. Fig. 382, — Rough-legged Buzzard, } nat. size. (From Brehm.) the Atlantic seaboard ; a large, heavy, and somewhat sluggish hawk, haunting meadows and marshes, to some extent crepuscular in habits, of low, easy, and almost noiseless flight; prey- ing upon insignificant quarry, particularly small rodent and insectivorous mammals, reptiles, batrachians and insects. Nest usually in large trees, but frequently on a ledge of rucks or the edge of a cut-bank ; a bulky mass of interlaced sticks, with softer matted material of miscel- laneous kinds; eggs 3-5, laid late in May and in June, measuring 2.10-2 25 in length, by 1.75-1.80 in breadth; varying in color from dingy whitish with scarcely any marking, or but 526. 182. FALCONIDA—BUTEONINZE: BUZZARDS. 551 faint clouding, to creamy-white boldly variegated with blotches and washes of dark brown on the surface, with neutral-tint markings in the substance of the shell. A. ferrugi/neus. (Lat. jferrugo, iron-rust.) FERRUGINOUS ROUGH-LEGGED Buzzarp. “ CALIFORNIA SQUIRREL Hawk.” Adult ¢ 9: Below, pure white from Dill to end of tail, the legs rich rufous or bright chestnut barred with black, in marked contrast; usually a few chestnut bars or arrow-heads on the belly and flanks, and the breast with sharp shaft lines of black. The older the bird the purer white below, with more perfect contrast of the chestnut legs; the 9 retaining marks of immaturity longer than the ¢ ; these consisting in extension of the black-barred chestnut markings on to the belly, flanks, and even more of the under parts, and spreading of the fine shaft lines on the breast into ordinary streaks. Tail silvery-white below, above white at base and extreme tip, in most of its extent clouded with silvery-ash and more or less tinged with ferruginous. Back, rump, and wing-coverts mixed blackish and bright chestnut in varying but about equal amounts, the former color making central markings on the exposed portion of each feather, the chestnut yielding to white at the bases of the feathers. Top, back, and sides of head streaked with blackish and white in about equal amounts, the feathers being cottony-white, with dark streaks or spaces on their exposed por- tions. Primaries blackish, with a glaucous bloom on their outer webs, their shafts almost entirely white, several outer ones with extensive pure white areation on their inner webs; inner primaries and secondaries continuing this pattern, but with more or less evident ashy spacing between blackish bars, as usual in buteonine hawks. Length of #, 22.50; extent 54.- 50; wing 16.75; tail 9.25; tarsus 2.75; length of 9, 23.50; extent 56.50; wing 17.25; tail 9.75. Iris pale brownish to light yellow; cere and feet bright yellow; bill dark bluish horn- color; mouth purplish flesh-color. Third and 4th quills subequal and longest ; 2d between 5th and 6th; 1st about equal to 8th; lst-4th abruptly emarginate on inner webs; 2d-5th sinuate on outer webs. The foregoing is from a fine pair I procured in Arizona in 1864. A younger bird is described as less rufous above, and almost entirely white below, the flags scarcely varie- gated or contrasted. The first plumage does not seem to be described; I have seen it in Dakota, but have no specimen at hand, and cannot trust my memory. One of the largest, handsomest and imost distinctively marked hawks of N. Am., somewhat recalling Buteo albo- caudatus; common in the west, from the region of the Red River of the North and of the Sas- katchewan to Texas and into Mexico, and from the Plains to the Pacific; sometimes even E. of the Mississippi, as in Iowa. Nesting and habits in no wise peculiar, as compared with those of other large hawks; nest in trees, on ledges and banks, composed of sticks, with mat- ted lining of various softer materials; eggs not characteristic, but large, averaging 2.50 x 1.95. ASTURI'NA. (Modified from Lat. astur, a hawk.) Star Buzzarps. Geueral chars. of Buteo, in proportions, but system of coloration as in Astwr: sexes alike; adults ashy, with black, white-barred tail, the under parts closely barred crosswise with ashy and white; young different, the under parts marked lengthwise with blackish on a whitish ground. Wings short for this subfamily ; 3d, 4th, and 5th quills longest, lst very short; outer 4 emarginate on inner webs; 2d-5th cut on outer webs. Tail even, long, about # the wing. Legs longer than usual in Buteonine, more nearly as in Accipitrine ; feet stout; tarsus scutellate before and half-way up behind, shortly feathered above in front, elsewhere strongly reticulate. A small group of handsome under-sized hawks, peculiar to America. A. plaga’/ta. (Lat. plagata, striped.) Gray Srar Buzzarp. Adult ¢ 9: Upper parts nearly uniform cinereous, or light plumbeous, the feathers dark-shafted, and with nearly obso- lete undulations of lighter ash ; upper tail-coverts in part white. Tail black, with several white zones, sometimes broken, and white or whitish tip. Under parts, including tibize, white, beautifully and closely cross-barred with dark ash, except upon the throat and crissum ; some of the feathers also dark-shafted. Lining of wings white, less closely barred with ashy. Primaries darkening from the color of the back, their inner webs spaced lighter and darker, and 188. 528. 184. 552 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES. with extensive white areation, which characters increase on the secondaries. Iris brown; cere and feet bright yellow; bill and claws blue-black. Wing of ¢ 10.00; tail 7.00; tarsus 2.75 ; middle toe without claw 1.50. Wing of 9 11.00; tail 8.00. Young: Blackish-brown above, much variegated with reddish-buff, the white upper tail-coverts spotted with blackish; below, whitish, dashed with large blackish marks, the flags barred; tail dark brown, with numerous narrow blackish bars. Cent. Am. and Mex., regularly into southwestern U. S., occasionally up the Mississippi Valley to Illinois. Nest in trees or bushes, not peculiar; eggs 2, round- oval, colorless, 2.00 & 1.60. URUBITINGA. (5S. Am. wrubu, a vulture; tinga, bright.) ANTHRACITE BuzzaRDs. Gen- eral chars. of Buteo, but system of coloration peculiar, the adults being chiefly black and white, the tail typically broadly zoned. The limits of the genus vary with different writers; it contains several species, confined to America, one of them reaching our border. In this the tail is about $.as long as the wing, emarginate or nearly even; the wing with 3d-5th quills longest, 2d about equal to 6th, 1st very short ; outer 4 sinuate on inner webs; the point of the folded wing reaching but little beyond the longest secondaries; the bill lengthened and rather weak ; the tomia of the upper mandible strongly festooned or almost lubated back of the hook ; gonys convex ; nostrils large, subcircular ; lores extensively denuded ; tarsus much longer than middle toe and claw, feathered but a little way down in front, scutellate before and behind, reticulated laterally like the basis of the toes, which in the rest of their length are broadly scutellate. U. anthraci/na, (Lat. anthracinus, carbuncular; in this case coal-black.) ANTHRACITE Buzzarp. Adult ¢ 9: Coal-black; feathers of head and neck with concealed white bases ; tail white at extreme base and tip, and crossed about the middle with a broad white zone; ends of coverts white ; quills of wing more or less mottled with rusty-brown ; cere, rictus, and base of bill, and feet, yellow; bill and claws blackish. Length about 23.00; wing 13.00-15.00 ; tail 8.00-10.00 ; tarsus 3.25 ; 9 larger than g. Young: Extensively varied with rusty or buff, which is gradually obliterated as the bird matures; tail numerously barred with black and white. There are 6-9 such bars, mostly broken or otherwise irregular. The whole under parts are white, more or less tinged with buff, pencilled on the throat, heavily striped on the breast and sides, closely barred across on the tibiee and crissum, with blackish. The feathers of the head, nape, and foreback are largely white or whitish, appearing in streaks among the over- lying blackish of the ends of the feathers. The exposed portions of the primaries are blackish, obsoletely crossed with lighter; these feathers lightening basally and internally, where narrow blackish bars alternate with wider spaces of white tinged with brown and fulvous. The secondaries and larger coverts are brown with narrow dark bars, their inner webs also indented with whitish and tawny. The younger the bird the more the whitish or buff prevails over the dark colors. The contrast between the cross-barred tibize aid the lengthwise-striped breast and sides is always notable. The tail varies from rounded through square to emargiuate. A remarkable hawk of Cent. Am., W. I., and Mex., lately ascertained to oceur in Arizona. ONY'CHOTES. (Gr. dvvé, dvuyos, onux, onuchos, a claw, and a suffix -rys, -tes.) CLAWED Buzzarp. ‘Bill short, the tip remarkably short and obtuse, and only gradually bent; cere on top about equal to culmen; very broad basally in its transverse diameter, and ascending in its lateral outline, on a line with the culmen; commissure only faintly lobed. Nostril nearly circular, with a conspicuous (but not central or bony) tubercle ; cere densely bristled below the nostril, almost to its anterior edge ; orbital region finely bristled. Tarsus very long and slen- der, nearly twice the length of the middle toe; toes moderate, the outer one decidedly shorter than the inner; claws very long, strong, and sharp, curved in about one-quarter the cireumfer- ence of a circle. Tibial feathers very short and close, the plumes scarcely reaching below the joint. Feathers of the forehead, gular region, sides and tibiee with white filamentous attach- ments to the ends of the shafts. Wing very short, much rounded, and very concave beneath ; 529. 185. 531. 186. FALCONIDZA — BUTEONINZ: EAGLES. 553 4th quill longest; 1st shorter than 9th; 4 primaries emarginated, and one sinuated, on inner webs; 5 sinuated on outer webs. Tail about $ as long as wing, rounded. Outstretched feet reaching beyond end of tail.” (Ridgway.) One species. O. gru’/beri. (To F. Gruber.) Gruper’s Buzzarp. “Immature? General plumage dull dark bistre, with a grayish-umber cast in some lights, darkest on thé head above and back ; the posterior lower parts paler and more reddish ; throat and neck much tinged with pale rusty ; primaries uniform black. Tail like the rump, but with a more hoary tinge, not paler at the tip, and crossed with 7 or 8 very narrow obscure bars of darker, the last of which is distant an inch or more from the end. Lining of wings dark bistre, antl tinged with rusty, this prevalent toward the edge; under surfaces of primaries white anterior to their emargina- tion, beyond which they are ashy, approaching black at the ends; ashy portion with distant, very obsolete, dusky bars, but the cheeks and throat streaked obsoletely with this color. No distinct white anywhere about head or neck. Wing 10.00; tail 5.80; tarsus 2.70; middle toe 1.40.” (Ridgway.) California? A second specimen has been diacanctel since the description here copied was made. ‘+ Closely allied to, if not identical with, Urubitinga.” (Sharpe.) THRASYAE!TUS. (Gr. Opacis, thrasus, bold; derés, aétos, an eagle.) Harpy EaGues. A genus containing one species of enormous size, the most powerful raptorial bird of America, if not of the entire sub-order. Head with a broad flowing occipital crest. Bill of great length and depth, much compressed, so hooked that the curve of the culmen is about a quadrant of a circle, the commissure about straight, the tomia festooned but not toothed; cere extensive, with nearly vertical fore-edge, close to which are the narrowly oval nostrils about midway between tomia and culmen; lores extensively naked and bristly; superciliary shield prominent; feet and talons of immense strength; tarsus feathered a little way down in front; the covering of the feet reticulate, excepting a few scales on top of the toes; lateral toes much shorter than middle one; inner claw much larger than middle one; hinder one much the largest of all. Wings rather short, but very ample, the secondaries entirely covering the primaries when folded ; wing as a whole much vaulted, the outer quills strongly bowed. Tail long, ? the wing, fan- shaped, vaulted. T. harpyi/a. (Gr. dprua, harpuia, aharpy.) Harpy Eacte. The largest and finest speci- men before me I judge to have been nearly or about 4 feet long; the wing is about 2 feet ;: the tail 18 inches; chord of culmen, including cere, 2. 75 inches ; depth of bill 1.50; tarsus over 4.00; chord of hind claw nearly 3.00. Head and entire under parts dull ate, more or less chacaved with ashy or dusky, particularly on the crest, across the throat, and on the tibia, which latter are in some cases regularly barred with blackish. Upper parts at large ashy-gray, intimately but irregularly barred with glossy black, especially on the wing-coverts. Flight- feathers mostly blackish, but with more or less ashy nebulation, to which whitish variegation is added on the inner webs. Tail pretty regularly barred with black and ash, in other cases irregularly nebulated with light and dark ash. The bill appears to have been blackish, the feet of some yellowish color. Young birds are much darker. C. and 8. Am. and Mexico, a well known and most formidable bird of prey, reaching the Texas border. A/QUILA. (Lat. aquila, an eagle.) GoLpEN EaGues. Birds of great size, robust forin and powerful physique, but in technical characters. near Buteo and especially Archibuteo. Tibia extensively flagged. Tarsus closely feathered all around to the toes; toes mostly reticulate on top, margined, outer and middle webbed at base. Bill large, long, very robust; tomia lobed ; nostrils oval, oblique; superciliary shield prominent. Wings long, pointed by the 3d-5th quills, 2d subequal to 6th, Ist very short, 5 or 6 emarginate on inner webs; 2d to 6th or 7th sinuate on outer webs. Tail moderate, rounded or graduated. Feathers of occiput and nape lanceolate, acute, discrete, like a raven’s throat-plumes. Sexes alike; changes of plumage not great. This extensive genus includes the eagles properly so called, of which there are numerous Old World species, but only one American. 532 187. 554 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —RAPTORES— ACCIPITRES. A. chrysaé/tus. (Gr. xpucderos, chrusaétos, golden eagle. Fig. 383.) GoL~pEN EaGLe. RInG- TAILED EAGLE. Adult ¢ 9: Dark brown, with a purplish gloss, lighter on the coverts of the wings and tail and on the flags or tarsi; the cowl of lanceolate feathers gulden-brown. Quills’ and tail-feathers blackish, but basally more or less variegated or areated with light brown, gray, or whitish; at maturity these markings becoming extensive and definite. Young birds are blacker than the adults, which “‘ grow gray” with age, and are ‘‘ring-tailed,” that is, the basal portion and finally most of the tail is white, offset by a broad black termi- nal zone. Length about 3 feet; extent 6 feet or more: wing 2 feet (¢) or more (9); tail 14.00- 15.00 inches (2) or more (9); bill, without cere, 1.50- 1.75; tarsus 3.50- 4.00. This great bird inhabits N. Am. at large, as well as -Europe, Asia, éte. ; in this country rather northerly, S. ordina- rily to about 35°. The American is not fairly to be distin- guished from the European, but on the whole is a larger and “better” bird, like several others of the present fam- ily, as well as of the goose and duck Fig. 383. — The Eyrie of the Golden Eagle. (Designed by H. W. Elliott.) tribes. This I sup- pose to be owing to the fact that there is more room for them, more food, less persecution, and altogether. less competition in the struggle for existence. It breeds chiefly in mountainous or boreal regions, the eyrie being usually upon a crag, the nest an enormous platform of sticks, etc. The eggs are subspherical and equal-ended; four selected specimens measure: 2.65 X 9.15; 2902.40; 3.002.835; 3.102.25; in 12 cases, only one is white like a bald eagle’s; the rest are whitish, wholly indeterminately spotted, splashed and smirched with rich sienna, umber and bistre browns, with neutral-tint shell-markings; 2, 3, or 4 are laid. HALIAE'TUS. (Gr. ddideros, haliaétos, a sea-eagle ; 4. ¢., the osprey.) Sma EaGues. Fisa- inc Eacues. General chars. of Aquila, as above, but the tarsi only feathered about half-way down, and no webbing between outer and middle toes. This nakedness of the shank is an in- fallible character: among the several different kinds of eagles popularly attributed to North America, only two have been found on the continent; the one with the feathered shank is No. 582; the one with scaly shank is No. 534, whatever its size or color. The scutellation of the 533. 534. FALCONIDA — BUTEONINZ: EAGLES. 555 tarsus varies in this species; there is normally a short row of scales in front, discontinued about the bases of the toes, where are. granular reticulations, the scutellation being resumed further on the toes. Wings pointed by 8d-5th quills; 2d nearly equal to 6th: Ist longer than. 9th; 5 to 6 emarginate on inner webs. Tail rounded, graduated or cuneate, of 12 rec- trices (14 in the Asiatic H. pelagicus). Feathers of neck all around lance-acute, discrete. About 8 species of this genus are recognized; one of them is appropriate to this continent ; another occurs in Greenland; a third (H. pelagicus) may be expected in Alaska. Adult with head and tail white . . 2... ee ee eee aoe ye we ew . 6 Leucocephalus 534 Adult with tail only white . 2... 2... ee ee eo ae ae . . albicilla 533 H. albicil/la. (Lat. albicilla, white-tailed.) Woutirn-TaILep SeA Eacus. Adult ¢ 9: Dark brown, blackening on primaries, the head and neck gray, the tail white. Bill and feet Fia. 384. — Bald Eagle. (From Tenney, after Wilson. ) yellow. Young with tail not white, and otherwise different. Rather larger than the next species. Europe, ete., only North American as occurring in Greenland. H. leucoceph/alus. (Gr. Aevxés, leucos, white; xepady, kephale, head. Fig. 384.) Warrn- HEADED SEA Eacizs. “Batp Eacus.” ‘ Birp OF WASHINGTON” (the young). Adult: & @: Dark brown; quills black; head and tail white; bill, eyes, and feet yellow. Length about 3 feet; extent 6 or 7 feet; wing 2 feet (?) or less (4); tail afoot, more (9) orless (#). Three years are required for the perfection of the white head and tail of the “bald” eagle. The first year, the young are ‘‘ black” eagles; very dark colored, with fleecy white bases of the feathers showing here and there; bill black; iris brown; feet yellow. The next year, they are “gray” eagles, and usually larger than the old birds, the largest known specimens being of this kind. Young in the down are sooty-gray. N. Am. anywhere,’ common — for an edgle; piscivorous; a piratical parasite of the osprey: otherwise notorious as the emblem of the republic. Nest on trees or cliffs; eggs ordinarily 2, white, unmarked, about 3.00 2.50. 556 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — ACCIPITRES. 32. Family PANDIONID: Fish Hawks; Ospreys. See page 498. Plu mage peculiar, close and firm, imbricated, oily, lacking after- shafts; head densely feathered up to the eyes; occipital feath- ers lengthened; legs closely feathered, with- out any sign of a flag; quills of the wings and tail acuminate, stiff and ~-hard, and the primary coverts of similar char- acter. Feet immensc- ly large and strong, roughly granular-retic- ulate; tarsi little feath- ered above in front; toes all free to the base, the outer versa- tile. Claws very large, all of equal lengths, subcylindrie or taper- ny rate: a Fic. 385. — The Fish Hawk, or Osprey. (After J. Wolf.) ing terete, not being scooped out under- neath, but all compressed, and the middle one sharply grooved on the inner face. Bill tooth- less, contracted at the cere, elsewhere inflated, with very large hook; gonys convex, ascending; nostrils oval, oblique, without tubercle, and in the edge of the cere. The peculiarities of the plumage and of the feet are in evident adaptation to the semi-aquatie piscivorous habits of these “fishing hawks,” which require a water-proof covering, and great talons to grasp their slippery quarry. The structural characters are rather those of the buteonine than the falconine birds of prey, in the coracoid arrangement, ete. The supraorbital shield is rudimentary, leaving the eye flush with the side of the head. The family consists of a single genus, and probably but one cosmopolitan species, the well-known Osprey, Pandion haliaétus. 88 PANDI/ON. (Gr. Haviiov, Lat. Pandion, nom. propr. Fig. 385.) Ospreys. To the foregoing add: Wings very long, pointed ; 2d and 3d primaries longest; lst between 3d and 5th; 3 outer ones abruptly emarginate on inner webs, and 2d to 4th sinuate on outer webs. Tail short, scarcely or not half as long as the wing. Sexes alike; 9 larger. Young similar. 930. P. haliaé/tus. (See Haliaétus.) Fish Hawk. Osprey. Adult g 9: Above, dark van- dyke-brown, blackening on the quills, the feathers of the upper parts more or less completely edged with white — the older the bird, the more conspicuous the white markings. Tail dark brown with dusky bars, white tip aud shafts, and inner webs of all but the middle pair of feathers regularly barred with white and dark. Head, neck, and under parts white, the crown more or less extensively streaked with blackish, and a heavy blackish postocular stripe to the nape; the breast more or less spotted with dusky brown ; the white more or less tinged with tawny in some places, especially under the wings and on the head. Coloration very variable in the relative CATHARTIDES: AMERICAN VULTURES. 557 4 amounts of the dark and white colors; young darker, the upper parts without the white crescents. Bill blackish, bluing at base and on cere; feet grayish-blue; claws black ; iris yellow or red. Length 2 feet or rather less; extent about 4% feet; wing 17.50-21.50; tail 8.50-10.50; tarsus 2.25; middle toe without claw 1.75; chord of culmen without cere 1.30; chord of claws nearly the same. Nearly cosmopolitan; entire temperate N. Am., over inland waters and especially along the sea-coasts, migratory, abundant. Few birds are better known than this industrious fisherman, so .often the purveyor perforce of the bald eagle. Breeds anywhere in its range; nest bulky, finally acquiring enormous dimensions by yearly repairs and additions, placed usually in a tree or stout bush, sometimes on rocks or the ground; sometimes hundreds together. Eggs usually laid in May, 2 or 3 in number, very variable in size, say 2.50 1.75, running through all the variations in color common to hawks’ eggs, from a white to creamy, tawny or reddish ground, from few brownish markings to heaviest blotching with sienna, umber, bistre and sepia; coloration usually richly reddish or mahogany. Some nests grow to be 6 or 8 feet in diameter, and as much in depth, and smaller birds, such as purple grackles, frequently build theirs in the interstices of the mass. 8. BanonbEn CATHARTIDES: AmeErRIcAN VULTURES. As already stated (page 497), the characters of this group are of more than family value, for which I lately proposed the above name (New England Bird Life, vol. ii, p. 135). In no event have these birds anything to do with the Old World vultures, which scarcely form a sub- family apart from Falconide. In a certain sense, they represent the gallinaceous type of structure ; our species of Cathartes, for instance, bears a curious superficial resemblance to a turkey. They lack the strength and spirit of typical Raptores, and rarely attack animals capable of offering resistance ; they are voracious and indiscriminate gormandizers of carrion and animal refuse of all sorts — efficient and almost indispensable scavengers in the warm countries where they abound. They are uncleanly in their mode of feeding; the nature of their food renders them ill-scented, and when disturbed they eject the fostid contents of the crop. Although not truly gregarious, they assemble in multitudes where food is plenty, and soine species breed in cominunities. When gorged, they appear heavy and indisposed to exertion, usually passing the period of digestion motionless, in a listless attitude, with the wings half- spread. But they spend much of the'time on wing, circling high in the air; their flight is easy and graceful in the extreme, and capable of being indefinitely protracted. On the ground, they habitually walk instead of progressing by leaps. Possessing no vocal apparatus, these vultures are almost mute, emitting only a weak hissing sound. 33. Family CATHARTIDA: American Vultures. See page 497. Head, and part of the neck, more or less completely bare of feathers, sometimes caruncular; eyes flush with the side of the head, not overshadowed by a super- ciliary shield; ears small and simple. Bill lengthened, contracted toward the base, moderately hooked and comparatively weak. Nostrils very large, completely perforated, through lack of a bony septum. Wings very long, ample, and strong; tail moderate. Anterior toes long for this order, webbed at base; hind toe elevated, very short; claws comparatively lengthened, obtuse, little curved and weak. To these external characters, which distinguish our vultures, I may add, that there are numerous vsteological peculiarities. A lower larynx is not de- veloped. The capacious gullet dilates into an immense crop. Coca are wanting. The caro- tids are double. The feathers lack an aftershaft; the plumage is sombre and unvaried; its changes are slight; the sexes are alike, aud the ? is uot larger than the g. The famous Condor of the Andes, Sarcorhamphus gryphus ; the King Vulture, Gyparchus papa, which probably occurs in Arizona, and species of the three fullowing genera, vompose the family. 189. 536. 190. 558 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — RAPTORES — CATHARTIDES. Analysis of Genera, Head and neck entirely naked; tail square a WY EO SBN, Se ee ee . . . + Pseudogryphus 189 Head and upper part of neck naked; tailrounded. .... . iy talon Sa PA eae ae aS He Cathartes 190 Head naked, but feathers running up to it behind; tailsquare . .......... . + Catharista 191 Pseudogry'phus. (Gr. eddos, pseudos, false; Lat. gryphus, a griffin.) CALIFORNIAN Conpor. Size immense, about equalling that of the Condor. Head and neck entirely bare, smooth, without caruncular appendages. No cervical ruff of snowy, downy feathers; plumage beginning over the shoulders with loose lance-linear feathers, and that of the under parts generally of similar character. Frontal region depressed below the level of the inflated cere, but the general profile straight- ish from the hook of the bill to the hind head. Bill wide and deep, comparatively little hooked. Nasal passage much more contracted than the nasal fossa. Wings of great ampli- tude, folding to or beyond the end of the square tail, the ends of the primaries uncovered by the secondaries; 4th or 5th quills longest. Tarsus about as long as middle toe. One species. P. california/nus. (Of Cali- fornia. Fig. 386.) Cairor- nIAN Conpor. Adult ¢ 9: Blackish, the feathers with browner tips or edges, quite gray or even whitish on the wing-coverts and inner quills; primaries and __ tail - feathers black; axillars and lining of wings white; Dill yellowish, reddening on cere, and skin of the head orange or reddish; iris said by some to be brown, by. others carmine. Length 4-44 feet; extent about 94. feet; wing 24-3 feet; tail 14-14 feet; tarsus 4.50-5.00 inches; middle toe without claw 4.00-4.50; middle claw 1.90; hind claw 1.50; chord of culmen without cere about 1.50, but whole bill about 4.00, whole head about 7.00 ; cere on top nearly 3.00. Young with the bill and naked parts dusky, and more or less downy; plumage without white. Nestlings covered with whitish down. Pacific coast region, U.S. and southward, common. This great creature rivals the condor in size, and like it is powerful enough to destroy young or otherwise helpless animals, though its usual food is carrion. The nidification, as described, is like that of the turkey buzzard; but the eggs are whitish, unmarked. They measure about 4.50X2.50. The general habits appear to be the same as those of the turkey buzzard; the flight is similar. CATHAR'TES. (Gr. xaOaprys, kathartes, a purifier.) Turkey Buzzarps. Of medium size; body slender. Whole head and upper part of neck naked, the plumage beginning as a Fig. 886, — Californian Condor, (From Tenney, after Audubon.) CATHARTIDA: AMERICAN VULTURES. 559 cirelet of ordinary feathers all around the neck; the naked skin corrugated and sparsely beset with bristles, especially a patch before the eye. Bill long, moderately stout and hooked, the nostrils large, elliptical, completely pervious, the cere contracted opposite them. Wings extremely long, not particularly broad, pointed, folding beyond the tail, which is short and rounded. Point of the wing formed by 3d or 4th quill; 2d and 5th nearly as long; 1st much shorter ; outer 4 or 5 emarginate on inner webs. Tarsus about as long as middle toe without claw. Of Cathartes as restricted there are several species described, but only one is estab- lished as N. Am. They are noted for their extraordinary powers of sailing flight. 537. C. au/ra. (Vox barb., name of the bird. Fig. 387.) Turkey Buzzarp. Adult ¢ 9: Age = OS SRN (Mibel tbo Ne nk : 5S, TINY : ALEC RA eS a Se Fi. 387.— Turkey Buzzard, } nat. size. (From Brehm.) Blackish-brown, grayer on the wing-coverts; quills black, ashy-gray on their under surface; tail black, with pale brown shafts. Head red, from livid crimson to pale carmine, with whitish specks usually; bill dead white; feet flesh-colored; iris brown. Length 24-24 feet; extent about 6 feet; wing 2 feet or less; tail a foot or less; tarsus 2.25 inches; middle toe without elaw rather more; outer toe 1.50; inner 1.25; hind 0.75; chord of culmen without cere 1.00. Weight 4-5 pounds. Young darker than the adults; bill and skin of head dark, the latter downy. Nestlings covered with whitish down. U. 8. and adjoining provinces, Atlantic to Pacific, and south clear through C. and 8. Am.; N. to about 53°; resident N. to about 40°, beyond which migratory, being starved out in winter. Nests on the ground, or near it in hollow stumps or logs, generally in communities. Eggs commonly 2, sometimes 1, abcut 191. 538. 560 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —RAPTORES — CATHARTIDES. 2.75 X 1.90, white or creamy, variously spotted and blotched with different browns, and with lavender or purplish-drab shell-markings. This species has a curious habit of “ playing possum,” by simulating death when wounded and captured; the feint is admirably executed and often long protracted. CATHARIS'TA. (Gr. xabapi¢w, katharizo, I purify.) Carrion Crows. Of medium size : body stout. Head naked, and generally as in Cathartes, but feathers uf the neck running up behind to a point on the occiput, the outline of the plumage thus very different. Cere con- tracted; nostrils narrow, less openly pervious than in Cathartes. Wings shorter and relatively broader than in Cathartes, not folding to the end of the tail, which is short, only about half the wing, and even or emarginate; 4th and 5th quills longest. The difference in size and shape Fic. 388. — Black Vulture, } nat. size. (From Brehm.) between Cathartes and Catharista is strikingly displayed when the birds are seen flying together , there is also a decided difference in the mode of flight, as Catharista never sails for any distance without interrupting that easy motion by flapping the wings. C. atra‘ta. (Lat. atrata, blackened. Fig. 388.) Carrion Crow. Buiack VuLture. Adult & 9: Entire plumage, including skin of head, and bill, blackish; shafts of the primaries white; bases of the primaries paling to gray or whitish. Tip of bill and feet grayish-yellow ; iris brown; claws black. Smaller than C. aura, in linear dimensions, but a heavier bird; length about 2 feet; extent only about 44 feet; wing 17.00 inches; tail 8.00; tarsus 3.00; middle toe rather less ; chord of culmen without cere 1.00 or less. Nesting like that of C. aura; eggs similar, but larger, or at any rate longer; about 3.25 2.00. Chiefly S. Atlantic and Gulf States, especially maritime, there very numerous, out-numbering the turkey buzzards, and semidomesticated in the towns, where their good offices are appreciated ; N. regularly to N, C., COLUMBA: COLUMBINE BIRDS. 561 thence straggling to Mass. and even Maine; not authenticated as occurring on the Pacific side, but of general distribution in C. and S. Am. No one can fail to observe with interest the great difference in the form and general appearance of the Turkey Buzzard and Carrion Crow when he compares them sitting side by side sunning themselves upon chimney or house-top ; and especially the discrepancy in their mode of flight as they wheel together overhead in endless inosculating circles. The Turkey Buzzards look larger as they fly, though really they are lighter weights ; they are dingy-brown, with a gray space underneath the wing ; the tail is long ; the fore-border of the wing is bent at a salient angle, and there is a corresponding reéntrance in its hind outline ; the tips of the longest quills spread apart and bend upward; and one may watch these splendid flyers for hours without perceiving 2 movement of the pinions. Comparing now the Carrion Crows, they are seen to be more thick-set, with less sweep of wing and shorter and more rounded tail, beyond which the feet may project; the front edge of the wing is almost straight, and the back border sweeps around in a regular curve to meet it at an obtuse point, where the ends of the quills are neither spread apart nor bent upward. The birds show almost black instead of brown ; in place of a large gray area under the wing, there is a smaller paler gray spot at the point of the wing. And, finally, the Carrion Crows flap their wings five or six times in rapid succession, then sail a few moments; their flight appears heavy, and even laborious, beside the stately motion of their relatives. Oss.--Cathartes burrovianus Cass., B. N. A., 1858, p. 6; Eliot, B. N. A. pl. 36, a doubtful species, is said to inhabit Lower California. — From various accounts, it seems probable that the king vulture (Gyparchus papa) really occurs on our southern border, but this remains to be determined. (See Bartram, Trav. in Fla., p. 150; Cass., B. N. A., p. 6; Coues, Proc. Phila. Acad., 1866, p.49; Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., ii, 1871, p. 313 ; Coues, Bull. Nutt. Club, vi, 1881, p. 248.) V. Order COLUMBZ:: Columbine Birds. An essential character of birds typical of this group is found in the structure of the Dill, which is horny and convex at the tip, somewhat contracted in the continuity, furnished at the base with a tumid membrane in which the nostrils open. There are four toes; three anterior, generally cleft to the base, but occasionally with slight webbing; one behind, with few excep- tions perfectly insistent or not obviously elevated. The feet are never much lengthened; the tarsus is commonly shorter than the toes, either scutellate or extensively feathered, reticulate on the sides and behind, the envelope rather membranous than curneous. (One N. Am. genus, Starneenas, has entirely reticulate tarsus and elevated hallux.) On the whole, the feet are inses- sorial, not rasorial; the habit is arboreal, not terrestrial; but there are many ground pigeons, some quite fowl-like ; and progression is always gradient, never saltatory. The wings and tail do not afford ordinal characters; but it may be remarked that the rectrices are usually (not always) 12 or 14 instead of the higher numbers usual in gallinaceous birds; and that the wings are usually long and flat, not short and vaulted. The plumage is destitute of aftershafts (qu. Didus? small aftershafts in Pterocletes?). The syrinx has one pair of intrinsic muscles, if any (none in Péerocletes). The oil-gland is nude, when present (small in Treron, etc.; wanting in Goura, Starnenas). The gall-bladder is generally absent (present exceptionally in some true Pigeons). The coca are absent; or present, but small. There are two carotids. The gizzard is muscular. There are many good ostevlogical characters. The palate is schizognathous. The nasal bones are schizorhinal. The sternum is doubly notched, or nvtched and fenestrate, on each side; the pectoral ridge of the humerus is salient and acute, and does not receive the insertion of the second pectoral muscle. The ambiens muscle is normally present, the birds being unquestionably homalogonatous; but is sometimes lost; the femoro-caudal, accessory femoro-caudal, semitendinosus, and accessory semitendinosus are present; the fourth gluteal muscle, which in other schizorhinal birds covers the femur-head, is undeveloped (Garrod). Some ornithologists, like Liljeborg, enlarge the Columbine order, under name of Pullas- tre, to receive the American Curassows, (Cracide@ — see beyond) and the Old World Big-feet or Mound-birds (Megapodide) ; mainly on account, it would appear, of the low position of the hallux in these families. But the balance of characters favors their reference to the galli- naceous series, where they are relegated by Huxley. While there is no question that the Columbine birds are very closely related to the Galline, in fact inosculating therewith, it 36 562 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — COLUMBA) — PERISTERZ. seems best to draw the line, if one must be drawn, so as to include the Pterocletes in Columba, and leave the Cracide and Megapodide with Galline. The Sand-grouse (better Sand-pigeons), or Pterocletes, represent the inosculation of the two series. They are terrestrial Columbines, modified for a grouse-like life; the digestive system is fowl-like (ececa several inches long, ete.); but the pterylosis, the sternum and humerus, the cranial and many other characters, are pigeon- like. The only alternative to reference of Pterocletes to the Columbine series is their elevation to independent ordinal rank, as proposed by Huxley. The Columba, as above indicated, are intended to be made conformable to Huxley’s Periste- romophe plus Pterocletes. Assuming the imperfectly-known extinct Dodo, Didus ineptus, to have been a modified Columbine, and considering the Pterocletes to represent a rasorial modi- fication of the Columbine series, the Order Columbe may be separated into THREE groups, or suborders, Dip1, PTEROCLETES, and PERISTERA, the first two certainly, the last probably, of a single family. The Peristere alone are Awerican. 9. SusorpER PERISTERZ: TRurE CoLuMBINE BiIrps. (Equivalent to the Peristeromorphe of Huxley; the Gemitores of Macgillivray, or Columbe proper of most authors; the Gyrantes of Bonaparte, plus Didunculus; Columbe of Garrod minus Pterocletes; Pullastre of Liljeborg minus Cracide and Megapodide.) Skull schizognathous, schizorhinal; basipterygoids prominent; angle of mandible not produced; rostrum externally as above said. Sternum doubled-notched or notched and fenestrate, on each side; pectoral crest of humerus salient, acute. Carotids two. Syringeal muscles one pair. Ceca coli small or wanting; gizzard muscular; crop developed; gall-bladder generally absent. Fourth gluteal muscle undeveloped; second pectoral specially inserted; ambiens normally present, or wanting. Oil-gland nude, small, or wanting. Plumage without after- shafts. Feet insessorial; hallux normally insistent; tarsus normally scutellate. Rectrices normally 12 or 14. (Rasorial tendency in more rectrices, hallux up, and tarsus reticulate.) Altricial; psilopedic ; monogamous; eggs few. One family? 84. Family COLUMBID4: Pigeons. The family is here taken to be co-extensive with the suborder as defined. With one exception (Starnenas cyanocephaia), all our species will be immediately recog- nized by their likeness to the familiar inmates of the dove-cot. One seemingly trivial circumstance is so con- stant as to become a good clue to these birds: the frontal feathers do not form antize by extension on either side of the culmen, but sweep across the base of the bill with a strongly convex outline projected on the culmen, thence rapidly retreating’ to’ the commissural point. The plumule- less plumage is generally compact, with thickened, spongy rhachis, the insertion of which will seem loose to one who skins a bird of this family. The head is remarkably small; the neck moderate; the body full, especially in the pectoral region. The wings are strong, generally length- ened and pointed, conferring a rapid, powerful, whistling i eg flight ; the peculiar aérial evolutions that these birds are Fia. 889.—European Ring Dove(Co- wont to perform have furnished a synonym for the family, lumba palumbus). (From Dixon.) Gyrantes. The tail varies in shape, from square to grad- uate, but is never furked; as a rule there are 12 rectrices, frequently increased to 14, rarely to COLUMBIDZ: PIGEONS. 503 16, exceptionally to 20; all the North American have 12, excepting Zenaidura, with 14. The feet show considerable modification when the strictly arboricole are compared with the more terrestrial species; their general character has. just been indicated. The gizzard is large and muscular, particularly in the species that feed on seeds and other hard fruits; the gullet dilates to form a capacious circumscribed crop, divided into lateral halves, or tending to that state. This organ at times secretes a peculiar milky fluid, which, mixed with macerated food, is poured by regurgitation directly into the mouth of the young; thus the fabled “‘ pigeon’s milk” has a strong spice of fact, and in this remarkable circumstance we see probably the nearest approach, among birds, to the characteristic function of mammalia. ‘“‘ The voice of the turtle is heard in the land” as a plaintive cooing, so characteristic as to have afforded another name for the family, Gemitores. Pigeons are altricial, psilopedic, and monogamous — doubly monogamous, as is said when both sexes incubate and care for the young; this is a strong trait, compared with the precocial, ptilopeedic, and often polygamous nature of rasorial birds. They are amorous birds, whose passion generally .results in a tender and constant devotion, edifying to contemplate, but is often marked by high irascibility and pugnacity — traits at variance with the amiable meekness which doves are supposed to symbolize. Their blandness is supposed to be due to absence of the gall-bladder. The nest, as a rule, is a rude, frail, flat structure of twigs; the eggs are usually two in number, sometimes one, white; when two, supposed to contain the germs of opposite sexes. (For anatomy of a pigeon, see frontispiece.) “The entire number of Pigeons known to exist is about 300; of these the Malay Archi- pelago already counts 118, while only 28 are found in India, 23 in Australia, less than 40 in Africa, and not more than 80 in the whole of America.” They focus in the small district of which New Guinea is the centre, where more than a fourth of the species oceur. Mr. Wallace accounts for this by the absence of fruit-eating forest mammals, such as monkeys and squirrels; and finds in the converse the reason why pigeons are so searce in the Amazon valley, and there chiefly represented by species feeding much on the ground and breeding in the bushes lower than monkeys habitually descend. ‘In the Malay countries, also, there are no great families of fruit-eating Passeres, and their place seems to be taken by the true fruit-pigeons, which, unchecked by rivals or enemies, often form with the Psittaci the prominent and characteristic features of the Avifauna.” (Newton.) There are several prominent groups of Pigeons; but authors are far from agreed upon the subdivisions of the family. It is not probable that Garrod’s three subfamilies of Columbide, based upon characters of the ambiens, cceca, gall-bladder, and oil-gland, will not stand without modification, and I cannot adopt his arrangement. Sclater divided the suborder Columbe as above defined into two families, Columbide and Carpophagide, to which he afterward added Gourid@, and probably Didunculide. Bonaparte made five families, Didunculide , Treronide, Columbide, Calenadide, and Gouride three of them upon single genera), with twelve sub- families. Some of the leading groups may be thus indicated : — 1. The extraordinary Tooth-billed Pigeon of the Samoan Islands, Didwnculus strigiros- tris, alone represents a subfamily or family, with its stout, compressed, hooked and toothed beak, and many other peculiarities. The length of intestine is excessive, being seven feet instead of about two, as usual in Columbide. The ambiens is present; the oil-gland and gall-bladder are absent. There are 14 tail-feathers. : 2. The singular genus Goura, with two New-Guinean species, is outwardly distinguished by its inimense umbrella-like crest, and possesses anatomical peculiarities which entitle it to stand alone as type of a subfamily or family. The tarsi are reticulate; there are 16 rectrices; esea, gall-bladder, oil-gland, and ambiens muscle are all wanting; the intestines are four or five feet long. 3. The single genus and species, Calenas nicobarica, has a very tumid bill, and acu- minate, lengthened, pendulous feathers of the neck; but there are only 12 rectrices, as in 192. 564 SYSTEMA TIC SYNOPSIS. — COLUMBE — PERISTERZ.. ordinary Pigeons, and the anatomy is conformable to a usual type, except that the lining of the gizzard is ossified. 4. The large Old World genera Treron and Ptilopus, with which latter ‘another large genus, Carpophaga, is closely related, are a group of fruit-eating, arboricole species, with a short, stout beak, short, soft, broad-soled and extensively feathered feet, normally 14 rectrices, and soft lustreless plumage, of which green is the characteristic color. Of such Treronine or Treronid@, ‘‘54 species are confined to the Austro-Malayan, while 28 inhabit the Indo- Malayan, subregion: In India 14, and in Africa a species are found; 30 inhabit the Pacific Islands, and 8 occur in Australia or New Zealand, while New Guinea has 14 species” (Wallace). 5. There area large number of Pigeons of both the Old and New World, possessing neither the peculiarities already stated nor those of the Columbine proper, to be presently given. They are the Zenaidine and Phapine of Bonaparte, with more or less lengthened naked tarsi, and of more or less terrestrial habits. They are exemplified by such -genera as Chamepelia and Melopelia with 12 rectrices, and Zenaidura with 14, of America; by Lopholemus with 12, Geopelia, Phlogenas and Ocyphaps with 14, and Phaps with 16, of the Old World. Nearly all possess the ambiens and oil-gland, without ceca or gall-bladder. Having many points in common, thése ground-doves might form a subfamily Zenaidine or Phapine, notwithstanding the peculiarities of certain genera. Such a group would correspond to the two Bonapartian subfamilies just named, and closely with the Phapme of Garrod. 6. From the Zenaidine thus composed our genus Starnenas differs more notably than authors, excepting Garrod, seem to have appreciated. It is a pullet-like ground-pigeon, with long reticulate tarsus, short and somewhat elevated hind toe; with cceca and without oil-gland or ambiens muscle, the reverse of the rule in Zenaidine as above noted. It can hardly be referred to the totally different Treronine on the single circumstance of lacking the ambiens, and must stand alone, in such division of the family as is here sketched, as type of a new sub- family Starnenadine. 7. With the remaining Columbide there is no difficulty, as they form a well character- ‘ized restricted subfamily Columbine. The leading genera are the square-tailed Columba, of both Worlds; the round-tailed Turtur of the Old; the wedge-tailed Macropygia of the Old, matched by the wedge-tailed Eetopistes of the New. The species are arboreal, with short feet, scutellate or partly-feathered tarsi, and 12 tail-feathers; cceca, oil-gland, and ambiens present ; gall-bladder absent. Of the seven groups thus indicated, three are North American. They may readily be distinguished as follows. Analysis of North American Subfamilies of Columbide. Tarsi scutellate, feathered . . . . 1. es > Rte? ae a ek ga, oe . Columbine Tarsi scutellate, naked =. ww ww ee ee . Sle eo la se a ar Zenaidine Tarsi reticulate, naked . mtb se apc Cac Ge Ree ee ea ee ae Starnenadine 48. Subfamiiy COLUMBINAZ:: Typical Pigeons. Feet small; tarsus short, not longer than the' lateral toes, scutellate in front, feathered above. Wing pointed, of 10 primaries. ‘ail variable in shape, of 12 rectrices. Bill typically as described above. Arboreal. (See above for anatomical characters.) Analysis of Genera. Tail nearly even, much shorter than the wing, with broad obtuse feathers . . ...-. . Columba 192 Tail long, cuneate, equal to wings, with narrow tapering feathers th he, a aw igo Oe ae Ectopistes 193 COLUM’BA. (Lat. columba, a pigeon:) Bill short and comparatively stout, about half as long as head. Wings pointed, 2d and 3d quills longest. No black spots on scapulars. Lateral toes of about equal lengths, with claws about as long as middle toe without ; hind toe and claw ‘ ' COLUMBIDZA — COLUMBINZ:: TYPICAL PIGEONS. 565 about as long as lateral without. Contains the domestic Pigeon, C. livia, the Stock Dove, C. enas, Ring Dove, C. tla (fig. 389), and several other species of both Hemispheres. Analysis of Species. A white band on nape; metallic scales of nape without borders. Tail with light tiem and dark sub- terminal bars; bill and feet yellow, former black-tipped. . . ..... . . fasciata 639 No white on head ; no metallic scales on nape; tail not banded ; bill and feet not wallow . . erythrina 640 Top of head white ; tail not banded ; metallic feathers of nape black-bordered . . . . . leucocephala 541 $39. C. fascia/ta. (Lat. fasciata, banded; alluding to the bars on the tail.) BANnD-TAILED PigEoN. WHITE-cOLLARED PicEon. Adult g: Head, neck, and under parts purplish wine-red, fading to white on belly and crissum, the nape with a distinct white half-collar, the cervix with a patch of metallic, scaly bronze-green feathers. Rump, upper tail-coverts, lining of wings and sides of body slaty-blue. Back and scapulars dark greenish-brown, with con- siderable lustre, changing on the wing-coverts to slaty-blue, these feathers with light edging. Quills blackish-brown, with pale edging along the sinuous portion of the outer webs. Tail bluish-ash, paler beyond the middle on top and much paler below, crossed ‘at the middle by a black bar. Bill yellow, tipped with black; feet yellow, claws black ; a red ring round eye — these colors very conspicuous in life. A large stout species: length 16.00; extent about 27.00; wing 8.00-8.50, puinted; tail 5.50-6.00, square; bill 0.75, stout for a pigeon; tarsus 1.00, feathered half-way down in front; middle toe and claw 1.67. Adult 9: Back, wings, and tail, asin ¢; metallic scales and white collar obscure or wanting. Head and under parts much less purplish, the rich hue replaced by a rusty-brown wash on an ashy ground; yellow of feet and bill obscured; smaller; wing 7.50; tail 4.75. Young @: Resembling the 9. Rocky Mts. to the Pacific, U. £., common and of general but irregular distribution, chiefly in woodland, and especially where acorns, upon which it largely subsists, can be procured; some- times in flocks of great extent. Nest in trees and bushes; eggs ‘2, equal-ended, white, glistening, 1501.20. 540. C. erythri/na. (Gr. épvdpivos, eruthrinos, reddish.) Rep-BILLED Picron. Adult ¢: Head, ueck, and breast dark purplish wine-red, with a slight glaucous overcast, like the bloom on a grape; uo metallic scales on neck. Middle wing-coverts like the head. Middle of back, and some inner wing-quills, dark olive-brown with a bronze-green gloss. Greater wing- coverts, lining of wings, sides of body, belly, crissum, and rump, slate-colored, sometimes quite sooty, sometimes more bluish ; tail like ramp, but more blackish. Quills of wing dark slate. with narrow pale edging. Bill pink for basal half, rest pale horn-color; feet purplish-red, with pale claws; eye-ring red; iris orange. Bill and feet drying an undefinable color. Bill remarkable for forward extension of feathers on culmen, to with half an inch of tip, covering the nasal scale. Length 18.50-14.50; extent 23.00-25.00; wing 7.50-8.00; tail about 5.00; tarsus 0.87; middle toe and claw 1.50. 9 and young similar, duller and more dilute in color, the wine-red and slate-color more ashy. Texas, Mexico, Lower California. A dark, richly- colored pigeon, common. in the Valley of Lower Rio Grande and southward. Nest in trees and bushes, of twigs, grasses, and roots, well-formed for a pigeon’s; egg single, equal-ended, glistening white; averaging 1.54%1.09; laid in Apr., May. 641. C. leucoce’phala. (Gr. Aevkds, leucos, white; xepady, kephale, head.) WHITE-CROWNED Picron. Adult g 9: Dark slaty, paler below, the quills and tail feathers darkest. , Whole top of head pure white; hind neck above rich maroon-brown, lower down and laterally metallic golden-green, each feather black-edged, giving the appearance of scales. Bill and feet dark carmine or lake red, the tip of the former bluish-white; bill drying dusky with yellowish tip, feet dingy yellowish. Iris yellow or white. Length 13.00-14.00; extent 23.00; wing 7.50; -tail 5.75. @Q only duller than g. West Indies and Florida Keys. Nest in trees and bushes, of twigs, roots, and grasses; eggs 2, white, 1.40 X 1.05. 198. ECTOPIS'TES. (Gr. ékromorns, ektopistes, a wanderer: very appropriate.) PASSENGER 543. 566 SYSTEMATIC: SYNOPSIS. — COLUMBZ — PERISTERZ. Piezons. Tail long, equal to the wings, cuneate, of: 12 tapering acuminate feathers, parti- colored. Wing acutely pointed by first 3 primaries, with black spots on the coverts. Bill stall, with culmen less than half the head, short gonys, feathered far forward between the rami. Tarsi short, feathered part way down in front, where scutellate, but not in one regular row of scales. Lateral toes unequal. Sexes unlike. . E. migrato/rius, (Lat. migratorius, migratory. Fig. 390.) Passencer Picron. Wutp Piczon. Adult &: Upper parts, including head all around, slaty-blue, bright and pure on head and rump, shaded with olivaceous-gray on the back and wings; the back and sides of the neck glittering with golden and violet iridescence, the wing-coverts with velvety-black spots. Below, from the throat, light purplish-chestnut, paler behind and fad- ing into white on the lower belly and cris- sum. Tibia, sides of body, and lining of wings like upper parts. Quills blackish, with rufous - white edging. Two middle tail-feath- ers blackish; others fading from pearly - bluish into white, their extreme bases with black and chestnut spots. Bill black; feet lake red, drying an undefinable color; iris orange; skin about eye red. Length about 17.00, but very variable, according to development of the tail; extent 23.00-25.00; wing 8.00-8.50; tail about the same, the lateral feathers graduated rather more than half its length ; bill 0.75; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw 1.25. Adult 9: Upper parts, wings and tail, as in ¢: below, Tiina, -gray, fading poste- riorly. Young: Like the 9, but still duller; little or no clear slaty except on rump; plumage varied with white crescentic edges of the feathers, especially on the back and wings; quills edged about with rufous; most of the lateral tail-feathers gray. ‘‘ Wanders continually in search of food throughout all parts of. N. Am. ; wonderfully abundant at times in particular districts ;” chiefly, however, temperate N. Am., East of the R. Mts. We do not have the “ millions” that the earlier writers speak of in the Eastern U. 8. now: but I remember one great tlight over Washington when I was a boy: the'greatest roosts and flights we now hear of are in the upper Mississippi Valley. Nest in trees and bushes, a slight frail platform of twigs, so open as to leave the egg visible from below. Eggs 1 or 2, equal-ended, 1.45 x 1.05. Fia. 390. — Passenger Pigeon. (From Tenney, after Wilson. ) 49. Subfamily ZENAIDINAE: Ground Doves. Feet larger than in Columbine. Tarsus lengthened to exceed the lateral toes, entirely naked and scutellate in front (scarcely feathered in Scardafella). Tuail-feathers normally 12, rarely 14 or more (Zenaidura the only North American Pigeon with more than 12). Seven North American genera, each of a singlé species in this country. Analysis of Genera. Tailof14feathers .........- me Mey | afew eat AD tnd wa erate Zenaidura 195 Tail of 12 feathers. Outer primary attenuate, bistoury-like . va de ‘4 *~ o & « . Engyptila 193 194, 542. COLUMBID4i — ZENAIDIN&:: GROUND DOVES. 567 Outer primary normal. Tail longer than wing, double-rounded. . . . . +. + sss eee » .. . Scardafella 199 Tail about equal to wing. Tarsus not shorter than middle toeandclaw ..... Geotrygon 200 Tail shorter than wing. Tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw. No blue-black spot nor metallic lustre on head orneck . . . 1. ee oe Chamepelia 198 A blue-black spot and metallic lustre on head or neck Black spots and no white patch on wing . . . 1 1 6 6 eo ee ew we ee es Zenaida 196 White patch and no black spotson wing . . . 2 1 1 ee ew tt ew Melopelia 197 ENGYPTILA. (Gr. éyyis, eggus, narrow, straitened ; mridov, ptilon, feather ; alluding to the outer primary.) Pin-wine Doves. First primary abruptly emarginate, attenuate and linear near the end. Wings of moderate length; 3d and 4th primaries longest; first shorter than 7th. Tail much shorter than the wings, rounded, of 12 broad feathers. Tarsus entirely naked, equalling or rather exceeding the middle toe and claw. Lateral toes nearly equal, the ends of their claws reaching about opposite the base of the middle claw. Hind toe shortest of all, but perfectly incumbent. Bill small and slender, much shorter than the head. A considerable Fig. 391, — Details of Engyptila albifrons; head and foot nat. size; wing and tail reduced. (Ad nat. del. R. Ridgway.) naked space about the eye, thence extending in a narrow line to the bill. Size medium or rather small. Body full and stout. Coloration subdued, but hind-head and neck iridescent. No metallic spots on wings or head. Lining of wings chestnut. (Only N. Am. genus with attenuate outer primary.) E. al/bifrons, (Lat. albus, white; frons, forehead. Fig. 391.) WHITE-FRONTED Dove. @, adult: Upper parts brownish-olive, with silky lustre (much as in Coccygus americanus for example). Hind-head, nape, and back and sides of neck with coppery-purplish iridescence. Top of the head of a bluish or glaucous “ bloom,” fading to creamy-white on the forehead. Under parts dull white or whitish, more or less shaded with olive-brown on the sides, deepening on the fore-breast and jugulum to pale vinaceous; belly, crissum, and chin quite purely white. Wing- coverts and inner quills like the back, and without metallic spots; other larger remiges slaty-blackish, with very narrow pale edging toward the end. Under wing-coverts and axilla- ries bright chestnut. Two middle tail-feathers like the back; others slaty-black, tipped with white in decreasing amount from the outer ones inward, the largest white tips about half an inch in extent. [Bill black. Jeet carmine-red. Iris yellow. Bare skin around eye red and 195. 196. 568 SYSTEMATI C SYNOPSIS. — COLUMBZA — PERISTERZA. livid blue. Length 12.00-12.50; extent 19.00-19.50; wing 6.00-6.30; tail 4.25-4.50; bill 0.60-0.70 ; tarsus 1.25-1.35 ; middle toe and claw rather less. @ similar. (In printing the Check List, the No. of this species accidentally transposed with No. 543, Ectopistes.) ZENAIDU'RA. (Zenaida, nom. propr., and odpd, oura, tail.) Pry-ram Doves. Tail long, about equalling wings, cuneate, of 14 narrow, tapering, obtuse-ended feathers (unique among N. Am. Columbide). Wings pointed; 2d primary rather longest, 1st and the 3d about equal and scarcely shorter. Tarsus naked, seutellate in front, in length intermediate between middle and lateral toes; the latter of unequal lengths, the outer shortest. Bill much shorter than head, slender and weak, the feathers running out far between the rami. A bare cireum-orbital space. Velvety black spots on head and wings. Lining of wings not rufous. Sexes unlike. There is a curious mimicry of Ectopistes in form and even in color; but the technical characters are widely different. Z. carolinensis, (Of Carolina. Fig. 392.) Caronina Dove. Mournine Dove. WILD Dove. Adult g: Upper parts, including middle tail-feathers, grayish-blue shaded with brownish-olive, the head and neck ochrey-brown overlaid with glaucous-blue, the sides of the neck glittering with golden and ruby iridescence; a violet- black spot under the ear-coverts. Under parts glaucous-purplish, changing gradually to ochra- ceous on the belly and crissum, to bluish on the sides and under the wings, to whitish on the chin; the purplish tint spreading up on the sides and front of the head to blend with the glaucous-blue. Black spots on some of the scapulars and wing-coverts, most of which are colored to correspond with the back, the larger Fic. 392. — Carolina Dove, nat. size. (Ad nat. del, Ones being rather bluish-plumbeous. Lateral E.C.) tail-feathers plumbeous-bluish, crossed with a black bar, the outer four on each side broadly ended with white. Bill black; angle of mouth carmine ; iris brown; bare skin around eye livid bluish ; feet lake-red, drying dull yellowish. Length about 12.50: extent about 18.00; wing 5.75; tail the same, the feathers graduated for half its length; culmen 0.60; tarsus 0.80; middle toe and claw 1.00. 9, adult: A little smaller, not purplish below, the rich color replaced by grayish-brown, like the back but paler; ‘head and neck with little of the glaucous blue shade, and less iridescent. Young: Like the 9; but at an early age the velvety-black spots and iridescence are wanting, and the general tone is quite gray; many feathers with whitish edging, as in the wild pigeon, with which not only the colors but the sexual and juvenile differences are thus closely correspondent. Temperate N. A., anywhere, the most widely and equably diffused of its tribe, abundant in most localities, in some swarming; “millions” in Arizona, for example. Irregularly migratory, impe gregarious; great numbers may be together, but scarcely in compact flocks. Terrestrial r than arboreal, almost always feeding on the ground; where very numerous, they become fam iar, like blackbirds in the West. Nest indifferently on the ground or in bushes; eggs 2, whit i equal-ended, averaging 1.12 0.82; 2 or even 3 broods in the South. During the pe season, where these birds are numerous, their cooing resounds on every hand, but at othe times they are silent. ZENAYDA. (A proper name, that of Zénaide, cousin and wife of Prince C. L. Bonaparte.) Love Doves. Tail rounded, shorter than wings, of 12 feathers. Wings long, pointed by Qd and 3d quills; 1st little shorter. Bill short, slender, black. Feet as in other Zenaidine ; tarsus intermediate in length between the middle and lateral toes; these of unequal length, inner a little the longer. Circumorbital space little bare. Metallic iridescence on neck ; blue- black ear-spot, and others on wings. Sexes similar. (West Indian.) 545. 197. 546. 198. 547. 548, COLUMBIDAi—ZENAIDINZ: GROUND DOVES. 569 Z, ama/bilis, (Lat. amabilis, lovely.) ZeNAtDA Dove. Olive-gray with a reddish tinge; crown and under parts vinaceous-red ; sides and axillars bluish; a velvety-black auricular spot, and others on the wing-coverts and tertiaries; secondaries tipped with white ; neck with metallic lustre; middle tail-feathers like the back, others bluish with whiter tips, a black band ‘intervening ; bill black with crimson corners of the mouth ; iris brown; feet red; claws black. Length about 10.00; wing 6.00; tail 4.00. West Indies and Florida Keys. MELOPELIA. (Gr. pédos, melos, melody ; wéAewa, peleia, a deve.) Wutre-wine Doves. Tail rounded, shorter than wing, of 12 broad, rounded feathers. Wings pointed; Ist, 2d, and 3d primaries nearly equal and longest. Bill slender and lengthened, equalling tarsus, black. A large bare cireumorbital space. A blue-black spot below auriculars, but none on wings; neck with metallic lustre. A great white space on wing. Feet as in other Zenaiding. Sexes alike. M. leuco’ptera. (Gr. Acvxds, leucos, white; mrepdv, pteron, wing.) WHITE-WING Dove. Wing with a broad white bar oblique from the carpal joint to the ends of the longest coverts, continued by white edging at and near ends of outer webs of the secondaries : very conspicuous, recognizable at gun-shot range. Lower back and ‘rump, some of the middle coverts, lining of wings, and entire under parts from the breast, fine light bluish-ash. Primaries blackish with narrow white edging. Tail, excepting two middle feathers, slaty-blue, becoming gradually slaty-black, then broadly and squarely tipped with ashy-white. General color of back, lesser wing-coverts, inner quills, and middle tail-feathers, olive-brown with some lustre; the tail- feathers browner; the top of head and back of neck purplish-vinous with a slight. glaucous shade; sides of neck iridescent with golden-green ; a violet or steel-blue spot below auriculars. Bill black, very slender. Length 11.25-12.25; extent 19.00-20.00; wing 6.00-6.50; tail 4.00-4.50; bill 0.87; tarsus 0.87; middle toe and claw 1.25. 9 sicily distinpaistinble. In the youngest, the white wing-bar appears, though there is little or no purplish, or iri- descence, or blue-black below ears. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and §. Cala. and southward, abundant in suitable localities. In the breeding season, Apr.—May, the sonorous cooing is incessant. Nest in bushes and low trees, slight and frail, of sticks and weeds; eggs 2, white or creamy, averaging 1.18 X0.88. CHAMZEPELI'A. (Gr. yapuai, chamaz, on the ground; weAea, peleia, adove.) DwArr Doves. Very small. Wings short and broad, with elongated inner secondaries, nearly overreaching primaries in the folded wing. Tail still shorter than wing, nearly even, of 12 broad feathers. Bill slender, about half as long as head, mostly yellow. Feet largely zenaidine; tarsus as long as middle toe without claw. No iridescence nor blue-black spot on head; such spots on wings. Sexes unlike, but Arcades ambo. C. passeri/na, (Lat. passerina, sparrow-like; from the pygmy stature.) Grounp Dove. Grayish-olive, glossed with blue on the hind head and neck, most feathers of the fore-parts with darker edges, those of the breast with dusky centres. Forehead, sides of head and neck, lesser wing-coverts and under parts purplish-red of variable intensity, paler or grayish on the belly and crissum; under surface of wings orange-brown or chestnut, this color suffusing the quills to a great extent ; upper surface of wings sprinkled with lustrous steel-blue spots. Middle tail-feathers like the back, others plumbeous, blackening toward ends, with paler tips. Feet yellow; bill yellow with dark tip. Diminutive: length 6.50-7.00; extent 10.00-11.00; wing 3.50, with inner secondaries nearly as long as the primaries; tail 2.75, rounded; bill 0.45; tarsus 0.67; middle toe and claw 0.75. Q and young differ as those of the wild pigeon and carolina dove do, the purplish tints being replaced by gray or ‘‘ ashes of roses,” the very young bird having whitish skirting of the feathers. Southern U. §., Atlantic to Pacific, but chiefly coastwise; N. to the Carolinas, and accidentally to Washington, D. C.; common. Nest on the ground or in bushes indifferently ; eggs 2, white, 0.87 0.63. C. p. palles/cens? (Lat. pallescens, bleaching.) Scarcely different; described as paler. Cape St. Lucas. 199, 549. 200. 570 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — COLUMBZ4i — PERISTERZ. SCARDAFEL'LA. (Italian, signalizing the scaly appearance of the feathers, due to their color.) SHELL Doves. Tail of peculiar shape, double-rounded, median and lateral feathers both shorter than intermediate ones; all narrow and tapering; 12 in number. Wings as in Chamepelia. Bill very slender, rather long, black. Feet not typically zenaidine ; tarsus very short, slightly feathered above. No blue-black spots on head or wings ; no iridescence on neck. Size very small. Sexes similar. Remarkable genus, of 2 tropical Am. species, one reaching our border. S.in’ca. (Inca or yncas, a Peruvian title.) Inca Dove. Scatep Dovzs. ¢@ 9, adult: Above, grayish-brown with the usual olive shade, anteriorly also with a slight ‘ashes of roses” hue; below, pale ashy-lilac, changing to ochraceous on the belly and crissum —nearly all the plumage marked with black crescentic edges of the feathers, producing the shelly or scaly appearance. Primaries and bastard quills intense chestnut, with blackish ends; lining of Fig. 393. — Blue-headed Quail Dove, 4 nat. size. (From Brehm.) wings black and chestnut ; outer secondaries blackish with chestnut central areas, gradually. diminishing till the inner secondaries assimilate with the color of the back. Middle tail- feathers like back ; three lateral ones basally plumbeous, then black, then broadly tipped with white — the black running out into the white as a shaft line. 9 similar tog‘; young similar, but with little or no ashy-rosy, and sprinkled with white on upper parts. Length about 8.00; wing 3.75 ; tail more ; bill 0.45 ; tarsus 0.50; middle toe and claw 0.87. A very pretty little dove, with mahogany wings upholstered in shell-figured ashes-of-roses velvet; a curious mini- ature of the common dove in form. Mexico to Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, along the borders. Nest in bushes; eggs 2, white, 0.900.70. GEOTRY'GON. (Gr. yéa, gea, the earth; rpvyav, trugon, a cooer.) Lustre Doves. Tail about as lung as wings, a little rounded, of 12 broad rounded feathers, with curved shafts. 5506 201. 551. ‘COLUMBIDZA! — STARNG@INADINZ: QUAIL DOVES. 571 Wings short, rounded; 3d and 4th quills longest, 2d and 4th little shorter, Ist much shorter. Feet strongly zenaidine; tarsus not shorter than middle toe and claw; still, scutellate in front, and hind toe more than half as long as the middle, perfertly insistent. Bill rather long and stout ; frontal feathers obtuse on culmen. Head and wings without blue-black spots; whole upper parts highly lustrous. Medium size; form stocky, somewhat quail-like, but tail long. Ap- proaching the next, but at a distance. West Indian and Tropical American. G. marti/nica. (Of Martinique.) Key Wrst Dove. Above, vinaceous-red with highly iridescent lustre of various tints; below, pale purplish fading to creamy; an infra-ocular stripe ‘and the throat white. Length 11.00; wing and tail about 6.00. West Indies and Key West. Florida, where not observed of late. 50. Subfamily STARNGENADINEZ: Quail Doves. See p. 564. Hallux not perfectly insistent; short, only about half as long as the middle toe and claw. Feet large and stout; tarsus longer than the middle toe, entirely bare of feathers even on the joint, completely covered with small hexagonal scales. With ceca, but without oil-gland or ambiens muscle, the reverse of the Zenaidine, of which it is a remarkable outlying form, grading toward gallinaceous birds in structure and habits; like some partridges even to the special head-markings. Including one isolated American genus and species, not referable to any established Old World group. STARNG NAS. (Starna, name of a genus of partridges; Gr. oivas, e@nas, a dove.) QUAIL Dovss. In addition to the foregoing: Bill short, stout; frontal feathers projected in a point on culmen. Wings short, broad, vaulted and much rounded ; first primary reduced. Tail short, broad, nearly even. Size medium; whole form and appearance quail-like. West Indian., S. cyanoce’phala. (Gr. xvavés, kwanos, blue; cepadn, kephale, head. Fig. 393.) Buiur- HEADED Quaint Dove. Crown rich blue bounded by black; a white stripe under the eye, meeting its fellow on the chin; throat black, bordered with white. General color olivaceous-~ chocolate above, purplish-red below, lighter centrally. Length 11.00; wing 5.50; tail 4.50. West Indies and Florida Keys. VI. Order GALLINZ: Gallinaceous Birds; Fowls. Equivalent to the vld order Rasores, exclusive of the Pigeons —this name being derived from the characteristic habit of scratching the ground in search of food; connecting the lower terrestrial pigeons with the higher members of the great plover-snipe group. On the one hand, it shades into the Columbe so perfectly that Huxley has proposed to call the two together the ‘¢ Gallo-columbine series ;” on the other hand, some of its genera show a strong plover-ward tendency, and have even been placed in Limicole. I have already (p. 562) noted the inoscula- tion of Galline with Columbe by means of the grouse-like Pigeons, Pterocletes ; it remains to indicate the limits of the Galline in other directions, by referring to two remarkable groups, one represented by Opisthocomus alone, the other consisting of the Hemipods or Turnices. Both of these have usually been referred to Galline. j. The wonderful Hoatzin of Guiana, Opisthocomus cristatus, is one of the most isolated and puzzling forms in ornithology, sumetimes placed near the Musophagide, but assigned by maturer judgment to the neighborhood of the fowls, which it resembles in many respects, as an in- dependent order OPIsTHOCOMI, Sole relict of an ancestral type. The sternum and shoulder-girdle are anomalous ; the keel is cut away in front; the furcula anchylose with the coracoids (very rare) and with the manubrium of the sternum (unique); the digestive system is scarcely less singular ; and other characters are remarkable. 9. The bush-quails of the Old World, Turnicide, differ widely from the Gallina, re- sembling the Grouse-pigeons and Tinamous in some respects, and related to the Plovers in 572 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. ~GALLINZE — PERISTEROPODES. others. A singular circumstance is a lack of the extensive vertebral anchyloses usual in birds, all the vertebrae remaining distinct. The palatal structure is curiously like that of Passeres (egithognathous). The crop is said to be wanting in some ; as is also the hind toe, and one of the carotids. There are some 20 current species of the principal genus, Turniz, to which Gray adds the African Ortyxelos metffrent, and the Australian Pedionomus torquatus. Late studies of the group have resulted in the view that it should represeut a distinct order, HEMIPODII. Elimination of these non-conformable elements renders the Galline susceptible of much better definition, as follows : — Bill generally short, stout, convex, with obtuse vaulted tip, not constricted in the con- tinuity, wholly hard and corneous except in the nasal fossa. Tomia of upper mandible over- lapping the lower; culmen high on forehead, the frontal feathers there forming a re-entrance, with more or less salience on either side. Nostrils scaled or feathered, in a short abrupt fossa. Legs usually feathered to the suffrago, often to the toes, sometimes to the claws. Hallux elevated, excepting in Cracide and Megapodide, normally shorter than the anterior toes. Tarsus generally broadly scutellate, when not feathered. Front toes commonly webbed at base. Claws blunt, little curved. Wings short, strong, vaulted. Rectrices commonly more than 12 (not more in Cracide, beyond). Head and brain small in proportion to the body, as in Pigeons. Plumage with after-shafts. Oil-gland tufted. Carotids two (except in Megapodide). No intrinsic syringeal muscles. Sternum generally deeply doubly-notched, and furculum with a hypocleidium. Palate schizognathous. Nasal bones schizorhinal. Sessile basipterygoid processes present. Angle of mandible produced into a recurved process. Pectoral muscles, three ; the second extensive ; femoro-caudal variable; accessory femoro-caudal, semi-tendinosus, aecessory semi-tendinosus and ambiens present. Intestinal caeca extensive; gizzard muscular. Nature precocial and ptilopzedie, typically polygamous. Chiefly terrestrial. The order thus defined is equivalent to the Alectoromorphe of Huxley (1867), minus Pterocletes and Hemipodii. The birds composing it fall into two series or suborders, according to the structure of the feet and more essential characters. 10. SusorpER PERISTEROPODES: PicEon-Torp FowL.s. Framed to accommodate the Old World Megapodide, or Mound-birds, and the American Cracide, or Curassows. The Mound-birds, Megapodide, as the name implies, have large feet, with little-curved claws, and lengthened insistent hallux. They share this last feature with the Cracide (beyond) ; and the osseous structure of these two families, except as regards pneumaticity, is strikingly similar. Both show a modification of the sternum, the inner one of the two notches being less instead of more than half as deep as the sternum is long, as in typical Galline. The Megapods do not incubate,.and the young pass through the downy stage in the egg, hatching with true feathers (p. 226). They are confined to Australia and the East Indies ; Megapodius is the principal genus, of a dozen or more species ; there are three others, each of a species or two. 85. Family CRACID.Z: Curassows. This type is peculiar to America, where it may be considered to represent the Megapodide, though differing so much in habit and general appearance. The affinities of the two are indi- cated above, and some essential characters noted. According to the latest authority on the family, Messrs. Sclater and Salvin, it is divisible into three subfamilies: Cracine, curassows and hoceos, with four genera and twelve species: Oreophasine, with a single genus and species, Oreophasis derbianus, and the , 202. 552. CRACIDA) — PENELOPINZ: GUANS. 573 51. Subfamily PENELOPINA:: Guans, with seven genera and thirty-nine species, one of which reaches our border. ORTALIS. (Gr. épradis, ortalis, a pullet.) Guans. Head crested ; its sides, and strips on the chin, naked, but no wattles. Tarsi naked,. scutellate before and behind, with small scales between the scutellar rows. Hind toe insistent, about 4 the middle toe. Tail graduated, ample, fan-shaped, longer than the much rounded wings, of 12 broad, obtuse feathers. Wings short, concavo-convex, with abbreviated outer primaries, the secondaries reaching about to the ends of the longest primaries,when the wing is folded. Bill slender for a gallinaceous bird, without decided frontal antize. Coloration greenish. Sexes alike. In some points of size, shape, and general aspect, there is a curious superficial resemblance between this genus and Geococcyx, though the two genera belong tu different orders of birds. O. ve'tula maceal/li. (Lat. vetula, a little old woman. To Geo. A. McCall.) Trxan Guan. CHacHataca. Dark glossy olivaceous, paler and tinged with brownish- yellow below, plumbeous on the head; tail lustrous green, tipped with grayish-white except on the middle pair of feathers ; bill and feet plumbeous; iris brown. Length 22.00-24.00; extent 24.00- 28.00; wing 7.50-9.00 ; tail 9.00-11.00; tarsus 2.00 or more; middle toe and claw about the same. Q similar. Downy young: Above, mixed brown, ashy and tawny, with a black central stripe from bill to tail; below white, ashy on the jugulum. Mexico to Texas in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, abounding in some localities. A notable bird, unlike anything else in this country. Easily domesticated, said to be used as a game fowl. Very noisy in the breeding season (April), reiterating the syllables cha-cha-lac in « loud hoarse tone. Nest in bushes, a slight structure; eggs generally 3, with a thick, granular, and very hard shell, like a Guinea-fowl’s, oblong-oval, buff-colored or creamy-white, large for the bird, 2.385 X1.60. 1l. Susorper ALECTOROPODES: True Fow.s. The birds of this suborder are more or less perfectly terrestrial; the legs are of mean length, and stout; the: toes four, three in front, generally connected by basal webbing, but sometimes free, and one behind, always short and elevated. The tibia are rarely naked below; the tarsi often feathered, as the toes also sometimes are} but ordinarily both these are naked, scutellate and reticulate, and often developing processes (spurs) of horny substance with a bony core. like the horns of cattle. The bill asa rule is short, stout, convex, and obtuse; never cered, nor extensively membranous; the base of the culmen parts prominent anti, which frequently fill the nasal fossee; when naked the nostrils show a superincumbent scale. The head is frequently naked, wholly or partly, and often develops remarkable fleshy processes. The wings are short, stout, and concavo-convex, conferring power-of rapid, whirring, but unpro- tracted, flight. The tail varies extremely; it is very small in some genera, enormously devel- oped in others; the rectrices vary in number, but are commonly more than twelve. The sternum without certain exception shows a peculiar conformation; the posterior notches seen in most birds are inordinately enlarged, so that the bone, viewed vertically, seems in most of its extent to be simply a narrow central projection, with two long backward processes on each side, the outer commonly hammer-shaped. There are other distinctive osteological characters, as noted above. The digestive system presents an ample special crop, a highly muscular gizzard, and large cceca. The inferior larynx is always devoid of intrinsic muscles; the structure of the trachea varies with genera, presenting some curious modifications. There are after-shafts, and a circlet around the oil-gland. Alectoropodes are precocial and ptilopedie. A part of them are polygamous—a circumstance shown in its perfection by the sultan of the : dung-hill with his disciplined harem; and in all such, the sexes are conspicuously dissimilar. The rest are monogamous, and the sexes of these are as a rule nearly or quite alike. The 574 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN4— ALECTOROPODES. eggs are very numerous, usually laid on the ground, in a rude nest, or none. The suborder is cosmopolitan ; but most of its groups have a special geographical distribution. Its great eco- nomic importance is perceived in all forms of domestic poultry, and principal game-birds of various countries; and it is unsurpassed in beauty—-some of these birds offer the most gorgeous coloring of the class. ue Genetically, the Fowls are nearer than most birds to a generalized, old-fashioned type. They have relations in the cu- riously ostrich-like Tina- mous of South America (Tinamide or Crypturi), the Hoatzin (Opisthoco- mus), and other antique relicts. Notice a quarter- grown Turkey with this idea in mind, and you will hardly fail to see that it looks like an ostrich in miniature. Leading types of existing Alec- toropod Galline are the Quail, the Grouse, the Guinea-fowl, the Tur- key, and the domestic Cock. The two former are very close to each other, and hardly sepa- rable as families; the three latter are nearer one another, and often placed together in a fam- ily. The families Tet- raonide, Grouse, Quail, and Partridges; and Me- leagridide, Turkeys, are indigenous to N. Am., and fully treated beyond. A word on the others will not be misplaced here. f The Guinea-fowl, Nu- a ee A A ia midide, of which a spe- res o; cies, Numida meleagris, is commonly seen in do- mestication, are an African and Madagascan type. While the foregoing families are strongly specialized, this one, like the turkey family, more closely approaches the true fowl, and both may be only subfamilies of Phasianide. The bones of the pinion have a certain peculiarity ; the frontal generally develops a protuberance ; there are wattles, but no spurs; the tail is very short; the head naked. There are six or eight species of Numida, in some of A HY hl | Fia. 394. — English Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus. (From Dixon.) PHASIANIDE: PHEASANTS. 575 which the trachea is convoluted in an appendage to the furculum ; Acrylliwm vulturina, Agelas- tes meleagrides, and Phasidus niger, are the remaining ones. The Phasianide, or Pheasants, are a magnificent family of typical Galline, of which the domestic fowl is a characteristic example. The feet, nasal fossze, and usually a part, if not the whole, of the head, are naked, and often, combed, horned, or wattled. The tarsi commonly develop spurs. The tail, with or without its coverts, sometimes has an extraordinary develop- ment or a remarkable shape (p. 118). There are fifty or sixty species, distributed in numerous modern genera, about twelve of which are well marked; they are all indigenous to Asia and neighbor- ing islands, focusing in India. In the Peacock, Pavo cris- tatus, the tail-coverts form a superb train, capable of erection into a disk, the most gorgeous object in ornithology; in an allied genus, Poly- plectron, there are a pair of spurs on each leg. The Argus Pheasant, Argusa- nus giganteus, is dis- tinguished: by the enormous develop- ment of the secon- dary quills, as well as by the length of the tail-feathers and peculiarity of the middle pair. The combed, wattled, and spurred barn - yard fowl, with folded tail * re’ and flowing middle Bey NE, es feathers, are descend- ; ants of Gallus bank- wa, type of a small genus. The Tragopans, Ceriornis, are an allied form with few species; the Macartneys, Euplocomus, with a dozen species, are another near form, as are the Impeyans, Lophophorus, with a slender aigrette on the head, like a peacock’s. The naturalized English pheasant, P. colchicus (fig. 394), introduced into Britain prior to A. D. 1056, is the type of Phasianus, in which the tail-feathers are very long and narrow ; in one species, P. reevesti, the tail is said to attain a length of six feet. The Golden and Amherstian Pheasants,Chrysolophus pictus and C. amherstia, are singularly beautiful, even for this group. The other genera are Crossoptilon and Pucrasia. Fig. 395.—Turkey. (From Lewis.) 208. 553. 554. 576 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— GALLIN4 — ALECTOROPODES. 386. Family MELEAGRIDIDA:: Turkeys. Head and upper neck naked, carunculate; in our species with a dewlap and erectile pro- cess. Tarsi naked, scutellate before and behind, spurred in the ¢. Tail broad, rounded, of 14-18 feathers. Plumage compact, lustrous; in our species with a tuft of hair-like feathers on the breast. One genus, two species. MV. ocellatus is the very beautiful Turkey of Central Awerica. MELEA/GRIS. (Gr. pedcaypis, Lat. meleagris, a guinea-fowl ; transferred in ornithology to this genus.) Turkeys. Characters of the family. M. gallipa’vo. (Lat. gallus, a cock, pavo, a pea-fowl. Fig. 395.) Turxey. Upper tail- coverts chestnut, with paler or whitish tips; tail-feathers tipped with brownish-yellow or whitish ; 3-4 feet long, ete. Wild in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and southward; domesti- . cated elsewhere. The Mexican bird is the original of the domestic race ; it was upon this form, imported into Europe, that Linneeus imposed the name gallopavo (Fn. Suec. No. 198; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 268), which has generally been applied to the following -feral variety : M. g. america’na. EasTERN WiLD TuRKEY. Upper tail-coverts without light tips, and ends of tail-feathers scarcely paler. This is the ordinary wild turkey of Eastern North America; N. to Canada, where it is said still *o occur ; extirpated in New England. NW. to the Missouri, and SW. to Texas. The slight differences just noted seem to be remarkably con- stant, and to be rarely if ever shown by the other form; although, as usual in domestic birds, this last varies interminably in color. 37. Family TETRAONIDA: Grouse; Partridge; Quail. All the remaining gallinaceous birds are very closely related, probably constituting a single family; although the term Tetraonide is usually restricted to the true Grouse as below defined (Tetraonine), the Partridges and Quails being erected into another family, Perdicide, with several subfamilies. But the Grouse do not appear to differ more from the Partridges and Quails than these do from each other, and they are all variously interrelated; so that no violence will be offered in uniting them. One group of the Partridges (Odontophorine) is confined to America; all the rest to the Old World. The leading forms among the latter are Perdix, the true partridge; Coturnix, the true Quail; Francolinus, the Francolins; with Rollulus and Caccabis. In all, perhaps a hundred species and a dozen genera. Without attempting to fraine a family diagnosis to cover all their modifications, I will precisely define the American forms, as two subfamilies. Analysis of Subfamilies. TETRAONINaE. Grouse. The shank (tarsus) more or less feathered. (Plenty more characters, but this is perfectly distinctive. ) ODONTOPHORINE. American Partridges and Quails. The shank entirely bare and scaly. (Plenty more characters, etc.) Oss. — The vernacular names ‘ pheasant,” ‘‘ partridge,” and ‘‘ quail,” as applied to our game birds in different sections of the country, are the cause of endless confusion and misun- , derstanding, which it seems hopeless to attempt to do away with. (1.) The word ‘“ pheasant” (derived from the name of the river Phasis in Colchis) belongs to certain Old World Phasianide (see above; and fig. 394) having no representatives in America. But early settlers of this country applied it to the Ruffed Grouse, Banasa wmbella — and ‘‘ pheasant” is the Ruffed Grouse called to this day by the common people of the Middle and Southern States. (2.) ‘ Partridge” is an old English word, specifically designating the English Perdia cinerea, then enlarged in meaning tu cover all the family Perdicide (see beyond). In the Northern States, both the Spruce Grouse, Canace canadensis, and the Ruffed Grouse, are commonly called “partridge.” In the Middle TETRAONID: — TETRAONINA:: GROUSE. OTT and Southern States — wherever the Ruffed Grouse is called “‘ pheasant,” the Bob-white, Ortyx virginiana, is called ‘‘ partridge.” (3.) The term ‘‘ quail” is specially applicable to the Euro- pean Migratory or Messina Quail, Coturnix dactylisonans. But this resembles our Bob-white not distantly, causing the latter to be called ‘‘ quail” in the sections where the Ruffed and Spruce Grouse are called ‘“ partridge ;” and in the Southwest, the species of Lophortyx, Oreortyx, and Cyrtonyx are universally called ‘‘ quail.” The following tabular statement should bring the matter clearly into view. Summary of North American TerRAoNIDzZ — Grouse, Partridge, Quail. A. GROUSE, with feathers on shank (Tetraonine). 1. Sage Fowl: Sage Cock; Sage-Hen; Cock-of-the-Plains. Western. One species: Centrocercus wrophastanus. 9. Sharp-tailed Grouse: Pin-tail Grouse; Prairie Hen or Prairie Chicken of the North- west: 1 species, 2 varieties: Pediacetes phasianellus. 3. Pinnated Grouse: common Prairie Hen or Prairie Chicken of the Mississippi, Ohio, and Lower Missouri valleys. One species ; two varieties: Cupidonia cupido. 4. Tree Grouse : Spruce Grouse; Black Grouse ; the Northern States species improperly called ‘‘ partridge.” One species, two varieties: Canace canadensis. Another species of 3 varieties, confined to the West: Canace obscura. 5. Ruffed Grouse : improperly called ‘‘ partridge” in the Northern and ‘‘ pheasant” in the Middle and Southern States. One species, Bonasa umbella, of 3 varieties. 6. Snow Grouse, or Ptarmigan. Three species of Lagopus, boreal and alpine, turning white in winter: L. albus, L. rupestris, L. leucurus. B. ParrripGe and QUAIL, without feathers on shank (Odontophorine). 7. The imported Messina Quail, or Migratory Quail of Europe: one species: Coturnix dactylisonans. 8. Bob-white: called “quail” in Northern States; called ‘‘ partridge” in the Middle and Southern States. One species: Ortyx virginiana, with 2 varieties, one in Florida, the other in Texas. — 9. Helmet Partridges: of the Southwest, commonly called ‘‘ quail,” with a beautiful recurved top-knot. Two species of Lophortyx: L. gambeli, L. californica, commonly called ‘ valley quail.” 10. Arrow Partridge: with two long arrowy plumes on the head. Oue species, of Cali- fornia: Orortyx picta, cominonly called ‘‘ mountain quail.” ll. Shell Partridge: bluish-white markings, as if scaly. One species, Southwest. Calli- pepla squamata. 12. Massena Partridge (not to be confused with the imported Messina Quail): with a soft crest and numberless white ‘‘eyes” on the belly. South- west. One species: Cyrtonyx massena. Tn all, 26 varieties, of 16 species, .of 12 genera, of 2 subfamilies, of 1 family. 52. Subfamily TETRAONINA: Crouse. Head completely feathered, excepting, usually, a naked strip of skin over the eye. Nasal fosse densely feathered. T'arsi more or less perfectly feathered, the SEI NS boys W¥Aee feathering sometimes extending on the toes to the fre, She, "Red Game tat Briel Eagonie claws; the toes, when naked, with horny fringe-like scoticus. (From Dixon.) processes. Tail variable in shape, but never folded, 387 204. 555. 578 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— GALLINZAE — ALECTOROPODES. of 16-20 feathers. Sides of the neck frequently with lengthened or otherwise modified feathers, or a bare distensible skin, or both. The true Grouse are confined to the northern hemisphere, and reach their highest develop- ment, as a group, in North America, where singularly varied forms occur. The only Old World species are — the great Tetrao wrogallus, or Capercaillie of Europe, and its allied Asiatic species; Lyrurus tetrix, the “black game” of Europe, with curiously curled tail-feathers; Canace falcipennis of Siberia, the representative of our Spruce Partridge ; Bonasa betulina of Northern Europe and Asia, like our Ruffed Grouse ; and two or three species of Ptarmigan (Lagopus). All the species of this subfamily need to be referred to a single genus Tetrao—the only generic name familiar to sportsmen and others who make no technical study of birds. But such must not be surprised to find me discarding this well-known name, and adopting several different ones as generic designations of our Grouse, which differ much among themselves, in points of form and structure, and -are all widely diverse from Tetrao urogailus of Europe, type of the genus. Analysis of N. Am. Genera of Tetraonine. Tail stiff, pointed, wedge-shaped, equalling or exceeding the wings, of 20 feathers; scaly and hair-like feathers on breast. Tarsifull-feathered. Verylarge . . js - Centrocercus 205 Tail stiff, pointed, wedge-shaped, much shorter than wings, of 1s feativetn no istonsly peculiar feathers onneck. Tarsifull-feathered . . . - . . Pediawcetes 206 Tail stiffish, rounded, much shorter than wing, of 18 feathers ; wing-like tufts and great bare space on neck. Tarsiscant-feathered . . Cupidonia 207 Tail soft, rounded, about as long as wang of ‘18 feathers ‘umbrella-like tufts on neck, but no obvious bare space. Tarsibare below .. . . . . . Bonasa 208 Tail stiffish, flat, square, shorter than wing, of 160 or 20 feathers ; no o evidently peculiar feathers or Gbsiousliy bare space on neck. ‘Tarsi full-feathered age Se ee 3 Canace 204 Tail, etc., as in Canace. Tarsi and toes fully feathered. White in nivinter : : * . Lagopus 209 CA'NACE. (Lat. Canace, a proper name.) TrEer Grouse. Buack Grouse. No obvi- ously lengthened or otherwise peculiar feathers on neck or head. No obviously naked space on neck: but there is a piece of skin capable of distension, especially in the Western species of Dendragapus. A strip of bare colored skin over eye. No crest. Tarsi feathered to the toes. Tail little shorter than wing, stiffish, nearly square, of broad, obtuse feathers, normally 16 (in Canace proper) or 20 (in Dendragapus) in number. Of medium and large size, and dark blended colors, inhabiting woodland, like the species of Bonasa, and quite arboreal ; northerly and alpine. Sexes distinguishable. Eggs heavily-colored. Analysis of Subgenera, Species, and Varieties. Tail aeegatly of 16 feathers (exceptionally of 14 or 18, as an individual peculiarity). (Canace proper.) Tail with broad orange-brown end, its upper coverts without white spots. Eastern . canadensis 655 Tail without orange-brown end, its upper coverts with white spots. Western. . . + Sranklini 656 Tail normally of 20 feathers (exceptionally 18 or 22 ?). (Dendragapus.) Western. Tail black, with broad slate-colored end. Under parts clear bluish slate color. Rocky Mts., etc., southerly . ee - « « obscura 557 Under parts sooty plumbeous, Alaska. . - . + » fuliginosa 559 Tail black, with narrow or no slate-colored end. Hosky Mts., bee , northerly . . . . + Pichardsoni 558 C. canaden’sis. (Of Canada. Fig. 397.) Canapa Grouse. SpoTTeD GROUSE. SPRUCE Grouse. Spruce ‘ Partripce.” Adult cock: Head smooth, but feathers susceptible of erec- tion into a slight crest. A colored comb of naked skin over the eye, bright yellow or reddish when fully injected. Tail slightly rounded, of 16 feathers, a scant inch broad to their very ends. Tarsi full-feathered to the toes, which are naked, scaly, and fringed. Tail black, broadly tipped with orange-brown ; its upper coverts without decidedly white tips. Under parts glossy black, extensively varied with white; under tail-coverts tipped with white; sides and breast with white bars or semicircles ; white spots bounding the throat ; white spots on lore. Upper parts wavy — barred with black and gray, usually also with some tawny markings on the back and wings. In full feather, the appearance is of a black bird, grayer above, spotty with white 556. 557, 558. TETRAONIDA’—TETRAONINZ: GROUSE. 579 below, and orange tail-end. Length usually 16.00-17.00; wing 7.00; tail 5.50. Hen rather ‘smaller. No continuous black below, where white and tawny, latter particularly on breast, nearly everywhere pretty regularly wavy-barred with blackish. Above, more like the male, but browner. End of tail more narrowly orange. Pullets resemble the hen. N. Am., E. of the R. Mts., northerly, in woodland. N. nearly or quite to the limit of trees; N. W. to Alaska. S. into the northern tier of States, especially Maine, Michigan, and Minnesota; casually to Massachusetts. It is a very hardy bird, enduring the rigors of sub-arctic winters, and not properly migratory. Eggs numerous, 1.68 x 1.20, rather pointed, buff-colored, dotted, spotted, and boldly splashed with rich chestnut. Shape and pattern of eggs more like those of ptarmigan than of the Fia. 397. — Canada Grouse, nat. size. (Ad nat. prairie grouse. aE C. cc. frank/lini. (To Sir John Franklin.) FRANKLIN’s SPRUCE GROUSE. Size, shape, and whole appearance of the foregoing. Tail rather longer, more nearly even, with broader feathers ; lacking the terminal orange bar; tipped narrowly with white, its upper coverts tipped with white, making the upper side of the tail conspicuously spotty. Rocky and Cascade Mts., northerly, in U. 8., and northward about sources of the Saskatchewan, Athabasca, and McKenzie Rivers. A mere variety of C. canadensis: the variation parallel with that of C. richardsoni as compared with C. obscura. C. obseu'ra. (Lat. obscwra, dark.) Dusky Grouse. BLUE GROUSE. GRAY GROUSE. Pine Grouse. Old cock: Back and wings blackish-brown, finely waved and vermiculated in zigzag with slate-gray, mixed with more or less ochrey-brown and some white on the seapu- lars. Long feathers of the sides with white ends and shaft stripes; other under parts fine bluish-gray or light slate color, varied with white, especially on the lower belly, flanks, and vent-feathers. Cheeks black; chin and throat finely speckled with black and white. Though the lateral feathers of the neck are smooth and simple, forming no decided tufts as in Cupidonia or Bonasa, they are somewhat enlarged, covering a rudimentary tympanum: these feathers with snowy white bases and black tips. Tail brownish-black, veined and marbled with gray, and with a broad slate-gray terminal bar; of 20 feathers, broad to their very ends, the tail as a whole slightly rounded. Bill black; iris brown-orange; comb over eye. Size very variable ; well-grown cocks usually 20, or 22 inches, sometimes up to 2 feet long; extent of wings about 30 inches; wing 9 or 10; tail 7 or 8. Hen smaller, and more motley, lighter colored and more extensively varied with white and tawny; but showing the distinctive slate-gray of the under parts, and the slate bar at end of the tail. Pullets like the hen, but the upper parts with ham- mer-headed white shaft-lines. Tail with white shaft-lines enlarged at the end, also marked on some of the feathers with wavy blackish crossbars. Rocky and other Mts., U. S§., to the Pacific. A species of general dispersion in elevated and wooded, especially coniferous, regions of the West. 8. to New Mexico, and in the White Mts. in Arizona; in the R. Mts. northerly shading into var. richardsoni. A large cumbrous bird, usually displaying stolidity or indifference to the presence of man, taking to trees when disturbed, and very easily slaughtered. Eggs larger, more elongated, and less heavily colored than those of spruce grouse and ptarmigan ; creamy- buff, finely freckled all over with chocolate-brown, seldom with any large spots: 2.00 X 1.50. C. o. rich/ardsoni. (To Sir John Richardson.) RicHarpson’s Dusky Grouse. Size, shape, and whole appearance of the foregoing. Tail rather longer, more nearly even, with broader feathers, having the terminal slate bar reduced or wanting: general color more uni- formly darker, black of throat more extensive. Rocky Mts., northerly, U. 8. and northward. 559. 205. 560. 580 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLINZA— ALECTOROPODES. A mere variety, only recognizable when fully developed ; many intermediate specimens cannot be fairly referred to one rather than the other. C. o. fuligino’sa. (Lat. fuliginosa, sooty.) Sooty Grousr. With the broad slate tail- bar of obscura proper, but colors darker than in richardsoni even. Above, blackish, minutely freckled with gray and rusty-brown; below, dark plumbeous. The hen is more different, with prevailing rich rusty and chestnut-brown markings. Northwest coast mountains, Oregon to Sitka. : CENTROCER'CUS. (Gr. xévrpov, kentron, a spine, prickle; xépxos, kerkos, tail.) Saar Grouse. Spine-TarL Grouse. Of great size. Tail very long, equalling or exceeding the wings, of 20 stiffened, narrow, acuminate feathers, much graduated in length. Neck suscept- ible of enormous distension by means of air-sacs covered with naked livid skin — not regularly hemispherical and lateral like those of Cupidonia, but forming a great protuberance in front of irregular contour; surmounted by a fringe of hair-like filaments, several inches long, springing from a mass of erect white feathers; covered below with a solid set of sharp white horny feathers, like fish-scales. (The affair is not easy to describe in few words, especially as it is constantly changing with the wear of the feathers, and is only fully exhibited by the cock during the amours. The anatomical arrangement for inflation is only a special exhibition of the air-sacs of other genera, as Cupidonia and Pediccetes ; the peculiarities of the feathers are the inherited results of habitual attrition, the birds rubbing the breast against the ground in their love-spasms ; and, as said, the state of the parts is always changing with the wear of the feathers. This accounts for the vague or conflicting statements of authors.) Tarsus feathered to the toes. Digestive system remarkable for the slight muscularity of the gizzard, which is rather a membranous paunch than a grist-mill ; the bird browses rather than scratches for a living, feeding on wormwood and also extensively on insects. Sexes similar in color, unlike in size and to some extent in form. One prairie species, perfectly terrestrial. C. urophasia‘nus. (Gr. odpd, oura, tail; pacvavos, phasianos, a pheasant.) Sacre Cock. Sace Hen. Cock or THE Puarns. Largest of American Grouse. Full grown cock 2-24 feet long; extent of wings 3 feet or more; wing and tail about a foot; weight upwards of 4 pounds. Hen a third smaller. Above, varied with black, gray, brown and buff; below, chiefly white, with a large squarish black area on the belly. To describe the peculiar neck- feathering of the old cock more particularly: On each side is a patch of feathers, meeting in front, with extremely stiff bases, prolonged into hair-like filaments some three inches in length; with the wearing away of these feathers in the peculiar actions of the bird in pairing-time, their hard horny bases are left, forming the ‘‘fish-scales” above said. In front of these peculiar feathers is the naked tympanum, capable of enormous inflation under amatory excite- ment. Above them is a tuft of down-feathers, covered with a set of long soft filamentous plumes corresponding to the ruff of Bonasa. Many breast feathers reseinble the scaly ones of the neck, and are commonly found worn to a bristly ‘‘thread-bare” state. Scaly bases of the feathers soiled white; the thready ends blackish; the fluffy feathers snowy-white, like wool, the longer overlying filamentous plumes glossy black. Chin and throat blackish, speckled with white ends of the feathers, usually presenting a definite white half-collar. Lining of wings white. Hen: Length about 20 inches; wing 10 inches; tail 7 or 8, of same general character as the cock’s, but softer, shorter, less cuneate, with more rapidly tapering feathers. A small tympanam, but no obviously peculiar feathers on neck. Coloration quite like that of the cock. Pullet: No peculiar ueck-feathers ; tail beginning to show its special form; general coloration of the hen. Before the September moult, all the feathers of the upper parts with sharp white hammer-headed shaft lines, and circular spotting of the feathers of the breast. Sooty belly-patch showing with the first feathering. Chick in down altogether different from the dingy yellow chick of Pediacetes ; below grayish-white, above gray-brown mottled with black; till black. This remarkable bird, quite a Roland for the Capercaillie’s Oliver, inhabits the 206. 361. 562. TETRAONIDZ --TETRAONINZE: GROUSE. 581 sterile sage-bush plains of the West; an abundant and characteristic species of those forbidding regions, beginning with the Eastern slopes and fovt-hills of the R. Mts., South into New Mexico and Arizona, sparingly N. to 49° or slightly further, in the Milk River region. Not in Dakota east of the Coteau, or in the Missouri Basin much below the Yellowstone country. Its centre of abundance is the artemisia tracts of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Eastern California, and Oregon. It straggles through the sage-bush, but I have seen packs of hundreds in the fall. In the breeding season its sonorous hullaballoo resounds on every hand where the birds are numerous. The flesh is edible or not, ‘‘as you like it.” The behavior towards man varies with circumstances; sometimes the birds may almost be knocked over with a stick, at others it is difficult to get a shot. In walking, the tail is somewhat elevated, and swings sideways with each step. The flight is extremely vigorous, and at times greatly pro- tracted, with wings so widely expanded that the tips of the primaries stand apart; the course rapid and steady when the bird is once fairly on wing, accomplished with a succession of quick energetic wing-beats, alternating with sailing with stiffly motionless wings until the impulse is spent. From the nature of its resorts the bird is exclusively terrestrial. The egg is nar- rower and more pointed than that of any other grouse of our country, measuring from 2.05 to 2.25 in length by 1.50-1.60 in breadth; grayish or greenish-drab color, thickly speckled with chocolate-brown, mostly in minute dots evenly distributed, occasionally with well-defined spots up to the size of-a split pea, tending to circular shape. PEDIG/CETES. (Gr. redioy, pedion, a plain; ofkérys, otketes, an inhabitant.) Prn-Tarn Grouse. Neck without obviously peculiar feathers, like those either of the pinnated or ruffed grouse or sage cock, but with a hidden, definitely circumscribed spate on each side of reddish, vascular, and distensible skin, constituting an undeveloped tympanum, over which lies a lateral series of slightly enlarged feathers. Head lightly crested, the longest feathers of the crown falling on the occiput; a crescentic naked patch over each eye of numerous orange or chrome-yellow fringe-like processes, in several parallel curved rows. Feet full-feathered to between the bases of the toes, with long, hair-like plumage reaching to ur beyond the end of the hind claw; toes above with one row of broad, transverse scutella, a row on each side of smaller rounded scales, and a conspicuous fringe of horny processes; below, bossed and scabrous. Tail much shorter than the wings, normally of 18 true rectrices, of which the central pair are soft, parallel-edged and square-tipped, projecting an inch or two beyond the next pair; the rest rapidly graduated, stiffish, and crisp (:naking a creaking sound when rubbed together) ; at first about straight-edged, soon becoming club-shaped (with a constriction near the apex) by mutual attrition. Sexes similar, but cock rather larger and darker than the hen, with more prominent supraciliary papille. One species, of two varieties, of prairie, perfectly terrestrial. Analysis of Varieties. Northern Sharp-tailed Grouse. The markings black, white and dark brown, with little or no tawny; spots on the under parts numerous, blackish, V-shaped; throat white, speckled. (Arctic America.) phasianellus 561 Common Sharp-tailed Grouse. The markings black, white, and especially tawny ; below, the spots fewer, brown, U-shaped; throat buff. (U.S. and adjoining British Province.) . - . . « . columbianus 562 P. phasianel/lus. (Diminutive of Lat. phasianus, a pheasant.) NORTHERN SHARP-TAILED Grouse. As above, in comparison with the ordinary bird next described. Very dark-colored, in blackish and white variegation, with little buff, even in the fall. The markings below heavier, in sharper, more arrow-headed shape, quite blackish. The feet very heavily feathered, almost like a ptarnigan’s. Interior of British America,,E. to Hudson’s Bay, N. and W. to the Yukon, southward shading directly into the U. 8. bird, before reaching 49°. This is the true Tetrao phasianellus — a name commonly applied to the next variety. P. p. columbia/nus. (Of the Columbia River. Fig. 398.) Common SHARP-TAILED GROUSE. PRAIRIE CHICKEN OF THE NortHwest. Adult ¢ 9 : Upper parts closely and pretty evenly 582 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLINAI — ALECTOROPODES. variegated with blackish-brown, reddish-brown, and grayish-brown, the pattern smallest on the rump and lower back, where the blackish is mostly in sharp-angled stars; the reddish most con- spicuous on the upper back, and both the lighter colors everywhere finely sprinkled with blackish. Wing-coverts like the upper back, but with numerous conspicuous rounded white spots, one on the end of each feather. Crown and back of neck nearly like the back, but in smaller pattern, and the markings mostly transverse. An illy-defined white area on each side of the neck, over the tympanum, and slight whitish stripe behind the eye. Throat fine light buff, usually immac- ulate, but sometimes finely speckled quite across. Under parts white, more or less tinted with buff toward the throat; the breast with numerous regu- lar dark-brown U-shaped spots, one on each feather; similar but smaller, sharper, and fewer such spots thence scattered over most of the under parts, only the middle of the belly being left unmarked. Long feathers of the sides under the wings matching the upper wing-covertg nearly ; under wing-cov- erts and axillaries pure white, not marked; flanks with bars or U-spots of dark brown. Legs grayish-white, unmarked. Quills of the wings fus- cous; outer webs of the secondaries with equidistant, squarish, white or tawny spots, the secondaries tipped \ and imperfectly twice or thrice barred ao " with white, and gradually becoming Fic. 398. — Head of Sharp-tailed Grouse, nat. size. (Ad sprinkled with the varied colors of the BL back, so that the innermost of them are almost precisely like the greater coverts. Four middle tail-feathers variegated, much like the back; others white, or grayish-white, on the inner webs, the outer webs being mottled; a few under tail-coverts spotted, the rest white; upper tail-coverts nearly like the rump. Iris light brown ; bill dark horn-color; part of under mandible flesh-colored; claws like bill; toes on top light horn-color, the soles darker. Length, 18 or 20 inches; extent 24 to 80; wing 8 to 9; middle tail-feathers 4 to 6; shortest tail-feathers (outermost), about 14; tarsi, 2 inches; middle toe and claw about the same; culmen of bill about $; gape of bill 1 to 14; depth of bill at base 4 or rather less. Pullets, before first moult: Crown bright brown, varied with black. Sharp white shaft-lines above, which, with a black area on each feather, contrast with the fine gray and brown mottling of the upper parts. Wing-coverts and inner quills with whitish spots. Several inner tail-feathers with whitish shaft lines, and mottled with blackish and brown. Lower throat and breast with numerous dark brown spots; sides similar, the markings lengthening into streaks. Bill brown above, pale below. This lasts till the September moult is completed. Chicks hatch dingy yellow, mottled on the crown, back, and wings with brown and black. The Pin-tail Chicken inhabits the western portions of Minnesota, a small part of Iowa, all-of Dakota, thence diagonally across Nebraska and Kansas to Colorado in the Laramie and upper Platte regions ; thence westward in suitable country to the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges; northern limit to be conventionally established aloug the N. border of the U. 8., beyond which it shades into the true phasianellus. In fine, this is the prairie chicken of the whole Northwest; usually occurring where C. cupido does not, the two TETRAONIDA|— TETRAONINZA: GROUSE. 