, 
 or sometimes in a detachi':! bu^h or tussock of rank grass in 
 the meadow, the nest is formed. Outwardly it is composed of 
 a considerable quantity of the long dry leaves of sedge-grass 
 {Ciircx), or ()tiier kinds colK'cted in wet situations, and occa- 
 sionally the slender leaves of the ll.ig {his) carried round all 
 the adjoining twigs of the bush by way of sii])j)ort or sus]>en- 
 sion, and sometimes blended with strips of the lint of the 
 swamp . /.w7</'/</.s", or silk-weed {.\sclcj>ias iiiciiniata) . The 
 whole of this exterior structure is also twisted in and out, and 
 carried in loops from one side of the nest to the other, pretty 
 
RED-WINf'.Fn r.I.ACKniRD. 
 
 ng 
 
 ted with 
 tlircc of 
 
 he IJllKT 
 
 ous feiul 
 
 ■ regular 
 
 perched. 
 
 in com- 
 •vals, his 
 istiirbed, 
 ot iusen- 
 atulaiory 
 
 Meadow 
 iccoir.i'a- 
 I'li head 
 in a loud 
 ■(>(>, which 
 
 creaking 
 s curious 
 waters of 
 
 Idle and 
 rds com- 
 hoice of 
 )oiu"iding 
 in these, 
 ground, 
 grass in 
 posed ot 
 Ige-grass 
 nd occa- 
 round all 
 r susi)en- 
 it of the 
 y ) . The 
 out. and 
 cr, pretty 
 
 much in the manner of the (.Jriole>. but made of less flexible 
 and handsome materials. The large mtersticcs that remam, as 
 well as die bottom, are then filled in with roiun wood, marsh- 
 grass roots, fibrous peal, or mud, so as to form, when dr\', a 
 stout and substantial, though concealed shell, the whole \iiy 
 well lined with fine drv stalks oi grass or with slender rushes 
 (Siir/^i). When the nest is in a tussock, it is also tied to the 
 adjoining stalks of herbage ; but when on the ground this ])re- 
 caulion of fixity is laid asiile. The eggs are friMn ^:5 to 5, 
 white, tinged with blue, marked widi faini streaks of light pur- 
 ]~tle, and long, straggling, serpentine lines and da.shes of \ery 
 dark brown ; the markings not very numerous, and dlspo^ed 
 almost wholly at the greater end. Tliey raise two broods ( om- 
 monly in the season, if the nest is approached while the 
 female is silting, ur when the young are li;!t< bed. loud cries of 
 alarm are made by both ])artie>. but more panic ularl\- by the 
 restless male, wiuj flies tcj meet the- intruder, and generally 
 brings together the whole sym])athizing company of his fellows, 
 whose nests sometimes are within a few yards of eac h other. 
 Tlie female cries \/ui\ih. 'purah, and at lengih, when the mis- 
 chief they dreaded is accom])lished, the lomler notes gi\e way 
 to others which are more still, slcjw, and monrnfui ; one of 
 which resembles /\n. t\ti, or tea and t' Islico.li. When the young 
 are taken or destroyed. I'-.e p>air continue restless and dejec ted 
 for several days; but tVom the fon e of their gregarious habit 
 they again cc^mmence building, usually soon after, in the same 
 meadow or swamj) with tlieir neighbor^. In the latter jiarl of 
 July and .\ugust the young birds, now resembling the female, 
 begin to fly in flocks and release themselves j)artly from dc-pen- 
 dence on their i)arents, whose cares up to tins lime are faithful 
 au'l unremitting; a few males only seem inclined to stay and 
 direct their motions. 
 
 -About the beginning of September these flocks, b)- their 
 formidable numbers, do great damage to the unripe corn, 
 which IS now a favorite repast ; and they are sometimes seen 
 whirling and driving over the devoted cornfields and meadows 
 so as to darken the air with their numbers. Tlie destruction 
 
 '1^ 
 
 
 t 
 
lOO 
 
 SINCING r.IRDS. 
 
 ' H 
 
 ! I 
 
 at this time mnde among them by the gun and the Hawks pro- 
 duces 1)111 litile cltlct u])un the remain<lcr, who continue fear- 
 lessly, and in spite of all oi)position, from morning to night 
 to ravage llie cornfields while anything almost remains to be 
 eaten. The farms near the sea-coast, or alhnial situations, 
 however, are their favorite haimts ; and towards the close of 
 Sejjtember, the corn becoming hard, it is at length rejected for 
 the seeds of the wild rice {Zizaiiia utjitatiia) and other acjuatic 
 plants, which now begin to rijjen, and afford a more harmless 
 and cheai) repast to these (.launtless marauders. At this time, 
 also, they begin to roost in the reeds, whither they repair in 
 large tloc ks every evening from all the neighboring quarters of 
 the country; upon these they perch or cling, so as to obtain a 
 su|)port above the surrounding waters of the marsh, ^^"hen 
 the reeds become drv, advantage is taken of the circimistance 
 to destroy these unfortunate gormandizers by fire; and those 
 who might escajie the tlames are shot down in vast numbers as 
 they hover and scream around the spreading conflagration. 
 Ivirly in November tluy generally leave the Northern and 
 colder States, with the exception of straggling parties, who 
 still continue to glean subsistence, in the shelter of the sea- 
 coast, in Delaware, Maryland, and even in the cold climate of 
 the State of Massachusetts.^ 
 
 To those who seem inclined to extirpate these erratic depre- 
 dators, Wilson justly remarks, as a balance against the damage 
 they commit, the service they perform in the s]iring season, by 
 the immense number of insects and their larvte which they 
 destroy, as their ])rincipal food, and which are of kinds most 
 injurious to the husbandman. Indeed. Kalm remarked that 
 after a great destruction made among these and the common 
 Blackbirds for the legal reward of 3 pence a do/en, the 
 Northern States, in 1749, experienced a C()m])lete loss of the 
 grass and grain crops, which were now devoured by insects. 
 
 Like the Troojjial {Orio/its icterus, LArn.), the Redwing 
 shows attachment and docility in confinement, becoming, like 
 
 1 My friend Mr. S rirocn, of Rostdn. a-surcs nie that he has seen tliese birds 
 near NCwtcin. in a cedar-swaiiiii, in Jar'-^ry. 
 
ki:D-\\ IXGLIJ lU.ACKiakD. 
 
 lOI 
 
 wks pro- 
 UK- tVar- 
 U) iii^ht 
 n<> to be 
 ituations, 
 closr of 
 ectcd lor 
 r a([uatic 
 harnik'ss 
 Lhib time^ 
 repair in 
 uarters of 
 > obtain a 
 I. When 
 nmstance 
 ind ihose 
 mnbers as 
 llagration. 
 :hern aii<l 
 rties, who 
 the sea- 
 imate of 
 
 tic (lepre- 
 
 damage 
 eason, by 
 
 ich they 
 lids most 
 iked that 
 
 ronimon 
 o/.en, the 
 )ss of the 
 nseets. 
 
 Redwing 
 niing, hke 
 
 tlu'se birds 
 
 i 
 
 the Starling, faniili;ir widi tliose who feed him, and repaying 
 the attention he receives, by singing hi.-» monotonous ditty 
 I«rettv freely, con?.isting. as we have alreaily remarkeil, of vari- 
 ous odd, grating, shrill, guttural, and sometimes warbling tones, 
 which become at length somewhat agreeable to the ear ; and 
 instances are said to have occurred of their actjuiring the power 
 of articulating several words pretty distinctly. 
 
 The flesh of this bird is but little e>tee!ned e.xcept when 
 yoiung. l)eing tlark and tough like that of the Starling ; yet in 
 some of the markets of tlie United States they are at times 
 exposed for sale. 
 
 The Red-wing is a common sumnur \ isit<ir to the Eastern States 
 and Canada, breeding as far nortli as latitude 50°. In the West it 
 rangtrs through the .Saskatcliewaii valley to ( ireat Slave Lake. It 
 wimers somli to Mexico ; but a few individuals have iK-en known to 
 brave a New I JiL:,lan(l winter. DurinL"^ the winter of iSSc^-qo. a 
 male was seen about the Fresh I'ond marshes by .several members 
 of i]v: Nuttall Club of Caml)ridLre. an<l since that time several of 
 Uiiea-c birds have been found there everv winter. 
 
 Note. — The IjAII a.man Ricd-wint; {A. f^hfrnisus hryauti). -x 
 smaller, darker race, is found on the Ualiama Islands and in .south- 
 em FJurida. 
 
If 
 
 '!i 
 
 ' ■ ■■■py'. ,^^mw:'^''miy 
 
 YELL()\V-IIi:.\l)i:i) P.LACKIUKD. 
 
 Xani'iiocki'II \ia s xam iKx I i'Ii.m is. 
 
 Thar. Male: head, neck, and breast yellow; large ]>atrh on wing 
 white; other parts black. F(niale and vomig : geneial color bhukish 
 brown; wings without the white spot; throat and breast dull yellf)w. 
 Length 1^ to I! inches. 
 
 X<-st — Of dried izrass, firinlv woven and fastened to twigs of a bii-h or 
 stalks of rushes, in a niarsh or >wanipv meadow. 
 
 Ei^rs. — 2-6; grayish white, sometimes with a green tint, irregularly 
 marked with brown; 1.05 X 0.70. 
 
 The Vcllow-hcadrd Troo])!.!]. though long known as an 
 inhabitant of Si)uth Anvrica, was only rrt fntly added to the 
 fauna of the United Stitcs ])y ^^ajor l.oni:'- e\])(.'dition. [t 
 was seen in gre.U numbers near the banks of the River I'latle, 
 nroinid the villages of the I'awnei s, abottt the middle of May ; 
 and the different sexes were sometimes ol)serve(l associated in 
 separate Hocks, as the breeding season had woi yet ]irob;iblv 
 commenced. The range of this Hne s])ecies is, apparently, 
 from Cayenne, in tropical America, to the banks of the Ri\-er 
 Missouri, where Mr. 'I'own^end and myself observed exam])les 
 not fir from the settled line of Missouri State. It has been 
 seen by Dr. Richardson, in stmimer, as f;ir ;is the sSth ])ar- 
 allel. Its visits in the United States are vet whollv eonfined to 
 
 
 v\ 
 
vr.i.L(>\\-iii:Ai)i:i) ijiackiukd. 
 
 '03 
 
 (111 wmi^ 
 ,1- l)la( kish 
 nil yellow. 
 
 fa bush or 
 
 irregularly 
 
 n as an 
 
 1 to the 
 
 tioii. It 
 
 er I'latte, 
 
 )r May ; 
 
 iatfd in 
 jirobably 
 
 )arcntly, 
 
 he River 
 
 exam])les 
 
 has been 
 
 Sth par- 
 
 n lined to 
 
 the west side of the Mississi])pi. beyond \vhi( h. not even a 
 stragj^ler has been seen. 'I Ium' birds assemble in llocks, and 
 in ill! their movements, aerial L\(jlutions, and predatorv chr.r- 
 ai'ter, appear as the counterpart of their Red -winded n-latives. 
 They are aUo seen to fietiueiit the groinid in searc h of tbod, 
 in the manner of the Cow iJimtinij, or 'I'roopial. In the 
 spriiii,' seaM)n they wage war uiKjn the insect tribes and their 
 lar\;e. like the Red-wings, but in autumn they princii)aliy 
 depend on the seeds of vegetables. At I )emerara. Uaterton 
 observed them in (locks, and, as might have bei-n suspected 
 from their habits, they were very greedy after Indian corn. 
 
 On the 2(1 of May, in oiu" western tour acnjss the continent. 
 an)und the Kansa Indian Agency, we now saw abundance of 
 the \'ell()\vdiea(led 'J'roopial, associated with the ("(nvbird. 
 They kept wholly on the grotmd in conijianies. the males, at 
 this time. b\' themselves. In loose soil lluy dig into the earth 
 with their bills in quest of insects and larwx'. are \ery active, 
 straddle about with a (juaint gait, and now and thc-n, in the 
 manner of the Cowbird, whittle out with great effort a chuck- 
 ling note sounding like ho-kukklr-'ait, often varying into a 
 straining scpieak, as if using their inmost endeavor to make 
 some kind of noise in token of sociability. Their mu>ic is, 
 however, even inferior to the har>h note of the ('o\v])ird. 
 In the month of June, by the edgi' of a grassy marsh, in the 
 open j)lain of the Platte. se\eral hunihcd miles inland, Mr. 
 Townsend found the nest ot this speci-.s built under a Iii>.m)( k 
 formed of fine grasses and canojjied o\er like that of the 
 Stiirnclla, ox Meadow I, ark. 
 
 While essentially a bird of the jjrairie. this species occurs reg- 
 ularly and in aluuidanee in Wisconsin and Illinois. It has betn 
 oljserved occasionally in southern Ontario, and examples have been 
 taken at Point des Monts. on the (iulf of .St. Lawrence, and in 
 Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Florida. 
 
104 
 
 SINGING 151 KDS. 
 
 COWIilRI). 
 COW liLALKlUKI), 
 MOLO'IHKLS ATKR. 
 
 CllAti. Male: head and luck dull l)r()\VM ; other parts rIossv black. 
 Female and young '. brownish gray, paler below, with dark >iie.ik.>. 
 l,cn,t;th 7 to S inches. 
 
 N^cst. Does not build any, but lays its eggs in nests of other species, 
 usually of smaller birds, such as the \'ellow Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, 
 or one of tlu' X'ireos. 
 
 Ei^^'s. ? (nuujber unknown, probably 4) ; dull white. sometimes with 
 
 green or buff tint, irregularly marked with various shades of brown ; 
 0S5 X 065. 
 
 The ('()\v-i)en Dird, perpetually gregarious and flitting, is 
 observed to enter tiie Middle and Northern States in the latter 
 end of March or the beginning of .\i)ril. They make their mi- 
 gration now chiefly imder cover of the night, or early dawn ; 
 and as the season becomes milder they pass on to Canada, and 
 ])erhaj)s follow the Warblers and other small birds into the 
 farthest regions of the north, for they are seen no more after 
 the middle of June until the return of autumn, when, with the 
 colds of October, they again reapiK'ar in numerous and aug- 
 mented flocks, usually associated with their kindred Red-wings, 
 to whom they bear a sensible likeness, as well as a similarity in 
 notes and manners. 'I'hey pass the winter in the warmer parts 
 of America as well as in the Southern States, where I have 
 observed them in the ploughe<l fields, gleaning along with the 
 Red-wings and the common lUackbirds. They are also very 
 familiar around the cattle, picking \\\) insects which they 
 happen to disturb, or that exist in their ordure. When on the 
 ground, they scratch up the soil and appear very intent after 
 their food. Sometimes even, infringing on the rights of the 
 Plover, individuals, in the winter, frequent the margins of 
 ponds in quest of aquatic insects and small shell-fish ; and they 
 may be seen industriously occu|>ied in turning over the leaves 
 of the water-plants to which they atlhere. They also frecjuent 
 
 
 h\ 
 
CUWIJIKU. 
 
 lO: 
 
 ssy black. 
 
 >trtMks. 
 
 :r species, 
 Spill ii)W, 
 
 imcs witli 
 t brown ; 
 
 litting, IS 
 
 he latter 
 
 Lhcir ini- 
 
 y dawn ; 
 
 iidd, and 
 
 into the 
 
 ore after 
 
 with the 
 
 md aiig- 
 
 (1- wings, 
 
 ilarity in 
 
 ncr i)arts 
 
 c I have 
 
 with the 
 \lso very 
 ich they 
 n on the 
 :ent after 
 ;s of the 
 irgins of 
 and they 
 he leaves 
 
 fre([uent 
 
 occasionally the rice and corn fielils, as well as their more 
 ncjlorioiiM asnociaies, but are nunv iiu lined to native food and 
 iiiMei ts at all times, so that tiiey are more independent and 
 less injurious to the farmer. .\> they exist in Mexico and 
 California, it is |>rol)al)le that they are also bred m the hi^iier 
 tabledands, as well as in the regions of the north. In luui- 
 hiana, howe\er, according to Audubon, ihe\' .iie rare visitors 
 at any season, seeming more in( lined to follow their route 
 through the maritime districts. Over these (ountrii's, high in 
 the air, in the month of October, they are seen by ilay winging 
 tht'ir way to the ninoter regions of the south. 
 
 We have observed that the Red-wings se])arate in parties, 
 and pass a considerable part o( the summer in the necessary 
 duties of incubation, liut the ('ow-i)en jJirds release them- 
 selves from all hmdrance to their wanderings. The volatile 
 ilisposition and instinct which prompt birds to migrati-, as the 
 seasons change and as their fooil begins to fail, have only a 
 periodic al intluence ; and for a while they remain domestic, 
 passing .i portion of their time in the (ares and enjoyments of 
 the conjugal state. l]ut with our binl, like the European 
 Cuckoo, this season never arrives ; the flocks live together 
 without ever ])airing. A general concubinage j)revails among 
 them, scarcely exciting any jealousy, and unac ((jmpanied ])y any 
 durable affection. l-"rom the commencement of their race they 
 have been bred as foundlings in tlie nests of other birds, and 
 fed by foster-parents under the ])erpetual intluence of delusion 
 and deception, and by the sacritlce of the concurrent progeny 
 of the nursing birds. Amongst all the feathered tribes hitherto 
 known, this and the I'airojjean Cuckoo, with a few other species 
 indigenous to the old continent, are the only kinds who nevi-r 
 make a nest or hatch their ycjung. That this character is not 
 a vice of habit, but a perpetual instinct of nature, appears from 
 various circumstances, and from none more evidently than from 
 this, that the eggs of the Cow Troopial are earlier hatched than 
 those of the foster- parent, — a singular and critical provision, on 
 which perhaps the existence of the species depends ; for did 
 the natural brood of the deceived parent come first into exis- 
 
 Ji 
 

 (t 
 
 1 06 
 
 SlNCilNG 151 RUS. 
 
 tfiKi.'. the strange egg on which they sat would generally be 
 destroyed. 
 
 \\ inn tlie teniale is disposed to lay. slu' appears restless and 
 dejected, ami separates from the unregarding lloi:k. Stealing 
 thruiigii till' woods and thickets, she pries into the bushes and 
 braniblc!) tor the ne>l that suits her, into which she darts in the 
 absence of it> (jwner. uiul in a few minutes is seen to rise on the 
 wing, cheerful, and relieved from the anxiety that ojjpressed her, 
 and proceeds back to the llix k she had so reluctantly forsaken. 
 If the egg be diposiled in the nesl aloni', it is uniformly 
 forsaken ; but if the nur>ing i)arent have any of her own, 
 she immediately begins to sit. The Red-cwd I'hcatcher, in 
 who^c beautiful basket-like nests 1 ha\e observed these etrirs, 
 l)ro\es a \er\' affectionate and assiduous nurse to the uncouth 
 fouudhng. In one of these 1 ftnind an egg of ea( h bird, and 
 t'.H' hen already sitt'ug. I took her own egg and K't'i the 
 strange one : she soon relurnetl, and as if sensible of wliat 
 had happened, looked with steadfisl attention, nd >hii"ted the 
 egg about, then sat uj)on i:, !)ul soon mo\ed off, again renewed 
 her obser\-ation, and it wa.s a considerable time before hhe 
 seemed willing to take her seat ; but at k ngth I left her on 
 the nest. Two or three da_\s alter. 1 fouiul lli.ii >he had relin- 
 quished her attention to tlu strange egg and tor>aken the 
 nest. .Another of these bn(l>. howe\er, forsook the nest on 
 taking out the Cowbird's egg, although she had still two of her 
 own left. 'i"he only evample, ])erhap^, to the contrar\ (jf de- 
 serting the uesi when sok'l)' occupici by the slrav egg. is in 
 the bhieiiird, who. attached strongly to tin brei'(|ing-])laces in 
 which it ot'ten continues for seseral \ears, lias been known to 
 lav, though with apparent reluctance, after the deposition of 
 the Cowbird's egg. M\ friend Mr. ('. I'i( kt'riug tound two 
 nests of the Summer vellow llird, in which had beiii deposited 
 an egg of the. ( "owbird pre\ioush- to an\- of their own: and 
 unable to eject it. the\- had buried it in the bottom of the ne>t 
 and built over it an additional story ! I also saw. in the si.m- 
 mer of 1 S :^o, a similar circumstance with the same bird, in 
 which the Cowbird's egg, though incarceratid, was still visible 
 
 
roWIURD. 
 
 lo; 
 
 on the iii)i)<T ediic hut could luwr havt- l)iH,'n hatched. At 
 times I think it jirobahle that they 1 1\ in thi' ne>t^ of larger 
 birds, who throw o\\\. the e-g, or ihai llu\ drop their egiis on 
 the ground without obtaining a diposit, a^ I ha\e found an egg 
 of this kind thus e\])ose(l and brokir.. ( )n placing an egg of 
 this bird in the Catbird's not it was almost instantly ejec ted : 
 and this would i>robibly be the ustial fate of the strange egg if 
 the diminutive nurses, thus wi>ely cliosen, were capable «;f 
 removing it. 
 
 'I'he mo.-^t iisual nurse of this bird ajijjears to be the Ked- 
 eved \'ireo, who commences sitting as ^oon as the ("owbird's 
 egg is deposite<i. ( )n these occasions I ha\e known the X'ireo 
 to begin her ineubatioii with only an egg of each kind, and in 
 other nest> 1 have observed as manv as :; of her own, wi'h 
 that of the intruder. from tiie largeness of the strange vj^'^, 
 probably the nest immediately feels filled, so as to induce tlie 
 nurse directly to sit. This larger egg, brought neanr to tl-e 
 bodv than her own. is t onseiiuenlly better warmed and sooner 
 hatched : ami the )-oung of the ("owbird, 1 1 elie\e, apjiei'.rs 
 about tlu' I 2th or i ;th day of sitting. The foundling is \erv 
 faithtullv nursed by the afl"e( tion.iie X'ireo, along with her own 
 brood, who make their appearau'c about a day later th:'.n tix- 
 Troojjial. j-'rom the great si/.e of the |)arasite, the legitimate 
 young are soon stilled, and, when dead, are (<)M\-evt.d, as usual, 
 bv till" dupi (1 parent to a distant e before being drojiped : btit 
 thev are never tound immediately beneath liie m-st, as would 
 invariably haj)pen if they were ejt'cted by tlu- young 'I'roopial. 
 In the >ummer of i'^39 I actually saw a Chipping Sparrow c.\t- 
 rying out to a distance one of its dead Noung thus stilled : ancl 
 a sect)nd nest of the same ^pii ies in which ,; of its own brood 
 Were hatched soon after the ( 'ow Troopial : these sur\i\ed j or 
 3 days, and as tluy jierished were carried aua\- b\- the parent 
 bird. As fir as 1 have had opporiunit\ of obser\ing, the 
 foundling shows no hostility to tlie natural brood of his nurses, 
 but he lu'arly absorbs their whoK' attention, and earlv dis|)lays 
 his ( harac teristic cunning and s,l!' possession. When tully 
 fledged, thev quit klv desirt their foster-pannt, and skulk 
 
io8 
 
 SIN(;iNG lilRDS. 
 
 ( iinEB* 'f I 
 
 h'. 
 
 about in the woods until, at Itiiulh. tluy instinctively join com- 
 pany with those of the same tV itiiL-r, and now becoming more 
 bold, are seen in parties oi 5 or 6. in tlie fields and lanes, 
 gleaninic their accustonuMl subsistence. Tiiey still, however, 
 appear shy and watchful, and seem too selfish to study any- 
 thing more tha)i their own security and advantage. 
 
 'I'he son^f oi the Cowbird is guttural anil unmusical, uttered 
 with an air of affectation, and accompanied by a bristling of 
 the feathers and a swelling of the body in the manner of the 
 Turkey. These are also all the notes of the species in the 
 season of their attachment; so tliat their musical talent rates 
 lower than that of any other bird i)erha])s in the genus. Some- 
 times the tones of the male resembU? the liijuid clinking of tiie 
 IJobolink and l\e(bwinged Hlackbird. Sitting on the sunnnit 
 of a lofty branch, he anuises himself perhaps tor an hour with 
 an occasional 'k/iich 'Avr, the latter syllable uttered in a drawl- 
 ing hiss like that of the Ked-wing. Accompanied by his mates, 
 he also endeavors to amuse them by his complaisant chatter ; 
 and watching attentively for their safety, they tlit together at 
 the instant he utters the loud tone of alarm ; and they are 
 always shy and susjjicious of the designs of every observer. 
 (.)\\ a fine s])ring nu)rning, howe\'er, p<.Tched towards the sum- 
 mit of some tree in the forest where tlu'V seek rest after their 
 twilight wanderings, small and select jjarties may be seen grate- 
 fully basking in the mild beams of the sunshine. The male on 
 such occasions seems as i)r()ud of his uncouth jargon, and as 
 eager to please his favorite companions, as the tuneful Night- 
 ingale with his pathetic and \'arie(l lay. 
 
 The Cowbird is a common summer rc>si(lont of Now England, 
 tluni^h of rather local distribution. T)r \\nH'aton re])(irti(l it as 
 abundant in Ohio duriuLj the summer months, and Mr. Mcllwraith 
 made a similar re]iort for Ontario. It is rather uncommon in the 
 Maritime l*n)\iiires. but ranges as far northward as the 5otli par- 
 allel. In January. 1.SS3. two specimens were taken near Cambridge, 
 .Mass., by Mr. William Hrewster and Mr. Menry M. Spellman. and 
 other evidences of occasional wiiUering in New England have been 
 reported. 
 
 ■ f 
 
stliiig of 
 
 Night- 
 
 
 '^Mh l-^ 
 
 r.OllOMNK. 
 
 RICE BIRD. SKl'SK ilLACKDlKD. MEADOW-WINK. 
 I )()r.ICHONTX ORYZIVORIS. 
 
 CilAK. Male in smninor : black; back of ht-a<l and liiiul-nock bnt'f ; 
 scapulars, rump, and up|)er tail-coverts ashy white. Male in winter, 
 female, and vounc; : above, yellowisli brown, beneath p.iler, moie bntfv; 
 liglit stri]ic on crown. I.enptli 6'^ to 7 '-i inches. 
 
 AVs/. In a meadow : ni.ide of dried grass. 
 
 j^;:;'-j. 4-6; white witli tjreen or butr tint, irreg.ilarly marked with 
 h'lac and l)rown ; 0.S5 X' 060. 
 
 'Vhv whoK' continent of .America, from I.al)r;i(lur to Mexico, 
 nntl the (ireat .\ntilles, are the occnsiomil residence of this tnily 
 migratory sjiecies. .\l)ont the middle of March or beginning 
 of .\])ri! the cheerful r.oholink tiiakes his appearance in the 
 southern extremity of the I'nited States, becoming gradually 
 arrayed in his nuptial livery, and accompanied by troops of his 
 C()m|)anions, who often precede the arrival of their more tardv 
 
 li 
 
 ii 
 
I lO 
 
 SI.NCilNC niRDS. 
 
 Ill I 
 
 I 
 
 ! 
 
 I' 
 ! 1 
 
 ll 
 
 matts. According to Richardson it is tln^ beginning of June 
 when thcv arrive at their farthest boreal station in the 54th 
 degree. U e observed thcin in the great \ve>tern plains to the 
 ba^e ot the Korky Mountains, but not in ( )regon. Their win- 
 tering ri'^orl appears to be rather the W'cmI Indies than the 
 tropical continent, as their migrations are observed to take 
 ])lacc generally to the east oi Louisiana, where their \isits are 
 rare and irregtdar. At thi> season also they make their ap- 
 proaches chietly by night, obeying, as it were, more distinctly, 
 the mandates of an overruling instinct, which prompts thi ni to 
 seek out their natal regions; while in autunm, their progress, 
 bv day only, is alone instigated by the natural ([uest of food. 
 About the I St of Mav the meadows of Ma-^sai husetts begin to 
 re-echo their liwly ditty. At this season, in wet places, and 
 by newl\- ploughed fields, they destroy many insects and their 
 lar\;e. According to their success in obtaining fooil, parties 
 often delav tlu'ir final northern mo\ement as late as the mid- 
 dle of May, hO that they appear to be in no haste to arrive at 
 their destination at anv I'xac t period. The principal business 
 of their iives, howi'ver. the rearing of iluir young, (\nv> not 
 take |)lace until thev ha\e left thr par.ilki of the 40th di'gne. 
 lu die sa\-annalis of ()hio and Michigan, and the cool ura-.-y 
 meadows of New \'ork. ( 'ail id 1. lud \i'W fngland. thev U\ 
 their ab(jd(.', and obtain a sufliciency o\' food throughout the 
 sumuier without molesting tiie harvest of the firmer, tmtil the 
 ripening of the lal(.'>t crops o{ ous and barlex, when, in their 
 autumnal and changed dress. h:irdl\ now known as the sune 
 sjiecies, thev sometimes show their taste for ])lunder, and tlock 
 together like the gn-edy and pre(latory lllackbirds. Although 
 thev diAour wuious kinds of insects and worms on their first 
 arrixal. 1 ha\-e found that their freijuent \i>its among the grassy 
 meadows were often also for the ^eeds the\ coiiiam ; and tlu'y 
 are i.arlicularlv fond of tho^e of the dock and dmdelion. the 
 latter of which is sweet and oilw Later in the st-ason, and i)re- 
 viously to K'aving tlu'ir native ri'gions. they I'cvA principally on 
 various kinds of grass-seeds, j)articularly those ol the l\iiiiciiins, 
 which art' allied to millet. They also devour ( ri( kets and grass- 
 hoppi'i>, as well as bei'tles and spiders, 'i'heir nest In fixed on 
 
r.UlSol.lNK. 
 
 1 1 1 
 
 ;)f June 
 le 54th 
 s to the 
 L'ir win- 
 lan the 
 to take 
 isits are 
 leir ap- 
 stincily, 
 thtin to 
 )rogress, 
 of food, 
 begin to 
 cc-s. and 
 iid their 
 , |)arties 
 he uiid- 
 arrive at 
 l)usiness 
 loes not 
 (Irgri e. 
 )i ura-^-y 
 ihx-y \\\ 
 )Ut ihe 
 mil the 
 in thi'ir 
 If same 
 \v\ llock 
 llhonuh 
 ir first 
 grassy 
 nd they 
 i.m. the 
 ud i>re- 
 iall\ on 
 tiiicinns, 
 id grass- 
 
 fl\rd on 
 
 the ground in a slight depression, usually in a field of nieatlow 
 gra>>, citiier in a dry or moist situation, ami consists merely of 
 a loose l)L<l(ling of withered gra^s, ^o inartificial as searccly to 
 he distinguishable from the rest of the ground anjimd it. The 
 eggs are 5 or 6, of a dull while, inclining to ohse. scattered all 
 o\er with small ^]i(jts ami touches of lilac brown, with some 
 irregular blotches of dark rutous brown, c hietl\ disposed to- 
 wards the larger end. 
 
 The males, arri\ ing a little earlier tiian the other sex, now 
 ai)i)ear very \igorous, lively, and familiar. Many ([uarrels 
 occiir before the mating is settled ; an<l the hmalt ■- >cem at first 
 very ct)y and retiring. 1-mulation fire>) the iJobulink at this 
 period, and ri\al r>ongnters \> \x out their incosant strains of 
 enlivening mu>i( iVom e\er\- fence and orchard tree. The 
 quiet lemales kee[» mu< h on the ground : but as stjon as they 
 appear, they are i)ursued by the aidenl candidates f<;r their 
 affection, and if either seem> to be favored, die rejected >Mitor 
 is chased off the gmund, a> soon as he apjJcarM. by hi> more 
 fortunate rival. The >ong of tb.e male '-ontinues with little iii- 
 terrujuion as lo. g as tlu' female is fitting, and iiis chant, at all 
 times verv similar, i.^ both singular and plea>:int. ( )ften, like 
 the Skylark, mounted, and liovermg on the wing, at a small height 
 aljove the fiild. as hf pa^se-, along from one tree-top or weed 
 to another. In- utti rs >uch a jingling niedUy of short. \-arial)le 
 notes, so confused. ri|)id. and coniinuMU>. that it appears 
 a!mo>t like tiie bh tiding song of si'\eial different bird-. M mv 
 of th>'->e tone> are \.-r\ agreeable ; but ihi'V are delivered with 
 such rapiditv th.it tb.e ear can scarcely s< jiarale tlu-m. Tlu- 
 genenil effi-ct. howe\er. like all the sinipli' efforts of N.iiure, is 
 good, and when several are ( hanting forth in the s.ime meadow, 
 the concert is \-erv cheerful, though monotonous, and somewhat 
 tpiaint. .\mong the few phrases that can be distinguished, the 
 lii|uid sound of l>oh-o /ri' hohi^/iiik hol>-(i-linhi\ is \ery distinct. 
 To givt' an idea of the variable extent of song, .md evi-n an 
 imitation, m >-iiine measure, of the i hrom uie period and, ;vr of 
 this fm.iliar and rathir fuorite n'-^idint, the bovs of this j)art 
 of New laigland make him spout, among others, the fdlowing 
 
 It 
 
 il 
 
 < I 
 
J 12 
 
 SIXCIXC; 15IRDS. 
 
 ' 
 
 III 
 
 ludicrous dunning i)hr;isi', as he rises and hovers on the uinj,' 
 near liis uvMc, ^' '/>'i'/>-(>-/////<:, 'Boh-b-link, 'Tom Dininy ' Tom 
 JJi-iniy. — ' Ci'iiii- /^(ly ntr the t-n'o inu/ six prjicc y('ii''7'C o-k'cJ 
 iih'it- than a yrar an,/ a half a^^o .' — ' tshc 'tshi' 'tshc, 'tsh 'tsh 
 '/she'," modestly di\ing at the same instant down into the i^rass 
 as if to avoid alten ation. However puerile this odd phrase 
 may apjjear, it is (|uite amusintf to find how near it ajjjjroaches 
 to the time and exjjression of the notes, when pronounced in 
 a hurried manner. It would be unwise in the naturaHst to 
 hold in contempt anything, however trilling, which might tend 
 to elucidate the simjjle truth of nature ; 1 therefore give the 
 thing as 1 fmd it. This relish for song and merriment, con- 
 fined wholly to the male, dnninishes a^ the pcrioil of incuhation 
 ad\ances ; and when the brood begin to tlutter around their 
 l)arenls and protectors, the song bccomi's less t'reciuent, the 
 cares of the parents more urgtail, and an\- app.oach to the 
 secret recess of their helpless family is deplored with urgent 
 and incessant cries as they hover fearfully around the inten- 
 tional or accidental intruder, 'i'hey appear sometimes inclined 
 to have a second brood, for which pn])aration is made while 
 thev are vet engaged in rearing the fn>t : but the male gi-n- 
 erally loses his musical taU'Ut about the end of the first wi-i-k 
 in julv. from which time his nuptial or pied dres^ begins 
 gradualh to be laid aside for the humhk' garb of tin- female, 
 ■j'hi' whole, both voung and old, then appear nearly in the 
 same songless li\ery. uttering only a rh/n/.' of alarm when >m- 
 ]>ri->efl in fcdling on the grass seeds, or the croi)S of grain 
 whi( h Still remain abroad. Whiii the voice of the IJobolink 
 begins to fail, with the i)rogrcss of the exhausting moult, he Hits 
 over the fields in a restless manner, ami merely utters a broken 
 '/'o/'7,;\ W'oh'hr. or with hi:; songless mate, at length, a 'rcvvV 
 'rc',v/, /'7<rt /'Vrrt, and a noisy and disagreeable cackling 
 ( hiriL At the earl\- dawn of day, while the tuneful talent of 
 the species is vet unabated, the effect of their awakening and 
 faltering voice's from a wide expanse of meadows, is singular 
 and grand. The sounds mingle like the noise of a distant 
 torrent, whii h allernatelv subsides and rises on the bri'e/e as 
 
c wing 
 • ' Tom 
 
 c ou'i'ii 
 
 'sh 'A/t 
 
 c lirass 
 
 phrase 
 
 oaches 
 
 iced in 
 
 alist to 
 
 ht tend 
 
 ivc the 
 
 it. con- 
 
 ii])alii)n 
 
 1(1 llKit 
 
 ■nt, the 
 to tlio 
 
 \ ur^uent 
 
 e intcn- 
 
 inclined 
 
 le while 
 
 ale tien- 
 
 rst week 
 beghis 
 female, 
 m the 
 en >ur- 
 Li;rain 
 obolink 
 he tlits 
 broken 
 a ':<.•((( 
 ■acklinn 
 lalcnt of 
 lin.u and 
 ^ini^ular 
 I distant 
 ree/e as 
 
 OI 
 
 I 
 
 150 H(.t LINK. 
 
 I I ^. 
 
 4 
 
 the perf(jrmers awake or relapse into rest ; it finally becomes 
 more distinct and tuinuliiu)ii>. till wilii the o|)eninL; day it as- 
 sumes the intelligible character of iheir ordinary song. The 
 young males, towards the close t)f jul\-. iia\ing nearly .u (|uired 
 their perfect chara( liT, utter also m the morning, from the 
 trees which border their favorite marshy uieadows, a \ery 
 agreeable and c(jntinuous low warble, more like thai of the 
 Vcllow I'.ird than the usual song of the specae^ ; in fict. tiu-y 
 appear now in e\er\- respect as {"'inches, and only l)e(()me 
 jingling musicians when ro!)ed in their jnetl dress as b ten. 
 
 About the middle of .\ugust, in congregating number^, di- 
 vested already of all selective attachment, vast foraging parlies 
 enter New York and Pennsylvania, on their way to .the South. 
 Mere, along the chores of the large rivers, lined with lloiting 
 fields of the wild rice, they find an abundant means of >ul)- 
 sistence during their >hort stay; and a> their ilesh, now fat. is 
 little inferior to that of the lairoi)ean ( )rtolan, the keeil or Rice 
 iJirds, as they are then called in their Sp;irrow-dress, form a 
 favorite sport for gunners of all tlescriptions, who turn out on 
 thi- occasion and commit ])rodigious havoc among the almost 
 silent and greedy roosting throng. The markets are then filled 
 with this delicious game, and the pursuit, both for success and 
 amusement, along the pictures(iue and reedy shores of the Del- 
 aware and other rivers is second to none but that of Rail- 
 shooting. A> soon as the cool nights of October commen<"o, 
 and as the wild rice crops begin to fiil. the Reed birds 
 take their departure from I'e'unsylvania and New |erse\-. and in 
 their farther progress through the Southern States they swarm 
 in the rice fields ; and before the cro]) is gathered they have 
 already made their appearand- in the islands of Cuba and 
 Jamaica, where they also {i:ci\ on the seeds of the (hiinea 
 grass, become so fat as to deser\e the name of " Butter-birds," 
 anil are in high esteem for the table. 
 
 Near the .\tlantie coast the bobolink is not common north of 
 the 45th paniUel : hut in the West it ranges to nuieii higher latitudes. 
 A few examples have been observed 011 the Xew llrunswick shore 
 of the C.uif of .St. Lawrence. 
 V(M.. I. — ,S 
 
 t 
 
i! 
 
 114 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 ' I 
 
 |i 
 
 BOAT-TAI!.KU (;RACKLE. 
 
 JACKDAW. 
 QULSCALUS MAJOR. 
 
 CllAR. Extremely long, wedge-shaped tail, less conspicuous in female. 
 Male : hlack, with niLfillic tints of L;reen. blue, and purple. I-en^th 15 to 
 17/2 inches. FcMuile : .:i ove, bnnvn ; beneath, grayish brown, changing to 
 reddish .nul In . \ 'jr.nst and throat. Length, tili to 13 inches. 
 
 A'c'sL A bui tin .V c of dried gra>s and strips of bark, cemented 
 with nuul and line ,ith li:-" rrass ; placed in a tree in swamp or near a 
 marsh, sometimes fastened i' aislies. 
 
 ^'sV-f- 3-5; gr.iyish drab witli tints of green or blue, marked with 
 black and brown l)lulches and lines: 1.23 X o.'jo. 
 
 Tills larj^c and ( row-like species, sonietinies called the Jack- 
 daw, inhaliits the southern maritime ))arts of the I'nion only, 
 l)arti(iilarly the States of (leorgia and I"lorida, where they are 
 seen as early as the close of January or beiiinnini,' of ['"ebniary, 
 but do not begin to pair before March, previously to which 
 seast)n the sexes are si'en in sejxarate tlocks. I5ut about the 
 latter end of \oveml)er they quit even the mild climate of 
 I'loriila, generally, and seek winter-quarters ])robably in the 
 West Indies, where they are known to be nunn-rous, as well as 
 in Mexico, Louisiana, and Texas ; but they do not ever extend 
 their northern migrations as far as the Middle States. Trevi- 
 ous to their de])arturc, at the approach of winter, they are seen 
 to assemble in large flocks, and every morning flights of them, 
 at a great height, are seen moving away to the south. 
 
 lake most gregarious birds, they are of a very sociable 
 disposition, and are frecjuently obser\-ed to mingle with the 
 common Crow IMackbirds. They assemble in great numbers 
 among the sea islands, and neighboring marshes on the main- 
 land, where they feed at low water on the oyster-beds and sand- 
 flats. Like (rows, they are onmivorous, their food consisting 
 of insects, small shell-fish, corn, and small grain, so that by 
 turns they may be viewed as the friend or i)lunderer of the 
 j)lanter. 
 
4 
 
 1 
 
 I'Lkl'I.K (iUACKLE. 
 
 1 I 
 
 n female. 
 114th 15 to 
 umgiug 10 
 hcs. 
 
 cemented 
 or near a 
 
 iked with 
 
 [he Jack- 
 ion only, 
 ihcy arc 
 ^'ebniary, 
 to \vhi( h 
 pbout the 
 iniate ot 
 in llic 
 IS well as 
 extend 
 I'lovi- 
 arc seen 
 of them, 
 
 sociable 
 with the 
 munbers 
 le main- 
 ind sand- 
 ■onsi^tinif 
 that by 
 er of the 
 
 The note of this species is louder than that of the connnon 
 kin<l, according; to Audubon resembling a l«nid. >hrill whittle, 
 often accompanied by a cry like i/iik iriik </«v. and in the 
 breed nig- season changing almost into a warble. 'I hey are only 
 hcani to sing in the spring, and their concert, though inclining 
 to sadness, is not altogether disagreeable. Their nests are 
 built m company, on retils and bushes, in the neighborhood 
 of -salt-marshes ami ponds. They begin to lay alx>ut the 
 K-ginning of April ; soon after which the males leave their 
 mates, not only with the care of in< ubation, but with the rear- 
 ing of the young, moving about in sei)arate tl«wki like the 
 ("owbirds, without taking anv interest in thf faie (jf their 
 progeny. 
 
 This species is rarely found north of Virginia. .Several instances 
 of its occurrence in New l-ngland have been rcijortcd : but tlie 
 correctness of these reports has been c iiallenged and Mr. .\llen 
 omitted the species from his list of .Ma.ssachr- ctts birds issued in 
 1886. 
 
 PURPl.i: CRACKLE. 
 
 CKnW 1;L.\CKI!IRI). 
 Qr ISC ALLS gLI.^Cl I-A. 
 
 Char. Rlack, wiili rich metallic tints of steel blue and purple, the 
 fcmak somewhat duller. I.eiigtii, 11 to ij'^ inches. 
 
 A'tst. ( hi the luaucli of ,1 tree or in a hollow stub; hirge and roughly 
 made <jf co.UNe gia-s and twigs, and lined with tiner grass, sometimes 
 cemented with mud. 
 
 HiX^. 4-(i ; extremely varial)le in shape, color, and .size ; ground color 
 gretnish white to rcildish brown, with irregular markings of dark brown ; 
 1.^5 j< 0.90. 
 
 This very common bird is an occasional or constant resident 
 in every jjart of America, from IludscMi's l!ay and the northern 
 inierior to the Creat .Antilles, within the tropic. In most jxirts 
 of this wide region they also breed, at least from Nova Scotia to 
 I^uisiana, and probably farther stnith. Into the States north 
 of Virginia they begin U) migrate from the beginning of March 
 
 1^' 
 
i: i 
 
 Jl 
 
 Ji6 
 
 SIM.IN*. 15IRIJS. 
 
 to May, Icavinfj those couiitrii's ai,Min in minicrous troops about 
 the middle o\' Nosemher. Thus assemMrd iVoin thi- NoiUi and 
 \\\-<t in incnasini,' nuinhers, they wholly owrnin, at tinio. the 
 wanner maritime re,i,Mnns, where they assi'mi)le to l).l.^> the 
 winter in the it)mi)an\ of tluir well-known cousins tlu- \\v(\- 
 wiuL^i'd 1 ro()i)ial:i or illackbirds ; lor jxjth, imjielled l)\ the 
 same predatory api)etite, and lo\c ot" etjuitortahle winter 
 (|uarters, an- often thus u ( ulentally ;issociated in the plun- 
 dcrini,' and jfleanm.L,' of tlu- plantations. Ihe am,i/in,n 
 numhers in which the present spi-cies associate are almost 
 incndihle. Wilson relates that on the joth of January, a tew 
 miles fn)ni the hanks of the Kojuoke in X'iri^inia, be met wnh 
 one of those prodii^iou-. arnnes of lllackhirds, which, as he ap- 
 proached, rose from the Nurroundini,' liilds with a noise like 
 thunder, and descending; on the >iirel< h of ro.id before him, 
 coxered it and the fences compK'tely with Mack ; rising again, 
 after a t'lw (.•volutions, tlu'y di'scendi'd o;i ilu- ^.kirt of a leallcNS 
 wood, SO thick as to gi\e the whole forest, for a considerable 
 extent, the ap|)earance of being shrouded in mourning, the 
 numbers amounting |)robal)ly to many iMudreds of thousands. 
 Their notes an<l screams ri'scmbled the distant sound of a 
 mighty cataract, but strangely attuned into a musical cadence, 
 which rose and fell with the lluctuation (jf the hree/e, like the 
 magic harp of , l-lolus. 
 
 Their depredations on the maize crop or Indian corn com- 
 mence almost with the ])laiuing. The infant bladi-s no sooner 
 ap[)ear than they .ire haiK'd by the greedy lllackbird as the 
 signal for a fea.st ; and without hesitation, they descend on the 
 fields, and regale themselves with tlie sweet and sprouted seed, 
 rejecting and scattering the blades around as an evidence of 
 their mischief and au<la( ity. Again, about the beginning of 
 August, while the grain is in the milky state, their attacks are 
 ri'Uewed with the most destructive effect, as they now assemble 
 as It were in clouds, and pillage the fields to such a degree 
 that in some' low and sheltered situations, in the \'icinity of 
 ri\ers, where they delight to roam, one tburth of the crop is 
 devoured bv thesi- vexatious visitors. The gun, also, notwith- 
 
 ( 
 
I'L Rli.l i.KAiKl.i:. 
 
 »«7 
 
 [IS about 
 Dfth an«l 
 
 lu- Krd- 
 
 by llu- 
 
 ■ winliT 
 
 he l4un- 
 
 ania/ii\j; 
 
 (_■ ahnost 
 
 ry, a tVw 
 
 \m[ Willi 
 
 as hi- ap- 
 
 loisL' like 
 
 ^forc him, 
 
 ng aLi.iin, 
 a Icalli'MS 
 iisidfiablc 
 iniULi;, iho 
 honsands. 
 
 )\inil ill ;v 
 (■ailcntr, 
 
 \v, \\kc the 
 
 ■orn com- 
 |ni) sooner 
 11 nl as the 
 ncl on the 
 ited seed, 
 lidence of 
 mninii; ol 
 lltacks are 
 assemble 
 a de,u;ree 
 icinity of 
 |he croi) is 
 I, notwitli- 
 
 1 
 
 staiidin;; the havor it inndui i>, lias htile more effect than to 
 chase them from une pirl oi [\w lirld lo ilu- other, hi the 
 SoiilherM States, in winter, liu'v ho\rr numd the <orn-(ril>s m 
 :»warm>, and boldly peik the hud j^rain lidiii llu- cob through 
 the air openings of the maga/mc. In ( (iii>e(|iience of ihoe 
 reiterated depredation-', they are deli. -.led by the firmer as 
 a pe^l ' • his iiuhi>tr\ ; though on iluar arrival their food for 
 a long time consists wholly of those m>>e( i«. which are i;alculated 
 to iU> the most essential injury lo the ( rops. They at this season 
 frequml ^wamp1 antl meadtiw>., awA t.imili.irly following the fur- 
 ro\\> of the plough, .^weep up all the gnili-wonns ami other 
 noxious animals a^ -.oon as the) a|ip(.ar, even scratching uj) the 
 loose soil, thai nothing of this kind inav exape iluni. Ip to the 
 time of harvest I have imiforml), on dissection, found their food 
 to consist of these iarxai, caterpillars, moths, and beetles, of 
 which they tlevour such numbers that i)nt f)r tlii>. providential 
 economy the whole crop of grain, in many placrs. would |)rob- 
 ably be destroyed by ihe tune it began to germinate. In 
 winter they collect the ma.>,t of ihe beei h and oak fir food, 
 and iiiav be ^eeil assembled in large bodies in the wood> for 
 thi^ purpose. In the s[)ring season the iShu kbirds rtjo^l in the 
 cellars and piiu'-irees, to wIik h in tlu' evi-ning they retiii' with 
 friendly aii<l mutual chatter. ( )n ihe tallest of thoe trees, as 
 well as in bu>hes, thev generally build their nests, — which work, 
 like all thi'ir movements, is coinmonlv pi'rlbnm'd in soeietv, >o 
 that lo or 15 of them Arc often seen in thi' same tree; and 
 sometimes the\ have been known to thrust tluir nests into 
 the interstices of the fish Hawk's evry, as if fir safety and 
 protection. ( )cc;isi()nal!v thev bri'cil in tall poplars lu-ar to 
 habit itions, and if not moloied. continue to resort to the same 
 
 hlace 
 
 tor sevi 
 
 ral 
 
 vears m succi's->ion. 
 
 he nest is compos-d 
 
 of mud, mi.M'd with stalks and knottv roots of grass, and lined 
 with fine dry grass and hor^e hair. According to Audubon, 
 the same species in tin- Southern States nests in the hollows of 
 decayed trees, after the nianiuT of the Woodjiecker, lining the 
 
 cavitv with grass and mui 
 
 hi'V seltlom 
 
 Id. 
 
 produ 
 
 ce more 
 
 th. 
 
 in a 
 
 single brood in the season. In the autumn, and at the apjiroach 
 
r 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 ii8 
 
 SINGING UIRI;S. 
 
 Ill 
 
 If! 
 
 otwintiT, mmuTotis tlut ks, afti-r foMgmg thr()UL;li the tlay, rctiini 
 from t:onsi(lcniblc ilisUiiucs lo ihcir general rousts among tlie 
 rceils. On approai lung ihcir station, each ilciachmcnt, as it 
 arrives, in straggling groups like cn^ws, sweeps round the ma^^h 
 in \va\ ing llighl, I'ornung i inles ; amidst these hodies, the note 
 (jf the old reconnoitring leader may be heard, and no sooner 
 li.is Ik' li\ed upon the intended spot than they all descend and 
 take their stations in an instant. At this time they are also 
 Irecpiently accompanied by the Ferruginous speties, with which 
 they associate in a friendly manner. 
 
 The IJkukbinl is easily tamed, sings in confmcnuiU, and 
 may be taught to artii ulate some few words jiretty distinctly. 
 Among the variety of its natural notes, the ]>eculiarly affected 
 sibilalion of the Starling is heard in the 'icottitshci', icd//t/s/ur, 
 ami whistle, which often accomi)ames this note. 
 
 In Nuttall's day variety making had not conic in fashicm, and 
 the systematists were content to treat the Crow I'.lackbirds ol east- 
 ern North America as of one form. Now we have three forms, 
 wit!) three '* distiiutive scieiititic ai)pellatioiis." It is somewhat 
 (litlieiilt to (listiiigiiish these lorms. e.\re|)t in extreme phases of 
 plumage, for many specimens of the Northern variety liave tiie 
 diagnostic characters of the Southern birds. The i)resent race is 
 said to occur on the Atlantic coast of the Inited States, north to 
 .Massachusetts, and in the lower valley of the .Mississippi. 
 
 Tlie 1;k()N/i; (iu.vc KL1-: ((j. qniscitla cruiits) lacks the purple 
 metallic tint on the body, that being replaced by a tint of bronze; 
 tlie purple and blue tints are restricted to tlie heail and neck. The 
 wings and tail are purple. This form is abundant throughout tlie 
 New l^ngiand Slates and Canada, and ranges north to Ihulson's 
 15av 'ind west to the Great i'lains. I have seen nests of these 
 l)irds placed on the beams of barns in New IJrunswick. The 
 farmers along the St. lolm and Kenebecasis rivers erect barns on 
 the marshy islands and •• intervales " to store their hay until it can 
 be carried to the maiidand on the ice: and these barns, being un- 
 used during the l)reeding .season, otfer excellent building sites for 
 colonies of Crow lilackljirds and Swallows. The nests are fastened 
 to tlie beams with mud in much the same method as that adopted 
 by Robins. 
 
 A smaller race witli a larger tail is restricted to Florida and the 
 adjacent country and westward to the .Mississippi. It is named 
 the Fi.oKiD.x (iK.vcKLi-: (<2' ijid^cula ali^ceus) 
 
KL'>1V IJLACKl'.lKl). 
 
 119 
 
 , return 
 )ng the 
 U, as it 
 .' mar-^h 
 he note 
 sooner 
 •nd and 
 are alM) 
 ,h whii h 
 
 Mit, and 
 
 i>tinctly. 
 
 affected 
 
 ottitsht-t\ 
 
 hinn, and 
 
 Is 1)1' i-ast- 
 
 fc forms, 
 
 somewhat 
 
 ph.iscs of 
 
 liave the 
 
 nt race is 
 
 , north to 
 
 Ihc purple 
 If l)roii/.L' ; 
 ."ck. The 
 i^liout llio 
 1 1 lulson's 
 (if dirse 
 ,k. 'I'lie 
 .iriis on 
 Inlil it can 
 jcinji un- 
 sitcs for 
 fastened 
 It adopted 
 
 la and the 
 
 is named 
 
 Risrv in..\CKi;iKi). 
 
 S( oi.Ktnl'H.V.l^ I AKol.lM'S. 
 
 ClIAR. Male in siuumL-r ; glossy blatk. generally more or less feathers 
 c(lj;c(l with rctldisli hrown. Male in winter: tiic hiovvn m<ne eun.'-pic- 
 u<.u>, the lower |)arts marked with hully. Kem.iie ami yom\g : dull rusty 
 brown above, rusty and a^hv beneath. Leh'ith S"4 to ij'4 inches. 
 
 A'f^t. Fn a tree nr on the ground ; a lar^e but solid structure of twJRs 
 and vines, sometimes lemenled with mud. lined with K^iss and leaves. 
 
 /■:.Tgs. 4-7 ; Rrayish preen to pale green, thickly blotched with light 
 and d.irk brown and purple ; I.oo X 0.76. 
 
 This Species, less frecpient than the i)receding, is often 
 associated with it or with the Ri-d-win^ed Troopial or tlie 
 Cowpen liird ; and aciording to the season, they are found 
 throuifhout America, fVoin Hudson's ll.iy to l"'lorida, and wi-st- 
 ward to the Pacific Ocean. l!arly in April, according to 
 Wilson, they pass hastily throtiL,di Pennsylvania, on their 
 return to the Nortii to breed. In the month of Man h he 
 ol)Mer\ed tiiem oxi the banks of the Ohio, near K.entncky River, 
 duriiiLC a snow-storm. They arrive in the viiinity of Hudson's 
 ll.iy about the bi-iiniing of .May, and feed much in the manner 
 of the common (row Pilackbird on insects which they find on 
 or near the groimd. Dr. Richardson saw tliem in the winter 
 as far as the latitude of 55°, and in summer they range to the 
 6.Sth parallel or to the extremity of the wooded region. They 
 sing in the pairing season, but become nearly silent while 
 rearing their young ; though when their brood release them 
 from care, they again resinne their lay, and may occasionally be 
 heard until the approach of winter. Their song is (piite as 
 agreeable and musical as that of the Starling, and greatly sur- 
 passes that of any of the (Uher species. I have heard thein 
 sit'i.^ing until the middle of October. 
 
 They are said to build in trees and bushes at no great dis- 
 tance from the groimd, inaking a nest similar to the other 
 species, antl lay five eggs, of a jtale blue sjxjtted with black. 
 The young and old, now assembling in large troops, n-tire from 
 the northern regions in Sei)tember. From the beginning of 
 
 til 
 

 P 
 
 1 
 
 
 !: 
 
 t 
 
 ! 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 1 20 
 
 SINtHNd I'.IRDS. 
 
 ()(U)1rt lo the middle of Novcinbcr. ihcv are seen in tlocks 
 through the Eastern States. I )urinj; their stay in this vieiniiy 
 they assemble towards night to nnjsl in or rwuml the rced- 
 marshes of l-rcsh I'ond, near ( ainbridge. ScMiietimes they 
 select the willows by the water lor their lodging, in preference 
 to the reeds, which they give u\> to their companions the 
 Crow lilackbirds. Ivirl\' in ()cl(,)ber they feed chieily on 
 gra^)shoppers and berries, and at a later |)eriod i)ay a transient 
 visit to the corn-fields. 'I'hey p i^s the winter in the Southern 
 Slates, and, like their darker relali\es, make fimiliar visits lo 
 the barn-yard and corn-cribs. \\ ilson remarks that they are 
 easily domesticated, and in a few days become quite familiar, 
 being reconciled to any quarters while sui>plied with plenty of 
 food. 
 
 The Rusty lilackbird breeds from about the 45th jiarallel to the 
 lower fur countries. It is fairly common near the .Atlantic, but is 
 more abundant in tlie interior, and Mr. 'I'hompson rei)orts it com- 
 monlv abuiid.mt in .Manitoba. In this region it does not alwavs 
 select an alder swamp for a nesting siti-. as some authors have 
 stated. A nest discovered by my friend lianks was amid the upper 
 branches of a good si/.ed spruce on a dry hillside in .Mr. William 
 Jack's j)ark. near .St. John. 
 
 if 
 
 NORTHFRN RAVI'.N. 
 
 Corn IS CDR.xx i'kiM.ii'.\i.is. 
 
 Cn.xR. Tll.ick with l)lui.sh purple .^los.s. Length 22 to zGjA inches. 
 
 A' >.'. On a I i;if i>r in a tree ; made of stick.s c.uifuliy and compactly 
 arrans^cd, lined with .i;r.i>-. or wool, — icpaiied year after year, and thus 
 increased to c<>nsiderahle hulk. 
 
 /•'s:::s. 2-7 ; pale )livc, marked with olive-brown blotches ami streaks ; 
 2.00 X 1.40. 
 
 The sable Raven i^as been observed and described from the 
 earliesi times, and Is a resident of almost every country in the 
 world ; but is more particularly al)undant in the wi'stern than 
 the eastern parts of the rnitcd States, where it extends along 
 the Oregon to the shores of the Pacific. This ominous bird 
 
^ 
 
 NORTIIKRN i:a\ i;.\. 
 
 IJI 
 
 flocks 
 
 .-iciiuiy 
 .' rccd- 
 •.-, they 
 fcrciuc 
 )ns the 
 .'lly on 
 ansicnt 
 juthcrn 
 visits to 
 uy are 
 amiliar, 
 Icntv of 
 
 v\ to the 
 L-, but is 
 ; it com- 
 l always 
 )rs have 
 ic ui)i)(.r 
 WilUam 
 
 ichcs. 
 
 iiiipactly 
 ami thus 
 
 >iri.Mks ; 
 
 lun I no 
 , in the 
 rn than 
 Is alonj^ 
 )iis bird 
 
 has been ijenerally despised and feared by the sti|>er>titious 
 even more than the nocturnal Owl, thouL,fh he i>rowl> abroad in 
 ojun day. lie may be (unsithivd .i> lioldmu a rrlation lo the 
 birds (»f i>rey. t'etdintj; not only on carrion, but occasionally 
 seizing on weakly lambs, youni; hares or rabbil>, and scenis 
 indeed to give .i preference lo inim il food ; but at tlu' same 
 time, he i>> able to live on all kinds of fruits .mil ijrain. .is w«ll 
 as insects, earth-worms, e\en de.id lish. md in ad<lition to all, 
 i> particularly fond of eggs, so that no aniui.il >>e(.iii> mcjre truly 
 omnivorous than the K.iven. 
 
 If we take into consideration hi indiscriminnting xorn ity, 
 sombre Ii\i. ry. dix ordant, croaking ( ry, with his ignoble, wild, 
 and I'unere.il .i.>.pect, we nei-d not be surprised that in times of 
 ignor.in* e and error he should have bei-n mo generally reg.irded 
 as an object of disgtist and fear. lb- stood pre-eminent m the 
 h-<t of ^iniMter binb, or those whose onh pinnonition w.i> the 
 annoinn ing of misfortunes : ;ind. strang( to tell, there are many 
 people vet in I'.tiropr. e\en in this enlightened ,ige, who trem- 
 ble and l»eeome uni'asy at the sound of hi~. h.irmless croaking. 
 .\<("rding to Ad.iir, the Southern aboiigiiu-s abo invoke the 
 Raven for those who are sick, mimicking his voi* t- ; and th\* 
 natives of the Missouri, assuming black as tlu-ir emblem of 
 war, decorate theinselvt's on thosi- o( e.isions with the ]>lumes 
 of tins dark bird. IJut all the knowk-dge of tiie future. f)r in- 
 ten-st in destiny, possessed by the Raven, like that of other 
 inhabitants of tl;e air, is boimded by an in>tiu(ti\e ferling ol 
 the < hangi'S whic-h are abotit to happen in thi; atmospiu-n-, .uitl 
 whi( h hi- has the ftculty of annouiK ing by ceit.iin cries and 
 actions produced l>y these exterr il impr- ssions. In the south 
 ern provinces of Swiden, as I.inniuus remarks, when the sky i>. 
 serene the Raxcn llies vi-ry high and utters a hollow sound, 
 like the word tA'f/'^', whi( h is heard to a great distanci-. Some- 
 times he has been se«'n in the mi(bt of ;i thunder-storm with 
 the electri*- fire streaming fn)m tlu- exiri'inity of his bill. --a 
 natural though extraordinary ])henotnenon, sufti< lent to territy 
 the snpcistitious and to stanij) the harmless subject of il with 
 the imaginary Ir.iits and attributes of a demon. 
 
122 
 
 SIXClIN'd BIRDS. 
 
 In ancient times, when divination made a part of religion. 
 the i\avcn, though a bad projjhet, was yet a very interesting 
 bird ; tor the i)assion for prying into future events, even the 
 moM dark and sorrowful, is an original ])ropensity of human 
 nature. Accordingly, all the actions of this sombre bird, all 
 the circumstances of its flight, and all the diiTerent intonations 
 of its discordant voice, of which no less than sixty-four were 
 remarked, had each of them an appropriate signification; anl 
 there were never wanting impostors to i)rocure this pretended 
 intelligence, nor |)eople simple enough to credit it. Some 
 even went so far as to impose upon themselves, by devouring 
 the heart and entrails of the ilisgusling Kasen, in ihe strange 
 hopi' of thus ajijiropriating its supposed gift of prophecy. 
 
 The Raven indeetl not only possesses a great many natural 
 intli'ctions of voice corres|)onding to its various feelings, but it 
 has also a talent for imitating the cries of other animals, and 
 even mimicking language. According to I'.uribu, ct'/iis is a 
 word which he [)ronounces with i)eculiar facility. Connecting 
 cinumstances with his wants, Scaliger heard one, whicdi when 
 hungr\', learnt \er\' distinctly to call upon Conrad the c(jok. 
 The first of these words bears a great resemblance to one of 
 the ordinar)' cries of this species, kouui/Zii/i, ko:^<alldh. liesides 
 possessing in some measure the ficulty of imitating human 
 speech, they are at times ca[)able of manifesting a durable 
 attachment to their keeper, and become funiliar about the 
 house. 
 
 The sense of smell, or rather that of sight, is very acute in 
 the Raven, so that he discerns the carrion, on which he ot"ten 
 teeds, at a great distanc:e. ThucydideN twn attributes to him 
 the sagacity of avoiding to teed on animals which had died of 
 the i)lague. I'liny relates a singular piece of ingenuity em- 
 ployed by this bird to (piench his thirst : he had obserx'ed 
 water near the bottom of a narrow-necked vase, to obtain 
 which, he is said to ha\e thrown in pebbles, (jne at a time, 
 until the pile I'levated the water within iiis reach. Nor does 
 this trait, singular as it is, ap])ear to be much more sagacious 
 than that of i arrying uj) nuts and shell-fish into the air, and 
 
L-resliiig 
 ven the 
 
 human 
 bird, all 
 :)nations 
 ur were 
 )n ; an I 
 ctcndcil 
 Sonic 
 jvouring 
 
 strange 
 
 natural 
 
 ;s, but it 
 
 Kils, and 
 
 >/tis is a 
 
 nnccting 
 
 t;h when 
 
 10 look. 
 
 ) one ot 
 
 Iksitles 
 
 lnunan 
 
 durable 
 
 )out the 
 
 uute in 
 he often 
 s to him 
 
 died ot" 
 uity eni- 
 )bserved 
 ) obtain 
 
 a time, 
 
 [ot does 
 
 agacious 
 
 air, and 
 
 
 NUKTHERN RAVEN. 
 
 123 
 
 drojiping them on rocks, for the purpose of breaking them 
 to obtain their contents, otherwise beyond iiis reach, — faits 
 obser\ed by men of credit, and recorded as an instiiK t of the 
 Raven by I'ennant and Latham. It is, however, seldom ih.it 
 these birds, any more than the rajtacious kinds, feel an inclina- 
 tion for drinking, as their thirst is usually iiuenched by the 
 blood and juices of their prey. 'I'he Ra\ens are also more 
 social than the birds of prey, — which arises from thr itromis- 
 cuous nature and conseciuent abmulance of their food, which 
 allows a greater number to subsist together in the same pLu e, 
 without bein^ urgetl to the stern necessity of solitude or Lim- 
 ine, — a condition to which the true rapat ions binls are always 
 driven. Ihe habits of these birds are much nnjre gener.iUy 
 harmless than is usually imagined ; they are useful to the farmer 
 in the destruction they make of moles and mice, anil are often 
 ver\ well (oiuenled with insects anil earth-worms. 
 
 'I'hough spread o\er the wIkjIc world, the\' are rarely ever 
 birds of |)assage, enduring the winters e\en of tlie Arc ii( i ir( le, 
 or the warmth of Mexico. St. l)omingo, and Madagascar. 
 'Ihey are particularly attachetl to the rocky e\iies where they 
 have been breil and i)aired. 'i'hroughout the Near tluy are 
 observed together in nearly e(|ual numbers, anil they never 
 entirely abandon this adopted Ikjiih*. If they descend into 
 the plain, it is to collect s.ibsistence : b'lt they resort to the 
 low grounds more in winter than summer, as thev avoid th«.' 
 he It and dislike lo wander from their cool retreats. Tlu'v never 
 rco^l m the woods, like (rows, and li.ive suMk ient sagaciiv to 
 choose in their nx ky retreats a situation det'i-nded Irom the 
 winds of the north. — commonly under the natural vault toriiud 
 b\ an extending ledge or cavity of the rock. Here they retire 
 during the i^.ight in companies of 15 to 20. They perch upon 
 the bushes which grow straggling in the clefts of tlu' rocks ; 
 but tliey form their nests in the rock)- crevices, or in the 
 holes of tin- moul('ering walls, at the summits of ruined towers ; 
 and sometimes upon the high bran* hes of large and solitary 
 trees. After they have paired, their fidelity ap])ears to continue 
 through life. The male expresses his attachment by a particu- 
 
124 
 
 SrXCJNC. I'.IRDS. 
 
 If 
 
 II' 
 
 !ar ^;r;lin m' cio.ikiiiu. .iml both si'\r> arc ohst-rvcd c.irL'^siUL;. by 
 aj)|tr();t(hiiiii ilu'ir l)ill>, with ;is iiiiK h >riiibl.inrr ol aiiciiion as 
 tlu' tnu'^t lurllf-(l()\cs. Ill kuipriMU- cliin.Uo ihr K.ism bc- 
 gin^ It) i.iv 111 tlK' inoiillis i.t" I'lbniuv or M,ir< h. 'Ilir (.j^u^ arc 
 5 wr (I. of a [jalc, iiiiiilil\' bltii.->li ,uri-iii, marked wilh liumrroiis 
 s|i(il> ami lilies of il.irk olise brouii. Slu- ^iis about 20 days, 
 and diiriui; tlii-> liiiu- liie iiiale lakes care to proNJde lier with 
 abiindaiK e ol" noiirisluneiit. Indeed, from llie <|uainilv or.main, 
 null, and tViiils which iia\e been found at thiN time in the envi- 
 rons of the nest, tlii-> Mijiiilv would a|i|iear to be a store laid up 
 for future occasions. \\ hati-N^r ma\ lie their l"orethou,Lrht re- 
 j^ardinLi food, tlie\ lia\'e a wi'll known |ir' i|irn>ity i'- hiile things 
 uhirh ( onu' within their re it h. thoiiLih usele>s to tlieinseKes, 
 aiitl .ippear tti L;i\t.' a pn fereiit a- to pieta^ ol metal, or aiiy- 
 thiii,U whit h ha-> a brihiaiit appearaiK e. At jalnrt. oik' * f 
 these biitis li itl the patient e tt) t arr\ antl liiile, t)ne by tmc, 
 iindiT a ^tone in the L,'artien, a i|uantity tif .>,mall pieces of 
 nioiuN', wiiiili amounted, when discovcreil. to 5 tir (> llorins ; 
 aiiil there are few countries which cannot aliord similar iii-.taii- 
 ces of their iloiiiestic tlielN. 
 
 ( )f the perse\i'ra!ice ol the l\.a\en in the act of iiit iibatriai, 
 Mr. \\ liiti- has relaictl tlu follow inn remarkable ane(tl»)te : in 
 the centre t)f a uitivc near SelboriU' tlu're stooil a tall i;id 
 shapeli-ss oak which bnliieti < tii into ; 1 arue e\t rest laice lu-ar 
 the miildle of the sleia. ( >ii thi- lave a pair of l\a\ens hat! 
 fixed their re^ithait c for - 1 h a scrie.. .)f years that the oak 
 was distin-iuished bv the title tif ''The Ravi'ii Tree." Many 
 were the aMempt> tif the lua^hborm.u ymith-^ to ,L,^i at this nest. 
 'I'he tlillicultv wliettt ti their inclinatitiiis, ami each was .inibi- 
 tioiis tif at I taiipli>liinu the arduous task ; but when they arri\< d 
 at the swa'lliiU!, it jntteil out so in their w.i\. aiitl was so lar 
 bevoml their },Masp, that the bolili-st lads were ilelerred, ami 
 at kiiowleilm'tl the limit rtikiiiL;' to be too ha/arilous. 'i'hns the 
 iia\ii.s I oiitinuetl to buiM. aiitl rear their vtiuiiL; in set iirily, 
 until the fatal tlav tin whit h the W(n)t| was tti be levelleil. 
 'l'hi^ wa in the month of l'ibruar\, when these birds usually 
 beL'iii to >it. ll'.e r^aw was applii'tl it) the inmk, the wt-ti^es 
 
.\()i;i iii:r\ uv\i:v. 
 
 i-\> 
 
 
 were driven, the woods ft limd to the liea'.v blows of the hfi-tle 
 or lii.ilii't. and thr Ww middid to ili tall ; hul >till ihe de\ote<l 
 l\a\fn M It oil. At la^t, wluii it L;ivt.' w.i\. -.he wa.^ ihinj,' iVnm 
 her an( lent r\r\ ; and a \ittiiii !<• jiireiital att'r( tion, wa-, 
 whippiii down by the lwig>, .md lirt>ughi lil».li-.-.s to liic 
 j^roinid. 
 
 'I'lu- voiiiil;, at \n>\. more wink- than l)lai k. arc I'l d 1>\' l«itid 
 |)ri\ i')ii>l\ pripirrd in ilu' • raw ol the ninthfr ami ilu-n di-. 
 goriii'd by the bill, nearly iii die uiamu'r ni I'luion^. i hr nialc 
 at this time, doubly vi,L,'ii int and indii>liit»u>, ni>t i>nl\ |»rii\idis 
 for. but defends his lainilN Ni.noroii^ly hom i\ir\ h<i>tile ail.n k, 
 and shows a i)artinilar iinnity to the Kite win n he ap])*' ii> in 
 his neiijhborhotxl, po'iiK inj; tipun him and sinking; with Ium 
 bill until sonu'times both antaijonists diMend to tlu- ,nrv>und. 
 'J'he youn-,' are lont( and ailit lioiiati-Iy 1"' d by the paniil> ; and 
 though they soon lea\f tin- ii(-.i, lluy ninain pi i< liiiiL' on liie 
 neii:hborin|4 rocks, yt-t unablr to makr an\ t\ti iimw iIil;!!'.. ;:nd 
 pass the time in continual < omiilainini,' crie> till the approach 
 ot the parent with too<l, wlu-n tlnir note chanm>. into ./(/<■••, 
 traii.'. c/ii'o. Now and tin n a> tluv i:.nn strcnu'th ihev make 
 efforts to tlv, and then return to their n)( k\' roo>,t. About 15 
 days .ifter leavin.:.; the not. tlu\- become bo well pnparid for 
 lliuht as to a(«t>inpany the parent-, out on their e.\( ursioiis from 
 morning to nigh' ; ami it is amusing to wat( h the progress of 
 this affectionate a>so( i iti on, the nouiil; continuing the whole 
 sinnnu-r to go out with ilir old in tlie morning, and as regularlv 
 return with tiuau again in die e\cning. so tint howcsi r u-- m.iv 
 despise the appelue of the K,i\i n, wr c.inm»t 1 :t admire the 
 instincti\e morality of his n aiure. 
 
 lake birds of prev, the R neiis rejert from tb.e •,tonvch, by 
 the bill, the hard and indigestible parts ..f tlu ir foo.l. a- the 
 stones of fruit and tlie bones of Miiall ri-,h. whirli the\ xune- 
 tiines cat. 
 
 The .Vortluru Raven has been separated lately trnm t!ie 
 '•. Mexican " race (for whieli latter the name ot •.iniiiitin has been 
 retained I : and the di^trilnitinii ot the .\le.\ie.in bird is given 
 a.s from tiie Koeky .Mount.iiiis westward. 1 he iiortiurn form 
 
i t 
 
 ?t 
 
 ma 
 
 126 
 
 SIM.INHi niRDS. 
 
 occurs thmuG^hout C.inada iiottli to the Arctic Ocean and west to 
 the I'acitic. 
 
 ()£ late years the Raven has ahnost forsaken the New Knuhmd 
 shores, tlioui^h it is still nunierous iiroinul tiie l'>av of i'lnidy. and 
 occurs locally in small numbers alouLJ the coast (if tlu- Atlantic to 
 .\<irth (-'arolina. In the west it ran;,a's south to northern .Miihi^an 
 and r>ritish C"oluml)ia. It is more aliundantto the westward of the 
 Mississipi)! th in in the Eastern States. 
 
 
 CROW. 
 
 COKVIS AMI.kHAN'US. 
 
 Char, llhick, witli gloss of piuple tinge. Length 17 to 21 inches. 
 AVjA In .1 tree ; ni;ule of sULk> and twigs, liiieil with grass and leaves 
 £^%''S. 4-6; ^ea-green to dull olisc, blotched with hidw 11 ; l.~o a. 1.20. 
 
 'I'lic Crow, like the Kawii. which it .greatly resciiihlos, is a 
 dcni/.i'ii (d" nearly the whole world. It is louml c\cii in \iw 
 Holland and the I'liilippine Ulands. but is rare in Sweden, 
 where tne Raven abounds. It is also (ouimon in Siberia, ami 
 pleiuilnl in the Arctic de>erts Ix'yoiid the Lena. 
 
 The n.itive ('row i-i a coiistaiu mul trotdjlesomclv abundant 
 resident in most of the settled districts of North Aiui-rica, 
 as well as an itih.ibitaiil 'd the \\\"stcrn wilds throui^hont 
 the !<()( ky Mountains, to ihe banks ol' tin- ( )re,uon and the 
 shores of tlu- I'acitic. These birds only retire into the forests 
 in the breeding s. i-on, whi(di lasts fr"ni Manh to Mav. At 
 this time ih;v are disper-cd tlirouudi the wood^ in pairs, and 
 roost in the ni'i,Lrhborli( >od of the soot which the\ha\e selected 
 for their ne^t : .iml the (oniuiial union, once fonned. continues 
 for life. The',' are now wvy noisw and \ii,dlant at^ainst any 
 intrnsi. p >n di ■!. purjjose, and at times .ijipi-ar influenced by 
 mutti d iealousy, ''Mt neviT j)roceed to any violence. The 
 tree they select 's u'nerally lofty, and piefert-nce seems olten 
 LMven to some d id. .ind conce.ilin^ evert,'reen. 'Ihe nest is 
 fonned extern. dly of small twii^s coarsely interlaced together, 
 plastered ami ; latted with t.irth, nwss and long horse hair. 
 
CKUW. 
 
 \2: 
 
 \ 
 
 and thickly ainl carffnlly liiu-d with large (luantitifs of tin- la>t 
 iiiattri.il, \v(»)l, or the finest I'lbres o{' roots, so as to Ibnn a very 
 comfortahle bed lor the hel|)les-> and naked \ounj;. 
 
 The male at this season is exlrenielv uai< htiil. reconnoitring; 
 the neinhborhotxl, and givini; an alarm as any i»erson ha|>]nn-> 
 to approach towards their ne^i, when both retire to a di^tance 
 till the intruder disappears ; and in order the l)i'tler to (onciMJ 
 their brood, they remain uncommonly silent until these are in 
 a situation to follow them on tin- wing. The mile aKo carries 
 food to his mate while confme<l to hi r eggs, and at times 
 relieves her by sitting in lu-r ab>en( e. In I'.uropr, when thi' 
 Ka\'en, the Mu//.ard, or the Kestrel makes hi^ ippianiKH'. tlu' 
 |)air join instantly in the attack, and sometime^, b\ dinl ot' furi- 
 ous blows, destroy tlu-ir iiiemv : vrt tlu' liul( lur Uird, more 
 alert and courageous, not only n si-t-^, but often \:ini(ui>hes 
 the Crows and carries olf their voiing. I. ike the K,i\ens. 
 endued with an umestrained aixl natural alfec lion. lhe\ ( on- 
 tinue the whole suc<ei-ding sununer to suc( or and a( coiuiiain 
 their offspring in all their und'-rtakiugs and e\t uisious. 
 
 I'he Crow is ei|uallv omni\orous with the I-', inch : insi'cis. 
 worms, carrion. Ildi. grain, fruits, and in >hon e\ervlhiug 
 digestilile b\' an\' or all the birds in e\isteu( f, bi-ing alike 
 a«( cptable to this gormandizmg animal. Its (k'Ntru( lion oi 
 bird-iggs is also \frv considerable. In I'.urojie ( 'row-> are olt". n 
 di'ti'cled feeding t'leir xoracious young with tii<- pre( ioun eggs 
 of the Partridge, which the\- \er\' sagaiiou^ly loincx b\ care 
 Inllv piercing and sti( king tliein lAperily on ilu- bill. The\ 
 also know how to break nuts ami shell fish by dropping them 
 from a grc-at height ttpon the rot ks below. They \isit e\en tlu 
 snares and devour the birds which they tlnd c.nighi, attacking 
 tlu- weak i^n^l v.'ouniled game, 'i'hi'y aUo >ometinu's seize on 
 voung chickens and I )ucks, and have c\i'n Ikt'! ob.->tT\i'd to 
 poiiuta.' upon Pigeons in ihe manner (jf Hawks, aiul wiih .limost 
 eijual success. So fmuliar atid audacious are they in sonu' 
 jx'.rls of the Levant that they will frei|ueut the courts of houses, 
 aiul, like I larpii's. alight boldlv on the dishes, as the sirvants are 
 conveving in the dinner, and ( arrv olf the meat, if not driven 
 
 I 
 I 
 
fl 
 
 uS 
 
 SlNl.l.NC. 1JIK1». 
 
 M 
 
 away by blows. In luni. however, the Crow finds cncinit's too 
 powerful lor liiiii lo (.oii(|uer, >iu h as the Kile and lia^Me ( )wl, 
 who ()( ( j.iionally make a meal of tliix arrion bird, — a Norat ious 
 |jro|) ii-^itv whi< h liie \'irL(inian Owl also sonielimes exhibits 
 towar U the same species. Wherever the Crow appears, the 
 smaller birds t ike the alarm, and vent upon him tluir just 
 suspicions and rr|)roa(hes. l!ut U i> t)nly liie redoiiblajili' 
 Kinn l>iril who has ( oura^e for the att.ick, beji;inning the oii>el 
 1)\ pur^uin,!^ and diein.L; on lii-> lii< k from above, and haras- 
 sin- tile phnidrrer with -.lu h violence that he is generally glad 
 to get out of the way and f )rego his piratical visit . in short, a 
 single pair of these courageous and (jnarrelsonu- birds are sul- 
 licicnt to clear the ("rows from an e.\tensive corntiild. 
 
 'ihe most serious mischief of wiiich the C!row is guilty 
 is that of pillaging the mai/e-tleid. He commences al the 
 planting-time bv [lickiug up .ml rooting out the sprouting 
 grain, and ui the autumn, when it be( omes rii)e, wlujle llo( ks, 
 now assi mbled at tin ir roosting- places, blacken the neighboring 
 fu Ids as soon as ihi-y get into motion, and do exti-iisive dam- 
 age at every visU. from thr excesMve numbers who now rush to 
 the inviting feast. 
 
 'Their rendezvous or roosting-]»laces are the resort in au- 
 tmnn of all the Crows and their fimilies for many miles round. 
 'I'he blackening silent train continues to arrive for mon than 
 an liour before sunset, and some still straggle on until dark. 
 They nc\er arri\e in denst- lUxks, but always in lonu lines, 
 each tailing into the liie as he -.ees opportunitv. 'rhi> gregarious 
 inclination is common to manv binis in thi' autumn which 
 a^.-iociate only in pairs in the summer. The forests and gro\'es, 
 strii)ped of their agrt'cable and protecting \erdure. see -' no 
 longer safe and pleasant to the feathered nations. I'.xposed to 
 the birds of jjiev, which daily augment in numbers; pi-netrated 
 by the chilling blasts, which sweep without control through the 
 naked branches, - the birds, now inii)elled by an overruling 
 instinct, seek in coiigregated numbers some general, safer, and 
 more commodious retreat. Islands of reeds, dark and solitary 
 thickets, and neglecteil swanips, are the situations chosen for 
 
 
 f 
 
 I 
 f 
 
\1 
 
 ckuw. 
 
 129 
 
 11 au- 
 )iin<l. 
 ihin 
 (lark, 
 lines, 
 irious 
 vhich 
 
 ' no 
 rd 10 
 lalrd 
 th the 
 rulinL; 
 . and 
 )liiary 
 n t\)r 
 
 their general (liurnal retreats and roosts. Swallows, IJlackbirds, 
 ki« c liiriis, and (rows stem always to prctV*- the low shelter of 
 rce<l-iliit>. ( )ii the Kiwr I )clawarc, it) iVnnsylvania. there are 
 two of these remarkable C'nnv roosts. The (iiic ineiitionnj liy 
 ^\ ilsun is an island luar Newcastle called the iVa-l'atch, — a 
 low, llal, alluvial spot, jii^t elevated alM>ve hijrh-water mark, 
 and thickly covered with reeils, on which the C rows alight 
 and lake >heller l\jr tin nii^hi. Whether thi> nK»>t he now 
 «x< upied l)y these birds or not, [ < annot j>retend to say : but in 
 l»e<cniber, 1SJ9, 1 hul occasion to ob;ier\e their arriN.il on 
 kvcdy island, just above the commencement of the bay of that 
 ri\ir, in va>t numbers, and as the wind wafted any beatini; 
 %-csiM.'l lowanls the shore, they rose in a cloud and filleil the 
 air whh clamor. hnUed, tluir vigilant and restless iincing 
 continued till alter dark. 
 
 Creatures ol mere instinct, they foresee no |H:rils beyond 
 their actual \ ision ; ami thus, when they least e\i»e< t it, are 
 •sometimes swej)! aw;iy by an imexi)e( ted destniction. .Some 
 years ag<», during the pre\alen( e of a sudilen and violent north- 
 east storm .u( ompanied b\ heavy rains, the I'ea-I'atch Island 
 was wholly inundated in tin- night ; and the unfortunate (rows, 
 <!<<rm:int and bewildered, made no attempt> to estape, and 
 were drowned b\ thousands, so that their Ixxlies bla<kened the 
 shores the following da\ for several miles in extent. 
 
 'ITie (rows, like manv other l)ird->. lK'«-ome injurious ;ind 
 f jmudable only in the gregarious season. At other times they 
 live so scattered, and ire so shy and «iutious, that they are 
 *.— ' Idnm seen. Hut their armies, like all other great ami 
 ■ •• ). assemblies. h,i\e the power, in limit«-d districts, of 
 . ng \er)' sensible mischief to tlu- agritailiural interests of the 
 c<;3nmunity ; and in C()nsi-(|uenci', the poor Crows, notwith- 
 st..'inding their olnioiis ser\ i( i-s in the destmrtion of a vast host 
 of insects and their larvne, are proscribed as felons in all < ivil- 
 ize«i cotmtries. and, with the wol\(>, panthers, and fijxes, a 
 price is put ujxm their heads. In ( onse(|uence, various means 
 of ensnaring the outlaws have been had recourse to. Of the 
 gwn they are very cautious, and suspect its appearance at the 
 
 %'4JI_ I. — 9 
 
 1 
 
 I ' 
 
 H 
 
ill 
 
 130 
 
 siN(;iN(; iiiKUs. 
 
 il 
 
 if 
 
 III" 
 
 first glanrc, porrrivinp with ready saj^arity the wily manner of 
 the lowk-r. S<) fearliil ami suspicious are thi-y of huuian arii' 
 flees th.ii a mere hue stretched round a field is olun found 
 sufficient to deter these wily birds from a visit to the cornlkld. 
 Aj,Minst poison they are not so guarded, and sometimes corn 
 stee|)ed ui hellebore is given them, which creates giddiness? 
 ami death. 
 
 Another curious method is that of pinning a live Crow to the 
 ground by the v/ings. stretcheti oul on his back, and retained 
 in this po>ture by two sharp, forked sticks. In this situation, 
 his loud cries attract other (rows, who conn- sweeping down 
 to tlu- prostrate |)risoner, and are grappled in his claws. In 
 this way eat h successive prisoner may be made the innocent 
 means of capturing his companion. 'I'he reeds in which they 
 roost, when dry enough, are sometimes set on fire also to pro- 
 cure their destruction ; and to add to the fatality produced by 
 the (lames, gunners are also stationed round to destroy those 
 that attemjjt to escape by (light. In severe winters tluy suffer 
 occasionally Iroiu famine and cold, and (all soiiuliiues dead 
 in the fields. .According to Wilson, in one of tlu'se severe 
 seasons, more than 600 (rows wert- shot on the carcase of a 
 (lead horse, which was plated at a p:t)))'T shooting tlistancc 
 frtjin a stable. The premiums obtainetl fjr these, ami the price 
 ])rocuretl ("or tlu- (juills, prtxlnt ttl to the farmer nearly the value 
 of the horse when living, besides alCording feathers sufficient to 
 fill a betl. 
 
 file (row is easily raisetl and domesticated, and soon learns 
 to distinguish the tlifferent members of the family with which 
 he is associateil. lie screams at the approach of a stranger ; 
 learns to open the tjoor bv alighting on the latch ; atti'iitls 
 regularly at meal times ; is very nt)isy anil ItHiuacious ; imitates 
 the sounds of varit)ns wt)rils which he hears ; is very thievish, 
 given to hiding curiosities in ht)les and cievices, and Is very 
 ftjud of ( arrying o('f pietH's t)f metal, corn, bread, antl focjtl of 
 all kinils ; he is also particularly attached to the society of his 
 master, and recollects him sometimes after a long absence. 
 
 It is ct)mnionly believed and assertetl in some parts of this 
 
 
f 
 
 FISH CROW. 
 
 lU 
 
 ner of 
 \ arti' 
 found 
 ntkUl. 
 s corn 
 ,ilincs? 
 
 to the 
 •taincd 
 ualion, 
 ; down 
 ks. In 
 inoci-nl 
 ( h they 
 to pro- 
 le 1(1 by 
 •y those 
 L'y suffer 
 L's dead 
 ,' severe 
 ase of a 
 
 listance 
 
 u' price 
 Ihe vahie 
 
 t icut to 
 
 In learns 
 111 \vlii<h 
 [rani^er ; 
 attends 
 lunitates 
 jhievish, 
 is very 
 food of 
 of his 
 lire, 
 of this 
 
 »! 
 
 cotnitry that the Crows enga^'e at tiine> in general (onihat; 
 but it has never biin asi ertained whether this hostility arises 
 from civil dis<:ord, or the opposition of A\'<' different >pi< ies 
 ( oiitistin.u for M)nu' exclusive privile^'e of sub^i^tinji,' j^rounil. 
 It IS Will known that Kook> ofiiii « oiiund with iMch otiier, 
 and drivi' awav by exery persi-cuting means indivulu;ils wIhj 
 arrive among them from any oilur rookery. 
 
 Noli:. Till' i"i (>Kiii\ Ckow (('.i///.'i>/itifN/\y/('ri(/<r/iNs)i\'\t(i'rs 
 frniii truf tiiintitiiiius in Ii.uiiii; tin- win^s .lud t.iil .shorter, aiul the 
 l)ill and fict lais^^or. It is nstrii led to southern i'lorida. 
 
 I'lSII CROW. 
 CoRvus ossn K.v(;us. 
 
 Char. Rlack glossed witli >tcell)lue. Lcnytli 15 to 17)^ inclics. 
 A'l'st, (Jn a trt'c ; of >tiiks ,iiul l\vi,L;s liinily l.iid, liiud svitli li:ivc>. 
 /T^'i.'j. 5-7 ; sca-grecu or olive, Ijlo'.chcd uiul spolteil with brown ; 
 1.50 X 1.05. 
 
 Wil^ion was the first to observe the distiiu live traits of this 
 smaller and jiec uliar American species of Crow along the sea- 
 coast of ( leorj^ia. It in met with a>. fir nortii as the coast of 
 New Jersey; and although we did not m'c it in the western 
 interior of tiie continent, it is common on tlu' banks of the 
 Oregon, where it was nesting in the month of April. It 
 keeps apart from the common s])ecies, and instead of assem- 
 bling to roost among the reeds at night, ri'tires, towards 
 evening, from the shores which afford it a subsistence, and 
 perches in the neighboring woods. It> notes, probably various, 
 are at times hoarse and guttural, at oilurs weaker and higher. 
 These Crows i)ass most of their time ni'ar rivers, hovering over 
 the stream to catch up ^\vm\ and ])erhaps living fish, or other 
 animal matters which lloat wiiliin liuir reach ; at thesi- they 
 dive with considerabU' celerity, and seizing them in their claws, 
 convey tiii'in to an adjoining tree, and devour the fruits of 
 their predatory indu.stry at leisure. They also snatch uj) water- 
 
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IMAGE EVALUATION 
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 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 lizanls in the same manner, and feed upon small crabs; at 
 times they are seen even co.'itending with the Oulls for their 
 prey. It is amusing to see with what steady watchfulness they 
 hover over the water in search of their precarious food, having, 
 in fact, all the traits of the (lull ; but they subsist more on 
 accidental supplies than by any regular system of fishing. On 
 laud they have sometimes all the familiarity of the Magpie, 
 hopping upon tlie backs of cattle, in whose company they no 
 doubt occasionally meet with a supply of insects when other 
 sources fail. Thev are also regular in their attendance on the 
 fishermen of New Jersey for the purpose of gleaning up the 
 refuse of the fish. They are less shy and suspicious than 
 the common Crow, and showing no inclination for plundering 
 the cornfields, are rather friends than enemies to the f^irmer. 
 They appear near Philadelphia from the middle of March to 
 the beginning of June, during the season of the shad and herring 
 fishery. 
 
 The habitat now accorded to this species is '"the Atlantic and 
 Gulf States north to Long Island and west to Louisiana.'' It 
 probably occurs occasionally along the Connecticut shore, and may 
 straggle into .\hissacluisi tls ; though .Mr. .Allen has omitted it from 
 his list. 
 
 (;)n the Pacific coast it is replaced by C. caurinus. 
 
 All Crows are more or less fish-eaters, and in some localities fish 
 forms their staple diet. On the shores of Cape Breton, near the 
 coal districts, the fish-eating Crows are separated by the natives 
 from the common sort. It is saiil that the flight and voice of these 
 birds can be readily distinsiuished. Some inincrs working at 
 Lepreaux. in Xew Prunswick, who were familiar with the fish- 
 eating Cr.)\\s of Cape Preton, drew my attention to a flock of 
 aiiixarentl) .^mall and peculiar-voiced Crows gleaning along the 
 shores : but though easily trapped by a fish bait, they proved to 
 be nothin<r more than rather small common Crows. 
 
 Note. — The American- M.vgpie {Pica pica /ludsonicd) is a 
 Western and Northwestern bird, and occurs as a straggler only 
 east of the Mississippi. It has been taken in Michigan, northern. 
 Illinois, and western Ontario ; also at Chambly. near Montreal. 
 
 i 
 
:>#-T 
 
 lbs; at 
 )r their 
 ;ss they 
 having, 
 11 (J re on 
 g. On 
 Magpie% 
 they no 
 n other 
 J on the 
 ; up the 
 lus than 
 nitlering 
 farmer, 
 larch to 
 I herring 
 
 antic and 
 
 ma."' It 
 
 and may 
 
 d it from 
 
 ihtics fish 
 near the 
 c natives 
 of tliese 
 rkini;; at 
 the fish- 
 flock of 
 long the 
 iroved to 
 
 \'ca) is a 
 ^ler only 
 Inorthem 
 treal. 
 
 
 
 T=?^^ 
 
 •T J . ' **^!/ ;^;*^ »v>--i -tf.*,- ~ ^=55^ _-= - 
 
 BLUE JAY. 
 
 CvAXDcrnA crisiata. 
 
 CllAR. Above, purplish blue; below, pale piiriiHsh srav, lighter on 
 throat and tail-coverts ; wings and tail bright blue barred with black ; wing- 
 coverts, secondaries, and most of tail-feathers brnadlv tipi^ed with white. 
 Head conspicuously crested ; tail wcdgc->hai)ed. Length ii to 12^ inches. 
 
 N'cst. In a small conifer, about 20 feet from the ground, situated in 
 deep forest or near a settlement ; roughly but firmly constructed of twigs 
 and roots, and lined with tine roots. 
 
 E'^c^s. 4-5; pale olive or buff, spotted with yellowish brown; i 10 
 X 0,85. 
 
 This elegant and common species is met with in the interior, 
 from the remote northwestern regions near Peace River, in the 
 54th to the 56th degree, I.ake Winnipeg in the 49th degree, 
 the eastern steppes of the Rocky Mountains, and southwest- 
 ward to the banks of the Arkansas ; also along the Atlantic 
 regions from the confines of Xewfinmilland to the peninsula of 
 Florida and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 H 
 
1 1 
 
 134 
 
 SIXGINC; IIIRDS. 
 
 «ii 
 
 lit 
 
 Ill' i 
 
 The Blue Jay is a constant inhabitant both of the wooded 
 wilderness and the vicinity of the settled farm, though more 
 faniiHar at the approach of winter and early in spring than at 
 any other season. These wanderings or limited migrations are 
 induced by necessity alone ; his hoards of grain, nuts, and 
 acorns either have failed or are forgotten : for, like other 
 misers, he is more assiduous to amass than to expend or en- 
 joy his stores, and the fruits of his labors very frequently either 
 devolve to the rats or squirrels, or accidentally assist in the 
 replanting of the forest. His visits at this time are not un- 
 fre(|nent in the garden and orchard, and his usual petulant 
 address of (//'dr, Jay. Jay, and other harsh and trumpeting 
 articulations, soon make his retreat known to all in his neigh- 
 borhood. So habitual is this sentinel cry of alarm, and so ex- 
 pressive, that all the birds within call, as well as other wild 
 animals, are instantly on the alert, so that the fowler and 
 hunter become generally disappointed of their game by this 
 his garrulous and noisy propensity ; he is therefore, for his 
 petulance, frequently killed without pity or profit, as his tlesh, 
 thougli eaten, has but little to recommend it. His more com- 
 plaisant notes, when undisturbed, though guttural and echoing, 
 are by no means uni)leasant, and fall in harmoniously with the 
 cadence of the feathered choristers arountl him, so as to form 
 a finishing part to the general music of the grove. His ac- 
 cents of blandishment, when influenced by the softer passions, 
 are low and musical, so as to be scarcely heard beyond the 
 thick branches where he sits concealed ; but as soon as dis- 
 covered he bursts out into notes of rage and reproach, accom- 
 panying his voice by jerks and actions of temerity and defiance. 
 Tndeed the Jay of Europe, with whom our beau agrees entirely 
 in habits, is so irascible and violent in '-""s movements as some- 
 times to strangle himself in the narrow fork of a branch from 
 which he has been found suspended. Like the European spe- 
 cies, he also exhibits a great antipathy to the Owl, and by his 
 loud and savage vociferation soon brings together a noisy troop 
 of all the busy birds in the neighborhood. To chis garrulous 
 attack the night wanderer has no reply but a threatening stare 
 
BLUE JAV. 
 
 135 
 
 [is ac- 
 issions, 
 bid the 
 las dis- 
 bccom- 
 ; fiance, 
 nitirely 
 some- 
 [h from 
 111 spe- 
 by his 
 ly troop 
 Irrulous 
 Ig stare 
 
 
 of indifiference ; and as soon as opportunity offers, he quietly 
 slips from his slandering company. Advantage in some coun- 
 tries is taken of this dislike for the purpose of catching birds ; 
 thus the Owl, being let out of a box, sometimes makes a hoot, 
 which instantly assembles a motley group, who are then caught 
 by liming the neighboring twigs on which they perch. In this 
 gossip the Jay and Crow are always sure to take j)art if within 
 sight or hearing of the ra//, and are thus caught or destroyed 
 at will. The common Jay is even fond of imitating the harsh 
 voice of the Owl and the noisy Kestrel. 1 have also heard the 
 Blue Jay mock with a taunting accent the Xv' co, /•<■ 00, or quail- 
 ing, of the Red-shouldered Hawk. Wilson likewise heard him 
 take singular satisfliction in teasing and mocking the little 
 American Sparrow Hawk, and imposing upon him by the pre- 
 tended i)laints of a wounded bird ; in which frolic several would 
 appear to join, until their sport sometimes ended in sudden 
 consternation, by the Hawk, justly enough, pouncing on one of 
 them as his legitimate and devoted prey. 
 
 His talent for mimicry when domesticated is likewise so far 
 capable of improvement as to enable him to imitate human 
 speech, articulating words with some distinctness ; and on 
 hearing voices, like a Parrot, he would endeavor to contribute 
 his important share to the tumult. Bewick remarks of the 
 common Jay of Europe that he heard one so exactly counter- 
 feit the actio. :)f a saw that, though on a Sunday, he could 
 scarcely be persuaded but that some carpenter was at work. 
 Another, unfortunately, rendered himself a serious nuisance by 
 learning to houuvl a cur dog upon the domestic cattle, whistling 
 and calling him by name, so that at length a serious accident 
 occurring in consequence, the poor Jay was proscribed. 
 
 One which I have seen in a state of domestication behaved 
 with all the quietness and modest humility of Wilson's caged 
 bird with a petulant companion. He seldom used his voice, 
 came in to lodge in the house at. night in any comer where he 
 was little observed, but unfortunately perished by an accident 
 before the completion of his education. 
 
 The favorite food of this species is chestnuts, acorns, and 
 
 'I 
 
 1^ 
 
 . n 
 
 m 
 
;i' 
 
 ■ I f 
 
 \ i 
 
 I 
 
 136 
 
 SL\GL\(] niKDS. 
 
 Indian corn or maize, the latter of which he breaks before 
 swallowinLf. He also feeds occasionally on the larger insects 
 and caterpillars, as well as orchard fruits, particularly cherries, 
 and does not even refuse the humble fare of jjotatoes. In 
 times of scarcity he falls upon carrion, and has been knou n to 
 \enture into the barn, through accidental openings ; when, as 
 if sensible of the danger of purloining, he is active and siKiit, 
 and if surprised, postponing his garrulity, he retreats with 
 noiseless precijjitation and with all the cowardice of a tliief. 
 The wor>t trait of his appetite, however, is his relish for the 
 eggs of utiier birds, in quest of vdiich he may frequently be 
 seen prowling ; and with a savage cruelty he sometimes also 
 devours the callow young, spreading the i)laint of sorrow and 
 alarm wherever he Hits. The whole neighboring coip.munity 
 of little birds, assembled at the cry of distress, sometimes, how- 
 ever, succeed m driving off the ruthless plunderer, who, not 
 always content with the young, has been seen to attack the old, 
 though with dubious success ; but to the gallant and (juarrel- 
 some King Ilird he submits like a cowartl, and dri\en to seek 
 shelter, even on the ground, from the repeated blows of his 
 antagonist, sneaks off well contented to save his life. 
 
 Although a few of these birds are seen with us nearly through 
 the winter, numbers, no doubt, make predatory excursions to 
 milder regions, so that they appear somewhat abundant at this 
 season in the Southern States ; yet they are known to rear their 
 young from Canada to South Carolina, so that their migrations 
 may be nothing more than journeys from the highlands 
 towards the warmer and more productive sea-coast, or eastern 
 frontier. 
 
 East of the Mississippi the Blue Jay has been rarely seen nortli 
 of the 50th parallel. 
 
 XoTE. — A smaller race, which differs also from true cristata in 
 having less white on the tips of the secondaries and tail-feathers, 
 has been named the Flokioa Blue Jay {C. cristata Jlorincola). 
 It is found in Florida and along tin.' (ailf coast. 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
i 
 
 FLORIDA JAV 
 
 l^ 
 
 :>/ 
 
 north 
 
 \/a/a ill 
 lathers, 
 
 i 
 
 FLORIDA JAV. 
 
 ApHKLOCOMA FLORII )AN'.\. 
 
 Char. Above, dull azure blue; back with patch of brownish gray ; 
 throat and chest grayish white strcalvcd with ashy: belly, brownish gray. 
 No crest i tail longer than wing. Length lo'^ to 12^2 inches. 
 
 iVf'.f/. In low tree or thicket of bushes ; made of twigs and roots, lined 
 with fine roots and moss. 
 
 AVc-r- 4-5; P^lc green or bkiisli gray, spotted with rufous and black; 
 i.:o X oSo. 
 
 'I'his elegant species is, as far as yet knuwn, almost wholly 
 confined to the interior of the mild ]KMiinsula of luist Florida. 
 In a tonr through the lower parts of (ieorgia and West FIori<la, 
 ])rc)tr;u:teil to the middle of March, I saw none of these birls; 
 and at the approach of winter the\' c\en retire to the south 
 of St. Augnsiiiie, as Mr. Ord did not meet with them until 
 about the middle of February ; from that tinu-, however, they 
 were seen d'-'y, Hying low and hopping through the luxuriant 
 thickets, or peei)ing from the dark branches of the live-oaks 
 which adorn the outlet of the St. Juan. These birds appear 
 to possess the u-^ual propensities of their tribe, being quarrel- 
 some, active, and garrulous. Their voice is less harsh than 
 that of the common IJlue Jay, and they have a variety of notes, 
 some of which, probably imitations, are said to have a resem- 
 blance to the song of the Thrush and the call of the common 
 Jay. 
 
 Only a single brood is raised in the season. Its food is ven* 
 similar to that of the other species ; namely, berries, fruts, 
 mast, and insects. It likewise collects snails from the marshy 
 grounds, feeds largely on the seeds of the sword-palmetto : 
 and, in the manner of the Titmouse, it secures its food be- 
 tween its feet, and breaks it into pieces previous to swalhjwing. 
 Like other species of the genus, it destroys the eggs and young 
 of small birds, despatching the latter by repeated blows on the 
 head. It is also easily reconciled to the cage, and feeds on 
 fresh or dried fruits and various kinds of nuts. Its attempts at 
 mimicry in this state are very imperfect. 
 
 i; 
 
 m 
 
 ^1 
 
I 
 
 CANADA JAY. 
 
 WHISKEY JACK. MOOSE BIRD. 
 
 Perisoreus canadensis. 
 
 Char. Above, a?hy gray; head and nape smoky black; forehead 
 and lower par:- whitish gray ; breast brownish gray ; wings and tail 
 dark ashv. ti;>ped obscurely with white. Young: uniform dull smoky 
 black, paler beneath. Length, ii to 12 inches. 
 
 N'est. In a coniferous tree; a bulky hut compact structure of cried 
 twigs, shreds of bark and moss thickly lined with feathers. 
 
 i?:,:;,^ 4-5; •-'f "gbt gray 01 huffish, spotted with dark gray, lilac gray, 
 and pale brown ; 1.15 X o.So. 
 
 Th:s species, with the intrusive habits and plain plumage of 
 the Pie, is almost confined to the northern regions of America, 
 being rnet with around Hudson's Bay, but becoming rare near 
 the St, Lawrence, and in winter only straggling along the coast 
 as far as Nova Scotia, Westward, occasionally driven by the 
 severity of the weather and failure of food, they make their 
 appearance in small parties in the interior of Maine and north- 
 
CANADA JAV. 
 
 «39 
 
 lenca, 
 
 |e near 
 
 coast 
 
 )y the 
 
 their 
 lorth- 
 
 em parts of Vermont, where, adording to Amlubon, they are 
 freciuently known to breed. 'I'hey also descend into the State 
 of N' >•' York as far as the town of Hudson and the banks of 
 the Moh '\k. In the month of May 1 observed a wandering 
 bro(3d of these birds, old and young, on the shady borders 
 of the Wahlamet, in the (Oregon territory, where thev had 
 probably been bred. 'I'hey descended to the ground near a 
 spring in (juest of insects and small shells. 
 
 According to Mr. Mulchins, like the I'ie, when near the 
 habitations and tents of the inhabitants and natives, it is given 
 to pilfering everything within reach, and is sometimes so bold 
 as to venture into the tents and snatch tiu- meat from the 
 dishes even, whether fresli or salt. It has also the mischievous 
 sagacity cf watchi.-g the hunters set their traps for the Martin, 
 from which it i)urloins the bait. Its ajfijctite, like that of the 
 Crow, appears omnivorous. It fee Is on worms, various insects, 
 and their lar\-fe, and on flesh of different kinds ; ]ay-> up stores 
 of berries in hollow trees- for winter : and at times, with the 
 reindeer, is driven to the necessity of fee<ling on lichens. 
 The severe winters of the wilds it inhabits, urges it to seek 
 support in the vicinity of habitations. Like the common Jay, 
 at this season it leaves the woods to make excursions after 
 food, trying every means for subsistence ; and tained by hun- 
 ger, it seeks boklly the society of men and animals. These 
 birds are such praters as to be consitlered Mocking IJirds, and 
 are superstitiously dreaded by the aborigines. They com- 
 monly fly in pairs or rove in small families, are no way difticult 
 to approach, and keep up a kind of friendly chattering, some- 
 times repeating their notes for a quarter of an hour at a time, 
 imm' diately before snow or falling weather. When caught, 
 they seldom long survive, though they never neglect their food. 
 Like most of their genus, they breed early in the spring, build- 
 ing their nests, which are formed of twigs and grass in the pine- 
 trees. They lay 4 to 6 light-grayish eggs, faintly marked with 
 brown spots. The young brood, at first, are perfect Crows, or 
 nearly quite black, and continue so for some time. 
 
 According to Richardson, this inelegant but familiar bird 
 
 It 
 
 M 
 
 ^ii 
 
 i 
 
 1 t 
 
 ' 
 
 1 
 
 
 f 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 ■^ 
 
-las 
 
 rsstss 
 
 140 
 
 SIN(;iNG ISIRDS. 
 
 t t 
 
 inhabits all the \vood\ distrirts of the remote fur countries from 
 the 65th parallel to Ciinada, and now and then in severe win- 
 ters extends his desultory niii^rations within the northern limits 
 of the United States. Scarcely has the winter traveller in those 
 cold regions chosen a suitable place of repose in the forest, 
 cleare<l away the snow, lighted his fire, and i)repared his tent, 
 when Whiskey Jack insidiously pays him a visit, and boldly 
 rlescends into the social circle to pick up any cnniibs of fro/en 
 fish or morsels of dry meat that may have escaped the mouths 
 of the wear)' and hungry sledge-dogs. 'I'his ( onfidence is almost 
 the only recommendation of our familiar intruiler. There is 
 nothing pleasing in his voice, ])lumage. or attitudes. l!ut this 
 rlark, sinister dwarf of the North is now the only inhabitant of 
 those silent and trackless forests, and trusting from necessit\ in 
 the forbearance of man, he fearlessly approaches, and craves 
 his alloweil ])ittance from llie wan^lering stranger who visits his 
 dreary domain. At the fur posts and fishing stations he is also 
 a stea(iy attendant, becoming so tamed in the winter by the 
 terrible inclemency of the climate as to eat tamely from the 
 ofiferetl hand ; >et at the same time, wild and inilomitable 
 under this garb of humility, he seldom sur^•ives long in confine- 
 ment, and pines away with the loss of his accustomed liberty. 
 He hops with activity from branch to branch, but when at rest, 
 sits with his head drawn in, and with his plumage loose. 'I'lie 
 voice of this inelegant bird is plaintive and squeaking, though 
 he occasionally makes a low chattering, especially when his food 
 appears in view. Like our Blue Jay, he has the habit of hoard- 
 ing berries, morsels of meat, etc., in the hollows of trees or 
 beneath their bark. These magazines prove useful in winter, 
 and enable him to rear his hardy brood even before the disap- 
 pearance of the snow from the ground, and long before any 
 other bird indigenous to those climates. The nest is concealed 
 with such care that but few of the natives have seen it. 
 
 Whiskey Jack has evidently moved somewhat southward since 
 Xuttall made his observations, for the species is now a fairly com- 
 mon resident of the Maritime Provinces of Canada, as well as of 
 the northern portions of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New 
 
 I { 
 
LANAhA I AY. 
 
 141 
 
 
 N'ork. and Michiijaii. Near Ottawa, aiul in the Mu>koka ili>trict 
 of Ontario, it oci uis regularly. t!n»u;;!i it is not al«iin<l.int. hi ' »l- 
 toln r. iSSij, oiiL- example was taken at .\rlini;lnii llii^ht>. ne.ir 
 lioston. and several li.ivc been reported irum oilier localities iu 
 MassacluiseUs. 
 
 I examined a nest taken near ludniundston. New Urunswick. on 
 April 7, 1.SS3. at which date tin- tuuiitry there was covered with 
 snow and iee. I'he nest was placed on a small tree near the main 
 hii;hway. and not many humlred yards from the railro.id station. 
 As the cold in that rej^ion is intense. t!ie temperature often hein^ at 
 — 30^ to — 40° F. in midwinter, it is surprising tiiat the eijgs are 
 ever hatched. lUit the nest is made very warm, and the birds sit 
 close, and when one parent steps otf the other at once steps on. 
 
 liy the first of June the youn<jf are in full feather and takin- care 
 of themselves. 
 
 Nuttall's opinion that tliLSe birds apj)ear bold and familiar onlv 
 wlieii pressed by the hunger of winter, has not found supDort in 
 my experience. Fre(|nently when camping in the Xew llrunswick 
 woods during the summer \aiation i have seen numbers of tiiese 
 birds gather about ay camp-tire within a few minutes after it has 
 been lighted : and they did not hesitate to pick up a piece of meat 
 thrown toward them. .Mr. Thompson reports a similar experience 
 in .Manitoba, lie describes these birds coming to his camp-tire.side 
 a;ul helping tlums-lves to scraps lying but a fev feet frem where 
 he was sitting. .Several other observers, however, have recorded 
 a similar opinion to .Xuttall's: and it m.ty be tliat the fearless birds 
 are restricted to localities where they are not disturbed. 
 