583 overlap to some extent. Formerly ranged in all the prairie of Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa, but is pushed westward by the grain-fields — the same carrying cwpido along. Eggs 5-10-12- 13, in June; grayish-olive or drab-colored, uniformly dotted with brown points, rarely larger than a pin-head; always quite different from those of cupido ; 1.60 to 1.80 long by 1.20 to 1.30 broad; average 1.75 1.25. A fine game and table bird, in all respects like cupido. 207. CUPIDONIA. (Name derived from cwpido, which see below.) Prn-neck Grousz. Neck with a peculiar tuft on each side of loose, lengthened, acuminate feathers, like little wings. beneath which is a circular patch of bare, yellow skin, capable of great distension, like the half of a small or- ange. Head with a slight soft crest. ‘Tarsi scant-feath- ered to the toes in front and on sides, bare on a strip behind; toes extensively webbed at base. Tail short, rounded, of 18 broad stiffish feathers, with obtusely rounded ends. Sexes nearly alike in size, form, and color; plumage below barred transversely. One species, 2 varieties, of prairie, perfectly terrestrial. Fig. 399. — Foot of Prairie Hen, nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) Analysis of Varieties. THE COMMON BIRD. Tarsal feathers hiding the bare strip. Dark bars above black, and broad; top of head mostly blackish de hag sce Rk BP sar! ola 4 es Eo ae, “yd Steer Ss < oe . eupido 5c. TEXAS BIRD. Tarsi very scant-feathered, the bare strip exposed. Dark bars above brown and narrow; top of head little blackish . : : “i : i a: pallidicinctus 564 563. C. cupi/do. (The tufts on the neck likened to conventional ‘“‘cupid’s wings.” Figs. 399, 400.) PINNATED GROUSE. Prairie Hen. J 9: Above,variegated with black, brown, tawny, or ochrey, and white, the latter especially on the wings; below, pretty regularly barred with dark brown, white, and tawny; throat tawny, a little speckled, or not; vent and crissum mostly white; quills fuscous, with white spots or the outer webs; tail fuscous, with narrow or imperfect white or " tawny bars and tips; Fie. 400. — Prairie Hen, (From Lewis.) sexes alike in color, but 9 smaller, with shorter neck tufts. Length 16.00-18.00; extent about 28.00; wing 8.00-9.00; tail about 4.50; tarsus rather over, middle toe and claw rather under, 2.00; neck- tufts 2.00-3.50 inches long. This well-known bird formerly ranged across the United States, i ti LTR \\ hit . aie hse 0s 564. 208. 584 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— GALLINA — ALECTOROPODES. in open country, from the Atlantic to the Eastern foot-hills of the R. Mts., in some latitudes, and now abounds on the prairies, from Illinois and Wisconsin, to Middle Kansas at least, if not found on the dryer plains westward. Its usual range includes Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Eastern half of Minnesota, Southeastern Dakota, Middle and Eastern Kansas and Nebraska, Arkansas, and Eastern Texas. It is creeping westward with the grain fields. Ten years ago it mixed with the sharp-tails about St. Paul’s, Minne- sota, and up the Missouri to beyond Sioux City. The line of railroad is a favorite high- way for the birds. It has been almost ex- tirpated in the Middle and Eastern States, though it still occurs sparingly in isolated localities in New York, New Jersey, Penn- sylvania, Long Island, Nantucket, and Mar- tha’s Vineyard, etc. Its abundance, and the excellence of its flesh, render it an object of Fig. 401. — Head of Ruffed Grouse, nat. size. (Ad commercial importance. Though there may ee a be little probability of its extinction, legisla- tion against its wanton or ill-timed destruction is a measure of obvious propriety. Eggs averaging shorter, rounder, and smaller than those of the sharp-tail; pale greenish-gray, with sometimes a glaucous bloom, usually unmarked, sometimes very minutely dotted with brown C. ¢. pallidicine'ta. (Lat. pallidus, pale; cinctus, begirt.) Pate PINNATED GROUSE. Above, the dark markings not in excess of the lighter markings, and rather brown than black ; below, the dark bars very pale and narrow. Tarsi scant feathered, exposing the bare strip behind. Southwestern prairies; a local race, from warmer and dryer regions. BONA'SA. (Gr. Bévagos, Lat. bonasus, a bison: the “drumming” of the bird being likened to the bel- lowing of a bull.) Rurrep Grouse. Head with a full soft crest. Neck on each side with a tuft of numerous (15-80) broad soft glossy-black feathers, covering the rudimentary tympanum. Tail about as long as the wings, amply rounded or fan-shaped, nor- mally of 18 soft broad feathers, with truncate ends. Tarsi scantfeath- ered, naked below, with two or three rows of scu- tella in front. Plumage of blended and varied colors ; sexes alike. Woodland species, more or less arboreal, of common occurrence in suitable places. Analysis of Varieties. Brown, of mixed and varied shades of reddish and gray. Eastern and Northern. ... . . umbella 565 Pale; slaty-gray the prevailing shade, Rocky Mountain region . se ew ew ee . Umbelloides 566 Dark; chestnut-brown the prevailing shade. Pacific Coast region . .. ee ri . sabinii 567 NR ‘ Ong, 4° Eppa, Bae. ~, ey Morr MANY Sr Fig. 402, — Ruffed Grouse. (From Lewis.) 565. 566. 567. 209. TETRAONIDZ — TETRAONIN A: GROUSE. 585 B. umbel’la. (Lat. wnbella, an umbel, umbrella; wmbra, shade, shadow; alluding to the neck- tufts. Figs. 401, 402.) Rurrep Grouss. ‘ Partripce;” New England. ‘ PHEASANT ;” Middle and Southern States. ¢ 9: Above, variegated reddish- or grayish-brown, the back with numerous, oblong, pale, black-edged spots. Below, whitish, barred with brown. Tail brown or gray, numerously and narrowly black-barred, with a broad subterminal black zone, and tipped with gray. The neck-ruffle of the ¢ mostly glossy black, and very full; of the 9 smaller.and more brown. The colors are endlessly varied as well as blended, and the prevailing tone of the brown birds of the East shades insensibly into that of the Western varieties. Length 16.00-18.00; extent 23.00; wing 7.00-8.00; tail about the same. A woodland bird, like the species of Camace, abundantly distributed over Eastern North America; in the U. 8. to the central plains; in Brit. Am. to Alaska. It is well known under the above names in different sections; but it is neither a “‘ partridge” nor a ‘‘ pheasant,” being, in fine, a Ruffed Grouse. The “drumming” sound for which this bird is noted, is not vocal, as some suppose, but is produced by rapidly beating’ the wings. Eggs very characteristic, from creamy white to creamy buff, usually immaculate, sometimes minutely dotted or even speckled with brown; they resemble partridge eggs also in shape, which approaches the pyriform, broad and blunt at one end, pointed at the other; size about 1.66 X 1.20. B. u. umbelloi/des. (Lat. wmbella, as above defined, and Gr. eiSos, eidos, resemblance.) Gray Rurrep Grouse. A variety of the last, of very different tone of color in its extreme development, but shading into the common Ruffed by insensible degrees in Brit. Am. When fully manifested, as follows: Lower back, rump, upper tail-coverts and tail slate-gray, with little if any brown tinge; the feathers of the back and rmmp with light gray cordate or arrow- headed spots narrowly bordered with black, the tail-feathers finely vermiculated with black, and with a broad subterminal black zone. Ruffle glossy greenish-black. Under parts whitish, more or less tinged with tawny-brown, with several broad brown cross-bars on each feather, largest and most distinct on the long feathers of the sides, some of which have also white shaft lines ; heavy feathers of flanks and vent mostly whitish, unmarked. Feathers of fore-neck and scap- ulars blended with gray, rich reddish-brown, ochrey-brown, and white, in indescribable con- fusion. Most of the wing-coverts with white shaft-lines. Hen with the ruffle less developed, varied with brown and white. General tone more rufous than in the cock. Rocky Mt. region, U. §., running into both the other varieties. B. sabi/nii. (To J. Sabine.) Rep Rurrep Grouse. OREGON RuFFED GROUSE. More nearly resembling the common ruffed grouse, but the coloration more heavily brown, — darker and richer. More blackish to the brown, and the latter almost chestnut in well-marked cases. Pacific coast region, Oregon +o Alaska. LAGO’PUS. (Gr. Aayarous, lagopous, Lat. lagopus, hare-foot: the densely-feathered feet resemble those of rabbits.) Prarmicgan. Snow Grouss. No peculiar feathers on head or neck. Tarsi and toes densely feathered. Tail short, little rounded, normally of 14 broad feathers, with long upper coverts, some of which resemble rectrices, the central pair of these usually reckoned as rectrices, making 16. A naked red comb over eye. Boreal and alpine. grouse, shaped nearly as in Canace, remarkable for the seasonal changes of plumage, becoming in winter snow-white (excepting the British insular race). There are only five or six species, at most, and probably fewer; we certainly have the three here given. Analysis of Species. Tail black at all seasons. The summer plumage mostly rich chestnut or orange-brown, and black. In winter, no black stripe on: head: (Billistoutes. 2. 6 sees ee eae a ee es albus 568 The summer plumage wholly brownish-yellow and black, except ¢ on wings and tail. In winter a black stripe on head. Billslender . igs wer oat fy Goie;. vat Was ides ant Choate Sei ee ae daw Me rupestris 569 Tail white at all seasons. The summer plumage ochrey-brown and black. In winter entirely white. ..... leucurus 570 568. 586 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLINZ — ALECTOROPODES. L, al/bus. (Lat. albus, white. Figs. 403, 404.) WinLow Grouse. WiILLOW PTARMIGAN. Bill very stout and convex, its depth at base as much as the distance from nasal fossa to tip ; whole culmen 0.75; bill black at all seasons. @ @, in winter: Snow white; 14 tail-feathers’ black, white-tipped ; the middle pair (which most resemble and perhaps are true rectrices, hav- ing'no after-shafts) together with all the coverts, one pair of which reach to end of tail, white ; shafts of several outer wing-quills black; no black stripe on head. ¢, in summer: The head Fie. 403. — Willow Ptarmigan, summer plumage, 4 nat. sizo. (From Brehm.) and fore parts rich chestnut or orange-brown, more tawny-brown on back and rump; the richer brown parts sparsely, the tawny-brown more closely, barred with black ; most of the wings and under parts remaining white. 9 similar, wholly colored excepting the wings, the color more tawny than in the gf, and more heavily, closely, and uniformly barred with black. Length 15.00-17.00; wing about 8.00; tail 5.50. Arctic and Northern N. Am. from ocean to ocean, into the northernmost U. 8. Eggs very heavily colored, with bold confluent blotches of intense burnt sienna color, upon a more or less reddish-tinted buff ground. All the eggs of birds of this family are colorless when the shell first forms high in the oviduct, acquiring pigment as they pass down; in the ptarmigan, where the coloring is so heavy, an egg cut from the pigment- 569. TETRAONIDA — TETRAONINZ: GROUSE. 587 secreting part of the passage is as if covered with fresh paint, soft and sticky, which may be. rubbed off before it ‘‘ sets” on the shell. Size 1.80 x 1.20. L. rupes'tris. (Lat. rupestris, relating to rupis, a rock; rupestrine.) Rock PTARMIGAN. Bill slenderer for its length than that of ZL. albus, its depth at base less than the distance from nasal fossa to tip; whole culmen 0.67; bill always black. ¢ Q, in winter: As in L. albus, but a black transocular stripe on side ofhead. @ 9, in summer: The whole plumage, excepting the wings and tail, barred with blackish-brown and brownish-yellow. Rather smaller than the Fia. 404. — Willow Ptarmigan, winter plumage, j nat. size. (From Brehm.) foregoing. Length 14.00-15.00; wing 7.00-7.50; tail 4.50. Arctic America, not 8. to the U. S. Eggs 13-15 or more, like those of L. albus, but darker and rather smaller; size 1.70 * 1.18. ‘The summer plumage is assumed at variable periods of the months of April, May, and even in early June, according to the locality. The moult for the summer is usually shown first on the head and neck, followed by the lower back, sides, breast, middle back, flanks, and abdomen, in the order named. The abdomen and chin are the last areas to show the com- plete moult. The parts named also assume, in the order given, the white winter plumage. During the time of the summer plumage scarcely a single day passes that the general color of the feathers is not modified by the appearance or loss of some feather.” (Zurner.) Hence the difficulty if not impossibility of establishing races of this species upon color, as the amount of barring, vermiculation, or nebulation with dusky, tawny, and gray is incessantly changing in 570. 588 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLINAZ — ALECTOROPODES. the same individuals; and birds taken at different dates in the summer, in the same locality, may differ from one another more than specimens from different regions, representing several alleged varieties, are always found to do. The American bird, in fact, is scarcely distinguishable from the European L. mutus or alpinus. Se The Greenland bird has been called L. reinhardti by Brehm. That % of the Aleutian Islands, LZ. mutus atkensis, Turner. The latter is : said to have the bill and claws about 0.10 longer than usual. L. leucu/rus. (Gr. Aevxds, leucos, white ; odpd, owra, tail. Fig. 405.) WHITE-TAILED Prarmican. Rocky Mountain Snow Grouse. $9, in winter: Entirely snow-white ; bill black, rather slender, and general size and proportions nearly as in L. rupestris. @ 9, in sum- mer: Tail, most of the wing, and lower parts from the breast, remaining white; rest of the plumage minutely marked with black, white, and tawny or grayish-brown, varying in pre- cise character almost with every specimen; but there is no difficulty in recognizing this white- tailed species, of alpine distribution in West- ern N. A. from the Arctic regions to New Mexico (lat. 37°). In summer, inhabits the mountain ranges from timber-line to the high- est peaks, in winter ranging lower down. Eggs very different from the heavily-painted ones of DL. albus, of dull creamy complexion, minutely dotted over the whole surface with burnt-sienna, few of the markings exceeding a pin’s head in size, and not thick enough Fic. 405. — White-tailed Ptarmigan; upper, in sum- mer; lower, in winter. (From Hayden.) to obscure the ground-color; shape purely : ovoidal, greatest diameter near the middle; size 1.70 X 1.14; number variable, about a dozen. 53. Subfamily ODONTOPHORINA:: American Partridges and Quails. Head completely feathered, and usually crested, the crest frequently ‘assuming a remarkable shape. Nasal fosse not filled with feathers, the nostrils covered with a naked scale. Tarsi and toes naked, the latter scarcely or not fringed, the former scu- tellate. Size smaller than in Tetraonine. Our Partridges may be distinguished, among American Galline, by the foregoing characters, but not from those of the Old World; and it is highly ie 2, improbable that, as a group, they are separable fron ; i 4 all the forms of the latter by any decided peculiari- hiKee Bs ties. The principal supposed character, namely, a k My ae He | ‘ toothing of the under mandible, is very faintly indicated in some forms, and entirely wanting in Fie. 406,— European Partridge. (From Dixon.) others, Pending final issue, however, it is expe- dient to recognize the group, so strictly limited geographically, if not otherwise. Several beautiful and important genera occur within our limits, but these Partridges are most numerous in species in Central and South America. Odontophorus is the leading genus, with perhaps 15 species; Eupsychortya and Dendrortyx are other extra-limital forms; and in all, some TETRAONIDZA —ODONTOPHORINZE: PARTRIDGES OR QUAIL. 589 forty-odd species are known. In habits, they agree more or less completely with the well known Bob-white. Our species are apparently monogamous, and go in small flocks, called “ coveys,” usually consisting of the members of one family; they are terrestrial, but take to the trees on occasion; nest on the ground, laying numerous white or speckled eggs; are chiefly granivorous, but also feed on buds, soft fruits, and insects ; and are non-migratory. Analysis of Genera, An inconspicuous crest, scarcely visible except in life. Tail about we as one as the wing. Coloration everywhere variegated. (One species) . . ee Oriya 210 A short, soft, full crest. Tail $ the wing Coloration ‘much the same all ovat " showing curious semi- circular markings. (One species! . . + «+ « Callipepla 218 A long, slender, arrowy crest, two or three inches long, of two narrowly linear feathers. Tail 2 as long as the wing. Parti-colored, but the coloration chiefly in masses. (One species). . , . . . . Orortyx 211 A long, recurved, helmet-like crest, of several imbricated plumes, enlarged at the extremity. ‘Tail ¢ as long as the wing. Coloration chiefly in masses. (Two species) . . . » . . «+ . Lophortyx 212 A short, soft, full crest. Tail scarcely 3 as long as the wing. Coloration peculiar, in round, white spots on the under parts of the g. (One species). . . . . ie & « Cyrtonya 214 As all these genera have each but a single species in this country, excepting Lophortyz, the foregoing i is nearly equivalent to a determinatiun of the species. 210. OR/TYX. (Gr. dprvé, ortux, a quail.) Feathers of crown lengthened and erec- tile, but hardly forming a true crest. Tail about 2 as long as the wing. Outstretched feet reaching beyond end of tail. Coloration much variegated ; a reddish-brown varied with black and white the leading color. Eggs white, pyriform, numerous. Fig. 407.— Bill and foot of Ortyx, nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) Analysis of Varieties. Length of #, 10 inches or rather more; extent 15 or more; wing 4.50 or more. Bill blackish-brown. ' Ground color dull pinkish-red with narrow black bars below ae ey . . virginiona 571 Length of ¢', scarcely 10 inches; extent under 15 ; wing scarcely or not 4.50. Bill set black. Ground color dark reddish, with mauch broader black bars below. . « - . floridana 572 Length etc. as in floridana. Ground color paler than in virginiana, with numerous black bars, and i increase of ashy and tawny . ee ew we ww www we 6bCKONA BIB Fig. 408, — Mr. and Mrs. Bob White, nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E, C.) 571. O. virginia/na, (Of Virginia. Figs. 407, 408, 409.) Virainta Partrines, or “ QuaiL.” Bos-wuire. ‘Quam:” New England, wherever the Ruffed Grouse is called ‘“ partridge.” 590 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLIN 4 — ALECTOROPODES. “ PartripGe:” Southern and Middle States, wherever the Ruffed Grouse is called “‘ pheasant.” dé: Forehead, superciliary line, and throat, white, bordered with black; crown, neck all round, and upper part of breast, brownish-red; other under parts tawny-whitish, all with more or fewer doubly-crescentic black bars; crissum rufous; sides broadly striped with brownish-red ; upper parts variegated with chestnut, black, gray and tawny, the latter edging the inner quills, form- ing a continuous line when the wing is closed. 9 : Known by having the throat buff instead of white, less black about the fore-parts, and general coloration subdued. The reddish of this bird is of a peculiar dull pinkish shade. The black crescents of the under parts are scarcely or not half the width of the intervening white spaces; the bill is not jet black. Length of ¢ 10.00-10.50 ; Fie. 409. — The Bob White family. (From “Sport with Gun and Rod;” The Century Co., N. Y¥.) extent 15.00-15.50; wing 4.50 tu nearly 5.00; tail 2.75-3.00. 9 9.50-10.00; extent 14.50- 15.00; wing 4.25-4.50; tail 2.50-2.75. Among the thousands of Bob-whites yearly destroyed, albinotic or melanotic, and other abnormally colored specimens, are frequently found; but the percentage of these cases is nothing unusual, and the sportsman must be cautioned against sup- posing that such birds have any status, in a scientific point of view, beyond their illustration of certain perfectly well known variations. Such specimens, however, are interesting and valuable, and should always be preserved. Eastern United States. North to Massachusetts and slightly beyond; Canada West; Minnesota. West to high central plains. Up the Missouri to White River. Salt Lake Valley (introduced). The characteristic game bird of this country. Eggs indefinitely numerous, pure white, pointed at one end and very blunt at the other, about 1.30 X 1.00. i TETRA ONIDZ! — ODONTOPHORINZ!: PARTRIDGES OR QUAIL. 591 572. O. v, florida‘na, (Of Florida.) Fuorma Quam. Rather smaller, the J about the size of 573. the Q virginiana, but bill relatively larger, and jet-black ; colors darker, all the black mark- ings heavier, those of the under parts nearly as broad as the intervening white spaces. Florida, and similar specimens in the lower Mississippi Valley; an approach to the Cuban form (0. cubanensis). , O. v. texa/na. (Of Texas.) Texas Quam. Size of floridana; colors paler, the prevailing shade rather gray than brown; upper parts much variegated with tawny. Eggs 1.20 X 0.93. These two are mere climatic varieties of one species. . OROR/TYX. (Gr. apos, ores, a mountain ; dprvé, ortua, a quail.) Puumep Quart. Head adorned with an arrowy crest of two slender keeled plumes, 3-4 inches long in the g when full-developed; present in 9, shorter. Bill and feet stout; tarsus equal to the middle toe and claw. Tail about 3 the wing, broad, rounded, with long coverts. Size large; colors massed in large areas; sexes alike. Lggs colored. One species. 574. O. pic'ta. (Lat. picta, pictured, painted. Fig. 411.) PLumep PartripGe. Mountain QuAIL 212. of the Californians. $9, adult: Back, wings and tail olive-brown, the inner secondaries and tertiaries bordered with whitish or tawny, forming a lengthwise border in single line when the wings are folded; the primaries fus- cous, the tail-feathers fuscous, minutely marbled with the color of the back. Fore- parts, above and below, slaty- blue (above more or less glossed with the olive shade of the back, below mi- nutely marbled with black) ; the throat chestnut, immedi- ately bordered lat- erally with black, then framed in a firm white line, broken through ‘the eye, reappearing Fig. 410.—Helmet Quail (LZ. gambeli) around base of un- Fre. 411. — Plumed Quail. (From Ten- nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) der mandible. Ex- after Audubon. ) treme forehead whitish. The arrow-plumes black. Belly chestnut, the sides banded with broad bars of black and white, or rufous-white; middle of the lower belly, tibia, and flanks, whitish or rufous; crissum velvety-black, streaked with chestnut. Bill dusky, paler below; feet brown. Length 11.00-12.00; extent 16.00-17.00; wing 5.00-5.50; tail 3.00-3.50; tarsus 1.67; middle toe and claw about the same. An elegant species, much larger and more beauti- ful than the Bob-white, inhabiting the mountainous parts of Oregon, California and Nevada. The relative extent of the olive and slaty parts is very variable. There is something of a grouse in the composition of this partridge. Egg a miniature of the ruffed grouse’s, only dis- tinguished by smaller size — 1.40 x 1.10. LOPHOR'TYX. (Gr. Addos, lophos, a crest; dprvé, ortux, a quail.) HentmetT Qual. With an elegant crest, recurved helmet-wise, of several (6-10) keeled, clubbed, glossy-black, imbricated feathers, more than an inch,long when fully developed; in the 9, smaller, of fewer feathers. Tarsus slightly shorter than middle toe and claw. Tail about 4 as long asthe wing; 592 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLINZ: — ALECTOROPODES. outstretched feet not reaching to its end. Bulk of the Bob-white, but longer; 10.00-11.50; wing 4.00 or more; tail 3.00 or more. Coloration chiefly in masses; sexes unlike. @ with the chin and throat jet-black, sharply burdered with white; a white line across the vertex and along the sides of the crown, bordered behind by black; 9 without these head-markings. Eggs colored. Two elegant species in the U. S. Analysis of Species. do middle of belly orange-chestnut ; sides like back, with white stripes ; hind-head smoky-brown ; fore- head chiefly whitish, with white loral line . . californica 5715 o middle of belly jet-black; sides chestnut with white stripes; hind-head chestnut ; fore-head chiefly eee teh cone ere ee » gambeli 576 black ; no white loralline . ie fee dees 2 Fig. 412. California Helmet Quail, 4 nat. size. (From Brehm.) 575. L. californica. (Lat. Californian. Fig. 412.) CALIFORNIAN PARTRIDGE. VALLEY QUAIL of the Californians. g: With a small white line from bill to eye ; forehead whitish with black lines; occiput smoky-brown ; nuchal and cervical feathers with very dark edging and shaft-lines, and fine whitish speckling. General color of upper parts ashy, with strong olive-brown gloss, the edging of the inner quills brownish-orange. Fore breast slaty-blue ; other under parts tawny, deepening centrally into rich golden-brown or orange-chestnut, all the feathers sharply edged with jet-black; sides olive-ashy like the back, with sharp white stripes; vent, flanks, and crissum tawny, with dark stripes. Length 10.00-11.00; wing 4.25; tail 3.75; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw rather more. Besides lacking the definite head-markings, the 9 wants the rich sienna color of the under parts, which are whitish or tawny with black semicircles 576. 213. 577. TETRAONIDH — ODONTOPHORINZE: PARTRIDGES OR QUAIL. 593 as inthe ¢; the breast is olive-gray. The changes of plumage are parallel with those of L. gambeli. Lower portions of California and Oregon; E. nearly to the Colorado River; abun- dant. A fine species, eutirely distinct from the next, but habits and manners in all respects the saine; replaces L. gambeli westward. Eggs speckled, as in the next. L. gam/beli. (To Wm. Gambel. Fig. 410.) GampBeri’s Partripce. ARIZONA QUAIL. ¢: Without white loral line; forehead black with whitish lines; occiput chestnut ; nuchal and cervical feathers with dark shaft lines, but few dark edgings or nove, aud no white speckling. General color of upper parts clear ash, the edgiug of the inner quills white. Fore-breast like the back ; other under parts whitish, the middle of the belly with a large jet-black patch; sides rich purplish-chestnut, with sharp white stripes; vent, flanks and crissum white with dusky streaks. Billblack; iris brown. Besides lacking the definite head-markings, the 9 wants the black abdominal area, where the feathers are whitish with dark lengthwise touches; crest dark brown, not recurved, and fewer-feathered than that of the cock. Top of head grayish-brown, nearly uniform from bill to nape; throat grayish-white with slight dark pencilling. Chicks, in the down: Bill above reddish, nearly white below; feet dull flesh-colur. Head dingy yellowish, with a large brown spot on the vcciput, a few black, white-streaked feathers on crown, and the crest sprouting in a week or two. Upper parts grayish-brown mottled with black spots, and conspicuously striped with white lines. Outer webs of the sprouting quills marked with blackish and whitish. Throat white; other under parts narrowly barred with black and tawny-white, striped lengthwise with pure white. Sprouting’ tail-feathers like the primaries. Pullets, quarter-grown, 6-7 inches long: Leaden-gray, becoming tawny on the wings, which are still a little mottled as above described; below, light gray, nearly white on throat and belly. Breast waved with light and dark gray, with traces of the white stripes. Sides under the wings slightly fulvous or rufescent, but without definite stripes. Quills plain dusky; tail-feathers more plumbeous, marked with blackish and whitish. A broad white superciliary line. With the progress of the fall inoult this dress changes for one like that of the adults, and the sexes are soon distinguishable. Eggs 1.25>1.00, pyramidal, narrow and pointed at one end, very obtuse the other; color buff or rich creamy, dotted and spotted all over with bright brown, splashed here and there with large blotches of the same ; number in definite — 8-12 or more. Nest like that of any other partridge. New Mexico and Arizona, both in mountains and valleys, very abundant; E. to Pecos and San Elizario, Texas, beyond which replaced by the Massena partridge; W. to Colorado R. and slightly beyond; N. to Utah; S. into Mexico. The characteristic game bird of Arizona. CALLIPEP'LA. (Gr. ca\\urémhos, kallipeplos, beautifully arrayed.) SHELL Quart. General character of Lophortyx, but head with a short, full, soft crest as in the Massena quail (fig. 418). Coloration of under parts producing a shelly or scaly appearance. Sexes nearly alike. Eggs not heavily colored. One U. 8. species. C. squama'ta, (Lat. squamata, squamous, scale-like.) ScaLepD Partripce. BLvuE Quaw. g, adult: General color bluish-plumbeous, shading into olive-brown on the back and wings and to rufous on the under parts behind the wings, with a large abdominal area of orange-brown ; the feathers of the neck all around, and most of those of the under parts, sharply edged with black, producing a peculiar shell-like appearance; on the breast the feathers also with concealed reddish shaft-lines. Long feathers of the sides like the back in color, with white brown-edged stripes or long-oval spots. On the flanks and crissum the feathers lose the scaly appearance, becoming blended rusty-brown, with linear, sagittate, or cordate dark spots. Inner secondaries edged with buff or whitish, affording to the folded wing the lengthwise stripe sv characteristic of N. A. partridges. Quills plain fuscous ; tail-feathers plumbeous. No definite stripes about the head; crest dark brown ending in pure white. | Length 10.00-11.00 ; extent 14.50-15.50; wing 4.50; tail 3.50; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw 1.04. 9 little different; head markings the same; the orange-brown of the belly 214, 578. 215. 594 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — GALLINZ — ALECTOROPODES. reduced or wariting ; size rather less. Texas, N.M., Ariz. and southward; generally dispersed, but far less numerous than the top-knot quails, and apparently more southern; extends along the Rio Grande to about 100 miles from the coast. Eggs 10-12-16, rather elliptical than con- ical, 1.25>0.98, white, minutely freckled with buff. CYRTONYX. (Gr. xvprés, kurtos, bent, crooked; dv, onux, nail, claw.) HARLEQUIN QuaiL. Bill very stout. Head with a full, soft, depressed occipital crest. Tail very short, soft, almost hidden by the coverts, scarcely or not half as long as the wings. Wing-coverts and inner quills highly developed, folding entirely over the primaries. Feet small; tarsus rather shorter than middle toe and claw ; toes short, but with remarkably developed claws. A very distinct genus. Plumage of head of @ curiously striped; of under parts ocellated. Sexes very unlike, C. masse’na. (To André Massena, Prince D’Essling and Marshal of France. Fig. 413.) Mas- SENA PARTRIDGE. (, adult: Upper parts intimately waved with black and reddish-brown and tawny-brown, and marked with sharp buff or whitish shaft-lines ; on the wings the irregular black variegation changing to black bars and round spots, in regular paired series on each feather. Outer quills fuscous, their outer webs spotted with white or buff. Under parts crowded with innumerable round white spots on a dark ground, several pairs on each feather; the middle line of the breast and belly mahogany-colored, the flanks, vent, and crissum velvety-black. Top of head black in front, with slight white touches, changing on the crest to brown. Sides of head and throat fantastically striped with black and white; a broad black throat-patch ; another on the cheeks, across lores and alongside of crown; a third on the ear-coverts; a fourth bordering the white all around behind. Length about 9.00; extent 17.00; wing 4.75; tail 2.00; tarsus 1.20: middle toe and claw 1.60; its claw alone 0.50 Q, adult: Upper parts as in the @, but the markings of the wings less regular, more assimi lated with the general variegation, and the tone more fulvous. No peculiar marks on head, throat whitish or buff; general tone of the under parts pale purplish-cinnamon, with fine mottling of black and white on each feather. Young g : Resembling the hen, but the undef parts ochrey or whitish with black variegation. Chicks, scarcely fledged, 3-4 inches long . Bill reddish above, whitish below; feet dull brownish. Above, light warm brown, varied with black, boldly striped with white — each feather having a hammer-headed white shaft- line. Some inner wing-quills like the back ; others dusky with whitish shafts, broken-barred with buff, chiefly on outer webs. Below, buffy-white, with numberless spots of blackish paired on each feather, sharp and circular on breast, further back widening to bars. A singular species, very showy in full plumage, inhabiting portions ot Texas, N. M., and Ariz.; in the latter, W. to Fort Whipple at least. Fia. 413. — Massena Quail, ¢', nat. size. \ [Subfamily PERDICINAE: Old World Partridges and Quail. It becomes necessary to introduce this group, in consequence of the naturalization of the imported Migratory or Messina Quail of Enrope, I know of no characters to distinguish it from Odontophorina, and doubt that there are any.] COTUR/NIX. (Lat. coturniz, a quail; from its note.) Bill smaller and much slenderer than that ‘of any of the foregoing genera of Odontophorine; nasal fosse feathered, except on the tumid nasal scale. Wings of moderate length, little vaulted and not rounded, pointed by the TETRAONIDA — PERDICINZ: OLD WORLD QUAIL. 595 1st-3d quills, the lst not shorter than the next. First primary emarginate on inner web; 2d and 3d sinuate on outer web. Tail extremely short and slight, not half as long as the wing, pointed, its feathers very soft, the central pair lanceolate. Feet small; tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw, slightly feathered above in front, with two rows of alternating large scutella in front, two rows of smaller rounded scales meeting in a ridge behind, the sides filled in with small plates. Size smaller than that of any of the foregoing species; pattern of coloration soinewhat as in Ortyx ; sexes nearly alike. 579, C. dactyli/sonans. (Gr. ddxrvdos, daktulos, the finger; a metrical measure consisting of a long and two short syllables; Lat. sonans, sounding. Fig. 414.) Mussina QuatL. Miara- iz S = Fia. 414. —Common Quail of Europe, } nat. size. (From Brehm.) TORY QualL. Common QuaiL of Europe. Adult ¢ 9: Upper parts variegated with buff or whitish and black upon a mixed reddish-brown and gray ground, the most conspicuous mark- ings being sharp lance-linear lengthwise stripes of buff or whitish over most of the upper parts, these dashes mostly edged with black; other less prominent buff or whitish cross-bars, several to a feather, likewise framed in black. Crown mixed brown and black, with sharp median and lateral buff stripes. Throat white, bounded before by a dark bar curving down behind the auriculars; behind, by a necklace of ruddy-brown, blackish, or whitish spots; chin varied with dark marks in advance of the auricular bar. Under parts fading to whitish from the buff or pale yellowish-brown breast, without any dark crossbars, but the long feathers of the sides and flanks with large and conspicuous white shaft-stripes and otherwise variegated with black, 596 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. brown, and- buff. Primaries fuscous, spotted with light brown on outer webs; secondaries similar, but the markings becoming bars on both webs. Tail-feathers brownish-black, much varied with shaft-lines, cross-bars, and edgings of buff; crissum immaculate, like the abdomen. Bill dark; feet pale: iris dark brown. Length about 7.00; wing 3.75; tail 1.75; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw rather more. Europe, Asia, etc., recently imported and turned loose in considerable numbers in the U. 8., as in New England; but its permanent naturalization is stili open to question. If one will compare this bird with the bob-white he will see how very different is the Old World quail from our Ortyx, og any other birds of this country called “ quail;” but that it resembles Ortyx more nearly than the European partridge, Perdix cinerea, does; so that, if we must borrow a name from any Old World birds for our species of Ortyx, Lophortyx, Callipepla, etc., the term ‘ quail’ is rather more appropriate than ‘ partridge.’ VII. Order LIMICOLZ:: Shore-birds. Commonly known as the great ‘‘ plover-snipe group,” from the cireumstance that the pluvialine and scolopacine birds form the bulk of the order, which is practically equivalent to the Charadriomorphe of Huxley. The species average of small size, with rounded or de- pressed (never extremely compressed) body, and live in open places on the ground, usually by the water’s edge. With rare exceptions, the head is completely feathered; the general ptery- losis is of a nearly uniform pattern. The osteological characters are shared to some extent by certain swimining birds, as Gulls and Auks; the palate is schizognathous; the nasal bones are normally schizorhinal; the angle of the mandible is produced into a slender hooked process ; the maxillo-palatines are thin and scroll-like; there are prominent basipterygoid processes ; the rostral bones are slender, often much elongated ; the sternum is usually doubly, sometimes singly, notched behind ; the carotids are double ; the syringeal muscles not more than one pair. The physiological nature is preecocial and ptilopeedic; the eggs, averaging four, as a rule are laid on the ground in a rude nest or bare depression; the young hatch clothed and able to run about. The food is insects, worms, and other small or soft animals, either picked up from the surface, or probed for in soft sand or mud, or forced to rise by stamping with the feet on the ground ; from this latter circumstance, the birds have been named Calcatores (stampers). With a few exceptions, the wing is long, thin, flat and pointed, with narrow stiff primaries, rapidly graduated from Ist to 10th; secondaries in turn rapidly lengthening from without inward, the posterior border of the wing thus showing two salient points separated by a deep emargination. The tail, never long, is commonly quite short, and has from 12 (the usual number) up to 20 or even 26 feathers (in oue remarkable group of Snipe). The legs are commonly lengthened, sometimes extremely so; rarely quite short, and are usually slender ; they are indifferently scutellate or reticulate, or both. The feathers rarely reach the suffrago. The toes are short (as compared with the case of Herons and Rails), the anterior usually semi- palmate, frequently cleft to the base, only palmate in Recurvirostra and only lohate in Phalaro- podide. The hinder is always short and elevated, or absent. The length of the phalanges of the anterior toes decreases from the basal to the penultimate. The lower part of the crus never has feathers inserted upon it, though the leg may appear feathered to the suffrago, owing to the length of the feathers. The bill varices much in length and contour, but is almost always slender, contracted from the frontal region of the skull, and is as long as, or much longer than, the head, representing the “‘ pressirostral” (pluvialine) and ‘‘ longirostral” (scolopacine) types. Furthermore, it is generally in large part, if not entirely, covered with softish skin, often membranous and sensitive to the very tip, and only rarely hard throughout. The nostril is generally a slit in the membranous part, and probably never feathered. Most. of the families of this order are well represented in this country, and will be found fully characterized beyond. The position of Parride is in question, and it probably belongs here rather than among the families where it is ranged (beyond). There are several outlying or CHARADRITIDA — CHARADRIINZ: PLOVER. 597 inosculating families in the vicinity of Limicole and Alectorides, of uncertain position. The largest of these is the Bustard family, Otidide, which connects Limicole andFig. 415.— A Plover, the European Lapwing, reduced. (From Dixon.) 54. Subfamily CHARADRIINZE: True Piover. Toes generally three, the hinder absent (excepting, among our forms, Squatarola, Vanellus, and Aphriza) ; tarsus reticulate, longer than the middle toe; toes with a basal web (cleft in Aphriza) ; tibia naked below. Bill of moderate length, much shorter or not longer than the head, shaped somewhat like that. of a Pigeon, with a convex horny terminal portion, con- tracted behind this; the nasal fossee rather short and wide, filled with soft skin in which the nostrils open as a slit, not basal, and perforate. Gape very short, reaching a little beyond base of culmen. Wings long and pointed, reaching, when folded, to or beyond the end of the tail, and sometimes spurred; crissal feathers long and full; tail short, generally nearly even and of 12 feathers; body plump; neck short and thick; head large, globose, sloping rapidly to the small base of the bill, usually fully feathered. Size moderate or small. Our species (excepting Aphriza, if really belonging here) are very closely related, and will be readily recognized by the foregoing characters. There are in all perhaps sixty species. The most singular of them is the Anarhynchus frontalis, in which the bill is bent sideways. Thinornis zelandiea of New Zealand, Phegornis mitchelli and Oreophilus totanirostris of Chili, are peculiar forms. Species of Chettusia, Lobivanellus and Hoplopterus have fleshy wattles, or a tubercle, often developed into a spine, on the wing, or both; some of these, and others, 216. 598 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. are crested. These are all near Vanellus proper, and a part of them are 4-toed. Our species are found along the seashore, by the water’s edge in other open places, and in dry plains and fields. They all perform extensive migrations, appearing with great regularity in the spring and fall, and most of them breed far northward. They are all more or less gregarious, except when breeding. They run and fly with great rapidity ; the voice is a mellow whistle; the food is chiefly of an animal nature. The eggs are commonly four in number, speckled, very large at one end and pointed at the other, placed with the small ends together in a slight nest or mere depression in the ground. The sexes are generally similar, but the changes with age and season are great. Analysis of Genera. Toes 4. Head not crested. Tarsi scutellate in front ; toes cleft to base. exes | dot Fee nd: ara +» « Aphriza 221 Tarsi reticulate ; toes with basalweb. ......,.. ~ ~. Bh tai vie tap Sa Ge Squatarola 216 Head with a long flowing crest Be a aegesee) | a Se! Gg aah Gah taeh det Joe hy Vanellus 220 Toes 3. Plumage of upper parts speckled; no rings or bands of color about head or neck . . . Charadrius 217 Plumage of upper parts not speckled ; rings or bands of color about head and neck. Tarsus not nearly twice as long as middle toe without claw . . , . igialites 218 Tarsus about twice as long as middle toe without claw . Be Git 6 oe Se a eR ote Podasocys 219 SQUATAROLA. (Ital. squatarola, name of the species. Fig. 416.) Four-Torp PLoveEr. A small but distinct hind toe, contrary to the rule in this family. Tail less than half as long as wing. Tarsus much longer than middle toe and claw. Tibia bare below, reticulate like the tarsus. Basal web between outer and middle toes. Upper plu.aage speckled, lower black or white; no rings r bars of color about head or neck. Legs dark-colored. Tail fully barred. Seasonal changes of plumage very great; sexes alike. S. helve'tica. (Lat. Helvetica, Helvetian, Swiss. Fig. 417.) Swiss PiLover. BLACK-BELLIED PiLover. BULL-HEAD PLOVER. WHISTLING Fretp Puover. Ox-rYE. @ 9, in summer: : Upper parts fretted with blackish and ashy-white, Fie. 416. — Bill and hind toe of Squatarola, nat. the feathers being white basally, then black, size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) tipped and usually scalloped with white. Upper tail-coverts mostly white, with few dark touches. Fore-head, line over eye and thence more broadly over side of neck, the lining of wings, tibiee, vent and under tail-coverts, white. Sides of head to an extent embracing the eyes, axillary plumes, and entire under parts (except as said), black. Tail closely barred with black and white. Primaries dark brown, blackening at tips, with large basal areas and a portion of their shafts, white. Bill and feet black. Length 11.00-12.00; wing 7.00-7.50; tail 3.00; bill 1.00-1.25 ; tarsus 2.00; middle toe and claw 1.33; tibie bare 1.00. But such a bird as this rarely seen inthe U.S. @ Q, old, in fall ‘and winter, as usually seen in U. 8. Under parts white or whitish, anteriorly speckled or mottled with grayish-brown ; axillary plumes, however, black, as before; a good color-mark of the species, in any pluinage, in com- parison with the golden plover. Birds changing show every mixture of black and white below. & 9, young: Similar to winter adults, but upper parts speckled with golden-yellow, as in C. dominicus, most of the feathers having edgings of this color. Feet grayish-blue. A large stout plover, with a little hind toe, commonly diffused over most parts of the world: in America, breeding in Arctic regions, flocking south and north in fall and spring, preferably coastwise ; common, but less so than C. dominicus. Eggs 4, pyriform, 1.90 to 2.30 long by 1.40 to 1.45 broad ; drab or dark brownish clay-color, very heavily marked, especially on the larger half of 217. 581. CHARADRIIDA : CHARADRIINA:: PLOVER. 599 the shell, with irregular blotches of brownish-black, smaller spots being more thinly distributed over the rest of the surface; the markings about the great end usually confluent and wreathy ; a few pale markings in the shell. CHARA/DRIUS. (Gr. xapadpics, charadrios, Lat. charadrius, a plover.) GOLDEN PLovers. Char- acters as in Sguatarola, but no hind toe. (This is the type-genus of the wholefamily. The several species are closely related : to our long known golden plover have lately been added as birds of N. A. © both the European species - and the Asiatic variety ; the former from its oceur- rence in Greenland, the Fie. 417. — Black-bellied Plover, in summer, reduced. (From Lewis.) latter in Alaska. U.S. birds are all C. dominicus, — the C. virginicus of most authors.) Analysis of Species. Lining of wings ashy. Length 10.00-11.00 ; wing 7.00; tail3.00; tarsus 1.75 . 2. 2. 6 ee et ee ee ee dominicus 581 Length 9.00-10.00; wing 6.50; tail 2.50; tarsus1.60. . SP WOsEr tte Ge ad eek ay » + » « fulvus 582 Liningof wings'white «00 6% WR ee we ee pluvialis 583 ©. domi/nicus. (Lat. dominicus, of St. Domingo. Fig. 418.) American GOLDEN PLOVER. FieLp PLoveR. BULL-HEAD PLOvER. BuLu-HEAD. ¢ 9, in summer: Upper parts black, everywhere speckled with golden-yellow, and mostly also with white, the brighter color in excess. The markings of individual feathers are a tipping and one or several paired scallops. Hind neck léss strongly marked than crown or back. Forehead, and long stripe over eye snowy-white. Region immediately around bill, sides of head to include eyes, and entire under parts, glossy brownish-black. Lining of wings, and axil- lars, sooty-gray or ashy. Tail dusky grayish- brown, with numerous irregular pale gray bars, and reddish-brown shafts; npper tail-coverts and rump like back. Primaries fuscous, black- ening at tips and whitening at bases of inner webs, though without definite white spaces ; shafts white for a space. Secondaries and many of the coverts, like the primaries, plain fuscous, without the golden and white fretwork of the back. Bill and feet black. Length 10.00-11.00; extent 22.50; wing 7.00; tail 3.00; bill 0.90; tibiae bare 1.00; tarsus 1.75 ; middle toe and claw 1.20. ¢@ 9, in winter, : and young, much alike, very different from the Fra. 418, — Golden Plover, in fall or winter, reduced. breeding dress: Upper Parts meh ws before, (From Nuttall,after —?) but colors not so pure and intense; and spot- ting mostly golden, with little white if any. Front and line over eye not purely white, but tawny, with dusky streaks. Tail lacking transverse bars, the feathers being dark grayish- 582. 583. 218. $84 600 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LIMICOLA. brown with white or yellow edging and notching. Avxillars and lining of wings ashy-gray as in summer ; but, as in Squatarola, the chief difference is in the under parts, which have no black, being grayish-white, clearest on chin, belly, and crissum, the throat and sides of head streaked, the breast and sides of neck and body mottled, with dark grayish-brown. Legs not perfectly black. This is the state in which the golden plover is generally seen in the U. S., though beautiful black-bellied birds may be found late in the vernal migration. N. Am. at large; breeds in the Arctic regions; passes N. and S. in great waves, in spring and fall, affording fine sport at the latter season. Eggs 4, similar to those of Squatarola, smaller, and usually paler clay color, sometimes whitish ; markings of samme tone and pattern; size 1.80-2.00 x.1.35- 1.40. This is the usual ‘‘field plover” of sportsmen; a well-known and highly-esteemed game-bird. C. d. ful/vus. (Lat. fulvus, yellowish.) AsiaTIC GOLDEN PLovER. Similar; more suffused with yellow on head, especially along the superciliary stripe; smaller; length about 9.50; ‘wing 6.50 ; tail 2.60; tarsus 1.60 ; middle toe and claw 1.10; bill 0.95. Alaska, from Asia. C. pluvia'lis, (Lat. pluvialis, rainy.) Europran GoLpEN PLover. Like C. dominicus, and of same size. Lining of wings white. Greenland, from Europe. JEGIA'LITES. (Gr. alyiadirns, a doer by the sea.) Ring Provers. A genus not easy to define with precision, owing to the differences in details of form which the numerous species present. Best distinguished from Charadrius by color: upper parts not speckled ; lower never extensively black. Bars or rings of color about head and neck. Sexes usually distinguishable, though similar. Tarsus not twice as long as middle toe without claw. Plates of front of tarsus tending to enlarge in two or three special rows, instead of uniform reticulation. We have 5 perfectly good N. American species, a variety of one of these (?), and two European estrays. Analysis of Species (adult males). Bill entirely black. Rump chestnut; two black bands on throat and breast . ...... oe ee ee) 6VOCiferus 584 Rump plain; one black band on breast. Bill stout. . we ee ee we ew ew «6 Wilsonius 585 Rump plain; no complete black bars on breast. Bill eionaer i eee a SB) es ee Se nivosus 591 Bill orange or yellow, black-tipped ; or black with orange at base. Semipalmate; web between inner and middle toe evident, that between outer and middle reaching to end of second joint.of middle. Heavy black bands on head and neck; colored ring roundeye. . . + + » semipalmatus 586 No evident web between inner and middle toe; that between outer and middle only reaching to end of first joint of middle. Heavy black bands on head and neck; one on side of head. No colored ring round eye. Wing about 5.00 * go he deel ee ee » « . . hiaticula 589 A colored ring round eye ; wing under 4.50 ae ee ae ee sp curonicus 590 No black band on side of bead; colored ring round eye. Ring around neck incomplete . . . . . mf oe Se ee o 8 B 2 BOO BT Ring around neck complete. . oe a Oe ie aoe Se Re GE . circumcinctus 588 #, voci/ferus, (Lat. vociferus, voice-bearing, noisy. Fig. 419.) KinpEzR PLover. 2 9, adult: Above, grayish-brown, with an olive shade, und in high plumage a slight bronzy lustre. Rump and upper tail-coverts bright-colored, very variable in tint, from tawny or orange-brown to cinnamon-brown or chestnut. Forehead with a white band from eye to eye, more or less prolonged as a superciliary streak, and a black band above it. A white collar around hind neck, continuous with white of the throat. A black collar around back of neck, continuous with a black pectoral band. Back of the latter a black pectoral belt. Thus the fore-parts are encircled with one complete black ring, behind which is a black half-ring on breast, before which is 2 complete white ring. A white stripe over and behind eye; a dusky stripe below eye. Under parts entirely pure white, except the two pectoral belts. Primary quills blackish ; a white space on the outer webs of most of them, forming an oblique series, and a longer white space on their inner webs. Secondaries mostly white, but with black areas in increasing size from within outward. Long inner secondaries, or tertiaries, like the back. Tail-feathers singu- 585. CHARADRIIDH —CHARADRIINZE:: PLOVER. 601 larly variegated; several inner pairs like the back, insensibly blackening towards ends, then lightening again, and usually with rusty tips; lateral ones gainiug more and more of the bright color of the rump, with more definite black subterminal bars, and pure white tips; outermost pair mostly white, with the rufous shade, and several broken black bars. The effect of all this variegation is very striking when the parts are displayed in flight. Bill black; eye black, with a bright ring around it; legs pale. Length 9.00-10.00; extent 20.00; wing 6.00; tail 3.50- 4.00, proportionally longer and more rounded than usual in this genus; Dill 0.803 tibice bare 0.80; tarsus 1.40; middle toe and claw 1.12. @ 9, young: The black bands replaced by gray } upper parts duller and more grayish; and when quite young the feathers of the upper parts spotted with rusty brown; rump pale, markings of tail incomplete; but the birds speedily acquire a plumage like that of the adults. Downy young: Above, gray with a ruddy tinge ; a ring round top of head, aring round neck, a stripe down back, and another on each side of the colored area, black ; collar round back of neck, forehead, and ends of wing- tufts, white; tail-tuft and bill black — queer little creatures, readily recognized. N. Am. at large, very abundant, breeding anywhere ; abounds in the West. Not gregarious nor inaritime ; extensively but somewhat ir- regularly migratory. A very noisy bird — the curious name is derived from its shrill two-syllabled whistle, like kil-deer! kil- deer! Nest anywhere in the grass or shingle near water. Eggs 4, about 1.50 X 1.12, of usual wading-bird shape; ground varying from drab through clay-color to creamy, marked in endless variation with blackish-brown. Kildeers’ eggs and those of Tringoides macularius do excellent duty in boys’ and amateurs’ cabinets for those of most small waders. 48, wilso/nius. (To Alexander Wilson.) Wuuson’s Piover. Adult ¢ 9: Above, pale ashy-gray (dry-sand color), the feathers with still paler edges, the shade tending to fulvous on the nape and hind neck. A narrow black band across vertex, not reaching to eyes, being cut off by white of the forehead which extends backward over each eye to nape. A blackish loral stripe, not prolonged behind eye, not meeting its fellow over base of bill, where the white fore- head comes down to the bill. A black half-ring on the foreneck, not completed around back of neck. White of throat passing around hind-neck as a slight collar. Under parts, excepting the black bar, entirely white. Primaries blackish, bleaching towards bases on inner webs, the short inner ones also with white on outer webs. Shaft of lst primary almost entirely white ; of others brown, then a long white space, then blackening at end. Secondaries, excepting the long inner ones, mostly white on inner webs, dark on outer. Middle and intermediate tail- feathers like back, growing dusky toward ends, nearly all with white tips, and the outer one or two white. No colored ring roundeye. Bill entirely black ; extremely large and stout. Legs flesh-colored ; outer toe semipalmate, inner cleft. Length 7.00-3.00; wing 4.50-5.00; tail 2.00, nearly square ; tarsus about 1.10; middle tue and claw 0.90; bill 0.90, not much shorter than head. Young: Similar; no black on vertex or lore; a broad band of the color of the back across the neck in front. Seacoast of 8. Atlantic and Gulf States, common; N. to the middle districts, and rarely to New England; also on the Pacific side to California? S. in winter into S. Am. Eggs laid on the bare shingle of the beach; usually 3, 1.22 to 1.45 long, 1.00 to 1.05 broad, pale olive-drab, more greenish in some cases, more clay-colored in others, Fia. 419. — Kildeer Plover, nat. size. (Ad. nat. del. E. C.) 586. 587. 588. 602 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. thickly marked all over with blackish-brown in irregular sharply-defined spots, splashes and fine dots. Note low, piping, and rather plaintive. 4B. semipalma’tus. (Lat. semi, half; palmatus, palmated: the species is remarkably distin- guished by the extent of the half-webbing between the toes.) SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. Rine Prover. Rine-neck. ¢ 9, adult: Upper parts uniform dark ashy-gray (wet-sand color) ; under parts pure white. A broad black ring encircling the neck. In advance of this awhite half-collar around back of neck, spreading into the white of the throat. A white frontal bar, entirely surrounded by black: 7. e. a black coronal bar and black stripe along lore and side of head, meeting its fellow over base of upper mandible. Primaries blackish, with narrow white spaces reduced to a portion of the shaft alone on the outer primary ; secondaries largely white, and greater coverts white-tipped ; tertiaries like the back. ‘Tail like back, the feathers insensibly blackening toward their ends, most of them white-tipped, the outer- most nearly all white. An orange ring round eye, very bright. Bill black, with orange base ; legs yellowish. Web between outer and middle toe reaching to end of the second joint of the latter. Length about 7.00; extent 15.00-15.50; wing 4.75-5.00 ; tail 2.25, rounded ; bill 0.50; tarsus 0.90; middle toe and claw the same. Young: No black coronal bar, the white of fore- head reaching bill and eyes, and prolonged over the latter; neck-ring and loral stripe gray, not black; bill mostly black. Upper parts with slight whitish or rusty edging of the feathers. Chick: Upper parts mottled with gray, black, and brown, in no special pattern. Collar round neck and under parts white. N. Am. at large, the most abundant and generally diffused of the ring-necks, especially plentiful in flocks on the beaches late in the summer and early autumn. Breeds northward; eggs 2 to 4, like the kildeer’s; only, of course, distinguishable by much smaller size: length 1.20 to 1.40, by 0.90 to 0.95 in breadth. ZE, melo/dus. (Lat. melodus, melodious.) Piping PLoveR. Pate RING-NECK. 4, adult. Above, very pale ash, lighter than any other N. A. species. A white half-collar round back of neck. A black ring behind this, tending to encircle the neck ; but I have seldom seen it com- plete on the cervix, and as a matter of fact it is seldom complete on the fore-neck either; ordi- narily a link only on each side of the neck. A black coronal bar from one eye to the other. Forehead, sides of head, and entire under parts snowy-white, excepting the black on sides of neck, there being no dark bars on lores or sides of head. Primaries dusky, with large white spaces, their shafts white for a corresponding extent. Secondaries and greater coverts mostly white ; long tertiaries like back. Upper tail-coverts and bases of tail-feathers white ; the latter black- ening towards their ends, the outer pair or two entirely white. A colored ring round eye. Bill yellow, the end beyond the nasal fossee black — very obtuse and short and stout for its length. Web between outer and middle toe not reaching to end of the basal joint of the latter. Rather smaller than the last; wing 4.50-4.75 ; tail 2.00-2.25 ; bill under 0.503 tarsus 0.87 ; iniddle toe and claw 0.75. 9, adult: The coronal bar reduced to a trace, dark brown; the Tinging of neck reduced to a dusky-gray spot on each side. Young: Resembling 9? as just said, but nv trace of dark color on head and little if any on sides of neck. A very pretty little species, with its pale dry-sand colored upper parts and stumpy bill; perfectly distinct from the last, with which it is often associated. U.S. and British Provinces, E. of the R. Mts. (beyond which appar- ently replaced by A. nivosus) ; abundant along the Atlantic coast of the U. S., breeding N. to the, St. Lawrence, wintering from the Carvlinas southward. Eggs laid preferably on the shingle of the beach, while the semipalmated usually goes to some grassy or mossy spot back of the sand. Eggs pretty certainly distinguishable from those of the other ring-neck by their lighter color- ing —there is much the same difference in tone that there is between the birds themselves ; clay-color or palest creamy-brown, sparsely and pretty uniformly marked with blackish-brown specks, without spots of any size, or scratchy lines, sometimes mere points ; eggs of about same capacity as the ring-neck’s, but rather less elongate and pointed; 1.20 to 1.30 0.95 to 1.00. Z, m., cireumcine'tus? (Lat. cirewmeimetus, bound about.) BELTED Piping Plover. A 589, 590. 591. CHARADRIIDA — CHARADRIINZ: PLOVER. 603 variety (perhaps only some individuals) with the black necklace complete. Described-from the Headwaters of the Platte, in Nebraska, July ; probably breeding there. 4, hiati/cula. “Dimin. of Lat. hiatus, a gape; hiaticula being a translation of xapadpids, charadrios, because the bird is found about the mouths (hiatus) of rivers.) ZUROPEAN RING Puiover. Size of No. 586, or rather larger, and general aypect the same; no -evident web between inner and middle toe, that between outer aud middle only reaching to end of first joint. of the latter; no colored ring round eye; one description would answer for the head-markings of both, but black bars very heavy; white touches on eye-lids. Upper parts hair-brown. Primaries blackish-brown, the outer four or five with white only on the shafts for a space near their ends, the white beginning to invade the webs on the fourth or fifth, and enlarging in width with diminishing length on the rest. Secondaries white with dark ends of diminishing length inwards, till one or two of the short inner ones are almost entirely white ; the long flow- ing innermost ones, however, like the back. Tail as in 4. semipalmatus. Length about 7.50; wing 5.00; tail 2.45 ; bill 0.60, orange, with black tip; tarsus 0.95 ; middle toe and claw 0.85; feet orange; claws black. Young like that of 4. semipalmatus ; no black on vertex; that of side of head and around neck dusky-gray ; whitish front, line over eye, and under eyelid ; primaries quite dark with white spaces on shafts and webs well marked ; feathers of upper parts with pale beady tips; ends of even middle tail-feathers white. Widely distributed in the Old World; Greenland; Cumberland Sound, N. A. (Description from a N. A. specimen.) Ze. curo/nicus. (Lat. cwronicus, of Courland, on the Baltic.) Europnan Lesser Rina PLover. Closely resembling the last; smaller; black bands not so broad; black of vertex and auriculars bordered behind with white; shaft of lst primary alone white; bill extremely slender, black, yellow only at base of lower mandible; legs yellowish flesh-color ; a colored ring round eye. Length about 6.00; bill 0.60; wing 4.35; tail 2.30; tarsus 0.90. Inhabits much of the Old World; questionably N. Am., on the Pacific side. Young: Differs much as young hiaticula does. Ring around neck dusky-gray ; that on side of head chiefly reduced to a loral stripe. No black across vertex; white of forehead soiled. Upper parts darker than in adult, in an early stage with pale or fulvous edgings of the feathers. (A. microrhynchus Ridg.) 48. cantia’nus nivo/sus. (Lat. cantianus, Kentish; Lat. nivosus, snowy (white).) SNowy Rinc Prover gj, in breeding dress: Above, pale ashy-gray, little darker than in 2. melodus. Top of head with a fulvous tinge. A broad black coronal bar from eye to eye. A narrower black post-ocular stripe, tending to meet its fellow on nape, and thus encircle the fulvous area. A broad black patch on each side of the breast; no sign of its completion above or below ; no complete black loral stripe (as in ZZ. cantianus), but indication of such in a small dark patch on either side of base of upper mandible. Forehead, continuous with line over eye, sides of head excepting the black post-ocular stripe, and whole under parts. excepting the black lateral breast-patches, snowy-white. No white ring complete around back of neck. Primaries blackish, especially at bases and ends, the intermediate extent fuscous ; shaft of the lst white, of others white for a space; nearly all the primaries bleaching toward bases of inner webs, but only some of the inner ones with a white area on outer webs. Primary coverts like the primaries, but white-tipped. Greater coverts like the back, but white-tipped. Secondaries dark brown, bleaching internally and basally in increasing extent from without inwards, their shafts white along their respective white portions. Tertiaries like back. Several intermediate tail-feathers like back, darkening toward ends; two or three lateral pairs entirely white ; all the feathers more pointed than usual. Bill slender and acute, black. Legs black. Length 6.50-7.00; extent 13.50-14.00; wing 4.00-4.25; tail 2.00 or less; bill 0.60; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw 0.75. In winter (young ?): Upper plumage ratlter darker than as above said, and less uniform, the individual feathers with pale edges. Whole crown like back ; no black or fulvous on head; forehead white; lores slightly dusky ; black of sides of breast replaced by a patch of the color of the back. Bill black; tarsi livid 219. 592. 220. 604 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. bluish ; toes blackish. U. S., chiefly west of the R. Mts.; Utah; Cala. coast, breeding and wintering; also, coast of Texas. A specimen (4%, Corpus Christi, Texas, June 24, Sennett) though in midsummer plumage, has no fulvous on head; no trace of Joral mark; the coronal bar, post-ocular stripe, and lateral pectoral blotch dark brown, not black. Eggs 3; tone and style of coloration about as in wilsonius; size as in melodus, but markings more numerous and scratchy ; 1.200.90. (Probably specifically distinct from 4. cantianus.) PODASO/CYS. (The Homeric epithet of Achilles, rédas axis, podas okus, swift as to his feet.) Mountain Prover. In general, characters of Agialites; but no black belt or patches on neck or breast; a coronal and loral black bar. Size large. Tail short, half the wing, square. Legs very long; tibia nude for a distance # the length of tarsus. Latter more than half as long again as middle toe and claw. Toes very short, the lateral of unequal lengths. Tarsus and tibia entirely reticulate. Sexes alike. One species. P. monta/nus. (Lat. montanus, of mountains. Badly named: it is a prairie bird.) Pranic Piover. ‘ Mountain” Purover. ¢ 9, in summer: Upper parts uniform grayish-brown; in most breeding individuals the shade is pure, but in many cases the feathers are skirted with tawny or ochrey. Under parts entirely white (no black belt or patches); but the breast often shaded across with diffuse fulvous or gray. A sharp black loral line from bill to eye, cutting off the white forehead and superciliary line from the white of other parts. A coronal black bar across the sinciput, varying in width from a mere line to a band nearly half the length of crown in width. Quills blackish, the shaft of the first white, of the others white for a space ; some of the inner primaries with white spaces toward the bases of the outer webs, and the secondaries a little pale on their inner webs. Tertiaries and greater coverts like back, the latter white-tipped. Tail-feathers like back, blackening toward ends, the outermost pale throughout ; all tipped with whitish. Bill black, slender; legs pale; the toesdarker. Length 9.50; extent 18.00; wing 5.50-6.00; tail 2.50-3.00; bill 0.90-1.00; tibia bare over 0.50; tarsus 1.67; middle toe and claw 0.90-1.00. The full breeding dress has not before been fairly described. ¢@ Q, in winter’: No black coronal or loral stripe; otherwise, generally as in summer; but the general plumage more rusty, with more decided wash of color on the breast. Young: As last said; whole upper parts rusty from extensive edgings of all the feathers; sides of head and neck similarly suffused with tawny. The ground-color of the upper parts is also darker than that of the adults. Chick in down: Forehead, sides of head and under parts white, with sulphury-yellow tinge. Crown, back and tibiae sulphury or tawny-yellow, closely and evenly mottled with black. Unmarked line over eye; black ear-spot. Bill light at extreme base below, and at the point. Livid patch of naked skin on neck. An interesting, isolated species, plentifully and generally distributed in western U. S., Plains to the Pacific; N. to 49° at least. I have shot it in Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico (June), Arizona, Moutana (49°, June), California coast (November), ete. It is not Eudromias, and sufficiently unlike Agialites. It inhabits the most sterile prairie as well as better watered regions, quite independently of water, and is not in the least aquatic; even on the Cala. coast it haunts the plain, never the marsh, mud-flat, or beach. Feeds chiefly upon insects, especially grasshoppers, and is generally seen in loose straggling companies of small extent. Nest any- where on the bare prairie; eggs 3-4; 1.40 to 1.50 long, by 1.10 broad, less pointed than plovers’ eggs usually are, olive-drab with a brown shade, profusely dotted all over, but espe- cially at the larger end, with blackish, dark brown and neutral tint; the markings all mere dots and points, the largest scarcely exceeding a pin’s head. June, July. VANEL'LUS. (Lat. vanellus or vannellus, diminutive of vannus, a fan.) Lapwines. Bill slender, shorter than head, perfectly pluvialine. Legs long ; tibia much denuded below; tarsus greatly longer than middle toe and claw. A web between bases of middle and outer toes ; inher toe cleft to the base. A small hind toe. Wings very long, folding to end of the long square tail, but rounded, 2d 5th primaries subequal and longest, 1st about equal to 7th; primaries 593. 221. 594. CHARADRIIDA — APHRIZINZ!: SURF-BIRDS. 605 very broad, 3 or 4 outer ones much narrowed toward end. A long thin recurved occipital crest of filamentous feathers. Plumage of npper parts highly lustrous with metallic iridesvence. V.crista/tus. (Lat. cristatus, crested. Fig.415.) Crestep Lapwine. Adult g: Top and front of head, ineluding the 2-3 inch long crest, throat-line, and large pectoral area, glossy black. Sides of head mostly, and sides of neck, white, on hind neck mixed with gray. Upper and under tail-coverts chestnut or orange-brown. Under parts, except as said, snowy-white. Tail white, with broad black bar at ends of feathers excepting outermost, tips of all narrowly white. Upper parts iridescent green, passing on wings to violet-purple and steel-blue. Quills glossy blue-black, several outer primaries fading to grayish-white on the narrow terminal portion, the secondaries white at base. Bill black; feet red. This splendid wanton of the crest inhabits Europe, etc., and has occurred in Greenland. 55. ? Subfamily APHRIZINA: Surf-birds. The peculiarities of the single species seem to be super-generic, but the position of Aphriza is still open to question ; as may be judged from the following diagnosis. APHRUZA. (Gr. ddpds, aphros, sea-foain ; (aw, zao, I live: badly formed, but euphonious.) Surr-sirps. Bill plover-like, shorter than head, stout at base, contracted in continuity, with enlarged horny termination ; both mandibles deeply grooved to their horny ends; nostrils sub- basal, close to commissure, linear, perforate; feathers reaching equally far forward on side of each mandible, mnch farther in interramal space. Wings very long and acute, folding to ox beyond eud of tail. 1st primary longest, all rapidly graduated; tlowing inner quills not nearl7 reaching point of wing. Tail very short, square, less than one half as long as wing, 12. feathered. Feet scolopacine, with well-developed hind toe; short and stout, much as in Strep-~ silas ; tibie naked below, but the feathers falling to the suffrago; tarsus little longer than middle toe and claw, reticulate, scutellate in front; toes cleft to the base, lateral of equal lengths, reaching base of iniddle claw ; inner edge of middle claw dilated and jagged. General character of plumage, iu its pattern of coloration and seasonal changes, as in Tringee. One species; a remarkable isolated form, perhaps a plover and connecting this family with the next by close relationships with Strepsilas, but with hind toe as well developed as usual in Sandpipers, and general appearance rather sandpiper-like than plover-like. Aphrizine might go under Hematopodide next tu Strepsilas ; or, perhaps better, Aphriza and Strepsilas might together constitute a family APHRIZID&, next to, but apart from Hematopodide. A. virga/ta. (Lat. virgata, striped.) Surr-Brrp. In summer: Dark ashy-brown, streaked with whitish on head and neck, varied with rufous and black on the back and wings. Upper tail-coverts and basal half or more of tail pure white; rest of tail black, white-tipped. Under parts white or ashy-white, variously marked with brownish-black; the throat and fore breast narrowly streaked, the streaks changing on the breast to curved bars, and there very profuse, on other under parts sparse and spotty. Bases and shafts of primaries, tips of most of them, greater part. of the secondaries, and tips of greater coverts, white; exposed portions of primaries blackish. Bill black, flesh-colored at base below; legs dusky greenish? In winter: Plumage-of the head, neck, breast, and upper parts nearly uniform dusky brown, unvaried with white or reddish, but with obsoletely darker shaft-lines; white under parts slightly spotty; quills and tail-feathers as in suunmer. Length 9.00-10.00; extent 17.00 or more; wing 6.50-7.00; tail 2.75; bill 1.00; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw 1.10. Varies greatly in plumage with age and season, but unmistakable in any guise. Extensively dispersed over the coasts and islands of the Pacific; aloug whole W. coast of N. A. In Alaska, according to Nelson, it occurs N. to Bering’s Strait ; and about St. Michael’s frequents in August the rocky shores of the sinall outlying islands, and the capes whose rugged shore-lines afford congenial resorts to the surf-birds and the Heteroscelus incanus. 222. 595. 596. 606 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LIMICOLZE. 39. Family HAAMATOPODID.2: Oyster-catchers. Turnstones. A small family of two genera and six or eight species, with the bill hard, and either acute or truncate, the nasal fosse short, broad, and shallow; the legs short, stout, brightly-colored. The two following genera differ much —in fact, more than Aphriza does from Strepsilas ; it is unnecessary to give a formal analysis. Each should be type of a subfamily at least. 56. Subfamily HE MATOPODINE: Oyster-catchers. EAIMA/TOPUS. (Gr. aiparorois, haimatopous, red-footed ; aiza, haima, blood, mois, pous, foot.) OysTER-caTcHERS. No hind toe. Front toes with basal webbing, conspicuous between middle and outer, and broadly fringed with membrane continuous with the webs to the ends. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw, reticulate, the plates in front enlarged; shorter than pill. Tibie briefly bare below. Legs as a whole very stout, coarse and rough, and light- colored. Wings long and pointed ; Ist and 2d quills sub- equal and longest. Tail short, Fia. 420, — Bill of Oyster-catcher, nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) square, scarcely or not half as long as the wing. Bill peculiar —longer than tarsus, twice as long as head, constricted near the base, much compressed, almost like a knife-blade toward end, and truncate, something like a woodpecker’s (it is an efficient instrument for prying open the shells of bivalve mol- lusks), hard, straight or deflected sideways, highly colored (fig. 420.) Nasal groove very short, broad, and shallow; grooving of lower mandible slight; interramal space very short, scarcely a third the length of the long ascending gonys. Nostrils remote from the feathers, linear, close to edge of bill. Size large. Sexes similar. Coloration dark and white, in masses. Several species, inhabiting the sea-coasts of most countries. Analysis of Species. Head, neck and upper back glossy-black; belly white. ©... 1... + 2. ee eee ostrilegus 695 Head and neck glossy-black; back smoky-brown; belly white . . 1... 1 es eeu ee palliatus 596 Head and neck glossy-black; back and belly smoky-brown . . . . . . 2. se ee eee . niger 597 H. ostri/legus. (Lat. ostr@a, an oyster; lego, I gather. Fig. 421.) Europran OysTer- CATCHER (oyster-opener would be a better name, as oysters do not run fast). Similar to the next to be described. Upper parts glossy-black, like the head and neck. Quills black, broadly margined with white on inner webs excepting towards end, and also with isolated white shafts and spaces near end. Back below, interscapulars, ramp, and upper tail-coverts entirely white, as well as bases of the tail-feathers. Length about 16.00; bill about 3.00; wing 9.50; tail 4.30; tarsus nearly 2.00. Europe, Asia, Africa ; N. Am. as occurring in Greenland. H. pallia/tus. (Lat. palliatus, wearing the pallium, a cloak.) AMERICAN OYSTER-CATCHER. BROWN-BACKED OYSTER-CATCHER. Adult g 9: Bill vermilion or coral-red, changing to yellow at end. Feet pale purplish flesh-color, drying dingy yellowish. Eyes and ring around them red or orange. Whole head and neck all around glossy-black, frequently overcast with an ashy or glaucous shade. Back and wing-coverts smoky-brown —the contrast with the head and neck decided. Rump and central field of upper tail-coverts like back (not white) ; lateral and longest central coverts white. Tail-feathers white at base for nearly the space covered by the coverts, on the lateral feathers rather farther; then like back, blackening at ends. ‘Tertiaries and long inner secondaries like back; next few secondaries pure white; rest gaining dark color in increasing amount; the white of the secondaries forming with the long 597. HAMATOPODIDE —HZEMATOPODINZ:: OYSTER-CATCHERS. 607 white tips of the greater coverts a conspicuous broad oblique white bar. Primaries dusky, blackening toward end, touched with white at bases of the inner webs of longer ones, with white on outer webs of the short inner ones, but no isolated white subterminal spaces. (Thus much less white on wings and tail than in ostrilegus, besides the difference in color of the back ; though some allowance in either case must be made for normal variation from the minuteness of my description.) Entire under parts pure white, including lining of wings, where, however, a few dusky feathers commonly show along the edge. Length 17.00-21.00; extent 30.00-36.00 ; wing 10.00 or more; tail 4.00 or more ; tarsus 2.00 or more ; middle toe and claw under 2.00. Bill 3 or 4 inches long, varying in shape with almost every specimen, with wear and tear under Fie. 421. — European Oyster-catcher, 4 nat size. (From Brehm.) the rough usage to which it is subjected; ordinarily both mandibles truncated ; often the lower, sometimes both, acute. Bills worn thinnest and most knife-blade-like towards end are often bent sideways, as if from habitual use of them in a particular direction. N. Am.,C.andS. Am., almost entirely coast-wise, and chiefly along the Atlantic, but also on the Pacific side. Migra- tory all along, wintering from the middle districts southward, breeding in abundance but irregularly at different points. There are extensive breeding resorts along the Virginia coast. H. niger. (Lat. niger, black.) Buack OysTeR-caTcHer. Size and shape of the fore- going. Head and neck the same, but no white on eye-lids, and no white anywhere; rest of plumage dark smoky-brown, blackening on wings-quills and tail-feathers. Pacific coast. 608 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LIMICOL.. 57. Subfamily STREPSILAINA: Turnstones. The character of the subfamily should be coustructed to include Aphriza, unless Strepsilas and Aphriza may con- stitute two subfamilies of a family Aphrizide. (See p. 605, under Aphrizine.) 223. STREP'SILAS. (Gr. orpéyus, strepsis, a turning over, as, las, a stone. Fig. 422.) Turnstones. Bill shorter than head, not longer than tarsus, constricted at base, then tapering to an acute tip, almost a little recurved. Culmen __ Fi. 422.— Bill of Turnstone, nat. straight or a little concave, especially over nostrils; com- *”* pecnenmene 2) missure straight or slightly recurved; under outline curving up from the base, or straight to angle, then gonys ascending. Nasal fossee short and broad, about half the length of the bill ; Fia. 423. — Turnstone, } nat. size. (From Brehm ) grooving of under mandible shurt and shallow. Gonys longer than wandibular rami. Wings long and pointed. Tail short, a little rounded, scarcely or not half as long as wing. Legs short and stout; tibiee little denuded ; tarsus scutellate in front, reticulate on sides and behind, about as long as middle toe and claw. Toes 4, the hinder short, but as well developed as in sandpipers generally, the front toes cleft to the base. Claws curved, compressed, acute. There is probably but one cosmopolitan species, the scientific and vernacular names of which are both derived from its habit of turning over pebbles along the shore in search of food. HAEMATOPODIDA — STRELSILAINZE: TURNSTONES. 609 Analysis of Species. Pied with black, white, and chestnut ; feetorange . . . «2... ee eee + + interpres 598 Blackish and white ; feet dark?. . . Ber ae a RP aah 0, CAD he ee BR ok melanocephalus 599 598. S. inter’pres. (Lat. interpres, a factor, agent, go-between. Fig. 423.) TuRNsSTONE. BRANT Birp. Caxico-pack. Adult @, in breeding dress: Pied above with black, white, brown, and chestnut-red; below, snowy, with jet breast. Top of head streaked with black and white. Forehead, cheeks, sides of head and back of neck, white, with a bar of ‘black coming up from the side of neck to below eye, then coming forward and meeting or tending to meet its fellow over base of bill, enclosing or nearly enclosing a white loral, and another black prolongation on side of neck; lower eye-lid white or not. Lower hind neck, interscapulars and scapulars, pied with black and chestnut ; back, rump, and upper tail-coverts, snowy-white, with a large central blackish field on the latter. Tail white, with broad subterminal blackish field, narrowing on outer feathers and incomplete, widening to usually cut off white tips of central feathers. Wing-coverts and long inner secondaries pied like the scapulars with black and chestnut, the greater coverts broadly white-tipped or mostly white, the short inner secondaries entirely white, the rest acquiring dusky on their ends to increasing extent, with result of a broad oblique whité wing-bar. Primaries blackish, the longer ones with large white fields on inner webs, the shorter ones also definitely white on outer webs for a space, the shafts white unless at end; primary coverts white-tipped. Under parts, including under wing-coverts, snowy-white, the breast and juguluin jet-black, enclosing a white throat-patch, and sending limbs on sides of head and neck as above said. Bill black ; iris black; feet orange. @ similar, lacking inuch of the chestuut, replaced by plain brown, especially on the wing-coverts; the dark parts in same pattern, but restricted somewhat, the black not jet and glossy. Adults in winter, and young, lacking the chestnut entirely, the black mostly replaced by browns and grays, that of the breast especially restricted or very imperfect. Length 8.00-9.00 ; extent 16.00-19.00 ; wing 5.50-6.00 ; tail 2.50; bill 0.80-0.90 ; tarsus, or middle toe and claw, about 1.00. Nearly cosmopolitan ; in N. Am., both coasts abundantly, and infrequently on the larger inland waters; migrating through and wintering in the U. S., breeding in high latitudes. 599. S. melanoce’phalus. (Gr. pédas, melas, black; xeady, kephale, head.) BLACK-HEADED TuRNSTONE. Without any of the chestnut coloration of the last, the parts that are pied in interpres being blackish; the white parts, however, and the distribution of the colored areas, nearly the same. In the most perfect cases I have seen, the entire head, neck, and breast are dark smoky-brown, the color extending further along the breast than the jet plastron of interpres, and not uniform, but the dark brown nebulated with sooty centres of the feathers, and shaded by mixture of white-tipped feathers into the white of the under parts. White lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts, with black central field of the latter, as in interpres; black and white of wings substantially the same, but most of the primaries narrowly white-tipped. Feet apparently of some obscure dark color. Other specimens have a distinet white loral spot, and indication of the white of head and neck of in- ‘ terpres in white speckling. No trace of chestnut seen inany. Size and forin precisely as in interpres. Apparently a permanent melanisin; if so, a very curious case, and a good species. Pacific coast. 40. Family RECURVIROSTRIDA: Avocets. Stilts. Another small family, characterized by the ex- treme length of the slender legs, and the extreme slenderness of the long acute bill, which is either straight or curved upward. Recurvirostra is 4-toed, 39 Fie, 424. — Head and foot of Avocet, about 4 nat, size. 610 : SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. and full-webbed; the bill is decidedly recurved, flattened, and tapers to a needle-like point; the body is depressed; the plumage underneath is thickened as in water-birds. The species swim well. Himantopus is 3-toed, semipalmate, the bill nearly straight, and not flattened ; in relative length of leg it is probably not surpassed by any bird whatsoever. These two genera, each of three or four species of various parts of the world, with the Cladorhynchus.pectoralis of Australia, compose the family. 224, RECURVIROS'TRA. (Lat. recurvus, bent upward; rostrum, bill. Fig. 425.) AvoceTs. - —~Iw™ ' Fig. 425. — European Avocet, Recurvirostra avocetta, } nat. size. (From Brehm.) Bill excessively slender, more or less recurved, then the upper mandible-hooked at the extreme tip; much longer than head, more of less nearly equalling tail and tarsus; flattened on top, without culminal ridge. Wings short (for q wader). Tail very short, square, less than half the wing. Legs exceedingly long and slender; tibia long-denuded ; tarsus nearly twice as “long as middle toe and claw; covering of legs skinny. Feet 4-toed; the front toes full-webbed, hind toe short, free. Body remarkably depressed and feathered underneath with thick duck- like plumage; altogether, as in swimming rather than as in wading birds. It is a modification 600. 225. 601. .alights from om wing in deep water. Eggs 3-4, as variable RECURVIROSTRIDZ: AVOCETS AND STILTS. 611 like that seen in the lobe-footed phalaropes. Sexes and young alike; winter and summer plu- mage different (in the North American species at any rate). , R. america/na. (Lat. americana, American. Fig. 424.) AMERICAN Avocet. BLUE- stocxinc. Adult ¢ 9, im summer: White, changing gradually to cinnamon or chestnut- brown on neck and head, excepting, usually, the parts about base of bill. Interscapulars and part of the scapulars black ; wings black, with the linimg, and most of the secondaries, white. Tail pearl-gray. Iris red (sometimes brown). Legs dull blue (drying blackish), much of the webs flesh color; bill black, often pale at base below. Size extremely variable: length 16.00-20.00; extent 28.00-38.00! wing 7.00-9.50; tail 3.00-4.00; bill 3.50, more or less, from nearly straight to strongly recurved and hooked; tibize bare 2.50; tarsus 3.50 or more; middle toe and claw ¥.00 or less. Adult ¢ Q, % winter: Head and neck ashy or pearl-gray, like the tail; this has been called R. occidentalis; afterward considered the young. Young: The head and neck strongly washed with cinnamon-brown ; rusty ‘or tawny edgings of the black feathers. Ihave shot searcely fledged birds in this state ; the shank is also peculiarly swollen. U. 8. and British Provinces ; rare now in E. U. 8., only casual in New Eng- land ; abounding in the west, especially in the alkaline regions, as those of the Yellowstone and Milk River regions, Utah, ete. Its appearance is striking, as might be sup- posed ; its clamor is incessant when the breeding places are invaded. It is not a wary bird, and may easily be ap- proached when wading about-in small flocks in the shal- low alkaline pools. it loves so Well. Feeds by immersing the head and neck for some moments whilst probing about with the curious bill in the soft slimy ooze. On getting beyond its depth, it swims with perfect ease, and often in size, shape, and markings as the parents; from 1.80 to 2.10 long by 1.25 to 1.45 broad; ground color from dark olive to brownish-drab, thence to creamy-brown or buff, Fie. 426.—Stilt. (From Tenney, like those of Shanghai fowls; pretty uniformly and pro- ae ont _- fusely marked with small sharp spots of different shades of chocolate-brown, with neutral- tint shell-markings; on the buff eggs usually smallest and most numerous, bolder on the olive ones. : HIMAN'TOPUS. (Gr. .jzavrémous, himantopous, sttap-leg. Fig. 426.) Srmrs. Bill ex- tremely slender, but not flattened, nor turned up, nor hooked ; longer than head, rather shorter than tarsus. Wing long and pointed, folding beyond the short and square tail, which is less than half the wing. Legs of unique length and slenderness, the bare part about as long as the wing:; tibize denuded for a great distance; tarsus about twice as long astoes. Feet 3-toed, semipalmate; but the species scarcely swim. Sexes similar; young different. H. mexica/nus, (Lat. mewicanus, Mexican. Fig. 427.) Stir. Lone-guanxs.’ Lawyer. Adult ¢ 9 # Mantle, constituted by the interscapulars, scapulars, and wings (above and below) glossy-black, prolonged up the back of the neck and on top and sides of head, embrading the eyes. A spot over and behind eye, one on under eyelid, forehead to opposite eyes, sidés of head below eyes, sides of neck and entire under parts, together with the lower back, ramp, and upper tail-coverts, white ; tail pearl-gray. In life the long black wings fold entirely over the white upper parts and tail, so that the bird looks entirely black above. Bill black; eyes and legs carmine, latter drying yellowish. Length about 15.00; extent about 30.00; wing 8.50-. 9.50; tajl 2.75-3.25 ; bill 2.50-2.75; tibize bare 3.00-3.50; tarsus 4.00-4.50; middle toe and claw 1.75-2.00. Adults, not in perfect dress: Some of the dark parts brown, not glossy-black. 226. 602. 612 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. Young: Mantle ashy-brown, each feather edged with whitish; wings black, but some of the quills white-tipped, the edge of the wing white, the coverts edged with pale ochre. Tail not so pearly gray as in the adults, with some irreg- ular dusky markings. Legs probably different (skins afford no crite- yion). Chick, in down: Bill apparently blackish ; legs pale. Under parts white ; above, prettily mottled with black, brown, and tawny or orange. U. S. generally, like the avocet rare eastward, abundant in the west, rather more southerly than the avocet. Nest at the water’s-edge or on heaped vegetation just above the surface in shallow water; eggs 4, pyriform, 1.60 to 1.85 x 1.15 to 1.25; greenish-drab or pale brownish-olive to dark Fic. 427.—Black-necked Stilt, ochraceous, boldly marked all over with spots and splashes of § nat. size. (From Sclater.) blackish-brown. 41. Family PHALAROPODIDZ: Phalaropes. This is likewise a small family; the three species comprising it resemble sandpipers, but are immediately distinguished by the lobate feet ; the toes are furnished with plain or scalloped membranes, like those of coots and grebes, but not so broad. The body is depressed, and the under plumage thick and duck-like to resist water, on which the birds swim with perfect ease and grace. The wings and tail are like those of ordinary sandpipers; the tarsi are much com- pressed ; there is basal webbing of the toes besides the marginal membrane ; the bill, and some other details of form, differ in each of the three genera. These birds inhabit the northern por- tions of both hemispheres, two of them at least breeding only in boreal regions, but they all wander far southward in winter. There are but three species, one peculiar to America, the others of general distribution. Analysis of Genera. Membranes plain; bill very slender, subulate : . i Steganopus 226 Membranes scalloped; bill very slender, subulate . . 8 a » « . Lobipes 227 Membranes scalloped; bill stouter, flattened, with lancet-shaped ‘tip e 28 . Phalaropus 228 STEGAN/OPUS. (Gr. creyavérous, steganopous, web-foot.) Tunas -FOOT PHALAROPES. Bill long, equalling the tarsus, exceeding the head, extremely slender, terete and acute. Culmen and gonys broad and depressed. Lateral grooves long and narrow, reaching nearly to tip of bill. Interramal space narrow and very short, extending only half way to end of bill. Nostrils at extreme base of bill. Wings of moderate length. Tail short, deeply doubly-emarginate ; legs greatly elongated; tibia bare for.a considerable distance; tarsus exceeding middle toe. Fic. 428.— Head, of Wilson’s Phalarope, nat. size. (Ad Toes long and slender, broadly margined 2. del. E.G.) with an even, unsealloped membrane, united but for a brief space basally. Claws moderately long, arched, and acute. S. wil/soni. (To A. Wilson. Fig. 428.) Wuuson’s PHaLarops. Adult 9, in breeding dress: Bill and feet black. Crown of head pale ash, passing into white along a narrow stripe 227. 603. PHALAROPODIDZA!: PHALAROPES. 613 inthe nape. A narrow, distinct, pure white line over the eye. Sides of neck intense purplish- chestnut, or dark wine-red ; anteriorly deepening upon the auriculars into velvety-black ; pos- teriorly continued, somewhat duller in tint, as a stripe along each side of the back to the tips of the scapulars. Other upper parts pearly-ash, blanching on the rump and upper tail-coverts. Wings pale grayish-brown ; coverts slightly white-tipped ; primaries dusky-brown, their shafts brownish-white, except. at tip. Tail marbled with pearly-gray and white. All the under parts pure white, but the fore part and sides of the breast washed with pale chestnut-brown, as if with a weak solution of the rich color ou the neck, and a faint tinge of the same along the sides of the body to the flanks. Bill and feet black. Iris brown. Length 8.50-9.00; extent 15.50~16.00; wing 5.00-5.25 ; tail 2.25; bill 1.83; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw 1.12. Adult g: Less richly colored, and smaller ; length 8.00-8.50; extent 15.00; wing 4.75-5.00. Adult J 9, in winter: No rusty red or pure black. Above, pure ashy-gray, each feather usually skirted with whitish ; frequently some blackish, pale-edged feathers. Wing-quills fuscous, usually with light edgings; tail as in summer; upper tail-coverts, line over eye, parts about bill, and whole under parts, white, the juguluin sul sides usually shaded with ashy. Young, before first moult: Bill blackish, about 1.10 long; legs dull yellow (tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw 1.05). Upper parts, including crown and upper surface of wings, bowie black, each feather edged with rusty-brown, very conspicuous on the long inner secondaries, and giving a general aspect like that of a sandpiper of the genus Actodromas. Upper tail-coverts pure white. Tail clear ash, edged and much marbled with white, the ash darker at its line of demarcation from the white. Line over eye, and whole under parts white, the breast with a faint rusty tinge, and the sides slightly marbled with gray. Quills dusky, the secondaries white-edged, and the shatts of the primaries whitish. This stage is of extremely brief duration, beginning to give way, almost as soon the bird is full grown, to the clear uniform ashy of the upper parts of the fall and winter condition. The change, in some specimens shot early in August, is already very evident, clear ashy feathers being mixed, on the crown and all thé upper parts, with such as just described. Size of the smallest specimen only 8.25 in length by 14.50 in extent ; the wing 4.60. Chicks are covered with buff-colored down, spotted with black above. In full plumage this is the handsomest and largest of the phalaropes, and one of the most elegant of the waders. U.S. and British Provinces, N. to the Saskatchewan ; rare in U.S. E. of Illinois and Lake Michigan ; abundant in the Mississippi Valley at large and westward. Migratory, leaving U. S. in winter; breeds in suitable places throughout its range. Nest in low grassy meadows and marshes. Eggs 3-4, 1.20 to 1.85 long by 1.90 broad, thus elongate pyriform, clay-color to brownish-drab, heavily marked with large splashes and sizeable spots, with numberless specks and scratches, of dark bistre or chocolate-brown ; some eggs much less painted than others, in finer pattern ; incubated by the g. LO/BIPES. (Lat. lobus, a flap, pes, foot.) -LoBE-FooT PHALAROPES. Bill generally as in Steganopus, but shorter, basally stouter, and tapering to a very acute, compressed tip ; ridge of culmen and gonys less depressed; interramal space longer and broader. Wings long. ‘Tail short, greatly rounded. Legs and feet short; tibiae denuded for but a brief space ; tarsus not longer than middle toe. Toes very broadly mnargined with a membrane which is scalloped or indented at each joint, and united basally to second joint between outer and middle toe, to first joint between the inner and middle toe; feet thus Fie. 429.— Foot of Red-necked j Phalarope, nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) semipalmate. Claws small and short. L. hyperbo/reus. (Lat. hyperboreus, beyond the north wind. Fig. 429.) NorTuErn PHALAROPE. RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. Adult ¢ 9, in summer: Above, sooty-gray, with lateral stripes of ochraceous or tawny; neck rich rust-red, nearly or quite all around; under parts otherwise white, the sides marked with the color of back. Upper tail-coverts like back, 228. 604, 614 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. some lateral ones white. Wings blackish, the ends of the greater coverts broadly white, form- ing a conspicuous cross-bar, continued on some of the inner secondaries. Bill and feei black. Length 7.00; extent 13.50; wing 4.25-4.50; tail 2.00; bill, tarsus, middle tue and claw, each, under 1.00. Varies much in plumage with age and season, but easily recognized by the small size and generic characters. Chicks in down rich buff above, silvery-gray below; crown mixed black and yellow; a long black stripe down back, another over each hip, one across the rump, and a shoulder-spot. N. hemisphere at large, breeding in Arctic regions, migrating into the tropics sometimes ; generally distributed, but especially yaaritime. Eggs 3-4, June, average 1.20 X 0.80 (from 1.380 X 0.75 to 1.10 0.82), very variable in size, shape, and color; greenish- olive, brownish-olive to various drab and buffy shades of ground color, usually very boldly spotted and splashed sometimes in finer pattern, with bistrous, chucvlate, and lighter brown. PHALA’ROPUS. (Gr. dadapomous, phalaropous, coot-foot.) CooT-FrooT PHALAROPES. Bill scarcely longer than head or tarsus ; very stout for this family; much depressed, so broad as to be almost spatulate, the tip only moderately acute, lancet-shaped. Upper mandible with the ridge broad and flattened, its apex arched and decurved, its lateral grooves wide and shallow. Interramal space broad and very long, extending nearly to the end of the bill. Nostrils sub- basal, at some distance from the root of the bill. Wings long and pointed. Tail long, rounded, the central rectrices projecting, rather acuminate. Legs and feet much as in Lobipes, but the semipalmation of less extent. P. fulica/rius. (Lat. fulicarius, coot-like; fulica, a cout; fuligo, soot.) CooT-FOOTED Trinca. Rep PHaLaRoPe. Gray PHaLaRoPs. Adult ¢9,in summer: Under parts, with sides of neck, and upper tail-coverts, dark purplish or wine-red, with a glaucous bloom. Top of head and around bill, sooty. Sides of head white, this color meeting on nape. Rump white. Back black, all the feathers edged with tawny or rusty-brown. Quills brownish-black, with white shafts and much white at bases of webs; the coverts dark ash, the ends and inner webs of the greater row wHite; some of the secondaries entirely white. Bill yellowish, with dusky tip; feet yellowish. Length 7.50; extent 14.50; wing 5.00; tail 2.50; bill 0.90; tarsus 0.75; middle toe and claw rather more. Adult g 9, in Winter: Head all around, and entire under parts, white, —with a dusky circumocular area and nuchal crescent, and a wash of ashy along sides of body. Above, nearly uniform ash. Wings ashy-blackish, the white cross-bar very conspicuous ; bill mostly dark ; feet obscured. A species of circumpolar distribution in summer, wandering far south in winter, chiefly coastwise. Nesting and eggs not distinguishable from those of the last ; eggs averaging larger, — 1.15-1.30 X 0.90-0.95. 42, Family SCOLOPACIDZ: Snipe, ete. Snipe and their allies form a well-defined and perfectly natural assem- blage, one of the two largest limicoline families, agreeing with Plover in most essential respects, yet well distinguished from the pluvialine birds. In general, the bill is much elongated, frequently sev- eral times longer than the head, and in those cases in which it is as short as . . Fig. 431. — Wilson’s Snipe. (Fromm in plover, it does not show Tenney, after Wilson.) SCOLOPACIDZ: THE SNIPE FAMILY. 615 the particular, somewhat pigeon-like, shape described under Charadriine, being slender and soft-skinned throughout. It is generally straight, but frequently curved up or down. The nasal grooves, always long and narrow channels, range from one-half to almost the whole length of the bill; similar grooves usually occupy the sides of the under mandible ; the inter- rainal space is correspondingly long and narrow, and nearly naked. This length, slenderness, grooving, and peculiar sensitiveness, are the prime characteristics of the scolopacine bill. The gape, never ample, is generally very short and narrow, reaching little, if any, beyond the base of the bill. The nostrils are short narrow slits, exposed. The head is completely feathered to the bill (except in one species), at the base of which the ptilosis stops abruptly without forming projecting antiz. The wings commonly show the thin puinted contour described under Limicole, but they are occasionally short and rounded. The tail, always short and‘soft, has as a rule 12 rectrices; in one genus, however, there are from 12 to 26. The crura are rarely feathered to the suffrago. The tarsi are scutellate before and behind, and reticulate on the sides, except in the curlews, where they are scutellate only in front; they are probably never entirely reticulate (the normal state in plover). The hallux is absent in only two or three instances; the anterior toes commonly show one basal web, and often two, but in many species they are entirely cleft. The scolopacine birds are of medium and small size, ranking with plover in this respect ; none attain the average stature of Herodiones. The general economy of these birds is similar to that of plover; a chief peculiarity being probably their mode of procuring food, by feeling for it, in the majority of cases, in the sand or mud with their delicately sensitive, probe-like bill. The eggs are commonly four, parti- colored, pointed at one end and broad at the other, placed with the small ends together in a slight nest or mere depression on the ground; the young run about at birth. The sexes, with very rare exceptions, are alike in color or nearly so, and the Q is usually a little larger than the g; but the sexual distinctions are very rarely strong enough to be perfectly reliable (remarkable exception in Machetes). Color distinctions with age, likewise, are rarely marked ; but on the contrary, seasonal plumages are in many cases, as throughout the sandpipers, very strongly indicated, the nuptial dress being entirely different from that worn the rest of the year. Excepting a few species that frequent dry open places like many plover, these birds are found by the water’s edge where the ground is soft and oozy — in muist thickets, low rank meadows, bogs and marshes, by the riverside, and on the seashore. Some are solitary, but the majority are gregarious when not breeding, and many gather in immense flocks, especially during the extensive migrations that nearly all perform. The voice is a mellow pipe, a sharp bleat, or a harsh scream, according to the species. Few birds surpass the snipe in sapid quality of flesh, and many kinds rank high in the estimation of the sportsman and epicure. The family is cosmopolitan, but the majority inhabit the northern hemisphere, breeding in boreal regions. There are about ninety well-determined species of scolopacine birds, referable perhaps to fifteen tenable genera, although many more than this are often employed. Various attempts to divide the group into sub-families have met with little success, owing to the close inter- gradation of the several types. All the leading forms of the family, with most of the lesser genera, are represented in this country, and are indicated by the specific descriptions given beyond; while its entire composition may be pointed out and rendered perfectly intelligible by a brief summary : — a. In Woodcock (Scolopax and Philohela) and true Snipe (Gallinago) the ear appears below and not behind the eye, which is placed far back and high up; and if the brain be examined, it will be found curiously tilted over so that its anatomical base looks forward. The bill is perfectly straight and much longer than the head, deep-grooved to the very end, which is either knobbed, or widened just behind the tip, where there is a furrow in the flattened cul- men. The membranous covering is abundantly supplied with nerves; this organ constitutes a probe of delicate sensibility, an efficient instrument of touch, used to feel for food below the 616 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. surface of the ground. In the dried state, the soft skin shrinks tight like parchment to the done, and becomes studded with small pits. The gape of the mouth is extremely short and marrow ; the toes are cleft; the legs, neck, and wings are comparatively short, and the body is rather full. There are no obvious seasonal or sexual differences in plumage. Not completely gregarious ; no such flights of woodcock and true snipe occur as are usually witnessed among sandpipers and bay-snipe; they inhabit the bog and brake rather than the open waterside : they cannot be treacherously massacred by scores, like some of their relatives ; they are know- ing birds, if their brains are upset, and their successful pursuit calls into action all the better qualities of the true sportsman. There is but one species of Philohela ; two or three of Scolopax, and about twenty of Gallinago. The curious cireumstance occurs, among the latter, that the tail-feathers range from 12 to 26 in different species; and in those with the higher numbers, several pairs are narrow and linear—a character upon which the genus ) Fig. 432, — American Woodcock, about # nat. size. (From American Field.) Spilura rests— The singular genus Rhynchea, with two species, R. capensis (Africa) and R. semicollaris (S. America), may belong here. —Macrorhamphus, containing only our species, and one other, M. semipalmatus of the Old World, has a bill exactly as'in Gallinago, but is distinguished by more pointed wings, and differently proportioned legs, with basal web- bing of the toes. It stands exactly between the true snipe and b. The Godwits (Limosa), in which we find the same very long, wholly grooved, and extremely sensitive bill, which, however, is not dilated at the end, nor furrowed on the culmen, and is bent slightly upward; the gape, as before, is exceedingly constricted. The toes show a basal web. These are rather large birds, with the colors and general aspect of curlews, but the bill is not decurved and the tarsi are scutellate behind. They frequent marshes, bays and estuaries, and are among the miscellaneous assortment of birds that are collectively designated ‘“bay-snipe.” There are only five or six species, of the single genus Limosa. SCOLOPACIDG : THE SNIPE FAMILY. 