 The Canadian lumters ami lumljermen liave a superstitious 
 respect for these birds, fearing the ill-luck that is said to result 
 from killing" one, and Whiskey Jack may have discovered that. 
 
 Note. — The LAr.u.vnoK Jav {P. ntnudcnsis tiij^n'rdfii/us) 
 differs from true cnniu/ciisis in being darker in i^eneral coloraiit)n. 
 It is restricted to the coast region of Labrador. 
 
 II 
 
 ViX 
 
ji»V -*«>""«*<'W, 
 
 'lit 
 
 i 
 
 TiFivA) 'rrrMOusE. 
 
 I'ARLS IJICOLOK. 
 
 Char. Above, bluish ash; beneath, dull white; flanks tinged with 
 yellowish brown ; forehead black ; head conspicuously crested. Length 
 5^4 to 6/2 inches. 
 
 -\'< jA In a cavity of a tree or stump ; composed of leaves, moss, or 
 woollen material, lined with feathers, 
 
 £^\'s. 5-S , white or pale cream, spotted with reddish brown; 0.75 
 X 0.55. 
 
 From the geographic limits of this species, as it occurs to 
 me. I am inchned to believe that the birtl seen in (Ireenlantl 
 may be dififerent from the present, as it scarcely a])pears to 
 exist north beyond the States of P'^nnsylvania or New York. 
 They are seldom, if ever, seen or heard in this part of Massa- 
 chusetts, and instead of being more abundant to the north, as 
 believed by Wilson, they are probably not known there at all. 
 In the Southern States, at least in winter and spring, they are 
 very common, and present all the usual habits and notes of the 
 genus. The numbers which I saw in the Southern States from 
 Tanuan' to March would seem to indicate a migratorv habit ; 
 but whether they hatl arrived from the Northeast, or from the 
 great forests of the West, could not be conjectured. 
 
 The Pt'/o, as I may call this bird from one of his character- 
 istic notes, and the Carolina A\'ren, were my constant and 
 amusing companions during the winter as I passed through the 
 drearv' solitudes of the Southern States. The sprightliness, 
 caprice, and varied musical talent of this species are quite 
 interesting, and more peculiarly so when nearly all the other 
 vocal tenants of the forest are either absent or silent. To 
 
trom 
 labit ; 
 n ihe 
 
 Icter- 
 
 and 
 
 h the 
 
 Iness, 
 
 ]iiite 
 
 )ther 
 
 To 
 
 1 
 
 \ 
 
 I 
 
 TUFri:i) riTMOusE. 
 
 143 
 
 hear in the middle of January, when at least the leafless trees 
 and dark cloudy skies remind us of tiie coldest season, the 
 lively, cheerini,', varied i)ii)e of this active and hardy bird, is 
 particularly t^ratifying ; and though his voice 011 paper may aj) 
 pear to present only a list of (|uaint articulations, yet the deli- 
 cacy, energy, pathos, and variety of his simple song, like many 
 other things in Nature, are far beyond the fteble power of 
 description; and if in these rudi' graphii- outlines of the inim- 
 itable music of birds 1 am able to draw a caricature sufficient 
 to indicate the imlividual pcrfornur, I shall have attained all 
 the object to be hoped for in an attemj)! at natural ilelincation. 
 
 'I'he notes of the Peto generally partake of the high, echo- 
 ing, clear tone of the lialtimore llird. Among his more extra- 
 ordinary expressions I was struck with the call of '-whip-toni- 
 kVly kVly, and now and then 'ri'//// tiun hilly, with occasionally 
 some variation in the tone and expression, which was \ery 
 lively and agreeable. The middle syllable {torn) was j)ro- 
 nounced in a hollow reverberating tone. In a few minutes 
 after the subject and its variations were finished, in the estima- 
 tion of the musical i)erformer, he suddenly twisted hnnself 
 roimd the branch on which he had sat, with a variety of odd 
 anil fantastic motions ; and then, in a lower, hoarser, harsh 
 voice, and in a peevish tone, exactly like that of the Jay and 
 the Chickadee, went ilay- day-day-ddy , and {luy-ddy-tlny-ilay- 
 (Idif; sometimes this loud note changed into one which be- 
 came low and querulous. On some of these occasions he also 
 called 'fsliita dce-dce. The jarring call would then change 
 occasionally into kai-tcc-did did-dif-did. These peevish notes 
 would often be uttered in anger at being approached ; and 
 then again would perhaps be answered by some neighboring 
 rival, against whom they appeared levelled in taunt and ridi- 
 cule, being accompanied by extravagant gestures. 
 
 Later in the season, in February, when in the lower part of 
 Alabama the mild influence of spring began already to be felt, 
 our f^ivorite, as he gayly pursued the busy tribe of insects, now 
 his principal food, called, as he vaulted restlessly from branch 
 to branch, in an echoing rapid voice, at short intervals, pefo- 
 
 tl 
 
 
 ill 
 
} 
 
 Ifl: 
 llf 
 
 ) i 
 
 l!i; ' ' 
 
 I i 
 
 144 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 pcto-pefo-pcio. This tender call of recognition was at length, 
 answered, and continued at inter\-als for a minute or two ; they 
 then changed their quick call into a ^\o\\cx pv/o pefo pefo ; and 
 now the natural note passed into the plaintive key, sounding 
 like (jiir-ah (jiic-ali ; then in the same breath a jarring note like 
 that of the Catbird, and in part like the sound made by put- 
 ting the lower li]) to the upper teeth, and calling 'A//' rd/i, '/s/i' 
 7'ah. After this the call of ktrn-kt-ri-y-ki-rry-kcrfv struck uj) 
 with an echoing sound, heightened l)y the hollow bank of the 
 river whence it proceeded. At length, more delicately than at 
 first, in an under tone, you hear anew, and in a tender accent, 
 pcto pcto peto. In the caprice and humor of our performer, 
 tied by no rules but those of momentary feeling, the expression 
 will perhaps change into a slow and i\\\\ pn-f-pect-a-pcct-a-peef, 
 then a low and very rapid ki:r-kci--ker-kcr-kcr-kcrry, sometimes 
 so quick as almost to resemble the rattle of a watchman. At 
 another time his morning song commences like the gentle 
 whispers of an aerial spirit, and then becoming high and clear 
 like the voice of the nightingale, he cries kccva kcaui kcrva 
 kc-'va ; but soon filling into the querulous, the day-day-day-Jay- 
 diix-dait of the Chickadee terminates his performance Imita- 
 tive, as well as inventive, I have heard the Peto also sing 
 something like the lively chatter of the Swallow, leta-lcta-lcta- 
 ktalif, and then vary into peto-peto-peto-peto-pcto extremely 
 quick. Unlike the warblers, our cheerful Peto has no trill, or 
 any other notes than tliese simple, playful, or pathetic calls ; 
 yet the compass of voice and the tone in which they are 
 uttered, their capricious variety and their general Q.{iiiQ^^ at the 
 season of the year when they are heard, are quite as pleasing 
 to the contemplative observer as the more exquisite notes of 
 the summer songsters of the verdant forest. 
 
 The sound of 'whip-toiii-krlly, which I heard this bird utter, 
 on the 17th of January, 1830, near Barnwell, in South Carolina, 
 is very remarkable, and leads me to suppose that the species is 
 also an inhabitant of the West India Islands, where Sloane 
 attributes this note to the Red-eyed Flycatcher; but it is now 
 known to be the note of a tropical species, the vireo longiros- 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 Ji 
 
TUFTED TITMOL'SE. 
 
 145 
 
 /m, and which our bird had probably • 2Jid mimicked in its 
 distant chme. 
 
 Ihc Peto, besides insects, Uke the Jay, to which he is allied, 
 chops up acorns, cracks mifs and hapl amid shelly seeds to get 
 at their contents, holdin , them mcamwrMe in his feet. He 
 also searches and pecks decayed trcc^rawl ihe ; bark with ccmi- 
 siderable energy and industry in quc^rC tof lanae ; he often also 
 enters into hollow trunks, prying after At: s>ame objects. In 
 these holes they commonly roost in wimirr, and occup\' the 
 same secure situations, or the holes of ttSae -small Woodi)e(kcr, 
 for depositing and hatching their egg*,. wSakh takes place early 
 in April or in May, according to the 4ii&rrent parts of the 
 Union they happen to inhabit. Somc:.KQes they dig out a 
 cavity for themselves with much labor, and always line the 
 hollow with a variety of warm materiabr. T"heir eggs, about six 
 to eight, are white with a few small specks of brownish red near 
 the larger end. The whole family, young ajod old, may be seen 
 hunting together throughout the summer aimd winter, and keep- 
 ing up a continued mutual chatter. 
 
 According to the observations of WeI^ii it soon becomes 
 familiar in confinement, and readily nnakes its way out of a 
 wicker cage by repeated blows at the itwigs. It may be fed 
 on hemp-seed, cherry-stones, apple-f ' - - -. ?.iid hickory nuts, 
 broken and thrown in to it. In its naciiraii slate, like the rest 
 of its vicious congeners, it sometimes destmo^'S small birds by 
 blows on the skull. 
 
 This species belongs to the Carolinian fact^-al area, and occurs 
 regularly only from about the 40th parallel! *o>!Ulhward : north of 
 that it is but an accidental straggler. A ir-w examples have been 
 taken in New England, mostly in Connecu;ii.uBiL. 
 
 \\\ 
 
 utter, 
 
 ^rolina, 
 
 jcies is 
 
 ISloane 
 
 is now 
 
 voL. 1. — 10 
 
 I 
 
 |! 
 
^i 
 
 146 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 ii! 
 
 i| % 
 
 !/il 
 
 1 ' 
 
 CHICKADEE. 
 
 PaRUS AIRICAPILLUS. 
 
 Char. Above, ashy gray ; below, grayish white; flanks buffy ; crown 
 and throat black; cheek white. Length 4J4 to 5^4 inches. 
 
 A'ts/. In a cavity made in a decayed stump, entering from the top or 
 side ; composed of wool or inner fur of small mammals firmly and 
 compactly felted. Sometimes moss and hair are used, and a lining of 
 feathers. 
 
 jE^i;;i;s. 5-S ; white speckled with reddish brown, 060 X 0.50. 
 
 This familiar, hardy, and restless little bird chiefly inhabits 
 the Northern and Middle States as well as Canada, in which it 
 is even resident in winter around Hudson's Bay, and has been 
 met with at 62° on the northwest coast. In all tiie Northern 
 and Middle States, during autumn and winter, families of these 
 birds are seen c'lattering and roving through the woods, busily 
 engaged in gleaning their multifarious food, along with Nut- 
 hatches and Creepers, the whole forming a busy, active, and 
 noisv group, whose manners, food, and habits bring them 
 together in a common pursuit. Their diet varies with the 
 season ; for besides insects, their larvas and eggs, of which they 
 are more particularly fond, in the month of September they 
 leave the woods and assemble fomiliarly in our orchards and 
 gardens, and even enter the thronging cities in quest of that 
 support which their native forests now deny them. Large 
 seeds of many kinds, particularly those which are oily, as the 
 sunflower and pine and spruce kernels, are now sought after. 
 These seeds, in the usual manner of the genus, are seized in 
 the claws and held against the branch until picked open by tne 
 bill to obtain their contents. Fat of various kinds is also 
 greedily eaten, and they regularly watch the retreat of the hog- 
 killers in the country, to glean up the fragments of meat which 
 adhere to the places where the carcases have been suspended. 
 At times they feed upon the wax of the candle-berry myrtle 
 {Myrica cerifcni) ; they likewise pick up crumbs near the houses, 
 and search the weather-boards, and even the window-sills, 
 
1' 
 
 CHICKADEE. 
 
 147 
 
 ; crown 
 
 e top or 
 nly and 
 
 ining of 
 
 nhabits 
 ,'hich it 
 as been 
 orthern 
 of these 
 s. busily 
 [til Nut- 
 ive, and 
 g them 
 ith the 
 ich they 
 )er they 
 rds and 
 of that 
 Large 
 as the 
 It after, 
 cizcd in 
 1 by tae 
 is also 
 he hog- 
 t which 
 lended. 
 myrtle 
 houses, 
 iw-sills, 
 
 U 
 
 familiarly for their Inrking prey, and are particularly fond of 
 spiders and the eggs of destructive moths, especially those of 
 the canker-worm, which they greedily destroy in all its stages 
 of existence. It is said that they sometimes attack their own 
 species when the individual is sickl}', and aim their blows at 
 the skull with a view to eat the brain ; but this barbarity I have 
 never witnessed. In winter, when satisfied, they will descend 
 to the snow-bank beneath and (juench their thirst by swallow- 
 ing small pieces ; in this way their various and frugal meal is 
 always easily supi)lied ; and hardy, and warmly clad in light 
 and very downy feathers, they suffer little inconvenience from 
 the inclemency of the seasons. Indeed in the winter, or about 
 the close of October, they at times appear so enlivened as 
 already to show their amorous attachment, like our domestic 
 cock, the male approaching his mate with lluttering and vibra- 
 ting wings ; and in the spring season, the males have obstinate 
 engagements, darting after each other witii great velocity and 
 anger. Their roost is in the hollows of decaved trees, where 
 they also breed, making a soft nest of moss, hair, and feathers, 
 and laying from six to twelve eggs, which are white, with 
 specks of brown-red. They begin to lay about the middle or 
 close of April ; and though they commonly make use of natural 
 or deserted holes of the Woodpecker, yet at times they are 
 said to excavate a cavity for themselves with much labor. The 
 first brood take wing about the 7th or loth of June, and they 
 have sometimes a second towards the end of July. The young, 
 as soon as fledged, have all the external marks of the adult, — 
 the head is ec[ually bhick, and they chatter antl skip about 
 with all the agility and self-possession of their parents, who 
 appear nevertheless very solicitous for their safety. From this 
 time the whole family continue to associate together through 
 the autumn and winter. They seem to move by concert from 
 tree to tree, keeping up a continued 'fshc-dc-dc-(fe-(/e,i\.n(\ '/s/ir- 
 dc-(k-dc-dait, preceded by a shrill whistle, all the while busily 
 engaged picking round the buds and branches hanging from 
 their extremities and proceeding often in reversed postures, 
 head downwards, like so many tumblers, prj'ing into every 
 
» ( 
 
 1 48 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 fc I 
 
 fi: . I 
 
 
 crevice o( the bark, and searching around the roots and in 
 every possible retreat of their insect prey or its larva;. If the 
 object chance to fall, they industriously descend to the ground 
 and glean it up with the utmost economy. 
 
 On seeing a cat or other object of natural antipathy, the 
 Chickadee, like the peevish Jay, scolds in a loud, angry, and 
 hoarse note, like '/s/w ihii:^Ji thiii^Ji Jdii^h, Among the other 
 notes of this sjK'cies I have heard a call like tshc-iic-Jay, tslic- 
 dt'-Jay, the two first syllables being a slender chirp, with they'^H' 
 strongly i)ronouncetl. AlniDst the only note of this bird which 
 may be called a song is one which is frequently heard at inter- 
 vals in the depth of the forest, at times of the day usually when 
 all other birds are silent. \\'e then may sometimes hear in the 
 midst of this solitude two feeble, drawling, clearly whistled, and 
 rather melancholy notes, like 'fc-iicrry, and sometimes 'iv- 
 pcrrit, and occasionally, but much more rarely, in the same 
 wiry, wiiistling, solemn tone, ^pelibc. The young, in winter, also 
 sometimes drawl out these contemplative strains. In all cases 
 the first syllable is very high and clear, the second word drops 
 low and ends like a feeble plaint. This is nearly all the quaint 
 song ever attempted by the Chickadee, and is perhaps the two 
 notes sounding like the whetting of a saw, remarked of the 
 Marsh Titmouse in England by Mr. ^Vhite, in his " Natural 
 History of Selborne." On fine days, about the commencement 
 of October, I have heard the Chickadee sometimes for half an 
 / hour at a time attempt a lively, petulant warble very different 
 from his ordinary notes. On these occasions he appears to 
 flit about, still hunting for his prey, but almost in an ecstasy of 
 delight and vigor. IJut after a while the usual drawling note 
 again occurs. These birds, like many others, are very subject 
 to the attacks of vermin, and they accumulate in great numbers 
 around that part of the head and front which is least accessible 
 to their feet. 
 
 'llie European bird, so very similar to ours, is partial to 
 marshy situations. Ours has no such predilection, nor do the 
 American ones, that I can learn, ever lay up or hide any store 
 of seeds for provision, — a habit reported of the foreign family. 
 
CHICKADEE. 
 
 149 
 
 nd in 
 If the 
 round 
 
 y, tilt-' 
 
 y. ami 
 
 otlu-r 
 
 ■, ^s/ic- 
 
 which 
 t inter- 
 y when 
 • in the 
 
 -d, and 
 les [\r- 
 e same 
 ter. also 
 dl ra^L's 
 d ilrops 
 ([uaint 
 the two 
 of the 
 Natural 
 icement 
 half an 
 lifferent 
 oears to 
 stasy of 
 ng note 
 subject 
 umbers 
 cessible 
 
 irtial to 
 do the 
 
 by store 
 family. 
 
 4 
 
 In this fact, with so many others, wc have an additional evi- 
 dence of affinity between the Titmouse and (ay, particularly 
 that short-billed section which includes the Ganiilns cana- 
 densis and G. injai/sfiis. l-^ven the blue color, so common 
 with the latter, is possessed by several species of this genus. 
 Indeed, from their aggregate relation and omnivorous habit 
 we see no better place of arrangement for these birds than 
 succinctly after the Garruli, or Jays. 
 
 Following the authority of Temminck and Montagu. I con- 
 sidered this bird the same as the luiropeari Marsh Titmouse. 
 I have since seen the bird of Europe in its native country, and 
 have good reason to believe it wholly different from our lively 
 and flimiliar C'hickadee. Unlike our bird, it is rather shy, seldom 
 seen but in pairs or solitary, never in domestic premises, usu- 
 ally and almost constantly near streams or watercourses, on 
 the \villow3, alders, or other small trees impending over 
 streams, and utters now and then a feeble complaining or 
 querulous call, and rarely if ever the chicka dee-iicc. It also 
 makes a noise in the spring, as it is said, like the whetting of a 
 saw, which ours never does. The Chickadee is seldom seen 
 near waters ; often, even in summer, in dry, shady, and se- 
 cluded woods ; but when the weather becomes cold, and as 
 early as October, roving families, pressed by necessity and the 
 failure of their ordinary insect fore, now begin to frequent 
 orchards and gardens, appearing extremely fomiliar, hiuigry, 
 indigent, but industrious, prying with restless anxiety into every 
 cranny of the bark or holes in decayed trees after dormant in- 
 sects, spiders, and larv?e, descending with the strictest economy 
 to the ground in quest of every stray morsel of provision which 
 happens to fall from their grasp. Their quaint notes and jing- 
 ling warble are heard even in winter on fine days when the 
 weather relaxes in its severity ; and, in short, instead of being 
 the river hermit of its European analogue, it adds bv its 
 presence, indomitable action and chatter, an air of cheerful- 
 ness to the silent and dreary winters of the coldest parts of 
 America. 
 
 / 
 
 y 
 
 , . = 1 
 
 i 
 
 
Ill 
 
 m 
 
 150 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 CAROLINA CHICKADEE. 
 
 PaRUS CARULINKNSIS. 
 
 Char. Above, ashy gray tinged with dull brown ; head and throat 
 black; cheek white; beneath, brownish white; flanks buttish. Length 
 4){ to 4;'4 inches. 
 
 .Visf. In a cavity of decayed stunij), composed of grass or suieds uf 
 bark, and lined with feathers. Sometimes composed entirely of fur or 
 fine wool felted compactly. 
 
 £ s, 5-S; white often spotted with reddish brown ; 0.60 X 0.50. 
 
 This species, detected by Mr. Audubon, is a constant inhab- 
 itant of the Southern and Middle States from the borders of 
 New Jersey to East Florida. It has a j^redilection for the 
 borders of ponds, marshes, and swamps, and less gregarious 
 than the preceding, seldom more than a pair or family are 
 seen together. It is also shy and retiring; inhabiting at all 
 times a mild and genial clime, it never seeks out domestic 
 premises, nor even the waysides, but, like the l{!uropean Marsh 
 Titmouse, it remains throughout the \ oar in the tangled woods 
 and swamps which gave it birth. In the wilds of Oregon late 
 in autumn we frequently saw small roving restless Hocks of 
 these birds associated often with the Chestnut- Backed species. 
 At such times both parties were querulous and noisy ; but the 
 /s/ic te lie t/c is comi)aratively feeble, uttered in a slender, wiry 
 ton'^'. At such times intently gleaning for insects, they show very 
 little fear, but a good deal of sympathy for their wounded com- 
 panions, remaining round them and scolding in a petulant and 
 plaintive tone. At the api)roach of winter those in the Atlan- 
 tic region retire farther to the south, and on the Pacific border 
 they are to be seen in winter in the woods of I'l^per C;ilifornia ; 
 but in no instance did we see them approach the vicinity of 
 the trading posts or the gardens. 
 
 A nest of this species discovered by Dr. IJachman was in a 
 hollow stump about four feet from the ground ; it was rather 
 shallow, composed of fine wool, cotton, and some fibres of 
 plants, the whole fitted together so as to be of an uniform 
 thickness throughout, and contained pure white eggs. 
 
I 
 
 11UUSUXIA.\ CHICKADEE. 
 
 151 
 
 IS in a 
 1 rather 
 [res of 
 lilform 
 
 I 
 
 HUDSOXIAN CHICKADLE. 
 Parus hudsomcus. 
 
 Char. Ajovc, pale dull brown, darker on crown; cheeks white; 
 below, grayish white ; dunks rusty ; throat brownish black. Length 
 
 5 to SH- 
 
 At.<t. In an excavation in a decayed stump, usually entering from the 
 top. On the bottom of the cavity is placed a platform of dried mo»^, and 
 on this another of felted fur, and upon this latter is set the graceful pouch- 
 shaped nest of firm felt, made of the inner fur of small mammal.-. 
 
 /i'^X^- (>-io; creamy white with brown spots in a circle around the 
 larger end ; 0.5S X 0.5S. 
 
 This more than usually hardy species continues the whole 
 year about Severn River, braving the inclemency of the winters, 
 and fretjuents the juniper-bushes on the buds of which it feeds. 
 In winter, like the common species, it is seen roving about 
 in small tlocks, busily foraging from tree to tree. It is said to 
 lay five eggs. Mr. Autlubon met with it on the coast of Lab- 
 rad .^r, where it was breeding, about the middle of July. He 
 describes the nest as being placed at the height of not more 
 than three feet from the ground, in the hollow of a decayed 
 low stump scarcely thicker than a man's leg. the whole so 
 rotten that it crumbled to pieces on being touched. It was 
 shaped like a purse, eight inches in depth, two in diameter in- 
 side, its sides about a half an inch thick. It was composed of 
 the finest fur of different quadrupeds, so thickly matted through- 
 out that it looked as if it had been felted by the hand of man. 
 On the nest being assailed, the male flew at the intruder, utter- 
 ing an angry te-fi'-te-tcc. 
 
 The Hudson Bay Chickadee is fairly common in the Maritime 
 Provinces, though more abundant in winter than in summer. It 
 has been found breeding, also, in the northern parts of Maine. X-rw 
 Hampshire, Xew "S'ork, and Michigan, and in the Muskoka districts 
 of Ontario. Mr. Walter Faxon considers it a rare though reirular 
 migrant to the eastern part of Massachusetts, but thinks it occurs 
 in numbers in winter amid the Berkshire hills. 
 
 A few examples have been taken in Cunnccticul and in Rhode 
 Island. 
 
 1 
 
 m 
 
SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 m 
 
 BOHEMIAN WAXWING. 
 
 A.MPELIS (JARRULUS. 
 
 Char. Prevailing color cinnamon brown or fawn color, darker on 
 front head and checks., changing to ashy on rump; chin md line across 
 forehead and ihrough the eyes, rich black; wings and tail slatv; tail 
 tipped with yellow ; primaries tipped with white, secondaries with apjjen- 
 dages like red sealing-wax. Head with long pointed crest. Length j'/z 
 toSf^ inches. Easily distinguished from the Cedar Bird by its larger .size 
 and darker color. 
 
 .W.A In a tree, a bulky structure of twigs and roots, lined with 
 feathers. 
 
 -^[^s, 3-5; bluish white spotted with lilac and brown ; i.oo X 0.70. 
 
 The Waxwing, of which stragglers are occasionally seen in 
 Nova Scotia, Massachusetts, Long Island, and the vicinity of 
 Philadelphia, first obseived in America in the vicinity of the 
 Athabasca River, near the region of the Rocky Mountains, in 
 the inonth of March, is of common occurrence as a passenger 
 throughout the colder regions of the whole northern hemi- 
 sphere. Like our Cedar Birds, they associate in numerous 
 flocks, pairing only for the breeding season ; after which the 
 young and old give way to their gregarious habits, and collec- 
 ting in numerous comoanies, they perform extensive journeys, 
 and are extremely remarkable for their great and irregular 
 wanderings. The circumstances of incubation in this '".pecies 
 are wholly unknown. It is supposed that they retire to the 
 remote regions to breed ; yet in Norway they are only birds of 
 passage, and it has been conjectured that they pass the sum- 
 mer in the elevated table-land of Central Asia, Wherever they 
 dwell at this season, it is certain that in spring and late autumn 
 they visit northern Asia or Siberia and eastern Europe in vast 
 numbers, but are elsewhere only uncertain stragglers, whose ap- 
 pearance, at difiierent times, has been locked upon as ominous 
 of some disaster by the credulous and ignorant. 
 
 The Waxen Chatterers, like our common Cedar Birds, ap- 
 pear destitute of song, and only lisp to each other their usual 
 low, reiterated call of ze zc re, which becomes more audible 
 
BUlllCMI.W WAXWING. 
 
 153 
 
 when they arc disturbed and as tliey takj to wing. They are 
 also very sociable and alTectiunate to their whcjle fraternity, 
 and sit in rows often on tiie same branch, when not employed 
 in collecting their food, which is said to consist of juic\ fniits 
 of various kinds, particularly grapes; they will aUo eat juniper 
 and laurel beiries, as well as aj^ples, currants, and figs, and are 
 often seen to drink. 
 
 Dr. Richardson informs us that this bird appears in flocks at 
 Great IJear Lake about the 24th uf May, when they feed on 
 the berrie? of the alpine arbutus, marsh vaccinium, and other 
 kinds expos 1 again to the surface after the spring thaw. 
 Another tlock of three or four hundretl indi\iiluals was >een on 
 the banks of the Saskatchewan, at Carlton House, early in the 
 same month. In their usual manner they all settled together 
 on one or two trees, and remained together about the same 
 place for an huur in the morning, making a loud twittering 
 noise, and were too shy to be approached within gunshot. 
 Their stay at most did not exceed a few days, and none of the 
 Indians knew of their nests ; though the doctor had reason to 
 believe that they retired in the breeding season to the broken 
 and desolate mountain-limestone districts in the 67th or O.Sth 
 parallels, where they find means to feed on the fniit of the 
 common juniper, so abundant in that quarter. Neither Mr. 
 Townsend n^. myself observed this bird either in the Columbia 
 River district or on the Rocky Mountains. 
 
 The Bohemian is still a rover of uncertain and irrej^ular habits, 
 occasionally in winter appearing along the nortliern border of the 
 United States and through the settled portions of Canada in large 
 tiocks, but sor-> .-Hmes absent for several seasons. The statement 
 has been ni -cie that there is no record of its occurrence in New 
 England wltliin the past fifteen years. Colonel Goss found a nest 
 in Labrador, and several have been taken in the Northwest. 
 
 !> 
 
 V I 
 
 if 
 
154 
 
 SINGING IJIRUS. 
 
 
 in 
 
 i 
 
 CKDAR WAXWING. 
 
 CEDAR UlKli CllEKKV BIRD. 
 
 A.V , . CEDROkUM. 
 
 Char. Prevailing color cinnamon brown or fawn color, chanpinp to 
 ashy on rump and yellowish on the belly; chin and line across forehead 
 and through eyes, rich black ; wings and tail slaty ; tail tipped with yel- 
 low : secondaries sometimes with red, wax-like appendages Head wiili 
 long, pointed crest. Length Gyi to 7^^ inches. 
 
 .\W/. In a tree ; large and loosely made of twigs and grass, lined with 
 g^a^s, hair, or feather.s. 
 
 Zf^/. 3-5 ; bluish white spotted with lilac and brown ; 0.S5 X 0.60. 
 
 This common native wanderer, wlucli in summer extends its 
 migrations to the remotest unpeopled regions of Canathi, is 
 also found throughout the American continent to Mexico, and 
 parties even roam to the tropical forests of Cayenne. In all this 
 extensive geographical range, where great elevation or latitude 
 tempers the climate so as to be favorable to the production 
 of juicy fruits, the Cedar Uird will probably be found either 
 almost \. -holly to reside, or to pass the season of reproduction. 
 Like its European representative (the Waxen Chatterer), it is 
 capable of braving a considerable degree of cold ; for in Penn- 
 sylvania and New Jersey some of these birds are seen through- 
 out the winter, where, as well as in the early part of the 
 summer and fall, they are killed and brought to market, gen- 
 erally fat. and much esteemed as food, .^ilky softness of 
 plumage, gentleness of disposition, innocence of character, 
 extreme sociability, and an innate, inextinguishable love of 
 freedom, accompanied by a constant desire of wandering, are 
 characteristic traits in the physical and moral portrait of the 
 second as well as the preceding species of this peculiar and 
 extraordinar}' genus. 
 
 Leaving the northern part of the continent, situated beyond 
 the 40ih degree, at the approach of winter, they assemble 
 in companies of twenty to a hundred, and wander through the 
 Southern States and Mexico to the confines of the equator, in 
 
CEDAR WAXNVING. 
 
 >55 
 
 all of which countries they are now either common or ubun- 
 ihint. As observed by Ainiulx>n, their flight is easy, continued, 
 and often performed at a considerable height ; and ihcy move 
 in tl<K:ks or companies, making several turns before they aligiii. 
 As the mildness of spring returns, and with it their favoriti- 
 food, they reappear in the Northern and Mastem States about 
 the beginning of April, before the rii)ening of their favorite 
 fruits, the cherries and mulberries. lUit at this season, to n- 
 pay the ganlener for the tithe of his croj>, their natural dm, 
 they fail not to assist in ridtling his trees of more deadly ene- 
 mies which infest them, and the small cater])illars, beetles, and 
 various insects now constitute their only fo«id ; anil for hours 
 at a time they may be seen feeding on the all-despoiling canker- 
 worms which infest our ap])le-trees and elms. On these oc- 
 casions, silent and sedate, after plentifully feeding, they sit 
 dressing their feathers in near contact on the same branth to 
 the number of 5 or 6 ; and as the season of selective attach- 
 ment ajjproaches, they may be observed pluming each other, 
 and caressmg with the most gentle fondness, — a playfulness in 
 which, however, they are even surpassed by the contemned 
 Raven, to which soc ial and friendly family our Cedar Uird, 
 different as he looks, has many trait jf alliance. lUit these 
 demonstrations of attachment, which 11 a more vigorous kind 
 would kindle the feud of jealousy, a])]»arently produce in this 
 bird scarcely any diminution of the general social tie ; and as 
 they are gregarious to so late a period of the inviting season of 
 incubation, this affection has been supposed to be indejjendent 
 of sexual distinction. This friendly trait is carried so far that 
 an eye-witness assures me he has seen one among a row of 
 these birds seated upon a branch dart after an insect, and offer 
 it to his associate when caught, who very disinterestedly passed 
 it to the next, and each delicately declining the offer, the morsel 
 has proceeded backwards and forwards before it was appro- 
 priated. Whatever may be the fact, as it regards this peculiar 
 sociability, it frequently facilitates the means of their destruc- 
 tion with the thoughtless and rapacious sportsman, who, be- 
 cause many of these unfortunate birds can be killed in an 
 
 ! 
 
' I 
 
 156 
 
 SLNGIMJ lilKDS. 
 
 ^ 
 
 •t 
 
 instant, sittinj,' in the same- rangt-, thinks the exercise of the gun 
 must be creditetl only l)y the havoc which it prochices against 
 a friendly, useful, antl inno( ent visitor. 
 
 Towards the dose of May or beginning of June the Cherry 
 Birds, now ])aired. ccjmnicnce forming the cradle of their young ; 
 yet still so sociable are they that several nests may be observed 
 in the same vicinity. The materials and trees chosen for their 
 labors are various, as well as the general markings of their eggs. 
 Two nests, in the Hotanic (larclen at Cambridge, were formed 
 in small hemlock-trees, at the distance of 16 or iS teet from 
 the grcjund, in the forks of the main br uiches. (Jne of tliese 
 was composed of dry, coarse grass, interwoven roughly with a 
 considerable (juantity of dead hemlock sjirigs, further con- 
 nected by a small <iuantity of silk weed lint, and lined with 
 a few strips of thin grajK'-vine bark, and dry leaves of the 
 silver fir. In the second nest the lining was merely fine root- 
 fibres. On the 4th of June this nest contained 2 eggs, — the 
 whole number is generally about 4 or 5 ; these are of the usual 
 form (not remarkable for any disproportion of the two ends), of 
 a pale clay white, inclining to olive, with a few well-defined 
 black or deep umber spots at the great end, and with others 
 seen, as it were, beneath the surface of the shell. Two or 
 three other nests were made in the apple-trees of an adjoining 
 orchard, one in a ])lace of difficult access, the other on a de- 
 pending branch easily reached by the hand. These were 
 securely fixed horizontally among the ascending twigs, and were 
 formed externally of a mass of dry, wiry weeds, the materials 
 being firmly held together by a large quantity of cudweed 
 down, in some places softened with glutinous saliva so as to 
 be formed into coarse, connecting shreds. The round edge of 
 the nest was made of coils of the wiry stolons of a common 
 Cinquefoil then lined with exceedingly fine root-fibres ; over 
 the whole, to give elasticity, were laid fine stalks of a slender 
 juiicus, or minute rush. In these nests the eggs were, as de- 
 scribed by Wilson (except as to form), marked with smaller 
 and more numerous spots than the preceding. From the late- 
 ness of the autumn, at which period incubation is still going 
 
others 
 ,o or 
 ining 
 1 de- 
 were 
 were 
 torials 
 iweed 
 as to 
 dge of 
 mmon 
 over 
 ender 
 as de- 
 maller 
 e late- 
 going 
 
 CKDAR WAWVINd. 
 
 157 
 
 on, it would appear that this sperjcs is very pnilifif, and must 
 have at least two hatches in the si-ason ; ft»r as late as the 7th 
 of Septeinhcr a brood, in this vicJMity, were yet in the nest. 
 'I'lie period of sittinj^ is about 15 or 16 days; and while tiie 
 young are still helpless, it is surprising to witness the silenre of 
 the parents, uttering no eries, nor ui. iking any approaches to 
 those who may iinlanger or jeopard the safety of thi ir brood ; 
 still, they are Hying round, and silently watching tlu- tlrc.uK-d 
 result, and approach the nest the moment tiu' intruder disap- 
 pears. 'Ihey k'c^\ the young, at first, with insects and smooth 
 cater|)illars ; but at the end of the T,d or 4th day they are ivA, 
 like the old ones, almost exclusively on swi-et and juicy fruits, 
 such as whortle and service berries, wild and cultivated cher- 
 ries, etc. A young bird from one of the nests described, in the 
 hemlock, was thrown u])on my prolei tiou. li iving been by 
 some means cjecteil from his cradle. In this critical situation, 
 however, he had been well fed, or ratlur gorged, with bi-rries, 
 and was merely scratched by the fill he had receivetl. Ked on 
 cherries and mulberries, he was soon well Hedged, while his 
 mate in the nest was suffered to perish by the forgetfulness of 
 his natural protectors. Coeval with the growth of his wing- 
 feathers were already seen the remarkable red waxen append- 
 ages, showing that their ajipearance indicates no particular (/^v 
 or sex; many birds, in fact, being without these ornaments 
 during their whole lives. I soon found my interesting //vAxv 
 impatient of the cage and extremely \ or k ions, gorging him- 
 self to the very mouth with the soft fruits on which he was 
 often fed. The throat, in fact, like a craw, admits of distenti(jn, 
 and the contents are only gradually passed off into the stomach. 
 I now suffered the bird to Hy at large, and for several days he 
 descended from the trees, in which he perched, to my arm for 
 food ; but the moment he was satisfied, he avoided the cage, 
 and ajipeared unable to survive the loss of liberty. He now 
 came seldomer to me, and finally joined the lisping muster-cry 
 of fzc tze tze, and was enticed away by more attractive associates. 
 When young, nature provided him with a loud, impatient voice, 
 and te-did, tc-did, kai-ft'ifid (often also the clamorous cry of 
 
 i. 
 
 i i I 
 
Ill ' 
 
 I h, 
 
 '1 
 
 m 
 
 158 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 the young Baltimore), was his deafening and ahnost incessant 
 call for food. Another young bird of the first brood, probably 
 neglected, cried so loud and plaintively to a male Baltimore 
 Bird in the same tree that he commenced feeding it. Mr. 
 \N'inshi]), of Brighton, informs me that one of the young Cedar 
 Birds, who frequented the front of his house in qi est of honey- 
 suckle berries, at length, on receiving food (probably also 
 abandoned by his roving parents), threw himself wholly on his 
 protection. At large day and night, he still regularly attended 
 the dessert of the dinner-table for his portion of fruit, and re- 
 mained steadfast in his attachment to Mr, W. till killed by an 
 accident, being unfortunately trodden under foot. 
 
 Though harmless, exceedingly gentle and ardess, they make 
 some show of defence when attacked ; as a second bird whicli 
 I brought up, destitute of the red appendages on the wings, 
 when thii 'tened elevated his crest, looked angry, and rei)eat- 
 edly snapped with his bill. 
 
 Almost all kinds of sweet berries are sought for food by the 
 American Waxen-wing. In search of whortle-berries, they 
 retire in Pennsylvania to the western mountain-chains of the 
 Alleghany range ; and in autumn, until the approach of winter, 
 they are equally attached to the berries of the Virginia juniper, 
 as well as those of the sour-gum tree and the wax-myrtle. 
 They also feed late in the season on ripe persimmons, small 
 winter-grapes, bird-cherries, the fruit of the pride of China, 
 and other fruits. The kernels and seeds of these, uninjured by 
 the action of the stomach, are strewed about, and thus acci- 
 dentally planted in abundance wherever these birds frequent. 
 Like their prototype, the preceding species, the migrations, 
 and time and place of breeding, are influenced by their supply 
 of food. In the spring of 1831 they arrived in this vicinity as 
 usual ; but in consequence of the failure of cherries, scarcely 
 any were bred, and very few were either to be heard or seen 
 in the vicinity. In parts of New England this bird is known 
 by the name of the Canaihi Robin ; and by the French Cana- 
 dians it IS fancifully called Rccollcf, from the color of its crest 
 resemblimr that of the hood of this religious order. 
 
 '^H 
 
*#rr 
 
 111 
 
 NORTHERN .^HkiKE. 
 
 BUTCHER BIRD. 
 LaXIUS B<jRE-UJ&- 
 
 Char. Above, bluish ash, paler on rnmp; BBnafler pans dull white, with 
 fine wavy lines of brownisli gray : bar on .-ri^ik: «d 3i>ead black ; wings and 
 tail black tipped with white; white patch, ucd «iiig; outer tail feathers 
 white. Length 9^4 to 10^4 inches. 
 
 A'c'sf. In a tree or low bush ; large and ntsm^iilT made of sticks and 
 grass, lined with leaves or feathers. 
 
 £,-,Xs. 4-6 ; dull gray with green tint, sp-jGneiiil "wiih lilac and brown ; 
 1.05 X 0,75. 
 
 This little wary Northern hunter ia m^v^t commonly seen in 
 this part of the continent at the commeiacf ment of winter, a 
 few remaining with us throughout thai ■><ea*<rjn. They extend 
 their wanderings, according to Aud'xb«0'ra. a* far as Natchez, 
 and are not uncommon in Kentucky in -s^-ere winters. In 
 March they retire to the North, thougti) srjme take up their 
 summer abode in the thickest forests in Peemsylvania and New 
 England. The nest is said to be large u;in>d compact, in the 
 fork of a small tree, and sometime;^ in an ' -'''.-■tree, composed 
 externally of dried grass, with whiti.^h m. .-. -.:. ": well lined with 
 feathers. The eggs are about 6, of a. pfsk cinereous white. 
 
 Ii 
 
 iill 
 
 t 
 
M 
 
 ;6o 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 m^ 
 
 
 <i 
 
 \i 
 
 thickly marked at the greater end with spots and streaks of 
 rufous. l"he i)eriod of sitting is about 15 days. The young 
 appear early in June or the latter end of May. 
 
 The principal food of this species is large insects, such as 
 grasshoppers, crickets, and spiders. With the surplus of tlie 
 former, as well as small birds, he disposes in a very singular 
 manner, by impaling them ujion thorns, as if thus providing 
 securely for a future supply of provision. In the abundance, 
 however, which surrounds him in the amjile store-house of 
 Nature, he soon loses sight of this needless and sportive econ- 
 omy, and, like the thievish Pie and Jay, he suffers his forgotten 
 store to remain drying and bleaching in the elements till no 
 longer palatable or digestible. As this little Butcher, like his 
 more common European representative, preys upon birds, 
 these impaled grasshoppers were imaginetl to be lures to attract 
 his victims ; but his courage and rapacity render such snares 
 both useless and imj^robable, as he has been known, with the 
 temerity of a Falcon, to follow a bird into an open cage sooner 
 than lose his quarry. j\Ir. J. Brown, of Cambridge, informs me 
 that one of these birds had the boldness to attack two Canaries 
 in a cage, suspended one fine winter's day at the window. The 
 poor songsters in their fears fluttered to the side of the cage, 
 and one of them thrust his head through the bars of his prison ; 
 at this instant the wily Butcher tore off his head, and left the 
 boilv dead in the cage. The cause of the accident seemed 
 ■wholly mysterious, till on the following da}- the bold hunter 
 was found to have entered the room, through the open window, 
 with a view to despatch the remaining victim ; and but for 
 timely interference it would have instantly shared the fate of 
 its companion. On another occasion, while a Mr. Lock in this 
 vicinity was engaged in fowling, he wounded a Robin, who 
 flew to a little distance and descended to the ground : he soon 
 heard the disabled bird uttering unusual cries, and on approach- 
 ing found him in the grasp of the Shrike. He snatched up the 
 bird from its devourer ; but having tasted blood, it still fol- 
 lowed, as if determined not to relinquish its proposed prey, 
 and only desisted from the quest on receiving a mortal wound. 
 
 M 
 
NORTHERN ^IIRIKE. 
 
 I6l 
 
 ;ular 
 
 (ling 
 mce, 
 
 ie of 
 ;con- 
 otten 
 ill no 
 .e his 
 birds, 
 Lttract 
 snares 
 th the 
 sooner 
 ms me 
 marie s 
 . The 
 cage, 
 rison ; 
 eft the 
 leemed 
 hunter 
 lindow, 
 ut for 
 ite of 
 ui this 
 , who 
 e soon 
 roach- 
 up the 
 ill fol- 
 prey, 
 vound. 
 
 The propensity for thus singularly si-curing its prey is also 
 practised on birds, which it impales in the same manner, and 
 afterwards tears them to pieces at leisure. 
 
 I'rom his attempts to imitate the notes of other small birds, 
 in Canada and some parts of New England he is sometimes 
 called a Mocking Bird. His usual note, like that of the follow- 
 ing species, resembles the discordant creaking of a sign-board 
 hinge ; and my friend Mr. lirown has heard one mimicking the 
 ([uacking of his Ducks, so that they answered to him as to a 
 dc( oy fowl. They also imitate other birds, and I have ])een 
 informed that they sing pretty well themselves at times, or 
 rather chatter, and mimic the songs of other birds, as if with a 
 view to entice them intcj sight, for the purpose of making them 
 their prey. This fondness for imitation, as in the Pies, may 
 however be merely the result of caprice. 
 
 So complete at times is the resemblance between the 
 Mocking Bird {Mi/nits po//ygIof/i/s) and this species o{ Lci/iius. 
 that it is difficult to distinguish them apart. I have lately 
 heard one (November loth, i>'^33), employed in a low and soft 
 warble resembling that of the Song Sparrow at the j)resent 
 season, and immediately after his note changed to that of the 
 Catbird. Like that pre-eminent minstrel, the Or]:)heus, he 
 also mounts to the topmost spray of some lofty tree to display 
 his deceptive talent and mislead the small birds so as to bring 
 them within his reach. His attitudes are also light and airy, 
 and his graceful, flowing tail is kept in fontastic motion. 
 
 The parents and their brood move in company in ([uest of 
 their subsistence, and remain together the whole season. The 
 male boldly attacks even the Hawk or the Kagle in their de- 
 fence, and with such fury that they generally decline the onset. 
 
 The Butcher Bird breeds from about latitude 50^ northward, mi 
 grating in winter south to the Potomac and Oliio valleys. 
 
 Dr. Arthur Chadbourne. of Cambridge, reports that he has heard 
 a female sing, and describes her as •• an unusually fine singer and 
 quite a mimic." 
 
 VOL. I. — II 
 
 IS 
 
 ; < 
 
 I) 
 
 
 1 i» 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 r 
 
 1 
 
 
 '. 
 
102 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. 
 
 LaNIUS LUDUVICIANLS. 
 
 I! 
 
 fi }i 
 
 il i 
 
 II 
 
 
 Char. Above, bluish ash, generally not much paler on rump; under- 
 parts pure white, rarely any lines of gray; flanks tinged with gray; 
 forehead and side of head black ; wings and tail black tipped with white ; 
 white patch on wings ; outer tail feathers white. Length SJ< to 9^-^ 
 inches. 
 
 Distinguished from borealis by smaller size and by the black forehead 
 and white under-parts. 
 
 A\st. In a tree ; roughly made of twigs and grass, lined wiih leaves 
 and feathers. 
 
 /?V,v*". 4-6 ; dull gray with green tint spotted with lilac and brown ,: 
 0.95 X 0.70. 
 
 This species principally inhabits the warmer parts of the 
 United States, residing and breeding from North Carolina to 
 Florida, where I have obser\'ed it likewise in winter. It was 
 also seen in the table-land of Mexico by that enterprising natu- 
 ralist and collector, Mr. Bullock, and my friend Mr. T. Town- 
 send found it in the Rocky Mountain range and in the territory 
 of Oregon, According to Audubon it affects the low countries, 
 being seldom met with in the mountainous districts. 
 
 Its habits are shy and retiring, and it renders itself useful, 
 and claims protection by destroying mice around the planta- 
 tion, for which it sits and watches near the rice-stacks for 
 hotu"s together, seldom failing of its prey as soon as it appears. 
 Like most of the genus, it is also well satisfied with large in- 
 sects, crickets, and grasshoppers, which like the preceding 
 Si ?cies it often impales. In the breeding-season, according 
 to Dr. Bachman, it has a song which bears some resemblance 
 to that of the young Brown Thrush ; and though very irregidar, 
 the notes are not unjileasing. At other times its discordant 
 call may almost be compared to the creaking of a sign-board 
 in windy weather ; it probably has also the usual talent for 
 mimicry. The pairs mate about March, at which time the 
 male frequently feeds the female, and shows great courage in 
 defending his nest from the intrusion of other birds. The nest 
 
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. 
 
 163 
 
 under- 
 gray ; 
 white ; 
 to ()l4 
 
 irehead 
 I leaves 
 
 brown : 
 
 of the 
 lUna to 
 It was 
 ig natu- 
 , Town- 
 erritory 
 untries, 
 
 is, according to Pr. Bachman, usually made in the ouLer linil)> 
 of a tree such as the live-oak or sweet-gum. and often tm a 
 cedar 15 to 30 feet from the ground. It is coar-,cly made of 
 dry crooked twigs, and lined with root-fibres and slender grass. 
 The eggs, 3 to 5, are greenish white. Incubation is per- 
 formed by both sexes in turn, but each bird procures its own 
 food in the intervals. They rear two broods in the season. 
 Its manners resemble those of a Hawk ; it sits silent and 
 watchful until it espies its prey on the ground, when it pounces 
 upon it, and strikes first with the bill, in the manner of small 
 birds, seizing the object immediately after in its claws : but it 
 seldom attacks birds except when previously wounded. 
 
 The Loggerhead is now said to be restricted to the southern 
 portion of the Eastern States north to X'irginia. Oliio. southern 
 Illinois, and the (ireat Lakes: and through New York to north- 
 ern New England and Now llrunswick. 
 
 Note. — The White-humi'kd Shriki: {L. ludoviciamts excti- 
 bitori(ics) is a pale form restricted to the Western plains, and which 
 in habits as in appearance differs but little from the Loggerhead. 
 
 If useful, 
 planta- 
 rks for 
 ^-ippears. 
 arge in- 
 eceding 
 cording 
 
 blance 
 rregidar, 
 pcordant 
 l;n-board 
 ilent for 
 hme the 
 |urage in 
 
 :he nest 
 
 '11 
 
 

 hi. 
 
 II 
 
 V 
 
 REDSTART. 
 
 Setophaga ruticilla. 
 
 Char. Male : lustrous blue-black ; belly white ; patch on sides of 
 breast, basal half of wing-quills and of tail, orange red. Female : the 
 black of the male rei)laced by olive brown, the red replaced by dull 
 yellow. Young males like female, b... gradually changing to full plumage. 
 Bill and feet black. Length 5 to 5^4 inches. 
 
 A'rsf An e.vceedingly graceful and compact structure saddled on a 
 branch, or supported by forked twigs of a sapling, from 5 to 20 feet from 
 the ground. It is composed of a variety of materials, in this region 
 most commonly of grass and vegetable fibres lined with fine grass or 
 horse hair. 
 
 i?.,:;'-^. 4-;: dull white, spotted chiefly around the larger end with 
 brown and lilac ; 0.65 X 0.50. 
 
 Thi.s beautiful and curious bird takes up its summer resi- 
 dence in almost every part of the North American continent, 
 being found in Canada, in the remote interior near Red River 
 in the latitude of 49 degrees, throughout Louisiana, Arkansas, 
 and the maritime parts of Mexico ; in all of which vast coun- 
 tries it familiarly breeds and resides during the mild season, 
 withdrawing early in September to tropical America, where, in 
 the perpetual spring and summer of the larger West India 
 islands, the species again find means of support. At length, 
 instigated by more powerful feelings than those of ordinary 
 want, the male, now clad in his beautiful nuptial livery, and 
 accompanied by his mate, seeks anew the friendly but far 
 distant natal regions of his race. In no haste, the playful 
 
REDSTART. 
 
 16: 
 
 Redstart does not appear in Pennsylvania until late in April. 
 The month of May, about the close of the first week, u>hers 
 his arrival into the States of New Kngland : but in Louisiana 
 he is seen as early as the beginning of March. He is no \>en- 
 sioner upon the bounty of man. Though sometimes seen, on 
 his first arrival, in the darkest part of the orchard or garden, 
 or by the meandering brook, he seeks to elude obser\ation, 
 and now, the great object of his migrations having arrived, he 
 retires with his mate to the thickest of the sylvan shade. Like 
 his relative Sylvias, he is full of life and in perpetual motion. 
 He does not, like the loitering Pewee, wait the accidental ap- 
 proach of his insect prey, but carrying the war amongst them, 
 he is seen flitting from bough to bough, or at times pursuing 
 the flying troop of winged insects from the top of the tallest 
 tree in a zig-zag, hawk-like, descending flight, to the ground, 
 while the clicking of the bill declares distinctly both his object 
 and success. Then alighting on some adjoining branch, in- 
 tently watching with his head extended, he runs along upon it 
 for an instant or two, flirting like a fon his expanded, brillimt 
 tail from side to side, and again suddenly shoots off like an 
 arrow in a new direction, after the fresh game he has discov- 
 ered in the distance, and for which he appeared to be recon- 
 noitring. At first the males are seen engaged in active strife, 
 pursuing each other in wide circles through the forest. The 
 female seeks out her prey with less action and flirting, and in 
 her manners resembles the ordinary Sylvias. 
 
 The notes of the male, though not possessed of great com- 
 pass, aie highly musical, and at times sweet and agreeably 
 varied like those of the Warblers. ^Lany of these tones, as they 
 are mere trills of harmony, cannot be recalled by any words. 
 Their song on their first arrival is however nearly uniform, and 
 greatly resembles the '/s/i ^tsh tsh tshee, fs/ie, tshe, tshe tshea, or Vy// 
 'tsh 'isli 'tshitshce of the summer Yellow Bird (Sxlvia cestha), 
 uttered in a piercing and rather slender tone ; now and then 
 also agreeably varied with a somewhat plaintive flowing 'tshe 
 tshe tshe, or a more agreeable ^tshit 'tshit a 'tshee, given almost 
 in the tones of the common Yellow Bird {Fn'm^i/la trfst/s). I 
 
 lit 
 
 Ml 
 
 :i 
 
 II 
 
 \\\ 
 
I- ■». 
 
 i60 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 If 
 
 if 
 
 
 have likewise beard individuals warble out a variety of sweet 
 and temtcr, irilling, rather loud and shrill notes, so superior to 
 the ordinan" lay of incubation that the performer would 
 scarcely be supposed the same bird. On some occasions the 
 male also, when angry or alarmed, utters a loud and snapping 
 chir|j. 
 
 The nest of this elegant Sylvan Flycatcher is very neat and 
 substantial, fixed occasionally near the forks of a slender 
 hickory or beech sa])ling, but more generally fastenerl or agglu- 
 tinated to the depending branches or twigs of the former ; 
 sometimes securely seated amidst the stout footstalks of the 
 waving foliage in the more usual manner of the delicate cradle 
 of the Indian Tailor Bird, but in the deep and cool shade of the 
 forest, instead of the blooming bower. Both parents, but par- 
 ticularly the male, exhibit great concern for the safety of their 
 nest, whether containing eggs only or young, and on its being 
 approached, the male will flit about within a few feet of the 
 invader, regardless of his personal safety, and exhibitmg unequi- 
 vocal marks of distress. The parents also, in their solicitude 
 and fear, keep \^) an incessant '/s/ii/> when their infant brood 
 are even distantly ajjproached. 
 
 Nuttall classed the Redstart with the Flycatchers, as some of 
 its habit? — such as darting from a perch, and capturing insects 
 while on the \^^ng — are typical of that family, but the more mod- 
 em systematists class it with the Wood Warblers. It is an abun- 
 dant summer resident of this eastern province, breeding from 
 about the \-aHev of the Potomac to southern Labrador. 
 
 'i:i 
 

 HOODED WARHI.ER. 
 
 1O7 
 
 HOODKI) WARBLER. 
 
 SVI.VANIA MITRATA. 
 
 Thak. Male: above, yellow olive ; beneath, rich yellow : ^ides «hadcd 
 uith pale olive; head and neck black, enclosing a wide band of yellow 
 across forehead and through eyes; tail with patch of white on two or 
 three outer tail-feathers. Bill black, feet Hcsh-color. Female: similar to 
 male, but sometimes lacking the black, in which specimens the crown is 
 olive and the throat yellow. 
 
 vVV-rA In a low bush; made of leaves and vegetable fibre, lined with 
 grass or horse-hair. 
 
 E,L,X''- 4-5 ; creamy white, spotted chiefly around the larger end wi»h 
 brown and lilac; 0.70 x 0.53. 
 
 This beautiful niifl singularly marked summer species, com- 
 mon in the South, is rarely seen to the north of the State 
 of Maryland. It retires to Mexico or the West Indies proba- 
 bly to pass the winter. At Savannah, in (i(."orgia, it arrives 
 from the South about the 20th of March, according to Wilson. 
 It is partial to low and shady situations darkened with under- 
 wood, is frequent among the cane-brakes of Tennessee and 
 Mississippi, and is exceedingly active, and almost perpetually 
 engaged in the pursuit of winged insects. While thus em- 
 ployed, it now and then utters three loud, and not unmusical, 
 very lively notes, resembling the words, f7Vfe tii'i't- 'hi'ittshc. 
 In its simple song and general habits it therefore much resem- 
 bles the suminer Yellow Ijird. Its neat and compact nest 
 is generally fixed in the fork of a small bush, formed outwardly 
 of moss and flax, lined with hair, and sometimes feathers ; the 
 eggs, about 5, are grayish white, with reddish spots towards 
 the great end. 
 
 u 
 
 II 
 
 The Hooded Warbler is a Soutliern species, but is a regular 
 sutnmer resident of the ConnecticiU valley, and has been found 
 l)reeding near Cleveland, Ohio, and in southern Michigan. It 
 is said to be more abundant in South Carolina than elsewhere. 
 
 I ; 
 
 i 
 
 I, 
 
M 
 
 II 
 
 1 68 
 
 SINGING lURDS. 
 
 
 WILSON'S WARBLER. 
 
 WILSON'S HLACK CAP, 
 SyIA'AMA I'lSII.I.A. 
 
 Char. Above, olive ; crown bhick ; forehead, cheeks, and entire 
 under parts yellow. Female ami young duller, and black cap often 
 obscure, sometimes lacking. I.engtli, 4^^ to 5 inches. 
 
 .\\-jf. On the ground, in a bushy swamp, or on branch of low bush ; 
 of twigs and vegetable fibre lined with moss or fine grass. 
 
 ^'iT^- 4-6; white spotted witii brown and lavender; 0.60 X 0.50. 
 
 This remarkable species of sylvan Flycatcher was first ob- 
 served by Wilson in New Jersey and Delaware as a transitory 
 bird of passage. Audubon has noticed it in I.abrador and 
 Newfoundland, where it was breeding, and it is not uncommon 
 irt the State of Maine. He also saw it in his way to Texas 
 early in April. It begins to migrate from Newfoundland about 
 the middle of .August, and is seen in Maine in October. Mr. 
 'I ownsend ami myself had the pleasure of observing the arrival 
 of the little cheerful songsters in the wilds of Oregon about the 
 first week of May, where these birds commonly take up their 
 summer residence, and seem almost the counterpart of our 
 brilliant and cheerful Yellow Birds (Sv/i-ia ivstii'a), tuning 
 their lay to the same brief and lively ditty, like 'fs/i 'ts/i ^fs/i 
 tslua, or something similar ; their call, however, is more brief 
 
WILSON'S WAKIJLEK. 
 
 169 
 
 and 
 union 
 ll'exas 
 labout 
 Mr. 
 rrival 
 lit the 
 their 
 our 
 lining 
 ' '/s/i 
 brief 
 
 and less loud. They were rattier familiar an<l nnsusi)irious, kept 
 Ml l)iislier> more than trees, particularly in the thickets which 
 bordered the Columbia, busuy engaged collecting their insect 
 fare, and only varying their employment by an occasional and 
 earnest warble. l>y the 12th of May they were already tVed- 
 ing their full-tledged young, though I also found a nest on tlie 
 1 6th of the same month, containing 4 eggs, and just commen- 
 cing incubation. The nest was in the branch of a small service 
 bush, laitl very adroitly as to concealment upon an accidental 
 mass of old moss (C's/wa) that had fallen from a tree above. 
 It was made chiefly of grountl moss (Ilypnuin), with a thick 
 lining of dry, wiry, slender grass. The female, when a|)- 
 proached, went off slyly, running aK>ng the ground like a 
 mouse. The eggs are very similar ti- those of the summer 
 Yellow l>ird, sprinkled with spots of i)alc olive brown, inclined 
 to be ilisposed in a ring at the greater end, as observed by Mr. 
 .\udubon in a nest which he found in Labrador made in a 
 dwarf fir, also made of moss and slender fir- twigs. 
 
 Wilson's Ulack Cap is a regular, though not common, summer 
 resident of northern New England, breeding chiefly north of the 
 United States. It is not uncommon in the Maritime Provinces, 
 and fairly common as a migrant about Montreal, but is rartly seen 
 in Ontario, though abundant in Ohio, and reported as brcedin;; in 
 Minnesota. 
 
 Note. — The Smali.-headf.d Flycatcher (IVilsonia mimtta 
 and Sylvia tiiinuia of Wi'son and .Audubon) was given a place in 
 the •' Manual " by Xuttall, who alleged to have seen ♦he species. 
 Not having been found by any of the more modern observers, it 
 has been omitted from many recent works. It was placed on tlie 
 "hypothetical list " bv the .A. O. C. committee, but has been again 
 brought forward by Ridgeway. in his " .Manual." Wilson stated 
 that he saw it in New Jersey: .Audubon said he shot one in Ken- 
 tucky ; and Nuttall's e.xamples were in Massachusetts. .As the 
 birds were seen by Nuttall only "at the approach of winter." it is 
 probable they were the young of the year of some of the more 
 northern breeding species. 
 
 U( 
 
 M 
 
 i 
 
 II 
 
1 
 
 V 
 
 BLU I :-( ; RAV GXA'ICA rCH E R. 
 
 < HAk. Male: ahovc, blui.-Ii gray, darker on head, paler on rump; 
 forehead and line over the eye black; beneath, pale blui>h white; wiiii;> 
 du^ky; tail longer than the l)udy, the outer feathers partly white. Fe- 
 male: similar in the male, but lacking the black on head. Length 4,' J 
 
 to 
 
 inches 
 
 AV.f/. A graceful, cup-shaped structure, saddled on limb of a tree 15 
 or 20 feet from the ground; composed of felted plant fibre ornamented 
 externally with lichens and lined with feathers. 
 
 £^'s. ^-y, bluish white, speckled with bright brown; 0.55 X 0.45. 
 
 Hut for the ]ei\^th of the tail, this wouUl rank among the 
 most diminutive of birds. It is a very dexterous, lively insect- 
 himter, Mid keeps commonly in the tops of tall trees; its 
 motions are ra])id and incessant, api)'\iring always in quest of 
 its prey, darting from bough to bough with hanging wings and 
 elevated tail, uttering only at times a feeble song of /see tsee tser, 
 scarcely louder than the squeak of a mouse. It arrives in the 
 State of Pennsylvania from the South about the middle of April. 
 and seldom passes to the north of the States of New York and 
 Ohio, though others, following the course of the large rivers, pen- 
 etrate into Kentucky, Indiana, and Arkansas. Its first visits 
 are paid to the blooming willows along the borders of water- 
 courses and besides other small insects it now preys on the 
 troublesome mosquitoes. About the beginning of May it forms 
 its nest, which is usually fixed among twigs, at the height of 10, 
 or sometimes even 50, feet from the ground, near the summit 
 
 11 
 
bll'i;-(;kav (i\Ar<\r(iiKR. 
 
 i/i 
 
 of a forest tree. It is formed of slight materials, stirh as the 
 scales of 1)ir1.«,, hlems and parts of fallen leavis, withered blos- 
 soms, fern down, and the silky fibres of various plants, lined 
 with a few horsehairs, and coated externally with li< hen^. In 
 this frail nest the Cow Troojjial sometimes deposits her ej^'g, and 
 leaves her offspring to the eare of these affectionate and pigmy 
 nurses. In this case, as with the Cuckoo in the nest of the 
 Yellow Wren and that of the Red-tailed Warbler, the egg i«. 
 probably ct)nveyed by the parent, and jjlaced in this small ami 
 slender cradle, which would not be able to susuin the weight 
 or receive the body of the intruiler. 
 
 Though tlassecl witii the Flycatchers by Nuttall and other writers 
 of his (lay, this species is now ranked as one ol the highest tvpes of 
 tlie Oscines, or Singing liinls. and a sub-family has been made for 
 this and the two Western forms. Mr. William .Saunders finds the 
 present species fairly conuuou near London, Ontario, but it is only 
 casual in New England, and is rarely seen north of latitude 42'. 
 It winters in tlie Gulf States and southward. 
 
 Mr. Chapman tells us that this bird has " an e.xcjuisitely finished 
 song.'" but the voice is •• possessed of so little volume as to be in- 
 audible unless one is quite near the singer." 
 
 
 I '. I ' 
 
 tSt'i', 
 
 I in the 
 April, 
 [■k antl 
 >, pen- 
 visits 
 water- 
 )n the 
 forms 
 of 10, 
 limmit 
 
ill. '■ i 
 
 ^ 
 
 yf:llow-breasted chat. 
 
 ICl'KRIA VIREX.S. 
 
 Char. Above, olive; lores black; throat and breast rich yellow; 
 belly white. Length 7 to 8 inches. 
 
 A\'st. In a thicket 2 or 3 feet from the ground ; of dried leaves, strips 
 of bark, or grass lined with fine grass or fibres. 
 
 E,i;i;-s. 3-4; white, with pink tint, spotted with brown and lilac ; 0.90 
 X 0.70. 
 
 This remarkable bird is another summer resident of the 
 United States which passes the winter in tropical America, 
 being found in (Iniana and Brazil, so that its migrations prob- 
 ably extend indifferently into the milder regions of both 
 hemispheres. Even the birds essentially troi)ical are still 
 known to migrate to different distances on either side the 
 equator, so essential and necessary is this wandering habit to 
 almost all the feathered race. 
 
 The Icteria arrives in Pennsylvania about the first week in 
 May, and does not usually appear to proceed farther north and 
 east than the States of New York or Connecticut. To the 
 west it is found in Kentucky, and ascends the Ohio to the 
 borders of Eake Erie. In the distant interior, however, near 
 the Rocky Mountains, towards the sources of the Arkansas, 
 this bird was observed by Mr. Say, and Mr. Townsend saw it 
 
 til 
 
-^*1' 
 
 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. 
 
 1/3 
 
 [ek in 
 h and 
 
 the 
 
 the 
 
 near 
 
 |insas, 
 
 ,a\v it 
 
 at Walla- Walla, on the Columbi . • n^ in the month of 
 June. It retires to the south about liTutc middle of August, or 
 as soon as the only brood it raises --.:■: '^ti-d to undertake their 
 distant journey. 
 
 The males, as in many other migrirwiig birds, who are not 
 continually paired, arrive several (h.j^ Wfore the females. As 
 soon as our bird has chosen hin retre.^.".. which is commonly in 
 some thorny or viny thicket where :.■: jbtain concealment, 
 
 he becomes jealous of his assumeil rtpai* and resents the least 
 intrusion, scolding all who ap[)roach m a variet}- of odd and 
 uncouth tones very difficult to descTDlwe or imitate, except by 
 a whistling, in which case the bird may ht made to approach, 
 but seldom within sight. His resp(jru-!cs o© such occasions are 
 constant and rapid, expressive of anger amd anxiety ; and still 
 unseen, his voice shifts fnjm place to pfec-e amidst the thicket. 
 Some of these notes resemble the ^Eii-r-iioi^ of the wings of a 
 flying duck, at first loud and rapid,. tEc-m -yanking till they seem 
 to end in single notes. A succession ©f other tones are now 
 heard, some like the barking oi yoTxtES p»a![;)pies, with a variety 
 of hollow, guttural, uncommon sorinxd-j. frtjquently repeated, 
 and terminated occasionally Vjv stjmetBiiDnag like the mewing of 
 a ( at, but hoarser, — a tone to which alll! eorar Vireos, particularly 
 the young, have frecjuent recurrence. Ml these notes are 
 uttered with vehemence, and with sricSn strange and various 
 modulations as to appear near or dBtamtt, Hike the manoeuvres 
 of ventriloquism. In mild weather al-so, when the moon 
 .shines, this extiberant gabbling is heard HMrariy throughout the 
 night, as if the performer was di.sputing: mitii the echoes of his 
 own voice. 
 
 Soon after their arrival, or about tine maiddle of May, the 
 Icterias begin to build, fixing the nest csunanoiiLly in a bramble 
 bush, in an interlaced thicket, a vine, ©r small cedar, 4 or 5 
 feet from the ground. The young are hailched in the short 
 ])eriod of 1 2 days, and leave the nest afearatt the second week 
 in June. While the female is sitting,, the cries of the male are 
 still more loud and incessant. He n.jw braves concealment, 
 and at times mounts into the air alnaost perpendicularly 30 
 
 i 
 
174 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 ! 'i 
 
 \l ' 
 
 m 
 
 or 40 feet, with ]vs legs hanging down, and descending as he 
 rose, by re]ieated jerks, he seems to be in a paroxysm of fear 
 and anger. The usual mode of Hying is not, however, different 
 from that of other birds. 
 
 The food of the Icteria consists of beetles and other shelly 
 insects ; and as the summer advances, they feed on various 
 kinds of berries, like the Flycatchers, and seem particularly 
 fond of whortleberries. They are frequent through the Middle 
 States, in hedges, thickets, and near rivulets and watery 
 situations. 
 
 This Chat is now found regularly in Connecticut and northern 
 Ohio, and sparingly in Massachusetts. A few examples have been 
 taken in New Hampshire and southern Ontario. 
 
 
 V 
 
 III 
 
 l.j 
 
 YELLOW-THRO.\TED MREO. 
 
 ViREO FL-AVIFROXS. 
 
 Char. Above, ricli olive, shading to ashy gray on the rump : line 
 across the forehead and around the eyes yellow ; throat and breast rich 
 yellow ; belly white, sides shaded with ]iale olive ; wings dusky with two 
 white bars, tail dusky, the feathers edged with white. Length 5 to 6 
 inches. 
 
 JVest. In woods or orchard; suspended from fork of branch 5 to 30 
 feet from the ground (usually about 10 feet); a graceful and compact 
 structure of grass and strips of bark covered with lichens and lined with 
 grass or pine needles. 
 
 /;><,'•■'■• 3~5 ' white with roseate tint, thickly spotted around the large 
 end with shades of brown ; 0.80 X 0.60. 
 
 This species of Vireo, or Warbling Flycatcher, visits the 
 Middle and Northern States of the Union about the beginning 
 of May or as soon as his insect food allows him a means of 
 subsistence. He resides chiefly in the forests, where he hunts 
 his tiny prey among the high branches ; and as he shifts from 
 twig to twig in restless pursuit, he often relieves his toil with a 
 somewhat sad and indoleri note, which he repeats, with some 
 variation, at short intervals. This song appears like ^prcca 
 ^prccd, etc.. and it sometimes finishes with a complaining call 
 
 * ' 
 
to ;o 
 
 large 
 
 the 
 ming 
 ins of 
 lunts 
 from 
 ,'ith a 
 Isome 
 
 rail 
 
 YELLOW-THROA'rKD VIKEO. 175 
 
 of recognition, 'pr>rin)^h '/>nrii/i;/i. These syllables rise and 
 full in different tones as they are repeated, but though usually 
 sweet and impressive, are delivered too slow and solemn to be 
 generally pleasing. In other respects they consitlcrabl) resem- 
 ble the song of the Red-Kved Warbling Flycatcher, in whose 
 company it is often heard, blending its deep but languid 
 warble with the loud, energetic notes of the latter : and their 
 united music, uttered during summer, even ai noonday, is 
 rendered peculiarly agreeable, as nearly all the songsters of 
 the grove are now seeking a silent shelter from the sultr\ heat. 
 In the warmest weather the lay of this bird is iivk-ei! [leculiarly 
 strong and lively : and his usually long-drawn, almost plaintive 
 notes, are now delivered in fine succession, with a peculiar 
 echoing and impressive musical cadence, apix-aring like a 
 romantic and tender revery of delight. The song, now almost 
 incessant, heard from this roving sylvan minstrel is varied in 
 bars nearly as follows: />r,(7 />/>'ci prcoi, prcait prt'iuf f rrji^u-rt 
 pircai, pcwai praiou. prctai pirro pnu>i/, prcco pn\iK-if prrt-oo. 
 ^^'hen irritated, he utters a very loud and hoarse mewing 
 pnui:;It prah^/f. As soon, however, as the warm weather begins 
 to decline, and the business of incubation is finished, about 
 the beginning of August, this sad and slow but ii\teresting 
 musician nearly ceases his song, a few feeble farewell notes 
 only being heard to the first week in September. 
 
 This species, like the rest of the gentis, constnicts a very 
 beautiful pendulous nest about 3 inches deej^ and 2^j in 
 diameter. One, which I now more particularly describe, is 
 suspended from the forked twig of an oak in the near neigh- 
 borhood of a dwelling-house in the country. It is attached 
 firmly all round the cur\ing t^vigs by which it is supported ; 
 the stoutest external materials or skeleton of the fabric is 
 formed of interlaced folds of thin strips of red cedar bark, 
 connected very intimately by coarse threads and small masses 
 of the silk of spiders' nests and of the cocoons of large moths. 
 These threads are moistened by the glutinous saliva of the 
 bird. Among these external materials are also blended tine 
 blades of tlry grass. The inside is thickly bedtled with this 
 
 
 . 1 
 
 f 
 
H 
 
 ,1 • 
 
 i 
 
 
 it 
 
 1/6 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 last material and fine root-fibres ; but the finishing layer, as if 
 to preserve elasticity, is of rather coarse grass-acalks. lOxter- 
 nally the nest is coated over with green lichen, attached very 
 artfully by slender strings of cater])illars' silk, and the whole 
 afterwards tied over by almost nivisible threads of the same, so 
 as to ai)])ear as if glued on; and the entire fabric now resem- 
 bles an accidental knot of the tree grown over with moss. 
 
 The food of this species during the summer is insects, but 
 towards autumn they and their young feed also on various 
 small berries. About the middle of Se])tember the whole move 
 off and leave the United States, probably to winter in tropical 
 America. 
 
 Xuttall followed the older authors in naming the forest as the 
 favoritr haunt of this species. Later observers consider that it 
 freciuents orchards and fields quite as much as the woods, and it is 
 reported as common in the gardens near Boston. 
 
 It occurs in soutliern New England and the Middle .States as 
 far wjst as Iowa, and in .Manitoba, where it is common. It has 
 not been found in the Maritime Provinces, but is common near 
 Montreal and in Ontario. 
 
 BLUE-HEADED VIREO. 
 
 SOIITARY VIREO. 
 ViRF.O SOLHARTUS. 
 
 Thar. A 'ove, bright olive; line from nostril to and around tlie eves 
 wliitish ; crown and siiles of head bluish ash ; beneath, white, sides and 
 flanks shaded with olive and yellow; wings dusky with two bars of 
 vellowish while ; tail dusky, feathers edited with white. Length 5 to 6 
 inches. 
 
 A'rsi. .Suspended from fork of branch of low tree or bush ; comj)osed 
 of grass or vegetable fibre, ornamented with moss or lichens, lined with 
 grass and plant down. 
 
 >''XS'-f' <^"reaniy white, spotted, in wreath around larger end, with bright 
 brown; o.So X 0.50. 
 
 This is one of the rarest species of the genus, and from 
 (leorgia to Pennsylvania seems only as a straggler or acci- 
 dental visitor. 
 
 Ml 
 
BLUE-HEADED VIREO. 
 
 177 
 
 eves 
 
 and 
 
 lis of 
 
 to 6 
 
 |)right 
 
 from 
 icci- 
 
 h possesses all the unsuspicious habits of the genus, allow- 
 ing a near approach without alarm. It seldom rises beyond 
 the tops of llie canes or low bushes amidst which it is com- 
 monly seen hopi)ing in quest of its subsistence, which consists 
 of insects and berrits. Its flight is generally tremulous an<l 
 agitated. According to Dr. r>achman. "'it is every year Se- 
 coming more abundant in South Carolina, where it remains 
 from about the middle of February to that of March, keeping 
 to the woods. It has a sweet and loud song of half a dozen 
 notes, heard at a considerable distance." 
 
 About the beginning of May, in the oaks already almost 
 wholl) in leaf, on the banks of the Columbia, we heard around 
 us the plaintive delib'^'" te wm ole of this species. fir>t noticed 
 by Wilson. It so'.i,. .^tems to be intermediate between that of 
 the Red-eyed anct \'ellow-breasted species, having the prcai, 
 prcai, etc., of the latter, and the fine variety of the former in 
 its tones. It darted about in the tops of the trees, incessantly 
 engaged in quest of food, now and then disputing with some 
 rival. The nest of this bird is made much in the same manner 
 as that of the I'ireo oUracfus. One which I examined was 
 suspended from the forked^twig of the wild crab-tree, at about 
 ten feet from the ground. The chief materials were dead 
 and whitened grass leaves, with some cobwebs agglutinated 
 together, externally scattered with a few shreds of moss 
 (//i /•;//////). to resemble the branch on which it was hung; 
 here and there were also a few of the white paper-like cap- 
 sules of the spider's nest, and it was lined with fine blades of 
 grass and slender root-fibres. The situation, as usual, was 
 ojjcn but shady. 
 
 This is a fairly common summer resident of northern New 
 England, and it breeds sparingly south to the .Middle States, and 
 north to Hudsoifs Bay. It is a rare bird in the Maritime Prov- 
 inces and in Quebec, though common in parts of Ontario. 
 
 XoTi:. — Tlie Mountain Solitarv \'\\KV.ct{\\ solitarins alti- 
 cola). lately discovered by .Mr. William Brewster in western North 
 Carolina, is described as "nearly uniform blackish plumbeous, with 
 onlv a faint tinge of green on the back." 
 vol.. I. — VI 
 
 In 
 
I 
 
 fi 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 m 
 
 WHrrE-EYFJ) VIREO. 
 
 ViRKO NOVEI50RACF.NSIS. 
 
 (-'har. Above, olive, shading to ash on hind neck and rump; line 
 from nostril to and around eyes, yellow ; beneath, white, duller on throat 
 and breast; sides shaded with yellow; wings and tail dusky; wing-bars 
 yellow ; iris whits.- In the adult, l.ength about 5 inches. 
 
 A'c'st, Suspended from forked twig of low bush in a thicket, some- 
 times on edge of swamp; C(jmposed of various materials, — grass, twigs, 
 etc., — ornamented with muss and lichens, and lined with grass, etc. 
 
 £^''^'s. 3-5 ; white, spcjtted around larger end with brown ; 0.75 X 0.55. 
 
 This interesting little bird appears to be a constant resident 
 within the limits of the United States; as, on the 12th of Jan- 
 uary, I saw them in great ninnbers near Charleston, S. C, 
 feeding on the wax-myrtle berries, in company with the Ycllow- 
 Rimiped Sylvias. At this season they were silent, btit very 
 familiar, tlescenfling from the bttshes when whistled too, and 
 peeping cautiously, came down close to me, looking about with 
 complacent curiosity, as if unconscious of any danger. In the 
 last week of February, Wilson already heard thcui singing in 
 the southern parts of (leorgia, and throughout that month to 
 March, I saw them in the swampy thickets nearly every day, 
 so that they undoubtedly reside and pass the winter in the 
 maritime parts of the Southern States. The arrival of this 
 little unsuspicious warbler in Pennsylvania and New England 
 is usually about the middle of April or earlier. On the 12th 
 of March I first heard his voice in the low thickets of West 
 Florida. His ditty was now simply ss'/ (with a whistle) 7C'd 
 witte 7ottte 7i.<'e-wd (the first part very quick). As late as in 
 the first week in May I observed a few stragglers in this vicinity 
 
 m\ 
 
WIinE-LVElJ \ IKEO. 
 
 »7y 
 
 peeping through the bushes : and in the latter end of the 
 niunth a jniir had taken up their abode in the thickets of 
 l-resii Fond, so that those which first arrive leave us and pro- 
 ceed farther to the north. On the 2 2d of June I heard the 
 male in full song, near his nest in our neighborhood, where in- 
 ( ubation was going on. His warble was very pleasing, though 
 scjmewhat monotonous and whimsical, 'i'his affectionate note, 
 often repeated near to his faitliful mate while confined to 
 her nest, was like '/s/ri//^rTOfc-7L'(i-si7y, tshippt-ii'ee-ivte-H'as-say, 
 sweetly whistled, and with a greater comi)ass of voice and 
 loudness than might have been expected from the size of the 
 little vocalist. 'l"he song is sometimes changed two or three 
 times in the course of twenty minutes ; and 1 have heard the 
 following phrases : '</// tshippmHit '■ii.'urr, tshippez^at 'tvurr : at 
 another time, '/s/i/pncuy '/she o ct 'tsherr. On another visit 
 the little performer had changed his song to '/// ti 7cai:;h «.• 
 tshewa, with a guttural trill, as usual, at the last syllable. He 
 soon, however, varied his lay to 'whip te wo'i wee, the last sylla- 
 ble but one considerably lengthened and clearly whistled. Such 
 were the captious variations of this little quaint and peculiarly 
 earnest musician, whose notes are probably almost continually 
 varied. On the 6th of October I still heard one of these wan- 
 dering little minstrels, who at intervals had for several weeks 
 visited the garden, probably in quest of berries. His short, 
 (juaint, and more guttural song was now atshie-ia'it (probably 
 the attempt of a young bird). As late as the 30th of October 
 the White-l'>yed \'ireo still lingered around Cambridge, and 
 on the margin of a ]:)ond, surrounded by weeds and willows, he 
 was actively employed in gleaning up insects and their larA'ae ; 
 and now, with a feebler tone of voice, warbled with uncommon 
 sweetness wholly different from his usual strain, sounding some- 
 thing like the sweet whisperings of the Song Sparrow at the 
 present season, and was perhaps an attempt at mimickry. 
 Occasionally, also, he blended in his harsher, scolding, or 
 querulous mewing call. 
 
 This species, like the rest, build commonly a pensile nest 
 suspended by the upper edge of the two sides on the circular 
 
 I'i 
 
 I' 
 
 %\ 
 
M ,. 
 
 ■iv J " 
 
 iiitii" 
 
 I So 
 
 SINGING lURDS. 
 
 benil. often of the smilax or green briar vine. In the Miflrlle 
 States they often raise 2 brootls in the season, generally make 
 choice of thorny thickets for their nest, and show much con- 
 cern when it is aiJi)roached, descending within a few feet of 
 the intruder, looking down and hoarsely mewing and scolding 
 with great earnestness. This [petulant display of irritability is 
 also continued when the brood are a] )proached, though as large 
 and as active as their vigilant antl vociferous parents. In the 
 Middle States this is a common si)ecies, but in Massachusetts 
 rather rare. Its food, like the rest of the Vireos. is insects 
 and vir > kinds of berries, for the former of which it hunts 
 with _: j;jlity. attention, and industry. 
 
 •' Eastern United States, west to the Rockies, south in winter to 
 (iuaiemala,'' is usually given as the habitat of this species. It ha.s 
 been seen rarely north of southern New England, and only one 
 example has been taken in New lirunswick, though Mr. J. M. 
 Jones considers it fairly common in portions of Nova Scotia. 
 There is no authentic report of its occurrence in Ontario, but Mr. 
 McIIwraiih thinks it may yet be found there. 
 
 Note. — Mr. William Brewster lias lately described the Kr:v 
 West X'iikeo ( K nai'iiwrdcensis luaynardi) as a larger bird than 
 the type and of duller color, the yellow paler. 
 
 Bf:[.i,'> Vireo ( Virco f'cllii). a bird of much the same appearance 
 and habits as the White-eyed, is found in the prairie districts of 
 
 Illinois and Iowa. 
 Rockica. 
 
 It ranges thence to the eastern base ot the 
 
 \ 
 
 WARBLING VIREO. 
 
 ^'^^F,0 GILVUS. 
 
 Char. Above, grayish olive brighter on the rump, shading to ashv on 
 the hfjad; beneath, buffy white, flanks and sides tinged with oHve yellow. 
 Length 5 to 5/2 inches. 
 
 .\c'j/ In open pasture or shaded street, suspended from fork of a 
 high branch; composed of grass and vegetable fibre, and lined with fine 
 grxss. 
 
 ■^aS'''- 3~4; white, spotted, chiefly about the larger end, with brown; 
 075 X o 55. 
 
thv on 
 lellow. 
 
 of a 
 ih fine 
 
 rown ; 
 
 WARIJLING VIREO. 
 
 iSl 
 
 This sweetest and most constant warbler of the forest, ex- 
 tending his northern migrations to the confines of Canada and 
 aloi.g the coast of the Pacific to the (Jrcgon. arrives from trop- 
 ical America in Pennsylvania about the middle of April, and 
 reaches this part of New Lngiand early in May. His livery, 
 like that of the Nightingale, is plain and unadorned; but the 
 sweet melody of his voice, — surpassing, as far as Nature usually 
 surpasses art, the tenderest airs of the thite, — jKJured out often 
 from the rising dawn of day to the a])i)roach of evenmg. and 
 vigorous even during the sultry heat of noon, when most other 
 birds are still, gives additional interest to this little vocalist. 
 While chanting fortli his easy, flowing, tender airs, apparently 
 without effort, so contrasted with the interrupted emphatical 
 song of the Red-Eye, he is gliding along the thick and leafy 
 branches of our majestic elms and tallest trees busied in quest 
 of his restless insect prey. With us, as in Pennsylvania, the 
 s])ecies is almost wholly confined to our villages, and even 
 cities. It is rarely ever observed in the woods : but from the 
 tall trees which decorate the streets and lanes, the almost in- 
 visible musician, secured from the enemies of the forest, is 
 heard to cheer the house and cottage with his untiring song. 
 As late as the 2d of October I still distinguished his tuneful voice 
 from amidst the yellow fading leaves of the linflen. near which 
 he had passed away the summer. The approaching flissolu- 
 tion of those delightful connections which had been cemented 
 by affection and the cheerless stillness of autumn, still called 
 up a feeble and plaintive revery. Some days after this late 
 l^eriod, warmed by the mild rays of the morning sun, I heard, 
 as it were, faintly warbled, a parting whisjier : and about the 
 middle of this month our vocal woods and fields were once 
 more left in dreary silence. 
 
 When offended or irritated, our bird utters an angry 7j-//<7V 
 ^fs/iay, like the Catbird and the other Vireos. and sometimes 
 makes a loud snapping with his bill. The nest of the Warbling 
 Vireo is generally pendulous, and ambitiously and securely sus- 
 pended at great elevations. In our elms I have seen one of 
 these airy cradles at the very summit of one of the most gigan- 
 
1 82 
 
 SINGINO IHKDS. 
 
 I ' 
 
 J 
 
 / 
 
 tic. more than loo feet from the grouinl. At other times they 
 are not more tlian 50 to 70 feet liigh. '1 he only nest I have 
 been able to examine was made externally of flat and dry 
 scdiie-grass blades, for which, as I have observed, are occa- 
 sionally substituted strings of bass. These dry blades and 
 »trij)s are confined and tied into the usual circular form by 
 caterpillars' silk, blended with bits of wool, silk-weed lint, and 
 an accidental and sparing mixture of vernal grass tops and old 
 apple-blossoms. It was then very neatly lined with the small 
 flat blades of the meadow grass called Poa compirssa. 
 
 This species is rather uiicomnioii in the Maritime Provinces 
 exct-ptini; near the Maine border in Xc-w lirunswiek, and in the 
 more >outhL'rn portions of Xova Scotia. It is fairly coniinon in 
 southern Quebec, and abundant in Ontario. In parts of Xew 
 England and the Middle .States it is a common summer resident. 
 At the West it ranges north to the fur countries. 
 
 Hi n 
 
 RFd) EYED VIRKO. 
 
 ViRF.O Ol.IVACF.US. 
 
 Char. Above, bright olive, crown ashy; white line over eyes ; iris 
 niby red ; beneath, wiiite faintly tinged with dull olive on sides; wings 
 and tail dusky. Leiigth 5'i to 6)2 inches. 
 
 Xist. In an open pasture or along margin of field ; suspended from 
 fork of an upper branch ; composed of grass and vegetable fibre, and 
 lined with fine grass, etc. 
 
 Ez;s- 3-5 ; white (sometimes with a faint pink tint) spotted sparingly, 
 around larger end. with dull brown ; o So X 0.55. 
 
 These common antl indefatigable songsters appear to inhabit 
 even.' part of the American continent, from Labrador to the 
 large tropical islands of Jamaica and St. Domingo ; thev are 
 likewise resident in the mild tableland of Mexico. Those 
 individuals who pass the summer with us, however, migrate to 
 the warmer regions at the commencement of winter, as none 
 are found at that season within the limits of the United States. 
 The Red-Eyed Vireo arrives in Pennsylvania late in .April, and 
 in New England about the beginning of May. It inhabits the 
 
 
RED-EVLD VIKLO. 
 
 I '^3 
 
 5 ; ins 
 wings 
 
 from 
 vv, and 
 
 iringly, 
 
 Inh.ibit 
 to the 
 
 lev are 
 Those 
 i-ate to 
 none 
 states, 
 |U and 
 Its the 
 
 shaily forests or tall trcL-> near garden> and the sul)url)> ol 
 villages, where its loud, lively, and energetic song is oflen con- 
 tinued, with little intermission, for several hours at a time, as 
 it darts and jiries among the thick foliage m (juest of injects 
 and small caterpillars. From its first arrival until Augus' it is 
 the most distinguisheil warbler of the forest, and when almost 
 all the other birds have become mute, its notes are yet heard 
 with unabated vigor, liven to the 5th of October, still enliv- 
 ened by the feeble rays of the sun, the male faintly recalls his 
 song, and plaintively tunes* a farewell to his native woods. 11 ii 
 summer notes are uttered in short, emphatical bars of 2 or _^ 
 syllables, and have something in them like the simple lay of 
 the Thrush on American Robin when he first earnestly and 
 slowly cummences his song. He often makes use, in fact, of 
 the same expTessions ; but his tones are more monotonous as 
 well as mellow and melodious, like the rest of the Vire(js. In 
 moist and dark summer weather his voice seems to be one 
 continued, untiring warble of exquisite sweetness ; and in the 
 most populous and noisy streets of Doston his shrill and tender 
 lay is commonly heard from the tall elms ; and as the bustle of 
 carts and carriages attempts to drown his voice, he elevates his 
 pipe with more \igor an<l earnestness, as if determined to be 
 heard in spite of every discord. The call of " JI7///>-T(>»/- 
 Xv7/r," attributed to this species by Sloane and even Wilson, I 
 have never heard ; and common as the species is throughout 
 the Union, the most lively or accidental fit of imagination 
 never yet in this count. y conceived of such an association of 
 sounds. I have already remarked, indeed, that this singular 
 call is, in fact, sometimes uttered by the Tufted Titmouse. 
 When our Vireo sings slow enough to be distinctly heard, the 
 following sweetly \\arbled phrases, variously transposed and 
 tuned, mav often be caught bv the attentive listener : 't.<hooe 
 pcwee peea'i mus'ik \hi \iii \iu, '' tshoovc ''here 'hire, hear here, 
 'k^ina^ ^ritshani, 'fslie^^ru 'tshevUy 'isheevoo 'fshinre peea'i f 'pero'i, 
 — the whole delivered almost without any sensible internal, with 
 earnest animation, in a ]xathetic, tender, and pleasing strain, 
 well calculated to produce calm and thoughtful reflection in 
 
 ill 
 
 
 
 i 
 I 
 
 ( 
 
 * 
 
 L 
 
1 84 
 
 SINGINd lUKDS. 
 
 \l 
 
 
 i\ 
 
 m 
 
 the sensitive mind. Yet while this heavenly reven* strikes on 
 tile human ear with su< h peculiar tfkc t, the humble musician 
 himself" sctins but little concerned; lor all the while, i)erha|)s, 
 that this Mowing < hurus enchants the hearer, he is casually 
 hopping from spray to spray in c|uest of his active or crawlmg 
 prey, and if a cessation occurs in his almost untiring lay, it is 
 occasioned by the caterpillar or tly he has just fortunately cap- 
 tured. So unaffected are these delightful etforts of instinct, 
 and so unconscious is the performer, apparently, of this pleas- 
 ing faculty bestowed upon him by Nature, that he may truly be 
 considereil as a messenger of harmony to man a/onc. Wan 
 tonly to destroy these delightful aids to sentimental happiness 
 ought therefore to be viewed, not only as an act of barbarity, 
 but almost as a sacrilege. 
 
 The Red-Eyed Vireo is one of the most favorite of all the 
 adopted nurses of the Cowbird ; and the remarkable gentle- 
 ness of its disposition and watt hful affection for the safety of 
 its young, or of the foundling confided to its care, amply justi- 
 fies this selection of a foster-parent. The male, indeed, de- 
 fends his nest while his mate is sitting, with as much spirit as 
 the King Bird, driving away every intnider anrl complaining in 
 a hfjarse mewing tone when approached by any imjuisitive 
 obser\er. By accident the eggs were destroyed in a nest of 
 this species in the Botanic (larden, in a sugar-maple about 20 
 feet from the ground. At this time no complaints were heard. 
 and the male sang all day as cheerful as before. In a few 
 days, unwilling to leave the neighlxjrhood, they had made a 
 second nest in a beech at the opposite side of the same prem- 
 ises ; but now the male drove away ever\' intnider with the 
 greatest temerity. The young of this species are often hatched 
 in about 13 days, or 24 hours later than the parasitic Troopial ; 
 but for want of room the smaller young are usually stilled or 
 neglected. I have, however, seen in one nest a sur\iving bird 
 of each kind in a fair way for being reared ; yet by a singular 
 infatuation the supposititious bird appeared by far the most 
 assiduously attended, and in this case the real yomig of the 
 species seemed to be treated as puny foundlings. 
 
RED-LVLl) VIKLU. 
 
 liiS 
 
 itive 
 St of 
 It 20 
 anl. 
 few 
 e a 
 rcni- 
 the 
 died 
 ■)ial ; 
 (] or 
 bird 
 jular 
 most 
 f the 
 
 
 In the month of August the yoiuiL; fed greedily on the small 
 berries of the bitter cornel and astringent l'i/>iirnum (/«/'/<///////, 
 as well as other kinds. One of these inexperienced binls 
 hojiped cK)se roumi me in an adjoining bu^h. without any fear- 
 ful apprehension : and as late as the 2U\\\ of October two 
 young binls of the Retl-l^ye were still hngering in thi-. vicinity, 
 and busily engageil in gleaning subsi^tein e. I'.ager after llies, 
 about the J 5th of August a young bin! with ha/el inslea»l of 
 retl eyes entered a chamber in the neighborhootl and became 
 my inmate. I clipped iiis wing and left him at lar^u in a 
 room; he soon became very gentle, took grasshopper-, and 
 tiles out of my hand, eat I'il'tinmm berries with a good aj)i)e- 
 tite, and in short seemed pleasetl with his quarter>. A lly 
 could not stir but it was instantly caught ; hi> only difficulty 
 was with a lame King llird who occupied the same a|)ariment. 
 'ITie King aiJjKMred very jealous of this little harmless < om- 
 panion : snapped his bill at him when he '^pproachetl, and be- 
 grudged him subsistence when he perceived that he fed on the 
 same food with himself. At length he would come to me for 
 provision and for protection from his tyrannical associate. Hut 
 the career of my interesting and lively companion was soon 
 terminated by death, occasioned, in all probability, by a diar- 
 rh(ea produced in conseipience of swallowing a small lock of 
 hair with his food, which was foimd in his stomach. This bird, 
 very dillerent from a Sylvia aiitunnuilis which I afterwanls had 
 in my possession, regurgitated by the bill, like the King Bird, 
 pellets of the indigestible j)arts of his food, such as the legs 
 and wings of grasshoi)i)ers and tlies, and the skins and seeds of 
 berries. Unlike the King IJirtl in one particular, however, he 
 folded his head under his wing when at rest, and reposed with 
 great soundness ; whereas for eight months I was never able to 
 detect the former asleep. 
 
 The Red-eyed Vireo breeds from the Southern States t« 
 L-abrador and Manitoba, and in winter ranges from Florida t' 
 Central America. 
 
 11 
 
 II 
 
i f 
 
 
 It^: Pl 
 
 t 
 
 
 1 86 SINGLNO BIRDS. 
 
 PHII-ADELPHIA VIREO. 
 
 VlREO I'HILADELFHICUS. 
 
 CHAK. Above, grayish olive, lirightcr on runi]), shading to as!:y on 
 crown; white line .eicyes; beneath, greenish yellow, paler on throat 
 and belly. 1-ength about 4'/ inches. 
 
 jVis/. In u grove ; suspended fioni forked twigs of low branch ; com- 
 posed of grass and birch bark. 
 
 /ii^^'-s. 4 — ?; white, spotted with brown ; ? 
 
 This species was first described by Mr. Cassin, in 1851. from a 
 specimen shot by liim near JMiiladelphia in 1842. Of the liird's 
 liabits we have learned but little. The only nest yet discovered 
 was found by r\ir. Ernest E. 'Ihomp.son in Manitoba in 1S84. 
 
 Of the bird's ran^je we liave still much to learn. It is a migrant 
 only in southern New En<jland, but is known to spend the summer 
 in .Maine, and has been taken at that season in New Hampshire. 
 In 1882 our party secured several at Edmundston, in \ew liruns- 
 wick. near the Quebec border. Dr. W'lieaton considered it a regu- 
 lar s])i ing and fall mia;rant through Ohio, but very few have been 
 observed in Ontario. 
 
 The song of th.is species is so much like that of the Red-eye, 
 that they are : .>t easily distinguished. 
 
 Note. — Mr. Co-neau has t: ken at Godbout. on the north shore 
 of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, one example of the YEi.LOW-CiKEEN 
 \'iKEO {V.Jlavoviridis)^ a bird of Mexico and Central .^Vmerica. 
 
 
 • r 
 
 i 
 
i' 
 
 MOCKINGEIkD. 
 
 C'liAR. Above, ashy grav, darker ■ 
 white bars ; outer tail-teatlur> whirc ; '■ 
 the breast ; bill and feet black. Length ■. - 
 
 -Wv. In a thicket or bunch of low ' . 
 grass, etc. 
 
 £i,:i,'s. 4-6; greenish blue to pale bur" 
 0.95 X 0.70. 
 
 and tail : wings with two 
 ■«hht. tinged witli gray nn 
 
 . t -imposed of twigs, roots, 
 
 •• d with reddish brown ; 
 
 --. : nd natural wonder of 
 n'r in the State of Rhode 
 
 'J'his unrivalled Orphetis of the fi.- 
 Anicrica inhabits the whole continc-rir. 
 Island to the larger isles of the Wc-^t Indjf s ; and continuing 
 through the equatorial regions, is t'; .' " t the southern hemi- 
 s])here as far as IJra/.il. Nor is it at i.. " .ijfintd to the Eastern 
 or Atlantic States. It also exists ini ttiae wild territory' of Ar- 
 kansas more than a thousand mile? j&om the mouth of Red 
 River; and I have since seen it ir. t . ^c'lnty forests of l'])j)er 
 California. It breeds at the distinc nr^tem sources of the 
 riatte, near the base of the Rocky Moiantains, as well as in 
 Texas; and Mr. I'ullock saw it in ■'•• t^Me-land of Mexico. 
 The Mocking I'ird rears its yotms. risequently displays 
 
 its wonderful powers, in all the inni-nnardiate regions of its 
 residence in the United States to the p.eiiuinsula of Florida. It 
 appears, in short, ])erinanently to m'- '^''. *>he milder regions of 
 
i88 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 f! 
 
 
 T,,|j 
 
 III'- 
 
 I i 
 
 the western workl in cither hemisphere ; and the individuals 
 bred north of the Delaware, on this side the equator, are all 
 that ever migrate from their summer residence. A still more 
 partial migration takes place also, jjrobably, from west to east, 
 in quest of the food and shelter which the maritime districts 
 afford. Though now so uncommon in that vicinity, 50 or 60 
 years ago, according to IJartram, it even wintered near i'hila- 
 delphia, and made a temporary abode in the mantling i\y of 
 his venerable mansion. In summer a few proceed as far as 
 Rhode Island, following the mild temperature of the sea-coast ; 
 but farther north these birds are, I believe, nearly unknown, 
 except rarely and occasionally in Massachusetts near the sea. 
 With the advance of the season, also, in the country which it 
 inhabits, varies the time of incubation. Early in April the 
 nests are begun in the maritime parts of Georgia, but not before 
 the middle of May in Pennsylvania. 
 
 In the winter these birds chieOy subsist on berries, partic- 
 ularly those of the Virginia juniper (called red cedar), wax- 
 myrtle, holly, smilax, sumach, sour-gum, and a variety of 
 others, which furnish them and many other birds with a plen- 
 tiful repast. Insects, worms, grasshoppers, and larvas arc the 
 food on which they princijially subsist when so eminently vocal 
 and engaged in the task of rearing their young. In the South- 
 ern States, where they are seldom molested, with ready saga- 
 city they seem to court the society of man and fearlessly ho]) 
 around the roof of the house or tly before the planter's door. 
 When a dwelling is first settled in the wilderness, this bird is 
 not seen sometimes in the vicinity for the first year ; but at 
 length he pays his welcome visit to the new-comer, gratified 
 with the little advantages he discovers around him. and seek- 
 ing out also the Hivor and fortuitous protection of human 
 society. He becomes henceforth familiar, and only quarrels 
 with the cat and dog, whose approach he instinctively dreads 
 near his ncst,;ind never ceases his complaints and attacks until 
 they retreat \\\nn liis siglit. 
 
 None of the domestic animals, or man himself, but partic- 
 ularly the cat and dog, can approach during the period of 
 incubation, without receiving .m atta( k from these aiTectionate 
 
 ii 
 
al 
 1- 
 
 ;t- 
 
 "P 
 )r. 
 
 is 
 at 
 .■<1 
 
 ik- 
 an 
 
 k-ls 
 
 \c- 
 ..f 
 
 
 MOCKIXGBIRl). 
 
 189 
 
 guardians of their brood. Their most insidious and deadly 
 enemies, however, are reptiles, particularly the black snake, 
 who sjxares neither the eggs nor young. .\s soon as his fatal 
 api)roach is (Hscovered by the male, he darts upon him without 
 hesitation, eludes his bite^ and striking him about the head, 
 and particularly the eyes, where most vulnerable, he soon suc- 
 ceeds in causing him to retreat, and by redoubling his blows, 
 in s])ite of all pretended fascination, the wily nioii>ter often 
 falls a victim to his temerity ; and the heroic bird, leaving his 
 enemy dead on the field he provoked, mounta on the bush 
 above his affectionate mate and brood, and in token of victory 
 celebrates with hi^T loude.?t song. 
 
 '1 he Mocking IJird, like the Nightingale, is destitute of bril- 
 liant plumage ; but his form is beautiful, delicate, and symmet- 
 rical in its proportions. His motions are easy, ra[)id, and 
 graceful, perpetually animated with a playful caprice and a 
 look that appears full of shrewdness and intelligence. He 
 listens with silent attention to each passing sounil, treasures up 
 lessons from everything vocal, and is capable of imitating with 
 exa< tness, both in measure and accent, the notes of all the 
 feathered rare. And however wild and discordant the tones 
 and calls may be. he contrives, with an Orphean talent jk-cu- 
 liarly his own, to infuse into them that sweetness of expression 
 and harmonious modulation which characterize this inimi- 
 tal)le and wonderful composer. With the dawn of morning, 
 while yet the sun lingers below the blushing horizon, our sub- 
 lime songster, in his native wilds, mounted on the topmost 
 branch of a tall bush or tree in the forest, pours out his admi- 
 rable song, which, amidst the multitude of notes from all the 
 warbling host, stiil rises pre-eminent, so that his solo is heani 
 alone, and all the rest of the musical choir apjtear emjiloyed in 
 mete accompaniments to this grand actor in the sublime opera 
 of Nature. Nor is his talent confined to imitation ; his native 
 note-- are also bold, full, and perjjetually varied, consisting of 
 short expressions of a few variable syllables, interspersed with 
 imitations and uttered with great emphasis and volubility, 
 sometimes for half an hour at a time, with undiminished ardor. 
 These native strains bear a considerable resemblance to those 
 
 In 
 
 t.i 
 
 H\ 
 
 u 
 
 ! 
 
190 
 
 SINc;iN(i HIKDS. 
 
 li. 
 
 1!^ 
 
 \m- 
 
 of the Drown 'riirush, to whom he is so nearly related m form, 
 habits, and manners ; but. like rude from cultivated genius, his 
 notes are distinguished by the ra])idity of their delivery, their 
 \ariety, sweetness, and energy. As if conscious of his unri- 
 valled |)owers of song, and animated by the harmony of his 
 own voice, his music is, as it were, accompanied by chromatic 
 dancing and expressive gestures; he spreads and closes his 
 light anil fanning wings, exjjands his silver 1 tail, and with 
 buoyant gayety and enthusiastic ecstasy he s\;,.?ps around, and 
 mounts and descends into the air from his lofty spray as his 
 song swells to loudness or dies away in sinking whispers. 
 While thus engaged, so various is his talent that it might be 
 supposed a trial of skill from all the assembled birds of the 
 country ; and so jjcrfect are his imitations that e\'en the 
 sj)ortsman is at times deceived, and sent in ipiest of birds that 
 have no existence around him. The feathered tribes them- 
 sehes are decoyed by the fancied call of their mates, or dive 
 with fear into the close thicket at the well-feigned scream of 
 the Hawk. 
 
 Soon reconcileil to the usurping fancy of man, the Mocking 
 IHrd often becomes familiar with his master; ])layfully attacks 
 him through the bars of his cage, or at large in a room : rest- 
 less and capricious, he seems to try every exi)edient of a lively 
 imagination that may conduce to his amusement. Nothing 
 escapes his discerning and intelligent eye or faithful ear. Me 
 whistles perhaps for the dog. who, deceived, runs to meet his 
 master ; the cries of the chicken in distress bring out the 
 clucking mother to the protection of her brood. The l)arking 
 of the dog, the piteous wailing of the puppy, the mewing of 
 the cat, the action of a saw, or the creaking of a wheelbarrow, 
 (|uickly follow with exactness. He repeats a tune of consider- 
 able length ; imitates the warbling of the C'anary, the lisj)ing 
 of the Indigo Bird, and the mellow whistU- of the Cardinal, in 
 a manner so sui)erior to the originals that, mortified and aston- 
 islied, they withdraw from his presence, or listen in silence as 
 he continues tt) tr" 
 
 n> 
 
 ■ing 
 
 In the cage also, nearly as in the woods, he is full of life and 
 action while engaged in song, throwing himself round with in- 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 I ■;■■ i 
 
 1 
 
 L 
 
MOCKINGBIRD. 
 
 Ujl 
 
 of 
 
 er- 
 
 ".^ 
 ill 
 
 m- 
 as 
 
 ind 
 
 111- 
 
 s|)iring animation, and, as it were, moving in time to the meKnly 
 of his own accents. I'.ven the hours of night, which consign 
 nearly all other birds to rest and silence, like the Nightingale 
 he oft emphjys in song, serenading the houseless hunter and 
 silent cottager to repose, as the rising moon illumines the 
 darkness of the shadowy scene. His capricious fondness for 
 contrast and perpetual variety appears to deteritjrate Wis pt)w- 
 ers. His imitations of the Ijrown Thrush are perhaps inter- 
 rupted by the crowing of the cock or the barking of the dog ; 
 the plaintive warblings of the Ijiuebird are then blended with 
 the chatter of the Swallow or the cackling of the hen : amid 
 the simple lay of the native Robin we are surprised with the 
 vociferations of the Whip-poor-will ; while the notes of the 
 garrulous Jay. Wren, and many others succeed with ^uch an 
 apj)earance of reality that we almost imagine ourselves in the 
 presence of the originals, and can scarcely realize the fact that 
 the whole of this singular concert is the elTort of a single 
 bird. Indeed, it is impossible to listen to these Orphean 
 strains, when delivered by a sii])erior songster in his native 
 woods, without being deeply affected and almost riveted to 
 the s]iot by the comjilicated feelings of wonder and delight 
 in which, from the graceful and sympathetic action, as well as 
 enchanting voice of the performer, the eye is no less gratified 
 than the ear. It is, however, painful to reflect that these ex- 
 traordinary powers of nature, exercised with so much generous 
 freedom in a state of confinement, are n<jt calculated for long 
 endurance, and after this most wonderful and interesting pris- 
 oner has survived for 6 or 7 years, blindness often terminates 
 his gay career ; and thus shut out from the cheering light, the 
 solace of his lonely bu-t active existence, he now after a time 
 droops in silent sadness and dies. 
 
 Tiie Mockingbird is a rare but regular summer visitor to Rhode 
 Islaiul, Connecticut, and southern Massachusetts, and examples 
 have been taken in Maine. .Mr. Mcllwraith n-ports that a pair 
 spent the summer of 1X83 near Hamilton. Ontario, and C. .A. 
 McLennan records in the O. & O. the capture of one near Truro, 
 \. .S. The .species is chieflv restricted to the Southern States. 
 
 . I 
 
 ;il 
 
 ii 
 
1 H 
 
 
 ]: ; 
 
 
 
 
 'I r 
 I 
 
 
 ! 
 
 J' 
 
 
 . i 
 
 
 1 
 
 ' 
 
 M 
 
 
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 i 
 
 
 i. 
 
 I 
 
 r i- ■ 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 ■' 
 
 1! 
 
 t 
 
 ! 
 
 r I' 
 
 BROWN THRASHKR. 
 
 bkowx thrush. 
 Hari'orhvnchus rufus. 
 
 Char. Above, brij^ht reddish brown t)r rufous; beneath, white, tinged 
 with rutous or buti"; l)rcast and side sputied witii bruwu ; bill about as 
 long .IS the heail. Length lo'j to u inches. 
 
 .\>.>A In a tfiicket or low bush, and sometimes on the ground; bulky, 
 and looselv con.strucied of twigs, roots, and dried grass, sometimes lined 
 with hor.-«e-hair <tr feather>, 
 
 /£^..s. ,-6 (usually 4) ; dull wliitc with buff or green tint, marked with 
 minute spots of reddish brown ; 1.00 X o.So. 
 
 This large and well-known songster, inferior to none but the 
 Mo( king Dinl in musical talent, is found in every part of this 
 continent, from Hudson's 1)1}- to the shores of the Mexican 
 Ciulf. breeding in all the intermediate spare, though more 
 abundantly towards the North. It retires to the South earlv in 
 f)ctober, in the States north of the Carolinas. and probably ex- 
 tends its migrations at this season through the warmer regions 
 towards the borders of the tro])ics. 
 
 From the 15th of .\pril to early in May these birds begin to 
 revisit the Middle and Northern States, keeping pace in some 
 mea.^ure with the progress of vegetation and the comparative 
 
 I' 
 If 
 
BKOWX THRASIIKR. 
 
 193 
 
 ,ith 
 
 advaPiCcmcnt of the season. They apjuar always to come in 
 l)airs, so that their mutual attachment is probably more durable 
 than the season of incubation. Stationed on the top of some 
 tall orchard or forest tree, the male. uMy and animated, sahites 
 the morn of his arrival with his loud and charminj; song. His 
 voice, somewhat resembling that of the 'Thrush of Fjirope, but 
 far more varied and powerful, rises pre-eminent amidst all the 
 vocal choir of the forest. His music has the full charm of in- 
 nate originality ; he takes no delight in mimickry, an«l has 
 therefore no title to the name of Mocking iJird. On his fir>t 
 ap])earance he falters in his song, like the Nightingale : but 
 when his mate commences her cares and labors, his notes 
 attain all their vigor and variety. The young birds, even of 
 the first season, in a state of solitary domestication, wiih*>ut the 
 aid of tlie j)arent's voice, already whisper forth in harmonious 
 revery the pathetic and sweet warble instinctive to the sj>ecies. 
 In the month of May, while the blooming orchanls perfume 
 and decorate the landscape, the enchanting voice of the 
 Thrasher in his affectionate lay seems to give grateful utter- 
 ance for the bounty and teeming profusion of Nature, and 
 falls in pleasing unison with the harmony and beauty of the 
 season. 
 
 P'rom the beginning to the middle of May the Thrashers are 
 engaged in building their nest, selecting for this purpose usu- 
 ally a low, thick bush, in some retired thicket or swamp a few 
 feet from the earth, and sometimes even on the ground in 
 some sheltered tussuck, or near the root of a bush. They dis- 
 play the most ardent affection for their young, attacking 
 snakes, dogs, and cats in their (Kfence. One of the parents, 
 usually the male, seems almost continually occupied in guard- 
 ing against any dangerous intruder. 'I'he cat is attacked com- 
 monly at a considerable distance from the young, and the 
 woods echo with his plaintive ye-div^ yi'-Inu, and the low, 
 guttural, angry 'tsh ^fs/i 'fs/i '/s/i. The enemy is thus pursued 
 off the field, commonly with success, as guilty grimalkin ap- 
 pears to understand the threatening gestures and complamts 
 with which she is so hicessantly assailed. Towards their more 
 vol.. I. — 13 
 
 H 
 
 vw 
 
If 
 
 f 
 
 
 Ui 
 
 194 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 insidious enemies of the human species, when approaching the 
 helpless or unfledged young, every art is disijlaycd ; threats, 
 entreaties, and reproaches the most pathetic and puwerful, are 
 tried in no e<|uivocal strain ; they dart at the ravisher in wild 
 desf>air, and lament, in the most touching strains of sorrow, the 
 bereavement they sufiTer. I know of nothing ecjuai to the burst 
 of grief manifested by these affectionate parents excepting the 
 afflicting accents of suffering humanity. 
 
 Their food consists of worms and insects generally ; also 
 caterpillars, beetles, and other coleopterous tribes, as well as 
 various kin<ls of berries. In the month of January I obsen'ed 
 this Thrush and the Mocking liird feed on the berries of the 
 sumach. Sometimes they raise up a few grains of planted 
 com. but this is more the effect of caprice than appetite, as 
 the search for grubworms is what commonly induces this 
 resort to scratching up the soil. The Thrasher is an active, 
 watchfiil, shy, and vigorous si)ecies, generally Hying low, dwel- 
 ling among thickets, and skipping from bush to bush with his 
 long ta.iI sometimes spread out like a (nn. About the first week 
 in October, after moulting, they disappear for the season and 
 pass the winter in the Southern States. By the middle of 
 February, or early in March, they already display their vocal 
 powers in the warmer parts of (Icorgia and West Florida. 
 They are easily reared, and become very familiar anrl amusing 
 companions, showing a strong attachment to the hand that 
 feeiis irr? TTOtects them. In their manners, intelligence, song, 
 and sj._;_ ..•.y, they nearly ap[)roach to the Mocking IJird, being 
 equally playful, capricious, petulant, and affectionate. 
 
 The Thrasher is abundant in Massachusetts, and is found in \'er- 
 mont and New Hampshire, but near the Atlantic seaboard does 
 not go lanher north than southern Maine. It occurs regularly in 
 the victr.isy of Montreal, and is common in Ontario and Manitoba. 
 It winters from about 37° soutliward. 
 
CATBIRD. 
 
 195 
 
 CATBIRD. 
 
 GALEOSCOFri:S carolinexsis. 
 
 Char. General color dark slate, paler beneath ; top of head and tail 
 black; under tail-coverts chotnut. Length S to 9 J4 inches. 
 
 Xest. In thicket or orchard ; bulky, and rudely constructed of twigs, 
 leaves, and grass, lined with grass or tine roots. 
 
 E.i;.i:^s. 4-6 ; deep blui»h green ; 0.95 X 0.70. 
 
 This quaint and familiar songster passes the winter in the 
 southern extremities of the United States and along the coast 
 of Mexico, whence as early as February it arrives in (Geor- 
 gia. About the middle of April it is first seen in Penn- 
 sylvania, and at length leisurely approaches this part of New 
 P^ngland by the close of the first or beginning of the second 
 week in May. These birds continue their migration also to 
 Canada, where they proceed into the fur-countries as far as 
 the 45 th parallel, arriving on the banks of the Saskatchewan 
 about the close of May. Throughout this extent and to the 
 territory of the Mississipj:)! they likewise pass the period of in- 
 cubation and rearing their young. They remain in New Eng- 
 land till about the middle of October, at which time the young 
 feed principally ui)on wild berries. 
 
 The Catbird often tunes his cheerful song before the break 
 of day, hopping from bush to bush with great agility after his 
 insect prey, while yet scarcely distinguishalile amidst the dusky 
 shadows of the dawn. The notes of difterent individuals vary 
 considerably, so that sometimes his song in sweetness and 
 compass 1 scarcely at all inferior to that of the Ferniginous 
 Thrush. A quaintness, however, prevails in all his efforts, and 
 his song is frefjuently made up of short and blended imitations 
 of other birds, — given, however, with great emphasis, melody, 
 and variety of tone, and, like the Nightingale, invading the 
 hours of repose. In the late twilight of a summer's evening, 
 when scarce another note is heard but the hum of the drowsy 
 beetle, his music attains its full effect, and often rises and falls 
 witli all the swell and studied cadence of finished harmony. 
 
 !. 
 
1 
 
 It 
 
 196 
 
 SI.\f;iN(; I5IRDS. 
 
 During the heat of the day, or 1 'c in the morning, the variety 
 of his song (lecHnes, or he pursi hi.s employment in silence 
 and retirement. 
 
 About the 25th of May one of these familiar birds came into 
 the Lotanic (iarden anil took u[) his summer aboile with us. 
 Soon after his arrival he calk-d u[) in low whisperings the notes 
 of the Whip-poor-will, the Kcdbird, the /><•/('/><' A' of the Tufted 
 litmouse, ami other imitations of Southern birds which he had 
 collected on his leisurely route from the South. He also soon 
 mocked the Ushc-yah ' tslie-yali of the little .\cadian Flycatch- 
 ers, with which tht- neighborhood now abounded. Me fre- 
 quently answered to my whittle in the garden, was very silent 
 during the period of incubation, and e.\i)ressed great anxiety 
 and complaint on my approaching the young after their leaving 
 the nest. 
 
 One uf the most remarkable proi)cnsities of the Catbird, and 
 to which it owes its name, is the unjileasant. loud, and grating 
 cat-like ///<"*> ('/</'> '/'7''' 'A^.') which it often utters on being 
 approached or offended. .\s the irritation increases, this note 
 becomes more hoarse, reiterated, ami vehement ; and some- 
 times this petulance and anger are carried so far as to i»er- 
 secute ever}' intruder who apjiroaches the premises. This 
 temi>er often prevails after the young are fledged : and though 
 originating no doubt in parental anxiety, it sometimes appears 
 to outlive that season, and occasionally becomes such an an- 
 noyance that a revengeful and fatal blow from a stick or stone 
 is but too often, with the thoughtless and prejudiced, the re- 
 wanl of this harmless and capricious provocation. At such 
 times, with little aj^parent cause, the agitation of the bird is 
 excessive : she hurries backward and forward with hanging 
 wings and open mouth, mewing and screaming in a paroxysm 
 of scolding anger, and alighting almost to peck the very hand 
 that offers the insult. To touch a twig or branch in any part 
 of the garden or wood is often amply sufficient to call down 
 the amusing termagant. This harmless excess, and simulation 
 of grimalkin's tone. — that wizard animal so much disliked by 
 many, — are unfortunate associations in the cry of the ^V/bird ; 
 
 • i 
 
CATBIRD. 
 
 «97 
 
 LMllg 
 
 lysiii 
 and 
 
 [)art 
 i)\vn 
 It ion 
 by 
 Ird; 
 
 I 
 
 ^1 
 
 and thus, cmiplcd with an ill name, this delightful and familiar 
 songster, who scck> uut the very >oeiety of man and reposes 
 an unmerited ronfiilen* e in his protecticjn, is treated with un- 
 deser\ed ol)lo(|uy and contemiit. The tli.uht of the Cathinl is 
 laborious, and usually continued only from bush to bush ; his 
 progress, however, is ver)- wily, and his attitudes and jerks 
 amusingly eapricious. He appears to have very little fear of 
 enemies, often descends to the ground in quest of insects, and 
 though almost familiar, is very «[uick in his retreat from real 
 danger. 
 
 The food of the Catbird is similar to that of the preceding 
 species, being insects ami worms, particularly beetles, and va- 
 rious garden fruits ; feeding his young often on cherries and 
 various kinds of berries. Sometimes these birds are obser\e(l 
 to attack snakes when they approach the vicinity of the ne>t, 
 and commonlv succeed in driving off the enemv ; when bitti n, 
 however, by the poisonous kinds, it is probable, as related, 
 that they may act in such a manner as to appear lab(^ring 
 under the intluence of fascination. The Catl)ird, when raised 
 from the nest, is easily domesticated, becomes a very amusing 
 inmate, an<l seems attached to his cage, as to a dwelling or 
 place of security. About dawn of day, if at large, he flirts 
 about with affected wildness. repeatedly jerks his tail and 
 wings with the noise almost of a whip, and stretching forth his 
 head, opens his mouth and mews. Sometimes this curious 
 cry is so guttural as to be uttered without opening the bill. He 
 often also gives a squeal as he flies from one place to another, 
 and is very tame, though pugnacious to all other birds which 
 approach him for injury. When wanting food, he stirs round 
 with great uneasiness, jerks everything about within his reach, 
 and utters the feeble cry of the caged Mocking IJird. A very 
 amusing individual, which I now describe, began his vocal 
 powers by imitating the sweet and low warble of the Sung 
 Sparrow, as given in the autumn ; and from his love of imita- 
 tion on other occasions, I am inclined to believe that he pos- 
 sesses no original note of his own. but acquires and modulates 
 the songs of other birds. Like the Robin, he is exceedingly 
 
 iH 
 
 
., .» 
 
 198 
 
 SINGING UIRDS. 
 
 fond of washing, and dashes about in the water till every 
 feather appears drem hed ; he also, at times. ba>ks in the 
 gravel in fine weather. His food, in confinement, is almost 
 ever)'thing vegetable except unbniised seeds, — as bread, fine 
 pastr)-, cakes, scalded cornmeal. fniits, particularly those which 
 arc juicy, and now and then insects and minced tlesh. 
 
 The Catbird ocrnrs regularly ainnu the Annapolis valley in 
 Nova Scotia, and in Ntw Uriniswick between tlic Maine border 
 and the valley of the St. John, but it is rarely seen elsewhere in the 
 -Maritime Provinces. It is fairly common near the city of Quebec, 
 and abundant about Montreal and in Ontario. 
 
 '( 
 
 Hi 
 
 I 
 
 9 
 
 
 ROIJIN. 
 
 MeRI.IA MIGRATORIA. 
 
 Char. Above, olive gray; head and nrck darker, sometimes Mack; 
 wings and tail du>ky ; outer tail-featiiers broadly tipped with white , be- 
 neath, browni.sh red; throat white with dark streaks; under tail-coverts 
 white ; bill yellow. Length 9 to 10 inches. 
 
 .Vc >/. Usually in a tree, but often on fence-rail or window-ledge of 
 house or barn; a bulky but compact structure of grass, twigs, etc., 
 cemented with mud. 
 
 /:.,V.r. 4-3; greenish blue (occasionally speckled) ; 1.15 X o.So. 
 
 The familiar and welcome Robins are found in summer 
 throughout the North American continent from the desolate 
 regions of Hudson's Day, in the 53d degree, to the tableland 
 of Mexico. In all this vast space the American I'ieldfares rear 
 their young, avoiding only the warmer maritime districts, to 
 which, however, they flock for support during the inclemency 
 of winter. The Robins have no fixed time for migration, nor 
 any particular rendezvous ; they retire fru:n the higher lati- 
 tudes onlv as their food begins to fail, and so leisurelv and 
 desultor)' are their movements that they make their appear- 
 ance in straggling parties even in Massachusetts, feeding on 
 winter berries till driven to the South by deep and inundating 
 snows. At this season they swarm in the Southern .States, 
 though they never move in large bodies. The holly, prinos. 
 
ROHIX. 
 
 199 
 
 img 
 
 sumach, snilax, randle-bcrry myrtle, and the Virc;inian junii»or 
 nc", afford them an ample repast in the winter, in the absenee 
 of the more juicy berries of autumn, and the inserts and 
 worms of the milder season, liven in the vicinity of I'oston 
 flocks of Robins are seen, in certain seasons, assembling round 
 open springs in the depth of winter, having arrived probably 
 from the colder interior of the State ; and in those situations they 
 are consetiuently often trapped and killed in great numbers. 
 
 Towards the close of January in South Carolina the Kobin 
 at inter\als still tuned his song ; and aV)out the second week of 
 March, in the Middle States, before the snows of winter have 
 wholly disappeared, a few desultory notes are already given. 
 As soon as the loth of this month they may at times also be 
 heard in this part of Xew England. Karly in April, however, 
 at the close of the jealous contests, which are waged with ob- 
 stinacy, they are only seen in pairs ; and now from the (jn hard 
 or the edge of the forest, deliver their simple, thrilling lays in 
 all the artless energy of true affection. This earnest song re- 
 calls to mind the mellow whistle of the Thrush, which in the 
 charming month of May so sweetly rises in waibling echoes 
 from the low copse and shady glen. Our American bird has 
 not, however, the compass and variety of that familiar and 
 much-loved songster ; but his freedom and willingness to 
 please, render him an universal favorite, and he now comes, 
 as it were, v;ith the welcome prelude to the general concert 
 about to burst upon us from all the green woods an<l blooming 
 orchards. With this ]ileasing association with ihe o])ening 
 season, amidst the fragrance of flowers and the improving ver- 
 dure of the fields, we listen with peculiar pleasure to the sim- 
 ple song of the Robin. The confidence he reposes in us by 
 making his abode in our gardens and orchards, the frankness 
 and innocence of his manners, besides his vocal powers to 
 please, insj^ire respect and attachment even in the tniant 
 school-boy, and his exposed nest is but rarely molested. He 
 owes, however, this immunity in no small degree to the fortu- 
 nate name which he bears ; as the favorite Robin Redbreast, 
 said to have covered with a leafy shroud the lost and wander- 
 
 II 
 
 I 
 
F 
 
 r 1 
 
 If 
 
 300 
 
 SINGING 151 KDS. 
 
 i I 
 
 ing " babes in the woods," is held in universal respect in every 
 part of l!uroi)e. where he is known by endearing names, and so 
 faniiHar in winter that he sometimes taps at the window or 
 enters the house in search of crumbs, ami like the domestic 
 fowls, claims his welcome pittance at the farmer's door. 
 
 'i"he nest of this species is ol'ten on the horizontal branch of 
 an apple-tree, or in a bush or tree in the woods, and so large 
 as to l)e scarix'ly ever wholly concealed, 'i'he parents show 
 great affection, courage, and anxiety for the safety of their 
 young, keeping up a noisy cackling chirj) when the place is 
 api)roa(lH(l, sometimes even boldly i)e( king at the haml or 
 flying in the face of the intruder; and they have often serious 
 contests with the piratical Cuckoo, who slyly watches the ab- 
 sence of the parents to tlevour their eggs. To avoid these 
 visits and the attacks of other enemies, the Robin has been 
 known to buikl his nest within a few yards of the blacksmidi's 
 anvil; and in Portsmouth (New Hampshire) one was seen to 
 employ for the same jiurpose the stern limbers of an unfin- 
 ished vessel, in which the cari)enters were constantly it work, 
 the bird api)earing by this adventurous association as if con- 
 scious of the proteC-ion of so singular an bold a situation, I 
 have also seen a nest of the Robin bottomed with a mass of 
 pine shavings taken without alarm from the bench of the car- 
 penter. From the i)etulant ami reiterated chirp so commonly 
 uttered by the Robin \'hen sur])rised or irritated, the Indians 
 of Hudson's 15ay call hiiu from this note, Pce-ptc-tshu. 'I'hey 
 often also utter a loud echoing 'kh 'kh 'kh, and sometimes 
 chirj) in a high or slender tone when alarmed, and with an 
 affectation of anger sharply flirt the tail and ends of the wings. 
 They raise several broods in a season, and considerable num- 
 bers flock together in the latter end of smnmer and autumn. 
 ^^'hen feeding on cherries, poke, sassafras, and sour-gum ber- 
 ries, they are so intent as to be easilv approached and shot 
 down in niunbers ; and when fat are justly esteemed for food 
 and often brought to market. In the s])ring they frequi-ntly 
 descend to the ground in quest of worms and insects, which 
 then constitute their -principal support. 
 
 
 ! 
 
lonly 
 ians 
 
 'hey 
 
 imes 
 an 
 
 in^rs. 
 iiin- 
 
 imn. 
 )cr- 
 ihot 
 ;)()fl 
 ntly 
 lich 
 
 I 
 
 ROBfX, 
 
 201 
 
 They are commonly brouiihi: np' Dim tiac cage, and M-eui \ery 
 docile and content. 'I'hev i^mt; mkIL rt-adilv karn to imitate 
 li\ciy par's of tunes, antl some ktve l)»tien taught !«> ]»i])e forth 
 l>salms even to so <lull and aijlerain a m-easure as that of" OA/ 
 
 :^dcrablc taste ft)r mim- 
 V"' birds aroimd tin in, 
 • A ill, and uther>. ( )n 
 
 'Jtr^ Usually make some 
 ^ ihe bill. At tinus 
 
 JIu)ii/iti/'' .' 'I'hey ac([uire al.io " - 
 ickry, imitatini; the nott s of rii 
 sucn as the Hluebinl, I'evver-. W ^ 
 being approached with the rln^ !•. 
 show of anger 1)\' crac king an 
 they become very tame, and will go an arnJ out (jf tlie houie 
 with domestic confidence. i<iK:\ imcjrt-r wiit-n left alonr, and on 
 su( h occasions have sometimes the 3iji;gacit)' of calling attt iition 
 by articulating endearing wonls, 2a fr<tt}. pretty, etc., < onntc- 
 ting, ai)j)arenily with these e.xpr'^--- - . '^ • i- ireneral import of 
 attentive blandishment. They ..niosi naked in the 
 
 moulting season, in which thry , j.- • • .» suffer considernbiy, 
 yet have been known to survive tor i - }rar> or u])uardD. I'he 
 rufous color of the breast becomrs 4«nrifT in those birds which 
 thus live in confnieuient. Their • ^ong i> in the morn- 
 
 ing, and commences before suan.->e, ai which time it is very 
 loud, full, and emphatic. 
 
 The eastern form of this sperfe>* is not fosicd westward of the 
 Great Plains excepting in tht- far Xortla- mflaere il has been traced 
 to tiio \'ukon district of .-\lask.-i. Fnoan hSk- eastern base of the 
 Rockies to the I'aeific it is rtplaced hj ^■opinqua, a larger, grayer 
 variety. 
 
 I have seen large flocks of RoP>fn+ nti \c-w Bninswit k during 
 .some u'ntors. and every year they are nwj.Tf or less common during 
 the cold moiuhs. These winter bfrrfH fear-f much more white on 
 their under parts than is seen on -pefrnwrm*. taken in tin- suinnur, 
 and their entire plumat;e is hoary. Tv-t doubtless spend the sum- 
 mer much farther north. — prohiibly ^m ihc- barren lands which 
 border the .Arctic Ocean, -and are '^-r rlif northernmost ed^e of 
 that cloud of Robins which every n*es from their breeding- 
 
 grounds and sails awav southward .■■ . o^tTi it has finally si'ttled, 
 its eastern margin is found stnr hftl '- • '■ -<ju]f f)f St. Lawrente 
 to the West Indies. Throughout thi^ . . embracing as it does 
 manv variations of climate, Robins nsaiT be found in suitable local- 
 ities during cverv winter. — rather rare, sosmrtimes, at the north, 
 but increasing in abundance toward* tB»e SooIIl. 
 
 I« 
 
li' 
 
 
 an 
 
 *^^r^^ 
 
 m 
 
 .■• 
 
 I 
 
 202 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 The habit of this species of assembling in large communities to 
 roost at ni<;ht, during the summer montiis, was unknown to natur- 
 alists until a few years ago, and no mention of this habit appeared 
 in print until Octoi)er, 1.S90, when detailed accounts of several 
 '• roosts ■' that had been discovered in the vicinity of lioston were 
 published in tlie '"Atlantic Monthly" and "The Auk." They were 
 written by Mr. Bradford Torrey and Mr. William Brewster re- 
 spectively. The •• ruosts "* are situated in Norton's Woods, on 
 Bea\er Brook, Belmont, in Longwood, and in Melrose. 
 
 The Robins assembling in these places are numbered by 
 thousands. 
 
 NoTK. — A few examples of the Vakif-d Thrush {^Hcspcro- 
 cii/ila iiavia) have wandered from the Pacific coast to the Eastern 
 States; and the Ri:i)-wixged Thrush (^Turdus i/iuc us) occ.i'sxon- 
 ally wanders from Europe to Greenland. 
 
 WOOD THRUSH. 
 
 TURUUS iMUSTELIXUS. 
 
 Char. Above, tawny. I)rightest on iiead, shading to olive on rump 
 and tail ; beneath, white ; breast aiul sides marked with round spots of 
 dusky. Lengtii -jl^ to 8 '4 inciies. 
 
 Xest. In a thicket ox on low biancii of small tree, usually in a moist 
 place ; of grass and leaves cemented with nuid. lined with fine roots. 
 
 F.ggs. 3-5; pale greenish l)Iiie ; r.05 X 0.75. 
 
 This solitary nnd retiring songster during summer inhabits 
 the whole continent from 1 liaison's Bay to Florida ; and ac- 
 cording to my friend Mr. \\'arc, breeds as far south as the 
 vicinity of Natchez, in the territory of Mississippi, ^^"hether 
 it leaves the boundaries of the United States in the winter is 
 not satisfactorily ascertained ; as the species is then silent, and 
 abvavs difficult of access, its residence is rendered peculiarly 
 doubtful. The lateness of the season in which it still lingers 
 renders it probable that it may winter in the Southern States, 
 as a yotmg bird, gleaning insects and berries, has been caught 
 in a garden in Boston on the 26th of October. 
 
 From the southern parts of the I'nion, or wherever he may 
 winter, the Wood Thnish arrives in the Middle States from the 
 
by 
 
 )its 
 ;u- 
 thr 
 
 KT 
 
 is 
 
 111(1 
 
 irly 
 ;"crs 
 tcs, 
 ['.lit 
 
 lay 
 he 
 
 WOOD THRUSH. 
 
 203 
 
 ist to the 15th of April ; though his appearance here, where 
 the species is scarce, does not take i)lace earlier than the be- 
 ginning of May. At the dawn of morning he now announces 
 his presence in the woods, and from the toi) of some tall tree, 
 rising through the dark and shady forest, he pours out his few, 
 clear, and harmonious notes in a pleasing revery, as if inspired 
 by the enthusiasm of renovated Nature. I'he prelude to this 
 song resembles almost the double tonguing of the tlute, blended 
 with a tinkling, shrill, and solemn warble which re-echoes from 
 his solitary retreat like the dirge of some sad rc( lu>c who 
 shuns the busy haunts of life. The whole air consists usually 
 of 4 parts or bars, which succeed, in deliberate time, and 
 finally blend together in impressive anil soothing harni«)ny, 
 becoming more mellow and sweet at every repetiii(jn. Rival 
 performers seem to challenge each other from various \)dns of 
 the wood, vying for the favor of their mates with sympathetic 
 res])onses and softer tones ; and some, waging a jealous strife, 
 terminate the warm dispute by an appeal to combat and vio- 
 lence. Like the Robin and the 'Thrasher, in dark :\\v\ gloomy 
 weather, when other birds are sheltered and silent, the clear 
 notes of the Wood Thrush are heard through the (lr()p])ing 
 woods from dawn to dusk, so that the sadder the day. the 
 sweeter and more constant is his song. His < lear and inter- 
 rupted whittle is likewise often nearly the only voice of melody 
 heard by the traveller, to miil-day, in the heat of summer, as he 
 traverses the silent, dark, and wooded wilderness, remote from 
 the haunts of men. It is nearly impo>i>il)le by words to con- 
 vey any idea of the ])eculiar warl)le of this vocal hermit : but 
 amongst his phrases the sound of \iir<>r>\ ])eculiarly litpiid. and 
 followed by a trill repeated in two interrupted bars, is readily 
 recognizable. At times the notes bear a considerable resem- 
 blance to tlio>e of Wilson's Thrush ; su< h as (/) rlulnt 'rr/ir/in, 
 then varied to \/i rillui 7'i7/ia, \h villia I'r/ir/iii, then '<•// <•</// 
 vi//iii. high and hhrill. 
 
 The Wood Thnish is always of a shy and retiring disjiosi- 
 tion, appearing alone or only in single pairs, and while he 
 willingly charms us with his song, he is content and even soli- 
 
 iii 
 
 It- 
 
204 
 
 SINGlNCi lilRDS. 
 
 \ll 
 
 i 
 
 ■i 
 
 i 
 
 If ill!;! 
 
 tiious to remain conccalL-d. His faNoritc iiaunts are low, shady 
 glens by watcrcourst-s, oUcn remlered dark with aldcr-bushes, 
 mantled with the trailing grape-vine. In (lue.st ot" his insect 
 prey, he delights to follow the meanders ol" the rivulet, through 
 whose leafy shade.> the sun])eanis steal only in a tew inter- 
 rupted rays over the sparkling surfa( e of the running brook. 
 So partial is this bin! to >olitude that 1 have known one to 
 siing almost uniformly in the same i)lace, though nearly half a 
 mile from his mate and nest. At times indeed he would \en- 
 ture a few faltering, low notes in an oak near his consort, but 
 his mellowest morning and evening warble was always deliv- 
 ered from a tall hickory, overtopjjing a grove of hemlock firs, 
 in which the dimness of twiligriL prevailed e\en at noon. The 
 \\'ootl Thrush, like the Nigh'.ingale. therefore feels insj)ire(l in 
 darkness ; but instead of waiting for the setting sim, he ( hooses 
 a retreat where the l)eams of day can seldom enter. These 
 shady retreats ha\e also an additional nttraction to our Thrush ; 
 it is here that the most interesting scene of his instinctive 
 labor begins and ends : here he first saw the light and breathed 
 into existence ; and here he now bestows his ni'st in a sapling 
 oak, or in the ne.xt thick laurel or blooming alder, whose ber- 
 ries afford him amjjle repast in the coming autumn. IJeetles, 
 cater])illars, various inset ts. and in autumn, berries, constitute 
 the ])rincipal food of the Wood Thrush, 'i'he yoiuig remain 
 for weeks nroimd gardens in quest of berries, and are particu- 
 larly fond of those of the various species of cornel and vibur- 
 num. At this season they occasionally leave their fovorite 
 glens, and in their devious wanderings, ]ire\inus to their de- 
 parture, sometimes venture to \isit the rund suburbs of the 
 city. The young are easily rai.;ed, and ^ing nearly as well in 
 the cage as in their native wilds. 
 
 Xuttall made a mistake in giving to the Wood Thnisli so ex- 
 tended a range, and must have eoufused this species will) the 
 Olive-hai ked, of wiiich he makes no mention. In New lai^Iand 
 the Wood Tlirush is rarely found nortli of .Massachusetts exeoi)ting 
 in western \'ermont. Il occurs in the soutlieri\ parts of Ontario 
 and Miiluuan. and lias been taken in Minnesota. It has l)cen 
 fouiul in winter in Cuba and (aiatemahi. 
 
UEKMIT TIIKLSll. 
 
 20; 
 
 
 Hi: KM IT 11 IRISH. 
 
 SWAM I' ROIMN. 
 TURDUS AOXALASCHK.K PALLASII. 
 
 CllAK. Al)ovc. olive brown or ru- set, .shading to rufous on rump and 
 tail; i^eneatli hullisli. shaclccl with olivu on sides; tiiroat and breast 
 niaikeil witii olive wedge-siiapcd spins. Length O'j to 7,', inches. 
 
 .\< ^f. ( )ii the ground, icxjsely made of leaves, grass, and moss. 
 
 K&'- 3-5 ; greenish blue ; 0.S5 X 0.65. 
 
 This species, so niiu h like tin- NiLjiitinuale in color, is r^- .irt e 
 inferior to that celebnited bird in its powers of --onj:, and 
 greatly exceeds the \ )od I iiru->h in the melody and sweetness 
 of its lay. It inhabits thr I'liilid Slates tVoin d;e lofty alpine 
 mountains of New Hampshire to I'lorida. It is nUo met with 
 on the tabk'laiid of Mexico and in the warmer (limale of the 
 Antilles. In rennsylvania. New Jersey, and N\ w l.n^land, at 
 the close of autumn, it appears to miij^nite eastward to the sea- 
 const in quest of the winter berries on wh.ic h it now feeds ; in 
 spring iiwd summer it lives chietly on insec ts and their larva.', 
 and also collects the surviving berries of the Mitilnila ;>•/<//>. 
 
 Like the preceding sjiecies. it ajipears to ( ourt solitude, and 
 lives wholly in the woods. In the Southern States, where it 
 inhabits the whole year, it freijuents the d;irk and des<jlate 
 shades of the cane swamj«. In tliese almost Stygian regions, 
 which, besides being cool, abound pri)bably with its fivorite 
 insect food, we are nearly sure to meet our sweetly vocal 
 hermit Hitting through the settled gloom, which the brighte-t 
 rays of noon scarcely illumine with more than twilight. In one 
 of sucii swami)s, in the Choctaw nation. Wilson examined a 
 nest of this species whi( h was fixed on the horizontal branch 
 of a tree, formed with great neatness and withoiU using any 
 plastering of mud. The outside was made of a layer of coarse 
 grass, having the roots attached, and intermixed with horse- 
 h;iir; the lining consisted of green filitbrm b!:u!e-: of dry grass 
 very neatly wotmd about the interior. 
 
 In the Miildle States these birds are onlv seen for a few 
 
 tl 
 
 

 i. 
 
 i 
 
 i\ : 
 
 m 
 
 206 
 
 SINGLNCi BIRDS. 
 
 weeks in the spring and full. They arrive in this part of New 
 Kngland about the 10th of April, and disperse to jjass the 
 summer in the sechision of the forest. 'I'hey are often seen on 
 the ground in cjuest of their food, and fre(iueni low and thick 
 coi)ses, into \vhi< h tliey c(Miimonly fly for conceahiient when 
 too attentively observed ; though when in small companies, in 
 the spring season, they do not appear very shy, but restless 
 from the unsettled state of their circumstances. When dis- 
 persed, they utter a low, chirping call, and for some time 
 continue to fre(iuent the same secluded part of the forest 
 in society. .\t times, like the Wagtail, they keep this part of 
 their body in a slow, vertical motion. In manners they strongly 
 resemble the following species, but their song seems to be 
 unusually lively and varied. 
 
 The Hermit is a common bird in the Maritime Provinces and 
 Quebec, and nests from about latitude 44° northward. It is com- 
 mon on .\nticosti and along the north shore of the (iulf of St. 
 Lawrence, and has l)een taken at Lake Mistassini. In Ontario it 
 occurs chiefly as a migrant, thoniili breedinij in the Muskoka 
 district. In .\ew England also it is principallv known as a 
 migrant, breeding in numbers only along the northern bonier and 
 on the higher hills of Connecticut and .Massachusetts. The nest 
 has been taken in Ohio and in southern Michigan. 
 
 The opinions expressed by Nuttall that the Hermit Thrush is a 
 peculiarly shy and solitary bird, and that its favorite resorts are 
 amid the deep forests, are. I think, somewhat misle.uling: at least 
 my observations in .\ew lirunswic k led me to form (piite different 
 opinions. I did tind these birds courting retirement and ajipar- 
 ently destitute of either vanity or curiosity : but they always dis- 
 played a calm self-po.ssession that is inconsistent with shyness. 
 Nor were they peculiarly solitary, for though it was unu.sual to .see 
 a number of them in clo.se companionshi]). it was not unusual to 
 meet with half a dozen in as many minutes, or to tind as manv 
 nests within a small area. 
 
 Like all woodland birds, they prefer the groves to the open fields, 
 and they enjoy a cool shade in a moist valley; but they build 
 their nests near the settlements, and rarely go into the den.ser for- 
 ests. This is their habit in New Brunswick, though of course when 
 farther north they must resort to the timber districts; there are 
 few .settlements to attract them. 
 
P^'<->/^MJi 
 
 IS a 
 arc 
 -ast 
 
 iL'Ilt 
 
 ^ar- 
 (lis- 
 
 1CSS. 
 
 soe 
 to 
 lanv 
 
 ■Ids. 
 
 )uil(l 
 
 for- 
 
 hen 
 
 are 
 
 WTT,S()NS rilkl'SH. 
 
 TAWXY THRUSH. VKKKY. 
 
 ' I V k 1 )L"S !■ USCF>iCKNS. 
 
 Char. Above, light tawny or rufous ; iK-ncath, white, shaded with 
 creamy buff on breast, and with «ilive on sides; breast spotted with 
 tawny. Lengtii 6'. to 7 '^ inches. 
 
 A\st. On the ground or near it, usually at the base of small tree or in 
 tuft of old grass ; of leaves and grass, lined with t'lne roots. 
 
 ^-'vV-f- 3~5 ! pale greenish blue ; 0.S5 X 0.65. 
 
 This common Nortlurn spe'cie-s arrivt-s in Pennsylvania and 
 New ICngland about the 1)cl,m lining of May, ami its northern 
 range extends as far as Labrador. It appears to retire to the 
 South early in October, and is more decidedly insectivorous 
 than any other native species. Accortling to Wilson, many of 
 
 :nj 
 
 * 
 
m-h ^ ^^ 
 
 II 
 
 I 
 
 1 1 
 
 iif' 
 
 ;( 
 
 II 
 
 
 208 
 
 SINULNG lUUDS. 
 
 these bin!- winter in llv myrll-j-swamph of South C'aroHna. 1 
 have noi, however, seen thcni in the vSouthern States at that 
 sea>4j)n, and most part of the s!)e(;ies pass on probably as far as 
 the coast of the .Nk-xican (lulf. They do n(jt, acconUng to 
 Wilson, bree«i in the lower inirts of I'rnnsylvania, though un- 
 tloublciJiv thev <lo in the mountainous districts, where thc-v are 
 seen as btc as the 2oih of May. 'I'hey projiagate and are very 
 comnton in Ma»ijachusclts. 
 
 In its retiring habits and love of concealment this Thrush 
 resembles t;u j»receding. It frc(iuents the dark and shady 
 iMjrileT' *" .'T5»-,dl brooks and woods, and sometimes the bu>hy 
 and ret 1 \j irs of the garden ; from whence, withcnit being 
 often seen, in ih. . orning and particularly the evening to the 
 ver>' apfjiroach of night, we often hear the siuguhir, (juaint. and 
 musical note of this querulous si)e(ies at short inter\als, as one 
 perches u|jion some low branch of a tree or bush. This curious 
 whisihng note sounds like Vv//// V'Vv//// 'r'/v7/// 't''/r/i/}, and 
 sotneiimes 'rr</ rv</ 'rrclid 'mhCi vchii, nmning uj) the notes 
 till ihcy become shrill and (piick at the (lose, in the first 
 jjhrasc. bwt from high to low, and terminating blender and 
 slow, in the latter: another expression seems to be. 'rr 'rrd 
 ithiirr, ascending like a whistle. The song of another indi- 
 vidual was expressed in the following manner: 'rc'villill'iiirill 
 ' tullull^ttillul. It was then repeated with variation, ^7'e viHillil 
 viinil riinil : then villillill viZ/i //■//, tnlli/il/ tuirilill : the whole 
 agreeably and singularl\' delisiTed in a shrill, hollow voi< e, 
 almost like the >f>tmd of liquor ])assing through a ttmnel into a 
 bottle. I have also heard several t)f these sounds, S(jmetimes 
 occasionally prefaced by a mewing or chirping warble. Th».>e 
 soimds, though monotonous, are jiossessi'd of greater variety 
 than is at fir-^t imagined, the terminating tone or key ch;mging 
 through several re])etitions, so as to constitute a harmony and 
 me!;>«ly in *>ome degree ai)proaching the song of the m<jre 
 musical Wood Thrush. I'Yom this habit of serenading into 
 the night, the species is sometimes here dignified with the 
 nickname of the Nightingale. Occasionally he utters an angr)', 
 rather plaintive mew, like the Catbird, or a ([uivering bleat 
 
Wll.SUN S Til lU SI I. 
 
 209 
 
 iV.(\ 
 
 almost similar to that of a lamh ; and when approached, watches 
 Mild follows the inlnnlcr with an ani^'ry i)r petulant qucah 
 (jui'iih ; at other times a sort of mewing, melancholy, or com- 
 plaining vV^747 yfo7C' is heard, and then, jjerhaps, a hasty an<l 
 lmi)atient /»<■/// /^v?/ follows. The food of this species, at least 
 during the early l)art of summer, apj)ears to be shelly insects of 
 various kinds, f)arti(!ularly C'/inso/z/iAis, or laily-bugs, and those 
 many legged h;ird worms of the genus lulus. 
 
 A good while after the commencement of the perio«i of in- 
 cubation I have observed the males engaged in obstinate (juar- 
 rels. On the 4th of June, 1S30, I obsened two of these 
 petulant Thrushes thus fiercely and jealously contending ; one 
 of them used a jilaintive and angry * le as he chasecl his 
 antagonist uj) and down the tree. At lei.^tt iiowever, a cousin 
 Catbird, to which this species has soni' affirity, stepped in be- 
 twixt thj combatants, and they soon p.irted. One of these 
 birds had a nest and mate in the goose'-erry bush of a neigh- 
 boring garden ; the second bird wa'-; thus a dissatisfierl hermit, 
 and spent many weeks in the IJotai^*: Garden, where, thotigh 
 at times sad and solitary, yet he constantly aniHsed us with his 
 forlorn scjng, and seemed at last, as it were, accjuainted with 
 those who whistled for him, jjceping out of the bushes with a 
 sort of complaisant curiosity, and from his almost nocturnal 
 habits became a great persecutor of the assassin Owl whenever 
 he dared to make his appearance. 
 
 The nest of \\'ilsi)n's Thrush (commenced ;il)out the close of 
 
 the first week in May) is usually in a low and thorny bush in 
 
 the dirkest part of the forest, at no great distance from the 
 
 ground (1 to :; fiet), sometimes indeed on the earth, btit 
 
 raised by a bed of leaves, and greatly resembles that of the 
 
 Catbird. This s))ecies seems, indeed, for security artfully to 
 
 depend on the resemblance of itself and its leafy nest with the 
 
 l)os()ni of the forest on which it rests, and wlu-n approache<l it 
 
 sits so close as nearly to admit of being taken up by the hand. 
 
 The nest sometimes a])]iears without any shelter but sha<le and 
 
 association of colors with the place on which it rests. I have 
 
 seen one ])laced on a mass of prostrated dead brambles, on a 
 vol.. I. — 14 
 
 I ) 
 
!= » 
 
 210 
 
 \f 
 
 M 
 
 \\ • I 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 
 
 *4 
 
 t 
 
 fallen heap of lilac twigs in a ravine, and also in a small 
 withereil branch of reil oak \vhi< h had fallen into a bush ; i)e- 
 low it was also bedded with e\a< tly sinular leaves, so as easily 
 to deceive the eye. iJut with all these precautions they appear 
 to lose many eggs and young by sipiirrels and other animals. 
 The nest is usually bott«)med with dry oak or beech leaves, 
 coarse stalks of grass and weeds, and lined \ery generally with 
 naturally dissected foliage, its stalks, some fine grass, and at 
 other times a mixture of root-fibres ; but no earth is emi)loyed 
 in the fabric. The eggs, 4 or 5, are of an emerald green with- 
 out spots, and ditfer from tluxse of the Catbird only in being a 
 little smaller and more inclined to blue. So shy is the sjjecies 
 that though I feigned a violent chirjjing near the nest contain- 
 ing their young, which brought Sparrows and a neighboring 
 Baltimore to the rescue, the parents, peejjing at a distance, did 
 not venture to approach or even express any marked concern, 
 though they prove very watchful guardians when their brood 
 are fledged and with them in the woods. They have com- 
 monly two broods in the season ; the second being raised 
 about the middle of July, after which their musical notes are 
 but seldom heard. I afterwards by an accident obtained a 
 young fledged bird, which retained in the cage the unsocial 
 and silent timidity peculiar to the species. 
 
 Wilson's Thrush lireods farther to tho southward than the Her- 
 mit, but does not range c|uite so far north. It is common in the 
 Maritime Provinces and near the city of Quebec, but has not been 
 taken recently on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 
 Thougli it is abunchuit in .Manitoba, and Cliapman reports its 
 occurrence in Newfoundland, it i^reeds abundandy in Ontario and 
 in northern Ohio. 
 
 In New Brunswick I have found the nest as frecjuently in an 
 open pasture as in more olxscure places. 
 
 Note. — The Willow Thrush (^T. fuscescens salicuoia), a 
 Rockv Mountain form, occurs occasionally in Illinois and casually 
 in South Carolina. 
 
 4 
 
 b 
 
 b 
 w 
 
 v; 
 
r 
 
 GkAV-( llEEKKl) TIIKLSII. 
 
 211 
 
 oi.i\ i:-i;.\cKi:i) ruRrsH. 
 
 Hcr- 
 
 in the 
 )een 
 re lice. 
 [s its 
 o iind 
 
 in an 
 
 TLkDis f.viruvirs swains* ixii. 
 
 Char. Above, olive ; beneath, white, shatled with olive on the sides ; 
 sides of head, neck, and breast tinged with l)Ull ; throat and brca.-t 
 spotted with olive; yellowish ring around the eve. Length 6*2 to 7'j 
 .ichc.«>. 
 
 At'st. In a hnv tree or bush ; of twigs, leaves, grass, etc. 
 
 ■'^XV-f* 3-4; greenish blue speckled with brown ; 0.90 X 0.65. 
 
 This species was emitted by Nuttall. thoujili jjivi-n by Wilson. It 
 h.is miiih the same ranu'e and similar habits as tiic Hermit, tiioiijih 
 ditlerip^ in its sonij and the location of its nest. 'I"he tone of its 
 voice is richer and roimder — more tlute-like and less metallic — 
 than that of any other of the small Thrushes: but the soni; lacks 
 th.it si)iritual cjuality so conspicuous in the bymnlike melody of 
 the Hermit. 
 
 The Olive-hacked is found throughout the temperate re^^ion of 
 eastern North America, and westward to the eastern base of the 
 Rockies. It bret ds in northern New Knijland and northward, and 
 in the elevated portions of .Massa« hu.setts and Connecticut, as well 
 as in northern New N'ork and .Michigan, and winters in the (/ulf 
 States and southward to Panama. 
 
 It is common in the .Maritime Provinces, but is reported rather 
 rare between .Montreal and Lake Huron, thouiih it beinc; an abun- 
 dant mijjjrant through Ohio, I should expect to find it plentiful in 
 portions of Ontario. 
 
 GRAV-rPTF.r.KKI) THRUSH. 
 
 ALICE'.^ THRLSH. 
 Tlrdls .\LICL€. 
 
 Char, .\bove, olive ; cheeks grayish, a whitish ring round the eyes ; 
 bene.ith, white ; sides tinged with olive ; throat and breast tinged with 
 buff and marked with large dark spots. Length 7 to -j}^ inches. 
 
 -\Vj/. In a low bush or on the ground ; of grass and leaves, etc., lined 
 with fine grass. 
 
 E^i^'gs. 3-4 ; greenish blue spotted with brown ; 0.90 X 0.70. 
 
 After much contention as to the validity of .-Mice's Thrush as a 
 variety of the Olive-backed, the systematists have decided to give it 
 
 id 
 
 ^ ! ' . 
 
 ! > ' ' ll 
 
N 
 
 lU 
 
 u 
 
 t, 
 
 h 
 
 
 SINGINCi BIRDS. 
 
 spfcirtc rank. In appearance it differs from s7t.'(iiftsoni/ ch'wfty in 
 Inckin<; the yellow aroiiiul the eye, and in ha\in;.j yray instead of 
 buff cheeks. .Uicitc is also a triric the lar^^er of the two. 
 
 The distribution of the present specie.s has not yet been thor- 
 ouj^hly worked out. for only a few years have |)as>ed since its 
 di.scover)-; but it is known to occur in the L'nited .States and the 
 settled portions of Canada as a mi.L;rant only, breeding north to 
 the Arctic, and wintering .south to Costa Rica. 
 
 'li S^ 
 
 BICKN i: M.'.S VW Rl'SII. 
 
 TlRIUS AMCI-li lilCKNKI.I.I. 
 
 Char. Above, olive, varying from a grayish to a russet tnit ; winj^s 
 and tail slightlv browiur than b.jck ; (ii>tinct riiit; of pale buff .irounil tlic 
 eyes; thcck-i l)iifti>l); l)tni-;ith, white, tinged with ulive on the >ide>; 
 throat .ind lirta^t tingid with butT .itul ni.irkcd with large dark >i>ot.s. 
 Length 7 to 7'i inches. 
 
 A'c-'t. On the groiMul. in a thicket ; composed of twigs, grass, and moss, 
 lined with gmss. 
 
 li.^^s. 3-4 ; p.-»Ie blucish green speckled with brown ; 0.S5 x o 65. 
 
 This variety of the Gray-cheeked Thrush was discovered by 
 Mr. Ku^v-ne 1'. Uicknell amid the Catskdl Mountains in 1SS5. It 
 has been foi:nd on all the hij^her ranges of Ilastern .\meriia and 
 in Illinois, and .Mr. Lamoille claims to have discovered the nest 
 on an island off the southern coast of Nova Scotia. 
 
 II 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 w\'n:R THRrsH. 
 
 WATER WAr.T.MI.. 
 
 Skuris X( )vf.i!( >ra( :f.\sj>. 
 
 Char. Above, deep olive brown ; line over the eve whitish: benc.ith, 
 white tinged with bright yellow, .ind spotted with olive. Length ^'^ to 
 6 inches. 
 
 .Vt-st. On the ground, in border of swamp or «tream ; bulkv, and 
 loosely made of moss, leaves, and grass. lined with roots. Sometimes 
 deeply imlxdded in moss, or covered with it. 
 
 /r.vr- 4-^; white, spotted, most heavily near the larger end, with 
 brown and lilac; 0.75 X 055. 
 
IV 
 
 ath, 
 
 ; 
 
 •j to 
 
 V, 
 
 :incl 
 
 ..f 
 
 inu'S 
 
 d, with 
 
 \VATER-rnKl>ll. 
 
 2'3 
 
 This shy and retiring sylvan species extends its summer 
 migrations throughout the L nited States, breeiling rarely in 
 I'ennsylvania, i)roceeding priiuiiially to the western and 
 nortliern regions at the period of ini uhalion. Mr. 'lown^end 
 an«l myself observed this bird in Oregon, as well as in Missouri, 
 where it was, no doubt, breeiling, and sung m a very lively 
 manner, keeping in a shady wood whi( h bordered a >inall 
 stream, often descending to the ground after aipiatic insects or 
 larv;f, and with the tail in a constant balancing motion, re- 
 minding us strongly of the Wagtail or Motacilla of liuropc. 
 
 l he Atiuatic Ihrush has, indeed, a i)aiticular partiality for 
 the vieinity of waters, wading in the shallow streams in search 
 of insects, moving its tail as it leisurely folKnvs its j)ursuit. anil 
 chattering as it llies. During its transient migrating visits it is 
 very timid, and darts into the thickets as soon as approat heil, 
 uttering a sharp and rather plaintive A////' of .iLirm. .\l)out 
 the beginning of May, these birds appear in I'ennsylvania from 
 the South, and stay around dark and solitary streams for ten 
 or twelve days, and ilien dis;ii»pear until alH)Ut the middle of 
 August, when, on their w,i\- to tlu-ir tr»)|)ical winter (|uarters, 
 they leave the swamps and mountains of their summer retreat, 
 and, at'trr again gleaning a transient subsistence for a few days 
 towanls the sea-coast, depart for the season. In Massu hu- 
 setts they are scarcely ever seen except in the autumn, and 
 continue in shadv gardens, probalily feeding on small wild 
 berries till nearly the close of Septi'inber. 
 
 It appears, according to Wilson, that the fivorite resort of 
 this s|)ecies is in the cane-lirakes, swamps, river shores, and 
 watery solitudes of Louisiana. Ti-nnessee, and Mississippi. 
 Here it is abundant, and is eminently distinguished by the 
 loudness, sweetness, and ex]>ressive vivacity of its notes, which, 
 beginning high and clear, flow and descend in a cadence so 
 delicate as to terminate in sounds that are scarcely audible. 
 At such times the singer sits perched on some branch whi( h 
 stretches impending over the flowing stream, ami pours out hi.; 
 charming melody with such effect as to be heard at tiie dis- 
 tance of nearly half a mile, giving a peculiar charm to *he dark 
 
 i: I 
 
 II 
 
 M 
 
J 14 
 
 SIXCIXG HIKDS. 
 
 ;" I 
 
 and solitary wilds lu" inhabits. 'Ihc silence of ni^dit is also, at 
 times, relieved liy the iiire>s.iiu warhle of tl1i^ Western I'hilo- 
 nul, \\lii)Ne \(»i(;e, hifakini; \\\»>u tlic ear of the lonel)' traveller 
 in the wilderness, seems like the duleet lay of something super- 
 natural. His sonj; is also heart! in the winter when the 
 weather proves mild. In tiiis habit he api)ears eonsiderably 
 allied to the Keed Thrush or River Nij,Oitingale of Murope. 
 which night and day almost ( ea^>ele.-,sly sings, and soothes his 
 sitting mate, among the reeds and marches of his favorite 
 resorts. 
 
 .Since Nuttall's dav tlic W'atvr Thrush has been separated from 
 the true Thrushes and classed with the Warblers. The birds seen 
 bv Wilson and Audubon in l.ouisiaua. 'I\nuessee. and .Mississip]>t 
 wcri' doubtless referable to niotacilla. for though the present spe- 
 cies is found throui,diout tliis l'".astern Province, west to Illinois and 
 Manitoba, it seldom lias been diseovi-red breedini; south of 45^. It 
 is a rather ( (Muinon sj^rinii and autumn visitor to Massachusetts, 
 and niav breed in sinall numbers on !he berkshire lulls. 
 
 On tile plains the t\pe is replace<l by the variety named notal'ilis^ 
 — Gkinnki.i.'s WAiKU-TftKUSii. — which is larger and darker. 
 Notixbilis occurs occasiouallv in Illinois and Indiana. 
 
 if 
 
 LOUISIANA W.Vn.R 11 IRISH. 
 
 Si HKIS MolACII.I.A. 
 
 riiAR. Similar tn ;/('r',7',>n/,v;/.>/V. but larger, :uul 1)111 li)n.i;cr and stouter. 
 I'lidd- |>;uls tiiv^ed with htilT. Iiiit never with brigiil yellow ; iluoat free 
 from spots. I.eiiiitli y'l to ()K inches. 
 
 X.st. On the f^uound. hidden amid r<iots of fallen trei', 01 on a mos<y 
 bank : composed of Icave-^. j^rass, .ind n.oss, lined with ^i.iss and hair. 
 
 /•.Vs'^ 4-''; whili'. sometimes with creamy tint, speckled with brown 
 and lilac; 075 Xodo. 
 
 The rang^ of this species extends from southern New I'ngland. 
 the C.reat La..es. and .Minnesota (in summer) to the Oulf States 
 and Central Aineiira (in winter)- A few pairs are seen every rea- 
 son in .southern Ontario. Its habits do not differ from those of its 
 congener. 
 
 nt: 
 
and, 
 at OS 
 ;.ea- 
 if its 
 
 OVF.N-Blkf# 
 
 GOLDF^N-CROVVXtW T39KUSH. 
 SkU RL>. VLftm. ■ 
 
 Char. Above, olive : crown oran;;«t -!')«'')•» t., Wrdercd with black stripes, 
 white riiip; .iioiiiul the eyes; hcnear&v wlblt- ♦^J.^otted with olive. lAii,t;th 
 5'.' to ()l2 iiH hcs. 
 
 Ai-st. On the uroiuul, at the t'uof iH .» Wnit t>r in the moss on a ficravcfl 
 loq ; rather li>..-e!y made of twigs, !rr&M^„ utart-s. and innss. lined with fine 
 grass and hair. The top is often comprittidh- rwrfrd. vimiiinies art lied or 
 domed; the entrance on the -.idc. 
 
 /ij^gs. ■\-(>; creamy white, spotted wiiB&i 8ai56<« n and lilac; 0..S0X0.55. 
 
 This ratluT coninmn hinl. o rjr:;rly allied to ilir irue 
 Thnishi's. is fotiii'l throiiijhotit the- tk'j«f st*- of the rnitcd .^latcs, 
 Canada, and in the territory c{ r>rTi;on (Jurinfj the siiinnur, 
 arriving in the Middle and Northetrm) Malts abotn the beginning 
 of >Fay or close of April, .in<l ftepUir,;iiL' for tropical .\ni<.ri( a, 
 Mexico, and the larger West Irnlui .tr.'ijmis early in Septt nilter. 
 
 The Ciolden-crowned Thnish„ th^* naati retiring, is never r^een 
 out of the >had<' of the wood-. .;'.«(!! ir4ls and nnis along the 
 ground often like the I. ark; in .u;<.j fff-t'quenis the brandies of 
 trees, and soinelinies moves it* Liiii m tiii- manner of tin- N\ ag- 
 tails. It has lew j)retension.s to "WMUg. ami while perched in 
 the dee]) and shady part of the fio«rr«L, il utters, at intervals, a 
 simple, long, reiterated note of Vi^>iV /^«y fshr tshr fshr, rising 
 from low to high and shrill. io a.* to ipiif but little idea of the 
 distance or place from whence that vtp^iwl jtroceeds, and ofu n 
 appearing, from the loudness of ch«r diiurixmg cadence, to be uiiu u 
 
•r 
 
 
 i I 
 
 Hi 
 
 2l6 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 nearer than it really is. As soon as discovered, like the Wood 
 Thrush, it darts at once timidly into the de])ths of its sylvan 
 retreat. During the periotl of incubation, the deliberate lay 
 of the male, from some horizontal branch of the forest tree, 
 where it often sits usually still, is a ^ts/ic tc tshc t? tslic tc fs/icc. 
 gradually rising and growing louder. Towards dusk in the 
 evening, however, it now anil then utters a sudden burst of 
 notes with a short, agreeable warble, whi( h terminates com- 
 monly in the usual 'fs/w tc fs/u\ Its curious oven-shape<l nest 
 is known to all the sportsmen who traverse the solitary wilds 
 which it inhabits, 'i'his ingenious fabric is sunk a little into the 
 ground, and generally situated on some dry and mossy bank 
 contiguous to bushes, or on an uncleared surface ; it is formed, 
 with great neatness, of dry blades of grass, and lined with the 
 same ; it is then surmounted by a thi( k inclined roof of simi- 
 lar materials, the surface scattered with leaves and twigs so as 
 to match the rest of the ground, and an entrance is left at the 
 side. Near Milton liills. in this vit inity, the situation chosen 
 was among low wlu)rtleberry bushes, in a stimted cedar and 
 oak grow. W hen surprised, the bird escapes, or runs from the 
 nest with the silence and celerity of a mouse. If an attem])t 
 be made to (b^( omt the nest from which she is lliislu-d, she 
 stops, flutters, and jjretends lameness, and watching the success 
 of the mancjuuvre, at length, when the decoy seems complete, 
 she takes to wing and disappears. The Oven liird i-> another 
 of the foster-parents sonn-times chosen by the Cow 'IVoopial ; 
 and she rears the foundling with her accustomed care and 
 affection, and keeps up an incessant f<Ji!f> when her unfledged 
 brood are even distantly approached. Tiv >.e binU have often 
 two broods in a season in the Middlr States. Their food is 
 wholly insects and their 1 irv;e, ])articularly small coleojiterous 
 kinils and ants, chielly collected on the ground. 
 
 'I'hr Oven-bird, likt- the \V;iter-TIirusli, has licrii n.-aiovi'd by 
 modirn authorities from elassitiealion with tlie 'i'luaish family .uid 
 placed with tlie Warblers. It is now known to breed from X'iririnia 
 and Kansas to bal)ra(lor and Manitol);i. It is abundant in M.issa- 
 chusetts and the Marit/ne Provinces, and conunon over its entire 
 range. It winters in llorida and as far .south as Central America. 
 
ess 
 ■to, 
 ur 
 al; 
 n.l 
 
 ti'ti 
 
 is 
 rolls 
 
 hy 
 .111(1 
 ini.i 
 ss;i- 
 itire 
 
 1. 
 
 MYRTLE WAKlJLER. 
 
 21 
 
 MVRTI.F. WARr.I.KR. 
 
 YELLOW-RUMP WAKIU.KK. VEI.LOW-CKOWXED WARRLER. 
 
 1)1 NhkOlCA tOKONAlA. 
 
 Thar. >rale: above, l)lui>li gray streaked with Mack; sides of lu-ad 
 black; brca>t and sid^s mostly black; patches of yellow on crown and 
 rump and sides of l)rcast ; throat and belly white ; wing-bars and patches 
 on tail white. Female, young, and male in winter: similar, but the back 
 with a tint of brown in place of blue, and all cfjlors duller, and markings 
 less distinct. Length 510 6 inches. 
 
 AVj/. In a coniferous tree 5 to 10 feet from the ground, in a pasture or 
 open grove of woodland; ci>m|)o.<ed of twigs and gr.i>s, lincil with fine 
 gras.s, sometimes with feathers. 
 
 AVs'-f- 4-5 : 'I"'l while or creamy white. s])otted chietly around the 
 larger end with brown and lil.ic ; 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
 Tlu' history of this rather coiiimoii Warbler rem.iins verv 
 imperfert. In the MicMle and N'orthirn States it is .1 hiril of 
 passage, arrivint: from the South .il)out [Uv < iosr of .\|>ril or 
 beuimiiiii,' of M.iy. and |>roeecdin,i,' north as f.ir as ("aiiada .ind 
 Labrador to ]»ass the summer season in the ( ,ires of bri'e'linj; 
 and rearing the yonnti, .\s e;trly as the v'di oi .Xiiunst. or after 
 an absence of Uttle more than three months, thesr binls ai:ain 
 appear: :Mid beinti hardy, passing parties continue with ^l■^ in 
 g.inh'ns anil woods till about the (lose ot" NoMinber, teeding 
 now almost exclusively on the myrtle-wix berries ( )/\//(<i crri- 
 Ji 111), or on those of the \irginian juniper. I he--r. other late 
 and persisting berries, and oc<asional insects, constitute tluir 
 winter food in the Sfjuthern States, when-, in consiilerable num- 
 bers, in the swamps and slu'liere<l grows of tiu' si-a-coiist, ihey 
 pass the cold season. In fine weather, in the early part of Oc- 
 tober, fliey may be seen, at tinus, collecting grasshoppers anfl 
 moths from the meadows and iiastiires, and, like the lllur llird, 
 they often w.itch for the ap|)earance of thi ir prey from a neigh- 
 boring stake, low bough, or fence-rail ; ami at this time are so 
 familiar and iinsuspi< ions, particularly the yotmg, as fearlessly 
 to .approach ahnost within the rea<h of the silent spectat»»r. .\t 
 
2l8 
 
 SINLlINt; I5IKDS. 
 
 the 1- 'lod of migni:iun, they aiJjK-ar in an alicr -d ivu\ U's< 
 briiliant dress. 'l"hc bright yellow spot on die crown is :\o\\ 
 cdL^ed with brownish olive, so that the prevailing eoit-r -M' ilii, 
 beamiful mark is only ^een on shcdtling the feathers with the 
 hand ; a brownish tint is also added lo die whole i)lumage. Hut 
 Wilson's figure of diis NUi>po>ed autunuial change only repre- 
 sents the young bird. The old i>, m fut, but little less brilliant 
 than in stunmer, and I have a well-tounded sii.-^itieiiMi that the 
 wearing of tiie edges of the feather-^, or some other seeon<laiy 
 cause, alone produces this change in the livery of spring, par- 
 lie ularly as it is not any sexual distinction. 
 
 While feeding they are very active, in the manner of I'ly- 
 catchers. hovering among the cedars and m\ rtles with hanging 
 wings, and only rest when satisfied with gleaning food. In 
 spring they are ^lill more timid, busy, and restless. According 
 to Audubon, the nest and eggs are scan ely to be distinguished 
 from those of .SV/r/i? os/ira; one wlv. h he examined from 
 Nova Scotia was made in the extremity of the branch if .\ lt>w 
 fir-tree, about fwii feet from the ground. When approuhed, 
 or while feeding, they only utter a feeble, plaintive A///> of 
 alarm. This beautifid •>pecies arrives lure about the 7th or 
 8lh of May, and now « hieily frequents the orchards, tittering 
 at short inter\-als, in the morning, a swid and \an" i, rather 
 lil.uniive warble, resembling in j'irt the s-mg of the Summer 
 Yellow bird, but much more the firewill, solitary autiunnal 
 notes of the Roliin Redbreast ..." liurope. 'J'he tones at times 
 are also so ventrilo>|uial and \ ' \v in eleN.uion diat it is not 
 always ea>y to ascertain the spot whence tluy jjitx ee<l. W hile 
 thus engaged in tpiol of small caterpillars, the Myrtle seems 
 almost insensible to obtrusion, and familiarl)' searches for its 
 jjrey, imwever near we may approach. 
 
 The " Yellow-rump " — by which n.ime this species is best known 
 — brLTtis rcgul.iily troni iiortlieni New I'.uglaiul northward and 
 west to .Manitoba; .ilso 011 du- IJerksiiirc hills in Massachusetts. 
 It i.s an almndaiu suinuK-r residc-nt of the Maritime I'rovinces, but 
 elsewhere, in the st.-ttU-d portions of Canada, occurs as a migrant 
 only. It winters re:,;ularlv in Mas.N.ichusett.s anil central Uhiu, and 
 iht'ii-e soulliw.ud a^ iar .is Central .\mcriea. 
 
Vi:i.l.(>\\ I'AI.M WAklli KU. 
 
 2IQ 
 
 mi; 
 In 
 
 VKLI,(MV PAI.M WARBLf.R. 
 
 VF.I.I.oW KKD-I'OI.L WAUIJI.KK. 
 Dl.MikOKA rAI.MAKl M ll\ I't )(_M1<VSKA. 
 
 Cir\R. Ahovc. Iirownisl) olive : rump yellowisli, clii«ikv streaks on the 
 had:; crown rliLstiuit ; lim- ovir ivc and untln p.irt^ ricli vtilxw; brL-a^t 
 and sides strirakcd witli hiown ; no wliitc wing bars; ^ijuarc pati he* of 
 wliitf on outer tail-fcatl.crs. Adult in winter an<i young ; .similar but 
 colors dulltr, anil markings less distinct; undcrparts grayi.>ii yellow, 
 Lcn};tii 5 to 5 ''4 inciics. 
 
 At.t/. * >n till nioiuul on border ot ><vvamp ; lousciy made of gr.u»s, 
 weeds, and uii»s ia.*lened with caltrpillai's mIk, iined wiiii roots, liair, 
 pinc-nccdlch, ur Icailiers. 
 
 /•-"vv. 4-5; creamy white, sometinio with io>eate tiii^c, inarki d on 
 larger end with line sputa ut brown and lil.ic ; 0.65 »; 0.50. 
 
 'I'hc \ rlli)\v l\i(l-polls in small numbers anivi- in tlu Miildle 
 and NorilKin Stall's in ihr monih ut" A|iril : man\ i'ri>(fr«l as 
 far as Labrador, wlicir thrv wi-ri' snii in Ntimnur 1)\ \iidnb<in. 
 and in tlu' month of An,i,nist tlu- voimi^ were generally Hedged. 
 In the Sonihern States they are abundant in wintt r. While 
 luTe, like many other transient passeniier* of the fitnily. they 
 a])])ear e\tremi!y busy in (jtiest of their restless in>e« t prey. 
 The) iVeiineiil low, swampy thickets, are rare, an<l their few 
 feeble notes are said scarceh' to deser\»' th«' name of ; -".mg. 
 Tlu'se straiiulers remain all summer in i'ennsylvani 1, bat ihe 
 nest is niiknown. 1 hey depart in September or early i'^ ' rto- 
 ber. and some probabh' winter in the s(»nthernmost St>,.es, as 
 they were met with in {•'e])niarv. bv \N'iI>on. near > .v .''.'.jah, 
 'I'his is a dilferent speeies from the Palm Warbler, which pro!.- 
 ably does not exist in the United State.-,. 
 
 This bird apjiears yet to be very little known. Penn ml has 
 most strangely blended \\\) its description with that of the 
 Rnby-( idwned Wren I his supposed female being precisely 
 that bird. 
 
 Tlio i'.asterii form of tlic i'.iliii W.irMcr is a common l>irfl lr<«<n 
 till' Atlantic to the .Mississijipi v.illey, where it is r^ pi. iced by true 
 piilntiinoiu and is abuiulant in suintuer in northern .Mtine aiui 
 New Mrunswick. 
 
li 
 
 2 20 
 
 SINGINC; BIRDS. 
 
 Mr. NeiLson thinks it uncommon near Dornald, Quebec, and 
 says he never sees a specimen hiter than June 1st. Dr. Whealon 
 has reported it as a comnKjn miiirant tiuouj;!) Ohio, hut it is re- 
 ported rare in ( )ntari((. NntlaH's statement, borrowed from Wilson, 
 that some remained in I'enn.sylvania durini; the i)reetbng season, 
 has not been contirmed by more recent observations. 
 
 In habits this species stands pecuhar. lUHke other DcndroiKP, 
 
 it nests on the ground, aiul unhke most other Warblers, shows a 
 
 stroni,' preference for fields and road-sides, where it may be found 
 
 hoppin<i alon^ with the Sparrows, and Hirtiiiij its tail like a Titlark. 
 
 The song is a very simple affair, — a few sweet notes. 
 
 
 Note. — The Pai m Wakiii.ku yDeiithouu paltnanim) differs 
 from hyf>ochrysiij in being smaller and nuicii duller colored. It 
 breeds in Manitoba and northward, and winters in tiie Southern 
 States. .\ few examples have been seen in the Eastern States. 
 
 Ai;i)fHO\'s Wakiii.i.k {Dciuiroica aiuiuhoiii). though a bird of 
 the W'eslern I'lains. has a right to mention here through e.\aniples 
 having been taken in .Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. 
 
 VF.I.r.OW WARP.I.F.R. 
 
 SL'.MMKK VKLLOW BIKD. SLMMKR WARBLER. 
 1>>FM»K(UCA .1>JI\A. 
 
 Char. Male: general eolur golden yelldw, upper p.-trts tinned with 
 olive; !>ri a.>t riiid >i<irs strc.iked witli orange hmwn Fetnale : siiuilar, 
 but iipj)cr j irf-i with deeper tinge <>f olive, antl under parts witli Ies.s 
 .streaks. I.( tijjth 4''^ to 5 '4 inches. 
 
 ^\V.' '. Oil a liiisl) «).- ! .w tree, in a garden or npcii pasture; gracefully 
 formed aii<l compaciiy woven, of v.Triou> veuet;ii)le tilires, — grass, steins, 
 etc. — us ..illy lined with hair or plant down, sometitncs with feathers. 
 
 /v., !• 3-5; did! white or greenish white, marked chietly around the 
 larger erd with brown .ind lilac ; 0.65 X 0.-15. 
 
 This very common and brilliant sinnmer species is fount! in 
 all parts of the American rontincnt. from the confines of the 
 Arctic circle n Florida and 'i'l-xas. as well as Oregon and the 
 Ro( ky Moimtains, where it spends the mild season. .Mxjiit 
 the miiidle of March 1 alre.id\ heard the song amidst the 
 
 \ 
 
 ! 
 
YKLI.OW WAKI'.I.KR. 
 
 221 
 
 lie 
 
 i-arly Ijlooniinj,' thickets and leafy \v(kj(Is of the Altamaha : but 
 the birds do not arrive in Pennsylvania and this part of New 
 Miiglaiid belori' tlie ist of May. AlH>iit the close of .\ugu»t in 
 the Northern, and by the inid<lle of Sejuember in the Central 
 States of the I'nion, or as soon as their s»i ond broo«l are ( .lia- 
 ble of joining the migrating Iio>it, they di>a|)pear, probabl) in 
 the twihght, and wing their way by easy stages to their trop- 
 ical destination, parsing tlirough Louisiana in O tol>er and 
 appearing at length about Vera Cruz, whence they >prcad their 
 numerous ho^t ilirough tropical America to ( iuiana, Cayenne, 
 St. Domingo, and other of the larger contiguous inlands of the 
 West Indies. 
 
 This is a very lively, unsuspicious, and almost familiar little 
 bird, and its l)right gcjiden color renders it vcr\ con^jucuous, 
 as in |)ursuit of tlitting insects it pries and ilans among the 
 blooming shrubs and orchards. It is particularly attached to 
 willow-trees and other kinds in moist and sha<ly >ituations, that 
 afford tills ami other species a variety of small lan-:c and <Mter- 
 ])lllars, on w(ii< h they il< light to (vt'd. While incessantly am! 
 busily employed it oci aslonally mounts the twig, am! with a 
 loud, shrill, and almost piercing voice it earnestly utters, at >-hort 
 and Irregular intervals, — V\//' '/»//' 'A//' "A//' 7>7/«//e/, or A//<- /s/tt' 
 till tslutyia tslic /</ir : tills last phrase rather |)laintivc am! inter- 
 rogatory, as if expei ting tin- recf)gnitlon of its mate. .Smie- 
 times, but particularly after tlu' < ommincement of incubation, 
 a more extended an<l pUasingly modulated -"■ - heard, as se 
 te If fsJii/s/too, or A//' A//' /»/'' tshrrfs/ioo, 7 • '/shr 'fshoo 
 
 'ptrt.<luc, and 't<hc 't^hc '/.</ir ' tslir 'tshaia ' tshif : the ter- 
 
 mination tender, plalntivi, an<l solicitous. I have heanl this 
 note also sometimes varied lo ' u>if ' \oif 'saii 'st>it*tsfti/^ d 7i>t<'. 
 The female sometimes sings nearly a> well as the male, partic- 
 ul.irly about the timi' sh.e is eng;:gen m fabricatinj; her nest. 
 .Although the song of these birds may be heard, less vigorou>ly» 
 to the month of .\ug»ist. yet they do not here appear to raise 
 more tlian a single brood. 
 
 Tlu> nest, in .\lassa( hust tts, is commonly fixc-d ?n the forks 
 of a barberry bush, (lose shntb, or sapling, a few feet from the 
 
-»•»-> 
 
 SINCING r.IKDS. 
 
 if .. 
 
 gTouml ; at o«her times. I have known tlir nest placed upon the 
 horizontal bran< li of a hornlnani. more than 15 feet from 
 the gruH!in<l, or even 50 k-ct hii;h in ihc forks of a thick sugar- 
 mapk- Mr orchard tree. These l(;fty situations are, however, 
 extraonliiiur)" ; and the httle architects, in instances of this 
 kind, >oniciinies fail of l,m\ iiiL,' the usual security to their habita- 
 tion. 'Ilic ncM is extremely neat and durable ; the exterior is 
 formed of byers of .luVr/>/(is, or silk- weed lint, glutinously 
 though «>lightly attached to the supporting twigs, mixed with 
 some slender stri))s of fme bark and pint' lea\es, and thickly 
 beddcfl with the down of willows, the nankeen-wool of the Vir- 
 ginian cotJon-gras>. tin down of fi'in-stalks, tin- hair from the 
 downy acc^h of the buttonwood ( /'Ar/it/zus), or the pa|tpiis of 
 compound flowers: and the lined litlur with fine-bent grass 
 (y4i^n>s/ij)f or down, and horse-hair, and rarely with a few acci- 
 dental feathers, ("ircmnstances sometimes re(|uire a variation 
 from the iiMial ha1)its of the species. In a garden in Roxbur)', 
 in the vicinity of IJosion, I saw a nest built in a currant-bush, 
 in a small panlen very near to the housi' ; and as the branch 
 did not present the ]>roper site of security, a large floor of «lry 
 grass and wee<3s wa^ first made betwixt it and a contiguous 
 board fence: in the midst of this mass of extraneous materials, 
 the small ne« was excavated, then lined with a considerable 
 f|uinttty of white horse-hair, and finished with an interior bed 
 of soft cow-hair. The season [)roving wet and stormy, the 
 nest in this novel situation fell over, but was carried, with the 
 yotmg to a safe situation near the j)ia/.za of the house, where 
 the parents now fetl and reared their brood. The lal)or of 
 forming the nest sec-ms often wholly to ile\olve on the female. 
 On the lothof May I observed one of these industrious matrf»ns 
 busily t-n2..iire<fl with lu-r fibric in a low barberry bush, and by 
 the even inj: of the second day the whole was completed, to the 
 lining, which was made, at length, of hair and willow down, of 
 which she collected and carried mouthfuls so large that she 
 often appeare*! almost like a mass of flying cot on, and far ex- 
 cee'ied in indiistr\- her active neighbor, the Baltimore, who 
 was also engage<i in collect mg the same materials. Notwith- 
 
 1 
 
 it . i 
 
Yl.i.Low \\Aki;i.hK. 
 
 22 \ 
 
 standing this industry, the conipk'tion ot' the nest, with thi> and 
 othrr sill, ill l)ird>, is sonictiint's stran;;cly protra* led or n«)t ini- 
 nu'diaiily rt.<iuirc'd. Vet occasionally I have found the egps 
 of this species inipruvidently laid on the j^'round. It i» anitir>- 
 inj^ to observe the >aj,M(:ity of this littK- bird in ili>|»o>ing of tlie 
 egjj;s of the vagrant and para^itif Cow Troopial. The egp. de- 
 positeij before the laxing of the rightful tenant. t«X) large for 
 ejectment, is ingeniously incarcerated in the l»ottom <»f the 
 nest, and a new lining placed aliove it, so that it i> never 
 hat< hed to prove the dragon of the brood. Two instanris of 
 this kind oc< urred to the obsen'ation of my frii-nd Mr. Charles 
 I'ickering ; and in iS^^ 1 obtained a ne>t with the adventi- 
 tious egg about two thirds buried, the upper edge only being 
 visible, so that in many inst in< es it is probable that thi^ >i)c- 
 cies csca|ics from the unpleasant imposition of l>eromi'ig a 
 nurse to the sable orphan of the Cow iJird. She however 
 acts faithfully the i)art of a foster-parent when the egg i» laid 
 after her own. 
 
 I have heard of two instances in which three of the Yellow 
 Bird's own eggs were covered alotig with that of the Cow 
 IJlackbird. In a third, after a Ilia* kbird's egg had been tints 
 concealed, a second was laid, wliii h was similarly treated, thus 
 finally giving rise to a three-storied nest. 
 
 The Summer Wllow liird, to attrac:t attention from its nest, 
 when sitting, or when the nest contains young, sometimes 
 feigns lameness, hanging its tail and head, and tluitering feebly 
 along, in the i)ath of the spectator; at other times, when cer- 
 tain that the intrusion had ]iroved harmless, the bird would 
 only go C":' a few feet, uiUT a feeble complaint, or remain 
 wholly silent, and almost instantly resume her seat. The male, 
 as in many other species of the genus, jjrecedes a little the arri- 
 \-al of his mate. Towards the latter end of summer the young 
 and old feed much on jui( y fruits, as mulberries, cornel berries, 
 and other kinds. 
 
m: 
 
 224 SIN(;iN(; MIKDS. 
 
 MAC.NOMA WARllI-KR. 
 
 BLACK AND VKLLOW WAKIILEK. 
 DUNUkUlLA MALLI.USA. 
 
 Ch \k. Male : upper parts'hhn k. the feathers cil^ed with olive; rum|- 
 yellow; crown ash, Ijnnkrctl by hl.itk ami wiiitc ; beneath, rich yellow, 
 thitkly spotted on breast and sides with black; white patch 01, .'>nos 
 4iid on all but middle tail feathers. Female: similai, but colors di^wjr. 
 and back sometimes entirely olive. l^n;;th 5'4 inches. 
 
 .\' -t. On a li'ni/iiiital branch of spru<e<>r fir, usually 3 to 6 feet from 
 the uround, but sonietinio hij^lur ; niaile nf twi^s and gra.ss, lined with 
 fine black roots. 
 
 E^^<. 4-5; creamy white, spotted with lilac and several shades of 
 brown ; 0.60 X 0.50. 
 
 This ran- and iR-autilul species is occasionally seen in \ cry 
 small numbers in the S(jui1utii, .MitMle. ami Northern States, in 
 the spring season, on its w.iy to it> Northern breeding-places. 
 In Massachusetts I have seen it in this vi« inity about the mid- 
 dle of May. Its return to the .South is probably made through 
 the western interior, — a route so generally trav«lied by most of 
 our birds of |)ass ige at this season ; in i onseciuence of whit h 
 they are not mrt with, or but very rarely, in the .Atlantic States 
 in autimm. In this season theyha\e been seen at sea off the 
 island of Jamai< a, and have been met with also in Hispaniola, 
 whither they retire to p.iss the winter. Like all the rest of the 
 genus, stimulate"! b\ the unciuiet propensity to migritv, they 
 juss only a few days with us, and appear perpetually employed 
 in i>ursuing or searching out their active insi( t prey or larv;e ; 
 antl while thus engaged, uttrr only a few chirping notes. The 
 Magnolia has a shrill song, more than usually i)rotracted on the 
 api»roa( h of wet weather, so that the Indians bestow upon it 
 the name of Ritin Bird. .According to .\udubon. tnany of 
 these birds breed in M aim- and the iJritish I'rovimes. as w<ll 
 as in l.;ibrador, and <\ttnd their summer residence to the 
 banks of the .Saskatchewan. They have also a clear .ind sweetly 
 
 modulated song. 
 
 Althotigh rare in the I'nited States, it appears, according to 
 Richardson, that this eleg.int species is a common bird on the 
 
MAi.NoLIA WAKULKK. 
 
 225 
 
 , :f ; 
 
 he 
 
 tin- 
 
 )ii it 
 
 of 
 
 w.ll 
 
 the 
 
 ■•etlv 
 
 banks of the S,isk.'it< hewan, where it is as f iniiliar as the coin- 
 inon Suimner \ ellow llinl (.V. us/trti), \vhi« h it also resemMes 
 clor>ely in its manners and in it> breeclini; >tation, but is ^ilteil 
 with a more varied and agreeable song. It fre«|Ments the 
 thiekets of young spnice-trees and willows, Hitting tVom bram h 
 to branch, at no great distance from the grouiul, actively en- 
 gaged in the capture of wingeil insects, whieh now constitute 
 its prin( ipal fare. 
 
 The Magnolia is not so rare a bird as Nuttal! sujjpnscd. — iiulocd, 
 it is common everywhere between tlie Atlaiitie and the ea>ttTn 
 base of the Koekies. breeding in northern New bii^land an<l in 
 tile northern portions ol New York. Oiiio, .md Michigan, aiul 
 theme to Lal)rador and Great Slave Lake. It also l)reeds •• louth- 
 w.utl along tile crests oi the AUeghanics to I'enn.syivaiu 1 ' 
 (Cli.ipman). 
 
 It winters in Central America, Cub.i, and the liahamas. 
 
 In its habits this bird combines the CreejKJr and the Ilyeatiher 
 in true Warbler fashion, piekinji; insects and larva' from the i.ran- 
 nies of the bark and troni the leaves, and capturing on the wing the 
 flying mites. Tlie favorite nesting .site Is the horder of a wood 
 or an open pasture, though I have found nests in the deep forest, 
 usually on the m.irgin of an open glade. 
 
 'liie soni; is Warhhr-like in its simplicity, yet is an attr.ntive 
 melody, the tones sweet and musical. 
 
 Nuttall's idea that the autumn ronte of migration taken by more 
 northern breeding birds lies sonu-where to the westward of New 
 l!n'4land. is n<it (onsistent with more recent observation ; for while 
 it is true that large numbers follow the valley of the .Mississippi. — 
 some of them crossing to the .Atlantic when south of the AUegha- 
 nics. — it has also been ascertained that immense flights of birds 
 that brei-d in the interior go southward .don^ the lo.ist-line. Many 
 si)ecies that are not seen in New Kngland during the spring migra- 
 tion arc abundant in the autumn. 
 
 VOL. i. — 15 
 

 
 
 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
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 Sciences 
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 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. )4580 
 
 (716) 873-4503 
 
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226 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 '■i 
 
 'tt 
 
 i* 
 
 I! 
 
 :i;, 
 
 ft 
 
 I: 
 
 CAPE MAY WARBLER. 
 
 Dendk( MCA IK ;rixa. 
 
 Char. Male : back yellowisli olive, with darker spots ; crown blackish; 
 ear-jialch chestnut; line from bill around the eyes biuck; rump yellow, 
 wing-bars white and fused into one large patch ; white blotches on three 
 pairs of tail-feathers ; beneath, yellow tinged with orange on chin and 
 throat, spottctl with black un breast antl sides. P'cmale : similar, but 
 back grayish, and lacking distinctive marking on head ; under parts paler ; 
 spots on wings and tail smaller or obscure. Length about 5 inches. 
 
 A'c'sf. In a i)asture (jr open woodland, on low branch of small trci ; a 
 neat, cup-shaped structure, partially pensile, com))osed of twigs and grass 
 fastened with spider's webbing, lined with horse-hair. 
 
 Av,;'^-*'- 3-4 ; dull white or bulTy, slightly specked, and wreathed around 
 larger end with spots of brown and lilac ; 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
 'I'his very rare \\'arl)ler has only been seen near the s\vani])s 
 of Cape May by Edward Harris, lOscj. ; near Moorestown, in 
 New Jersey : and in the vicinity of J'hiladeljihia, about the 
 mi(U]le of May, — jirobably as a stratigler on its way to some 
 Northern breeding-place. Its notes and further history are yet 
 unknown. 
 
 Since Nuttall wrote, we have learned a little more of the life his- 
 tory of this feathered beauty, thougii our knowledge of the bird's 
 habits is still very limited. So rare is the bin! tliat examples a(h)rn 
 but few collections : vet it has been seen ocea.sionalK throughout tlie 
 Eastern States, and is reported bv Thoinpson as '■plentiful'" along 
 the Red River, in Manitoba. It has been traced north to Hudson 
 Bay, and south (in winter) to the West Indies. The southern limit 
 of its breeding area i^' ]>rol)abIy about tin- 45111 parallel. The nest 
 has been found by Mr. II. 15. r)aile\- at I'lubagog bake, in Maine, 
 and by Mr. James W, lianks near St. John, X. B. 
 
 Uanks's nest, which I had the i)rivilege of examining, was eom- 
 pletelv hidden amid the dense foliage of a clump of cedars, growing 
 on an open hill-side, and quite close to a much-used thoroughfare. 
 When first discovered it was imtinislied. and the female was at 
 work upon it. The male never api)eared. nor was he heard in the 
 vicinitv, though the spot was visited frequentlv. /\fter four eggs 
 had been laid, female, nest, and eggs were "gathered."' 
 
 The S]iecies had not been observed before near St. John, thntigh 
 Mr. Boardman had reported taking exanqjles at St. Stej^hen's, and 
 I had seen .several at Edmundston, near the Quebec border. 
 
 
 I 
 
 ii -I 
 
CANADIAN" WARDLER. 
 
 227 
 
 blackish; 
 p yellow, 
 ^ on throe 
 chin and 
 iMJlar, but 
 rts paler ; 
 :hes. 
 
 ill tree ; a 
 and grass 
 
 3d aroinid 
 
 I'lie KdmuncLston birds were seen in early Jui. •, and those securetl 
 proved to be males. As they sant^ with ,y;reat frcciuency, they were 
 easily discovered, and were invariably found amid the tup brandies 
 of hi.u'h spruce and tir trees on the crest oi a hill. W'e were anxious 
 to obtain a nest, and of course hunted through these high branches, 
 little thinking that this coterie of Benedicts were making holiday 
 while their industrious but neglected spouses were attending to 
 housfkee])ing affairs down yonder in the valley. We learned tiie 
 song, however, and discovcretl that its theme resembled somewhat 
 the simple lay of the Nashville, though the voice is neither so 
 full nor so sweet, recalling rather the thin, wiry tones of the Black 
 and White Creeper. 
 
 ■. !| 
 
 swani])s 
 itown, in 
 bout the 
 
 to some 
 y are yet 
 
 e life bis- 
 he bird's 
 les adorn 
 
 lout the 
 il ■■ along 
 
 Hudson 
 lern limit 
 
 The nest 
 n Maine, 
 
 was com- 
 growing 
 »)uglifare. 
 c was at 
 ird in the 
 our eggs 
 
 n, though 
 en's, and 
 jr. 
 
 CANADIAN WARBLKR. 
 
 SVI.VANIA CAXADF.NSIS. 
 
 CuAR. Male : above, bluish ash ; crown marked with black ; line 
 from bill around the eyes, yellow: line from beneath the eves to sides of 
 breast black ; undo parts yellow spotted with black, the spots forming a 
 line or crescent arross the breast ; throat unspotted. I'Vmale and voung: 
 similar but laebing Mack on head; crescent on breast less distinct. 
 Length 5 to 5;^^ inches. 
 
 AV.i'A On the groimd, sometimes near border of a stream or by a moist 
 meadow, placi d on sitle of mound or among upturned roots of a tree ; com- 
 posed of grass and stems, lined with hair. 
 
 /f;:;,'.!-. 4-5 ; white or crcamv, spotted, chicflv around the larger end, 
 with brown and lilac ; 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
 This is a rare summer species in the Atlantic Stntes. appear- 
 ing singly, and for a few days only, on the jxassage north or 
 south in the spring or autumn. These birds breed in Canada 
 and Labrador, and are more abundant in mountainous interior, 
 — the route by which they i)rincipa]|y migrate. They winter 
 in the tropical regions, are then silent, and, like the rest of 
 their tribe, very active in darting through the branches after 
 insects. 
 
 .\udubon foimd this species breeding in the Great Tine 
 Forest of the Pokono in Pennsylvania, as well as in Maine, the 
 British Provinces, and Labrador. They have a short, imattrac- 
 tive note in the spring, and in the mountains where they dwell 
 they have a predilection for the shady borders of streams where 
 laurels grow. 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
228 
 
 SINGING I5IRU.S. 
 
 Ill 
 
 lis 
 
 I 
 
 ill! 
 
 f ^ h; 
 
 .: ,.^ ;i! 
 
 1 ' Hi 
 
 i . i ' |!«, 
 
 ! ' # 
 
 ! :.!% 
 
 H 
 
 
 The Canadian \Varl)lci- is common during the mijrrations, from 
 the Atlantic to tlie Mississippi, and thougli i)reedin<,^ chictiy north of 
 43°, some pairs nest in .Massachusetts, New \'orl<, southern Ontario, 
 and Illinois. It has been taken in Labrador and is common in 
 Manitoba. It winters in Central America. 
 
 YELLOW-THROATED ^\^\RBLER. 
 Dendkoica do.mlmca. 
 
 Char. Above, grayish ash; forehead and sides of head, black; line 
 from nostril to hind neck, yellow; patch on side of neck, white; wing- 
 bars white ; outer tail feathers with white patches ; beneath, yellowish 
 white; chin and throat rich yellow; sides streaked with black. Length 
 4'4 to 5''{ inches. 
 
 jVt's/. In an open grove or the edge of heavy woods, on top of horizontal 
 branch or at the forks of a limb, or '' concealed in iicndant moss," 20 to yo 
 feet from the uround ; made of grass-weed stems, strips of bark, and moss, 
 lined with vegetable fibre, horse-hair, or feathers. 
 
 ^,Cs^- 3-5; white, tinged with green, spotted around the larger end 
 with brown and lilac ; 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
 These elegant and remarkable birds reside in the West 
 Indies, and also migrate in considerable mmibcrs into the 
 sontliern parts of the L^nited States, iiarticularly Louisiana and 
 Georgia, v.hence indeed they only absent themselves in the 
 two inclement months of December and January. They are 
 seen in February in Georgia, but very rarely venture as far 
 north as Pennsylvania. The song is pretty loud and agreeable, 
 according to Latham and Wilson, resembling somewhat the 
 notes of the Indigo liird. In the tropical countries they inhabit, 
 this delicate music is continued nearly throughout the year, 
 and participatec^ also by the female, though possessed of in- 
 ferior vocal powers. The bird appears to have many of the 
 habits of the Creeping Warbler {S. raria), running spirally 
 around the trunks of the pine-trees, on which it aligiits, and 
 ascending or descending in the active search of its insect 
 fare. 
 
 The sagacity displayed by this bird in the construction and 
 situation of its nest is verv remarkable. This curious fabric is 
 
 i 
 
s, from 
 loilh of 
 )nlario, 
 imon in 
 
 ick; line 
 
 ;e ; wing- 
 
 ^•ellowish 
 
 J.cngth 
 
 lorizontal 
 
 " 20 lo >jO 
 
 md moss, 
 
 :irgc 
 
 r c 
 
 nd 
 
 ic West 
 nto the 
 ana and 
 in the 
 'hey are 
 as far 
 rceable, 
 hat the 
 inhabit, 
 jie year, 
 I of in- 
 of the 
 spirally 
 its, and 
 insect 
 
 lion and 
 fabric is 
 
 YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER. 
 
 229 
 
 suspe!ided to a kind of rope which hangs from tree to tree, 
 usually dejjending from branches that bend over ri\ers or 
 ravines. The nest itself is made of dry Ijladcs of grass, the 
 ribs of leaves, and slemler root-fibres, the whole interwoven 
 together with great art ; it is also fastened to, or rather worked 
 into, the i)endant strings made of the tough silky fibres of some 
 species of Kcnitcs, or other plant of that Himily, It is. in fict, 
 a small circular bed, so thick and compact as to exclude the 
 rain, left to rock in the wind without sustaining or being ac- 
 cessible to any injury. The more securely to defend this 
 precious habitation from the attacks of numerous enemies, the 
 opening, or entrance, is neither made on the top nor the side, 
 but at the bottom ; nor is the access direct, for after passing 
 the vestibule, it is necessary to go over a kind of partiti'.>n, and 
 through another aperture, before it descends into the guarded 
 abode of its eggs and young. This interior lodgment is round 
 and soft, being lined with a kind of lichen, or the silky down 
 of plants. 
 
 This species is confined chiefly to the South Atlantic States, 
 though occasionally a few wander to New York, Connecticut, 
 and Massachusetts. \\ winters in Florida and Central America. 
 
 Note. — The Sycamoke Warbler {D. dominica albilora) 
 differs from the type in being smaller (length 4^^ to 5^2 inclics) 
 and in having the line over tlie eyes rc/////t', instead of yellow. It 
 occurs along the Mississippi valley north to southern Illinois and 
 eastward to Ohio, wliere it is common, and has been taken also in 
 South Carolina and Florida. 
 
 It winters in Central America. 
 
 il 
 
 , i'; 1 
 
 ! ! 
 
 V. 
 
 !i 
 
 III* 
 i 
 
 'itii 
 
 li 
 
•^i&ife^ 
 
 II 
 
 ! h 
 
 AM 
 
 '.Ti t 
 
 ii'!! ii' 
 
 •!'. :' 
 
 'f'-l 
 
 
 
 BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. 
 
 Dendroica virens. 
 
 Char. Male in spring : above, bright olive; line on sides of head rich 
 yellow; wings and tail dusky; wing-bars and outer tail-feathers white; 
 beneath, white tinged with yellow; throat and chest rich black. Male in 
 autumn, female, and young: similar, but black of throat mixed with 
 yellow, sometimes obscured. Length 5 to ^}^ inches. 
 
 Mt'st. On the border of heavy woods, in fork of coniferous tree 30 to 
 50 feet from the ground; of twigs, grass, etc., lined with hair and down. 
 
 ^ft'-*'- 3~4 5 white or creamy white wreathed around larger end with 
 spots of brown and lilac; 0.65 X 0.50. 
 
 This rather rare species arrives from its tropical winter- 
 quarters in Pennsylvania towards the close of April or begin- 
 ning of May. About the 12th of the latter month it is seen in 
 this part of Massachusetts ; but never more than a single pair 
 are seen together. At this season a silent individual may be 
 occasionally observed, for an hour at a time, carefully and ac- 
 
BLACK- IIIROAIED GKLEN WARBLER. 
 
 231 
 
 icad rich 
 rs white ; 
 Male in 
 xed with 
 
 tree 30 to 
 
 clown. 
 
 end with 
 
 winter- 
 r begin- 
 
 seen in 
 igle pair 
 
 may be 
 
 and ac- 
 
 tively searching for small caterpillars and winged insects amidst 
 tlie white blossoms of the shady apple-tree ; and so inolVeiisive 
 and unsuspicious is the little warbler that he pursues without 
 alarm his busy occupation, as the spectator within a few feet of 
 him watches at the foot of the tree. Early in (Jctober these 
 birds are seen in small numbers roving restlessly through the 
 forest, prejiaratory to their departure for the South. 
 
 'Ihough the greater part of the species probably proceed 
 farther north to rear their young, a few spend the sinnmer in 
 the Middle and Northern States; but from their lin'iorous and 
 retiring habits it is not easy to trace out their retreats at the 
 period of breeding. In the summer of 1830, however, on the 
 8th of Jime, 1 was so forliuiate as to find a nest of this species 
 in a perfectly solitary situation on the lilue Hills of Milton. 
 The female was now sitting, and about to hatch. The nest was 
 in a low, thick, and stunted Virginia jimiper. When I ap- 
 proached near to the nest the female stood motionless on its 
 edge and peeped down in such a manner that I imagined her 
 to be a young bird. She then darted directly to the earth and 
 ran ; but when, deceived, I sotight her on the ground, she had 
 very expertly disappeared, and I now found the nest to con- 
 tain 4 rotmdish eggs, white, inclining to flesh-color, variegated, 
 more particularly at the great end, with pale, purplish points 
 of various sizes, interspersed with other large spots of brown 
 and blackish. The nest was formed of circularlv entwined 
 fine strips of the inner bark of the juniper and the totigh white 
 fibrous bark of some other plant, then bedded with soft feath- 
 ers of the Robin, and lined with a few horse-hairs and some 
 slender tops of bent-grass {Agrostis). The male was singing 
 his simple chant at the distance of a quarter of a mile from the 
 nest, and was now nearly in the same dark wood of tall oaks 
 and white pines in which I had first heard him a fortnight be- 
 fore. This simple, rather drawling, and somewhat plaintive 
 song, uttered at short intervals, resembled the syllables 'tc dc 
 terlfscii, sometimes tc i/cn'sru, pronounced pretty loud and 
 slow, and the tones proceeded from high to low. In the inter- 
 vals he was perpetually busied in catching small cynips and 
 
 n 
 
 !i 
 
 I i ' 
 
 ; 
 
 f M 
 
4i''!t 
 
 !i. ■ 
 
 232 
 
 SL\(;iN(; BIRDS. 
 
 other kinds of flies, kce])ing up a smart snapping of his bill, 
 almost simikir to the noise made by knocking pebbles together. 
 This quaint and indolent ditty I have often heard before in 
 the dark and solitary woods of west Pennsylvania ; and here, 
 as there, it affords an agreeable relief in the dreary silence and 
 gloom of the thick forest. This note is very much like the 
 call of the Chicadee, and at times both are heard amidst 
 the reigning silence of the summer noon. In the whole dis- 
 trict of this extensive hill or mountain, in Milton, there ap- 
 peared to exist no other pair of these lonely Warblers but the 
 present. Another pair, however, had probably a nest in the 
 vicinity of the woods of Mount Auburn in Cambridge, and 
 in the spring of the present year (1831) several pairs of these 
 birds were seen for a transient period. 
 
 Nuttall was not the only one of the; older writers who expressed 
 the opinion that this and other species of the family were less 
 abundant than more niocl(M-n observers have found them. Wilson 
 and Audvibon made sir.iilar statements. 
 
 Tliis Warbler is now known to be a common bird throughout 
 these Eastern States, and may be found, in summer, in any coni- 
 ferous forest in Massachusetts, and thence northward to the fur- 
 countries and westward to the plains. It breeds also, sparingly, in 
 southern New England, northern Ohio, Illinois, etc., and "along 
 the AUeghanies to South Carolina," and winters in the West Indies 
 and Central America. 
 
 BLACKBURN IAN WARBLER. 
 
 DeNDROICA BLACl'.BURNI^. 
 
 Char. Male : ahove, black, back streaked with whitish ; side., of head 
 black ; crown patch, line over eye, and entire throat and breast rich 
 orange or flame color ; belly yellowish white ; sides streaked with black; 
 large white patches on wings ; outer tail-feathers nearly all white. Fe- 
 male : similar, but black replaced by grayish brown, and orange by dull 
 yellow ; white patches on wings and tail less conspicuous. Length 5^ 
 to 5^ inches. 
 
 A^est. Usually in coniferous woods, saddled on horizontal limb of pine 
 or hemlock, 20 to 40 feet from the ground ; composed of twigs, roots, and 
 shreds of bark mixed with vegetable down, lined with feathers and hair. 
 
 Eggs. 4; white, often tinged with green, spotted, chiefly around 
 larger end, with brown and lilac, 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
BLACKlJl, RMAN WARDl.KK. 
 
 
 The Blackburnian Warhlcr is one uf the rarest and UM^t 
 beautiful species uf the !.^enus, \vhi( h from the l^l to the isih 
 of .May, or sonielinics later. i)ays a transient visit 'o tiie Middle 
 and Northern Stales, on its way to its remote boreal place of 
 retirement fof the breeding' season. It is still more rarely seen 
 in the autumn, about the month of Sei)lember, in its passage 
 to tropical America, where it winters, as may be [)resumed, fron 
 its occurrence late in autumn about Vera C"ru/, according to 
 Mr. IJullock. It is an exceedingly nimble insect-hunter, keej)- 
 ing towards the tops of trees, scarcely uttering even an audible 
 chirp, and at this season no song as far as is yet known. 
 
 On the Magdalene Islands in the (julf of St. Lawrence, in 
 June, Audubon remarks that he heard the song of this beauti- 
 ful warbler, consisting of five or six loud notes, which it uttered 
 from the branches of a fir-tree while engaged in (juest of its 
 prey. The n'.st found in Xova Scotia was made externally of 
 coarse materials and lined with silky fibres and delicate strii)s 
 of bark, over which lay a thick bed of feathers and horse-hair. 
 It was found in a small fork of a tree, 5 or 6 feet from the 
 ground, near a brook. Ur. Brewer also found a nest of this 
 species in Massachusetts. 
 
 of head 
 
 last rich 
 
 |h black; 
 
 Lte. Fe- 
 
 by dull 
 
 igth s% 
 
 of pine 
 lots, and 
 |>d hair, 
 around 
 
 The very rare adult of the Hemlock Warbler was foimd by 
 Wilson in the Great Pine Swamp in Pennsylvania, and aj)- 
 peared to take up its residence in the dark hemlock-trees of 
 that desolate region. It was very lively and active, climbing 
 among the branches and hanging from the twigs like a Tit- 
 mouse. It darted after flies to a considerable distance, and 
 beginning with the lower branches, hunted with regularity up- 
 wards to the summit of the tree, and in this way it proceeded 
 very industriously to forage through the forest till satisfied. At 
 intervals it stopped an instant to warble out a few low and 
 sweet notes, probably for the recognition or company of its 
 mate, which the discoverer, however, did not see. 
 
 The nest of this species, according to Audubon, who discov- 
 ered it in the Great Pine Swamp, was made in a hemlock or 
 
 i V 
 
 1 M , ' 
 
 fU 
 
1 
 
 
 11 < 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 ■ 
 
 |i 
 
 1. 
 
 li; 
 
 'II, 
 
 \l u«' 
 
 
 i 
 
 234 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 sj)ruce tree at a consiflerablc elevation. Lichens, dry leaves of 
 the hemlock, and slender twigs formed the exterior ; it was 
 then lined with hair or fur and the feathers of the Ruffed 
 (Irouse. He afterwards met with this species in Maine and 
 Newfoundlanil. 
 
 Nothing is more remarkable in the history of this species 
 than the rarity of the adult and tiie abundance of the young 
 birds ; these last, which we have long known as the Autumnal 
 \\'arbler, appear in gregarious Hocks in the largt;r solitary for- 
 ests of Massachusetts as early as the 20th of July, assembled 
 from the neighboring districts [)robably, in which they have 
 been reared. They remain there usually until the middle o( 
 October, at which time they are also seen in the Midtlle 
 States. They feed on small insects and berries. Late in the 
 season, on a fine autumnal morning, troops of them may be 
 seen in the fields and lanes, sometimes descentling to the 
 ground, and busily emjjloyed in turning over the new i'l.nvn 
 leaves, or perambulating and searching the chinks of the bark 
 of the trees, or the holes in the posts of the fence, in (juest of 
 lurking moths and spiders ; and while thus eagerly engaged, 
 they are occasionally molested or driven away by the more 
 legitimate Creepers or Nuthatches, whose jealousy they thus 
 arouse by their invasion. Earlier in the season they prey on 
 cynips, flies, and more active game, in pursuit of which they 
 may be seen fluttering and darting through the verdant boughs 
 of the forest trees. One of these little visitors, which I ob- 
 tained by its flying inadvertently into an open chamber, soon 
 became reconciled to confinement, flew vigorously after house- 
 flies, and fed greedily on grasshoppers and ivy berries (Cissus 
 hcifoacca) ; at length it became so sociable as to court my 
 acquaintance and eat from my hand. Before I restored it to 
 liberty, its occasional tiveet attracted several of its companions 
 to the windows of its prison. At this time the bird is desti- 
 tute of song, and only utters a plaintive call of recognition. 
 
 Nuttall followed Wilson and Audubon in considering the young 
 Blackburnians a different species, naming it the " Hemlock War- 
 bler." I have given above Nuttall's account of the two. 
 
 I, 
 
CIIKSINL r-SIDKl) WAKIU.KK. 
 
 
 ,oung 
 War- 
 
 
 TIk" lllackhurni.'in is rutlK-r common in tlic Atlantic States and 
 Westward to tlie Plains, breeding chietly north of 45°, and sparingly 
 in Massacluisctls and Connecticut, and scjutliward aloni; the crests 
 of the Allegiianics. It winters from the liahanias and eastern 
 Mexico southwaril. 
 
 Many Canadian observers have considered this \Vari)ler ratlier 
 rare, hut thr ojjinion Ii.is pn)l)al)ly arisen from tlie secluded habits 
 of tile bird wliile in its summer liome. It shc)ws a j)relerence for 
 the higlier branches, .ind its favorite liaunts arc amid llie deeper 
 forests where the pine and liendock llourish. 
 
 ciii;srNi r-sii)i:i) \\aki'.m:k. 
 
 I )l,\liRi)U A I'F.NNsN lA.WU A. 
 
 Char. M.ile: back black, streaked with olive of uiavish or vclluwish 
 tint; eiown vellow; sitiesof heuvl white, ciiclosinj; .1 patch ot black; >i(les 
 of neck and entire under parts while ; sides streaked with chestnut, which 
 extends from neck totlanks; win<^-liars and blotihes on tail white. 
 Fcni.de: similar, but colors duller. Young; ui)j)(.r parts bright olive; 
 wing-bars yellowish ; under parts white. Length 4^4 to 5J4 inches. 
 
 A'c-s/. On the edge of an open woodland or the mtirgiii of a moist 
 meadow, in low tree or bush; compcjsed of grass and strips of bark fas- 
 tened widi insect >ilk, and lined with grass or leaves or hair. 
 
 Aft''-f* 4~5 > white or creamy, spotted, chietly around the larger end, 
 which is sometimes wreathed, with reddish brown and lilac ; o.GS /; 0.50. 
 
 This rare and bcautilul Sylvia, which probably winters in 
 tropical America, appears in the Middle and Northern States 
 early in May on its way north to breed ; it is also seen in the 
 spring in Canada and arotinil Hudson's Hay. A few ])airs re- 
 main, no doubt, to rear their young in secluded moimtainous 
 situations in the Northern States, as on the 2 2(1 of May, 
 1830, a pair appeared to have fixed their summer abode 
 near the summit of the Blue Hills of Milton. The note of the 
 male was very similar to that of the Summer Vellow Bird, being 
 only a little louder, and less whistling ; it resembles '/s/t ' tsh 
 'tsh 'tshvia, given at about an interval of half a minute, and 
 answered by his mate at some distance, near which, it is proba- 
 ble, there was a nest. He appeared to be no way suspicious 
 of our approach ; his resdessness rt-as subdued, .-^rd he quietly 
 sat near the same low^ bushes, amusing himself and his consort, 
 for an hour at a time, with the display of his lively and simple 
 
 liiL 
 

 f 
 
 ii 
 
 'ii 
 
 
 2;, 6 
 
 SINGING lUKDS. 
 
 ditty. ( )n their fir^t arrival, previous to pairing;, these birds 
 are like the rest of the gemis, restless, and intently enj^M^ed 
 in the ( hase of insects amidst the blossoms and tender lca\es ; 
 they likewise pursue eonunon and green bottle Hies with a-, idity 
 and success. On the jjth of June, 1S31, I observed a i)air 
 selecting food f )r their 'young, with their usual address and 
 activity, by the margin of a bu^hy and sechuled swamj) on the 
 west side of i-'resh Tond, in this vicinity ; but 1 had not the 
 got)d fortmie to discover the nest. I have, however, since, I 
 believe, discovered the nest of this bird, in a hazel copse in a 
 wood in Acton, in this State. It is fixed in the forked twigs of 
 a hazel about breast liigh. The fabric is rather light and airy, 
 being made eviernally of a few coarse blades and stalks of 
 dead grass, then fillecl in with finer blades of the same, the 
 whole matted and tied with caterpillar's silk, and lined with 
 very slender strips of brown bark and similar white-pine leaves. 
 It appeared to have been forsaken before its completion, and 
 the eggs I have never >een. 
 
 In the woods around Farranville, on the Sustjuehanna, 
 within the range of the Alleghany chain, in the month of May, 
 1830, I saw and heard several males in full song, in the 
 shady forest trees by a small stream, and have no doubt of 
 their breeding in that situation, though I was not fortunate 
 enough to find a nest. 
 
 *t^' 
 
 This species is now a common summer resident of New England 
 and the st'ttlcd portions of Canada, and occurs westward to the 
 Plains. It breeds in numbers as tar soutli as tlic fortieth parallel, 
 and regularly, thougli sparingly, on tlie elevated lands southward 
 to Georgia: is not an uncommon summer visitor to the IVIaritime 
 Provinces, and is quite common in .Manitoba. It winters south- 
 ward to the Bahamas and Central America. 
 
n.W-llRKASTKI) WAUr.I.r.F--. 
 
 ^11 
 
 rland 
 the 
 i-allel, 
 nvard 
 itime 
 south- 
 
 BAY-I5R MASTED WARIUJ'.R. 
 
 I)r.\l)K( )IC A CASTANKA. 
 
 Char. Male : hack grayish olivL-, strcakcil with black ; forehead and 
 cheeks l)lack ; sides of neck huffy ; crown, throat, breast, and sides chc«it- 
 nut; remaiiuitr of under parts l)utti>h ; \vin.!;hars and patches on tail 
 white. Fenialc : ahove, olive streakccl with Mack ; beneath, buffy, sides 
 and breast tinged with dull rufous. Length i)i to 6 inches. 
 
 Xcst. In an open wondlnul, on hori/oiital branch of coniferous tree 
 10 to 20 feet from the ground ; of tw igs, shreds of bark, s;ra>s roots, and 
 moss, lined with fine roots, moss, or pine-needles. 
 
 F:<:<s- 3-6 (ii>^uaiiy 4) ; white, with blue tint, or bluish green, spotted 
 with reddish brown ; 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
 'Ihis is a still rarer and more transient visitor than the last. 
 It arrives in I'ennsylvania from the Soiitn .-.(jme time in April 
 or about the beginning of May, and towards the i Jtii or 15th 
 of the same month it visits Massac husetts, but seldom stays 
 more than a week or ten days, and is very rarely se-.-n on its 
 return in the autumn. Audubon onre obser\-ed >'veral in 
 Louisiana late in June, so that it probably sometimes breeds 
 in very secluded places without regularly proceeding to the 
 northern regions. It is an active insectdiunter, and keej^s 
 much towards the tops of the highest trees, where it darts about 
 with great activity, and hangs from the twigs with fluttering 
 wings. One of these birds, which was wounded in the wing, 
 soon became reconciled to confinement, and greedily caught 
 and devoured the flies which I offered hiin ; but from the 
 extent of the injury, he did not long sur\-ive. In habits and 
 manners, as well as markings, this species greatly resembl.s 
 the preceding. 
 
 This Warbler is exceptional in being more abundant in New 
 England in spring than in autumn. Mr. Mcllwraith reports that 
 the same rule obtains in Ontario, but Dr. Wheaton considered that 
 in Ohio the birds were more numerous during tlie autumn: an*. 
 these apparently conflicting statements suggest an interesting phase 
 in the question of migration routes. 
 
 The bird is common as a summer resident in the northern por- 
 tions of New England, New York, and Michigan, though rather rare 
 
2^,8 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario. The most southern point 
 at which it has been found breeding is Chicarua, N. H., in lati- 
 tude 44°, where Mr. Frank Holies obtained a nest in 1S90. The spe- 
 cies ranges north to Hudson Bay, and south to Central America. 
 
 ,. ■ 
 
 tl. 
 
 V '' 
 
 !j! 
 
 r ' 
 
 '. 1 
 
 1! 1 
 
 i. 
 
 i 
 
 n 
 
 i ■ 
 
 r 
 
 I ! 
 
 BLACK-POLL WARBLER. 
 Dexdroica striata. 
 
 Char. Above, grayish olive thickly streaked with black ; top of head 
 black; cheeks and eiuire under i)art< white; sides streaked with black; 
 wing-bars and tail-patches white. Length 5>4 to 5-V inches. 
 
 A'r\t. In an evergreen forest on low branch (sometimes on the groinul) ; 
 of grass, roots, twigs, and lichens ; lined with grass covered with white 
 feathers. 
 
 /^i,^'^: 4-5; white, with various tints (usually pale pink or creamy), 
 more or less spotted with reddish brown and lilac, — often dark blown 
 and olive gray ; 0.75 X 0.55. 
 
 'Ibis rather common and wt'll-marked species is observed to 
 arrive in Pennsylvania from tiie Soutli about the 20th of April, 
 but in Massachusetts hardly before the middle of May ; it re- 
 turns early in September, and appears to feed wholly on insects. 
 In the Middle States it is confined chiefly to the woods, where, 
 in the summits of the tallest trees, it is seen in busy pursuit of 
 its favorite prey. On its first arrival it keeps usually in the 
 tops of the maples, darting about amidst the blossoms. As 
 the woods become clothed with leaves, it may be found pretty 
 generally as a summer resident ; it often also seeks the banks 
 of creeks and swamps, in which situations it probably passes the 
 breeding season. In this vicinity the Black-poll is a familiar 
 visitor in the lowest orchard-trees-,^ where it feeds on canker- 
 worms and other small caterpillars, as well as flies of different 
 kinds, etc. At this time, towards the month of June, it is no 
 longer a restless wanderer, but having fixed upon its station for 
 the simimer, it now begins, in a humble way, to display its 
 musical talents in the cherished and constant company of its 
 faithful mate. This note, uttered at interwals of half a minute, 
 is like the sound of /s/i' ts)i tsh tshc tshc, from low to high, but 
 
 !l!i.!i 
 
PINE WAKIJIER. 
 
 239 
 
 altogether so bhrill antl slender as lo sound almost like the 
 faint filing of a saw. This s[)ecies extends its migrations to 
 Newfoundland, according to Pennant. In the month of 
 June, Audubon found the nest in Labrailor jjlaced about 
 3 feet from the ground, in the fork, of a small branch, close 
 t . the main stem of a fir-tree. It was formed of green and 
 white moss and liche is, intermixed with coarse dried grass ; 
 within this was a layer of bent-grass, the lining, of dark-colored 
 dry moss, looked like horse-hair, and was arranged in a circu- 
 lar direction with great care ; lastly was a thick bed of large 
 soft feathers, — some of them were from Ducks, but most of 
 them from the Willow Cirouse. It contained 4 eggs. 
 