617 The Terekia cinerea of various parts of the Old World, with the bill recurved almost as in an avocet, stands between the godwits and tattlers. ce. The Sandpipers (Tringa, etc.) are a rather extensive group, notable for the variation in minor details of form, that it shows with almost every species —a circumstance that has caused the erection of a number of unnecessary genera. Here the bill retains much of the sensitiveness of a snipe’s, and the gape likewise is much restricted; but the bill is much shorter, averaging about equal to the head. One trivial circumstance affords a good clue to this group: the tail-feathers are plain-colored, or with simple edgings, while in almost all the species of other groups these feathers are barred crosswise. In this group the seasonal changes of plumage are very great; the proportions of the legs, and webbing of the toes, are variable with the species, but, as a rule, the toes are cleft to the base (not so in Micropalama and Hreumetes), and four in number (except Calidris). The sandpipers belong particularly to the northern hemisphere, and breed in high latitudes; they perform extensive migrations, and in winter spread over most of the world. Among them are the most diminutive of waders. Fig. 483. — American Snipe, abont 2 nat. size. (From American Field.) They are probably without exception gregarious, and often fleck the beach in vast multitudes ; they live by preference in open wet places, rather than in fens and marshes, and feed by prob- ing, like snipe; the voice is mellow and piping. They are pretty well distinguished from both the foregoing, though Micropalama connects with the snipe through Macrorhamphus; but shade directly into the Tattlers, through such genera as Tryngites and Tringoides. Nearly all the forms of sandpipers are described in detail beyond. There are in all about 20 species. The only generic form not represented in this country is the Limicola platyrhyncha, the peculiarity of which is expressed in its name. The EHurynorhynchus pygmeus, a wonderful and exceedingly rare species, in which the bill is expanded and flattened at the end, somewhat as in the spoonbill, has lately been stated to occur on our Arctic coast. The singular Machetes pugnas: should perhaps rather come here than among 618 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. d. The Tattlers (Totanus, ete.), with which it is ranged, beyond. In this, the largest and most varied group, the bill has comparatively little of the sensitiveness of that of all the fore- going, and the gape is longer, extending obviously beyond the base of the culmen, and some- times to nearly below the eyes. It varies much in length and shape, but it is usually longer than the head, and very slender, not often grooved to the tip, and is either straight, or bent slightly upward. The body and its members are commonly more elongate than in the foregoing, the tues have a basal web or two, and the hinder is always present. The tail is usually barred., These are noisy, restless birds of the marshes and sand-flats and mud-bars of estuaries, and apparently do not probe for food to any extent; they gain their name frum their harsh voice. The Yellowshanks is a typical example of the group; most of the species cluster close about this type, and inight go in the single genus Zotanus. The only extra-limital forms are Aichmorhynchus parvirostris and Prosobonia leucoptera, of the Pacific Islands; curious species apparently near Tryngites. There are about 18 species in all, universally distributed. Finally. e. The Curlews (Numenius) are distinguished by the downward curvature, extreme slen- derness, and usually great length of the bill, with the slight scutellation of the tarsus. In size and general appearance they are near the Godwits ; they inhabit all parts of the world. They all belong to the genus Numenius, which has about a dozen species —exvepting the Ibidor- hyncha struthersi of Asia, which is a three-toed Curlew, not showing the coloration character- istic of the rest. Analysis of North American Genera of Scolopacide. Toes 3. (Samdpiper.). .... +. > oS te a . a i - . . Calidris 240 Toes 4. Bill spoon-shaped . . ... . oe Gas Suet ‘ee ae sae Ta see ee we ww ew +) 6Eurynorhynchus 241 Bill not spoon -shaped. One outer primary emarginate, narrowed. (Woodcock.) . . 7 se ee ee ee «© ©6©Seolopax 230 Three outer primaries emarginate, narrowly linear. (Woodeock.) . we es ae tee . « Philohela 229 No outer primaries emarginate. Toes cleft to the base. Tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw. Bill about twice as long as head ; tibiz: naked below. (Snipe.) . . - « » Gallinago 231 Bill little longer than head ; tibie feathered to the joint. (Sandpiper. ) . « . Arguatelia 236 Tarsus about equal to or longer than middle toe and claw. (Sandpipers.) Bill slightly curved, longer than head. Tarsus evidently longer than middle toeandclaw. . .. .. . . . Ancylochilus 238 Tarsus equal to or barely longer than middle toeand claw .... . . Pelidna 237 Bill perfectly straight, much shorter than head, Primaries mottled . . . . Tryngites 249 Bill perfectly straight, equal to or longer than head. Tarsus much longer than middle toe and claw . . re oe & wo « « Dringa. 239 Tarsus about equal to middle toe and claw . a Ht + 2s 6 « Aetodromas 235 Toes semipalmate, with one or two evident webs. ; Tarsus scutellate in front only; bill very long, decurved. (Curlews.) . . . . . Nwmenius 251 Tarsus scutellate in front only; bill barely longer than head, straight . . . Heteroscelus 250 Tarsus scutellate in front and behind. f Tail not barred. One minute web. Primaries mottled. ..... . . . Dryngites 249 Tail not barred. Two full basal webs. Primaries plain. (Sandpipers.) Bill shorter or scarcely longer than head . of Wah cane dob ide eh Shak . Ereunetes 234 Bill much longer than head. . . - ee ee . . Micropalama 283 Tail barred crosswise with light and dark colors. Gape not reaching beyond base of bill. Culmen furrowed at end. Under afoot long. (Snipe.). . . . Macrorhamphus 232 Culmen not furrowed. Bill if anything recurved. Over a foot long. (Godwits.) Limosa 242 Gape longer. Length under 9 inches. (Tattlers.) Bill grooved nearly to tip. . . soe ee ew ee th ww ew 6 Primgoides 246 Bill grooved about half-way to tip . . oe ew ew wo Rhyacophilus 245 Gape longer. Length over 9 inches, (Tattlers. i Bill not longer than head, grooved three-fourths its length. Tail about halfaslongas wing ....... «+ + «+. Bartramia 248 Tail not halfaslongaswing . . . . . 6 + 1 ssa « a « « +» Machetes 247 Bill longer than head Legs bluish. Toes semipalmate. Bill stout. (Willet.) .. . Symphemia 243 Legs green or yellow. Billslender. (Yellowshanks.) . . . Totanus 244 229. 605. SCOLOPACIDZE: WOODCOCK. 619 PHILO/HELA, (Gr. gidos, philos, loving; Qos, helos, a bog.) AMERICAN Woopcock. First three primaries emarginate, attenuate and falcate, abruptly shorter and narrower than the 4th. Wings short and rounded; when folded, the primaries hidden by the coverts and inner Fig. 434, — Head and attenuate outer 3 primaries of Philohela, nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) quills. Legs short; tibize feathered to the joint ; tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw, scu- tellate before and behind ; toes long and slender, cleft to the base. Bill much longer than head, perfectly straight, stout at base, where the ridge rises high, knobbed at end of upper mandible, very deeply grooved nearly all its length, the culmen and line of gonys also furrowed toward end ; very soft and sensitive ; gape very short and narrow. Head large; neck short; ear under the eye, which is very full, set in back upper corner of the head. Sexes alike; ? largesf: P. mi/nor. (Lat. minor, smaller— than the European Woodcock. Figs. 432, 434, 435.) Woopcock. Boc-sucker. Colors above harmoniously blended and varied black, brown, gray, and russet; be- low, pale warm brown of variable shade, not barred. A dark stripe from bill to eye. Crown from opposite eye with black and light bars; along the inner edges of the wings a bluish-ashy stripe; lining of wings rust- brown; quills ‘ plain fuscous; tail black, spotted, and tipped ; bill brownish flesh-color, dusky at end; feet pale red- dish flesh-color. The woodcock is 10 or 11 inches long, and 16 or 17 in extent; wing 4.50-4.75 ; bill 2.50-2.75 ; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw 1.50; and weighs usually 5, 6, or-7 ounces. The woodhen, as some esthetic market-women prefer to call her, is larger, 11 or 12 inches long; extent 17 or 18; wing 4.75-5.00; bill 2.75-3.00; some good fat ones up to 8 or 9 oz. in weight. Bogs, swamps, wet woodland and fields, Eastern U.S. and Canada; N.to Nova Scotia; N.W. to Minnesota and up the Missouri to Fort Rice: Fic. 435. — American Woodcock, much reduced. (From Lewis.) 230. 606. 231, 620 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LIMICOLZ. Kansas, Nebraska, Indian Terr. and Texas; no extralimital record; migratory, but breeds throughout its range; winters in the south. This is the game bird, after all, say what you please of Snipe, Quail, or Grouse. Eggs more rotund than those of most small waders, cor- responding to the plump form of the bird, averaging 1.50 x 1.18; ashort broad one 1.40 1.20; a long narrow one 1.55 X 1.15; brownish clay-color, more buffy or more grayish, with number- less chocolate-brown surface-markings and stone-gray shell-spots, none very large or bold ; size and intensity of markings generally corresponding to depth of ground color; usually laid in April, earlier in the south. The woodcock has many curious actions during the mating season. The young are sometimes removed from danger by the parent, carrying them with the feet. Very erratic and capricious in its movements. SCO'LOPAX. (Gr. cxoddmra€, skolopax, Lat. scolopax, name of this very bird.) EUROPEAN Woopcock. No outer primaries shortened or peculiar, the lst narrowed somewhat on inner web near end; Ist and 2d longest, 3d little shorter, 4th much shorter; wings long, com- paratively, the point of the wing extending beyond the inner secondaries, which only fold about to end of 5th quill. Generic characters, excepting those of the wing, much as in Philohela; saine style of bill and feet and configuration of body and head; plumage similarly variegated above, but below barred crosswise throughout ; size much superior. Of all the snipe-like birds of this country, loosely called ‘ Scolopax,” this straggler from Europe is the only one to which the name is strictly applicable. S. rusti/cula. (Lat. rusticus, a rustic; rusticula, a little countryman.) EuRopEaN Woop- cock. Cockbird: Colors above harmoniously blended and varied black, brown, chestnut, and yellowish-gray; under parts brownish-white, regularly: wavy-barred throughout with dark brown. A dusky stripe from bill to eye. Top and back of head brownish-black and brown, divided by three or four cross-bars of brownish-white and brown. Each feather of upper parts chestnut and black, in variegation, the black usually forming a large subterminal spot. Yel- lowish-gray tending to form a scapular stripe on each side of the back. Quills and coverts of wing blackish, pretty. regularly varied with dark chestnut bars, on the larger quills this chestnut paler and reduced to marginal indentations ; outer web of first primary plain whitish. Upper tail-coverts rich chestnut, little varied with black, with pale tips. Tail-feathers black, with angular chestnut indentations of outer webs; their tips gray from above, viewed from below glistening silvery-white. Under parts brownish-white, more or less suffused with chestnut-brown on the breast, the regular dusky barring only giving way on the whitish throat, changing to lengthwise streaks on the under tail-coverts. Hen: Unmistakably similar— sub- stantially the same; grayer above, much of the russet mottling of the ¢ replaced by hoary- gray. A much “better bird” than our woodeock; a third larger; weight 12-15 oz. Overa foot long ; wing seven inches or more; tail 3.50; bill only about as long as in our woodcock ; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw more. I describe this species with particularity, and sports- men who get a bird of this sort will do well to report the fact at once. It was formally introduced to our fauna in the original edition of the ‘ Key.” There are several authentic instances of its capture in this country, and it is unquestionably entitled to such place, as a straggler from Europe, of which country it is the common woodcock. See Lewis, American Sportsmen, ed. of 1868, p. 169, footnote (New Jersey) ; Lawrence, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y., 1866, p. 292 (Rhode Island and New Jersey); Baird, Am. Journ. Sci., xli, 1866, p. 25 (New- ‘foundland) ; Coues, Am. Nat., x, 1876, p. 372 (Virginia). GALLINA/GO. (Lat. gallina, a hen, whence gallinago, like virago from vir.) TRUE SNIPE. Bill much longer than head, perfectly straight, soft to the end, where it is somewhat widened, grooved on top, vascular and sensitive, in the dried state pitted ; lateral grooves running more than half-way to tip; gape narrow, not reaching beyond base of culmen. Ear under eye. Tibize feathered not quite to the joint. Tarsus a little shorter than middle toe and claw; toes perfectly free, cleft to the base, slender and not fringed. Wings rather short and rounded (for SCOLOPACIDA!: SNIPE. 621 this family), less so than in Scolopax or Philohela; no primaries attenuate. Tail short, rounded, of numerous (in our species 16) feathers, of which the lateral are narrowed ; tail barred crosswise. Sexes alike; seasonal changes of plumage not pronounced. Numerous species of all countries; one N. American, and another straggling to Greenland from Europe. Analysis of Species. Axillars and flanks white, incompletely or imperfectly barred with blackish . . . .. .. . media 607 Axillars and flanks fully and regularly barred with white and blackish. . . . . . . . . . wilsoni 608 607. G. me‘dia. (Lat. media, mediun (in size, between two other European species.) Fig. 430.) EvRopEAN Snipe. ‘‘ ENGLISH SNIPE” proper. In size, form, and general coloration indistiu- guishable from No. 608, but the axillary feathers almost entirely white, with slight and sparse dark markings, and the feathers of the flanks and sides less frequently and less regularly barred 608. aes nes Fig. 436.— The Snipe’s family. (From “ Sport with Gun and Rod.” The Century Co., N. Y.) fie —— with dark gray. (In the lesser European Snipe, G. gallinula, the sides and lining of wings are fully barred as in our S. wilsoni, but the tail-feathers are 14, the outer ones little shorter and not abruptly narrower than the rest.) Europe: Only N. American as occurring in Greenland. G. wil/soni. (To A. Wilson. Figs. 431, 433, 436.) AmericAN Snipz. WILSoN’s Snipe. “ EnGiisH” Snipe (so-called). Jack-Snipz. Adult g 9 : Crown black, with a pale ochrey middle stripe. Upper parts brownish-black, varied with bright bay and tawny, the scapular feathers smoothly and evenly edged with tawny or whitish, forming two length- wise stripes on each side when the wings are folded. Quills and greater coverts blackish- brown, usually with white tips, and outer web of first primary usually white. Lining of wings and axillars white, fully and regularly barred with black. Rump black, the feathers with white tips. Upper tail-coverts tawny with numerous black bars, and tail-feathers black 282. 609. 622 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. basally, then bright chestnut, with a narrow subterminal black bar, their tips fading to whit- ish; some of the lateral ones white, with little rufous tinge and several instead of one black bar. Belly white; jugulum and fore-breast light brown speckled with dusky brown; chin nearly white; sides of body shaded with brown, and with numerous regular dusky bars throughout; crissum more or less rufous, with numerous dusky bars. Length of ¢ 10.50- 11.50; extent 17.50-19.50; wing 4.75-5.25; bill 2.50 (more or less); tail 2.25; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw 1.50. 9Q averaging smaller. Weight of various specimens 3 oz. 4 dr. to 40z. 8dr. Bill greenish-gray, dusky on terminal third ; iris brown; feet green- ish-gray. This is the genuine snipe, of all the birds loosely so-called ; its name of “‘ English” snipe is a misnomer, as it is indigenous to this country, and distinct from any European species, though closely resembling two of them (G. media or celestis and G. gallinula). In our species the tail is normally composed of 16 feathers, the two lateral of which on each side are abruptly smaller, shorter, and much narrower, resembling the under coverts somewhat ; and the whole sides of the body from breast to tail, as well as the axillars and lining of the wings, are completely and regularly barred, as is also the crissum. Open wet places of North America, at large; migratory; breeds from N. U. S. northward; S. into S. Amer. in winter, though many remain in U.S. The general habits of this favorite game-bird are too well known to require remark. Eggs 3-4, moderately pyriform, grayish-olive, with more or less brownish shade; markings bold and numerous, most so on the larger end, of varying shades of umber-brown ; usually also sharp scratchy lines of black; shell-spots not notice- able. Nest w were depression in grass or moss of the bog; chicks mottled with white, ashy, ochrey and dark brown. , MACRORHAM’PHUS. (Gr. paxpds, makros, long, pdudos, hramphos, beak.) WEB-TOED Syire. Billas in Gallinago, Wings longer and more pointed, more as in Tringa. Tibize naked below for a space about half the length of tarsus. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw. Anterior toes webbed at base; webbing most extensive between middle and outer. Tail doubly-emarginate, of only 12 stiffish (as compared with Gallinago) feathers; all the feathers closely and regularly barred. Sexes alike; summer and winter plumages different (as in sandpipers). Thoroughly suipe-like in the bill, but otherwise like long-legged sand- pipers; near Micropalama, for example. Two alleged species, or varieties. Analysis of Varieties. Length 10.00 to 12.50; extent 17.50-20.00; wing 5.30-6.00, average 5.70; bill 2.00-3.00; tarsus 1.25-1.75, average 1.53; middle toe without claw 0.90-1.10, average 1.00. Wing 5.25-5.90, average 5.65; bill, 2,00-2.55, average 2.20; tarsus, average, 1.35; middle toe alone, average 0.95. In summer: Belly whitish; breast and sides speckled with dusky . . griseus 609 Wing 5.40-6.00, average 5.75; bill, 2.20-3.20, average 2.80; tarsus, average, 1.60; middle toe alone, average 1.00. In summer: Belly cinnamon-brown; breast scantily speckled with dusky; sides barred with dusky . i : ays . acts Wh at ap a . scolopaceus 610 Measurements of nine individuals, shot out of one flock in Dakota, formerly supposed to include both species, and to show their perfect gradation in size ; now supposed to show individual variation in 1. scolopaceus alone. Totallength . 10.25 10.50 11.00 11.25 11.50 11.75 11.90 12.25 12.60 Extent ofwings. . . 17.50 18.00 1850 19.25 19.00 19.50 19.75 20.25 19.50 Wing e 4 «= a B40 5.50 5.65 5.80 5.75 5.90 6.00 6.10 5.85 Whole naked leg . . 3.40 3.40 3.40 3.35 4.00 4.10 4.00 4.10 4.15 Bil, . 2... ss 2.20 2.40 2.50 2.85 2.90 2.90 2.95 3.05 3.25 M. gri/seus. (Lat. griseus, gray. Fig. 437.) Rep-BREastTep Snipe (summer). GRay SNIPE (winter). Brown-Back. Dowircuer. Adult 9 3, in summer: Under parts rich rusty-red, paler or whitish on the belly ; jugulum, breast, and sides fully speckled with dusky. Axillars and lining of wings white, with angular dusky markings. Wing-quills fuscous, the shaft of the lst primary white, of the others brown ; secondaries conspicuously tipped with white. Above, black, varied everywhere with the reddish color of the under parts, and on 610. 233. 611. SCOLOPACID: SNIPE. 623 the back and scapulars with white; the rump snowy-white, unmarked, very conspicuous in flight. Tail and its epper coverts black, closely barred with white or rufous. A dusky line from bill to eye. Bill and feet greenish-black. In winter: Dark gray above, the feathers with dusky centres and pale gray or whitish edges; lower back pure white; superciliary line and spot on under eye-lid white ; below, white, the jugulum, fore-breast, and sides heavily shaded with gray, leaving chin whitish ; the flanks and crissum with wavy dusky spots or hars. (For dimensions see above.) This variety is supposed to be restricted to E. N. A. (?), along the Atlantic coast, where it abounds during the migration, in proportion of 1,000 to one of the next variety. Breeds in high latitudes. Among the shore birds, this is a great favorite with gunners. M. g. scolopa/ceus. (Lat. scolopaceus, snipe-like.) WrsTERN DowITcHER. RED-BEL- LIED SNIPE. GREATER LONG-BEAK. Like the last; averaging larger, the bill especially longer (see above). Weight 2 oz. 7 dr. to 40z. 4 dr. Entire under parts rich rusty-red, including belly ; throat and breast scantily speckled, sides and flanks thickly barred, with dusky. Winter and immature specimens indistinguishable from the last, excepting those sur- passing the maximum size of the latter. N. Am. at large, supposed to be rare or casual on the Atlantic side, and to be the only representative of the genus in the West (?). Like the other, it is abundant; migratory; breeds in high latitudes. Both generally fly in large com- pact flocks, like the sandpipers and shore-birds generally, rather than singly or in wisps like Fia. 437. — Bill of Macrorhamphus griseus, nat. size, in profile, and its end from above. (Ad nat, del. E. C.) the true snipe ; and prefer the shores of bays and estuaries, instead of wet meadows. Eggs of this variety or the last are not peculiar among their allies; 3-4 in number; length 1.55 to 1.75, by 1.10 to 1.15 broad; ground-color as in Gallinago, and general tone and style of mark- ings the same. MICROPA’LAMA. (Gr. puxpds, mikros, small; maddun, palame, a web.) Sriut Sanp- PIPERS. Bill much as in the last genus, but shorter, less evidently widened at the end and not so distinctly furrowed on top, sometimes perceptibly curved. Wings long, pointed, Ist primary longest, rest rapidly graduated. Tail about half as long as wings, slightly doubly- emarginate. Legs very long; tibie bare an inch; tarsus as long as the bill. Feet semipal- mate, the front toes being connected by two evident basal webs. Plumage resembling that of Macrorhamphus in general character; its changes the same; sexes alike. These two genera are perfect links between snipe and sandpipers. One species. M. himan/topus. (Gr. ivavrorous, himantopous, strap-legged. Fig. 438.) STiur SAND- PrIpeR. Adult ¢ 9, in summer: Above, blackish, each feather edged and tipped with white and tawny or bay, which on the scapulars becomes scalloped. Auriculars chestnut; a dusky line from bill to eye, and a light reddish superciliary one; upper tail-coverts white with dusky bars. Primaries dusky with blackish tips; tail-feathers 12, ashy-gray, their edges and a central field white; under parts mixed reddish, black, and whitish, in streaks on the jugulum, elsewhere in bars; bill and feet greenish-black. Length 8.50-9.00; extent 16.00-17.00; 234. 612, 624 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLA. wing 5.00; tail 2.25; bill 1.50-1.70; tarsus the same; middle toe and claw 1.00; tibia bare 1.00. Young, and adults in winter: Ashy-gray above, with or without traces of black aud bay, the feathers usually with white edging; line over the eye and under parts white, the jugulum and sides suffused with the color of the back, and streaked with dusky ; legs usually pale greenish-yellow. The full breeding dress is of brief duration ; the birds are usually ashy and white from September to April, both inclusive. N. Am., generally ; not observed W. of the R. Mts.; rare. Breeds in high latitudes; migrates to W. I. and C. and 8. Am. EREUNE'TES. (Gr. epevvy- Ths, ereunetes, a searcher, pro- ber.) SEMIPALMATED SAND- PIPERS. Bill normally about as long as head, straight, quite stout for this family, both man- dibles deeply grooved to the ex- panded vascular and _ sensitive tip. Wings long, pointed; sec- ondaries obliquely incised. Tail moderate, doubly-emarginate, with pointed and projecting een- Fie. 438.— Stilt Sandpiper, in breeding dress, reduced. (From Nuttall, after Swainson.) tral feathers. Tarsus rather : longer than middle toe and claw, equal to the normal bill in length. Bare portion of tibie $ as long as tarsus. Toes connected by broad basal webbing, and broadly margined. A true sandpiper, chiefly distinguished from Tringa proper by the semipalmate feet (fig. 48); from Micropalama, which is similarly webbed, by the shortness of the bill and feet. Very small; sexes alike; summer and winter plumages different. E. pusil‘lus. (Lat. pusillus, puerile, petty). SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. PrEpP. Bill, tarsus, and middle toe with its claw, about equal to each other, an inch or less long, but bill very variable, and apt to be shorter — 0.66-0.87 ; feet semipalmate, with two evident webs; length 5.50-6.50; extent about 11.75; wing 3.25-3.75; tail 2.00, doubly-emarginate, the central feathers projecting. Adult ¢ 9, in summer: Above, variegated with black, bay, and ashy or white, each feather with a black field, reddish edge and whitish tip; rump, and upper tail- coverts except the lateral ones, blackish. Tail-feathers ashy-gray, the central darker; pri- maries dusky, the shaft of the first white. A dusky line from bill to eye, and a white superciliary line. Below, pure white, usually rufescent on the breast, and with more or less dusky speckling on the throat, breast, and sides. In winter: Upper parts mostly plain ashy- gray. Young in July and August have scarcely any traces of the spots beneath, being there almost entirely white, with a light buff wash across breast ; there is also more white edging of the feathers of the upper parts; but in any plumage and under any variation, the species is known by its small size and semipalmate feet. The extreme variation in the length of the bill is from 0.50 to 1.25, or 86 per cent of the average (0.88). N. Am., everywhere ; an abundant and well-known little bird, thronging our beaches during the migrations, which extend to the West. Indies and S. Amer. It is only known to breed in high latitudes, though it commonly appears in the U. 8S. in August, and may sometimes be seen in other summer months. The size, general appearance, and changes of plumage are much the same as those of Actodro- mas minutilla, and the habits of these two birds are very similar. Eggs 3-4, 1.220.84, of usual shape; ground from clay-color (usual) to grayish or greenish-drab or decidedly 613. 235. 614, 615. SCOLOPACIDZE: SANDPIPERS. 625 olivaceous, usually boldly spotted and splashed with umber or chocolate brown, massed at larger end; sometimes more uniformly spotted in smaller pattern. E. p. oceidenta'lis? (Lat. occidentalis, western.) WrSTERN SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. An alleged variety, probably untenable, ascribed to Western N. Am. ACTODROMAS. (Gr. dery, akte, the seashore; dpouds, dromas, running.) PEcTroraL SANDPIPERS. SPOTTY-THROAT SANDPIPERS. Bill about equal to head or tarsus, short, straight, very slender, somewhat compressed, the tip punctulate, scarcely expanded, acute. Grooves on both mandibles very deep, and extending nearly to the tip. Nostrils situated very near the base of the bill. Feathers extending on the lower mandible much beyond those on the upper, and half as far as those between the rami. Wings long, pointed, first primary usually longest ; tertials long, slender, flowing. Tail rather long, deeply doubly-emarginate (in one species cuneate), the central feathers much projecting ; upper tail-coverts moderately long. Tibia bare for more than half the length of the tarsus; the feathers very short, making the exposed portion nearly as great. Tarsus equal to the middle toe qnd claw. Toes long, slender, very narrowly margined, entirely free at base. A group of several species, including the smallest representatives of the family, agreeing in form and also in having the jugu- lum and fore-breast thickly streaked or spotted, usually also with a brownish or ashy suffusion. Analysis of Species. Tail graduated, with acuminate feathers. Jugulum ruddy brown, with very small sharp dark streaks. Upper tail-coverts and rump with black centraltield . . es eA as he s acuminata 619 Tail not graduated ; its feathers, ekcopt cenit pair, not seumatuates dJugulum with brownish or ashy suffusion, thickly streaked. Upper tail-coverts and rump with black central field. Largest ; length 9.00 ; wing 5.25. Crown much darker than lind neck, the transition abrupt. Chin immaciilate. Edgings of feathers on upper parts light chestnut-red, not making inden- tations toward the shaft. Suffusion on jugulum very deep, the darker streaks narrow, distinct. Bill and feet dusky-green . . . . wei Baan A th) die’ BB 2a) Sees maculata 616 Medium ; length 7.25; wing 480. Crown not conspicuously darker than hind neck. Edgings of feathers on upper parts light reddish-yellow, scarcely brighter on the scapulars, making inden- tations toward the shaft. Suffusion on jugulum very ai the darker markings rounded, some- what obsolete. Billand feet black. . . . . .bairdi 615 Smallest; a miniature of the preceding; length 6. 15; wing ‘3. 40. Edges. of feathers chestnut-red, usually more or less indented, their tips lighter. Bill black; legs dusky-green + minutilla 614 Jugulum with little or no brownish or ashy suffusion. Upper tail-coverts white. Medium ; length 7.50; wing 4.80. Jugulum thickly streaked with narrow dark lines. Upper tail- coverts immaculate, except the outermost. Central tail-feathers nearly black . . bonapartii 617 Large ; length 9.50; wing 5.75. Jugulum thinly markec with oval spots or streaks. Upper tail- coverts with dark arrow-heads. Central tail-feathers scarcely darker than the lateral. . cooperi 618 A, minutilla. (Lat. minutilla, very minute; dim. of minutus, small.) American Svrint. Witson’s Stint. LeastSanppiper. Prep. Smallest of the sandpipers; length 5.50-6.00; extent about 11.00; wing 3.25-3.50 ; tail 2.00 or less ; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw, about 0.75. Bill black; legs dusky greenish. Upper parts in summer with each feather blackish cen- trally, edged with bright bay and tipped with ashy or white ; in winter, and in the young, simply ashy. Quills blackish, the shaft of the first white, the secondaries and greater cuverts tipped with white. Tail-feathers gray with whitish edges, the central ones blackish, usually with reddish edges. Crown not conspicuously different from hind neck; an indistinct whitish line over eye, and dusky one from eye to bill. Chestnut edgings of scapulars usually scalloped. Below, white; jugulum and sides of body fur some distance with ashy or brownish suffusion, thickly spotted and streaked with dusky. This species and the last are usually confounded under the common name of ‘‘sandpeeps,” and look much alike; but a glance at the toes is sufficient to distinguish them. N., C. and S. America and W. I., anywhere; very abundant during the migrations. Breeds in high latitudes, returning to the U. S. in August. Eggs unknown. A. bair/di. (ToS. F. Baird.) Batrp’s Sanppirer. Form and proportions typical of the genus. Bill small, slender, rather shorter than the head, equal to the tarsus, the tip scarcely 40 616. 626 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LIMICOLA. expanded, its point very acute. Grooves in both mandibles very long and deep, that of the lower very narrow. Feathers extending on the side of lower mandible much farther than those on the upper, about half as far as those between the rami. Wings long; first and second primaries about equal, but varying, third much shorter; tertials long, slender, flowing. Tail rather long, but slightly doubly-emarginate, the central feathers rounded, projecting but little. Toes long, slender, slightly margined, the middle with its claw about equal to tarsus. Adult in breeding plumage: Entire upper parts a very dark brownish-black, deeper on the rump and lighter on the neck behind, each feather bordered and tipped with light reddish-yellow ; on the scapulars the tips broader and nearly pure white, and the margins brighter, making several deep indentations towards the shaft. Upper tail-coverts long, extending to within half an inch of the tips of the central tail-feathers, black, except the outer series, which are white with dusky markings. Central tail-feathers brownish-black, the rest successively lighter, and all with a narrow border of white. Jugulum with a very decided light brownish suffusion (much as in A. maculata), and, together with the sides under the wings to some distance, with rounded obsolete spots and streaks of dusky. Throat and under parts generally white, immaculate. Bill, legs, and feet black. Young in August: Dimensions and proportions as in the adult. Upper parts a nearly uniform light ashy-brown, deeper on the rump, each feather with a central dark field and with a light edge, these whitish edgings usually conspicuous. Traces of the brownish-black of the adult on the scapulars. Breast and jugulum with the suffusion very light reddish-brown, the streaks sparse and very indistinct. Length 7.00-7.50; extent 15.25— 16.50; wing 4.25—4.75 ; tail 2.25 ; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw, about 0.87. Colors almost exactly as in the last species ; edgings of upper plumage rather tawny than chestnut; jugular suffusion pale, rather fulvous, the streaks small and sparse, sometimes almost obsolete. Size of bonapartii, but not easy to confound with that white-rumped species. North and South America; rare on the Atlantic coast, common in the interior ; the most abundant small sand- piper in some parts of the west, during the migrations. Breeds in Arctic regions; eggs 3-4, 1.30 X 0.92, elay-colored, grayer or more buffy in different specimens, spotted with rich umber and chocolate-browns of varying shades; in some cases the markings fine and innumerable, in others massed at the greater end, sometimes with black tracery also; pale shell-spots usually evident. June, July. A. macula/‘ta. (Lat. maculata, spotted.) PECTORAL SANDPIPER. GRASS-SNIPE. JACK- snipe. Bill a little longer than the head, about equal to the tarsus or middle toe, moderately, stout, straight or very lightly decurved, the tip more expanded and punctulate than in the type of the genus. Grooves in both mandibles long and deep. Wings long, pointed, first primary decidedly longest ; tertials very long, narrow, and flowing. Tarsus equal to middle toe, both about equal to the bill. Tail rather long, deeply doubly-emarginate, the central feathers pointed and greatly projecting. Adult in spring: Au ill-defined white line over the eye, and a more distinct one of dusky between eye and bill. Crown streaked with brownish-black and light chest- nut, conspicuously different from the neck behind, which is streaked with dusky and light ochre- ous. Upper parts generally, a very dark brownish-black, every feather edged with ashy or dark chestuut-red, brightest on the scapulars, the tips usually lighter, and the margins never making deep indentations toward the shaft. Rump and upper tail-coverts black, the outer series of the latter white, with sagittate spots of dusky. Primaries deep dusky, almost black, the shaft of the first white, of the others brown. Secondaries and greater coverts dusky, edged and tipped with white. Lesser coverts dusky, fading into light grayish-ash on their edges. Central tail- feathers brownish-black, lighter on their edges, the lateral light ashy, margined with white. Jugulum and breast with a heavy wash of ashy-brown, and with very numerous well-defined streaks of dusky; the suffusion extending on the sides under the wings to some distance, where the dusky streaks are mostly shaft-lines. Chin, and under parts generally, white, immaculate. Bill and feet dusky greenish. Young in September: Edges of the feathers of the upper parts 617. 618. SCOLOPACIDA: SANDPIPERS. 627 generally, and of the tertials and central tail-feathers, light bright chestnut, and the tips pure white. Lesser wing-coverts broadly edged and tipped with light ferruginous. Suffusion on the breast and juguluin with a yellowish ochreous tinge not seen in the adult, and the streaks less distinct. Other parts as in the adult. Not known to have a plain ashy and white winter plumage like most sandpipers. Length 9.00-9.50 inches; extent 16.50-18.00 ; wing (average) 5.50; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw about 1.10. N., C. and 8. Am., W. I., Green- land, Asia, and Europe; thus of wide and general dispersion; in U. S., chiefly during the migrations, when abundant in wet grassy meadows, muddy ponds and flats, ete. It goes very far north, quite to the Arctic Ocean, and is supposed to breed only in high latitudes; the nest and eggs are still unknown. In some respects of habit it is quite snipe-like ; it never flocks on the beaches with the smaller sandpipers, and it has at times a wayward towering flight, like that of a snipe. During the amours, this sandpiper has the power of inflating the throat to a won- derful extent, forming a swelling which hangs like a great goitre upon the breast. ‘ Pectoral sandpiper’ is a book-name, seldom spoken, the bird being better known as the ‘ grass-snipe,’ and ‘jack-snipe’; but both these names are objectionable, as it is not a snipe; and ‘jack- snipe,’ moreover, is the proper name of an English species of Gallinago (G. gallinula), not found in this country, where G. wilsont sometimes takes the same designation. A, bonapar'tii. (To C. L. Bonaparte.) WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. Bill quite stout, moderately long, equal to the head or tarsus, the tips somewhat expanded. Grooves on both mandibles long and deep. Feathers extending on the lower mandible but little beyond those on the upper. Wings long, pointed, first primary decidedly longest; tertials long, narrow, and flowing. Tail moderate, quite deeply doubly-emarginate, the central feathers somewhat pointed and considerably projecting. Tarsus rather longer than the middle toe. Toes long, slender, and slightly, margined. Crown and upper parts generally light brownish-ash, each feather with a large field of dusky towards its end, and on the crown and middle of the back edged with light yellowish-red, deepening into bright sienna on the scapulars. Lesser wing- coverts dark brownish-ash, fading into light ashy on the edges, and with shaft-lines of blackish. Secondaries and greater coverts light grayish-ash, edged and tipped with white. Tertials very dark brownish-ash, fading into light ashy on the edges. Primaries deep dusky, their shafts white in the central portions, and the innermost edged with white. Rump brownish-black. Upper tail-coverts whtte, their outer series with sagittate spots of dusky. Central tail-feathers brownish-black, the rest very light grayish-ash, broadly edged and tipped with white. Jug- ulum and breast with a scarcely appreciable wash of light ashy, with numerous, distinct, linear- oblong streaks of dusky brown; these extend as minute dots nearly or quite to the bill, and as narrow shaft-lines along the sides to the vent. Rest of under parts white, immaculate. Lower mandible flesh-colored for half its length ; rest of bill, with the legs and feet, black. Length 7.50; extent 15.00; wing 4.80; bill, tarsus and middle toe with claw rather less than 1.00. Young in August: Upper parts a nearly uniform dark ash, the black of the adults show- ing at intervals, but principally on the scapulars, where also the reddish margins of the feathers are apparent. Jugulum and sides under the wings with an ashy suffusion, more conspicuous than in the adult, but much more restricted, and the streaks more obsolete and indistinct. Central pair of upper tail-coverts usually dusky. Other parts as in the adult. America at large, but not yet observed W. of the R. Mts., nor in Alaska; Greenland, Europe. Breeds from Labrador northward ; migratory through the E. U. 8. A. coo/peri? (To Wm. Cooper.) Cooper’s SANDPIPER. Bill considerably longer than the head, exceeding the tarsus, straight, rather stout, tip scarcely expanded. Feathers extending on side of lower mandible scarcely further than those on the upper. Wings long, pointed, first primary decidedly longest; tertials moderately long and rather slender. Tail moderate, slightly but decidedly doubly-emarginate, the central feathers projecting. Tarsus rather longer than the middle toe; tibia bare for half the length of the tarsus; toes all long, slender, aud slightly 619. 236. 628 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. margined. Adult in spring: Upper parts a nearly uniform light grayish-ash, each feather with a central brownish-black field, deepening into pure black on the scapulars, where also the edgings of some of the feathers have a reddish tinge. Tertials sooty-brown, fading into light ashy on the edges. Secondaries and greater coverts dark grayish-ash, edged and broadly tipped with white. Primaries deep dusky, almost black on the outer vanes and at the tips, the innermost edged with white; shafts of all brown at base and black at tip, the central portion being white. Upper tail-coverts white, with sagittate spots of dusky. Tail-feathers ashy-brown, the central pair darkest. Under parts white; the jugulum, breast, and sides of the neck with a slight reddish tinge, and, together with the sides, with numerous streaks and oval spots of dusky, which become large and V-shaped on the flanks. Length 9.50; wing 5.75 ; tail 2.75; bill 1.25; tarsus 1.12. Long Island; only one specimen known. It is still uncertain whether this is a good species or an unusual state of 7. canutus or A. maculata. A. acumina/ta. (Lat. acuminata, acuminate.) SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER. A large species, of the size and with somewhat the general aspect of the pectoral sandpiper. Tail graduated, almost cuneate, all the feathers more or less acuminate, the projecting middle pair particularly so. Bill about as long as head; tarsus equal to middle toe and claw ; toes perfectly free. Crown bright chestnut, streaked with black, bounded by decided whitish superciliary lines; different from the hind neck. Upper parts with the pattern of coloration of those of A. maculata, the feathers being black, with bright chestnut edges, and many of them also with whitish tips, the edgings not making scallops, and particularly straight and firm on the long tertials. Central field of rump and upper tail-coverts black, scarcely or not varied with reddish tips of the feathers, the sides of this area white with dusky touches. Tail-feathers dusky, the middle ones darker or black, all firmly rimmed about with chestnut, buff, or whitish edging. Primaries blackish, their shafts mostly white; secondaries dusky, successively acquiring white tips and edges; greater coverts dusky, white-tipped. Entire under parts white, more or less suffused on the jegulum, breast, aud sides with a light ruddy brown (much as in Podasocys montanus), the jugulum alone with a set of sinall sharp dusky touches, being an extension across the throat of better pronounced streaks of the sides of the head, neck, and breast, leaving the chin definitely pure white. The effect is quite different from that produced by the heavy streaking of A. ma- culata. Bill and feet blackish. Length probably 9.00-9.50; wing 5.25; tail 2.50; bill 1.00; tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw the same. (Described from several late summer and early fall specimens, taken in Alaska. An Australian specimen before me is smaller (wing under 5.00, ete.), and, excepting the crown, lacks any reddish of the upper parts, all the edgiugs being simply gray; the ruddy suffusion of the breast is scarcely seen.) An interesting species, widely diffused in the Old World, lately found in Alaska, where it is common in summer in some localities, as Saint Michael’s, and where it doubtless breeds; extent of its migration in America, if any, unknown. ARQUATEL'LA, (Lat. arquatella, dim. of arquata, for arcuata, bowed.) FEATHER-LEG SaNDPIPERS. Bill, tarsus, and middle toe, ubviously not of equal lengths. Tarsus shorte: than bill or middle toe; tibiz feathered, the feathers reaching the suffrago. Toes very long, broadly margined, and flattened underneath. Hind toe very short; claws short and blxnt. Tail moderate, wedge-shaped. Bill variable, always longer than head, straight or slightly decurved, very slender, much compressed, tip scarcely expanded, groove on lower mandible shallow or obsolete. A generic group established upon the well-known “ purple” sandpiper, to which two other species or varieties have recently been added. The following analysis is taken from B. N. O. C., v, 1880, p. 162. Analysis of Species or Varieties. Breeding dress: Crown streaked with yellowish-gray, or grayish-white; scapulars and interscapulars irregularly spotted and indented with dull buff, or whitish, and tipped with white ; fore-neck dis- tinctly streaked with dusky ; breast dull gray, everywhere spotted with darker. Winter dress: Back and scapulars sooty-black strongly glossed with purplish ; the feathers bordered terminally with dark SCOLOPACIDZE: SANDPIPERS. 629 plumbeovs- ; fore-neck uniform mouse-gray, or brownish-plumbeous. Wing 5.06; culmen 1.20; tarsus 0.99; middie toe without claw 0.90 . . . oe "i . . maritima 620 Breeding dress: Crown streaked with deep rusty ; soapiflare nd intarenapalank Broadly bordered with bright ferruginous ; fore-neck irregularly clouded with dull pale buff or soiled white and sooty- plumbeous, the breast more coarsely clouded, with more or less of a black patch on each side. Winter dress: Like that of maritima, but the plumbeous borders of dorsal feathers broader and lighter, or more bluish. Jugulum streaked or otherwise varied with white. Wing 4.86; culmen 1.13; tarsus 0.95; middle toe without claw 0,86... . i - couesi 624 &reeding dress: Crown broadly streaked with coliracepus bia mpaciitars ae interecapulara broadly bordered with bright ochraceous-rufous; fore-neck pure white, sparsely streaked with brownish-gray ; breast white, streaked anteriorly and clouded posteriorly with dusky, latter forming more or less of a patch on each side. Winter dress: Similar to the corresponding stages of each of the foregoing, but very much paler, the whole dorsal aspect being light cinereous, the scapulars and interscapulars with small, nearly concealed, central spots, the wing-coverts very broadly edged with pure white ; fore-neck with white ery predominating. Wing 5.16; culmen 1.33; tarsus 0.98; middle toe without claw O90 «ew eH es es ee ah we eget fe < ee Boe RS - + ptilocnemis 622 620. A. mari/tima. (Lat. maritima, maritime.) PURPLE Saeeeeae Bill little longer than 621. head, much longer than tarsus, straight or nearly so; tibial feathers long, reaching to the joint, though the legs are really bare a little way above; tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw. Length about 9.00; extent about 16.00; wing 5.00; tail2.66, much rounded ; bill 1.20; tarsus 0.90-1.00 ; middle toe 1.00 or a little more. The breeding dress, little known: Upper parts black, conspicuously varied on the head, neck, back, and scapulars, with chestnut or cinnamon, and pale buff or whitish, the darker reddish colors edging or indenting the sides of the feathers, the paler colors chiefly tipping their ends; the rusty-red also suffusing the sides of the head, separated from the black and reddish crown by a pale or whitish superciliary stripe. A lighter tawny shace invades the jugulum and breast; otherwise, under parts white, streaked on the breast with blackish, elsewhere nebulated with dusky-gray, but no definite blackish area formed. Rump and upper tail-coverts brownish-black, unmarked. Wings plain fuscous, the lesser coverts narrowly, the greater broadly, tipped with white, the secondaries mostly white in increasing amounts from without inwards, and the shaft of the first primary white. Tail-feathers plain dusky. Adult in winter: Entire upper parts a lustrous very dark bluish- or blackish-ash, with purple and violet reflections, and each feather with a lighter border. Greater and lesser wing-coverts, tertials and scapulars edged and tipped with white. Secondaries mostly white. Primaries deep dusky, the shafts dull white except at tip, where they are black. Upper tail-coverts and central tail-feathers brownish-black with purplish reflections, the outer pairs of the former white-barred with dusky. Lateral tail-feathers light ashy. Jugulum and breast bluish-ash, each feather of the latter edged with white, and the ash extending along the sides beneath the wings. Rest of under parts white, immaculate. Legs, feet, and bill at base light flesh-color; rest of bill greenish-black. Most immature birds of the first fall and-winter resemble this, but are duller, without the gloss. Young: Upper parts much the color of the adult, but with each feather broadly edged and tipped with light buff or reddish-yellow. Light edging of wing-coverts ashy instead of pure white. Under parts everywhere thickly mottled with ashy and dusky, deepest on the breast and jugulum. Chicks in down are very pretty: grayish-browu, mottled with black, the back, wings, and rump spangled with white points; head grayish-white, tinged with fulvous, variously marked with black ; lores with two parallel black stripes ; below, grayish-white. A species of circum- polar disteibation, breeding and often wintering in Arctic regions; in America S. to the Middle States; chiefly maritime, but also occurring on the Great Lakes. Egg of usual pyriform shape, about 1.40 x 1.00, elay color with olive shade, with large bold markings of rich umber-brown of varying shade, with neutral tint shell-markings ; markings over ali the surface, but largest and most massed at the greater end. A, coues‘i. (To E. Coues.) Axreutian SANDPIPER. Very near the last. The following is the original description, in substance. Breeding dress: Above fuliginuus-slate: feathers of 622. 630 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. crown, back, and scapulars broadly edged with rusty-ochraceous, or bright cinnamon, the central field of each feather nearly black, much darker than wings or rump, some of the seap- ulars and interscapulars tipped with white in some specimens. Lesser coverts narrowly, greater coverts broadly, bordered terminally with white; greater coverts broadly tipped with white, forming a conspicuous cross-bar; several inner secondaries chiefly white; the others, also the inner primaries, narrowly skirted and tipped with white. Rump, upper tail-coverts, and middle tail-feathers, uniform fuliginous dusky, the other rectrices paler, or dull cin- ereous. A conspicuous long whitish superciliary stripe, reaching to nape, and confluent with whitish of under side of head, thus posteriorly bounding a large sooty-brown auricular area; anterior portion of lores, and forehead dull smoky-grayish; neck, jugulum, aud breast, dirty whitish, sometimes soiled with dingy buff, and clouded or spotted with dull slate, sooty- plumbeous, or dusky-blackish, this sometimes forming a large patch on each side of breast. Other under parts pure white, the sides with a chain of slaty spots and streaks, the crissum streaked with dusky ; lining of wing pure white. Bill and feet brownish-black in the dried skin; iris brown. Winter plumage: Above, soft sinoky-plumbeous, the scapulars and inter- seapulars glossy purplish-dusky centrally, the plumbeous borders of the feathers causing a squamous appearance; head and neck uniform plumbeous, excepting the throat and a supra- loral patch, which are streaked whitish ; jugulum squamated with white, the breast similarly, but more broadly marked. Wing, tail, and rump, asin summer. Young, first plumage: Scap- ulars and interscapulars black, broadly bordered with bright rusty and buffy-white, the latter chiefly on the longer outer scapulars and lower back ; wing-coverts broadly bordered with buffy- white ; pileum streaked black and ochrey; jugulum and breast pale buff, or buffy-white, streaked with dusky. Downy young: Above, bright rusty-fulvous, irregularly mottled with black, the back, wings, and rump flecked with yellowish-white papille ; head above deep fulvous-brown, striped with velvety black from forehead to occiput, where confluent with a cross-bar of the same; lores with two parallel stripes of same. Lower parts white, distinctly fulvous on sides. Wing 4.50-5.15 inches, average 4.86; culmen 0.98-1.25, average 1.13; tarsus 0.88-1.00, average 0.95; middle toe without claw 0.78-0.90, average 0.86. Aleutian Islands and Coast of Alaska all the year round; extent of migrations unknown, if any. A. ptilocne'mis. (Gr. mridov, ptilon, a feather ; xvnpis, knemis, a greave ; the crus being feath- ered.) PRYBILOV SANDPIPER. BLACK-BREASTED SANDPIPER. Different. Adult in breeding dress: With somewhat the appearance of a summer Pelidna alpina, but the black area pec- toral, not abdominal. Crown, interscapulars, and scapulars black, completely variegated with rich chestnut, ochrey, and whitish, the body of each feather being black, with one or another or all the lighter markings; the coronal separated from the dorsal variegation by a grayish- white, dusky-streaked cervical interval. Lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts blackish, little variegated with chestnut. Secondaries nearly all pure white, a few of the outermost and innermost touched with grayish-brown near end. Primaries grayish-brown with white shafts except at tip, fading to white on inner webs toward base ; several of the inner ones also largely white on outer webs, and tipped with white. Central tail-feathers brownish-black ; next pair abruptly paler, grayish ; rest white or whitish with pale gray tint. Front and sides of head, superciliary line, tufts of flank-feathers, and entire under parts, white, interrupted on the breast with a large but not well defined nor perfectly continuous blackish area, and marked on the upper breast and sides with a few sharp blackish shaft-lines. A dusky auricular patch. Legs and bill dark. Length apparently about 9.50; wing 4.80-5.30; tail 2.30-2.70; bill 1.10-1.40! tarsus 0.90-1.00; middle toe and claw 1.05-1.20; 9 averaging less than @. Winter plumage as above said. First plumage: Upper parts much as in the adults, but the rusty markings in curved rather than angular lines, and much narrower; edges of wing-coverts ochrey. Interior tail-feathers rusty-edged. Throat and breast more or less suffused with rusty; no black pectoral area, but the jugulum, breast, and sides suffused with rusty. Chicks in down (July): 237. 623. 624. 238. SCOLOPACIDA!: SANDPIPERS. 631 Below, silvery-white ; above, rich reddish-brown, varied with white, with curious little round dots, like mildew. Each such spot is as large as a pin-head, and, under a lens, is seen to be the enlarged brushy end of a down-feather, whence several tiny bristles sprout. Each such plume is white at base, then black, then white-tufted as said; the dotted areas thus correspond to the areas of black variegation, but there are, also, a black undotted frontal line, loral stripes, and some other markings. Only known from the Prybilov or Fur Seal Islands, where it breeds. and northward tu St. Matthew and St. Lawrence Islands. Eggs 4, like those of A. maritima. PELID'NA, (Gr. medudvis, pelidnos, gray?) DuNiIn Sanppipsrs. Bill stout, much longer than head or tarsus, slightly decurved, tip somewhat expanded and punctulate; grooves in both mandibles deep and distinct. Wings moderate; tertials long and flowing. Tail moderate, doubly-emarginate, the central feathers projecting. Legs rather long; tarsus not shorter than fniddle toe and claw, if anything longer. Bare portion of tibia more than half the tarsus. Toes rather long, cleft to the base, narrowly margined. Contains a few species or varieties in summer reddish above, with a great black abdominal area. Analysis of Varieties. Smallest: length about 8.00; bill, average, 1.40; tarsus little if any longer than middle toe and claw; tarsus and middle toe together 1.75... 1... 4. 7 + . . . alpina 623 Medium: length about 8.50; bill, average, 1.70; disproportionately leniee, stouter, VTLS NY SS SSS EO ———, aN Fia. 440. —Sanderling, } nat. size. (From Brehm.) 627. ©. arena/ria. (Lat. arenaria, relating to arena, sand. Fig. 440.) SANDERLING. RUDDY “Prover.” Adult in summer: Entire upper parts and neck all round variegated with black, light ashy and bright reddish ; on the back and scapulars each feather having a central black field, and being broadly margined and tipped with ashy or reddish. Under parts white, iminac- ulate. Outer webs and tips of primaries deep brownish-black, inner light ashy. A white spot at base of inner primaries. Secondaries mostly pure white; the outer vanes and part of inner on the latter half dusky. Greater coverts dusky, broadly tipped and narrowly edged with pure white. Rump, upper tail-coverts and central tail-feathers dusky, tipped and narrowly edged with ashy-white; lateral tail-feathers very light ash, nearly white. Bill and feet black. Length 7.50-8.00; extent 15.00-16.00; wing 4.90; tail 2.25; bill about 1.00; tarsus rather 884. 242. 634 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LIMICOLZ. less; middle toe and claw 0.75. Young in autumn: No traces of the reddish. Upper parts very light ash, each feather fading into white on the edges, and with a narrow shaft-line of dusky. Entire under parts pure white. Scapulars dusky, edged with whitish. Other parts asin summer adults. In a usual winter dress, there are traces of the reddish on the upper parts generally, and on the breast. Each feather above is brownish-black, regularly indented and tipped with ashy-white, thus giving to the upper parts the appearance of being evenly mottled. There is a buff tinge on the breast, and also on the tips of the rump-feathers. The bend of the wing is nearly as dark as in the adult. At all times the under parts from the jugulum are pure white. Inhabits the sea coasts of nearly all countries; N. A. at large, abundant coastwise, also in the interior on large bodies of water. Migratory; breeds in high latitudes. EURYNORHYN'CHUS, (Gr. edpive, euruno, I dilate; puyxos, hrugchos, beak.) Spoon- BILLED SANDPIPER. Bill about as long as head, straight, spatulate at end, the ‘‘ spoon” being about as wide as long, lozenge-shaped, with the distal angle well marked, the lateral angles rounded off, the proximal one of course running into the rest of the bill; both mandibles share this extraordinary dilation to about equal extent. The shape is not exactly as in the accom- panying sketch; but the expansion is remarkably vascular, doubtless changes somewhat in drying, and may not be quite alike in different specimens. Excepting this prodigy of a bill, the characters are those of ordinary sandpipers, especially the smaller species of Actodromas. Toes entirely free; hind toe extremely small; middle toe and claw a little shorter than tarsus. One species. (addenda) E. pygme/us. (Lat. pygmeus, dwarf. Fig. 441.) SPoON-BILLED SANDPIPER. Adult 9, in breeding plumage: General appearance of a stint (as Actodromas minutilla, for example), and size little greater. Coloration of upper parts almost exactly as in the species just named, the feathers being black, with indented light chestnut-red edgings, and mostly grayish-white tips; crown simply streaked with the reddish color and black. Under parts white, the whole throat, breast, and sides of the neck overlaid with bright chestnut (as in a highly-plumaged sanderling), the breast, back of this colored area, and the sides of the body, spotted with dusky. Primaries plain dusky, with blackish outer webs and ends, and mostly white shafts; secondaries mostly white from the base; greater coverts white-tipped. Bill and feet black. Length probably 6.00 ; wing 3.90; tail almost gone, probably 1.75; tarsus 0.90; middle toe and claw 0.80; bill 0.90, the spoon 0.45 wide; this singular instrument probably acting as a sifter or strainer rather than as a shovel, in dabbling in soft id deisel eanitioe mire. (Described from No. 92,281, Mus. Smiths. Inst., nat, size. (By Shufeldt, from Ridg- Plover Bay, E. Siberia, June 26, 1881, E. W. Nelson, figured way, after nature.) in colors in Nelson’s Birds of Bering Sea, etc., Voyage of the ‘Corwin,’ Washington, 4to, 1883, p. 87. Only one other specimen in this plumage is known to exist; figured in Ibis, 1869, p. 462, pl. 12; see also P. Z. S. 1871, p. 111. A plain ashy and white plumage is more usual.) Asia, especially India, breeding on the eastern Arctic coast of Siberia, and also on the Arctic coast of Alaska; one of the rarest of birds in collections, only some 25-30 specimens being known, mostly from India; in this country, there is prob- ably at present scarcely another specimen known than the one here described. LIMO/SA. (Lat. Hmosa, muddy, miry; limus, mud, slime.) Gopwirs. Bill much longer than head, longer than tarsus, curved a little upward. Culmen flattened toward end, but not furrowed ; end of bill not notably enlarged or punctulated. Lateral groove of both mandibles F RN AN ay LAN ROA Wana WW X 629. SCOLOPACIDZ: GODWITS. 635 reaching nearly to end of bill; symphyseal groove less extended. Gape of mouth moderate, scarcely cleft beyond base of guimen, as in Snipes and Sandpipers, not as usual among Tattlers. Wing long and pointed; tail short and square. Tibia denuded below for a moderate space. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw, scutellate before and behind, reticulate on sides. Toes short and stout, much flattened underneath, and ‘widely margined; outer and middle semi- palmate, inner and middle with a slight web. Size large; general aspect curlew-like, but bill recurved, not decurved. In character of bill approaching Snipes, especially Macrorhamphus, to which it is nearly related in some other respects, as seasonal changes of plumage of most species. Sexes similar. Two N. Am. species, and two others, occurring in Alaska and Greenland, from Asia and Eurvpe. Analysis of Species. Rump, tail and its upper coverts barred thronghout with blackish and rufous. Lining of wings chestnut, No extensive barring on under parts. No great seasonal changes of ee ? Feathers not extend- ing on side of under mandible far beyond those on upper. . . . . - . « + feda 628 Rump, tail, and its upper coverts barred throughout with white and black. tadue of wings and axillars white, with dusky marks . . 2... 1 1 ee ep we he ew te we ~ + . wropygialis 681 Rump blackish, upper tail-coverts mostly white; tail black with white base sar ‘tip. Under parts in summer intense ferruginous, barred throughout. Lining of wings Ba blackish. Feathers extend- ing on side of lower mandible to a point beyond those on upper . . . . - . hemastica 629 Similar to L. hemastica ; rump, tail and its coverts substantially the same. “ining of ‘wings and axillars Wh: ¢ © 2 2 2 & ee ee eS é + + + « @gocephala 630 L. foe/da, (Lat. feda, wale sedate unseemly. Fig. 1a) Ca MARBLED GODWIT. Marin. Feathers not extending on side of lower mandible to a point far beyond those on upper. No white anywhere; rump, tail, and its coverts barred throughout with blackish and the body-color. Lining of wings chestnut; axillars the same, more or less barred with black. General color rufous or light dull cinnamon-red, uniform and nearly uninterrupted on all the under parts, richer and more chestnut on the lining of the wings and axillars; somewhat marked with dusky on the sides of the breast and body; on the whole upper parts variegated with the brownish- black central field of each feather, the blackish pre- dominating, leaving the rufous chiefly as scallops and tips of the feathers. This rufous very variable in in- tensity ; usually paler on upper than on under parts, and strongest under the wings. Primaries rufous, successively darkening from last to first, the outer webs and ends of the few outer ones blackish, the Fia. 442. —Godwit, greatly reduced. (From shaft of the first white. Bill livid flesh-colored, T° *fer Audubon.) blackish on about terminal third; legs ashy-blackish. Large: length 16.00-22.00 inches; extent 30.00-40.00 ; wing somewhere about 9.00; tail 3.00-4.00; bill 3.50-5.50, generally about 4.00; tarsus 3.00, more or less; middle toe and claw 1. 50; few birds vary more in size. Sexes not distinguishable; no ashy and whitish plumage sown, Temperate N. Am. ; the largest of the ‘‘bay-birds” excepting the long-billed curlew; conspicuous by its size ard red color among the waders that throng the shores and muddy or sandy bars of bays and estuaries during the migration. Known to breed chiefly in the upper Mississippi and Eastern Missouri regions, in Jowa, Minnesota, and Dakota, to the Saskatchewan; does not appear to go far along the Atlantic coast northward. Nests anywhere on the prairie, not necessarily near water; eggs 3-4, about 2.28 x 1.60, light olive-drab, numerously but not very boldly spotted with various umber-brown shades, and the usual stone-gray shell-spots. L. hemas'tica. (Gr. aivacrixds, haimastikos, of bloody-red color.) HupsonIAN GoODWIT: 636 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. AMERICAN BLACK-TAILED Gopwit. RinG-TAILED MarRLin. Feathers on side of lower mandible reaching to a point far in advance of those on upper. Rump blackish. Most upper tail-coverts conspicuously white ; longest coverts and the tail-feathers black with white bases, those of the tail-feathers most extensive, and the latter also white-tipped. The appearance of the parts connectively is therefore of a black rump, then a broad white bar, then a broad black bar, then a narrow white bar. Lining of wings sooty-blackish, mixed with some white; axillars black. Under parts rich ferruginous or chestnut-red, everywhere crossed with numer- ous irregular black bars, several on each feather, and usually also crossed, especially behind, with similar white bars, such variegation of black, white, and red most pronounced on the under tail-coverts. Upper parts blackish (brownish-black with greenish gloss), intimately mixed with rufous and ochrey or whitish, these lighter colors forming indentations on the edges of each feather. Primaries blackish, with white shafts and white basal spaces; their coverts the same, with white tips. Bill light, probably orange or reddish, the terminal third black ; legs black. Length 14.50-16.50; extent 24.00-26.50; wing 7.50-8.50; tail 3.00-3.50; bill 2.75-3.50 ; tibia bare 1.00 or more; tarsus 2.25-2.55; middle toe and claw 1.30-1.70. 9 averages larger than ¢; weight 9.00-9.500z.; ¢7.50-8.00 oz. Immature or winter specimens: Specific characters of wings and tail much the same. Upper parts dark ash, with black shaft- lines, the back varied more or less with black patches and whitish or rufescent markings. Fig. 443. — Willet, nat. size, (Ad nat, del. E. C.) ¢ Under parts whitish, more or less rufescent, with traces of black barring. N. Am. generally ; C. and 8. Am. and W.I.; not noted W. of the R. Mts., and apparently not common any- where in the U. S.; breeds in high latitudes. The American representative of L. egocephala. Eggs 4, average 2.18 X 1.40, very heavy brownish-olive, with the usual markings. 630. L. xgoce'phala. (Gr. aiyoxépados, aigokephalos, goat-headed ; naine of some bird.) Euro- PEAN BLACK-TAILED GopwitT. Very like the last; characters of rump and tail substantially the same; at once distinguishable by white (not black) lining of wings and axillars. Europe, ete. ; only American as occurring in Greenland. 631. L. uropygia/lis. (Lat. wropygialis, relating to wropygium, the rump.) WHITE-TAILED Gopwir. Paciric BAR-TAILED Gopwit. Rump, tail, and its upper coverts, white, .more -w less tinged with rufous, barred throughout with black. Lining of wings and axillars white, former varied, latter barred, with dark gray. In summer, upper parts blackish, everywhere varied with rusty-red; head, neck, and under parts rusty-red. In winter, grayish-brown above, the feathers with darker centres and blackish shaft-lines; below, whitish ; sides and crissum with sagittate black marks. Averaging less than L. feda ; bill 3.50-4.50. A widely distributed Old World species, very near the bar-tailed godwit of Europe, Z. lapponica, and probably identical with L. nove-zealandie ; lately ascertained to occur in Alaska, where it is common, and known to breed. Eggs like those of other godwits, 2.22 x 1.47. 243, SYMPHEMIA. (Gr. ciudnu, swmphemi, I speak with.) SrmIPpALMATE TaTTLERs. Bill 632. SCOLOPACIDZA: TATTLERS. 637 longer than head, straight, its tip not expanded, knobbed, nor notably sensitive; grooved about half its length only; culmen not furrowed. Gape of mouth reaching beyond base of eulmen. Bill much stouter than usual in Tattlers. Legs stout. Feet semipalmate, with decided web between inner and middle as well as outer and middle toes. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw, scutellate before and behind. (General characters of Totanus at large, but bill and feet stout, latter bluish, and toes semipalmate. See fig. 49.) One N. Am. species. S. semipalma’ta, (Lat. semipalmata, half-webbed. Fig. 444.) SEMIPALMATED TATTLER. Wittet. Adult ¢ 9, in summer: Upper parts ashy, confoundedly speckled to greater or less extent with black- ish; this sometimes giving the prevailing tone, but in lighter col- ored cases the blackish restricted to an irregu- lar central field on each feather, throwing out angular processes and tending to become transverse bars. When such dark fields pre- vail, the upper parts become quite blackish, speckled with ashy- white, like Totanus melanoleucus, for ex- ample. Furthermore, there is often aslight ru- fescence. Under parts white, sometimes with a rufous or brownish tinge, the jugulum and breast spotted and streaked, the sides barred or arrow-headed, with brownish-black. Axillars and lining of wing, edge of wing and primary coverts, sooty-blackish. Primaries blackish, with a great space white at base, partly overlaid and concealed by the primary coverts, partly showing conspicuously as a speculum ; shafts white along this space. Most secondaries white; most upper tail-coverts white, the shorter ones dark like rump, the longer ones barred like tail. Tail ashy, incom- pletely barred with blackish ; lateral feathers pale, or marbled with white. Bill dark; legs bluish. It is evidently a mistake to describe the willet as merely gray and white. Length about 16.00; wing 8.00; tail 3.00; bill 2.25~2.75; tarsus the same; middle toe and claw 1.67. g 9 in winter, and young: Character of wing as before. Above, light ashy, nearly or quite uniform ; tail corresponding with this gray state; upper tail-coverts white. Below, white, shaded with ashy on the jugulum, breast, and sides. Every stage occurs between the two here described. Temperate N. Am. at large, N. to 56° at least, but chiefly U. S.; breeding throughout its U. S. range, and resident in the Southern States. A large, stout tattler, known at a glance by its white-mirrored black-lined wings and blue legs, too plentiful for such a wary, restless, and noisy bird in marshes for the convenience of gunners, as its shrill reiterated cries, incessant when its breeding places are invaded, alarm the whole neighborhood. Breeds by pairs or in small companies in fresh or salt marshes; nest a slight affair in a tussock of grass or reeds just out of the water; eggs 3-4, 1.90 to 2.12 * 1.45 to 1.55, average 2.00 x 1.50, less pointedly pyriform than usual in this family, brownish or buffy-olive or clay color, boldly and distinctly spotted and splashed with uinber-brown shades, little massed at the great end, with the usual shell-markings. Fie. 444. — Willets. (From Lewis.) 244. 633. 634. 638 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLA. TO'TANUS. (Ital. totano, some bird of this kind.) Tarriers. Bill longer than head, straight or nearly so, if anything rather bent up than down, very slender, without expansion at tip or furrow on culmen, the lateral grooves little if any more than half its length; gape reach- ing beyond base of culmen. Wings long, pointed; tail short, even or little rounded, barred in color. Legs very long and slender ; tibie much denuded below; tarsi longer than middle toe and claw, scutellate before and behind. Toes with decided basal webbing between outer and middle toe, that between inner and middle slight. Legs green or yellow. Numerous species of various parts of the world. Analysis of Species. Legs yellow. Length over 12; wing over 7; tail 3 or more; bill over 2, bent up a little . . « . melamoleucus 633 Length under 12; wing under 7; tail under 3; bill under 2, straight . a Gree as - . flavipes 331 -Legs greenish; size and form nearly asin T.melanoleucus. . «©. - 1s we ee ee glottis 636 T. melanoleu’cus. (Gr. pedas, melas, black ; Nevxds, leucos, white. Fig. 445.) GREATER TELL-TALE. GREATER YELLOW-SHANKES. LONG-LEGGED TATTLER. STONE-SNIPE. Bill Fic, 445. — Greater Yellow-shauks, nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E, C.) straight or slightly inclined upward, not with regular curve, but as if bent near the middle black or greenish-black. ‘Legs very long and slender, chrome-yellow. Length 13.00-14.00 ; extent 23.00-25.00; wing over 7.00, nearer 8.00; tail 3.00 or more; bill 2.00 or more; tarsus about 2.50; middle toe and claw 1.70. Length from end of bill to end of outstretched feet 17 or 18 inches. @ 9, adult: Above, blackish, more or less ashy according to season, everywhers speckled with whitish, in a series of indentations along edge of each feather; the markings spotty on the back and wings, streaky on the head and neck. A slight white superciliary line Upper tail-coverts mostly white. Under parts white, the jugulum and fore-breast streaked the sides and flanks, lining of wings and axillars barred and arrow-headed with the color of thy back. Tail like back, with numerons white bars, generally broken on the middle feathers Primaries blackish, with black shafts, mostly with white tips; secondaries and their coverts the same, but their edges marbled, spotted, or broken-barred with white. The seasonal changes of plumage are inconsiderable, consisting chiefly in the tone of the upper parts, more blackish and white in summer, more gray and ashy in winter and in the yonng; and in the emphasis of the dark markings of the under parts. N. Am. at large; in U. S. chiefly as a migrant, and in winter; breeds in high latitudes; abundant, like the last a noisy, restless denizen of the marshes, bays, and estuaries. T, fla/vipes. (Lat. flavipes, yelluw-foot.) Lessrr TELL-TALE. YELLOW-SHANES. A miniature of the last; colors precisely the same; legs comparatively longer; bill grooved rather farther, perfectly straight. Length under 12.00, usually 10.00-11.00; extent 19.00- 21.00; wing under 7.00; tail 2.50; bill always under 2.00, about 1.50; tarsus about 2.00; 635. 245. 636. 637. SCOLOPACIDA: TATTLERS. 639 middle toe and claw, and bare tibia, each, 1.25. N. Am., abundant, in the same places as the last. Breeds from the N. States northward, and winters in the U.S. Eggs 3-4, pointedly pytiform, 1.58 to 1.78 X about 1.16; ground clay-color, buffy or creamy, not olivaceous, the markings showing boldly on the pale ground, but in great diversity, some eggs being heavily splashed with blotches confluent about the great end, others having small clean-edged spots all over the surface ; markings rich umber, chocolate, or blackish, with neutral-tint shell-spots. T. glot/tis. (Gr. yAérra, glotta, the tongue; i.e. noisiness.) GREEN-SHANKS. Size and form almost exactly as in T. melamoleucus ; rather smaller; bill about 2.25; wing 7.50; tail 3.25; tarsus 2.50; colors nearly the same, but bill and legs greenish ; rump and lower back, as well as the tail and its coverts, white with more or fewer dark marks, chietly broken bars or other variegation on the tail-feathers alone. ‘‘Florida.” T. glottis Aup., B. Am., 8voed., v, 321, pl. 346. There is no reason to suppose that this bird is anything more than a strag- gler to this country ; Audubon’s spécimen is absolutely identical with European ones. RHYACO/PHILUS. (Gr. piak, gen. piaxos, hruax, hruakos, a brook ; pidos, philos, loving.) GREEN TaTTLeRS. Bill moderately longer than head, perfectly straight, very slender, grooved a little beyond its middle. Legs not very long for this group; tarsus little exceeding middle toe and claw; bill and legs both dark-colored. Only the most rudimentary web between inner and middle toe; a moderate one between outer and middle. Upper parts dark- colored ; tail rounded, fully barred with white. Small. Analysis of Species. Length over 9.00; upper tail-coverts white; legs grayish-blue, . . ...-... 1. as ochropus 636 Length under 9.00; upper tail-coverts like back ; legs greenish, drying blackish . . ... . solitarius 637 R. och'ropus. (Gr. dypés, ochros, pale, sallow, wan; mois, pous, foot; not well chosen.) Green Sanppiper. Upper parts blackish-brown, with faint olivaceous metallic gloss, streaked on the head and neck, speckled on the back and wings, with white; upper tail-coverts white. Tail white at base; lateral pair of rectrices white, others marked with white and blackish in bars. Below, white, jugulum and sides marked with dusky. Bill. blackish ; iris brown ; feet grayish-blue, greenish on the joiuts. Length about 10.00; wing 5.50; tail 2.50; bill 1.50; tarsus 1.30. Nova Scotia; a straggler from Europe (one instance, Bull. Nuttall Club, iii, 1878, p. 49). R. solita’rius. (Lat. solitarius, solitary ; solus, alone. Fig. 446.) So~irary TATTLER. AMER- IcAN GReEN SanppireR. ¢ Q, adult: Above, dark lustrous olive-brown, streaked on the head and neck, elsewhere finely speck- led, with white; no continuous white on ramp or upper tail-coverts. Below, white; the jug- ulum and sides of neck shaded with brownish and streaked with dusky; sides, axillars, and & lining of wings regularly barred with dusky. _, Fre. 446,—Solitary Sandpiper, nat. size. (Ad nat. Rump and upper tail-coverts like back; tail de! F.C) beautifully and regularly barred throughout with black and white; white prevailing on the outer feathers, where the dark bars may be broken, and white reduced to a series of marginal spots on the middle feathers. Primaries and edge of wing blackish, unmarked; secondaries like back, mostly unmarked, the inner ones gradually gaining white spots. Bill blackish; legs dull greenish (drying quite black, like many scrophulariaceous plants). Length 8.00- 9.00, usually between these figures; extent 15.50-17.00; wing 4.75-5.40; tail 2.25; bill 1.12-1.24; tarsus 1.20-1.30; middle toe and claw 1.12-1.20. Young: Above, lighter and less olivaceous brownish, without gloss, the speckling less, or else of a rusty tinge. Suffusion of jugulum paler and more restricted. White around and over eye better defined. Bill and feet ashy-greenish. N. America, the representative of R. ochropus; N. to Alaska. Breeds 246, 638. 247. 639. 640 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LIMICOLZA. in N. U.S. and northward, if not also through most of its U.S. range; winters altogether or chiefly extralimital. Abundant during the migrations; a shy, quiet inhabitant of wet woods and meadows and secluded pools, rather than of the marshes. Eggs still (1883 !) desiderata ; but see Bull. Nuttall Club, iii, 1878, p. 197; New England Bird Life, ii, 1883, p. 240; and Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 26, p. 97. TRINGOIDES. (Gr. rpiyyas, truggas, Lat. tryngas, or tringa, a sandpiper ; ei8os, eidos, re- semblance.) Spotrep Sanppipers. Bill straight, only about as long as head or tarsus, grooved for about three-fourths its length. Tibie searcely denuded for half the length of tarsus. Tar- sus about as long as middle toe and claw. Outer and middle toes webbed for the length of their first joints; inner cleft. Tail fully half as long as the wing. Upper parts glossy, under spotted on white ground; bill and feet pale. Of small size. T. macula/rius. (Lat. macularius, spotted. Fig. 447.) SporTepD SANDPIPER. ¢ 9, adult: Above, silken ashen-olive (quaker-color —as in our euckovus) with «a coppery lustre, finely varied with blackish, in streaks on head and neck, elsewhere in wavy or otherwise irregular cross-bars. Line over eye, and entire under parts, pure white, with nu- merous sharp circular black spots, larger and more y crowded in the Q than in the ¢. Secondaries and Fie. 447.— Spotted Sandpiper, nat. size. their coverts broadly white-tipped; some white feath- (Ad nat. del. E. C.) f liste i ers along bend of wing; axillars and lining of wings white, the latter with an oblique dusky bar. Primaries aud most of the secondaries brownish- black, with brown shafts and large white basal spaces, concealed in the folded wing, conspicuous in flight. Upper tail-coverts and middle tail-feathers like back; lateral ones successively acquir- ing white tips; outer with several incomplete white bars. Feet pinkish-white, drying yellow- ish. Bill flesh-colur, black-tipped; sometimes much of culmen dusky; sometimes much of under mandible orange. g@: Length 7.25-7.60; extent 13.00-13.50; wing 3.80-4.00 ; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw, each 0.95-1.00. 9: Length 7.60-7.90; extent. 13.50-14.00; wing 3.90-4.10. Young: Above, less glossy, with little if any blackish variegation. Below, white, entirely free from spotting. Downy young: Below, white; above, mottled with dark brown and buff; a sharp black stripe from top of head down middle of back, and another through eye. N. Am. at large, extremely abundant everywhere near water, and breeding throughout the country; winters in Southern States and beyond; familiarly known as the sandlark, peetweet, teeter-tail, tip-up, etc., these last names being given in allusion to its habit (shared by allied species) of jetting the tail as it moves; a Wustom as marked as the continual bobbing of the head of the solitary tattler and others. Nest a slight affair of dried grasses, on the ground, often in a field or orchard, but generally near water; eggs 4, pointed, creamy or clay-colored, blotched with blackish and neutral tint; about 1.30 < 1.00. MACHE'TES. (Gr. paxntns, machetes, a fighter.) Fiaurinc SaNnpPipPers. Bill straight, about as long as head, shorter than tarsus, grooved nearly to tip. Gape reaching behind culmen. Outer and middle toe webbed at base; inner cleft. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw. Tail about half as long as wing, barred. ¢ in the breeding season with the face bare and beset with papille, and the neck with an extravagant frill ur ruffle of elongated feathers. 9 without these ornaments. M. ‘pug’nax. (Lat. pugnax, pugnacious. Fig. 448.) Rurr, g. Rerve, 9. ComBaTAnt. GamBeTra. Adult g, in wedding dress: Varied above with black, brown, buff and chestnut, the sides of rump white; under parts white, breast and sides and crissum black, spotted with white ; tail brown, barred with chestnut and white; quills dusky, with white shafts; wing coverts ashy-brown. Bill blackish, flesh-colored at base; legs dingy yellow; warty excres- cences yellow; feathers of the ruff endlessly varied in color. Length about 12.00; wing 7.00; 248, 640. SCOLOPACIDA!: TATTLERS. 641 tail 3.00; bill 1.50; tarsus 2.00. 9 smaller, lacking the ruff and tubercles, ete. A widely distributed bird of the Old World, noted for its pugnacity ; occasionally killed on the coast of New England and the Middle States. (Lawrence, Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. N. Y., v, 1852, p. 220, Long Island. Coues, Pr. Essex Inst., v, 1868, p. 296; New England. Brewster, Am. Nat., vi, 1872, p. 306; Massachusetts. Brewster, Bull. Nuttall Club, i, 1876, p. 19; Maine. Wheaton, Bull. Nuttall Club, ii, 1877, p. 83; Ohio. —Forest and Stream, Oct. 7, 1880, p. 186; Massachusetts. See Freke, Zoologist, Sept. 1881, p. 376.) BARTRAMIA. (To Wm. Bartram.) Bill rather shorter than head, much shorter than tar- sus, about equal to middle toe; straight, the culmen a little concave in most of its length, the 7M Fia. 448. —'The Ruff. ¢’, in full feather, } nat. size. (From Brehm.) upper mandible grooved for three-fourths its length. Gape very wide and deep, reaching below eyes. Feathers on side of lower mandible scarcely or not reaching opposite those on upper, and not filling the interramal space. Tail very long, inore than one-half the wing, graduated. Wings moderate, pointed. Tibia denuded for nearly the length of the middle toe. Tarsi scutellate before and behind, much longer than middle toe and claw. Outer toe moderately webbed ; inner cleft to the base. Size medium; neck and legs long; head small; coloration highly variegated; sexes alike; no great seasonal changes. One species. B. longicauw/da. (Lat. longus, long ; cauda, tail.) BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER. BARTRAM’S TaTtLerR. UpiaAnp PLover. Frieip Puover. Grass PLover. Prairie Picron. Adult & 9%: Above, blackish, intimately variegated with tawny or whitish edgings of all the feathers ; blackish prevailing on crown and back, the lighter colors on the hind neck and 41 249, 641. 642 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LIMICOLZ. wings; on the scapulars and long inner secondaries the black resolved in regular angulai bars on a greenish-brown field. Rump and most upper tail-coverts brownish-black, unvaried; a few of the longer coverts barred to correspond with tail. Middle tail-feathers dark ashy- brown, with paler or rufescent edges, and irregular or broken bars, throughout ; other tail- feathers becoming orange-brown, with numerous irregular or broken bars or spots of black ; with one broad, firm, subterminal black bar, and tips white for a distance increasing on succes- sive feathers. Under parts dull soiled white, or tawny-white, the rufescence strougest on jugulum and breast, the jugulum streaked with blackish, and sides with sharp arrow-heads of the same. Axillars and lining of wings pure white, regularly barred with black. Prim- aries brownish-black; the Ist at least, and sometimes all of them, barred with white on the inner webs; shaft of the first white, of the others brown. Secondaries like primaries, but usually barred with white on both webs, the inner ones gradually assimilating with the back in character of markings. Bill yellow, with black ridge and tip; feet dull yellowish, drying darker; iris dark brown. Length 11.75-12.75; extent 21.50-23.00; wing 6.25-7.00; tail about 3.50; tarsus 1.75; bill, and middle toe and claw 1.00-1.25. Downy young: Varie- gated above with white, brown, or black ; white below; bill bluish with dark tip; legs clay- color. They are 5 or 6 inches long before any feathers sprout. N. Am. at large, rare W. of the R. Mts., in profusion on the prairies of the interior, and common eastward; N. to the Yukon. Breeds from the middle districts northward; winters extralimital. A fine game bird; but those who only know it when its fears are excited by incessant persecution have little idea what a gentle and confiding creature it is on the western prairies. Nest any- where on the prairie, in June; eggs normally 4, averaging 1.75 x 1.28; clay-color or pale creamy-brown without olive shade; spotted all over, but most thickly at the large end, with small, sharp, rounded surface marks of umber-brown, among which are the purplish-gray shell- spots ; the spots rarely if ever larger than a split pea, and seldom confluent. TRYN’GITES. (Gr. rpiyyas, truggas, a sandpiper, with suffix -rys, -tes.) MaRBLE-WING Sanpprrers. Bill shorter than head, very slender, tapering, and acute, grooved nearly its whole length, and thus much as in Tringa ; but gape of mouth extensive, and end of bill not dilated and sensitive. Frontal feathers embracing base of upper mandible in nearly transverse outline, and extending quite to uostrils; those on side of under mandible reaching further still, and those of chin completely filling the interramal space; such extension of the feathers making the bill appear remarkably short. Wings of ordinary shape. Tail about one-half as long as wings, rounded, with projecting central feathers. Tibiee denuded below fur a space less than length of middle toe. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw. Toes cleft to the base, or with only the most rudimentary basal webbing. Primaries peculiarly marbled in color. Tail not barred. Related to Tringa in many respects; but the acute and hardened tip of the bill, and long gape, are totanine, and on the whole the affinities seem to be with the last genus. One species. T. rufes/cens. (Lat. rufescens, rufescent, reddish. Fig. 449.) Burr-BREASTED SANDPIPER. & 9, adult, in breeding plumage: Above, brownish- black with a greenish gloss, every feather broadly mar- gined with tawny or yellowish-brown, the latter the prevailing tone. Under parts buff or fawn-colored, with- out markings except a few small blackish spots on sides of breast. Central tail-feathers greenish-brown, blacken- ts ing at ends; others paler, often rufescent, with white or Fie. 449, — Buff-breasted Sandpiper, tawny tips and subterminal black bar; and usually, also, nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) some black marbling or streaking. Primaries and sec- ondaries ashy-brown blackening at end, the extreme tip white— most of the inner webs of the primaries, and both webs of the secondaries pearly white, speckled and marbled witb , 250. 64%. 251. SCOLOPACIDZ: TATTLERS. 643 black. This curious tracery, best seen from below, is diagnostic; though the precise pat- tern varies interminably. The patch of under coverts at the bases of the primaries have the same character. Axillars white; lining of wings white or rufescent. Iris brown. Bill brownish-black; legs greenish or yellowish. Length 7.50-8.25; extent about 16.00; wing 5.00-5.25; tail 2.50; bill along culmen 0.67-0.75, along gape 1.00; tarsus 1.20; riddle toe and claw under 1.00. Fall plumage: Under parts less rufescent, frequently simply. awny-whitish; and the broad ochrey or tawny edgings of the feathers of the upper parts replaced by narrow whitish streakings, in a set of semicircles. Wings and tail as in spring, N. Am. at large, and a frequent European straggler, but apparently nowhere abundant; migratory in the U. 8.; S. in winter through 8. Am.; breeds in high latitudes. Eggs usually 4, pointedly pyrifurm, 1.40 to 1.50 X 1.02 to 1.10; the ground clay, sometimes slightly oliva- ceous, often quite grayish; markings extremely bold and sharp, in heavy blotches and indeter- minate spots all over the eggs, but largest and mest numerous at the greater end; colors rich umber-brown, of varying shade. Nearest these blotched samples are the splashed ones, with markings massed at greater end, elsewhere splattered in small pattern. Others are spotted with narrow markings radiating from the large end, almost wreathing about the greatest diameter. All with the usual neutral-tint shell-markings; most with scratchy blackish marks over all. HETERO'SCELUS. (Gr. érepos, heteros, different, otherwise ; oxéAos, skelos, leg.) SHORT- LEGGED TATTLER.. Bill totanine, longer than head or tarsus, straight, rather stout, wuch com- pressed, both mandibles grooved for about two-thirds their length, with inflected tomia beyond. Gape of mouth extending beyond base of column; feathers of equal extent on sides of both mandibles, those of chin reaching much farther. Wings long, pointed, folding about to end of tail; lst and 2d quills subequal and longest. Tail short, less than half the wing, nearly even. Legs short, somewhat rugous, reticulate except on front of tarsus, where imperfectly or incom- pletely seutellate ; tibiae denuded for a space about half as long as tarsus; tarsus longer than middle toe and claw, shorter than bill; outer longer than inner lateral toe; a large basal web between outer and middle, a rudimentary one between middle and inner; bind toe long, about equalling Ist joint of inner toe. One species, remarkable for the character of tarsal envelope and perfect uniformity of color of upper parts. H. inea‘nus. (Lat. imcanus, quite gray.) WANDERING TaTTLeR. Upper parts perfectly uniform dark plumbeous, or slaty-gray, including the wholly unmarked tail, wing-coverts, and inner quills, the longer quills gradually blackening, the shaft of the first primary nearly all white ; a white line over eye. Lining of wings, axillars, and sides of body colored like the back, but varied with white. Under parts in general white; in one plumage without markings, but heavily shaded on neck, breast, and sides with the color of the back; in another, heavily marked with blackish-plumbeous — speckled on throat, streaked on neck, wavy-barred on breast, sides, and crissum. Bill black, apparently pale at base of under mandible. Length about 10.00; wing 6.50; tail 3.00; bill 1.50; tarsus 1.25; mid- dle toe and claw a little less. A species of almost universal distribution on the coast and islands of the Pacific, com- mon in summer on the shores of Alaska; described under at least twelve different names. NUME'NIUS. (Gr. véos, neos, new; pyvn, mene, the moon: the long curved Dill, like a crescent. Fig. 450.) Curtews. Bill of very variable length, always longer than head, probably always exceeding the tarsus, some- times more than length of entire leg; slender, curved yo. 450. —Long-billed Curlew, greatly downward, the tip of the upper mandible knobbed and Teduced. overhanging the end of the lower; obsoletely grooved nearly to end. Gape of mouth extended beyond base of culmen. Feathers reaching about equally far on sides of each man- if 644 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LIMICOLZ. dible. Wings and tail ordinary; latter barred in color. Legs rather stout; tibie largely denuded below; tarsus much longer than middle toe and claw, scutellate in front only, else- where reticulate. Toes short and thick, flattened underneath, broadly margined on sides. Of large and medium stature, and plump form. Coloration variegated ; rufous usually prevail- ing. Sexes alike; changes of plumage not pronounced. A cosmopolitan genus of several species ; in character of bill unique, in that of the legs very similar to Limosa. In fact, barring the bill, Nwmenius longirostris closely resembles Limosa feda. It is a curious fact that Old and New World representatives of both these genera differ from each other in a simi- lar manner, the former having the rump, tail and its coverts, and lining of wings white, barred or not, while some or all of these parts in the latter are dark. Compare Limosa feda with L. uropygialis ; L. hudsonica with L. lapponica ; Numenius hudsonicus with N. pheopus, ete. Va wie ee Fig. 451. — The European Curlew, Numenius arquatus, } nat, size. (From Brehm.) Analysis of Species. Feathers of belly bristle-tipped.. . . ..... ce ee ew eh ea ww es Leitensis 647 Feathers of belly normal. Rump white, more or less spotted with dusky. Upper tail-coverts and under wing-coverts white spotted and barred with dusky . . pheopus 644 Rump, upper tail-coverts and lining of wings not white. Primaries varied with rufous. General coloration strongly rufous, especially below: lining of wings deepest rufous, little or not varied. Juarge; bill4-6-8inches . . . . . . Jlongirostris 643 Primaries varied with rufous or whitish. General coloration scarcely or not rufous; lining of wings entirely varied. Medium-sized: bill84 inches... .. +... + «. Audsonicus 645 Primaries not varied with rufous or whitish General coloration scarcely or not rufous; lining of wings entirely varied. Smallest; bill under 3inches . > + + eo w + a + Borealis 646 SCOLOPACIDA:: CURLEWS. 645 643. N. longiros'tris. (Lat. longus, long; rostrum, beak.) LonG-BILLED CURLEW. SICKLE-BILL. . 644, 645, Bill of extreme length and curvature, measuring from 4 to 6 or $ inches. Of largest size: length 94.00 or more; extent 38.00; wing 10.00-19.00; tail about 4.00 ; tarsus 2.75-3.50. Plumage very similar to that of the godwit, Limosa feda: prevailing tone rufous, of varying intensity in different specimens, usually deepest on the lining of the wings, which are little varied with other color. Primaries varied with rufous. Top of head variegated with blackish and rufous or whitish, without distinct pale median and lateral lines. Upper parts brownish-black, speckled with tawny or cinnainon-brown, cach feather having several indentations or broken bars of this color; rufous prevailing on wing-coverts. Tail-feathers and secondaries cinnamon- brown, with pretty regular dark bars throughout. Under parts rufous or cinnamon of varying intensity, usually deepening to chestnut under the wings, fading to whitish on throat; the jugulum and fore-breast with dusky streaks which tend on the sides of breast and, body to arrow- heads or more or less complete bars ; lining of wings, axillars, and crissum, mostly unmarked, though some spots may appear. No white on rump, tail, or wings. Bill black, much of under mandible pale-flesh-color or yellowish ; legs dark. Little variation in plumage with sex, age, or season. Chicks hatch in whitish down, thickly blotched above with brownish-black; the bill straight, an inch long. Like other exceptional developments of parts of birds, this member grows to indetermi- nate length. Up to the time it is not over 3 or 4 inches long, the species may be si AAA —= SSS SS distinguished from, NV. wr ) hudsonicus by the NW vo strong rufescence of \ \ ~ \ \\ ~* < the under parts, which \ : ws : are nearly clear of \ dark markings. En- tire temperate N. Am.; breeds nearly throughout its range; migratory northward, resident in the south, but also S. in winter to C. Am.; uncom- mon in New England. Nests aboundingly on the S. Atlantic coast, and on the prairies of the Northwest. Eggs 3-4, not very pear-shaped, more like hen’s eggs; 2.45 to 2.80 long by 1.80-1.90 broad; clay-colored, tending either te darker olivaceous shades or to buff; spotting generally pretty uniform and of small pattern, in some eases blotched or massed at the greater end, of sepia, chocolate, or umber-brown, the paler shell-markings usually numerous and evident. N. phe’opus. (Gr. dads, phaios, dusky, swarthy; wots, pous, foot.) EUROPEAN WHIMBREL. In stature and general character resembling the Hudsonian curlew ; at once distinguished from that species by the white rump, upper-tail coverts and lining of wings, spotted or barred with dusky. An extensively distributed Old World species, only N. American as occurring in Greenland. N. hudson/icus. (Of Hudson’s Bay. Fig. 452.) Hupsonran Curtew. Jack CuRLEW. Of medium size; bill moderate in length, stout, curved. Bill 3 or 4 inches long. Length 16.00-- 18.00 ; extent 32.00; wing 9.00-10.00; tail 3.50 ; tarsus 2.25-2.50. General tone of coloration “Ain aK Louse sarunon-ae ae ———— = Fig. 452. —Hudsonian Curlew, much reduced. (From Lewis.) 646. 647. 646 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LIMICOLZA. searcely rufous, the under parts, and the variegation of the upper, being whitish or ochraceous. No white on rump, tail, or lining of wings. Top of head uniform blackish-brown, with well- defined whitish median and lateral stripes (as in pheopus, but neither longirostris nor borealis). Upper parts brownish-black, speckled with whitish, ochraceous or pale cinamon-brown, in same pattern as in longirostris, but the dark in excess of the light colors, and these never strongly rufescent. Tail ashy-brown (not rufous), with numerous narrow blackish bars. Prima- ries fuscous, marbled or broken-barred with pale color (pattern as in longirostris, tone not strongly rufous). Lining of wings and axillars rufescent, but spotted or barred throughout with dusky. Under parts soiled whitish or somewhat ochraceous, only obscurely rufescent on cris- sum, if anywhere; the jugulum and fore-breast with dusky streaks which, as in other species, change to arrow-heads or incomplete bars on sides of breast and body. Bill blackish, sume part of lower mandible pale; feet dark. The N. Am. representative of N. pheopus, but obviously different ; generally distributed, not so common as either longirostris or borealis ; breeds in high latitudes, migratory through the U.S8., wintering in the 8. States and far beyond. Eggs of intermediate size, but not distinguishable with certainty, the markings being as in other species; 2.12 to 2.30 long, by about 1.60 broad. N. borealis. (Lat. borealis, northern.) Esximo Curtew. Dovucu-srrp. Of smallest size; bill short, slender, and little curved. Bill 2.00 or more, perhaps never 3.00. Length 12.00-15.00 ; extent 28.00; wing under 9.00; tail 3.00; tarsus 2.00 or less. General tone little rufescent, the under parts and the variegation of the upper rather ochraceous than rufous. Top of head variegated throughout, without median line, but with tolerably well defined whitish superciliary stripes. Upper parts brownish-black, speckled with ochraceous or very pale cinnamon brown, the general effect as in hudsonicus ; dark coloration in excess of the pale. Tail barred much as in hudsonicus, the broader light bars often rufescent. Primaries and most secondaries plain fuscous, entirely lacking the variegation seen in the foregoing. Under parts ochraceous, or somewhat rufescent, very variable, frequently whitish, marked as in other species with dusky streaks, arrow-heads, or bars, but these more numerous, frequently occupying all the under parts, excepting chin and middle of belly. Avxillars and lining of wings rufescent, barred throughout with dark brown. Bill black, with base of lower mandible pale or yellowish ; feet greenish-black. In handling perhaps a hundred fresh-killed birds, I have noted inuch variation in tone, but the species is unmistakable. N. Am. at large, breeding within the Arctic cirele, migrating through the U.S., where rarely if ever known to winter, never to summer, and wintering in C. and 8. Am. Extraordinarily abundant in some places during the migration, as in Labrador, where it fairly swarms in August. In the northern regions, feeds chiefly on the Hmpetrum nigrum. Nest in open plains. Eggs 4, from 1.90 to 2.12 long, by 1.33 to 1.40 broad ; olive-drab, tending to green, gray, or brown in different cases, with large, bold and numerous markings of bistre, chocolate and sepia-brown, tending to aggregate on the greater end, with the ordinary stone-gray shell-marks. N. taiten'sis. (Of Otahiti.) OvTaniTi CURLEW. BRISTLE-BELLIED CURLEW. Of mediun size, about equalling N. ph@opus ; wing 9.00 or more; tail 4.00; bill about 3.50; tarsus about 2.25. Crown with light median and superciliary lines; upper parts brownish-black, with the usual tawny variegation ; no white on rump, tail, or lining of wings ; tail and its coverts tawny, the coverts spotted or streaked with dusky, the rectrices pretty regularly and firmly barred with about 6 dusky bands, and tipped with tawny-white; lining of wings and axillars fully barred — with tawny and dusky. Primaries blackish, varied to some extent on inner webs, the shaft of | the first white. Under parts pale tawny, the chin white, the jugulum thickly streaked, the sides more loosely barred with dusky, but inmost of under parts immaculate, and many feathers, especially of the flanks, ending in long glistening bristles. Bill and feet dark. Alaska, not common, perhaps only a stragyler from Asia; a well-known and abundant curlew of various Pacific islands, only recently added to our fauna. HERODIONES: HERONS AND THEIR ALLIES. 647 VIII. Order HERODIONES: Herons and their Allies. Altricial Grallatores: including the Herons, Storks, Ibises, Spoonbills, and related birds. The species average of large size, some standing among the tall- est of Carinate birds, with compressed body and ex- tremely long neck and legs. The neck has usually 15-17 vertebre, and is capable of very strong flexion in S-shape.” The tibie are naked below; the podo- theca varies. The general pterylosis is peculiar, in the presence, in central groups of this order, of ’ powder-down tracts, and in some other respects. The oil-gland is present, and tufted. A part if not the whole of the head is naked as a rule, as much of the neck also frequently is. The toes, usually long and slender, are never fully webbed. The hallux is more or less lengthened, and either little elevated, or else perfectly insistent. A foot of insessorial character results ; the species frequently perch on trees, where the nest is usually placed. The physiological nature is altricial and usually psilopedic ; the young hatch- ing naked, unable to stand, and being fed in the nest. The food is fish, reptiles, mollusks, and other animal matters, generally procured by spearing with a quick thrust of the bill, given as the birds stand in wait, or stalk stealthily along; hence they are sometimes called Gradatores (stalkers). The bill normally rep- resents the ‘‘cultrirostral” pattern; it is as a rule of lengthened wedge shape, hard and acute at end if not hard throughout, with sharp cutting edges; enlarging regularly to the base where the skull contracts gradu- ally in sloping down to meet it ;.but deviations from such typical shape are frequent and striking. It is firmly affixed to the skull, and always longer than the head. The nostrils are small, elevated, surrounded Fic. 453. — The Bittern’s Bog. (From by bone and a horny sheath, with little if any soft’ Michelet.) skin. The wings normally show a striking difference from those of Limicole, in being long, broad, and ample. The tail is short and few-feathered, usually having 12 rectrices. The cranial characters, though varying to some extent, agree in several important respects. ‘ The palatal structure is desmognathous, but without keel along line of junction; the maxillo- palatines are large and spongy. The nasal bones are typically holorhinal; schizorhinal in Ibides ; in which, also, the angle of the mandible is produced and recurved, being normally truncate. The sternum is ample, once or twice notched on each side behind. The cervical vertebrae are numerous; usually 15-17. The trachea and bronchi present some remarkable dispositions, but here and there only, such conformations being therefore not -characteristic of the order. The carotids are double (in Botawrus (fig. 93) unique, as far as known, in uniting at once). An intestinal caecum or two ceca, present. Different genera vary in the classificatory muscles of the leg, the ambiens, femoro-caudal, and its accessory being present or absent. 648 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— HERODIONES— IBIDES. The group here noted corresponds to the Pelargomorphe of Huxley, the Ciconitformes of Garrod (minus Cathartide !), the Grallatores altinares of Sundevall, aud includes the Herodia, Pelargi, and Hemiglottides of Nitzsch, — respectively the Heron series, the Stork series, and the series of Ibises and Spoonbills. The first of these differs more from the others than these do from one another. As usual, there are certain outlying genera, types of families or subfamilies, the position of which is not assured. But appearances are that the questionable forms will fall in one or another of the three series indicated. All of these series, to be conventionally rated as suborders or superfamilies, are represented in North America, where also all the large and leading families occur. 