 The Black-poll breeds sparingly in nortliern New England, New 
 Brunswick, and northern Michigan, building chicriy beyond the 
 Lan'-entian hills, in Quebec antl Ontario: though Dr. L. B. Bisliop 
 found it breeding in numbers on the Magdalen Islands, and Mr. 
 J. P. Xorris took a number of nests on Grand Menan. It ranges 
 northward to the Barren Grounds and to Alaska, and winters in 
 northern South Anierica. 
 
 PINE WARBLER. 
 
 Dexdroicw vir.oRsii. 
 
 Char. Above, ohve ; beneath, yellow, paler (or white) on bcllv ; wing- 
 bars and blotches on outer tail-feather.s, white. Length 5 '4 to 5 '4 
 inches. 
 
 iVt's^. Usually in evergreen woods, on horizontal bough of pin:, or 
 cedar 30 or 40 feet from the grcund; of weed stems, slireds oi bark, 
 and leaves fastened with insect silk, lined with hair and feathers. 
 
 E.i,Xs- 4-5; dull white or gray, spotted with brown and lilac; 0.70 
 X 0.50. 
 
 This common species, to the commencement of winter, in- 
 habits all parts of the United States, and probably extends 
 its northern migrations to the forests of Newfoundland. It 
 arrives in Pennsylvania at the close of March and beginning of 
 April, and soon after is seen in all parts of New l-mgland, 
 amidst the pine and juniper forests, in which it printdpally 
 
 i 
 
 ^ 1 
 
 i 
 it 
 
240 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 m 
 
 if -I" 
 
 l! 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 
 
 {¥ 
 
 !<»! 
 
 li: 
 
 !«:■ 
 
 (■'. 
 
 ■ fli 
 
 ! ^ ii 
 
 1 
 
 V ■ 
 
 ?:-:■( 
 ! ■ ■ ■ 
 
 ,'■ 'Li 
 
 h^iiil^ 
 
 resides. Uoth the old and young remain with us till nearly the 
 close of October; stragglers have even been seen in mid-win- 
 ter in the latitude of 43°. In winter they rove through the 
 l)ine forests and barrens of the Southern States in companies 
 of 20 to 50 or niore, alighting at times on the trunks of the 
 trees, and attentively searching them for lurking larvas, but are 
 most fretiuently employed in ci.pturing the small insects which 
 infest the oi)ening buds of the pine, around which they may be 
 seen perpetually hovering, si)ringing, or creeping, with restless 
 activity; in this way they proceed, from time to time, foraging 
 through the forest ; occasionally, also, they alight on the 
 ground in quest of worms and grubs of \arious kinds, or dart 
 irregularly after hovering flies, almost in the manner of the Fly- 
 catchers. In these states they are by far tlie most numerous of 
 all the Warblers. In the montli of March they already began 
 to show indications for pairing, and jealous contests ensued 
 perpetually among the mak . The i)rincii)al body of the spe- 
 cies ]-)robably remain the year round in the Southern forests, 
 where I saw them throughout the winter ; great numbers are 
 also bred in the Northern States. In summer their food is the 
 eggs and larvre of various insects, as well as flies or cynips, 
 caterpillars, coleoptera, and ants. In autumn, the young fre- 
 quent the gardens, groves, and orchards, feeding likewise on 
 berries of various kinds, as on those of the cornel, wild grape, 
 and five-leaved ivy ; at this season they are very fot, and fly and 
 forage in families. They now only utter a shrill and plaintive 
 chip. I have had a male Pine Warbler, domesticated for a 
 short time ; he fed gratefully, from the instant he was caught, 
 upon flies, small earthworms, and nr'nced flesh, and was so 
 tame and artless as to sit contented on every hand, and 
 scarcely shift himself securely from my feet. On offering him 
 drink he walked direcdy into the vessel, without using the 
 sMghtest precaution or exhibiting any trace of fear. His /s/iip 
 and manner in all respects were those of the Autumnal 
 \\'arbler. 
 
 The song of the Pine Warbler, though agreeable, amidst the 
 drearv solitude of the boundless forests which he frequents, has 
 
)■ 
 aintive 
 
 for a 
 aught, 
 ,vas so 
 and 
 him 
 ig the 
 s tship 
 tumnal 
 
 ist the 
 
 ^ts, has 
 
 Of 
 
 riXE WARBLER. 
 
 241 
 
 
 but little compass or variety ; sometimes it approaches the sim- 
 plest trill of the Canary, but it is commonly a reverberating, 
 gently rising, or murmuring sound, like cr ' r '/• ';■ '/-'/• ' rdh ; or, 
 in the spring, 'hoc 'tioe 'tio 'fro '/:o 'ho 'ho, and sometimes like 
 '/s/i 'IsJi 'tsh 'ho 'ho 'ho 'ho 'ho ; when barkened to some time, 
 there is a variation in the cadence, which, though rather feeble 
 at a distance, is not unpleasant, as the little minstrel tunes his 
 pipe during the heat of the summer day, while he flits gently 
 and innocently fearless through the shady boughs of the pine or 
 cedar in i)erpetual quest of his untiring jirey. This song is 
 commonly heard at a considerable distance from his mate and 
 nest, from whom he often widely strays, according to the suc- 
 cess of his precarious pursuit. As the so'.md of the warble 
 varies from slender to high or l(jw, it is often difficult to dis- 
 cover the retreat of the little busy musician, which appears far 
 or near with the modulation of his almost ventriloiiuous note. 
 The female likewise tunes, at times, lier more slender lay in 
 a wiry tone, almost like that of the S. varia, in early spring. 
 
 About the 7th of June, 1830, I discovered a nest of this 
 species in a Virginian juniper, near Mount Auburn, in this vicin- 
 ity, at the height of about 40 feet fn^m the ground. It was 
 firmly fixed in the upright twigs of a close branch. The nest 
 was thin, but very neat ; the principal material was the wiry old 
 stems of the slender knot-weed (/I'/i^vv////// tome), circularly 
 interlaced, and ccjnnected externally with rough linl\- fibres of 
 some species of Ascicpias,?a\<\ blended with caterpillar's webs. 
 The lining was made of a few hog's bristles, slender root-fibres, 
 a mat of the down of fern-stalks, and one or two feathers of 
 the Robin's breast, — a curious medley, l)Ut all answering the 
 pose of warmth and shelter for the expected brood. I saw 
 several of these nests, which had at different times been thrown 
 to the ground, and in all, the wiry grass and general material 
 were the same as in the one now described ; and this, of 
 course, is entirely different from that given by Wilson on the 
 authority of Mr. Abbot. The nest there mentioned is nothing 
 more than the usual pendulous f;ibric of the Red-eyed Warbling 
 Flycatcher. The eggs in ours were 4, and, advanced towards 
 VOL. I. — 16 
 
 ' \\ 
 
 i \ 
 
 I! 
 
 ! 1 
 
 !' 
 
242 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 ••V 
 1 1 
 
 %■ 
 
 
 hatching, they were white, with a shght tinge of green, very 
 full of small pale brown spots, somewhat more numerous 
 towards the larger end. where they apjjear connected or aggre- 
 gated around a purplish ground. ' The female made some little 
 complaint, but almost immediately resumed her seat, though 2 
 of the eggs were taken away ; the male made off immediately, 
 and was but seldom seen near the place. 
 
 The Pine Warbler is a common summer resident of New Entr- 
 land, but I seldom saw it in New Brunswick, and can find no evi. 
 dcnce of its occurrence in Nova Scotia. Mr. Neilson thinks it 
 uncommon in the vicii.ity of (2uebec city, and Mr. Mcllwraith 
 makes a similar report for Ontario, while Mr. Thompson reports 
 it common in Manitoba. It winters in the Southern States. 
 
 PRAIRIE WARBLER. 
 Dexdroica discolor. 
 
 Char. Above, olive; back with patch of red spots; forehead, line 
 over the eyes, wing-bars, and entire under ])arts rich yellow ; black streak 
 on sides of head ; sides spotted with black ; 3 outer tail-feathers with 
 broad patches of white. Length 4J2 to 5 inches. 
 
 A\-s/. In open woodland or old meadow, on sinall tree or 1nish ; neatly 
 and compactly made of grass and vegetable fibre lined with hair or 
 feathers. 
 
 Ei^li^s. 4-5 ; white, spotted around larger end with brown ; 0.63 X 
 0.47. 
 
 These birds, rare in the Atlantic States, appear to be some- 
 what more common in the solitary barrens of Kentucky and 
 the open woods of the Choctaw country. Here they prefer the 
 open plains thinly covered with trees ; and without betraying 
 alarm at the visits of a spectator, leisurely pursue their search 
 for caterpillars and small flies, examining among the leaves or 
 hopping among the branches, and at times descending pretty 
 near, and familiarly examining the observer, with a confidence 
 and curiosity seldom witnessed in these shy and retiring 
 species. Such was the conduct of a male bird in this vicinity, 
 on the 4th of Jime, whom I discovered by his slender filing 
 notes, which were uttered every half minute, and like those of 
 
 I : 'I, 
 
 \j 
 
PRAIRIE WARllLER, 
 
 ^43 
 
 0.63 X 
 
 search 
 laves or 
 pretty 
 idence 
 retiring 
 |icinity, 
 filing 
 lose of 
 
 tlie ]!lack-poll Warbler resembled the suppressed syllables 7j// 
 '/sh Us/i '/s/h'ii\ beginning low, and gradually growing louder, 
 having nearly the same slender whistle as that species, though 
 somewhat stronger. The pair were busily engaged collecting 
 Hies and larva; from a clump of young locust-trees in thr wotjds 
 of Mount Auburn, and occasionally they flitted amcjiig the 
 \irginian junijjers ; the familiar visit of the male appeared for 
 the purjiose of discovering my intentions near the nest, about 
 which he was naturally solicitous, though he made his aj)- 
 proaches with the appearance of accident. 'Ihe female was 
 more timid ; yet while I was still engaged in viewing this little 
 interesting and secluded l)air, she, without any precaution or 
 concealment, went directly to the nest in the forks of a low 
 barberry bush near by, and when there, she sat and looked at 
 me some time before she removed. She made, however, no 
 pretences to draw me away from the sjjot, where she was sit- 
 ting on 4 eggs, of which I took away 2 ; her ap])roaches to the 
 nest were now more cautious, and she came escorted and en- 
 couraged by the presence of her mate. Two eggs were again 
 soon added, and the young brood, I believe, reared without 
 any accident. 
 
 The nest was scarcely distinguishable from that of the Sum- 
 mer Yellow Bird, and quite different from the nests described 
 by ^^'ilson and Audubon. My oj^portunity for examination, 
 so long continued, seemed to preclude the possibility of error 
 in the investigation ; neither can I compare the slender note 
 of this species to any 7vhirri)ii:^ sound, which would more 
 nearly approach to the song of the Pine Warbler. 'l"he Prairie 
 Warbler visits Cambridge about the first or second week in 
 May, and according to the observations of my friend Mr. 
 Cooper, is seen probably about the same time in the vicinity 
 of New York in small numbers and in pairs, and retires to 
 winter in the West Indies about the middle of September. 
 
 This species is now considered - jnimon in Massachusetts, 
 though it lias not been taken farther northward. It occurs in 
 Michigan, but not in Ontario, and breeds southward to Fiorid.i. 
 It winters in southern i'lorida and the West Indies. 
 
 1*1 
 
 i i 
 

 'f 
 
 11: 
 
 \^ 
 
 II' 
 
 
 ij: '^4^1 
 
 ir It 
 
 ■^ ■ 1 
 
 
 . i ■ ■* ' 
 
 
 li. 
 
 
 PARULA WARBLER. 
 
 BLUE VELLOW-BACKED WARBLER. 
 
 CoMI'StnilLVPIS A.MKKICANA. 
 
 Char. Male; above, bviglit ashy blue, an olive patch on the back; 
 throat and breast yellow, a |)atch of rich brown on the breast ; belly 
 white ; wings with 2 broa 1 white bars ; white patches on inner web of 
 outer tail-feathers. Female : similar, but colors duller and the patches on 
 back and breast obscure or absent. Length ^'2 to \';^ inches. 
 
 At'.fA In moist v.oodland or on border of swamp; usually in a bunch 
 of "beard-moss" (jtsiuu) hanging from the trunk or branch of a tree 10 
 to 40 feet from the ground, and composed of threads of the moss and tine 
 grass or hair compactly woven ; sometimes lined with ])ine-needles or 
 hair. 
 
 ^K>^- 3~7 (usually 4); white or creamy, thickly spotted with several 
 shades of reddish brown ; 0.65 X 0.45. 
 
 This remarkable species visits the ]\ Fiddle and Northern 
 States about the 1st to the 15th of May, and is seen again 
 early in October on its way to the West Indies (St. Domingo 
 and Porto Rico), whither it retires at the approach of winter. 
 A few, according to Catesby, pass the whole year in Sou^h Car- 
 olina, It is very abundant in the summer in the woods of 
 Kentucky, is active and restless on its first arrival, and fre- 
 quents the summits of the highest trees, being particularly 
 fond of the small caterpillars and flies of various kinds which 
 are, in the early part of spring, attracted to the open blossoms 
 and tender shoots. It also possesses in some degree the 
 creeping and pryii.g habits of the Titmouse, to which genus it 
 it was referred by Linnteus and Pennant. Entering the south- 
 
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WAKl'.LLR. 
 
 24: 
 
 cm extremity ot" the I'nion by the first approach of spriiii;, it 
 is now seen searchmg for its insect food on shrubs and plants 
 in moist places, bv the borders of lakes and streams. In this 
 vicinity it is not common ; but as it was singing as late as the 
 2 2(1 of May in the woody solitude of the lUue Mills of 
 Milton, it must undoubtedly breed there. 
 
 The notes of this species resemble those of the I'rairie 
 Warbler in some respects, though sutticiently different ; the 
 tones, rising from low to high, are rather weak and insignificant. 
 
 In Nuttall's dav this dainty bird was named •• I'arty-colorcd War- 
 bler " and '' Finch Creeper.'' It is a rather Lommon summer resi- 
 dent in .Massachusetts. Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and breeds 
 nt)rth\vard to the (Julf of St. Lawrence. The nests have been 
 found also in northern (Jhio and southern Illinois, and in winter 
 tlie birds range through southern Florida and among the moie 
 northern West Indies. 
 
 The I'arula is associated in mv mind with secluded woods on 
 cool and siiaded hill-sides bordering a stream, and the song eomes 
 to me from amitl the top branches of tall trees. — birch and jxiplar. 
 It is an attractive song, though it has little theme. — merely a 
 rapid trill of some twenty sibilant notes delivered with a rising in- 
 riection : but the tones are sweet, and the effect is pleasing. The 
 song is clearly an outburst of joyous emotion. 
 
 'thern 
 again 
 I n in go 
 (•inter. 
 Car- 
 ols of 
 
 1 fre- 
 lularly 
 Khirh 
 
 isoms 
 the 
 
 hns it 
 
 louth- 
 
 BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. 
 Dendroica c.f.rui.f.scf.ns. 
 
 Char. M.-xle : aliove, dull blue, b.ick sometimes streaked with black ; 
 sides of head, throat, and chest rich black; remainder of under parts 
 white; white spot on wing; tail with large white blotches.^ Female; 
 above, dull olive; beneath, dull greenish, yellow ; white spot on wing. 
 Length 5 to 5)2 inches. 
 
 A'c-sf. In deep woods amid thick underbrush or on high branch ; of 
 grass, twigs, vines, and lichens, fastened with insect silk, lined with roots 
 and hair. 
 
 ^A'S''^- 3~5 ; white, with green or buff tint, often, when fresh, tinged 
 with rosy, marked with large s])ots f)f reddish brown ; c.70 X 0.50. 
 
 Of this uncommon species we know ver>' little. It ajipears 
 only as a transient visitor in the month of April, in the Middle 
 
 ill' 
 
 I t| 
 
 1 ' 
 
 I'll 
 
24^ 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 lif ■ w 
 
 
 \ 
 
 Stntes, nnd after staying to feed for a u'eek or ten days, it 
 l)rococ(ls to its northern breeding-place in the wilds of Canada, 
 of which wc are wholly ignorant. In November 1 have ob- 
 served a few on their return to the South, and according to 
 Vieillot, they winter in Si. Domingo and other of the lar^^er 
 West India islands. 
 
 Near Farranville, on the Susquehanna, within the range of 
 the Alleghany Mountains, in the month of May, I saw and 
 heard several pairs of this rare sjiecies in the shady hemlock- 
 trees. The males were uUering their slender, wiry, and very 
 ])eculiar notes, while busily engagetl in foraging for insects, 
 and seemed, by being paired, to prepare f jr incubation. 
 
 The Pine Swam]) \\'ari)ler (.SV/rvV/ sp/iai^nosa) is now consid- 
 ered only as the young of this species, of which, however, I 
 think there yet remains some doubt. 
 
 The history of this si)ccies need no Ioniser remain a ir.vstery. for 
 while not abundant, its ncstinj;- habits may be studied in any suita- 
 ble locality in northern New Knglaml or nortiiern New York, and 
 westward to tlie Plains, or along the higher altitudes of the AUe- 
 ghanies as tar down as Georgia: though the major p-ii'^ion of the 
 Hocks pass on to the Canadian faunal area before stopping to build. 
 
 T did not meet with many examples in New Brunswick, and 'Sir. 
 Neilson thinks it rare near Ouc!)cc city, but Mr. Wintle calls it 
 common near Montreal, and the Ontario oljservers also regard it 
 aj common. It winters in Florida as well as In the West Indies. 
 
 i! mi 
 
 i 4-.{ 
 
 ' 1 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 KENTUCKY WARBLER. 
 
 GkOTHI.VPIR FORMOSA. 
 
 Char. Above, olive; crown and sides of head and neck, bla'; ; line 
 from nostril to and around the eye yellow; beneath, yellow, the sides 
 shaded with olive. Length 5J2 to 5^4 inches. 
 
 jVt'st. On the ground, in rather thick woods ; a bulky aflair of loosely 
 laid leaves and grass, lined with vegetable down, roots, or hair. 
 
 ^;';;'-.r. 4-6; white o. creamy, spotted with lilac and several shades of 
 brown ; 0.73 X O.56. 
 
 This beautiful species, first described by Wilson, frequents 
 the dark forests of the southwestern parts of the Union, being 
 
CERULEAN WARUl.ER. 
 
 247 
 
 it 
 
 ; line 
 le sides 
 
 loosely 
 
 pdes of 
 
 jquents 
 being 
 
 particularly abiintlant in Louisiana, and not uncommon in Ken- 
 tucky and Tcnnt-'sscc, and from thence inh ibiting throughout 
 the country l(^ the estuaries of the Mississijipi. It frecjuents 
 low, damp woods and the desolate borders of the lagoons, 
 cane-brakes, and swamjjs near the banks of the great rivers. 
 It arrives in Kentucky abcjut tiie middle of April, but enters 
 the southern extremity of the L'nion from Mexico by the same 
 time in March, and by the mitldle of September retires south 
 of the United States. The males are very ])Ugnacious in the 
 pairing season of spring, and utter some loud notes, in threes, 
 resembling the sound o{ 'tzoced/e ttofedh' tiuiw/Zr. The nest is 
 often attached to stems of stout weeds, or placed in a tuft of 
 grass. It is made of the dry bark of herbaceous jjlants, mixed 
 with downy substances, and lined with the ci^tton of the seed 
 of the wild poplar. The species is scarcely known to the east 
 of North Carolina. 
 
 In the A. O. U. checklist the habitat of this s])ecies is j^ivcn as 
 "Eastern United States, west to the Plains, and north to soutliern 
 New England and southern Michiijjan. In winter. West Indies 
 and Central America.*' It is most abundant aloni; the Mississippi 
 valley, and has been seen but rarely east of the Alleghanies. 
 There isonlyone record of its occurrence in New England. — a i)air 
 taken in 1876, at Suffield, Conn. Mr. John Xeilson reports that a 
 pair were frequently seen l)y him near the city of Quebec during 
 the early part of July. 1S79. 
 
 Tliose who have heard the song pronounce it an attractive 
 melody, the tones being loud and clear and the theme jilcasini:;. 
 Mr. Wm. Brewster ranks it among the best of the Sylvicoline per- 
 formances. 
 
 CERULEAN WARBLER. 
 
 BLUE WARBLER. 
 DeNDROICA C/ERULEA. 
 
 Char. Male: above, bright azure blue, sides of head and back 
 streaked with black ; line of dusky blue through the eyes ; wings with 
 two white bars; all tail-feathers but inner pair ])atched with white; be- 
 neath, white ; breast and sides streaked with dusky blue. Female : 
 similar but upper parts tinged with olive, and under parts tinged with 
 yellow. Length 4)4^ to 5 inches. 
 
 Nest. In open woodland, on horizontal bough 30 to 50 feet from the 
 
 li 
 
iHI 
 
 248 
 
 SINGIXr, niRDS. 
 
 iff: 
 
 It 
 
 I 
 
 11^'' 
 
 in- 
 
 ft.': 
 
 ground; of g'ass and liclicns fastened with insect silk, lined with fine 
 grass. 
 
 /t';;vV' 4; w'litc with j^rccii or bhie tint, spotted chieliy around the 
 larger end with icddisii brown and lilac ; 0.70 X ^1.53. 
 
 This very dt'licatfly colored s])ecies is among the rarest 
 suniti/ icnts of the Atlantic States, and does not probably 
 
 migrate ur rather stray farther north tha?\ the State of New 
 \'ork. In the Scnithwestern States, particularly Temiessee and 
 West Florida, it is one of the most abundant s|)ecies; it is also 
 foimd in the western wilderness beyond the Mississip|)i. It is 
 only in the Minnner that it ventures into the Middle States, 
 from which it retires almost before the first chills of '.iitumn. or 
 by the middle of Aiignst. It fre(iuents the borders of streams 
 and marshes, and possesses many of the habits of the l-'ly- 
 catchers, warbling also at times in a lively manner, and 
 though its song be short, it is at the same time sweet and 
 mellow. 
 
 The ])rincipal range of this daintilv dressed songster is through 
 the southwestern division of this Eastern Province, butweeu the 
 valley of the Mississippi and tlu' /MIeudianian hills, north to Ohio 
 (where it is abundant), southern Ontario, Indiana, and Illinois. 
 It occasionally wanders eastward to central New \'ork, Rhode 
 Island, and Connecticut. 
 
 Nuttall copied Audubon when characterizing the song of this 
 species as '' sweet and mellow." 
 
 Wilson, who discovered the bird and named it the Blue-green 
 Warbler, described the note as " a feeble chirp." Between the 
 opposed opinions of these fathers of American ornithology comes 
 the report of a recent observer, Mr. William Brewster, who found 
 the species abundant in West Virginia. " At best it is a modest 
 little strain, and far from deserving the encomium passed upon it 
 by Audubon ; " and again, " The song is a guttral trill much like 
 that of the Blue Yellow-backed Warbler." 
 
 'I ^"!' 
 
 - 
 
 ; i:,- 
 
 
 
 J 1 
 
 1 
 
 j 
 
 
 i 
 
 ^ ' 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 

 ■»^» 
 
 MARVI.AM) \i;i,IO\V-'lIIK()\'r. 
 
 CiKOTMI.M'IS IkK HAS. 
 
 f'HAR. Above, olive, (hilkr on tlif Ir.uI. iMiuhtci on nmii) ; fore- 
 head and broad l)and on side of iicad black, with whitish border; litncath 
 rich yellow, palei i>n tlic l)ellv. I.eni;tli 4 V to 5'^ inclies. 
 
 .Vis/. Iliililen bv tni't of }4ra>s, or iinid thicket of briers, usually in a 
 moist woodland or on border of swamp; composed exteriorly of loosely 
 laid grass, twii;s. etc , lined with fine gia^^s compactlv woven. 
 
 /•?;';;'.f. 4-6; white, sometimes creamy, spotted around larj;er end with 
 brown and lilac ; often a few black spots and lines ; 0.70 x 052. 
 
 'I'liis common and familiar sj)C(-ics extends its sinnnur mi- 
 grations from Florida to Nova Scotia, arri\in,u in I'cnnsyKania 
 towards the- mido j of April, and in this part (.>( New l-'.ngland 
 about ihc first week in May. The majurit\- return to the South 
 in Sejitember ; a few stragglers of the young, houc\er, ma\ be 
 seen to the first week in ( )ctober, and though some may re- 
 main and winter in the Southern States, it is more probable 
 that the main body retire at this season into the interior of 
 tropical America, as they were seen late in autumn aroimd 
 Vera Cruz by the naturalist antl traveller Mr. ISullock. Marly 
 \n the month of March, however, I heard this species singing 
 11 the forests of West Florida. 
 
 The Maryland Yellow-Throat, with cheerful devotedness to the 
 great object of his summer migration, — the attachments and 
 cares of his species, — passes his time near some shady rill of 
 water, amidst briers, brambles, alders, and such other shrubbery 
 as grows in low and watery situations. Unambitious to be seen, 
 
250 
 
 SINGING IIIKDS. 
 
 ♦I!.' 
 
 !iM 
 
 
 t' 
 
 % 
 
 J I 
 
 11 
 
 he seldom ascends above the tops of the underwood, where he 
 dwells, busily employed in collecting the insects on which he 
 feeds. After these, like the Wren, he darts into the iUei>est 
 thicket, and threads his devious way through every opening ; 
 he searches around the stems, examines beneath the leaves, 
 and raising himself on his peculiarly pale and slender legs, 
 peeps into each crevice in order to seize by surprise his tiny 
 lurking l)rey. While thus engaged, his affection to his neigh- 
 boring mate is not forgotten, and with a simplicity, agreeable 
 and characteristic, he twitters forth at sliort intervals his 
 ^whititctee 'whi/ifffce 'iv/ii/i/c/rr, but his more common song is 
 'loliifti/s/u-f ^whitittslu'c, or 'K'tt'ilshce 70itilslu'e wee ; and some- 
 times 1 have heartl his note like, 'wetitsliee ivctitshec, 'loifyii 
 70t\ On this last s) liable a plaintive sinking of the voice n-n- 
 ders the lively, earnest ditty of the active minstrel peculiarly 
 agreeable. Co])ying a|)parently from the Cardinal \]iu\, the 
 song was, in one instance, which came to my notice, 'vifiyii 
 ^vifiyii ^vit'iyii. The whole is likewise often varied and lowert-d 
 into a slender whisper, or tender revery of vocal instinct. 
 Sometimes he calls out, tectshoo, ti'efs/ioo, and scu<aidciiit 
 sciiHiiifi'iUt sewaiiritseioee, or sacundh/if sf7<>a/i/i/s/7iur, as he 
 busily darts through the blooming and odor-breatiung shrubs 
 of the grove or garden, which he examines with minute atten- 
 tion, and sometimes springs perpendicularly after his retreating 
 and discovered prey. He appears by no means shy or sus- 
 picious, as long as his nest is unapproached ; but for the safety 
 of that precious treasure he scolds, laments, and entreats with 
 great anxiety. 
 
 The species generally nest in the recluse thickets of the 
 forest, 01 the low bu.^hy meadow ; but sometimes they take up 
 their abode in the garden, or the field contiguous to the house, 
 and if undisturbed, show a predilection for the plice which 
 has afforded security to themselves and their young. They 
 commence their labor of building about the middle of May, 
 fixing the nest on or near the ground, among dry leaves, 
 withered grass, or brush, and choose often for security the most 
 Intricate thicket of briers, so that the nest is often sheltered 
 
MOLRMNLi WAUULEk. 
 
 251 
 
 and concealed by projecting weeds and grass. Sometimes a 
 mere tiissiu k of grass or accitknt il pile of brn>h is cho>cn. 
 It is made of ilry ^edge-grass ( Ciinw), and a lew leaves loo>ely 
 wound together and supported by the weeds or twig> where it 
 rests; the lining consists entirely of tine l)ent-gra>-. ( ./;,'/i/..//( ). 
 'I'hc young leave the nest, here, about the mid«lle of June, 
 and a second brood is sometnnes raised in the ( ourse of 
 the season. I he parents and young now rove about in 
 restless prying troops, and take to the most secluded bushy 
 marshes, where tluy pass their time \n comparative security 
 till the arrival of that period of scarcity which warns them to 
 dei)art. As early as the close of July, the lively song of the 
 male ceases to be heard, and the whole i)arty now forage in 
 silence. 
 
 This species " breeds from the Gulf States to Manitoba and 
 Labrador; wiiUcrs from the Ciulf States southward." (Chapman.) 
 
 Note. — The Western form has lately been separated from true 
 trichas and given varietal rank with tlie luiinc G. trichas iKiiifi ntalis. 
 Its habitat is from the .Mississippi valley to the Pacific. It is some- 
 what larger and more brigiitly colored than is the eastern race. 
 Another geographical race, the P'i.okida VKr.Low-THRoAT {G. 
 irii/ius is^'iiota), ditlVrs from typical (rh/uis in havint; the yellow of 
 under parts of deeper shade and greater e.\tenl ; the facial mask is 
 wider also. 
 
 MOURN IXC; WARDI.l'.R. 
 
 CiKOTHLVriS PHII..\DF.I.Pni.\. 
 
 Char. Above, olive ; head, neck, and brca.-t a.shy ; breast mottled with 
 black ; remainder of under parts yellow. Length 5 '4 to f'^ inches. 
 
 X't. In open woodland or pasture, on the ground or in low tree or 
 bush ; of vegetable fibre, lined with hair. 
 
 E^X-'^. 3-5 ; white or creamy, with brown and lilac spots wreathed 
 around the larger end; 0.70 X 0.54. 
 
 Wilson, the discoverer of this curious species, never met with 
 more than a single individual, which in its habits of frequent- 
 
 
 . i 1 
 
 1 
 
2^2 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 Mi 
 
 tl' 
 
 VI U^ 
 
 ing marshy ground, and flitting through low bushes in quest of 
 insects, a]jpears very similar to the Maryland Yellow-throat. 
 'I'hc discoverer, however, also distinguished it more importantly 
 by the }wvclty of its sprightly and pleasant warble ; we may 
 therefore perhaps consiiler it as a solitary straggler from the 
 main body in the western regions of this vast continent. It 
 was shot in the early part of June near Philadelphia. 
 
 On the 20th of May, 1S31. I saw, as I believe, the male of 
 this species in the dark shrubbery of the Botanic Garden 
 (Cambridge) . It possessed all the manners of the common 
 species, was equally busy in search of insects in the low bushes, 
 and at little intervals warbled out some very pleasant notes, 
 which though they resembled the lively chant of the Maryland 
 Yellow-throat, even to the 7i.'c/ifslu-t\ yet they were more agree- 
 ably varied, so as to approach in some degree the song of the 
 Summer Yellow l>ird i^Syhia asfira). This remarkable note, 
 indeed, set me in ([uest of the bird, which I followed for some 
 time ; but at last, perceiving himself watched, he left the gar- 
 den. As far as I was able to observe this individual, he was 
 above of a dark olive-green, very cinereous on the lore part of 
 the head, with a band of black through the eyes, which de- 
 scended from the side of the neck, where at length it joined 
 v.iih a crescent of dusky or black spots upon the breast; the 
 throat was yellow and the under parts paler. 
 
 Mr. Townsend saw a specimen on the shady borders of the 
 Schuylkill in the month of May last, and a second individual 
 has been obtained by "Sir. l)e Rham in the vicinity of New York. 
 Two or three other specimens have also been obtained in the 
 vicinity of Thiladelphia and in New Jersey. It is, however, 
 still a very rare species, and its proper habitation lo yet to be 
 discovered. 
 
 h 
 
 This is still a rare bird in many localities, and it is among the 
 desiderata of most collectors ; yet within the limits of Us favorite 
 breeding areas, — at the higher altitudes of the Aileghanies ; on the 
 Berkshire Hills; along the northern borders of \'ermont and New 
 Hnmi^shire; in portions of New York; and elsewhere between the 
 Atlantic coast and the Plains where suitable conditions of environ- 
 
 m 
 
CONNECTICUT WARBLER. 
 
 253 
 
 )ined 
 the 
 
 f the 
 ■idual 
 
 ork. 
 11 the 
 
 ever, 
 to be 
 
 the 
 /orite 
 )n the 
 
 New 
 '11 the 
 riron- 
 
 ment are obtainable. — tlie Mournini,^ Warbler is not at all rare, 
 and in the West — in Minnesota, Dakota, and .Manitolxx — it is 
 deeidedly abundant. Evidently it has no spceial liking;- for the 
 Maritime Provinees nor lor any portion of Canada east of Lake 
 Winnipeg, for Canadian ol)servers in t^eneral report it rare or 
 uncommon. Vet one of the few nests that have been discovered 
 was secured by Mr. Kells, near Listowel, in Ontario. This nest 
 was in a cedar swamp ami placed on the horizontal branch i)f 
 a small tree (|uite close to the ^rcniiu!. 
 
 The examples I saw in New I5runswick were in small Hocks, and 
 were a very busy and very merry company, — busy in searching for 
 their food, moving in most sprightly and vivacious manner, and 
 making merry with sweet voices. The song consists (-f a tew sim- 
 ple notes, but the birds frequently ascend to a high perch to delivei" 
 it and sing on as if much pleased with the performance. Merriam 
 reports them singing thus for half an hour at a time. 
 
 CONNECTICUT WARBLER. 
 
 GKAV-HEADED WARBLER. 
 Gf.othlypis AGILIS. 
 
 Char. Male : above, olive ; head, neck, and breast ashy, darkest on 
 breast and crown, lightest on the throat ; white ring around the eyes ; 
 chest and belly yellow, sides shaded with olive. Female : similar, but 
 without ashy tint on the head; throat tinged with brown; belly paler. 
 Length 5'< to 6 inches. 
 
 jVcsf. Hidden on a tuft of weeds, or sunk in mossy mound, in >waini)y 
 woods ; composed of dried grass. 
 
 Jti^^s. 4- ? ; creamy, spotted, chiefly around tiie larger end. wiih lilack, 
 brown, and lilac; 0.75 — 0.55. 
 
 This mre species, tliscovereci by Wilson in ConnectitMit and 
 afterwards in the neighborhood of Philadeli)hia. appears to 
 frequent low thickets, and is exceedingly active in pursuit f)f 
 its prey, scarcely remaining a moment i'l the same idace. 
 Wilson afterwards shot two specimens of a bird which in every 
 partictilar agreed with the above, except in having the throat 
 dull buff instead of pale ash. These were both females, as he 
 supposed, of the present species. 
 
 The historv of this bird is still interestingly obscure, so much 
 has yet to be learned; but gleaning from records made by obser- 
 vers in various parts of the country, I am enabled to add a little to 
 Nuttall's account. 
 
 IM 
 
 I I 
 
r f- 
 
 ' 1 
 
 254 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 IF 
 
 '■!■. 
 
 i 
 
 I ! 
 
 
 iii 
 
 The bird has been taken throughout the greater part of this 
 Eastern Province; but its distribution appears, from the evidence 
 so far gatliered, to be somewhat pecuHar. It winters in Mexico 
 and soutlnvard, and in tlie spring migrates wholly along the Missis- 
 sippi valley, where it is more or less abundant north to Manitoba, 
 though it is rarely seen at that season to the eastward of Illinois. 
 It breeds in Minnesota, Dakota, and Manitoba, and in the au- 
 tumn part of the flocks go south along the Mississippi, while others 
 pass eastward along the shores of the Great Lakes, and thence to 
 Massachusetts, the most northern limit of the bird's range on 
 the Atlantic side, where it is common during the first half of 
 September, after which the Hocks continue on a gradual movement 
 southward. 
 
 Dr. Wheaton considered the species very rare in Ohio, and it 
 was thought to l)e rare in Ontario until 18S4, when my friend Wil- 
 liam Saunders found it common in the vicinity of London. The 
 only nest yet taken was discovered by another friend and fellow- 
 worker Ernest 'I'liompson. It was found near Carberry, Manitoba, 
 in 1883, sunk amid a mossy mound in a tamarack swamp, — "a 
 dark, gray waste.'' 
 
 In the West, during the spring migrations, these birds are exceed- 
 ingly active and very shy, moving incessantly among the branches 
 in quest of insects, and when approached darting into the thickest 
 covers ; but those I saw on the Fresh Pond marsh at Cambridge 
 fed chietiy on the ground, among the leaves, and when disturbed 
 flew generally but a short distance to a low branch, and sat as com- 
 posedly as a Thrush. 
 
 Thompson describes the song as similar to the Golden-crowned 
 Thrush, and says it may be suggested by the syllables bcechcr- 
 bcii lirr-bi-ccJier-beeclter-beecJier-lh'ccJicr, sung at the same pitch 
 throughout; he adds, "but he also had anotlier which I can recall 
 to mind by the aid of the syllables frccchaple, frecchaple^ frcc- 
 chaple^ AVHOIT." 
 
 This same writer says : " Connecticut Warbler is an unfortunate 
 misnomer for this species," and he suggests " Swamp Warbler '' or 
 " Tamarac Warbler" or " l)Og Black-throat." " This species," he 
 writes, "has somewhat the manners of the Vireos, but is much 
 more active and sprightly in its movements." 
 

 WORM-EATIXG WARBLER. 
 
 Hklmithkrus vermivorus. 
 
 Char. Above, olive; head buff, with four stripes of black; beneath, 
 buff, paler on belly. Length 5I2 to ^^^ inches. 
 
 jV^sL On the ground, often covered by a bush, or beside a fallen log ; 
 of leaves, moss, and gra.ss, lined with moss, fine grass, or hair. 
 
 Eifi;s. 3-6 (usually 5) ; variable in shape and color- white, sometimes 
 with buff or pink tint, marked with fine spots of reddish brown and 
 lilac; 0.70 X0.55. 
 
 These birds arrive in Pennsylvania about the middle of 
 May, and migrate to the South towards the close of Septem- 
 ber ; they were seen feeding their young in that State about 
 the 25th of June by Wilson, so that some pairs stay and breed 
 there. They are very active anil indefatigable insect-hunters, 
 and have the note and many of the manners of the Marsh 
 Titmouse or Chickadee. About the 4th of October I have seen 
 a pair of these birds roving through the branches of trees with 
 restless agility, hanging on the twigs and examining the trunks, 
 in quest probably of spiders and other lurking and dormant 
 insects and their larvoe. One of them likewise kept up a con- 
 stant complaining call, like the soimd of ts/ie dc dc. 
 
 According to Richardson this species visits the fur coun- 
 tries, where a single specimen was procured at Cumberland 
 House, on the banks of the Saskatchewan. It is fotmd a' j in 
 Maine and the British Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova 
 Scotia. Dr. Bachman says that it breeds sparingly in the 
 
256 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 swamps of Carolina, as he observed a pair followed ,by three 
 or four young ones nearly Hedged, all of which already exhibi- 
 ted the markings on the head. 
 
 Ric liardson led Nuttall into a mistake regarding the distribution 
 of lliis spL'cies. It is a Suullicrn bird, breeding chictly suulli oi lati- 
 tude 40^, and occurs but rarely along the nordiern limit of its range, 
 — southern New England, the southern sliores of Lake Erie, and 
 southern Illinois. It has not been taken in the Provinces. 
 
 Usually these birds feed on the ground among the dead leaves, 
 but sometimes rise amid the branches, as described by Nuttall. 
 They are not '* shy "" birtis, for they will remain on the nest until 
 fairly driven off, and when feeding are apparently indifferent about 
 being watched. 
 
 I 
 
 ' 
 
 ] 
 
 '1 ^ 
 
 1 t 
 
 
 ■ 1 ■ ■ ■ 
 
 if 
 
 
 SWAINSON'S WARBLER. 
 
 H LLIX.VI.V SWA 1 NS( )X 1 1 . 
 
 Ch.\r. Above, dull olive, head and wings tinged with reddish brown; 
 dark streak through the eyes; line over eyes and under parts white with 
 yellow tint ; sidL's tinged with olive. Length 5'4 to 6 inches. 
 
 A^'c'sf. In a swamp, or near stagnant pool, or on dry upland ; in cane- 
 stalk or on bush, 4 to 10 feet from the ground ; a bulky and inartistic 
 affair of dead leaves, lined with roots and iiine-ncedles. 
 
 ■^v^■•''• 3-4; white with blue tint, unmarked ; 0.75 X 0.60. 
 
 Dr. Bachman, who discovered this species near the banks 
 of the Edisto River, in South Carolina, remarks: ''I was first 
 attracted by the novelty of its notes, four or five in number, 
 repeated at inten'als of fwc or six minutes apart. These notes 
 were loud, clear, and more like a whistle than a song. They 
 resembled the soimd of some extraordinary ventriloquist in such 
 a degree that T supposed the bird much firther off than it 
 really was ; for after some trouble caused by these fictitious 
 notes, I observed it near me, and soon shot it." These birds 
 appear to have a predilection for swampy, muddy places, usu- 
 ally more or less covered with water. They feed on coleop- 
 terous insects and tie larvre which infest the pond-lily. They 
 usually keep in low bushes, and retire southward at the close 
 of summer. They breed, it appears, in South Carolina. 
 
 :ft 
 
PROTIIUNUTARV WARBLER. 
 
 257 
 
 ■ three 
 ixhibi- 
 
 ibution 
 
 of lati- 
 
 5 range, 
 
 rie, and 
 
 leaves, 
 
 Nuttall. 
 est until 
 nt about 
 
 sh brown ; 
 white with 
 
 in cane- 
 inartistic 
 
 he banks 
 was first 
 number, 
 ese notes 
 They 
 ,t in such 
 T than it 
 fictitious 
 ,ese birds 
 ces, ttsti- 
 n coleop- 
 They 
 the close 
 a. 
 
 1 
 
 |v. 
 
 Until recently, naturalists knew nothing' more of this species than 
 Nuttall put into the above few lines ; and tor that information lie was 
 indebted to . .uclubon. Only three examples w.Te taken between 
 Audul)on's time and 1N73, when Nathan C Brown captured three 
 more in Alabama; and eleven years afterwards, in 1.S84, William 
 Brewster collected lilty specimens in the vicinity of Charleston, 
 and iHiblished in "The Auk" for January, 1SM5, an interestini; 
 account of the bird's habits. 
 
 He reports that he met with this bird in dry, scrubby woods or 
 open orani^e-groves, thoui;h it prefers the ranker growth of the 
 swamps, to which it appears to be confinecl during the breeding 
 season. Its song is said to be '"very loud, verv rich, very beau 
 tiful, while it has an indescri])able tender quality that thrills the 
 senses after the sound has ceased." 
 
 The distril)ution of the species has not yet been very satisfac- 
 torily determined, but it prol)ably occurs in all the South Atlantic 
 and Gulf States, and along the Mississippi valley north to Illinois 
 and Indiana. 
 
 PROTHONOTARV WARP.LER. 
 
 PrOTOXO'J ARIA Cn'REA. 
 
 Char. Head, neck, and under parts golden yellow; back bright 
 olive , wings, tail, and rump, bluish ash ; inner webs of tail-teathcrs white. 
 I,ength about 5J-2 inches. 
 
 A('.f/. On the margin of a stream or pond or in a swamp; a cavity In 
 dead tret, often a deserted nest of Woodpecker or Chickadee, generally 
 near the ground ; lined with leaves and moss. 
 
 /\i:.^s. 4-7 (usually 6); white, or with butf tint, thickly spotted with 
 brownish red ; 0.70 X 0.55. 
 
 This beautiful species inhabits the Southern States commonly 
 in summer, being plentiful in the low, dark, and swampy f(jrests 
 of the Mississippi near New Orleans, as well as in Louisiana 
 and the wilds of Florida. In these solitary retreats individuals 
 are seen nimbly flitting in search of insects, caterpillars, larvai, 
 and small land shells, every now and then uttering a few creak- 
 ing notes scarcely deserving the name of song. They some- 
 times, though very rarely, proceed as far north as Pennsylvania. 
 They appear to affect watery places in swamps which abound 
 with lagoons, and are seldom seen in the woods. According to 
 VOL. I. — 17 
 
 11 
 
 • 
 
2:;8 
 
 SINC.IXC; BIRDS. 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 ijlf i 
 
 Dr. Hachman, these birds breed in South CaroHna, as he saw a 
 pair and their younj; near Charleston. 
 
 This species is eonimon in the (iulf States, and ranches aloni^f the 
 Mississijjpi valley, bein,^:; pcciiliarly abundant in southern Illinois 
 and southwestern Indiana, but near the Atlantic is rarely seen 
 nouli of (icorgia. A few stragglers have been encountered in 
 New I'higlanfl, while one has been taken at St. Stephen, New 
 Brunswick, by .Mr. George A. Ik)ardnian, and another near Hamil- 
 ton, Ontario, by H. C. Mcllwraith. 
 
 It is said to be more deliberate and thrushlike in its movements 
 than are its si)rightly congeners, the Dcndroicic. The song most 
 frequently heard is described as a simple but pleasing whistle, like 
 that of the solitary Sandpiper, though when the singer is near at 
 hand, almost startling in its intensity. Mr. lirewster mentions 
 hearing aiiotlur song delivered on the wing, and intended lor the 
 ear ot the mate alone. It is generally heard only after incubation 
 has commenced, and is low, but very sweet, and resembles some- 
 what the song of a Canary, delivered in an undertone. 
 
 if 
 
 i . 
 
 (1 
 
 BLUE-\VIX(;i:i) WAKJiLER. 
 
 HeLMINTHOPIIII.A I'lNUS. 
 
 Char. Male: above, bright olive; wings ami tail dull blue; winces 
 with two yellowish bars ; outer tail feathers with uiiite l^lotches : black 
 line through the eye ; crown aiul uiuier parts bright yelUjw. I'einale : 
 similar but uiuler i)arts duller, aud yellow on head restricted to forehead. 
 Length about 5 inches. 
 
 A^est. In a tuft of grass amid thicket of underbrush or along margin of 
 woods; bulky, and loosely made of dried leaves and vegetable fibre, lined 
 with fine grass. 
 
 Eggs. 4-5; white, faintly speckled with brown; 0.60 X 0.50. 
 
 About the beginning of May this species enters Pennsylvania 
 from the South, and frequents thickets and shrubberies in quest 
 of the usual insect food of its tribe. At the approach of win- 
 ter, very different from the Pine Warbler, with which it has 
 sometimes been confotmded, it retires to pass the winter in 
 tropical America, having been seen around Vera Cruz in 
 autumn by Mr. Bidlock. On its arrival it frequents gardens, 
 orchards, and willow trees, gleaning among the blossoms, but 
 at length withdraws into the silent woods remote, from the 
 
 
r.i.rE-Nvi.\c;i:n \vaki;ler. 
 
 259 
 
 ,e saw a 
 
 Ions tlie 
 Illinois 
 ely seen 
 XcYcd in 
 en, New 
 ,r Haniil- 
 
 ivements 
 ,)ii<i most 
 istlc, like 
 s near at 
 nientions 
 xl tor tlie 
 ncubation 
 ,les some- 
 
 |)lue ; wini^s 
 
 hcs : l)Uick 
 
 I'cinalc : 
 
 lo torehead. 
 
 haunts of men, to pass the period of breeding and rearing its 
 young in more security. 
 
 The apparent distribution of this species, judged by the records 
 of recent observations, is somewliat peculiar. It seems to be 
 abundant in the southwestern portion of this Eastern Province, and 
 rarely ranges east of the Alleghanian hills until north ot 40^, when 
 it spreads off to the shores of the Atlantic, though seldom going 
 beyond latitude 42°. '• It is a common summer resident of south- 
 ern Connecticut, but is not known to occur regularly nortii of 
 Hartford, .iiul is most numerous in the country imniLcliatcly Ijorder- 
 ing the Sound and in the lower valley of the Connecticut River '' 
 (IJrewster). A few examples only have been taken in .Massachu- 
 setts, and though common in Ohio it has not been seen in Ontario. 
 Farther west it is found north to the southern portions of Michigan, 
 Wisconsin, and Minnesota. It winters south to eastern Mexico 
 and Guatemala. 
 
 The nests that have been discovered in recent years are not 
 fashioned like that described by Wilson, for instead of being 
 funnel-shaped, they have the ordinary cup-like form. 
 
 Opinions differ regarding the song, I)ut I am inclined to believe 
 that it is a rapid trill of strong, sweet tones, limited in compass and 
 executed with little art, — a merry whistle rather than an artistic 
 melody. " As a rule it consists of the two drawled wheezy notes 
 siccc-chec ; the first inhaled, the second exhaled. A less common 
 song uttered later in the season is ivee, chg-chH-chS-chS, chfir, chee, 
 chnr, and is sometimes accompanied by peculiar kik notes " 
 (Chapman). 
 
 ' )l 
 
 ! J 
 
 In- margin i^f 
 fibre, lined 
 
 I >l 
 
 l-msylvania 
 [s in quest 
 Ih of win- 
 lich it has 
 winter in 
 Cruz in 
 gardens, 
 [^soms, but 
 from the 
 
 j 
 
26o 
 
 SIXGIXn TURDS. 
 
 Gf)i.i)i:x-\\ iN(;i:n \\.\Kr.i.i:R. 
 
 HeI.MIX UK )PIiII,A CHRVSOFIERA. 
 
 \im I 
 
 i8l 
 
 i'l^i 
 
 (liAk. Male: above, bluish grr y, sometimes tinged with olive; 
 crown biiglit yellow ; side of head yellowish white, with broad patch of 
 black from bill tlirough eyes; wings with large pa'ch of bright yellow; 
 blotches on tail white; beneath, while tinged with yellow; throat blacU ; 
 sides tinged with gray. I-'em.dc : similar, Imt colors duller; patch from 
 bill through eyes, grayish. Lengtii about 5 inches. 
 
 A't-st. Amid a tuft of long grass, in moist meadow or damp margin of 
 woods; constructed of shre(l> df hark, roots, etc.. lined with fine grass. 
 
 /'^^•^i^s. 4-6; white spotted with brown and lilac, 0.65 X 0.50. 
 
 This scarce species api)ears only a few clays in Pennsylvania 
 about the last of April or beginninj.!; of May. It darts actively 
 through the leafy branches, and like the Titmouse examines the 
 stems for insects, and often walks with the head downwards ; 
 its notes and actions are also a good deal similar, in common 
 with the Worm-eating Warbler. I have never yet seen it in 
 Massachusetts, and if it really does proceed north to breed, it 
 must follow a western route. 
 
 The Gold 'n-wing still remains a somewhat "scarce" bird, but it 
 occurs rcgularlv in Connecticut and southern ."Massachusetts, and 
 in some few localities is often quite numerous. Its general breeding 
 area lies north of latitude 40°. though nests have been found among 
 the hills of Georgia and North Carolina. To the westward it breeds 
 in Ohio, southern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and in the 
 vicinity of London, Ontario, where Saunders reports it quite com- 
 mon. It winters south to Central Ainerica. 
 
 Note. — Two variations from the type. Rrrwster's Warbekr 
 (//. Icucobronchialis) and Lawrf.nce's Wa ruler (//. lawrencci) 
 are still placed on the '' hypothetical list '" by conservative writers. 
 Both birds are supposed to be either hybrids between H. pimis and 
 H. chrysoptera^ or color phases. Lawrence's Warbler is rather 
 rare, though it occurs regularly in Connecticut, but Brewster's 
 Warbler is not uncommon in the Connecticut valley, and has been 
 traced south to Virginia and west to Michigan. 
 
 
TENNESSKi; WARBLER. 
 
 261 
 
 th olive ; 
 , patch of 
 It yellow ; 
 oat Vilack ; 
 latch from 
 
 ) margin of 
 lie grass. 
 
 ;o. 
 
 msylvania 
 ts actively 
 mines the 
 )\vn\vards ; 
 1 coniniun 
 seen it in 
 breed, it 
 
 ibird, but it 
 usetts, and 
 l1 breeding 
 and anion 2; 
 •d it breeds 
 and in the 
 [quite com- 
 
 Iwarbi.i-.h 
 ylaivrencei) 
 Ive writers. 
 
 is rather 
 
 JBrewster's 
 
 has been 
 
 BACH M A N ' S \\ A R B L E R. 
 
 Helminthophila r..\CH.M.\MI. 
 
 Char. Male: above, olive; head dull ashy; tail j;rayish with white 
 patches ; hlack band across crown ; forehead and luulcrparts yellow, with 
 large patch of black on the breast; yellow band on wing. Female: 
 similar, but duller and grayer ; under parts paler. Length .(I3 inches. 
 
 .Vcsf. In a low tree. 
 
 Jii^XS. 4 ; dull white, heavily wreatiicd around larger end with dark 
 brown and spotted with lilac; 0.74 X 0.60. 
 
 This species was first obtained a few miles from Charles- 
 ton, S. C, in July 1833, by Dr. 15achman, alter whom it is 
 named. It appears to be a lively, active species, frequenting 
 thick bushes, through which it glides after insects, or occasion- 
 ally, motmting on wing, it seizes them in the air. Several 
 individuals were seen in the same neighborhood. 
 
 Nothing more was heard of this interesting bird than the little 
 told by Audubon and Nuttall, until 1883, when Mr. H. B. Hailey 
 described the nest and eggs from examples collected in Oeorgia, 
 by Dr. S. W. Wilson, somewhere between 1853 and 1865. The 
 male and female secured by Dr. Bachman were the only specimens 
 taken until 1886, when a third was shot by Charles S. Galbraith, 
 in Louisiana, and announced by Mr. George N. Lawrence in '-The 
 Auk " of January, 1887. A fourth, taken in Florida in March, 
 1887, was announced by Dr. Merriam, and during that year others 
 were reported. Since then the bird has been discovered to be 
 fairly common in the South Atlantic and Gulf States. 
 
 It is described as an active, quarrelsome bird, wary and difificult 
 to approach. Its manner, when searching for food, is described as 
 rather leisurely. The song is somewhat similar to the Parula. It 
 frequents both shrubbery and high trees, but shows a preference 
 for the latter and for a rather thick growth. 
 
 TENNESSEE WARBLER. 
 
 HeI,M1\THOPHII,A PKRF.r.RlXA. 
 
 Char. Male : above, olive, brightest on rump, shading to ashy on 
 head; wings and tail dusky; beneath, white, with faint tint of yellow; 
 sides tinged with grav. Female : similar, but crown tinged with olive 
 and mider parts with more yellow. Young: similar to female, but crown 
 olive and under tail-coverts white. Length ^]4, to i,}( inches. 
 
 A^est. On a low bush in open woodland ; made of grass, moss, and 
 vegetable fibre, lined with hair. 
 
 ^1! 
 
 i ! 
 
 \ 
 
262 
 
 bINCiING BIRDS. 
 
 II! 
 
 (I 
 
 'M 
 
 
 
 I-, 
 
 /ti,':cJ. 0-0 (probably 4 or 5) ; wliito, wreathed around larger end with 
 brown and purplish spots : 0.O5 X 0.50. 
 
 'I'his rare and plain si)ccies was discovered by Wilson on 
 the bulks of Cnmbcrland River, in the Slate of Tennessee. It 
 was hunting; with great agility among the opening leaves in 
 spring, and like the rest of the section to which it apjiertains, 
 I)ossesses a goc^d deal of the habits of the 'I'itmouse. Its ncjtes 
 were few and weak, and its food, as usual, smooth caterpillars 
 and winged insects. It is still so rare that Audubon never 
 saw more than three individuals, — two in Louisiana, ai.d one at 
 Key \\'est in ICast Moriila, all of which were males. 
 
 ( >niitlu)l()gi.sts of the present day do not consider this Warbler 
 quite so rare as did Xutlall and liis coiUemporaries, though it is 
 somewhat local in its distribution, and is only met with occasionally 
 at many places within its range. In the Eastern States it is rather 
 rare, excepting on the northern border of New York and New Eng- 
 land, where it breeds; but it is more numerous in the .Mississippi 
 valley, and Dr. Coues found it migrating in abundance along the 
 Red River, through Minnesota and Dakota, while Thompson 
 reports it as " a common summer resident " in parts of Manitoba. 
 Dr. Wheaton considered it rare in Ohio, init Saunders reports it 
 " conunon at times" in the southern jieninsula of Ontario, while 
 IMcIhvraith lias seen it but twice near Hamilton. It is rare in the 
 Ottawa valley and near the city of Quel)ec, while conunon near 
 Montreal. Comeau says it l)reeds in numbers near Point de 
 Monts, on the nortli shore of the (adf of St. Lawrence, and Macoun 
 reports it common around Lake Misstissini. It is not uncommon in 
 some few localities in New Brunswick, where it remains all sum- 
 mer. Very few nests have been discovered. 
 
 The bird is very wary and always on the alert, — darting rapidly 
 from branch to brancli. The song is a sweet-toned, cheery whistle, 
 — somewhat siiuilar to that of the Nashville, "but so decidedly 
 different," writes ;\Ir. Bradford Torrey, ■' as never for a moment to 
 be confounded with it." He adds : •• The resemblance lies entirely 
 in the tirst part; the notes of the concluding portion are not run 
 together or jumbled, after the Nashville's manner, but are quite as 
 distinct as are those of the opening measure." 
 
 'i 
 
 
 . 1 
 
 yj 
 
 
NASIIVILLL WAkULLR. 
 
 263 
 
 \(\ with 
 
 1)11 oil 
 ■V. ll 
 tvcs in 
 ;rtains, 
 
 S IKJtCS 
 
 rpillurs 
 I never 
 i one at 
 
 i^h it is 
 isioniilly 
 is rather 
 L'W I-lng- 
 ssissippi 
 lon.ii the 
 ,ionii)son 
 [anitoba. 
 cports it 
 o. wliile 
 •(' in the 
 -ion near 
 oint de 
 Macoiin 
 nimon in 
 all suni- 
 
 ; rapidly 
 whistle, 
 "[ecidedly 
 
 )nient to 
 entirely 
 not run 
 quite as 
 
 
 NASHV I 1,1.1: W ART. LKR. 
 
 1 Il.l.MlN 1 IK )1'11II-V Kll KAI'ILLA. 
 
 Char. Above, oiivo, brighter on rump; lioarl a>hy gray, with con- 
 cealed patch ui reddish bnnvn ; yellow ring around the cyc> ; beneath, 
 briglit yellow, paler on the belly ; sides shaded with olive. Length 41^ to 
 5 inches. 
 
 .\ts/. Amid a tuft of weeds in pasture or open woocUaiid ; composed 
 of leaves and vegetable fibre, lined with grass, pine-nccdics, or hair. 
 
 ^'■XA'-' ■ 3~5 (usually 4) ; white or creamy, marked with fuie spots of 
 reddish brown and lilac ; 0.60 X 0.50. 
 
 'I'liis rare species was discovered by Wilson in the vicinity of 
 Nashville in Tennessee ; it also exists in the neighboring States 
 in siuiinier, and occasionally proceeds as far north as Philadel- 
 phia, and even the neigiibtirhood ui Salem in this State [Mas- 
 sachusetts]. Its discoverer was first attracted to it by the 
 singular noise which it made, resembling the breaking of small 
 dry twigs, or the striking together of ])ebbles, for six or seven 
 times in succession, and loud enough to be heard at the ilis- 
 tance of thirty or forty yards. A similar sound, jiroduced, no 
 doubt, by the smart snapping of the bill, is given by the Stone- 
 chat of Kurope, — which hence, in fact, derives its name. Au- 
 dubon says, the male, while standing in a still and erect posture, 
 utters a few low, eagerly repeated, creaking notes. This spe- 
 cies has all the active habits of the family to which it more 
 particularly belongs. Audubon says that these birds are not 
 in fact rare, as he saw them in considerable numbers in the 
 month of April, towards Texas, on their way eastward ; he also 
 saw them in Maine and the Provinces of New Brunswick and 
 Nova Scotia. A few proceed to Labrador, and Dr. Richardson 
 mentions the occurrence of a straggler in the fur countries. 
 
 However rare the Nashville may have been when Nuttall lived 
 in Cambridge, it is not a rare bird here to-day. It is, indeed, a 
 common summer resident throutjhout Xew Fngland and the Mari- 
 tine Provinces, and occurs in more or less abundance westward to 
 Manitoba. It winters south to Mexico and (kiatemala. 
 
 On the arrival of these birds in the spring they frequent the sub- 
 
264 
 
 SINGING lilKDS. 
 
 i 
 
 urban j^ankns and orchards, hut soon retire to a more secluded 
 l)Ia(c to Ijuild : and hidden away amid tiic thicker luiNhcs of their 
 faviirite iiaunls, arc olten overU)ukcd by the collector. — the or- 
 nitholoj^ical reiH)rter, — an<l thus the species has acquired a repu- 
 tation of bein;,' •• uncommon." 
 
 The song is a typi( .d W.irbkr-liki.' performance, — a short trill of 
 sweet notes, whistled with little variation in tone, and little ellort 
 at artistic execution; but I have not heard any of the "harsh"' 
 and •• creaking " effects noted by some writers. 
 
 \ 
 
 oran(;e-('R( )\v\i:n warbler. 
 
 IIi;i..MIVll|()PIIII,.\ CKI.ATA. 
 
 Char. Abdve, olive, lirightcst on the rump; crown with concealed 
 patch of bro\vni>h oiaiige ; line over aiul aroimd the eyes, pale yellow; 
 beneath, pale greenish yellow ; sides shaded with olive. Length 4'-^ to 
 5 '4 inches. 
 
 AVsf. On the ground among clumps of bushes; made of grass, moss, 
 and plant stems, lined with hair. 
 
 £j,XS. 4-6; white or creamy, marked, chiefly around the larger end, 
 with spots of reddish brown and ])urplish slate ; 0.65 X 0.50. 
 
 This species, first discovered, early in May, on the banks of 
 the Missouri by my friend Mr. T. Say, appeared to be on its 
 passage farther north. It is not unconimon in winter in the 
 orange-groves of ^^'est Florida, where it proceeds to pass the 
 season, around St. Augustine ; and its note is described as a 
 mere chirp and faint squeak, scarcely louder than that of a 
 mouse. 
 
 According to Audubon, these birds breed in the eastern part 
 of Maine and in New Drimswick and Nova Scotia. In the 
 month of May we saw them abundant in the forests of the 
 Oregon, where no doubt they breed. The song is weak, some- 
 what resembling that of most of the Sylvicolas. 
 
 Aua ibon must have gathered in all the New Brunswick Orange 
 Crowns, for none have been seen there since his visit, nor can I 
 learn of any having been observed elsewhere in e.^.stern Canada, 
 excepting the few discovered by IMcIlwraith and Saunders in 
 
KIKTLAND'S WAKULLK. 
 
 .^65 
 
 southern Ontario, and one taken by Krncst I). Wintle near .Mon- 
 treal in 1.S90. 
 
 Accidental strairnlers have been taken in New England, but it Is 
 thieriy a Western l)ird, breeding in the far nortli, tliough it winters 
 in the Southern and (Jull States. 
 
 KIRTLAXD'S WARHLER. 
 1)KN1>R()ICA kikii.andi. 
 
 Char. Above, slaty brown, head bluish ; head and back stre.iked 
 with black; line across forehead and through tlie eyes, black ; beneath, 
 yellow, brcist and sides spotted with black; white blotches on tail. 
 Length 5^2 to 6 inches. 
 
 AVj/and A.,yj. Unknown. 
 
 Only a few specimens of this bird, discovered by Dr. Kirtland, 
 near Cleveland, in 1S51, have as yet been seen, and these few were 
 captured in South Carolina, \'irginia, 01ii(». .Michigan. Wisconsin, 
 and Missouri during the spring migrations, Mr. Charles H. Con,- 
 secured one in the Bahamas in winter. The habits of the bird are 
 unknown, but Mr. Chubb, who shot a male and female near Cleve- 
 land in 18S0, says: " I am inclined to think they are rather terres- 
 trial in their habits, freciuenting busliy fields near woods." .Mr. 
 Chapman suggests the probability of these birds breeding "'in the 
 Hud.son Bay region." 
 
 rn part 
 
 In the 
 
 of the 
 
 some- 
 
 Orange 
 can I 
 "anada, 
 lers in 
 
 XoTK, — The CARRONATEn Wakrler {Dendrflica carhonata), 
 mentioned by Xuttall on the authority of Audubon, who killed two 
 specimens in Kentucky, has been placed on the " Hypothetical 
 List " by the A. O. U. Committee, as has also the Blue .Moi-.v i aix 
 Warrler {Dendroica montuna) and the Smali.-hf.adko War- 
 bler {Syk'aniii microccphala), mentioned by Wilson and Audu- 
 bon. Xo specimens of either have been taken in recent years. 
 On this same list has been placed the Cincinnati Waki'.ler 
 {Iftlmintliophila cincinnatiensis ), which is probably a hybrid of 
 H. pi nil s and G. forniosa. 
 
 T(iwxsknd's Wari{Li:r {Dendroica ffl7vnscndi), described by 
 Nuttall and named in honor of its discoverer, is a rare bird of the 
 Far West, and its claim to mention here rests on the accidental 
 occurrence of one example near Philadelphia in 1868. 
 
JiiiHii-^: 
 
 
 
 (i 
 
 
 HOUSE WREN. 
 
 WOOD \\KEN. 
 
 Troglodytes aedon. 
 
 Char. Above, reddish brown (sometimes with dark bars), darker on 
 the head; below, brownisli wliite, marked irregularly with dark lines; 
 wings and tail with fine waved lines. Length ah(Hit 5 inches. 
 
 .Vt'st. On the eaves of houses or in a barn or hollow tree, etc. ; made 
 of grass, twigs, etc. ; the hole generally filled with rubbish and lined 
 with feathers. 
 
 ^.-.X^- "-<'; white tinted with pink, densely marked with reddish 
 brown; 0.65 X 0.50. 
 
 This lively, tlucrful, capricious, and well-known little min- 
 strel is only a sinnmer resident in the United States. Its 
 northern migrations extend to T,abrador, but it resides and 
 rears its voting principally in tlie Middle States. My friend 
 Mr. Sav also observed this species near Pembino. beyond the 
 sources of the Mississippi, in the Western wilderness of the 
 49th degree of latitude. It is likewise said to be an inhabitant 
 of Surinam, within the tropics, where its delightful melody has 
 gained it the nickname of the Nightingale. This region, or 
 the intermediate country of Mexico, is probably the winter 
 quarters of our domestic fivorite. In Louisiana it is unknown 
 even as a transient visitor, migrating apparently to the east of 
 
 l| 
 
arker on 
 rk lines ; 
 
 c. 
 
 made 
 id lined 
 
 reddish 
 
 min- 
 
 s. Its 
 
 e> and 
 
 friend 
 
 nd the 
 
 of the 
 
 abitant 
 
 ody has 
 
 ion, or 
 
 winter 
 
 known 
 
 east of 
 
 HOUSE WREN. 
 
 267 
 
 the Mississippi, and sedulously avoiding the region generally 
 inhabited by the Carolina Wren. ll. is a matter of surprise 
 how this, and some other species, with wings so short and a 
 flight so tluttering, are ever capable of arriving and returning 
 from such distant countries. At any rate, come from where 
 it may, it makes its aj)])earance in the Middle States about the 
 i2ih or 15th of April, and is seen in New England in the latter 
 entl of that month or by the beginning of May. It takes iis 
 departure for the South towards the close of September or 
 early in October, and is not known to winter within the limits 
 of the Union. 
 
 Some time in the early part of May our little social visitor 
 enters acti\ ely into the cares as well as pleasures which preside 
 instinctively over the fiat of propagation. His nest, from pref- 
 erence, near the house, is placed beneath the eaves, in some 
 remote corner under a shed, out-house, barn, or in a hollow 
 orchard tree ; also in the deserted cell of the Woodpecker, and 
 when provided with the convenience, in a wooden box along 
 with the Marlins and Lluebirds. He will make his nest even 
 in an old hat, nailed x\p, and perforated with a hole for en- 
 trance, or the skull of an ox stuck u])on a pole ; and Auduijon 
 saw one deposited in the pocket of a broken-down carriage. 
 So pertinacious is the House Wren in thus claiming the con- 
 venience and protection of human society that, according to 
 \\'ilson, an instance once occurred where a nest was made in 
 the sleeve of a mower's coat, which, in the month of June, was 
 hung up accidentally for t\V(j or three elays in a shed near a 
 barn. 
 
 The nest of this s])ecies, though less curious than that 
 of some other kinds, is still constructed with considerable 
 appearance of contrivance. The external a])proach is bar- 
 ricaded with a strong outwork of sticks, interlaced with 
 much labor and ingenuity. When the nest, therefore, is 
 placed beneath the eaves, or in some other situation contig- 
 uous to the roof of the building, the access to the inner fabric 
 is so nearly closed by this formidable mass of twigs that a 
 mere portion of the edge is algne left open for the female, 
 
 :^^ 1-1 
 
 !i 
 
 r 
 
268 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 w 
 
 iiii 
 
 i ! 
 
 1 ill' 
 
 •(.■: 
 
 
 k 
 
 
 I IHI 
 
 
 
 
 : Mi 
 
 
 j 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 ! 
 
 1 ^- ■! i 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 : ; '1 
 . , '( 
 
 ■.I 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 ■i 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 just sufificient for her to creep in and out. Within this judi- 
 cious fort is i)laced the proper nest, of the usual hemispherical 
 figure, formed of layers of dried stalks of grass, and lined with 
 fealliers. The eggs, from 6 to 9, are of a reddish flesh-color, 
 si)rinkled all over with innumerable fine grains of a somewhat 
 deeper tint. They generally rear two broods in the season : 
 the first take to flight about the beginning of June, and the 
 second in July or August. The young are early capable of 
 providing for their own subsistence and twittering forth their 
 petulant cry of alarm. It is both pleasant and amusing to 
 observe the sociability and activity of these recent nurslings, 
 who seem to move in a body, throwing themselves into antic 
 attitudes, often crowding together into the old nests of other 
 birds, and for some time roosting near their former cradle, 
 under the affectionate eye of their busy parents, who have 
 perhaps already begun to prepare the same nest for a new 
 progeny. Indeed, so prospective and busy is the male that 
 he frequently amuses himself with erecting another mansion 
 even while his mate is still sitting on her eggs ; and this curi- 
 ous habit of superfluous labor seems to be more or less common 
 to the whole genus. 
 
 One of these Wrens, according to Wilson, happened to lose 
 his mate by the sly and ravenous approaches of a cat, — an ani- 
 mal which they justly hold in abhorrence. The day after this 
 important loss, our Httle widower had succeeded in introducing 
 to his desolate mansion a second partner, whose welcome 
 ai^peared by the ecstatic song which the bridegroom now 
 uttered ; after this they remained together, and reared their 
 brood. In the summer of 1830 I fountl a female W^ren who 
 had e\i)ired on the nest in the abortive act of laying her first 
 egg. I therefore took away the nest from under the edge of the 
 shed in which it was built. The male, however, continued 
 round the place as before, and still cheerfully uttered his 
 accustomed song. Unwilling to leave the premises, he now 
 went to work and made, unaided, another dwelling, and after 
 a time brought a new mate to take possession ; but less foith- 
 ful than \\'ilson's bird, or suspecting some lurking danger, she 
 
 
to lose 
 
 in ani- 
 
 er this 
 
 ucing 
 
 come 
 
 now 
 
 their 
 
 n who 
 
 r first 
 
 of the 
 
 inued 
 
 1 his 
 
 now 
 
 after 
 
 liith- 
 
 , she 
 
 I II 
 
 ii 
 
 HOUSE WREN. 
 
 269 
 
 forsook the nest after entering, and never laid in it, Uut still 
 the happy warbler continued his uninterrupted la\-, apparently 
 in solitude. 
 
 The song of our familiar Wren is loud, sprigluly, and tremu- 
 lous, uttered with peculiar animation, and rapidly repeated ; at 
 first the voice seems ventriloquial and distant, and then bursts 
 forth by efforts into a mellow and echoing warble. 'J he trill- 
 ing, hurried notes seem to reverberate from the leaf\" branches 
 in which the musician sits obscured, or are heard from the low 
 roof of the vine-mantled cottage like the shrill and unwearied 
 pipe of some sylvan elf. The strain is continued even during 
 the sultry noon of the summer's day, when most of the feath- 
 ered songsters seek repose and shelter from the heat. His 
 lively and querulous ditty is, however, still accompanied by 
 the slower-measured, pathetic chant of the Red-eyed I'ly- 
 catcher, the meandering, tender warble of the Musical Vireo, 
 or the occasional loud mimicry of the Catbird ; the whole 
 forming an aerial, almost celestial concert, which ne\er tires 
 the ear. Tliough the general performance of our Wren brars 
 no inconsiderable resemblance to that of the luiropean species, 
 yet his voice Is louder, and his execution much more varied and 
 delightfiil. He is rather a bold and insolent intruder upon those 
 birds who reside near him or claim the same accommodation. 
 He frequently causes the mild Bluebird or the Martin to relin- 
 quish their hereditary claims to the garden box, and lias been 
 accused also of sucking their eggs. \or is he any better con- 
 tented with neighbors of his own fraternity who settle near him, 
 keeping up frequent squabbles, like other little busybodies, 
 who are never happy but in mischief; so that iq^on the whole, 
 though we may justly admire the fine talents of this petulant 
 domestic, he is, like many other actors,, merely a good per- 
 former. He is still upon the whole a real friend to the farmer 
 and horticulturist, by the number of injurious insects and their 
 destructive lar\-ne on which both he and his numerous family 
 subsist. Bold and fearless, seeking out every advantageous 
 association, and making up in activity wliat he may lack in 
 strength, he does not confine his visits to the cottage or the 
 
 n 
 
 iiil 
 
 * 
 
270 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 II. 
 
 ¥ 
 
 country, but may often be heard on the tops of houses even in 
 the mi<lst of the city, warbling with his usual energy. 
 
 The House Wren is a common summer resident of Massachu- 
 setts, hut is rarely seen north of this State, 
 
 The only instance of its occurrence in New Brunswick is that of 
 a pair seen at Cirand Falls by Mr. C. F. Batchelder. It is fairly 
 common near Montreal and throui^di southern Ontario, and is 
 abundant in Manitoba. It winters in the Middle States and 
 southward. 
 
 NoTi:. — A Western form — distinguished from true acdon by the 
 prevalence of gray on its upper parts and its more distinct bars on 
 the back — occurs from Illinois and Manitoba westward. This is 
 Western House Wki:n {T. a. astccus). 
 
 The Wood Wki:.\ (7". anicriianiis), mentioned by Nuttall on the 
 authority of Audubon, should have been referred to T. acdon. 
 
 \VINTP:R WRICN. 
 
 Troc;i,()I)V'jks hikm.ai.is. 
 
 Ch.\r. Above, recldi.^h brown, biighle.st on the rump, marked with 
 dark waved lines; wings and tail with dark bars; under i)arls paler 
 brown, belly and under tail-coverts with numerous dark bars. Length 
 about 4 inches. 
 
 Nest. At the font of a moss-covered stuinn, or under a fallen tree, or 
 amid a pile of brush; coniposcil of twigs and moss, lined with leathers. 
 
 Eggs. 4-6 ; white, sp'-itud, chiefly near the larger end, with reddish 
 brown and purple ; 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
 This little winter visitor, which approaches the Middle States 
 in the month of October, seems scarcely in any way distin- 
 guishable from the Common Wren of Europe. It sometimes 
 passes the winter in Pennsylvania, and according to .Audubon 
 even breeds in the (heat Pine Swamp in that State, as well as 
 in New York. Karly in the spring it is seen on its returning 
 route to the Northwest. Air. Say observed it in stmimcr near 
 the base of the Rocky Mountains ; it was also seen, at the 
 same scnson, on the White Mountains of New Hampshire by 
 the scientific exploring party of Dr. P)igelow, Messrs. I>oott 
 
il 
 
 WINTI'.K WREN. 
 
 271 
 
 tree, or 
 lithcrs. 
 reddish 
 
 States 
 
 (listin- 
 
 [letimes 
 
 Idubon 
 
 Iwell as 
 
 lurning 
 
 T near 
 
 lat the 
 
 |iire by 
 
 15oott 
 
 and (iray, so tliat it must retire to the Western or mountainous 
 solitudes to pass the period of incubation. Mr. Townsend 
 obtained si)ecimens of this bird in the forests of the Cohun- 
 bia. Durinj^^ its residence in the Middle Slates it fre(iuents 
 the broken banks of rivulets, old roots, and decayed loL^s near 
 watery places in ([uest of its insect food. As in lauope. il also 
 approaches the farm-house, examines the \voud-i)ilc, erecting 
 its tail, and creeping into the interstices like a mouse. It 
 frequently mounts on some projecting object and sings with 
 great animation. In the gardens and outhouses of the city it 
 a])])ears ecpially familiar as the moie common Hour^e Wren. 
 
 'I'he Wren has a pleasing warble, ami much louder lh:ui 
 might be expected from its diminutive size, lis song likewise 
 continues more or less throughout the vear, — e\en during the 
 prevalenc ' of snowstorm it has been heard as cheerful as 
 ever ; it li' e ise continues its note till very late in the evening, 
 though not after dark. 
 
 This species is common throughout the ]:Iastern States, breeding 
 in northern New England and north to the (iull Of St. Lawrence, 
 and westward througli northern Ohio and Ontario to .Manit()l)a. 
 During the summer it occurs :dso, sparingly, on the lierkshirc Hills 
 in .Massachusetts, and along tlie crests of the Alleghanies to .\orih 
 Carolina. It winters from about 40° southward. 
 
 Had Xuttall ever met with the Winter W'ren in its summer 
 haunts ; had he heard its wild melody break the stillness of the 
 bird's forest home, or known of the power controlled by that tiny 
 throstle and of its capacity for briilianl execution : had he but once 
 listened to its sweet and impassioned tones, and the sugi,a'stive 
 joyousness of its rapid trills; had Nuttall, in short, ever heard 
 the bird sing, — he could not, surely, have damned it with such 
 faint praise. 
 
 The song of this Wren is not well known, for the bird seldom 
 sings beyond the nesting period, and tlien is rarely heard away 
 from the woodland groves. Ihit once heard, the song is not; soon 
 forgotten : it is so wild and sweet a lay. and is flung upon the 
 woodland quiet with such energy, such hilarious abandon, that it 
 commands attention. Its merits entitle it to rank among the best 
 of our sylvan melodies. 
 
 r 1 
 
 i I 
 
Mi; 
 
 "i' 
 
 f:'.' 
 
 If' ^ 
 
 P] 
 
 CAROLINA WKEN. 
 
 MOCKING WREN. 
 TlIRVOlHORUS LUDOVICIANUS. 
 
 Char. Above, reddish brown, with fine black bars ; below, tawny buff ; 
 long line over the eye white or buff ; wings and tail with dark bars 
 Lengtli 5/2 to 6 inches. 
 
 A'c's/. In any available hole, often ni hollow tree, sometimes in brush 
 heap, usually in the woods ; composed of grass, leaves, etc., sometimes 
 fastened with corn-silk, lined with feathers, grass, or horse-hair. 
 
 ^-Xlif^- 3~6 ; white, with pink (jr buff tint, thickly speckled around 
 larger end with reddish brown ; 0.75 X 0.60. 
 
 This remarkable mimicking and Musical Wren is a constant 
 resident in the Southern States from Virginia to Florida, but 
 is rarely seen at any season north of the line of Maryland or 
 Delaware, though, attracted by the great river-courses, it is 
 abundant from Pittsburg to New Orleans. A few individuals 
 stray, in the course of the spring, as far as the line of New 
 York, and appear in New Jersey and the vicinity of Philadel- 
 phia early in the month of Aray. On the lyth of April, re- 
 turning from a Southern tour of great extent, I again recognized 
 my old and pleasing acquaintance, by his usual note, near 
 Chester, on the Delaware, where, I have little doubt, a few 
 remain and pass the summer, retiring to the South only 
 
 
 
 
 !■,'). 
 
 ^ 1 
 
 
CAROLINA WREN. 
 
 273 
 
 :a\vny buff ; 
 dark bars 
 
 es in bru>h 
 sometimes 
 
 led around 
 
 constant 
 
 )rida, but 
 
 jiryland or 
 
 [■ses, it is 
 
 idividuals 
 
 of New 
 
 Philadel- 
 I April, re- 
 
 ^cognized 
 |ote, near 
 
 )t, a few 
 
 juth only 
 
 as the weather becomes inclement. On the banks of the 
 Patapsco, near Baltimore, their song is still heard to the close 
 of November. 
 
 Our bird has all the petulance, courage, industry, and famili- 
 arity of his particular tribe. He delights to survey the mean- 
 ders of peaceful streams, and dwell amidst the shady trees 
 which adorn their banks. His choice seems to convey a taste 
 for the pictures<]ue and beautiful in Nature, himself, in the 
 foreground, forming one of the most pleasing attractions of 
 the scene. Approaching the waterfall, he associates with its 
 murmurs the presence of the Kingfisher, and modulating the 
 hoarse rattle of his original into a low, varied, desi)onding note, 
 he sits on some depending bough by the stream, and calls, at 
 intervals, in a slow voice, tcc-yiirrJi kc-yiirrh, or thr'r' r'r^r/i. 
 In the tall trees by the silent stream, he recollects the lively, 
 common note of the Tufted Titmouse, and repeats the peto pcto 
 pcto pcct, or his peevish katttiuUJ, katHcdiii, katciiiJ. While 
 gleaning low, amidst fallen leaves and brushwood, for hiding 
 and dormant insects and worms, he perhaps brings up the note 
 of his industrious neighbor, the Ground Robin, and sets to his 
 own sweet and li(iuids tones the simple hnocct towcct to-wcct. 
 The tremulous trill of the Pine Warbler is then recollected, 
 and tr' r' r' r' r' r' ih is whistled. In the next breath comes his 
 imitation of the large Woodpecker, woity 7<'oih' 7^oify and 
 7votchy wotchy wotcJiy, or tshovcc tshovce fshof, and tshooddee 
 tshoodiiee tshooadcet, then varied to tshiivai tsJiiivai tshuvat, and 
 toovaiiah toovaiiah toovai'iatoo. Next comes perhaps his more 
 musical and pleasing version of the Blackbird's short song, 
 uottitshee ivottitshec 7i.'offitshee. To the same smart tune is 
 now set a chosen part of the drawling song of the Meadow 
 Lark, pirceJo prccedo pircri-f. then waried, rccedo recede receet 
 and tecedo tecedo tccect ; or changing to a bass key, he tunes 
 sooteet sooicet soot. Once, I heard this indefatigable mimic 
 attempt delightfullv the warble of the Bluebird in the month of 
 February. The bold whistle of the Cardinal Bird is another 
 of the sounds he delights to imitate and repeat in his own 
 quaint manner ; such as vit-yii vit-yii vit-yii, and vishnu lishnu 
 
 VOL. I. iS 
 
 
274 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 »<■■ ?^ 
 
 i ; 
 
 t » ■ 
 
 il 
 
 ijii 
 
 fi 
 
 Mil 
 
 .' 
 
 ' i 
 
 
 
 :f. 
 
 i 
 
 I ii,;. 
 
 4 1. 
 
 
 1 
 
 ^L 
 
 t:r 
 
 
 7'is/uN/, then his woitcc looihr woitee and wiltce wiltee wiltee. 
 Soon alter I first heard the note of the White-eyed Vireo in 
 March, the CaroUna Wren immediately mimicked the note of 
 tciah 7>.<cwd wittec loeeioa. Some of these notes would ap])ear 
 t(j Ije recollections of the past season, as imitations of the 
 Maryland Xellow-'l'hroat (joittisee wiitisce wittiscc loif, and 
 shcwaiJit shcuHiiilit shcivaiiiit), not yet heard or arrived within 
 the boundary of the United States. So also his /sherry tslurry 
 tilwrry tshiip is one of the notes of the Baltimore Bird, yet in 
 South America. 
 
 While at 'I'uscaloosa, about the 20th of February, one of 
 these Wrens, on the borders of a garden, sat and repeated for 
 some time /s/ie-iohiskct' 7i<hiskcc w/iiskee, then soohiit soolait 
 soohiit ; another of his phrases is tshiikadcc tshiikdikc tsliukd- 
 dcctslioo and cJij'ihway chj^ihuay chjlbway, uttered quick ; the 
 first of these exj)ressions is in imitation of one of the notes of 
 the Scarlet Tanager. Amidst these imitations and variations, 
 which seem almost endless, and lead the stranger to imagine 
 himself, even in the depth of winter, surrounded by all the 
 quaint choristers of the summer, there is still, with our capri- 
 cious and tuneful mimic, a favorite theme more constantly 
 and regularly repeated than the rest. This was also the first 
 sound that I heard from him, delivered with great spirit, though 
 in the dreary month of January. This sweet and melodious 
 ditty, tscc-toot tscc-toot tscc-toot, and sometimes tsce-toot tscc- 
 toot sect, was usually uttered in a somewhat plaintive or tender 
 strain, varied at each repetition with the most delightful and 
 delicate tones, of which no conception can be formed without 
 experience. That this song has a sentimental air may be con- 
 ceived from its interpretation by the youths of the country, 
 who pretend to hear it say sivcet-hcart S7vcct-hcart sivcet ! Nor 
 is the illusion more than the natural truth ; for, usually, this 
 affectionate ditty is answered by its mate, sometimes in the 
 same note, at others, in a different call. In most cases it will 
 be remarked that the phrases of our songster are uttered in 
 3's ; by this means it will generally be practicable to distinguish 
 its performance from that of other birds, and particularly from 
 
CAROLINA WREN. 
 
 275 
 
 wiltee. 
 'ireo in 
 note of 
 appear 
 of the 
 '//, and 
 I within 
 ' ishiiry 
 1, yet in 
 
 , one of 
 ?ated for 
 :V soolait 
 ' tshukd- 
 ick; the 
 notes of 
 ariations, 
 ) imagine 
 ^y all the 
 lur capri- 
 onstantly 
 ) the first 
 t, though 
 nelodious 
 toot /s(r- 
 or tender 
 (it fill and 
 ^1 without 
 J be con- 
 country, 
 r^// Nor 
 ,aUy, this 
 :s in the 
 ;es it will 
 [ttered in 
 jstinguish 
 rlv from 
 
 the Cardinal Cirosbeak, whose expressions it often closely imi- 
 tates both in power and delivery. I shall never, I believe, 
 forget the soothing satisfaction and amusement J deriN'ed from 
 this little constant and unwearied minstrel, my sole vocal com- 
 panion through many weary miles of a vast, desolate, and 
 otherwise cheerless wilderness. Vet with all his readiness to 
 amuse by his Protean song, the epitome of all he had ever 
 heard or recollecteil, he was still studious of concealment, 
 keeping busily engaged near the groimd, or in low thickets, in 
 cpiest of his food ; and when he mounted a log or brush pile, 
 which he had just examined, his color, so similar to the fiUen 
 leaves and wintry livery of Nature, often prevented me from 
 gaining a glimpse of this wonderful and interesting mimic. 
 
 Like the preceding species, he has restless activity and a 
 love for prying into the darkest corners after his prey, and is 
 ])articularly attached to the vicinity of rivers and wet places, 
 when not surrounded by gloomy shade. His quick and (ai)ri- 
 cious motions, antic jerks, and elevated tail resemble tne actions 
 of the House Wren. Imager and lively in his contracted llighl, 
 before shifting he quickly throws himself forward, so as ne;irly 
 to touch his perch previous to springing from his legs. In 
 Tuscaloosa and other towns in Alabama he appeared frctpiently 
 upon the tops of the barns and out-houses, delivering with 
 energy his varied and desultory lay. At I'allahassec, in West 
 Florida, I observed one of these birds chanting near the door 
 of a cottage, and occasionally imitating, in his way, the squall- 
 ing of the crying child within, so that, like the Mocking llinl, 
 all sounds, if novel, contribute to his amusement. 
 
 This species is common in the Southern States and north to 40^, 
 hein.fj extremely abundant in southern Illinois, and it occasionally 
 wanders to northern Ohio and to New York, Connecticut, Massa- 
 chusetts, and southern New Hami)sliire. Mr. Saunders reports 
 that one was taken near London, Ontario, in February, 1891. 
 
 jg^oxE. — The Florida Wren {T.Iudovicianus //lianiensis) \'?, 
 a lar"-er, darker form, which is restricted to southeastern Florida. 
 
 I 
 
 ! ! 
 
nt 
 
 76 
 
 siNciiNc] i;ikijs. 
 
 If 
 
 '.I 
 
 Mh.. 
 
 •ii I 
 
 lu: 
 
 s 
 
 
 !<', 1 
 
 Hi 
 
 1^ 
 
 1^ 
 
 BKwicK's wri:n. 
 
 LON(i-l All.r.lJ 11UL>K WREN. 
 
 'I'llKMH lloKLS lilAVlCKIl. 
 
 Char. Above, chcslimt hiown; tail with durk l)ar.s; wings wot 
 l»arrecl ; huff stripe over eye; below, dull white; Ikuiks brown. Length 
 5 to 5J^2 inches. 
 
 A'fsf. Almost anywhere. In settled districts it is usually built in a 
 crevice of a house or barn; but in the woods a holluw tree or stump is 
 selected, or a clumi) of bushes. Composed of a mass of leaves, grass, etc., 
 roughly put together. 
 
 /A.,,f. ,_7; white or with jjink tint, thickly marked with tine si)0ts of 
 reddish brown and purple; 0.65 X 0.50. 
 
 i'or the (lisc;ovcry of this beautiful species of ^\'ren, appar- 
 ently allied to the preceding, with which it seems nearly to 
 agree in size, we are indel)ted to the indefatigable Audubon, in 
 whose splendid work it is for the first time figured. It was 
 observed by its discoverer, towards the approach of winter, in 
 the lower i)art of Louisiana. Its manners are very similar to 
 those of other species, but instead of a song, at this season it 
 only uttered a low twitter. 
 
 Dr. l>achman foinid this species to be the most prevalent of 
 any other in the mountains of \'irginia. particidarly about the 
 Salt Suli)hur Springs, where they breed and i)ass the season. 
 The notes bear some resemblance to those of the Winter Wren, 
 being scarcely louder or more connected. From their habit ol 
 pryipg into holes and hollow logs they are suj^posed to breed in 
 such situations. Mr. Trudeau believes that the}- breed in Loui- 
 siana. In the marshy meadows of the Wahlamet Mr. Townsend 
 and myself fre([uently saw this species, accompanied by the 
 young, as early as the month of May. At this time they have 
 much the habit and manners of the Marsh Wren, and probaljly 
 nest in the tussocks of rank grass in which we so frequently 
 saw them gleaning their prey. They were now shy, and rarely 
 seen in the vicinity of our camp. 
 
 Bewick's Wren is abundant along the Mississippi valley, but is 
 rarely seen east of the Alleghanies or north of latitude 40°. 
 
 '-\ 
 
SIIOKT-DILLLl) MAKSII \VKi:\. 
 
 2/7 
 
 
 k but is 
 
 SHORr-i;ii.i.i:i) maksh wrkn. 
 
 Cismi iiokus sii.i.i.AKis. 
 
 CilAR. AIjovc, brovn, \ety dark on crown and l)ack, and streaked 
 evcrywliere with bultv ; winj;s and tail with dark l)ai> IjcIow. hutly 
 white, paler on throat and belly; Imast .md sides shaded with biown 
 I-cngth 4 to -I '2 inches. 
 
 ^\V,v/. On the ground, amid a tuft of iii^h grass, in fresh-water marsh or 
 swampy meadow ; composed of grass, lined with vegetable down. L. du- 
 ally the tops of surrounding grass are wcaved above the nest, leaving an 
 entrance at the side. 
 
 Zi^;:,^. 0-b; white; 0.O5 X 0.50. 
 
 Tiiis amusing and not unnuisical little species inhabits the 
 lowest marshy meadows, but does not freciuent the reed-tlats. 
 It never visits cultivated grounds, and is at all times shy, timiil, 
 and suspicious. It arrives in this jiart of Massachusetts about 
 the close of the firrit week in May. and retires to the Soiiih by 
 the miildle of Se]nember at farthest, probably b\- ni^ht, as it is 
 never seen in ])rogress, so that its northern residence is only 
 l^olonged about four months. In winter this bird is seen from 
 South Carolina to Texas. 
 
 His presence is announced by his lively and quaint song of 
 Vj7/ ^tsJiip, li (/av (An (Ah' (An, delivered in haste and earnest 
 at short intervals, either when he is momited on a tuft of 
 sedge, or while perching on some low bush mar the skirt of 
 the marsh. The '/s/i '/,*///> is uttered with a strong aspiration, 
 and the remainder with a guttural echo. A\'hile thus engaged, 
 his head and t- il are alternately de])resscd and elevated, as if 
 the little odd jx'rformer were fixed on a pivot. Sometimes the 
 note varies to V.v//// 'A//// 'A7//(i', (//i' (///' (///' <///', the latter 
 part being a pleasant trill. When approached too closely, — 
 which not often ha]ipened, as he never permitted me to come 
 within two or diree feet of his station, — his song became 
 harsh and more hurried, like 'A//// (/d (At dd, and (A' r/c (A' (A' 
 iV (P (Ah, or tsJic (A- r/c (A- dc, rising into an angry, petulant cry, 
 sometimes also a low, hoarse, and scolding (Am^li (Aa'n^h ; then 
 again on invading the nest the sound sank to a plaintive Usk 
 
 
H 
 
 % 
 
 i . 
 
 
 -i ■ 
 
 ' ■■ Jf' 
 
 ■ ;. U 
 
 i 
 
 .1 
 
 
 
 m 
 
 278 
 
 si.\(ii.\(; lUKDs. 
 
 /s/ti/>, '/i/i tship. In the early part of the breednig season the 
 male is very lively and musical, and in his best hunmr he tunes 
 up a 'A//// 'tship tship a i/,i\ with a pleasantly warbled and 
 reiterated </<•. At a later period another male uttered little else 
 than a hoarse antl guttural (/(fii;h, h.irdly louder than the croak- 
 ing of a frog. When approached, these birds repeatedly descend 
 into the grass, where they spend much of their time in (juest of 
 insects, tdiielly crustaceous, which with moths. ( onstilute their 
 l)rincipal food ; here, unseen, tiiey still sedulously utter their 
 quaint warbUng, and tship tship a ii,ry (An (An (An may for 
 about a month from their arrival bi' heard pleasantly echoing 
 on a fine morning from tiie borders of ever\ low marsh and wet 
 meadow ])rovided with tussocks of sedge-grass, in which they 
 indispensably dwell, for a time engaged in the cares and grati- 
 fication of raising and providing for their young. 
 
 The nest of the Short-billetl Marsh Wren is made wholly of 
 dry or ])artly green sedge, bent usually from the toj) of the 
 grassy tuft in which the fabric is situated. \\'ith much inge- 
 nuity and labor these simple materials are loosely entwined 
 together into a spherical form, with a small and rather obscure 
 entrance left in the side ; a thin lining is sometimes added to 
 the whole, of the linty fibres of tlie silk-weed or some other 
 similar material. 'I'he eggs, pure white and destitute of spots, 
 are probably from 6 t(j S. In a nest containing 7 eggs there 
 were 3 of them larger than the rest and perfectly fresh, while 
 the 4 snuincr were far advanced towards hatching ; from this 
 circumstance we may fairly infer that /'iv^ diiferent individuals 
 had laid in the same nest, — a circumstance more common 
 among wikl birds than is generally imagined. This is also the 
 more remarkable as the male of this species, like many other 
 Wrens, is much employed in making nests, of which not more 
 than one in three or four are ever occupied by the females. 
 
 The summer limits of this species, confounded with the 
 ordinary ]\^arsh-^^'ren, are yet unascertained ; and it is singu- 
 lar to remark how near it aii])roaches to another species in- 
 habiting the temperate parts of the southern hemisphere in 
 America, namely, the Sylvia p/atensis, figured and indicated by 
 
on the 
 
 • luiics 
 
 (l and 
 tic else 
 
 croak- 
 [csccnd 
 jucst of 
 te tluir 
 ;[■ tluir 
 ;uay for 
 cchoinfj 
 and wet 
 ch they 
 id grati- 
 
 dioUy of 
 [) of the 
 L'h inge- 
 intwiiK'd 
 obscure 
 Idc'd to 
 other 
 f spots, 
 s there 
 1, while 
 om this 
 ividuals 
 ommon 
 also the 
 ny other 
 lot more 
 ales, 
 ith the 
 IS singii- 
 ecies in- 
 -)here in 
 :ated by 
 
 lie 
 
 
 I.ONCi-IULLKI) MARSn WkKN. 
 
 2/9 
 
 HulTon. The time of arrival and (K'|iarture in this <fpc< ic^, 
 agreeing exactly with the apiJearame of the Mar-.h Wren of 
 W'ikon, appears to prove that it also exists in Pennsylvania 
 with the following, who^e migration, according to Audubon, is 
 more than a month earlier and later than that of our bird. Mr. 
 ( 'ooper, however, has not been able to meet with it in the 
 vicinity of New Vork, but I )r. I'rudeau found its nest in the 
 marshes of the 1 )elaware. 
 
 This Wren occurs thnnii^^hout the Mastcrii I'rovince nonh to 
 Massachusetts on the Atlantic, and in tlie wot to .Manitoba, breed- 
 ing generally ncMtli of 40^ and winterin;; in the (iulf States. It is 
 found in eastern Canada only on the marshes near Lake 6t. Clair. 
 
 LOXd-BII.I.I'l) MARSH WRKN. 
 CivinnioKis l>\| rsiKIS. 
 
 Char. .Above, dull roddisli hrown, darker on crown ; b.ick biack, 
 streaked witii white ; white line over eyes; winj;s and t.iil with dark b.ir3; 
 below, buffy white, sh.idetl uii sides with brown, l.ciiytii 5 to 5^^ inches. 
 
 .Vcsf. In a salt marsh or reedy swamp of interior, t'a>teiied to reeds or 
 cat-tails or a small biisii ; composed of ,y;rass and reeds, sometimes 
 plastered with mud, lined with tine grass or feathers. It is bulky and 
 spherical in form, the entrance at the sitle. 
 
 /t\v- 6-10 ; gcnerallv so thickly covered with dark-brown spots .is to 
 appear uniform chocolate with darker spots; 0.65 X 0.50. 
 
 This retiring inhabitant of marshes and the wet and sedgy 
 borders of rivers arrives in the Middle States of the Union 
 early in April, and retires to the South about the middle of 
 October. It is scarcely found to the north of the State of 
 New Vork, its place in New Mngland being usually occupied 
 by the preceding species, though a few individuals are known 
 to breed in the marshes near Cambridge and lioston. 
 
 It is a remarkably active and quaint little bird, skipping 
 and diving about with great activity after its insect food and 
 their larvne among the rank grass and rushes, near ponds and 
 the low banks of rivers, where alone it affects to dwell, laying 
 no claims to the immunities of the habitable circle of man. 
 but content with its favorite marshes ; neglected and seldom 
 
 II 
 
2SO 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 fji 
 
 III- : .: 
 
 II 
 
 !h 
 
 ''U-v\ 
 
 » ? 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 f f 
 
 i 
 
 ( 
 
 ( 
 
 h 
 
 H- 
 
 ■i-j- 
 
 
 m 
 
 M 
 
 seen, it rears its young in security. Tiie song, according to the 
 obser\ations of a friend, '<h very similar to that of the preced- 
 ing, — a sort of short, tremulous, and hurried warble. Its 
 notes were even yet heard in an island of the Delaware, opi)o- 
 site to Philadelphia, as late as the month of September, where 
 they were still in plenty in this secluded asylum. Towards tiie 
 close of the breeding season the song often falls off into a low, 
 gutturai, bubbling sound, which appears almost like an effort of 
 ventrilociuism. 
 
 The nest, according to Wilson, is generally suspended 
 among the reeds and securely tied to them at a sutificient 
 height above the access of the highest tides. It is formed of 
 wet rushes well intertwisted together, mixed with mud, and 
 fashioned into the form of a cocoa-nut, having a small orifice 
 left ip. the side for entrance. The prmcipal material of this 
 nt-st, as in the pre(r(ling species, is, however, according to 
 .\udubon, the leaves of the sedge-grass, on a tussock of which 
 it also occasionally rests. The young quit the nest about the 
 20th of June, and ihey generally have a second brood in the 
 course of the season. From liie number of empty nests found 
 in the vicinity of the residence of the Marsh Wren, it is 
 prottv evident that it is also much employed in the usual 
 suj/v ifluc-as or capricious labor of the genus. The pugnacious 
 character of the males, indeed, forbids the possibility of so 
 manv n n-; 'jcing amicably occupied in the near neighborhood 
 in which tliey are commonly found. 
 
 This Wren is common in suitable localities in Massachusetts, but 
 has not been found farther northward. It occurs westward to the 
 Pacific, and south (in winter) to the (iulf States. It appears on 
 Canadian territory only in .southern Ontario and .Manitoba. 
 
 Note. — Worthixgton's Marsh Wrkx {C. paliistns i^riscus) 
 and Marian's Marsh Wkkn {C. p. mariaiue) have been discov 
 ered somewhat recently, bo.h are smaller than true palustris. 
 Gfiscus is described as the palest of the three, and •• its dark mark- 
 ings are less pronounced. It is restricted to the coast of South 
 Carolina and (jeorgia,"' while iiiariancc has been found only on the 
 southwestern coast of Florida. The latter race is the darkest of 
 the three. 
 
RUBV-C KOWN KI ) KING LET. 
 
 281 
 
 RUP.Y-CROWN 1<: I ) KINGLET. 
 Regulus CALEN I )U I .A . 
 
 Char. Above, olive, brighter on rump; crown witli a concealed patch 
 of rich scarlet, white at the base, — wanting in feniaie and young , white 
 ring around the eyes; wings and tail chi.^ky, the leathers edited witii dull 
 bul^; wings with two white bars, below, dull white tin;j,e(l with buff. 
 Length about 4J4 inches. 
 
 iVt.'f. In woodland, usually partially pensile, suspended iiom extrem- 
 ity of branch, — often placed on top of branch, sometimes against the 
 trunk, — on coniferous tree, 10 to jo feet Irom the ground: neatly and 
 compactly made of shreds of bark, gras>, ami moss, lined with feathers or 
 hair. 
 
 JS^j^s. 6-9; dull white or buff, spotted, ehietly around larger end, with 
 bright reddish brown; 0.55 X 0.43. 
 
 These beautiful little birds i)ass the summer and breeding 
 season in the colder parts of the North American continent, 
 penetrating even t(j the dreary coasts of ( irccnland, whert', as 
 well as around Hudson's Bay and Labrador, they rear their 
 young in solitude, and obtain abundance of the diminutive 
 flying insects, gnats, and t:ynips, on which with small cater- 
 pillars they and their young delight to feed. Li the months of 
 October and November the approach of winter in their natal 
 regions stimulates them to migrate towards the South, when 
 they arrive in the I'^astern and Middle S(;Ues, and frequent in 
 a familiar and unsuspicious manner the gardens and orchards ; 
 how flir they proceed to the South is uncertain. On the 12th 
 of Januar}' I observed them near C"h;nieston, South Carolina, 
 with companies of Sv/r/as busily darting through the ever- 
 greens in swampy situations in (piest of food, i^robably minute 
 larvre. About the first week in Marcli I again observed them 
 in W est Florida in great numbers, busily employed for hours 
 together in the tallest trees, some of which were alread\- un- 
 folding their blossoms, such as the maples and oaks. About 
 the beginning of .\pril they are seen in Pennsylvania on their 
 way to the dreary limits of the continent, where they only 
 arrive towards the close of May, so that in the extremity of 
 their range they do not stay more than three months. Wilson, 
 
'Ii! 
 
 U 
 
 i' 
 
 •I 
 
 !! 
 
 SINGING BIRDS, 
 
 it would appear, sometimes met with them in Pennsylvania 
 even in summer; but as far as 1 can learn, they are never t)l)- 
 served in Massachusetts at that season, and with their nest and 
 habits of incubation we are unaccjuainted. In the fall they 
 seek society apparently with the 'litmouse and Golden-Crested 
 Kinglet, with whom they are intimately related in habits, man- 
 ners, and diet ; the whole forming a busy, silent, roving com- 
 pany, with no object in view but that of incessantly gleaning 
 their now scanty and retiring prey. So eagerly, indeed, are 
 they engaged at this time that scarcely feeling sympathy 
 for each other, or willing to die any death but that of famine, 
 they continue almost uninterruptedly to hunt through the same 
 tree from which their unfortunate companions have just fallen 
 by the destructive gun. They only make at this time, occa- 
 sionally, a feeble chirp, and take scarcely any alarm, however 
 near they are observed. Audubon met with this species breed- 
 ing in Labrador, but did not discover the nest; its song, he 
 remarks, is fully as sonorous as that of the Canary, — as pow- 
 erful and clear, and even more varied. 
 
 This species probably breeds from about latitude 45° to the 
 lower fur countries, and on the higher mountains to the southward. 
 Few nests have been discovered. Rev. Frank Ritchie found one 
 near Lennoxville. Quebec, and Harry Austen has taken another 
 near Halifax, in which he found 11 eggs. 
 
 The full song is much more elaborate and more beautiful tlian 
 the bird has usually been credited with, for it has been described 
 by writers who have heard only the thin, weak notes more gener- 
 allv uttered. Mr. Chapman describes this song as mellow and 
 riute-like, "loud enough to be heard several liundred yards: an 
 intricate warble past imitation or description, and rendered so 
 admirably that I never hear it now without feeling an impulse to 
 applaud." 
 
 Note. — Cuviek's Kixgi-F.t {Riyulii.'; cin'icr}) was placed on 
 the " Hvpothet'cal List" by the A. O. U. Committee. The simple 
 bird shot bv Audubon in Pennsylvania is the only specimen that 
 has been obtained. 
 
 i I 
 
 ; ! 
 
 Li.i 
 
GOLDEX-CROWX F.D KI XG LI : T. 
 
 ReGULUS SATKArA. 
 
 Char. Above, olive, brightest on the rump; crown with patch of 
 orange red and yellow, bordered by black (female and young lacknig the 
 red) ; forehead and line over eyes and patch beneath, dull white ; wings 
 and tail dusky, the feathers edged with dull buff; two white bars on 
 wings; below, dull white with buff tint. Length 4 inches 
 
 A\st. In damp coniferous woods, often wholly or partiallv i)endent 
 from >niall twigs near end of branch (sometimes saddled upon the luaiuii) 
 10 to 50 feet from the ground; usually made ut green mos^ and lichens, 
 lined at bottom with shreds of soft bark and roots, and often with feathers 
 fastened to inside of edge, and so arranged that the tips droo|) over and 
 conceal tlie eggs ; sometimes the nest is a spherical mass of moss and 
 lichens, lined with vegetable down and wool ; tin entrance at the side. 
 
 y:,;;;'.!-. 6-10; usually creamy or pale buff, sometimes white, unmarked, 
 or dotted with pale reddi>h brown and lavender over entire surface, 
 often merely a wreath, more or le>s distinct around larger end; 0.55 
 X 0.45. 
 
 These diminutive birds are found, according to the season, 
 not only throughout Xorth America, but e\-cn in the West 
 Indies. They ajipear to be associated only in pairs, and are 
 seen on their southern route, in this ])art of Massachusetts, a 
 few days in October, and about the middle of the month, or a 
 little earlier or later according to the setting in of the sea-on, 
 as they appear to fly before the desolating storms of the north- 
 ern regions, whither they retire about May to breed. Some 
 few remain in Pennsylvania until December or January, pro- 
 ceeding probably but little farther south during the winter. 
 They are not known to reside in any part of Xew England, 
 retiring to the same remote and desolate limits of the farthest 
 North with the preceding species, of which they have most of 
 
 M-' 
 
 I 
 
 'ill 
 
 ■J 
 
'mam 
 
 284 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 !■'•' 
 
 ii; 
 
 
 It 
 
 the habits. They are actively engaged during their transient 
 visits to the South in gleaning up insects and their lurking 
 larvne, for which they perambulate the branches of trees of 
 various kintls, frequenting gardens and orchards, and skii)ping 
 and vaulting from the twigs, sometimes head downwards like 
 the Chick'idec, with whom they often keep company, making 
 only now anii then a feeble chirp. They appear at this time 
 to search chiefly after spiders and dormant concealed coleop- 
 terous or shelly insects ; they are also said to feed on small 
 berries and some kinds of seeds, which they break open by 
 pecking with the bill in the manne of the Titmouse. They 
 likewise frequent the sheltered cedar and pine woods, in which 
 tht-y probably take up their roost at night. Early in April 
 they are seen on their return to the Nordi in Pennsylvania ; at 
 this time they dart among the blossoms of the maple and elm 
 in company with the preceding species, and appear more vola- 
 tile and actively engaged in seizing small flies on the wing, and 
 collecting minute, lurking cater])illars from the opening leaves. 
 * )n the 2ist of May, 1S35, I observed this species feeding 
 its full-fledged young in a tall pine-tree on the banks of the 
 Columbia River. 
 
 Tlic ranc;e of tliis species is now set down as " Fnstcrn North 
 America, breeding from the northern border of the United States 
 northward and southward along the Rockies and the Alleghanies; 
 wintering soutli to ( iuati'niala." I'ntil (|uite recentlv it was sup- 
 posed to be a migrant throui^di Massacluisetts. wintering in small 
 numl)ers. but has been discovered breeding in both r>erkshii'e and 
 Worcester counties. It is a resident of the settled portion of 
 Canada, though not common west of the Georgian Bay, and rarely 
 breeding south of latitude 45°. 
 
 The song is a rather simple " twittered warble," shrill and liigh- 
 pitclied. 
 
id liigli- 
 
 BLUEBIRD. 
 
 SlALIA SIALIS. 
 
 Char. Male : above, azure blue, duller on checks ; throat, breast, and 
 sides reddisii brown ; belly and under tail-coverts white ; shalt^^ of feathers 
 in wing and tail, black. Female : duller, blue of back nii.\cd with grayish 
 brown; breast with less of rufous tint. Length about 6^4 inches. 
 
 A'est. In a hollow tree, deserted Woodpecker's IkjIc, or other excava- 
 tion or crevice, or in a bird-box ; meagrely lined with grass or feathers. 
 
 Eggs. 4-6 ; usually pale blue, sometime^ almost white ; o.S5 X 0.65. 
 
 These well-known and familiar favorites inhabit almost the 
 whole eastern side of the continent of America, from the 4<Sth 
 parallel to the very line of the tro])ics. Some appear to mi- 
 grate in winter to the liermiidas and llahama islands, though 
 most of those which pass the summer in the North only retire 
 to the Southern States or the tableland of Mexico. In S(juth 
 Carolina and Georgia they were abimdant in January and Feb- 
 ruary, and even on the 12th and 2Sth of tlie former month, the 
 weather being mild, a few of these wanderers warbled out their 
 sim])le notes from the naked limbs of the long-leaved pines. 
 Sometimes they even pass the winter in Pennsylvania, or at 
 least make their appearance with almost every relenting of the 
 severity of the winter or warm gleam of thawing sunshine. 
 From this circumstance of their roving about in cpiest of their 
 scanty food, like the hard-pressed and himgry Robin Redbreast, 
 who by degrees gains such courage from necessity as to enter 
 the cottage for his allowed crumbs, it has, without foundation, 
 
 ' I 1 
 
 ■ 
 
 i ^f i 
 
 I 
 
 •■.f 
 
 I 
 
286 
 
 SINGING lllRDS. 
 
 \\i 
 
 i«' 
 
 I -If 
 
 I 
 
 •t I 
 I i 
 
 
 - : : ■ ■ 
 
 ; 1 . , 
 
 *i 
 
 been supposed that our lUucbinl, in the interwils of his absence, 
 passes the tedious and stormy time in a state of dormancy; 
 but it is more probable that he iHes to some shclterctl glade, 
 some warm and more hosi)itable situation, to glean his frugal 
 fare from the berries of the cedar or the wintry fruits which 
 still remain ungathered in the swamps. Defended from the 
 severity of the cold, he nt)\v also, in all probability, roosts in 
 the hollows of decayed trees, — a situation which he generally 
 chooses for the site of his nest. In the South, at this cheer- 
 less season, l>luel)irds are seen to feed on the glutinous berries 
 of the mistletoe, the green-brier, and the sumach. Content with 
 their various fare, and little affected by the extremes of heat 
 and cold, they breed and si)end the summer from Labrador to 
 Natches, if not to Mexico, where great elevation pnjduces the 
 most temi)erate and mild of climates. They are also abundant, 
 at this season, to the west of the Mississippi, in the territories 
 of the Missouri and Arkansas. 
 
 In the Middle and Northern States the return of the Iilue- 
 bird to his old haunts round the barn and the orchard is 
 hailed as the first agreeable presage of returning spring, and he 
 is no less a messenger of grateful tidings to the farmer, than 
 an agreeable, familiar, and useful companion to all. Though 
 sometimes he makes a still earlier flitting visit, from the 3d to 
 the middle of March he comes hither as a permanent resident, 
 and is now accompanied by his mate, who immediately visits the 
 box in the garden, or the hollow in the decayed orchard tree, 
 which has served as the cradle of preceding generations of his 
 kindred. Affection and jealousy, as in the contending and re- 
 lated Thnishes, have considerable influence over the IJluebird. 
 He seeks perpetually the company of his mate, caresses and 
 soothes her with his amorous song, to which she faintly replies ; 
 and, like the faithful Rook, seeks occasion to show his gallan- 
 try by feeding her with some favorite insect. If a rival make 
 his appearance, the attack is instantaneous, the intruder is 
 driven with angry chattering from the precincts he has chosen, 
 and he now returns to warble out his notes of triumph by the 
 side of his cherished consort. The business of preparing and 
 
BLUEIIIKD. 
 
 y.Q- 
 
 .'S 
 
 cleaning out the old nest or box now roninienres : and even 
 in October, before they bid farewell to their favorite mansion, 
 on fine days, inlluenced b\ the anticipation of the season, they 
 are often observed to go in and out of the box, as if examining 
 and planning out their future domicile. Little pains, however, 
 are recjuisite for the protection of the hardy young, and a sub- 
 stantial lining of hay, and now and then a few feathers, is all 
 that is prepared for the bru'od beyond the natural shelter of 
 the chosen situation. As the Martin and House Wren seek 
 out the favor and convenience of the box, contests are not 
 unfrequent with the parties for exclusive possession ; and the 
 latter, in various clandestine ways, exhibits his envy and hos- 
 tility to the favored lUuebird. As our birds are very prolific, 
 and constantly paired, they often raise 2 and sometimes prob- 
 ably 3 broods in the season ; the male taking the youngest 
 under his affectionate charge, while the female is engaged in 
 the act of mcubation. 
 
 Their principal food consists of insects, particularly beetles 
 and other shelly kinds ; they are also fond of sjjiders and 
 grasshoppers, for which they often, in company with their 
 young, ii> autumn, descend to the earth, in open i)asture fields 
 or waste grounds. Like our Thrushes, they, early in spring, 
 also collect the common wire -worm, or lulus, for food, as well 
 as other kinds of insects, which they commonly watch for, 
 while ])erched on the fences or low boughs of trees, and dart 
 after them to the ground as soon as perceived. They are 
 not, however, flycatchers, like the Sy/i'iio/ijs and Mitsi-iia/'iis, 
 but are rather industrious searchers for subsistence, like the 
 Thrushes, whose habits they wholly resemble in their mode 
 of feeding. In the autumn they regale themselves on various 
 kinds of berries, as those of the sour-gum, wild-cherry, and 
 others ; and later in the season, as winter apj)roaches. they 
 frequent the red cedars and several species of sumach for 
 their berries, eat persimmon^ in the Midille States, and many 
 other kinds of fruits, and even seah, — the last never enter- 
 ing into the diet of the proper Flycatchers. They have also, 
 occasionally, in a state of confinement, been reared and i<.i\ 
 
 ■W 
 
 (! 
 
288 
 
 SINGING 15IRDS. 
 
 tfl 
 
 'ii^ 
 
 'IS. 
 
 1j 
 
 m 
 
 t I 
 
 ll 
 
 t > 
 
 on soaked bread and vegetable diet, on which they thrive as 
 well as does the Rol)in. 
 
 The song of the l)luebird, which continues almost uninter- 
 ruptedly from Marcli to October, is a soft, rather feeble, but 
 delicate and pleasing warble, often repeated at various times 
 of the day, but most fre([uently in early spring when the sky 
 is serene and the temperature mild and cheering. At this 
 season, before the earnest Robin pours out his more energetic 
 lay from the orchard tree or fence-rail, the sim])le song of this 
 almost domestic favorite is heard nearly alone ; and if at 
 length he be rivalled, at the dawn of day, by superior and 
 bolder songsters, he still relieves the silence of later hours by 
 his unwearied and affectionate attempts to please and accom- 
 pany his devoted mate. All his energy is poured out into this 
 simple ditty, and with an ecstatic feeling of delight he often 
 raises and (piivers his wings like the Mocking Orpheus, and 
 amidst his striving rivals in song, exerts his utmost powers to 
 introduce variety into his unborrowed and simple strain. On 
 hearkening some time to his notes, an evident similarity to the 
 song of the Thrush is observable ; but the accents are more 
 weak, faltering, and inclining to the ])laintive. As in many 
 other instances, it is nearly impossible to give any approxi- 
 mating idea of the expression of warbled sounds by words ; yet 
 their resemblance to some (]uaint ex]iressions, in part, may not 
 be useless, as an attempt to recall to memory these pleasing 
 associations with native harmony : so the IMuebirtl often at 
 the commencement of his song seems tenderly to call in a 
 whistled tone '//rar — //I'ar />//(v, btity ? or merely //<'<?;■ — /^/M', 
 and instantly follows this interrogatory call with a s(jft and warb- 
 ling trill. So much is this sound like that which these birds 
 frequently utter that on whistling the syllables in their accent, 
 even in the cool days of autumn, when they are nearly silent, 
 they often resume the answer in sympathy. During the period 
 of incubation, the male becomes much more silent, and utters 
 his notes princijially in the morning. More importantly 
 engaged, in now occasionally feeding his mate as well as him- 
 self, and perhaps desirous of securing the interesting occupa- 
 
 Ji i'ijii 
 
< ^m 
 
 i5i.ui:r.iRi). 
 
 2S9 
 
 thrive as 
 
 ; nnintcr- 
 ?cble, but 
 JUS times 
 
 I the sky 
 At this 
 
 energetic 
 ig of this 
 md if at 
 erior and 
 hours by 
 
 II accom- 
 into this 
 he often 
 
 lens, and 
 
 [jowers to 
 
 ain. On 
 
 ity to the 
 
 are more 
 
 in many 
 
 approxi- 
 
 )rds ; yet 
 
 may not 
 
 pleasing 
 
 often at 
 
 call in a 
 
 — />u/y, 
 
 11(1 warb- 
 
 ese birds 
 
 accent, 
 
 ly silent, 
 
 period 
 
 d utters 
 
 Dortantly 
 
 as him- 
 
 occupa- 
 
 tion of his devoted consort, he avoids betraying the resort of 
 his charge by a cautious and silent interest in their fate, (len- 
 tle, peaceable, and funiliar when undisturl)e(l, his society is 
 courted by every lover of rural scenery; and it is not un- 
 cc^nnnon for the farmer to t'urui^h the iiluebird with a bo\, as 
 well as the Martin, in return for the pleasure of his <()m]Mn\, 
 the destruction he makes upon injurious insects, and tlir ( iim- 
 fulness of his song. Confident in this {jrotection, he >lio\vs 
 but little alarm for his undisturbed tenement ; whik' in the 
 remote orchard, e\|jecting no viNitor but an eneniv, in ( om- 
 ])any with his anxious mate he bewails the approach of the 
 intruder, and llying round his head and hands, appear^ ])V his 
 actions to call down all danger tipou jiimself rather than ^ufter 
 any injury U) arrive to his helpless brood. 
 
 Towards autunni, in the UKMith of October, his cheerful song 
 nearly ceases, or is now changed into a single ])laintive note 
 o( /s/un-it:'//, while he passes with his tlitting companions o\er 
 the fading woods ; and as his song first brought the wiliouie 
 intelligence of sj)ring, so now his melancholy ]ilaint ])resages 
 but too truly the silent and mournful decay of Nature. i".\-en 
 when the leaves have fallen, and the iore^t no longer affords a 
 shelter from the blast, the faithful iUucbinls still linger over 
 their native fields, and only take their departure in Novrniber, 
 when at a considerable elevation, in the earl\' twilight of the 
 morning, till the opening of the day, they wing their way in 
 small roving troops to some milder regions in the South. lUit 
 yet, after this period, in the Midtlle States, with every return 
 of moderate weather we hear their sad note in the fields or in 
 the air, as if deploring the ravages of winter ; and so frequent 
 are their visits that they may be said to follow fair weather 
 through all their wanderings till the permanent return of sjiring. 
 
 If the Bluebird ever tried the climate of Labrador, it e\'i(lently 
 discovered tliat the weather there was not .suitable, for now it rarely 
 goes north of latitude 45°. A few pairs are seen every season 
 about the farm-lands on the upper St. John, in New brunswiek, 
 and I'hilip Cox has seen several at Newcastle, near the mouth of 
 the Miramichi. Conieau found a pair breeding at Godbout, and 
 Thompson reports that lliey have lately entered Manitoba. 
 \oL. 1. — 19 
 
 
 li 
 
({ii 
 
 ". 
 
 I 
 
 »t 
 
 WHlvVn-.AK. 
 
 S\XK()I.A (KNAMUF. 
 
 CllAR. Above, bluish pray; forehead and stripe dvcr eyes white; 
 patcii on check andwin^s l)lack; rump wliitc ; middle tail-feathers black, 
 rest white, broadly tijiped with black; under jiart.s white. In the female 
 the upper parts are brown, and unrlcr jxirts buff. Length 6}4 inches. 
 
 AVs/. In a crevice of a stone wall or a stone heap ; made of plant 
 stems and grass, lined with feathers, liair, or rabbit's fur. 
 
 ECk''^. 5-7; I'ale blue, sometimes spotted with pale tawny, or purple; 
 o..S5'xo.6s. 
 
 The first mention of the occurrence of this species in eastern 
 America appeared in Ilolboll's account of the liirds of Greenland, 
 issued in 1S46; it had been reported previously from the I'acific 
 coast by Vii^ors. In 1854 the name appeared in Cassin's work, 
 and in Baird's •' Repeat " of 1S59 it was recorded as "accidental 
 in the northern part of North America." 
 
 It should not be termed accidental at the present day, for it 
 occurs regularly in Greenland and Labrador and at Godbout, on 
 the St. Lawrence, and has been taken in winter in Nova Scotia, 
 Maine, New York, Long Island, Louisiana, and Bermuda. 
 
 American writers formerly gave the vernacular name as "Stone- 
 chat," or "Stone Chat," — Coues alone adding Wheatear (as a 
 synonym). 
 
 'lif 
 
cs white ; 
 
 rs black, 
 
 |lic female 
 
 ichcs. 
 
 (if plant 
 
 Ir purple ; 
 
 eastern 
 feenland, 
 
 I'acitic 
 )'s work, 
 pcidental 
 
 ', for it 
 
 |bout, on 
 
 Scotia, 
 
 >" Stone- 
 ir (as a 
 
 V 
 
 \viii:\riAK. 
 
 ?9i 
 
 The Stoncchat is a (litfercnl bird, thouj^h Mafjillivray i ailed 
 the present species the " \Vhite-runii)ed Stoncchat." Tltrouglioiit 
 Kuroi)e tlie bird is c oininonlv known as the " Wliilf riiin|i."' and 
 Saunders considers the name •• wlicatear "' a coriiipti«)n ol u'ititr 
 and ars^ — the Anj;lo-.Sa\on equiv.iient ot the inodern woril 
 •• rump.*' 
 
 In i!uro])c and .Asia tlie sjiecies is aidindaiit, breedini^ from ten- 
 tral iuuope far to tlu' northward, and mi,iiratin<{ in wintir to north 
 ern Africa. A few winter in tlie Hritish Islands, ihouj^li these may 
 be of tin- ( Ireenland race, which some aiitliors think is a di^tinct 
 form, — lar.mr than those that breed in Kmope. as the (irecn- 
 land birds are known to migrate across Great l}ritaii\. Kidnway 
 states that the examples taken on our western coast are smaller and 
 more like those found in central lanope. 
 
 Formerly lar<ie numbers were tr.ipped in the autumn on the 
 Soutlulowns in Knglanii, and marketrd. being consickreil little 
 inferior in delicacy to the famous Ortolans. 
 
 The favorite resorts of the Wheatear at all seasons are the lonely 
 moors or open meadows by the sea-shore. It is an active bird and 
 always alert, keej)ing up a perpetual tiittmg. It is very terrrestrial, 
 though the (ireenlantl race is said to perch on trees more fre- 
 quently than the Kuropean bird. 
 
 The song is sweet and sprightly, and the male often sings while 
 hovering over his mate. 
 
 .Mr. Ilagerup writes to me that the birds in (ireenland sing at 
 times very similarly to the Snow Huntings, — a song that he never 
 heard from the Wheatears of Denmark, — and this song is ren- 
 dered by both females and males. Seebohm writes: "The love 
 notes form a sliort but pleasing song: and the more particularly 
 are we apt to view his performance with favor, because it gener- 
 ally greets the ear m wild and lonely places." And again : '• .Some- 
 times he warbles his notes on his perch. accompan\ ing tliem with 
 graceful motion of the wings, and finally launching into the air to 
 complete liis .song, the aerial fluttering seeming to give the perform- 
 ance additional vigor." Dixon has seen *' two Wheatears in the 
 air together, buffeting each other, and singing lustily all the time, 
 with all the sweetness that love rivalry inspires." 
 
I 
 
 n' 
 I 
 
 i' 
 
 It 
 
 AMKRKAX rilTP. 
 
 TITLAKK. 
 Anthus PKNSII.VANICUS. 
 
 Char. Above, olixc l)io\vn, edges of the feathers paler; line over 
 and around llie eve pale Initf ; winas dusky, edges of feathers pale brown ; 
 tail diiskv. middle feathers olive brown, large jiatches of white on outer 
 feathers; below, dull buff, breast and sides spotted with brown. Length 
 6ji inches. 
 
 .\('.r/. On the ground, usually sheltered by stone or mound ; a bulky 
 affair of grass, steins, moss, and lichens, — sometimes only grass is u^ed, 
 — often loosely made, occasionally compact. 
 
 A..yr. 4-6; variable in color, usuallv dull white covered thickly with 
 reddish lirown and purplish brown ; sometimes the markings so nearly 
 conceal the grotnul color as to give appearance of a brown egg with 
 gray streaks ; o So X 0.60. 
 
 This is a winter bird of passage in most parts of the United 
 States, arriving in loose, scattered flocks from the North, in 
 the Middle and Eastern States, about the second week in 
 October. In the month of .\]iril we saw nimierous flocks 
 flitting over the prairies of Missouri, on their way, no doubt, 
 to their breeding quarters in the interior. Aiidnbon foimd 
 these birds also in the summer on the drear}' coast of Labra- 
 dor. During the breeding season the male often rises on wing 
 to the height of eight or ten yards, uttering a few clear and 
 
 h 
 
AMr.ktc.\> vivvv. 
 
 293 
 
 line over 
 
 le brown ; 
 
 on outer 
 
 Length 
 
 ;x bulky 
 is u^etl, 
 
 kly with 
 
 -o nearly 
 
 egg with 
 
 United 
 
 orth, in 
 
 week in 
 
 flocks 
 
 doubt, 
 
 found 
 
 Labra- 
 
 on wing 
 
 ear and 
 
 mellow notes, and then suddenly settles down near the nest or 
 on some projecting rock. They leave I-abr.idor and New- 
 foMiidland as soon as the young are abU" to lly. or alxiut the 
 middle of August. .\cct)rding to their well-known habits, they 
 frequent open tlats, commons, an<l ploughed fields, like a 
 I. ark, nmning rai)idly along the groun<l, taking by suri>ri>e their 
 insect prey of llies, midges, and other kinds, and when re^t- 
 ini; for an instant, keeping the tail vibrating in the manner of 
 the Kuro])ean Wagtail. 'I'luy also frequent the river shores, 
 partictil irly where gravelly, in <[uest of nunute shell-fish, as 
 well as aquatic insects and their larvae. .\t this time they 
 utter only a feeble note or call, like Awv / /?i'<r/, with the final 
 tone often plaintively i)rolonged ; and when in tlocks, wheel 
 about and tly pretty high, and to a considerable distance before 
 they alight. Sometimes families oi these birds continue all 
 winter in the Mit'dle States, if the season prove moderate. In 
 the Southern States, particularly North and South Carolina, 
 they apjjear in great flocks in the depth of winter. On the 
 shores of the Santee, in January, I observed them gleaning 
 their food familiarly amidst the \'ultures. drawn by the nibbish 
 of the city conveyed to this quarter. They likewise frequent 
 the cornfields and rice-grounds for the same purpose. They 
 emigrate to the Bermudas, Cuba, and Jamaica, and penetrate 
 in the course of the winter even to Mexico, Guiana, and 
 Dra7.ii, They also inhabit the plains of the Oregon. They 
 are again seen on their return to the North, in Pennsylvania, 
 about the beginning of May or close of April. 
 
 The Titlark is distributed over North America at large, breed- 
 ing in subarctic res^ions and wintering in the Ciulf States and 
 Central America. During the aiitiuun niiiirations it is abundant 
 on the moorlands along the coasts of New England and the 
 Maritime Provinces. 
 
 XoTE. — Two European conu;eners of the TiUark. the White 
 W.\GTAIL {Motacilhj allni) and the .Mi:ai)OW Piimt {Ant/iiis pnt- 
 /I'fi.i/s) have been captured in Greenland, but should be considered 
 merelv as " accidentals" in that region. 
 
 Spkaguk's Piimt (.h//////s spra^ueii), a bird of the western 
 plains, has been taken near Charleston, S. C. 
 
 l! 
 
 II 
 
> ■ n 
 
 I 
 
 
 ^•" ■ ■ T' 
 
 ^M&mMk^ 
 
 
 
 ^i<K^ 
 
 
 t 
 
 t 
 
 : ':' 
 
 HORNED LARK. 
 
 SIlOKl': I.AKK. 
 Ol'OiOKlS AI.l'l SI RIS. 
 
 ClfAR. Above, dull gravi^h lirown streaked with darker: nape, shrul- 
 dcrs, and nunp i)iiik-vinace(iu!i cimi.r. ion; black bar acro>» furehead and 
 along sides of head, terminating in erectile horn-like tufts; throat and 
 line over the eves, vellow : black bar from nostril curving l)elo\v the eyes; 
 l>el(i\v, dull white, shaded on the sides with same color as back; breast 
 tinged with yellow and bearing large black patch; niiddie tail-feathers 
 like back, the rest black, with white patches on outer pair. Length about 
 7_^ inches. 
 
 /\V.>7. On tlu ground, amid abed of mo^■.s ; cotnposed of gras<, lined 
 with feathers. 
 
 F.,:;:^s. 4-5 . dull white with buff or purple tint spotted with purplish 
 brown or olive blown and lilac; 0.93 X 0.70. 
 
 This beautiful spet ies is comiTion to the north of both the old 
 and new continent ; but, as in some other instances already re- 
 marked, the Shore Lark extends its migrations nmch farther mer 
 America than over Liiroj^e and Asia. Our bird has been met 
 with in the Arctic regions by the numerous voy.igers, and Mr. 
 Bullock saw it in the winter around the city of Mexico, so that 
 in their migrations over this continent these birds >pread them- 
 selves across the whole habitable northern hemisphere to the 
 very equator ; while in Liirope, according to the careful obser- 
 
 .^ 
 
 
 m 
 
 Pi 
 
 fev-:i 
 
 i i'i' 
 
 fc^^ 
 
 ; -ti^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 \ -■■ 
 
'I 
 
 
 pe, shf Ill- 
 head and 
 hr<iat and 
 the ovLs; 
 k ; breast 
 il-fcathcrs 
 ^th about 
 
 as-, lined 
 
 purplish 
 
 n the old 
 k-i(ly re- 
 luT ovor 
 leon mt't 
 and Mr. 
 so that 
 id ilK-m- 
 ■e to tlie 
 lul obser- 
 
 IIORXKD I.ARK. 
 
 295 
 
 vations of Temminck, they .irc unknown to the south of Ocr- 
 niany. Palhis met with these birds round Lake liaikal and on 
 the \'olga, in the 53d degree of latitude. W estward they have 
 also been seen in the interior of the United States, along the 
 shores of the Missouri. 
 
 They arrive in the Northern and Middle States late in the 
 fall or commencement of winter. In New I'.ngland thev are 
 seen early in October, and disappear gcnerall\ on the apj)roach 
 of the deep storms (if snow, though straggling parlies are still 
 found nearly throughout the winter. In the other States to 
 the South they are more c(juunon at this season, and are jiar- 
 ticularly numerous in South Carolina and decjrgia. friHpienting 
 ojjen plains, t)ld fields, common grounds, and the dry shores 
 and banks of bays and ri\ers, keei)ing constantlv on the 
 ground, and roving alxjut in families under the guid.'.nce of the 
 older birds, who, watching for any apjjroac hing danger, give 
 the alarm to the young in a plaintive call ^-. ry similar to that 
 which is uttered by the Skylark in the same cin uin-.tances. 
 Inseparable in all their movements, like the hen and her fos- 
 tered chickens, they roost together in a close ring or com- 
 pany, by the mere edge of some sheltering weed or tuft k){ 
 grass on the dry and gravelly gnjund, an<l thickly and warmly 
 clad, they abide the frost and the storm with hardy imlilVe- 
 rence. They lly rather high and loose, in scattered companies, 
 and follow no regular time of migration, but move onward only 
 as their present resources begin to fail. They are usually fat, 
 esteemed as food, and are fre(iuently seen exjx^ed for sale in 
 our markets. Their diet, as usual, consists of various kinds of 
 seeds which still remain on the grass and wi'eds the\- freiiuent, 
 and they swallow a considerable |)ortion of gravel to assist 
 their digestion. They also collect the eggs and dormant 
 larva^ of insects when they fall in thi'irway. About the middle 
 of March they retire to the North, and are seen about the 
 beginning of May round Hudson lla.y, after which they are 
 no more obser\'ed till the return of autumn, 'i'hey arrive in 
 the fur countries along with the I.a])land I'jimtings, with which 
 they associate ; and being more shy, act the sentinel usually to 
 
 i t 
 
 ■ f 
 
w k 
 
 'I '^' 
 
 « 
 
 (I 
 
 M 
 
 296 
 
 SINGING IHRDS. 
 
 the whole company in advcrtisnig them of the approach of 
 danger. They soon after retire to the marshy and wuotly (hs- 
 tricts to l)reed, extentUng their summer range to the Arctic Sea. 
 They are sai<l to sing well, rising into the air and warbling as 
 they ascend, in the manner of the Skylark of Europe. '-'Ihe 
 male," says Audubon, like the Common Lark. " soars into the 
 air, sings with cheerfulness ov-r the resort of his mate, and 
 roosts beside her and his nest on the ground, having at this 
 season a very remarkable ai)pearance in the development of 
 the black and horn-like egrets." 
 
 Hapin' Nuttall, to have died helorc "variety making' came into 
 fashion! ]'<>u had but one form ul Horned Lark to dual with, 
 while I am confronted with eleven. Fortunately a largL' number of 
 these sub-species have never taken it into tiieir horned heads to 
 cross into the territory under present consideration, so I am saved 
 from puzzling myself and my readers with their diagnosis. 
 
 The true alpestris is found during sununer in the region be- 
 tween the (iulf of .St. Lawrence and Greenland west to Hudson 
 Bay, and in winter south to about latitude 35^. It is cjuite common 
 along the New England shores while migrating and in winter. 
 
 Tlie Pkaikiic Hornko Lark {O. alpestris praticoUi) is a smaller 
 bird with very gray back ; line over eyes white; c\\\n pale yellow. 
 
 This race is found in summer along the upper Mississippi valley 
 and (ireat Lake region, eastward sjjaringly to Montreal. \'ermont, 
 and Long Island. It is resident over the greater portion of its 
 range, but some few winter south to the Carolinas and Texas. 
 
 il 
 
 If. 
 
-ra 
 
 
 i 'I 
 
 ii 
 
 SKY I. ARK. 
 
 Alauda au\f.nsis. 
 
 Chak. Above, yellowish brown streaked with dark brown, darkest on 
 back and crown ; buff streak over the eye ; wings brown, margined with 
 buff and tipped with white ; outer tail-feathers mostlv white ; below, pale 
 buff, spotted and streaked with brown. Length atiout 7 inches. 
 
 A'tsf. In a meadow, under a tuft of grass ; made of coarse and fine 
 grass. 
 
 ^AX^- 3~5 ; ^li'" 'A^^y> marked with olive brown ; 0.91; X 0.70. 
 
 Altlioii«;h not mentioned by Nuttall, this I'.tiropcan bird becomes 
 entitled to a place anioni;; tlie birds of America tliroii!,di its occur- 
 rence casually in Creenland and Ucrnnida. About 1.SS6 a number 
 of these birds were liberated in New \'()rk State and New Jersey, 
 and in 1SS8 a colony appeared established at i'latbush, Lonjj 
 Island : but the experiment has not been successful, for this colony 
 has disappeared, and Mr. Frank M. Chajinian. writint^ in 1805, 
 says: ".At the present time tlie species is not known to exist in 
 North America in a wild state." 
 
(1)1 
 ill 
 
 ii 
 
 298 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 DICKCISSKL. 
 
 BLACK-TIIKOATKD HUNTING. 
 
 SPIZA A.MKKICANA. 
 
 Thar. Male: above, ,t;ray Ijiowii, inidcUc of back streaked with 
 bkick ; iiai)c and side ot head ash , ciown olive streaked with dusky ; line 
 over the eyes yellow ; chin white ; large patch of black on throat ; two 
 wing-bars chestnut ; edge of wing yellow; below, wiiite tinged with yel- 
 low ; sides shaded with brown. Female: similar, somewhat smaller; 
 throat without patch, but with black spots ; less tinge of yellow on lower 
 parts. Length 6 to 7 inches. 
 
 Ais/. On the i)rairie or in a field or pasture or open scrubbv woods ; 
 placed ujjon the ground or in a bush or low tree, sometimes 10 to 20 
 feet from ground , made of grass, wecd-stalks, leaves, and roots, lined 
 with hue grass or hair. 
 
 ii>o. 4-5 ; pale greenish blue, unspotted ; o.So X 0.60. 
 
 These birds arrive in Pennsylvania and New England from 
 the South about the middle of May, and abotmd in the vicinity 
 of rhiladelphia, where they seem to prefer level fields, building 
 their nests on the groimd, ehiefly of fine withered grass. 'J'hey 
 also inhabit the ])rairies of Missouri, the State of New York, 
 the remote northern regions of Hudson's Uay, and are not un- 
 common in this i^art of New England, dwelling here, however, 
 almost exclusively in the high, fresh meadows near the salt- 
 marshes. Their song, simi)le and monotonous, according to 
 ^Vilson consists only of five notes, or rather two, the first 
 being rejicated twice and slowly, the second thrice and rapidly, 
 resembling /s//s/^ tship, tshc tshc tshc. ^^'ith us their call is 'tic 
 'til — tshc tshc tshc tsh'ip, and tship tship, tshc tshc tshc tsliip. 
 From their arrival nearly to their departure, or for two or three 
 months, this note is perpetually heard from every level fielil of 
 grain or grass ; both sexes also often mount to the top of some 
 low tree of the orchard or meadow, and there conlimte to 
 chirp forth in tinison their sinijile ditty for an hour at a time. 
 While thus engaged they may l)e nearly approached without 
 exhibiting any appearance of alarm or suspicion ; and though 
 the species appears to be numerous, they live in harmony, and 
 
I l< 
 
 ked with 
 isk\ ; line 
 oat ; two 
 with yel- 
 smalitr ; 
 on lower 
 
 y woods ; 
 
 lo to 20 
 
 ots, lined 
 
 nd from 
 vicinity 
 building 
 ;. They 
 w York, 
 not un- 
 
 lOWCVCV, 
 
 he salt- 
 ding to 
 the first 
 rapidly, 
 is 'tic 
 he i.diif^. 
 or three 
 field of 
 of some 
 in lie to 
 a time, 
 without 
 though 
 )nv, and 
 
 DICKCISSEL. 
 
 299 
 
 rarely display any hostility to the birds around them, or 
 amongst each (Jther. In August they become miUe, and about 
 the beginning of Sei)tember depart for the South, wintering as 
 well as breetling in Texas and other parts of Mexico, but are 
 not seen in the Southern States at any jjeriod of the winter. 
 Their food consists of seeds, eggs of insects, and gravel, and in 
 the early i)art of summer they sul).-,ist much upon caterpillars 
 and small coleopterous insects ; they arc also among the many 
 usual destroyers of the ruinous cankerworm. 
 
 This species is now restricted chictly to the \ alh y of the Mis- 
 sissippi, though it occurs s[)arinuly in southern New Kngland, but 
 is merely accidental fartlicr to the northward. Tiic oidy example s 
 that have been met with in Canada were tlie few that Mr. William 
 E. Saunders *"ound breeding at Point Pelee in southern Ontario. 
 
 Mr. William brewster, writing of this species, says: •• It is nnw 
 uncjuestionably one of the rarest species known to breed within 
 this rei^ion (New f^ngland). Moreover, within the past two de- 
 cades it has practically tlisappeared from the .Middle Stales, where 
 it was formerly abundant, and at many localities west of the .\lle- 
 ghanii's and east of the Mississippi its numbers have diminished 
 steadily and more or less r.ipidly." 
 
 XoTK. — Townsicnd's IU'ntinc; {Spiza to:^'nsLiit1ii) was placed 
 on the '• Hypothetical List "' by the A. O. U . Committee. The type 
 specimen taken by .Mr. Townsend in Penns^Kania remains unicpie. 
 
 The Lark ]>u.\ti.n(. {Calamospha uiclanoioiys) has been seen 
 in Massachusetts and Long Island, — the only instances of its oc- 
 currence east of the Great Plains. 
 
 !i 
 
 i 
 
 II 
 
 it 
 
•- ^ 
 
 j: 
 
 Hi' 
 
 (lii 
 
 
 I! 
 
 
 SNOW FT, ARE. 
 
 SNOW nUNTING. WIllTK SNOW BIRD. 
 P[,F,(.'rR< )I'HK\AX N'lVAT.lS. 
 
 Char. Tn summer, prevailing color white; middle of liack, wings, and 
 tail mixed with black. In autumn the d.irk color is extended, the black 
 being broadly margined with tawnv brown, which gradually becomes white 
 as winter advances. Length about 6'/ inches. 
 
 jVrsf. On a barren hillside, under shelter of a rock or in a stone heap, 
 sometimes in cavity of a sand-bank; compactly built of dry grass, plant 
 stems, and moss, lined with feathers and hair. 
 
 /\i,%'s. 4-6 ; dull white, with faint tint of blue or green, spotted, chiefly 
 aroimd larger end, with reddish brown and lavender; 0.90 X O.65. 
 
 This messenger of coUl antl stormy weather chiefly in- 
 habits the higher regions of the Arctic circle, whence, as the 
 severity of the winter threatens, they migrate indifferently over 
 Europe, eastern Asia, and the Tnited States. On their way to 
 the South they appear round Hudson IJay in September, and 
 stay till the frosts of November again oblige them to seek out 
 warmer quarters. I'^arly in December they make their descent 
 
 lili: 
 
 
SNOWFI.AKK 
 
 301 
 
 1, chiefly 
 
 fly in- 
 as the 
 ly over 
 way to 
 -T, and 
 .'ek out 
 lesf^ont 
 
 into the Northern States in whirling roving flocks, either im- 
 mediately before or soon after an inundating fall of snow. 
 Amidst the drifts, and as they accumulate with the Mast, flocks 
 of these ///?i.'(irs /ci^i/. or bad-weather birds, of the Swedes, like 
 the spirits of the storm are to be seen flitting about in restless 
 and hungry troo])s, at times resting on the wooden fences, 
 tl-.ough but for an instant, as, like the ( ongcnial Tartar hordes 
 of tiicir natal regions, they appear now to have no other 
 objec I in view but an escape from famine and to tarr)' on a 
 general system of forage while they happen to stay in the 
 vicinity. At times, pressed by hunger, they alight near the 
 door of the cottage and ai)proach the barn, or even venture 
 into the out-houses in ijuest of ilormant inse< ts. seeds, or 
 crumbs wherewith to allay their hunger ; they are still, how- 
 ever, generally pltnup and fat, and in some countries nmch 
 esteemed for the table. In fine weather they appear less rest- 
 less, somewhat more familiar, and occasionally even at this 
 season they chant out a few unconnected notes as they sur\ey 
 the h;)p])ier face of Nature. At the period of incubation they 
 are said to sing agreeably, l)nt ai)iK'ar to seek out the most 
 desolate regions of the cheerless North in whi( h to waste the 
 sweetness of their melody, unheard by any ear but that of their 
 mates. In the dreary wastes of (Ireenland, the naked I.ipland 
 Alps, and the scarcely habitable Spitzbergen, boun<l with eter- 
 nal ice, they jiass the season of rei)roduction seeking out the 
 fissures of rocks on the mountains in which to fix their nests 
 about the month of May or June. .\ few are known to breed 
 in the alpine declivities of the \\'hite Nbjuntains of New 
 Ilamjishire. The nest is here fixed on the ground in the 
 shelter of low bushes, and formed nearly of the same materials 
 as that of the Common Song Sjiarrow. 
 
 At times they proceed as far south in the United States as 
 the State of Maryland. They are here generally known by the 
 name of the White Snow liird, to distinguish them from the 
 more common dark-bluish Sparrow, so called. They var\' in 
 their color accortling to age and season, and have always a 
 great predominance of white in their plumage. 
 
 I 
 
 U' 
 
'I 
 
 d 
 
 '(■ 
 
 i^i 
 
 ;502 
 
 SINGING UIRiiS. 
 
 The Snow l^untings arc seen in spring to assemble in Nor- 
 way and its islands in great nnnibers ; and after a stay of about 
 three weeks they ilisajjpear for the season, and migrate across 
 the .\r(ti<: Ocean to tiie firihest known land. Un their return 
 in winter to the Sixjttish Highlands their llo( ks are said to be 
 immense, mingling, by an aggregating close tlight, almost into 
 the form of a ball, so as to present a very fatal and successful 
 mark for the fowler. They airi\e lean, but soon become fat. 
 In Austria they are caught in snares or traps, and when fed 
 with ,;<illet become e(iual to th(.' ( )rtolan in v.'lue and lla\-or. 
 / bcr caged they show a very wakeful disposition, instantly 
 ' .])p n/ al)out in the night when a light is protluce-d. Indul- 
 gence in I 's constant train of action and jjcrpetual wai( iitul- 
 ness may perhajw have its inlluence on this ^jjccies, in the 
 selection of their breeding j)laces within the Arctic regions, 
 where for months they (oiuinue to enjoy a perpetual day. 
 
 The food of these birds consists of vari(,us kinds of seeds 
 and the larvae of insects and miniUe shell-fish ; the seed^ of 
 a(inaiic plants are also Nometimes sought bv them, and I ha.ve 
 found in their stomachs those of the Riif^l^iii, species of Poly- 
 i^oniiin. and gravel. In a state of confinement they shell and 
 eat oats, millet, hemp-seed, and green peas, which the\' s])lit. 
 'I'hey rarely perch, ami, like Larks, live much on the ground. 
 
 This harbinger of winter breeds in the northernmost of the 
 American islands and on all the shores of the continent from 
 Chesterfield Inlet to I'.ehring's Straits. The most southerly of 
 its breeding stations in America, according to Richardson, is 
 Southampton Island, m the 62(1 parallel, where Captain Lyons 
 found a nest, by a strange fatality, j)laced in the bosom of the 
 exposed corpse of an Lsquimaux child. Well clothed and 
 hardy by nature, the Snow Hunting even lingers about the forts 
 of the fur countries and open places, picking uj') grass-seeds, 
 until the snow becomes deep. It is only during the months 
 of December and January that it retires to the southward 
 of Saskatchewan, and it is seen again there on its return 
 as early as the middle of February, two months after which 
 it arrives in the 65th parallel, and by the beginning of May it 
 
 ■i:!iin 
 
SNOWII.AKK. 
 
 303 
 
 n Nor- 
 
 f about 
 across 
 re turn 
 
 1 to 1)1' 
 
 jst into 
 ;:cessl"ul 
 imc fat. 
 hen k(l 
 1 tlivor. 
 nslantly 
 In.lul- 
 ati hful- 
 , in ilic 
 regions, 
 ly. 
 
 :)f seeds 
 sce(l> of 
 il I have 
 
 of r<>/v- 
 
 hell and 
 ey split, 
 roinid. 
 st of the 
 nt from 
 Itheiiy of 
 lid son, is 
 n Lyons 
 n of the 
 ficd and 
 Ithe forts 
 s-seeds, 
 months 
 uthward 
 ;-, return 
 r which 
 May it 
 
 has penetrated to the coast of the Polar Sea. At this period it 
 feeds upon the buds of the purple saxifrage (.V(/.\7//(/;,(/ opl^osi- 
 tijolia), one of the most early of the An tie plants. 
 
 As the Snow Hunting sometimes begins to vir^it i' I nited 
 States in October, it appears pretty certain that ^onic of these 
 birds breed almost, if not ([uite, within the northern liniii> of 
 the I nion ; and as statetl elsewhere, a ne^5t has been fountl 
 near the rocky summit of the White Mountains of New 
 llaiupshire. 
 
 The Snow nuutiiii; is usually restricted in summer to the higher 
 latitudes, — Irum Labrador and the (ireat Slave Lake n -Jon to the 
 Arctic Ocean, — but an occasional tlock is seen fartlui .soiithwanl, 
 and nests have been taken in *1ie White Mountains. Tn wini >• 
 these birds range south to the dd'.' States, occasionallv j^oini^ as 
 far as •• (leorgia and Kansas." iMi .bers spenrl tin- winter in New 
 lirunswick, gathering' in timk. ■>? twenty to tifty. Thev are to be 
 seen about the suburbs of St. John as \\v\\ as on the ni.ir^ins of 
 lakes in the deep forests. 
 
 Mr. A. Hauerup. who ?aw considerable of this bird when in 
 (ireenland, writes to me t t the son^ is a sweet and pleasing 
 melody, though rather disconnected, ''delivered in short stanzas." 
 "Warbling," he adds, " is perhaps the Ln^lish word liesl suited to 
 describe its character." 
 
 s\ 
 
 '\ \ 
 
/'• 
 
 ^1 
 
 
 
 ■■^■"'■'■■,f>'i ,. 
 
 ^r^i>i;^\. 
 
 LAPLAND I.ONCISI'UR. 
 
 CaIaAKIIS I AI'I'ONUUS, 
 
 Char. Above, brownish lilack. the featlicrs edged with dull buff, 
 wing -feathers witli dull b.iv ; liead and throat rich black (female and 
 young have the crown same as back) : line from eyes and down side of 
 tiiro:il. white; band of bright cliestiuit across hind-neck; tail with patches 
 of white on outer fiatiiers ; below, dull white, breast and sides marked 
 with black; bill yellow, tijiped with bhu k ; legs and feet black. Lengtli 
 about T)'/ inches. 
 
 A'iSt. In swampv moorlands, amid deep moss or tuft of grass, or at 
 the base of a mound ; composed of grass, plant-stems, roots, and moss, 
 lined with feathers or deer's hair. 
 
 /•,';';^'-j. 4-7 ; pale grayish brown or reddish brown, marked with dark 
 brown ; o.So X 0.60. 
 
 This species generally inhabits the desolate Arctic regions of 
 both continents. In the United States a few stragglers from 
 the greater body show themselves in winter in the remote and 
 
LAri.AXl) T.ONCSI'IK. 
 
 335 
 
 
 /;« 
 
 
 imscttlc(i parts of Maine, Mi< hij^an, and the Northwott-rn 
 'Icrritorics. Lari;o flocks also at tinu-s rntcr 'the TnicMi, ajul 
 contrary to their usu.il practice of resting ami living wholly on 
 the gronnd, occasionally alight on trees. They leave the colder 
 Arctic deserts in the autumn, and are founc' arotnid Ilmlson 
 Hay on their way to the South in winter, not making their 
 appearance there before November. Near Severn Kiver they 
 haunt the cedar-trees, upon whose berries they now prin< i 
 pally feed. They /live in large flocks, and are so gregarious 
 that when separated- from their own species, or in small par- 
 ties, they usually, in luirope, associate with the common Larks, 
 or, in America, they join the roving bands of Snow liinls. In 
 the fur countries they extend their migrations in the spring as 
 far as the 65th parallel, where they were seen about I'ort 
 l""ranklin by the beginning of May ; at this time the)' fed mu( h 
 upon the seeds of the Alpine arbutus. They feed princii)ally 
 on seeds, and also on grass, leaves, buds, and insects. They 
 breed on small hillocks, among moss and stone>, in o\>vi\ 
 marshy fields, and the nest is thickly and loosely constructed 
 of moss and grass, and lined with a few feathers and deer's 
 hair. The I.ongsjnir, like the I. ark, sings only as it rises in 
 the air, in which, suspended aloft, it utters a few agreeable and 
 melodious notes. 
 
 dull buff, 
 •cinale and 
 Iwn side <>f 
 itli patches 
 lies marked 
 |k. Ixngth 
 
 Igrass, or at 
 and moss, 
 
 ll with dark 
 
 Iregions of 
 klers from 
 mote and 
 
 'I"lu' I.ongspur occurs in winter in South Carolina, Kentucky, 
 aiul Kansas, though it is not common south of alxuit 40^. 
 
 Of its song Mr. Hagerup writes to me: "It sounds best when 
 the bird, after mounting up in the sky, drops slowly to the earth 
 with extended wings. Tlie song is not very lon<;. but has a sweet, 
 riute-Iike tone, and though tlie melodv is attractive, it is almost mel- 
 ancholy in its wikl plaintiveness, — as. indeed, all tiie notes of this 
 species are." 
 
 NoTii. — The CHi:sTNt'T-coLi.AREn LoxfJsi'i'K {Ca/c-iuius or- 
 H(jtus) has been taken in Massachusetts and Long Island. 
 
 .Smith's LoNdSPUit {Calcan'us pictusX which occurs in the in- 
 terior, — breeding 
 Ocean, — is found, 
 
 from the Great Slave Lake district to the Arctic 
 in winter, in Illinois. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 20 
 
 w 
 
1 
 
 7BP2 
 
 9 
 
 M 
 
 {U 
 
 u-' 
 
 
 e 
 
 
 ■>':'?^'^;;H 
 
 
 •7W 
 
 
 
 
 'fl 
 
 I ; 
 
 ! i 
 
 s(\\rt,i:t taxag er. 
 
 PiRANOA ERYTFIROMF.LAS. 
 
 Char. Male: scarlet, with black wings ami tail. Male in wintir: 
 similar 'o female, but wilii bl.iek wings and tail. Female and young; 
 above, olive ; wings and tail dusky, the feathers edged witli olive ; below, 
 greenish yellow. Length 7 to 7'_. inches. 
 
 A'l'sf. In a woodland grove, sometimes in an orchard, placed near the 
 extrenuty of a horizontal limb 10 to 20 feet from the grouml ; compo.^Lcl 
 of twigs, roots, or shreds of bark, and lined with routs, sometimes with 
 pine-needles. 
 
 ■'-^iV-f- 3~5 (usually 4) ; dull white or with blue tinge, thickly marked, 
 with several shades of brown and lilac ; 0.95 X 0.65. 
 
 This splendid and transient resident, accompanying fine 
 weather in all his wanderings, arrives from his winter station in 
 trojiical .America from the beginning to the middle of INTay, 
 and extends his migrations probably to Nova Scotia as well as 
 Canada. With the shy. tmsocial, and suspicious habits of his 
 gaudy fraternity, he takes up Iu.t abode in the deepest recess 
 
 fWN 
 
 H 
 
SCAKI.F/r TANA(ii:K. 
 
 307 
 
 in winter : 
 
 unci young- 
 
 llivc ; below, 
 
 Iced ne.ir the 
 
 ; conipoM-'d 
 
 lictimes with 
 
 |:kly marked, 
 
 [nying fine 
 
 station in 
 
 |o of May, 
 
 as well a<5 
 [hits of his 
 Dcst recess 
 
 of the forest, where, timidly flitting' from ob>er\Mtion, he d.irts 
 from tree to tree like a lla^hiiii; meteor. A gaiuly sylph, con- 
 scious of his brilliance antl the exposure to \vhi< l» it subjects 
 hiin, he seems to avoid remark, ami ir> only solicitous to Ik* 
 knt)\vn to his humbK- mue, and hid from all K^iilcs. He 
 therefore rarely approaches the habitations of men, unless 
 perhaps the skirts o\' the orchard, where he sometimes, how- 
 ever, builds his nest, and takes a taste of the early and invitinj^, 
 tlu)Ugh forbidden, cherries. 
 
 Among the thick foliage of the tree in which ho seeks stip- 
 port and shelter, from the lofty branches, at times we hear his 
 almost monotonous A////> ((•i/rr, tsliif^-hitt , or fshukih/t't', />/;//- 
 kiii/tt- rei)e.ited at short intervals and in a pensive umlertone, 
 heightened by the solitude m which he delights to dwell. The 
 same note is also uttered by the female when the retreat of 
 herself and young is approached ; and the male occasionally 
 utters in recognition to his mate, as they perambulate the 
 branches, a low whispering 'A/// in a tone of caution and ten«ler- 
 ness. But besides these calls on the female, he has also dur- 
 ing the period of incubation, and tor a considerable time after, 
 a more musical strain, resembling somewhat in the mellowness 
 of its tones the song of the fifmg Baltimore. The syllables 
 to whiih I have hearkened appear like Ws/wcrr 'wiiif ';»•</// 
 ^'I't'ho'ii'it wait, and ^li'ait ^I'chd-u'il vca i^'uif, with other atldi- 
 tions of harmony for which no words are adecjuate. This 
 pleasing and highly musical meandering ditty is delivered for 
 hours, in a contemplative inood, in the same tree with his 
 busy consort. If surjiriscd. they flit together, but soon return 
 to their favorite station in the spreading boughs of the shady 
 oak or hickory. The song resembles that of the Red-eyetl 
 \'ireo in its compass and strain, tlioiigh nuu h superior, the 
 '7i'(/// icaif being whistled very sweetly in several tones and 
 with emphasis, so that upon the whole, our Piiiini^a may l>e 
 considered as duly entitled to various excellence-, being harmless 
 to the farmer, brilliant in plumage, and harmonious in voice. 
 
 These birds only sojourn long enough to rear their single 
 brood, which are here fledged early in July, le ing us already 
 
I 
 
 I 
 
 t 
 
 ;o8 
 
 SINCiINC; lURDS. 
 
 't .)]■ 
 
 for the South about the middle- or (lose of Aupi^t. or as soon 
 as the young arc well able to endure liie fatigue of an extensi\e 
 migration in company with their parents. The female ;»hows 
 great solicitude for the safet\ of her only bnxMJ, and on an 
 api)roa( h to the nest ai)pears to l)e in great disire-s and aj)pre- 
 hension. \\ hen they are released from her more immediate 
 protection, the male, at fust cautious and distant, nuw attends 
 and feeds them with a( li\it\. being altogether indiUerent to 
 th.'.t concealment which his gaud\ dress seem> to retjuire from 
 his natural enemies. So attached to his now interesting brood 
 is the Scarlet 'i'anager that he has been known, at all ha/.ards, 
 to follow for half a mile one of his young, submitting to Wi-d 
 it attentively throimh the bars of a cage, and, with a devotion 
 which despair couM not damj), roost by in the branche> <»f the 
 same tree with its jtrison ; so strong, indeed, is thi-> innate and 
 heroic feeling that lifi' itself is le.>> cherisheii than the de;>ire 
 of aiding and supporting his endearing ])rogeny (Wilson). 
 
 'Ihe food of the Scarlet 'I'anager while with u^ consists 
 chielly of winged insects, wasps, hornets, and wiKl bees, as? 
 Weil as smaller kinds of beetles and other shelly tribes ; it 
 probably al^o sometimes feeds on see<ls, ami i> jtarticularly 
 partial to whortleberries and other kinds which the season 
 affords. 
 
 About the beginning of August the male begins to moult, 
 anil then exchanges his uu|)tial scarlet for the greenish livery 
 of the female. At this period these birds le.sve us; ami ha\ing 
 ])assed the winter in the celibacy indicated by this humble 
 garb, they arrive again among ii.-. on its vernal renewal, and 
 so >iOon after this change that individuals are at this time occa- 
 sionally seen with the speckled livery of early autunn), or with 
 a confuted mixture of green an! scarlet feathers in scattered 
 l)atches. 
 
 The Scarlet Tanager is common tlirouiihoiit this Eastern Prov- 
 ince north to about latitude 44', and occurs sjjarinijly along the 
 Ai,aiaj)olis valley, in Nova Scotia and alontr the \ alley of the .St. 
 John in New liruiiswii k, also near the city of Quebec and in the 
 vicinity of Lake Winnipeg It breeds from \irginia norliiwaul 
 and winters in northern South .Vinerica. 
 
s soon 
 ;cnsive 
 shows 
 on an 
 ai)i>rt'- 
 ncdiale 
 .uunils 
 nni to 
 re- troni 
 U briiod 
 ha/.iinl>. 
 lo iVcd 
 levotion 
 
 naiL- a IV I 
 ic (Ichiro 
 
 jn). 
 lonsisls 
 
 brcs. aif 
 
 ribcs ; it 
 
 rtuularly 
 
 ic season 
 
 ,) vnoiilt, 
 
 i,h livery 
 
 1(1 havin;^ 
 
 , hmnlile 
 
 ■wal. ami 
 
 luc (><"«a- 
 
 n, or with 
 
 scatiorcil 
 
 icrn I'rov- 
 alonu the 
 I of the St. 
 land in the 
 lnoriii\\'"'i 
 
 SUMMER lANAllER. 309 
 
 SUMM1:R lANACiKR. 
 
 su.m.mi;k ki.1)-i;ikd. 
 
 I'lkANt.A kli;ka. 
 
 Char. Male: ricli vermilion, duller above. Female and young: 
 above, dull ulivc ; below, thill bull. Length about 7)3 inche.-'. 
 
 iWy/. On the edge ol an open grove or by a roadMilu, placed near 
 the extremity ot a horiiiontal limb, eonipo>(.d ol grass, leaves, ami vcgc- 
 tabie tibre, lined vviih gras.-^. 
 
 >'-v^•>■• 3"4 ; bright green, sometimes with a tinge ot bine, >potted. 
 chiefly near the larger end, with various .-shades ot brown and purple ; 
 0.95 X 0.65. 
 
 This brilliant and transient resident, hkc the fanner spc'( ies, 
 passes the greatest p.irt tif the year in Uoiik il .\nieri(;i, whence 
 in his gaudy nnjjtiai suit he presents hiniseU' with his hiiinlde 
 mate in tlie Sotitiiern Stales in the latter end ot" April or by 
 the 1st of May. In I'e!uis\i\ania tlu->e birds .ire but rarely 
 seen, though in the warm and sand)' liartvn forests of New- 
 Jersey several pairs may usually be observed in the . ourse of 
 every season ; farther north they are imknown. < eding those 
 regions aiijjarently to the scarlet species. 'Ihey are not con- 
 fined to any jKirticular soil, though often imi with in bf.shy, 
 barren tracts, and are conse(|uently ( ommon e\en to the west 
 of the Mississijipi, in I,(»uisiana and the Ti'rritury of Arkansas, 
 as well as Mexico ; they also brei'd near ihi' banks of that 
 river arotm<l Natchez. 
 
 The nest is built in the woods on the low, horizontal branch 
 of a tree, often in an evergreen 10 or \2 (cvi from the ground. 
 Both parents assist in incubation, and the yoimg are Hedged 
 by the middle or latter end of Juiu". They only raise a single 
 brood in the season, and towards the middle or close of 
 .\ngnst the whole party disaj)pear on their way to the South, 
 though the young remain later than the old and more restless 
 birds. 
 
 The note of the male, like that of the I'altimore Bird, is said 
 to be a strong and sonorous whistle, resembling the trill or 
 
 (1 
 
 ill 
 
I 
 
 310 
 
 SLNGIXG JIIKDS. 
 
 r 
 
 III 
 
 musical shake on the file, and is fre(iuently repeated. The 
 note of the female is a chattering, and appears ahnost like the 
 rapid pronunciation of tshicky-Uikhy-fiik, tshicky-it(kk\-tiih, and 
 is chielly uttere<l in alarm when any |)erson approaches the 
 vicinity of her nest. l''roin the similarity of her color to the 
 foliage of the trees, she is, however, rarely seen, and is usually 
 unite ; while the lociuacity and l-rilliance of the male render 
 him. as he Hits timidly and wildl\- through tlie branches, a mcjst 
 distinguished and beautihil object. 
 
 The food (jf the Sunnner Red IJird is ver\- similar to that of 
 the ; receding species ; bugs, beetles, and stinging bees make 
 part of his repa.-t, as well as flies and (•ynii)s of \arious kinds, 
 after which he often darts about until hindered bv the ap- 
 ])n)ach of night. i'he late suppers are probabh necessarv, 
 from the aliiio^t nocturnal habits t)f some i)f these in^'ct 
 tribes. .After the period of in( ubation, antl until their depar- 
 ture, whortleberries and other kinds of berries form no incon- 
 siderable |)art of the food of the^e birds. 
 
 Tliis spci ics (loi's not occur rciiularly nortli of New Jersrv, 
 southern ( )nio. and .southern lUinois. Occasionally stragi;lers are 
 found in Connecticut and Massacliu.setts, and two examples liave 
 bcin taken in New Hrunswii k. one in Nov,. .Scotia, four near 
 IMoiUreal. and one at Ilaniilton. Ont.uio. 
 
 .\oTE. — .Specimens of tlie LoLisi.vx.v T.\nac;i:i< {Piiaii^ii 
 ludoviciatia)- a Western species - have been taken in New York. 
 Connecticut, Massachusetts, and .Maine. 
 
 \\ 
 
 ^\ 
 
 IN D Kin r.rxriNG. 
 
 P.ASSI.RIXA CVANi:.\. 
 
 Char. Male: indij^o blue, intense on he.id and throat, otlior parts 
 tinged with green ; hlaek l)ar from hill to eyes ; \vi^g^. and tail brown, the 
 edge of feathers tinged with l)lue. l-'emale : above, brown ; below, nnich 
 paler, with dark strcak.s. Length about 5'^ inches. ' 
 
 A't'st. On the margin of a meadow or conntrv road, or in an orchard 
 or garden, in a busli or low tree, placed in an upright crotch ; a rather 
 
'Iho 
 ike the 
 tk, and 
 lu's the 
 to the 
 usually 
 rentier 
 , a niu-^l 
 
 ) that of 
 ■s make 
 IS kinils, 
 the a|>- 
 jcessary, 
 ;e insect 
 r (h'par- 
 u) uieon- 
 
 ,v Jersi'V, 
 ^Icrs ;irc 
 Irs luivc 
 ur near 
 
 c\v York. 
 
 jvhiT parts 
 Ihrown, tlic 
 I'lDW, much 
 
 liii oriliard 
 ;i r;Ul>er 
 
 IXDKIO r.lNTINr.. 
 
 3" 
 
 tluinsv and bulky aff.iir of twij^s, stems, grass, etc., lined witli fine grass, 
 etc., sometimes with horse-liair. 
 
 E^^s. 4-5; white, soMietinio with blue or green tint, occasionally with 
 a few fir. : spots of purpli>li brown; 0.75 X O.55. 
 
 'This very beautiful and rather familiar nicssengcr of suinnur, 
 after passing the winter in tro|)i(al Anieriea, towards the 15th 
 of May, decked in his brilliant a/ure livery of the nu|)tial sea- 
 son, again joyfully visits his natal regions in the Middle Slates; 
 and about a week or ti'U days later his h\cl\- trill in tiie garden, 
 orchard, or on the top of the house, its < hiuuie\. or \,inr, is 
 first heard in this part of New Kngland. Still lati-r. ac ( ouipa- 
 nied by his mate, he passes on to Nova Scotia, and probiblv to 
 the i)recincts of Labrador. After raising and training their 
 only brood in a unifonn and more iunnble dre--s. the whole 
 family, in color like so many commo)i Sparrows, begin to 
 retire to the Somh from the lirst to the middle of September. 
 They are also known in Mi-xico, when-, as wtll .is in the 
 .South.ern States to the peninsula of l-'Iorida, tluv bretd and 
 pass the summiT as with us. ThiTt- is rea-M^n. liowi'\er. to 
 belie\e that they are less abundant, if seen it all. to the west 
 of the Mississippi; but yet they are met uiih in the W'eMern 
 States uj) to tlu' alluvial lands of that great natural bouivlary. 
 
 'I'heir foo<l in the early ])art of the season, as well as that of 
 their young for a considerable time, is ( hieily insects, worms, 
 and caterpillars, as well as grasshopi)ers, of whi( h thi'y are 
 jtartictilarly fond. They likewise cat seetls of various kimls, 
 and are readily reared in a cage on the Usual diet of the 
 ( anary. 
 
 'I'hough nattnally shy, active, and stispicious, partictilarl\- the 
 brilliant male, they still at this interesting period of procn-a- 
 tion resort chietly to the precincts of habitatit)ns, around which 
 they are f:ir more {M)mmon than in the solitary woods, seeking 
 their borders or the thii kets by the si<les of the road ; but 
 their favorite resort is the garden, where, from the topmt)st 
 b(jugh of some tall trei' which commands the whole wide land- 
 scape, the male regularly pours out his lively chant, and < on- 
 tinues it for a considerabK' leiiL'th of time. Nor is this song 
 
m 
 
 iW! 
 
 SLNGINO niKI>S. 
 
 »|i 
 
 confined to the cool and animating'" down of mofMi'ng, but it 
 is renewed and still more vi^^orous diirirjg tiie noon- day heat 
 of summer. This lively strain seems composed of a repeti- 
 tion of short notes ; commenc ing loud and rai)id, and then, 
 slowly falling, they descend almost to a whisper, succeeded by 
 a silent interval of about half a minute, when the song is agai. 
 continued as bt Ium'. 'I'hc most common of these vocal expres- 
 sions sounds like s/ir tslw tshc — tshc fs/irt' tslu'r — tsht' (she 
 tshf. Thf mitldle syllables are utteretl lispingly, in a very 
 pi( uliar manner, and the three last gradually fall ; sometimes 
 the song is varied and shortened into (slua tshra ishca /s/ur/i, 
 the last sound being sometimes doubled. This shorter song 
 is Usually uttered at tlie timi' :hat the female is engaged in 
 the cares of incubation, or as the brood alread\' appi-ar, and 
 wiien too great a (lis])lay of music might endanger the relirmg 
 se( uritN' of the fimih'. l"ro)u a young or imperfectly moulted 
 male, on the suuuuit of a weping-willow, I IvMid the following 
 singularly li\il\ s\ll,ibK's. V/r '//r ' //<■ (a l,r. repeated at short 
 i!iter\'al->. While thus ])roniiiunilv I'xpwsed to \iew, the little 
 airy minstrel is continually on the watch against any surprise, 
 and if he be steadily looked at or hearkened to with visible 
 attention, in the next instant he is off to se-. k out some secmer 
 elevation. In the village of Cambridge 1 have seen one of 
 these a/ure, almost celestial musicians, regularly chant to the 
 inmates of a tall dwliing-house from the smnmit of the chim- 
 ney or the poin (f the fijrked iightninf-rod. 1 have also 
 heard a ("anary, wii.iin hearing, rejx'at and imitate the slowly 
 lisping trill of the Imligo bird, whose warble indeeil often 
 greatly resembles that of this species. The female, before 
 hatching her brood, is but seldom seen, and is then scarcely 
 distinguishable from a couunon Sparrow ; nor is she ever to be 
 observed beyond the humble bushes and weeds in which she 
 commonly resides. 
 
 'I'he nest of our bird is usually built in a low bush partly con- 
 ccaleil by rank grass or grain ; at times in the forks of a young 
 orchard tree lo or 12 feet from the ground. I have also seen 
 one suspended in a complicated manner in a tri'llised grape- 
 
INDK.U I!!'NTl.\v;. 
 
 
 but it 
 y heat 
 rcpcti- 
 ihcn, 
 led by 
 i ai^ui.. 
 ■xpres- 
 //(' hhe 
 a very 
 letimes 
 I shirk, 
 •r si)n.u; 
 igcd in 
 ■ar, and 
 retirin.u 
 Aionltcd 
 )lio\vinij; 
 It short 
 In- little 
 kurprise, 
 1 visible 
 securer 
 one of 
 to the 
 chini- 
 vc also 
 slowly 
 d (ifien 
 belore 
 scarcely 
 iT to be 
 lich she 
 
 vino. If left indisturbed, they often I nid in the sui'-.e garden 
 or orchard fur several successive years. When in a bush, dvj 
 nest is suspended betwixt two twigs, passing u|) on eitn-r mI* . 
 Ivxternally it is composed of coarse sedge-grass, some v; .. r'.'d 
 leaves, and lined with fine stalks of the same, and the nd.er 
 hairdike tops of the bent-grass {^Ai^rostis), with a ver> fe»v 
 cow-hairs ; though sometimes they make a substantial hning of 
 hair. The nest whic h I saw in the vine was com|)osed out- 
 wardly of coarse strips of bass-mat, weeds, and some strings 
 picked up in the garden, and lined with horse-hair and a few 
 tojts of bent-grass. The yoimg here scan ely leave the nest 
 before the end of July or the first week in Augu-i, and they 
 raise usually but a single brood in the season. I hey appear 
 to show great timidity about their nest, and ofp u readily i'or- 
 sake it when touched, or \\\\c\\ an egir i > abstracted. Their 
 usual note of alarm when th( in->t'lves or their X'.ung are 
 approached is a ^harj) A////, (piicklv ■\\v\ anviou^ly rejje ited, 
 resembling almost the striking of two pibbles. 'i'h.ey will not 
 forsake their young, howescr ready they mas be to relimiui.ih 
 thi-ir eggs ; and they have been known to fi'ed their brood 
 verv faithf-.illv throuLjh the bars of a caue in whi( h tlu v we re 
 confined. 
 
 This species is a common summer resident frop- '^outh C-'olina 
 to western Maine and tlu: city of (.Hiehce, and w---' vard '.'U'oiigh 
 Ontario and Illinois to tiie Great Plains. It also - , urs Oi.easion 
 allv in eastern Maine ami the Maritime Province . 
 
 N'oTK. — One examjile of the \'.\kiio Hintin'; {'^'isseriiia 
 ".•ersicdlor) has i)een captured in southern Mi( hi-aii. ii.s usual 
 habitat is the vallev of the Rio diande and Lower California. 
 
 rlly con- 
 
 a young 
 
 ilso seen 
 
 •d grai)e- 
 
314 
 
 SINGING HIRIJS. 
 
 '[ 
 
 i\ 
 
 ti' 
 
 11: 
 
 ,,.! 
 j:^ 
 
 PAINTKl) I5UXTL\G. 
 
 NOM'AKKIL. 
 P.ASSKUINA Clkl.S, 
 
 Char. Male: head and neck blue; eyelids red; back yellowish 
 green ; rinnp red; wiiii^s dusky, gldsscd witli green; tail purplish brown; 
 below, \erniiliiin. J'eniale : above, olive; below, buff; wings and tail 
 dusky edged with olive. Length 5_J4 inches. 
 
 .\''.r/. In a thicket of low bushes; (ninpactiv made of twigs, roots, 
 shreds of bark and gr.iss, lined witii tine gra» or horse-hair, or tine roots. 
 
 /i^X''- 4~5 • ''"" wiiiic, or wiili bhie tinl, niaikul chielly aiuund hirger 
 end willi piir|)li->h ami reddish luown ; o.So X o.'.iO. 
 
 This si)l(.'iKli(l, gay, and docile bird, known to the Anieri("ins 
 as the Nonpareil, and to the l-'rcnch l,oiiisi;uHans as the J^ipe, 
 inhabits the woods of the low countrii's of die Southern Sl;Ues, 
 in the vicinity of the sea and alonj^^ llie borders of the larger 
 ri\ers, from Nortii C"iiri;lina to Mexito. It arrives from its 
 tropiial (jiiarters in l,ouisian;i ;uid (ieorgi;i from the mitldlc 
 \() the 2oth of April ; but imi);itient of cold, retires to the 
 South c irly in Oi tobcr, \\n\\ is supposed to winter about Vera 
 Cru/. i'or the saLe of tiieir song ;is well as be;iuty of plum- 
 age, these birds are conmionly domesticated in the ho^^^es of 
 till IV'^nch inh;d)it:uits of New Orleans ;ind its vicinity ; and 
 some have succeeded in raising them in < ;ii)tivity, where plenty 
 of room was allowed in ;in avi;iry. Tluy ;ire familiar also in 
 the g;irdens and orchards, where their w;ubling notes are al- 
 most perpetually luanl throughout the summer. 'Their song 
 much resembles th;ii of the Indigo Hird, but their voice is 
 more feeble ;ini| coik isc. Soon reconciled to the cage, they 
 will sing even ;i few da\s ;ifter being c;uight. Their food con- 
 sists of rice, insects, ;tn<l \arious kinds of seeds ; thev collect 
 alstj the grains of the ripe figs. ;md. tre(|uent!ng gardens, build 
 often within ;i few p;u:es of the house, being particularly 
 attached to the orangeries. 
 
 Their nests are usuallv made in the hedges of the orange, or 
 on the lower bram he> of the siime trt'c. likewise o<:casionally 
 in a bramble or thorny bush. In the mildest climates in which 
 
will I i;-cRt->\vM:i) >rARR<>\v 
 
 5'5 
 
 yeilf)\vish 
 
 li l)i")\\n : 
 
 and tail 
 
 4s, rotjts, 
 iiie roots, 
 nil larger 
 
 thov ]xiss tlic suimncr, tlu-y raisi- two bnxuls in the season. 
 'I'lu'V are roninionly caught in trap-cages, U) whu h ihey are 
 sonietiiues allured by a >tull"e(l Mnl, \vlu< h they descend to 
 attack ; and they liave been known to survive in domestica- 
 tion for upwards of ten years. 
 
 This species is conimon in tiu- South Atlantic and < iulf St.Ttes, 
 ami has been taken north to southern Illinois and North Carolina. 
 
 Nmi:. — 'ihe (iRASScu 11 {i'.Kttkcia hiio/op) and the .Mi:lo- 
 1)1(11 s ('.KAssiU IT { Iltu't/ititi ciiiiura) — hotli West India birds — 
 have been taken in southern Florid.i, ihouLrh thev arc nierclv 
 accidental wanderers there. 
 
 nencans 
 le /'//i-, 
 1 States, 
 e lir|::er 
 from Its 
 middle 
 s to the 
 Hit Vera 
 )f plum- 
 ou^es t»f 
 tv ; and 
 l)lenty 
 also in 
 are al- 
 eir song 
 voice is 
 ge. they 
 od con- 
 V collect 
 ns, bi'ild 
 ticnlarly 
 
 ange. (^r 
 asionally 
 in which 
 
 wnrrr.-CRowM-.i) spm^irow. 
 
 /t)M>i ki( 111 \ II i( ()i'iikN>, 
 
 Tir AU. U]i]ior part-" ^rnvisli binwn. -treakeil uitli dull l>,iv, and ])ale 
 ash ; crown wliite. hordered hv han(!> of hi n k : lines of black and white 
 from evrs to iund neck; \viiiu< willi two wliile l):irs: tail dii^kv ; below, 
 grav. whitening on ♦.hroai aiul belly ; llanks sliadcil with brown. Length 
 about 7 inches. 
 
 Xrsf. In an open woodland, on the ground or in a low bii>h, — 
 usually coii(:eali.fl in Lirass at the fool of a bu^h ; lirndv made oi di ied 
 grass lined with tine grass, — somitin)^^ wiiii d.eer's hair or fcatiicrs. or 
 roots. 
 
 /•,';';''.r. 4-6; greenish while or bUiisli wliite thickly spotted with red- 
 dish brown; 0.90 X o<>v 
 
 'I'his rare and h mdsome s]tc( ies is \i'rv little known in anv 
 jiail of the I'nited States, a h \v stragglers only l)eing set-n 
 about the beginning of winter, and again in May or e.irlier, on 
 their way back to their Northern breeding-places, in the fur 
 countries and round Hudson's '.ay, whi( h they visit from the 
 South in May, and construct their nests in June in the vkinity 
 of Albany I'ort and Severn Rivi'r. These are fixed on the 
 group.d, or near it, in the shelter oi the willow-trees which 
 they glean, jirob.ibly with many other bird^. for the insects 
 which frecpient them. 
 
I ^""■"■Sa^lggjggigg; 
 
 Si 
 
 If 
 
 'imm 
 
 316 
 
 SIN(ilMi KIKUS. 
 
 At this season the male sings in a loud, clear, musical, but 
 rather plaintive tone, the song consisting of six or seven notes; 
 these he rejjeats at short intervals during the whole day. On 
 the ij5th of April, i>S,?5, 1 saw llcjcks of this species among 
 the thickets in the \i( inity of Santa Barbara, L'pper C'alilornia. 
 They sung with a teehle, (juaiiU note, to me unlike that of any 
 oth<.'r sjjecies, and almost similar to s(juk' of the notes of the 
 Cliickadee. As they depart from Hudson liay in September, 
 it is |)robable that they |»rincipally winter in the Canadian 
 provinces, otherwise, as passengers farther south, they would 
 bi' seen more abimdantl) in tlu' I'niled States than they are. 
 Indeed, as they aj)pfoa( h this part of New l-jigland only in 
 small desultory parties in the winter, as in November and 
 Di'cember. it is I'vidrnt that they only migrate a short (li>tance 
 in iiuest of food, and return to the North at the approach of 
 line weather. \\ hile here they a])pear silent and solitary, and 
 are not difti( nit to approai h. 'I'heii- food, as usual, is seeds of 
 grasses, insects, and their l:ir\:v. 
 
 Tills species is not so rare in our day as Nuttall evidciuly con- 
 sidered it. for it now oet ur.s (luitc regularly llinnighout this l^astcrii 
 Province, lliough likely to appear in irregular lumibers at any given 
 loiality. It breeds in northern .Maine and Xcw I'.runswick. and 
 norlii to sub-arctic rcLiions. Xests have been found also in \'cr- 
 niont and New \'ork. The birds are met with in winter from 
 soutliern New England southward to Mexico. 
 
 in . •( 
 
 ! i!:^ 
 
>ical, but 
 II noU's ; 
 lay. On 
 s anion^' 
 alilornia. 
 It of any 
 's ot the 
 plcmbcr, 
 Janadiaii 
 ey would 
 they are. 
 I only in 
 ihtT and 
 
 (!i>lan((.' 
 iroach ot" 
 lary. and 
 
 scc'iU of 
 
 .Miily LDii 
 i Kastcni 
 my given 
 ivick. and 
 o in \'cr- 
 tcr trom 
 
 LARK SI 'A K ROW. 
 
 LARK. riM II. 
 
 Ciu )Ni)i;si r.s ukammac us. 
 
 f'n.\R. Al)(nc, ^rayi-^li olFvc : ihc l)ai k Niown, with fine ^trtak-i of 
 black; tail l)la( k, — cxcLptiiij; central fcatiicr>, — ti|>jiL(l uitli uliitc, "Hiui 
 wcl) of iiiUci |iair ciitiicly white; crown chestnut, wiih nudiaii line ol 
 (hill while; line over tiie eve dull while; white crescent iimlei the eves 
 linidcrcd I)V black, and l)i'hinv' ' y chestnnt ; below white tin^,ctl with 
 brown ; breast with patch of black, l-en^^lh 6 to (iK inches. 
 
 .\Vj/. Usually amid a tutl of ;.;rass, but sometimes in a tree or bn-li; 
 composetl of j;rass and vegetable fibre. 
 
 /',\%o-. 3-5 (Usually }) ; white or with Mni' or buff lint, ni.uked wilh 
 spots and lines of dark brown or black ; 0.S5 X 0.^)5. 
 
 for this s])c-cics wo ;ire atf;iiii iiKhhtcd to Mr. Sav. who ob- 
 served it in abundance near the Cotmcil I'hilTs and tht- m-i^h- 
 boriiiff coimtry of the Missouri in thi' s])rinLr. as well ;ts in the 
 nn)nth of June. \- jiijprars to In- wJiolK confined to the west 
 side of the .Mississippi, ;ind ])rob,d)lv cvicnds ii\to Mexico. 
 These birds frecpient the prairie Ljroiinds, ;tnd seldom if evi-r 
 alijfht on trees; they sin<j sweetly, and, like the I, arks. h;ive 
 the habit of continuing their notes while on the wing. 
 
 Mr. Townsend observes ; "'I'his si)eeit s inhabits several hun- 
 dred miles of the I'lattc plains in ure;U nutnbi'rs, as well as the 
 banks of the ('olunibia River. It generally affects th<' low 
 bushes of wormwood {A r/i misi'd), (rom the summit of which 
 
318 
 
 SINGINC; lilUDS. 
 
 f li 
 
 it pours forth a variety of pretty notes." At the comnv^nre- 
 MRDt of the pairing season the males arc \ery piigii.itioiis, 
 ii^hliii;; often on wing, and the contiuering rival, repairing to 
 the nearest bush, ttnus his lively pipe in token of su( cess. 
 
 The Lark I'iiuli is conimDn aioiig tlie Mississippi vallt \ iiortli to 
 Jowa and soutliLTii Miiliigaii. It has hucii taken oeeasiunally in 
 Manitoba and in Ontario, and a liw examples ha • appeared in 
 New Kngland. and soutliward along the Atlantic coa. . io Morida. 
 
 It is said to ri'seni!)Ie tlu- (iriss F'"inch in general lia'/its, and its 
 song is soniewh;,! similar. 
 
 ]i 
 
 
 1 
 
 wn rn: ruRoArKD .si>arrow. 
 
 rEAIJODV I'.IKD — OLD TOM l'EAIK)DY. 
 ZONOTRK lllA .\I.l;l( OI.I.IS. 
 
 Char. Back strciiUcd, reddi^li brown, hlack and dull huff; sides of 
 head and rump ashy; crnwii with median .slrijic uf white hordcrcd by 
 sfri|ns ofhlnck ; ^triprs of vclluw from bill to eves; stripes of white over 
 eyes; .slri])cs of black through eves; throat white; under p.irts yravi^h 
 shadinij to white op. the I)ellv, the sides shaded with brown ; wings with 
 two white bars. I.cn<;th 6|^ to 7 inches. 
 
 A't's/. In an old meadow or opet woodland, or on the edge of a grove ; 
 placed on the ground uj^on a cushii.n of moss; composed of giass, stems, 
 roots, etc., lined with tine grass or roots, — sometimes with hair or 
 feathers. 
 
 / ;;'• 4-^: palc j:jreenish blue, thickly marked with several shades of 
 reddish brown ; 0.S5 X 0.60. 
 
 These large and handsome Sparrows are seen in this ])art of 
 Massachusetts only as transient visitors at the approach of 
 wintiT, or in spring al)out tlu- first week in May. In the 
 Mi«ldle and Southern States they pass the inclement season, 
 and ap])ear there as a numerous species. A flock has been 
 observed in the State of New York in the month of January. 
 In their hibernal resorts they are seen in bands, and show a 
 predilection for thickets, swamjjs, small streams, ;in(l the bor- 
 ders of ponds, where, among the tall and bleaching weeds, 
 they continue to collect the seeds, and probably insect larvai, 
 which constitute their usual fare. \Vhile here they keep much 
 on the ground, and seek out cool and shady situations, scratch- 
 
ninH-nce- 
 
 giKK imis, 
 )airing to 
 
 X'SS. 
 
 y north to 
 wonally in 
 iJiai'Lil in 
 i I lorid.i. 
 ;.s, and its 
 
 f ; sides of 
 )rdcrcd by 
 white over 
 
 rt-^ L;iavi<h 
 win;4.s with 
 
 [)f a grove ; 
 iss, stems, 
 h liair or 
 
 siiades of 
 
 part of 
 
 roach of 
 
 In the 
 
 t season, 
 
 las been 
 
 lanuarv. 
 
 sliow a 
 
 the l)or- 
 
 :; weeds, 
 
 il larvfie, 
 
 ep nmch 
 
 seratch- 
 
 \vimi:-Tiiuo.\Ti:i) siaukuw. 
 
 319 
 
 IHR up the fallen leaves in (lucst of worms and other insects, 
 and arc at this time often very nnMisj)icioiis, allowing' a near 
 ajjproach without hetraymg any alarm ; hut when in lar^'e 
 tlo( ks. they mo\e about in timorous haste as soon as a|) 
 l)roa(;hed. Alx)ut the i5lh of April they leave the Middle 
 States, and retire to the high iKjrtlu-rn latitudis to breed, ha\ - 
 inji been seen in Labrador. Newfoundland, and tiie fur i oun- 
 tries up to the 66th parallel in sinnmer. At the period of 
 breedini^ the male sin.i^s with considerable enerj^y and melody 
 already in the early spring ; also before their iKparture to the 
 North, on fine mornings, they are heard to whisper forth ,1 lew 
 sweet anil clear notes, as in a revery of the ajjproucliing hap- 
 piness of their more lively and interesting ctMidinon. 
 
 This Sparrow — known to tlu- country ;)coplt' «)l tii.. Last as the 
 •' reahody Ilird" and "Kennedy bird'' — l)rec(ls abundantly in 
 tiic nurtlKrn portions of New York and \i w lainl.uid as wlH as 
 in tile .Maritime Provinces: and at the wist in northern Miih.igan 
 and .Manitol)a. According to .Mr. Hrcwsttr, tliis binl breeds also 
 "very conimonlv on .Mount (Iravloek. sparingly i/ the noriiicrn 
 part of Worcester County. .Massachusetts, and occasionally in 
 eastern .Massachusetts." The bird winters sjjaringly in southern 
 New laigland, and comnioidy thence soutliward to I'lorida. 
 
 The song, which is loud and sweet, is laniiliar in the district 
 wlure the birds build, tor they sing all day long. ;m<l are often 
 heard during tlie niglu. It lias been interpreleil peaped-pedbody 
 pedboiiy-pt'dhody ; hence the name. 
 
IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 1.0 
 
 LI 
 
 
 25 
 
 M 
 
 1.8 
 
 
 1.25 1.4 
 
 11^ 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 6" — 
 
 
 ► 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 33 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 

i;. 
 
 "! i 
 
 'i:; 
 
 ^u 
 
 1 ttti 
 
 
 
 
 it) 
 
 
 VESPER SPARROW. 
 
 GRASS FIXCH. BAV-WINGED BUNTING. 
 PoOC.tTES GR.\MI\EUS. 
 
 Char. Above, yellowish brown, streaked with darker ; line over and 
 around eyes, white; shoulder chestnut or hay; two white bars on wing; 
 two outer tail-feathers partlv white ; below, white with buffy tinge ; breast 
 and sides streaked witii bmwn. Length about 6}^. inches. 
 
 //fst In a field, old meadow, open pasture, or roadside, on the ground, 
 — usually hidden by tuft of grass or under a low bush; composed of grass 
 and roots, and lined with fine grass, sometimes with hair. 
 
 /Vi,f;'.c. 4-6; grr yish white, sometimes with green or pink tint, thickly 
 marked with several shades of brown ; 0.80 X 0.60. 
 
 This plain-looking Finch chiefly freqtients dry pastures and 
 meadows, and is often seen perched on the fences and in 
 orchard trees ; it also often approaches the public roads and 
 gathers its subsistence tamely from various sources. It is 
 abundant in all the States east of the Alleghanies, where many 
 pass the whole year ; yet great numbers also winter in the south- 
 ern parts of the Union, proceeding as far as the maritime 
 districts of (Jeorgia and Florida. From the beginning of 
 April to the beginning of June, the males sing with a clear and 
 agreeable note, scarcely inferior to that of the Canary, though 
 less loud and varied. On their first arrival, as with the Song 
 Sparrow, their notes are often given in an under-tone of con- 
 siderable sweetness. Their song begins at early dawn, and is 
 again peculiarly frequent after sunset until dark, when, from 
 
VESPER SPARROW. 
 
 3^1 
 
 ine over and 
 lars on wing ; 
 tinge ; breast 
 
 II the ground, 
 osed of grass 
 
 tint, thickly 
 
 jastures and 
 ces and in 
 roads and 
 es. It is 
 iiere many 
 |i the sonth- 
 e maritime 
 ginning of 
 a dear and 
 |ary, though 
 h the Song 
 ne of con- 
 awn, and is 
 when, from 
 
 the fence of some elevated pasture-field, in the cool of the 
 summer evening, when uther songsters have retired to rest, the 
 (jrass Sparrow, more than u?>ually wakeful, after a silence which 
 has perhaps continued nearly through the warmer part of the 
 day, pipes forth his clear and slender, though now almost mo- 
 notonous song, near to the favorite spot where his mate hatches 
 or fosters her tender brood ; and from all the neighboring 
 meadows, at this silent hour, as the last rays of the sun are re- 
 flected from the dusky horizon, we hear a constant rejjetition 
 of an echoing and shrill tsh 'tsh Ushe tc tshete tslute, with warb- 
 ling tones blended ami varied, at the beginning ami close of 
 this simple, rather pensive, but agreeable ditty. They are 
 more common in fields than thickets, and run along the ground 
 in the manner of the Lark. They likewise frequent ploughing 
 fields, searching on the ground for insects, and are very fond 
 of dusting themselves and basking in dry places. 
 
 Being nearly sedentan.-, they raise probably several broods 
 in the season. Sometime^ when started from the nest, the 
 female simulates lamene:^. with remarkable dexterity, so as 
 very readily to draw off the attention of her enemies or in- 
 truders. The young are easily raised from the nest, and 
 become very tame, clean, and domestic, but readily (luarrel 
 with each other. 
 
 The •• Bay-winged Bunting " of earlier writers was named " \'cs- 
 per Sparrow "" by Wilson F'lagg, from its habit of singing during 
 the early evening. It breeds from Vir<iinia and Kentucky to Mani- 
 toba and the Maritime Provinces, and is one of the most abundant 
 Sparrows in New England and Ontario. It winters from \'irginia 
 southward. 
 
 The song is much more effective than Nuttall's description indi- 
 cates. The voice is of sweet tone, and the theme, though simple, 
 is exceedingly tender and plaintive. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 i\ 
 
 Mti 
 
IMM 
 
 in 
 
 iiil 
 
 f' 
 
 
 
 \'i i 
 
 li'i 
 
 SONG SPARROW. 
 
 MeLOSPIZA FASCIA'IA. 
 
 C}IAR. Back streaked with black, bay, and ash; crown bay, streaked 
 with black and with two stripes of ash ; wings gravisii brown edged with 
 dull rufous , tail grayish brown, with dark wavy cross-bars , below, white ; 
 breast, sides of throat, and sides of body spotted with brown, the spots 
 forming a " patch " on the breast. Length 6 to 6^2 inches. 
 
 jVc'sL In a field or open pasture, amid a tuft of grass or under a low 
 bush, sometimes fastened to bush or vine, occasionally placed in a cavity 
 in a tree ; composed of twigs, grass, roots, and leaves, lined with grass 
 and roots, or hair. 
 
 iT'.yj. 3-7 (usually 4 or 5) ; dull white or with tint of green, blue, or 
 pink, thickly marked with several shades of brown ; occasionally un- 
 spotted ; o.So X 0.60. 
 
 'This familiar and almost domestic bird is one of the most 
 common and numerous Sparrows in the United States ; it is 
 also, with the Bluebird, which it seems to accompany, one 
 of the two earliest, sweetest, and most enduring warblers. 
 
 j 1 
 

 )ay, streaked 
 edged with 
 ow, white ; 
 
 i-n, the spots 
 
 under a low 
 in a cavity 
 with grass 
 
 een, blue, or 
 asionally un- 
 
 )f the most 
 ates ; it is 
 ipany, one 
 iz warblers. 
 
 SONC. SrAKRUW. 
 
 3^3 
 
 Though many pass on to the Southern States at the commence- 
 ment of winter, yet a few seem to brave the colds of New- 
 England as long as the snowy waste does not conceal their 
 last resource of nutriment. When the inundating storm at 
 length arrives, they no longer, in the sheltering ^wam])> and 
 borders of bushy streams, si)end iheir time in gleaning an in- 
 sufficient subsistence, but in the month of November begin t(.) 
 retire to the warmer States ; and here, on fine days, even in 
 January, whisper forth their usual strains. Ab early as the 4ih 
 of March, the weather being mild, the Song Sparrow and the 
 Bluebird here jointly arrive, and cheer the yet dreary face of 
 Nature with their familiar songs. The latter flits restlessly 
 through the orchard or neighboring fields ; the Sparrow, more 
 social, frequents the garden, barn-yard, or road-side in quest 
 of support, and from the top of some humble bush, stake, or 
 taller bough tunes forth his cheering lay. in frequent repetitions, 
 for half an hour or more at a time. These notes have some 
 resemblance to parts of the Canary's song, and are almost 
 uninterruptedly and daily delivered, from his coming to the 
 commencement of winter. \\ hen the birds first arrive, while 
 the weather is yet doubtful and unsettled, the strain appears 
 contemplative, and is often delivered in a peculiarly low and 
 tender whisper, which, when hearkened to for some time, will 
 bt and more than usually melodious, seeming as a sort of 
 revery, or innate hope of improving seasons, which are recalled 
 with a grateful, calm, and tender delight. At the approach of 
 wintei, this vocal thrill, sounding like an Orphean farewell to 
 the scene and season, is still more excpiisite, and softened l)y 
 the sadness which seems to breathe almost with sentiment, 
 from the decaying and now silent face of Nature. Our song- 
 ster, never remarkable for sprightliness, as the spring advances 
 delivers his lay louder and more earnestly. He usually begins 
 with a /s/i^ fsh' tshe fc tshctc tsli'ctc' and blends in a sood deal of 
 quivering notes. Individuals also excel, and var)' their song from 
 time to time with very agreeable effect ; and it is only because 
 our familiar vocalist is so constantly heard and seen that so little 
 value is set upon his agreeable, cheerful, and faithful perform- 
 
 1 
 
^" 
 
 •■u 
 
 324 
 
 SINGING IJIRDS. 
 
 .• •: 
 
 j i 
 
 iui 
 
 11! 
 
 I . I* 
 
 < llii. 
 
 1:1-1 
 
 ance. When not atteichcd to the garden, our Sparrow seems 
 fond of freciuenting low bushy meadows, streams, swamps, and 
 watery situations, which afford him ready shelter, and his usual 
 food of worms, insects, larvae, and seeds. Such situations are 
 also their favorite resorts when, in gregarious and miscellaneous 
 flocks with other congeneric kinds, they are seen to crowd the 
 sheltered marshes of the Southern States. They are also com- 
 monly seen nimbly running along the ground, and gliding 
 through low thickets in ([uest of their insect fare ; and in fine 
 weather they dust themselves, anfl bask in the sun. I'hey often 
 likewise fretjuent the water, being fond of washing ; and some- 
 times are seen to swim across small streams, particularly when 
 disabled from flying by a gunshot wound. 
 
 The nest is usually formed of a considerable portion of fine 
 dry grass neatly put together, and mostly lined with horse-hair. 
 These birds are very prolific, raising as many as three broods 
 in a season, the young being occasionally hatched, in the Mid- 
 dle States, from the close of April to the end of August. They 
 are very solicitous for the safety of their young, keei)ing up at 
 this time often a tiresome chirping ; and on the destruction of 
 the female and most of her young, I have known the remain- 
 ing male, with unceasing and anxious attention, raise a solitary 
 survivor of his ruined family witl the most devoted affection. 
 As they keej) the young and their habitation so very clean, and 
 are so prolific, it is a matter of surprise that they do not re- 
 occupy the ])remises ; instances are, however, not wanting in 
 which they have been known to raise two broods in the same 
 nest. l)Oth parents join in the duty of incubation, and alter- 
 nately feed each other while so engaged. 
 
 This species nests from Soutli Carolina to Lake Mistassini. and 
 from central Ohio and northern Illinois to Lake Winnipeg. It 
 arrives at St. John, N. H., during tlie secoi.d week in April in im- 
 mense flocks, and is usually accompanied by similar tlocks of 
 Robins and Juncos. Occasionally a few winter in the Maritime 
 Provinces and in Quebec, while in eastern Massachusetts and Con- 
 necticut they are often quite numerous at that season. 
 

 SAVANNA SI'ARKOW. 
 
 3^5 
 
 3W seems 
 
 imps, and 
 his usiKil 
 ations are 
 :ellaneous 
 crowd the 
 also com- 
 id gliding 
 ind in fine 
 rhey often 
 and some- 
 larly when 
 
 ion of fine 
 hor^ediair. 
 ree broods 
 II the Mid- 
 ;ust. They 
 ;i)ing up at 
 ;traction of 
 he rernain- 
 a solitary 
 affection, 
 clean, and 
 o not re- 
 wanting in 
 the same 
 and alter- 
 
 tassini. and 
 imipeg. It 
 April in ini- 
 riocks of 
 Maritime 
 .s and Con- 
 
 SAVANNA SPARROW. 
 
 GROUND Sl'AKKUW. 
 
 Ammodramus s.\xd\vichensis savanna. 
 
 Char. Above, streaked with grayish brown, black, rufous, and gray; 
 line over the eyes and edges of wings yellow ; crown with median stripe 
 of Yellowish white ; line troni lower mandible yellowish white bordered 
 by brown ; below, white tinged with buff, breast and sides streaked with 
 brown and black. Length 5I2 inches. 
 
 Mese. In a salt-marsh or along a river bank, sonictitnes in a drv 
 inland meadow, concealed by tall grass or tuft of weeds ; composed of 
 grass, sometimes mixed with line roots, and occasionally lined with 
 horse-hair. 
 
 ^■.V-r 3-6 ; variable in shape, size, and markings, usually tiull white 
 or with green tint, thickly spotted with dark brown, rich brown, and 
 lilac ; o 70 X O.55 
 
 This Sparrow, allied to the preceding, but flir less f;imiliar, is 
 commonly seen in this part of New England from April to 
 October, migrating towards the .South in severe weather, though 
 many pass the whole winter in the Middle States In Georgia 
 and West Florida these birds are rather numerous in the cold 
 season, migrating in quest of food probably from the West ; 
 and the whole species generally show a predilection for the 
 warm and sheltered Wcinage of the sea, where the seeds and 
 insects they feed on are most abundant. On their first arrival 
 in Massachusetts they frequent the sandy beaches and shores 
 of the bays in quest of Cicindcliv and other coleopterous 
 insects which frequent such situations ; and they are at this 
 time exceedingly fat, though their moult is not yet completed. 
 In summer this shy and timid species lives wholly in pastures 
 or grass fields, and often descends to the ground in quest of 
 food. Its nest, also laid in the grass and made of the dry 
 blades of the same, ver>- similar to that of the Song Sparrow, is 
 usually built about the close of .April. 
 
 In the month of March, in Georgia, I observed rhese Spar- 
 rows in the open grassy pine woods on the margins of small 
 swamps or '' galls." At times they utter a note almost exactly 
 similar to the chirpings of a cricket, so that it might be easily 
 mistaken for that insect. At other times they utter a few 
 
 ii V 
 
 HI 
 
 li 
 
 .f 
 
326 
 
 SIXdINd 15IRDS. 
 
 
 . < 1 . 
 
 flKH 
 
 pleasant notes somewhat similar to the song of the Song Sjjar- 
 row, but sufficiently distinct. 
 
 The Savanna S]xuio\v breeds more abundantly alon<; the coast 
 of -Massachusetts than in the interior, and perhaps this may apply 
 to all localities ; but the opinion expressed by many writers that it 
 is almost exclusively a bird ol the sea-shore — of the salt-marshes 
 
 is far from correct. 1 traced it uj) the valley of tiie St. John as far 
 as there were cleared Helds or marshy meadows, and in no locality 
 was it more abundant than at Fort Kent, — the most northern point 
 of Maine. It occurs throuj^hout the southern portii)rs of Canatla. 
 
 These birds are rarely seen off the ground; an occasional perch 
 on a stoue heap or a fence being the only deviation from this rule. 
 
 IPSWICH SPARROW. 
 
 AmMODR-UIL'S I'RINCEFS. 
 
 CllAR. General appearance of a Ir.rge pale Savanna Sparrow. Above, 
 grayish brown, each feather streaked with bl.ick, rufous, and giay ; jrown 
 stripe dull buff or buffy white ; stripe over eyes siniiiar but paler ; wings 
 blackish brcnvn, edged with buff ; tail grayish brown tipped with white ; 
 beneath, dull white tinged with buff ; chest and sides streaked with brown. 
 Length 6 to 6^4 inches. 
 
 A'c'sf. In a cup-shaped hollow scratched in the sand and concealed by 
 a tussock of grass or a low bus-h ; made of gra.ss compactly woven, with 
 an outer shell of coarser material and lined witn fine grass. 
 
 /iX'^^'J- 4-5; bluish or grayish white thickly marked w^ith deep brown 
 of several shades and some spots of purplish and grayish brown ; 
 0.61 X 0.S5. 
 
 This interesting bird was first described by M'". C. J. Maynard 
 from a specimen taken by him at Ipswich, Mass., in 1868. For 
 two years the type remained unique, and for several years later the 
 species was supposed to be rare. It has since been found all along 
 the Atlantic coast from Georgia to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It 
 usually frequents the sea-shore or salt-meadows near by, thougli 
 Mr. N. C. Brown reports that he has seen it at Lake Umbagog, in 
 the interior of Maine. I met with it in New Brunswick only for a 
 few days during the second week of April, 1883. When feeding 
 on the sandy shore (the snow still covered the fields), in company 
 with other Sparrows, it was not difificult to distinguish the Ipswich 
 from their congeners, but it is difficult to define the distinguishing 
 characteristics. 
 
 ■;''.?. ! 
 
 1 ( 
 
hachman's srARRow. 
 
 327 
 
 ng Spar- 
 
 thc coast 
 nay apply 
 crs that it 
 t-niarshcs 
 ohn as far 
 10 locality 
 licrn point 
 I Canada, 
 jnul percli 
 this rule. 
 
 3\v. Above, 
 ;iay ; jrown 
 aler ; W'ing:» 
 with while ; 
 Iwith brown. 
 
 oncealed by 
 woven, with 
 
 deep brown 
 ,h brown ; 
 
 Maynard 
 i,S68. For 
 •s later the 
 d all along 
 i/rence. It 
 y, though 
 bagog, in 
 only for a 
 len feeding 
 company 
 le Ipswich 
 inguishing 
 
 In 1S04 Dr. Jonathan Dwight, Jr.. v'sitcd Sable Island, off Nova 
 Scotia, anfl ohtTiined several nests of this species with sets of eggs. 
 His nionograpli, issued as a memoir of the Nuttall Ornitliological 
 Club. ( ontains the only account that has been ])ublislicd of the 
 habits of the bird, and from that paper I have taken tlie description 
 of the nest and eggs given above. 
 
 Dr. Dwiglit describes these I)irds as tamer than they api)('ar 
 when on the migrations, yet they were so retiring he could not learn 
 much of their "domestic affairs." The soiig, he says, is similar 
 to that of tile Savanna Sparrow, but is "a more ])olished and 
 tuneful affair." 
 
 BACH MAN'S SPARROW. 
 
 SL'.MMER FINCH. 
 PeUC;EA /K.S'H\AIIS B.ACHM.4NII. 
 
 Chak. Above, rufous streaked with black and ash; lines over the 
 eyes \sh ; edge of wing yellow ; below, bufT, side.; shaded with ash, breast 
 with brown. Length 0,'4 inches. 
 
 A'tst. In open grassy woodland, half-cleared field, nr old meadow ; 
 placed on the ground ; made of dry grass or mi.xed with routs ; sometimes 
 the top is roofed, the entrance at the side. 
 
 £xX^'- 4-5; white: 0.75 X 0.60. 
 
 This interesting species was first made known to .Vudiibon 
 by Dr. Ikichman, who found it near the l-ldisto River, and 
 afterwards breeding in the vicinity of Charleston, South Caro- 
 lina, in the pine barrens. The discoverer remarks of this 
 bird : " When I first heard its notes they so nearly resembled 
 those of the 'I'owee P»unting that I took it to be that bird. As 
 soon as it is seen in the tall pine-trees where it usually sits to 
 warble out its melodious nv)tes, it darts down and conceals 
 itself in the rank grass, through which it runs off like a mouse, 
 and is flushed with difficulty." It is believed to breed on the 
 ground. It is said to be the finest songster of the Si)arrow 
 family in the United States. Its notes are loud for the size of 
 the bird, and heard nearly alone in the region it frequents. 
 About the month of November it proceeds to migrate flirther 
 souti., though a few stragglers still remain throughout the 
 winter. According to Latham, its nest is usually on the ground 
 among the grass, under small bushes ; it is composed of dry 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 t 
 
 I 
 
 I ; 
 
 ■"■• 
 
 
3-^8 
 
 SINGINC lUKDS. 
 
 If T 
 
 It 
 
 II! 
 
 llll 
 
 grass tor the most part, and the eggs arc dusky white. He 
 also adds that these birds inhabit (Georgia the whole year, 
 freciuenting feiues, brushwood, and thickets. 
 
 Some years ago in (leorgia in the month of Marc h 1 ob- 
 served these Sparrows in the open grassy pine woods, on the 
 margins of small swamps or galls. On being suddenly sur- 
 prised, they often (lew oif a little ilistance, and then, if followed, 
 descended to the ground, and ran and hid closely in the tall 
 tufts of grass. 
 
 Their notes at this time were very long, piping, and ele- 
 vated, and resembling often /.\/ir /s/i//> /s/i//> tship tship fship 
 /ship, then fs/tc cIC tsh' tsh' /s'lt ts'/i. Some of these notes were 
 as fine and lively as those of the Canary, — loud, echoing, and 
 cheerful. 
 
 'I'he food of this species consists of grass seeds, coleoptera, 
 and a variety of small l^erries as they come in season, 'ihe 
 sexes are nearly alike in piimiage. 
 
 This species occurs in tlie ("ailf States and north to Soutli Caro- 
 lina and southern Illinois, but tlie vicinity of Charleston, S. C, is 
 the only locality in which it has been found in abundance. \'ery 
 little is known of its habits or of its distribution. 
 
 NoTK. — The type of this species is larger and darker than 
 bachmanii. It is restricted to southern Georgia and Florida, and 
 has been named the Pine-woods Sparrow {^Pcticaa astivalis). 
 
 I 
 
 \\ 
 
 \ \ 
 
 !■' , 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 4L'^ 
 
 
 LINCOLN'S SPARROW. 
 
 LINCOLN'S FINCH. 
 
 Ml-.LOSl'IXA l.INCOI.NIl. 
 
 Char. Above, streaked with brown, gray, and black, below, white : 
 band across the breast and on sides brownish yellow. Length about 
 5^i inches, 
 
 A'L'st. On the ground, amid low bushes, along the skirts of marshy 
 meadow, or on a dry grassy hillock in an open woodland ; composed of 
 grass. 
 
 Egi^s. 4-5 ; pale green or huffish, — sometimes almost white, — thickly 
 spotted and blotched with reddish brown and lilac ; o.So X 0.60. 
 
lite, lie 
 oil- year, 
 
 rcli 1 ob- 
 is, on the 
 enly sur- 
 followed, 
 ill the tall 
 
 and ele- 
 y//// (ship 
 lotes were 
 lohig, and 
 
 oleoptera, 
 ion. I'he 
 
 outl\ Caro- 
 n, S. C, is 
 ice. Very 
 
 ker than 
 orida, and 
 stivalis). 
 
 ow, white : 
 ngth about 
 
 of marshy 
 imposed of 
 
 ;, — thickly 
 3o. 
 
 CiKASSlIOl'l'KR Sl'ARkOW 
 
 3^9 
 
 The habits of this l)ureal s|)e( ies, discovered by Audubon in 
 Labrador, are very similar to those of the Son^ Sparrow. Like 
 it, mounted on the toi)mosl twij^ of some tree or tall shrid), it 
 eh.'nts for hours together ; or, diving \\\\.o the thicket, it hops 
 from branch to branch until it reaches the groimd \\\ (|uest of 
 its usual fare of insects and berries. It moves off swittly when 
 watched, and if forced to take wing (lies low and with rapidity 
 to some consiilerable distance. It is met with usually near 
 streams, in the sheltered valleys of that cold and desolate 
 region. My thj 4th of July the yoimg had left the nest, and in 
 August they had l)egun their migrations to the .South. Spe< i- 
 mens have been obtained by Mr. W, Cooper near New \'ork 
 city. 
 
 Lincoln's Finch is now considered less •• boreal " in its distribu- 
 tion than Nuttall and his contemporaries supposed, tor tliough it 
 has been found in Labrador and in tlie high .\rctie regions of the 
 West, yet nests have been discovered in Nova .Scotia, nortliern 
 New York, and Wisconsin, as well as on the higher mountains of 
 the West down nearly to the Mexican border. It is a rare bird 
 near the Atlantic, but is abundant along the Mississippi valley. 
 
 (;rasshopim:r si'arr( )w. 
 
 YELLOW- WIXGED .SI'ARROW. VELLOW-WIXGED RUNTINC, 
 .\MM()|)R.AMU.S SAVANNARIM I' ASSKRINHS, 
 
 Char. Above, streaked with bay, black, buff, and ash; crown black- 
 ish, with median line of buff; lines over the eve buff; bend of wing bright 
 yellow; below, buff, shading to white on the belly. Length about 5 
 inches. 
 
 Nest. In a field, concealed by long grass; composed of grass, lined 
 with horse-hair. 
 
 i5]i,^i,'j. 4-5 ; white, spotted with rich brown and lilac ; 0.75 X 0.60. 
 
 This small Sparrow is a summer resident in the I'nited 
 States, in the distant territory of the Oregon, and is likewise, 
 according to Sloane, a common species in the savannas or 
 open glades of the island of Jamaica. From what little is 
 known of it as a bird of the United States, it appears to 
 
 I i 
 
 M 
 
 •ii 
 
.■).•) 
 
 ^.o 
 
 SINf;iN(i lilRDS. 
 
 Ilf ^ 
 
 'If 
 
 rt'innin in the sheltered plains of the se.i-coast of New N'ork 
 ;in(l New Jersey until the very connnenrenient of winter. It is 
 ;ils() ol)ser\'e(l in the lower parts of Pennsylvania ; and about the 
 middle of May, or later, they are occasionally seen in the gar- 
 tlens in Canibridge, Mass.. on their way apparently to some 
 otIuT breeding. stati(in. On these occasions they perch in 
 sheltered trees in pairs, and sini; in an a^jreeable vi»ice some- 
 what like that of the Pnrple l-'inch, though less vigorously. In 
 the West Inches they live much on the groiuid, and run like 
 I, arks. Hying low when Hushed, and soon alighting. Their nesr 
 is likewise fixed on the groimd, among the grass, where they 
 collect their usual fare of seeds and insects. 
 
 'Ihe majority of local students of bird life to-day consider this 
 species more or less common in Massachusetts and Connecticut, 
 and it is known to occur in parts of the more northern New Eng 
 land States, and in New York, Ohio, Ontario, and Mieliigan. One 
 e\am])Ie has been taken in New Brunswick. Its supposed rarity 
 hy earlier observers was ))robaI)ly due to its usual concealment 
 amid tlu' tall grass and to its lack of an attracti\e son,<; ; for in spite 
 ot NuttalTs assurance to the contrary, modern observers have \n- 
 dorsed the 0])inion expressed by one of their leaders that " its best 
 vocalization is scarcely stronger or more musical than the stridula- 
 tion fif a u:rasshopper." 
 
 ![ 
 
 '1.^:1 
 
 HENSLOWS SPARROW. 
 
 IIEXSLOW'S DUNTING. 
 .\.M.M(JI»RAMrs HKXSI.OWII, 
 
 f'jiAR. Above, streaked with olive brown, l)ay, and gray ; crown olive 
 ij;rav, with two blackish stripes; edge of wing yellow ; below, buff, j)akr 
 on throat and belly: sides of throat and sides of body streaked with 
 black. Length about 5 inches. 
 
 .Visf. In a field, concealed amid long grass; made of grass with a 
 lining of hair. 
 
 /•f;'-;'.c. 4-5; dull white, sometimes tinged with green, spotted with 
 brown and lilac ; 0.75 X 0.60. 
 
 This species, so much allied to the Vcllow-winged Finch 
 discovered by Audubon, is known to breed in New Jersey. 
 
r\v \iirk 
 r. It is 
 bout the 
 the gar- 
 
 to SOllK- 
 
 pcrcli in 
 vv somc- 
 isly. In 
 run like 
 'heir nesr 
 I ere they 
 
 sider this 
 nnecticut. 
 Nlcw Ens; 
 jan. One 
 st'cl rarity 
 nccahiniit 
 ;or in spite 
 s luwc in- 
 1 " its best 
 ; stricUila- 
 
 rovvn olive 
 l)uft', paler 
 :akcd with 
 
 iss with a 
 
 otted with 
 
 :d Finch 
 |v Jersey. 
 
 LE CONTL'S Sl'AKK(J\V. 
 
 00 
 
 As a winter bird of passage it is common in South Carohna, 
 and e(iually abumlant in the pine forests of Floridi, seeking 
 out l)y «hoice the hgiit sandy soils overgrown with pines, 
 though it keeps on the ground wholly, running with ( cicrity. 
 and threading its way through the grass with the nimbleues? 
 of a mouse. 
 
 SS 
 
 Henslow's Sparrow breeds from southern New lin^Iand toSoiUh 
 Carolina, and from Ontario and Illinois southward, and has been 
 found in New Hampshire and \'ermont. It is more abundant to 
 the westward than near the Atlantic seaboard. 
 
 I.K COXrK'S Sl'ARROW. 
 
 LE CONTE'S BUNTING. 
 
 Ammodramus LF.CONTKII. 
 
 CllAK General color reddish brown, streaked with Iirownish black, 
 the feathers inargiiicil with pale biU'f ; crown with two black stripes sepa- 
 rated by a narrow stripe of pale buttish gray ; cheeks and stripes over the 
 eyes buff; hind neck rufous; untler parts buff, paler ou the bullv ; no 
 streaks on the breast. Hill small and slender ; tail-feathers narrow, 
 tapering, and extremely pointed. Length about 5 inches. 
 
 A'c-sf. In a marsh or wet meadow, raised from the ground by tangled 
 grass ; made of fine grass. 
 
 /\i,{?s. 3-?; delicate pink, with a few spots of brownish and of black 
 towards the larger end; 0.75 X 0.50. (Thompson.) 
 
 This interesting bird was first described by Audubon in the 1.S43 
 edition of his work. — issued after NiUtall had written. Audubon 
 secured but one specimen, and only one other was discovered until 
 1873, when Dr. Coues took several examples on the Dakota plains. 
 Since then the species has been found by a number of naturalists, 
 anrl it is now known to breed on tlie plains of Dakota. Minnesota, 
 and Manitoba, migrating in the autumn through Illinois, Iowa. 
 Kansas, etc., to South Carolina and Florida. It is by no means 
 a rare bird, — Ridgeway thinks it abundant in Illinois, and Thomp- 
 son reports it common in Manitoba: biu. as Dr. Coues suggests, its 
 retiring habits and the nature of its resorts have doubtless caused 
 it to be overlooked. 
 
 The birds resemble Henslow's Sparrow, and the habits of the 
 two species are similar. Only one nest and set of eggs have been 
 discovered, and they were taken by Mr. Ernest Thompson on the 
 Manitoba plains. 
 

 li 
 
 J* 
 
 k 
 
 t 
 
 jt 
 
 iiri 
 
 TREE SPARROW. 
 
 SpIZELLA MOXIICOLA. 
 
 Char. Above, streaked with black, bay, and buff; crown chestnut, 
 sometime- the feathers edged with ashy; sides of head and neck asiiy ; 
 line from liehind eyes chestnut ; wings with two white bars; edges of tail- 
 feathers white ; below, dull white, breast and throat tinged with ash ; spot 
 of brown on the breast: flanks shaded with brown. Length 6% inches. 
 
 iVc-jV. (Jn the ground or in a low bush ; made of grass, twigs, and 
 roots, — sometimes cemented with mud, — lined with hair or feathers. 
 
 £^^'s. 4-5 ; pale green or greenish blue, spotted with reddish brown ; 
 0.75 X 0.60. 
 
 This handsome winter Sparrow arrives from the northern 
 regions in New England about the close of October, withdraw- 
 ing from Hudson Bay and the neighboring cotmtries some- 
 time in the month of September. The species consequently, 
 like many more of our Fn'/fi^^i/Ars, only measures its speed by 
 the resources of subsistence it is able to obtain, and thus 
 straggling southward as the winter advances, it enters Pennsyl- 
 vania only about the beginning of November ; there, as well as 
 in the maritime parts of Massachusetts, and perhaps as far 
 south as Virginia, the Tree Sparrow is often associated with 
 the hardy Snow Birds, gleaning a similar kind of subsistence ; 
 and when rht severity of winter commences, leaving the woods, 
 gardens, and uplands in which it is an occasional visitor, it 
 seeks in company the shelter of some bushy swamp, thickly 
 shaded brook, or spring. Near Fresh Pond, in this vicinity, 
 
 lii. 
 
CHIl'l'IXG SPARROW. 
 
 3-y -» 
 
 3\vn cliestnut, 
 nd neck ashy ; 
 ; edges of tail- 
 kvith ash ; spot 
 h 6^4 inches, 
 ^ss, twigs, and 
 r feathers, 
 ddish brown ; 
 
 e northern 
 |r, withdraw- 
 tries some- 
 msequently, 
 Its speed by 
 li. and thus 
 rs Pennsyl- 
 , as well as 
 [haps as far 
 iciiited with 
 ubsistence ; 
 the woods, 
 |il visitor, it 
 mp, thickly 
 Ihis vicinity, 
 
 these birds are at that season numerous, and roost together 
 near the margin of the reeds, almost in the society of tlie 
 Blackbirds, who seek out a similar place of warmth and shelter 
 as the chillinL '•'osts begin to prevail. 
 
 At this covji and gloomy season, and down to the close of 
 the first week in November, as they pass from branch to 
 branch and play capriciously round each other, they keep up 
 almost perpetually a low and pleasant liquid warble, not much 
 unlike that of the Yellow Bird {/"'nn^^uV/a /ns//s), but less 
 varied. Sometimes two or three at the same time will tune up 
 s'lueedit s'weeiiit ii.'cet, and s'waidit s'waidit wcet, accompanied 
 by some tremulous trilling and variation, which, though rather 
 sad and querulous, is heard at this silent season with peculiar 
 delight. In summer, during the breeding-time, they express 
 considerable melody. 
 
 According to Mr. Hutchins they breed around the Hudson 
 Bay settlements, making a nest in the herbage, formetl exter- 
 nally of dr)- grass, and lined with soft hair or down, ])robably 
 from vegetables, in the manner of the VelU)w Bird. About the 
 beginning of April they leave the Middle States for their sum- 
 mer quarters, and arrive around Severn River in May ; they 
 also probably propagate in Newfoundland, where they have 
 been obser\-ed. With us they are still seen in numbers to the 
 19th of April. 
 
 Numbers of the Tree S;iario\v winter regularly in the Maritime 
 Provinces of Canada. Macoun re])orts the species common in 
 summer at Lake Mistassini, whit li lies a little to the southward of 
 Hudson Bay. 
 
 CHH^'ING SPARROW. 
 
 CHIFPV. HAIR-BIRD. 
 
 Sp1ZKLL.\ SOCL4LIS. 
 
 Char. Above, streaked with gravish lirown, black, and bay ; crown 
 che.stnut ; forehead black ; sides of head and neck ashy , dull white line 
 over eyes ; dusky stripe from bill through eyes ; hill black : tail dusky 
 with pale edgings; wings with two white bars; below, dull white, tinged 
 with ash on breast and sides. Length about 5^ inches. 
 
w 
 
 \il 
 
 I I 
 
 (' 
 
 
 iti 
 
 l( 
 
 ! I i^ ) 
 
 If 
 
 «; 
 
 \ 
 
 \ Kl ' 
 
 
 334 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 AWA In a pasture, orchard, or garden, placed in a bush or low tree; 
 composed of grass, — sometimes mixed with roots, — thickly lined with 
 horse-hair. 
 