8 12. SusorpER IBIDES: Tue Isis Series. Skull schizorhinal. Angle of mandible produced and recurved. Ambiens muscle, femoro- caudal and accessory, semitendinosus and accessory, and post-acetabular portion of tensor fascia, present; pectoralis major simple; biceps cubiti connected with tensor patagiilongus. Sternum double-notched on each side. Carotids double, normal. Two intestinal ceca. Tongue ex- tremely small. A tufted oil-gland. Plumage without powder-dowu; feathered tracts broad. Tarsi reticulate (rarely scutellate). Hallux uot fairly insistent. Claws resting upon a horny “shoe.” Inner edge of middle claw not, or not fairly, pectinate. Side of upper mandible with adeep narrow grovve for its whole length; bill otherwise very differently shaped in the two families, Ibidide and Plataleide, of which this series consists. 43. Family IBIDIDA: Ibises. Bill very long and slender, compressed-cylindric, curved throughout, deeply grooved nearly or quite to tip, which is rather obtuse, nut notched; end of culinen rather broad and depressed, in the rest of its extent the culmen narrow and rounded; interramal space narrow, acute, produced nearly to tip of bill. (Whole bill thus closely resembling a Curlew’s; one of our species is frequently called ‘‘ Spanish Curlew.”) Legs rather short (for Herodiones). Claws compressed, acute; the middle may be dilated and jagged, but is not: fairly pectiuate. Hallux sub-insistent. Tarsi reticulate, or scutellate in front only. Anterior toes more or less webbed at base. Pterylosis nore or less completely stork-like, lacking the powder-down tracts of Herons; head more or less extensively denuded. Birds of medium and large size (among Herodiones}, long-legged, long-necked and small-bodied, with ample more or less rounded wings, of which the inner quills are very large; tail very short, usually if not always of 12 broad rectrices. Chiefly lacustrine and palustrine inhabitants of the warmer parts of the globe, feeding on fish, reptiles, aud other animals. The sexes are alike; the young different. There are about 24 species of Ibises, among which the minor details of form vary considerably, nearly every one of them having been made type of some genus, according to shape of bill, character of head-feathering, condition of tarsal envelope, ete. The two leading modifications are, tarsus entirely reticulate, and tarsus scutellate in front; our genera illustrate the latter. Oss. Our Wood “Ibis,” so called, is a Stork. See beyond, p. 652. ‘ Analysis of Genera and Species. Head bare on sides and beneath. Claws scarcely curved. Colors dark, metallic, greenish and chestnut. PLEGADIS 252 Face without white feathersinadult . .. . a, ee a ioe - « . « faleinellus 649 Face surrounded by white featbersinadult ... + guarauna 650 Head extensively bare on front, sides, and beneath. Claws curved. Golors light, dull, red or white. Evpocimus 253 Adults white. ...... i, ap te SB ERO Pd ee olee see ew), albus 651 Adults scarlet . 1. . 2. 2. eee, Bye ley GRY Sees Rake wah Ger Wee ar ae ae ruber 652 252. 649. 650. IBIDIDZ: IBISES. 649 PLE/GADIS. (Gr. rAnyds, plegas, a scythe, sickle.) Gxossy Ipisms. Bill twice as long as head, or more, regularly decurved; both mandibles grooved on sides fur their whole length; culmen prominent from near base for most of its length, flattened and grooved on terminal two- fifths; symphysis of lower mandible grooved to tip. Thus each mandible, toward the end of the bill, has 3 grooves, one median and two lateral; 6 in all. Nostrils linear, in advance of base of upper mandible, in its lateral grooves. Frontal feathers sweeping with strongly convex outline across forehead, near but not quite at base of bill; lores broadly naked, the bare space embracing eyes; a pointed projection of feathers on side of lower mandible; another median one advancing farther and more acutely on bare space of chin, which is thus forked behind. Tibiee bare for a distance equal to half or more of the length of tarsus; mostly reticulate, but with smooth bare skin for a space above in front. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw, reticulate, scutellate in front. Lateral toes unequal, the inner shortest. Hind toe somewhat elevated, without claw not half as long as middle toe without claw. Claws all long and slightly curved; inner edge of middle one dilated and cut three or four times, but without the regular “comb” of a heron’s. Wings and tail ordinary, latter of 12 feathers. Colors dark glossy-green and chestnut; bill and feet dark. Two or three species, one cosmopolitan, one or two confined to America. Sexes alike; young different. Eggs whole-colored. P. falcinel/lus, (Lat. falewnculus or falcimellus, a little scythe.) Guossy Ips. ¢ 9, adult: No white feathers around face. General color rich dark purplish-chestnut, opaque, changing on head, back, wings (excepting lesser coverts), and tail, to glossy dark purplish-green ; sides and lining of wings and crissum dusky greenish; primaries greenish-black. Bill blackish ; legs grayish-black ; iris brown; bare skin of head slaty-blue. Young: Head, neck, and under parts grayish- -brown, the two former streaked with whitish ; upper parts glossy dusky-green. Length about 2 feet; extent about 3 fect; wing 10.00-11.00 inches; tail 4.00; bill 4.50- 5.50; tibiee bare about 2.50 ; tarsus 3.50; middle toe and claw rather less. This bird is chiefly Old World, not common or regular in America, found occasionally anywhere E. of the Missis- sippi, especially coastwise and southerly ; N. casually to New England. The next species is - much more abundant in its proper range. Eggs with shell rougher and heavier than that of heron’s eggs, ovoidal, not elliptical, greenish-blue, 1.90 to 2.10 long, by about 1.48 broad. P. guaraw’na. (Vox barb., 8. Am.) Wauire-racep Guossy Inrs. Adult ¢: A white margin of feathers entirely surrounding the bare space on head. Head otherwise, neck, and entire under parts of the body, including the tibia, rich purplish-chestnut, quite uniform on the under parts, obscuted with dusky on the head and nape, there iridescent with violet. Back and wings intensely iridescent with various metallic tints; back, wing-coverts, and inner quills shining with violet, green, and purple; scapulars more like under parts, being of a rich deep_ wine-red and less lustrous than the wing-coverts. Primaries green, with brassy’ or almost golden lustre. Rump, upper tail-coverts and tail chiefly green, but with various violet and purple reflections ; lower tail-coverts similar, contrasting with the chestnut of the belly. Lining of wings brassy-green, like the primaries; axillars violet, like the upper wing-coverts. Bare facial area apparently reddish. Bill blackish, reddening toward end; legs and feet dusky- reddish ; claws blackish; iris red. Length 22.00-24.00; extent 38.00-40.00; wing 10.00- 11.00; tail 3.75-4.25-; bill 5.00-5.50 ; tibiee bare 2.50; tarsus 3.75; middle toe and claw 3.25; inner do., 2.50; vuter do., 2.90; hind do., 1.60. 9 similar, averaging smaller; length 21.50; extent 36.00, ete. In this beautiful species, the feathers sweep down on the forehead with regular convexity, nearly but not quite to the base of the culmen, thence retreating around back of the eye, which is wholly in bare skin, then runving forward to a point on the side of the lower mandible; retreating again, then running forward in a point on the middle line of the chin, further than on jaw or forehead; there being thus enclosed, on each side of the head, a broad naked space, widest forward, narrowing behind to embrace the eye ; and between the rami of the jaw another bare space, forked behind to receive the projecting feathers of the 650 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —HERODIONES — IBIDES. chin, and not quite separated from the bare loral space, because the feathers on the side of the jaw stop a little short of the hard base of the mandible. Young, first plumage (with traces of down still) : Remarkably lustrous. Plumage entirely green; legs black ; bill blackish, irreg- ularly blotched or regularly banded with pinkish-white. This green unicolor plumage, consti- tuting Ibis thalassinus of some, is retained till full growth, gradually giving way through a — yy Fig. 454. — European Spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia, 4 nat. size. (From Brehm.) brownish or grayish to the purple-chestnut and iridescent plumage. Chicks hatch clothed in blackish down, with whitish bill. Southwestern U. S., especially Texas; N. to Kansas ; W. through New Mexico and Arizona to California (to Oregon?), and far S. in tropical America. Swarming by thousands at some points along the Rio Grande. Nest in vast heronries with various herons, in the beds of reeds and rushes, rising in air by ‘ “hundreds of acres ” when a gun js fired. Nest strongly and compactly woven of dead reeds, affixed by twining to broken down 253. 651. 652. 254. 653. PLATALEIDZ: SPOONBILLS. 651 or upright living ones, about a foot in diameter and nearly as deep, well cupped, thus unlike the frail platforms herons build. Eggs 3-4, rarely 5, deep bluish-green, not elliptical, from 1.72 X 1.30 to 2.20 x 1.50, averaging 1.99 x 1.42. EUDO'CIMUS. (Gr. edSdxizos, well-tried, approved, famous.) Wars Ipis. ScaRLeT Ipis. General character of Plegadis. Face more denuded, with whole chin bare (in the adults). Claws stout, obtuse, curved. Plumage not metallic. Color white or red. Eggs spotted (in E. albus at least). E. al/bus. (Lat. albus, white.) Wits Isis. Spanish CurRLEW. Adult ¢9: Plumage pure white ; tips of several outer primaries glossy black. Bare face and most of bill, and legs orange, red, or carmine; bill tipped with dusky. Iris pearly blue. Length about 26.00 ; extent 40.00; wing 11.50-12.50; tail 5.00; bill 5.00-7.00; tarsus 3.50; middle toe and claw 2.50. Sexes alike; Q averaging smaller. Young: Dull brown, rump and under parts white; bare parts of head of less extent, yellowish, bill the same ; legs bluish ; iris brown. Younger: Dull brown ail over, with whitish rump and gray tail. S. Atlantic and Gulf States, N. to the Ohio, rarely to the Middle States, casually to New England; W. to Texas; resident in Florida. Breeds in communities by thousands in tangle and brake and tulé of the S. coast; nest similar to that above described, but of twigs, ete. Eggs 3, 2.25 1.60, dull chalky white, blotched and spotted with pale yellowish and dark reddish-brown. E, ruber. (Lat. ruber, red.) Scaruet Ipis. Adult ¢9: Plumage scarlet; tips of several outer primaries glossy black. Bare parts of head, bill, and legs pale lake red. Young brownish- gray, darker above, paler or whitish below. Size and proportions nearly as in the last. This splendid creature is a native of Tropical America: accidental in the U. 8. (Seen at a distance, not procured, Louisiana, July, 1821, Audubon; fragment of a specimen examined, Los Pinos, N. M., on the Rio Grande, June, 1864, Cowes ; ‘‘ Florida,” specimen in Museum of Charleston College, 8. C., Brewster.) 44, Family PLATALEIDA£: Spoonbills. Bill long, flat, remarkably widened, rounded, and spoon-shaped atthe end. Birds of this group are known at a glance, by the singularity of the bill; they closely resemble the foregoing in structure and habit, being simply spoon-billed Ibises. Two genera, with five or six species of various countries. The American genus differs notably from the type of Platalea, in having the trachea simple, bifurcating into the bronchi high in’ the neck; the bronchi with fusiform partly membranous dilatation before entering the thorax. In Platalea leucorodia (fig. 454) the trachea is peculiarly convoluted within the thorax. Aja/ja. (Vox barb., 8S. Am.) AMERICAN SPOONBILLS. Character as above said. In addi- tion: Head entirely bald, in‘the adult. Throat somewhat pouched. Nostrils basal, linear- oblong. Tibiz and tarsi reticulate with hexagonal plates. Toes semipalmate ; hind toe well down. Tail of 12 feathers. Bill broader than head at the greatest width of the spoon. A lateral groove the whole length of the upper mandible. A nail at end of bill; much of bill rugous and skinny. A recurved tuft of feathers on the foreneck below. Colors white and red. Sexes alike; young different. One species. A. ro/sea, (Lat. rosea, roseate.) RosEATE SPOONBILL. Adult g 9 : Ground color white ; back and wings delicate rose-color; under parts more rosy; plumes of the lower fore-neck, lesser wing-coverts, upper and under tail-coverts, rich carmine ; shafts of wing- and tail-feathers carmine. Tail brownish-yellow, and a patch of the same color on the sides of the breast; neck white. Bald head varied with green, yellow, orange, and black; bill varied with greenish, bluish, yellowish, and blackish tints. Legs lake red. Ivis carmine. Claws blackish. Length 31.00-35.00; extent 50.00-55.00; wing 15.00-16.00; tail 4.00-5.00; bill 7.00, 2 inches or more across the spoon; tibia bare 3.00; tarsus 4.00; middle toe and claw 3.50; hind do. 652 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODIONES — PELARGI. 2.00. similar, smaller; length 30.00 or less; extent 48.00. Young: Head mostly feath- ered, and general color grayish-white ; acquire white with rosy the second year; full plumage the third. Weight of adults 3 or 4 lbs. This bird, so singular in form and magnificent in color, inhabits the South Atlantic and Gulf States, and southward in Tropical America ; resi- dent in Florida; N. only to the Carolinas. Breeds in communities in trees and bushes of tangled swamps. Nest a platform of sticks like a heron’s ; eggs usually 3, laid in April, nearly elliptical, 2.60 x 1.90, white. 13. SuporpER PELARGI: THE Srork SERIEs. Skull holorhinal. Angle of mandible truncate. Ambiens muscle and accessory femoro- caudal absent; femoro-caudal present or absent; semitendinosus and its accessory present ; pectoralis major double; biceps cubiti and tensor patagii longus disconnected. Carotids double, normal. Two intestinal’ ceca. A tufted oil-gland. Plumage without powder-down; feath- ered tracts broad. Tarsi normally reticulate. Hallux not fairly insistent. Claws resting upon a horny ‘‘shoe.” Inner edge of middle claw not pectinate. Side of upper mandible ungrooved, without nasal fossa, the nostrils bored directly in its substance; bill very stout, compressed, tapering, straight or recurved or decurved. The Storks belong chiefly to the Old World, the warm and temperate portions of which they inhabit. There are about a dozen species, representing nearly as many genera of authors; among these Anastomus and Hiator are remarkable for a wide interval between the cutting edges of the bill, which only come into apposition at the base and tip. The singular African Scopus wmbretta, type of a family, is often placed among the Herons, but its pterylosis is that of Storks. 45. Family CICONIIDZ: Storks. Bill longer than head, very stout at base, not grooved, tapering to the straight, recurved or decurved tip. Nostrils pierced directly in the horny substance, without nasal scale or mem- brane, high up in the bill close to its base. Legs reticulate. Hallux not or not completely insistent. Claws not acute. The family falls in two American subfamilies, that of the Storks proper, and that of the so-called ‘‘ Wood Ibises.” Both are represented in N. America. 58. Subfamily TANTALINAE: Wood Ihbises. Bill long, extremely stout at base, where it is as broad as the face, gradually tapering to the de- curved tip, without nasal groove or membrane, the nostrils directly perforating its substance, high up at base of upper mandible. Toes lengthened, the middle not less than half as long as the tarsus, the outer longer than the inner; hind toe nearly insist- ent; claws less nail-like than in Ciconiine. One American genus and species, and one genus with 3 or 4 species of Africa, Southern Asia, and part of the East Indies. As these birds have been as- certained to be Storks, it is unfortunate that the name of ‘“Tbis,” tending to promote confusion, should be too firmly attached to them to leave any Fia. 455. — Wood Ibis, greatly reduced. (From 3 7 Tenney, after Audubon.) , hope of its being abolished from such connection. 255. 256. 654. CICONIID4i — CICONIINZ:: STORKS. 653 Just as we saw the American Spoonbill distinguished from Platalea of the Old World, so does the American Wood Ibis differ from Old World Tantalus to a marked degree in the structure of the windpipe; but this time it is our bird which has that organ simple, it being remarkably complicated in the other. In Zantalus ibis, typical of the genus, the trachea is several times folded and doubled upon itself in the thorax. In Tantalus loculator, the trachea is short, straight, and simple in its lower part, with numerous reduced and modified rings, and flattened from side to side, producing a ridge in front. It has been made type of a genus Tantalides, but that name being preoccupied, a new one seems to be required. TAN’TALOPS. (Gr. Tdvtados, Lat. Tantalus, a mythical character; dy, ops, aspect.) American Woop Stork or Woop ‘‘Inis.” Character as above. In addition: Whole head and part of the neck bare, rugous and scaly in the adult. Nasal fosse not continued beyond the nostrils. Anterior toes webbed at base. Tibia bare for half their length. Claws com- pressed, but obtuse. Head feathered in the young. Sexes alike. Color white and black. . T. locula‘tor. (Lat. locus, a place; loculus, a little place, but qu. loculator in its application to this bird? Fig. 455.) American Woop Stork. Woop Ipis. CoLorapo TURKEY. Adult ¢ 9 : Plumage white, the wing-quills, primary coverts, alula, and tail, glossy black. The bald head livid bluish and yellowish. Bill dingy yellowish. Legs blue, becoming blackish on the toes, the webs tinged with yellow. Iris dark brown. Length nearly 4 feet; extent 5.50 feet; wing 1.50; tail 0.50; bill 9 inches, 2 or more deep at base: tibie bare 6.00; tarsus 8.00; middle toe and claw 4.75. Weight 10 or 12 Ibs. 9 smaller than g. Young: Head downy-feathered; the plumage dark gray, with blackish wings and tail; plumage whitening and head becoming bald after the first month. South Atlantic and Gulf States, and across in corresponding latitudes to the Colorado River, where abundant. N. to the Carolinas; up the Mississippi to the Ohio; casually straying to Penn., N.Y¥., and even New England (?).1. W. I., Mex., C. and 8. Am. Resident in the 8. States; abundant; gregarious; frequents the most thickly wooded swamps and bayous, fairly swarming in its heronries; flight performed with alternate flapping and sailing; at times mounts high in air and performs the most beautiful evolutions, with motionless wings, like a turkey buzzard. Eggs 2-3, elliptical in contour, shell rough with flaky substance ; color white; size 2.75 X 1.75. 59. Subfamily GICONIINAE: True Storks. Bill as above described, but end not decurved (straight or recurved). Nostrils nearly lateral. Toes short, the middle less than half the tarsus. Lateral toes nearly equal. Hind toe uot insistent. Claws short, broad, obtuse, flattened like nails. Several Old World and two American genera, Dissoura (D. maguari) and Mycteria. MYCTE'RIA. (Gr. puxrnp, mukter, the snout; puxrnpite, mukterizo, I turn up the nose.) Japirus. Bill immensely large, recurved. Whole head and neck bare, except a hairy patch on the occiput. Tail not peculiar. (In Dissowra, bill moderate, straight, head mostly feathered, tail forked, and its under coverts stiffened and lengthened, resembling rectrices.) M. america/na. AMERICAN JABIRU. Adult: Plumage entirely white. Bill, legs, and feet, aud bare skin of head and neck, black, the neck with a broad bright red collar round the lower portion. Immature (transition plumage): Rump, upper tail-coverts and tail, white; rest of upper parts, including feathered portion of lower neck, soft light brownish-gray, irregularly mixed, except on lower neck, with white feathers of the adult livery; lower parts entirely white. Bill, etc., colored as in the adult. Wing 24.50-26.00; tail 9.50; culmen 9.75-12.30; depth of bill through base about 2.50; tarsus 11.25-11.50; middle toe 4.20-4.50. Tropical America, N. to Texas. 1 Mr, Allen informs me that the alleged New England case is doubtless erroneous (Bull. Nuttall Club, viii, July, 1883, p. 187). 654 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —HERODIONES — HERODII. 14. Susorp—ER HERODII: Tue Heron Suriss. Skull holorhinal. Angle of mandible truncate. Ambiens muscle, and accessory femoro- caudal, absent ; femoro-caudal, semitendinous and its accessory, present. Carotids double, sometimes abnormal (p. 198). One intestinal cecum. Tongue moderate. A tufted oil-gland. Plumage with 2-4 pairs of powder-down tracts; feathered tracts very narrow. Tarsi normally scutellate. Hallux long and perfectly insistent, with long claw. Inner edge of middle claw distinctly pectinate. Bill variable with the families, normally narrow and wedged, with long nasal fossee. The extraordinary Baleniceps rex, the Shoe-bill or Whale-head, of Africa, with an enormous head and bill, thick neck, and one pair of powder-down tracts, is the type of a family Balenicipitide, which may belong here; but it approaches the Storks, and its peculiarities are so great that it may constitute a separate superfamily group. The Boat-billed Heron (Cancroma cochlearia) of Central America, with a singular shape of bill that has suggested the name, and four pairs of powder-down tracts, constitutes one family of Herodii (Camcromide). The dis- puted cases of Ewrypyga and Scopus have already been mentioned. These and some other doubtful forms aside, the Heron series is represented by the single 46. Family ARDEIDZ: Herons. It is in this family, as in Cancromide, that powder-down tracts reach their highest devel- opment; aid although these peculiar feathers occur in some other birds, there appears to be then only a single pair; so that the presence of two or three pairs is probably diagnostic of this family. In the genus Ardea and its immediate allies (Ardeime) there are three pairs, the normal number; one on the lower back over the hips, one on the lower belly under the hips, and one on the breast, along the track of the fureula. In the Bitterns (Botawrine) the second of these is wanting. (In the Boat-billed Heron, Cancroma cochlearia, there is still another pair, over the shoulder-blades.) There are other pterylographic characters; in gen- eral, the tracks are extremely narrow, often only two feathers wide; there are lateral neck tracks ; the lower neck is frequently bare behind. More obvious characters are, the complete feathering of the head (as compared with Storks, ete.) except definite nakedness of the lores alone —the bill appearing to run directly into the eyes; a general looseness of the plumage (as compared with Limicole), and especially the frequent development of remarkably length- ened, or otherwise modified, feathers, constituting the beautiful crests and dorsal plumes that ornament many species, but which, as a rule, are worn only during the breeding season. These features will suffice to determine the Ardeide, taken in connection with the more general ones indicated under head of Herodiones, and the following details : — Bill longer than head, usually about as long as tarsus, straight, or very nearly so, more or less compressed, acute, cultrate (with sharp cutting edges); upper mandible with a long groove. Nostrils more or less linear, pervious. Head narrow and elongate, sloping down to the bill, its sides flattened. Lores naked; rest of head feathered, the frontal feathers extending in a rounded outline on the base of the culmen, generally to the nostrils. Wings broad and ample; the inner quills usually as long as the primaries, folding over them when the wing is closed. Tail very short, of twelve (usually) or ten (in Zebrilus and Botaurine) soft broad feathers. Tibie naked below (except Zebrillus), sometimes for a great distance. Tarsi scutellate in front (except Tigrisoma), and sometimes behind, generally reticulate there and on the sides. Toes long and slender; the outer usually connected with the middle by a basal web, the hinder very long (for wading birds), inserted on the level of the rest. Hind claw larger and more curved than the middle one (always?) ; the middle claw pectinate. The group thus defined offers little variation in form; all the numerous genera now ARDEIDZA: HERONS. 655 in vogue have been successively detached from Ardea, the typical one, with which many of them should be reunited. The ‘‘ Night Herons” (Nyctiardea and Nycterodius) differ some-~ Fria. 456. — Herons, idealized from Ardea cinerea. tFrom Michelet.) what in shortness and especially stoutness of bill; while the Bitterns (Botawrus and Ardetta), the South American genera Tigrisoma, Zebrilus, and a few others, are still better marked. 656 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODIONES -— HERODII. There are about seventy-five species, very generally distributed over the globe, but especially abounding in the torrid and temperate zones. Those that penetrate to cold countries in summer are regular migrants; the others are generally stationary. They are maritime, lacustrine and paludicole birds, drawing their chief sustenance from animal substances taken from the water, or from soft ground in its vicinity; such as fish, reptiles, testaceans, and insects, captured by a quick thrust of the spear-like bill, given as the bird stands in wait or wades stealthily along. In conformity with this, the gullet is capacious, but without special dilatation, the stomach is small and little muscular, the intestines are long and ex- tremely slender, with a large globular cloaca and a cecum. Herons are altricial, and generally nest in trees or bushes (where their insessorial feet enable them to perch with ease), in swampy or other places near the water, often in large communities, building a large flat rude structure of sticks. The eggs vary in number, coincidently, to some extent, with the size of the species; the larger herons generally lay two or three, the smaller kinds five or six; the eggs are somewhat elliptical in shape, and usually of an unvariegated bluish or greenish shade. The voice is a rough croak. The sexes are nearly always alike in color (remark- able exception in Ardetta); but the species in which, as in the Bittern, the plumage is nearly unchangeable, are very few. Indeed, probably no birds show greater changes of plumage, with age and season, than nearly all the herons. Their beautiful plumes are only worn during the breeding season; the young invariably lack them. There are still more remark- able differences of plumage in many cases, constituting dichromatism, or permanent normal difference in color, like that of the “red” and ‘ gray” specimens of Scops Owl. Thus, some species are pure white at all ages and seasons, in both sexes, other individuals of the same species being variously colored. Such dichromatism appears in our Ardea occidentalis, Di- chromanassa rufa, and Florida cerulea. Tt was formerly believed in the cases of the two latter, that the white were the young, the colored the adults; but it now appears that the difference is permanent, and independent of age, sex, or season. Many species are pure white at all times, and to these the name of ‘‘egret” more particularly belongs; but I should correct a prevalent impression that an egret is anything particularly different from other herons. The name, a corruption of the French word ‘‘aigrette,” simply refers to the plumes that ornament most of the herons, white or otherwise, and has no classificatory meaning ; its application, in any given instance, is purely conventional. The colors of the bill, lores, and feet are extremely variable, not only with age or season, but as individual peculiarities ; some- times the two legs of the same specimen are not colored exactly alike. The 9 is commonly smaller than the g. The normal individual variability in stature and relative length of parts is very great; and it has even been uoted that a specimen may have one leg larger than the other, and the toes of one foot longer than those of the other —a circumstance perhaps result - ing from the common habit of these birds of standing for a long time on one leg. The North American Ardeida, if not the whole family, are divisible into the two subfamilies of Ardeine, or Herons proper, and Botaurine, or Bitterns. Analysis of Subfamilies, Genera, and Subgenera, BoravuRInz&. Tail-feathers 10. Two pairs of powder-down tracts. (Bitterns.) Very small; length about a foot Sexes unlike - i Ais be soso a 6 + . Ardetia 267 Medium sized; length about 2 feet. Sexes alike e 2 see te ew we se) 6Botaurus 266 ARDEIN#. Tail-feathers12 ‘Three pairs of powder-down tracts. (Herons.) Bill stout and comparatively short, not longer than very short tarsus, which is not perfectly scutel- late in front. (Night Herons.) Gonys convex, like the culmen; tarsus longer than middle toe and claw + « « . Nycterodius 265 Gonys about straight; tarsus about equal to middle toe andclaw . . . . a Nyctiardea 264 Bill ordinary. Tarsus scutellate in front Length under 20 inches. Tarsus about equal to middle toe and claw. Green . . . . Butorides 263 Length over 20 inches, under 30. Blue, white, or variegated. Blue or white. Adult without decomposed feathers onback. . ..... . . Florida 262 257. 655. ARDEIDA) — ARDEINA:: HERONS. 657 Always white, Adult with decomposed recurved feathersonback ... . . . Garzetta 259 Ashy-blue, white below. Bill longer than tarsus note - +. » + « Aydranassa 260 Length 30, not 36 inches. Blueor white. Tarsus twice as long as middle toe, Bill shorter than tarsus aap ar 2h. a ee ye ae Aen oleh sion a . Dichromanassa 261 Length 36 or more. Entirely white; nocrest ; long decomposed feathers on back . . Herodias 258 Length 42 or more; of dark varied colors, or white ; crested, without dorsal plumes . . Ardea 257 60. Subfamily ARDEINA: True Herons. Tail-feathers 12 (in all N. Am. genera), broad and stiff- ish. Powder-down tracts 3 pairs. Tibiee naked. below. Outer toe not shorter than in- ner. Claws moderate, curved. (Embracing most of the spe- cies of the family, and all our species excepting the Bit- terns.) ARDEA. (Lat. ardea, a heron.) Great Herons. Of largest size. Neck and legs very long, former well feath- ered all around. Tibie exten- sively denuded below. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw. Outer lateral toe longer than inner. Bill shorter than tarsus, equal to or longer than middle toe and claw. Colors dark and varied, exceptionally white; back. without length- ened loosened plumes; scapu- lars lanceolate, lengthened, but not loosened; lower fore-neck with lengthened feathers; head crested, in breeding season with two long, slender, flowing, oc- cipital plumes. Sexes alike; young similar, but lacking all lengthened feathers. Dichro- matic. (Genera 258-263 should be reduced to subgenera of Fic. 457. Great Blue Heron, greatly reduced. (From Tenney, after Ardea.) Audubon. Analysis of Species, Tibiz and edge of wing white; occiput and plumes black. (Europe.) .... . ai 3% cinerea 657 Tibiz and edge of wing rufous; or whole plumage white. Occiput and plumes black; whole plumage varied. BiJ16 or less; tarsus8orless . . . . herodias 655 Occiput and plumes white; or, whole plumage white. ‘ Bill 6 or more; tarsus8 or more occidentalis 656 A. hero/dias. (Lat. herodias, a proper name ; Gr. ¢pwdzas, erodias, a heron. Fig. 457.) GREAT Buus Heron. Of large size, and varied dark colors; not dichromatic. Back without peculiar plumes at any season, but scapulars lengthened and lanceolate; an occipital crest, two de- 42 656. 657. 258. 658. 658 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODIONES — HERODII. ciduous feathers of which in the breeding season are long and filamentous; long loose feathers on the lower neck. Length 42.00-50.00; extent about 70.00; wing 18.00-20.00; tail 7.00- 8.00 ; bill 4.50-6.25, usually between 5.00 and 6.00; tibie bare 3.00-4.00; tarsus 6.00-8.00, usually 6.50-7.00; middle toe and claw about 5.00. 9 average smaller than f. Weight 6 or 8 lbs. Adult ¢ 9, in breeding dress: Bill yellow, more or less blackened on culmen; lores blue; iris chrome-yellow ; legs and feet blackish, the soles yellowish. Tibia and edge of wing chestnut-brown. Forehead and middle of crown white; sides of crown and occipital crest black. Neck pale purplish-gray, with a mixed white, black, and rusty throat-line, yielding to white on chin and cheeks. Plumes of lower neck, the breast, and belly, black, more or less interrupted with white streaks.on the middle line; crissum white. Upper parts in general slaty-blue; tail the same; long scapular feathers more pearly-gray ; wing-quills deepening from this color to the black primaries. Young: Without any long feathers. Crown and front without white; whole top of head blackish. Tibie and edge of wing paler rufous, or whitish. General color of upper parts paler and more grayish-blue, more or less tinged with rusty. Black of under parts replaced by ashy. Upper mandible mostly blackish; lores and most of lower mandible greenish, rest of the latter and the eyes, yellow; tibiae greenish. There are endless variations in plumage and colors of the soft parts, but this great species cannot be mistaken, being only closely related to the colored phase of the next. N. Am. at large, and much of C. and S. Am., N. to Labrador, Hudson’s Bay, and Sitka in Alaska; northerly migra- tory; elsewhere resident. Breeds in suitable places throughout its range, sometimes singly, oftener in great heronries to which the birds resort year after year, shared usually with other species of its tribe. Nest usually in trees or bushes, in the West sometimes on cliffs; eggs 3-6, oftener 3-4, pale dull greenish-blue, ellipsoidal, about 2.50-1.50. A. occidentalis. (Lat. occidentalis, western.) Fiortpa Heron. GREAT WHITE HERON. WtrpEmann’s Hrron. Similar to the last; larger; dichromatic. Length 54.00; extent 83.00; wing 19.00-21.00; tail 8.00; bill 6.50; tarsus 8.00-8.50; tibize bare 5.50. oe, adult, colored phase (wurdemanni Bd.): Head, with the crest, white, the forehead streaked with black edges of the feathers. Under parts white, the sides streaked with black ; lower plumes of neck white, mostly streaked with black edges of the feathers. Neck purplish-gray, darker than in A. herodias, with a similar throat-line of white, black, and rufous. Under wing-coverts streaked with white; rufous of edge of wing less extensive than in A. herodias, that of the tibie paler. Tibize and soles of feet yellow ; tarsi and top of toes yellowish-green. Young ;. Like young herodias ; top of head dusky, the feathers with whitish shaft-lines and bases. Lesser wing-coverts speckled with rusty, the under ones with white. Adult g 9 in white phase (occidentalis Aud.): Color entirely pure white; bill and eyes yellow; culmen greenish at base; lores bluish; legs yellow, greenish in front. Southern Florida; Cuba; Jamaica; ‘‘S. Ilinois and Indiana.” Eggs 3, 2.75 X 1.67. Oss. — A. wardi is described as indistinguishable in its white phase from the last; in its colored phase exactly like the last, but head colored as in herodias ; bill 6.50-7.00; tarsus 8.50-9.00. Florida. (Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, Jan. 1882, p. 5.) A, cine'rea. (Lat. cinerea, ashy. Fig. 456.) EuroprAN Brus Heron. Character similar to that of A. herodias ; easily distinguished by the white (not chestnut) tibiz and border of wings, and ashy neck. Europe; only N. American as a straggler to Greenland. HERO'DIAS. (Lat. herodias ; see above, No. 655. Fig. 458.) Great Earer Herons. Character of Ardea proper, excepting in plumage; color white; no crest; a long depending train of stiff-shafted loose-webbed scapular feathers in the breeding season. Size large, only exceeded by the species of Ardea. (See fig. of the European species, H. alba.) H. egret‘ta. (O. H. G. hiegro, a heron; Fr. aigrette, a plume; Engl. egret.) Great Wuire Earet. Waite Heron. No obviously lengthened feathers on the head at any time; in the breeding season, back with a magnificent train of very long plumes of decomposed, fas- Po". ARDEIDA — ARDEINZ:: HERONS. 659 tigiate feathers drooping far beyond the tail; neck closely feathered. Plumage entirely white at allseasons. Bill, lores, and eyes, yellow; legs and feet black. Length 36.00-42.00 (not in- cluding the dorsal train, which is a foot or more longer) ; extent 55.00; wing 16.00-17.00 ; tail 5.50-6.50; bill 4.50-5.00; tarsus about 6.00; tibie bare 3.50. averaging smaller than ¢. U. 8. southerly, and much of W. IL, C. and S. Am. ; straggling northward to Nova Scotia, Fic, 458. — European Great White Egret, Herodias alba, } nat. size. (From Brehm.) Breeds like other herons; eggs 3-4, Canada, Minnesota, ete.; resident in the south. 2.20-1.55. GARZETY’TA, (Ital. name of a heron. preceding, but size small ; length about 2 feet. recurved train of stiff-shafted loose-webbed feathers in the bre lengthened, depending. (See fig. of the European species, G. nivea.) Fig. 459.) Smart Ecrer Hzrons. Form of the Color white; an occipital crest, and short eding season ; lower neck-feathers 659. 260. 660 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODIONES — HERODII. G. candidis/sima. (Lat. candidissima, very white; candida, white.) LirTLE WHITE Ea@rer. Snowy Heron. Adults with a long occipital erest of decomposed feathers, and similar dorsal plumes, latter recurved when perfect; similar, but not recurved plumes on the lower neck, which is bare behind. Lores, eyes, and toes yellow; bill and legs black, former yellow at base, latter yellow at the lower part behind. Plumage always entirely white. Length about 24.00; extent 36.00-40.00; wing 9.50-11.00; tail 4.00; bill 3.00 or more; YF i} Wy jt | 7 a Hh if Fig. 459. — European Little White Egret, Garzetta nivea, } nat. size, (From Brehm.) tibies bare 2.50; tarsus 3.75; middle toe 2.75. S. States; Cala.; Middle States, in summer ; N. occasionally to New England, Canada, and Nova Seotia. Abundant in its regular range ; resident in the South and beyond ; breeds throughout. Eggs about 4, 1.67 x 1.25. HYDRANASSSA. (Gr. Sep, hudor, water, giving in Lat. hydr-; dvacoa, anassa, a queen.) DEMOISELLE Eorets. Of medium size: length under two and a half or three feet. Bill very slender, contracted from the base toward the middle, with almost a little concave upper and under outline, then tapering to a point; in length equalling or exceeding the tarsus. . 660. 261. 661. 262. 662. ARDEIDAi — ARDEINZ!: HERONS. 661 Toes comparatively short, the middle little more than half the tarsus. Adult with feathers of the head and neck lengthened, lanceolate, with well-defined edges; an occipital crest of several long plumes, and splendid dorsal train of decomposed, fringe-like feathers depending beyond the tail. Dichromatism not known. H. tri/color. (Lat. tricolor, three-culored.) Lourstana Earer. ‘‘Uapy oF THE WATERS.” Adult: Slaty-blue on the back and wings, mostly white below and along the throat-line ; crest and most of the neck reddish-purple, mixed below with slaty; the longer narrow feathers of the crest white ; lower back and rump white, but concealed by the dull purplish-brown feath- ers of the train, which whiten towards the end. Bill black and yellow; lores yellow; legs yellowish-green, dusky in front. Iris red. Young variously different, but never white; lacking the long occipital plumes and dorsal train; neck and back bright brownish-red ; trump, throat-line and under parts white; quills and tail pale purplish-blue; legs dusky- greenish. Length 24.00-27.00 (exclusive of the long train) ; extent 37.00-39.00 ; wing 10.00- 11.00; tail 3.50; bill 4. 00-5. 00; tibiee bare 2.25; tarsus 4.00; middle toe and ae 3.00. 8. Atlantic and Gulf States, chiefly maritime, very rarely N. to tha Middle districts; 8. in tropical Am. Resident along our southern coasts. Breeds in communities like other herons. Nest and eggs scarcely distinguishable from those uf the snowy heron; eggs rather less elliptical, usually 4 in number, averaging 1.78 x 1.30. DICHROMANAS/SA. § (Gr. dis dis, twice; ypapa, chroma, color; and dvacoa; alluding to the dichromatism of D. rufa.) Dicurorc Earets. Of medium size; length about two and a half feet. Bill slender, much as in the last, but shorter than the very long tarsus, which is about twice as long as the middle toe and claw. Toes extremely short (for this family). Feathers of head and neck elongate, lance-linear and stiffish, distinct; the longest forming occipital and jugular tufts. A dorsal train of long decomposed fastigiate feathers, with stiff- ened shafts. Dichromatic; pure white or colored; in latter state, without the white throat- line of most herons. D. ru’fa, (Lat. rufa, reddish.) Reppish Ecret. PEALE’s Earet. In the colored phase: Adult grayish-blue, rather paler below; no white throat-line; head and neck lilac-brown; ends of the train yellowish. Bill black ou the terminal third, the rest flesh-colored, like the lores ; iris white ; legs blue, the scales of the tarsus blackish. In the white phase: Plum- age entirely pure white. Bill, lores, and eyes as before; legs dark greenish, the soles yellowish ; in which state the bird is ‘“ Peale’s Egret,” long held for a distinct species, then long decided to be the young. Length 28.00-31.00; extent about 46.00; wing 19.50-14.30; tail 4.50; bill 4.00; tibize bare 4.00; tarsus 5.50-6.00; middle toe and claw 3.00. Gulf States strictly; maritime; resident, abundant. Nests in communities, with other species, upon low bushes, sometimes un the ground; eggs 3-4, of usual shape and color, from 1.90 X 1.48 to 2.12 & 1.55, averaging 2.00 x 1.50. FLO/RIDA. (Named for the State.) BLurz anp Wuire Herons. Of small size; length about 2 feet. Bill slender, very acute; culmen gently curved front near base; under outline straight or slightly concave; about as long as tarsus. Head of adult with lengthened de- composed feathers; those of lower neck, and the scapulars, lengthened and linear-lanceolate, but compact-webbed; no dorsal train of fringed feathers. Neck bare behind below. Di- chromatic ; color blue or white, or both. F. coru'lea. (Lat. cerulea, blue.) Lirrte Buz Heron. Lirrte Warre Heron (not to be confused with Little White Egret). In the colored phase: Slaty-blue, or dark grayish- blue, becoming purplish-red or maroon-colored on the neck and head. Bill and loral space blue, shading to black toward the end; legs and feet black; eyes yellow. Length about 24.00; extent 40.00~-42.00; wing about 11.50; tail 4.25; bill 3.00-3.40; tarsus about the same, rather more; tibie bare 2.00. In one phase, entirely white; but generally showing traces of blue. Pure white birds require a second glance to distinguish them from immature 263. 663. 264. 664, 662 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —HERODIONES — HERODII. Garzetta candidissima, as they are of the same size, and not strikingly different in form; notice lores and basal half of bill greenish-blue, the rest blackish; most of lower mandible yellowish ; legs greenish-blue, with yellow traces, or bluish-black; the snowy heron has no bluishness about the soft parts. §. Atlantic and Gulf States, resident, abundant; N. in summer often to the Middle States, casually to New England. Nesting as usual; eggs 3-4, 1.75 X 1.25, of usual shape and color. BUTORI/DES. (Lat. butor, a bittern; Gr. «ides, eidos, resemblance.) GREEN HERONS. Size small; length one and a half feet. Bill moderate, longer than tarsus, with gently convex culmen and gonys. Legs short; tibiz little denuded; tarsus scarcely or not longer than middle toe and claw. An occipital crest of lengthened, lanceolate, not decomposed, feathers ; neck-feathers long but blended, those below depending in a tuft, those on sides hiding an extensive bare space behind. In the breeding season, feathers of back lengthened, lance- linear, but compact-webbed, and not forming a train. Upper parts glossy green. B. vires/cens. (Lat. virescens, growing green.) GREEN Heron. Adult in the breeding season with the crown, long soft occipital crest, and lengthened narrow feathers of the back lustrous dark green, sometimes with a bronzy iridescence; the dorsal plumes in high plumage with a glaucous bluish cast. Wing-coverts green, with conspicuous tawny edgings; neck rich dark purplish-chestnut, the throat-line variegated with dusky and white. Under parts mostly dark brownish-ash ; belly variegated with white. Quills and tail greenish-dusky with a glaucous shade; edge of the wing white; some of the quills usually white-tipped. ‘Bill greenish-black, much of the under mandible yellow; lores and iris yellow; legs greenish-yellow; lower neck with lengthened feathers in front, a bare space behind. Young: Head less crested; back with- out long narrow plumes, but glossy-greenish ; neck merely reddish-brown ; whole under parts white, variegated with tawny and dark brown. Length 16.00-18.00; extent about 25.00; wing 6.50-7.50; bill 2.50; tarsus 2.00; middle toe and claw about the same; tibiee bare 1.00 or less. U.98., and a little beyond, abundant in summer; resident in the South, and beyond. This is a very pretty and engaging little heron, in spite of the ridiculous nickname by which it is so well known to the great unwashed democracy of America. Breeds anywhere in its range, sometimes in communities with larger species, often by itself in pairs. Nest a rude platform of twigs, on tree or bush ; eggs 3-6, elliptical, 1.37 1.12, pale greenish. ‘NYCTIAR'DEA. (Gr. vvé, gen. vucrds, nux, nuktos, night: Lat. ardea, a heron. Fig. 460.) Nieut Herons. Of medium size; length about 2 feet. Bill very stout for this family; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw, of approximately equal lengths. Tarsus reticulate in front below. Tibie briefly naked below. Neck short, corresponding to the short legs; body stout. No peculiar plumes, excepting two or three extremely long filamentous feathers springing from the hind head, generally imbricated in one bundle. Sexes alike; young 7 = : very different. A better genus than any of the EE TYPING an foregoing, as distinguished from Ardea, but very Fic. 460.—Night Heron. (from Lewis.) near the next, which might be combined with it. N. gri/sea ne’via. BLACK-cROWNED NicHT Heron. QuA-Birp. Squawxk. Adult ¢ Q: Crown, scapulars and interscapulars very dark glossy green; other upper parts, wiugs and tail, pale bluish-gray with a lilac or lavender tinge, most decided on the neck. Fore- head and throat-line white, shading into the lilaceous of the neck; under parts whitish, tinged with lilac. The long occipital plumes white. Eyes red; lores greenish; bill black ; legs yellow; claws brown. Length 23.00-26.00; extent about 44.00; wing 12.00-14.00; tail 5.00; bill, tarsus, middle toe with claw, each 3.00 or a little more; tibia bare about an 265. ARDEIDA: BOTAURINZ: BITTERNS. 663 inch. Young very different; grayish-brown above, the feathers with paler edges, and con- spicuously spotted with whitish; the lower parts paler or dull whitish, streaky with darker; green of head replaced by chocolate-brown ; quills chocolate-brown, white-tipped; no occip- ital plumes. U. S. and British Provinces, common; migratory; resident in the south. Breeds in heronries, sometimes of vast extent, resorted to year after year. Nest large and frail; eggs 3-4, of usual shape, very pale sea-green color, averaging 2.00 1.50. Our species is only a variety of the European N. grisea, whence the trinomial name; “‘nevia” is only applicable to the young in the spotted stage. NYCTERO'DIUS. (Gr. wi, nux, night; épwdids, erodios, a heron.) THICK-BILL NigHT HER- ons. Of medium size; length about 2 feet. Bill extremely stout for this family ; culmen curved throughout; gonys convex, ascending ; commissure and lateral outlines of bill straight; bill much shorter than tarsus. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw, reticulate excepting above in front. Feathers of occiput lengthened, the longest of great extent, and linear, forming a hanging crest ; feathers of back lengthened and lanceolate, the longest loose-webbed, extending beyond the tail. Sexes alike; colors variegated ; young very different. N. viola/ceus. (Lat. violaceus, violet-colored: straining a point.) YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT Heron. Adult ¢ 9: General color grayish-plumbeous, or light grayish-blue, darker on the back, where the feathers have black centres and pale edges, and rather paler below. Head and upper neck behind black, with a cheek-pateh, the crown, and most of the crest, white, more or less tinged with tawny. Quills and tail dusky plumbeous. Bill black; eyes orange; lores greenish; feet black and yellow. Length about 24.00; extent 44.00; wing 12.00; tail 5.00; pill searcely 3.00, over 0.50 deep at base; tibize bare 2.00; tarsus 4.00; middle toe and claw 2.75. Young: Above, grayish-brown, with an olive shade, streaked and spotted with brown- ish-yellow ; below, streaked with brown and whitish ; sides of head and neck yellowish-brown, streaked with darker; top of head and neck above behind blackish, variegated with white. ' Bill blackish, with much of the lower mandible, and the lores, greenish-yellow; legs the same, obscured on front of tarsus; iris yellow. S. Atlantic and Gulf States, and southward, occa- sionally N. to the Middle States; not abundant, and chiefly confined to the coast. Resident in Florida. Nest as usual in trees and bushes, in communities ; eggs 3, pale greenish-blue ; 2.00 x 1.45. 61. Subfamily BOTAURINA:: Bitterns. Tail-feathers 10, broad and very soft. Powder-down tracts 2 pairs. Outer toe shorter than the inner. Claws long and little curved. The Bitterns form a well-marked section of Fig. 461.— Bill of Bittern, nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) the family, if not one of subfamily value. They are retiring and solitary birds of the marsh, not gregarious, not nesting in communities on trees, but by separate pairs, and on the ground ; and the eggs have not the characteristic color of those of true Herons. 266. 267. 667. 664 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — HERODIONES— HERODII. BOTAURUS. (Late Lat. botawrus, a bittern; said to be not equal to bos-tawrus; froin the hollow guttural cry?) Brrrerys. Of medium size; length about 24 feet. Bill mod- erately longer than head, shorter than tarsus, which is shorter than middle toe and claw. Tarsus broadly scutellate in front. No crests or peculiar dorsal plumes; neck-feathers long and loose; plumage blended, spotty and streaky. Neck in part bare behind. Sexes and young alike. B. mugi'tans. (Lat. mugitans, bellowing. Figs. 461, 462.) Ammrican BirTeRN. INDIAN Hen. STAKE-DRIVER. BoG-BULL. Plumage of the upper parts singularly freckled with brown of various shades, blackish, tawny, and whitish ; neck and under parts ochrey or tawny-white, each feather marked with a brown dark-edged stripe, the throat-line white, with brown streaks. A velvety-black patch on cach side of the neck above. Crown dull brown, with buff superciliary stripe. Tail brown. Quills greenish-black, with a glau- cous shade, brown-tipped. Ivis yel- low. Bill on the ridge brownish- black, the rest pale yellowish; a dark brown loral stripe. Legs dull yellowish-green ; claws brown. Length from 23.00 to 34.00! extent 32.00-45.00 ! wing 9.50-13.00; bill about 3.00; tarsus about 3.50; middle toe without claw about the same; its claw above an inch long. Q smaller than ¢ ; but few birds differ so much in size as this species, indepen- dently of sex. Entire temperate N. Am., N. to 58° or 60°, S. to C. Am. ; accidental in Europe. Regularly migratory; resident in the South. The bittern is a bird of very marked character. It inhabits bog and brake, singly or in pairs; has a hoarse gurgling outery of alarm, and a note sounding like the strokes of a mallet on a stake. Nests on the ground ; eggs 3-5, brown- ish-drab with a gray (not green) shade, 1.90 to 2.00 long by about 1.50. ARDET'TA. (Ital. diminutive of Ardea.) Dwarr BitTerns. Very small, least of the whole family ; length about a foot. In form very nearly as in Botaurus. Bill slender. Tarsus about equal to middle toe and claw. No peculiar feathers ; those of lower neck long and loose ; head slightly crested. Colors of back in large areas. Sexes dissimilar; young similar. There are several species of these queer little herons, of America and the Old World ; they mostly inhabit reedy swamps, and somewhat approach rails. A. exi'lis. (Lat. eaxilis, for exigilis, exiguous, slight, small.) Least Birrern. Adult ¢ with the slightly crested crown, back, and tail, glossy greenish-black. Neck behind, most, of the wing-coverts, and outer edges of inner quills, rich chestnut; other wing-coverts brownish- yellow. Frout aud sides of neck, and under parts, brownish-yellow, varied with white along the throat-line, the sides of the breast with a blackish-brown patch. Bill mostly pale yellow, the culmen blackish ; lores light green; eyes and toes yellow; legs green, the hinder scales yellow. @ with the black of the back entirely, that of the crown mostly or wholly, replaced by rich purplish-chestnut; the edges of the scapulars forming a.brownish-white stripe on either side. Length 11.00-14.00 ; extent somewhere about 18.00; wing 4.00-5.00 ; tail, bill, tarsus, middle toe and claw, each, 2.00 or less. U.S. and Brit. Provinces, common; migratory ; resident in the South ; breeds throughout its range. Found also in W. I. and C. Am. Inhabits reedy swamps and marshes, such as rails frequent; nest on ground or iu bush or reed patch, Fie. 462. —- American Bittern. (From Tenney, after Audubon.) ALECTORIDES: CRANES, RAILS, AND THEIR ALLIES. 665 a mere platform of dead rushes. Eggs 3-5, elliptical, about 1.92 x 1.22, white, with faintest tinge of bluish. IX. Order ALECTORIDES: Cranes, Rails, and their Allies. A portion of these birds, representing the Crane type, have a general resemblance to the foregoing, but are readily distinguished by the technical characters given beyond under the head of Gruide, and in essential respects accord with the rest, representing the Rail type. The latter are birds of medium and small size, with compressed body, and the head feathered. The neck and legs are not particularly lengthened, but as a rule the toes are remarkably long, enabling the birds to run lightly over the soft oozy ground and floating vegetation of the reedy swamps and marshes they inhabit. This length of the toes has given a name, Macrodactyli, to the group; their shy retiring habit of skulking among the rushes has caused them to be sometimes called Latitores (skulkers). Their nature is preecocial; the eggs are numerous, usually laid on the ground, in a rude nest. The nourishment is essentially the same as that of the Limicole, but it is simply picked up from the surface, not felt for in the mud, nor stamped out of the ground. The hallux is usually lengthened, and but little elevated, but may be short and well up, or even absent. The feet are conspicuously lobate in some forms, but never extensively palmate ; the phalanges of the front toes diminish in length from first to penultimate. The lower part of the erus is bare of feathers. The wings are usually short, rounded, and concave, the tail is very short, few-feathered, often held cocked up, and wagged in time with a bobbing motion of the head that occurs with each step taken. The Alectorides are schizognathous in palatal structure. The nasal bones are schizorhinal in the Crane type, holorhinal in that of the Radls. The angle of the mandible is truncate. The maxillo-palatines are not spongy, but thin and laininate. There are normally no basipterygoid processes. The sternum is typically long and narrow, and may be entire, or deeply notched; it is sometimes excavated to receive folds of the windpipe. There are two carotids ; and two intestinal coeca are present. While the general pterylosis is not peculiar, the Alectorides nor- mally lack the powder-down tracts so characteristic of Herons and their allies. As to the classificatory muscles of the thigh, all five are present nearly throughout the order; exception- ally the femoro-caudal or its accessory is wanting. These normally preecocial and ptilopeedic (with whatever exceptions) birds are more sharpl+ distinguished from the perfectly altricial Herodiones than they are from the completely precocial and ptilopedic Limicole ; with which latter, in fact, the Alectorides are directly connected through the Bustards (Otidide) and the Thick-knees (dicnemide) — the line between the two orders being probably to be drawn between these two families. This country affords typical representatives of the two leading forms of the order, that of the Cranes, to which Aramus belongs, and of the Rails, Coots, and Gallinules, as given beyond. There are, however, a number of remarkable outliers that may be briefly mentioned, as fol- lows: The large and important Old World family of the Bustards, Otidide, has already been mentioned as the connecting link between Alectorides and Limicole. The Kagu, Rhinochetus jubatus of New Caledonia, and the Carle, Hurypyga helias of Guiana, each the type and single representative of a family, are near the Cranes in principal osteological characters, although pterylographically they are more like Herons, both possessing powder-down tracts; and Hury- pyga, in particular, resembles Herons in other respects. More closely allied to the Cranes are the Trumpeters, Psophiide, of one genus and few species of Scuth America; with the Cariamas, Cariamide, of the same country, represented only by the Cariama cristata and the Chunga burmeistert. The Horned Screamers, Palamedetde, of South America, consisting of three species, Palamedea cornuta, Chauna chavaria, and C. derbiana, seem to be nearer the Rails, and also to closely approach some water birds ; one of them is by some considered the nearest living 268. 668. 666 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —ALECTORIDES —GRUIFORMES. ally of the mesozoic Archeopteryx ; they should probably constitute an order apart. Some gigantic extinct birds belong in the neighborhood of the rails and coots. Apparently rail-like, but probably more truly plover-like birds are the Jacands, Parride, noted for the length of the toes, and especially of the claws; they have a sharp spur on the wing. There are less than 12 species, usually referred tv several genera, of various parts of the world; ove of them lately ascertained to occur in our country. Finally, the Sun-birds, Heliornithide, are a small but remarkable family of one or twu genera and about four species of tropical America, Africa, and southern Asia. They have been classed, on account of their lobate feet and a certain general resemblance, with the grebes; but the feet are like those of coots, and their whole structure shows that they belong with the ralliform birds. Waiving consideration of certain disputed forms, the Alectorides may be ranged in two series, suborders, or superfamilies, according as they are crane-like or rail-like. 15. SuBorpER GRUIFORMES: Cranes AND THEIR ALLIES. Represented in N. Am. by two families, Grade and Aramide. 47. Family GRUIDZ: Cranes. As already explained, Cranes are related to Rails in essential points of structure, though more resembling Herons in their general aspect. They are all large birds, some being of im- mense stature ; the legs and neck are extremely long (the latter with about 17 vertebra) ; the wings ample, but incised along posterior border, from shortness of the outer secondaries ; the tail short, usually of 12 broad feathers. The head is generally, in part, naked and papillose or wattled in the adult, with a growth of hair-like feathers, or, in some cases, an upright tuft of curiously bushy plumes. The general plumage is compact, in striking contrast to that of Herons ; but the inner wing-quills, in most cases, are enlarged and flowing. In some species, the sternum is enlarged and hollowed to receive a fold of the windpipe, as in Swans, and some of the Storks and Ibises (p. 202). Bill equalling or exceeding the head in length, straight, rather slender but strong, compressed, contracted opposite the nostrils, obtusely pointed ; nasal fosse short, broad, shallow ; nostrils near the middle of the bill, large, broadly open and completely pervious ; tibize naked for a great distance; tarsi scutellate in front; toes short, webbed at base ; hallux very short, highly elevated ; inner anterior claw large. About 15 species of various parts of the world; only 3 of them American. Most of them fall in the genus Grus ; the elegant ‘‘ demoiselle” cranes of the Old World, Anthropoides (or Tetrapteryx) virgo and para- disea, and the African Balearica (or Geranarchus) pavonina, are the principal exceptions. GRUS. (Lat. grus, fem., a crane.) CRANES. Of maximum size and length of neck and legs ; color white or gray. Head without crest; more or less bare of feathers in adult, carun- culate, with hair-like bristles; forehead low. Character of bill, legs, and wings, typically as above said. Tail short, 12-feathered. Tarsus broadly scutellate in front. Toes short, the niiddle about third as long as tarsus; inner rather exceeding outer, with enlarged claw. Inner wing-quills lengthened, curved, pendent beyond primaries when the wing is folded. Nest on the ground ; eggs few. Analysis of Species. Adult white, with black primaries. Nakedness extending backward in a point on top and side of Head: 5. ssh tw eg Se ee se ee oe eB ea americana 668 Adults gray. Nakedness forked on top of head by a point of feathers, and not reaching on side below eye. Smaller: wing under 20.00; bill 4.00 or less; tarsus 8.00 orless . $j ...... canadensis 669 Larger: wing over 20.00; bill 5.00 or more; tarsus 9.00 or more . eee) Sahat hes wate a 58 pratensis 670 G. america/na. WHITE CRANE. WHOOPING Cranz. Adult with the bare part of the head extending in a point on the occiput above, on each side below the eyes, and very hairy. Bill very stout, gonys convex, ascending, that part of the under mandible as deep as the upper 669. 670. GRUIDZ: CRANES.— ARAMIDZ: COURLANS. 667 opposite it. Adult plumage pure white, with black primaries, primary coverts and alula; bill dusky greenish ; legs black ; head carmine, the hair-like feathers blackish. Young with the head feathered; general plumage gray? varied with brown. Length about 50 inches; extent 90.00; wing 24.00; tail 9.00; tarsus 12.00; middle toe 5.00; bill 6.00. In the adult, the windpipe is quite as long as the bird itself — 50 inches or more, and over two feet of it is coiled away in the keel of the breast-bone, which is entirely hollowed out to receive these extraordi- nary convolutions (fig. 99); the voice is singularly raucous and resonant. Temperate N. Am., but apparently of irregular distribution, not well made out; said to be or to have been common in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, and to have extended up the coast to the Middle States. Now scarcely known in the Eastern and Middle States. The chief line of migration appears to be in the interior, along the Mississippi Valley, Texas to Minnesota and Dakota, where the bird breeds, and thence spreading in the interior of the Fur Countries. So wild and wary a bird must be much influenced by the settlement of the country. Eggs 2 (or 37), about 3.75 X 2.65, light brownish-drab, rather sparsely marked, except at great end, with large irregular spots of dull chocolate-brown, with paler obscure shell-markings ; shell rough, with numerous warty elevations, and punctulate. G. canaden’'sis, (Of Canada.) NorrHeRN Brown Crane. General character of the species next to be described; nakedness of head, and color of plumage substantially the same. Smaller; wing 18.00-19.00; tail 7.00; tarsus 6.75-8.00 ; bill along culmen 3.00-4.00! middle toe scarcely 3.00. Alula, edge of wing, primaries, and their shafts, black? Head of adult less naked? Supposed to be confined in the breeding season to Arctic America, thence migrating through Western U. 8. to W. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and southward. (Supposed to be the true G. canadensis Linn.,. 1758, ex Edw. Is G. fraterculus Cass. ? I must retain my doubts about this bird.) G. praten’sis. (Lat. pratensis, relating to pratwm, prairie, field.) SouTHERN SAND-HILL Crane. Common Brown or SAND-HILL CRANE. Adult with the bare part of the head forking behind to receive a pointed extension of the occipital feathers, not reaching on the sides below the eyes, and sparsely hairy. Bill moderately stout, with nearly straight and scarcely ascending gonys, that part of the under mandible not so deep as the upper at the same place. Adult plumage plumbeous-gray, never whitening; primaries, their coverts, and alula, ashy-brown, little darker than the general plumage, the shafts of the primaries white. Young with head feathered, and plumage varied with rusty brown. Nestlings quite reddish. Smaller than G. americana; larger than No. 669; lef&th 44.00; extent 80.00; wing 22.00; tail 9.00; tarsus 9.50-10.00; bill along culmen 5.00-6.00; middle toe 3.50-4.00. This species has been said to lack tracheal convolutions, which is not true of the adult. The trachea is at first simple and straight, not entering the sternum ; in the adult, about 8 inches of windpipe is coiled away in the breast-bone, the anterior half of the keel of which is excavated to receive the folds (fig. 100). The disposition is the same as in G. americana, but much less extensive — 8 inches as against about 27 — a difference in degree, not of kind. Temperate N. Am., rare or irregular in the east, very abundant in the south and west; apparently breeds in sufficiently wild places throughout its range. Eggs (2) cannot be distinguished from those of G. americana by color or texture of shell, or dimensions; the specimens examined average less capacious, and relatively more elongate; from 4.10 x 2.40, down to 3.65 X 2.10; average nearer 3.90 X 2.60 ; series probably including eggs of No. 669. (G. canadensis Auct., an Linn. ?) 48. Family ARAMIDZ: Courlans. Consisting of a single genus, with probably only one species, of the warmer portions of America; closely allied to Gruid@ in essential points of structure, and forming a connecting link with Rallide. The osteological and pterylographie characters are completely crane-like; ! 269. 671. 668 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — ALECTORIDES — GRUIFORMES. the digestive system is as in the Rails; the cceca are two, situate close together. Carotids two; syringeal muscles one pair; femoro-caudal absent. A/RAMUS. (Etym. ignot.) CourRLANs. Bill twice as long as the head, slender but strong, compressed, grooved for about half its length, contracted opposite the nostrils, the terminal portion enlarged and decurved. Nostrils long, linear, pervious. Head completely feathered to the bill; tibize half bare; tarsus scutellate anteriorly, as long as the bill, longer than middle Fic. 463. — Parra jacana, } nat. size. (From Brehm.) toe; toes cleft, the hinder short, elevated, the outer longer than inner; wings short, rounded, with faleate lst primary, the inner quills folding over the primaries when closed; tail short, of 12 broad feathers. A. pic/tus. (Lat. pictus, painted, spotted.) ScoLopaczous CourRLAN. CRYING-BIRD. Caravu. Lampkin. Chocolate-brown with a slight olivaceous or other gloss, paler on the face, chin, and throat, most of the plumage sharply streaked with white. Length 24.00-28.00;: extent 40.00-44.00; wing 12.00-14.00; tail 6.00-7.00; bill and tarsus, each, about 5.00. Florida, and West Indies. 672. PARRIDZ; JAGANAS. 669 16. SusorRDER RALLIFORMES: Raxuirorm Birps. Represented in North America by the three leading groups of Railide—the Rails, Galli- nules, and Coots. (For position of Parrid@, see below.) 49. Family PARRIDAS: Jagands. A small family of small wading-birds, of 3 genera and fewer than 12 species, combining characters of Plovers and Rails, outwardly distinguished from either by the excessive develop- ment of the toes and especially of the claws. These are slender, compressed, acute, nearly or quite straight; that of the hind toe much exceeding its digit inlength. The spread of feet thus acquired enables the birds to run with ease over the floating vegetation of the marshes they inhabit. The American genus is Parra (fig. 364); the Old World genera are Metopodius, Hydralector, and Hydrophasianus. The systematic position of the family has been much questioned. On nearly all counts, it would appear to be Limicoline, not Alectoridine, and should be removed to the other order, next to Charadriide. The bill of Parra is quite plover- like; the spur on the wing and skin-flaps about the bill are like those of Hoplopterus and Lobivanellus (Plovers). With this understanding, I leave the family where I find it. PAR/RA. (Lat. parra, name of some bird.) Jagands. Bill plover-like, contracted in continuity, enlarged terminally; with culmen depressed to end of nasal groove, then convex and decurved; outline of mandibular rami about straight to the gonys, which is ascending; commissure about straight to the decurved end. Nasal grooves along the contracted portion of the bill; nostrils small, elliptical, situate in advance of the base of the bill. Angle of mouth with a leaf-like lobe of skin (rudimentary in our species). Forehead with a large leaf-like lobe of skin, with free lateral and posterior edges, adherent centrally and anteriorly where reaching base of upper mandible. A sharp horny spur on bend of wing. Primaries 10, not peculiar in structure; outer 3 about equal and longest, overlaid by the inner quills in the closed wing. ‘Tail very short, with soft rectrices concealed by the coverts. Tibize bare below, and with the tarsus scutellate before and behind, the scutella tending to become confluent in a continuous sheath. All the toes, claws included, longer than tarsus; middle toe alone nearly as long ag tarsus; outer toe alone about as loug as‘middle, its elaw shorter than that of middle toe; inner toe a little shorter than outer, its claw longer; hind toe only about as long as basal joint of middle toe, but its claw much longer than itself; all the claws slender, about straight, very acute. P. gymno'stoma. (Gr. yuprds, gunnos, naked: oréua, stoma, mouth. Fig. 53ter.) MExiIcan Jacand. Adult: General plumage rich purplish-chestnut, brightest on wings and tail, darkest on back, breast, and sides, fading on lower belly. Quills pale yellowish-green, with dusky edging in increasing extent from the secondaries to the outermost primary; alula and primary coverts blackish. Bill, frontal leaf, and wing-spur yellow; base of upper mandible whitish, and space between it and the frontal leaf carmine ;' feet greenish ; iris brown. Young: Grayish- brown above, streaked with brownish-yellow; below, buffy-whitish, darker across breast, the sides and lining of wings dusky ; a light superciliary and dusky postocular stripe ; wing-quiils greenish-yellow as in adult; tail-feathers like upper parts. Frontal leaf rudimentary. Wing about 5.00; bill 1.25; tarsus, and middle toe without claw, 2.00. West Indies, Mexico, to Texas on the Lower Rio Grande. 50. Family RALLIDZA: Rails, etc. This is a large and important family, abundantly represented iu most parts of the world. They are birds of medium and sinall size, generally with compressed body and large strong legs (the muscularity of the thighs is very noticeable), enabling them to run rapidly and thread 670 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — ALECTORIDES— RALLIFORMES. with ease the mazes of the reedy marshes to which they are almost exclusively confined; while by means of their long tves they are prevented from sinking’ in the mire or the floating vegetation. The wings are never long and pointed as among Limicole, being in fact of the shortest, most rounded and concave form found among waders; and the flight is rarely pro- tracted to any great distance. The tail is always very short, generally of 10 or 12 soft feathers. Details of the bill and feet vary with the genera; but the former is never sensitive at the tip, and the latter have the hallux longer and lower down than it is in the shore-birds. The nostrils are pervious, of variable shape. The head is completely feathered; the general plumage is ordinarily of subdued and blended coloration, lacking much of the variegation commonly observed in shore-birds ; the sexes are usually alike, and the changes of plumage not great with age or season. The food, never probed for in the mud, but gathered from the surface of the ground or water, consists of a variety of aquatic animal and vegetable substances. The nest is a rude structure, placed on the ground, or in a tuft of reeds or other herbage; the eggs are numerous, generally variegated in color; the young are hatched clothed. The general habit is gregarious, aud migratory; many species occur in vast multitudes, though their skulking ways, and the nature of their resorts, withdraw them from casual observation. Some species swim habitually. There appear to be upward of 150 species of the family, falling in several well-marked groups. The Ocydroming are an Old World type of some 35 species, ranking with some authors asa distinct family. Mr. Gray makes the African Himantornis hematopus the type and single representative of another subfamily. Excluding the Parride and Hehormthide, both of which are sometimes brought under Railide, as subfamilies, the three remaining groups are represented in this country. 5 Analysis of Subfamilies and Genera. Ratuinz. Rails. No frontal shield, the feathers of forehead reaching bill. Toessimple. Body com- pressed. Bill slender, longer than head, curved, with long narrow nasal groove and linear nostrils . Rallus 271 Bill stout, not longer than head, straight, with broad nasal groove and oblong nostrils Porzana 272 As in the last; wings longer, folding nearly to end of tail » . Crex 273 GALLINULINE, Gallinules. A bare horny frontal shield. Toes simple or merely margined, Body less compressed. Toes without evident lateral margins; nostrils oval . Sop ioe Mas bos a . . « Lonornis 275 Toes with lateral margins; nostrils narrow. . . » . . + Gallinula 274 Fuuicinas. Coots. A bare horny frontal shield. “Toes lobate. Body " depressed, Nostrils narrow Fulica 276 62. Subfamily RALLINA: True Rails. This is the largest, and central or typical, group, to which most of the foregoing paragraph is especially applicable. The species are strictly paludicole ; the compression of the body is at a maximum; the form is blunt and thick behind, with a very short tip-up tail, and tapers to a point in front; the whole fig- ure being thus adapted to wedge through narrow places. The wings are extremely short and rounded, and the ordinary flight os appears feeble and vacillating, though the migrations of many Fic. 464, Carolina Rail. (From Species are very extensive. The tail has 12 feathers. The Tenney, after Wilson.) flank-feathers are commonly enlarged and conspicuously col- ored; the thighs are very muscular; the tibiee are generally if not always naked below; the tarsi seutellate in front; the toes are long, cleft, without lobes or any obvious marginal mem- branes. The bill occurs under two principal modifications : in Rallus proper it is longer than the head, slender, compressed, slightly curved, long-grooved, with linear nostrils ; in Porzana and most genera, however, it is shorter or not.longer than the head, straight, rather stout, 271. RALLIDA — RALLINZA: RAILS. 671 with short broad nasal fosse, and linear-oblong nostrils — altogether somewhat as in gallina- ceous birds. The culmen more or less obviously parts antial extension of the frontal feathers, but never forms a frontal shield, as in the Coots and Gallinules. Of about 35 American species or varieties only 10 occur in this country, to which must be added one straggler from Europe. There are some 25 Old World species. The Rails inhabit all temperate countries; they are remarkably distinguished by the extreme narrowness or compression of the body, which enables them to thread a way through ‘the closest reeds and rushes of the marshes where they always live. Instead of long, fat, pointed, narrow wings, with flowing tertials, characteristic of the great Plover-snipe group, they have short, concave, rounded wings, and their flight is consequently of a different sort. They are neither swift nor vigorous on wing. When flushed, a matter of some difficulty, they fly in so feeble and vague a way that it is not very easy to understand how they make the extensive migrations for which, nevertheless, they are noted. The legs, as well as more particularly the feet, are large and strong; the thighs extremely muscular; they trust rather to these members than to their wings in avoiding pursuit or escaping danger; probably no birds are more accomplished pedestrians than they are. There is generally, if not always, a slight membrane between the base of the toes, but nothing amounting even to semipalmation ; nevertheless, some of the species swim short distances with ease. While not exactly grega- rious, since they do not go in flocks that are actuated by a common impulse and the instinct of socialism, nevertheless they frequent, through community of tastes and wants, the marshes in immense numbers; where they breed, and where they appear during the migration, par- ticularly the autumnal, the marshes appear full-stocked with them. ‘Their cries are loud, dry, and harsh; in the spring-time the marshes resound. They scream piteously when wounded and caught, and fight as well as they can with their strong claws. Their food consists of all sorts of aquatic animals small enough to be swallowed — little crabs, snails, and other small mollusks, grubs, worms, and insects. They probably .all live at times, and in a measure at least, upon the seeds and tender shoots of aquatic plants. They lay many white or whitish, much-spotted, oval or elliptical eggs, in a rude flat nest, built of sticks, rush-stalks, and grasses, upon the ground. The young, of which more than one brood may be annually raised, are generally black in the downy state, whatever the color of the adults. They appear to be of somewhat nocturnal habits, and probably migrate mostly by night. The flesh of some of our species is esteemed good eating, and great numbers are aunually destroyed for the table, in the fall, when they are generally very fat. RAL/LUS. (Low Lat. rallus, a rail, from rasle, rdle, a rattling ery.) Raius. Marsu Hens. Bill longer than head, slender, compressed, decurved, with long nasal groove extending beyond middle of bill. Nostrils linear, sub-basal. Hind toe not half as long as tarsus. Wings, tail, and legs as in Railing at large. Plumage variegated above, plain below, excepting the con- spicuously barred flanks, and lining of wings and tail. Sexes alike; young little different. Swamps and marshes exclusively. Eggs numerous, buff and spotted. Very clamorous in breeding season. We have 3 good species, one of them of 3 varieties. Analysis of Species and Varieties. Large: length 12.00 or more ; wing 5.00 or more; bill 2.00 or more. Flanks gray, with narrow white bars. Above, olive-brown or olive-gray without chestnut on wings; below, pale rufous or ashy. Upper parts olive-brown obscurely varied with olive-gray edges of tlie oo below with little rufous. Atlantic . . . erepitans 673 Upper parts olive-gray, with dpseang dark stripes ‘Balow; breust quite rufous Pacific obsoletus 674 Upper parts olive-gray with distinct dark stripes; below dullrufous. Gulf . . . . saturatus 675 Flanks dusky, with broad white bars. Above, ee with olive-brown and blackish; wing- coverts quite chestnut; below, rich rufous . : ae: sos we +e + Clegans 676 Small: length under 12.00; wing under 4.50; bill ander 1. 00. Colorsasin elegans... . ee ‘ i . » « + virginianus G77 673. 674. 675. 676. 672 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— ALECTORIDES -—RALLIFORMES. R. longiros/tris cre/pitans. (Lat. longirostris, long-billed. Lat. crepitans, crepitating, clattering. Fig. 465.) CLAppeR Ratt. SaLT-wATER MARSH-HEN. Mup-HEN. ¢ 9, adult: Above, variegated with dark olive-brown and pale olive-ash, the latter edging the feathers, the variegation dull and blended. Below, pale dull ochrey-brown, whitening on the throat, frequently ashy-shaded on the breast, without decided cinnamon- brown shade. Flanks, ax- illars, and lining of wings, fuscous-gray, with sharp narrow white bars. Quills and tail plain dark-brown, without chestnut on the coverts. Eyelids and short superciliary line whitish. The general toue is that of a gray bird, without any reddishness. Young mostly soiled whitish below; when just from the egg entirely sooty black. Length 14.00- 16.00; extent about 20.00; wing 5.00-6.00; tail 2.00-2.50; bill 2.00-2.50; tarsus 1.67-2.00; middle toe and claw 2.00-2.33. 9 smaller than the #. Salt marshes of Atlantic States, ex- tremely abundant southerly; N. regularly to the middle districts, sometimes to Massachusetts. Resident from the Carolinas southward. Breeds in profusion in the marshes of the Carolinas, etc., where its clattering is almost incessant during the mating season. Nest a rude platform of reeds and grasses just out of the water on the ground. Eggs 6 to 12, averagiug 1.67 x 1.12, whitish, creamy, or buff, variously speckled and blotched with reddish-brown, with a few obscure lavender marks. R. 1. obsole’tus. (Lat. obsoletus, obsolete; referring to the markings of the upper parts in comparison with those of R. elegans.) CaLivoRNIA CLAPPER Ratu. Back and scapulars grayish-olive, indistinctly striped with dusky; breast deep ciunamon. General aspect of the last, but quite reddish below. Wing 6.50; bill 2.25-2.50, its least depth 0.33; tarsus 2.10- 2.25. Salt marshes of the California coast. R. 1. satura’tus. (Lat. satwratus, saturated, satiated, i.e. dark-colored.) LOovisIANA CLAPPER Rat. In general similar to crepitans; above, olive-gray or ashy, broadly striped with brownish-black; breast dull cinnamon. ‘ Louisiana.” R. elegans. (Lat. elegans, choice.) King Raiu. FRESH-wATER MARSH-HEN. With a geueral resemblance to crepitans, but larger and much more brightly colored. Adult ¢ 9: Above, distinctly streaked with brownish-black and tawny-olive, the darker color being the central field of each feather ; becoming rich chestnut on the wing-coverts, and plain dark brown on the hind-neck and top of head. Below, rich rufous or cinnamon-red, brightest on breast, fading on throat and belly; a line of the same over the eye, and dusky line through eye; lower eyelid white. Flanks and lining of wings blackish, broadly and distinctly barred with white ; some of the crissal feathers similar. Specimens vary much in ‘the richness of the tints and distinctness of the markings, but the reddish and streaky tone is always quite different from the dull blended colors of crepitans. Length 17.00-19.00; extent 23.00-25.00; wing 6.00- 7.00; bill 2.10-2.50; tarsus 2.30; middle toe and claw about the same. U. S., rather south- erly, Texas to the Middle States regularly, to Connecticut casually ; in the interior to Kansas Fre. 465. — Clapper Rail, reduced. (Altered.from Lewis.) 677%. 272. 678. 679. RALLIDZ —RALLINZ: RAILS. 673 and Missouri at least. Winters in the South. Inhabits preferably swamps and marshes above tide-water. Nesting the same as crepitans; eggs not distinguishable. R. virginia/‘nus. Vireinta Rain. Coloration exactly as in elegans, of which it is a perfect miniature. Length 8.50-10.50; extent about 14.00; wing 4.00, always under 4.50; tail 1.50; bill 1.35-1.65; tarsus 1.25-1.50; middle toe and claw 1.50-1.75. Temperate N. Am., chiefly eastern U. 8., migratory, abundant, both in fresh and salt marshes. Breeds commonly in New England; winters in the S. States and beyond. Although a regular migrant along: the Atlantic coast, it never occurs in such immense numbers as the Carolina Rail. Eggs like those of the foregoing in color, but much smaller, about 1.25 x 0.95. They agree in size nearly with those of Porzana carolina, but the latter are greenish or drab, not buffy. PORZA'NA. (Ital. porzana, Venetian name of P. maruetta.) CraxeEs. Bill shorter or not longer than head, stout, high and compressed at base, tapering, obtuse ; nasal fossee ample. Nostrils linear-oblong, near middle of bill. Otherwise generally as in Rallus; hind toe longer. Tarsus moderately shurter than middle toe and claw. Plumage of upper parts spotty as well as streaky. Small. Sexes alike. The 3 N. Am. species are very different (subgenerically), but carolina closely resembles maruetta of Europe. Analysis of Species. Small: length 8.00 or more. Face of adult blackish, the breast slate-gray. Bill orange, with red base. Breast spotted. (European.). . . ae 8 Cat Bae oes maruetta €78 Bill not orange, without red base. Breast not spotted Bale, . . hs nde a? gee Pe Sulva 05 Bill and feet reddish; coloration largely blackish ; a large white wing-patch. . . . - . autumnalis 706 D..ful/va, (Lat. fulva, fulvous, reddish.) Funvous Tree Duck. Bill bluish-black ; feet slaty-blue. Pale cinnamon or yellowish-brown, extensive and uniform on the lower parts, darker on head; nape and hind-neck with a black line; scapulars and fore-back blackish with pale cinnamon edgings of the feathers. Rump and tail black; upper and under tail-coverts white. No white speculum on wing; lesser wing-coverts chocolate-brown; rest of wing black on both surfaces. Length about 20.00; extent 36.00; wing 9.50; tail 3.25; tarsus 2.25; bill 1.50, with hooked nail. S. W. U.S. and southward, in summer, Louisiana to Cala. ; common on the Rio Grande. D. autumna/lis. (Lat. autumnalis or auctumnalis, of the period of increase, of harvest ; auctus, imereased, augmented.) AuTUMNAL TREE Duck. Bill coral-red, with orange above, and bluish nail; feet pinkish-white. A large white speculum, consisting of greater wing-coverts and basal parts of most of the quills, as well as spurious quills and outer webs of one or two primaries. Head and neck reddish-chocolate, paler on cheeks and chin, with black stripe down nape and hind-neck, passing through more yellowish-brown on the fore-parts of the body to blackish on lower back, rump, tail, belly, sides of body and lining of wings; flanks and crissum mostly white. Length about 20.00; extent 36.00-38.00; wing 9.50-10.50; tail 3.00; bill along gape 2.00; tarsus 2.25. S. and C. Am. and Mex. to Texas, abundant from April to October on the Rio Grande, where called ‘cornfield duck ;” a common market- bird in some places. Nest in hollows of trees, often at a great distance from water, to which the young are transported by the parents in the hill. Eggs 12-16, 2.10 x 1.50, of usual duck shape, buffy-white. 67. Subfamily ANATINAE: River Ducks. Tarsi scutellate in front; hind toe simple (in Fuliguline, the hind toe with a flap or lobe.) This expression separates the present group from all the North American examples of the foregoing and succeeding subfamilies, although it is not a perfect diagnosis. The neck and legs are shorter than they average in geese, while the feet are smaller than in the sea- 690 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES. ducks, the toes and their webs not being so highly developed. None of the Anatine are extensively maritime, like most of the Fuliguline ; yet they are by no means confined to fresh waters, and some species constantly associate with the seaducks. They feed exten- sively, like most geese, upon succulent aquatic herbage, but also upon various animal substances ; their flesh is almost without exception excellent. They do not dive for their food. The moult is double; the sexes are almost invariably markedly distinct in color; the young resemble the 9; the wing has usu- ally a brilliant speculum, which, like the other wing-markings, is the same in both sexes. Un- like geese, these and oth- er ducks are not doubly- monogamous, but simply so if not polygamous ; the male pays no atten- tion to the young. Ex- cluding the shieldrake group, already nentioned as pertaining rather to the geese than the ducks, there are about fifty spe- = cies, generally distrib- Fic. 478.— Mallards. (From Lewis.) uted over the world. They are split into a large number of modern genera, most of which indicate little more than specific characters; the majority are represented in this country. Of those here following, two, Spatula and Aix, represent decided structural peculiarity; the rest might all be referred to Anas, type of the group. The Malacorhynchus membranaceus, of Australia, is a notable exotic form. Analysis of Genera. Head crested ; bill narrow, the tip formed widely by the nail . fg at GSAS Bogs Mae UP deca oe AEE 90. Head not crested; bill greatly wider atend than at base... ..... +... . . Spatula 289 Head not crested ; bill not spoon-shaped. Tail cuneate, with narrow central feathers more than half as long as wing . 1 +e « @ Dafila 285 Tail not cuneate, not half as long as wing Bill shorter than head ; tail-feathers lance-acute; head not white; belly white yg. and 9 Dajila 285 Bill shorter than head ; tail-feathers not acute; crown and belly white . . »-Mareca 287 Bill about as long as head, or longer. Wing-speculum white; wing-coverts chestnut; bill dark; feet orange Chaulelasnus 286 Wing-speculum violet, black-bordered; bill greenish, or dusky and orange; feet orange Anas 284 Wing-speculum green; lesser coverts blue or not; bill dark, Very small Querquedula 288 Oss. — The old males of all our species are unmistakable, having strong marks of color, size, and form; but the females and young may not always be recognized at a glance. Iu examining any “‘duck” of which you are in doubt, first notice the bill ; if it is narrow and eylindrical, with sharp saw-like teeth, very conspicuous, the bird is one of the Mergansers, or ‘Fishing Ducks,” scarcely fit for food. Next, examine the hind toe; if it has a flap or lobe hanging free, the bird is one of the Fuliguline, which may or may not be good for the ‘table ; if the hind toe is simple and slender, it is one of the Anating, and sure to make a good ‘dish, if in order. All the red- or orange- -footed species are Anatine (excepting the Mergansers) ; but not all the Anatine have the feet thns colored. In determining female and young Anatine, look to the wing-markings rather than the body-colors. The species of Querquedula are very small ‘‘ teal” ducks, 16 inches or less in length. 84, 707. 708. ANATIDZE —ANATINZE: RIVER DUCKS. 691 A'NAS. (Lat. anas, a duck.) Common Ducks. Matiarp anp Buacx Ducxs. Bill not shorter than head, rather longer than tarsus, broad and about parallel-sided, higher than wide at base, then much depressed and flattened, the end rounded, the nail narrow, less than one-third as wide as the end of the Dill. Nostiils high up, in head half of bill. Feathers teaching to about the same distance on forehead, cheeks, and chin. Tail rounded, less than half as long as wing, of 16-18 pointed ethene, Bill greenish, or blackish Blotdhed with orange. Feet bright-colored. Speculuin violet, etc., framed in black and white (in both sexes). Sexes unlike (boscas) or alike (obscura). Analysis of Species. ¢ Head and neck green, neck with white ring, breast purplish-chestnut, etc. 9 variegated with dusky and yellowish-brown Be Rey BSE Bias AY OR ye Se: i eae ee a boscas 707 o& ¢ entirely dusky, variegated with yellowish-brown ; lining of wings white. ..... obscura 708, 709 A. bos/eas. (Gr. Booxds, boskas; Lat. boscas or boscis, probably this very species. Fig. 478.) Ma.uarp. WILD or Domestic Duck. GREEN-HEAD. Adult ¢: Bill greenish-yellow. Feet orange-red. Iris brown. Head and upper neck glossy-green, succeeded by a white ring. Breast purplish-chestnut. Lower back, rump, and tail-coverts glossy-black. Tail-feathers mostly whitish. Under parts from the breast, and scapulars, silvery-gray, finely undulated with dusky; crissum black. Speculum violet, purplish and greenish, framed in black and white tips of the greater coverts, and black terminal border. 9, adult: Feet and wings as in the g, Bill blackish, blotched with orange, especially at base, tip and along edges. Entire body- colors with dusky-brown and tawny-brown; the tone paler and in finer pattern on the head, neck, and under parts than on the back. Length 22.00-24.00; extent 32.00-36.00; wing 10.00-11.00; tail 3.00-4.00; bill about 2.00; tarsus rather less; middle toe and claw more. Tm the drake, a tuft of cyrly feathers on tail. Weight 2 or 3 pounds. Habitat nearly cos- mopolitan; nearly everywhere domesticated, being the well-known original of the barn-yard duck. Wild in abundance throughout N. Am., breeding sparingly in the U. 8. as well _ as farther north; rare in New England, and scarcely found beyond Massachusetts, being replaced farther N. E. by the dusky duck. Nest on ground, of trash and feathers; eggs usually 8-10, 2.25 X 1.60, smooth, dingy yellowish-drab. Oxs. —An‘anomalous duck, with the general aspect of a mallard, but nearly as large as a goose, is occasionally taken on the Atlantic coast; it is unquestionably part mallard, the balance of its parentage supposed to be muscovy; Anas maxima Gosse; Fuligula viola Bell. — A supposed hybrid of mallard x gadwall is Anas glocitans or A. brewert Aud.; A. audubons Bp. The mallard is known to x with various other species. Upwards of 50 kinds of hybrid ducks are recorded; some of them prove fertile. There is even a Clangula X Mergus. A. obsew/ra. (Lat. obsewra, dark.) Dusky Duck. Biack Duck. Size of the mallard, and resembling the 9 of that species, but darker and without white anywhere except the lining of the wings in g 9, and a narrow white line along proximal border of speculum of @. Sexes alike. Bill yellowish-green, with dusky nail; feet orange-red, with dusky webs. Iris brown. General plumage dusky-brown, paler below than above, variegated with pale rusty-brown edgings of the feathers; top of head darker than sides and throat, the former blackish with pale brown streaking in fine pattern, fhe latter grayish-brown with dark streaking. Wing-coverts dusky-gray; the greater tipped with Wlack, edging the purplish-blue or violet speculum. The general blackish color, contrasting with white lming of wings, and the violet speculum framed in velvety-black, are diagnostic. Q boscas is much “lighter in tone, and more variegated with tawny-brown. Chiefly Easten N. Am.; Western? - Abundant along the Atlantic Coast, Texas to Labrador. One of the aovtcnetaest ducks in summer in New England and N. E.-ward. W. to Kansas, Iowa, etc., but not positively known beyond. Nest on ground, of weeds, grass, and feathers; eggs 8-10, Hiety pale yellowish- drab, about 2.30 1.75. One of the best table ducks. 709. 285. 710. 692 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES. A. o. fulvi/gula. (Lat. fuluus, reddish; gula, throat.) Fiorma Dusky Duck. Similar; lighter-colored; throat plain pale brownish; bill olive, with black nail and base of commissure A local race, resident in Florida. DA'FILA. (A non-sense word.) Prix-ram Ducxs. Tail (in adult ¢) narrow, cuneate, when fully developed nearly as long as wing, the 2 central feathers long-exserted, linear-acute : in Q and young the tail merely tapering, with acute feathers; tail- feathers 16, including the long mid- dle pair. Bill shorter than head, longer than tarsus, nearly paralle: sided, widening a little to the end, the nail small, the narrow nostrils high up in basal third of bill. Feathers of cheeks sweeping in strongly convex outline along side of upper mandible, beyond those on side of lower mandible. Wing acute, the Ist and 2d primaries subequal and longest, rest rapidly graduated. Neck unusually long Fig, 479. — Head of Dajila, 9, nat. size. (Ad nat, del. E. C.) and slender, and form less ‘‘stocky” than that of most ducks. Sexes and young very unlike in color, even to the wing-markings, as well as in shape of tail. Bill and feet dark. Under parts white or whitish. Speculum of ¢ framed in buff, white, and black. D. acu'ta, (Lat. acuta, acute, as the tail is. Figs. 479, 480.) Prx-ram Duck. Spric-rTat. Adult ¢: Bill black, with grayish - blue edge of upper man- dible; feet grayish- blue ; claws black; iris brown. Head and neck above rich dark. brown, glosséd with green and purple ; side of neck with a long white stripe run- ning up from the white under parts: back of neck with’a black stripe passing below into the gray color of the back; the lower fore-neck, breast, and under parts usually, white, the sides finely waved with black, the crissum black, white-bordered. Fore back finely waved with narrow bars of black and white or whitish; the seapulars and long tertiaries firmly striped lengthwise with velvety-black and silvery-gray. Lesser wing-coverts plain gray ; greater tipped with reddish buff, framing the speculum anteriorly ; this is of coppery- or purplish-violet iridescence, framed posterio-ly with black sub-tips and white tips of the secondaries, internally with silvery aud Fria. 480 — Pin-tail Duck, 9 g. (From Lewis.) 286. 711. 287. ANATIDZAE—ANATINZ: RIVER DUCKS. 693 black stripes. Tail-feathers gray, the long central ones blackish ; sides and roots of tail varied with blackish and buff. It is thus a very handsome duck in full plumage, aside frum the trim and clipper-like build. Length very variable, up to 30 inches, according to development of tail, which is sometimes 9 inches long, usually 5 or 6; extent 36.00; wing 11.00; bill 2.25; tarsus 1.67; middle toe and claw 2.25. Adult 9: Smaller; lacking the development of the tail; length 24 or less. Only traces of the speculum, in green specks in a brown area between white or whitish tips of the secondaries and those of the greater coverts. Bill blackish; feet dull grayish-blue ; iris brown. Whole head finely speckled, and whole neck finely streaked, with dusky-brown and grayish-brown or yellowish-brown; under parts pale ochrey-brown, freckled with dusky; upper parts variegated with brownish-black and yellowish-brown, on the fore parts the lighter color in angular or rounded bars on each feather. Young drake like the duck. Though the resemblance is close to some other species, observe color of bill and feet, tips of secondaries and greater coverts, and size and generic characters. Northern hemisphere; N. Am. at large, wintering and migrating in U. 8. and beyond, breeding from northern borders northward ; more numerous in the interior than along either coast. I have found it breeding abundantly in parts of N. Dakota and Montana. Nest on ground; eggs 6-10-12, smooth, elongated ellipsoidal, 2.10 to 2.30 long by about 1.52; uniform dull grayish-olive, without any buff tint. CHAULELASMUS. (Gr. xatdws, chaulios, protuberant; edacpos, elasmos, a layer, plate ; referring to the teeth of the bill.) Gapwauus. Bill about as long as head, rather exceeding tarsus, the sides parallel to the rounded tip, the lamelle not concealed, the nostrils high up near the base, the reéntrance between the feathers on culmen and those on side of bill short and open, in advance of feathers on side of lower mandible. Wings pointed, lst primary longest. Tail short, rounded or cuneate, with pointed feathers. @ with most of the plumage barred or half-ringed with black and white, or whitish ; middle wing-coverts chestnut, greater coverts black, speculum white ; Q with similar white speculum. Feet yellowish. C, stre’perus, (Lat. streperus, noisy, ‘ obstreperous.’) GaDWALL. Gray Duck. Adult ¢: Bill blue-black; feet dull orange, with dusky webs and claws ; iris reddish-brown. Head and neck brownish-white, darker on crown and nape, barred and specked with dusky. Lower neck, breast, sides of body and fore-back waved with crescentic bars of blackish and white, the cres- centic marks giving a scaly appearance most distinct on the neck and breast, elsewhere finer, more undulatory and transverse. Lower back dusky, passing to black on the rump and tail- coverts. Belly white, minutely marbled with gray. Scapulars tinged with rusty brown ; longest inner quills hoary gray; lining of wings white; lesser upper coverts gray; middle coverts chestnut-red ; speculum white, formed by part or the whole of the outer webs of the second- aries, framed in velvet black of the greater coverts, terminally bordered with black and hoary gray. Length about 22 inches; extent 34.00; wing 10.50-11.00; tail 4.50; tarsus 1.60; Dill 1.75; middle toe and claw 2.20. Adult 9: Smaller than g. Bill dusky, blotched with orange. Feet dingy yellowish, with dusky webs and claws. Lacking the regular crescentic and wavy markings of the @; variegated with dusky and tawny brown, like Q of other species; the chestnut of the g wanting or restricted ; but the wing-markings are sufficiently distinctive. Young drake resembling the 9. One of the most widely diffused of ducks, in most parts of the world; in N. Am. nearly throughout, but not specially arctic in the breeding season, nesting anywhere in the U. 8. Nest on ground, sometimes in trees; eggs creamy-buff, ‘ a trifle over 2.00 by about 1.50. MARE’CA. (S. Am. mareca, Brazilian name of a kind of teal.) Wuicron. Bill shorter than head, rather high and narrow at base, parallel-sided, with rounded end, the nail occupy- ing the middle third; the upper lateral reéntrance short and open; nostrils high up and near base. Tail pointed, of 16 feathers, not half as long as wing. Bill and feet dark colored ; belly and middle and greater wing-coverts white; top of head white or light; speculum green, black-bordered. 694 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES. Analysis of Species, Head and neck cinnamon-red, scarcely varied ; with mere traces of green, if any; top of head creamy or CROW RIGE EI a ee et ee ewe ee Oe eh eee eR - « « penelope 712 Head and neck grayish, spoukiad with oa the sides of the head with a broad pateh of green, the top white or Nearly 20: ec Ow RC Oe we ee . . americana 713 712, M. penelope. (Penelope, a ‘snsttidlceal name.) EUROPEAN WIiGEON. Size and general character of the next species; differing as above. Europe; Greenland; rare or casual along the whole Atlantic coast ; more numerous on the N. Pacific coast and 8. to California. 713. M. america/na. (Fig. 481.) AMERICAN WiGEON. BaLp-pate. Adult ¢: Bill grayish-blue, with black tip and extreme base; feet similar, duller, with dusky webs and claws; iris brown. Top of head ee or nearly so; sides the same, or more buffy, speckled with dusky- green, oy : ; purer green forming a broad: patch from and below eye to hind head; chin dusky. Fore neck and breast light brownish - red, or very pale purplish- cinnamon, each feath- er with paler grayish edge; along the sides of the body the same, finely waved with dusky ; the breast and belly pure white, the crissum abruptly black. Lower hind neck and fore back and scapulars finely = ; waved with the same Frq. 481.— American Wigeon. (From Lewis.) reddish color and with dusky; lower back and rump similarly waved with dusky and whitish. Lesser wing-coverts plain gray; middle and greater coverts pure white, forming a large area, the greater black- tipped, forming the fore border of the speculum, which is glossy green, bordered behind by velvety black, internally by the black and white stripes on the inner secondaries. Tail brown- ish-gray, the lateral upper coverts black; axillary feathers white. Only old drakes have the crown immaculate white, the chin dusky, the auricular patch definitely green ; generally the whole head and upper neck are pale brownish-yellow or reddish-white, speckled with greenish- dusky. 9 resembling the immature g on the head; the peculiar brownish-red is interrupted with dusky and whitish bars. The wing-pattern is nearly as in the ¢; but the white is re- stricted or interrupted with gray, the greater coverts may lack black tips, the speculum is faint, and the black stripes of the inner secondaries are replaced by brown. The normal variability in coloration, aside from age or sex, is great, but the bird cannot be mistaken under any conditions ; the extensive white of the under parts and wings is recognizable at gun-shot range. Length 18.00-21.00; extent 30.00-35.00; wing 10.00-11.00; tail -4.00-4.50; bili 1.60; tarsus 1.50; middle toe and claw more. N. Am. at large, breeding anywhere ; Europe, casually. Eggs 8-12, 2.00 x 1.50, dull pale buff. 288, QUERQUE'DULA.. (Lat. querquedula, a small kind of duck ; related to English quack.) TreaL Ducks. Bill nearly or quite as long as the head, longer ‘thai tarsus, narrow and par- allel-sided, the nail narrow, 4 to } of the tip. Size sinelll eat among our ducks. Sexes more ot less unlike. Speculum glossy-green. Bill blackish. The genus contains two sections, .perhaps as worthy of distinction as some of the foregoing genera. ’ ANATIDH-- ANATINZ:: RIVER DUCKS. 695 Analysis of Subgenera and Species, : Nerriom. Head sub-crested. Bill very narrow; nail about $its tip. Reéntrance of feathers on sides of culmen in advance of base of bill below. Head and neck chestnut, with a broad glossy green band on each side behind eye, bordered with whitish, blackening where meeting on nape. Under parts white, with circular black spots; crissum black, varied with white or creamy; upper parts and sides of body closely waved with black and white. Speculum rich green bordered in front with buff tips of the cov- erts, behind with white tips of the secondaries; no blue on wing; feet dark; bill black. 9 differing especially in the head markings, those of wings similar. No white on side of body in front of wing; ae scapulars black externally, creamy white inter- nally . oa as he i% or olaho Se : tte ne erecea 714 A white crescent on side of body before miies scapulars plain eke + . carolinensis 716 QUERQUEDULA proper. Head close-feathered. Bill broader than in Nettium, the nail about 4 its tip. Reéntrance on sides of culmen not in advance of base of bill below. Wing-coverts in g @ sky blue, the greater white-tipped; scapulars of ¢ striped with blue and buff. do Head and neck blackish-plumbeous; a large white crescent in frontofeye. . . . discors - 716 d¢ general color purplish-chestnut; no whiteon head. ....... «+ « eyanoptera 717 Q (N.) cree’ca. (Lat. erecca, formed like crex, crake, quack, ete., to express the sound.) Euro- PEAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Like the next to be described: No white crescent before wing ; green band in chestnut of side of head bordered with decided whitish ; barring of sides and upper parts broader and coarser; long scapulars as well as inner secondaries creamy white, black- bordered externally. Europe; Greenland; casually on N. Am. Atlantic coast. T15. Q. (N.) carolinen’sis. (Fig. 482.) AMERICAN GREFN-WINGED TEau. Adult ¢: Bill black; feet bluish-gray; iris brown. A white crescent in front of wing. Head and upper neck rich chestnut, blackening on chin, with a glossy green patch behind each eye blackening on its lower border and on the nape where it meets its fellow among the lengthened feathers of the parts, bordered below by a more or less evident whitish line, which may often be traced to the angle of the mouth. Up- per parts and flanks waved with narrow heer SS black bars on a whit- Fig. 482. — AmericanGreen-winged Teal. (From Lewis.) ish ground. Under parts white, becoming buff or fawn-colored on breast, nebulated with gray, on the breast with numerous sharp circular black spots; fore neck and sides of breast waved like the upper parts. Crissum black, with a buff or creamy. patch on each side. Primaries and wing-coverts leaden gray; speculum velvety purplish-black on outer half, the inner half rich green ; bor- dered in front with chestnut, fawn or whitish tips of the greater coverts, behind by white tips of the secondaries, interiorly with purplish-black stripes on the outer webs of the lengthened secondaries. Adult 9: Nearly like g on the wings, the green speculum less perfect; no erest; head and neck streaked with light reddish-brown on a dark brown ground; upper parts mottled with dark brown, barred and streaked with tawny or grayish ; lower parts white, more or less buffy-tinged on lower fore neck and breast, which have nebulous dusky spotting. A very small species, one of the most prettily colored of all, of unsurpassed excellence of flesh : a aE ear ii iy — Nu 716. W117. 289. 718. 696 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES. length about 14.00; extent 23.00; wing 7.00-7.50 ; tail 3.00; bill 1.50; tarsus 1.20. N. Am. at large, extremely abundant; casual in Europe. Breeds from the N. borders of the U.S. It is one of the earliest arrivals among the hordes of water-fowl that come thronging from the north in fall. Nest on the ground, of weeds, grass, and feathers: eggs about 8, 1.75 to 1. 