 A\%''s. 4-5; bluish green, spotted, chiet^y about the larger end, with 
 brown, black, and lilac; 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
 This species, with the Song Sparrow, is probably the most 
 numerous, common, and famiHar bird in die I'nited States, 
 inhabiting from Nova Scotia to Florida, westward to the banks 
 of the Missouri, and Mr. Townsend found it to be a connnon 
 species in the Territory of Oregon. Aware of the manv para- 
 sitic enemies of the feathered race which it has to encounter, 
 who prowl incessantly, and particularly in quest of its eggs, it 
 approaches almost instinctively the precincts of houses, barns, 
 and stables, and frequently ventures into the centre of the 
 noisy and bustling city, to seek in the cultivated court an 
 asylum for its expected progeny. Soon sensible of favor or 
 immunity, it often occupies with its Lest the thick shrubs of 
 die ga/den within a few yards of the neighboring habitation, 
 by the side perhaps of a frequented walk, in the low rose-bush. 
 the lilac, or any other familiar plant affording any degree of 
 shelter or security, and will at times regularly visit the thresh- 
 old, the piazza, or farm-yard for the crumbs which intention 
 or accident may afford it. On other occasions the orchard 
 trees are chosen for its habitation, or in the lonely woods an 
 evergreen, cedar, or fir is selected for the purpose. It makes 
 no pretensions to song, but merely chips in comi^laint when 
 molested, or mounting the low boughs of some orchard tree or 
 shrub, utters a quickly articulated ascending 7j7/ 'fs/i 'tsh '/s/i 
 '/s/i tshc tslic, almost like the jingling of farthings, and a little 
 resembling the faint warble of the Canary, but without any of 
 its variety or loudness. This note, such as it is, is continued 
 often for half an hour at a time, but is little louder than the 
 chirping of a cricket, and uttered by the male while attending 
 his brooding mate. For many weeks through the summer and 
 during fine weather this note is often given from time to time 
 in the night, like the revery of a dream. 
 
 The nest of the Chipping Bird varies sometimes consider- 
 ably in its materials and composition. The external layer. 
 
 > 1' 
 
■ low tree ; 
 lined with 
 
 end, with 
 
 the must 
 (I State?', 
 ;hc banks 
 e (J mm on 
 anv para- 
 ncounter, 
 :s eggs, it 
 ,es, barns, 
 re of the 
 court an 
 favor or 
 shrubs of 
 labi cation, 
 rose-bush, 
 degree of 
 le thresh- 
 intention 
 orchard 
 woods an 
 It makes 
 lint when 
 rd tree or 
 'tsh 'tsh 
 (1 a Utde 
 ut any of 
 :ontinued 
 than the 
 attending 
 amer and 
 |e to time 
 
 Iconsider- 
 lal Uiver, 
 
 CHIPPING SPARROW. 
 
 -» T - 
 
 seldom so thick but that it may be readily seen through, is 
 composed of dr)- stalks of withered grass, and lined nu)rc or 
 less with horse or cow hair. I'he Cuckoo destroys many eggs 
 of this timid, harmless, and sociable little bird, as tiie nests are 
 readily discovered and numerous; on such occasions the little 
 sufferer expresses great and unusual anxiety for the security of 
 her charge, and after being repeatetlly robbed, the female sits 
 closely sometimes upon perhaps only two eggs, desirous at any 
 rate to escape if por^sible with some of her little (offspring. Two 
 or more broods are raised in the season. 
 
 Towards the close oi summer the parents anii ilicir brood 
 are seen busily engaged collecting seeds and insects in the 
 neighboring fields and lanes, and now become so numerous, as 
 the autumn advances, that flitting before the path on cither 
 side as the pasrscnger proceeds, they almost resemble the 
 falling leaves of the season rustling before the cheerless blast ; 
 and finally, as their food fails and the first snows begin to 
 appear, advertised of the threatening famine, they disappear 
 and winter in the Southern States. In the month of January, 
 in Georgia, during the continuance of the cool weather and 
 frosty nights, I frequently heard at dusk a confused chirj^ing or 
 piping like that of frogs, and at length discovered the noise to 
 proceed from dense flocks of the Chipping Sparrows roosting 
 or huddling near together in a ])ile of thick brush, where, with 
 the Song Sparrow also, they find means to pass the cool 
 nights. 
 
 The Chipping Sparrow occurs throughout the Maritime Prov- 
 inces and westward to the Rockies, northward to the Great Slave 
 Lake region, and southward to Florida. It is abundant in Quelicc 
 and Ontario. It is very abundant in the Eastern States and tlie 
 Eastern Provinces. 
 
 Note. — One example of Brewer's Sparrow {Spiae/Zd 
 hrcweri). a bird that dwells chiefly on the western slopes of the 
 Rockies, has been taken in Massachusetts. 
 
 'ill 
 
■■ nil 
 
 .; 
 t t. . . jri 
 
 i t 
 
 
 
 
 W- 
 
 
 1 ' f 
 
 
 r 
 
 n 
 
 }ji6 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 FIKLD SPARROW. 
 
 SpIZELL.\ PUSILl.A. 
 
 <"HAK. Above, streaked rufous, black, and buff; crown chestnut, with 
 obscure mctliaii line of ash ; hind neck, sides of head and neck ash ; cheek 
 shaded with brown ; winj^s with two white bars; below, white; breast and 
 throat tinged with yellow ; bill reddish brown. Length 5^ inches. 
 
 ^\V.f/. In a field, pasture, or oi)en woodland, amid a tuft of grass or in 
 a tangled thicket, sometimes placed on a low bush or vine; composed of 
 grass, twigs, and straw, lined with hair, line roots, or fur. 
 
 ^■xX-^- 3~5; ''"•'" ^vhite or with buff or green tint, usually thickly spotted 
 with reddish brown; 0.70 X 0.55. 
 
 The Small Brown Sparrow arrives in Pennsylvania and New 
 Mngland from the Southern States, where it passes the winter, 
 in the beginning of April. It is with us a shy, wild, and retir- 
 ing species, j^artial to dry hills and i)astures, and o]')en, bushy, 
 secluded woods, living much in trees. In autumn, indeed, the 
 pair, accompanied by their brood, in small flitting flocks leave 
 their native wilds, and glean at times in the garden or orchard ; 
 yet but little is now seen of them, as they only approach culti- 
 vated grounds a few weeks before their departure. These 
 Si)arrows, if indeed they are the same as those described by 
 \\'ilson. in winter flock together in great numbers in the 
 Southern States, and mingling with the Chipping Birds and 
 other species, they now line the roads, fences, and straggling 
 bushes near the plantations in such numbers as, with their 
 sober and brown livery, to resemble almost a shower of rust- 
 ling and falling leaves, continually haunting the advancing 
 steps of the traveller in hungry, active flocks, driven by the 
 storms of winter into this temporary and irksome exile. But 
 no sooner does the return of early spring arrive than they flit 
 entirely from the Southern wilds to disperse in pairs and seek 
 out again their favorite natal regions of the North. 
 
 Our little bird has a pretty loud and shrill note, which may 
 be heard at a considerable distance, and possesses some variety 
 of tone and expression. Sometimes it is something like true 
 hi'ce twai, tw 'ho 'fw 'A\' 'Av 'tio 'ho, beginning loud and 
 
 :'!:■ I 
 
istnut, with 
 ash ; check 
 
 breast, aiul 
 iches. 
 
 grass or in 
 imposed ot 
 
 kiy spotted 
 
 and New 
 lie winter, 
 and retir- 
 en, bushy, 
 ideed, the 
 3cks leave 
 • orchard ; 
 pach culti- 
 2. These 
 icribed by 
 s in the 
 >irds and 
 straggHng 
 ith their 
 Ir of rust- 
 dvancing 
 1 by the 
 lile. But 
 they flit 
 land seek 
 
 lich may 
 
 |e variety 
 
 Hke i7ve 
 
 loud and 
 
 FIELD SPARROW. 
 
 337 
 
 slow, and going up and down, shrill and (jui* k, with a reverbe- 
 rating tone almost as raj)id as the drumming of the Ruffed 
 (Irouse. At other times the sound appears like k tic lic </<• de 
 if iP if tP tf if i/r\ raj^id and echoing ; then «'<v7 icurf 7veed 
 7i'(U ti \/ \i \/ \i \i \/, also lacct lueet iccet 7i.'tr/' Ti-/' a'/' w/' 
 icf try : the whole of these notes rising and nmning together 
 into a short trill something like the song of the Canary, but 
 less varied, and usually in a querulous or somewhat plaintive 
 tone, though towards the close of summer I have heard indi- 
 viduals nearly as musical and warbling as the common Yellow 
 Bird. These tones are also somewhat similar to the reverbera- 
 tion^. of the L"hii)i)ing Bird, but quite loud and sonorous, and 
 without the changeless monotony of that species. In fart, our 
 bird would be worthy a place in a cage as a songster of some 
 merit. Like most of the Sparrows, the food of this sjK'cies 
 consists of seeds and insects ; and they also search the leaves 
 and branches at times in quest of moths, of which they appear 
 fond. 
 
 The Field Sparrow is a common summer resident of southern 
 New England, but is rather rare north of Massachusetts. It b.as 
 not been taken in the Maritime Provinces, tiiough Mr. Xei'son 
 thinks it not uncommon near the city of Quebec, and it is common 
 throughout Ontario and in Manitoba. It breeds southward to 
 South Carolina and winters from the Southern States southward. 
 
 Note. — A few examples of the Clav-colorei> Sparrow 
 {Spi-el/a pallida) wander every year from their usual habitat on 
 the C.reat Plains to Iowa and Illinois. 
 
 VOL. T. 
 
 1 '' 
 
 ^P 
 
 Ml 
 
> I 
 
 i 
 
 ( 
 
 'i' 
 
 ij 
 
 I' '; 
 
 :«(' 
 1 
 
 W-.:\ I 
 
 FOX SPARROW. 
 
 PaSSERELLA ILIACA. 
 
 Char. Above, foxv red (brightest on wings and rump) streaked with 
 c ih (in winter the asii is sometimes obscure); head and tail without 
 streaks ; wings with two white bars , below, white spotted with red. 
 Length about 7 inches. 
 
 A^f/. Amid moss, or on a low bush , composed of grass and moss, lined 
 with grass, roots, and feathers. 
 
 ■Ej;.:;s. 4-5 ; white with green or blue tinge, spotted and blotched with 
 brown of several shades (sometimes "^he brown almost conceals the 
 ground color); great variation in size, average about O.So X o 65. 
 
 This large and handsome Sparrow, after passing the summer 
 and breeding-season in the northern regions of the continent 
 around Hudson Bay, and farther north and west perhaps to 
 the shores of the Pacific, visits us in stragghng parties or pairs 
 from the middle of October to November. At this time it 
 frequents low, sheltered thickets in moist and watery situations, 
 where it usually descends to the ground and is busily emploved 
 in scratching up the earth c nd rustling among the fallen leaves 
 in quest o^ seeds, worms, and insects, but more particularly the 
 last. It migrates in a desultory manner, and sometimes arrives 
 
 U' 
 
treaked with 
 tail without 
 :d with red. 
 
 moss, lined 
 
 otched with 
 ronceals the 
 
 le summer 
 continent 
 )erhaps to 
 es or pairs 
 lis time it 
 situations, 
 employed 
 len leaves 
 cularly the 
 nes arrives 
 
 .SLATE-C< >LOKEl) JlNCi ). 
 
 339 
 
 as far south as (ieorgia, jjas^ing the winter in the Southern 
 States and retiring early in the s])ring to its favorite boreal 
 retreats. These Siiarrows are silent birds, rather tame and 
 unsuspicious; when alarmed or separated their ciU is simjfly 
 slu'p, slu'p ; yet ai times in the sprint^, a little lx'fi)re their 
 departure, they whisper forth a {^w low and sweet notes indi- 
 cative of the existence of vocal powers in the pairing season. 
 
 According to Richardson this species breeds in the woody 
 districts of the far countries up to the 68th ])arallel. 
 
 Nuttall was correct in his conjecture that the Fox Sparrow is a 
 vocalist. It ranks as a peer of the best songsters of tlie entire 
 Sparrow- Finch tribe. 
 
 1 have heard fhe song frequently in New Brunswick, when cold 
 storms have detained the birds on their journey north until tlie 
 approach of their mating season. Sometimes they arrive there 
 early in March, and pass on in a couple of weeks, without uttering 
 any other note than a metallic cheep. But when they tarry until 
 after the first week in April they then burst into full song, and 
 sing almost continuously. It is a '"fervent, sensuous, and withal 
 perfectly rounded carol." writes William Brewster: and he adds : 
 "It expresses careless joy and exultant masculine vigor rather than 
 the finer shades of sentiment."' The voice is strong, of wide com 
 pass, and sweet, nch tone. 
 
 Nests of this species have been found on the Magdalen Islands 
 and in Newfoundland, where it is called the Hedge Sparrow, and 
 Thompson reports it breeding in numbers on Duck Mountain in 
 Manitoba. 
 
 SLATE-COLORED JUNCO. 
 
 snow bird. white bill. 
 
 Junto hvemaus. 
 
 Char. Male : upper pans, neck, and l)rea>t dark slate or blackish 
 ash; belly white; outer tail-feathers and bill, white. Female: similar, 
 but upper parts browner, breast paler. Length Q>% to 6^ inches. 
 
 Nest. In grassy woodland, or old meadow, or by the roadside, 3ome- 
 times in the garden of a farm-house : sheltered by a mound or stump, or 
 amid long grass ; composed, usually, of grass, sometimes mixed with 
 roots or moss ; lined with feathers, hair, fur, or moss. 
 
 Ill 
 
 <i 
 
 U 
 
)40 
 
 siN(;i\(; liiRDS. 
 
 I' 
 
 ii 
 
 i» 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 : ; ' J . ' 
 
 
 /',>;'.<■• 4-5; ill'" white, or tiiitccl willi L^rcen or buff, spotted chiefly 
 aroiiiul larger end willi rt(l(li>h-bro\vn and lil.ic; o.So X 0.60. 
 
 'I'liis lianly ;in(l wry iiiiincnMis species, conmion to Ijotli 
 coiuineiits, jjours in tlocks from the northern re^^ions into Mic 
 I'ni.ed States about the middle of October, where their ap- 
 pearance is looked n|)on as the presage of approaching winter. 
 At this season tliey migrate into the Sontht-rn States in great 
 numbers, ancl seem to arrive in augmenting hosts with tiio 
 jjiogress of the wintry storms and driving snows, before wiiich 
 they fly for food rather than shelter ; for even during the 
 descent of the whitening inundation, and while the tempest 
 still rages without abatement, these hardy and lonely wander- 
 ers are often seen fliuing before tiie blast, and, seeking ad- 
 vantage from ihe s\vee])ing current, descend to collect a scanty 
 pittance from the frozen and exposed ground, or stop to col- 
 lect the seeds which still remain ujxjn the unshorn weds 
 rising through the dreary waste. At such times they are also 
 frecpiently accom])anied by the Snow IJunting, the htnnbly 
 dressed Yellow Bird, and the querulous Chickadee. Driver 
 to straits, however, by hunger, they at length becoine more 
 familiar, and are now seen about the barns and out-houses, 
 spreading themselves in busy groups over the yard, and even 
 approaching the steps of the door in towns and cities, and 
 gleaning thankfully from the threshold any crumbs or acci- 
 dental fragments of provision. Amidst all this threatening and 
 starving weather, which they encounter almost alone, they are 
 still lively, active, and familiar. The roads, presenting an 
 accidental resource of food for these northern swarms, are con- 
 sequently more frequented by them than the fields. Before the 
 severity of the season commences, they are usually only seen 
 moving in families ; and the parents, v.-atchful for the common 
 safety, still continue by reiterated chirpings to warn their full- 
 grown brood of every approach of danger, and. withdrawing 
 them from any suspicious observation, wander off to securer 
 ground. At this time they frequent the borders of woods, seek 
 through the thickets and among the fallen leavr^s for their 
 usual food of seeds and dormant insects or their larvne. Their 
 
 
cd cliielly 
 
 to bolli 
 into Mio 
 their ap- 
 g winter, 
 in great 
 with the 
 )re which 
 iring the 
 tenipeiit 
 • wander- 
 king ad- 
 : a scanty 
 )p to col- 
 rn weeds 
 y are also 
 ? humbly 
 Driver 
 me more 
 It-houses, 
 and even 
 ti'"s, and 
 or acci- 
 ning and 
 they are 
 kiting an 
 are con- 
 lefore the 
 Inly seen 
 Icommon 
 lieir full- 
 [idrawing 
 securer 
 ids, seek 
 for their 
 Their 
 
 SLATE-CULOKED [LNCU. 
 
 341 
 
 caution is not unnecessary, for on the skirts of the larger tlocks 
 the famished Hawk prowls for his fated prey, and des' ending 
 with a sudden and successful sweep, carries terror through all 
 the wandering and retreating ranks. 
 
 In the latter end of March or beginning (jf April, as the 
 weather begins to be mild, they re-appear in tlocks from the 
 South, frecpienting the orchard trees, or retreating to the shel- 
 ter of the woods, and seem nuw to prefer the shade ol thickets 
 or the sides of hills, and freciuently utter a few sweet, clear, and 
 tender notes, almost similar to the touching warble of the 
 t'^ropean Robin Redbreast. I'he jealous contest for the 
 selection of mates already also takes place, soon alter whi( h 
 they retire to tne northern regions to breed ; though, accord- 
 ing to Wilson, many remove only to tlie high ranges of the 
 Alleghany Mountains, where, in the interior of Virginia, and 
 towards the western sources of the Sus(|uehanna, they also 
 breed in great numbers, fixing their n^sts on the ground or 
 among the grass, the pairs still associating in near communion 
 with each other. In the fur countries they were not observed 
 by Richardson beyond the 5 7th parallel. 
 
 The Junco breeds from northern New England northward, and 
 on the higher hills south to North Carolina. It is an abundant 
 summer resident of the .Maritime Provinces, and winters there in 
 s.'.ull numbers. It also winters sparsely in noithern New Knt^land. 
 and from Massachusetts southward it is a comnu)n winter bird. 
 
 The song is very similar to that of tlie Chipping Sparrow. 
 Though usually building its nest on the ground, a few have been 
 found in other situations. Sheriff iiisliop, of Kentville, N, S., re- 
 corded in the O. & O. for .Septeml)er, iSSS, finding nests on branches 
 of IDW trees, in holes in apple-trees, etc. 
 
 Note, — Examples of Shufeldt's Junco (/. Jiycinalis s/m- 
 feldti), a western form, has been reported from several Eastern 
 States. 
 
 Another species, the Carolina Junco (/. //. caro/inciisis), was 
 first described i)y .Mr. William Brewster from specimens obtained 
 by him on the mountains of North Carolina in June, 1885. It is 
 larger and lighter colored tlian livciualis. and has a horn-eolored 
 bill. 
 
 f' ( 
 
 ifl 
 
34-' 
 
 SIN'CJlNt; I5IUDS. 
 
 : I 
 
 
 
 'HI 
 
 1 
 
 
 L ji 
 
 M 
 
 III 
 
 :^^l 
 
 SWA.l 1» SPARKOW. 
 
 MeLOSI'IZA (JKORCIANA. 
 
 Char. AIjovo, -i with brown, black, and buff; crown l)ay, 
 
 sonictinits with inch. .i...c nicdian line of ash and streaks of black; fore- 
 head l)lack ; blown strijje bcliind eves, sides of liead and neck ash; 
 below, dull while, breast shaded with ash, sides shaded with brown , 
 wings and tail tinged with I)av. Lcngtii about 5 '4 inches. 
 
 A\'s(, Under cover of long grass, in a swamp or wet meadow; usually 
 made entirely of grass, though sometimes weed-stems are added to the 
 exterior, and haii is used in lining. 
 
 .^VXO'. 4-6 ; (.lull white, tinted with green, blue, or pink, blotched, often 
 clouded, with lilac and several shades of brown ; o.So X 0.60. 
 
 The aquatic habits of these common, though Httle known, 
 birds is one of their most remarkable pecuUarities. In New 
 England they arrive from the Southern Slates, where they win- 
 ter, about the middle of April, and take up their summer resi- 
 dence in the swamps and marshy meadows through which, 
 often withoiit Hying, they threatl their devious way with the 
 same alacril) as the Rail, with whom they are indeed often 
 associated in neighborhood. In consecjuenre of this perpetual 
 brushing through sedge and bushes, their feathers are fre- 
 quently so worn that their tails appear almost like those of 
 rats, and are very often flirted in the manner of the Wagtail. 
 Occasionally, however, they mount to the tops of low bushes 
 or willow-trees and chant forth a few trilling, rather monoto- 
 nous minor notes, resembling, in some measure, the song of 
 the Field Sparrow, and appearing like ^701' /ro' fra' hd' M>' tic' 
 hoc, and hoP /a'V 'tw tio' tive, uttered in a ])leasant and some- 
 what varied warble. These notes are made with considerable 
 effort, and sometimes with a spreading of the tail. In the 
 spring, on their first arrival, this song is delivered with much 
 spirit, and echoes through the marshes like the trill of the 
 Canary. The sound now resembles the syllables ^tw ^tw ^tw 
 'tivee 'hi'ce 'tw 'twe 'hoc, or Ushp Wsli/^ 'tshc ' tsh 'fsh 'tsh 'tsh, 
 beginning loud, sweet, and somewhat plaintive ; and the song 
 is continued till late in the morning, and after sunset in the 
 evening. This reverberating tone is again somewhat similar 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
SWAM I' Sl'AUKoW. 
 
 343 
 
 iwn bay, 
 ck ; fore- 
 cck ash ; 
 1 brown , 
 
 ; iihually 
 ;d to the 
 
 icd, often 
 
 known, 
 In New 
 ley witt- 
 ier resi- 
 i which, 
 vith the 
 id often 
 erpetvuil 
 are fre- 
 hose of 
 Vai'tail. 
 bushes 
 Inonoto- 
 song of 
 
 /u'' /7c'' 
 
 some- 
 derable 
 In the 
 |h much 
 of the 
 
 'sh Ush, 
 
 e song 
 
 in the 
 
 similar 
 
 to that of the ("hipping Sjjarrow, bin fir louder and more musi- 
 ( al. In the intervals the Swamp Sparrow descends into the 
 grashy tuss(jcks and low L-ushes in cpiest of his insect food, as 
 wj.'ll as to repose out of sight ; and while here his movements 
 are as silent and secret as those of a mouse. I In- rice planta- 
 tions and river swamps are the fav(jrite hibernal resorts of 
 these birds in Louisiana, (leorgia, and the Carolinas ; here they 
 are very numerous, and skulk among the canes, reeds, and rank 
 grass, solicitous of concealment, and always exhibiting their 
 predilection for watery places. In the breeding season, before 
 the ri])ening of many seeds, they live much on the insects of 
 till' marshes in which they are fouml. particularly the smaller 
 coleojiterous kinds, Caraln and Ciirculioiu's. They extend 
 their northern migrations as far as the coasts of Labrador and 
 Newfoundland. 
 
 'i'hey probiibly raise two or three broods in a season, being 
 e(|ually prolific with our other Sparrows. They express extreme 
 solicitude for their joung even after they are fully Hedged and 
 able to provide for themselves ; the young also, in their turn, 
 possess uncommon cunning and agility, running and concealing 
 themselves in the sedge of the wet meadows. They are (|uite 
 as difficult to catch as field .ice, and seldom on these emer- 
 gencies attemi)t to take win^. We have observed one of these 
 sagacious birds dart from one tussock to another, and at last 
 dive into the grassy tuft in such a manner, or elutle the grasp 
 so well, as seemingly to disappear or burrow into the earth. 
 Their robust legs and feet, as well as long claws, seem jiur- 
 posely ])rovide(l to accelerate this clinging and running on the 
 uneven ground. 
 
 This species is a common summer resident throughout the settled 
 portions cf eastern Canada, and abundant on the St. Clair i"hils 
 and in Mai.itoba. It is common at that season in New England 
 also, and breeds south to Pennsylvania. A few spend each winter 
 in some marshes near Boston, and the flocks winter from that lati- 
 tude to the (kilf. 
 
 Mr. Chapman tells us that in the South they frequently belie 
 their name and resort to dry fields, 
 
 f [ 
 
I 
 
 ■I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 S. V' 
 
 SHARP-TAILFI) SPARROW. 
 
 SHORE FINCH. 
 
 Amm( )nK.v.MLs cAUl)Acu^^'s. 
 
 Char. Above, brownish gray tinged with olive; crown darker, with 
 median stripe ofashv gray and two stripes of black; back streaked with 
 black; stripes of biifl" above and l)eIow eyes meeting behind ear-coverts; 
 wings edged with yellow; tail-feathers narrow, with acutely i>ointed tips; 
 below, dull white, breast and sides tinged with buff and streaked with 
 black. Length about $^'4 inches. 
 
 .Vest. In a salt-marsh or wet meadow, amid a cluster of reeds or tuft 
 of sedges, to the stems of which it is sometimes fastened ; a somewhat 
 bulky structure of grass and weed-stems, lined with fine grass. 
 
 Ei:;i;s. 4-5; dull white or tinged with buff or green, thickly spotterl 
 with brown and lilac; 0.75 X 0.55. 
 
 The Shore Finch is an inhabitant of the low islands and 
 marshy sea-coasts from Mass;vchnsetts to Texas, living on 
 small shrimjis, marine insects, and i)rol)ably grass seeds, mov- 
 ing through the rank herbage nearly with the same agility and 
 timidity as a Swamp Sparrow, to which in structure of the 
 feet and stoutness of the bill it bears considerable affinity. 
 
 
 W\ 
 
ker, with 
 ikcd with 
 ■ coverts ; 
 Itcd tijis; 
 kcd with 
 
 is or tuft 
 lomcwhat 
 
 spotted 
 
 ids and 
 [ing (jn 
 IS, mov- 
 fity and 
 of the 
 Litfinity. 
 
 ACADIAN MIAkl'-lAll.i:i> >l'AKKo\V 
 
 345 
 
 Tht'SL" birds arc not ran-, though not so numerous ii the Sea- 
 side Sparrow, with \vhi( h they connnonly associate. 
 
 'Ihese Kinches frenuent the water, and walk mi tlu tloating 
 weeds as if on the land ; throughout the winler they remain 
 grrgarioiis till spring, when they sei)arate fur the purpose of 
 brei'ding. They are almost silent, a single f:^<,rf being now 
 all they are heard to utter; and even in the spnny, m. defer- 
 tivc arc they in melody that their notes are s( an ely worthy 
 the name of a song. I'hey nest on the gromul, amid the short 
 marsh-grass near the line of high-water mark ; a slight hollow 
 is made, ami then lined witli delirate grass. They raise two 
 broods in the season in the Middle States. 
 
 *• Sliarp-tails" have been traced north to Priiue I'dwanl's I.si.uul, 
 but in 1887 Mr. Jonatiiaii Dwight, Jr., discuvetcd that true cuinia- 
 Lii/iis liad not heen taken beyond Portsmouth, N. H.. the l)inls 
 fouiiil to the iiortiiward ol tluU point being .1 distinct variety, which 
 he named siibvir^^^atus. 
 
 ACADIAN SHARi'-r\Il.i:i) SPARROW. 
 Amm( )I)Ramus c.al dacltl's suhvir(;a rijs. 
 
 Char. " Similar in size and coloring \o A. caiuiacutus,h\x\. paler and 
 much less consiiiciioiisly streaked beneath with jiale greenish prav instead 
 of black or deep brown. Hill averages smaller. Comiiared with iielsoni 
 it is much paler and grayer, generally larger, and with a longer bill " 
 (Dwight). 
 
 AV.iV and i^vv*' '"'^' ""^ known to ditfer from those of true ratiif'.uiitus. 
 
 The habitat of this newly discovered sub-species, or. rather, the 
 limit of its range, has not yet been determined. Mi". Dwight gives 
 it as " Marshes of southern New Brunswick. F'rince Kdward's 
 Island, and probably Nova .Scotia, and southward in migration 
 along the Atlantic coast." In habits the present bird differs from 
 caudacutus in trecpienting fresh-water marshes and dry meadows 
 on the margins of inland streams. 
 
 The song of this bird - if its few wheezy notes deserve such 
 recognition — is a rather ludicrous etYort. and suggests a bad cold 
 in the head. Mr. Dwight represents it by the syllables lic-sc-e- 
 e-e-oop- All I remember having heard from the specimens I 
 encountered is the ste-c-e-e-oop, delivered with apparent eftort, as 
 if choking. 
 
 1 
 
340 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 ii 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 « 
 
 
 NELSON'S SPARROW. 
 
 Am.MODR.\.MUS CAUDACUTUS NELSOXl. 
 
 Char. Differs from the type by the colors of the back being very 
 sharply defined, the white a clearer shade, and the brown a richer and 
 more decided umber ; chest and sides decjj buff. Size larger than true 
 cauiiacutus. l^ength about 5j^ inches. 
 
 .Vist and £,^ifs similar to caiidacutiis. 
 
 Nelson's Shaq>-tail was described by Mr. J. A. Allen in 1875. 
 It is found in summer on the marshes of the Mississippi valley, 
 from northern Illinois to .Manitoba, and in winter on the Atlantic 
 coast from Massachusetts (sparingly) to South Carolina, and west 
 to Texas. 
 
 SEASIDE SPARROW. 
 
 SEASIDE FINCH. 
 Ammodr.\mus MARITLMUS. 
 
 Char. Above, dull olive brown, back and head with indistinct streaks 
 of ashy; superciliary line and edge of wing yellow ; below, dull white, the 
 breast and .sides with dark streaks. l,ength about 6 inches. 
 
 iVtSt. Hidden amid a tuft of grass or coarse sedges in a salt marsh or 
 wet meadow ; sometimes placed on the ground, often a few inches above 
 it : composed of dry grass. 
 
 E^:ru 4-6: dull white with green or buff tint, spotted with brown ; 
 o.So X 0.60. 
 
 This species is not uncommon in the maritime marshy 
 groimds and in the sea islands along the Atlantic coast from 
 Massachusetts to the Southern States. It confines its excur 
 sions almost wholly within the bounds of the tide-water, leav- 
 ing its favorite retreats for more inland situations only after 
 the prevalence of violent easterly storms. In quest of marine 
 insects, Crustacea, shrimps, and minute shell-fish, it courses 
 along the borders of the strand with all the nimbleness of a 
 Sandpiper, examining the sea-weeds and other exuviae for its 
 fare : it seeks out its prey also at dusk, as well as at other 
 times, and usually roosts on the ground like a Lark. In short, 
 it derives its whole subsistence from the margin of the ocean, 
 
SEASIDE SPARROW. 
 
 347 
 
 : being very 
 . richer and 
 :r tlian true 
 
 ;n in 1875. 
 ippi valley, 
 lie Atlantic 
 1, and west 
 
 
 and it> flesh ii even imbued with the rank or fishy taste to be 
 expected from the nature of its food. At other times it re- 
 mains amiiist the thickest of the sea-grass, and climbs upon 
 the herbage with as much dexterity as it runs on the ground. 
 Its feet and legs for this purpose are robust, as in the Swamj) 
 Sparrow. It appears to rear two broods in the season. In 
 May and June the Seaside Finch may be seen almost at all 
 hours perched on the top of some rank weed near the salt- 
 marsh, singing with much emphasis the few notes which com- 
 pose its monotonous song. When approached it seeks refuge 
 in the rank grass by descending down the stalks, or tlies oft" to 
 a distance, riirting its wings, and then, alighting suddenly, runs 
 off with great nimbleness. 
 
 The Seaside Finch is now considered a rare l)ird in Massachu- 
 setts thoujjh an abundant summer resident of the salt marshes of 
 southern Connecticut. It breeds southward to North Carolina, 
 and winters in the Southern States. 
 
 tinct streaks 
 11 white, the 
 
 It marsh or 
 Inches above 
 
 [vith brown ; 
 
 |e marshy 
 :oast from 
 lits excur 
 later, leav- 
 
 only after 
 lof marine 
 
 it courses 
 Iness of a 
 liae for its 
 at other 
 In short, 
 
 he ocean, 
 
 NoT-E. — Scott's Seaside Sparrow (A. viaritimns penin- 
 siller) was first described from specimens taken by Mr. W. E. D. 
 Scott at Tarpon Springs. Florida, in i.SSS. It is intermediate in 
 coloration between A. iii^^nsceiis and A. viaritiiinis. 
 
 This race is found in South Carolina and Florida, and along the 
 Gulf coast to Texas. 
 
 The DcsKV Seaside Sparrow {Animfldra/znts Ht'i^rescens) 
 differs from maritiir.us in being black above, streaked with olive 
 and gray: beneath white, streaked with black. It was described 
 originally by Mr. C. J. Maynard. who captured the type specimen 
 in 1S72, in southern Florida. He reported the bird as c]uite abun- 
 dant in some localities, but no other collector has been successful 
 in finding it. 
 

 'r \ 
 
 AMERICAN COLDFINCH. 
 
 YELLOW BIRD. THISTLE DIKD. THISTLE FINCH. 
 
 CANARY. 
 
 W II.D 
 
 Sl'INL's TRIS'lIS. 
 
 Char. Male in suniMier: bright gamboge yellow; crown, wii'gs, and 
 tail black ; upper and undc»- taii-coverts, wing and tail marking?, white. 
 In winter the male resembles the female, though with less olive tint. 
 Female : above, olive brown ; below, paler or yellowish ; forehead with- 
 out black ; wings and tail much the same as in the male. Length about 
 4^4 inches. 
 
 A'fst. In a pasture or orchard ; usually placed in a crotch of a decidu- 
 ous tree lo to 20 feet from the ground; a compact and gracefully formed 
 cup, made of grass and vegetable tibre, lined with grass and plant down, 
 and often with hair. 
 
 ^4^4'^- .>~6 ; white with tint of green or greenish blue, c ccasionally 
 marked with faint spots of brown ; o.6^ X 0.50. 
 
 This common, active, and gregarious Goldfinch is a very- 
 general inhabitant of the United States. It is also for.nd in 
 summer in the remote interior of Canada, in the fur countries 
 and near Lake Winni|)ique. in the 49th degree of latitutle, as 
 well as in the remote territory of Oregon and the Rocky 
 Mountains, on the banks of Lewis's River, where I found the 
 nest as usual with white eggs. On the other hand, it is also 
 met with in Mexico, and even in Ciuiana and Surinam in trop- 
 ical America, where it frequents the savannas. Although 
 many of these birds which spend the summer here leave at 
 the approach of winter, yet hungry flocks are seen to arrive in 
 
 . I .. . 
 
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. 
 
 349 
 
 this part of New Englainl throughout that season; and some- 
 times, in company with the Snow Buntings, in the inclement 
 months of January and February, they may be seen busily 
 employed in gleaning a scanty pittance from the seeds of the 
 taller weeds, which rise above the deep and drifted snows. As 
 late as the 15th of September I have obser\-ed a nest of the 
 Yellow Bird with the young still unfledged. Their migrations 
 are ver)- desultor)-. and do not probably extend very far, their 
 progress being apparently governed principally by the scarcity 
 or abundance of food with which they happen to be su])plied. 
 Thus, though they may be numerous in the dej)th of winter, as 
 soon as the weather relaxes in the month of March, scarcely 
 any more of them are to be seen, having at this time, in quest 
 of sustenance, proceeded probably to the southern extremity of 
 the Unite<l States. Tho-^e observed in tropical America may 
 be hibernal wanderers from the cooler parts of Mexico. At 
 all events they select the milder climates of the Union in 
 which to pass the breeding season, as at this time they are but 
 rarely seen in the Southern States, Kentucky being about tlie 
 boundary of their summer residence. 
 
 Naturally vagrant and wandering, they continue to live in 
 flocks or in near vicinage, even throughout the greatest part of 
 the selective season. As the fine weather of spring approaches 
 they put off their humble winter dress, and the males, now 
 appearing in their temporary golden livery, are heard tuning 
 their lively songs as it were in concert, several sitting on the 
 same tree enjoying the exhilarating scene, basking and pluming 
 themselves, and vying with each other in the delivery of their 
 varied, soft, and cheerful warble. They have also the faculty 
 of sinking and raising their voices in such a delightful cadence 
 that their music at times seems to float on the distant breeze, 
 scarcely louder than the hum of bees ; it then breaks out as it 
 were into a crescendo, which rings like the loud son; of the 
 Canary. In cages, to which they soon become familiar and 
 reconciled, their song is nearly as sonorous and animated as 
 that of the latter. When engaged in quarrel they sometimes 
 hurl about in a whole flock, some, as it were, interfering to 
 
 i: 
 
 i I 
 
350 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 iff 
 
 I' 
 
 Ot., 
 i 
 
 m 
 
 make peace, others amused by the fray, all uttering loud and 
 discordant chirpings. One of their most common whining 
 calls while engaged in collecting seeds in gardens, where they 
 seem to be sensible of their delinquency, is '///</r /'/•, 'may be. 
 They have also a common cry like 'tshevect 'tshrrce, uttered in 
 a slender, complaining accent. These and some other twitter- 
 ing notes are frequently uttered at every impulse while pursu- 
 ing their desultory waving flight, rising and falling as they shut 
 or expand their laboring wings. They are partial to gardens 
 and domestic premises in the latter end of summer and 
 autumn, collecting oily seeds of various kinds antl shelling 
 them with great aildress and familiarity, n" undisturbed often 
 hanging and moving about head downwards, to suit their con- 
 venience while thus busily and craftily employed. They have 
 a particular fondness for thistle seeds, spreading the down in 
 clouds around them, and at this time feeding very silently and 
 intently ; nor are they very easily disturbed while thus engaged 
 in the useful labor of destroying the germs of these noxious 
 weeds. They do some damage occasionally in gardens by 
 their indiscriminate destruction of lettuce and flower seeds, 
 and are therefore often disliked by gardeners ; but their use- 
 fulness in other respects far counterbalances the trifling inju- 
 ries they produce. They are very fond, also, of washing and 
 bathing themselves in mild weather; and as well as tender 
 buds of trees they sometimes collect the Confervas of springs 
 and brooks as a variety to their usual fare. 
 
 They raise sometimes two broods in the season, as their 
 nests are found from the first week in July to the middle of 
 September. In 1831 I examined several nests, and from the 
 late period at which they begin to breed it is impossible that 
 they can ever act in the capacity of nurses to the Cow 
 'I'roopial. This procrastination appears to bi occasioned by 
 the lack of sufficiently nutritive diet, the seeds on which they 
 principally feed not ripening usually before July. 
 
 Note. — The Black-hkaded Goldfinch {Spini/s notatus), 
 a Mexican bird, is credited with an accidental occurrence in 
 Kentucky. 
 
ig loud and 
 lon whining 
 
 where the y 
 /'/, 'ntiiy in'. 
 ', uttered in 
 ther twitter- 
 rt'hile pursu- 
 as they shut 
 1 to gardens 
 Linimer and 
 mil shelling 
 urhed often 
 it their con- 
 
 They have 
 the down in 
 silently and 
 hus engaged 
 ese noxious 
 gardens by 
 ower seeds, 
 it their use- 
 fling inju- 
 
 ashing and 
 as tender 
 of sjirings 
 
 •n, as their 
 middle of 
 id from the 
 ossible that 
 the Cow 
 asioned by 
 which they 
 
 s notatus'). 
 :urrence in 
 
 PINE SISKIN. 351 
 
 PINE SISKIN. 
 
 PINE FINCH. FINE LINNET. 
 Sl'INUS FINUS. 
 
 Char. Above, olive Iirown or dark fla.xcn, streaked with duskv ; 
 wings and tail l)lack, the fcatlicrs edged witl) yellow; wings with two 
 buttish bars ; below streaked with dusky and yellowish white. Length 
 about 4^ inches. 
 
 Xest. Usually in a deep forest, on a horizontal branch of an evergreen 
 tree 20 to 40 feet from the ground. It is fairly well built, as a rule, 
 but is neither as compact nor graceful as the Thistle Bird's, and i> com- 
 posed of various materials, though generally grass, twigs, and pine-needles 
 form the exterior, while the lining is either feathers or hair, or both. 
 
 Eggs. 3-5 ; pale green or greenish blue spotted with light reddish 
 brown and lilac; 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
 Our acquaintance with this little northern ('roldfinch is very 
 unsatisfactory. It visits the Middle States in Xoveml i fre- 
 quents the shady, sheltered borders of creeks and rivulets, and 
 is particularly fond of the seeds of the hemlock-tree. Aunjiig 
 the woods, where these trees abound, these birds assemble in 
 flocks, and contentedly pass away the winter. Migrating fi.r 
 no other purpose but subsistence, their visits are necessarily 
 desultory and uncertain. My friend Mr. Oakes. of Ipswich, 
 has seen them in large flocks in that vicinity in winter. With 
 us they are rare, though iheir favorite food is abundant. They 
 are by no means shy, and permit a near approach without tak- 
 ing alarm, often fluttering among the branches in which they 
 feed, hanging sometimes by the cones, and occasionally utter- 
 ing notes very similar to those of the American (loldfinch. 
 Early in March they proceed to the North, and my friend 
 Audubon obser\'ed them in families, accompanied by th ir 
 young, in Labrador in the month of July. They frequented 
 low thickets in the vicinity of water, and were extremely fear- 
 less and gentle. Their summer jilumage, as we have since 
 also found in the Oregon Territory, where they abound and 
 breed, is entirely similar to the garb in which they visit us in 
 the winter, with the sole exception that the yellow of the wings- 
 is brighter. 
 
 li 
 
 ! I 
 
 \ it 
 

 ! Ii 
 
 i 
 
 t, i 
 
 »?!i 
 
 .1 i 
 
 It 
 
 n2 
 
 SINGING HIRDS. 
 
 'I'hey sing on tlu- wing in the manner of the C'loldfinch. 
 Their notes are clear, Hvely, and mellow, like as in that bird, 
 but still sufficiently distinct ; they tly out in the same graceful, 
 deep cur\es, emitting also the common call- note at every 
 effort to ])roceed. 
 
 The historv of this interesting; bird is but littlf bt-tter known to- 
 day than wiien Xuttall wrote. Our ignorance is partly due to tiie 
 irregular, nomadic habits of the bird, but chiefly because its favorite 
 haunts are in out-of-the-wav places, amid the deeper recesses of the 
 forests, where ivw ol)servers penetrate. At intervals large flocks 
 visit the outskirts of settlements, and even look in upon the vil- 
 lages: but these are merely excursions by the way introduced into 
 the migration programme. Its habitat is now given as '• North 
 America in general, breeding mostly north of the United .States.*' 
 In the east, nests have been found in New ^■ork .State by Dr. C 
 Hart .Meniam and Dr. A. K. Fisher, and the nest and eggs have 
 l)een taken twice in Massachusetts; but the major portion of the 
 eastern flocks go to the more northern portions of New England 
 and beyond before '-cttling down for the summer. 
 
 The dates usually given for the nesting are early in May; but 
 a much earlier time is given by Dr. A. Leith Adams, an Eng- 
 lish naturalist who met with the species in New Brunswick. In 
 his •• Field and fairest Rambles," he writes : " It breeds early, and 
 has its young flying before the first summer migrants arrive in 
 April, when lart^e flocks may be observed feeding on the buds of 
 the hawthorn preparatory to their departure northward." He adds 
 that it is a choice cage-bird, and is easily tamed. He kept some 
 for several months, and when liberated they all returned to their 
 cages after an absence of several days. 
 
 The biogra])liv of this species forms an interesting chapter in 
 that interesting book. *• The Land Birds and Game Birds of New 
 England." by H. D. !Minot, — a book, by the way, that has not 
 reieived the reco<rnition its merit deserves. 
 
 'I 
 ■■\- 
 
 .1 
 
 L 
 
 1 
 
 
 
Cioldfinch. 
 n that bird, 
 ne graceful, 
 tc at every 
 
 ■t" known to- 
 y due to the 
 ic its favorite 
 cesses of the 
 hirge flocks 
 ipon the vii- 
 roduced into 
 1 as '■ North 
 ited States."' 
 e by Dr. C. 
 :1 egtis have 
 rtion of the 
 ew K upland 
 
 in May : but 
 
 lis. an Eng- 
 
 inswick. In 
 
 early, and 
 
 s arrive in 
 
 le buds of 
 
 He adds 
 
 kept some 
 
 led to their 
 
 chapter in 
 i"ds of New 
 ;it has not 
 
 
 J 
 
 
 -y- 
 
 
 s^^^lJ^St^lfi 
 
 (;OLDFINCH. 
 Carduelis cakduelis. 
 
 Char. Forehead and throat crimson ; cheeks and lower throat white ; 
 crown and nape black, the latter being bordered by a narrow line ol 
 white; back brown; wings black, tipped with white and barred with 
 yellow; tail-coverts white with black bases; three outer tail-feathers 
 black, with white centrai spots, the remainder black, tipped with white; 
 breast white, banded with brownish buff; flanks buffy ; belly and under 
 tail-coverts white. Lensjth about 5 inches. 
 
 iVt' /. In an orchard or garden, placed in a fork of a tree or bush ; a 
 compact and neatly made structure of fine grass and moss, lined with 
 grass and plant down, etc. 
 
 Ei^i^s. 4-6 : dull white tinged with blue or green, spotted and streaked 
 with purpli.-5h brown ; 070 X 0.50. 
 
 This European songster has been introduced within recent years. 
 and though increasing slowly, appears to he thoroughly naturalized. 
 
 It is most abundant near Hoboken, N. J., where a number were 
 set at liberty in 1878, but examples have been taken in oiher States. 
 A nest and eggs were discovered in Caniliridijje some ten years 
 ago, and during the summer of iSyo a nest was taken near 
 Worcester, .Mass. 
 
 In Great Britain it is ver\- common, and breeds north to Caith- 
 ness, and one ne.st has been taken on the south side of Skye. 
 
 The voung are fed on insects and larvae; but Mr. Saunders says 
 "the principal food of the Goldfinch consists of seeds of the thistle, 
 knapweed, groundsel, dock, and other plants." 
 
 VOL. r. — 2-; 
 
354 
 
 SINC;iN(; lilRDS. 
 
 ?i 
 
 / i - 
 
 V: 
 
 ■f 
 
 I 
 
 ><< 
 
 If 
 
 ili> 
 
 Hi 
 
 n 
 
 f 
 
 '' 1 
 
 > ! 
 
 
 • 
 
 1 
 
 1 n 
 
 m 
 
 i 
 
 
 HOUSE SIWRKOW. 
 
 english .spakkovv. 
 
 Passer domes'iui's. 
 
 Char. Generr.l color prav'sh brown, the back streaked with black ; a 
 narrow strijic of white over tin.- cyo ; cliccks with patches of chestnut and 
 wliitc ; sides and neck white ; throat and breast black, sometimes washed 
 with chestnut; wings brown with white bar; tail brown: belly dull wiiite. 
 Female: paler, without the black throat-|)atch. Length about inches. 
 
 A'fs/. Anywhere and of any material, — usually a bulky affair, roughly 
 made of dry grass and feathers. 
 
 ^j,::,'-s. 4-7 ; grayish white speckled with rich brown and pale lavender ; 
 0.85 X 0.60. 
 
 This is another introduced species: but about i^s naturalization 
 there is, unfortunately, no doubt. 
 
 The history of the introduction of this bird, and its relation to 
 American agriculture, is exhaustively treated in a volume nrepared 
 by Mr. Waller B. Narrows, under the direction of Dr. C. Hart 
 MerriaiTi, ornithologist to the Department of Agriculture, and 
 issued from the (Government Printing Office at Washinsrton in 
 1889. From it we lenrn that the first importation of this Sparrow 
 was made by Hon. Nicholas Pike, and the birds were liberated in 
 P>rooklyn, N. Y., in 185 1. The first batch did not thrive, so others 
 — about a hundred - were brought over during 1852 and 1853. In 
 1854 Colonel Rhodes, of Quebec, brought a number from England 
 and liberated sotne in Portland, Me., the remainder being taken 
 to Quebec. During the following ten years a few hundred were 
 brought from Europe and scattered between Portland and New 
 York, some thirty being turned out on Boston Common. About 
 1869 a thousand were taken to Philadelphia, and several cities in 
 the interior received each a few pairs. 
 
 From these imported birds have sprung the hosts of "ruffians in 
 feathers " that have taken possession of every town and village, 
 from Cape Breton to Florida, and west to the plains, 
 
 A few pairs were taken to southern (Greenland, and though some 
 lived through several winters, the entire dock at last perished. 
 
 Note. — The European Tree Sparrow {Passer montaiins) 
 has also been introduced. A few years ago a number were liber- 
 ated in St. Louis, and have become thoroughly naturalized there. 
 This bird is closely related to the House Sparrow, which it resembles 
 in appearance and in habits. The Tree Sparrow has not, however, 
 increased so rapidly as its congener, nor proved so great a pest. 
 
 
h black ; a 
 lestnut and 
 les washed 
 
 dull white. 
 
 6 inches, 
 air, roughly 
 
 e lavender ; 
 
 uralization 
 
 relation to 
 e nrcpared 
 r. "C. Hart 
 ilturc, and 
 hington in 
 is Sparrow 
 .lierated in 
 >, so others 
 I 1853. In 
 n England 
 eing taken 
 idred were 
 and New 
 n. About 
 il cities in 
 
 ruffians in 
 |nd village, 
 
 lough some 
 shed. 
 
 inoittaims) 
 l^vere liber- 
 jzed there, 
 resembles 
 ^, however, 
 a pest. 
 
 REDPOLL. 
 
 LESSER REDPOLL. REDPOLL LINNET. 
 ACAN'JHIS LlXAklA. 
 
 CllAR. Above, brownish gray streaked with dusky; rump white, 
 tinged with rose pink and streaked with dusky; forLliei.u with patch of 
 deep carmine; wings dusky brown with two white bars; below, white, 
 sides heavily streaked with dusky ; chin and throat dusky ; breast deep 
 rose pink. P>ill extremely acute ; in winter its color is yellow tii)pcd with 
 black, but in summer the color is dull blacki.sh. (Female differs from 
 male only in lacking the red tints on rump and breast.) Length 4,'^ to 5 
 inches. 
 
 Nest. In a low tree or amid a tuft of grass ; coni])osed of dry grass and 
 moss lined with hair or feathers or plan! down. 
 
 Ei;^i{s. 4-6; white tinged with green or blue, spotted with reddish 
 brown ; 0.65 X 0.50. 
 
 These elegant birds, which only pay us occasional and 
 transient visits at distant inter\-als, are inhabitants of the whole 
 Arctic circle to the confines of Siberia, and are found in Kam- 
 tschatka and (Greenland as well as the colder parts of Iuiro])e. 
 Arriving in roving flocks from the northern wilds of Canada, 
 they are seen at times in the western parts of the State of New 
 York with the fall of the first deep snow, and occasionally ])ro- 
 ceed eastward to the very city of New York, where in the 
 depth of winter, and for several weeks, they have been seen 
 gleaning their scanty food of variotis kinds of seeds in the 
 gardens of the town and suburbs. Flocks are likewise some- 
 times seen in the vicinity of Philadelphia in severe winters, 
 though at remote periods ; as according to Mr. Ord they have 
 not visited that part of Pennsylvania since the winter of 
 

 i 'v 
 
 35^ 
 
 SINOIXG IURI>S. 
 
 t^ 
 
 ' ■■ I. 
 
 :J M 
 
 II. 
 
 t 
 
 I m 
 
 « 
 
 i i ' 
 
 ;,_. I. . ... 
 
 i 
 
 
 feiy«i 
 
 1813-14. They api)i;;ir very iinsuspicioua while feeding in the 
 gardens, or on the seeds of the alder-bush, one of their favor- 
 ite repasts, and thus engaged allow a near approach while 
 searching for their food in every ])osture, and sometimes head 
 dcjwnwards. They are also fond of the seeds of the pine, the 
 linden, and rajie, and in the winter sometimes content them- 
 selves even with the buds of the alder. Wilson believed he 
 heard this si)ecies utter a few interrupted notes, but nothing 
 satisfactory is known of its vocal powers. Mr. Ord remarks 
 that their call much resembles that of the common Yellow 
 IJird, to which, indeed, they are allied. They are said to 
 breed in the Highlands of Scotland, and to select the heath 
 and furze for the situation of their nests, though they more 
 commonly choose alder-bushes and the branches of the pine. 
 
 According to Richardson, these birds are among the few 
 hardy and permanent residents m the fur countries, where they 
 may be seen in the coldest weather on the banks of lakes and 
 rivers, hoj)ping among the reeds and carices or clmging to their 
 Stalks. They are numerous throughout the year even in the 
 most northern districts, and from the rarity of their migrations 
 into the United States it is obvious that they are influenced by 
 no ordinary causes to evacuate the regions in which they are 
 bred. Famine, in all probability, or the scarcity of food, urges 
 them to advance towards the South. It is certain that they do 
 not forsake their natal regions to seek shelter from the cold. 
 This season, by the 7th or Sth of November (1833), before 
 the occurrence of any extraordinary cold weather, they arrived 
 in this vicinity (Cambridge, Mass.) in considerable flocks, and 
 have not paid a visit to this quarter before to my knowledge 
 for 10 or 12 years. They now regularly assemble in the birch- 
 trees every morning to feed on their seeds, in which employ- 
 ment they are so intent that it is possible to advance to the 
 slender trees in which they are engaged and shake them off by 
 surprise before they think of taking wing. They hang upon 
 the twigs with great tenacity, and move about while feeding in 
 reversed postures, like the Chickadees. After being shot at 
 they only pass on to the next tree and resume their feeding as 
 
KEUrOLL. 
 
 357 
 
 iig in the 
 uir tlivor- 
 ch while 
 lies head 
 pine, the 
 lit thcm- 
 Ueved he 
 t nothing 
 remarks 
 n VcUow 
 i said to 
 the heath 
 icy more 
 le i)ine. 
 r the tew 
 here they 
 lakes and 
 ig to their 
 en in the 
 nitrations 
 enced by 
 they are 
 lod, urges 
 they do 
 the cold, 
 before 
 y arrived 
 cks, and 
 nowledge 
 ic birch- 
 employ- 
 ee to the 
 m off by 
 :ing upon 
 eding in 
 shot at 
 ieding as 
 
 before. They have a (|uailing call perfectly similar to that 
 of the Yellow iiird ( /'/vV/i,'///!/ /n's/i's), tioce /icu'c, or ts/u'-jui-; 
 and when crowtli ig together in llight make a (onfused chirj)- 
 ing 77i'//'//A'//7u'// 7?i7/ 77t'//, with a rattling noi^c, and some- 
 times go <;l'f with a simultaneous twitter. Occasionally tlu-y 
 ilescentl from their favorite birches and pick up sunllowir 
 seeds and those of the various weedy Choiopodittms growing 
 in wastes. At length they seemed attracted to the pines by 
 the example of the Crossbills, and were busily emjjloyed in 
 collecting their seeds. As the weather becomes colder they 
 also roost in these sheltering evergreens; and confused (locks 
 are seen whirling about capriciously in (juest of fare, sometimes 
 descending ow the fruit-trees to feed on their buds by way of 
 variety. Though thus urgeil from their favorite regions in the 
 north, there appeared no obvious reason for their movements, 
 as we found them fat and not driven to migrate trom any 
 imminent necessity. 
 
 In XuttalTs day but two forms of Redpoll were recognized by 
 naturalists, — tinaria and canescens {=z c.vi7ipes)\ but now there 
 are five, -or six, if we count the hyj)otlietical brewstet it. Similar 
 as these appear to the casual observer, an expert can readily divide 
 them when examples of the different races are compared, tliou.udi it 
 is sometimes difficult to refer a specimen with accuracy unless so 
 compared. 
 
 The habitat of true liitaria is now given as •■ northern portions 
 of northern hemispliere, in Nortli America: south in winter to 
 Kansas and \'irginia." 
 
 I 
 
 NoTi;. — HoLHffiLL's Rkdi'oli, {.Iciint/iis linaria JiolbcelUi) is 
 larger than the type, with a proportionately longer bill. It is 
 usually restricted to the northern coasts of Europe and Asia, but 
 examples have been taken in Alaska, Quebec, Massachusetts, and 
 New York. 
 
 The Greatkk Reoi'OIX {Acanthis linaria rostrata) is still 
 larger, — iengtli •)% to 5U inches. — and the colors are darker, 
 with the under parts more broadly striped. It is found in southern 
 Greenland in summer, and in winter migrates to New England, 
 Manitoba, and northern Illinois. 
 
f I 
 
 n 
 
 i . 
 
 f i 
 
 u 
 
 i i 
 
 HI 
 
 'il 
 
 ' :ft 
 
 ''V 
 
 
 
 I I 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 pi 
 
 i 
 
 
 to 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 HOARV Kl<:i)l»ULL. 
 
 MKAI.V KKDI'OLL. 
 
 ACANTHIS HORNI.MANIl l.XIMPKS. 
 
 Thak. Male: ahove. d.ill wliitc streaked with dusky brown ; crown 
 crimson ; riinip wliitc washeil with pink ; wings and tail dusky brown 
 witli two while bars; l)clow, dull white sparsely streaked with duskv : 
 chin and throat duskv; breast delicate rose pink. Female: similar, but 
 without phik on breast and rump. Length 5 inches. 
 
 Similar to A. linariii, but colore ,'iler, — the brown largely replaced by 
 gray, and the re^l of a pakr sIkkK- and more restricted. 
 
 S'est. In a low tree or on the ground ; comjiosed of grass and twigs 
 lined with feathers 
 
 Egi::s. 3-5; white tinged with blue or green, spotted with reddish 
 brown ; 0.65 X 0.50. 
 
 This species, so nearly allied to the last, is met with partly 
 in the same remote boreal regions in the summer, but is of 
 much more rare occurrence ; it is also found in the territory 
 of Oregon, and stragglers have been obtained as far south as 
 New Jersey and New York. In Maine it is less rare. These 
 birds have a note very similar to the last species, but distinct. 
 They are full of activity and caprice while engaged in feeding, 
 making wide circles and deej) untlulations in their flight. Like 
 
T«>\vin;i:. 
 
 359 
 
 
 
 Titmice also, thoy fn-qiicntly feed and hiiu-; to the twigs it) 
 rcvcrNcil jK>.«.ture!>. , 
 
 This form sunimers in tlic Arctic regions, h-mI in wiiUcr nii;(rati'.s 
 .Sf)utli\var(l. ;i hw cxninpl.s rfuiiiing tlic ikiiIkiu bitr-lcr i>l tlic 
 L ilitt.(l St.Ucs. 
 
 Notf:. — The (Ikki.XI.am) Ki.di'OM. {Acanthis horttcmaunif) 
 
 is lari4Lr tli.in <M77//t'j-, — length 5,'j to (>;j iiu lies, it l)ici(ls in 
 (irLunland aiul lli-j e.istcrn part ot Arctic Aincrica, and in winter 
 ranges as far south as Labrador. 
 
 r.Ri wsti:r's Linm.t {.Uani/iis bre^i'stcrii) is a "Ridpoll'' 
 witliout A\\\ red on its poll : it dit'i\rs alio Iroin tiie other lorins in 
 lacking; lIu- du>.ky spot on the tiuo.it anil in li.ivin;; a pdilion nf its 
 plumage tinijcd with yellow. The type specimen was taken .it 
 Waltliam, M.iss., in 1S70, and remains uni(|ue. Tlie A. O. U. have 
 plaeed tlie name in tliat "lock-up"' for suspicious characters, the 
 " hypothetical list." 
 
 wn ; crown 
 sky lirown 
 ith (hisky : 
 imilar, but 
 
 [ephiccd by 
 
 and twigs 
 
 Ith reddish 
 
 rith partly 
 but is of 
 
 territory 
 
 south as 
 . l^hese 
 
 distinct. 
 
 feeding, 
 lit. Like 
 
 towiihf:. 
 
 GROUXn KOlilN. CHEW INK. 
 PH'n.O IKVlHklJl'HIHAI.MLS. 
 
 Thar. Tll.nck with white belly and bay sides and vent ; outer tail- 
 feuthci> partlv wiiite ; white spot on wing; iris red. Female and young 
 tawny brusvn wlicre the adult male is black. 
 
 Xcst. Near the margin of woodland or in an overgrown pasture ; 
 usually placed on the grouiui and concealed in a tiit't of grass or l)ru>h- 
 heap, or under a lorr cr bush, — sometimes fastened to a low '"ash ; loosely 
 made of dry leaves, grape-vines, weed-stems, and gras>, lined with tine 
 grass, roots, or pine-needles. 
 
 A^TiT'f' 4"6; dull white thickly marked with fine spots of wariu, reddish 
 brown and lilac; sometimes the marks are bolder ; 0.95 X 0.75 
 
 This is a very common, hmnble, and iinsuspirioiis bird, 
 dwelling commonly in thick dark woods and their borders, 
 flying low, and frequenting thickets near streams of water, 
 where it spends much time in scratching up the withered 
 leaves for worms and their larvre. and is particularly fond of 
 wire-worms (or /////), as well as various kinds of seeds and 
 gravel. Its rustling scratch among the leafy carpet of the 
 forest is often the only indication of its presence, excepting 
 
36o 
 
 SINGING lURDS. 
 
 1^^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 now an<l then a call upon its mate {/(m'-n'n; t(nv-7vce, toio- 
 7i'tt'ij, with which it is almost ( onstanlly associated. While 
 thus busily engaged in foraging for subsistence, it may be 
 watched and apijroached without showing any alarm ; and 
 taking a look often at the observer, without susi)icion, it 
 scratches up the leaves as before. This call of recognition is 
 uttered in a low and somewhat sad tone, and if not soon 
 answered it becomes louder and interrogatorv. /in^'-ttu't- towee f 
 and terminates often with towtit. 'i'hese binls are accused 
 of sometimes visitmg the pea- fields to feed, but occasion no 
 sensible damage. 
 
 In the pairing season and throughout the p.^riod of incuba- 
 tion the male fre(juently mounts to the top of some bush 
 amidst the thickets where he usually passes the time, and from 
 hence in a clear and sonorous voice chants forth his simple 
 guttural and monotonous notes for an hour or so at a time, 
 while his faithful mate is confined to her nest. I'his ([uaint 
 and somewhat pensive song often soumls like f<:h\i -iSih'c tc ti 
 tc tc ti', or 'l'iii--ici t(i-, tr fr ' tr 'tr. — the latter part a sort of 
 quaint and deliberate (juivering trill ; sometimes it sounds like 
 'htii tsherr " rh 'r/i. rrh '7.'f, then V'tcW /uvr /' fs/ter' r' r, also 
 €t se ya, \ti \\a \\ti \\a \\(j : the latter notes, attemjned to be 
 expressed by whistled and contracted consonant syllables, are 
 trilled with this sound. 
 
 (iround Robins, sometimes also called Ts/i('-7c>i>ik and Pee- 
 7t'///X', from another of their notes, are general inhabitants of 
 Canada and the United States even to the base of the Rocky 
 Mountains and the peninsula of Florida, in all of which regions, 
 except the last, with Louisiana and the contiguous countries, 
 they pass the summer and rear their young, migrating, how- 
 ever, from the Northern and Middle States in October, and 
 returning again about the middle or close of April, according 
 to the advancement of the season, at which time ^Iso the 
 males usually precede the arrival of their mates. They pass 
 the winter generally to the south of Pennsylvania, and are then 
 very abundant in all the milder States in the Union. 
 
 They are said to show some address at times in concealing 
 
 
 m 
 
'{•f, /f'TC- 
 
 While 
 may be 
 11 ; aiul 
 cion, it 
 nition is 
 ot soon 
 ■ tin^<cc ? 
 accused 
 usion no 
 
 " incuba- 
 ne bush 
 I ml from 
 s simple 
 I a time, 
 is ([uaint 
 .nice ic tc 
 a sort of 
 m»ls like 
 /•';■, also 
 (1 to be 
 bles, are 
 
 hnd Pce- 
 itants of 
 |e Rocky 
 
 regions, 
 [.luntries, 
 iig, iiow- 
 ber. and 
 
 •cording 
 blso the 
 
 lev pass 
 
 lire then 
 
 TOWHEE. 
 
 36 r 
 
 « 
 
 their nest, which is fixed on the groimd in a dry and elevated 
 bituatiun and sunk beneath the surface among the fallen leaves, 
 sometimes under the shelter of a small bush, thicket, or brier. 
 Accurdini( to the ct^nvenience of the site, it is formed of differ- 
 ent materials, sometimes, according to W ilson, being made of 
 leaves, strips of grape-vine bark, lined with fine stalks of <iry 
 gra.ss, and occasionally in ]jart hidden with hay or herl)age. 
 Most of the nests in this vicinity are made in solitarv dry jmie 
 woods without any other protection than some small bush or 
 accidental fallen leaves ; and the external materials, rather 
 substantial, are usually slightly agglutinated strii)s of red-cedar 
 bark, or withered grass with a neat lining of die same ami 
 fallen pine leaves ; the lining sometimes made wholly of the 
 latter. The nest is also at times elevated from the ground by 
 a layer of coarse leaf-stalks such as those of the hickory. The 
 first brood are raised early in June, and a second is ot'ten 
 obser\-ed in the month of July ; but in this jiart of New laig- 
 land they seldom raise more than one. The pair show great 
 solicitude for the safety of their young, lluttering in the path 
 and pretending lameness with loud chirping when their nest is 
 too closely examined. 
 
 The eastern form of the Towhee is not found west of Minnesota, 
 Kansas, and Texas. In the more northern and unsettled portions 
 of Xew Enjcland it is very rare or absent. It is common in Man- 
 itoba and southern Ontario, but rare in yiicbec ; and one example, 
 captured near .St. John, N. B.. in 18S1, is the only known instance 
 of its occurrence in the Maritime Provinces. 
 
 The flocks migrate in winter to the Southern States, settling in 
 \'irginia and .southward. 
 
 Note. — The White-eyed Towhee {Pipilo oytlirophthalnnis 
 alleni differs from the northern race chiefly in ljein<i of somewhat 
 .smaller size, and in the iris being white instead of red. 
 
 It was discovered during the spring of 1879 by .Mr. C.J. .May- 
 nard in Florida, and is .-.aid to be distributed along the coast north- 
 ward to South Caix>lina. 
 
 "^1 
 
 [icealing 
 
h! 
 
 m' 
 
 • ■-f 
 
 B 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 M 
 
 /( 
 
 ! ' 
 
 li 
 
 
 i 
 
 lb 
 
 fe 
 
 
 CARDINAL. 
 
 REDBIRD. 
 Cardixalis CARDIXALIS. 
 
 Char. Head with conspicuous crest. Male : above, brisiht vennf- 
 Jion. shaded with gray on the back; beneath, paler; forehead and throat 
 black. Female: above, olive gray; beneath, bufify. Young similar to 
 female, but duller. Length about S to S}^ inches. 
 
 .\V.fA In a variety of situations, most frequently amid a thicket of 
 brambles or in a low tree; loosely made of twigs, strips of grape-vine, 
 dry grass, weed-stems, lined with fine grass or roots, sometimes with 
 hair. 
 
 E,i:^'-s. 3-5 ; dull white or tinged with blue, green, or buff; spotted 
 with reddish brown and lilac; lOO X 0.75. 
 
 These splendid and not uncommon songsters chiefly reside 
 in the warmer and more temperate parts of the United States 
 from New York to Florida, and a few stragglers even proceed 
 as far to the north as Salem in Massachusetts. They also 
 inhabit the Mexican provinces, and are met with south as far 
 as Carthagena ; adventurously crossing the intervening ocean, 
 they are likewise numerous in the little temperate Bermuda 
 islands, but do not apparently exist in any of the West Indies. 
 As might be supposed, from the range already stated, the Red- 
 binls are not uncommon throughout Louisiana, Missouri, and 
 Arkansas Territor)'. Most of those which pass the suminer in 
 
CARDINAL. 
 
 V^l 
 
 isiht venni- 
 
 and throat 
 
 similar to 
 
 thicket of 
 Igrape-vine, 
 [times with 
 
 |ff; spotted 
 
 [fly reside 
 ;d States 
 proceed 
 'hey also 
 Ith as far 
 [g ocean. 
 iKermuda 
 Ft Indies, 
 the Red- 
 )uri, and 
 Immer in 
 
 tilt cooler and Middle States retire to the South at the com- 
 mencement of winter ; though a few linger in the sheltered 
 swamps of Pennsylvania and near the shores of the Delaware 
 almost through the winter. They also, at this season, probably 
 assemble towards the sea-coast from the west, in most of the 
 Southern States, where roving and skulking timid families are 
 now seen flitting silently through thickets and swampy woods, 
 eager alone to glean a scanty subsistence, and defend them- 
 selves from prowling enemies. At all times, however, they 
 appear to have a predilection for watery groves and shaded 
 nnining stream>. abounding with evergreens and fragrant mag- 
 nolias, in which they are so frequent as to be almost concomi- 
 tant with the scene. But though they usually live only in 
 families or pairs, and at all times disperse into these selective 
 groups, yet in severe weather, at sunset, in South Carolina. I 
 obser\ed a flock passing to a roost in a neighboring swamp 
 and bushy lagoon, which continued, in lengthened file, to fly 
 over my head at a considerable height for more than twenty 
 minutes together. The beautiful procession, illumined by the 
 last rays of the setting sun, was incomparably splendid as the 
 shifting shadow}- light at quick intervals flashed upon their 
 brilliant liver)-. They had been observed to pass in this man- 
 ner to their roost for a considerable time, and, at daybreak, 
 they were seen again to proceed and disperse for subsistence. 
 How long this timid and gregarious habit continues, I cannot 
 pretend to say : but by the first week in February the song of 
 the Redbird was almost daily heard. As the season advances, 
 roving pairs, living, as it were, only with and for each other, flit 
 from place to place ; and following also their favorite insect or 
 vegetable fare, many proceed back to the same cool region in 
 which they were bre<l. and from which they were reluctantly 
 driven ; while others, impelled by interest, caprice, and adven- 
 ture, seek to establish new families in the most remote limits of 
 their migration. Some of these more restless wanderers occa- 
 sionally, though rarely, favor this part of New luigland with a 
 visit. After listening with so much delight to the lively fife of 
 the splendid Cardinal, as I travelled alone through the deep and 
 
364 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 f 
 
 J ■•: I 
 
 I 
 
 J ( 
 
 i i 
 
 ,i ; 
 
 t 
 
 
 i! « 
 
 U: ^ 
 
 '' ^i 
 
 :: i 
 
 t < 
 
 wild solitudes which prevail over the Southern States, and bid, 
 as I thought, jK-rhaps an eternal adieu to the sweet voice of my 
 charming com)janions, what was my surprise and pleasure, on 
 the 7th of May, to hear, for the first time in this State, and in 
 the Jiotanic (larden, above an hour together, the lively and 
 loud song of this exquisite vocalist, whose voice rose above 
 every rival of the feathered race, anil rung almost in echoes 
 through the blooming grove in which he had chosen his re- 
 treat. In the Southern States, where these birds everywhere 
 breed, they become familiarly attached to gardens, which, as 
 well as cornfields, afford them a ready means of subsistence ; 
 they are also fond of the seeds of most of the orchartl fruits, 
 and are said occasionally to prey upon bees. 
 
 The lay of the Cardinal is a loud, mellow, and pleasingly 
 varied whistle, delivered with ease and energy for a consider- 
 able time together. To give it full effect, he chooses the sum- 
 mit of some lofty branch, and elevatmg his melodious voice in 
 powerful as well as soothing and touching tones, he listens, 
 delighted as it were, with the powers of his own music, at 
 intervals answered and encouraged by the tender responses of 
 his mate. It is thus the gilded hours of his existence pass 
 away in primeval delight, until care and necessity break in 
 upon his contemi)lative reveries, and urge him again to pursue 
 the sober walks of active life. 
 
 The song of the Redbird, like that of so many others, 
 though possessed of great originality, often consists in part of 
 favorite borrowed and slightly altered phrases. It would be 
 a difficult and fruitless task to enumerate all the native notes 
 delivered by this interesting songster ; a few may be perhai:)S 
 excused by those who wish, in their rural walks, to be made, in 
 any way, acquainted with the language of the feathered vocal- 
 ists that surround them. All the tones of the Cardinal are 
 whistled much in the manner of the human voice. Late in 
 February, while travelling in Alabama, I heard one crying 
 woolit, wolit 7Volit wolit, then in a quicker tone hiitsh butsh 
 butsh hfitsh, and Ushooway tshoo'iiHjy tsJuunuay. At another 
 time the song was ^ivit d'uut, ^t'ei'i ; then tshevi tshere ^feii, 
 
 \ 
 
CARDINAL 
 
 365 
 
 and bid, 
 (ice of my 
 ■asure, on 
 te, and in 
 ivt'ly and 
 3se above 
 in echoes 
 Ml his re- 
 verywhere 
 which, as 
 Insistence ; 
 lard iruits, 
 
 pleasingly 
 
 consider- 
 3 the sum- 
 is voice in 
 he listens, 
 
 music, at 
 sponses of 
 
 ence pass 
 break in 
 
 to pursue 
 
 [ly others, 
 n part of 
 would be 
 ive notes 
 perhajis 
 made, in 
 led vocal- 
 •(linal are 
 Late in 
 le crying 
 'tsh hutsh 
 another 
 hei>e ''feu, 
 
 
 '-li'hoit \ohoii 'ivhoit 'tl'i'i (the ''whoit an exact human whistle, 
 anil the ten tenderly emphatic). Another bird called tco tio 
 ti'o, tshooi' (sliooc tsliooe tshooe, then teo tco tfo tco alone, or 
 'luoit '7i'dit 'ivoit Hooit, with the last word tlelivered slower, and 
 in a sinking, delicately plaintive tone. These phrases were 
 also answered in sympathy by the female, at a little distance 
 w\i the meandering brook where they were engaiyed in collect- 
 ing their food. In Florida, about the 12th of March, I heard 
 a very fine Redbird singing ''lOhittoo wittoo ichioo 'lindJoo. 
 Pie began low, almost in a whisper, but very clearly articu- 
 lated, and gradually raised his voice to loudness, in the manner 
 of the Nightingale. He now changed the strain into 'r/r///, 
 ii<ilt -ii'ilt wilt wilt ; then 'lictii tshooe 'ishdiH' tshooe tshooe, 
 afterwards ' ///' I'ietu, and 'ricta tu tii, then varying 'tshooee, 
 etc.. \v ;i lower key. On approaching this bird, to see and 
 hear hiui more distinctly, he exhibited his anger by scoUling in 
 a hoarse tone almost like that of a squirrel, and from the sea- 
 son, and absence of respondence in the female, I imagine he 
 already had a nest in the neighboring thicket. The bird, whif:h 
 frequented the Botanic (larden for several days, in the morn- 
 ing sang fearlessly and loudly, but at other times the pair hid 
 themselves amongst the thickest bushes, or descended to the 
 ground to feed among the grass and collect insects and worms ; 
 now and then however, in an undertone, as if afraid of attract- 
 ing notice, he whispered to his mate ten teii feu, -coit, Wcoit 
 '-woit, elevating his tone of recognition a little at the close of 
 the call, and going over other of the usual phrases in the same 
 whispering and slenderly rising voice. About the 4th of July, 
 the same pair, apparently, paid us a parting visit, and the male 
 sang with great energy, 7r'' t7C'\ 'wi'to ''weto 'loeto 'weto 'weto 
 7oait. then waiti'ip 7iHiitfip laaitiip 7i>aitfip, t^ho-w tshow tslu'm' 
 tshow tshow. On whistling any of these notes within hearing 
 of the Cardinal, a response is almost certain, as this affectionate 
 recognition is frequently answered by the female. His phrase 
 may also be altered at will, by whistling some other than that 
 which he repeats, as he often immediately answers in the call 
 he hears, sujiposing it to be that of his approachuig mate. 
 
m 
 
 366 
 
 SINGIXG r.IKDS. 
 
 W 
 
 IJ: 
 
 
 (IJ 
 
 |i: 
 
 I!,- J J 
 
 On their arrival in the Middle States, in spring, violent ron- 
 tests sometimes ensue between the unmated and jealous males. 
 When the dispute is for the present closetl, the pair, probably 
 for greater security, and dreading a recurring ([uarrel of doubt- 
 ful issue, wander off to a remote distance from their usual 
 abode, and in this way, no doubt, occasionally visit countries 
 but little frequented by the rest of their s])ecies. Marly in 
 May, it seems, in Pennsylvania, according to Wilson, they 
 begin to i)repare their nests, which are often j^laccd in an ever- 
 green bush, cedar, laurel, or holly. They u>>ually raise two 
 broods in the season. As they are so easily domesticated im- 
 mediately after being caught in trap cages, it is unnecessan," to 
 raise them from the nest. By this kind of unnatural confine- 
 ment, the brilliant color of the male is found sometimes to 
 fade until it becomes of a pale whitish red. They live, how- 
 ever, long in confinement, and an instance is known of one 
 which had survived for 21 years. In the cage, they have not 
 that variety of song which they exhibit in their native wilds : 
 and this, judging from the frequent rei)etition of the same 
 phrase, would appear to be a monotonous performance, if the 
 variety of expression, tone, and key did not perpetually relieve 
 and enhance the character of the lay. His song also con- 
 tinues for 6 or 8 months in the year, antl is, even, as among 
 the Thrushes, more lively in wet weather, the sadness of 
 Nature, softening and soothing the tender vocalist into a lively, 
 pathetic, and harmonious revery. So highly were these birds 
 esteemed for their melody that, according to (iemelli Careri. 
 the Spaniards of Havanna, in a time of public distress and 
 scarcity, bought so many of these birds, with which a vessel 
 was partly freighted, from Florida, that the sum expended, at 
 10 dollars apiece, amounted to no less than i<S,ooo dollars! 
 Indeed, Latham admits that the notes of our Cardinal •• are 
 almost equal to those of the Nightingale," the sweetest feath- 
 ered minstrel of Kurope. The style of their performance is, 
 however, wholly different. The bold, martial strains of the 
 Redbird, though relieved by tender and exquisite touches, 
 pobaebs not the enchanting pathos, the elevated and varied 
 
 i 
 
 W 
 
EVENING GROSBEAK. 
 
 367 
 
 lent <on- 
 )U.s males, 
 probably 
 of (loubt- 
 leir usual 
 countries 
 Early in 
 son, they 
 1 an ever- 
 raise two 
 cated im- 
 cessan,' to 
 1 confine- 
 letimes to 
 live, how- 
 vn of one 
 ■ have not 
 ive wilds ; 
 the same 
 nee, if the 
 .11)- relieve 
 also con- 
 as among 
 adness of 
 o a lively, 
 lese birds 
 i Careri. 
 tress and 
 a vessel 
 nded, at 
 dollars ! 
 inal '■ are 
 :est feath- 
 mance is, 
 is of the 
 touches, 
 d varied 
 
 It 
 
 expression of the far-famed Philomel, nor yet tho>e contrasted 
 tones, which, in the solemn stillness of the growing niglit, fall 
 at times into a soothing whisper, or slowly rise and quicken 
 into a loud and cheering warble. A strain of almost senti- 
 mental tendcme::»s and sadness per\'ades by turn^ the song of 
 the Nightingale; it flows like a torrent, or dies away like in 
 echo ; his varied ecstasies poured to the pale moonbeams, 
 now meet with no re»fx>nse but the sighing /ephyi or the ever- 
 murmuring brook. 'I'he notes of our Cardinal are as full of 
 hilarity as of tender expression ; his whistling call is uttered in 
 the broad glare of day, and is heard predominant over most of 
 the feathered choir by which he is surrounded. His respond- 
 ing mate is the perpetual companion of all his joys and cares ; 
 simple and content in his attachment, he is a stranger to 
 capricious romance of feeling, and the shades of melancholy, 
 however feeble and transient, find no harbor in his preoc- 
 cupied affections. 
 
 The Cardinal occurs sparingly in southern New Kiiglcuul. .md it 
 has been occasionially seen in Massacluisetts and nortliwani. 'l"\vo 
 examples visited Halifax, N. S.. in 1871. It is quite common in 
 Ohio, and has been taken, across the lake, in Ontario, and westward 
 to Iowa. 
 
 EVENING GROSBEAK. 
 
 CfXrCXriHRAUSTES VESPERIINUS, 
 
 Char. Dusky olivaceous, phading to ycllowisli on the rump; fore- 
 head, line over the eye«. and under tail-coverts, yellow ; crown, wings, 
 and tail black ; secondaries mostly white ; bill greenish yellow, con-i>icu- 
 ouslv large. Female differs sliiihtly from the male, but i> readilv identi- 
 fied. Length about ~*2 to S inches. 
 
 A'est. In the deep forest, usually on a branch of a tall tree, sometimes 
 in low bush; composed of twigs and roots, lined with roots or hair. 
 
 /i";';;^r. 4-? ; pale dull green, marked with pale brown spots. 
 
 This beautiful species inhabits the solitudes of the North- 
 western interior, being met with from the extremity of the 
 Michigan Territory to the Rocky Mountains. It is not un- 
 common towards the upper extremity of Lake Superior and 
 
;68 
 
 SINGING lURDS. 
 
 'I . 
 
 h I 
 
 ll 
 
 i||M, 
 
 («' 
 
 the borders of Athabasca Lake; to the east of these Hniits 
 these birds appear to be only transient visitors in spring and 
 fall. They are common inhabitants of the fur countries, and 
 particularly of the maple woods of the Saskatchewan, where 
 they do not arrive from the South before the commencement 
 of the month of June. In the pine woods of Oregon (accord- 
 ing to Mr. '1 ownsend) numerous tlocks are seen about the mid- 
 dle of May, and at this time they are very tame and unsuspicious, 
 moving about in considerable numbers throughout the whole 
 of the day, and seem no way given to retiring before sunset. 
 'i'heir ordinary note while feeding consists of a single rather 
 screaming call. At other times, particularly about mid-day, the 
 male from the branches of some tall pine-tree utters a single 
 warbling note much like the interrupted beginning of the 
 Robin's song, but not so sweet. They feed upon the seeds 
 of the i)ine and other trees, alighting upon the large limbs, 
 and ])roreed by a series of hops to the very extremities of 
 the branches. They also occasionally devour the larvce of ants, 
 and probably other kinds of insects. 
 
 The Evening Grosbeak occurs regularly in winter in Wisconsin, 
 Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan, and occasionally in Ohio and Ontario. 
 During the latter part of the winter of 1889-90 numbers were 
 seen eastward to Montreal and the New England States. 
 
 The flocks appeared in the vicinity of Hamilton about the 
 middle of December. Mr. Mcllwraitli writes that the first he saw 
 was a flock of about twenty or thirty, some of whom were on the 
 bank of the Lake feeding. '■ while others were down on tlie sandy 
 shore, picking gravel or dabbling themselves in the water. ... I 
 thought at first that the original flock had remained, but soon found 
 that an easterly migration was going on. and that as one flock left 
 another arrived. . . . During Eebruary few, if any, were observed 
 here. In March the return trip commenced, but was in all respects 
 different from the easterly one. The birds were then fewer in num- 
 ber, and all seemed excited and desirous to go west with the least 
 possible delay." (Uirds of Ontario.) 
 
 -* 
 
lesc limits 
 pring and 
 itrics, and 
 an, where 
 lencement 
 1 (accord- 
 It the mid- 
 sus])ici()us, 
 
 the whole 
 )re sunset, 
 igle rather 
 id-day, the 
 rs a single 
 ng of the 
 
 the seeds 
 irge limbs, 
 remities of 
 •v£E of ants. 
 
 Wisconsin, 
 
 m\ Ontario. 
 Iiibers were 
 
 s. 
 about the 
 
 iirsl he saw 
 ere on tlie 
 
 n the sandv 
 ter. ... I 
 soon found 
 
 lie tiock left 
 e observed 
 all respects 
 A'er in num- 
 ih the least 
 
 ROSi:-ijRi-:Asri:r) c.rosuhak. 
 
 Hai?ia ludoviciana. 
 
 f'HAR. Male: above, black ; rump white; wings ami tail black with 
 white markings; below, white ; breast and under tail-c<>vcrts deep rose 
 pink. Fcmalu: above, streaked blackish and olive; crown with central 
 stripe of white ; rumi) white : under ])arts dull white, stre;d<cd with brown ; 
 no red on the breast. Length 7^4 to S'X inches. 
 
 A'esf. Usually on the margin of woods, or in a dense alder-swamp, — 
 occasionally in a garden or open pasture; composed of gras.s, //.W(V? moss, 
 roots, stalks, and twigs, lined with fine grass, roots, or pine-needles. 
 
 ■^iT-f- 3-5; <bill green or bluish green variously marked with spots 
 and blotches of reddish brown, lilac, and pale lavender; i.oo X 0.70. 
 
 The remote Northwestern Territories of the l^nion, Canada, 
 and the cool regions towards the Rocky Mountains apjjcar to 
 be the general residence of the Rose-breasted (Irosbeak. A 
 few pairs l)reed on the banks of the Mohawk, and probably 
 in the interior of Pennsylvania. Mr. Say met with it in the 
 sjjring, on the lower part of the Missouri ; and at I'ombino, on 
 the 5th of August, in the 49th parallel. Dr. Richardson also 
 observed it in the latitude of 53°, and Audubon found it breed- 
 ing in Newfoundland. It has likewise been seen in Mexico 
 and Texas. These are, no doubt, its proper natal regions, and 
 the course of its migrations, from which it only ventures acci- 
 dentally in severe winters, and is then transiently seen in pairs 
 east of the Atlantic mountains, which constitute the general 
 boundary of its range. It is thus seen occasionally in the 
 VOL. I. — 24 
 
370 
 
 sinc;l\(; iwkds. 
 
 
 I 
 
 SI 
 
 1 1 
 
 r 
 
 1 
 II 1 < 1 
 
 f 
 
 : '^ : 
 
 '1! ! 
 
 f 
 
 f ^ 
 1 
 
 
 ,Jtn;(ii 
 
 vicinity of Philadelphia, in the State of New York, particularly 
 along the borders of l,ake Ontario, and in Connecticut, but 
 rarely in this part of New l-'jigland. Pennant >peaks of its 
 arrival in the State of New York in May, where it has a nest ot 
 5 ei^'gs, and then retires in August. It is also unknown in the 
 Southern States. 
 
 My friend Mr. Cooper remarks that though this species is 
 rare in the vicinity of New York, a few probably l)ne(l in the 
 woods of the Hudson, as at 'I'njjpan, 30 miles \\\) that river, it 
 is frecpiently seen in the cherry-trees in the month of June, 
 and is said to be common in the forests along the south shore 
 of Lake Krie, and usually breeds there. It thrives very well 
 in a cage, is a most melodious and indefatigable warbler, tre- 
 (juently in fine weather, as in its state of freedom, passing a 
 great part of the night in singing, with all the varied and touch- 
 ing tones of the Nightingale. 
 
 While thus earnestly engaged, it seems to mount on tiptoe 
 in an ecstasy of enthusiasm and delight at the unrivalled har- 
 mony of its own voice. The notes are wholly warbled, now 
 loud, clear, and vaulting with a ([uerulous air : then [)erhaps 
 sprightly ; and finally lower, tender, and pathetic. In short, 
 I am not acquainted with any of our birds superior in song 
 to the present, with the solitary excej^tion of our Orphean 
 Mocking l>ird. 
 
 The Louisiana (irosbeak is fed with the usual kinds oi bird- 
 seed, and in its wild state seems to be particularly fond of 
 the kernels of the sour-gum berries ; it probably also feeds 
 upon the berries of the juniper, which abound in the regions 
 it usually inhabits. 
 
 Though somewhat local in its distribution, this attractive bird 
 occurs regularly throughout the Eastern States, but is uncommon 
 in Maine, New Hampsliire, and Vermont. It is found in some 
 parts of New Brunswick. Nova Scotia, and Quebec, and is quite 
 common in Ontario, and abimdant in Manitoba. 
 
 Though generally selecting a secluded spot for nesting, a pair 
 will occasionally wander away from the forest and thicket, and even 
 build in the heart of a town. In 1890 a nest was built and a brood 
 raised not a hundred yards from where I am penning these words, 
 
 I 
 
 
 i ■ 
 
 
KUticularly 
 client, but 
 •aks of its 
 IS a nest ot 
 )\vn ill the 
 
 HLl'i: (IKOSUKAK. 
 
 371 
 
 — almost within tlie shadow of Memorial Hall. TIu' nest w.>s 
 laid upon a hraiieh that hiinii over tlit- sidewalk of Oxford Street, 
 not more than ten or twelve feet from the ground, the tree being 
 in the Liardi'n adjoinini^ the residenee of Mr, Francis Foster. 
 
 species IS 
 red in the 
 hat river, it 
 th of June, 
 iouth shore 
 ,'S very well 
 varl)ler. fre- 
 1. passiuLf a 
 I and toueh- 
 
 U on ti])toe 
 rivalled har- 
 arbled, now 
 hen perhaps 
 In short, 
 rior in song 
 ur Orphean 
 
 Inds (jf binb 
 
 larly fond of 
 
 also feeds 
 
 the regions 
 
 [tractive bird 
 
 lis uncommon 
 
 lund in some 
 
 and is quite 
 
 ?sting, a pair 
 
 Iket, and even 
 
 and a brood 
 
 these words, 
 
 BLL'K (;r()si;i:ak. 
 
 CiriRACA C.KRII.I'A. 
 
 (iiAU. M.ile . general plumage rich hlue, darker nn the hai k : fe.ith- 
 eis iuoimil I)ase of l)ill, wiiii^'s, and tail black; two liii:;lit rufous hands 
 on the wings. Female: smaller; above, yellowish brown; below, dark 
 buff. Length 6j4 to 7 inches, 
 
 y\V'.>A On a low branch of a tree or bush, situated along the margin of 
 a wootl, or in an open pasture or orchard, or by a roadside, — sometimes 
 m an alder swamp or blackberry thicket ; composed of leaves, weed- 
 stems, ard grass, lined with horse-hair, root>, or fine grass ; occasionally 
 pieces of snake skin or newsnajier .ue worked iiUo the exterior. 
 
 y'\%'s. 3-4; light l)lue; 0.S5 X 0.65. 
 
 This shy and almost solitary s])e(ies chielly inhabits the 
 warmer parts of .America from IJni/al to A'irginia ; stragglej-s 
 occasionally also visit the lower parts of Pennsylvania and 
 New Jersey, and lUillock observed them on the tableland of 
 Mexico. According to \\'il;;on, it is nearly a silent bird, seldom 
 singing in the cage, its usual note of alarm being merely a 
 loud (-/lUck ; though at times its musical capacity under more 
 favorable circumstances is suggested by a few low and sweet- 
 toned notes. It may be fed on Indian corn, hemp-seed, 
 millet, and the kernels of several kinds of berries. 
 
 According to Audubon, thesff birds arrive in Louisiana 
 about the middle of March, They proceed through Alabama, 
 (leorgia. and the Carolinas, in all which districts they breed; 
 and although rarely seen in the Western States, Mr, Townsend 
 and myself met with them in May on the borders of the 
 Platte, near Scott's Bluffs, where they were already mated and 
 breeding. They are sometimes met with along the Atlantic 
 coast as far as New Jersey, and Audubon found a nest in that 
 State within a few miles of Philadelphia. Their food consists 
 
V' 
 
 37 
 
 /^ 
 
 SIN'dlNCi UIKDS. 
 
 principally of difforciit sorts of seeds ; tiicy arc also fond of 
 those of n<t', and ^rass of all kinds. At the pericjii of breeding; 
 they sing with great sweetness anil melody. 
 
 This s|)L'( ies is still rdtisidcrcd a Southern bird ; hut it nv^ularly 
 visits Pennsylvania. Kintu(ky, and Kansas, and 1ms been taken in 
 .Massachusetts, Maine, and New TJrunswick. 
 
 
 t ' 
 
 I'l'KlMd': KlXCIl. 
 i.iNNi;r. 
 
 C.AKI'ohAi.lS IMRITRKCS. 
 
 Char. Male: no " ])urplc ; " body roNV ( rinisoii, l)riglitest on the 
 head, <laikc>t on tlic hark, iiakst on tlic bieasi ; brllv wliitc ; wiii-s and 
 tail dusky; everywhere streaked more or less with brown and ;;i.iv. 
 FVinale and youn^ : without red; stre.d<L'd brown and gray, sonietinio* 
 with (jlive tint. Length about 6'4 inciics. 
 
 yVt'.fA Near a .settlement and in some old pasture, open grove, park, or 
 orchard ; com|)oscd of twigs, weed-stems, roots, and bark, lined with tine 
 gr.iss or hair. 
 
 •'^C;'^^''- -\~y- pale dull bluish green, variously marked with dark brown 
 and lilac ; 0.S5 X 0.60. 
 
 These brilliant and choerfid songsters inhabit the Northern 
 and Western States during the sumrner, where they rear their 
 young. They appear to have a great predilection for resinous 
 evergreens, pine, and sj^nice, and feed iii)on the berries of the 
 juniper and red cedar as well as the seeds of the tulip-tree and 
 others ; they likewise frecpient gardens for the same purpose, 
 and are partictdarly pleased with suntlower seeds and other 
 oily kinds. When reduced to necessity they are observed to 
 eat the buds of the beech and those of the fruit-trees, — prob- 
 ably for the sake of the stamens contained in them, of which 
 they are greedy when dis])layed in the opening blossoms. 'I'he 
 stipules of the expanding buds of the elm, which are sweet 
 and mucilaginous, as well as the young capsules of the willow 
 in the spring, also make a common part of their fare. Their 
 food in simimer, however, consists principally of insects and 
 juicy berries, as those of the honeysuckle and others. 
 
IL Kl'I.i: lI.Wll. 
 
 ►/ J 
 
 i» font I of 
 f brcctliiii; 
 
 it iwuularly 
 iu lakfii in 
 
 litest on tlie 
 
 c ; wiiii;s .md 
 vn aiul :4i,iy. 
 ly, soinctiim.* 
 
 rove, piuk. or 
 incd witli Inie 
 
 h dark brown 
 
 ic Northern 
 y roar their 
 for resinous 
 crries of the 
 ip-tree and 
 lu' puri)Ose, 
 , ;,n(l other 
 observed to 
 es, — prob- 
 1-n, of which 
 Issonis. 'I'he 
 h are sweet 
 f the willow 
 fare. Their 
 insects and 
 Irs. 
 
 Ahhoiigh the Purple I'inch bree<ls and passes the season in 
 this vicinity, yet as early as the close of Scptciubcr they leave 
 us for the S<juth : about which time and nearly to the close of 
 ()(tt>ber, small, hungry, roving (locks arrive from the more 
 northern States and Canada or Ncwtbuudlaiid. At the same- 
 time likewise great numbers visit I'ennsyU inia, the maritime 
 j)arts of New York anil New Jersey, invl M\any pass the winter 
 in the Middle States, while others proieed as far south as the 
 States of Louisiana, I'lorida, anil Texas, returnint; north in the 
 latter enil of March or early in April, and arrivintj with us in 
 the month of May to pass the most important period of their 
 existence. Rovin;^ tlocks are also seen here as early as the 
 24th of March, singing while they stay with great energy and 
 cheerfulness ; these in all probability proceed to Labrador or 
 Newfoundlanil to breed. The males now lia\e many bitter 
 <:oniests for the choice of their mates, and are \ery bold ami 
 pugnacious in confmement. attempting to destroy every other 
 l)ird introduced into the same cage. They also bite severely 
 when taken up wounded, but are directly reconciled to the 
 cage, finding their most imj)orlant wants so am])l\- supplied ; 
 yet in this state they often refuse to sing, and after moulting 
 into the hmnble plumage of the female, fre([uently remain so, 
 without ever renewing their crimson dress. Thev are here 
 exposed in cages for sale at high prices (by the name of 
 Linnets), and sing i»retty commonly in confinement. Their 
 notes are very similar to those of the Warbling \'ireo, but 
 louder, and more agreeably diversified. From the tops of our 
 lofty and spreading elms or shadowy spnice trees, where they 
 delight to pass the time, their varied and very cheerful melody 
 is often continued for hours almost without inter\al. and 
 poured forth like a torrent. After a combat with a rival, his 
 towering notes of victory burst out into rapture, and he now 
 seems to triimi])h with loud and petulant hilarity. The song 
 of this beautiful Finch is indeed much finer than that of the 
 Canary; the notes are remarkably clear and mellow, and the 
 trilling sweet and various, particularly on their first arrival. At 
 times the warble is scarcely audible, and appears at a distance : 
 

 
 iiii 
 
 If' 
 
 374 
 
 SINCIING BIRDS. 
 
 it then, by a fine crescendo, bursts into loudness and falls into 
 an ecstasy of ardent and overpowering expression ; at such 
 times the usual pauses of the song are forgotten, and like the 
 variefi lay of the Nightingale, the ravishing performer, as if in 
 serious emulation, seems to study every art to produce the 
 effect of brilliant antl well-contrasted harmony. As he sits on 
 the topmost bough of some tall sapling or more lofty tree, sur- 
 veying the wide landscape, his proud voice and elevated action 
 seem to bid defiance to comi)etition ; and while thus earnestly 
 engaged, he seems to fear no spectator, however near may be 
 his apprciches. The rajjidity of his i)erformance and the pre- 
 eminent execution with which it is delivered seem almost like 
 the effort of a musical-box or fine-toned, cjuickly moving, deli- 
 c-'e strain on the organ. While feeding in the month of 
 March these birds also utter a querulous tsliippee tshcr, in 
 nearly the same sad and liquid tone as that uttered by the 
 Yellow Birds while thus engaged. The dull-colored birds, in 
 the attire of the female, do not sing either so well or in the 
 sime manner as the crimson-colored individuals. 
 
 The nest of this species is, as I have observed in two in- 
 stances in Cambridge, matle in the horizontal branches of the 
 'jalsara fir. In the first, which I saw in the garden of Professor 
 Farrar, it was made in a yoiuig tree about 6 feet from the 
 grot- d- (Jn approaching it the female sat still until I nearly 
 touch,:fd her, ar 1 made very little complaint when off. The 
 nest was coarse and substantial, very much like that of the 
 Song Sparrow, composed of coarse grass and lined with fine 
 root-fibres. From this nest was raised in a cage one of the 
 young, which became exceedingly docile and affectionate, but 
 was not remarkable for its song. 
 
 In winter the Purple Finch is found regularly, though sparingly, 
 through tlie southern and central portions of New England and in 
 (3ntario. and occasionally as far north as New IJrunswick. Its 
 winter range extends southward as far as the Ciulf States, while 
 its breeding area extends from Long Island and Minnesota to the 
 lower fur countries. 
 
 w- 
 
falls into 
 
 at such 
 A like the 
 r. as if in 
 iduce the 
 he sits on 
 tree, sur- 
 ted action 
 i earnestly 
 ar may be 
 (1 the pre- 
 ilmost like 
 )ving, (leli- 
 
 month of 
 (' islur, in 
 red by the 
 d birds, in 
 I or in the 
 
 in two in- 
 ches of the 
 )f Professor 
 t from the 
 til I nearly 
 off. The 
 hat of the 
 1 with fine 
 one of the 
 ionate, but 
 
 |li sparin,e;ly, 
 kland and in 
 Lswick. Its 
 I tales, while 
 lesota to the 
 
 PINE GROSBEAK. 
 
 PiMCOLA ENUCLEA J ( )R. 
 
 Char. Male: grayish brown, darkest on the back, shading lo ashy 
 on the runip, washed with rosy carmine, whicii is deepest on the crown 
 and rump; wings and tail dusky, the wings with two white l)ands. Kc- 
 ma'e and young: similar, but without tlie rosy coloring; head and rump 
 washed with pale olive bronze. Length S'^ to 9 incl'-es. 
 
 .Ve;:. On the border of a swamp or the margin of a strer.m running 
 through an evergreen I'orest ; s.addled on a low branch or in a crotch of 
 a low bush, or placed in a crevice of a rock. A bulky, ill-made affair 
 of mo<s, or twigs and roots or strips of lnik, and lined with fine gr,tss, 
 roots, or vegetal ile fibre. 
 
 E^^s. 4-.^; pale greenish blue marked with dark brown and lilac; 
 1.05 X 0.75. 
 
 These splendid and very hardy birds appear to dwell almost 
 wholly within the cold and Arctic regions of both continents. 
 whence, only in severe winters, a few migrate into Can- 
 ada and the United States, where they are consequently of 
 rare and uncertain occurrence. They have been seen in 
 winter in the lower part of Missouri, and at the same season, 
 occa.sionally, in the maritime parts of Massachusetts and Penn- 
 sylvania, and are observed to return to Hudson Pay as early as 
 April. .According to Mr. Pennant, they frequent the woods of 
 pine and juniper, and are now possessed of musical talents ; 
 
^^,4^ 
 
 wm 
 
 m 
 
 I k ' 
 
 1 i. S 
 
 i I 
 
 li'li'llpr:. 
 
 376 
 
 SINGING 151 RDS. 
 
 but as the period of incubation approaches they grow silent. 
 Suited to the sterile climates tht-y inhabit, their fare, besides 
 the seeds of the jjine, alpine plants, and berries, often consists 
 of the buds of the poplar, willow, and other northern trees and 
 shrubs; so that they are generally secure of the means of sub- 
 sistence as long as the snows are not too vjverwhelming. The 
 individuals as yet seen in the Lnited States are wholly young 
 birds, which, it seems, naturally seek out warmer climates than 
 the adult and more hardy individuals. 
 
 According to Mr. T. McCuUoch, of Pictou, Xova Scotia, in 
 very severe winters flocks of these birds, driven from the pine 
 forests by famine and cold, collect about the barn>., and. even 
 enter the streets of Pictou, alighting in quest of food. A male 
 bird at this season, caught in a trap, became very familiar, and 
 as the spring approached he resumed his song hi tiie mornings, 
 and his notes, like those of the Rose-breasted tlrosbeak, were 
 exceedingly rich and full. As, however, the period for migra- 
 tion approached, his familiarity disapj^eared, and the desire of 
 liberty seemed to overcome every other feeling. For four days 
 in succession his fooil remained untouched, and hiri piteous 
 wailing excited so much commiseration that at length he was 
 released. The Pine (irosbeak is said to breed in Maine as 
 well as in Newfoundlaml and Labrador. 
 
 The visits of this handsome bird to New England and the more 
 southern portions of Canada are decidedly irregular. During an 
 occasional winter the tiocks are large and numerous, while again 
 for several seasons but a few stragglers may appear. 
 
 Dr. Coues thinks that there is no question but that the bird is a 
 "resident" in northern New England, breeding in some parts of 
 Maine, New Hampshire, and \'ermont : but I am much inclined 
 to question it. \'ery possibly a few pairs may pass an occasional 
 summer in that region, but I can find no evidence of the birds 
 having been seen there with sufficient frequency to warrant their 
 being termed residents. 
 
 The only known instances of this species having l^uilt in the 
 vicinity of northern New England must be credited to New 
 lirunswick. These are Boardman's hypothetical nest, found near 
 St. Stephen; the unfinished nest which Banks discovered the 
 parents at work upon, near St. John ; and the nest with three 
 
 i i|.! 
 
FINE GROSBEAK. 
 
 }>77 
 
 ;ro\s" silent, 
 re, besides 
 en consists 
 1 trees and 
 Lins of sub- 
 ling. 'Ihe 
 lolly young 
 matc> than 
 
 a Scotia, in 
 v^ the ]>ine 
 ., ami even 
 1. A male 
 imiliar, and 
 I mornings, 
 ■ibeak, were 
 for migra- 
 le desire of 
 jr four days 
 his piteous 
 igth he was 
 \ Maine as 
 
 I 
 
 young and one egg taken by Cox on the Restii^ouche, in latitude 
 47"'. But e.xcepting in these three instances, aiul a fourth where 
 young birds were seen on the Tobique River, the species has 
 been unknown as a .summer resident in New Brunswick. Co.\ 
 saw several e.\amples along tlie Restigouche in July. iSSS, but I 
 have hunted for them up and down the same river, froiu the 
 Wagan to the .Metapedia, both in July and Septenilici. without 
 seeing or hearing so much as one. 
 
 It is said that the .southern limit of its breeding .uci i-. in the 
 vicinity of the 50th parallel, though in th.e West it is somewhat 
 farther north, as Thompson reports the bird a winter visitor onlv 
 at Winnipeg and Ponage la Prairie. From thence it ranges far 
 north — to the Yukon and beyond. In winter the tlorks spread 
 over the country in varying abundance, as far south as Kansas and 
 Maryland. 
 
 Some years ago I kept a male in confinement, and found him a 
 delightful pet. He was healthy and happy in his cage, wa.-> easily 
 tamed, bein-: contidiiig and affectionate, anil added to \\\^ other 
 good (lualities a sweet voice and pretty melody. 
 
 The song differs with the season. In winter it is >tronn and 
 cheery, as befits a stalwart fellow who lauglis at Jack Fro.st and 
 makes merr\- when the north wind blows. But when the spring- 
 time comes he tells the old, old story in most gentle tones, - a 
 whispered love song, sweet and tender, yet with a wild plaintive 
 ness that makes it peculiarly pleasing. 
 
 nd the more 
 
 During an 
 
 while auain 
 
 he bird is a 
 me parts of 
 h inclined 
 occasional 
 .^t the birds 
 irrant their 
 
 ici 
 1 
 
 milt in the 
 ed to New- 
 found near 
 overed the 
 witli diree 
 
II 
 
 r' 
 
 
 
 ) ' 
 
 I* 
 
 if 
 
 ^' 
 
 i. 
 
 
 
 AM K RICA. \ C ROSSI ilLL. 
 
 COMMON CROSSBILL. RED CROSSBILL. 
 U)\\A CURVIKt)STR.\ MINOR. 
 
 Char. Bill long and compressed, ni:iiulihlcs curved at the points, 
 wiiich cross or overlap. In young birds the bill is straight. Adult males : 
 dull red, variable in shade ; wings and tail blackish brown. Young males : 
 yellowish olive. In changing plumage thcv display great variety of com- 
 binations of yellow, olive, and red. Females : above, dull olive ; rump 
 and crown yellow ; wings and tail as mnle; below, grayish. Length ^Vz 
 to 6 inches. 
 
 jVt's/. Usually in a dense wood, on a branch of an evergreen tree 15 
 to 30 feet from the ground; made of twigs, strips of bark, weed-stems, 
 and roots, lined thickly with grass, roots, hair, and feathers. 
 
 ^Cs'- 3~A ' P''ile green dotted, near larger end, with brown and laven- 
 der; 0.75 X 0.57. 
 
 This more common species, like the preceding, inhabits the 
 high northern and arctic regions of both continents, where it 
 breeds, and is met with from Cireenland to Pennsyh-ania, or 
 farther south, according to the season and the success in 
 obtaining food when driven to make a southern descent or 
 migration. From Septeml)er to April these birds are found 
 inhabiting the extensive pine forests in the mountainous and 
 interior districts of Pennsylvania and other States to the north ; 
 they also extend their winter migrations into the lower parts of 
 the State of Missouri. They have occasionally been seen in 
 the maritime parts of Massachusetts, but are less common 
 
 'M 
 
 '■""iiu 
 
; the points, 
 Adult males : 
 oung males : 
 iety of com- 
 olive ; rump 
 Length ^Vz 
 
 een tree i 5 
 weed-stems, 
 
 [i and laven- 
 
 habits the 
 , where it 
 h-ania, or 
 access in 
 iescent or 
 lire found 
 [nous and 
 Ihe north ; 
 Ir parts of 
 h seen in 
 comnion 
 
 AMERICAN CROSSBILL, 
 
 379 
 
 here than the following species, generally Uking, in their irregu- 
 lar incursions, a more interior and mountainous route. In the 
 eastern chain of the Alleghanies, in Pennsylvania, according to 
 Wilson, they appear to be at times very abundant visitors, 
 fc'e<img so steadily on tlie seeds of the white pine and hem- 
 lock spruce as to be api)roached without taking alarm. 'I'hey 
 have also a loud, sharp, and not unmusical note, chattering as 
 they tly, and during the prevalence of deej) snows become so 
 tamed by hunger as to alight round the mountain cabins, e\en 
 settling on the roofs when disturbed, and, like pigeons, de- 
 scending in the next moment to feed as if they had never 
 been molested. They are then easily trapped, and so eager 
 antl unsuspicious as to allow an approach so near that they 
 may be knocked down with sticks. In these ver)- familiar visits 
 they are observed even to pick off the clay from the logs of the 
 house, and to swallow the mere earth to allay the cravings of 
 hunger. In cages they show many of the habits of the Pariot, 
 climbing up the sides and holding the pine-cones given them in 
 one claw while thev extract the seeds. Like the same bird in 
 Louisiana, they also do considerable damage at times in the 
 orchard by tearing ajiples to jjieces for the sake of getting at 
 the seeds only. They feed likewise on the seeds of the alder, 
 as well as the kernels of other fniits and the buds of trees. 
 Scarcely any of these birds have yet been obser\'ed to breed 
 within the United States, as they retire for this puri)ose to their 
 favorite pine forests in high and more cool latitudes, where in 
 security and solitude they jMirsue the iluties of procreation. 
 Dr. Brewer, of Boston, however, obtained eggs of these birds 
 from Coventry, in Vermont. T,ike the preceding sjjecies, they 
 often breed in winter in more temperate countries, as in 
 January and February, and the young fly in ^L^rch. 
 
 This bird was not obser\-ed by the naturalists of the north- 
 ern expeditions in any part of the fur countries. It is, how- 
 ever, described by Forster. In the winter of i'S32, during or 
 soon after a severe snow-storm, a large flock of these uncer- 
 tain winter visitors were seen in a red-cedar grove near to 
 Mount Auburn, in this vicinity. In 1833, accomjianied by the 
 
iil 
 
 
 h. 
 
 i Mf!:^ 
 
 1;!: iifi! 
 
 380 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 White-winged species, a tlock of tiie same birds made their 
 appearance as early as the i ith of Novemlx-r m some tall 
 pine-trees n the same place they visited the last year in the 
 dei)th of winter. They are very busy and unsuspicious, having 
 very much the manners of Parrots in their feeding. .At some 
 distance beneath the trees where they are engaged, we can 
 hear them ft)rcing open the scales of the rigid pine cones with 
 a considerable crackling, and the wings of the seeds fly about 
 in all directions. Sometimes the little Redpolls also attend to 
 snatch a seed or two as they are spread to the winds. I'hey 
 fly somewhat like the Yellow Hirds, by repeated jerks and sink- 
 ings and risings in their course, but proceed more swiftly and 
 directly to their destination ; tht;y also utter a rather loud and 
 almost barking or fifing chirp, particularly the females, like 
 V.s/f 7,v//// '/s/i 'ts/iip. Iheir enemies seem also to follow them 
 into this distant antl unusual retreat. One evening, as they 
 were uttering their ([uailing chirp, and about to roost in the 
 pines, we heard an unusual cry, and found that the alarm was 
 justly occasioned by the insidious and daring attack of a bold 
 Ikitcher IHrd {Lanit/s l>o)ra//s), who had taken advantage of 
 their bewildered confusion at the moment of retiring to repose. 
 Besides their call and ordinary plaints, we hear, as I have 
 thought, now and then, in the warmer jiart of the day. a rather 
 agreeable, but somewhat monotonous, song. We found these 
 birds, as well as the Redpolls, very fat nnd ])lump ; and they 
 devour a great (piantity of pine-seeds, with which the (esopha- 
 gus is ])er))etually gorged as full as in the gluttonous and tune- 
 less Cedar birds iyBomhycilla). 
 
 The Red Crossbill is still known to be chiefly a winter visitor to 
 New Kni^land and the .Middle States, though every summer ;i 
 small number may be met with in the more northern districts and 
 on the crests of the Alleghanies south to (ieorgia. In April, 1889^ 
 Mr. G. S. Miller, Jr., found a flock on Cape Cod, and upon dis- 
 secting several, he discovered evidence that they were nesting. 
 