90 by 1.20 to 1.30, pale dull greenish in color. Q. dis‘cors. (Lat. discors, discordant.) Buun-wincep Tzau. Adult g: Bill grayish- black ; feet dingy yellow, with dusky webs and claws; iris brown. Head deep leaden-gray, with purplish gloss, blackening on top; a large white black-edged crescent in front of eye. Under parts purplish-gray, with innumerable black spots, rounded or oval on the breast, changing to bars on the flanks, becoming nebulous on the belly. Crissum black, a patch on each side of rump, the axillars and most of the lining of the wings, white. Lower hind neck and fore back varied with brownish-black and yellowish-brown; lower back and rump dark brown with’a greenish tinge. Wing-coverts and outer webs of some of the scapulars sky-blue; speculum rich green, set between white tips of the greater coverts and secondaries, some of the inner secondaries and longest seapulars velvety greenish-black on outer web, greenish- brown on inner web, striped lengthwise with reddish-buff. 9 retaining the sky-blue on the wing-coverts and much of the other wing-markings, hence easily distinguished among our ducks, excepting 9 cyanoptera. Bill greenish-dusky; feet very pale or flesh-tinted. Head and neck streaked with brownish-black on a dull buff ground, the cheeks and chin whitish, unmarked. Above, dark brown, with pale edges of the feathers; below, whitish-gray, mottled with obscure spots. Length 15.00-16.00; extent 26.00-30.00; wing 7.00-7.50 ; tail 3.50; bill 1.50; tarsus 1.20. N. Am., chiefly E. of the R. Mts., to the Pacific in Alaska; goes to high latitudes, but also breeds indefinitely throughout its range; abundant in the U. S. in winter and during the migrations. Q. cyano’ptera. (Gr. xvavds, kuanos, blue; mrépov, pteron, wing.) CINNAMON TEAL. Adult é&: Bill black; feet orange, joints and webs dusky; iris orange. Head, neck, and entire under parts rich purplish-chestnut, darkening on crown and chin, blackening on middle of belly; crissum dark brown. Fore back lighter cinnamon, varied with brown curved bars, several on each feather; lower back and rump greenish-brown, the feathers edged with paler. Wing-coverts sky-blue, as in discors; some of the scapulars blue on outer webs and with a central buff stripe, others dark green, with buff stripe. Speculum green, set between white tips of greater coverts and white ends of the secondaries. Wings thus quite as in discors, but the body-colors and head entirely different ; rather larger; length 16.00-17.00; extent 25.00; wing 7.50-8.00; bill 1.60-1.75, along commissure about 2.00. Adult 9: Similar to 9 discors, and not easy to distinguish; larger; bill longer; under parts at least with a tinge of the pecu- liar chestnut color; head and especially chin more speckled, without the immaculate whitish of those parts of 9 discors. Bill dusky, paler below and along edges; iris brown; feet yel- lowish-drab. A generally distributed S. Am. teal, now abundant in U. S. west of the R. Mts., and of casual occurrence in the Gulf States. Nest on ground, of grass and feathers, anywhere in its U.S. range; Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Idaho, Oregon, etc. Eggs 9-12, laid in June, oval, one end smaller than other, creamy white or pale buff; 1.90 x 1.30 to 2.10 x 1.40. SPA/TULA, (Lat. spatula or spathula, a spoon, spathe, spatula: shape of the bill.) Spoon-BILL Ducxs. Bill much longer than head or tarsus, twice as wide at end as at base, broadly rounded spoon-fashion at end; the nail narrow and prominent, the laminz very numer- ous and protrusive. Tail short, pointed, of fourteen acute feathers. Feet small, red. The peculiarity of the bill characterizes this genus almost as strongly as Platalea among ibises, or Eurynorhynchus among sandpipers; the form is otherwise that of ordinary Anatine. There are several species, one N. American. S. clypea’ta. (Lat. clypeum, a shield: shape of the bill. Fig. 483.) SHovELLER Duck. 30. ANATIDAi—ANATINZ: RIVER DUCKS. 697 Broap-siiu. Adult ¢: Bill blackish ; iris orange-red: feet vermilion-red. Head and neck dark glossy green. Lower neck and fore breast pure white. Abdomen purplish-chestnut. Wing- coverts sky-blue ; speculum rich green, set between white tips of greater coverts, and black sub- tips and white tips of secondaries ; inner secondaries greenish-black, with long white stripe; long scapulars blue on outer webs, striped with white and greenish-black on inner; short anterior scapulars white. Rump and upper and under tail-coverts black; a white patch on ‘each side at root of tail. Adult 9: Bill dull greenish; iris yellow; feet orange. Wing- markings similar to those of ¢, though imperfect; traces of chestnut on belly. Head and neck brownish-yellow, speckled with dusky. In any plumage the species is of course at once recognized by the peculiar bill. Length 17.00-21.00; extent 30.00-33.00; wing 9.50; tail 3.00; bill about 2.70; along commissure 3.00; tarsus 1.33. Europe, Asia, etc.; in N. Am. at large, breeding throughout, and wintering in abundance from the middle districts to C. Am. Fig. 483. — Shoveller Duck, } nat. size. (From Brehm.) Eggs about 8, averaging 2.10 x 1.50, smooth, elliptical, in color dull pale greenish-gray, sometimes faintly bluish. In full dress, which is comparatively infrequent, since it character- izes only the breeding season, this is a very smart and jaunty drake, tricked out in parti-color ; the great majority of specimens, however, are found in a plumage more like that of the duck. The bird is among the best of the ducks for the table. AIX. (Gr. aif or &é£, aix or atx; application not obvious.) BripaLt Ducks. Head crested. Bill shorter than head, no longer than tarsus, very high at base, the reéntrances at sides of culmen much prolonged towards the forehead. Nostrils large, oval, set little in advance of the feathers on culmen. Terminal nail occupying the whole end of the bill, and much curved downward. Lamelle small, few, and distant. Tarsus incompletely scutellate in front, much shorter than middle toe. Claws compressed, curved, and acute, that of the middle toe dilated on inner edge. Tail half as long as wings, rounded, of sixteen rounded feathers, and very #19, ‘colorings of feathers about the wings. Bill 698 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES. long coverts. A peculiar as well as most beautiful genus; the Chinese Mandarin Duck, 4 galericulata, is still more remarkably, though not more elegantly, colored than ours. A. spon’sa. (Lat. sponsa, betrothed: i. e., as if in wedding dress. Fig. 484.) Woop Ducx. Summer Duck. “Tue Brive.” Adult ¢: Bill pinkish-white, with lake-red base, black ridge, tip, and under mandible ; iris and edges of eyelids red; feet orange, with black claws. Upper part of the head, including crest, glistening green and purple ; a narrow white line over eye from bill to occiput, and another behind eye to nape, these white lines mixing in the crest. A broad white patch on the throat, forking behind, one branch mounting head behind eye, the other passing to side of neck. Sides and front of lower neck and fore breast rich purplish-chest- « nut, prettily marked with several chains of angular white spots. A large white black-edged crescent of enlarged feathers in front of the wing. Under parts pure white, the sides yellow- ish-gray vermiculated with black and white wavy bars; the enlarged flank-feathers broadly rayed with black and white; the lining of the wings white barred with grayish-brown, of which color is the crissum. Upper parts gen- erally lustrous with bronzy-green and purple ;' scapulars and inner secondaries velvet-black, glossed with purple and green ; a green spec- ulum, succeeded by white tips of the seconda- ries; primaries frosted on outer webs near end. Adult Q: Little or no crest, but lengthened feathers on nape; no enlargement or special dusky: feet yellowish-dusky. Head and neck gray, darker on crown, the chin and parts about bill and eyes white. Fore neck, breast and sides of body yellowish-brown, mottled with dark gray, the breast spotted with brown, the belly white. Upper parts dark brown Fie. 484.—Wood Duck. (From Tenney, after Audubon.) with considerable gloss; wings much as in the male, but the velvety-black reduced. Length 18.00-20.00 ; extent about 28.00; wing 9.00; tail 4.50; bill 1.40; tarsus the same; middle toe and claw 2.00. N. Am. at large, but especially U. 8., breeding throughout its range, wintering chiefly in the South. This exquisite bird is commonly dispersed in wooded portions of the country near water; it nestles usually in the hollows of trees, whence the young are transported in the bill of the parent. Eggs about a dozen, very variable in number, of pale drab color and the usual smooth shell and elliptical shape, about 2.00 x 1.50. 68. Subfamily FULIGCULINAE: Sea Ducks. Tarsi scutellate in front ; hind toe lobate. The large membranous flap depending from the hind toe dis- tinguishes this group from the pre- ceding, probably without exception. While the general.form is the same as that of the Anatine, the feet are notably larger, with relatively shorter tarsi, longer toes (the outer searcely or not shorter than the mid- Fiq. 485. — Canvas-back. (From Fie 486, — hed-head. (From dle), and broader webs ; they BEG Lewis.) Lewis.) also placed somewhat further back, ANATIDA — FULIGULINZE: SEA DUCKS. 699 in consequence of which the gait is still more awkward and constrained than the ‘‘ waddle” of ordinary ducks; but swimming powers are enhanced, and diving is facilitated. A large number of the species are exclusively maritime, but this is no more the case with all of them, than is the reverse with the river ducks. These birds feed more upon mollusks and other animal snbstances (not, however, upon fish, like the mergansers) than the river ducks do, and ‘their flesh, as a rule, is coarser, if not entirely too rank to be eaten; there are, however, signal exceptions to this, as in the case of the canvas-back. The sexes are unlike, as among the Anating ; and besides the difference in color, the 9 is often distinguished by the absence or slight development of certain tuberosities of the bill that the ¢ of several species, as of scoters and eiders, possesses. A large majority of the species inhabit the Northern Hemisphere; there are some forty in all, exhibiting a good deal of diversity in minor details, really requiring recognition of many genera. Among notable exotics, we have the soft-billed Hymenolemus malacorhynchus of New Zealand, and the short-winged Micropterus cinereus of South America, both related to our genus Camptolemus ; there are but few others. The genus Hrismatura is the type of a small group remarkable for the character of the tail, as described beyond, and sometimes considered as a subfamily apart. Biziwra lobata of Australia, with a fleshy appen- dage under the bill, the African Thalassornis leuconota, the Nesonetta aucklandica, and several species of Hrismatura and Nomonyx, compose this group. Analysis of Genera and Subgenera. Tail-feathers rigid, narrow, linear, exposed to their bases by shortness of coverts. Nail of bill ordinary . : . ‘ » . « «© Nomonyx 299 Nail of bill narrow above, ovatbanpiic and welianed benoatli tip ‘of bill ug . . . Brismatura 298 Tail-feathers and their coverts ordinary (central pair very long, however, in Harelda ¢). Bill variously gibbous, or appendaged, or featlered beyond nostrils. Bill gibbous at base, then broad, depressed, with large fused nail, without frontal processes. Gibbosity of bill superior, circumscribed; feathers not projected on culmen. Tail 16-feathered. : Color entirely black (@pEM1A) Gibbosity of bill superior, circumscribed ; feathers projected on culmen. Tail. 14- feathered. g': Color black or dark, with white wing-patch (MELANETTA) Gibbosity lateral as well as superior; feathers projected on culmen. Tail 14-feathered. g: Color black, with white head-patches (PELIONETTA) Bill gibbous at base, with large frontal processes. Frontal processes in line with culmen (SOMATERIA proper) . . . Gdemia 297 Frontal processes bulging out of line with culmen (ERIONETTA) . we 2a Somateria 296 Bill not gibbous, but feathered on culmen beyond nostrils(ARCTONETTA) . . a Bill not gibbous, but appendaged with leathery expansion of side of upper mandible cheeks not bristly (HENICONETTA) . . ae ie hs 3 . Bill not gibbous, but appendaged with a lobe at base of commissure. . ‘ | Histrionicus 295 Bill not cae but eee with a ey expansion of side of upper siagenctibtes cheeks bristly ams Beat . ss . . Camptolemus 294 Bill ordinary. *‘ Nail of bill large, fused. Tail (of #) about aslongaswing ..... . . . . + Harelda 293 Nail of bill narrow, distinct. Tail of ordinary length and shape. Bill shorter than head, high at base. Head of ¢ puffy or crested, iridescent, with white patches; crissum white; colors black and white, in masses. . . . . - Clangula 292 d, white spot before eye (CLANGULA proper) . . < d, white patch behind eye (BUCEPHALA) . . . “ Bill about as long as head. Head of # black, red, or brown, without spots; cris- sum dark . : ok dee da Wok ask apnea Bill dusky. Head of # dielky realists "(Anreronerra) . se ee ee + Pp Ruliguia 291 Bill bluish or blackish. Head of # black orred. (FULIX) ...... . Bill red. Head red, crested (European), (FULIGULA proper)... .. .- Nore. — See further analyses of the subgenera (some of which arg-of generis value) under heads of Gdemia, Somateria, and Fuligula. 1, FULIGULA. (Lat. fuligula or fulicula, dim. of fulix or fulica, a coot; fuligo, soot.) Buack-HEAD and Rev-Heap Ducks. Scaurs and Pocuarps. Bill ordinary, without special gibbosity or peculiar outline of feathers at base, only in one species (F’. vallisneria) 700 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES. not shorter than head and rising high on forehead; nail at end distinct, decurved, narrow, less than one-third as wide as end of bill; frontal feathers extending to approximately equal distances on top and sides of upper mandible, with a well-marked reéntrance between them reaching back to about opposite angle of the mouth, those of chin advancing rather farther. Nostrils in basal two-fifths of bill (nearly median in F’. vallisneria). Outline of upper man- dible gently concave to the decurved nail; sides nearly parallel, or widening toward end (whole bill much as in ordinary Anatine). Tail short, rounded, less than half as long as wing, 14-16-feathered. Tarsus less than $ (4-2) as long as middle toe and claw. Head not crested or notably puffy (in our species). Head and neck black, brown or chestnut (not green with great white patches). Sides and back finely waved with black and white. Lining of wings white. Crissum black. Bill blackish, or black and blue. Legs dark. Speculum white or gray. (Comprising several species of ‘“‘black-head” and ‘“‘ red-head” ducks, including the ‘“eanvas-back”; characters drawn up on consideration of these species; requiring modifica- tion, especially as-to color, to include the European F. rufina, by some considered type of the genus. Equivalent to Fulix, Aythya and Aristonetta of Baird, 1858, and apparently sepa- rable into three full genera — one for the crested pochards of Europe ; one for the black-heads and red-heads together; and one for the canvas-back alone. The type of Fuligula is said by Sundevall to be F. cristata ; in which case Callichen is available for rufina.) Analysis of Species. Conspicuously crested; bill and feet red (Fuliguia) . . 1... 2 we se ee ew ew es TUfina 886 Not crested; bill and feet dark. Bill not longer than head, with concave line of culmen, not notably high on forehead; chord of culmen under 2inches. Nostrils fairly in basal half of bill. (Fuliz.) Black-heads: g with head, neck, body anteriorly, lower back, rump, tail and its coverts, black, the head glossy; below, including lining of wings, white, with fine black waving on sides and lower belly; bill black and blue, or dusky; feet dark. Q with head and neck brown, with or without white around bill, and other black parts of g' rather brown. (Fulizx proper.) No ring around neck. ¢ Speculum white; back and sides finely waved in zig-zag with black and whitish ; bill blue, with black nail. Q with the face white. Length about 20.00; wing 9.00; gloss ofhead green . . ee ew ew ew we marila 720 Length about 16.00; wing 8.00; glossofhead purple. . . ...... . afinis T21 An orange-brown ring round neck of ¢. Speculum gray; back nearly uniform blackish ; bill black, pale at base and near end; @ without collar; lores and chin whitish, and ring round eye. . . collaris 722 Red-heads: g with head and neck chestnut, in 9 plain brown; body anteriorly, rump, tail, and its coverts, black, in 9 brown; back, scapulars, and sides finely waved with black and white or ashy-white in equal amounts; speculum gray, Bill blue with black belt at end. Back dis- ‘tinctly vermiculated with black on an ashy-white ground (thyia). . . . . . . americana 123 Bill longer than head, with scarcely concave culmen rising high on forehead ; chord of culmen over 2 inches. Nostrils reaching middle of bill. Canvas-back: gf head dark chestnut-brown, much obscured with dusky 6n top and about bill. Silvery-whitish of back prevailing over the black waved lines, which arenarrow and much broken into chains of dots (Aristonetta) . . 1 6 6 1 ew te ew eee : vallisneria 724 FULIGULA. @86. (addenda.) ¥F. rufiina. (Lat. rufina, reddish.) Rep-crREstep PocHarp. Adult @: Conspicuously crested. Bill vermilion, white-tipped; feet orange-red; eyes brown. Head and upper neck rusty-red, with a rosy tint. Lower- and hind-neck, fore-back, breast, and middle of belly black. Back grayish-brown, with a large white patch on each side, blacken- ing on rump and upper tail-coverts. Tail ashy-gray. Primaries whitish, edged and tipped with dusky-gray; speculum and sides of belly white. 9: Bill dusky with pink tip, and feet pinkish, with dusky webs. Upper parts generally rufous-brown, under parts brownish- white, the throat and upper fore-neck whitish; crown and rump darker than other upper parts, the dorsal feathers with pale edges; quills brown, edged and tipped with darker, the 1. ANATIDA — FULIGULINZ: SEA DUCKS. 701 ‘ speculum gray, bounded terminally with brown. Europe, ete. One found in Fulton Market, New York, Feb. 1872. (See Check List, 2d ed., 1882, p. 136.) FuLix. F. mari/la. (Qu. proper name? Qu. Gr. papidy, marile, charcoal, from the pitch-black fore-parts?) GREATER Scaur Duck. Bic Buack-HEap. Buiur-puu. Rarr Duck. Fiocking Fown. SHuFFLER. Adult g: No ring around neck. Speculum white. Bill dull blue, with black hooked nail, broad and flat at end, where considerably wider than at base. Iris yellow. Feet livid blackish, or dark plumbeous, with darker webs. Whole head, neck, and fore-parts of body pitch-black, on the head with chiefly green iridescence. Lower back, rump, tail, with both upper and under coverts, black or blackish. Middle of back,’ scapulars, and most of under parts, white, the interscapulars, scapulars, sides of body, flanks, and lower belly waved-with fine zig-zag cruss-lines of black, quite in ‘‘canvas-back” style. Wing-coverts similar to back, but darker gray and more obscarely marked; the greater coverts tipped with black, forming the anterior border of the white speculum, which is formed by the secondaries, the white extending quite across them, their tips black. Primaries brownish-black, becoming gray inwardly. Axillars and most of under wing-coverts white. 9: Bill, eyes and feet as before. The black parts of the ¢ replaced by dusky or dark brown, which latter is the color of the head. A broad belt of pure white around base of upper mandible, forming a conspicuous white ‘‘face.” The black-and-white vermiculation less distinctly developed. Length of ¢ 9 18.00-20.00; extent 30.00-35.00, usually over 30.00; wing 8.50-9.00; tail 3.00; bill 2.00; tarsus 1.50; iniddle toe and claw 2.60. Europe, Asia, ete., and N. Am. at large; on the whole more northerly than. F. affimis, not proceeding so far south in winter, though breeding no farther north — from N. borders of U. S., northward. The more frequent U. 8. scaup in winter is F’. affinis. Nest on ground, down-lined; eggs drab-colored, 2.45 & 1.72. F, aff/nis. (Lat. affinis, ad and finis, allied, affined.) Lesser Scaup Duck. LitTLe BLACK-HEAD (with other names of the foregoing). Extremely similar to the last; gloss of head chiefly purple, sides and flanks less closely waved with black? Smaller: length 15.50- 17.00; extent under 30.00; wing 8.00 or less; tail 2.50; bill 1.75; tarsus 1.50; middle toe and claw 2.30. It is difficult to define this bird specifically, but it appears to preserve its characters, though constantly associated with the last. N. Am. at large; breeds from the N. borders of the U. 8. northward; winters in and migrates through the U.S. to C. Am. and W. I. F. colla/ris. (Lat. collaris, pertaining to collum, the neck: collared.) Rine-neck Ducx. Adult g: A chestnut or orange-brown ring round neck. Speculum gray (not white). Bill black, the base and edges, and a belt near end of upper mandible, pale bluish. Iris yellow. Feet grayish-blue, with dusky webs. Head and neck above the collar lustrous black, with green, violet, and purple iridescence, the extreme chin white. Lower neck, fore-breast, upper parts generally, blackish, the scapulars scarcely waved or only dotted with grayish. Crissum black; under parts generally, including lining of wings, white, the lower belly and sides finely waved with black. Wings plain dark brown, with an ashy-gray speculum formed by outer webs of some of the secondaries. Tail of 16 feathers. Adult 9: No collar; head umber-brown darker on top, with whitish cheeks and chin, and white eye-ring ; other’ black parts of # dark brownish; under parts less extensively and less purely white; wing -and its speculum as before. Length 16.00-18.00; extent 30.00 or less; wing abont 8.00; tail 9.75; tarsus 1.25; bill 1.75, not so much widened: at end as that of the scaups. N. Am. at large ; breeds from N. border of U.S. to far north, winters in and migrates through U. S. to C. Am. and W. I. Nest on ground, of grass and moss; eggs about 9, pale greenish. 2.25 X 1.60. 723. _the forward end of nostril about 2 the way 702 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES. F. feri/na america/na, (Lat. férina, feral, wild. Figs. 486, 487, 488.) RED-HEAD. AMERICAN PocuaRp. Adult $: The feathers of the head somewhat full and puffy, though forming no crest. Bill broad and flattened, a little widened toward end, running into the forehead which arches abruptly over and away from it, not rising gradually into line with forehead; shorter or not longer than head, 2 inches or less in length along culmen, the nostrils within its basal half; from upper corner to end of bill. Bill dull blue with a black belt at the end. (Compare head and bill of canvas-back.) Iris orange. Feet dull grayish-blue, with dusky webs and black claws. Head and neck all around rich pure chestnut, not obscured with dusky-brown, but with bronzy or coppery red reflections. Lower neck and fore parts of body above and below, with rump and tail-coverts above and below, blackish. Back mixed whitish and blackish in about equal amounts, the dark wavy lines distinct and unbroken. (In the European pochard, F. ferina, from which our bird differs, the back is also distinctly and completely waved with black, but the ground is quite white, as in our canvas-back, in which the dark lines are much broken up, the’ white thus prevailing. This fine vermiculation, when not too closely examined, gives a delicate silvery-gray tone, of different shade in the different species.) Sides of body under the wings vermiculated inuch like the back, Fie. 487. — Red-head, } nat. size. the undulations subsiding in the grayish-white of the middle (from nature by J. L. Ridgway.) under parts. Wing-coverts ashy-gray, minutely dotted with white; speculum hoary-ash, : bordered internally with black; lining of wings mostly white. 9: Bill obscured blu- ish, with black belt near end; iris yellow; feet asin g. Same shape of bill and head. Head and up- per neck dull reddish- brown, paler or whit- ish on cheeks and behind eye; upper parts brownish, the feathers paler edged. Wings much as in 6, the white lining restricted. Length 20.00-23.00; extent about 33.00; wing 9.00-10.00; tail 3.00, of 14 feathers; tarsus 1.50; middle tue and claw 2.75. N. Am. at large, but particularly Fic. 488. — Red-heads. (From Lewis.) ANATIDH — FULIGULINE: SEA DUCKS. 703 E. of the Mississippi and along Atlantic Coast; breeds in high latitudes, winters in U. S. One of the commonest market-ducks in eastern cities in winter, selling readily for canvas- back, and more likely to be distinguished therefrom with the feathers on than off! Nest on ground, or among reeds over water like a coot’s, down-lined. Eggs 7-8, buff, 2.25 X 1.70. ARISTONETTA. F. vallisne/ria. (Name of a genus of aquatic plants, the wild celery, V. spiralis, dedicated to Antonio Vallisneri, an Italian naturalist. Figs. 485, 489, 490.) Canvas-Back. Adult ¢: The head close-feathered. Bill high at the base and narrow throughout or scarcely widened toward end, sloping gradually up to the top of the head in line with the sweep of the forehead, altogether somewhat like a goose’s in shape; decidedly longer than head, 24 inches to nearly or quite 3 in length, measured along the culmen; the nostrils reaching the middle of the bill, their fore end half-way from upper corner to end of bill. Bill not blue, black-belted, but blackish throughout. Eyes red. Feet grayish-blue. Head and upper neck not coppery brownish-red, but dark reddish-brown, further much obscured with dusky or quite blackish about the bill and on top. Ground color of back white, very finely vermiculated with zigzag blackish bars much narrower than the intervening spaces, and tending to break up, or mostly broken up, into little chains of dots across the feathers; the resulting silvery-gray tone consequently several shades lighter than in the red-head. Other characters ine substantially as in that species. @ differs as 9 red-head does; way.). head dark snuffy-brown, etc., but the bill is colored as in the @, and sufficiently preserves its peculiar shape; eyes reddish-brown. Size of the red-head, or a little larger; tarsus 1.75; bill longer, as above ; culmen much over 2 inches; gape about 2.67; line from upper corner to tip nearly or quite 3.00, of which distance the nostrils reach half way. N. Am. at large; breeds from the northern tier of States northward, in the R. Mts. further south, and in upper California; winters in Fic. 490. — Canvas-back. (From Lewis.) the U. 8. and soutb- Fic. 489. — Canvas-back, } nat. (From nature by J. L. Ridg- 292. 125. 726. 704 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTRES — ANSERES. ward to Guatemala; abundant along the Atlantic coast, from the middle districts to Texas, especially in the Chesapeake. When feeding on the wild celery the flesh acquires a peculiarly fine flavor, which has gained for the bird great renown among gastronomers; but its flesh is of no special excellence under other circumstances, in fact inferior to that of most River Ducks (Anatine). There is little reason for squealing in barbaric joy over this over-rated and gen- erally under-done bird; not one person in ten thousand can tell it from any other duck on the table, and then only under the celery circumstance just said. CLAN/GULA. (Lat. clangula, dim. of clangor, a noise.) WHIsTLERS. Garrots. Bill much shorter than head, about as long as tarsus, very high at base, tapering to end with definite nail, and acute upper corners; frontal and mental feathers little in advance of loral. Nostrils median. Tail about half as long as wing, 16-feathered, pointed. Body plump; neck short; feet far back. @ with the head puffy or slightly crested, dark-colored, iridescent, with great white patches; lower neck all around, under parts including sides, and most of the wing- coverts, scapulars, and secondaries, white; lining of wings dark; most of upper parts black ; no waving on back or sides; crissum not black; bill dark; feet light or bright. 9 with less puffy dark brown or gray head, and traces or not of the white patches. Medium-sized and small ducks, mostly black and white. They include two types of at least subgeneric value; one (Clangula proper) represented by the garrots, the other (Bucephala) by the buifle-head. Analysis of Species. Nostrils rather before middle of bill.. g head uniformly puffy, the gloss green; a round or oval white spot before eye, not reaching upper corner of bill; white of wings continuous; lining of wings entirely dark; eye yellow; feet orange. 9 head dark brown, unmarked. (Clangula) ..... . glaucium 725 Nostrils as before. g' head somewhat crested, the gloss purple and violet; an angular or crescentic white space before eye, applied against whole base of bill; white of wings divided by a darx line; lining of wings entirely dark; eye yellow; feet orange. 9 head dark brown, unmarked... . . . islandica 126 Nostrils rather behind middle of bill. g' head extremely puffy, the gloss various. No white before eye, but great white space on side of head behind, meeting its fellow on nape; white of wing continuous; lining of wing with some white; eye brown; feet flesh-color; ? head dark gray, with trace of the white auricular patch. (Bucephala) i Gr Rect ae Bho Bi th ep 2 2 ue a = 8 a g £ & is also a large silky flank-patch acquired by several species. Many Cormorants are also crested with ordinary long slender feathers; the crest is often double, and when so, the two crests may be either one on each side of the head, or they may follow each other on the middle line of the hind head and nape. Our species illustrate all these various featherings. The naked parts about the head vary with the species and afford good characters, Fra. 504. —Sternum and shoulder-girdle of Phalacrocoraz bicristatus, nat. size. Fra. 605, — Skull of Phalacrocorax bicristatus, showing sto. occipital style or nuchal bone; nat. size. (From nature by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. The style is somewhat tilted upward from its natural position.) 726 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES. especially considering the shape of the pouch; the skin is usually brightly colored, and some- times carunculate. The eyes, as a rule, are green —a color not common among birds. These birds are highly psilopzedic as well as altricial; the young are for some time blind, naked, and perfectly helpless. Twenty-five species of Cormorants may be considered established. Their study is difficult, owing to the great changes in plumage, the high normal variability in size, and their close inter-relation, which is such that the single genus Graculus does not appear capable of well- founded division. Species are found all over the world, excepting the uttermost polar regions, and are usually very abundant in individuals; they are all very much alike in their habits. Many are maritime, but others range over fresh waters as well. They are eminently grega- rious, especially in the breeding season, when they congregate by thousands —the boreal kinds generally on rock-begirt coasts and islands, those of warm countries in the dense fringes of shrubbery. They often migrate in large serried ranks. The nest is rude and bulky; the eggs are commonly two or three, of elliptical form and pale greenish color, overlaid with a white chalky substance. The Cormorants feed principally upon fish, and their voracity is proverbial, though probably no greater than that of allied birds. Under some circumstances they show an intelligent docility ; witness their semi-domestication by the Chinese, who train them to fish for their masters, a close collar being slipped around the neck to prevent them from swallowing the booty. 308. PHALACRO'CORAX. (Gr. @adaxpoxdpaé, phalakrokorax ; Lat. phalacrocoras, a cormo- rant, sea-crow, corvus marinus: gadaxpos, phalakros, bald, and képaé, korax, a raven.) Cormorants. Character as above said. There appears to be but one genus in the family, but several groups of species nay be cited subgenerically. There are three such groups among our species, respectively exemplified by P. carbo, P. dilophus, and P. violaceus. Analysis of Species. Tail of 14 feathers. Gular sac heart-shaped behind, bordered with white .. . ORE aS Seay Sey Sa fe ee carbo %50 Tail of 12 feathers, Gular sac convex or nearly straight-edged behind. No white border behind gular'sac. Lateral crests of curly feathers on sides of head. Largest: length about 36,00. pees white filaments on head in breeding season. N. W. Coast . . . - + Cincinnatus 152 Medium: length 30 00-33. 00. Scarcely or not developing white silent on head in breed- ing season. At large Z - . + . dilophus 751 Small: length 30.00 or less. Probably not devslopine white filaments. S. E. Coast , Jloridanus 753 Small: size of the last. Developing white filaments. S. W. Coast. . . . albociliatus 753a A border of white feathers behind the sac. ; Very small: length about 24.00 . . Se: ley a + mexicanus T54 Gular sac heart-shaped behind. (No lateral crests.) Sac dark-blue, bordered by a fawn-colored gorget Feathers of back distinct, dark-edged : penicillatus 755 Sac not bordered with a colored gorget. No distinct colored edges of feathers of back. Shafts of tail-feathers said to be white sae io Siete Sah ee Se - perspicillatus 756 Shafts of tail-feathers not white. Frontal feathers not reaching bill, which is entirely surrounded with red skin; base of billblue . . Ben Mee Mae AR Be aE Books ter GE . bicristatus 757 Frontal feathers reaching pill. Larger: wing 10.00 or more . ee ee ee » . violaceus 758 Smaller: wing under 10.00 fe Rw a eS eee we ee Le a ek | (bairdt 4 150. P.car'bo. (Lat. carbo, carbon: from the black color.) Common Cormorant. SwHac. Adult ¢ 9: Tail of 14 feathers (here only ainong our species). Gular sac heart-shaped behind. Bill blackish, whitish along edges and at base below. Iris green. Skin about eyes livid greenish, orange under the eye; sac yellow, bordered behind by a gorget of white feathers. General plumage glossy greenish-black ; feathers of back and wing-coverts distinct’ 1. 752. 753. PHALACROCORACIDA:: CORMORANTS. 727 bronzy-gray, black-edged; quills and tail grayish-black; feet black. In summer, when breeding, a white flank-patch, numerous long thready white plumes scattered on head and neck, and a small black occipital and nuchal crest. Length 36.00; extent 60.00; wing 12.00-14.00; tail 6.00-7.00; tarsus over 2.00; bill 3.40 along ridge, 4.00 along the gape. In winter no crests or white feathers on neck or flanks. Young: Bill grayish-brown, black on top and at tip; bare skin and sac yellow. Top of head and hind neck brownish-black ; back and wing-coverts brownish-gray, the feathers with dark margins, some of them also edged finally with whitish. Throat brownish-white, and under parts generally whitish, blackish along the sides, dusky under the wings and across lower belly. The naked young in the nest are unpleasant livid purplish objects, with protuberant bellies, and large feet; the first down is blackish. Eggs 3, sometimes 4, bluish-green coated with white chalky substance, 2.60 X 1.75; nests of sticks, moss, and seaweeds, very filthy and offensive. Atlantic Coast of Europe and North America; breeds in great numbers on the rocky shores of Labrador and Newfoundland ; S. to the Middle States in winter. P. dilo’/phus. (Gr. dis, dis, twice; Adpos, lophos, crest. Fig. 506.) DovuBLE-cRESTED Cormorant. Tail of 12 feathers. Gular sac convex behind. No colored gorget. Glossy Fig. 506. — Double-crested Cormorant, nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) greenish-black ; feathers of the back and wings coppery-gray, black-shafted, black-edged. Adult with curly black lateral crests in the breeding season, but few if any other filamentous white ones, over the eyes and along the sides of the neck; white flank-patch not observed in any specimens examined, probably not occurring; iris green; gular sac and lores orange. Winter spec. with bill bright yellow, blackening along culmen, gular sac red anteriorly, ochrey- yellow posteriorly ; legs dull black. Length 30.00-33.00 inches; extent 50.00; wing 12.00- 13.00; tail 6.00-7.00; bill along gape 3.50; tarsus a little over 2.00. Young: Plain dark brown, paler or grayish (even white on the breast) below, without head-plumes. N. Am., at large, the commonest species, the only one diffused over the interior ; eggs 3~4, 2.50 « 1.55. P. d. cincinna‘tus. (Lat. cincinnatus, having curly hair.) WdHITE-TUFTED CoRMORANT. General character of the preceding, of which it appears to be a large northern variety. White lateral crests, of a superciliary bundle of long curly filamentous feathers. Larger: size of P. carbo. Alaska. P. d, florida/nus. FiLoripsA Cormorant. Similar to, smaller than P. dilophus. Length 30.00 or less; extent 45.00; wing 12.00 or less; tail 6.00 or less; tarsus a little under 2.00; but bill as large if not larger; gape nearly 4.00. The plumage is exactly the same. There are said to be certain differences in the life-colors of the bills (blue instead of yellow on under mandible and edges of upper— Audubon), but none show in my specimens. This is simply a localized scuthern race of dilophus, smaller in general dimensions, with relatively larger bill, .753a, 754, 155. 756. 757. 728 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES. as usual in such cases; the sac seems to be more extensively denuded. Resident on the Floridan and Gulf coast, breeding by thousands on the mangrove bushes; in summer, ranging up the Mississippi valley to Ohio, and along the coast to North Carolina. P. d, albocilia‘tus. (Ridgw. MS.) Small: like floridanus, but with white nuptial crests as in cinecinnatus. Pacific coast, breed from the Farallone Islands to Cape St. Lucas. P. mexica/nus. Mexican Cormorant. Resembling the last; lustre more intense, rather violet-purplish than green; long filamentous white feathers on head and neck (but no definite black lateral crests?) ; sac orange, white-edged with feathers. Small: length about 24.00; extent 40.00; wing about 10.00; tail 6.00-6.50, thus relatively long; tarsus under 2.00; gape of bill under 3.00. The sac is not strongly convex in outline behind, the feathers passing across in a straight or even convex line. Central America and West Indies; Texas; up the Mississippi to Illinois and Kansas. P. penicilla‘tus. (Lat. penicillatus, pencilled, brushy.) Turrep CoRMORANT. BRANDT'S CorMORANT. Deep lustrous green, changing to violet or steel-blue on the neck; the back proper like the under parts, but the scapulars and wing-coverts showing narrow dark edgings of the individual feathers (much less conspicuous than in any of the foregoing species; nothing of the sort is seen in any of the following ones). Sac dark blue, surrounded by a gorget of fawn-colored or mouse-brown plumage ; heart-shaped behind, owing to a narrow pointed forward extension of the feathers on the middle line, as in P. carbo, but largely naked, tHe feathers ex- tending on it little if any in advance of those on the lower mandible. White filamentous plumes, 2 inches or more long, straight and stiffish, spring in a series down each side of the neck; a few others are irregularly scattered over the back of the neck; many others, still longer, grow on the upper part of the back. No black crests, nor white flank-patch, observed. Wing nearly 12.00; tail scarcely or not 6.00, thus relatively very short; bill along culmen 2.75; tarsus 2.50. Does not particularly resemble any other species here described. Young: Blackish-brown, rustier below, the belly grayish; scapulars and wing-coverts with edges of the feathers paler than the centres; gorget fawn-colored, as in the adult (P. townsendii! Aud.). Pacific Coast, U. 8., common. P. perspicilla'tus. (Lat. perspicillatus, conspicuous, spectacular.) PatuLas’ CorMORANT. Deep lustrous green, above and below, with blue gloss on the neck, and rich purplish on the scapulars and wing-coverts, the dorsal feathers not sharp-edged nor bordered, as in all the foregoing. Shafts of tail-feathers (said to be) white; if this holds, it is a unique character among our species. Adult with coronal and occipital crests (not lateral paired crests); a white flank-patch in the breeding season; face and neck with long sparse straw-yellow plumes ; sac orange, heart-shaped ; bill blackish. Large: length 36.00; wing 13.00; tail 7.00? 9.00? tarsus 3.00; bill (along gape?) 4.00, very stout, two-thirds of an inch deep at base. N. Pacific Coast. I have not seen this species, which seems to be well marked. There are no known specimens in this country, and none of the ornithologists who have lately visited Alaskan. shores have found the bird. P. bicrista/tus. (Lat. bicristatus, twice-crested. Figs. 502, 508, 504, 505.) Rep-Fracep Cormorant. Frontal feathers not reaching base of the culmen, the bill being entirely sur- rounded by naked red skin which also encircles the eyes, somewhat carunculate, forming a kind of wattle on each side of the chin; base of under mandible blue ; feet black, blotched with yellow. Crown with a median bronzy black crest, and nape with another, in the same line. In the specimens examined, a large white flank-patch, but few if any white plumes on neck. Plumage richly iridescent, mostly green, but violet and steel-blue on the neck, purplish, violet, and bronzy on the back and wings, the feathers there without definite dark edgings. Length 33.00 ; extent 48.00; wing 12.00; tarsus 2.97; gape of bill 3.00. Alaska, both on the coast and islands; swarming on the Seal Islands of Behring’s Sea, where resident. Nests on the rocky cliffs; habits in all respects those of other species. Eggs as usual 3-4, 2.50 x 1.50. 758. 759. PHALACROCORACIDZ: CORMORANTS. 729 P. viola/ceus. (Lat. violaceus, violet.) VIOLET-GREEN CoRMORANT. Frontal feathers reaching culmen; gular sac inconspicuous, very extensively feathered, the feathers reaching on the sides of the under mandible to below the eyes, and running in a point on the sac far in advance of this. Small: length 24.00-28.00; extent about 40.00; wing 10.00-11.00; tail 6.00 or less; tarsus 2.00 or less; bill along gape 3.00 or less, very slender, and sinooth on the sides, its depth at base about 0.33. Deep lustrous green, including the back, the feathers of which are not margined; the scapulars, wing-coverts, and sides of the body iridescent with purplish or coppery, the neck with rich violet and blue; gular sac orange; feet black. Two median lengthwise crests as in the last two species. Among the specimens before me, one has no white flank-patch, but a few white scattered plumes on the neck; another, marked 9, has none of these, but a large snowy tuft on the flanks. Pacifie Coast of N. Am., very abun- dant in suitable places along the Alaskan coast; breeding on cliffs. (P. resplendens, Aud.) P. v. bair'di. (To 8. F. Baird.) Bazrp’s Cormorant. Like the last; very small, the wing being under 10.00, the tarsus 1.67, the gape 2.67; the bill extremely slender. Has both the flank-tufts and the neck-plumes; the sac in life said to be dusky studded with red. Possibly represents a small southern race, bearing somewhat the relation to violaceus that floridanus does to dilophus. Farallone Islands, Cala. 56. Family PLOTIDZ: Darters. Bill about twice as long as the head, straight, slender, very acute, paragnathous, the tomia with fine serratures. Gular sac moderate, naked. Nostrils minute, entirely obliterated in the adult. Wings moderate, the 3d quill longest. Tail rather long, stiff, broad and fan- shaped, of 12 feathers widening towards the end, the outer web of the middle pair curiously crimped (in our species). There is an occipital style, as in cormorants, but it is very small. There are remarkable peculiarities of the cervical vertebre, in their conformation and articulation, the passage of tendons through bony eyelets, etc., a mechanism producing the strong kink observable near the middle of the neck, and the ability of the bird to thrust forward and retract the head. There are 20 cervical vertebre in P. anhinga. The digestive system shows a remarkable feature ; instead of the lower part of the wsophagus being occupied by the proventricular glands, these are placed in a small distinct sac on the right side of the gizzard, which, as in other Steganopodes, develops a special pyloric cavity, the orifice of which “is protected by a mat of lengthy hair-like processes, much like cocoa-nut fibre, which nearly half fills the second stomach.” There is a single small caecum, as in herons. The tongue is very rudimentary. The carotid is single in P. anhinga. Sternum as in Cormorants. The darters are birds of singular appearance, somewhat like a cormorant, but much more slightly built, and with exceedingly long slender neck and small constricted head that seems to taper directly into the bill, the head, neck, and bill resembling those of a heron. As in the Cormorants, there are long slender feathers on the neck ; the sexes are commonly distinguish- able, but the 9 is said sometimes to resemble the g. Other changes of plumage appear to be considerable, but not well made out. The feet are short, and placed rather far back, but the birds perch with ease. Unlike most of the order, they are not maritime, shunning the seacoast, dwelling in the most impenetrable swamps of warm countries. They fly swiftly, and dive with amazing ease and celerity. They are timid and vigilant birds; when alarmed they drop from their perch into the water below, noiselessly and with scarcely a ripple of the surface, and swim beneath the surface to a safe distance before reappearing. When surprised on the water, they have the curious habit of sinking quietly backward, like grebes; and they often swim with the body submerged, only the head and neck in’sight, looking like some strange kind of water serpent. ‘They feed on fish, which they do not dive down upon, 730 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — STEGANOPODES. but dive for and pursue under water like cormorants and loons. The eggs are three or four, pale bluish, with white chalky incrustation. There are only three or four species: the African P. levaillanti ; the P. melanogaster of Southern Asia, with the Australian P. nova- hollandia, if distinct from the last; with the following: 804, PLO’TUS. (Gr. mhards, plotos, swimming well.) Darrers. Character as above. 760. P. anhin’/ga. (Portuguese anhina, Lat. angwina, snaky.) DartTerR. ANHINGA. SNAKE- BIRD. WATER-TURKEY. @: Glossy greenish-black; a broad silver gray wing-band formed . by most of the coverts; lower neck behind spotted, and scapulars and tertiaries striped with silvery-gray; tail pale-tipped; filamentous feathers of neck purplish-ash. 9: with parts of the head, neck, and back brown, the jugulum and breast fawn-color sharply margined with rich brown. Bill yellow, dusky-greenish on the ridge and tip; sac orange; eye-space livid; eye carmine; feet dusky and yellow. Length about 36.00; extent nearly 4.00 feet ; wing 13.00-14.00 ; tail 10.00-11.00 ; bill 3.25 along culmen; tarsus 1.33. S. Atlantic and Gulf States, common; in summer to North Carolina, and up the Mississippi to Illinois and Kansas ; New Mexico. Nest bulky, placed on trees and bushes over the water, of sticks, leaves, roots, moss, ete.; eggs 3-4, like cormorant eggs in color and texture, but narrow and elongate, 2.60 X 1.25. Young with buff-colored or white woolly down. Fed in the nest by regurgitation, like cormorants. 57. Family TACHYPETIDA: Frigates. Bill longer than the head, epignathous, stout, straight, wider than high at the base, thence gradually compressed to the strongly hooked extrem- ity, where the under as well as upper mandible is decurved. Nostrils very small, linear, almost entirely closed, in a long narrow groove. Gular sac small, but capdble of con- siderable distension. Wings exceedingly long and pointed, of about 34 remiges, of which the 10 primaries are very pow- erful, with stout quadrangular shafts; upper and middle por- tion of the wings greatly lengthened. Tail very long, deeply forked, of 12 strong feathers. Feet exceedingly small, the tarsus, in particu- lar, extraordinarily short, feath- ered; webbing restricted, that between inner and next toe very slight; middle claw pec- tinate. Bulk of body slight compared with the great length of the wings and tail. Here only in this order is found the Fia. 507. — Frigate, with Tropic Bird in the distance. (From Michelet.) 305. 761. PHALACROCORACIDZ: CORMORANTS. 731 0s uncinatum, a peculiar skull-bone occurring in nearly all the petrels, the turacous (Musopha- gide), and many cuckoos; and here only the stomach develops no pyloric cavity. Coca 2, but very small. Sternum very broad for its length, the furculum firmly anchylosed, the poste- rior border entire. The femoro-caudal and ambiens are present ; the accessory femoro-caudal, semitendinosus, and its accessory are absent. f The frigates are maritime and pelagic birds of most warm parts of the globe. Their general contour is unique among water-birds, in the immense length and sweep of the wings, length of the forked tail and extreme smallness of the feet. In command of wing they are unsurpassed, and but few birds approach them in this respect. They are more nearly independent of land than any other birds excepting albatrosses and petrels, being often seen hundreds of miles at sea, and delight to soar at an astonishing elevation. They cannot dive, and scarcely swim or walk; food is procured by dashing down on wing with unerring aim, and by harassing gulls, terus, and other less active or weaker birds until they are forced to disgorge or drop their prey. Their habit is gregarious, especially during the breeding season, when thousands congregate to nest in low thick bushes by the water’s edge. The nest is a shallow flat structure of sticks; the eggs, two or three in number, are greenish-white with a thick smooth shell. ‘‘The young are covered with yel- lowish-white down, and look at first as if they had no feet. They are fed by regurgitation, hut grow tardily, and do not leave the nest until they are able to follow their parents on wing.” The following is the principal if not the only species. TACHY’PETES. (Gr. raxumérns, tachupetes, fly- ing rapidly.) Frigates. Character as above. T. a/quilus. (Lat. aquilus, dark, swarthy. Figs. 507, 508.) Fricare. Man-or-war Birp. ¢ Fig. 508, — Gular pouch of Frigate. brownish-black, glossed with green or purplish, duller on the belly, wings showing brown and gray; 9 with white on neck and breast. Length: about 3.50 feet; extent 7.00-8.00 ; wing 2.00; tail 1.50; bill 5 or 6 inches; tarsi 1 inch or less! §S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast. Eggs 2-8, 2.90 x 2.00. 58. Family PHAETHONTIDA:: Tropic Birds. Bill about as long as the head, stout, straight, compressed, tapering, acute, paragnathous. Gular sac rudimentary, almost completely feathered. Nostrils small, lmear, but remaining patulous. Tail with the two middle feathers in the adult filamentous and extraordinarily prolonged, the rest short and broad. Atnong anatomical characters it is to be noted that the muscles of the leg are asin Laride, as might be expected from the outward resemblance of these birds to terns; they having the accessory seimitendinosus, lacking in other families of the order. The tropic bird resembles a large stout tern in general figure; the bill, especially, being almost exactly like that of a tern. The principal external peculiarity is the development of the middle tail-feathers ; the feathering of the gular sac and the permanent patulance of the nostrils are other features. They are graceful birds on the wing, capable of protracted flight, venturing far from land. They are gregarious at all times, and nest in communities along coasts and on islands, in rocky places or among low trees and bushes. As implied in their name, they are birds of the torrid zone, though in their extensive wanderings they visit Southern seas, and have even been reported from beyond latitude 49° N. There are but three well-determined species: P. flavirostris, P. ethereus, and P. rubricauda. 306. 162. 163. 132 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES. PHAETHON. (Gr. $a¢6w, Phaéthon, son of the sun.) TRopic Brrps. Character as above. P. zxthe'reus. (Lat. ethereus, pertaining to the upper air.) RED-BILLED Tropic Brirp. Bill red ; tarsi and part of toes light colored; rest of toes black. Plumage pure white, on nearly all the upper parts finely barred with black; black markings on sides under wings; a transocular fascia, outer webs and part of inner webs of most of the primaries, most of several inner secondaries, and most of the shafts of the tail-feathers, black, the shafts of the long middle pair, however, white in most: of their extent. Length about 36.00 inches, including the long tail-feathers ; without these, about 18.00; wing 12.00; long middle tail-feathers up to 18.00; tarsus 1.00 ; middle toe and claw 1.75 ; bill 2.50 along culmen, nearly 1.00 deep at base. Trop- ical and subtropical America, accidental in N. Am.; said to have straggled to Newfoundland in one instance (Freke, Pr. Roy. Soc. Dublin, 1879). P. flaviros‘tris. (Lat. flavirostris, yellow-billed.) YELLOW-BILLED Tropic Birp. Bill and tarsi yellow ; toes black. Plumage white, tinged with salmon or rosy on the under parts and long tail-feathers; lacking the barring with black of the last. species, but with definite black areas —a transocular fascia, an oblique band on lesser wing-coverts and thence on scap- ulars and inner secondaries, shaft-stripes on outer five or six primaries, stripes on the flanks, and most of the shafts of the tail-feathers, including the middle pair. Smaller than the last; development of middle tail-feathers about the same; wing 11.00; bill notably smaller, only about 2.00 along culmen and 0.75 deep at base. This is the species figured by Audubon (8vo, pl. 427) under the wrong name of P.-ethereus, which belongs to the foregoing. Tropical and subtropical America, rare or casual in the U. S., as on the Gulf coast. Has strayed to Western New York in one instance (Cowes, Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880, p. 68). 3II. Order LONGIPENNES: Long-winged Swimmers. Long-winged Natatores with open nostrils and small free or no hind toe. — Wings long, pointed, reaching when closed beyond the base, in many cases beyond the end, of the tail, which is usually lengthened and of less than 20 rectrices (oftenest' 12). Legs more or less perfectly beneath centre of equilibrium when the body is in the horizontal position ; the crura more nearly free from the body than in other Natatores, if not completely external. Anterior toes ‘palmate ; hallux never united with the inner toe, highly elevated, directly posterior, very small, rudi- mentary, or absent; tibiee naked below. Bill of variable form, but never extensively membra- nous nor lamellate, the covering horny throughout, sometimes discontinuous. Nostrils variable, but never abortive. No gular pouch. Altricial. This order, which may be recognized among web-footed birds by the foregoing external characters, is less substantially put together than either of the two preceding, — not that its components are not sufficiently related to each other, but because the essential points of structure are shared to a considerable extent by other groups. Thus the osteological resemblances of longipennine birds with loons, auks, and plover, are quite close, while the digestive system agrees in general characters with that of other fish-eating birds. In some of the lower mem- bers of the order, the tibia develops an apophysis, as in the loons; while even in external characters, one genus at least (Halodroma) resembles the Alcida. It is not certain that the order must not be broken up, or rather enlarged and differently defined, to include some of the genera now ranged under Pygopodes. The palate has the schizognathous structure; ‘the maxillo-palatines are usually lamellar and. concavo-convex, but in the Procellariide they become tumid and spongy” (Hucley) ; basypterygoid processes may be wanting, but they are certainly present in many cases. The nasal bones are schizorhinal in Laride, holorhinal in Procellariide. There is apparently one pair of syringeal muscles throughout the order. The oesophagus is capacious and distensible ; there is no special crop ; the proventiculus is a bulging of the gullet; the gizzard is small and LARIDA:: GULLS, TERNS, ETC. 733 little muscular ; the ceca are variable; the cloaca is large. Certain genera offer peculiarities of this general type of alimentary canal. According to Nitzsch, the pterylosis of the gulls ‘approaches very closely that of the Scolopacide, and can hardly be distinguished therefrom with certainty by any character.” In the terns, ‘‘in consequence of the slender and elegaut form of the body, the tracts are very narrow, and perfectly scolopacine.” The jagers differ ‘in having the outer branch of the inferior tract united with the main stem in the first part of its course, and all the tracts still broader and stronger than in” the gulls; while in the petrels, ‘the tract formation of the jigers is elevated into the type of a group, undergoing scarcely any change in the form of the inferior tract, but showing some little modification of the dorsal tract.” . As here constituted, the order embraces two superfamilies or suborders, to be known by the character of the nostrils; both are well represented in this country, where occur all the leading genera excepting Halodroma. 19. SuBporpER GAVIA: Sxiir-nosep LONGWINGS. The character of this group is the same as that of its single 59. Family LARIDA. Gulls, Terns, etc. Nostrils not tubular (linear, linear-oblong, oval or drop-shaped), sub-basal or median, lateral, pervious. The hallux, though very small and elevated, with its tip hardly touching the ground, is, except in Rissa, better developed than in the petrels. The habitat is fluviatile, lacustrine and maritime, rather than pelagic. The family contains four leading genera, each of which may be assumed as the basis of a subfamily ; all four occur in North America. Fuller characters are: Bill of moderate length, entire, or furnished with a cere, the upper mandible longer than, as long as, or shorter than the under; the culmen convex; the commissure very large, the cutting edges without lamella, the symphysis of the inferior mandibular rami com- plete for a considerable distance, an eminence being formed at their junction. No gular sae. Feathers usually extending farther on the sides of the upper mandible than on the culmen, and farther between the rami than on the sides of the under mandible. Nostrils linear or oval; direct, pervious, lateral, opening on the basal half of the bill. Eyes of moderate size, placed about over the angle of the mouth. Wings long, broad, strong, pointed, with little or no con- cavity. Primaries very long, more or less acute, the first longest, the rest rapidly graduated. Secondaries numerous, short, broad, with rounded or excised tips. Tertials of moderate length, straight, rather stiff. Legs placed well forward on the abdomen, inore or less perfectly ambu- latorial. Thighs entirely covered and concealed. Tibize projecting ; feathered above; a con- siderable portion below naked, covered with more or less dense, sometimes reticulated, skin. Tarsi of moderate length or rather short ; compressed ; rather slender; anteriorly transversely seutellate, posteriorly and laterally reticulate. Anterior toes of moderate length, the middle usually about equal to the tarsus; the outer shorter than the middle, intermediate between it and the inner; scutellate superiorly; all of normal number of segmeuts (3, 4, 5). Hallux present ; very small, short, elevated above the plane of the other toes; entirely free and dis- connected ; of the normal number of segments (2) — except in Rissa. Webs broad and full, extending to the claws; their surfaces finely reticulated, their edges usually more or less incised, sometimes rounded. Claws fully developed, compressed, curved, more or less acute, the edge of the middle dilated, but not serrated. Tail very variable. Body generally rather full, and sometimes slender. Neck rather long. Head of moderate size. Plumage soft, close, thick ; its colors simple — white, black, brown, or pearl-blue predominating ; bright tints hardly found, except on the bill or feet, or as a temporary condition ; the sexes alike in color, but the plumage varying greatly with age and season. Eggs generally three, light-colored, with numerous 307. 164. 734 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LONGIPENNES — GAVIAb. heavy dark blotches. Nidification normally terrestrial; reproduction altricial; young ptilo pedic. Analysis of Subfamilies. Bill epignathous, cered. (Jagers). . . . . ete Ge ae Seog ER Se LESTRIDIN 2 Bill epignathous, not cered. (Gulls). . .... . 8 D&S Ow Bate ey ev DARIN Bill paragnathous. (Terns) Sp dept 6.58) Gee A WO Re we a STERNEN AE Bill hypognathous. (Skimmers) ........ p86 6 we ee ew ee + + 6 RHYNCHOPINE 70. Subfamily LESTRIDINA: Jagers, or Skua Gulls. Covering of bill discontinuous, the upper mandible being saddled with a large horny “cere,” beneath the edges of which the nostrils open (unique, among water-birds) ; bill epigna- thous. Tail nearly square, but the middle pair of feathers abruptly long-exserted. Feet strong; tibie naked below, the podotheca granular or otherwise roughened behind, scutellate in front ; webs full; claws large, curved, acute. Certain pterylographic characters have been already noted. A leading anatomical peculiarity in the large size of the ecca, as compared with the cases of the other subfamilies. Another is that the sternuin is single-notched behind, there being two notches on each side in the other subfamilies. There is but one genus, and only four species are well determined. They belong more particularly to the northern hemi- sphere, although some also inhabit southern seas; they mostly breed in boreal regions, but wander extensively at other seasons. They inhabit sea coasts, and also large inland waters; the nidification resembles that of the gulls; eggs 2-3, dark-colored, variegated. The sexes are alike; the young different, excepting one species ; there is also a particular melanotic plum- age, apparently a normal special condition. At first the central tail-feathers do not project, and they grow tardily. The skua gulls are eminently rapacious, whence their name of ‘ jager” (hunter) ; they habitually attack and harass terns and the smaller gulls, until these weaker and less spirited birds are forced to drop or disgorge their prey. Their flight is vigorous; lashing the air with the long tail, they are able to accomplish the rapid and varied evolutions required for the successful practice of piracy. Thus in their leading traits they are marine Raptores ; whilst the cered bill furnishes a curious analogy to the true birds of prey. STERCORA/RIUS. (Lat. stercorarius, a scavenger.) JAcErRs. Character of the subfamily, as above. The species of Megalestris differs decidedly from the rest, and might form a genus apart. Analysis af Species. Bill shorter than middle toe without claw; tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw ; central rectrices little projecting, broad to the tip. (Megalestris.) Of great size, and robust form. Billabout2incheslong. . . , . skua 164 Smaller ; bill and tarsi relatively longer than in the foregoing, latter nod ahovter than middle toe and claw; central rectrices finally projecting far beyond the rest. Central rectrices projecting about 4 inches, broad to the end c G « . pomatorhinus 765 Central rectrices projecting about 4 inches, acuminate . tM r a ha ‘i - parasiticus 766 Central rectrices projecting 8-10 inches, acuminate . . Sele Oa Ve Mi PS a ta buffont 767 S. sku/a. (Feroése name.) Sxua. Bill shorter than the middle toe without the claw ; exceedingly robust; width at base about equal to the height, which is a third of the length of culmen. Stricee and sulci numerous and well marked. Encroachment of feathers on bill moderate, and nearly the same on both mandibles. Occiput scarcely crested. Wings only moderately long for this subfamily ; the primaries very broad, and rounded at their tips. Tail very short, broad, nearly even, the feathers truncated; central pair projecting but little, and broad to their very tips, which are also truncated. Feet large and stout; tarsi shorter than the middle toe and claw. Size large; form robust and heavy; general organization very powerful. Colors much the same over the whole body ; not subject to any very remarkable changes with age, sex, or season. Adult J 9 ; Latero-nuchal feathers elongated, rigid, with long disconnected fibrillee. Above, blackish-brown, more or less variegated with chestnut and 165. LARIDA — LESTRIDINZ: JAGERS. 735 whitish ; each feather being dark-colored, with a spot of chestnut toward its extremity, which in turn fades into whitish along the shaft toward the tip of each feather. On the latero-nuchal region and across the throat the chestnut lightens into a decided reddish-yellow, the white being as a well-defined, narrow, longitudinal streak on each feather. The crown, post-ocular, and mental region have but little whitish. Inferiorly the plumage is of a blended fusco-rufous, lighter than on the dorsum, with a peculiar indefinite plumbeous shade. The wings and tail are blackish ; their shafts white, except toward the tips; the remiges and rectrices white for some distance from the bases. This white on the tail is concealed by the long tail-coverts, but appears on the outer primaries as a conspicuous spot. Bill and claws blackish-horn ; feet black. Bill from base to tip 2.10; to end of cere 1.20; gape 3.00; height at base 0.75; width a little less; gonys 0.50; wing 16.00; tail 6.00; tarsus 2.70; middle toe and claw 3.10. Young-of-the-year: The size much less, bill weaker and slenderer; cere illy developed; stri# not apparent, and its ridges and angles all want sharpness of definition. Wings short and rounded, the quills having very different proportional length from those of the adults; the 2d being longest, the 3d next and but little shorter; the lst about equal to the 4th. The inner or longest secondaries reach, when the wing is folded, to within an inch or so of the tip of the longest primary. Central rectrices, if anything, a little shorter than the next. Cvlors generally as in the adult, but everywhere duller and more blended, having few or no white spots; the reddish spots dull, numerous, and large, especially along the edge of the forearm and on the least and lesser coverts. On the under parts the colors are lighter, duller, and still more blended than above. The prevailing tint is a light, dull rufous, most marked on the abdomen ; but there and elsewhere more or less obscured with an ashy or plumbeous hue. The primaries, secondaries, and tertials, together with the rectrices, are dull brownish-black ; their shafts yellowish-white, darker terminally. At the bases of the primaries there exists the ordinary large white space, but it is more restricted than in the adults, and so much hidden by the bastard quills that it is hardly apparent on the outside of the wing, though very conspic- uous on the inferior surface. Legs and feet parti-colored, —brownish-black, variegated with yellowish. Bill along culmen 1.75; along gape 2.75; height at base 0.50; length of gonys 0.35; tarsus 2.60; middle toe and claw the same; wing 12.25; tail 5.75. N. Am., north- erly, rare or casual. ‘‘ California.” S. pomatorhi/nus. (Gr. mapa, touatos, poma, pomatos, a flap, lid; pis, pds, hris, hrinos, nose.) PoMATORHINE JAGER. Adults, breeding plumage: Bill shorter than the head, or ? the tarsus, about 24 times its own height at the base; width about the same as the height. Tail somewhat less than half the wing. Ist primary but little surpassing the 2d. Occiput suberested. Feathers of the neck rigid and acuminate, their fibrille disconnected. Tail- feathers, including the central, broad quite to their tips, which are truncated, the rhachis projecting as a small mucro. The central pair project about 3 inches; are broad to near the tip, where they form an angle of 45° with the rhachis; their fibrille exceedingly long (22 inches), while those of the lateral feathers are only 14. Tail slightly graduated. Tibiz bare for % of an inch, scutellate for 4 inch. Tarsi very rough; anteriorly covered with a single row. of scutella, except toward the tibio-tarsal articulation, where these scutella gradually degenerate into small, irregular polygonal plates, with which the whole of the rest of the tarsus is reticulated. These plates largest on the sides of the tarsus externally ; on the heel- joint, and posterior aspect of the tarsus generally, they become raised into small conical pyr- amids, acutely pointed. The scutella of the anterior portion of the tarsus are continuous with the superior surface of the toes, while the polygonal reticulation occupies both surfaces of the webs, and the inferior surface of the toes. Hallux extremely short, its nail stout, conical at the base, acute, little curved. Anterior claws all very strong and sharp; inner most so; the middle expanded on its inferior edge, not serrated. Webs broad, full, unincised, their free margins a little convex. The “cere” has a straight, smooth, convex culmen; its inferior 766. 736 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES — GAVLZE. border curves gently upward to give passage to the nostrils. The union of the two lateral halves leaves a well-marked acutely-angular recess over the culmen. There is a well-marked lateral longitudinal groove. Curve of nail regular, gradual. Commissure straight to the nostrils, then gradually declinato-convex. Eminentia symphysis slightly marked; commissure long, gonys short, a little concave, gape wide. Outline of feathers on the bill much as in the Larine, but supero-laterally they do not run so tar forward, nur with so acute an angle. Nos- trils placed far forward, lateral, linear, direct, pervious, their opening a little club-shaped. Bill horn, deepening into black; feet black. Pileum and occipital crest brownish-black ; this color extending much below the eyes, and occupying the feathers on the ramus of the inferior maxilla. Acuminate feathers of the neck light yellow. Bacix, wings, tail, upper wing-coverts, under tail-coverts as far as the flanks, deep blackish-brown. Under parts, from chin to abdo- men, and neck all round (except the acuminate feathers), pure white. Length about 20.00; extent 48.00; wing 14.00; bill 1.75; tarsus 2.00. Nearly adult: Generally as in the preceding, but with a row of brown spots across the breast; the sides under the wings transversely barred with white aud brown; the purity of the dark color of the abdomen interrupted by some touches of white. The legs wholly black, and the tail-feathers project- ing as much as in the fully adult. Intermediate stage: The band of dark spots across the breast is widened and enlarged, so that the whole breast appears brown, mottled with white ; the sides under the wings are conspicuously barred with white and brown; the white of the under parts is continued down over the abdomen to the under tail-coverts; the pure brown of these parts which obtains in the adult now only appearing as transverse bars among the white. Upper tail-coverts and some of the wing-coverts barred with white. Bases of pri- maries inferiorly white. Central tail-feathers only project an inch. Tarsi irregularly blotched with chrome-yellow —the hind toe and nail being of this color. Young-of-the-year: Bill much smaller and weaker than in the adult, light-colored to beyond the nostrils, when it becomes brownish-black. Feet and toes mostly bright yellow, the terminal portions of the latter black. The whole body everywhere transversely waved with dull rufous. On the head, neck, and under parts, this rufous forms the predominating color; and the bands are ex- ceedingly numerous, of about the same width as the intervening dark color. On the flanks and under tail-coverts the bars become wider, and almost white in color. On the back and wing-coverts the brownish-black is the predominating color; and if any rufous is present, it is merely as narrow edging of the feathers. Quills and tail-feathers brownish-black, darker at tips; whitish toward bases of primaries on inner webs. Light rufous predominating on head and neck; a dusky spot before eye. Ail the above stages traceable from one to auother. Dusky state: The bird is very nearly wnicolor ; blackish-brown all over; this color deepening into quite black on the pileum; lightening into fuliginous-brown on the abdomen, with a slight gilding of the black on the sides of the neck. The whitish bases of the primaries exist. The feet are in the chromo-variegated condition. The central tail-feathers scarcely project half an inch. N. N. Am., ranging to the Middle States in winter; not common. S. parasi'ticus. (Lat. parasiticus, parasitic.) Parasiric JAGER. Adult, breeding plun- age: Bill much shorter than head or tarsus; as high as broad at the base. Culmen broad, flattened, scarcely appreciably convex to the unguis, which is moderately convex. Rami very long; gonys very short; both somewhat coucave in outline. Eminentia symphysis small but well-marked. Tomia of superior mandible at first ascending and a little concave; then descending and a little convex; very concave toward the tip. Cere without oblique striz ; with a straight longitudinal suleus on each side of the culmen. Feathers extending far on superior mandible, with a curved free outline, so broad that the feathers of the sides meet over the culmen. Feathers on lower mandible also projecting considerably, almost filling the tri- angular suleus on the side as well as the angular space between the rami. Wings moderately long, strong, pointed ; first primary much the longest; rest regularly and rapidly graduated ; LARIDA —LESTRIDINA:: JAGERS. T3T all rather narrow and tapering to an acute apex, somewhat rigid and falcate. Secondaries short and inconspicuous ; broad, the tips of the outer ones nearly square, of the inner obliquely incised, the apex being formed by the inner web alune. Tertials long, soft, flexible. Tail moderately long, contained not quite two and a half times in the wing; very slightly rounded, the graduation being only half an inch. Feathers moderately broad quite to their tips, which are truncated. The central pair project three to four inches. They begin to taper about four inches from their apices, and regularly converge to a very acute tip. Feet rather short and quite slender; tarsi as long as the middle toe and claw. Tibia naked half an inch above the joint. The scutellation and reticulation is the same as that already described, but the nails are weaker and less arched, though fully as acute. A decided occipital crest and a calotte. Nuchal region with the feathers acuminate and rigid, with loosened fibrillea. Pileum, occipital crest, and whole upper parts deep brownish-black, with a somewhat slaty tinge, and a slight but appreciable metallic shade; this color deepening into quite black on the wings and tail. Rhachides of primaries and rectrices whitish, except at their tips; the inner vanes albescent baso-internally. Chin, throat, sides of head, neck all round, and under parts to the vent, pure white; the feathers of the latero-nuchal region rigid, acuminate, with disconnected fibrille, light yellow. Under tail-coverts like the upper parts, but somewhat of a fuliginous tint; the line of demarcation from the white of the abdomen very trenchant. Smaller than No. 765. Wing 12.00-13.00; tarsus 1.75-1.87; bill 1.35-1.50; tail 5.00-6.00, the long feathers up to 9.00. Nearly mature: Pileum and latero-nuchal region, and whole upper parts, as in the adult. The under parts white (as in the adult), but clouded everywhere with dusky patches, most marked across breast, on sides, flanks, and under tail-coverts, and leaving the middle of the belly and throat nearly pure. Varying degrees of this dusky nubilation approach in some specimens nearly to the uniform dusky below characterized ; in others fade almost into the pure white of the adult, connecting the two states perfectly. The tarsi of the most dusky specimens have small yellow blotches; the others not. Dusky stage: Wholly deep dusky; darker and more plumbeous superiorly ; lighter, and with a fuliginous tinge, inferiorly ; the pileum quite black; the latero-nuchal region yellow; the remiges and rectrices quite black; feet black. Immature: Size and general proportions nearly of the adult. Bill and cere perfectly formed ; feet mostly black, but with some yellow blotches. The upper parts unadulterated with any rufous bars; the deep brownish-black pileum has appeared, and the sides of the neck have obtained their yellow shade, which contrasts conspicuously with the fuliginous back-ground. Evidences of immaturity, however, are found on the under parts, where the dark color is mixed with the illy-defined transverse bars of ochraceous. Rufous is also found at the bend of the wing and on the under wing- and tail-coverts. The primaries are still whitish at the outside, as are also the rectrices. The central rectrices project 2$ inches, and have the tapering form of those of the adults. Younger: Small size, delicate bill and feet, little projection of the central rectrices, general mollipilose condition of plumage, etc. The rufous of the very young bird, instead of giving way everywhere to dusky, yields to this color only on the upper parts and crown ; on the sides of the head, neck, and the whole under parts, whitish being the pre- dominating color; the continuity of this last being interrupted by indistinctly marked dusky bars. The yellow of the sides of the neck has not yet appeared. There is the same white space on the bases of the wings and tail that exists in the very young. The central tail- feathers only project about 24 inches. Young-of-the-year in August: Size considerably less than that of the adult, form every way more delicate. Wings more than an inch shorter; bill and feet much slenderer and weaker. Bill in some specimens light bluish-horn; in others greenish-olive, the terminal portion brownish-black. Tarsi and greater part of the toes yellow. The bird is everywhere rayed and barred with rufous and brownish-black. On the head and neck the rufous has a very light ochraceous tinge, and is the predominating color, dark only appearing as a delicate line along the shaft of each feather. Proceeding down the 47 167. 138 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LONGIPENNES— GAVIZE. neck to the back, the longitudinal lines become larger, and gradually spread wider and wider, until between the shoulders they occupy the whole of each feather, except a narrow border of rufous, which’ latter is of a deeper tint than on the head. Passing down the throat to the breast, the rufous becomes decidedly lighter — almost whitish — while the brown, which on the throat exists only as a light longitudinal line, changes on each feather to transverse bars of about equal width with the light rufous bars with which it alternates. This pattern prevails over the whole under parts, the transverse bands being broadest on the flanks and under tail- and wing-coverts, narrowest in the middle of the belly. The primaries are brownish-black, narrowly tipped with rufous, their shafts yellowish, their inner webs fading basally into white. The tail has the same coloration as the wings. The central feathers project about % of an inch. Northern N. Am.; U. S. in winter; chiefly coastwise, but breeds in interior Arctic Am. Eggs resembling those of Numenius borealis, and quite as variable in ground-color and mark- ings; size from 2.00 to 2.40 long, by 1.50 to 1.70 broad, averaging nearer the larger of these dimensions; pointed, but not so pear-shaped as those of the Curlew. S. buf/foni. (To the Count de Buffon.) Arctic JAceR. LonG-TaLep JAcER. Adult, breeding plumage: Bill shorter than the head, less than the middle toe without the claw ; stout, compressed, higher than broad at the base, its sides regularly converging. Ceral por- tion of culmen broad, flat, depressed, slightly concave in outline; ungual portion very de- cidedly declinato-convex to the greatly overhanging tip; narrower than the ceral. Tomia of superior mandible sinuate; at first concave and ascending ; then convex and descending ; again very concave as they decurve toward the deflected tip, just posterior to which there is an im- perfect notch. Tomia of inferior maxilla nearly straight to the tip, where they are decurved. Gonys very short, slightly concave in outline. Eminentia symphysis acute, but not very large; rami very long as compared with the gonys, but absolutely rather short, from the encroach- ment of the feathers. Cere very short, being scarcely if at all longer than the unguis; its lower border curving upward to give passage to the nostrils. The encroachment of the feathers on the bill is greater than that of any other species; on the upper mandible they extend within half an inch of the distal end of the cere, having a broad, rounded termination, the feathers of the two sides meeting on and covering the culmen some distance from its real base. The feathers on the sides of the lower mandible extend nearly as far as on the upper, and those between the rami quite to the symphysis. Wings exceedingly long; first primary much the longest ; rest rapidly graduated ; all rather narrow, tapering, faleate, actually pointed, their rhachides stiff and strong. Secondaries short and inconspicuous; rather broad; their apices as in the other species. Tertials moderately long, very straight, flexible, rounded at their extremities, the edges of their vanes convoluted. Tail very long; longer, both absolutely and relatively, than in any other North American species, being half as long as the wings; gradu- ated, the lateral feather being 2 of an inch shorter than the next to central pair; all the feathers moderately broad, converging somewhat to their rather broad, rounded tips. Central rectrices extremely lengthened, exceeding the wings ; projecting 8 to 10 inches beyond the tips of the lateral ones. They are extremely rigid at the base, being there much stiffer than the other feathers, but gradually become flexible, and at length filamentous in character, but pre- serve great elasticity throughout. Feet quite slender; tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. Tibie bare of feathers for $ of an inch. The reticulation of the fect identical with that already described under other species. The scutella of the anterior face of the tarsus, however, show a tendency to degenerate into minute plates near the tibio-tarsal joint. Proportions of the toes as in other species, but the claws are comparatively small and weak, and but moderately curved and acute. Occiput decidedly suberested. The latero-nuchal region has its feathers lengthened, with disconnected fibrille, but they are hardly acuminate or rigid. The plumage about the bill is short, thick, and compact; that of the upper parts is soft and flexible, only moderately imbrivated and compact; that of the under parts is long, soft, and very thick. Bill LARIDA—LARINZA: GULLS. 739 dusky, its nail almost black. Tarsi deep leaden-blue; tibiew, phalanges, interdigital mem- branes, and claws black. Occiput subcrested, more decidedly than in any other species, form- ing a calotte of brownish-black, which color extends downward on the cheeks, the feathers before and below the eye and on the sides of the bill being of this color. Neck all round, but especially the sides of the head and the peculiarly-formed feathers on the latero-nuchal region, light straw-yellow. Whole upper parts, with upper wing and tail-coverts, deep slate, which, on the primaries, secondaries, lateral tail-feathers, and distal half of central pair, deepens into a lustrous brownish-black. Under surface of wings and tail deeper slate than the black, but not so deep as the upper surfaces. Chin, throat, and upper breast white, gradually becoming obseured with dusky-plumbeous, which deepens posteriorly, so that the abdomen and under tail-coverts are nearly as dark as the back. Rhachides of first two or three primaries pure white, deepening into brownish-black at their tips; of the other primaries, and of the tail- feathers (including the central pair), brown, except just at the base, blackening terminally. Under surfaces of all the rhachides white for nearly their whole length. Length of culmen 1.15 inches; gape 1.70; cere 0.60; unguis about the same; gonys 0.30; from feathers on sides of bill to tip 0.90; wing 12.50; tail 6.25; central pair 14.00 to 16.00; the projection 8.00 to 10.00 inches; tibie bare 0.75; tarsus 1.60; middle toe without claw 1.40. All changes and states of plumage identical with those of No. 766. N. Am., northerly; breeds in Arctic regions. Eggs not distinguishable from those of No. 766, averaging smaller but dimensions overlapping ; a fair specimen is 2.10 x 1.50; from this down to 1.90 X 1.40. 71. Subfamily LARINZ: Gulls. Covering of bill continuous, horny throughout; bill more or less strongly epignathous, compressed, with more or less protuberant gonys; nostrils linear-oblong, median or sub-basal, pervious. Tail even or nearly so, rarely forked or cuneate, without projecting middle feathers. Certain of the smaller slenderer-billed species alone resemble terns, but may be known by the not forked tail (except Xema); in all the larger species, the hook of the bill is distinctive. Gulls average much larger than terns, with stouter build; the feet are larger and more ambulatorial, the wings are shorter and not so thin; the birds winnow the air in a steady course unlike the buoyant dashing flight of their relatives. They are cosmopolitan ; species occur in abundance on all sea-coasts, and over large inland waters; in general, large numbers are seen together, not only at the breeding-places, but during the migrations, and in winter, when their association depends upon community of interest in the matter of food. This is almost entirely of an animal nature, and consists principally of fish; the birds seem to be always hungry, always feeding or trying to do so. Many kinds procure food by plunging for it, like terns; others pick up floating substances; some of the smaller kinds are adroit parasites of the pelicans, snatching food from their very mouths. They all swim lightly — a circumstance explained by the smallness of the body compared with its apparent dimensions with the feathers on. The voice of the larger species is hoarse, that of the smaller shrill; they have an ordinary note of several abrupt syllables during the breeding season, and a harsh ery of anger or impatience.; the young emit a querulous whine. The nest is commonly built on the ground; the eggs, 2-3 in number, are variegated in color. Several circumstances conspire to render the study of these birds difficult. With some exceptions, they are almost identical in form; while in size they show an unbroken series. Individual variability in size is high; northerly birds are usually appreciably larger than those of the same species hatched further south; the ¢ exceeds the 9 a little (usually) ; very old birds are likely to be larger, with especially stouter bill, than young or middle-aged ones. There is, besides, a certain plasticity of organization, or ready susceptibility to modify- ing influences, so marked that the individuals hatched at a particular spot may be appreciably different in some slight points from others reared but a few miles away. One pattern of color- 308. 740 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LONGIPENNES— GAVI4. ation runs through nearly all the species: they are white, with a darker mantle (stragulum), and in most cases with black crossing the primaries near the end, the tips of the quills white. The shade of the mantle is very variable in the same species, according to climate, action of the sun, friction, and other causes; the pattern of the black on the quills is still more so, since it is continually changing with age, at least until a final stage is reached. Incredible as it may appear, species and even genera have been based upon such shadowy characters. One group of species has the head enveloped in a dark hood in the breeding season, the under parts tinted with peach-blossom hue. The sexes are always alike; the moult appears to be twice a year, so that a winter plumage more or less different from that of summer results ; - while the young are never like the old. The change is slow, generally requiring 2-3 years ; in the interim, birds are found in every stage. They are always darker than the old, often quite dusky; usually with black or flesh-colored bill; and if with black on the primaries when adult, the young usually have these quills all black. There being no peculiar extra- limital species, those of our country give a perfect idea of the whole group. Some 75 species are current ; there are certainly not over 50 good ones. Analysis of Genera. Tail square. Head never hooded; under parts never rosy-tinted; size medium and large; bill stout. Hallux well developed, with perfect claw. Adult white, with a colored mantle, or dark, with whitehead . . . ~ «s+ . Larus 308 Adult entirely white; feet black . : : soe + ee + « « Pagophila 310 Hallux usually defective. (Tail emarginate in the sede. 2 3 . . Rissa 309 Head in summer hooded, and under parts rosy-tinted; size medium and small; bill slender Chroicocephalus 311 Tail wedge-shaped; neck collared ; small ae a Bee Tan . SORE AM. at Np » Rhodostethia 312 Tail forked; head hooded ... . see « Kema 313 LA'RUS. (Gr. Adpos, laros, Bat. ips a sll.) Cores. Bill aieeine than the head or tarsus, large, strong, more or less robust, usually very stout, deep at the base, higher than broad, compressed throughout, the apex not very acute and never much attenuated or decurved. Culmen about straight to beyond the nostrils, then convex, the amount of curvature increasing toward the end, varying in different species. Commissure slightly sinuate at its extreme base, then about straight to near the end, where itis more or less arcuato-declinate. Eminentia symphysis always large, prominent, and well-defined, rather obtuse, seldom acute. Nostrils placed rather far forward in a well-defined nasal fossa, lateral, longitudinal, pervious, rather broader anteriorly than posteriorly. Feathers of forehead extending considerably farther on the sides of the upper mandible than on its culmen, but falling considerably short of the nostrils. Wings when folded reaching beyond the tail, the remiges strong, not very acute, first longest, second but little shorter, rest rapidly graduated. Tail of moderate length, always even, never forked nor rounded. Legs rather slender, of moderate length’; tibize bare for a considerable distance above the joint, the naked part smooth. Tarsi about equal to or a little longer than the middle toe and claw, varying but slightly in proportions among the different species; anteriorly scutellate, posteriorly and laterally reticulate. Hallux fully developed and always present. Anterior claws stout, strong, little curved, rather obtuse, the inner edge of the middle one dilated. Webs full and broad, scarcely incised. Of very large or medium size, never very small. Robust and powerful. Comprising the largest species of the subfamily and those typical of it. White, with a darker mantle, without a hood; the head and neck in winter streaked with dusky; one species dark with white head and red bill. Analysis of Species, I. Tail and under parts white in adult; bill and feet not reddish, (Zarus.) A, Large and robust: mantle whitish or pale pearly ; no black on primaries at any age. Mantle very pale; primaries the same, fading insensibly into white far from the tips. Larger: length about 30.00 inches; wing 18.00 or more; bill and tarsus, each, about 3.00 glaucus 768 LARIDA —LARINZ: GULLS. 741 Smaller: length about 24.00 inches; wing 17.00 or less; bill about 2.00; tarsus 2.25 lewcopterus 769 Mantle light blue; primaries the same, with definite white tips . . . ef ots . glaucescens 770 Mantle very pale blue, as in /eucopterus; primaries with slate-gray ee +. « kumlient TI0a B. Very large: mantle slaty-blackish; primaries crossed with black; size ofthefirst . . marinus [71 C. Large: mantle some shade of blue, darker than in 4, lighter than in B; primaries crossed with black. Mantle grayish-blue ; bill moderately robust ; feet flesh-colored argentatus or smithsonianus 172, 773 Mantle slaty-blue; bill very robust; feet flesh-colored . .... +... . . « occidentalis 174 Mantle dark grayish-blue; bill moderately robust; feet yellow; eye-ring orange . cachinnans 175 Mantle dark slate; bill moderately robust; feet flesh-colored. . .... ei afinis Ti6 D. Medium and small: primaries crossed with black; feet dark-greenish; webs yellow. Tarsus obviously longer than the middle toe and claw ; bill of adult greenish-yellow, encircled with a black band; first primary usually with a sub-apical white spot ; length about 18.00-22.00 delawarensis 778 Tarsus little if any longer than middle toe and claw; bill with a red spot, but an imperfect black band, if any; first primary usually with the end broadly white; length about 20.00-22.00 californicus TTT Tarsus little if any longer than the middle toe and claw; bill slender, greenish, without a black band or red spot ; size very small ; length 16.00 or 18.00 + « . canus or brachyrhynchus 779, 780 II. Tail and under parts darkin adult. Head white; bill and feet reddish. oe ) Back slaty-lead color . .. . eh le eo ‘ +o . heermanni 781 768. L. glau/cus. (Gr. yAavxés, glaukos, Lat. glaucus, bluish.) GLAucoUS GULL. IcE GULL. 7169. T70. BurGomaster. Very large: length about 30.00; extent 60.00; wing up to 18.50; bill 2.75- 3.00 (chord of culmen), along gape 3.75, its depth opposite nostrils 0.80, at angle 0.85 ; tarsus 3.00-3.25 ; middle toe and claw 2.75. No black anywhere at any age. Adult g 9: Bill large and strong, very wide, but not so deep at angle nor so convex at end as in marinus, about as long as middle toe and claw; chrome yellow, the tip diaphanous yellow, a vermilion spot at the angle. Legs and feet pale flesh-color or yellowish. Iris yellow. Primaries entirely white, or palest possible pearly-blue, fading insensibly into white at some distance from their tips, their shafts straw-yellow. Mantle very pale pearl-blue. Otherwise, wholly white. In winter: Head and hind neck lightly touched with pale brownish-gray. An immature stage: Entirely white; bill flesh-colored, black-tipped. Young: Bill flesh-colored, black-tipped; plumage impure white, mottled with pale reddish-brown, sometimes quite dusky on the back ; under parts a nearly uniform pale shade of brownish ; quills and tail imperfectly barred with the same. Smaller: wing 17.50; bill 2.40; tarsus 2.40, etc. Northern and Arctic seas, circumpolar ; S. in winter in N. Am. to the Middle States, coastwise ; breeds only in the high north. This is one of the very largest and most powerful birds of the whole family, fully equalling L. marinus in these respects. L. leucop’terus. (Gr. Acuxés, leucos, white; mrepév, pteron, wing.) WHITE-WINGED GULL. Precisely like the last, but smaller. Length 24.00, rather less than more; wing 16.00-17.00 ; bill along culmen 1.75-2.00, along gape about 2.75; depth at angle 0.65; tarsus 2.00-2.25, not longer than middle toe and claw. This counterpart of L. glawcus inhabits the same north- erly regions, coming south to the same degree in winter. It appears to be much less character- istic of N. Am. than of Europe. L. glauces/cens. (Lat. glaucescens, growing bluish.) GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. Like a herring gull with the black of the primaries washed out; primaries of the color of the mantle to the very tips, which are occupied by definite small white spots; the lst also with a large white sub-terminal spot. Bill long and rather weak, the upper mandible acute and projecting considerably beyond tip of the under, the convexity near the end comparatively slight ; angle pretty well defined, the outline between it and the tip about straight. Tarsus rather longer than middle toe and claw. Length about 27.00; wing 16.75; bill along culmen 2.25; gape 3.25 ; depth at angle 0.70 ; tarsus 2.60; middle toe and claw 2.50. Adult in summer: Bill light yellow, an orange spot at angle of lower mandible, and a dusky one just above. Mandible pearl-blue, much the same shade as in argentatus. Primaries scarcely darker than the back, all with well-defined, rounded apical spots of white. First, the base not appreciably 70a. 742 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. ~~ LONGIPENNES — GAVIE. lighter than the body of the feather, with a well-defined white spot on both webs near the end, separated from the white tip by a transverse band of the color of the body of the feather ; second, third, and fourth, basal portions notably lighter than the terminal, fading into pure white at their juncture with the latter, without spots except at the apex; fifth, sixth, basal portions the color of the back, fading into white near the end, separated from the white apices by a band, narrowest on the sixth, of the color of the outer primaries. Inner primaries like the second- aries, with plain broadly white ends. Feet light flesh-color. Adult in winter: Head, neck, and breast thickly nebulated with light grayish-dusky, the throat mostly immaculate. Approach- ing maturity: Bill dark-colored, yellowish along the culmen and gonys. Wings and tail light grayish-ashy, the former without sharply-defined white tips or spots. Under parts generally marked with dusky, the wing-coverts marked with dusky and white. Feathers of the back narrowly edged with gray. Intermediate: Bill flesh-colored, the terminal portion black. Wings and tail darker than in the preceding especially on the outer webs of the former. Everywhere dusky-gray, more or less mottled with white, the gull-blue of the upper parts appearing in patches of greater or less extent. Young-of-the-year: Bill black. Everywhere grayish-dusky, somewhat mottled with whitish ; the feathers of the back, wings, and upper tail-coverts edged, tipped, and crossed with more or less regular transverse bars of grayish-white. Downy young: Bill and feet black ; head and neck dull whitish, spotted with blackish ; upper parts spotted with grayish-black and grayish-white; under parts more uniformly gray, the abdomen white. Pacific coast of N. Am., of U. S. in winter, breeding northerly; common. Also on the Asiatic coast. L. kumlieni. (To L. Kumlien.) Gray-wincep Guuu. Adult ¢: Like glaucescens ; rather smaller, with lighter mantle and different color and pattern of the primaries. Mantle about as in leucopterus ; primaries and secondaries mostly white on their exposed surfaces, with markings of dull slate-gray. First primary white on both webs at end for about two inches, the inner web white to the base excepting a slate-gray strip next the shaft, the outer web (except at end) slate-gray fading into white toward the base. Second primary with the gray confined to a space of about four inches on the outer web, and both webs tinged with the color of the mantle which, on the inner web, fades into white about three inches from the tip, but on the outer web is deepest where it joins the darker gray area. Third primary with sub- apical gray bar on both webs, half an inch wide on inner web, but running along the outer web for two inches; the tip of this feather white, the rest tinged with the color of the mantle. Fourth primary with a slate-gray subterminal bar, but narrower and paler; fifth with a pair of subterminal gray spots; remaining primaries and all the secondaries plain and concolor with mantle to within about two inches of their tips, where the pearl-blue changes rather abruptly into white. Iris cream-color; bill yellow with red spot, as usual; orbital ring reddish; feet flesh-color. Length 24.00; extent 50.00; wing 16.00-17.00; tail 6.50; chord of culmen 1.75; gape 2.60; tarsus, or middle toe and claw, about 2.30. Young said to be even darker than that of argentatus (?) Cumberland Sound and Greenland, S. in winter to New England, the citations of ‘‘ glaucescens ” from Maine belonging here. (Description compiled from Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Club, viii, 1883, p. 216. The bird is probably L. chalcopterus of Bruch, Lawrence, and Coues.) . L. mari’nus. (Lat. marinus, marine). GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. SADDLE-BACK. CoFFIN-CARRIER. Cops. Adult, breeding plumage: Size very large; general form strong, compact, and powerful. Bill very stout, deep at the angle, rather short for its height; culmen toward the end exceedingly convex, so much so as to make a tangent to it at the point where the tip of the lower mandible touches it perpendicular to the commissure. Symphyseal emi- nence very prominent; tarsus but little if any longer than the middle toe and claw, compressed, rather slender for the size of the bird. Bill bright chrome, the tip of both mandibles diapha- nous. A large bright vermilion spot occupies nearly the terminal half of the lower mandible T73. LARIDZ —LARINZ: GULLS. 748 and encroaches a little on the upper. Edges of jaws bright vermilion. Palate and tongue pale orange-red... Eyelids vermilion. Iris pale lemon-yellow. Legs and feet pale flesh-color. Mantle intense slate-color, nearly black, with a purplish reflection; secondaries and tertials broadly tipped with white, the line of demarcation distinct. Primaries: first, black, scarcely lighter at its base, its tip white for 24 inches, its shaft white inferiorly, and superiorly along the white portion of the feather ; second, like the first, but its base lighter, the white tip less exten- sive, and interrupted by a narrow bar of black on one or both webs ; third, fourth, fifth, broadly tipped with white, their bases of a lighter shade of slate than the second, and fading into white at the junction with the broad black subterminal band. Adult in winter: As in summer, but the head and neck streaked with dusky. Young-of-the-year: As large as the adult; the bill as large, but not so strong, nor the eminence so well developed; wholly black. Upper parts wholly dusky chocolate-brown, mottled with whitish and light rufous, the latter on the back and wings, the feathers being tipped and the wing-coverts deeply indented with this color. Under parts mottled with white or rufous-white and dusky, the throat mostly immaculate. Primaries and tail deep brownish-black, the former tipped, subterminally barred, and its outer feather mottled, with whitish. Dimensions: length 30.00 inches; extent 65.00; wing 19.00; bill above 2.50; rictus 3.50; height at nostril 0.85; at angle 0.95; tarsus 3.00; middle toe and claw slightly less. This great bird, the dark rival of the ice-gull, inhabits the Atlantic coasts of Europe and N. Am., ranging south coastwise in winter to Florida, breeding beyond the U. S., especially in Labrador. Found on the larger inland waters as well as coastwise. Nest on the ground, of moss and seaweed; eggs 3, 2.90 x 2.15, pale drab or olive-gray, irreg- ularly blotched with dark brown and blackish, with purplish or neutral-tint shell-spots. L, argenta/tus. (Lat. argentatus, silvered, silvery.) EvROPEAN HERRING GULL. Precisely like the next to be described, excepting the following particulars: Average smaller size; wing averaging 1.50 inches shorter ; feet about 0.50.shorter on an average; bill shorter and slenderer, particularly at base. The 1st primary has usually a white terminal space 2 inches long; the 2d a large rounded sub-terminal white spot, occupying both webs. The lst primary of the American bird has usually a rounded white subterminal spot much like that on the 2d primary of the European, almost always separated from the white apical spot, and if a spot is present on the 2d primary it is small. A variety is predicable upon these average differences. Birds typically like the European occur in N. Am., where the next is the ordinary “ herring gull.” L. a. smithsonia‘nus. (To the S.J.) Amprican Herring Guru. Adult: Bill rather less than tarsus, shorter than head; robust, its height at the angle slightly more than at the base. Culmen nearly straight at the nostrils; then rapidly convex to the stout, deflected, overhanging apex. Outline of rami slightly concave ; gonys about straight; eminence at symphysis large and prominent, but its apex not very acute. Breeding plumage: Bill bright chrome, its tip diaphanous , a vermilion spot at the angle, with sometimes a small black one just anterior to it. Legs and feet pale flesh-color ; claws blackish. Mantle typical ‘“ gull-blue,” much lighter than in occidentalis ; lighter than in brachyrhynchus ; of much the same shade as in delawarensis or glaucescens ; darker than in glaucus or leucopterus. The bases of the primaries are the same as the back, or very slightly lighter, not so light, nor of so great extent (being exceedingly short on the first primary), nor so broad at the end, as in californicus. On the first primary this light basal portion is very short, hardly reaching within six or seven inches of the tip of the primary. It is not lighter at its junction with the black, nor does it extend further on the central portion than on the edge of the feather. On the second, third, and foyrth primaries the bluish of the basal portions of the feather extends about the same distance on each (within four inches of the tip of the second), and runs up further on the centres of the feathers than on their edges, and grows nearly white at its junction with the black portion of the feathers. First primary with a subapical white spot near its tip; small, rounded, not much over an inch in diameter; generally not longer on the outer vane than on the inner; sometimes wanting on T74. 7%. 744 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES— GAVIZ. the former; in oldest birds this spot enlarging to coalesce with the white tip of the feather; second primary usually without a subapical spot, or if one is present it is small. All the pri- maries with small rounded white apices, and black from these apical spots to their bluish-white bases; this band of black growing narrower from the first toward the seventh, where it is a mere point. Winter plumage: Head and neck streaked with dusky; bill less brightly colored. Otherwise as in summer. Immature: The feathers of the back have gray margins; the upper wing-coverts mottled with dusky-gray. An imperfect subterminal bar of dusky on the tail. Young of first winter: Head, neck, and whole under parts more or less thickly inottled with dusky, as are the wing-coverts, secondaries, and tertials. The gull-blue of the upper parts appears in irregular patches, mixed with gray. Remiges and rectrices brownish-black, with very narrow whitish tips, the former wanting both apical and subapical white spots. Bill flesh- color, its terminal third black. Feet dull flesh-color. Younger: Entirely a deep dull brown- ish; the throat lightly streaked and the rump transversely barred with whitish; the feathers of the back with yellowish or grayish-white edges; wings and tail black; bill black; legs and feet dusky flesh-color. Dimensions of adult: length, 24 to 25 inches; extent 54 to 58; wing 17.00 to 18.00; bill along culmen, 2.40; height at nostril, 0.75 ; at angle 0.80; tarsus 2.75; middle toe and claw the same. Female a little, and young considerably less than the above. Wing down to 15.50; bill to 2.20; tarsus to 2.40. N. Am. at large, abundant, both coastwise and in the interior, especially numerous along the Atlantic coast in winter; casually on the Pacific coast. Breeds from New England and the great lakes northward, especially about the St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, and Labrador; but not specially arctic. Nest on the ground, exceptionally in trees; eggs normally 3, averaging 2.80 x 1.95 ; ground-color from light bluish- or greenish-white to dark brownish-olive; markings of every size and shape, very irregularly disposed, dark brown and blackish, paler brown and neutral-tint; June and early July. Nestlings covered with whitish down, mottled with angular dusky spots. L. occidenta/lis. (Lat. occidentalis, western.) WxsTern Herrinc Guu. Bill large, very stout and deep; culmen unusually convex at the end; angle strongly developed, making the under outline doubly-concave. Feet large and stout; tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. Adult, summer plumage: Bill bright chrome-yellow ; a vermilion spot, more or less extensive, at the angle. Mantle dark bluish-ash, almost slate-color; the tips of the secondaries and ter- tials white; the line of demarcation distinct. Primaries: first three black throughout their exposed portions, the outer white for some distance at the tip (1.75 inches), crossed near the end with an irregular black bar, the shafts entirely black; second, without a white spot, but its tip, and the tips of all the others, white. Legs and feet flesh-color. Approaching matu- rity: As in the preceding, but the upper parts rather lighter, and the tail with an imperfect subterminal bar of black. Intermediate: Bill much as in the adult. White of the head, neck, and under parts, more or less mottled with dusky; ‘ gull-blue” of the upper parts ap- pearing in irregular patches; most of the feathers tipped with light gray. Primaries and tail uniform deep blackish-brown, with scarcely lighter tips, the former without spots. Young-of- the-year: Bill entirely black, rather shorter than in the adults, but at the same time with great comparative depth at the angle. Everywhere a deep blackish-brown, mottled with grayish-white, the feathers of the upper parts being tipped and edged with that color. Rump and upper tail-coverts barred with whitish and dusky. Wings and tail as in the preceding. Winter plumage: This species seems to form an exception to the rule which obtains so exten- sively among large gulls, since in winter the head and neck behind are not, ordinarily at least, streaked with dusky. Dimensions of adult: length 24 inches; extent 55.00; wing 16.50; bill above 2.30; along gape 3.10; height at nostril 0.75; width 0.40; height at angle 0.85 ; tarsus, and middle toe and claw, 2.75. Pacifie Coast of N. A., very common. L, cachin’nans, (Lat. cachinnans, laughing immoderately.) Pauuas’s GuLL. Size, pro- portions of parts, pattern of primaries, ete., as in a common Herring Gull. Feet yellow (not 776. TTT. 778. LARIDE—LARINZE: GULLS. 