 In nortliern Maine and New iirunswick numbers have been seen 
 during the summer months; but even in these region.s the bird is 
 chiefly a winter visitor, and at that season it ranges to the Southern 
 States. 
 
 ^ 
 
ladc their 
 some tall 
 •ar in the 
 us, having 
 
 At some 
 .1, wc t an 
 cones with 
 s rtv about 
 
 attend to 
 ids. Ihey 
 s and sink- 
 swiftly and 
 ;r loud and 
 males, like 
 ollow them 
 ng, as they 
 oost in the 
 s alarm was 
 : of a bold 
 rlvantage of 
 
 to repose. 
 
 as I have 
 a rather 
 bund these 
 and they 
 le (esopha- 
 an<l tune- 
 
 ■r visitor to 
 
 summer a 
 
 istricts and 
 
 April, 1889, 
 
 d upon dis 
 
 Ksting. 
 
 e been seen 
 
 the bird is 
 
 le Southern 
 
 WmiE-WlNGED CRUSSmi.L. T,Sl 
 
 \vHiri-:-\viNGi:u crosshii.l. 
 
 b )XL\ LF.L:COFrF.R.\. 
 
 Char. ISill long and compressed, nuindibks curved at the points, 
 which cros^ ur uverlap. Male; dull n»y, clouded with dull dark l)rown 
 ou the b.ick ; wttigT* and tail black; two broad while bai.i nn the wiiv^s; 
 belly dull white :»ireaked with brown. I'emale : dull olive, paler beneath; 
 rump huffy Young: similar to female, but paler olive above, and m.^re 
 decided ycHow Wiseath, streaked everywhere with dark brown. As the 
 youn^ mature they are subject to considerable variation. Length about 
 6 to 6|j in .hes. 
 
 AVj/. In ihe deep fore>t. on an evergreen, amid the denser toliage 
 near the centre of the tree ; made of twigs and strips of birch bark, cov- 
 ered with mos.s iiisiuai, and lined with soft moss and hair. 
 
 ^'■.<:^'^- j-?r pale blue, spotted and streaked near larger end with red- 
 dish brown and I;iac; o-So X 053. 
 
 This beautiful and well-distinguished species inhabits tlie 
 northern regions of the American continent only, whence, 
 at irregular inter\-aLs, on the aj)i)roach of winter, it arri\ es in 
 the Northern ami Middle States, and, as usual with the rest of 
 this rurious family, seeks out the jiine and henlock-spnice 
 forests. Its visits to this State [Massachusetts] nre ver>' 
 irregular. .Xbout two years ago, large, gregarious, famished 
 flocks were seen near Newburyport and other neighboring 
 towns in the virinity of the sea-coast, at which time many 
 were caught, killed, and caged. The liabits of this bird are 
 almost entirely similar to those of the preceding species. Its 
 song is said to be mellow and agreeable, and in captivity it 
 becomes gentie and familiar. 
 
 .Acc^ording to Mr. Hutchins, it arrives around Hudson Bay 
 in March, and in May builds a nest of grass, muil. and feath- 
 ers, fixed generally about half way up a pine-tree, and lays 5 
 white eggs marked ttith yellowish spots. The young fly about 
 the end of June. It remains in this country till the close of 
 November, after which it retires, probably to the South ; and 
 Wilson's bird was obtained in the (ireat Pine Swamp or forest 
 of the Pokono ( Pennsylvania ) . in the month of September, 
 so that it may be possible that some few pairs breed in this 
 situation. 
 
i 
 
 ^,82 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 (■ 
 
 'I 
 
 i 
 
 i. ' '•■ 
 
 « 
 
 This species, according to Richardson, inhabits the dense 
 white spriu e forests of the fur countries, feeding princiijaUy on 
 the seeds of the cones. It ranges through the whole brea(hh 
 of the continent, and probably up to the G.Sth ])arallel, where 
 tiie forests terminate. It is usuall)' seen in the upper branches 
 of trees, and when wounded still (lings so fast as tt) remain 
 suspentled after death. In September, collecting in small 
 Hocks, they tly from tree to tree in a restless manner and make 
 a chattering noise; and in the depth of winter thi-y retire from 
 the coast to seek shelter in the thick woods of the interior. 
 
 This interesting bird must still be written "irreguhii " in its oc- 
 currence in .Massachusetts, tliuugh usually more or less .unnidant 
 in winter down to the 40th parallel, and occasionally ranging as far 
 south as X'irginia. 
 
 It is partially sedentary in northern .\ew England and the .Mari- 
 time Provinces of Canada, though nuich more abundant in winter 
 than (luring the warm weather. Mr. .Mcllwraith consitler.^ the bird 
 a winter visitor only to southern Ontario, and .Mr. Thompson makes 
 a similar report for Manitoba though he thinks it may breed tiiere. 
 The nest is built in January and Fei)ruary. — 1 have known 'of 
 numerous nests being discovered in .New Brunswick in tliose 
 months, and it is probable that both young and old retire farther 
 northward after the young birds are able to tiv. 
 
 The flight of the Crossbills is undulating, like the fhglit of the 
 American (ioldfinch, and their songs are similar. Tliev sing on 
 the wing, and as a Hock j^asses overhead on a clear winter's day 
 their sweet voices come through the quiet air with pleasing effect. 
 
 
 I fi 
 
 
thu dense 
 icipally on 
 )1l' breadth 
 illel, wherei 
 ■r brandies 
 ti) remain 
 1^ in small 
 ■ and make 
 retire from 
 lUerior. 
 
 in its oc- 
 s ainmdant 
 igiau as far 
 
 1(1 the -Mari- 
 nt in winter 
 ers the bird 
 ipson makes 
 breed there, 
 e known of 
 k in those 
 etire farther 
 
 li;j;ht of the 
 ley sing on 
 inter's day 
 in"' effeet. 
 
 WHITK-BRKASTHI) MTHATCH. 
 
 SrriA eAKOl.lNIASIS, 
 
 Char. Above, bluish ash: top of Iiead and neck black ; %vini;> black, 
 blue, and white; tail black, marked with white; beneath, white; under 
 tail-coverts reddish brown. I>ill long and acute. Female .\\\A yuung 
 similar, but black of head tinged with ashy nr wanting. Length ;*4 
 inches. 
 
 iVest. In open wo idland, placed at the bottom of a cavitv excavated 
 in a dead tree or stumj), — sometimes an old woodpecker's ne^t is nscrl ; 
 made of leaves, grass, feathers, and han. 
 
 -^AT-f- 4~^ (occasionally as many as lo, u>uallv 5) ; white tinged witii 
 rose pink, and spotted with reddi>h brown and lilac ; 0.80 X 0.60. 
 
 This species, so nearly allied to the Knropean Xuthatdi, xc- 
 sides ])ermanently throughout North America, from Hiids(jn 
 Hay and Oregon to the tableland of .Mexico, appearing only 
 more common and familiar at the apj)roach of winter in con- 
 sequence of the failure of its food in its favorite sylvan re- 
 treats, which it now often forsakes for the ojkmi fields, orchards, 
 or gardens, where, in ])airs or small and sometimes contending 
 
3«4 
 
 SIX(JING BIRDS. 
 
 ■ .Ml 
 
 !l ' 
 
 I!! 
 
 11- 
 
 ilr^. ' 
 
 I. 
 
 I: 
 
 
 f 
 
 
 1 
 
 1' 
 
 1 
 
 t 
 
 I 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 '!! 
 
 iii 
 
 {Kirtics, they cautiously glc.ui ;i transient means of subsistence, 
 ami wander from )-' :e to place as the sujjply dimmishes. At 
 the welcome return 'however, of the month of April, with the 
 revival and renewal of its insect fare the Nuthatch becomes 
 more ilomestic ; and retiring into the forest with its mate, it 
 prepares for its progeny in some hollow tree, or e\en in a rail 
 of the neighboring fence. The male is now assiduously atten- 
 tive to his sitting mate, supplying her regularly wiUi food ; on 
 which tjccasion he affectionately calls her iVom the mouth of 
 her dark and voluntary prison, where sometimes, in mere 
 sociability, he attempts in his rude way to soothe her with his 
 c()m]ilai>-ant chatter. He is too affectionate to ramble from 
 this fa\(>rite spot, where he not only accom])anies his consort, 
 but. sentinel-like, watches and informs her of everv threaten- 
 ing danger. When the pair are feeding on the trunk of the 
 same tree, or near to each other in the same wood, the faithful 
 male is heard perpetually calling upon his comjjanion at short 
 inter\als as he circumambulates the trunk. His approach is 
 announ( cd usually at a distance by his nasal Xv////' Xv/z/X', 
 frequently rejieated, as in s])iral circles round the trunk of 
 some tree he ]>robes, searches, and shells off the bark in quest 
 of his lurking i)rey of spiders, ants, insects, and their larvae in 
 general. So tight and secure is his hold that he is known to 
 roost indiffereiulx' with his head u]) or down from the tree ; 
 and win n wounded, while any spink of life remains, his con- 
 vulsive and instinctive grasp is still Hrmly and obstinately 
 maintained. Sometimes, with a sort of complaisant curiosity, 
 one of the birds, when there is a ])air, will silently descend 
 nearly to the foot of the tree, where the spectator hai)pens to 
 stand, sto])])ing, head downwards, and stretching out his neck, 
 as it were, to reconnoitre your appearance and motives; and 
 after an interval of silence, wheeling round, he again ascends 
 to his usual station, trumpeting his notes as before. He seldom 
 wholly quits the forest, but when baffled by the slippery sleet 
 which denies him a foothold, he is sometimes driven to the 
 necessity of ajiproaching the barnyard and stables, or the 
 precincts of the dwelling, where, occasionally mixing among 
 
KKD-r.KKASlKI) NL IHA 1< "H. 
 
 3«5 
 
 iiibsistence, 
 iiishcs. At 
 :-il, with the 
 :h becomes 
 its mate, it 
 Ml ill a rail 
 uusly atleii- 
 li Iboil ; on 
 e moulli of 
 ;s, in mere 
 ler witli liis 
 amble from 
 his consort, 
 rv threaten- 
 runk of the 
 , the faithful 
 lion at short 
 approach is 
 kaiik kiiiik, 
 he trunk of 
 ;irk in quest 
 leir larvae in 
 is known to 
 n the tree ; 
 ns, his con- 
 obstinately 
 [It curiosity, 
 Itly descend 
 happens to 
 It his neck, 
 lives ; and 
 lin ascends 
 le seldom 
 [ippery sleet 
 ven to the 
 es, or the 
 ing among 
 
 the common fowls, enterin;;; the barn, examining its beams and 
 rafters, he seems to leave no means untried to secure a 
 subsistence. 
 
 I liis species is doubtless a resident in Ontario and New Kntj- 
 land, licconiing more abundant during the winter months; but in 
 tlie Maritime Provinces it is onlv a summer visitor. 
 
 Ri:i)-l}Rlv\S'i"Kn NUTHATCH. 
 
 SriTA CANADKNSIS. 
 
 Th AK Above, .ishv blue (tn]) .nnd sidi- of Iifad blacl< on the male) ; 
 broad stripe of white over tlie eyes; wintjs blackish, with ashv markings; 
 outer tail-feathers black with white patches; beneath, reddish brown, 
 — paler in the female; chin white; bill loiip; and acute. Length 4'2 
 inches. 
 
 A'l'st. In open woodland ; an excavation in a decaved stub, lined with 
 gra.ss and roots. Often the entrance is surrounded with fir I)alsam. 
 
 AX's'r- 4-6 ; white with pale roseate tint and thickly spotted with brown 
 and lilac; 0.60 X 0.50. 
 
 The habits of these smaller birds are almost similar to tlie 
 prececbng ; they have, however, a predilection for jiine forests, 
 feeding much on the oily seeds of these evergreens. In these 
 barren solitudes they are almost certain to be found in busy 
 employment, associating in pairs with the Chickadees and 
 smaller Woodpeckers, the whole forming a hungry, active, and 
 noisy group, skipjiing from tree to tree with petulant chatter, 
 probing and rattling the dead or leafless branches, prying in 
 every jiosture for their scanty food, and, like a horde of Tar- 
 tars, ]>rocecd through the forest and leisurely overrun the wh(de 
 of the continent to the very confines of the tropics, retiring 
 north in the same manner with the advance of the spring. 
 
 The notes of this species of Nuthatch, though similar, are 
 sharper than those of the preceding, resembling (fay day dait, 
 and sounding almost like a child's trumpet. Its motions are 
 also quicker. They cling to the bark of the tree and roost 
 commonly with the head downwards, in the manner of their 
 whole tribe. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 -0 
 
«^^1 
 
 386 
 
 SINGINC. lURDS. 
 
 This si)erics lias a nioro cxtciulcd raii^a- than carolincn^is. Itcing 
 found tartlici west and larthcr north. It breeds Ironi noithcni 
 Nl'w Knyland and Manitoba nortluvard and soutliward along the 
 Aiifghanifs. In wintrr it ranges from New IJrunswick to tiic *iulf 
 States 
 
 ll 
 r 
 
 % 
 
 ;| 
 
 I]RO\vn-iii;ai)i:i) m riiAicii. 
 
 SiriA I'usir.i.A. 
 
 CllAR. Above, ashy blue ; top (jI lu'ad and ircU lnnwn; wintespot 
 on b.iek of neck; wings bhick ami iiluish ; iiiicidli' tail-fealhers hke back, 
 otiieis black tipped with l)liii>ii ; iKiiealli. dull brownish white tinged 
 with pale ash bchintl; throat white. IJill lung, skiuler. anil acute. 
 Length 4 to 4I2 inches. 
 
 ^\'c.f/. In open woodland; an excavation in a dead stmnp, lined with 
 i^rass, leaves, and f(:athcr> 
 
 /vj,:;'-,f. 4-6; white, thickly marked with fine spots of reddi.-h br^wn and 
 pale lilac ; 0.60 X 0.50. 
 
 This small species is seldom seen to the iKjrth of tlic State 
 of Virginia. In the Southern States it is rather common, and 
 is also met with in the island of Jamaica. Like the last, which 
 it resembles in manners, it is very fond of pine-trees, and 
 utters a similar note, hut more shrill and chirping. Its food, 
 besides the seeds of the i)ine, is iisnally the insects which infest 
 the forest trees. In winter fumilii s of this species of 8 or 10 
 individuals may be seen biisii)- hunting in company, and keep- 
 ing up a per[)etual and monotonous screeping. It is less 
 suspicious than most other s\ Kan birds, sometimes descending 
 down the trimk of a tree watching the motions of the by- 
 stander; and if the intrusion happens to be near the nest, or 
 while engaged in digging it out, the little harmless me< hanic 
 utters a sort of complaining note, and very unwillinglv relin- 
 (juishes his employment, which is instantly renewed on the 
 removal of the observer. 
 
 This species is restricted to the Southern and (".ulf States, rarely 
 wandering nortli of X'irginia and Maryland: but examples have 
 been taken in New York, Missouri, Ohio, and Michigan. 
 
iiin iiniilitrn 
 rd uIdiij; the 
 k to tlic (iulf 
 
 in ; white spot 
 Ikms like Vjack, 
 I white tinged 
 er. anil acute. 
 
 inip, lincil with 
 
 Lli.-<h biiiwn and 
 
 1 of tin- State 
 :omm<>n, and 
 le last, which 
 le-trcL's. and 
 ;. Its food, 
 wliich infest 
 les of S or lo 
 V. and keep- 
 It is less 
 s descending 
 >, of the by- 
 the nest, or 
 ■is mechanic 
 [illintj;iy relin- 
 'wed on the 
 
 1 Stales, rarely 
 kainples have 
 Wan. 
 
 KKUWN CRKKI'KK. ^^j 
 
 r.ROWN CKKKPKR. 
 Cfkihia FA.MII.IAKIs amikkana. 
 
 CllAK. Above. Kr.iyi^h brown, each fc.ithtr stre.iki<l witli tinll white; 
 rump iuf<)U>; winj;s with .i band of bulty white; lient.ith, dull white or 
 pale grav. l.enuth about Hi inches. 
 
 .\'ij/. In deep woods, placed behiiul a >liver of loose bark on a 
 tlecayed tree or stui) ; made of >hreds of bark anil ////<</ mo>s tirmly 
 interwoven and set on a platform of twij^s. It is sometimes lined with 
 feathers. 
 
 /i";;'.f. 4-.S ; white or creamy. — when freshly l.iid, tinted with pale 
 roseate, — spotted with reddish brown ; oAo X 0.50. 
 
 This industrious forager for insects, chiefly dwelling in the 
 seclusion of the tbrest, is but seklom seen in the summer; but 
 on the ai)i)roach of winter, with other hungry wanderers of 
 similar habits such as the small \Vood])eckers and Nuthatches, 
 it makes its appearance on the wooded ;;kirts of the village, 
 l)articularly among the pine-trees, and occasionally becomes 
 familiar enough to pay a passing visit to the orcha.''d. In this 
 country, however, the sjiecies is neither common nor familiar, 
 nor is it more abtmdant in the Xorthern than the Midille 
 States, though its breeding range extends from Pennsylvania to 
 Newfoundland. 
 
 'I'he bill of the Creeper not being of sufficient strength to 
 probe the wood, it rests contented u uh examining the crevict-s 
 of the bark for inserts and their eggs, proceeding leisurely 
 upwards or downwards in straight or spiral lines towards the 
 to]) of the tree, dodging dexterously to the opposite side from 
 the observer, and only resuming its occupation when assured 
 of solitude and safety. While thus em]>loyed it utters at short 
 intervals a sharp, quick, rather grating note, by which its resort 
 may be discovered, though it reipiires some time and a good 
 eye to perceive it if on the upper branches of a tall tree. 
 Though it lives chiefly on insects, it also, according to Wilson. 
 collects the seeds of the pine for food, and is particularly fond 
 of the vermin which prey on those kinds of trees. In the 
 thick forests which it inhabits in the Northern an'l Western 
 
5SS 
 
 SINGIXC; HIRDS. 
 
 u 
 
 m 
 
 Slates about the middle of April, it commences the nest in the 
 hollow trunk or branch of a tree which has been exposed to 
 tiecay by mjury or accident. Here in the accidental cavities 
 or deserted holes of the squirrel or Woodpecker the Creeper 
 deposits her eggs. The young creep about with great caution 
 previous to taking to their wings. 
 
 The Brown Creeper is a coiiinioii bird in New England, though 
 in the southern portions it occurs in tlie winter only, 'ts breeding 
 area extending from .Maine and Minnesota northward. In winter 
 it rantics as far southward as the (iulf States. It is common in 
 Untario and Quebec, iiut less abundant in the .Maritime Provinces. 
 •An interesting account of the breeding habits of this bird, written 
 by Mr. William IJrewster, appeared in the Nuttall bulletin for 
 July. 1 8-9. 
 
 .Mr. iirewster credits the Creeper with a tender song, wliich 
 falls upon the ear " like the soft sigh of the wind among the pine 
 boughs." 
 
 B.\H.\MA HOXKV CREEPER. 
 
 C<KRI !.\ r.AHAMF.N'SIS. 
 
 ClIAR. -Above, dark brown; rump vellow; stripe over eyes and un- 
 der parts dull white ; breast and edge of wing pale yellow ; tail broadly 
 tipped with white. Length 4'< inches. 
 
 AV.7. In a low tree or bush; .1 large, pen.sile, dome-shaped structure, 
 the entra:. e at the side ; made of weed-stems and grass, and lined with 
 plant do'.in. 
 
 ^^W'- --4; white, tinged with green and sjieckled with rufous : 0.65 
 X 0.50. 
 
 The home of this species is on tlie Bahamas, but a straggler 
 has Ijeen found on tiie coast of Florida. Mr. C.o.sse in his " Birds 
 o! Jamaica " gives an interesting account of this bird's habits. Me 
 descri!>es it as obtainiui; its food in much the same manner as 
 Humming iJirds. ])y probing tlie tiowers; but instead of hover- 
 ing in front of a tlower, die Creeper alights on the tree. When 
 e.vaniining a flower for the insects which are at the bottom of the 
 cup, the bird throws its liody into a variety of positions, .sometimes 
 with the b.ack downward.' the better to reach the interior of a 
 blossom with its curved bill and jieculiar tontiue. The bird is 
 unsuspecting and familiar, and freely r.'sorts to the blossoming 
 shrubs of a garden. 
 
c nest in the 
 I exposed to 
 intal cavities 
 ■ the Creeper 
 ^reat caution 
 
 frland, though 
 •. i*s breeding 
 rd. In winter 
 is common in 
 me l^rovinces. 
 s bird, written 
 1 liuUelin for 
 
 r soiig, which 
 iiiong the pine 
 
 er eves and un- 
 sv ; tail broadly 
 
 aped structure, 
 •md lined with 
 
 |th rufous: 0.65 
 
 Lit a straggler 
 in his " I'.irds 
 IS habits. He 
 he manner as 
 lead of hover- 
 tree. When 
 hottom of the 
 Ins, sometimes 
 interior of a 
 The bird is 
 le blossoming 
 
 DLACK AM) wmri-: \\ar);i,i:r. 
 
 BLACK .AM) WHITE CREErEK. 
 MNInril.lA VAklA. 
 
 Char. Above, black striped with white, head, wings, and tail mostly 
 black: beneath, white, more or less striped with black. Female and 
 young without stripes on the throat. Length 4 '3 ti» 5 '2 inches. 
 
 Xt it. In o))en woodland or jiasture; placed at the tojt of a tree or 
 stump, or at the base of a moss-covered rock, xmietimes in a hole ; made 
 of grass, moss, and shreds of bark, and lined with grass, hair, roots, and 
 vegetable down. 
 
 i5",,%'/. 4-5; creamy white, thickly spotted with pale reddish brown; 
 0.65 X 0.50. 
 
 This remarkable bird, allictl to the ("recpcrs, is another 
 rather common summer resident in most parts of the United 
 States, and probably migrates ]iretty far to the north. It 
 arrives in I^ouisiana by the middle of I''e])runry, visits Pennsyl- 
 vania about the second week in .April, and a week later a])])ears 
 in the woo<ls of New Fjigland, jirotracting its stay in those 
 countries till the beginning of October, and lingering on the 
 southern Hmits of the Union a month later, so that it does not 
 appear to be mu<'h affected by the commencement of frost, 
 and probably at this season occasionally feeds on berries. 
 As numbers are observed round Vera Uruz toward the com- 
 mencement of winter, and are described as inhabiting the 
 West India islands, it is probable they pass the extremity <j{ 
 the winter beyond the southern boimdary of the Union. 
 
T^ ■ 
 
 390 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 ^1% 
 
 'fin 
 
 •i , I 
 
 U 
 
 l 
 
 i, ; 
 
 11:1 
 
 Like the Creepers and Nuthatches, these birds are seldom 
 seen to perch upon the branches of trees, but creep spirally 
 around the trunk and larger boughs up and down, in quest of 
 insects which alight upon or hide within the crevices of the 
 bark. In this employment they dis]ilay all the dexterity of the 
 more regular climbers. For this purpose the hind toe is rather 
 stout, and extends backward so as to balance with the anterior 
 part of the foot, and allow a motion like that of the Creepers, 
 from which genus they are at the same time wholly distinct. 
 
 At the period of breeding, the male scrapes out a little 
 monotonous ditty in recognition of his mate, resembling some- 
 what the syllables A' /s/w tshe tshe fsh' tsluit', proceeding from 
 high to low in a tolerably strong and shrill, but somewhat 
 filing tone. As the season of incubation advances, this note, 
 however, becomes more mellow and warbling, and though 
 feeble, is very pleasing, bearing at this time some resemblance 
 to that of the Redstart {Sctopha^^a niticilla). This song is like 
 the ascending call of 'ti;.<cc 'f-iccc 'fiocc 'huee 'tiL'ict. At the 
 romantic estate of the Cold Spring i)lace in Roxbury the pro- 
 prietor, Mr. Newman, pointed out to me the nest of this bird, 
 which on the 27th of June contained four young about a week 
 old. Other birds of this species I had seen fledged this year 
 about the 1 7th of the same month, and as Wilson remarks the 
 flight of the young in July, we may suppose that they raise two 
 broods in the season. The nest was niched in the shelving of 
 a rock on the surface of the grounii, and was externally com- 
 posed of coarse strips of the inner bark of the hemlock-trees, 
 which overshadowed the situation. With these were mixed soft, 
 dissected old leaves and a few stalks of dead grass ; the lining 
 was made of a thin layer of black hair. According to Audu- 
 bon, these birds nest in Louisiana in some small hole in a tree. 
 and employ dr\- moss and a lining of downy substances. The 
 pair fed the young before us with affectionate attention, and 
 did not seem more uneasy at our presence than the <:ommon 
 and familiar summer Yellow Bird. They crej^t about the trunks 
 of the neighboring trees, often head downwards, like the Sittas, 
 and carried large smooth caterpillars to their young. Thia is, 
 
PURPLE MARTIN. 
 
 391 
 
 ■e seliiom 
 p spirally 
 n quf st of 
 :es of the 
 rity of the 
 e is rather 
 e anterior 
 Creepers, 
 listinct. 
 ut a little 
 ling some- 
 ding from 
 somewhat 
 this note, 
 nd though 
 ^semblance 
 song is like 
 /. At the 
 -y the pro- 
 f this bini, 
 out a week 
 this year 
 marks the 
 V raise two 
 helving of 
 nally com- 
 ilock-trees, 
 mixed soft, 
 the lining 
 g to Audu- 
 e in a tree, 
 ices. The 
 ntion. and 
 e iommon 
 the trunks 
 the Sittas, 
 This is. 
 
 in fact, at all times a familiar, active, and unsuspicious little 
 visitor of the shady gardens and orchards, as well as woods 
 and >oIitiides. 
 
 The iSlack and White Creeper, as this species is usually called. 
 breeds from the Southern States to Fort Simpson. It is abundant 
 in soutlK-m New England, and fair'y common in the .M.uitime 
 Provinces. 
 
 It was first clas.sed with the Warblers by Si)enc rr liaird in 1S59. 
 and has been retained there by all later authorities. Nuttall con- 
 sidered that there were two .species, one of wliicli he named borcalis ; 
 but it has not been considered valid, thouirh Kidirwav, in liis •• .Man- 
 ual." >uggests the name .1/. xuitia hoyealis tor a .supi)0sed .Missis- 
 sippi valley and Middle American race, which lie describes as 
 somewhat smaller than true 7'aria ; but he thinks the material at 
 hand insutificicnt to warrant a positive decision, so we are saved the 
 infliction of this much "hair-splitting." 
 
 PURPLE MARTIN. 
 
 PrOGNK SLlilS. 
 
 Char. Male: lustrous black with purple tint, wings and tail with 
 brownish tint. Female and young : browner above, and beneath grayish. 
 Length -]z inches. 
 
 Xist. In a bo.\, or attached to the eave of a house ; sometimes in a 
 decayed tree : made of grass, leaves, etc. 
 
 E^^s. 4-6: white and glossy ; 095 X 075. 
 
 According to the progress of the season in the very different 
 climates of the United States, is measured the arrival of this 
 welcome messenger of spring. Around the city of New Or- 
 leans, for example, the Purple Martin is seen from the ist to 
 the 9th of Febniar)-. .\t the Falls of the Ohio, it is not seen 
 before the middle of March, and representatives do not arrive 
 in the vicinity of Philadelphia tmtil the first week in .April ; on 
 the 25th of that month, or later, they visit the vicinity of Bos- 
 ton, and penetrate even to the cold regions of fludson Hay, 
 where they arrive in May and retire in .\ugust ; about the 20th 
 of the same month they also leave the State of Pennsylvania. 
 The inigrations of these birds are remarkably extensive, as 
 they were seen by Mr. Swainson in great numbers arounjl Per- 
 

 Ifllfl 
 
 B 
 
 •li 
 
 if; 
 
 <ii. 
 
 i < 
 
 ^ : !l'. 
 
 ii. 
 
 .1 
 
 ] \> 
 
 ;>:'! 
 
 'S!!! 
 I I 
 
 !-.' 
 
 •r<. f[ 
 
 
 SINGING BIRDS. 
 
 nanibuco. Mr. Townsend met with tlicni on the Rocky ^loun- 
 tains, ami Authiboii observed them breeding in Texas. In 
 Oregon we tound them nesting in the knot-holes of the oaks, 
 and they <li<l mn appear to court the society of man, as we 
 seldom saw them near the fort. In their haste to return to 
 their natal climes, they sometimes expose themselves to fatal 
 accidents from ( hangeable and unfa\orable weather. In the 
 maritime parts of Massachusetts, and i)rol)ably throughout the 
 State, a few years ago after a rainy midsummer, many were 
 found dead in their boxes, and they have since been far less 
 numerous than formerly. 
 
 This beautiful sj)ecies, like many others (jf the tanuly, seeks 
 out the (iwellings of man, associating itself e(|ually with the 
 master and the slave, the colonist and the aboriginal. Vo the 
 Martin it is indifferent whether its mansion be carved and 
 painted, or humbled into the hos|)itable shell of the calabash 
 or gourd. Secure of an asylum for its mate and voun. , while 
 under the protection of man it twitters forth its gratitude, and 
 is everywhere welcomed to a home. So eager is it to claim 
 this kind of protection that sometimes it \entures hostilities 
 with the Jjluebirds and tlomestic Pigeons, wiio are often forced 
 to abandon their hereditary claims. Satisfied with tiie rece])- 
 tion and success, like so many contented and taithtul domes- 
 tics, it returns year after year to the same stition. The 
 services t)f the Martin in driving awav Hawks and ("rows from 
 the premises he claims, are also important inducements tor 
 f^ivor ; he has even the courage to attack tlie redoubtable 
 Kingbird, when its visits are too familiar near the nest. 
 
 At the ai)i)roaching dawn the merry Martin begins a lively 
 twitter, which, continuing for half a minute, subsides'until the 
 twilight is fairly broken. To this ])relude succeeds an ani- 
 mated and ificessant musical chattering, sufficient, near the 
 dwelling, to awaken the soundest sleeper. His early vigils are 
 scarcely exceeded by the domestic Cock ; tiie industrious 
 farmer hears the pleasing call to labor, and associates with this 
 favorite bird the idea of an economical, cheerful, and useful 
 guest. 
 
PURPLE MARTIN. 
 
 393 
 
 :ky Nioun- 
 Vxas. In 
 f the oaks, 
 nan, as we 
 return to 
 es to fatal 
 r. In the 
 mhout the 
 iiany were 
 en far less 
 
 niil>, seeks 
 
 y with the 
 
 1. Vi) the 
 
 arved and 
 
 K- calabash 
 
 junu. while 
 
 titude, and 
 
 it to elaini 
 
 f, hostilities 
 
 ften forced 
 
 the rece])- 
 
 iul donies- 
 
 ion. The 
 
 rows from 
 
 enients for 
 
 cdouhtable 
 
 St. 
 
 ns a lively 
 s'until the 
 ds an ani- 
 , near the 
 V vi.^ils are 
 
 ndustrions 
 L's with this 
 
 and useful 
 
 In the Mitldle States, from the 15th to the 20th of April, 
 the .Martins begin to prepare their nest, which ir> uMially maile 
 of small green or dry leaves, straws, hay, anil feather>. laid m 
 considerable (luantities. They rear two broods m the >ea->ou. 
 Several pairs also dwell harmoniously in the s;ime l>o.\. Ihe 
 male, very attentive to his sitting mate, also takes part in liie 
 task of incubation ; and his notes at this time ha.e apparently 
 a peiailiar and expressive tenderness. 
 
 The food of the Martin is usually the larger winged uisccis, 
 as wasps, bees, large beetles, such as the conunon Ct/i>///<is, or 
 goldsuiilhs, which are swallowed whole. His flight i)ossesses 
 all the swiftness, ease, and grace of the tribe. Like tile Swift, 
 he glides along, as it were, without exertion. .Sjmetimes he is 
 seen passing through the crowdetl streets, eluding the pa»en- 
 gers with the rapidity of thought ; at others he ^aiU among 
 the clouds at a ili/,/y height like something almost ethereal. 
 
 The Purple Martin occurs througlinut the Maritime Provinces, 
 though nowhere common, and is extremely local in its distriliution. 
 It is rather rare near Quebec, but common at Montreal and 
 throughout Ontario. Ohser\ers in Winnipeg consider the bird 
 abundant there, and it is said to range nortli to the .Saskatcliewan 
 valley. It breeds from the C,u\i States nortluvard. and winters in 
 .Soutii America. 
 
 Small colonies of these .\Lu'tiiis are found scattered througli 
 New Lnglaiul at wiilely separated localities, accepting, usually, the 
 j^roffered hospitality nf tVinulK villagers who provide dieni with 
 homes, though an occasional eoterie may be found nesting in the 
 ]>rimitive manner of their ancestors. — rearing their broods in 
 natural cavities of trees or in crevices of rocks, as was the custom 
 of tlieir race before the luiropeans led them into more Sybaritic 
 habit.s. 
 
 XOTK. — The CruAN M AK UN {Pmgnt Liyptoiciica) is a siiinme' 
 resident of southern Florida. 
 

 I ■ 
 
 
 1. 
 
 ■ ! 
 t 
 
 ..(■ 
 
 jl 
 
 w 
 
 'II ' ' 
 
 ! i 
 
 ■ 1 
 
 f > 
 
 i ' 
 
 i 
 
 1, ;y. 
 
 
 ^^^^^. 
 
 , , 
 
 I 
 
 BARN SWALLOW. 
 Chi i,ii)( )\ r.Rv inRocAsi RA. 
 
 Chak. Upper parts slccl blue; forehead, throat, and breast rich 
 chestnut ; belly i)aler ; tail deeply forked, — outer feathers several inches 
 longer than the inner. Length ^^i to 7}^ inches. 
 
 AV.f/. Attached to a rafter of a barn or the side of a cave; cuii 
 shaped; made of pellets of nuul bound with grass, antl lined with grass 
 and feathers. 
 
 ACs-*^ 3-(*'- white, variously marked with dark brown, reddish brown, 
 or inirplish brown and lilac; 0.75 X 0.55. 
 
 The Barn Swallows arrive in Morida and the maritime parts 
 of (teorgia abotit the middle of March, but are not seen in the 
 Middle States before the last of that month or the beginning 
 

 DAKN SWALLUW, 
 
 395 
 
 lud breast rk\\ 
 several inches 
 
 |)t a cave ; cup 
 Led with grass 
 
 reddish brown, 
 
 Lxritime parts 
 
 It seen in the 
 
 he beginning 
 
 of April. Their northern migration extends to the sources of 
 the Mi'^'-jssippi. the kocky Mountains, and the fur countries, 
 where, uisi.int from the habitatii^ns of man, tiny inhabit caves, 
 parti< ularly tho>c in the hmestone nj( k^. 'I hey retire from 
 .\hissa<hu!>etts a\nnn the i Sih of September, and are observed 
 in the -ame month and in October passing over the jjcnin- 
 sula of Florida on their way to tropical Americ a, where they 
 probably pass the winter. I have seen a straggling i)air in 
 this vicinity even on the 15th of ( )ctober. The ileetness with 
 which they move, and the i>eculiarity of their inse( t fire, are 
 circumstances which would impel a prom])t transition to more 
 favorable climates. Accidental fits of torpidity. like those 
 which occasionally an<l transiently take ])lace with the Htnn- 
 ming Hird. have undoubtedly hap])ened to Swallows, without 
 proving anything against the general migrating instinct of the 
 species, which as long back as the time of .\nacreon has been 
 generally obser.ed. 
 
 Early in May they begin to build against a beam or rafter, 
 usually in the bam. The external and rounding shell is made 
 of pellets of mud tempered with fine hay and rendered more 
 adhesive by the glutinous saliva of the bird; within is laid a 
 bed of fine hay, and the lining is made of loosely arranged 
 feathers. They have usually two brocnls in the season, an<l the 
 last leave the nest about the first w^ek in August. 'I'wenty or 
 thirty nests may sometimes be seen in the same barn, and twt) 
 or three in a cluster, where each i)ursues his busy avocation in 
 the most perfect hannony. \\hen the young are Hedged, the 
 parents, by their actions and twitterings, entice them out of 
 the nest, to exercise their wings within the barn, where they sit 
 in rows amid the timbers of the roof, or huddle closely to- 
 gether in cool or rainy weather for mutual warmth. At length 
 they venture out with their ]>arents, and, incai)able of constant 
 exercise, may now be seen on trees, bushes, or fence-rails, near 
 some pond or creek convenient to their focjd ; antl their diet 
 is disgorged from the stomachs or crops of their attentive 
 parents. When able to i»rovide for themselves, they are still 
 often fed on the wing, without either party alighting ; so aerial 
 

 
 ik: 
 
 396 
 
 SINGING i;iKJ)S. 
 
 ami light arc all their motions thai the atmosphere alone 
 seems to be their favorite elemeni. In the latter end oi 
 summer, jjarties of these social birds may be often seen by the 
 sides t)f dusty roads, in which they seem pleased to bask. 
 
 About the middle of August they leave the barns, and begin 
 to prepare for tiieir departure, assembling in great numbers (jn 
 the roofs, still twittering with great cheerfulness, 'i'heir scmg 
 is very sprightly, and sometimes a good while continued. Some 
 of these sounds seem like VV^' V'A' VAA////. uttered with rapid- 
 ity and great animation. A while before their departure, they 
 are observed skinnning along the rivers and ponds after insects 
 m s^reat numbers, till the approach <jf sunset, when they assem- 
 ble to roost in the reeds. 
 
 The Barn Swallow is a common liird tiuougiiout this Eastern 
 rroviiice, and northward to (Jrceiihuul and Al.iska. 
 It winters in tlic West indies and south to lira/il. 
 
 
 > I'. 
 
 n 
 
 CLIFF SWALLOW. 
 
 EAVK SWALLOW. 
 PeTRDCHF.I.IDoX I. r MI-RONS. 
 
 Char. Above, dark steel blue; loiehcad dull white; wings and tiiil 
 brownish black ; rump rufous; chin, throat, and collar around neck dee)) 
 chestnut ; patch of blue black on breast ; remaining; under-parts pale 
 gray tinged with rufous. Length about 5J4 inches. 
 
 A'i's/. Fastened to the side of a cliff or the cave >>f a building ; made 
 of pellets of nuid and lined with grass and feathers. I'suallv gourd- 
 shaped, the entrance at the month of the gourd, — sometimes open on 
 
 tO]). 
 
 i?_;';o'. 4-6; white, variously marked with shades of bmwn and pur])le ; 
 o.So X 0.55. 
 
 The Cliff .Swallows have but recently come to the notice of 
 naturalists. Their summer residence in the temperate parts 
 of America is singularly scattered. They have long occupied 
 the regions of the Rocky Momitains, extending to the banks of 
 the Columbia, and the cliffs of the Missouri, and are probably 
 to be found on other large Western rivers. According to 
 
 ij.ifi 
 
phere alone 
 tier cntl of 
 seen by ihe 
 
 bask. 
 
 is, and begin 
 nuuibi-T.T on 
 Their ^owj, 
 nued. Some 
 (I with rapitl- 
 •parture, they 
 s after insects 
 n they assem- 
 
 1 this Kaslcrn 
 
 ; wings and l.til 
 louiid iR'ck deep 
 |uiulcr-parts pale 
 
 building ; made 
 
 I'suaHy gnuid- 
 
 Inetimcs open on 
 
 iwu antl purple ; 
 
 the notice of 
 [mperate \iarts 
 [long occupied 
 |() the banks of 
 [l are probably 
 According to 
 
 CLllK ^W ALLOW. 
 
 397 
 
 Richartlson they are extremely alnnulant in the fui countries, 
 in US15 they were observed for the first time at Henderson, 
 on tile banks of the Uhio, and at Newport in K«"nucky. In 
 1.S17 tiiey made their appearance at Whitehall, near Lake 
 C.hamplain, in the western part of the State of Nc\. N'ork. In 
 these places their increase seems to have kept pace with the 
 time since their arrival, augmenting their nest;, from a single 
 (luster to several hundreds in the course of four or five years, 
 ^'ieillot observed one at sea off Nova Scotia, and they have, in 
 fact, long been commonly known in that Province. In i.SiS, 
 as I learn from J. W . lioott, Kscp, they began to build at Craw- 
 ford's, near the base of the White Mountains of New I! ,.ip- 
 shire. In the summer • '^30 a few nests were seen by 
 (leneral Dearborn at Winthru in Maine: he hatl also heard 
 of one at (lardiner in the u;me State. The hibernal retreat of 
 these birds would apj)ear to be in the West Indies, as they 
 were seen in I'orto Rico b} Vieillot, and one was also observed 
 in St. 1 )omingo by the Miie auth(jr. 
 
 In the Western States they arrive from the South early in 
 Ajjril, and almost immediately begin to construct their nests. 
 They commence their labor at the dawn, and continue their 
 operations until near mid-day. The nests are made of pellets 
 of sandy mud. disposed in layers until the fabric, with its 
 entrance, assumes the form of a projecting retort, agglutinated 
 to cliffs or the walls of buililings as convenience may oiTcr. 
 From the nature of the friable materials employed, the whole 
 is frail, and would cnimble in the ])ossession of any but the 
 airy owners. The internal lining is of straw and dried grass 
 negligently disposed for the reception of the eggs. They raise 
 but a single brood, who. with their jiarents, after several 
 attempts at mustering, finally disappear in August as suddenly 
 as they came. Mr. Townsend says: "In the neighborhood of 
 the Columbia River the Cliff Swallow attaches its nest to the 
 trunks of trees, making it of the same form and materials as 
 elsewhere." The face of Pillar Rock, an isolated columnar 
 mass of basalt near Chinhook. at the estuary of the Columbia, 
 was rendered still more fantastic and picturesque by the nests 
 
398 
 
 SIN(JIN(; r.IRDS. 
 
 h i 
 
 If' 
 
 # 
 
 ot" the (lit'f Swallow with which it was laced; a small colony 
 having taken up their abotle here. These were, as usual, made 
 of pellets of mud, enclosed at the toj), but without the retort 
 necks. 
 
 Like the rest of their congeners, these birds are almost per- 
 petually on the wing m (juesi of tlies and other small insects 
 which constitute their (ordinary food. ihcir note does not 
 appear to resemble a twitter, and according to Audubon it 
 may be imitated by rubbing a moistened cork round in the 
 neck of a bottle. In Kentucky, until the connnencement (jf 
 incubation, the whole party resorted to roost in the hollow 
 limbs of the buttonwood-trees. However curious, it is certain 
 that the birds have but recently discovered the advantage of 
 associating round the habitations of men. 
 
 Numerous colonies of this species are touiul throughout Xew 
 Kngland and the Maritime Provinces, and a tew paiis have been 
 seen at I-\)int de Moiits, on the north shore ot the (nilt ot St. Law- 
 rence, which is till- limit of its northward range near the Atlantic, 
 though in the interior it rangrs much farther nortii. It Ijreeds 
 southward to the C.ulf States, ami winters in South America. 
 
 It is higlily prob.it)'e tliat the habit of breeding in large conunu- 
 nities. and tlnis becoming *• local" in distribution, will account for 
 the report of their having moved eastward during the tirst half of 
 the present century. As a matter of fact. Audubon discovered the 
 species in Kentucky tive years before Say found it amont,' the 
 Pvockies. 'I'hat the older writers knew so little about the bird 
 should not be taken as evidence of its absence. tlu'\- failed to 
 learn the Instory of several ecpially connnon species; and after the 
 added years we are still ignorant of the breeding habits of some of 
 these birds. 
 
 NoTK. — The CcRAN Clifk Swaliow {J\'trochi'lidon fnliui) 
 has been taken in Florida. 
 
mall I olony 
 usual, made 
 at the retort 
 
 almost j)t'r- 
 imall insects 
 tc does not 
 
 Audubon it 
 ound in the 
 ctueinent oi 
 11 the hollow 
 ,, it is certain 
 ad\antage of 
 
 ouj^hout New 
 iiir.s have been 
 Lilt" ot St. Law- 
 ■ tin- Atlantic, 
 h. It breeds 
 \meriea. 
 Vm'^c lommu- 
 1 account tor 
 e tirst half of 
 liseoverod the 
 t amoiVi; the 
 ).nit the bird 
 liuv failed to 
 and after the 
 ii^ of some of 
 
 \clic/i>ii Jiili'ii) 
 
 TRKE SWALLOW. 
 
 \VII1TE-I5ELLIED SW.M.LOW . >IN(iIN(; SWALLoW. 
 'I'.\C11V( INKIA I'.HOKiR. 
 
 Cmak. Aljovc, ricli steel hhic, \viiit;s ;iiul tail willi green ictlcctiuns ; 
 l)eneatli, white. Length about 6 inches. 
 
 Xist. In a cavity of a tall dead tree. — often a deseited Woodpecker', 
 hole, — sometimes in a hiitl hox ; made of grass and straw, lined with 
 featiiers. 
 
 E^i^^s. 4-9 (usually 5) ; white ; 0.75 X 0.55. 
 
 'I'his species, less common than tiie Uarn Swallow and nearly 
 allied to the common Martin, arrives in iVnnsylvania and 
 New England about the middle ot". April, and extends its migra- 
 tions over the continent nearly to the .An tic circle, having 
 been seen by Dr. Richardson in the latituiU' of 53° ; it is 
 also abtmdantly dispersed over the Rocky Mountains and the 
 ('olimibia River, where it breeds, as well as around Hudson 
 I5ay and throughout the Northern and Middle States. On its 
 arrival, like many other species, it seeks out the society of 
 man and frequently takes possession of the mansion of the 
 Martin. When these advantages are imattainable it will be 
 content with the eaves of some deserted dwelling, a hollow 
 tree, its ancient residence, or even an horizontal branch when 
 large and convenient. 
 
 The note of these birds is a shrill, lively, warbling twitter : 
 but they are more quarrelsome and less sociable in the breed- 
 
1 
 
 ( 
 
 I 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 * I 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 ik 
 
 ^^ i 
 
 400 
 
 SIN(;iN(; IMRDS. 
 
 iiiji M-ason that the IJarn Swallow. In the spring their pro- 
 t rat led, angry contentujns, and rapid chatter are often heard in 
 the air. Their food is similar to that of the species above 
 mentioned, and they make a snapping sound with the bill in 
 the act of seizing their prey. 1 hey proceed to the South m 
 Sej)tember, anil accijrding to the observations of Audubon 
 pass nearly, if not (juite, the whole winter in the cypress swamps 
 near to New Orleans, and i)robably in the Mexican vicinity. 
 He i>bserv(Ml them about the middle of December, and also 
 near to the close of January. •* During the whole winter many 
 retired to the holes around houses, but the greater number 
 resorted to the lakes, and spent the night among the branches 
 of the wax-myrtle," whose berries at this season afford then) a 
 su|)j)ort on whi( h they fatten, and are then considered as excel- 
 lent food, .\bout sunset they usuall)' began to Ibx k togethi'r 
 at a peculiar call, and were then seen almost in clouds moving 
 towards the neighboring lagoons or the estuaries of the Mis- 
 sissippi. Before alighting they perform their aerial evolutions 
 to reconnoitre the place of roosting, soon after which they 
 rapidly descend as it were in a spiral vortex almost like the 
 fall of a water-spout, and when within a few feet ol the wax- 
 myrtles they disperse and settle at leisure ; but their twittering 
 and the motions of their wings are heard throughout the night. 
 At dawn they rise, at ln>it llying low over the waters whi( b. 
 they almost touch, and then rising gradually separate in (]uest 
 of food. During their low Ibght numbers of them are often 
 killed by canoe-men with the mere aid of their l)a(ldk■^ 
 (Aul)ubon). This jiredilection for the borders of lakes and 
 ponds led some of the an( lent writers to believe that Swallow^ 
 retired to the bottom of the water during the winter ; and 
 some fishermen on the coast of the Haltic pretended to have 
 taken them up in their nets in large knots, clinging together 
 by their bills and claws in a state of torpidity. 
 
 'ilu' Tree Swallow breeds from tlic (iiill Slatrs north to tlie 
 fur countries, and winters from tlie SoutliLrii States to Central 
 America. .Mr. William Brewster believes that tliese l)ir(ls liavc 
 l)een driven from the cities ot soutliern .\ew England by tlie House 
 Sparrows. 
 
r ilu'ir l»n)- 
 i-n hcanl in 
 ifcics a\)()ve 
 1 the bill in 
 K' South \n 
 )f Amhibon 
 ircss s\vam|)s 
 can vicinity. 
 )lt, and also 
 winter nvmy 
 atcr number 
 tin- branches 
 iftbnl them a 
 •red as excel- 
 lock together 
 louds movinii 
 i of the Mis- 
 rial evolutions 
 ■r which they 
 Imost like the 
 ■t ot the wax- 
 uir twittering 
 out the night, 
 waters whi( 1^ 
 arate in quest 
 um are oUen 
 |their paddles 
 i)f lakes and 
 that Swallows 
 winter ; and 
 nded to have 
 iging together 
 
 iiortli to the 
 
 [es to Central 
 
 |sc birds have 
 
 by the 1 louse 
 
 «1 
 
 liWK SWALLOW. 
 
 .-^AND MARTIN. 
 
 CJ.IVIC()I-\ KIIAKIA. 
 
 ("h\k .\l)ovc, (lull gr.-iy:>ii Urowii, which cxtciids anHnv.i the neck 
 and across the breast; throat .ind belly while. Length about 5 inches. 
 
 A'est. At the end of a l)urrow excavated in a hank of sand or pravcl, 
 — usually wuhiii a tew feet ■>! the top ; the bank izennallv n-ar a stream 
 of water ; the excavation i> 2 to 4 feet deep, and widens at the inner md, 
 where a little dry grass and a few feather- .ire loosely placed, and on tlii> 
 cushion the c^t^s are laid. 
 
 AVa'.". 4-^; white; 0.70 X 050. 
 
 These plain-looking and smaller birds, though eiiually grega- 
 rious with other kinds, do not court the protection or society 
 of man, — at least their habitations are remote from his. They 
 commonly take possession for this purpose of the sandy bank 
 or bluff of a river, cpiarry, or gravel jiit, 2 or 3 feet below the 
 u|)per surface of the bank. In such places, in the month of 
 April, they may be obser\'ed burrowing horizontally with their 
 awl-like bills, when at length, having obtained a foot-hold in 
 the cliff, they also use their feet and continue this labor to the 
 dejjth of 2 or 3 feet. Many of these holes may be often seen 
 within a few inches of each other. This spe ;s has gener- 
 
 VOL. I. — 26 
 
402 
 
 SirCING UIKDS. 
 
 ?:■■ ' 
 
 ally two broods in the season, and on the egress of t'nc youni; 
 in the latter t.nd of May the jjiratieal Crows often await their 
 o|»i>ortunity to destroy them as they issue from the iu-)i. In 
 rocky countries the birds often take possession of the clefts 
 on the banks of riwrs for their dwelling, and sometimes ihey 
 content themselves with the holes of trees. 
 
 Their voi( e is only a low twitter of short lisping notes ; and 
 while busily passing baekwards and forwanls in the air around 
 ihejr numerous burrows, they seem at a di>tan<e almost ~.miilar 
 to hiving Ix^-s. As they arrive earlier than other species, the 
 cold and unsettled weadier often drives them for refuge in 
 their holes, where they cluster together for warnuli. and have 
 thus been found almost reducetl to a state of torpidit\. Dwel- 
 ling thus shut up, they are often troubled witii swarms ui infest- 
 ing inscct>, resembling tleas, which assemble in great numbers 
 around their holes. Ihey begin to depart to the South from 
 the close of .Sej)tember to the middle of October, .\ltliough 
 they av<M<l »l\\tlling mar houses, they do not tly t'rom settled 
 vicinities: and parties of six or more, several miles from their 
 nests, have been seen skimming through the streets of adjacent 
 villages in the province of Normandy. 
 
 'Ihey are found <in both sides of N\)rth AniiTica. from the 
 shores of the Atlantic to the borders of the Columbia, and in 
 all the intermeibate region suited to llicir manner of breeding. 
 According to Auilubon, tluy winter in great numbers in Florida, 
 and bree<l from I.a.brador to Louisiana. 
 
 If the Bank .Swallow was found in Labrador bv Aii(lubi>n it has 
 since changed its liahitat to tin- (.'Xtent of (Uscrtint^ that ' ouiitry, 
 for during recent years only one c.xaniple lias been seen on the 
 northern side of tlie (iull of St. Lawrence, though colonies have 
 iK'cn found on Anticosti and the ^L^g(lalen Islands. 
 
 In the Far West tliesi' birds rantre lo niucli hii^lict* latitudes, a 
 few having been met with along the valley ot the .Mackenzie 
 River, and in .Alaska. They breed from the Gulf .States northward, 
 and winter in tlie tropics, ranging as far south as lini/il. Ihey 
 are locally common throughout the E.islern Slates and the idjoin- 
 lag I'rovince.s. 
 
i)f the yount; 
 -n invait their 
 the mv.. In 
 of the clefts 
 melimes they 
 
 iLi note-. ; ;in(l 
 the air around 
 :Unu)>t :.imilar 
 cr species, the 
 
 for refuge in 
 null, and have 
 •l)idity. Dwel- 
 rarnis of uifchi- 
 
 ureat numbers 
 the South from 
 ber. Althouiih 
 fly from -ettled 
 miles from their 
 cets of ndjarenc 
 
 ii'rira. from the 
 oUuubia, and in 
 
 ler of breedini;. 
 
 ihcr- in Florida, 
 
 ,\u(hil">n it has 
 lin.Li that ' ovuUry, 
 It'cn sei-n on the 
 In-li colonic- have 
 
 L;hor latitudes, a 
 "'the Mackenzie 
 Itatcs norlhward, 
 lis r.ra/.il. They 
 Is and the adjoin- 
 
 ROLGIl-WINGKI) .SWALLOW. 403 
 
 ROLCiH-WlNGKl) SW.MI.OW . 
 SrEL(;ii)f)i''rF.RVX skrripknms. 
 
 * H\k. Above, grayisli 1 now II ; l>(.iic:Uli, l)io\\ni-li <;r.Ty. whitening on 
 the belly. Edge ol wings rough to the toucli ; ••i)ut( r wcl) c,f tlic tirst 
 l-rimary wi:h recurved huoklets " which are Ln king on liic vounu' birds. 
 Ixngih 5 to 3 '4 inches. 
 
 Xift. In a cavity of a bank or in a crevice of a --tone wall or bridge, 
 usualiy near a -trt-ani; made uf ilrygra>s lined wiiii tLatiitrs. 
 
 h^^i. 4-7; wiiitL- ; 0.75 X 0.50. 
 
 We are imlebted to Audubon for the discovt-rv of this spe- 
 cies -rtfi much allied to the preceding,', who first ibM-rved it 
 near iJayrju Sara, and afterwards in Scnith Carolina. < )f its 
 habits he says nothing ; but it is r.irer. and he thinks its 
 habitual residence may prove to be far lo tlu- westward, — 
 perha[>s the valleys of the Colinubia. 
 
 This species is more comiiKin in tlie Western Faunal Province 
 than in the Kast : it is abundaiu in llritish Cnlmnbia. hiu Mr. 
 Thompson has not jjut it in his •' Birds of .Maiiitdb.i." It occurs 
 reyularly. hmvever. throiiLchout the Mastern .Statis noith to New 
 York. Ohio, and Illinois, and si)arinL;ly in Conneiticul It lias also 
 been found in parts of Ontario. 
 
 In appearance and habits it so closely rcstnil)Ics tlic Lank .Swal- 
 low that it may be overlooked by tlic casual observer; U does not, 
 however, confine its choice of a nesting site to a sand-bank, but 
 v.ill place its nest amid the stones of a wall or bridi^e, in a crc-vice 
 of a buildin;:. f»r even in a knot-hole. It ditfers also from the Lank 
 .Swallow in bein^ of a paler color, and both ol these birds dilfer 
 from our other swallows in weariii": no metallic tints. 
 
 .\«»TE. --The Ci'r.AN ("mi I' Swai.iow {Pefroc/ii-/ii/on f'lilva) 
 and the IVvhaman .Swallow {Calliihcliilon cyuineoviriiiis) have 
 been added to the United States faima by .Mr. W. V.. D Scott. 
 who captured examples on Dry Tortujj;as island during .March and 
 .\pril. 1^93. 
 
If: 
 
 1* 
 
 ^u i; i 
 
 
 
 ii 
 
 K i\(; RIP. n. 
 
 BEE MARTIN. 
 TyR.AX\US TYRAXN'US. 
 
 Char. Above, blackish ash, darker on the head: beneath, white; 
 breast tinged with g'a\ ; tail black, tipped witli broad band of white. 
 Crown with concealed patch of yellow or orange red. length 8 to 9 
 inches. 
 
 A'ifs/. On a branch or in fork of a tree, in garden or pasture ; com- 
 posed of twigs, roots, and moss, lined witii roots, horse-hair, and feathers. 
 The exterior is loosely laid, but the interior is neat and compact. 
 
 ^-.V- 4-?- creamy white, spotted with light and dark brown; 0.95 
 X 0.70. 
 
./-\ 
 
 '»' 
 
 « 
 
 -.^^ 
 
 \ 
 
 •^■ 
 
 beneath, white; 
 Id band of white. 
 Length S to 9 
 
 I or pasture ; v;om- 
 lair. and feathers. 
 Ic impact 
 Hark brown ; 0^5 
 
 KINtJlilKl). 
 
 405 
 
 This well-known, remarkable, and pugnacious bird takes uji 
 his siuniner residence in all the interniediaie region from ihe 
 temperate parts of Mexico to the iniinhabitt-d and remote inte- 
 rior of Canada. In all this vast geograijhical range the King- 
 bird seeks his footi and rears his young. Ak ording to Audu 
 Lxjn they appear in lA>uisiana by the middle of .M an h ; and 
 ilxjut the 20th of .\pril W ilM)n remarked their arrival in 
 Penn>ylvania in small parties of five or six ; but they .ire >eldum 
 seen in this part of New Lnglanil before the middle of .May. 
 They are now silent and peaceable, until they begin to pair, 
 and fonn their nests, which takes place from the first to the 
 last week m May or early in June, a* coriling to the advance- 
 ment of the season in the latitudes of 40 and 4:; ilegrees. 
 'I'he nest IS usually built in the orchard, on the horizontal 
 branch of an apple or pear tree, sometimes in .111 oak, in the 
 atljoining forest, at various heights from the ground, seld<jm 
 carefully concealed, and firmly fixed at the bottom to the sup- 
 |)orting twigs of the bran« h. The outside con>i>ts of coarse 
 stalks of dead grass an«l wiry weeds, the whole well conne( ted 
 and iK-dded with cut-weed down, tow, or an o( casional rope- 
 yarn and wcKt] : it is then lined with <lry, >leniler grass, root 
 fibres, and horse-hair. The eggs are generally t, to 5, yel- 
 lowish white, ami marked with a t"ew large. well-d( Tim d >pots 
 of deep and bright brown. They ot'ten build and hat( li twice 
 in the season. 
 
 The Kingbird has no song, only a shrill, guttural twitter, 
 somewhat like that of the Martin, but no way musital. At 
 times, as he sits watching his prey, he calls to his mate with a 
 harsh /s/u'H/'. rather quitkly pronounced, and attended with 
 some action. As inserts a]tproach him, or as he darts after 
 them, the snapping of his bill is heard like the shutting of a 
 watch-case, ami is the certain grave of his pre\. I'.eetles, 
 grasshoppers, crickets, and winged insects of all destriptions 
 form his prin< ipal summer f(X)d. I have also seen him col- 
 lecting the canker-worms from the I'.lm. Towards autumn, as 
 various kinds of iK-rries ripen, they constitute a very consider- 
 able and favorite part of his subsistence : but with the exccp- 
 
4o6 
 
 I'LVCATCHPJKs. 
 
 .Uil 
 
 tioii ol currants (of which lie only cuts pcrhap' /hen confineil), 
 he refuses all exotic productions, cont-.ntin;.; himself with 
 blackberries, whortle-berries, the berries of the sassafras, cornel, 
 \il)urnuiu. eltler, poke, and five-leaved ivy. Raisins, foreit;n 
 ( urrants, grapes, cherries, peaches, pears, and apples were 
 never even tasted when offered to a bird of this kind, w! i; h I 
 had many months as my pensioner; of the last, when roasted, 
 sometimes, however, a few mouthfuls were relished in the 
 absence of other more agreeable diet. Berries he always swal- 
 lowed whole, grasshoi)pers, if too large, were ])ounded and 
 broken on the tloor as he held them in his bill. To manage- the 
 larger beetles was not so easy ; these he struck repeatedly against 
 the ground, and then turned them from side to sitle, by tiirowing 
 them dexterously mtcj the air, after the manner of the Toucan, 
 and the inse<t was uniforml}' caught reversed, as it descended, 
 with the agility of a |)ractised cup-and ball player. At length 
 the pieces of the beetle were swallowed, and he remained still 
 to digest his morsel, tasting it distinri';\ soon after it entered 
 the stomach, as became obvious by the ruminating motion of 
 his mandibles. When the soluble portion was taken up, large 
 pellets of the indigestible legs, wings, and shells, as likewise 
 the skins and seeils of berries, were, in half an hour or less, 
 brought up and ejected from the mouth in the manner of the 
 Hawks and ( )wls. When other food failed he ai)peared \ery 
 well s;i:iNlied vidi fresh minced meat, and drank watiM" tVe- 
 quently. evei i.; ing the si-vere frosts of January, whic h he 
 en<h).''ed with . .nu( h difli(u!t\'; basking, however, like Hio- 
 genes, in the feeble beams of the sun, which he followed round 
 th(> room of his confinement, well satisfied when no intruder 
 or coniijanion threw him into the shade. Some ver\' cold 
 evenings he had the sagacity to retire under the shelter of a 
 de|iending bed-(iuilt, was very much pleased with the warmth 
 and brilliancy of lampdight, and would eat freely at an\' hour 
 of the night. Unacquainted with the deceptive nature of 
 shadows, he sometimes snatched at them for the substances 
 they resembled. I'nlike the Vicros, he retired to rest without 
 hiding his heatl in the wing, and was extremely watchfiil. 
 
 
r.iXGTURr). 
 
 407 
 
 11 confined ) , 
 limsclf with 
 .ifras, cornel, 
 sins, foreijin 
 apples were 
 
 and, w'- '•■ li I 
 i-hen roasted, 
 ished in the 
 always swal- 
 iounded and 
 [) manatee the 
 atedly against 
 -, by throwing 
 if the Toucan, 
 it descended, 
 cr. At length 
 remained still 
 fter it entered 
 ting motion of 
 aken u)), large 
 Is, as likewise 
 |i hovir or less, 
 manner of the 
 appeared very 
 Ilk water I're- 
 ary. wliii h he 
 vcr, like Dio- 
 [t)il()\ved round 
 n no intruder 
 Ime vc-ry cold 
 u- shelter of a 
 Ith the warmth 
 llv at anv hour 
 ive nature of 
 |he substances 
 lo rest without 
 K'lv watchful, 
 
 
 thougn not abroad till after sunrise. Hi> taciturnity :uv\ 'disin- 
 clination to friendship, and familiarity m confnK'mcnt,«VL - sirik 
 ing trait>. His restless, (juick, and >idc-glan<ing ey^ - nabied 
 him to follow the motions of his Hying insect prey, ..; ^ to as- 
 certain precisely the infillible instant of attack. He readily 
 caught morsels of food in his bill before they rea<:hed the 
 ground, when thrown across the njom, an<l on these octa- 
 sions seemed pleased with making the ne< essary exertion. 
 He had also a practice of ( autiously stretching out iiis nc( k. 
 like a snake, and peeping about either to obtain sight of his 
 food, to watch anv a])proach of ilanger, or to examine any- 
 thing that appeared strange. At length we b<'ame so well 
 ac(|uainted that when very hungry he wotild express his grati- 
 tude on being \l\] by a slirill twitter and a lively look, which 
 was the more remarkable as at nearly all other times he was 
 entirely silent. 
 
 In a natural state he takes his station on the top of an 
 apple-tree, a stake, or a tall weed, and betwixt the amusenunt 
 of his scpieaking twitter, employs him>elf in flarting after his 
 insect tbod. Occasionally he is >,een hovering over the field, 
 with beating wing, almost like a Hawk, sur\eying the ground or 
 herbage for grasshoppers, whiih are a favorite diet. At "tiier 
 times these birds may be observed in companies iiii kenng over 
 still waters in the sanie employment, — the gratifi: .ju o'.ippe- 
 tite. Now and dien, during the heat of sumtne. iliey are seen 
 to diji and bathe in the watery mirror: and witl^ t'ds washing, 
 drying, and pluming, they appear to be l>oth gratifier and 
 amused. Durir.g the season of their sojourn ';v,' p.dr are 
 often seen moving about in coinfiany. with .1 apid ipiAering 
 of thi' wings and a continued tremulous.. .-hriekii:g twitter. 
 Their energetic and amusing motions are most comirionly per- 
 ft)rmed in warm and fine weather, ami continue, with little 
 interruption, until towards the close of August. 
 
 One of the most remarkable traits in the character of the 
 Kingbird is the courage and affection which he displays for his 
 mate and young ; for on his fir^t arrival he is rather timid, and 
 readily dodges before the .Swallow and Purple Martin. Indeed 
 
4oS 
 
 FLVCATCnKRS. 
 
 If 
 
 iHl 
 
 iii 
 f 
 
 at this season I have seen the Spotted Saniljiiper drive away a 
 pair of Kin^MMrds because they happened U) approach the 
 premises of lier nest. IJut he now be( cnnes, on tliis important 
 occasion, so tei'iacioiis of his rights as readily to commence tiie 
 attack against all his feathered enemies, and he pa>ses several 
 months of the summer in a hcene of almost |)erpetual euntest ; 
 and not overrating his hostile powers, he generally finds me.ins 
 to come off with impunity, ilagles, Hawks, (rows, Jays, and 
 in sliort every bird whi( h excites his hUsj)i(ion by its inten- 
 tional or accidental a])i)roach, are attacked with skill and 
 t:ourage ; he dives upon the heads and backs of the larger 
 intruders, who become so annosed and tormented as willingly 
 to make a i)recii)itate retreat. He pursues his foe> sometimes 
 tor a mile : and at length, assured of con(|uest, he return*, to his 
 liromiiniit wat( h-ground, again (|ui\ering his wings in gratula- 
 tion, and rapidly uttering his shrill and triumphant note>. He 
 is therefore tiie friend of the faniur. as the scourge of the pil- 
 ferers and j)lunderers of his croj) and barn-yard. Dut that he 
 might not be perfectly harmless, he has sometimes a propensity 
 for feeding on t!ie valuable tenants of the bee-hive; for the^e 
 he watches, and exult ingly twittirs at the prospect of success 
 as they wing their way engaged in busy employment ; his (|ui« k- 
 sighted eyis now follow them, until one, more suitable than the 
 rest, becomes his fivorite mark. This selected victim is In- 
 some farmers belie\ed to be a drone rather tnan the stinging 
 neutral worker. The selective discernment of the eyes of 
 thi> bird has often amused me ; berries of different kinds, held 
 to my doine^itic Kingbird, however similar, wt-re reje( ted 
 or snatched as they suited his instinct, with the nicest 
 discrimination. 
 
 As the young acfpiire strength for their distant journey, they 
 may be seen in August and Se|)tember assembling together in 
 almost silent, greedy, and watrhful parties of a »lozen or more, 
 feeding on various berries, particularly those of the sassafras 
 and cornel, from whence they sometimes drive away smaller 
 birds, and likewise spar and chase each other as the supj)ly 
 dimimshes. Indeed, my domestic allowed n(j other bird to 
 
 
 .\P 
 
fl<#t?' 
 
 drive away a 
 pproach the 
 lis important 
 )inincnce the 
 •a>sc» several 
 tual contest ; 
 funis means 
 
 AS, J'iy>» '^'^'l 
 by its inten- 
 ith skill and 
 of the larger 
 •d as willingly 
 les sometimes 
 return^ to his 
 it(s in gratula- 
 it ii()tc-«. He 
 rge of the pil- 
 
 IJut that he 
 
 s a pro] tensity 
 
 jve ; for these 
 
 ct of success 
 
 nt ; his (iui< k- 
 
 ible th in the 
 
 victim is by 
 
 the stinging 
 
 the eyes uf 
 nt kinds, held 
 
 i-rr reje* ted 
 the nicest 
 
 journey, they 
 ig together in 
 )zen or more, 
 iic sass;ifras 
 away smaller 
 is the su])])ly 
 )ther bird to 
 
 KIN(il;lkI). 
 
 AOj 
 
 hve in jicace near luin when feeding on similar food ; ami 
 though lame of a wing, he often wat( hed his opportunity for 
 reprisal and revenge, and became so jealous thai, uislea«i of 
 being aniuscti by cornjianions, sometimes he (aught hoM of 
 them with his bill, and seemeil inclined to destroy them f»)r 
 invatling his usuri^d privileges. In September tlie Kingbird 
 begins to leave the L'nited States and proceeds to pass the 
 winter in tropical America. During the i)eriod of miu'raticjn 
 southward, Andulion remarks that ihe\ tl\ and sail through the 
 air with great ea^e at a considerable elewition ; and they thus 
 continue iht-ir silent retreat thrcjughoiii the niglit until al>)ut 
 the first of (l< loixrr, when they are no longer lu be seen 
 within the Hmib> of the Middle States. 
 
 We now know that the Kingbird ranges throughout North 
 America from the tropics to the lower tiir ( ountrie>, though 
 not common west of the Rockies. 
 
 All lovers of birds and of justice will thank Mis. < )Iiv<. Tliorne 
 Milkr t'lir her rwible defence of this ( liiv.iliims ami much nialiiined 
 I)inl, which appeared in the •• Atlantic .Moiuhly" for Auijust. iS*>o. 
 The systematists have dubbed liiiii •• tyrant of the tvrants." but 
 his .'fiends know him to be a true kniLclu. the real - kinu of the 
 air.*' Mrs. .Miller credits the Kiiiiii)inl with •• .i >i)ft ind very 
 pleasins; sont;,** which she lias heard •only in the very early 
 morning." 
 
 NoTF. —The Arkansas KiNtnuKn (T. 7w7/Vv?//» ditters from 
 fvtitnttHS in bein^ light ashv <:rav on Ik ;ul. neck, and breast, md 
 other lower parts yellow. In si/e the two birds are much the same, 
 some examples of the Western form being slii^htlv larger. 
 
 Its habitat is the Western filains: but specimens liae beer 
 taken in the Middle and Northern .States. 
 
if ■*■ 
 
 
 ^i 
 
 Ul- 
 
 ULlVi:-SII)i:i) FKVCA'rCHMR. 
 
 COX'JOI'US l;()RKAI,l.S. 
 
 CiiAK. Above, dull olive brown, darker on head, paler on rinnp; tail 
 du.-,kv. tipped with nray ; wings diiskv, with grav luiul ; lower pan- yel- 
 lowish white ; flanks i)ale olive. Length 7J4 to S inclies. 
 
 A'es/. .Saddled on horizontal limb of tall tree ; cf twigs and grass lined 
 with grass and moss. 
 
 /u 
 
 3-5; creamy white, spotted near larger end with redd 
 
 ish t 
 
 )rown 
 
 and pale j)urple ; 0.S5 X 0.65. 
 
 This remarkable species, which appertains to the L^roiij) of 
 Pewees, was obtained in the woods of Mount Auburn, in this 
 vicinity, \>y Mr. John Hcthune, of Cambridj^i', on the 7th of 
 Jime, 1.S30. 'I'his, and a second s|)C( imen accjiiired st 
 aft 
 
 )on 
 
 erwards. were females on the point of imuibation. A third 
 indivichial of the same sex was killed on the 21st of |une. 
 T.S;,T. They were all of them fat, and had their stomachs 
 
 ed with torn fragments of wild bei , wasi)s, and oth 
 
 er snii- 
 
 ivni'f 
 
 fill 
 
 ilar insects. I have watched the motions of two other 1 
 individuals who ai)i)eared tyrannical and (luarrelsome even with 
 each other : the attack was always accompaniid witii a whir- 
 ring, (luerulous twitter. Their dispute was apparently, like 
 that of savages, about the rights of their respective himt 
 
 grounds. One of the l)irds, the female, whom I 
 
 usually 
 
 ing- 
 saw 
 
 alone, was mcommonly sedentary. Tiie territory she 
 
 seemeil 
 
on rumii ; tail 
 WLi- i):iil> yel- 
 
 nd grass lined 
 
 ■eddish hrowii 
 
 K' i^roui^ of 
 )urn, in thi^ 
 ihf 7lh i)t' 
 [uiroil soon 
 n. A thinl 
 |sl of June. 
 II sloniachs 
 otluT sini- 
 lothcr livnii; 
 oven with 
 ith a whir- 
 L-ntly, like 
 ■e hunting- 
 lusually saw 
 llie seemed 
 
 ( HIVE-SIDED il.VC'A rclIEU. 
 
 411 
 
 cleteriiiiMed to ( hiim was circumscribed by the lo|)^ of a cluster 
 of tall Virginia junipers or red cedars, and an adjoining elm 
 and decayed cherry-tree. I'rom this sovereign station, in the 
 sohtude of a barren and sandy piece of forest adjoining Mount 
 Auburn, she kept a sharp lookout for passing inse< ts, an<l pur- 
 sued them with great vigor and success as soon as they ap- 
 l)eared, s(jmetimes chasing them to the ground, and generally 
 resinning her perch with an additional mouthful, whi( h ^he 
 swallowed at leisure. < )n descending to lur station slu- occa- 
 sionally tpiivered her wings and tail, rrected her blow>y cap, 
 and kept up a whistling, oft-repeated, whining call of '/// '/*//, 
 then varied to '/// /•//>, and '/// ///, also at times '///^ '///» '/>// 
 '/// '/>// '/•//. '/// '/// ///, or 7//, 'tti 7//, anil 7// 7//. This 
 shrill, pensive, and (juick whistle sometimes drop|)ed almost to 
 a whisj)er or merely '/a?. 'I'he tone was in fact much like that 
 of the '///// '///// '///// of the Ki^h Ilawk. 'ihe male, however, 
 besides this note, at long intervals had a call of \-h' f^hilnc or 
 ^ICf^hil'i'd, almost exactly in the tone of the circular tin whistK-, 
 or bir<l-call, being loud. >hrill, and guttural at the connnenc e- 
 ment. 'I'he nest of this |)air I at length ilistov'red in the 
 horizontal branch of a lall red cedar 40 or 50 feet from the 
 ground. It was formed much in the manntr of the Kingbird, 
 externally made of interlaced deail twigs of tin- i idar, inter- 
 nally of the wiry stolons of the common < intiuefoil, dry grass, 
 and some fragments of branching /.i(-/tr>i ox I'sihui. It ( on- 
 tained .^ yc^ung and had probablv 4 eggs. I'lu' eggs had been 
 hatched about the 20th of June, so that the pair had arrived in 
 thi^ vicinity about the close of Ma\. 
 
 I'he young remained in the ne>i no less tluui j .; days, and 
 were fed from the first on beetles and perfect insects, which 
 appeared to have been wholly digested, without any regurgi- 
 tation. Towards the close of this i)r<)tracte(l period the young 
 ( ould fly with all the celerity of the parents ; and tlu-y prob- 
 ably went to and from the nest repeatedly before abandoning 
 it. The male was at this time extremely watchful, and fre- 
 (|uently followed me from his usual residence, after my payin; 
 him I .isit, nearlv half a mile, 'i'hese birds, whi( h I w at( In . 
 
 If 
 
412 
 
 FLYCATCIIKKS. 
 
 f i 
 
 .i^<i 
 
 1% 
 
 I 
 
 on several mk < cssivc days, wire iio way timid, and alk)\vi d 
 nif for sonu' liine previous to visitm^^ their nest to in\estij,Mte 
 llieni anil the premises they had ( hosen, without showing any 
 sign of alarm or particular ol)ser\ation. 
 
 This bird appears to have bi'en discovered in the fur coim- 
 tries about the same time as in the Inited States. According 
 to Dr. Richardson, the specimen, tii^ured so spiritedly in the 
 '* Northi-rn /oology of Canada." was shot on ''.e ))anks of thr 
 Saskatchewan as it was tl\ing near the ground. 
 
 In iS^j, about the middle of June, the same i)uir appar- 
 ently had again taken possession of a small juniper not more 
 than 300 yards from the tree they had occu|)ied the prec i-ding 
 year, about 14 or 15 feet up which they had fixed their thin 
 twiggy nest as in the preceding year, it contained 4 eggs, on 
 which the female had commenced sitting; these, except in 
 their su|)erior si/e, were i)recisely similar with those o( the 
 W'ootl I'ewee, — yellowish-cream color, with dark-brown and 
 lavender-purple spots, rather thinly disjjersed. I'.eing unforli- 
 nate enough to shake t)ut the two eggs I inttiided to leave in 
 the nest, the pair had to commence their labors of prepaiing 
 for a progeny anew; and a few days after, a second nest was 
 made in ;inother Virgini;in juniper at a very short distance 
 from the preceding. The present year, however, they did not 
 return to their accustomed retreat, and no individuid was seeu 
 in this \icinity. In all places it appears, in fac t, .1 scarce and 
 widely disi)ersed species. Audubon has since obser\ed this 
 birtl in other parts of Massaihusetts, Maine, the Magdalen 
 Islands, and the coast of Labrador. He has also -,een u in 
 (Jeorgia and in Texas. This sjiecies is a connnon inhabitant 
 of the dark fir-woods of the Columbia, where it arri\es 
 towards the close of May. We again heard, at iiUer\als, the 
 same curious call, like '^li-phrhca, and sometimes like the gut 
 tural sotmil 'ra^/i-p/ic/ur, commencing with a sort of MU])pressed 
 chuck; at other times the note varied into a lively and some- 
 times (\\\\ck p'f-(/r/(m>ay. This, no doubt, is the note attributed 
 by Wilson to the Wood Pewee. When approached, or when 
 calling, we heard the />///>// pu. 
 
li^i. 
 
 CRi:s'n:i> i i.\(AI( iii;k. 
 
 4'^ 
 
 I allowttl 
 lUA'Sti^ 111" 
 jwing any 
 
 tur coun- 
 AccordiiiK' 
 •dly in the 
 nks »)!" ihc 
 
 iiin- a|>|>ai- 
 
 r not more 
 
 preceding 
 
 tlu'ir thin 
 
 4 ^\^.^-^< '>'^ 
 cxcL-i'i in 
 
 osc of iIk- 
 
 brown and 
 
 n;4 unfortu- 
 
 to leave in 
 
 t" (.rcpaiing 
 
 id nest was 
 
 rt distance 
 
 [licy did not 
 
 \\ was seen 
 
 scarce and 
 
 served this 
 
 1- Mat^'dalen 
 
 ^een il in 
 
 inhabitant 
 
 it arrives 
 
 UTvals, the 
 
 ke the .^ut 
 
 suppressed 
 
 and some- 
 
 attributed 
 
 11, or when 
 
 'I'lif olive-sided l'lyt;U( Iut is a rare sunmur rc^idiiU in tiir 
 soiilliern portions ol New l"a»t;lan(l. but i>, (juiie' lommoii iit .Mainl- 
 and Ni w IJruiiswiek, and raiii;i-< lutrtli to about tlie 50tl> parallel. 
 It winters south to liie iropii^. 
 
 CRi;sri:i) I'lAc.vrciiiiK. 
 
 Mm\k(1us (KiNnrs. 
 
 (MAK. Upper parts olive, inclined to brown on the he\d ; belly bright 
 yellow; tliro.it .uul brca.-^l ashy qray: wint;> and t.iil dnsky, marked with 
 nitons. Iliuit crested. Lcnj;th S'j to >) inciics. 
 
 A'rs/. In a cavity of a tree; of twigs, j;rass-roots, ieat!',Ts, and usually 
 a casl-uti .sii.ikeskin. 
 
 AvV*- •!-''; I'K''' buffy brown, marked with lines ot biowi oul |uirple; 
 0.85 X o.t>5. 
 
 This species, nearly unknown in New Mni^dand. arrives in 
 Pennsylvania earl\ in May, and builds his nest in the (K^erted 
 holes of the \\'o()<l|)e(ker or llluebird. lie also frecpients the 
 orchard, and is eciually fond of bees vith the Kin^d)ird. lie 
 ha^ no other note than a harsh sipieak, which soinids like '/<///•, 
 '/'"A /''-•'"'A 'A'.i'7t '//>, with a strong accent on the first syl- 
 lable, lie preys actively on insects, which he colk'cts from 
 his stand, and, in siiort, has most ot the manners and physi- 
 oj^nomy of the whole section or family to whic h he briongs. 
 The note of the male appears often delivered in anger and 
 im])atien( e, and he defends his retreat from the access of all 
 other birds with the tyrannic insolence characteristic of the 
 Kingbird. 
 
 Towards the ond of summer these birds fei'd on berries of 
 various kintls, beiuL particularly i»artial to jjokeberries and 
 whortleberries, which for .1 titne seem to constitute the prin- 
 cipal food of the young. They rem.iin in Pennsylvania till about 
 the middle of Se]itember, when they retire to tropical ,\nierica. 
 In bily, '*^3'» I observed a pair in an orchard at .Acton, in this 
 State (Massachusetts). They had reared a brood in the vicinity, 
 and still appeared very stationary on the premises ; their harsh 
 
^1 
 
 ^> 
 
 o^. \^>^S. 
 
 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 T.^7 TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 // 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 ,50 "= 
 
 1.4 
 
 IM 
 
 122 
 20 
 
 1.6 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, NY. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
 ^Q 
 
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 ,\ 
 
 :\ 
 
 % 
 
 'O 
 
 :i? 
 
 
 6^ 
 
 ^ 
 
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 414 
 
 FLYCATCHERS. 
 
 pay up, and sometimes a sU.-nder twittering, as tlK\- tO(jl< the 
 perch, were heard ahiiost from morn to night, and resembled 
 at first the chirp of a young Robin. I'hey ted on the cater- 
 pillars or vermin of some kind which hapi)ened to infest the 
 aj)p]e-trees. I was told that they utter a different and more 
 musical note about sunrise ; but of this 1 cannot sjieak from my 
 own knowledge. 'J'hey are unknown in the vicinity of the 
 sea-coast of Massachusetts. According to Audubon, they are 
 found on the upper Missouri during summer. Many also 
 pass the winter in the warmer parts of Florida. The)- also 
 breed in Texas. 
 
 Tills species is common in the Eastern States north to Connec- 
 ticut and northern Ohio and in southern Ontario. It is rare in 
 portions of .Massachusetts, but examples have been observed in 
 .Maine and New Brunswick. It breeds south to Florida, and 
 winters in the tropics. 
 
 Those who know the bird best say it has the courage of the 
 Kingbird, and a knack of quarrelling that is all its own. 
 
 
 GR.AY KINGBIRD. 
 
 TVR.4NNU.S DOMINICKXSIS. 
 
 Ch.ar. Very similar to the Kingbird, Init ot" paler color ; the upper 
 parts, including the head, being ashy gray. Its size is somewhat larger, — 
 about an inch in length. 
 
 Nest. In a tree ; composed of twigs, lined with roots or moss. 
 
 Eg^s, 3-4; white, tinged with ]iale buff or salmon pink and spotted 
 with brown and purple ; i.oo X 0.75. 
 
 This fine tropical species was discovered by .\udubon on 
 the Florida Keys, where it arrives about the first of .Xpril, and 
 spreads over the peninsula as far as Cape Florida. It is com- 
 mon in Cuba and several other of the West India islands. 
 Stragglers, however, appear to wander at times as far to the 
 north as South Carolina ; a pair anrl their nest having been 
 found in a college yard, where they continued to return for 
 several years in succession, rearing two broods in a season. 
 Its whole demeanor so much resembles that of the common 
 
I'HCEBE. 
 
 413 
 
 bey to(jk the 
 ml resembled 
 on the cater- 
 to infest the 
 snt and more 
 leak from my 
 cinity of the 
 bon, they are 
 Many also 
 I. Thev also 
 
 rth to Coiinec- 
 It is rare in 
 
 n observed in 
 i'lorida. and 
 
 oura^e of the 
 :s own. 
 
 Kingbird that but for its superior size and note it might be 
 mistaken for that species. 
 
 'I'hese birds flutter while flying, and sometimes during the 
 breeding season the pair, crossing each others path, rise in 
 spiral evolutions, loudly twittering as they ascend. When 
 interrupted, alarmed by pursuit, or in quc-t of insects, they 
 dart off with great velocit). If a large bird, as a Heron or 
 Crow, or indeed any intruder, jiass near their station, they 
 immediately pursue it, and that often to a considerable dis- 
 tance. At the same time they appear careless of the approach 
 of man except when the nest is invaded, when they fly about 
 in great anger, snapping their bills and loudly chattering ; but 
 when relieved from their unwelcome visitors, they return to 
 their stand with notes of exultation. 
 
 Nuttall. following Audubon, named this species the Pipirv Fly- 
 catcher. It is abundant in the West Indies and occurs in parts of 
 Florida and along the coast to South Carolina. ExampL-s have 
 been taken on Long Island, and at Lynn, in Massachusetts. 
 
 It winters in the tropics. 
 
 olor ; the upper 
 ewhat larger, — 
 
 r moss, 
 link and spotted 
 
 .\udubon on 
 of April, and 
 . It is corn- 
 India islands, 
 as far to the 
 t having been 
 to return for 
 in a season, 
 the common 
 
 PHfEBE. 
 
 PEWEE. PEUIT. 
 S.AYORN'IS VUHV.F. 
 
 Char. Upper parts dull olive brown, darker on hea'. under part^ 
 whitish, changing to pale veilow on bellv. and brownish on flanks: wings 
 and tail dusky, outer tail feathers and wins: bar whitish : white ring 
 around the eyes ; hill and feet black. Head with inconspicuous crc^t. 
 Length 6^{ to 7 inches. 
 
 M-sf. Attached to the under-side of a bridse. or to a rock, or the side 
 of a cave ; of twigs, roots, and moss, cemented with mud, lined with grass 
 and feathers. 
 
 E{',^s. 4-5; white, sometimes speckled with pale brown : 080X0.55. 
 
 This familiar species inhabits the continent of North .\mer- 
 ica from Canada and Labrador to Texas, retiring from the 
 Northern and Middle States at the approach of winter. How 
 
4i6 
 
 MALA TCI IKRS. 
 
 
 ^l, 
 
 
 » 
 
 m 
 
 far they proceed to the South at this season is not satisfac- 
 torily ;;>( ertained ; a (cw, no doubt, winter in the milder jjarts 
 of the Union, as Wilson saw them in I'ebruary in the swamjjs 
 of North and South Carohna, where they were feeiling on 
 sniilax berries, and occasionally even giving their well-known 
 notes; but in the winter and early sj^ring of 1.S30, while em- 
 ployed in an extensive pedestrian journey from South Carolina 
 t(j l''lorida and Alabama, I never heard or met with an individ- 
 ual of the s]»ecies. Audubon found them abundant in the 
 Floridas in winter. 
 
 These faithful messengers of sj)ring return to Pennsylvania as 
 early as the first week in March, remain till October, and 
 sometimes nearly to the middle of November. In Massa- 
 chusetts they arrive about the beginning of A])ril, and at first 
 chiefly frecjuent the woods. 
 
 Their favorite resort is near streams, ])onds, or stagnant 
 waters, al^out bridges, caves, and barns, where they choose to 
 breed : and. in short, wherever there is a good prospect for 
 detaining their insect food. Near such ])laces our little hunter 
 sits on the roof of some out-building, on a stake of the fence, 
 or a projecting branch, calling out at short inter\'als and in a 
 rapid manner phcbc pJicb'c. and at times in a more plaintive 
 tone pJicc-hc-cc. This quaint and querulous note, occasionally 
 ap])roaching to a warble, sometimes also sounds like pcivait 
 pnoiiif, and ihen pr-rcai-rr. also phcbe phe-bcc-ec, twice alter- 
 nated ; the latter phrase somewhat soft and twittering. In the 
 si)ring this not unjileasing guttural warble is kept up for hours 
 together until late in the morning, and though not loud, may 
 be heard to a considerable distance. From a roof I have 
 heard these notes full half a mile across the water of a small 
 lake ; and this cheerful, though monotonous, ditty is only in- 
 terrupted for a few seconds as the performer darts and sweeps 
 after his retreating prey of flies, frequently flirting and quiver- 
 ing his tail and elevating his feathery cap, while sharply 
 watching the motions of his fickle game. 
 
 In the Middle States he begins to constnict his nest about 
 ihe latter end of March, in Massachusetts not before the first 
 
 
rilCEilK. 
 
 417 
 
 not satisfac- 
 ; milder parts 
 n the swamps 
 .' feeding on 
 r well-known 
 30, while em- 
 outh Carolina 
 th an individ- 
 ndant in the 
 
 nmsylvania as 
 October, and 
 . In Massa- 
 il, i.nd at first 
 
 ;, or stagnant 
 ;hey choose to 
 I prospect for 
 ir little hunter 
 p of the fence, 
 r\-als and in a 
 more plaintive 
 , occasionally 
 s like pciLHiit 
 twice alter- 
 -rmg. In the 
 t uj) for hours 
 not loud, may 
 roof I have 
 ter of a small 
 tty is only in- 
 ts and sweeps 
 ig and quiver- 
 while sharply 
 
 Hi is nest about 
 lefore the first 
 
 week in .\|,ril. The nest is situated under a l)riilge, iii a < ive, 
 the side of a well 5 or 6 feet down, under a shed, or in the 
 shelter of the 1<jw eaves of a cottage, and e\en in an empty 
 kitcheii ; sometimes it rests on a beam, though ii is fretjuently 
 attached to the side of a piece of roofing limber in the manner 
 of the Swallow. 
 
 According to the touching relation of Wilson, this humble 
 and intjffensive bird forms 'onjugal attachments \vhi( h jirob- 
 ably continue through life ; for, like the faithful iJluebirds, 
 a pair continued for several years to freijuent and build in a 
 romantic ca\e in the forest which made part of tiie estate of 
 the venerable naturalist, William Ikirtram. Here our unfortu- 
 nate birds had again taken up their weUouu: lease for the 
 summer, again chantcil forth their simple lay of affection, an<l 
 cheered my aged friend with the certain news of spring ; when 
 unexpectedly a party of idle boys, one fital Saturday, de- 
 stroyetl with the gun the parents of ihis old and peaceful 
 settlement ; and from that time forward no other pair were 
 ever seen around this once happy, now desolate spot. 
 
 Their attachment to particular places is intleed remarkable. 
 About the middle of April, 1831, at the Fresh Pond Hotel, in 
 this vicinity, three different nests were begun in the ]>ublic 
 boat-house, which may be here consid —"^d almost as a thorough- 
 fare. Only one nest, however, was completed ; and we could 
 not help admiring the courage and devotedness with which 
 the parents fed their young, and took their alternate station 
 by the side of the nest, unda mted in our presence, only now 
 and then uttering a 'A//// when observed too narrowly. Some 
 ruffian at length tore down the nest and carried off the brood ; 
 but our Pewit immediately comniem ed a new fabric, lai<l 5 
 additional eggs in the same i)lace with the first, and, in haste 
 to finish her habitation, lineil it with the silvery shreds of a 
 Manilla rope which she discovered in the contiguous loft 
 over the boat-house. For several previous seasons the parents 
 had taken up their abode in this vicinity, and seemed unwil- 
 ling to remove from the neighborhoorl they had once ( hosen, 
 in spite of the most untoward circumstances. In two other 
 
 VOL. I. — 27 
 
4i8 
 
 FLYCATCHERS. 
 
 I 
 
 'I" 
 
 ill: 
 
 
 H 
 
 instances I have known a pair, when the nest and eggs were 
 taken by some nitvhievous boys, commence a new nest in 
 the same place, ami bying a smaller number of eggs, ruisetl 
 a second broo<l. In one of those nests, under a bridge, the 
 insidious Cowbird had also dro]-)ped her i)arasitic egg. 
 
 Towards the time of their departure for the South, which is 
 about the middle of October, they are silent, and previously 
 utter their n(jte^ more rscldom, as if mourning the decay of 
 Nature, and anticipating the approaching famine which now 
 urges their migration. In the Middle States they raise two 
 broods in the season : but in Massachusetts the I'ewit rarely 
 raises more than a single brood, unless, as in the instance re- 
 lated, thev have had the misfortune to lose the first hatch. 
 The young, dis{>erscd through the woods in small numbers, 
 may now and then be heard to the close of Sept^iiber exer- 
 cising their feeble voices in a guttural/////^/. Ikit the old birds 
 are almost wholly -rilent, or but little heard, as they flit timidly 
 through the woo<l:^. when once releasetl from the cares of rear- 
 ing their inflint broo«fl : so that here the Phoebe's note is almost 
 a concomitant of spring and the mildest opening of summer, — 
 it is, indeed, much more vigorous in April and May than at 
 any succeeding period- 
 
 The Phfebe is an uncommon bird in the Maritime Provinces, 
 but more common m the vicinity of Montreal and westward to 
 Western Ontario, and in all the Eastern States. It breeds from 
 Manitoba and Newfoundiand to South Carolina, and winters in the 
 (iulf States as well as in Cuba and Mexico. 
 
 i 
 
 Note. -- .Mr. G. S. Miller, Jr., captured on Cape Cod, in Sep- 
 tember, 1SS9, an example of Say's Pho:be (Sayomis sava), the 
 tirst that has been taken to the eastward of the Great Plains. 
 
 n 
 
Wnou I'KWKE. 
 
 419 
 
 and eggs were 
 3 new nest in 
 of eggs, raised 
 r a bridge, the 
 
 c egg. 
 
 South, which is 
 
 and previously 
 ^ the decay of 
 ine which now 
 
 they raise two 
 :he I'ewit rarely 
 :he instance re- 
 
 the first hatch. 
 
 small numbers, 
 Septnnber exer- 
 :',ut the old birds 
 i they flit timidly 
 ;he cares of rear- 
 e's note is almost 
 ig of summer, — 
 nd May than at 
 
 iritime Provinces, 
 
 and westward to 
 
 It breeds from 
 
 uul winters in the 
 
 :ape Cod, in Sep- 
 ^yornis saya), the 
 ;reat Plains. 
 
 WOOD pi:\\i:k. 
 
 CONIOPLS VIklNS. 
 
 Char. Upper parts olive brown, darker on tlic head; lower jiarts 
 whitish, with dull yellow tinge; side.i pale olive, extending across the 
 breast; tail and wings dusky; wings with bars of uiutish. Head with 
 inconspicuous crest. Length 6 to 6ji inches. 
 
 Nest. On branch of a tree ; of twigs and grass, covered exteriorly 
 with lichens and lined with moss. 
 
 >?;";'■•''• 3~4 ; creamy white with spots of brown and lilac wreathed 
 about the larger end; 0.75 X o-55- 
 
 This species has much the appearance of the common Pewit 
 Flycatcher, but differs essentially by its note and habits. The 
 Wood Pewee appears generally to winter south of the Ignited 
 States, and scarcely arrives in Pennsylvania or New England 
 before the middle of May ; its mif itions, in all probability, 
 extend to Canada. According to .Audubon, many of tliem 
 winter in the southern extremity of the United States, and Mr. 
 Townsend and myself frequently saw them in the dark forests 
 of the Oregon. It is a solitary species, frequenting gloomy 
 forests and dark orchards, where, watching on some dead and 
 projecting branch for its insect prey, it sweeps at intervals 
 amidst the shade, and the occasional sna])ping of its bill an- 
 notmces the success of its flight. It then again alights as 
 before, sometimes uttering a sort of gratulatory low twitter, 
 accompanied by a <[uivering of the wings and tail ; and in the 
 lapse of its employment, in a feeble, sighing tone, often cries 
 pce-7vee or pce-e, and sometimes fe-ivcc pc^inttifcc or pmnftcc 
 p'e-wee. This note is continued often till (juite late in the 
 evening, at which time many of the insect brood and moths 
 are abundant. Most of these birds, indeed, ai)j)ear capable of 
 collecting their food by the feeblest light, the only season when 
 some of their favorite prey ever stir abroad. This species also 
 appears particidarly fond of small wild bees. From June to 
 September, its solitary notes are heard in the field and forest ; 
 after which time, preparing for its departure, and intently glean- 
 ing food in every situation, it sometimes ap])roaches the city. 
 
420 
 
 FLVCATCIIKRS. 
 
 If 
 
 ? I 
 
 (I 
 
 i > 
 
 i , 
 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 
 Nf: 
 
 > 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 ■ 
 
 i I ' 
 
 often examines the court^. and ifarden^, at the same time iVed- 
 ing and training its young to the habits of their subsistem e, 
 and about the firot week in October it retires south tu pass the 
 winter. 
 
 Tiie Pewee is a very expert and cautious flycatcher; and as 
 if aware of the drowsiness of insects in the absence of the sun's 
 broad hght, he is on the alert at day-dawn after his prey. At 
 diis early period, and often in the dusk of evening, for the most 
 jxirt of summer till the middle of August, he serenades the 
 neighborhood of his mansion from 3 to 4 or 5 o'ch^ck in the 
 morning, with an almost uninterrupted chanting ditty, swecl, 
 l)ut monctonous, like //-(/r />a\-7L'h', pi'-ay pax-ulr, then in a 
 little higher and less sing-song tone, his usual and more serious 
 pce-d-wec. In dark and damp mornings this curious warble is 
 sometimes continued nearly to 8 o'clock ; and the effect of 
 this tender, lulling lay in the gray dawn, before the awakening 
 of other birds, and their mingling chorus, is singular and pecu- 
 liarly pleasing. It is a gratulatory feeling of unmixed and 
 placid delight, concomitant with the mild reviving light of the 
 opening day and the perfect joy of the mated male, satisfied in 
 every reasona])le desire, — in short, a hymn of j^raise to the 
 benevolent /\uthor and Supporter of existence I 
 
 Towartls the period of departure they become wholly silent ; 
 and driven to extremity, they may n(jw be seen watching the 
 stagnant ])ools and ponds. di])ping occasionally into the still 
 surface .'fter their drowsy and languid prey. Like the King- 
 bird, this species at times displays a tyrannical disposition ; and 
 I have observed one to chase a harmless Sparrow to the ground 
 for safety, who merely by inadvertence happened to approach 
 the station he had temporarily chosen for collecting his insect 
 game. 
 
 The notes oi pcfo-K'ay peto-7C'ay prr-rcuiy are never uttered 
 by this species; but on the 12th of February, 1830. in Ala- 
 bama, I heard, at that season, a bird uttering this note, and 
 several times afterwards I saw a rather large and dark 1-ly- 
 catcher in the pine woods, to which I attributed this call, and 
 which must be a distinct species, as its notes bear no resem- 
 
 m 
 
 vt,( 
 
.me time fco<l- 
 ir subbistcm c, 
 .ith io pass the 
 
 atcher ; and as 
 icf of the sun's 
 r his prey. At 
 ng, for the most 
 
 serenades the 
 5 o'clcjck in the 
 ng ditty, swecl, 
 v--ir. . then in a . 
 nil more si;rious 
 curious warble is 
 id the effect of 
 ? the awakening 
 igular and pecu - 
 3f unmixed and 
 ving Ught of the 
 male, satisfied in 
 
 of praise to the 
 
 :e: 
 
 lie wholly silent ; 
 
 en watching the 
 
 Idly into the still 
 Like the King- 
 
 fl imposition ; and 
 )W to the ground 
 ned to approach 
 ecting his insect 
 
 Ire never uttered 
 (y. 1830, in Ala- 
 Ig this note, and 
 (e and dark 1-ly- 
 Ited this call, and 
 bear no resem- 
 
 •^ 
 
 LEAST ILVCATCIIKR. 
 
 4-^1 
 
 blance to those of the N\ ood I'ewee, — at this season probably 
 in Souih America. 
 
 'I'he Pewee, I believe, raises 1 're but a single brood, which 
 are not abroad before the middle of July. I'he not i> ex- 
 tremely neat and curious, almost miiversally saddled upon an 
 old moss-grown and decayed limb in an hcjrizontal position, 
 and is so remarkably shallow, and incorporated upon the 
 branch, as to be very easily overlooked. The body of the 
 fabric consists of wiry grass or root-fiDres. often blended with 
 small branching lichens, held together with cobwebs and cat- 
 erjjillar's silk, moistened with sali\a ; externally it is so coated 
 over with bluish cruj^taceous lichens as to be hardly discernible 
 from the moss upon the tree. It is lined with fuier root-fibres 
 or slender grass stalks. Some nests are. however, scarcely 
 lined at all, being so thin as readily to admit the light through 
 them, and are often very lousy, with a species of nciints which 
 probably infests the old birds. 
 
 The plaintive and almost pathetic note of th'j Wood Pewee is a 
 familiar sound amid the orchards of New Brunswick, and the bird 
 is of common occurrence through Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba, 
 it breeds south to Florida, and winters southward to .Mexico and 
 Guatemala. 
 
 Lf:ASi' FLYCATCHER. 
 
 CHELEC. 
 
 Empidox.ax minimus. 
 
 Chak. L'iper parts olive: lower parts white, tinged with yellow; 
 the breast washed with olive gray ; wings with two bars of grayish white. 
 Length 5 to 5,'^ inches. 
 
 .\V.7. On fork of a tree; of twigs and grass, lined with grass or 
 feathers. 
 
 E,i\^s. 3-5 ; creamy white, usur.lly unspotted ; 0.63 X 0.50. 
 
 This ix one of our most common summer birds in thi» part 
 of New England, arriving from the South about the la>,t week 
 in April, and leaving \is to retire probably to tropical America 
 about the beginning of September or sometimes a little later. 
 It also extends its migrations to Labrador and the Oregon 
 
422 
 
 FLVCATCIIKRS. 
 
 
 'IVrriton', and seems most abundant in the N'orthern and 
 liastcrn States. Though, Hke the i>rece(hng. thi-se are sohtary, 
 retiring birds, and fond ot' the sha<le of the forest, yet in tins 
 viciinty their nests are numerous. On their first arrival, pre- 
 vious to pairing, they are engaged in constant <iuarrel>> about 
 their mates, and often molest other birds whom they hapjjen to 
 see employed in pursuit of the same kind of ftjtjd with them- 
 selves. Like the jjreceding si)ecies, they take their station <Jii 
 a low branch to reconnoitre the passing insects on which they 
 feed, and from time to time make a circular sweep for their 
 prey. When seated, they utter very frequently a shari), un- 
 l)leasant squeak, somewhat resembling that of the Kingbinl, 
 sounding like (jiicah, and sometimes UsICali, or tslicah, tsluali, 
 and fshooi-, with a guttural, snapi)ing sound, succeeded by a 
 kind of cpienilous, Xaw twitter uttered as they tly from tree to 
 tree, and chiefly at the instant of alighting. At other times 
 they have a recognizing, rather low call of 'whit, ^luhif, re- 
 peated at ^ihort inter\als : again, in the warmest weather, I 
 have heard one of these Pewees call something like the whist- 
 ling of ^7c>eef, 'aw/, 'wcef, 'ici//. Occasionally, when fighting 
 or in flying, it also makes an echoing tshirr. It possesses all 
 the habits of the Kingbird, catches bees, flies, and moths, ex- 
 hibits a variety of quivering motions, and defends its nest with 
 great courage against the approach of larger birds. 
 
 'The nest of the Small Pewee is usually fixed in the slender, 
 upright forks of a young forest tree from 6 to 20 or 30 teet 
 from the ground. I have also found the nests on the horizon- 
 tal branch of an apple-tree or forest tree. In most instances 
 in the woods a gloomy, solitary situation is chosen. The mate- 
 rials of this fabric var}' according to circumstances ; for the 
 first brood a verv- soft and warm nest is usually made of dry 
 grass, willow, and cud-weed <lown in large quantities, partly 
 felted or matted together externally with the saliva of the 
 bird. Common tow, if convenient, is also occasionally em- 
 ployed when the nest is in an apple-tree, for which some neigh- 
 boring graft is probably unravelled. The interior is usually 
 formed of slender, narrow strips of bark, bass, and dry grass ; 
 
 liii :: 
 
i.i:.\>T 1 i.vc.vrciiKK. 
 
 423 
 
 NortluTii and 
 se are solitary, 
 ,'st, yet in tins 
 St arrival, jtre- 
 iiuurrcls about 
 hey hai)i)cii to 
 )od with thcnv 
 hcir station on 
 
 on which they 
 sweep for their 
 / a sharp, un- 
 
 the Kingbird, 
 
 ucceeded h\ a 
 fly from tree to 
 At other times 
 vhit, 'whit, re- 
 lest weather, I 
 r hke the whist- 
 , when fighting 
 It possesses all 
 and moths, ex- 
 Is its nest with 
 s. 
 in the slender, 
 
 20 or 30 feet 
 111 tlie horizon- 
 most instances 
 
 ;en. The mate- 
 ances ; for the 
 ly made of dry 
 lantities, partly 
 
 1 saliva of the 
 ccasionally eni- 
 ich some neigh- 
 srior is usually 
 and dry grass: 
 
 th<' lining,' is commonly of fine root-librf^, >l'n(lcr tops of bi-nt 
 gra^s, and at times a few liair^ and feathers. Occasionally the 
 principal external material consists of strijjs or strings of silk- 
 wiTcl liii: and tbr bark df ihc (i-'iunon \ irgin'> bowi-r. The 
 not is rxtrciiuls neat and uniform, resembling a complete 
 hemisphere. As neits may be fouml late in jnl\, it is 
 probable they have a ^ecoml brood in iht course of the 
 >ea^(jn. 'I hey an- extremely atta{:hed to their offspring, and 
 keep up an incessant, almost choking Ishiiih t.\lu'ah when 
 any person apprcxiches the tri-e where 'hev have their 
 brood, 'llie y(jung and old now ino\e about in (ompanj, 
 and at this time {ki^^X on \arious kinds of berries, Dartic- 
 ularly those of the cornel ami whorileberr)'. At leiigdi the 
 young are ^een to select each other's society, and rove about 
 withoiu any fixed resort, previous to their gradual departure. 
 A pair, prol d)ly of the same brood, still lingered here in Se])- 
 tember, and like the little Parrots called .nseparable. ap])eared 
 fondly to ( herish each other's company. It was toward even- 
 ing when I saw them, and at first they appeared inclined to 
 roost in the shady willow-tree in whif;h they had alighted. They 
 nestlefl close to each other with looks and notes of tenderness 
 and affec tion : wherever one went, the other instantly followed, 
 and the same branch contained the same contented pair. 
 
 Nuttall followed Wilson in the mistake of supposing this species 
 and aadirns to be identical, and in his account lias mingled the 
 biograpliies of the two. The latter is more southern in its distri- 
 InUion, the center of its breeding area being in the Middle States. 
 '• Chebec '' is a common summer resident from Pennsylvania to tlie 
 Gulf of St. Lawrence, and westward to the prairies. It winters 
 south to Panama. 
 

 I ; 
 
 Ik' 
 
 1; 
 
 ft 
 
 TRA I i.i.'s i-i,\ c\ rc: n !:r. 
 
 li.Ml'llJONAX lUAlLl.ll Al.N(JkU.M. 
 
 CllAR. I'ppcr ])aits olive brown, darker on iIk- licad. lipliter on tlie 
 rump; under parts wliitish, the sides tinged with i)ale olive whicli ex- 
 tends nearly across the breast, the belly tinged with yellow ; wings dusky, 
 with yellowish white bars. Length ^'^ to G inches. 
 
 A',s/. On an iijiright fork in a cliiini) of alders or low deciduous tree, 
 I to S feet from the ground; composed of grass roots or hempen tibre, 
 lined usually with fine grass, sometimes with horse-hair or thistle-down. 
 
 ■^vs'-f- 3-4 I creamy white or buff, boldly spotted with light and dark 
 brown chiefly about the larger end ; 0.70 X 0.53. 
 
 'I'his species, so nearly allied to the last, was fir.->t distin- 
 guished by Audubon. Its note resembles the syllable 'w/icef, 
 'ri'/ur/, articulated clearly while in the act of Hying. It was 
 first obser\ed on the wooded skirts of the prairies along the 
 banks of the Arkansas. Mr. Townscnd and myself observed it 
 in various places in the skirts of the forests of the Columbia 
 and Wahlamet during the summer, when it was breeding, but 
 we could not discover the nest. Its motions are thus de- 
 scribed by Autlubon : " When leaving the top branches of a 
 low tree this bird takes long flights, skimming in zig-zag lines, 
 passing close over the tops of the tall grasses. snaj)ping at and 
 seizing different species of winged insects, and returning to the 
 same trees to alight." 
 
 Traill's Flycatcher is chiefly a spring and autumn migrant 
 through southern New England, though a few pairs breed as far 
 
 *i« 
 
ACAIHA.N I LVLAlLllKk. 
 
 4-^5 
 
 K, 
 
 cad. liglitci on the 
 le tilivc. which cx- 
 low ; wings dusky, 
 
 u\v dtcidui'iis tree, 
 i or hempen fibre, 
 - or thistle-down, 
 vith light and dark 
 
 rt-as fir.^t distin- 
 syllablc 'K'hcet, 
 Hying. It was 
 
 ■airifs along the 
 >clf observed it 
 i the C'ohimbia 
 > brcciiing, but 
 s are thus de- 
 branches of a 
 in zig-zag hnes, 
 , napping at and 
 Ireturning to the 
 
 lutumn migrant 
 lairs breed as far 
 
 south as I. out; Island. It i.s a common suiuiner residiiu of Maine 
 and (if the nortliern part of W'rniont .ind \e\v !Iaini)siiire. and 
 IS not un< ;)ninion on the Herkshire hills in .Mass.uliusells. It is 
 ( (tiniuon in New Hrunswick. West of tliis re^jion it breeds fartlier 
 to tiie southward, being eonunon in tiie middle of Olno .md in 
 soutlurn Illinois and .Missouri. .Mr. .McIIwraith considers it un- 
 common in ( )ntario, and .Mr. Thompson reports it i ommoii in 
 .Manitoba. It winters in Central .Xmerit.i. 
 
 There has been considerable discussion over the biceding ludiits 
 of this species, caused by the difference m habits of ilie Western 
 birds from those which breeil near the Atlaiuic. Here the favorite 
 site is a clump of alders near a running stre.im. and the nest is 
 placetl within a foot or two of the grounil : while in the West a 
 small tree is generally selected, — sometimes an oak, — and the 
 nest is placed as high as ten feet. The nest, in the XVest, is not .so 
 compactly or neatly matle, and the materials are coarser. The note 
 of this bird — for while the Flycatchers are not cla.^s'd with the 
 Oscincs, or Singingdlirds, they add not a little to our forest melo- 
 dies — is peculiar, though strictly of the family type. It sounds 
 something like lce-\i.<ink delivered with a rising intleciion and the 
 accent on tlie tinal sound, which is prolonged, — (piite a different 
 note from the abrupt clwln'c of minim lis. I have never hearil the 
 song uttered on the wing: but when the bird is perching, the head 
 is to.ssed back, and the note is _//«;/;' out with a decided emphasis 
 of manner as well as of voice. 
 
 ACADIAN ITA'CATCTIKR. 
 
 Empidon'.w viuksckns. 
 
 (TiAR. Upper parts olive, sligiitly darker on crown; under parts 
 whitish, the sides tinged with i)ale olive, which reaches almost across the 
 breast; belly tinged with pale yellow; wings and tail dusky; wing-bars 
 huffy. Length 5}^ to 6 inches. 
 
 A'cst. In a tree, suspended on fork of twigs at the extremity of a low 
 limb; rather loosely made of moss or grasses and shreds of bark bound 
 with spider's webbing. 
 
 /\i,',i,^s. 2-4; buff or creamy white, spotted, chiefly about the larger 
 end, with reddish brown; 0.75 X 0.55. 
 
 The older writers had rather confused ideas regarding these 
 small Flycatchers, and Nuttall supposed he was writing of the 
 present species, when the bird he had in mind was ininiiniK. 
 