745 flesh-color) ; ring round eye in the breeding season orange-red (not yellow). Mantle dark bluish — much darker than that of argentatus, yet not slate-colored as in occidentalis. Europe, Asia, and N. W. coast of N. A. L. affiinis. (Lat. affinis, allied to L. fuscus.) REINHARDT’s GuLL. Unknown to me; Described as a slaty-backed bird, resembling L. fuscus, but belonging to the herring gull group in the pattern of the primaries; feet flesh-colored, small, toes shorter than tarsi. Asia; only N. American as occurring in Alaska and accidentally in Greenland. L. califor/nicus. CALIFORNIAN GULL. Adult, summer plumage: Bill moderately stout, the angle well developed; varying in size, longer than in delawarensis, sometimes nearly equal- ling argentatus. Tarsus equal to or slightly longer than middle toe and claw. Bill chrome- yellow, tinged with greenish; a vermilion spot on lower mandible at angle ; a black spot just above, forming, with a very small black spot on the upper mandible, an imperfect transverse band. Feet dusky bluish-green, the webs yellow. Mantle pearl-blue, much as in brachyrhyn- chus, lighter than in canus, slightly darker than in argentatus. Primaries: bases of all light bluish-white, internally almost: white, especially on outer webs, and of great extent on all; 1st with a white space at the end for about 2 inches, the shaft white along the white portion of the feather ; 2d with a white spot near the end on the whole of the inner and most of the outer web, divided by the black shaft; tips of all white; black forming merely a narrow sub- terminal band on the 6th. Tips of inner primaries white, as are also the tips of the second- aries and tertials, the line of demarcation between the white and the blue of the mantle pretty distinct. In breeding plumage: Eyelids bright saffron-yellow or red. Eyes brown. Upper mandible bright chrome, the greater part of the lower vermilion, the rest chrome. Gape of mouth deep crimson. Feet green. Winter plumage: Bill dully colored. Head and neck behind streaked and mottled with dusky. Nearly mature: As in the preceding. Tail with an imperfect subterminal black bar. Some of the feathers of the upper parts edged with gray. White space at end of lst primary crossed by a transverse black bar; no spot on 2d primary. Young: Bill yellowish flesh-color, black on the terminal half. Head, neck, rump, wing- coverts, tertials and secondaries, mottled with dusky. Primaries and tail uniformly brownish- black, scarcely lighter at the tips. Back as in the adults, but the feathers with grayish edges. Dimensions: Length 20.00-23.00; extent 50.00-54.00; wing 15.00-17.00; bill 1.60-2.00; depth at eminentia symphysis 0.56; tarsus 2.00-2.25; middle toe and claw about the same. Adults near the larger of these dimensions. Western and Arctic N. Am., breeding abundantly in U.S. L. delawaren'sis. (Of Delaware.) RING-BILLED GULL. CommMoN AMERICAN GULL. Adult in summer: Bill rather stout, as long as the middle toe and claw; the upper mandible considerably convex at the end; under mandible much thickened at the angle, which is prom- inent; the outline from base to angle, and from angle to tip, both concave. Middle toe and claw scarcely more than # the tarsus. Bill greenish-yellow, at tip chrome, encircled at the angle with a broad band of black. Legs and feet dusky bluish-green. Mantle light pearl- blue, fading into white at the ends of the secondaries and tertials, the line of demarcation in- distinct. Primaries: lst black, the basal portion of the inner web very light bluish-white, (almost white), with a spot of white about 1.25 inches long near the end, of equal extent on both webs, divided by the black shatt; 2d with a small white spot on the inner web, and the inner web whitish at base for a longer distance; the whitish of the bases of the primaries regularly increases inward and the black decreases, until on the 6th it is merely a trausverse bar. Apex of 1st primary black, of others white, the spot being very minute on the 2d, and gradually in- creasing; 7th and innermost primaries without any black, like the secondaries. Adult in winter: As in summer, but the head and neck behind spotted (not streaked nor nebulated) with dusky. Young, first winter: Upper parts irregularly mottled with dusky brown and the pearl-blue of the adults, the wing-coverts being almost entirely dusky, with lighter margins 179. 380. 746 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES — GAVIZ. to the feathers. Head, neck, and under parts, mottled with white and dusky. Primaries uniformly black ; secondaries with a patch of brownish-black near the ends; tertials wholly brownish-black, narrowly tipped with whitish. Tail with a broad subterminal band of black, ' narrowly tipped with white. Terminal half of bill black, the extreme tip yellowish. Young- of-the-year in August: Everywhere mottled thickly with brownish-black, on the upper parts the feathers with yellowish-white edges, the pearl-blue of the adults scarcely apparent, except on the wing-coverts. Terminal two-thirds of bill with the tip black, the rest light flesh- color. Dimensions: length 19.75; extent 48.50; wing 14.75; bill above 1.70; gape 2.30; height at nostril 0.45; at angle 0.50; tarsus 2.10; middle toe 1.80. N. Am. at large, on the whole the commonest species, both coastwise and in the interior; breeds in the U. S. as well as far north. L. ca'nus. (Lat. canus, hoary gray.) European Mew Guu. Assigned to N. A. on strength of a specimen shot by me in Labrador in 1860. It is entirely like the next to be described excepting the following particulars: Tarsus a fourth longer than the middle toe and claw. Bill stouter, with less convex culmen and better developed angle. The bluish bases of the primaries darker, not fading into white at their junction with the black, not running so far along the feathers, nor farther in the centres than along the edges of the inner webs. Size greater. Probably not more than varietally distinct from the next to be described. L. brachyrhyn’chus. (Gr. Spaxis, brachus, short; piyxos, hrugchos, beak.) AMERICAN Mew Guu. Bill small, somewhat stout for its length, much shorter than the head or tarsus. Upper mandible straight to the end of the nostrils, moderately convex to the tip, rather more so than in canus. Angle of lower mandible pretty well-developed, comparatively more so than in canus ; the lower outline considerably concave posterior to it, somewhat so before it. Commissure about straight to near the tip. Tarsus and middle toe and claw about equal, the former but little if any longer than the latter. Adult in summer: Bill bluish-green, its ter- minal third bright yellow. Legs and feet dusky bluish-green, the webs yellowish. Mantle light grayish-blue or dark pearl-blue, a shade darker than in camus, much darker than in delawa- rensis. Primaries: the bluish-gray bases rather lighter than in canus, much darker than in delawarensis, but fading into nearly pure white on all but the first at the juncture with the black portion; these bluish-gray bases of the feathers extend toward the ends much further than in canus, as far as in delawarensis, and, as in that species, on the 2d, 3d, and 4th, extend further along the central portions of the inner web than at the edges, so that they are bordered for some distance with the black of the terminal portions of the feathers. The black takes in the outer web of the lst primary and nearly the whole of the inner, but rapidly becomes nar- rower, till it is merely a subterminal transverse bar on the 6th. The 7th has frequently a spot of black on one or both webs. First, with a large white spot near the end two inches long, longer on the outer than on the inner web, not divided by the black shaft, the tip of the feather black ; 2d, with a similar spot, but smaller, not longer on the outer than on the inner web, and divided by the black shaft; the extreme apex white, as are the apices of all the other primaries except the Ist. Adult, high breeding plumage: Eyelid, ocular region, and gape of mouth, bright orange-yellow, which color extends over the tip and cutting edges of the bill. The green of the bill with a peculiar hoary glaucescence. Legs and feet bluish-green, the webs bright gamboge-yellow. Sometimes a faint pink blush of the plumage of the under parts. Adult in winter: The head and neck all round, with the upper part of the breast, mot- tled with dusky. Approaching maturity: Head and neck faintly mottled. Primaries brown- ish-black, without decided white tips; the spots on the lst and 2d restricted. Tertials with a dusky spot on each web near the end. Tail with a more or less perfect subterminal band. Young, first winter: Bill flesh-color ; black on the terminal half. Legs and feet light yellow- ish. Head, neck, rump, and whole under parts, mottled irregularly with dusky. Back as in the adult, but the feathers with grayish edgings) Wing-coverts, secondaries, and tertials 781. 309. LARIDE —LARINZE: GULLS. TAT dusky} darkest on the latter; all with light edgings. Primaries uniform brownish-black, without white spots, tips, or lighter bases. Tail almost entirely brownish-black, with a narrow border of white. Young in August: Bill and legs as in the preceding. Everywhere whitish-gray ; the white of the under parts appearing as mottling, and the blue of the upper parts as irregular patches. Dimensions: length 17.50; extent 42.00; wing* 18.75; Dill above 1.40; gape 2.00; width at nostrils 0.25; height 0.35, height at angle 0.35; tarsus, and middle toe with claw, 1.80. Interior of Arctic America, and Pacific coast generally. Not authenticated as occurring on the Atlantic coast. The American representative of L. canus. L, heer‘manni. (To Dr. A. L. Heermann. Fig. 509.) WuHITs-HEADED GULL. Very different from any of the foregoing, belonging to a different section of the genus (Blasipus). Bill shorter than head or tarsus, rather slender, moderately compressed, the tip rather acute; its color red in part in the adult. Folded wings reaching beyond the tail. Tail of moderate length, even, slightly emarginate in the young. Feet rather large. Tarsus equal to the middle toe and claw. Gen- eral colors dark ; tail mostly blackish. Adult, breeding plumage: Bill bright vermilion red, black for its terminal third, sometimes wholly red; a red ring around eye. Head white; this color gradually merging on the neck into plumbeous-ash, which extends over the whole under parts, being lighter on the abdomen and under tail-coverts than elsewhere. The back is deep plumbeous-slate, lighter on the rump. Upper tail-cov- erts clear ashy. Upper sur- faces of wings like the back; the primaries black; the tips of all, except the two or three outer ones, narrowly white. Tail black, nar- rowly tipped with white. Legs and feet reddish-black. Young-of-the-year : Smaller than the adult. Bill and feet brownish-black. Entire plumage deep sooty or fuliginous- blackish; all the feathers, but especially those of the back and upper wing-coverts, edged with grayish-white. Primaries and secondaries black, as in the adults, with only traces of white tips on the former. Tail black, very narrowly tipped with dull white. Immature: Bill as in the adult. Head all round, and the throat, mottled with brownish-black and dull white, the latter color predominating on the forehead and throat. Upper tail-coverts lighter than in the adult, and the white tips of the tail-feathers broader; otherwise generally as in the adult, but with all the colors rather deeper. Dimensions: ‘length about 17.50; wing 13.50; tail 5.50”; length of skin 18.50; wing 14.00; tail 5.75; bill along culmen 1.80; along gape 2.40; depth at base 0.55; at angle, about the same ; tarsus 2.20; middle toe and claw a little less. Young: wing 12.25; tail 4.75; bill along culmen 1.00; depth at base 0.50; at angle 0.45; tarsus 1.90. Length of some skins up to about 20 inches. Pacific coast of N. Am., from British Columbia to Guatemala; singular among all our species in dark lead-color with white head and red bill; common on the California coast. RIS/SA. (Icelandic name, rissa or ritsa.) KittrwAxkeEs. Bill stout, rather short, little com- pressed at the base, shorter than the head, equal to middle toe without claw, longer than tarsus; tip decurved and attenuated; convexity of culmen regular and gradual from base to tip; gonys concave, in consequence of the great deflection of the apex of lower mandible; outline of rami slightly concave; eminentia symphysis well marked and acute, but not large. Wings very long, pointed, reaching beyond the tail; the primaries pointed, first longest. Tail moderately long, even or (in young) émarginate. Legs stout and short. Tarsus remarkably short, less than middle toe alone ; anterior toes all long, and united by broad, full webs with unincised mar- 4 Fie. 509. — White-headed Gull, 3 nat. size. (From Sclater and Salvin.) 782. 783. 784. 748 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LONGIPENNES — GAVIZE. gins. Hallux rudimentary or not well developed, the ungual phalanx being generally obsolete Pattern of primaries and livery of the young, peculiar. Nests on crags. Analysis of Species. Feet dark; bill clouded with olivaceous, about 1.50 long; wing 12.00. Hallux rudimentary, without a claw-bearing phalanx . . re tridactyla 782 Hallux better formed, bearingaclaw . . . 1. 1. 1 1 et ee ee wt te kotzebuii 783 Feet coral red (drying yellow); bill clear yellow, about 1.20; wing13.00 . ....... brevirostris 784 R. tridac’tyla. (Lat. tris, thrice; dactylus, digit.) Common Kirtrwake. Hind toe only appearing as a minute knob, its claw abortive. Adult, breeding plumage: Bill light yellow, clouded with olivaceous. Head and neck all round, under parts and tail, pure white. Mantle rather dark bluish or cinereous-blue, the tertiaries and secondaries of the same color nearly to their tips, which are white. Primaries: the first very light bluish-white, without white apex, its outer web, and its inner web for about two inches from the tip, black ; second like the first, but without the black outer web, its tip being black for nearly the same distance as the first, its apex with a minute white spot; on the third and fourth the black tips grow shorter, while the apices are more broadly white; this lessening of the black on each feather is exactly pro- portional to the shortening of the successive quills, bringing the bases of all the black tips in the same straight line (a pattern peculiar to the species of Rissa). A sub-apical black spot is usually present on one or both webs, but is sometimes absent. Legs and feet blackish. Iris reddish-brown; eye-ring red. Adult in winter: Occiput, nape behind, and sides of the breast, clouded with the color of the back, deepening into slate over the auriculars. A very small but well-defined black crescent before the eye. Otherwise as in summer. Young: Bill black; an ante-ocular crescent, and a post-ocular spot, dusky-slate. A broad transverse bar across the neck behind, the whole of the lesser and median wing-coverts, the bastard quills, the tertiaries, except at their edges, and a terminal bar on the tail, black. The outer four primaries with their outer webs, outer half of inner webs, and tips for some distance, black, the rest of the feathers pearly white. Tips only of the fifth and sixth black, their extreme apices with a white speck. Length 16.00-18.00; extent 36.00; wing 12.25; bill above 1.40 to 1.50; along rictus 2.10; height at base 0.50; at angle 0.40; tarsus 1.30; middle toe and claw 1.80. Arctic America and Europe, chiefly coastwise, very abundant; breeds from New England northward; ranges in winter S. to the Middle States. Nests preferably not on the ground like most gulls, but on the ledges of rocks and cliffs overhanging the water, such as the guillemots select; nest of sea- weeds, etc. Eggs like those of other gulls, 2.25 x 1.80. R. t. kotzebui/i. (To Otto von Kotzebue, the Russian navigator.) Korzmsur’s Kirti- wake. It is a curious fact that the common kittiwake of the North Pacific usually has the hind toe better formed — sometimes nearly if not quite as long as in ordinary gulls, with a nearly or quite perfect, though small, claw. But I cannot predicate a specific character on this score, since the development of the toe is by insensible degrees. (See Couns, Proc. Phila. Acad., 1869, p. 207 (footnote) ; Birds N. W., 1874, p. 644.) N. Pacific coast, abundant. R. breviros'tris. (Lat. brevirostris, short-billed.) SHorT-BILLED KirtrwaKr. Rep- LEGGED KirtrwAke. Adult, breeding plumage: Bill very short, stout, wide at the base, the upper mandible much curved, though not attenuated nor very acute. Convexity of culmen very great toward the tip; the culmen being, from the nostrils to the apex, almost the are of a circle, whose centre is the symphyseal eminence. Outline of rami of under mandible and gonys both somewhat concave; the eminentia symphysis but slightly developed. Tarsus very short, hardly more than two-thirds the middle toe and claw. Wings exceedingly long, reaching, when folded, far beyond the tail. Tail of moderate length, even. Bill a uniform clear light straw-yellow, with little or no tinge of olivaceous; iris hazel; eye-ring red. Head and neck all round, under parts and tail, pure white. Mantle deep leaden or bluish-gray, much darker than in R. tridactyla ; the color on the wings extending to within half an inch of the apices of 310. 785. 311. LARIDH—LARINZE: GULLS. 749 the secondaries, which terminal half-inch is white. Primaries: the first has its shaft and outer vane black, but has on its inner vane a space of dull gray (not white), which at the base of the feather oceupies nearly all the’vane, but gradually grows narrower until it ends by a well- defined rounded termination half as broad as the vane itself, about 24 inches from the tip of the feather, these 24 inches being black, like the outer vane. Second: the outer vane is of the same leaden gray as the back, to within four inches of the tip; the inner vane is of a rather lighter shade of the same color, to within three inches of the tip, the gray ending abruptly, being in fact almost truncated. Third: like the second, but the gray extends further, leaving only a space of two inches black; and the tip has also a minute apical gray spot. Fourth: wholly bluish-gray to within 14 inches of the tip, which has a larger gray apical spot than has the third, so that the black is less than 1} inches long. Fifth: the gray extends so far that it is separated from the well-defined white apical spot by a band of black less than 14 inch wide. Sixth: gray, fading into white at the tip, and with the black reduced to a small subapical spot on one or both webs; other primaries like the sixth, minus the black spot. (This ‘‘ gray” of the primaries is the color of the mantle.) Legs and feet coral-red, especially the toes and webs (the tarsi not quite so bright) ; drying yellow. Claws black. Young not seen. Bird at times said to have a black eye-ring and dark spot behind eye. Nestlings covered with white down, with whitish bill and feet. Dimensions: Bill along culmen 1.20 inches; along rictus about 1.70; from nostril to tip 0.60; depth at base 0.50; width 0.42; depth at symphyseal eminence 0.42; wing 13.00; tail about 5.00; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw nearly 2.00; length of the whole bird, apparently about 14 inches. A beautiful and very distinct species, swarming by thou- sands in islands in Bering’s sea, where it is a permanent resident; nests on shelves of the most inaccessible crags, building a substantial structure of grass, moss, and seaweeds, mixed with mud; eggs 2-3, size and shape of a hen’s eggs, of the usual pattern of coloration: June, July. PAGO'PHILA. (Gr. méyos, pagos, ice; pidos, philos, loving.) Ice Guus. Bill very short, inuch less than the head, only about equal to the short tarsus, very stout, little compressed, the nasal fossa deep, the nostrils placed far forward. Legs and feet very short and stout, the scales of the tarsus and toes large and rough. Tibia feathered to near the joint; tarsus short, about as long as middle toe without claw; claws large, strong, and much curved; webs narrow and much incised; a slight connection of hind with inner toe. Size moderate; form stout; color entirely white. One species. P. ebur’nea. (Lat. eburnea, of or like ebwr, ivory.) Ivory GuLL. Adult, breeding plu- mage: Culmen straight to the nostrils, then regularly convex ; commissure gently curved to the tip, where it is considerably decurved; gonys straight to near the angle, which is well defined, the outline from angle to tip perfectly straight. Feathers extending between the rami nearly to the angle. Wings long and pointed, reaching beyond the tail; primaries gradually attenuated to the tip. Color entirely pure white, the shafts of the primaries straw-yellow. Bill dusky greenish, yellow at tip and along the cutting edges. Legs and feet black. Eye brown, the edges of the eyelids red. Young: Front, chin, and sides of the head, grayish-dusky ; the upper part of the neck, all round, irregularly spotted with the same. Scapulars, and upper and under wing-coverts, spotted with brownish-black, the spots most numerous along the lesser coverts. Tips of the primaries and tail-feathers with a dusky spot. Dimensions: Length 19.00; extent 41,00; wing 13.25; bill above 1.40; along gape 2.10; height at nostrils 0.45; tarsus about 1.45; middle toe and claw 1.75. Arctic seas of both hemispheres, coming southward in win- ter, but rarely to the U. 8S. CHROICOCE PHALUS. (Gr. xpwixds, chrotkos, colored ; xebady, kephale, head.) Hooprp Guiis. Rosy Guus. Form as in Larus, but general organization averaging less robust, size smaller, and bill usually weaker, slenderer, more acute and less hooked. Head enveloped in a dark hood in the breeding season, when white of under parts usually blushing pink or rosy. Markings of the primaries varying with the species, but different from that of the larger ‘786. 750 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LONGIPENNES— GAVIZE. gulls. Tail square, or nearly so. There are no marked peculiarities of form of this genus, the pattern of coloration being mainly its basis. The numerous species average much under those of Larus in size (though one at least is among the largést of Larine); they approximate toward Xema and Rhodostethia in some respects, but the tail is neither forked nor cuneate. Analysis of Species. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw. Bill reddish, feet the same. Length16.00or more . . 2... 6 2. 6 ee ee ee es atricilla 7186 Tarsus not longer than middle toe and claw. Bill reddish, feet the same. Lengthabout14,00inches . . . .. 1. es se eee Sranklini 787 Bill black, feet red or yellow. Length about 14.00inches ......4..2+8- philadelphia 788 C. atricil/la. (Lat. atricilla, black-tail: only applicable to the young. Fig. 510.) Lauguine Gut. BLAcK-HEADED GULL. Bill longer than middle toe and claw, shorter than tarsus or head, moderately compressed, rather stout for this genus. Culmen and commissure both decurved at the end, the latter somewhat sinuate at the base. Gonys considerably concave in front of the angle, somewhat so between the angle and tip; although the angle is well defined, the tip of the bill is so decurved that a chord from tip to base does not touch it. Middle toe barely three-fourths the tarsus. Adult in summer: Bill and edges of eyelids deep carmiune ; legs and feet dusky-red; iris blackish. Hood deep plumbeous grayish-black, extending further on the throat than on the nape. Eyelids white posteriorly. Neck all round, rump, tail, broad tips of secondaries and tertials, and whole under parts, white, the latter with a rosy tinge (like tly tint of peach-blossoms). Mantle grayish-plum- beous. Outer six primaries black, their extreme tips white; their bases for a very short distance Fie, 510. — Bill of Laughing Gull, nat. size. (Ad on the first, and only on the inner web, and for a nat. del. B/C) successively increasing distance on both webs of the others, of the color of the back. Adult in winter: Under parts simply white, not rosy ; hood lost, the head being white, mixed with blackish. Bill and feet more dull in color. Imma- ture: Bill and feet brownish-black, tinged with red. Plumbeous of the upper parts more or less mixed with irregular patches of light grayish-brown. Primaries wholly brownish-black, fading at the tip. Secondaries brownish-black on the outer web. Tail-feathers more or less tinged with plumbeous, and with a broad terminal band of brownish-black, the extreme tips of the feathers white. Upper tail-coverts white. Young-of-the-year: Entire upper parts, and neck all round, light brownish-gray ; the feathers tipped with grayish or rufous- white, broadly on the scapulars and tertials, the blue of the adults appearing on the wing- coverts. Eyelids whitish ; a dusky space about the eye. Forehead, throat, and under parts, dull whitish, more or less clouded with gray, especially on the breast, where this is the prevailing color. Wings and tail as before. Length about 16.50; extent 41.00; wing.13.00; tail 5.00; bill 1.75, along gape 2.25, its height at nostril 0.45 ; tarsus 92.00; middle toe and claw 1.50. Tropical Am. and temperate N. Am.; in the U. S. north coastwise in summer to Maine, in the interior to Ohio or beyond; on the Pacific side to California; Central America, both coasts,.and various W. I. islands; S. Am. to the Lower Amazon; casual in Europe. By thousands along the Atlantic coast during the migrations, breeding in colonies anywhere along, wintering in the South. Nest on the ground, of eel-grass, seaweeds, and other vege- table material; eggs mostly 3, sometimes 2; 2.10 X 1.55; ground color some olive shade, ranging from dull grayish to dark greenish, thickly marked all over with spots and irregular splashes of brown, blackish, dull reddish and pale purplish ; sometimes the markings chiefly wreathed about the large end. 787. 788. LARIDZA —LARINZ: GULLS. 751 C. frank/lini. (To Sir John Franklin.) Franxuin’s Rosy Guiu. Adult in breeding plumage: Bill rather slender, attenuated and a little decurved at the tip, which is acute ; outline of both rami and gonys concave. Bill shorter than head; tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. Bill red (carmine, lake, or vermilion), crossed with black near the end. Legs dusky-reddish. Edges of eyelids orange. Eyelids white, this color also reaching a little behind the eye. Hood deep slaty or plumbeous-black, encircling the upper part of the neck as well as the head, and extending further on the throat than on the nape. Mantle not quite so dark as in atricilla (more blue), darker than in philadelphia. First primary with the outer vane black to within an inch of the tip; the inner pearly-white, crossed an inch or more from the tip by an isolated black bar an inch broad, thus leaving the feather white on both webs for an inch or more from the tip. The next five primaries are basally of the color of the back, paler on the inner web, and both webs fading toward their tips into white; each is crossed by ablack bar near the end, two inches wide on the second primary, narrowing on successive feathers to a small bar or pair of little spots on the sixth; the tips of all these primaries pure white. Other primaries, with secondaries and tertials, colored like the back, fading at the tips into white ; shafts white, sometimes black along the black portion of the feather. Tail very pale pearly-blue, the three lateral pairs of rectrices white — or rather tail white, lightly washed with pearly on the six central feathers. Neck all around, rump, broad tips of secondaries and tertials, and whole under parts white, the latter rosy. Younger, that is to say, in summer plumage, and with a perfect hood, red bill, ete., but.the primaries not yet having attained their perfect pattern: General coloration exactly as before. Shafts of first three primaries black, of the rest gray, except along the black portion of the feathers; 1st primary with the outer web wholly black, the inner web pearly-gray, much like the back but lighter, to within two or three inches of the’ tip, then black for the rest of its extent; 2d like the Ist, but the base of the outer web like the inner; on the 3d, 4th, and 5th, successively, the black decreases in extent, till on the 6th it is merely a little bar, or pair of spots; tips of all the primaries white; that of the lst primary smallest, that of the others successively increasing in size. Winter plumage: As in summer; the hood wanting or indicated by a few slaty feathers about the eyes, on the auriculars and nape; the rosy wanting; the bill and feet dull-colored. Young: Bill blackish, with pale base of under mandible; feet flesh-colored; eye black. Traces of a hood, or nape largely slaty, ete., according to precise age. Outer five or six primaries wholly black in their continuity, rather lighter and somewhat slaty at base, with or without a minute white speck at the tip. Mantle gray or brown, more or less mixed with blue, according to age. Tail ashy-white, with a broad black subterminal bar. Under parts white. This appears to be the usual plumage of birds of the first autumn. Dimensions: Length about 14.00 inches; extent 35.00; wing 11.25; tail about 4.50; bill along culmen 1.30; along gape 1.75; height at nostril 0.35; tarsus 1.60; middle toe and claw the same. Young smaller than adults; bill 1.10-1.20; wing 10.00, ete. S. and C. Am. in winter; in N. Am. migrating through the interior, chiefly west of the Mississippi, to the Arctic regions, abundant ; has never been observed in the Atlantic States. Breeds from the N. border of the U.S. northward. Eggs 2.12 x 1.40, closely resembling those of the Eskimo curlew in size, shape and color; though the dark splashes are more evenly distributed over the surface. C, philadel/phia. (To the city of that name.) Bonaparre’s Rosy Guiy. Adult, breeding plumage: Bill shorter than the head or tarsus, much compressed, very slender, like a tern’s ; both mandibles with a slight but distinct notch near the tip. Convexity of culmen slight, gradual from base to apex; rami slightiy concave; gonys about straight. Nostrils very narrow. Tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. Tail somewhat emarginate in the young. Bill black. Mouth and eyelids carmine.. Legs and feet coral-red, tinged with vermilion. Webs bright vermilion. Hood plumbeous-slate, not so deep as in franklini, enveloping the head and upper part of the neck, reaching further before than behind. White patches on eyelids 312. 752 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES— GAVIZ. narrow, and half posterior to the eye. Mantle pearl-blue, much lighter than in franklini. Ends of the tertials and scapulars scarcely lighter than the back. Primaries: shafts of the first five or six white, except at their extreme tips, the others dark-colored; first, outer web and extreme tip black, rest white; second, white, its tip black for a greater distance than the first, and on one or both webs, for a greater or less distance (sometimes half way down the feather) narrowly bordered with black ; third, fourth, fifth, sixth, black at the ends for about the same distance on each, the black bordering the inner web much further than the outer ; the inner webs of the third and fourth, and both webs of the fifth and sixth, of a rather lighter shade of the color of the back. Other primaries like the back, the seventh and eighth with a touch of black on one or both webs near the tip. The third to sixth primaries with a white or pearly-white speck at extreme tip. As is not the case with either of our other species of the genus, the primary wing-coverts, bastard quills, ete., are wholly or in great part white, causing the whole wing to be bordered with white as far as the carpus. Neck all around, and under parts, including under wing-coverts, pure white; the belly rosy in breeding time. No difference in color between the sexes. Adult, winter plumage: Bill light colored at base below; feet flesh-color. Crescent before the eye, and patch below the auriculars, deep slate. Crown and occiput mottled with grayish-black and white. Back of neck washed over with the color of the mantle. Forehead, sides of the head and throat, white, continuous with the white of the under parts. Young, first winter: Bill dusky flesh-color, except toward the end; legs and feet light flesh-color. Without the slaty mottling of the crown. Auricular patch distinct. Lesser wing-coverts and tertials dusky-brown, lighter along their edges. Secondaries with a patch of dusky near the end, which on the innermost three or four becomes restricted to the outer web. First primary, with about half the inner web along the shaft, black ; second and third with the outer webs wholly black, and a narrow line of black on the inner, along the shaft. Tail with a subterminal brownish-black bar. Very young: Bill flesh-color, dusky on the terminal half. Crown of head, and neck behind to the interscapulars, clouded with dusky bluish-gray, heightening on the sides of the neck into light grayish- ochreous. Scapulars and middle of the back light gull-blue, as in the adult, but the feathers so broadly (for 4 inch) tipped with grayish-brown, fading into. dull white at tip, that the original color is nearly lost. Lesser wing-coverts and tertials brownish-black, the latter edged with the color of the edgings of the back. Bastard quills and feathers along the edge of the wing variegated with black and white. Primaries black; the outer two-thirds of the inner vane of the first four bluish-white to near the end; both vanes of the others of that color for a little distance ; the extreme tips of all but the two first, white. Secondaries light gull-blue, each with a large terminal blackish spot continuous with the black ends of the inner primaries. Tail with a broad terminal bar of black, and very narrowly tipped with dull white. Dimen- sions: Length 14.00 inches; extent 32.00; wing 10.25; bill above, 1.20; gape 1.75 ; height at nostrils 0.25 ; tarsus, or middle toe and claw, 1.40. N. Am. at large, both coastwise and in the interior, migrating through and wintering in the U. 8., breeding in high latitudes ; abundant; especially numerous along the Atlantic coast during the migrations; accidental in Europe. One of the most airy, graceful, and elegant of the family. Eggs rare and scarcely known; one has been described as 1.80 x 1.80, olive-gray, with a close wreath of very dark and lighter brown splashes around the larger end, and other scratches and spots of the same scattered over the whole surface. In the interior this species and the last may often be seen winnowing over ploughed land, probably after earth-worms. RHODOSTE'THIA. (Gr. fd8or, hrodon, the rose; wriOos, stethos, the breast.) WHrEDGE- Tait GuLL. Tail cuneate (here only among Laride). Otherwise, form much as in other small gulls; bill weak and slender, with little salience of the angle; wings folding beyond the tail. No colored hood, but a black collar round neck. Under plumage. blossoming iv breeding season. 789. 313. 790. 791. LARIDE —LARINZ: GULLS. 753 R. ro’sea, (Lat. rosea, rosy.) WEDGE-TAILED, or Ross’ Rosy Gui. Adult: White, rosy-tinted ; a black collar, but no hood; mantle pearly-blue; primaries marked with black ; bill black, gape and edge of eyelids red; feet vermilion. Length 14.00; wing 10.50; bill 0.75, very slender; tarsus little over 1.00; tail 5.50, cuneate, the graduation being one inch. Young extensively mottled with blackish. Arctic regions; a circumpolar species, chiefly inhabiting the Arctic coasts of N. Am. and Siberia, though known to come southward to the Feroes and Heligoland in Europe, and to St. Michael’s in Alaska. This exquisite gull, famed for the beauty of its plumage, remained until recently one of the rarest of birds in collections ; only about a dozen being known to exist, not one of them in any American museum. In 1879, Mr. R. L. Newcomb, naturalist of the ill-fated ‘‘ Jeannette,” secured eight specimens on the Siberian coast, only three of them, however, being preserved. Mr. E. W. Nelson took one at St. Michael’s, Alaska. More recently, a very large number of specimens have been secured at Point Barrow, on the Arctie coast of Alaska. XE/MA. (A nonsense word — sonus sensu carens.) FoRK-TAIL GULLS. Tail forked (here only in Larine). Head hooded, with a more or less evident darker collar. Bill black, with light tip. Size moderate and small. With a general bearing toward Chroicocephalus, in the hooded head and other features, the genus is distinguished from this or any other group of Larine by the tern-like character of the forked tail. Analysis of Species. Small: Wing 11 inches or less; tail lightly forked; a definite black collar bounding the hood; feet black sabinii 790 Large: Wing 16 inches or more; tail deeply forked; black collar inconspicuous; feet reddish . . furcata 791 X&. sabi/nii. (To E. Sabine.) Forx-TaILep GULL. Adult, breeding plumage: Bill black to the angle, abruptly bright chrome from angle to tip. Mouth bright orange; eyelids orange; legs and feet black. Hood uniform clear deep slate, bounded inferiorly by a ring, narrowest on the nape, of velvety-black. Lower part of neck all round, tail and its coverts, four inner primaries, secondaries, greater part of greater coverts, tips of tertials except the innermost, and whole under parts, pure white. Mantle slate-blue, extending quite to the tips of the inner tertials. Edge of wing from the carpal joint with the bastard wing, black. First five primaries, with their shafts, black; their extreme tips, and the outer half of the inner webs, to near the end, white. Other primaries white, the sixth with a touch of black on the outer web. Emargination of tail 1.25 inches. Length 13.75; wing 10.75; bill 1.00; along gape 1.50; height at angle 0.30; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw same. Adult in winter: Without the hood. Young-of-the-year: Tail forked, nearly as in the adult. Bill small and weak, flesh-color and dusky. Legs apparently flesh-colored. No hood nor collar. Most of the head, the back of the neck, and upper parts in general, slaty-gray, transversely waved with brownish-white; each feather being tipped with this color. Under parts white. Tail white, with a broad terminal bar of black, an inch wide on the central rectrices, growing narrower on the others successively; on the outermost sometimes invading only one web. This black bar very narrowly edged with white. Wings surprisingly similar to those of the adult, but the white on the inner webs more restricted, and the white tips very small or wanting altogether. Dimensions a little less than those of the adult. Young not distinctly resembling the same age of Ch. philadelphia. Arctic America, both coastwise and in the interior, irregularly south in winter through the U. 8.; Bermudas; Peru! Europe. Common enough in high latitudes, but seldom seen in the U. §., and still rather rare in col- lections. Eggs 3, 1.75 X 1.25, much like a curlew’s in general aspect, brownish-olive, sparsely splashed with brown. X. furca/ta. (Lat. furcata, forked.) SwaLLOw-TAILED GULL. Immature? Head and nearly all the neck grayish-brown ; a white mark on each side of the forehead; mantle gray- ish-white ; tail white, much forked; lesser wing-coverts white; greater slate, white-bordered ; 48 754 SYSTEMA‘ZIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES — GAVIE. bill black at base, white at end; eyes and feet red; eyelids orange; claws black. Length about 2 feet. “California” (?) The foregoing is compiled from the original description. Only three specimens of this excessively rare gull are known: one ascribed to Monterey, Cali- fornia; another, adult, from Chatham island, one of the Galapagoes. The latter, in the British Museum, is thus described: ‘“ Head, neck, and throat, of a sootier color than in X. sabinii, darkening toward the base of the hood, but not forming a distinct black collar, as in this species; a white frontal band; under parts and tail pure white, the latter more deeply forked than in sabinii ; mantle pale pearl-gray, somewhat darker on the wing-coverts; prima- ties blackish-brown on outer webs and continuation of inner webs, thence white, except at tip; secondaries white, tinged with gray at their tips; bill blackish, tipped with horn-yellow from the angle. Wing 16.50 inches; tarsi nearly 2 inches; middle toe the same; hind toe very small, but bearing a well-developed claw.” A third has lately been announced from Paracas Bay, Peru; this is a young one, with black bill, reddish feet, the mantle spotted and the tail barred with blackish. Adult and young are figured by Saunders, P. Z. §., 1882, p. 523, pl. 34; see also P. Z. §., 1878, p. 210. The species is very questionably N. Am. 72. Subfamily STERNINAE: Terns. Covering of bill continuous (no cere), hard and horny throughout. Bill paragnathous, relatively longer and slenderer than in the gulls, very acute, the commissure straight or nearly so to the very end. Curve of culmen gentle and gradual from base to apex. Symphysis of inferior mandibular rami much more extensive than in Lestridine or Larine, but the eminentia symphysis less marked. Interramal space narrow. Encroach- i ment of feathers on the bill as in Larine. Nostrils linear- oblong, lateral, direct, pervious, varying with genera as regards degree of approximation to the base of the bill. Wings ex- tremely lengthened, narrow, and acute, the first primary much the longest, the rest rapidly graduated. Secondaries short and inconspicuous. Tail usually much elongated and deeply forked, Fia.511.—Roseate Tern. (From the lateral feathers being more or less attenuated and filiform ; Tenney, after Audubon.) only oceasionally short and broad (Gelochelidon), or graduated (Anoiis, etc.). Legs placed rather further back, and less decidedly ambulatorial than in Larineg. Tibia denuded for a varying distance. Tarsi short and usually slender; scutellate and reticulate, as in Larine. Toes of moderate length, and of the usual relative proportions. Webs rather narrow, and (except in Anoiis, etc.) more or less incised. Claws small, com- pressed, but much curved and acute. Size moderate, or very small. (General form slender and delicate. Plumage as in other subfamilies, but the pteryle narrow; the sexes hardly differing in coloration, but the variations with age and season very great. The terns are not distinguished from the gulls by any strong structural peculiarities, but they invariably show a special contour, in the production of which the longer, slenderer, and acutely paragnathous bill is a conspicuous element. Only one species has the bill in any no- ticeable degree like that of a gull. A few of the terns are as large as middle-sized gulls, but the normal stature is much less; and they are invariably of a slenderer build, more trim in shape, with smoother, closer-fitting plumage. The great length and sharpness of the wing relative to the bulk of the body confer a dash and buoyancy of flight wanting in the gulls; in flying over the water in search of food, they hold the bill pointing straight downward, which makes them look curiously like colossal mosquitoes; and they secure their prey by darting impetuously upon it, when they are usually submerged for a moment. The larger kinds feed principally upon little fish, procured in this way; but most of the smaller ones are insectivo- LARIDZA — STERNINZE: TERNS. 755 rous, and flutter about over marshy spots like swallows or night-hawks. The general appear- ance and mode of flight have suggested the name of ‘‘ sea-swallow,” the equivalent of which is applied in nearly all civilized languages. A forking of the tail is an almost universal char- acter. In the Caspian and marsh terns, the black tern and its allies, and some others, the forking is moderate, and not accompanied by attenuation of the lateral feathers; but ordi narily, these are remarkably lengthened and almost filamentous, as in the barn swallow. It should be observed that in all such cases the narrowing elongation is gradual, and consequently less evident in the young; and that it is very variable in its development. The noddies offer the peculiarity of a tail lightly forked centrally, but rounded laterally. The feet are small and relatively weak throughout the group; the terns walk but little, and scarcely swim at all. Ordinarily the webbing is rather narrow, and incised, particularly that between the middle and inner toe; in Hydrochelidon, this occurs to such extent that the toes seem simply semipalmate. The webs are fullest in Anois, where also the hallux is unusually long; in some species, this toe is slightly connected with the tarsus by a web. The inner toe is shorter than the outer, and much less than the middle, which, especially in Hydrochehdon, is much lengthened, and has the inner edge of its claw dilated, or even slightly serrate. The coloration is very con stant, almost throughout the subfamily. Most of the species are white (often rosy-tinted be- low), with a pearly-blue mantle, a black cap on the head, and dark-colored primaries, along the inner web of which uswally runs a white stripe. These dark-colored quills, when new, are beautifully frosted or silvered over; but this hoariness being very superficial, soon wears off, leaving the feathers simply blackish. The black cap is often interrupted by a white frontai crescent; it is sometimes prolonged into a slight occipital crest ; in a few species, it is replaced by a black bar on each side of the head. One species, Inca mystacalis, has a curious bundle of curly white plumes on each side of the head. Another, Gygis alba, is pure white all over; Proceisterna cinerea is wholly ashy; the noddies are all fuliginous; the upper parts of Hali- plana are dark; the species of Hydrochelidon are largely black. These are the principal if not the only exceptions to the normal coloration just given. The sexes are never distinguish- able, either by size or color; but nearly all the species, in the progress toward maturity, undergo changes of plumage, like gulls; while the seasonal differences are usually consider- able. As arule, the black cap is imperfect in young and winter specimens, and the former show gray or brown patching instead of the pure final color of the mantle. In all those species in which the bill is red, orange, or yellow, it is more or less dusky in the young. The changes are probably greatest in the black terns. The general economy is much the same throughout the group. The eggs are laid in a slight depression on the ground, — generally the shingle of beaches, or in a tussock of grass in a marsh, or in a rude nest of sticks in low thick bushes; they are 1-3 in number, variegated in color. Most of the species are maritime, and such is particularly the case with the noddies ; but uearly all are also found inland. They are noisy birds, of shrill penetrating voice; and no less gregarious than gulls, often assembling in multitudes to breed, and generally moving in company. Species occur near water in almost every part of the world, and most of them are widely distributed; of those occurring in North America, the majority are found in corre- sponding latitudes in the Old World. Some seventy species are currently reported; the true number is apparently just about that of the Gulls (about fifty). The generic and subgeneric groups of the Sternine are rather better marked than those of the Larine. Phethusa, Gygis, and several subgenera near Anoiis are extralimital. The North American forms may readily be distinguished by the following analysis. Hydrochelidon and Anoiis may be regarded as genera, the remainder being subgenera of Sterna. Analysis of the North American forms of Sternine. Nostrils sub-basal. Frontal anti prominent, embracirig base of culmen. Tail more or less forked. Tarsus not shorter than middle toe without the claw. Lateral toes much shorter than the middle. | 756 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —LONGIPENNES — GAVIE. Webs incised (Group STERNEZ). Webs moderately incised. Tail well-formed, generally more than half as long as the wing. Under parts white or light. Upper parts pearl-gray. Cap in summer black, or a black bar through eye. Bill short and very stout, somewhat gull-like, black. Tarsi much longer than the toes, black, Tail lightly forked. Medium size . . . Gelochelidon Bill long, large, bright colored, or with yellow tip. “an cccipital erest. Feet black. Forking of tail variable. Oflarge size . . . » Thalasseus Bill moderate, slender, usually bright colored, like the feet. No crest Tail long, deeply forked. Sizemediumandsmall . .. . ae 26 BH oe - Sterna 314 Opper parts dusky. Cap like the back. Bill and feet black. A white frontalcrescent. . . . . « . Haliplana Webs deeply incised (feet little more than semipalmate). Tail merely emarginate, hardly or not half as long as the wing. Under partsinsummer black ... . . . . . Hydrochelidon 315 Nostrils nearly median. No frontal antix, the feathers extending further on culmen than at the sides. Tail double-rounded. ‘arsi very short. Toes lengthened, the lateral nearly as long as the middle, with full webs. (Group ANOEZ.) Colorfuliginous ......... RO ek A A OR Bow wh we a & aedroNs S816! 314, STER/NA. (Latinized from English stern or tern.) Terns. Form typical of the sub- family. Nostrils sub-basal. Frontal antie prominent. Tail more or less forked. Tarsus not shorter than middle toe without claw. Lateral toes much shorter than middle. Webs moderately incised. Under parts of adult white, or like back. (Characters of the subfamily, exclusive of Hydrochelidon and Anoiis.) Analysis of Subgenera and Species (adults). GDLOCHELIDON. Bill very stout, almost gull-like, black. Tarsus much longer than toes, black. Tail lightly forked, contained about 24 times in wing. Size moderate. Head crested. Cap black. Pearly mantle extending over rumpandtail ... . . anglica 792 THALASSEUS. Bill long, large, tern-like, bright colored or with yellow tip. Feet isa. Head crested. Size large to largest. Tail merely emarginate, contained nearly or about 3 times in wing. Primaries without white space on inner webs, Billred. Largest: wing about 16.00; tail 5.50; billnearly 3.00 . . . . . caspia 798 Tail forked. Primaries with white space on inner webs. Bill orange, stout, about 2.50, 0.50 or more deep at base; gonys about 1.00 long. Wing14.50. . . . + . maxima 94 Tail forked. Primaries with white space on inner webs: Bill acange, lender; about 2,50, under 0.50 deep at base, gonys about 1.50long. Wing 12.50. . . elegans 795 Tail deeply forked, with narrow outer feathers. Primaries with white space on inner webs. Bill slender, black, yellow-tipped. . . +. ecantiaca 796 STERNA proper. Bill long, slender, acute. ‘Tarsus not longer ‘than, middle ‘toe and claw. Tail more or less forked, with acute or very narrow lateral feathers, one-half or more as long as wing. Head not decidedly crested. Size medium to smallest. Mantle pearly-blue. No black cap. Head whitish, with black bar through eye; under parts like the mantle . . . . .trudeaui 802 A black cap. No white-frontal crescent; black cap reaching bill. Bill wholly or mostly red or reddish. Bill red, blackening at end; feet coral-red. Outer web of outer tail-feather white; inner gray or dark. Tarsus 0.90 or more. . » . » forsteri 798 Bill red, blackening at end; feet coral-red. Outer ‘web of outer tail-feather gray or dark, inner white; under parts paler than upper. Tarsus about 0.75. . hirundo 797 Bill wholly red; feet vermilion ; outer tail-feather as in the last. Tarsus 0.65 or less. Under parts neatly like upper. . . Se 38 he ‘ i macrura 799 Bill black, or only red at base. Feet, reddish — ee . . dougalli 800 A white frontal crescent. Bill yellow, tipped with black. Feetyellow. . . . Say Sew ty Ss antillarum 801 Bill and feet black Bo a see es . Gleutica 803 Mantle dusky. A white frontal crescent. Bil aia feet black: (HALIPLANA.) Mantle blackish-brown ; cap thesame. . i ee «ue Bedi og at api . Suliginosa 804 Mantle sooty-gray; capblack . . ‘ . . anesthetica 806 Oxzs. Above analysis based on adult summer birds, sirtd not entirely ayallabie for young and winter ones, in which the chars. of the cap, and colors of bill and feet, may be entirely different. These must be de- termined by reference to the detailed descriptions. LARIDA — STERNINZ: TERNS. 157 792. S. (G.) an/glica. (Lat. anglica, Anglican, English.) Guti-Bintep TerRN. Marsa TERN. 793. & @, in summer: Bill rather shorter than head, robust, not very acute, compressed; culmen nearly straight to beyond nostrils, then very declinato-convex to the tip; gonys about straight ; rami slightly concave ; symphyseal eminence well marked; tomia of lower mandible inflected ; commissure gently curved. Height of bill at base a third of total length. Nasal groove short and broad, not deep; nostrils short, widely oval, placed very near base of bill, just beyond the termination of the feathers. Wings exceedingly long and acute, each primary surpassing the next by a full inch; the secondaries short, soft, obliquely incurved at their extremities. Tail short, contained 24 times in the wing; deeply emarginate, but its lateral feathers not elongated nor attenuated. Feet long and stout for this subfamily. Tarsus shorter than bill, longer than middle toe and claw. Hind toe remarkably developed; inner shorter than outer; interdigital membranes deeply incised, especially the inner. Tibia naked for half an inch. Crown and long occipital crest glossy greenish-black, extending on to lower border of eye, leaving only a very narrow line of white to run along the edge of the feathers on side of upper mandible. Neck all round and under parts, white. Mantle light pearl- blue, this color extending on rump and tail, quite to the tips of the rectrices; tail-feathers, indeed, deepest colored at their tips, fading into nearly pure white toward their bases, on that portion of each feather which is covered with the next one. The color of the mantle extends quite to tips of tertials, but dilutes a little toward the tips of the secondaries. Shafts of primaries yellowish-white. Primaries all grayish-black, deepest on the outer vane of the first ; but this color so heavily silvered as to appear much lighter. All the primaries have on their inner webs a space of white, which extends toward their apices for a varying distance on each; on the first the white is largest, purest, and extends furthest; is distinctly defined from the black, and has not a margin of black along its inner border, except just at its apex. The amount of the white diminishes in length and breadth with each successive primary, until on the last one it is inconspicuous; still it is quite perceptible on all. Bill black, with or without a minute yellowish tip; legs and feet greenish-black ; iris brown. In winter: Differs in restriction of the black cap, chiefly to the hind head and nape, on sides of head reaching forward to eye; sometimes extinct, except in dusky eye-stripe and spot before eye, when whole head otherwise white. Young: Bill blackish-brown, pale at base below; feet dull brownish. Upper parts pearl-blue, interrupted by numercus crescentic or hastate spots of dull brownish, one on each feather, the extreme tip of which is whitish. A brownish- black bar along lesser wing-coverts. Forehead and most of crown white, with dark shaft- lines, increasing to exclude white on hind head and nape; blackish spot before and behind eye. Neck all around, upper tail-coverts, and whole under parts, white. Tail-feathers whitening at ends, each with a dusky space. Length 13.00-15.00; extent 33.00-37.00; bill 1.40; along gape 2.00; its height at base 0.45; tibiee naked 0.50; tarsus (average) 1.30; middle toe and claw 1.10; hind toe and claw 0.40; wing 11.75-12.25; tail 5.50, forked 1.20-1.75. Nearly cosmopolitan; in N. Am., not abundant, and chiefly in Eastern U. §., Texas to New England. Not a beach-nester; breeds in marshes, like the black tern; eggs 3, laid on broken-down reeds or grasses, 1.75 X 1.30, olivaceous, latgely and irregularly splashed with umber-brown and blackish, especially about the largest part, but very variable, like all terns’ eggs. S. (T.) cas'pia. (Of the Caspian Sea. Fig. 512.) Caspian Tern. Imperian Tern. Of maximum size. Length 20.00-23.00 ; extent 50.00-55.00; wing 15.00-17.00, usually about 16.00; tail only 5.00-6.00, forked about 1.50, middle feathers broad to their rounded ends, rest growing successively more acute, but lateral without any slender filamentous development. Bill extremely large, 2.75 along culmen, 4.00 along gape, 0.90 deep at base, 0.50 wide at nostrils; about as long as head, with culmen regularly curved from base to tip; outline of mandibular rami slightly concave; gonys about straight; angle not very well marked. 758 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— LONGIPENNES — GAVIZ. Tibie bare about 0.75; tarsus 1.75, rather exceeding middle toe and claw, the scutella in front replaced by polygonal scales similar to but larger than those on its sides, which are rough ; hind toe extremely small; outer lateral nearly as long as middle toe and claw, which is 1.65. Bill dark vermilion red, growing lighter and somewhat ‘‘diaphanous” toward the tip. Pileum and occipital crest glossy greenish-black, extending to below the lower level of the eyes, and occupying the termination of the feathers on the side of the mandible to the SS = ee 7 = Fie. 512. — Caspian Tern, # nat. size. (From Brehm.) Zs —— ~ ew =e exclusion of the white; lower eyelid white, forming a noticeable spot on the greenish; a white streak along sides of upper mandible, not extending to the end of the feathers. Mantle pearl-blue, the line of demarcation between it and the white rather indefinite, both on nape and rump; most of the tail-feathers, and especially the central ones, retaining a more or less pearly tint. Shafts of the primaries yellowish-white; primaries grayish-black, but, when new, so heavily silvered over as to appear of a light hoary gray, especially on their superior aspects. On the inner web of all there is a central light field; this is very narrow, even on the first primary, although it runs for some considerable distance, and on the others it rapidly grows less; and it has no trenchant line of division on any of the primaries from the darker portions of the feather. Whole inner web of secondaries pure white, outer pearl-blue. Legs and feet black. Adult, winter plumage: Chiefly distinguished by a diminution in the bright- ness of the bill, and by a change in the character of the pileum. The vermilion is replaced by light orange-red, growing still yellower toward the tip of the bill and along the touiia. 794. LARIDZA — STERNINE: TERNS. 759 The forehead is white, usually quite pure; crown white, with small, narrow, distinct streaks of brownish-black, along the shaft of each feather. On the sides of the head, before and behind the eyes, and over the auriculars, the black is more largely intermixed with the white ; and on the nape of the neck, that is, toward the termination of the occipital crest, the black is the predominating color, being only slightly variegated with white. Young-of-the-year : Everyway much smaller than the adult, the bill especially smaller, shorter, and weaker, and of a duller red, more inclining to orange. Upper parts as in the adult, but the pearl- blue everywhere spotted with rather small roundish or hastate spots of brownish-black, largest on the tertials. Forehead grayish-white; vertex speckled with grayish-white and black, the latter color increasing in amount until it becomes nearly or quite pure on the short occipital crest. Wings much as in the adult. Tail much shorter and less forked; the rectrices with brownish spaces near their tips, chiefly ou their inner webs. Under parts dull white. Legs and feet rather shorter and weaker than those of the adult, but of much the same color. Downy young: Grayish-white above, faintly mottled with blackish not aggregated into spots ; white below, dusky across throat. Northern Hemisphere: In N. Am. irregularly distributed, chiefly in Arctic regions, and along whole Atlantic coast; has lately occurred in various locali- ties in the Mississippi and Ohio valleys; known to breed on coasts of Virginia and Texas. Eggs 2, in hollow scooped in dry sand without nest, 2.65 to 2.75 X 1.80 to 1.90, broader and more elliptical than those of S. maxima, with smoother and harder shell; ground-color pale olive-buff, evenly marked all over with small spots of dark-brown and lavender. Breeds commonly by single or few pairs, not in great colonies like S. maaima. S. (T.) max/ima. (Lat. maxima, largest: not true. Fig. 513.) Caysenne Tern. Roya Tern. Bill about as long as that of S. caspia, but of very different shape, much slenderer, its height at base only from a fourth to a third of its length. Culmen gradually de- clinato-convex from base to tip, the amount of curvature increas- ing but slightly tow- ard the apex, which is not very acute. Commissure some- what sinuate basally, regularly declinato-convex for the rest of its length. Rami decidedly a little concave along their edges. Gonys straight, shorter than the rami, the prominence between the two illy developed. Tibie bare for a considerable distance (0.90 of an inch). Tarsus not longer than middle tue and claw; its anterior aspect shows a tendency toward reticulations instead of transverse scutella, but there are usually some scales which extend quite across it. The lateral and posterior aspects are thickly reticulated, as in caspia, but the plates are not so rongh nor elevated. Tail long for this subgenus, quite deeply forked ; central feathers broad to their very tips, which are rounded ; lateral ones successively more elongated and narrower toward their tips, the external pair slender and quite filamentous for some distance. Adult in summer: Pileum glossy greenish-black, not extending below eyes, so narrow on side of upper mandible that a broad white streak extends to extreme tip of the feathers. Mantle exceedingly light pearl-blue, fading imperceptibly into white on the ramp and toward the extremities of the tertials. Tail white, with a faint tinge of pearly, especially on the central feathers and inner webs of the others. Secondaries pure white for their whole length ex- cept a small space on the outer web near the tip, which is grayish-blue, deeper than the mantle. Outer web of first primary grayish-black ; the inner web of the same has a space of black Fia. 513. — Royal Tern, #nat. size. (From Sclater and Salvin.) 7195. 760 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — LONGIPENNES— GAVILE. extending the whole length of the feather, very narrow at the base, widening as it runs toward the tip, within 1} inches of which it oceupies the whole web; the rest of the web white, sep- arated from the black by a straight distinct line of division. The second, third, fourth, and fifth primaries have the same general characteristics, but the white space rapidly grows nar- rower and shorter, and runs up further in the centre than along the edge of the web, so that for a little way from its end it has a border of blackish along its outer margin; other primaries wholly pearl-blue, their inner webs margined with white. Bill coral or orange-red, with a slightly lighter tip; feet blackish, their soles dull yellowish. Winter plumage: Bill less brightly colored, its apex and tomia dull yellowish. Front white; crown variegated with black and white, the former color increasing on the occiput and nuchal crest, which latter, though shorter than in summer, is almost or quite unmixed with white." This black extends forward on the sides of the head to the eye, which it includes. (But frequently tound breeding in this imperfect condition of the black cap, which is much more usual than the complete black.) Tail not pure white, but glossed over with the bluish of the mantle, which deepens toward the tips of the feathers into dusky-plumbeous ; also considerably less forked, the lateral featbers having little or nothing of a filamentous character. Young-of-the-year in August: Bill con- siderably smaller and shorter than in the adult; its tip less acute, and its angles and ridges less sharply defined; mostly reddish-yellow, but light yellowish at tip. Crown much as in the adults in winter, but the occipital crest scarcely recognizable as such. Upper parts mostly white; but the pearl-gray of the adults appearing in irregular patches, and the whole back marked with small, irregularly shaped, but well-defined spots of brown. On the tertials the brown occupies nearly the whole of eacn teather, a narrow edge only remaining white. Lesser wing-coverts dusky plumbeous. Primaries much as in the adults, but the line of demarcation of the black and white wanting sharpness of definition. Tail basally white, but soon becoming plumbeous, then decidedly brownish, the extreme tips of the feathers again markedly white. Otherwise as in the adults. Dimensions of the adults: length 18.00-20.00; extent 42.00- 44.00; wing 14.00-15.00; tail 6.00-8.00; the depth of forking 3.00-4.00; bill, along culmen, 2.50 to 2.75; along commissure 3.75 ; its height at base 0.70; its width 0.50; gonys 1.00- 1.25; tibiee bare 0.90; tarsus Fic. 514. — Elegant Tern, } nat. size. (From Sclater and Salvin.) 1.87; middle toe and claw 1.40. Tropical and temperate America; Brazil and Peru to California and New England, chiefly coastwise; sometimes in the interior, as in Nevada.
moult of bill known. No rosette. Inner claw normal. Tarsus reticulate : . . . «Ptychorhamphus 341 ALcIna. Nostrils more or less completely feathered. Bill ‘of. variable shape, as far as known not appendaged with deciduous elements. Head not crested (except one species). Seasonal changes of plumage usually marked. Bill elongate, more or less slender, without vertical grooves. Nostrils nearly circular, incompletely feathered. Bill short and stout for this group. Tarsus scarcely compressed, scutellatein front . . . oe 2 eo es Able 342 Nostrils broadly oval, incompletely feathered. Bill aint comeveused: Tail nearly even. Tarsus extremely compressed, scutellate in front and internally. . eee) Synthliborhamphus 343 Nostrils oval, feathered. Bill very small, slender, acute. Tarsus reticulate. .Brachyrhamphus 344 Nostrils narrow, feathered. Bill about equal to tarsus. Tarsusreticulate . ... . . Uria 345 Nostrils narrow, densely feathered. Bill longer than tarsus. Tarsus scutellate in front Lomvia 346 Bill elongate, stout, high, narrow, vertically grooved. Nostrils linear, densely feathered. Wings fully developed, fit for flight . Pee ee ep ne Siac iatote ve Ya Ze Utamania 347 Wings reduced in size, unfit for flight .. .. é - + Alea 348 Oss. Many additional characters of these remarkable panera’ are see under their respective heads. 76. Subfamily PHALERIDINA: Parrot Auks, etc. Characters as above. This subfamily contains a number of curious birds of the Auk family for which there is no single English name. With one exception (that of the Common Puffin or Sea Parrot of the Atlantic) all are confined to North Pacific and Polar waters. Without known exception (but qu. Ptychorhamphus ?) all these birds have the bill appendaged with deciduous elements, which is not the case with the Alcine proper; but the subfamily is not very sharply distinguished from Alcine, such forms as Ptychorhamphus and Alle being connecting links. The genera Fratercula and Lunda are together so different from the rest that some authors separate them as a family Mormonide ; but this seems scarcely advisable. 83'7, FRATER'CULA. (Dimin. of frater, a brother: what application?) Sea Parrots. Masxkine Purrins: the grotesque Dill being likened’ to the comic mask of revellers at a carnival, and be- ing as it were put on for the nuptial festivities, and af- terward removed. Bill about as long as head, about as high as _ long, extremely com- pressed, with nearly vertical sides, its lateral profile somewhat triangular, its depth at base Fic. 533. — Head of Sea Parrot (¥, arctica), nat. size. (Ad nat. del. E. C.) equal to that of the head ; culmen beginning on a level with the forehead, thence curving downward with regular convexity to the overhanging tip, its ridge sharp and unbroken throughout ; commissure straight and horizontal to the decurved tip; gonys sharp, ascending, gently sinuous. Terminal portions of both mandibles hard, horny, and persistent, depressed with several oblique curved grooves, convex forward. Basal portion of upper mandible forming a narrow obtuse-angled triangular 853. ALCIDA — PHALERIDINA:: PUFFINS. 801 space, or nasal fossa, its short base horizontal, its long sides rising and sloping backward to meet at an acute angle at base of culmen; the linear nostrils horizontal, close to com- missure at base of this space, which in winter is naked and membranous, in summer covered with a symmetrical horny ‘‘saddle” sheathing the uasal fossa; with a basal raised “ collar” surrounding base of upper mandible, through numerous perforations of which protrude rudi- mentary feathers; with a small narrow horizontal horny strip on each side below nostrils; with usually, also, a long, narrow, obliquely vertical strip bounding the triangular space anterior. Basal portion of under mandible contracted and membranous in winter, in summer with a symmetrical horny ‘‘ shoe” which carries the line of the gonys dowuward and backward to a point, and a narrow horny strip along base. These deciduous elements thus forming three symmetrical pieces, surrounding the bill, and three or two pairs of lateral pieces; in all, 9 or 7 pieces (9 in arctica: and glacialis, 7 in corniculata) which are regularly moulted. Angle of mouth with a rosette of naked skin, festooned in summer, shrunken in winter. Eyelids surmounted above by a triangular, obtuse or acute, below by a horizontal, lengthened, callosity. No crests on head, but a furrow in plumage behind eye. Wings not peculiar. Tail rounded, but central feathers shorter than the next, contained about 23 times in length of wing, 16-feathered. Tarsus very short, only equal to inner toe without claw, stout, little compressed, reticulate except for a small space in front, which is scutellate. Outer toe about equal to the middle; its claw shorter than the middle claw, both slightly curved, not very acute, upright ; middle claw dilated on inner edge; inner claw enlarged, curved to a semi- circle, very acute, usually lying horizontal. Sexes alike; seasonal changes of plumage slight, those connected with the moult of the bill very great. Egg single, white or scarcely marked, laid in rocky erevices or burrows in ground. Analysis of Species. Excrescence of upper eyelid forming a slender acute horn. Height of bill much greater than length of commissure. Black of throat reaching Dill. . corniculata 853 Excrescence of upper eyelid forming an obtuse proces, ” Black “ throat ‘ot reaching bill. Culmen moderately convex, its chord about 2.00; its arc 2.10; bill under 1.50 deep at base. Wing under 7.00 ey tits sete mee Gh aA aretica 854 Culmen very convex, its chord about 2.40 ; tea arc as ‘60; bill over 1. 50 es. at Tl Wing 7.00 or IMOLO: ay! ay" se aie: se SR Sta fae ae aah Se By RE te heed SG de ‘| .glacialis 855 F. cornicula’‘ta. (Lat. corniculata, ince a little horn (over the iets Fig. 534.) Horner MasxinG Purrin. Adult in sunnmer: Appendage of the upper eyelid produced into a long, slender, acute, upright horn; that of lower eyelid linear-obtuse, horizontal. Bill very large, especially high for its length, its height about equal to chord of culmen exclusive of the basal collar, much greater than length of gape; base of culmen and point of gonys both produced fai backward, giving a very convex outline of feathers alongside the bill; sides of bill not distinctly divided into nasal compartment and grooved portion, uearly smooth, with only three short shallow grooves; culmen very convex, almost the sextant of a circle; tip of upper mandible much hooked; rictus sHort, that portion in advance of the basal rim of upper man- dible only about as long as upper mandible is deep; outline of gonys sinuate, at first convex, then more ascending, with slight concavity; chord of gonys nearly as long as that of upper mandible, exclusive of the basal rim or collar. Form otherwise not peculiar in the genus. Crown of head grayish-black, narrowing to a point at base of culmen. Sides of head white ; ‘the postocular furrow and sides of lower jaw ashy. A distinct narrow line of white along edge of fore-arm. Entire upper parts glossy blue-black; a sootier shade of black encircling the fore-neck, running forward on throat to bill. Other under parts white, except a few elongated blackish feathers on sides of flanks. Lining of wings pearly-ash. Bill entirely vermilion-red, even the basal collar; edges of eyelids red; excrescences of eyelids bluish- gray; iris brown; feet orange-red, the webs tinged with vermilion; claws brownish-black ; rosette of mouth bright yellow-orange. Length 14.50; extent 24.50; wing 7.25; tail 2.75; 51 854. 802 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PYGOPODES. tarsus 1.10; middle toe and claw 2.00; outer do. 1.90; inner do. 1.35; chord of culmen 2.00; curve 2.25; gape, from basal collar to tip, 1.20; chord of gonys 1.75; depth of bill at base 1.80; greatest width 0.60; nostril 0.40; horn over eye 0.35. In winter: The moult of the bill not known; supposed with good reason to shed 3 symmetrical pieces and two pairs of pieces, in all 7, namely, the collar at base of upper mandible; the saddle of nasal fossa ; the shoe of under mandible; the pair of sub-nasal strips; the pair of mandibular strips; if so, all the same as in F’. arctica, excepting the pre-nasal strips. The processes of the eyelids fall; the colored ring round eye pales; the rosette of mouth shrivels and pales; feet yellow; the denuded membranous part of bill doubtless blackish. In any state, the species is easily recognized by extension of the black collar to the bill. N. Pacific, both coasts, and adjoining polar seas; not known in N. Atlantic ; S. to Sitka at least. Economy in all respects that of the better known species. The single egg seen is dead white, rough, 2.75 & 1.75. F. are/tica, (Lat. arctica, arctic. Fig. 533.) Common Purrin. Sea Parrot. Adult in 2 summer: Appendage of upper eye- lid upright, obtusely triangular; of lower eyelid linear, obtuse, hori- zontal. Bill moderately large, with moderate convexity of culmen, its height less than chord of culmen, little more than from posterior bor- der of nostril to tip; base of cul- men and point of gonys not pro- duced far backward, leaving but moderately convex outline of feath- ers along side of bill; sides of bill distinctly divided into an anterior, hard, horny, deeply grooved por- tion, differently colored from the smooth basal portion; rictus long, that portion in advance of the basal tim of upper mandible much longer than upper mandible is deep ; out- line of under mandible regularly curved from base to tip; chord of gonys much shorter than that of culmen. Crown of head grayish- black, sharply defined against color of sides of head, separated by a = slight ashy cervical collar from the Fig. 534, —Left, Horned Puffin ; right, Tufted Puffin, (rawn dark color of the upper parts. Sides by H. W. Elliott. From Harper Brothers.) of head, with chin and throat, ashy- white, nearly white between eyes and bill, with a dark ashy patch on side of throat. Upper parts glossy blue-black, continuous with a broad collar around the neck in front, not extending to the bill. A narrow line of white along border of fore-arm. Under parts from the neck pure white, the long feathers of the sides and flanks blackish. Under surface of wings pearly- gray; inner webs of primaries and secondaries grayish-brown, the shafts brown, with black ends and whitish bases. Iris brown. Eyelids vermilion-red, the excrescences grayish-blue. Basal collar of bill and first ridge dull yellowish; nasal saddle and corresponding shoe of lower mandible grayish-blue ; rest of bill vermilion-red, the tip of the lower mandible and two ter- minal grooves often yellowish; rosette of mouth orange-yellow; feet coral or vermilion-red ; 855. 838. ALCIDA — PHALERIDINZ: PUFFINS. - 803 claws black. Length 13.50; extent 24.00; wing 6.50; tail 2.25; tarsus 1.00; middle toe alone 1.40, its claw 0.40; outer do. 1.40, its claw 0.30; inner do. 1.00, its claw 0.40 (its chord —the curve more); chord of culmen 2.00, its arc 2.10, the ordinate 0.30; depth of bill 1.40; gape 1.25; gonys 1.45; greatest width of bill (at base of nostrils) 0.60; nostrils 0.85. 9 av- eraging less than g. In winter: No colored eye-ring nor appendages of eyelids. Rosette of mouth shrunken and pale. Feet orange, not red. Face blackish around eye, the ashy-white obscured with dusky. Basal parts of bill membranous and blackish, and whole base of bill contracted, the point of the gonys cut off. The following pieces have been shed: 1, the basal rim or collar ; 2, the nasal case or saddle; 3, the mandibular case or shoe; 4, 5, the strips at base of mandible, one on each side; 6, 7, the subnasal strips, one on each side; 8, 9, the pre- nasal strips, one on each side (3 symmetrical pieces, 3 paired pieces, 9 in all). Young, first fall and winter: Resemble the adults in winter, but bill still weaker and less developed; the plumage is the same, with blackish face. This long kept us in ignorance of the moult of the bill, the adults in winter being mistaken for young birds by all authors till Bureau explained the case. Inhabits the coasts and islands of the N. Atlantic, breeding in Iceland, Southern Greenland, Labrador, Newfoundland and 8. to Bay of Fundy ; rare in the N. Pacific (Pallas), where chiefly replaced by F. corniculata ; replaced.on most of the European coast by a smaller weaker-billed variety, and in Polar Seas by the larger stouter-billed F. glacialis. In winter, ranging or driven south irregularly along most of the U. S.; not regular beyond New England. The moult of the bill as well as of the plumage occurs in August and September, when the birds are unable to fly for a period, and many perish if caught at sea in storms at this time. Nest by thousands on coasts and islands, burrowing in the ground like rabbits, to arm’s length or more. The single egg is laid late in June and in July, on a slight grassy nest at the end of the burrow ; in shape rounded ovate, with greatest diameter nearly at the middle; average size 9.50 X 1.75; shell granular, white or brownish-white, colorless or marked with obsolete spots, dots, and seratches of pale purplish, sometimes with a few splashes of pale yellowish- brown. Nestlings are covered with blackish down, whitish below from the breast. F. a. glacia/lis. (Lat. glacialis, icy.) LARGE-BILLED Purrin. Specific character of F. arctica ; size greater, the bill especially larger, and differently shaped. Protuberance of upper eyelid higher and sharper. Bill very deep, rising high on forehead, with very convex culmen, dropping nearly perpendicularly at end. Four grooves of upper and three of lower, distinct; gonys quite convex. Length 14.50; extent 26.00; wing 7.25; tail 2.25; tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw 1.90, outer do. 1.90, inner do. 1.45; chord of culmen 2.40, its are 2.60, the ordinate 0.45; depth of bill at base 1.70; gape 1.50; gonys 1.60; greatest width of bill 0.65; nasal slit 0.45. Polar Seas; Spitzbergen; N. Greenland. Not authentic as occurring in the U.S. The seasonal changes are in all respects the same as those of F. arctica. LUNDA. (Vox barb.) Turrep Masxine Purrin. Generic character of Fratercula, ex- cepting crest, eyelids, and details of bill. A long tuft of feathers on each side of head. Eye- lids not appendaged. Nostrils very small, linear, marginal. Upper mandible divided into distinct but not differently colored compartments; its base with a deciduous raised rim or collar, perforated for the passage of feathers as in Fratereula, but this collar not so prominent, and the deciduous smooth basal saddle not so distinctly separated from the ridged part of the bill beyond, where are three well marked, widely separated curved grooves, concave forward (the reverse of Fraterculu). Culmen arched in two separate curves, the basal one surmounted by a prominent widened ridge-pole, ending abruptly, the terminal one sharp, strongly convex to the hooked tip of the bill. Lower mandible with the sides perfectly smooth throughout, the outline of gonys at first descending, then rounding upward and thence about straight to tip of bill; the base of the mandible with a narrow deciduous border ; ordinarily no evidence of the existence of the deciduous shoe of the lower mandible. The parts of the bill moulted are the 856. 804 ‘SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. -PYGOPODES. basal collar, the nasal saddle and pair of subnasal strips; the mandibular shoe and basal strip ; three large symmetrical pieces and two pairs of small lateral pieces, in all seven. (Thus as in F-. arctica, lacking only the pair of prenasal strips; thus exactly as supposed to be the case in F. corniculata. The loss of the pieces of the upper mandible makes the same difference in the bill as oceurs in F. arctica ; but the moult of the mandibular shoe effects less change in the appearance of the bill). L. cirra/ta, (Lat. cirrata, having curly locks. Figs. 534,535.) Turrep Purrin. Adult in summer: Crests about 4 inches long, straw-yellow, some of the posterior feathers black at base; these bundles of silky, glossy feathers with very delicate shafts and loosened webs; they chiefly sprout from what corresponds to the furrow in the plumage of F’.. arctica. Face white, broadly of this color on sides of head to beyond eyes (as far as the crests), narrowly across forehead and chin, the bill being thus entirely sur- rounded by white. Crown between the crests, and entire upper parts, excepting the extreme forehead and a line along the forearm, glossy blue- black. Entire under parts, exvepting Fie. 535. — Bill of young Tufted Puffin, nat. size. extreme chin, and including sides of hind head and sides of neck, sooty brownish-black, more grayish on the belly, the lining of wings smoky-gray, the under tail-coverts quite black. Wings and tail black, their inner webs brownish-black, the shaft of the first primary whitish underneath near base. Bill, feet, and eye-ring vermilion-red; the basal parts of the bill when about to desquamate showing more yellowish or enamel color, or even showing the livid color of the subjacent membrane. Rosette of mouth yellow. Claws black. Eyes ‘‘ brownish-yellow.” Length 15.00-16.00; Fic. 536, — Horn-billed Auk, adult in summer, nat. size. (Fram Elliot.) extent 27.00; wing 7.75 ; tail 2.75; tarsus 1.30; middle toe 2.00, its claw 0.50; outer do. 1.80, its claw 0.40; inner do. 1.25, its claw 0.50; greatest depth of bill 1.90; greatest width 0.90; chord of culmen 2.40, of which the terminal part is 1.40; gape about 1.90; gonys 1.60; greatest depth of upper mandible 1.15 ; nostrils 0.25. Adult in winter: Plumage as in summer ; crests retained: iris “pale blue.” Basal part of bill dark-colored, without the above-named deciduous 839. 857. ALCIDZ —PHALERIDINZ: AUKS. 805 pieces; the change in upper mandible is decided, as in F. arctica, but the difference in the lower mandible is comparatively slight. In birds of the first spring the terminal portion of the bill may be smooth, like the under mandible, and the bill and feet rather orange-red than ver- milion ; at this time the face whitens and the crests sprout. Young: No crests, and no white about the face The bill like that of the adults in winter after: the moult, saddled with soft dark-col- ored skin at base, but every way smaller, weaker, and quite smooth ( “ Sagmatorhina lathami,” fig. 535,) and, like the feet, Fie. 537. — Horn-billed Auk, adult in winter, nat. size. (From Elliott.) rather yellow or orange than red; the plumage entirely blackish above, sooty- brown below, the feathers of the belly and flanks whitish at the base; iris brown. Coasts and Islands of the N. Pacific, S. in winter on the American side to California; of casual occurrence on the Atlantic Coast to New England. General habits and economy of the common puffin; nesting similar. Egg single, rough, dead-white, but showing, besides frequent discolorations, obsolete shell-markings of pale purplish-gray’; size from 2.65 to 2.85, by 1.92 to 2.00; broader and more capacious than that of F. corniculata, though no longer. CERATORHI'NA. (Gr. xépas, xépatos, keras, keratos, a horn; pis, puwds, hris, hrinos, the nose.) Rarnoceros Auxs. Related to Lunda and Fratercula ; no peculiarity of eyelids or inner claw; bill smooth; base of upper mandible with a large upright horn, and under mandi- ble with an accessory horny piece lying be- tween its rami; this piece and the horn decid- uous, when base of up- per mandible covered with a soft cere. Bill shorter than head, stout, Fie. 538. — Horn-billed Auk, young, nat. size. (From Elliot.) deep at base, much compressed and rapidly tapering to acute decurved tip, sides erect, smooth, culmen very convex, gape gently curved, gonys nearly straight, with angle at symphysis. Nostrils short, linear, subbasal, marginal, impervious, at base of the horn or cere. Two series, postocular and maxillary, of lengthened, straight, stiffish lance-acute white feathers on each side of head. General form of Fratercula. Size large. One species. C. monocera'ta. (Gr. pévos, monos, only, single; xépas, keras, horn. Figs. 536, 537, 538.) Unicorn Aux. Horn-pitt Avg. Adults in summer: Bill orange-yellow. Culmen and base of upper mandible dusky ; feet some yellow color, the tarsi behind and the soles blackish ; claws black. The sharp feathers of the head white, about an inch long. Entire upper parts glossy blue-black; a line of white along edge of forearm. .. Sides of head and neck, of body along under the wings, with chin, throat, and fore-breast, clear grayish-ash, or pale bluish- 806 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PYGOPODES. gray; under parts from the breast pure white, shading insensibly into the color of the sides aud flanks. Inner webs of wing- and tail-feathers grayish-brown, paler ' toward base, the shafts of the primaries dull whitish at base. Length 15.50; extent 26.00; “wing 7. 25; tail 2.50; tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw 1.85 ; outer do. 1.70; inner do. 1.40; ‘chord’of aulner without horn 1.00, with horn 1.40; gape 2.00; nostril to tip of horn 0.75 ; total depth of bill, including horn, 1.25. In winter: Plumage the same; iris white; no horn nor accessory piece under the bill, these being shed; place of horn occupied by a soft dark-colored basement membrane or cere (‘' Sagmatorhina suckleyi,” Fig. 537). Young: Bill like that of adults in winter, lacking horn, but every way weaker, hardly more than half as large. Mostly dark-colored. No white feathers on side of head. White of under parts overlaid and marbled with dark-gray ends of the feathers ; black of upper parts brownish. The first spring the horn grows, the accessory piece develops, and the plumage clears up. Nestlings are covered with smoky-brown down. Both coasts and islands of N. Pacific, to Lower California and Japan; not specially arctic; e. g., breeds on the Farallone Islands. SIMORHYN'CHUS. (Gr. oupés, simos, snub-nosed; fuyxos, hrugchos, beak.) SNUB-NOSED Avurs. Of moderate and very small size, and stocky shape. Head usually crested or with peculiar feathers. Bill of indeterminate shape, differing with each species, furnished with a varying number of deciduous horny elements. Nostrils entirely unfeathered. Wings and tail ordinary. Feet small; tarsi shorter than middle toe, entirely reticulate; toes long, middle and outer of about equal lengths, claw of the former longest ; inner claw reaching base of middle ; all curved and compressed. Four species, very distinct; the queerest little auks in the world. Each has been made type of a genus; S. psittaculus differs more from the rest than these do from one another, and might stand apart as a genus (Phaleris), the others being rated as sub- genera (Simorhynchus proper, Tylorhamphus, and Ciceronia). Analysis of Species. Upper mandible oval, lower mandible falcate, rictus curved upward. No crest (Phaleris) psittaculus 858 Upper mandible triangular, lower straight, rictus horizontal, sinuate, A long frontal crest, curling over forward. One series of white feathers on each side of head (Simorhynchus proper)... . . eristatellus 859 More than one series of white feathers on each side of head (Tylorhamphus) ..- . . pygmaeus 860 Short white hair-like feathers over the forehead; no crest (Ciceronia). . . . . .. . « pusillus 861 S. psitta‘culus. (Lat. psittaculus, a little parrot. Fig. 439.) Parroquet Auk. Puc- NOSED AUK. Bill moderately large, much compressed, densely feathered for some distance at «base, but not to the nostrils, which are narrowly oval, overhung by a projecting scale or shield, which is deciduous. Profile of bill oval; of upper mandible narrowly oval; culmen gently convex, declinate, tomial edge more convex, ac- clinate, meeting at an obtuse tip; lower mandi- ble extremely slender, faleate, curved upward, with concave tomia, very convex gonys, and acute point. Frontal feathers embracing cul- men with a reéntrance, thence dropping per- pendicularly to commissure; those on lower Fic. 539. —Parroquet Auk, nat, size, (Ad nat.del. mandible not reaching quite so far; interramal H. W. Elliott.) space fully feathered. Adult: In summer with the nasal saddle, moulted in one piece in winter; shape of bill not materially altered, however. the piece being small and flattish. Bill vermilion or coral-red, usually enamel-yellow at tip and along edges. No curly crest on forehead, but a series of long white filamentous feathers from the eye downward and backward. Entire upper parts, with chin, throat, breast, and ALCIDA| — PHALERIDINZ: AUKS. 807 flanks sooty brownish-black, grayer below than above; other under parts white; lining of wings dark. Feet dull greenish or yellowish, darker behind and below. Length about 9.00; wing 5.40-5.75; tail 1.55% :tarsus about 1.00; middle toe alone 1.10; chord of culmen or gonys 0.60; gape 1.00; depth of bill 0.45; width 0.30. Young: No white filamentous feath- ers on head; a white spot on lower eyelid; upper parts as before, under parts white, marbled and mottled with dusky ends of the feathers. N. Pacific and polar seas, highly arctic, apparently not coming much south. This quaintly-beaked bird resorts to cliffs and crags to breed, laying its single egg deep in the cavities of the most inac- cessible rocks overhanging the sea; it resembles a small narrow hen’s egg, being white, variously soiled and discolored, minutely granular and rough to the touch, 2.25 to 2.35 long by 1.45 to 1.50. S. cristatel/lus. (Lat. cristatellus, dimin. of cristatus, crested. Figs. 540, 541,542.) CresTep AUK. -SNUB-NOSED AUK. Bill fundamentally small and simple, compressed-conic, with convex culmen and little sinuate horizontal commissure ; but in the ‘breeding season developing several corneous appendages, which alter its shape great- ly, make it singularly irregular, and modify even the outline of the feathers at its base. These accessory pieces are: a nasal plate, filling the nasal fossa, separate from its fellow of the oppo- Fa. 540. — Crested Auk, reduced. (Ad. nat. del. site side ; asubnasal strip prolonged on the cutting ae a So edge of the upper mandibles backward from the nostrils; a rosette-like plate at base of upper mandible just over angle of the mouth ; a large shoe encasing the posterior part of the under mandible; the latter single, the other three pieces in pairs, making seven in all which are moulted; all these elements vermilion or coral-red; end of the bill enamel-yellow. (Before acquiring these growths the young bird is tetraculus of authors; the adult in winter, after i Fig. 541. — Crested Auk, in summer, nat. size. Fie. 542. — Crested Auk, in winter, nat. size. shedding them, is dubius.) A beautiful crest of 12-20 slender feathers springing from the fore- head, curling over forward in are of a circle to fall gracefully upon the bill; this helmet is blackish ; at full length about 2 inches long; the feathers are not filamentous, but have well- formed webs, and are bundled or impacted together, owing to the oblique divergence of the 860. 861. 808 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —PYGOPODES. webs from the shaft, as in the genus Lophortyx. A slender series of white filamentous feathers over and behind each eye, drooping downward and backward. The whole plumage otherwise sooty more brownish-black above, more brownish-gray below. Feet bluish, with dark webs. Aside from the transformation of the bill, the young only differ in lacking the crest and white filaments; but both are early acquired; there is a white spot below eye. The summer and winter plumages are alike. Iris said to be in winter white, in summer with a blackish outer and bluish inner ring; in the young, brown. Length 8.50-9.00; wing 5.25-5.50; tail 1.55; tarsus 0.90-1.00; middle toe and claw 1.85: chord of culmen 0.45. N. Pacific, both coasts and islands, on the Asiatic side to Japan, but not known to come §. to U.S. Nesting in every respect like 8. psittaculus ; single egg, similar, smaller, 2.10 x 1.40. S. pygme/us. (Lat. pygmaeus, dwarf. Figs. 548, 544.) Waiskerep AUK. RED-NOSED Aux. Bill small and simply conic-ecompressed, little longer than high, resembling the young or winter bill of the preceding ; having but one pair of accessory pieces, the small shields which fill the nasal fossee, and are doubtless shed in winter. Adult: A very long curly crest of slender filamentous feath- ers curving over forward in are of a circle to droop upon the bill; the crest dark-colored and of same general character as that of S. ecristatellus, but of fewer and more thready feathers. A maxillary series of slender filaments from the commissure of the bill along the side of the jaw; another series from base of culmen to eye; a postocular series adown the side — Fre, 543, — Whiskered Auk, young, nat. size. of the neck, all these white or yellowish-white. (From Elliott.) Crest and general plumage as in the last. Bill (dry) orange-red, more salmon color or yellow enamel at end ; feet (dry) undefinably dark. Length 8.00 or more; wing 5.60; tail 1.25; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw 1.55; outer do. 1.60; inner do. 1.10; chord of culmen 0.45; depth of bill at base 0.30; gape 0.90; crest outstretched 1.50; longest white filaments on head 1.00. Young: Bill very small and weak, much compressed. No sign of crest nor of white feathers on head. Above blackish-cinereous, quite black on head, wings, and tail; under parts lighter and more grayish- plumbeous, bleaching on the belly and crissum. Bill reddish-dusky; tarsi behind and soles black ; \ eye black and white. (8. cassini, Coues.) N. Fie. 544, Whiskered Auk, adult, nat. size. Pacific ; apparently rare in most localities; there (From Elliot.) are as yet but few specimens in any museums. S. pusillus. (Lat. pusillus, pucrile. Figs. 545, 546, 547.) Least AUK. KNOB-NOSED AUK. Adult in summer: Bill small and simple, but stout for its length, scarcely higher than wide at base, rather obtuse at tip. A small knob or tubercle at the base of the culmen, which is deciduous. No crest; but front, top, and sides of head more or less thickly lined with delicate white thready feathers; a similar series, exceedingly fine, from the eye along sides of hind head and nape. Excepting these filaments, the entire upper parts glossy black ; region about under mandible, and a few feathers along the sides of body and flanks, blackish ; under parts white, more or less extensively mottled or clouded with blackish. Lining of wings white, with dark feathers along the edge. Bill red, the knob and base of upper mandible dark. Legs (dry) undefinably dark, the front of tarsus and tops of toes lighter. Length 6.50; wing 3.75; ALCIDH! — PHALERIDINZE: AUKS. 809 tail 1.25; tarsus 0.70; middle toe and claw 1.00; chord of culmen, including the node, 0.40; gape 0.60; height of bill at base 0.80, width scarcely less. In winter: The knob gone; the little white bristles of head retained ; white of under parts extensive, reaching far around sides of neck; humeral and scapular feathers and many of the secondaries marked with white, producing patches of this-evlor on the upper parts, unknown in other Phaleridine ; such seasonal change of plumage indicating an approach to Mergulus or Brachyrhamphus. Young: Like the adults, but the white of the under parts nebulated with dusky ends of the feathers; this clouding does not clear up until the knob of bill and bristles of head have been acquired. pS / © © © Fic. 645. — Least Auk, adult, nat. size. Fia. 546, — Least Auk, young, nat. size. This curious little bird, the smallest of all the auks, and one of the least of all water birds, inhabits the coasts and islands of the N. Pacific, resorting to favorite breeding places by millions, with S. pstttaculus and S. cristatellus. The nesting is similar, the single egg being laid in the recesses of rocky shingle over the water; size 1.55 X 1.12. The bird is not known to come §. so far as the U. 8. Fic. 547. Group of Least Auks. (Designed by H. W. Elliott.) 841. PTYCHORHAMWPHUS. (Gr. rrvé, rrvyés, ptux, ptuchos, afold: pdpdos, hramphos, beak.) WRINKLE-NOSED AvuKS. Size moderate; form stout; no crests nor any peculiar feathers about head. Bill about # as long as head, stout, straight, little compressed, conic-acute ; culmen little convex, broad at base, where in the dried state transversely corrugated; in place of which wrinkles there may be some formation now unknown; sides of upper mandible 862. 342. 863. 810 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— PYGOPODES. turgid, with inflected tomial margins; of under upright, grooved lengthwise; gape straight; gonys straight or nearly so, very loug. Nasal fosse large, shallow, covered with soft skin in the only state known; which flares over the rather long, narrowly oval sub-basal nostrils at the bottom of the fossa. Outline of frontal feathers nearly transverse across culmen, thence retreating obliquely to the commissure. Tarsi reticulate, much shorter than middle toe without claw. This genus apparently connects the Phaleridine with the Alcine, having much the aspect of Mergulus or Brachyrhamphus, with sui generis shape of bill; its position will only be settled by learning what, if any, are the transformations of the bill. P. aleu’ticus. (Of the Aleutian Islands.) ALEUTIAN AuxK. Bill black, the skinny part pale in the only state observed; feet blackish behind and below, bluish in front of tarsus and on tops of toes. A touch of white about eye. Upper parts blackish-plumbeous, the head, wings, and tail nearly black. This dark color, diluted to grayish-plumbeous, extends around the head, neck, and fore-breast, along the sides, and on lining of wings, fading to white on belly and crissum. No special states of plumage are known. Length 8.00-9.50; extent 16.00-18.50; wing 4.75-5.25 ; tail 1.50-1.75; tarsus about 1.00; middle toe and claw 1.40; outer do. 1.80; inner do. 1.10; culmen 0.75; gape 0.90; gonys 0.60; depth of bill at base 0.40, width 0.30. Pacific coast of N. A., Aleutians to L. Cala., thus not specially Arctic. Breeds as far south at least as the Farallones. 77. Subfamily ALCINA: Guillemots, Murres, and Auks proper. See analysis on p. 799, and characters of subfamily Phaleridine. Among the Alcina, that is to say, Auks with feathered nostrils and unappendaged Dill, there is a gentle gradation from those genera in which the bill is simplest and slenderest, as in the Guillemots and Murre- Jets, to those in which it is stoutest, as in some of the Guillemots, and in the razor-billed and great auks, in which it is greatly compressed and suleate, recalling that of a puffin. Some of the genera are confined to the North Pacific, as Synthliborhamphus and Brachyrhamphus; others are cireumpolar, as Uria and Lomvia; several, as Alle, Uria, Lomvia, Utamania and Alca, represent the family in the North Atlantic, together with Fratercula of the Phaleridine. AL'LE. (A local name of the bird.) Sea Dove. Size small; form squat and bunchy. Bill very short, stout, and obtuse, as wide as high at base, the sides of both mandibles turgid, the edge of the upper © much inflected; culmen very convex; rictus ample, de- curved at end; gonys straight, very short, the mandibular rami correspondingly long, and widely divaricated; nasal fossee short, wide, deep, partly feathered. Nostrils sub basal, more nearly circular than in any other genus except- ing the next. Wings rather long for this family; tail HG: Dip. — Bear dove, Rat, clee: much rounded, with narrow pointed feathers. Feet small and weak; tarsus scarcely compressed, broadly scutellate in front, finely reticulate behind. One species. A. ni/gricans. (Lat. nigricans, blackening. Fig. 548.) Sea-pove. Dover. ALLE. Adults in summer: Head and neck all around, and entire upper parts, very glossy blue-black ; scapulars edged and secondaries tipped with white, forming two conspicuous patches; touches of white about eyes. Under parts from the neck pure white, some of the long feathers of the flanks rayed with black ; lining of wings dusky. Bill black ; mouth yellow ; feet black behind and below, in front and above flesh-colored; eyes brown. In winter: The white of under parts extending to the bill, and on sides of neck nearly around. Young like adults in winter, but upper parts duller; bill smaller; feet dusky greenish, the scales obscured. Length 8.50; extent 15.50; wing 4.75-5.25 ; tail 1.50; tarsus 0.80; middle toe and claw 1.20, outer do. PS 343. 864. ALCIDZA — ALCINZ:: MURRELETS. 811 1.15, inner do. 0.85; chord of culmen 0.50, gape 1.00, gonys 0.20; height or width of bill at base 0.35. N. Atlantic, both coasts. In winter 8. to the Middle States or beyond. , Overtaken by storms at this season this little bird is not seldom blown inland. It is very abundant at its breeding grounds in the far north, being one of the most boreal of birds. Egg single, 1.60 x 1.10, pale greenish-blue. SYNTHLIBORHAM’'PHUS. (Gr. cuvOdAi8o, sunthlibo, I compress; pdydos, hramphos, beak.) NIPPER-NOSED MuRRELETS. Of moderate size and stout form; general aspect of Alle ; with or without a crest. Bill somewhat as in Brachyrhamphus, but stouter and deeper for its length; greatly compressed throughout, its depth at base about half as much as length of culmen; culmen moderately convex, gonys ascending. Nostrils sub-basal, broadly oval or nearly circular; nasal fossee small and shallow, feathered to nostrils. Feathers to about opposite points on culmen and keel, thence retreating rapidly backwards. Secondaries very short, as in Brachyrhamphus, the longest not reaching much more than half way from carpal joint to the point of the closed wing. (This style of wing is characteristic of the murrelets, which ‘‘ paddle” the air in a peculiar way.) Tail short, nearly square, with broadly rounded feathers. Tarsi much compressed, like the bill; transversely scutellate in front and on the side, reticulate behind; about as long as middle toe without claw. With the general character of Brachyrhamphus, this genus differs in the deeper, stouter bill, and much com- pressed scutellate tarsi; it includes two very stylish species of the N. Pacific, very different from each other. Analysis of Species. Head closely feathered; depth of bill more than half its length; white of sides of crown not advancing BOPOLe:C Yes: x ae seed cecal Be ae SR, BRO BE a OE OE Se OR ee Ge antiquus 864 Head crested; depth of bill about half ita length; white of sides of crown advancing nearly to bill umizusume 865 S. anti/quus. (Lat. antiquus, ancient; i. e. gray-headed. Fig. 549.) BLACK-THROATED Mourrerer, Adult in breeding dress: Bill whitish or yellowish, its base and ridge black. Feet whitish or yellowish, the tarsus behind and both surfaces of webs, black. Head all around, and throat, black, pure above, sooty on chin and throat. A conspicuous white stripe from over each eye to sides of nape, where connected by some white feathers with its fellow, and © spreading on the sides and back of neck into a set of sharp ; white streaks; trace of white on each eyelid. Upper parts dark | a plumbeous, blackening on tail; upper surface of wing the same, the edging of the wing all along from the elbow, and the ex- posed parts of the primaries, blackish; secondaries like the cov- _ Fie. 549. — Black-throated Mur- erts, or rather darker; basal portion of inner webs and shafts 7élet, nat. size. of primaries whitish; under surface of wing white, mottled with dusky just along the edges. Sides of body under the wings velvety-black;-these black feathers lengthening behind, and overlying the flanks, which are seen to be white on raising them. Aunteriorly this black extends in front of the wings and continues on to the nape of the neck, where it mixes with the white streaks above said. The sooty-black of the throat is continuous with that of the sides of the head as far as the auriculars, beyond which it narrows to a point on the throat, being separated from the black of the nape by a large white area, an extension to the auriculars of the white which is the color of the whole under parts, except as said. Length 9.50-10.50; extent 16.75- 18.25 ; wing 5.50; tail 1.60; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw 1.25, outer do. 1.15, inner do. 1.00; bill along culmen 0.60, gape 1.20, gonys 0.40; depth at base 0.30, width 0.20. Young or winter: Upper parts darker, the plumbeous being obscured by dusky, especially on the wing- and tail-coverts and rump. Forehead, crown, nape, sooty-black, not relieved by white streaks, or only with traces of the latter; eyelids sometimes largely white. No black on throat, only 865. 344, 812 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —~PYGOPODES. some dusky mottling about base of bill; the white of the under parts extending on head nearly to eyes, and far around on sides of nape, so that only a narrow median line is left dark. Sides of body under wings merely dusky, not continuous over the flanks, where the feathers are partly white, and scarcely advancing in front of wings. The course of the seasonal plumages, or those dependent upon age, is not yet fully traced for this species ; the clarity of the ash, the intensity of the black, and the purity and distinctness of the white striping, indicate the more perfect feathering, and conversely. N. Pacific, both Asiatic and American, S. in winter to the U. 8., breeding from Sitka, Alaska. Accidental in one instance in Wisconsin. S. umizu/sume. (The Japanese name. Fig. 550.). JAPANESE MURRELET. TEMMINCK’S Aux. Bill more elongate and acute than in the type of the genus, less compressed, not so deep for its length. Bill yellow, with black ridge ; feet livid-bluish, with dusky webs. A large crest, of a dozen (more or fewer) feathers springing from extreme forehead, not recurved, but drooping backward over the occiput. A conspicuous series of white feathers on each side of head, from origin of the crest over eye to nape, where more or less confluent with those of oppo- site side, and then dispersed in streaks over the sides of the neck to the shoulders. Rest of head, including throat, sooty or ashy-blackish, this color extending as far as the interscapulars, whence the upper parts are more plumbeous, only darker on wings and tail. Sides under the wings plumbeous- black to the flanks, this color advancing in front of wings and continuous with that on the sides of neck and head. Lining of wings white, except some dark mottling along the edge; bases of primaries, and most of their inner webs, white, shading through gray to their dusky tips. Whole under parts white, except as said. Length 10.50-11.00; extent 18.00-18.50; wing 5.50; tail 1.75; tarsus 1.00; middle toe and claw 1.25, outer 1.20, inner 1.00; bill along culmen 1.00, gape 1.10; gonys 0.40; height or width at base 0.25-0.30. Younger: No crest ; bill obscured; little or no trace of white about head, which is dusky plumbeous; other upper parts similar, the back lighter; white of under parts extending to bill and far around on sides of neck. There is much variation in different specimens, the full significance of which reiains to be determined ; but the species is unmistakable. N. Pacific, both Asiatic and Ametican; 8. to U. S. and Japan. , BRACHYRHAM'PHUS. (Gr. Bpayds, brachus, short; paydos, hramphos, beak.) PEAKED- NOSED MurrRexets. Approaching Uria in generic character. Bill small, slender, much shorter than head, not longer than tarsus, compressed, very acute; culinen gently curved, rictus and gonys straight ; tomial edge of upper mandible much inflected toward base, notched near tip. Nasal fossee small and shallow, nearly filled with feathers, reaching tu the broadly oval nostrils. Wings very narrow, faleate, pointed, with extremely short secondaries. Tail nearly square, with obtuse feathers. Feet very small and short; tarsus of variable length relative to the toes, entirely reticulate. Outer and middle toes of equal lengths, the claw of the former smaller ; inner toe short, its claw not reaching base of middle claw. Claws all small, compressed, acute. Containing several species of diminutive murres, all confined to the Pacific. Fic. 550. — Japanese Murrelet, nat. size. Analysis of Species. Tarsus shorter than middle toe without claw. Upper parts blackish and chestnut, lower blackish and white (summer), or upper parts cinereous and white, lower white (winter) © 2. 6 1 6 eee eee ee marmoratus 866 Upper parts ashy, barred and spotted with dull yellowish; under parts whitish barred with dusky. kittlitzi 867 Tarsus as long as middle toe without claw. 866. 867. 868. ALCIDA —ALCINA: MURRELETS. : 813 Lining ofwings white . 2... 6 1 2s te et ee a le al Sw Bowe hypeleucus 868 Einingotwinesark 24 ee ee a Rw ERR EE ER we SF craverii 869 Tarsus said to be longer thanmiddletoe . . . 