 426 
 
 FLYCATCHERS. 
 
 ,' ( 
 
 
 The Acadian Flycatcher bel()ii<;s to the Middle States ratliet 
 than to New Eny,land, and lias been taken but once north ot the 
 Connecticut valley. It is abundant in CMiio and Illinois, but has 
 not been observed in Ontario. Mr. Thompson reports it as com- 
 mon in Manitoba. It breeds south to Florida, and winters in 
 Central America. 
 
 ! iiave not met with this species in the field, but those who iiave 
 bven so fortunate describe ii as a shy bird, seeking the low, moist 
 thicket and shaded groves rather t'.ian the open pastures. Dr. 
 Coues thinks the nest " may be compared to a light hammock 
 swung between forks." It is shallow and saucer-shaped, and so 
 loosely made that the eggs may be seen from below. Dr. Wheaton 
 states that so much loose grass is left on the outside of the nest 
 ''that it looks like a tuft of hay caught by the limb from a load 
 driven under it." 
 
 Mr. Chapman tells us that the most common call of this bird is 
 '• a single s/>ei- ox peet re])eated at short intervals, and accompanied 
 bv a rapid twitching of the tail. A more peculiar note is a louder 
 pee-e-yuk. The bird seems to articulate this no.e with difficulty, 
 with bill pointing upward nnd wings trembling, like a fledgling 
 begging for food." 
 
 r 
 
 i 
 
 
 YELIX)W-B1-: I.LIED FLYCATCHER. 
 
 E.MI'IIX )XAX FI,A\"I\KX'1RIS. 
 
 Chak. Upi^er parts dull olive, darker on the crown; under parts 
 bright vellow, shaded with olive on the breast; wing-bars pale yellow; a 
 yellow ling arouiul the eye. Length 5J/2 to 6 inches. 
 
 Nest. .Amid ninss-covered roots of upturned tree or mossy log; of 
 twigs, or vegetable fibre, or moss, lined witli roofs, or tine grass, or 
 moss. 
 
 -^vC-f- 4; pal«-' buff, sparingly spotted, mostly about larger end, with 
 reddish brown ; 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
 This species was discovered about 1843, and for manv years-— 
 as late as 18S0 - was considered a rare bird. Even now compar- 
 atively few persons are familiar with it. though it occurs throughout 
 this Eastern Province. It is common in New England, breeding 
 in the northern portion, and occurs on the higher hills elsewhere. 
 I found it abundant in New Brunswick, and it has been traced 
 northward to the lower Hudson Bay region. Macoun reports it 
 '"ommon at Lake Mistissini. 
 
many years — 
 \n now compar- 
 :urs throughout 
 
 rland, breeding 
 It ills elsewhere. 
 las been traced 
 
 :oun reports it 
 
 VKLL( )\V-1U:LLIEI) KLVCATCHER. 
 
 427 
 
 States rather 
 norlli ol the 
 inois. but has 
 rls it as com- 
 \d winters in 
 
 lose who luive 
 the low, moist 
 pastures. Dr. 
 ight hammock 
 ,haped, and so 
 Dr. Wheaton 
 ide of the nest 
 lb from a load 
 
 I of tliis bird is 
 id accompanied 
 note is a louder 
 : with difficulty, 
 [ike a Hedgling 
 
 Dr. Wlieaton considered it a common migrant tliroug'i Ohio, 
 but (ib.>>Lrvers in (Jntario have met with it so seldom as to think 
 it rare, though Kidgway says the bird is common in Illinois, and 
 Tliompson found it in Manitoba. 
 
 Tin notes of this species have caused much iMscussion. some 
 writers claiming for* it an individuality, and others insisting that it 
 litters nothing different from the notes of traillii or minimus. Tlie 
 kil-lii of Jla-'ivcntris seems, to my ear. cjuite different from the 
 kc-iuink of Traill's, — which is rather sibilant, and is delivered 
 witli a rising inflection, — and differs also from \\\^ che-bec of the 
 Least Flycatcher. While the 'atter delivers the last two notes 
 abruptly and makes more or less pause after each couplet, the 
 Yellow-bellied wliistles four notes, kil-lic kil-/ii, with, but a short 
 pause — a mere /vj/ — between each pair, and delivers the notes 
 witli a trifle less abruptness. Dr. Dwight thinks the song " is more 
 suggestive of a sneeze on the bird's part, than of anv other sound 
 with wiiich it may be compared." 
 
 Otlier notes of tlie present species resemble pea and pe-ive-vcii. 
 These are heard when a pair are in close companionship. Thev 
 are soft, sweet, cooing-notes. delivered in a plaintive tone that 
 suggests the tender pathos of the Pewee's. 
 
 ER. 
 
 j\vn ; under parts 
 [s pale yellow ; a 
 
 \x mossy log ; of 
 >r fine grass, or 
 
 larc;er end, with 
 
 Note. — The Fork-tailed Flyc.-vtcher {Milvulus tvran- 
 juis), a bird of Central and SouLli America, has occasionallv 
 wandered north, and been taken in Mississippi, Kenturks-, and 
 New Jersey. 
 
 Also a few examples of the Scissor-t.\iled Flycatcher 
 (^Mikntlus forficatus'). which rarely appears north or east of 
 Texas, have been seen in X'irginia, New Jersey, Connecticut. 
 (Ontario, and Manitoba, and one wandered to the shores of 
 Hudson Bav. 
 
 BRf \ 
 
 i 
 

 1 
 
 
 if H 
 
 1 t- 
 
 
 
 
 {' ' 
 
 
 t'' '' '': ' 
 
 ! 
 
 I ri. 
 
 ' 
 
 •■ ■ ii 
 
 /! 
 
 
 I 
 
 1- 
 
 •M.-^f 
 
 n 
 
 ( 1 
 
 It 
 
 i I 
 
 
 fd^^f'^^' 
 
 CAROLINA PAR0QUP:T. 
 
 CAROLINA PARROT. PARAKEET. 
 CONURUS CAKOLINKNSIS. 
 
 Char. Head and neck yellow ; forehead and sides of head orange 
 red; body and tail green, the belly tinged with yellow; wings green and 
 yellow, the edges tinged with orange red. In immature specimens the 
 yellow of head -i/.id neck is replaced by green. Length about 13 inches. 
 
 jVt's/. In den.se woods or cypress swamp ; placed on a fork near the 
 end of a branch or in a hole in a tree. When on a branch it is made of 
 cypress twigs loosely woven, and a nest in a hole is usually lined with 
 cypress twigs. When abundant the birds generally build in large colonies. 
 
 ^A.S''^- -~5 (•'') ; greenish white or creamy; 1.40 X i.os- 
 
 Of more than 200 species now known to belong to this 
 remarkable and brilliant genus, the present is the only one 
 found inhabiting the United States ; it is also restricted to the 
 warmer parts, rarely venturing beyond the State of Virginia. 
 West of the Alleghanies, however, circumstances induce these 
 birds commonly to visit much higher latitudes ; so that, fob 
 
CAROLINA IAR«>»L'ET. 
 
 429 
 
 
 
 P 
 
 j*.> 
 
 !=-/ 
 fc. 
 
 of head orange 
 wings green and 
 Ire si)eciniens the 
 jbout 13 inches. 
 
 a fork near the 
 jich it is made of 
 Isiially lined with 
 ill large colonies. 
 
 |5- 
 
 lielong to this 
 
 [the only one 
 
 (stricted to the 
 
 |e of Virghiia. 
 
 induce these 
 
 so that, fol- 
 
 lowing the great valley of the Missi-Ssippi, they are seen to 
 fre(iuent the banks of the Illinois. an<i occasionally to ajjproac h 
 the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Straggling paities 
 even have sometimes been seen in the valley of the Jimiata in 
 Pennsylvania, and a tluck, to the great surprise of the Dutch 
 inhabitants of Albany, are said to have appeared in that vicin- 
 ity. They ( onstantly inhabit and breed in the S<juthern States, 
 and are so far hardy as to make their appearance, commonly 
 in the tlepth of winter, along the w<X)<iy banks of the (Jiiio, 
 the interior of Alabama, the banks of the Mississippi and 
 Missouri arountl St. Louis, and other places, when nearly all 
 other birds have migrated before the storms of the season. 
 
 The Carolina Parrakeets in all their movements, which are 
 uniformly gregarious, sh(jw a peculiar predilection for the allu- 
 vial, rich, and dark forests bordering the principal rivers and 
 larger streams, in which the towering cj-press and gigantic 
 sycamore spread their vast summits, or stretch their innumer- 
 able arms over a wide waste of moving or stagnant waters. 
 From these, the beech, and the hack-berr\", they derive an 
 important supply of food. The flocks, moving in the manner 
 of wild Pigeons, dart in swift and air\" phalanx through the 
 green boughs of the forest ; screaming in a general concert, they 
 wheel in wide and descending circles round the tall button- 
 wood, and all alight at the same instant, their green vesture, 
 like the fairy mantle, rendering them nearly invisible beneath 
 the shady branches, where they sit perhaps arranging their 
 plumage and shuffling side by side, seeming to caress and 
 scratch each other's heads with all the fondness and unvarying 
 friendship of affectionate Doves. If the gun thin their ranks 
 tiiey hover over the screaming, wounded, or dying, and return- 
 ing and flying aroimd the i)la(:e where they miss th'.dr compan- 
 ions, in their sympathy seem to lose all idea of impending 
 danger. When more fortunate in their excursions, they next 
 proceed to gratify the calls of himger, and descend to the 
 banks of the river or the neighboring fields in (juest of the 
 inviting kernels of the cockle-burr, and probably of the bitter- 
 weed, which they extract from their husks with great dexterity. 
 
430 
 
 PARROTS. 
 
 I' 
 
 if 
 
 I ' 
 
 r 
 
 11 
 
 II 
 
 ft 
 r , 
 
 m 
 
 
 ' ■ 
 
 
 ■ i 
 
 ' If: 
 
 H 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 i 
 
 
 
 In the depth of vinter, when other resources begin to fail, 
 they, in common with the Yellow Bird and some other 
 Finches, assemble among the tall sycamores, and hanging 
 from the extreme twigs in the most airy and graceful jjostures, 
 scatter around them a cloud of down from the pendant balls 
 in quest of the seeds, which now afford them an ample re})ast. 
 With that peculiar caprice, or perhaps ai)petite. which char- 
 acterizes them, they are also observed to frequent the saline 
 springs or /ic/;s to gratify their uncommon taste for salt. ( )ut 
 of mere wantonness they often fre(|uent the orchards, and 
 appear delighted with the fruitless frolic of plucking apples 
 from the trees and strewing them on the ground untasted. 
 So common is this practice among them in Arkansas Territory 
 that no apples are ever suffered to ripen. They are also fond 
 of some sorts of berries, and particularly of mulberries, which 
 they eat piecemeal in their usual manner as they hold them by 
 the foot. According to Audubon, they liKcwise attack the 
 outstanding stacks of grain in flocks, committing great waste ; 
 and on these occasions, as well as the former, they are so 
 bold or incautious as readily to become the i)rey of the sports- 
 man in great numbers. Peculiarity of food appears wholly to 
 influence the visits and residence of this bird, and in plain, 
 champaign, or mountainous countries they are wholly strangers, 
 though common along the banks of all the intermediate 
 watercourses and lagoons. 
 
 Of their manners at the interesting period of i)ropagation 
 and incubation we are not yet satisfactorily informed. They 
 nest in hollow trees and take little if any pains to provide more 
 than a simple hollow in which to lay their eggs, like the W'ood- 
 l)eckers. They are at all times particularly attached to the 
 large sycamores, in the hollow trunks of which they roost in 
 close community, and enter at the same aperture into which 
 they climb. They are said to cling close to the sides of the 
 tree, holding fast by the claws and bill ; and into these hollows 
 they often retire during the day, either in very warm or incle- 
 ment weather, to sleep or pass away the time in indolent and 
 social security, like the Rupicolas of the Peruvian caves, at 
 
:l 
 
 CAROLINA PAKO<,)LET. 
 
 431 
 
 icgin to fail, 
 
 sonic other 
 ind hanging 
 ;ful postures, 
 )endant balls 
 iniple repast. 
 
 which char- 
 nt the saline 
 'or salt. Out 
 rchards. and 
 icking apples 
 uul untasted. 
 [isas Territory 
 
 are also fond 
 berrie>. which 
 
 hold them by 
 se attack the 
 2 ereat waste ; 
 r, they are so 
 
 of the sports- 
 lears wholly to 
 
 and in plain, 
 
 loUy strangers, 
 intermediate 
 
 )f propagation 
 lirmed. They 
 provide more 
 ike the Wood- 
 tached to the 
 they roost in 
 lire into which 
 If sides of the 
 these hollows 
 •arm or incle- 
 indolent and 
 Lian caves, at 
 
 length only hastily aroused to forage at the calls of hunger, 
 Inileed, from the swiftness and celerity of their aerial move- 
 ments, darting through the gleaming sunshine like so many 
 sylvan cherubs decked in green and gold, it is obvious that 
 their actions ai well as their manners are not calculated for 
 any long endurance ; and shy and retiring from all society but 
 that to which they are insejjarabl}' wedded, they rove abroad 
 with incessant activity until their wants are gratified, when, hid 
 from sight, they again relapse into that indolence which seems 
 a relief to their exertions. 
 
 The Carolina Parrot is readily tamed, and early >.hows an 
 attachment to those around who bestow any attention on its 
 wants; it soon learns to recollect its name and to answer and 
 come when called on. It does not, however, evince mu( h, if 
 any, capacity for mimicking human speech or sounds of any 
 kind, and as a domestic is very peaceable and rather taciturn. 
 It is extremely fond of nuts and almonds, and may be sup- 
 ported on the vegetable food usually given to other species. 
 One which I saw at Tuscaloosa, a week after being disabled in 
 the wing, seemed perfectly reconciled to its dome.itic conili- 
 tion ; and as the weather was rather cold, it remained the 
 greater part of the time in the house, climbing up the sides of 
 the wire fender to enjoy the warmth of the fire. I was in- 
 formed that when first caught it scaled the side of the room 
 at night, and roosted in a hanging posture by the bill and 
 claws ; but finding the labor difficult and fruitless, having no 
 companion near which to nestle, it soon submitted to pass the 
 night on the bq,ck of a chair. 
 
 I fear that the story of this gorgeously apparalled bird is nearly 
 finished. It is not quite exterminated yet, but of the large flocks 
 that were once to be seen all over the Southern States, only a mere 
 remnant can be found, and these are hidden amid the dense 
 swamps of central Florida and along the lower valley of the Mis- 
 sissippi. The farmers and fruit-growers were obliged to kill large 
 numbers, and later woman's vanity and man's greed have joined 
 hands to carry on the slaughter. From the combined attack of 
 such foes the remnant has but slight chance for escape. 
 
If 
 
 YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. 
 
 rain crow. 
 Ojco'zu- america>:us. 
 
 Char. Upper mandiWe asad tip of lower, black ; rest of lower mandi- 
 ble and cutting edges of upjjier, vtllow. Ujiper parts olive, witli a : 'ight 
 metallic gloss, tinged with as-h toward the bill ; wings tinged with rufous ; 
 m' Idle feathers of tail like back, remainder black tipped with white ; 
 beneath, white or creamy, JLejigih about u inches. 
 
 A'c'sL In a thicket bjr tht s-ide of a stream or on the border of a 
 swamp ; placed in a bsfch or Jow tree. A ilat, frail affair made of twigs 
 loosely laid, sometimes Icme-d vhh bark strips or grass. 
 
 A\%'-s. 2-6 (usually 4) ; jnzit dull ■jreen or bluish green; 1.25 X 0.90. 
 
 The American Cacko'» arrives in the middle and colder 
 States of the L'nion afjomit the close oi April or the first week 
 of May, and [)roceefl-* to the north as for as Nova Scotia. 
 It i)robably winters in Miexko. and individuals pass no farther 
 than the fore<<-s of I>o''iiii-jiana. We also met with it in the 
 remote Territory of Oregon. Latham speaks of these birds 
 also as inhabitants of the tropical island of Jamaica. They 
 delight in the shady reCBrenient of the forest, and are equally 
 common in tall thick ■- nd orchards, where, like piratical 
 prowlers, they skulk and hjde among the thickest boughs ; and 
 although, unlike the KiJio|>ean Cuckoo, they are faithfully paired, 
 yet the pair are seldom seen in tlie same tree, but, shy and 
 watchful, endeavor to elude everything like close obserwition. 
 
VKLIJ >\V-1ULL'IJ CUCKOO. 
 
 433 
 
 of lower mandi- 
 ve, with a : 'ight 
 ged witli rut'ou:, ; 
 )cd with white ; 
 
 the border of a 
 ir made of twigs 
 
 ; 1.25 XO.90. 
 
 le and colder 
 [the first week 
 Nova Scotia. 
 lass no farther 
 •ith it in the 
 )f these birds 
 knaica. They 
 ^d are equally 
 like piratical 
 boughs ; and 
 th fully paired, 
 1 but, shy and 
 obsers'ation. 
 
 'Ihc male, however, fretjuently uetrays iiis >,nug retreat by his 
 monotonous and guttural kow ko-n.> ko'ic k('>7o, or koc koo koo 
 h.oo, and ko kiik, ho kuk, koo koo koo kiik, koo ko koo, k(>o 
 ko koo. uttered rather low and plaintively, likf the call of the 
 Dove. At otlier times the ko7>.> kow koro. and '//: '//' '//■ '/k 
 '/.ik, or 'k/i 'k/i 'kk 'kh 'kali koio ko7c koio ko7o, beginning 
 >K)\v. rises, and becomes :/' (juick as almost to resemble the 
 grating of a watchman's rattle, or else, commeiiciiig with this 
 call, terminates in the distant cry of koio koio koio. I'rom this 
 note, supposed to be most clamorous at the approach of ram, 
 it has received in Virginia and other States the name of Raiti- 
 Cnr.o and CoK'-Bin/. At various seasons durmg the contin- 
 uance of warm weather the vigil ko-w korc ko7c> ko^c of the 
 faithful male is uttered for hours at intervals throughout the 
 night. The same notes, but delivered in a slower and rather 
 tender strain, are given with great regularity likewise in the 
 day as long as the j)eriod of incid)ation continues. He often 
 steadfastly watches any approach to the nest, going to it occa- 
 sionally to assure himself mat it is tmmolested ; and at times 
 he may i)e observed darting even at the dormant bat, who 
 accidentally seeks repose beneath the shadv leaves of some 
 contiguous tree, so that he is no less vigilant in seeking the 
 security of his own progeny than in piratically robbing the 
 nests of his neighbors. 'I'here are two or three other species 
 in Jamaica and other parts of tropical America possessing a 
 note very similar to that of our bird, which also fre(|uently 
 apjiroaches, when delivered in the plaintive mood, koo koo and 
 koo koo koo. the usual sound of the European Cuckoo. There 
 is a Mexican species {^Ciiculus riiiihundiis) which so simulates 
 laughter as to have excited the sujierstition of the natives, 
 by whom it is hated as a messenger of evil, its accidental 
 note of risibility being construed into an ominous delight in 
 misfortune. 
 
 The whole tribe of Cuckoos are in disijrace for the tmnatural 
 conduct of the European and some other foreign species, who, 
 making no nests nor engaging in conjugal cares parasitically 
 deposit their eggs one by one in the nests of other small birds, 
 
 VOL. 1. — 28 
 
,1 
 
 ffp 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 » 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 434 
 
 CLCKOUS. 
 
 I 
 
 
 to whom the care of rearing the vagrant foundling is uniformly 
 consigned. 
 
 liiit we may turn with satisf:iction to the conjugal history of 
 our own subject, which, early in May or soon after its arrival, 
 may be at times observed obstinately engageel in the (juarrels 
 of selective attachment. The dispute being settled, the ne^t is 
 commenced, and usually fixed e^'ther in the horizontal brant hes 
 of an apple-tree or in a thicket, a ihorn-busli, crab, cedar, or 
 other small tree in somt- retired part of the woods. Tiie fabric 
 is usually very slovenly and hastily ])ut together, and possesses 
 scarcely any concavity for the reception of the young, who in 
 conse(iuence often fall out of their uncomfortable ( radle. The 
 nest is a mere llooring of twigs put together in a zig-zag form, 
 then blended with green weeds or leaves and withered blos- 
 soms of the maple, apple, or hickory catkins. A nest near the 
 Botanic (larden had, besides twigs, fragments of bass-mat, and 
 was very uncomfortably heated, and damjj with the termenta- 
 tion of the green tops of a sjjecies of maj)le introduced into it, 
 and the whole swarmed with thrush-lice or milli])edes. The 
 eggs :.rc of a bluish-green color, often pale, varying in the 
 shade and without spots ; they are somewhat round and rather 
 large. Tf they are handled before the commencement of incu- 
 bation, the owner generally forsakes the nest, but is very tena- 
 cious and affectionate towards her young, rnd sits so close as 
 almost to allow of being taken off by the hand. She then 
 fretjuently ])recipitates herself to the ground, tluttering. tumb- 
 ling, and feigning lameness, in the manner of many other affec- 
 tionate and artful birds, to draw the intruder away from the 
 ])remises of her brood. At stich times the mother also adds to 
 the contrivance by uttering most uncouth and almost alarming 
 guttural sounds, like (///(} <///(}/i ^i^u>ai/i, as if choking, as she runs 
 along the ground. While the female is thus dutifully engaged 
 in sitting on her charge, the male takes his station at no great 
 distance, and gives alarm by his notes at the approach of an> 
 intruder ; and when the young are hatched, both unite in the 
 labor of providing them with food, which, like their own, con- 
 sists chiefly of the hairy caterpillars, rejected by other birds. 
 
VLLLt'\V-l;ll.l.i;i) (UCKiM.. 
 
 4^b 
 
 is uniformly 
 
 gal histury of 
 icr its arrival, 
 ^ the (luarrcls 
 ;d, the nest is 
 ,ntal brani hes 
 rab. cellar, or 
 s. The fabric 
 ami ])ossesses 
 young, wht.) in 
 ■ (■ rattle. The 
 I /ig-/.ag form, 
 withered blos- 
 ^ nest near the 
 [ bass-mat, and 
 the fermenta- 
 rodnced into it, 
 illii)edes. The 
 .varying in the 
 iinul and rather 
 ement of incu- 
 it i- very tena- 
 sits so close as 
 11,1. She then 
 uttering, tumb- 
 mv other affec- 
 away from the 
 er also adds to 
 Imost alarming 
 nu. as she runs 
 lituUy engaged 
 ^ion at no great 
 iproach of an> 
 ith unite in the 
 heir own, con- 
 ,y other birds, 
 
 that so commonly infest the aiiple-trees, and live in coinma- 
 nities within a common silky web. Ihi y also tlcvour the large 
 yellow cockchafer, ('•ir<i/>i\ and other kinds of insects, as will 
 a^ various sorts of berries; but their wor>t i«rt»i»en>ity is the 
 parasitic habit of sucking the eggs of other birds, thus spread- 
 ing niin and dismay wherever they ai)proa(h. 'Ihey hatch 
 several broods in a season, and 1 have seen a ne^t with eggs in 
 it as late as the 2.Sth of August ! — though they usually take their 
 departure in some jjart of the month of September. Consid- 
 ering the time they are engaged in breeding, they raise but few 
 young, appearing to be improvid it nurses and bad nest- 
 makers, so that a considerable ])art of their ])rogeny are cither 
 never hatched, or perish soon after. These birds are greatly 
 atta< hed to places where small birds resort, for the sake of 
 su< king their eggs; and I have found it difti« ult at times to 
 eject them, as when their nests are robbed, without much con- 
 tem they commence again in the same vicinity, but adding 
 caution to their operations in proportion to the persecution 
 they meet with. In this way, instead of their exposing the 
 nest in some low bush, I have with difti( uity met with one at 
 least in a tall larch, wore than fifty fret from the ground. 
 ^Vhen wholly routed, the male kej^t n]> a mcjurnful X'/'.-i' ^vti' 
 A'd7i' for several days, ajipearing now sensible by experience of 
 his own predatory practices. 
 
 Careless in providing comfort for her ])rogeny, the Amer- 
 ican Cuckoo, like that of luirope, seems at times inclined to 
 throw the charge of her offspring on other birds. Api)roach- 
 ing to this habit. I have found an egg of the Cuckoo in the 
 nest of a Catbird; yet though the habitation was usurped, the 
 intruder prob..bly intended to hat' •^. her own eggs. At another 
 time, on the 15th of June, 1S30, 1 saw a Rol)in's ne^t with two 
 eggs in it indented, and penetrated by the bill of a bird, and 
 the egg of a Cuckoo deposited in the same nest. Both 
 birds forsook the premises, so that the object of this forcible 
 entr}' was not ascertained. — though the mere appropriation 
 of the nest would seem to ha\e been the intention of the 
 Cuckoo. 
 
43^ 
 
 CUCKUOS. 
 
 il I 
 
 
 Tliis Cuckoo occurs lhr()ii;;hnut this l''auiial I'rovincc north to 
 New iJrunswick. its brccdini,' area extendi iiij srxitli to Florida. 
 Nuttall has not mentioned one peculiar habit of this bird. — that of 
 layinc; ey;i;s at such lony; intervals that youn,<; in very dit'ferer.t stages 
 of maturity arc frequently fountl in tiu.' same ne..t, a • -''<o youni; 
 i)irds and partially incubated ejj.iis. Tiie practice ,4 its ejiys 
 
 in the nests ot other birds is seldom indulged in. — indeed, the 
 known instances are extremely rare. 
 
 i I 
 
 I I 
 
 BL\CK-I]ILLi:i) CUCKOr). 
 
 R.MN CROW. 
 COCCYZL'S FRY rHR( )1'H I HALMUS. 
 
 Chak. .\h()vu, olive brown with a slight metallic gloss, tinged with 
 asli toward the bill; wings slightly tinged with rufous; tail similar to 
 back, outer feathers slightly tinged with gray, narrowly tipped with white. 
 Benejtli, white, tinged on the throat with pale buff, fiiil black. Length 
 about 12 inches. 
 
 JVi's/. On the edge of a swanipv wood, usually in a retired situation 
 placed generally in a low bush; made of twigs, strii)s of bark, moss, and 
 catkins. Simil.ir tu the nest of the Yellow-billed, but somewhat firmer 
 and more artistic. 
 
 A^'S^'f- 2-6 (usually 4) ; deep glaucous green ; 1,10 X 0.80. 
 
 This species, so nearly related to the preceding, is also 
 equally common throughout the United States in summer, and 
 extends its migrations about as far as the line of Nova Scotia 
 or Newfoundland. This kind also exists in the island of St. 
 Domingo and Ciuiana, and the birds which visit us probably 
 retire to pass the winter in the nearest parts of tropical 
 -America. They arrive in Massachusetts later than the Vellow- 
 billed Cuckoo, and the first brood are hatched here about the 
 4th of June. In Cleorgia they begin to lay towards the close 
 of April. Their food, like that of the preceding species, also 
 consists of hairy caterpillars, beetles, and other insects, and 
 even minute shell-fish. They also, like many birds of other 
 orders, swallow gravel to assist digestion. 
 
 They usually retire into the woods to breed, being less 
 familiar thaa the former, choosing an evergreen bush or sap- 
 ling for the site of the nest, which is made of twigs pretty well 
 
"T^ 
 
 ncc north to 
 
 to Floriihi. 
 
 ird, — that of 
 
 tforor-.t sta.uos 
 
 ■ -'so younn 
 
 .4 its ejius 
 
 - indeed, the 
 
 loss, tinged with 
 
 ; tail similar to 
 
 l)ped with white. 
 
 black. Length 
 
 retired situation 
 
 bark, moss, and 
 
 somewhat firmer 
 
 0.80. 
 
 (ling, is also 
 svimtiier, and 
 
 f Nova Scotia 
 
 e island of St. 
 
 it us probably 
 ts of tropical 
 
 an the Yellow- 
 lere about the 
 ards the close 
 g species, also 
 insects, and 
 irds of other 
 
 pd, being less 
 
 bush or sap- 
 
 ligs pretty well 
 
 MANCiKONi; ( LCKU<i. 
 
 437 
 
 put togctluT, but still little more than a conc.ue flooring;, and 
 lined with moss occasionally, and withered ( aikin> of the hick- 
 ory. Ihe female sits very close on the nest, admitting a near 
 approach before (lying ; the young, before aciiuiring their 
 fcatiiers, are of a imiform bright gra\ish blue; at a little dis- 
 tance from the nest the male keeps up the usual raiiltng (all 
 of Xv/Ti' /v'7i' Xv'a' Xv7t', the uote iiK reasmg in loudness and 
 (juickness ; sometimes the (all seeln^ like /■//' kh' hlf klC ' kh 
 'kali, the notes growing louder, and running together like those 
 of the \'ello\v-winged Wotjdpecker. This si)t.( ics has also, 
 before rain, a pe( uliar call, in a raucous, guttural \(>ice, like 
 onaltotoo or 'iKHurattotoo. It is less timorous than thr N'ellow- 
 billed kind ; and near the nest with yoiuig. I have observed 
 tlie parent composedly sit and plume itself tor a considerable 
 time withotU showing any alarm at my presence. It is e(|ually 
 addicted to the i)ractice of sucking the eggs of other birds. 
 Indeed, one that I saw last sunnner. kej)! up for hours a con- 
 stant watch after the eggs of a Robin sitting in an apple-tree, 
 which, with her mate, kept up at intervals a running fight witii 
 the Cuckoo for two days in succession. 
 
 This species is considered less abundant than the Yellow-billed, 
 hut it has much the same genera! distribution ; it goes, howc\ r, 
 farther nortli, having been taken in Newfoundland and Lalirad )r. 
 and is common in .Manitoba. wh(.TL' the \'cllow-billt.'d is not found. 
 The Black-billed is rather common in New lirunswick and Nova 
 Scotia and throughout New England. 
 
 MANGROVE CUCKOO. 
 
 COCCVZU.S MINOR. 
 
 Char. Above, olive ; head, ashy ; below, hiifi vith tawny tinge, paler 
 towards the chi . ; middle tail-feather olive, rest black, broadly tipped 
 with white. Length \i inches 
 
 A'cst. In a low tree or bush; loosely made of twigs. 
 
 ^K.K^- 3~4; pale green or bluish green ; 1.25 X 0.90. 
 
 The Mangrove Cuckoo is especially a West Indian bird, but is 
 a resident also of the Florida Keys, though not common there 
 A few examples have been met with in Louisiana. 
 
43« 
 
 NVOODI'KCKERS. 
 
 NoTK. — MAVNAl(r)'s Ci'CKoo (C'. minor mavnanii), a smaller 
 race, with |)alLr lower parts, is found In the iJahama islands and in 
 Soutliern !• h)ri(hi. 
 
 Noi !•:. — Nutlall made no mention in his book of the Am {Croto- 
 pluit'ii itiii), a South American bird that IkuI been found in Loui- 
 siana and Florida. It wa>. hut a strai^nltr within the borders ,1 the 
 Liiitetl States it) his day, and is still < oiisidered a rare bird here. 
 A few years ago one was taken near I'hiladelpliia by Mr. John 
 K rider. 
 
 \\i 
 
 w 
 
 i ). . 
 
 I, 
 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 
 ^^H^^^ 
 
 
 i'i,1(ki;k. 
 
 ooli)EN-\vin(;ei) \v(M)I)Im:cki:r. imc.eon \vooDr'i:cKKr<. 
 
 IIK.II-IIULULR. 
 (.'ol.AIMKS AUK.VrUS. 
 
 <n\R. Male: alcove, olive brown barrt-d with black; ( rown and 
 side- of neck bluish j;ray ; red crescent on nape; "moustache" black; 
 rump white ; beneath, pale brown with pink and yellow tints, each feather 
 bearing a spot of black ; breast with conspicuutis black crescent ; shafts 
 and under >urface of win^s aiul tail golden yellow. Female : similar, but 
 without the black '• moustache." bength about 12^4 inches. 
 
 .\'.'7. In open woodland, p.asture, or orchard; a cavity excavated in 
 dead trunk, and unlined save for the fine chips made bv the boiiiig. 
 
 /^j:.''- 6-IO (usually 2 or 7) ; snow white, with surface like highly 
 poIi>hcd ivory; i 10 X 0.90. 
 
 This beatitifid and well-known bird breeds and inhabits 
 throuirhoui North America, from I.al>rador and the remotest 
 wooded regions of the fur countries to F'lorida, being partially 
 migratory only from Canada and the Northern States, i)roceed- 
 ing to the South in October, and returning North in April. 
 From the great mnnbers seen in the Southern States in winter 
 it is evident that the major part migrate thither from the North 
 and West to pass the incleinent season, which naturally de- 
 prives them of the means of acquiring their usual sustenance. 
 At this time also they feed much on winter berries, such as 
 those of the sumach, smilax, and mistletoe. In the Middle 
 States some of these birds find the means of support through 
 the most inclement months of the winter. In New Kngland 
 they reappear about the beginning of April, soon after which 
 
:tav. 
 
 b 
 
 H.ICKKK. 
 
 43'>) 
 
 /), a smalU-r 
 laiuU anil in 
 
 Am {CnUii- 
 
 luul ill I-"Hi- 
 
 )or(lcrs ' .1 the 
 
 re bird here. 
 
 1)V Mr. John 
 
 ODI'KCKKR. 
 
 :k ; * rown and 
 stachc " black ; 
 us, each leather 
 ;resccnt ; >halls 
 lie : similar, but 
 ics. 
 
 ty excavated in 
 
 ie bo< ing. 
 
 ace like higlily 
 
 and inhabits 
 the remotest 
 jeing partially 
 ites, proceed- 
 |)rlh in April. 
 Ir.tes in winter 
 )m the North 
 [naturally de- 
 ll sustenance. 
 jries, such as 
 (i the Middle 
 ]liort through 
 ;e\v England 
 Vl after which 
 
 they « onnncnre to ])air and build ; for this jtnri)osi' thev i)ften 
 in, ike choice of the trunk of a decayed apple or lorc>t tni-, at 
 different heights from the ground. When an a( ( idi-ntil cavity 
 i> not conveniently found, confident in the formidable means 
 provided them by naiure. with no other aid than the bill, ihev 
 have been known to make a winding burrow through a solid 
 oak for 15 inches in length. .\t this lalxjr, for greater secii- 
 rit\ and |)rivacy, they continue till lair in the evening, and 
 may be heard dealing blows as loud .ind succcs>i\e as if aided 
 by tlu' tools of the carjjenter. .My friend Mr. (lambel ob- 
 served the |)resent spring (1.S40) a burrow of this kind in 
 Cambridge, excavated out of the living trunk of a sas^^afras 
 about 15 feet from the ground, it was about S inches in 
 diameter and iS inihes deep, dug with a shelving inclination ; 
 and was C(intinued at intervals for more than 4 weeks before 
 it was completed. 'i"he eggs, about b, and pure white, are 
 deposited merely upon the fragments of wood which line the 
 natural or artificial ca\ity thus forming the nest. This cell, 
 before the young are tUdged, ac(|uires a rank and flisagrei-able 
 smell ; and on inserting the haivl into it, the brood unite in 
 pro'lr.cing a hissing, like so man\' hidden snakes. They at 
 length escape from this fetid den in which they are hatched ; 
 and flimbing sometimes into the liight-r branches of the tree, 
 are there k^\ until able to tly. At other times the young ding 
 to their i)rotecting cell with great pertin.acity, so that the 
 female will often call upon them for hours together {(/itfii/t 
 i/inii/t), trying every art to induce them to <iuit their cradle, 
 punishing them by fasting, till at length they are forced to 
 come out and answer to her incessant ])laint. If not disturbed, 
 thev will occasionally approach the flirm-house ; and I have 
 known a pair, like the Pduebirds, repair to the same hole in a 
 l)oplar-tree for several years in succession, merely cleaning out 
 the old bed for the reception of their eggs and young. They 
 incubate by turns, feeding each other while thus confined to 
 the nest, and are both likewise c(iually solicitous in feeding 
 and protecting their young ; the food on this occasion is raised 
 Dften from the throat, where it has undergone a preparatory 
 
440 
 
 WOODPECKERS. 
 
 w 
 
 n 
 
 ' 1 1 ' ' , 
 
 process for digestion. In the month of March, in Morida and 
 Alabama, 1 observed them already pairing, on which occasion 
 many petulant ([uarrels daily ensued from a host of rival sui- 
 tors, accompanied by tlieir ordinary cackling and aiiuealing. 
 One of their usual complaisant recognitions, often delivereil on 
 a fine morning from the summit of some lofty dead limb, is 
 '7t'// (7 'ti'/V 'rt'// 'u'// '?t'// 'tc'// 'a'// Zl'/y/ and aw'/ t? kw//, widt 
 7iH>if 'lOoif woit, commencing loud, and slowly rising and (piick- 
 ening till the tones run together into a noise alnuj^t like that 
 of a watchman's rattle. 'I'hey have also a sort of complaining 
 call, from which they have probably derived their name of 
 /<<■ ///. pct' itf : and at times a plaintive ijitcah ijuiiiii. Occa- 
 sionally they also utter in a sciuealing tone, when surprised, (jr 
 engaged in amusing rivalry with their fellows, iut'-tOi^h K't'-tcgh 
 we-cogh luc-cogli or -coccup loccup lucci'ip. 
 
 The food of these birds variis with the season. They are 
 at all times exceedingly fond of wooddice, ants, and their 
 larvre ; and as the fruits become mature, they also add to their 
 ample fare common cherries, bird cherries, winter grapes, gum- 
 berries, the berries of the red-cedar, as well as of the sumach, 
 smilax, and other kinds. As the maize too ripens, the Flicker 
 pays frequent visits to the field ; and the farmer, readily for- 
 getful of its past ser\'ices, only remembers its present faults, 
 and closing its career with the gun, unthinkingly does to him- 
 self and the public an essential injury in saving a i^w unim- 
 l^ortant ears of corn. In this ])art of New England it is known 
 by the name of Pigeon Woodpecker, from its general bulk and 
 appearance : and, to the disgrace of our paltry fowlers, it is 
 in the autumn but too frequently seen exposed for sale in the 
 markets, though its flesh is neither fat nor delicate. It is 
 exceedingly to be regretted that ignorance and wantonness in 
 these particulars should be so productive of cruelty, devas- 
 tation, and injurious policy in regard to the animals with whose 
 amusing and useful company Nature has so wonderfully and 
 beneficently favoreil us. 
 
 '^H^ 
 
r 
 
 I Murida and 
 
 lich occasion 
 
 of rival sui- 
 
 wd .-,([ucalinii;. 
 
 delivered on 
 
 dead lind). is 
 
 iig and (luick- 
 iiost like that 
 it complaining 
 ;heir name of 
 /iii'ah. Uc ca- 
 ll surprised, or 
 
 on. 'They are 
 ints,, and iheir 
 Iso add to their 
 er grapes, gum- 
 lof the sumach, 
 ns, the Flicker 
 icr, readily for- 
 present faults, 
 , does to him- 
 ng a few unim- 
 and it is known 
 ueral bulk and 
 ; fowlers, it is 
 for sale in the 
 lelicate. It is 
 wantonness in 
 cruelty, devas- 
 ,als with whose 
 'onder fully and 
 
 IVORY-BIT J, ED Wr)OnPFCKF.R. 
 Campephilus principalis. 
 
 Char. Glossy bl.ick ; white stripe from bill down sides of neck ; scap- 
 ulars and secondaries white ; bill ivory white. Male with crest of scarlet 
 and black ; female with crest of black. Length 21 inches. 
 
 A'l'st. In a cypress-swamp or deep forest ; a cavity excavated in a live 
 tree. 
 
 E}^\i;s. 4-6; white: 1.40 X i.oo. 
 
 This large and splendid bird is a native of Brazil, Mexico, 
 and the Southern States, being seldom seen to the north of 
 Virginia, and but rarelv in that State. He is a constant 
 resident in the cotmtries where he is found, breeding in 
 llie rainy season, and the pair are believed to be united 
 for life. More vagrant, retiring, and independent than the 
 rest of his family, he is never foimd in the precincts cf 
 

 * 
 
 
 442 
 
 WOODI'ECKERS. 
 
 
 11 
 
 ii 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 .n 
 
 I 
 
 cultivated tracts ; the scene of his dominion is the lonelv 
 forest, amidst trees of the greatest magnitude. His reiterated 
 trumpeting note, somewhat similar to the high tones of the 
 clarinet {pait pait paif pait^, is heard soon after day. and until 
 a late morning hour, echoing loudly from the recesses of the 
 dark cypress- s\vam])s, where he dwells in domestic security 
 without showing an\' impertinent or necessary desire to ([uit 
 his native solitiiry abodes. L'pon the giant trunk and moss- 
 grown arms of this colossus of the forest, and amidst almost 
 inaccessible and ruinous piles of mouldering lugs, the high, 
 rattling clarion and rapid strokes of this princely Woodpecker 
 are often the only sounds which vibrate through and commu- 
 nicate an air of life to these dismal wilds. His stridulous, 
 interru])ted call, and loud, industrious blows may often be 
 heard for more than half a mile, and become audible at vari- 
 ous distances as the elevated mechanic raises or depresses his 
 voice, or as he flags or exerts himself in his laborious employ- 
 ment. His retiring habits, loud notes, and singular occupa- 
 tion, amidst scenes so savnge yet majestic, afford withal a 
 peculiar scene of solemn grandeur on which the mind dwells 
 for a moment with sublime contemplation, convinced that 
 there is no scene in Nature devoid of harmonious consistence. 
 Nor is the performance of this industrious hermit less remark- 
 able than the peals of his sonorous voice or the loud choppings 
 of his powerful bill. He is soon surrounded with striking 
 monuments of his industry; like a real carpenter (a nick-name 
 given him by the Spainards), he is seen surrounded with cart- 
 loads of chips and broad flakes of bark which rapidly accumu- 
 late round the roots of the tall j)ine and cypress where he has 
 been a few hours employed ; the work of half a dozen men 
 felling trees for a whole morning would scarcely exceed the 
 ])ile he has produced in quest of a single breakfast upon those 
 insect larvK which have already, perhaps, succeeded in dead- 
 ening the tree preparatory to his repast. Many thousand 
 acres of pine-trees in the Southern States have been destroyed 
 in a single season by the insidious attacks of insects which in 
 the dormant state are not larger than a grain of rice. It 
 
 \ ; 
 
 C! , 
 
IVOKV-HII.I.ED WUODPECKEk. 
 
 443 
 
 the lonely 
 s reiterated 
 )nes of the 
 y. and until 
 ;sses of the 
 tic security 
 sire to quit 
 and moss- 
 iiidst almost 
 s, the high. 
 Woodpecker 
 and commu- 
 is stridulous, 
 lay often be 
 lible at vari- 
 depresses his 
 rious employ- 
 rular occupa- 
 brd withal a 
 mind dwells 
 nvinced that 
 Is consistence. 
 less remark- 
 |\ul choppings 
 Iwith striking 
 a nick- name 
 ed with cart- 
 idly accumu- 
 ,vhere he has 
 dozen men 
 exceed the 
 ,t upon those 
 led in dcad- 
 [iv thousand 
 [en destroyed 
 lets which in 
 of rice. U 
 
 is in quest of these enemies of the mo=t imjwsing j-art of the 
 vegetable creation that the industrious and indefatigable Wood- 
 pecker exercises his peculiar labor. In the sound and healthy 
 tree he finds nothing which ser\'cs him for fx>d. 
 
 One of these birds, which Wilson wounded, sur\-ived with 
 b.im nearly three days, but was so savage and unconquerable as 
 to refuse all sustenance. When taken, he reiterated a loud and 
 piteous complaint, almost exactly like the violent crying of a 
 young child ; and on being left alone in a tavern, in the course 
 of an hour he had nearly succeede<l in making his way through 
 the side of the wooden house. He also c*:t the author severely 
 in several places while engaged in drawing his portrait, and 
 tlisplayed, as long as he survived, the unconquerable spirit of a 
 genuine son of the forest. Frum his magnanimous courage 
 and ardent love of liberty, the head and bill are in high esteem 
 among the amulets of the Southern Indians. 
 
 The nest of this species is usually made in the living trunk 
 of the cypress-tree at a considerable height, both sexes alter- 
 nately engaging in the labor. The excavation i.-> <aid to be 
 two or more feet in depth, '["he young are fledged and abroad 
 about the middle of June. It is usually known by the name of 
 '• Large Log-cock." This species appears to live almost wholly 
 upon insects, and chiefly those that bore into the wood, which 
 never fail in the country he inhabits ; nor is he ever known 
 to taste of Indian corn or any sort of grain or orchard 
 fruits, though he has a fondness for grape^ and other kinds of 
 berries. 
 
 This species is now restricted to the Guli States and lower 
 Mississippi valley. 
 
I ■' 
 
 If! 
 
 
 m.- 
 
 '< 
 
 :i!.^ 
 
 ' '1 
 
 
 1 1: '« 
 
 ;. ! !fa. 
 
 ' 
 
 
 I ^ 
 
 ir 
 
 ;i'!i '!■ 
 
 PILEATED WOODPECKER. 
 
 log-cock. black woodcock. 
 Ceofhl(j-:us fil.eatus. 
 
 Char. General color greenish black ; wide stripe ot white from the 
 bill down the sides of the neck ; chin, throat, and part ot" wings white or 
 pale yellow. Male with scarlet crown, crest, and cheek patch. Female 
 with crest partly black and no scarlet on cheek. Length about iS 
 inches. 
 
 A'esf. In a deep forest or the seclusion of a swampy grove ; excavated 
 i.i high trees, and lined only with fine chips. 
 
 /ti^i.'-j, 4-6 ; snow white and glossy ; 1.25 X r.oo. 
 
 This large and common \\'oodpe(:ker, considerably resem- 
 bling the preceding speci;s, is not unfrequent in well-timbered 
 forests from Mexico and Oregon to the remote regions of 
 Canada, as far as the 63d degree of north latitude ; and in all 
 the intermediate region he resides, breeds, and passes most of 
 the year, retiring in a desultory manner only into the Southern 
 States for a few months in the most inclement season from the 
 North and West. In Pennsylvania, however, he is seen n^ 
 a resident more or less throughout the whole year ; and Mr. 
 
 'hi a 1 
 
PI I. LA ri; I J WOODrKClvKR. 
 
 445 
 
 Hutchins met with him in the interit)! of Hudson iKiy, near 
 Albany River, in the month of janiiar). It is, however, suf- 
 ficiently lingular, and shows perhaps the wild timidity of this 
 northern chief of his tribe, that though an inhabitant towards 
 the :.".vage and desolate sources of the Mississijjpi. he is un- 
 known at this time in all the maritime parts of the j)()])ulous 
 and long-settled State of Massachusetts. Jn the western i)arts 
 of the State of New York he is sufficiently common in the 
 uncleared forests, which have been the i)erpetual residence of 
 his remotest ancestry. From the tall trees which cast their 
 giant arms over all the uncleared river lands, may often be 
 heard his loud, echoing, and incessant cackle as he flies 
 restlessly from tree to tree, presaging the approach of rainy 
 weather. These notes resemble ckcirk rek vck irk rrk irk irk 
 uttered in a loud cadence which gradually rises and tails. The 
 marks of his industry are also abundantly visible on the decay- 
 ing trees, which he probes and chisels with great flexterity, 
 stripping off wide flakes of loosened bark to come at the bur- 
 rowing in>ects which chiefly compose his food. In whatever 
 engaged, haste and wildness seem to govern all his motions, 
 and by dodging and flying from ]^lace to place as soon as 
 observed, he continues to escape every appearance of danger. 
 Kven in the event of a fatal wound he still struggles with uncon- 
 querable resolution to maintain his grasp on the tru ik to which 
 he trusts for safety to the very instant of <leath. When caught 
 by a disabling wound, he still holds his ground against a tree, 
 and strikes with bitterness the suspicious hand which attempts 
 to grasp him, and. resolute for his native liberty, rarely submits 
 to live in confinement. Without much foundation, he is charged 
 at times with tasting rnaize. I have observed one occasionally 
 making a hearty repast on holly and smilax berries. 
 
 This species is being driven back by '"civilization." and is r.ow 
 found only in the deeper forests. Mr. William Ilrewster reports 
 that a few pairs still linger in the northern part of Worcester 
 Countv. Mass. 
 
{• 
 
 
 if 
 
 ll 
 
 
 i 
 
 446 WOODPECKERS. 
 
 REI>-HE.\DEr) WOODPiXKER. 
 
 MHI-WKKPLS 1 K\ JHROCKFHALUS. 
 
 C'liAK. Back, tail, and prnmarjes blue black; head, neck, and breast 
 crimson ; belly, rump, and *<e>cundaries white. Length 9 to 9^^ inche>. 
 
 yViJ/. In woudland, patstimre. or orchard ; usually a cavity in a decavcd 
 tree. 
 
 £i,';!;s. 4-(i; glusav whue: i-oo X o.So. 
 
 This common and wcM-known species is met with along the 
 coast from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, and inland in 
 the region of the R<x.ky Mountains and about the sources of 
 the Mississippi. In M the intermediate country, however 
 extensive, it probably rc^ades and breeds. At the appnmch 
 of winter, or about the rojddle of October, these birds migrate 
 from the North and VWt^t. and conscvquently a]ii>ear very 
 numerous in the >'''-i'.h'tm States at that season. Many of 
 them also probably ; :-- nto the adjoining provincto of Mex- 
 ico, and they reapp^car in Pennsylvania (according to Wilson) 
 about the first of May. Acconhng to Audubon, they effect 
 their migration in the night, flying high above the trees in a 
 straggling file, at vvhi<:ini tome they are heard to emit a sharj) 
 and peculiar note, easily h<ear<l from the ground, although the 
 birds themselves are elevated beyond the sight. lake the 
 Log-cock, the present species is but rarely seen in the mari- 
 time ports of Massarhmsfelt!^ : this region is only occasionally 
 visited by solitary ^tna-jjcr^. yet in the western jvarts of the 
 State it is said to be a- <r ornrnon as m the Middle States. 
 
 These birds live princcifjially in old forests of tall trees, but are 
 much less shy than facM of the genus, freOjUently visiting the 
 orchards in quest of ri|">e ifiruits, particularly cherries and juicy 
 pears and apples, uith wrhich they likewise occasionally feed 
 their young. They slIm'j at times eat acorns, of which they are 
 said to lay up a store, and *isit the maize-fields, being partial 
 to the corn while in its JMio' or milky state. In consequence 
 of these dependent kabits of subsistence, the Red-headed 
 Woodpecker is a ver}' Camiliar species, and even sometimes 
 
 h:; 
 
^^.»,'*-S",LJ\-ll 
 
 KLD-IlKADLb \V«J(Jl)l'l::( KKR. 
 
 44; 
 
 leclv, and lireast 
 o gyz inches, 
 ity in a decayed 
 
 vilh along the 
 and inland in 
 he sources of 
 iirry, however 
 the ai)i)roach 
 birds migrate 
 api^ear very 
 on. Many of 
 incta of Mex- 
 ing to Wilson ) 
 ^)n, they effect 
 the trees in a 
 ) emit a sharj) 
 , although the 
 ht. Like the 
 1 in the mari- 
 V occasionally 
 li parts of the 
 le States. 
 
 trees, but are 
 Itly visiting the 
 Irries and juicy 
 asionally feed 
 Ivhich they are 
 , being partial 
 |i consequence 
 Red-headed 
 len sometimes 
 
 not only nests in the orchard which su])j)lies him with ^u«.te- 
 nance. but ventures to rear his brood within the boundaries of 
 the most pojjulous towns. In the latter end of suimner it^ 
 reiterated tappings and cackling screams are freipiently heard 
 from the shady forests which border the rivulets in uwvc 
 secluded and less fertile tracts. It is also not unconnnon lo 
 observe them on the fence-rails and posts near the public 
 roads, flitting before the passenger with the familiaritv o( 
 Si^arrows. In the Southern States, where the mildnes> of the 
 climate prevents the necessity of migration, this brilliant bird 
 seems half domestic. 'I'he ancient live-oak, his cradle and 
 resilience, is cherished as a domicile : he creeps around its 
 ponderous weathered arms, views the i)assing scene with ( om- 
 placence, turns every insect visit to his advantage, and for 
 hours together placidly recjnnoitres the surrounding fields. At 
 times he leaves his lofty citadel to examine the rails o( the 
 fence or the boards of the adjoining barn ; striking terror into 
 his lurking prey by the stridulous ta])pings of his bill, he 
 hearkens to their almost inaudible movements, and discovering 
 their retreat, dislodges them from their burrows by "luu kly 
 and dexterously chiselling out the decaying wood in which they 
 are hid, and transfixing them with his sharp and l)arbed 
 tongue. lUit his favorite and most ])roductive resort is to the 
 adjoining fields of dead and girdled trees, amidst whose 
 bleaching trunks and crumbling branches he long continues to 
 find an anijile repast of depredating and boring insects. When 
 the cravings of appetite are satisfied, our busy hunter occa- 
 sionally gives wa; to a playful or 'luarrelsome dis])osition, and 
 with shrill and lively vociferations not unlike those of the 
 neighboring tree-frog, he pursues in a graceful, curving flight h's 
 companions or rivals round the bare limbs of some dead tree 
 to which they resort for combat or frolic. 
 
 About the middle of May, in Pennsylvania, they burrow out 
 or prepare their nests in the large limbs of trees, adding no 
 materials to the cavity which they smooth out for the j)U' pose. 
 As with the Ijluebird, the same tree continues to be employed 
 for several years in succession, and probably by the same imdi- 
 
448 
 
 WOUDrtCKERS. 
 
 'I ;, 
 
 k 
 
 h 
 
 ';.; 
 
 ey 
 
 
 vided pair. 'Vhc eggs and young of th's and many other birds 
 occasionally fall a i)rcy to the attacks of the common black 
 snake. I'he young are easily tamed for a while, and when left 
 at large como for some time regularly to be fed, uttering a cry 
 to call attention. I have seen them feed on corn-meal paste, 
 a large piece of which the bird would carry off to a distance 
 and eat at leisure. 
 
 This species is common in Ontario and near Montreal, hut is 
 only an accidental visitor to other portions of eastern Canada. It 
 is usually a rare bird U) the eastward of the Hudson River, though 
 it is said to Ijc rather common in Western Vermont, and in the 
 fall of iSSi it was (|uite common in other parts of New England. 
 
 The habit of this bird — in common with others of the family — 
 to store nuts and grain for winter use, briefly alluded to by Nuttall, 
 has been confirmed frequently by recent observers An interesting 
 paper on this subject by O. P. Hav appeared in the " Auk " for 
 July. 1.S.S7. 
 
 W 
 
 RED-BELLIKI) WOODPECKER. 
 
 jSIf.lankrpes caroli.vls. 
 
 Char. Above, black and white in narrow bands; tail black and 
 white ; bcncatii, pale buff; belly rosy red. Male, with crown and back 
 of head scarlet, which in the female is replaced by dull ash. 
 
 jVc'sf. Usually in a secluded forest of tall trees; a cavity cut in a dead 
 trunk or limb. 
 
 £^,^s. 4-6: white and glossy; i.oo X 0.7 v 
 
 This species inhabits the whole North American continent, 
 from the interior of Canada to Florida, and even the island of 
 Jamaica, in all of which countries it probably rears its young, 
 migrating only partially from the colder regions. This also, 
 like the preceding, is unknown in all the eastern parts of Mas- 
 sachusetts, and probably New Hampshire. 
 
 The Red-bellied Woodpecker dwells in the solitude of the 
 forest ; amidst the tall and decayed trees only he seeks his less 
 varied fare, and leads a life of roving wildness and independ- 
 ence, congenial with his attachment to freedom and libertv. 
 •Sometimes, however, on the invasion of his native haunts by 
 
 
KKI)-BEI,I.Ii:i) WuuUl'ECKEK. 
 
 449 
 
 the progress of agriculture, he may be seen prowling among 
 the (lead an<l girdled trees which now affonl him an lugmented 
 source of supjxjrt ; and, as a chief of the soil, he sometimes 
 claims hir> native rights by collecting a small tithe from the 
 usurping field of maize. His loutl and har-ih call of 'tshou' 
 ^tshoic \'Ji"-i,.> 'tilwiC, reiterated like the barking of a cur. may 
 often be heard, through the course of tiie day, to break the 
 silence of the wilderness in which his congenial tribe are 
 almost the only residents. On a fine spring morning I have 
 obser\"etl his desultory ascent up some dead an<l lofty jiuie, 
 tapping at inter\als, and dodging from side to sitle, as he as- 
 cended in a spiral line ; at length, having gained the towering 
 summit, while basking in the mild sunbeams, he sur\-eys the 
 extensive landscape, and almost with tlie same reverberating 
 sound as his blows, at inter\als he utters a loud and solitary 
 \ii}' rli in a tone as solemn as the tolling of the Camj^anero. 
 He thus hearkens, as it were, to the shrill echoes of his own 
 voice, and for an hour at a time seems alone employed in con- 
 templating, in cherished solitude and security, the beauties and 
 blessings of the rising day. 
 
 The nest, early in April, is usually made in some lofty 
 branch : and in this labor both the sexes unite to dig out a cir- 
 cular cavity for the purpose, sometimes out of the solid wood, 
 but more commonly int(j a hollow limb. The young appear 
 towards the close of May or early in June, climbing out upon 
 the higher branches of the tree, where they are fed and reared 
 until able to fly. though in the mean time from their exjiosure 
 they often fall a prey to prowling Hawks. These birds usually 
 raise but one brood in the season, and may be considered, like 
 the rest of their insect-devouring fraternity, as useful scaven- 
 gers for the protection of the forest ; their attacks, as might be 
 reasonably expected, being always confined to decaying trees, 
 which alone afford the prey for which they probe. 
 
 This bird's breedin<j area lies between Florida and .Mar\land 
 and northward through the interior to Southern Ontario, where it 
 is quite common. 
 
 VOL. I. — 29 
 
Bl 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1). 
 
 iilf ' 
 
 1 
 
 ! 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 
 i 
 
 )! 
 
 ■J 
 
 ,, 
 
 1 
 
 fe 
 
 
 YKLLOW-nEI.I.IKI) SAPSl'CKKR. 
 Sphvrapicus vahius. 
 
 Char. Above, black and white, back tinged witli veliow ; i rown and 
 chin scarlet, bordered by black ; cheeks black, bordered bv white or pale 
 veliow; breast black ; belly pale yellow. In females the scarlet on chin 
 is replaced by white. Length S.'i inches. 
 
 .\'<'.i7. In woodland; a cavity in a dead trunk of large tree ; sometimes 
 excavated in a live tree. 
 
 /tV^'j. 4-7 ; white ; '^ S5 x 0.60. 
 
 This species, according to the season, extends over the 
 whole .\merican continent, from the 53d degree to the tropics, 
 where it is seen in Cayenne. With us it is most common 
 in summer in the Northern and Middle States, and as tar 
 north as Nova Scotia. At this season it is seldom seen beyond 
 the precincts of the forest, in which it selects the most solitary 
 recesses, leaving its favorite haunts only at the apj)roach of 
 winter, and seeking, from necessity or ca])rice, at this roving 
 season the boundaries of the orchard. The habits of this bird 
 are but little different from those of the Hairy and Downy 
 Woodpeckers, with which it is often associated in their fora- 
 ging excursions. The nest, as usual, is made in the body of 
 some decayed orchard or forest tree, the circular entrance to 
 
i:r, 
 
 mellow ; I ruwn autl 
 d h\ white or pale 
 he scarlet on chin 
 
 llAtiiN' WOdhrKlKl'.R. 
 
 4>I 
 
 ;c tree ; s 
 
 ome times 
 
 \vhi( h is k'ft only just sufficient for the passage of the parties. 
 The (hi)th of the cavity is about 15 inches, and the ( -pis, .\ or 
 upwards, are white. 'I'he jjrincipal food of these birds is insects, 
 for they sometimes bore the trunks of the orchard trees. 
 
 The •• sapsuckintj " habit of this spetics, ckiiicd by sonu- dl our 
 most eminent naturahsts. has been estaldi^lud by Mr. frank 
 r>olIcs, who piiblishi'd an interesting account ol liis observations in 
 "The Auk" tor July, iSiji. 
 
 For several days .Mr. IJullcs almost < ontinuously watched a 
 number of these birds while they operateil on tries in the vicinity 
 of his summer home at Cincarua, N. H. The binls drilled holes 
 in maple, oak, bin ii. and ash trees, and drank the sap as it dripped 
 from these holes. When one set of holes became "dry." others 
 were drilled, eitjht to sixteen on each tree, tlie new holes bein^ 
 made higher up than the old. Some of the birds spent about 
 nine tenths of the time in drinking the sap. .Mr. bolks placed 
 un'ler the trees cu])s made of birch bark and tilled with m.i])le 
 syrup, which the birds drank freely. Later brandy was added, 
 with amusing consecpiences, the mi.xture tbially acting as an emetic. 
 He moreover states that the sap was not used as a trap for insects, 
 as some writers have supposed ; and wliile the birds caught insri ts 
 occasionally, these did not ap;-.ear to t'orm .1 huge part of their diet. 
 An examination of the stomachs of a few birds revealed but little 
 insect remains, and that little was composed chiefly of .uUs. 
 
 tends over the 
 |e to the tropics, 
 most common 
 lites, and as tar 
 l)m seen beyond 
 lie most solitary 
 |ie apj)roach of 
 |, at this roving 
 bits of this bird 
 iry antl Downy 
 ll in their fora- 
 in the body of 
 liar entrance to 
 
 HAIRY woodpecki:k. 
 
 Drvoiutes VII.I.OSL'S. 
 
 Char. Above, black and white, the back with lono;, slender, loose 
 hair-like feathers; beneath, white ; outer tail-feathers white. Male with 
 scarlet band at back uf head, which in the female is black. In inunaturc 
 birds the crown is more or less tinged with red, or, sometimes with 
 yellow. Length 8j4 to 9 inches. 
 
 Xcsf. In ojien woodland, pasture, or orchard ; a cavity in a dead 
 trunk, without lining. 
 
 £!;,^s. 4-5; white and glossy ; 1.00x0.70. 
 
 This common and almost familiar species is a resident 
 in most parts of America, from Hudson Bay to Florida, fre- 
 
45-' 
 
 NVUUUI'1::CKEK>. 
 
 
 <iucntly approaching the* cottage or the skirts of the town as 
 well as the forest. It is likewise much attached to orchards, 
 an active borer of their trunks, and an eager hunter after in- 
 sec ts and larvaj in all kinds of decayed wood, even to stumps 
 and the rails of the fences. In autinnn it also feeds on berries 
 and other fruits. In the month of May, accompanied by his 
 mate, the male seeks out the seclusion of the woods, antl 
 taking possession of a hollow branch, or cutting out a cavity 
 anew, he forms his nest in a deep and secure cavern, though 
 sometimes a mere stake of the fence answers the purpose. In 
 the Southern States these birds have usually two broods in the 
 season, and raise them both in the same nest, which is not 
 infrequently at no great distance from habitati(jns. Their call 
 consists in a shrill and rattling whistle, heard to a consid- 
 eral)ie distance. They also give (Jut a single (juerulous note of 
 recognition while perambulating the trunks for food. 
 
 The hahitat of true rv'/Aw/r is now considered as restricted to 
 Nortli Carolina and Eastern Canada. At the Xortlnvest it is repre- 
 sented by D. 7'illosus leucoinelas. a larger variety (length lo to 1 1 
 inches), and at tiie .South by D. villosHs amiubonii. which meas- 
 ures about 8 inches In length. 
 
 IN 
 
 
 DOWNY \V()()I)P'r:CKr:R. 
 Drvi )r.A rr.s f'uhksci.ns. 
 
 '"'HAR. Similnr to D. lullosiis, hut smaller. Above, bl.-ick and white. 
 the back with lona:. slender, loose hair-like ("downy") feathers: beneath, 
 white ; outer tail-feathers barred. Male with scarlet band at back of 
 head, which in the female is black. In immature birds the crown is more 
 or less tinged with red, or, sotnctimcs. with yellow. Lenj^th (^Yz to 7 
 inches. 
 
 Xt-st. In open woodland, pasture, or orchard ; a cavity in a dead 
 trunk, without lining. 
 
 £';';'■.>■. 4-6; white and glossy ; o.So X 0.60. 
 
 This species, the smallest of .\merican Woodpeckers, agrees 
 almost exactly with the P. villosits in its colors and markings. 
 It is likewise resident throughout the same countries. About 
 

 DOWNY \V(»ul)l'LCKtK. 
 
 453 
 
 cavitv in a 
 
 the middle of May also, tin- pair btgin to look out a suilahlc 
 • It'posit for their eg^s and yoiiiiii. I he entrance is in the form 
 of a perfect circle, and lel'l only ju«.t large cnougl; for an indi- 
 vidual tt) pass in and out. I loth sexes labor for about a week 
 ai ihis task with indefatigable diligence, carrying on the Ixtrrow 
 in some orchard tree, in two different directions, to the depth 
 of 1 6 to 20 inches ilown ; and to prevent siispicion the < hips 
 are carried out and strewn at a distance. The male occa- 
 sionally feeds his mate while sitting; and about the close of 
 June the young are observetl abroad, climbing up the tree with 
 considerable address. St)nietinR's the crafty House Wren in- 
 terferes, and, (hiving the industrious tenants fiom tluir hole, 
 usurps possession. These birds have a shrill cackle and a reit- 
 erated (all, which they frecjuently utter while engaged in (|uest 
 of their prey. In the autunui they feed on various kinds of 
 berries as well as insects. No sjjecies can exceed the present 
 in industry and perseverance. While tlius regularly i)robing 
 the bark of the tree for insects, it continues so much engaged 
 as to disregard the approaches of the observer, though imme- 
 diately under the tree. These perA^rations, made by our Sap- 
 suckers, — as tlu' present and Hairy species are sometimes 
 called, — are carried roimd the trunks and branches of the 
 orchard trees in regular circles, so near to each other that, 
 according to Wilson, eight or ten of them may be covered by 
 a dollar. The ol)ject of this curious i)iece of industrs' is not 
 satisfactorily ascertained : but whether it be done to taste the 
 sap of the tree, or to dislodge vermin, it is certain that the 
 plant escapes uninjured, and thrives as well or better than 
 those which are unperforated. 
 
 This diminutive and very industrious species is a constant 
 inhabitant of the fur countries up to the 5Sth parallel, seeking 
 its food principally on the maple, elm, and ash, and north of 
 latitude 54 degrees, where the range of these trees terminates, 
 on the aspen and birch. The circles of round holes which it 
 makes with so much regularity round the trunks of living trees 
 are no doubt made for the purpose of getting at the sweet sap 
 which they contain. In the month of February, 1830, 1 
 
454 
 
 WOODPECKERS. 
 
 Ill 
 
 ■I' 
 
 
 1 
 
 n 
 
 obsen-ed these borers busy ta[)ping the small Uve trunks of 
 several wax-myrtles {A/yrica cerifera) ; and these perforations 
 were carried down into the alburnum, or sajj-wood, but no 
 farther: no insects could be expected, of course, in such situ- 
 ations, and at this season very few could be obtained anywhere. 
 On examining the oozing sap, 1 fountl it to be exceedingly 
 saccharine, but in some instances astringent or nearly taste- 
 less, 'io a bird like the i)resent, which relishes and devours 
 also berries, I make no doubt but that this native nectar is 
 sought after as agreeable and nutritious food, in the same 
 manner as the l>altimore Bird collects the saccharine secretion 
 of the fruit blossoms ; and in foct I have observed the ^^'ood- 
 pecker engaged in the ace of sipi)ing this sweet tluid, which so 
 readily supplies it on all occasions with a temporary substitute 
 for more substantial fare. Sometimes, however, on discovering 
 insects in a tree, it forgets its taste for the sap, and in (juest 
 of its prey occasionally digs deep holes into the trees large 
 enough to admit its whole body. 
 
 Tlie Downy Woodpecker is found throughout the eastern and 
 northern portions of Xortli America, and like its congener, the 
 Hairy, is a resident, rather than a migratory species, breeding usu- 
 ally wherever it is found. There is no such difference in the two 
 birds as is represented by the names ••hairy" and ••downy;*' the 
 long feathers of the back from which the names are derived are 
 exactly similar. The differentiation lies in the size of the birds 
 and in some markings on the tai'-feathers. 
 
 ill 
 
 THE RED-COCKATTED WOODPECKER. 
 
 DrVORATES nORF.AI.IS. 
 
 Char Above, l)lack and wliitc. barred transversely; crown, black; 
 sides of head with white patch, bordered, above, by red stripe; beneath, 
 white, sides streaked with bhick. Length "jYz to 8,14 inches. 
 
 N'cst, In nine woods ; an excavation in a decayed trunk or living tree. 
 
 Egi^s. 4-t< white, with but Httle gloss ; 0.95 X 070. 
 
 This species, remarkable for the red stripe on the side of 
 its head, was discovered by \\'ilson in the pine woods of 
 
■'/t ' -■ "■^ 
 
 ARCTU IliKEE-TUED WOOUI'ECKKR. 
 
 h3D 
 
 live trunks of 
 ;,o perforations 
 -wood, but no 
 ;, in such situ- 
 ined anywhere, 
 be exceedingly 
 )r nearly tas.te- 
 :<, and devours 
 lative nectar is 
 , in the same 
 larine secretion 
 rved the W'ood- 
 
 lluid, which so 
 )orary substitute 
 , on discovering 
 ip, and in ([uest 
 
 the trees large 
 
 the eastern and 
 its congener, the 
 es, breeding usu- 
 rence in the two 
 
 I •■ downy ; '" the 
 are derived are 
 
 size of the birds 
 
 CKER. 
 
 lly; crown, black; 
 \\ stripe ; beneath, 
 ches. 
 lunk or living tree. 
 
 on the side of 
 Ipine woods ot 
 
 North Carolina, whence it occurs to the coast of the Mexican 
 (iulf, and as far to the north and west as New Jersey and 
 'I'ennessee. It is a very active and noisy s])ecies, gliding witli 
 alertness along the trunks and branches of tree-;, principally 
 those of oak and i>ine. At almost every move it utters a short, 
 shrill, and clear note, audible at a considerable distance. In 
 the breeding season its call, still more lively and ]>etulant. is 
 reiterated through the pine forests, where it now chiefly dwells. 
 These l)irds are frequently seen by jjairs in the <omijany of 
 the smaller Woodpeckers and Nuthatches in the winter sea- 
 son, an<l they now feed by choice principally upon ants and 
 small coleo])tera. 
 
 In Florida tiiey are already mated in the month of Januar}-. 
 and prepare their burrows in the following month. The nest 
 is fretpiently in a decayed tnmk 20 to 30 feet from the 
 ground. In the winter season, and in cold and wet weather, 
 t4iis bird is in the habit of roosting in its old nests or in the 
 holes of decayed trees, and fre(iuently retreats to such places 
 when wounded or pursued. 
 
 The habitat of tliis species as at present determined is the South- 
 eastern States, includiiiq: North Carolina and Tennessee, and West- 
 ward to Indian TL-rritorv. 
 
 ARCTIC I^HRKE-TOF.D WODDPECKFR. 
 
 P,LACK-B.\CKED WOODPECKER. 
 PICOIDF.S ARCTICLS. 
 
 Char. Only three toes. Above, black ; white stripe on side of head : 
 outer tail-feathers white: beneath, white barred with black. Adult niale 
 with square patch of yellow on the crown. LeuLith t^i to 10 inches. 
 
 AV>7. In a deep forest, an excavation in a dead tree. 
 
 E,i,'-gs. 4-6; white and glossy: 0.95 X 0.75. 
 
 This species is an inhabitant of the northern regions from 
 Maine to the fur countries, dwelling among deep forests in 
 mountainous regions. Its voire and habits are indeed pre- 
 cisely similar to those of the Spotted Woodpeckers, to which it 
 
i: 
 
 450 
 
 WOODPECKERS. 
 
 ! 
 
 ( 
 
 
 i, 
 
 ! 
 i ' 
 
 I, 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 II; 
 
 I! 
 
 i ! 
 
 ' 1 
 
 . I 
 
 , t 
 
 \ 
 
 fiV. 
 
 is closely allied. Its food consists of insects, their eggs and 
 larvte, to which it sometimes adds, according to the season, 
 seeds and berries. Audubon had the good tbrtune to meet 
 with it in the jiine forests of the Pokono Mountains in Penn- 
 sylvania. It is, however, sufficiently common in the dreary 
 wilds around Hudson Ikiy and Severn River. It is remarkable 
 that a third species, so nearly allied to the present as to have 
 been confounded with it merely as a variety, is found to inhabit 
 the woods of (luiana. In this (the /^(Vav muiitlatits ot Vieillot) 
 the crown, however, is red instead of yellow ; the tarsi are als(j 
 naked, and the black of the back undulated with white. 
 
 This species occurs somewhat sparingly in winter in northern 
 New I'higland and southern Canada, and sometimes wantlurs in 
 numbers to .Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New N'ork State. 
 Occasionally one is met in summer in northern Maine and New 
 Brunswick. 
 
 AMI .RICAX THREE- rOED WOODPECKER. 
 
 BANDED-BACKED WOODPECKER. 
 PlC( )11 )i;S A.MERICANUS. 
 
 Char. Only three toes. Above, black, thickly s]5ottcd witl; white 
 about the head and neck; back barred with white; beneath, white; 
 sides barred with black. Adult male with yellow patch on the crown. 
 Length about 9 inches. 
 
 Xcst. In a deep forest; an excavation in a dead tree. 
 
 Ei^gs. 4- .''; cream white; 0.90 X 0.70. 
 
 According to Richardson, this bird exists as a permanent 
 resident in all the spruce-forests between Eake Sujierior and 
 the .\rctic Sea, and is the most common \\oodpecker north 
 of Oreat Slave Lake. It resembles P. villosiis in its habits, 
 seeking its food, however, ])rincipally on decaying trees of the 
 pine tribe, in which it frequently burrows holes large enough 
 to bury itself. 
 
 This is an uncommon winter visitor as far south as northern 
 New England, though it has been taken in Mass:, .husetts, and 
 Dr. Merriam has found a nest in tiie .Vdirondacks. 
 
 

 RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. 
 
 TrOCH ILL'S COLUBRL-. 
 
 Char. Above, metallic green; wings and tail brownish v')iet or 
 bronzy ; chin velvety black ; throat rich ruby, refleaini; variou- hues 
 from brownish black to bright crimson : belly whitish. Female and voung 
 without red on the throat, which is dull gray: la. -leathers barred with 
 black and tipped with white. Length 3 to 3«4 inches. 
 
 A/esi. In an orchard or open woodland : placed on a horizontal branch 
 or in a crotch ; made of plant down tirmly felted and covered e.xteriorly 
 with lichens. 
 
 Jtggs. 2-?; white, with rosy tint when fresh: 0.30X0.30. 
 
 This wonderfully diminutive and brilliant bird i> the only 
 one of an .American genus of more than a hundred species, 
 which ventures beyond the limit of tropical climates. Its 
 approaches towards the north are regulated by the advances of 
 the season. Fed on the honeyed sweets of flowers, it is an 
 exclusive attendant on the varied bountie> of Flora. By the 
 loth to the 20th of March, it is already seen in the mild 
 forests of Louisiana and the warmer maritime districts of 
 (ieor'~" ., where the embowering and fragrant Gtlsemiutn, the 
 twin-ieaved Bignonia, with a host of daily expanding flowefs, 
 invite our little sylvan guest to the retreats it had reluctantly 
 
45 cS 
 
 IIL'MMLNG JURDS. 
 
 t • 
 
 * 
 
 ii. 
 
 i } ♦ 
 
 forsaken. I )esiiltory in its movements, roving onl\ through 
 the region of blooming sweets, its visits to the Northern States 
 are delayed till the month of Ahi)-. Still later, as if deter- 
 mined that no tlower shall " blush unseen, or waste its sweet- 
 ness on the <lcsert air," our little s}li)h, on wings as rapid as 
 the winti, at onee launches without hesitation into the flowery 
 wilderness of the north. 
 
 'I'he lirst cares of the little bus\ pair are now bestowed on 
 their expected progeny. This instinct alone propelled them 
 from their hibernal retreat within the tropics ; strangers amidst 
 their numerous and brilliant tribe, they seek only a transient 
 asylum in the milder regions of their race. With the earliest 
 dawn uf the northern sj^ring, in pairs, as it were with the celer- 
 ity of thought, they dart at intervals through the dividing 
 space, till they again arrive in the genial and more happy re- 
 gions of their birth. The enrai)tured male is now assiduous 
 in attention to his mate : forgetful of selfish wants, he feeds 
 his comjjanion with nectared sweets, and jealous of danger 
 and interruption to the sole comj^anion of his delights, he often 
 almost seeks a quarrel with the giant birds which surround him : 
 he attacks even the Kingbird, and drives the gliding Martin 
 to the retreat of his box. The ])uny nest is now ]irepared in 
 the long-accustomed orchard or neighboring forest. It is con- 
 cealed by an artful imitation of the mossy branch to which 
 it is firmly attached and incorporated. P>luisli-gray lichens, 
 agglutinated by saliva and mat<;hed with surrounding objects, 
 instinctively fcjrm the deceiving external coat : portions of the 
 cunning architectme. for further security, are even tied down 
 to the supporting station. Within are laid copious quantities of 
 the I'jappus or other down of plants ; the inner layer of this 
 excpiisite be*! is finished with the shortwood of the budding 
 Plata)ius, the mullein, or the soft clothing of unfolding fern- 
 stalks. Incubation, so tedious to the volatile pair, is completed 
 in the short space of ten days, and in the warmer States a 
 second brood is raised. AVhen the nest is approached, the 
 parents dart around the intruder, within a few inches of his 
 face ; and the female, if the young are out, often resumes her 
 
KLBV-rHROAlEI) IILMMING lilRD. 
 
 459 
 
 onl> through 
 orthern States 
 , as if deter- 
 Lste its sweet- 
 s as rapid as 
 U) the flowery 
 
 \,- bestowed on 
 repelled them 
 -angers amidst 
 nly a transient 
 ;h the earhest 
 with the celer- 
 i the dividing 
 lore happy re- 
 new assiduous 
 •ants, he feeds 
 :ms of danger 
 hghts, he often 
 surround him : 
 gUding Martin 
 iw prepared in 
 St. It is con- 
 nch to which 
 -gray lichens, 
 nding objects, 
 portions of the 
 en tied down 
 s (juantities of 
 layer of this 
 the budding 
 folding fern- 
 is completed 
 Inner States a 
 )roached, the 
 inches of his 
 resumes her 
 
 seat, though no more than three or four feet from the obser\-er. 
 In a single week the you.ng :ire on the wing, and in th'\> situa- 
 tion still continue to be fed with their nursing sweets by the 
 assiduous pareni>. 
 
 Creatures of such delicacy and uncommon circumstances, 
 the wondrous sports of Nature, everything appears provided 
 for the security of their existence ; the brood are introduced 
 to life in the warmest season of the year : variation of temjiera- 
 ture beyond a certain medium w<nild prove <lestnictive to 
 these exquisite forms. The ardent heats of America have 
 alone afforded them support ; no region so cool as the United 
 States produces a set of feathered l)eings so delicate and 
 tender: antl, consecjuently, any sudden extr- mt: by produ- 
 cing chill and famine, are fatal to our ' lur -'I'l.g liinls. In the 
 remarkablv wet summer of i8^i verv fe\ of the vounii were 
 raised in New England. In other seasons they comparativ^-ly 
 swarm, and the numerous and almost gregarious young are 
 then seen, till the close of September, eagerly engaged in sip- 
 ping the nectar from various showy and tubular flowers, partic- 
 ularly tliose of the trumjjet IJignonia and wild ba.sam, with 
 many other conspicuous productions of the fields and gardens. 
 Sometimes they m:iy also b^^ seen collecting dimunitive in- 
 sects, or juices fn^m the tender shoots of the pine-tree. While 
 thus engaged in strife and employment, the scene is i)eculiarly 
 amusing. A]jproaching a flower, and vibrating on tlie wing 
 before it. with the rapidity of lightning the long, cleft, and 
 tubular tongue is exerted to ])ump out the sweets, while the 
 buzzing or humming of the wings reminds us of the api)roach 
 of some larger sphinx or droning bee. No other sound or 
 song is uttered, except occasionally a slender chirp while flit- 
 ting from a flower, until some rival bird too nearly apj)roaches 
 the same plant : a quick, faint, and petulant squeak is then 
 uttered, as the little glowing antagonists glide up in swift and 
 angr>' gyrations into the air. The action at the same time is so 
 sudden, and the flight so rapid, that the whole are only traced 
 for an instant, like a gray line in the air. Sometimes, without 
 any apparent provocation, the little pugnacious vixen will, for 
 
460 
 
 HL'3IMlN(i HIKDS. 
 
 \i 
 
 
 
 mere amusement, ptiirawie largt-r ])ir(l^. such as the Yellow Hinl 
 and Sparrows. To man th<"y show but little either of tear ijr 
 aversion, often quietly feeding on their favorite (lowers when 
 s(j nearly approached ^■*< to be <aught. They likewise fre- 
 (|uently enter the ^zreen houses and windows of tlwellings 
 where flowers arc kept m sight. After feeding for a time, the 
 individual settles on aomrae small and often naked bough or 
 slender twig, anil ,lrc-r^.-> its leathers with great com])osure, 
 particularly preening ani clearing the plumes of the wing. 
 
 The old and young; j^re ^oon reconciled to confinement. In 
 an hour after the los-;^ of Ililx-rty the cheerful little captive will 
 often come and snck idoBuled honey, or sugar and water, from 
 the flowers held oat tif> it ; and in a few hours more it becomes 
 tame enough to sip its favorite beverage from a -)aui er, in the 
 interval flving tKickwramd* and forwards in the room for mere 
 exercise, and then renting on some neighboring elevated object. 
 In dark <jr rainy weatfier it seems to pass the time ( hietly 
 <l()/,ing on the perch. It is also soon so familiar as to <ome to 
 the hand that feed- f** Fo <;<jld nights, or at the a{)proarh of 
 frost, the pulsation .: . ..^ little dweller in the sunbeam be- 
 comes nearly as low 1- in the tor])id state of the ilormouse ; 
 but on ai)plying w-:. .-.:.. the almost stagnant circulation 
 re\'ivrs, and slowly inncreases to the usual state. 
 
 Near the .Atlantic r • : • i] creature nests reLiulady as far nortli 
 as the Laurentian lu[L> of Ovix^hnc. and lirecds in more or less 
 abundance southward m Florida and wt-stwartl to the I'lains. It 
 is an abundant summer res-idcnt of tlic MariliuK' Provinces. 
 
 The fact that i^sc•ets^ i«wm a staple diet of tliesf diminutive birds 
 has been satisfactorfty provied, tliough formerh- they were sup- 
 posed to feed entirely om honey. Honev doubtless tonus a part 
 of their food, and they al^rf* drink freely of the sweet sap which the 
 Woodpeckers draw frotra uhie maple and birch. 
 
 Another mistake regarding the Humming Hinls, — that they 
 never alight while feeding;, — has been rectified by several trust- 
 worthy observers. T' " 'rds have l)een seen to alight on the 
 leaves of the trump' '- - while Lcatherinij lioney, and also to 
 rest on the tapped tr : . they leisurely drank of the flowing 
 
 sap. 
 
 The young birds are fed Ibnr regurgitation. 
 
!it'/ 
 
 Yellow ninl 
 cr ut" tear or 
 tlo\VL'r> when 
 
 likcwi-ic frc- 
 
 of tlwellings 
 3r a time, the 
 ed bough or 
 ,t comiJObure, 
 the wing, 
 hnement. In 
 le captive will 
 1(1 water. t"r<.)ni 
 )re it becomes 
 
 -.aiu er, in the 
 room Tor mere 
 levated object. 
 - time rhietly 
 
 as to come to 
 lie approach of 
 : sunbeam be- 
 :he dormouse : 
 
 nt circulation 
 
 Illy as far north 
 h 111 ore or loss 
 the I'lahis. It 
 |ov luces, 
 iminutive birds 
 hey were sup- 
 s tonus a part 
 It sap which the 
 
 |s, — that they 
 
 several trust- 
 
 aligh.t on the 
 
 ^y, and also to 
 
 of the flowing 
 
 UKl.TKl) KINCiFISHER. 
 
 C'KRVr.K .\H \i)\\ 
 
 (iiAR. Above, slaty blue: head with lone; crest: beneath, white. 
 Male with blue band acin>s bica^!. I-\niale and youn^ with breast-band 
 and >i(ics of belly pale chestnut. I.enyth I2 to 13 inche>. 
 
 AV'.f/. An excavation in a sandbank. — UMially by the side of a stream; 
 lined with grass and feathers. 
 
 i^V^O". Ti-S ; white and glossv ; 1.35 X' 1.05. 
 
 This wild and grotesque-lo(jking feathered angler is a well- 
 known inhabitant of the borders of fresh waters from the re- 
 mote fur countries in the 67th i)arallel to the tropics. Its 
 delight is to dwell amidst the most sequestered scenes of 
 uncultivated nature, by the iiorders of rimning rivulets, near 
 the roar of the waterflill, or .miidst the motmtain streamlets 
 which abound with the small fish and insects that constitute 
 its accustomed fare. Mill-dams and the shelving and friable 
 banks of watercourses, suited for the sylvan retreat of its 
 brood, have also peculiar and necessary attractions for our re- 
 tiring Kingfisher, Ky the broken, bushy, or rocky banks of 
 
lif 
 
 i ■ 
 
 
 402 
 
 KIXGIIMJEUS. 
 
 its solitary and a(|uati(: rcta-at. this bird may often be seen 
 perched on some dead and projecting branch, scrutini/.ing the 
 waters for its expected prey. If unsuccessful, it (|uick!\ ( ourses 
 the meanders of the streams or borders of ponds just above 
 their surface, and occasionally hovers for an instant, with rap- 
 idly moving wings, over the sjjot where it percei\'es the gliding 
 (juarry : in the next instant, descending with a (|uick sjiiral 
 sweejj, a fish is seized from the timid fry, with which it returns 
 to its post and swallows in an instant. When startled from 
 the perch, on which it spends many vacant hours digesting its 
 prey, it utters commonly a loud, harsh, and grating cry, very 
 similar to the interrupted creakings of a wat(hinan's rattle, and 
 almost, as it were, the vocal counterpart to the watery tumult 
 amidst which it usually resides. 
 
 Ihe nest — a work of much labor — is now burrowed in some 
 dry and sandy or more tenacious bank of earth, situated be- 
 yond the reach of inundation. At this task both the parties 
 join with bill and claws, until they have horizontally perforated 
 the bank to the depth of 5 or 6 feet. With necessary precau- 
 tion, the entrance is only left sufficient for the access of a 
 single bird. The extremity, however, is rounded like an oven, 
 so as to allow the individuals and their brood a sufficiency (jf 
 room. I'his important labor is indeed prospective, as the same 
 hole is employed for a nest and roost for many succeeding 
 years. Here the eggs are deposited. Incubation, in which 
 both parents engage, continues for sixteen days ; and they 
 exhibit great solicitude for the safety of their brood. The 
 mother, simulating lameness, sometimes drops on the water, 
 fluttering as if wounded, and unable to rise from the stream. 
 The male also, perched on the nearest bough, or edge of the 
 projecting bank, jerks his tail, elevates his crest, and passing to 
 and fro before the intruder, raises his angry and vehement 
 rattle of complaint (Audubon). .At the commencement of 
 winter, the frost obliges our humble Fisher to seek more open 
 streams, and even the vicinitv of the sea ; but it is seen to 
 return to Pennsylvania by the commencement of April. 
 
 'I 
 
icsimsr 
 
 l*^v»i£i^ 
 
 C H I M N E \ S W I F 'I\ 
 
 CHIMNEV SWALLOW. 
 CH-tTUR-A PKLAGICA. 
 
 <'u\R. General color sooty brown, paler on the throat and brca«t, 
 linged with green above. Length about 5 '4 inches. 
 
 .X'c-j/. Usually in a chimney, sometimes in a hollow tree or a barn; 
 made of twigs cemented with saliva. 
 
 £^'::s. 4-5; white; 0.70 X 0.50. 
 
 This singuiar bird, after passing the winter in tropical Amer- 
 ica, arrives in the Middle and Northern States late in April or 
 early in May. Its migrations extend at least to the sources 
 of the Mississippi, where it was observed by Mr. .Say. More 
 social than the foreign species, which frequents rocks and ruins, 
 our Swift takes advantage of unoccupied and lofty chimneys, 
 the original roost and nesting situation being tall, gigantic 
 hollow trees such as the elm and buttonwood { P/a/anus). 
 The nest is formed of slender twigs neatly interlaced, some- 
 what like a basket, and connected sufficiently together by a 
 copious quantity of adhesive gum or mucilage secreted by the 
 stomach of the curious architect. This rude cradle of the 
 young is small and shallow, and attached at the >ides to 
 the wall of some chimney or the inner surface of a hollow 
 
464 
 
 SWIFTS. 
 
 I i 
 
 I 
 
 111 
 
 1 1 
 
 1^: 
 
 f 
 
 trie ; :t l^> wholly destitute (M lining. They have commonly 
 two broods in the season. So assiduous are the parents that 
 they teed the young through the greater part of the night ; 
 their habits, however, are nearly nocturnal, as they Hy abroad 
 most at anil before sunrise, and in the twilight of evening. 
 The noi^e which they make while passing up and down the 
 chminey resembles almost the rumbling of distant thunder. 
 When the ne^ts get loosened by rains so as to fall down, the 
 young, though blinil, fmd means to escape, by creeping uj) and 
 clinging to the sides of the chimney walls ; in this situation 
 they continue to be fed for a week or more. Soon tired of 
 their hard cradle, they generally leave it long before they are 
 cajxable of flying. 
 
 On their first arrival, and for a considerable time after, the 
 males, particularly, associate to roost in a general resort. This 
 situation, in the remote and unsettled parts of the country, is 
 usually a large hollow tree, open at to]). These well-known 
 Sii.Hi/Zo'ic Ores are ignorantly supposed to be the winter quar- 
 ters of the species, where, in heaps, they doze away the cold 
 season in a state of torpidity ; but no proof of the fact is ever 
 adduced. The length of time such trees have been resorted 
 to by particular flocks may be conceived, perhaps, by the 
 account of a hollow tree of this kind described by the Rev. Dr. 
 Harris in his Journal. The Platiniiis alluded to, grew in the 
 upper jiart of Waterford. in Ohio, two miles from the Muskin- 
 gum, and its hollow trunk, now fallen, of the diameter of 5'^ 
 feet, and for nearly 15 feet upwards, contained an entire mass 
 of decayed Swallow feathers, mixed with brownish dust and 
 the exuviae of insects. In inland towns these birds have been 
 known to make their general roost in the chimney of the 
 court-house. Before descending, they fly in large flocks, mak- 
 ing many ample and circuitous sweejis in the air : and as the 
 point of the vortex f;ills, individuals drop into the chimney 
 by degrees, until the whole have descended, which generally 
 takes place in the dusk of the evening. They all, however, 
 disappear about the first week in August. Like the rest of the 
 tribe, the Chimney Swift flies very quick, and with but slight 
 
t IH«K-\\II.l. s-\\ li>()\v 
 
 465 
 
 >• have commonly 
 e the parents thai 
 tart of the night ; 
 as they tly abroad 
 •ilight of evening, 
 up and down the 
 if distant thunder, 
 i to fall down, the 
 )y creeping up and 
 ; in this situation 
 re. Soon tired of 
 ig before they are 
 
 ible time after, the 
 neral resort. This 
 ;s of the country, is 
 These well-known 
 le the winter qnar- 
 I07.C away the cold 
 of the fact is ever 
 lave been resorted 
 , perhaps, by the 
 [cd by the Rev. Dr. 
 d to, grew in the 
 from the Muskin- 
 diameter of 5^4 
 cd an entire mass 
 )rownish dust and 
 e birds have been 
 |e chimney of the 
 large flocks, mak- 
 e air : and as the 
 into the chimney 
 Id, which generally 
 jrhey all, however, 
 like the rest of the 
 ihI with but slight 
 
 vibrations of its wings, appearing as it \\\rv to swim in tin .lir 
 in widening circles, shooting i)ackwards and forwards through 
 the ambient space at great elevations, and yet scarcely moving 
 it^ wings. Now and then it is luird to uttir, ui a hu'.ied 
 manner, a sound like /s//> tstp tsip tsec fst<\ It i> never seen to 
 alight but in hollow trees or chinmeys, and appears always 
 most gay and ai ti\e in wet and gUjomy weather. 
 
 Near the Atlantic Ixirdur this sik'cIcs is found north ti> 50". Init 
 in till' West it ranges still tartlicr northward. 
 
 C H U C K - W I I. L ' S- \V T n O W. 
 An rR( )STOMUS c.akui.in i nsis. 
 
 Char. Gape extremely wide, the rictal bristles with Litcrai filaments. 
 General color reddish brown mottled with bk;ck, white, and tawny ; throat 
 with collar of pale tawny, terminal third of outer tail-teathers white or 
 buffy ; nnder parts tawny white. Length 1 1 to 12 inches. 
 
 .W'st. Ill open woods or dense thicket. \o attemjit is made at build- 
 ing a rcce])tacle for the eggs, which are laid on the bare groim 1 or upon 
 fallen leaves. 
 
 ■E.CA'^'- -; white or bufiish, marked with brown and lavender; 1.40 
 X 1.00. 
 
 The Carolina Goatsucker is seldom seen to the north of 
 Virginia, though in the interior its migrations extend up the 
 shores of the Mississi])pi to the 3Sth degree. After wintering 
 in some part of the tropical continent of .\merica, it arrives in 
 (ieorgia and Louisiana about the middle of Ma'ch. and in Vir- 
 ginia early in A])ril. Like the following species, it i:ommences 
 its singular serenade of ^ cJiuck-^wiir s-widmo in the evening 
 soon after sunset, and continues it with short interruptions for 
 several hours. Towards morning the not is also renewed 
 until the opening dawn. \x\ the day, like some wandering 
 spirit, it retires to secrecy and silence, as if the whole had only 
 been a disturbed dream. In a still evening this singular call 
 may be heard for half a mile, its tones being slower, louder, 
 and more full than those of the ^Vhip-poor-will. The species 
 is particularly numerous in the vast forests of the Mississippi, 
 
 VOL. I. — -,o 
 
466 
 
 GOAI'SLCKEkS. 
 
 II 
 
 
 where througliout the cvcnin;,' its echoinj,' notes arc heard in 
 the sohtury glens and fn^m the snrroundin;^ and silent hills, 
 l)ecotning almost incessant during the shining of the moon; 
 and at the boding sound of its elfin voice, when familiar and 
 ritrongly reiterated, the thcjughtful, >uperstitious savag«; becomes 
 sad and pensive. Its (light is low, and it skims only a few feet 
 above the surface (^f the groun<l, fre(|uently settling on logs 
 and fences, whence it often >weei>s around in jjursuit of tlying 
 moths and insects, which c(jnstitute its fouii. Sometimes these 
 birds are seen sailing near the grounil, and (occasionally descend 
 to pick up a beetle, or tlutter lightly around the trunk of a tree 
 in (juest of some insect crawling upon the bark. In rainy and 
 gloomy weather they remain silent in the hollow log which 
 affonls them and the bats a common roost and refuge by day. 
 When discovered in this critical situation, and without the 
 means of escape, they ruftle uj) their feathers, spread open 
 their enormous mouths, and utter a murmur almost like the 
 hissing of a snake, thus endeavoring, apparently, to intimidate 
 their enemy when cut off from the means (>( escape. 
 
 This sjjecies also lays its eggs, two in number, merely on the 
 ground, anil usually in the woods; if they be handled, or even 
 the young, the joarents, suspicious of danger, remove them to 
 some other place. As early as the middle of August, accord- 
 ing to Audubon, these birds retire from the I'nited States; 
 though some winter in the central parts of Kast Florida. 
 
 The general habitat of this species is the South Atlantic and 
 Gulf States and the lower .Mississippi valley. Near the Atlantic 
 the bird ranges to North Carolina, and Mr. Kidgeway reports it 
 not uncommon in southern Illinois. It winters in tlie (iulf .States 
 and southward. 
 
WllII'-l'ook-WILL. 
 
 46; 
 
 \viiir-i»ooR-u 1 1.1,. 
 
 An"ik( )sr( ).ML s \ t )Lin;kL.s. 
 
 CUAK. (iapc extremely wide; rittal biisllo witliout Literal filaments, 
 (itiieral color dull yr.iv brown, mottled with black, while, and tawny; 
 throat with collar ot white or tawnv ; outer t.iil-ieather> partly white; 
 under parts gray mottled with black. Ixngth yJi to 10 inches. 
 
 .Vest. In dense woods or shady dells; eggs laid on the gronnd or 
 amid dry leaves. 
 
 /j'vi'f. 2; white or butfy marked brown and lavender ; i.\z X 0.S5. 
 
 This remarkable and well-known nocturnal bird arrives in 
 the Southern States in March, and in the MiiJdle States about 
 the close of April or the beijinninti of .May. and proceeds in 
 its vernal migrations along the .\tlanti( States to the centre 
 of Massachusetts, being seldom seen beyond the latitude of 
 43°; and yet in the interior of the continent, acconiing to 
 \'ieillot, it continues as far as Hudson l!ay, and was heard, as 
 usual, !)y Mr. Say at I'embino, ;i the high latitude of 49°. In 
 all this vast intermediate space, as fctr south as Natchez on the 
 Mississip])i, and the interior of Arkansas, these birds familiarly 
 l^reed and take up their temjiorary residence. Some also i)ass 
 the winter in the interior of Hast Florida, according to .Audu- 
 bon. In the eastern i)art of Massachusetts, however, they are 
 uncommon, and always affect sheltered, wild, and hilly situa- 
 tions, for which they have in general a preference. .About 
 the same time that the sweetly echoing voice of the Cuckoo is 
 first heard in the north of Muroi)e, issuing from the leafy 
 groves as the sure harbinger of the flowery month of May, 
 arrives amongst us, in the shades of night, the mysterious 
 W'hip-poor-ivill. The well-known saddening sound is first 
 only heard in the distant forest, re-echoing from the lonely glen 
 or rocky cliff; at length the oft-told solitary tale is uttered from 
 the fence of the adjoining field or garden, and sometimes the 
 slumbering inmates of the cottage are serenaded from the low 
 roof or from some distant shed. Sui)erslition, gathering terror 
 from every extraordinary feature of nature, has not suffered 
 this harmless nocturnal babbler to escajie suspicion, and his 
 
. 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 ( 
 
 ■ 1 *: 
 
 1 ' 
 
 I 
 
 
 % 
 
 h <f;. 
 
 ; J 
 
 \l 
 
 I 
 
 'i ' ! 
 
 468 
 
 GOATSUCKERS. 
 
 familiar approaches are sometimes dreaded as an omen of 
 misfortune. 
 
 In the lower part of the State of Delaware, I have found 
 these birds troublesomely abundant in the breeding season, so 
 that tiie reiterated echoes of 'whip-whip-podr-rvill, \vhip-pen- 
 will, issuing from several birds at the same time, occasioned 
 such a confused vociferation as at firs*^ to banish sleep. This 
 call, except in moonlight nights, is continued usually till mid- 
 night, when they cease until again aroused, for a while, at the 
 coannencement of twilight. The first and last syllables of 
 this brief ditty receive the strongest emphn.sis, and now and 
 then a >ort of guttural 'inck is heard between the repetitions; 
 but the whole phrase is uttered in little more than a second 
 of time. 
 
 Although our Whip-poor-will seems to speak out in such 
 plain i-.nglish, to the ears of the aboriginal Delaware its call was 
 iL'ccoii/is, though this was probably some favorite phrase or 
 interpretation, which served it for a name. The W'hip-poor- 
 will, when engaged in these nocturnal rambles, is seen to tly 
 within a few feet of the surface in quest of moths and other 
 insects, frequently, where abundant, alighting around the house. 
 During the day the birds retire int' die dr.rkest woods, usually 
 on high ground, where they ])ass the time in silence and 
 repose, the weakness of their sight by day compelling them 
 t(j avoid the glare of the light. 
 
 The female commences laying about the second week in 
 May in the Middle States, considerably later in Massachusetts ; 
 she is at no jxiins to form a nest, though she selects for her 
 dejiosit some unfrecjuented part of the forest near a pile of 
 brush, a heap of leaves, or the low shelving of a hollow rock, 
 and always in a dry situation ; here she lays two eggs, without 
 any ai)])earance of an artificial bed. This deficiency of nest is 
 amply made up by the provision of natme, for. like Partridges, 
 the young are soon able to run about after their parents ; and 
 until the growth of their feathers they seem such shapeless 
 lumps of clay-colored down that it becomes nearly impossible 
 to distinguish them from the grountl on which they repose. 
 
WHIP-POOR-WILL 
 
 469 
 
 LS an omen of 
 
 , I have found 
 ling season, so 
 oill, ' whip-pen - 
 me, occasioned 
 ;h sleep. This 
 isually till mid- 
 a while, at the 
 Lst syllables of 
 , and now and 
 he repetitions ; 
 ; than a second 
 
 ik out in such 
 
 ware its call was 
 
 orite phrase or 
 
 I'he Whip-poor- 
 
 s, is seen to fly 
 
 noths and other 
 
 lund the house. 
 
 woods, usually 
 
 in silence and 
 
 mpelling them 
 
 iTond week in 
 
 iMassachusetts ; 
 
 selects for her 
 
 |near a pile of 
 
 a hollow rock, 
 
 p euss, without 
 
 |ency of nest is 
 
 like Partridge 5, 
 
 parents ; and 
 
 ^uch shapeless 
 
 irly impossible 
 
 |i they repose. 
 
 NVere a nest present in the exposed places where we find the 
 young, none would escape detection. The mother also, taith- 
 iul to her charge, deceives the passenger by prostrating herself 
 along the ground Avith beating wings, as if in her dying agony, 
 'i'he activity t)f the young and old in walking, and the abscn«:e 
 of a nest, widely distinguishes these birds from the Swallows, 
 with which tliey are associated. A young fledged bird of this 
 species, presented to me, ran about with great celerity, but 
 refused to eat, and kept continually calhng out at short inter- 
 vals pe-ugh in a low. mournful note. 
 
 After the period of incubation, or about the middle of June, 
 the vociferations of the males cease, or are but rarely given. 
 Towards the close of summer, previously to their departure, 
 they are again occasionally heard, but their note is now languid 
 and seldom uttered; and e rly in September they leave us for 
 the more genial climate of tropical America, being there found 
 giving their usual lively cry in the wilds of Cayenne and 
 Demerara. They enter the United States early in March, but 
 are some weeks probably in attaining their utmost northern 
 limit. 
 
 Their food a])pears to be large moths, beetles, grasshoppers, 
 ants, and such insects as frequent the bark of decaying timber. 
 Sometimes, in the dusk, they will skim within a few feet of a 
 ]ierson, making a low chatter as they pass. They also, in com- 
 mon with other species, flutter occasionally around the domes- 
 tic cattle^ to catch any inserts which a];proach or rest upon 
 them ; and hence the mistaken notion of their sucking goats, 
 while they only cleared them of molesting vermin. 
 
 The VVhip-poor-will is a common summer resident throuijhout 
 New England, and is not uncommon in the Maritime Provinces. It 
 is common also in Ontario, and Dr. Robert Bell reports finding it 
 in the southern parts of the Hudson I5ay rejiion. Mr. Thompson 
 reports it common in .Manitoba. These birds winter in Florida and 
 southward. 
 
; 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 H 
 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 t 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 h 
 
 1 1 
 
 ill 
 
 ii 
 
 1 .J 
 
 R^tll 
 
 
 '\ 
 
 ( 
 
 I 
 
 ' : 
 
 ft 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 i I't 
 
 NIGHTHAWK. 
 
 GOATSUCKER. HULL BAT. 
 
 ChoRDKII.KS MRdlNIAXUS. 
 
 Char. Male; above, dull black mottled with brown and gray: winirs 
 brown, a patch of white on five outer primaries; tail dusky, with bars of 
 gaay and a jiatch of white near the extremity; lower ])arts reddish white 
 with bars of brown; thr(3at with ]>atch of white. Female: similar, but 
 without white on the tail. I^en^th about o'i inches. 
 
 .'Vfs/. Usually in oi)en woods ; the eggs generally laid ujjon a rock or 
 on the turf, — sometimes thev are laid on a gravel roof in a city. 
 
 E^if^i^s. 2 ; dull white or buff, thickly mottled with brown, slate, and 
 lilac: 1.25 X 0.S5. 
 
 Towards the close of April the Nighthawks arrive in the 
 Middle States, and early in May they are first seen near the 
 sea-coast of Massachusetts, which at all times appears to be a 
 favorite resort. In the interior of the continent they penetrate 
 as far as the sources of the Mississii)iM, the Rocky Mountains, 
 and the Territory of Oregon ; they are hkewise observed 
 around the dreary coasts of Hudson Bay and the remotest 
 Arctic islands, breeding in the whole intermediate region to 
 the more temjierate and elevateo parts of (ieorgia. They are 
 now commonly seen towards evening, in ])airs, sailing round in 
 sweeping circles high in the air. occasionally descending lower 
 
 ^^1 
 
NIOHTHAWK. 
 
 47 » 
 
 ,vn and gray ; \vinE;s 
 
 dusky, with bars uf 
 
 l)arts reddish wliite 
 
 male : similar, hut 
 
 laid ujxin a rock or 
 |iii a city, 
 brown, slate, and 
 
 • 
 
 Is arrive in the 
 1st seen near the 
 I appears to be a 
 they penetrate 
 jcky Mountains, 
 lewise observed 
 1(1 the remotest 
 [diate region to 
 rgia. They are 
 Laihng round in 
 [scending lower 
 
 to capture flying insects, « hietly of the larger kind, such as 
 wasps, beetles, and moths. About the middle of May, or 
 later, the female selects some open spot in the woods, the 
 corner of a corn-field or dry gravelly knoll, on which to 
 deposit her eggs, which are only two, and committed to the 
 hare ground, where, however, from the similarity of their tint 
 with the soil, they are, in fact, more secure from obser\ation 
 than if placed in a nest. Here the male and his mate reside 
 during the i)eri(jd of incubation, roosting at a distance from 
 each other on the ground or in the neighboring trees; an«l in 
 consequence of the particular formation of their feet, like the 
 rest of the genus, they roost or sit lengthwise on the branch. 
 1 )uring the progress of incubation the female is seen frequently, 
 for some hours before nightfall, playing about in the air over 
 the favorite spot, mounting in wide circles, occasionally pro- 
 l)elled by alternate quick and slow vibrations of the wings, 
 until at times he nearly aricends beyond the reach of sight, 
 and is only known by his sharf) and sudden squeak, which 
 greatly resembles the flying shriek of the towering .Swift. At 
 other times he is seen suddenly to precipitate himself down- 
 wards for 6o or 8o feet, and wheeling up again as rapitUy ; at 
 which instant a hollow whirr, like the rapid turning of a 
 spinning-wheel or a strong blowing into the bung-hole of an 
 emjny hogshead, is heard, and supposed to be produced by 
 the action of the air on the wings or in the 0|)en mouth of the 
 bird. He then again mounts as before, playing about in his 
 ascent and giving out his harsh squeak till in a few moments 
 the hovering is renewed as before ; and at this occupation the 
 male solely continues till the close of tAvilight. The Euro- 
 pean (ioatsucker is heard to utter the hollow whirr when 
 perched and while holding it heail downwards, so that it does 
 not appear to be produced by the rushing of the air. The 
 female, if disturbed while sitting on her charge, will suffer the 
 spectator to advance within a foot or two of her before she 
 leaves the nest ; she then tumbles alx)ut ami flutters with an 
 appearance of lameness to ilraw (^ff the obsener, when at 
 length she mounts into the air and disappears. On other 
 
lit. 
 
 F) .' 
 
 47^ 
 
 GOATSUCKERS. 
 
 ii; 
 
 I ! 
 
 , t 
 
 (H 
 
 Ii 
 
 m 
 
 > t 
 
 HI 
 
 I: <l 
 
 ^' 
 
 'I 
 
 H 
 
 
 1 
 
 occasions the parent, probably the attending male, puffs him- 
 self up as it were into a ball of feathers ; at the same time 
 striking his wings on the ground and opening his capacious 
 mouth to its full extent, he stares wildly and utters a blowing 
 hiss like that of the liarn Owl when surprised in his hole. On 
 observing this grotesque manujuvre, and this appearance so 
 unlike that of a volatile bird, wc are struck with the propriety 
 • of the metaphorical French name of Crapaud vo/aiis, ox 
 Flying Toad, which this bird indeed much resembles while 
 thus shapelessly tumbling before the astonished spectator. 
 'I'he same feint is also made when he is wounded, on being 
 a])proached. IJke some of the other species, instinctively 
 vigilant for the safety of their misshapen and tender brood, 
 these birds also probably convey them or the eggs from the 
 scrutiny of the meddling obser\er. In our climate they have 
 no more than a single brood. 
 
 Sometimes the Ni,!.];hthawk, before his departure, is seen to 
 visit the towns and cities, sailing in circles and uttering his 
 squeak as he flies high and securely over the busy streets, 
 occasionally sweeping down, as usual, with his whirring notes ; 
 and at times he may be observed, e\'en on the tops of chim- 
 neys, uttering his harsh call. In gloomy weather these birds 
 are abroad nearly the whole day, but are most commonly in 
 motion an hour or two before dusk. Sometimes indeed they 
 are seen out in the brightest and hottest weather, and occa- 
 sionally, while basking in the sun, find means to give chase to 
 the Cicindtii, Carabi, and other entirely diurnal insects, as 
 well as grasshoppers, with which they often gorge themselves 
 in a surprising manner ; but they probably seldom feetl more 
 than an hour or two in the course of the day. On Wappatoo 
 Island, at the estuary of the Wahlamet, they were till the loth 
 of September numerous and familiar, alighting often close to 
 the dwellings, in quest probably of crawling insects which come 
 out in the dark. 
 
 About the middle of August they begin their migrations 
 towards the south, on which occasion they may be seen in the 
 evening moving in scattered flocks consisting of several hun- 
 
 Ll ■ i 
 
male, puffs him- 
 Lt the same time 
 ng his capacious 
 utters a blowing 
 in his hole. On 
 s appearance so 
 th the propriety 
 paud volaiis, (jr 
 resembles while 
 ishecl spectator, 
 undeil, on being 
 ies, instinctively 
 1 tender brood, 
 e eggs from the 
 imate they have 
 
 ture, is seen to 
 nd uttering his 
 le busy streets, 
 whirring notes ; 
 le tops of chim- 
 her these birds 
 St commonly in 
 nes indeed they 
 ther, and occa- 
 to give chase to 
 rnal insects, as 
 •rge themselves 
 dom feed more 
 
 On \\'api)atoo 
 ?re till the loth 
 
 often close to 
 :ts which come 
 
 NH;i I'll [AUK. 
 
 473 
 
 dreds together, and darting after insects nr r r , • 
 t'-y advance towards mL co^ ^ d^m!' "V"^"" ' " 
 tl-- weeks these processions along the rit n . 7- T "' 
 tcndmg towards their destination are sH) '"'' ^^''"'^•^' 
 
 ^^•'tli the wandering host e ■ """^'""^d. Mingled 
 
 speciesof swaiio '^tf.:: K r:;"r t^" ^^^ ^'^^ ^'■''--■- 
 
 '" l^abits and charact:^ ^^ ^ ^^^ Tf ""^' ^'''^'^ 
 ^vhole busy troop have disappearL/lor T^^"^""' '- 
 
 -own Of the eggs being ^ounclt^ue^unrgrr'— ^'S 
 
 Note. -The Fu,„u,a \i,,,m, uvk 
 
 "";;"• ' -"-^i'" "«. breed, i,. ,.,;: u, 
 
 * fill t coast. 
 
 (C 
 
 a and westward on the 
 
 END OF VOL. I. 
 
 leir migrations 
 
 be seen in the 
 
 )f several hun-