1. + 6. ee ee te ee ques brachypterus 870 B. marmora‘tus. (Lat. marmoratus, marbled.) MARBLED. MURRELET. WRANGEL’S MuRRELET. Adult in summer: Bill black; tarsi behind and both surfaces of webs blackish ; tarsi in front and top of toes livid flesh-color, or dull bluish-gray; iris brown. Above, brownish-black, barred crosswise with chestnut-brown, or bright rust-color, except on the wings, which are uniform brownish-black, the primaries darker, their inner webs gray toward the base. Lining of wings smoky brownish-black. A few whitish feathers, varied with chestnut and dusky, on the scapulars. Entire under parts, including sides of head and neck, marbled with sooty brownish-black and white, the feathers being white with dark ends. Adult in winter: No chestnut, and entire under parts pure white, immaculate, excepting some dusky streaks on the long feathers of the sides and flanks. Upper parts very dark- cinereous, the centres of the feathers, especially of the back and rump, blackish; the crown, wings, and tail almost black, the greater coverts narrowly edged with white; the scapulars almost entirely white, forming two conspicuous patches. On the lores, the white invades to the level of the eyes, ad extends into the nasal fosse; it then dips, leaving the eyes in dark color; on the nape it reaches nearly across the middle line; on the sides of the rump it leaves a band of dark color about an inch wide. Specimens are found in every stage intermediate between the two here described. Young, first plumage, with bill only a third as long as head: Resembling the winter adult, in absence of chestnut. Upper parts blackish, with only a shade of cinereous, therefore darker than in the winter adult; white on scapulars present, but restricted, and interrupted with dusky. Entire under parts white, as before, but thickly marked with fine wavy dusky lines, most numerous across throat, largest on sides and flanks, finest on lower breast, the chin, middle of belly and crissum unmarked. Lining of wings as before. Length 10.00; extent 18.00; wing 5.00; tail 1.50; tarsus 0.70; middle toe alone, 1.00, its claw 0.20; outer toe and claw 1.15; inner do. 0.90; bill along culmen 0.60~-0.70, gape 1.25-1.35, gonys 0.45-0.55, height at base 0.24, width 0.20. Coasts and islands of the N. Pacific; on the American side, 8. in winter to S. Cala.; breeds as far south at least as Vancouver, and apparently does not penetrate far north. B. kittlit'’zi. (To F. H. v. Kittlitz.) Kurrzirz’s Murrevet. Related to the last, and belonging to the same section of the genus, having the tarsi shorter than middle toe without claw. Bill about .one-third as long as the head. Length about 9.00. Above, cinereous of lighter and darker shades, spotted and barred with dull yellowish. Below, whitish, undulated with dusky. Wings blackish. This is the substance of Brandt’s description of this species, which is quite distinct from the foregoing. The bird was originally described from Kamtschatka; two specimens have lately been taken from the Aleutian Islands by Mr. E. W. Nelson and Mr. L. M. Turner. They are preserved in the National Museum, where I have handled one of them, but are not at present accessible to me for description. B. hypoleu’cus. (Gr. io, hupo, below, devkés, lewkos, white.) WHITE-BELLIED MURRELET. Adult in winter: Bill 4 the head, # the tarsus, as long as middle toe and half its claw, very slender. Tarsus equal to middle toe without claw. Entire upper parts unvaried cinereous, slightly darker on head; this color extending on head to include eyelids, and a little farther down on the nape; thence in a straight line along middle of side of neck to shoulders, thence along sides of body in a strip nearly an inch broad, the elongated flank-feathers being also of this color ; other under parts pure white, including lining of the wings. Primaries black, the greater part of their shafts and inner webs whitish. Bill black, the base of lower mandible pale; feet whit- ish-blue, black below. Length 10.00-10.50,; extent 16.00-17.50; wing 4.75; tail 1.75; tarsus 0.95; middle toe without claw 0.95, its claw 0.20; outer toe and claw 1.10; inner do. 0.90; bill 0.80; gape 1.30; gonys 0:45; depth of bill at base 0.22; width 0.19. S. and L. Cala. 869. ' 970. 345. 814 ‘SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PYGOPODES. B. crave’rii? (To F. Craveri. Fig. 551.) Craveri’s MURRELET. Resembles the last; questionably distinct ; differs in having the under surface of the wing dark. lL. California, both sides. B. brachy'pterus? (Gr. Bpayts, brachus, short; mrépov, ptieron, wing.) SHORT-WINGED Murretet. Tarsus said to be longer than middle toe. Bill about 4 as long as head Above, cinereous, the wings and tail blackish. Neck on sides and below, breast and belly white. Length 9.00. Unalashka. (This is the substance of Brandt’s original description. The al- leged species is unknown to me, and no specimens are known to exist in this country.) URIA. (Gr. odpia, ouria, a kind of water fowl.) Buack Guittemots. Bill much shorter than head, about: equal to tarsus, straight, rather stout, moderately compressed ; culmen at first straight, then decurved; gape straight to near tip: gonys short, straight, ascending, about 3 Fic. 651. — Craveri’s Murrelet, nat. size. (From Elliot.) as long as culmen. No nick or groove near tip of upper mandible; its tomial edge scarcely inflected. Nasal fossee large and deep, partially filled with feathers which do not entirely cover the nostrils. Feathers salient in rounded outline on side of lower mandible. Tail little rounded, contained 2$ times in‘length of wing. Tarsus entirely reticulate, slightly shorter than middle toe without claw. Claws compressed, arched, acute, the outer grooved on outer side, the middle dilated on inner edge. No postocular furrow in plumage. Color black, relieved with white on head or wing, bill black, feet red; in winter, largely white. Eggs plural, ‘ colored. Three or four species. 871. Analysis or Species. A large white mirror on wing above and below, entire; no white about head Boe a eae grylle 871 A large white mirror on wing above, partly divided; none below; no white about head . . . .columba 872 No white mirror on wing; parts about eye and billwhite . . ... - 2. + ee sw ee carbo 873 U. grylle. (N. European name of the bird. Fig. 552.) Buack GUILLEMOT. SEA-PIGEON. Adult in full dress: Plumage sooty-black with a tint of “invisible” green; wings and tail pure black; former with a large white mirror on both surfaces; bill and claws black; mouth and feet carmine, vermilion or coral red; eyes brown This faultless dress-suit is only worn about twc months. In August, the wings and tail fade to © gray; the body-color loses the green gloss; the white mirror is soiled with brown. When the quills and tail-feathers have fallen, and new ones partly grown, the progress of the moult gives a new clean white mirror, smaller than in midsum- mer; head and neck all around, rump and under parts, marbled with black and white, the bird looking as if dusted over with flour; back black, the feathers mostly edged with white. Completion of the moult gives the following winter plumage: Wings and tail black, the white mirror faultless; head and neck all around, ramp and under parts, white; back and more or less of the hind neck and head black, variegated with white. Young in first plumage: Bill black, feet dusky reddish. Upper parts plumbeons Fig. 652. — Black Guillemot, nat. size. 872. 873. ALCIDZA — ALCINZA: GUILLEMOTS. 815 or sooty, little varied with white; under parts white, marbled, rayed and waved with dusky; incipient mirror spotty. Nestlings are covered with sooty brownish-black down; bill and feet brownish-black. Perfectly white and entirely black birds are rarely seen. The mirror on the upper surface of the wings is composed of the terminal half (more or less) of the greater coverts, the rest dark ; of the several next rows excepting their dark bases, the white of these coverts normally overlying and concealing the dark basal portions of the greater coverts, so that the oval mirror is usually unbroken; the anterior border of the mirror is the line through the union of white tips with dark bases of the row of lesser coverts about 4 an inch from the fore-arm edge of the wing. When, as not seldom happens, the row of greatest coverts are dark beyond the extent of the next row, this dark being thus uncovered, shows as a wedge partly splitting the : mirror, as normally occurs in U. columba. Or, © . the greater row of coverts may be entirely dark, when the mirror is unbroken, as before, but much smaller; or, again, the middle row of coverts may be tipped with dark, making a break across the mirror, but in ‘a different method from that first described. Finally, the mirror may be only in- dicated by isolated white feathers, or wholly want- ing. Length, average, 13.00; extent, average, 22.50; wing 5.50-6.25; tail about 2.00; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw 1.75; bill 1.30; gape 1.75; gonys 0.65; depth of bill at base 0.45, width 0.35. Eur. and N. Am. coasts and islands of the N. Atlantic, very abundant; rare or casual in the N. Pacific, where replaced by the succeeding species; occurring in the Arctic Ocean, but apparently mostly replaced by U. mandti ; in N. A. occurring in Hudson’s Bay, and S. in winter to the Middle States. Gregari- ous; flying in close flocks low over the water; nesting scattering in rifts of rock near the water; eggs 2-3, sea-green, greenish-white or white, spotted and blotched most irregularly with blackish-brown, and with purplish shell-markings; size 2.25 to 2.50 x 1.50 to 1.60; shape nearly elliptical, not pyriform like those of Guillemots ; laid in June, July. U. colum/ba. (Lat. -columba, a pigeon. Fig. 553.) Prazon Guitiemot. Bill stouter than that of grylle, and more obtuse. No white on under surface of the wing. White mirror of upper surface nearly split in two by an oblique dark line, caused by the extension of the dark bases of the greater coverts, in increasing : amount from within outward, till the outer- most are scarcely tipped with white ; con- >) Fie. 553. — Pigeon Guillemot, nat. size. sequently there is a dark wedge between the white ends of the greater and middle rows of coverts. Plumage and its changes otherwise as in the foregoing; general habits and nesting the same. Asiatic and Am. coasts and islands of the N. Pacific ; breeds as far south as California. U. car'bo. (Lat. carbo, a coal; ie. Fig. 554. — Sooty Guillemot, nat. size. black. Fig. 554.) Soory GuintemoT. SPECTACLED GUILLEMOT. Like the last; larger. especially the bill. No white on either surface of wings. A pair of white spectacles on the eyes, and whitish about base of bill. General plumage and its changes as in others of the genus; bill and feet the same. Length 14.00-15.00; wing 7.75; tail 2.50; tarsus 7.35; middle toe and claw 2.10; bill 1.55-1.70 along culmen, along gape 2.20, from feathers on side of lower mandible 1.50; depth at base 0.50; width 0.38. N. Pacific, in higher latitudes; British Columbia to Japan. An interesting species, still rare in collections. 346. 874 816 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —-PYGOPODES. LOM'VIA. (N. European name of birds of this kind.) Murres. Guimuemots. Eec- BIRDS. Bill shorter than head, longer than tarsus, straight or slightly decurved, much com- pressed; culmen regularly curved throughout; rictus curved in most of its length; gonys straight, or little curved, nearly as long as culmen; upper mandible grooved on the side near tip, its commissural edge greatly inflected. Nasal fossze fully feathered. Feathers on lower Fig. 555. — Gathering Murre’s eggs in Alaska. (Designed by H. W. Elliott.) mandible retreating in straight oblique line from interramal space to rictus. Tail short, much rounded, contained over 3 times in length of wing. Tarsus compressed, much shorter than middle toe and claw ; outer claw not grooved on outer face. A furrow in plumage behind eye. Colors dark above, white below. Egg single, pictured, pyriform. Analysis of Species. Depth of bill opposite nostrils uot more than } the length of culmen. Bill comparatively slender, not dilated along edge of upper mandible at base, the culmen, commissure and gonyscurved. Atlantic . . ‘ - + + troile 874 Bill stouter, somewhat dilated along edges of upper mandible at base, the culmen, rictas, and gonys nearly straight. Pacific . ee a x wea 4 ae. th cores . californica 875 Depth of bill opposite nostrils more than } the length of alas Bill very stout, thick, deep, much dilated along oneS of upper mandible at base ; culmen, commissure and gonyscurved .. . 7 Be adhe a 8 eee ay ee p= . s e4 arra 876 L. troile. (Nom. propr., of uncertain reference. Figs. 556, 557,560.) Common GUILLEMOT, or Murre. Adult in summer: Head and neck all around rich dark maroon brown, changing on upper parts into dark slaty-brown, nearly uniform, but most of the feathers of the back and rump with slightly lighter, more grayish-brown, edges. Secondaries narrowly but distinctly tipped with white. Under parts from the throat pure white, the sides and flanks marked with dusky or slaty, the lining of the wings varied with white and dusky. Bill black ; mouth yellow; eyes brown; feet blackish. In some cases, not in most, a white ‘‘ eye-glass,” consisting of a rim around eye 875. 876. ALCIDZ —ALCINZ: MURRES. 817 and handle back of eye in the furrow of the plumage. In winter: White of under parts reaching to the bill, on sides of head to level of the commissure, farther around on sides of neck, leaving only a narrow isthmus of dark color; the two colors shading without distinct line of demarca- tion; usually a spur of dark color in the furrow behind eye. Young, first winter, like the adults at that season ; bill shorter and weaker, and, like the feet, in part light-colored. Fledg- lings dusky brownish, with white breast and belly, and whitish about head and neck. Length 17.00; extent 30.00; wing 8.00; tail 2.25; tarsus 1.40; middle toe and claw 2.10; outer do. 2.00; inner do. 1.70; bill along culmen 1.75; gape 2.50; gonys 1.15; depth at base 0.55; width 0.30. European and American coasts and islands of the N. Atlantic, to or beyond 80° N.; on the Amer, side breeding from Nova Scotia northward ; in winter to the Middle States. Fig. 556, — Common Guillemot, or Murre, nearly Myriads of murres cOngregate to breed on rocky ™*- size. (From Elliot.) islands, incubating their single eggs as closely together as they can find standing-room on the shelves of the cliffs; their ranks serried on ledge after ledge, and clouds ,of birds whirling through the air. The eggs, so numerous as to have commercial value, are notorious for their variability in coloration. The size is great for that of the bird, averaging 3.25 Xx 2.00, run- ning unusually from 3.00 to 3.50, with half as much variation in breadth. The ground color ranges from creamy to pure white, then through earthy, grayish, bluish, or greenish-white to sea-green and every darker shade of green. The markings of the creamy and white varieties are generally spots and blotches of different shades of brown, pretty uniformly dispersed, and eggs of this type resemble those of the razor-bill, but may usually be distinguished by larger size Fia. 557. — Common Guillemot, nat. size. (in length) and more pyriform shape. The green eggs are endlessly varied, in pattern of the markings, but are normally more streaked in sharp angular zigzag lines, inextricably confused, reminding one of Chinese literature. L. t, californica, (Fig. 558.) CALIFORNIAN GUILLEMOT. Like the last. Bill averaging somewhat longer, about 1.90; culmen, commissure, and gonys nearly straight; upper mandible somewhat dilated toward the base along the cutting edges, and less feathered; gonydeal angle prominent. The bill consequently approaches that of the next species, in width and depth, but exaggerates the length and straightness of that of the last species. Pacific coast of N. Am., breeding from islands in Behring’s sea to California. L. ar’ra, (Russian name, arrie. Fig. 559.) THick-BItLepD Gui~temor. ARriz. Like the foregoing in plumage and its changes. Form very robust. Bill short, stout, wide, deep ; culmen curved throughout; commissure decurved at end; gonys if anything concave in outline, the angle very protuberant; cutting edges of the upper mandible dilated and denuded toward the base, 52 347 877. 818 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — PYGOPODES. this bare turgid space flesh-colored in life, drying pale yellowish. Length 18.00; extent 32.003, wing 8.50; tarsus 1.25; bill along culmen 1.40, along gape 2.20; gonys 0.90; depth at angle 0.55, width at base of nostrils 0.30, at angle of mouth 0.80. N. Atlantic and Polar and N. Pacific shores and islands, in myriads; on the Atlantic S. in winter to the Middle States, breeding from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward. The N. Pacific form, unquestionably of the ‘ thick-billed” species, does not exhibit the extreme of shortness and stoutness as just described for the At- lantic; with a cul. men of about 1.67, the depth opposite nostrils is hardly 0.67, thus less than half the length of culmen, instead of about half; gape nearly 3.00. The sides of the up- per mandible are char- acteristically dilated and denuded, of a glaucous bluish color; the P of the bill is less deflexed, though more so than in the common guillemot. This is the great “egg-bird” of the high N. Pacific; on St. George’s, one of the Prybilov group, for example, the birds ‘‘go flying around the island in great files and platoons, always circling against or quartering, on the wing, at regular hours in the morning and the evening, making a dark girdle of birds more than a quarter of a mile broad and thirty miles long, whirling round and round the island, and forcing upon the most casual observer a lasting impression.” The N. Pacific form is L. arra proper; that of the N. Atlantic is ‘‘ Briinnich’s guillemot,” differing as said, and perhaps constituting a subspecies apart (L. a. svarbag). UTAMANIA. (Cretan name of the bird.) Razor-pint AuK. Size, form, and general aspect of the last genus. Bill about as long as Fig. 558. — Californian Guillemot, nat, size. ' head, densely feathered for half its length, the feathers extending on upper mandible beyond mid- dle of commissure, those on lower somewhat far- ther. Bill greatly compressed, cultrate, sulcate, hooked; culmen ridged, regularly convex; com- missure straight to the hook; gonys about straight. Nostrils linear, marginal, densely feathered. Tarsi seutellate in front. Tail short, pointed, of stiffish, 3 acute feathers. Wings normal, effective for flight. Fie. 559. — Thick-billed Guillemot, nat. size. Bicolor. Egg single, colored. One species. U. tor’da. (Name of the bird.) Razor-Bittep AuK. TiNKER. Adult in summer: Bilt and feet. black, the former with a white line occupying the length of the middle sulcus on both mandibles; mouth yellow; eye bluish. A strict, sunken line of white from eye to base o. culmen. Head and neck all around and upper parts black, glossy and intense on the latter lustreless opayue brownish-black on the sides and front of the former. Tips of secondaries and entire under parts from the neck, including lining of wings, white. In winter: White reaching to bill, and invading sides of head and neck ; the dark parts duller. Young: Like the adults in winter; smaller; duller; bill unformed, and like the feet not black. Nestlings clothed with sooty down, paler or whitish below. In the adults, the sharp white line from bill to eye is very characteristic, appearing with the first feathering, but sometimes fails in winter birds. Length about 18.00; extent 27.00; wing 7.75; tail 3.50, graduated 1.25; 878. . AL/ICA. (Lat. from alk ALCIDA — ALCINZ:: GREAT AUK, 819 tarsus 1.25; middle or outer toe and claw 2.00, inner 1.40; chord of culmen 1.30, are 1.50; gape 2.25; gonys 0.75; greatest depth of bill 0.90. This auk abounds in the N. Atlantic, both eoasts, and parts of the Polar seas; casual in the N. Pacific; Japan. On our coast, breeds in great numbers in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, about Newfoundland and Labrador strays S. in winter to the Middle States, like other Alcide. The eggs are usually laid in caverns and fissures of the rocks along precipitous shore- lines, often with those of sea-pigeons and puffins ; about 3.00 X scant 2.00, white with creamy or milky-bluish tint, never green like those of murres, spotted and blotched, but not fantastically traced over, with different shades of umber - brown ; less pointed ; laid in June and July. or auk.) His Graces, Tue Auk, who lost the use of his wings, and per- ished off the face of the earth in consequence. A. Impen/nis. (Lat. impennis, wingless. Fig. 561.) THe GREAT AUK. Largest of the family: length about 30.00 inches; | wing 6.00; tail 3.00; bill = along gape 4.25; chord Fie. 560. — Murres. of culmen 3.15; greatest depth of upper mandible 1.00, of lower 0.67; greatest width of bill 0.67; tarsus 1.67; middle toe and claw 3.25; outer do. 3.00; inner do. 2.25. A great white oval spot between eye and bill. Hood and mantle dark; under parts white, extending in a point on the throat; ends of secondaries white. Bill black, with white grooves; feet dark. Special interest attaches to this bird, which is now doubtless extinct, largely through human agency. It formerly inhabited this coast from Massachusetts, northward, as attested by earlier observers, and by the plentiful occurrence of its bones in shell-heaps; also Greenland, Iceland, and the N. W. shores of Europe, to the Arctic Circle. On our shores it was apparently last alive at the Funks, a small island off the 8. Coast of Newfoundland; while im Iceland, its living history has been brought down to 1844. For some years, it was currently, but prema- turely, reported extinct. Mr. R. Deane has recently recorded (Am. Nat. vi, 368) that a speci- men was ‘found dead in the vicinity of St. Augustine, Labrador, in November, 1870;” this one, though in poor condition, being sold for $200, and sent to Europe. But there appears to be some question respecting the character, date, and disposition of this alleged individual; and it seems very improbable that the species lived down to 1870. I know of only four speci- 820 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS.— PYGOPODES. mens in this country,—in the Smithsonian Institution, in the Philadelphia Academy, the Cambridge Museum, and Vassar College, Poughkeepsie (the latter the original of Audubon’s figures). There is an egg in each of the first two mentioned collections. In pattern of coloration the egg is like that of the razor-billed auk, though it is of course much larger, meas- uring about 5.00 x 3.00. About 70 skins appear to be preserved in various museums, with as many eggs, some half dozen more or less complete skeletons, and other bones representing perhaps a hundred individuals. Fig. 661.—Great Auk. (From Sport with Gun and Rod. The Century Co., N. Y.) Part IV. SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF THE FOSSIL BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. There is at present no satisfactory evidence that Birds existed in North America before the Jurassic period; the footprints in the sandstone of the Connecticut Valley attributed to Birds. having probably all been made by Dinosaurian Reptiles (p. 63). A number of Cretaceous Birds have been known for some years, as given in the original edition of this work (1872); but it is only since 1881 that this class of vertebrates has been traced back to the Jurassic by the discovery of Laopteryx priscus on a geologic horizon nearly that of the famous Archaeopteryx. , . : The Tertiary Birds of North America belong to genera identical with, or nearly related to, those now“living (p. 64). The case is otherwise with the earlier forms from the Cretaceous and the Jurassic, which represent different primary divisions of the class Aves (p. 237), com- parable in taxonomic value to that one (Saurure) which is based upon the Archeopteryx, or to those afforded by the Ratite and the Carinate birds respectively. Most of these forms are Odontornithes, or Birds with teeth; having the teeth implanted either in grooves (Odon- tolee), or in sockets (Odontotorma), as illustrated by the genera Hesperornis and Ichthyornis respectively. In the original edition of the Key these Cretaceous types were ranged with those from the Tertiary, their characters not having been fully worked out at that time. They have since become well known, through Professor Marsh’s splendid restorations and illustrations, in his great work entitled ‘Odontornithes’ (4to, Washington and New Haven, 1880). It is deemed advisable to present the Fossil Birds of North America under the three categories of the Tertiary, the Cretaceous, and the Jurassic forms; the first-named being ranged under the several orders to which they are supposed to belong, as described in this work ; the remainder, with few exceptions, being Odontornithes. 822 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. A.— Tertiary Birds. CARINATE (p. 288). PASSERES (p. 238). . PALZOSPIZA BELLA. Paleospiza bella, ALLEN, Bull. U.S. Geol. Surv. Terr., iv., no. 2, May 8, 1878, pp. 443- 445, pl. i, figg. 1, 2.—Am. Journ. Sci., xv, May, 1878, p. 381.— Amer. Nat., xv, Mar., 1881, p. 253. Based upon some beautifully preserved remains, froin the insect-bearing shales of Floris- sant, Colorado, now deposited in the Museum of the Boston Society of Natural History. They consist of the greater part of the skeleton, including all the bones of the wings and legs ex- cepting the femurs, but unfortunately lacking the bill. The impression of the feathers of the wings and tail are remarkably distinct, showing not only the general shape of these parts, but the shafts and barbs of the feathers themselves. The bones are all in situ, ‘‘ and indicate be- yond question a high ornithic type, probably referable to the oscine division of the Passeres. The lack of the bill renders it impossible to assign the species to any particular family, but the fossil on the whole gives the impression of Fringilline affinities.” The approximate length of the specimen is seven inches. PICARIZ (p. 444). . UINTORNIS LUCARIS. Uintornis lucaris, MaRsH, Am. Journ. Sci., iv, Oct., 1872, p. 259. — Cougs, Key, 1872, p. 347. This bird was about as large as a robin, and apparently related to the woodpeckers. The only known remains are from the Lower Tertiary formation of Wyoming Territory. They are preserved in the Museum of Yale College. RAPTORES (p. 496). . AQUILA DANANA. Aquila danana, Mansy, Ain. Journ. Sci., ii, Aug., 1871, p. 125. — Cougs, Key, 1872, p. 347. This species was nearly as large as the golden eagle (A. chrysaétus). The only known remains were found in the Pliocene of Nebraska, and are preserved in the Yale Museum. . BUBO LEPTOSTEUS. Bubo leptosteus, Marsa, Am. Journ. Sci., ii, Aug., 1871, p. 126. — Couss, Key, 1872, p. 347. A species about two-thirds as large as the great horned owl (B. virginianus). The re- mains were discovered in the Lower Tertiary beds of Wyoming, and are now in the Yale Museum. . PALZOBORUS UMBROSUS. Cathartes umbrosus, Cope, Proc. Phila. Acad., xxvi, 1874, p. 151. — Ann, Rep. Chief of Engrs. U. 8. A., 1874, p. 606. Vultur wmbrosus, Cope, Proc. Phila. Acad., xxvii, 1875, p. 271.— Ann. Rep. Chief of Engrs. U. 8. A., 1875, p. 993. — Rep. Surv. W. 100th Merid., iv, pt. ii, p. 287, pl. Ixvii, fige. 10-18, pl. Ixviii, figg. 1-19. From the Pliocene of New Mexico; remains found in the sands north of Pojuaque, repre- senting a rapacious bird in size intermediate between the golden eagle and the turkey vulture; 10. 11. 12. SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. 823 referred at first to ‘the genus Cathartes, afterward provisionally to the genus Vultur. As the description and figures clearly indicate a bird generically distinct from Cathartes, and as the improbability of the occurrence of a true Vultwr in North America is extreme, it is suggested that this species be made the type of a new genus, Palgoborus, based upon the characters given by the describer. GALLINZ (p. 571). . MELEAGRIS ANTIQUUS. Meleagris antiquus, Marsu, Am Journ. Sci., ii, Aug., 1871, p. 126.—Couns, Key, 1872, p. 347. This species was nearly as large as the wild turkey (M. gallipavo). The remains repre- senting it were found in the Miocene of Colorado, and are preserved in the Yale Museum. . MELEAGRIS ALTUS. Meleagris altus, Marsu, Proc. Phila. Acad., Mar., 1870, p. 11.— Amer. Nat., iv, July, 1870, p. 317. — Am. Journ. Sci., iv, Oct., 1872, p. 260. — Couns, Key, 1872, p. 348. Meleagris superbus, Corn, Syn. Ext. Batrach., ete., p. 239. “‘ Represented by portions of three skeletons, of different ages, which belonged to birds about the size of the wild turkey, although proportionally much taller. The tibiee and tarso- metatarsal bones were, in fact, so elongated as to resemble those of wading birds.” From the Post-pliocene of New Jersey. The remains are mostly in the Museum of Yale College. . MELEAGRIS CELER. Meleagris celer, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., Oct., 1872, p. 261. — Couns, Key, 1872, p. 348. A species much smaller than the foregoing, but with legs of slender proportions. Also from the Post-pliocene of New Jersey, and preserved in the Yale Museum. LIMICOLZ! (p. 596). CHARADRIUS SHEPPARDIANUS. Charadrius sheppardianus, Cops, Bull. U. 8. Geol. Surv. Terr., vi, no. 1, Feb. 11, 1881, pp. 838-85. — Amer. Nat., xv, Mar., 1881, p. 253. ALECTORIDES (p. 665). GRUS HAYDENI. Grus haydent, Marsu, Ain. Journ. Sci., xlix, March, 1870, p. 214.—-Couzs, Key, 1872, p. 348. A species about as large as the sandhill crane (G. canadensis). From the Pliocene of Nebraska. Remains preserved in the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy. GRUS PROAVUS. Grus proavus, MarsH, Am. Journ. Sci., iv, Oct., 1872, p. 261. —Covsgs, Key, 1872, p. 348. This species was nearly as large as a sandhill crane. The remains representing it were found in the Post-pliocene of New Jersey, and are now inthe Yale Museum. ALETORNIS NOBILIS. Aletornis nobilis, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., iv, Oct., 1872, p. 256. — Cougs, Key, 1872, p- 348. : Nearly as large as the preceding species. Found in the Eocene deposits of Wyoming, and now in the Museum of Yale College. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 824 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. ALETORNIS PERNIX, Aletornis pernix, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., iv, Oct., 1872, p. 256. — Couns, Key, 1872, p- 348. : About half the size of the above, and from the same locality. Also in the Yale Museum. ALETORNIS VENUSTUS. Aletornis venustus, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., iv, Oct., 1872, p. 257. Cougs, Key, 1872, p- 348. A smaller species, about as large as a curlew (Nuwmenius). From the same locality, and likewise in the Yale Museum. ALETORNIS GRACILIS. Aletornis gracilis, Marsu, Am. Jour. Sei., iv, Oct., 1872, p. 258. — Cougs, Key, 1872, p. 348. A bird about the size of a woodcock (Philohela minor). From the same formation and locality, and now preserved in the Museum of Yale College. ALETORNIS BEULLUS. Aletornis bellus, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., iv, Oct., 1872, p. 258. —Couns, Key, 1872, p. 349. A still smaller species, probably belonging to a different genus. From the same locality, and also in the Yale Museum. LAMELLIROSTRES (p. 677). CYGNUS PALOREGONUS. Cygnus paloregonus, Corg, Bull. U. 8. Geol. Surv. Terr., iv, no. 2, May 3, 1878, p. 388. Represented by numerous bones, especially by four metatarsals, two of which are nearly perfect, indicating a species very near those now existing, but apparently distinct. From the Pliocene of Oregon. Remains in Prof. Cope’s Collection. BERNICLA HYPSIBATES. Anser hypsibates, Cop, Bull. U. 8. Geol. Surv. Terr., iv, no. 2, May 3, 1878, p. 387. Based upon a metatarsal bone lacking the hypotarsus, indicating a goose nearly related to Bernicla canadensis, but probably larger or with longer legs. From the Pliocene of Oregon. Remains in Prof. Cope’s Collection. STEGANOPODES (p. 718). SULA LOXOSTYLA. Sula loxostyla, Cops, Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., xiv, Dec., 1870, p. 236. — Couss, Key, 1872, p. 349. A gannet, not so large as the common living species (S. bassana), from the Miocene of North Carolina. The remains are preserved in Professor Cope’s Collection. PHALACROCORAX IDAHENSIS. Graculus ,idahensis, Marsu, Am. Journ. Scei., xlix, Mar., 1870, p. 216. — Couzs, Key, 1872, p. 349. A typical cormorant, rather smaller than P. carbo. From the Pliocene of Idaho. Most of the known remains are deposited in the Yale Museum. . PHALACROCORAX MACROPUS. Graculus macropus, Cope, Bull. U. 8. Geol. Surv. Terr., iv, no. 2, May 3, 1878, p. 386. From the Pliocene of Oregon, in which it appears to have been numerous; represented by various bones, those upon which the species is based being three nearly perfect metatarsals in the collection of Prof. Cope, indicating a bird somewhat larger than the living Phalacrocorax dilophus, and agreeing closely in size with Ph. idahensis. 22. 23. 24. 25. SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. 825 LONGIPENNES (p. 732). PUFFINUS CONRADI. Puffinus conrad, Marsxu, Am. Journ. Sci., xlix, Mar., 1872, p. 212.—Couxs, Key, 1872, p. 350. A shearwater about the size of P. cinereus. From the Miocene of Maryland, and now preserved in the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy. P'YGOPODES (p. 787). LOMVIA ANTIQUA. : Catarractes. antiquus, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., xlix, Mar., 1870, p. 213. — Covss, Key, 1872, p. 350. : A guillemot rather larger than the common murre (LZ. #roile). From the Miocene of North Carolina. Deposited in the Philadelphia Academy. , LOMVIA AFFINIS. ; Catarractes affinis, MarsH, Am. Journ. Sci., iv, Oct., 1872, p. 259. Couns, Key, 1872, p- 350. A species about as large as the preceding, and nearly related. From the Post-pliocene of Maine. The original specimen is in the Philadelphia Academy. RATITE (p. 288). GASTORNIS GIGANTEUS. Diatryma gigantea, Cope, Proc. Phila. Acad., 1876, p. 11.—Rep. Surv. W. 100th Merid., iv, pt. ii, 1877, pp. 69-71, pl. xxxii, figg. 23-25. From the Eocene of New Mexico, of the Wahsatch epoch; based upon a tarso-metatarsal bone lacking a part of the shaft and the external condyle. The species was of great size, the proximal end of the bone being nearly twice the diameter of that of the ostrich. “Its discovery introduced this group of Birds [Ratite] to the known faune of North America, and demon- strates that this continent has not been destitute of the gigantic forms of birds now confined to the southern hemisphere faunze” (Cope). The proximal end of the bone is described as resem- bling the same part in the ostriches (Struthionide) and moas (Dinornithide); while the distal end, as far as that is preserved, is similar to that of Gastornis of the corresponding horizon in France. B.— Cretaceous Birds. The following synopsis is based upon that given in the appendix of Marsh’s great work already cited (‘Odontornithes’). The nine genera and nineteen species presented are supposed to be referable to one or the other of the two types exemplified by Ichthyornis and Hesperornis respectively ; but, as many of them are still known only by remains so fragmentary that it is impossible to say whether they are Odontotorme or Odontolce, an alphabetical arrangement of the genera is followed. Most of the known remains of Cretaceous birds of North America have been discovered on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, in beds of middle Cretaceous age which have been termed by Marsh ‘Pteranodon beds,” from the genus of toothless Pterodactyles found in them. These Western Cretaceous birds were all found in Kansas, excepting some from corresponding strata in Texas. The Hastern Cretaceous forms from the green-sand of New Jersey, all of which are distinct from the western ones, are from a higher horizon, representing a division of the upper Cretaceous. No jaws or teeth of these birds having been found, it is 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 826 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. impossible to say as yet whether or not they are odontornithic. All the deposits of Cretaceous age in North America, in which birds have been found, are marine, and the species appear to have all been aquatie. APATORNIS CELER. Ichthyornis celer, Marsa, Am. Journ. Sci., v, Jan., 1873, p. 74. Apatorms celer, Marsa, Am. Journ. Sci., v, Feb., 18738, p. 162.—In., bid., v, Mar., 1873, p. 230. — In., ibid., x, Nov., 1875, p. 404.—Ip., Am. Nat., ix, Dec., 1875, p. 626.— Ib., Geol. Mag., iii, Feb., 1876, p. 5U.—Woopw., Pop. Sci. Rev., Oct., 1875, p. 349. — Marsu, Odont., 1880, p. 192, pll. xxviii-xxxiii. A bird about the size of a pigeon, from the middle Cretaceous of Western Kansas ; related to Ichthyornis. 'The two known specimens are preserved in the Yale Museum. BAPTORNIS ADVENUS. Baptornis advenus, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., xiv, July, 1877, p. 86. —Ipb., Journ. de Zool., vi, 1877, p. 387. —Ip., Odont., 1880, p. 192, figg. 37-39. Based upon a nearly perfect tarso-metatarsal, closely resembling the same part of Hesper- ornis, and indicating an aquatic bird about as large as a loon. From Western Kansas, in the same Cretaceous beds with Odontornithes and Pteranodontia. The type, and a second speci-~ men referred to the same species, are preserved in the Museum at Yale College. GRACULAVUS VELOX. Graculavus veloc, Marsu, Am. Journ. Scei., iii, May, 1872, p. 363. —Ip., ibid., v, Mar., 1873, p. 229. —Ip., Odont., 1880, p. 194. — Couzs, Key, 1872, p. 349. A bird about two-thirds as large as a cormorant. The remains were found in the green- sand of the middle marl bed, or upper Cretaceous, near Hornerstown, New Jersey, and are all preserved in the Museum of Yale College. GRACULAVUS PUMILUS. Graculavus pumilus, Marsu, Am. Journ. Scei., iii, May, 1872, p. 364. —Ibp., ibid., v, Mar., 1873, p. 229. —Ip., Odont., 1880, p. 195. — Cours, Key, 1872, p. 350. A smaller species than the foregoing, from the same formation and locality. Remains also in the Yale Museum. Note. Several western species, provisionally referred to the genus Graculavus, have since been identified with Ichthyornis, which see. HESPERORNIS REGALIS. (See p. 63, fig. 15.) Hesperornis regalis, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., iii, Jan., 1872, p. 56.—Ibp., ébid., iii, May, 1872, p. 360. — Ip., ébid., x, Nov., 1875, p. 403. —In., ibid., xiv, July, 1877, p. 85, pl. v.—Ib., Am. Nat., ix, Dec., 1875, p. 625.—In., Geol. Mag., iii, Feb., 1876, p. 49, pl. ii. — Ip., Odont., 1880, pp. 1-117, p. 195, pll. i-xx. —Cougs, Key, 1872, p. 195.— Woovw., Pop. Sci. Rev., Oct., 1875, p. 387. —Seetzy, Journ. Geol. Soc., xxxii, 1876, p. 510. — Hux3., Pop. Sci. Monthly, x, 1876, pp. 215-218. — Voer, Revue Scient., xvii, 1879, p. 247.— Dana, Man. Geol., 1880, pl. iv. Reference to p. 238, antea, will show the essential characters of the order or subclass Odontolce, of which the present species is a type. Hesperornis may be tersely characterized as a gigantic diver, some six feet in length from the point of the bill to the end of the toes, standing over three feet high in the position represented in the above-cited figure. While the general configuration of the skeleton may be likened to that of a loon, the conformation of the sternum is ratite, like that of struthious birds, and the wings are rudimentary or abortive, only a remnant of a humerus being left; other struthious characters are noted in various parts of the skeleton; the jaws are long and furnished with sharp recurved teeth implanted in grooves, but the vertebre are heteroeclous, or saddle-shaped, and the coceyx is short, as in ordinary birds ; most of these characters separating this odontoleous type of Odontornithes sharply from both Odontotorme and Saurure. Comparison of the three Mesozoic genera, Hesperornis, 31. 32. 34, 35. 36. SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. 827 Ichthyorms and Archeopteryx, shows greater diversity from one another than that existing among all known birds of later geologic and of the present epoch. The first remains of this now famous species were found by Prof. Marsh in November, 1870, inthe yellow chalk of the Pteranodon beds, near the Smoky Hill river in Kansas. The type specimen was found in July, 1871, on the south bank of the same river, about twenty miles east of Fort Wallace, imbedded in gray calcareous shale. Many other remains have also been collected, representing in all some forty different individuals, all from the same geologic horizon in Western Kansas, and most of them near the locality of the original ones. They are all preserved in the Museum of Yale College. HESPERORNIS CRASSIPES. Lestornis crassipes, MARSH, Am. Journ. Sci., xi, June, 1876, p. 509. Hesperornis crassipes, MARSH, Odont., 1880, p. 196, figg. 40 a-d, pll. vii, xvii. Based upon a nearly complete skeleton from the yellow chalk of Western Kansas, indicat- ing a bird considerably larger than H. regalis, and one that may prove to be generically distinct. Deposited in the Yale Museum. HESPERORNIS GRACILIS. Hesperornis gracilis, Mansy, Am. Journ. Sci., xi, June, 1876, p. 510. — Ip., Odont., 1880, pp. 99, 197. A third species, from the same horizon and locality, represented by two specimens, one of them a nearly complete skeleton. Deposited in the Yale Museum. . ICHTHYORNIS DISPAR, Ichthyornis dispar, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., iv, Oct., 1872, p. 344. —Ib., ibid., v, Feb., 18738, p. 161. — Ip., tbid., Mar., 1878, p. 230. — Covzs, Key, 1872, p. 350.— Owsn, Journ. Geol. Soc. Lond., xxxix, 1873, p. 520.— Woopw., Pop. Sci. Rev., Oct., 1875, p. 348. — Marsa, Am. Nat., ix, Dec., 1875, p. 625. —Ip., Geol. Mag., iii, 1876, p. 49. — Hux.., Pop. Sci. Monthly, x, 1876, pp. 215-218. —Marsu, Journ. de Zool., iv, 1875, p. 494, pl. xv; vi, 1877, p- 385.— Ip., Odont., 1880, pp. 119-183, 197, pll. xxi-xxvi. This remarkable bird, forming a type of the whole group Odontotorme (p. 237) of Odont- ornithes, with general characters of the skeleton like those of ordinary birds, yet with socketed teeth and biconcave vertebrae, was discovered in 1872 near the Solomon river in Northwestern Kansas, in the Pteranodon beds of the middle Cretaceous. It was about as large as a pigeon. The remains of about nine individuals, all from the same region, are preserved in the Museum at Yale College. ICHTHYORNIS AGILIS. ; Graculavus agilis, MarsH, Ai. Journ. Sci., v, Mar., 1873, p. 230. Ichthyornis agilis, MarsH, Odont., 1880, p. 197. From the same horizon in Western Kansas, on Butte Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill river, where discovered in October, 1872. The remains are preserved in the Yale College Museum. ICHTHYORNIS ANCEPS. Graculavus anceps, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sei., iii, May, 1872, p. 364. — Couzs, Key, 1872, p. 350.—Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., v, Mar., 1873, p. 229. —Ip., Odont., 1880, pp. 124, 198. Resembling I. dispar, but with slenderer jaws and more teeth. The right lower jaw of the type specimen of J. dispar shows twenty-one distinct sockets. Discovered in November, 1870, in the gray shale of the middle Cretaceous, on the north fork of the Smoky Hill river in western Kansas, where other specimens have since been found. All are preserved at Yale. ICHTHYORNIS LENTUS. , Graculavus lentus, Marsa, Am. Journ. Sci., xiv, Sept., 1877, p. 253. Ichthyornis lentus, Marsu, Odont., 1880, p. 198. 37, 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 828 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. Based upon part of a tarso-metatarsus from near Fort McKinney, Texas, in beds of middle Cretaceous age. Deposited in the Yale Museum. ICHTHYORNIS TENER. Ichthyornis tener, Marsu, Odont., 1880, p. 198, pl. xxx, fig. 8. From the Pteranodon beds of the middle Cretaceous, Wallace County, Kansas ; two speci- mens, secured in 1876, and now preserved at the Yale College Museum. ICHTHYORNIS VALIDUS. Ichthyornis validus, MarsH, Odont., 1880, p. 198, pl. xxx, figg. 11-14. Discovered in 1877, in the yellow chalk of the middle Cretaceous, near Solomon River, in . northwestern Kansas. The known specimens are deposited in the Museum of Yale College. ICHTHYORNIS VICTOR. (See p. 64, fig. 16.) Ichthyornis victor, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., xi, June, 1876, p. 511.—Ip., Odont., 1880, p- 199, pll. xxvii-xxxiv. —Dana, Man. Geol., 1880, pp. 466-468, pl. v. A species of the genus rather larger than a pigeon, of which more than forty specimens have been found in various localities in Kansas, all apparently from the same geological horizon in the middle Cretaceous. These are preserved in the Museum of Yale College. LAORNIS EDVARDSIANUS. Laornis edvardsianus, MarsH, Proc. Phila. Acad., Jan., 1870, p. 5.—Ip., Am. Journ. Sci., xlix, Mar., 1870, p. 206.— Ip. ibid., v, Mar., 1873, p. 230.— A. MILNE-Epw., Rech. Ossem. Foss., ii, 1871, p. 540.— Couns, Key, 1872, p. 350. —Marsu, Odont., 1880, p. 199. This species was nearly as large as a swan. The remains by which it is represented were found in the middle marl bed, of upper Cretaceous age, at Birmingham, New Jersey, and are now in the Museum of Yale College. PALZZVOTRINGA LITORALIS. Palaotringa littoralis, Marsu, Proc. Phila. Acad., Jan., 1870, p. 5.—Ip., Am. Journ. Sci., xlix, Mar., 1870, p. 208. — A. Mitnz-Epw., Rech. Ossem. Foss., ii, 1871, p. 540. — Cougs, Key, 1872, p. 349. —Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., v, Mar., 1873, p. 229. —Ip., Odont., 1880, p. 199. A bird about as large as a curlew. The remains representing it were discovered in the green-sand of the upper Cretaceous, near Hornerstown, New Jersey, and are preserved in the collection at Yale College. PALZOTRINGA VAGANS. Paleotringa vagans, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., iii, May, 1872, p. 365.— Couns, Key, 1872, p. 349. — Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., v, Mar., 1873, p. 229. From the same formation and locality as the last; of smaller size, being intermediate between the other two species of the genus. The specimens upon which this species is based are preserved in the Yale College Museum. PALZOTRINGA VETUS. Scolopax, Morton, Syn. Organic Remains of the Cret., U. S.,.1834, p. 32. — Harian, Med. and Phys. Res., 1835, p. 280. Paleotringa vetus, Marsa, Proc. Phila. Acad., Jan., 1870, p. 5.—Ip., Am. Journ. Sci., xlix, Mar., 1870, p. 209. —A. Mitnz-Epw., Rech. Ossem. Foss., ii, 1871, p. 540. —Covuzs, Key, 1872, p. 349. — Marsn, Am. Journ. Sci., v, Mar., 1873, p. 229. —Ip., Odont., 1880, . 200. The first fossil bird of North America appears to have been noted by Dr. Morton in 1834, as that of a snipe-like species. The specimen, consisting of a femur imperfect at the upper extremity, was presented by S. W. Conrad to Dr. Harlan, who remarks that ‘the bone appears to be perfectly mineralized.” It was found near Arneytown, New Jersey, in the lower marl bed of, the Cretaceous formation. This same specimen (which meanwhile had been generally regarded as of a recent species, notwithstanding its condition and the position in which 45. 46. SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. 829 it had been found) furnished Prof. Marsh the basis of his Palzotringa vetus, a smaller species than either of the others of this genus. The known remains are in the Philadelphia Academy. TELMATORNIS PRISCUS. Telmatornis priscus, Marsu, Proc. Phila. Acad., Jan., 1870, p. 5. — Ip., Am. Journ. Sci., xlix, Mar., 1870, p. 210. —A. Mitne-Epw., Rech. Ossem. Foss., ii, 1871, p. 541. — Cougs, Key, 1872, p. 349. — Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., v, Mar., 1873, p. 229.—Ip., Odont., 1880, p. 200. A species about as large as the king rail (Rallus elegans) ; from the middle marl bed cf the upper Cretaceous formation. The remains were found near Hornerstown, New Jersey, and are preserved in the Museum of Yale College. TELMATORNIS AFFINIS. Telmatornis affinis, Marsu, Proc. Phila. Acad., Jan., 1870, p.5.—Ip., Am. Journ. Sci., xlix, Mar., 1870, p. 211.— A. Mitnn-Epw., Rech. Ossem. Foss. ii, 1871, p. 541. Couns, Key, 1872, p. 349. Marsu, Am. Joum. Sci., v, Mar., 1873, p. 229. —Ip., Odont., 1880, p- 201. The known remains are in the Yale Museum. C.— Jurassic Birds. The single representative of birds at present known from this formation is odontornithic. LAOPTERYX PRISCUS. Laopteryx priscus, Marsu, Am. Journ. Sci., xxi, Apr., 1881, p. 341. From the upper Jurassic beds of Wyoming. The known remains are deposited in the Museum of Yale College. The interest attaching to this fossil induces me to transcribe the original description : — “The type specimen of the present species is the posterior portion of the skull, which indicates a bird rather larger than a blue heron (Ardea Herodias). The braincase is so broken that its inner surface is disclosed, and in other respects the skull is distorted, but it shows characteristic features. The bones of the skull are pneumatic. The occipital condyle is sessile, hemispherical in form, flattened and slightly grooved above. There is no trace of a posterior groove. The foramen magnum is nearly circular, and small in proportion to the con- dyle. Its plane coincides with that of the oeciput, which is slightly inclined forward. The bones around the foramen are firmly co-ossified, but the supra-occipital has separated somewhat from the squamosals and parietals. Other sutures are more or less open. On each side of the condyle, and somewhat below its lower margin, there is a deep, rounded cavity, perforated by a pneumatic foramen. ‘The cavity for the reception of the head of the quadrate is oval in outline, and its longer axis, if continued backward, would touch the outer margin 'of the occipital condyle. This cav- ity indicates that the quadrate had an undivided head. The brainease was comparatively small, but the hemispheres were well developed. They were separated above by a sharp mesial crest of bone. A low ridge divided the hemispheres from the optic lobes, which were prominent. “The following measureineuts indicate the size of the specimen : — ‘6 Width of skull across occiput (approximate)... . 1.00 1 6 ew et ew ee ee 24 mm ‘Transverse diameter of occipital condyle . be) CaS Fie visors Uae lage > 76 SE “Vertical diameter . . . ee ire oe . : we jee det ae em at e ae e 4 8 ‘* Width offoramenmagnum ...... Bo 8 a a er, See Sa, ogo ye 5“ “Height «6 «se ee wee : 6“ “ Distance from occipital condyle to top of supra-occipital me ite eet oe li ‘ 830 SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS OF FOSSIL BIRDS. “Tn its main features, the present specimen resembles the skull of the Ratite, more than that of any existing birds. Other parts of the skeleton will doubtless show still stronger reptilian characters. “In the matrix attached to this skull, a single tooth was found, which most resembles the teeth of birds, especially those of Ichthyornis. It is probable that Laopteryx possessed teeth, and also biconcave vertebra. “The specimen here described, and others apparently of the same species, were found in the upper Jurassic of Wyoming Territory, in the horizon of the Atlantosaurus beds.” INDEX. Norte. —(1) Scientific names of birds consisting of two terms are entered but once, under the genus; as, Turdus mustelinus. (2) But vernacular names of two terms are entered twice; as, Wood thrush, and Thrush, wood. (3) Anatomical and other technical terms are fully indexed as occurring in Part II., where they are defined and explained; but not as occurring in Parts III. and IV., where they are simply used in describing birds. (4) Names of birds, both scientific and vernacular, are fully indexed as occurring in Parts IIT. and IV. but usually not as incidentally occurring in Parts I. and II. in illustration of the zoological and anatomical characters there noted. (6) Names merely appearing in the text, not as headings, are usually not indexed; many such, however, will be found, especially such as are not elsewhere formally treated. (6) Synonyms, both scientific and vernacular, are indexed. (7) Matters of field-work and taxidermy treated in Part I. are fully indexed by one or more leading words; as, Insect pests, and Pests, insect. (8) Names of persons mentioned or of authors quoted are not indexed. (9) The whole work is so fully indexed that the Index will serve as a glossary of the terminology of ornithology. (10) All the figures refer to pages. ABDOMEN 95, 96 Aigialites Alaudine 282 Abducent nerves 177 curonicus 603 Albatross Abduction of wing 108 hiaticula 603 black 776 Abert’s towhee 398 Acadian owl 518 melodus 602 black-footed 775 microrhynchus 603 short-tailed 775 Acanthisitta 269 nivosus 603 sooty 776 Accentor semipalmatus 602 Albatrosses 774, 776 aquatic 309 vociferus 600 Alca 819 golden-crowned 308 wilsonius 601 impennis 819 Accessory ZXgiothus 352 Alcedinid 468 bone of shoulder 107 metatarsal 119 Accidents from the gun 19 Accipiter 527 cooperi 528 fuscus 528 nisus 194, 527 Accipitres 496, 498, 517 Accipitrinze 526 Accommodation of eye 178 Acetabulum 119, 148 Acromial process 146 Acromion 146 Acromyodi 240 Acromyodian 205, 239 Acropodium 124 Acrotarsium 124 Acryllium vulturinum 575 Actodromas 625 acuminata 628 bairdi 625 bonapartii 627 cooperi 627 maculata 626 minutilla 625 Adduction of wing 108 Adrenals 46, 216 AXchmophorus 793 clarki 794 occidentalis 793 Aichmorhynchus parvirostris 618 Agialites 600 cantianus 603 circumcinctus 602 exilipes 353 holboelli 353 hornemanni 353 linaria 252 Aigithognathism 172 Atgithognathous skull 172 Agotheles 448 Aipyornis maximus 65, 221 Aétomorphe 496 Afferent function of nerves 174 After-shaft 84 Age, recognition of a bird's 46 Ageleinz 400 Agelaus 403 gubernator 404 pheeniceus 404 tricolor 404 Agelastes meleagrides 575 Agyrtria linnei 459 Air-bone 168 Air-cells 200 Air-gun 3 Aix 697 galericulata 698 sponsa 698 Ajaja 651 rosea 651 Alaskan jay 425 winter wren 279 Ala spuria 109 Alauda 282 arvensis 283 Alaudide 69, 239, 280 Alcedininz 469 Alcedo ispida 469 Alcidz 797 Alcinz 810 Alcohol, use of 21 Alcyone 126, 127 Alectorides 665, 823 Alectoromorphx 171, 572 Alectoropodes 573 Aletornis bellus, 824 gracilis 824 nobilis 823 pernix 824 venustus 824 Aleutian auk 810 sandpiper 629 tern 768 Alexander humming-birc 462 Aliethmoid 153 A imentary canal 209 Alinasal 153 Aliseptal 153 Alisphenoid 158 Alle 810 nigricans 810 Allen’s rosy finch 350 Allied robin 244 Altrices 88 Aluco 501 flammeus 502 pratincola 502 ' Aluconide 500 8382 Alula 106, 107, 109 Amazili hummers 466 Amazilia 466 cerviniventris 466 fuscocaudata 466 Ambiens 193 American avocet 611 bittern 664 black scoter 718 black-tailed godwit 636 brown pelican 722 continental gyrfaleon 5382 coot 676 crow 417 cuckoos 474 dipper 255 dunlin 631 eider duck 712 flycatchers 428 golden plover 599 goldfinches 354 goshawk 530 green sandpiper 639 green-winged teal 695 harrier 521 hawfinches 342 hawk owl 511 herring gull 743 jabiru 653 Janner falcon 534 long-eared owl 507 marsh hawk 521 mealy red-poll 353 merlin 537 mew gull 746 oyster-catcher 606 night-jars 450 nutcrackers 417 partridges 588 pochard 702 quail 588 raven 416 red cross-bill 349 red flamingo 679 red-necked grebe 794 redstart 316 rough-legged buzzard 549 shrike 338 siskin 354 snipe 617, 621 spoonbills 651 starlings 399 stint 625 swan 682 titlark 286 vultures 557 warblers 287 white-fronted goose 684 white pelican 722 wigeon 694 woodcock 619 wood owl 509 wood stork 653 Amherstian pheasants 575 Ammodramus 367 caudacutus 368 maritimus 367 nelsoni 368 nigrescens 368 Ammunition 4 Amotus 128 Ampelidz 325 Ampelis 325 cedrorum 327 garrulus 826 INDEX. Amphiccelous vertebre 138 Amphimorphe 677 Amphispiza 375 belli 376 bilineata 376 nevadensis 376 Ampulle 189 Analogy 67, 68 Anarhynchus frontalis 597 Anas 691 auduboni 691 boscas 691 breweri 691 fulvigula 692 glocitans 691 maxima 691 obscura 691 Anastomus 652 Anatide 679 trachea of 50: Anatinz 689 Anatomical structure 133 Anatomy 183 Anchylosis 134 Ancon 106 Ancylochilus 631 subarquatus 632 Angeiology 195 Angle of the jaw 98 mandible 166 mouth 105 wing 109 | Angular bone 166 Angulus oris 105 Ani 472 groove-billed 472 Animalia 81 Animation 174 Anis 471 Ankle joint 120 Ankylosis 134 Anna humming-bird 464 Anoez 756 Anomalogonatous birds 195 Anorthura 278 alascensis 279 hiemalis 278 pacificus 279 troglodytes 278 Anoiis 771 stolidus 771 Anser 684 albifrons 684 gambeli 684 hypsibates 824 Anseranas melanoleuca 684 Anseres 679 Anserine 683 Anserine birds 677 proper 679 Anteorbital region 97 Anthracite buzzard 552 Anthinz 285 Anthus 285 ludovicianus 286 pratensis 285 spinoletta 285 Anthrenus scrofulari 55 Athropoides 666 paradiseea 666 virgo 666 Antiz 105 Antibrachium 106, 107 Antitrochanter 148 Autrorse 105 Antrostomus 450 arizone 452 carolinensis 451 vociferus 452 Aorta 197 Apatornis celer 826 Aphelocoma 423 arizone 424 californica 424 floridana 423 sordida 424 ultramarina 424 woodhousii 423 Aphriza 605 virgata 605 Aphrizide 605 Aphrizinz 605 Aplomado falcon 539 Apophyses 134 Appendicular skeleton 134 Apteria 87 Aquatic accentor 309 Aqueous humor 179, 183 Aquila 553 ‘chrysaétus 554 danana 822 Arachnoid 176 Aramide 667 Aramus 668 pictus 668 Arch pectoral 145 pelvic 147 post-oral 152 pre-oral 152 scapular 145 2 eee A ‘ rcheopteryx _ litho: ica 62 88, ONT, sat : Archetypes 76 Archetypic characters 76 Archibuteo 549 ferrugineus 551 lagopus 549 sancti-johannis 549 Archsaurian 112 Arctic american saw-whet owl 512 blue-bird 258 Jager 738 tern 764 towhee 396 Arctonetta 710 Ardea 657 cinerea 655, 658 herodias 147, 657 occidentalis 658 wardi 658 Ardeidx: 654 Ardeine 654, 656, 657 Ardetta 664 exilis 664 Argus pheasant 575 Argusanus giganteus 575 Arine 495, 496 Aristonetta 703 Arkansaw goldfinch 355 tyrant flycatcher 433 Arizona enippine sparrow 380 gold neh 855 jay 424 quail 593 summer finch 874 thrasher 252 Arizona whippoorwill 452 Arm-bone 107 Arquatella 628 couesi 629 maritima 629 ptilocnemis 630 Arsenic 26, 57 Arsenical soap 26 Arrie 817 Artemisia sparrow 376 Arterial system 195 Arteries 197 Articular bone of jaw 166 Articulation of bones 134 Artificial ‘‘ Keys’? 227, 230, 231 Arytenoids 204 Ash-colored sandpiper 632 Ash-throated crested flycatcher 436 flycatchers 434 Asiatic golden plover 600 Asio 507 accipitrinus 507 otus 507 wilsonianus 136, 507 Astragalinus 354 arizone 355 lawrencii 355 mexicanus 355 notatus 356 psaltria 355 tristis 354 Astragalus 120 Astur 530 atricapillus 530 palumbarius 530 striatulus 531 Asturina 551 plagata 551 Asyndesmus 490 torquatus 490 Atlas 139 Atmosteon 168 Atthis 465 helois 465 Attic hummers 465 Attypic characters 76 Audition 184 Auditory meatus 97 nerve 177, 187 Audubon's oriole 410 thrush 247 warbler 302 Auk aleutian 810 crested 807 reat 819 orn-bill 805 least 808 knob-nosed 808 parroquet 806 pug-nosed 806 razor-billed 818 ted-nosed 808 snub-nosed 807 temminck’s 812 unicorn 805 whiskered 808 Auks 797 parrot 800 rhinoceros 805 snub-nosed 806 wrinkle-nosed 809 INDEX. Aural region 97 Auricles of heart 196 . Auricular region 97 Auriculars 97 Auriparus 269 aviceps 269 Auris 97 Autumnal tree duck 689 Aves (see also Birds) 237 definition of the class 61 aérez 81 aquatica 81 terrestres 81 Avian foot, modifications of 129 sternum 143 Avocet, american 611 Avocets, 609, 610 Axial skeleton 134, 185 Axilla 111 Axillars 111 Axis 139 Azure warbler 301 BaCHMAN’S summer finch 373 warbler 294 Bahaman honey creeper 317 Baird's cormorant 729 rosy finch 351 sandpiper 625 savanna sparrow 360 Baking birdskins 57 Baleeniceps rex 654 Balenicipitidee 654 Balearica pavonina 666 Bald eagle 555 Bald-pate 694 Baltimore oriole 408 Band-tailed buzzard 546 Bank pigeon 565 swallow 324 Baptornis advenus 826 Barbicels of feathers 84 Barbs of feathers 84 Barbules of feathers 84 Barn owls 500, 501 swallows 321 Barnacle geese 686 Barred owl 509 florida 510 western 510 Barrow’s golden-eve 704 Bartramia 641 longicanda 641 Bartramian sandpiper 641 Bartram’s tattler 641 Basal phalanyes 127 Basibranchial 167 Basihyal 167 Basilinna 460 xantusi 460 Basioccipital 156 Basipterygoid processes 159, 163 Basis cranii 149 Basisphenoid 158 Basisphenoidal rostrum 158 Basitemporal 155, 156 Bastard baltimore 407 quills 109 wing 109 Batrachostomus 448 53 833 Bay-breasted warbler 304 Bay-winged bunting 364 longspur 359 summer finch 375 Beak of birds 106 Beaked savanna sparrow 363 Beardless flycatcher 443 Beards 99 Bee-martin 432 Bell’s finch 376 greenlet 335 Belly 95 Belted kingfisher 470 Bend of the wing 109 Benzine 57 Bernicla 686 brenta 687 canadensis 688 hutchinsi 689 hypsibates 824 ‘ leucoparia 689 leucopsis 687 nigricans 688 occidentalis 688 Bewick’s swan 683 wren 277 Bicarotidinz abnormales 198 normales 197 Big black-head 701 Bile 215 Bill of birds 100 Bill-hook 52 Bills classified 101 Binomial nomenclature 79 Biogen 192 Biogenation 192 Biology 65 Birdskins baking 57 how to make 28 instruments for making 25 Bird of washington 555 Birds and reptiles 60 Birds of prey 496 Birds anatomy of classification of 80 carrying home safe 18 class of 61 contour of 91 cretaceous 825 definition of 60 exterior parts of 82, 92 fossil 821 eologic succession of 62 andling bleeding 17 how many of a kind wanted 12 how to approach 15 how to find 10 how to mount 40 how to skin and stuff 28 jurassic 829 illing wounded 16 recovering 16 structure of 59 synopsis of n. american 237 tertiary’ 822 topography of 91 Bittern american 664 least 664 Bitterns 663, 664 834 Bitterns ; dwarf 664 Biziura lobata 699 Black albatross 776 brant 688 duck 691 grouse 578 guillemot 814 hawk 549 oyster-catcher 607 petrel 781 pewit flycatcher 487 rail 674 red-tail 545 scoter 713 skimmer 772 snow-bird 377 tern 770 white-winged tern 770 vulture 560 warrior 543 witch 472 Black-and-white creeper 290 spotted woodpeckers 480 Black-and-yellow oriole 409 warbler 304 Black-backed three-toed wood- pecker 485 Black-bellied plover 598 sandpiper 631 Black-billed cuckoo 475 Blackbird 404 brewer's 411 marsh 404 red-winged 404 red-winged marsh 404 red-and-buff shouldered marsh 40 4 skunk 400 red-shouldered marsh 404 red.-and-white shouldered marsh 404 savanna, 472 thrush 411 white-winged 387 yellow-headed 404 Blackbirds etc. 399 crow 410, 412 marsh 400, 403 thrush 411 ellow-headed 404 Black-breasted longspur 359 sandpiper 630 woodpecker 487 Blackburnian warbler 302 Black-capped flycatching warbler 313 gnat-catcher 261 greenlet 336 petrel 779 titmouse 265 Black-chinned sparrow 381 Black-crested titmouse 265 Black-crowned night heron 662 Black-eared bush-tit 268 Black-faced grass quit 392 sage sparrow 376 Black-headed ducks 699 goldfinch 356 INDEX. Black-headed gull 750 jay 422 oriole 410 song grosbeak 389 turnstone 609 Black-footed albatross 775 Black-necked stilt 612 Black-poll warbler 303 Black-shouldered kite 525 longspur 358 Black-throated blue warbler 300 bunting 387 diver 791 pacific 791 gray warbler 300 green warbler 298 murrelet 811 Black-vented shearwater 786 Black-whiskered greenlet 332 Bladder 217 Blade-bone 146 Blanding’s finch 398 Blasipus 741, 747 Blastoderm 225 Blastodermic membrane 225 Blastula 225 Blastulation 225 Bleached yell.-wing’d sparrow 366 Blood 196 corpuscles 196 a stains 37 4 owing eggs 5 Blenean s Blow-pipe 51 Blue crow 418 golden-winged warbler 294 grosbeak 390 rouse 579 awk 521 hen hawk 530 jay 421 quail 593 snow goose 685 yellow-backed warbler 290 Blue and white herons 661 Blue-bill 701 Blue-bird arctic 258 mexican 258 rocky mountain 258 western 258 Blue-birds 256, 257 Blue-eyed yellow warbler 298 Blue-fronted jay 422 Blue-gray gnat-catcher 261 Blue-headed grackle 411 greenlet 333 quail dove 571 quake-tail 284 saw-bill 468 Blue-stocking 611 Blue-throat, red-spotted 258 Blue-throated redstart 258 Blue-throats 258 Blue-winged teal 696 yellow warbler 293 Boat-billed heron 654 Boat-tailed crow blackbird 412 grackle 412 Bobolink 400 Bob-white $77 * 56 Body proper 92, 93 topography of 94 Bog-bull 664 eee ae 619 Bohemian waxwing 326 Bonaparte’s rosy gull 751 Bonasa 584 betulina 578 sabinii 585 umbelloides 585 umbella 585 Bone, structure of 184 Bone-breaker 777 Bone-tissue 149 Bones of the hind limb 118 of the wing 106 Bony basis of the tail 114 Booby 720 Book-keeping, ornithological 22 Booted tarsus 124, 125 Botaurinz 654, 656, 663 Botaurus 664 mugitans 664 Boucard’s summer finch 375 Bow-billed thrasher 252 Bower-birds 224 Brachial plexus 177 Brachium 106 Brachyotus 507 Brachyrhamphus 812 ‘brachypterus 814 craverii 814 hypoleucus 813 kittlitzi 813 marmoratus 813 Brain of birds 175, 176 Brandt’s cormorant 728 vosy finch 351 Brant geese 686 goose 686 Brant, white 685 Brant-bird 609 Brass cowbird 403 grackle 413 Breast 95 Breast-bone 143 Breech-loader 2 Brewer’s blackbird 411 sparrow 381 Brewster’s linnet 353 Bridal ducks 697 Bride 698 Bridled tern 769 titmouse 265 Bristle-bellied curlew 646 woodpeckers 490 Broad-tailed humming-bird 463 Broad-winged buzzard 548 Bronchial syrinx 205 Bronchiales 205 Broncho-tracheal syrinx 205 Broncho-tracheales 205 Bronzed cowbird 403 crow blackbird 413 Brotherly-love greenlet 332 Brown crane 667 Brown creeper 273 gannet 720 jay 419 ark 286 owls 508 thrush.251 towhee 397 Brown-back 622 Brown-backed oyster-catcher 606 Brown-headed cactus wren 275 nuthatch 271 woodpecker 486 Bubo 503 arcticus 504 leptosteus 822 pacificus 504 saturatus 504 virginianus 504 Bubonine 503 Bucconide 446 Bucephala 704 Bucerotide 212, 446 Budytes 284 flavus 284 taivanus 285 Buff flycatchers 443 Buff-breasted sandpiper 642 Buffle-head 705 Bugs 55 to destroy 57 Bulla ossea 50 Bull-bat 454 Bullfinch cardinal 393 cardinals 393 cassin’s 344 Bullfinches 344 pine 343 purple 346 ‘Bull-head 599 Bull-head plover 598, 599 Bullock’s oriole 409 Bulweria 780 Bulwer’s petrel 780 Bunting (see Finch) bay-winged 364 black-throated 387 lark 386 le conte’s 366 painted 391 silk 387 snow 356 towhee 395 townsend’s 388 varied 391 Benge (see Finches) lark 386 towhee 395 Burion 347 Bush warblers 309 Bush-quails 571 Bush-tit black-eared 268 least 268 plumbeous 268 Bush-tits 267 Bustard, gular pouch of 210 ‘Bustards 597, 665 Butcher-bird 337 Buteo 541 abbreviatus 546 albocaudatus 542 albonotatus 546 bairdi 548 INDEX. Buteo borealis 544 brachyurus calurus 545 cooperi 543 elegans 546 fuliginosus 549 utturalis 548 arlani 543 harrisi 542 insignatus 548 krideri 545 lineatus 545 lucasanus 545 montanus 548 obsoletus 548 oxypterus 548 pennsylvanicus 548 swansoni 546 unicinctus 542 vulgaris 547 zonocercus 546 Buteonine 541 Butter-ball 705 Butorides 665 virescens 662 Buzzard american rough-legged 549 anthracite 552 band-tailed 546 broad-winged 548 common american 546 cooper’s 543 ferrugineous rough-legged 551 fuliginous 549 gray star 551 uber’s 553 arlan’s 543 harris’s 542 red-shouldered 545 red-tailed 544 rough-legged 549 swainson’s 546 . turkey 559 western red-shouldered 546 white-tailed 542 Buzzards 541 anthracite 552 clawed 552 hare-footed 549 star 551 CABINETS 56 Cacatuine 495 Cactus wren brown-headed 275 st. lucas 275 Cactus wrens 274 Caducous parts of bill 103 Czeca or cecum 214 Cairina moschata 684 Calamospiza 386 bicolor 387 Calamus 84, Calandritine 281 Caleaneum 120 « Calear 114, 133 Calico-back 609 Calidris 633 arenaria 633 California clapper rail 672 condor 558 gnome owl 514 gull 745 jay 424 835 California partridge 592 sage sparrow 376 screech owl 506 squirrel hawk 551 thrasher 254 towhee 397 woodpecker 489 Caliology 227 Callichen 700 Calliope humming-bird 465 Callipepla 598 squamata 593 Caloenas nicobarica 563 Calothorax 466 lucifer 466 Calypte 464 anne 464 coste 464 Calyx of ovisac 221 Campephilus 479 principalis 479 Camphor 57 Camptolemus 706 abradorius 706 Campylorhynchine 274 Campylorhynchus 274 affinis 275 couesi 275 brunneicapillus 275 Canace 578 canadensis 578 falcipennis 578 franklini 579 fuliginosa 580 obscura 579 richardsoni 579 Canada goose 688 jay 425 nuthatch 271 warbler 314 Cancroma cochlearia 654 Cancromide 654 Cane-gun 3 Cafion towhee 397 Cafion wren dotted 276 mexican 276 speckled 276 Cafion wrens 276 Canthus of eye 97, 180 Cantores 204 Canvas-back 703 Cape may warbler 305 Cape pigeon 779 Capercaillie 578 Capitonide 446 Capitulum of rib 143 Caprimulgide 447 Caprimulgine 448 Caps for gun 4 Capsules, supra-renal 46 Caput 97 Caracara 539 Carau 668 Cardellina 314 rubra 314 Cardinal bullfinch 393 grosbeak 393 red-bird 393 fiery-red 394 texas 393 Cardinalis 393 8386 Cardinalis igneus 394 virginianus 393 Care of a collection 54 Cariama cristata 665 Cariamidze 665 Carine 103 Carinatez 238, 822 Carinate birds 238 sternum 143 Carle 665 Carolina chickadee 266 crake 673 dove 568 nuthatch 269 parroquet 496 rail 673 waxwing 327 wren 277 Carotid arteries 197 canal 159 Carpal angle 109 bones 106. 107, 108 Carpodacus 346 cassini 347 frontalis 347 purpureus 346 thodocolpus 348 Carpophaga 564 Carpus 106, 107, 108 Carrion crow 560 Cartilage 134 Cartridges 2 Caruncles 98 Caruncile 103 Casarca rutila 684 Cases for storage 56 Caspian tern 757 Cassidix 411 Cassin’s . bullfinch 344 greenlet 333 purple finch 347 summer finch 374 tyrant flycatcher 433 Casuarius 170 Catarractes affinis 825 antiquus 825 Cat-bird 250 Catharista 560 atrata 560 Cathartes 558 aura 559 burrovianus 561 umbrosus 822 Cathartide 557 Cathartides 497, 557 Catharus 243 Catherpes 276 conspersus 276 mexicanus 276 punctulatus 276 Cat owl 508 Caudal vertebre 141 Cayenne tern 759 Cecomorphe 171 Cedar-bird 327 Cedar waxwing 327 Centre of gravity 91 Centrocercus 58 urophasianus 107, 580 INDEX. Centrophanes 357 lapponicus 357 ornatus 358 pictus 358 Centrum of vertebrae 137 Centurus 487 aurifrons 488 SE se uropygialis Ceral 103° Cerato-bronchial 167 Cerato-hyal 167 Ceratorhina 805 monocerata 805 Cere 102 Cerebellum 175 Cerebral vesicles 175 Cerebro-spinal system 174 Cerebrum 175 Cereopsis nove-hollandie 684 Certhia 273 americana 273 britannica 273 fusca 273 mexicana 273 montana 273 occidentalis 273 rufa 273 Certhiida 272 Certhiina 272 Certhiola 317 bahamensis 317 flaveola 316 Cerulean warbler 301 Cervical region 96 vibs 138 vertebrae 92, 188 Cervix 96 Ceryle 469 alcyon 470 americana cabanisi 470 Ceyx 126, 127 Chachalaca 573 Cheetura 457 pelasgica 457 vauxi 458 Cheeturine 457 Chaffinch 339 Chalazx 222 Chalaziferous membrane 222 Chama 262 fasciata 262 henshawi 262 Chameidz 262 Chamepelia 569 passerina 569 pallescens 569 Chaparral cock 474 Characters anatomical 71 attypic 76 archetypic 76 embryological 70 etypic 76° prototypic 76 seasonal 71 teleotypic 76 valuation of 74 zoological 70 Charadriidse 597 Charadriina: 597 Charadriomorphe 171, 596 Charadrius 599 dominicus 599 fulvus 600 Charadrius pluvialis 600 sheppardianus 8238 virginicus 599 at long-tailed 312 yellow-breasted 312 Chats 242, 256, 311 Chatterers 325 Chaulelasmus 693 streperus 693 Chauna 665 chavaria 665 derbiana 665 Cheek 98 Chelidon urbica 320 Chelonia 62 Chen 685 albatus 686 ceerulescens 685 hyperboreus 685 rossi 686 * Chenalopex egyptiaca 684 Chenomorphe 677 ~ Chenopsis atrata 682 Cherry-bird 827 — Chestnut-backed titmouse 267: Chestnut-collared longspur 858 Chestnut-headed warbler 298 Chestnut-sided warbler 304 Chettusia 597 Chewink 396 Chiasm of optic nerves 176 Chickadee 265 carolina 266 long-tailed 266 mexican 266 mountain 266 western 266 Chicken hawk 528, 530, 545 Chimney swallow 457 swift 457 Chip-bird 380 winter 379 Chipping sparrow 380 arizona 380 Chipping sparrows 879 Chippy 380 Chlamydodera maculata 224 Cholornis 126, 127, 238 Chondestes 384 grammica 384 Chordediles 453 acutipennis texensis 454 henryi 454 minor 454 popetue 454 Choroid membrane 182 Chroicocephalus 749 atricilla 750 franklini 751 philadelphia 751 Ch: _Chrysolophus 575 ambherstiz 575 pictus 575 Chrysomitris 353 pinus 354 Chrysotinze 495 Chuck-will’s-widow 451 Chunga burmeisteri 665 Chyme 212 Cicatricle of egg 221 Ciceronia 806 Cichlopsis 328 Ciconiide 652 Ciconiiformes 653 Ciconiinz 653 Ciliary ganglion 177 ligament 183 muscle 183 processes 183 Cincinnati warbler 298 Cinereous shearwater 784 snow-bird 379 song-sparrow 372 Cinclinae 242, 255 Cinclus 255 aquaticus 254 mexicanus 255 Cinnamon teal 696 Circe hummers 467 Circe humming-bird 467 Circine 521 Circle of willis 198 Circulatory system 195 Circumorbital region 97 Circus 521 ~ hudsonius 521 .cyaneus 522 Cistothorus 280 stellaris 280 ‘Cladorhynchus-pectoralis 610 Clamatores 239, 427 Clangula 704 albeola 705 glaucium 704 islandica 106, 119, 202, 704 Clapper rail 672 Clarke’s crow 418 Clark’s grebe 794 Class 72, 73 of birds 61 Classes of birds’ bills 101 Classification of birds 59, 80 of N. Am. birds 234 machinery of 78 principles and practice of 65 morphological 66, 68 Clavicles 147 Clavicular process 146 Clawed buzzard 552 Claws of foot 132 of wing 108, 114 Clay-colored sparrow 881 Cleavage cavity 225 cell 224 Clefts, visceral 152 Cleido-trachealis 202 Cliff swallow 323 Climacteris 272 Clinoid walls 153 Cloaca 214 Cloud swifts 457 Cnemial process 119 Cobb 742 Coccothraustes 342 Coccygeal vertebra 114, 141 Coceygine 474 Coccygus 474 americanus 476 erythrophthalmus 475 seniculus 476 Coccyx 114, 142 Cochlea 151, 188 Cock chaparral 474 INDEX. Cock sage 580 Cock of the plains 580 Coeca 214 Coecum 214 Coereba 317 Ceerebidx: 317 Coffin-carrier 742 Colaptes 491 aurato-mexicanus 113, 492 auratus 493 ayresi 492 chrysoides 493 hybridus 492 mexicanus 493 Coliide 446 Collar-bones 147 Collared woodpecker 490 Collecting birds 1 nests and eggs 50 Collecting-chest 27 Collection, care of a 54 Collector, to be a good 9 Collectorship, hygiene of 19 Collocalia 224, 456° Collum 96 Colorado screech owl 506 turkey 653 Columba 564 erythrina 565 fasciata 565 leucocephela 565 livia 565 cenas 565 palumbus 562 Columbe 561 Columbidex 562 Columbinz 564 Columbine birds 561, 562 Columella auris 185 Colymbidz 789 Colymbus 789 adamsi 790 arcticus 791 pacificus 791 septentrionalis 791 torquatus 789 Combatant 640 Combs 98 Commissural line 105 point 105 Commissure 105 Common. atlantic shearwater 785 brown crane 667 caracara 539 cormorant 726 cow-bird 402 crow blackbird 413 european buzzard 547 gallinule 675 gannet 720 kittiwake 748 loon 789 puffin 802 quail of europe 595 rail 673 red-poll 352 savannah sparrow 863 sharp-tailed grouse 581 tern 762 wild goose 688 Common american buzzard 546 crow 417 837 Common american gull 745 shrike 338 Complicate tail 118 Complications in skinning 34 Compressed tarsus 125 Conditions of environment 72 Condor, californian 558 Condyles occipital 156 of femur 119 of humerus 107 Conirostral 101 Conjunctiva 179, 181 Conjuncto-carotidine 198 Connecticut warbler 309 : Consciousness 174 Conspecies 79 Contopus 438 borealis 438 pertinax 439 richardsoni 440 virens 439 Contour of a bird 91 Contour-feathers 85 Contractor trachez 202 Conurus 496 carolinensis 496 Cooper’s buzzard 543 crested flycatcher 435 hawk 528 sandpiper 627 tanager 318 Coot american 676 european 677 sea 718, 714 Coot-foot phalaropes 614 Coot-footed tringa 614 Coots 676 Copper-tailed trogon 468 Coraciide 446 Coracoid bone 107, 146 Coracomorphe 172 Cormorant baird’s 729 brandt’s 728 common 726 double-crested. 727 florida 727 mexican 728 pallas’s 728 red-faced 728 tufted 728 violet-green 729 white-tufted 727 Cormorants 723 Corn crake 675 Cornea 179, 182 Corneous covering of bill 102 Cornua of hyoid 167 Corona 97 Coronoid process 166 Corpora bigemina 175 Corpus callosum 176 striatum 175 Corrosive sublimate 57 Corvide: 414 Corvine 415 Corvus 415 , caurinus 417 corax 416, 172 cryptoleucus 416 floridanus 417 838 INDEX. Cuckoos 470 american 474 Corvus Crested flycatcher frugilegus 206 lawrence’s 436 frugivorus 417 rufous-tailed 435 ground 478 monedula 414 Crested flycatchers 434 tree 474 maritimus 417 Crestless blue jays 423 Culmen 104 Cory’s shearwater 784 Crests of birds 99 Cultrirostral 101 Coscoroba anatoides 682 Cretaceous birds 61, 62, 68, 825 Cuneiforme 106, 107, 108 Costa humming-bird 464 Crex 674 Cupidonia 583 Costal process of sternum 143, 144 pratensis 675 eupido 123, 588 Costiferous part of sternum 145 Crimson finch 346 pallidicincta 584 Cotile 323 Crimson-fronted finch 347 Cupola 188 riparia 324 Crimson-headed tanager 319 Curassows 572 Cotton, use of 26 Crissal Curlew . Coturniculus 365 thrasher 255 bristle-bellied 646 henslowi 366 towhee 397 eskimo 646 lecontii 366 Crissum 96 hudsonian 645 manimbe 365 Crista 99 i 645 passerinus 365 Crop of birds 212 ong-billed 645 perpallidus 366 Cross-bill otahiti 646 Coturnix 594 dactylisonans 595 Couch’s flycatcher 434 Coues’ flycatcher 439 Courlan, scolopaceous 668 Courlans 667, 668 american red 349 mexican 350 white-winged 348 Cross-bills 348 Crossoptilon 575 Crotaphyte depression 157 spanish 651 Curlew sandpipers 631 -Curlews 618, 643 Cursorial foot 129,180 Cursoriinee 597 _ Curve-billed thrasher 252 Coursers, night 449 Crotophaga 471. Cyanecula 258 Covering of bill 102 ani 472 suecica 258 Coverts sulcirostris 472 Cyanocitta tail 115 Crotophagine 471 annectens 422 wing 110 Crow coronata 3822 Cowbird blue 418 cristata 421 brass 403 carrion 560 diademata 422 bronzed 403 clarke’s 418 florincola 421 common 402 common american 417 frontalis 422 dwarf 402 northwestern fish 417 macrolopha 422 red-eyed 403 southeastern fish 417 stelleri 421 Cowbirds 401 Crow blackbird 410 ° nee 330 Cracidee 572 boat-tailed 412 ygnine 681 Cracinee 572 bronzed 413 Cygnopsis cygnoides 684 Crake common 413 Cygnus 682 bewicki 683 buccinator 682 columbianus 682 musicus 683 fan-tailed 412 florida 414 purple 413 Crow-duck 676 carolina 674 european spotted 674 farallone black 674 little black 674 yellow 674 Crown of the head 97 nigricollis 682 Crakes 673 Crown sparrow olor 681 Crane intermediate 383 paloregonus 824 common brown 667 northern brown 667 sandhill 667 white 666 whooping 666 Cranes etc. 665, 666 Cranial bones proper 160 nerves 175, 176 gambel’s 383 olden 383 ooded 384 white-browed 383 white-throated 382 Crown sparrows 381 Crows 414, 415 Crows, blue 418 Cymochorea 781 homochroa 781 leucorrhoa 781 melena 781 Cypselidee 455 Cypseliformes 446, 447 Cypseline 456 Cypselus 456 Craveri’s murrelet 814 Crura cerebri 175 apus 87 Creeper Crural 119 . Cytula 224 ahaman honey 817 feathers 123 black-and-white 290 Crus 119, 125 brown 273 Crying-bird 668 Dasecnick 797 honey 816 Crypturi 574 Dacelonine 469 mexican 273 Crystalline lens 183 Dafila 692 small-billed 290 Cuban acuta 692 Creepers 272 night-hawk 454 Damier 779 Creeping warblers 290 sparrow hawk 588 Danger’s method 51 Crescent swallow 823 Cubit 107 Daptium 779 Crested Cuculide 470 capense 779 auk 807 Cuculiform birds 467 Daptrius 539 . blue jays 421 Cuculiformes 466, 467 Dark-bodied shearwater 787 ebe 794 Cuculus canorus 471 Darters 729 apwing 605 Cuckold 402 Darwinian logic 60 titmice 264 ~ Cuckoo Day owl 511 Crested flycatcher black-billed 475 Decomposition 89 ash-throated 436 ground 474 Degrees of likeness 71 cooper's large-billed 435 great 434 Mangrove 476 Demoiselle egrets 660 yellow-billed 476 Dendragapus 578 Dendrocygna 689 autumnalis 689 fulva 689 Dendreeca 296 adelaide 297 eestiva 298 albilora 306 auduboni 302 aureola 297 blackburnz 302 bryanti 298 capitalis 297 castanea 304 chrysoparia 300 coerulea 301 ceerulescens 300 coronata 301 discolor 305 dominica 306 eoa 297 peeeae hypochrysea 307 Ivtland) 306 maculosa 304 nigrescens 306 occidentalis 299 palmarum 307 pennsylvanica 304 petechia 297 pharetra 297 pinus 807 pityophila 297 striata 303 tigrina 3805 townsendi 299 vieilloti 298 virens 298 Dendrortyx 588 Dentary bone 166 Dentirostral 101 Derby flycatcher 430 Dermestes lardarius 55 Design, evidences of 477 Desmameeba 192 Desmognathism 171, 172 Desmognathous skull 171 Determination of sex 45 Development of feathers 82 of skull 151 Diabolic petrels 779 Diaphragm 193 Diapophyses 137 Diatryma gigantea 825 Dicholophus 144 Dichroic egrets 661 Dichromanassa 661 rufa 661 . Didactyle birds 126 Didi 562 Didunculus strigirostris 563 Didus ineptus 65, 562 Diedapper 797 Digestive system 209 Digiti 126 Digits ‘ of foot 121, 128 of wing 106 Diglossa 317 Dinornithes 65 Dinosaurs 63, 821 Diomedea 774 . brachyura 775 nigripes 775 Diomedeine 774 Dipper 705, 797 INDEX. Dipper american 255 european 254 Dippers 242, 254 Directions for using the keys 227 Discogastrula 225 Dissoura maguari 653 Distal phalanges 127 Distichous arrangement 114 Diurnal birds of prey 517 Diver black-throated 791 great northern 789 pacific black-throated 791 red-throated 791 Diving birds 787 Dodo 65, 562 Dogs 9 Dolichonyx 400 oryzivorus 400 Domestic duck 691 pigeon 565 Dorsal vertebrae 189 Dorso-lumbar vertebrae 140 Dorsum 94 Dotted cafion wren 276 Double-crested cormorant 727 Double-forked tail 117 Double-rounded tail 117 Dough-bird 646 Dove blue-headed 571 carolina 568 ground 569 inca 570 key west 571 mourning 568 quail 571 scaled 570 sea 810 white-fronted 567 white-winged 569 wild 568 zenaida 569 Dovekie 810 Doves dwarf 569 love 568 lustre 570 pin-tail 568 pin-wing 567 quail 571 shell 570 white-wing 569 Dowitcher 622 Down-feathers 86 Downy woodpecker 483 Draco 82 Drills for eggs 51 Dromeognathe 69, 170 Dromezognathism 168 Dromeognathous skull 169, 170 Dromeus 170 Drum of ear 185 Drumstick 119 Ducal tern 761 Duck : black 691 black-head 701 ‘ buffle-head 704 . canvasback 703 crow 676 domestic 691 dusky 691 » eider 708, 710, 712 839 Duck florida dusky 692 gray 693 golden-eye 704 ae scaup 701 arlequin 707 labrador 706 lesser scaup 701 long-tail 706 pied 706 pin-tail 692 raft 700 red-head 762 ring-neck 701 rudder 715 ruddy 715 shoveller 696 summer 698 st. domingo 755 surf 714 wild 691 white-winged surf 714 wood 698 ks blackhead 699 bridal 699 eider 708 fishing 716 pintail 697 redhead 699 river 689 rudder 715 sea 698 spoonbill 696 surf 713 teal 694 tree 689 Duck hawk 534 Dunlin ~ american 631 european 631 sandpipers 631 Duodenum 213 Dura mater 176 Dusky duck 691 horned owl 504 grouse 579 shearwater 786 Dusky-tailed humming-bird 466 Dwarf bitterns 664 cowbird 402 doves 569 Dynamameebe 215, 218, 219 Dysporus 720 Duc EAGLE bald 555 arpy § ring-tailed 554 sea 555 white-headed sea 555 white-tailed sea 555 Eagles 519, 541 fishing 554 golden 553 harpy 553 sea 554 Ear of birds 92, 184 Eared grebe american 796 european 795 Eared owls 507 840 Eastern bluebird 257 fox sparrow 385 hermit thrush 247 house wren 278 snow-bird 377 Eaves swallow 323 Kedysis 88 Ectoderm 226 Ectopistes 565 migratorius 566 Educabilia 76 Efferent nerves 174 Egg 216 anatomy of 222 Egg-drills 51 Egg-laying 228 Egg-pod 222 Egg-shell 223 a reinforcing 53 BBs collecting 50 labeling 53 preparing 51 shapes of 223 Egret ca white 658 ittle white 660 louisiana 661 peale’s 661 reddish 661 Egrets demoiselle 660 dichroic 661 Eider spectacled 710 steller’s 709 european 710 american 712 pacific 712 king 712 Eiders, 708 Elzodochon 86 Blanoides 525 forficatus 526 Elanus 525 glaucus 525 Elbow-joint 106, 107 Elegant tern 760 Elf owls 515, 516 Emargination of remiges 112 Emberiza hortulana 401 Embernagra 398 Tufivirgata 398 Embry ological characters 70 Embry oleg y 216, 224 Embryos te, 217 extracting 52 Emperor goose 686 Empidonax 440 acadicus 441 difficilis 442 flaviventris 442 hammondi 443 minimus 442 obscurus 443 pusillus os pygmeus subviridis 441 trailli 441 wrighti 443 Encephalon 175 Endoderm 226 cells 225 Endolymph 190 Endoskeleton 134 INDEX. Endysis 88 English . pheasant 574 snipe 614, 621 sparrow 344 hee 567 albifrons 567 Environment, conditions of 72 psn bos 64 haan papophysis cerebri Epiblast 396 Epibranchial 167 Epicleidium 147 Epidermic structures 82 Epididy mis 217 Epigastrium 96 Epiglottis 204, 210 Epignathous bills 101 Epiotic 157, 187 Epiphyses 134 Epipleural processes 142 Epipubic bone 149 Equilibration 190 Equivalence of groups 73 Eremophila 281 alpestris 281 chrysoleema 282 leucolama 282 Ereunetes 624 occidentalis 625 pusillus 624 Erismatura 715 rubida 715 Erythrocnema 542 Esacus 597 Eskimo curlew 646 Ethmoid 160 Etypic characters 76 Eudocimus 651 albus 651. ruber 651 Eugenes 461 fulgens 461 Euplocomus 575 Eupodotis australis 212 Eupsychortyx 588 European black-tailed godwit 636 blue heron 658 coot 677 cuckoo 471 curlew 644 duulin 6381 eared grebe 795 eider duck 710 great white egret 659 golden plover 600 goshawk 529 pores teal 695 awk owl 512 herring gull 743 jackdaw 414 jay 419 kingfisher 469 land-rail 675 lesser ring plover 603 little white egret 660 mew gull 746 oyster-catcher 606 partridge 588 ting plover 603 snipe 621 sparrow owl 5138 spoonbill 650 spotted crake 673 spotted woodpecker 477 - European whimbrel 645 white-fronted goose 684 wigeon 694 woodcock 620 wren 273 Eurynorhynchus 634 pygmeus 634 Eurypyga helias 665 | Eustachian tube 158, 185, 210 Evening grosbeak 342 Everglade kite 523 Evidences of design 77 Evolution, theory of 60, 62, 66 Exanthemops 686 Exoccipital 156 Exoccetes 82 Exoskeletal structures 82 Exoskeleton 134 Explanation of frontispiece 236 Extension and flexion of wing 106, 109 Extensor muscles 199 ‘Extent ’’ 24 Exterior of a bird 82, 92 Extinct birds 64 Eye 92, 178, 179 Eye-water 38 Eyes, glass 44 Facrau bones 161 nerve 177, 187 Faleate bill 102 Falco 532 zsalon 537 candicans 533 columbarius 536 fusciceerulescens 539 ‘yrfalco 532 isabellinus 538 islandicus 532 labradora 533 lanarius 534 mexicanus 534 obsoletus 532 pealii 536 peregrinus 534 polyagrus 534 richardsoni 537 sacer 5382 sparverioides 538 sparverius 537 suckleyi 587 Falcon aplomado 539 femoral 539 peale’s peregrine 536 peregrine 534 tusty-crowned 537 Falconidx 519 Falconine 531 Falcons 519, 531 Fallopian nerviduct 187 False cere 102 Family 72, 73 Fan-tailed crow blackbird 412 wrens 274 Farallone black crake 674 Fasciee 192 Fat, fatness 37 Fatigue and hunger 20 Fauces 210 Feathered tracts 86 Feather-leg sandpipers 628 Feathers 82, 84, 85, 109 Feet of birds 118 Females, full suites of 14 Femoral falcon 539 Femoro-caudal 195 Femur 119 Fenestra ovalis 158, 154, 185 rotunda 185 Ferrugineous buzzard 551 owl 514 sandpiper 632 Fibula 119 Fibulare 120 Field lark 406 naturalist’s duties 21 ornithology 1 plover 598, 599, 641 sparrow 380 work 9 Fiery-red cardinal 394 hting sandpipers 640 loplumaceous feathers 85 Filoplumes 86 Finch allen’s rosy 350 arizona summer 374 bachman’s summer 373 baird’s rosy 351 blanding’s 398 brandt’s rosy 351 boucard’s summer 375 bay-winged summer 375 black-throated 376 bell’s 376 cassin’s purple 347 cassin’s summer 374 crimson 346 crimson-fronted 347 florida sea-side 368 grass 364 reen 398 ouse 347 illinois summer 378 indigo 391 lazuli 391 lincoln’s 370 nelson’s sharp-tailed 368 painted 391 pallas’s rosy 352 pine 354 purple 346 purple painted 391 ridgway’s rosy 350 rufous-crowned summer 374 sea-side 367 sharp-tailed 368 swainson’s rosy 351 western grass 365 Finches 339 painted 390 rosy 350 summer 373 Fire-bird 408 Fire-crowned flycatchers 444 Fish crow 417 hawks 556 Fisher’s petrel 780 Fishing ducks 716 eagles 554 Fissirostral 101 Fixtures 25, 27 Fi Fi INDEX. Flag of hawks 123 Flamingoves 678 Flammulated owl 506 Flanks 95 Flaps of toes 98 Flesh-footed shearwater 785 Flexion of wing 106, 109 Flexor digitorum perforatus 195 longus hallucis 193 muscles 109 Flicker 493 mexican 493 Flickers 491 Flight-feathers 88, 109, 111 Flocculus 176 Flocking fowl 701 Florida 661 barred owl 510 coerulea 661 cormorant 727 crow 417 crow blackbird 414 dusky duck 692 gallinule 675 heron, 658 jay 493 quail 591 sea-side tinch 368 screech owl 506 wren 277 Flycatcher acadian 441 arkansaw tyrant 433 ash-throated crested 436 black pewit 487 beardless 441 cassin’s tyrant 433 coaper® large-billed crested 3 couch’s tyrant 484 coues’ 439 derby 430 dirty little 448 forked-tailed 431 gray little 443 great crested 434 green-crested 441 hammond’s 443 lawrence’s crested 436 little buff-breasted 448 little western 442 least 442 olive-sided 438 pewee 437 pewit 437 rufous-tailed crested 435 say’s pewit 437 small green-crested 441 sulphur-bellied striped 431 swallow-tailed 431 traill’s 441 vermilion 444 western wood pewee 440 western yellow-bellied 442 wood pewee 439 wright’s 443 yellow-bellied 442 Flycatchers american 428 ash-throated 434 beardless 443 crested 434 derby 430 fire-crowned 444 king 432 841 Flycatchers little olivaceous 440 pewit 436 rufous-tailed 434 striped 431 swallow-tailed 431 L true tyrant 428 wood pewee 438 Flycatching thrush townsend’s 329 Flycatching thrushes 328 Flycatching warbler black-capped 313 canadian 314 hooded 313 painted 315 red-fronted 314 Flycatching warblers 312, 3138 rose 314 j Fly-snapper, shining 328 Eyer 327 Fontanelles of sternum 144 Foot 118 integument of 124 modifications of 129 plumage of 122 Foramen lacerum 160 magnum 156 of monro 175 ovale of skull 156 ovale of heart 196 Forceps 25, 52 Forearm 106, 107 Fork-tail petrels 781 gray 781 hornby’s 782 sooty 782 Forked-tailed flycatcher 431 gull 753 Forms, generalized 76 specialized 76 Formulation of knowledge 78 Fornix 176 ‘ Forster’s tern 7638 Fossa, nasal 104 Fossil birds 62, 821 cretaceous 825 jurassic 829 tertiary 822 Four-toed plover 598 Fowls 571, 573 pigeon-toed 572 true 573 Fox sparrow eastern 385 large-billed 386 slate-colored 386 townserfl’s 385 Fox sparrows 385 Francolinus 576 Franklin’s rosy gull 751 spruce grouse 579 Fratercula 800 arctica 802 corniculata 801 glacialis 803 Fregetta 782 grallaria 783 Fresh-water ducks 689 marsh hen 672 Frigates 730 Fringe-footed phalaropes 612 842 Fringilla celebs 339 Fringillide 339 Frontal antie 105 bone 156 Frontlets 99 Frontispiece, explanation ¢f 236 Fronto-facial hinge 156 Fulgent hummers 461 Fulica 676 americana 676 atra 677 Fulicine 676 Fuliginous buzzard 549 Fuligula 699. 700 affinis 701 americana 702 collaris 701 ferina 702 marila 701 rufina 700 vallisneria 703 Fuliguline 698 Fulix 701 Fulmar 777 giant 777 pacific 778 rodgers’ 778 slender-billed 778 Fulmar shearwaters 788 Fulmars 777 gull 778 Fulmarus 777 glacialis 778 pacificus 778 rodgersi 778 Fulvous tree duck 689 Furcate tail 117 Fureulum 107, 147 GaDFLY petrels 779 Gadwall 698 Gairdner’s woodpecker 483 Galbulidee 446 Gall-bladder 215 Galeoscoptes 249 Gallinaceous birds 571 Gallinz 571, 828 Gallinago 615, 620 gallinula 622 ceelestis 622 media 621 wilsoni 621 Gallinula 675 galeata 675 Gallinule common 675 florida 675 sultan 676 Gallinules 675 e sultan 675 Gallinuline 675 Gallo-columbine series 571 Gallus bankiva 575 Gambel’s crown sparrow 382 partridge 593 Gambetta 640 Gamin 344 Ganglia of brain 175 of nerves 174 Gannet brown 720 common 720 white 720 INDEX. Gannets 720 Gape 105 Garrot 704 Garruline 419 Garrulus glandarius 419 Garzetta 659 candidissima 660 nivea 660 Gastornis giganteus 825 parisiensis 64 Gastreum 94, 95 Gastrula 225 Gastrulation 225 Gavi 733 Geothlypis 310 macgillivrayi 311 philadelphia 311 trichas 310 Geotrygon 570 martinica 571 Geranarchus 666 Geranomorphe 171 Germinal spot 220 vesicle 220 Germination 224 Germ-yelk 224 Géant 65 Geese 683 barnacle 686 brant 686 gray 684 painted 686 snow 685 Gelochelidon 756 Gemitores 562 Gena 98 Genera 72, 73 General ornithology 59 Generalized forms 76 Generative orggns 215 Genetic relations 78 Genio-hyoid 211 Genital glands 215 Genus 72, 73 Geococcyx 473 californianus 474 Geologic succession 62 Geopelia 564 Giant fulmar 777 Gigerium 213 Gila woodpecker 488 Gilded woodpecker 493 woodpeckers 491 Ginglymus 121 Gizzard 212 Glabrirostres 449 Gland, oil 86 Glareolidx 597 Glass eyes 44 Glaucidium 514 ferrugineum 514 gnoma 514 passerinum 514 Glaucous gull 741 Glaucous-winged gull 741 Glenoid cavity 146 process 146 Glosso-hyal bone 167 Glosso-pharyngeal nerve 177 Gloss ibis 649 ibises 649 Glottis 204, 210 Gnat-catcher black-capped 261 blue-gray 260, 261 plumbeous 261 Gnat-catchers 242, 260 Gnathotheca 103 Gnome owl californian 514 ferrugineous 514 Gnome owls 514 Goatsuckers 447 true 448 Godwit american black-tailed 636 european black-tailed 636 great marbled 635 hudsonian 685 pacific bar-tailed 636 white-tailed 636 Godwits 616, 634 Golden crown sparrow 382 eagle 554 eagles 553 pheasants 575 plover 599 robin 408 swamp warblers 291 Golden warbler 298 chestnut-headed 298 Golden-cheeked warbler 300 Golden-crested kinglet 260 Golden-crowned accentor 308 thrush 308 wag-tail warbler 308 Golden-eye 704 Golden-winged woodpecker 493 Goldfinch american 354 arizona 355 arkansaw 355 black-headed 356 lawrence’s 355 mexican 355 Goldfinches 354 american 354 Gold-tits 269 Gonys 103, 166 Goosander 716 Goose american white-fronted 684 barnacle 687 black brant 688 blue snow 685 brant 687 canada 688 common wild 688 emperor 686 european white-fronted 684 hutchins’ 689 large white-cheeked 688 least snow 686 lesser snow 686 painted 686 ross’ 686 smaller white-cheeked 689 snow 685 ‘ Gorget hummers 461 Gorglets 99 Goshawk american 530 european 529 ‘ western 531 Goshawks 530 Goura 563 Graafian follicle 220 Grace’s warbler 306 Grackle bluesheaded 411 boat-tailed 412 brass 413 green 414 purple 418 rusty 411 texas 412 Grackles 410 rusty 411 Gracuiavus agilis 827 anceps 827 lentus 827 pumilus 826 velox 826 Graculus 4 idahensis 824 macropus 824. Gradation of tail 117 Grallatores altinares 648 Grallatorial anseres 677 foot 129, 130 Granatellus 287, 311 Granulation of podotheca 125 Grass quit 392 plover 641 sparrows 364 Grass finch 364 western 365 Grasshopper sparrow:365 henslow’s 366 le conte’s 366 Grasshopper sparrows 365 Grass-snipe 626 Gravity, centre of 91 Gray duck 693 forked-tailed petrel 782 geese 684 greenlet 334 grouse 579 jays 425 ingbird 433 little flycatcher 443 owls 508 phalarope 614 ruffed grouse 585 shrikes 337 ; snipe 622 song sparrow 372 star buzzard 551 towhee 398 Gray-back 632 Grax‘acheeked thrush 247 Gray-headed snowbird 379 Gray-winged gull 742 Great black-backed gull 742 blue heron 657 carolina wren 277 crested flycatcher 434 egret herons 658 gray owl 509 herons 657 horned owl 503 marbled godwit 685 northern diver 789 northern shrike 337 white egret 658 white heron 658 INDEX. Greater coverts 110 longbeak 623 scaup duck 701 shearwater 785 telltale 638 titmouse 263 yellowshanks 638 Great-footed hawk 534 Grebe american eared 796 american red-necked 794 crested 794 clark’s 794 european eared 795 horned 795 pied-billed 797 st. domingo 796 western 793 Grebes 792, 794 spear-bill 793 thick-bil] 796 Green finch 398 grackle 414 heron 662 jays 424 sandpiper 689 Green-backed humming-bird 463 Green-crested flycatcher 441 Green-head 691 Greenland. gyrfalcon 583 mealy red-poll 353 Greenlet bell’s 885 black-capped 336 black-whiskered 332 blue-headed 333 brotherly love 382 cassin’s 333 gray 334 hutton’s 334 least 335 plumbeous 334 red-eyed 331 solitary 333 stephens’ 335 yellow-green 332 yellow-throated 333 warbling 332 western warbling 333 white-eyed 334 Greenlets 329 Green-shanks 639 Green-tailed towhee 898 , Groove-billed ani 472 Grosbeak black-headed 389 blue 390 cardinal 393 evening 342 pine 343 rose-breasted 389 Grosbeaks 340 blue 390 cardinal 893 song 388 Ground cuckoos 473 doves 566, 569 sparrows 360 warblers 310 Groups higher than genera 284 taxonomic equivalence of 738 843 Groups zoological 72 Grouse 576, 577 black’ 578 blue 579 canada 578 common sharp-tailed 581 dusky 579 franklin’s spruce 579 gray 579 gray ruffed 585 northern sharp-tailed 579 oregon ruffed 585: pale pinnated 584 pine 579 pinnated 583 pin-necked 583 pin-tailed 581 red ruffed 585 richardson’s dusky 579 rocky mountain snow 583 ruffed 584, 585 sage 580 sharp-tailed 581 snow 585 sooty 580 spotted 578 spruce 578 tree 578 willow 586 Gruber’s buzzard 553 Gruidee 666 Gruiformes 666 Grus americana 208, 666 canadensis 203, 667 fraterculus 667 haydeni 8238 pratensis 667 proavus 823 Guan, texan 578 Guans 573 Guillemot black 814 briinnich’s 818 californian 817 common 816 pigeon 815 sooty 815 spectacled 815 thick-billed 817 Guillemots 810, 816 Guinea-fowl 574 Guiraca 390 coerulea 390 Gula 96 Gular 96 Gular pouch 210 Gull american herring 748 american mew 746 black-headed 750 bonaparte’s rosy 751 californian 745 common american 745 european herring 743 european mew 746 fork-tailed 753 franklin’s rosy 751 glaucous 741 glaucous-winged 741 gray-winged 742 great black-backed 742 ice 741, 749 ivory 749 kittiwake 748 844 Gull ee 750 pallas’s 744 swallow-tailed 753 yeinhardt’s 745 ring-billed 745 ross’ rosy 753 western herring 744 white-headed 747 white-winged 741 Gull fulmars 778 Gulls 783, 789, 740 forked-tailed.753 hooded 749 ice 749 ivory 749 rosy 749 skua 734 wedge-tail 752 Gull-billed tern 757 Guns 1, 5, 6, 7 Gustation 191 Guttur 96 Gygis alba 755 Gymnocitta 418 cyanocephala 418 Gypetus barbatus 519 Gyparchus papa 557, 561 Gypogeranides 497 Gypogeranus serpentarius 497 Gypohierax angolensis 519 Gyrantes 562 Gyrfalcon american continental 532 american lanner 534 greenland 533 iceland 533 labrador 532 Gyrfalcons 532 Gyps fulvus 519 Gypsum 27 Hama arch 186 spine 187 Hemapophyses 187 Hematameeba cruentata 196 Hematic system 195 Hamatopodide 606 Hematopus 606 niger 607 ostrilegus 606 palliatus 606 Hzmatothermal 196 Hair-bird 380 Hairy woodpecker 483 Half-webbed foot 131 Haliaétus 554 albicilla 555 leucocephalus 555 pelagicus 555 Haliplana 756 Hallux 128 Halocyptena 780 microsoma 780 Halodroma 732 Halodrominz 778, 774 Halones of egg 222 Hammond's ycatchee 443 Hamulate bill 102 Hamuli 84 Hang-nest 408 Harderian gland 179, 181 Hare-footed buzzards 549 Harelda 706 glacialis 706 INDEX. Harlan’s buzzard 543 Harlequin duck 707 quail 594 Harpagornis 65 Harporhynchus 250 bendirii 252 cinereus 253 crissalis 254 curvirostris 252 lecontii 254 longirostris 251 palmeri 252 redivivus 253 = rufus bee arpy eagle 553 Baas Bl Harris’s buzzard 542 sparrow 384 woodpecker 483 Haunch bones 148 Haversian canals 134 Hawfinches, american 342 Hawk american marsh 521 black 549 blue 521 california squirrel 551 chicken 528, 580, 545 cooper’s 528 cuban sparrow 538 duck 534 fish 556 reat-footed 534 en 530 isabel sparrow 588 marsh 521 pigeon 528, 536 richardson’s pigeon 537 sharp-shinned 528 sparrow 537 winter 545 Hawk owl 511 american 511 european 511 Hawks 519, 526 sharp-shinned 527 Head of birds 92, 97 Hearing, sense of 184 Heart 196 Heel 120 Heermann’s song sparrow 872 Heliornithida 666 Helmet hummers 464 quail 591 Helmintherus 291 swainsoni 292 vermivorus 291 Helminthophaga 292 Helminthophila 292 bachmani 294 celata 295 chrysoptera 294 cincinnatiensis 298 lawrencii 293 leucobronchialis 293 lucize 294 5 peregrina 295 pinus 293 ruficapilla 294 virginia: 294 Heloise humming-bird 465 Hemiglottides 648 Hemipodii 571, 572 Hemispheres of brain 175 Heniconetta 709 Hen hawk 544 Hen, sage 580 Hens, marsh 671 Henshaw’s wren-tit 262 Henslow’s bunting 366 grasshopper sparrow 366 Hepatic tanager 318 Heredity 66 Hermit thrush 247 warbler 299 Herodiz 648 Herodias 658 alba 659 egretta 658 Herodii 654 Herodiones 647 } Heron black-crowned night 662 european blue 658 florida 658 great blue 657 great egret 658 great white 658 reen 662 ittle blue 661 little white 661 night 662, 663 snowy 660 wiirdemann’s 658 Herons 654 and their allies 647 blue and white 661 great 657 great egret 658 green 662 small egret 659 night 662 thick-bill night 663 true 657 Herpetotheres 519 Herring gull 7438 american 743 european 743 Hesperocichla 243 Hesperophona 342 vespertina 342 Hesperornis 63 crassipes 827 gracilis 827 regalis 63, 826 Heteroccelous vertebre 138 Heterodactyli 446 Heteroscelus 643 incanus 643 Hiator 652 High-holder 493 “ High,” in scale of organization 77 Himantopus 611 nigricollis 611 Himantornis hematopus 670 Hind limb 118 toe 128 Hip-joint 118 Hirundinide 319 Hirundo 321 erythrogastra 322 horreorum 322 rustica 319 Histrionicus 707 minutus 707 Hobbies 532 Holbéll’s red-poll 353 Holoblastic eggs 220 Holorhinal 165 Holothecal podotheca 125 Ilomalogonatous birds 195 Homology 67, 68 Honey creeper, bahaman 317 Honey creepers 317 Hooded crown sparrow 384 flycatching warbler 313 merganser 718 oriole 409 Hoodlum 344 Hooklets of feathers 84 Hooks, for eggs 52 Hoot owl 508, 509 Hoplopterus 597, 669 Horn-bill auk 805 Horned ebe 795 ark 281 owl, 504 puffin 801 screamers 665 wavy 686 Hornby’s petrel 782 Horns of hyoid bone 167 Horny integument of foot 124 House tinch 347 martin 320 sparrow 344 wren 278 Hudsonian curlew 645 godwit 635 titmouse 267 Humero-scapulare 145 Humerus 106, 107 Hummers amazili 466 attic 465 circe 467 fulgent 461 gorget 461 helmet 464 lightning 462 lucifer 466 queen 460 starry 465 xantus 460 Humming-bird allen 463 alexander 462 anna 464 broad-tailed 463 calliope 465 circe 467 costa 465 dusky-tailed 466 heloise 465 lucifer 466 red-backed rufous 462 refulgent 461 tuby-throated 461 rufous-bellied 466 xantus 460 Humming-birds 458 Hunger and fatigue 20 Huschke’s process 189 Hutchins’ goose, 689 Hutton’s greenlet 334 Hyacinths 675 Hyvaloid membrane 184 Hybrid snow-bird 378 INDEX. Hydralector 669 Hydranassa 660 tricolor 661 Hydrophasianus 669 Hygiene of collectorship 19 Hylocichla 80 Hylophilus 330 Hylotomus 480 pileatus 480 Hymenolemus malacorhynchus 699 Hyoid bone 1538, 167 Hypapophysis 137 cerebri 175 Hypoblast 226 Hypochondria 95 Hypocleidium 146, 147 Hypoglossal nerve 177 Hypognathous bill 101 Hyporhachis 84 Hypositta 269 TacueE 467 latirostris 467 Tbidorhyncha struthersi 618 Ibides 648 Ibididx 648 Ibis series 648 Ibis i ‘ ossy 649 eerie 651 white 651 white-faced 651 glossy 649 wood 653 Tbises 648 glossy 649 scarlet 651 white 651 wood 652 Ibycter 539 Ice gulls 749 Iceland gyrfalcon 533 Ichthyopsida 60 Ichthyornis 63, 64, 70, 77, 237 agilis 827 anceps 827 celer 826 Jentus 827 tener 828 validus 828 victor 828 | Icteria 312: longicauda 312 virens 312 Icteridee 399 Icteriinz 288, 311 Icterinz 406 Icterus 407 affinis 408 auduboni 410 bullocki 409 cucullatus 409 galbula 408 melanocephalus 410 parisorum 409 spurius 407 vulgaris 407 Tetinia 523 subceerulea 523 —ide (suffix) 78 Ideal plan of vertebra 135 Hlium 148, 213 Illinois summer finch 373 Imperial tern 757 | Impeyans 575 845 Implements for collecting 1 - ine (suffix) 78 Inca dove 570 Inca mystacalis 755 Incubation 226 Incumbent hallux 128 Indian hen 664 Indicatoridz 446 Indigo painted finch 391 Indigo-bird 391 Infra-orbital region 97 Infundibulum of ear 188 of oviduct 221 Ingluvies 212 Innominate bone 148 | Insect pests 55 | Insessores 238 Insessorial foot 129 Insistent hallux 128 Instruments 25 for eggs 51 Integument of foot 124 Interclavicle 147 Intermaxillary bone 100, 164 Intermediate crown sparrow 382 Intermedium 120 Internasal plate 151 Internodes of foot 121 Interorbital septum 153 Interramal space 97, 104 Interscapulare 95 Intestine 213 Tonornis 675 martinica 676 qerace savanna sparrow 361 tidoprocne 322 bicolor 322 Iris of eye 183 Tris swallows 322 Isabel sparrow hawk 5388 Ischiac artery 199 Ischium 148 Isomeres 229, 233 Isotomes 229, 238 Isthmus of oviduct 222 Ivory gull 749 Ivory-billed woodpecker 479 Iyngide 446 Tynx torquilla 105 JABIRU 653 american 653 Jacana, mexican 669 Jaganas 669 Jack curlew 645 Jackdaw 412 european 414 Jack-snipe 621, 626 er arctic 738 longed-tailed 738 parasitic 786 pomatorhine 735 Jagers 734 Japanese murrelet 812 Jaw-bone 166 Jaws of birds 100 Jay alaskan 425 arizona 425 blue 421 blue-fronted 422 black-headed 422 brown 419 846 Jay california 424 canada 425 crested blue 421 crestless blue 423 florida 423 long-crested 422 oregon 425 rio grande 424 rocky mountain 425 smutty-nosed 425 steller’s 421 woodhouse’s 423 Jays 414, 419 brown 419 crested blue 421 a blue 428 ‘ay 425 cree 424 Jejunum 213 Jerfalcon see gyrfalcon Jugal 4 bar 162 bone 162 Jugulum 96 Junco 377 aikeni 378 annectens 379 caniceps 3879 cinereus 379 connectens 378 dorsalis 379 hiemalis 377 oregonus 378 Jurassic birds 61, 62, 829 Kapiak song sparrow 372 u 665 Kennicott’s screech owl 505 warbler 259 Kentucky warbler 310 Berens 582 e "G6 the families 231 to the orders 280 Key west dove 571 Keys artificial 227 directions for using 227 Kidneys 317 Kildeer plover 600 Kin, eider 712 rail 672 King-bird 432 oray 433 ae er elted 470 texan green 470 Kingfishers 468 elted 469 piscivorous 469 Kinglet golden-crested 260 ruby-crowned 259 western golden-crested 260 Kinglets, 242, 259 Kirtland’s warbler 306 Kitchenmiddens 64 Kite black-shouldered 525 everglade 523 mississippi 524 swallow-tailed 526 INDEX. Kite white-tailed 525 Kites 522 lead 523 pearl 525 sickle-billed 523 swallow-tuiled 525 Kittiwake common 748 kotzebue’s 748 red-legged 748 short-billed 748 Kittiwakes 747 Kittlitz’s murrelet 813 Knee 120 cap 119 joint 119 Knives 25, 52 Knob-nosed auk 808 Knot 632 Kotzebue’s kittiwake 748 Krider’s red-tail 545 LABELLING, 21, 23, 53, 79 Labels 23, 24 Labrador duck 706 gyrfalcon 532 Labyrinth of ear, 187, 188, 190 of trachea 50, 202 Lacrymal bone 165 duct 179 gland 179, 181 Lacteals 199 Ladder-backed three-toed wood- pecker 485 Lady of the waters 661 Levo-carotidinz 198 Lagena 189 Lagopus 585 albus 48, 586 atkensis 588 leucurus 588 mutus 588 reinhardti 588 rupestris 587 scoticus 577 Laletes osburni 330 Lamellate bill 102 Lamellirostral 101 Lamellirostres 677, 824 Lamina spiralis 188 terminalis 175 Lamine of tarsus 125 Laminiplantar tarsus 125 Laminiplantation 126 Lampornis mango 459 Land rails 674 Laniide 336 Laniins 336 Lanius 337 borealis 337 excubitorides 338 ludovicianus 338 Lanner, american 534 Lanners 582 Laopteryx priscus 829 Laornis edvardsianus 828 Lapland longspur 357 Lap owl 509 Lapwing, crested 605 Lapwings 604 Lark Large-billed fox sparrow 386 puffin 803 wag-tail warbler 309 Larger white-cheeked goose 688 Laridx 733 panne 739 ar’ bunting 387 finch 384 savanna sparrow 363 sparrows 384 brown 286 field 406 horned 281 meadow 406 meadow mexican 406 meadow western 406 shore 281 western 282 southwestern 282 sky 282, 283 Larks, 280 meadow 405 Larus 740 affinis 745 argentatus 743 brachyrhynchus 745 eachinnans 744 californicus 745 canus 745 delawarensis 745 glaucescens 741 glaucus 741 heermanni 747 kumlieni 742 leucopterus 741 marinus 742 occidentalis 744 smithsonianus 743 Larvee of insects 55 Larynx 202 lower 204. Latitores 665 Laughing gull 750 Law of priority 80 Lawrence’s crested fly-catcher 436 goldfinch 855 stilt petrel 783 warbler 293 Lawyer 611 Lazuli painted finch 391 Leach’s petrel 781 Lead kites 523 Least : auk 808 bittern 664 bush-tit 268 flycatcher 442 greenlet 335 petrel 780 sandpiper 625 snow goose 686 tern 766 Le conte’s bunting 366 grasshopper sparrow 366 eg plumage of 122 relative length of 123 Leguatia gigantea 65 Length of leg, relative 123 “Lengths” of parts 24, 25, Leptosomatida: 446 Lesser coverts 110 scaup duck 701 snow goose 686 tell-tale 638 Lestornis crassipes 827 Lestridins 734 Leucocytes 196 Leucosticte 350 arctoa 852 atrata 350 australis 350 griseinucha 351 litoralis 351 tephrocotis 351 Lewis’ woodpecker 490 faghining hummers 462 Likeness, degrees of 71 Limicola platyrhyncha 617 Limicole 596, 828 Limosa 616, 634 zgocephala 636 foeda 635 hemastica 635 lapponica 636 nove-zealandiz 636 uropygialis 636 Limpkin 668 Lincoln’s song sparrow 370 Lingula 151 Lining of wings 110, 111 Linnet brewster’s 353 pine 354 Linnets 340, 353 red-poll 352 Linota 353 : flavirostris brewsteri 353 Little black crake 674 black-headed duck 701 blue heron 661 buff flycatchers 443 horned owls 504 olivaceous flycatchers 440 seed-eater 392 western flycatcher 442 white egret 660 heron 661 ° Liver 215 Lobate foot 131 Lobation 181 Lobe-foot phalarope 613 Lobes 98 Lobipes 613 ‘ yperboreus 618 Lobivanellus 597, 669 Loddigesia mirabilis 115 Loggerhead shrike 338 Lomvia 816: affinis 825 arra 817 antiqua 825 californica 817 svarbag 818 troile 816 Long-billed curlew 645 marsh wren 279 Long-crested jay 422 Long-eared owl 507 Long-exserted tail-feathers 116 Longirostral 101 Longipennes 732, 825 Long-legged tattler 633 INDEX. Long-shanks 611 Longspur lack-breasted 359 black-shouldered 358 bay-winged 359 chestnut-collared 358 lapland 357 painted 358. white-tailed 358 Long-spurs 357, 359 Long-tailed. chat 3812 chickadee 266 duck 706 jager 738 Long- winged swimmers 732 Loon black-throated 791 pacific black-throated 791 red-throated 791 yellow-billed 780 Teor ey - oose plumage Lophodytes 716 Lopholemus 564 Lophophanes 264 atrocristatus 265 bicolor 264 inornatus 264 wollweberi 265 Lophophorus 575 Lophortyx 591 californica 592 gambeli 898 Lophosteon 148 Loral 98 Lords and ladies 708 Lore 98 Lorum 98 Louisiana S clapper rail 672 egret 661 pipit 286 water thrush 309 Love doves 568 “Low ’’ in scale of organization 77 Lower larynx 204 Loxia 348 americana 349 reucoptera 348 mexicana 350 Loxiine tinches 340 Lucifer hummers 466 humming-bird 466 Lucy’s warbler 294 Lumbar vertebrz 140 Lunda 803 cirrata 804 Lungs of birds 200 Lustre doves 570 Lymph 199 Lymphatic system 195 Lymphatics 199 Lyre-bird 116 Lyrurus tetrix 578 MACARTNEYS 575 Macgillivray’s warbler 311 Wackotes 640 pugnax 640 Machinery of classification 78 Macrodactyli 665 Macropygia 564 Macrorhamphus 622 847 Macrorhamphus griseus 622 scolopaceus 622 semipalmatus 616 Magnolia 304 Magnum 107 Magpie 420 yellow-billed 421 Magpies 420 Maize-thief 404 Mala 98 Mele comyocle membranaceous 6 Malar region 98 Mallard 690, 691 Malleus 162 Mammalia 60, 69 Mandible 100, 166 under 103 upper 104 Mangrove cuckoo 476 Mantle 95 Man-of-war bird 731 Manubrium 144 Manus 106, 108 Manx shearwater 786 Marbled murrelet 813 Marble-wing sandpiper 642 Mareca 693 americana 694 penelope 694 Marginal fringes of toes 131 Marlin 635 ting-tailed 636 Marsh blackbird 404 blackbirds 400, 403 hawk 521 : hen 672 hens 671 owls 507 robin 396 tern 757 wren 279, 280 wrens 279, 280 Marsupium 184 Martin house 320 ae yellow-throat 310 Masked woodpeckers 483 Masking puffins 800 Massena partridge 594 Materialization 174 Materials for taxidermy 25, 26 Matrix of feathers 82 Maxilla 98 ; Maxillary bone 162 line 98 Maxillo-palatine bar 152 bone 162 Meadow pipit 285 starlings 405 Meadow lark 406 mexican 406 western 406 Meadow-wink 400 Mealy red-poll 353 american 353 greenland 353 Measurements, directions for 24 Meatus auditorius 97, 158 848 Meatus externus 185 internus 187 Mechanism of leg-bones 121 of wing-bones 106, 107, 108 Meckel’s cartilage 166, 152 ganglion 177 Median coverts 110 Medio-palatine ossification 178 Medio-tarsal joint 121 Mediterranean shearwater 784 Medulla oblongata 175 spinalis 176 Megapodidx 572 oan 572 Melanerpes 489 angustifrons 490 bairdi 490 erythrocephalus 489 formicivorus 489 Meleagridide 576 Meleagris 576 altus 823 americana 576 antiquus 823 celer 823 gallipavo 576 superbus 823 Melittarchus 432 Melopelia 569 leucoptera 569 Melospiza 369 cinerea 372 fallax 3872 fasciata 871 guttata 372 hermanni 372 lincolni 370 palustris 370 rufina 372 samuelis 372 Members of birds 92, 100 Membrana putaminis 222 tympani 154 Membranous labyrinth 188, 189 Meninges of brain 175 Mentum 98 Menura superba 116 Merganser hooded 718 red-breasted 49, 717 Mergansers 716 Mergina 716 Mergus 716 cucullatus 718 merganser 716 serrator 717 Merlin, american 537 Merlins 532 Meroblastic eggs 221 Meropide 446 Merry-thought 147 Merula 248 Mesencepbalon 175 Mesethmoid 160 Mesoblast 226 Mesometry 221 Mesomyodi 427 Mesomvodian 205, 289 Mesozoic 62 Messina quail 595 Metacarpus 106, 107 INDEX. Metagnathous bills 101 Metatarsal accessory 121 bones 121 spurs 133 Metatarsus 119 Metencephalon 175 Metopodius 669 Metosteon 144 Metovum 221 Mexican bluebird 258 brown towhee 397 cafion wren 276 chickadee 266 cormorant 728 creeper 273 cross-bill 350 flicker 493 goldfinch 355 jacana 669 meadow lark 406 snow-bird 379 Miasm 19 Micraster 519 Micrathene 515 whitneyi 516 Micropalama 623 himantopus 623 Migratory quail 595 Milvago 539 Milvine 522 Milvulus 431 forficatus 431 tyrannus 431 Milvus 523 Mimine 242, 248 Mimus 249 carolinensis 250 polyglottus 250 Miocene birds 64 Mississippi kite 524 Missouri titlark 286 Mitrephanes 443 fulvifrons pallescens 448 Mitrephorus 443 pallescens 443 Mniotilta 290 borealis 290 varia 290 Moas 65, 825 Mockers 249 Mocking-bird 250 mountain 249 Mocking thrushes 242, 248 Modivlus 188 Molothrus 401 seneus 408 ater 402 obscurus 402 Momotide 468 Momotus ceruleiceps 468 Monerula 224 Monogamy 226 Moose-bird 425 Morelet’s pygmy finch 392 Morphological classification 66, 68 Morphology 67 Motacilla 284 alba 284 ocularis 284 Motacillide 283 Motacilline 284 Moths 55 : Motor nerves 174 Mottled owl 505 ‘ Moult 88 of bill 103 Mound-birds 572 Mountain chickadee 266 plover 604 mocking-bird 249 quail 591 sparrow 345 Mounting birds 40 Mourning dove 568 warbler 311 Mouth 92, 210 Mucronate tail-feathers 116 Mud-ben 672 white-billed 676 Mud-hens 675 Mud swallow 323 Miillerian ducts 215 Mummification 47 Murre 816 Murrelet black-throated 811 craveri’s 814 kittlitz’s 813 japanese 812 marbled 813 short-winged 814 white-bellied 813 Murrelets nipper-nosed 811 peaked-nosed 812 Murres 810, 816 Muscicapa acadica 441 fulvifrons 443 querula 441 subviridis 441 Muscles of birds 192, 194 Muscular sense 191 system 192 tissue 192 Musophagide 446 Mute ewan 681 Mutilation 38 Muzzle-loader 2 Mycteria 653 americana 653 LElouiia aon 175 yiadestes 329 townsendi 329 striata 192 ~ Myiarchus 434 cinerescens 436 cooperi 435 crinitus 434 erythrocercus 435 lawrencii 436 mexicanus 436 Myiodioctes 313 canadensis 314 mitratus 313 pileolatus 314 pusillus 313 Myiodynastes 431 luteiventris 431 Myiozetetes texensis 430 Mylo-hyoid 211 Myology 192 Myrtle bird 301 Nat of bill 102 Nails of toes 132 Names, scientific 78 Nape 96 Nares 104, 178, 210 Narrow-fronted woodpecker 490 Nasal bones 165 fossa 104 gland 178 scale 105 turbinal 173 Nashville warbler 294 Natatorial foot 129, 181 Natural affinities 72 selection 66 Nauclerus 526 Neck 92, 96 Neochloe 330 Neocorys 286 spraguii 286 Neophron percnopterus 519 Nepheecetes 457 niger boyealis 457 Nerve-tissue 174 Nervous system 174 Nesonetta aucklandica 699 Nestor productus 65 Nests and eggs, collecting 50 Nests, plea for study of 54 Netting birds 4 Nettium 695 Neural arch 135 spines 137 Neurapophyses 187 Neurology 174 Neurameeba candida 174 cinerea 174 Nevada sage sparrow 376 New york water thrush 309 Nictitating membrane 179, 180 Nidification 227 Night heron blagk-crowned 662 yellow-erowned 663 Night herons 662, 663 Night-courser, white-throated 450 Night-coursers 449 Night-hawk cuban 454 texan 454 western 454 Night-hawks 453 Nightingale, virginian 393 Night-jar 452 * Night-jars 448 american 450 Nipper-nosed murrelets 811 Nocturnal birds of prey 498 Noddies 771 Noddy tern 771 Nomenclature 78 binomial 79 rules of 80 trinomial 80 Nomonyx 715 dominica 715 Non-melodious passeres 427 Nonpareil 391 western 391 Nootka humming-bird 462 North american birds classification of 234 INDEX. North american birds systematic synopsis of 287 Northern black cloud swift 457 brown crane 667 phalarope 618 sharp-tailed grouse 581 shrike 387 Northwest tish crow 417 Nostrils 104 Notaum 94 Notiocorys 285 Notochord 151 Notornis 143 woodpecker 486 Nucifraga caryocatactes 418 Number of phalanges 127 of toes 126 Numbering of toes 127 Numenius 618, 643 arquatus 644 borealis 646 hudsonicus 645 longirostris 645 pheopus 645 taitensis 646 Numida meleagris 574 Numidide 574 Nutcracker american 417 brown-headed 271 Nuthatch canadian 271 carolina 270 european 270 my 271 Pr bettied 271 slender-billed 271 white-bellied 270 poorwill 453 woodpecker 482 Nyctala 512 acadica 513 albifrons 513 richardsoni 512 tengmalmi 512 Nyctea 510 scandiaca 510 Nycterodius 663 violaceus 663 Nyctiardea 662 grisea nevia 662 Nyctibiine 448 Nyctidromus 449 albicollis 450 Oax-woops sparrow 873 Obliquus inferior 181 superior 181 Observations, record of 21 Obturator foramen 149 Occipital bone 156 condyles 156 style 725 Occiput 97 Oceanites 782 64 849 Oceanites oceanicus 782 Oceanodroma 782 furcata 782 hornbvi 782 Oculi-motor nerve 177 Ocydrominz 670 Ocyphaps 564 Odontoglossz 677 Odontoid process 139 Odontolcz 68, 238, 821 Odontophorine 588 Odontophorus 588 Odontornithes 821 Odontotorme 63, 237, 821 Cdemia 713 americana 713 fusca 714 perspicillata 714 trowbridgii 715 velvetina 714 Cidicnemine 597 Csophagus 211 Cstrelata 779 bulweri 780 fisheri 780 gularis 780 heesitata 779 Oil-gland 86 Old-field lark 406 Old-squaw 706 Old-wife 706 Old world partridges 594 quail 594 vultures 519 Olecranon 107 Olfaction 178 Olfactory foramen 160 lobes 175 nerves 176 Olivaceous flycatchers 440 Olive warbler 296 Olive-backed thrush 248 Olive-black towhee 396 Olive-sided flycatcher 438 Olor 682 Omos 106 Onychotes 552 gruberi 553 Ontogeny 71 Odlogy escribed 215 study of 50 QOdphoron masculinum 218 Opetiorhynchus 205 Ophthalmic nerve 177 Opisthocelous vertebre 138 Opisthocomi 571 Opisthocomus. cristatus 148, 571 Opisthotic bone 157, 187 Oporornis 309 agilis 309 formosa 310 Optic foramina 159 lobes 175, 176 nerves 176, 184 thalami 175 Orange-crowned warbler 295 Orbicularis oculi 180 Orbit of eye 97, 179 Orbital process of quadrate 162 region 97 Orbito-nasal] septum 160 850 Orbito-sphenoid 158 Orchard oriole 407 texas 407 Order 72, 73 jay 425 olive-backed thrush 247 snow-bird 378 song sparrow 372 ‘robin 245 ruffed grouse 585 towhee 396 Oreophasinz 572 Oreophasis derbianus 572 Oreophilus totanirostris 597 Organization, scale of 77 Organs of circulation 195 of digestion 209 of generation 217, 219 of locomotion 109 of respiration 199 of special senses 174 Oriole audubon’s 410 baltimore 408 black-and-yellow 409 black-headed 410 bullock’s 409 hooded 409 orchard 407 paris’ 409 texas orchard 408 Orioles 406, 407 Ornithichnites 62 Ornithium 443 imberbe 444 Ornitholite 63 Ornithological book-keeping 22 Ornithology defined 59 Ornithoscelida 62 Orortyx 591 picta 591 Oroscoptes 249 montanus 249 Ortalis 573 vetula maccalli 578 Ortolan (reed-bird) 401 (sora or rail) 678 Ortyx 589 floridana 591 texana 591 . virginiana 589 Ortyxelos meiffreni 572 Oscine podotheca 125 Oscines 69, 239, 240 Os humero-scapulare 145 innominatum 148 lacrymo-palatinum 165 magnum 107 prominens 108 uncinatum 165 Ospreys 556 Osseous system 184 Ossicles of ear 186 of wing 108 Ossicula auditis 136 Ossific centres 134 Ossifraga 777 gigantea 777 Osteameebee 149 Osteological preparations 48 Osteology 184 INDEX. Osteoses 134 Ostrich, skull of 169 Otahiti curlew 646 Otic capsule 156 anglion 177 Otidide 597, 665 Otis tarda 210 Otocrane 187 Otogyps auricularis 519 Otoliths 190 Ouzel 255 water 255 Ovaries 45, 46, 215, 219 Oven-bird 808 Oviduct 220 Ovisac 220 Oviposition 223 Ovulation 220 Ovum 216 Owl acadian 513 american hawk 511 american long-eared 507 american wood 509 arctic american saw-whet 512 barn 502 barred 509 burrowing 56 california screech 506 california gnome 514 cat 503 colorado screech 506 day 511 dusky horned 504 elf 516 european hawk 612 ferrugineous gnome 514 flammulated screech 506 florida barred 510 florida screech 106 florida burrowing 517 great gray 509 reat horned 503 oot 503, 509 kennicott’s screech 505 lap 509 little horned 505 - mottled 505 red 505 saw-whet 513 screech 505 + short-eared 507 snowy 510 spectral 509 texas screech 506 western barred 510 white horned 504 Owls, 498, 500, 502 barn 500, 501 brown 508 burrowing 516 eared 507 elf 515 ae horned 503 hawk 511 hoot 503 little horned 604 marsh 507 other an yemy 5 Tieeahel 612 screech 504 snow 510 Owls sparrow 514 Ox-eye 598 Oyster-catcher american 606 black 607 european 606 Oyster-catchers 606 PaciIFiIc bar-tailed godwit 636 black-throated diver 791 eider 712 fulmar 778 orange-crowned warbler 295 Pagophila 749 eburnea 749 Painted bunting 391 finch 391 indigo 391 lazuli 391. purple 391 finches 390 flycatching warbler 315 geese 686 ‘oose 686 longspur 858 Paisano 474 Paleoborus umbrosus 822 Palzocyecnus falconeri 682 Paleornithida 495 Paleornithine 495 Paleospiza bella 822 Paleotringa litoralis 828 vagans 828 vetus 828 Palamedea cornuta 665 Palamedeide 665 Pallas’ cormorant 728 gull 744 rosy finch 352 Palatal bones 163 structure, types of 168 Palate, hard 163 Palatine bones 163 Pale ring-neck 602 Palm warbler 307 Palmate foot 131 Palmation 131 Palpebree 97 Pancreas 215 Pandion 556 haliaétus 556 Panniculus carnosus 200 Panyptila 456 saxatilis 456 Parabuteo 542 Parachordal cartilage 151 Paradise tern 766 trogon 467 Paragnathous bill 101 Parasite 344 Parasitic jager 736 Parasphenoid 155, 159 Parauchenia 96 Paridee 263 Paring: 263 Paris’ oriole 409 Parietal bones 156 Parovaria 215 Parra 669 gymnostoma 133, 669 jacana 668 Parroquet auk 806 Parroquet, carolina 496 Parroquets 496 Parrots 494, 496 sea 800 Part I1 TT 59 III 237 IV 821 Partridge 576, 585, 590 blue 593 californian 592 european 588 florida 591 gambel’s 593 Massena 594 old world 594 plumed 591 scaled 593 spruce 578 texas 591 virginia 589 Parula 290 americana 290 nigrilora 291 pitiayumi 291 Parus 265 atricapillus 265 carolinensis 266 cinctus 267 evura 267 hudsonicus 267 meridionalis 266 montanus 266 neglectus 267 occidentalis 266 rufescens 267 septentrionalis 266 Passenger pigeon 566 Passer 344 domesticus 344 montanus 345 Passerculus 360 alaudinus 363 anthinus 363 bairdi 360 guttatus 364 princeps 361 rostratus 363 sanctorum 364 sandvicensis 362 savana 363° Passerella 385 iliaca 385, megarhyncha 386 schistacea 386 unalascensis 385 Passeres 69, 238 acromyodi 239 mesomyodi 427 Passerina 390 ameena 391 ciris 391 cyanea 391 versicolor 391 Passerine foot 129 sternum 145 Patella 119 Pathetic nerve 177 Pavo bicalcaratus 133 cristatus 575 INDEX. Peabody-bird 382 Peacock 575 Peaked-nosed murrelets 812 Peale’s egret 661 peregrine 536 etre! 780 Pearl kites 525 Pecten 184 Pectination of claws 132 of toes 132 Pectoral arch 145 | of carinate 146 of ratitee 146 Pectoral muscles 193 sandpiper 626 sandpipers 625 Pectoralis major 193 medius 193 minor 193 Pectus 95 Pedicle of quadrate bone 162 Pediocorys 285 Pediccetes 581 phasianellus 146, 581 columbianus 581 Pedionomus torquatus 572 Peep 624, 625 Pelargi 648, 652 Pelargomorphz 648 Pelecanide 721 Pelecanus 722 conspicillatus 722 crispus 722 fuscus 722 onocrotalus 722 rufescens 722 trachyrhynchus 722 Pelican, american brown 722 white 722 Pelicans 721 Pelidna 631 alpina 631 americana 631 pacifica 681 Pelvic arch 147 Pelvis 147 Penelopinz 573 Penguins 788 Pennaceous feathers 85 Penne 85 Pentosteon 107 | Perchers proper 238 Perdicine 594 Perdix 576 Peregrine falcon 534 Peregrines 532 Perilymph 190 Periosteum 134 Periotic bones 156, 157, 187 Perisoreus 425 ° canadensis 425 capitalis 425 fumifrons 425 obscurus 425 Perissoglossa 297, 305 Peristere 562 Peristeromorphz 562 Peristeropodes 572 Pernis apivorus 523 Pessulus 205 Pests, insect 55 851 Petrel black 781 black-capped 779 bulwer’s 780 fisher’s 780 pray fork-tailed 782 ornby’s fork-tailed 782 lawrence’s stilt 783 leach’s 781 least 780 peale's - pigeon 77! yemy 780 stilt stormy 782 stormy 78 white-bellied 783 white-rumped 781 wilson’s stormy 782 Petrels 778, 776 " diabolic 779 gadfly 779 gray fork-tail 782 pigeon 779 sooty fork-tail 781 stormy 7&0 stilt stormy 782 wilsonian stormy 782 Petrochelidon 323 lunifrons 3823 Petrosal bone 157, 187 Peuceea 373 stivalis 373 , arizone 374 boucardi 375 carpalis 375 cassini 374 eremceca 375 illinoensis 373 ruficeps 374 Pencedramus 296 olivaceus 296 Pewee water 437 wood 439 Pewit 437 Pewit flycatchers 436 Pezophaps solitarius 65 Phaéthon 731 ethereus 732 flavirostris 732 rubricauda 731 Phaéthontide 781 Pheethusa 755 Phainopepla 328 nitens 328 Phaleridinz 800 Phaleris 806 Phalacrocoracide 723 Phalacrocorax 726 albociliatus 728 bairdi 729 bicristatus 728 carbo 726 cincinnatus 727 dilophus 727 floridanus 727 idahensis 824 macropus 824 mexicanus 728 penicillatus 728 perspicillatus 728 violaceus 729 Phalenoptilus 452 nuttalli 453 Phalanges 106, 108 of foot 121 852 Phalanges number of 127 caprimulgine 127 cypseline 127 Phalanx 106, 108, 124 Phalarope gray 614 northern 613 red 614 red-necked 613 wilson’s 612 Phalaropes 612 coot-foot 614 fringe-foot 612 lobe-foot 613 Phalaropodidx 612 Phalaropus 614 fulicarius 614 Phalcobeenus 539 Phaps 564 Pharomacrus mocinno 115, 467 Pharynx 210 Phasianide 575 Phasianus colechicus 574 reevesi 575 Phasidus miger 575 Pheasant (English) 574 «Pheasant ’’ (American) 585 Phegornis mitchelli 597 Philacte 686 canagica 685 Philip sparrow 344 Philohela 615, 619 minor 619 Phlogeenas 564 Phodilus badius 500 Pheebe 437 Pheenicopteride 678 Pheenicopterus 678 andinus 678 ruber 679 Pheenicorodias 678 Phonipara 392 zena 392 Phylloscopus 259 borealis 259 Phylogeny 71 Phylum 66 Pia mater 176 Pica 420 hudsonica 420 nuttalli 421 rustica 420 Picarie 444, 822 Picarian birds 444 Picicorvus 417 columbianus 418 Picidee 477 Piciform birds 476 Piciformes 446, 476 Picoides 484 americanus 485 arcticus 485 dorsalis 485 Picumnide 446 Picus 480 borealis 481 ene 483 arrisi 483 Tucasanus 482 major 477 nuttalli 482 pubescens 483 scalaris 481 stricklandi 482 | Pi INDEX. Picus villosus 483 Pied duck 706 Pied-billed grebe 797 Pies 420 smoky 419 Pigeon guillemot 815 hawk 528, 536 petrel 779 woodpecker 493 Pigeon band-tailed 565 passenger 566 prairie 641 red-billed 565 sea 814 white-collared 565 white-crowned 565 wild 566 Pigeons 562, 564 Pigeon-toed fowls 572 Pileated woodpecker 480 Pileum 97 ine bullfinches 343 finch 354 grosbeak 343 rouse 579 innet 354 warbler 307 Pineal body 175 Pine-creeping warbler 307 Pinicola 343 enucleator 343 Pinion 106. 108 Pink-sided snow-bird 379 Pinnated grouse 583 Pin-neck grouse 583 Pinnatipedes 67 Pintado petrel 779 Pin-tail doves 568 duck 692 grouse 581 Pin-winged doves 567 Pipilo 395 aberti 398 albigula 397 alleni 396 arcticus 396 chlorurus 398 crissalis 897 erythrophthalmus 396 fuscus 397 maculatus 396 megalonyx 397 mesoleucus 397 oregonus 396 Piping plover 602 Pipit savanna sparrow 363 Pipit louisiana 286 meadow 285 sprague’s 286 Pipits 283, 285 sky 286 Piscivorous kingfishers 469 Pitangus 430 derbianus 430 Pituitary hody 175, 176 space 151 Plain tit-mouse 264 Planesticus 80 Planta 124 Plasma 196 Platalea 650 leucorodia 650 | Plataleidee 651 Plates of podotheca 124 Platycercine 495 | Platycichla 328 Plectrophanes 356 nivalis 356 Plectropterus gambensis 684 Pleura 95 Pleurapophyses 137 Pleurosteon J4# Plegadis 649 falcinellus 649 guarauna 649 | Pliocene birds 64 Ploceidse 224, 340 Plotide 729 Plotus 730 anhinga 730 levaillanti 730 melanogaster 730 Plover 597 american golden 599 asiatic golden 600 belted piping 602 Bisel telite 598 pull-head 598, 599 european golden 600 european ring 603 european lesser ring 608 field 599, 641 four-toed 598 golden 599~ grass 641 kildeer 600 mountain 604 piping 602 prairie 604 ring 600, 602 ruddy 633 semipalmated 602 snowy ring 603 swiss 598 upland 641 whistling field 598 wilson’s 601 Ploughshare bone 142 Plume 85 Plumage 82 : changes of 88, 89 of foot 122 Plumbeous bush-tit 268 gnat-catcher 261 greenlet 334 Plumed partridge 591 quail 591 Plumous feathers 85 Plumulaceous feathers 85 Plumule 86 Pneumaticity of skeleton 135 Pneumatocysts 200 Pnenmatology 199 Pneumogastric nerve 177 Pochard - american 701 red-crested 701 Pochards 699 Pocket-lens 27 Podarginee 448 Podargus 448 Podasocys 604 montanus 604 Podicipedidee 792 Podicipes 794 auritus 795 californicus 796 cornutus 795 cristatus 794 dominicus 796 priests 794 olboelli 794 Podilymbus 796 podicipes 797 Podium 126 Podotheea 124 Point of the wing 114 Poison 26, 40 Pole-backed woodpecker 485 Polioptila 261 californica 262 coerulea 261 melanura 261 plumbea 261 Polioptilinz 242, 260 Pollex 108 Polyborine 539 Polyboroides 521 Polyborus 539 auduboni 539 cheriway 539 Intosus 589 Polyplectron 575 Pomatorhine jager 735 Pons varolii 175, 176 Pocecetes 364 confinis 365 gramineus 364 Poor skins, restoring 47 Poor-will, nuttall’s 453 Poor-wills 452 Pope 391 Pope’s nose 114 Portal system of veins 197 Portio dura 187 mollis 187 + Porzana 673 carolina 673 coturniculus 674 maruetta 673 jamaicensis 674 noveboracensis 674 Position of digits 128 Post-frontal bone 157 processes 156 Post-oral arch 152, 154 Post-orbital region 97 Post-palatine processes 164 Post-sacral verebre: 142 Post-zygapophyses 137 Powder, gun 4 Powder-down feathers 86 Precoces 88 Prairie chicken of the northwest 581 hen 583 falcon 534 pigeon 641 plover 604 warbler 305 Preening plumage 86 Premaxillary 100, 164 Prenasal cartilage 153, 155 Pre-oral arch 152 Prepalatines 164 Preparations osteological 48 INDEX. Preparations wet 48 Pressirostral 101 Presphenoid 158 Pre-zy gapophyses 137 Primaries 112 Primary coverts 110 . Primary, spurious 113 ‘Primordial kidneys 215 Princely tern 760 Priocella 778 tenuirostris 778 Priofinus 783 melanurus 783 Prion 776 Priority, law of 80 Procellaria 780 pelagica 781 Procellariide 773 Procellariine 776 Procelsterna 755 Proccelous vertebre 138 Procoracoid 145, 147 Progne 325 subis 325 Prometheus 302 ‘Pronation 109 _Pro-otic bone 157, 187 Propubis 149 Prosencephalon 175 Prosobonia leucoptera 618 Prothonotary warbler 291 Protonotaria 291 citrea 291 Protoplasm 196 Prototype 75 Prototypic groups 76 -Protovum 221 Protozoa 70 Proventriculus 212 Prusians an ‘i ilov sandpiper 63! Paaliinaens te melanotis 267 minimus 268 plumbeus 268 Pseudogryphus 558 californianus 558 Psilopedic birds 88 Psilorhinus 419 morio 419 Psittaci 494 Psittacide 495, 496 Psophiide 665 Ptarmigan 585 rock 587 white-tailed 588 willow 48, 586 Pteranodon beds 825 Pterocletes 562 Pterodactyls 62 Pterosauria 62 Pterygoid bones 163 Pteryla alaris 87 caudalis 87 cruralis 87 dorsalis 87 femoralis 87 humeralis 87 spinalis 87 ° ventralis 87 Pteryle 87 Pterylography 86 Pterylosis 86 Ptilogonatinz 327 853 Ptilogonys 328 Ptilonorhynchus 224 Ptilopedic birds 88 Ptilopus 564 Ptilosis 82 Ptinus brunneus 55 Ptychorhamphus 809 aleuticus 810 Pubes, Pubic, Pubis, 149 Pucrasia 575 uffin common 802 horned masking 801 large-billed 803 tufted 803 Puffins 800 masking 800 tufted masking 803 Puffinus amaurosoma 787 anglorum 786 borealis 784 conradi 825 creatopus 785 fuliginosus 787 kuhli 784 major 785 obscurus 786 opisthomelas 786 tenuirostris 787 Pug-nosed auk 806 Pullastree 562 Pulmonary organs 199 Pulmonic circulation 195 Pulviplumes 86 Pupil of eye 183 Purple bullfinches 346 crow-blackbird 413 finch 346 cassin’s 347 gallinule 676 grackle 413 martin 325 painted finch 391 sandpiper 629 Pygmy finch, morelets 392 finches 392 nuthatch 271 petrel 781 Pygopodes 787, 825 Pygostyle 114, 142 Pylorus 2138 Pyramidalis muscle of eye 181 Pyranga 317 estiva 318 cooperi 318 hepatica 318 ludoviciana 319 rubra 318 Pyrocephalus 444 mexicanus 444 rubineus 444 Pyrrhula 344 cassini 344 coccinea 344 Pyrrhuloxia 393 sinuata 393 Pyrrhurine 495 QuaA-BIRD 662 Quadrate bone 161 Quadrato-jugal bone 162 Quadratus muscle of eye 181 854 Quail 576,589. See also Partridge arizona 593 harlequin 594 helmet 591 messina 595 migratory 595 mountain 591 , old world 594 plumed 591 shell 593 valley 591 Quail doves 571 sparrow 365 Quake-tail, blue-headed 284 Queen hummers 460 Querquedula 694 carolinensis 695 erecca 695 cyanoptera 696 discors 696 Juesal 467 uill-feathers 112 uiscaline 410 uiscalus 412 eeneus 413 agleus 414 macrurus 412 major 412 purpureus 413 Quit, black-faced grass 392 Quits, grass 392 RaDI1aceE 106, 107, 108 Radius 106, 107 Raft duck 701 Rail california clapper 672 carolina 673 clapper 672 common 673 european land 675 king 672 little black 674 louisiana clapper 672 virginia 673 yellow 673 Rails 665, 669, 670, 671 land 674 Rallidz 669 Ralliform birds 669 Ralliformes 669 Rallinz 670 Rallus 671 crepitans 672 elegans 672 longirostris 672 obsoletus 672 saturatus 672 virginianus 673 Rami of bill 1038 Raptatores 496 Raptores 496, 822 Raptorial foot 130 Rasores 571 Rasoria] foot 181 Ratitee 69, 238, 825 Ratite birds 238 sternum 143 Raven american 416 white-necked 416 Ravens 415 Razor-billed auk 818 Record of observations 21 LODO IN DEX. Recti muscles of eye 181 Rectrices 115, 116 Recurvirostra 610 americana 611 avocetta 611 Recurvirostride 609 Red cross-bill 349 flamingo 679 game 577 owl 505 phalarope 614 ruffed grouse 585 Haden pall-stusulderee, blackbird 0) Red-and-white - shouldered black- bird 404 Red-backed humming-bird 462 sandpiper 631 snow-bird 379 Red-bellied nuthatch 271 snipe 623 woodpecker 488 Red-billed mud-hen 675 pigeon 565 tropic-bird 782 Red-bird cardinal 393 summer 318 western summer 318 Red-breasted merganser 717 sandpiper 632 snipe 622 woodpecker 486 , Red-cockaded woodpecker 481 Red-crested pochard 700 Reddish egret 661 Red-eyed cowbird 403 reenlet 331 Red-faced cormorant 728 Rede fronted flycatching warbler Red-head 702 Red-head ducks 699 Red-headed woodpecker 489 Red-legged kittiwake 748 Red-necked grebe 794 phalarope 618 Red-nosed auk 808 Red-poll american mealy 3538 common 352 greenland mealy 353 holbéll’s 3538 linnets 352 yellow warbler 307 yellow-bellied warbler 807 Red-shafted woodpecker 498 Red-shouldered blackbird 404 buzzard 545 Red-spotted blue-throat 258 Redstart american 316 blue-throated 258 Redstarts 315 Red-tail krider’s 545 st. lucas 545 western 545 Red-tailed buzzard 544 Red-throated. diver 791 woodpecker 487 Red-winge blackbird 403 blackbirds 404 thrush 245 Reed-bird 400 Reed wrens 277 Reeve 640 Reflex action 174 Refulgent humming bird 461 Regions of the body 94 Registration 21 Regulinz 242, 259 Regulus 259 calendula 259 olivaceus 260 satrapa 259 Reinhardt’s gull 745 Remiges 111 Reptiles 60 Respiration, organs of 199 Respiratory system 199 Restoration uf poor skins 47 Rete mirabile 199 Reticulate tarsus 124, 125 Reticulations of podotheca 124 Retina 180 Retrorse 105 Rhachis 84 Rhamphastide 446 Rhamphotheca 103 Rhea l70 | Rhinencephalon 175 Rhinoceros auks 805 Rhinocheetus jubatus 665 Rhinotheca 103 Rhodostethia 752 rosea 753 Rhyacophilus 639 ochropus 639 solitarius 639° Rhynchza 616 capensis 616 semicollaris 616 Rhynchofalco 589 Rhynchophanes 359 maccowni 359 Rhynchopine 772 Rhynchops 772 nigra 772 Ribs 142 Riblets 138 Rice-bird 400 Richardson’s dusky grouse 579 pigeon hawk 537 Rictal bristles 99 Rictus 105 Ridgway’s rosv finch 850 Rima glottidis 204 Ring dove 565 Ring plover 602 european 603 lesser european 603 snowy 603 Ring-neck duck 701 plover 602 Ring plovers 600 Ring-billed gull 745 Ring-tailed eagle 554 marlin 636 Rio grande jay 424 Rissa 747 brevirostris 748 kotzebuii 748 tridactyla 748 River ducks 689 Road runner 474 Robin 244 allied 244 golden 408 marsh 396 oregon 245 st. lucas 244 Robin-sandpiper 632 Robin-snipe 632 Rock ptarmigan 587 swift, white-throated 456 swifts 456 ‘ wrens 275 Rocky mountain blue-bird 258 garrot 704 jay 425 snow grouse 588 Rodgers’ fulmar 778 Rollulus 576- Rook, vocal organs of 206 Rose flycatching warblers 314 tanager 318 Roseate — - spoonbill 651 tern 766 Rose-breasted finch 348 song grosbeak 389 Ross’ goose une ros. 75 Hisithames 523 plumbeus 523 sociabilis 523 Rostrum 100 of sphenoid 158 of sternum 144 Rosy finch allen’s 350 baird’s 351 brandt’s 351 pallas’s 352 ridgway’s 350 swainson’s 351 Rosy finches 350 Rosy gull bonaparte’s 751 franklin’s 751 ross’ 753 Rosy gulls 749 Rough-winged swallow 324 Royal tern 759 Ruby-crowned kinglet 259 Ruby-throated humming bird 461 Rudder ducks 715 Rudders 115 | plover 633 Ruff 640 Ruffed grouse 584, 585 Ruffs of birds 97 Rufous-bellied humming-bird 466 Rufous-crowned summer finch 374 Rufous-tailed crested flycatcher 435 flycatchers 434 INDEX. Rugex 103 Rules of nomenclature 80 Rump 94 Runner, road 474 Russet-backed thrush 247 Rusty grackles 411 song sparrow 372 Rusty-crowned falcon 587 Ruticilla 258 Sacrau plexus 141 vertebrae 140 Sacro-iliac anchylosis 147 Sacr6-sciatic notch 148 Sacrum 140, 141, 147 Saddle-back 742 Sage cock 580 ‘ouse 580 en 580 Sage sparrow black-faced 376 california 376 nevada 376 Sage sparrows 375 Sage thrasher 249 Sagmatorhina lathami 805 suckleyi 806 Saguaro woodpecker 488 Saint domingo duck 715 grebe 796 Saint lucas cactus wren 275 red-tail 545 robin 244 savanna sparrow 364 thrasher 253 woodpecker 482 Salivary glands 210 Salpinctes 275 obsoletus 275 Salt-water marsh-hen 672 Samuels’ song sparrow 872 Sanderling 633 San diego savanna sparrow 368 Sandhill crane 667 Sand-pigeons 562 Sandpiper aleutian 629 american green 639 ash-colored 632 baird’s 625 bartramian 641 black-bellied 631 black-breasted 630 buff-breasted 642 cooper’s 627 curlew 632 ferrugineous 632 reen 639 least 625 red-breasted 632 pectoral 626 purple 629 prybilov 630 robin 632 semipalmated 624 sharp-tailed 628 spotted 640 spoon-billed 634 stilt 623 855 Sandpiper western semipalmated 625 white-rumped 627 Sandpipers 617 eurlew 631 dunlin 631 feather-leg 628 fighting 640 marble-wing 642 pectoral 625 purple 628 semipalmated 625 spotted 640 spotty-throat 625 Sandwich tern 761 Sap-sucking woodpeckers 488 Sarcorhamphus yryphus 557 Sasia 126, 127 Saurognathism 173 Saurognathous skull 178 Sauropsida 60 Saurotherina 473 Saurure 237, 821 Savanna blackbird 472 Savanna sparrow baird’s 360 beaked 363 common 863 ipswich 361 lark 363 pipit 363 san diego 363 st. lucas 363 Savanna sparrows 360 Saw-bills 468, 716 Saw-whet ow] 513 arctic american 512 Saw-whet owls 512 Saxicola 256 cenanthe 256 Saxicoline 242, 256 Sayiornis 436 fusca 437 nigricans 487 sayi 437 Say’s pewit flycatcher 487 Scala media SP sig t ani anttbiell 188 Scale, nasal 105 Scale of organization 77 Scaled dove 570 partridge 593 Scansores 445 Scansorial foot 130 Scape 84 Scaphoid tail 118 Scapholunare 106, 107, 108 Scapula 107, 146 accessoria 108, 145 Scapular arch 49, 145, 146 Scapulare 94 Scapulars 94 Scardafella 570 inca 570 Scarlet ibis 651 tanager 318 Scaups 699 Schizognathism 170 Schizognathous skull 170 Schizorhinal nasals 165 Schizothecal podotheca 125 Science defined 59 856 Scientific names 78 Scissors 25, 52 Scissor-tail 431 Scleroskeletal bones 134 Sclerosteous bones 168 Sclerotal bones 182 Sclerotic 180, 182 Scolecophagus 411 cyanocephalus 411 ferrugineus 411 Scolopaceous courlan 668 Scolopacide 614 Scolopax 615, 620, 828 rusticula 620 Scops 504 asio 505 bendirii 506 flammeola 506 floridana 506 kennicotti 505 maccalli 506 maxwellx 506 trichopsis 506 Scopus umbretta 652 Scoter american black 713 velvet 714 Scoters 713 Screech owl 505 california 506 colorado 506 flammulated 506 florida 506 kennicott’s 505 texas 506 Screech owls 504 Scutella 124 Scutellate podotheca 124 Scutelliplantar tarsus 124 Sea coot 713, 714 ducks 698 eagles 554 parrot 802 parrots 800 Sea-dove 810 Sea-pigeon 814 Sea-shore sparrow 368 Sea-side finch 367 florida 368 sparrows 867 Sea-swallow 762 Secondaries 113 Secondary coverts 110 sexual characters 89, 90 Seed-eater, little 392 Segmentation of the vitellus 224 Selasphorus 462 alleni 462 henshawi 463 platycercus 463 rufus 463 Selection natural 90 sexual 90 Sella turcica 198 Semen 218 Semicircular canals 188, 189 Semilunar membrane 205 Semipalmate foot 131 tattlers 636 Semipalmated plover 602 INDEX. Semipalmated sandpiper 624 Semipalmation 131 Semiplumes 86 Semitendinosus 195 Senex 539 Sennett’s warbler 291 Sense of | hearing 184 sight 178 smell 178 taste 191 touch 191 Sensori-motor nerves 174 Sensory nerves 174 Septo-maxillary 163, 173 Septo-nasal 173 Q Serrate bill 102 Serration of tarsus 125 Serum 196 Sesamoid bones 134, 168 of wing 108 Setirostres 449 Setophaga 315 picta 315 ruticilla 316 Setophagine 288, 312 Sex, determination of 45 Sexual characters 89, 90 selection 90 Shaft of feather 84 Shag 726 Shank 119 Shapes of tail 117 Sharp-shinned hawk 527, 528 Sharp-tailed finch 368 grouse 581 sandpiper 628 Shearwater black-vented 786 black-tailed 783 cinereous 784 common atlantic 785 cory’s 784 dark-bodied 787 dusky 786 flesh-footed 785 greater 785 manx 786 mediterranean 784 slender-billed 787 smutty-nosed 783 sooty 787 wandering 785 Shearwaters 783 fulmar 783 Shell doves 570 uail 593 Shining fly-snapper 328 Shoe-bill 654 Shoot, how to 8 Shore-birds 596 Shore larks 281 Short-billed kittiwake 748 marsh wren 280 Short-eared owl 507 Short-legged tattler 648 Short-tailed albatross 775 tern 770 Short-winged murrelet 814 Shot 3 Shot- 1 Shoulder 106 Shoulder-blade 146 Shoulder-girdle 145 Shoveller duck 696 Shrike common american 338 eat northern 337 loggerhead 338 white-rumped 338 Shrikes ae ay 337 ae 336 Shuffler 701 Sialia 257 arctica 258 mexicana 258 sialis 257 Siberian titmouse 267 wagtail 284 Sickle-bill 645 Sickle-billed kites 523 Sierra jay 422 Sight, sense of 178 Sigmoid flexure of neck 93 Silk buntings 387 Silver-tongue 371 Simorhynchus 806 cassini 808 cristatellus 807 dubius 807 psittaculus 806 pusillus 808 pygmeus 808 tetraculus 807 Sinciput 97 Singing of birds 206 Sinus rhomboidalis 176 Siskin, american 354 Siskins 353 Sitta 270 aculeata 271 cesia 270 canadensis 271 carolinensis 270 pusilla 271 pygmea 271 Sittella 269 Sittide: 269 Sitodrepa panicea 55 Siurus 308 auricapillus 308 motacilla 309 navius 309 notabilis 309 Skeleton of birds 134 Skeletonizing 48 Skimmer, black 772 Skimmers 772 peimming birds 28 Skua gulls 734 Skull of birds 149 Skull, development of fowl’s 151 Skunk blackbird 400 Skylarks 282, 283 Sky pipits 286 Slate-colored fox sparrow 386 Slit-nosed longwings 733 Slender-billed fulmar 778 nuthatch 271 shearwater 787 Small egret herons 659 green-crested flycatcher 441 Small-billed creeper 290 Smaller white-cheeked goose 689 Smell, sense of 178 Smoky pies 419 Sinutty-nosed jay 425 shearwater 783 Snake-bird 730 Snake killer 474 Snaring birds 3 Snipe 614, 620 american 621 english 621 european 621 grass 626 ray 622 jack 621, 626 red-bellied 623 red-breasted 622 robin 632 stone 638 true 620 web-toed 622 wilson’s 621 Snow bunting 356 geese 685 goose 685 grouse 585 owls 510 sparrows 377 Snow-bird black 377 cinereous 379 eastern 377 pray hese 879 brid 378 mexican 379 oregon 378 pink-sided 379 red-backed 379 white-winged black 378 Snow-birds 377 Snowflake 356 Snowy heron 660 owl 510 ring plover 603 Snub-nosed auk 807 auks 806 Solan goose 720 Solitaire 65 Solitary greenlet 333 sandpiper 689 tattler 639 Somateria 708, 710 dresseri 712 fischeri 710 mollissima 710 spectabilis 712 stelleri 709 y-nigrum 712 Somatopleura 226 Song of birds 206 Song grosbeak i lack-headed 389 rose-breasted 389 Song grosbeaks 388 Song sparrow 371 cinereous 372 ay 372 iak 372 lincoln’s 370 oregon 372 INDEX. Song sparrow rusty 372 samuels’ 372 swamp 370 Song sparrows 369, 371 Songless passeres dar Sooty albatross 776 fork-tail petrel 781 grouse 580 guillemot 815 shearwater 787 tern 768 Sora 673 Soree 673 Southeast fish crow 417 Southern sand-hill crane 667 South-southerly 706 Southwestern shore lark 282 Spanish curlew 651 Sparrow 344 arizona chipping 380 artemisia 376 baird’s savanna 360 beaked savanna 363 black-chinned 381 black-faced sage 376 bleached yellow-winged 366 brewer’s 381 california sage 376 chipping 380 cittereous song 372 clay-colored 381 common savanna 363 eastern fox 385 english 344 european 344 field 380 fox 385 gambel’s crown 383 golden crown 383 Beasrhoppen 8 Tay son, fea 384 heermann’s song 372 henslow’s grasshopper 366 intermediate crown 338 ipswich savanna 361 kadiak song 372 large-billed fox 386 lark 384 lark savanna 363 le conte’s grasshopper 366 lincoln’s song 370 mountain 34: nevada sage 376 oak-woods 873 oregon song 372 pipit savanna 363 rusty song 372 sage 376 saint lucas savanna 364 samuels’ song 372 san diego savanna 363 slate-colored fox 386 song 371 swamp song 370 texas 398 townsend’s fox 385 tree 379 white-crowned 383 white-throated 383 yellow-winged 365 Sparrow hawk 5387 cuban 538 isabel 538 857 Sparrow owls 514 Sparrows chipping 379 crown 381 fox 885 grass 364 grasshopper 365 round 360 ark 3884 quail 365 sage 375 savanna 360 sea-side 367 snow 377 song 369 Spatula 696 clypeata 696 Spatulate bill 102 tail-feathers 116 Spear-billed grebes 793 Specialized forms 76 Species 72, 78 Specific characters 72 names 80 Speckle-belly 684 Speckled carion wren 276 Speckle-tailed. wren 278 Spectacled eider 710 guillemot 815 Spectral owl 509 Spermatozoa 218 Spermophila 392 moreleti 392 Spheniscomorphe 171, 788. Sphenoid bone 158 Spheno-palatine ganglion 178 Sphenotic bone 156 Spinal accessory nerve 177 chord 176 column 187 nerves 177 Spine-tail grouse 580 swifts 457 Spirit-duck 705 Spiza 387 americana 387 townsendi 388 Spizella 379 agrestis 380 arizonz 380 atrigularis 381 breweri 381 domestica 380 monticola 379 pallida 381 Sphyropicus 485 nuchalis 486 ruber 486 thyroides 486 varius 486 Splanchnology 209 Splanchnopleura 226 Splenial bone 166 Spoonbill, roseate 651 Spoonbill ducks 696 Spoon-billed sandpiper 634 Spoonbills 651 american 651 Spotted grouse 578 sandpiper 640 858 Spotty-throat sandpipers 625 Sprague’s pipit 286 Sprig-tail 692 Spruce grouse 578 partridge 578 Spurious primary 113 Spurred towhee 397 Spurs of wing 114 of foot 182, 133 Spur-winged birds 114 Squamosal bone 157 process 157 Squatarola 598 helvetica 598 Squawk 662 -Stake-driver 664 Stands for birds 44 Stapedial cartilage 154 elements 186 Stapes 185 Star buzzards 551 Starling 427 Starlings american 399 meadow 408 old world 426 typical 426 Starnenadine 571 Starneenas 571 cyanocephala 571 Starry hummers 465 Steathornithine 448 Steatornis 448 Steganopodes 718, 824 Steganopus 612 wilsoni 612 Stelgidopteryx 324 serripennis 324 Steller’s eider 709 jay 421 Stellula 465 calliope 465 Stenonine duct 210 Stephens’ greenlet 335 Stercorarius 734 buffoni 738 parasiticus 736 pomatorhinus 735 skua 734 Sterna 756 aleutica 768 anesthetica 769 anglica 757 antillarum 766 eantiaca 761 caspia 757 dougalli 766 elegans 760 forsteri 763 fuliginosa 768 hirundo 762 macrura 764 maxima 759 superciliaris 766 trudeaui 767 Sterne 756 Sternine 754 Sterno-tracheales 202 Sternum 143 Sthenelus melanocorypha 682 Stigma of ovisac 221 INDEX. Stilt 611 petrel 783 sandpiper 623 stormy petrel 782 Stilts 609, 611 Stimulation 21 Stint american 625 wilson’s 625 Stock-dove 565 Stomach, examining 47 Stone-chat 256 Stone-snipe 638 Storage, cases for 56 Stork series 652 Storks 652, 653 true 653 Stormy petrel 781 petrels 780 Stragulum 95 Strepsilaine 608 Strepsilas 608 interpres 609 melanocephalus 609 Strickland’s wovdpecker 482 Striges 498 Strigide 502 Strigine 502 Stringopine 495 Stringops habroptilus 76, 238, 495 Striped flvcatchers 431 Strisores 445 Strix 508 alleni 510 aluco 508 cinerea 509 lapponica 509 nebulosa 509 occidentalis 510 Struthio 170 Struthious birds 69, 238, 825 Structure : anatomical 133 epidermic 82 of birds 59 of feathers 84 types of 74 Stuffing birds 40 Sturnella 405 magna 406 mexicana 406 neglecta 406 Sturnellinz 405 Sturnide 426 Sturnine 426 Sturnus 426 vulgaris 427 Stylo-hyal 186 Stvlo-hyoid 211 Sub-, the prefix 78 Subgenus 80 Submaxillary line 98 Subocular bar 152 Subspecies 79 Success, qualifications for 5 Sula 720 bassana 720 leucogastra 720 loxostyla 824 Sulcate claws 133 Sulci 103 Sulcus, nasal 104 Sulide 720 Sulphide of carbon 57 Sulphur-bellied flycatcher 431 Sultan gallinules 675 Summer duck 698 finch arizona 374 bachman’s 373 bay-winged 375 boucard’s 375 cassin’s 874 illinois 373 rufous-crowned 374 finches 373 redbird 218 tanagers 317 warbler 298 ellow-bird 298 Sun-birds 666 Super-, the prefix 78 Superior maxillary nerve 177 Supernature 59 Superorbital gland 178 Supination 109 Supra-occipital 156 Supra-orbital 97 Supra-renal capsules 46 Surangular bone 166 Surf duck 714 ducks 713 Surf-bird 605 Surnia 511 funerea 511 ulula 512 Suspensorium of mandible 152 Suture of bones 134 Swainson’s buzzard 546 rosy finch 351 warbler 292 Swallow bank 320 barn 322 chimney 457 cliff 323 crescent 323 eaves 323 mud 323 rough-winged 324 violet-green 323 white-bellied 322 Swallows 319 bank 323 barn 321 cliff 323 iris 822 yon ty need 823 violet-velvet 322 Swallow-tailed flycatcher 431 ull 753 ite 526 kites 525 Swamp song sparrow 370 warblers, golden 291 Swan bewick’s 683 common american 682 whistling 682 whooping 688 trumpeter 682 Swans 681 white 682 Swift chimney 457 northern black cloud 457 Swift rock 456 vaux’s 458 white-throated 456 Swifts 455, 456 chimney 457 “cloud 457: rock 456 spine-tailed 457 Swiss plover 598 Sylvia carbonata 308 montana 3808 Sylvicolide 287 Sylvicolinz 288, 289 Symbolic formulation wanted 78 Symmetrical figures from feathers 83 Sympathetic nervous system 174, 117 Symphemia 636 semipalmata 637 Symphysis mandibular 166 pubic 147 Syndactyle foot 129 Syngnesious foot 129 Synopsis, systematic of n. a. birds 237 of fossil birds 821 Synthliborhamphus 811 antiquus 811 umizusume 812 Syrinx 204, 239, 240 Syrnium 511 Systematic synopses 237, 811 TABULAR VIEW of higher groups 34, Taction 191 Tachybaptes 796 Tachycineta 322 thalassina 323 Tachypetes 731 aquilus 731 Tachypetidz 730 Tadorna vulpanser 684 Tail 114 shapes of the 117 Tail-bones 114 Tail-coverts 115 Tail-sacrals 141 Taking cold 19 Tanager cooper’s, 318 crimson-headed 319 hepatic 318 louisiana 319 rose 318 scarlet 318 summer 318 western summer 318 Tanagers 317 summer 317 Tanagride 317 Tantalinz 652 Tantalops 653 loculator 653 Tantalus 653 ibis 653 loculator 653 Tarsal bones 119, 120 cartilages of eye 180 Tarso-metatarsus 119, 120 INDEX. | Tarsus, 121, 122, 125, 239 Taste, sense of 191 Tattler Laetitia 641 ong-legged 631 seitiipalaiol 637 short-legged 643 wandering 643 Tattlers 618 green 639 semipalmated 636 solitary 639 Taxidermy 28 Tena equivalence of groups 3 Taxonomy 65 Teal 694 american green-winged 695 blue-winged 696 cinnamon 696 european green-winged 696 Tectrices 110, 115 inferiores (tail) 115 inferiores (wing) 110 superiores (tail) 115 superiores (wing) 110 majores 110 medic 110 minores 110 Tegumentary system 82 Telmatornis affinis 829 priscus 829 Teleotype 75, 76 Teleotypic groups 76 Telmatodytes 279 paludicola 279 palustris 279 Temminck’s auk 812 Temporal bone 157 region 97 Tendons of wing 109 Tengmalm’s owl! 513 Tennessee warbler 295 Tensor patagii 193 Tenuirostral 101 Terekia cinerea 617 Teretristis 287, 311 Tergum 95 Tern aleutian 768 arctic 764 black 770 bridled 769 caspian 757 cayenne 759 common 762 ducal 761 elegant 760 forster’s 763 gull-billed 757 imperial 757 least 766 marsh 757 noddy 771 paradise 766 princely 760 royal 759 roseate 766 sandwich 761 short-tailed 770 sooty 768 trudeau’s 767 white-headed 767 white-winged 770 859 Tern wilson’s 762 Terns 754, 756 Tertials 113 Tertiaries 113 Tertiary birds 64, 822 Testes, ‘Testicles, 45, 46, 215, 217 Tetradactyle birds 126 Tetraonide 576 Tetraonine 577 Tetrao urogallus 578 Tetrapteryx 666 Texan, Texas beardless flycatcher 444 cardinal 393 grackle 412 green kingfisher 470 guan 573 night-hawk 454 orchard oriole 408 quail 591 screech owl 506 sparrow 398 thrasher 251 woodpecker 481 wren 277 Thalamencephalon 175 Thalasseus 756 Thalassidroma 776 Thalassornis leuconota 699 Thamnophilus 205 Theory of evolution 60, 62 Thick-billed night-herons 663 Thigh or thigh-bone 119 Thinornis zelandiz 597 Thin skins 36 Thistle-bird 354 Thoracic duct 199 vertebrae 139 Thorax 142 Thrasher 251 arizona 252 bow-billed 252 crissal 254 california 253 curve-billed 252 st. luce 253 sage 249 venus 251 yuma 254 Thrashers 250 Thrasyaétus 553 harpyia 553 Three-toed birds of n. am. 126 woodpecker 485 ' black-backed 485 - ladder-backed 485 pole-backed 485 woodpeckers 484 Throat 96 Thrush brown 251 gray-cheeked 247 golden crowned 308 hermit, audubon’s 247 eastern 247 western 247 new york water 309 olive-backed 248 oregon vlive-backed 247 red-winged 245 russet-backed 247 * townsend’s flycatching 329 860 Thrush varied 245 water 309 willow tawny 246 wilson’s (or tawny) 246 wood 246 wyoming water 309 Thrush blackbirds 411 Thrushes 240, 243 flycatching 328, 329 typical 241, 2438 mocking 241, 248 Thryomanes 277 Thryothorus 277 berlandieri 277 bewicki 277 leucogaster 275 ludovicianus 277 miamiensis 277 spilurus 278 Thumb 108 Thyro-arytenoid muscles 204 Thyro-cricoid muscles 204 Thyro-hyal 167 Thyro-hyoid muscles 204 Thyroid cartilage 204 Tibia 119 Tibial spipses 120 Tibiale 120 : Tibio-tarsus 119, 120 Tichodroma muraria 272 . Tichodromine 272 Tiga 126, 127 Tigrisoma 654, 655 Timeliids: 262 Times to go a-shooting 11 Tinamide 574 Tinamou, skull of 170 ~~Titidmous 69, 574 Tinamus robustus 170 Tinea flavifrontella 55 Tinker 818 , Tinnunculus 531, 538 Titlarks 285 Titmice 263, 265 Titmouse black-capped 265 black-crested 265 bridled 265 chestnut-backed 267 european greater 263 hudsonian 267 plain 264 siberian 267 tufted 264 Tobacco, use of 21 Todide 446 oe none se oe ‘opography of birds 91, 94, amie, Tondam 103, 105 Tongue of birds 210, 211 Tooth-billed pigeon 563 Totanus 618, 638 flavipes 638 glottis 639 melanoleucus 638 Totipalmate irds 718 foot 131 Totipalmation 129 Touch, sense of 191 Towhee abert’s 398 arctic 396 brown 397 californian 397 INDEX. Towhee cafion 397 crissal 397 gray 398 green-tailed 398 mexican brown 397 olive-black spotted 396 oregon 396 white-throated brown 397 Towhee bunting 396 crissal 397 white-eyed 396 spurred 397 ' Towhees 395 Townsend’s bunting 388 flycatching thrush 329 fox sparrow 385 warbler 299 Trabecule of skull 151 Trachea 201 of ducks 50 of merganser 49 Tracheal labyrinth 202 syrinx 205 tympanum 202 Tracts, feathered 86, 87 Tragopans 575 Tramp 344 Transocular line 98 Transportation of birds 45 cases for 56 Trapping birds 3 Trays 84, 56 Tread of eggs 221 Tree cuckoos 474 duck, autumnal 689 fulvous 689 ducks 689 grouse 578 sparrow 379 Treron 564 Treviranus, lamelle of 189 Triassic formation 63 Tricolor woodpeckers 489 Tridactyle foot 126 birds 126 Trifacial nerve 177 Trigeminal nerve 177 Tringa 617, 632 canutus 632 Tringa, coot-footed 614 Tringoides 640 macularius 640 Trinomial nomenclature 80 Trivia 190 Trochanter 119 Trochilide 458 Trochilus 461 alexandri 462 colubris 461 Troglodytes 278 domesticus 278 arkmani 278 Troglodytid 273 Troglodyting 274, 277 Trogon 468 ambiguus 468 Trogon, copper tailod 468 Trogonide 468 Trogons 468 Tropic bird red-billed 782 Tropic bird yellow-billed 782 Tropic birds 731 Troupial 467 Troupialis 405 Trudeau's tern 767 Trumpeter swan 682 Trumpeters 665 Trunk of birds 92, 93 Tryngites 642 rufescens 642 Tuberculum of rib 143 Tubinares 773 Tufted cormorant 729 puffin 804 _ _ titmouse 264 Tulé marsh wren 279 Turbinal bones 160 Turdida 240 Turdine 241, 243, 328 Turdus 244 alicize 247 auduboni 247 confinis 244 fuscescens 246 iliacus 245 migratorius 146, 244 toustelinus 246 nevius 245 nanus 247 propinquus 244 salicicola 246 swainsoni 248 unalasce 247 ustulatus 247 Turkey eastern wild 576 _ mexican 576 Turkey buzzard 559 Turkeys 576 Turnices 571 Turnicide 571 Turnstone 606, 608, 609 black-headed 609 Turtur 564 Tylari 125 Tylorhamphus 806 Tympanic bone 161 Tympaniform membrane 205 Tympanum of ear 185 of trachea 202 e 75 Yypes of structure 74 of feathers 85 of palate 186 Typical and subtypical groups 75 Typical thrushes 241, obs Tyrannide 428 Tyrannine 428 Tyrannus 482 carolinensis 432 couchi 434 dominicensis 433 irritabilis 436 verticalis 436 vociferans 436, Tyrant flycatchers 423] Utnrornis lucaris 822 Ulna, 106, 107, 113 Ulnare 106, 107, 108 Umbilicus of feather 84 Unciform bone 107 Uncinate processes 142 Under mandible 100, 103 parts 94 tail-coverts 115 wing-coverts 110 Unfeathered spaces 86 Unguis of bill 102 Unicorn auk 805 eine plover 641 pper mandible 100, 104 parts 04 tail-coverts 115 _ _Wing-coverts 110 Upupide 446 Ureters 216, 217 Uria 814 carbo 815 poe e made 815 Urinary bladder 217 organs 215 Urogenital organs 215 sinus 214 Uro-hyal 167 Uropygial gland 86 Uropygium 94 Urosacral vertebree 114, 141 Urosteon 144 Urubitinga 552 anthracina 552 Utamania 818 torda 818 Valley quail 592 Valuation of characters 74 Vane of feather 84 Vanellus 604 cristatus 605 Varied bunting 391 thrush 245 Vascular system 195 Vas deferens 217 Vanx’s swift 458 Veery 246 Velvet scoter 714 Venous system 195 Venter 94, 96 Ventricles of brain 175 of heart 196 Ventriculus glandulosus 212 Vermilion flycatcher 444 Versatile toes 126 Vertebra, see Vertebrae Vertebre 137 caudal 141 cervical 138 coccygeal 141 dorsal 139 dorso-lumbar 139 thoracic 139 lumbar 140 plan of 135 sacral 140 urosacral 141 Vertebrarterial canal 139 Vertebrates, Vertebrata 60, 81 Vertex 97 Vesicles cerebral 175 seminal 218 INDEX. | Vesicule seminales 218 Vesper-bird 364 Vestibule of ear 188, 189 | Vibrisse 99 Violet-green cormorant 729 swallow 323 Violet-velvet swallows 322 Vireo, see Greenlet Vireo 330 altiloquus 332 atricapillus 336 barbatulus 332 belli 335 cassini 333 flavifrons 333 flaviviridis 332 ‘ilvus 332 uttoni 334 noveboracensis 334 olivaceus 331 philadelphicus 332 plumbeus 334 pusillus 335 solitarius 8383 stevensi 335 swainsoni 333 vicinior 334 Vireolanius 330 Vireonide 73, 329 Vireos 329 Virginia nightingale 393 partridge 589 quail 589 rail 678 Virginia’s warbler 294 Visceral arches 152 clefts 152, 158 Vision, sense of 178 Vitelline membrane 220, 221 Vitellus 220 Vitreous humor 180, 183 Vocal chords 205 organs 204, 205, 206 Vomer of coccyx 114 of skull 161 Vulture, black 560 Vultures american 557 old world 519 Vulturine 519 Vultur monachus 519 umbrosus 822 Waps 4 Wagtail : siberian 284 white 284 yellow 284 Wagtails 283, 284, 286 Wag-tail warbler 309 ‘olden-crowned 308 rge-billed 309 Wag-tail warblers 308 Wall creeper 272 Wandering shearwater 785 tattler 643 Warbler audubon’s 302 861 Warbler azure 301 bachman’s 294 bay-breasted_ 304 blackburn’s 302 black-and-yellow 304 piece sapped flycatching 818 black-poll 303 black-throated blue 300 gray 300 green 298 blue-eyed yellow 298 blue golden-winged 294 blue-winged yellow 293 blue yellow-backed 290 canadian flycatching 314 cape may 305 cerulean 301 chestnut-headed 298 chestnut-sided 304 cincinnati 293 connecticut 309 golden 208 golden-crowned wag-tail 308 golden-cheeked 300 grace’s 306 hermit 299 hooded flycatching 318 kennieott’s 259 kentucky 310 kirtland’s 306 large-billed wag-tail 309 lawrence’s 203 lucy’s 294 macgillivray’s 311 magnolia 304 mourning 311 nashville 294 olive 296 orange-crowned 295 pacific 295 painted flycatching 315 palm 807 pine 307 pine-creeping 307 prairie 305 prometheus 802 prothonotary 291 red-fronted flycatching 314 rose flycatching 314 sennett’s 291 summer 298 swainson’s 292 tennessee 295 townsend's 299 virginia’s 294 wag-tail 309 western 299 western yellow-rumped 302 western black-eapped flycatch- ing 314 white-browed 306 white-throated 293 worm-eating 292 yellow-bellied red-poll 307 yellow-crowned 301 yellow red-poll *07 yellow-rumped 301 yellow-throated 306 ellow-throated ground 310 Warblers american 287, 288, 312 blue yellow-backed 290 bush 309 creeping 290 golden 238 862 Warblers ground 310 fly-catching 312, 314, 315 old world 259 swamp 291 true ~ oa + Wwag-tai wood 296 worm-eating 291, 292 Warbling greenlet 332 vireo 332 western 333 Warrior, black 543 Washington, bird of 555 Water ouzel 255 pewee 437 Water-thrushes 309 Water-turkey 730 Waterwitch 797 Wattles 98 Wavey, horned 686 Waxwing bohemian 326 carolina 327 cedar 327 Waxwings 325 Weapons for collecting 3 Webbed foot 131 Web-toed snipe 622 Wedge-tailed gull 752 Western barred owl 510 black-capped warbler 314 bluebird 258 chickadee 266 dowitcher 623 golden-crested kinglet 260 goshawk 531 grass finch 365 grebe 793 hermit thrush 247 herring gull 744 house wren 278 meadow lark 406 night-hawk 454 nonpareil 391 red-shouldered buzzard 546 red-tail 545 shore lark 282 summer redbird 318 warbler 299 warbling vireo 333 winter wren 279 wood pewee 440 yellow-bellied flycatcher 442 yellow-rump 30: ‘Wet preparations 48 Whale-head 654 Wheat-ear 256 Whippoorwill 452 arizona 452 Whip-tom-kelley 3382 Whiskered auk 808 Whiskey jack 425 Whistler 704 Whistling plover 598 swan 682 White brant 685 crane 666 gannet 720 heron 658 horned ow] 504 ibis 651 INDEX. White pelican 722 wagtail 284 White-bellied murrelet 813 nuthatch 269 petrel 783 swallow 322 wren 278 White-browed crown sparrow 382 warbler 306 White-crowned pigeon 565 sparrow 3882, 383 White-eyed greenlet 334 towhee 396 White-faced glossy ibis 649 White-fronted dove 567 White-headed guil 747 sea eagle 555 tern 767 woodpecker 484 White-necked raven 416 White-rumped petrel 781 sandpiper 627 shrike 338 | White-tailed buzzard 542 ‘odwit 636 ‘ite 525 longspur 358 ptarmigan 588 sea eagle 555 White-throated brown towhee 397 night courser 450 rock swift 456 sparrow 382 warbler 293 White-tufted cormorant 727 | White-wing doves 569 White-winged blackbird 387 cross-bill 348 gull 741 snow-bird 378 surf duck 714 Whooping crane 666 swan 683 Wigeon american 694 european 694 wWigpone 693 Wild dove 568 duck 691 pigeon 566 turkey 576 Willet 637 Williamson’s woodpecker 487 Willow gtouse 586 ptarmigan 586 thrush 246 Wilsonian stormy petrels 782 Wilson’s autograph 58 bluebird 257 phalarope 612 plover 601 school-house 58 snipe 621 Wilson’s stint 625 stormy petrel 782 tern 762 thrush 246 Windpipc 202 tof merganser 49 Wing-coverts 110 Wing-feathers 109 Wings of birds 106 Winker of eye 180 Winter chip-bird 379 hawk 545 wren 278 alaskan 279 western 279 Wish-bone 147 Witch, black 472 Wolffian bodies 215 Wood duck 698 ibis 652, 653 owl, american 509 owls 508 pewee 439 pewee flycatchers 438 stork, american 653 thrush 246 Woodcock american 619 european 620 Woodcocks 615, 616, 619, 620 Woodhouse’s jay 423 Woodpecker black-breasted 487 black-backed three-toed 485 brown-headed 486 californian 489 downy 483 gairdner’s 483 gila 488 gilded 493 olden-winged 493 airy 483 harris’ 483 ivory-billed 479 ladder-backed three-toed 485 lewis’ 490 narrow-fronted 490 nuchal 486 nuttall'’s 482 pileated 480 pole-backed three-toed 485 red-bellied 488 red-breasted 486 red-cockaded 481 red-headed 489 red-shafted 493. red-throated 487 saguaro 488 st. lucas 482 strickland’s 482 texan 481 white-headed 484 williamson’s 487 yellow-bellied 486 yellow-fronted 488 Woodpeckers, 477 black-and-white spotted 480 bristle-bellied 490 gilded 491. masked 483 pileated 480 sap-sucking 485 three-toed 484 Woodpeckers tricolor 489 zebra 487 Wood-warbler, see Warbler Wood-wrens 259 Work, a good day’s 15 Worm-eating swamp warblers 291 warbler 292 Wrangel’s murrelet 813 Wren alaskan winter 279 bewick’s 277 floridian 277 great carolina 277 house, eastern 278 western 278 marsh, long-billed 279 short-billed 280 rock 275 speckled-tailed 278 texan 277 tulé 279 western winter 279 white-bellied 278 winter 278 Wrens 2738, 277 cactus 274 cafion 276 marsh 279, 280 house 278 reed 277 rock 275 true 277 winter 278 Wren-tit 262 henshaw’s 262 Wren-tits 262 Wright’s flycatcher 443 Wrist-joint 106 Wiirdemann’s heron 658 Wyoming water thrush 309 INDEX. XANTHOCEPHALUS 404 icterocephalus 404 Xanthura 424 luxuriosa 424 Xantus humming-bird 460 Xema 753 furcata 753 sabinii 753 Xenopicus 483 albolarvatus 484 Xiphoid process 144 YELK of eggs 220 Yellow crake 674 red-poll warbler 307 wagtail 284 Yellow-backed warbler, blue 290 Yellow-bellied flycatcher 442 red-poll warbler 307 woodpecker 486 Yellow-billed cuckoo 476 loon 790 magpie 421 tropic bird 782 Yellow-bird 354 summer 298 Yellow-breasted chat 312 Yellow-crowned night heron 663 warbler 301 Yellow-fronted woodpecker 488 Yellow-green greenlet 332 Yellow-headed blackbird 404 Yellow-rumped warbler 301 Yellowshanks 638 Yellow-throat, maryland 310 863 Yellow-throated greenlet 333 ground warbler 310 warbler 306 Yellow-winged sparrow 365 bleached 365 Yoke-toed birds 126 Yucker 493 Yuma thrasher 255 ZAMELODIA 388 ludoviciana 389 melanocephala 389 Zebra woodpeckers 487 Zebrilus 654, 655 Zenaida 568 amabilis 569 Zenaida dove 569 Zenaidine 566 Zenaidura 568 carolinensis 568 Zona pellucida 220 Zonotrichia 381 albicollis 382 botterii 374 coronata 383 ambeli 383 intermedia 383 leucophrys 383 querula 384 Zoological enacts 70 ‘oups 3 & table ot ‘apophyses Zee aetele 445 birds 126 foot 180 Zygodactylous arrangement 126 Zygoma 162 Zygomati¢ arch 162 i APPENDIX EXHIBITING THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION CHECK-LIST IN COMPARISON WITH THAT OF THE KEY, AND INCLUDING DESCRIPTIONS OF ADDITIONAL SPECIES, ETC. Note. In the Key List, the numbering is continuous, with few exceptions, and the letters a, h, etc., and the terms bis, ter, etc., indicate additions to the numeration of the Coues Check List of 1882, which was preserved in the Key, 1884. In the Union List the numera- tion is necessarily broken to make the comparison with the Key column, because the sequence of species in the Union List is different. In the latter, a, b, c, indicate sub- species; extralimital species have their respective numbers bracketed ; and the daggers (t) indicate the numbers of the ‘‘ Hypothetical ’’ List. COUES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886. 1. Turdus migratorius. 761. Merula migratoria. 2 migratorius propinquus ? 76la. — migratoria propinqua. 3. confinis. 762. confinis. 4. iliacus. (760.] Turdus iliacus. 5 nevius. 763. Hesperocichla nevia. 6 mustelinus. 755. Turdus mustelinus. i fuscescens. 756. fuscescens. - Ta. fuscescens salicicola. 756a. fuscescens salicolus. 8. unalasce. 759. aonalaschke. 9. unalasce auduboni. 759a. aonalaschke auduboni. 10. unalasce nanus. 759b. aonalaschke pallasii. 11. ustulatus. 758. ustulatus. 12. ustulatus alicie. 757. alicie. 00. [Not admitted in the Key.] 757a. alicie bicknelli. 13. Turdus ustulatus swainsoni. 758a. ustulatus swainsonii. 14. Oroscoptes montanus. 702. Oroscoptes montanus. 15. Mimus polyglottus. 703. Mimus polyglottus. 16. carolinensis. 704. Galeoscoptes carolinensis. 17. Harporhynchus rufus. 705. Harporhynchus rufus. 18. rufus longirostris. 706. longirostris. 19. eurvirostris. 707. curvirostris. 20. curvirostris palmeri. 707a. curvirostris palmeri. 21. bendirii. 708. bendirei. 22. cinereus. 709. cinereus. 23. redivivus. 710. redivivus. 24, lecontii. 711. lecontei. 866 APPENDIX. COUES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886. 25. Harporhynchus crissalis. 712. Harporhynchus crissalis. 30. Cinclus mexicanus. 701. Cinclus mexicanus. 26. Saxicola cenanthe. 765. Saxicola cenanthe. 27. Sialia sialis. 766. Sialia sialis. 766a. Sialia sialis azurea. 27 bis. Add: Sialia sialis azurea. AzuRE Biursirp. Similar to S. sialis; the blue of a greenish shade, and the tail upward of 8.00. Southern Arizona and southward. A slight variety, scarcely recognizable. 28. Sialia mexicana. 767. Sialia mexicana. 29, arctica. | | 768. arctica. 31. Cyanecula suecica. [764.] Cyauecula suecica. 32. Phylloscopus borealis. 747, Phyllopseustes borealis. 83. Regulus calendula. 749. Regulus calendula. 750 obscurus. 83 bis. Add: Regulus calendula obscurus. Dusky KineLet. Resembling the com- mon ruby-crown, but with darker and more plumbeous shade of the upper parts, and some slight differencesin proportions. A dark insular form described from Guadalupe Island, Lower California. Since the publication of the Key, the A. O. U. Committee has decided to include ‘‘ Lower California, with the islands naturally belonging thereto,’’ in the ‘“‘ North American ’”’ avifauna, — a decision in which I concur, (Code, p. 14.) 34. Regulus satrapa 748. Regulus satrapa. 35. satrapa olivaceus? 748a. satrapa olivaceus. 36. Polioptila ccerulea. 751. Polioptila cerulea. 37. melanura. 753. californica. 38. plumbea. 752. plumbea. 39. Chamea fasciata. 742. Chamea fasciata. 39a. fasciata henshawi. 742a. fasciata henshawi. 40. Lophophanes bicolor. | 781. Parus bicolor. 000. [Not in the List.] 40bis. Add: Lophophanes bicolor texensis. Texan Turrep Titmouss. Paler than the last, with chestnut instead of black frontlet at base of crest; this chestnut corres- ponding in tint to that which suffuses the sides of the body. Tarsus 0.85; bill 0.45. Southern Texas. The Auk, Jan. 1887, p. 29. 41. Lophophanes inornatus. 733. Parus inornatus. 7883a. Parus inornatus griseus. 41 bis. Add: Lophophanes inornatus griseus. Gray Titmouse. Said to differ from ordinary inornatus in rather larger size and decidedly grayer color. Wing 2.90; tail 2.55. Middle Province of the United States; Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona. Pr. U. 8. Nat. Mus., v., 1882, p. 344. | 733). Parus inornatus cineraceus. 41 ter. Add: Lophophanes inornatus cineraceus. Asuy TrrmousrE. Another alleged local race, described as even grayer above and paler below than L. i. griseus, with smaller bill, black in color. Lower California. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus., vi., Oct. 1883, p. 154. 42. Lophophanes atrocristatus. 732. Parus atricristatus. 000. [Not in the List. ] 42 bis. Add: Lophophanes atrocristatus castaneifrons. CHESTNUT-FRONTED TitT- MOUSE. Resembling the last: upper parts plumbeous, faintly tinged with olive; under APPENDIX. 867 parts pale ashy, washed with chestnut on the sides, with faint trace of the same on breast and crissum. Crest thin, an inch long, dark brown and ashy instead of black, and with a chestnut frontlet; lores white; bill black; feet dark plumbeous. Size of P. bicolor, the bill even larger. Wing 3.12; tail 2.95; tarsus 0.77; bill 0.42. Lately discovered in Bee County, Texas. The Auk, Jan. 1887, p. 28. COUES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886. 43. Lophophanes wollweberi. 734. Parus wollweberi. 44. Parus atricapillus. 735. atricapillus. 45. atrica, illus septentrionalis. 735a. atricapillus septentrionalis. 46. atricapillus occidentalis. 735d. atricapillus occidentalis. 47. carolinensis. 736. carolinensis. 879. meridionalis. (787.] meridionalis. [p. 334.) 48. montanus. 738. gambeli. (New name, List, 50. rufescens. 741. rufescens. 51. rufescens neglectus ? 74la. rufescens neglectus. 49. hudsonicus. 740. hudsonicus. 49a. hudsonicus evura 000. [Not admitted in the List. ] 52. cinctus. 739. Parus cinctus obtectus. 58. Psaltriparus minimus. | 748. Psaltriparus minimus. 53. minimus. 743a. minimus californicus. 748d. minimus grinde. 53 bis. Add: Psaltriparus minimus grinde. Grinpa’s Busn-tir. Adult: Cap pale brown, lightening on sides of head into white on chin and throat; other under parts exactly as in P, minimus. Upper parts light plumbeous-gray, well contrasted with the brown of the nape. Bill and feet black. Wing 2.00; tail 2.80 graduated 0.50; bill 0.20. A slight local variation, combining to some extent the characters of Nos. 53 and 54. Lower Calitor- nia. Pr. U.S. Nat. Mus., vi., Oct. 1883, p. 155. 54. Psaltriparus plumbeus. 55. melanotis. 56. Auriparus flaviceps. 57, Sitta carolinensis. 58. carolinensis aculeata. 59. canadensis. 60. pusilla. 61. pyginea. 62. Certhia familiaris. 62a. familiaris mexicana. 63. Campylorhynochus brunneicapillus. 64. affinis. 65. Salpinctes obsoletus. 744. Psaltriparus plumbeus. [745.] melanotis. 746, Auriparus flaviceps. 727. Sitta carolinensis. 7274. carolinensis aculeata. 728. canadensis. 729. pusilla. 730. pygmea. 726. Certhia familiaris americana. 726a. familiaris mexicana. 713. Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus. 714. affinis. 715. Salpinctes obsoletus. 716. guadaloupensis. 65 bis. Add: Salpinctes obsoletus guadalupensis. Guapature Rock Wren. An insular race, differing slightly in the darker coloration, and somewhat in proportions. , wing 2.60-2.75; tail 2.20-2.30; bill 0.59; tarsus 0.85: 9, a little smaller. Guadalupe Island, Lower California. 66. Catherpes mexicanus. 67. mexicanus conspersus. 67a. mexicanus punctulatus. [717.] Catherpes mexicanus. 717a. mexicanus conspersus. 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 868 APPENDIX. COUES KEY, 1884, UNION LIST, 1886. 68. Thryothorus ludovicianus. 718. Thryothorus ludovicianus. 69. ludovicianus miamiensis, 718a. ludovicianus miamensis. 70. ludovicianus berlandieri. 000. (Not admitted in the List. ] 71, bewicki. , 719. Thryothorus bewickii. 72. bewicki leucogaster. 7190. bewickii bairdi. 73. bewicki spilurus ? 7194. bewickii spilurus. 720. brevicaudus. 78 bis. Add: Thryothorus brevicaudus. GuapaLupe Wren. Resembling T. bewicki leucogaster (‘‘ bairdi”), but apparently distinct. Above grayest-brown, grayest on the tail, brownest on the rump; wing-feathers obsoletely and tail-feathers distinctly cross-barred with dusky, the three outermost of the latter pale dull gray at the ends, with one or two broad dusky bars. A strong white superciliary stripe, below which a grayish brown loral and auricular stripe. Below, white, shaded into ashy on the belly and sides; the crissum with broad black bars. Wing 1.85-1.90; tail 1.80; bill 0.45-0.50; tarsus 0.70-0.75. Gua- dalupe Island, Lower California. 74. Troglodytes domesticus. 721. Troglodytes aédon. 75. domes icus parkmani. 72\a. aédon parkmanii. (6. Anorthura troglodytes hiemalis. 722. hiemalis. 77. troglodytes pacificus. 722a. hiemalis pacificus. 78. troglodytes alascensis. 723. alascensis. 79. Telmatodytes palustris. 725. Cistothorus palustris. 80. palustris paludicola ? 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 81. Cistothorus stellaris. 724. Cistothorus stellaris. 82. Eremophila alpestris. 474. Otocoris alpestris. 83. alpestris leucolema. 474a. alpestris leucoleema, 00. [Not admitted in the Key.] 4740. alpestris praticola. 00. [Not admitted in the Key. ] 474c. alpestris arenicola. 00. [Not admitted in the Key. ] 474d. alpestris giraudi. 84. Eremophila alpestris chrysolema. AT4e. alpestris chrysolema. 85. Alauda arvensis. (473.] Alauda arvensis. 86. Motacilla alba. [694.| Motacilla alba. 86a. ocularis. [695.] ocularis. 87. Budytes flavus ? 696. Budytes flavus leucostriatus. 88. Anthus pratensis. [698.] Anthus pratensis. 89. ludovicianus. 697. pensilvanicus. (699. | cervinus. 89 bis. Add: Anthus cervinus. Rep-ruroatrp Prpit. Adult: Above, light grayish- brown, fully streaked with dusky, the streaks broadest and darkest on the back. Wings and tail dusky, the feathers edged with pale brown, the long inner secondaries with buff, and the ends of the middle and greater wing-coverts whitish; outer tail-feathers with much white on both webs, and next feather with a white spot at end of inner web. A pale and more or less buffy superciliary and malar stripe. Below, whitish, more or less suffused with fawn-color on the chin and throat, the throat, breast and sides broadly streaked or longitudinally spotted with brownish-black. aggregated into a stripe on each side of the throat; the chin, belly and vent immaculate. Bill black, with yellowish base of lower man- dikle; feet dark brown. Wing 3.36; tail 2 50; bill 0.45; tarsus 0 85. A species of exten- sive distribution in northerly parts of the Old World, probably occurring in Alaska, and accidental in California. Pr. U. 8. Nat. Mus., vi., Oct. 1883, p. 156. 90. 91. 92, 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 103. 106. 000. APPENDIX. 869 COUES KEY, 1884. Neocorys spraguii. Mniotilta varia. varia borealis ? Parula americana. nigrilora. Protonotaria citrea. Helmintherus vermivorus. swainsoni. Helminthophila pinus. lawrencii ? leucobronchialis ? cincinnatiensis ? chrysoptera. - bachmani. lucie. virginie. ruficapilla. (Not admitted in the Key. ] 107. Helminthophila celata 108. celata lutescens. 109. peregrina. 110. Peucedramus olivaceus. 111. Dendreeca, estiva. 11la. vieilloti bryanti.? 112. virens. 1138. occidentalis. 114. townsendi. 115. chrysopavia. 116. nigrescens. 117. coerulescens. 118. coerulea. 119. coronata. 120. auduboni. 121. blackburne. 122. striata. 128. castanea. 124. pennsylvanica. 125. maculosa. 126. tigrina. 127. discolor. 128. gracie. 129. dominica. UNION LIST, 1886. 700, Anthus spragueii. 636. Mniotilta varia. 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 648. Compsothlypis americana. 649. nigrilora. 637. Protonotaria citrea. 639. Helmitherus vermivorus. 638. Helinaia swainsonii. 641. Helminthophila pinus. +20. lawrencei? +21. leucobronchialis ? $22. cincinnatiensis ? 642. chrysoptera. 640. bachmani. 643. lucie. 644. virginie. 645. ruficapilla. 645a. ruficapilla gutturalis. 646. celata. 646a. celata lutescens. 647. peregrina. 651. Dendroica olivacea. 652. eestiva. 653. bryanti castaneiceps. 667. virens. 669. occidentalis. 668. townsendi. 666. chrysoparia. 665. nigrescens. 654. ceerulescens. 658. cerulea. 655. coronata. 656. auduboni. 662. blackburniz. 661. striata. 660. castanea. 659. pensylvanica. 657. maculosa. 650. tigrina. 678. discolor. 664. gracia. 663. dominica. 1 This rare bird has recently been rediscovered in Louisiana, Mr. C. S. Galbraith having taken a specimen near Lake Pontchartrain in 1886. (The Auk, Jan. 1887, p. 35.) Still another specimen, perhaps one of Audubon’s types, has been found by Mr. William Brewster in the Lafresnaye collection of the Boston Society of Natural History. (The Auk, April, 1887, p. 165.) 2 D. bryanti having been described as a variety of D. vieiiloti, and then raised to specific rank, has been more lately split into two varieties, and that one which is found on the west coast of Mexico, and also in Lower California, has been named castaneiceps, from the rich chestnut head. It will probably turn out to be identical with vieilloti proper. 870 APPENDIX. COUES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886. 130, Dendreeca dominica albilora. 663a,. Dendroica dominica albilora. 131. kirtlandi. 670. kirtlandi. 132. palmarum. 672. palmarum. 133. palmarum hypochrysea? 672a. palmarum hypochrysea. 134. pinus. 671. vigorsii. 000. [See Key, p. 308. ] 728. (Perissoglossa?) carbonata. 000. [See Key, p. 308.] 724. montana. 135. Siurus auricapillus. 674. Seiurus aurocapillus. 136. neevius. 675. noveboracensis. 137. neevius notabilis? 675a. noveboracensis notabilis. 138. motacilla. 676. motacilla. 139. Opcrornis agilis. ' 678. Geothlypis agilis. 140. formosa. . 677. formosa. 141. Geothlypis trichas. 681. trichas. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 681a. trichas occidentalis. 682. beldingi. 141 bis. Add: Geothlypis beldingi. BeLpine’s YELLOW-THROAT. Adult g : Above nearly uniform olive-green, a little browner anteriorly; below, rich yellow, paler on the vent, tinged with brown on the flanks and sides. Black mask exactly as in G. trichas, but bordered behind for its whole extent with rich yellow. Wing 2.60; tail 2.70, graduated 0.50; bill 0.55. Lower California. Quite distinct from any other species in this list. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus., v., Sept. 1882, p. 344. 142. Geothlypis philadelphia. 679. Geothlypis philadelphia. 1438. macgillivrayi. 680. macgillivrayi. 144. Icteria virens. | 683, Icteria virens. 145. virens longicauda. 683a. virens longicauda. 146. Myiodioctes mitratus. 684. Sylvania mitrata. 147. pusillus. 685. pusilla. 148. pusillus pileolatus. 685a. pusilla pileolata. 149. canadensis. 686. canadensis. 000. [Not admitted in Key.] ' 425. Sylvania (?) microcephala. 150. Cardellina rubrifrons. 690. Cardellina rubrifrons. 151. Setophaga picta. 688. Setophaga picta. [689.] miniata. 151 bis. Add: Setophaga miniata. RED-BELLIED RepstTart. Dark bluish-ash above. A square patch of dark chestnut on the crown. Forehead and sides of head, with the whole fore-neck and sides of the jugulum, black; other under parts carmine red; lining of wings and under tail-coverts white; tibisee plumbeous. Wing-feathers dusky; tail-feathers black with much white on the lateral one, and more restricted white areas on the nexttwo. Sexes alike. Length 5.10; wing 2.50; tail 3.00; tarsus 0.75. Central America and Mexico to Texas. See Key, p. 318. 152. Setophaga ruticilla. 687. Setophaga ruticilla. (691.] Ergaticus ruber. 152 bis. Add: Ergaticus rubra. CARMINE Frycatcninc WarBieER. Rich carmine red, obscured on the back; ear-coverts silvery-white; wing- and tail-feathers dusky, edged externally with reddish; larger inner wing-coverts rosy white. Sexes alike. Length 4.75; wing 2.40; the first quill about as long as the sixth; tail 2.50, graduated 0.20; bill small, parine in shape, but with bristly rictus; tarsus 0.75. A very beautiful species; Mexico to Texas. See Key, p. 313. APPENDIX. 87}. COUES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886 (692.] Basileuterus culicivorus. 152 ter. Add: Basileuterus culicivorus. BrasHer’s FLycaTcHING WARBLER. Above, greenish-ash, more olivaceous on the back and rump ; below, yellow, tinged with rufous on the crissum. Top of head striped with black on each side, these stripes separating green- ish-yellow or yellow areas ; a dusky loral and postocular spot. Length 5.00 ; wing 2.40; tail 2.25, graduated 0.15 ; bill 0.50 ; tarsus 0.75. Central America and Mexico to Texas. | [693.] Basileuterus belli. 152 quater. Add: Basileuterus belli. Brxi’s FirycatcHing WarBier. Above, olive-green ; below, yellow, shaded with olive on the sides ; wings edged with yellow and lined with olive. Crown and cheeks orange-brown ; a broad yellow supeicitiary stripe, separated from its fellow by a black frontlet which extends more obscurely alonz the crown ; the yellow stripe continued beyond the rufous of the crown. Bill black ; feet yellowish. Length 5.10; wing 2.25; tail 2.50; graduated 0.33; bill 0.50; tarsus 0.80. Central America and Mexico to Texas. ‘ 158. Certhiola bahamensis. 635. Certhiola bahamensis. 606. Euphonia elegantissima. 158 bis. Add: Euphonia elegantissima. Biur-HEADED Tanacer. Adult ¢: Above, black with a purplish gloss ; crown and nape blue ; frontlet chestnut, bordered be- hind by a black line. Below, deep brownish-orange, the throat black. Lining of wings and imner edges of wing-feathers white. Bill black; feet light brown. Length 4.50; wing 2.50 ; tail 1.50. Q : upper parts olive-green with blue cap and chestnut frontlet ; below, olive- yellow, brightest in the middle of the belly ; the throat pale reddish. Mexico to Texas. See Key, p. 317." 154. Pyranga rubra. 608. Piranga erythromelas. 155. zestiva. 610. rubra. 156, zstiva cooperi. 610a, rubra cooperi. 157. hepatica. 605. hepatica. 158. ludoviciana. 607. ludoviciana. 159. Hirundo erythrogastra horrerorum. 618. Chelidon erythrogaster. 160. Iridoprocne bicolor. 614. Tachycineta bicolor. 161. Tachycineta thalassina. 615. thalassina. 162. Petrochelidon lunifrons. 612. Petrochelidon lunifrons. 163. Cotile riparia. 616. Clivicola riparia. 164. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. 617. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. 165. Progne subis. 611. Progne subis. 166. Ampelis garrulus. 618. Ampelis garrulus. 167. cedrorum. 619. cedrorum. 168. Phainopepla nitens. 620. Phainopepla nitens. 169. Myiadestes townsendi. 754. Myadestes townsendi. 170. Vireo olivaceus. 624. Vireo olivaceus. 171. flaviviridis. 625. flavoviridis. 172. altiloquus barbatulus. [623. } altiloquus barbatulus. 1738. philadelphicus. 626. philadelphicus. 174. gilvus. $27. gilvus. 175. gilvus swainsoni? : 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 176. flavifrons. ; 628. Vireo flavifrons. 177. solitarius. | 629. solitarius. | 000. [Not in the List. ] 872 APPENDIX. COUES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886. 177 bis. Add: Vireo solitarius alticola. Mountain Soritary GReeNnueT. Like solitarius proper, but larger, with stouter bill, and of darker colors. In solitarius the upper: parts are olive-green. contrasting with the pure ash of the head ; in the new variety the upper parts are nearly uniform blackish-plumbeous, only tinged with olive on the back Wing 3.00-3.30 ; tail 2.25. Mountains of North Carolina. The Auk, Jan. 1886, p. 111. 178. Vireo solitarius cassini. 629a. Vireo solitarius cassinii, 179. solitarius plumbeus. 6290. solitarius plumbeus. 180. vicinior. 634. vicinior. 181. noveboracensis. 631. noveboracensis. 000. [Not in the List.] 181 bis. Add: Vireo noveboracensis maynardi. Key West GreenLet. Colora- tion much as in the last, but grayer above and paler yellow below ; size and proportions as in V. ecrassirostris, the bill as large and stout as in the latter. Wing 2.20-2.50 ; tail 1.90~ 2.05 ; bill 0.55-0.65, its depth at the nostrils 0.18-0.20. Key West, Florida. The Auk, April, 1887, p. 148. 182, Vireo huttoni. 182a. huttoni stevensi. 183. belli. 184. pusillus. 185, atricapillus. 186. Lanius borealis. 187. ludovicianus. 188. ludovicianus excubitorides. 189. Hesperophona vespertina. 190. Pinicola enucleator. 191. Pyrrhula cassini. 192. Passer domesticus. 193. montanus. 194, Carpodacus purpureus. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 195. Carpodacus cassini. 196. frontalis. 197. frontalis rhodocolpus (?) 197 bis. Add: Carpodacus amplus. GuaApDALuPE House FIncu. 632. Vireo huttoni. 632a. huttoni stephensi. 633. belli. 633a. belli pusillus. 680. atricapillus. 621. Lanius borealis. 622. ludovicianus. 622a. ludovicianus excubitoroides. 514. Coccothraustes vespertina. _ 515. Pinicola enucleator. (516.] Pyrrhula cassini. - 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 517. Carpodacus purpureus. 517a. purpureus californicus. 518. cassini. 519. frontalis. 519. frontalis rhodocolpus. 520. amplus. A large dark insular form, resembling C. frontalis proper, but with darker tints, and of considerably larger size. @, wing 3.10-3.35; tail 2.60-2.90; Dill 0.40-0.45 from the nostril, and the same in depth ; tarsus 0.75-0.85: 9 somewhat smaller. 198. Loxia leucoptera. 199. curvirostra americana 200. curvirostra mexicana. 201. Leucosticte atrata. 202. australis 208. tephrocotis. 204. tephrocotis litoralis. 205. griseinucha. 206. arctoa. 207. giothus linaria. Guadalupe Island, Lower California. 522. Loxia leucoptera. 521. curvirostra minor. 521a. curvirostra stricklandi. 525. Leucosticte atraza 526. australis. 524. tephrocotis. 524a, tephrocotis ‘ittoralis. 523. griseonucha. 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 528. Acanthus linaria. APPENDIX. 873 COUES KEY, 1884. 208. Aigiothus linaria holboelli. UNION LIST, 1886. 528a. Acanthus linaria holboellii. 000. {Not admitted in the Key. ] 5280. linaria rostrata. 209. giothus hornemanni. 527 hornemannii. 210. exilipes. 5274. hornemannii exilipes. 211. Linota flavirostris brewster? +17. brewsterii. 212. Chrysomitris pinus. 533. Spinus pinus. 213. Astragalinus tristis. 529. tristis. 214, lawrencii. 531. lawrencei. 215. psaltria. 530. psaltria. 216. psaltria arizone. 530a. psaltria arizone. 217. psaltria mexicanus. 5805. psaltria mexicanus. 218. notatus. [532.] notatus. 219. Plectrophanes nivalis. 534. Plectrophenax nivalis. 535. hyperboreus. 219 bis, Add: Plectrophanes hyperboreus. PoLtar SNowFLake. McKay’s Snow Bunting. Adult in spring: Pure white, excepting the tips of the wings, which are black for about an inch and a half, and a small black spot on the end of the middle tail feather ; bill dull brown, with blackish tip; feet black. In winter: washed with rusty brown on the crown, ear-coverts, throat, and rump; the bill yellowish with dusky tip. Wing 4.65; tail 8.10; bill 0.45; tarsus 0.90. A beautiful ‘‘ snowflake,’’ apparently quite distinct from the last, lately discovered in Alaska, Pr. U.S. Nat. Mus., vii., 1884, p. 68. 220. Centrophanes lapponicus. 536. Calcarius lapponicus. 221. pictus. 587. pictus. 222. ornatus. 538, ornatus. 223. Rhynchophanes maccowni. 539. Rhynchophanes mccownii. 224. Passerculus bairdi. 545. Ammodramus bairdii. 225. princeps. 541. princeps. 226. sandvicensi.. 542. sandwichensis. 227. sandvicensis savana. 542a. sandwichensis savanna. 228. sandvicensis anthinus. 542c. sandwichensis bryanti. 229. sandvicensis alaudinus. 5426. sandwichensis alaudi- 543. beldingi. (nus. 229 bis. Add: Passerculus beldingi. Brrpina’s SAvANNA Sparrow. ‘ Similar to the darker form of P. sandwichensis (i. e. bryanti), but much darker, with decidedly heavier dark spotting on lower parts, the bill larger and more elongated.’’ Salt marshes of the Pacific coast, from Santa Barbara south to Todos Santos Island, Lower California. Accord- ing to the A. O. U. Committee, what ornithologists have been calling ‘* Passerculus anthinus” includes two distinct forms, one of which is now called ‘‘ Ammodramus sandwichensis bryanti,”’ and the other is this Passerculus beldingi. P.“ bryanti’’ is described from San Francisco Bay, as ‘‘ differing from P. sandwichensis alaudinus in decidedly smaller size and much darker coloration of the upper parts. There is little probability that such attempted discriminations will survive the official etiquette of the present flutter in American Ornithology. 230. Passerculus rostratus. 544. Ammodramus rostratus. 231. guttatus. 544a. rostratus guttatus. 232. Pocecetes gramineus. 540. Poocetes gramineus.. 233. gramineus confinis. 540a. gramineus confinis. 234. Coturniculus passerinus. 546. Ammodramus savannarum passerinus. 235. passerinus perpallidus. 546a. savannarum perpallidus 874 APPENDIX. COUES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886. 236. Coturniculus henslowi. 547. Ammodramus henslowii. 237. lecontii. 548. leconteii. 238. Ammodramus maritimus. 550. maritimus. 239. maritimus nigrescens. 551. nigrescens. 240. caudacuatus. 549. caudacutus. 241. caudacutus nelsoni. 549a. caudacutus nelsoni. 242. Melospiza lincolni. 583. Melospiza lincolni. 243. palustris. 584. georgiana. 244, fasciata. 581. fasciata. 245. fasciata fallax. 58la. fasciata fallax. 581b. fasciata montana. 245 bis. Add: Melospiza fasciata montana. Mountain Sone-SparRow. Resem- — bling M. f. fallax, and scarcely distinguishable. Upper parts umber-brown with gray margins of the feathers, giving a strong grayish cast to the plumage; the back streaked with blackish-brown, and the streaks of the under parts also of this color. This is the form occurring in the Great Basin at large. The Auk, July, 1884, p. 224. 246. Melospiza fasciata heermanni. 581c. Melosviza fasciata heermanni. 247. fasciata samuelis. 581d. fasciata samuelis. 248. fasciata guttata. 581e. fasciata guttata. 249. fasciata rufina. 581f. fasciata rufina. 250. cinerea. 582. cinerea. 251. Peucea estivalis. 575. Peucwa estivalis. 282. estivalis illinoénsis. 575a. estivalis bachmanii. 253. estivalis arizone. 576. arizone. 577. mexicana. 253 bis. Add: Peuczea mexicana. Mexican SUMMER FINCH. Upper parts gray suf- fused with bay, streaked on most of the back with bold black bay-edged stripes; crown similar, rather darker, in smaller pattern of the markings and without lighter median line. Bend of wing yellow; coverts blackish, with broad grayish-bay edgings; flight-feathers dusky, several inner secondaries blackish, with firm light edgings. Tail-feathers dusky, with obsolete scarcely discernible cross-waves, the middle pair with paler edges their whole length, the lateral ones fading toward their ends. Under parts pale grayish-brown, blanching on the throat and abdomen, unstreaked excepting for a slight pair of black maxillary stripes. Bill dark corn-color; feet light brown. Length 6.30; wing 2.65; tail 2.80; tarsus 0.80. (Described from Mexican specimens.) Mexico to the Valley of the Lower Rio Grande in Texas; a late addition to our Fauna. 254.. Peucsea cassini. 578. Peucea cdssini. 255. ruficeps 580. ruficeps. 256. ruficeps boucardi. 580a. ruficeps boucardi. 00U. [See Key, p. 375. 5800. ruficeps eremceca. 257. Peucea carpalis. 579. carpalis. 258. Amphispiza bilineata. 573. Amphispiza bilineata. 259. belli. 574. belli. 260 belli nevadensis. 574. belli nevadensis. 261. Junco hiemalis.? 567. Junco hyemalis, 262. hiemalis aikeni. 566. aikeni. 1 The snow-bird which breeds on the mountains of North Carolina has been named as a variety, J. h. caro- linensis, but the characters adduced do not seem satisfactory. The Auk, Jan. 1886, p. 108. APPENDIX. 875 COVES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886. 262a. Junco hiemalis connectens. 000. [Not admitted in the List. ] 263. hiemalis oregonus. ' 567a. Junco hyemalis oregonus. 264. hiemalis annectens. 568. annectens. 265. hiemalis caniceps. | 569. caniceps. 266. hiemalis dorsalis. 570a. cinereus dorsalis. 267. hiemalis cinereus. 570. cinereus palliatus. 571. bairdi. 267 bis. Add: Junco hiemalis bairdi. Barrp’s Snow-prrp. Head.and neck ashy-gray, paler on throat, tinged on hind-head with brown, the lores distinctly blackish. Back, scapulars and adjoining wing-feathers, pale rufous-brown, tinged with olivaceous; rump and upper tail-coverts, with the lesser, middle, and outer wing-coverts grayish- olive; inner webs of tertials dusky; primaries gray, edged with paler, the outermost with white; outer tail-feather mostly white, two next with white in diminishing amount. Jugulum pale buffy-gray, contrasting with the white of the abdomen; sides and flanks cinnamon-buff; crissum dull whitish. Upper mandible dark brown, lower yellow; iris yellow; feet pale brown. Wing 2.80; tail 2.75; bill 0.40; tarsus 0.80 A form lately discovered in Lower California, resembling a bright-colored Q J. oregonus, presenting the peculiar combination of ‘‘pink’’ sides with yellow eyes and under mandible. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus., vi., Oct. 1883, p. 155. | 572. Junco insularis. 267 ter. Add: Junco insularis. GuapaLuPE SNow-BiRD. Resembling the so-called J. annectens ; darker, and with somewhat different proportions. Crown and nape dark slate; lower tail-coverts dusky, the feathers edged with whitish; lores blackish. Wings and tail relatively short: wing 2.55-2.85; tail 2.30-2.60; bill 0.87 long, 0.27 deep. (In annectens, etc., wing and tail about 3.00.) Added to our Fauna by the inclusion of Guadalupe Island. 268. Spizella monticola. 559. Spizella monticola. 559a. monticola ochracea. 268 bis. Add: Spizella monticola ochracea. WrstTERN TREE Sparrow. Like the last: above, paler, with sparser, sharper and narrower dorsal streaks, sides and throat more ochraceous. Washington Territory. Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Oct. 1882, p. 228. 269. Spizella domestica. 560. Spizella socialis. 270. domestica arizone. 560a. socialis arizone. 271. agrestis. 563. pusilla. 000. | Not admitted in the List.’ 271 bis. Add: Spizella agrestis arenacea. Texan Fietp Sparrow. Like S. agrestis, bub with the rufous replaced by brownish-ash; slightly larger, with longer tail and somewhat stouter bill. Wing 2.50; tail 2.90: culmen 0.35. A form lately described as migratory, or perhaps a winter resident, in Southern Texas. The Auk, April, 1886, p. 248. | 564. Spizella wortheni. Q71lter. Add: Spizella wortheni. WoRTHEN’s FIELD-sPARROW. Resembling S. agrestis. Much less rufous, with broader black dorsal streaks, no rufous auricular streak nor lateral pectoral spot, a distinct white eye-ring, and slenderer bill. Wing 2.70; tail 2.50; bill 0.40; tarsus 0.70. Western Texas and New Mexico. Apparently a good species, approaching S. atrigularis in some respects, especially the coloration of the upper parts. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus., vii., 1884, p. 259. 272. Spizella pallida. 561. Spizella pallida. 273. breweri. 562. breweri. 274. atrigularis. 565. atrigularis. 876 APPENDIX. COUES KEY, 1884. 275. Zonotrichia albicollis. 276. leucophrys. 277. leucophrys intermedia. 278. gambeli. 279. coronata, 280. querula. 281. Chondestes grammica. 282. Passerella iliaca. 283. iliaca unalascensis. 284. iliaca schistacea. 285. iliaca megarhyncha. 286. Calamospiza bicolor. 287. Spiza americana. 288. townsendi. 289. Zamelodia ludoviciana. 290. melanocephala. 291. Guiraca coerulea. 292. Passerina ciris. 293. versicolor. 294. amoena. 295. cyanea. 296. Spermophila moreleti. 297. Phonipara zena. 298. Pyrrhuloxia sinuata. 299. Cardinalis virginianus. UNION LIST, 1886. 558. Zonotrichia albicollis. 554. leucophrys. 555. intermedia. 556. gambeli. 557. coronata. 558. querula. 562. Chondestes grammacus. 585. Passerella iliaca. 585a iliaca unalaschcensis. 585c. iliaca schistacea. 585b. iliaca megarhyncha. 605. Calamospiza melanocorys. 604. Spiza americana. 718. townsendii. 595. Habia ludoviciana. 596. melanocephala. 597. Guiraca cerulea. 601. Passerina ciris. 600. versicolor. 599. amoena. 598. cyanca. 602. Sporophila morelleti. 603. Euethea bicolor. 594. Pyrrhuloxia sinuata. 593. Cardinalis cardinalis. 5938a. cardinalis superbus. 299 bis. Add: Cardinalis virginianus superbus. AkIzONA CARDINAL: Like the last, but larger, and the female more richly colored. ¢@, wing 4.10; tail 5.00; tarsus 1.05; bill along culmen 0.85; its depth at base 0.70: 9 smaller. Arizona; hardly recognizable. The Auk, Oct. 1885, p. 344. 300. Cardinalis virginianus igneus. 301. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. 302. erythrophthalmus alleni. 303. maculatus oregonus. 304. maculatus arcticus. 305. maculatus megalonyx. 593). Cardinalis cardinalis igneus. 587. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. 587a. erythrophthalmus alleni. 588d. maculatus oregonus. 588. maculatus arcticus. 588a. maculatus megalonyx. 589. consobrinus. 305 bis. Add: Pipilo maculatus consobrinus. GuapaLupe Townxr. Adult ¢: Head, neck, throat, and upper parts black: white on outer webs of scapulars usually bor- dered with black; two well-defined white wing-bars; inner secondaries and a middle por- tion of the primaries narrowly edged with white; two or three lateral tail-feathers with terminal white patch. Below white, with chestnut sides and buff crissum. 9 similar, but dull-brownish black where the male is black, and smaller white tail-spots. @, wing 3.10- 3.25; tail 3.50-3.75: Q somewhat less. An insular race, one of many into whicl the very variable P. maculatus is divisible. Guadulupe Island, Lower California. 306. Pipilo fuscus mesoleucus. 591. Pipilo fuscus mesoleucus. 307. fuscus albigula. 591a. fuscus albigula. 3808. fuscus crissalis. | 591D. fuscus crissalis. 309. 310. 311. 312. 000. 3138. 814. 315. 316. 317. 318. 319. 320. 321. 322. 823. 324. 325. 326. 327. 328. ing 329 330. 331 332. 333. 334. 335. 336. 337. 338. 339. 340. 341. 342 343. 344. 345. 346. 347. 348. 349. COUES KEY, 1884. Pipilo aberti. cehlorurus. Embernagra rufovirgata. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. {Not admitted in the Key.] Molothrus ater. ater obscurus. eneus. Agelzus pheeniceus. tricolor. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus. Sturnella magna. magna mexicana. neglecta. Icterus vulgaris. spurius. spurius affinis. galbula. bullocki. cucullatus. pheeniceus gubernator. APPENDIX. 877 UNION LIST, 1886. 592. Pipilo aberti. 590. chlorurus. 586. Embernagra rufivirgata. 494, Dolichonyx oryzivorus. 494a. oryzivorus albinucha. 495. Molothrus ater. 495a. ater obscurus. 496. eeneus. 498. Agelaius phoeniceus. 499. gubernator. 500. tricolor. 497. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. 501. Sturnella magna. 50la. magna mexicana. 5016. magna neglecta. [502.] Icterus icterus. 506. spurius. 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 507. Icterus galbula. 508. bullocki. 505. cucullatus. 505a. cucullatus nelsoni. 328 bis. Add: Icterus cucullatus nelsoni. ArizoNA HoopEep ORIOLE. A paler- colored race, in which the yellow is not supposed to become orange or flame-color, from Arizona, California, and southward to Mazatlan. The distinction is trivial, hardly indicat- a geographical race. ‘The description in the Key, p. 409, covers both this and the true cucullatus, which latter occurs in Texas and southward. . Icterus parisorum. . Scolecophagus ferrugineus. eyanocephalus. Quiscalus macrurus. major. purpureus. purpureus neus. purpureus aglzus. Corvus corax. cryptoleucus. frugivorus. frugivorus floridanus. caurinus. maritimus. Picicorvus columbianus. Gymnocitta cyanocephala. Psilorhinus morio. Pica rustica hudsonica. nuttalli. Cyanocitta cristata. melanocephalus auduboni. 504. Icterus parisorum. 503. audubonii. 509. Scolecophagus carolinus. 510. cyanocephalus. 512. Quiscalus macrourus. 518. major. 511. quiscula. 5110. quiscula zneus. 51la. quiscula agleus. 486. Corvus corax sinuatus. 487. eryptoleucus. 488. americanus. 488a. americanus floridanus. 489. caurinus. 490. ossifragus. 491. Picicorvus columbianus. 492. Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus. 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 475. Pica pica nudsonica. 476. nuttalli. 477. Cyanocitta cristata. 878 APPENDIX. COUES KEY,’ 1884. UNION LIST, 1886. 349a. Cyanocitta cristata florincola. | 477a. Cyanocitta cristata florincola, 350. stelleri. 478. stelleri. 361. stelleri annectens. | 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 353 stelleri frontalis. 478a. Cyanocitta stelleri frontalis. 352. stelleri macrolopha. | 478d. stelleri macrolopha. 354. Aphelocoma floridana. | 479. Aphelocoma floridana. 355. . floridana woodhousii. 1 480. woodhousei. 356. floridana californica. | 481. californica. * 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 356 bis. Add: Aphelocoma floridana insularis. Santa Cruz Jay. — Above, dark azure blue, including exposed surface of wing- and tail-feathers, this color deepest on the crown, and extending on the sides of the head and well down on the neck and breast; the back dark sepia brown. A white superciliary line; a black loral and auricular spot. Feathers of throat and breast ashy-white edged with blue; crissum blue; other under parts dull white. Wing 5.35; tail 6.25; tarsus 1.80; bill 1.25. Santa Cruz Island, one of the Santa Barbara group, off the Coast of California. The Auk, Oct. 1886, p. 452. 357. Aphelocoma ultramarina arizone. 482. Aphelocoma sieberii arizone. 358. Xanthura luxuriosa. 483. Xanthoura ‘luxuosa. 359. Perisoreus canadensis. 484. Perisoreus canadensis. 360. canadensis fumifrons. 484d. canadensis fumifrons. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 484c. canadensis nigricapillus.+ 361. Perisoreus canadensis obscurus. 485. obscurus. 362. canadensis capitalis. 484a. canadensis capitalis. 363. Sturnus vulgaris. [493.] Sturnus vulgaris. 364. Pitangus derbianus. 449. Pitangus derbianus. 364 bis. Myiozetetes texensis. (450.] Myiozetetes texensis. 365. Myiodynastes luteiventris. 451. Myiodynastes luteiventris. 366. Milvulus tyrannus. [442.] Milvulus tyrannus. 367. forficatus. 443. forficatus. 368. Tyrannus carolinensis. 444. Tyrannus tyrannus. 369. dominicensis. 445. dominicensis. 370. verticalis. 447. verticalis. 371. vociferans. 448. vociferans. 372. melancholicus couchi. 446. melancholicus couchii. 373. Myiarchus crinitus. 452. Myiarchus crinitus. : 880. crinitus cooperi. 453. mexicanus magister. 374. crinitus erythrocercus. 453. mexicanus. 375. cinerescens. 454, cinerascens. 376. lawrencii. [455.] lawrenceii. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 455a. lawrencei olivascens. 377. Sayiornis sayi. 457. Sayornis saya. 378. nigricans. 458. nigricans. 379. fuscus. 456. phoebe. 380. Contopus borealis. 459. Contopus borealis. 381. pertinax. 460. pertinax. 1 An alleged variety, said to differ from the true canadensis in altogether darker coloration, blacker crown black auriculars, lesa extensive white front, and more marked contrast of the white and dark areas of the head and neck. Probably inhabits the coast region of Labrador, and most likely is only a specimen a little darker than usual. Pr. U.S. Nat. Mus., v., 1882, p, 15. APPENDIX. 879 COUES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886. 382. Contopus virens. 461. Contopus virens. 383. virens richardsoni. 462. richardsonii. 384. Empidonax acadicus. 465. Empidonax acadicus. 385. trailli. 466a. pusillus traillii. 386. pusillus. 466. pusillus. 387. minimus. 467. minimus. 388. flaviventris. 463. flaviventris. 389. flaviventris difficilis ? 464. difficilis. 390. hammondi. 468. hammondi. 391. obscurus. 469. obscurus. 392. Mitrephanes fulvifrons pallescens. 470a fulvifrons pygmeus. 70. fulvifrons. 392 bis. Add: Mitrephanes fulvifrons. Futvous Frycatcuer. Specimens of the true fulvifrons, differing from the Arizona form in much heavier fulvous coloration, and agreeing with Giraud’s type, are said to be found N. to Texas. 393. Ornithium imberbe. 472. Ornithion imberbe. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 472a. imberbe ridgwayi. 394. Pyrocephalus rubineus mexicanus. 471. Pyrocephalus rubineus mexicanus. 395. Nyctidromus albicollis, 419. Nyctidromus albicollis. 896. Antrostomus carolinensis. 416. Antrostomus carolinensis. 397. vociferus. 417. vociferus. 881. vociferus arizone. 417a. vociferus arizonz. 398. Phalenoptilus nuttalli. 418. Phalenoptilus nuttalli. 000. [Not admitted in the List. ] 398 bis. Add: Phalznoptilus nuttalli nitidus. FrRostep Poor-Wiiu. Similar to the last, but with the dark markings of the upper parts fewer and sharper on a much paler ground, and the crossbars on the under parts finer and paler. Described as a bleached desert race from Texas and Arizona. The Auk, April, 1887. p. 147. 399. Chordediles popetue. 420. Chordeiles virginianus. 400. popetue henryi. 420a virginianus henryi. 401 popetue minor. 4200. virginianus minor. 402. acutipennis texensis. 421... texensis. 403. Panyptila saxatilis. 425. Micropus melanoleucus. 404. Nephcetetes niger borealis. 422. Cypseloides niger. 405, Chetura pelasgica. 423. Chetura pelagica. 406. vauxi. 424. vauxi. 407. Basilinna xantusi. 440. Basilinna xantusi. 408. Eugenes fulgens. 426. Eugenes fulgens. 427. Cceligena clemenciz. 408 bis. Add Cceligena clemenciz. BLurE-THROATED HummMinc-Birp. Bill longer than head, straight; wings long and ample; tail large, rounded, with broad feathers, tarsi feathered; sexes unlike. ¢: above, bronzy-green; below, ashy-gray, the feathers more or less tipped with green. A white stripe behind the eye. Gorget metallic azure blue. Tail black, the two outermost feathers tipped with white. Upper mandible blackish, lower flesh- colored. Length 5.40; extent 7.50; wing 3.10; tail 1.90; culmen from nostril 0.88. & fine large species lately found in Southern Arizona. The Auk, Jan. 1885, p. 85. 409. Trochilus colubris. 428. Trochilus colubris. 410. alexandri 429, alexandri. 880 411. 412. 418. 414. 415. 416. 417. 418. 419. 420. 421. 422, 423. 424. 425. 426. 427. 428, 429. 430. 431. COUES KEY, 1884. Selasphorus rufus. alleni. platycercus. Calypte anne. cost. aAtthis helois. Stellula calliope. Calothorax lucifer. Amazilia fuscocaudata. cerviniventris. Tache latirostris. Trogon ambiguus. Ceryle alcyon. americana cabanisi. Crotophaga ani. sulcirostris. Geococcyx californianus. Coccygus erythrophthalmus. americanus. seniculus. Campephilus principalis. 432, Hylotomus pileatus. 433. Picus borealis. 434. scalaris. 435. sealaris nuttalli. 436. scalaris lucasanus. 437. stricklandi. 438. villosus. 438a. villosus major. 438c. villosus minor. 439. villosus harrisi. 440. pubescens. 441. pubescens gairdneri. 442. Xenopicus albolarvatus. 443. Picoides arcticus. 444. americanus. PEC Alaska and northern British America. 445. Picoides americanus dorsalis. APPENDIX. UNION LIST, 1886. 433. Trochilus rufus. 434. alleni. 432. platycercus. 431. anna. 430. coste. 435. heloisa. 436. calliope. 437. lucifer. 438. Amazilia fuscicaudata. 439. cerviniventris. 441. Iache Jatirostris. (389.] Trogon ambiguus. 390. Ceryle alcyon. 391. cabanisi. [383.] Crotophaga ani. 384. sulcirostris. 385. Geococcyx californianus. 388. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. 387. americanus. 386. minor. 392.- Campephilus principalis. 405. Ceophlceus pileatus. 395. Dryobates borealis. 396. scalaris. 397. nuttalli. _396a. scalaris lucasanus. 398. stricklandi. 393. villosus. 398a. villosus leucomelas. 393d. villosus audubonii. 398c. * villosus harrisii. 394, pubescens. 394a. pubescens gairdnerii. 399. Xenopicus albolarvatus. 400. Picoides arcticus. 401. americanus. 40la. Picoides americanus alascensis. 444 bis. Add: Picoides americanus alascensis. ALASKAN THREE-TOED Woop- KER. Resembling the last: back more broadly barred with white, the bars more or less confluent; the white postocular stripe more distinct; the dark bars of the sides narrower. 446. Sphyrapicus varius. 447. 448. 449. 450 451. 452. varius nuchalis. varius ruber. thyroides. . Certurus carolinus. aurifrons. uropygialis. The Auk, April, 1884, p. 165. 401d. Picoides americanus dorsalis. 402. Sphyrapicus varius. 402a. varius nuchalis. 403. ruber. 404. thyroideus. 409. Melanerpes carolinus. 410. aurifrons. 411. uropygialis. APPENDIX. COUES KEY, 1884. 453. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. 454. formicivorus bairdii. 455. formicivorus angustifrons. 456. Asyndesmus torquatus. 457. Colaptes auratus. 458. chrysoides. 459. mexicanus. 000. [Not admitted in the Key. ] 459 bis. 881 UNION LIST, 1886. 406. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. 407. formicivorus bairdi. 4074. formicivorus angustifrons, 408. torquatus. 412. Colaptes auratus. 414. chrysoides. 418. cafer! 413. cafer saturatior.? 415. rufipileus, Add: Colaptes mexicanus rufipileus. GUADALUPE FLickER. Resembling C. mexicanus: terminal black of the tail broader, occupying 2.50 instead of about 2.00 inches. Rump of a pale pinkish shade instead of pure white. tawny anteriorly, instead of grayish. Wings and tail much shorter ; bill longer. Crown cinnamon, becoming Wing 5.90-6.25 ; tail 4.75-5.25 ; bill 1.35-1.60. An insular form approaching C. chrysoides in some respects, as the color of the crown. 460. Conurus carolinensis. 461. Aluco flammeus pratincola. 462. Bubo virginianus. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 463. Bubo virginianus arcticus. 464. virginianus pacificus. 465. Scops asio. 466. asio kennicotti. 466a. asio bendirii. 467. asio maxwelle. * 468. asio maccalli. 469. asio floridanus. 470. trichopsis ? 471. flammeola. 472. Asio wilsonianus, 473. accipitrinus. 474. Strix cinerea. 475. cinerea lapponica. 476. nebulosa. 477 nebulosa alleni. 478. occidentalis. 479. Nyctea scandiaca. 480. Surnia funerea. 481. funerea ulula. 482. Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni. 483. acadica. 484, Glaucidium gnoma. 485. ferrugineum, 486. Micrathene whitneyi. 487. Speotyto cunicularia hypogea. 488. cunicularia floridana. | (877. ] Guadalupe Island, Lower California. 382. Counurus carolinensis. 365. Strix pratincola, 3875. Bubo virginianus. 375a. virginianus subarcticus, 373d. virginianus arcticus. 875c. virginianus saturatus. 373. Megascops asio. 373d. asio kennicottii. 873c. asio bendirei. 378e. asid maxwelliz. 373d. asio mccallii. 373a. asio floridanus, 3738f. asio trichopsis, 374. flammeolus, 866. Asio wilsonianus. 367, accipitrinus 870. Ulula cinerea. [870a]. cinerea lapponica, 868. Syrnium nebulosum. 368a. _nebulosum alleni. 369. occidentale. 376. Nyctea nyctea. 377a. Surnia ulula caparoch ulula. 371. Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni. 3872. acadica. 79. Glaucidium gnoma. 380. phalcenoides. 381. Micrathene whitneyi. 378. Speotyto cunicularia hypogea. 378a. cunicularia floridana. 1 An alleged dark-colored form occurring on the North West coast, from the Columbia River to Sitka,—a region of heavy rain-fall, where the tendency of the whole ornis is to acquire heavier coloration. See Pr. Biol. Soc. Washn., ii., Apr. 1884, p. 90. 56 882 COUES KEY, 1884. 489. Circus cyaneus hudsonius. 490. Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus, 491. Ictinia subecerulea. 492. Elanus glaucus. 493. Elanoides forficatus, 494, Accipiter fuscus. 495. cooperi. 496. Astur atricapillus. 497. atricapillus striatulus? 498. Falco sacer. 499. sacer obsoletus. 500. islandicus. 501. candicans. 502. mexicanus. 503. peregrinus. 504. peregrinus pealii. 505. columbarius. 506. columbarius suckleyi? 507. columbarius richardsoni. 508. sparverius. 509. sparverius isabellinus ? 510. sparverioides. 611. fusciccerulescens. 535. Polyborus auduboni. 535 bis. Add: Polyborus lutosus. APPENDIX. UNION LIST, 1886. 331. Circus hudsonius. 830. Rostrhamus sociabilis. 329. Ictinia mississippiensis. 328. Elanus leucurus. 327. Elanoides forficatus. 332. Accipiter velox. 333. cooperi. 334. atricapillus. 334a. atricapillus striatulus. 354a. Falco rusticolus gyrfalco. 3540. rusticolus obsoletus. 354. rusticolus. 353. islandus. 355. mexicanus. 356. peregrinus anatum. 356a. peregrinus pealei. 357. columbarius. : 357a. columbarius suckleyi. 358. richardsonii. 360. sparverius. 000. [Properly omitted from the List.] [861.] Falco sparverioides. 359. fusco-ccerulescens. 362. Polyborus cheriway. 363. lutosus. GuapALupe CanracaRA. As stated in thee Key, p. 540, this species is quite distinct, nearly the whole plumage being barred. The diagnostic marks are tabulated by its describer as follows: “Scapulars plain dusky brown. Tibie and flanks light isabella-color, barred with dark brown. Wing coverts (middle and _ greater) marked with wide bars of brown and pale isabella-color, of equal width. Tail- coverts and rump with broad bars of light isabella-color and grayish-brown. Tail with broad bars of pale isabella-color and grayish-brown, separated by zigzag lines of dusky. Abdomen isabella-color, with small sagittate bars of dark brown.” Wing 15.00-16.50; tail 10.50-11.50; bill 1.25-1.385; tarsus 3.50-3.75. Guadalupe Island, Lower California, 512. Buteo unicinctus harrisi. 335. Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi 518. albocaudatus. 341. Buteo albicaudatus. 514. cooperi? tid. cooperi. 515. harlani. 338. harlani. 516. borealis. 327. borealis. 517. borealis calurus. 337). borealis calurus. 518. borealis lucasanus. 337c. borealis lucasanus. 519. borealis krideri. 337a. borealis kriderii. 520. lineatus. 339. lineatus. 339a. lineatus alleni. 520 bis. Add: Buteo lineatus alleni. FLoripa Rep-SHouLpERED Hawk. As stated in the Key, p. 546, there is much variation in size, Florida and Gulf specimens being very small. Such examples, having the wing 12.50 or less, tail 8.00 or less, etc., in the male, have received the above name. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus., vii., Jan. 1883, p. 514. APPENDIX. COUES KEY, 1884. 521. Buteo lineatus elegans. 522. abbreviatus. 523. swainsoni. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 524. Buteo pennsylvanicus. 882. brachyurus. 883. fuliginosus. 000. [Not admitted in the Key. ] 525. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis. 526. ferrugineus. 527. Asturina plagata. 528. Urubitinga anthracina. 529. Onychotes gruberi.! 531. Thrasyaétus harpyia. 5382, Aquila chrysaétus. - Haliaétus albicilla. 534. leucocephalus. 5380. Pandion haliaétus. 536. Pseudogryphus californianus. 537. Cathartes aura. 538. Catharista atrata. 589. Columba fasciata. 540. erythrina. 541, leucocephala. 548. Ectopistes migratorius. 542. Engyptila albifrons. . Zenaidura carolinensis. 545. Zenaida amabilis. 546. Melopelia leucoptera. 547. Chamepelia passerina. passerina pallescens? 549. Scardafella inca. 550. Geotrygon martinica. 551. Starnoenas cyanocephala. 552. Ortalis vetula maccalli. 553. Meleagris gallipavo. 554. gallipavo americana. 555. Canace canadensis. 556. canadensis franklini. 557. obscura. 558. obscura richardsoni. 559. obscura fuliginosa. 560. Centrocercus urophasianus. on fon) = . Pedicecetes phasianellus. 1 This bird, long a puzzle to ornithologists, has proved.to be the Buteo solitarius of Peale. 883 UNION LIST, 1886. 8390. Buteo lineatus elegans. 340. abbreviatus. 342. swainsoni. [336.] buteo. 343. latissimus. [844.] brachyurus. $15. fuliginosus. | [347.] Archibuteo lagopus. 347a. lagopus sancti-johannis. 348, ferrugineus. 346. Asturina plagiata. 345. Urubitinga anthracina. 000. [Properly removed from the List. ] [850.] Thrasaétus harpyia. 349. Aquila chrysaétos. [(351.] Halizétus albicilla. 352. leucocephalus. 364. Pandion haliaétus carolinensis. 324. Pseudogryphus californianus. 825. Cathartes aura. 826. Catharista atrata. 312. Columba fasciata. 313. flavirostris. 314. leucocephala. 315. Ectopistes migratorius. 318. Engyptila albifrons. 316. Zenaidura macroura. 317. Zenaida zenaida. 319. Melopelia leucoptera. 820. Columbigallina passerina. 000. [Properly omitted from the List. . 821. Scardafella inca. [322.] Geotrygon martinica. [328.] Starncenas cyanocephala. 311. Ortalis vetula maccalli. 310a. Meleagris gallopavo mexicana.? 310. gallopavo. 298. Dendragapus canadensis. 299. franklinii. 297. obscurus. 2975. obscurus richardsonii. 2974. obscurus fuliginosus. 309. Centrocercus urophasianus. 808. Pediocetes phasianellus. It is not a North American species, but was originally described from the Sandwich. Islands, and afterward described and apured by Cassin as Pandion solitarius. See Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, p. 36. 2 The A. O. U. Committee has reversed the proper names of the wild turkeys, reverting to an old error long since exposed. See Key, p. 576. 884 APPENDIX. COUES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886. 562 Pedicecetes phasianellus columbianus. 808a. Pediocetes phasianellus columbianus 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 308d. phasianellus campestris. 563. Cupidonia cupido. 305. Tympanuchus americanus. 306. cupido. 563 bis. Add: Cupidonia cupido brewsteri. N. Brewsrer’s Hreata Hen. This is the variety of the prairie-hen peculiar to Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., differing appre- ciably from the common stock, as pointed out by Mr. Brewster (Auk, 1885, p. 82), whose inconclusive argument that Linnzeus based his name Tetrao cupido exclusively upon this form, leaves me the pleasure of dedicating the variety to the accomplished ornithologist who first called attention to its characters, 564. Cupidonia cupido pallidicinctus. 307. Tympanuchus pallidicinctus. 565. Bonasa umbella. 300. Bonasa umbellus. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 300a. umbellus togata. -566. Bonasa umbella umbelloides. 38000. umbellus umbelloides. 567. umbella sabinii. 301e. umbellus sabini. 568. Lagopus albus. 301. Lagopus lagopus. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 30la. lagopus alleni.} 569. Lagopus rupestris. 302. rupestris. ‘ 000. [Not admitted in the Key.} 302a. rupestris reinhardti. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] - 302d. rupestris nelsoni. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 302c. rvpestris atkensis. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 803. welchi. 570. Lagopus leucurus. 304. leucurus. 571. Ortyx virginiana. 289. Colinus virginianus. 572. virginiana floridana. 289a. virginianus floridanus. 573. virginiana texana. 2896. virginianus texanus. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 290. graysoni [a mistake]. 291. ridgwayi. 573 bis. Add: Ortyx ridgwayi. Arizona Bozn-wHiTE. Maskep Bos-wHitr, Hoopep Quart. Adult ¢: Front, and sides of head and neck, black, with or without a nar- row white frontal line and superciliary stripe. Under parts chestnut or cinnamon (about the color of the breast of a robin), varying much in shade, generally unspotted, except on the flanks, where the feathers are usually tipped with an oval white spot, preceded by a subter- minal black bar; lower tail-coverts with a V-shaped Black spot bordered with whitish ; occa- sionally small touches of black and white along the sides. Crown, hind head, and nape mixed black, white, and pale brown, or yellowish-white; hind neck and interscapulars reddish-brown, usually with a grayish cast; back, ramp, and upper tail-coverts minutely variegated with black- ish, pale brown, and grayish-white, the black usually prevailing, but variable in amount. Wing-coverts rufous, each feather barred with blackish and edged and tipped with whitish ; primaries dusky, edged and scalloped internally with whitish; secondaries externally dusky, barred and freckled with pale brown and yellowish-white; inner secondaries and scapulars edged with yellowish-white (very broadly so on the inner edges), and otherwise variegated. Tail above bluish-gray, minutely freckled and waved with whitish; tail below gray, faintly and irregularly barred and waved with grayish-white. Bill black; feet horn-color; iris brown. Length 9.75; extent 14.25; wing 4.50; tail 2.75; tarsus 1.20. The female resembles that 1 Tt is not easy to account for the perversity of the Committee in insisting upon recognizing by name among the ptarmigan characters which have repeatedly been shown to be elusive. Parallel perversity extended to birdg at large would be ornithological anarchy. See Key, p. 568. APPENDIX. 885 sex of C. virginianus texensis so closely as not to be distinguished with certainty. The species is closely related to C. graysoni of Mexico, and may be found in fact to intergrade with the latter. It inhabits southern Arizona and adjoining portions of Mexico, where it has long been known to the natives, though only recently recognized by ornithologists. From the first accounts which reached us, the bird was supposed to be C. graysoni, and it was entered under this name in the A. O. U. List. It was first named C. ridgwayi by Brewster, The Auk, April, 1885, p. 199. A monograph of the species and its allies, illustrated by a colored plate, is given by Allen, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., July, 1886, pp. 273-290, pl. 23. COUES KEY, 1884. UNION LIST, 1886, 574. Orortyx picta. 292. Oreortyx pictus. 000. [Not admitted in the Key.] 292a. pictus plumiferus. 575. Lophortyx californica. 294. Callipepla californica. 000. [Not admitted in the Key. ] 294a. californica vallicola. 576. Lophortyx gambeli. 295. gambeli. 577. Callipepla squamata. 298. squamata. 293a. squamata castanogastris. 577 bis. Add: Callipepla squamata castaneiventris. CHESTNUT-BELLIFD SCALED Partripee. Like the last, but the general coloring deeper and richer ; crown concolorous with the back, and cheeks with the breast, both much darker than the throat; and belly with a conspicuous central patch of uniform Chestnut. The Q lacks this patch, and is much paler than the g. While the true C. squamata inhabits the Mexican table lands and thence into Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas, this form appears to characterize the lower lands, extending into the lower Rio Grande valley. Bull. Nuttall Club, viii., Jan. 1883, p. 34. 578. Cyrtonyx massena. 296. Cyrtonyx montezume. 579. Coturnix dactylisonans. 000. [Not admitted in the List.] 580. Squatarola helvetica. 270. Charadrius squatarola. 581. Charadrius dominicus. 272. dominicus. 582. dominicus fulvus. 272a. dominicus fulvus. 583. pluvialis. (271.] apricarius. 584. Aigialites vociferus. 273. Egialitis vocifera. 585. wilsonius. 280. wilsonia. 586. semipalmatus. 274. semipalmata. 587. melodus. 277. meloda. 588. melodus circumcinctus ? 277a. meloda circumcincta. 589. hiaticula. 275. hiaticula. 590. curonicus. (276.] dubia. 591. cantianus nivosus. 278. nivosa.} (279. ] mongola. 591 bis. Add: Aigialites mongolicus. MoncGoLtraAN PLover. Adult &@, in sum- mer: Above, brownish-gray; below, white, with a broad cinnamon or chestnut pectoral bar, extending more or less along the sides, encircling the neck behind, and somewhat tinging the pileum. A long black subocular stripe, involving the lores and auriculars, reaching to the bill, continuous in front of the eye with a black frontlet, in advance of which is a white area divided by a narrow median line of black which connects the black frontlet with 1 A proper change, giving this species full rank, as distinguished from 4. camtianus, a8 suggested in the Key, p. 604. 7 886 APPENDIX. the base of the cujmen. Wing-feathers dusky; shaft of first primary white; several inner primaries with white area along their outer webs; the secondaries and greater coverts tipped with white. Tail-feathers like the back, tipped with white, and successively paler laterally, till the outermost are nearly white; upper tail-coverts also tipped with whitish. Bill and feet black. The young lack the distinctive chestnut and black mark- ings, though the breast may be somewhat suffused with pale cinnamon, and at an early age all the feathers of the upper parts have pale edgings. Wing 5.25; tail 2.25; bill 0.70; tarsus 1.15; middle toe 0.75.